Black Knight is a 2017 Korean romance drama about a wealthy executive who travels through time to protect the woman he loves, a tour company employee whose past may be linked to his. The series has a TMDB rating of 5.5/10, indicating divided opinions. Let's see what it does well and what could be improved.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story begins in the Joseon era, when General Suho (Kim Rae-won) falls in love with a maid, Hae-ra (Shin Se-kyung), but they are separated by death. Centuries later, Suho is reborn as a wealthy and influential executive, while Hae-ra is reincarnated as a struggling tour company employee. Suho tries to protect Hae-ra from dangers caused by a curse and old enemies, including Sharon (Seo Ji-hye), a mysterious woman with supernatural powers. The story is filled with love, sacrifice, and secrets that gradually unfold.
Acting and Characters
Kim Rae-won as Suho conveys confidence and concern well, making viewers empathize with his character's struggle between love and duty. Shin Se-kyung as Hae-ra impressively portrays both vulnerability and inner strength. Their chemistry works, though some scenes feel overacted. Seo Ji-hye as Sharon brings a mysterious, dangerous yet sympathetic presence, adding complexity. Supporting characters like Jang Baek-hee (Jang Mi-hee) and Kim Young-mi (Shin So-yul) also help drive the story.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Director Han Sang-woo uses warm and dark tones alternately to reflect the contrast between eras and characters' emotions. Joseon-era scenes are beautifully realistic, while modern scenes are stylish. The soundtrack enhances romantic and dramatic moods, especially the catchy 'Black Knight' theme. However, editing in some parts feels jumpy and lacks continuity, disrupting the flow.
Editorial Analysis
The editorial team finds Black Knight has an interesting concept but uneven execution. Mysteries about past lives and the curse are resolved too quickly, reducing excitement. The villain Sharon has good depth, but main characters sometimes act irrationally. The romance between Suho and Hae-ra feels rushed and lacks deep development. However, the series deserves praise for addressing themes of fate and sacrifice, which are universally relatable.
Verdict
Black Knight is a charming concept but imperfect execution. Suitable for fans of time-crossing romance dramas who don't mind logical flaws. If you're looking for a touching, dramatic love story across time, give it a chance. But if you prefer tight, unpredictable plots, you might want to skip it.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Lead performances, especially Kim Rae-won and Shin Se-kyung
- +Interesting time-crossing and reincarnation concept
- +Beautiful cinematography and soundtrack matching the atmosphere
👎 Cons
- −Predictable plot with several loopholes
- −Unrealistic romantic development between leads
- −Uneven editing and pacing
Top Cast
FAQ
It's a time-crossing romance drama about a man reborn to protect his lover from a past-life curse.
20 episodes in a single season.
It's enjoyable for fans of time-crossing dramas, but the plot isn't perfect and has some weaknesses.
Kim Rae-won, Shin Se-kyung, Seo Ji-hye, Jang Mi-hee, Shin So-yul, and Kim Hyun-joon.
No spoilers, but the ending is hopeful and wraps up the story well.