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Post by TheBo on Jan 4, 2007 12:20:44 GMT -5
WELL? Howdja like it? What did you think? Does it look super fab? Do tell.
Bo
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Post by kathleen34 on Jan 4, 2007 13:08:16 GMT -5
Even though there weren't any flaming arrows, I liked it a lot ... The buddhist priests presented such a different image than the usual guys in these historical dramas ... no hair, no funny hats, no fancy facial hair ... no smirking... just quiet guys doing their job. The little girl played her role so beautifully. I found myself smiling when she was dancing in her non-descript grey buddhist robe. The look and smile on her face captured her little-girl passion just right. I'm glad it didn't take 10 episodes for the little girl to be discovered. Probably women will like this more than guys. But like DaeJangGeum, I believe there will be intrigue among all those women trying to outdo each other. There will be politics, probably death threats, emotional backstabbing ... and perhaps even a flaming arrow down the road. I was instantly taken in by the first episode. The filming is so well done (as is always the case with historical dramas), and the music is elegant. Looking forward to this evening's episode 2.
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Post by BAE on Jan 4, 2007 13:34:21 GMT -5
I agree kathleen34, the girl playing Jini, Shim Eun-kyeong, showed exemplary talent. She reminded me of the equally gifted girl from Dae Jang Geum who played young DJG. They actually managed to find a girl who can act, dance, as well as look like Ha Ji Won... Usually, when they pick younger versions of a character, the adult never looks even vaguely the same as their younger counterparts. The speed, yes, the show moved at quite a pace, but it wasn't all that confusing. Probably because there's no war and all we're concentrating on is HJI not her family's past and her birth. A lot of drama already in the very first episode. And I agree, kathleen34, there'll probably be more to come! Which is good, for it makes for a better storyline. I'm very pleased by the first episode and hope that that feeling sustains itself throughout the series.
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Post by TheBo on Jan 4, 2007 14:19:48 GMT -5
Wow. Sounds great. I can't wait to see it; I tape two episodes on one tape then take them home and (hopefully have time to) watch them relatively quickly. Otherwise, I stack the tapes and do a marathon after a couple of weeks. But ohh! the headaches, LOL.
But no flaming arrows? AWWWWW! ;D
Bo
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Post by teacher on Jan 4, 2007 15:29:12 GMT -5
The November, 2006 issue of Asta Tv magazine has a 15 page picture-narrative spread on this production. It gives a brief rundown of what will be happening. It also includes interviews with stars and production people from the show. I watched and taped last night's episode, but it was the worst reception I ever had in watching about 6 years of Korean dramas. I tried today's repeat, but it was just as bad. Other programming last night and today on Ch. 41 was perfect. If this doesn't improve, I might abandon this show. There was a bit of info about her mother in the magazine that I'm afraid to share because it might be a spoiler. By the way, if there is ever another gathering as in December, I'd be happy to bring AstaTv magazines to share. My subscription began last June.
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Post by Lucy on Jan 4, 2007 17:49:19 GMT -5
I rilly, rilly liked the first episode. I think they've learned something from Dae Jang Geum and done a little (non-reprehensible) imitation. The little orphan girl, the mother issues, the intrigue and rivalries, etc. Who knows, maybe they even recycled some of the costumes! I enjoy a lot of color and dancing--the whirling dancers glimpsed occasionally in DJG were always a highlight for me--so I think I'll like Hwang Jini. And that little actress is great. I'll probably be excommunicated for this, but it's time to confess I never liked Baby Jang Geum's acting that much.
Y'know, though, as much as I like love stories, I get a little sick of everything having to be luv, luv, luv all the time. I know it's a standard element of stories, but there are other things in life!
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Post by ginnycat5 on Jan 4, 2007 19:25:55 GMT -5
This one isn't luv, with that headmistress! I liked her at first and thought she was going to be admirable, but she has flaws-her ambition trumps everything. Or is it luv that makes her want to go to the capital? (Flaws make her more real and interesting, I guess, but it's disillusioning. She was so cold and cruel, having that woman beaten.)
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Post by BAE on Jan 4, 2007 22:36:42 GMT -5
Jini's mom DID break the law. And it's double because Jini's the one the headmistress was looking for.... What's sad is that Jini doesn't want to end up like her mother, but the future is already clearly visible.
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Post by HappyCamper on Jan 4, 2007 22:50:52 GMT -5
I already love this drama, and usually historical stuff isn't my cup of tea. I like how the story is focused on these women and not a bunch of men in funny hair/hats talking about war. The young actress is wonderful, and I hope they show more of her in flash backs. Everything in this show is done very well. I can't wait to see this story unfold.
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Post by momway on Jan 4, 2007 23:35:47 GMT -5
I was wondering if someone could fill me in on the first few minutes of episode one. I set my VCR for 15 mins before it was to start, but it was already showing when I checked the tape. I did get the part where it shows that it is episode one on the screen so I don't think I missed much! I tried to tape it this afternoon and set the VCR for 1:05 and I think I missed even more than I did the night before! Thanks!!!
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Post by kathleen34 on Jan 5, 2007 17:22:01 GMT -5
" And that little actress is great. I'll probably be excommunicated for this, but it's time to confess I never liked Baby Jang Geum's acting that much."Lucy, Lucy, Lucy... this is a first. You NEVER liked Baby Jang Geum's acting? I've never disagreed with you... but in my mind's eye I can see that little 8-y/o girl feeding her dying mother berries with such devotion and caring ... through her little tearful eyes. Both little girls are so good. With BabyJangGeum, I watched that berry scene with wonder as to how a little child could grasp the needed emotion to portray such sorrow. And little HJiJi portraid the correct emotion so beatifully too - in her dance and in her conversation with her mom. They're both such little treasures. I'm not so sure about being excommunicated but perhaps a few calf-slaps with willow branches may be in order. ... this would give you a perfect opportunity to hold your head and say "oh boy, oh boy"
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Post by Lucy on Jan 5, 2007 17:36:04 GMT -5
LOL. I knew I was in for it. I'm not saying I wasn't moved by the situation--that berry scene was really moving because of what it was--but the acting, not so much. I don't want to criticize a child actress too much, though. When they're great, it's more than we could hope for. Oh, BTW, I said I never liked her acting "that much," not that I didn't like it at all. To me, that makes a difference. I wasn't blown away by it, in other words, but she was good enough. If you want to beat me with willow branches, I understand. Anyway, beatings and torture seem to have no lasting effect anyway! Just look at Hwang Jini's mother--beaten nearly to death all over her back with a big stick, and a minute later she gets up and walks away, supported only under the arms by two guards. Jeepers!
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Post by ginnycat5 on Jan 5, 2007 18:31:26 GMT -5
Momway, maybe the beginning was the same as they show for the commercial, the ladies putting on makeup, filing in to the courtyard and bowing to the head court guy. Some people taped it, so they'd know better than I do. I don't remember if there was dialogue or just visual colorfulness.
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Post by victoria on Jan 7, 2007 20:41:03 GMT -5
i completely accidently stumbled across this drama just as eps. 5 began. i watched most of it, though i didn't know exactly what was going on.
i know a kisaeng isn't a geisha but are kisaeng allowed to marry? because it didn't seem like she was...or did that just have to do with status?
Mod edit: I had to edit your post because it revealed info about future episodes.
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Post by BAE on Jan 8, 2007 11:15:49 GMT -5
About the ****, victoria, has not been mentioned as of yet in episodes that Chicago has seen. We have just gotten into the show and have only viewed Episodes 1 and 2. So, this is actually, no matter how minor, a spoiler. About kisaeng, or gisaeng, they are like the Japanese geisha, not quite courtesans, but somewhat similar. They, as you have seen in the show, perform at different kinds of functions, or in the king's courts themselves, entertaining people with whatever they've trained for. They are enslaved to the government, but are of low class. There's age restrictions for kisaeng, like when they can start working, usually at 16 years of age, and when they stop, at 50. Like it is depicted in HJI, the title of kisaeng is inheritable and the only way to stop being a kisaeng is if a large sum of money is paid to the government. It can be said that kisaeng were technically "married" because they had gibus or "kisaeng husbands", who had no legal affiliation to the kisaeng. The kisaeng merely were their "keep". These gibu would have various professions. So, technically, kisaeng could never REALLY get married. Hope that helped. If you would like to know more, take a look at these websites: the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Dec/29/en/FP612290316.htmlen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kisaeng
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