I began watching this drama because of jisoo and hae in (my favourite actor). It was every thing I was expecting but not at the same time (those who watch will understand). I will began my review with the acting. We all know well how talented at acting Hae in is, going from a cute, express charcter to an emotionless, seen all the wrong things guy, in this drama he expressed so many emotion. He expressed the emotional power struggle within him, trying to choose his country or whats right. Its often hard to show this internal pain and struggle but he presented so well that caused the viewers to sympathize and try tell him what side to pick even though they are on the other side if the screen. Jisoo shocked me with her powerful acting, we often see with idols them playing roles that have more of a cutsy feel, but jisoo went full out with an emotional performance. Her pain of seeing everyone she loved be ripped apart from her, is shown so well it cant help but cause pain to those watching. Her scenes presents her inner struggle for the man she loves but hates, or wishes to hate but cant due not so simple emotions, love. The side characters also did and amazing job, some parts they added to the emotional pain of the viewer and other times the added comic relief. The duality some of these actors show are truly amazing. One thing in this drama I really appreciated was the forshadowing of events, especally with simple things as talking about Romeo and Juliet and Youngro singing the beloved song 'one way ticket'. For some reason this show reminded me of a quote from the outsider; "two of my friends died that night: one a hudlum the other a hero" it reminds my of how sooho sacrificed himself to save so many but will be potryd as an evil murdering communist which we all know he isnt. Even though this drama isnt perfect, at some points the plot began yo drag and the ending traumatised me, i dont regret watcing it is well done and would recommend it those interested in watching. Instead of continually rambling on ill end it my review with one more thing, a poem called "snowdrop" written by Louise Gluck which i think suites this drama;



Snowdrop

Do you know what I was, how I lived? You know
what despair is; then
winter should have meaning for you.

I did not expect to survive,
earth suppressing me. I didn't expect
to waken again, to feel
in damp earth my body
able to respond again, remembering
after so long how to open again
in the cold light
of earliest spring--

afraid, yes, but among you again
crying yes risk joy

in the raw wind of the new world.