Importance in Hallyu — The Korean Wave

This is a classic that helped begin the early years of the Korean Wave and the careers of the leads. It was one of the first Korean movies I saw, about ten years ago when I was just discovering the brilliance of the Koreans, who have remained my favorite filmmakers ever since. So “Musa: The Warrior” has a special place in my heart, not least of which is it’s having introduced me to the beautiful, brilliant Jung Woo- Sung. This artist is still a major force in Korean Films and Dramas— one of the best actors in the world. His portrayal of The Warrior is commanding, filling the screen: charismatic and absolutely breathtaking.

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Strongly Recommended.

One of Korea’s finest films with excellent script, direction, and terrific performances by the two main leads. The story is based on a real miscarriage of justice and a lawyer who becomes the attorney and man he was meant to be through his hard work to clear a completely innocent young man. Strongly recommended as still one more entry in the growing cache of great Korean dramas and films from the best filmmakers in the world today. My only caveat is some scenes are graphic, wrenching, and heartbreaking, but they had to be to tell the truth, so steel yourself. Otherwise, the story is inspiring and lifting, and I think viewers will love both leads and the characters they play, so settle in for a great film.

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The first six episodes are among the sweetest and tenderest I've ever seen: I was completely and happily swept into the story from the start. I adore this beautiful, gentle, protective man who loves completely and unconditionally. Though he is younger, he is wiser and more mature than the conflicted "Noona" he falls in love with, and gives her the protection and courage to discover the power of love--his love for her. There are so many warm, sexy, and funny scenes: my favorite is the hilarious first handhold under the table--funny and triumphant for both characters. I also love the apartment elevator metaphor the director uses throughout the series to mirror the development and then difficulties of the love story. And of course the umbrella imagery is perfect for the gentle beginnings of love, sheltering them and appearing when needed to remind them who they are.

But the writer and director decide to muck up the whole thing with the intrusion of outsiders and "family" including the worst mother figure from hell you can imagine. The shrieking, diabolical bitch belongs in an institution rather than young peoples' lives. The makers respond to criticism by saying, "well, reality ya know." I call BS, because the lovers genuinely love one another, and the reality is that this kind of love can never be destroyed. At any rate, after more destructive nonsense, they realize they've screwed up and awkwardly bring in a new umbrella all happy yellow this time. Still, all that said, I do recommend the series for the sweet joy of this couple, and the charm of the leads, especially Jung Hae-in even in the hell storm the makers concoct for him. He is simply fabulous--and it is his warm-hearted character who in the end saves everything, including the series.

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Flawed But Watchable

Shaky first episodes, often clumsy scene sequencing early on, playing games with viewers in final episode, around a cringey even potentially sexist attitude toward strong, smart women, but they eventually got it right with good closure that calls out public shaming, doing it through affirmation of both strength and love. The cast is very good and work hard with the director for some enjoyable and sometimes charming moments. Recommended as a watchable but not superior drama—which is totally on the writer in this drama for not having a clear plan for the message being attempted. In an age of superior international movies and dramas, that cannot stand, and neither can the weak drama.

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I thought the first half was uneven and could be substantially cut, making a 16 ep series. I thought the second half was as good as any Korean series. I stayed with it because of the fabulous cast—terrific on all levels—and was rewarded. The ending was satisfying even if graphic, but hey, don’t mess with a mobster’s mom, you twits. I loved the sweet pigeon bromance and pigeon onslaught, and the masterful reverse image of the raven. That was revoltingly satisfying as well. And yes there is even romance and a great kiss, too. All in all, Vincenzo is worth the time spent.

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