silent_whispers
Dramaland
That said the instant the movie started up it only took me a few moments to be utterly disappointed. Of course I then immediately got why it was popular. Disappointed, but I got it.
Visually . . . that was probably my biggest disappointment. Because after reading the synopsis for the movie, I anticipated that this would be kind of standard old school plot for a rom com in the Asian market. What would make it great was the visuals of the mermaids. Well it was bad. China has some of the top graphics out there. They've been doing high tech stuff well before Disney asked them to make their bubbles for The Little Mermaid. So I figured China's mermaids would look stunning. Well I found the tails and one octopus man to look horrible CGI fake. Not to mention the action scenes. I've become spoiled with my affects and it took me a while to adjust. Even then there were so many awkward movie graphics that would still catch me by surprise. (Though I do believe the grandma mermaid was stunning. Especially in the fight at the end.)
As I've said the story was nothing new. It was pretty typical. Characters who hate/want to kill someone and have them fall in love, that's so dramas! What made it stand out was the message behind it. I'm sure you can guess it's an environmental one, but it's a message always worth repeating. I won't lie I had a good time. Even my dad (yes once I rented it and realized there were dubs I made my mom and dad sit through it with me) laughed at the antics. Whether it was from genuine laughter at it's cleverness, or the cop-actor who knocked it out of the park, or the sheer painfulness from some of the more awkward bits we laughed.
The actors were pretty good. I think the stand out performance was by one of the cops at the police station. (When he's first on screen he's the one on the right. Sorry I had a really tough time finding information.) Even both my parents commented on him. Liu Xuan would be my second choice, his character really came to life. He was so awkward and suave, even creepy. Strangely enough my heart gave a little jump when he spoke his cheesy lines to Shan (AKA THE mermaid). Shan and Liu Xuan where cute together. I think both leading ladies brought great energy to their roles. Though considering I'm more interested in finding out who played the cop, it had it's limits.
Music was fun, but not a style I particular care for. Most of the time I didn't think it fit the movie. (Since I keep mentioning my parents I reveal they didn't care for it at all!) No, I won't be seeking this particular OST out.
Rewatch? Oh, you betcha I will! This was one of those over the top movies that will make me laugh off any funky mood. Heck, I'll probably rewatch it with unsuspecting friends just to watch their reactions.
When the credits started rolling my dad turned and looked at me saying, "The Chinese have a lot to learn about movies." To which I said, "But they know! They make amazing movies, this is just on the campy side." The kind that a lot of US viewers stereotype Asian films to. Despite many already seeing some of the more serious ones. (Come on Crouching Tiger anyone?) Newbies to foreign films, especially the Asian stuff, should be warned. For the rest of us just know that it's way over the top. Personally I'm happy I watched it. It put a smile on my face and my parents will be making "plucking" jokes for many months to come.
(Oh, and in all fairness I have seen way crazier films come out in the US. To which my dad conceded the creepy clown movie we just watched last week and many others.)
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Sometimes the simple truths of life are the most riveting. I won't lie and say there weren't some drama tropes present. There were, but isn't life what these tropes are based off of? There was a story line about episode 4 that turned out to be a horribly bad joke, and that's really my only complaint. Because even that bad joke had you reflecting on life.
The power of this storyline is the view from the point of view of the parents and we also get glimpses of what the kids are thinking. The parents understand what the kids are thinking because they've live it all. They've been there. Many truths are revealed on both sides. Parents are aware their children are too busy living their lives. Children can't understand that their parents won't be there forever. Small, but powerful truths make up this story.
The age differences also kept the story fresh, though the youngest person was 40 for one of the main roles. It's not only refreshing to see this type of story on the drama scene, but to actually have older actors having such well developed roles. It can be tiring seeing older actors as nothing but one dimensional parents, or filler roles. You know where an older person is expected to be, or they have a young person play an advanced age.
The focus of the story stays on the older cast even though the 40 year old, daughter is telling it as she writes her book. It's probably why I felt like her love story could have used a little more development and time. Especially in episode 15 (where I felt the pacing was off). However, that means the other character's story lines are amazing. When we finally learn about everyone’s past and present circumstances I loved it. I don't want to spoil anything, but there's many truths that I loved seeing present in this drama. (Yeah, I'm all about truths.) The writing stays on top of all of those lead character's stories and no one is left out. It was perfect.
The cast was everything I had hoped for and more. Of course they're all seasoned veterans to acting, all to their own varying degrees. So it's no surprise that these ladies and gentleman delivered brilliant performances. The chemistry was fabulous and I could believe that these woman have been friends since preschool age. They've stayed in each others' lives.
The music was fantastic! The styles and variety of sounds all fit somehow and were brilliant. From songs for the characters, to a general feel good vibe that brought a smile to my face every time. It was very unique and I appreciated that. I loved that one song had this big bopper tune to fit the resident “playboy”. I have a niggling suspicion that he may have even sang it.
There are so many layers to this drama. It's definitely not a typical one and I hope this inspires better roles for seniors. For writers to realize that older actors are loved, and a great drama would have those characters having pivotal roles. Oh, I'd rewatch this. Just so I could see the amazing friendships and reality of these characters again. I loved how well the writing balanced the fun, humor, and warm hearted nature of the story/characters with the sad truth of age and life. It was beautiful and I thank writer No Hee-Kyung for taking me on it.
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Well Shin Seong Woo was a treat to watch. It was actually time I had ever seen him act. It was a treat.
Sadly I thought the script felt off. It takes the wild and energetic feel of the original story and tones it down. I think they were going for a sweet, dreamy, and contemplative feel. Which at times made the humor feel off. Especially when talking about the woman's escapades with men as her daughter comes to find out who her father is after her mother's death.
Yeah, different tone. At times I felt myself more bored than engaged in the story. The music wasn't quite what I had expected and visually it was just average. I felt like the writers weren't sure what kind of twist they wanted to put on their remake. For me, it was a miss. Though I feel like others might like the quality of it. It was interesting seeing a Korean remake this time around, so I'll give it that. (I've seen a lot of American remakes on Korean/foreign movies lately.)
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The story sounds like a solid drama. Sadly Rooftop Prince is a drama that couldn't handle being 20 episodes. I'd like to think if the writers had to get it all done in 16 the story would have been cleaner. The first 9 or so episodes do a good job with jokes about the past characters adjusting to the present. The emphasis elevator scene and so on. But if you took out the time travel and such it's not that big of a key element to the drama. Besides some jokes, and then the first and last episodes.
The writers were so focused on putting standard drama tropes and plots in Rooftop Prince that it killed the parts that made the concept so unique.
The characters ended up feeling very hallow. Villains that did things for the sake of being villains. Other dramas at least try to make you see the other side. These villains were despicable because that's what they do. The leads spend so much time getting kicked by them that it's hard to cheer them on, or care. The prince is the standard jerk who can't decide on his feelings, though he is aware that he is leading, and playing with Park Ha. Park Ha is the lead who never truly learns and gets stuck behind the trope of never standing up for herself. She just keeps smiling.
Though I will give credit that Park Ha realizes the kind of man she's fallen for in the prince. He's selfish and will eventually put himself first. As a prince I understand thinking of others is hard for him, and as the drama comes to a close he realizes his mistakes. So points for that.
The side characters are interesting, and the ducklings/stop light boys are so much fun. In fact, if they were more developed I would have gone for one of them as the love interest for Park Ha. Alas, the writers decided that side characters should remain as window trappings only. What a waste.
The music did nothing for me and I don't think it enhanced the drama. I've already forgotten it. And boy I won't be rewatching this one ever.
In the end I understand Rooftop Prince's appeal. Why fans love it. However, I can only see it as a missed opportunity to create a unique drama. Instead all I viewed was a boring show with the same hijinks that other dramas have. The writers were to revved up to put a unique cast, and concept, into a stereotypical roles to keep fans happy. It bums me out that I couldn’t really enjoy this one. But to each their own.
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Fair warning this is very adult. It's explicit visually, verbally, and just very explicit. It always feels strange watching cute and "innocent" dramas to adult content movies!!
I actually loved the humor. Sometimes sexual humor and nudity is used for shock value. However, I thought it was clever and tasteful at times. There were some series over the top moments. (And I know I'll be thinking of something totally different every time I see "Pinocchio".) Casa Amor is first comedy to make me laugh at the vibrating panty joke.
What I love the most about it is it promotes being comfortable with ones sexual desires. Oh, and every woman should experience orgasms!
What really makes Casa Amor more than a raunchy comedy is it's focus on family and personal discovery. Most importantly that true success is majored by how you can share it with the ones you love. To not let to over come your life and take you away from those most important to you.
The cast was amazing! I loved Nan Hee as the "sex expert". She had a great romance and I love how she was so confident about her needs and wants. But sweet and innocent about love still. Bo Hee was amazing! Watching her go from heartless to happy was great. (Maybe a little crazy too!)
Go Gyeong Pyo is in this movie as a smiley, laughing cop! He was so cute and fun. (His sex scene was hilarious.) The little girl who plays Bo Hee's daughter was amazing and I loved how she called everyone fools! Because she was so right! Not to mention Bo Hee's mother was a hoot!
Honestly I adored this. The blunt sexual humor was well done and I cried with laughter. I also enjoyed the heart felt meaning and story behind the comedic story! Give it a go. Hulu has it right now in great quality, but I don't think it will be on there too long. Great comedy and I love the commentary on marriage.
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Fair warning you need to pay attention to the first two episodes! The story moves so fast you need to keep an eye out for names. There's two storylines going on. The present, and the past. Which are interwoven throughout the drama.The first two episodes do this cool overlay affect so that the younger versions of the older present day characters can be recognized. It's just a bit rough at first but the rest is masterfully done. Healer moves at an incredible pace and never leaves any room for slow episodes. No fillers here!
I found out that Healer was written by the same person who wrote Faith! Song Ji-Na is her name, and the lists of dramas is long. I've only watched Faith, so I don't know what her past writing is like. However, this is definitely cleaner and even better than Faith. (Judging from the ratings on MDL Healer is one of her top rated shows.)
The best part is that Healer is huge on characters and their developments. It balanced the present day characters so well. Seeing everyone's backstories revealed each time was awesome. Everything isn't revealed at once. Letting you truly get to know the characters and personalities. The slow reveal of the past was perfect and the flashbacks never bogged down the storyline. I wanted to know what happened in the past, and for the first time I was actually bummed when the snippet of the past was over. It was all written in such away to give Healer an excellent mystery. Not to mention that side characters--whether villains, comedic reliefs, henchman, and good guys--weren't just left to being stereotypes. Sometimes they only got small backstories or character development, but it always worked. Some key characters I loved were Min Ja an amazing, Kpop fan who happened to be Healer's hacker and boss. Oh, and the "Lackey" girl who helps Healer out. Yeong Shin's father and "Uncle". There are so many more, but this is already getting long.
The plot was great. Everyone had a role to play. Moon Shik was an excellent villain. He wasn't fully black and white. He was delusional about the things he did, and would do. The whole cast of villains are that way. It was refreshing to see how everyone could be a puppet if they let it happen. To see the mystery play out and see this elaborate game being played between the Elder and Healer. Bravo. I'm being very vague, but I think that's important going into this show. Just know that it's an action, comedy, thriller, romance, and mystery! (Plenty of mysteries.)
Healer was great. At times he made questionable decisions, but that happens in dramas. The important part was I could see why he did it. Ji Chang Wook as Jung Hoo, AKA Healer, was perfection. He donned the role so well. From playing the professional Healer, to himself as Jung Hoo, quirky Bong Soo, and whom ever he needed to be. The Night Courierr concept was so much fun! I loved that he decided he needed to discover himself when he "woke up". He wasn't just some brooding male love interest. In fact, he made me smile a lot. He was polite and thoughtful. Treated his leading lady right.
Speaking of Yeong Shin the leading lady! I actually got a lot of warnings about needing to give her about 2 episodes before I'd like her. Not in my case. I loved Yeong Shin immediately! She was a fun, confident, and perky character. Sure she gets to be a damsel, but that happens with dramas. What I could believe was the situations. Yeong Shin is a fighter and she's strong. It could have been annoying that violence makes her have panic attacks, leaving her unable to breath. But with her background it fit perfectly. Even with the lightness of the show Yeong Shin's past in the foster care system was tragic and heart wrenching. I enjoyed seeing how all of these things made her into such an amazing person. If something stresses/scares her she thinks about it and dances it off. I mean she goes out and gets it done! Whether it's a news big story that the "Man" will try to punish her for. Or going out and getting her man. I mean she says this to the man she loves:
"If you send me away . . . you'll cry forever."
Jung Hoo and Yeong Shin have the best chemistry ever! Not only that but they're believable. The whole romance. What I love is there unwavering faith in each other once they get to know each other. Jung Hoo wants Yeong Shin to ask questions, to know him. Most importantly they don't let things go unsaid. Jung Hoo and Yeong Shin are one of my all time favorite couples. Not to mention that they get real, sexy kisses. Oh, and some skinship. (Which I will not spoil. Just know that it is there.) These two had the most amazing morning after and I rewatched it so many times. These two are so comfortable with each other, everything feels natural. There's this scene where Jung Hoo talks about what will happen when he reveals himself to Yeong Shin. He knows how she will react, and never doubts that she will accept him. It was amazing, and they both know each other so well that they can do that. But they're still getting to know each other. Watching them originally fall in love is beautiful. Watching them learn more about each other and fall in love just ruined me.
On to other things now.
Was the music good? Heck yeah! I bought the soundtrack at episode 8. Without even listening to the album previews!! Or finishing the drama.
I didn't really address it but everyone's acting was on point. One of the villains, the butler who smirks, was a little anime at times. Smirking and cover his slyness with a hand! Between this amazing script and the talent of the cast everything packed a punch.
Healer should be a dark story, but the writing creates this perfect balance. Dramatic dirty politics and secret organizations! The shocking murder of a friend, suicide, lost children, and plenty of lies! A moving romance! Plenty of laughs and great humor. There's so much going on and it amazes me how well it's all balanced. Don't be nervous about this being dark. I spent most of my time riding adrenaline rushes from the amazing action scenes, romance, and humorous moments to ever feel bogged down. Don't get me wrong Healer will also wrench your heart and put you through the ringer. When this drama is over you'll be going "Again! Again!" (No really I flirted with the idea of starting it up right after the last episode.)
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This drama started out really fun. My ratings of the first 4 or so episodes are pretty good. But things went south. It had a great setup and I was interested in the characters. Things were progressing nicely. But then the storylines started to repeat over and over. Pretty much all of it got convoluted. I'm usually someone who doesn't mind 20 episodes. When the shows good it's perfect. But normally a drama needs to be 16 episodes to avoid flashbacks and fillers. Sadly THIS drama needed to be done in 10. (As I think someone else has stated.)
The acting was pretty cute and fun. I really liked Seul Bi she was amazing and I hope to see her in another drama. A better one. Both male leads were pretty good as well, and I wouldn't mind seeing them else where. Some of the other actors/actresses where campy. Like the male reaper/angel, though I think that might of due to his stereotype as that character.
Music was fun. Great at some points, too dramatic at others. Visually I thought it was well done. The fashion was fun, weird at some points, and hilarious in a few spots. And no I won't be rewatching this ever. As I really debated about dropping this drama.
In the end I kept going with High School Love On because I truly enjoyed it at the beginning. I think this drama suffered because it took so long to come out. Writing issues and it lost itself. I'll keep an eye out for the leads.
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Come on it started out with the lead Dok Mi basically spying on her hot neighbor across the way. She knew his schedule and planned her day around it. She even had scary big binoculars to do it. Not cheap fun ones, the real stuff. Bird watching stuff. Bird watching stuff used for a nefarious purposes.
It was a questionable start and I almost tossed in the towel. However, it was really funny. It didn't hurt that Dok Mi and Geum had some decent chemistry. Dok Mi's mental issues and troubled past fascinated me. I wanted to see her overcome the odds, and to rise up like a phoenix as she realized she could now control her life!
Sadly Dok Mi was not truly given a decent chance to do so during the drama. And when she did--and I was fist pumping her victory--confront the person who ruined her life she was smacked down. What the bleep!
That was the problem. Flower Boy Next door didn't know what it wanted to be. Then it tossed in some hot topic issues such as suicide, mental illness, bullying, and just . . . ugh! It was horrible. No lessons where learned and it felt so unsatisfactory. The guilty parties just kept going and being justified. A small tap on the hand when it should have been a sever hand slap. The "villains" should have dealt with some consequences.
It was funny I started this up for Park Shin Hye, I'm a fan, and I thought she'd be awesome as Dok Mi. But I didn't like the way the director lead her, I know she could have did so much better. (I type this as I'm currently watching Pinocchio.) What made me stick through this drama was newcomer (at the time) actress Kim Seul Gi. She played a deputy manager of a Contents-development team.
She was glorious and stole the entire show!! I Watched for her. I yearned for the storyline around her and took any thing I could get. (And it's safe to say she is now one of my favorite actresses.) I thank Flower Boy Next Door for introducing me to her. Thank you. Kim Seul Gi is hilarious and one of the best comedic females I've seen. She's laughable, loveable, and just all kinds of awesome.
Visually this was nice to look at and I enjoyed the fashion. The music was pretty enjoyable. I was singing and humming a lot. Sadly the story didn't hold up. It tried to be too much and tackle issues it didn't really want to tackle. Or tackled them poorly. There were surprising moments where I did love the romance and plenty of fun scenes. Dok Mi was an interesting lead, and while I didn't enjoy how she just took things and didn't get to rise up quite like I had in mind, she wasn't too badly realized. So that was something. The only reason I'm truly happy I watched this was to discover Kim Seul Gi.
Truth is though I dropped this drama in 2013 at episode 13 and didn't care to pick it up again until 2016. I only picked it back up because I had just 3 more episodes left. AND I didn't want to miss out on some good Kim Seul Gi scenes. PEOPLE KIM SEUL GI IS AMAZING!
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It's clear the writers wanted to create something different, to maybe show that it's not fate. Instead perhaps human connections that act as fate. Who knows? The problem is that up until that 50 min mark Couples was really dull. At no point did I actually feel connected to the characters. The setup was so flat that none of those connections were made. So when it was time for the big reveal and for everything to come together I had fun. Yes. But the emotional connection to the characters dulled it. Plus, the execution was done so late that it took away from the "big twist".
The actors did a good job, but nothing really stood out. They weren't bad, but there just wasn't a lot to work with here. Though a certain "private eye" did stand out, and he was my favorite character!
Overall I had a fun time. While the humor was really spotty for me it still made me laugh. Even without the connection to the characters I enjoyed it. Sadly it wasn't the pay off I had been hoping for. The biggest problem is that I did spend so much of the movie bored. So when it finally switched off of the "main couple" I was so happy! The sad truth is that after the 40 min mark is when Couples get goods, and it's the only thing that saved this movie. In the end it's a fun filler piece and I think it's unique aspects are definitely worth checking out. Any movie fan will enjoy the ambition that the writers envisioned for Couples.
If you're looking for it Hulu has it streaming off and on.
How I review out of 10:
- 6 A little weak, but I still like it. (Full rating list on profile.)
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The story is pretty awesome. There is a lot of EVERYTHING crammed into Dream High. The writers did a good job of balancing out all of the tropes. Characters that initially come off bad and just seem like another stereotype develop into actual people. Ones that you can go from hating to caring for. Sadly some of the time jumps and developments don't happen realistically together. Though I'm thankful for the development. At times jumps happen . . . but it's soooo sloppy. I will commend Dream High for bringing up the issue of sexism in the music industry, especially in South Korea. It shows some hard truths for women in the industry.
That aside the plot kept me engaged. A roll coaster of emotions! Happiness, joy, sadness, and confusion. My head was spinning.
The cast here is great! For me I started Dream High for Ok Taec Yeon. It was an accident that I watched him in Cinderella's Sister, but a happy one as he was the only thing I truly liked about the drama. Here he showed me again why I love him as an actor. In fact all the actors do a pretty darn good job. When they were allowed to. But it wasn't often. Because my main issue with Dream High is upon this review:
Water works fest!
Holy cow there were so many tears. It actually became painful for me to watch this drama. I had to take a break, despite how badly I wanted to finish it! Many state that Go Hye Mi (Suzy' character) cried a lot. However, EVERYONE cried soooooooooooo much. Heck. I was almost reduced to tears of frustration. As every sad bit, emotional break through, joy, fear--JUST EVERYTHING was represented by a cry fest! I've seen most of these actors outside of Dream High, I know they can act! It's just horrible that Dream High had the most crying I have every seen in a show.
Moving on.
The music is pretty awesome! I loved all of it featured here. Most K-pop fans are going to be super happy recognizing the songs and enjoying how the accompany the drama. At times I found it a bit repetitive with the choices. Which is funny considering this is a music show. IU is especially showcased well. Before I was kind of fan, but now I'm obsessed. (And even the crying couldn't stop me from enjoying her. You bet I'll be checking out her other works.) I enjoyed Suzy's vocals. It was also fun to see Taec Yeon not only wrap and dance, but do a ballad. It was lovely.
Overall Dream High is tons of fun. If you don't like Glee or musicals don't worry, this isn't a musical. It stands on it's own. Sure the story is messy and uses every trope they could think of to toss in. It does have a decent love triangle and I love that it stepped outside of the love triangle "comfort zone". All of the characters become loveable in there own way. It's nice not to see someone slanted as the villain, but that they're all human with their actions. It saddens me that the dramatic single drip crying was so overly used that it actually annoyed me. And to be honest the ending was almost as sloppy as the beginning. Still, Dream High is definitely something any drama fan should check out.
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Up front I am going to say I have no problem with an older woman having romance with a younger guy. True he's younger, in high school, but that doesn't even become a factor as there's a love triangle. Our leading lady is in fact in love with someone else. There's time jumps. So people calm down. (Plus, I've seen dramas TV and movies with the younger GIRL still being in high school. Heck one was in Junior High.) Oh, and what a love triangle indeed. It's one that shows you why it's used so heavily. Because when done right it's pure emotional torture. And you love every second of it. Especially when you've picked a team, you're still torn as to who the lead should end up with!
The writing and story of IHYV is exceptional. Many things that could have been too much for the drama weren't an issue. With Soo Ha actually being a leading man, the young one, and being able to read minds I was nervous. However, it felt so natural and realistic. True there were a few inconstancies, but it was never a real problem. Mixed in with the love story, the court cases, and so forth it was a well utilized and realized fantasy element. Don't worry about it feeling like a fantasy though, because IHYV is a genre fusion blend. The kind only great writing like this can pull off!
Great writing. I said that a lot in my episode reviews, and I meant it. Every aspect of the story is thought out. Everything ties in, nothing is wasted. Which means there are NO fillers. Amnesia, perfect fit for the story. Only enhanced things. That's how you use it other dramas! Time jumps, flawless. In fact the second to last episode does some fancy and adrenaline inducing time jumps/flashbacks that will leave viewers in awe. The cases and law used IHYV is clearly looked into. Sometimes I thought they had slipped, but after looking it up and waiting for the next episode I was just jumping the gun. (So even though it IS a drama, there is a very solid foundation for it.)
The acting here is impeccable! Especially when accompanied by such solid writing. Every character develops throughout the show. Ones that viewers may have expected to loath become human. The ice queen Prosecutor Seo actually became a favorite of mine. The writers even make one of the most chilling villains into a human. Understanding his motives after being scared, and hating him, for so long is well done. All of the actors have earned my respect here. The emotions I felt where so intense.
Jang Hye Sung is one of the most well developed female characters that I've had the pleasure of watching in a drama. Sure at times it bothered me how she wouldn't learn her lessons. That it would take many repeated times before she would see the light! I got frustrated many a time. However, she was real. I could relate and when she did develop it was amazing to watch. As she realized that she should chose to make herself how she wanted. That life is too precious to be hung up on dark emotions and regret.
Both male leads are amazing. Soo Ha and Cha have both earned top places in my heart. Both are fantastic people. And like with all the characters watching them develop is a treat. Even more so since they both have amazing chemistry with Hye Sung. What a lucky girl!
The music is fantastic! Probably one of my all time favorite OST! It's so different and unique and I love that they went there for it. Because it fits IHYV perfectly. It was so much a part of the show that without it a lot of the moments and feelings may have been lost.
Forget what you've heard about I Hear Your Voice. Forget that synopsis!! Everyone should try this out. There's a reason why there was so much buzz around it. Go in with positive thoughts. It's a wonderful genre fusion. Don't worry about people calling it a fantasy. The mind reading aspect of Soo Ha is very realistic and so well done that it never hinders the story. (If you don't like fantasy.) The courtroom triumphs and struggles are amazing. Not only does it show the negative side of the law, but the positive. How laws that save a murderer can also be turned around and used to save the innocent. The acting here is a amazing! Not to mention how well the characters are realized and developed. Some might start out as stereotypes, but they quickly develop into actual people!! I Hear Your Voice will probably be cemented as a fan favorite . . . forever. I know it will always be one of mine. The message(s) is beautiful. The emotions are intense. But this is a dramas that despite the darkness, you will always feel warm and fuzzy. Best of all the ending is perfection. And yeah, I ended it feeling warm and fuzzy. Here's hoping this great team behind I Hear Your Voice will make more amazing shows.
Thank you. I know my review can't do this show justice.
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The first few episodes were really weak. But as a drama fan I've learned that you need to stick around for at least 3 to 5 episodes before you make any hasty decisions. (Most of the time.) The show was iffy up to episode 5. And then it kept yo-yoing me back and forth! There were some magical episodes there, but then suddenly the next one or so would flop! You're All Surrounded really hits it's stride at 10 and then settles in at 11.
Now I said writing was an issue. And it's true the first episode was soooooo heavy handed that I guessed everything then and there. As it progressed I had to assume the writers knew it was too obvious, so even the twist wasn't that much of a surprise. The biggest problem is that this show is supposed to be a comedy. But I wasn't laughing until after episode 5, and even then the humor seemed so out of place. Because this is a drama about a boy trying to find the murderer of his mother. The writers had no balance. Many an overly wrought drama have been able to make some dark and scary plots seem humorous. Yet You're All Surrounded could barely put any comedy in, balance it with the Masan School Nurse mystery that was the whole purpose of the show, doing tiny cases to show the newbies learning the ropes, and all the other stuff that was tossed in.
For instance the romance lost some of it's time here. They created some pretty cute ones with plenty of cues. It's fine that You're All Surrounded isn't one, I just hate that they setup all these ideas and places to go then take it no where. In the end I was happy with the romance, it was sweet. But the chemistry wasn't happening until later and then it would be forgotten.
This show couldn't multi task all of the plots for the story. Which is a true shame. And a lot of things were added into the mix, but then never explored and simply forgotten. The big twist didn't come until the last two episodes! Leaving some big questions for characters. Which in that time could never be answered. Not to mention the drama about Detective Seok! While moving it was not comedic, it was sad and heavy.
Another thing is the shooting of the show was awkward. The director was trying some new view points, but it didn't always work out. Fight scenes had this glass effect and even the most tenderest romantic scene had it. Where the camera was moving behind what seemed to be glass and there was a seam that would glare. It was distracting.
Also I feel like the STELLAR cast that I have been talking about was limited. Or more correctly held back by the director/writing. Most noticeably Lee Seung Gi's. I understand that his character became cold because of his mission and such. But as I watched Lee I felt like he was trying to add more, but couldn't until the end. Which is a shame because I ended up not liking his character for half the show. He was given dramatic fist clenches, angry shirt grabs, single tears, boring dramatic stares, and limited smiles. It was painful to watch. Thankfully his character developed in the other half.
The actors here are impressive ones. Which despite the limitations that seemed to be put on the characters, they shined. Even the newbies! Which I'm looking forward to seeing in other dramas. (Ahn Jae Hyeon, yeah. He rocked.) Cha Seung Won was noticeably the best.
Maybe it was because Cha Seung Won's character, Seo Pan Seok, was given the most development and growth. It was crazy because he was this annoying and depressing boss telling these kids they would never become detectives. He would do everything he could to make them quit! Then once they earned his grudging respect he did a 180! He became overly moody, with a tragic past! So tragic that he tosses himself on the ground a lot. Strangest thing is that he became the comedic relief. Which was good considering all of his painful scenes. Cha made me feel his pain and then laugh at his goofiness. And I've never seen Cha so freaking cute. No really. So cute. Adorable even.
The music was excellent. The OST is probably what definitely helps You're Under Arrests likeability. Good music can make a lot of things better, especially when well placed.
You're All Surrounded is definitely a rush. For being 20 episodes it flew by! Especially after the first 5 were behind. Only a few scenes got drug out, but then the rest was a breeze. Which is probably why the bad plotting, predictability, and inability for this show to blend its multitude of ideas together didn't seem quite that bad. It's fun, and when it finally actually had some comedy the laughs were great. Especially the ending scenes. The amazing talent of the actors here made the most shallow of characters interesting and it's a shame the show couldn't develop them and the links they all had more. It was fun.
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Ji Eun is a well developed leading lady. She's so kind and naïve how could I not love her? She might not be worldly and this gets her into a lot of trouble. Especially her capability to love. Sure I'd get frustrated with her inability to stand up for herself or even turn her friends in to the police after they scam her. But that's part of her charm. Ji Eun is fully realized, friendship and her ability to forgive are definitely her crowing glories. She's kind and while that makes her a victim at times you can't help but admire her tenacity. Especially when she wants to get her father's home back.
Sadly Yeong Jae, Rian's character, doesn't do well for me. Oh, he's well fleshed out. His problem is he's spoiled, and a super horrible person. Yes, his character evolves and it's clear that underneath his horrible personality resides a nice guy. (Deep-deep-deep-deep-deep-deep-deep down.) The problem is that most of his development happens in the last few episodes of the series. Because this guy is a jerk to Ji Eun. He spends most of the show pining away for another woman, who is basically the male version of him. He does a few nice things for Ji Eun in between his trying to win the love of another woman. And watching him slowly (SLOWLY) fall for Ji Eun is sweet. I advocate for shows to take their time and build the love story.
It's a sticky point for me when a male lead is a jerk. That the scenes where I want to punch him out way anything else I've seen from him. The last few episodes should not suddenly be crammed with how he finally realizes how awful he's been to the lead, and now he wants her. It irks me. Whether books, TV, or movies. It irks. Especially because Ji Eun is so great! I loved her and I wanted to watch her be wooed and romanced properly. Not just by the third wheel of the love triangle, or again the last part of the show.
The rest of the cast of characters are fun, but none of them interested me. In fact, I disliked the majority of them. Their basic purpose for being there was to make Ji Eun miserable or give her some new hardship to over come. Sure there were some great friendship moments, love triangle swooning, and other things to add to the story. Sadly just not enough. Being able to enjoy supporting characters is something that can save a dramas and enhance. Of course conflicts need to come from them. But at least let some of them be likable and developed.
Now another painful thing was the music. Holy cow. Whenever Yeong Jae visited this bar the same song would be playing on endless repeat. (A song I used to love.) Some of the music was good, but after hearing it on endless repeat, during a pointlessly drug out scene . . . ugh. Oh, and the music that came on for the endless cleaning sequences . . .
This dramas took me three years of stopping and going to finally finish. It caused me to give up dramas for a while as I TRIED so hard to finish it. Full House will be the last drama I ever force myself to finish. The fact that this is a drama standard classic, and I can see how it has influenced and inspired many a dramas after it. (A formula that is very hit or miss with me.) Sad truth is that if I hadn't watch Rain in other roles and adored him before that, it would have been a lot harder for me to become a fan.
This is a drama staple. Just be sure to watch it because you enjoy it. Don't push on. If you really need to see it what I said above would be great advice. Especially if you've tried watching it before, or you hit the point where Full House is no longer working for you. This was the dramas that truly taught me that though dramas may be short, they can be some of the most repetitive and drug out viewing material out there.
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So for me "A Werewolf Boy" was torture. At this point I know it's popular and I'm in the low majority. So I'll keep it short. The werewolf mythology . . . wasn't there, and I don't care what anyone says. The story was lame and the romance was BAD. The fact that said Werewolf Boy was more like Dog Boy was painful. A boy that acts like a dog doesn't help to develop any kind of swooning, no. My reaction is to get that guy some serious help. Don't train him to be a dog, train him to be a person.
The overall plot was dull and by the time the credits rolled around I couldn't believe I forced myself to sit through it. I love campy monster movies . . . this wasn't that. It was just bad. Not the worst thing I've ever viewed. But I wished I had my time back. At least the werewolf could have been more Beauty and the Beast. Beautiful boy with a monster lurking there. A real monster, with real conflicts to add . . . to a rewritten script.
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Now that I've gone over the ending, I have to say starting Sungkyunkwan Scandal didn't go well for me. I tried starting it twice, and only got about 30 min into it. Then I gave up. Finally a year later after someone told me it was the best gender bender ever, I decided to try again. However, the most important thing was that this time I went in knowing this is a romance. A romantic comedy. The thing was when I had started it up I had only watched serious historicals, so Sungkyunkwan Scandal kind of blindsided me.
After I got two episode 2 on my third attempt at watching, I was finally swept off my feet. Finally! I was ready for the blend of gender bender, comedy, political intrigue, romance, and historical bundled in the best package ever. With a cute little bow on top! So if you have issues just push for episode 2.
Right up front I'm going to have to say it: It's not accurate or realistic!
Gasp, that's right! But we're drama viewers, we know this. It's part of the charm. To be honest SS does a fairly good job reminding viewers that Kim Yoon Hee (called Kim Yoon Shik most of the show) in this time period could be killed for impersonating a man. Yes, there are some unrealistic aspects and some stupid moves by Yoon Hee that could have gotten her dead fast. However, this is a light romantic comedy and it stays that way. But it still shows the oppression of caste systems, sexism, the importance of knowledge and the power of learning, and even tosses in the hope of a brighter society. It puts in so many amazing messages with it's heart warming romance and gender bending hijinks.
There are 3 males for fans to drool over. I loved that not all of the males were in love with Yoon Hee. Better yet, there are bromances! It's so sweet watching friendships budding between the scholars. The romance is crafted enough that the build up is perfect. No one just suddenly falls in love with someone. Characters fall in love with the actions and personalities of their significant other. It's so refreshing. For once despite my love for the "third wheel" in the love triangle, the main love interest was so well crafted (and human!) that I fell in love with right along with Yoon Hee.
What's more is not everyone knows right away that Yoon Hee is a girl. Even better is that the main love interest doesn't know that she's a girl for quite a while. He even starts to accept that he's in love with a boy. Which moved me to no end. That's always been a weakness: love that transcends everything.
Of course there are some issues with Sungkyunkwan Scandal, there always are with dramas. (Which is funny that I saw some complaints about it from viewers.) Yoon Hee is an amazing female lead. While some of her actions contradiction her smarts, she's still amazing and it was so nice coming across her. It helps that that all the other elements are excellent! Even if characters aren't leads they're all so interesting and the multiple plot lines are wonderfully done. Side romances, dirty deeds, and political drama it's a fantastic blend. At no point did any of the episodes turn into fillers. The writers did an excellent job. The soundtrack is well worth the buy. Basically Sungkyunkwan Scandal is the perfect combination. It's no wonder this is such a popular show with fans.
In the end I know I'll be rewatching this again. Solid comfort food.
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