Right from the title it has the ability to interest. It begins with two murders taking place. One to give the present king the sovernity & no competition. The other because the shaman witnesses the murder. The stage is set for the events to follow & finally in the final epidode it all ends with a blood bath. Now could n’t it be avoided ? The answer is No. The events take a turn that there is no stopping.
The King & Queen in the palace bound by their duties & public images. The crown princess has been taken care of by a shaman & the new queen is the daughter of the Minister Yoon who has unlimited power from his clan. He is the King maker. The dowager queen is from the same clan so she is also involved in the plotting.
The good looking brother of the crown princess is liked by the princess. She wants to marry him. She is used to help the curse. Eight years later it is revealed that the shaman had saved the crown princess & she plans to set the things straight. Initially she can forsee that it will be dangerous but the feelings of the present king & the then crown princess have remained the same & the end is inevitable.
How the politics works, the people’s hunger for power, the innocent made to make sacrifices have been delicately intricated. As more & more events happen you get entangled into it. Unknowing start expecting more & it keeps you hooked. In the end it all winds up well. Surprisingly it has this feel good feeling.
I naturally thought that as the prince Ji II woo deserved more but he has a significant part to play. But his death was so unnecessary. All the young cast made for good viewing. To adjust with their senior versions took some time. Kim Min seo looks better than the crown princess many times. She also has good scenes that needed, showcased her talent.
The lead pair Kim Soo hyun & Han Ga-in really look nice together. You hate all those who separated them for the last eight years. His entire team, his interogator, his enunch, his court ladies each have chipped in so well. It has made it a lovely experience.
Asian Entertainment 