Reviews

WAY better than I thought! Can't wait to see the next episode!

Forgot about your summer reading? Don't worry, just read this and feel like you've read SOMETHING over break.



Just like Vito, I'm a half-Filipino who has never been to the Philippines, so I feel I might be more biased and empathetic towards his character (that's why I'm writing this thing in the first place) than the random viewer who had nothing to do Tuesday night, and decided to watch a drama with Koike Eiko's adorable face. Seriously, I want her to teach me the ways of being that cute (I hope it involves playing with puppies and learning how to poop rainbows).



When I first found out that Matsujun had a role as a half-Filipino in a drama, I was cackling in my seat wondering if Hayami Mokomichi was either too busy with the acting performance of his life, or busy formulating ways to get even tanner (or hotter. Seriously, he's too hot #fangirl4LYFE WHO NEEDS LOGIC WHEN YOU GOT SUCH HOTNESS!? *Ahem*). Even with Matsujun's massive tan, it looked like he swam in the remnants of Snooki's self-tanner instead of being someone Filipino; how could he pull off looking half-Filipino!? Boy, was I wrong. While I know that because you're race so-and-so, that doesn't mean you act like its stereotypes. However, the hard work ethic, positivity in even he most dire circumstances, and generosity for others (even when you're broke as hell) reminded me of many traits enforced at my house. His mannerisms reminded me of my mom too, so he actually convinced me as someone who is Filipino/lived with one/lived with those values. I can't wait to see how this character develops in later episodes.



One thing that shocked me about this drama was how race was covered. Now, I never been in Japan, so I don't know how much of this is the "group" mentality they seem to have there or just drama exaggeration, but it sure taught me something. It seemed like actual thoughts/occurrences on race instead of TV-land's extremist attitudes from things like romance to how to properly prepare cereal. He goes though dealing with suspicious thoughts, to rude comments because of his race. The sheer fact that he's sporting a tan causes discrimination. I've had the misfortune of seeing this kind of stupidity happen to some of my friends, so I know what it looks like. I like how the drama gives a first-hand look into this. And, I'm not gonna lie, when people called him "Filipino bastard," I was tearing up, filled with frustration I didn't think I would feel. How Vito didn't kick their butts shows how he is much more mature and responsible than those jerks (as well as me).



As for acting, Matsujun shocked me. With my doubt of idols' acting abilities, I thought Matsujun was a typecast of sorts. Now, I know he probably did dramas as someone who ISN'T a jerk with a heart of gold (I think Kimi wa Pet is one. Haven't seen it yet, but he's a pet for God's sake). There was a scene where [redacted for spoilers] that just made me cry a LOT. He just felt such pain for being distrusted JUST because of his race (he never even left Japan and he got the "you're not Japanese" crap). I just felt for Vito and cried with him. When you see that scene, you'll know what I'm talking about. Matsujun's acting just went up a couple notches for me. Like I said earlier, I'm looking forward to his development later on.



For Eiko's character, I'm still somewhat iffy. Yes, she's uber-cute, but her character left me with questions. She played the role of someone who lost her voice to emotional trauma, but I'm just wondering what HAPPENED to her. It's probably a story-thing, but I didn't know she would be so cute! So while her character has so much potential for depth, we see her act as the sweet-and-shy high school girl well.



The bond between the workers at Vito's daytime job seemed so natural, friendly, and familiar. I can see it as Vito's sanctuary. I thought that the cast did a pretty good job, but nothing Earth-shattering. Yet. Two workers at the job were friends with Vito when he did bad things, so maybe we'll see their experiences and coping mechanisms for the kind of past they had (REALLY don't want to spoil anything, so pardon the vagueness).



I'm pretty sure there's a way to condense this long review, but I felt that it would be cheap. The first episode was really good, and I'm looking forward to the next episode. I hope the trouble that happened here is resolved justly, or I'll go to the nearest KKK meeting to kick racists in the face to blow off steam. Those people calling Vito a "Filipino-bastard" frustrates me to no end; that's why I'm gonna finish this drama in hopes they realize the error of their ways.



As I sat weeping at the corner of the living room where I accidentally watched the whole episode when I just wanted to see if it downloaded properly, I thought about how this drama was much better than I thought. The next episode is BOUND to be good!

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Thoughts on the ending.

I was going to write out all my thoughts on the ending of Iljimae, but then life intervened. Anyway, I sit here with sore muscles to give you my take on what happened and why ? disclaimer to tell you that you may not agree with or like what I say, but I am basing it on what happened.



In short, Iljimae is alive; Eun Chae just returned from exile in Jeju with her dad; Bong Soon is wandering around the country; Dani and Kyum?s mother are raising Ketong together with Yong visiting every now and then; the rest of the neighbourhood, which includes Eun Chae?s servant, helps when they can ? but Iljimae goes deep underground to avoid getting people he cares about into trouble; Shi Hoo teaches kids martial arts and is happy; Daeshi found his dad. Also, the king is crazy.



When we come to the end, Iljimae is starting up his stealing again.



It?s too bad they didn?t have enough time to film the ending fully ? according to the PD, they were filming the last episode on the day it was airing, and had no choice but to supplement the end with scenes from episode one. Aww.



First, who is Ketong?



Well, easiest question first. Ketong is the child of Dani and Swe Dol (R.I.P.). Remember when Swe Dol nearly named Yong ?Ketong? instead? Dani glared him down. In her beloved husband?s memory, she gives her child a name he?d chosen for another son that he gave his life for. He says he?s five because the Koreans count age starting from 1, not 0. He?s missing a front teeth not because the writers didn?t take science in high school, but because he?s probably old enough to be losing baby teeth now.



How do we know Yong is at least visiting his two mommies?



One word: Ketong. Honestly, this kid gives it away in so many ways. Living with two women, I think it would be very hard for a four-year-old to develop such outrageous mannerisms unless he had someone he admired to copy from. When Bong Soon mentioned ?Yong?, he showed that he was familiar with someone named Yong, which might just have been his mothers telling him about his older brother. However, that doesn?t account for his slip with the random bystander at Daeshi?s performance troupe ? he actually says he couldn?t memorize his version of what happened to Iljimae, but why would he need to, unless he?s covering up for Yong, in collusion with the adults? Also, his more accurate knowledge of Iljimae?s activities (to the annoyance of the shoemaker?s dad) indicates that someone?s been showing off his exploits.



By extension, Shim Deok, Daeshi, the shoemaker, Eun Chae?s servant, the mafia dude, Eun Chae?s servant?s dad all know Yong?s alive. (Awkward moments give them away.) They actually knew who the real Iljimae was, so if something happened to him, they would know the truth too. The only reason they would spread such outrageous rumours would be if they knew they were lying. And the only reason that fits would be Yong?s desire to make sure people around him weren?t being hurt for knowing who he is.



Who are the shoes for?



According to the director/producer, one pair is for Kunghe, and another pair is for Iljimae. So we know our dude is probably living on the island with Kunghe, with the blessing of Shim Deok (except when the gisaeng, Myeong something, comes over). The shoes aren?t for Bong Soon, unfortunately, because if you noticed, Kunghe has a pair that are exactly like the ones the shoemaker delivered this time but Bong Soon has shoes made of straw, customary of travelers at that time.



Which leads us to the topic of Bong Soon? what happened to her?



From her clothes, she?s dressed as a boy, and a traveler, by her shoes. She was probably unable to resolve her issues with Kunghe in the end and opted for wandering around and not seeing him. Remember when she was about to stab Kunghe? She apologized that she would not be able to go with Yong to wherever he was going to take her. I?m guessing she knew she couldn?t stay near Kunghe and gave Yong up too, especially as he was in love with someone else. I feel so bad. Where is our cheerful happy girl?



Dani?s expression upon meeting her suggest that they haven?t seen each other in a while. Furthermore, Dani?s really odd expression indicates that Bong Soon probably doesn?t know Yong is alive. Sadly, she isn?t reconciled with Kunghe either, or they would have shown that, or at least given hints.



Why does Shi Hoo say that not giving up the proof would protect those his brother wants to protect?



Probably Shi Hoo has as much faith in his government as I do in mine, and knows that handing over the proof will mean his death and everyone else?s, if not at the crazy king?s hand, then at the hand of some unscrupulous noble. Thus, having it keeps him safe, and it gives Yong the freedom to keep being Iljimae. (Imagine the most optimistic outcome, where he?s recognized as a noble, how much trouble he would have being Iljimae. Besides, we know his father?s name isn?t cleared because the king is nervous over not having kept his promise.)



Does Eun Chae know who Iljimae is?



Yes. Even as Yong. Why? Besides the whole thing in 19 when she sensed something about Yong, when her servant mentions her husband?s first love, Eun Chae is reminded of her own first love, and she doesn?t ask about Iljimae, she asks about ?that child?, who is Yong. When her servant is slow to come up with a response, Eun Chae shows signs of worry. Later, she goes to the tree and recalls Kyum in the same time as she does Yong. I?d say that?s enough proof for us. Unfortunately, I think at this point Eun Chae believes Iljimae is dead, though with his latest raid on the palace, she won?t think that for long.



Finally, the big question, is Iljimae alive?



YES YES YES!



Besides the PD saying that Iljimae was slashed by his own sword and fell down due to the force of the blow, and that Kunghe?s order has a pair of shoes for him, the beginning and end quite obviously show he is alive. Just as Hong Gil Dong unequivocally indicated their main characters? deaths, Iljimae shows him in action once more.

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