If you are not very patient (like me), you could skip a few episodes in front and still be aware of the entire story line even towards the later half of the drama. As Eun Jae/Sohee carries out her revenge, you will see that it is related to the past events that has already happened in the earlier half of the drama which in my opinion, was too long (but not draggy, yet) for me.
Story 9/10
The story is a kind of cliche faithful wife who serves her husband's family despite their ill treatment... you kind of get the drift. But the excitement kicks in when Eun Jae/Sohee makes up her mind to return with a new identity for revenge after Gyo Bin pulled a failed attempt to murder her and her baby (only the baby is dead, but Gyo Bin doesn't know). Every single episode has you on the edge of your seat, relishing those moments where Ae Ri goes crazy as Gyo Bin cheats on her with his supposedly dead wife.
Acting/Cast 9/10
I deducted a point because of Ae Ri and the real Min Sohee. I simply cannot stand their characters and at some point I wish the scriptwriter will just kill them already. Then again, this goes to show how well every character portrays their role to have me as the viewer feel so much for them. Besides, all the awards that the actors swept due to this drama are enough to certify their skills.
Music 10/10
Can you not love the music? Enough said, every song has me hooked and I find myself replaying the songs even after I finished this drama. Can you believe it, I'm still not tired of the music after 129 episodes of it!
Rewatch Value 7/10
If you're asking me to rewatch episode 1 to 129... My answer would be a no, 129 episodes is simply too long. But I'll definitely be willing to revisit some episodes that were exciting for me.
Overall 9/10
If you have plenty of time on your hands (or if you simply crave some bad woman action), be sure to check out Temptation of Wife. It brings you through the most dramatic marriage life ever through Eun Jae's experiences and you simply cannot help but to feel sorry for her.
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Confused whether or not to watch it? Can't decide if it's worth it? Well, you're lucky because I know the answer to all your question. WATCH IT I daresay. You're just restricting yourself because you think these long episodes would be a waste of time. No it isn't! :D If you're in the mood for this kind of dramas then go for it. Try watching it before you make a decision ;))
Honestly tho, I didn't watch all the episode but I 90% watched of them all and it makes you crave for more. DO IT. WAAAAATCH IT. GO FOR IT ;)
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It was Amazing
This show was amazing, I wasn’t sure about watching it at first because of all the episodes. But Once I started it I couldn’t put it down every episode ended and I was like “ I have to watch one more” than one more again. Because every episode ended and I was left like “Bitch that did not just happen or WTF did I read that right. The acting was amazing, the plot was superb, the OST is now in my playlist. I’m planning on rewatching it after I watch some of the other shows that are linked in the description.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Ridiculous whirlwind of emotions every episode...for 129 episodes
NOTE: The term "ridiculous" may appear quite often in this review, but with a good reason.Do not be fooled by its number of episodes, and most notably do not be fooled by the plot's superficiality.
For this kdrama, I divided it into 3 parts:
a. Pre-revenge (eps 1-44) - it was adequate at best, too drawn-out at worst; I would have liked it more had it been lessened at least 5 eps to make it more less filler-y, but it was done great too as it was able to present the dilemma of Eun-jae and convinced me to follow Eun-jae's revenge plot. Girl really experienced A LOT, and it is not even exaggeration. Honestly, I would have done my revenge just like her if I were in her shoes, and on the same circumstances.
b. Revenge (eps 45-90) - THE MOST EXCITING PART of this series, and really its core. Really the epitome of "makjang". I was just hooked (that's coming from an experienced makjang viewer). If you don't like to watch the pre-revenge part, just skip to ep 45 or even to ep 49 towards the tango scene (if you know what i mean). The "revelation" was just chef's kiss.
c. Post-revenge (eps 91-129) - it would be better to subdivide it into 3 subparts; it's just too many spoiler alerts but you will get what I mean if you would reach this part. This is where the fruits of Eun-jae's revenge will be reaped, but obviously she won't be able to enjoy it right away due to complications. There are more plot twists, and some more gaslighting. I was somewhat disappointed on the last 4 episodes with how they tried to create a redemption arc for the Kdrama's greatest gaslighter (Ae-ri) and weakest playboy (Gyo-bin) and the problematic So-hee but the last episode was a great way to end this epic kdrama. No wonder why this is often called the "Bible of Makjangs".
Maybe for the plot, not really the most realistic. However, I was actually surprised to not found any plot holes, and the plot itself, as much as it was superficial, but was also adequately coherent for a makjang, which usually focuses more on the emotions rather than the plot itself. At the same time, let me just tell right away that the revenge plot and all subplots surrounding it are just utterly ridiculous, but its proper execution is reason why I was drawn right away to this kdrama.
For more experienced makjang viewers like me, it was already expected that this would have overacting...and as much as I would find it outright silly, but for its plot, it was actually well done by the actors. The angst that I felt for Ae-ri and Gyo-bin (and later, the real So-hee) as well as the awe I felt for Eun-jae made me forget that it was overly acted as maybe because I was emotionally-drawn to this kdrama, was really able to understand the context why they acted like that (both the characters and the actors).
There were some lacking points mainly Geon-woo, but still passable. I just felt that his character was too shallow, and had he been more fleshed out, I would've rooted more for him.
The only time that I felt stable watching this is on the scenes will Kang-jae and Ha-neul. I really wanted more of them just to deflect from all the schemes running around, but unfortunately, it did not happen. Other than that, just pure rollercoaster of emotions is what I felt watching these episodes.
For 2022, it's not the best makjang anymore per se, but really, REALLY paved the way on how makjangs should be properly done.
P.S. This is actually the 1st kdrama I watched in months due to a hiatus, and I was also really in a mood for a "hearty" makjang, so that also affected my "journey" watching this. It's not recommended to watch if in a hurry since 129 episodes does really need some time investment to fully grasp its plot. Also, for non-makjang kdrama viewers, I would advise to skip this...except if you are also scheming for revenge, hehe.
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Good...
Goddamn! I thought it would be on the same level as Temptation of an Angel and Two Mothers but turns out to be much better. This drama is hands down the best makjang-revenge-long-format-soap-opera-melodrama I've seen so far and it's a rarity for such a sub genre.The drama made me care about the antagonist at the end, WTF? That's illegal lol. Unlike similar dramas, this one doesn't do a magical time skip sending the lead abroad for 10 years then coming back for revenge as a powerful CEO, no, the lead go through shit to stand up again. I thought So Hee was fine at the beginning but it was really unfortunate how they changed her character completely later on.
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Good Enough
Korean Drama " Temptation of Wife " is a classic melodrama.The drama has the right ammount of melodrama, although the revenge could have been turned up a little to be more enjoyable, as, in the end, it felt a let down. The build up to it, though, was pretty entertaining. All the misfortunes and frustrating things that can happen to someone, happened to the leading lady. Therefore, the revenge should have been more intense.
In addition, the characters were annoying, but makjang annoying, which aided the story a lot. However, the sister was too over the top and unbaarable.
The performances, finally, were nice from everyone in the cast.
So, overall, six out of ten.
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