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dangermousie
I think I figured out why I adore Faith so. It is pretty much a more adult, smarter version of Fushigi Yuugi, a manga/anime I was obsessed with years ago. Think about it - we have a cheerful heroine who has been transported from modern times to a violent fantasy world. This heroine loves to eat, is viewed as a divine symbol and the King requests her help. Her OTP is a deadly warrior with a tragic past who is beyond obsessed with protecting her. Oh, and the bad guy loves mind games, collects people with powers and has a slashtastic fixation on the hero. See? Fushigi Yuugi. Hopefully minus the death-toll.
It is now her turn to think of him, and their interactions. And I squealed when she actually fantasized about seeing him come for her again (alas, it was only hot anime dude).
I love that she is terrified but refuses to show it and is so brave and in Gi Chul's face - in large part because she wants to save Choi Young - he has saved her so many times, and it's her turn to save him now.
OK, I love Gongmin by now, but his 'tests' of loyalty should really stop being so extreme. I think it must come from the very desperation of his situation - he cannot believe anyone would be loyal to someone so beleaguered unless they guarantee it with their lives. Ummm, that might limit your followers, honey!
Gi Chul wants to make a trade - Eun Soo becoming his person in exchange for Choi Young's life (which is such a lie - he wants CY as his man, he is not killing him any time soon). I love that ES doesn't agree right away. Everyone in this is smart and is following his/her agenda - the agendas, some of them, might be noble, but they don't always align. And nobody sits passively by waiting for the world to rescue them and those they care about.
Choi Young's dream. I love it when his father said that the lake has never been frozen - because that is true - it was a dreamscape representation of his self, not real - and just like the lake, CY was never frozen no matter how he tried - there was all that warmth and life waiting to be brought out (after quite a symbolic baptismal dip). Caring for Eun Soo, grief/vengeance for the little King and loyalty to Gongmin who is, at last, worthy of it, brought on this change.
Gongmin, ILY! The ministers demand swift justice against traitor Choi Young and the King agrees - and then declares he will interrogate the traitor himself. When they freak out, he shuts them down. Damn, I love it when he is being powerful and smart and smacking them down.
The entire conversation between CY and the King is amazing, but what stood out for me was that (1) Gongmin explained what he was trying to do and how he was trying to protect Eun Soo by giving her to Gi Chul - he finally realized that to earn trust you must give it - I think being secure in CY's loyalty at last made him realize that. And CY needed to know that Gongmin does care about people (2) That CY is madly concerned if ES is OK. (3) That CY tells him the King knows who he fights, but he also must know why he fights.
This just cracks me up. Eun Soo is amazing.
CY being badass and smart and lethal and getting out of jail.
The man who gets out of jail only to (in part) make sure you are OK, is a keeper. I love that he watches her, hidden, as she looks at that flower and remembers him. And that he catches her as she almost falls off a gorge (while trying to get away from Gi Chul when his back is turned) and then silently disappears. Mmmmm swooooooon every bodyguard trope I love.
I love the grin on Gongmin's face when he sees Choi Young. And I love that he says he found why he must fight and he wants CY to teach him how. And CY telling him that Kings don't fight - Gongmin should ask him, CY, to fight for him. I love that CY is not a duty-following automaton any more, with his heart in ashes - he has found a cause, a King, and a woman to live for.
And then, conversation with the King concluded, Eun Soo protected, Choi Young returns to jail and this conversation with Gi Chul follows that gives me chills. GC explaining that he wanted to make CY his man and all of that was to that end (ummm, once again, hardcore Fushigi Yuugi similarities). And CY, eyes burning, telling him that by his actions, Gi Ghul made him want to live - before CY just wanted to die in peace but GC wouldn't let him and now he wants to live, he has a cause to fight for. Oh, Gi Chul, you unleashed your worst nightmare. (Well, worst nightmare except for wrinkles and fat pouches).
Gongmin asking Nogook for help - how far they've come from episode 2, where he snarled at her that she has to ask his permission before saying anything or going anywhere. It also really stays with me, during this conversation that (a) he has learned to trust and ask for help and (b) he wants to be worthy of Choi Young's loyalty - CY's faith has inspired him.
This scene, where Gongmin publicly changes out of his Yuan outfit into Goryo one and Nogook appears in Goryo clothes as well. Love the symbolism and balls even if, from pure aesthetic standpoint, Yuan outfits and hair appeal to me much more. Love the look on Eun Soo's face as she sees this - she sees the start of the ruler of history. (Btw, she and Gi Chul look like a royal couple somehow).
And then Gongmin, shockingly, and unknown to anyone else, calls in the Woodalchi as his loyal guard, Choi Young at their head (ummm, how did they get out? I suppose the soldiers couldn't refuse the King's order? Or maybe CY got them all out). Gi Chul, outmaneuvred! But what really gets me is the way Eun Soo looks at Choi Young - warm and proud. She looks gorgeous enough to take your breath away.
In other news, I am not watching this week's eps of Gaksital until I find out how the drama ends so, in case it ends badly, I will be prepared.
Speaking of Gaksital - being in both this and Five Fingers is doing Jin Se Yeon no favors because seeing her in two different dramas yet playing pretty much the same character highlights the limits of her range and skill. (Compare it to her Gaksital costar Joo Won - at one point I was watching him in both Gaksital and Ojakgyo Brothers and his two characters and he in the roles were vastly different). It also doesn't help that she is way outclassed by Choi Sira, Joo Ji Hoon and Ji Chang Wook. It kind of makes me wish that they got a more charismatic, experienced young actress with chops - someone like Jung So Min, Seo Woo or Im Joo Eun. I am sure I'll get over it once Gaksital is done though.
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Date: 2012-09-06 01:45 am (UTC)The website I was using to get torrents has been suspended!
I don't know where to go torrent my K-dramas any more, would you please enlighten this poor deprived fangirl?
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Date: 2012-09-06 01:47 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-06 02:03 am (UTC)Team Goryo FTW.
I love what CY said to KC. He's done it now.
The king and his warrior. Love.
The king and his queen.
I love ES and KC, as well. Is that weird? But they're hilarious together. That cap of KC's face as ES is mixing cocktails. Lol. And their "date". Hee. I hope ES outwits him through and through.
Btw, she and Gi Chul look like a royal couple somehow
Maybe that's the idea? KC would want them to have matching outfits?
The man who gets out of jail only to (in part) make sure you are OK, is a keeper. I love that he watches her, hidden, as she looks at that flower and remembers him. And that he catches her as she almost falls off a gorge (while trying to get away from Gi Chul when his back is turned) and then silently disappears. Mmmmm swooooooon every bodyguard trope I love.
I am still flailing with this whole part. Why did he leaaave? But again, more skinship, please. I need them back together so I hope ES can think of an escape soon. Or maybe CY will take matters in his own hands. Yay.
KHS and LMH are gorgeous. Their skin! This is a little random.
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Date: 2012-09-06 02:16 am (UTC)I think he left because he wanted to make sure she was safe - he saw that she was and left because to take her would be more dangerous to her. But yes, hopefully he gets he back soon because I need makeouts.
Yeah, I bet KC likes matching outfits almost as much as facials.
Yeah, ES abd KC are hilarious together. If only he wasn't so evil, I could almost ship it.
I love how every one of the good guys came into their own in this ep - CY found a reason for living, ES showed her bravery and spirit and will to save CY, the King showed his steel will and also learned how to trust and Nogook openly helped.
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Date: 2012-09-06 02:44 am (UTC)I think he left because he wanted to make sure she was safe - he saw that she was and left because to take her would be more dangerous to her. But yes, hopefully he gets he back soon because I need makeouts.
Hear hear! Have you seen the preview for Episode 9?
Yeah, I bet KC likes matching outfits almost as much as facials.
Lol. That's true. Vanity first for him, always.
Yeah, ES abd KC are hilarious together. If only he wasn't so evil, I could almost ship it.
It's weird that I agree with this. Lol. And yet, I want ES to punch him in the face as well.
Yes yes. I love how the story is taking our beloved characters now. I'm hoping it will be more epic with the episodes to come.
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Date: 2012-09-06 02:48 am (UTC)I'd love for them to end up back in the modern times, but aside from history, I don't think CY would ever fit well. But I need them happy and together!!!
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Date: 2012-09-06 03:09 am (UTC)I don't understand the scene between Flute Guy and ES.
Happy and together. Yes. I can't be this invested and not see them end up together.
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Date: 2012-09-06 03:13 am (UTC)Our general sure can be jealous - remember the thing with the shorts and her bare legs? LOL.
The flute guy was asking ES whether he should kill CY or not. WTF - did he think she was suddenly go 'sure, population control is excellent, off him!'
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Date: 2012-09-06 03:37 am (UTC)The flute guy was asking ES whether he should kill CY or not. WTF - did he think she was suddenly go 'sure, population control is excellent, off him!'
What? But why is he asking ES? Did KC change the rules? Mondayyyy.
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Date: 2012-09-06 03:37 am (UTC)All his boys cannot check out ES - that's only his job :P
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Date: 2012-09-06 02:42 am (UTC)I loved this episode! I was almost afraid this episode would give me heartache but it was so perfect!
Him saving that flower! Thinking about her! I felt for him in that cell grieving the late king.
I love YES for basically maneuvering KC just as much as manipulates other. And it's like she's indirectly told him there's very little chance of getting her heart but she keeps him thinking he somehow might IF he keeps this charade up. Love her! And like you said no one here waits to be rescued They make up their own mind, sometimes it works in their favor sometimes not but at least they're trying!
I love that Nogook finally realized how fruitless her own actions had been. And how worried she was for the King. Can't wait until they finally have an honest conversation with each other. I mean they're at least politcally on the same page so now their hearts just need to be!
Also, was it just me or was fire hand lady almost cheering YES on? Just little bit? Or just amused?
I think the papers Gongmin signed included a royal order to release the guards and CY. Cnsidering he did the interrogation I think it's within his power to make a royal decision. Before he could stand up for them because he couldn't even say he trusted them so I guess now that he has CY he can act more decisively? Hah for once I'm enjoy the complete package, the bromance, the rise of a king, the trust of a warrior, the romance.
Is it Monday yet??
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Date: 2012-09-06 02:48 am (UTC)Yup, fire lady was cheering her on. She doesn't want the hotness that is CY to perish from the earth either.
I love that both Nogook and Gongmin are maturing together, learning to open up and trust together.
YES is amazing and has a spine of steel - the way she deals with all the danger and insanity, OMG. But without it being unrealistic.
The fact that he saved the flower kills me. Oh, CY! I want them together now - it would totally speed up his emotional healing to get some sexual healing :P
I think the death of the little King is going to weigh on CY all his life.
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Date: 2012-09-06 03:14 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-06 03:18 am (UTC)The more I see of JSY, the more I find her cute and rather flat - she has no raw charisma or dark sex appeal or even much acting skill. None of it would be so bad if her character was so amazingly written that it didn't matter who acted her, but how often does that happen? The writing for FF is fine but it's complimented by the acting, it can't stand on its own. To me, she is pretty much a younger version of Han Ga In* - pretty, popular, likeable enough, nothing to write home about. To have her share the screen with Choi Sira and JJH seems kinda a waste though.
* I don't compare her with Kim Tae Hee because whatever her acting skills, KTH always had ridiculous chemistry with her male leads, and I don't sense that from JSY.
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Date: 2012-09-06 07:22 am (UTC)JSY is VERY flat, from what little I've seen on Gaksital. I mean, she seems nice enough as in a "quiet, female love interest" type of role, but when you have Joo Won bleeding raw emotion like his life depends on it and she's just standing there making this '_____' face, it's... not very exciting. It's like he's throwing cannonballs and instead of firing back, she's just absorbing everything. It's really too bad that the nice female lead is basically a staple of these kinds of dramas (as in FF), because otherwise I think they'd just be better off scrapping that part altogether rather than wasting time developing a character that JSY has no real hope of rocking.
KTH also has screen presence and charisma - you can't help but like her. Whatever people say about Eunjung, I also thought she had some of that, based on her performance in Coffee House.
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Date: 2012-09-06 11:49 am (UTC)JSY is so flat that I just wish they'd minimize the romantic storyline and focus on the screwed-up family - Ji Ho can go off into the sunset with her at the end of something, as karmic reward.
Pretty much in every scene with JJH or JCW, they are '!!!!!!' and she is '.....' It's quite striking - just like Gaksital. (One of the reasons Gaksital won't trump City Hunter for me - in the latter the OTP chemistry and need were palpable but in the former, it's all Joo Won).
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Date: 2012-09-06 02:08 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-07 12:47 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-06 03:15 am (UTC)I still can't believe japan or kdrama didn't make a remake of this manga, it is so awesome.
True Faith reminds of FY.
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Date: 2012-09-06 03:18 am (UTC)Probably too expensive to make into live action.
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Date: 2012-09-06 01:49 pm (UTC)and because me and you like the samething about Faith so here you go:
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Date: 2012-09-07 12:46 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-06 09:29 am (UTC)Also, regarding the preview for the next episode... I might be the minority who LOVES Choi Young's new hairstyle.
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Date: 2012-09-06 11:32 am (UTC)Historically, Gongmin loved Nogook so much that he refused to have any other wives/concubines even though she couldn't give him a child. That's pretty insane by 14th century standards. When she eventually died, he went to pieces.
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Date: 2012-09-06 04:54 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-06 04:58 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-06 09:35 am (UTC)Because seriously, after the little King died I've been hoping that Ki Chul might be poisoned too!
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Date: 2012-09-06 11:30 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-06 11:52 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-06 12:12 pm (UTC)This said, yes, a lead role for him soon, please!
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Date: 2012-09-07 05:30 am (UTC)But he definitely should not be hiding his beautiful face under that that white hair!
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Date: 2012-09-07 09:38 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-06 11:01 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-07 12:46 am (UTC)That anime depressed me for ages.
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Date: 2012-09-07 05:40 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-07 09:38 pm (UTC)