Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Episodes 15-16 Finale (1 of 2)

Tale of the Nine Tailed

Studio Dragon, 2020

Written by Han Woo Ri

Directed by Kang Shin Hyo

We have reached the end of the series. What a journey!

Our love and gratitude goes out to the actors and the production team for weaving a life affirming story, yes, even in Rang's death (more on this later) that is filled with folkloric and mythical elements of Korea. Tale of the Nine Tailed (TOTNT) stayed true to the classic story of old. The innovation and inventiveness in storytelling made the themes of love and family appear new and fresh but it reminded us of the lasting truths and values of our collective humanity in a highly, modern and apathetic world. 

I really enjoyed how the director made use of color and texture, objects in contrast, the panoramic shots and close ups as well as the play of light and shadows to amplify and heighten emotions in particular scenes. The scene where Rang and Yeon were playing Go before their descent to darkness clearly shows the forces they chose to belong in. Rang in black is still under the Imoogi and his cohort's spell as Yeon in white remains the unperturbed Mountain Spirit. As the episodes roll along one after the other, we see Ji Ah and Yeon wearing the same colors of clothes that complement each other. Director Kang surely knows the perfect angles of Lee Dong Wook and where to place the light. Our male lead is radiant and ethereal most of the time. That kiss in the rain in episode nine, we see Yeon waiting for Ji Ah under his red umbrella. Slowly he lifts it up to reveal his face and a ray of light shines through amidst the drizzle.  

Just when I thought TOTNT has given me a kiss that is one for the books, episode 13 has that unforgettable intimate scene with Yeon and Ji Ah fulfilling their dreams and desires. I had to tell myself that LDW and JBA are constructing the reality of lovers racing against time. But Wookie's jugular was a distraction, honestly. Needless to say, it was tastefully made. Slow clap! 

While there are parts I felt were rushed, like the remaining 40 minutes of episode 16 and that part where Yeon met Ji Ah's parents, the pacing and presentation of the visual narratives in mis-en-scene are indeed beautiful to behold. 

I have the same praise for the writing, though I felt the struggle of telling a story filled with plot twists after plot twists had its toll in the finale. They could have worked an additional 30 minutes more to the finale because, the lacunas were plentiful. I just hope there will be a Director's Cut now that Rang's untold stories are out there.

Of LDW's Kdramas, this is the one drama that I can personally relate to especially in its depiction of love and family relationships. I shipped the LDW and JBA pairing right away and fell in love with them all through out the season. I find their pairing mature, sincere and honest. Yeon is a mountain spirit who has amassed a fortune but with Ji Ah, he enjoys the simple things. He wants to be human, to grow old with Ji Ah and to see the light fade from their years together. This increases Yeon's romantic appeal and otherworldly charm. It did not help knowing that foxes are monogamous. I am hooked.

Then, there is Rang played by Kim Bum.  As Yeon's little brother, he brings the sizzle to the entire drama. At the beginning he is the villain but towards the middle, he was able to resolve his issues however, there are just actions he committed in the past that cannot be easily forgiven. He is the wedge to the Yeon and Ji Ah pairing. How Kim Bum portrays this role so well!

And now I go to my overall insights and reflections of TOTNT. This is the first Kdrama I wrote recaps and reviews about so the specifics can be read through the following links:

Episodes 1 -2  - The LDW and Jo Bo Ah ship has sailed!

Episodes 3-6 - The strong folkloric elements are smoothly integrated in the drama.

Episodes 7-10 - That kiss in the rain... It is a masterpiece!

Episode 11 - 12 - Lee Yeon's is the best brother but he is not the perfect boyfriend to bring home and meet the parents. And that is perfectly alright. 

Episode 13 - 14 - The one where we are proven that LDW is still leading man material and JBA is not an overrated actress.

Just three things namely 1) All those little things done with great love encompass the entire universe; 2) Why we need to let go, especially of our attachments and people we hold dear; 3) Life and death all but flow in one sweep of justice.

Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Episodes 1 and 2

Tale of the Nine Tailed, Studio Dragon 2020 

Written  by Han Woo-ri                        Directed by Kang Shin-hyo

• One of the Kdramas that my daughter and I have been waiting for this month of October is Lee Dong Wook's Tale of the Nine Tailed (TOTNT). When the first two episodes aired last week, we were both in awe. She has her reasons and I have mine. Let me break it down to you, my dear reader.

For starters, know that I am a Lee Dong Wook (LDW)fan. I first saw him in essay the role of the Grim Reaper in Goblin and to this day, in my doble vista eyes, he is the most enigmatic and sexy Angel of Death I had ever seen on Kdrama land. We can argue, but let us save our energies for that on another day.

When LDW appeared in the rain with a red umbrella, my heart leapt for joy. It reminded me of Gong Yoo's umbrella scene in Goblin. While other viewers take it as imitation, for me it is an homage. Midway in episode 1, LDW referenced the Grim Reaper since he knows how he is dressed well compared to Granny, the Grim Reaper in the drama. That was a laugh out loud moment. Intentionally done or not, the writer and the director of TOTNT has shown respect for LDW's previous work. The specific scene and dialogue is a recognition of his acting chops and the role that defined his career at the ripe old age of 35. They sure know how to treat and appreciate a senior actor like Wookie.

I promise, I will not leave out elements in my reviews of TOTNT that I find a bit off or downright lame. 

So here we go. What worked for me in episodes 1 and 2?

1. Lee Dong Wook and Jo Bo Ah. 

Who are solid shippers of LDW and Yoo Inna? I am one of the many. But yeodongsaeng, the LDW and JBA ship has sailed. They look good together. JBA looks smart and spunky. It is a good match to LDW's deadpan humor and down to earth personality. The characters they play are even more interesting. Let us see how things go from here, but I am rooting for them already.

2. The depth of the acting of all the characters I have seen so far is superb. There are two scenes that are evidence of the acting chops of the cast. In episode 2, when Lee Yeon freezes the river Sando to bid goodbye to Ae Rum, there was only one dialogue from him. It was a killer. Only their eyes speak of their grief. The camera pans to the Grim Reaper Lady who only closed her eyes feeling their pain. That scene speaks volumes. It ushered in so many questions from their past and countless predictions for their future. 

The second scene is best shown through these stills.

How can these good looking men appear so vulnerable? There is a deep sadness in Lee Rang's eyes. No need for words. The look on his face says it all. Lee Yeon, on the one hand is a deity but he is helpless and at a loss at the forces of the universe. There are rules that even gods and deities could not bend or break. Deals and bets can be made but at a terrible price or consequence. Lee Yeon know this too well.

3. The presentation and discussion of love is nuanced, sensitive and complex. Lee Yeon is weary of the world and yet, he speaks of integrity and keeping his word. He hangs on to finding his one true love but believes in letting go of things that cannot be controlled. His friend could not fathom his old fashioned belief in romance. the happily ever after and respect for rules. Despite it all, he is sticking by him through and through. The owner of the The Snail Bride reminded him that even his show of loyalty to Lee Yeon is called love.

It was a promising premiere, chingu. I cannot wait for the next episode because I look forward to the unfolding of Lee Yeon's intense and complicated relationship, past and present, with Lee Rang. There are many layers to uncover from their conversion by the fishing dock and it would be an interesting to know how TONT delivers the concept of family conflict and the inevitable healing that follows. This is something present in all Kdramas I have watched. Looking back, many of my favorites follow this structure. 

And yes, the ending of Lee Yeon and Ji Ah's romance, be it a happy one or negotiable is worth the ride.

It is still a long way from there, I know. I am keeping my hopes up!