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[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Secret Door" Episode 14

The inevitable time jump has happened and it has brought about some interesting changes for our Prince, his goals, and the king's desperate desire to keep his crown. Since the political slaughter and the revocation of the prince's governing powers, Seon has become more keen, more determined, and more wily. This change is mirrored in everyone, the sad effect of tragedy.

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The most interest change is in Seon. After burning the major plot motivator, the secre document, the political game between him and his father changes. It must be played based on wit. His father's first move is to take away Seon's power, which forces Seon to bide his time. His noble goals still exist, but he masks them with a novel Bacchanalian approach to life. Towards everyone but one confident he puts on this mask. It does not fool cunning Minister Kim Taek, but that makes for more intrigue. Seon has asked Kim to be his teacher of politics, which sets off yet another round of paranoia in King Yeongjo. The new relationship between Seon and Kim is fraught with tension because both know they are playing a delicate game. It's a brilliant writing move.

In Seon we see the same determination to change Joseon for the better, but he is a little older and a little wiser; jaded. We do not see the same in Ji-dam who has aged and become bitter. The actress has changed to the older Yoon So-hee. While I have not yet formed an opinion of her acting, the change in actresses is sudden and jarring. Kim You-jung was headlined as the lead actress and the role was said to be her first adult role. There is a fifteen year age gap between Kim and Lee Je-hoon, which could be the reasoning behind the change. Netizens have also cited a lack of chemistry between Kim and Lee as a reason for the switch, but Kim played Ji-dam with such aplomb that stealing her away is a shame. I'm against this change. There are ways to film to make the romance kosher for the young actress and the audience and still portray love. In any case, the switch has been made. Let's hope Yoon's performance can match Kim's.

The time jump was effectively done because it fit organically into the story. Seon was banned from politics and lost the ability to act on his dreams. Ji-dam escaped from sure death at the hands of the Norons who would kill her for being a "traitor's" daughter. It is expected that thing will change when two such momentous things happen. The subsequent events were also well thought out. Seon comes back with a plan to battle his father in politics and Ji-dam comes back to take her revenge on those who took the life of her father.

Time has not eased the king's fear of losing his power; it has increased it. Along with his growing paranoia, the king also feels an even greater need to keep the few promises he makes with his son. They may be in a political battle, but the father in Yeongjo struggles to overcome. It's a juicy internal struggle that has begun to give towards the side of fear and ambition.


Written by: Raine from 'Raine's Dichotomy'

"Secret Door" is directed by Kim Hyeong-sik, written by Yoon Seon-joo and features Han Suk-kyu, Lee Je-hoon, Kim You-jung, Eun-bin, Kim Min-jung and Kim Chang-wan.

 

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