10
39
9
LuckyGirlGwenIce
Standing next to you
Do you hear the sound of flowers blooming?
Have you been longing for a really good sageuk with angst and love and pain that comes with turmoils of the controversies from that period? This drama maybe for you.
But do not look for that idealistic scholar or prince, who is confined by his title and responsibility and learns to wield his power to protect his lover, the gentlest soul who is kind and strong in her principles, the perfect lady to the perfect gentleman and the kingdom can only flourish with them striving forth to solve the country's problems.
This drama offers sageuk tropes, delivers angst and pain and love in beautiful waves but at the same time calls to attention the most endearing parts of the story as the ones where the leads are helpless, their actions imperfect, the kingdom in shambles. There is pre-war, war and post-war and there is no hidden helping hand in the form of a wise all-knowing mentor or a world-class assassin in disguise or a charming male or female with the hidden identity of king or princess coming to everyone's rescue. This is every man for himself. But love develops in unideal conditions too - between a girl with a reputation as "a fox with ninety-nine tails" and a man who is in the business of trade, with low morals and even lower patriotism and who vows to never be tied down to a woman.
The production is impeccable - the historical costumes never more looked more colorful and pretty, the war scenes so beautifully raw, the landscapes - so cruelly breathtaking despite the turbulent story of the leads. A must-watch in terms of visuals.
The acting is off the charts. Nam Goong Min has exceeded expectations in a role in which I could never have pictured him before. Ahn Eun Jin as Gil Chae captures hearts like it's all hers for the taking, plays with it and stomps it or breathes life back into it - all per her whim and you cannot deny her this power. The major supporting roles are well thought out and given consistency but like the leads, also given evolving personalities.
I don't think its flawless though but much enjoyable nonetheless, so overall - I give it a 9/10
But do not look for that idealistic scholar or prince, who is confined by his title and responsibility and learns to wield his power to protect his lover, the gentlest soul who is kind and strong in her principles, the perfect lady to the perfect gentleman and the kingdom can only flourish with them striving forth to solve the country's problems.
This drama offers sageuk tropes, delivers angst and pain and love in beautiful waves but at the same time calls to attention the most endearing parts of the story as the ones where the leads are helpless, their actions imperfect, the kingdom in shambles. There is pre-war, war and post-war and there is no hidden helping hand in the form of a wise all-knowing mentor or a world-class assassin in disguise or a charming male or female with the hidden identity of king or princess coming to everyone's rescue. This is every man for himself. But love develops in unideal conditions too - between a girl with a reputation as "a fox with ninety-nine tails" and a man who is in the business of trade, with low morals and even lower patriotism and who vows to never be tied down to a woman.
The production is impeccable - the historical costumes never more looked more colorful and pretty, the war scenes so beautifully raw, the landscapes - so cruelly breathtaking despite the turbulent story of the leads. A must-watch in terms of visuals.
The acting is off the charts. Nam Goong Min has exceeded expectations in a role in which I could never have pictured him before. Ahn Eun Jin as Gil Chae captures hearts like it's all hers for the taking, plays with it and stomps it or breathes life back into it - all per her whim and you cannot deny her this power. The major supporting roles are well thought out and given consistency but like the leads, also given evolving personalities.
I don't think its flawless though but much enjoyable nonetheless, so overall - I give it a 9/10
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