Intense, oppressive and serious would be how I describe “Maestra: Strings of Truth” currently streaming on Disney+. I am watching it really sparingly now so that I can slowly savor this atmospheric 12-episode series.
A remake of French TV series “Philharmonia”, Maestra stars Lee Young Ae as the cold and ruthless conductor Cha See Eum of an orchestra Hanphil, so passionate about her music and craft that she is determined to make her orchestra the best in the world regardless of the misfortunes that keep happening to her life and her orchestra.
* Spoilers ahead*
Intriguing Lead Character Cha See Eum
It would be fair to say that Maestra pretty much centers on Cha See Eum, acted by Lee Young Ae. And indeed Lee Young Ae delivers.
Cha See Eum is an interesting and deep character who does not talk much and seems to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders. Passionate about her music and orchestra so much so that she appears heartless in cutting out members who do not perform, she is a lonely character nursing a deep fear of developing a hereditary condition that would render her body useless and prevent her from conducting ever again.
As a female viewer, I generally like dramas with a strong female lead and Cha See Eum is a character that can evoke sympathy and support from me.
Unsavory Characters and Misfortunes that keep Befalling On Our Female Lead
All Cha See Eum wanted was to form the very best orchestra in the world, but her strong-fisted actions created enemies in the process and resulted in personal attacks coming her way.
The most unsavory character would probably be her husband, Kim Phil, a seemingly sweet husband who had an affair with one of the orchestra members and who is shameless enough to refuse divorce proceedings so that he can continue to milk his famous wife’s success to further his own career.
I really felt for our female lead when her husband resorted to threatening her with her deepest secret and shaming her in public just so that she can do his bidding and continue to maintain a happy marriage facade for his sake.
Attractive Male Lead
Lee Moo Saeng acted as a rich successful investor Yoo Jeong Jae who was once Cha See Eum’s lover when young, and quite determined to woo her back.
Given that Cha See Eum was introduced as a married woman, Yoo Jeong Jae was quite an unlikeable character initially since there was not much backstory yet and we just see this guy who seems determined to follow Cha See Eum around in spite of her frosty response.
However as the story progresses, (we see the cheating low-down husband), I start to appreciate Yoo Jeong Jae’s protection of Cha See Eum, basically using money and power to remove all the obstacles in Cha See Eum’s life.
I still don’t quite get his obsession with her after twenty years or the full backstory of their past love, however it helps that Yoo Jeong Jae is a handsome and successful knight in shining armor.
I really like Lee Moo Saeng as an actor. Saw him in a couple of dramas previously and he can really act a wide repertoire of characters. A good-looking mature man!
An Intense Drama Worth Your time
I am only 6 episodes in, and I am enjoying it very much, way more than what I originally expected. Maestra is quite a serious drama, with no light-hearted moments. As it is music-themed, I really like the orchestra music and the glimpse of musicians’ lives. I also really enjoy seeing all those dramatic head flicks during Lee Young Ae’s conducting of orchestra haha.
Most importantly, I root for the female lead and hope for a good ending for her. Therefore I would continue watching and may the ending not disappoint!
Chasing Carefree 