Visually stunning with a truly poetic story. Insights into the early 16th century art included
"Saimdang, Memoir of Colors" is an excellent KDrama with historically impressive dimensions. The focus here is on the legendary artist Shin Saimdang, whose head is also depicted on the 50,000 won note today. The KDrama pays tribute to the great artist and also pays tribute to her roles as a devoted mother and virtuous, yet uncompromisingly progressive woman. The focus is on a time and space transcending, tragic love story - fictitious... or at least not historically documented. (But why should´t it have happened in this way or another? ... :-)----------------- SIDE NOTE --- Shin Saimdang (1504 -1551) ---
... was a painter, calligrapher and poet who was valued in her time and far beyond. Since her father had no son, he gave her (rather unorthodox for a girl) an education and training in literature, poetry, calligraphy, embroidery and painting. Her works as a painter are characterized by their particularly sensitive view of nature and its subtle, sensitive representation. Today only about 40 paintings in Indian ink and mineral colors can be directly assigned to Saimdang. However, it is suspected that many more works of art have survived, although they are not clearly signed as her works. Shin Saimdang has also gone down in history as the ideal of the good mother. She had five sons and three daughters, some of whom also inherited their mother's talent. One of her sons is the even more famous Neo-Confucian scholar and politician Yul-gok Yi I.
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In addition, as far as the perspective of traditional art is concerned, the special focus of this KDrama is the nature of the world of animals, plants and mountains. Actually, it could be mentioned here, that South Korea is characterized by several mountains and 21 national parks on more than two thirds of the country's surface. This KDrama aesthetically focuses on the spiritually legendary mountain region around the Geumgangsand - The Diamond Mountain. It probably got its name in connection with the Diamond Sutra of Buddhism. It was a center of Korean Buddhism, traces of which can be dated back to the 1st century. At the beginning of the 20th century there were still more than 40 active monasteries in the region. In any case, the mountain world plays in several respects an important role in this gripping historical drama.
Special dynamics arise through the play with intertwining time and space. There are two plots. One is set in 2017, the other in the early 16th century during the Joseon era. One follows a young art historian writing her PhD thesis on artist An Gyeon's work 'Geumgangsando'. The other follows historical Shin Saimdang through the first 3-4 decades of her passionate yet virtuous life. Parallel to the art historian's research and struggle with it, that is at the same time enhanced and endangered by Saimdang´s diary, insights on the artist´s eventful life are revealed. Both storylines are quite exciting in their own way. Particularly charming: people from Saimdang's time-line seem to have reincarnated in Seoul in 2016 and are once more somehow connected to each other... Surprisingly, the fulcrum where the timelines converge is Tuscany in Italy.
This extraordinary and visually stunning KDrama offers a truly poetic, heart-rending story, added with interesting insights into the special aesthetics and sensitivity of contemporary Korean art of the early 16th century, as well as the paper production craftmanship of that time. It is rounded by an atmospheric soundtrack and, last but not least, actors who are as if absorbed in their roles. At last, there is plenty of makjang, too.
Taking everything into account, the story is effortlessly captivating over 28 episodes.
At the end I was left in bewilderment, yet to some extend somehow surprisingly satisfied, too.
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Story
Having had studied Art History in Uni and with it being my favourite module, you can understand my initial excitement when I realized this is a drama about art history but in Korea! Only 2 of my biggest interests intertwine like that. I wouldn’t miss the chance to savour this rare opportunity!
Saimdang is a wonderful drama but not without flaws. It takes place simultaneously in the past and the present, depicting the past and present lives of the characters. Starting in the present it centers on a woman who tries to prove that a painting is or is not authentic facing serious enemies in this endeavor of hers.
Simultaneously and very flexibly the story travels to the past as we get to see the whole story behind the painting in question and how this is connected to our main flawless female character Saimdang and her life.
I can totally understand why viewers found this boring and disappointing. Most of the drama depicts Saimdang’s life but focuses a lot on events rather than romance, politics or other juicy things saeguks are known for. First half of the drama focuses on how Saimdang grew to become a memorable and powerful figure of her time creating and sustaining her own business. There are classic villains who try to destroy her but everything is more connected the job development rather than her personal life. The second half was a bit rushed because of the trimming of 2 episodes and the re-editing was very obvious to the point it reduced the drama’s quality. Still, it stays in the same lane of events.
I read comments from Korean netizens expressing their disappointment in the drama’s direction. More specifically, they disliked the fact that there wasn’t much of Saimdang’s drawing and painting showed. I cannot argue with that. Simultaneously, I can safely say the story line that took place in the present was rather disappointing and ill-developed. I can totally understand their idea behind it but they spent too much time perfecting the past story –which ended up being, understandably, a tad boring for some people- that the present one just rounded up being a constant back and forth.
All that being said, I cannot quite put my finger on it but this drama just charmed me to the point I was completely unfazed by all the -otherwise- stern drawbacks.
I thoroughly enjoyed the backstory. Some of it a bit clichéd – classic evil 2nd female lead who is just too self-centered for her own good- but all of it really interesting and really well-written as far as I’m concerned. Against all odds, I loved the business part of the story, it was inspirational seeing a woman overcome so many pitfalls and achieve greatness!
One of the main parts that I especially appreciated was the female empowerment of the drama. Saimdang on her own is such an incredible character, empowering and just inspirational. Even if we barely got to see her drawing, the passion for it was well-depicted and the characterization was just brilliantly presented!
Moreover, I enjoyed several parts of the past story illustrated like the education for non-wealthy citizens, or how women were looked down upon but were undeterred by it. Plotlines that involve weak and easily manipulated kings are nothing new and play significant roles here as well.
Continuing to my favourite part, the romance. I'm not the biggest romance fan, I tend to rather cringe but here… here it was special! I can understand why some people would find the romance here disappointing. There is no skinship at all; barely any intimacy while everything is kept on a platonic level. Rather frustrating. However, there is no need for obvious affection when you have Song Seung Heon’s eyes just depicting everything better than a gesture ever could. My heart ached in every scene he looked at Saimdang and I was completely blown away by their tragic and heartbreaking love story. Strongest part of the drama for me, but you have to be into doomed couples to like this.
The drama did have some boring parts, but I enjoyed it throughout. I can’t say I felt fulfilled by it, rather depressed especially during the last 5 episodes, but it just felt special in ways I can’t put into words.
Acting
Overall exquisite.
Lee Young Ae. Acting giant and I feel a bit intimidated to actually judge her acting. She was amazing, overflowing with charm and experience; she was a blast to watch on screen. I thoroughly hope it won’t take her another decade to comeback.
Song Seung Heon was luscious in ways I can’t describe. I usually complain about kdramas lacking actual manly characters since all those flower boys have taken the industry by storm. He brought exactly what I wanted to see. Manliness, masculinity all spiced up with actual emotions and sentiments. His character just elicited unlimited emotions out of me, his acting was out-of-thing-world good and he had amazing chemistry with Lee Young Ae.
Other than them, the full casting was amazing and most of it quite memorable, namely Oh Yoon Ah as the evil 2nd female lead, Choi Jong Hwan, Yang Se Jong and the rest really made the drama shine.
Recommend
Considering most of the reaction I saw was rather negative or indifferent I wouldn’t openly recommend this to everyone. Saeguk fans would probably like it and people interested in tragic and unfulfilled love.
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God knows how much i love his character. the one who would clear the path for the comfort of the person he dears, a person that remains loyal even after all those years of finding solace by wandering, a man with virtue. on the last episode when they recap lee gyeom's life i cried shit loads of tears. i felt terribly happy for him (terribly because of his tragic life; happy because he found his inner self in that tragedy)
and of course Saimdang. this drama depicts her journey from a carefree teenager to a mature woman. Saimdang has to be the strongest female character i've ever known, having to go through such ordeal in life. an obedient daughter to a loving mother and a respectful wife. i swear her patience and perseverance are on a whole new level. and i really love her conversations with her children especially the one she had with maechang under the blooming trees so heartwarming and she's very well composed.
my favourite part of this drama is of course the romance. No u dont have over the top lovey-dovey romance in here, no u dont have romantic scenes with all the sugary conversations that makes u want to jump off the window due to the sweetness. the romance in here is very subtle. u know there's love but u can't see it, u just feel it's there (i'm not making any sense here, too blinded by their love). the look on lee gyom's eyes every time he look at Saimdang is so deep that it pierced through the screen right into my heart XD.
now for the plot i think the modern part is totally unnecessary because; 1. very little screen time 2. it feels out of place. i read people commenting on how the plot is very cliche with political fights and vengeance etc. honestly that cliche plot is critical for the characters development. it's not that bad, the plot was just okay but interesting enough to make me watch it until the end. one thing for sure is that this drama is really really really slow and i usually drop slow dramas by 3-10 episodes in but this drama? theres something about it that kept me going, weird enough i dont know why. if and only if they had not cut the episode to 28 i personally think the ending would be better. u know when they introduce the characters they write the character's future below the name, like how woo was supposed to be an artist hyun rung a successful scholar. i thought they were gonna show it but no hmm. all and all i really love this drama and will definitely watch it again.
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Another beautiful, poignant love story!
Just finished the last episode with lots of tissue moments. I would place this kdrama love story with my top favorite cdrama, a love so beautiful. Though in different time zones it shows that true LOVE will always prevail! Great script, outstanding cast, good editing for this well written love story without too many irritating sub plots. This is one of those dramas that switch you back and forth through time, so thankful for the clear translation. Young adults watching should heed the wise and comforting words of Saimdang to her children. Beautiful FL was perfect as the strong, unruffled, patient and kind noblewoman. Handsome and dashing ML kept me watching. Gorgeous Joseon paintings and memorable poetry is the basis for this story and sadly one poem and jealousy cheated the childhood lovers to a life of aching love. 28 episodes to keep you enthralled!Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Awful as romance; little better as historical - péssimo romance e pouco melhor como histórico
What's this drama about?If it's based on a love story between Saimdang and Lee Gyeom, the story is horrible. It begins with a beautiful love affair between both. They swear happiness and you can see an extreme empathy, a deep knowledge of the other. Two creators wrapped in love. But...
Saimdang is a woman who, due to an unconscious error with a painting condemns her father to the death and the man who loves her to a life of suffering and loneliness. She marry a stingy, stupid, unfaithful man with all the flaws of the assholes. She even lives with her children and him and his mistress in the same house... Saimdang has four children who loves and educates them exemplarily. Her struggle and life is amazing, except for what she provoked in the man who loved her throughout her life as an adult. She will abandoned the man who did and does everything for her, who condemned himself to death for her, who supported her and saved her countless times and stay with her children (of course) and her disabled husband. Apparently, she apologizes to her husband for having married without love and with an ignorant (as if he did not know and was not common at that time...). Moreover, she still says that a man who spends all the money on drink and women, who gets a job without deserving it (due, there it is, to Gyeom) who is unfaithful, etc. is a good father. Apparently, for her, being a good father is playing games with her children, having fun with others, not working or studying and having no responsibility. After all, being responsible is only for the mothers, in her opinion.
Therefore, despite condemning Gyeom to eternal suffering, she still sends him to Italy because he will be an artist to be remembered and praised for centuries... It reminds me of Goethe's book, Werther, which made many men commit suicide out of love. So, we see the story happen: she is happy with her children, in her Korea, with her friends and family... And the man who loves her is creating works in Europe, pieces of art that overflow with suffering and hurtful love. We already know that being happy doesn't provoke the same creativity... the artist suffers but the rest of the world will contemplate his work. And the creator, sad and suffering lives in her shadow, looking at the moon, without the wing given to his beloved, broken in his suffering body.
Gyeom has bad luck at the same time: having fallen in love with Saimdang and that Choi Whieum Dang has fallen in love with him. And is life is to suffer...
We still think they can meet in a future life. The drama made me have that assumption and Saimdang still thinks that. However, at the end of the story we still realized that she has reached... success, living well with family. And he's photographing her from a distance...
For that reason, I believe that Gyeom, in a past life, must have slaughtered thousands, no! Millions of people for sure!! And of those, the whole family of Saimdang. And she will swear at that time to revenge them! And how did she get revenge!
If drama is seen as history...
Interesting the part of paper creation, the shape and techniques of painting, painting as an extension of words and poetry. Dramas have often portrayed the King as an imbecile with persecution complex, a patriarchal and unjust society. Minor plots, a woman that loves a man and wants to destroy him… There, Saimdang and Gyeom are exemplary in their conduct. And they have the fruit of their labor? Noooooooo! She raises her children in harmony and in the arts and he gradually fade in misery, unearthed in Italy. I didn't even know there was an Italy in Joseon era, but it looks like Seo Ji Yoon knew.
I will never review this drama, for my masochistic part was left in Bologna. The interesting thing is that Saimdang was a real fantastic woman and here she is not portrayed this way. But it's my fault, because I really wanted Gyeom to have a slice of happiness beyond Mount Geumgang... But the drama is about her...
The parts of the present are boring, the connection of Saimdang and Seo Ji Yoon seems stupid and meaningless, even more knowing that nothing will happen in the future with the photographer, Gyeom reincarnation ...
De que se trata este Drama?
Se for com base na história entre a Saimdang e o Lee Gyeom a história é horrível.
A história começa com um lindo romance de amor entre os dois. Juram felicidade e nota-se uma empatia extrema, um conhecimento profundo do outro. Dois criadores envoltos em amor. Mas…
Saimdang é uma mulher que, devido a um erro inconsciente dela com uma pintura condena o pai à morte e o homem que a ama a uma vida de sofrimento e solidão. Casa com um homem mesquinho, estúpido, infiel e com todos os defeitos dos imbecis. Até chega a viver com ele e a amante dele em sua casa…Tem 4 filhos que ama e os educa exemplarmente. A sua luta e vida é exemplar, exceto no que ela provocou no homem que a amou durante toda a sua existência como adulto.
Troca o homem que fez e faz tudo por ela, que se condenou à morte por ela, que a apoiou e a salvou incontáveis vezes pelos filhos e pelo marido deficiente. Pelos vistos, pede desculpa ao marido por se ter casado sem amor e com um ignorante (como se ele não soubesse e não fosse comum naquela época…). Além disso, ainda diz que um homem que gasta o dinheiro todo em bebida e mulheres, que arranja um emprego por favor (devido, lá está, ao Gyeom) que é infiel, etc. é um bom pai. Pelos vistos, para ela, ser bom pai será fazer umas brincadeiras com os filhos, divertir-se com outras e não ter nenhuma responsabilidade. Afinal, ser responsável é só para as mães, no entender dela.
Assim sendo, apesar de condenar Gyeom ao eterno sofrimento, ainda se sente mal e o manda para Itália porque ele será um artista a ser falada por séculos… Faz-me lembrar o livro de Goethe, o Werther, que fez muitos homens se suicidarem por amor. Assim sendo, vemos a história acontecer: ela feliz com os filhos, na sua Coreia, junto aos amigos e família… E o homem que a ama encontra-se a criar obras na Europa, peças de arte que transbordam sofrimento e desamor. Já sabemos que estarmos felizes não provoca a mesma criatividade… Que se lixe o artista, pois o resto do mundo contemplará a sua obra. E o criador, triste e em sofrimento vive na sombra dela, olhando para a lua, sem a asa dada à sua amada, quebrada no seu corpo sofrido.
Gyeom tem dois azares: ter-se apaixonado pela Saimdang e que a Choi Whieum Dang se tenha apaixonado por ele. E a sua vida é sofrer…
Ainda pensa poder se reunir com ela numa vida futura. Saimdang ainda pensa isso. Contudo, no final da história ainda nos apercebemos que ela alcançou… o sucesso, vivendo bem com a família. E ele a fotografá-la à distância…
Por esse motivo, acredito que Gyeom, numa vida passada, deve ter chacinado milhares, não! Milhões de pessoas de certeza!! E dessas, toda a família da Saimdang que jurará nessa altura vingança! E como se vingou!!
Se o drama for visto como história…
Interessante a parte da criação do papel, a forma e técnicas da pintura, a pintura como extensão das palavras e da poesia. Temos sempre retratado o Rei como um imbecil com complexo de perseguição, uma sociedade patriarcal e injusta. Aí, Saimdang e Gyeom são exemplares na sua conduta. E têm o fruto do seu trabalho. Ela cria os filhos na harmonia e nas artes e ele desfaz-se aos poucos, desterrado em Itália. Nem sabia que naquela época havia uma Itália, mas parece que a Seo Ji Yoon sabia.
Nunca reverei este drama, pois a minha parte masoquista ficou também em Bolonha. O mais interessante é que Saimdang foi uma mulher fantástica e aqui é retratada desta maneira. Mas a culpa é minha, pois realmente queria que Gyeom tivesse um rasgo de felicidade além do monte Geumgang… Mas o drama é sobre ela…
As partes do presente são aborrecidas, a ligação das suas mulheres parece-me estúpida e sem sentido, ainda mais sabendo que nada se passará no futuro com o fotógrafo…
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Not my cup of tea
The story flips back and forth between modern day and the past which was new to me. Perhaps it would have appealed more to me if there was a stronger connection or similarity between the actors who played dual roles in both time periods.I loved Lee Young Ae in Jewel of the Palace and as Saimdang, she excelled as well. Her expressions filled the whole screen and I was constantly wishing this drama didn’t have the modern day element.
Do not watch this thinking that it is a romanticised version of Saimdang as there are many elements introduced and changed here that does not match what I’ve read about this famous person. This only part which is correct was that Saimdang was a great artist.
I loved the story about the paper production in itself as it was eye opening for me. Saimdang was portrayed as the perfect mother who gave sound advice and allowed her children to choose their own path - mostly inspirational but came close to being too saintly at times.
Too much mystery left unanswered for the 2 main leads in modern day left me hanging.
Some might be satisfied with this different type of happy ending but it wasn’t my cup of tea.
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Beautiful and constructive
Precious drama, beautiful story! It shows you that how bad the circumstances may be, there is always something you can do to make life better. Believe in yourself regardless of what others say, what you do is more important than how you seem to be.The story was more shown and seen than told, and it’s setting different from what I am used to. The scenes felt slow and dragged but sometimes cut off as well, like there was more to it than shown. The main characters were portrayed by actors who had been in historical drama’s before, particularly Saimdang. The actress of the female lead seemed similarly to Jang Geum, a character from another historical drama that she played. Nonetheless, was this a drama where the present was linked to the past and the other wat around, it was interesting and impressive. The traditional clothing most beautiful, even the ordinary cotton clothing, as always. It was interesting to learn more things about the old korean culture and specifically those times when art and science and education was rapidly developing in cultures all across the world. And it is shown how the Korean culture has always had unique colors. Although I had wished to have seen more of Saimdangs painting and art. Definitely a must watch.
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The Paper Trail ¤ Blending 2·4·Oneness of Lines·Lacquer·Life·Liberty·Love °Outstanding°
Saimdang is a stunning piece of art imitating life.Surprise! She's real. And the broad strokes regarding her family life are true. The show treats her with the utmost deference. While it has the present and the past mirroring e/o, they limited the dramatic liberties when it came to Saimdang's life. Don't touch that dial: That European medieval court IS the start of this feature. We're in italy. It's The Year of the Rabbit, 1519.
In a broadly sweeping statement, GRR Martin, GOT author, said: “There's only one thing worth writing about, and that's the human heart in conflict with itself.” This is largely true. Each worthy story brings us new people and the Saim-d@mn nonsense!😉
Ok, that isn't what the title means. Saimdang is a talented, brave, determined, resourceful, and dignified woman who lives in the Joseon era, and DANG! They put her through it. The story opens up in current day and the show toggles backward and forward in time by way of ancient documents and paintings which aid in telling the story of what happened then. The main players from Joseon are reincarnated into current day🇰🇷, but they're dealing with issues that never die: Jealousy, revenge, fear, corruption, and most of all, pride.
In contemporary 🇰🇷, Seo Ji Yoon has been working towards her PhD in art history. Her advisor (Choi Jong Hwan from My Dearest is prof Min Jung Hak) requests she authenticate a piece that he's already certified. He wants her to do the presentation. She is uncomfortable with this, though. She suspects the painting of the Kunlun Mountains could be a forgery. It's all true. Her professor has turned to the dark side and is using his position and power for money and more power. This starts an epic contest between them, and he plays dirty. Very dirty.
We'll follow the painting back in time to when Saimdang & Lee Gyeom, artists of extraordinary talent, are admiring it. They are teens and they've fallen in love. He's the king's favorite cousin. She's the granddaughter of a noble. Her grandfather has the painting kept in secret - just a byproduct of those times. The seeds of suspicion are sewn with the king, who moves to exert and maintain control over his cousin. He learns of their romance and opts to exercise his power to teach his cousin a lesson. He denies them marriage and marries Saimdang off to someone else - a lazy, fatuous idiot. She tries to make it work.
Counselor Min is the ancestor of Seo Ji Yoon's professor. They are both evil. Each is thoroughly enjoying (abusing) his power. Counselor Min (Choi Cheol-Ho from River Where the Moon Rises) is plotting against the country for more power, so we see where the professor gets it. Oh Yoon Ah from Salon De Nabi is wonderful as Choi Whieum Dang (Mrs Min). Her performance is top level, but she doesn't appear in the present day story. The Mins make nothing but trouble in the past, and Professor Min is doing the same in current day. They're dangerous. People are dying.
The past and the present have many of the same characters, but not across the board. Seo Ji Yoon and Saimdang are married, but their husbands aren't the same. The same actor plays professor Min and weirdly plays the King, not Counselor Min, his ancestor. Our FL has the same friend in the past and the present, played by the lively Park Jun-Myun (Under the Queen's Umbrella, God's Quiz). Song Seung Heon has a part in modern day but it's limited and he fades away - it's quite unexpected. This is something I've never said about a Kdrama before, as most of them should be shorter, but this one should have been an episode or two longer. The ending is not an ending, it just drifts off. Those are my main criticisms: There should have been more consistency of characters between the past and the present and the ending should have been more defined. Other than those issues, both the past and present involve complexity and intrigues and are quite exciting.
We spend more time in Joseon, and that's a good thing, because it is fabulous. Saimdang's husband never did provide, and he eventually stopped coming home. She needs to make a living. As an artist, she already has a love for paper. When she learns that the Chinese delegation came complaining about the declining paper quality, she decides to make high quality paper herself. This puts her in direct competition with the Mins, as they are the main paper suppliers for the government. The process of making paper is not only fascinating, but also staggeringly difficult. Goryeo paper actually refers to Hanji paper and was manufactured in the Goryeo period from ingredients including mulberry & other trees native to 🇰🇷. Emissaries from Qing (China) would travel all the way to Kcountry to buy it. A drop in quality becomes a huge issue in the show. As an aside, Goreyo is actually where the name Korea came from.
S gifts us with superb acting. Kim Mi Kyung, The Perpetual mom, gets to play a corporate marm in this one. A ruthless one in a sophisticated suit and updo - Director Seon. Once again, the child actors are amazing. The two leads are magnificent. Their faces convey longing, love, discipline, and determination; they show us are so many subtle expressions! Song Seung Heon (Player, Black-9) is our ML, Lee Gyeom. He's in the running for my favorite. In Black, which I loved, he has neatly cut brushed back hair and wears black suits with black shirts. It's just not possible for a man to look more delicious in a suit. He also spoke in a low voice that is quite sexy. In this show he's bearded he's got the old style hairdo, and he's talking with a higher pitched voice. He's got a winsome, have-I-been-a-good-boy look about him. It's too adorable. He's steaming hot no matter what he's doing even though I prefer him without a beard.
Lee Young Ae is our FL. I had just seen her in Inspector Koo-8.4 (she plays a slob who has been wallowing in misery but at the same time, she's a highly logical detective) and Maestra: Strings of Truth-6.8 as an authoritative orchestra conductor. These are completely different roles. The more I watch Asian programming, the more I realize that what we mostly have in Hollywood is personalities while they🇰🇷 have unbelievable actors. I'm in awe of how she handled this part because so much of it it was slight movements of the head displaying contemplation, discipline, control, and restraint. They are in love. After she was married off to someone else he left 🇰🇷 for years, but he came back to see that her husband doesn't deserve her. So they walk parallel paths while holding back longing and desire. Sometimes, her long pauses made me almost anxious, but her performance is marvelous.
The characters are complex. It's all varied motivations and struggles. His majesty is particularly complex and fascinating. We learn what an awful life he's had. He's been very alone. He does things that don't make sense. He's got bad people in his ear and seems to be listening to the wrong voices.
Saimdang‘s hubby is weak, lazy and incompetent, but worst of all, he's completely selfish. All those traits go together, don't they? Once children were involved there was no question about her path. Yet, the longing for the better man is portrayed quite well. Her husband felt inadequate - he WAS inadequate. Instead of trying harder, he went to a mistress who ‘made him feel like a man’. Hubbo & mistress deserve e/o. Each wants nice things with no effort. The mistress checks out the competition (Saimdang) and gets overwhelmed. Jealousy. Anger. Then hate. She wants to live in a nice house and boss people around, too. Not fair! Look how /she's/ living! Ms Mistress knows nothing of the danger, sacrifice, and effort that brought the respect that Saimdang finally gained. She wants results with no effort.
Lots of things happen and it's one scrape after another, but the most difficult scene might be when Saimdang apologizes to her worthless husband. She initially did not recognize how he might have felt, she admits. "Of course I am angry. However, I didn't allow for flaws, I also wasn't considerate, therefore you felt disrespected and became very lonely.' That is next level writing. The husband is a slug. So, she mostly treated him like a slug. He never lifted himself from his sluggishness but slithered down further. When it comes to apologies that are owed in the marriage the lion's share would be on him. 60%? 90%? Something in that zone. It wasn't her job to raise him, but that's what he required. He never apologized, but that just proves what a waste of a human he's chosen to be. Her apology was about her dignity. It's the most problematic yet poignant point in the show and I'm still mulling it over.
Corruption is front and center. Government corruption is never NOT a thing, but we also see corrupted goods in the past and corrupted education in current day. It seems obvious that we live in a time when our products, food supplies, government agencies, and who knows what else are corrupted. The food is making us sick and most products are made shabbily and will not last long. Everything seems like is disposable these days, so that theme is cogent. Consequently, we see depression of the poor. Those in power put efforts into more money and more power, not looking out for their fellow man. Weak rulers, who care more about holding on to power than morality, allow this to happen.
Our language has gotten muddled. We use the word “pride” when, quite often, we really mean “dignity”. Pride is about promoting oneself, while dignity is something that a person holds quietly; it's based on internal standards. A reversal of fortune cannot take a person's dignity. Joseon is a society designed to keep those with power in power, and those in power inflict misery on those who are weak. It's the same old story because people are the same in every era. George Lucas is a proponent of ring theory, which is why many patterns repeat in the Star Wars sagas. Life does mirror ring theory. Too often, life is a continuous cycle of abuse↔jealousy↔pride↔greed↔ruthlessness↔lust. Looks like we're dealing with the seven deadly sins. It's the same old thing, ➰ver and ➰ver and ➰ver again, yet we never learn. We think we're the ones who are going to do it right. I wonder if hitting bottom is the only way to see how blind we are to our own stuff, and how foolish we are?
The family scenes are CUTE. Her husband's a feckless, sniveling oaf, but she manages a smile once in a while, especially for her kids who are darling. She cracked a smile that didn't involve the children in ep23. It didn't look like it was going to happen, so it was a bit shocking.
When Lee Gyeom returns to 🇰🇷after years of self-imposed exile he sets up an art center. Some of the artists are pretty amusing (many are clearly gay). The scenes from The Art Center are a much welcome relief from the heavier and more distressing things going on. The pepper. My biggest takeaway is the pepper. Gyeom is going on about how delicious it is and how expensive, too. It was worth more than gold, by weight, at that time. Of course, somebody sneezes.
There's a seamless flow to this, almost like brush strokes across a looking glass. There's plenty of drama and anxious moments, the overall feeling is one of serenity. Saimdang kept her composure and found serenity wherever she could. When she found it, she shared it. There's a a fair amount of action, including a fantastic sword fight in ep12. The art, sets, and wardrobe are wonderful. Ms Min's gowns are gorgeous. The colors are what really stand out. She grew up in rags, but made up for her lack later.
To say that the ending is bittersweet doesn't quite cover it. It leaves us wanting. The story is beautiful but the sadness, though lovely, is what lingers. Like an ice cold IPA on a hot day, the bitterness is still refreshing because the story is just that good.
As always, he breathes out love, protection, and longing; she fills herself with him, and their spirits fly united as wings on a Jian bird, part of a whole that one day may come together: “Even if you and I are parallel lines that will never meet for the rest of our lives, it is My Wish to walk alongside that path with you forever.”
QUOTES🗣
Looking at a good painting can purify and cultivate the mind.
Appearance is just pretense.
Courage is fear that has said its prayers.
Our two Souls therefore, which are one, though I must go, endure not yet a breach, but an expansion like gold to airy thinness beat.
〰🖍 IMHO
🎬85 🖊️〰85 🎭90 💓82 🦋67 🌞80 🎨84⚡80 😅50 (the Mr, fop-hubby, mostly. & the Jian crew) 🎵/🔊83 😅50 😭50 😱20 🤢3.4 🤔50 💤20 🔚67
Age 12+ a guy gets pierced with a sword and blood gushes,and there's a blood spray on the assailant's face.
Re-📺? ☑
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Saimdang, Really Boring Long Diary
The drama, on paper, had potential. A mix of historical and contemporary narratives sounded intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The pace was slower than a snail's crawl, and the plot dragged on without significant development. The portrayal of the female lead's life in the past often felt overshadowed by the mundane occurrences of the present, causing a lack of focus and direction in the storytelling. While attempting to blend history and modern storytelling, the transitions felt disjointed, leaving me disconnected from the characters and their journeys. The drama's portrayal of the protagonist's life and the historical context lacked depth and failed to evoke a genuine emotional connection. The overall quality felt subpar—amateurish directing and filming made it hard to believe people were doing their jobs professionally. It's like they were clueless and just pretending. Such a shame that a big budget ($18+ millions) ended up wasted on this drama. The poor broadcast ratings weren't surprising at all. They even chopped off two episodes, probably to cut their losses. It shouldn't have been longer than 12 episodes max. It's almost like Lee Young Ae went on a very long hiatus to the point, when she returned, she no longer had any negotiation power and her agency just picked up whatever project they managed to get.Was this review helpful to you?
What a waste of beautiful cinematography
I started watching this show on Prime video and the first few episodes really pulled me in. The cinematography was beautiful and the art aspect was really appealing to me. I lost my interest at around episode 9 and the remainder of the show was pretty boring and slow for me. I could find no empathy for Saimdang, I found her character to be arrogant, selfish, and stubborn. Non of which are good character traits. She was not likable in any way shape or form. She was supposedly strong and good but I found her weak minded and her children were bascially neglected. The only person she seemed to care about was her useless husband. Why? Lee Young Ae to me was not attractive and very boring an actress. While I understand she was the darling of Korea I could find nothing really fabulous about her. I did not even like her in Jewel in the Palace. Song Seung Hoon I do love but did not really like this character much either. We have all been down and had relationships not work, pull yourself together man. She was not worth it. The evil female was stereotypical. I wont even waste my time on the present characters. Not one was worth my time and her present character was a door mat.Was this review helpful to you?
ARTISTICALLY BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY
Even though this drama has been out since 2017 I recently watched it and I have become more interested in the artistry of this drama. I love Song Jeung Heon works and I am binging on his drama list. I have loved every drama I have seen so far. This drama is such a beautiful love story but it also gave me a new interest in the artistic work of Sambaing Shin's artistry and doing research on her work. This was great work performed by the main cast and it is worthy of more than one viewing.I will definitely be researching the artists work and hope to see some of it on my trip to South Korea next year.
Thank you to the writer(s) of this drama. It was very entertaining, educational and a very emotional drama for me. I cried my heart out even though I know it is a movie. This is just a testament to the great work.
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