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

 Tale of the Nine Tailed

Studio Dragon, 2020

Written by Han Woo Ri

Directed by Kang Shin Hyo

Here is part two of my TOTNT review and the insights I have gathered from watching the drama.

1. All those little things done with great love can encompass the entire universe.

The day before Yeon and Ji Ah battle the Imoogi, they spent a day together eating ice cream and sharing a kiss, playing at the arcade, watching the day turn into night until the city lights shine and sparkle like the stars. They were running against time knowing the possible ending would mean death for either of them. Though, Yeon is more calculating and clever as he could see from miles away. A skill and power of a benevolent mountain spirit.

I am fascinated by this. How simple yet it means everything!

How the ordinary and the small things, those little acts of love that seem mundane can actually measure up to grand gestures! Time spent with a spouse, a partner, a lover or a friend and basking in his/her presence in the most simple of ways can mean the entire humanity and the universe put together. Go hug the person or the pet you love as often as you can! Tell them you love them. Go the extra mile for them. Listen and just be there. And forgive. Forgive. Forgive. Forgive.

Life is too short, too precious to be angry and indifferent.

2. Why we need to let go, especially of our attachments and the people we hold dear.

In episode 1, Yeon and Sunhoo met at the park as another kid was chasing after a balloon. Yeon, being a mountain spirit wielded the wind to bring back the balloon which Sunhoo witnessed. He then asked Yeon if he was an alien. It is here where Yeon first speak of these lines, "I'm saying that life is short so try your best in life...but know when to let go when something's too unbearable."

Wow. That packs a punch.

Relating this to the drama after seeing the entire season unfold and take a bow last Friday, I could not help but think if Yeon is saying this to comfort Sunho. Could it be that having seen too many human years pass him by, he too feels the pain of mortal men and women who get attached to their dreams and ambitions, to position and social class or status and even to the people they love that it destroyed them completely. It must have exhausted him to witness such internal and personal destruction that could only lead to the imbalance of society and the universe at large. Or is he, at this point in episode 1, thinking about the things and attachments that have burdened him for hundreds of years? For how long has he contemplated on the desires of his own heart?

With a finale that seemed to have rushed on a schedule, my questions were not answered. But, this I know, that letting go of things when it has become unbearable can be liberating. But I have to add, that discerning when to let go is the beginning of this freedom.

3. Life and death all but flow in one sweep of justice.

Now, we go to Rang.

Many could not understand Yeon's happy ending and, to this day, a few remain broken hearted at Rang's sacrifice. First of all, Yeon's choice to save Ji Ah is to save the world too. The Imoogi is so evil, he corrupted A Eum to go after Yeon to become the mountain spirit. For the second time around, Yeon is bent to correct this by saving Ji Ah and the world from evil. But Rang, being abandoned by his mother, has yet to grow up and understand what tough love means. It took him a while.

Sadly, the choices he made along the way immersed him further down to evil. Remember, Rang took the side of the Imoogi's cohorts to bring him back to life and deprive Yeon of his happily ever after. What Rang did not see at the time, is the pestilence and malice the Imoogi brings along in its wake. So, we had an amazing run in episodes 11-12 making Yeon the ultimate hero and Rang, the anti-hero we are all rooting for to change for the better. And with this, our own hopes for his redemption and happily ever after.

But in the TOTNT universe, there are deals and there are judgements.

Rang's only redemption is death. His sacrifice was appraised worthy by the Judge of the Afterlife in exchange for Yeon's thus, the elder gumiho brother got his happy ending. Finally, Rang has learned how to love other than himself. This makes life meaningful and, according to the Fates of Korean myth and folklore, such a life is worth letting go of.

I don't think I will begin watching a new Kdrama (one that has been released this year) in the next few days until January 2021. TOTNT resonated with me on many levels. Some scenes, events and characters brought me delight as well as sorrow. For all its inventiveness, TOTNT affirms a personal belief I discovered during my wandering years. The people who brings me great joy are also the sources of my deepest pain.

This makes life worth living.

Rating: 4/5 One of the best of 2020

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 13-14

Tale of the Nine Tailed

Studio Dragon, 2020

Written by Han Woo Ri

Directed by Kang Shin Hyo

I begin this review feeling afraid for the drama.

I am afraid that TOTNT will end up like TKEM (The King Eternal Monarch). The cast is strong but many of them were left unused and their stories left open with no closure or agreement to the main plot.

I am afraid that TOTNT will service the fans. I am fine with a Goblinesque ending. Bittersweet. Reasonable. Unforgettable.

I am afraid to be disappointed. Yeon has reconciled with Rang. He is bound to take the ultimate sacrifice while Rang remains as the wild card. Ji Ah is turning out to be a better villain than Imoogi. But the main villain is looking like a misplaced K-Pop idol in this fantastic tale of love and vengeance. Come on, guys. Give us a fight!

I am still not over that well directed love scene between Wookie and Bo Ah but I want to see the intensity of Imoogi against Yeon. It is not working. 

So... let us see how Writer Nim and Director Nim wrap up the story and tie the loose ends of TONT.

In case you missed it, here are the links to my reviews and recaps of previous episodes.

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. 

Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Gumiho Episodes 11-12

This took me a while to write. Busy. Busy. Busy. Let's cut to the chase.

Episode 11-12 hits the ground running with Yeon and Imoogi sparring and testing each other's strengths and weaknesses. Yeon definitely knows this Imoogi has evolved somewhat and he needs more than brawn to defeat his brand of evil. Ji Ah has not given up on her hopes of finding her parents so Yeon made it possible. Rang seemed to have turned for the good by working with Yeon weaken Imoogi through depriving the CEO of ground cherries. Shin Hoo and Yu Ri's relationship is a promising story waiting to bloom but the cracks in Granny and Granpa's relationship is falling through the cracks.

Well. Well. Well.

Three things I liked about these episodes are the Rang-Yeon team up, the Shin Ju-Yu Ri dynamic and the Yeon-Imoogi preview of a fight. Two things I am confused of though are Ji Ah's parents being brought back to life and Granny's game.

The gumiho brothers are exciting to watch. I don't know if its LDW or Kim Bim, but their personalities, though different fit each other's. It would be a shame to see which of them die in the end. As for Shin Ju and Yu Ri, I find them on opposite ends that pull each other like a game of tug of war. I wonder if Shin Ju can bring any sense of maturity out of Yu Ri. And then, there is the awakening of Ji Ah's parents. Why can't I suspend my disbelief in their resurgence? As for Granny, I am awaiting the sacrifice she will have to make for Yeon. It seems that she loves him like her own son, a replacement for the one she lost to suicide.

Now after 14 days of no new episodes, I look forward to seeing how Yeon will defeat Imoogi knowing the possible demise of Ji Ah since her blood spilt on the well in the earlier episode. Their romance is already at the heart of the series and everything seem to coalesce towards them be it a brush with danger or an act of salvation from one of their friends and allies. Needless to say, as many people are dying, (Imoogi, you evil brat!), Yeon and Ji Ah carve moments to share with each other as normal couples do. The meeting with the parents, the couple rings, the shoes all point to an impending doom or separation.

As I said, I am ready for whatever will happen in the end. I just hope that if any of my favorite characters die, it is justified.

Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Episodes 7 - 10

Tale of the Nine Tailed

Studio Dragon, 2020

Written by Han Woo Ri

Directed by Kang Shin Hyo

Tale of the Nine Tailed has six more episodes to go. The series will fold up by the end of the month, more or less. Many fans of LDW and loyal viewers of the series are excited to see how every pieces of the puzzle will all fit together. Questions that sprang up at the beginning of the series are constantly being asked on socmed. Will there be a happily ever after for Yeon and Ji Ah? Is death the ultimate redemption of Rang? Will Granny ever show tenderness to Yeon? Who will make the ultimate sacrifice to defeat the Imoogi? Where are Ji Ah’s parents and how will they factor in the resurgence of the Imoogi if they are ever found?

I would rather take things in stride by watching episode per episode for the next remaining weeks. Like eating my favorite dish, I will enjoy this ever so slowly until the last morsel because LDW’s next drama will probably be in the middle of 2021. A long wait.

So, here are the things I relish from the last four episodes.

The honesty is evident in the dialogues and scenes between the casts of the drama. At times witty, but often straightforward. Shin Ju does not deny his feelings for Yu Ri nor his displeasure for Rang. When he loves, he loves. When he is annoyed, he is annoyed. It is the same with Yeon and Ji Ah. This is a pairing that does not beat around the bush.

By episode 5, they already recognized their feelings for each other. They do not play around or explode into useless drama. There is a bigger force at work and they both know it has to be dealt with. This connection and dynamic were established early on that is why, Yeon was able to reach her in her subconscious when they were both in the realm of darkness. I particularly liked this episode. It is the 9^th episode and I think the writer made use of the folkloric and mythic elements (the red string of destiny, the shadow self, the underworld) quite effectively to show that destiny entails commitment and devotion. The universe has something to do with this, yes, but loving is a lot of hard work. Pinaghihirapan ang forever. Yeon and Ji Ah had to wait for each other.

“I waited for you” is a line that has been repeated three times in the drama. Waiting is no joke. Waiting is a test of character. Waiting requires restraint and self-sacrifice. If that is not romantic tell me what is.

And finally, that kiss they shared in the rain. Slow and tender at first. Then it deepens until Yeon and Ji Ah break for air. Eyes closed and lips partly open, Yeon waits (again!) for her to reach up to him. She does so with eagerness that Yeon meets her passion and reciprocates it with his own. The song reaches the refrain while rain softly falls all around. A fitting closure to the second act.

Episode 10 begins with the Imoogi making a move on Ji Ah. Rang is faced with a difficult choice. Yeon confronts his nemesis. I am hoping it will not take the route that TKEM did. No fan service, please.

Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Gumiho Episodes 3 - 6

 

Tale of the Nine Tailed, Studio Dragon 2020 

Written  by Han Woo-ri

Directed by Kang Shin-hyo

By now, Tale of the Nine Tailed has been compared to Twilight and Inuyasha. There are also parallels to folkloric and fantasy elements of the Harry Potter series. Needless to say, TOTNT has plenty of fantasy and romance tropes found in the aforementioned stories and series. 

Lee Yeon, an immortal falls in love with a half blood. He vows to protect her for the rest of his life but tragedy struck (and this is slowly being revealed as the series progresses). Talismans, spells and superstitions, magic and mayhem abound in modern day Seoul as Lee Yeon finally recognized his past love in the reincarnation of Nam Ji Ah. In between are stories of ghost trying to find their way to the light, animals being mistreated, friendships and brotherhood going through the test of time. Oh, and yes, there is the serpent and his minions at his beck and call. Thanks to Ji Ah's blood, an orphan who appears to be the "chosen one", Lee Yeon's nemesis is back in the form of a young boy. 

Sounds familiar. Of course. TOTNT is a tale as old as time and while it follows the same tropes of fantasy series we love (except for Twilight), TOTNT remains Korean. I am not only referring to the language, but also to the character of the entire drama thus far. There have been references to Disney favorites as well, but it is Korean in culture, identity and beliefs. You will know this through glimpses of history in the architecture, clothes, food and art. Notice how the dialogues, though subbed in English, express sensibilities that reflect respect for elders, social class and hierarchy. 

How they have kept this intact for generations is an amazing feat. The same can be said of their Kpop idols. The foreign influence is strong, but the look, the movements and the sound -- all Korean. Ah, I digress.

So, what have I been enjoying in TOTNT despite the parallels and its predictability? Three things namely, the use of folk lore, Lee Dong Wook and men who are rendered helpless because of love.

1. The use of folk lore is well done. We may look at our modern cities as sophisticated dwelling places, but the story of our folks and their belief systems are deeply rooted in our collective consciousness we see traces of it in daily life. We will forever be fascinated by legends and myths. This is why the tropes of fantasy and romance are very evident in TOTNT. It forms the fabric of our lives and we yearn for this at a time when humanity is losing so much of itself in this pandemic. We need to believe again. We need to be amazed. We need to know that we can still hope and live amidst challenges big and small.

2. Lee Dong Wook. LEE. DONG. WOOK. Shirtless. Wounded. Eating ice cream in his bath robe. LEE. DONG. WOOK. Holding an umbrella for his lady under the rain. Hiding a smile. Definitely enjoying the moment. LEE. DONG. WOOK. Kissing the love of his life on a bridge framed by billowing sheets of cloth only to be challenged in return. 

"See me clearly for who I am," Ji Ah says. A look of amusement washes over his face and in my mind, I could imagine hundreds of Filipino viewers sighing and wishing, "Sana all..."

3. TOTNT has men characters rendered helpless in the name of love. Granny's husband is a hen pecked spouse but there is adoration for her in his demeanor. Also, marrying Hades' sister despite his claims is an act of great love if you ask me. Shin Joo, Lee Yeon's servant and housekeeper, loyal friend and veterinarian is brimming with care and compassion for Yu Ri. And Lee Rang... ah. Lee Rang. His anger is love unchanneled. 

We see so many faces and phases of love in the men of TOTNT. So far, the narrative has been honest, straightforward, silly but sincere, in its rendition of love as an all powerful force in the universe. At a time when there are more men who red tag women for speaking their minds, let us watch men who are unashamed to lay bare their soul for women and the object of their affections. 

This is Kdrama, you say. I know. 

But life can be stranger than fiction. The answers to questions we grapple in real life can be found in the fantasy and the romantic stories of old. 

Kdrama is life ajooma!

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!