Flor de caballero

Good drama that just misses greatness, but with main leads that are perfect, though I wished for more focus on their characters and their story. Both actors have eyes that say far more than words can summon-and what they tell us is so touching about the characters and the developing story line that not taking the time is a clear mistake by the director. It's why the series just misses greatness and causes the plot to struggle in spots. Still, it is good, and I enjoyed it. I'm hearing there is a second season next Sept, so I'm happy that perhaps they will have time to do more developing of the main story-because these two characters have far more to say-to each other.

For the early episodes of this series I was unsure of its staying power. At times it only just managed to retain me into the following episode.

Then, almost without letting me in on the secret, it began to gain more traction. I guess that the plotting has taken its time to build up the sense of threat hanging over from events that had taken place 15 years earlier. And gradually the lead characters became more energised by their efforts to uncover the nasty shenanigans lurking behind the scenes. And so I became more engaged.

Even so, I was surprised by the extent to which the final episode's denouement gave me satisfaction. I found myself deeply engaged and smiling broadly.

It was also interesting to discover more of Joseon's social attitudes, which run so counter to modern sensibilities. This series highlights to taboo of widowhood, which was new to me.

Overall this is worth a watch. If you find early episodes underpowered then stick with it.

A simple story with a recurring theme of the Joseon era and the difficulties of divorced and widowed women in life with a very weak romance flavor.

The actors are all great and it is also a comedy drama, but since the story is not original, the first 5 episodes are very boring. The show peaks from episodes 6 to 9 and becomes exciting, but then declines again in the last 3 episodes.

In addition, there is no skinship or kiss in this series, perhaps because of the 12-year age difference between the actors in the lead role. However, I did not get addicted to watching it because of its monotonous plot and I give it a 7 out of 10 points.

'Night Blooming Flower' has everything we can ask for. Comedy, Romance, Action, History, Crime, and Mystery. More importantly, it is good at every one of them.

There are three branches of main narratives: a vigilante helping the people in need, Lady Jo's brothers missing, mystery around the death of the late king, and romance between Lady Jo and Park Soo-ho. Each one is complicated enough, but writers manage to keep them in order and in organization AND to connect events from all four categories and weave them together to tell one whole story.

Each character is distinctive, charming, and dynamic. Every individual has not only strength but also weakness. I think weakness is the reason that the audience feels closer to him or her. For example, mother-in-law is blinded by social expectations and high standards of a noble family, and she sometimes pressures Lady Jo to have one meal a day or to pray all day and night. However, she also has taken care of Lady Jo for 15 years and becomes the closest thing to family she's ever got. Even the main villain has two sides: the killer of the king just to prevent social equality from happening and the sweetest husband.

'Night Blooming Flower' introduced a young promising actor, Lee Jong-won who played Park Soo-ho. It is the first time for me to see him on any screen, and he nails it. First, he can deliver unlike many young actors these days. His voice is deep and stable. It was such a pleasure to see his performance.

I love Korean historical romantic comedies, and this one just has it all. Lee Hanee's comedic timing is excellent, the costumes and set are beautiful while the story itself centers around a mysterious event some 15 years ago, when the former king died, Lee Hanee's character was widowed and someone orchestrated clandestine events. Since then Lee Hanee's character has lived as a widow at day, but thanks to her martial training she rights wrongs during the night. I also thoroughly enjoy how the female lead is an adult woman while the chemistry with the male lead is very enjoyable. I'm eight episodes in and can't wait for the next one.