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  • Last Online: Feb 16, 2015
  • Location: California
  • Contribution Points: 0 LV0
  • Birthday: December 31
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  • Join Date: April 10, 2011

nancydrew

California

nancydrew

California
Completed
Otomen
6 people found this review helpful
Feb 2, 2014
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
This was a great drama to watch!

Granted, the story wasn't exactly unique. Many Japanese dramas revolve around the idea that many people portray themselves as something they aren't, but I think that its an idea that resonates with so many people, which allows these dramas to be successful.

I liked the fact that the female lead was portrayed as this perfect, delicate little flower, but in reality she could kick butt harder than any guy. The whole play on gender stereotyping was refreshing and amusing at the same time. The characters were like caricatures of actual people, which made it all the more fun to watch.

There was plenty of comedy and just enough seriousness to bring it all into balance, and I loved that about this drama.

Overall, it was a pretty solid drama, and I think if you're into Shoju manga, or into slapstick comedy and caricatures with just enough realism to leave you with a message, this is definitely going to be something you'll enjoy watching.

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Completed
Full House Take 2
4 people found this review helpful
Jul 26, 2013
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 3.0
I picked up this drama because it was featured on Viki, and also because I enjoyed the original Full House enough to let me be curious as to how a "sequel" would turn out.

This drama is good enough entertainment for anyone that can overlook certain obvious plot issues as well as the stereotypical drama sequence. The story was all too familiar and the execution was not unique either. A woman is caught in a love triangle between 2 men, both of whom she respects and admires, but has stronger feelings for one over the other. But of course she doesn't realize that until later, and when she does, a psycho woman from that man's past ends up showing up to make things difficult, ending in a way that is expected. Drama formula 101.

The acting and script however were extremely fun to watch. I loved how each of the actors portrayed their characters. All were pretty exaggerated and over the top, but that was the whole reason we loved them in the first place. There was plenty of aegyo, and Park Ki Woong's teary scenes made me sad too. The back-stories for the characters were nice to see, and allowed us to see what motivated the characters to do as they did.

It was easy to fall into the story and get absorbed by the fantasy that was Full House Take 2. It was a good watch. Not unique, but fun all the same.

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Completed
To the Beautiful You
4 people found this review helpful
Oct 24, 2012
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
An enjoyable drama with plenty of lighthearted humor, plenty of eye candy and lots of cool stylistic elements that other versions lacked (the dorms were awesome!).

Story: If you're looking for the Japanese Hana Kimi with hallyu stars, I'm sorry, this isn't it. The story was contorted into a strange mix between your typical Korean rom-com, love triangle and all, and the outer shell of the original Hana Kimi plot. There were definitely plenty of moments when the plot dragged on unnecessarily, side stories were not followed through, nor were they given enough importance, when some of them could have enhanced the story (strained father, son relationship anyone?), and the plot was basically your typical formulaic drama. Family secret? Check. Love triangle(s)? Check. Fickle female? Check.
However, I appreciated the fact that they were able to revamp the story a bit, I mean there are so many versions of the same story, so it was nice to see a different interpretation, even though the execution was a bit lackluster.

Acting/Cast: The most frustrating part of this drama had to be the acting for me. As much as I love Choi Minho and SHINee, the boy really needs to stick with the rapping/singing thing, it suits him better. Sulli on the other hand was alright, not bad considering it was her first gig. There was definitely more on screen chemistry between her and Lee Hyun Woo. The supporting cast did their job well, and definitely made it worth the watch. I loved Hwang Kwanghee's portrayal of his character, it was definitely different.

Music: The music was good in terms of being music, however as an OST, I don't feel it really enhanced the viewing experience, it was actually a little distracting.

I don't usually rewatch dramas, hence the one.

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Completed
Rich Man, Poor Woman
9 people found this review helpful
Sep 27, 2012
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
Why are you reading this review when you can be watching this drama already? Seriously! Go! Watch it! You'll be so glad you did!

This was probably my favorite drama I've watched so far. After a dry spell of mediocre crap, I finally found something that I didn't regret sacrificing sleep for, or watching twice, (with and without subtitles despite the fact that I had no idea what anyone was saying).

Do not be deceived by the title, this is not a typical rom-com where some rich bratty punk gets the girl after what seems like decades of back and forth bickering and useless banter. NO! It is far more than that.

It is inspiring, thought provoking, and insightful. Its about how being in a relationship means more than just being a shoulder to lean on, or an attractive sex bag, no! Its about being a better you when you're with someone, and that doesn't necessarily mean just a significant other, it can be a close friend or a colleague. And more than just that, its about dealing with basic human emotions, jealousy, rage, heartache...confusion etc. Its just so beautifully done.

The acting was excellent! There was plenty of comedy, awkward face-palm moments, gut wrenching moments, moments where you felt like reaching into your screen and strangling that bastard that ruined everything!

....you get the picture. It was awesome! NOW GO WATCH IT!

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Completed
The Wedding Scheme
11 people found this review helpful
Jun 25, 2012
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
I had a difficult time trying to formulate exactly how I felt about this drama. I did enjoy watching it, it wasn't difficult because there were plenty of comedic moments dispersed throughout the drama that made it very lighthearted and fun to watch, however, it was just that. The drama was a fun watch but there wasn't very much substance to it. It followed the typical rom-com formula to a T. Aside from the family aspect, which isn't very prevalent in the dramas I've seen, this drama was pretty typical, with the back and forth between the leads, some family secret and the turmoils of love.
As far as acting goes, it was, like the story, okay, not spectacular but not terrible either. The main leads were alright, they did have some chemistry but it wasn't explosive or exciting. At times they acted a bit more dramatic than I felt the scene called for, but it wasn't unbearable.
As for the rewatch value, I don't tend to rewatch dramas, hence the one.

This drama wasn't particularly spectacular, but it fulfilled its purpose with lighthearted entertainment, plenty of comedy and a cute story that was quite enjoyable.

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Completed
King2Hearts
8 people found this review helpful
May 29, 2012
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
Story: The plot was awesome, the way it was written was near perfect, and the episodes ended at just the right spot, where you were satisfied with what you saw, but at the same time, needed, and I mean really NEEDED to watch more. That and each of the characters were 3 dimensional. No one was perfect, they all had their flaws, they all made mistakes, but they learned from them, and developed fluidly as the show went on.

Acting/Cast: The cast was great, they portrayed their characters to the T. The only reason I gave it an 8 is probably because Ha Ji Won's accent takes some getting used to. It seems really fake in the beginning, well for me it did, probably because I haven't heard one like it before, and also, it took me a while to understand her character. She was a bit...annoying (for lack of a better word) in the beginning, but she really warms up to you. And as for the princess, I forget who portrays her, every single time that woman cried, I had to mute the thing, it was hard on my ears, but that may just be me.

Music: Good. I have heard better, and at times it was a bit too dramatic for the scene, however, it served its purpose well.

Rewatch Value: I don't typically rewatch drams, hence the low rating, however, this is probably one that I'll rewatch later on in the next few years if I have time.

Overall: This drama was pretty fantastic. As far as I've seen, there's nothing like it. It has a pretty original plot, the characters develop fluidly. There are funny moments, gut wrenching moments and moments where you want to strangle the bad guy through your screen. Its definitely worth the watch.

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Completed
Skip Beat!
4 people found this review helpful
Apr 4, 2012
15 of 15 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
I really didn't want to like this drama, and before everyone hates me for that statement, its because one of the things I hate to admit the most is the fact that I am a crazed, obsessed, fan girl. Its sad, and I've hidden that fact well from those who know me in person, but its true.
There were a lot of things that I didn't like about this drama, but watching it from beginning to end, (I must note the only reason I kept going was to watch Choi Siwon)I really liked it. The acting was good, considering the circumstances (Choi Siwon and Lee Donghae are not fluent in Mandarin and their parts were dubbed, not to my taste at that) and I have to say that I really enjoyed watching Ivy Chen's performance, though at times I wanted to strangle her character. And of course, Bianca Bai, who I was pleased to say was awesome in this drama.
I enjoyed watching the relationships progress in this drama, granted the circumstances were not realistic, but the progression of the relationships was.
What I didn't like was more that technical stuff, like the fact that there was way too much internal dialogue for the characters and they said a lot of things that seemed obvious, but that's a common thing for Taiwanese dramas, and I did fast forward through a lot of the flashback scenes. There were way too many.
The OST was awesome, I didn't really understand the title song and how it fit into the drama, even with translation, until the end, which you have to watch to find out.
As for my re-watch rating, I don't tend to re-watch dramas, hence the 1.

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Completed
My Princess
3 people found this review helpful
Jan 5, 2012
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 2.0
I was really excited about this drama because I thought it would have the same entertainment quality as Goong. Boy was I wrong. The plot was pretty typical, which I knew going into it, but I thought it may have some sort of twists and turns, which, as I went through the episodes, I could not seem to find. The acting was alright, a bid overdone, but the leads were too cute, so I stuck with it.
The filming, and stylistic elements, like the set design and costumes (which I LOVED) saved the drama. Otherwise, the acting, plot and overall execution wasn’t that great. It isn’t really clear why the two leads fall in love with each other, and it kind of just happens. The typical bad guy figure was just annoying, and her insistence on making things difficult for the leads didn’t really make sense, especially because she never would have gained anything from it.
It was just a strange drama....That’s all I can really say...

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Completed
My Lovely Sam Soon
2 people found this review helpful
Nov 2, 2011
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
I really enjoyed watching Sam Soon. Originally, I started after watching Secret Garden, just to see the progression of Hyun Bin's acting, and I was quite impressed. Though the drama is obviously old, as demonstrated through their atrocious outfits (I mean neon-colored dress shirts! Hello!), it has a story that is really relate-able to most people. Sam Soon is a woman with lots of dreams, finding the right man, the right job and finally fulfilling her dream of becoming a pastry chef, but her self doubt, accentuated by her weight (which in reality isn't that much, but really offers you a good perspective on societal norms and how girls need to look like twigs in order to be labeled as good looking or whatever) prevents her from moving on and fulfilling those dreams.

This show is really amazing, it has the whole message of empowerment and owning yourself, but at the same time, gives you this really sweet, romantic and comedic story about a woman, who at times acts like a whiny child--like we all do, that really learns to love herself, which then allows her to show that love for others.

The side stories in this drama were a bit melodramatic, but in essence held the same message. As much as I love Daniel Henney and all of his deliciousness, I wasn't a fan of him in this drama, partially because I couldn't really relate to his character. Some of the choices that were made for the character were a bit off for me.

Anywhoos...those things aside, I love this show and I think if you have the opportunity to, just go for it! It will not disappoint!

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Completed
Attack on the Pin-Up Boys
7 people found this review helpful
Oct 29, 2011
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
Though I'm not a super obsessed SuJu fangirl, or an ELF, I found this to be a very entertaining movie. Yeah, there were some plot holes, and there didn't seem to be a motive for the actions of the antagonist,the movie fulfilled its requirement of being really entertaining.



It was pure comedy, with plenty of slapstick humor and situational irony. And what was up with the panda? Anyway, I'm sure if you're a SuJu fan, this movie will definitely be a win for you, but even if you aren't, I'm sure it'll be a fun watch anyway.
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Completed
Fated to Love You
5 people found this review helpful
Oct 12, 2011
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This drama was pretty hilarious throughout. Its one of those overdone comedies, with the odd characters and the male and female leads doing some pretty outrageous things, like the male lead pretending to get beaten to gain sympathy from the female lead.

Its the type of stuff I've come to expect from Taiwanese dramas, which I don't really watch too often. But I like it.

The most memorable to me was that cleverly portrayed sex scene (no I'm not that perverted...ok yes I am) in the first episode of the show (way to start it off right?) where they get drunk and somehow mistakenly end up in the same room and sleep together. From the water jets, to the shower of rose petals to the train backing in and out of the tunnel, it was perverse but funny all at the same time.



The drama just keeps going from there. The whole thing has these obviously portrayed sexual overtones, but they're put in a way that really make you laugh and that's really what its all about I guess.



And I love the fact that the drama also really portrays the other emotions, like sympathy, and jealousy in a way that isn't overdone and feels believable.



Its an interesting story portrayed in a really entertaining way. It has the romance, the comedy, the suspense and overall its a good watch.

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Completed
Kurosagi
3 people found this review helpful
May 23, 2011
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
This is a super exciting drama about revenge, and it incorporates the whole mind game thing. Its really cool, actiony but not too serious. There are many comedic moments as well, and the catch phrases are so...well...catchy! If you're looking for something that has some action, a bit of comedy and plays with your mind, you're in for some good fun.
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Completed
It Started with a Kiss
2 people found this review helpful
May 22, 2011
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
I'm partial to this version of Mischievous Kiss, because it has much more levels to it. The actors portray the characters in a very realistic way, and they were very three dimensional, with emotions that you could actually feel with them as you watched the show. The supporting characters are amazing, and they bring the show to another level.

Its comedic, romantic, and dramatic all at the same time. And you could really understand where each of the characters were coming from, and sympathize with both of them, allowing for a less frustrating, more pleasurable experience.

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Completed
Mary Stayed Out All Night
6 people found this review helpful
May 16, 2011
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 3.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 5.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
Everything that was good about this drama ended with the OST. The plot was dry, the acting was alright at best. The idea was good, but it was dragged out for way too long. The story could have developed much more quickly than it did, so you could fast forward through half of it, and not miss a single thing. If you're into indie music, just listen to the soundtrack, the drama isn't worth it.
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Completed
Full House
2 people found this review helpful
May 12, 2011
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 5.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
I watched this drama exclusively for Bi, and I was quite happy with it. It was a very cute romantic comedy with the usual flaw of that little bit toward the end where the main leads are in some sort of a fight, or there's some misunderstanding, but they clearly like each other and their crying and stuff, and you get a bit fed up...yeah, there's that part, but you become happy because it all works out like its supposed to. And though it does drag a bit toward the end, you can always fast forward over that ;)
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