just honestly what is there to start when there is so many thoughts into such a masterpiece that perhaps kickstarted the Korean Hallyu culture that is today? Like many love songs, Gaeul Donghwa is trite and over dramatic. But if you can allow yourself to be vulnerable and accept the story, you will be treated to many emotional evenings. The series unfolds like a modern fairy tale (donghwa stands for fairy tale).

In contrast to American soap operas, Gaeul Donghwa was planned as an 18-episode soap opera. Some of the plot twists are dramatic and unexpected, but all are essential to the plot and serve to enrich the characters.

That said, the series could've been trimmed by a couple of episodes or so, as it is filled with countless flashbacks and several moments of "Come on, not that again!"

Still, the rest of the series is so powerful that I suspect even the most jaded and macho viewers will surrender their egos and bring their eyes to tears.

What is the message? I like to paraphrase my review of my all-time favorite film, Breaking the Waves. It paints each facet of love (e.g., mother-to-daughter, friendship, romance) with a palette of honesty and beauty.

And what beauty... The series is very beautifully shot, like the "yellow umbrella" scene where one of the lead characters sees the other character for the first time in many years. And acting is superb throughout, including the children.