The Forbidden Marriage

Korean Drama " The Forbidden Marriage " is a historical romantic comedy, with a bit of political drama.

The story is acted out smoothly, with the comedy genre being strong and overflowing from the beginning to the very ending. Without overdoing it, it aided the romance and it gave a fresh twist to the story.

The romance, in addition, was sweet and enjoyable, though it started out a bit off key, with the second lead taking the lead and having more interaction with the girl compared to the king. Still, it was a nice romantic story with some melodrama to spice things up.

The palace politics were, moreover, a bit on the low tempo, there to make things more dramatic, but not the main focus of the drama.

The performances, finally, were all enjoyable by everyone in the cast.

So, overall, eight out of ten.

Probably the most enjoyable show I've ever watched. It had a mix of everything I love in a story; fast paced, great character development, a happy ending but a good amount of angst throughout, sexy and intimate but also genuinely heartwarming and hilarious. You will fall in love with every character and it has a really nice lighthearted tone and wholesome vibe, and a modern sense of humour despite being having a historical setting. The acting is pretty great throughout (great eye candy too if you're into that) and the female character is a standout; a layered, flawed, and sassy woman. The final episode is a bit lukewarm but not in a big way and it was an excellent journey. One of the few Kdramas I have watched out of many that I would confidently recommend and rewatch as it's just a great time!

The camera angles in the beginning are just mind-blowing. I've never seen anything aside from a music video filmed like that. The introduction to the show had me hooked immediately. A spunky female street-rat lead with her stand-in father-like figure who can often see the future are where this story starts. Alongside it is a king who cannot sleep or eat well after the death of his first and only wife. As others are known to say, 'misery enjoys company' and within this time an marriage ban is enacted. No physical contact, no flirting, no love letters, nothing to do with love is permitted. The people of this Joseon romp are in a quiet uproar, holding hands in secret, and asking for compatibility tests is hugely against the law.

However, not for the female lead, So Rang. After being thrown in prison for being an underground matchmaker, she pretends to be able to conjure up spirits of those passed away. The King keeps her by his side due to wanting to stay close to his deceased bride, but soon after -- love sparks between the two of them.

With hilarious AND serious side stories, and your typical second male lead falling head over heels for the female lead -- the comedic timing and filming are to be enjoyed. Think of it like the MacDonald's of kdramas. It may not be particularly healthy to binge watch an entire 12+ hour show, but I guarantee it's filling, enjoyable, and you may only feel a little sick afterward. Lol

The actors are great -- I truly think that the head eunuch, the old man psychic, and the lead bad guy stole the show at points, but the chemistry between the king and So Rang was good. The sets are stunning and the rooms, WOW, just beautiful. I loved the costuming, and it was the perfect length. Not too long, and just long enough to get the story out without ruining it.

I enjoyed the whole show and definitely would suggest it to anyone looking for a fun, not accurate-at-all kind of historical drama. Enjoy it for the modern speech, the jokes, the romance, the serious storyline that is easy to handle because it's obvious, and hilarious awkward moments. It has a happily ever after -- so enjoy to your hearts content.

A great mix of comedy, romance, action and some political intrigue. The chemistry among So Rang, the King and Shin Won was the best!! The over-the-top shaman scenes seem cringe if you take if seriously but you really shouldn't. There's a purpose for all of it.

Once I get through more KDRAMAs, I will definitely re-watch this. I feel like I missed out on some inside jokes because I don't have enough dramas under my belt. On the MDL discussions, people were mentioning "Oh that scene was just like the scene from ..." Argh. It's clear what I need to do before I can truly appreciate this show.

I liked Kim Young Dae from earlier shows, but I loved him in this one. His comedic timing was impeccable. His banter with the FL and his rapport with the SML endeared him to me.

The side characters were also well played. They added to the show, whether to the comedic portion or to the political intrigue part. You really get so many different views in this story of the 7-year marriage ban. It kept me entertained, and I will miss these characters.

If you're looking for an interesting story, romance, laughter, beautiful costumes, beguiling music and enough intrigue to keep you entertained but not drain your emotional battery...this could be the satisfying drama you're looking for. There's so much to love about this period romance and while the synopsis doesn't hint at how cleverly created & produced this drama is, it is visually stunning with a beautiful soundtrack.

The photography/cinematography was great, although in a few places the look of actor's makeup suffered. The core story is actually tragic - as most Joseon period tales are - but the humor is great. Maybe over-the-top silly, and childish... I loved it. True to the writers intent, this is not a serious historic piece. Many traditional Joseon ideals are thwarted, and replaced with 21st ideas and opinions. And it's certainly far from proper with use of erotic manwah as a way of enticement for all the male characters. There are also inside jokes about popular kdramas you' might recognize .

As I experienced it, Episode 1 of The Forbidden Marriage explodes with a prelude of eye popping color and graphics, a literary disclaimer, intro to our scam artist So Rang who tries to make a living during the nationwide marriage ban in Joseon. Our 3 main characters are King Yi Heon, So Rang and Sun Won. Of these the King and So Rang are the funniest especially after they meet within he confines of the Palace. Both roles are exceptionally acted, and you can sympathize with their condition; enter into their feelings and empathize. The fact So Rang is a swindler is not really important and neither is the elevated status of King Yi Heon, whose personality is laughable and allows for much comic relief. At times the humor is enough to make you stop watching to recover and catch your breath.

The soundtrack is excellent with so much diversity. One ballad I believe is Chinese and is lovely enough even without subtitles.

This drama came as quite a surprise to me as the synopsis didn't attract me. Also, its viewership was low for the genre. But Rom-Com type dramas vary widely and this one is much more lighthearted; easy to watch because it's only 12 parts and takes an irreverent diversion from the more explicit cruelty of period dramas. I am delighted I watched it and hope more fans of Korean romance comedy will find it and add to its popularity. It might not be equivalent to The Kings Affection, Flower Crew: Joseon Wedding Agency or Lovers of the Red Sky, for its story presentation but is definitely entertaining and enjoyable without the emotional turmoil of a classic 16-24 part drama. I highly recommend it as such.

Summary: For what it's worth, this lighthearted drama is well worth watching for the delightful story, beautiful visuals, mesmerizing music, comedic main characters and feel good ending.