mysecretsoul

Oh, I know right? Fate really did take its course. Color me silly, but I was even surprised that maid actually ended up being the dowager. At first I figured that, but they took me for a spin with the ghost bit, haha.

I'll probably resume watching later, too. Hope breakfast goes well!

Sang Wook recently had a spot on Star Date, if you enjoy those! They frequently had him quote his character from Good Doctor, much to the delight of the attending fans, haha.

Ah, it's slow then? I've been a little worried because of the subject matter, because Thorn Birds sounds vaguely melodramatic. I'll give it a shot and see perhaps if I fare better with it. Ten and Ten 2 are really excellent! I'm really hoping for another season.

Are you enjoying Umi no Ue no Shinryoujo? I saw it picked up by Dramafever, though it seems not many have tried it.

Ah, we're in sync! I just completed 13 as well. That minister *needs* a good strangling, if you ask me. It always kills me how these people pretend to serve their countries, but sabotage the greatest assets @_@

I am positively crazy about Yu Wen Yong, especially after that bit with his daughter. Seeing him sweet with a kid was the final push. Fourth Lord supporting Xue Wu during the wife selection nearly killed me, too. It's refreshing that some of these characters, like Zheng'er, move beyond expectations. I thought she'd be more two dimensional.

I wonder where the story will end up though :o So much has already happened in these 13....

I've noticed that as well. Perhaps it also has to do with "trend" as well; people tend to enjoy turning popular opinion back on itself after some time. So, if for instance, something is widely lauded, some individuals feel the need to tear it down. Obligated reading probably doesn't help either, though I was one that enjoyed nearly every work assigned to me in school, haha.

I love listening to audiobooks, especially with a talented reader! Though I typically undertake the story for the first time myself, often listening opens a new pathway for me. I have actually never heard of Victorian Walkman, and never knew this tradition existed. I'm inspired to learn more about the research now, though.

Does this include times when authors would hold readings? I always found those events incredibly interesting. I can't imagine listening to a classic writer dictating his or her own works.

You can have my spare box for Good Life. People will hear the wailing from our profiles and wonder what's going on, haha. Feel free to toss your thoughts at me about Nankyoku Tairiku too! It's been a while since my viewing, but I remember adoring almost everything about it.

Yes! They definitely need a third season. It drove me crazy when the final episode rolled by and it was a different case, my gosh. Because of the final few scenes though, I have confidence there will be more. It likely just depends on how busy Joo Sang Wook is (since his popularity has expanded) and whether there is demand. Honestly, I'd take a movie or a special too. Just need that resolution, haha.

Since we're on the subject of ghostly vision and OCN dramas, have you heard of the ghost seeing + procedural detective drama they're planning on? It has a nice look to it, though apparently it's been pushed back.

So you need a break from Conrad? That's understandable after so much work. Though it's probably not strange in historical context, the idea there is some sort of connection between him and my favorite author feels uncanny due to the trajectory of our conversations. I also learned something today, so that's pretty neat, haha.

I agree completely! Some people actually complain, for instance, about the aspects of Les Miserables that "take away" from the plot. But everything about was always necessary to me, from the detailed descriptions of the sewers and barricades, to the little offshoot vignettes. And Moby Dick as well! What a beautiful novel; that's one I enjoy hearing read aloud especially. The experience completely changes.

Oh, I definitely dislike that too. It works on occasion, though normally the first installment is best.

He is cute right? Sang Wook's interviews are best when he's part of a group, since he gets super chatty and tries to hog the spotlight (playfully, of course). I do plan to watch Thorn Birds, especially since it's one of the few where he's the main lead. Have you seen it? If so, what did you think?

This is one live triangle I may not survive, forgone conclusion or no. Why do they both have to be intense and awesome? Second leads are supposed to be hot but dull, haha!

Fifth Lord cracks me up too. Every time he interjects at all about Fourth and Xue Wu's relationship, it's golden. I'm so glad they let George Hu play this part; I needed it after his gentle brooding in Love Around.

The rest of the story is fascinating too, honestly. Including the introduction of the Qi prince, the world feels deeper and generates more interest every episode. The peasants have plights, there's politics, there's war. And now I want to watch it again, even though I need to sleep. XD

Wow, that sounds like hard work. Because you enjoy the author, do you feel as though the load is lighter? I will take your recommendation in, that is something I haven't read.

This may sound somewhat cliche, but I rather enjoy Victor Hugo. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of my favorite books, and of course, there is Les Miserables, his short stories, political treatises, etc. The perspective he had truly interests me, since that his era and the one before are some of my favorites in history.

Woo, just caught up to you! Sometimes Lan Ling Wang does feel like Queen Seon Duk, right? Every time we get a whiff of the female lead's resourcefulness, I get deja vu.

While I loved the sequence where she cared for the poisoned Fourth Lord, something about the active addition of the Emperor has me ramped up. He's a little bad, but boy is he gorgeous. And interesting. But also gorgeous. :,)

Did you notice Xue Wu has received two "life-giving" kisses? One from Fourth Lord in the water, and another from Yu Wen Yong with the antidote. I love symmetry with hints of contrast, so neat!

I think you will, especially if you like father and son bonds. Both actors, including the child, are quite talented and portray a realistic relationship. Viewing after Nankyoku Tairiku is a perfect, as well; the difference in tone between the two is quite nice. :)

As I thought, it seems you have an interest in literature and its figures. Writers always seem to have fascinating lives, whether they have two faces to show or their experiences alone have touched their work. Is there a writer you particularly like? Or perhaps Conrad is a favorite?

I learned Japanese from my grandmother though I never kept up with it, to my detriment. As a result, I have decent fluency with it spoken, but written? Not so much. It might be good to take a class sometime, though my schedule might not allow for it.

Something else I enjoyed was how Waku, despite being precocious, was still very much a child. I recall mentioning this elsewhere, but nothing irritates me more with young characters than when they're asked to be tiny, cute adults, rather than what they are.

Definitely. Few Asian novels are ever translated into English, apparently unless they've been written by Murakami Haruki. Unfortunately I find written Japanese somewhat difficult to decipher, so it's true these dramas present a unique opportunity. It always impressed me that production teams have had the ability to translate the feel and impact of these stories so well. Though perhaps the writing possesses even more.

You perspective is fascinating. Personal insight can be a wonderful mirror of the times, certainly. What kind of era birthed this way of thinking? Why might others react to it? And so on.

Ah, how connected are they? Are the different seasons continuations or expansions on other parts of the story? :o

Hm. So far, I've seen Sang Wook in Feast of the Gods, Good Doctor, Ten, and Queen Seon Duk (a supporting role, anyway). His personality during interviews and variety shows impressed me, as well.

I came to reply to you and got distracted by your profile. The pretty, everywhere! XD

Oh my gosh, that underwater sequence almost killed me. And Ariel's character is turning out so strong! Her actions at the village impressed me. And how about Fourth Lord with his harsh but kind thing going on, ugh. I just completed episode six too, and that guard -- we're on the same page, my friend, haha.

I'm going to force myself to stop at like 8 or 9 today, but it's difficult. :,)

Movies tend to work best for me when I'm worn out from long drama journeys, haha. You are completely right though; film can offer a much wider variety, especially because of expanded budgets and whatnot. And honestly, some of the more talented actors/actresses tend to stick to them.

I just realized how impressive your PTW list really is, haha! All of them seem like good choices though. When I get a chance for Departures, I'll definitely let you know.

Ah, Good Life! That was one I thought more people should see, despite its emotional weight. Though I cried a lot, it was an enriching experience -- made me think a lot, anyway. Waku is a wonderful kid, right? I loved Kabe Amon's work with Sorimachi-san (who should get more roles, agreed).

Also, this drama was one based on a novel. It seems such adaptations are usually rather strong.

I loved that about Sword and Flower. One could basically sense the professionalism from everyone involved, something much appreciated. Too often, quality drops due to low ratings; but why throw away hard work? Most of the time I pay little attention to technical teams, but this group earned a lot of credibility with me.

You're right. I'm positive most Japanese dramas are pre-produced as in the west. I actually started watching dramas to practice Japanese; Korean and Chinese-language films snagged my interest soon after, so here I am. As to that inconsistency: honestly, I too thought she was dead at first. It may have been messy translation or, as you said, an error in the script.

Feel free to share your thoughts on Hanzawa as you watch! I think you'll love it. Its consistent ratings are the highest in modern history, though others have fluttered close for an episode or two.

It does right? Though I plan on watching Empress Ki as airs, it seems weird to be with a show that long. Have you seen the stills from it, even so? The cast looks gorgeous and already well acclimated to the atmosphere, since they're all sageuk veterans.

In Frozen Flower, Joo Jin Mo actually had me crying (big surprise, right?). After his song sequence, my sympathy for the head guard and queen sort of ebbed. That was such a subtle, pretty scene.

I hope you find something of interest! Though I used to try to balance movies and dramas, it seems dramas are taking over. And, somehow, I tend to keep forgetting to add movies I've seen. I'm thinking of trying a Japanese film called Departures soon though. It's a big award winner with an unusual take on slice of life, so perhaps it will interest you.