2
13
3
virgievirgie
Lost in Dramaland
Untraditional Sagaek with a lot of fun and comedic moments
“The Forbidden Marriage” is a light-hearted drama with many comedic moments. Don’t expect this to be a traditional sageuk, otherwise you might be very disappointed or pissed off. But if you are looking for something fun without too much angst, then this is a great stress-reliever. I would say the drama is about 70% fun, 15% politics and 15% serious plot.
The humor is not over-the-top per se, but could be very untraditional. I enjoy the quick references to “Goblin”, “Hotel Del Luna” and “Sky Castle”. I don’t think I’ve seen a historical K-drama with so much adult humor on sex and erotica. There is interesting background music and sound bites to complement the funny storytelling. I like the supporting characters - Chief Eunuch, Court Lady Won and Royal Secretary - who are the most unusual individuals to be giving out dating advice.
The romance is developed nicely between the main leads. I would have liked to see a few more cute and fluffy moments after they got together though. The kisses are meh, but I appreciate Kim Young Dae’s abs very much. He’s also very adorable. The second male lead is the typical nice guy/bodyguard/officer, who is also the best friend of the emperor/prince. It is interesting the way the second male lead said he’s not going to confess, is basically confessing without saying the actual words of “I like you”.
The acting is solid and the production quality is not bad. I don’t remember the last time I watched a K-drama where the female lead does not have perfect, glowing skin. FL is a swindler and a beggar, so it would make sense that she doesn’t look perfect. I also like how ML has dark circles and red eyes during his depressed state.
12 episodes is the perfect length. The pacing is good and everything flows well. I do think there’s too much focus on the “Solo” folks towards the second half of the drama. I am really not interested in their movement, or even the side romance of the common folks. The political and mystery parts are OK. I have to say that assassin has the lowest success rate I’ve seen.
“The Forbidden Marriage” is not perfect and might not have the best writing. But it creates a lot of laugh-out-loud moments. It’s great if this is what you are looking for. But don’t expect a serious plot about palace politics or forbidden love.
Completed: 2/14/2023
The humor is not over-the-top per se, but could be very untraditional. I enjoy the quick references to “Goblin”, “Hotel Del Luna” and “Sky Castle”. I don’t think I’ve seen a historical K-drama with so much adult humor on sex and erotica. There is interesting background music and sound bites to complement the funny storytelling. I like the supporting characters - Chief Eunuch, Court Lady Won and Royal Secretary - who are the most unusual individuals to be giving out dating advice.
The romance is developed nicely between the main leads. I would have liked to see a few more cute and fluffy moments after they got together though. The kisses are meh, but I appreciate Kim Young Dae’s abs very much. He’s also very adorable. The second male lead is the typical nice guy/bodyguard/officer, who is also the best friend of the emperor/prince. It is interesting the way the second male lead said he’s not going to confess, is basically confessing without saying the actual words of “I like you”.
The acting is solid and the production quality is not bad. I don’t remember the last time I watched a K-drama where the female lead does not have perfect, glowing skin. FL is a swindler and a beggar, so it would make sense that she doesn’t look perfect. I also like how ML has dark circles and red eyes during his depressed state.
12 episodes is the perfect length. The pacing is good and everything flows well. I do think there’s too much focus on the “Solo” folks towards the second half of the drama. I am really not interested in their movement, or even the side romance of the common folks. The political and mystery parts are OK. I have to say that assassin has the lowest success rate I’ve seen.
“The Forbidden Marriage” is not perfect and might not have the best writing. But it creates a lot of laugh-out-loud moments. It’s great if this is what you are looking for. But don’t expect a serious plot about palace politics or forbidden love.
Completed: 2/14/2023
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