ctinav23
This review may contain spoilers
IN SHORT: It's now one of my favorite Korean films. It's tragic and heart wrenching, elegant and beautiful, raw and real, be ready to cry if you're emotional and empathetic.IN LONG:
Holy. I've been a huge fan of Han Hyo Joo for the longest time. I don't know why I didn't bother to watch this film. Well, the reason is because it's not easy watching Korean films in America online because you can't find it easily online. So here I am making a review a whole year later! Holy crap! I've seen almost all of Han Hyo Joo's work and this is by far one of her greatest works... I say that with tears rolling down my face. I can go on and on about all the things I have to say about her character, the story, and everything that happened.
I rated the story 9.5 because I'm not a huge fan of the Japanese Colonization in Korea era in general. I typically don't watch many films or dramas during periods where Eastern countries are becoming more westernized simply because most of those films/dramas give in to the political and revolution stuff which becomes redundant in films in this period. The history there is still sacred and it is very educational in learning how it was like for people during that time. However, despite my bias view on this era I think this era gave one of the most beautiful and heart wrenching background context to the story. The story is so tragic but it's totally my type of genre. It's real and relatable yet at the same time, no one would ever dare to go through these types of experiences.
Cast; I'm not a fan of the main dude. Not because of his role in here but I've seen him in different dramas and films and I just couldn't connect to him as an actor. Indeed he's a great actor, but this is just preference now. It's really not his fault. I haven't seen the other female lead before but her character wasn't as strong as the main female lead. I don't even know if they were really singing, if they were, she was amazing, even the traditional singing. Amazing.
Music was great! I didn't expect much until they started singing, I'm also a huge fan of korean traditional singing, you might even fall in love with the beauty, rawness, and elegance of korean traditional music!
Definitely a rewatch! Sometimes, watching the film again with someone helps them understand who you are. This is now one of my favorite films by Han Hyo Joo!
Overall: I rate it 9.5/10 it upsets me so much what happened but that is what makes the plot and film so great! I wished a different male lead was casted at the beginning because I was never fond of him (Again, it's not his fault that I don't like him, it's just preference) but towards the end I was fine that it was him. You'll see why. lol Just sucks that *****SPOILER****** (you'll understand why once you watch it)
Sigh, Han Hyo Joo, I respect you so much!
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- Most unique, strong, complex, and on your toes story line/plot
- Popular, strong, talented, and wisely chosen cast
- Perfect mixture of romance, action, comedy, thriller, fantasy, and mystery
- Would have been perfected with better music
- This could have been a 20 episode drama, but with such a great story line with rich content in each episode I am satisfied. I prefer a 16 episode drama that has rich and important content throughout all 16 episodes rather than have pointless scenes that prolonged the drama for 20 episodes unnecessarily.
- You will always want more in each drama and wish for more this and that, however, I've found my number 1 drama. (finally)
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Cons: Poor story line (even though it was not intended to have a strong story line, if you want good ratings, it gotta have a really good story line), not enough complexity or intensity, and not enough legit legit romance, too casual.
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