Though it wasn't the best, for the time-travelling theme, it will be my top choice. I love the twist the writer did in the said theme. I also like that from the usual use of Joseon period from sageuks, this one picked another part of Korean History to learn something to, which was the Goryeo period. The storyline had a little of almost everything; romance,action, political conflicts, camarederie of a group and even comedic scenes that when I looked back, I realized I wasn't really bored watching it. As much as I loved the endearing story of Royal couple, I find the the story of the main couple more memorable. Their romance wasn't just love transcending time; theirs was more on belief that when love is there, it can withstand the test of time. Since the ending was of my intense liking, of course, it's happy!
Cast/Acting: The casts were all great. Lee Min Ho's acting was getting better by every drama he played in. He captured the right emotions for the scenes needed for it. From the start, I loved the character of Kim Hee Sun. She had such a fun personality that for me, she lights up the mood for the show. Ki Chul's obsession was so strong that I pitied him in the end. I love all the Woodalchi's and the sidekicks of Choi Young, they had such a special camaraderie among themselves.
Music: Ali's Carry On was my new favorite OST. It's perfect for the romantic scenes. For me this drama was one of those which had great soundtracks, almost all the songs did captivate my ears.
Rewatch Value: For me whose not fond of rewatching, it's worth a one-time watch. As a fan of Lee Min Ho, it's likely that I'll rewatch this one, maybe after a year, when I miss him,.lol
Overall : A time-travel drama I enjoyed watching in its own pace. I haven't heard another time-travel drama so if this one will be the last this year, what a great way to end that theme with Faith! I'll surely miss this one. It's a drama worth spending your time.
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Let me start off by explaining to you how perfectly the music worked with the whole powerful Goryeo Royalty and the funny and always-present-to-protect Woodalchi (the *personal bodyguards* of the king). The music fit with the characters, and when it was necessary it would be just dramatic enough to fit the scene (if it was a love-scene or a *I have a plan to destroy the nation*- scene. I especially loved the heartbreaking ballad "Carry On", you'll hear why.
The main draw to this drama for me was Lee Min Ho, for I did not know any other actor, but I fell in love with the supporting roles. My heart broke more when something would/could happen to them than when the mains were in danger (also mostly because the main roles almost never die until the last ep. *not saying that will or will not happen here!* but the supports were very well developed and integrated in the story. Of course Lee Min Ho was great, it was a totally different side of his, really great acting, strong and powerful but also emotionally confused. The female lead had a great character build throughout the drama and the chemistry between them was credible which made me actually wait for scenes with only the two of them. Last, the bad guy(s), you just really hate them, but when another shows his face you actually feel bad for the first bad guy who was *shoved* away. But well, there is nothing more fun that hating someone for a small hour at a time.
Finally the story, there were political conspiracies as far as the eye could reach, so kinda a lot. Well, it depends on personal preferences, but together with the rest of the story it evens out a lot. The whole *going-back-in-time-and-adapting* was well worked out for Eun-Soo (the female lead) who seemed a bit of a natural in *the Goryeo ways*, but we don't care as long as what happens during the story is exciting, and it is. Conspiracies, fighting, more conspiracies, more fighting, kidnapping and extortion, it never ends. However, the script itself... Thank you writers, good job. Well written, almost no loose ends and it is very rarely boring (for like 5 minutes max)... This all makes the drama rewatchable (I think you'd understand more of it when rewatched) and one of the better ones this year.
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I loved the drama. It doesn't fit the best drama standard but its enjoyable all the same. the actors were great (the villains were of a most devious, powerful and poisonous vein- simply awesome i tell you).
i will not lie to you, it does drag a little bit in the middle but the last episode has you on your toes so i would say its worth it. the story is nothing new, its derivative and cliched but it unfolds well. the characters change, grow and love in a beautiful way. Both the leads are amazing, one astoundingly heroic, cool and strong; the other quirky, funny, and charming. the actions scenes are good and the romance is cute and touching (although i was disappointed with the lack of adequately thrilling kiss scenes).
the music was a let-down. i'm not saying it was bad, but I think it was n't well-suited. it could've been better.
all in all, it's been emotional. i hope you guys like this one too. :)
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One of the most things I like about this drama are the Woodalchi-warriors. They made me so happy and sad while watching the drama. So much feelings. And they just give me the needed dosis of Bromance. Bromance is essential to me. Ah, what should I do? I think I took an overdose. Damn, this is so addicting ..
Ah, I've nearly forgotten to write about the villain: I think Gi Cheol is my favorite villain of all time. I admittedly wanted him dead most of the time, but I dind't hate him. I could even feel something like sympathy toward him.
All in all a really great drama. definitely worth watching. Once. Or twice. Or thrice. Omo ..
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Ok... since more than half my review got cut off... *sigh* this is tedious. *PART TWO*
Yoo Eun Soo (Kim Hee Sun)- Honestly, I was a little annoyed with the cast at the beginning (before I began watching the drama). I didn't really like the main actress (I usually never do), and didn't think that she would be someone deserving of Choi Young. My suspicions were confirmed in the first and second episode. She was weak, pitiful, and desperate. In the third episode, my anger with the main actress flared to it's peak (can't explain without revealing spoilers), but soon after, I was extremely surprised to find my anger dying down during the episodes that followed. In fact, before I knew it, I found that I had grown very fond of Yoo Eun Soo. She wasn't the weakling of my first impression, but she was a strong woman- stronger than many other characters in the story. Even in the story, she was highly praised and respected as a "doctor from the heavens". I loved the way her character developed. She wasn't one to hide her feelings- she constantly expressed worry for Choi Young and although he kept brushing her away, she always returned to his side (which eventually became one of the strongest relationships between the two lead characters that I have ever seen). She did not hesitate to speak her mind, and casually insulted the bad guys who annoyed her. Even with her life in danger, she would not lash out with frustration, but was fairly calm. However, if one of the ones she cared about was in danger, she'd stop at nothing for revenge. In fact, there were also times where she had to save the one she loved- which was a nice vacation from the cliche damsel-in-distress. To be honest, I think Yoo Eun Soo and Choi Young clicked together perfectly- they were a perfect match- much better than Lee Min Ho's couples in his previous dramas (though some may disagree). I could have picked no better actor than Kim Hee Sun for acting out Yoo Eun Soo's character. Kim Hee Sun was a new actor for me. I had not seen her acting in any other dramas, so I was very surprised at the skills she displayed. Not once in the entire drama did it seem like she was merely "acting". She immersed herself completely in the role, and everything seemed perfectly real- especially her wide array of emotions. I highly respect her as a female actor, and believe that she proved to be as good as any of the male actors in the story, including Lee Min Ho- for once, I believed that their acting was fairly well-matched, which made for an amazing chemistry (one of the best) between the two. If it were anyone else, the romance would have suffered quite a bit. The romantic moments were, I must say, quite cheesy, but the two lead actors pulled it off in a way that you didn't even notice- you would be too busy staring wide-eyed at the screen, screaming in your head at them to take it a step further.
Prince DeokHeung (Park Yoon Jae)- Another new face for me. However, as with Yoo Eun Soo, I was impressed by both Prince DeokHeung and Park Yoon Jae. Prince DeokHeung was... a very, very bad man. However, he fluctuated quite a bit throughout the dramas- almost managing to touch the extreme sides of evil AND good. There were some moments where I honestly didn't know how to judge him. Sometimes, his actions seemed as though only he knew what he was doing, because there seemed to be no explanation for what he did sometimes. Yes, he was a bad guy who killed people, but... there's something more (Faith even managed to develop the bad guys extremely well). Prince DeokHeung was... not one of those bad guys who had no heart and killed people because it made him feel good, but he was also not one of those right-on-the-line bad guys who became good after a while. He was selfish, greedy, and did whatever he wanted, but, I could find that it was possible to relate with him. I mean, aren't the majority of us greedy, selfish, and rebellious (in a way)? I even pitied him at some parts of the drama- he was so desperate... He was introduced as a powerful man- more powerful than even the King himself. He did whatever he wanted and was very good at manipulating people. However, throughout the drama, you could watch him crumble into a pathetically weak man who lost everything and was desperate for salvation. The actor did a very good job in portraying him, and even his looks corresponded with his personality, which was an added bonus. Prince DeokHeung had a loose end that wasn't entirely tied up, but it doesn't really keep the viewer wondering about what happened, so it was fine for me.
ARGH. TOO MANY CHARACTERS AND TOO LITTLE TIME. I promise, only three more (whom I really want to review), and they will be shorter, ok? Bear with me here.
King Gongmin (Ryu Deok Hwan)- Ok, I've read some of the reviews, and there were a few mentions of the king. I just want to quickly state my opinion. Although I am not familiar with Korean history, I was not disappointed with the King, nor the acting. I think he was a good actor, and did what he was supposed to do. The King was portrayed as weak and unable to do things by himself, but honestly, isn't that what most kings do? Is that not why they have advisors and minsters to do lots of things for them? Also, a HUGE NOTE that has been nagging at me for a while- some people complained about the pathetic king that really couldn't do anything, but I believe it was absolutely NECESSARY. Think about it. How would Choi Young's character be developed without using the king's personality? The storyline would be completely changed!! The way the King was developed was perfect in order to create Choi Young's strong character. And, there needs to be contrast in a drama- it's no fun if all the characters are exceptionally strong. Also, I'm sure me and many others have noted the lack of emotion that the King exhibits. I am convinced that this is also done on purpose. The King is portrayed as a weakling, but he has a great amount of pride. If he waves around his emotions to anyone who is not blind, wouldn't they think of him more as a weakling? He kept his inner feelings to himself and tried to maintain a solid demeanour so as to not damage the pride of himself and the Queen.
Princess (Queen) Nogoog (Park Se Young)- Wow. Here is another strong woman who is determined to do what she believes is right, and is not swayed by others. She is able to both sacrifice her pride and protect it when necessary, and she is always there by the King's side when he needs her. She is the main reason why the King kept going, and their relationship development was also very pleasing to watch. My first impression was a bratty princess who was spoiled and couldn't fend for herself, but I was definitely proven wrong. She is one who fights her own battles, along with the King's battles. She cares for those around her, and this has also made her another one of my favourite characters.
Dae Man (Kim Jong Moon)- Omigosh, I'm sorry, I just HAD to mention him in this review X3 He was the one who caught my attention from the start, other than Choi Young. He has an amazing attitude and is very acquiescent to nearly anyone, especially his superiors, and especially Choi Young. He has a very close relationship with Choi Young, but also Yoo Eun Soo. Although he is not as strong as the other warriors, he doesn't hesitate to sacrifice himself for others. His hyperactive personality, acrobatic fight moves and stuttering all combined to make one very interesting character to watch- definitely one of my favourite characters.
*SIDE NOTE*
I really liked the relationships... and not just the relationship between the two lead actors. There were so many close relationships (which led to many sacrifices) throughout the drama, and some of those relationships made it through to the very end, despite going through hardships which threatened to split them apart. I love how Choi Young isn't blindly in love with the lead actress, but still knows how to maintain relationships with his friends, comrades and the King who believes in him. Yoo Eun Soo isn't a doctor who only sees Choi Young, but instead manages to make good friends along her adventure in another world. The Woodalchi aren't just a group of soldiers, but a group of friends who would sacrifice themselves for each other, and they don't just follow their general, they worry and care for him too. There are numerous lines that connect every single character in the drama, and although some of them may be extremely evil and corrupted, none of them are completely alone in the world- there is always someone there, by their side, no matter what situation they're in at the moment.
Music:
Music is one section I don't have a good review for, because usually, the action on-screen distracts me too much for me to be able to judge the music. However, I can say that many of the OST's are now in my iTunes, and I listen to them a lot. One of the things I love about OST's in general is that when I listen to them after I watch the drama, it brings up nostalgic memories and sometimes brings tears to my eyes.
Rewatch value:
I have no intention of rewatching this... ever. I don't usually rewatch dramas, unless there's a sequel a few years after the original, in which case I would have to refresh my memory. However, I doubt there will be a sequel. The reason I'm not planning on rewatching this... well, the twists and surprises were amazing the first time, but they'd be predictable the second time, which isn't as fun to watch. Also, the entire drama would be a bit pointless, since everything that happens basically serves to lead up to the grande finale... which I already watched- so... is there a point? The feeling that this drama has left me with... I don't want to forget it, and I'm afraid that if I watch it again, I won't be left feeling the same way. I do NOT want to witness some amazing characters dying again- once is enough for me. As for the chemistry between the two lead actors... I really hope they star in another drama together. But, it'd be really frustrating to watch them resist each other in the beginning, especially if you already know what's going to happen at the end.
Overall:
Honestly, I was planning to give this drama a 9 when I saw the first few episodes, but that score fell down to a 7 or 8 in the middle, but with the ending... I have no choice but to give this drama a 10. Well, there were some small flaws, but not big enough or numerous enough to take away the effect of the drama as a whole. So... 9.5 maybe, but I'll round up ;) I don't really know what else to explain... I hope my score is self-explanatory after reading all that.. :\ On a side note, I think some of the filming could have been done a little better, for more effect depending on the situation, but the action on-screen did well to distract the viewer from how they were actually filming the scenes. I would like to say something about the script, but I can't really. The reason is because I'm not fluent in korean, and I usually watch the dramas with english subs. This being said, I don't think it's fair for me to judge the script, because it is not the direct script, and it would just be me judging the translator's words, which could make a huge difference. So... until I learn korean, I'll just not mention anything about the script.
I'm left with a hole in my heart, which can only be repaired by another exceptional drama (until that drama leaves a hole in my heart, and the cycle continues...).
As with all my favourite dramas, I'd like for there to be a sequel, except most of the time, it's because I'm not satisfied with the ending. If a sequel were to come out, I'd definitely watch it without hesitation, but I'm extremely curious as to what they could come up with- I mean, the ending was perfect, what else can they do? They could tie up a few loose ends and maybe stray from the storyline of the first, but honestly, I like sequels which keep the main cast for both seasons.
Now... onto another drama. Which is going to be hard for me to find/watch, because my expectations have just been raised again and if it's not the absolute best, I don't think I can bear watching another drama. This is the side-effect of being a drama addict. *sigh*
P.S. This review is also a side-effect of writing too many social essays and bio labs in a week... I can't constrain myself anymore... TT-TT
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1) Story? Oh, its genius. I have never liked supernatural and time travel on real life characters except "Back To The Future Series". But this story line is mind blowing. The depiction of a gone era and its generation in relevance to the present era and its respective generation. The perspective of how it is now and how it was back then. The warrior-doctor love story was sewed amazingly. The action kept me in their grip. This is another one beside "King2Hearts". Whoever liked "King2Hearts" would surely like this!
2) Acting/Cast? Oh, again a marvelous casting team made the story embrace you by coming alive. How Lee Min Ho is concerned for Kim Hee Sun. And watch out for the acting. It was what made this drama.
3) Music? My favorite is the Princess Nogoong's track by Ali. And also the main song! The score's wonderful.
Overall, Good work. Although directions and enhancement of a scene at some points could have been much better but somehow at the end of the show you feel that it has been compensated anyhow! I liked it.
Now, do you really wanna ask me about the rewatch value? :P
I don't think so. Go and watch it!
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Initially, I was sceptical of the Kim Hee Sun-Lee Min Ho pairing - among the usual concerns are the age gap - but it grew on me and I like the mature way the romance was played out, probably helped by the writing (no unnecessary noble idiocy and a very forthright couple in this show). Thankfully the show isn't just driven by the KHS-LMH romance, but also by other relationships, which I particularly liked - the relationship between the king and queen, between the king and LMH's character, and the camaraderie & brotherhood amongst the Woodalchi.
There are moments of comedy in this show - the transition KHS's character makes from 2012 Seoul to 14th century Goryeo, and all the modern language and habits she brings with her. At times the villains are hilarious.
Several scenes were poorly executed - weird transitions from scene to scene, music not being used properly to add to the mood of a scene, not enough grandeur given to action scenes etc.
I felt that the story was only adequate for a 20 or 22 episode long drama - 24 episodes felt way too long and I gradually got bored towards the end because several conflicts and threats by the villains were recycled and I was just pleading with them to act on their threats so I could see some plot movement happening. Thankfully the ending was good, but it sure took the drama WAY too long to reach that point.
This had the potential to be a great show, but unfortunately it is just a good show.
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I loved the role of Choi Young (played by the Lee Minho), fabulously played.Also the role of Eun Soo was also great. Watching this drama you can sense the feeling & the environment.The whole cast make it worth of watching.The story,the music everything was suitable.You can't say that anything was exceeding its limits.After finishing this I'm sad that it's ended. But well thank god it had a happy ending.I also like the character of pledge siblings. I think that Ki Cheol played his role well to show the madness of character.The thing I don't like was that it ended (joking).
P.S. I was really wishing to see the ending with royal doctor but he had to leave the set early (due to surgery).
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Ok, the reason why I couldn't give this perfect scores is the execution of the directing. I felt like something was missing at times even though the acting and emotions and even the setting was good. I can't pin point what it was. It is just a feeling. When it first started I was really excited about the fantasy aspect of the story, but it was underused. I don't know if it was budget restraints or what, but this could have been better if they had played up the fantasy powers. How many times can someone get poisoned??? Ridiculous!!! Another thing was the romance between Choi Young and Eun Soo was really underplayed also. They were cute and had great chemistry. I don't know how many times I yelled at the screen for him to kiss her. What a waist. It was a drama that didn't have a love triangle/square so you would think they would capitalize on that and make it more mushy. Obviously the story was more about their romance and their faith that they could be together through anything. I really liked that part of the story. I also liked that once they decided that they were in love with each other, they didn't falter. The king and queen were too adorable and I really enjoyed their love story. I'm glad they didn't focus so much on them and focused more on Choi Young and Eun Soo. Too many times a director gives too much screen time to the supporting roles. I could care less about all the political junk and although there was some story concerning Choi Young's relationship with the king, I think most of the story revolved around Eun Soo. LOVE THE ENDING!!! It wrapped everything up and explained so much.
Now for the acting...I thought Kim Hee Sun as Eun Soo was great. She was quirky and strong. Yeah, she cried, but I never felt that she cried because of weakness or self-pity. I enjoyed her acting, because she expressed her emotions very well. Lee Min Ho has charisma as an actor. I felt Choi Young’s pain and happiness and was really worried about how he would react when Eun Soo disappeared. I believe that is all due to Lee Min Ho’s acting ability. Ryu Deok Hwan as the king and Park Se Young as the queen did an excellent job. It is really hard to express yourself when you are supposed to stay in control of your emotions. The Woodalchi were great also especially Kim Jong Moon as Dae Man. Although I was sad that Lee Philip had to stop during the drama for eye surgery (hope he is fine), I was glad they didn’t play up his part to be the second love interest of Eun Soo. He did well as Dr. Jang though and he is just too cute. I also like Choi Young's friends that were "bandits" or whatever. The "bad guys" are also good. Shout out to Park Yoon Jae who really made me hate Prince Deokheung. I wanted to strangle that guy.
The music was good, but sometimes awkwardly placed.
I would rewatch this if I was looking for something sweet. It really doesn’t have that much angst. I was never once worried that either main lead would die. Although I prefer melodramas, this is a refreshing change when needed.
Overall, it is a drama worth watching. Just lower your expectations from epic to sweet love story and you are set.
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I didn't expect to love Eun Soo when I started it but she became my favourite character just from how funny she was. A modern, intelligent, 21st century woman stuck in the past, baffling everyone with her "heavenly knowledge and ways". It really was the ultimate fish out of water scenario and was so so funny to watch. I also just loved her character as she tackled all of this stuff head on with a brave face and a smile but still let herself cry when faced with the overwhelmingly traumatic events she experienced. She was the type of heroine I enjoy watching, someone who feels like a real person and is actually proactive in the story and contributes to the plot (an annoyingly rare thing to find in kdramas imo).
Then there's Choi Young. Oh boy, well everyone who knows anything about korean dramas probably knows Lee Min Ho, and I really loved him in this. I've seen him in a few dramas and this was actually my favourite role of his. Watching his development throughout the series from someone simply existing to someone who actually finds a reason and will to live was wonderful. His unbelievably badass skills, his constant need to protect everyone, his amazing bromance with the King and his "just do it well" approach to leadership was fantastic. I was also really enchanted by the overarching plot of him having become weary with this life of killing and whether he would or could lay down his sword.
The main romance was so unbelievably sweet and beautiful to watch. It progressed in such a nice way, not too rushed or too slow, and developed into this wonderful love story that I will rewatch again and again. I tend to love stories where the guy falls for the girl first so that was also a major plus. In general they were just really adorable and I LOVED all the Wudalchi totally invested in their boss' love life haha.
Apart from the love story though, it was also a really interesting story to watch. I usually get fed up with the story in kdramas but this kept me hooked until the very end. In particular I really enjoyed Gongnim as a character, watching him grow from the nervous paranoid man to the great King he was destined to be. And his relationship with Noguk was a great secondary love story too. The Wudalchi were all so adorable, especially in their complete devotion to Choi Young and their giddy interest in his love life with Eun Soo. Everytime CY&ES had a moment in front of the wudalchi and you'd see them get these great big smiles on their faces, I laughed like crazy. It was so adorable to watch. The wonderful relationship between Choi Young and Gongnim was also a major highlight, especially considering what important historical figures they are.
Overall, this drama was such a wonderful surprise. I honestly didn't expect to love it as much as I did and this is definitely one I would recommend to anyone looking for a great love story with an equally great plot.
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First the romance, my favorite part of the drama and the aspect of it that saves Faith for me. The relationship between Eun Soo and Choi Young was breathtaking to witness. The subtlety with which Lee Minho portrayed Young's emotions made me truly respect him as an actor. He conveyed so much feeling through the tiniest of gestures, and Kim Hee Sun replied in kind to Minho's every glance, sigh, and emotional flicker. It was like watching a dance. Never once throughout the entire drama did i question Young and Eun Soo's love for one another. There were none of the tried and true tropes found in the more adolescent love stories that rule dramaland. In this way the romance in Faith reminded me a lot of Emergency Couple: mature, mutual, dedicated, and responsible. If the drama was nothing but this romance it would receive a 9 from me in a heartbeat.
The plot is where I lay many of my criticisms. While Faith lacked many of the romance tropes that plague dramaland it was rife with them in the main plot. I found myself frequently bored by the side characters (not the king and queen who were both lovely but some of the lesser characters) and constantly questioning the villain's motivation. I did not understand the need for the fantasy/supernatural aspects of the main plot (barring the time travel); this aspect of the drama was in my opinion its weakest point. It undermined an otherwise very serious portrayal of life's difficult choices and great triumphs. The plot could simply have been better constructed and the drama cut down by at least 4 episodes. So much time I would rather have spent on the beautifully constructed romance was spent instead on bad plot. This is the main reason for my rating.
I hope this was helpful. Faith was a beautiful drama but not one I would recommend to those that require constant stimulation. It is slow and subdued. I do, however, recommend this highly to anyone who loves Lee Minho; this is, in my opinion, his best role.
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