[Review] Orange Marmalade Episode 12 (Final)

If every relationship is predestined by the choices made in our past lives. Some people are meant to walk down the path together again, amnesia or not, while some find new sparks in their lives as they interact sweetly with their newly found counterparts. All in all, I couldn't ask for more.

Orange Marmalade has displayed a fantastic linkage between the past and the present, connecting every cause and reason to the actions of our characters that ultimately speak for their dynamics with one another. It could have been a very superficial love triangle if not for the past - Ma-ri was a benefactor to Shi-hoo, which explains his devotion to her in the present days; Jaemin's obsession with Ma-ri at first glance isn't for no reason, she is the one that he has been long waiting for. Last but not least, Ma-ri's 'vamping' out does add greater meaning to their relationship, since it now puts her on equal status with Jaemin. A relationship she'd wished for before her deathbed in the past.

Acting wise, there's nothing to pick on Yeo Jin-goo the acting guru. He is totally capable of putting us just an inch away from his pain, and feel his anguish as the punk who yearns his mother love, or the guy that strives to protect his love. I'm just wondering if all female leads paired with him (for the Joseon era) have to die. Just saying.

Baek Ma-ri is a new face to me (but apparently not for my brother who howls in delight, "Seol Hyun! Seol Hyun!"). I recognised her in FT Island's Severely, and I later learnt that she's from AOA (ohwells, cue fanboys' screams, lol). Objectively speaking, I like her looks, but being the objective me when it comes to acting, Seol Hyun does have a long way to go for acting. I wouldn't say that it's bad, but there's room for improvement. Hope that she can make a comeback drama with more facial expression.

Talking about expression, Jonghyun now deserves a slight compliment for his acting because yes, he improved! Remembering the days in Gentleman's Dignity which still brings shivers down the spine, he's probably in the same state as Seol Hyun with barely two expressions on his face - the stoic and bemused looks. I see that he did improve to perhaps three this time, cheers. Maybe he wants to work more on flexing his stiff body now before he literally petrifies into a stone.

A pleasant teenage drama standalone, though some parts of the Joseon period dragged things down. I survived it, so you could too, with a giddy smile.