Tree with Deep Roots - through ep 7

[dangermousie]

I am loving the relationship between Sejong and So Yi - it's purely platonic but they really understand each other on such a deep level. She's pretty much the definition of helpmeet.

The scene when he is devastated because people keep dying as the result of his efforts to create Hangul and she keeps writing 'it's not your responsibility' even as he rages that everything is his responsibility, because that is what it means to be King. Oh my God.





Also, every period drama must have its own Legolas. Too bad this one is evil.

Comments

[littledelusion.livejournal.com]

That would be Lee Soo Hyuk, former model and pretty good actor. He was amazing in White Christmas (which I super recommend, it's fantastic).

And uggghhhh, I always had a weird push-and-pull with sageuks but this one's reeling me in like never before. So intense!!!

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

I have heard weird things about the ending of White Christmas - can you spoil me?

SPOILERSSSS

[littledelusion.livejournal.com]

Well, the whole theme of the drama is the question: Are monsters born or created?
This serial killer psychologist decides to test his hypothesis (monsters are made) on a bunch of high school students snowed into their private school. The ending has him escaping but they realize he'll come back to see the results of his experiment. I can give you the exact spoilers if you want, but basically the ending is left for the viewer to decide whether the kids did become monsters after all.
It's verrrrry interesting. >:d

Re: SPOILERSSSS

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Ooooh, thank you. And do spoil for the exact thing.

I hate uncertain endings though so hmmm...

Re: SPOILERSSSS

[littledelusion.livejournal.com]

The uncertainty is more in the morality than the actual story, if that's what's keeping you from watching.
Exact spoilers: All of them are recuperating at the hospital except one boy (the kid played by Lee Soo Hyuk). He ends up being called by the psychologist, triggering an old memory, and he commits suicide [it's hinted that the psychologist was hoping he'd be spurred to kill his mother].
The psychologist shows up at the hospital and follows the only girl onto the roof. The other kids show up and they have an epic verbal battle and tell him he lost and their fellow student committed suicide, so he's the only monster here. The mainest character chains the door shut and they rush the psychologist and tumble him over the edge of the roof. He hangs on and they all look down at him.
He lets go.
Later, they're being interviewed by a police officer in one of the loveliest pieces of editing I've seen, before ending with the mainest character. The officer asks him if the psychologist said anything and there's a brief flashback: "I win."
The mainest character says no and he steps out of the room to see all the other kids waiting for him. They all leave together AND IT'S AMAZING. I have ridiculously long thoughts about this series, it really gets you thinking. And it's very well-paced and only 8 episodes. :)

Re: SPOILERSSSS

[littledelusion.livejournal.com]

The rooftop scene is much more intense than my lame summary depicts. >___>

Re: SPOILERSSSS

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

That sounds wonderful, I'll check it out.

Btw, my vote - not monsters :)

Re: SPOILERSSSS

[littledelusion.livejournal.com]

YAYS!!!

And yeah, I agree. Since his definition of monster seemed to be turning on others out of selfishness/etc, I don't think they reached the level of monster he'd been hoping for. (but there was definitely a nasty little glimpse of what could be, which makes it even more deliciously ambiguous)

[clairiere.livejournal.com]

Ah, 'it's not your responsibility'... the reason why there are also SeSo fans. :) But it's such a refreshing change to have a layered relationship like theirs in sageuks, throwing love into the mix would kill much of its appeal IMO.

Glad to see the drama's hitting all the right notes for you.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

The acronym SeSo makes me think of Seosono from Jumong ;)

Yes, I love this drama - it's both smart and makes me feel.

Yes, I don't see anything romantic, and I love that the makers didn't go there.

not TWDR related..

[oozzeee.livejournal.com]

I haven't gotten around to watching this drama but I am enjoying reading recaps and write ups about it.

Speaking of Legolas and Seosono, I am reminded of The Legend's very own Phillip Lee. How enamored was I with his character! :)

Re: not TWDR related..

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Oh, I miss him too. I wonder if he has anything coming up!