Arang in High Definition

I've seen the first 5 episodes of "Arang and the Magistrate" (fantasy/action taking place during the Joseon Dynasty) and have come to conclude that it is a much more entertaining series than Lee Min Ho's "Faith" (though the main character is really supposed to be the High Doctor in "Faith"). Those of you not familiar with the myth/folklore of Arang, you can go here.

   I'll just say firstly, what struck me most was that the story was not bound to any one theme or based upon real life. Well, maybe Lee Joon Gi's character is loosely based on one of the prime minister's sons?? But after 20 minutes into the first episode, one wouldn't care less whether or not any of the characters were based on real people. It's a fantasy/thriller/romance with elements of mystery, not to be confused with being a mystery with elements of fantasy+romance.

   At the least, they get the romance bit out of the way really quickly and by the end of the 2nd episode, there is the fake 'kiss' scene only to lead to quick mystery solving and some Sherlock Holmes style fight scenes (finding clues and getting into trouble.)

   But the main thing that really struck me is the balance of the acting bewteen our hero/heroines and their screen time. Sometimes it's too much when it's Arang and the magistrate on the screen for 5 - 8 minutes at a time in which their romantic interest is supposed to develop but being used to that, I see where those scenes are brought in to pull more userbase in (hence more money for the tv channel).
   The story is totally fantastical and whimsical; a lot of magic is involved and basis on ghosts existing on the earth rather than passing judgement from the Korean Hades. Maybe because it's so whimsical from the start, my expectations were lower. But when I compare this series to "Faith," there are just so much more entertaining scenes and not a lot of mumbo jumbo about 'the king and his haters trying to ascend the throne.'

   The topping on the cake really is the martial arts skill of Lee Joon Gi. I think he definitely picked up a heavy arsenal of fighting skills from his time serving in the military. And on his 'changed look' I realize it's because he's lost a lot of weight. Of course, stress, military service, and strict barrack lifestyle will most likely plummet your kg's quickly. Joon Gi's cheekbones are clearly much more sunken in than before and makes his ears stick out widely especially in that historical magistrate hat piece he wears. Nonetheless, easy on the eyes and his acting is still up to par as before. Lee Joon Gi has had both television work and a few good movies under his belt so his standing easily surpasses Lee Min Ho's on my list of overall actor qualities.

   On a side note, the little banter between the Jade Emperor, King of Heaven (aka Zeus/God) and Yama, King of the Underworld (aka Hades/Satan) are nice little breaks between running through the creepy, foggy forest scenes.

 Lastly, I love these behind the scenes images and especially during craft services ~ a part of production I have a soft spot for, and for all the people involved in feeding tons of people on a movie set.

Read more...

Double-Lee Fun~ [Lee Min Ho & Lee Joon Gi]

  Oh Lee Min Ho! I've tried to quit you so many times but why is it that you keep coming back with more cheese than before but looking sooooo good with it!

    His new kdrama 'Faith' is not too bad with explaining a small part of Korean history with the twist that a cosmetic surgeon gets sent back in time to become the king's "High Doctor."

   The romance part of it is interesting but seeing as that this is a drama based on real life people that existed within the governments of old Korea, I am pretty glad there's a lot more explaination of who is who and what gangs existed to do the dark things for the king, against the king, and all other things of historical nature.
   There's definitely parts where I fast forward because after a few episodes, it's obvious which scenes are unnecssary or comic relief/fillers. Unfortunately, Lee Min Ho still hasn't improved his acting skills. Every reaction or emotional expression meant to evoke has been seen time and again from his previous City Hunter, Personal Taste, or Boys before Flowers. He's no movie actor, and maybe that might be the 'curse' for tv actors: that they aren't given ample time to hone their skills over a slower timeframe of a movie schedule, and are pressured to memorize, hit marks, and do fight sequences all within the span of the tv season. I also blame the poor storylines on the writers of the series.

   But like I always say about kdrama actors, they're really easy on the eyes, despite that keanu reeves-quality of their lines. Yet, I also have to say, that whenever Lee Minho is attached to a script, the production value (physical sense: sets, costumes, environment) of the whole series just gets upped which is always a plus since there's so much fluff in the asian drama business.
   "Faith" is up to its 14th episode out of a total 24 and so right now we're knee-deep in all kinds of bad and people getting double crossed so it'll be interesting to see how the writers weave out the rest of the storyline without some easy loophole.


   Besides Lee Min Ho's "Faith," also currently airing is "Arang and the Magistrate" which reintroduces us to the post-military duties' Lee Joon Gi.

   Now I am not sure but Lee Joon Gi seems to look a bit different this time around. I am afraid to jump to the conclusion of a new nose job but I wouldn't be surprised if he got one since finishing his military duties. Maybe he got punched in the nose? Fell on his face? Ran into a stick?

Pre-Military Lee Joon Gi

  Nonetheless, I have yet to see the first episode of "Arang" but it seems like a thriller/mystery as to who did what, who killed who, and with the involvement of the heroine being a dead ghost, I find myself hopeful as to the small amount of romantic cheese that might be. I mean really, it's hard to do much with a ghost.

   However, I am very glad Lee Joon Gi is back on the radar, which also means whatever script he's attached to, will also get a high production value, perhaps more so than Min Ho since Joon Gi has been around longer in the business. Which also makes me wonder when Min Ho's military call might come up...

MBC’s Arang and the Magistrate and SBS’ Faith, both of which have gathered great interest as the comeback pieces of hallyu stars Lee Joon Gi and Lee Min Ho

  

Read more...