Love Letter DVD Review
Orphans conflicted in love in this Korean Drama
'... the strength of its cast leads what could've been a really irritating 16 hour viewing to a very compelling, intricate story' ... in the Korean drama, Love Letter.
Saved from the abusive home of his aunt, 8 year old Lee Woo-Jin/ Andrew (Jo Hyun Jae) is rescued by his uncle, the pastor of a church - also an orphanage. The night he was saved, Lee Woo-Jin makes a decision that he will only love and serve God. Years pass as Woo-Jin/ Andrew grows up only thinking of the priesthood as his future. Enter Cho Eun-Ha (Soo Ae), the daughter of an actress who refuses to make friends in the orphanage, but soon succumbs to Woo-Jin's charm and the two develop a very close relationship. Eun-Ha starts to fall in love with Woo-Jin only to have to keep her feelings hidden as Woo-Jin/ Andrew mind is only one one thing - priesthood.
Eun-Ha would've been fine with the way things were if not for Jung Woo-Jin (Ji Jin Hee). Amused by their shared name, the boys become good friends leaving Eun-Ha feeling left out. In actuality, Jung Woo-Jin has already deeply fallen for her. Can he convince Eun-Ha to let go of Woo-Jin/ Andrew who by all counts has already made up his mind who he's going to serve?
While the story and plot points get really twisted and mixed up, it's the strength of the cast that turns this 16 hour tale into a very compelling, intricate story. In comparison to my last Korean-drama Stained Glass, Love Letter hasself-motivating lead characters. While social morales are touched upon, they are not what motivate its characters.
Performances are strong from all three leads and four supporting characters. Hyun Jae's Woo Jin/ Andrew while completely settled with his destiny turns into a complete mess of a minister fighting against his emotions and primal urges. Jin Hee's Woo-Jin evolves from a reckless selfish cad to emotionally complex character who eventually learn how to let go. Surprisingly convincing is Soo Ae's Eun Ha who initially comes across hurt, confused and angry at the world but develops an an overall acceptance of her fate.
YA Entertainment releases the series on 8 discs with Character Introductions, Storyline, Episode Synopsis and Photo Gallery.
