This review may contain spoilers
Motel California in Korea
For this story, the beginning might start out a little slow, confusing, irritating, at some parts. Two childhood friends, as different in personality as night and day, yet their closeness as fluffy as a teddy bear. Bearing the “shame” of parental uncompromised relationship resulting in tragedy, the pair bore the scrutiny, gossip, pointing fingers of the small town they lived. Unbearable to her, their friendship ended when she left town. With this outline builds this story. It’s a story of overcoming barriers, stigma. It’s a story that gives us a glimpse of life in real time through that of Kang Hee, the main character. There’s the saying that children shouldn’t bear the mistakes of parents. That’s definitely a theme here. KH is definitely a complicated character in the beginning. Stick with her as you will understand. With so many other life lessons, this story unfolds like a beautiful budding flower that by episode eight, I legitimately have adopted myself into it.
Lee Se Young (Kang Hee/Gang Hui) is such a versatile actress. Historical, modern, cross cultural, she has really made her mark in acting. I like her in this role. She’s headstrong, stubborn and determined not to be undermined by her painful past and problems of present. Her character is somewhat similar with that in What Comes After Love. Those hard stares can freeze the bones. She really does shine in this character. Her emotional scenes are very well done. Had me teary too as I can identify her pain in those moments.
Na In Woo (Yun Su) plays the character that is hard to adjust to. He’s quiet, slow to respond. However, as it progresses, he grows into you. His role as the foundation to Kang Hees emotional roller coaster life is heartwarming. Kind, understanding, and patient, he’s her solid rock. Episode eight is so beautiful. He is very clear, concise, and becomes a man. You’ll see.
Kang Hees father in the drama is the father everyone can want. Charming, humorous, slow to anger, not a pushover. Yes, his relationship with his daughter is strained yet, their bond and love for each other is obvious.
There’s many other great themes here. Orphan. Childhood bullying. Stigma. Forgiveness. Everything is resolved and by the end i continue to smile. Yes, very satisfying end. Be patient in first few episodes and you’ll be happy you stuck through to the end.
Lee Se Young (Kang Hee/Gang Hui) is such a versatile actress. Historical, modern, cross cultural, she has really made her mark in acting. I like her in this role. She’s headstrong, stubborn and determined not to be undermined by her painful past and problems of present. Her character is somewhat similar with that in What Comes After Love. Those hard stares can freeze the bones. She really does shine in this character. Her emotional scenes are very well done. Had me teary too as I can identify her pain in those moments.
Na In Woo (Yun Su) plays the character that is hard to adjust to. He’s quiet, slow to respond. However, as it progresses, he grows into you. His role as the foundation to Kang Hees emotional roller coaster life is heartwarming. Kind, understanding, and patient, he’s her solid rock. Episode eight is so beautiful. He is very clear, concise, and becomes a man. You’ll see.
Kang Hees father in the drama is the father everyone can want. Charming, humorous, slow to anger, not a pushover. Yes, his relationship with his daughter is strained yet, their bond and love for each other is obvious.
There’s many other great themes here. Orphan. Childhood bullying. Stigma. Forgiveness. Everything is resolved and by the end i continue to smile. Yes, very satisfying end. Be patient in first few episodes and you’ll be happy you stuck through to the end.
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