The 8-episode historical drama "Queen Woo" with an investment budget of 30 billion won (561 billion VND) has officially ended its broadcast journey.
After the sudden death of her husband - King Go Nam Moo (Ji Chang Wook), Queen Woo Hee (Jeon Jong Seo) must try every way to establish a new king within 24 hours.
As a result, she allies with Prime Minister Eul Pa So (Kim Moo Yeol) and marries her deceased husband's younger brother according to the custom of marrying the successor in order to protect her people.
Compared to the first 4 episodes which were criticized for their content being too spread out, overusing violence or "hot scenes" appearing too frequently, in the remaining 4 episodes, the producer tried to moderate it, but... not significantly.
Action scenes, chase scenes, or "talking" with weapons appear too much, making viewers feel uncomfortable. Along with that, the ending of the film is also disappointing, when in the end, the truth about the king's poisoner is still quite vague.
In addition, the scene where Woo Hee prepares to fight the army of Third Prince Go Bal Gi (Lee Soo Hyuk) and Crown Prince Go Pae (Song Jae Rim) was criticized as meaningless.
"After such a long and drawn-out story, the ending doesn't bring closure. Even if Tving plans a season 2, it's hard to see anyone wanting to watch the drama after being so disappointed with the first season" - Naver wrote.
However, Korean newspapers still consider "Queen Woo" a special film because it focuses on Goguryeo - the period depicted in Korean historical films.
The character of Queen Woo is also notable as a rare female figure in Korean history who took control of her own destiny, even arranging her own marriage to secure power after her husband's death.
Woo Hee's political acumen and strength are evident throughout the film. Unfortunately, due to the lack of depth in the script and Jeon Jong Seo's acting, her dialogue fails to fully convey the character's demeanor.
Meanwhile, Kim Moo Yeol, Lee Soo Hyuk, and Ji Chang Wook, despite their good acting, were not enough to save the film's flaws. However, the three actors still had valuable scenes.
For example, with Ji Chang Wook, in addition to the image of a talented king, experienced in fighting, even a bit cruel, his affectionate image in the scene where Woo Hee recalls makes viewers emotional.
The actor's affectionate eyes made viewers regret the unfinished love story of Nam Moo and Woo Hee. This is also the reason why many viewers expressed regret that this incomplete film is not commensurate with Ji Chang Wook's acting ability.
