Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency 조선혼담공작소: 꽃파당 - Review

Title: Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency 조선혼담공작소: 꽃파당

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Costume & Period Drama, Historical, Political

Release: 2019

Starring (Main Cast): 

Kim Min Jae as Ma Hoon

Gong Seung Yeon as Gae Ddong

Seo Ji Hoon as Lee Soo

Byun Woo Seok as Do Joon

Park Ji Hoon as Go Young Soo

Go Won Hee as Kang Ji Hwa

Director: Kim Ga Ram

Writer: Kim Yi Rang

Rakuten Viki Rating: 9.2/10

IMDb Rating: 6.9/10

Audience Rating: 4.2/5

MyDramaList Rating: 7.7/10

Rakuten Viki Synopsis: Click Here

Watch Free on Rakuten Viki: Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency

Episodes: 16 (hour long each)

Content Rating: PG-13

Violence: Sword fighting, hitting, blood

Sexual Content: Mild: verbal references, presence of a courtesan house, male chest exposure, kissing

Language: Mild

Ending: Happy satisfying ending

My Synopsis:

Matchmaking has historically been the job of a woman. That is until three men, the Flower Crew, break social norms and become the most successful matchmakers in Joseon. When the head of the Flower Crew reluctantly takes on a fateful marriage request, however, they find their business in trouble.

When the fated marrying couple turns out to be the King (Lee Soo) and a runaway slave (Gae Ddong) the wedding day is ruined and Gae Ddong finds herself in the care of, and indebted to, the Flower Crew. Can the Flower Crew turn Gae Ddong into a lady worthy of the King? And can the head of the Flower Crew (Ma Hoon) keep himself from falling in love with the King's lady in the process?

Trailer

My Review: 9.5/10

This drama was a mix of both fun comedy and serious drama that I found really enjoyable to watch. I love a wide range of emotion in a drama... I want to laugh and be moved to tears... as long as the ending is happy. I felt this drama did provide that. The "sisters", as they call themselves, will make you laugh. But, they also each bring along a deep and hurtful past that really draws you in to their characters and their lives.

As for the romance... there are a couple of relationships that happen here. The main one is a love triangle involving the newly crowned king, a runaway slave, and the head of the Flower Crew. I found myself so very torn, especially at the beginning, between the two men. The writers and directors did a good job at making them both extremely likeable. 

The peasant-turned-king (Seo Ji Hoon) is kind and good-hearted and truly loves Gae Ddong (Gong Seung Yeon). But, his new position opens up a gulf between them in rank that is practically insurmountable. I can't imagine anyone filling the role of the king better than Seo Ji Hoon who seems to emanate gentle confidence from every pore. I couldn't help but love his character. He will make you proud as he overcomes obstacles... but also cry as his heart is torn by those around him.

Ma Hoon (Kim Min Jae), a man who doesn't believe in love, despite his position as the head of the Flower Crew matchmakers, finds himself the caretaker of Gae Ddong when her wedding to the missing peasant king goes awry. He is forced to struggle against his growing feelings and his responsibility to honor the king's claim on Gae Ddong. Kim Min Jae does an incredible job in his role... especially with his facial expression which often times radiates his love for Gae Ddong, against his will. I love the awkwardness that comes from their interactions as the feelings quickly become mutual.

Gong Seung Yeon has great chemistry with both men... again making this a very difficult love triangle. Are you Team Soo? Or Team Ma Hoon? 

The story's second relationship is between Matchmaker Do Joon (Byun Woo Seok) and the rather snooty Kang Ji Hwa (Go Won Hee). I found it difficult to get into this relationship. And, in truth, it might be what was intended. You have the gentle and soft-hearted Do Joon attracted to the haughty, arrogant daughter of the Second Chief State Councilor. Though it does have its beautiful moments, it also has a lot of painful ones for Do Joon. Personally, there were many times I wished I could reach through the screen and slap Ji Hwa.

This story is about more than just the relationships listed above, however. It is about healing the past, starting over, and the growth of a king as he overcomes a throne that is very controlled by the men of the state. I felt that overall this story did have some cheesy (maybe cliché romantic moments), but even those were endearing to me. I found the plot easy to follow and the story very enjoyable to watch. I would highly recommend watching this drama.

OST

As a treat... enjoy this video including the vocals of two of the Flower Crew in a little tribute to this drama. :)

안녕! - 줄스