Amanti della Luna: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

This was a drama I had heard about - or, rather, read about a lot - in the past, though at that point I really did not pay much attention to it so when I decided to watch Moon Lovers over a year later since it first came out it was on a whim (and completely blind, since I hadn't spoiled myself). I binge-watched this, by the way, in the span of 2 days and it did kill me, yes.

Cast/Acting
Beforehand I was a bit wary of this drama due to it's cast. Now, I don't judge actors and whatever kind of background they may have, but idols (or singers, for that matter) who decide to act are often either really lacking or turn out to be surprisingly talented. In this case I was extremely positively surprised by IU's acting skills!  I have never listened to her music or seen any other film/series in which she stars in, so if I hadn't known before that she was a singer I would definitely have mistaken her as a pure actress! Besides her I also genuinely loved the entire cast in this drama! The acting was superb on everyone's part and all of the characters they portrayed were just so so great and insteresting. I honestly felt like I was part of the world, which really doesn't happen that often.

Story
Story-wise this drama was a whole rollercoaster of feelings. In the beginning I thought, oh alright it's picking up the pace here we go, and then, yes, this is good! and then came the point were I believed we would get the ultimate happy end .. and suddenly the entire drama pulled a 90° turn. It made me happy, sad, giggle around due to all of the sweet scenes and cry like a baby throughout the entire 80% of the series.  Personally I'd say if someone likes romance and tragedy than this is quite a nice watch, even though there are some reeeeeeeealllly tiny moments of comedy too, though those were really nice rays of sunshine in between all of the more sad and heavy scenes.

OST
Now, the most important thing of this drama for me was it's OST. I have to admit that I often don't even pay attention to the music playing in the background of certain scenes mostly because it's just ... lacking something. But here everytime the soundtrack came on, especially - that- song (you know which if you have watched the drama) my heart stopped, because I knew  1) I'd probably start to cry again and the scene that would come on would be really impactful. While as a whole I loved the drama I still think that this soundtrack has made a juwel into a diamond. I don't normally by OST's of any kind of media, may it be film, series or similar but for Moon Lover I will make an exception because I need this music in my life.

In the end I finished this drama within two days and while I started it not expecting much it turned into the most memorable 48hours of laughcrying  I had ever the joy of torturing myself with. The story, the characters and the world as a whole grew on me so much within this short time span and I'll probably be stuck thinking about this series for a while before I can start watching another drama again. I'll definitely rewatch this, and that probably more than only just one time.

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There is something about Scarlet Heart Ryeo that I was just hooked at the first episode. I binge watched it till the final episode, only stopping once to sleep. I was really expecting this to be a cheesy drama filled with bad love songs and cringe-worthy dialogue- boy was I wrong!

The story was 10/10. The plot kept me compelled to watch to the very end. The story was executed so beautifully that I hadn't realized I spent 20 hours watching this. The writers let the characters feel like real people, the backstories made sense to the plot, and decisions the characters made were understandable. This drama was just so well done that I won't be able to forget the plot or details anytime soon.

The Actors were absolutely excellent. Lee Joon Ki's performance was probably the high point of all of this. He mad me feel bad for the 4th prince, fall for him, hate his guts, laugh, and sob like a baby. I won't spoil anything, but this man is the at crying. He makes it so realistic that just makes your heart ache. He is so romantic in this it made my heart flutter too! I just couldn't help but smile.
IU, I wish her character was a bit stronger, she was amazing as an actress, but I felt that her character was slightly lacking in competence.
But the love story is just SO GOOD! You could feel the love radiating off both of them. It was just so heartwarming ad gorgeous that I instantly loved them together.

The sound track was SO unbelievably good. The original background songs like Wing of Goryeo were just beautiful and conveyed the mood of the show wonderfully. That song is just beautiful and the vocals were captivating. And the songs like "Can You Hear My Heart" just had be smiling every time it was on. The music is just amazing and helps convey the story and the emotion so well!

I have already re-watched this once (with my roommate, who doesn't usually like Korean dramas but had us up bingeing it till 1am in the morning because she just adored it). It is just a must watch. I pray that they make a second season to this masterpiece because we NEED one desperately.

The only bad thing I have to say about it is that it left me crying so hard I started choking on my tears both times I watched it. I ran out of tissues... But I so recommend this to anyone even if you don't normally enjoy historical dramas.

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Very confusing and poorly adapted plot (SORRY FOR MY ENGLISH, IS VERY BAD)

I watched the Chinese version, and I say that Moon Lovers doesn’t get along, I can’t deny that the protagonists´ performances surprised me but the story didn’t contribute to that, I thought they killed many characters, the story gradually became very predictable, the ascent of the 4th prince to the throne very tiring. There were 20 episodes, they managed to deliver the best tray drama, but they failed a lot. Regarding the costumes, it showed how the clothes used in the Goryeo Dynasty were, but it did not match the time, the same with the sets, palaces, etc., that did not allude to Goryeo.

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Frustrating in later episodes

Watched this drama because of previous recommendations. For me it didn't meet the hyped up expectations. Had to fast forward parts in episodes 15 onwards. FL's character was frustrating. IU's acting was at times hard to watch. The later storylines felt like it was a mish mash of trying to put things together so that an ending can be made.

The political back and forth is to be expected as its based in the palace but there was too much focus on FL non action than other character stories. The love triangle got tired.

I've decided to do a pros and cons based on my opinion:

PROs
The Princes - nice eye candy
Lee Joon GI - good acting and eye candy
Costumes
Quality of Actors - experienced actors who were able to portray believable characters

CONs
Lengthy drama - could've stopped at 16 episodes
FL - IU's acting - not good

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Moon lovers: scarlet heart ryeo. AKA the definition of tragedy.

hey google. what is the definition of depression? Google: the feeling you get when the last episode of moon lovers ends.

if you are a masochist and are indeed looking for a drama that will tear out your heart, and leave it shattered on the grown, leaving you with pain so unreal you want to just die, this is it, if not... -
-DO NOT WATCH!
WARNING POST: DEPRESSION ALERT!
Don't forget to watch the Korean drama moon lovers scarlet heart? you must hear often.
You will see a lot of reviews like this in the group, ''the drama is very good'', ''you should watch it''- with all these...
Many will give you tricks! give suggestions, try to show the drama even force you to see it, Don't forget to watch out for these things.
Remember, all of this is intriguing to the conspirators.
It's not a drama, it's a nightmare. Once you watch the drama, you can't get out of this dilemma. The day/world will not feel any better. You will fall into deep depression. All would seem meaningless. you Will not want to eat rice.
Those who will suggest this drama, remember they are your enemies!
If they like it they will tell you to watch this drama, remember these people are masochists, because they don't want it. Even if you don't want to see, they will show it to you and force it. Don't forget, don't fall into their trap. If anyone wants to discuss this drama with you, just block it immediately!!! (just so you know i am one of those people.)
And if you don't, if you go to see them and watch the drama, then you will regret it. Will want to climb on the roof in the middle of the night and cry alone. The chest will be filled with wailing. Even if you have a boyfriend/girlfriend, you will feel single. And if you aren't single, you will only remember being single. Why do you think again and again about it? If not, how could it be! Nothing will feel good, nothing !!!
after the last episode stops playing you sprawl out on your bed looking at the ceiling with your mouth wide open in shock for five or more minutes just thinking about it like whaaaaaaaa... then you start sobbing just thinking about every tragic part( the whole second half) then fall asleep from crying too hard, then you wake up and you have the worst headache you have ever had in your life, and when you go pee it's practically brown because you're so dehydrated, then the whole next day you will listen to will be back by I'm sun hae( the song that plays after every depressing part) and while listening you will think about it and start bawling again, so you basically bawl all day long, you won't want to eat rice like me.
I said what I had to say. No one can blame me if I don't want to eat rice after watching this drama later. But I was warned before.
now I warn you.
but for me i do not regret it! i will never regret it! i watch and watch over and over again and never regret it!

so... Although it destroyed me, it was amazing! it had an amazing but messed up story, amazing acting, amazing ost and amazing chemistry between all of the couples, and it has such a romance in it that was out of this world! between all the couples! it honestly has such a romance like insane, you get connected to the characters witch makes it worse. you will feel heartbroken, you will ache for them, but it is such a good story and well-made drama so you will just have no other choice but to love it.
if you do love a good cry wait sorry SOB (not son of a b**** sob a SOB BARELY CAN BREATHE COZ YOUR NOSE IS SO CLOGGED SOB) with good acting and amazing romance, chemistry, action, and also comedy, you will absolutely LOVE this
10/10 from me! but a bunch of enemies will recommend remember this. mark my words whoever recommend this to you is your ENEMYS! 0.0

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deserved the hype

i loved it !! i held back from watching it for sooo so long because of all the good reviews and high ratings (+ people BEGGING for season two) and NOW I GET IT . i get WHY.

i barely pay attention to the OSTs and MLSHR took a turn for me on that. im obsessed now lol.

the casts are amazing and i loveeed the first few episodes (also the others just those more) because the chemistry between them all was so lovely. wish Haesu stayed a noble throughout the show but :/ circumstances.

i love angst i love it i love everything idk i cant think i just love everything about this show EXCEPT wang so / 4th Prince / Gwangjong's last line. WHY. WHY DID IT GAVE US HOPE FOR SEASON 2 . now ill be in the stage of grief and beg for season 2 from the producers.

if you haven't watched it Go and watch tf!!!

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Scarlet Heart Ryeo is the Korean version of the Chinese novel "Bu Bu Jing Xin," which was also adapted into a popular Chinese drama. I watched both versions, and while the Chinese one was great, Scarlet Heart Ryeo's stellar acting, storyline, music, and production made it the one that left the deeper impression. I've watched over 200 dramas, and Scarlet Heart Ryeo remains my #1 favorite.

Music:
The reason why I started to watch Scarlet Heart Ryeo was because of its OST. I was listening to the soundtrack on Spotify and liked all of the songs so much that I decided to watch it immediately. From Punch, Davichi, Taeyeon, AKMU to SG Wannabe, the artist lineup was pretty insane and each OST was perfect for any scene/situation; the songs were incorporated so well that it really took the entire drama to another level.

Story:
If you can't handle ugly crying you really shouldn't watch Scarlet Heart bc it really hits you hard with the feels. Have a box of tissues ready and be prepared to laugh and cry at the same time because you really end up forming a deep connection with the characters.

The story was well-paced - it's not the type of drama where you plant your hands on the right arrow key in case you need to fast forward - you don't want to skip any scene because they're all important, all of the side characters are likable and play an important role to the main story, and no episode is slow or boring. The friendships/relationships between the characters were very touching and strongly built, and the love lines were well developed. The struggles between familial responsibility, loyalty to friendship/love, and personal morals is what makes the story so deep and powerful. I'm glad I watched this after it aired because I honestly don't think I could've handled waiting a week for two episodes. I literally finished Scarlet Heart in two days.

Acting/Cast:
Each and every actor in this drama was a perfect fit for their role - they all portrayed their characters flawlessly.
I was most impressed by Kang Ha Neul's acting in this entire series; his calm composure, cautious and reserved manner, mild facial expressions, and complex emotions were all conveyed brilliantly. The way he showed his affection towards Hae Soo and his character transformation as the 8th prince was perfect and spot on.
Lee Joon Ki also did a great job acting as Wang So. The 4th prince's anger, feelings of frustration and shame, and his passionate, bold, reckless, yet loyal personality was well delivered.
As for IU, her acting was often criticized by people when the drama first came out. Although she wasn't as good as KHN or LJK, I still think that she did a good job. Over time, we can clearly see how Hae Soo's initially carefree and fearless character slowly transforms through each of her experiences.
The King, the Queens, the princes (Hong Jong Hyun, Nam Joo Hyuk, Ji Soo, Baekhyun), and literally every side character (Hae Soo's cousin, court lady Oh, the princess, Chaeyeong, and the general (Sung Dong Il LOL) left lasting impressions because of their realistic acting.

Rewatch Value:
I've rewatched this series like three times and every time I watch it I cry a river and get stuck with the feels for like 5 days. Definitely worth rewatching every once in a while.

After finishing Scarlet Heart Ryeo, I was so attached to it that I literally checked every week to see if there was news of a second season lol. But since that didn't seem possible and because I liked the story so much that I couldn't move on, I ended up watching the Chinese adaptation. It had been around for a while (I think since 2011?) but I could never bring myself to watch it because of the bald dudes. It was actually really good too and I recommend all fans who can't move on from this drama to go on and watch that one. But I liked this one better ㅠㅠ

It's such a shame how this was poorly received in Korea despite the high popularity overseas. But overall, Scarlet Heart Ryeo is really a funny, heartwarming, sad, and unforgettable drama that I definitely hard rec to anyone who hasn't watched it yet.

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Scarlet Heart Ryeo is one such drama that will make you watch all episodes back to back since all the episode endings were so gripping.Story: 9.5/10 A historical drama about the Goryeo Kingdom(King Taejo and his sons) .This drama had so many important characters(Kings,Princes,Queens) and each had a justified reason for their behaviour with each other throughout the drama.Action scenes were awesome.
Acting/Cast:10/10 Wow! An amazing cast(so many handsome and cute princes and IU(Hae Soo) is just so cute with them :D)This was my first Lee Joon Ki drama and I was just amazed by his role of the 4th Prince(Wang So).He is an amazing actor!!Also the 3rd Prince was perfect as Wang Yo.
This was also the acting debut for EXO's BaekHyun(as the 10th Prince).So EXO-L's don't miss out this one.P.S I love EXO
Overall acting by each character was very good :D
Music:9/10EXO-CBX(Chen,BaekHyun and Xiumin) have one of the tracks as their OST(For you).
My favourite one would be My Love by Lee Hi
Rewatch Value:9.5/10
I've fallen in love with Wang So and Hae Soo
Overall:10/10 Well directed, well produced drama ; great dialogues ,great acting and an amazing cast!Definitely one of the top 3 dramas of 2016. Also,I would look forward to more Lee Joon Ki dramas in the future!

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Scarlet Heart Ryeo. It's packed with an amazing cast, a storyline that just makes you want to scream at your screen, and the soundtrack that could save Goryeo itself. Let's start with the main couple: Hae Soo and Wang So, the couple that ruins you. One is a time traveler essentially that is stuck in Goryeo where power is constantly yearned for by the royal family, or the group of blessed children I like to call. Between all of the handsome brothers, there's the black sheep of the family, Wang So. It may be your casual black sheep with the pretty girl, but Hae Soo's motives turn into the story of the land. Her relationship with Wang So is complicated and tested through their lives. Wang So also struggles with his family that he basically hates. All together, it makes the perfect historical drama with power struggles and a bunch of cupid arrows. If you're into historical dramas, watch this, if not, still watch it because it's that good. I'll admit, this story didn't captivate me until after it aired, but it's a story that's forever embedded into my mind. I highly recommend anyone to watch this drama and give their own opinion of how they liked (And hated) this story of Goryeo. NOTE: I would recommend tissues, just a heads up. (I went through quite a lot unexpectedly cause I didn't read the reviews before watching.)

But... I must point out parts of this drama that should probably only be read if you want to read them.
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!SPOILER ALERT!
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Let me start with how bitter I am about that cliffhanger. I know the 2nd season (if they ever had one) is suppose to revolve about them meeting in the modern world which was truly a heartbreak for me when I found out it wasn't happening. Wang So and Hae Soo probably could've had a happier ending, but that's what made me cry and love about this drama so much. The cliffhanger was supposed to be continued with a second season I'm sure but it sucks for fans of the series that probably were petitioning (I know I did) and fighting for them to properly end this story. I will admit, I had some second lead syndromes here and there, but was overall a pile of salt when I realized Wang So's tragic ending. More than anyone, I think he got the short end of the stick. I mean after all, he lost the girl he loved because of a whole misunderstanding and didn't even know about his daughter, which also by the way confused me. I interpreted it as him assuming the kid wasn't his, but rather the child of Hae Soo and Wang Jung. All in all, the ending sucked and I wished there was a second season.

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