Bloody Heart // 9/10

"You are my lover, my queen, and my political rival."

i cant say that it's perfect but it was GREAT. the way that the dramas was plotted, how the characters were fleshed out it is really amazing and unique. this is a political, historical and romance drama that did a great job of mixing up those things.

i'd want to focus more on the characters as they really moved the story forward. how the film is driven by the characters is amazing. every decision that they make has its own consequences, and those consequences become the driving force for the plot to forward.

The King
- at first, he does look like a weak and powerless king. pretty much like every king that i've watched in sageuk dramas so far? but as the story progress, i realized that he's actually not. he's powerless but not really weak. at some point, i considered him stupid, but thats not really the perfect description for him hahaha. he's self-righteous, selfish, unforgiving, cunning, decisive, foolish, vengeful. yes, and not in the the best way. i'd say that at some point, this qualities of him drove the whole palace in chaos and the whole kingdom at stake.

by the second half, i was truly mad, frustrated and annoyed by him. he's not a benovelent king and it's true. he's a gray character. in between good and bad, actually, everyone in this drama is.

a lot of other watchers hate him for these traits and quality, and i totally understand. however, i can understand why he became like that. the way that he was brought up, his environment, experience and traumas made him who he is. and the every decision that he make is always in character. although not always right.

for me it's not, you either hate him or like him because he's in the middle of good and bad; which, if you ask me, the most realistic approach you could give to a king. he is not the best king but he is one of the most realistic one from those ive watch so far. so i may not love him so much but i will surely remember him for a long time.

i do appreciate what they did to him by the end. the realization and lessons that hit him. and him finally accepting the Queen, not just as a wife, but as his political rival.

Councilor Park
- some would say that he's the antagonist, but no one's an antagonist in this drama. he love his country so much that he'd do everything just to stop another tyranny, without realizing that he would be responsible for the tyrant ---. his love for his country is amazing, however, his means werent. he wont care if there would be sacrifices, chaos and death, which is ironical, as long as it would be for the kingdom/country's wellness.

but i would give that he's smart as heck. and Jang Hyuk's portrayal is just perfect. hes the type of antagonistic character that you wouldnt wish to die as he really raise the stakes and keeps the plot moving and interesting.

Queen Dowager
- i want to hate her until the end but i just couldnt? what she did was unforgivable, but i could understand what drives her to this point. i actually pitied her for being controlled by men and ended up imprisoned in the palace. however, i hope she was held accountable at least for everything that she did.

and its just to frustrating that the king cant touch her after everything that she did just because he's her mother, well, at least in paper. dude, come on, she's basically just his stepmom?


The Queen/Consort Yoo/Park
- finally my favorite character, THE QUEEN! she's the only truly righteous character in this drama hahaha. finally, a queen that isnt just a romance material or a baby bearer.

she doesnt runaway. stands up for people. doesnt get swayed easily. forward thinker. brilliant. truly cares for her people.i love the fact that they made her the anchor of the king and the country. that the King actually acknowledged her as his political rival in a time where woman are just treated as a child bearer and women shouldnt be in to politics. that was really amazing and refreshing to watch.

i love how consistent the drama is. whether it be the characters, the atmosphere, the cinematography, the ost and even the plot and tension.

the dramas picturesque cinematography and heartstopping OST deserves all the appreciation! just look at this shots! and it was so consistent from the beginning till end. i would say that this is the strongest aspect of this drama.

the characters are brilliant and well thought out, everyone is three dimensional. not to mention that the acting is amazing as well. during the chaotic phase, i thought i would give this a low rating, but after some time, i realize that the drama is actually brilliant. it made me think and assess my values. you cant just watch it and let everything be spoonfed to you.

this is the type of drama that will make you question the character's decision, as well as your opinion about it. i just love it when films and books do that.

i remember what my mentor told me that a masterpiece is not whole. there would be some spaces left for the audience to ponder. and that thinking part makes you truly connected to it.

so do i recommend this? YES. if you are into politics, historical fiction, power struggle and a bit of drama. this is perfect for you.