Gu Family Book 구가의 서 Review

★★★★★

The 2013 Korean drama, starring Lee Seung-Gi as Choi Kang-Chi and Bae Su-Ji (Suzy) as Dam Yeo-Wool.



Brief summary: Once upon a time in Joseon, a gumiho fell in love with a human woman and saved her from the evil fate that waited for her. They married, and were happy, but when the woman found out the gumiho's true identity, she betrayed him and caused his death. However, she found out she was also pregnant with his child. She abandons the baby in a river and disappears. The baby is rescued by nobleman Park Moo-Sol, and is named "Kang-Chi," for having been abandoned in the river. Park Moo-Sol is promised by strange wandering monk that if he raises Kang-Chi, and doesn't take the special bracelet off his wrist, good fortune will follow him in whatever he does. Of course, it comes true as Park Moo-Sol raises Kang-Chi like his own son. However, trouble arises when Park Moo-Sol's wealth and fortune becomes coveted and people suspect Kang-Chi of having a bracelet that gives him special powers, but the case is just the opposite!



This historical drama is a fusion of Joseon, martial arts action, and fantasy. It has many other names, ones that may be more suited to what the drama really is about, but it is most widely known as "Gu Family Book," although the Gu Family Book doesn't have much to do with the drama.



This drama is a personal favorite because of the story! I've seen a few different depictions of a gumiho, but I think I liked this one best. They look like more than just foxes, and the tails are represented by whirlwind-like spirals. Anyways, they truly look a little frightening. While this drama is full of things that could make you sad, I really enjoyed it! Kang-Chi's character was easy to fall in love with, even the gumiho side. The story is lightly parallel with the fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast," in that it's a girl that helps Kang-Chi maintain his humanity. It's another appeal for me, because "Beauty and the Beast" is another favorite story. When you watch the drama, expect it.



What I didn't expect when I first started watching just how much they talk about gisaengs (Joseon prostitutes). The idea is that that is the fate worse than death. I think there was a little too much emphasis put on it, and the story would have been fine if it was just about Kang-Chi's gumiho-ness and battling the bad guy. The drama didn't need all that gisaeng stuff.



What I also didn't expect was the ending. I had thought in my mind, I dared to think, "Oh, they're going to defeat the bad guy, Kang-Chi will magically become human, my otp will happen, and all the characters will live happily ever after, maybe with one or two deaths on the side ust because this is a historical drama." BOY, WAS I  INCORRECT! This drama should have a warning label. Your heart will hurt. Tears will happen. Watch the final episode only with sufficient amount of chocolate ice cream available within arm's reach. The final minute of the drama does give us a bit of hope, but that final episode remained a little traumatic. This is why so many people who watch it request a sequel that never happened.



My favorite part to watch was the relationship between Choi Kang-Chi and Gon (Sung Joon). They both like the same girl, but they just bicker and bicker with each other! They are always at each other's throats! However, that doesn't mean that they really won't help the other when he needs it.

I loved this drama. It made me laugh and cry, and that means it grabbed my heart. The acting is fantastic and I loved the story! Totally recommend it (just make sure you're emotionally strong)! 5/5 stars.