Three genres are featured prominently in this drama: action, drama, romance. None were explored to their full potential. Plus, where the cliches of one genre were challenged, they ran amok in others.
The action scenes were well choreographed and exciting to watch, but were often pulled up short and were too far in between to have full effect. Just when my adrenaline started to flow and I'm about ready to forgive less involving aspects of the show, they were over.
Which brings me to the weakest, but most prominent, link ... the drama. I spent a good portion of this show, from ca ep 6 to at least the 3rd quarter of ep 14, being bored. These episodes were mostly dedicated to the back story of the parents, for which I never developed an interest. I never became invested in any of these characters enough to care about their story. I cared about the characters in the present and wanted more of the focus on their individual & common journeys, independent of what happened to their parents in the past. There's a reason why they urge you to keep flashbacks as a driver of story to a bare minimum in screenwriting 101. Flashbacks are intrusive and passive, and should only be used as a function of character (for eg, recalling a memory), not story. An entire story hinged on flashback yanks us out of the present action and keeps the plot from moving forward, which is exactly what happened in Healer (and many other K-dramas. Why some Korean writers can't seem to grasp this very basic rule of screenwriting, I don't know.).
What's more, characters were inexplicably killed off or shipped off when they no longer suited the writer's purpose. This was glaringly obvious. There was no cohesion in how one plot line flowed into the other. Just '(s)he is getting in the way of where I want to take this story so bang! you're dead!' When the sex scandal case concluded, I was like 'Wait, what just happened? That's it?!!' And have you ever noticed how women in K-dramas are *never* killed off? No matter who they are or what situation they find themselves in. Oh, the men are fair game, but the women always manage to escape with their lives. ::eyeroll:: ... because this is such a cliche of the genre.
Finally the romance, it was nice. I agree with other viewers who commended the absence of the usual unpalatable cliches as well as the relatively good characterisations. I really applaud this evolution the romance genre seems to be having in recent K-dramas. They're finally starting to acknowledge their characters as sexual beings, rather than strip them bare of human desire. My only complaint? People will make bold statements ... about kissing, holding one another, making love and what have you, but words aren't followed up enough with actions. It's all just big talk. There's still that air of fakeness and lack of emotional depth in romantic relations. That lack of natural, comfortable, spontaneous intimacy (one drama which came close to what I'm looking for is It's Okay, That's Love). Oh there were some fine moments, by all means, but they often felt ... stilted. Staged. Contrived. Awkward. And even if this were only a minor complaint (it's not, not for me), the romance itself took off too late, almost in the last quarter of the drama, and stayed around for exactly two episodes and change, before focus was returned to less involving narrative arcs. Romance has always been a 'back-up' genre for me. When all else fails, it tends to keep me going, until hopefully things pick up again in other departments. That didn't happen here. Basically, every aspect of the drama that could've and should've kept my interest, short-circuited. There's no doubt the romance was cute, there's no doubt the characters had chemistry, but it wasn't executed to satisfaction.
A more worthy drama to me is Nine, in which the same combination of genres were better executed. I can't remember being bored watching Nine. I was on full alert, wondering what would happen next, how will the characters react? The plot wasn't without its holes, but the pacing maintained its momentum almost from beginning to end. The romance was evenly spread, so that when it wasn't being featured I didn't miss it, but just when you started to crave it, it appeared. I was able to enjoy Nine in spite of its faults whilst Healer became untenable because of them.
In closing, I would be remiss not to mention the 'villains' (with the exception of Secretary Oh). I've never seen a more pathetic lot. All these imbeciles knew to do was snare. Imagine a whole barrage of goons not able to break down a door being blocked by one man ... and other absurdities. In terms of moronic villains, Healer could be Cruel City's cousin, the drama in which a pair of slight 100 lbs women in 6 inch heels, who couldn't fight, outran & outfought seasoned criminals. To say these bumbling idiots were cartoonish would be an understatement. And as per usual dramas give the South Korean police a very bad name. If I were a police officer watching this show I would be offended. Neither one nor the other presented any real threat or challenge to the good guys, which only served to discredit whatever battles they won against the Farmer and his farmhands. It's really hard to suspend belief when they make it sooo easy for the good guys to win.
By the time Healer drew to a close I didn't even care that the ending was rushed, because the show had already gone downhill for me long before that.
There were things I DID like: the score and the soundtrack. The characters and the acting. Yoo Ji Tæ can do no wrong for me, an incredibly charismatic actor. I didn't think Park Min Young was that bad. Ji Chang Wook is one to watch. And I liked the mild-mannered, unassuming, but creepy Secretary Oh. That little smirk of his, with his hand raised to his mouth. It was a nice flair. I appreciate these little quirks and habits that make a character stand out. And it was rather effective too. I wouldn't want to be trapped alone in a room with that guy. So kudos to the actor.
While I liked these things, if sloppy storytelling keeps pulling me out of the narrative and have me asking too many questions, instead of sucking me in with the action and the drama and the romance, then something is wrong. Healer, in some ways, is quite different from the average K-drama, but in other ways it's all pretty much the same.
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Now, before you get all judgey judgey with me and skip this review because I gave it all 10's, you should finish reading my review :) I don't just toss out 10's whenever a drama slightly moves me. Although I may not be that much of an experienced watcher, my personality in general is just very picky. Therefore, no I did not just randomly decide to be nice and give all 10's on a whim. This drama is truly amazing. KBS, you deserve a pat on the back. I think just by looking at the ranking of this drama, it's safe to say it's one of the best dramas of the past decade. Hell, it even broke the 9.0 mark. Kudos to all the writers, actors, PD, etc etc who made this amazing drama happen.
I actually found the story to be quite intriguing. It starts off as just a story about a night courier and people he's somehow connected to, but it branches out. You would think that the entire drama would just be about Healer and his love life with the female lead, but no. The supporting cast got just as good of a story. There was the main storyline, and then there was the story about the previous generation that was slowly unveiled throughout the series. The one fatal weakness of writers these days, is one way or another there are always parts that drag on. But not with this one. This drama always keeps you on your toes, and problems are never left open and unsolved. I find that a lot of writers tend to forget about the problems they created early on, and then towards the end of the drama they go "Oh right! Better write that one back in. Darn, should've used that for the middle episodes." Thus, the dragging middles and the rushed endings. So, if you're worried about it dragging, don't even fret my friend. KBS got yo back.
The cast was PER. FECT. EVERYONE was amazing, not even joking. A good writer can't create a great drama without great actors, and that's exactly what this drama had. First let's start off with Park Min Young. She's actually been getting a lot of hate lately because of how she looked in the drama, but let's just take a moment to let that sink in. How she looked. How she looked?! Yo, just because someone does not look like a Victoria's Secret model does not make them a bad actress. I don't see Behati Prinsloo getting Oscars. Why? Because she's not. an. actress. The character of Chae (Choi?) Young Shin is an anti-social girl who is not the least bit concerned about her appearance. Her only friends are her father and ex-convicts. You think she would be buying Naked palettes and Coach bags? I really hate how people automatically start judging actresses and actors based on their looks. Like hello? What's their job again? Oh right. TO ACT. If their job was to look pretty they would be models but guess what? They're actors. So stop judging Park Min Young just because her character wore loose clothing and applied minimal makeup. She wasn't even ugly in the drama. Honestly, I think she's a great actress and beautiful one at that. Now onto Ji Chang Wook (swoon). I might be just a liiiiittle biased but he really is an exceptional actor, one of my favorites. He's portrayed both hero and villain, and I think that really helped him improve his acting. I've never watched any of Yoo Ji Tae's dramas, but now I'm definitely a fan. I absolutely LOVE Park Mi Kyung. Like LOVE. By far the best ahjumma actress ever. She's played elegant and rich, poor and mute, and now hacker and essential hobo. I love her so much, she's just so dynamic. It also seems as though she's never embarrassed, because some of her outfits in this drama....WHEW. Ji Won To did a really great job too, I bet seizures are hard to fake haha.
Nothing really stood out to me music wise, but the reason I'm giving it a 10 is because the music was just so appropriate. Whoever did music selection and editing really has taste, because the music came right on time, and fit perfectly. It made you feel happy when needed, made you feel sad when needed, and most of all gave you so much feels you feel like your heart is going to explode.
Overall, watch watch watch watch watch make SURE to watch this drama. I don't care what lengths you have to go to, but this is a must. One cannot call oneself a dedicated watcher if you have not watched this. However, like many people have previously stated, don't let this be your first drama. As a first drama, it's exceptional and great and amazing...but other dramas can't compare. After finishing this, many dramas will fall short of your expectations. Therefore, you have to watch something that's inferior so you can both appreciate this drama and later dramas. I know, I know, my amazing review has you on your toes wanting to watch this drama, but endure it. If you're just starting out, I recommend My Lovely Girl, Monstar, and Heirs. Not that these dramas were necessarily bad, they just started out good and got slaughtered by the writers. Oh and one more word of advice, if you're just starting out don't watch a melodrama. There will be too much crying and angst for you to handle. Plus since you're just starting out you'll most likely be too confused to even be emotionally impacted. Happy watching!
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I mean, how do you get better than this? Healer is, to sum it up in a single word; precious. An utterly precious and beautiful production that gives so much warmth and joy. And so much love.
Now, normally I try to be "cool". Really, I do. I go around rooting for the underdogs. Over-hyped and mainstream artists usually do not get my adoration. Lee Min Ho, Kim Woo Bin, Park Shin Hye- all of these over-popular celebrities don't really do it for me. Clean cut looking, cutesy flower boys aren't my type either. I even go around putting an air of aloofness whenever I see crazed fan-girls and wonder how they can be so completely obsessed over a guy who barely looks 18. These are all the reasons why, me falling in love with Ji- Chang Wook is a great hypocrisy in its entirety but alas, it has happened and I have a terrible feeling that it's going to last for an eternity.
If it's any justification, I would say that the first time I saw him in Empress Ki, I really did think I was never going to like him and his beautiful face truly did nothing for me, rather, it was his excellent acting that ultimately sat my judgmental ass down. And if I was reduced to an obsessed mess for his highly flawed character in Empress Ki, I knew I didn't stand a chance with Healer.
To put it simply, watching him is pure bliss. He's just too fucking good. Despite the fact that the other characters brought their best, it's no denying that Healer is the king of the show. A puppet master that plays your emotions with utter abandon. I found myself getting attuned to his mannerisms; the way he often tilted his head as if considering the situation at hand, the way he spoke, his confident swagger and his innocent smile. I found myself sighing in complete content whenever he showed his face, bawling when he was in pain, pausing the button and literally caressing his face on the screen whenever he was down. I mean, at this point I am not even embarrassed to say that I more or less resemble the rabid fangirls I once scorned.
It's an evidence of his versatility that Ji-Chang Wook can perfectly execute entirely different roles and yet, retain the sincerity that always encompasses his acting. I'm blessed that I still have more of his shows left to watch because I know that stalking his Instagram feed and bookmarking his ridiculously adorable videos is nearly not enough for me.
The other actors do a marvelous job too. Park Min Young portrays the sassy and quirky girl with a big heart to the T. Even though I felt that her emotional scenes weren't as strong as they could've been, I have to admit that her character is very likable and strong throughout. Yo Ji Tae with his Kim Moon Ho always dazzles and the Ahjumma- the brilliant and hilarious hacker who always had Healer's back is a delight in her self.
Like many other users, I too agree that this show has one of the best OTP's in K-Drama history. The romance between the main leads is so untainted and pure that I swooned every-time. Their chemistry is absolutely electric and their love-story is heart melting. (If that's a word..)
With intelligent script writing, wonderful action scenes, epic romance, excellent screenplay, thoughtful plot and spot-on acting, Healer really does come full circle.
It will make you feel all sorts of emotions, with never a boring or forgettable moment and bestow upon you a journey that you wished would never end.
Without a doubt, a must watch.
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Healer is an example of a story that knows where it is going from begining right to the end. The writers, directors and actors all contributed in executing the plot with utmost care and consideration in order to make it a thrilling and compelling viewer experience.
There was nothing about this drama that didn't work. The characters, their relationships, the sub plots and the overarching plot all fell into place perfectly. There is a perfect balance between humour, romance (the romance was so adorable) and drama. Each element is tightly interconnected making it near-impossible for there to be any plot-holes (as far as I can recall, I don't think that there any plot-holes). The tension is both extrinsic and intrinsic - with characters having to deal with their own internal conflicts as well the many external conflicts that surround them. And the pacing is absolutely wonderful: we never reach that 15 episode slump that commonly plagues most 20+ episode dramas.
Where most dramas succeed plot wise, they tend to fail character and cast wise. This isn't the case with Healer. As well as there being three exceptionally well-developed and performed leading characters, the chocolate box collection of supporting characters are also wonderfully developed - each with their own unique flavour. I was finding it difficult to decide who my favourite character was: often stuck in a rut between the boss hacker Ahjumma Min Ja, Healer, mini-Healer and Healer's Teacher. (Min Ja clearly won my heart, though. I would love to be friends with that woman.)
Even the villain was nunaced and had his own backstory and reasons for his actions. Yes, his reasons weren't as justifiable as he believed them to be, and yes he had reached a point of delusion, but I did genuinely pity the guy. Everyone, except for the Godfather-esque Elder and his OCD, pushover crony had a backstory and depth.
Above all else, though, we have Ji Chang Wook - Healer/Park Bong Soo/Seo Jeong Hoo - who managed to convey all the different emotions that our hero was going through with what seemed like no effort at all. Yes he's undeniably beautiful, but so are 9 out of 10 of the men we see K-Dramas, the difference with JCW is that the guy is a natural actor. When JCW was playing Jeong Hoo playing Park Bong Soo it was 100% convincing - he pulled of the nerdy and awkward character perfectly, and let the mask of Bong Soo unwittingly slip off WHEN IT WAS NEEDED. IT DIDN'T FEEL LIKE ACTING AT ALL! I believed his pain, I believed his sincerity, I believed his happiness because JCW played Healer/Park Bong Soo/Seo Jeong Hoo so naturally it was like watching a real person progress and develop over time.
I can't talk about how great Healer was without talking about his leading lady: Chae Young Shin. I'm not really sold on Park Min Young being a great actress, but the role of Chae Young Shin definitely did suit her. She managed to pull off the quirky heroine, who tries to overcome her own personal trauma in order to be brave and succeed in her goals without making her seem too headstrong or too weak. She successfully portrayed both the strenghts and weaknesses of Chae Young Shin, whilst also empahsising her emotional growth as a character. Her chemistry with Ji Chang Wook was also incredibly sparkling.
Which brings me onto my next point: the OTP. Healer has probably one of the most convincing, adorable and affectionate romances in dramaland. You can genuinely understand why Chae Young Shin and Park Bong Soo are drawn to each other and care deeply for one another. This going to sound cringey, but they are actually made for one another: they complete each other and both help the other to overcome their fears and flaws. Both understand each other, and any conflict that comes between them is quickly resovled - not because the writer threw in some crappy misunderstanding - but because the two understand each other enough to dispel any doubt over the other's morality. True, it's usually Young Shin that does the doubting, but Healer never gets angry with her over it because he - and the audience - know that her anxiety often leads her mind to tread in places that can cause her resolve to waver.
I could go on for days about our OTP, but then I wouldn't be able to mention her third leading character: Kim Moon Ho (Yoo Ji Tae). His character could have easily been overshadowed by the powerful OTP, but he turned out to be a man with some of the deepest personal conflict. Yoo Ji Tae gave us a nunaced performance of a man who wants to protect everyone he loves, whilst also attempting to repent for past sins that he did not commit. He was a great guardian-like figure to our OTP and he was a necessary push factor in order for both of them to grow.
I think now is the moment where I'm supposed to talk about the things I didn't like...Hmm...Well...I guess I bloody hated the OST - especially that Destiny song which was awfully cringeworthy and could disrupt the tone of some of the more emotional scenes. But the sucky song still does not prevent me from giving Healer that perfect 10.
In fact, the only problem with this drama is that NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE WATCHED IT IN KOREA. I don't think it was a wise decision to have Healer go up against Punch - which was always going to be stiff competition because of the people who were at the healm of the drama. It's obvious that JCW is not nearly as much of a star Kim Rae Won, and Healer was Song Ji Na's come back drama after that horrible fiasco that was Faith. Healer definitely deserved a higher viewership, but I'm glad that is succeeded in getting a cult following because that will prevent it from falling into K-dramaland oblivion for a long time to come.
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First of all, I absolutely loved the plot and the characters. Oh God the characters...
It's actually my first time seeing Ji Chang Wook on screen so to say the least, the first impression he made on me will surely last. He just captivated me with his role as Healer. And he can be supper adorable when he's acting all weak and innocent!!
This is also my first time seeing the lead actress and I must say, I like her. She suited her role and nailed it. At the first 2 episodes I wasn't sure what to think of her character, but just soon after she easily won me over completely. Her character is just adorable and simply lovable, especially how she's not bitter about having a rough childhood. I personally don't see a reason for not liking her character.
I also loved the mother. I loved Yoo Ji Tae's character. He's a perfect representation of a human's conflict with morals and feelings. He's also warm, helping and just too cute when he grins :D I absolutely loooooved Ahjummaa hahaha she just kept cracking me up. The characters' role was very suiting, long side all the other secondary characters that were helpful to the leads. They all take a little space in your heart. Just seeing the leads around these nice secondary characters will put you at ease. I also found the post office and all who worked in it very home-y and awesome.
Yeong Shin's father and her father's helper also cracked me up, especially when acting overprotective and all XD
I also liked how the characters handled the situations they were in. There were no stupid fights over frustrating misunderstandings. There were no secondary characters butting in on the lead's love. I seriously can't stand those misunderstanding that happen because of another character who loves one of the leads. I mean a love triangle can be fun sometimes, but other times it just drives one crazy.
Even the bad characters, although irritating and infuriating, they weirdly enough aren't so annoying. They make you want to kill them, yes. But you'll simply feel hate, not annoyance.
Another thing that made me fall in love was the fact that this was basically the first love for both the lead characters. It made it feel so sincere and innocent. I mean, who wouldn't like a guy who never dated before or had much interest in girls before and a girl who also didn't date and has been saving herself to be their fist love? It just instant;y screams LOYALTY to your face. It's a kind of love we would innocently dream of as kids. So to see it displayed is a dream come true.
It didn't focus much on comedy as much as it focused on thriller, drama, action and romance.Still, the few moments that were funny can sure drive you to laugh. And even without those funny moments, a lot of other parts can easily put a smile on your face (My biggest weakness was when Jung hoo ((Healer)) smiled around Yeong shin).
To be honest, at parts, I felt bad for moon ho's brother, but I suppose he chose this fate.
Over all, this drama will do things to your heart.Trust me. Some parts will drive you to tears. Some will make you laugh. Some will make you smile. Some will just move a feeling inside that you cannot explain. Also the soundtracks are soft, sweet and relevant.
It will make you long for it once you finish it. You won't feel too comfortable seeing the characters who played it act in other dramas because the character you have for them in your head will stay these characters of Healer for a while. Or at least, that's how it goes for me.
Memorable drama. It will make you happy. Watch now! NOW! Go what are you waiting for!
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I'm new to the actors but they were all fantastic for me. There were no 'weak' actors at all! Ji Chang Wook was just wow. He was mesmerizing, vulnerable, the list goes on. I loved his various personas he put on as a disguise and I especially loved Bong Soo; Chang Wook played him to be so clumsy and lovable. I loved Park Min Young's character, one of my favorite heroines in a while. Shout out to Kim Mi Kyung. She was seriously amazing as the Ahjumma/skilled hacker. People love or hate Ji Tae's character, Moon Ho. Personally, I loved Moon Ho. Ji Tae played Moon Ho to be such a nuanced and faceted character that was neither 'good' nor 'evil'.
Now, the OTP. Wow, just wow. How can so much emotion be demonstrated with just a caress, a brush of the hand, and longing eyes? Somehow, Ji Chang Wook and Park Min Young are able to do that and their chemistry is just sizzling. It's palpable. It's longing. It's just plain hot. I appreciated how Yeoung Shin (ParkMinYoung) was able to stand her own (not the damsel in distress) and how she helped Jung Hoo (JiChangWook) come out from behind his mask that was Healer.
The storyline was so intricate but the web of stories blended well together. Romance didn't detract from the action, and vice versa. I enjoyed seeing how dark/dirty politics were, and the writer wrote that well, balancing it with the romance and the revenge plot. There were some episodes that were so elaborately well done that it was only near the last few minutes that everything just suddenly clicked together and made sense. Huge props to the writer of Healer-amazing!
When I finished the last episode, I was like : !!!!!!. I felt that buzz you feel after finishing marathoning an amazing drama. However, as I began to re-watch some episodes immediately after my first run through, there were flaws that even my Healer-induced craze couldn't overlook. Honestly? The last 2-3 episodes weren't great-or at least not on the caliber of the first 17 episodes. Everything felt rushed and though the ending was good, it felt glossed over. The multiple storylines that the drama had handled with finesse thus far, couldn't be tied up in the end. Some were rashly tied up, others were untied; it just wasn't as satisfactory as I had hoped it would go. Additionally, Healer lost some of his touch near the end; there weren't as many action scenes and Yeoung Shin barely appeared... That said, don't let that deter you from watching Healer because the critiques I made are minimal compared to the overall beauty that was Healer. I had to mention them though because they did distract me from completely loving this drama since I was absorbed and in love with the first 15 episodes or so. So admittedly, I felt a bit deflated after the end.
Music was lovely! There were lots of beautiful instrumentals that captured the emotions of scenes. I especially loved I Will Protect You by Ji Chang Wook himself. He has a nice voice!
I already re-watched my favorite scenes too many times. I think the second time around, though, I might fast-forward some of the political stuff though because it's no longer suspenseful since I would know what happens, and what the secrets are.
I could honestly go on and on about this drama but to sum it up...
Seriously watch it if...
-you want to see a beautiful, supportive romance that is full of trust and heart stopping romantic scenes.
-you like seeing power struggles (dirty politics)/revenge
-eye candy! (ahem Ji Chang Wook)
-no vindictive second leads
-lots of action, kind of like Mission Impossible and Ji Chang Wook is Tom Cruise in terms of the Healer going on missions.
-references to Superman and his kryptonite-and comparing that to Healer, I thought it was it was an interesting comparison.
Be prepared to be in withdrawal after the final episode. I know I still am.
If you don't fulfill any of the above, watch it anyways because that's how good Healer is. Or just watch it for Ji Chang Wook because that's a valid reason anyways! (9.75/9)
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This drama begun last year but since it was completed this year, I'm counting it as a (2015) drama.
This drama is the most highly addictive drama so far, this year. An excellent drama at that too~ I usually tend to not keep up with currently airing dramas for some reason. I'm either a few episodes behind or I just wait until it's completed to marathon the rest. Not this drama. NOPE! I kept up with every single episode, every painful and long-awaited week and it was worth it! (You guys who have not watched this yet won't have to wait painfully like I did, you can just marathon the whole thing.) xP
The overall plot was cleverly well-done in nearly all of the crucial, sweet, and fun moments.
I had high expectations because Park Min Young (Chae Yeong Shin) and Ji Chang Wook (Healer/Seo Jung Hoo) but they completely exceeded those expectations in every way. Their interactions and chemistry were second to none, perfectly put together in fun, silly, casual, dangerous, and romantic/cute moments. I'm glad it didn't focus on the romantic aspect a lot like how most dramas would. I loved that. PMY did her role very well. It was believable and adorably cute~ Ji Chang Wook.... dear god! Don't get me started on this guy. He is such a bias wrecker! (^u^)~ He's one amazing actor. I noticed in most of his scenes, he uses his eyes to act as well. So brilliant! I loved every single episode/scene with him whether he was was with Yeong Shin or not. He made me laugh, cry, and scream... Hahaha xD Yes, SCREAM!!! His character was complicated but when you watch, you'll understand why~
It wasn't just them who made the drama fun to watch. The supporting casts too~
Yoo Ji Tae (Kim Moon Ho) || Park Sang Won (Kim Moon Shik) || Do Ji Won who played CYS's mom || Kim Mi Kyung (Min Ja/ajumma), Oh Gwang Rok (Healer's Teacher), even Park Sang Myeon (Chae Yeong's dad) made this drama extremely awesome to watch! Out of all the supporting casts, Kim Mi Kyung was the best for me. Hahahaha xD That woman killed me. She played her part so freaking hilariously badass! xD Lmfaooo xD I loved her! xD Quite memorable characters!
The OST was just perfect! Every song fits perfectly with every scene. Even the english songs too. I already downloaded most of the songs! Haha! xD The instrumentals sounds so beautiful, even Ji Chang Wook released a single. OMG! When you hear his voice, you will immediately have an eargasm!
The entire team did a fantastic job on this drama. It was well written and well directed. I highly recommend this drama! I wish it didn't end, but I'm definitely going to watch it again after I download every single episode! :D
If action/thrillers with some drama and romance in the midst of all that is your type of drama, then you won't be disappointed one bit. I certainly wasn't. Give it a try! ^^
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Ok, since I always rate drama based on my enjoyment, involment in a story and its characters, plot I couldn't give this drama lower than 10 and I don't regret a single thing. Why?
First to say that I didn't start this drama when the pilot episode aired as I knew right from the start that I won't be able to handle the pain waiting for the next episode. So, I just tried to stay cool and resist it as much as possible. But, when all that crazy hype started on my feeds I just gave up and this drama won me over. The beginning was somewhat slow and so I was like "Ok, I'll continue watching it anyway." But, mamma mia when I got around ep 6 I got totally hooked like almost all of us here. Then, I totally understood all the hype, crazinees, fangirling, so I started doing that things myself too.
As I said before story is not a masterpiece, not something new or 'wow' but it's told in most brilliant and perfect way that you totally have no other choice then just enjoy in its talanted writing and directing. Every character, story started with a slow pace, but slowly got more and more its depth and colour.
What I loved, I mean the loved the most is the characters development. It's rare to see in a drama such a great connection between all of them, their trust, love towards each other may it be a special love for someone or may it be family's, every character was written and portrayed to the perfection. They all somehow slowly gained trust in each other, without any stupid doubts and misunderstandings like we get to see in most kdramas, unfortunately. Yup, I only have praise and one big respect for Song Ji Na and her wonderful brain and talent. She really made on my list one of the most respected and greatest kdrama writers. Now, get back to drama.
Another thing that makes my heart melt, or should I say beat is the great, the most romantic chemistry between Young Shin and Jung Hoo. No second male leads, no misunderstandings, no doubts, just trust and love. And that is the most important thing in a relationship as well in dramas as well in real life. I simply enjoyed in every single romantic scene of them as they had the chemistry right up to my taste. Natural and real. The main song is right written for them, describing their love and longing with a beautiful words. So to sum it up, this is just another plus, another reason why I gave a 10. They moved my heart, really.
Oh the actors. Well, without them this drama wouldn't be possible right? But, you have to choose the right ones for the right drama, right? And they were right. All 3 of them are phenomenal.
Ji Chang Wook, our main hero, known as a Healer is a night errand boy who is taking a job offers for a right sum of money. He never shows his face nor his identity, but when the girl entered in his life, he started to change. He wanted to be more freer, to love, to do things what normal people do. He proved to me that he's not only a handsome and beautiful face, but very talanted young man who will get more and more recognised and respected in a future. He definitely became one of my favorite actors and I think that he totally deserves it. Plus, he's very hot. Hehehe, let me fangirl a little ok? His puppy dog eyes, his puppy and innocent face when he's sleeping, his big shoulders, really a manly one, his voice, hands, body everything is sexy and perfect. Oh, is it getting hot in here?
Park Min Young as Chae Young Shin. Hmm, first let me say that I'm not some fan of her, but I don't hate her either. But, after watching her in this, she's slowly getting my respect. Young Shin is a tabloid reporter who has her own life and problems. She's not just average female lead where her world is all about the main guy and she'll die if they're not together. NO, it's very opposite of that. She's very strong, strong-willed, cheerful young lady who likes to dance, sings and who feels loved by her 'dad' and his gang. She was abandoned when she was young, so she misses mother's love, but despite all that Young Shin is still living to the fullest. When she first met Healer, she got curious in him, but later that curiosity developed into something more... love! Maybe PMY wasn't the best actress for this role, but she made it very believable. Oh, and one more thing, I LOVE this kinds of female leads! She trusted him, believed and never questioned Jung Hoo's decision or choice. And respect to that! ;)
Yoo Ji Tae as Kim Moon Hoo- Man, that guy is the most complex and loveable character EVER. He can be a badass, but at the same time he's the most charming one. He's a reporter who is only playing fairly. His brother has a big secret, which involves Young Shin and Jung Hoo too and he's determined to find out the truth by all means. I loved his character and YJT portayed phenomenally. When he cried, I cried too, when he laughed, I laughed too. So, yes as for two main heros the same goes for him, I lived with these characters.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention the most hilarious, coolest Ahjumma EVER. She was the higlight of every single episode and her relationship with Healer was in a coo, but professional way. I waited and waited 'till I finally got what I was looking for all the time from Ji Na. The team work: Healer, Ahjumma, Moon Ho and Young Shin. And then I was like "Yes, I'm completed now!"
I didn't got bored even for a second. Every single episode got me at the edge of my seat and I was just thirsty for more. There is always something happening, so there really was no time to yawn and say "Oh, this is boring, I'll continue later."At least that was a case for me. This may not be the best drama out there, but it sure got my full attention and interest so I'm happy that I get to joined in a long list of those who appreciated this drama. Speaking objectively, I think that this drama deserves a high rating as it has right now and all the hype and craziness were reasonable.
Also the music is really good. My definitely the favorite one is the main song which describes the love between main leads, as I said before. It's been on my ringtone for days hehehehe ;)
I'll definitely, for sure rewatch this drama! It totally deserves it! I laughed, cried, felt happy, sad, angry, got feels while watching this so it's a pure and full 10 from me. I lived with this drama.
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Maybe not the best drama (or maybe not) but the perfect one for me...It's contains all the things I like : action, suspense, romance and comedy.
There wasn't any dull moment when I watched the show. I loved it from the beginning to the end and was never disappointed and even pleasantly surprised by the development of the story.
Thank you so much to the writer, Song Ji Na, who made some of my fantasies comes true and for the perfect cast.
I was already fond of Ji Chang Wook but the character of "Healer" made me fall over heels for this actor (like when Lee Jun Ki owned me after his performance in the drama "Hero" - where Ji Chang Wook played a supporting role!). I didn't know Yoo Ji Tae but now, I have to check his movies! And the hacker Ahjumma was so great.
I liked the chemistry between all the characters! Of course, the OTP was awesome but it wasn't the only relationship that made me enjoys this drama. I liked the relationship between Jeong Hoo and Moon Ho and all the other interactions (Healer-Ahjumma, Moon Ho-Moon Shik). All the characters from the leading to the supporting ones were well written.
What was the most pleasant thing for me is that there is always a moment in the dramas (even if the beginning is great) when the writer "invent" some sort of problems between the OTP which leads to some misunderstanding between the characters but there were none in this one and it was really REFRESHING!
Dont hesitate, just watch and enjoy this drama as much as I did!
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