ginobean
A woman raises two children, one of which is biologically hers. And she has good reason to believe that the second child is her husband's child with another woman, so she's not too happy about that.Frankly, I found it very enjoyable with interesting twists and turns. Probably would make my top ten Korean drama list (and I've been watching a lot of them lately).The drama poses (and answers) an interesting ethical question about raising kids. It involves "poetic justice". :).It was well acted and well cast as well.Interestingly, Jin Se Yeon is actually playing the piano in the drama. That was one of the reasons the producers hired her.
drarthurwells
Fassbinder's Berlin Alexanderplatz (1980) was a long movie - over 15 hours long. The Thornbirds, Roots and other early TV mini-series were long movies broken into consecutive episodes. I love a mini-series as a melodrama that tells a story in the long movie format, as opposed to those that tell different stories in the same setting (like Grey's Anatomy, Mad Men and to a lesser extent Damages, Breaking Bad, and Revenge that change the story at times while keeping to a general story). In this regard, I have discovered some gems in the South Korean TV mini-series of recent years.The basic melodrama is the oft repeated formula: Boy meets Girl, Boy loses Girl, Boy gets Girl Back. This me recur in the same story. Human relations can be complex even if only the boy and girl are involved, but this complexity increases as more people are involved. If personality dynamics are properly depicted in a valid manner, and if the production is skillful, powerful emotions can be evoked in the viewer. In this way we can live many lifetimes through movies, in our one lifetime - greatly enriching our incarnate experience.These South Korean productions (seen on Netflix streaming) are first class with excellent production and direction, some terrific casting and acting (particularly from some of the females who give some matchless world class performances), brilliant musical accompaniment, and staging. What makes these so good is the way they skillfully evoke deep emotion in the viewer. South Korean movie making is superb - world class.However, the following caveats must be considered by the USA viewer. They are subtitled and some people hate this. The South Korean cultural norms, values and sanctions may sometimes seems silly or old fashioned to the USA viewer. The families are close knit and decisions by an individual may be subject to family approval. Social distance is maintained where formal speech is used, and personal speech forms are reserved for close friends or family. There is a strong work ethic and community cooperation/unity - sometimes reminiscence of a old Frank Capra film.Most importantly, in order for the sometimes complicated sub-plots to work, people fail to communicate with each other as might be expected, keeping many in the dark as to what others are doing, and this leads to misunderstandings and error judgments of some people, that sometimes seem to be unlikely by USA cultural standards. The viewer may wonder at times why good but trusting people are so easily manipulated and deceived by bad and selfish people, but con artists do often succeed (just look at politicians for example). However this poetic license of improbability is needed to develop the story - just accept it as occurring even though unlikely at times. Taking these factors into account Will help you become involved and emotionally engrossed. It was hard t for me to quit watching at times so I binged watched.I would rank these as follows but tastes differ and your rankings might not agree: 1 - 4 (hard to say which is best)Shining InheritanceWhen a Man LovesThat Winter, The Wind BlowsSecret Garden5. Five Fingers6. The Scent of a Woman7. The Great Queen Seondeok8. A Hundred Years Inheritance9. Lie To me10. Roof Top Prince11. Dr. Jin12. The Great DoctorFive Fingers is a 2012 South Korean TV series that is a heart-wrenching trip for those who watch all 30 episodes. The beginning episodes set the stage for the emotional fireworks that follow (and develop to the end). The plot explores the complexities of love, hate, revenge, and reparation. If you can immerse yourself in the unfolding drama, it is an emotional roller coaster ride. The many twists and turns in the plot are sometimes implausible as noted above, but ignore this and enjoy the ride.
