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Find My Own "Line"

As an artist, the story spoke to my heart, though my artwork isn't sume-i.
This story speaks of art not just as a pretty picture but of the heart of the artist. It conveys a story of the artist's life which the viewer may not see.
The story of Sosuke from being directionless to finding his 'line' does not only apply to artists. It speaks of becoming - the thought of a progressive transformation of finding one's calling.

From the opening of the movie, I had been curious as to why Sosuke was so teary-eyed just by looking at one painting. I asked myself, what moved him? Little do we know that the picture is connected to his family whom he lost in a tragedy.

I do not know Japanese actors. The characters were not the loud ones, but in their faces, you can see their emotions.
1. Sosuke - a young man drifting, not even sure if his course is the right one. His chance meeting with Master Kozan had given him a new lease in life. Only in the end do we see a happy Sosuke when he finally found his line.
2. Kozan - he sees something in Sosuke to take him in as apprentice. It was not his skill; it was his heart.
3. Chiaki - she has been working hard with her art; however, it was mechanical. Her encounter with Sosuke challenged her to find her own line as well.

It isn't just about art, but also about life, about moving forward despite of a tragedy.
It isn't just about being a student, but about finding your purpose in life.
A master can teach the basics, but still each one should find his own line. The skill to compose, to draw or create is not the essence of art. The artist's heart brings life to his art which moves us to appreciate life.

Now it inspires me to look beyond what I see and create my own line which speaks to the heart of man.

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Quite Subjective

I finished this series for the sake of finishing it. Until the end, I was trying to figure out what is the practical guide to love. It is quite subjective since we see only a few characters who navigated their relationship. So, this review is more on the characters portrayed:
1. Ui Yeong (played by Han Ji Min) - at her age, she seemed to be clueless as to what she really wants in a relationship. She was surprised to hear Tae Seop telling her to date with marriage in mind. Is dating for her just a pastime? Was her concept of marriage tarnished because of her parents' relationship?
2. Tae Seop (played by Park Sung Hoon) - we may say that he is a level-headed person, matured and understanding. However, some may say that his character is flat or boring. We only see his anger when he found Ui Yeong with an aggressive and forward client. He may be boring, but how he navigated his relationship with Ui Yeong is with much patience and kindness.
3. Ji Su (played by Lee Ki Taek) - young and passionate, yet directionless when it comes to his career path. perhaps affected by his father's mistress. for him, he will pursue who he likes but soon learned to give in when Ui Yeong chose Tae Seop.
4. Ui Yeong's friends who got intimate before even having a date. This one is relatable to some who are not really serious with their relationship, testing the field so to speak. Still, we see in them the desire to be faithful to one.
This drama may be forgettable after a few months. I think the title of the drama isn't appropriate - perhaps something about navigating love since no one can really truly say there is a guide to love.

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How Far would you Go to Get to the Truth?

This is a drama not for the faint of heart and so I watched this drama in phases.
After watching this, you may think - how much of this can be true to a nation's military group?

Like any drama, it goes back and forth to present and past wherein we get to piece together the stories behind the tragedies the lead characters had experienced. At first Doh Bae Man was only after getting rich, so he will use his power to twist the truth in favor of his 'benefactor.' He did benefit so much, yet he is crooked. Little did he know that there is a much larger gangrene in the military involving the highest officials.

Power when mixed with greed is dangerous. That is where abuse, power-tripping and cruelty stem. For Gen. Noh, she uses people to further her cause, to protect herself and get away with the crime. How would you be able to fight this kind of monster.

Good thing the story had its redeeming factors"
1. When Doh Bae Man regained his memory of the true murderers of his parents.
2. When Doh Bae Man decided to join forces with Cha Woo In.
3. When other servicepeople felt used or guilty that they turn to say the truth.
4. The real criminals were punished giving hope for a better military
5. Cha Woo In regained her father's company.

But we cannot just set aside that there had been so many murders in this drama. Though it took a long time for the truth to be revealed, justice was served.

This drama may also be a message to those in power - whether be a government office, a head of a company or even a general - to live well, not be greedy rather serve with integrity with care for humanity.

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Serendipitous

For some, the drama is a cliche, or boring as it is like a simple love story. It may not have the action, heavy crying or even love scenes, but the conversations convey much more emotions. Though the female Kim Ji Ho has more dialogues, the male Kim Ji Ho has conveyed his feelings through actions.

I like the subtleness of the story. It seems their meeting together from the airport to the hostel and then Rose's lodging is serendipitous. Thanks to Hyun Chul - who seems to be everywhere, playing different roles just to bring these two Kim Ji Ho together.

This is one of So Ji Sub's subtle and quiet performance, very much different from his action dramas. When he was younger, he portrayed characters who have deep emotions beneath a quiet personality. His character may be misunderstood as he does not say many words.

As for Kim Ji Won, am not so familiar with her other dramas. Her character may be somewhat talkative and assuming but tried to understand the other person. Though she had first liked him, she did not openly confess for fear of rejection or perhaps making him uncomfortable.

I like the places they went especially the one with so many trees. I wish I can go there someday.

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Chameleon?

What made me watch this?
Shin Hae Sun and Lee Jun Hyuk. Both actors have already proven themselves to be top caliber actors.
Shin Hae Sun as always delivered. I wonder how she trains her mind to portray different characters in just 8 episodes. She made herself helpless when she was still at the bottom. Then she depicted a rich woman who seem to be generous.
Lee Jun Hyuk portrayed an analytical investigator. His character is relentless as he aims to put Sarah in prison for murder.

The story - it was intense. It is very psychological. I feel Park Mu Gyeong's anxiety as he tries to figure out the real Sarah Kim. As the story unfolds, it gives us glimpses of the good and the bad sides of Sarah. It seems Sarah paints herself as innocent to what she was being charged. In the end she did get a life sentence, yet still Mu Gyeong still can't figure her true identity.

What is the Art of Sarah - was it the story she made, the identities she created, the relationships she had and/or the Boudoir brand? We can try to be Mu Gyeong and be convinced that Sarah is such a chameleon.

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When Pretend Seem Real

Finally, I was able to watch this movie. I was intrigued by the title itself and with Brendan in a Japanese environment.
A person for rent to act in any way needed by the family is quite an unusual job. I think this stems out from services of having personal hosts for a day, a girl Friday or a Geisha to entertain.

I find the concept of Rental Family quite odd. And as Philip said at the interview, he felt this is lying. and it is! If it is a one-time deal, perhaps he can get away with it. As Shinji said, they are meeting emotional needs of a family. But how far would you go to meet that need?

The movie is almost two hours, but we see different sides of the Rental Family odd jobs. All pretend, but to the families around who needed emotional healing, they seem real. And there is the danger of getting too invested and personal. In a society that is so fast-paced, emotional connection sometimes gets left. This movie tells us that all of us needed someone to somehow be a friend, a brother, a sister, a dad or mom. It shows how much society had focused on physical achievements rather than human relations. To Philip, some of those pretends, were related to his own experiences. At some point, I was teary when Kiko San was in his hometown.

Somehow there is a redeeming factor in the movie. A wake-up call for Shinji to revise his services. Philip gets to be himself before Mia. For Philip to be there for Kiko San till his death, something that filled the void of his own loss in the past. Aiko to stand up to Shinji and quit. The Rental Family supporting Philip to get out of trouble. I am glad the movie ended in a good note.

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I trust you, because I know you will do what is right

I had put off watching this for some time, as am not so much into action series.
I watched the first episode but stopped since there are more interesting series last year.
And at last, I finished it already.

What makes me watch till the end?
1. Discovering the background stories of the leads. It gives us the reason why they think and behave that way.
2. We see the different sides of the other characters whom we think may be trustworthy but are not.
3. There are character developments among the leads. They are not one-dimensional; they tried to seek the truth even if it hurts. I like how Gang Hyeong developed her trust towards Isoo despite how unconventional Isoo's ways.
4. I like the chemistry of the team of Gang Hyeong with Isoo. This gives a relief from the drama and actions.
5. I like the actors - Ahn Bo Hyun showed a range of emotions from flaunting his wealth to catch the bad guys to being so vulnerable when he confronted his brother. Park Ji Hyun showed how a lady can kick ass even in the midst of trouble.
6. I like that we get involved in trying to solve the crime as well. We become problem solver along with Isoo.

And lastly, I like that there is redemption in the end. Though it may be too late for Isoo's mom, justice was still served for his dad. And I am glad Isoo did not take the Chairman's seat. The ending already is a reveal of Season 2. So, I will be waiting for that!

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The Need for Compassion

The first time Gil Gu came across the Seon Ji's early morning devilish persona; I got a bit scared and don't want to continue. I really do not like watching horror movies, so I stopped.

After a few months, I tried again. This time with a hope of redemption for the Seon Ji. And this movie gave me that.
Korean dramas reflect their culture - if not about shamans, or demons, then it is about reincarnation or bodily possession. The last is what it is. Just like Gil Gu, there is a belief that she might be possessed by a demon, yet as she conversed with him, there seems to be some logic. Demons do not negotiate or just possess a person for a certain time.

As Seon Ji learns to trust Gil Gu, the crazy part of Seon Ji revealed her past. Seon Ji may not have the memory of Moon's possession, but with Gil Gu, Moon found someone who help her be at peace. Gil Gu's compassion touched Moon.

I like how Gil Gu's character developed in this encounter with her. He started off afraid, but later on as he said he is a good listener, had compassion towards her. It was not exorcism that she needed. It was her peaceful abode. Gil Gu is such a gentle and kind person; however, he doesn't seem to have any direction in life. This sort of a job of watching over Seon Ji had shaped him and found his purpose

I applaud Yoon-A for doing two opposite characters in this movie. Ahn Bo Hyun is such a nice guy, and I think his real self is somehow reflected in Gil Gu. I am ok that the story didn't rush to make their character fall in love but gave us hope.

Would I watch this any time soon? maybe not as the whole story is still fresh in my mind. This movie is adorable.

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POLAR WARMTH

It was a beautiful reality show showing us:
- the struggles to get to Antarctica - it took them so many days waiting to fly
- the shortage of ingredients - almost end of the year and the resources are only brought once a year, where can you find fresh fruits and vegetables?
- the harsh weather - Antarctica is more unpredictable than our own weather system.
- the scientists and engineers who stayed a year to help this world a better place
- the different nations coming together for a common good, In Antarctica, no one owns the land. They work together, help each other, regardless of nationality. Even as the 37.8 crew served the Argentinians, Uruguayans and Chinese aside from their own, there are exchange of gifts as part of appreciating one another. This show is overflowing with much warmth and love.

This reality show hits home because the people they served missed home. By cooking for them, they are bringing them to what they miss the most. Beyond the food they tasted, they felt the love, the friendship and compassion. I believe these four celebrities came out changed, a better appreciate of life and the people who serve wholeheartedly.

I love that Suho made a particular song for this travel. As he was narrating about their experience walking on the snowing slopes, they were instructed to step where others stepped. I feel like this is philosophical in a way - others came there ahead of them, and they are following into their footsteps. It is a recognition of the other crews who came before them and contributed to science.

Thank you for this show.

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Love through Food

I enjoyed the first season so much that I continued to watch the 2nd batch.
Actually, I am missing Dae Hwan as he is such a hard worker and not a whiner. he accepts his mistakes and does better.
At first the new two guys - Soo Geun and Kyung Hwan are slow and complained a lot but towards the end they admitted that they are passive and need to step up. Kyung Pyo as he is much younger than all of them obeys though we can see his hardships.

What they did is no joke. Serving thousands of people who served the public is such a noble thing. I believe Paik Jong Won's expression of love is through his preparation of food. I am inspired by the way he planned and mentor his teammates. As Bo Hyung has been his partner before, he already knows that he can trust him with the desserts.

I like that they have a sizable truck already as they get to even add equipment and cooking implements into their trucks aside ingredients for their service.

Food warms us, but the making of good and satisfying food warms the hearts. Thank you for giving us this kind of show. I hope Jong Won will soon be able to get his business better and be able to have some kind of show - not just to show his love of cooking but also giving joy to those who eat them. Thank you to the producers, the crew who made this show possible.

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You and Me Against (almost all) the World

Thought of having this headline cause from the start of this series, there are many struggles already for both Kang Hee and Yeon Soo. They are not supposed to suffer for whatever wrongs their parents had done, however, society has a way of condemning the innocent with the guilty.

With a small town like this, everyone knows everyone and rumors are inevitable. These two lead characters suffered much from the voices of the past. The oppositions to them being together brought a strain to their relationship. Though they had promised to ignore the noise, still Kang Hee struggled.

What can I say about the characters portrayed here?
1. Kang Hee - a complex character, talented and rose above the prejudices at work. When, finally, someone recognized her talent, then came the time to face her past. Towards the end, she learned something about her friends, her dad and even the other people in the town.
2. Yeon Soo - a quiet and gentle man who chose to stay in their hometown and loves Kang Hee no matter how difficult she may be. I think he has the most development, as Kang Hee said that he had changed. He may not fully understand Kang Hee, but he patiently waited for her to be ready.
3. Chun Pil - a man of few words, misunderstood by his daughter, kept his sanity in managing the motel despite of his own personal struggle. He did not let his daughter be burdened. This character has a big heart for caring for the boys who were not cared for by their own parents.
4. The Gangsters - despite of the struggles these leads had, they have good friends who stayed with them up to adulthood. Each has their own struggles, all because of the prejudices from other townspeople.
5. Yeon Soo's mom - she is one of the characters that you would hate. She does not see her own mistakes and points the mistakes of the elders upon Kang Hee. She is selfish and not really after the happiness of her son.
6. Kang Hee's colleagues in Seoul - they are the ones who had supported her in her journey as a designer.

This series does not have the loud wailing and shouting battles, except for Yeon Soo's mom. Both Lee Se Young and Na In Woo have delivered a rollercoaster of emotions as they fight for their love for each other and rise above their challenges. Even their young versions did great in their acting. People can be unforgiving, but what needs to happen is to forgive oneself first in order to move past the struggles. And it is not all You and Me Against the World, for there a few who had supported them either silently or partially.

Kang Hee said as a child, that to love is to hold one's hand or to hug someone. It may be such a light idea for a child, but it conveys comfort and protection to the one we love. And towards the end, there is forgiveness and reconciliation - as they open up their hearts to love and acceptance.

Reflecting on the series lessons:
So let us love unwavering, keep holding the hands of our loved ones no matter how hard life can be. Let go of the past and use them to strengthen our resolve, our faith in God and men. Live in the now free of regrets and move forward to be the better version of yourself.

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Rise above the Challenge

This must be one of the first Korean drama I have watched 2 decades ago when it was aired in my country. My friends and I had been waiting for each episode and even had exchanged notes.

What draws me to this drama are the cooking elements. Jang Geum has an exceptional talent in cooking, even when at the time she lost her sense of taste. She proved herself to be the best in that field even though someone wants to sabotage her. We may think everyone is against her, but having someone supporting her gave her the hope to rise above the challenge.

It is amazing how she transitioned from being a cook to a doctor. In Korean dramas of this period, we do not see women as the lead physician. However, we see her wisdom and talent in cooking came handy.

As this is a period drama, the production had prepared well from the costumes, the sites, the cooking methods and utensils. It is amazing, how Korea had tried to preserve their history with this kind of drama. This is something they should be proud of and hoping the next generations to come will cherish and embrace their history as well.

As this reached more than 50 episodes, I do not think of rewatching it. Though I have watched this 2 decades ago, I remember the faces, specially of Jang Geum who did not seem to age, now that she has a 2025 drama with a younger actor.

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To Live Well Despite of a Loss

Those who have lost a loved one can relate to this series. It truly hurts to lose someone in a very untimely manner - that you didn't get to say goodbye before he/she dies. Regrets, guilt or losing the will to live can haunt us. And we see that in the life of Hee Wan and Hong Seok who for the past five years still feel the hurt.

The series gave Hee Wan and Ram Woo to spend at least a week and view life beyond the loss. But in reality, no one gets to spend a week with the person we lost in an untimely manner. The story with its going back and forth to present and past slowly unfolds how their relationship started, how this exchange of name affected them and even expanded their sphere of friendships.

Kim Min Ha did exemplary in portraying the adventurous girl in high school and later on the directionless college student. As for Gong Myoung, I still remember him in Love Untangle, where he also played a high school student. It suits him to be the serious and kind young man. I would like to see him do a more challenging role to see the extent of his acting.

It gives us also a view of the importance of family and friends, that though we have lost someone so dear, their support, their life, are also important to move forward and live well.

Our life moves on, even when we lost someone dear. And the grim reaper didn't take her but rather saved her. In view of this story, we should then reflect the importance of being intentional in building our relationship for good.

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Finding One's Path

Somehow this movie gives me the feel of "When the Weather is Fine" but on a lighter note.

The different seasons reflect the different thoughts of Hye Won's life.
Winter ... when almost everything is freezing, or hibernating ... and her life seem to be frozen also in time, not knowing what to do but returns to a life she once escaped from.
Spring ... when new sprouts come alive and gives hope ... shaking the blues of winter
Summer ... when planting and reaping is at its peak ... it is also a time of seeing the fruit of her labor ... and what she is trying to understand, her mom, even her future, what she really wants in life becomes clearer.
Fall - when the dried persimmons are ready to be kept for wintertime ... ready to face where she left off ...
She did leave without saying goodbye to her friends ...
Then returned ... now on a happier feeling as someone came back before her.

All along these seasons, she remembers her mom, coupled with what she cooks that suits the season. She learned them from her mom. As she plants, it shows patience and expectation of her harvest. This gives me a deeper appreciation of planting as it cultivates a character of patience, hope, and love. There is so much introspection in this movie. The alone time, the quiet planting and harvesting are times of reflection.

Somehow, the seasons represented also her own season of maturity - of finding clarity, of contentment, and of hope.
I have dreamed of living in a countryside, slower pace of life, with fresh air, no smoke or traffic. Many people think that life is better in the city and the movie tells me, it is a matter of seeing the beauty of where we are planted. It does not matter if it is the city or the country, what matters is - is it home?

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"The present is the past to your future"

I have watched many time-travel series, but more of a different era for no apparent reason. But this drama, has given the ML the purpose to travel back when he was not even born.
The first episode felt long because it tried to establish the connection of the two leads.

The Story
First, we should not take it seriously as in changing history. It is fiction, so I take it as a creative work of the writer to use the time-travel to solve various crimes. As the ML is from the future, he knows what may happen, but as he tried to save lives, somehow, what was the original time and scene of the crimes committed were altered. And there is no way that they can keep their secret be revealed to a few. Somehow there is redemption in the end, an understanding of their past parents/ grandparents and the hope of a better future. Somehow their "meddling" made a positive difference to their families.

The Actors
I like Jin Ki Joo. She never disappoints me in her acting. I have seen her in several dramas, and she has the right expressions in each situation.
As for Kim Dong Wook, it is my first time seeing him. I think he is suited for this kind of drama - investigative and crime solving. I just don't feel so much the love between these two leads. Perhaps it is because of the family background before they went to 1987.
The supporting actors - played vital roles in the story. We may not understand the why's of the bad characters in this drama, and somehow it is implicitly told that they became like that because of their own family's ways.

For me this time-travel drama is just for entertainment. But we can learn from it on how we live our lives in the present. I like what Yoon Young said to Mi Suk - that she can be better, "the present is the past to your future." We should not beat ourselves over past wrongs. Instead, we live today with better choices to be a better future self.

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