The Great Doctor

The Great Doctor, also known as "Faith," is a notable South Korean television drama series that aired on Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) in 2012. The series is a standout production that comprises a remarkable blend of historical events, drama, romance, and fantasy, set against the engaging backdrop of Korean history, with a good dose of time travel added to the mix.

The premise of the series involves a twist of time and fate, when a modern-day plastic surgeon, Dr. Yoo Eun-Soo (portrayed by the talented Kim Hee-sun), mysteriously travels back in time to the Goryeo period. This unexpected time travelling event is orchestrated by a royal warrior, Choi Young (well-executed by popular actor Lee Min-ho). His majesty King Gongmin has given him the task of finding a "heaven's doctor" or a divine healer, to save the Queen who is on the brink of death. As a consequence, a sharp and skillful 21st-century doctor finds herself in the 14th century, working with, and navigating the complex rules and customs of the royal court, while she questions how to get back to the future.

The Great Doctor combines the elements of a medical drama, as Dr. Yoo must continue to perform her crucial work despite the drastically changed settings and tools, with a historical account as the events unfold in the Goryeo era, one of the major periods in Korean history. By also incorporating the concept of time travel, the series reaches another level of fantasy, sufficiently sparking the interest of people who enjoy a range of genres.

The narrative is more than just a story of a doctor and a warrior. As the drama unfolds, so does an unlikely love story between the two leads who are from two different worlds and times. Both Kim Hee-Sun and Lee Min-Ho deliver a great deal of on-screen chemistry and bring life and depth to their characters. Their relationship progression binds the audience to the screen, as viewers watch them battle the odds not only of their completely different backgrounds and personalities, but also their contradicting theories on life, love, and duty, in a world neither of them completely fits into.

The rich and descriptive screenplay and well-rounded characters are further highlights of The Great Doctor. The show does an excellent job of drawing out the humanity of the characters amidst the grand scheme of palace politics, wars, and power struggles. The characters portrayed are diverse and complex, each featuring a unique personality that makes the compelling script even more convincing.

One of the charms of The Great Doctor is the chance it provides to view historical Korea through the eyes of a present-day character, broadening the viewers' perspective. The production team contributes to the bold aesthetics of the show, with lush outdoor scenes and grand palace settings that transport the audience to the Goryeo era. Distinct costumes, traditional Korean architecture, and captivating cinematography blend seamlessly with the storyline, making the show a visual delight for history and art enthusiasts.

While the show does draw heavily on the cultural and historic elements of South Korea, it also weaves its story in a way that international audiences can connect with. The core human emotions and dilemmas faced by the characters are universal and relatable.

In conclusion, The Great Doctor is a series that breaks boundaries and blends elements in an innovative and exciting way. The combination of the past with the present, medicine with fantasy, power struggles with personal growth, and love against all odds, makes the drama a compelling watch. Challenging tasks, conflicting emotions, and delightfully unexpected turns of events are all part of the viewing experience. Plus, the interactions and growing bond between Dr. Yoo Eun-Soo and Choi Young add a delightful vibe to the serious undertones of the drama. This notable SBS offering from 2012 is a must-watch for those who appreciate dramas that can beautifully blend genres, depict deep characters, and narrate a gratifying story.