Maestra (2023)

The aura of this series is characterized by the inspiring world of the orchestra and its musicians

Be prepared: "Maestra - Strings of Truth" is impressively led by a highly concentrated Lee Young-ae and set in a refreshingly rare environment for a KDrama. Focusing on one of the very few, but highly talented, globally famous female conductors, the aura of this series is characterized by the inspiring world of the orchestra and its musicians. We also meet management lounges and the luthier´s workshop. Enchantingly, this maestra and her particular orchestral world offer a quite unique and mature flavour of series experience.

"Maestra - Strings of Truth" lives from the psychological depths and relationship dynamics of the main characters as well as the pathos of the world of classical music. Of course there are also intrigues, love, yearning for revenge and more, but the focus is on the maestra as a person in her struggle with herself, her passion for music and her life challenges.

For the FL, her love for music is at the center of her being and aspirations. As far as the men in her life are concerned, they would rather like things to be different. However, the maestra has a good reason why she has consistently dedicated her time to the orchestral world. And when it comes to her work, she is uncompromising. Above anything else, she is delivering a perfect performance. This is non-negotiable. Some people would prefer that to be different too...

For her role as maestra, Lee Young-ae completed several months of violin and conducting lessons. Her 'first violin', Hwang Bo-reum-byeol, also took eight months of lessons specifically for this purpose. Considering, there's a lot of passion involved in this KDrama, even before filming even started... and you can feel it.

By the way, the idea for the story did not grow on South Korean soil. It is a K-style remake of a French television series that focused on the career struggles of the very few women in this profession. (Only five percent of all conductors worldwide are female...) "Maestra - Strings of Truth" is dramaturgically heated up by a fatal love triangle with collateral damage and an even more fatal family legacy that the maestra would rather do without.

Intensive. Atmospheric. Thrilling, too.

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Intriguing at first, but the suspense fell flat around halfway.

A violinist Cha Se Eum (Lee Young Ae) returns from her study abroad to conduct the Han River Philharmonic orchestra. When Yoo Jung Jae (Lee Moo Saeng), an unwanted man from her past, returns to her life and becomes the new owner of this orchestra, he threatens Se Eum: either the orchestra never plays again, or she divorces her husband and gets back together with him. Thus, Se Eum has to survive in her cutthroat profession while protecting her passion and secret. All that while resolving her personal relationships that have gone awry.

The premise is intriguing, it sets a good tension. I liked how Se Eum is ruthless and fiery, stands out for herself. Also, I was curious about Jung Jae, who seems so crazy and obsessive over Se Eum because of their past, and Se Eum's husband was very suspicious.

However, plot becomes predictable from ep 5 and the suspense really fell flat through the end. I feel the characters become one-note and just written for a plot device. Although the final climax is quite stylish, I had to suspend my disbelief and rolled my eyes at how 'convenient' the closure is. The most interesting character to me was Lee Ro Na (Hwang Bo Reum Byeol), a violinist who idolizes Se Eum. Her performance is excellent, despite my overall impression of the drama.

-Jan 2024, Yovita
Find me on Instagram: @kdramajudge

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not bad but not good

When I saw Lee Youngae was part of the cast, I knew I had to watch it. The story writing is not the best though; it was predictable. Amazing acting, but ngl if you watch enough kdramas you know that some people won't be good guys. It is intriguing though, the acting is convincing in my opinion. I binge-watched the first 10 episodes when the series was about to end. That was a good move on my part; this reduced my waiting time. I think it's definitely worth a watch, but I'm not too sure about a rewatch.

The music was goooooood. I loved it.

The policeman switched teams so fast, that's the only unconvincing part. They chose the right guy for this tho, I wanted to smack his face every time he appeared on screen. :) Hey, I just wanna say that if you hate a character it just means the actor is doing a good job.

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?

The series' captivating atmosphere and the female lead's exceptional acting were highlights for me. The inclusion of a realistic-looking orchestra added a strong dimension. However, my issue arose as the initially intriguing story became predictably linear. Despite this, the series shines with a commendable selection of songs. My disappointment stemmed from the underdeveloped characters, particularly those in the orchestra—I would have loved a deeper exploration of their backgrounds and stories. Additionally, the narrative seemed overly self-centered around the female lead, detracting from the potential richness of the ensemble cast.

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I really enjoyed this drama. I was not really expecting from this drama since it was not so hype on social media but it was a good watch. Seeing Lee Young Ae again as the female lead, she did not disappoint. The whole process of finding what is happening around her is so good. The pacing and thrill, cinematography was well done. I was waiting every week for the release of this drama and stop at episode 10 because I was not yet ready to finish this as it is only 12 episodes. I like the progress of the storyline, it's really great. I would recommend this drama to those who like thriller dramas.

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I liked the first half of this series. I thought the 1st 8 episodes were really good but then the makjang set in and it was all down hill after that. What started off as an interesting story of a world renowned, orchestra conductor returning to Korea to tie up familia looss ends becomes just another drama that falters in the end b/c of an unnecessary makjang storyline. Those elements didn't elevate the story. It was just drama for drama's sake. I mean I guess the writer thought this series needed a murder and a surpise twist murderer to be good but I'm telling you none of that was necessary!

The best thing about this series is actress Lee Young Ae as Cha Seeum. I loved that the character was strong, confident and not here for your bullshit. She was annoying at times but this was a great female character overall. I also liked actor Lee Moo Saeng as Yoo Jeong Jae, Cha Seeum's 1st love who never really got over her. The chemistry between these to was excellent. Totally believed he got on her nerves but he was the only one that truly got her. No greater evidence than the scenes in episode 9. This was my favorite epsiode

Kim Jung Kwon's direction in this series was brlliant. He also directed Love to Hate You which was my favorite Kromcom last year.

1/18/24

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Appreciation

Honestly, thanks to this show I got a glimpse into the world of talented people who plays music in an orchestra. I thought i wouldn’t like it simply because I’m not particularly interested in this type of genre. However, Lee Young Ae impressed me with her seriousness about her trade, her steely cold demeanor, and of course, her conducting. She’s mesmerizing to watch, and I appreciate the work put into the role (i read) so definitely deserves the watch. Supporting cast were great too. Overall it’s a great watch and I’m glad i did. Other reviews have great intakes on the story.

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Good Enough

Korean Drama '' Maestra: Strings of Truth '' is a mystery melodrama that is character centered.

The drama builds up an intense thriller, as the plot starts from a family drama to a homicide mystery. Moreover, the characters are all interesting and move the story forward, aiding it to become more than a basic melodrama.

The mystery was also well constructed. On the other hand, the love story was boring and had too few moments. Rather, the family story was entertaining enough to fill the gaps in the episodes.

Finally, the performances were all great. The music was also amazing.

So, overall, seven out of ten.

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The Reverb of Ugliness: Must the Top Be So Lonely? °6.8° °good°

String theory is the most recent attempt to reconcile traditional physics with quantum physics. It postulates that, on a subatomic level, the universe consists of vibrating 1D strings. Perhaps that's a reason why music, which is glorious vibrations, fundamentally moves us. It connects what's seen and unseen. It blends the dimensions. I believe music and art are divine gifts.

MSoT is a 2023 release that is rated 86 on AWiki. It is 1 season consisting of 12 60-minute episodes. It's a drama, a high-end soap opera, really, about a small orchestra. They've been coasting, not thriving. It's time for a shake up; a reset. Seeum brings many changes with her as she takes the podium, and the musicians don't appreciate any of it. She makes enemies, and soon her enemies are acting out. Managing Hanphil is a handful.

The use of sound in M is so good, it's almost astounding. The show creators have a deep appreciation for music, and they sell it. The soundtrack isn't an afterthought: It's woven into the fabric of the series, elevating it to float with the clouds at times. Classical music fills M, and it fills it on tempo, beautifully enhancing scenes. Low hanging fruit: At the height of the drama they start practicing Beethoven‘s 5th. It's coming to end, by MADDY, and Story, by Kim On Gi, are VG. M, with its attention to detail, is small and tidy, yet it's expansive. I liked M; I didn't love it. As the episodes went on, it diminished, somewhat - they peaked too early. I wouldn't care to see it again as it left me a tad underwhelmed. But I have respect for M and the many moments of blended harmony it generates.

It opens dark and slick. Classical music fuels the energy. These people are at odds. “I hope I never see you again.” “I'll still come to your funeral.” That's the final exchange of another conductor and the woman, Cha Seeum, who briskly returns to her homeland. Less than 5% of conductors are women, but she is among the best of the best. She's also scary as he!!. Her reputation is not one of warmth.

In Korea, she takes the helm of Hanphil Orchestra. The first thing she does is force the top violinist to step down. That he used to be her music teacher and is close to her father didn't help him at all. Call ‘em like you “See-um” is her rule. Emotions are not a factor.

Lee Young Ae is the FL. She is a superb actress that can carry a whole production on her shoulders. In Inspector Koo-8.4, she plays a kook-savant, an investigative genius that is correspondingly poor at self-care. In Saimdang-8.5 she really shines as a modern-day art historian as well as a Joseon era artist. Saimdang was a real person. The show gives us a peak back juxtaposed against a look at the contemporary art scene in Kcountry. They limited the dramatic license with the historical portion, therefore the ending isn't an ending: The show drifts away, which some viewers surely won't like, but it is excellent, nonetheless. In M, Ms Lee's acting is her everyday superb. She IS a conductor. I love how they make sure her hair gets messed up ~just so~ to showcase her energy and state of mind.

Seeum is a loner. So much so, that she's difficult to identify with. This is probably true for alot of exceptionally talented people. They just don't have many peers. She's obsessed with her work to the detriment of all other relationships. She is also one to avoid unpleasantness. Her mother is afflicted with Remingtons disease, a slowly encroaching degenerative condition that is not unlike Alheimers. It rots away the body and mind gradually, over years, and Seeum has a 50% chance of inheriting it. That has her so freaked out that she won't visit her mother.

Kim Young Ah (Hyena, Be Melodramatic-8.7) is her BFF, Lee Hye Jung. Ms Kim is a Competent actress, but she doesn't have much to do here. They don't build up the relationship so she's on the periphery and seems irrelevant. Having said that, let's get the rest of the bad news out of the way. At one point Seeum's talking about resigning from her post and even suicide, when she hasn't even been tested for the horrible disease she might have. She resists being tested over the years, but once she starts exhibiting symptoms, being tested is the only thing that makes sense. We have to suffer through her epic avoidance disorder. As ep10 began, irritation started to well up in me. I would have liked the show a tiny bit more if Ajin would just take her hand off of her stomach. She started to rattle my nerves. The lighting and/or makeup were off in some scenes. I was surprised to realize how distracting it is to see noses, covered with large skin pores, that are 2 shades lighter than the face they are attached to. The villain, and other surprises, don't generate any thrills as the build-up is missing something. That last concert is arguably silly, but even so, it was exciting.

Lee Moo Saeng (Blood Free-8.5) is Yoo Jeong Jae. He had a past relationship with Seeum that she seems to want to forget. He's the opposite: He wants to relive their time together. So he buys the orchestra. Kim Young Jae (Mouse, Mother, Under the Queen's Umbrella) plays Seeum's husband, Kim Pil, or “Phil,” as in philharmonic. Lee Shi Won (Misaeng: Incomplete Life-9.1, When the Camellia Blooms-8) portrays Lee Ajin, the horn player at Hanphil who is a thorn in Seeum's side. She becomes more and more loathsome as the show progresses. It was frustrating to not be able to slap her. Choi Yoon-So (Love to Hate You-8.9, Woman of Dignity) is Go Yu-Ra, a reporter and Yoo Jeong Jae's ex. Hwang Bo Reum Byeol (The World of My 17, School 2021) plays Lee Roo Na, the new first violinist and Seeum devotee. Ye Soo Jung portrays Seeum's mother, Bae Jung Hwa, who is disabled and mostly non verbal due to a degenerative disease. She's a superb actress. Her resume is jammed with hits: Land of Happiness, Stranger, Prison Playbook, Mother, The Worst of Evil… I've seen her in Link: Eat, Love, Kill-6.7, an average show in which she's one of the best things, Black Dog-8.2, Strongest Delivery Man-6.6, the Along With the Gods films (7.2/6.7), Train to Busan-7.8, and as the moral center of Mine-8. She's always an asset. The director is Kim Jung Kwon (Love to Hate You-8.9) and the screenwriter is Choi Yi Yoon of Love Tractor.

“No matter how hard it gets, keep going!” Seeum almost sounds unhinged. That's because her life has become unhinged. Bickering~Plots~Jealousy~Resentment~Gossip~Rumors~Hatred~Partiality~Phoniness. It's lonely at the top. The stage is like a battlefield, Seeum asserts. Talent alone isn't enough. It takes perseverance, hard work and knowing when to give & take, and when to make demands.

Obsession is a string that ties some characters together. Seeum is obsessive about conducting, Jae is obsessive about Seeum, and the perpetrator obsesses over Seeum. I can't say that obsession is always a bad thing. It propels people to do magnificent things - People like Seeum. But obsessing over a person is never a good thing. One-way crushes and obsessions are not only a complete waste of time and emotion, but they are often based on illusion. Most one-way crushes are about a projection of what we think of the person, not the real person. They are a poor substitute for self-improvement. Put Your time and energy into being the best version of you. Love and friendship will follow.

‘Are you capable of doing anything on your own, without me?’ Seeum queries her spouse. At first, Phil seems like the salt of the earth - A decent guy, certainly… Right? Wrong! He's just quiet. As we get to know him better, we'll see that he's actually obsessed with himself. He hasn't composed anything in 3 years. People that are self-absorbed often can't create art that will speak to others as they lack a view of the bigger picture. Kim Pil married a person more skilled and accomplished than him. If he truly loved her, he would be thrilled at her successes. Instead, this egotist only felt smaller next to his wife. Self-focused people don't like feeling smaller. They're the biggest thing in their own little worlds and they don't like their delusions being interrupted. He struggles to find relevance in all the wrong ways. The measures he takes to hold on to his cushy life only reveal how unworthy he is of her devotion. To be fair, it doesn't seem that Seeum is the easiest person to be in a relationship with (though Jae doesn't feel that way). It's a 2-way failure, but Phil has more of the fault than does Seeum. His attitude probably led to her withdrawal. For years he fed the self-monster. People prefer lies to truth, particularly the lies we tell ourselves about ourselves. He believed the lies he told himself about himself, so he failed to learn and grow. When things got rough, he had no core. He had no clue about the right thing to do (not that he would have done it anyway). He implodes. Then he rebuilds himself into a soulless, ego-feeding villain.

There's a romance afoot, albeit a minimalist one. Jae is devoted. Most men would have given up or frozen to death. He's easy to read, but she's an ice sculpture. The closer the viewer watches her performance, the more we get from it. He carries it the whole show, while her expressions morph subtly as the show matures. In ep7, suddenly, these 2 characters start to (unconsciously) match their clothes. There's no true romance until she cracks a smile towards the end of ep11. What they manage to convey in the last scene, by way of minimal dialogue and micro expression, is really impressive. It ends on a high note.


〰? IMHO

RATINGS
Directing 7
Writing 7
Acting 8.3
Romance 5.5
Flutters 4.5
Art 7
Sound & music 8.3
Ending 8

LEVELS
Warmth 3
Action 4
Laughs 1
Tears 4
Fright 4
Tension / Anxiety 4
Gore 3
Thought provocation 5
Snores 2
?7 ?7 ?8.3 ?5.5 ?4.5 ?7 ?/?8.3 ?8 ▪ ?3⚡4 ?1 ?4 ?4 ?4 ?3 ?5 ?2


Age 13+ Violence and scary elements, affairs and pregnancy
Language: relatively rare PG-13 verbiage like @$$h0le, $h!+


Re-?? I'm borderline on this. The music is wonderful as is Lee Young Ae's performance. I think it reduces to a question of time. Due to physical issues, I watch lots of tv now, so M was worth a look. In my old life, my viewing times were limited, and there's a long list of better dramas that would queue up in front of this one which would place it on the back-burner indefinitely.

⛔️SPOILER BELOW⛔️
They never reveal the test results. Seeum opens the envelope, reads them and walks away with Jae. She's moving on with life. She's going to live - and not alone. It doesn't seem like she has the disease.

In order of ~lite&trite~ to ~heavy&serious~ you may also like:

Modern Day -
A Witch's Love 7.8,
Love to Hate You 8.9,
Touch your heart 8.2,
It's Okay Not To Be Okay 9,
Love Struck in the City 7.3,
Why Her?-8,
My Liberation Diary-8.9,
Misaeng-9.1,
Call It Love-8.4,
Mine-8,
Anna-8.1,
My Mister 9.5
The King's Affection 8.3,

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