Faith (2012)

There are reasons I haven't reviewed City Hunter here. For instance I don't want the Lee Min Ho fangirls to downvote my review like crazy just for stating what I honestly felt about the drama. It's a fact that I rated it 7.5 stars while 'Faith' gets an 8 from me. Execution-wise, Faith may lack City Hunter's slickness or tempo or glamour but it makes up for everything with the inclusion of the sweetest romance ever. I have watched LMH with Goo Hye Sun and Park Min Young before this too but boy his chemistry with Kim Hee Sun in this one is totally off the charts. In every scene they appear together, they are virtually shooting sparks. And to think they have a 10-year wide age gap. This just goes to show that good acting trumps everything else.

Faith's other strong point is obviously Kim Hee Sun. In the first couple of episodes she may come off as slightly airhead-ish, babbling non-stop like a teenager but once you learn that under the facade of this relentless bubbliness, there is a headstrong, intelligent, sassy woman who takes no shit from anyone you will find yourself charmed by her antics. I came to this drama to verify whether Lee Min Ho can actually act or not and was pleasantly surprised. I think this is the only show in which LMH gets into a character rather than acting out the part of a rich, entitled brat/superhero-lite. Choi Young's vulnerability, his heroism in the face of defeat and danger, his emotional scars, his unwavering love for Eun Soo all come through quite wonderfully in Lee Min Ho's performance. And I think Kim Hee Sun's excellent excellent acting may have helped things along in this regard. Only she could have made Eun Soo so endearing, earnest and believable.

The direction is not the drama's strength. In fact it flounders so badly, that there is a constant discrepancy between a scene's emotional content and the actual screenplay. Badass fights look distinctly less impressive because of the choppy editing and shabby production values. There are so many plot loopholes in the drama that one can drive a truck through all of them put together. Several plot devices are rehashed time and again to advance the story and the fantasy bits are rather badly juxtaposed with the realistic bits. The X-Men-ish premise makes zero sense. One wonders if there were indeed X-Men like warriors in Goryeo, why the hell did they not organize themselves against Yuan? Also Young's superhuman powers were rarely used in the drama so I am not sure what was the point of giving him the ability to shoot lightning anyway. Excellency Deuk Heung made for a worthier villain than Gi Cheol who sort of degenerated into a caricature by the end methinks.

I would have liked the time-travelling bits to have been more fleshed out so that we could understand better the past and future Eun Soo's struggles to reach Young across the fabric of space-time. It was probably one of the only plot threads that could have made for interesting viewing but remained sadly underutilized.

Long story short, Faith isn't the best sageuk-fantasy out there (that honour goes to Arang and the Magistrate) and has a shitton of narrative flaws. But it has its heart in the right place. If for nothing else, watch this for Young and Eun Soo's impossible love that develops gradually and becomes the show's only lifeblood. In my opinion, this is one of the best romantic relationship portrayals in all of Kdrama history.

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I had no expectations when I started watching Faith. The only excitement that I had was that I wanted to see Lee Min Ho again in a drama. At first I found it really hard to continue this drama, perhaps it wasn't because of the drama, but because of my busy schedule, but still. After a day when I eventually started watching 5/6 episodes after each other, I couldn't stop anymore. The main reason is just that I was so curious how it all would evolve and eventually end. In the end i'm really glad that I continued watching this drama, cause I really liked spending my time watching it!

I have to say that sometimes the effects were a bit lacking and the music sometimes came on a strange moment. Also when I was near the end (in my opinion), there were too many flashbacks from the previous episode. But even so it couldn't make the drama less great. The story they wanted to tell was wonderfull and the cast did great in acting. I only knew Lee Min Ho, but seeing the others acting, I will probarbly continue to follow one or two more of them.

Anyways don't let the negativity reach the upperhand. Start watching this drama and continue to watch it.
Just don't drop the drama and believe me, in the end... You know you didn't waste your time watching it
(atleast I know).

Have fun watching it, I hope you enjoy so!

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Overall, I would say this drama is pretty amazing. The best thing for me was the cast. I enjoyed Lee Min Ho as cold but sweet Choi Young . Kim Hee Sun nailed her character. I usually only watch for the male leads but this is my 2nd drama of kim hee sun and she didnt disappoint me at all! I enjoyed her flustered and quirky character. They had incredible chemistry as well.
I would say the story is pretty well written too. I liked the fact that their is no love triangle and that the 2nd couple (king and queen) were pretty adorable as well. I liked the happy ending since I was worried it was going to end in a tragedy but it didn't.
I would rewatch it since I love happy but not forced endings. A great historical drama!

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Beautiful time travel story with happy ending!

Although this drama had many flaws, I still continue to re-watch it. This drama is also named “The Great Doctor”, aired in 2012.

Love story……

The love story was an absolute masterpiece. It was a perfect blend of beauty and intensity that kept me hooked till the end. The casting was spot-on, and the chemistry between the two main characters was perfect. Both the characters were aware of their limitations and knew they could not love each other, but somehow, they found themselves unable to resist the pull of their strong emotions. She loved him unconditionally, and he reciprocated her feelings with an intensity that was beyond words.

Even though he loved her deeply, he was willing to let her go for the sake of her happiness, even if it meant going against his own. This selflessness and sacrifice made their love story all the more beautiful and intense. It was a love story that defied all the odds and transcended time and minds. It left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling, and I couldn't help but admire the beauty of true love showcased in this story.

Script, storyline….

I had started to blacklist time travel dramas altogether because of their predictable bittersweet or sad endings, the tragic separation of the main couple, and the immature female lead. It was all too repetitive and tiresome.

Luckily, I stumbled upon this gem on YouTube, where I usually discover new dramas to watch. I searched for "general kiss C-drama," and voilà, a list appeared that included some K-dramas.

The story of Faith, aka the Great Doctor, kept me glued to episode after episode. However, as is my habit, I had to spoil the ending for myself to ensure that this drama had a happy ending. And it did not disappoint.

I firmly believe that the drama I watched is the most underrated one. It is unclear why it is not getting the recognition it deserves. Compared to other time travel dramas, it has the most original storyline, the right way to have a time travel story (happy ending), and great casting (strong chemistry). Although personal preferences play a role in liking or disliking actors and actresses, this drama has exceeded my expectations.

The original author and screenwriter, Song Ji Na…

I invite you to read an interview with Song Ji Na, the original writer of the drama. In the interview, she expresses regret and explains that many of the choices made in the drama were out of her control. She is upset with the results. However, she praises Lee Min-Ho a lot, and it is evident from her words that without him, the show would have been a disaster. She disagrees with the director's choices. She explained that many scripts she wrote were disregarded.

I believe she wrote the 3 novels, sadly never translated into English, to redeem herself and the show.
https://shineuifaith.wordpress.com/2020/08/08/writer-song-ji-nas-qa/

Music, costumes…

I wanted to give a special shout-out to the music. The chorus music was delightful and added a layer of depth to the scenes. Whenever love was in the air between the characters, the love music was so fitting and beautiful. Additionally, the night effects added a special touch and made me smile. However, I have to say that the costumes were just average and didn't leave much of an impression.

Flaws, inconsistencies…

Was it flawless? no. However, I believe the minor imperfections I noticed were mainly due to cultural differences. For instance, there was only one memorable kiss scene, and mostly hugging scenes were shown. Furthermore, there was a scene where the characters were in bed, fully clothed, but it seemed like they had sex. Lastly, the ending lacked a physical hug or kiss, but the emotions were there.

When she returned, she found the Japanese reporters waiting for her to interview her and the nurse calling the police to report that she was back. That was ridiculous.

It was disappointing to see the great doctor struggle with basic first aid skills, such as performing CPR. The endless pumping routine was not only unrealistic but also frustrating to watch. Overall, this was not the drama's best scene.

The last episode was not the best, to say the least...

Casting…

I loved the ML, Lee Min-Ho. But I am not convinced the FL, Kim Hee-Sun., was the right choice. At times, she acted well, others she was ridiculous. So was it her acting skills or a director's choice, at times it was ridiculous. Faith was '90s drama queen Kim Hee-sun's comeback project, her first TV appearance in five years after her marriage and childbirth. So maybe this did not help?

The way she walked when she was dragged away… she had no idea of microwaves and the sound effects when the brother played his flute… when she returned in the future, she didn't think to bring antibiotics but her diary and her voice recorder… the way she pulled her hair… she studied years to become a plastic surgeon, yet she acted like a 15 years old. Many times, she exaggerated, and it showed. Like the epilogue. She ran to meet him, she knew it was him, but when she saw him, she opened her eyes as if it was the surprise of her life.

Director …

The scriptwriter and director's handling of the ambiguity between the older sister and younger brother in the movie was truly praiseworthy. Even though it was never fully developed, it was evident that they were probably lovers. The portrayal of the sister as a twisted villain who loved to play with men was well-done.

One of the most brilliant scenes in the movie was when the prince revealed that the ML was the true king. The choice of secondary actors and actresses was fantastic, and they all played their roles to perfection.

Sad story. Members of the cast and crew later sued the director, Kim Jong-hak,for unpaid wages, and while being investigated for fraud and embezzlement, he committed suicide in July 2013, 1 year after the drama aired. I invite you to read the production section on wiki.

Special effects, martial arts choreography…

I found the special effects in the movie to be quite unimpressive and failed to grab my attention. ML showcased his powers only once when he kidnapped the FL, which was impressive enough to take down dozens of cops, but after that, there was no explanation or proper utilization of his powers. Moreover, there were three villains in the movie who had powers, but there was no explanation given as to why they possessed these abilities. It seemed like a convenient plot device that added nothing to the story.

Time travel and meaning of “faith”…

Time travel is often portrayed as a mix of comedy, romance, and drama, which can be annoying at times. However, “Faith” drama, which is a political romance drama time travel, managed to strike a balance without the annoying comedy. FL was indeed clumsy and brought humor but because she didn't look like a teenager, somehow her character managed to bring smiles instead of annoying faces. At times, it was just a tiny bit over the top though. The concept of a time travel door in the middle of the city at night seemed a bit far-fetched, but it still managed to capture the audience's attention because the focus wasn't present time.

I have to be honest, I was struggling about the last episode. After brainstorming, I have come to the conclusion that the reason why the prince couldn't go through the portal while the ML could previously, be due to his lack of purpose and faith. It's also worth noting that when the FL came back in the same year/era versus when she left a second time, she went back 100 years before and the third time 5 years after. I came to the conclusion that the name of the drama, "Faith", explains it all. With faith, it was possible to go through time and space.

Epilogue… and finally a happy ending!

The drama's ending felt a bit hurried, leaving me wanting more. As a viewer, I anticipated a grand romantic finale culminating in a satisfying climax. However, it appeared to be a little brief. Nonetheless, as I paid attention to the details, I noticed that the many yellow chrysanthemums- FL's favourite flowers, were a clear indication that this place was a sacred spot for the ML. His fellows said he usually spent four long days there, probably reminiscing about her. The intense, long exchange of looks between them was nothing short of breathtaking. I saw the relief in her eyes to find him, tears streaming down her face, and his expression conveyed why the drama was named "faith". He had faith that she would return, and he never once doubted it. But it took some effort to understand all this loll

Honestly? The long stare in the eyes, no touching, no kissing, one lone tear, and a big sigh from her. He was waiting (obviously) for her return. She finally found a way back in time to be with him. Yet, I wanted some passion, some touching, something! I almost saw a tiny tear from him but it was hard to notice. I read many reviews, and all are on the same page as myself. The ending was a complete disappointment. Add to that that it was only the last 3 minutes.

Alternative ending…

The scene was set, tension was building up and I was eagerly waiting for a romantic moment between the two lead actors. However, as the scene progressed, it became apparent that the Korean director was being a bit too conservative. While staring at each other was fine, I was hoping for something more - a passionate kiss that would make their hearts skip a beat. Yet, it seemed like the director was holding back, being a bit too prudish. Despite the captivating performances by the actors, the scene failed to deliver the emotional punch that was expected.

The director's aversion to physical contact was evident in the drama, with only one kiss and an abundance of hugs. It's clear that they have a strong dislike for such interactions..

Conclusion…

I can't quite explain why I enjoy this drama so much, despite its many flaws, but I really do. If it had another female lead, I might have rated it higher. However, the male lead was perfect. I didn't like the director who removed any physical moments from the show. I cannot forgive the full clothes in bed. Did he think them fully clothed with a blanket on top was a bit too far stretched to imagine they had sex? Gezzz….I won't say more about him since he had a tragic death, but I'm not sure if he was famous before; I have no interest in watching anything else he's done.

It was released in 2012 and even though it's an old drama, I still bought the DVD to ensure that I can watch it anytime I want. With the fear that it might not be available for streaming at some point, owning the DVD is the best option.

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Loved it the whole way through

This is a 2012 South Korean Historical Medical Fantasy Romance television drama with 24, 1 hr episodes. It is also known under the title “Faith.”

When the queen is mortally injured General Choi Young (Lee Min-ho) is sent through Heaven’s door to the land of the Gods to find a doctor to heal her. First doctor he encounters is a plastic surgeon, Yoo Eun-soo (Kim Hee-sun) but there is no such distinction 700 years in the past so he abducts her to take her back to save the queen, Queen Noguk (Park Se-young). Seeing her skill and the medical tools she brought with her, the people believe she was trained by no other than the legendary Chinese surgeon Doctor Hwata. Soon all those currently battling for rights to the throne believe that having her as their royal doctor will tip the scales in their favor. As love grows between the doctor and the captain of the royal guard, he must battle not only for the young king he has come to respect but also for the woman doctor he has grown to love. He also must keep a promise to her, on his honor, to return her to her world.

I was afraid this would be just another historical drama. Should have known better with Lee Min-Ho involved it has both fantasy and sci-fi time travel mixed in. His role is so dynamic. Not only is he a intelligent military strategist and strong warrior but his ethics and moral code are truly impressive. It is the first time I have seen this female lead and I just loved the role she played. She was smart and forceful yet completely feminine. Very pretty both in her behavior and appearance. I thought Lee Min-Ho was a great couple with Park Shin-Hye and he was but I thought these two were even more perfect together. Looked up to see if they dated and seems she was married. That is how great their chemistry was. There was good and evil a bit of a mystery and lots of suspense. Lee Min-Ho shines in action scenes. He puts so much emotion into his acting I suspect he is an empath and probably deeply feels his roles I would imagine he is exhausted when he finishes a drama. I greatly admire his talent and knowing he is in something greatly influences whether or not I watch it. spoiler alert** I was a bit worried at the ending as it seemed they might not wind up together. Things ended well I just wish there had been a bit more screen time when things wrapped up happy. Still very good and a must see if you like the genre or either of these very talented actors.

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I remember this was one of my first kdramas. I was introduced to lee min ho so I tried this n I tried to like him but he's not so likable for me. Don't hate me plz!!
I did find him hot in this one w his sexy armor costume. Of course Kim hee sun is amazing. She jst doesn't look like her age, she looks so young. I never rly like noona romances but j actually ship them in this one cuz they had no barriers between them. It jst flowed smoothly.
I barely remember the plot or story but it was interesting n draggy at some parts. I always love historical dramas w martial arts so I like this one.
Kdrama ost are the best so I don't need to explain more...
Personally, it was one of my first kdrama so I didn't rly know how I felt except it's a great drama.
I don't plan on rewatching this cuz I'm kinda sick of lee min ho. He's jst too overrated.
It's watchable if anyone wants some love, fighting, healing...

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