October 2011 Highlight (2): Tamna, the Island (2009)

“Exile!”

…..

“Troublemaker!”  

Warning: It is going to be a  somewhat long, incoherent, fangirly gibberish. Please bear with me :]

Just a pre-note: I watched the 21-episode director’s cut version in lieu of 16-episode MBC’s curtailed version. (Darn you, MBC! What a sacrilege to Park Kyu.) The original 21-episode DVD version was so much better than the cut version (the 16-episode version left out a lot of details and editing was choppy – as expected), so I suggest you check out the original because you don’t want to miss out.

Tamna, the Island (2009) – or often written Tamra – is a series that I started without any expectations. I was in the mood for watching another fusion-sageuk after unexpectedly getting strung out on Sungkyunkwan Scandal (I devoured the whole series in only a few days the previous week), so Tamna came to mind since I had seen it mentioned quite often on various blogs. I knew nothing about the show or the story in general (other than the actors of the OTP and the fact that it was a sageuk), but having noticed the good ratings given by international Kdrama fans/bloggers, I had no qualms about dipping my toe in the water. Another factor that piqued my interest was the cast, who wasn’t entirely unknown to me. Sometimes it is just more comfortable to join a party with familiar faces in it rather than having to once again warm up to new faces. Having had glimpses of Im Joo Hwan and Seo Woo in their earlier roles, I was curious how these rising actors would fare in this one. (IJH had minor roles in Doremifasolatido and Boys Before Flowers – nothing to write home about – whereas SW had heftier roles in Crush and Blush and Cinderella’s Sister, thus I could vouch for her acting chops)

My first impression of Tamna (by the first episode) was it felt like a traditional folktale with a Disney touch. Tamna is actually based on a manhwa of the same title. It is a fanciful, youthful series with a dreamy feel to it and a seemingly assured happy ending, as with most fairytales. The opening sequence of Tamna introduces an English-speaking white guy named William (Pierre Deporte) who is about to embark on a journey to the Far East in pursuit of his love for oriental crafts. He leaves his homecountry England with his English/Dutch-speaking Japanese merchant friend, Yan Kawamura (Lee Sun Ho), who was a member of the Dutch East India Company (the VOC). By this alone, I already got a sense that this show was going to be a fun adventure. Then in the following sequence, we get transported to an enchanting foreign island that is the Tamna Island (the present Jeju Island of Korea). These scenes illustrate the lush scenery, the exotic atmosphere, the rich nature, the native inhabitants of the island and their culture/daily lives there.

Meet the Jang family, a commonplace Tamna family that consists of Beo Jin (Seo Woo) – a naive teen daughter who thinks her life sucks because she’s bad at what she does, her sweet precocious little sister Beo Seol (Kim Yoo Jung), and their archetypical diver mother (Kim Mi Kyung) and stay-at-home dad (Byun Woo Min). We quickly learn that in Tamna, the women/wives are sea divers who work their butts off to make a living by harvesting abalones whereas the guys/husbands just help with menial tasks and household chores at home. Beo Jin’s mom, Mrs. Choi, is the head of the divers who is gruff, dexterous and admired – or even envied by her comrades. On the other hand, her daughter Beo Jin is just the exact opposite of Mom. She’s lousy at diving, much less picking abalones, thus she is always the least accomplished of the bunch. She is a dud and she’s well aware of it. Mom always harshly chides her ineptitude (mom is always frustrated since she hopes her daughter to be the next pack leader) and the other divers belittle her to boot, making her feel miserable about her life time and time again. As a female of Tamna, she’s stuck with diving – something she is neither skilled at nor fond of – supposedly for the rest of her life.

The plot starts to kick off when two occurrences converge with BJ’s normal life in Tamna: William’s shipwreck near the island and the arrival of an exiled yangban (nobleman) from Hanyang, the capital city of Joseon (present-day Seoul) – named Park Kyu (Im Joo Hwan). Fate has brought these two outsiders to Tamna to change BJ’s life tremendously and that’s where the story really begins. When William is cast ashore in a state of unconsciousness, BJ happens to be alone on the seaside. She then comes to his rescue, takes him to her secret hideaway and helps him recover there lest the villagers find out and they be in trouble. Everyday she would sneak out of her house/village in excitement to visit William in the cave – to bring him food and have a chat with him. Despite the language barrier (she speaks Korean and he speaks English), they seem to be able to communicate well and find comfort in each other. William with his blue eyes, golden hair, super pale skin and foreign speech always keeps BJ in such bewilderment, as if he’s someone of a different species or alien from another planet. That wonder of strangeness soon turns into a crush as she gets closer to him and find a kindred spirit in him. They are two lost souls who long to break away and be freed from their shackles (Before the escapade to Tamna, William is just as cooped up as BJ. He is betrothed to a lady he doesn’t want to marry. Well, the problem is not the lady. He simply doesn’t want to get hitched.) They spend some quality time everyday and grow fond of each other as time goes by. Especially to BJ, the feelings are new and thrilling because it is first love before she realizes it.

The other guy, Park Kyu, creates just as much whirlwind in BJ’s life since he is assigned by the government officials to live with her family during his exile in Tamna. Imagine the reaction of a haughty aristocrat who is used to luxury and sophisticated lifestyle having to live in that shabby house of BJ’s and adapt to the rural life. To make it even worse, he is such a pain in the ass with his fastidious, snobbish personality. It would be understandable that BJ has a hard time welcoming or getting along with this guy. On the other hand, supercilious Park sees BJ as this lowly country bumpkin with unwieldy manners. What do you expect? BJ is just a villager who has never encountered any yangbans (who are kind of nonexistent in Tamna), hence her unseemly behavior toward the nobleman. Park doesn’t get that of course. Before BJ knows that Park has to live with her family, she and Park already start off on the wrong foot with each other (they get involved in a misunderstanding and create a ruckus during an important ceremony) which makes it a double whammy of bad for them to live under the same roof.

At one point though, it is finally shown that Park is actually not that bad a guy.  That is when Park catches BJ and Will together in the cave, redhanded. Park decides not to expose William to the officials nor tell on BJ for keeping a foreigner. (It’s revealed that Park is actually an undercover royal inspector sent by the Hanyang government to Tamna. The consequences could be fatal for both William and BJ if they’re found out by the government – since the country is not that open to foreigners.) Although Park knows that what BJ’s doing is reckless and risky, he puts up with her. It’s then apparent that underneath that veneer of hauteur, Park is simply an upright, staunch man with impervious moral principles and a frozen heart that’s not so impervious (the fact that he finally falls for BJ is enough evidence). Park’s relationship with BJ grows from disdain to familial bond (as if Park assumes an older brother position to protect his troublemaking sister) to opposites-attract kind of love. For a long time, BJ fails to notice that Park harbors affection for her since she is falling hard for Will, her first love.

The love triangle continues to unfold as the story begins its Hanyang chapter in the second half (Our leads leave Tamna for Hanyang at episode 10) before reaching the climax back in Tamna (finale). The plot gets meatier now that the central love story of our main leads is intertwined with the rising political conspiracy and the villain’s elaborate scheme. More characters come to light (the villain(s), the King and Park’s parents) and Yan gets to play a slightly more important role..sort of. (He’s apparently not just a sidekick.) The mystery behind the mastermind is also revealed as this chapter fleshes out the villain’s backstory. The lines that connect the dots start to appear now that we see things outside of Tamna. All in all Tamna is not just a story about three people entangled in a love triangle. It also aims for an overarching goal: placing value on the overlooked island, protecting the precious island and its people from the savage outsiders.

Warning: Spoiler Alert! From this point on, I’m going to continue the review with  major spoilers since I’ll be discussing random parts of Tamna (including the end) in regards to why it is so special to me even with its flaws.

Here are Tamna‘s strengths that make it so personally memorable and dear in my heart:

1. Park Kyu! (Im Joo Hwan) – OMG I don’t think I’ll be able to write coherently on this one. *spazzes already

It was the character! It was the actor! I didn’t know which one is which and I didn’t know when one started and the other ended. I didn’t see IJH acting as Park. Park was simply the incarnation of IJH, really because IJH fit the role to a tee. This actor-character duality is still such a conundrum to me and can only happen with perfect casting and solid acting. I don’t even know how to properly word it anymore. IJH was such a revelation here, portraying Park with nuances and depths of emotion. He was the true gem of this show, dare I say. He was born for this role and this role was exclusively his. This show without Park (say if the hero were a different character) could be just yet another stock show with run-of-the-mill characters. And the character Park without IJH’s portrayal would not have been as soul-penetrating. I know that my fangirl mode is on right now, but I believe that you would agree with me on this because objectively speaking, Park is the epitome of perfection and IJH’s acting did justice to the character.

Let me just zero in on Park first and foremost. Park is like a cross of Lee Sun Joon and Guh Ro of Sungkyunkwan (yes, what a perfect blend). He is an intelligent, educated nobleman who comes across as priggish, arrogant, and overbearing at first, but deep down he is actually an upstanding man with integrity, staid moral compass, and most importantly a good heart, though not readily noticeable. (Kinda reminds you of Sun Joon doesn’t he, except that he’s one step above Sun Joon in terms of badassery and political acumen.) As if those aren’t enough, Park on the other side is also a valiant fighter who’s selfless, protective of his loved ones/the oppressed, and oozing with charisma. Definitely a true paragon of a hero. Exactly like Guh Ro, he might be tough on the outside, but his facade conceals vulnerability and tendre (those tender gazes, those tears he sheds). How many times has he saved and protected that troublemaker BJ? Everything he does he has her best interest at heart – to the point of self-sacrificing. (He even complies with the arranged engagement by his shrewish mom without resignation, under the stipulation that Mummy stops messing with BJ.) He loves BJ but never demands the girl to love him back. Even when he feels betrayed by her, he still thinks of her safety and well-being on top of everything else (more on this – one of my fave scenes – later). Now who would not want a man like that? He’s of the upper class and handsome to boot. So what is it that one thing that he’s missing? Love that’s not unrequited. That’s why I rooted for Park all the way.

I was not a fan of IJH coming into this drama and didn’t expect to be one. I knew he was cute and all, but I never really looked twice at him. (Well Doremifasolatido had 3 equally cute guys in it so IJH was not a standout. There were Jang Geun Suk – who at the time was still adorably boyish but now I don’t even know what he is, Jang Eui Chul – a model who’s been barely existent in dramaland over these years, and IJH – the oldest of all 3, playing the heroine’s younger bro while he was actually older than the actress, thanks to that baby face of his. In BBF, he was of course eclipsed by the F4 due to his scant airtime.) After watching Tamna, I certified myself a forever fan of IJH and a Team Park Kyu member. I just can’t heap enough praises on his performance (coming from the fangirl in me.) His commanding on-screen presence, off-the-charts acting and charisma blew me away. I could feel for, with and through the character he acted out. I could feel twinges of pain when he was hurt or heartbroken. There was an emotional connection with his character, and that was a rare personal experience for me in drama-watching. The overflowing emotions that came out of his pensive eyes were really something else. His smoldering stares conveyed longing and forlorness. When he smiled, he brightened my whole world. It didn’t hurt that he actually had good genes and looked smokin’ hot in traditional Joseon garb. *Swoons

2. The sweetest redemption.

Time to talk about the girl, BJ. For like 90% of the show, I was totally frustrated with this girl to the point of irritation. BJ is uber naive and dense and is completely blinded by blondie Willy, who is equally heedless with his one track mind. Not that I blamed her – she’s young and enamored – by her very first love. Still, every time she bawled “William…” in front of Park, my heart ached for him. Worse yet, she keeps dragging him into predicament after predicament with her recklessness – hence her moniker “the troublemaker.” How could she be so inconsiderate and oblivious to Park’s feelings? A smidge of gratitude would have gone a long way after all he has done for her. BUT, thank God she finally hits the turning point – though a bit late in the game. She finally makes big strides in the last few episodes and redeems herself big time by saving Park from what could be an impending death. When Park (and Will) is about to be executed by the king, BJ got the gumption to intrude into the palace and speak up against the injustice towards Park. That results in the cancellation of their execution and a resounding sighs of relief from everyone involved. Then the best redeeming, winning moment is when BJ impetuously jumps to the sea to rescue drowning, injured Park after he’s knocked into the sea by the swashbuckler. Like a pro diver, she fearlessly plunges herself into the dark cold water to save Park – a la the little mermaid. (Come to think of it, she’s actually done this twice – with William in the first episode and Park in the last – which makes me think  that she’s not that bad a diver she claims to be.)

The climax followed: BJ frantically lays unconscious Park on the shore, cries her eyes out and finally utters “You can’t die! I haven’t had the chance to say I love you” (finally! a confession from the girl.) while hitting him lightly on his bleeding chest out of panic and frustration. After spitting out some water, Park finally regains his consciousness, flinches in pain and slowly opens his eyes to see BJ in front of his very eyes. They tenderly call each other’s nickname in a moment of reprieve – a succinct exchange that means a thousand words. Park caresses BJ with a gentle stroke of affection on her head and she immediately hugs him tight in tears of joy, wailing repeatedly “Don’t you ever leave me again!” Squeeeee… What a rewarding moment – which leads to point 3 below.

3. A satisfying ending.

Out of all the sageuks I have watched, Tamna has the most satisfying ending – which is quite rare in sageukland, IMO. (Let’s, see… By far I’ve seen Chuno, Painter of the Wind, Sungkyunkwan Scandal, and The Princess’s Man. >> [SPOILER ALERT] The first two have the most WTF-inducing endings which ruin what otherwise great sageuks. Sungkyunkwan ends on a happy note, but it is not fulfilling by any means. The finale’s totally rushed and rather lame with a whack of fanservice. The Princess’s Man‘s is actually not bad – It’s a happy one for the OTP but bad daddy doesn’t get his comeuppance and everyone else is sort of left in the dark. [END of SPOILERS]. Back on Tamna, the finale ties up all loose ends nicely. Not only do our couple get their happily ever after – individually and together, but the island and its entire villagers also get their fair share. Park returns to Tamna as an exile – again. He’s back in BJ’s household doing domestic chores like a pro. BJ finds her niche, working at the government’s office as a tax officer for Tamna’s traded goods. Finally! Something she excels in and enjoys doing. The final scene shows BJ running home from work to find Park who’s just appointed to be the new Tamna governor. She calmly approaches him in joy and disbelief. Again, they exchange affectionate greetings by calling each other’s special nickname while looking in each other’s eyes with wide exuberant smiles on their faces. The end. What a sweet tacit expression of love. I find silent meaningful moments like this more powerful (and IJH has that aura of quiet intensity). Less is more, I guess – especially with these two emotive actors. I ain’t need no hugging, kissing, wedding, or babies for the happily-ever-after epilogue – which would be just a bit too corny for me. Willy gets to say his farewell to Park, BJ and everyone in Tamna and safely left for England with fond memories of his unforgettable Far East adventure. He’s gone a separate way but the friendship will be cherished forever. Tamna is now free from corrupt officials/greedy tyrants and everyone is happy. (An awesome part prior to the epilogue: when the time comes to fight the villains, all Tamna’s inhabitants – all men and women including our trio –  stand united in fellowship and do their best to protect the island. It’s a well-deserved victory for Tamna.)

4. Relatable characters.

Tamna‘s protagonists are palatable and relatable, if not lovable. The two that I could relate to the most was BJ and her mom. Their mother-daughter relationship is rendered quite realistically in this coming of age story. They reminded me of myself and my mother to some degree. BJ is a young adolescent on the cusp of adulthood looking for her true identity and a place she belongs. Likewise, I am still struggling in life to find my own path and to get settled – though I’m way past adolescence, which makes it worse. I’m a useless hag who’s still groping in the dark, not knowing where she’s headed. HA! Way to downgrade myself. Argg what the heck. Anyway, this is that point in life at which I feel I’m stuck – lacking the resources and personal power to make a change. *Starts singing Kelly Clarkson’s Breakaway… That’s why as much as BJ grates, I could not hate her but sympathize with her. Now Mom is tough and ambitious, wanting her daughter to do well in life more than anything else. She has this exact picture in her head of what her daughter will be in the future – a capable diver and leader  just like herself. It’s only normal that parents want their children to take after their good qualities and to have better lives than they do. She’s harsh and stern. She never spoils BJ but actually cares about her a lot. It shows when BJ is in times of turmoil, mom’s there by her side.

So what else? I don’t think the rest needs explaining. Writing, acting, visuals and music are assured. Editing isn’t that up to snuff if you watch the 16-epi broadcast version. Speaking of acting, my only niggles would be SW’s annoying cutesy antics and Deporte’s mediocre acting. SW tends to overact in happy jokey scenes (pouting, flailing, whining, etc.), but she’s so good in more serious scenes. (This girl does anger and sadness effortlessly. She kicks it out of the park with her crying – it’s never halfassed.) As for Deporte, the blame can’t be placed entirely on him since I don’t he’s really an actor to begin with. Plus his two-dimensional, one note character William does not require much acting finesse. It’s hard enough to find a pretty-looking blue-eyed Caucasian actor in Korea, let alone one that can speak fluent Korean. Gotta give props to him for speaking Korean better than English (I’m jealous). Both SW and Deporte’s characters BJ and Will are a lot of times infuriating, but they have their charms and shining moments. I’m giving full credit to Will for saving terribly wounded Park in the woods and actually protecting BJ from the crafty villain (although not in the best way possible). He is a good boy, just not the best one.

Now onto favorite scenes. Everything with IJH in it is technically my favorite (HA! shameless me), but I’ll jot down the best ones:

1> The couple’s intimate moment when BJ tends to Park’s wounds at the potter’s place (Augh.. so heart-tugging. I loved his wistful smoldering)

2> Park’s broody moment after he hears the false news of Will’s death  – which leads to the stormy kiss. He’s regretful that he can’t do much to save Will (who he thinks was wrongly executed) and BJ’s upset at him for letting it happen. Yes I love my guy broody and angsty.

3> Park’s angsty moment when he catches BJ together with William who’s supposedly dead. He’s obviously enraged and hurt, feeling betrayed by BJ for not letting him know. Now it’s BJ’s turn to be stricken by compunction (not so much about not letting him know –  It’s more the realization that she’s hurt Park all this time) which leads to  #4 below:

4> BJ’s heartfelt moment with Mom. After that confrontation, BJ goes home and confesses to mom that she’s hurt Park’s feelings and feels uneasy about it. She also tells mom something along the line of  “my heart is full of secrets” which I interpreted to “my heart is complicated sometimes I don’t even understand it myself.” This is the major turning point for her at which she realizes that she treasures Park more than Will. Mom coddles her, trying to assuage her anxiety.

5>Park’s endearing moment with BJ’s mom. There’s one scene in which they spend the entire night drinking makgulli together in the courtyard. There’s little talk, but they share friendly smiles and comfortable silence (Must be their utmost care for BJ that connects them.) I took it as Mom’s gratitude and trust in Park. Way to steal future mom-in-law’s heart, dude!

6> Of course that redeeming moment I talked about before… in which they finally acknowledge their love for each other. Totally swoon-worthy.

Hoah… I never thought I’d write this long, I feel like I’ve spoilt you more than enough. Hope you don’t hurt your brain reading this as I’m experiencing writing fatigue myself lol. And I hope that I successfully lure you onto the bandwagon. Just enjoy the ride because you’re in for a treat (you’re lucky if you get slain by Park/IJH, just like I did). To me personally, Tamna was a delightful getaway that touched my heart and turned me into a die hard fan of IJH – for which I’m eternally grateful. *Runs to rewatch.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Tagged: Drama reviews, Im Joo Hwan, Kim Mi Kyung, Kim Yoo Jung, Lee Sun Ho, Park Kyu, Pierre Deporte, Sageuk, Seo Woo, Tamna the Island

Posted in: K-Dramaland