What a criminally underrated show!! But then again you call it 'Fermentation family' then can't expect people to trip over themselves in excitement to try it right? Sigh! Like seriously.. who thought it that it would be jolly idea to go for this uninspiring bleh name over other selected ones? You are fired if you aren't already.
Rant over.
Now about the show..
What a beautiful beautiful show. Everytime i think about this show.. i end up smiling. In a happy, serene, nostalgic sepia tone. What is good about this show?
Everything. And yes I am biased. Anyone wants to criticize any aspect of this show i will shove my fingers in my ears and go 'lalala..'. As far i am concerned this is one lovely show despite any and every legit or unfair criticism.
What starts off as story of a runaway gangster searching for his roots and a city chef forced to take over family restaurant in a village this show becomes all that life is. Beautiful with all its flaws and faultlines. The characters are so endearing. Special mention to the sweet naive sister. And then there are those hilarious gangster bunch.
Yeah the birth secret, mystery factors are jarring in the otherwise a serene storyline but i totally can look over the jarring notes for the soothing notes are so lovely.
The actors did a great job including the supporting and even cameos.
Every episode starts with the making of the kimchi of the day. Even kimchi is a life lesson. To think of it .. every ingredient has a story to tell. The cinematography is SO beautiful. My personal favourite is lotus kimchi. It looked so pretty.
One life lesson that stayed with me.. Once they run out of cabbage kimchi. The sisters wonder how did they miss making such a basic one when they are so diligent in making other exotic variety. And then the lead girls muses.. May be because it has been such an integral part of the menu and our lives that we took it for granted. Just like we take our loved ones for granted because they are always there.
At times i did feel that the girls and other characters are just too good to be true. They are over kind. Over good. Just too good a people. But then again in the world gone bad a little too much of goodness doesn't hurt right.
Story of the show.. A guy searching for his roots and joining the restaurant for there in lies the key to his past life. And how he finds happiness.
A girl going back to her roots and finding herself and her happiness.
A father's journey.
A sister and her sweet outlook of seeing only all that is beautiful in the world. She is such a pure character that concept of 'ugliness' is beyond her comprehension.
A lost tormented guy finding peace.
And many a characters finding what they are seeking. Shelter, home, food, love.
For me this show is like watching serene rain smattering at your window panes while you are curled up in your favourite blanket with a cup of coffee that you love and gazing out with a serene smile.
I guess I have gone too poetic so i will end it here.