Search - Dae Jang Geum vol. 2 on DVD

The epic continues

NutMac | Mountain View, CA | 12/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Note: Please read my review of volume 1 first.

With 40-60% viewership for weekly episodes, Dae Jang Geum is one of the highest rated TV shows in Korea. The series was immensely popular in other countries including China, Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. There's even Dae Jang Geum theme park and some of the routes on Asiana Airlines are painted with Dae Jang Geum photos. And it is easy to see why. It is an epic filled with well-defined characters and complex plot. Many of the supporting characters are not "cookie cutter" 1-dimensional figures, but fully realized with their own stories.

This volume 2 box-set continues where episode 18 (of volume 1) left off, as the competition between Lady Han (with Jang Geum) and Lady Choi (with Geum Yung) heats up. Remarkable turn of events test Jang Geum's perseverance. When all hopes seem lost, friendships will help Jang Geum regain her strength. Her enemies are villainous and strong, but her friends are greater in number and royal to the end. Wow, that sounded like Lord of the Rings synopsis. =)

By the end of volume 2, many of the supporting casts fully settle into their role and their characters gain additional dimension and depth. Young-ae Lee (who plays Jang Geum) is even more comfortable here, portraying an age closer to her own near the end of volume 2. She is particularly effective when "speaking" with her eyes than with words.

This box-set contains episodes 19 through 36, containing some of the best episodes of the series. Among my favorites is a small scene in episode 23 where Lady Min is given an opportunity to cook for a birthday party. It's a minor scene but cute and serves to enrich the supporting characters. This box-set features some of the saddest events as well. In fact, a plot leak caused many viewers in Korea to write a petition to lengthen one of their favorite characters' stay.

Dae Jang Geum is remarkable for its restraint. In volume 1, we were given a glimpse of forbidden relationship between Jang Geum and Jung Ho. In volume 2, their chemistry solidifies with just brief physical contacts. Respectfully holding hands and leaning against each other can be as electrifying as any kiss.

I want to mention the use of music. Although occasionally cheesy and repeated ad nauseum, it plays a key role in the series. Many of the themes serve to enhance rather than annoy. Kurosawa-inspired photography in Jeju island is also remarkable for a TV series. Ditto for authentic set and costumes.

Episodes 19 through 21 complete the competition between Lady Han and Lady Choi. Episodes 22 through 27 present the bitter aftermath. Episodes 28 through 31 take place in Jeju island, one of the furthest stretches of Korea. Here, among the happiest times for Jang Geum, she enters the world of medicine. From episodes 32, Jang Geum attempts to re-enter the palace as the medicine woman. Back then, medical practitioners were lower in rank than chefs! New challenges and conflicts unfold, new friendships are forged, new enemies are made, and new powerful allies emerge.

If you enjoyed this volume, and I personally enjoyed it even more than volume 1, you are in for a treat on volume 3. Please look for my review of volume 3."

Description

NutMac | 07/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dae Jang Geum (this is the title in Mandarin) is a very spectactular movie. This story is based on a true story about a girl name Jang Geum who becomes the first and only physician of the Korean King of 1482. In the story Jang Geum looses both parents when young and enter the palace at age 10 there she learns cooking and grows to be one of the greatest cooks. But when her teacher Lady Han gets murdered by conspriacy from Lady Choi Jang Geum is expelled from the palace. She then learns about medicane and enters the palace again."

Wondeful - most successful drama ever to screen

Van Tran | 12/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lee Young Ae played the role of Dae Jang Geum wonderfully
Through this film , I can understand foods, medicine as korean traditions in old times .
I'm not surprised why Lee Young-ae Named Korea's Promotion Queen and I can say that this movie is the most successful drama ever to screen
"

THE BEST OF THE BEST

KDA | Florida | 11/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"EXCELLENT SAGA!!! THIS IS SO FAR THE BEST HISTORICAL SERIES I HAVE EVER SEEN. AFTER SEEING VOLUMN 1 YOU WILL WANT VOLUMN 2 AND 3."