_**A 花より男子 (Hana Yori Dango); Meteor Garden show with political sibling rivalry**_ The narrative involves a large cast of characters, and it's to their credit that they managed to present things in an understandable way. The conflict between the brothers proved engaging, and choosing this historical setting was a smart move for the Korean adaptation of the Chinese novel. Unfortunately, the romantic elements fell short; I didn’t feel much of anything while watching them, as there wasn't any real development or build-up to those moments. Ultimately, it’s more about the intense rivalry between siblings escalating into political maneuvering. The acting was uneven at times—there were instances that felt rehearsed—but also some truly memorable performances, ranging from genuinely funny moments to serious scenes where the actors seemed very genuine. Regrettably, the music didn't leave a lasting impression. There were several opportunities where impactful music would have enhanced the scene, but instead weaker selections were used or nothing at all played. It felt like they could have incorporated more of it. The production values were quite high; they clearly invested in quality materials and designs for the actors’ costumes. This was particularly noticeable with IU's wardrobe, which successfully combined historical styles with a modern feel that complemented her presence. They did a wonderful job merging those two eras. However, the close-up shots felt excessive—way too many of them. They weren't necessary in numerous scenes and ended up being distracting. During the boat scenes, there was so much glare from the sunlight that it made it difficult to see the actors, especially during those frequent close-ups.

Source on TMDB