The Matchmakers

I have watched a fair number of Joseon era shows, and this ranks with the best of them. (Add to your watch list: The Crowned Clown, 100 Days My Prince, The Red Sleeve and the Rookie Historian). It also beats out the only other Matchmaking show I have seen: Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency. The basic plot is fairly straightforward: a brilliant but nerdy scholar marries the King's daughter who dies on their wedding night, leaving him a prince but with virtually nothing to do. Through happenstance, he gets mixed up with a widowed matchmaker who is also from a noble family. Neither one knows the secret identity of the other. He is charged with finding brides within 2 months for 3 spinsters or he will be forced to drink poison. While winding through the archaic courtship practices of the day, we find the expected (but well done) mix of court intrigue, murder, situational comedy, and a small bit of action. In terms of acting. The two leads have excellent chemistry and are in good humor. Particularly noteworthy, in my opinion, are the villainess (mother- in-law) who seems to be making a career of these kinds of appearances (as in the Red Sleeve), and the youngest of the three spinster sisters who positively glows when she gets going and is on screen. The King is a superb performer who I think particularly steps up this time in his acting game. Everything about this show is excellent. Highly recommended.

I really liked the production in the beginning. All characters had an amazing developemnt and growing arches, but little things began to occur, like several sudden costume jumps in scenes/ situations which are happening temporarily just a while after the other, on the same day. Then appeared the breaks in the continuity of the story itself and it was difficult to know why something simply occurred. There were plenty of examples, but the most irritating was the one within the evolution of the love story of the protagonists. Also the little, but super fast after credit snipets were not included in the next episodes and things just came to be without further explanation. Maybe there was too much to tell and screen time was not enough.

Korean Drama '' The Matchmakers '' is a historical romantic comedy.

The drama has a delightful to watch female lead, who was adorable, sassy, feisty, and nailed her emotional moments. She actually carried the drama when things started getting cheesy and boring.

Also, the couple was enjoyable to watch, as they had interesting banter and their dynamics were spot on. However, the love story was just okay, taking off only toward the ending of the series, and being more or less unoriginal. Still, the drama handled them having a significant other that they missed masterfully.

The performances, finally, were pretty great by everyone in the cast, even the side characters. The final episodes, however, were rushed and boring.

So, overall, five out of ten.

This historical drama brought a fresh and original script to the table, a rarity in the genre. The narrative bravely delves into the hidden aspects of society during that period, shedding light on topics often overlooked. The exploration of ageism, the challenges faced by widows, and the subtle portrayal of homosexuality added a layer of realism that made the drama stand out.

One of the most compelling aspects was its unapologetic confrontation of societal norms, particularly the discrimination against women. Despite enduring prejudices, the portrayal of women as powerful figures managing households showcased their resilience and strength. The drama succeeds in making viewers reflect on historical injustices and appreciate the often-overlooked roles women played in shaping families.

The comedic elements were not only entertaining but also remarkably on point. Rowoon's portrayal of the male lead was nothing short of exceptional, perfectly capturing the essence of the genre. While the main leads lacked chemistry, the secondary couples more than made up for it. Their captivating stories added depth to the overarching plot, making the drama a wholesome and emotionally resonant experience.

While a few plot holes and questionable twists, especially in the last episode, may have raised eyebrows, the overall journey was a positive one. This one managed to deliver a feel-good drama with a satisfying ending that leaves the audience content. It's a testament to the show's ability to balance social commentary, humor, and heartwarming relationships, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking a unique historical drama experience.

Humour, romance and palace intrigue all come together beautifully in this well-crafted K-Drama that almost gives you the feel of a Shakespearean Comedy! I started watching this drama with no expectations. And my oh my this show turned out to be a gem! Had to keep rewatching many scenes many times, not just for their entertainment value but also sometimes to decipher some witty Korean dialogue and social banter.

The locations, sets and interiors are so aesthetically pleasing and the entire ensemble of cast members did a fabulous job. Special mention: the BGM!

The FL character has the right mix of spunkiness and sweetness and Choi Yi-Hyun nailed it. However, I have to hand it to Rowoon for being outstanding in this drama. He is brilliant as the Nerdy Scholar who cannot even run properly, let alone hold a sword. He and his butler played by actor Kim Hyun-mok display great comedic timing. Rowoon is a treat to watch as the conceited resentful grouch, especially in the scenes when his psychosomatic symptoms flare up. Just his body language, facial expressions and awkwardness are guaranteed to give you quite a few laughs.

Kudos to the writer for making Lady Park such an interesting character. With just last couple of episodes left to air, I sincerely hope that this drama gives us a happy ending, please!