Jewel In The Palace

Rating: *****


Genre: Period Drama
Episodes: 54
Cast: Hong Ri Na, Im Ho, Ji Jin Hee, Lee Youn Ae, Yang Mi Kyung


SYNOPSIS:
"About 500 years ago during the time of Chosun Dynasty, Korea boasted a rigidly hierarchical and male dominated social structure. Set in this period, "Jewel in the Palace" is based on a true story about a legendary girl (Jang-Geum) who became the first woman to be the supreme royal physician of her times. Despite her poor condition as a low class girl in the male dominated society, Jang-Geum overcame a series of social discrimination and landed herself as a royal cook, later becoming the royal physician, then ultimately the physician in charge of the king. She was even given by the king the title "The Great Jang-Geum". The story of her checkered life on her success and breakdown as well as her love story beautifully unfold. "Jewel in the Palace" is sure to touch your heart."


REVIEW:
Jewel In The Palace, also named Dae Jang Geum, is a very popular drama series.  Truthfully, I wasn't really that interested in it.  However, since there were many viewers that recommended it, I decided to give it a chance.  Much of the cast I've seen in other dramas, and they did wonderful.  I very much enjoyed it, even though there were some scenes I just closed my eyes.  I can watch someone cutting up a fake body, or even effects that make it look like a head has been chopped off, but I can't stand to watch someone putting needles into someone else's body.

This drama will make you hungry by showing you people making food and then will make you want to puke by hearing about what they used to put in people's medicine.  That being said, your weight will eventually balance out by the end of this drama.

The only error I saw that was a big issue was the person who made the food for the drama.  Couldn't they have picked a thinner person to represent Jang Geum's hands?  It's like she suddenly gains 50+ pounds whenever she is making food.  I know I say that I gain weight just watching them cook, but that is just ridiculous.

P.S. Don't expect this to be in any way historical.  Although it's supposed to be about the first female physician, it doesn't seem to have any reference to actual historical documents.

What did you think of this drama? Comment below!


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Dong Yi

Rating: *****


Genre: Historical
Episodes: 60
Cast:Han Hyo Joo, Ji Jin Hee, Jung Jin Young, Lee So Yeon, Bae Soo Bin


SYNOPSIS:
"Set during the reign of King Sukjong in the Joseon dynasty, the story focuses on Dong Yi, a water maid who gains the trust of Queen Inhyeon and later the favour of the king when he is moved by her prayers for the health of the Queen during the court disputes caused by Jang Hee Bin. Dong Yi becomes a concubine with the rank of sook-bin and bears a son who will later become the 21st king of Joseon, Yeongjo."


REVIEW:
Ottoke?  I think this drama is the best historical drama that I've ever seen!  Okay, so that's not saying much.  The only other historical drama that I've watched was "Yi San."  However, I think this was much better than some of the completely fictional dramas that I've watched.

It starts off with one of the best sequences I've seen.  Who thought of this scene?  Whoever it is, I think that person is genius.  With that scene sequence, it really showed the many roles that her brother was in. Showing the change from a sword alliance member, to a normal citizen, and then to a royal musician really set up the whole show.  I know that most would prefer to have the beginning scene to start with the main character, but I think this supported the main characters past and set the stage for the events ahead.

As far as the history of the real "Dong Yi," I have no idea.  Truthfully, I don't exactly want to know the real details, as I might be disappointed in the differences in the series.

The drama made me roll on the floor laughing, it made me cry, and I was completely addicted.  I think my favorite character in the whole show, though, was the head eunuch.  He was always very blunt, but he always said aloud the things that the King was thinking.

Best conversation ever (Warning! Do not highlight if you don't want spoilers!):
"Bring Palace maid Chun."
"To your bed?"
"Yes.  What?"

What did you think of this drama? Comment below!


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