Damo

Details

• Title: 조선 여형사 다모
• Also Known As: Female Detective Damo / Damo: The Undercover Lady Detective
• Episodes: 14
• Broadcast network: MBC
• Broadcast year: 2003-07-28 to 2003-09-09

Cast & Credits

Producer

Lee Jae Kyu

Writer

Jung Hyung Soo

Cast

Ha Ji Won as Chae-Ok

Kim Min Joon as Jang Sung-Baek

Lee Seo Jin as Commander Hwangbo

Lee Moon Sik as Ma Chook-Ji

Synopsis

A drama on an unprecedented scale, Damo tells a tale of love, conspiracy, loyalty, and honor. Taking place in Korea during the 17th century, the story focuses on the relationships and destinies of three central characters. Damo sets a new standard for the meaning of an epic and classic drama. A case of counterfeiting money troubles the Police Bureau of Hansung, the old capital city of Korea. Jang Chae-Ok (Ha Ji Won) a young lady police detective, is sent by Commander Hwangbo Yoon (Lee Seo Jin) to investigate the case. However, what appears to be a small case of counterfeiting turns out to be a much larger national conspiracy. Soon, Chae-Ok finds herself faced with an insurrection lead by the very charismatic, Jang Sung-Baek (Kim Min Joon).

Source: YesAsia.com

Review by Iceberri

Before writing a review for a drama, I usually allow my obsessive streak settle down first. Otherwise, I'm afraid I'd be far too swayed by the present emotions at the time, writing a biased, slightly exaggerated (only slightly) review. It's surprising how, in retrospect, how many dramas that seemed amazing at the time, seem a bit stupid and a bit dragged out a few months down the road. So after I watched Damo, I decided to let my hyped-up emotions take a breather and watched several other dramas after it, including all of Mianhada Saranghanda (Sorry I Love You) and random episodes of other dramas. Yet, 3 months down the road, I am -still- as much in love with the drama as I was then. That must say something.

One of the most impressive things about this drama was the ability for the director to make the audience fall in love with both of the male leads. Too often there is a distinct separation between good or bad, powerful or wimpy. The audience can usually draw a clear-cut attachment to one character only, and you are left often feeling little pity for the other (eg. ....every single korean drama out there.) There is always a character that is a wimp, who holds onto the girl for dear life; the one you want to strangle. The line is usually so evident: black & white, not much of a challenge. Yet in Damo, the two male leads are equally righteous and passionate, equally perfect in their own right. Hwangbo Yoon (Lee Seo Jin) plays the commander who upholds the law and government; Jang Sung-baek (Kim Min Joon) is the rebellious leader who fights for the people. Both work for a better society and both strive for the same ideals, through different means. In that way, they clash viciously, but both have a vision.

This grey area that exists between what is right and wrong brings out the conflicted feelings of Chae-Ok (Ha Ji Won) who, against her intent, falls in love with Jang Sung-baek. Ha Ji Won is extremely successful in bringing out the raw and utterly pained feelings of Chae-Ok, a lowly Damo who cannot fall in love with Hwangbo Yoon because of her status in society. At the same time, she cannot fall in love with Jang Sung-baek because he is the enemy that she seeks. This constant fight and battle between two sides, neither of which are exceedingly wrong, causes the pain and torment that vibrates throughout the drama. She truly shines as the strong, intelligent, and beautiful heroine in this series. The integrity and the strength Chae-Ok finds in herself immediately draws the attention and admiration of the audience; although she is eternally confined to the status of a servant, she is able to garner the respect from officers much higher than her through her cunning detective abilities, and her fearless (and sometimes reckless) personality.

Furthermore, the beautiful cinematography distinguishes Damo from other dramas. It serves to heighten the raw and incredibly touching emotions present in the most subtle of ways. There is no dramatic spinning camera-work during a particularly heated kiss, nor a slow motion scene where the two main characters just miss each other, setting off a chain of misunderstandings. Each scene in Damo is significant to the plotline, but unlike many other dramas, it is used not to further the plotline, but to deepen it. Damo demonstrates the loyalty, the passion, and the heartbreaking pain of impossible love. It is undoubtedly my favorite drama to date.

Musical Accompaniment: The entire OST is absolutely incredible. Although I have heard some complaints that the "poppy" music is out of place for an ancient drama, I found it fitting to the drama. The mixture of ballads and fast pop music perfectly complemented the mood and scene changes. Just the other day, I was listening to the soundtrack again, and it brought tears to my eyes triggering a few extremely memorable moments. It was then when I knew I had to write a review about this one-of-a-kind korean drama.

Rating: Life-Altering (5/5)

discussion in forum

External Links

• MBC Homepage
• KoreanWiz
• Buy the English-subtitled DVD at YesAsia.com (Global)
• Buy the English-subtitled DVD at YesAsia.com (US)
• spcnet.tv Review
• MBC Global Media