Story: While it's your standard normal-guy-turns-hero-to-save-the-world tale, each character's history and individual story arcs are noteworthy. This drama is very character-driven, which makes for very passionate touching scenes, but also very whimsical humorous scenes. Be prepared to laugh and cry with the entire cast. I repeat: Laugh. Cry.
I'm a sap so I might be the only person to cry, but the brotherhood, loyalty, and romance in this drama had me in tears. The number of reincarnations takes a little getting used to, though. There may only be a few characters, but there will be twice as many names...
Acting/Cast: This is my first time watching Hu Ge in action, and I now understand why he's so popular. It's not just because he's fairly good looking, but because he can ACT. How 'bout that? Not only that, I feel that the entire cast was picked well. They all fit their roles, and executed them so nicely...
Music: Just one sentence: I watched the drama because I came across the soundtrack. (One more sentence: With a soundtrack that good, there's no way CP3 would be bad.)
Rewatch Value: Not that high, because at some points it feels elongated. Fight scenes get lengthy, serious talks get stretched out, misunderstandings between characters wastes some time...But I'd rewatch it if it meant I got to skim through all those things.
Overall: Some characters and their respective arcs get a little too much attention, while others hardly get the screen time they deserve, so I'm a little sad about that, but within that short time you really get to appreciate their character. The slightly-weird CGI may be an initial turn-off, but stick with it and you won't be disappointed.
PS: There may be some plotholes that make you scream "YOU IDIOT, JUST ____ ALREADY!" but thinking that won't change things (unfortunately), so take the plot as it is. It was based off a video game so you might have to give it a little slack when it comes to patching up plotholes... =_=;
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I find this purely an inspirational piece with just the right amount of episodes and episode length.
The only unfortunate thing about it is the occasional poor acting and a few badly made scenes.
The series is very much so straight to the point so if you are looking for something more emotionally engaging this is not for you. But if you are looking for something that shows you hope and might strenghten your resolve this is definitely a good pick.
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EDIT: I have watched tons of dramas since watching this. I admit at the time, I thought it was great. Now, after watching it again and other versions, I realize it wasn't that great. The acting is still the best part of it. The story is fine except Jan Di's character. She is just blah!!! I liked her character in other versions better. Anyway, just amending my review to match how I feel about this drama in the present. I still love Kim Joon though. :-)
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Without spoiling anything - I'll just say that within the first few minutes of the drama, I knew that it would be beautiful. This was the general feel of the entire drama, irrevocably lovely. The story itself although not entirely unique, definitely has a touch of something special. The story certainly has a lesson to be taught, and because of that the only way to thoroughly sum up the entire story is magically melancholy, if not perhaps a "beautiful disaster."
I had to give the cast a ten, because I fell in love with the characters instantaneously. Hyun Bin as Han Tae Woong showed me the true meaning of misery, and suffering. His overall expression, and soft disposition make me truly feel for him. Although I'm a big fan of Hyun Bin, I felt more attached to Sung Yu Ri as Kim Bo Ra. Bo Ra is a very strong character and I loved her simply because her character goes through a very noticeable transformation. This sense of change shaped the entire drama for me into something I could easily consider a masterpiece. Wonderful acting.
I wasn't a gigantic fan of the music, but I felt that this was probably the most necessary music the drama could have for the plot line. I also marked down the rewatch value, only because I think this is one drama that stands alone. Even if you tried to watch it again, you'd have the same feeling in the pit of your stomach. This drama - as you could tell by the description - is certainly a tearjerker. Even if I watch it a second time, it will still remain the same.
Overall it was a pleasing piece. I'm not even sure if I could accurately call it a drama, but a work of art. The only bone that I have to pick with it is that it seemed to drag from time-to-time, but I notice the majority of dramas have this exact same feel. If anyone asks me for a recommendation, it would certainly be The Snow Queen. Although this is only my personal opinion, it might take a certain type of empathy, or perhaps even a certain type of person to appreciate this drama. If you can appreciate tragedy intermingled with love and loss - and a rugged Hyun Bin...readily get a box of tissues and start watching.
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The movie is divided between entertaining fighting scenes with phantasy flair and the emotional lifestory of the female lead.
All actors did a great job. I liked the locations which allways gave me the feeling that the places have really existed in ancient china. They were trustworthy and have underlined the atmosphere very well.
In some ways it remembered me watching Shinobi: Heart under Blade... (read my recommendation)
If you like movies with an action-(side)lovestory combination this is definitly a recommendation!
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The acting by Si Young is great and pulls off the character really well...never really likes her before but because of this drama I now love her :) she really does have great acting skills and Lee Dong Wook = umphhh :) think enough said there aha. Due to the synopsis I was reluctant to watch this but it was the funniest thing Ive seen in ages and pulled me in from the start. Im waiting every week refreshing the page waiting for it to be uploaded its addicting. The plot isnt the most original and its quite predictable but its worth it - such great laughs and its so cuuuute as well :) also there is a 'twist' in this drama that I didnt expect and Im dying to see how it turns out! Overall this drama is soooo worth watching - HILARIOUS stuff :)
It also has one of the best endings Ive seen in a long time it just makes you melt!! Lots of people have complained that there wasnt enough romance between Eun Jae and Mu Yeol and I'd have to agree. The plot sidetracked during the middle and focused too much on Jang Hee and Mu Yeol which was a bit boring. It also made the love Mu Yeol have for Eun Jae half-hearted therefore this drama has a major flaw. Even so I still have to say this was a GREAT drama then ending scene saved the show from its flaws and I really loved and laughed at every bit of it!!
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In particular, Jung Il Woo proved that he does have acting chops and this is his best work so far, in my opinion.
The plot is a seamless blend of action, melodrama and comedy. The story examines the life and history of this "hero" in such a convincing way.
The plot doesn't move that quickly and that may come off as jarring to some viewers. However, this drama is meant to be watched slowly and savored.
The characters are portrayed so realistically and they really remain in your heart even after the drama is over.
A highly recommended drama.
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Kang Ji Hwan was quite lovely as the main character and his acting stood above the rest of the cast.
The plot moves quite well, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. By the last third of the series, however, I started to feel that the plot was getting a bit repetitive and not as engaging. The ending was a bit predictable to me, but, it was still touching and hopeful.
But all in all, a quite satisfying and suprisingly meaningful drama.
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Just imagining how the most trivial thing - food, can open the most beautiful story of love before the audience's eyes...
Two of my favourite actors made this movie unforgettable for me... The style of romance... the director could be only a woman... such soft and tender scenes made me have butterflies in my stomach...
And, please, could somebody tell me who is the author of the score and where I can get it from, cause the music is heavenly...
And for the last scene... The journalist is telling the audience the ingredients of the doenjang, he lists the food, the flowers... and lastly the tears... The way of making... Waiting and waiting... The last scene... a tear falls and dries... leaving salt... and the music...
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Story (9/10) - This movie is about a wimpy boy who is always protected by a girl ever since they were kids. After years of being chased by local hoodlums(because he was friends with Aki[his "protector"], they wanted to be introduced, LOL), he comes across a boxing gym and decides to take up the sport. Wimpy boy learning how to fight, strong girl, we know where this leads, yes! A showdown! The mainstory line was great, but I felt that it did go off on a tangent once in a while with the substories. This movie was a great refresher from the norm and I definitely enjoyed watching it.
Acting/Cast (8/10) - Enjoyable, theres plenty of quirky moments as well as downright weird from what I thought of it. The more serious moments of the movie were moving as well. There was no overdrawn tears, or 4 minutes of crying with multiple angles, emotions were well enough conveyed that I felt sadness, anger and happiness when called upon. Also, I know the guy lead in this was supposed to be "weak", but I was just annoyed by him >.< There will probably be parts where you yell at the screen and say "JUST DO IT", and I'll know exactly how you feel.
Rewatch Value (7/10) - I can definitely see myself snuggling up on a cloudy day and rewatching this.
Overall (9/10) - Great movie! Im glad it was just a movie though, I feel as if a drama will drag too much, even if there are only 9 episodes that are 45 minutes long.
Side Note : If you end up watching this on dramacrazy, the subtitles are messy...
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