The Red Sleeve (2021)

Best Historical Drama I've ever watched!

Never liking any historical drama before unless the actors are all my top list or the story is solely romcom without political war (somehow impossible for saeguk drama), but yeah usually watched it only for my favorite actors. Usually drop any historical/saeguk drama after a few episodes, but this one is a total exception. Leaving you curious on how the love story will unfolds.

This was based on true story and previously released novel, and I can say this is the most beautiful historical drama in my opinion. The story is deep and the chemistry is on point. Not to mention the roller coaster emotional ride each episode brings you is on another level.

Lee Jun Ho and Lee Se Young absolutely aced this role perfectly. Chemistry is not something you need to ask, and how they portray each role is definitely gorgeous. There is also the famous Lee Deok Hwa to help the series boost and several new rookie stars such as Kang Hoon, that you will also enchanted to as the beautiful Hong Deok Ro.

The OST is beautiful as well, as I usually don't really like historical OST because of too historical, yet these music hits differently.


It's a must watch 2021 drama for me and I'm not regretting any single second I invest on them for both the series and the talk show they had as for having a high rating.

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Crouching Prince... Hidden Maiden

When I absolutely love a K-drama I wait before I write a review. The reason I do this is I know repeated viewings often change my opinion of the drama after the newness has worn off. For this reason, I waited a LONG time before writing my review for The Red Sleeve. I wanted to see if once the newness wore off I would feel the same, and I am happy to say after repeated viewings I still love "The Red Sleeve".

Seriously, there is just so much to like in this drama. The music is sublime The scenery is vivid and stirring. The acting takes you to another level, and the chemistry between the ML and FL is so potent you will feel it!!! Particularly, the scene where Jun Ho confronts Doek Im in a fit of jealous rage in the library. That scene set the internet on fire because it was 🔥🔥🔥 Seriously the chemistry between Jun Ho and See Young was so potent I frequently rewatch that scene for the buzz of their chemistry.

But... what makes this drama great is the addition of other fine actors who fill their roles capably and evoke presence and gravitas when they are on your screen. Lee Doek Hwa is a joy and terror to watch. Jang Hee Jin is powerful, while being understated in her role as Queen. Plus, the humorous presence of other side characters, like Doek Im's friends and the Prince's scheming aunt--who gets the shit slapped out of her--makes this a joy to watch on several levels.

One of the beauties of The Red Sleeve is it played up the dramatic politics of the women within that era while never overshadowing them with larger male-dominated political plots. You understand why every character does what they do because there are no villains or heroes. It's just people trying to live and love as best they could during a very turbulent period.

Is "The Red Sleeve" perfect? NO...it's not, but it's damn near perfect, and entertaining on so many levels that it is worth your time, and I highly recommend it.

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I wish they showed more of her reign after getting pregnant.

The chemistry in the first few episodes was really fluffy, I was surprised how dark it quickly went midway through. The middle arcs where they were trying to beat the opposing factions were a bit dragged. I wish they cut down those parts and instead prolonged the time when she was finally a concubine.

I also got a little annoyed at how much the FML kept refusing the ML's proposals. She's a court maid and it's part of her job to satisfy the needs of their king. not to mention they like each other anyway. She said she didn't wanna share her man's heart but she's a court maid and she's gonna be there forever anyway. might as well get a promotion and have a family.

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Good beginning... Terrible ending...

The obviously overrated marks made me give this one an opportunity... And now I'm totally disappointed.

If this series had ended on ep 16, it would have a good ending... but no... they had to destroy it all along with my feelings.

Seriously, if it wasn't for the first half of the episodes this whole series would be a complete waste of time.

Starting with the childish, prideful and unreasonable FL. Her decisions don't make any sense, there are countless times when she behaved frustratingly selfish and puts everybody in danger. She makes the ML look like a fool in many occasions and I truly pitied him all the time.

There is an amount of pointless suffering and plot holes that makes you wonder if the script writer even cared about the audience.

IF YOU TRUST THE ALL THE HIGH RATINGS LIKE ME AND GIVE THIS ONE A TRY, JUST REMEMBER THAT I HAVE WARNED YOU FIRST!

You'll cry rivers, if you like suffering, great! But it doesn't mean every body does...

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Solid (and romantic) historical drama!

The RED SLEEVE
Every part of this show is working hard. The cinematography, lighting, costumes, acting, direction and script are all ranging from solid to great. The episodes are addictive. The characters feel real and three dimensional. Their relationship feels authentic and full of tension. They have great chemistry. Overall, I have to recommend it to people, and I think it probably is the best historical drama I've seen in years.

I think the show is doing two things simultaneously, and those things sometimes clash and sometimes work together to create really juicy layers for the story. On the one hand, this is a historical romance, plain and simple. Two beautiful people who have fallen in love. It's idealistic, satisfying for the audience, full of really romantic moments. But the show is also tackling the power imbalance inherent in their relationship, and how that shapes the story. Historical dramas love to have a 'spunky female lead' but what are the actual implications of that with regards to the time period, women's roles, love, and the palace? I think it's a very compelling and unrepresented question, but it doesn't always make for an entirely... satisfying viewing experience.

For the first 9 or 10 episodes this story is trucking along in full blown romantic drama territory. History, but with all the trappings, tropes and viewer expectations of a drama. They save each other, the female lead causes trouble and gets out of trouble with few consequences, the male lead is smitten with her but she isn't so easy to catch. It's very well executed, super entertaining, and the right mix of emotionally deep and satisfying fun. During this time, the female lead states that she doesn't want to be a concubine, and older court ladies warn against her future should she end up with the king, but we see it as the necessary cold feet that will eventually be resolved by love — a mere storytelling plot device. These very serious concerns of autonomy, purpose, freedom and sense of self will be magically soothed by the balm of true love. Right???

But that is not what the drama is interested in doing. Instead, we see that once he becomes king her refusal is in earnest. He loves her, but he won't force her; and she loves him but doesn't want to be trapped by him. And we see THAT situation, where nobody could ever really win, get played out to its full extent.

The ending was tough not so much because it was tragic, but because it showed the real life consequences of their love story. What would actually happen if this independent, free-spirited woman became the king's concubine? They love each other, but all along she has been worried that if she becomes his consort she will lose everything and be trapped. And guess what? She does lose everything. Herself, her friends, her purpose, her son, and her life. When they reunited in episode 15, I felt like somehow the problem was solved because they had reconciled and they loved each other. But the show doesn't give us that. Instead it shows us that their relationship was never going to be a balanced, loving relationship. How could it be? He is a king and she is a concubine, there to serve him. They can never escape it. She never even really truly tells him that she loves him.

After she becomes his concubine, she says that sometimes she wishes that they were just two ordinary people. She wonders what life would be like for them if they could just live normal lives together. He says that he can't imagine, that he's never thought about it. While I know it has always been on her mind. I think that is one of the most tragic moments in the drama, right at the end, when you realize that it can’t have a happy ending. They will forever be separated. The ending isn't some cheap tragic nonsense they tacked on at the end to make it seem significant, like she suddenly dies and that's the sad ending, or he goes crazy and kills her. No, you realize that all along, this romance that you've been rooting for has been inherently flawed. They can never be happy together in this life. The power of love will never make them equals. She is trapped forever, and she will never be free. And he loves her and cannot let her go.

It’s for this reason that I think the actual final scene of the drama is a cop-out. It ends with the King reuniting with her (is it reality? Is it a dream? Is it the afterlife?) and they hug each other. In this place — wherever it is — she is smiling happily, waiting for him. It frustrated me that the drama ends with this vision of her, rather than following her request that in another life, if he sees her he should pretend he doesn’t know her.

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it's a Saeguk,Saeguk!. 세국이예요!

Yes, I'm an unapologetic fan of Saeguks and I don't want to repent of it at all, 싫어.

For this reason I'm writing a small token. This drama is undoubtedly one of the most frustrating love story ever told. Jeongjo and Uibin, it shatters my fragile heart. However, the end offered a sort of closure for all the frustration I had endured through out the drama. I absolutely adored the friendship between Duk Im and her friends,it was a breath of fresh air. it turned out this perfect because every one of the actors chewed their roles without spitting, each conveying the needed emotions with undeniable expertise.
it was all too beautiful to witness, I love the part where each of the friends talked about their meeting together later in life(here or afterlife) the story of "going back home after we become old". it was just the kinds of spice that makes my heart sing.

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Saeguk of The Year (2021)

When watching Korean historical dramas (saeguk). Always prepare yourself for something that ends badly.

Moreover, all the main roles are recorded "historical figures". Unless the addition of fantasy elements. They will proceed as history should.

When reading many histories of Korean kings and their families, there are many tragedies. Even the king of this series, whose story was not shown later, died in a tragic controversy.

Some writer even need to "refine" the story so as not to cause problems or controversy among Korean audiences.

Can there really be a "happy ending"?, it's possible, especially when the writer decides the drama is over before tragedy strikes.

But not with this drama, because of its popularity in Korea, the production decided to add 1 episode and decided to continue the story until the tragedies appeared.

So my advice if you decide for a pseudo-happy ending, just stop watching at episode 16.

But I'm sure, its rare for someone to hold back their curiosity.

Let's back to the review.

The plot of the story is very well written and enhanced by proper acting direction.

The pace of the story and each scene tends to be slow and long. Especially towards the end of the story. I personally really enjoyed it because ML and FL's acting was good. However, I personally understand that some people don't like slow pace.

The tone of the story and the atmosphere of the story tend to be mellow and sad. The audience will always be drawn into this atmosphere, even during happy scenes, there will always be an atmosphere like this so it feels bittersweet. Well, because this is saeguk melodrama, this is how it should be.

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Why "The Red Sleeve Cuff" should be your best healing drama?

I have really waited so long to write review of this masterpiece drama. Usually I do like historical dramas but they must provide good story and music service. Also I think casts are the main weapon for historical dramas. And "The Red Sleeve Cuff" undoubtedly fulfilled all of the conditions of mine. So obviously I gave this drama 10 out of 10 rating. Now I want to explain why each sections of this drama deserves 10.
1. Firstly, I will talk about the storyline. As a K-drama fan I've watched a lot of dramas. And historical dramas are one of the genres that I like the most. Korean Historical dramas are on the other level. But this historical drama is way more different than those historical dramas. Though Its a romantic drama in genre, it will 100% satisfy you. You will be excited, sad, heartbroken; also you will find comedy and peace too. I am telling you, you would give this drama a 9.5 without any doubt.
2. Secondly, about the plot of this drama I would say the writers were really creative and talented. They knew how to make this drama more eyecatching to the viewers. Specially, the ending would give you a mixed feeling and leave you with a big dilemma and shock. I, myself, couldn't understand the ending, so I watched again and again to understand. Women's are more powerful than man. And this truth is proved by book. You will see women power in this drama. Their struggles, strong mentality, feelings will amaze you. I've got the "Pride and Prejudice " feelings from this drama. Like your girl is hard to catch and you only want her by any means. But you still respect her and her choices.
3. Thirdly, I want to talk about the most important things of a successful drama, that is, casts. Undoubtedly the casts - Lee Jun Ho, Lee Se Young and other actors performed greatly. Both of the lead actors are my most favorite korean actors. So I am happy with their chemisty, hardwork, acting. I've always wanted Lee Jun Ho to be a lead actor in a historical drama. And he fulfilled my wish. Also for Se Young, I knew her as a child actress. She has never disappointed me. I am sure you won't be too. Just enjoy their innocent, amazing and realistic chemistry.
4. Fourthly, I would give my opinion on the music part of this drama. Actually,music is the soul of a successful drama. This drama is not different from this situation too. I would say the musics have helped this drama to get more into the heart of the viewers and fans. Trust me, OST 's are just fabulous in a word. After finishing the drama, I've heard every songs repeatedly for a whole week that I kind of learned the lyrics. None of the songs has disappointed me so far. Whee-In, Itzy's Lia, Junsu, NU'EST's Minhyun have done so well that I am proud of them. I personally am a fan of their songs. And the musics were able to trigger the saddest and happy parts the most. So I think I cried because Ost's made me emotional.
5. Lastly, If you ask me that I would watch this drama again or not. Well, I've already rewatched this drama three times. Yes, you can understand that this drama is worth rewatching and won't even make you bored.
Overall, I would say, you should watch this drama with a lot of expectations and you won't be disappointed. You will not regret. I am sure you will also thank me for giving you indirect evaluation and explanation of this drama(as I can't spoil the drama). You will go through some immense phases of watching a successful drama.
Happy watching and keep supporting "The Red Sleeve Cuff".

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Need a feminist retelling!

The entire time I was watching this, I was imagining a feminist retelling of this story. I think it would be absolutely brilliant if some writer were to devote their talent to writing one focusing on the lives of the women - the court ladies and the rich/royal ones.

Coming back to the drama, I found the story absolutely tragic. Both the leads led sad lives - bound by duties and norms expected of their standing in society.

The romance was a bit one-note. I can't believe with the power the royals wielded over their court ladies and, of course the way things were back in those days, that the male lead always treated the female lead with the respect and care shown in the drama. That felt a bit too unrealistic.

But I'm glad I watched it because it brought me to the the star of this story which is definitely the women and their lives. Sorry this is less a review about the drama and more my blabbering about the story. The Fairy Palace or whatever it was called was fascinating. The fact that court ladies were set free to live in the public after whoever was their master died. The fact that court ladies weren't allowed to fall in love with someone else, that it was 'adultery'.

There is just too much potential to be a fantastic book a la 'The Silence of the Girls'.

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