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description
Jang-geum is the daughter of fugitives, orphaned at an early age. She enters the royal palace as a palace maid, and begins training to be come a court lady under the tutelage of Lady Han. However, the palace is rife with the machinations of the evil Lady Choi, until Jang-geum and her mentor are finally sent into exile. Jang-geum finds another career path and is able to re-enter the palace as a physician. The handsome and noble Sir Min unconditionally supports Jang-geum's career ambitions at his own expense.
This extremely popular Korean historical television drama not only captured record ratings in Korea, but was also watched by half the population of Hong Kong during its recent run, prompting the restaurant owner association to complain that their business was sharply down during the broadcast of the show! It’s based on a real-life woman who became the King’s personal physician during a time when Confucian rules were extremely strict and patriarchal, so it was very unusual for a woman to attain such a high position. The show’s writers used the historical framework available to construct a wonderful drama. Women figure prominently, both in plotting against Jang-geum and in helping her. There are a few touches that remind one of a Gothic novel, such as the occasional vision of those who have passed away.This is compelling show is full of lovely costumes, sets, scenery, cinematography and spectacular preparation of traditional Korean cuisine. The makers obviously set out to show Korea in all its beauty. Anyone who has enjoyed Jane Austen adaptations, Gothic novels and other storylines with a long-suffering heroine struggling against class prejudice, sexism and the plots of other women will certainly enjoy this.
Fantasia presents a condensed version of the whole series in two separate screenings of three hours each.—Paul Wong
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credits Director: Lee Byoung-hoon
Screenplay: Kim Yeong-hyeon
Cast: Lee Yeong-ae, Ji Jin-hee, Hong Ri-na, Gyeon Mi-ri, Yang Mi-kyeong, Lim Ho, Cho Jeong Un
Producers: Jo Jung-hyeon, Lee Byoung-hoon
Distributor: MBC
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