Bridal Mask: Episode 22 - Comments

 I really liked this exchange between Rie and Shunji. Although they're far from being in a romantic relationship, I kinda ship these two together (´∀｀)♡. I love how whenever they meet, they always end up growling at each other. And the way they glare at each other is kinda...sexayyyy (✿ ♥‿♥).

I still do worry for Rie though. To Ueno Hideki, Rie is nothing but one of his tools to get his way. If Rie proves to be useless, Ueno Hideki will kill her, even though she is his adoptive daughter. Guess that's how Kishokai works though. Meh. What a cold-blooded organization run by a cold-blooded man. I just hope Katsuyama will strike and protect Rie somehow. But then again, if this happens, then one of them or even both of them will have to die. Booo.

Oh, oh, and a new potential pair to ship. Hehehehehehehhehehehe these cuties


I never knew the dude would carry out a more important role than we expected him to carry out. I think he deserves a name, but the writers seem to think otherwise. Boohoo. And he's cute too.

And mann, I never expected Dong Jin to be such a stern, expressionless man. I'm looking forward to his meeting with Yang Baek - those two together would be one invincible pair.

I can't believe I expected this guy to do something epic. His character so far sucks, and he almost serves no great purpose to the story. Guess Shunji might have set my expectations too high regarding Bridal Mask's villains.




Now, the best part of this ep:

SHUNJI FINALLY KNOWS. YES YES YES!

Okay before people throw virtual eggs and vegetables at me, let me explain myself. I do prefer Kang To to be safe and sound, and out of Shunji's evil grasp, but I am sick of Shunji accusing Kang To of his secret identity, Kang To denying it with some clever excuse/alibi, then Shunji getting all confused and starting over from square one. Now that the show is nearing its end, it is time for Shunji to face the reality set before him: Lee Kang To is Gaksital.

Let me just applaud Shunji for being way too smart. Pretty clever of him to bring in Ueno Hideki's samurai into the picture to let Gaksital's guard down. Although I hate Shunji for doing that, because I almost had a heart attack when I saw Kinpei come in with his trademark scary face. Gah.

See? Scary face.

And and I love Shunji's facial expression here. His expression doesn't say, "Yes I was right! I finally caught him red-handed! Oh yes oh yes!" but it says a lot of different things. His face is twisted in disbelief and anger, and maybe a hint of sadness? Shunji might have wanted himself to be wrong. Like, he can't believe it that he was actually right. Even though Shunji has thrown away his friendship with Kang To a long, long time ago, it's still quite a shock for the guy to realize that Kang To has betrayed his bff in different ways: 1) He is in fact the Young Master --> Mok Dan loves him, and he loves her too, 2) He is the one who killed Kenji, Shunji's brother.

So Shunji, what will you do?  (*´・ｖ・)

Bridal Mask: Episode 19 ~ 20 - Comments

A new story arc has just opened up. The only powerful good guy at the Jongro Police Station is dead (RIP Konno), Taro is back with his trademark arrogant facial expression on, and we have another evil guy to be aware of. With Kishokai starting to show their full potential (of evilness) and a lot of heroes dead, Kang To faces yet another challenge as the main hero.

Murayama Yoshiyo

2 episodes have aired since Murayama's first appearance. Yet there's still so much to know about this character. Since we know so little about him except that 1) he is part of Kishokai, 2) he has caused controversy in the past for being a "crazy soldier" of somesort, we can't help but anticipate his contribution to the story and relationships between other characters. I personally think this guy is pretty scary (although of course, the guy I think is worthy of being the most feared is Ueno Hideki). The addition of his character to the story pretty much means that shit is slowly gonna go down, and that Kang To has to find more about Kishokai asap.

Kimura Shunji, definitely a bad guy now

I was willing to give the benefit of the doubt to this character, but now I no longer believe that this guy can return to the loving and caring Joseon-loving person he was before. Shunji has completely passed the line. He feels no sympathy whatsoever for anyone, and if it comes to catching Gaksital, he will not hesitate - he will even kill a person without even batting an eyelash. The way he tortured Comrade Jeok Pa was cruel and inhumane - when even Goiso cringes at the sight of Shunji torturing someone like that, you know the guy's definitely a crazy bastard.

And plus, the way he tries to provoke Kang To and make him think he's on his side when he's definitely not...ugh. I was actually a little annoyed myself. I'm usually not annoyed when it comes to Shunji - I just laugh it off because he's just incredibly confused. But this time, I'm convinced he's a complete bad guy now. There's no more confusion or wavering in his facial expressions or actions. He's now a full-fledged bad guy.

But I still don't hate him. I'm okay with Shunji provoking Kang To since Kang To has quietly vowed to himself to take on the challenge Shunji is presenting him with. The only problem I have with him is him being all touchy with Mok Dan. Ugh I feel so disgusted whenever he hugs her. If he actually truly loved her, then I wouldn't mind, but since he's now just using her for his own benefit, I am feeling pretty disgusted.

Crazy bastard.


Ueno Rie - Whose side are you on now?

Ohhh yeees. Time for more Rie! ヽ(｀◇´)/ I've recently realized my hidden love for this character - she's sooo jaw-openingly beautiful, plus the fact that she wavers in judgement when it comes to Kang To is just...so good. Omg. Gyah. That look in her eyes when Kang To says he would save her now regardless if she's a singer or a gisaeng. That look oh that look oh that look oh that look (ok I should stop). She's practically pleading Kang To to actually mean those words. AHHHH. LET ME DIE.

 I thought it would be Katsuyama at the end to stop Gaksital, but it's Rie instead. Of course, of course. Rie needs to go under more emotional turmoil than she did when she saw Kang To's wound on his right arm.

I think Rie will eventually help Kang To, and lose everything and probably die in the end too. Betraying Kishokai probably means death for any member in the organization. As calm as Ueno Hideki is, he probably won't ever forgive Rie if she does end up siding with Gaksital. 

Lee Kang To - Too sexy.

Can I just say Mok Dan is fucking lucky to have a man like him. Argh.

The way he shouts "Ra Ra" just kills me.

Even if you did whisper to each other, it's still obvious that you guys had some sort of a conversation that didn't have any intensity whatsoever. Which might seem weird to the circus people.

Sexy as usual in his Gaksital outfit o (◡‿◡✿)

Comfort women

Oh my god there's nothing good in watching the episodes at the airing time if you don't understand the important parts. The language used in Bridal Mask include old words that you don't hear in real life today in Korea - and plus my Korean sucks (boohoo). Only when I read the recap of ep 20 did I realize that the Japanese were tricking Joseon people into becoming comfort women.

But I was definitely ticked off when I saw those Japanese soldiers dragging off the girls against their will - they even dragged Sun Hwa along even though she didn't sign her name! OMFG. And seeing one of them kick Mok Dan countless times made me frantically wonder whether Gaksital will come to save her. So fucking cruel. Although Gaksital didn't appear then, he did manage to appear just in time to stop those trucks from transporting Joseon women to China.

Look at them fucking smile. This was where I was ticked off the most. Urgh.

I know it's not clear in the screenshots, but I do clearly remember that they did smile and boy that woman acting all happy and joyful to see these "pretty women" before her...urgh *baaaaaarffff* 

Minor character notes

One of the few supporters Kang To has now. It's sad that Shinji can't be of much help, but it is still nice to see him around. He's adorable hehe.

Loved how he seemed concerned and confused for Rie - his eyes says it all: "Does she know what she's doing?" He's so caught up in the thought that he for a moment forgets to close the car door, and has to have Rie shoot him a look to do so.

What I'm curious about him now is whether he himself knows Lee Kang To = Gaksital. I'm assuming Rie hasn't told him, and even if she did, he can't do anything unless she herself orders him to. So I guess we don't really need to worry about Katsuyama for now~╮(─▽─)╭

The whole time I was watching episode 20 and just thinking - who the hell is she? What is her significance? And I only realized that she's Shunji's nanny's granddaughter when I read the recaps (ugh fail I so did not recognize the nanny's face and I so did not understand why Kimura Taro stopped the car in front of them omg). I love how the writers decided to include her in the comfort women thing - she might make Shunji's evil character waver. Emotional turmoil is exactly what I would love to see Shunji go through. Will Shunji not even bat an eyelash when he hears that his nanny's granddaughter has been taken away to carry out such a disgusting job, or will he do something that makes Kishokai think twice again regarding whether they can trust him as a member? Ooh, very intriguing. But nevertheless, OTL she's so innocent and young how can you do this to her GAH TAARRROOOOOOOO YOU BASTARD

Looking way too happy there, buddy. (-_+)



Alright, I think that's it for now - if I think of anything more to add, I'll update this post later.

Bridal Mask: Episode 18 - Comments

Epic. Just, epic.

The episode opens up with....Shun Ji heading to the hotel room Mok Dan is (supposed to be) in with a basket of flowers. That is just downright creepy. What makes it worse is that although he's trying to suppress himself from doing so, a smile keeps appearing on his face. Ugh. So. CREEPY. URGH.

Mok Dan betrayed my expectations. BOOOO.  ヽ(ｏ`皿′ｏ)ﾉ I thought she would at least scream at him for wearing the mask or something but nooo, no more suspicions now. Since Kang To's the one under the mask, he's definitely Young Master. I'll let her off, since she remembers the countless times Kang To asked her to look at him, and asked whether she recognized him or not, and now realizing the meaning behind those moments.

When the guy rests his head on the girl's thighs, it's usually supposed to be a romantic moment, but in Bridal Mask, nooot really.

ooooh Joo Won's manly hands

He finally got the girl. YES! (　＾∇＾)

Annnnnd we have the kiss scene.

I wasn't too spazzy/excited about this scene because the preview had already spoiled it.  And plus, I didn't expect this love line to work out this easily. Thought that Mok Dan would go through a bit more confusion before accepting Lee Kang To as Young Master...I guess the writers decided to speed up the pace of the development of the love line.

ARGH. It's Gye Soon. I don't like her. Grr. Thank god Seon Hwa is growing suspicious of the girl. And thank god Shunji slapped her hard. That's probably the only good thing Shunji's done in this episode. Haha.

And argh Shunji PLEASE leave Seon Hwa alone. Gah. The girl was obviously scared to see him, plus I don't think she's capable of rejecting his plea to help him flat since she was fond of him, and I think she still is. This isn't good. Manipulative Shunji is in no way good.

Creepy Shunji once again. It's scary how he's all pleading and worried when he's talking about Mok Dan, but as soon as Leader Jo says that Bridal Mask and the comrades aren't stupid to appear at the execution place, Shunji just smiles like he's already won everything in life...in a evil way.

Shunji: Lee Kang To isn't here? When Mok Dan has disappeared?

Can I just say that there is a possibility that Kang To actually might not know that Mok Dan has disappeared. You don't need to immediately grow suspicious of the guy.

Do I see a slight smirk on his face? Saying, "I'm injured but it doesn't matter, I've got the girl now muhaha"?

Kang To manages to explain to Mok Dan how he came to wear the mask. Shooting his hyung who was trying to avenge their mother's death, then realizing that his hyung was actually Gaksital...etc. And then he confesses that even if he's done avenging his father's death, he believes that he won't be able to take the mask off because he can't stand to see everyone else suffering.

So I guess Kang To has the mindset of a real hero now?

And let's just appreciate the fact that Kang To has changed his hair style back to the one he used to have in the beginning. Incredibly attractive.  (✿ ♥‿♥) Not that he looks ugly with his hair pushed back with gel, but I appreciate this hairstyle more. 

YES. I think this is the moment everyone has been waiting for. The independence people know that Kang To = Gaksital. Fuck yes. Now it's gonna be a lot easier for Kang To to work as Gaksital.

I loved how Shunji pissed Rie off by ignoring her orders and disrespecting her. I was curious as well along with Rie as to why Shunji wasn't the least bit scared of what Rie could do if he was disrespectful to her, and we get the answer here. Shunji only joined Kishokai for the sake of catching Gaksital, and not for the sake of wanting power. Then Rie strikes back by saying his father is one ambitious man, and if Shunji doesn't shut up, Taro wouldn't be in a very good position. Damn. I'm sure Shunji doesn't want to lose another family member.

I was feeling pretty anxious every time Mok Dan had to lie, because to be honest, she's not a very good liar. But Shunji manages to fall for her lies because Mok Dan does exactly what he wants her to do: to ask for Shunji's protection rather than Gaksital's.

Oh lord but I was still disgusted when Shunji leaned forward to hug her. Urgh urgh urgh. Sooo creepy Shunji, sooooo creepy. *shudder*

Joo Won's face and hand appreciation screenshot

 

Oh great. More evil powerful people.

Lol this was cute. 

Oh shit shit shit. Ueno Hideki FINALLY ARRIVES IN KYUNG SEONG. OH JOY. Shit is gonna go down.

.・゜゜・（／。＼）・゜゜・．

My thoughts at the time: 

Oh god. You're actually going. Oh noooo. 

THIS. MOMENT. WAS. JUST. SO. FUCKING. TEARJERKING. It first started off with Leader Jo tearing his outer clothes off to reveal his white clothes underneath and shouting, "Comrade Damsari! I'll go with you!" Then Dong Yeon joins in - I knew this woman had something in her! Then others join in, including the young rebel of the village. They have no weapons or even measurable martial arts skills, but they just run in there and fight about. Regardless of what the Japanese do, there are Joseon people out there who are not willing to be stomped on by them. Oh my god. This was probably one of the most beautiful moments of Bridal Mask that brought tears to my eyes. 

Oh god. Shunji, you bastard. 

I just hope that Dong Yeon survives, but then again Shunji aimed right at her heart. Argh! Must we lose such a heart-warming character?! 

The way Leader Jo just stares hard at Shunji made me think he would do something - like jump on Shunji or something. But unfortunately he is brought down to his knees when he's hit on the back of his neck. 

And Gaksital appears! But as soon as he cuts the rope that is about to choke Damsari to death, he's shot in the leg by Shunji, and surrounded by imperial officers. I was thinking, Oh shit oh shit oh shit, until Gaksital turned around and...oh. It's not Kang To. What?! 

The moment he opened his shirt to reveal the dynamites on his body, I realized that this was in fact part of the comrades' plan. Oh shit oh shit. He's gonna sacrifice himself?! Oh shit. NOOO. I know you guys are determined to die for the independence and Gaksital BUT STILL! I don't think I can handle any more of them dying. UGH UGH UGH. OMG.

And the guy explodes. OTL. And that's how episode 18 ends...

Epic episode. Bridal Mask writers are on fire with episodes 17 and 18. They've managed to give us satisfying cliffhangers that would keep us addicted to the show enough for the next episode, scheduled to air on next Wednesday. 

Good thing I blocked that Bridal Mask fan page from appearing on my FB news feed. (The admin has got to stop posting spoilers. Ugh) With absolutely no spoilers for me this time (except for the official preview), I was able to enjoy the episode to my fullest. For the next episode, I won't have to worry about spoilers at all as I will watch it on TV in Korea （＾_＾）hehe

One more screenshot of the comrade in honor of his sacrifice. Boo hoo. And he kinda looked good in the Gaksital look too.