For me, The Princess Man is the best Korean drama that I have seen hitherto. From what I understand, it is a fictionalization of that time in Korean history when King Sejong usurped the throne from his very young nephew. Against this backdrop, the scriptwriters has sagaciously written a timeless, compelling and unforgettable love story of two young lovers ?both virtuous, courageous and intelligent in their own right? caught in a web of “deadly” political strife between their two families. I heard that this drama is Korea’s answer to William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, but there is so much character given to the two young lovers in this drama that I see it more like what Romeo and Juliet could have been if they were more developed.

In the beginning, the developing love story between the two lovers is very bright, innocent, and cheerful. However, unbeknownst to both, the insidious darkness that would eventually overshadow and overtake their courtship is also almost present from the beginning. I think the writers did a fine job of developing both the love story and the political strife simultaneously thus bringing both storylines to a culmination when both become dangerously and tragically entangled. It is also commendable the way the writers were able to seamlessly take the innocent premise of the genesis of the lovers’ courtship and turn it into a fatal circumstance, which almost proved fatal to the hero early in the story. It reinforces the way the seemingly “innocent” actions of the characters in this story can lead to unforeseeable and dire consequences.

As the story progressed along tragic lines, the love between the main couple begins to mature and truly shine as their affection and loyalty to each other is tested in the cruelest fashion. The best part about this is that both are fully aware of their morbid circumstances. They are not blinded by love. Both are fully aware of their duty to their families and try to abide by it even in spite of the deep love they share for each other. Nevertheless, as the injustices perpetrated by her father multiplied, the heroine is forced to take a stand of her own accord in answer to her own conscience.

Although this drama is remarkably well done, I think the thing that impressed me most is the deeply stirring love story. There aren’t a lot of love scenes compared to other Kdrama but every love scene that was done was meaningful, memorable, compelling, and brimming with chemistry. I really enjoyed the fact that both lovers were loyal and steadfast in their regard for each other from beginning to end even when there was little expectation that their love would see a happy conclusion. The love that they shared had that “against all odds” element to it. I also appreciated that the obstacles that kept them apart were valid and convincing rather than contrived like in a lot of other Kdrama. For once I didn’t have to roll my eyes while watching a kdrama.

I’ve seen all of Moon Chae Won’s drama where she’s played the lead including her most recent from 2012. I like her best in this drama most likely because of the character Se Ryung who, for me, is one of the best characters to grace the small screen in Kdrama. I think she did a fantastic job with Se Ryung’s character. I will never forget her. I’ve also seen all of Park Si Hoo’s drama except the one before The Princess Man. I like him best in this drama. His transformation from the bright charismatic Seung Yoo to the tragic Seung Yoo was well done in my opinion and I enjoyed it very much. While I like both characters independently, I love them best when they interact with each other. Their chemistry is extremely palpable. I don’t know if it might be due to the possibility that both actors became one with their characters but the emotional tenderness that they brought to the interactions between Seung Yoo and Se Ryung seemed so real that it astonishes. I think the acting from these two added immensely to unforgettable love story between Se Ryung and Seung Yoo.

The OST is poignantly beautiful. Every single song is germane to the love story and the producers used them effectively throughout the drama. Although it might seen like a particular song is repeated too often, it is only the case because it is relevant to the character or what is happening in the story at the time. For instance, "One Day of Love" is played a lot with Seung Yoo but that's because the song speaks of Seung Yoo's "sad fate" and his struggles over his love for the enemy's daughter. "I Love You Too" was often played in the beginning of the drama because at that time Se Ryung felt that her love was unrequited. "Goodbye My Love" is played only when the two couples in this story face the threat of permanent separation. The Italian theme "Destino" is used as a harbinger of doom and is very effective in heightening the chills that the drama gives off in grave scenes. Overall, the soundtrack is one of the best I've come across.

In conclusion, this drama has earned my earnest respect and appreciation. It is definitely my favorite Korean drama and unquestionably one of the best love story I have ever had the good fortune to watch accross all genre of fiction.

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