The Last Empress is an amazing and unique non-typical Korean drama that really went over my expectations! It has everything from politics, revenge, murder, romance, comedy, psychological, and historical. The only thing I must warn you about is that this is a dark drama where everything is taken into the extreme level, and might not for everyone. Especially age wise! It is not written to be lovely or cute like the mainstream ones, as it leans more towards controversial and questionable actions and decisions. So if you are not into that, this drama might not be for you, but if you like those insane, and mind boggling dramas like Return then I must say that this is perfect show for you! It also has a lot of episodes like those of other historical dramas but unlike the others it was not draggy nor slow paced. Every episode for this show makes you hooked and anticipate the next with eagerness. The first episode is enough to give you a taste of it and get you hooked.

For the story line, I liked how the writer made me grow to really hate the bad characters but then changed my mind in the end. So there was a reason as to why they were so bad and hateful after all! It was nice how the writers were able to give us a background as to why and how the characters were the way they are, and in the end everyone's death and survival was neatly justified, they truly deserved the way they ended up, maybe except for Lee Hyuk or Shin Sung Rok's character as I grew to really love him even if he was bad, he also wasn't really that bad if you compare him to all the rotten characters in this drama. I felt sad with what happened to him that I still can't get over it. Next, I loved the character development for everyone in this drama, all the characters never failed to amaze me when they twist the viewers expectation when they change or reveal their intentions and do betrayals. I also love how the bad and the good teamed up together in the end to take down the worst one.

Acting wise, everyone was just so good at their jobs especially with all the screaming, slapping, and hair pulling in this drama they couldn't pull it off perfectly if they weren't good enough. Therefore I commend the casting director for doing such a good job casting everyone in their roles. The cameos of other awesome actors was enjoyable too! Min Yu Ra made me hate her every time she raises her eyebrows and tries to pull someone's hair off and it just added to the reason why I loved this drama she was really the perfect villain for the role. Shin Sung Rok's character was also perfect for his role, the way he holds the gun to someone's head is just perfect like he had done it many times before, it suited him perfectly! Maybe the director had already seen his talent and potential for the role with Return that's why he was casted for this one and its just made this the best! He is the perfect role for the rich spoiled emperor who kills people. Jang Nara was also perfect in her role to portray the innocent, calm and righteous empress who would turn the whole palace upside down. We've seen her acting in Fated To Love You. Her character there was similar in a way but she showed us that she can bring more into that and delivered beyond expectation with this one.

As for the music, the OSTs were not too impactful and memorable, as the drama itself was too intense there wasn't really much area where it could have made it memorable, but they were great addition to the drama.

This review is getting longer and longer, so i'm cutting it short now. The Last Empress was a mind blowing crazy drama, but it was definitely enjoyable, refreshing, and very different from all those being released recently. I laughed, screamed, cursed, squealed, and cried while watching this drama with my sister who also did the same with me. The actors contributed a lot in making this drama even more wonderful. Everyone was just so good at their roles! I am glad to have picked up this drama and finished it. No regrets!