Akumi
The story-line is absolutely hands down the best writing I've seen in a drama. The plot is well defined, the characters are so real and true to their personalities throughout, and the little nuances of individual people are always there that it took me watching it twice to fully take everything in. It has the best character growth I've seen yet also. You really get to see Ruo Xi grow up and become a much more mature, if not more defensive person (in terms of being careful of deception) and learn from her mistakes, but some of the mistakes she makes are impossible to stop because even if you're sent to the past, how do you know what you should say or shouldn't? (This always bothered me about going to the past type dramas, because there's usually that person that says "Don't do anything, or you'll change history!" but how do they know that that person isn't meant to say something to make the history they know happen?) Anyways, it was unavoidable to end up getting tangled in the prince's lives.
The bond the princes all have with Ruo Xi was such a pleasure to watch. They each have their own connection with her, from childhood friend, to soul-mate friend, to not meant to be lover, to true lover, and everything else in between. Even if they're out to get the throne, when it comes down to it, they'll do whatever they can to help her when she needs it. But don't worry, she's not a weak female lead by any means. She's strong, smart, and often comes to the princes aid even if it goes against her lover's desire. Her sense of relationship with each of the princes is so strong that she never abandons them and isn't above sacrificing herself to save their lives. (Not in the typical stupid female lead way either, but with an intelligent and thorough plan.)
It does have some palace intrigue, and vying for the throne of course, but when it comes down to it, it's about realizing what you have and sometimes learning to let go to what's gone, instead of trying to have everything, because eventually something will be sacrificed. I cannot get over just how much I adore this drama, and the characters are still firmly in my heart. 8th prince and 13th Prince, you'll always be my favorites!!
(Part of my review got cut off, so I'll add the rest here. I probably did something silly.)
There is of course an awesome and beautiful love story throughout the entire series. From first love to deep and soul capturing love, you can feel their profound love for each other, and how they grow to know and accept each other as time passes. There's none of the "I love you right away just because" feel a lot of dramas have, they grow up together and experience life side by side. You never doubt that they absolutely love one another. Even with the romance being a main point, this drama was so much more to me. It was about the wide variety of love and relationships a person has in their lives, and how each one weighs in your heart, and how they each mold who you are.
There is also a stark reality each character has to face, and you as a viewer have to accept. Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, and someone you knew can become someone you can't recognize through time. The drama does an amazing job of showing how you change through various trials, and how greed can poison everything.
The actors and actresses really did such an amazing portraying their roles, that I was lost in the story and almost forgot it wasn't reality. There are more than a few scenes I had to stop and re-watch right away just because of how powerful they were acted. Liu Shi Shi as Ruo Xi was astounding! I've only seen her in another drama, and while I liked her in it, her acting here godsmacked me. Down to the minute details, she executed her character perfectly. I honestly love Ruo Xi. Nicky Wu as 4th prince and Kevin Cheng as 8th prince also always left me in awe of their talent. I really felt like they were their characters, and I will definitely be watching more of their dramas just to see them act.
The OST is also just wonderful! It displays the emotions of the scenes perfectly, and really sets the tone of them. Some will make you tear up just hearing them, and other make your heart race because you know something is about to happen. It's one of the first OSTs I'll be downloading just to listen to when I want those feelings back.
Sorry for this being such a long review, but this drama left such an impact on me and really made me think about my life, or life in general, as corny as that sounds. XD Just one of those stories that stays in your heart and becomes a part of you. Please give it a chance, and maybe you'll love it as much as I do, or at least enjoy the ride. I don't think I'll ever get tired of this story.
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This review may contain spoilers
This drama had me snagged by the end of episode one, and never let go, even at the end I was looking for just a little more! I think like everyone else, I put off this drama for a while, but not because of the political aspect most seemed to, because I actually don't mind that as a plot-line, but because I heard from a friend the Kim Sun Ah's character was annoying and the typical stupid female lead. That was obviously very wrong, especially in later episodes. The story-line was semi-unique and new because it carried that political aspect, and was the cause for all of the main pairs trouble. While couples being separated because of their live's situation or social standing is nothing new at all, the politics made it fresh and something not quite the usual. While the beginning episodes were filled with just a little too much outlandish/slapstick humor, that didn't last long, and the humor developed into something more witty and intelligent. For the most part, the story focused really on the main couple the drama brought from Jo Gook's lies and manipulation and Shin Mi Rae's incorruptible beliefs, and their hesitancy to let themselves love each other. I loved watching Shin Mi Rae become an awesome Mayor and stand her ground and go head to head again the villain even when she knew she was out of her depth. She wasn't afraid to ask for help or admit her short comings, but she equally wasn't afraid to tell them to shut the heck up and fall in line either. Jo Gook was also so darn loveable, even when he was being a jerk, that you can't help but end up head over heels for him. He's sexy, adorable, and hilarious all at once. And when he cries...I seriously think my heart almost stopped during some of those scenes. There's just something so horribly heart wrenching about watching a man that looks so strong and confident shed tears or look so sad. There's so much good about this drama, I could go on forever, but I'm horrible when it comes to spoilers, so I'll move on.
The cast was just AWESOME! I am truly a fan of Kim Sun Ah, and have recently been watching a lot of her dramas. She's such a fantastic actress that no matter what role she plays I believe it whole heartedly and always fall in love with her characters. I was rooting for her from the get go, and I only ended up rooting more as the story progressed. And Cha Seung Won is just awesome. I first found him in The Greatest Love, and I was so surprised by just how much I ended up loving him as an actor, and my awe of him only grew in City Hall. He really played his character well, and the growth and changes he goes through are a true pleasure to watch. Just try and watch this drama and not end up wanting your own Jo Gook! He's the pure form of MAN and he projects that in just the way he walks. The supporting cast was also a blast to watch, and even if their motivations or personal stories weren't expanded on as much as they could have been, it didn't detract from the story. Even the silly side characters that granted comedic relief were well acted and believable.
The music could have been better to be honest, but I don't really think it took too much from the drama. The only thing I thought was during some of the sadder scenes, it would have been nice to have a song that matched the emotional pain that was less...upbeat sounding?
Overall, I'm really glad I watched this drama, and I'll definitely re-watching it (again XD). The chemistry and love between the leading pair was so heartwarming and the politics only added to the drama. If you're unsure if you'll like this style of drama, just give it a shot, stick in for a few episodes, and I promise you'll fall in love. If you don't, send me a strongly worded e-mail. :P
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It has the treasure hunt feel to it throughout, which supplies danger and intrigue, it has a romance plot that is realistic and honest, it has political aspects and the far reaching hands of corrupt and powerful businessmen, and it has police investigations. I mean really, what more is there?
The actors and actresses all played their roles really well. Especially Kim Sun Ah as Heo Cho Hwi and Lee Dong Gun as Kim Bum Sang. They were very real characters and their romance was just wonderful to watch. I swear you can feel them fall in love, feel their intensity, and they're very 3D in their personalities. I've seen a lot of romance dramas, and I have to say that even though the romantic plot wasn't the main priority, these two are my absolute favorite couple. That's even taking into account QIHM's couple! They fit so well together, their teasing and one upping each other was hilarious to watch, and their love and comforting of each other was even better. It was a fun ride to see them finally trust one another.
The supporting cast was also very well acted. The crazy and conceited Joo Hyun was hilarious, if not annoying at times. I really enjoyed watching her character develop and strive to be more and think more than just about herself. Officer Kang was also played very well. While he may be considered second male lead, I really loved him. I can't say much more without giving anything about later plots, but he's adorable.
The music in this was pretty good. There were some times where I thought they could have chosen a better song, but it never really detracted from the scenes. Overall, it didn't bother me too much. There is that one song (Can't remember the name) that is the ending theme that I really enjoy and is stuck in my head. XD
I guess my main point is, if you want hilarity, romance, danger, a good plot,intrigue, treasure hunts, and realistic couples, this is a drama you have to watch! I could gush all day and fangirl all over the place about this drama, but I'll force myself to stop and console myself over the fact that there isn't a second season by re-watching it and pretending there is. :P
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This review may contain spoilers
First off, my rating is based on emotional attachment, and that's just how I am. :P If I were to be completely logical it would most likely be a 9, but my love bumps it up. haha When I first ran into this drama, I had no real interest. The cast members looked cute, but I didn't really have a desire to watch a story about some guy opening a vegetable store with a ragtag group of friends. I need romance, and the synopsis they have for this drama is so horribly lacking that I didn't even expect any. Except, that's half the drama! I was surprised and hooked from episode one until the end!! Normally they don't want you to put a synopsis in your review, but since the one they have is so lacking, I'm going to a little.
Tae Yang (played by Ji Chang Wook) and Jin Shim (played by Wang Ji Hye) were childhood friends, a couple, but because of an event (no spoilers) they split up and years pass. When they meet again, they don't know it's each other because Jin Shim is using a different name. (I hope no one sees this as a spoiler, because honestly any other drama would put that much information up in their synopsis usually) Now Jin Shim is an heiress and her mother has a deep rooted grudge against Tae Yang. Ok, that's where I'll stop with my synopsis because frankly, I'm a little upset that a lot of people are placing the mom in the typical rich wife category. The reason she goes after Tae Yang so much is because of this grudge she has, not just because he's a vegetable owner. As insane as she is, and she is clinically insane, I understand that hatred to a point. She's one of the most terrifying villains I've seen in a drama, and man does her acting just blow me away. I was actually scared of her in many scenes, because she's just a woman who's ready to die for what she wants, and is always just a step away from the edge.
The romance between the two leads was amazing to watch, and even though I think Wang Ji Hye didn't quite match up in acting ability to Ji Chang Wook, she held her own ok. Ji Chang stole my heart right away, and his acting always surprised me. Not matter what scene he was in, he stole it right away. The way the main pair just understood each other, was drawn to each other, and Tae Yang's unyielding love for Jin Shim was heart warming and heart breaking at times. I really fell in love with these characters. On top of the romance that I'm still going back to re-watch, the bromance between the "fresh Men" was so fun to watch!! It was cheesy and cliche, but so satisfying! You also get to know each one of them, their back stories, what they're going through in their own lives, and you get to see them grow into men.
The music is one part where I got annoyed with this drama. There's this one song they play sometimes during the "touching" scenes that just made me want to punch the person who decided on that song selection. XD It wasn't so bad that it turned me away, but they could have done better.
I will be re-watching this drama a lot, because it's fun and warmed my heart. It also taught me a few lessons about how to deal with set backs and just how one tragedy can ripple outwards and utterly destroy someone's mentality, and how that damaged person poisons everyone.
Overall, I'm defensive of this drama because I love it so much, but I do acknowledge that I may just have twisted tastes and not everyone will watch it with my mind frame. I just hope you give it a chance and not start watching it with certain expectations off of the synopsis they have up, because you will find something different from what's there. If you watch it because of my review and don't like it, I'm sorry, but if you love it, you're welcome. haha jk :P
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The story isn't really anything new or earth shattering, and it hardly seems like real life, but it is such an enjoyable ride! I loved every second of it, even the villains were awesome to watch, and it really kept you guessing as to who was actually causing all the trouble with their own hands. You know the main villains pretty much right away, but the secondary, or hench men, were unknown until the end and it honestly shocked me! I loved watching Mei-chan win everyone over with her honestly good heart and even her petty-ness was fun to watch. She complained, and cried, and wasn't always the strong one, but it was all part of her character growth, and it was awesome to watch her come into her own and gain confidence. Not to mention the semi-subtle romance between her and a drop dead gorgeous butler! I really loved watching Rihito's devotion and his struggle to accept his feelings as being ok, and just how much he would put on the line for Mei. It was endearing and swoon worthy watching him. Not to mention Mizushima Hiro is just drop dead sexy in a full on tux. @.@ While the story is not anything close to a melodrama, I found myself crying for the characters, laughing with them, and smiling like a little kid. The villains were also written really well, and acted equally as well. I found that even at the end, I couldn't hate them, and actually felt honest sympathy and remorse for their choices and situations. Jdramas are really good at making villains seem okay at the end, and while that's not always a good thing, this time it was done well. This drama actually touched on some really serious issues, but it did do with such a lighthearted over all feel that it was easy to bounce back from scene to scene and not wallow in the angst.
The music was good, and fit the scenes just right, and while I don't remember any particular song, they blended in perfectly and only enhanced the emotions.
As I've already said, I've re-watched this drama six times, and I'll probably watch it again, but I'm a re-watcher by nature. :P Overall, this drama is lighthearted, sweet, heartwarming, tear inducing, and romantic all in one. If you want a fun watch with good characters, a decent story, and a heck of a lot of eye candy, this is the drama!!
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In the beginning, the story was looking like it would be semi-original and be about pure revenge for the wrong the male lead received, and an innocent person would end up hurt. Song Joong Ki played his role so well that it really made that plot seem new and believable. He's just man you fall in love with right away, even when he's doing something wrong. I even liked Park Si Yeon when she was mean and defensive, because it's not often you see a spicy female lead like that. Then it all took a nose dive a few episodes in, and the logic behind the revenge or the expected gain of the revenge seemed so non-existent. There were times I cried, but I don't ever remember laughing during this drama. There was no levity, no comedic relief to over-come the crushing weight of the angst in the story-line, no hope that things would get better or that the characters would suddenly find a way to let everything go. It felt like the love was always tainted and the continuing of the scam and then the later refusal to just TELL Park Si Yeon was infuriating and pointless to me. Not to mention the last episode (I don't think this really gives anything away), especially the last five minutes, made me feel like I wasted 20 episodes on never-ending pointless angst because it just didn't matter anymore. Everything the leads worked for, and all the reasons they supposedly couldn't just run away, crumbled into nothing and were all tossed aside, twenty episodes too late.
All the negatives in the above paragraph aside, the cast was really well selected, and even though I really didn't enjoy the story-line most of the time, I really do think the actors played their roles extremely well. Song Joong Ki was awesome in his role, and he really shined in one of his first male lead roles (at least that I've seen). Park Si Yeon also played her character well, even if I got whip lash from the changes in personality at times, she acted well and I believed the emotions she was projecting. Awesome acting aside, I unfortunately never came to really care about any of the characters. It was truly hard to find any real qualities to love, knowing that half their personalities were just based on circumstances or loss of memory. Even the villain became someone I couldn't understand towards the end, and I started to forget just what her justifications were exactly.
The music was good, I can't particularly remember much, but I do know I love the opening and the song playing during it. As much negative as I have towards this drama, I truly think the opening sequence in by far one of my favorites, and the small change in it they make on the last episode only made me love it more. I love small details like that. The rest of the OST really fit the mood and was well chosen.
I really don't think I'll ever re-watch this drama because even the semi-happy scenes are doused in angst, and I just don't feel the need to. Maybe I'll rewatch the last five minutes, because those are my favorites. XD
Overall, I want to point out the good aspects because I know my review is really critical and may upset some of the drama's lovers, and I do like some of it! I did really like how I could tell the main pair was in love (At least towards the end), even if I didn't understand their motivations anymore or particularly like their characters, I liked their real love. You felt it, you WANTED then to work out, and you rooted for a happy ending, even if there was no logical hope. Also, once again, the actors played their roles wonderfully, and the camera work was beautiful and smartly done. I just didn't connect with any character, and felt like all the drama was so pointless not even halfway through. I'll be honest, I'm bitter. I really, truly, wanted to love this drama as much as everyone else, but it ended up being a good drama that is a one time watch and move on type of drama. If you watch it, I really hope you like it more than me!!
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