This review may contain spoilers
Possible spoilers aheadThe drama was entertaining, especially the first half with such exciting episodes that kept me on the edge. As usual, at some point in the middle, there were boring moments, but I didn't lose my interest even once. There are a lot of things to be disappointed about but also a lot of amazing things as well.
The first thing that made me wonder was how they talked modern Korean and how the songs were all very "modern" as well, it didn't really suit the atmosphere. It was also strange ,how instead of trying to find a way back, Soo concentrated on changing the history. It would have made more sense for her to try to go back, then accept the fact that she won't be able to escape, and only after try to change the history. In fact, the whole concept of changing the history is an overused cliche...
The character development was rather poor. Either there were too many characters or then not enough time. Some of the side characters weren't even introduced too well, yet they were supposed be important. Because of the poor editing, the changes in main characters' personalities were rather sudden and strange. I like how all princes who got on the throne became crazy because they were too weak. Not everyone can be a king. Later in the drama, Soo lost all her spunk, and I understand the palace life did that to her, it killed her inside, but towards the end she became a really boring character. It also seems that, at some point, the whole acting cast was becoming very tired due to the hectic schedule and their acting got worse. The only one who shined through was Lee Jun Ki. Overall, I became attached to all characters and am willing to forgive a lot. Despite the flaws, all characters were really lovable and memorable.
The storyline concentrates a lot on the characters instead of other plot devices, there is not really much of "other plot" like politics and scheming. That's why I am a bit disappointed that the characters come out so incomplete. Also, how come Baek Ah and So were the only ones who didn't seem to get older? And was it really that hard to have at least one successful love story in a drama with so many characters?
The last episode wrapped up the story pretty nicely. Throughout the story the bad people, who seemed to be getting away with everything they did, got what they deserved, they might not have understood their punishment, but at least it left the audience satisfied. The last episode is such a tear jerker, you realize that it's really is the end. I wish the whole drama was as good as the last episode.
Though, "the real world"- part was sort of lame. Instead of remembering the old times, it would have been more interesting if Soo took a look at what happened after she had left and instead of being sorry, it would have been more satisfying if she could leave this all behind with a peaceful heart and finally move on in life. So the audience could, as well, have a peace of heart. Regarding to whom Soo met later in real life and whom she didn't, it made sense if you go back to the first episode. Whom did she meet there and why?
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I loved it how this show started by introducing the world of producers. It was a great idea that Seung Chan was a rookie and that he learned about all the rules and customs through hilarious mistakes and misunderstandings. I liked the reality tv- vibe and the interview type of narrator, it was really fun and made me feel like I really got into the heads of the characters. But in later episodes this style slowly fades away and the episodes are filmed more or less the usual way. The drama loses some of it's edge. Overall it's great to see how almost everything in this show was meant to criticize the Korean corporate world, how ridiculous unspoken rules and hierarchy can get. I believe South Korea needs more dramas like this with more poignant criticism.
I must say that Baek Seung Chan is one of the best drama characters ever. I loved how his naivety clashed with the hardened shamelessness of the "adult" world. Often his honesty was taken the wrong way and even his good intentions were misunderstood. His character was brilliant. The other main characters were great too, it took a while for Cindy to grow on me and I think that IU's acting needs more practice, compared to the other cast she lacked. The side characters were hilarious and I wish they had more screen time instead of the love triangle that made me yawn.
All in all this drama is a fun watch, refreshing and hilarious but also serious once in a while. It's loaded with criticism and puns.
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When it comes to Korean audience, family dramas are on older generation’s watch list. I am sure they get to learn a lot from this drama, that is if they are willing. Money and fame is not everything in life and don’t guarantee happiness. If you force your children to live their lives according to your own wishes they will be unhappy and so will you.
All character were pretty realistic and human, even though they could have been portrayed on a deeper level. The character development was slow and a bit stagnant. There were many boring moments too. But I still like this drama, I think it was very refreshing. A bit of a cliché but not so much. Though, I must admit that the chemistry between most of the couples was kind of nonexistent and the only couple I actually rooted for never happened… But anyway, this was not a romance drama and love was just a side plot.
This is an excellent "background drama" to watch while you are doing house chores etc.
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More than anything I'd say this show was enjoyable. It wasn't that funny, didn't make me laugh out loud much but it wasn't sad or boring either. There were lots of cute and sweet moments but I wish there would have been more! More of Joo Sang Wook's cuteness. He was so damn good in this! So even despite all the romance I felt like there were not enough sparks between Ae Ra and Jung Woo.
What tickled me off were constant flashback about same exact scenes almost in every episode. I think I memorized all those freaking flashbacks by heart. Another thing, even though the drama concentrated on the main leads great deal their pasts weren't introduced that well. For example what about Jung Woo's mother and sister at the end??? Despite hooking me pretty well this drama lacked something, I can't quite point my finger at that something though. Maybe the lack of sparks or romantic scenes?
I also didn't quite understand why this drama was about a divorced couple? Well, that's something different from CEO and ordinary woman love stories but still... Because the reasons for the divorce were pretty messy and sounded like the writer had forced them out of his dull imagination. Ae Ra was pretty much a biach for leaving Jung Woo like that and he was pretty much an asshole when he came back rich and successful. When young she was only after money and he was a loser so I am not sure why they even got together in the first place, since she could have gotten anyone. Also why is it always the guy getting all rich and famous? Anyway, this drama can teach you something about married life, like what mistakes not to make. The couple should always talk things out.
But yeah, I am still not convinced about the reasons to make this a 'divorced couple gets back together' drama (other than telling people that they should never divorce, in other words forcing all that old fashioned morale on the viewers). This could have been more fun if they had different past, only dating or something like that.
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Overall this drama was enjoyable. The comedy was good and the storyline interesting enough. There was a lot of emphasis on romance so if you are into that this is a show for you.
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The beginning of the movie was really promising but after 30 minutes the whole plot fell apart. This movie was supposed to be about insecure Dong Joo who was clearly afraid of performing but wanted to do it anyway, to appeal to her senior. But suddenly all these side characters jumped in and the movie went in detail with their lives without really explaining anything well enough. And the weirdest thing was that our other main character Shin Heung was totally neglected, it's as if he had been put in there for comedic relief only. And what comes to Dong Joo, her problems were never explored any deeper and her character remained superficial. She was hateful to begin with: a selfish, stupid, and arrogant leech who lived off of her mother's money. Not to mention that Park Ha Sun acted badly like a plastic unnatural mannequin. She was mostly really annoying to watch.
The comedy was pretty bland or then I just don't get Korean humor due to cultural differences. Most of the funny parts were super awkward and made me cringe in disgust. The romance was non-existent, there was no base for the two characters to fall in love, they had nothing in common and never got enough screen time together. All in all, this movie made hardly any sense and it was extremely predictable.
Not recommended.
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