Although I'm not exactly sure what I just watched, as reviewer @Geumtrangdi stated in her post, the happy uplifting music and somewhat opposing images (given the subject matter) provide an intoxicating mix. Like the lives of the characters who seek salvation from the priest working as the middle man for a higher power, sorrow and merriment revolve and alternate like the staggering movements of one who's tasted and then tasted too much of the sacrificial wine. I'm sloppy drunk and can't remember how I got here. The two I feel the most sympathy for are the caretakers themselves (the priest and the nun) who see life and death all around them, but experience little of life themselves. Like trustees in God's waiting room, they pray for, attempt to give strength, bury, and make introductions for their charges with the being upstairs. The priest has long become resigned to his role, but the pretty young nun still has some genuine human feelings that she'll never be able to act on. She can only watch, wail, and mourn, until the day that she becomes a cheerless, "cheerful caretaker" like her male senior. Only those who look to the sky having been absolved of their sins may go to heaven with a clear conscience. The two holy figures have nothing to become absolved of. To me, this is the real sin.
As for director Goo. Well, she is a wizard of the arts, isn't she? I can see why her films, from the get go, get invited to film festivals and become works to be admired and studied. Her use of camera, sound, and editing are quite professional and seasoned, especially for someone on her first venture. Director Goo never appears in this, her first film, but her vivid imagination and chameleon-like character are all over it.
Robbo
THE best comedic actress in Korea, bar none! This woman is amazingly funny in every role that I've seen her play. I hope that these producers are aware of what a talent that they have in Park Hee Jin. We have no one who can compare with her in The United States. No one!
It's so difficult for me to rank one performer over another in the crowded field of incredible beauty, and talent, that represents the world of Korean drama, but Yoon Eun Hye is certainly on my short list! I first encountered her infectious talent, and unique personality, in 'Vineyard Man' and was won over within the first few seconds of viewing. A natural comedic presence with instant likability. As 'Princess Shin Chae-Kyung' in Goong, she melts you with her sassy cuteness. Her acting is taken to another level as the only person anyone could ever imagine as "Go Eun Chan' ("My Chan!") in 'Coffee Prince'. She's a genuinely sweet person and a complete chameleon who can model any look from pure, to sweet, to innocent, to sassy, to sultry and sexy. Her eyes are incredible and her lips seriously luscious. The perfect model and a model person, too boot. She is the incomparable Yoon Eun Hye!
The single most underrated actress in all of Korean drama! Despite that fact that she's won a half dozen acting awards, Lee Yoon Ji (until this year) had yet to be cast as the lead in any of the dramas that her talent, and overall likability, quickly takes over in nearly every production. She's incredibly pretty, amazingly intelligent, and has an acting range that knows no boundaries. I've actually seen her in each of the credits listed above and she's brought something special to each one. It makes perfect sense, to me, that a real-life princess has been cast as one in three different dramas. Of all the impactful characters witnessed in 'King 2 Hearts' her portrayal of 'Princess Lee Jae-Shin' is most poignant and well played. In short, if the cast of any production includes Lee Yoon Ji in it, this fan can be counted among it's loyal viewers...
The best daily drama of all time! It has it all, comedy, drama, great characters, amazing casting and the best ever performances from both Goo Hye Sun and Lee Yoon Ji. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and your heart will become purified by the sweetness of the irrepressible 'Yang Gukwha'. She will melt your heart the same way that she does every single character on the show. Let the sunshine in!
As for director Goo. Well, she is a wizard of the arts, isn't she? I can see why her films, from the get go, get invited to film festivals and become works to be admired and studied. Her use of camera, sound, and editing are quite professional and seasoned, especially for someone on her first venture. Director Goo never appears in this, her first film, but her vivid imagination and chameleon-like character are all over it.
Robbo