I mean you could compare it to many contemporary historical dramas, but only it is not. I beg to differ, because the emotions I lived while watching this were completely new.
Can you just give, without asking for anything in return? No, I didn't think so and the drama reinstates it on purpose.
There are many women who lived in the palace and as we know it, the times were the most cruel to them. It's always interesting and liberating to know of their stories. I try to recall the most things that stood out, but I think the scene which changed everything was the scene by the pond where Sung Deok Im came to know of Yi San identity.
A story should live, even when its characters are not there anymore. We see women, willing to give their all for the people they love, might be the same for every human being not just women. But it's important to know that it's okay to keep things for yourself. " I do love him but I love myself more" A very few historical character has left this huge impression on me. It's a tussle between can you have it all if you just try or will you be satisfied with what you're getting because you're scared to lose.
For me, a historical drama is just more than history, if it's true to its telling but lacks purpose, it's not great. And again, every telling has a hint of narrative. I wouldn't want or care to know whether it was fiction or a real story as long as it convinced me of its truth. I felt relieved of the ending. It's important for a drama of this conviction to leave it open to interpretation.
There's ambiguity in emotions that everyone feels unsure of even when they are on the receiving end. But it's necessary to deliever those feelings with justice, the actors did a wonderful job. I was taken by Lee se young potrayal of Deok mi. What I liked about Lee jun ho's character was he knew when to make the viewers feel distant and close, given the nature of his title. I think this drama deserve a major applause for casting such talented actors, everyone of them including 'the fantastic four' court ladies, the crown prince confidants, the people around Sung Deok-mi. They not only gave depth to the main theme of the story but were unique in their own right. You don't see much of these layers in supporting cast. Given significant screentime, I felt the need to appreciate them more.
I believe you'll like this fresh historical telling, independent in its spirit that felt tiring and trying at times but nonetheless changed my perception of you can only want when you have something. I don't think so anymore.