Under the Queen's Umbrella

I was not expecting such a good quality series when I started. It also destroys some cliches of the historical k-dramas. MUCH more realistic characters and dialogs than the other K-dramas. The character development is amazing. Some diverse touch in the event flow makes it also unique. I almost got the same pleasure with Mr. Sunshine and crash landing on you (which are my TOP 2 Korean series).

BUT especially..... the queen...... I mean who has done the casting? Is there an oscar for casting? Spectacular. Incredible queen character, great acting.

Only 4 episode left. I wish it was 24 episodes instead of 16.

I normally don't review, but there are only 3 reviews on here at the time of writing. Hopefully my review helps a few people find this gem.

First off, the storyline on IMDB doesn't do this justice. I was expecting some boring drama about a queen raising her sons to be men. It was far from that.

I get excited any time I see something produced by Studio Dragon. Alchemy of Souls, Start-up and Crash Landing on You are examples. Everything is high quality - stunning visuals, amazing soundtracks, well thought-out scripts and excellent acting.

This isn't your typical K-drama. As of episode 8, there are no love triangles, squares, pentagrams, etc. There are only hints of future romance, and only briefly.

Now, for the 1st episode I was bored out of my mind. Took me 3 days to finish it - and just barely. But what I've learned from K-dramas is you need at least 2 or 3 episodes to decide if you like it. The first is usually introductions to both character and plot. And that was exactly what this was.

2nd episode - This is getting better. The queen is even starting to grow on me. First signs are showing that I may end up liking this one after all.

3rd episode - Ok, I'm hooked. I ended up finishing the next 5 available episodes in 2 days.

What you get is a vicious power struggle within the royal family of Joseon (early Korea). The queen is the main character and will do whatever it takes to protect her family. She can turn from a loving mother to a mama-bear in a heartbeat. Kim Hye-su was well-cast for this role. She is both queenly and motherly at the same time.

The queen dowager (Kim Hae-sook, queen's mother-in-law/king's mother) is a ruthless woman willing to do anything to take down the queen and her sons. The Minister of War (Kim Eui-sung) is also gunning to eliminate the royal family - sometimes together with the queen dowager, sometimes separately. Throw in a dozen of the king's concubines trying to elevate the status of their illegitimate sons and you have a complex weave of backstabbing and manipulation.

There is a fair amount of action in this series, though don't expect non-stop sword fights. I originally thought I'd be watching a boring political drama even as I started the second episode, but the suspense is what keeps you glued to the screen. Assassinations, corruption, kids sneaking out of the palace to get a taste of the city. Even verbal debates become interesting. And nobody is safe - young or old.

I didn't find it slow at all. Even the relationships between the grand princes and their half-brothers keep you interested. There are friends and enemies as if these half-brothers were nothing more than classmates. Comedy is minimal (no slapstick) and usually contained to a couple of the younger princes.

I'd call this historical fiction, but it is so much more. Don't come into this expecting Jane Eyre. It's nothing like Hollywood-made historical fiction - it's much more intense.

Now I need to find something else to watch until the next episodes of both The Queen's Umbrella and Alchemy of Souls come out. /sigh.

Korean Drama " Under the Queen's Umbrella " is a roller coaster.

The drama has multiple leyers, with the family drama, the palace politics and the comedy being the very core of it.

The battle between the strong female leads was intense to follow and it refreshing to see the Queen and not the King being the center of the political battles for once.

Also, the family drama was bittersweet, with tragedy but also some warm and lovable moments.

The comedy aspect, moreover, was spot on, without exaggerations to produce laughter. Rather, the funny moments came naturally and were well handled.

Last, but not least, the performances were enjoyable, but the leading lady was a dynamite.

So, overall, nine out of ten.

I can't wait until this show gets the views and celebrity that it deserves!! It was exceptional!! Definetly in my top 3 kdrama! The first episode doesn't give it justice but after that it's amazing! The pace is really good and the acting is fantastic! Such a great storyline and based on the few few episodes you don't expect it to toss and turn the way it does! Kept me excited! It's the first kdrama I have watched where I had to wait each week to watch each episode! I started getting really excited for the weekend to come. I strongly recommend this kdrama!! There isn't 1 episode that is filler. Hope you enjoy.

An unconventional queen is faced with challenges on all side as she struggles to protect her sons who are all bought into play as factions within the palace try to gain power. The queen is played outstandingly by Kim Hye-soo who is captivating on the screen as she defends her family from many enemies mainly influenced by the queen mother played with convincing aplomb by Kim Hae-sook. I would have probably rated it an eight as it does get bogged down a little at the end but the extra point is for the two protagonists. If you enjoy court intrigue and like strong female characters this is worth a watch.