BIG

A 2012 drama featuring Gong Yoo & Lee min-jung (as Gil Da -ran) is inspired from the movie Big featuring Tom Hanks.Only work done for 16 episodes was too much.The story had to have many facets & people to keep us hooked.A smooth, smart talker –a transfer student bumps on Gil Da ran-a teacher at his new school.Their umbrellas get exchanged.Both are carrying a yellow umbrella. Gil Da ran needs to clear her exam to continue as a teacher.Also she is thinking of her fiance-a doctor by profession.Both the student & the teacher’s fiance ( Gong Yoo) are involved in a car accident & the student wakes up in the body of the teacher’s fiance.

Then there is this girl who follows him from the States Bae suzy in a role tailor made for her. She relentlessly follows Gong& due to his reactions knows that although the face is different it is her boyfriend.She is a cheerful girl full of mischief.She dresses so well.I remember her hair pins- piece of art.

The student is very happy with the situation & the teacher Gil Da ran confused.The affection that she had been in search for is hers,but she has guilt that she is being dishonest.Her family has father,mother & younger brother.They have their small food joint,where they sell Dumplings.Gil Da ran’s brother falls for Bae suzy & the plot gets more interesting.

On his way to meet her the teacher fiance had decided to end the relationship & the water front where they were to meet she is stood up.The accident occurs & things change.Now she has to care for her fiance which she knows is not him.Will they change?and when?After a leap of few years she has matured.Her student has studied medicine.Again there is rain,an umbrella & she is seen alighting the bus.Someone joins her & the camera pans away.Who? Gong in his original body or—

With an excellent build up & a starcast to die for the audience needed something more if not a miracle a conclusive closure.For days together I couldn’t get over that uneasy feeling.If I was the writer how would I plan the end? In case of Tom Hanks I have always worried about the girl who lets him go & doesn’t look back.Given a fictitious situation what would happen in real life??

After months together I still remember the show that showed promise.Getting 7 or more than 7 on a scale of 10 was too good.Gong & lee were nominated for best couple & Suzy won the popularity award.Gong has played both the roles really well.If the end was better it could have gained more popularity.

When the Camellia blooms”came towards the end I had a similar fear, but fortunately they managed to have a good ending to the show.It need not be a happy ending always but something to look forward to.Camellia–next, by then happy viewing!