J100
This review may contain spoilers
Between East and West: A Deep Dive into Cultural and Personal Struggles of women
The story is about the difficult life of a women in Korea (East) and their attempt to break free and become independent (West).
The struggles FL trap her and other women in an endless cycle of helplessness and suffering, with the ending highlighting just how miserable she remains. What began as a romantic fantasy (Western) explodes into a patriarchal, chauvinistic, and restrictive reality. The treatment of women in Korean society evokes revulsion throughout the series.
When she tries to "escape" (To escape the pressures of society and family, to escape the harassment of employers, to escape her partner) she encounters resistance and feels guilty (. There is a selfishness that is not accepted in Korean society, and we witness the injustice within the systems (Although she complains about the employers' assaults, they become the victims.)
The "Western" woman of the fantasies is independent, wants to do everything alone, and refuses to flee with her lover to the USA to maintain her independence. However, by doing so, she remains miserable within the family and societal systems.
Her partner tries to help her, but without success, making him feel miserable and useless, creating an irreconcilable dissonance between East and West. He wants to take charge and be the man, but she refuses to accept the help and be the nurturing woman.
The subplot at work takes a central place and adds depth to the main story. It's hard to side with the woman throughout the series because she acts foolishly and puts herself in no-win situations, but it's understandable that society created her immaturity and confusion. The frustration follows viewers to the end. Why doesn't she choose to escape with the man who offers her happiness and freedom? She prefers to confront forces she has no chance of defeating (work harassment, family pressures, etc.).
The series reflects the spirit of the times and the changes in Korean society with depth and daring. It raises questions about maintaining family and group values while striving to be free and happy.
Music:
99% of the music is truly awful. It's unclear what goes through this director's mind, but this is already the second series where he chooses unbearable American music. This time it's old country music, which is really bad and annoying, overshadowing the viewing experience.
Actors:
All the actors, without exception, are truly excellent. The main couple is wonderful and very talented. I loved both of them and fell in love with the ML actor after this series, even though I've seen him in other series before. He has a baby face, which isn't the typical masculine type, but he is captivating and talented.
Rewatchability:
You can watch this at least twice. at least for the first half. The love between the couple is very moving and feels real.
Overall
A beautiful, critical, and courageous series, different from all other SKorean dramas. However, it leaves you with questions and complete confusion in a very miserable and detached ending, without a real resolution or sense of fulfillment. As SKorea searches for its new identity, between East and West, the screenwriter is also ultimately confused.
You could write an entire research book about this series. This happens because humanity still hasn't found its identity in the world, identities are blurring, and it's unclear who is the man and who is the woman, and what each one wants to be.
The struggles FL trap her and other women in an endless cycle of helplessness and suffering, with the ending highlighting just how miserable she remains. What began as a romantic fantasy (Western) explodes into a patriarchal, chauvinistic, and restrictive reality. The treatment of women in Korean society evokes revulsion throughout the series.
When she tries to "escape" (To escape the pressures of society and family, to escape the harassment of employers, to escape her partner) she encounters resistance and feels guilty (. There is a selfishness that is not accepted in Korean society, and we witness the injustice within the systems (Although she complains about the employers' assaults, they become the victims.)
The "Western" woman of the fantasies is independent, wants to do everything alone, and refuses to flee with her lover to the USA to maintain her independence. However, by doing so, she remains miserable within the family and societal systems.
Her partner tries to help her, but without success, making him feel miserable and useless, creating an irreconcilable dissonance between East and West. He wants to take charge and be the man, but she refuses to accept the help and be the nurturing woman.
The subplot at work takes a central place and adds depth to the main story. It's hard to side with the woman throughout the series because she acts foolishly and puts herself in no-win situations, but it's understandable that society created her immaturity and confusion. The frustration follows viewers to the end. Why doesn't she choose to escape with the man who offers her happiness and freedom? She prefers to confront forces she has no chance of defeating (work harassment, family pressures, etc.).
The series reflects the spirit of the times and the changes in Korean society with depth and daring. It raises questions about maintaining family and group values while striving to be free and happy.
Music:
99% of the music is truly awful. It's unclear what goes through this director's mind, but this is already the second series where he chooses unbearable American music. This time it's old country music, which is really bad and annoying, overshadowing the viewing experience.
Actors:
All the actors, without exception, are truly excellent. The main couple is wonderful and very talented. I loved both of them and fell in love with the ML actor after this series, even though I've seen him in other series before. He has a baby face, which isn't the typical masculine type, but he is captivating and talented.
Rewatchability:
You can watch this at least twice. at least for the first half. The love between the couple is very moving and feels real.
Overall
A beautiful, critical, and courageous series, different from all other SKorean dramas. However, it leaves you with questions and complete confusion in a very miserable and detached ending, without a real resolution or sense of fulfillment. As SKorea searches for its new identity, between East and West, the screenwriter is also ultimately confused.
You could write an entire research book about this series. This happens because humanity still hasn't found its identity in the world, identities are blurring, and it's unclear who is the man and who is the woman, and what each one wants to be.
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