tenoh27
Across the East Sea
A story where the sum of the parts added up to more than that of each individual parts, a synergy, if you would. That said, not everyone would find this appealing, as even while I was thoroughly enjoying and loving the drama, its flaws were always apparent.
However, if this drama is one that could weave its magic for you, it would be a gem not easily forgotten, as it was for me. I held off watching this drama for years even although it was considered by some to be the ultimate in Noona romance - a favourite trope of mine - just because I could not stand looking at Lee Jong Seok and not a fan of Yoon Sang Hyun either.
However, Lee Bo Young and Lee Da Hee captivated me, so after coming off from another disappointing drama, I opted to plunge into this classic.
Story:
As a wannabe legal and courtroom drama, it might come off sorely lacking in many aspects, and many-a-times laughable - but with the many miscarriages-of-justice in real life at the back of my mind - I could not fault the show’s at times wide-eyes idealism when it comes to law and its principles (and I was reminded by a different review that Korean law would be very different from laws in other countries, so bear that in mind when we compare the procedural here with what we gleaned from UK/US shows, which were not always accurate either).
At the heart of this show was its sincere believe in the inviolable notions of truth and justice, a theme threaded throughout, as were other more spiritually illuminating lessons, peppered across the the storyline, which in actuality were catalysts for and vehicles of learning and growth for the characters. I also thoroughly appreciated the beats of comedy dotting the story, which had me chuckling each and every time, as ridiculous as they could be sometimes.
The strength of this drama was not its plot - which was overall quite simplistic and straightforward - but its ability to weave in the disparate bits and pieces of each sub-story to build towards a momentum highlighting the relationships and growth of each of the main/secondary characters, while delivering heartfelt messages, a feat in my estimation.The pacing was also gold, with not many sub plots leading us on a merry chase, as most were resolved within an episode or two at most, which meant not too many unnecessary fillers. Even the extensions were put to good use, fleshing out more of the secondary characters and providing skinships for our main OTP.
Characters/Cast:
The drama excelled in its characters and the development arcs for each, whether they were the leads or seconds, even the minor and villainous characters. Solidly competent acting backed up each, though I was wholly impressed by Jung Woong-In (as Min Joon-Gook) and Kim Hae Sook (Hye-Seong’s mother, Eo Choon-Sim), top notch veteran actors who stole the show even with the little screen time they had.
Lee Jong Seok and Yoon Sang Hyun mollified me with the actings chops they brought to their roles, and made their characters wonderfully lovable and engaging. Still, I had to keep myself from covering LJS’s face nearly the whole time I was watching the drama. I got used to his visuals just as the drama ended and rewatched the series for the ‘love story’ afters, since that was after all the original reason for which I watched this drama (a first for me, to rewatch just after completing a drama, and generally not fond of rewatching except for particular scenes).
Lee Bo Young and Lee Da Hee, while not really wowing me with their acting, did so excellently in the roles they were given that they embodied Jang Hye-Seong and Seo Do-Yeon for me, both of whom were amazing female characters I adore.
Lee Bo Young, with her elegant beauty, had my eyes glued to the screen all the time with her wonderful interpretation of Hye-Seong.
Romance:
I won’t actually categorize the romantic relationship for the main pairing here as a romance, as I didn’t feel any romantic vibes while watching. The progress in the relationship was executed organically in a somewhat low-key manner, excepting the constant comfortable domesticity and skinship. What we undoubtedly have, however, was a love story in the true essence of such.
The beginning of the love story began with a courageous choice, and the progress, marked by loyalty, determination, familial love, sacrificial love, comfort, caring, courage, honesty, trust and acceptance. The dynamics of their relationship were such that each spurred the growth and maturity of the other, nudging them to be better people by the end. After all that, why not a romantic and sexual bond too?
While the life-and-death situations in the show gave our couple the adrenaline to bond over, the reciprocated small gestures of care and love, as well as the honest communication shared, that cemented theirs as a relationship and love to stand the test of time and other ravages. (I never imagined that I would be getting a love story after my own heart in a drama, but colour me happily surprised).
Music/OST:
I did not find the tracks or music particularly appealing while I was watching the drama, but they grew to become favourites after the fact. The listening durability of the tracks were high, and am glad I stumbled upon some good singers and bands via the lovely OST.
Overall, am one of those who fell under the spell of IHYV, and felt extremely fortunate because of it. How often does a story and its messages pierce our heart and mind and do not let go even through the passage of time? Not often (in my case), and hence I treasure those moments when such a story comes into my life. This drama shot into my short list of Favourites after a long, long drought, and the emotional and intellectual resonance from it has been extremely satisfying, if nothing else. Truly a gem of a drama.
My rating is an effort to be more ‘objective’ about shows, and while they might be lower in relative to others, it is not a reflection of how I feel or think about the show. I love IHYV and it comes highly recommended, but it is not a 10 and I can’t in good conscience give it that even if my heart tells me otherwise.
It is also in acknowledgement that loving something and considering it “Daebak!” is very subjective, given the many people who could not get into or enjoy IHYV. The good thing is, though, that there are so many wonderful stories and dramas out there that there is one bound to appeal. Enjoy.
However, if this drama is one that could weave its magic for you, it would be a gem not easily forgotten, as it was for me. I held off watching this drama for years even although it was considered by some to be the ultimate in Noona romance - a favourite trope of mine - just because I could not stand looking at Lee Jong Seok and not a fan of Yoon Sang Hyun either.
However, Lee Bo Young and Lee Da Hee captivated me, so after coming off from another disappointing drama, I opted to plunge into this classic.
Story:
As a wannabe legal and courtroom drama, it might come off sorely lacking in many aspects, and many-a-times laughable - but with the many miscarriages-of-justice in real life at the back of my mind - I could not fault the show’s at times wide-eyes idealism when it comes to law and its principles (and I was reminded by a different review that Korean law would be very different from laws in other countries, so bear that in mind when we compare the procedural here with what we gleaned from UK/US shows, which were not always accurate either).
At the heart of this show was its sincere believe in the inviolable notions of truth and justice, a theme threaded throughout, as were other more spiritually illuminating lessons, peppered across the the storyline, which in actuality were catalysts for and vehicles of learning and growth for the characters. I also thoroughly appreciated the beats of comedy dotting the story, which had me chuckling each and every time, as ridiculous as they could be sometimes.
The strength of this drama was not its plot - which was overall quite simplistic and straightforward - but its ability to weave in the disparate bits and pieces of each sub-story to build towards a momentum highlighting the relationships and growth of each of the main/secondary characters, while delivering heartfelt messages, a feat in my estimation.The pacing was also gold, with not many sub plots leading us on a merry chase, as most were resolved within an episode or two at most, which meant not too many unnecessary fillers. Even the extensions were put to good use, fleshing out more of the secondary characters and providing skinships for our main OTP.
Characters/Cast:
The drama excelled in its characters and the development arcs for each, whether they were the leads or seconds, even the minor and villainous characters. Solidly competent acting backed up each, though I was wholly impressed by Jung Woong-In (as Min Joon-Gook) and Kim Hae Sook (Hye-Seong’s mother, Eo Choon-Sim), top notch veteran actors who stole the show even with the little screen time they had.
Lee Jong Seok and Yoon Sang Hyun mollified me with the actings chops they brought to their roles, and made their characters wonderfully lovable and engaging. Still, I had to keep myself from covering LJS’s face nearly the whole time I was watching the drama. I got used to his visuals just as the drama ended and rewatched the series for the ‘love story’ afters, since that was after all the original reason for which I watched this drama (a first for me, to rewatch just after completing a drama, and generally not fond of rewatching except for particular scenes).
Lee Bo Young and Lee Da Hee, while not really wowing me with their acting, did so excellently in the roles they were given that they embodied Jang Hye-Seong and Seo Do-Yeon for me, both of whom were amazing female characters I adore.
Lee Bo Young, with her elegant beauty, had my eyes glued to the screen all the time with her wonderful interpretation of Hye-Seong.
Romance:
I won’t actually categorize the romantic relationship for the main pairing here as a romance, as I didn’t feel any romantic vibes while watching. The progress in the relationship was executed organically in a somewhat low-key manner, excepting the constant comfortable domesticity and skinship. What we undoubtedly have, however, was a love story in the true essence of such.
The beginning of the love story began with a courageous choice, and the progress, marked by loyalty, determination, familial love, sacrificial love, comfort, caring, courage, honesty, trust and acceptance. The dynamics of their relationship were such that each spurred the growth and maturity of the other, nudging them to be better people by the end. After all that, why not a romantic and sexual bond too?
While the life-and-death situations in the show gave our couple the adrenaline to bond over, the reciprocated small gestures of care and love, as well as the honest communication shared, that cemented theirs as a relationship and love to stand the test of time and other ravages. (I never imagined that I would be getting a love story after my own heart in a drama, but colour me happily surprised).
Music/OST:
I did not find the tracks or music particularly appealing while I was watching the drama, but they grew to become favourites after the fact. The listening durability of the tracks were high, and am glad I stumbled upon some good singers and bands via the lovely OST.
Overall, am one of those who fell under the spell of IHYV, and felt extremely fortunate because of it. How often does a story and its messages pierce our heart and mind and do not let go even through the passage of time? Not often (in my case), and hence I treasure those moments when such a story comes into my life. This drama shot into my short list of Favourites after a long, long drought, and the emotional and intellectual resonance from it has been extremely satisfying, if nothing else. Truly a gem of a drama.
My rating is an effort to be more ‘objective’ about shows, and while they might be lower in relative to others, it is not a reflection of how I feel or think about the show. I love IHYV and it comes highly recommended, but it is not a 10 and I can’t in good conscience give it that even if my heart tells me otherwise.
It is also in acknowledgement that loving something and considering it “Daebak!” is very subjective, given the many people who could not get into or enjoy IHYV. The good thing is, though, that there are so many wonderful stories and dramas out there that there is one bound to appeal. Enjoy.
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