[Drama 2016] Moon Lovers ❤ Scarlet Heart Ryeo, 달의 연인-보보경심 려 \^0^/ Soompi Kdrama 2016 Winner

[kingpin]

 

 

[whyo]

@luvkstyle if I am not wrong, someone already mention at dramanice dot eu, maybe you can try.

@brielover the queen that YH mention to the maid was her mom, not queen whatwashername. In conclution, yes.. YH  and the Queen were in on the poisoning together and make sure the one who bring the tea was HaeSoo

Edit: I just rewatched and it is true it was Queen whatwashername not her mom. Sorry 

 

[frostfire]

I am re-watching the rain scene for the 1000th time and it's dawned upon me that despite Hae-soo being hurt and taken aback by seeing Wook turn his back on her as well as realizing the connotations of that action, she seemed to take it better than I expected her to. 

For some reason it didn't occur to me until just now that at some point between his (only?) visit to prison to see her, and her asking Baek-ah about Wook's whereabouts, it must have dawned upon her at some subconscious level that he probably wasn't going to show, because if he were, he would have already. 

As happy as I am that the Wang So/Hae-soo ship has officially set sail, it makes me incredibly sad to see the look on her face as her worst fear over the past few days in hell comes true, and the way she stares after Wook's as he walks away from her. The moment she takes to process this and then visibly steels herself as she straightens under the shelter of Wang So's cape is also very heartbreaking. 

 

Source: http://dreamingsnowflake2013.tumblr.com/

[tianaa]

wang so may seems force his feeling to haeso but he really does care about her 

[Guest DJG]

*Some spoilers about the original drama included below*

As someone who enjoys this drama, I have been wondering what it is about it that Korean viewers don’t like. I won’t go into the ratings details, because that has been discussed ad nauseam. But I think other than the obvious issues with directing, editing, etc. that has been mentioned, there are elements of the story itself, that are unusual in Kdrama land.

One is the antihero – Korean dramas don’t feature a lot of antiheroes, the protagonist that does bad things, even with valid reasons. Usually, even when depicted, they always make sure they have a sad ending, so think Lee Byung Hun’s character in IRIS, Jung Khyung Ho’s character in Heartless City, or Go Soo’s character in Empire of Gold, and so many other dramas. Essentially, the Anti-Hero cannot be celebrated. Which explains why Hae Soo, was written as someone who had no full knowledge of the era, and she accidentally stumbles on who Gwangjong, the future, evil, king will be. Whereas in the original, Rouxi, was well versed in history, she knew 4^th Prince would become emperor, and knew what happened to the brothers, yet made the conscious decision to help him and fall in love with him.

In Moon Lovers, Hae Soo, is being depicted as someone who inadvertently helped 4^th prince, while her true love is 8^th prince, and it is almost a sacrifice of her true feelings that she will choose to be with 4^th Prince. We see that in the scene, on the way back to the palace, where she chooses to return with 4^th rather than with 8^th or 14^th prince, as a way to protect the other two. Once again, she is being shown as getting close to 4^th, because of fear. That is a major change to the story.

The second issue is the fairy tale prince conundrum – Korean historicals like to depict the royals has monogamous. Yes, there are mentions of concubines, but the king or prince is usually depicted has having ‘one-true-love’ and all the other women are interlopers, connivers, trying to break-up the love of the main couple. Think Yoo Ah In’s king in Jang Ok Jung, or Kim Soo Hyun’s king in The Moon Embracing the Sun. In both cases, it was almost a comedic attempt at depicting the king as saving himself for his true love, and in the case of TMETS, even after she was presumed dead!

Chinese dramas on the other hand, depict the royal harem, its many women, and the emperor freely giving his “favor”. Princes of a certain age, also have multiple wives, and in the original drama, 4^th prince’s wife wasn’t evil, and just because 4^th loved Rouxi, didn’t mean she became empress, because no matter what, that honor belonged to his first wife. In Kdrama land, all kinds of twists and turns would have been implemented to make that position, somehow belong to the true love partner. To some people, the idea of polygamous pairings, and multiple wives in this drama, isn’t romantic, and lessens their enjoyment of the drama.

[hiluna]

13 hours ago, pwnkl said:

 

 

And here I thought, he's not that ambitious of the throne.. I'm utterly mistaken, guess family knows best.. bottom line is he's not coward, he just doesn't love her enough.. to suffice his hunger of power and thirst of fame.. this is a brilliant scene, YH knows exactly when to penetrate.. not your average villain. even if she's a straight witch, gotta give her some credit she's got more guts than Wook.. I know her drinking the poison intentionally was not entirely for So, but let's be honest if she didn't step up.. So could've died.

She didn't drink any poison at all, it all went down her sleeves and then she bit her lip for the blood effect. I think she did it not so much to save So but to save herself because she realized that the Queen knew her plan (the exchanged looks between them) and that the Queen could bring down YH's family with that knowledge. So that was the only way to deflect any accusations against her family.  Here is a bit of consolation should YH marry WS, there would no ending to the dogfight between daughter-in-law and mother-in-law, they will be at each other's throats and hopefully leave the SoSoo couple alone 

[qwenli]

@40somethingahjumma I really dun hate wook that much because to me he is a man of circumstances. He is not a villain. There are many people like him in real life, they live according to rules and expectations and responsibilities, never going  all the way out for the things they love. In some ways, they are consider good people.

His life in the end will be a tragedy, that is sad enuf.

Soo will be heartbroken and that is an unfortunate lesson for her to learn.

I am fully on So's camp but somehow I just can't bring myself to hate wook.  

[jazzellechng]

episode 11 is making me cry crazily!

i still don't get it why people are still comparing BBJX with SHR.

in BBJX, the 8th prince's intention to get the throne was obvious from the start of the show. in SHR, WW initially did not want the throne until YH stepped in.

explains why in BBJX, we don't see the 8th prince turning to the dark side at all. he was at the dark side from the beginning.

[dzareth]

C-BBJX SPOILERS AHEAD.

 

I waited for K-BBJX with trepidation because K-producers have the tendency to ruin well-loved adaptations when they "localise" some elements for the Korean market. C-BBJX in one of my favourite C-drama in terms of story and production so my expectation is very high. Now that we are halfway through the series I have to say I have yet to feel the draw that I felt watching the C-BBJX. I believe that some changes made by the Korean version affected some vital points of the China version that captured audience interest. Here are some comparison of characters between the 2 versions:

 

RUOXI/ HAE SOO

1. In the C-version, we were told using flashback what happened to Ruoxi right before she wakes up in the year of Kangxi's reign (Qing Dynasty). We saw that she was having a huge argument with her boyfriend. She was loud, feisty and confrontational. Every bit the confident, modern, woman. On the other hand, we first saw Hae Soo drinking with disappointment at her boyfriend's betrayal. There were some bruises that implied some confrontation, but she seemed (to a point) quite defeated. The importance here is we get a glimpse of Ruoxi/ Hae Soo in modern day, so when the went back in time, their attitudes in the new environment make sense.
2. Ruoxi was kind, loyal, principled and friendly, but she was also quite devious, cheeky, daring and careful. She took care of those that she cared for well, but she can also be vicious - refer her early squabbles with Mingyue, her verbal fights with Minghui and how she threatened 13th's wife after Luwu's death. You see similar nice characteristics in Hae Soo, but I suspect due the unspoken law of K-heroines, Hae Soo lacked in the evil department. She was slightly mean to Wang So in the beginning, but that was it. Simply put, not enough.
3. Ruoxi was not a history expert, but she knew enough of Qing Dynasty history to know who-is-who. Although sometimes she messed up names and recalled fictional characters (perhaps from watching tv dramas?). Because of this she was extremely cautious as she did not wish to change history. Her fears were that she knew everyone's ending, but didn't know her own. And crucially she wanted to live and did not want to die. Yinzhen caught Ruoxi trying to kill herself but became puzzled when she said she was "seeking death in order to live". This suicide attempt was never addressed in the K-version. Hae Soo did try to drown herself in the bathhouse but the focus of this incident was shifted to the unmasking of Wang So. Wang So also never really cared about Hae Soo's weird actions and was in fact offended that she saw him bare-faced. Hardly a situation that would encourage his curiosity about Hae Soo.
4. Ruoxi knew history and knew that Yinzhen will be the ultimate winner in the war of princes, she took care to avoid him. But as a palace maid, they were bound to meet so she treated him with extra attention - serving his favourite tea and snacks - which she did not do with the other princes. The 8th and 14th Prince took notice of this and suspected she was playing both teams, when on Ruoxi's part, her motives were none other than to avoid problems with the "future emperor". Yinzhen was initially suspicious of her motives at treating him with care - which led us to the funny interview scene where eventually Yinzhen stopped her barrage of interview questions. He later confused her care with affection. It took Ruoxi's frightful response to his forceful kiss for Yinzhen to realise that neither were the case. These unintended mixed signals intrigued/ attracted Yinzhen to Ruoxi. Meanwhile, Hae Soo knew much less about Goryeo, thus was less sensitive about changing history. She wasn't too fond of Wang So (in the beginning), but never really avoiding him either. Hae Soo didn't really amused/ intrigued Wang So, at least not at the same level compared to Yinzhen. Wang So simply fell for a girl who was kind and non-judgmental. Not exactly a unique reason to fall for someone, IMHO.
5. I had no doubt about the way Ruoxi fell for 8th Prince in the earlier episodes. He was such a (married) gentleman. But I'm curious to know when did she finally accepted 4th? I am pretty sure that when 4th saved her from the arrow (and hurt himself), that were her point of no return. I'm not yet convinced that Hae Soo has accepted So. Immediately accepting one man when another turned his back on her (rain scene, figuratively and literally) cheapens her. I look forward to a concrete acceptance in the next episodes.
6. I thought in terms of looks, IU is more convincing as a young teen. Liu Shi Shi definitely looked more mature. But Liu Shi Shi managed to successfully capture Ruoxi's emotion may it be fear, playfulness, hurt, happiness etc. Ruoxi is the heart of BBJX and LSS was marvelous!
7. My view of IU is severely affected by the director's overuse of close-ups. In addition, I thought IU looked a bit strange as a Korean. I had always felt IU doesn't look Korean enough (even pre K-BBJX) compared to, say, Kang Hana.The downside of having too many close ups is we get to see her pretty-but-most-of-the-times-not-so-expressive eyes. They were always wide open making her looking dazed most of the time. In this aspect, I prefer LSS as you can actually sense her joy, hurt, disappointment, caution etc in her eyes. LSS wasn't perfect, but she was a great deal more expressive than IU.

 

YINZHEN/ WANG SO AKA 4TH PRINCE

• Yinzhen was among the older princes with higher rank. He did not appear to be the most favoured prince, but he seemed well-trusted in his majesty's service. Other than that he seemed pretty boring and mundane. Maybe somewhat scholar-like. He wasn't particularly (openly) talented in the arts of war, politics or anything but he did seem like a capable and fair governor. He wasn't as ill-treated as Wang So, although he wasn't as close to his mother as 14th Prince. History supported this fact as records showed that he did not grow up under the empress's care (unlike 14th). But we got to know that his "mundaneness" may as well be just a facade, as he is quite ambitious, ruthless and intelligent. Of all the princes, he was the only one to figure out that eventually, the real competition for the throne was not other capable princes, but rather it was his own father, Kangxi. His development from an unassuming prince to an emperor was pretty remarkable. I believe that Yinzhen (and likely all the princes) had designs for the throne. But Yinzhen's resolve was strengthened when his beloved 13th Prince was placed under house arrest due to 8th Prince's manipulations and his love interest downgraded to the laundry department for denying the emperor's order. He was frustrated for being helpless in this situation and took a step back from palace matters. Yinzhen actually resembled Wook (whose hands were tied due to Yeon Hwa's involvement and his mother's past banishment by the king) than Wang So. But Yinzhen had 13th's and Ruoxi's faith. Both never waver from him and he returned their trust with his steadfastness. We only see his ruthlessness after he became emperor and even then, I thought from his point of view, his harsh actions were justified.
• Despite that, Yinzhen's courtship of Ruoxi was really interesting. It was subtle, yet bold. It didn't feel awkward. His teasing was direct, honest and he did not treat her like breakable porcelain. He didn't promise mountains or woo her with sweet nothings. In fact, until today I am uncertain at which point did he truly, irrevocably fell for Ruoxi. Although, the show established that Yinzhen became serious about Ruoxi after seeing her sincerity at helping Princess Minmin organise a parting show for 13th Prince, and he immediately knew when Minmin's father view Ruoxi as Minmin's dead twin, Ruoxi's increased social standing will attract unwanted attention. From then on he began plotting with her in his plans.
• The was a break up point between Yinzhen and Ruoxi after 13th's arrest. He avoided her as he believed he failed her. Undeserving even. Their budding love could have frazzled. But Yinzhen got hurt saving Ruoxi from an arrow demonstrating that he still cared for her touched her heart and Ruoxi subsequently admitted to him she refused a marriage decree because "her heart was unwilling" and got demoted. He caused her falldown so he became more resolute for the throne and vowed not to let go of her.
• We had this whole load of background crap for Wang So. Sent out as hostage since young, faced child abuse, grew up alone and to top it all, permanently marked with an ugly scar (although I think it looked pretty on Lee Jun Gi) on his face. But we knew he can fight well but with a sour attitude to boot. He entered the scene filled with extra-ordinary features. Very much like a superhero. In this case, too much. I'm concerned with the build up as Wang So started off with a strong personality so will he able to sustain this until he becomes king?
• We have also started with Wang So's turning point towards his kingship. He will soon realise in order to protect his woman he will have to win the throne. I'm not sure how K-BBJX will handle this. I was okay with C-BBJX's bitter ending because the story fits. And I maintain that Ruoxi/ Hae Soo and 4th Prince cannot have a happy ending in Qing/ Goryeo without changing history. They shouldn't. Bite me.
• I thought Nicky Wu is not the best choice as 4th, but I couldn't name any alternative. I'm thankful that Nicky Wu is not a pretty boy, but I wish Yinzhen was a bit taller and bulkier, like the rest of his brothers. I thought Nicky Wu was awkward in some scenes. As for Wang So, Lee Jun Gi is just yummy! He is mighty fine as the ill-treated 4th Prince. I just wish that IU would match his performance.

 

YINSI/ WANG WOOK AKA 8TH PRINCE

• Yinsi was like a gentleman prince. Always appearing immaculately dressed, with a gentle demeanor, practically the prince on a white horse. But he was also calculating and hungry for power. His mother was not as high rank as the other concubines so he married well and that upgraded his status.
• Wang Wook is pretty similar (and Kang Ha Neul is easy on the eyes). But as dreamy as he was, this 8th lacked ambition (at this point) and I think he is quite wimpy too. I don't understand why Wang Wook stutters in nearly all dramatic scenes regarding Hae Soo. He seemed to be talking fine in romantic scenes. He was verbally confident defending Wang So after the temple-burning incident so WTH is he stuttering almost all other times??? Those stuttering attract attention. People will think you are hiding something! And how can I trust you to be Wang So's competitor (in love and war) if you are going to be a fragile vase!!!
• For now, Kevin Cheng wins (by an inch). If KHN lose the stutterings he will win by a mile!

 

YINXIANG/ BAEK HA AKA 13TH PRINCE

• Pretty much my favourite character in C-BBJX. Wonderfully played by Yuan Hong. Extremely loyal to Yinzhen and a great friend to Ruoxi. A smooth and flirty guy <3. He loved Yinzhen a lot.
• Baek Ha reconnected with Wang So when he was allowed to stay in Songak. That is recent. How I wish their bromance is like in C-BBJX...
• Yuan Hong all the way. He was super good and smooth and dreamy as 13th. I'm not familiar with Nam Joo Hyuk, so I suppose Baek Ha is just not well developed compared to C-13th.

 

YINTI/ WANG JUNG AKA 14TH PRINCE

• Yinti and Ruoxi may be describe as having antagonistic friendship. Yinti viewed Ruoxi as Yinsi's woman and was always angered when he felt that Ruoxi was two-timing Yinti. Later on they became closer as misunderstandings between them cleared up. Yinti eventually took Ruoxi away from Yinzhen and the Forbidden Palace using Kangxi's marriage decree. He eventually did love her, but the feeling was not mutual and the intensity was not as strong as 4th.
• Wang Jung seemed significantly younger than Yinsi. A little immature even. I look forward to watch his development.
• At this point, I prefer C-14th.

 

YIN'E/ WANG EUN AKA 10TH PRINCE

• Basically "the foolish one". A straightforward guy who lacked deep thoughts, this was Ruoxi's first friend in Qing Dynasty. Quick to come to Ruoxi's assistance/ defense. A follower of 8th Prince.
• Wang Eun is pretty similar to Yin'e, but he is portrayed as being the least mature among the princes.
• 14th is fair play between both versions.

 

YINTANG/ WANG WON AKA 9TH PRINCE

• Yintang is a close follower of 8th Prince. But he is also pretty sly on his own. We only found out he planted a spy next to Ruoxi in the last few episodes.
• Not much has been revealed about Wang Won. But based on Ep 11, there is definitely more about him than meets the eye.
• Both C and K 9th aren't as well know as the other prince-actors in their respective country. I kind of like Han Dong, though. I've seen his other photos and I thought he has pretty eyes.

 

YINRENG/ WANG MO AKA CROWN PRINCE

• Spoiled, calculative and arrogant, he was heir apparent until stripped by Kangxi. He wasn't really a big character in C-BBJX. We see him in power struggle scenes. Yinzhen was potrayed as being his ally (pro Yinreng as crown Prince), but Yinreng/ Yinzhen bond never come close to the Yinzhen/ Yinxiang bromance.
• Wang Mo is more likable and he appears to have genuine affection for Wang So.
• Incomparable between the 2 versions due to different origin/ development.

 

NEW ADDITION: WANG YO (3RD PRINCE)

• There was a 3rd Prince in C-BBJX but his role is extremely small (not worth mentioning). And the was a 1st Prince in C-BBJX who was not elected as Crown Prince but he was a side character. Wang Yo is a new variable in the BBJX series.

 

EMPEROR KANGXI/ KING TAEJO

• Kangxi is among Qing's best emperors. His reign was long and mostly efficient. He is revered as a wise ruler. A highly capable emperor and an attentive father. But he also had favourites and differed in opinions with his sons and advisors. Extremely anti plotting.
• I honestly don't know much about Taejo. Except that he seemed to prefer stabilising his kingdom through marital relations. If he were a wise and revered king, the K-BBJX made a poor show of that.
• Wànsuì, wànsuì, wànwànsuì!!

 

FOR NOW....

Against C-BBJX, K-BBJX has yet to touch me in the same manner. Due to issues with the earlier episodes (floppy editing, unsuitable sound track and inconsistent storytelling), my enjoyment of the K-version has been jeopardised. The K-version had fundamentally changed Ruoxi/ Hae Soo and 4th Prince that they are no longer the same story. And it is wonderful that they aren't the same story. I just wish that the story flows smoother for the K-version and I want it to be as heartfelt as the C-version. There are still some episodes to come so I look forward to those.

To those who haven't watched the C-version do give it a go. It may not be your cup of tea as the storytelling is a bit more mature than the K-version. To those who have watched the C-version and disagree with me you are most welcomed to say your piece. I would love to share more of my views in later post.

[Nymeria289]

8 minutes ago, jazzellechng said:

episode 11 is making me cry crazily!

i still don't get it why people are still comparing BBJX with SHR.

in BBJX, the 8th prince's intention to get the throne was obvious from the start of the show. in SHR, WW initially did not want the throne until YH stepped in.

explains why in BBJX, we don't see the 8th prince turning to the dark side at all. he was at the dark side from the beginning.

He wasn't at the dark side. All the Princes more or less wanted power before and after Rouxi came in their lives. They all had ambitions, goals from the start. Rouxi merely set a chain of events in motion. 

8th was much more likable there. 

Here,  I do understand Wook but I can't like him. Mainly cause he is always the last one to know, understand and act. Passivity is his defining characteristic. This is precisely why Yeon Hwa will become Queen to Wang So while he will never be King.

[tatty]

3 hours ago, chatake said:

 

The King cannot marry Oh Sang Gong because she is of lowly birth. Also Oh Sang Gong probably does not want to get married as she is bitter about the King left her for power and throne. Also the court lady that was poisoned to miscarriage is Oh Sang Gong. Queen Yoo framed Wook's Mother and exiled her. She does not want her children to go thru the same thing as her.

Both the wine and the tea are poisoned. CP did not drank the wine. Also. YH faked being poisoned.

 

That make sense! Thanks for the clarification! 

[iridescentmoth]

I think IU really surpassed her prior performances during the rain scene. I could see the palpable moment that her infatuation for Wook was extinguished! The forlorn stare at his retreating form and the moment she gathers her resolve, her resignation to the inevitable. Intuitively she knew he was incapable of helping her, I could discern that from the lack of startled disappoint in her expression. 

I thought it was more of a look of disenchantment; she finally sees though the gentleman facade and courteous attentiveness, disintegrating in the rain right before her very eyes. 

[luvkstyle]

@whyo - thank you so much - Dramanice is showing the International version   I'm happy  I can't bear to miss anything 

 

[dhia205]

1 hour ago, solelylurking said:

 

Yeppp.. Serving fresh leaves green tea added with a tons of ginseng extract haha... I'm sure he's more than Mr. Grey although he's lack of experience. 

I think HS can get pregnant just by the look in his smoldering eyes sometimes. 

*make sure you lock the door secure and thight, you two*

oooo... experience just about number of effectuate dear, with that touchy-feely rate he will be expert in no time.. 

and you know ginseng can make your body warm, if you serve tons of ginseng he probably can't  wear some clothes for a while ahahahah... 

not only HS right?, by now I think he  already make millions ovaries explode with that eyes. maybe you too?? 

[Diana Blanche]

Shhh... Shhh... I would not let this happened to you again

 

But in front of his sister he had no courage to defend her

It was inevitable to end this way

 

Wang Wook knew his family, knew his sister very well he knew that his family needs strength and only a political marriage will give them this. That's why he hesitated so much to tell his mother and his sister that he loves Hae Soo and he want to marry her. He knew that he might be forced to choose between Hae Soo and his family obligations. Then why he encouraged her feelings towards him if he knew that? Why he was not honest and did not say her the truth? That it is possible for them to don't end up together.

 

[aypopa]

isn't the only one with beard the crown prince and king ???

and I like this PHOTO

 

[SizzlerZ]

@MadraRua Thank you very much for the roll call last night  

[sriskaddict]

I did watch c-version after I started k-version.and marathoned it in one go without sleeping. Storywise it was really intriguing. I agree.I may be biased(or sound superficial) but the look wise or costume wise I kind of felt off. But I liked c-version purely because of rouxi rather than any princes. She was fierce and initially hot headed too. I remember when she got title of 13th sister or something. Honestly c-version 4th Prince was really calculative. He was a little stiff for my taste. I did like 8th Prince there.and never considered his ambition wrong infact rouxi asking him to leave his ambition or her made me conflicted. I understood rouxi POV as well as 8th prince POV. Coundnot decide between two as opposed to k-version where I am su camp. While in c-version I was never sold on 4th-rouxi ship,maybe because I could never really leave 8th-rouxi ship, here I have no qualms about shipping them together. 

I think in last it boils down to individual taste. I don't really enjoy to heavy and political stuff,because they make me sad and angry at unfairness.this has been one reason I avoided GOT for so long until this year.

PS:but I do agree about sloppy editing and too much closeups.

[SizzlerZ]

Does Wang Wook become king in history??

[aypopa]

2 minutes ago, SizzlerZ said:

Does Wang Wook become king in history??

HE die in history in C-version he die with poison Roxie give him