My favorite drama ever.
I went into this drama not expecting much, it was my first period drama and I just fell in love with it.The show overall just made sense in every aspect.
The romance was not rushed or too slow, it is unproblematic, no major twists at the end, and it had a nice and clear ending. I especially appreciate that there's absolutely no filler and every scene has a purpose.
Everything about this drama is so beautiful, the costumes, the music, the acting... I just love it.
I love the politics in this drama as well and highlights feminism a lot in it.
I thouroughly enjoyed all the side characters and they all contributed to the story in some way and were very nicely thought out.
I recommend this to anyone who wants to start getting into period dramas, or just kdramas in general.
It's so rewatchable and really easy to follow and to understand!
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It's okay
I didn't know what to expect when I first started watching however I wasn't too disappointed . ML acting was on point but the FML acting was predictable as it's really similar to all her previous character on shows I watch. Same crying face all the time, cry, put hand in forehead, cry, cover face with both hands, just predictable and slightly disappointed in her acting. Although I thought ML acting was on point, his character is just boring, naïve, innocence boy who got a sense of justice and bravery because of a girl. Their chemistry was strange, weak, and cry but not too unpleasant. Also the FL often bend her duties as a historian to fit her objective but refuse to see the outcome of her action, time and time again she is saved by her colleagues, but later says " I won't be able to respect you as my senior" because one of the historian took his job seriously and refuses to bend in order to match what she considers justice.My favorite character were definitely the side characters, Officer Min Woo Won, Crown Prince Yi Jin, and Song Sa Hee were infinitely more interesting to watch than the mains. they had strong convictions and went after them, they have strong sense of moral and justice considering who their parents are, however unlike the mains, they know that their actions have consequence and prepare for them, They don't have this unrealistic point of view of the world and understand the benefits and the negatives coming from rich families. Crown Prince Yi Jin and Song Sa Hee had better chemistry than the mains even though their relationship was barely showed. The FML had better chemistry with Officer Min Woo Won than she did with the ML.
Even Min Ik Pyung was a better character than the mains. He was interesting to watch, his ideal world was different than the previous King and went to create a place were his ideals were formed. He often gave the King really realistic advice and often for the better for the country not just himself. He wasn't the kindest person on the show but I have to really respect for he did what he thought was the best for the country.
Over all it was a good show but a lot of fillers in my opinion. the show could have been 6 episodes shorter and it wouldn't change the story.
If people ask me if this show is a must watch than no. It's not one of the better dramas but if you want a easy watch than I say go ahead.
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Pur essendoci, soprattutto nella seconda parte, situazioni "drammatiche" l'opera riesce a rimanere leggera e divertente.
Due sono le cose veramente belle. In prima linea, il rapporto tra Hae-Ryung e Rim. Sono spassosissimi insieme. Li ho amati. Hanno una notevole chimica e la risata sorge spontanea. Sono accattivanti.
Poi il capovolgimento dei ruoli di genere. Qui delle donne riescono a diventare storiche, cosa che in quel periodo è ben lungi dall'essere possibile. Nonostante le regole dell'epoca, le quattro ragazze scelte si batteranno per difendere il loro ruolo e per cambiare le regole del gioco.
Oltre a loro, abbiamo anche una carrellata di personaggi tutti caratterizzati molto bene e che sostengono la seconda parte del drama in maniera egregia. In particolar modo la "gang" di storici a palazzo, i colleghi delle ragazze.
Consiglio questo drama soprattutto a chi vuole farsi due risate, a chi vuole vedere una semplice storia d'amore o a chi vuole anche un po' di pepe in più mescolato a tutto il resto.
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I have read a lot of reviews about the story being about the introduction of Christianity to old Joseon, but it's actually about how a people's king wanted to adapt the machine modernization to be able to make Joseon a progressive countr. by educating and teaching people from all classes. It was to make sure Joseon is able to stand amongst other countries in the modern machine revolutionization. But was manipulated into him trying to spread a new religion, to their advantage by the new king and min minister to seize the throne.
Although the story might have been around the male lead, most of the scenes were based around the fl. It was an empowering storyline.The Female lead is not just a damsel in distress in this one but is fighting headstrong. Unlike the usual titsy bitsy FL, she helped actually make progress in their search.
Cha Eun Woo's acting can really be seen here, unlike his usual tsundere roles. I love the chemistry that the brothers shared. Jin was a just king and I loved that he was able to get the throne. Yi Rim in spite of being the legal heir was never interested in the throne. He always wanted to explore the world, as he mentions during their trip to Pyongyang. I love how he was able to finally do that at the end.
Though it might have certain plotholes, I loved a k-drama a lot after a really long time. I'm not much of a re-watcher so its ratings are low. But it has managed to cover lots of bits. some confusing plots at the beginning like Minister Min secret meeting with the king, the banning of the book becoming a big issue, Prince Dowon being isolated, the Queen's secretive propaganda, French guy's brother all seemed like not a necessary part of the storyline but all make so much sense by the end.
I usually don't go for this kind of genre. But this was a refreshing one, and I'm going to be looking more at other drama of this kind.
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The cutest and lightest Joseon Piece I've yet seen. When it isn't dealing with the throne it shines.
I keep giving Joseon pieces a shot. It seems they are a right of passage or actors aren't taken seriously unless they have been in at least one. There isn't a single star I have come to like or follow that doesn't have one of these history tales on their resume. So, I keep watching these weird hatted (I mean why are they mesh, they neither protect from the rain or sun, why are we wearing them?) medieval stories that unfortunately tend to all be carbon copies of each other where everyone is vying for the throne.I have asked in comments if there are any Joseon stories that do not deal with Kings, Princes, succession, and cementing power through Queens marriage, to deaf ears (Err Eyes). This seems to be the only reason to ever write one of these things. There is always at least one, sometimes warring, politicians that are part of the court which always somehow have more power than the kings themselves and are always evil. There more often than not is a son of one of these politicians who is morally ambiguous, who "hates" their corrupt evil father but likewise does nothing to stop their dastardly deeds even while knowing how awful they are, at least until we reach the climax. There is always a forbidden love. The list goes on and on.
Rookie Historian is no different. All of the plot points above are found here as well. The constant recycling and repackaging of Korea's Joseon entertainment is alive and well yet again. However, I will say this time round, the actual tag of comedy can be proudly proclaimed, as there are actually many funny bits throughout the entirety of its run. There are characters and stories that remain light, cute, and fun for almost the entire duration. Their is a soft happiness to the entire production and though the story always has to dig into tragedy and ultimately a large dramatic finish, this time round it refrains from becoming totally horrific.
This time the "fresh" take on the story is by angling from the view of Historians, those that walk and skulk silently in the rooms of the palace writing everything they see to create a written record and truthful history that no one is allowed to read, except other historians apparently. This angle is narrowed when it focuses on the sudden reintroduction of women historians who haven't been used in centuries. Their job is to follow the everyday lives of the royals in their bedrooms and homes instead of the political meetings and public events like the men historians. Thus, the story injects a fresh shot of female empowerment and equality.
Our lead actress Shin Se Kyung plays Goo Hae Ryung, a headstrong, forward thinking, noble woman, with a somewhat mysterious past. Se Kyun is strong in the role overall. She brings both softness and strength to the character, as well as beauty. However, the character seems to not hold the resilience and grit the story early on claims our heroine has. As the tale progresses she gives in to the pressures around her for a stint, especially when it comes to her love. She begins to be the whole tortured female with an empty face, tears behind closed doors, suffer in silence publicly female character that is so commonly written. While she will ultimately spring to action for the end, there will be a whole section of episodes where you will just roll your eyes at her and feel like she just gave up. I suppose the plot needed this to happen at the expense of her character.
Then there is our male lead Cha Eun Woo who plays Prince Do Won. No one can argue that Eun Woo isn't beautiful. He is. Maybe he is a great performer and singer, I do not follow Kpop. But, I can say he isn't sturdy or balanced yet as an actor. It isn't that he is straight bad as an actor, there are moments here where he pulls off some good work. When it is time to be cute, playful, flirtatious, and smitten he does well enough. It is endearing and fun to watch. Him and his female lead have a cute chemistry, not screen blazing, but good enough. Even in the end when things take a more serious turn and Eun Woo is asked to pull off some more dramatic and tearful moments, he actually comes to shine and be very strong here. However, all the rest of the time, while he is acting jealous, contemplative, arrogant, suspicious, mischievous, and the story is having him as a moving part between the power struggle of the others in play that he becomes awkward, stiff, unnatural, and well shows he is acting. His facial expressions are not varied, but a constant repeat. He looks constipated a lot, or just simply blank. His smiles seem disingenuous. The delivery is just simply off. It doesn't ruin the show, but it does show his weakness compared to everyone else on screen. He is the weakest link here.
Our other male lead Park Ki Woong as Prince Yi jin is the powerhouse. You enjoy him when he appears and are drawn into his wide smiles or unwavering stares. His manliness smoulders and his acting is intense and well delivered. While I was dismayed by the ultimate path this characters takes, getting there was a treat to watch and yes Ki Woong's turn here in this role has made me a fan. Park Ji Hyun also appears as our second female lead Song Sa Hee, and as always does a great job as a morally questionable character who does everything in her own interest. She is detached and a lonely wolf, a character that she should feel right at home in by this point.
Lee Ji Hoon is also a lead as Officer Min, the second in command of the Historians and the morally ambiguous son of the "big bad" I mentioned at the begging. He is the male version of Ji Hyun's Sa Hee here. Detached and stoic he holds steadfast to the rules and doctrine of the Historians to a fault, letting the rules of his work, that historians document but do not take part in nor change the outcome of events not matter how horrible, corrupt, or atrocious the events might be, excuse his inaction regarding his father and those around him he knows are perpetrated wrongs against the crown and Joseon itself. I found it hard to like his character, there is too much he allows to happen, too much he could have stopped or helped with and he just doesn't. He knows there are historians being spies, and he allows it. He documents his father controlling the crown and watches the secret meetings in his family home, and tells no one. He is at fault in the backstory of his wife that you will come to learn, again because of his father. The whole Korean idea that children accept their parents as monsters just because they are their parents is not something I stomach well, yet it is a prevailing plotline in a large swatch of Kdrama (Joseon or not). While of course he is also a noble character who at times goes-to-the-mat for others in the show and if rules are broken ( I found it weird what rules he would not allow to bend or break considering what other stuff he lets slide). He also starts to realize his faults and issues when faced with our female lead who refuses, most-of-the-time to sit idle. Thus, he is put on a redemptive arch.
When the story is playing with its characters it is a great watch. When the story is dealing with medical backstory, or the writing and censorship story line it is engrossing. When it brings up social issues, injustices, equal rights, and takes on the unwillingness for society to change or allow anything different to grow Rookie Historian shines. When it is playful and cute and letting our leads fall for each other it is heartwarming and charming. When it wants to be funny, for the most part (some parts do fall flat or become old and repetitive), it is.
But ultimately all this originality, interesting concepts and explorations, and light hearted enjoyment caves in to the prevailing King/Prince/Throne/Power Grab story that can be found in EVERY JOSEON TALE FROM HERE TO THE MOON. This repetitive, stale, boring, and paint-by-numbers plotting that has not a single moment of originality or surprise ends up the main focus for the end and everything else is trimmed away. Oh well.
I had more fun with this than the last 5 or so Joseon tales combined so it was a surprise for me. While I wish someone would just lay the succession storyline to rest, I wasn't dismayed to have sat through this as I was for other Joseon pieces that claim to be comedies like "Flower Crew" for example. Rookie Historian is ,for the most part, a wining fun watch.
7.5/B/3 3/4-Stars. Shows its flaws but remains strong, likely to be enjoyed.
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Joseon itch? This show will scratch it.
It's good. Really. Not amazing, when I look back at it, but it had some great moment like when the Historians boarded themselves in the office.I'll say no, I don't think Cha Eun-Woo is a *bad* actor. He got too much hate for his role in this, and I think he's fine, especially as he's better here than in his previous work and only improves as an actor throughout the series. I think the people who are complaining are maybe just not that used to Joseon dramas and don't realise the weight of the characters words. (That being said, I'm all set to never see that man cry again, because gosh I saw him do it enough in this show.)
I especially feel like he's gotten a tough time because it's hard to remember what an *amazing* cast is surrounding him. Not a single person was bad in this, in my opinion. They were very strong actors and it was probably just difficult for him in a big role for something of this budget.
Anyway. Yeah. It's a Joseon drama. If you've watched one, you know. The evil dude in the red robe, a crown prince is hurt or killed, there's ninjas and poverty and bitchy court women and a grumpy elder. And a plethora of great, epic songs and misunderstandings and run ins between the characters. I appreciate that Hae Ryung kept her independence as a person whilst still dating Yi Rim, but the plot beyond that is a mess.
It felt like the first half of the show started off incredibly strong, and then by episode 13 or so, it crumbles at the mention of the Seoraewon plot. It's like the show *forgets* what made it so great as it goes on, and found myself bored towards the end and squinting at plot twists and character motives. Really? The characters went through ALL that, just for Yi Rim to go "nah, I'm good. Really. I'm still renouncing my title and going for a walk around the world". Why did no one ask Yi Rim what he thought until *after* they'd won?
Not to mention the glaring issues;
What was the point of the weird romantic tension between U-won and Hae Ryung?
Why did they make such a fuss about sneaking Jean out the palace when Hae Ryung used a hole in the wall that directly entered Nokseodong? For a smart person, why didn't she mention that?
There's more, but I'd be here a while, and they were just examples of what I didn't like it and why it constantly took me out of the immersion and stopped me getting back into the plots. (Especially since the final scene was just one big conversation for 10 minutes where everyone surprisingly listened to the prince nobody took seriously at first).
That being said, it had a great production value, and everything was done well with good music. (One complaint is how strong the overhead lights actually were and how they looked too fluorescent in some scenes so you could tell and it didn't look natural, and that dubbing over in some parts is overwhelming and the actors are too close to the mics, and even in some scenes, the dubbing is timed wrong so they don't match the actors' lips.
AND ALL THAT BEING SAID, it was still a great drama with a nice ending. It's not Scarlett Heart Ryeo or The Moon Embracing the Sun, but it never claimed to be them. It was just a nice drama that didn't leave you bawling your eyes out at it.
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Perfect for late evenings when you are tired
It's funny, like really funny. Everyone has a personality, literally everyone. As the title suggests, this drama really focuses on Goo Hae Ryung. The struggles of a woman taking a male dominated job was too realistically portrayed without losing the comedy. The romance is not the main part but the drama isn't a serious thriller either. Each and every moment is light hearted until the last few episodes, and once they go in that serious mode they stay there. I will admit i skipped a few scenes because they ware just too 'slow', but it was not a lot of times. The only thing you need to know before diving into the drama is... absolutely nothing. That's it. Go into it open minded without expecting anything. .That's actually the usual philosophy i use for watching anything. You don't have to worry about sloppy editing or bad acting, because there isn't any in the drama. Some might think that the male lead was a bad actor and even for this drama he might be. He was supposed to make cartoonish expressions and the expressions were funny but it also easily distracted you from the show. My favourite funny characters must be Goo Hae Thing's maid and Prince's eunach.All being said the drama is a lovely watch. I won't say you must definately watch it, but it's really comedic.
Kind-of SPOILER
I was worried a good character would turn bad around 19th episode.
All characters are secretly good.
SPOILER
they don't kiss
Until eleventh episode
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This is a very good feminist kdrama in some way. It follows the main character who decided to be a female historian for the first time ever. Which of course is a big no no in Joseon Dynasty lol. Its very good built in my opinions, so many pure relationships get formed, many likeable characters as well. Eunwoo plays here as well, okay to be honest his character is the cliche cold guy but atleast hes a bit silly here and cute, he really did well here. Romance is the last thing i remember here tbh, im glad it didnt focus on that a lot and it was mostly about people accepting women in work. Really recommend this kdrama! Cet avis était-il utile?
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Eunwoo es el señuelo pero no necesariamente el protagonista, bueno, al final sí...
En más de una ocasión me encontré deseando que todo terminara de una vez y eso no es necesariamente bueno.Y es que mi problema con este drama es que LO HICIERON DEMASIADO LARGO en serio el conflicto que estaban manejando podrían haberlo desarrollado en 16 capítulos pero no, lo estiraron usando otras situaciones random de por medio hasta que recién RECIÉN en el capítulo 14 la cosa se empieza a poner interesante y *redoble de tambores* POR FIN LE DAN AL PERSONAJE DE EUNWOO LA RELEVANCIA QUE DEBIÓ TENER DESDE NO SÉ ¿EL PRINCIPIO? pues ES EL PROTAGONISTA. Que yo entiendo que el personaje en si era bastante insípido adrede pero no dejaba de ser el protagonista, ¿será que los guionistas se olvidaron de él y su trasfondo y recién en el capítulo 18 se acordaron de él? Mientras tanto llenaban los espacios con momentos ¿tiernos? Entre él y la historiadora a modo de "hagamos que la gente se quede a ver su historia amor" bueno por lo visto funcionó para algunas pero a mi me durmió en vivo. Soy alguien que casi nunca nota la falta de química entre los protagonistas y digo casi porque la pareja de Sowon y Haeryung llegó para demostrarme lo que es la falta de afinidad al punto de que llegando al final me daba igual si quedaban juntos o no. Y esto no lo veo como algo entre los actores, más bien fue la falta de conexión entre las personalidades de los personajes.
En fin... *respiraciones profundas*
Debo destacar que el personaje de Haeryung era atractivo hasta cierto momento cuando de alguna forma comenzó a ser demasiado entrometida y entiendo que la historia giraba en torno a ella y oh sorpresa parece que tuvieron que esperar a que una historiadora novata apareciera para que los tramuyos del segundo canciller empezaran a verse amenazados. *aplausos confusos*
Me vi pensando "por favor mujer deja de estar en medio, no hay forma de que te perdonen todo sin antes darte unos cuentos golpes como era en esa época". Ese es otro problema: la trama abusa demasiado del empoderamiento femenino haciéndolo demasiado irrisible. ¿Permitieron que haya historiadoras mujeres? Fantástico👏 pero no abusen de una posición en la que claramente ninguna mujer podía darse el gusto de sobrepasar sin terminar reprendida por sus atrevimientos.
Ahora me gustaría hablar de funcionario Min quien tenía todo para ser EL PROTAGONISTA pero claro resulta que literalmente no lo es jaja y aún así tuvo el mayor desarrollo, vimos su pasado, vimos como vivió luchando contra la autoridad de su propio padre, vimos como venció el miedo al fracaso, vimos como pudo superar el pasado y seguir adelante ¿que más puedo pedir? Me dieron motivos para empatizar con él. Si incluso hasta tenía más química con la protagonista que el mismísimo príncipe Dowon.
¿Puntos a favor? El ost es disfrutable, las locaciones son las mismas que en The Red Sleeve y eso es un punto a favor para mi. Ver como al final integraron a las mujeres es algo agradable de ver (sin olvidar cómo las trataron todos esos varones con masculinidad extrafragil) Eunwoo es lindo, es adorable y cada que sonríe pues te derrite el corazón (sí, eso es algo a favor)
En fin que si hubiesen hecho de esta historia una con un enfoque mucho más serio y sin tantos personajes extravagantes y cansinos (como si fuesen caricaturas) y perdiendo menos el tiempo en situaciones que no aportaban, ni escenas más largas de lo que debían (que encima eran repetitivas o sea ya entendí que Sowon se está enamorando no necesitan explotar la sonrisa preciosa de Eunwoo) si todos esos puntos hubiesen sido ejecutados de otra forma ahora mismo estaría hablando de un drama totalmente diferente pero mucho más disfrutable, y vamos que hasta el rey era insípido.
¿Y el final? Super apresurado.
Mi conclusión es: POR FIN LO TERMINÉ. Ahora veamos otra cosa.
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I have to praise Se-kyung for getting so much better in acting, seriously she has improved a lot. Eunwoo wasn't as good but I think that's okay considering he's a rookie actor. The rest of the cast was incredible as well and they all seem to have lots of experience.
Plot was good, but there were some chapters where I got bored and then got lost and didn't understand what was happening. I think the story could have been shortened a bit, but still it was enjoyable.
Definitely this is the best historical drama I've seen to date (I haven't seen many, though. But the few I checked out kinda sucked..), so I'm excited to keep diving into this sub-genre.
7.5/10
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