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Sympathy For Lady Vengeance
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Though it’s far less bloody than the first two, Park Chan Wook’s Sympathy for Lady Vengeance should be held in just as high regard. It outclasses Tarantino’s Kill Bill as a revenge story with far deeper turmoil.
Filmed in an almost grotesque fairytale manner, it is about the struggle between a saintly pale faced damsel in distress and a cunning witch donned in red eye make-up and classy heels. Stranger yet, is that both characters are one and the same - Ms Geum Ja (Lee Young-Ae) who seeks vengeance for crimes committed against her.
This film has the right blend of humour, love, family elements yet maintains an incredibly intense dark tone throughout. The surreal shots, the use of music and the progression of the story are nearly flawless.
I would happily use the words 'compelling' 'heart wrenching' and 'beautiful' to describe Park Chan Wook’s Sympathy for Lady Vengeance. However, to this description you must also add 'chilling' and 'horrifically sinister' to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of this film. Lady Vengeance provides the audiences with intense off-camera violence and in this film it is the aftermath of the violence that is most effective. It’s not the violence that bothers the viewer but the situation in which it arises.
This offering by this amazing director is not for those who can only stomach physical brutality but that of the emotional type, thus making opinions surrounding this film as divisive as its predecessors. Like most pieces of art, it really depends on one’s taste. But one thing is for sure; whether you’re swayed by the deeper emotional content or the hard to ignore visual elements, there is at least one thing you’ll love about this film.
Or if not, you won’t be able to forget it for a variety of reasons.
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Worried this will 'ruin it'?
Worry no more! You will LOVE it!
Never heard of the manga or the anime?
Worried this is far from what you are usually used to in a drama?
Worry no more! You will LOVE it!
A hilarious yet strangely moving story about the how a love of music can bring together people of contrasting personalities on a journey of epic self-discovery. Sounds cheesy but fellow sceptics, worry not! This drama is a joy to watch. Just stick with it and I promise you won't regret it.
In their roles, Tamaki Hiroshi and Ueno Juri bring to life complicated characters in such a way no manga/anime enthusiasts can fault. As with any adaptation, there are tons that could go wrong; from executing the story to getting right the casting/acting. Furthermore, the hardest thing to do is maintain the 'feel' of the original piece of work which was drawn or animated. This is hard to do this without making the drama look tacky or overacted. Nodame Cantabile however, managed to really capture the point of 'live action' making this drama a perfectly complementary to the manga/anime. Yet it as a stand-alone it somehow manages to remain accessible and enjoyable to the general public.
The incredibly colourful supporting characters are just wonderful to watch, with enough screen-time to keep things lively and interesting, yet not too much to keep us from enjoying the story of the two wonderful leads. The progression of the story is perfect, not too slow to become a drag and not too fast to hurt the overall impact of the drama.
The slapstick humour is so well-executed that you can't help but laugh out loud (even if you saw yourself as having a more 'sophisticated' sense of humour). The blend of comedy and serious drama is flawless and there is enough to please those who look forward to tearful emotional scenes. What can I say, the drama caters to variety of people! If you know a thing or two about classical music, you are bound to enjoy the wonderful pieces portrayed. And if you don't, you'll be surprised to find yourself with a new sense of appreciation for it.
I can't sing enough praise for this drama. It is far from typical, effortlessly funny and uplifting. Great chemistry between the entire cast, tons of memorable scenes and wonderful use of music.
For lovers of music, comedy and drama, a definite must see. And for those who have doubts about whether this drama is their cup of tea Broaden your horizons and give it a go.
You could be pleasantly surprised. :)
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So why should you watch it?
Because it is one of the only dramas where the relationship between the two leads is realistic, healthy and loving. Their rapport is natural. The small honest gestures of portray true love. And both characters are reasonable. No unnecessary drama, feuding or harsh words. They start of not antagonistic in an unrealistic sense but mostly civil.
It is refreshing to see a leading man whose character is humbled and is genuinely likable. It is refreshing to see a leading woman whose character isn't gratingly annoying but fiercely independent in an understated manner. Not the usually over the top confrontational manner that Asian dramas find sooo 'attractive' in the lead girl. Also best thing about it? Jiro Wang as Mars is respectful, caring and vulnerable playing the usual pretentious trades of the lead guy up for jokes. No alpha male arm pulling, no romantic gestures laced with sexism. MOST IMPORTANTLY! For a romantic comedy, there is no unecessary focus on other characters, sure there is an annoying sister but she serves a purpose. Also, the love triangle is handled in a less than typical manner, the villains are reasonable in all their 'villianly acts' and use of drama OST is great.
See? Refreshing.
My only problem is the low production value of the drama. Imaginative direction is not helped by low budget equipment, bad sound editing and certain awkward scenes. But hey, Taiwanese dramas aren't know for the 'purdy colours' as expensive K-dramas are.
Surprisingly enjoyable with some touching and memorable scenes.
Worth it.
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This movie should have been a typical take on revenge executed in a typical 'cat and mouse chase' fashion and cushioned with a tons of gore and sexual violence.
HOWEVER!
It managed to be SOOO much more than that. Surprisingly deep and every act of violence has a purpose and a consequence. A story ultimately about how pain and grief can push one to the edge of humanity. Lee Byung-hyun makes us weep for him and not because of what he lost...but what he is willing to forsake just to get even.
Stellar cast, incredibly well plotted and an ending that stirs your soul.
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This drama dares to challenge Korean society and drama lovers in several ways.
For one, the leading man is broke ass, immature, totally unsuave and emasculated to the max. The second is that it, not necessarily deals with, but definitely touches upon important issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights and gender roles.
Yet it somehow manages to remain a lighthearted romantic comedy. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing is debatable. Though Kim Sun-ah is incredible in her role as hard-working no-nonsense director of a successful business, her romance with Lee Jang Woo (who managed to transform into a man-puppy for this drama) lacks the K-drama 'rule of thumb' spark. However, this could be a good thing as the rate at which she warms to him is believable and incredibly touching. Personally, the first part of the drama, I preferred watching her interactions with Park Gun Hyung who can be effortlessly charming even during the few scenes where his character lets slip sexist archaic opinions. But the second part of the drama makes you adore Lee Jang-woo.
The rivalry between between the two women of the show is handled maturely, as is the rivalry between the men. The friendships and working relationships are genuine. There is none of that exaggerated bitchy stereotypes and unnecessary, off-putting and incredibly offensive alpha male behaviour we're so used to in less sophisticated dramas.
The few problems I had with the show are as follows;
The leading lady's father genuinely petrified me! He seemed aggressive and his verbal abuse of her mother seemed less comedic and more sinister than I would have liked for a light story. The main song used throughout grated at my ears, a horrendously cheesy predictable sound. The use of flashbacks was also sloppy which is a pity because the script is fun yet clever, realistically and brilliantly written. The direction just isn't as creative as the writing, in my opinion.
Kim Sun-Ah is the star of this drama and her performance alone is enough to urge you to watch it. Lee Jang-woo might need a little warming to, but over all - Do I like this drama?
I do, I kinda do.
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