Title: River Where The Moon Rises, Cut by the Heart, Pyeongkang,The Moon Rising River, Moonlit River
Episodes: 20
Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama, Family, Politics, Tragedy, Friendship, Action
Story: 7 out of 10
Characters: 7 out of 10
Cinematography: 8 out of 10
Korean Drama River Where The Moon Rises is a lengthy drama with a dynamic female lead
I’ve watched the one with Ji Soo in the first 7-8 episodes, so this review is on that version, but I won’t include him in the character analysis. For those who are planning to watch it, pick up the version staring Na IIIn Wooo from the start. It feels more natural to associate On Dal with him from the beginning.
Story
In an ambushed planned by her mother’s enemies, Princess Pyeong Gang gets lost and loses her memories. She now goes by the name Ga Jin and is a notorious assassin, assigned to kill the king. However, Ga Jin misses and, while chaced by the king’s men, she is saved by On Dal, a man who is considered to be the fool living in the ghost valley. On Dal has, in reality, met the Princess before, on that fatal day when she lost her mother and he lost his father. And their encounter is once again destined to end in tragedy, as Ga Jin is recognized as the Princess and is tormented between saving her father and country and living with the man she loves.
Korean Drama River Where THe Moon Rises tries to create a memorable, tragic love story, however, the political events and the leading lady’s character overshine it. Probably the forced switch of the leading actor costed many key scenes to the couple and resulted to the drama focusing more on the Princess endevors rather than her relationship with On Dal who was absent for many episodes.
So, for a romance drama, the series fails to build up enough momentum, even though they used many trops to enhance the drama in the love story, like the twist in the ending. The actors both presented great effort to make it work too, with some quite emotional performances and intense scenes.
Nevertheless, even if the drama fails romance-wise, it makes it work when it comes to the strong female lead. Her story is full of twists and turns, wars, battles, political schemes, even lost identity incidents. And she sines through every tragedy and misfortune. Her story alone is satisfying and quite admirable.
As for the political scene, the drama did not present something new to the mix, as the political thriller was pretty basic, with those strong families fighting for power and scheming against the royal family. They did, however, present plenty of battles and fighting scenes that powered up the action when it was needed.
Finally, the second couple, which was consisted of two strong characters, was promising, but ended up working for the two main leads.
Characters
Princess Pyeong Gang dreamt of becoming the next leader of her nation. However, she lost her memory and for years she lived as an assassin, fighting to gain her freedom. She is clever, thinks fast and realistically and wants to protect those she cares about.
Kim So Hyun really shines in historical roles. Here, as well, her performance was impressive.
Watch Kim So Hyun in her other dramas KDrama Love Alarm 2, KDrama Love Alarm, and KDrama The Tale of Nokdu
On Dal is living as the village fool, after his father’s execution and his clan’s fall, as they were accused for killing the Queen. And he truly has a pure soul, enjoying living in nature and respecting every form of life. However, his peaceful way of life will change when he will meet assassine Ga Jin.
Na In Woo, who got popular through his previous drama KDrama Mr. Queen, managed to take up a difficult task and he saw it through.
Watch Na In Woo‘s other dramas K Drama Best Chicken and KDrama Mystic Pop Up Bar
Go Geon was Princess Pyeong Gang’s tutor when she was young. She was also his first love. Now, as the next leader of the powerful clan which opposes the King, he has to chose between his family and the woman he loves. And he is ready to use every means possible to win her.
Lee Ji Hoon had nother evil second lead role, and he executed it brilliantly.
Watch Lee Ji Hoon in KDrama Dinner Mate, K Drama The Hymn to Death and KDrama Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung
Mo Yong is a rich merchant who is more than just a botanic seller. She knows everyone’s secrets and is behind a lot of the political schemes. She is a ruthless woman who is ready to do everything and betray anyone to get what she wants.
Choi Yoo Hwa gave an emotional performance.
Cinematography
The drama had a messy pace and some episodes were boring. They also didn’t handle the switching of the main actor very well. The soundtrack, in addition, did not suit some scenes. But the fighting scenes were smoothly made. The aesthetics and the costumes were pretty impressive as well.
Overall
My overall rating for the Korean Drama River Where the Moon Rises is 6.5 out of 10. The drama was lengthy, but the leading lady was a delight to watch.
K&J Reviews 
12 Comments Add yours