Drama plot sounds typical at first, but Red Sleeve managed to stand on its own two feet. Bravo!

There had been a similar but older adaptation of King Jeongjo and Ui-bin Seong's love story which was the 2007 drama series Lee San, Wind of the Palace. My mom was a big fan of Lee Seo-jin who was playing as that show's Yi San, so I naturally managed to watch it in its entirety. Hence, I am not that surprised with the development of this current adaptation. Thought it's the same ending, the bittersweet pain remains the same.

I'm confident to say that Red Sleeve is easily one of this year's best asian dramas. The leads are both clever, mature, responsible and selfless. They are a power couple who compliments each other's strengths and weaknesses and are quite self aware of consequences with their every action. It's quite refreshing to see them through each episode. The other secondary characters are also filled with relevance and personality so you will also find yourself liking them as well.

However I do admit that this drama is not without its flaws. Somewhere around 3/4 of the drama, the usual eye-roll inducing Kdrama political intrigue holds the drama plot's reigns and forcibly spoonfeds the viewer of various side characters' resentment and revenge plans which I absolutely don't care for at all. I've seen my fair share of Kdrama and I'm just tired of this kind of plot development at this point. BUT that's just me, I still believe this part of the story might be quite engaging and effective for other people, so don't take my word for it.

Overall, Red Sleeve is worth it,. You ma be able to pinpoint certain elements in this series that are from other acclaimed historical series in the past, but they managed to make Red Sleeve feel unique and memorable at the same time.

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I actually love this drama! I've accepted long ago that Korean dramas will insert their love for draggy and boring political intrigues right in the second half of their drama series. Once I accepted that phenomenon, it's smooth sailing from there hahahaha.

As per usual in most dramas, the childhood arc is quite impressive, both in acting (except for the kid who played the ML) and pace.

Eun Bin is so so good in her role, she's like fairy when she's a girl and a very capable crown prince once she cross dresses. The moments where she's breaking down, and the ones where her princely training shines forth are all superb. A round of applause for her.

Rowoon is a fun ML, however I felt like there's a huge disconnect between the young Jung Ji Woon and the grown up Jung Ji Woon. I can't exactly pinpoint what it is. But for Rowoon's performance and character plot, I'm quite satisfied. I also appreciate that he fell for Crown Prince Lee Hwi first before he learned her secret.

I saw some disappointed comments on the ending. But personally, I believe they concluded their arcs cleanly. Sometimes just because you're good at something doesn't necessarily mean it will be the best choice for you nor does it certify your fulfillment. I like how it was all arranged in the end and our Main Leads finally got the normal happy life they've dreamed for so long.

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