Our Blooming Youth

The cast is superb: I love the characters and story lines. And I adore both leads: he is subtle and calm with a wry sense of humor; much of his acting is through his eyes alone. She is adorable and spunky, more than a match for his highness. Their scenes together are funny and touching; the growing affection and mutual protectiveness come through poignantly. Support cast is excellent, and I cared about their characters, especially the 2nd male lead who nearly steals the drama he's so good. My only complaint is the writing could have been tighter, and the plot strengthened. 16 eps might be better than 20 because the longer series too often flounder in repetitive plot re-enactments and filler scenes. Still, I recommend the series: though for me the series just misses being great, it's very good, and I'm glad I watched it.

Everything about this drama, from the intricate storyline to the eye-catching and beautiful aesthetics and incredibly talented cast, everything about this drama was impeccable!

I had been waiting for this drama for over a year now and I can say with full confidence that every second of the wait was worth it. I rushed here to write this review after finishing the last episode because this drama truly deserves it. This drama really managed to tug my heartstrings haha.

I was also really glad to see how the ending allowed the characters to have their deserved closure. If you're thinking about giving this a watch, please don't waste another thought and watch it right away, you won't regret it!!

Our Blooming Youth is a story of two individuals - a Crown Prince and a noblewoman who are thrown together when calamity befells them, who grow with each other, as they protect each other from forces that want them dead. Their romance is not run of the mill boy meets girls and falls in love for no reason kind. There is practically no skinship but their bond and chemistry is so powerful that even them standing close to each other is fraught with sensual tension and has you rooting for them. It's based on trust, respect, and true need for each other. They express their love in so many ways that it's beautiful to behold,"actions more than words' being the theme. In fact, it stays true to the eastern culture of personal space between a man and a woman who definitely would not have touched each other in the Josean period unless strictly platonic. This means that one hug can be more powerful than thousand other meaningless kisses. It stays true in many parts of the world today. The side characters of Myung Jin and Ga Ram are equally fun who bring in a lot of livety. The development of the bond between the four of them, and even between Min Jay Yi the the royal guard is given a lot of thought. Li Hwan and Jay Yi are goal driven individuals who single mindedly persue larger objectives, keeping aside their personal feelings, yet their need for each other only grows. The underlying social theme that is responsible for their plight is depicted beautifully. The story starts as a murder and a curse mystery but the actual plot is way bigger, and very complex, the root cause being what makes the world a dangerous place even today - greed for power and authority. It might take a couple of rewatches to connect all the dots, but every dot is well connected.

The story does suffer from a bit lack of direction in a couple of episodes in the middle where reveals could have been faster and more effiecient, but it's something that can be easily overlooked as the last episodes not only get your adranalin pumping, but the sheer brilliance of the Li Hwan's character, and Jay Yi's perseverence bowls you over. You would be reaching out for tissues in many places. The costumes are spectacular, there are many many genuine laugh out loud moments as it's peppered with humor which is thankfully neither slapstick or bufoony. A terrific series, a must watch for those who are a fan of period dramas.

The story, especially the mystery aspect and how the protagonists figure it out and set things right, is compelling. The acting is remarkable, particularly those of the lead characters, Park Hyung Sik as the crown prince and Jeon So Nee as Min Jae Yi / Go Soon Dol.

Though it features gender-switching, a trope I'm not too crazy about, I don't mind it that much here as the characters who matter know about the subterfuge early on. And when you're wrongfully accused of murder, what could be a better way to hide while you try to find the real culprit?

The dedication of the crown prince to do what is right for his people is awe-inspiring. That scene where he is struggling between duty and love, between marrying the chosen crown princess or following his heart is so powerful I cried, though it is depicted so subtly with no tears shed, just his face showing his heartbreak. I also love how he chooses peace and forgiveness at the end instead of going all out shedding more blood to avenge every single wrong committed by the enemies.

The ending is lovely. I wish all dramas have endings as heartwarming as this.

The first 8 episode just kept me hooked up. I can't even move my eyes off the screen. Each and every scene was played so well. Applause for all the actors and actresses and the satffs.

Park Hyung Sik, this man has never disappointed me and i hope will never too. His acting skills is so good from top to bottom. Love him and his character. He surprised everyone thru Happiness drama and this one is just another masterpiece of his. I still hope the ending won't be sad but a happy one. Others are also very cool. The mystery part is amazing and keeps me guessing and wondering. Hyung Sik oppa's this character reminds me of hwarang. Really missed his prince look and now its back....

Happy watching.. 💗💗