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Reviews
Gaeul donghwa (2000)
Like a beautiful painting or song
Like many love songs, Gaeul donghwa is trite and over dramatic. But if you can allow yourself to be vulnerable and accept the story, you will be treated to many emotional evenings. The series unfolds like a modern fairy tale (donghwa stands for fairy tale).
In contrast to American soap operas, Gaeul donghwa was planned as an 18-episode soap opera. Some of the plot twists are dramatic and unexpected, but all essential to the plot and serve to enrich the characters.
That said, the series could've been trimmed by a couple of episodes or so, as it is filled with countless flashbacks and several moments of "come on, not that again!"
Still, rest of the series is so powerful that I suspect even the most jaded and macho viewers will surrender their ego and bring their eyes to tears.
What is the message? I like to paraphrase my review of my all-time favorite film, Breaking the Waves. It paints each facet of love (e.g., mother-to-daughter, friendship, romance) with palette of honesty and beauty.
And what beauty.... The series is very beautifully shot, like the "yellow umbrella" scene where one of the lead characters sees the other character for the first time in many years. And acting is superb throughout, including the children.
Highly recommended!
Breaking the Waves (1996)
Love = Life
I've seen this film several times since its release. It's easily the most emotional film I've seen in my life. At first, I didn't know what to think of it. I was speechless. I was overwhelmed. Now, after repeated viewing, I am beginning to see.
My friends accuse me of being a hopeless romantic. That I take things way too seriously.
To me, life is short and precious. I need it to mean something. I need to live life to its fullest by trying to put meaning into things that are important. Otherwise, despite my faith, life would seem empty. Life can't be a mere test ground that determines whether we are worthy of entering heaven or face hell.
We are meant to experience the joy of loving, the warmth of being loved, the sorrow of losing a loved one, and what it must feel like to say goodbye to loved ones. I think that's what life is all about -- fully realizing each facet of love.
Breaking the Waves tackles on this very subject with brutal honesty. It is not an easy film to watch. But it may change your life.