Lumiere
Life
Episode 1 drops you in the middle of a big mess: the Hospital's Director's mysterious death.
The alarming music swells in the background as we get to meet our staff and all their package: Suspicion. Guilt. Ambiguous moral compasses. Hatred. Possible organ donation manipulation. hallucinations (?). Lies. Truths... Then, suddenly amongst all doctors who are trying to figure what just happened, a businessman appears to win (and obviously to wreck havoc in the process)
As I'm not a fan of medical dramas, I decided to give this one exactly 10 minutes to capture my interest. And capture my interest it did! In less than an hour, layers were unfolded, but it's just the surface we've scratched. As far as I'm concerned, I'm so curious to find the answers to all the questions in my head and see if Mr. Businessman is as bad as everyone supposes he is. With the grand entrance he made, I need to learn more!
Episode 1 drops you in the middle of a big mess: the Hospital's Director's mysterious death.
The alarming music swells in the background as we get to meet our staff and all their package: Suspicion. Guilt. Ambiguous moral compasses. Hatred. Possible organ donation manipulation. hallucinations (?). Lies. Truths... Then, suddenly amongst all doctors who are trying to figure what just happened, a businessman appears to win (and obviously to wreck havoc in the process)
As I'm not a fan of medical dramas, I decided to give this one exactly 10 minutes to capture my interest. And capture my interest it did! In less than an hour, layers were unfolded, but it's just the surface we've scratched. As far as I'm concerned, I'm so curious to find the answers to all the questions in my head and see if Mr. Businessman is as bad as everyone supposes he is. With the grand entrance he made, I need to learn more!
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People, this episode was WEIRD and I'm not talking about that shower fight scene!
The hospital scene abruptly transitions into Not-Healer's clumsy revenge-epic-fail plan! (I can't help but ask how the hell did he escape Madam Evil's watchdogs?) Luckily but very confusingly, Not-Healer is saved from his own idiocy by Madam Evil who extends a friendly hand. In reality, she just played his worst fears, twisted his arm, and got him under her control. (I ask: What ever happened to Not-Healer's legendary backup e-mail?)
Anyhow, in case revenge-epic-fail didn't make you laugh, the show decided at this moment to become a comedy. Lonely Wolf Not-Healer becomes Madam Evil's newest dog. He decides to shower with Madam's older dogs and play with them. Oh, I almost forgot: he gets yet another alias: K2 (I ask: Will I ever learn the male lead's BIRTH NAME? I believe the writer didn't give him one because he is secretly an alien)
Anyhow, Not-Healer now K2 finds himself monitoring a hungry Anna. You know, Show, for a second you almost got me. The I-guide-you-even-when-you-don't-listen routine was cute, but then the show had another epilepsy and it suddenly transformed itself into a ramen commercial. Because how would love flourish if not for Bathrobe Girls dancing the waltz with ramen in the middle of the night?
On the other side, Madam evil stood strong in her political battles while her dear husband whored around ever so lovingly under her tenderly watching eyes. And, lo and behold everyone she shed tears. It seems there is some shred of a soul deep, deep, down inside that woman somewhere.
Best Scene of the episode: None. Honestly.
In short, it took The K2 four long gratuitous episodes to deliver its premise. Wowz. If this drama had any plot, now would be the time to use it, Writer-nim!
The hospital scene abruptly transitions into Not-Healer's clumsy revenge-epic-fail plan! (I can't help but ask how the hell did he escape Madam Evil's watchdogs?) Luckily but very confusingly, Not-Healer is saved from his own idiocy by Madam Evil who extends a friendly hand. In reality, she just played his worst fears, twisted his arm, and got him under her control. (I ask: What ever happened to Not-Healer's legendary backup e-mail?)
Anyhow, in case revenge-epic-fail didn't make you laugh, the show decided at this moment to become a comedy. Lonely Wolf Not-Healer becomes Madam Evil's newest dog. He decides to shower with Madam's older dogs and play with them. Oh, I almost forgot: he gets yet another alias: K2 (I ask: Will I ever learn the male lead's BIRTH NAME? I believe the writer didn't give him one because he is secretly an alien)
Anyhow, Not-Healer now K2 finds himself monitoring a hungry Anna. You know, Show, for a second you almost got me. The I-guide-you-even-when-you-don't-listen routine was cute, but then the show had another epilepsy and it suddenly transformed itself into a ramen commercial. Because how would love flourish if not for Bathrobe Girls dancing the waltz with ramen in the middle of the night?
On the other side, Madam evil stood strong in her political battles while her dear husband whored around ever so lovingly under her tenderly watching eyes. And, lo and behold everyone she shed tears. It seems there is some shred of a soul deep, deep, down inside that woman somewhere.
Best Scene of the episode: None. Honestly.
In short, it took The K2 four long gratuitous episodes to deliver its premise. Wowz. If this drama had any plot, now would be the time to use it, Writer-nim!
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Lo and behold everyone, Not-Healer has finally got a name: Kim Jae Ha. But, it's not his real name. Will I ever learn my male lead's name, show? Does he even have one?
What else did we learn? Not-Healer is not as stupid as I thought he was. He's not so much of a killer-machine either. He once was a happy person too. (I guess he had a name back then.)
The most interesting character is still none other than our Villainess, Madam Evil. I have so many questions when it comes to her. Has she always been so dark? If she's so bent on making her hubby the President (because she'll be controlling him), why didn't she run for the presidency, herself, instead? Why is she so obsessed with the presidency to begin with? Has her relationship with her husband always been like this? What's her problem with her brother? Is he secretly working with her enemies?
Honestly, I don't know if the character is all that promising or it's just the actress's doing. Song Yoo Na plays Madam Evil with grace. She's not a caricature of a bad woman. She's sharp, controlling, but mostly hurt, I believe.
The most interesting scene: Definitely Madam Evil falling in love, because that WAS love what I saw. I think that makes things clear. I'm boarding the sinking ship.
Overall, episode 3 gave us a car chase, an introduction into the world of politics Madam Evil and Assemblypawn live in, and Not-Healer was offered a ticket to this world. New characters were introduced while Anna was left to cry alone in a dark room, again (Yawns).
I didn't buy the last scene. I hoped for a stronger ending.
What else did we learn? Not-Healer is not as stupid as I thought he was. He's not so much of a killer-machine either. He once was a happy person too. (I guess he had a name back then.)
The most interesting character is still none other than our Villainess, Madam Evil. I have so many questions when it comes to her. Has she always been so dark? If she's so bent on making her hubby the President (because she'll be controlling him), why didn't she run for the presidency, herself, instead? Why is she so obsessed with the presidency to begin with? Has her relationship with her husband always been like this? What's her problem with her brother? Is he secretly working with her enemies?
Honestly, I don't know if the character is all that promising or it's just the actress's doing. Song Yoo Na plays Madam Evil with grace. She's not a caricature of a bad woman. She's sharp, controlling, but mostly hurt, I believe.
The most interesting scene: Definitely Madam Evil falling in love, because that WAS love what I saw. I think that makes things clear. I'm boarding the sinking ship.
Overall, episode 3 gave us a car chase, an introduction into the world of politics Madam Evil and Assemblypawn live in, and Not-Healer was offered a ticket to this world. New characters were introduced while Anna was left to cry alone in a dark room, again (Yawns).
I didn't buy the last scene. I hoped for a stronger ending.
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So, what did we learn from this hour?
Nothing the first episode didn't tell us. Maybe that Non-Healer, in addition to his man-of-steel, heart-of-gold persona, is pretty naive. Great!
Still injecting Godawful dramatic music every scene, because guys, IT'S EPIC!
On the upside, they did manage to create (a dramatically sad and short-lived) human connection, which gave the following action scenes some meaning. I actually cared, a bit.
(SPOILER: I was dropping the show had they killed granny and grandpa this time.)
Most interesting scene: Not-Healer meeting Madam Evil: It made me smile :P Thank you for admitting that banner-hanger is too good-looking to be hanging banners, ahjumma :P Now I want Madam Evil to fall for him- not because she deserves love, God forbids, but it would be a nice twist :P You know it would be nice if he falls for her too.
Anyway, let's be honest: It's not like I'm here for the writer (I am not his fan and it doesn't look like this drama would change anything). I'm here for JCW's tanned arms, in case you're wondering. And, they are the most beautiful thing in the show!
Nothing the first episode didn't tell us. Maybe that Non-Healer, in addition to his man-of-steel, heart-of-gold persona, is pretty naive. Great!
Still injecting Godawful dramatic music every scene, because guys, IT'S EPIC!
On the upside, they did manage to create (a dramatically sad and short-lived) human connection, which gave the following action scenes some meaning. I actually cared, a bit.
(SPOILER: I was dropping the show had they killed granny and grandpa this time.)
Most interesting scene: Not-Healer meeting Madam Evil: It made me smile :P Thank you for admitting that banner-hanger is too good-looking to be hanging banners, ahjumma :P Now I want Madam Evil to fall for him- not because she deserves love, God forbids, but it would be a nice twist :P You know it would be nice if he falls for her too.
Anyway, let's be honest: It's not like I'm here for the writer (I am not his fan and it doesn't look like this drama would change anything). I'm here for JCW's tanned arms, in case you're wondering. And, they are the most beautiful thing in the show!
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It's the much anticipated K2, so what did we learn from this hour?
Characters:
Male Lead (name still unprovided. We're calling him Not-Healer for the sake of clarity)
1- Not-Healer is a killing machine.
2- Not-Healer is immune to pain and different physical injuries.
3- Not-Healer is not immune to the distress call of the weak and elderly in need.
Female Lead (we did learn her name last scene. Thank you!)
1- Anna has a tragic past and a dysfunctional family, to say the least.
2- Anna lived in oppressive confinement.
3- Anna is frantically desperate.
4- Anna only wears white shapeless gowns and runs around barefoot.
Second Male lead (the Assemblyman: too meh to remember his name)
1- Assemblyman is a sleazy Presidential candidate.
2- Assemblyman is a pawn in his wifey's hands.
Second Female Lead: Madam. Assemblyman
1- Madam Assemblyman is First Lady Wanna-be.
2- Madam Assemblyman is a devious manipulator.
Most interesting scene:
Last scene: Assemblyman vs. the Madam. Coincidentally, the scene that has the most dialogue.
Overall:
The K2's pilot showcased a series of dramatic, yet far from being satisfying, fight scenes injected with matching the dramatic music, in case we failed to realize this is EXTREMELY important.
I sincerely hope that all the juicy stuff will be served in episode 2.
Characters:
Male Lead (name still unprovided. We're calling him Not-Healer for the sake of clarity)
1- Not-Healer is a killing machine.
2- Not-Healer is immune to pain and different physical injuries.
3- Not-Healer is not immune to the distress call of the weak and elderly in need.
Female Lead (we did learn her name last scene. Thank you!)
1- Anna has a tragic past and a dysfunctional family, to say the least.
2- Anna lived in oppressive confinement.
3- Anna is frantically desperate.
4- Anna only wears white shapeless gowns and runs around barefoot.
Second Male lead (the Assemblyman: too meh to remember his name)
1- Assemblyman is a sleazy Presidential candidate.
2- Assemblyman is a pawn in his wifey's hands.
Second Female Lead: Madam. Assemblyman
1- Madam Assemblyman is First Lady Wanna-be.
2- Madam Assemblyman is a devious manipulator.
Most interesting scene:
Last scene: Assemblyman vs. the Madam. Coincidentally, the scene that has the most dialogue.
Overall:
The K2's pilot showcased a series of dramatic, yet far from being satisfying, fight scenes injected with matching the dramatic music, in case we failed to realize this is EXTREMELY important.
I sincerely hope that all the juicy stuff will be served in episode 2.
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Cinderella and the Four Knights Episode 1
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Although, I'm not quite fond of the original fairy tale, I have a soft spot for Cinderella remakes.
For this one, I expected some old-school romantic comedy shenanigans with a nice dash of flower boys foursomes falling for the same girl and the usual poor girl/ rich snots palooza: basically, a cliches- ridden story as deep as a pancake!
As expected, Cinderella and the Four Knights did deliver the fluff, the nostalgic flower boys charm with their never-ending chaebol problems and their their strive to camouflage their golden hearts under their cold demeanor! But enough of the boys, what made the cut for me was none other than Cinderella. When a little girl whose plight you've heard so many times in different styles and cultures manages to win your attention again, you know you're in for a winner. Park So Dam's Cinderella is not ground-breaking, but she's very easily loved. I definitely want to watch her save the FOUR, not one, Knights from themselves.
Let's not forget the direction that keeps things zippy and cute without stooping into zany and manga-like. Pancakes might not be the fanciest food out there, but when they're good, it never hurts to try!
For this one, I expected some old-school romantic comedy shenanigans with a nice dash of flower boys foursomes falling for the same girl and the usual poor girl/ rich snots palooza: basically, a cliches- ridden story as deep as a pancake!
As expected, Cinderella and the Four Knights did deliver the fluff, the nostalgic flower boys charm with their never-ending chaebol problems and their their strive to camouflage their golden hearts under their cold demeanor! But enough of the boys, what made the cut for me was none other than Cinderella. When a little girl whose plight you've heard so many times in different styles and cultures manages to win your attention again, you know you're in for a winner. Park So Dam's Cinderella is not ground-breaking, but she's very easily loved. I definitely want to watch her save the FOUR, not one, Knights from themselves.
Let's not forget the direction that keeps things zippy and cute without stooping into zany and manga-like. Pancakes might not be the fanciest food out there, but when they're good, it never hurts to try!
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Mirror of the Witch Episode 12
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Who was the star of this hour?
Is it Princess Yeon Hui, the little girl who decided she wouldn't let anyone toy with her life and fate again. Strong, smart, and assertive! Yeon Hui made me so proud today.
Is it Hong Joo, the Witch who was once a little girl, whose life and fate were toyed with by the Royalty... Hong Joo, who despite all, there's still a human part of her that can still feel pain?
Events wise: It's Yeon Hui. It took her a lot of courage to accept herself with all of her flaws, even more, to realize you she has the right to be loved just the way she is (Thank you Joon for being the miracle of true love).
Acting wise: It's Hong Joo. This is one commanding actress who knows how to control the atmosphere around her. Whether she's the mother of all evil wreaking havoc in the kingdom or the woman so desperate to save the one she loved, the lady mesmerizes in her acting.
Who broke my heart at this hour?
It should be the couple of true love, I know, but it's really King Seon Jo who lost it all today. How awful must it be to be surrounded by people who are trying to eradicate you with your own body failing you and the one person you've ever trusted stranding you? One must say actor Lee Ji Hoon does a splendid job in fleshing this desperate abandoned King!
What was the biggest surprise of this hour?
Oh, boy! I think it's none other than Sir Choi Hyun Soo. Seriously, Witch! I was almost relieved and you came and threw everything into chaos, again! Well, they say beware of what you wish for. Sigh.
I thought I can't possibly hate him more than I already do. Again, I am probably wrong!
Is it Princess Yeon Hui, the little girl who decided she wouldn't let anyone toy with her life and fate again. Strong, smart, and assertive! Yeon Hui made me so proud today.
Is it Hong Joo, the Witch who was once a little girl, whose life and fate were toyed with by the Royalty... Hong Joo, who despite all, there's still a human part of her that can still feel pain?
Events wise: It's Yeon Hui. It took her a lot of courage to accept herself with all of her flaws, even more, to realize you she has the right to be loved just the way she is (Thank you Joon for being the miracle of true love).
Acting wise: It's Hong Joo. This is one commanding actress who knows how to control the atmosphere around her. Whether she's the mother of all evil wreaking havoc in the kingdom or the woman so desperate to save the one she loved, the lady mesmerizes in her acting.
Who broke my heart at this hour?
It should be the couple of true love, I know, but it's really King Seon Jo who lost it all today. How awful must it be to be surrounded by people who are trying to eradicate you with your own body failing you and the one person you've ever trusted stranding you? One must say actor Lee Ji Hoon does a splendid job in fleshing this desperate abandoned King!
What was the biggest surprise of this hour?
Oh, boy! I think it's none other than Sir Choi Hyun Soo. Seriously, Witch! I was almost relieved and you came and threw everything into chaos, again! Well, they say beware of what you wish for. Sigh.
I thought I can't possibly hate him more than I already do. Again, I am probably wrong!
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Mirror of the Witch Episode 11
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If this show is good at anything, it's shocking me and conflicting me. With last week's ending and the first scenes of this episode, I thought that we're nearing the end of the show. I was wondering what to do with the 4 episodes left. Then, just before watching this episode, I found out the show got extended another 4 episodes. With that mindset, I was even more confused as I watched.
This episode from its beginning to its very end is just a series of shocks. Count on Mirror of the Witch to surprise you!
I think now that we shed new lights over all characters, I can say I don't like any of them (except for the Joon and Yoon Hui). All of them are selfish people who either haven't properly loved anyone in their lives or are in the process of ruining their lives because of their obsessive love. I think my biggest heartache was the Queen. I always knew what she was in reality, but somehow I hoped, against hope really, that she would change! Today, I hated her so much. I don't know if she can ever redeem herself.
Then, there's Poong Yeon. The man's conflict is real, but I can't properly sympathize or be angry with him. (Although I think he's going to make me hate him in the upcoming episodes). There's a big part of me who blames his misery on his stupid insensitive useless father. It is very annoying to have the person who knows everything be so unwise and completely removed from human emotions. I get that he's the only person working for the 'good' but a) his ways are the worst and nothing good ever came out of what he does b) He doesn't seem to truly love anyone but his goal. In that way, he's just like the Witch, the Queen, and King Seon Jo, but I never cut him any slack like I used to do with Queen and King because he knows everything and he's supposed to be the 'father/mentor' figure. Of course, he fails. He was never a father to anyone including his own son. Simply, that guy is like a useless zero. He monopolizes all that knowledge, fails to share it at the right time or to do anything useful with it. I don't want to wait for him to do anything good and redeem himself anymore. I just want him to die sooner than later before he manages to curdle my blood with another grand folly of his.
This episode was very sad, perhaps, the saddest for Yeon Hui. Like her, I felt that she's been surrounded by idiots who kept failing her all of her life. Like Joon felt in episode 4, it seemed like life itself was rejecting the poor child. But then comes Joon, the one person who has ever loved the cursed Princess unconditionally among all those people who just want to use her for some reason!
Damn it, I only see heartache in the future! Let's break no more hearts, show! Can you do that?
This episode from its beginning to its very end is just a series of shocks. Count on Mirror of the Witch to surprise you!
I think now that we shed new lights over all characters, I can say I don't like any of them (except for the Joon and Yoon Hui). All of them are selfish people who either haven't properly loved anyone in their lives or are in the process of ruining their lives because of their obsessive love. I think my biggest heartache was the Queen. I always knew what she was in reality, but somehow I hoped, against hope really, that she would change! Today, I hated her so much. I don't know if she can ever redeem herself.
Then, there's Poong Yeon. The man's conflict is real, but I can't properly sympathize or be angry with him. (Although I think he's going to make me hate him in the upcoming episodes). There's a big part of me who blames his misery on his stupid insensitive useless father. It is very annoying to have the person who knows everything be so unwise and completely removed from human emotions. I get that he's the only person working for the 'good' but a) his ways are the worst and nothing good ever came out of what he does b) He doesn't seem to truly love anyone but his goal. In that way, he's just like the Witch, the Queen, and King Seon Jo, but I never cut him any slack like I used to do with Queen and King because he knows everything and he's supposed to be the 'father/mentor' figure. Of course, he fails. He was never a father to anyone including his own son. Simply, that guy is like a useless zero. He monopolizes all that knowledge, fails to share it at the right time or to do anything useful with it. I don't want to wait for him to do anything good and redeem himself anymore. I just want him to die sooner than later before he manages to curdle my blood with another grand folly of his.
This episode was very sad, perhaps, the saddest for Yeon Hui. Like her, I felt that she's been surrounded by idiots who kept failing her all of her life. Like Joon felt in episode 4, it seemed like life itself was rejecting the poor child. But then comes Joon, the one person who has ever loved the cursed Princess unconditionally among all those people who just want to use her for some reason!
Damn it, I only see heartache in the future! Let's break no more hearts, show! Can you do that?
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Finally!!!
My prayers have been answered! Our Yeon Hui finally got her chance under the spotlight, and Man does Kim Sae Ron shine when given the chance to!!! Now show, I'm very happy but this is only the first step on the road of redemption. Distinguishing your female lead from a cactus is a good start, but I want MORE.
Now that I can contain my excitement (can I?), let's move to the real review. The first episode of the second half is a strong one offering a nice mixture of comedy, intensity, and mystery!
On the OTP side we get huge steps forward. Yeon Hui finally gets to express some of the fear and the anxiety that were suffocating her all these years... Yoon Shi Yoon, the amazing actor that he is, seamlessly alternates from Mr. Heartfelt Sympathy to Mr. Foolishly comic giving us the laughs of the episode.
In the palace, My Queen, (yes I'm calling her that from now because I can't love her enough) although still struggling to follow the very advice she gave to King SeonJo before, proves that there's more into her than the Black Witch thinks. The 'little surprise' she and the show gave us wasn't bad either ;) Anything that makes our Witch think twice is good, eh?
In short, a beautiful episode with important choices, strong attitudes, and a nice blend of comedy, lightheartedness, and intensity all culminated with the tension of the final scene. Show, if you maintain this pace and quality till the end (although I have a very bad feeling you're ending with tragedy ever since ep1, actually), I'll go sing your praise from rooftops and declare my everlasting love to you (okay on MDL really, but it's the same thing :P)!
My prayers have been answered! Our Yeon Hui finally got her chance under the spotlight, and Man does Kim Sae Ron shine when given the chance to!!! Now show, I'm very happy but this is only the first step on the road of redemption. Distinguishing your female lead from a cactus is a good start, but I want MORE.
Now that I can contain my excitement (can I?), let's move to the real review. The first episode of the second half is a strong one offering a nice mixture of comedy, intensity, and mystery!
On the OTP side we get huge steps forward. Yeon Hui finally gets to express some of the fear and the anxiety that were suffocating her all these years... Yoon Shi Yoon, the amazing actor that he is, seamlessly alternates from Mr. Heartfelt Sympathy to Mr. Foolishly comic giving us the laughs of the episode.
In the palace, My Queen, (yes I'm calling her that from now because I can't love her enough) although still struggling to follow the very advice she gave to King SeonJo before, proves that there's more into her than the Black Witch thinks. The 'little surprise' she and the show gave us wasn't bad either ;) Anything that makes our Witch think twice is good, eh?
In short, a beautiful episode with important choices, strong attitudes, and a nice blend of comedy, lightheartedness, and intensity all culminated with the tension of the final scene. Show, if you maintain this pace and quality till the end (although I have a very bad feeling you're ending with tragedy ever since ep1, actually), I'll go sing your praise from rooftops and declare my everlasting love to you (okay on MDL really, but it's the same thing :P)!
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Mirror of the Witch Episode 10
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What a roller-coaster of an episode!
Easily the strongest episode to day, episode 10 perfectly plays at all plot lines offering a full package of intensity. I kid you not, there was intensity in the town, in the palace, in the Witch's headquarters..Everywhere... This was another good episode with a balanced tone with its comic moments, thrilling moments, and more importantly shocking surprises notably the last 20 minutes of the show!
Yoon Shi Yoon is as usual perfect as his Joon. I was happy, even though I was shedding tears, that he got some sort of a peace moment. As for the romance, let me say I appreciate the show's completely innocent way of building the relationship between our leads. The moments those two look and smile at each other were the most beautiful to me. Even when they don't relay electrifying spark d'amour, they show how those two people are completely comfortable and accepting of one another which stand in a stark contrast to the last scene of the show. Speaking of romance, is that another ship I spotted today, show? Now that you did that, you CANNOT push it aside! I will send the Red Cloak after you if you do.
Nevertheless, what seemed like a perfect episode still had its flaw. If you take the stupidity and utter ineffectiveness of drama police as given, we won't have to say much about Ok's utter inadequacy! Although I was happy that even he got a moment to explain his motives. The other flaw is Mr. Taoist Master and his disciple Gwang and their stupid ways of "Conceal don't Feel". I would spare you the long, long rant. But let's say this, Master Taoist is still the worst character in this drama!
With the shocking detour the events took at the end of this episode, I can only wait for the next for more!
Easily the strongest episode to day, episode 10 perfectly plays at all plot lines offering a full package of intensity. I kid you not, there was intensity in the town, in the palace, in the Witch's headquarters..Everywhere... This was another good episode with a balanced tone with its comic moments, thrilling moments, and more importantly shocking surprises notably the last 20 minutes of the show!
Yoon Shi Yoon is as usual perfect as his Joon. I was happy, even though I was shedding tears, that he got some sort of a peace moment. As for the romance, let me say I appreciate the show's completely innocent way of building the relationship between our leads. The moments those two look and smile at each other were the most beautiful to me. Even when they don't relay electrifying spark d'amour, they show how those two people are completely comfortable and accepting of one another which stand in a stark contrast to the last scene of the show. Speaking of romance, is that another ship I spotted today, show? Now that you did that, you CANNOT push it aside! I will send the Red Cloak after you if you do.
Nevertheless, what seemed like a perfect episode still had its flaw. If you take the stupidity and utter ineffectiveness of drama police as given, we won't have to say much about Ok's utter inadequacy! Although I was happy that even he got a moment to explain his motives. The other flaw is Mr. Taoist Master and his disciple Gwang and their stupid ways of "Conceal don't Feel". I would spare you the long, long rant. But let's say this, Master Taoist is still the worst character in this drama!
With the shocking detour the events took at the end of this episode, I can only wait for the next for more!
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This episode brought a number of strong scenes marked by strong performances from the Black Witch, the Queen, and King Seon Jo... (all my favorite characters). Moreover, the magical connection between our estranged leads is *finally* explicitly explained. I just want the drama to milk this in all possible ways. Not to mention, another little mystery was thrown into our way...And, we evaded an Apocalypse, for the second time. In short, episode 8 was eventful, strong, and keeps you wanting more!
*If you are not watching the show, I think now would be the best time to stop reading this review*.
If I am to evaluate the first half of the drama, I'd say that not only the Black Witch is the main character, but also she's the energetic force from which the events of the story are derived. I know that she's also the grand villain, but she's not the worst character to me. That position is preserved for Stupid Master Taoist Choi Hyeon Soo. There are no words to describe my dislike towards him. It's because he's the one who supposedly stands on the good side. He is also the one with the greater knowledge about Hong Joo, her witchcraft, and the whole situation, yet he keeps all that to himself. When I think that he raised the poor princess without once telling her the truth about herself I am enraged. Isn't it telling that the one person who was honest with her after all these years is the Witch? Which brings us back to Yeon Hui, the most underdeveloped character of them all. When we met her in episode 2 she had inklings of a character. All of which were pushed back after the Apocalypse happened. You could've literally replaced her with a cactus and nothing would've changed. I'm so disappointed on this front, and I hope that the show will redeem itself in its second half. How is the princess supposed to grow when she's literally stuck in her temple? Then we move to Joon, oh boy! Is there a limit to the tragedies he had to go through? And, why did he reveal himself to his older brother?? *stupidest move ever* Although YSY does wonders to bring him to life, but there isn't much you can do when all the character does is deal with woes.
In short: The first half was very interesting for the royal affairs/witch and rather dull for the OTP and their woes.. Now, show, you just opened a door to change that. No more confinement, no more submission to misfortunes, and hopefully no more staying in the dark for the OTP. Now is the time for them to reclaim their positions and become the heroes of their story!
*If you are not watching the show, I think now would be the best time to stop reading this review*.
If I am to evaluate the first half of the drama, I'd say that not only the Black Witch is the main character, but also she's the energetic force from which the events of the story are derived. I know that she's also the grand villain, but she's not the worst character to me. That position is preserved for Stupid Master Taoist Choi Hyeon Soo. There are no words to describe my dislike towards him. It's because he's the one who supposedly stands on the good side. He is also the one with the greater knowledge about Hong Joo, her witchcraft, and the whole situation, yet he keeps all that to himself. When I think that he raised the poor princess without once telling her the truth about herself I am enraged. Isn't it telling that the one person who was honest with her after all these years is the Witch? Which brings us back to Yeon Hui, the most underdeveloped character of them all. When we met her in episode 2 she had inklings of a character. All of which were pushed back after the Apocalypse happened. You could've literally replaced her with a cactus and nothing would've changed. I'm so disappointed on this front, and I hope that the show will redeem itself in its second half. How is the princess supposed to grow when she's literally stuck in her temple? Then we move to Joon, oh boy! Is there a limit to the tragedies he had to go through? And, why did he reveal himself to his older brother?? *stupidest move ever* Although YSY does wonders to bring him to life, but there isn't much you can do when all the character does is deal with woes.
In short: The first half was very interesting for the royal affairs/witch and rather dull for the OTP and their woes.. Now, show, you just opened a door to change that. No more confinement, no more submission to misfortunes, and hopefully no more staying in the dark for the OTP. Now is the time for them to reclaim their positions and become the heroes of their story!
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Episode 7 presented us the much-needed sense of humor of episode 2 just at the time that our couple met again. Perhaps, it's the show's way of telling us that good things happen to these two only when they're together. Otherwise, life is a living hell.
The episode also presented us our first song. Yes, it took Mirror 7 episodes to play one song. I for one love this. The background music remained truly background all that time, enhancing scenes and creating the dark eerie mood. I especially loved the sound of the bell in the first scenes of episode 7 and last scenes of episode 6.
On the other hand, the Black Witch doesn't need comedy breaks. The relentless Witch still has a lot of tricks down her sleeves. Interesting! I've got to say I love King Seonjo and the Queen too. The show has a knack of painting people's weaknesses under realistic lights. In the usual K-drama fair, the good people are always good, magnanimous, great... The bad characters are filthy-dirty (Like Ok and his mom) and there's no hope for them whatsoever. Mirror paints a wide array of people, all different shades of gray, making King Seonjo and the Queen one of the most real, relatable characters I've seen.
The episode also presented us our first song. Yes, it took Mirror 7 episodes to play one song. I for one love this. The background music remained truly background all that time, enhancing scenes and creating the dark eerie mood. I especially loved the sound of the bell in the first scenes of episode 7 and last scenes of episode 6.
On the other hand, the Black Witch doesn't need comedy breaks. The relentless Witch still has a lot of tricks down her sleeves. Interesting! I've got to say I love King Seonjo and the Queen too. The show has a knack of painting people's weaknesses under realistic lights. In the usual K-drama fair, the good people are always good, magnanimous, great... The bad characters are filthy-dirty (Like Ok and his mom) and there's no hope for them whatsoever. Mirror paints a wide array of people, all different shades of gray, making King Seonjo and the Queen one of the most real, relatable characters I've seen.
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Spoiler-free
I am watching a KOREAN drama, a historical nonetheless! Not exactly the statement of the century, I know! However, watching MotW reminded me that although I have more than 100 dramas under my belt, I am consuming entertainment that was never meant for me!
Here comes MoTW stating at the beginning of each episode that its characters are completely fictional bearing no resemblance to reality. Given the magical element of the show and my ignorance of Korean history, I take the note to heart and completely miss out on the fact that the Kings and the Queens not to mention the male lead bear the names of real historical figures who truly existed once upon a time in Korea! Just like that, I completely miss the fact that the show isn't just a stand-alone fairy tale, it's a fantasy woven into an authentic historical background. If I were a Korean citizen, I'd probably have easier time following the royal affairs at the palace. If I were Korean, I would've had the slightest idea about those yellow talisman and their powers...Heck if I were Korean, I wouldn't have been missing tons of hints lost in translation...
Episode 5 was not the smoothest transitional episode, but perhaps I went overboard with my impatience. After all, the show never spoon-fed us events the way all other shows does. From its pilot episode, MotW always teased us first, then slowly offered more. There were never clear cuts, but always a space for the audience to guess and make their own conclusions. Moreover, this intricate story love its mystery while playing with 3 main plot lines: Black Witch and Master Taoist's (which was always eluded to and is slowly being exposed via flashbacks- well used flashbacks if I might add), Yeon Hui's and Joon's... I believe here's the point where the three plot line will finally meet. Technically, episode 6 could've been the first episode, but we would've messed up on the efforts the writers made to introduce all the characters and their lives...
On another note, episode 6 marks the return of the ticking clock, the urgency, the feeling that, for our main leads, life itself is a watchful hostile creature waiting for their slightest mistakes to destroy them...Do you know how drama-villains always seem like fools which downplays the whole plot? Not in MotW! The villain in this drama is so powerful, so far-ahead that I'm not sure the poor leads will ever have a chance against her. It's pretty frustrating to watch them receiving blows from episode one! That's why I was very excited for Yeon Hui's decision at the end of this episode- the decision that many of you hated! Yes, that's the way girl! Take control of your own life!
To me, Yeon Hui was the less interesting, the less developed character in the show, but I'm hoping that everything would change now. Enough with introductions and let the real game start!
I am watching a KOREAN drama, a historical nonetheless! Not exactly the statement of the century, I know! However, watching MotW reminded me that although I have more than 100 dramas under my belt, I am consuming entertainment that was never meant for me!
Here comes MoTW stating at the beginning of each episode that its characters are completely fictional bearing no resemblance to reality. Given the magical element of the show and my ignorance of Korean history, I take the note to heart and completely miss out on the fact that the Kings and the Queens not to mention the male lead bear the names of real historical figures who truly existed once upon a time in Korea! Just like that, I completely miss the fact that the show isn't just a stand-alone fairy tale, it's a fantasy woven into an authentic historical background. If I were a Korean citizen, I'd probably have easier time following the royal affairs at the palace. If I were Korean, I would've had the slightest idea about those yellow talisman and their powers...Heck if I were Korean, I wouldn't have been missing tons of hints lost in translation...
Episode 5 was not the smoothest transitional episode, but perhaps I went overboard with my impatience. After all, the show never spoon-fed us events the way all other shows does. From its pilot episode, MotW always teased us first, then slowly offered more. There were never clear cuts, but always a space for the audience to guess and make their own conclusions. Moreover, this intricate story love its mystery while playing with 3 main plot lines: Black Witch and Master Taoist's (which was always eluded to and is slowly being exposed via flashbacks- well used flashbacks if I might add), Yeon Hui's and Joon's... I believe here's the point where the three plot line will finally meet. Technically, episode 6 could've been the first episode, but we would've messed up on the efforts the writers made to introduce all the characters and their lives...
On another note, episode 6 marks the return of the ticking clock, the urgency, the feeling that, for our main leads, life itself is a watchful hostile creature waiting for their slightest mistakes to destroy them...Do you know how drama-villains always seem like fools which downplays the whole plot? Not in MotW! The villain in this drama is so powerful, so far-ahead that I'm not sure the poor leads will ever have a chance against her. It's pretty frustrating to watch them receiving blows from episode one! That's why I was very excited for Yeon Hui's decision at the end of this episode- the decision that many of you hated! Yes, that's the way girl! Take control of your own life!
To me, Yeon Hui was the less interesting, the less developed character in the show, but I'm hoping that everything would change now. Enough with introductions and let the real game start!
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Spoiler-free
This is definitely the first page of a new chapter. Unfortunately, it's also the show's weakest episode to date.
In the first quarter, everything happened with the speed of light. Spells were cast, darkness was summoned, battles were fought, people won and lost... For the first four episodes, we were going down into a spiral that hit the floor with a loud thud that was episode four.
After which, the reset button was pressed, and in episode 5, the elements of the World of MotW that we came to know in the first quarter of the show were rearranged. The transition was not a smooth one. It's like the whole show hasn't regained its balance after the shock of episode 4. It stumbles all over the place bringing up more questions instead of offering answers, dazing around flashing new characters but hardly introducing them, posing new challenges but not stressing their weights. It was also the episode that had the most visible directorial flaws :S
If I were to describe this episode in one word it would be confusing. Perhaps, shaky too.
Is the show going down the hill, or does it just need some time to regain its balance and rhythm?
This is definitely the first page of a new chapter. Unfortunately, it's also the show's weakest episode to date.
In the first quarter, everything happened with the speed of light. Spells were cast, darkness was summoned, battles were fought, people won and lost... For the first four episodes, we were going down into a spiral that hit the floor with a loud thud that was episode four.
After which, the reset button was pressed, and in episode 5, the elements of the World of MotW that we came to know in the first quarter of the show were rearranged. The transition was not a smooth one. It's like the whole show hasn't regained its balance after the shock of episode 4. It stumbles all over the place bringing up more questions instead of offering answers, dazing around flashing new characters but hardly introducing them, posing new challenges but not stressing their weights. It was also the episode that had the most visible directorial flaws :S
If I were to describe this episode in one word it would be confusing. Perhaps, shaky too.
Is the show going down the hill, or does it just need some time to regain its balance and rhythm?
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Ouuff! What an episode!
Episode 4 marks the end of the first quarter of the show, and it came as such a chilling bewildering shock! Never have I seen a drama closing all doors of hope, depriving its viewers of the slightest chance to breathe in one episode, not to mention so early on!
I'm still puzzled! What happened?
If anything, episode 4 echoes 'the darkness' of episode one. Only it's worse; we deal with the aftermath. It's a fair reminder: the game that the characters of Mirror of the Witch play is that of life and death. The stakes are always high, and the slightest slip will come back to haunt you later on. The results are never going to be easy!
The world has an order. Both our heroes happen to mess up that order by their mere existence, and when you mess up the order, you suffer the consequences!
But this isn't just Yeon Hui and Joon's story!
Perhaps, Mirror of the Witch is the story the Black Witch just as much! Again, the Black Witch (Hong Joo) and the Silly Taoist's past (Choi Hyun Soo) is vaguely hinted to. Yet, following the show's storytelling fashion, we're cruelly left to guess about it with no concrete facts!
A quarter of the show has passed and the most interesting character till now is none but our Black Witch Hong Joo. Yun Jung Ah plays her to perfection with chilling stern expressions that succeed to betray her conflicting emotions and her ambition. I think she's my favorite till now.
Silly Taoist, on the other hand, didn't get this nickname for nothing...
After the bump that is episode 4, I literally have no idea where the show will go next or how!
Episode 4 marks the end of the first quarter of the show, and it came as such a chilling bewildering shock! Never have I seen a drama closing all doors of hope, depriving its viewers of the slightest chance to breathe in one episode, not to mention so early on!
I'm still puzzled! What happened?
If anything, episode 4 echoes 'the darkness' of episode one. Only it's worse; we deal with the aftermath. It's a fair reminder: the game that the characters of Mirror of the Witch play is that of life and death. The stakes are always high, and the slightest slip will come back to haunt you later on. The results are never going to be easy!
The world has an order. Both our heroes happen to mess up that order by their mere existence, and when you mess up the order, you suffer the consequences!
But this isn't just Yeon Hui and Joon's story!
Perhaps, Mirror of the Witch is the story the Black Witch just as much! Again, the Black Witch (Hong Joo) and the Silly Taoist's past (Choi Hyun Soo) is vaguely hinted to. Yet, following the show's storytelling fashion, we're cruelly left to guess about it with no concrete facts!
A quarter of the show has passed and the most interesting character till now is none but our Black Witch Hong Joo. Yun Jung Ah plays her to perfection with chilling stern expressions that succeed to betray her conflicting emotions and her ambition. I think she's my favorite till now.
Silly Taoist, on the other hand, didn't get this nickname for nothing...
After the bump that is episode 4, I literally have no idea where the show will go next or how!
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