To begin, I would like to state that I tried to start this drama on numerous occasions but could not get past episode 2. I heard about the hype and read the incredible reviews, and yet initially the characters seemed overacted and juvenile and the story came across boring. However, on my fourth attempt, I am proud to say that I was proven wrong.

After the completion of episode 3, I found myself enraptured in a story about first love, political schemes, hidden identities and much more. The acting was great in the remainder of the drama by both new faces and well-renowned Korean actors. Although many have made the comparison between this drama and Moon that Embraces the Sun, I found this one a more complete love story but perhaps a less complete political one. In Moon that Embraces the Sun, the political aspect was extremely well created keeping one on the edge of your seat, with twists and turns every episode. However, the love story, for me, felt forced. More love at first sight, versus in Moonlight drawn from the Clouds were the romance is gradual. The prince and Ra on initially dislike each other, but grow to love each other as they also grow as people.

Both the cinematography and the soundtrack were excellent. However, the pacing was not consistent with some parts feeling rushed, while others were delved upon too long. The story would have benefited from reducing/condensing episodes 12-16 as the last few episodes seemed to lag. In addition, some of the subplots and side characters were not as exciting and at points detracted from the drama. Overall it was a highly enjoyable drama that I would definitely recommend especially for those who enjoy: gender-benders, love-triangles, historical, first-love, hidden-identities, etc.