But let's get the flaws out of the way first. The biggest problems were the directing and editing. There were so many scenes that could've been amazing if they had only been executed another way. The music was edited in awkwardly sometimes, too. And the fantasy aspect was underused as well as some characters (Jang Bin, Eum Ja, Hwa Soo, etc). As one of my friends put it "this show doesn't seem to know how good it is."
But let's talk about all the awesome that made up for the flaws. I think the cast was AMAZING. Lee Min Ho did an amazing job as Choi Young. (And I'm only saying that partially out of the fact that I think he's really attractive. ^_^) I think it's my favorite role that I've seen him do. Kim Hee Sun also did an awesome job as Eun Soo. She was funny and quirky and strong without being annoying. And she and LMH ended up having some AWESOME chemistry. The supporting cast was excellent as well. The king and queen, the Woodalchi boys, the baddies, everyone. I think this is one of the few K-dramas that I've watched where I wasn't annoyed with some bad actor.
The storyline was also really good. Not always executed well, but still really unique and interesting. There was a lot of really good character moments and character development. It was unpredictable, funny, touching, action-packed, political, romantic... not always in a well balanced way, but the moments themselves were good.
The music was really good, just not always used well. The costumes and sets were beautiful. So, basically, there's lots to like as long as you can get over the flaws. Faith is one of my new favorites.
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1An epic historic love story, playing with time and space. Waggish. Affecting. Wonderful acting.
A special dramaturgical drive given by time travel and parallel worlds are quite common in KDrama. Thus contrasting perspectives from different backgrounds quite regulararly add unconventional fun and extra thrill to story dynamics.Additionally, KDramas like to chose a historically exotic context for its intriguing and romantic stories, while still giving them an epic scope. Even if not always historically exact, these plots offer plenty of material for drama and at the same time convey historical facts and heroes in a colorful dress. Epochal personalities and their impact come to life again. As Korean history goes far back in time, there are yet many more heroic stories to be told...
"Faith or the Great Doctor" combines both, the historical approach as well as playing with time and space in one story. In fact, history is thus presented even more funny and colourfully. On the historic side, this KDrama revolves around the legendary General Choe Yeong (1316-1388) who went down in history as the protector of the Goryeo Empire and its royal family. Incidentally, this is not the only KDrama that has been dedicated to him to date... As early as 1983, a series monument was erected for him in "Gyegook" and "Chu Dong Mama". He is also featured in "Tears of the Dragon" (1998), "Shin Don" (2006), "The Great Seer" (2012), "Jung Dojeon" (2014), and "Six Flying Dragons" (2016). You guessed it, he´s a real hero for the Korean Peninsula.
-------------------- SIDE NOTE: --- General Choe Yeong ---
Known for his strength from an early age, the son of a civil servant learned martial arts and studied books on military strategy. Over the centuries he had finally achieved the status of legendary protector of the Goryeo dynasty. Although he was also exiled for 6 years due to intrigues, in the course of his life this did not prevent him from fighting around 80 more battles in the service of the king. He lost his last battle against his former brother-in-arms, General Yi Seonggye, when he seized power in a coup d'etat in 1388 during the Battle of Liaodong. This was also the birth of the Joseon Dynasty.
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"Faith or the Great Doctor" traces the path and integer character of Choe Yeong, whose motto has been handed down as "consider gold as if it were a stone". It´s obviously not pure poetic freedom when he is portrayed as sincere, stylish and gallant. And also does his combative superiority not seem exaggerated - his skills are historically documented. The focus of this KDrama is rather on the young general. He is not only presented as a strong leader, but as a young man who falls in love with a woman who is almost 10 years older. This (fictional) constellation offers some extra driving dynamics to the romance - as well as a comparably pleasant maturity at times as well.
The title plays with the different language styles in Korean - the old Hanja, which was written in Chinese characters until 1443, and the Hangul writing, which was newly created during the Joseon dynasty (and in which many Hanja terms have been preserved to this day.) So the original title "Sin-ui" may be understood both as 'trust in law and order' or as 'gifted healer'. In this sense, the title not only values Choe Yeong, the protector of law and order in the Goyeo Empire (refering to the Hanja translation), but also the gifted female healer (refering to the meaning in Hangul) - Eun Soo, a cosmetic surgeon from Seoul in 2012.
In the midst of waggish and heartbeat, this epic love story with all sorts of dramatic twists and turns absorbs within an eventful chapter of Korean history. The contrasts between modern and traditional medicine, somehow clashing in the middle of the 14th century, as well as between the almost rebellious, outrageous self-confidence of the by modern Seoul life spoiled doctor Eun Hoo and the ancient court of the Goryeo royal family guarantee 24 episodes of evocative entertainment.
"Faith or the Great Doctor" is an epic historic drama and at the same time playing with time and space. With two wonderful leading actors and more. The perfect mix for an epic Rom+/-Com.
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This was my first "historical", and I use the word loosely because I understand that this is by no means a real historical, in that there is time travel and magic. The time travel aspect isn't really unique, especially with the recent crop of dramas this year utilizing it. However, the magic was a first for me, though I wish they had handled it better, or maybe utilized an explanation a little bit more. No one in the present seemed to be aware that magic ever existed, even when Eui Seon seemed to know a lot about Choi Young from her history books. You'd think that he could control lightning magic would have been a prominent focus.
The cast in this show was just amazing, seriously. Though, as it is my goal to someday have Lee Min Ho's babies, I may be a little biased. I had never even heard of Kim Hee Sun before this, and her acting in Faith has me interested in looking up her past dramas. I can't believe it's been 6 years since she has acted! The supporting cast was also a delight to watch, especially Dae Man, who I am glad we finally got a bit of his backstory later on in the drama. I kept wishing they'd tell us how he came to find Choi Young! I loved Lee Philip in Secret Garden, and I wish he had a bigger role in this drama, though I understand his eye surgery issues may have had a part in that. My main complaint on the cast probably lies more with the script than the actor himself. The King was just so whiny! I understand the idea that Kings are humans too, and I get how they tried to humanize him, but sometimes I just wanted to hit him over the head and tell him to man up already!
I make myself wait a day after finishing something before writing a review, because sometimes, you're just too close to it to accurately describe how you are feeling. And usually by that time, I have forgotten all about the music. But this show had such great music, it stuck with me. It really fit the tone of each scene remarkably well.
If you want something with lots of action, a sweet romance story (with next to zero PDA), and lots of kidnapping, murder, attempted murder, poisoning, subterfuge and court intrigue, then this is the drama for you! The romance remains the key plot point for the drama, so you have to like love stories or I think you might be rather bored by all of the posturing and pursuit of Eui Seon's heart.
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First thing to note, is that I watched this drama for Lee Min Ho. I recognized his previous works - like Personal Taste and Boys Over Flowers - and thought I should give this show a shot. I myself hesitated to watch it, (being a historical drama and all), but it's worth watching, and something I'd recommend to Lee Min Ho fans.
Now for the story itself (I'll try to keep this short), let's say that overall, it was lacking. The main problem I encountered with this series is continuity; a lot of it didn't make sense. A lot of the time I was left confused, wondering how the plot ended me up where I was. Ironically it was the main theme of time/travel that bothered me the most. In order not to spoil anything, let's simply say it had issues.
The acting left something to be desired, to say the least. It wasn't bad, but I wouldn't commend the cast on their acting either. Furthermore, the relationships ... let's say, also had issues (at least for me).
Music is probably the only thing I really liked in this drama. The OST played well throughout the scenes, and managed to embed certain scenes/events into my head.
In closing, here's two things;
i. DO watch Faith because it is a good watch for those who enjoy historical dramas and/or Lee Min Ho (and/or the other actors/actresses - whomever you favour, i guess)
ii. DON'T watch Faith if you pay really close attention to the plot. Certain things will tick you off throughout the series.
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The biggest flaw of Faith is in the characters's personalities and the storyline. I find it absurd that all of the character are just so unbelievably stubborn and ended up in the same situation over and over again. This would have been better if it was a 16-episodes drama
I like the lead actor and actress and their romance. If Lee Min Ho wasn't on this drama, I would abandon watching it after 4-5 episodes.
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I agree with most of the comments. The directing was terrible in some scenes, and don't get me started on the editing. They had a wonderful story to tell and an amazing cast to work with, and those are the things that saved this drama. The cliffhangers were all in weird places, and there were too many flashbacks we had already seen for my liking.
Now, don't let the bad things keep you from watching. Kim Hee Sun is amazing in this. Whoever said she couldn't have chemistry with Lee Min Ho's character because she's older than him was very wrong. Also, if you need a drama that proves that Lee Min Ho can actually act, this is it.
An heroine that isn't afraid of anything, a hero that values honor above everything else, secondary characters that are actually interesting for a change, and a lots of action and drama.
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I really enjoyed the drama, probably more than I thought I would. I liked a lot of things about it. I'll be honest and say that I was really suspicious about it at first, because, well, portal through time? I mean, it doesn't get more cliche and wierd than that. But, oddly, I think they pulled it off really well. Not to mention the age difference between LMH and KHS--10 years! I couldn't tell a bit, I really liked her character. She had a pretty good back bone, if I remember correctly. She was really funny, too.
I liked the pace of the relationship, too. It was slow and steady, but I believed it. It was truly beautiful if you ask me. Their love was right up there with GX and MC from Autumn Concierto. There may not have been a lot of kissing and things like that, but there were cute moments, too. The little things, I liked those. The simple gestures were very telling. In the beginning and a little of the middle, I was frustrated that there wasn't much interaction between the two, but then I began to be okay with that. Siting on his lap and holding hands, things like that, they were more important to me. I still wish there would have been ONE more juicy kiss, but that's the dirty drama noona inside of me talking. hahaha
I have to admit, the drama and main evil-doer in the show really bothered me, and I won't lie and say that I didn't skip over some parts in the middle and end. I think it was more because of his annoying face than the drama itself. I can get past some difficult stuff, but his character just really annoyed the piss out of me.
This drama deffinitely had me crying a couple different types, especially the ending. A lot of people don't like the ending because it was vague, but I think they just left it to our imaginations. They're together, that's all that matters. What, you wanted to see a wedding? Meh, I was just happy with the ending they gave me. I thought it was really clever, too. The supernatural aspect of the story... I really thought I wouldn't believe it. I thought it would get too cheesy and weird, but it actually wasn't so bad.
Also, the mystery of the story I liked too. Believe it or not there is a little mystery in it. You find out at the end, but throughout the whole story you're slowly piecing things together. It's really strange, but I liked it. A mystery within a melodrama within a romance. It really nabbed everything for me. It's in my all time favorites, or close to it, if not for the damned annoying guy. -_-"
I'll be honest and say that this is the kind of role I wish I saw LMH in more. I've seen him in several other dramas, and I really appreciate him in these darker more serious roles. Not only because he's completely SIZZLING HOT when he's serious in that armor, but because I think he gets stuck in immature highschool roles too much, and I don't think Heirs is the last time we'll see him in a highschool role. I haven't seen City Hunter yet, but I kind of want to so I can see another serious character.
LMH doesn't get all the credit, though, KHS was very good, too. Not only did she not look a day over 25, but she was a good actor, too. If I'm not mistaken, this drama was her comeback. She took a break after she had a kid (or 2?). I can't believe she looks so beautiful, I really liked it. She played her character well, too. Eun Soo was a very bright, but funny girl. She was smart, and she could be serious, but she was also fun, exciting, and almost a little impulsive. The character development in this drama was good, too, including the Emperor and Empress. Their relationship was kind of funny, to be honest. I found myself engaged and interested in their relationship just as much as LMH and KHS's. The side plots and romance in this show were very thought out.
It's sad that some people really don't like this show. Some don't like the set, or the story. It's true, this story was actually supposed to be something else, but something happened and their budget dropped off so the magic and editing was a little underdone, to some people. But I, personally, am a story and acting kind of person over a CGI and appearance person. I liked it for what it was, not what it could have been.
If you are interested in a serious Lee Min Ho, a touch of magic, and a historical drama this is the one for you. I highly recommend it!
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Story's likable, it has sufficient amount of plot twists that will make you interested enough to watch every episode. It, however, has a few rather naive explanations for the later buildup and will seem a well-cooked, but messily decorated dish.
Acting made me immersed into the plot straight away from first episode; there's mild chemistry between the leads but NO awkwardness, which is to compliment, since there's ten years of age difference between them. Moreover, Ryu Deok Hwan and Park Se Young were adorable in their roles, especially their on-scene relationship. The baddies have done considerably well too, and I especially put accent on General's army bunch, since they gave me that tiny bit of amusement I needed to go through whole 24 episodes.
The music was good, it was tailored to the scenes and not overly high-pitched and bothersome. Commendable.
I am torn when it comes to rewatching aspect. Mainly, it's because while I did love the story, acting and the numerous paths that the plot took, the second time around it will be extensively less interesting since the suspense of plot resolve will just not be there anymore. And that takes a huge slice of attractiveness about it.
This is a well-crafted drama, that's plainly obvious. From the plot, actors to musical background, the flow was impressive and welcome. However, there are a few problems I'd like to point out; such as too many episodes (it should've had around 18 at most), skyrocketing angst that piled up in the second part to the point where it was nearly unbearable (maybe it's gonna be a plus for other reviewers, but I found it to be way over the top), and the weak resolve at the end. I did understand what they were going for, but it sounded so loopholed that it barely passed as a viable answer.
Without further ado, I recommend Faith as a worthy sample of historical romantic tale.
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It started out as a strong drama with a lot of potential. Imagine a present (hot chic) doctor will be dragged by someone to time travel back to Yuan dynasty's time? The idea is fresh and unique to me for it is the first time-traveling drama that I have seen. But when it reached the 10+ episodes, it became so boring to me for many reasons.
Repetitive conflicts, mediocre acting, and really absurd antagonists. Even the story itself didn't make sense (I am trying not to spoil anything, if there is really to spoil about). I have this hope that the ending will be something different, but it was really a disappointment.
If there is something which got me in this drama, it's the music. The OSTs are really good. That's all on the good side.
To wrap it all, Faith is not that bad but obviously, is not a good drama. It can make you skip a lot of episodes and proceed to watching immediately the ending. I hope to see Lee Min Ho and Kim Hee Sun together again (if there will be a chance) for they really have a good chemistry, but not with a time-traveling story. Better go with a rom-com.
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While watching it in the beginning, I really was not recommending it to anyone to watch; however, that changed past the mid point and everything improved (except for ep 19/20 which I wondered who was directing)! Overall, I have to say that this female pairing with KHS was the best of all of LMH’s female leads; hands down. Even though I liked City Hunter immensely, I wasn’t too thrilled about PMY. Even though, Eun Soo and Choi Young hardly kissed, the romance was tremendous! In just a touch, a look, a caress, damn, the romance was definitely there! Don’t get me started! I’m now recommending it to be watched because its well worth it! Gongmin and Noguk, not withstanding were my favorite couple in the beginning but the story transformation for CY and ES improved so much that I was waiting with bated breath for their scenes. Now, if we could have seen Prince Deuk get his comeuppance, I would have had more satisfaction and forgiven them for killing off my Dol Bae *tears*! Its so rare, especially is sagueks (fusion or otherwise) that you develop such a vested interest in so many characters!
Vast improvement in LMH’s acting and I truly enjoyed it! This truly has been a wonderful year for drama!
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Story: 9 - Wonderful, wonderful story (and very attractive leads). Usually I have a really hard time sitting through historical dramas because they tend to drag. This one delivered the usually dull historical background of period dramas in a refreshing and pretty humourous new way: through the eyes of someone who's reluctantly studied the times in history class. I thought the leads had amazing chemistry, despite the age difference of the actors. They really charmed me, made me cry, scared, emotional, and became a big part of what got me so hooked. The reason why I give a 9 and not 10 is because of the loose ends and the rushed ending. The cinematography left a lot to be desired as well, with greatly exaggerated stunt scenes and cheap-looking costumes... but I understand every drama has a budget. Also, there were a few too many musical flashbacks showing the same scenes, which felt awkward. I really think the storyline made up for these shortcomings, however the ending could have been written better,.
Acting/Cast: 10 - There were literally no flaws among the actors - at least I can't point out a single one. I absolutely loved LMH's serious and frank character in this, and how beautifully it worked with Kim Hee Sun's quirky charms and outspokenness. Another actor that struck me was Ryu Deok Hwan. I haven't watched any other dramas with him, but even as a secondary character, man can he act. I wouldn't have changed anything about the casting choice in Faith.
Music: 5 - There wasn't anything particularly memorable in the OST, and I'll be honest, the music was very awkwardly edited with scenes. Some OSTs were used a bit too frequently as well, I found.
Rewatch Value: 7 - Some scenes were just so heartwarming, and some really got my heart to speed up in excitement. I might watch this drama again particularly for those scenes.
Overall: 9 - I'm weighing some factors more heavily than others because I really do think this drama is worth the watch despite all its flaws. Definitely give it a chance.
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