Perfect Balance Between Romance and Thriller
When I started looking into popular Kdrama romances, Healer was one of the most popular and recommended shows. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure I would enjoy a show released almost ten years ago. I figured the production value, acting quality, and storyline would be outdated and problematic. I am so happy to report I was absolutely dead wrong! This show stands the test of time with an outstanding cast and story expertly balancing between an intense plot and epic romance.Let’s first talk about the chemistry - all of the actors worked well together, but the romantic relationship between So Jung-hoo and Chae Young-shin sizzled on screen. Although secrets kept them apart for much of the first half of the show, the second half more than makes up for that distance with plenty of skinship between the two (hugs, cuddles, kisses, etc.). I appreciated the time spent developing their emotional connection to one another, particularly when unveiled secrets threatened their burgeoning romance. The secondary characters were also memorable, particularly Kim Mi-kyung as Jo Min-Ja. Her character had a surprising amount of depth despite being regulated to working at the computer most of the show’s run.
The action sequences were intense and well-done. I know Ji Chang-wook is know for his action work, and it is on showcase in Healer. I did find the storyline to be rather confusing, although I think it worked perfectly well for the mystery aspects of the show. Mystery is not my genre of choice so I tend to miss red hearings and clues other sleuths may pick up. The show tied up lose ends well, although I do wish some more closure was given regarding the role of the Healer in the future.
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This review may contain spoilers
A WORTHY ADDITION TO THE DRAMA WORLD
Is this a good drama? Yes.Are its characters well developed, for the most part?Also yes.
But can it, at times, seem draggy and honestly, kind of boring?YES.
I can definitely see how and why people see this show as a certified classic, creme de la crème of the drama world, as it admittedly has one of the more interesting and gripping plots I`ve seen so far. Action, drama, revenge, not your typical run of the mill, ruined male protagonist... All of these are its good points, together with a great soundtrack. But I still have to hold it to a higher standard, being as popular as it is. This means that my praises are still valid, but criticism is harsher. However, despite it all, it somehow still leaves me wanting more and honestly, I don`t know why. This drama is one of those things which you can respect more than, really love. Like how Lars fon Trir is a great film director, but his films are mostly just not my cup of tea. This logic can be applied here as well. Some plot lines are rather regurgitated and brought back throughout this drama, that I also wasn`t a fan of. It`s a thrill ride up until episode 5, I would say, when it slows down for some actual character development but it also becomes strangely void. My favorite part of any drama is typically that down time, when we actually start to learn and care about our characters. Only, as a fan of quick and tight characterisation(present in "It`s Okay, That`s Love" for an example, where you immediately get the feel of the characters you`re presented with with their first lines), Moon Ho was effectively my favorite character, alongside Seo Jung-hu and Jo Min-ja, who is, to me, the most organically strong female character. Moon Ho has layers upon layers of personality and you only grow more interested in the next one as you peel the previous layer. He`s funny, jaded, charismatic and even though he didn`t get as much of screen time as I would`ve liked(this goes for Min-ja and Moon Sik as well), he owned every scene he was in. The older actors are a delight to watch and you actually feel the weight of guilt, corruption and fear they experience fully. The problem lies in the two main characters however. Or rather, the way they develop less and less as the show moves along. I just feel like for the amount of episodes they were given, Jung-hu and Chae Young-shin, deserved some more introspection. When Young-shin was talking and opening up about her abusive childhood in the second episode, I felt it rushed. It felt almost out of place, this early in the show, so I would`ve liked if they had taken the same approach to her backstory as the one they took to Jung-hu`s backstory, which was presented a lot more naturally. That one scene with his mother in the shaved ice shop is an AMAZING representation of good writing and I urge you, even if you won`t watch this, to see that scene, even all on its own, it`ll move you, for sure. His development however, is halted when the romance kicks into gear. And it`s like writers give up on his intellect as well, as he makes some really questionable decisions which, his character at the start of the show would never make, because of his intelligence. And this is the weakest part of the show. It might be unpopular, but due to the way it was presented, I actually wouldn`t have minded if Young-shin and Jung-hu didn`t end up together. I feel like that would be the final act of tying everything together so that each character can get his or her, fresh start.
The last five episodes are definitely draggy, so much so that I actually ended up watching them as background noise. It`s obvious that what they needed to develop, they haven`t really, while they spent A LOT of time on stories which are nonconsequential when compared to, say, Jung-hu`s and Ki Young-jae`s relationship, which I wanted developed SO MUCH as I loved his character too. But they kill him off so quickly, so he was basically a misplaced and mishandled plot device to further the story. At times, the mystery is handled well, like with throwbacks to the five friends and their time at the junkyard. Other times, it`s messy and chaotic, like Jung-hu trying to find out whether his dad is guilty or not. The action is top notch though. Sure, it`s outlandish and obviously a bit campy but it works, and I wish we got more of it.
Overall, this drama is good, but definitely overhyped for today`s standards. Though it revolutionized the drama game, it`s still far away from that title of timeless excellence, at least in my eyes. But as a good action, it`s definitely up to snuff.
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Watch this if you are in the mood for a mystery waiting to be unveiled, a swoon worthy romance, spunky female lead, and time for binging!
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Healer is a decent drama, made better by the cast it offered. The story was intriguing enough to come back to watch, though at times the pace varied up and down. For some odd reason, the music wasn't too memorable, except for maybe the main theme itself., it didn't exactly strike the chords perfectly for me.
My only complaint would be the ending, I am not going to spoil it but I felt as if the ending was rushed completely. It tried to cram in so much in a period of one hour that I got confused here and there, it would have been better if it was maybe fleshed out to two or three episodes than just one, would have made the drama even more better. The ending is the reason I decided to lower my rating, but nonetheless, it was a fun ride while it lasted, and most of all, the characters are memorable.
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The Epic Show
Its one show that has got me hooked(actually major kdramas have) but this one is different..Its perfect blend of romance+mystery+thriller..All the characters hav their own niche,their own story which blends perfectly with the main story.
Story:10/10..No comments on that...it has progressed beautifully till the end..no loose ends.
Acting/cast:10/10..The cast is incredible..playing their roles perfectly..
Music:10/10..Eternal Love has become my top song ..and it will remain my favourite till the end..and this was the first show where i heard english songs..
Rewatch value:10/10..i have watched it 3 times..
i recommend everyone to give it a try and u won't be disspointed..
Ps: i can't believe Ji chang wook had done many action scenes himself...and park min young is a beauty here
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This review may contain spoilers
My inner hopeless romantic has awakened.
Nothing is perfect. This series has a lot of little flaws and plot holes here and there, but without a doubt still deserves the popularity and praise it has received up till now.(warning: includes some specific scenes/details that may be spoiler to some)
I haven't watched very many kdramas so I'm not well versed in its world and cliches, but I have a very refined taste when it comes to what I consume. This series left such a wonderful aftertaste in my mouth that I can't find myself being satisfied with anything else for a long awhile. I started watching this randomly as it was on my bookmarks from a recommendation on some forum, but I never knew it would drastically awaken something deeply buried inside me: the young, hopeless romantic child in me.
CHARACTERS
In terms of character writing, I must say that the male lead has awaken the inner romantic child inside of me. It was my first time watching this actor and I couldn't help myself from staring at his beautiful, godly face. Holyshit he is HOT. I've never had a crush on an actor like this before, mind you. His face was perfect for his role, not to mention the character writing was obviously pandering to young romantics given the cliche nature of this "innocent but strong lone wolf falls in love for the first time" stereotype. But they handled that character really well in my opinion. It wasn't completely unrealistic and there were no extra gimmicks. He's just a very (highly) skilled antisocial man. The female lead character was also well-written to fit the male lead. She wasn't a damsel in distress that needed someone to save her, she was ambitious, enthusiastic, and fierce. I loved her upbeat, relatable personality with the dancing and singing and smiles. There are certain moments where she seems dumb with her choices but it wasn't anything irritating. To be honest I really loved the main characters writing. They seemed carefully crafted in fine detail with lots of thought put into. They were lovable to the point that you just want to meet them too. All the other characters weren't as memorable, but they weren't flat cardboard cutouts either. They did a fine job with the acting that you wouldn't really notice anything bad. You will be sucked into their world in no time.
ROMANCE
I was never interested in romance on kdrama until I watched this show. In fact, I skipped almost all the cheesy and borderline cringy scenes with main characters except for this one. The romance in this series was well-written, with natural depth and gradual development. I found myself getting interested and attached to their relationship, rooting for their happy ending. There were no unnecessary rivals, love triangles, misunderstandings. The love was pure and honest, they tell each other how they feel without beating around the bush or sappily dragging an incident all day long. Their chemistry would suck you in dry but will leave you wanting for more. For me, the way the developed feelings for each other was my favorite (the first few episodes when they met and interacted). Especially the scene where they were being hunted by a group of gangsters and she wanted to protect her junior. That was a very special scene to me out of everything this series had to offer (well, that scene AND the "spend the night under these white bedsheets" scene. Fuck, those two are just... chef's kiss.)
MYSTERY
I think this has the lowest points for me. The first few episodes were intriguing, but got confusing. There were hints scattered all around but I don't think all of them were picked back up again to be explained in the end. One example I could think of was Ji An's backstory. In the beginning it was apparent that she was traumatized after being abused and hit (which she ended up having broken ribs for), but it was never fully addressed in the end how it happened despite the trauma being a part of her while the story progressed (she gets seizures after seeing violence, and a little bit of flashback often appear). Who hit her? who abused her? because of the way the story was laid out, everyone would assume it was someone she knew, but I guess the writers wanted to leave it up to our own imagination. There are a few more instances like this, but overall it shouldn't be too much of an issue and you can just turn a blind eye on some of it.
ENDING
Not quite satisfying because they didn't show much of the characters lives afterwards (eg. what happened to the characters after being caught? The big brother? Ahjumma? Everyone else?) It felt a little rushed, but at least we were still given a lovely romantic scene at the end where the only thing the writers can assure us canonically is that they are now together and happy. That itself will be good enough.
MUSIC
I needed to address this so badly. The first episode hit me with that main soundtrack and I instantly fell in love. It was the first thing that made me want to keep watching because hot damn I can't get enough of that sound. I don't know what it is but I am in love with it. I was a little concerned about the way they overused it though. They used that main track for almost any scene - be it a funny, romantic, or suspenseful scene - often more than three times in one episode. I tend to enjoy my story through the music, because that's how I can reminisce and go back to particular moments in time with the characters. So now I don't know which scene I could associate that soundtrack to. I also need to specially mention their main romantic OST Eternal Love that plays usually at the end, during a romantic scene. The first time I heard it I thought of a band from my childhood that I used to listen to, and holyshit when I looked it up it WAS from them! Michael Learns To Rock! You have no idea how happy that made me feel, learning that one of my most precious favorite bands as a child was used in this precious, precious series. It made me love this even more. Those two were the most memorable ones to me, (maybe the cute little acoustic happy beat as well) but every other OST did its job very well.
OVERALL
I really enjoyed this story for the romance, which was the opposite of what I usually enjoy when watching series with concepts/mystery-driven plots. I've seen low-rated reviews and read them, and I think they have great valid points looking at this series in an objective manner (and perhaps it was simply not their preference). But for the most part, for everyone else who enjoyed this story, we were able to get past those little flaws and the series took us by the emotional level. Because of this series I wanted to draw Webtoon again. I wanted to write stories again. I even wanted to dedicate my own story heavily inspired by Healer as a character himself. His writing (the personality, looks) is just too... beautiful for me. It was all my fantasies in a full package tied neatly with a red ribbon and I never thought I'd find it. I never thought I'd the find the most fitting story for my taste in a korean drama.
Even as a writer myself, all the flaws and plot holes I noticed, I ignored happily. I can excuse whatever tiny bad details it has and give this series a shining, shimmering perfect score because of the way it made me feel.
I binged this show in two days, but I know it will stay in my heart for years to come.
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Park Min Young is cute! I watched her in What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim and Her Private Life. I have a chance to see her younger years. I can see why she is a great actress. She has no problem acting as Chae Yeong Shin. I am impressed at Ji Chang Wook’s acting. He has no problem with two personalities: Healer and Park Bong Soo. Yo Jo Tae is not bad, either. My important question is that why the hell Tae Mi as Kang Dae Yong barely have scenes? Her character is badass and strong woman who can fight! It is shameful that she doesn’t have a backstory as to why she joins with Healer.
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I really enjoy the way how things happened in the story and how the characters are solid and strong. My major disappointment here was the character Kim Moon Shik (Park Sang Won). I thought they could develop better his plot and close with more emotion. Sadly his ending was kinda tasteless considering how much he interfered in so many lives. But, put this behind, I liked the possibilities that the ending can give to us, what was different in "The K2" with your rush ending (I'm comparing a lot because I thought the male lead pretty similar in both dramas). But I expected that they could resolve the things with more details. I think this plot was so freaking insane and the end kind let an empty feeling, don't enough to call as a "gap" but that taste of "I could see more".
It was a great time of entertainment and I'm happy that I finally end this drama that so many people talk about. I'm happier because we have more that one song here! This is amazing! LOL. If you are looking for something cute and funny but also exciting and interesting, this will be a good choice for you.
P.S.: I already say that I love Ji Chang Wook? Aigooo, this cuteness!
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This is one of the best dramas I've ever seen in terms of directing. And it was not an easy one, since the genres are a little mixed and undetermined: action, journalism, melodrama and romance. You need someone qualified for this job: to get the right pace to make the action scenes thrilling and racy enough; to make the melo scenes touching and the romance scenes not to sappy. And director-nim did great at all those things.
About the cast. Well, Ji Chang Wook was definitely the man for the part. That mixture of Superman and James Bond really suited him. He's an amazing (and swoon worthy) actor.
Park Min Young was also great and her character is a lovable one. She's an easygoing yet brave and strong woman, which I appreciate every once in a while in a drama. The relationship between her and Healer feels natural and real.
And Yoo Ji Tae's charisma and presence fill the screen.
Everyone in the supporting roles is amazing, but I want to mention Woo Hee Jin, whom I loved in Moon Lovers, although she doesn't have much time on screen. And above all, Kim Mi Kyung. Actually, I don't know why her role is considered a supporting role, when her character is the key to Healer's success.
The music is good; maybe not extraordinary, but its use is so spot on in every scene that it feel great.
Not much more to say except that this is highly recommendable. Don't miss it and enjoy it.
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This review may contain spoilers
Healer or Ji Chang Wook always delivers
It's a good drama but, naturally, it has its flaws.The story was interesting and engaging up until episode 15. This could have easily been a 16 episode drama. The back story was sometimes confusing.
What put me off the most was the increasing eagerness to make Chae Yeong Shin afraid and/or repulsed by Seo Jung Hoo. She was the one who believe in his good side from the start, even before she met him, it makes absolutely no sense that she would be afraid of him after knowing him. It didn't seem natural to the character and so it made absolutely no sense to me to lead the story that way.
I liked the yearning, that's something I find myself missing in the dramas I've recently watched.
The OST is of its time, you can definitely tell it's an older drama because of that. It's very cringy at times but the start of the main theme and ending theme still get me excited.
Driving people to change for someone else will lead to resentment. I'm glad they put the parallel between being a journalist and a truth seeker, it's something that is missing in journalism today, they report without informing and without putting the truth above all else. Maybe watching this drama could inspire some journalists.
It disappointed me a little that they went with such tropes as asking the father for permission to date. Their meaning of being normal turned out being boring. You can be interesting and exciting without committing crimes. At least I'd like to think that I am. lol
I know he's supposed to be somewhat the best at everyhting but it didn't add up him being bedridden without any strength to push her out the door and in the next moment they have what seems to be hours of intense love making. He could barely open his eyes! Be for real! It took away the supposed "magic" of the moment.
Some other things don't add up but we'll leave it at that. It was a good watch nonetheless. The action was fantastic, Ji Chang Wook is one of the best in kdrama land.
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Watch it now! Thank me later
Finished Healer in 4 days. Why did I wait so long to watch this amazing drama ?! Every single thing about it is 10 stars - story, acting, music ... Still fighting the urge to watch it again right away :)It has everything - action, drama, thriller and romance, and all of that is packed perfectly into 20 episodes. No dull moment at all.
Most important thing is that the ending is not rushed and you don't have to wait until the end to see the love relationship forming. The timing is just right so you'll have a lot of time to enjoy it.
Also, I would like to add that I don't pay attention about the year of release. It was 2014 but it looks like it was filmed this year. It will never get old :)
This is now my No1 kdrama I would recommend people to watch first.
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My Favorite Drama Of All Time
It's hard to put my finger on just what made this drama so special. The writing, directing, and acting were all good, but it shouldn't have been revolutionary. I just finished my third rewatch of this show and have found that there is just something electric about it, from the chemistry between the leads to the fight scenes, there was always something to be endeared to. No other drama has connected with me the way this one does. I cannot recommend it enough, particularly if you like action, mystery and a little melodrama, its absolutely perfect.Was this review helpful to you?
