I was in "drama mood" so in that period U wasn't picky at all. I just read the synopsis then I decided to watch this drama without expecting anything from it.
2) Storyline/Plot:
The general story wasn't very special but it can't be considered as a one of K-dramas usual plots. However, it wasn't outstanding.
Positive Points:
*The storyline had a great dramatical depth which can make you tagged to its events.
*Main Genres:
--->Romance: This is a romantic story with all the meanings that the word "Romance" refer to; it was well written in order to make developments go deeper and deeper after each episode.
The romance here is the "mature" type, not like those childish romantic stories that we see everywhere but it's not very serious that would make you get bothered since they added moments to cheer the audience and keep boring moments out; i believe it was a smart move in order to maintain the great romance.
One more point, romance was a play of fate, a play of reality to show how true love can survive no matter what kind obstacles it faces; I know it's a little dreamy but it was cool in the drama.
--->Drama: I consider this drama as a dramatical romance, it's not the rom-com type so the dramatical side was heavily present and well done in some points.
It can be devided to several parts since the storyline was devided, the middle dramatical part was the best then there's some good parts at the beginning.
Negative Points:
*The romance is good but only the main leads romance existed; no side romantic stories that can change the mood a little. Yes, there was the usual Korean triangle but the side romantic stories were absent.
*The dramatical parts in the end were really annoying because it took a wrong turn after the 15th or the 16th episode; I had high hopes for that part and even though, it didn't end up badly but I wasn't satisfied.
Story: 8/10
3) Acting/Cast:
*Joo Jin Mo:
I have a great respect for him as an actor, I loved his previous roles and I really liked his role here, it wasn't an intense role but the way he handled things was really well done.
The character was a very strong at first, you can feel the hartred and pain in Lee Shin Jun's eyes then as the drama went on, many changes occurred, many dramatic moments were held by his character, it was intEresting to to follow his character developments but at the end, I noticed some unsatisfying changes in the character's personality but it's all up to the story's changes above.
*Lee Bo Young:
I don't know her as an actress which means that I am not familiar with her acting skills, here she was acceptable and moving in some points because the role was portrayed in a satisfying way.
The character, let's see, I wasn't fully taken by kang Eun seol's character and I never sympathized with her. The character was off sometimes, cheerful some other times, cool most of the time and what I clearly remember that it was really annoying starting from the 15th or the 16th episode.
*Other Cast: I am only familiar with some of them but I think their roles were nicely done, except some annoying characters, the supporting roles were okay.
Relationships:
--->Romance: The chemistry was good, like I said earlier it's one of the greatest romantic stories that I've ever seen plus the leads made it enjoyable "most" of the time.
--->The triangle: Most of the time they were really annoying to watch, I skipped those parts often, I tried to watch but they weren't any close to the sweet triangles that we usually know but I have to appreciate Kim Pil Seo's character since it was "mature"
--->The leads relationship with Lee Shin Jun's mother: It was really well done at first but when it took the obvious turns near the ending, I became uninterested.
Cast: 7/10
Acting: 8.5/10
4) The ending:
I liked the final obstacle, it was somehow unexpected and cool to watch. Nice closure but it doesn't deny that it was one of K-dramas classical endings.
The ending: 8/10
5) My impression (How did it affect me):
*I was really interested in this drama and that's the main reason I finished it fast.
*I wasn't bored but I have to admit that I skipped several parts in order to make my watching time equilibrated plus there were scenes that I didn't like.
*Is this drama memorable: Yes, I am keeping this drama in my mind as one of the greatest romantic dramas but not as one of the greatest dramas that I've ever seen.
My impression: 8.5/10
6) Overall:
*If you like romantic stories than this for you.
*If you're into romantic comedies, I don't think that this drama would suit your taste.
*Watch this if you're looking for a great male lead.
Overall: 8/10.
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Story: First, the revenge is way less gritty than it sounds. I thought the female characters revenge would make for a great turning point for the plot but the writers kind of dropped the ball and her "revenge" was more of an emotional one rather than of taking action which kind of gets repetative. I would have also liked it more if they cut it down to 16 eps. There are a lot of things that I would never guess would happen so the plot isnt predictable at least. The best thing about the story is the romance. Lots of angst to eat up and you pray there will be a happy ending in the midst.
Acting/Cast :Lee Bo Young is a hit or miss for me. I havent seen a decent drama with her in which she has chemistry with the male lead. Well of course here comes the attractive/great actor Joo Jin Mo and you got some HOT chemistry! Their relationship was off the charts sizzling. I didnt care for the supporting cast and found the second lead characters annoying/not relevant to the story.
Music: It fit the drama well but not memorable.
Rewatch: If it were a little shorter, i probably could watch it every year due to my love of the couple but i think this is some thing i can wait to watch in a few years.
Overall Queen of the Game is the most romantic drama you will see!
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This review may contain spoilers
Makjang Against All Odds
This drama is beautiful. One of the fine makjang Kdramas from the 2000s: almost every cliches are in it. I cannot write them here or I will spoil the story. You better watch it yourself. My guess that the rating is low due to it was made in 2006 and the viewers who rated it came from era after this site is established (2011), where Kdramas have shifted to supernatural, Kidols, or time travel theme. This drama gave me heart palpitation. For sometime I could not finish Episode 1 due to the intensity and angst. I feared the female character Eun Seol's life!What I like about this drama:
(+) The story is not boring. Although the main scheme is revealed in the middle of the drama, there are other plots to come. Even until a few last episodes. You won't get bored.
(+) Emphasize of the importance of family
(+) This melodrama is also balanced with light-humor scenes of the housekeeper and daughter relationship and the sycophant office assistant
(+) Chilling Shin Jun spying on Eun Seol scenes
(+) Touching love pledge and wedding scenes at the church
(+) Strong chemistry between Male Lead and Female especially since they meet very early in the first episode
(+) This is one of a few romance dramas that have older characters who played important roles with lots of screen times.
(+) Outstanding acting of actor Joo Jin Mo as the heartless and scheming Shin Jun brought by past pain and anger, turned to a romantically in love mad man.
(+) Amazing acting of actress Lee Bo Young as Eun Seol. She brought a smooth character growth from spoiled, snotty, but naive, doubtful heiress to hard-working, determined,impoverished, mature woman.
(+) Excellent acting of actress Na Young Hee as Shin Jun's alcoholic and psychotic mom
(+) Impressive acting of actor Han Jin Hee as Eun Seol's overprotecting dad and conniving businessman
(+) Great acting of supporting characters as individuals as well as relationship with other characters (I can say good non-romantic chemistry)
(+) Costume is relatable to modern day fashion. Not many clothing are outdated considering this drama is made in 2006
(+) Beautiful film location in New Zealand
What I don't like about this drama:
(-) Some dragging scenes and conversations, probably typical older Kdramas.
(-) A few unrealistic scenes, for example: Eun Seol length of pregnancy. She was still pregnant (not showing sign) although Shin Jun was released from the prison one year later.
(-) TOO many dialogues with 'what to do' sentences.
(-) Not sure why they have to 'redeem' Shin Jun thru amnesia. IMO it is better without amnesia incident, as Shin Jun will have either revenge or forgive Eun Seol
(-) Too many slapping scenes, especially slapping poor Eun Seol
(-) Excessive application of lip gloss for female characters. Even they put lip gloss on Eun Seol's deceased mother portrait!
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