Kolorful Palette: Time together [Shine or Go Crazy]

32 April 12, 2015April 8, 2017

Kolorful Palette: Time together [Shine or Go Crazy]

by Fanderay

Another drama has come to an end, and although I can’t say that it delivered everything I hoped for, it also didn’t deliver what I feared and expected, so I’m choosing to leave Shine or Go Crazy behind with an overall feeling of contentment. Ultimately I don’t think it will be particularly memorable, but I’m glad I saw it through until the end and there’s no denying that it supplied me with a lot of great scenes to draw.

I chose this particular scene because it marked the final truly romantic moment between the main couple where they thought only of each other and didn’t worry too much about the reality of their lives. Wang So is in the middle of a fight for the throne, but he still raced out to find Shin Yeol and save her. I admit to wishing for a more concrete illness than lifelong hypothermia that can only be cured by a dunk in an ice-cold river, but it did act as the platform for a very sweet moment. I’ve always loved that Wang So called Yeol “Gaebong” since it made their relationship feel especially comfortable for the time, but it also built up wonderful contrast for when he finally called her “Yeol” in this scene. They’ve spent so much time denying their relationship to either themselves or others that it was nice to see a rare moment of truthful clarity where he was actually able to vocalize his love and use her real name.

I also wanted to draw this scene because I love the setting. I’m pretty certain this waterfall area has been used in many dramas, but for the life of me I can’t remember which ones. Despite the darkness there was also a lot of opportunity for color with this drawing, and I couldn’t help but use conte again this week because it just seems perfect for everything. I wish I had gotten even messier with my application of it, but I’m still pretty happy with how it turned out and enjoyed working with the pretty soft lighting.

Despite my enjoyment of this sweet start to the episode, I do think the rest of the episode was a little anticlimactic and didn’t live up to the epic conclusion I was expecting. Instead of a dynamic battle with Sik-ryeom almost all fighting was avoided and only involved a pathetically small number of people to begin with. I’m assuming that budget and time constraints played a large part, but it didn’t feel much like a battle to become King. Like I said though, this drama also didn’t take the route I expected, and that makes up for a lot.

When Yeol faked her death I thought for sure that Wang So would go berserk and do something crazy, but instead he immediately figured out her scheme and pursued her. That was one fear of mine avoided, but the one major cliche I felt quite certain of was that Yeol would die. All the signs were there. History doesn’t include her in Wang So’s life, she had a terminal illness, and this is a sageuk we’re talking about. I imagine that many people aren’t thrilled with the ending since it isn’t exactly a fairy tale picture of happiness, but I actually think the writers came up with a pretty clever way of supplying our couple with a little bit of happiness without obliterating historical fact. Yeol was too smart and capable to simply become a mistress not even memorable enough to make the records books, and I like to think their love endured the years despite their time spent apart.

It’s also an ending that fit with the message Se-won gifted Yeol (originally the words of their mother). He basically said that if you meet someone, there will be a time to separate, and that if there is a time to laugh, there is also a time to cry. Life is therefore worth living. I took this to mean that for every moment of sadness there is a moment of happiness, and that we should keep living for those happy moments. Shin Yeol and Wang So may have had to endure a lot of dreariness in their time apart, but I think their brief times together made it worth it.

I’m always especially disheartened to see a sageuk end since they’re typically so much more colorful and scenic than modern dramas, but I’m lucky this time around because I think that an even better sageuk is right around the corner. Hwajeong‘s 50 episode duration has me feeling extremely squeamish, but I’m going to give it my best shot.

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1 Yuna

April 12, 2015 at 3:52 AM

I love your paintings, they are always beautiful. I especially like the lights and shadows on this one.

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thatigbogirl

April 12, 2015 at 4:16 AM

Very true Yuna. They look almost realistic.

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2 growingbeautifully

April 12, 2015 at 7:59 AM

Thanks Fanderay.

Beautiful work as always, and the part of it depicting Shin Yeol is so like a photograph.

I did not watch this show, so I will only comment on your work. I really like the expression on Wang So's face that you caught, with the light and shadows, and how romantic it looks. The warmth of his gaze seems to reach out to me! LOL! I wish she was looking at him though! :)

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3 Enios

April 12, 2015 at 8:02 AM

I really loved this story even with the lack luster end. I can never bring myself to watch saeguks, but I think because of the way the story started (light hearted, fun, romantic), it drew me in immediately but unlike other saeguks, i actually stayed for the politics just as much as I stayed for the romance. I think the Queen's discourse (Lee Han Nui's character) about why she was doing what she was doing was really thoughtful and well written.

Speaking of which, the female characters killlled it in this story! I really enjoyed watching all of them being head strong while being so lady like, from Cheong Ok to Yool to the Yeo Won.

That said, they could have executed the ending better. I've been rolling over in my bed having end of drama blues and continuously asking why they had to finish it like that (I finished it at 3am this morning). They could have just used her illness to end it instead of how they did it; it would have been better that way...in fact that's what I thought they were going to do. Like what was the point of the whole drama if that's what's going to happen at the end?

Either way, I see why everyone is so crazy about Jang Hyuk having a long mane now. Seriously the most attractive man I've ever seen in a saeguk wear.

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nomad

April 12, 2015 at 12:11 PM

I was kind of at loss too about the ending...like you, I would've preferred by this time that Yeol just died due to the ending, cause it seems like the story becomes a ring around the rosy. There are so many anticlimactic moments, I missed the punch line completely. I do really enjoyed Honey's performance, however...and are those three kids Wang So's and her character's kids?

Fanderay, I really like this moment you've chosen to paint. I like how you play with the lighting. An excellent job!

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4 Elle

April 12, 2015 at 8:04 AM

great painting!

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5 Mandy

April 12, 2015 at 8:27 AM

This is an unpopular opinion but I really liked the ending! The epic battle never happened but I found that to be an extremely poignant way of showing us the kind of leader Wang So was. If the battle happened, innocent people would've died on both sides. I felt Wang So tried to avoid that this entire time because he believed even Wang Shik Ryum's army were 'his' men. There was no big fight and I though that was such a clever way to get his people to really trust him. I've got no complaints. Instead of a flashy war with random suicides that was devoid of any sense whatsoever - Moon Embraces Sun, I'm looking at you! - this show chose to emphasize on its main character and how capable he is to lead his Kingdom. I think the thought and message in itself was epic.

On the love story's front - each to their own. I loved the eventual turn of things for reasons that won't make sense to most so I won't discuss. But it did feel quite fitting and right. I'm glad everyone got to live the lives they wanted and managed to fulfil their biggest dreams. For Wang So and Yeo-won, it was to be King and Queen and change the Kingdom; for Shin Yool to travel the world. As for Wang Wook, to live for himself... ? Wasn't he doing that this whole time; selfishly living for himself and changing his discourse in the last 2 episodes because he realized what a pathetic fool he was? #bittertilltheend

Anyways, I'll be missing this show like no tomorrow and thought it could've gone on for another 10-20 episodes. The writer felt like he/she always knew what story she was narrating and I don't think I could say that for very many dramas. Jang Hyuk was just amazing! He owned his character head to toe and delivered every emotion with so much dedication. I can't imagine anyone else could've played Wang So with such brilliance. His record in sageuks is outstanding and I hope he does a sageuk melodrama in the lines of TWDR next. Or I'd love something similar to Thank You as well - I can't believe I stayed away from it all these years... It's amazing!

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Nina

April 12, 2015 at 5:02 PM

I liked the ending too... Its a little unconventional where its neither completely sad nor completely happy. But in the end, it was the right ending. WS was destined to do great things for Goryeo and I felt the writers wanted to emphasize that the people and his country held a higher place in his heart. He chose them instead of SY which would make his father proud and him as well. SY also chose to explore the world instead of living in the palace because its who she was. The characters therefore felt relatable and consistent so I liked the ending a lot.

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6 Nina

April 12, 2015 at 4:54 PM

The painting is gorgeous! I really liked this scene a lot even if I was hoping you would draw the scene where YW-WS were being crowned at the ceremony instead. That scene really did it for me because they cleverly gave us a real list of achievements WS had throughout his reign. So impressive! I didn't know the 4th King of Goryeo managed to achieve so much. I just heard he "went crazy" killing noblemen and whatnot lol.

I thought SOGC was extremely memorable even if I don't have any lingering feelings on letting it go. I feel it told its tale brilliantly and I was very satisfied where we were left off in terms of both my fav characters; WS and YW. Glad they both got what they wanted although I did feel slightly deprived of an epic battle only so I could see JH's amazing fighting skills. But I do get the message behind it so I forgive them haha. Hope JH and Honey Lee can work together again. I found their chemistry great was unexploited. Overall it was a great ride, thanks for the 24 episodes of brilliance, SOGC!

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7 elli

April 12, 2015 at 5:47 PM

Yool, gaebong, head assistant is awesome!!! I love the couple so much... It's sas that they have to give this kind of ending when their love is so touching.
Anyway Jang Hyuk ans Oh yeon seo nailed their role perfectly. Ohyeon seo portrayal of Shinyool/ gaebonf has almost no flaw. She is so endearing in all her scenes. Their chemistry is crazy too...

Just dumb pd nim ruining the ending that made me cry real hard. What's the use of them fighting so hard through life and death for their love if they have to end up this way

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8 Riri

April 12, 2015 at 5:54 PM

I love the moment that you painted. Honey lee was exciting at first but then her monotone acting style and facw bored me to death. She didn't do anything to her role esp after WSR became the ultimate baddie. She also looked super chubby near the ens of the drama.

I'm not a fan of Saeguk but now i'm totally a fan of Jang Hyuk and Oh Yeon Seo. I was crying, laughing, and smiling with this couple. It's hard to let go of this drama after investing so much feelings.

I hope Janghyuk and Oh yeon seo will be able to work together again. Their characters here are awesome and Shinyool is indeed the most likable female lead i've ever watched.
Oh Yeon Seo is like a chameleon here. Incredible acting from her that i'm still asking to myself, how is Yool doing right now.

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9 Bluesky

April 12, 2015 at 6:01 PM

What a beautiful drawing to a beautiful drama. I'm a bit disappointes that the drama did not follow the supposed ending of the novel but i guess i can assume that their love goes beyond death and they're destined to be together even in the after life.

JH in saeguk is a plus point!! I love him more
in SOGC than FTTLY. Seems like it's true that saeguk is always his forte. I wish the director can do more to his character, what a waste of JH manliness.

OYS is like the most beautiful actress i've ever seen. I can't believe she can act this SY role to a whole new level. I'll be looking forward to what this girl can bring more in her next drama. She is an acting goddess.

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10 Jangmi

April 12, 2015 at 6:05 PM

I secretly shipped WS-YW in the second half of the drama (SY and her “I am not GB, I am Assistant Head” bullcrap got really tiring. Noble idiocy is so last decade!!!) so I am very happy with this ending :P Now I can imagine they lived well as king-queen and even had 5 kids.

Jang Hyuk was really good. As was everyone else in the cast.

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popcornhoney

April 13, 2015 at 12:35 AM

I wish i can ship them too so i can bear the pain of looking at WS look at the end but there is just no romantic chemistry btw the two and Honey Lee is dull as hell. She looked pretty at some scenes but very limited at some scenes just like in Modern Farmer. Def a very limited actress.

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Mandy

April 13, 2015 at 7:33 AM

I really found Honey Lee's portrayal diverse and compelling so even without manufactured romantic tension, I saw so much chemistry whenever Wang So and Yeo-won communicated. She had a difficult character to play and still made Yeo-won so darn likeable. I haven't seen much of Honey Lee before but I think I will from now on. She's pretty awesome! Also...

"SY and her “I am not GB, I am Assistant Head” bullcrap got really tiring."

+10000.

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11 pinkchocho

April 12, 2015 at 6:07 PM

You have such a talent in painting, it looks like a photograph!!!
Despite the lackluster ending, i admit that everytime i see something related to Shine or Go Crazy, there's always a pain in my heart.

I really miss Shin Yeol badly. Such a lovely, brave, bright, wise, cute, smart, and beautiful female character. I've fallen deeply with OYS portrayal and it's really hard to let go.
I'm content that she didn't die but i can't bear this otp beinf separated from each other. Wang So is literally dead when she decided to leave him. Why writers, why???!!!

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Nina

April 12, 2015 at 6:22 PM

Lol WS is not ‘literally’ dead. He stayed alive for another 20-30 years after being king. I thought he took her decision with great level-headedness. Didn’t beg her to stay and neither did he cry. He had a Kingdom on his shoulders and people to protect. He looked sad but I felt the drama emphasized that his country meant much more to him that SY. He could have rejected being king. It was given to him by his older brother rather than him getting it because the former king died. Tbh, I felt that steely look in the ceremony was because he was “getting ready for a long battle”, not because SY left him.

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Mandy

April 12, 2015 at 7:12 PM

YES, YES and more YES.

Most definitely, the message I got from the finale was that Wang So chose Goryeo over Shin Yool. It was a decision taken without a moment of hesitation. What a way to stamp 'deserving' on that title too!

A friend brought up the point you make as well regarding 'choice' vs. 'responsibility'. If the writer chose to kill the King, we could claim Wang So to be forced into the title. But the choice of having the King step down and pass over the mettle to him meant - to me - that he had the freedom to choose the path he wants to take going forward. He chose his people and his country over Shin Yool. And I took that as he loved them more than her as well.

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popcornhoney

April 13, 2015 at 12:32 AM

SY was the one who left him though.
His face was so sas durinf the ceremony even till old he was still looking at her wedding gown and pendant. He was ready to die and live with her but both of them had their responsibilities and dreams

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Mandy

April 13, 2015 at 6:44 AM

Yes correct, she did leave him. I was referring to the scene where they separated and he didn't quite look devastated that she decided she not to stay. Like Nina said, he was very calm about it, didn't cry or ask her to reconsider. Neither did he - even for a tiny moment - look conflicted about his own decisions of being King. He of course loved her, but he loved Goryeo more, is what I was getting at.

Fiona

April 13, 2015 at 1:11 AM

After begging and asking SY to assist him because she is the most important person the he needs.. That miserable and lost expression
Was because he was getting ready for a war?? Pfft....sure... suree...
The scene when he was all grim and old longing for her while looking at her things must be because he was constipated as well.

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Mandy

April 13, 2015 at 6:39 AM

LMAO no need to get snippy, you come across as too bitter. You can look at it the way you want, no one's forcing you to think a certain way.

And pffft, yes yes, Wang So was all about Shin Yool which is why he never even begged her to stay. Believe what sails your boat babe.

Nina

April 13, 2015 at 12:22 PM

Why do you sound so mad? :| Did someone hit a sore spot or... anywhoops, WS did not "beg SY to assist him", he asked for her help. In the last scene before they separated, he did not even ask her to stay, let's not even talk about "beg". However, he did ask what they'd tell each other if they meet again; I don't think they did until the afterlife scene. It was an open ending so your sarcasm is uncalled for. I think most here are up for discussions, but if that's your aim, then I really hope there's more maturity.

12 Miss.Sunshine

April 12, 2015 at 6:20 PM

Omg that scene. As much as i love SY and WSi had wished that they died in that waterfall scene. It was just too painful seeing WS missing her painfully till his death.
SY is his whole world and being kingmade him lost all his happiness. What a tragic ending.
Anyhow i love JH and OYS pairing. They really did a good job and their chemistry is one of the best i've ancountered in dramas.
Back to cryinf mode again...
Huuuuuuuuu

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13 popcornhoney

April 12, 2015 at 7:07 PM

Gosh... Just praying to drama god
That Jang Hyuk and Oh Yeon Seo will be reunited again in another drama. This beautiful pairing!!!

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14 pompompim

April 13, 2015 at 12:39 AM

I heard the ending was supposed to be a happy one but the pd changed it.
It's like they accomplished their mission but lost all their happiness in lives.
Screw the pd!! I want to see more Jang Hyuk and Oh Yeon seo amazing acting and incredible chemistry.

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15 Sunny

April 13, 2015 at 12:42 AM

I'm watching this for JH and im joo hwan but Oh Yeon Seo stole the show for me. She sure had a 180 degree transformation of acting in this drama.

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16 Amy

April 13, 2015 at 1:04 AM

My first saeguk ever and i like it.
I din't expect the pairing of JH-OYS could ever work but they proved me wrong....

Everything was goinf great and i love all the characters, Shinyool in particular because she is so different from the women in Jeoseon eras. Maybe that's why i was able to stick to this drama till the end. The smart woman didn't just sit inside the palace sitting but she is a smart merchant who is more capable then men!!!

WS and SY first encounter to their meeting again as Soso and Gaebong was just beautiful. Their love story touched me so much.

However i sensed some abrupt changes of script where YW evilness was downplayed and changed to WSR instead

The ending was lack luster. From episode 23 no way that SY would leave him and WS will let her go. She is the one who kept on inspiring him about the Ideal Goryeo and he loves her like crazy. He was so devastated and almost went crazy when he learned ahe was killed by the assasin but still able to sense that she was still alive.

He asked SY to stay by his side to assist him in ruling the nation cos she is the most important person in his life but she chose to leave him. Maybe she just doesn't want to deal with the greedy evil YW whose whole life only wanted to be queen.

It's such a bitter ending seeinf WS face so miserable during the ceremony.
Yes he has the responsibility as a king but he lost all his world and has to continue on with the burdens and loveless marriage till he is old. He still lingered on her belongings for years till he died. What a cruel and bitter ending for sure.

K-dramas love to screw up their last episode so much, but thank you for making me to try out more saeguk. I'm now a crazy fan of Jang Hyuk and Oh Yeon Seo. Stellar perfomances from both actors... No tears can moved me like these two leads have done.
Oh yeon seo sure cried like no other actress.
There is no over acting or over shouting. Her tears just roll down from deep inside which surely ripped my heart apart. Bravo!

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17 Reyna

April 13, 2015 at 2:14 AM

Uuuuuurgh i'm never ever going to watch drama by this writer/ pd again.
A nice 23 eps drama that was destroyed by few minutes ending.
Why must you break this shipper heart. The otp is one of my fave couple in dramas ever.
Yeo won and Wang wook are so unnecessary

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18 Southerner

April 13, 2015 at 4:27 AM

Thrilled that OYS was offered a role that allowed the brilliant chameleon actress I've always envision her to be, to shine through. Although she won KDRAMAS 2014 Top Excellence Actress Award 4 "Jang Bo-Ri is Here" ( Kim Soo Hyun won the Top Excellence Actor Award for "My Love From The Star"), I preferred her Shinyool performance in SOGC. Of course JH was superb and the chemistry phenomenal. Can't wait 4 her next role.

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19 Karina

April 13, 2015 at 5:10 AM

Oh Yeon Seo was really brilliant in her role. She emoted so many expressions and carry your emotions thorough the drama. Of course her chemistry with JH is undeniable.
I do think she deserves the Daesang that she didn't get last year.

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20 popcornhoney

April 13, 2015 at 5:45 PM

Uuurgh i wish this drama wasn't based on history and just followed the fictional novel all along so i don't have to see Yeo Won as the queen.

I like lee honey but her constant smirking , glaring and the one expression one way of talking from ep 1-24 annoyed the hell out of me. IJH seems so misscast as well, although he starts to be likable as i watch him.

Despite the horrible ending, i will have to think that WS loves her too much to respect her decision and they both have big dream and responsibilities. Kudos to janghyuk and Oh yeon seo.

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Shine or Go Crazy