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Scarlet Heart: Ryeo – A Heartbreaking Drama

November 10, 2016

Why do you watch dramas? That’s a question I asked myself as I watched Scarlet Heart: Ryeo. This drama made me question every reason.

Note: This is sort of a review, but one that gives away no spoilers as I think it’s best to go in with as much of a blank slate as possible. Even though I’m telling you the ending is a bit of a tragic cliffhanger, that still tells you nothing at the end of the day. You’ll still be crying your eyes out.

I asked myself why I watch dramas when I stopped watching Scarlet Heart: Ryeo, episodes before the shows end. Yet, I kept up with other fans through social media. The show is complicated; It’s very good with a well-thought out story that is based on a Chinese novel. I loved the actors and became engrossed in it. But then I stopped watching. I know a sunk cost fallacy when I see one. I’d already watched more than ten episodes, I should just continue right? Wrong. As soon as things turned downhill for everyone’s favorite characters, I couldn’t bear to continue. I told myself, and my friends, I’d only watch it if there’s a happy ending. There wasn’t.

For those who haven’t heard of it. The summary of the show is as follows: Lee Joon Ki (Arang and the Magistrate) and Lee “IU” Ji Eun (Dream High) star in a dangerous romance across time in what sure to be one of the biggest historical epics of the year. Hae Soo (IU) is a 21st century woman who gets caught in a solar eclipse and is transported to the Goryeo Dynasty, which ruled Korea from the 10th century for nearly 500 years. Suddenly, Hae Soo finds herself in the royal palace, where she comes across Fourth Prince Wang So (Lee Joon Ki). A man as feared as he is handsome, Wang So is based on the real-life fourth king of the Goryeo Dynasty and makes others tremble but wins over Hae Soo’s heart. However, he is not the only one in the palace with eyes on the throne, and a political battle of deception, secrecy and lies ensues between Wang So and all the other princes. Adding to the drama are Eighth Prince Wang Wook (Heirs star Kang Ha Neul), who is less than willing to wait in line behind seven other members of the royal family, and Third Prince Wang Yo (Beloved alum Hong Jong Hyun), whose right to the crown actually precedes Wang So’s.

We have some well-known actors (Lee Joon Ki, Kang Ha Neul) and singers (IU and Baekhyun from EXO) playing pivotal roles and all of the princes are attractive in some form. There’s funny moments, but as you get entangled in the show’s plot there are TONS of tragic moments. South Korean dramas and movies are good at what I call the “uppercut.” They lead you on with lovey-dovey scenes or hilarious parts, but then BAM you’re crying, the characters are crying, everyone is depressed.

The reaction to the ending has been mixed. But everyone seems to agree on one thing: it was an emotional roller coaster ride and a punch in the gut. Below are some of the reactions to the ending. Be aware there are SPOILERS:

Dramas are an escape from the grittiness of real life, which is why I had to stop watching Scarlet Heart: Ryeo. It was too gritty and probably too realistic. For that reason I feel bad for fans of The Walking Dead (or perhaps I shouldn’t as it’s been pretty gritty since episode 1 and the comics keep the emotions rolling as well). I prefer dramas over TV because they are nowhere near as violent as shows like The Walking Dead or Game of Thrones. I want happy endings, even after lots of emotional struggles. I probably won’t return to finish Scarlet Heart: Ryeo BUT if you are tougher than me, I suggest watching it. Why? It may not have a fairytale ending, but it’s an excellent drama — if you can handle it. So if you don’t mind emotional gut punches and uppercuts, please watch it. Really. The show certainly has it’s flaws (the execution of that ending for one), but it’s overall not something you want to pass up.

If you are like me, and want happy endings but like the concept behind Scarlet Heart: Ryeo — a girl goes back in time and finds love with a crown prince or a king — but you don’t want the heart break, I suggest Splash Splash Love. It’s quick (only two episodes), but it’s well executed and well-paced. It follows the same plot (for the most part. Girl goes back in time. Falls in love. Returns to her real time). But it’s a happy ending.

I also contemplated watching Moonlight Drawn by the Clouds on Viki. It’s also set back during the reigns of kings but has a happy ending (and no time traveling). I’d probably be writing a raving review and talking about how I was glad I didn’t get caught up in Scarlet Heart: Ryeo and was left unscathed. Unfortunately, I can’t turn back time. But regardless, dramas will forever be an escape away from the daily grinds of life. We all have dramas we prefer over others. At the end of the day, as long as they keep making some with happy endings, I’ll be good.

Scarlet Heart: Ryeo – A Heartbreaking Drama

November 10, 2016

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