frommelbtoseoul
Melbourne
This review appears on: https://frommelbtoseoul.wordpress.com/2020/04/14/review-the-hymn-of-death/
I came across this after a quick glance at what Korean dramas Netflix now has to offer, feeling pretty surprised at the vast options available. The first thing that caught my eye with this drama was that the male lead is Lee Jong Suk. I couldn’t not add it to my Watch List. However, what I did next may have ruined my watching experience. I googled the title of the drama and was immediately spoiled.
The story between Yun Sim Deok and Kim Woo Jin is immensely well-known. If you already know about their story then it won’t be a spoiler, but as I had no clue who they even were or what would be involved, googling the premise of this drama straight away revealed what waited for the characters at the end. In saying that, knowing how the story ended didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed watching the actual show. I would’ve liked to have not known just to keep the element of surprise, but overall, I still enjoyed every moment that led up to the ending.
What I appreciated most from The Hymn of Death was how beautiful it was. It was so pleasing to the eyes, starting from the costumes to the camera directions and framing positions. Every single character was dressed so well, the men in well-fitted suits, and the women in fashionable and chic outfits. The drama is set during the Japanese occupation, so you see a different type of style that isn’t seen as often in Korean dramas. There is a lack of traditional clothing (hanbok) and they’re not at the stage for modern clothing yet. I especially love how pretty Shin Hye Sun appeared in the drama and the outfits that were chosen for her. The directing in this series was also something I was in awe in. I rarely pay attention to frame and camera positions, but I noticed how purposeful each frame and scene was positioned. It was so pleasing to the eye but also forced myself, as a viewer, to really understand that the director wanted to either contrast the characters, position us in between the characters to understand the tension or take in the entire scene from afar as though the characters were sharing a private moment only they could understand. Lee Jong Suk and Shin Hye Sun are also pleasing to the eye on their own but also as a couple. I cannot believe how beautiful Shin Hye Sun is, really.
Yun Sim Deok and Kim Woo Jin’s lives was fairly condensed in this 3 part series. There is a lot more that can be told about their story however, I didn’t mind that there was 3 parts. I found the drama was able to, surprisingly, showcase what was necessary to understand their story, but also in a way where I could really believe and see the emotions that each had for the other. It helped that Lee Jong Suk and Shin Hye Sun had chemistry and were great in portraying their characters. Both were great in portraying both the sad and happy emotions, especially as they began to face the challenges of deciding what was right. For just being 3 parts, The Hymn of Death wasn’t rushed and came across quite impactful.
Definitely give this a watch if you want to learn about two historical figures that played some part in Korea’s history. Not only do you get to learn about how Yun Sim Deok becomes a famous singer and Kim Woo Jin is known for his writing, you also get a glimpse of Korea during the time it is occupied by Japan. Also, I can’t stop playing one of the songs from the OST. It is so moving and well suited to the drama.
I came across this after a quick glance at what Korean dramas Netflix now has to offer, feeling pretty surprised at the vast options available. The first thing that caught my eye with this drama was that the male lead is Lee Jong Suk. I couldn’t not add it to my Watch List. However, what I did next may have ruined my watching experience. I googled the title of the drama and was immediately spoiled.
The story between Yun Sim Deok and Kim Woo Jin is immensely well-known. If you already know about their story then it won’t be a spoiler, but as I had no clue who they even were or what would be involved, googling the premise of this drama straight away revealed what waited for the characters at the end. In saying that, knowing how the story ended didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed watching the actual show. I would’ve liked to have not known just to keep the element of surprise, but overall, I still enjoyed every moment that led up to the ending.
What I appreciated most from The Hymn of Death was how beautiful it was. It was so pleasing to the eyes, starting from the costumes to the camera directions and framing positions. Every single character was dressed so well, the men in well-fitted suits, and the women in fashionable and chic outfits. The drama is set during the Japanese occupation, so you see a different type of style that isn’t seen as often in Korean dramas. There is a lack of traditional clothing (hanbok) and they’re not at the stage for modern clothing yet. I especially love how pretty Shin Hye Sun appeared in the drama and the outfits that were chosen for her. The directing in this series was also something I was in awe in. I rarely pay attention to frame and camera positions, but I noticed how purposeful each frame and scene was positioned. It was so pleasing to the eye but also forced myself, as a viewer, to really understand that the director wanted to either contrast the characters, position us in between the characters to understand the tension or take in the entire scene from afar as though the characters were sharing a private moment only they could understand. Lee Jong Suk and Shin Hye Sun are also pleasing to the eye on their own but also as a couple. I cannot believe how beautiful Shin Hye Sun is, really.
Yun Sim Deok and Kim Woo Jin’s lives was fairly condensed in this 3 part series. There is a lot more that can be told about their story however, I didn’t mind that there was 3 parts. I found the drama was able to, surprisingly, showcase what was necessary to understand their story, but also in a way where I could really believe and see the emotions that each had for the other. It helped that Lee Jong Suk and Shin Hye Sun had chemistry and were great in portraying their characters. Both were great in portraying both the sad and happy emotions, especially as they began to face the challenges of deciding what was right. For just being 3 parts, The Hymn of Death wasn’t rushed and came across quite impactful.
Definitely give this a watch if you want to learn about two historical figures that played some part in Korea’s history. Not only do you get to learn about how Yun Sim Deok becomes a famous singer and Kim Woo Jin is known for his writing, you also get a glimpse of Korea during the time it is occupied by Japan. Also, I can’t stop playing one of the songs from the OST. It is so moving and well suited to the drama.
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