Peach Girl

 

Cast:

 

Momo/ Xiao Tao (in Peach Girl drama)-Annie Wu Cheng Jun

Xiao Tao is the heroine of the drama. Like Momo, she is misunderstood and has a troubled love life.

Toji/ Dong Shi (in Peach Girl drama) - Wu Ke Qun

Dong Si is the guy Xiao Tao has liked since high school. Like Toji, he is shy and very gullible.

Kiley/ Ah Li (in Peach Girl drama)- Vanness Wu Jian Hao

A Li is the popular playboy at school who falls for Xiao Tao. Like Kairi, he is flirty, sweet, and absolutely *gorgeous*. And he can sing well too

Sae/ Sha Hui (in Peach Girl drama)-Guan An Ru

Sha Hui is Xiao Tao's friend-turned-enemy. She is very beautiful and the most popular girl in school. She is also self-absorbed, sly, and she loves to ruin Xiao Tao's life.

 

Jigoro Oji/ Lu Wu Wang (in Peach Girl drama) - Duncan

Lu Wu Lang is a handsome model who falls in love with Sha Hui when she becomes a model too. He is gorgeous and gullible, and he will do anything to please Sha Hui.

 

Nurse Misao/ Ah Cao Jie (in Peach Girl drama) - Vicky Chen

Ah Cao Jie is the school nurse. She is very close with A Li and she also befriends Xiao Tao.

 

3G – YoYo, Xiao Ming, Edward Oh Di

They also let Xiao Tao live in a vacant room on the upper floor of the restaurant's building, after she gets kicked out of her place. Almost every time these 3 appear they add humor to the scene.

3 Mean Girls - Chen Fang Zhi , Liu Shu Ting, Zhong Jia Ling
These are 3 of Sha Hui's friends who bully Xiao Tao in the beginning, but later befriend her when they find out the truth about Sha Hui.

 

Other Titles: Mi Tao Nu Hai

 

Summary:

Shopping after school, Momo spots a cute bag. Sae convinces her not to get it, then goes back for it herself so people will fawn over her stylish new bag. Such an annoying and small incident...but this is how Ueda sets up the pattern for things to come. Momo sees something she wants, and Sae scrambles to get it first.

Momo has had a crush on Toji since junior high school. But knowing Sae's habits as she does, when Sae attempts to figure out who Momo likes, what choice does Momo have but to throw her off the scent? So instead of confessing her interest in Toji, Momo points to the most popular guy in school, Kiley Okayasu, instead. Much to her surprise, Kiley winks at her! But that's soon forgotten, for within minutes, Sae has approached Kiley with a gift of cookies. Kiley, however, is not so easy to catch. Unbeknownst to Momo, Kiley observed the whole "bag incident" and rejects Sae.

Although Momo is herself misunderstood (thanks to her easily tanned skin), she blindly accepts Kiley's reputation as a shallow playboy. So when she hears of his rejection of Sae, her low opinion of him somewhat improves. That would have been the end of Kiley's involvement, except someone writes "Kiley + Momo" on a blackboard. Sae indignantly denies she did it, but no matter who did do it, Momo's in a bad situation: What if Toji saw?

This predicament pales in comparison to the next blow. Someone's been spreading the rumor that Kiley and Momo have kissed! Then she finds out it's Kiley himself who's saying it! In desperation, she tracks Kiley down, hoping to convince him to squelch the rumor. It turns out the reason Kiley's been saying such things is because Momo once rescued him from drowning, and he believed she gave him CPR. Ever since, he's had a thing for Momo. In reality, it was a lifeguard who gave him CPR. To resolve the situation, Kiley kisses her, turning the rumor into truth.

Her first kiss stolen--the kiss she'd been saving for Toji--Momo is mortified. Worse, no matter how she tries to ditch him, Kiley won't leave her alone. The crowning glory of her grief is that it's obvious that Toji has heard the rumors. But this is the point in the story where Toji becomes a person instead of a plot device.

Toji has known Momo since junior high and knows she's a good girl, and not the shallow beach bunny her dark skin suggests she is. Toji confronts Kiley, threatening him and telling him not to toy with Momo. Intrigued, wily Kiley taunts Toji, implying he might go steady with Momo to ease Toji's concerns. Toji's response is explosive, leaving no room to doubt his disapproval.

Wanting to know more, Toji asks Sae about it, just as Momo, followed by Kiley, walks by. In true weasel fashion, Sae drags Toji behind some shrubbery so they might eavesdrop. What they hear comes as a shock to both. In an attempt to get Kiley to leave her alone, Momo tells him there's a guy she likes. Kiley instantly figures out it's Toji and wonders why Momo's never told Toji how she feels. Momo explains that a friend told her that Toji said he doesn't like dark girls, so she's waiting until she's pale enough before confessing her feelings. This is why she quit swimming and is addicted to sunscreen.

Isn't that pitiful? And that's not even halfway through the first book! It's from here on out Sae starts doing her worst....

 

What I Think:

My only reason for watching this god-forsaken series is cause of Vanness Wu. I have very high hopes for Peach Girl because the mangga version is so hyped; people say it is good, so I figured the series will be too.

 

The story has a big flaw and the acting too… there is absolutely no chemistry between the actors, except maybe for Anne Wu and Vanness Wu, they have little chemistry working I guess, Vanness always makes me giddy. J But Dong Si is just so stiff, no reactions, no feelings, if he stands still for a moment I can take him for a log! Sha Hui okay she is a little good, she just kills me with her angelic face and all. I cannot absolutely fathom how 2 pretty girls, Sha Hui and Xiao Tao go crazy and fight over Dong Si! Good lord help them! Come on Dong Si aint that good looking at all, and his personality is not that great to match, he is very weak and gullible!

 

I cannot get over that fact that after Xiao Tao was ‘raped” by Lu Wu Wang she just went on with life, got over the incident so fast! She was “raped” then the next scene she was skating with Ah Li already! Duh!

 

Anne Wu and Vanness Wu have the same family names, could they be relatives? J Just thinking. Oh let me talk about the setting, it is the same school that is used in Mars and Meteor Garden!

 

Some worth-mentioning scenes, most of it are Ah Li’s scenes… hehehe. J

** Ah Li (Vanness Wu) dancing with Xiao Tao (Anne Wu). Ah Li is a heart-throb and he dances very well too.

** Xiao Tao gives Ah Li a CPR and saves his life when he drowned at the beach.

** Ah Li heard the rumor that he and Xiao Tao kissed so he changed the rumor into truth and really kissed her.

** Ah Li fell of the stairs with Xiao Tao on top of him, and then the whole school clapped for them!

** Ah Li tying Xiao Tao’s shoe lace.

** Dong Si doing the “L” for “like” sign in front of the whole class for Xiao Tao.

** Dong Si kissing Xiao Tao for the first time after their argument.

** The scenes where Lu Wu Wang and Sha Hui were trying to stage a “rape” scene for Xiao Tao. These moronic baboons!

** Ah Li carrying Xiao Tao piggy back style when she hurt her foot at the forest.

** Ah Li and Xiao Tao planting flowers and Ah Li said “Peach Blossoms means I am your captive” and kissed her on her forehead.

** Xiao Tao: Where are you right now?

     Ah Li: I am in your heart right now.

** The ending: that Ah Li and Xiao Tao ended up together. J I cannot stand it if she ended up with Dong Si. J

Other Stuff:

** Ai De Jui Shi Ni - Lee Hom Wang.

The opening theme song is entitled “Ai De Jui Shi Ni” (Simply in Love with You) sung by my favorite, Alexander Wang Li Hom. I like the song so much and the video too. The version played in the series is shorter than Lee Hom’s version from his cd.

 

** Wo Yi Ran Xiang Xin Ni Hai Ai Wo – Valen Hsu (Liu Hong Hua). The song that plays during the closing credits. Valen Hsu also acted with F4 in (another?) lousy series, Come into my Place.

 

** Dance With Me Tonight - Vanness Wu
This is the song that Ah Li sings at the club party in episode 1. Vanness also sang this live at the F4 Music Party concert.

** Ni Bu Ai Wo Ai Sui - Vanness Wu
This is the song Ah Li sings to Xiao Tao acapella over the school's loud speaker in episode 12. The CD version of the song (the same version this mp3 is) then begins to play in the background when Xiao Tao enters the room.

 

** First serialized in Klamp Kodansha's Monthly Best Friend (Bessatsu Friend) magazine in 1998, Peach Girl has been hitting the top of sales charts in Japan for years now, and since its publication in English by TOKYOPOP (first in the manga anthology Smile, then in a continuing graphic novel series), it's definitely become a fan favorite in the U.S.

I am not a fervent anime fan, but I do love anime a lot, and Klamp Kodansha also produced my other fave mangga, Chobits! J

 

Rating: 5 Taiwanese Taicha out of 10

 

TO VIEW PEACH GIRL ANIME VIDEOS: GO HERE

PEACH GIRL ANIME 

 

 

credits: sydygirl.tripod.com, youtube.com, official site

 

Music Playing in the Background: Backstreet Boys- Poster Girl

My Sassy Girl Chun Hyang

 

Cast:

 

Sung Chun-hyang: Barbie Han Chae Young

Sung Chun-Yang (Han Chae-Young) came from a single-parent family. Her mom has to work at a pub to feed the family. And because of poverty, Choon-hyang has to hold several part-time jobs to make her living. She delivers newspapers, cleans ponds and works as a photographer. Nonetheless, she studies hard at school and achieves good academic performance. And she's also the regarded as the beauty queen of her school. She has it all, brain and beauty, until one day she meets her challenge.

 

Lee Mong-ryong: Jae Hee

Lee Mong-Ryong (Jae Hee) is a tough but very simple-minded and hot-tempered guy. Although he is the son of the police station chief, he always gets into trouble in school. With the help of Choon-hyang, the girl that gets on his nerve at first, he is able to enroll into a prestigious university. Achieving both love and career success at the same time. However, his love toward Choon-hyang is put to test when he meets his first love, Chae-rin noona (he calls her noona meaning "big sister"

 

Byun Hak-do: Uhm Tae Woong

Byun Hak-Do (Uhm Tae-Woong) is the CEO of an entertainment company, who helps Choon-hyang whenever she gets into trouble (kinda like "Daddy Long Legs" character.) In the classic "Legend of Choon-Hyang", Byun Hak-Do is a corrupt public official. Because of his love for Choon-hyang, he's willing to do anything to 'own' her.

 

Hong Chae-rin: Park Shi Eun

Hong Chae-Rin (Park Shi-eun) was Mong-ryong's high-school senior. She is the first love of Mong-ryong's and a rival of Choon-hyang's. As an opportunistic character, she knows that Mong-ryong likes her, but keeps ignoring him until Mong-ryong passes the difficult state bar exam. She is a sinister character, who interferes with the relationship between Mong-ryong and Choon-hyang, eventually making them break up with each other.

Han Dan-hee: Lee In Hye
Pang Ji-hyuk: Moon Ji Yoon
Kong Wol-mae: Kim Chung
Mong-ryong's dad: Ahn Suk Hwan
Mong-ryong's mom: Choi Ran

 

 

Other Titles:

Kwaegeol Chun-hyang

Sassy Girl Chun-hyang
Heroine Chun-hyang
Delightful Girl Chun-hyang

 

 

Official Site:

www.kbs.co.kr/drama/qgirl/index.html/

 

Info on the cast:

www.kbs.co.kr/drama/qgirl/about/cast/index.html

 

Info on story: contents.kbs.co.kr/program/programdview.php?contentsUid=51&category=0&isBroadcast=Y

 

For KBS Videos on Demand (VODs) in Korean:

www.kbs.co.kr/drama/qgirl/view/vod/vod.html/

 

For KBS photos from this drama, go to:
www.kbs.co.kr/drama/qgirl/media/photo/index.html

 

For KBS wallpaper:

www.kbs.co.kr/drama/qgirl/plus/paper/index.html

 

Summary:

"Sassy Girl, Chun-hyang" is the 2005 interpretation of the "Legend of Chun-hyang". The story begins when Lee Mong-ryong is transferred from Seoul to a high school in Namwon, North Jeolla Province. Chun-hyang does her best to help Mong-ryong, her first love and the son of the Namwon Police Station chief, to enter a prestigious university. However, after meeting with Mong-ryong's first love, Chae-rin, Mong-ryong's love toward Chun-hyang is shattered, although Chun-hyang's love remains unwavering.

One day, Byeon Hak-do, CEO of a famous entertainment company, appears in her life. He exudes confidence that he can make any woman fall for him. But as Chun-hyang shows no interest in him, his self-esteem is damaged profoundly. Byeon Hak-do is determined to make her love him.

The production team of this drama says they wanted to present a whole new image of Chun-hyang in line with modern times as she is an attractive female character who showed courage in choosing her love in the Chosun period, when Confucianism was a dominant value.

This fusion-style drama makes various new attempts in terms of genre, such as mixing rap with Pansori music.

Credits: kbs official site, spcnet

 

What I Think:

This is the first series that I really began to like Han Chae Young! I really cannot stand her in "Autumn in my Heart" playing the whacked, evil sister. Before this, I cannot imagine HCY playing a funny, cheerful and resilient character like Chun-hyang. I think she is a good actress, she is not very though, I get bothered by her lips when she does this pouting stuff. I figured she was named the Barbie doll of South Korea it was because of her English name (Barbie Han) not coz she's Barbie Doll-like pretty. But I like her still. In terms of acting, she is really good in the happy happy joy-joy scenes, but she is not as good doing the sad, crying scenes just like Jae Hee.

Jae Hee, he is an okay actor, he is tall and all but I do not find him very handsome either. Hahahaha! I really wanted to strangle him in the first parts of the series because he cannot decide which girl he likes, Chun-hyang or Chae-rin. He keeps on chasing Chae-rin but he does not want Chun-hyang to be out of his sight. Funny but he did not made me cry in his sad, weeping scenes, he lacks emotions in the sobbing scenes.

Uhm Tae Wong as CEO Byun Hak-dok, this guy too lacks emotions, but I like the fact that he really is into Chun-hyang, and he looks quite dashing with that handsome face, cool car, pressed suits, man he really is Chun-hyang's knight-in-shining-armor. The problem with UTW is, well I do not like his smile, it looks as if he forces himself to smile.

There is undeniable chemistry between Chun-hyang and Mong-ryong! They look good together; they are a tall couple too! I cannot forget the scene where their classmates gave them a mock marriage in school, that was so beautiful plus I really love that wedding song!! J
Another comic scene I liked was when they re-enacted some scenes from "Full House", "I'm Sorry I Love You", "Autumn in my Heart" that was hilarious!

 

 

Scenes to watch out for:

** The mock wedding of Chun-hyang and Mong-ryong. Beautiful! The wedding song too was so nice.

** The high school play of "Romeo and Juliet" where Mong-rying was the nanny!! I swear to god it was hilarious! The "nanny" kissed and woke Juliet from sleep not Romeo!!! Hahaha! Omg!

** The pregnancy issue.

** The re-enactment of scenes from Full house, I'm sorry I love you, and Autumn in my Heart!

 

Rating: 9 Korean Kimchi out of 10

 

TO WATCH THE NGs OF THE SERIES GO HERE:

http://www.youtube.com/?v=WGafUlnipyg

 

TO VIEW OTHER CHUN HYANG VIDEOS GO HERE:

VIDEOS

 

**EDITED 21 AUGUST 2007 AS REQUESTED BY A LOT LOT OF PEOPLE, JUST LEFT CLICK ON THE LINK:

TO DOWNLOAD THE NOW-FAMOUS WEDDING SONG NUL SARANG HAL GE SO BY ZOO:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/taekq7

 

 

Memoirs of a Geisha

Cast:

 

Zang Ziyi - Sayuri/ Chiyo. The beautiful young orphan from a remote fishing village whose life changes forever when she is sent to the city to learn the ways of the geisha

 

Ken Watanabe - Chairman Yamamoto. 'The Chairman,' the high-powered executive with whom the young geisha, Sayuri, falls in love

Michelle Yeoh - Mameha. The elegant and experienced geisha who becomes Sayuri's mentor

Koji Yakusho ¡V Nobu. The brilliant but tragic businessman who seeks to become Sayuri's patron

Yozuka Ohgo ¡V Young Chiyo

Gong Li - Hatsumomo. Sayuri's stunning and treacherous rival

Youki Kudoh - Pumpkin. Sayuri's closest friend since childhood who also struggles on the path to becoming a geisha.

omplete list of Cast here: Memoirs of a Geisha cast

Pictures from the movie: Memoirs Pictures

Summary:

Based on the internationally acclaimed novel by Arthur Golden ¡§Memoirs of a Geisha¡¨ is a sweeping romance epic set in the mysterious and exotic world that¡¦s still casts a potent spell today. The story begins in the story before WWII when a penniless Japanese child is torn from her family to work as a maid to a geisha house. Despite a treacherous rival who nearly breaks her spirit, the girl blossoms into the legendary geisha, Sayuri (Zhang Ziyi). Beautiful and accomplished, Sayuri captivates the most powerful men of her day, but is haunted by her secret love, for the one man out of her reach, the Chairman (Ken Watanabe).

Nine-year old Chiyo, a poor fisherman¡¦s daughter, is taken from her family and sold to a geisha house. From the start as common household maid, she blossoms into one of Kyoto¡¦s most renowned geishas, surviving the envy and treachery of the competition.

What I Think:

I have seen the movie and I have not read the book, I am planning to read the book now. The story of Chiyo moved me. Asian movies are like the best movies! Some of my favorites, Last Samurai, Crouching Tiger, and this one tops the list.

The actors: Zhang Ziyi has always been one of my favorite Chinese actresses, she has depth and now she can speak English well too. I think this is her first full-length all-English speaking movie. Michelle Yeoh, she¡¦s a great actress, she¡¦s one great Malaysian jewel. Gong Li, she looks really familiar, I so loathed her here I think I have seen this actress before. And Oh my favorite Ken Watanabe!! I am not so much into anything jpop or Jap (except I have a few friends who speak fluent Nippongo and can write perfect kanji, that¡¦s about it...). My few fave Jap actors are Shin Koyamada, Takuya Kimura, Satoshi Tsumubaki, the late Pat Morita and best of all Ken Watanabe!! I so so so like him! ƒº
Gong Li was such a can I say this, sheet ass, she ruined everything for Sayuri and the one scene where she burned the whole geisha house, I really wanted to kill her already! Grrr! She is like a psycho already. But yes I think Gong Li gave out one of the best if not the best performance.

The music: The background music was really perfect; the main theme song which was also the closing credits song was perfect. The cello solos by Yo Yo Ma were strikingly sad and exotic.

The scenery: Oh my god! Ancient Japan with all its beautiful gardens and lakes is beautiful!! The Cherry blossoms make everything for Chiyo and the Chairman so perfect.

The story: It is so gripping! I really need to read the book I want to be Sayuri, minus all the hardships she went through. ƒº Hehehe¡K. As the closing credits started rolling, I absolutely do not want the movie to end. I wasn¡¦t to see Sayuri and the Chairman happy and all. Oh gosh! But I kept on wondering what happened to her older sister and to Nobu.

My favorite Scenes:

WARNING: Some spoilers included here. Stop here if you do not want to know more. ļ

** Just watching young Chiyo with her beautiful gray (or blue?) eyes, she was one pretty little girl.

** Young Chiyo meets the Chairman for the first time over the bridge where he bot her ice cream, and gave her his handkerchief. He was a young man and she a child. That¡¦s when her life started to have some purpose.

** Mameha training and transforming Chiyo and renaming her Sayuri

** Sayuri looking once at boy in a bike and he stopped and fell of his bike, Mameha told her she is ready to be an apprentice geisha/ maiko.

** Sayuri saying this about the Chairman¡¨ Until I find him, until he finds me, until I¡¦m his¡K¡¨

** Sayuri¡¦s debut fan dance, which was so enticing. And her coming-out dance which impressed the Chairman.

** Years after, she was to meet the owner of an electric company, and lo and behold he was his beloved Chairman Yonamura (?)

** Sayuri and the Chairman meeting by the lake with the beautiful cherry blossoms falling on them, such a romantic scene!

** The Baron raping Sayuri (or did he really rape her¡K) He is another character that I hated so much!

** Dr. Crabb ¡§winning¡¨ Sayuri. He¡¦s one lucky bastard.

** With the WWII coming, Chairman made sure Sayuri is safe and sent her to the outskirts.

** Sayuri came back to the village and meeting the Chairman again. He looks so dashing here in his white suit.

** Sayuri came back from the village and Pumpkin was acting so different already, like a whore for the American soldiers. I pity her.

** That the Dana of Sayuri is her beloved Chairman. I swear to god I really didn¡¦t want to watch the ending coz I thought it was Nobu. ƒº

** Chairman called Sayuri by her childhood (and real) name, Chiyo, kissed her, telling her how much he loves her, and telling her that he wanted Sayuri all for himself all this time but wants to give in to his best friend, Nobu for him to have a shot at happiness.

** That all her childhood prayers were answered.

** Geisha ¡V women trained to dance, sing and entertain in ancient Japan.

** Maiko ¡V apprentice geisha

Other Stuff:

Zhang Ziyi to Star in 'Geisha' Movie
The Associated Press
By ANTHONY BREZNICAN
LOS ANGELES
Fri, 20 Aug 2004 11:18 MST

After long years of development and some tricky Hollywood dealmaking, a movie version of the best-selling novel "Memoirs of a Geisha" is headed into production.

The book became a sensation around the world when it was first published in 1997. The story chronicles a young girl's rise from poverty in a Japanese fishing village to life in high society.

The lead role of Sayuri will go to Zhang Ziyi, the Chinese actress who starred in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and appeared in the comedy "Rush Hour 2," her publicist said Thursday.

For those unfamiliar with the story, a geisha is a Japanese woman schooled in the art of dance, singing and conversation to be a companion for wealthy men.

Zhang, 25, has been working to perfect her English for several years and now speaks the language with little difficulty.

"This is the first time that I will play the lead in an English-language movie. It will be a big challenge, but the studios, producers and director have shown great confidence in me. I will continue to do my utmost to make this the best role I've ever played," she told The Associated Press.

Ken Watanabe, an Oscar nominee for "The Last Samurai," will portray the Chairman, a high-powered executive with whom Sayuri falls in love.

Another "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" co-star, Michelle Yeoh, has signed to portray Mameha, the elegant and experienced geisha who becomes Sayuri's mentor.

"Geisha" will be directed by Rob Marshall, the Oscar-nominated director of "Chicago."

Marshall has long wanted to make this his next project, but was locked into a contract with Miramax Films, while Columbia Pictures and DreamWorks SKG held the rights to "Geisha." After lengthy negotiations that threatened to block his participation, a deal was eventually reached among the studios.

"We could not be more excited about the extraordinary cast that we have in place for `Memoirs of a Geisha,'" said Marshall, who's also a Tony-winning director and choreographer. "We are adapting a beloved piece of literature that has become a worldwide sensation, which made it important to me to assemble a cast with a prestigious international profile."

For many years, Steven Spielberg was interested in directing the film. He will now serve as a producer.

"From the time I first read Arthur Golden's novel, I wanted to see this as a film," Spielberg said. "It's a uniquely compelling story rich with characters who take you into a world you have never experienced before."

Production is set to begin in the fall, but the release date has not yet been specified.

credits: yahoo news

Rating: 10 Hollywood Stars out of 10

 

April Snow

Cast:

Bae Yong Jun - In-soo

Son Ye Jin - Seo-young

Lim Sang Hyo - Su-jin (In-soo's wife)

Ruy Seung su - Gyeong-Ho (Seo-young's husband)

Summary:

In-soo (Bae Yong Jun) rushes to Samcheok upon learning that his wife, Su-jin (Lim Sang Hyo), who went on a business trip, had a car accident. There he finds Su-jin still unconscious in a hospital in an unfamiliar provincial town. In the process of dealing with the aftermath, of the accident, he finds out that Su-jin was in the car with another man named Gyeong-ho (Ryu Seung-su) who is also unconscious and is lingering between life and death. The injured man¡¦s wife, Seo-young (Son Ye Jin) also rushed to Samcheok upon hearing the news. In-soo and Seo-young feel angry and betrayed when they learned about the relationship between Su-jin and Gyeong-Ho. As they nurse their spouses, they feel a chemistry developing between them. How will their tender yet sad love story unfold in the unfamiliar town of Samcheok?

What I Think:

Oh My God! As much as I love Son Ye Jin (She is like in my top 5 most fave Korean actresses list) April Snow is so disappointing. I just want to give my kinda unbiased review. I think this movie is just so hyped up because it stars Korean wave actor, BaeYong Jun and Son Ye Jin. The music, well I think the background music doesn't help at all, zest is lacking in there. The scenery, oh okay, the scenery is good! The snow in the middle of April thing is good. The whole feel of the film is just plain sad. The first part of the film is so dragging, there were lots of scenes where all I heard was dead silence. Tsk Tsk Tsk.

Stuff worth mentioning? Hmmm let me think. Bae Yong Jun and Son Ye Jin has little chemistry going on that's the good part, at least they've got something going on. The scene where Seo-young showed In-soo the videos of his wife in bed with Seo-young's husband, he was so sad and angry all together there. All their love scenes okay Bae Yong Jun's hot bod; I didn't know that all those muscles were hidden underneath those sweaters. ļ Hehehee..and Son Ye Jin too was hmm shall we say very beautiful indeed. Nah, you just watch those scenes for yourself, Bae Yong Jun was all over her!

I so didn't get the ending.. But I reckon that In-soo divorced or left his unfaithful wife (they had a serious talk in that one scene remember...) then both In-soo and Seo-young, after they both see the snow in mid-April, they meet together again..

Rating: 6 Korean Kimchis out of 10

   

 

 

 

   
Credits: asianfanatics

Music Playing in the Background: Jerry Yan- Gravity

 

Jewel in the Palace

 

Cast:

Lee Young Ae- Jang Geum

Jee Jin Hee- Min Jin Ho

Jin Ho- King

Summary:

MBC's major television production Dae Jang Geum stars Korean actress Lee Young Ae of One Fine Spring Day and JSA fame. During its run in Korea the show received over 50% of the ratings share, the highest in Korean television history.

The show tells the story of the first female royal doctor Jang Geum, who worked in the royal court in 16th century Korea. With her extraordinary determination and wisdom, she managed to achieve the impossible in a time where women have no place in society: becoming the most outstanding royal chef, then became the first woman royal doctor for the Emperor.

Based on a true story, the series ensure that accuracy is observed for the historical period it is presenting. The audience can enjoy the extravagance in its production design, the delicacy of the royal cuisine, and the wisdom of traditional Korean medical remedies."

Synopsis from krystalheart.com

Suh Chun-soo, a military officer, is ordered by the King to give poison to the queen. Upon the order for her death, she protests that this is a conspiracy meant to eliminate the royal line of power. Saddened and angered by this order from the king, she vows that when her son becomes king, he shall seek vengeance on her murderers. She drinks the poison and dies.

Suh Chun-soo meets a wise man one evening and he is told what will become of his fate. The wise man tells him that he will meet three women in his lifetime that will determine is fate. The wise man says, "Although you killed the first woman, you will not die. Although you save the second woman, she will die because of you. The third woman will kill you, but she will save many lives." The wise man tells Chun-soo that Chun-soo has already met the first woman. Chun-soo asks how he can avoid his own death by the third woman. The wise man tells Chun-soo that he must not meet the second woman if he doesn't want to meet the third woman. The wise man throws some clues written on a piece of rice paper to Chun-soo. As Chun-soo picks up the paper, the wise man disappears.

Chun-soo serves the king for ten years and decides that he wants to leave. Then one day while traveling along a creek, he finds a woman passed out along the bank. He rushes to her aid and saves her. Afterwards he realizes that he has met the second woman (from the wise man's prophecy). As much as he tries to leave the woman, she pursues him because she has no place to go. Her name is Myeong Park, who is a court lady in the Royal Kitchen. Myeong is a victim of conspiracy that lead from an attempted murder ordered by the court ladies in the Royal Kitchen. Now that Chun-soo has met the second woman, he cannot escape his fate and will eventually meet the third woman who will end his life.

Jang Geum, is the daughter Myeong and Chun-soo. She is a very bright girl who's curiosity often gets her into trouble. One day, Jang Geum's parents both die and Jang Geum is forced to live on her own. Before Jang Geum's mother dies, she tells Jang Geum that her last wish is to have Jang Geum become the Head Kitchen Lady of the Royal Kitchen, a position that Myeong has always dreamed of since she was a little girl. Little Jang Geum enters the Royal Palace and becomes a kitchen maid and eventually becoming a court lady (like her mother). The beginning of her young life as a kitchen maid leads her through many challenges and trials. Jang Geum is forced to test her wits and will power by learning what it takes to risk everything. A good heart with integrity, Jang Geum strives to fulfill her mother's dying wishes of becoming the head kitchen lady...

A court lady means that one must never marry, must never date any other man, must never leave the palace, and must always keep the sacred oath as a court lady. Disobeying the rules would lead to a punishment by death.

Learn about Jang Geum's journey of becoming the first female head physician to the king. Through many challenges and trials, Jang Geum is supported by her close friends, adoptive parents, and most importanly Sir Min Jung-Ho who has always stood by her side. Sometimes life isn't always exactly the best paved road. Sometimes you have to take many detours before discovering the real path to your true destination.

 

Official Site:

Main page
http://www.imbc.com/broad/tv/drama/...ggum/index.html

Photo gallery
http://www.imbc.com/broad/tv/drama/...hoto/index.html

What I Think:

I have never been a big fan of wu xia series (ancient series) like this stuff but when I got to watch Jewel in the Palace, everything changed! I absolutely looooooovvve ¡§Jewel in the Palace.¡¨ People have been telling me to watch the series, but when I saw the dvd box set of 9 cds (that is a lot of episodes¡K) oh Lord, I just cannot do this. But when its local run started, I figured I must see this one. I watched it for a month. ƒº

I am at a loss where to start, but let me start with the acting. Lee Young Ae was marvelous! I have first seen her in a series ¡§Irene¡¨ I think. I didn¡¦t finish that series but I think she was far off better in acting here in ¡¥Jewel in the Palace¡¨ She is just different, she doesn¡¦t look as beautiful as Song Hye Kyo or Jeon Ji Yeon, not as regal as Kim Ha Neul but I loved her! She was so good in the drama scenes where jang Geum was being tortured, being bullied and all. Jang geum was resilient, beautiful, intelligent, loving, she was close to perfect.

Jee Jin Hee, awwww I like his character too. He was a knight-in-shining amour! He was the silent crowd who helps and cheers Jang Geum, he was always there for her, I reckon Jang Geum will always be safe for as long as Jin Ho is there beside her.

The antagonists are so¡Kgrrr I so hate them all! They are really good actors because I absolutely loathed them till the end. Madam Cui, you know I think she is so pretty really really pretty but she makes Jang Geum¡¦s life difficult so I hated her.

Yon seng, Jang Geum¡¦s best friend was also so beautiful and so loyal. I really like her too. She was still thinking of Jang Geum¡¦s safety even when she was already the Queen So-waen.

The ending interview clip: I just want to talk about this one bit. The good old Madam Han when you watch her in Jewel in the Palace she looks very old right, like a mother to Jang Geum and stuff, but when I saw her at the ending interview clip, man she absolutely looks like Choi Ji Woo!! She was that pretty! Madam Han was equally beautiful too! Jee Jin Hee had shorter spikey hair and looks so gorgeous, and he is so tall too!

In the first half of the dvd box set, there were lots of scenes of cooking. So for people who love cooking, you¡¦ll love these scenes you get to learn the ancient Korean way of cooking and all. With Jang Geum, she incorporates the medicinal value of food in her cooking so there are lots of science, medicine and pharmacognosy here too.

I am listing down the memorable scenes here:

@ I have lots of favorite scenes in Jewel in the Palace, but I can vividly remember one scenes where Min Jin Ho and jang Geum were just walking and talking..

MJH: Are you happy? JG: I am Sad.

MJH: Are you sad? JG: I am happy.

MJH: Are you scared? JG: I am in despair.

MJH: Are you in despair? JG: I am scared.

Then they just laughed.

@ Madam Cui realized Jang Geum is Ming Yi¡¦s real daughter when she saw the little red notebook/diary.

@ Madam Han realized Jang Geum was her best friend¡¦s daughter and Jang Geum realized Madam Han was her mom¡¦s best friend and the one person she was looking for all this time. They hugged each other tightly.

@ Jang Geum trained to be a doctor to be able to go back to the Palace.

@ All the romantic times of Jang Geum and Min Jin Ho spent in Jeju Island.

@ When the King visited his concubine, Yon seng! That was so hilarious!

@ The first time Jang Geum hugged MJH when he saved her and came back for her in the village with an epidemic.

@ MJH proposed to Jang Geum and they ran away just to get secretly married.

@ When the king realized that he has learned to love Jang Geum, but he lets her go and allowed her to marry MJH.

@ Jang Geum and MJH¡¦s married life and them going back to the Palace with their daughter.

In "Jewel in the Palace" you¡¦ll get to see the aesthetics of Korean cooking, the beauty of the different places in Korea (these are really famous tourist attractions, like Jeju..) and their colorful culture.

 

Fact File:
- In Real History, the King Did fell in Love with Jang Geum, but he can't do anything to save Jang Geum after his death...

-There is a person named Min Jeong-Ho, but he has no relationship with Jang-Geum at al

Geum Young(Jing Ying) and Court Lady Choi exsisted in the real history. In reality, Court Lady Choi was 10 times worser than the one in the show.. She apparently made Geum Young one of the King's comcubine, and also make Jang-Geum's life worse..

credits: asianfanatics, official site

Rating: 10 Korean Kimchis out of 10

Music Playing in the Background: GOD- Jah Yoo