LibradaJ's Profile - MyDramaList.com

Nov 7, 2012 1 of 0 episodes seen 2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Special Investigations Division

by LibradaJ
- Overall 8
- Story 7
- Acting/Cast 9
- Music 6
- Rewatch Value 6
This is your typical whodunit police movie. It's one of those "it seems obvious who did it until that person ends up dead" movies, and in this movie, there are more than enough dead people to go around.

You have Uhm Tae Woong in the lead role as your lovable and somewhat rogue cop. Sung Dong Il plays his boss/captain, and Joo Won shows up as the FBI trained outsider. Along with other cops in their division they form a special task force to find a cop killer. The story takes some twists, turns, finds some funny bad guys, and runs us through a back alley or two before it finds its way to the true heart of the story. It throws suspicion all over. Slowly, at the end it adds all the pieces together for you. Not at once, but slowly, before they produce your bad guy.

Because it is a movie, as any good movie, it is rushed and all crushed together so you must pay attention to everything on screen. Who is who, what is said and what is seen, to get the whole picture. It does give you some flashbacks, as everything falls into place so if you miss something you will still understand.

The story is good but it is nothing new. As someone said in the comments, its not a new story, it's just a re-telling of many cop movies. Do not expect to be blown away. It has that nice dirty, gritty cop feel to it. There are some well staged fight and interrogation scenes. There is a scene, or two, that has bad green screen\CGI. It is brief so it doesn't really take away from the movie. Oddly there are a lot of guns, and more blood, that I expected. However, the gore level is MAYBE a three, mostly for use of fake blood - if we round up. Nothing you will lose your lunch over.

UTW and JW make a fabulous on screen pair. They acted well off each other, and along with all the characters they met on screen with. I fell in love with Lee Hee Joon's portrayal of a mob boss. He also has an interesting scene with little clothes, which I would include in the eye candy section. Lee Tae Im, as our only female investigator, is the weakest link in the cast. It seems they added her in at the last minute because they needed a woman. Her character is a throw away.

I didn't really notice much music past the first 20 minutes or so but I wasn't really paying attention either. I scored it a six since there was some good chase and intrigue pieces but nothing that stuck in my mind.

UTW or JW fans you will definitely want to watch this. They have a lot of screen time together. If you love one, you will probably fall for the other, especially considering how close they are in real life.

Even though this is a story I have seen many times before, I am rounding this up to an eight (there are no halves on MDL). It's overall presentation of good storytelling, good cop look/feel, wonderful acting, sprinkled with a bit of fun makes it a satisfying movie. read more
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Nov 6, 2012 1 of 0 episodes seen 4 of 8 people found this review helpful

Quick

by LibradaJ
- Overall 3
- Story 3
- Acting/Cast 6
- Music 5
- Rewatch Value 1
You have to be a fan of Lee Min Ki to want to watch this all the way through. It is basically a copy of the American movie SPEED, only with a motorcycle courier and his ex-girlfriend. The main difference is they don't have a set speed they need to maintain on the motorcycle, but rather, a set time limit. Later, it turns into SPEED - train version.

If you like LMK you will enjoy this movie no matter what I write, so enjoy! If you have no idea who he is, and find him attractive or mildly handsome, and that is your thing, again, enjoy! However, if you want to watch something that is:

• barely entertaining
• mildly comical
• has a poorly written script,
• overly apparent green screens,
• low quality CGI
• you want the difference to be obvious when the star/stunt double are on screen
• see bad special effects make-up
• and dreadful editing

well then, THIS movie is for you.

Yoon Je Moon, as always, is spot on in his role. Hard not to be when he has played this kind of character so many times. LMK’s character, while leading, was scripted haphazardly, leaving him little room to truly act to his full potential. Kang Ye Won, as the leading lady, is forgettable. The only other thing that stood out - when the true stunts (as opposed to the CGI they tried to incorporate) were shown. Kudos to the stunt team for the car chase/crash scenes.

This movie seems like it was going for a "Rush Hour" kind of feel. Fast action/adventure with comical timing. It has all the ingredients but comes out half baked. It almost feels like it is spoofing itself in some way that It makes you cringe.

The acting is decent but the script is so clumsy that it takes away from any truly great acting we could have gotten, with the exception of our villain.

The music is a free-for-all of songs from both Asian and Western counties. Not anything to be complain about, but also, nothing to be overly excited about either.

I would never re-watch this movie. It has the big name star carrying it but it seems more like a "B" grade movie that should have gone straight to DVD. Compared to other Korean comedies, romances, action, melodrama, etc… movies, this has to be on top as one of the worst. Overall I am giving it a three out of ten because it fails in so many different levels, still has one or two decent points. read more
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Aug 10, 2012 16 of 16 episodes seen 2 of 6 people found this review helpful

I Need Romance Season 2

by LibradaJ
- Overall 6
- Story 6
- Acting/Cast 8
- Music 6
- Rewatch Value 2
If you loved the first season, skip the second season.

This second season of INR is vastly inferior to its predecessor. The story is more of a cute love story than a struggle of a modern day, sexual "30 something" woman. While somewhat fun, it was a huge let down.

The story starts off slow and it never really gains any speed. We are introduced to our main characters; which you really do not need to go past the first several episodes, you know how it will end. There is never really any tension or true build up in the story. After awhile it becomes whiny and irritating with nothing to help it stay afloat.

The main characters are one dimensional. There is nothing interesting about them as they change little, or not at all, along the way. The female friends, who are supposed to be helpful and strong are weak and boring. There is nothing to cheer for or wish for. Their story lines start out fun and end up being boring and yawn-tastic.

The most interesting character is the second male, who for me, stole the show. When Kim Ji Seok was on camera, it was a whole different story. His character was the most interesting one. His acting was really spot. For his first drama after his army discharge, he did wonderful. Woefully, he wasted it on a bad story.

Our second female lead could have been great. Sadly, they pulled the rug out from under her soon after she appears. She becomes a non-entity quickly. Even her exit was spotty.

The acting by the cast was very good. Had the characters been scripted better, this could have been a lot, lot more because it was shot well and in some very beautiful places. It was nice to look, at least. That was it's stronger point.

The OST was okay. They carried over what they did last season, mixing foreign songs in with the Korean ones. Oddly, they used an English sung one more than the Korean ones at key points.

I'm giving this a six because while this story, I feel, ruined the name of the franchise, it was a decent average story. You should expect nothing more, as you will get nothing more. read more
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Jun 4, 2012 16 of 16 episodes seen 5 of 9 people found this review helpful

I Love You So Much

by LibradaJ
- Overall 7
- Story 6
- Acting/Cast 8
- Music 9
- Rewatch Value 2
This show had a lot of potential. They have a very handsome cast with two super star leading men. Sadly, it crashes on its proverbial face with a bad story and annoying characters.

While this story revolves around the cosmetics industry, you will not find a lot of cosmetics, or make-up artistry, going on. We have the leading four males, who are beautiful to look at. As the story goes on, you will see that mull itself down to two - Blue and Nick. Di and Tom are shown sparingly once the story gets to the middle episodes.

Our female lead, I hate to say it, is very exasperating. In the beginning she is annoying, at the end she is just less annoying. While her character does redeem herself from her earlier faults, there is just something about her that I could not connect to her. I am not sure if it was her written character or how the actress was playing her.

Our leading men are much better. Nick's character was definitely more endearing than Blue's. While I love Blue, as an actor, this role just did not seem to fit him. He seemed a bit out of place. Tom's role is fun, but again, smaller than it appears in the promos. The same could be said of Di's.

The story actually goes through, what feels like three different genesis. It feels like it starts and stops several times. It's almost as if the writers felt they could not convey everything all at once so then they had to add something else. It felt like there are no side stories; there were several stories in one story that is told altogether. I know, I was just as confused. It's one serious hot mess.

The music is truly what saves it. It has a really great OST with songs from Show, Rainie, Elva, Nick and Blue. They fit into the story really well. It was the one thing I never got tired of.

It took me a good month after it ended to watch the final three episodes, which were a bit torturous because the story had become weighed down and lost; no direction. The ending though... wow. It is the first time in my drama history that THAT moment actually happened. I was floored and smiling. It was worth watching the last two episodes to get that outcome.

I will probably never watch this again. I would just watch the last episode but never the entire series. I am scoring it a seven because of the male leads acting, a wonderful OST and the ending. The ending pulled it up from a six to a seven.

I would recommend this only to fans of Blue, Nick or Ivelyn. Everyone else should watch at their own risk. read more
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May 26, 2012 10 of 10 episodes seen 13 of 16 people found this review helpful

Secret Angel

by LibradaJ
- Overall 8
- Story 8
- Acting/Cast 9
- Music 8
- Rewatch Value 7
A short and sweet Chinese web-based mini series that is spoken in Korean - what? Yes, you did not read it wrong!

The story centers around an angel from heaven, who makes a mistake when she is sent down to fetch someone upon death. Thus she angers the angels of death. They engage in a fight, for 100 days, on earth, one trying to save the soul, the other trying to get him to die. Each day the angels spend on earth they lose their power and become more human like.

Since this series is web-based and SHORT you have to use your imagination and fill in the 100 days. Each episode is only 15 minutes in length and therefore it cuts straight to the story and leaves out any unnecessary filler. Usually dialogue mentions how many days they have left.

The three main characters are well cast. The men, in particular, are quite strong in their roles. Our angel from heaven is cute and clueless; you may or may not, enjoy her as she can be a bit of an airhead. However, it is easy to watch. It can be a bit cheesy but overall has a nice look and feel to it. The only thing that really made it cheesy were the bad green scene/graphics. If you can look past that (thankfully, there is not a lot) you will enjoy it.

It has some very nice music to accompany it. Some very endearing love songs and even other songs on the OST are quite enjoyable.

I am giving it an eight out of ten because I felt it was a solid little piece of work; good story telling given its time constraint, with a solid cast.

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a short romance to watch. If you are a fan of Jang Woo Hyuk, Chen Xiang, or Kim Seo Eun, you will definitely want to watch this. Or if you just need something quick to watch to be distracted. Make sure you watch it until the end credits to understand the ending! read more
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May 24, 2012 20 of 20 episodes seen 10 of 18 people found this review helpful

Rooftop Prince

by LibradaJ
- Overall 8
- Story 8
- Acting/Cast 10
- Music 10
- Rewatch Value 9
A realistic review from a fan. I will admit off the bat, I loved this drama but it does not rate a ten.

I am sure a lot of fangirls watched this for Mickey Yoochun. Then others watched it because it had a gorgeous cast (*raises hand*). Still others will watch it because it's a rom/com (*raises hand again*). At the end of the day, this show is a serious piece of fluffy, sweet candy covered in one-liners and slapstick. It's one of those stories you don't have to think a lot about because it makes you feel good inside because it's both sweet and silly. A perfect combination.

The acting by the cast, and the direction that was given to them, can go from one extreme to another. It's hot, it's cold. If you are one of those people who do not like exaggerated characterizations then you need to skip this one. Don't misunderstand, the acting was spot on. However, in some episodes the characters just seem more wound up and larger than life. It all comes down to direction on that particular character; some were more solid while others were less defined.

For me, the storyline was the weak link. Not that it was bad - it wasn't. However, in the latter episodes it seemed to get a little lost before it had to be scooted back up into the original storyline. They totally skipped over some characters and their importance to the story because of the tangent it got caught on. Thankfully, it found its way back and closed itself off well. Albeit a tad bit rushed in the end. IMHO it also lacked one serious explanation of a main character.

I have a deep affection for Korean OSTs. This one did not disappoint me. The love song(s) were very nice. The orchestrated parts were also quite enjoyable. I look forward to getting my hands on this soundtrack once I find it.

I would recommend this show to anyone new to KDramas. Also, fans of Mickey/JYJ/TVXQ. It's not his best role but he definitely will make you swoon. Actually, if you are a fan of anyone in the main cast you will enjoy this one. Be prepared to be covered in sticky sweetness and have your cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing.

This is a show I would definitely watch again if I wanted an assured smile and some silliness.

Overall, I am giving this show an eight. It's not spectacular but it's not bad either. It could have been really great but it fell a smidge short, IMHO. read more
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May 23, 2012 20 of 20 episodes seen 5 of 10 people found this review helpful

Fashion King

by LibradaJ
- Overall 3
- Story 2
- Acting/Cast 8
- Music 8
- Rewatch Value 1
Honestly, I expected a lot more from this show. They had everything going for them and they botched it.

If you are contemplating watching this show because you love fashion, do not waste your time. While the show infers it is about fashion, it has very little to do with fashion. This show is more about love and the battle it can become when business comes in between it and your better judgement.

The acting/cast were quite good. Both male leads were impressive in their roles, albeit given a bad script. Our female leads were not as impressive but, still, held their own. There were some side characters that could have, and probably should have, either been developed more - or less. By the end, the side characters, you just don't care where they are, nor is it explained, where they go.

If you love OST you will probably like this one. It has some very lovely songs on it. If you are not that much into music, beware that is can be a bit soundtrack heavy, as are most dramas.

The story is what kills this drama, IMHO. People are saying it starts off strong but I cannot agree with that. I thought it gave way too much back story which added zero to the storyline. It was so odd and so misplaced. Fresh they said. More like bizarre! Looking back on it you wonder which story you were actually watching, they seem like two different worlds.

If you can make it past episode seven without giving up you will probably like this. I will warn you though, after episode eight it takes a serious dive. It then wanders in circle upon circle, becomes masochistic and makes you yell at your screen for some common sense. It won't happen, don't expect it to. It drags its proverbial feet from then to the end.

I think the writer(s) were going for something new and out of the box but all they did was create a whole show of spineless idiotic characters who were chasing their tales. This show SHOULD HAVE ended a lot sooner because 20 just dragged out the misery.

People are saying the ending was misplaced. I thought, after everything that had happened, and especially in the final episode, the ending is correct for the series. I just wished they had tied up the story more tight. They left too many loose ends. The ending almost felt rushed. It also made me wonder if they hired a new writer because it almost took off on new stories; who were those characters at the end? *shakes head*

I would only recommend this show to those who love the lead actors and actresses. Even their fans may find this hard to watch. I gave it a three because while the story was really very bad, the acting and OST are both decent. read more
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May 16, 2012 5 of 5 episodes seen 5 of 8 people found this review helpful

Heartbeat Love

by LibradaJ
- Overall 8
- Story 9
- Acting/Cast 9
- Music 9
- Rewatch Value 9
A series of five short stories, about nine minutes each, that add up into one great story. I want to tell you what it's about but because the story is so short, I don't want to ruin it with any spoilers.

If you are a fan of Show Luo or Rainie Yang, you will definitely want to watch this. IMHO this is their best collaboration together. I am not a fan of Rainie but she really is quite good in this. Show shows off a wonderful ray of emotions in his role.

This set of videos is pretty much a long commercial with Show and Rainie in it. If you can get past that, I think you will enjoy the story. It has wonderfully shot cinematography; it shows Australia at it's best. Because the story is so short you can concentrate on just the simple things, the every day interactions between two people.

Even though I scored everything a nine, I am giving it an eight overall due to the endless product placement. I would definitely watch this if you want something fast and sweet. read more
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Oct 9, 2011 35 of 35 episodes seen 9 of 13 people found this review helpful

Startling By Each Step

by LibradaJ
- Overall 10
- Story 10
- Acting/Cast 10
- Music 10
- Rewatch Value 10
I am not neither a fan of historical dramas or dramas from the Mainland. That being said, this show is THE BEST drama I have ever seen, bar none. This includes any & all other dramas in MDL I have watched.

The story takes place in the Qing Dynasty and ends in the present day. When 25 yr old Zhang Xiao is injured in an accident she transcends time and is flung head first into the Qing Dynasty, a former life she once had. She wakes up as Ruoxi, a 16 yr old girl, who happens to be the sister of the 2nd wife to the 8th prince. The story follows her in her adventures that happen inside the 8th prince's residence and palace.

The show does not say it but it infers that Zhang Xiao is a history buff. She knows who the King and Princes are around her along with the traditions. She knows the future of what is going to happen to all the members of the royal family.

This story is very beautiful in every aspect. It has lovely costumes, wonderful props and breath taking scenery. The princes are very handsome while the wives are gorgeous. The acting is tremendous, you love to hate and love to love so many of the cast.

This story/script gives you a whole buffet of characters to contemplate. There is so much going on that there is never any time to be bored; no lull in the story. There are a lot of twists and turns and thinking about who is doing what or who is setting who up.

With so many characters in the series there is a lot of romance going on. You will find yourself cheering for one and then re-thinking your decision. However, this being from the Mainland there is not a lot of physical interaction shown, it's inferred to.

The OST is phenomenal. The opening, and ending song are very nice. The love song pulls at your heart every time you hear it. It truly adds that emotion to the screen when you hear it.

The only fault this series has is there are a few scenes with bad green screen. Also, one badly animated part. Aside from those few scenes this is a truly magnificent series. I would highly recommend it to everyone. read more
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Aug 16, 2011 1 of 1 episodes seen 3 of 7 people found this review helpful

Rainbow Eyes

by LibradaJ
- Overall 9
- Story 10
- Acting/Cast 9
- Music 8
- Rewatch Value 9
If you like murder/mysteries than this movie is for you! I came away from this movie thinking - what just happened, LITERALLY. Just when I thought I knew who did it, I was totally wrong. I had to think about all the information, in detail, to understand it. I gasped several times within the last 20 minutes of this movie. There is no way possible I saw that ending coming.

This movie starts out with two separate stories - one of a murder, and one personal story of Jo Kyeong-yoon (Kim Kang-woo). Kyeong-Yoon is trying to make his relationship with his girlfriend (Lee Soo-kyeong) work in between his duty as a homicide detective. His partner, Eun-joo (Kim Gyoo-ri-I) also happens to have a crush on him, which he is totally impervious to.

The case seems to have nothing to go on. However, once they start interrogating the witnesses, details emerge that will bring Kyeong-Yoon's personal world into the murder case.

The only fault I found with it is when they show flashbacks, the camera goes into this shaking, out of focus, obscure look, which can be totally annoying. Aside from that this movie will make you jerk your head from left-to-right and wonder, WHAT? *HINT* You have to watch the movie the entire way through or you will miss something.

DISCLAIMER: This movie is NOT for the faint of heart. There is a lot of gore and blood. Also, there are some sexual, abusive, and sexually abusive scenes.

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