A wonderful journey from hell to heavenly love.

I am not a regular K drama viewer anymore so I cannot say this dama was a cliche type of drama. It was recommended by a friend so I decided to watch it since there appeared to be a lag in good dramas during the Xmas period. I was pleasantly surprised at the content and I just enjoyed every minute of each week. The storyline brought me back to savor the progression of the relationship and the consequences of their polar opposite that attract circumstances to overcome. Visually the drama was outstanding and the stylist did a great job on all of the characters something that always irks me when a CEO or financially privileged character is dressed like they were shopping in a bargain basement. This was not the case throughout the drama and it added to appeal.

The acting: Superb and worth a high rating. The chemistry was just HOT HOT HOT between the leads and their interactions were natural and did not feel forced. The secondary couple was cute and the actors that laid roles that were not the most appealing in the character they played had a compelling joy of contrasting evil vs good. Overall the FL and ML complimented each other which made this drama very satisfying to watch. Perfect casting. Excellent scriptwriter. CGI and Cinematography were all visually pleasing.

The music -- I was not distracted by music so it was fine and was not overdone or inappropriately injected into scenes as to make the viewer annoyed.

Rewatch value: Would rewatch since it was 16 episodes not binged. Some characters would be more enjoyable to watch the second time around -- the ML and FL assistants; the "gang members" the family members and their acting and roles. Very entertaining drama and I would recommend it to any viewers who enjoy love stories, push and pull situations, and overall pure romance situations throughout the 16 episodes (drama was appropriate length) -- no dragging or fillers.

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An Outstanding Must See Action Movie with a Story

I have to confess I saw the 1954 Godzilla movie with Raymond Burr when I was a little girl and I fell in love with the whole idea of Godzilla, Mothra, and other monsters over time but as time went on the series faded into cliques and boring plots with this mechanical looking monster that did do roaring and fire breathing. So the interest faded. However, heard this movie had gotten the highest Rotten Tomatoes ratings and highest customer reviews ever, so I had to go see it. Was not disappointed - from beginning to end. There was everything you wanted in a drama, action movie. Great graphics, good character development, impeccable editing, and a screenwriter who did not compromise telling a story that was believable and so good that you even forget that 2 hours have passed because you are so engrossed in the story and its outcome. It is worth every dime of movie dollars to go see and it is beyond a masterpiece and brings the Godzilla franchise a new life if not exploited with cheap plots like the past 60-plus years.

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The Injustice of Justice

Finished binge-watching this drama this weekend and on Monday and as I watched each episode the more I became invested in the final outcome. This is not a "heavy" analysis of the drama - just a recommendation that this is one that you watch soon or put on your playlist as a MUST-watch.

The Story; A story of a serial rapist who avoids the consequences of his actions because of several things: The worth of a woman in historical times; the influence of power, positions, and profits; the public condemnations of crowds in an open forum; and the lack of evidence because of fear of other victims to come forward.

The Director and the writer do a good job of interweaving the story with a background history of the lives of the many characters that are portrayed. There is not a replay of any old scenes to fill up the filming, but genuine investment in character development and storytelling of the past lives of some of the characters.

I rate this drama at a 9.5 because it starts with truths from the past and truths we can apply in the 21st century. It continues with the truth (although distorted at times) and it highlights the perseverance and value of unwavering friendships. There were so many life lessons that can be drawn from the past and applied to current-day living. I watched the drama asking myself -- Do we judge others too harshly without knowing the truth? Or are we crowdpleasers throwing mud from the sidelines? How often do we victimize the victim publicly or in our hearts without knowing all the facts?

The conclusion of this drama is something you must judge as Justice or Injustice? What is the ultimate cost of justice? But it truly challenges your personal assessment of how we judge victims and how we treat those who are the perpetrators of crime against victims.

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Definition of Love - A classic for all times.

This story started out as one that a viewer would ordinarily tend to reject. This very pretty young girl pursuing a strange older man after what she feels while her hair is being shampooed. The pursuit was relentless and mindless and initially began to turn me off because of the obvious age difference. The visuals appeared to be a teenager pursuing an old man. However, each episode debunked this visual and made the viewer feel the growth of a true relationship only tarnished by "other" women who desired this extremely handsome man and had no qualms about showing their desire.

Not a unique story but the story is told with musical interludes and English lyrics that were integrated magnificently into scenes and scene changes. Without looking at the scream you felt emotion. Without reading the lyrics you felt emotions. This is the first time I felt the music was the drama and the drama was integrated and woven into the fabric and tones of the music.

Each episode became more and more addictive as the introduction of additional storylines and scenes and locations was shown. The most memorable and award-winning scenes were from the Qiang province. The village, the people, the love, and the commitment to love were just awe-inspiring.

I would watch this drama again and again except for the illness of the FL (my sis died from this diagnosis) and it was painful to watch her go through the struggles of illness. The uplifting part of this drama is asking yourself - what is love? The answer can be easily found in this drama. A must-watch and definitely my top ten modern drama in the past 10 years.

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A totql workout for the brain and a great drama - a Gordian knot.

This drama was one of the best I have seen in 5 or more years. The concept and execution of the creation of a dual identify character (in a different timeline) that exists for the sole purpose of seeking revenge and ascertaining the culprits responsible for his murder (which was only attempted) was executed by the screenwriter with the highest respect for the viewers' entertainment and mental engagement. There were several times I had to go back and recount incidents to properly knit the story together to its final mindblowing conclusion. After watching episode 15 I was concerned that there was NO WAY this drama could have a good ending. However, I was totally surprised and enjoyed my Christmas day just screaming about how brilliant the screenwriters and directors were to lead to a 100% satisfactory and believable conclusion. The timeline changes were the hardest to comprehend but I used the weightlifter's silver metal (2004) event to account for the 20 years that passed to bring reality and the events of the last episode to a plausible reality as a viewer. Even the 10 years for the Miracle corporation converting into an arboretum was confusing at first -- you just have to remember that Do Jun died 10 years before the company basically removed itself from ownership of the Soonyang corporation. Totally satisfying and worth a rewatch if you are uncertain of timelines and events. A difficult watch but if you enjoy a challenge and a little eye candy to boot - this is one to watch.

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A complex analysis of the effect of trauma - AMAZING

This drama was so unique in its storytelling that it took more than two episodes to fully immerse myself in the essence of the story. However, once you begin to understand the writer's intention you begin to understand the mind is so delicate that it can be fractured into parts that interact with the future and the past. This drama should be a college thesis on dealing with trauma and documenting how incidents of unimportance to others often scar an individual to the core. It was so deep you have to reflect on all misfortunes and misgivings that occur in a lifetime and how you filter these misfortunes from the past into your current psyche. The acting was magnificent, the transitions in time were placed smoothly and not confusing, the ultimate conclusion was amazing and believable, and gave the viewer pause to reflect on the mental process of healing the mind. I was completely blown away by this drama. It could cause PTSD for any victim of any type of assault but this drama helps you to understand why so many people suffer unresolved fractures in their personality or suffer mental stresses or mental health diagnoses. The music just kept that feeling of despair for the protagonist in sync and each scene's change. Definitely a must-see and a short drama of substance. Highly recommend.

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MIDWAY REVIEW

As a lover of historical dramas, I am always thirsty for contemporary dramas that relate to Chinese culture that is more than the industrialized business sector. I think I watched too much Li Ziqi when she was broadcasting. This drama is well written, has an intense and compelling storyline, and is addictive. Rural village life is portrayed in-depth and in the early episodes important but not pleasant cultural traditions are shared. Also, rural traditions that are almost feudalist and almost remind me of plantation-type lifestyles are revealed and explored. As the drama continues you begin to experience the contrasts of city life versus rural life and how they have intermingled because the next generation is sending their children to schools in cities and their ambitions and values are changing. This drama is worth every viewing minute.

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Inspiring and empowering drama about women

In this period of history, women were definitely little more than shoe horns to men. The rules and regulations they suffered through were so tragic and unjustified that the story writer must have cried through much of the recapping of this period of history. Nonetheless throughout the story telling women are the backbones of family life and even the changes in history that we all have experienced through even modern times. This drama is an "epic" drama that ends in various chapters, but begins in other chapters to maintain continuity and filling of any plot holes. The underlying thesis of "overcoming" is a theme that begins and ends to the point that the viewer must begin to channel his or her thoughts to compare the past versus current realities.

What is most enjoyable about this drama is not only the women - but the interactions they have with the men in their households, the men that control their destinies, and the men in power that they encounter. The most satisfying drama I have watched and definitely a hidden gem. It is now in my top 10 list of dramas that must be watched.

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A dark trip to nowhere

I am not going to give any spoilers -- just want to advise any watchers that this is a risky investment of viewer time. What starts out with potential quickly falls off the cliff in a fog of poor decisions by the writers. The word "Artificial" is the first clue to the problems with the direction this drama takes. Nothing seems real or feasible and the responses of so many people in positions of power seem a little "off the human chart." Korean dramas often portray a "slice of life" for the country -- this drama neither represents family, values, morals, accountability, normal human reactions, or consequential damage. It almost becomes a fairy tale fantasy drama when you compare it to the reality of many who hold positions of power or have star power popularity. The voices of social media and the netizen factor in this country reign supreme. So I am warning any potential viewer - the acting is good -- but just don't count on any feelings of satisfaction at the end. Just read most of the comments of those that have finished the drama. If I wanted to be in a hopeless dark place I would pick this drama to watch.

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TOTAL LOVE

This drama had a strange attraction for me. First, it analyzed what love is, how love is destroyed, how love can be renewed, and how love is used to manipulate. It also has one very distinguishing factor - the best acting that is emotionally moving by all of the characters throughout the drama. Although the storyline is familiar and actually more of a Korean-type drama even including the "white truck of death", "amnesia", "birth secrets" and "revenge" you are immersed in the journey that all of the characters take to reach the conclusion of this masterpiece. Each episode was addictive and the only flaw I could find was the need to move the "revenge" aspect along faster to stay within 30 episodes. The acting brought out many tears of consequential collateral damage - break-ups, death of loved ones, and emotional breakdowns. The music was really a consolation prize until someone on the set decided to start banging on the piano like a speakeasy when dealing with serious corporate decisions. The only part I did not like. Otherwise, the OST was so appropriate throughout and set the mood for each scene. I feel that this is a "mature" drama that can draw on the viewers' personal experiences of fighting for a well-deserved total love. What is taught is "total love" that can be achieved even in the most challenging environment or circumstances. Worth watching and totally a rewatch just to watch Wallace Chung.

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Not a Dry Eye In the House ( No spoilers - just reasons to watch

Many reviewers have described this drama as a masterpiece. It is a priceless drama that shoots to my top 3 of all time and I have been watching K dramas. Chinese dramas, Thai dramas, Japanese dramas since 2014. What makes this one that must be on your watched list is simply the storytelling and the unique way the writer has weaved a tragedy that is so common with young people today throughout the world into a treatise on cause and effect, depth of friendship, and family interactions. I found myself crying so much during the drama that I began to understand the writers were astute in layering common situations into everyone's emotional DNA. The story writer is a genius, and the screenwriter was able to take this story to the next level by making it a visual treat. My only complaint and why this must be watched and rewatched over and over again --- the English translation was not accurate (seemed to be google translation) but this does not stop the viewer from being absorbed into being a second skin or shadow for each character.

The reason to watch and rewatch -- the need to take notes and analyze the lessons being taught and the lesson learned about how we as humans respond to a variety of challenging situations and crises in our lives. Our parents, our friends, our boyfriends/girlfriends are intimately affected by all of our thoughts words, and deeds. Just living and bearing burdens to the point of being in a dead-end situation was so graphically and emotionally portrayed that there is a point that each of us has to reevaluate our own lives and the lives around us.

How much do we share with others we trust, how much do we hide that is painful, how much deception do we live in our own lives, how much do we pretend, how much do we value our partners and their aspirations and goals? These are only a few of the socially challenging questions that this drama achieved in only 12 episodes. A priceless lesson on living - you have to reflect and be introspective to really benefit from this drama.

Just watch and you will agree - a SOLID 10 -- and that is a rarity.

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A disaster movie with typical twists and turns

This is definitely a Saturday night special movie. The story proceeds as any disaster movie would proceed - no originality in this area. I found it typical human greed versus safety perspective that plays out in almost all of the disaster movies to the same expected end. However, why I gave this movie an 8 rating -- it was visually beautiful. The cinematography and CGI were top of the line and they did not hold back the dollar bills in creating as realistic a vision of a volcano exploding as one could imagine. There was no attempt to educate the public about volcanoes in general and if it had I would have added at least half of a star. It did not scare me out of my seat nor was I startled by scene changes but movie but definitely had its moments of intensity. I found it enjoyable and worth the time spent watching.

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REVENGE, ANGER, MORAL CHALLENGES , and KICK ASS FIGHTING

What a jewel of a find!!! I love Shaolin storylines - dramas and movies and when I saw the title GREATEST SHAOLIN on YT while scanning through clickbait shorts I had to explore. This drama must be a recent English translation release because I could not find it anywhere - except YT. The actual name of the drama is Shaolin Wendao.

The story -- 4 loyal childhood friends (3 boys and 1 girl) are now adults and have explosive and devasting experiences that lead to life-transforming conflicts and emotional rollercoasters. The actors' Zhou Yi Wei (Trials and Empires: Storm of Prophecy and the Rebel Princess) and Guo Jin Fei maintained one of the most toxic "brotherhood" I have ever viewed in a drama. The lust for revenge versus what is good and right becomes major themes mixed with Buddism and Filial piety. I have no desire to reveal spoilers because this is a drama worthy of all 38 episodes.

There are numerous individual fight scenes that are unforgettable and bloody, there are battles with groups and there is a war with Japanese pirates. The childhood female friend is forced into prostitution although a princess prior to her being labeled treason - solely by being a family member. Her character is a catalyst for moving this drama from one degree of average entertainment to challenging the viewer as to her culpability and sanity. ACTION ACTION ACTION!!!

Life in a Shaolin Temple, commitment, vows, and hierarchy was shared which was a bonus. Visually stunning watching the training and inner conflicts which can develop and their resolutions.

Every actor brought their A-game to the drama and the casting director picked quality actors for all of the roles. No letdowns or weak performances.

The music was the perfect accompaniment to the pace of the drama and did not overwhelm or underwhelm the scenes which I always note when music seems to be overdone and annoying. None of this happened throughout.

A must watch -- the quality of this drama in 2017 when it was apparently first released without English translations would have put this one of many top 10 or top 20 at the minimum.

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A contemporary love story with bonus fashion

I always wonder why some dramas have extremely low ratings. I have found out that it is best to watch most of the drama yourself and then rate independently of low reviews. This drama is another example of a diamond in the rough. From the beginning to end it started with strong characters and a substantial storyline that took the viewer beyond China to France and back. In addition, the story is a treatise on Chinese clothing styles and heritage. So many times I went to Google to research different terms used and regional cultures based on the introduction of different sewing styles and fabric choices that were indigenous to China. The fashion designs were over the top beautiful and the runway presentations made you feel like you were personally at Fashion Week.

The second unique quality of this drama was the romance. This drama bordered on "Restricted" viewer use for a Chinese format. This is the first drama I have watched that the man was truly a sexy back type of man - (both lustful and romantic) as compared to the endless "cold - unemotional men portrayed so often in romance dramas. This drama continues to mature and mature and evolve into an addiction daily since the episodes were translated 7 days per week until the conclusion. That was a major treat.

The third quality was the background music. It never overwhelmed me and was always appropriate and never distracting.

Costume design A++++++ The fashion designs were excellent but the person or group of people that designed the attire for the actors throughout were very talented and added a higher quality to the drama. Award winning choices.

Kudos to the actors - all of them. They all hit home runs in their roles and this drama is highly recommended.

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A 100% failure of a LAKORN

This is the worse Lakorn I have watched. I always measure the quality of storytelling and writing by the number of times I ask the 5 W's and 1 H. This is an endless drama that begs the viewer to ask" WHY, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHO and How? This is the underlying problem for this Lakorn because the storyline is unrealistic, the tolerance of injustices is unrealistic, the need to create "sexual" drama was unnecessary; the element of "revenge" was unnecessary, the failure to report crimes raising to the level of felonies is unbelievable, the use and the situational insertion of the "villian" - female and male were unrealistic. Then the writer tops it off with the element of "forgiveness" ---unrealistic. I can go on and on. There was hope for some reality at pivotal points in the story but the writer wasn't mature enough or creative enough to ask him/herself what would be the next logical reaction of a "NORMAL" person. The 7 deadly sins were all thrown around like a shuttlecock in a badminton game. Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, and Pride. The writer didn't fail to exclude one of these sins in this work. I would not recommend this drama to anyone and I truly felt sorrow for the translator who spent hours devoted to this piece. Just a piece of garbage at the end.

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