Monday, 13 June 2016

Moon Lovers: Teaser Trailer - Spectacular Moments






SPECTACULAR MOMENTS
‘MOON LOVERS’ TEASER TRAILER





‘MOON LOVERS’
THE TEASER TRAILER


MOON LOVERS Teaser Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1HFoCnyqjA&feature=youtu.be


Moon Lovers’ is a must-watch Korean drama. The actors, actresses and the production staff spin an intriguing and enchanting time-travel tale of history, destiny and romance.

There are some awesome scenes which have been beautifully orchestrated in the stunning teaser trailer of ‘Moon Lovers’, the Korean version of the amazing Chinese drama, ‘Bu Bu Jing Xin’ or ‘Scarlet Heart’.  

The scenes are ‘pure magic’ and have a dramatic reaction from viewers, especially in China, where ‘Moon Lovers’ now tops the list of ‘To Watch’ new dramas at a drama website.








1.                     THE SPECTACULAR CHASE





In the spectacular opening scenes of the trailer for the historical-fantasy romance drama, ‘Moon Lovers’, there is the jaw-dropping rearing of the black stallion most likely ridden by Wang So, the Fourth Prince of Goryeo (played by Lee Joon Gi). Wang So became the ruthless emperor, Gwangjong (949 - 975), the fourth ruler of the Goryeo Dynasty.

Wang So must have splendidly mounted and straddled the stallion, the skillful equestrian that he is, and pressed the stallion forward. The arresting image of the rearing of the feisty black stallion speaks volumes about the relationship between the magnificent prince and his equally magnificent equine partner.







With a burst of speed, the Fourth Prince rides like the wind towards the mountains, leaving a cloud of dust behind him. 

He is probably being pursued by some assassins. Across the mountain, the black horse swings, shovelling up pebbles and sand.






Wang So’s lethal sword drips with blood, a result of lashing back at his attackers. Perhaps an assassination attempt has failed? Was the attempt on the king’s life or on Wang So’s life?






There are no prizes for guessing. Blood that is splashed all over the face of Wang So means that he is in deep trouble. It is not hard to imagine that he, being a strong contender for the Goryeo throne, has to fight off some murderous attackers who are intent on extinguishing his life.






One would be amazed by the lovely cinematography and the wild, awesome and picturesque scenery. As the cameras roll, the viewers are given a beautiful aerial view of the chase from the sky. 

As the horse-riding warriors  make their way forward, the hoofs of the horses thunder and pound through the unspoilt low shrubs on the cliffs  in the mountains.






The mysterious half-masked Fourth Prince, Wang So, whirls at breakneck speed among the swift-galloping horse riders. The heart-pounding action of the scene sends volleys of blood up through one’s chest.





The brilliant cinematography cannot be ignored. The camera focuses on the flying heroes or the horde of swift horse riders clothed in black robes and dramatically frame them against the sweeping, towering rugged mountains and the sparse, undulating Korean landscape. 

The white low shrub formations and soil is a stark contrast with the galloping black riders. 

The action brings the drama to life and stirs up a feeling of excitement.





This powerful masculine and romantic image of the handsome caped and masked Prince Wang So is bolstered in no small degree by his magnificent black stallion and his amazing horse-riding prowess.







2.        ASSAILANTS SPIRAL DOWN
FROM THE HIGH PALACE CEILING





The pulse of the viewers races as a swarm of black attired assailants spiral and sail down from the high ceiling of the Goryeo palace.

There is a magnificent view from above as the figures hurtled down like a rain of death. The cinematography is astounding.

In one mad instant, there is confusion and chaos as Wang So with determination as fierce as a wolfdog’s fights his vicious enemies.







The Mask Dance: There is a splash of vibrant, vivid colours of black, white and red. The black and white masked dancers, dressed in vermillion red, perform a shamanistic ritual dance around a fire.

Are the masks death masks? Probably not, as the expressions on the masks seem benign and the lips form a smile so they do not appear to be sinister nor grotesque.

What is the colour perception of the Koreans?

Red is a powerful colour. Red, unlike in China which is a colour for joy, happiness and good fortune, is the colour of passion. The red or ‘Yang’ colour also describes the positive forces and masculine energy, and it is said to represent the earth.

White, which is the traditional Korean colour, means purity, innocence, peace or patriotism.

Black, as in most traditional cultures, is the colour of death. In popular young culture, it symbolises elegance.


Dancing round a fire




A violent struggle for the Goryeo throne, as expected, results in a river of blood. The atmosphere reeks of death.




With deadly venom and silent fury, he drives his sword fiercely as his foes bear him down. The unquenchable savagery that blazes in his dark eyes is unmistakable. 


Amazing sword brandishing skills

Wielding his mighty sword with muscular effort, he swings it deftly around facing him, shaking away the blood that drips from the blade.


Turning his sword deftly around


If Lee Joon Gi is among those who have spiralled down from the high ceiling the palace, it would be no surprise. 

Watch  the videos of him training for the stunts.




https://www.instagram.com/p/BGYbDUZAoau/?taken-by=actor_jg








3.       ROMANTIC SCENES
WANG SO
STAKES HIS CLAIM ON HAE SOO





There also many amazing and swoon-worthy moments in ‘Moon Lovers. 

How does the Wang So, the Fourth Prince, capture Hae Soo’s attention and win her love in ‘Moon Lovers’, the Korean historical-fantasy drama? 

It has to be emphasized that in the tenth century world where there is a plethora of eye candy-Goryeo princes and romantic possibilities, it is the mysterious and self-assured Fourth Prince who captures Hae Soo’s imagination.

In five interesting and romantic scenes, Wang So comes across as a passionate, high octane prince who knows what he wants. He has to grapple with his brothers, especially Wang Wook, the Eighth Prince, to win Hae Soo’s hand.



SCENE 1           

In the first scene, he saves Hae Soo from falling into a ditch. Probably she has twisted her ankle and could not walk properly so he offers to bring her home. She senses that he has fallen in love with her.



Hae Soo: almost falls



Wang So catches hold of her


Hae Soo's startled expression


Amusement in his eyes and a knowing smirk on his lips


romantic horseback ride




SCENE 2

In another scene, Wang So, like the territorial wolfdog,  boldly stakes his claim on Hae Soo to prevent the other princes from having any thoughts of making her theirs. He says it the first time and then repeats, ‘She’s mine!’

It must be rather flattering that so many good looking Goryeo princes find her fascinating. But what they do not know is that Hae Soo is from the future, the 21st century.



Seven of the eight good looking Goryeo princes


The princes find her to be intriguing as she is not only beautiful but also intelligent, knowledgeable, confident and unique. That image of her must have held Wang So in its thrall, making him want to capture her heart.

The other princes are shocked when he boldly marks his territory.






The intense, malevolent gleam in his eye crushes
the pride and confidence of the princes


Wang So narrows his eyes. The malevolent gleam in his defiant eyes and the curl of his snarling mouth are enough to send his message clearly to them.

When, and if he stakes his claim, anyone who gets in his way could be seriously hurt. He tells his brothers in no uncertain terms that she is taken. The silence that reigns then is unbroken until the initial shock is over.

Wang Wook just could not believe his ears. Neither could the others. His dreams of taking Hae Soo as his consort is over unless he puts up a challenge.


Wang Wook, the Eight Prince



Dumbfounded: The Thirteenth Prince, the other Wang Wook


Disappointment also clouds the face of the Thirteenth Prince, also named Wang Wook, but he realises that going against his older brother is useless. What Wang So wants, he gets!



Shocked: Wang Eun, the Tenth Prince (played by Byun Baekyun) exchanges startled glances with Wang Jung, the Fourteenth Prince (played by Ji Soo)



Incredulous expressions: Wang Won (left), the Ninth Prince  (played by Yoon Sun-woo) and Wang Yo, the Third Prince (played by Hong Jong-hyun)




                                            SCENE 3

In another tension-filled scene, the indomitable Wang So fights the Eighth Prince, Wang Wook, to mark his space. Probably worried over the dangers that might await Hae Soo in the volatile atmosphere of palace politics , Wang So claims her as his own. 

Wang Wook orders him to let her go.


The fight over the damsel. ‘Let her go!’


Wang So’s lips must have twitched. A malicious, fiendish glint flashed across his eyes in the dark. He is not averse to arguing his point. He stands his ground and rises to the challenge.

Wang So’s instinct is to claim and protect what he believes is his.

He snorts and retorts with a supercilious sneer, ‘What if I won’t?’ 


The wild eyes of  the wolfdog: Intense, piercing, sombre, menacing



Then, he rides off triumphantly with Hae Soo into the night. It matters little to him where they ride, so long she is with him. His black mane like that of his stallion’s is probably flying in the night breeze.



Riding off into the night




SCENE 4


In the fourth scene, Wang So tells Hae Soo grimly but firmly, ‘You’ve got to be mentally prepared, I won’t let go of you, no matter what.’




Goaded by Hae Soo’s resistance, he grabs her hand.  Bent on weakening her resistance and bending her to his will, he grabs her hand with fierce insistence.




‘You’ve got to be mentally prepared. I won’t let go no matter what.’



Prince Wang So lets his guard down for a moment and his masculine expression has a hint of gentleness and tenderness. Surely, that look is enough to warm her heart?

Wang So: The tender look in his gorgeous eyes




SCENE 5


In the fifth scene, Hae Soo protests against Wang So who stands towering over her. ‘Stop saying I’m yours!’






He inches closer towards her and arches his body over her.




He looks into her eyes and mocks her


His gaze pierces into her eyes. A shiver must have run down her spine.



An air of self-confidence: Mockery in his eyes


He says tauntingly, ‘How about my woman then?’  

They are so close and facing each other. One can feel the atmosphere being heated up and the sparks of electricity flying in the air. None can deny the chemistry between them. Had he not pause to mock her, he could have easily given her a peck on the forehead or stolen a kiss from her.

Probably, after the initial objections, Hae Soo also could not get the Fourth Prince, who, dressed in his iconic black robes and mask, out of her mind.

It seems that Wang So’s character is more dominant and even stronger than that of the other Fourth Prince, Yinzhen of ‘Bu Bu Jing Xin’ / ‘Scarlet Heart’.  

Wang So is so driven to conquer Hae Soo’s heart that he dares to stand up and defend his claim. It is no wonder that the dark prince is able to worm his way into Hae Soo’s heart and affections.






THE CHARACTER
PRINCE WANG SO




The character of Wang So is an intriguing figure. Prince Wang So’s heart beats with a fierce passion. His character oozes romance and potent masculine charm that prey on the imagination of females and melt their hearts. 

He has already cemented his place in the viewer’s hearts even at this point. Wang So would be indelibly etched in their memory even after the drama ends.













Based on the teaser trailer, it is undeniable that the drama would be awesome. It is certainly a drama for the romantic viewers that makes for sleepless nights and will have female hearts pounding hard. 

The drama is written by Jo Yoon-young and directed by Kim Kyu-tae.

‘Moon Lovers’ will begin airing on 29 August 2016 on SBS every Monday and Tuesday for 20 episodes at 22:00 (Korea 10.00pm) in simulcast with China.