the princess' man - 1 & 2
Was this on my upcoming list? No, but it suddenly and unexpectedly appeared on DramaFever, and I realized I wanted to see this more than the others.
After an intro filled with assassinations and horses under a gloomy sky, I'm suddenly in another show ("one year ealier" I think it said). It's a pleasant romance whose scenes wouldn't feel too out of place at the beginning of Sungkyunkwan Scandal. I think this story goes very dark before too long, but at this stage they even have some "amusing moment" music in the soundtrack from time to time. A pleasant day before a stormy dusk.
The characters are fun. We have the usual parade of plotting court ministers, while feelings begin between two of their children (from different factions, and that always goes well). Se-Ryung is particularly interesting. Her intelligence and wit, her open longing to experience just a bit of freedom before she's confined within marriage -- and how she adapts to different situations. Seung-Yoo appeared insufferable at first, but now he seems to be just another arrogant son of nobility with something of a good heart in there.
I often wonder while reading or watching court intrigue: Why is it never enough? You're nobility in a highly stratified society, you're rich and have so much more than most people in your world. Why is it never enough unless you're the King of Everything? Eighth Prince in BBJX is compensating for feelings of inferiority, as well as wanting to improve his mother's station. Se-Ryung's father seems to feel that he'll be in danger once the Crown Prince is in power, though it's hard to feel sympathy for someone who leads a band of murderous ruffians.
I love the little game played by Se-Ryung and Seung-Yoo after horseback riding. Teacher and student telling the tale of yesterday through the screen. I was laughing at the expressions on the face of the princess, who was sitting right there disguised as a servant... even though, really, her reaction is probably bad news for Se-Ryung.
Later, Se-Ryung and Seung-Yoo ride together through the trees. "Try to feel the wind," he says, and she closes her eyes and smiles. Well hello, #23 on my List Of Favorite Tropes. And they're pursued by ruffians on horseback, as always happens during a romantic horseback ride.
I'll be watching more of The Princess' Man this week. Of all the shows I was looking forward to starting soon, this one wins.
After an intro filled with assassinations and horses under a gloomy sky, I'm suddenly in another show ("one year ealier" I think it said). It's a pleasant romance whose scenes wouldn't feel too out of place at the beginning of Sungkyunkwan Scandal. I think this story goes very dark before too long, but at this stage they even have some "amusing moment" music in the soundtrack from time to time. A pleasant day before a stormy dusk.
The characters are fun. We have the usual parade of plotting court ministers, while feelings begin between two of their children (from different factions, and that always goes well). Se-Ryung is particularly interesting. Her intelligence and wit, her open longing to experience just a bit of freedom before she's confined within marriage -- and how she adapts to different situations. Seung-Yoo appeared insufferable at first, but now he seems to be just another arrogant son of nobility with something of a good heart in there.
I often wonder while reading or watching court intrigue: Why is it never enough? You're nobility in a highly stratified society, you're rich and have so much more than most people in your world. Why is it never enough unless you're the King of Everything? Eighth Prince in BBJX is compensating for feelings of inferiority, as well as wanting to improve his mother's station. Se-Ryung's father seems to feel that he'll be in danger once the Crown Prince is in power, though it's hard to feel sympathy for someone who leads a band of murderous ruffians.
I love the little game played by Se-Ryung and Seung-Yoo after horseback riding. Teacher and student telling the tale of yesterday through the screen. I was laughing at the expressions on the face of the princess, who was sitting right there disguised as a servant... even though, really, her reaction is probably bad news for Se-Ryung.
Later, Se-Ryung and Seung-Yoo ride together through the trees. "Try to feel the wind," he says, and she closes her eyes and smiles. Well hello, #23 on my List Of Favorite Tropes. And they're pursued by ruffians on horseback, as always happens during a romantic horseback ride.
I'll be watching more of The Princess' Man this week. Of all the shows I was looking forward to starting soon, this one wins.