Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, Waiting for season 2!

November 13, 2020November 13, 2020 ~ dramaindna ~ Leave a comment

My journey with this drama started with the OST- For You by EXO-CBX. I am a big fan of EXO’s drama OSTs, they always do a great job. Their soundtracks are heartfelt, clean, gut-wrenching, and emotionally vocal. But can I just say I fell entirely for this one? So much so I decided to watch the series, without knowing about the cast, the plot. Just based on a single OST. Call it blind love but it made me wonder. It never happened before. Sure, actors, songs can attract me to a drama but before preceding, I will always get my nails into the plot. There was so much going on in this one OST that I decided to find out, maybe I am into love-triangles/pentagon or whatever this one was (Certainly twisted).

The story is about a 25-year-old girl Go Ha Jin who saves a young boy from drowning and is transported to the Goryeo era as Hae Soo. Goryeo is under the rule of Tajeo whose children, the princes, Hae Soo befriends quickly. She slowly starts to develop feelings for the 8th Prince Wang Wook followed by the 4th prince Wang So.

Can I start off with the trademark scene? When she drowns and the eclipse of the sun takes us to Goryeo, to Wang So. The concept is great and the transition is executed well. It defines the title ‘Moon Lovers’. However, I am still not sure of the meaning behind the entire title, I tried to search everywhere but nowhere was it literally defined so I came up with my own. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, So you get Moon Lovers from the turning of eclipse or the fact they are destined, you get Scarlet Heart either because it derived from the Chinese drama of same name or novel but I guess the meaning was a love story covered with blood and you get Ryeo from Goryeo Dynasty. (Your welcome!)Spoiler Alert!There is so much I liked about this drama and so much that I didn’t. I am still confused about how I feel about the drama overall. I regret watching it? Yes! Would I regret it if I hadn’t watched it? Definitely Yes! By now I have watched this drama at least 3-4 times which is rare for me. And what’s surprising is every time it left me feeling desolate. Coming to the things I don’t like about the drama first. I failed to understand Queen Yoo’s hatred towards Wang So until the end. Initially, he felt a disgrace to her because of his title ‘Wolf dog’ and his deeds but I felt she could have patched up on her deathbed. I felt sorry for the way Wang So was treated by everyone except Ji Mong, Crown Prince Moo, Baek-ah, and Hae Soo. His mother is a big reason why he turned out that way. There were too many innocent lives that were run down because of power play. Court Lady Oh Soo-yeon’s death was the most heartbreaking. I simply could not understand the marriage arrangement between Wang So and King Moo’s daughter, he should have prevented it, it was way too awkward. (Although that gets resolved towards the end). Prince Wang Eun and his wife’s death was unjust and uncalled for. The drama slowly transcends into a tragic one, we see characters and their principles change, we see betrayal and bloodshed. I feel only Hae Soo’s, Lady Hae, Prince Eun, and Court Lady Oh Soo-yeon stayed true to their character.

Although others were scared of Wang So, I could clearly see a vulnerable boy simply hiding his pain and looking for genuine love and acceptance from his family. Post the rain ritual and removal of his mask, he seemed to showcase an evil side, a hunger for the throne. This, ironically, made me fear him more than when he wore a mask.

I could see Wang So’s constant tussle to hold onto his past self of principles who deeply loves his family and his present self who wanted to rise to the throne at any cost. Eventually, we all know what conquers. He struggled to hold onto Hae Soo and it is one of the reasons he wanted to become the King. I struggled with him too. What broke my heart was when he accepted in front of Hae Soo that he wanted both the throne and her. It made us realize that she was no longer enough. However, Wang So and Wang Eun were the only ones honest with her.

Hae Soo, too, struggles to control the history and her wavering heart torn between Wang So and Wang Wook. Something I really like about this drama is Hae Soo’s character. She is naive but fierce. Even though she was captured by the. Since For You is my favorite soundtrack I wish it featured more in the series and not just towards the end/ preview. I like how each person ends up paying for their deeds in some way and things come to a circle. The way Prince Jung stuck to his words, took care of Hae Soo until the end without forcing his love was admirable and something I had actually hoped from Wang So.

I like how the scenes have been romantically drafted with a touch of historical vibe. The horse scene at the beginning of episode 2 is one of my favorites. It is executed well and Lee Joon-gi’s gaze is to kill.

To be honest all interactions between Hae Soo and Wang So until episode 9 are innocent and sincere. An all-time favorite scene that actually gave me goosebumps has to be when Prince Wang So protected Hae Soo against all odds. This moment was defining.

The chemistry between Lee Joong-gi and IU is unbelievable but that is more so because they are Wang So and Hae Soo, if you know what I mean. I feel there is a character made for every actor out there, and that is something the world will always know them for, no matter how many new characters they pick up. Wang So is one such character for Lee Joong-gi, I cannot imagine any other actor doing this role and I will always see him as Wang So. The cast is strong but the chemistry of the lead takes it on another level. The feeling of unrequited love, yearning, and longing is spread out throughout the drama (in the end everyone is left wanting and wishing for something) leaving us even more palpable.

If we have to discuss the soundtrack, can I just say Moon Lovers has one of the best soundtracks in the Kdrama world? Almost all the songs are my favorite. For You, Say Yes by Loco and Punch, Can You Hear My Heart by Epik High (ft Lee Hi), All With You by Taeyeon, My Love by Lee Hi, I Remember You by I.O.I, Be With You by AKMU, and many more. All songs are pretty great and catchy. Even if they are modern songs imposed on an old era, they still fit the central theme of love. I also love the background tracks such as Wing of Goryeo and Gesture of Resistance that fit the political backdrop and old era vibe. The music is soulful and so meaningful to the story, it’s heartening. The soundtrack will be forever etched in my heart as one of the best.

This drama was one of the very few that made me feel all sorts of emotions. I was excited, I was sad, I was happy, I cried a bit, I was so nervous to know what happened next especially in the last few episodes. I had my hands in my hair trying to figure the twisted plot and ending. I never felt like this before. I was heartbroken, I was regretting the decision to watch it with all my might because I thought I would never be the same again. At the same time, I desperately hoped for next season. And it wasn’t like a very outstanding drama, to be honest. Nothing like the best ever, but it made me feel all these emotions like never before. I believe if a drama can do that then it surely is a good one as they succeeded in what they set out to do.

This drama was my first historical ever, and it has changed my perception of historical dramas. I can’t say that I will watch all but dramas like Scarlet Heart would definitely make it to my list. All I can say is you will regret watching this one but regret even more if you haven’t.

IU had posted on her Instagram a few deleted seconds from the ending scene where we can see a man giving a handkerchief to Go Ha Jin. We, all Moon Lover fans, desperately hope it was a reincarnation of Wang So and that forms the beginning of season 2. What made us more hopeful for a second season was its adaption, the Chinese drama named ’Scarlet heart’, had one too. Lee Joon Gi, we are still holding onto your hint of season 2. (Four years have passed! Where is it?)

IU had posted on her Instagram a few deleted seconds from the ending scene where we can see a man giving a handkerchief to Go Ha-jin. We, all Moon Lover fans, desperately hope it was a reincarnation of Wang So and that forms the beginning of season 2. What made us more hopeful for a second season was its adaption, the Chinese drama named ’Scarlet heart’, had one too. Lee Joon-gi, we are still holding onto your hint of season 2. (Four years have passed! Where is it?)

Why watch it?

If you are a fan of any of the cast members, IU, Lee Joon-gi , Nam Joo-hyuk, Kang Ha-neul, Baekhyun, Ji-soo or any other
If you like historical dramas
If you are into romantic Kdramas
If you like dark dramas with grey characters
If you like the drama it’s adapted from
Amazing storyline and ensemble cast
Great OST

Click here to watch with English subtitles

Comment down below if you liked this review and also tell me which drama I should review next.

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Romance is a bonus book: Kdrama Review

October 2, 2019November 19, 2019 ~ dramaindna ~ 1 Comment

I finished watching the drama Romance is a bonus book. I started watching the drama after I saw a few clips of the actor, Lee Jong Suk that caught my attention. And also the title was something that really caught my eye. It was different, catchy and mysterious. This show has been the longest Korean show for me in terms of the time I took to finish it. It is beyond 1 month, not because it was boring but because I was busy. But yes, stretching it over such long period may have made it a little less interesting for me.

The story is about a woman named Kang Dan-i who is desperately trying to comeback as an advertising copywriter after years of break. Her best friend is Cha Eun-ho who is a successful author and a senior editor at a publishing company. During her difficult phase, Cha Eun-ho tries to help Dan-i overcome her personal and professional obstacles. Slowly both realise their underlying feelings for each other and how romance is just a bonus on their everlasting friendship.

The first 2 episodes were really really interesting. Like I said not a lot Kdramas start of with a bang for me. I need to dig deep into the story first. But this one did it for me. The actress has played the character absolutely beautifully. She feels irreplaceable (although I don’t know a ton of kdrama actresses).
The first few episodes were so realistic, I could actually relate to her story and her struggles to make her comeback, wanting to do something for herself after a long time. It was touching. When I learnt about how the two of them became friends, I thought that Eun-ho should have done a lot more. (Spoiler Alert!) I mean the person saved your life, made you a successful writer. You should be indebted.
I realised later that not only did he do a lot for her, he thought a lot for her too. A guy or a friend may do a lot for you but they may not always think for you. This made Eun-ho different.

Anyhow, the show in general made me learn a lot about books, what goes into making them, behind the scenes of publishing. It made me realise it’s not as easy as it seems. And also I had a new found respect for books even the ones I don’t like. There is so much backstory to a book and so many people involved, it is actually matter of life for some people. The deadlines and how people relentlessly work for it like it’s their baby. This is writer’s gold.

The marketing ideas discussed are unique and something I haven’t seen, if not new. I really loved them, it was an eye opener. There is an epilogue at the end of the episode which includes quotes and captions by the characters. This in my opinion is such a nice way to kind of take the story forward or reflect on something in past but from a different perspective. The comic scenes induced in between are not so subtle but they do make you smile if not laugh. Something’s however were highlighted more than necessary like the writer’s story, it kind of became more important than the characters itself. The protagonist’s child was dropped from the picture altogether only to be talked of at the end, which gives it a round end but does not look realistic. It makes me wonder if she talked to her child the whole time? Not even told her daughter about her boyfriend?
I really like how they have used the ‘Moon is Beautiful’ phrase. How Eun-ho used it to convey I love you to Dan-i. How they even used it to thank the viewers for watching the show. It reminds me of the phrase ‘I purple you’ from BTS.

I am not a big fan of ost from drama. It wasn’t something I listened to again and again. And for some reason unbeknownst to me, I kept picturing Dan-i and Eun-ho more as best friends than lovers, maybe because their friendship was real solid and enduring.

I liked the ending it was really soft and deep. It talked about how we should be like a book and the book we are may not be liked by some but it will also be loved by some. Be a book for someone.

All in all, it was a great drama with a good and different storyline. If you like thoughtful dramas, books, or are struggling professional, this one might just be for you. It definitely makes up on my must watch list if not the top ones.

The drama teaches us that life is about giving second chances even to yourself.

Why Watch it?

If you like bestfriend to lovers dram theme
If you are a Lee Jong-Suk fan
If you are a Lee Na-young fan as she has comeback with a bang
To explore friendships, books and life
If you wish to watch something deep and thoughtful along with a bit of humour

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The Heirs: Kdrama Review

August 5, 2019August 4, 2019 ~ dramaindna ~ Leave a comment

“One who wears the crown must bear it.”

A crown does not only have weight, it is heavy as well. The story is about ‘heirs’ of various billion dollar businesses and companies and how their life is not all it seems to be. How their struggles and problems are just as ordinary as others. How money cannot buy you everything and there is price one has to pay for having a lot at birth.

Image Credit: Viki

Characters (Left to right): Choi Young Do, Kang Ye Sol, Cha Eun Sang, Lee Hyo Shin, Kim Tan, Chan Young, Jo Myung Soo, Lee Boo Na, Rachel Yoo

The starting of the show was quite interesting. For me usually korean shows take time to develop story and hence my interest but this one really got me interested from the first go.

Image Credit: weheartit

Slowly I realised that it is a high school drama with lots of cliche elements like a love triangle, jealous partner doing crazy stuff, the societal class and bullying. The drama has some really good sayings to offer. The back story they were trying to build was good but didn’t fully materialize.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Coming to the characters, I really liked Kim Tan saying “Do I like you?” “Did I miss you ?” Instead of I like you and I miss you. It adds such a mysterical and questioning element. I found Kim Tan relatable to the extent that to some people he is so sweet and to others he is so rude. The way he turns a blind eye to what he started makes me question if he really has become a good guy or even if he is a good guy. Lee min ho’s intense gaze is something in itself and he was looking handsome as ever but on the acting front he seemed like a poker face I couldn’t make out his expression many a times whether he is hurt, sad, angry or what. Maybe that was the demand of his character.

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I was touched by Cha Eun-Sang’s determination to give her mother a better life even with so many problems and her mother’s inability to speak gives a much deeper touch and connect. Park Shin-Hye’s acting seemed very natural to the character.

Image Credit: weheartit

Image Credit: Pinterest

The chemistry between the lead was good but I think the couple could have had better scenes together. The intimacy could have been better like it was in the initial episodes. Another thing was the dream catcher, it kind of got the story around. I liked how Kim Tan looked through to EungSang via dream catcher symbolising she was his dream. I think dream catcher was one of my favourite characters in the show.

Image Credit: aminoapps

Image Credit: evacuatewithstyle

Yoong do came off as so evil but later on I realised that he is so sweet and fragile from inside and is textbook case of parent neglect and bullying.

Image Credit: Facebook

This drama was not really about being perfect and the character flaws were in your face evident which I did like. However, there are a lot of loose ends. Like what happened to Yoong Do’s father, his mother? What happened to Won’s Girlfriend? Did Rachel and Hyo -shin materialize (which was kinda out of the blue to be honest) A lot of characters, since it was ensemble needed more time. It was more like blink and miss for many. I would have enjoyed if chanyoung and his father’s relationship was given more time. The thing I did not like about this drama is women were being pushed around a lot be Cha Eun Sang, Rachel or Kim Tan’s mother. Their destiny for some reason did not seem completely theirs.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Somethings were beyond me like how Won changed suddenly when Kim Tan was trying so hard since the beginning. I wanted Won and his girlfriend to end up together they really deserved it. I wanted Kim Tan and Yoong do to reconcile, they deserved it. I wanted Rachel and Yoong Do to have a better end. I kind of pity them. Also when the show started I thought they might end up together but they were declared step brother and sister.

Image Credit: weheartit

The ost of drama is one of it’s strong points. The song ‘Here for you’, ‘Crying again’, ‘Moment’ are absolutely amazing. ‘Serendipity’, ‘I am saying’, ‘Love hurt’ by Lee min ho, ‘Story’ by Park Shin Hye are also great picks.

Image Credit: tumblr

Towards the end a lot started happening which was a little much for the end. All in all, it was like an okay drama. The underline theme was good but I wish it wouldn’t be shadowed by the love triangle. There were somethings I really liked. But sometimes it fell flat for me.

I would recommend this drama only if you have been into kdramas since before and you know how they work. Also, if you like things to be little cliché.

Why watch it?

If you are Lee Min Ho/ Park Shin Hye/ Kim Woo Bin fan
Park Shin Hye’s good chemistry with Lee Min Ho, Kim Woo Bin
If you like coming of age, high school romance drama with love triangles and cliché
If you like dramas with ensemble
The underlying theme, good quotes and good music

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Kdrama Review: My Love From The Star (Who loved a star)

June 23, 2019June 23, 2019 ~ dramaindna ~ Leave a comment

‘My Love From The Star’ or ‘You Who Came From The Star’. I looked into this drama primarily because of the hype around it.

The ‘other world mystery’ on the story contributed to my decision to watch it. When I first started with the series, I was not really into the old/backstory scenes. I wanted to know about the love story of the current time. And it isn’t a hidden fact that I take time to develop my interest in first few episodes, this wasn’t a exception. It took me a little more because in the initial episodes a lot of backstory was in the development.

The story is about an alien who is much like a human who has been stuck on earth since 400 years, because he doesn’t age he has to change his identity every few years. Now that he has a chance to go back to his planet enters a girl, an actress that gives him some hard time by landing him in troublesome situations but also a reason to not go. The plot is certainly different and is one of the reasons of popularity the drama has. Because of many elements that were patiently brought out, the drama keeps you curious until the end.

Characters from left to right: Lee Jae-Kyung, Lee Hee-Kyung, Cheon Song-Yi, Do Min-Joon, Yoo Se-mi, Cheon Yoon-Jae

Talking about the characters, Do Min-Joon (Kim Soo Hyun) was kind of poker face but I realised why he needed to be so. He was able to deliver relief in a scene even with his sincerity. Cheon Song -Yi (Jun Ji Hyun) is strong, she almost comes off as arrogant initially but slowly you realise how vulnerabilities surround her and how far her life is from being perfect. I didn’t realise before why Jun Ji Hyun is a hallayu star but her acting like crazy and expressing what she feels secretly to herself all in the apartment made me laugh off and at the same time presented her great acting skills. This kind of craziness in a female lead I did not observe in any kdramas I have watched so far.

Her acting seemed natural and effortless. I found the pairing quite unlikely in the first go. Maybe it was their personalities or the supposed age gap between characters, something was putting me off. But this obviously changed later on. Slowly I started rooting for them. But at the same time I was feeling really bad for Lee Hee-Kyung (Park Hae-Jin), he didn’t deserve what he went through. He sincerely loved Cheon Song-Yi and his brother but never was his love truly reciprocated. Mr. Jang’s friendship and this fatherly figure he was to Min Joon was really touching considering Min Joon didn’t have a family of his own.

Some of the characters weren’t really required according to me because I felt they were not doing a lot to the story. (For instance: The mother of the Lee Hee-Kyung.)

Initially they were a lot flaws I found like when he has superpowers why can’t he erase people’s memory when he has revealed himself, if he is a different species/alien why is he bleeding, where did he get his clothes from, how does he know korean? How was he born? Some of these were answered to me one by one, like that fact that he did not have a family, the people on his planet are similar to the people here (in terms of body, looks etc), he cannot erase people’s memory among other things. I was surprised and happy that some of my curiosity was answered and some wasn’t. (I realised then it is just a show and I analyse elements of drama like a scientific thesis). I really liked the concept of fillers they provided at the end of every episode. It rested the suspense and at the same time kept me curious till the end as to what filler will they provide. Some of the fillers I could predict and some I was surprised by.

Slowly I realised, Min Joon is more human then we think. He feels jealous, insecure (tiny bit), and he cries! Dammit!

This drama was different from others in the sense that I saw the guy cry more than the girl which is progressive and I wanted to cry with him and I did in the end.

When I read the synopsis for the last episode I was like hell! (Spoiler alert!) They will not have a good ending but when I saw I was a bit relieved that it was not exactly a sad ending and it gave a beautiful message.

The Ost was good. ‘My Destiny’ and ‘Welcome to the earth’ are my favorite from the album.

All in all, it was a good drama to watch, which I wanted to finish quickly because I was curious but didn’t also want it to end quickly.

Why watch it?

To not miss out on a drama that is on every kdrama fanatic’s list (there’s a reason)
To witness a fantastic effort by Jun Ji Hyun and her comic self
If you like an emotional love story along with some mystery and alien theme then this is for you
To explore the offbeat but good chemistry between Kim Soo Hyun and Jun Ji Hyun

Continue reading “Kdrama Review: My Love From The Star (Who loved a star)” →