Customer Reviews

Dae Jang Geum vol. 2

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

Beautiful, exciting, informative, historical, thrilling and heart-breaking drama not to be missed. Need to get all three volumes to get the full story. It's truly quality entertainment to cherish and revisit.

Es el mejor drama que he visto en mi vida. Ninguna serie gringa o latinoamericana puede competir.

This 3 volume series is the best foreign one I have ever seen. It was not tedious, considering the length of it, and very informative of the period in which it is depicted. It is one an entire family could watch and enjoy, because it has so many attributes and shows the greed, of the powerful and the honor of those who serve others, no matter what hardships befall them. The perseverance of the main character is so admirable, you can't help but love her and the male character who looks after her welfare throughout the whole story. I would highly recommend this to anyone.

I saw what was called "The Great Jang Guem" on the Korean station here in Chicago. My reception was horrible and the translation was not the best.
But I managed to get through. Everytime I tried to find it I could not. I was talking with my Korean friend around the Holidays and she explained how her family dresses in the traditional Hanbok dresses as do the men in her family wear traditional Korean menswear. I went online and was directed to Amazon.com and there before my eyes no longer than 30 seconds later my old pal Jang Guem was available with English subtitles. I ordered it immediately. The music is outstanding and I also ordered the Soundtrack which I am waiting to receive from Japan. I highly reccommend this film to anyone who is willing to put in the time to watch it. I have watched at least 1 episode per day and I can't wait to start over and watch it again. Simply the best!!

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.

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

I would definately buy dae jang geum vol 2 and 3 if it wasn't over priced if the price was around $99 - $ 119 it would of been ok
400 or 500 it's too much !

Quality of dvd is great! and am enjoying them now.
But sure take a long time in getting them.