Perfect combinations!
Where should I even start from?The skilled action scenes that are just perfect enough to create tension without being too draggy, the natural comedy that is much needed after intense scenes, especially when it appears in least expected scenarios, the medical aspect that is flawlessly intertwined with the military portion of the drama, or should I start from the love story itself?
Many dramas have a mixture of genres, but fusing them together so beautifully is what matters, and this drama not only succeeded at it, but you may say it mastered it even!
There really were no dull moments across the whole drama, which is quite rare honestly. Usually, somewhere in the middle, dramas seem to lose their charm, making the audience wish to just finish it off as quickly as possible, just to get to the end, and this is definitely not the case here at all. In fact, not sure if it is a plot driven or character driven story but it seems to be a mixture of them both as well, so there's always something that is developing whether it is the story line or the characters themselves.
So let me summarise the things I appreciated and loved the most about the drama...
~STORY pace
Its relatively fast pace is very easy to follow without getting bored at any time, especially since there's always something happening, almost as if there's no time to breathe. Having said that, even withing its action pack plot involving natural disaster for instance, it has its own moments of peace and tranquil, where characters are seen, reflecting, regretting, laughing, crying, mourning...growing really, keeping it very balanced and realistic.
Talking about the love story in particular, I'm quite surprised how though their professions are the polar opposite, there's still some sort of commonality which acts as the base upon which their relationships develops. The secondary couple's love story is worth mentioning too, just like each and every other characters's story as well.
It is truly admirable how it manages to keep a high quality from the very first episode till the last one.
~CHARACTERS, every single one of them!
It is very rare to find a drama where every character is loved, and this is one of those dramas for sure. In fact every character in this drama seems to be a scene stealer, whether they appear for one or many scenes, it feels like they've always been part of the story! Be it the medical or military team, the way each one of them showed their courage, vulnerability, sincerity and humanity is really commendable!
Not only the chemistry between the leads is heart touching, heart flattering or even heart wrenching, the chemistry between every other characters in general is what keeps the drama tied up together till the very end. So every emotion comes across very sincere and heartfelt.
Special mention to the acting of the lead couple, the way their eyes conveyed so much throughout the drama, maybe even words couldn't do justice in those scenes, so very well done to both Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo. Also the secondary couples' chemistry was top notch too, as most of the time they were parted, still their love and passion towards each other was very evident.
If you are wondering if it is a 'over-hyped' drama, then let me tell you that that's what I thought too, and then decided to give it a go after all these years. Eventually I was surprised myself realising how it didn't disappoint me at all! So I would of course recommend this drama if you want to experience an adventure of sincere love, team work at best and honest portrayal of vulnerable emotions.
PS. The cinematography is wonderful, whether it is how beautiful locations were shot or even how the disastrous settings were created and filmed very realistically! The OST also was very adequate, which helped enhance emotions and create unique atmosphere.
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Descendants of the Sun is unique in its storyline
This drama has a combination of amazing music, fabulous scenaries, great cast, each and everyone of the characters are built in great detail, both main couples have an extraordinary chemistry, there is constant action, is not boring, has rommance and comedy, but I think the storyline is the most important of all. Setting the controvery bewteen the different missions of doctors and the miltary, by saving lives or killing to protect people, opens up the different perspectives the characters have to face, learn and then accept that is what happens in real life.Furthermore, the drama brings up moral values, patriotism, love for the country, love for their professions, fulfilling duties, honorable actions, all of that so devaluated these days.
There are two scenes worth mentioned, whe they are standing facing the flag every morning and the honor to those hurt in the earthquake. The main character said he always protects "the beautiful women, the elderly and the children." There was no one moment I didn't enjoy this drama. The part of the "speakers on" were everyone heard her message is hilarious. Also worth mention is the Private Kim Ki Bum character, it starts as a supporting cast but for me he became part of the main cast, that relevant was his performance.
I have watch Asian dramas for many years now, and I can say this is at the top of my favorite Korean dramas.
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Love the Song-Song Couple on this drama
Loved the Song-Song couple in this drama. The story is engaging and is the type that will keep you wanting to watch until the end. The couple started out bickering but quickly enough, SJ got attracted to MY. The setting as well as the story gave a nice backdrop to the blossoming romance between the two. The Song-Song couple truly was very nice to watch together onscreen. The chemistry between the support leads is really good too. I wish they will have their own drama where they will be the leads. [kdramabinge.com]Was this review helpful to you?
Saruman thrillingly approves!
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Beautiful
This was my first ever K drama and I couldn't wish for sometime better.I liked it very much and cried a lot (no spoilers though;3)
I have and unauthorised fable for military dramas/guys since I watched that.
And I love when someone shows off with skills and knowledge which they do a lot here.
On top of this it has humour at all the right places and a brilliant bromance too!
I don't really wantch straight romance dramas anymore but once in a while (mostly when I need comfort-) I come back to this and enjoy a good drama :3
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Once something drags on for too long, i normally get the strongest urge to skip parts, because i get impatient, but i did not skip any scenes in this drama, and that scores highly in my book of dramas.
I don't like dramas that have things moving along very quickly, and are shallow with no in-depth analysis of some kind, but this drama shows an almost perfect balance between comedy, romance, reality, and the seriousness that comes from all of them combining. I definitely recommend giving this a go!
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Great romance! and AMAZING ending
So I initially started this drama back when it was airing, then life happened and I never finished (I had two episodes left). However, I liked it very much then and I really wanted to cross it out of my watchlist. So after 5 years, I was finally ready and rewatched it again, and oh boy was I in for a ride.The chemistry between the leads was there from the get go. Their acting was great. The music was simply outstanding and added extra value to all the most important moments. There was no silly love triangle, and the second leads were also superb. I remember watching it the first time I was head over heels for Sergeant Seo and had exactly the same opinion as MyeongJu when they ask if she likes the ML. Watching it this time, I could finally understand why so many women and girls were squeeling for ML, as the actor and his character were so charismatic and so confident that you could not help it just love him the way FL did.
The things I liked less was horrible English thrown here and there by ML mostly but some other secondary characters too, it was really cringy and did not match the emotions of the scenes they were used in (however kudos to the FL, she portrayed the emotions well even when she was speaking in English, and it was actually decent). The same sentiment goes to most of the supporting non-Korean cast, their acting was less than great...
Additionally, while the story was interesting and well written, the show could have easily finished after the doctors return to korea.. The ending of that episode was good and wrapped everything up. However, the rest of the episodes were engaging and served the viewers some GREAT romantic scenes, heartbreak and everything in between so who am I to complain?
Judging the drama by the standards of all the tv shows ever made it is definitely not perfect and some flaws are very significant. Judging by the standards of romantic tv shows and especially romantic kdramas? It is outstanding. Cheese, chemistry, love, emotional OST and finally finally a great ending not sometime in a thousand years or in another life but here and there for the characters I so easily came to love. If I had to evaluate the joy this drama brought me it would be 12/10.
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Sometimes too cheesy but still a good watch
Saw the show after hearing so much hype around it and it certainly didn't disappoint. From the action to the story arcs, everything was well executed. There were moments where it felt a little dragged and sometimes to cheesy but overall was a good watch.The humor was quite on point and gave some really good memorable moments, be it the dance during the idol concert or trying to stop the girls from opening the parcel.
The show gives you all you need from an army based show and tells about all the sacrifices the soldiers make to protect the country and their loved ones.
Song- Song couple might not be together in real life but for sure will remain one of the best onscreen ones till now. SJK as a soldier and SHK as a doctor were perfect casting. I was skeptical at first regarding SJK playing an army officer as he doesn't really has that stature but he did justice to his character.
KimJiWon as always nailed the character and her love story arc with JinGoo was cherry on cake. Her being a feisty and extroverted girl while him being calm and composed. Both helped each other grow and face problems together instead of running away.
The show's ost was quite good too and matched well with the vibe os the show and characters.
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Acting wise, I felt like it was OK. No memorable performance. Some cute romantic scenes, sure.
The soundtrack was enjoyable.
Overall, I would say there are better dramas out there to invest your time in.
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i did not expect to enjoy this as much as i did
when i think of all the negatives about this show in terms of plot and storyline, it *should* be enough to bring my rating of it down but i think i just really liked how low-commitment it was. the plot is not as heavy as other shows because so many things happen, its like theres a new plot every 3 episodes.the relationship between the main leads was kinda repetitive; it wasn't really progressing and i kept expecting something to happen but it was really just cheesy flirting and teasing (which i'm ok w, but i also wanted to see development) there are other things i want to say about them but i think the top review already touched base with everything else loll
my favourite part of this drama was the balance between emotion and lightheartedness. there is a great blend of comedy and drama that i haven't seen in any other drama so far. i think onew and song joongki delivered extremely well; their acting is unmatched.
ESPECIALLY onew during the earthquake arc. his scenes got me right in the heart. he acted out the raw and pain so well, a complete paradox to his usual bubbly and cheerful character. i also want to point out kim minseok's character, kim kibeom. he's one of my favourite characters and it was so fun to see a delinquent become an army man and be almost a younger brother to his superiors.
the main positive for me about this drama is the acting for me honestly. i think all the main actors did their job exceptionally well. episode 15 had me bawling my eyes out LOLZ!!! it did feel a bit long (16 episodes) but i enjoyed it and i didn't feel like i wasted my time yay!
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