pammo1949

I agree with you that the drama complements the book. The interweaving of time lines does allow for more deviation from the book and allows more screen writer modification for use of actors within the timeframe of 8 episodes versus 512 pages of reading.

That would be really good if they did -- I just wonder whether this a book 2 coming out. The first one ended and I wanted so much more.

There is no way this drama could be viewed as a "masterpiece of recalling history." by the Japanese. When watching this drama I remember watching the American drama Roots and all the pain it bought to me and many African Americans when the history of the brutality of slavery was being viewed front and center weekly. Although the book describes atrocities to the point of pure tear-jerking reading, the drama has to walk a fine line to avoid an international controversy about what is truth and what is fiction. The very fact that this is an American writer researching and recalling events from stories told to her that were several horrific events in the past s is amazing. Think of all the embedded memories now released after being previously untold or shared but now shared as a popular book and later a very popular drama for everyone to view and form prejudicial opinions about the Japanese. This would not make a Japanese viewer or government happy. I think many would rather this be a time capsule buried in the sand and never dug up.

after viewing the first 4 episodes had to buy the book and read it for 3 days nonstop. I think this was a mistake -- I think both the book and then this drama are stand-alone projects with different themes (but the same characters and redacted stories). The awarding-winning book - definitely has more detail and a slightly more poignant theme that made you cry almost through every chapter. There is no way these subliminal yet overriding themes of injustice, prejudice, and abuse will be portrayed in a 2022 drama with all of the intensity of the book. Enjoying the drama -- independently of the book.

where is my Yoo Ah In? crushed that he was not listed. One of the most talented Korean Actors that I have watched over the last 8 years.

Can't say much about this drama. Started out really good then faded fast. Watched to end because I have that problem - 50 hours of my life = wasted.

just finished and enjoyed but with limitations -- the translations were not that smooth and it diminished the quality of the drama. Otherwise, enjoyed the acting and the storyline - well I will say very "action" oriented.

someone that can't appreciate a well done story with excellent writing and acting.

just finished as well. There were a few loose ends but nothing major. The button issue was resolved when ML looked under the drawer and found the basket with the coat. He realized she was involved in the shooting and followed her to Peking when their love affair began. Very well done drama. THE ML - extremely handsome and acted his role well. The FL was good because she is a good actor but her age betrayed her (couldn't pass for 23).

One of the best for 2022 so far.

I thought I was the only one that felt that way. Just finished and asked myself WHY ? almost nonsensical.

I have to thank Kang Jia for this article again. After reading the first time I realize that my prejudices about the glamorization of painful historical events kicked in as I watched the root of American democracy being distorted and glamorized by a non-democratic faction involving political gains and losses. I just didn't want to watch. But the article convinced me and YES - this is truly one of the best productions with messages for us all. It challenged your ideological beliefs of the phrase "power is evil" no matter what are your political beliefs. It makes you understand how minions that work for people in power develop blind loyalty and think like sheep (if one goes off the cliff the remaining go with the others). Had I not read your article I would have missed a very moving romantic story and a thesis on human reactions under life and death pressure. It served as a warning to all that we are being deceived by so many in so many other ways (we just are not aware) but we much not think like a herd but think independently and act independently. A MUST-SEE UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY.

One of the best K dramas I have seen in a long time and one that is emotionally charged - don't miss this one. Kudos to the actors.

I drank the kool-aid about this drama and only watched about 30 minutes out of curiosity and dropped it feeling I should not support this after all the controversies. After reading your article I will definitely start this one (totally engulfed in Because of Love right now and will start this one as my mid-day drama (after Price is Right - hee hee) Thank you for clearing up all the misconceptions and I have come to realize that it is best to form your "own" opinions and not rely on the Korean complainers -- There seems to be no forgiveness for any actor that makes a mistake when a child or teenager, or an adult that makes a mistake -- everyone must be "God-like" to pass acceptance by a society that criticizes and is unforgiving. It is time to Let Go unless it is clearly a present threat or error of gross inhumanity.

Binged 10 episodes and really enjoying this slow-burn story. Wallace Chung is one of my favorite actors and he does not disappoint. Good unraveling of story high and low situational points

It is the Emmy Awards - that I should have noted.

sorry I treated Squid Game like a movie because it felt that way - One continuous ride on Netflix - I stand corrected. Thanks

Golden Globes is different from Oscars - Oscars will announce their nominations in February. The Golden Globes is sometimes a precursor to awards that might win at the Academy /Oscars. However, recently the Golden Globes has been embroiled in a controversy for lack of diversity in selecting potential nominees. They are trying to resolve this issue -- a good start was the consideration and award of best supporting actor to Mr. O Yeong-Su (who truly deserves the award). Watch the Academy awards results in March and hopefully Squid Game with get the attention and awards that it truly deserves.

Haven't cried as much since watching the Chinese drama One and Only. It was important to understand the history of the King and his concubine before watching to thoroughly enjoy the idea of a love that transcends death. I gave it a 10 and many reviewers have given it a 10. The best Korean period drama since Six Flying Dragons (in my opinion). The story was well told and written. A must-see on your list of drama watching (and avoid reading comments, near the end, if watching on Viki).

Good treatise on turning 30 and the challenges of women - married, divorced and single. Really enjoyed and probably would have given a higher rating if different ending.