Synopsis:
A young thief Jang Man Wol, played by IU, finds herself wondering for a mythical Inn where the souls of the dead wonder to. She makes a deal with God and tells her she will take responisbility for all the lives she has ruined and ultimately ended. She is then cursed to stay at the Inn where ghosts take refuge and she is charged with helping them go to the afterlife without any earthly regrets. Thousands of years pass and it is about time that Man Wol's punishment comes to an end. Goo Chan Sung, played by Yeo Jin Goo, has come to ease Man Wol's anger and send her happily off to the afterlife.
Review:
Okay, let's quickly get into this review, dear reader because I have a lot to gush about this masterpiece. I knew from the start when the previews were coming out that this was going to be another epic show. I mean the visuals alone in the previews were enough to turn my head but the synopsis for the show was another head turner. Right away I knew this would be a show to look out for and I was not wrong in that
assumption.
If you are a returning reader thank you so much for coming back to this page if you are new and just checking this review out for the first time, I hope you like it and come back for more! Just a quick heads up for the new readers I rate my dramas on mainly two categories, story telling and direction. Under Story telling I take into account not just the acting but the writing, and music as well. Under the category direction I consider both editing and direction. I call them my sticky notes because that tends to be what I write my thoughts on when I'm watching.
On my sticky notes I gave this series a 100% on story telling and a 4/5 on direction. I am also going to add the illusive cinematography category to these sticky notes that I normally leave out of my reviews. I'll tell you why, normally the cinematography in K-Drama's doesn't pique my interest. Sure the camera quality is usually good, but there isn't usually anything that sticks out at me and tells me that the artistic style of this show is something to take notice of. Well, for Hotel Del Luna I gave the cinematography a 4/5, mostly because I want more. Please, if you watch this dear reader take notice how the director shoots a scene and how she can make a beautiful woman almost look like an ethereal goddess. The scenery shots are beautiful as well, almost as beautiful as both Encounter and the Arthdal Chronicles which both received the cinematography category.
This series has ceased to amaze me. It has a little flavor of Master's Sun with a bit of Goblin mixed into it. I love that the story line revolves around different stories in each episode but makes sure to give you a little bread crumb of the bigger picture before the episode ends. You never forget what the show is actually about and you never wonder why an episode is airing. Basically, what I am saying is thus far the "filler" episodes have not just been to just air something there was always a purpose.
I also like that the series sheds light on a few issues that are plaguing the world today. One of these issues is porn and the illegal videos that are uploaded on the internet. The way the handle the issue is more of a coutinary tale. Basically the episode says in its unsubtle way that if you are part of anything like that you'll definitely get your comeuppance and it hurts the victim more than you'll ever know.
Another thing I absolutely need to emphasize is the wardrobe. I cannot say enough about the beautiful wardrobe that they've had our main lead Man Wol in. I mean in almost every scene she is in she has a new outfit one just as beautiful or more beautiful than the other. The colors are stunning, the designs are to die for, and the accessories they are shown with . Not gonna lie it almost seems like the IU fashion show. Not that I am complaining. The outfits make for an amazing visual that only showcases the main actresses almost ethereal beauty. She looks like an absolute doll trimmed in the clothes that I know a greek goddess would fight for.
The chemistry between the two main leads is phenomenal. I know that both IU and Yeo Jin Goo were worried about. I have no idea why because they rock together. I love their give and take, which is mostly bickering, but then they have random and surprisingly touching moments. Those moments are surprising to both the audience and the characters. She is sexy, mysterious, and goes about life as if rules don't apply to her. He is a stickler for the rules, kind, and easily trusting. I don't know why, but the dynamic just fits.
I also love that there is an undeniable connection between the main leads, there is no funny business with a second male lead to make that always K-Drama clichés (and one of the most annoying plot developments according to myself). There is a somewhat second male lead in the Man Wol's past lover. By the way, I need to give a brief shout out to the actor of Go Chung Myung, Lee Do Hyun, because he gives one of the best performances in all the flashbacks. He is full of charisma and charm, it leaves no wonder why Man Wol fell in love with him in the past.
Anyway, i'd love to spill more dear reader but I'm afraid if I do I will accidentally spill a spoiler and I wouldn't want to ruin this great show for you. I do have to add that IU's performance is great and has come a long way since Scarlet Heart Reyo. I did not like her acting in that series and I think she has gotten waaaay better. By the way there is a brief cameo with Lee Joon Gi for you Scarlet Heart Lovers. Please, let me know your thoughts on the series or on my review down below. I do so love to hear from you. Goodbye and until next time my dear reader!
UPDATE:
Wow, absolutely, just wow. I have no words dear reader. I mean, this series has not failed to deliver an interesting story line at all. Now at its closing I can happily say that this will be in my list of ultimate faves. The acting is amazing, especially in episode 14. SO MUCH HAPPENS IN EPISODE 14, it'll keep making you wonder where the episode was headed and then worry that it's going to end soon. A great deal of what happens in episode 14 is just mind blowing amazing. Yeo Gin Goo will have you eating out of the palm of his hand in this episode as well. He just grabs you by the heart. All of the actors are amazing, but this man--ooof-- he delivers man.