1
Period_addict
This review may contain spoilers
Beautiful time travel story with happy ending!
Although this drama had many flaws, I still continue to re-watch it. This drama is also named “The Great Doctor”, aired in 2012.
Love story……
The love story was an absolute masterpiece. It was a perfect blend of beauty and intensity that kept me hooked till the end. The casting was spot-on, and the chemistry between the two main characters was perfect. Both the characters were aware of their limitations and knew they could not love each other, but somehow, they found themselves unable to resist the pull of their strong emotions. She loved him unconditionally, and he reciprocated her feelings with an intensity that was beyond words.
Even though he loved her deeply, he was willing to let her go for the sake of her happiness, even if it meant going against his own. This selflessness and sacrifice made their love story all the more beautiful and intense. It was a love story that defied all the odds and transcended time and minds. It left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling, and I couldn't help but admire the beauty of true love showcased in this story.
Script, storyline….
I had started to blacklist time travel dramas altogether because of their predictable bittersweet or sad endings, the tragic separation of the main couple, and the immature female lead. It was all too repetitive and tiresome.
Luckily, I stumbled upon this gem on YouTube, where I usually discover new dramas to watch. I searched for "general kiss C-drama," and voilà, a list appeared that included some K-dramas.
The story of Faith, aka the Great Doctor, kept me glued to episode after episode. However, as is my habit, I had to spoil the ending for myself to ensure that this drama had a happy ending. And it did not disappoint.
I firmly believe that the drama I watched is the most underrated one. It is unclear why it is not getting the recognition it deserves. Compared to other time travel dramas, it has the most original storyline, the right way to have a time travel story (happy ending), and great casting (strong chemistry). Although personal preferences play a role in liking or disliking actors and actresses, this drama has exceeded my expectations.
The original author and screenwriter, Song Ji Na…
I invite you to read an interview with Song Ji Na, the original writer of the drama. In the interview, she expresses regret and explains that many of the choices made in the drama were out of her control. She is upset with the results. However, she praises Lee Min-Ho a lot, and it is evident from her words that without him, the show would have been a disaster. She disagrees with the director's choices. She explained that many scripts she wrote were disregarded.
I believe she wrote the 3 novels, sadly never translated into English, to redeem herself and the show.
https://shineuifaith.wordpress.com/2020/08/08/writer-song-ji-nas-qa/
Music, costumes…
I wanted to give a special shout-out to the music. The chorus music was delightful and added a layer of depth to the scenes. Whenever love was in the air between the characters, the love music was so fitting and beautiful. Additionally, the night effects added a special touch and made me smile. However, I have to say that the costumes were just average and didn't leave much of an impression.
Flaws, inconsistencies…
Was it flawless? no. However, I believe the minor imperfections I noticed were mainly due to cultural differences. For instance, there was only one memorable kiss scene, and mostly hugging scenes were shown. Furthermore, there was a scene where the characters were in bed, fully clothed, but it seemed like they had sex. Lastly, the ending lacked a physical hug or kiss, but the emotions were there.
When she returned, she found the Japanese reporters waiting for her to interview her and the nurse calling the police to report that she was back. That was ridiculous.
It was disappointing to see the great doctor struggle with basic first aid skills, such as performing CPR. The endless pumping routine was not only unrealistic but also frustrating to watch. Overall, this was not the drama's best scene.
The last episode was not the best, to say the least...
Casting…
I loved the ML, Lee Min-Ho. But I am not convinced the FL, Kim Hee-Sun., was the right choice. At times, she acted well, others she was ridiculous. So was it her acting skills or a director's choice, at times it was ridiculous. Faith was '90s drama queen Kim Hee-sun's comeback project, her first TV appearance in five years after her marriage and childbirth. So maybe this did not help?
The way she walked when she was dragged away… she had no idea of microwaves and the sound effects when the brother played his flute… when she returned in the future, she didn't think to bring antibiotics but her diary and her voice recorder… the way she pulled her hair… she studied years to become a plastic surgeon, yet she acted like a 15 years old. Many times, she exaggerated, and it showed. Like the epilogue. She ran to meet him, she knew it was him, but when she saw him, she opened her eyes as if it was the surprise of her life.
Director …
The scriptwriter and director's handling of the ambiguity between the older sister and younger brother in the movie was truly praiseworthy. Even though it was never fully developed, it was evident that they were probably lovers. The portrayal of the sister as a twisted villain who loved to play with men was well-done.
One of the most brilliant scenes in the movie was when the prince revealed that the ML was the true king. The choice of secondary actors and actresses was fantastic, and they all played their roles to perfection.
Sad story. Members of the cast and crew later sued the director, Kim Jong-hak,for unpaid wages, and while being investigated for fraud and embezzlement, he committed suicide in July 2013, 1 year after the drama aired. I invite you to read the production section on wiki.
Special effects, martial arts choreography…
I found the special effects in the movie to be quite unimpressive and failed to grab my attention. ML showcased his powers only once when he kidnapped the FL, which was impressive enough to take down dozens of cops, but after that, there was no explanation or proper utilization of his powers. Moreover, there were three villains in the movie who had powers, but there was no explanation given as to why they possessed these abilities. It seemed like a convenient plot device that added nothing to the story.
Time travel and meaning of “faith”…
Time travel is often portrayed as a mix of comedy, romance, and drama, which can be annoying at times. However, “Faith” drama, which is a political romance drama time travel, managed to strike a balance without the annoying comedy. FL was indeed clumsy and brought humor but because she didn't look like a teenager, somehow her character managed to bring smiles instead of annoying faces. At times, it was just a tiny bit over the top though. The concept of a time travel door in the middle of the city at night seemed a bit far-fetched, but it still managed to capture the audience's attention because the focus wasn't present time.
I have to be honest, I was struggling about the last episode. After brainstorming, I have come to the conclusion that the reason why the prince couldn't go through the portal while the ML could previously, be due to his lack of purpose and faith. It's also worth noting that when the FL came back in the same year/era versus when she left a second time, she went back 100 years before and the third time 5 years after. I came to the conclusion that the name of the drama, "Faith", explains it all. With faith, it was possible to go through time and space.
Epilogue… and finally a happy ending!
The drama's ending felt a bit hurried, leaving me wanting more. As a viewer, I anticipated a grand romantic finale culminating in a satisfying climax. However, it appeared to be a little brief. Nonetheless, as I paid attention to the details, I noticed that the many yellow chrysanthemums- FL's favourite flowers, were a clear indication that this place was a sacred spot for the ML. His fellows said he usually spent four long days there, probably reminiscing about her. The intense, long exchange of looks between them was nothing short of breathtaking. I saw the relief in her eyes to find him, tears streaming down her face, and his expression conveyed why the drama was named "faith". He had faith that she would return, and he never once doubted it. But it took some effort to understand all this loll
Honestly? The long stare in the eyes, no touching, no kissing, one lone tear, and a big sigh from her. He was waiting (obviously) for her return. She finally found a way back in time to be with him. Yet, I wanted some passion, some touching, something! I almost saw a tiny tear from him but it was hard to notice. I read many reviews, and all are on the same page as myself. The ending was a complete disappointment. Add to that that it was only the last 3 minutes.
Alternative ending…
The scene was set, tension was building up and I was eagerly waiting for a romantic moment between the two lead actors. However, as the scene progressed, it became apparent that the Korean director was being a bit too conservative. While staring at each other was fine, I was hoping for something more - a passionate kiss that would make their hearts skip a beat. Yet, it seemed like the director was holding back, being a bit too prudish. Despite the captivating performances by the actors, the scene failed to deliver the emotional punch that was expected.
The director's aversion to physical contact was evident in the drama, with only one kiss and an abundance of hugs. It's clear that they have a strong dislike for such interactions..
Conclusion…
I can't quite explain why I enjoy this drama so much, despite its many flaws, but I really do. If it had another female lead, I might have rated it higher. However, the male lead was perfect. I didn't like the director who removed any physical moments from the show. I cannot forgive the full clothes in bed. Did he think them fully clothed with a blanket on top was a bit too far stretched to imagine they had sex? Gezzz….I won't say more about him since he had a tragic death, but I'm not sure if he was famous before; I have no interest in watching anything else he's done.
It was released in 2012 and even though it's an old drama, I still bought the DVD to ensure that I can watch it anytime I want. With the fear that it might not be available for streaming at some point, owning the DVD is the best option.
Love story……
The love story was an absolute masterpiece. It was a perfect blend of beauty and intensity that kept me hooked till the end. The casting was spot-on, and the chemistry between the two main characters was perfect. Both the characters were aware of their limitations and knew they could not love each other, but somehow, they found themselves unable to resist the pull of their strong emotions. She loved him unconditionally, and he reciprocated her feelings with an intensity that was beyond words.
Even though he loved her deeply, he was willing to let her go for the sake of her happiness, even if it meant going against his own. This selflessness and sacrifice made their love story all the more beautiful and intense. It was a love story that defied all the odds and transcended time and minds. It left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling, and I couldn't help but admire the beauty of true love showcased in this story.
Script, storyline….
I had started to blacklist time travel dramas altogether because of their predictable bittersweet or sad endings, the tragic separation of the main couple, and the immature female lead. It was all too repetitive and tiresome.
Luckily, I stumbled upon this gem on YouTube, where I usually discover new dramas to watch. I searched for "general kiss C-drama," and voilà, a list appeared that included some K-dramas.
The story of Faith, aka the Great Doctor, kept me glued to episode after episode. However, as is my habit, I had to spoil the ending for myself to ensure that this drama had a happy ending. And it did not disappoint.
I firmly believe that the drama I watched is the most underrated one. It is unclear why it is not getting the recognition it deserves. Compared to other time travel dramas, it has the most original storyline, the right way to have a time travel story (happy ending), and great casting (strong chemistry). Although personal preferences play a role in liking or disliking actors and actresses, this drama has exceeded my expectations.
The original author and screenwriter, Song Ji Na…
I invite you to read an interview with Song Ji Na, the original writer of the drama. In the interview, she expresses regret and explains that many of the choices made in the drama were out of her control. She is upset with the results. However, she praises Lee Min-Ho a lot, and it is evident from her words that without him, the show would have been a disaster. She disagrees with the director's choices. She explained that many scripts she wrote were disregarded.
I believe she wrote the 3 novels, sadly never translated into English, to redeem herself and the show.
https://shineuifaith.wordpress.com/2020/08/08/writer-song-ji-nas-qa/
Music, costumes…
I wanted to give a special shout-out to the music. The chorus music was delightful and added a layer of depth to the scenes. Whenever love was in the air between the characters, the love music was so fitting and beautiful. Additionally, the night effects added a special touch and made me smile. However, I have to say that the costumes were just average and didn't leave much of an impression.
Flaws, inconsistencies…
Was it flawless? no. However, I believe the minor imperfections I noticed were mainly due to cultural differences. For instance, there was only one memorable kiss scene, and mostly hugging scenes were shown. Furthermore, there was a scene where the characters were in bed, fully clothed, but it seemed like they had sex. Lastly, the ending lacked a physical hug or kiss, but the emotions were there.
When she returned, she found the Japanese reporters waiting for her to interview her and the nurse calling the police to report that she was back. That was ridiculous.
It was disappointing to see the great doctor struggle with basic first aid skills, such as performing CPR. The endless pumping routine was not only unrealistic but also frustrating to watch. Overall, this was not the drama's best scene.
The last episode was not the best, to say the least...
Casting…
I loved the ML, Lee Min-Ho. But I am not convinced the FL, Kim Hee-Sun., was the right choice. At times, she acted well, others she was ridiculous. So was it her acting skills or a director's choice, at times it was ridiculous. Faith was '90s drama queen Kim Hee-sun's comeback project, her first TV appearance in five years after her marriage and childbirth. So maybe this did not help?
The way she walked when she was dragged away… she had no idea of microwaves and the sound effects when the brother played his flute… when she returned in the future, she didn't think to bring antibiotics but her diary and her voice recorder… the way she pulled her hair… she studied years to become a plastic surgeon, yet she acted like a 15 years old. Many times, she exaggerated, and it showed. Like the epilogue. She ran to meet him, she knew it was him, but when she saw him, she opened her eyes as if it was the surprise of her life.
Director …
The scriptwriter and director's handling of the ambiguity between the older sister and younger brother in the movie was truly praiseworthy. Even though it was never fully developed, it was evident that they were probably lovers. The portrayal of the sister as a twisted villain who loved to play with men was well-done.
One of the most brilliant scenes in the movie was when the prince revealed that the ML was the true king. The choice of secondary actors and actresses was fantastic, and they all played their roles to perfection.
Sad story. Members of the cast and crew later sued the director, Kim Jong-hak,for unpaid wages, and while being investigated for fraud and embezzlement, he committed suicide in July 2013, 1 year after the drama aired. I invite you to read the production section on wiki.
Special effects, martial arts choreography…
I found the special effects in the movie to be quite unimpressive and failed to grab my attention. ML showcased his powers only once when he kidnapped the FL, which was impressive enough to take down dozens of cops, but after that, there was no explanation or proper utilization of his powers. Moreover, there were three villains in the movie who had powers, but there was no explanation given as to why they possessed these abilities. It seemed like a convenient plot device that added nothing to the story.
Time travel and meaning of “faith”…
Time travel is often portrayed as a mix of comedy, romance, and drama, which can be annoying at times. However, “Faith” drama, which is a political romance drama time travel, managed to strike a balance without the annoying comedy. FL was indeed clumsy and brought humor but because she didn't look like a teenager, somehow her character managed to bring smiles instead of annoying faces. At times, it was just a tiny bit over the top though. The concept of a time travel door in the middle of the city at night seemed a bit far-fetched, but it still managed to capture the audience's attention because the focus wasn't present time.
I have to be honest, I was struggling about the last episode. After brainstorming, I have come to the conclusion that the reason why the prince couldn't go through the portal while the ML could previously, be due to his lack of purpose and faith. It's also worth noting that when the FL came back in the same year/era versus when she left a second time, she went back 100 years before and the third time 5 years after. I came to the conclusion that the name of the drama, "Faith", explains it all. With faith, it was possible to go through time and space.
Epilogue… and finally a happy ending!
The drama's ending felt a bit hurried, leaving me wanting more. As a viewer, I anticipated a grand romantic finale culminating in a satisfying climax. However, it appeared to be a little brief. Nonetheless, as I paid attention to the details, I noticed that the many yellow chrysanthemums- FL's favourite flowers, were a clear indication that this place was a sacred spot for the ML. His fellows said he usually spent four long days there, probably reminiscing about her. The intense, long exchange of looks between them was nothing short of breathtaking. I saw the relief in her eyes to find him, tears streaming down her face, and his expression conveyed why the drama was named "faith". He had faith that she would return, and he never once doubted it. But it took some effort to understand all this loll
Honestly? The long stare in the eyes, no touching, no kissing, one lone tear, and a big sigh from her. He was waiting (obviously) for her return. She finally found a way back in time to be with him. Yet, I wanted some passion, some touching, something! I almost saw a tiny tear from him but it was hard to notice. I read many reviews, and all are on the same page as myself. The ending was a complete disappointment. Add to that that it was only the last 3 minutes.
Alternative ending…
The scene was set, tension was building up and I was eagerly waiting for a romantic moment between the two lead actors. However, as the scene progressed, it became apparent that the Korean director was being a bit too conservative. While staring at each other was fine, I was hoping for something more - a passionate kiss that would make their hearts skip a beat. Yet, it seemed like the director was holding back, being a bit too prudish. Despite the captivating performances by the actors, the scene failed to deliver the emotional punch that was expected.
The director's aversion to physical contact was evident in the drama, with only one kiss and an abundance of hugs. It's clear that they have a strong dislike for such interactions..
Conclusion…
I can't quite explain why I enjoy this drama so much, despite its many flaws, but I really do. If it had another female lead, I might have rated it higher. However, the male lead was perfect. I didn't like the director who removed any physical moments from the show. I cannot forgive the full clothes in bed. Did he think them fully clothed with a blanket on top was a bit too far stretched to imagine they had sex? Gezzz….I won't say more about him since he had a tragic death, but I'm not sure if he was famous before; I have no interest in watching anything else he's done.
It was released in 2012 and even though it's an old drama, I still bought the DVD to ensure that I can watch it anytime I want. With the fear that it might not be available for streaming at some point, owning the DVD is the best option.
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