Once again I've confirmed my true love for sagueks. I was blown away by the brilliance of this drama right from the first episode. The way it is told, directed and acted is what makes this drama special for me. I've seen a lot sagueks, but this one is one of the rarest and I guarantee it'll stay in my heart... forever.
Story is quite unusual. In Yub, young noblewoman, precious and only child in househould falls in a status of a low-maid when her father gets accused of a treason. She then, must learn to adapt to a poor and cruel life of maids. With a help from Moo Myung, a servant with hidden identity and other maids in a household she learns what a true happiness and love in this world means.
Personally, watching this drama gave me a lot of emotions, I was 100% invested in a story and its characters' and I really respect when a writer can brings that to viewers. I call that quality. Every character is perfectly written, with its own story and depth giving this drama a darker tone and deepness. What I love the most is that the story is told of a maids' perspective, showing us their emotions and thoughts they had, what they can do and what they can't do. Also, a great demonstrating a difference between a noblemens' and maids', in fact a difference in their actions and their punishments for that. I have to say that it's a very cruel drama, however once you start it, story will pull you in and you won't be able to stop it. At least that was a case for me.
As I said before, characters are perfectly written, from the main to the supporting ones. There wasn't a single boring moment, because every character that is shown is worth showing and she/he will always have some influence on a plot. Believe it or not, but that's how it is.
I TOTALLY became a fan of Jung Yoo Mi. That girl blowed me away! Her acting is first what makes this drama worth a try. She made her character to be so believable and true, that I don't think any other acterss would be able to bring a character of In Yub as she did. BRAVO! Her struggle when she falls from the priveleged status to the one of the lowest in that period, her emotions, thoughts, actions is so very-well written. You could actually feel for her. Definitely going into my list of the strongest female characters. ;)
I adore Oh Ji Ho and they totally chose a right actor for a role of Moo Myung. Wooden, emotionless, cruel... ufff just right. Moo Myung is a servant with a hidden identity, clever, calculative and skilled man, a man that you don't know what he thinks. He's loyal to his masters, but when In Yub enters in his life, his world will change.
Actually, no matter how I love OJH, this time my attention stole Kim Dong Wook. Damn, that man sure deserve some prize. His wonderful performance to the sweet, kind-hearted to the evil man was absolutely AMAZING. However, I COULDN'T get angry no matter what he did. BECAUSE, all he has done and all he did was for a In Yub's sake. His endless love for her, really never ended. He is a true proof to that. And that's why his character is sooo special to me, really, really special.
Also, that girl Sa Wol is the most positive and kind-hearted character I've ever met in dramaland. Believe it or not, I cried for her at least three times. Likewise, all maids and servants in this drama are not just to be written, they did have a good reason to be made in this drama.
It's the first time I hear that in a drama, especially in saguek they didn't use any single ost. It's not that I'm complaining though. Even instrumentals were very beautiful and they exactly fitted the scenes.
If we were to look from the perspective of twists, cliffhangers and turn of events this drama gave, I would say that it's not something new, although there were REALLY some epic moments. But they way this drama is made and showed to the viewers is definitely worth giving a pure 10, for me. Cinematography, directing, clever, life lesson's dialogues and also very unique story is definitely worth to be remembered for. I'll never ever forget this outstanding drama.
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I liked the story it was compelling and well thought out. The dialogues particularly resonated with me. I really admired the direction and cinematography too, as it took risks at times and was little unusual for a sageuk.
It was interesting to see the story from the servants perspective, all too often in sageuks the servants are just minor background characters and here we see their daily struggles, desires and hopes.
The acting of the whole cast was brilliant. The only exception being Oh Ji Ho who was quite wooden and emotionless throughout, (I have seen him in other dramas and he is similar) although it suited his character somewhat in this drama so I am willing to overlook it on this occasion.
Special mention to Jung Yoo Mi who was outstanding she played the character of In Yub perfectly. She goes from being a rich, privileged young woman who has a dramatic fall from grace and becomes a servant when her father is accused of treason. She managed to imbue warmth into her character so that even when she was rich and conceited you still felt affection for her, It felt like she wasn't evil or malicious but rather ignorant and oblivious to the plight of others around her. She really comes into her own when she falls on hard times and her struggle and endurance is admirable.
This was my first time seeing Kim Dong Wook act in a drama. He played Eun Ki and I am very impressed with him. His character probably went through the most upheaval next to In Yub and his nuanced performance stole the show. Part of that was the writing, he was given some wonderful poignant lines but of course a lot hinges on the delivery, in which he excelled!
There aren't any songs in this drama which is unusual for a sageuk as they tend to have ballads but the music that is used throughout is beautiful and fits very well.
Overall if you like sageuks this is one of the best that I have seen. I cannot say anymore without spoiling :)
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The acting is really good in this. My favorite character is Lee Cho Hee's Sa Wol. She is a strong, loyal friend that is also sweet and caring. Jung Yoo Mi was perfect as In Yub. After watching several actresses lately with stone faces or overacting, it was nice to see an actress get it right. She shows her emotions with out it being obviously acting and it is believable. I ended up liking her character quite a bit. I have never seen Oh Ji Ho before. I think he did a good job as Moo Myeong. I think it is hard to be a quiet but emotional character, but Oh Ji Ho pulled it off well. Poor Kim Eun Gi. Kim Dong Wook portrayed the character's sweet and cold sides very well. I felt sorry for this character the most. He faced everything even his own short comings. It must have been hard for him. The other actors are good too.
There is really good music in this even if it doesn't have words.
I won't rewatch this, but it is rewatchable.
I recommend this drama to everyone no matter what genre you prefer. It is really good.
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First of all, it is a different drama with different touch and original story. It's not some epic or extraordinary unique one but still it is a different drama than other historical ones. Simply cause we're used to watch all historical dramas from the point of the nobles, kings and princes but in this drama the main focus is on the maids which is very cool. We do see also a nobles and their stories but all that goes through the eyes of the maids and servants.
There are no boring moments at all, drama has 20 episodes but still you don't feel it's dragging at all. Yes, a couple of last episodes were too slow and they could have shortened it to16 episodes but still it was good this way too.
I quite enjoyed in this drama, the script is very intelligent, witty, with so many emotional and heartbreaking sentences, it really got me, I admit. ;)
Costumes were so wonderful and painted with so many beautiful and vivid colors, from the dresses to the clothes for men, it was such a nice sight for the eyes and the music was heavenly-those instrumentals perfectly fitted to the scenes between certain people and when I think of it I couldn't imagine any other music except those astonishing sounds that were floating through the whole drama.
In the end about acting I would like to say a few words. It was brilliant. All the actor have done really great job in portraying their characters but there are a few of them I have to point out as the best ones. Jung Yoo-mi was just outstanding, the girl just freaking nailed it and showed what the word "ACTING'" really means. She demonstrated the way of a noble girl who falls into the mud and bottom and rises again proudly and strongly in such a marvelous way, I cried, I smiled, I cheered and rooted for her the whole time, simply I loved her. The other one who definitely stole the show was Kim Dong-wook, the guy was brilliant and incredible, his acting was the most believable from all of them and his character has graved in my heart forever. The most pitiful one, Eun-gi was the guy who only wanted to marry the girl he loved and lead an ordinary life of a scholar but he couldn't do that. Because he had to carry the scars from the tragic past events in his famil and all that troubles, worries and happenings were put on Eun-gi shoulders and he had to take everything in his own hands. But why he did that was only because of the girl he loved. Every move, every word, every detail was for her, for her own good. He broke my heart many too many times with his sentences, with his words and deeds. His love for her was something we all crave to feel and have, his undeniable desire and wish that she stays alive and healthy was so powerful that I was wondering too many times how someone could love that much and be so selfless? Why I liked him that much was because he's not typical good guy who was stupid and second male lead always being a shadow for the girl, he was fighting for her until the end and he went against everyone, even the King to protect her, he didn't care about money, power, status (there are some powerful sentences about that at the end when he talks to her, I won't be saying which ones), he cared only for her. Of course he has done some unforgivable things but still I loved him more than most of the characters in this drama. Oh Ji-ho was fine in acting, I think he portrayed his character in a appropriate way and with exact amount of emotions. He was a cold guy who was raised without proper education, only learning how to fight and use weapons, and at the first glance you could say that he is a emotionless, cold blooded ruthless man but when you dig a little you could see how he was caring, good and ready to give his own life to the people he loves. And my fav. girl Sa-wol, the most loyal character I've seen, she was so firm and determined in her loyalty and love for In-yeob, so protective and fearless, positive and kind and I truly adored scenes with her and how she showed a few badass scenes towards the rest oft he maids and servants. :P
One character I hated the most and she definitely goes on my list the most hateful characters ever and that would be Heo Yoon-ok, the most despicable creature ever, I really despised her from the bottom of my heart. The one who is your friend, the one who should be with you in your worst moments and tragic ones, that one stabs you in the back and in the most awful way humiliate and insult you with not single sign of respect. I've never seen such a truly bad character and I do love and respect more those who openly don't like you and hate you than those who do that secretly at first and then in front of everyone intentionally torture you, humiliate and offend you in the most detestable way, that kind of person I would gladly punch, hit and torture myself really hard. ;)
To sum up, this is a drama worth watching and definitely every person could and should see, I don't think that after watching anyone could say it is a bad drama, it has just right amount of everything and the acting plus the script are done without some real flaws. Although it shows a real cruelty and injustice in the world and it'll bring you some real tears, at the same time it will show you how to never give up, how to fight even if you have to fail, fall and crawl a few times, in the end you'll succeed. Cause yeah, that is a life, we fall and we rise, we fail and then we succeed, we cry and the we smile, the never ending circle called life.
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A story very much worth watching, but know that you may get frustrated by the shift in focus half way through though. Watch it if 1) you wanted to watch a historical drama less focused on struggles for the throne, 2) you like gripping, suspenseful storylines. Don’t watch if 1) you like well-developed love stories, 2) you can’t stand injustice and characters getting mistreated (it is a show about slaves after all).
THE STORY
The good: Those who complained that historical dramas were always centered on the palace and political factions get to see a show focused more on the life of the lowest class, that is, for half of the drama. The show never becomes boring and the plot, for better or for worse, grips you until the end. The drama has great cinematography, and the first half, deep conversations and steady character and romance development.
The bad: Unfortunately, the writers decided not to risk it fully and cut all the political business out of the story, so the magic of the show – namely, the focus on maids – went away about half way through the drama. As the plot was becoming more palace-conflicts-centered, character and relationship development stagnated. All romances lost their charm, and the characters too.
The Ugly: As the characters lost their charm, they also lost themselves, because their actions became increasingly incoherent. The show, that was initially quite innovative and fresh, became quite predictable by the end, with unnecessary drama.
Bottom line: Started out really good, slowly decayed, but managed to pull off an okay (just okay) ending. Not quite a disappointment, but almost.
THE ACTING
All secondary cast was absolutely great, especially Kim Dong Wook (my Coffee Prince was gone!). Jung Yoo Mi gained my esteem. I didn’t think she was a bad actress and I liked her since Dong Yi, but she wasn’t impressive. In here, she’s definitely impressive, and the only thing I regret is that she had no chemistry with Oh Ji Oh. As for him, I can’t put him in the same basket. He was good enough in his role, but his acting just doesn’t convince me.
THE MUSIC
I liked! Without being something of another world, it wasn’t typical historical-drama music. Fitted super well with the story and scenes too. It was dark and suspenseful. I liked!
REWATCHABLE VALUE
Uff. I don’t know. I loved the beginning so much, but the last few episodes…Ok, well, definitely rewatchable, just maybe not until the end.
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This review may contain spoilers
Maids is the type of dramas you'd be looking for a reason not to watch but it surprises the heck out of you and gets you hooked. Yes it was so good. Maids is a saguek which tackles slavery, classes, women's roles, political corruption, ambition, power, love, family, freedom and survival. It basically presents all the human questions in an intriguing manner that leaves you helpless. You find yourself forced to look for answers knowing you'll end up empty handed. You can't completely hate anyone-two people excepted-. You'll sympathise, empathise, cry, shout, pull your hair, throw things and smile through your tears. You'll have many WTF moments. But you'll love every second.The story revolves around slaves; those who born slaves and those who fell into slavery because of ''treason''. Is a slave a human? Much less a citizen? Nobles treat slaves like chess pawns, toys and objects while slaves should treat them like their ''parents''. If a master commits a crime against the slave, the slave can't accuse their masters. It's another crime.
Slave realising that law, tradition and the world is against them, they can't but bond together. They cover for each other and save one another. They avenge their comrades. Though at times they cannot but abandon each other to save their own lives or those they love, we see them regretting and begging for forgiveness then getting along again. They're humans, in the true and naked nature of a human; contradicted and selfish but caring and loving.
Power is emphasised in the drama. The historical era is a sensitive one. It's the era of foundation and royal family members are fighting over the throne. There's no care or love left between them. There's only power and the throne. A son exiles his father. The father kills his sons. And the story goes on. What connects them is the desire to get rid of each other to secure the throne. ''A monarch is not a human''; is what King Taejong replied to his father (King Taejo)'s question on how he could do what he did to his family.
Beneath all the agony, the political agendas and the selfish ambitions lies love. Love here is different from romantic stories in other dramas. How can I express it?! Deeper? More human? More real? Though nothing could stop them, they tried to stop. To be able to survive, to help the people they care about survive, they tried to stop. There was so much between them -I'm talking about all stories here-; social class, ideology, memories and future. They were aware of all that and they knew life was stronger than they were. So they did try to stop, to escape, to lie and to deceive. But nothing worked. For them that was Fate and it was stronger. But that was Love and that's why it won.'' Relationships are like this; if one side doesn't let go, it never ends.''
The role of gisaengs is also presented here; how they actively participate in the behind scenes of power games. And I was disappointed when the gisaeng here (Ga Hee Ah) started as strong and ambitious then faded away.
Special things about the drama:
Put the superb acting and the BEAUTIFUL love story of In Yub and Moo Myung aside; there were so many cute and lovely things about the drama.
First; the hairpins. Well, I know I shouldn't mention this the first thing but man I always stare stupidly at the hairpins in all dramas. They're just so fascinating!
Park Chul Min's role here is serious. Still, he couldn't help being funny. I enjoyed his moments here. He was as brilliant as always.
All the supporting actors were cute but my favourite was Yang Seung Pil who played Ba Woo (Eun Ki's servant). He looks so much like Kim Kimbum I would stare at him whenever he's on screen.
The best thing about the drama was Sa Wol. I love Lee Cho Hee. Wherever she is she always gives me a warm feeling. She's funny, cute and talented. And I can see her talent growing and getting more noticed. As Sa Wol; she was the sister and the friend of In Yub. Without her In Yub wouldn't have made it through all that torture. Her love, loyalty and dedication were so touching. And she made me cry all through. At the end she broke my heart and I still cry whenever I see photos of her. God she's a sensation.
Eun Ki's change of character, the hate and anger in his eyes, his dented pride, his broken heart and how it all turned him into a 'bad' guy trying to get his woman back was epic. Eun Ki's character was the most intriguing. He buried the kind and carefree young scholar under the vengeful one and he did a great job at being an arsehole. I applaud you Kim Dong Wook.
I loved how the bad people got what they deserved. No silly redemptions. '' It's just that simple. There is evil. And there is good.''
The best moment in the drama was when Moo Myung saved In Yub and they fled on a horse. He pulled down his mask and gave her a look. And oh my!! It was the most beautiful look ever and it summarised all his love and care for her. It sent butterflies down my stomach.
Disappointing things about the drama:
Man Wol:
(spoiler alert)
This was the most intriguing thing for me. I couldn't make up my mind about it. I thought it was a slave organisation to emancipate slaves and abolish slavery. It clicked to all those radical beliefs I had in college and the rebel in me was struggling because I was on In Yub's side and they did ruin her life. Still I kept thinking about the great cause and whatever. In Yub as well was an arrogant noble and that didn't help. But when it turned out to be consisted of people trying to personally avenge themselves and bring an extinct nation to life, the image shattered into pieces. I was really disappointed. All the thrill and mystery of the organisation vanished. That was a big let-down.
King Taejong:
By the way the actor playing King Taejong is Ahn Nae Sang. Yeah Great Ahn Nae Sang. And what was the role exactly? Not main, not supporting, not cameo, not anything. I was really exasperated. You don't do that to a veteran and talented actor. Seriously!
Music!
There was no OSTs! Yeah I mean it! Imagine! No OSTs!!
WTF moments (excuse my French!):
It's been on my mind for a while but, why on Earth didn't noble couples sleep in the same room? I mean, what was that all about?
The drama is laden with deep thoughts and controversial questions. Everyone chases the truth but is everyone ready for its burden? How can we know a person? Or more precisely, can we at all? People manage their grief and break-ups way differently. Nobles want to always win. 'They cannot afford to lose anything; because they're nobles.' How much of our beliefs and memories are true? How deceived are we in some things? Why do people seek revenge? And then what? Can people get reborn and lead new and maybe better lives under worse circumstances? Is life about surviving no matter what? As long as we're alive, can we achieve everything we dream of, or at least hope? What's Heaven's will? What about human will? Does karma exist? How valid is the saying; what goes around comes around?
Maids is about the journey of the life of each of us, through good and evil. It's about how we deal with troubles, heart breaks and epiphanies differently. It's about us.
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Before I start, here is a teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QodEjU7peWc and here is a press conference with the adorable and talented cast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QodEjU7peWc .
STORY: 9/10
In Yub is the daughter of a noble, but when he dies in the hands of (watch the drama to find out), she is forced into a household as a maid.
This is the story of maids, their struggles and above all - how your status says nothing about who you are and what your purpose is.
The story is original and unlike anything I have watched before. I believe this to be the reason I became so attached to the drama. I was not much of a historical drama fan, but this one changed my mind. I did not skip anything in the first 15 episodes. I watched The Moon that Embraces the Sun before Maids and though I do not wish to compare (because they're entirely different), this one was still a lot more interesting. That might be because this story is more realistic and realistic dramas are usually my favourite ones.
As the drama goes on however, it slows down. They get stuck on the conflict between Moo Myeong (played by Oh Ji Ho) and the people he belongs to and this lasts from about episode 14/15 up until 18/19.
ACTING/CAST: 9.5/10
If I could comment this in word, it would be 'amazing'. Every single person acted to their fullest ability. Some even surprised me. I'll comment on a few, and I'm sorry if it gets a bit long.
Jung Yoo Mi as Gook In Yub - YES! First of all, Yoo Mi did not impress me when I watched Rooftop Prince. Her role and her voice together were a bad combination for me. But this drama changed everything for me. The In Yub before she became a maid and In Yub as a maid are so easy to differentiate between - and that's what I think makes her the perfect person for the role. Her voice is something I still have to get used to, but she did really well. And I agree, she needs that best actress award. In Yub is a very strong and admirable woman and her character development is spot on. Loved her.
Oh Ji Ho as Moo Myeong - *Sigh* I really liked Moo Myeong, I did. But Oh Ji Ho as an actor was a first for me and I don't know what to say. I'm not saying he's a bad actor, rather he's very...monotone. Maybe I should give him a second chance. For Moo Myeong, I'd recommend not reading the synopsis. I didn't and found myself viewing him differently. I don't think I would have reacted the same way If I had read it. Moo Myeong is formed by his childhood, his experience, his strength. Moo Myeong is strength, Moo Myeong is human in the truest form and Moo Myeong is gentleness.
Kim Dong Wook as Kim Eun Gi - 'Orabonim!!' The first impression you'll get of him is that of a typical nice guy. He's the dreamy character. Eun Gi is In Yub's long time fiancé, and first love. Of course he will suffer from a major character development, but that one matched his heart's condition. I don't remember seeing Kim Dong Wook in Coffee Prince (I only watched a few episodes), but he really impressed me in this drama. He also has an amazing voice. I was surprised when I first heard him talk! Eun Gi is extremely strong, yet fragile.
For the secondary cast, I'd like to say, it's my favourite part of the cast (/roles). Thank you to the casting director because the actors and actresses did a phenomenal job.
Jun So Min as Dan Ji - Dan Ji, described as young and beautiful, is one of the maids in the household In Yub enters. She is also linked with the son of this household. Dan Ji was born and raised in this household and has been a maid for the longest time. I loved this character. She is the maid that will make you both love and hate her at the same time. She changes a lot, maybe the most, throughout.
Lee Yi Kyung as Heo Yoon Seo - Of course I know about this actor. He acted in School 2013! He is 26 years old (would you believe it). The character he portrays, Yoon Seo, is a hilarious, yet immature and childish son of the Defence Minister in Goryeo. He is spoiled, simply put. As Yi Kyung put it in the press conference, 'the character has a wife, yet loves Dan Ji, and is easily attracted to women'. He is an interesting character and will bring out lots of laughter. Dan Ji and his story was at times more interesting than the main - and this is no surprise in drama land.
Lee Cho Hee as Sa Wol - 'The only thing I have is loyalty.' Sa Wol is In Yub's main maid, the one that follows her everywhere. She's beautiful inside and out and can put everything on the line for her master. I loved Cho Hee's character in My Lovable Girl and though Sa Wol is much different from that role, she doesn't fail to deliver. Someone said she should get plastic surgery and I'd like to say 'shame on you' to that person. She is beautiful just the way she is.
I'd also like to mention Ahn Nae Sang (Lee Bang Won) whom is my favourite older actor, Lee El (Lady Kang, Yoon Seo's wife) because I loved her acting and voice, Kim Hye Na (Ok Ki) and Jung Soo Jin (Ga Dong Yi) as characters who brought life to the show.
MUSIC: 10/10
As far as I know, the music contained no vocals, but it still was beautifully chosen. There were no need for lyrics because the story was filling for the most part.
REWATCH VALUE: 9/10
I'd love to rewatch this anytime. I already miss it.
I tried to make this review as unbiased as possible. Sorry for any misspelling, but this was long and I don't think I can proofread.
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Overall I will give this drama a 4/10. I think the story is great, The actors/actresses just don't feel right to me. In short they don't hooked me up.
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Maid to Order
Despite the intriguing setup focusing on the lives of servants, the drama missed the mark when it came to delivering a good dynamic storytelling between maids and nobles. It felt like a jigsaw puzzle scattered all over the place with no clear picture, just random bits and pieces all jumbled up from the typical lens of servants and maids back then. I don't think they did a good job with their portrayal that servants/maids are equal as people. Honestly, I was left hanging, craving some real depth and a solid story from what could've been something different and unique.Was this review helpful to you?
