I’m lost for words, really. Several revises to the headline let alone the rest of this review. Come, have some tea, as this’ll be a rather long one. Bloody Heart is not like your typical Sageuk. I’ll repeat, Bloody Heart is NOT like your typical Sageuk. If you can come to terms with this, you’ve got yourself quite a masterful immersion here. I’ve become quite critical to much smaller things that this drama made me realize i need to readjust my metrics in scoring, as I’m not the easygoing kdrama newbie i was a while back. Don’t get me wrong though, Bloody Heart is without a doubt exceptional, just a clear setback from perfect with some out of place shortcomings;touch on those categorically with it’s highs.

Production

Everything along with everyone feels authentic, from the palace to the surroundings, outfits, atmosphere. An immediate pull into the world that’s brought to life in all of it’s beauty with masterful cinematography. Subtle camera language, gorgeous lighting and shades, outstanding backgrounds, brilliant use of events surrounding certain scenes that portrays what’s happening or foretelling what will happen visually. Your eyes can see just how much effort they put into this drama budget wise, especially when witnessing what’s being touched on next.

Cast/Characters

This, without a doubt, is the strongest aspect of what makes Bloody Heart sets itself apart from most dramas in this period so profoundly. You’re tossed into a periodic story where the battle of hierarchy and stability is at it’s peak. Populating this story are several morally grey characters with grey(er?) ambitions. Relentless prevention of tyranny, audacious survival, justification for the means to an end, seeking what and who’s best for the country, etc.

One may assume with a semi large cast such as this it would lead to unbalanced performances and devotion. I’ll be an addition to the many others that reassures that isn’t the case here.I don’t think my words alone can convince people of how astonishing these performances are. Maybe it’s just to get me out of creating an essay breaking down the admirable consistency behind Lee Tae’s pain and sorrow seen through his teary eyes alone constantly thanks to Lee Joon seemingly effortless portrayal of a burdened and vindictive king in the works of empowerment. The well executed body language of Hang Na’s character refusal and disbelief in the occurrences and motivations of the people around her. The strong reaffirmed voice of Jang Hyuk’s to portray his character’s desperation and confidence in his actions that were extremely high risk for the sake of his envisions of a better country. Park Ji Yeon’s soft and controlled delivery to display her character’s mask covering her unstable footing in the palace, wariness of being abandoned, personal judgements clouding the reasons behind her actions, and severe lack of reliable connections to ensure her place of solitude with mere visitations of those she misses and finds comfort in; in need of her power. Can you tell who’s my favorite? Unpopular I’m sure. I can go on with everyone else but I’d rather let some amaze you first hand and not drag my drool any further.

Now i admit, despite this being the strongest aspect of the drama for me , i do have my gripes. As minor as Han Na’s face on the brinks of shattering to express an adoring or natural smile in the earlier episodes. As unbearable as Ddong Geum’s fluffy and clumsy like frantic character being a painful contrast from everyone else in the palace. Matter of fact just throw that whole bamboo village away and it won’t inflict anything on the story besides giving meaning to Yoo Jung’s oh so fragile “I’ll handle it myself” demeanor she carries around. First time seeing a community used as a plot device. There’s also the inconsistencies in other characters like Lee Tae jumping back and forth with how he’ll play things out, Councilor Park grand phrase gone to shit in the matter of minutes, and a Monk becoming as random and unnecessary as possible to shed some tears.

Soundtrack

Brilliant and perfectly congruous to the story, though a few times where it’s needlessly repetitive. Still, a masterpiece of it’s own.


Story

Well crafted blend of impressive mind games and intense power struggle all the way through. Some hiccups as to the logic behind a few actions. The love story was as average as a undeveloped love story can be, tossed in your face every 10-15 minutes with delicate handholding, cheek palming, and stares of longing to remind you that it exists. Not like half the political plotting and justifications relied on this aspect right? All in all just solid storytelling, feels very limited in terms of outside the palace. Oh, and there’s the convenient last moment timings thrown at you every now and then to keep us on the very center of our seats..


Bloody Heart is a must try for anyone into the rarer side of saeguks. A stunning series not afraid to challenge one’s mind with complex characters thats rather hard to decide on who to side with along with cunning, realistic exchanges amongst one another that defines character, ambitions, newfound alliances, hidden agendas, and love in it’s many ambiguous ways.

Btw, I’ve poisoned ou-