This review may contain spoilers
StoryFaith tells the love story between Captain Choi Yeong and the 21st century doctor Yoo Eun Soo.
It's a story that begins lightly and somewhat comically, but then starts to take pace and drama with the running of the episodes. Maybe the first ones are a little slow and they don't catch you, but then the drama begins to get your attention. Not everything that happens is totally predictable, which is appreciated.
One of the factors that makes this drama very exciting is that the context in which it's developed is true. King Gongmin, Queen Noguk, General Choi Yeong and Gi Cheol, brother of the Empress of Yuan, are all characters who existed in real life, and whose lives are very interesting to investigate.
We are talking about the beginning of the reign of King Gongmin, in 1351, Goryeo, a kingdom in constant political and social instability, subdued before the might of the Yuan Empire. Here the kings are not shown as imposing characters, do not have the total respect and support of the court and their people. There are political conflicts in the throne and struggles between different factions, which although exposed in the drama are not treated with sufficient depth, adorned by elements of fantasy, such as the temporal journey itself and the use of magic or "internal energy" by some characters. All these factors complement the main point of this drama, which is the love story between the two protagonists and the decisions they must make between what is right and what they really want.
Direction, Editing and others
This is a drama with a lot of potential, which could have been excellent.
I don't know the reasons, if it was because of low budgets or personal tastes, but it had many flaws and imperfections for me that even the excellent performance of the protagonists could not rescue:
* The editing of video and music was horrendous, mainly the way they finished and started the different scenes.
* Scenery, staging and costumes were very basic and simple, especially if one is accustomed to other great dramas such as Empress Ki, Iljimae, Moon Lovers, etc.
* Terrible effects, mainly those of the blood (wounds of sword), flashes and powers.
* Some quick moves and fight scenes looked like a cheap copy of the well-known Chinese historical films.
* Repetitions of some resources for the same characters (without spoilers).
It was a real pity, but despite all the shortcomings, the story itself makes one to "ignore" them.
Acting / Casting
It is the most prominent category of this drama, and what saves it from much of its shortcomings.
The two protagonists, Lee Min Ho (General Choi Yeong) and Kim Hee Sun (Doctor Yoo Eun Soo), have great chemistry and play their roles magnificently. They show a very sweet romance, which develops slowly, in which words are not necessary and in which only a few gestures and looks are enough. Both grow and change with the circumstances that come across throughout history. They make an excellent couple.
Also noteworthy are the actors who play the Woodalchi, showing courage, loyalty and camaraderie.
Among the antagonists, I rescued perhaps Yoo Oh Sung (Ki Cheol), but for the most of them I was not convinced.
The interpretation of the royal couple was good as a secondary but I was not impressed, they did not transmit so much chemistry.
Music
The selection of music, songs and instrumental, was very good, really, one you remember even after ending the series.
There were themes to highlight such as:
* Carry On, Ali
* Because My Steps Are Slow, Shin Yong Jae (4MEN)
* Bad Guy, Jang Hye Jin & MC Sniper
Sadly, the horrendous quality of video editing overshadowed this incredible music.
I really recomend you to look out for the OST of this series.
Rewatch Value
I'm not a "rewatch person", but I must admit that this one has certain scenes that I would like to watch several times, mainly those ones that show us our favourite couple ^^
Conclusion
I really liked Faith and I'm glad I saw it. What I rescued the most is the love story of Choi Yeong and Yoo Eun Soo. So if you like romance I totally say GO FOR IT!!
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The music was very appropriate and listening to the soundtrack brings back happy memories of the show,
The show as engaging throughout and I enjoyed the blend of politics and romance. As much as I love the small romantic gestures, I kept wishing for a little bit more. That's what would have made the show a perfect 10 for me.
Lastly, the ending left me wanting. It felt a bit rushed, I would have loved to learn how the stories of each of the side characters ended, especially the king and queen. Also a grand romantic gesture for the leads would have been epic.
I would have rewatched it again right after the first time but I so many othe shows to watch that this will have to wait. Some day, months or a year from now I intend to rewatch this show from the beginning.
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The story and its plots were interesting, some characters needed further development, some of them I missed as the story progressed, and some others I wanted to forget altogether. The action scenes could have been improved, I felt a lack of logic to them, such strong fighters and powers that went nowhere. Scenery was majestic, and costumes, well, I want a Wu Dal Chi armor, I'll wear it to work, to do groceries, I'll even nap in it. Music and romance was ok I guess, I'm not into romance that much, I prefer fantasy or action, so I honestly don't know how to right love-related-stuff.
I would recommend this drama to anyone who likes historical tales, strong male leads, action and subtle romance. And to all of you who have Faith ;) because will is all that matters after all.
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KEEPS YOU WATCHING
Like others I started watching be ause of LMH. After watching this I am even more in love with him. Is acting was what kept me hooked on this despite the anoying leading actress. Maybe the director made her do the role like this but honestly a few times I had to stop watching beause I was so annoyed with her. Ven her voice grated on my ears. The story has lots of twists and turns. I did fast forward through a lot of the many fight scenes though. The secondary story about the king and queen’s relationship is cute. The ending is something I never saw coming.Was this review helpful to you?
I think I was onto it a bit late, as the drama has already started and it was up to 6-8eps, but I remembered I was so hooked that I wait up every night when the new eps mean to come out, to watch it raw then rewatch it with sub.
The storyline was quite funny when it introduced us to a plastic surgeon rather than an actual surgeon, though it turn out that she’s also conveniently good at any surgical stuffs (easily understandable but still xD). The story also combine fantasy elements with characters has special powers: lightning, fire, ice. It has a great mix of political historical stuffs, romance, comrade/army relationship.
It also shows how the main character is a lot smarter and more thoughtful than she let believe. Despite the age difference, irl and on screen (she supposed to be over 30, and he’s just 25 something), the chemistry was spot on, they show the gentle love and care they have for each other. Not a passionate one on face value, but it is still as passionate deep down, the drama slowly peel off the layers and show the audiences just how deeply in love they are, while trying to not be too much because their future is uncertain. Their love is loving each other while giving the other a way out if need be.
The ending was satisfying because essentially it’s a loop :) the music was very nice and fitting as I remembered.
I have rewatched it a few times after the initial watching, some was at least a year or so after. So I totally recommend it, as it is one of the quite well done time travelling series, that is actually with fresh plot and just enough humour and there are so many side warm heart touching story that will make you appreciate life a bit more.
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Bootstrap Paradox!
A cardiothoracic surgeon turned cosmetic surgeon turned herbal doctor kidnapped by warrior possessing lightning powers through a time rift, an indecisive and confused king with his sensible queen who loses all her sense in crucial moment, and a plotline which goes in circles.Although female lead is comical and less annoying but her ineffectiveness in communication exacerbated by male lead's sense of protection leads to occurence of repetitive events lacking suspense and in turn many blood spillings. Drama refused to use its characters to fullest potential and "kept running away".
Lighting and cinematography is lukewarm, even behind-the-scenes photos were of better quality, Music if present was only hassle, acting was pretty okay.
Final note, watch it for its blood spilling and maybe, play a drinking game for each killing.
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The story itself was almost flawless with only a few holes.(But time-travel shows usually have things that just don't add up.) I usually find myself watching the last few episodes of any drama in fast-foward. Not the case! My fast-forwarding was merely to check on the welfare of my beloved characters before rewinding and watching the episode in is entirety. The soundtrack is currently downloading on my computer right now. Moving, captivating, and inspiring.
Though still on the newer side of dramaland with only 50 dramas under my belt I found Faith refreshing in a different way. While the swordplay and massive causalties every episode was somewhat unnerving and hard to stomach I found the story and episodes to be well-balanced.
I felt I could understand the characters and found myself less mad at them than usual. I even found the villians enjoyable to watch as the portray they roles amazingly and might and add at times hilariously. It's often frustrating to see the villians winning for the majority of the show. But the little victories on each side made for an interesting watch and great storytelling.
Faith didn't have the melodrama and usual drama cliches and aside from the "inner powers" some characters had. I found the events not to be over the top-dramatic but in the world they lived in totally plausible. And I didn't feel the need to roll my eyes constantly. It wasn't too fluffy, too sad, or too dramatic. And it was quite funny at times. Most of the main characters experienced some form of character growth and the supporting cast was loveable especially the Woodalchi Boys. And that ending....
All in all great watch.
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The cast was amazing. I loved the lead female. she has a unique laughter. The male lead, Lee Minho, is the reason I watched this drama. I loved the supporting cast who were helping the leads.
Lastly, I loved the ending. I was going to kill someone if it was the way they hinted it to be.
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This drama introduced me to both main leads and I thought they did well. I'd heard about Lee Min Ho before watching this (some good stuff and some eh...not so much) but this drama made me see what the hype about him was all about. I thought his acting was ok (for sure wasn't the worst I'd seen) but he was very charming so you couldn't help but fall in love with him and his little toothy grin. Kim Hee Sun did a good job portraying a strong/smart female lead who took no flak (most of the time) but was also realistically emotional given the situations she was in. I can see how some might have found her a bit annoying but I thought she was quirky and trying to do her best. I also liked the secondary couple (the king and the princess) a lot too. Their romance was adorable and I liked how it developed into a very supportive relationship. Overall, the characters made it enjoyable. I watched this drama ages ago but can still remember many of the scenes which is a testament to the story, their performances and chemistry (ps. I have the memory of a goldfish so if even I could remember them it's a win in my book).
However, I did find the later episodes very draggy and skipped through some of it. This drama was 24 episodes (each an hour long) which could have easily been made into 16. Some things felt a bit repetitive towards the end. I was also glad they included an epilogue or else I would have rated this a bit lower and not have enjoyed it as much. I don't usually re-watch dramas but I would recommend this to anyone looking for a historical fantasy to watch.
(Completed: 2016)
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Watch this for Lee Min Ho's great character and the other interesting side characters but keep in mind that Kim Hee Sun's character can throw you off at first but she does get better though and you'll like her.
The story was interesting enough to make want to keep watching, I think the main reason for that was the villains and Choi Yeong's story and relationship with the woo dalchi and the king.
The romance part of the show was good, at first there's not much of it, but in the middle it develops. I also liked the few romance scenes between the king and queen, it was really sweet.
The ending was a bit confusing to me at first, but I watched it again and understood it. I thought it would be a bad ending as I had read some reviews but it wasn't, the story was completed well enough.
My only complain is the bad camera work (random awkward zooms in and such) but I guess they didn't have much budget or something.
Overall I would recommend watching this show because the story is good and the bad parts can be tolerated.
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