[Drama 2012] Faith 신의

[Thong Thin]

22 hours ago, Lmangla said:

last week of the faith re-watch! are you ready? how do you feel as we wind down to the end? @msdot @CallieP @syntyche @Thong Thin @Min2206 @H0ney and anyone else watching...

 

Will miss the Imja Couple 

[CallieP]

On 11/2/2020 at 3:18 AM, mademoisellesia said:

Aww, I understand your disappointment. It will forever be a pity in my heart too. However it's been 8 years so I've come to terms with it. I hope you will too and forgive Song Ji Na.

 

Faith just wasn't popular enough at the time so with publishing the novels, it doesn't seem like the publishing company was able to make profit from it. At the time, we had contacted the publishing company and asked if there was a chance for this to be translated into another language and they said the other markets were not interested. Last I know, I was told the copyrights were sold to Indonesia and Japan.

 

If my memory serves me right, Song Ji Na published a bit of volume 3 and said she hit a writer's block. Then all we know was she moved on to write Healer.

 

On Sept 11th this year, the actor who played Daeman did a live chat on his IG. Someone posted liking him in Faith (in English). He didn't understand what "Faith" was so I wrote "Shin Eui" and he understood. He just said, "that was a long time ago" and left it at that and said nothing else. I admit as a Faith fan I'd love to see a bit more enthuasiam from him about it but he said no more.

 

And then I thought, perhaps...

To us, Faith may give us many fond memories (and still is); however, it's probably not like that for the production crew & the actors because of what happened then—overworking staff, no money for wrap up party, staff not getting paid leading to the staff filing lawsuit against PD Kim and in the end PD Kim chose the suicide path. I can't helped but wonder these people, including Song Ji Na, may have preferred to put Faith away and not think/talk about it anymore because it brought back too many painful memories.

Yeah, I could see that LMH could not wait to get rid of his CY persona and cut his hair short the very next day and avoided talking or doing interviews about Faith. Total silence. We were hoping for some interviews and promotions but we could tell it was something he wanted to  forget and move on. During an interview for the Japanese DVD, he went back to the set and said something about not having been back to the location, like it was an unpleasant memory.  Later though when he realized what an effect his role as CY had on many fans, he started to soften and consider CY his favorite character. It was his fans who changed his mind with their love for CY.

[Min2206]

3 hours ago, CallieP said:

Yeah, I could see that LMH could not wait to get rid of his CY persona and cut his hair short the very next day and avoided talking or doing interviews about Faith. Total silence. We were hoping for some interviews and promotions but we could tell it was something he wanted to  forget and move on. During an interview for the Japanese DVD, he went back to the set and said something about not having been back to the location, like it was an unpleasant memory.  Later though when he realized what an effect his role as CY had on many fans, he started to soften and consider CY his favorite character. It was his fans who changed his mind with their love for CY.

Thanks @CallieP for the info above.   Read from wiki that there was some scandals involved but there were not much to read on how the casts and crew were affected.  I thought LMH was happy with CY's role as I remembered in one of his interviews (The Originality of LEE MIN HO?), he mentioned fondly of drama the Great Doctor.

@H0ney you are so funny - the prince and his moustache  and how not to feel sexy and happy sharing a room / bed with Daejang. 

[Thong Thin]

Good Morning from Imja Couple 

 

We are left with 2 Episodes...before Faith Re-watch ends next week.  Would like to share some  BTS 

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

cr as tagged

[msdot]

Thoughts on Episode 23

Young tries persuasion to get Eun-soo to leave Goryeo, telling her he’ll be fine and eventually won’t even think of her. But she knows the lie for what it is. Rather than confront him with it, she simply responds that she wouldn’t be fine and might search for him through the portal, perhaps wandering in other worlds. He admits defeat for the moment, telling her that he’s worried about her and will stay by her as much as he can. I absolutely loved his line that he would try to make her laugh, although he’s not very good at it. To me, that was good for a laugh right there – the thought of the oh-so-serious Daejang trying to be amusing!  

Image credit: Scattered Joonni

 

Later the tone becomes more serious as Young tells the King that he needs to put down the sword. I think he is surprised when the King tells him he’ll wait for him. Perhaps Young has become too focused on his ability as a swordsman rather than understanding that his skill as a strategist and commander make him far too valuable to lose. And later, the Woodalchi Dol-bae tells Young the same thing. He asks if Daejang can’t still be their commander, that his hand doesn’t matter. He offers his own hand in place of it. Young doesn’t want Dol-bae to risk himself and roughly brushes his offer off with a slap to his head, but Dol-bae nevertheless has made up his mind to protect his Daejang.

Spoiler

Image credit: Drama Beans

Image credit: Drama Beans

Image credit: Drama Beans

Image credit: Drama Beans

 

Returning from a reconnaissance of Ki Chul’s now-empty mansion, Young tries to keep his word to amuse Eun-soo by suggesting they go shopping. Eun-soo doesn’t realize he’s a rich man, having never bothered to claim his wages in seven years [See note below for more information]. She’s delighted when he tells her he can buy her whatever she wants. It’s another prediction come true by the fortune teller she consulted so long ago. 

 

Image Credit: Scattered Joonni

 

Image credit: Drama Beans

 

There are several significant things that happen in this episode, but my favorite part is when Eun-soo drinks the potion she hopes will cure her. She raises the bowl and Young puts his hand on her wrist, stopping her. He just wants another moment to gaze at her with love before the fateful step is taken. For a stoic guy, Young does so much that is not only faithful to his core, but deeply romantic. He combs her hair until she falls ill, then holds her and stays with her throughout the night, trying to keep her fever down. In the morning, when her fever has stubbornly persisted, Young remembers the aspirin she’d given him. He chews up the last two pills to make them easier for her to take, and then puts his lips on hers, gently pushing the mixture into her mouth with his tongue, gratified to see her swallow. It’s such an intimate thing to do that Lady Choi turns away to give him privacy.

Spoiler

Image Credit: Scattered Joonni

Image Credit: Scattered Joonni

Image Credit: Scattered Joonni

Image Credit: Scattered Joonni

Image credit: Drama Beans

 

Lastly, Young is called to the palace where Ki Chul is demanding that the High Doctor be brought to him. Young can hardly tear himself away from the still unconscious Eun-soo, but finally does go, again leaving his sword behind. After Young arrives in the throne room and begins to confront Ki Chul, Dol-bae sees Young’s hand twitching and decides he must protect him. Although Young shouts at him to stop, knowing he’s no match for someone with inner power,  Dol-bae still attacks Ki Chul and is choked to death by the other man’s freezing power. As Dol-bae lies dying on the floor, Young attacks Ki Chul with a sword he’s flipped up into his hand with the toe of his boot, but Ki Chul easily swats it away. Young goes to Dol-bae and holds his head, and ever the faithful soldier, Dol-bae manages a brief smile for his Daejang as he dies. Young gently arranges his hands on his chest before turning to confront Ki Chul again. Emotional, impetuous Dol-bae, the extreme opposite of his Daejang in temperament, was my favorite Woodalchi. When Young was escaping from the palace after stealing the King’s seal, it was Dol-bae that just couldn’t bring himself to  order the archers to keep shooting at Young. I was sad to see him be killed in such a cruel way. 

Spoiler

Image credit: Scattered Joonni

Image Credit: Scattered Joonni

Image Credit: Scattered Joonni

Image credit: Scattered Joonni

Image Credit: Scattered Joonni

 

Note: On the All Things Faith website, a wonderful soul researched wages paid to officers of that era, and they evidently received good compensation in crop yields as well as silver and gold. So Young would have been quite wealthy, especially with his recent promotions. Also on that site, there are script tidbits for this episode that describe their shopping excursion and other activities that were omitted from the televised version; it’s very entertaining. Here are the links:

 

Goryeo military ranks and compensation: 

https://shineuifaith.wordpress.com/2020/07/01/goryeo-military-ranks/#more-63

 

Young and Eun-soo’s shopping trip and other activities:

https://shineuifaith.wordpress.com/2020/11/07/faith-script-tidbits-episode-23/#respond

 

[Thong Thin]

Episode 23 

 

Opening continues from the heartbreaking scene in their desperate fight about whether she goes back to her home or stays in Goryeo, as ES continues to take care of his hurt trembling hand, because fight or no fight, loving or caring for your partner comes first and anything else disappears before that.This easy intimacy of touch as ES confirms CY's trembling hands are purely psychological effect.

 

As the conversation turns more serious it kills me that at one point CY desperately trying to convince her that he will be fine after she leaves, he will move on and so will she which in actual fact is a lie. And when ES does not respond CY gives a heavy sigh in an effort to persuade her further saying he will stay by her side for the remaining days and will try to make her smile as much as possible though he does not have much confidence.

 

CY is reporting to GM that he wishes to strengthen security around the border so that escapee KC is prevented from escaping to Yuan territory and so that he does not meet up with his sister Empress Gi.

GM wants CY to put together special troops to get rid of the rest of the supporters of KC and Yuan who are still remain in Goryeo. GM asks CY if it was okay to start drafting GC’s former soldiers. CY does not respond but asks if he could speak to the GM privately. 

CY tells the King about his hands and believe he is following the same path of his master,means that he needs to put down his sword as things are getting heavier to lift.  He will escort the high doctor to the gate of heaven in a week, and until then, he will serve the king.

Flash back and GM remembers CY dropping his sword for the 1^st time and he tells CY that he already told him to spend time with ES, until then he will be waiting for him.

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next scene sees CY is ordering various Wudalchi to various tasks and then snaps "Yoo Eun Soo. Escort me." CY says answer and she sticks out her head from among the soldiers and answers: “Yes” .

But he is keeping his word of not being parted from her. As sweet as it was that ES had become CY's "that person," it was so nice to hear him say her name again. It probably also pleased ES to hear her name called aloud by the one she loved.

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

Clueless & stoic Daejang kills me ! He asks her what she likes, as if trying to learn every last thing about her in the limited time together. And she answers various things but instead she is thinking only about CY - "a tall man, blue and grey colors, your voice, etc..." And then she asks him what he likes, and he puts his hand on her shoulder, in mute yet eloquent answer .

 

Spoiler

 

cr as tagged

 

 

ES is ecstatic and covers her mouth in glee when CY asked her to go on a shopping spree with him & CY smiles to see how happy ES was.

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

NG trys to set up a date for ES & CY and tells GM straight forwardly that she wants to give CY and ES an opportunity to spend some time together. NG says ES and CY do not have many days left until their separation. On their way, CY discovers she has a fever, a dread sign ! But she tells him she needs him to have a calm heart and he does his best to comply (she also mentions a desperate method though she doesn't say which).

CY telling GM he didn't want to talk about GC because he promised ES to keep a calm heart. And GM comply to CY's uncompromising love.
When she has them all line up for a mental picture, I started bawling. She etches the image of them together and smiling back at her. Follow from DC to GM to NG to LC and reaching CY. She motions him to smile like everyone else and he does as she requests. Giving her the warm and swoon worthy smile (this scene is so bittersweet yet beautiful )

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

CY and CS are watching the training of the new Wudalchi recruits at the Wudalchi barracks and before CY leaves, he hands over a notebook to CS which give him some general ideas on training methods. DB catches up with CY and says  “Can’t you continue to be our captain? If you need a hand I will stay by your side. Although it does not compare to your sword, my spear is quite useful. With this I will become your hand.” CY moved by DB’s declaration of loyalty and hits him on the head.

 

 

ES willing to take the last insane method of curing herself through a deadly poison. It's not for herself, it's for CY. As she tells LC, CY has taken to leaving his sword at home !!! and she is worried, if she leaves, what else will he give up on. CY is pacing up and down upset at ES’s solution as he tries to talk her out of it, freaking out, pointing out that without her trying at least they have a week together, a week for him to do things for her *sob* but if she tries and fails, they have nothing and he is so terrified. But of course she wins this argument, too.
As she is giving instructions, during this whole conversation, he sits there with his head in his hands. As ES picks up the bowl of poison, CY grabs her hand in his final attempt to stop her or slow the process down however ES gently holds his hand and reassures him. 

 

CY lets go of her hand and ES takes the bowl and drinks the poison in one gulp. She breaths and CY cups her face with his hand.Right before she drinks the poison. The way he sits there, contained, radiating misery and love in equal measure, the fearless warrior terrified - kills me.

He looks at her with love, concern and fear that he might lose her & grabs both her hands like the time he proposed to her.They sit still facing each other without saying anything but you can see it in their eyes. This is their battle. They believe and they are giving each other strength and support.

And then the poison kicks in. ES starts to have trouble breathing and CY notices it instantly. He stops brushing her hair and grabs her shoulders to check if she was okay. Not knowing what to do CY grabs her and hugs her tightly as he leans on him for support. CY has tears in his eyes. How scared CY must have felt – at that time he could lose his woman and there was nothing he could do but hold onto her tightly refusing to let go.

Here we have a warrior who could pretty much win almost all his battles and protect kings after kings but who is now helpless when it comes to the one thing he wants to protect the most. The only thing his heart ever desired)  Next morning her fever has not gone down. LC checks ES’s forehead and says she’s boiling. He gets up and notices the aspirin bottle that ES gave.In a desperate move to try whatever he can, CY chews on it till bit pieces , put his lips onto hers and gently pushed into her mouth  with his tongue. ( Viola ! and thiis how we got Kisspirin and Youngspirin ) 

LC feeling embarrassed looks away. 

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

Last scene sees CY enters the Royal Court room and immediately sees his men dead on the floor. CY’s hand starts to tremble at the crucial time and DB sees this. CY sees DB starts to ready his spear and knows exactly what he was up to.

CY whispers desperately but too late DB had already called for KC’s attention and starts to attack him.KC easily escapes DB’s attack and grabs his neck and starts to freeze him to death. CY notices a sword nearby and kicks it up and swings it at KC but  KC was able to knock it way instantly. CY stands in shock  and almost helpless as he is being disarmed.

Look at his eyes! LMH is making full use of his eyes .

Spoiler

 

 

Back in CY’s room….ES moves and open her eyes and survived the poison.

 

Spoiler

 

 

** The End **

 

 

Edited November 10, 2020 by MinLyn
Please put more than 3 images in spoiler tags. Thanks.

[syntyche]

Episode 22

 

 

 

Choi Young is truly the ever stoic badass fighting off all those enemies, and with a shaking hand at that. But seeing that hand rattle is bothersome, especially to a Woodalchi. If the cause of that rattling is something physical, hopefully it would be cured. But it seems like it has gone psychological. It started when he heard about the story of his master feeling the sword heavy. And I guess that's been bothering Choi Young, that he may be feeling the same way about the sword, and the heaviness is manifesting in the shaking of his hand. Oh boy. And his musing of the sword not killing those that it should but only those who are innocent, is telling of his growing dislike of being a warrior.

 

Spoiler

 

Our imja couple has gone a long way. Eun Soo once hated the smell of blood on Choi Young. But now, she hugs and comforts him, right after coming back from battle with blood on him. 

 

Spoiler

 

I feel the predicament of these two. Eun Soo very well knows how her life would be if she goes back to her world. She may be alive, but not really living. And she is witness to how Choi Young was indifferent and unmotivated after the death of his ex. If she leaves, every single day, they'd both be on autopilot, and probably would be asking themselves, "what if?"

(“’What’ and ‘if’ are two words as non-threatening as words can be, but put them together side by side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life.”)

So staying is the best option for her, as she taught him herself, not just to be alive, but how to really live his life.

 

However, things don't really go well for Choi Young. His best option is for Eun Soo to stay and get well. Because if she stays but dies, he would have to deal with that immense loss...again, being his second death of a loved one. He'd probably end up being worse off than before.

 

 

 

[syntyche]

Episode 23

 

So Choi Young realizes and tells Gongnim that as what happened previously to his teacher, his dropping of his sword means that it's time to finally lay it down. But I guess he is too valuable for Gongnim, as a General and as a friend, to let him go.

 

Spoiler

 

I like Choi Young asking Eun Soo what else he likes in that place. It's the second time he's done that, fishing for compliments. It's such a sight to see a badass general falling in love. 

 

Spoiler

 

When he told Eun Soo, "let's have fun," I can't believe my ears at first. Haha. General all tensed up with Eun Soo's cure and leaving for heaven, now invites her to go shopping. Well, good for him. He should ease up a bit and create happy memories with her during her remaining days in the kingdom.

 

Spoiler

Aww...Dol Bae. It's a grand gesture for him to offer himself to be Choi Young's hand. And that coming from someone who used to doubt Choi Young's ability as their leader. So it breaks my heart to see him get attacked by Ki Chul upon acting on that promise.

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

Royal couple playing matchmaker for the imja couple is adorable. And heartbreaking at the part where Eun Soo made them stand together so she could take a mental picture of them. Awww.

 

 

 

So the 'faith' theme now centers on Eun Soo and Choi Young having faith on her homeopathic treatment. And ultimately having faith on the possibility that they could stay together forever.    

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

    

 

When he chewed up the aspirin and fed it to her, I somewhat sensed the story, or at least the aspirin bottle, coming full circle. She gave it to him previously to save him, and now he's giving it to her, in a loving way at that, to save her. On to the final episode!

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

[msdot]

Thoughts on Episode 24, Finale

Young is being forced to confront his feelings about being a warrior due to his twitching hand, and it all comes to a head in the throne room when he fights Ki Chul. He can no longer numbly kill people, as he had been doing for the past seven (now, eight) years. Now every injury or death he inflicts will cause him pain and weigh on him, some more than others. But as he fights Ki Chul, he reaffirms to himself that there are things and people worth incurring that burden. His hand lags a bit in regaining its functioning, but he fights through it. Every blow he makes is stronger than the last one, and he is finally able to block Ki Chul’s sword. He then delivers a blow so strong that it breaks the blade of the other man’s sword. 

 

 

Images credit: SBS Video

 

Ki Chul is dumbfounded by Young’s strength and persistence, but ever resourceful, he tries a different tack, telling Young that he can make him the King. And Young would indeed be a popular, handsome and indomitable warrior-king. But Young is only reminded of that horrible day when another king killed his master for becoming too popular with the people. He quickly returns to himself and rejects the offer, telling Ki Chul that he already has a King. The King tries to make a deal with Ki Chul because of his sister, the Yuan Empress, but Ki Chul has only been playing for time and abruptly leaves (Not sure why they didn’t stop him, but then we wouldn’t have the rest of the episode!).

 

Meanwhile Eun-soo is kidnapped by a spy planted in the new group of Woodalchis, and Hwa-su-in finally meets her well-deserved end. Young learns that Eun-soo appeared to be cured of the poison before being kidnapped, and the King and Lady Choi want him to wait for word of her before searching. His face filled with agony, he tells her he can’t wait, that he feels like he’ll die if he doesn’t go (I’m thinking, “Oh sweet man, go find her!”). He tells the King that he’s returned to his service and that he wants his help to take his woman back (a bit caveman-ish, but from Young it’s cool). Then he leaves to search for her, helped by the Suribang informants.

Spoiler

 

Images credit: SBS Video

 

I loved the unconventional sword fight the wrathful Young has with Eum-ja, with both of them throwing furniture at each other. Young has fully recovered his fighting skills and makes short work of both Eum-ja and Yang-sa. Once again Ki Chul escapes, but Young and Eun-soo are reunited. The raging Young is instantly gone once he sees Eun-soo, and we only see the sweet, caring lover who wants to know if she’s all right. There’s also that touching scene of them in bed with each other (fully clothed – rats!) where she lovingly touches his face and then he kisses her hand. 

Spoiler

 

 

 

Images credit: Scattered Joonni

 

The next day they encounter Ki Chul at the portal. He has taken the second pill that Yang-sa made for him, so he’s super-strong and nearly kills Young with his freezing power. But as Ki Chul drags Eun-soo to the portal, he is already experiencing severe side effects from the pill. She manages to escape from him into the portal, leaving Ki Chul to breath his last as the portal’s vortex disappears, frozen to death by his own rebounding power (Hence the earlier Faithlings’ term for him, “Popsicle Man”). 

Spoiler

 

 

Images credit: Scattered Joonni

 

After gathering medical equipment and supplies in Seoul, Eun-soo returns through the portal to a Goryeo 100 years before she left and lives there for a year before being able to return. At last, her whole being focused on her memories and love for Young, she returns through the portal to a period four years after she left. She sees the Woodalchi puppies, now more grownup, before going to see Young, who has made a habit of periodically returning to the tree near the portal, faithfully waiting for her. The series ends as they gaze lovingly at each other with glistening eyes. 

Spoiler

 

 

 

Images credit: Scattered Joonni

 

----------------------------------------

I’ll post a few more thoughts on the series later after I gather them. I’m a bit sad to end this rewatch.

Here’s a link I just had to share. That loving scene of them in bed was almost ruined for me by this BTS video in which Kim Hee-sun teases LMH about his nose. It’s very funny.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k29Aw4HPcIM&feature=youtu.be

 

 

[kdyes]

Weeks before this re-watch, I finally saw Faith and re-watched all till I was seeing CY when I closed my eyes to sleep, opened them in the morning and even closed them to pray!!  An LMH forum post of a media story said it was “the Choi Young sickness” that had felled “many female fans” when Faith was aired!  So, I stopped the official re-watch but followed your posts and celebrated Faith with favorite moments below, enhanced by BreathlessSurvival’s script translation.  For me, Faith is CY’s story and Imja couple’s journey in love, so I kept my focus there.  I loved Faith.  I hope you enjoy the highlights:

 

First scenes of CY’s heroism and skill started pulling me in.  CY in 2012 Seoul captured me.  He was humble and simple, bowing to the Buddha statue and respectful with the Sunim.  Crossed the busy street without hesitation, ready for anything on his mission.  Striking in armor and a “mane of glory,”   and so much more interesting than the suits/ their wearers at the conference -- and ES’ old beaus.  

 

BreathlessSurvival enhanced early parts of the story for me:  Emotionally scarred CY, roused by the sight of this woman’s big red hair and sound of her voice filling the room.  Then her smell as he carries her to the portal!  Twice his face shows he’s impressed by her skills, “tie...cut.”  She’s unlike any woman he’d known.  Whenever CY smiled, I got excited: as he rescues and carries ES in Ep 2, watches her thru the lattice and gets a kick out of her rice-cake-without-water cries in Ep 3, delights as she helps the little king.  ES’ playfulness and unbounded laughter on the road and putting the yellow flower in his hair are such good medicine for CY whose radiant face then took my breath away.    

 

Ice breaking, his eyes alive and clear.  Dramatically rescues “the person I like” at Ki Choel’s.  Total hero!  CY on bended knee in front of the assembly and the king, who is now clad in Goryeo king’s wear.  ES taking in the history-making moment.   CY wanting to see her eyes when ES puts the aspirin bottle in his hands saying, “Don’t die.” Lol’d at his facial expression when ES hands him the bottle with “the flower” inside.  CY chewing aspirin/ placing it in her mouth to bring down her fever.  Imja couple’s caring linked with aspirin.

 

CY called ES a cheerful woman.  She bubbles up and reaches out with touches at first shocking and then accepted by CY.  Sweetly checks “Psycho’s” cheek for fever, later clasps and twists his sleeve at Ki Choel’s.  Holds his frostbitten hand between hers and blows warm air, weeps, too.  Getting comfortable, CY comes up close behind ES in the market, so they bump bodies.  He obviously enjoys her, a warm open smile from “a living man” as the Man-bo sister approvingly calls him.  From there, CY keeps following his feelings, pulling ES in for big hugs.   

 

The wedding kiss, aka “the Ho Gun’s make-out scene.” Guess he had to make sure everyone agreed ES had been kissed!  Sharing a room:  CY grabs her hand and pulls ES in to lie together holding hands.  Later, ES so polite saying “Yes, Captain” sweetly and repeatedly as their faces get closer and CY says softly, “Say Captain again.” “YES!” we screamed!!  But a bothersome warrior ruined it, dang!

 

CY’s first love swore to always have his back.  But ES was mature and skilled, a boss in her world, too -- just ask Ki Choel! (Soompi won't let me run what we heard ES tell him, darn.) Clashes continued till they face having to part.  Beautiful scene: Ailee’s soulful voice as CY combs ES’ hair and they wait for the poison to take effect, all arguments finished, just wanting to find a way/hoping to not part.  Later safe, lying in bed relishing the time together!     LMH and KHS were a great pairing!  The drama, despite flaws, held my interest, had lots of enjoyable characters and a good ost!

 

Thank you for the re-watch!   Love LMH in traditional clothes (Faith LOTBS)!  CY was a departure from his extroverted roles.  I really liked his acting and was glad to read the writer did, too!

[Lmangla]

end of the re-watch!

random thoughts on watching ep 23 and 24 -- was wondering how come eui seon was all of a sudden looking young. she looks so much better with her hair tied from her face, made her look closer in age to daejang at that point. I laughed when daejang deadpanned with total seriousness that he would be just fine without eui seon and would eat and live. hahahah! the girl is having a meltdown on what she will do without him and he is like "life goes on girl. I have seen so much." point though for him! I like his attitude that he is not going to mope and have a breakdown even if he loses his lover....

 

if I had to choose, fire lady's death was rather coolest as it was so smart. makes me think why no one just thought of putting a fire hose or dunking a bucket of water on her. problem solved! hahahahha..... as for ki cheol, I was kind of disappointed that his great sickness was just him being melancholy, greedy and feeling unfulfilled. so did he think that he would come to the future and somehow all his craving would go away? yea, right. as eui seon put it, so many in the future also have this malady. it would have been more interesting and added more gravity if ki cheol was really sick like with a tumour or arthritis or some actual disease and wanted to leave the place -- at least then, his obsession with eui seon would have made more sense..

 

so did eui seon abandon her parents in the modern world then? that's kind of sad. awww. poor parents never knowing what happened to her. did like the ending of them just looking at each other and grinning with teary eyed. far better than a random kiss and more in line with daejang's character. daejang looked great with a shadow moustache no?

 

thanks to everyone for joining in and posting -- @H0ney , @msdot, @syntyche, @Min2206, @Aleumdaun, @CallieP, @Missprincesa, @mademoisellesia @leeminhosny,  @Thong Thin @kdyes, (if I missed anyone, sorry!)... it was fun to re-watch a drama from many years ago. hope to catch you on another thread. 

 

[Thong Thin]

6 hours ago, Lmangla said:

end of the re-watch!

random thoughts on watching ep 23 and 24 -- was wondering how come eui seon was all of a sudden looking young. she looks so much better with her hair tied from her face, made her look closer in age to daejang at that point. I laughed when daejang deadpanned with total seriousness that he would be just fine without eui seon and would eat and live. hahahah! the girl is having a meltdown on what she will do without him and he is like "life goes on girl. I have seen so much." point though for him! I like his attitude that he is not going to mope and have a breakdown even if he loses his lover....

 

 

if I had to choose, fire lady's death was rather coolest as it was so smart. makes me think why no one just thought of putting a fire hose or dunking a bucket of water on her. problem solved! hahahahha..... as for ki cheol, I was kind of disappointed that his great sickness was just him being melancholy, greedy and feeling unfulfilled. so did he think that he would come to the future and somehow all his craving would go away? yea, right. as eui seon put it, so many in the future also have this malady. it would have been more interesting and added more gravity if ki cheol was really sick like with a tumour or arthritis or some actual disease and wanted to leave the place -- at least then, his obsession with eui seon would have made more sense..

 

so did eui seon abandon her parents in the modern world then? that's kind of sad. awww. poor parents never knowing what happened to her. did like the ending of them just looking at each other and grinning with teary eyed. far better than a random kiss and more in line with daejang's character. daejang looked great with a shadow moustache no?

 

thanks to everyone for joining in and posting -- @H0ney , @msdot, @syntyche, @Min2206, @Aleumdaun, @CallieP, @Missprincesa, @mademoisellesia @leeminhosny,  @Thong Thin @kdyes, (if I missed anyone, sorry!)... it was fun to re-watch a drama from many years ago. hope to catch you on another thread. 

 

 

Thank you @Lmangla for initiating Faith re-watch.

 

Agreed with you that it was fun to re-watch where we gather her with some new and old Chingus to share again

our thoughts.

 

Will post my Finale Ep 24 today.

 

Thank you again.  

[Thong Thin]

Episode 24 Finale

 

Opening scene see KC who has taken the last power booster pill ( ehhh..looks like rat poo !) gains back his ki power, and CY only managed to overpowered him after a few attempts.  While waiting for GM further commands, anger mounts in CY’s eyes when KC insults GM that he is not fit to be a King and belittle GM with other issues.

 

Visually in these scenes, like GM & the Wudalchi is a group to whom CY feels honor-bound to protect; in one way they are a "burden," but it is also their unconditional loyalty and support that provides CY with strength. The sacrifice of DB not only gives CY an added jolt of motivation and anger-fueled adrenaline, but also serves to underline the Wudalchi's loyalty to their Daejang regardless of his mental or physical state. Furthermore, DB's sacrifice results from his attempt to step forward into the frontline in the place of Daejang - symbolically attempting to shoulder CY's burden, but failing to do so. His death perhaps nails home the message to CY that his men and GM supports him wholeheartedly, but in the end it is only he who can step up to take up his burden; no one else can do it for him. GM's previous doubts in CY's loyalty have also been replaced by his absolute Faith, symbolized by GM standing behind CY in an expression of support. GM's position behind CY is now a show of strength. This symbolism of CY being reinforced by his support crew is reflected in the formation of the Wudalchi behind him.
As for  ES's fight for survival is beautifully paralleled with CY's concurrent struggle - just as ES taught CY with her determination to live, so is CY putting that lesson into action at this time of greatest need. The side-by-side treatment of their scenes, showing them fighting their individual fights "together," provides a powerful image. It is no coincidence that the moment CY regains the strength to pick up his "heavy" sword is intercut with ES's victory over the poison in her body and subsequent awakening.

 

Spoiler

 

 

Inside Daejang's room, ES is awake after passing the critical stage of the poison, was overcome with anxiety to know that she is finally healed. LC & ES was about to leave for Palace when Fire Lady came in. During the fight, Fire Lady got stabbed & die in the hands of  LC  and weak ES who has not gain back her full strenghth was kidnapped by an unknown spy wuldalci.

 

Spoiler

 

 

Commotion broke loose inside palace where fight between Royal troops and GC army continues, and while CY was on his way to look for ES he was shocked to know from DM that ES is missing.

Inside CY room, LC says there is a spy among the wudalchi and instructions were given out that  CY stays in the palace. Anger & frustrated CY shouts angrily saying, asking him to wait is like asking him to die. CY takes his sword to meet King GM. CY pleads with GM to help him search for his woman as he choose to stay behind to serve the current King.  

 

Spoiler

 

CY mounting a horse goes to search ES in some inns and notice ES writing on the wall saying “gwenchana yo” words she once showed him as CY traces her message with his fingers, closes his eyes, swallows hard and breathe a sigh of relief that she is alright.

 

Spoiler

 

 

Is late in the night and CY finally track the inn where ES was being held by KC.

During the fight,tables chairs are being overthrown and both of KC minions got killed.

Finally, CY managed to find ES,embraces her tight while ES’s tears roll down her check in disbelief. I love how blood shot teary eyes CY build up the question in his heart … are you ok? ..are you cured…then will you stay by my side ?

The look on his face as he hugged her...!  Her 'yes' reply was a dream he had only hoped for. Watching him increase his skinship was to watch him increase his confidence, his desire to covet and not deny himself. So beautiful.

 

Spoiler

 

As they lay in bed together, sharing the same blanket,ES asked if he has confidence to fight KC tomorrow at heavens gate. ( OMO ! his face is fat and 8 yrs ago I called him Fatchoi !)

As ES touches CY face and traces his nose and lips,CY grabs her hand & kisses softly and sweetly and ask her to sleep. So sweet and romantic of CY who continues to adore his woman and brushes her hair.

Spoiler

 

 

 

Next day, KC is the first to arrived at the portal but was kicked out when he tried to go in heaven’s gate. Feeling rejected, GC walks away and saw Imja couple walk hand-hand approaching heaven’s gate. Desperate and aggitated GC insist to know from ES how to enter heaven’s gate but claim ES is a liar. As KC moves towards ES, CY tries to block but KC manages to elude and went straight for ES. CY throws his sword at KC and managed to hit his back.

CY holds KC’s hand to stop him but some unknown reason KC manages to reverse the hold and uses his ice power on CY. CY getting weak as his body gets frozen and falls.

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

 

 

ES runs towards injured CY and while trying desperately tries to resuscitate him, partially injured KC get up and stab CY sword on the ground very close to CY neck before dragging ES away.

We hear CY’s inner thoughts … “why must it be her ? “ .. CY’s inner thoughts continues as he lay there in his weak state “In pondering this question, I have left so much time to waste. Father, I have finally found it. Is it now too late?”.  As the background music ‘Walking Slowly’ starts playing with flash back to all the time CY and ES were together.

Spoiler

 

 

As iced KC (8 yrs ago we called him POPSICLE) drags ES towards heaven’s gate, ES manages to shake off KC hands and goes through the gate alone leaving KC behind. ( it reminds me of the phrase “a man so evil that Hell itself spit him back out ! )

Spoiler

 

After ES went back into the present the first time, she rushed to the hospital where the reporters tried to stop her to do an interview but she was rushing off trying to get supplies so that she could go back to save CY. In her mind, all she was thinking about was just saving him - nothing else about the present or anything crossed her mind.  

She enters and goes back in time, she runs to where CY was but there is nothing

as she has just gone back 100 years.

This is why we see ES dressed in traditional goryeo outfit writing her diary and  letter to herself which she found inside the film container. She watches the camrecorder she brought of her parents and cries, thinking about them. During her time in Goryeo, she kept telling herself and believed that CY had survived. We see her going to heave’s gate daily but voice over of her thoughts says "They say if you wish for something so much, it will really happen" and we see it heaven gate open up again. Without hesitation, she walks through it and ends up back in the present. Only staying for a moment, she walks back in again,with the hope that she will end up in the right time where CY is.

Spoiler

 

 

 

She goes through again and finally sees a group of soldiers and ask how long it's been since the King has been enthroned and he tells her 5 years!! She slowly gets up and starts seeing familiar faces among the soldiers. But she doesnt see CY's face. ES teary eyes sees all this but kept to herself hidden and listens. She sees older version of DM, Deokman and CS. She hears Deokman mention that he needed to get food for Daejang who has quietly and patiently stay put at the place where they had last seen each other and waits for ES,firmly believing that she will eventually make her way to him one day.

 

Spoiler

 

He turns as he hears footsteps approaching not knowing who but ES at first shows disbelief upon seeing bearded CY as her eyes widen when he turns his head around, however, ES's disbelief turns into over-whelming; unexpressed emotions between the two of them.

 

 

 

 

Both are smiling but teary eyes (while Carry On is playing in the background) staring at each other with so much love and longing.

ES's tear falls down her cheek while CY continues to stare at ES with glistening, teary eyes and warmest smile. No words being exchanged, because they didn't need to; they were communicating through their eyes, tears and smile. They look at each other as if they are saying, "Finally, I have found you, missed you so much" and CY just smiles as if he's saying, "Welcome home, Imja, my love, my heart and my soul". 

.. and the camera pans out...

Spoiler

 

 

 

** The End **

 

 

[msdot]

Afterthoughts on Faith

I really appreciated this rewatch and everyone’s comments. It was great to see what others said about the episodes and the series in general; I always learn something new. Thank you, Chingus!

 

What I love most about this series is the slow-growing romance between Choi Young and Eun-soo in the context of a complex political situation and court intrigue. The fact that they are from different times adds spice to the mix, as well as their polar opposite professions and temperaments. He’s stoic and often has to kill people, while she’s an outgoing, emotionally expressive doctor that saves lives. The romance between the King and Queen was a sweet addition as well. Faith was also the first time I saw Lee Min Ho, and his stunningly handsome, tough but emotionally wounded warrior grabbed me from the start and has never let go! 

 

Here are some other things that stood out to me:

 

The screenwriter: In spite of the flaws in the series, I have to acknowledge Song Ji-na. She wrote three lead characters (CY, Eun-soo and Gongmin) that are quite flawed human beings who become much better versions of themselves over the course of the series. There were some clever plot twists, and many of the scenes she wrote are both powerful and endearing. I really appreciate her heart.

 

Favorite romantic scenes:  I enjoyed each and every one of these, but here are two that were particularly touching to me: 

(1) After CY’s fight with Ki Chul (Ep 12), when Eun-soo cries over CY’s hand, and he promises not to take his life so lightly in the future. A sweet and tender interaction between two people who are unused to letting someone else care for them. 

(2) CY’s proposal (Ep 21). What powerful but sweet words he says to his beloved! 

 

Favorite action scenes:

(1) When CY rescues the Queen (Ep 16). He comes from behind the attackers and gains leverage by jumping up sideways against a wall and coming down on top of the enemy. He’s slashing away before they hardly know he’s there. Once he reaches the Queen, he takes her by the hand (saying, “Excuse me,” first!) and attacks from the front, making short work of yet another set of soldiers. Terrifically daring and impressive.

(2) The battle at Jungdong fortress (Ep 22), when CY fends off soldiers to protect his Woodalchi comrades and the King. It’s so heroic, especially given that his hand is not working properly, he thinks the King is wrong, and he hates the killing he has to do.

 

Favorite character other than CY: Gongmin – he’s insecure and petty to his queen at the beginning but grows into a strong and politically astute king, a loving husband, and a good friend to CY.

 

Favorite villain: I’d like to say Hwa-su-in, because I enjoyed how much she delighted in doing evil, but her role just wasn’t strong enough. The worst villain was of course, Prince Hyung, but I didn’t enjoy watching him; I just despised him. I thought Ki Chul was terrific, both sinister and hilarious, often at the same time. There was also something I found attractive in his character, that lust for seeing a new world and carriages that fly. In the end, though, I thought it fitting that he became a pitiful figure. Most egomaniacs are like that at their core, only pitiful, except for the all the damage they cause.

 

Favorite Woodalchis: Dol-bae and Ju-seok. Dolbae was emotional, impetuous, and at the end made a foolish decision that cost him his life, but his heart was gold and totally dedicated to his Daejang. Ju-seok had such courage and faithfulness to go back to a doubting King with Young’s message. Later he and his team accepted certain death just to buy a few extra minutes for the fleeing King and Queen.

 

Favorite odd things:

(1) Eun-soo’s obviously dyed hair stays perfectly red for the entire series (at least two years of her life). 

(2) Eun-soo’s message about saving the queen is strange, as if they initially didn’t go back and save the queen, and Eun-soo wants them to do better the second time around. No groundwork has been laid for a redo of an event or multiple timelines, so it just seemed illogical to me.

(3) The Yuan envoy’s pocket watch. Since those weren’t invented until the 15^th century, the existence of the watch in that era tells us that others had used the portal. The who, when and why are left as a tantalizing mystery. 

 

Favorite Words:

(1) Faith (Shin-ui). It’s an apt title as the issues of faith, trust and faithfulness are a strong current running through the entire series. CY’s faith and trust were shattered by the death of his master and first love in the Red Crescent Moon Army, and he recovers over the course of the series, eventually having such faith in Eun-soo and their love that he waits four years for her to return. Also CY and the King put their faith and trust in each other, and CY’s faithfulness to the King, even when he thinks he’s dead wrong, shows in the battle at Jungdong fortress. Eun-soo does everything she can do to find an antidote to the (second) poison, but at the end puts her faith in her love for CY and an unproven cure to stay in Goryeo. I could go on and on about the faithfulness of the Woodalchi, the King and Queen to each other, the King to his country, Lady Choi, etc. Then there are Prince Hyung and Il-shin, who are utterly despicable because of their faithlessness.

(2) Imja. I loved the double meaning as the term is used in the series. Initially used by CY as a respectful “you” to Eun-soo, it slowly becomes a sweet term of endearment on CY’s lips. And I loved those lips!

 

Thanks again to @Lmangla for organizing the rewatch, and to everyone who participated! 

 

[Min2206]

On 11/10/2020 at 2:48 AM, msdot said:

 I’ll post a few more thoughts on the series later after I gather them. I’m a bit sad to end this rewatch.

Here’s a link I just had to share. That loving scene of them in bed was almost ruined for me by this BTS video in which Kim Hee-sun teases LMH about his nose. It’s very funny.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k29Aw4HPcIM&feature=youtu.be

 

Thanks @msdot for sharing " My Forever Imja Couple (BTS I) ".   I remember seeing it once, sometime ago.  Both KHS and LMH were so playful going through the scripts.  Why did LMH push KES hand away when they both were lying down?  And then the part when KHS kind of taking a camera shot of LMH, she exclaimed in delight that LMH being charmingly cute.  Aww, there were so many tender moments!
 

Thanks @Lmanglafor initiating the rewatch.  I remember there were some discussion right after the 8th Anniversary and you kick-started it on 19 August.  How time flies!     Thanks to all dear Faithlings who put in your wonderful recaps  / thoughts @Thong Thin @msdot @syntyche (one more to go)  @H0ney (2 more) @kdyes.   I truly enjoyed every line of your summary.   Daejang will always be the ONE that hooked me to LMH.  






 

And @msdot Am still going through your Afterthoughts. 


I am gonna miss this Imja Couple.  



 

[leeminhosny]

 

[kdyes]

1 hour ago, H0ney said:

Ep 24

 

Quote

Sorry for cutting your post, H0ney.   I saw a BTS that did show the hat was the problem.  The brim is too strong and wouldn't bend at all.  BTS showed them trying to hug but the hat wouldn't let them really hug nicely...it was awkward and the hat in the way.  I wished they'd not used the hat but seems like PD loved it too much.

 

Quote

- I don't like ES hat. Me and friends thought that the hat is the reason why they can not hugging or kissing in the end of ep 24.

 

 

 

pict: pinterest

 

 

Btw, thank you for my faith chingus who enjoy this event together with me @msdot min min @Min2206 chingu, @Thong Thin @CallieP and everyone that I forget to mention. Thank you @Lmangla and @partyon for helping us to organize this re watch event. Love you all guys 

 

 

 

Edited November 13, 2020 by Lmangla
please don't quote gifs/images/videos. :)

[Thong Thin]

2 hours ago, H0ney said:

- Even if I re watching this once again, I still feel unsatisfied with the ending. Hahaha. I hope they can do more than standing there and seeing to each other. 

 

- I don't like ES hat. Me and friends thought that the hat is the reason why they can not hugging or kissing in the end of ep 24.

 

 

 

Btw, thank you for my faith chingus who enjoy this event together with me @msdot min min @Min2206 chingu, @Thong Thin @CallieP and everyone that I forget to mention. Thank you @Lmangla and @partyon for helping us to organize this re watch event. Love you all guys 

 

 

I do feel a little bit not happy with the ending where they just stare at each other. 

I will try to add a bit more on my thoughts , will do next week.

[CallieP]

13 hours ago, H0ney said:

Ep 24

 

I can't believe our event must to end now

 

- I feel sad in the beginning of ep 24 because of one wudalchi dies  I always feel sad if we lost uri wudalchi. I remember 8 years ago, me and my minoz friends even took a moment of silent for our woodalchis 

 

 

- Ancient people also understand that collecting informations is important. Sulibang  Their networking are everywhere. I love this organization

 

- No explanation why GC can not entering the heaven's door. 

 

- I always wish if only they can give ES a better fashion style 

 

- Even if I re watching this once again, I still feel unsatisfied with the ending. Hahaha. I hope they can do more than standing there and seeing to each other. 

 

- I don't like ES hat. Me and friends thought that the hat is the reason why they can not hugging or kissing in the end of ep 24.

 

pict: pinterest

 

 

Btw, thank you for my faith chingus who enjoy this event together with me @msdot min min @Min2206 chingu, @Thong Thin @CallieP @kdyes and everyone that I forget to mention. Thank you @Lmangla and @partyon for helping us to organize this re watch event. Love you all guys

 

I am behind, finally watching Ep 24 today.  In episode 23, I love how CY just touches ES's shoulder to say that she is what he likes.  The charm about CY is that he is simple, straightforward, no games,  just true to himself and that she is the only joy in his life which is sad.  I love CY's earnestness too, like he promised her he would be calm so when the king wanted to talk about Ki Cheol, he said sorry sir but I must be peaceful and not harbor worries today for ES asked me to do that.

I also love his no nonsense style as he gets straight to the point, tell me what you need me to do and I will listen. Yet he gets upset and uncertain that she wants to do something so dangerous that she could die and he has not enough time to be with her.  CY is one hell of a character.  He is tough, strong and yet vulnerable at the same time.

 

He gets really upset when ES tries to hide things from him but she does it to protect him as she understands him very well.  They are a great couple, he wants to protect her and she wants to protect him.  He finally realized in episode 20 or something that all her strange behavior and actions were for his benefit not hers, that she puts him before her and that probably makes him love her even more

Edited November 13, 2020 by Jillia
Please do not quote pics! Thanks!

[CallieP]

In 24, how he tenderly watched her through the night and his aspirin kiss definitely lowered her fever.  He saved her.

Loved the part where he revealed to his aunt how ES has affected him.  He is tearing up and exploded at his aunt saying that the waiting is killing him.  Awesome.  He was relieved that she is cured though. Told the king with no hesitation that he is with the king. He is going to find his love and that both him and his love with be returning to the palace.   Popsicle is back.

When he found her, the way he looked so hopeful when he asked if she was well and then breathlessly asked if she would stay with him.  So earnest and hopeful,  great scene. Then when they were in bed together and he could not have enough of looking at her face now that he does not need to forget her.  I loved the way she traced her fingers around his nose and lips, so sweet but then I was thinking of LMH and KHS while filming, they probably were laughing and finding hard to film that scene, probably many "cut" before they could be serious enough to do the scene, seeing how they love to joke and play with each other. Fun pair  

Looks like the gateway is very selective, only CY and ES could pass but not Ki Cheol.  I think CY was planning to go with ES to visit Seoul if he had not been brought down by KC.

I think the end was fine where bearded CY (overnight gristle) was starring at ES and smiling.  Sweet end.

 

I found this comment on Viki by Irmar July 2017 which I thought I would share.

 

 

I really loved this drama, and I'll try to explain why. First of all, the story was gripping and overall it made sense. The period in which it takes place is very interesting, the historical moment in which a Goryeo king decides to do something about the Yuan protectorate/domination and claim national pride for the first time. Almost all the characters were very-well written. The coming-of-age of the young king was beautiful to see, as he struggled to claim his and his country's dignity, he struggled to understand who was really on his side and whom he could really trust, he struggled to keep his humanity and his responsibility as king. His love story with his queen, a quiet and loving woman with a very strong personality, was one of the most endearing.

 

Choi Young, the main lead, was a very believable character, the silent type, a loyal and reliable kind, who however is not simple-minded soldier but can be a wise pupil of a martial arts teacher who doesn't only teach war skills but life lessons as well. Lee Min Ho, who is not of course the most awesome actor out there, but is a solid professional, still gave a very good interpretation here, one of his best. He did speak with his eyes a lot of the time, and I loved how soft-spoken he was, signifying that a strong person doesn't need to yell to make an impact. The lady doctor was a strong heroine, strong from beginning to end, never going into helpless damsel in distress mode, even when she would be excused to be so. I didn't like how they wrote some of her exaggerated reactions in the first half of the series: for instance, when she finally understood where she was, why did she keep using English words etc? If I am on vacation in a small village, for instance, and have a conversation with an old fisherman, I will not use English words because I know he won't understand. Yet she, for months and months, keeps spurting out those words unnecessarily. She also doesn't change her clothing and hair style, so that she sticks out like a sore thumb. But her character development once she starts being in love makes up for all of that.

 

Thinking about it, all the ladies in the show have strong personalities. Think of court lady Choi, and the Fire Lady. The two villains, while equally cruel, were nicely diversified as personalities. One extremely intelligent, a driven man with a burning thirst for discovery and knowledge. Born in a different situation, he could have become a great explorer or scientist. The other one, a lazy hedonist who just thinks of how to make life easier for himself. The pace was just right, the flashbacks kept to a minimum, where really needed, the excitement didn't stall, and you kept wanting to see what comes next. The explanation was clear and the ending very satisfying, although brief. So this is one of the very few dramas with a good, clear and satisfying ending. Yes, there were flaws. First of all the super-powers. They were not really needed, the drama would have been exactly the same without them. But seeing that they are there, they are not properly exploited, we aren't told how they work and why they are not used when they are not used, what are the side-effects and so on. Choi Young used his power very sparingly, so we are left to wonder, but even the villains didn't use them and just duelled with swords when they could have finished everything in two seconds using the superpowers. This brings me to the manga minions. Apart from the poor acting, the roles themselves were not well-written. Their presence was very repetitive: they just did their thing and left. Therefore, even if the actors were good, they weren't given a lot of scope and I'm not sure they would have been able to redeem their characters or make them more interesting. The love of the white-haired flutist for his fire companion was hinted at in the very beginning, and then at the very end, but that's about it. The biggest waste was the role of Royal Doctor Jang. It could have been a lot more interesting, but he served almost no purpose. So was the mute girl. Back story? Motivation? Important role? Was this written originally and cut? Were these two roles the remnant of a first draft? The fight scenes were not always good, you could see that someone did a really acrobatic thing without even touching the opponent. The armors looked very obviously rubber. I get it that leather and metal would have been much more expensive and the drama already cost too much. Obviously because of financial problems, the troops towards the end always consisted in ten people at the most and I suspect that if I watched closely, I would find out that they were always the same ten extras, playing the good troops and the bad troops alternatively. The opening bird's-eye view of the palace, which was the same all the time. How much trouble was it to shoot two or three different ones and alternate for variety? And there were a couple of things which were quite illogical. Small things, such as... why did the lady have a film roll with her? Who uses film rolls today anyway, who uses analogical cameras with actual film except for professional photographers? An aspirin bottle could have been more logical. There were some sloppily convenient little details like that, which I won't list right now, as they are not that important. As a side note, I would have liked some more passionate kissing between the leads. It wouldn't need to be a real one shown in detail: they could show it from afar, just to suggest they are kissing. There were some scenes where any normal couple would kiss, and yet they restrained from it, and it seemed very weird. But well, now the drama is finished - since a long time ago - so it is what it is, take it or leave it. As it is, I think it's one of the very good ones, a keeper. Do watch it.