Witness a Queen struggle in a male dominated world
The first 4 eps are out and i must say this just hit the nail for me!Story :
The story itself is pretty good, we see a Queen struggle in a world where man decide everything and women need to sit a side and stfu. What makes This drama great is that for once you see a Queen that is set to make her mark in this male dominated world but it will come with struggle and pain. We also see that you can not trust the one close to you because they prey on your downfall.
Acting:
How Jong-Seo is protraying the role of Queen Woo Hui makes me wanna see more of her playing in historical drama’s or drama’s where the FL needs to be strong to gain acceptance.
Ji Chang Wook as the King is just something i wasn’t familiar with, but the man can play everything he wants. But the one i wanted to see and he hasn’t disappointed yet is Kim Mu Yeol, the man is just that amazing, the way he is protraying Eul Pa So makes me think that he may not be trusted but i need to wait until the next 4 eps comes out.
Music:
The music itself is oke, it makes it up for the suspense and it captivate the time periode we are witnessing.
I see a lot of people complaining about nudity and that, but failed to understand that this was common in that era. Don’t place your focuse on nudity only, but focus more on the story and you will be captivated. It does have potential and im just bum we only have 8 eps, but on the other hand it can be good for a drama like this.
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A Battle Against Fate - A Subtle and Tactical Queen. Be the chess player, not the chess piece.
NOTICE; My review is kinda long, bear with me. Also, what's written below encompass my opinions, you don't have to agree with them.A woman can't become an official, a woman must be submissive, a woman has to be obedient, a woman is a subordinate. All those are bull crap.
Queen Woo is about a woman/queen who didn't succumb to her own fate, a queen who battles against fate itself to survive. A woman mustn't be allowed to rule a nation, says who? If a man can, there's no reason a woman can't.
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SUMMARY
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Queen Woo tells the story of a woman "Woo Hui" who battles against her own fate, struggles to survive after the untimely death of her husband "Go Nam Mu." She has to make a choice. It's either she chooses to live in hiding, or choose levirate marriage. If she chooses the latter, the king's enemies who has been wanting to kill the king will pounce on her. If she choose the second option, she will survive, but she has to accomplish the task in a day (24 hours). Also, she has to choose one of the king's brother to marry, but the other power hungry princes won't just stand by, will they? She will have to travel to meet the prince of her choice, but her journey is going to be the roughest, full of dangers and many adversities. There are powerful officials, tribes, and clan who wants a share of the royal power, people who can't wait to tear her apart. The questions is; Can she do it? Her choice isn't exactly the safest, it's the most dangerous. The king is dead, with the queen at the center, an epic battle for supremacy, one who holds the sovereign authority of Goguryeo begins.
Queen Woo is set in the Goguryeo Dynasty. After two weeks, the 8 episodes has finally come to a close. Actually, I watched this the second day after the first four episodes aired. Before I did, I saw many negative comments about the nudity and all, but I wasn't swayed. Why? It's simple, it's because I'm a fan of political dramas. The political genre was what inspired me to watch this. After all, "Queen Woo" is one of my most anticipated political drama. And the political intrigue sure is there. I'm glad I ignored the comment, and watched this.
Queen Woo is a political drama that depicts human greed, desire, ambition, lust etc. You know the saying, "Kinship is nothing in front of power"? Yes, this is it. The eight episodes were well worth it.
In those episodes, I witnessed brothers turn against each other, sisters betrayed each other, loyal vassals became betrayals, family turned against each other. Yes, this is what a political drama is all about. And I witnessed an exceptionally strong and skilled queen. One who went against all odds to gain a hold of her own fate. A woman who's no different than a man. A woman who's a lot more skilled than most men rise to power.
As for the nudity, here's what I've got to say, "just look the other way. And if it bothers you too much, just skip those part and enjoy the show. Besides, it's rated 19+ for a reason. I saw some comments stating that kdrama is an holy land. Is it really? A drama rated 19+ is not what I'd refer to as holy. It doesn't matter whether it has nudity or not, the fact still remains "it's not for everyone." Well, those drama that are rated 15+ might be considered holy, but once you see a 19+ drama, don't expect anything holy to come out of it. By any chance, if you expect something holy from a drama that's rated 19+, then you're living in a fantasy, not reality.
Jeon Jong Seo portrayal as Queen Woo/Woo Hui was wonderful. I've never seen her in an historical drama before, this is the first time I'm seeing her in a historical drama. And for her first role as a strong woman in a historical drama, I never thought she could pull that role off, but she actually did. And excellently.
SCENES I LIKED
Firstly, I'll start with Queen Woo's entrance to the imperial court. As she entered, two old geezers didn't want to kneel before her, but she ordered them to kneel and show her the respect she deserves. Then and There, I knew she's someone not to be triffled with.
Another is the scene when she visited the third prince at his fief. The first thing she saw were the hanged innocent citizens who were killed by the third prince, there was blood dripping all over. And as if that wasn't enough, she saw how Go Bal Gi, the third prince slaughters humans as if they're animals, he also ordered his soldiers to throw them into the water. As a watcher, my soul almost jumped out of my skin, I got chills all over. However, she was able to face the Go Bal Gi without showing her fears even after she saw all that. Plus, she asked the third prince this question; "Can you tell me what His Majesty did to the Crown Prince?" One of Go Bal Gi aide replied with this answer, "His Majesty unable to kill his own brother, severed his nose as punishment." And at that moment I could see the fear in Go Bal Gi's eyes. Woo Hui instilled fear into the third prince, when she herself was hiding her fear. Such a rear quality. She's able to think straight even though she's faced with a beast like person. Few can achieve that. It matches what's written in the art of war, "March swiftly to the place where you're not expected. Conceal your dispositions, and you will be safe from the prying of the subtlest spies, from the machinations of the wisest brains." She achieved two things with those words. She was able to hide her fear, also, she's able to conceal the death of the king from the third prince. The fact that she was able to kill two birds with a stone amazed me.
"A person like the third prince can't be given power." I love that sentence. Even though she's caught between a rock and a hard place, she's able to make the right choice by not choosing a beast to rule Goguryeo. The third prince was her best choice cuz he was the second in line to the throne should the king pass away without an heir. However, she went against the flow and decided not to hand over the sovereign authority of Goguryeo over to a monster. Her actions proves that "Desperation doesn't mean Impulsiveness." I love that about her. Such subtleness!
There's also the scene where she ordered the head of the Wangdang "Mu Gol" to head to the fourth prince fief, that she's chosen the fourth prince. I never expected that. She's able to calculate her moves during the most dangerous times, I love that about her. Indeed, she's not only skilled in swordsmanship and archery, but she also possess what makes a great commander "tactics."
When she's shooting arrows at the White Tigers, for a moment there, I thought I was seeing the second version of the founder of Goguryeo "Jumong/Chu Mo." I've got to admit, her archery skills were top notch.
"I'll no longer be a chess piece." That's one of my favourite part of the drama. My favourite part is when Woo Hui said this, "However, there's no war we can't win. And I must win." She possess the skills of a skilled commander, she makes the least expected moves I love that about her.
This is from the art of war; The skillful tactician may be likened to the SHUAI-JAN. Strike at its head, and you will be attacked by its tail; strike at its tail, and you will be attacked by its head; strike at its middle, and you will be attacked by both its head and tail. This is what Queen Woo is like. I love her character.
SCENES WHICH I FOUND UNNECESSARY
When the King took the advice of Eul Pal So (Prime Minister) to have nude women in his chambers while he's being treated, plus, that he should show that to the queen. How the king took such advice without hesitation amazed me. I mean, Go Nam Mu is no dimwit. He's a skilled tactician, a skilled warrior, but how could he take such a advice when he knows it does him, nor the queen any good? Sure, he was told distancing himself from the queen would protect her, but did it? It didn't. Plus, there's this scene were the great shaman "Sa Bi" was praying, that nude scene was unnecessary.
Ending explained
After a long journey full of adversities, Queen Woo finally returns to the palace with the fourth prince. The final battle ensues. Go Bal Gi allied with the defeated crown prince to take over the throne. Queen Woo gained the support of the fifth prince and two tribes out of five tribes. The misery behind the king's death is finally unraveled. Eul Pal So source of origin and his original purpose is finally revealed. With Queen Woo as the commander in chief, she puts on her armor to fight alongside their soldiers. She makes her speech to boost the morale of the soldiers. We could see the enemies soldiers outweighing the Queen's. Also, the broken sword of that was passed onto King Yu Ri by King Ju Mong is finally fixed. We see Woo Hui wielding the sword. Just as the epic battle was about to begin, the drama ended.
I'm giving an overall ratings of 9 mainly because of it's ending, the ending was very unsatisfactory. Many things were unexplained. For one, how the battle turned out should had been explained through subtitles, but it wasn't. I didn't like that about this drama. But then again, this is only the first season, I read that it's going to have a second season. I guess, all these questions will be answered when the second season finally airs.
What's made me rate this drama an overall rating of 9 are; Firstly, I love how the politics in this drama. Each episode felt like the end. In other words, each episode was climax. Secondly, I love how Jeon Jong Seo portrayed her role as Queen Woo/Woo Hui excellently. She gave off the vibe of a strong queen, a skilled warrior, and a tactician. I love that about this drama.
Thirdly, the action scenes. I love how the action scenes were well choreographed. I didn't know it'd have that much action, but it did. And I love that about it. Fourthly, the engaging plot. And Lastly, the fact that Goguryeo's founder was relevant throughout the show, even though some things were altered from what's originally written in the history.
The fact that this is a show about how a woman did the unthinkable, and went against the flow is what made me love this drama. Let's face reality, how many women were able to make history? The answer is obvious. So when I see, a drama about how a woman battle against all odds to gain power, I'm drawn to such a drama.
I also loved the acting of Ji Chang Wook. Even though it's my first time seeing him portrayed the role of a king, he pulled off his role excellently. Plus there's also Kim Mu Yeol, I love his portrayal as the mysterious Eul Pa So. Also, Jung Yoo Mi, she also nailed her role as Woo Soon. And Lee Soo Hyuk, as always, he nailed his villain role. Park Ji Wan also delivered in his role as the head of Wangdang "Mu Gol." Plus, all the casts delivered wonderfully in their respective roles.
Aside from the unnecessary scenes and the rushed ending, this is a worthwhile drama. If you're an adult, that is.
For those who want to watch for Ji Chang Wook, you're welcome. His character "Go Nam Mu" did die at episode 2, but he had screentime throughout the drama. Also, not every scene were in line with what's written in the history. History was altered in some part. Well then....
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An Epic story about a Queen Struggle to survive.
Finally all the episodes has aired, and I just want to say I enjoyed this Drama soo much..STORY
The story is amazing ,gripping and the screen play and cinematography is very good.
ACTING
Let's start with our main character Queen Woo Hui (Jeon Jong Seo) this is my first time seeing her acting and she managed to impress me.
Next let's talk about the King Go Nam mu (Ji Chang Wook) although he has a less screen time he has big impact in all the scenes he appears in.. I am a fan of his and I have watched almost all his work and he has never disappointed me with his acting and I can say the same for his performance in this Drama..
Go Bal Gi (lee soo hyuk) is handsome and his acting is also good..
Go Yeon u (Kang Young Seok) the 4th prince his acting was also really good and his character bring a comic relief to the drama.
Eul Pa So a layered character well played by the actor Kim Mu yeol
Other than these all the actor and actress played their part perfectly..
MUSIC
For music of this Drama I will just say that I like it , I liked it very much.
Re-watch Value
Re-watch Value is something very personal and for me I am definitely rewatching..
One more thing that I want to say that since it's an 19+ drama there is going to violence,nudity and sexual act so if you are some who don't like these type of stuff then it's better if you avoid it.
The ending of this Drama is like an open ending, like is there gonna be season 2 or what, if there is then I am eagerly waiting for it.
And one more thing I absolutely love the chemistry of Ji Chang Wook (King Go Nam mu) and Jeon Jong Seo (Queen Woo Hui).
And one more thing for all the JCW fan is that Changwook appears in all the 8 episodes so please don't skip this Drama although his screen time is less but his performance is worth watching and the drama in itself is worth watching.
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Exhilaratingly Dark Sageuk - Non Vanilla Kdrama
It's an exhilarating, treacherous and dark Sageuk drama with profanity and gore detailing that at least I haven't seen in a Kdrama specially period Kdrama before.Jeong Jong Seo in first 2 minutes of opening scene of first episode sets the mode of the show being fast paced & quite thrilling. With the next half or the episode being totally dominated by never seen before avatar of Ji Chang Wook as a fierce warrior King who absolutely loved his Queen & kingdom.
IT'S a non vanilla period drama with some nude scenes as well (quite a rage & reason of low rating I believe).
The THIRD prince & him Killing his wife gave me chills down the spine. Cinematic brilliance with extremely great acting and direction. Screenplay is quite exciting considering a lot of characters are involved.
Take your time & absorb the brilliance of this tale where a Queen reclaims her throne overnight.
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Another lofty queen
The drama has a positive and negative side:The positive side is that if you watch it, you will enjoy its crazy events, political conspiracies, power struggles, the strength of the acting of the heroes and secondary characters, and the high-quality directing and cinematography. The work resembles a full drama consisting of 20 episodes, although it consists of only 8 episodes, thanks to the fast pace of the story.. But The work is full of disgusting nudity and sex scenes in all episodes, so the drama is rated +21
I saw mixed reactions to the nudity and sex scenes, and in fact this is normal in many extreme historical shows, especially since the work is broadcast on a digital platform and not a TV channel to be censored on certain scenes, in addition to the fact that they put a 21 rating as a warning. The drama is a dark, violent and bloody Saijok type drama, and this is not suitable for those who watch cute or comedic dramas. Unfortunately, expect this type of scene in any drama shown on networks such as NETFLIX, DISNEY+, Coupang Play and TVING..
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IS IT REALLY DIFFERENT?
Queen Woo is a glaring example of a show that substitutes substantive narrative depth with gratuitous and ill-conceived sensationalism. The drama lacks a cohesive plot, meandering aimlessly without any clear direction or thematic focus. The story, which should have been a rich exploration of character dynamics or historical intrigue, is instead an exercise in narrative inertia, offering little more than a disjointed collection of scenes that fail to engage or captivate the viewer.Compounding this deficiency is the show’s perplexing reliance on superfluous nudity and explicit sexual content. Rather than enhancing the narrative or contributing to character development, these scenes feel entirely gratuitous, serving no purpose other than to distract from the otherwise vacuous storytelling. The overuse of such elements not only undermines the drama's credibility but also signals a creative desperation, as if the creators believed that shock value could compensate for the absence of compelling plot or emotional complexity.
Those who aren’t very creative or lack confidence in their own work, try to insert nudity and sex as much as possible in their project. They usually don’t possess enough talent to create different situations or showcase different range of emotions. They depend heavily on nudity and call it art to make their stories work. This also attracts a certain section of audiences or maybe they wanted to have an international hit? There wasn’t a single nude scene which was inevitable or important to the story.
But was it actually "different" like everyone is raving about? They started with the infamous childhood trope.
Ultimately, Queen Woo fails to deliver on any meaningful front, squandering its potential by indulging in unnecessary provocations while neglecting the fundamental aspects of storytelling. The end result is a show devoid of depth, lacking both narrative purpose and any semblance of artistic integrity, leaving the audience unfulfilled and disillusioned.
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1A Disappointing Waste of Potential
Let me preface this review by saying that my opinion is in no way influenced by the R rating/the inclusion of sexual scenes and nudity. I have seen the debates, and I know it is a divisive point for many, and because I am rating it on the lower side, I feel the need to make it known that the mature themes in this show have no effect on my opinion (there are some minor things I wish to say but I will say that later). I am a grown woman, I do not care whether or not a show has nudity - I feel that this show lacks for other reasons entirely.I'd like to start by acknowledging that there is a lot to be enjoyed in this show. The technical side of production, that is the costuming, cinematography, music and so forth is very very impressive. I will say, the costuming especially is gorgeous. Nothing looks cheaply made, and nothing looks out of place. There's also clearly different choices for different characters, and a lot of time what the characters are wearing or even their hairstyles do a lot for them symbolically. Similarly, the music is well placed, the sets are impressive, and the cinematography is very pretty (also very dark at times in the night, which is just a pitfall of modern shows in general).
The acting, for the most part, is also very impressive - especially from lead characters. Jeon Jong Seo is a force as the titular character Queen Woo, and she puts a lot behind making her a fleshed out character. She is strong, smart, and she does what she must for her country - a nice breath of fresh air from the Queen's in a lot of historical dramas. Ji Chang Wook makes a compelling king, one that makes your heart hurt when he dies, and Kim Mu Yeol is magnetic as Eul Pa So - the most intriguing character to me by far. Many of the side actors are also wonderful, the Princes do well especially in making all of their personalities clear. I do however, think some of the acting from minor characters and extras was over the top, although I'm not sure at what point that is their fault, or the fault of the writing and directing.
As you'll notice, there is a lot about this show I like - which to me is a huge shame because it is completely marred and overwhelmed by the bad writing. This show suffers from the fact that is is based off true events - in other words, the viewers know how it ends (if you are one of the many who was curious and did research). So it faces a challenge: how do you make something interesting when people already know the whole plot? The answer of course is to take creative liberties. You see this a lot in adaptations of webtoons as well, the problem is that they often fall through. I very much feel like this is the case in this drama as well. The drama is also under the restriction of almost happening entirely in one night - you must find a way to fit a lot into a little time. That being said, the choices feel very poor - especially the amount of shamanistic intrigue. Yes, shamans were a thing in these times but their portrayal is often confusing, especially towards the end.
Due to this, the show can't really decide if it wants to be historically accurate, or something else entirely. There are moments that feel very ridiculous that take you out of the show because they feel so out of place for the time. Yes, the sex scenes included. We can acknowledge that people did in fact have sexual desires even in older times, but this show is not attempting to do something revolutionary such as changing the outlook of what life was like in Goguryeo. A lot of the sex scenes happen with no good reasoning, and many are sexual assault or border on such. At some point you have to ask yourself 'if this scene was taken out would the plot be the same?' and the answer is yes to practically all of them. This is an 8 episode drama, it only has 8 hours, and there are many scenes I feel wasted time that could have been spent elsewhere - for example in elaborating on the relationship between the King and the Queen. It is clear that the drama is trying to have that as an emotional strand, but it's hard because it doesn't have enough time to do so. It doesn't have enough time to follow a lot of its plots, which makes some of the writing choices so bizarre.
The thing is, this part of history is a lot scarcer when it comes to documentation than more modern Joseon drama. In fact, historians tend to disagree on if there were even five princes, or if there were four. That means the writer has more leeway with what they want to do, but what they choose to do with their creative freedom falls short. For example, portraying the Fourth Prince (who will later become king) as a coward and a pervert obsessed with the queen, seems odd when we are supposed to be supporting him. And also because he ends up being an important figure in Koreas history (that is not say he needs to be portrayed well because he is a historical figure, a lot of historical figures are bad people, but deliberately going out of the way to make him so unlikable is weird, especially if you consider what happens in history afterwards and what his end relationship with the queen as documented is). If there is one benefit of this show, it is that it has made me want to do research on this time to see what is actually true. I think this show would have benefited a lot more from being marketed as loosely based on something that happened because I feel that the historical inaccuracies in the writing are one of the worse parts. To be clear - I am not someone who is that knowledgeable on this time period, and there are many who could speak on it better, but even as an outsider, it feels odd.
At the end of the day this is a drama with a lot of potential that loses out because of its writing. You can really see where the high budget went in making a quality production and a having star cast, but that can only do so much when the script is poor. This is an incredibly intriguing historical event, there is a lot that can be done with it, but instead the script chooses to muddle itself down with odd creative choices which really seem to only be there to be 'different' or 'gritty.' I'm just, disappointed. I was enjoying it at the start, but the further it got with more characters, more side stories, it slowly became less and less interesting to me (in fact, I had to rescind it as a recommendation I made to a friend after the last four episodes came out). Queen Woo as a historical figure deserves better, and thats saying something because she's one of the best characters i the show. Overall, a fine watch, you can get through it because of the production value and the actors, but not something I would recommend or watch again.
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"Queen's Battle: Defying a Male-Dominated World"
I know you’re not a fan of the nudity or certain plot points, but keep in mind that the entire story unfolds in just one day. While there are some noticeable shortcomings, it’s clear that everyone involved has put in a lot of hard work to bring this production to life.Queen Woo captivates audiences with its dazzling visuals, remarkable performances, and immersive narrative. From the outset, it delivers an enthralling experience that combines both historical depth and artistic flair, solidifying its place as one of the most impressive historical dramas in recent memory.
Highlights:
Breathtaking Visuals: The series stands out for its incredible production quality. Every detail, from the intricately designed costumes to the grand set pieces, transports viewers to the world of Goguryeo. The visual direction is consistently stunning, with scenes that are beautifully framed, reflecting both the splendor and the turmoil of the royal court. The use of color, lighting, and cinematography not only enhances the drama but adds layers of symbolism, making each moment feel thoughtfully curated.
Dynamic Performances: The performances are nothing short of extraordinary. Jeon Jong Seo is magnetic as Queen Woo, bringing both strength and vulnerability to her role. She effortlessly commands the screen, portraying a queen whose intellect and courage shine through in every scene. Her portrayal of a leader determined to navigate the treacherous waters of power and politics is inspiring. Supporting actors like Ji Chang Wook and Kim Mu Yeol bring their characters to life with depth and intensity, creating a multi-dimensional narrative filled with compelling character arcs.
Engaging Storyline: What makes Queen Woo so captivating is its ability to weave a fast-paced, thrilling story while still maintaining emotional depth. The series balances action with strategic court intrigue, creating a drama that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists, tension-filled moments, and powerful emotional beats that resonate deeply. It showcases the complexities of leadership, loyalty, and the struggles faced by those in power.
Historical Richness with Creative Flair: While grounded in history, the show injects enough creativity to make it feel fresh and exciting. The portrayal of the royal court is gripping, offering insight into both the grandeur and the peril that comes with ruling. The historical elements are well-researched, but the show also takes artistic liberties in a way that enhances rather than detracts from the overall experience. The use of shamanism, for example, adds an intriguing mystical layer that enriches the story without overshadowing the historical core.
Well-Crafted Action Sequences: For fans of action, Queen Woo does not disappoint. The battle scenes are meticulously choreographed, delivering high-energy sequences that are as exhilarating as they are visually impressive. The intensity of the combat mirrors the tension within the palace, creating a seamless blend of physical and emotional conflict.
Final Thoughts:
Queen Woo is a well-crafted drama with strong performances, a solid historical backdrop, and visually appealing scenes. While it may not break new ground in every aspect, it remains an engaging watch for fans of the genre. With its intriguing plot and capable direction, it sets a promising foundation, and if a second season follows, it has the potential to build on its strengths.
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The Queen's enthralling battle of the throne---all done in 24 hrs
Set in the late 100s and early 200s, everything in this show happens in 24 hours.Starting from the death of the King, to the gripping chase for which prince is the "most morally correct" decision to take over the throne, all the way to the fully-waged war of the entire country. Amidst it all, the Queen loses none of her composure---and remains very, much badass.
I will keep this review short and sweet for those debating whether to watch the show or not. FIRST: A CONTENT warning, there are sex and nudity scenes. If you're here for the historical drama but very much wanna skip on those, I advise you to look for the timestamps and avoid them. Now that that's out of the way, I will say that Queen Woo does a compelling and excellent job at keeping you tied to your screen as you constantly wonder, and wonder, WHO will she choose? Which prince can protect the future of Goguryeo? How will she survive when everyone wants to skin her alive?
And who the hell killed the King?
A war of politics, as even her own people conspire to force her off the throne.
A war of mindgame and deception, as she carefully formulates her plans while tricking her enemies and spies in the shadows.
A war of intelligence, as she learns to fight smart and think 5 steps ahead of the game.
A war of chess, as she quite literally embodies the Queen chess piece, demonstrating her expansive reach, power, and elegance in battle. Queen Woo is NOT here to play. She is there to stand on the frontlines and fight alongside her soldiers.
And because all of this happens in 24 hours....the show is very action-packed and fast-paced. There might be some pieces of the puzzle glanced over or missing, such as the ending that leaves us on the biggest cliffhanger of the century (I say cliffhanger because even though history has already been made---we still want to see what happened!).
If you enjoy a strong female lead, can handle mature and heavy content, and love a good retelling of Korean history, this show is probably for you. Personally.....I think Queen Woo is a good enough reason to stay. Such a powerful and steadfast character who demonstrates that she is unwilling to let her people live as pawns in this chess game for the rest of their lives.
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TOP production value and visuals... but I felt no emotion :'/
When Goguryeo’s monarch (Ji Chang Wook) dies mysteriously, Queen Woo (Jeon Jong Seo) must defend herself and her throne, amidst the adversaries that want her gone.Queen Woo starts with a great balance of drama, action, intrigue and mystery. It's aesthetically pleasing, great costumes, direction, vibe, cinematography, and acting. The cast have done great performances. However, it's sooo hard for me to get on board with the story. I didn't feel any attachment to anyone, nor that I care about the stake and players involved. Even after rewatching, it feels like watching a chess game without any drama, no emotion. It's hard to pinpoint why... maybe the writing, maybe the characters aren’t gripping enough. It also didn't end conclusively as there are several lose ends, creating a potential for a second season. This is not the type of endings I like, but others might find excitement from this.
Side note, I’m not bothered by the explicit intimacy scenes. Rather, they're the only memorable scenes for me. I find those scenes were hot and well-acted. The women play were powerful despite it's dubious consent. I think this drama has a great potential to be epic, but it didn't captivate me.
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A Tale of Potential and Missed Opportunities
Drama set in the Goryeo era, presenting an intriguing storyline with significant potential. The plot centers around a queen who navigates the treacherous waters of political intrigue to protect her kingdom. Despite its promising premise, the series falls short in several areas.With only 8 episodes, the drama struggles to develop its characters fully, leaving many arcs feeling incomplete. The ending, in particular, fails to provide a satisfying conclusion, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. Additionally, the series includes numerous scenes reminiscent of “Game of Thrones” that do little to advance the plot or deepen character development.
Overall, “Queen Woo” offers an interesting glimpse into the Goryeo period but ultimately doesn’t live up to its potential due to its rushed pacing and underdeveloped characters.
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It certainly feels like a historical drama that is meant for the big screen and not necessarily a tv show where it both felt stretched out to fill up its eight episodes runtime but also not deep enough and a bit too rushed with endless number of flashbacks to explain to us how the characters had arrived at this point of the story. If it had twelve episodes with three distinct arcs (the rise to power, the fall and the fight) all told from the perspective of Queen Woo it might have worked out and felt more like a complete, fully fleshed out story.
There is enough action, and you can see that a lot of effort was put into the epic which makes it seem like a very long film and the scenes are well done, but I’m not sure if the drama works too much on the epic for the narrative itself. It’s never said anything more than that this team was brutal. Most of the nuances in the story are missing. The drama seems to let the actors, and the action and violence do a lot of the dramas heavy lifting. The narrative is too standard and nothing we haven’t necessarily seen before in historical palace politics.
The excessive sex and violence often feel quite perplexing or just straight up oddly presented within the story and really doesn’t convey much about the story, the society or the characters. Often it just seems to be forced in there just because they could and it would make the story more daring, but it just feels lazy way of telling us about the characters and some of their ruthlessness. There must be a point with the things you put in your story.
You can’t just endlessly give us characters acting unhinged and deranged if it has no value or adds any nuance to the story. It’s just there for the shock. The characters must be built up, little by little. You must work for the things that happen within the narrative for it to work properly. While it’s fun for a while, and shocking, and can be brainless mayhem that’s exciting to witness, it gets tiresome after a while if it leaves nothing more. No nuance or reason.
Queen Woo certainly was one of those interesting characters on paper, but she feels a bit too much like a puppet in this whole game at times, and I am sure that angle could be compelling as we see her slowly come into her own, but the drama spends a whole of time getting there and I am unsure if the payoff was worth it. She is clever, she is calm under pressure and has a lot of prospects as a character. But she also comes off as somewhat of a girlboss female character that was too much written for modern audience to really become more than a standard female character in a historical drama.
The drama seems aware of its own flaws, as it’s so intent on covering up its lack of proper narrative with shocking scenes, flashbacks and battles, but the story itself is something that’s been told so many times before in costume dramas like this, aside from the violence and the nudity when it comes to kdramas, so it never becomes anything grand or special. It forgets that it is supposed to tell you an interesting story. This drama certainly had an idea, but an idea is not a narrative. Impressive in scope and quite entertaining once you turn your brain off and just enjoy the cast, the battles and costumes but if you peel back any of the layers of the actually storytelling you see that there isn’t too much there.
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