Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• bluntchinatown26

  Overall 7.5

  Story 7.5,  Acting 8,  Music 8.5,  Rewatch Value 7

  Enter into the world of clandestine spirits and undercover dealings! The premise of the series revolves around a period of alcohol prohibition, leading to the emergence of covert organizations producing illegal alcohol. As the hidden moonshine operations come to light, a web of deceit and hidden truths begins to unravel, involving the main characters in unexpected ways.
  
  Inspector Nam Young, played by Yoo Seung Ho, embodies a strict enforcer of the alcohol ban, while Lee Hye Ri portrays Kang Ro Seo, a noblewoman with a knack...

  for producing top-notch liquor. The ensemble cast delivers commendable performances, with standout roles from Seung Ho, Hyeri, and Mina, who bring their characters to life with conviction.
  
  Unlike typical historical dramas that often veer off into convoluted political schemes and romance-centric storylines, this series stays true to its central theme of moonshine production and the repercussions of defying the law. The plot unfolds steadily, maintaining a consistent pace that keeps viewers engaged without unnecessary distractions.
  
  Director Hwang In Hyuk's seasoned expertise shines through in the well-executed screenplay, scene composition, and cinematography. The debut writer, Kim Joo Hee, impresses with a script that strikes a balance between simplicity and entertainment value, steering clear of filler subplots that bog down many series.
  
  Integral to the show's success is the limited focus on romance, instead opting for an exploration of diverse relationships and character dynamics. The soundtrack, featuring tracks like "Even Though" and "Love Me Again," enhances the emotional depth of the narrative, contributing to the overall viewing experience.
  
  In conclusion, "Moonshine" offers a refreshing take on period dramas, delivering a compelling narrative with minimal flaws. While it may not be a standout masterpiece, its strengths lie in its cohesive storytelling, character development, and adherence to the central storyline. Whether you're a fan of historical dramas or looking for a captivating watch, this series promises an enjoyable viewing experience.

• sharpliu

  Overall 6

  Story 5,  Acting 9,  Music 6,  Rewatch Value 5

  This period drama initially promises a unique blend of procedural police investigation and romance set in the Joseon era of South Korea. While the premise is intriguing, the execution ultimately falls short. The storyline leans heavily on exposition rather than allowing events to unfold naturally, leading to a lack of engagement with both the romantic and mystery elements of the plot.
  
  The series struggles to find its identity, wavering between a romantic comedy and a police procedural, without fully committing to either. This indecisiveness results in...

  a disjointed narrative that fails to integrate these two aspects cohesively. The pacing feels rushed at times, leaving little room for proper exploration and development of key plot points.
  
  Despite a talented cast, including standout performances from Ro Seo and Hyeri, the characters often feel underutilized and fail to resonate due to inconsistent writing. Nam Young, portrayed by the talented Yoo Seung Ho, lacks depth and impact on the overall story, reducing his role to serving as a mere plot device.
  
  The series heavily relies on palace politics and royal intrigue as narrative crutches, which ultimately detract from the main story rather than enhancing it. This overemphasis on secondary plots contributes to a lack of focus and depth in the central storyline.
  
  Overall, the series struggles to capitalize on its potential, hindered by a meandering narrative that lacks the courage to take risks or depart from familiar tropes of the genre. While the cast manages to elevate the material, the overall viewing experience is marred by missed opportunities and a failure to fully engage the audience.

• RoughMemento51

  Overall 9

  Story 9,  Acting 9,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 4

  A captivating historical drama graced with engaging action sequences, a charming romantic narrative, and palace politics infused with well-timed moments of humor. While it may not be flawless, the series proves to be a delightful viewing experience. The ensemble cast, including both the main and supporting actors, deliver impressive performances, breathing life into their respective characters. The chemistry between the lead duo sparkles with both playfulness and sincerity, adding a layer of warmth that resonates throughout the narrative. Blending elements of romantic comedy and mystery,...

  this series offers a blend of entertainment that is sure to please. Don't miss out on this entertaining journey!

• sweetmemento84

  Overall 7

  Story 6.5,  Acting 8.5,  Music 1,  Rewatch Value 1

  Warning: This evaluation contains potential spoilers. Ah, the infamous Second Lead Syndrome - a feeling that many of us know too well. Despite that emotional turmoil, this series managed to captivate me. The storyline, set in the Joseon era, offered a fresh take with a hint of mystery woven into its narrative. While some characters seemed extraneous, they did provide comic relief akin to what we saw in "Mr. Queen."
  
  Let's talk about the cast. Hyeri shined in her role, but I yearn to see her...

  explore different character types beyond the typical "tomboy" archetype. Yoo Seung Ho's character didn't quite resonate with me, especially when compared to the dynamic with his counterpart. Byeon Woo Seok, on the other hand, skillfully portrayed a complex journey of love and growth. And Kang Mina stole the spotlight with her captivating presence that exuded main character energy.
  
  Kudos to the supporting characters and couples for their impactful contributions throughout the series. If you're debating whether to give this show a watch, my recommendation is a resounding yes.

• crazyli

  Overall 9

  Story 9,  Acting 10,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 7.5

  Let's just take a moment to appreciate how surprisingly good that series was. Without delving into a lengthy analysis, I must highlight its perfect balance of drama, romance, bromance, political intrigue, palace dynamics, and strong female characters. The series is a delightful binge-watch, thanks to its engaging storyline and well-paced episodes that never fail to captivate. If you're in the mood for a show that effortlessly entertains and keeps you hooked from start to finish, this is a definite recommendation. Trust me, it's a genuine...

  gem that is truly worth your time.