The Matchmakers

Korean Drama '' The Matchmakers '' is a historical romantic comedy.

The drama has a delightful to watch female lead, who was adorable, sassy, feisty, and nailed her emotional moments. She actually carried the drama when things started getting cheesy and boring.

Also, the couple was enjoyable to watch, as they had interesting banter and their dynamics were spot on. However, the love story was just okay, taking off only toward the ending of the series, and being more or less unoriginal. Still, the drama handled them having a significant other that they missed masterfully.

The performances, finally, were pretty great by everyone in the cast, even the side characters. The final episodes, however, were rushed and boring.

So, overall, five out of ten.

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.

Humour, romance and palace intrigue all come together beautifully in this well-crafted K-Drama that almost gives you the feel of a Shakespearean Comedy! I started watching this drama with no expectations. And my oh my this show turned out to be a gem! Had to keep rewatching many scenes many times, not just for their entertainment value but also sometimes to decipher some witty Korean dialogue and social banter.

The locations, sets and interiors are so aesthetically pleasing and the entire ensemble of cast members did a fabulous job. Special mention: the BGM!

The FL character has the right mix of spunkiness and sweetness and Choi Yi-Hyun nailed it. However, I have to hand it to Rowoon for being outstanding in this drama. He is brilliant as the Nerdy Scholar who cannot even run properly, let alone hold a sword. He and his butler played by actor Kim Hyun-mok display great comedic timing. Rowoon is a treat to watch as the conceited resentful grouch, especially in the scenes when his psychosomatic symptoms flare up. Just his body language, facial expressions and awkwardness are guaranteed to give you quite a few laughs.

Kudos to the writer for making Lady Park such an interesting character. With just last couple of episodes left to air, I sincerely hope that this drama gives us a happy ending, please!

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.

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.