This review may contain spoilers
A classic for new and old viewers
And yes Descendants of the Sun is everything I had ever heard, a fluffy and tender romance and a story that is worth it, I think there is little to say about this series that has not already been said, it is one of the most famous series in and outside of Korea and I dare say one of the most important.The first thing is that the performances are very good both Song Hye Kyo and Song Joong Ki are old acquaintances for me and I must say that in all their performances they always leave me satisfied and here is no exception, in the same way all the actors who have a supporting role are very good at their work, achieving even steal screen in some poignant moments.
The correct word for this series, I think is: Heartwarming. They present us with a group of doctors and soldiers who, despite living in complicated situations, always seek the best for others, committed to their work and who manage to grow through adversity. The series always puts tragic and lost situations always on the most hopeful side possible where the human will will prevail over difficult situations; it is also deeply patriotic.
One thing I appreciate is Yoo Shi Jin's personality, his constant jokes and laid-back way of being contrast perfectly with the frenetic and dangerous life he leads and greatly lighten the tension in complicated moments of the series.
On the other hand, Kang Mo Yeon seems to me to be one of the best female representations of a Korean series, at least from those times, she is a strong, intelligent and determined woman and at no time did I feel that her reason for life was him, it is It is true that she loves him and that she wants to be with him, but she has her own motivations and desires that make her an interesting and complex character, the way in which she grows up and comes to understand her vision as a doctor is beautiful, even when she believes he is dead, she finds reasons to go on her way and uses the pain she feels as an impulse to help other people.
The secondary couples are also a great success, the series gives everyone moments to shine and develop so they feel organic within the main story and they empathize very well with the public.
Of course, the series does not exploit in every sense the horrors of war or living in the middle of one, not only they as external help but the people who live there who have nowhere else to go, but still in a somewhat "pink" try to put these things in evidence, I understand well that the purpose of the series is not that, so the moments a little more serious regarding these issues are a good addition.
Both the musicalization and the stages are very good, we move away from all the exuberance of Seoul and we get closer to rural and calm landscapes, and well the main theme is a classic so I have little to add about it.
As I said, this series is already a legend in the world of K-dramas on its own and I am sure it will continue to attract new and old viewers for much longer, it is a good start for anyone interested in the Korean entertainment and i think that in one way or another its success was a watershed for what would come later and how the k-drama has evolved to become more relevant in the world, with increasingly good and schematic-breaking stories and endearing characters.
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2nd Couple takes the lead!
You know how show tend to focus way too much on main couple? This show isn't like thisIt is very well-balanced, I really love all the casts (apart from the bandits lol). Not to mention, the music! One of the best OST that really brings out emotions and play at right timing. Till today, I still feel a lot when I heard the OST playing!
I am a fan of SJK character here, but not so much the 1st FL. While I don't dislike her, I won't say I really like her. I prefer the 2nd FL way better. What's interesting is the 2nd FL is actually the one that has the rank, status, etc, yet the 1st FL is the one who acts more spoilt. I don't appreciate how she, more than one time, acted almighty about doctor saving life and solider killing people. Yet, she is the one who NEEDS to be SAVED more than one time. So much talk about soldier killing life! What a hypocrite. That's what makes me lose my respect for 1st FL, and what takes away that 0.5 point from this show! Also, her crying seems to be just filled with tears, without REAL emotions felt
2nd FL on other hand is really strong minded. She also is such a great actress that when she cries, I always cry because I truly feel her. I also love 2nd ML. Overall, I prefer 2nd couple way better and I feel they save the show, especially on the romance side of thing
But to me, SJK remains the star, I am biased, I know but his acting is just so good.
That 2 couples aside, I also love every other cast. There are so many life lessons to learn from each person, whether it's those who died, almost die, and everyone else
I rarely rewatch a show, but i've rewathed this a few times now. And the more. I rewatch, the more I like the 2nd couple.
Despite what I said about the main FL, I still would say this show is very well done. You might just like the main FL, she is just not really my liking as I feel she gets in the way of the ML a lot of times, which is a typical stereotype KDrama!
Again, I feel 2nd FL should be the norm for FL, not the typical " I need to be saved FL!"
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This review may contain spoilers
this drama has become my new obsession...
The Korean drama blockbuster Descendants Of The Sun is an essential watch for all K-drama fans and can be enjoyed by both women and men, since, unlike many other K-dramas, it cannot possibly be confined to just a “chick flick” description; it has many delicious ingredients that will delight both sexes: romance for the gals, military skirmishes, lots of action shots, international politics, and criminal intrigues for the guys, and both sexes love the humor in their shows.Descendants Of The Sun also features a significant portion of its story filmed on location in Greece (these were my favorite parts since I’m of Greek descent and have been there twice), adding a sense of exoticism rarely found in most other K-dramas today. I feel that traveling to other locations to shoot part of a story always adds interest to a K-drama because Koreans tend to be an insular people, so when their television dramas are set in locations around the world that makes their people more curious to check the stories out.
A love story develops between Captain Yoo Shi Jin, from South Korean Special Forces, and Doctor Kang Mo Yeon, who works as a Surgeon at Haesung Hospital in Seoul. They will find themselves in the middle of great events and deadly dangers, both in their Motherland and in the fictitious, war-torn country of Urk.
Anyways romance is about revealing more of the character and who they are. I am so, so happy that a couple that I love so much has one of the least problematic relationships in a kdrama I’ve seen. Between the hair grabs (Master’s Son) and the forceful, stiff kissing (Heartstrings, Gentleman’s Dignity), and all-around lack of female agency and deleting of female personality, a plethora of assholey main love interests and sexist tropes that saturate many, many kdramas, I was so worried this one was going to end up with me trying to claw out my eyes. Not so with this couple.
More detailed review here: https://bookswithnatasa.home.blog/2021/08/27/should-watch-25-descendants-of-the-sun/
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Binge worthy !
I am an old chook and and only recently (last 1 or 2 years) veered over to the 'GREAT' side, AKA Korean dramas. And oh wow am so glad I did. This one was binge worthy +++. Thank you.I really liked the way this show flowed yet had many quirky and new ebbs to the storyline.
This show kept me glued to my seat (literally and on many occasions was 1am or 4am that I finally went to bed) All the characters had their own delightful personalities that shone through with terrific acting.
A few unexpected shock values in episodes that kept me glued to my seat. I was quite literally in the show and time just disappeared. This show gave me many laugh out loud moments, some scenes made me cry and just quietly would like to say how thoroughly I enjoyed the visions of loveliness from the male actors. Delicious!
Well done all and thank you.
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Amazing!!
I loved this one a fast paced story and the episodes were flowing like water like I am watching and after a while 5episodes?? But I was watching for a small while onlyyy!!I am actually sad that I finished it so quickly it is definitely one of the best romance drama
It had a great mix of comedy, action and ofcourse romance the acting too was superb like you could not help but cry when the actors cried. The story was gripping from the start and the ending was wonderful.
My heart is currently broken cause the drama is finished and will take a day or two to heal from the loss
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This review may contain spoilers
The first twelve episodes were excellent. After that...
So! I finally finished another drama that starred Song Joong Ki (I basically only watched this series due to the fact that he was starring in it-I'm not even gonna lie to you guys). And what can I say about it?. Well, here I go!Storyline-8/10
The first twelve episodes I loved to death. It made me fall for all of the characters, especially Song Joong Ki and Jin Goo. I will say this- I personally feel that it should have ended on episode twelve, cause well, the story arc was done (if you have watched it, you will know what I am talking about). However, it continued. Now episodes thirteen and fourteen, I also liked. But it was like a new storyline being introduced when something is coming to an end. They did handle that part of the story pretty well to.
Now! Here's where I got annoyed. Episodes fifteen and sixteen, especially sixteen, I don't see the need for it! And what kind of ending is that?!!! So, due to this reason, I have to give this series an 8.
Acting/Cast-10/10
I loved everyone's acting and felt that they did a phenomenal job! I can even say that some supporting characters even stole the series when they were on the screen. And yes, even the annoying characters that I wanted to strangle. Nothing but 10/10 from me!
Music- 10/10
The music was addictive and had me humming along with it when it was playing. And for that reason I am giving the addictive music a 10/10.
Rewatch Valu-8/10
To be honest with you, I do see myself watching the first twelve episodes- cause they were perfect to me. However, I honestly do not want to watch the remaining four episodes again. Especially the last two. So, for that, I will give the rewatch valu an 8/10.
Overall-9/10
I give this series a 9/10, because I felt that there were some flaws that I couldn't let go. All in all, I am very grateful that I was able to watch another series starring Song Joong Ki and was able to complete it as well.
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DOTS- an evergreen show
if you know anything about the kdrama world you know that 2016 is known as the year to produce the biggest hits in kdrama history. DOTS is just one of the many beloved shows released in 2016. I for one have watched over hundreds of kdramas in the past 7 years and still this is my favorite show of all time.I won't say it has a very unique or special story but it's one of those shows that you'll keep close to your heart. It's a rom-com packed with lots of action and amazing soundtrack. Even now when i listen to 'Everytime' i get flashbacks of the show. You will be rooting for both the main couple and the second couple. The side characters are not just their for support but have their own storyline going on.
The show doesn't get repetitive or draggy, each episode is engaging. The romance will also have you hooked.
all in all, i would suggest giving it a shot.
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One of the best written and executed dramas
The plot involves good doctors and soldiers, focusing on the relationship they develop. The chemistry between the leads and supporting roles are commendable.If you're a fan of romance, this is the perfect drama for you. This drama is military love. If you like to see Song Joong Ki, you will fall for him immediately. Song Joong Ki has performed really well. He is the essence of this show. The twists and turns are good,
His comic timing is splendid. Overall, this show is a masterpiece and I highly recommend it. I recommend you to watch this drama "you will not be disappointed."
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The first six episodes give me all the feels. The right person but wrong situation, right love and wrong time. I also love that this drama has a variety of feelings and emotions. You will fall in love (not just with the main leads but also with the second leads and the extended cast), you will cry, you will laugh and etc. At some point, it will touch your heart. Their setting is obviously no joke, it add feels to the viewers.
I have nothing bad to say for the acting of the whole cast. I can't say that they are the best, but they're acting is not bad either. It's just right. The extended cast was surprisingly good too. Special mention to ShiNee's Onew, Seo Dae Young (I forgot his name), and Kim Jiwon. I watch the show for SJK and SGH but they somehow excites me too.
Of course, the OST. They are exceptionally good. OST are a big part of every drama. They add feelings to the viewers, and descendants really nailed this one. Well, it's obviously peaking on the chart so there's no argue in that.
Overall, I rated it 8.0.. I know, some of you will say why only 8.0 when I have no bad things to say in this drama? It's because I've seen better dramas before. I don't know but I don't feel good when people talk like this is the best drama that they've ever watch in their entire life. But yeah, who am I to stop the feelings of those people? It's just that the hype is too much, that I think other dramas deserve too.
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it's wonderful
descendents of the sun e maravilhoso ,coisa absurda de bom,assisti três vezes e não me canso muito bommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmnnnnnnmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmammamamajdhheheiwoqkqksbjebwhwvwjwbwibwuwhapakbdjensmnebejeu1oqlwbbebrkskwowoqiwuv2h1h2h2u83i2o1lane rbj3jeheb3jwoqpkandbejowjwveheiwooq92uryehehjdkeowllwjebeu3behveusheuhehejskow8q71tg2isiwiejebvejejebsjobj3jeheb3jwoqpkandbejowjwveheiwooq92uryehehjdkeowllwjebeu3behveusheuhehejskow8q71tg2isiwiejebvejejebsjoaoqiwveveheijekwowkkebruherhehehhei2o1pkqnebbehehehehheienbebrbrbrWas this review helpful to you?
Note : This is not a review . I will be only telling the plus and minus of the show .
Pluses:1. Compelling Leading Man Lead actor
Song Joong Ki, was perfect as Officer Yoo Shi Jin. I loved this character. He was cool, funny, self-aware, charming, strong and fair leader. Shi Jin was an attractive package. He saved the girl, people, and made the world a safer place, all while being a good guy. Shi Jin appealed to women and men viewers both. The women wanted to date Shi Jin and the men wanted to be Shi Jin. This was Joong Ki’s comeback project after serving his two years of mandatory military service. Will he ever top the popularity of this character? Joong Ki had superb chemistry with every character, even the ones with limited acting ability. His romantic relationship with the leading lady was a slow build. Because he risked his life everyday, he understood his love interest’s hesitation to commit to a relationship. But they were like magnets that pulled each other together and their relationship could not be denied. I enjoyed this pair’s mutual respect for each other.
2. Likable Leading Lady.
Lead actress, Song Hye Kyo, portrayed Doctor Kang Mo Yeon with a soft but strong stance. Mo Yeon evolved to connect with her humanity for others instead of the stove piped “it is about me” life. Mo Yeon was the voice of reason and caution in the romantic relationship with Shi Jin. She did not make the choice to have a romance with Shin Jin lightly. Should she get involved with a man that could die any day in the line of duty? Her heart said yes, but her brain cautioned her to say no. And she was right to be concerned. Loving Shi Jin did offer great joy but also offered a life of loneliness and fear when they were apart. Love doesn’t conquer all when you are alone and fearing for your partner’s well being. Shi Jin’s dangerous profession took him away without warning. During that time Hye Kyo’s portrayal of a woman in pain was superb.
3. Strong Second Leads.
The appealing second lead was Officer Dae Young, portrayed by Jin Goo. Dae Young was Shi Jin’s fellow soldier and best friend. His romance was a forbidden one because his love was a soldier complete with a disapproving father. Dae Young was quieter, steady, and true to his convictions, with a quick sense of humor. His counterpart was Officer Yoon Myeong Joo portrayed by Kim Ji Won. She was stuck loving Dae Young who refused to break the military rules and date her. In the first part of the series this character had limited story but came into her own in the second half of the series. Ji Won’s portrayal was excellent when Myeong Joo fought a deadly virus. Dae Young and Myeong Joo’s love story spent the first of the series longing for each other but kicked into gear in the second half. It was worth the wait.
4. Rich Romance.
Color me surprised that a military and medical drama had a superb romance between our leads and a solid romance between the secondary leads. Our leads were cute together delivering sassy banter, soul searching looks, and challenges to each other throughout the series. This couple had a level of maturity. Their chemistry was excellent. They respected each other. No, they did not always agree with the other’s choices, but they supported each other’s right to be individuals. Isn’t that awesome? They granted each other the right to make the best choice for them without making the other guilty. The second leads’ romance was a slower build to a solid couple. When the series started their romance was in the past. Whether to restart it was the question. Dae Young’s refused to break the rules putting Myeong Joo into a powerless position. She had to wait for him to open the door that she stood behind. But the payoff was there. Both couples took their time evolving their romantic relationships. Why rush? I enjoyed the ride with them.
5. Bromance Bliss.
I love a strong relationship between male characters (aka bromance). Shi Jin and Dae Young were the perfect bromance. They supported each other, joked with each other, and were honest and direct with each other on tough topics. During their military missions, they almost didn’t need to speak with each other, they knew each other so well that glances sufficed. The chemistry between Joong Ki and Jin Goo was excellent.
6. Service was Respected.
Most dramas are about individuals. Descendants of the Sun embraced service to the others. Service as a primary theme was unusual and refreshing. It provided a common thread that linked every military and medical person. United they made a terrific team. The military executed their missions to protect people or their country or both. The medical team realized helping others made them stronger people. At one point int he series, Mo Yeon wish for her graduating medical colleagues was “I hope everyone that took pledges can keep them throughout the earth and under the sun.” Mahatma Gandhi’s perspective is undeniable “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
7. Cohesive Story.
The writers balanced the military and medical into a cohesive story. The first episode was nearly perfect. When they went to the foreign location the story was solid, peaking during episodes that dealt with the aftermath of the earthquake. When they returned to Korea there was a slight downturn in the story. The series was written by Kim Eun Sook (Secret Garden and The Heirs) and Kim Won Suk (The Queen’s Classroom). The writers delivered terrific banter in the form of playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks between all our characters. I’m a professed “banter-holic” and this series hit the mark for me. Descendants of the Sun was preproduced before airing, unusual was most dramas use the live-shoot production format. I think this allowed the writers for formulate a complete story and the production team to bring the drama to fruition missing some of the typical latter third of the series pitfalls many dramas have using the live-shoot format.
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Minuses :
1. Foreign locations meant foreign actors which meant sub par acting. There were varying degrees of acting skills in our foreign actors. Some were stilted, like the bartender, and some did not have the depth of acting necessary to play their character to the fullest like Mr. Bad (David McInnis). The behind-the-scenes special stated the Urk children had never acted before. This was not a surprise. While annoying, the writers maintained the right balance so the foreign characters were secondary in the episodes. The vast majority of the episodes were not downgraded due to bad acting.
2. Okay Final Episode. Why are final episodes often lacking in dramas? This one had a strong first half as our couples resolved their issues. But after that it was a collection victory lap scenes that did not feel cohesive. In the final scene, they broke the fourth wall and spoke directly to the audience. It did not add value so it came off more perplexing than positive.
3. Our leading man was Ironman. Shi Jin unrealistically avoided major injury when he should have been injured. Episode 14 was especially ridiculous, flat lining one minute then engaging in a face-off with rogue North Korean soldier the next.
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Would I Recommend this Series?
Absolutely. Joong Ki’s perfect portrayal of the leading man Shi Jin was the driver for the series. The lead’s romance was just that – romantic – taking it’s time and it was worth the wait. It was terrific to see a leading couple that respected each other. The secondary lead’s romance also hit the mark. The chemistry between the leads, the second leads, and the leads as a foursome was superb. The writers deftly balanced the military missions, the medical team’s deployment, and a delivered real romance between two couples. This drama isn’t perfect, but it has intangibles that mitigate many of the negatives.
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Wasn’t the best but isn’t a bad watch
This was my first k drama I had this on my kdrama list for a while I’m more used to watching cdramas so knew it was gonna be different but if I’m honest this wasn’t the best for me.Positives:
I completely fell for the ml his acting was amazing and in the drama he was just perfect although having a hard job usually caused him to lose lots of time with Kang I really loved him cz he cares and loved her but also truly appreciated her and respected her.
The second leads were at first not my fave just generally cz the second fl seemed like the bossy type but when u got to k her a bit more she was actually quite lovely I really loved their chemistry and both were very likeable although they broke up many times they worked through the hardships together and the cute scenes were amazing
The plot was quite nice and the graphics never disappointed me
I also liked the support couples who although we didn’t see much of were really cute and a nice watch
Loved the whole military bits the missions that were shown always put me on edge and I really liked it
Highlight overall was ml for me 🫶
Negatives:
I didn’t like fl as such she did not respect or understand the ml point of view at all she thought that she saved lives no matter wot and he killed people to save and for that reason she didn’t choose to date him at first she kept demanding for answers as to where he’d gone for missions etc when he was not able to say due to regulations she was stubborn and quite clearly hurt him when he was just the sweetest to her and when they did end up dating the romance scenes were completely useless I think in the entirety of this drama it was like three hugs three kisses not saying there’s anything wrong with that but just a sense of connection was not portrayed or a sense of love and wanting to be with each other this was portrayed a bit by the ml but the fl did not bother much she just seemed like a total nag and for this reason I didn’t like her much
Secondly the second leads had a much better and more romantic relationship than the main leads themselves although they broke up three times that love was always there hugs and that sense of wanting to be around each other was easily portrayed and although I liked that I craved that same feeling for the male leads but unfortunately we barely got that even towards the end although they were more close than before.
Overall the negatives lied mostly with the fl and the genres were supposed to be military and romance and honestly I’d barely call if a romance as it just seemed like there wasn’t any
No hate to the actress ofc she did well in portraying this annoying character but I generally wish they made her more understanding and loving like the ml was cz I feel like apart from the military scenes which I loved sm the romance as I said was hardly there and it would hv rather been better if they didn’t get together at all.
I will not be rewatching this as I dt see anything worthy in it and although loved the whole military idea romance was poor and boring so Yh will not be rewatching and if I do it will probs be the fighting scenes but that may be Abt it
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