Delightfully Comical
When I picked this drama to watch, I did not read any reviews. I was just intrigued by the Title. The promo photo looks like a period drama, yet the first episode is in modern times.What I like about the drama?
First it is Shin Hae Sun - really great acting, though in the eyes of the king she is a woman, her acting is that of a man trapped in a woman's body. I really could not stop laughing as she is no ordinary queen - very candid, open, expressive and perhaps her maids had thought of her as crazy and vulgar. Though you may look at her as distressed at her situation, her interaction with all her maids and even the king made it even more comical.
2nd, King Cheol Jong could not seem to control his queen. Even if this is a period drama, So Young and Cheol Jong seem to be equals in many ways. Perhaps the king was really perplexed to see her behavior.
Court Lady Choi was really fantastic, together with another maid who constantly try to control the situation. Their loyalty and love for the queen are undeniable. Then comes the royal chef who is so insecure with the queen. These supporting characters added to the comic leads.
Though we see a political struggle and violence, overall, the drama is easy and light to watch. And in the end, the order of things both in the Joseon era and in the modern times had some justice and peace.
Though we may see other dramas with time travel or body swap, this one is way up that category. Love the series, love the actor, won't change anything at all.
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Empathy and Healing
I had watched this series twice.First reason is because of Yoon Kye Sang and Ha Ji Won.
Second is to understand more deeply the main characters and the people surrounding them.
The whole story with flashback from their childhood reveals little by little who they were and the reason who they are in the present. Some people may think of it as depressing, too much opposition, the wicked powerful seem to win, the struggles of those who just want to accomplish their purpose in life but found so many hindrances.
The Actors
Both Kye Sang and Ji Won have displayed their characters as matured people who have been honed by the challenges of life. They are the type of people who seek to understand the people they interact with and along the way, found themselves more and more involved with each other. It is good that there was no hate between them, but perhaps some kind of misunderstanding only of their past. I love how their love story unfolded and how they were healed together.
The antagonistic relatives of Dr. Kang did deliver well their hateful characters that sometimes you would like to smack them to stop their whining and fighting.
I think the most transformed character is that of Lee Joon. All his life, he hated Lee Kang but didn't really understand why. As the story unfold, he gets to see the true colors of his parents and learn to make his own choices.
The Story
I think 80% of this series is focused on several people dying. It gives us a picture that death is inevitable. It shows how friends and family are important in one's life while we are living. It teaches us how to be compassionate and more understanding towards those who are suffering. It presents to us the value of life is far and above ambitions and riches. We may not have seen what will happen to the hospice as both Lee Kang and Cha Young are in Greece at the end of the series. It just gives us hope that together, they can help others heal also wherever they may be.
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Spring Heals Two
I just finished this drama, and I am already missing both Sun Jae Gyu and Yoon Bom. I don't usually get to memorize the characters' names, but here, their names hold a certain significance in the story.What do I like about this drama?
1. The Story - It started off with lots of mystery for both these leads. Each episode carries new revelation and there were no dull moments. I love how each misunderstanding and rumor had been resolved little by little with the people they trust. It gives us hope that though some people could be harsh at times because of a wrong accusation, there are some who would trust and love to find the truth. I am glad it has a happy ending. The story has a lot of life lessons on facing the controversies, on finding truth, on trust and on love. It teaches also how to live without getting trapped in the past. I love how the people learned to get passed their bias towards Jae Gyu.
2. The Actors - I like Ahn Bo Hyung, not just an actor but as a person. Him acting as Sun Jae Gyu brought some of his true self. Joo Bin is such a lovely lady who has a good chemistry with Bo Hyung. Whether it be on screen or off screen as seen in BTS, they worked together well. The actors as teachers and students were equally great with their accent which added flavor to this drama
3. The characters -
a. Sun Jae Gyu: From the promo, he may be scary but actually he is like a macaron - tough outside, but soft inside. I love Jae Gyu being straightforward, unpretentious and unassuming. He may be curious at first with Yoon Bom from his first encounter with her. Everyone in their town knows him and are afraid of him, but Yoon Bom doesn't know him at all. He may come off as strange to her but not intimidating. Jae Gyu may be a simple man, may not have reached college nor eligible for military service, but he is hardworking, strong and dependable. I like what he told Bom (as she cried) "When you are down, sweets are the best cure." And another thing he said to Bom when he had allergy, "Food taste best when you eat it together." These may be simple thoughts, but we all can relate to. It speaks of a caring heart. And because of this, I am also warming up to Jae Gyu. I like how Jae Gyu had transformed as he finds comfort in Bom.
b. Yoon Bom: she ran away from her past, vowing not to smile nor to interact with anyone, especially with any parent of her students. But she warms up to Jae Gyu, even in many misunderstood encounters. Another quote I picked from this drama is from Yoon Bom, "Scars aren't always a bad thing. They're proof of what you've endured." Just like Yoon Bom, I am also curious about Jae Gyu's scars. Jae Gyu has a hidden past also which he may not want to recall. Yoon Bom also had transformed from that quiet and secretive person to someone who boldly faced her past with Jae Gyu by her side and her atty. Choi I-jun. Yoon Bom also have thoughtful quotes which I would like to highlight. She told Jae Gyu this, "When life gets overwhelming and complicated, think simple." And at the last episode she said this also, "the truth can only be protected with courage, not with time."
4. The Location: The place where they shot most of the scenes are lovely. It feels like a refreshing restart for these characters.
As this drama is light and breezy, it is easy to rewatch it. Congratulations to the Cast and Crew of Spring Fever!!!!
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The Way to a Man's Heart and everybody else
From the trailers, my curiosity peaked and as I waited for every episode each week, this drama did not disappoint me.Each episode is titled according to a particular dish, and each dish has a meaning to someone who ate them.
What do I love about this drama?
The Story - yes, it is another time travelling experience and it involves food like that of Mr. Queen. Conveying childhood stories through food resonates to every race on planet earth. It captures not just the taste, but the memories of loved ones of the characters.
I believe 12 episodes are just enough to put us in different waves of emotions - of wonder, of fear, of joy, of anger, and of love. I am not a scholar on period dramas, but the production looks immense, well researched and prepared. Even as Cook Jeon thinks through each recipe, especially during the competition, there are recollections of what is existing and what is not during that era.
I had fun watching the special effects whenever the king eats Cook Yeon's food. The drama gave us a balance of comedy, drama and action.
I just find one episode that the acting is too much, much like theatrical.
The Actors
Yoona - superb acting. I love her in King the Land, and though how grim the situations sometimes, you can still see a ray of hope and joy in her face. From the time I watched Jewel in the Palace, I had always taken note how Kdramas showed emotions just by their facial expressions. There may be moments that I question - "What the heck?!" when a character seemed acting foolishly in such an extremely violent situation.
Chae Min - though young, he really is a good actor, conveying different emotions. His stature is befitting of a king; his eyes speak even if there are no dialogues. It is quite difficult to see him in modern clothes, when you have seen him how majestic he is in period drama.
The jester and the king's bodyguard - it is funny how people swoon over these two men when they don't have any romantic scenes. What I love about these characters are their unwavering support to the king, their masterful use of the sword and how they escape death.
The villains - they are just great how they put so much flavor into the drama. And somehow their deaths had given us viewers the hope of good winning over evil. Prince Jesan and 4th Consort's facial expressions truly pictured evil plotting.
The other cooks - I love these bunch of Cook Yeon's team, and good to see them again in the modern era.
The inventor - he is so cute, Cook Yeon and him jived and comes in when you need him the most. Can we have him in the modern era too?
What do I dislike about the drama?
Actually, I am not a fan of killing scenes. I usually turn away from it. But what can we do, it is part of the story that can't be ignored.
Overall, I love this drama. Thank you for all the cast and crew who poured out their time and efforts. Their dedication to producing and even preparation for the roles is applauding.
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This review may contain spoilers
Conflicting yet Desiring
Period dramas always bring various conflicts that heightens to an uprising or a war. My Dearest may be such a tender title for it gives us the story of two people who had pushed and pulled their feelings for one another, not admitting that they are attracted to each other.Like any Korean period drama, it depicts the women to be more desirable if one has various talents while the men being scholars or of high-ranking official. There is a caste system which causes the singles to choose only those within their societal levels. But Gil Chae isn't your typical leading lading. In fact, she is not the 'artistic' type and is somewhat mischievous and manipulative. She knows she is beautiful and can attract any man, except the one her eyes delight in. Jang Hyeon, rightfully described in the synopsis is mysterious. No one knows his roots, or his abilities. What people think is that he is a playboy, enjoys the company of women without being married to. Both Gil Chae and Jang Hyeon have already pre-conceived ideas of each other. They may be drawn to each other, but what they say is not what is in their hearts. The circumstances surrounding them, the Qing invasion, the war, the survival, the escape all contributed to the push and pull of their relationship.
My heartaches when Ryang Eum had not been truthful to Gil Chae. Does he not really want her to be with Jang Hyeon? Does he not want to part from him? Is it bias or selfishness? There are unspoken reasons for the actions of Ryang Eum. The timing of their meeting was really bad. And I can feel Jang Hyeon's pain as he heard and saw who the bride is. Gil Chae chose to marry someone else - was it for survival of her family? or was it out of gratitude to save them? or was it to save face as everyone knew already of this engagement? Will there be even a reason for Jang Hyeon to fight the Qing? Will there be any reason for him to hope in reuniting with Gil Chae?
What I love about Gil Chae is her courage that shone when she tried to save her friend. She is ingenuous, and a creative person which made her good in business. She learned that from Jang Hyeon. She does not know how much Jang Hyeon had to go through in order to survive, even to be an instrument to save the king, despite not his aim. She does not know how skillful he is in combat and all along, she thought someone else saved her.
Namkoong Min is right in saying that he does not consider Ahn Eun Jin as a junior but an equal (when he accepted his best actor award). We have seen that Ahn Eun Jin embraced her character and is an equal of Namkoong Min 's character. Their characters unfolded and little by little developed as they continue to find each other.
About the production, this is immense. Locations, costumes, the Korean army and the Qing army may not be the main thing but surely completed the feel of a period drama. The music, especially Ryang Eum's singing is haunting. I wonder if Kim Yoon Woo really sings.
This drama also shows that those who go to war also fear - fear to die and they depicted this especially for the scholars who were never trained in battle. So, we should be reminded to honor those who defended our countrymen in the past for their sacrifices.
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Creativity in Stressful Situation
This show is a great break from watching the dramas. Just like any variety show, it is unscripted and spontaneous, though we all know there are many edits along the way. We see how they took on difficult challenges and the ingenuity of Baek rose to the top and met beyond what is expected.This show also shows that teamwork is important. Not everyone is a cook, but each one took part to create several dishes, that if Baek is alone, he will fail the mission. I like to see the true selves of the celebrities.
I also like to see the different inventions of Baek and how the team interact with those they serve.
I like Bo Young; though he hasn't reached Baek's status, he comes up with good ideas and even tools. The flame throwers were cool and handy. Even Baek acknowledge that though Bo Young had been flexing his toys, they were a great help to produce the smokey flavor.
Dae Hwan is also a reliable chopper. And as he has the strength also, can be good in mixing large portions. He accepts when scolded by Baek but not having self pity. He is very helpful in many ways.
Oh what can I say about Din Din. He is like a kid. Very talkative and a whiner. I guess, he balances off the quietness of the other guys in the team. I was annoyed at first, but later just accepts that is who he is. He has his own charm.
It is also good to see these guys go and serve those who may not be in the limelight. I am sure it brought joy so much to those they served even for just one meal.
The last episode is a joy to see, that after all those serving, they are rewarded with time together, cooking what they love for themselves in a beautiful site. Their love for cooking radiated in the show. And they became quite emotional to hear the feedback and the love from those they served. This show does not only show the food made in limited time and resources, but also an expression of love and appreciate for those who worked tirelessly to serve others as well. May this inspire other cooks/ chefs to create delicious meals that warm the hearts of those who partake them.
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This review may contain spoilers
Of trust and forgiveness in the end
I tried to finish this drama to see how it ends.Initially I find Dam Ye Jin so annoying. She can be persistent, yet her ways did not show respect to Michael. She will try everything she can in order to get what she wants without even knowing the history behind the resistance. At one point I thought she is bipolar. Why? When she calls her mom's number, she didn't even remember that when she comes back to her perky day. She may be workaholic to a point that she has forgotten how to take care of herself. This is something that people today should see that no amount of success should be traded for our own health (body and mind).
As for Michael or Mechoori, many say he is a dull character and all because of his past. One must understand that his past troubles led him to hide from the world. Though he may be back in experimenting again, his guard is up so as not to make the same mistake. It is good that he has a community who cared for him and helped him to the very end. As we see a glimmer of hope to re-establish his passion in the cosmetic industry, another conflict arose, but this time he tried not to hide from it - now that he has many people trusting and helping him.
I don't like Mr. Seo. All smiles when he sees Dam Ye Jin is so annoying. He acted like a teenager whenever he is around Ye Jin. I don't know if it is the hairstyle or the look in his face that I find not right for his position. But his sister did well as one who is hungry for power and control. She did well as a villain.
Product endorsements are difficult. And we have seen in this drama how fake reviews can destroy not just a product but a career and a person who worked hard for it. Though the drama is not as promising as we hoped for, still there are lessons to learn from it:
1. When trust is compromised, it breaks a friendship - this is what happened to Mechoori and one of his colleagues
2. There are still people who may seem ignorant, yet their hearts are pure. This is what Mechoori has that Ye Jin didn't in the city - a group of people ready to defend and help him when someone tries to hurt him.
3. Forgiveness - this is what Ye Jin, his mom and dad really needed. And I am glad they learned to forgive one another.
I like the village people, the simplicity of their thinking and life. They all know each other and know how to resolve things around them.
Honestly, I don't think it is worth rewatching.
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Fun to Work, Shop, Cook and Eat Together
Had been watching lots of kdrama series and thought of diving into variety shows.This show is a great way to promote what are the fresh produce of Korea, both in the field and at sea. I like the concept of these four "siblings" work their butts off and then cooking the produce given to them. It is so nice to see them take on the challenge to work at sea and at field even it is so difficult. They get a deeper appreciation of the hard work of the people who harvest the fresh produce.
I love the camaraderie of these four, how their personalities may be different from each other, but never showed any pride or arrogance. Each of them has their own strengths and weaknesses, but they complement each other.
I like that they are of different ages. Having Dex and Eun Jin as the extroverted and energetic younger siblings, while Jun Myung and Jung Ah as the expert cooks. Eun Jin is so funny, like an energy bunny, even in the midst of her crying moments during the eel fishing trip. Dex knows his role and always helpful with his sisters.
I like that there are no foul language, and though they joke around, they are still respectful to each other. It was also good to see how they interact with the village people as they work and give food. They did not come as celebrities for a fan meeting but seriously working.
I like seeing the different meals that they prepare and enjoy with or without guests. And am getting hungry seeing them eating together :)
I like the houses they lived in and how they are provided with bikes or scooters.
I hope they continue this show with more guests to work with them and enjoy each other's company.
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