The Matchmakers

Love costume period dramas set during the Joseon period. There's always something evil afoot that needs fixing. But this one didn't check the boxes I prefer.

While Rowoon isn't who I'd think as a good match for this role he was spectacular. His acting skills are top notch. To think he can make a less than perfect male character believable and also attractive. He's incredibly smart and has used his time as a widower to study and research why his bride died. So basically he's lacking in the macho qualities you expect gorgeous Rowoon to have in any role he plays. Quite surprising and it makes this rather underwhelming drama bearable to watch.

One reason this isn't a great drama could be the lead female (both her character and the actress who played the role). I Had a real hard time caring about her. How could a character be so unappealing? So the romance part was dull because there wasn't any chemistry there at all. That's my opinion.

The story itself was interesting but I really can't pinpoint why it fell flat. Except for how the lead female character was written or that the actress in lead was the wrong choice, or badly directed for her part in this drama.

For me this was disappointing to watch because I had wanted to see it for a long time and was only available to me through Viki. I'm sure other viewers will find this meets their needs. Outside of the visuals from costumes and scenery -- it didn't do much for my enjoyment.

But go ahead & watch it. You might enjoy it. I didn't.

I am currently at the last episode and I thought I should write a review " The matchmakers" in case if I become lazy once the series is finished. I have not been able to skip or fast forward even a one second of this absolutely amazing drama. If you are a regular Korean drama viewer you know that the first few episodes of most Korean dramas are wonderful and then it gets really boring until the end. So many dramas get lost in political and family feuds during Middle episodes and it becomes boring and a bitter experience for the viewer. Let me tell you that the matchmakers is one of the absolutely wonderful feel good and beautifully crafted dramas I have ever seen in my life. Whoever wrote this story should be given an award as the story itself is extremely interesting and written in a brilliant, sophisticated , heartfelt and funny way. The clothes are heavenly I really love the traditional Korean clothes and their colours in this drama. The backgrounds reminds me of Wes Anderson's Grand budafest Hotel and they are absolutely pleasure to look at. I found myself stopping and rewinding the episodes as the backgrounds were extremely beautiful at times. Music of this drama speaks to the heart especially the classical orchestral music played in the background. The cast is perfect for the story and I really do love the character of the King as he is sophisticated and funny. This drama has many love stories within it, so if you are a fan of romantic comedy who like dramas like business proposal then this is absolutely a MUST for you. Let me tell you this drama is an absolute gem and I wish this drama would gain the popularity of Love in the Moonlight. I will try to watch this drama again in another few years as this drama gave me so much pleasure and laughs. It's also important to point out the drama focuses on the injustices and customs during the joseon period. The matchmakers will teach you about loyalty to your family, honesty, filial duty to your parents, being content, being virtuous, being not greedy but being selfless. Just watch this! I hope this drama win few awards. May you be well and happy, with metta loving kindness to you.

The way this kdrama's potential and momentum was wasted leaves me dumbfounded.

They got Rowoon perfectly cast and yet didn't properly use his comedic timing, nor the comedy of errors narrative. That's when The Matchmakers shined. Sadly, it took another route.

The stories between the couples the leads were interesting enough but so underwhelming, underdeveloped and unfinished, I can't help but feel we didn't spend enough time with them to engage or care.

The wildest part was when, somehow, the scriptwriter thought it a good idea to match a literal underage child with a grown woman. I don't care how historically accurate this is, ew. They marry and we don't see anything happen but she's literal a older sister/mother figure.

And the resolution for the leads... I can't. Just, wow.

I really liked the production in the beginning. All characters had an amazing developemnt and growing arches, but little things began to occur, like several sudden costume jumps in scenes/ situations which are happening temporarily just a while after the other, on the same day. Then appeared the breaks in the continuity of the story itself and it was difficult to know why something simply occurred. There were plenty of examples, but the most irritating was the one within the evolution of the love story of the protagonists. Also the little, but super fast after credit snipets were not included in the next episodes and things just came to be without further explanation. Maybe there was too much to tell and screen time was not enough.

This historical drama brought a fresh and original script to the table, a rarity in the genre. The narrative bravely delves into the hidden aspects of society during that period, shedding light on topics often overlooked. The exploration of ageism, the challenges faced by widows, and the subtle portrayal of homosexuality added a layer of realism that made the drama stand out.

One of the most compelling aspects was its unapologetic confrontation of societal norms, particularly the discrimination against women. Despite enduring prejudices, the portrayal of women as powerful figures managing households showcased their resilience and strength. The drama succeeds in making viewers reflect on historical injustices and appreciate the often-overlooked roles women played in shaping families.

The comedic elements were not only entertaining but also remarkably on point. Rowoon's portrayal of the male lead was nothing short of exceptional, perfectly capturing the essence of the genre. While the main leads lacked chemistry, the secondary couples more than made up for it. Their captivating stories added depth to the overarching plot, making the drama a wholesome and emotionally resonant experience.

While a few plot holes and questionable twists, especially in the last episode, may have raised eyebrows, the overall journey was a positive one. This one managed to deliver a feel-good drama with a satisfying ending that leaves the audience content. It's a testament to the show's ability to balance social commentary, humor, and heartwarming relationships, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking a unique historical drama experience.