tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post8165393784595200986..comments2024-03-28T13:54:32.155-04:00Comments on Outside Seoul: Still more swooning for Secret Love AffairAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18062557298628072047noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-37790715905833194322016-07-06T16:57:45.429-04:002016-07-06T16:57:45.429-04:00SLA held me captive from the first episode. The pi...SLA held me captive from the first episode. The piano music was incredibly erotic. I felt the raging emotions up and down the scale. Kudos to the lead actors. I too think HBO should take notes. The understated leads to lovemaking blew my mind. When SJ said,"Tea, my ass.". I knew OH was his forever. Good work!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-27878809576756058152014-04-06T00:10:56.445-04:002014-04-06T00:10:56.445-04:00I am so excited to see enthusiasm for and thoughtf...I am so excited to see enthusiasm for and thoughtful commentary on this drama. Until now, most reactions I had seen were hung up on the age gap between the lead characters and the (im)morality of the affair. I'm happy to know that I am not the only person lapping up the mature themes, sophisticated characters and portrayals, conscious staging and camerawork, layered meanings––I'm all-in! I never thought I would say this, but SLA may be giving Coffee Prince a run for its money in my books as "best drama ever." <br /><br />Two personal notes that I will add to your observations: I think Hye Won's skirt incident may also serve as a sort of foreshadowing (I'm finding a lot of that in this series... like when Sun Jae wears Joon Hyeong's clothes!). Hye Won's focus is about to turn from the politicking and babysitting and looking out for number one to the most passionate love affair of her life. If she's not careful, she'll get caught with her skirt down.<br /><br />Also, there is a really memorable visual metaphor during the piano sequence of Episode 2 (again, something I'm seeing a lot of in this drama). Sun Jae is leaning into the piano as he plays, and the camera is placed just so, framing--no, cradling--his face with the curve of the piano. It just feels like that was intentional, a symbol of how fitted he and the piano are to one another (and, by extension, how fitted he and Hye Won will become). <br /><br />I may be reading too much into things, but you can't say I'm not enjoying every re-watch of this fantastic drama. I'll keep my eyes glued to your blog to feed my new addiction!<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-23681071978641527982014-04-05T12:51:08.051-04:002014-04-05T12:51:08.051-04:00I am thrilled that others are as enveloped by SLA ...I am thrilled that others are as enveloped by SLA as I am. As HW is by SJ in that ridiculously stunning back hug. But I also want to grab onto it and hold tight. So I guess I get to have both sides of that achingly beautiful experience.<br /><br />I haven't rewatched episodes and scenes or wanted to share my thoughts like this since Coffee Prince. And just when I think I've gone over the edge I discover something new so my behavior is reinforced and my love for SLA deepens.<br /><br />Regarding the camera level, the angles in the long trailer are used in an amazing way. At about 1 min when HW and SJ enter the music room the piano lid prop literally separates HW and SJ by a vertical line. Even as the camera and actors move, it continues to split the scene into two distinct parts. But I started getting excited because I knew what had to be coming and at about 4 mins I got my reward. As soon as SJ begins to play the piano, the camera smoothly changes and they are together. They separate again when HW tries to put distance between them. The 9:40 min is an example. But it doesn't last for long becasue she can't fight againt SJ and his piano. <br /><br />And neither can I . . . Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-34548314919724548462014-04-04T02:27:15.284-04:002014-04-04T02:27:15.284-04:00Thank you for your insightful comments. I hadn'...Thank you for your insightful comments. I hadn't thought about the scenes in terms of the levels: it's quite revealing. And all the more reinforces what a beautiful drama this is. <br />There is a certain meanness with HW's husband: the tone he uses with her is quite disrespectful. I don't know if this is the typical way husbands speak to wives in Korea (I've seen it a bit in other dramas). But certainly is a sign of nastiness, and wanting to domineer and control. My parents in law have been married 50 years: I've never heard that tone from either of them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-18052546253761625642014-04-01T22:09:44.682-04:002014-04-01T22:09:44.682-04:00I'm just hoping this drama doesn't go the ...I'm just hoping this drama doesn't go the "Brief Encounter" route. Don't get me wrong, Brief Encounter is a legendary film for a reason, and I love it. I also loved a movie that was very much an homage to Brief Encounter called "Cairo Time". But I think that storyline only works in a 90 minute to 2 hour film. I don't want to watch 16 hours worth of desperate, but unfulfilled yearning. It may be crass of me to say, but these two need to get a little action.kikihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11619491567192923035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-64553809781875387022014-03-28T17:29:04.186-04:002014-03-28T17:29:04.186-04:00modest-goddess, with a show this layered and compl...modest-goddess, with a show this layered and complex, I do the same thing:<br /> - watch ASAP on viki, because I just need to know what happens next and I get the plot flow.<br /> - watch on Dramafever, paying more attention to the dialog this time, comparing the subs, catching more nuance and the feel of it.<br /> - watch at least once more where I don't have to pay as much attention to the subs, and catch watch expressions, follow inferences, pay attention to body language.<br /><br />With this show I may have to add another watch, because I have the feeling that some things that were just glossed over in earlier episodes are going to turn out to be majorly important later on. A mini-marathon may be called for...skellynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-57038536799020462602014-03-27T21:36:39.931-04:002014-03-27T21:36:39.931-04:00Absolutely true! Even when they are apart, the hea...Absolutely true! Even when they are apart, the heat is there and that is so real. This drama really makes you FEEL like youre in an affair yourself. Thats how good it is.<br /><br />EnzAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-85852453916168746152014-03-27T16:52:26.827-04:002014-03-27T16:52:26.827-04:00I really enjoyed all the details you pointed out. ...I really enjoyed all the details you pointed out. I miss so much action while reading subtitles. I've watched each episode twice, once on Viki and then on Dramafever. May watch a 3rd time this weekend. Love all the subtle personality tics from the characters. My favorite scene is the chat confession where SJ says he gave himself totally to the goddess. modest-goddesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02349577841986972240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-55530738207010411672014-03-27T14:25:10.824-04:002014-03-27T14:25:10.824-04:00I really appreciate your discussion of this drama;...I really appreciate your discussion of this drama; You brought up points that flew over my head. I was lamenting that no one seemed to be recapping this show and I'm probably missing quite a few of the nuances. <br />Please keep this ongoing; I know I'll need everyone's keen observations for me to fully appreciate this story.aafa83https://www.blogger.com/profile/17270979295256443826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-83971830979100269012014-03-27T13:08:20.834-04:002014-03-27T13:08:20.834-04:00Totally ok (although I just noticed I had a little...Totally ok (although I just noticed I had a little typo)! Thank you! I love your blog and I'm so glad you are watching this drama. I'm really disappointed that it's not even being discussed on Dramabeans. I find the current crop of network Kdramas very disappointing, so I'm happy to have this to keep me going.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13502668585084105670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-2086367917052571332014-03-27T11:00:02.020-04:002014-03-27T11:00:02.020-04:00P.S.: I loved your comment so much I wanted to sha...P.S.: I loved your comment so much I wanted to share it on <a href="http://outside-seoul.tumblr.com/post/80878561058/an-anonymous-poster-left-the-best-secret-love#notes" rel="nofollow">Tumblr.</a> I hope that's okay!Amandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18062557298628072047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-29284027137256127102014-03-27T10:13:12.694-04:002014-03-27T10:13:12.694-04:00I absolutely agree. HBO shows are at best titillat...I absolutely agree. HBO shows are at best titillating with all their obligatory nudity and sex—Secret Love Affair is so sexy I'm surprised my television doesn't melt from the heat.<br /><br />Sex soup indeed... Amandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18062557298628072047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-89338510349506335192014-03-27T09:29:38.312-04:002014-03-27T09:29:38.312-04:00Having watched through episode 4, I have to say, I...Having watched through episode 4, I have to say, I feel dirty while watching this drama. Not in a bad way, but in all the good ways. I feel like I am watching something private that I really shouldn't be looking at but cannot turn away. The directing is just AMAZING. It feels claustrophobic and hot and full of friction, like any moment the there is just going to be a sexual explosion, but of course, being a Kdrama there won't be one on screen, and that makes it even sexier (HBO could learn a lot about the difference between sexy and just sex by watching something like this). The chemistry in the air is so palpable it's like sex soup. Of course that is not just the directing but the acting too. I've seen some good chemistry in Kdramas before, but I don't think I've ever seen it sustained to the point where the leads have chemistry with each other even when they are in different towns. This is so good it hurts!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-68601655617234971732014-03-26T23:44:51.423-04:002014-03-26T23:44:51.423-04:00So glad to have found this blog since - exactly - ...So glad to have found this blog since - exactly - Dramabeans isn't recapping, which usually means limited intelligent engagement. However, your insights are marvelous. Perhaps because the drama likely targets women like its cool, intelligent, and accomplished heroine, even the level of dialogue the drama generates has been rather elevated. Or at least yours has been. So thanks. I'm looking forward to stopping by regularly to feed on your insights.Anaisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-50080849311708644692014-03-26T07:43:21.670-04:002014-03-26T07:43:21.670-04:00Oh, and one afterthought for those interested what...Oh, and one afterthought for those interested what the cello teacher said as she was speaking (flawless) German in ep 4.<br />She said: 'Das kann ich mir nicht länger anhören. Wie konntest Du hier überhaupt rein? Muss ein Fehler gewesen sein. Die blöde Sau!' Which translates to: 'I can't listen to this any longer. How could you get in here at all? It must have been a mistake. This stupid sod.'Newbienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-179198918412777382014-03-26T05:56:44.877-04:002014-03-26T05:56:44.877-04:00Great to see, that you offer a platform to voice t...Great to see, that you offer a platform to voice the thoughts on this show. It is so intense, layered and emotionally involving lots of people will just have to talk about it.<br />Just finished ep 4 and I'm in awe how this show is created. Both leads are fantastic. Love it so much.Newbienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-41495718105823459122014-03-26T05:49:35.423-04:002014-03-26T05:49:35.423-04:00Pleased to see that people are perceptive to the d...Pleased to see that people are perceptive to the details! I watched the episodes over and over and never got bored. There are so many layers to be uncovered!<br />Love your review =) Please make mooooore!ChyuuNyuuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01408781342732499859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-10518759856110947822014-03-26T05:07:57.332-04:002014-03-26T05:07:57.332-04:00Yoo Ah In is adorably innocent, isn't he? But ...Yoo Ah In is adorably innocent, isn't he? But then, not, at the same time. I'm interested to see how things play out between them all.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01065928807649744906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-76570978313389189262014-03-25T22:08:27.064-04:002014-03-25T22:08:27.064-04:00This drama is incredibly demanding, intellectually...This drama is incredibly demanding, intellectually and emotionally. I think this is the first drama where i find myself constantly replaying scenes and images in my head as if i AM the one about to start a love affair. Watching it, i feel how the characters must feel. Suddenly thrown off balance; life no longer the routine. One holds one's breath for the next encounter and in the meantime, one is consumed by the thought of the other. Egads, how can i keep my mind off the drama till next week???!! LOVE the show. Thanks for a platform to voice and for your insights. Anticipated the show a lot and it is, as for you, exceeding my expectaions!<br /><br />EnzAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-52771237426323699242014-03-25T16:57:57.363-04:002014-03-25T16:57:57.363-04:00I completely agree about the attention required to...I completely agree about the attention required to watch SLA. I'm watching Miss Korea right now, and it's a fine show. But it just doesn't require anything from me—I can look away, go to the bathroom, check tumblr and not miss anything. But with SLA, everything seems so perfectly calibrated that I don't want to miss any of the little details. I just hope it doesn't suffer when it gets to the live shoot stage.<br /><br />As for the musical stuff...I get nothing of the subtleties, having dropped out of middle school band after two weeks. In a way, I'm almost grateful for being clueless. I can truly believe Yoo Ah In is a magical prodigy, because I don't know any better ;)Amandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18062557298628072047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4952798172649226841.post-17998876169321277732014-03-25T15:54:44.550-04:002014-03-25T15:54:44.550-04:00I love how this show makes us think for ourselves....I love how this show makes us think for ourselves. Ahhh it's so refreshing! I'm also at a level to pick up some of the more subtle musical vibes that are hinted at, but not explained. Granted, not everyone will pick up on all these things, and I didn't even think to fully analyze half of the scenarios you put in this post (thank you btw!). But I think these kinds of scenes make for a more invested viewership. In contract, shows that tell you everything you need to know (or god forbid, may have missed! dun dun dun).. that kind of storytelling tells me that I can sit back and multitask and not pay so much attention to what's going on onscreen. I'm even tempted to say this is becoming my problems with more and more Kdramas these days.. If I don't have to watch it to get it, why am I watching it again?? In contrast.. I sit with my eyes glued to SLA in case... something tiny but HUGE happens in the space of half a second. Now THAT's good TV. :DDDDDDRosiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01325086650312547686noreply@blogger.com