Korean Drama Review: The Moon that Embraces the Sun

      This drama is beautifully written with so many memorable characters. The best character of all is Heo Yeon Woo, wise beyond her years and born with a regal personality. Her journey to remember who she is, and what she can do is a powerful story involving fate, betrayal, rebirth and love. The symbolism in this drama involves the cycles of the moon and the sun. As King Hwon mourns the loss of his bride,  Yeon Woo becomes the shaman who must find a way to heal him. Hwon gives her the name Wol which means moon and is reminded of Hue Yeon whenever he is around her. With the mystery of  Yeon Woo's death and Wol's identity clouding his mind, King Hwon must discover his true enemies and become the great ruler he is destined to be.
    Based on a novel of the same name, The Moon that Embraces the Sun is an intricately woven tale with many secrets, surprises and wisdom. I recommend it to any Korean drama fan, fairy tale fan and anyone fascinated with Asian culture. 

Plot:
Thirteen year old Heo Yeon Woo is chosen to become the Crown Princess of Joseon until the Dowager Queen plots against her and secretly orders her death. With the help of a powerful shaman’s magic, Yeon Woo escapes with her life, but loses her memories. All believe her to be dead, including the Crown Prince Hwon, who loves her and whom she was to marry. Eight years later, Yeon Woo returns as a shaman named Wol. She has not been forgotten by those she left behind, and her fate is still intertwined with Hwon, who is now the king. She must contend with the current Queen of Joseon, the Queen’s Father, and the Queen Dowager in order to reclaim her rightful place as Queen of Joseon.

Soundtrack:

Secretariat; The Movie and the True Story

My parents and I went to go see the movie Secretariat tonight. This movie is based off the incredible true story of the race horse Secretariat who won the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths and set two records still standing today. My parents remember when Secretariat was all over the news and surprising the country with his speed. He won the Kentucky Derby with a time of 1:59 and he won the Belmont Stakes with a time of 2:24. The horse had personality. He always started the race dead last and moved his way to the front of the line. Only in the Belmont Stakes did he charge forward and stay in the front during most of the race. The movie did a great job balancing the home life and racing life of Penny Chenery and her struggle to keep the family farm she grew up in. Although I'm sure some of the movie was dramatized for effect or given more entertaining details, I was still impressed by the excitement of horse racing and the spirit of Chenery's character. It's truly an inspiring story that will be recorded in history as long as time lasts.