Title: The Red Sleeve, The Red Cuff Sleeve,
Episodes: 17
Genre: Historical, Drama, Romance, Comedy, Tragedy, Friendship, Slice of Life, Political, Melodrama
Story: 9 out of 10
Characters: 8 out of 10
Cinematography: 9 out of 10
Korean Drama The Red Sleeve sets the bar high for other historical dramas
Story
Deok Im is a court lady who is dreaming of becoming one who would have beautiful handwriting. She is great at her job and a loyal friend. However, when she crosses paths with the crown prince, whom she is to be serving when she comes of age, her life will change forever. The Prince will fall in love with her, and she will aim to protect him and help him gain the throne, but she refuses to ever becoming his woman.
Korean Drama The Red Cuff is a well-constructed story of two influential people with strong personalities, and their lives in the palace’s golden cage.
The drama can be divided into three parts. The first one is the lighter one. It has many funny moments, as the viewer is getting to know the characters, the main couple collides and starts to establish a strong relationship, and the course of the political events leads to the second part.
That part was the darker one. One political intrigue was being followed by another new one and the events were bloodier and more suspenseful. The shift of the mood is evident by the darker shades of the scenes, the deeper lighting and the mat color pallette.
The third part, on the other hand, was messy, with a fast pace and events that were hectically presented. However, the ending was masterfully handled.
Overall, the drama had a beautiful story that didn’t focus on the romance. Rather, it was more of a portray of the lives of the main characters, their personalities and those hidden corners of the palace.
Those ingredients set the drama apart from the rest of the historical dramas. It was closer to the truth, without altering reality and how things should have progressed for the purpose of having a smooth romance. Rather, it let the love story be subtle and the additional force that moved things forward.
Characters
Deok Im is a bright, optimistic young girl who is friendly and loyal. She is independent and works hard to keep her freedom and protect her right to be herself.
Lee Se Young was amazing as Deok Im, with loads of energy and sensitivity.
Watch Lee Se Young in her other works KDrama Memorist, KDrama The Crowned Clown and KDrama How Are You Bread
Prince San is a nightmare for his court ladies. He is a perfectionist who often gets angry when things aren’t the way he wants them to be and can be harsh when that happens. However, he himself is suffering as he is the target of the political intrigues and often has to endure his grandfather’s mistreatment.
Lee Jun Ho was tested in a more dramatic role and passed with flying colors.
Deok Ro is Prince San’s only friend and the one he trusts the most. He is arrogant and dreams of one day raising in status, while he looks down on everyone.
Kang Hoon did a great job with his character.
Watch Kang Hoon in his other dramas KDrama Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung, KDrama Moment at Eighteen and KDrama Meow, The Secret Boy
Cinematography
The drama used the lighting masterfully and had the right pace and atmosphere.
Overall
My overall rating for the Korean Drama The Red Sleeve is 8.5 out of 10. The drama was atmospheric and had a beautiful story.
How about more historical dramas with a slice of life twist? Then check out these recommendations
- KDrama «Scarlet Heart»
- CDrama Word of Honor
- KDrama Mr. Queen
- KDrama Queen: Love and War
- Chinese Drama Story of Yanxi Palace
- KDrama My Country: The New Age
- JDrama Natsuzora
- KDrama Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung
K&J Reviews 
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