Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo review avatar
ᜌᜓᜃᜒ (Yuki)
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달의 연인 - 보보경심 려》 or “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” is a very popular and one of the highly-rated Korean Drama since 2016. It stars IU as “Go Ha Jin” and “Hae Soo”, Lee Joon Gi as “Wang So”, Kang Ha Neul as “Wang Wook”, and Hong Jong Hyun as “Wang Yo” as the leading characters.

The series is a Korean TV adaptation of the Chinese novel 《步步惊心》 (Bù bù jīng xīn) by Tong Hua.

A 花より男子 (Hana Yori Dango); Meteor Garden show with political sibling rivalry

Story

In a story with many important characters, it is important to tell it clearly, they did well in doing that. The political war between the brothers were interesting, they also picked a good period for the Korean version of a Chinese novel.

Sadly, the romantic aspect of the story was delivered poorly. It did not elicit any emotional reaction. There was no built-up. This is primarily a story about sibling rivalry gone to the political level.

Acting

It was lacking in some areas, there were also scenes which looked like they were practicing. There were also memorable scenes, from pure laughter to serious where their acting were very natural.

Music

The music, unfortunately, did not make an impact. There were scenes where a powerful music fits but instead it did not have any or a weaker music was used. They should’ve used more.

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016) Lee Ji Eun ('IU') as Hae Soo (left); Lee Joon Gi as the 4th Prince, Wang So (right)

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

Lee Ji Eun (‘IU’) as Hae Soo (left); Lee Joon Gi as the 4th Prince, Wang So (right)

The work shown above is Copyrighted to YG Entertainment.

Production

The production was very good. They spent for quality materials and designs for the wardrobe of the actors. This is specially true for IU where she was able to wear historical wardrobes yet with a modern touch which fits her aura. Great job in blending the two eras.

However, close-up shots were overused to the 5th power. It wasn’t needed in many of the scenes, it became annoying. In the boat scenes, there was too much backlight glare from the sun the actors (again close-up shots) can be barely seen.

I give this show 8 out of 10 stars.

Scarlet Heart : Ryeo Trailer

«Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo» (2016) trailer

The work shown above is Copyrighted to YG Entertainment.

OST


・ Cover image: The cover image used in this article is Copyrighted to YG Entertainment.

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ᜌᜓᜃᜒ (Yuki ・ 雪亮)If this is not the end of oblivion, then I shall live everyday as if my life were to end this very day.

The YOOki (柳紀 ・ 유 기) Chronicles

The YOOki (柳紀 ・ 유 기) Chronicles is ᜌᜓᜃᜒ (Yuki ・ 雪亮)’s return into casual and personal blogging. The name “YOOki” is a mash-up of the acronym of YourOnly.One and my nickname ᜌᜓᜃᜒ (Yuki ・ 雪亮).

Interestingly, according to Chinese legend, 「柳」 (YOO) is an ancient Chinese surname. The ancestors of the surname were closely linked with the ancient sage-king named Yu Shun. In Korea, the 「유」 (YOO) lineage traces to the Xia, Han, and Joseon dynasties. Holders of the surname Yu or Yoo had a reputation for charity and diligence.1

It is also the word for “willow” or the “willow tree” which means graceful or slender; and a tree growing near a body of water which provide continuous nourishment and resources for everyone. It can also mean to exist, an oil (anointment(?)), and simply as “U” (you).

The hanzi 「紀」 (ki) character means to record, be disciplined, provide order. While the hangul equivalent, 「기」 (ki; gi), means energy, spirit, a banner, and a period of time; and is also a suffix used to make a gerund or an infinitive.

Can you guess what I mean by 「柳紀」 and 「유 기」 as the Chinese and Korean for “YOOki”?

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