I've been waiting for this drama for quite a while since seeing the trailer and the promotions and WOW. I guess I have an eye for incredible dramas. This one easily takes place as one of the best dramas of the year. I was beyond amazed for 1hr the detail given about the story & characters portrayed by an unbelievable cast of top actors young or old. The details that were put toward the location, set design, graphics & outfits esp Mawang, and the aura A++they didn't skimp. I won't lie some spoilers, but only in a story setup details.
The storyline was so tragic from the beginning, how these two kids that just met and fell in love will have this destiny filled with heartbreak. It's basically star-crossed lovers but also fated lovers. I loved every minute of it.
The general plot is interesting with different elements of Korean folklore, fantasy, good vs evil, and of course, romance. However, the drama seems to have forgotten some of the side storylines that they introduced and never go back to tell us more. For example, how did ML become the richest man as an astrologer with no family support? It doesn't quite make sense. I would like to know how ML's bodyguard came to follow him, and what's the backstory of the gisaeng who wanted the king and the royal family dead. Although I like the happy ending for the leads, it does seem a little anti-climatic. Do we really need to end it with the palace power struggle and give us an open ending? Why waste the last few minutes on those bad guys still hunting down FL?
The biggest strengths of this drama is the cast and their great acting. It's no surprise that the veteran actors are great. Our young leads also did a very respectable job and I believe in their joy and heartaches. I am happy to see that she's grown up to be such a fine actress and I've enjoyed her acting here. I haven't seen any of her modern dramas though. I've seen Ahn Hyo Seop in "Abyss ". He has definitely grown as an actor as well, and this might be the best performance I've seen him. I also like his acting here, though he's not used well in the second half of the drama. However, I am especially impressed with our villain's second prince, Kwak Shi Yang. What a great performance by him that I feel bad for his suffering because of Ma Wang.
I absolutely loved the ending. I was happy that Cheon Gi and Ha Ram can finally just be together and be happy. Also, I loved the kinda cliffhanger where the two princes fight. Who knows maybe they are setting up for a spin off? One following Prince Yang Myung?