Reviews

The Dew Best Story

This mini series, where to start; I was smiling at the sweet puppy love crush, Best was having throughout the series. The friends also made me smile, one of the best of friends to have really, except Dew's acquaintance cause that rat sure isnt a friend. Anyways, War's acting was amazing as always, tore at my heart and squeezed it when it needed to be and Yin improved as well, actually bawled when he did so yeah bring tissues along for your binge. Shame it wasn't longer to really show off their talents with a HEALTHY COUPLE's storyline. Loved the chemistry between the friends as well.
As far as production goes, I was a little annoyed at the missing subs especially at a crucial part, luckily fans in the comments translated it but hope they fix it for the future watchers of the series, the cast deserves the best. Would I watch it again? Yes. It's my favorite YinWar series they've done. Gonna miss Dew and Best. Spin off for Ray and Dave seems possible from the hints of something going on throughout...or a second season would be great.

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A spy drama right from the start

"Time between Dog and Wolf" is a KDrama from 2007. But don't worry, the series still knows how to grip today. (I don´t even dare to imagine what a terrific spectacle the KDrama would be, if it would come along in the style of 2020 KDrama cinematography...)

The story starts - as so often back then - with the childhood days, e.g. the small and big traumata from that time. The entanglements are laid out and there's a lot in it Makjang-wise. However, it is not your typical makjang, The story is exciting, has a good pace and the shadowed complexity makes it difficult to see through. "Time between Dog and Wolf" is a spy drama right from the start and leaves hardly anything out.

The title sums it up quite well. Actually, this refers to the Latin metaphor "Inter Canem et Lupum" - between dog and wolf. In the evening twilight it is difficult to distinguish, so to speak, whether a wolf or a dog is standing in front of you, although you can just about make out that it will be one or the other. It's not pitch black yet.
However, this expression does not only refer to the twilight, but also contains another metaphorical allusion: This is the time when the wolf goes hunting and the dog seeks its bed... Who stands before me, though? Can I trust?

Thus the 16 episodes consistently maintain their twilight... Wolves (mainly) and dogs (a few) cross paths. Sniff each other. Fight each other. Join together to form a pack. Are hunted and hunt. Give themselves away. Make up for it. The one. The other. And others again. On top of all that, love puts plenty of salt into the wounds.

Ultimately, the symbol is even suitable for this KDrama in a third respect. In addition to the topics 'distrust/deceit', 'hunter/hunted', there is also the fact that both dogs and wolves are extremely social pack animals...

This is a KDrama that has a lot to offer in terms of exciting and moving entertainment. Lee Joon-gi shows edge here even at his younger age. But all of them express their emotions with some intensity. This does not go bye unnoticed.

The fact that a considerable part of the action takes place in Thailand also brings unexpected exoticism into the scene, which doesn't hurt.

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Not what I expected...

I was excited to hear about this sequel starring the daughter of Ying Luo and non-biological son of Fu Heng, but now that I've finished, it was rather disappointing.

It started off strong, with beautiful costume/production/music and the plot was developing smoothly. They used the same OST and BGM from the parent story, Story of Yanxi Palace, so I liked the nostalgic feel to it. Especially the dramatic BGM that was added at certain moments.

However, as there were only 6 episodes, the pacing was rather fast? I couldn't catch up. Prince Chaoyong didn't have as much screen time as Fu Kang'an, but he started off not liking Zhao Hua and then in episode 2 or 3, he suddenly started loving her? One minute Zhao Hua didn't like Fu Kang'an and later, she did. Then, when he betrayed her and she disappeared, it got even more confusing. I didn't get what was going on. I'm guessing they didn't have the time to explain it so they rushed it at the end when Zhao Hua and Prince Chaoyong got married and the truth was revealed as the plot twist. I suppose it was satisfying to find out Zhao Hua got her revenge on Princess Siwan, Fu Kang'an, and Prince Chaoyong, but I wish they showed the process more instead of just throwing it out there at the end with a few words.

I feel like with the limited 6 episodes, the falling in love and later betrayal of Fu Kang'an wasn't as heartfelt to me as a viewer. Everything happened so fast. There wasn't enough time for me to take in each character and how they slowly grew to have feelings for another. The plot twist revealed at the last minute of the last episode also didn't land well for me. I wish they explained it more?

The plot twist for how Fu Kang'an was not the Emperor's son was greatly executed though! I was shocked and loved how they revealed it through Wei Ying Luo's speculations. :) My favorite scene of the drama. I just love it when Wei Ying Luo has the upper hand and reveals it. Really reminded me of the parent story. I loved seeing the old cast too, it was nice that they didn't replace them and got them all back to act their parts. Wei Ying Luo's scenes were the most satisfying parts to watch- especially when she went to Fuca House after Zhao Hua disappears.

Overall, super fast-paced, historical romance but it was nice to see the old cast if you loved the parent story. Plot was alright, used up all the cliches for the romance and was rushed in my opinion for 6 episodes. Some scenes could have been better explained. Give it a try if you miss Wei Ying Luo and you're curious about her daughter, Zhao Hua, who is more like her mother than others believe.

The actors seem to do a good job overall but the plot got me confused and was the problem for me. Production was top-notch like the original story with its beautiful sets and costumes.

"Everybody says I'm not like my mother. They're wrong."

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Touching. Exciting. Stylish. Passionate. Atmospherically dense, especially regarding the 1930s

For me, "Chicago Typewriter" needed a second attempt. The first time I didn't really know what to do with it. ...A smart spring chicken, but somehow paranoid writer, spoiled by success and money, and a cute girl as his fan? The story - fancy as it may come along - at first glance appeared a bit all too playfully shallow for my taste. I wasn't convinced. Although I actually really like actor Yoo Ah-in.

Actually, I was mainly curious about the past (around 1930 when ´Korea´ was a colony of Japan). One of "Chicago Typewriter"'s two storylines is set in the context of the 1930's Gwangju student movement. With regard to the KDrama´s historical plot line though, it felt like nothing really happened for a long time. Accordingly, when I first had tried to watch "Chicago Typewriter", I didn't make it past the "beginning". However, somehow I kept stumbling across this KDrama and it wouldn't let go off me. Eventually I gave it another try. Lo and behold, with a little patience, the KDrama took me by the hand and developed an exciting story with a lot of passion and atmospheric density, especially when it came to the 1930s. The insight into that time had lasting impressions. Still, the relationship dynamics between the leads especially in the present time story line sometimes were little too light-weight, harmless and on the verge of silliness for my taste. However this was perfectly balanced in the context of their mission in the past and got more profound as the story proceeded.


------------------------- SIDE NOTE: --- Japanese colonialism ---
During the 1930s Japanese imperialism had reached its peak. In relation to Korea, a rigorous policy of assimilation, using force if necessary, was pursued, e.g. the Korean language, culture and history were systematically suppressed as part of a Japanese colonial education. The first Gwangju student movement, which culminated in a nationwide anti-Japan demonstration, happend in November 1929 after a female Korean student having been molested by Japanese students. This attack was certainly not the first, but the Korean student movement had formed in such a way that a large-scale street demonstration in Gwangju spontaneously took place after this incident. The mood swept across the whole country...
-------------------------

As a premise, the KDrama plays with the concepts of reincarnation and the concept of spirits remaining in near-earth realms after their death, until their unresolved past experiences are somehow redeemed. Both are popular motifs that are often picked up in KDramas. In this case, the producers have created a particularly beautiful and profound story, especially with regard to redemption. In 2017, the characters get a second chance, so to speak: they have the choice of whether they want to continue in their familiar pattern or make new decisions. There´s an opportunity to reconcile past guilt or open questions, to let go of the energy that still hangs in the past and to move on in the NOW. This aspect of time jumps is unabashedly and creatively juggled with an undeniable love for details. One of the protagonists, whose spirit since 1930 hasn´t been able to leave the earthly realms, becomes the connecting and driving force that knots both timelines. A special charm: The ghost from back then becomes a "ghostwriter" in 2017 when he meets his reincarnated comrades-in-arms. Another punchline: the title "Chicago Typewriter" is ambiguous, referring both to the typewriter as a "weapon" (with typed words) of the student underground movement, and to the Thompson machine gun - a rapid-fire weapon that was fashionable at the time, its nickname being areference to its characteristic rattling sound when launched.

As the story progresses, the rhythm of the present day being intertwined with the past - in the form of sudden memories or dreams - accelerates. The faster the time jumps, the higher the tension rises. It's actually going to be really dramatic, both in the past AND present...

In sum: the KDrama is giving you a clear idea of living under Japanese colonialism and of the resistance movement that rebelled against it. "Chicago Typewriter" is also a feast for the eyes in terms of fashion and equipment - both 2017 and 1930! "Chicago Typewriter" is first and foremost a moving story about friendship. And not to forget: a touching love story ...

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Despite the absence of Miike, Oguri Shun, Yamada Takayuki and the rest of the amazing crew, I never actually held previous prejudices on Crows Explode. But after viewing it, I can clearly state that it falls behind compared to its prequels.

Being a fan of Miike’s filmmaking, it was unavoidable to miss the highlighted foolish characterization, extreme violence and hilarious black humour inserted everywhere. That being said, I never expected Toyoda to do the same. After all, two different directors have entirely dissimilar way of making their pictures. Crows Explode leaned to the realistic side way too much which was a bit wrong in my opinion; don’t get the wrong idea, immersing the characters and fighting scenes in realism didn’t sound like a bad treat but when it’s over-done with this type of film then things are bound to become bothersome.

To make things clear, this film had too many similarities with its famed prequels. The fight to become Suzuran’s top leader was still used as the main thread to drive the plot. However, the fighting sequences to reach that objective were surprisingly demure and repetitive in a worrisome way. Although Toyoda tried to focus on the human emotions between his characters, he didn’t exploit his main leads’ potential to the fullest. Thus, many feelings couldn’t get pass the screen barrier to reach the watcher’s heart.

Crows Explode narrative pattern was composed of several side stories that didn’t serve any meaning at times. At the matter of fact, few of them were just used to fill the running time instead of building characters’ back stories. To some extent, most of them were heavy to watch especially with the obvious lack of fighting scenes; they became utterly irrelevant to the film’s development. Let’s not forget the near-disappearance of black humour – which I clearly don’t blame Toyoda for it. The last fighting sequence wasn’t blowing but it delivered a nice punch after all.

The entirely different cast is worrisome, isn’t it? I know that many people can’t imagine the “Crows” without Oguri Shun and Yamada Takayuki on top of them. I am a big fan of those two actors myself but shockingly, their disappearance didn’t make me feel bad. I did want them to be in here but the new faces weren’t bad at all. Led by raising stars like Higashide and Yagira, the acting department did the trick for the lack of better words. Some actors didn’t convince me much but I can’t put all the blame on them, the way their characters’ were written didn’t allow them to show a wide range of emotions or action.

The cinematography was trying to be the same as the two Crows Zero but it didn’t come out that way, I believe the yellowish atmosphere is the film’s way of distinguishing itself from the others. The musical note was the same so there's nothing to complain about in that department. The directing style and the setting of fighting sequences are debatable but Toyoda made sure to leave his mark which is more than enough to respect a director.

Watch if:
-You like both Crows Zero but make sure to watch this with an open mind.
-You like school fighting.

Do not watch if:
-You’re looking for a “copy-paste” version of Takashi Miike’s prequels.

Crows Explode had its own touch of filmmaking but the serious realistic depiction that Toyoda decided to use didn’t come out entirely right, just like it wasn’t entirely wrong. Due to its entirely different pattern, this sequel should be viewed for its own merits, comparing it to Miike’s Crows will only make it harder to watch and judge.

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Outstanding KMovie. Daunting. Blunt. Galvanizing. Impressively staged. Yet rather painful to watch

"Silenced" is a 2011 movie production. The KMovie is based on a book and this in turn is based on a true story that happened at Gwangju Inhwa School. For a change, it's not about bullying among students, but about repeated sexual abuse by teachers and school staff against their underage wards. In this case they were also deaf.
"Silenced" is an outstanding, moving film production - in several respects.

The story is impressively staged.
Horrendous abuse. Repulsive in its unbelievable brutality. Blunt.
There are the children left at the mercy of pitiless adults, left alone in their helplessness - speechless in every respect. What else can they hope for in this world?
There are the adults - the perpetrators and also those who knowingly close their eyes to injustice for their own benefit. (I have no idea what they do with their ears and their conscience, though...)
And there are the two protagonists - neither of them exactly the epitome of promising heroes...
With a top-class Gong Yoo, who personally and actively supported the filming of the story. He read the book during his military service. But it was only later that he found out that these were true events. He met with the author and the idea for the film was born. He embodies the main role of the initially quiet, perhaps somewhat wimpy, indecisive teacher; a widower and a father who is absent due to his job and who relies on his mother's support to look after his sick daughter. Yet, it is precisely this tangible, silently screaming human weakness of his character, his uncertainty in dealing with the unfathomable, his own initial shock of cautious, perhaps naive reserve that contributes to the authentic strength of the KMovie. (If the world were full of determined, courageous heroes, then there would be less such terrible incidents, repeatedly taking place over the years with impunity - like those in that South Korean boarding school for the deaf in Gwangju...or that Odenwaldschule in Germany, or far too many other schools worldwide.) The heroic in our protagonist must first be born and then grow. This is a process. Step by step, stumbling, helpless, hopeful and yet again discouraged, but then unbendingly getting up again - and finally on a path of no return...

The KMovie “Silence” is shocking.
Grim. At times it may be reminiscent of a horror movie like 'The Shining' or something similar. The story is daunting. Its social dimensions are sobering. There are hardly any words for this parallel world. What people are monstrously capable of... and then also: that time and again, in the face of blatant injustice, people let themselves be bought and silenced for their own benefit.
Nevertheless, the message at the end is (I think) quite wonderful: "...it makes me think, that the reason we are fighting so hard is not to change the world, but instead to not let the world change us." Resistance takes on an encouraging new dimension that doesn't have to give in, even in the face of a Goliath. Great!


The KMovie was and is galvanizing.
“Silenced” shook up the masses in 2011 in a spectacular way. Over 4 million horrified cinemagoers saw the movie, which was number 1 on the South Korean cinema charts for three weeks in a row. The book by Gong Ji-young was storming the bestseller lists.
What the regular jurisprudence was previously unable to do was actually subsequently made possible by the pressure of the shocked masses: 1.5 months after the KMovie was first broadcast, the so-called 'Dogani Law' was passed. (Dogani = "Crucible", the title of the book and film). Since then, the new law has suspended the statute of limitations for sexual abuse of people with disabilities and for rape of minors under the age of 13.
Therefore, some of the perpetrators at that school in Gwangju who had previously gotten off with lax sentences were subsequently summoned again and sentenced to long prison terms and/or electronic ankle bracelets.
Lastly, at least THIS school was closed.

Respect!
For taking up the issue.
For not giving up and thus using other means (a movie on the big screen).
For the sensitive handling of a tough topic.
For the often extremely unpleasant, painful, however nevertheless coherent film adaptation of a fantastic script.

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If you are into thriller drama movies with a plot twist, this movie is for you. This movie is more of a sci-fi mixed with thriller type. I really loved this movie and I would definitely recommend it for anybody to watch it. It deserves more attention. Before you watch though BEWARE OF THE BLOOD & GORE.

The plot starts off very slow and realistic but has plot twists within the middle of the movie. After that happens, the plot picks up and that's what makes you more interested in what will happen next.

As for the soundtrack/OST, not the most memorable. It just was okay. The acting on another note was beautiful. I love Choi Woo Shik, Kim Dami, and Go Min Si in this movie. I really think the cast was well picked and the actors did an amazing job with the acting and portraying each of their characters.

I would rewatch this movie if I wanted to, and I am really hoping and excited if there is a PART 2 to this movie.

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I watched the anime version first, and was looking for a live action version that followed the same story line as the anime, but I found this. I wasn't really expecting much from it as I knew it was a very altered story line and for the first 20/30 minutes I wasn't very open minded about it. At the start the graphics were quite bad and I didn't see how it was at all related to the anime. But as the movie went on, I found myself completely engrossed in it, and I was very pleased to see that it did manage to fit in a connection with the anime - which I thought was actually quite clever too.

So I rated this movie so high because I really wasn't expecting to like it, but by the end I was bawling like a baby, and any film that can do that is a good one in my books.

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Family ties and romance...

This feels more like a movie than a series, as the pacing, music, story, cinematography, time well everything gave the vibe of a well made movie.

The story is good, unlike many web dramas it does not feel rushed in anyway it has a beginning a middle, some kind of conflict and of course an ending too... one of those that fit the feel there could be a sequel but if the sequel would add anything to the story seems questionable.

What I loved about this movie (series that I shall now name movie), was the way it was filmed, and though the side characters where not always necessary they did add some extra flavour and had 0 annoying tendencies... I would for instance love a GL about the sister and the ML friend... The sister is probably one of my favourite siblings in all of Dramaland...

The romance here is pretty good, having the boys see each other for who they really are, or at least one of them, a guy who is very caring and sweet... But what makes this movie really good is actually the story within the story, the film within the film about the a child's relationship to weight loss and how it with the combination badly handled divorce/separation can scar a child deeply. They also show different types of not so perfect, I would even say some pretty bad parenting and it is done well!

Level of... 1-10
Bingeabilaty: 10
Cute couple: 9
Drama: 7
Exitment:5
Entertainment: 9
Annoying elements: non
Cinematography: 9

So if you ask me this is definitely worth watching!

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Family Matters on the Farm

This has been on my reserve list since it was first announced and I was looking forward to this concept as a costume drama on a farm was new to me. Joseph always pulls off solid acting. I know the video game concept was put in due to censorship and I have no complaints regarding it. All of that said, the English title didn't fit it at all and it should have just been called Family Matters on the Farm.

Pros: The entire concept was interesting. Had everyone guessing how many of the characters were none NPC. The theories and ideas were great to discuss with other viewers. ML did the best and was my favorite character though everyone did a great job at playing whichever character even the ones we didn't like so much like the toxic family. Our FL was very business oriented but though she spoke her mind, she had a kind heart which I think sometimes was too kind. Everyone that harmed her or her NPC parents and brother did get their comeuppance in more ways than one. Everyone you wanted to hit, absolutely received theirs villains included. The last episode and the hard earned forgiveness of many was actually necessary before the FL could return to her real world.

I liked how they mixed the farming life and the martial arts of SN and 13. There was a nice balance. I know a lot of people weren't pleased with the ending but I think it was a happy ending in both worlds though very subtle. Not every show requires a wedding and babies. They loved each other and even though the extra episode was only like a minute long and didn't show SY aka SN's face, it was obvious from LMN's face and tears that those two would be together in the real world too. I actually got a bit emotional in that last episode with the forgiveness and LMN saying goodbye to everyone. What I'm not sure others noticed was that she somehow exited the VR world without actually putting that last tael of money into the box, it was left on the table and she was still in fact a bit short. So my reasoning is that ML went to meet her and also exited them both out of the game after sitting and chatting about being together forever, then he went to meet her irl to give her the woven horse and reinforce the promise he made in the game.

I love Joseph's OST the most; I don't know why they had someone else also sing it later. His voice was soothing and really brought the song to life. But I have no qualms on costumes, scenery, save for one of FL's hairstyles which was thankfully short lived. You didn't need a large budget here.

Cons: Not very many here; but I do wish that they returned ML to FL sooner at the end and before the last few moments before she exited the game. And I wish that 1 minute special episode had Joseph's face and was part of the last actual episode because as someone mentioned, it did seem like an afterthought. I also wish that FL sounded more mature and less whiny in her conversations; I think that the actress has more or less typecasted herself into these kinds of roles. Would be nice for her to try something where she doesn't always appear brainy and pouty. I'm really nitpicking here because this drama didn't have many cons. Also do wish since they chose to use it, explain more about the game aspect itself; like how long are actual time lapses as opposed to the real world and so forth as well as close out what happened to FL's stingy, uncaring parents irl. That part was left hanging.

Would I recommend it? Yes I would. Just forget the title as romance is nowhere near the primary theme though it does occur and there is great chemistry between the leads. If you're looking for a different costume drama, give it a whirl.

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Without a doubt one of the best Kdramas I have ever watched (I'm at over 300 now). The story was edge of the seat, heart pounding and addictive. Kim Kang Woo gave the performance of a lifetime in this. By anyone's standards he was stunningly good (or evil). Some Kdramas you get so sick of the over dramatization of the bad guy you want to fast forward through their scenes, but he was riveting. It was a painful agony to watch him. And, while he was the star of the show for me, the sight of Park Young Ha, every moment he was on the screen, was an utter heartbreak for me. Knowing that this dear sweet man would commit suicide barely 6 months later had me in tears throughout most of the show. Such a brilliant and well loved person, how could he not know how much he was loved and how much he is still missed to this day. His memory, his dramas, but most of all his beautiful voice and songs will forever be a testament to the tremendous talent of this young man who was lost too soon.

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Master class in storytelling

There are so many arcs about this drama that deserve recognition but first and foremost, an award has to go to the scriptwriter Hwang Jin Young who masterfully created an interwoven piece of fiction with historical events. The flowing narrative of Lee Jang Hyun and Yoo Gil Chae flows within a nation under constant siege.

The acting in this drama is above excellent, especially from Namkoong Min (Lee Jang Hyun), Ahn Eun Jin (Yoo Gil Chae),
Lee Hak Joo (Nam Yeon Jun) and Kim Yoon Woo (Ryang Eum). The romance and stretched ties between Jang Hyan and Gil Chae are neither overdone nor underwhelming. They are a couple drawn to each other, distrustful of one another and yearn for each other throughout. The separation arcs are not contrived but seen as a symptom of the times; those not in the ruling class are at the contrived whims of those that are. There were several times that this drama was put in pause in order to emotionally calm back down.

The secondary parts of Yeon Jun and Ryang Eum are flawlessly portrayed on screen, and I look forward to future roles they are a part of. Yeon Jun is married to Gil Chae's best friend but also secretly attracted to Gil Chae. This character does not act on his attraction, not because of duty or loyalty but because his wife's family could advance his career as a scholar. Ryang Eum was perhaps the most fascinating character because of an illicit longing for the person who saved him from a slave's life: Jang Hyun. He is pitiful, beautiful and selfish and this part in the hands of a lesser actor would have made him an antagonist that left the viewers without thought. Kim Yoon Woo's acting was flawless in the part and deserves recognition for a nuanced and emotional portrayal.

The hardest and most riveting part of this drama was how it handled those captured by enemies and the unflinching pious attitude of elite nobility. A society more concerned with purity, bloodlines and social acclaim than aiding those who were helpless. I've read much about historical Korean standards towards women and most dramas will tell the story but not in a way that involved me emotionally. In this drama, the women, children and elderly who were captured, released and then brutally murdered by a cowardly king and court, shined a spotlight that could not have been brighter on societal hypocrisy. Again, the screenwriter created a beautiful, brutal world that has relevance in modern times. Brilliant and timeless writing by a master.

I've rarely called any drama masterful, but this title is deserved by all involved. If you're undecided if it's worth the time, please push play. You'll never regret it.

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I don't even know if I can say this is a review... but anyways.

Story:
It is a slow and sad drama but very powerful and haves a great story if you are willing to watch it.

We all know from other dramas and stories we read on the net about how hard is the education system in Korea and the contest between students to take higher places but this is not from the kids view here the point of view is from the parents perspective.

As the drama moves on you will notice that they main subjects are:

- The high expectation a family haves on their kids and their education and how it affects the family itself and even the neighborhood. Not your regular school drama this is just about the parents way of seen education and what they are capable to do to get what they want from it. (risks & consequences)

- The behavior, sacrifices and attitude society expect from you as a mother, wife, housewife and a woman in a family or neighborhood.

Many other themes are discussed on the drama too: infidelity runs along the WHOLE drama, money, greed, addiction to gambling, humiliation, depression, suicide, bullying, sexual harassment, power, in-laws, values, moral and secrets (LOTS OF THEM).

Acting/Cast:
The acting is spot on. The housewife is played by Kim Hee Ae and I couldn't believe she is the same person that play the extremely powerful Machiavellic leading lady on Midas.Here she is the opposite. She doubts and fears everything. She is an amazing actress got me believing her story it was the real thing the whole drama. Gyeol (housewife son ) was played by Im Je No and he was brilliant. A kid becoming forcefully an adult while keeping his innocence that is what I saw. The rest of the cast... all great actors... I ended having strong feelings for them. (don't want to give you spoilers)

Music:
The music it was mellow kind of indie music. I didn't pay too much attention cause I just wanted the drama to keep on and get resolved. I was really into the story and outcome. Got carried away.

Rewatch:
No. I don't think so. I ended all upset on some episodes... but it gets better. The bad. then good. Still once is enough. Just watch it at least once.

Overall:
I liked it and glad that I watched it. It helped me see/understand more the education issue in Korea and how it affects the values and believes of society. I saw infidelity different layers, acceptance and point of views or aspects in Korea. At some point the issues left me feeling confused to the point of been kind of disturbing. It help me appreciate the freedom I had when I was a student and the freedom I've as a woman.

The last episodes where so good that I didn't even noticed when I got to the last one. And was like OMG this is the end so fast? If you watch it you will understand. It might sound all sad but it haves it's really "funny" good parts. It is NOT a cheesy, action, kisses or tears drama. There is a love story but is not your typical romance. This drama is FULL of real life issues. It is a drama to think and study our humanity and meditate on how we value the people around us and life.

Hope this helps.

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Very humane. Tangible. Touching, yet not maudlin. Sad, yes. But unpretentiously radiating, too.

"The Most Beautiful Goodbye" is a KDrama that consists of only 4 episodes. However, they have it all and are completely sufficient to leave their mark in the sand. We are confronted with the limits of healthcare system - when medicine no longer has a solution to offer and people are left with themselves and what they are: mortal beings. In ruthless directness, the viewers are confronted with what many people (all over the world) might at some point face in one way or another.

The family here is not particularly rich and not particularly poor. The individual protagonists are not particularly successful and have not particularly failed. Everyone lives their (South Korean) life as best they can. Not very happy and not very unhappy. With a tendency not to not be so happy. But they are actually not really unhappy either. In fact, everything could be quite nice, but everyone is just too busy with themselves. The WE becomes self-evident and rather annoying... until the day the finitude of being was knocking on the door...

However, hello-wake-up does not imply everyone starts reinventing themselves, overcoming their weaknesses and becoming better people. It does, however, force them to reflect on what they have and what they have forgotten (to love) (consciously) despite everything being taken for granted. In stumbling everyone is searching for an expression of their own feelings. At least they try to be a little bit more alert about what is going on in their life.

Very humane. Tangible. Touching, yet not maudlin. Pretty close to life. People are clumsy, speechless and helpless, as akward as it gets. It is a lesson in compassion, triggering your own experiences, when it comes to similarily unprepared being confronted with any form of (unwanted as it is) final farewell.

Sad, yes. But unpretentiously radiating, too.

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Epos, drama & national frustration with impact – about the birthing era of Korean nationalism

"Bridal Mask" is a South Korean variety of Zorro - in this case hiding behind a historical Hahoetal ceremonial mask used in Korean tradition for satirical theater and shamanistic rites. The avenger of Japanese oppression hides behind the classic mask 'Gaksital', which symbolizes an innocent bride.

This brings us to the central theme around which the dramaturgical web was spun: Korea's time under Japanese protectorate (1905-1910) and the annexation as a Japanese colony that followed a few years later (1910-1945). In this context, this KDrama has a lot to do with national self-image of the Korean people, which is still formative today. (If you are interested: See Side Note below.)

Accordingly, "Bridal Mask" was very successful as a KDrama and was extended by 4 episodes due to its success.

"Bridal Mask" is about the desperate attempt of the oppressed population to counteract the notorious oppression of the Japanese tormentors. As the story progresses, the rather inexcusably conformist anti-hero becomes the avenger of the downtrodden, whereas the once benevolent, noble, antirassist teacher becomes the unscrupulous avenging angel. The daughter of a Korean resistance fighter provides explosive fuel, turning best friends into bitter opponents and rivals for the heart of their beloved. Everything becomes dramatic in the highest degree - the romance, the bromance, as well as the resistance struggle against brutal oppressors, with or without bridal mask.

'Gaksital' squeaks into the most diverse excesses of Japanese tyranny, above all: torture as a common method of interrogation. The hero also thwarts the insidious with false promises recruited young women as sex slaves or comfort women for the Japanese soldiers. Finally, by his activities his compatriots are also encouraged to engage in civil disobedience.

The tyrannical, ruthless attacks of the colonial masters are historically documented. Active resistance from the population as well. However, the actual plot of the KDrama is completely fictitious: A Zorro-like swordsman behind a traditional bridal mask is not known. Also, at the time of the Japanese invasion, Joseon was already severely weakened politically. In this case, the assassination of the head of state is poetic liberty. (At the time of the emperor´s actual death in 1919, the country had already been a colony for 4 years.) Finally, the secret organization of the ´Kishokai´ and their vision for a greater Japanese empire are fictitious. This Kishokai did not exist. However, there is a kernel of truth in it, because ultra-nationalist secret societies, especially those associated with Japanese military, apparently existed actually.

Overall, the K-Drama brings a black chapter of painful Korean history with epic impact and highly dramatic emotional entanglements back to life. Eventually, the memory is perhaps still so painful, because it wasn't all that long ago. To date, there has been no reparation, remorse, or at least acknowledgment from the Japanese side for the suffering inflicted.

Japanese colonial rule is inseparably interwoven with the very special Korean national pride, because this period marks the birth of Korean nationalism in the first place. And the KDrama builds on that. "Bridal Mask" in that sense is first and foremost a highly Korean production for a Korean audience. (Nevertheless it is obviously gripping for an audience with other national backgrounds, too.)

By the way, it may also be no coincidence that the series aired on TV in 2012, when the Korean government first formally asked Japanese Emperor Akihito for an apology...



----------------- SIDENOTE: --- Romantic Korean nationalism ---

Whether Goryeo or Joseon, since the tribes of the peninsula were united under one ruling dynasty, the people lived largely introverted and rather isolated from the rest of the world until the late 19th century. Here and there the borders have always had to be defended against invaders or retaken, but the people on the peninsula had nevertheless remained adamant and had not actually actively mixed with others. Today, there is often talk of 'pure ethnic blood', which provides the breeding ground for a more romantically (vs. civic) tinged national identity: A Korean usually feels descended directly from the original ancestors. Consequently, a Korean will typically identify first with his/her ethnic roots and only then, at some point, as a citizen of the Republic of Korea.

This very special national identity was directly born out of the developments associated with the opening of the country and an increasing international presence at the end of the 19th century. On the one hand there was hope for flourishing trade and technical innovation, on the other hand suddenly the USA, along with China, Japan and Russia, also wanted a piece of the pie and - more or less aggressively and consistently - took advantage of the opportunity and sometimes also inexperienced naivety of Joseon. As a result, resistance formed and the nationalist struggle for independence was born. It was necessary to use all conceivable means to preserve the nation´s autonomy and to protect the heart of Korean culture from invasions and encroachments by foreign nations. Particularly, resistance was directed against Japan's ruthless interventions in robbing the Korean people of their language, their own names, their religion and their dignity. Japan's declared goal was to discriminate against the Korean people and to assimilate them by any means (... and Japan wasn´t even squeamish with its own civilian population, being known for its brutality...).

At that time, Japan had deployed an omnipresent, almost overwhelming military and police presence that can hardly be compared with European imperialism as we (i.e. Europeans, as I am) know it. Hardly a day went by when the invaders did not have direct, mostly deliberately humiliating contact with the civilian population. So 4 traumatic decades can become a very long time...

This national frustration, pain and anger is still formative in the collective emotional memory. With "Bridal Mask",this receives a contemporary emotional safety valve in KDrama guise.
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