The Moon That Embraces the Sun

The younger cast had 6 episodes and really built a solid base for the drama. Their acting range were far superior to all the adults, except Kim Soohyun that reprises their roles.

The female lead was like a card board cutout that utters only the dialogues. She had just one emotion: Act Surprised!

There was no chemistry between her and the male lead. And their love story felt flat. The only saving grace was the Lee Hwon character, which was greatly built up by Yeo Jingoo and successfully continued by Kim Soohyun. The character is absolutely iconic! Props to the actors and the writers.

The story was sweet too (if not for the female lead for ruining it for me). I loved the comedy between the King and his servant, as well as the bromance between the brothers.

This is a solid drama. And would have been a masterpiece had they casted an actress who can actually act.

This is a powerful historical drama and love story, combining myth, shamanism, Confucius thought and a glimpse into some aspects of an ancient society. Very well-done and most compelling. Having lived many years in Korea/Japan, it gives me more insight into the depths of Korean history and society, the script they used, the food they ate, how they treated each other. I am dying to get back to Korea and see the people, experience the amazing cuisine of many small dishes of various fish, vegetables, rice, and visit the temples.

By studying this series, one can gain some good understanding into the Confucius thought that Korea adopted as its "religion" for hundreds of years, and gain some good insight into the people today.

I overheard a student where i work mentioning that all her friends were asking for more Korean program suggestions on Netflix and I was intrigued. I've already enjoyed a few subtitled shows and when I heard her discussing them I knew I had to see for myself. While one of the suggestions wasn't really my cup of tea, Moon Embracing the Sun is one of those series you can only hope you find another like it. I'm on Episode 13 of 20 of Moon Embracing the Sun and it is one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had on television in years. It's a Korean period piece set in the distant past with a little bit of everything. The drama and romance (not sex) between the main characters is so intense. I love looking at their faces, their clothes, everything they do and the places they go. I find myself staring at the screen. It's a story about lovers who are subject to the events around them living in the royal palace and city. There's some political intrigue. There's the shaman culture and Confucian philosophy. There is a point where without warning the characters are replaced by older actors in a passage of time so I was a little confused at first but soon caught up. Love the actors who play the King - young and old. I'm thinking I want to know more about Korea now.

If you love melodramas and period dramas, then you can not miss this one. This drama has it all, a strong love story, intense mystery, nice background story and politics. I loved that they kept the interest high throughout the twenty episodes, though some dramas tend to overdo it and spread the story so it can last for that long. The flawless acting helped in this case as well, though the leading lady was kind of emotionless at some points. Another thing that kind of stood out for me was that the moving from the past characters to the adult ones was a bit of a bumpy ride, but I can overlook that one, judging this drama as a whole.

MOON EMBRACING THE SUN (2012)

Definitely a classic. Predictable ending though. All the actors were brilliant. I felt all their emotions. I like the Crown Prince Lee Hwon (Yeo Jin-goo) and the King Lee Hwon (Kim Soo-hyun) the most. I cry when they cry.

8.75/10 for me.

Been watching Historical drama the past weeks. I would like to be a shaman for one day. Haha!