The Red Sleeve

This historical drama ranks up there with the best. Although we're only halfway through the series, the quality of the writing, the production value and the amazing performances all point to continued success.

Casting is key. It can lift a sluggish story and it can elevate average writing. Lee Jun-ho as the Crown Prince and Lee See-Young as the court lady he loves and cherishes lead an exceptional group of seasoned actors and bright newish faces. Hong Deok-Ro played by Kang Hoon and Oh Dae-Hwan playing Kang Tae-Ho are perfectly cast as the Crown Prince's cold and calculating advisor and Head Guardsman respectively. Many familiar faces round out the superlative cast.

The physical attraction and sexual tension the Crown Prince and his Court Lady experience is written to perfection. She resists becoming his concubine because exercising her free will and thoughts (as freely as you could being a member of the court), is her fervent desire. Initially she rebuffs the Crown Prince explaining in no uncertain terms her feelings on the matter. As a Prince who is both demanding and somewhat arrogant this causes him to swiftly remind her that her future and her life, for that matter, rest solely in his hands. In many author's hands this relationship could come across blandly as is the rule in most kdramas. Here the writers walk a fine line conveying to the audience the reality of the times and the reality of the love blooming between the two leads. It is executed to perfection by Lee and Lee.

We can only hope the excellence of the production continues. I have every reason to believe it will and eagerly await the remaining 8 episodes.

This is a must-see for fans of quality Korean productions.

2021 is the comeback year for actor Lee JunHo of 2PM who through this performance as Crown Prince Yi San proves Kpop singers are great actors too. His pain and love for his red-sleeved court lady Seong Deok Im played by beautiful talented actress Lee SeYoung shows his vulnerability and perserverance to become one of the best rulers of the Joseon Dynasty. I recommend this drama because the writing, acting, costuming and cinematography are as wonderful as a feature film!

I am absolutely loving the first six episodes. The chemistry between the main leads is potent, and there is a nice blend of humor and palace politics. I believe this is based on a true story, but I don't really care how accurate it is to history. I just love the story. The costumes beautiful and cinematography is quite lovely. Definitely recommend.

I love, love, love this drama. I rate it up there with Goblin and Eternal Love. It is a masterpiece and the cast is one of the best I've seen in a very long time. Everything about it is on point. The two talented leads set the pace and the supporting cast made it all credible. The storyline was accurate, the cinematography great, the writing is to be commended, the direction and production were good too.

It is an emotional story so you may find yourself in tears at some juncture, and laughing at other times. The ending is almost sacred. I found myself crying uncontrollably at the finale. All in all, Red Sleeves is everything you could possibly hope for in a well-written, acted and produced drama. Kudos to all. Please watch this drama. It's really worth it!

This drama deserves as much ratings as Scarlet Heart Ryeo . The acting and chemistry is amazing and each episode keeps you anticipating.

Love how they focused on the patriarchal society that existed in the time rather than focusing solely on the romance aspect. The characters are so well written that you find yourself sympathizing with some of the villains too.