Fiore del cavaliere

For the early episodes of this series I was unsure of its staying power. At times it only just managed to retain me into the following episode.

Then, almost without letting me in on the secret, it began to gain more traction. I guess that the plotting has taken its time to build up the sense of threat hanging over from events that had taken place 15 years earlier. And gradually the lead characters became more energised by their efforts to uncover the nasty shenanigans lurking behind the scenes. And so I became more engaged.

Even so, I was surprised by the extent to which the final episode's denouement gave me satisfaction. I found myself deeply engaged and smiling broadly.

It was also interesting to discover more of Joseon's social attitudes, which run so counter to modern sensibilities. This series highlights to taboo of widowhood, which was new to me.

Overall this is worth a watch. If you find early episodes underpowered then stick with it.

Lee Hanee plays Jo Yeo-hwa who is a dutiful widow living in seclusion at her in-laws house but unbeknown to everybody at nights she goes out as a vigilante righting the wrongs of corrupt officials. A new captain of the palace guard arrives called Park Soo-ho played by Lee Jong-won who is a stickler for rules and soon sets out to capture this vigilante. It is based on a webtoon and like most webtoon adaptations it can be a little stilted at times but it is still an enjoyable period piece. The acting is very good from the entire cast and the leads certainly seem to have chemistry and the plot has good supporting characters.

'Night Blooming Flower' has everything we can ask for. Comedy, Romance, Action, History, Crime, and Mystery. More importantly, it is good at every one of them.

There are three branches of main narratives: a vigilante helping the people in need, Lady Jo's brothers missing, mystery around the death of the late king, and romance between Lady Jo and Park Soo-ho. Each one is complicated enough, but writers manage to keep them in order and in organization AND to connect events from all four categories and weave them together to tell one whole story.

Each character is distinctive, charming, and dynamic. Every individual has not only strength but also weakness. I think weakness is the reason that the audience feels closer to him or her. For example, mother-in-law is blinded by social expectations and high standards of a noble family, and she sometimes pressures Lady Jo to have one meal a day or to pray all day and night. However, she also has taken care of Lady Jo for 15 years and becomes the closest thing to family she's ever got. Even the main villain has two sides: the killer of the king just to prevent social equality from happening and the sweetest husband.

'Night Blooming Flower' introduced a young promising actor, Lee Jong-won who played Park Soo-ho. It is the first time for me to see him on any screen, and he nails it. First, he can deliver unlike many young actors these days. His voice is deep and stable. It was such a pleasure to see his performance.

Good drama that just misses greatness, but with main leads that are perfect, though I wished for more focus on their characters and their story. Both actors have eyes that say far more than words can summon-and what they tell us is so touching about the characters and the developing story line that not taking the time is a clear mistake by the director. It's why the series just misses greatness and causes the plot to struggle in spots. Still, it is good, and I enjoyed it. I'm hearing there is a second season next Sept, so I'm happy that perhaps they will have time to do more developing of the main story-because these two characters have far more to say-to each other.

I thoroughly enjoyed the drama Knight Flower. The main actress acted so well and was so funny! I am wishing right now for a second season where the main actors will get together for real! The chemistry between them was just too much. Park So Hoo's love and care for Lady Cho was so obvious. I enjoyed the way So Hoo looked at the female lead all throughout the drama. His eyes were solely on her and full of passion, determination and obsession. At times, I would laugh at how jealous he would become of the men interested in her. At other times, I would be impressed with how far he's ready to go to protect the woman he cherishes. He's even ready to kill her enemies on her behalf and to follow her wherever she wants to go. What a man! What a love! I am indeed a hopeless romantic! I really hope the producers of this drama think about a second season. I never regretted a 12 episodes' drama this much!