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Such a beautifully tragic story. So underrated. (Not really a spoiler if you know the true story ig)
No words can describe how much I loved this. It is so beautiful and tragic and the fact that it's based on a true story makes me even so much more emotional. So if you're feeling like you want to cry to a K-drama, here you go. Such a short story yet still delivered much more than 90% of the K-dramas that have 16 episodes with each episode being 10 hours long. Yet I do wish we had more time to learn about the characters. I watched this a pretty long time so I don't remember all the details but I remember genuinley liking it and man the emotions I felt, as mentioned I think my emotions were double cause this actually happened with two very real people. But of course, we gotta give credit to the actors, I think if the cast includes Lee Jongsuk and Shin Hyesun you should automatically know that the acting is gonna be pretty much perfect, they always know how to portray a character properly so they never disappoint that's for sure. So I can say with confidence that they gave Kim Woojin and Yun Simdeok justice. I gotta say that the quote at the end got me BAD I was literally crying rivers at 1:30 a.m in the morning (?). Right and I don't pay attention to music and OSTs so don't trust my ranking there!!RIP to Kim Woojin and Yun Simdeok, I pray they get to have their happy ever after in the afterlife.
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Even a tragic ending can be an invisible blessing
One of the best kdramas I've seen. It's based on a true story during the Japanese colonial ruling times in Joseon Korea and has only 3 eps but so much to it. love, death, history, tragedy, musical, melodrama, forbidden love, arranged marriage, bibliography, rich male lead, poor female lead, star crossed lovers, disapproving parents, and more. Both male and female leads did an amazing job in portraying the emotions. This kdrama really showcased not everything has to end on a good note. Even a tragic ending can be an invisible blessing. Deffo one of their top tier work for me. I gave it a 10/10. Deffo recommend for everyone to watch it.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
This drama has absolutely wrecked me.
Trigger warnings: Suicide, DeathFirst of all, let me tell you that this drama has absolutely wrecked me. I knew what was bound to happen but when it did happen, I was still caught off guard. That last scene was such an emotional moment, something that will forever be engraved in my memory.
I have put off watching this for so long because I was well aware of the tragic backstory and I just didn't know if I can handle it. However, upon watching this, I've realized that Shim Deok and Woo Jin's story is more than just a tragedy. It was also a beautiful story of falling and fighting for love, owning your identity, appreciating art, and finding peace.
I am still conflicted over how the characters resolved the conflict in the end and even before watching this, I couldn't imagine what reasonable reasons would push two people to end their life together. Although, I know I wouldn't be able to fully understand their pain, I had a glimpse of what led to these two people to do what they did and I'm just glad it was for love and they were at peace. Most importantly, they weren't alone, they had each other. The fact that they didn't even falter and waver once and remained resolute with their decision actually haunts me. It's fightening and admirable at the same time. They know the only way they could be together is to leave this world together. They were very flawed people. If you will overanalyze things, some things could've been avoided and dealt with properly and things could've ended differently but at the end of the day, they were just humans struggling to live and to love and facing very real and dangerous situations so I would choose to remember them as two beautiful people who fell in love with art and with each other, then ultimately decided to be somewhere that would be more appreciative of this love.
Shin Hye Sun and Lee Jong Suk were both commendable in their roles. They both inflicted their own touches to Shim Deok and Woo Jin's characters and they have succesfully brought them to life. I am always in awe of Hye Sun and how she always delivers phenomenal performances and her role as Shim Deok wasn't any different. I felt her character's joy and I especially felt her pain. Jong Suk also was quite a revelation in this one. I've loved him since I first knew him but honestly, this was one of his most powerful performances, in my own opinion. I am especially stunned by how their characters didn't even need words in expressing what they're feeling. Their eyes always do most of the talking.
All of the other elements of the show such as the cinematography, the music, the dialogues, the poetry (!!!), and just the overall vibe of it fit so perfectly together. They all complemented each other so much and and everything helped convey such a melancholic retelling but at the same time, a beautiful masterpiece.
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Going into this drama I didn't really know anything about it, but the actors I had previously seen In other works. I was going to find out how much I would like it and how the story was generally pleasing to watch?The story opens on a mysterious ship going across the Pacific Ocean with two passengers on board Yoon Yoon Shim Deok and Kim Woo Jin that have disappeared. This opening really got me interested in the drama and made me want to keep watching to find out what happened to them.
Then your thrusting into the past where Yun Shim Deok Korea's first soprano is practicing a song that has to do with love, which she knows nothing about yet. Her singing sounded pre-recorded or in other words fake and that really ruined the feel of the scene. It also affected future scene for me, because all I hear is another person in a recording studio sing that part for her and I really wanted authentic singing portrayed in this drama. I do understand why they did it, but it would have made the drama way better by having an actor that could actually sing soprano.
Yoon Yoon Shim Deok and Kim Woo Jin meet and the meeting goes not as planned and it takes her a minute to accept the offer to perform on behalf of the association. Their romance does not start right away, which is nice and slowly starts to develop with real sincere emotions being exchanged between both of them. There is a conflict going around and this put struggles on both of them having to endure being treated so harshly by the Japanese officers, but they perceive and they plan to leave the country together. They both hold each other on the bow and slowly walk over to the edge of the side of the boat and jump. This is just sad and hurts while nearing the end of the drama.
Over the feelings of the drama were sadness and a few happiness. If you love a tragic love story this is for you with clear emotions unfolding as you watch, this is for you.
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Crazy about Asian dramas
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Crying
Praise of Death (or Hymn of Death) is a heart-wrenching drama based on a true story, which I wasn’t aware of until watching it. Though I wished for a happy ending for the characters, the fact that it’s based on real events left the writer no choice. The story is truly tragic, and I found myself crying during the last scene, especially when the male protagonist delivered his inner monologue while dancing with his lover. He reflected on how important she had become in his life, how deeply they were connected, and how much he cherished every moment spent with her—all while crying, which moved me to tears as well.The tragedy didn’t only affect the two lovers but also his wife, who suffered silently. The real blame for their fate lies with his father. He was a dutiful son, and his father took advantage of that obedience, marrying him off at a young age and never allowing him any freedom. When he finally got the chance to live life on his own terms, he developed feelings for another woman. Despite being married, he never crossed any boundaries or expressed his deep love for her, bearing the pain in silence. On the other hand, the woman longed to share her feelings with him but was stopped when she learned the truth about his marriage. She quietly left his house, and that’s when their sorrowful love story began.
Lee Jong Suk's acting was exceptional. His performance was so calm and realistic that it felt like these events were unfolding in real time. I was deeply moved by his portrayal, and once again, I’ve become a fan of his acting.
While I don’t usually like sad endings, knowing that this is what actually happened to them makes it all the more heartbreaking.
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Belissima atuação
Eu não sei como começar.Quero primeiro parabenizar os atores. Foi de uma entrega muito linda e mesmo sabendo a tragédia que envolvia tudo você torce para que eles consigam ficar juntos. A atriz que fez a Sim Deok foi incrível! Ele falando que anseia pela morte para viver. Eu me arrepiei toda, é de partir o coração mas você entende a escolha deles. É realmente muito lindo. Estou emocionadissima. Parabéns!
As músicas com melodia triste compõe o cénario que os acompanha, deles não poderem ficar juntos, senti falta de saber como a família dos dois ficaram ao saber do suícidio. Mas a história é bem intensa e passa rapido que você nem percebe.
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Actors can bring characters alive
Strength of dramaCast- FL was awesome she brought the character to life. Amazing how they got good actors to do even smallest roles. Example FL father , fiancée, the recording owner are well known actors with good acting skills. That was the strength of this drama
The filmography and direction- the setting , the scenery , locations, the way it progressed was very skilfully done 👌🏻.
Ost- pretty cool music as it was centre of the story.
Weaknesses-
ML - LJS is pretty cool actor but not in this drama. Except few scenes like dance scene or the parting scene he dint shine in this drama. He looked rather dull in front of FL.
Conclusion- was rather hurried and did not feel like it was aptly done. The hopelessness of having no way other than the end was lacking and felt like abruptly done.
Over all - cast was awesome so was the ost if only our ML acted upto his immense capabilities (which he has) it would be much enjoyable 😊
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The drama stars Lee Jong Suk and Shin Hye Sun, two fantastic actors and their chemistry is just too good. You really believe their love for each other.
The story is over many years and even though the drama is only three episodes the story feels so long without be either rushed or boring. The speed of the plot is just right and I didn’t skip any part of the drama. Moreover the OST is perhaps one of the best I have ever heard!
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I came across this after a quick glance at what Korean dramas Netflix now has to offer, feeling pretty surprised at the vast options available. The first thing that caught my eye with this drama was that the male lead is Lee Jong Suk. I couldn’t not add it to my Watch List. However, what I did next may have ruined my watching experience. I googled the title of the drama and was immediately spoiled.
The story between Yun Sim Deok and Kim Woo Jin is immensely well-known. If you already know about their story then it won’t be a spoiler, but as I had no clue who they even were or what would be involved, googling the premise of this drama straight away revealed what waited for the characters at the end. In saying that, knowing how the story ended didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed watching the actual show. I would’ve liked to have not known just to keep the element of surprise, but overall, I still enjoyed every moment that led up to the ending.
What I appreciated most from The Hymn of Death was how beautiful it was. It was so pleasing to the eyes, starting from the costumes to the camera directions and framing positions. Every single character was dressed so well, the men in well-fitted suits, and the women in fashionable and chic outfits. The drama is set during the Japanese occupation, so you see a different type of style that isn’t seen as often in Korean dramas. There is a lack of traditional clothing (hanbok) and they’re not at the stage for modern clothing yet. I especially love how pretty Shin Hye Sun appeared in the drama and the outfits that were chosen for her. The directing in this series was also something I was in awe in. I rarely pay attention to frame and camera positions, but I noticed how purposeful each frame and scene was positioned. It was so pleasing to the eye but also forced myself, as a viewer, to really understand that the director wanted to either contrast the characters, position us in between the characters to understand the tension or take in the entire scene from afar as though the characters were sharing a private moment only they could understand. Lee Jong Suk and Shin Hye Sun are also pleasing to the eye on their own but also as a couple. I cannot believe how beautiful Shin Hye Sun is, really.
Yun Sim Deok and Kim Woo Jin’s lives was fairly condensed in this 3 part series. There is a lot more that can be told about their story however, I didn’t mind that there was 3 parts. I found the drama was able to, surprisingly, showcase what was necessary to understand their story, but also in a way where I could really believe and see the emotions that each had for the other. It helped that Lee Jong Suk and Shin Hye Sun had chemistry and were great in portraying their characters. Both were great in portraying both the sad and happy emotions, especially as they began to face the challenges of deciding what was right. For just being 3 parts, The Hymn of Death wasn’t rushed and came across quite impactful.
Definitely give this a watch if you want to learn about two historical figures that played some part in Korea’s history. Not only do you get to learn about how Yun Sim Deok becomes a famous singer and Kim Woo Jin is known for his writing, you also get a glimpse of Korea during the time it is occupied by Japan. Also, I can’t stop playing one of the songs from the OST. It is so moving and well suited to the drama.
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My heart broke over and over again
This is a really short and powefull drama.
I loved Lee Jung Suk and Shin Hye Suns acting they portrayed so many emotions, cold, warmig upp, hot, love, dispsir, joy... I could really se how both soles slowly died during the drama. And how desperat they where both for each other and for their freedom.
Lee Jung Suks reading poetry made my heart melt and the almost kiss was probably the hottest scene I have seen in a drama.
They where really stuck, and well it's a true story, but I feel the need to remind you that collective suiside is not a preferable sullution. There was probably not very much help in the 1920s but there is in the 2020s.
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Duet. Exit. °8.4° °Excellent°
“I beg to differ.” That's what our FL tells our ML when he reaches out his hand and says: “It's nice to meet you.” He needs a female lead for his play (Oh Eui-Sik looks dreadful in a dress) but she turns him down flat. When he acts like he doesn't care, she says she'll do it after all, but only if she can sing. She will also quit if things appear dangerous.Dangerous? Tokyo isn't exactly safe for Koreans in 1921 - nor has it been in most of history. The police thugs barge in for an impromptu search. A group of students? That makes the police suspicious. Kim Woo-Jin will not cower and almost gets shot. “At first, I thought you were reckless. I thought it was foolish to rebel against something you can't win. But I don't think that way anymore. It's fine even if we can't change anything. The fact that we're trying something with hope is what matters… Thank you for changing the way I think.” Now she begs to differ with herself. Her initial distaste has dissipated; Yun Sim-Deok seems to fall for Kim Woo-Jin rather quickly.
1926 starts the show, but we quickly go back to 1921, Tokyo, and the troupe will eventually return to Korea. The Joseon empire technically fell at the turn of the 20th century, but our protags still refer to home as Joseon. They've been thru war, occupation and loss. “Ten years ago, we had freedom. But today in this land, freedom no longer exists.” Though the script had been censored and approved, as they tour through Korea Kim Woo-Jin is locked up due to the play anyway - for that entirely accurate line. For reference sake, these events roughly take place between 10-20 years after the time period of the show Mr. Sunshine.
HoD is the real-life story of singer Yun Sim-Deok, who recorded Korea's first “pop-song”, and playwright Kim Woo-Jin. Sim-Doek recorded her biggest hit, “In Praise of Death”, in 1926. They were unable to create a life together in the tumultuous 20’s. Japan had taken control of Korea and things were cooking up towards WWII. While every generation brings change, the changes going on in Korea at this time were dramatic - Out-of-hanboks-and-into-hose dramatic. Some women ditched the traditional robes and started wearing slim skirts and nylons. The show opens with the two having just committed suicide, so the viewer won't have to worry and guess about what's coming next, or whether the couple will to work things out. HoD is a 2018 release that is rated 93 on AWiki. It is a short series consisting of either 6 35-minute episodes or 3 60-minute ones, depending. Either way, it's the length of a long movie.
Lee Jong-Suk of Romance is a Bonus Book and While You Were Sleeping fame plays ML Kim Woo-Jin. His mother died when he was 5 and his domineering father went on to marry 3 more times. He has some superb moments in HoD and hands in an overall excellent performance. He's completely different in WYWS and not so similar in RIABB, which is evidence of his range. The couple only has 1 or 2 deeply romantic moments in the show (they keep it chaste) but he is at his romantic best in these scenes. He is a playwright, but since he was raised in “privilege“ he has responsibilities. His father never wants to see him pick up the pen again, except to sign documents pertaining to running the family business. His traditional family has exerted control over every inch of his existence. There's always a contrast between generations, but the contrast between old-fashioned and modern in HoD is striking. We see near-flappers next to hanboks. Our male lead prefers something more modern.
Yun Sim-Deok, the FL is played by Shin Hae-Sun who is completely different in everything, such as the lead in Mr. Queen (hilarious)and support in Legend of the Blue Sea (broding) and Oh My Ghost (sweet and shy). Yun Sim-Deok comes from a poor family and is the sole breadwinner, due to her father's disability. Her younger siblings are relying on her for their education. Kim Won-Hae is Yoon Suk-Ho. He improves every production in which he appears. The compelling Lee Sang-Yeob is reunited with Lee Jong-Suk after doing WYWS together. He plays Kim Hong-Ki, who is rejected by Yun Sim-Deok (like any woman would reject him! That's gotta be the only time). Oh Eui-Sik, who always does a great job, is another player in the troupe.
Does true love take unsparingly or give unsparingly? HoD explores that question. In terms of romance, we view it from a mile up in the air and only get intimate once or twice. Here are two people crushed by society. They were pushed and pushed and pushed. If they had never met, maybe they would have survived, but once they tasted true love, nothing else would ever be good again.
When there is life there is hope. Suicide is not the answer. In the show, My Liberation Notes, a character talks about those who unsuccessfully attempted jumping to their deaths. Every single survivor said they regretted their decision 3/4 of the way down. Before I went through emotional, physical and financial devastation all these topics were academic and easy for me. Those who easily judge another's pain have not felt excruciating pain. Only faith and my ironclad pre-determined ideal, that taking one's life is never the answer, kept me here. The show doesn't glorify suicide, but it doesn't comdemn it either. What the viewer should reflect on is the pressure and pain that we put on others. Kim Woo-Jin’s father exercised complete control at all costs, and he never saw the bill for the ultimate cost coming. We cannot (accurately) judge another's pain. Therefore, we should always be gentle with others and only work on controlling ourselves.
HOD has the feel of a BBC production- that's a compliment. It also feels like the recounting of a true story. They don't squeeze every tear from the viewer and they also don't spring anything on the viewer. The pain is tolerable. They are reciting facts even more than dramatizing. I looked it up to verify the truth of the story because of the real-feel. I suspect that they didn't exercise much dramatic license out of respect, as the show is quite respectful of the subject matter. To judge it as a drama alone isn't entirely fair, since the ghosts of the past do possess the atmosphere of the production. All-in-all, HoD is well worth the 3 hour investment for the walk back in time. At this time it is not available for streaming, but it is bound to pop up somewhere.
QUOTE📢
Passionately, I listen to the curses put on my fate. She was the only Safe Haven in my life besieged by the devil.
11/26/21 Trace of Heart
IMHO〰
Directing 8
Writing 8.2
Acting 8.3
Romance 6.7
Flutters 7.3
Warmth 5
Art 8
Action 4
Sound & music 8
Laughs 2
Tears 6.6
Fright 3.5
Tension 6.7
Gore 2
Thought provocation 6
Snores 0
Ending 6
Age 12+ Language - b!+ch × 1
Re-watch? I wouldn't oppose one day down the line
Tie-in shows would be: Romance is a Bonus Book 7.9 (same male lead) ; Oh My Ghost 10 (superb romdramcom, and HoD's FL is a side character) ; Mr. Queen 8.5 (same FL and she's hilarious); Saimdang 8.5 (another true story with a fantasy tie-in to modern day and a similarly less-than-satisfying ending, but an excellent show nonetheless); The King's Affection 8.3 (another person forced into an impossible situation); and Mr. Sunshine 9 (a show about a love affair with one's country that further chronicles Japan's aggression toward Korea).
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