I've watched more than a dozen dramas, I never thought that it would take me so long. I start watching Western TV series (I almost do not perceive ours at all), but they do not catch on and watch some drama again. After all, in the presence of a fairy-tale plot, controversial characters and numerous shortcomings, this genre (if you can say so) is unusually attractive and above all for its soulfulness, humanity, emotionality, etc.
If we talk about “Jan Ok Chun” (“Concubine”), I became interested in this series, after I learned that it was broadcast on one of the leading Ukrainian TV channels and I was curious why they chose it (although I watched it with Russian voiceover, because Ukrainian is already overloaded).
In general, all dramas have one significant drawback. At some point, interest disappears and you want to rewind and miss a lot of slow and tearful scenes.
But Concubine is a very unusual series! Personally, I believe that if “Concubine” is attributed to dramas, then she stands out very much from the others. And above all, the plot. I’ve never been bored with so many events, so many interesting characters. The whole movie is in suspense until the last minute!!
When I saw that the king is played by Yu A Ying, known to me from the “Songyungwan Scandal” was very surprised, because he has a rather specific appearance (large facial features and ears), and his role there was also specific. BUT!! He's so transformed! I even forgot that he was once a “mad bull”, really an actor of not one role!
I really liked the performer of female roles and Jang Ok Jong and Queen Ming, and the first queen, and in general, the Queen Mother and the Dowager Queen and courtiers all liked. And the male part of the cast did not fail, very well selected, very real played. The only one who did not like and irritated terribly is this concubine-stealer (I do not remember the name).
This series is stated as historical and indeed, the main historical moments were observed. The writers and director decided to experiment with the characters and their relationships. We don’t know now what Jang Ok Jong was like, or what a mean intriguer (as she is seen in the history of Korea), we don’t know what Queen Ming and the king were like, but perhaps if they were like the ones in the series, it would be better.
I really liked the ending, although I was morally ready for such a final, I still cried for half an hour at least.
If you are romantic, if you love dramas or if you are open to something new and ready to overcome prejudices that watching "Korean" TV series is ridiculous?! (which is quite the opposite)! Make sure you watch. The series is so beautiful!
10 out of 10