Acting/Cast: Most dramas these days seem to enjoy casting idols as one of the lead roles. One of the reasons I wanted to watch this (aside from people always recommending it) was because of the fact that it had trained actors as leads. And you could definitely tell the difference. The acting by the cast of this drama was just tugging at my heartstrings a lot through the middle of the drama. Somewhat angsty moments had me absolutely bawling.
Music: A few of the songs were starting to get really repetitive as I watched this. They weren't bad songs, but they were the kind of songs you could only listen to so many time before wanting to mute it.
The songs were all good; they just needed to cut back on some of the replaying of them.
Rewatch Value: I really liked this show. I would love to watch it again in the future.
Overall: Overall, as much as I loved the acting and the cast, I had to give it an 8.
Much like a few of the songs in the show, the whole thing started to get really repetitive. It was the kind of drama where it was a constant back and forth of I-love-you-but-now-I-hate-you-but-I-really-love-you-when-I'm-not-hating-you a lot of the time. It got old. Very old.
One of my biggest pet peeves about shows that do things like that is that people never try to avoid misunderstandings. Instead of just mollifying the person who's misunderstanding, they just stand there and let the person's emotions fester. That also got very old.
I did love the character of Sam Soon though. Throughout the whole show, she never changed. She started off as a strong character, and she ended the show as one. She fell in love along the way, and had no problems crying over a man, but that didn't stop her from letting him control her life. In a lot of dramas, when a woman falls for a man, it's like she forgets who she is. This drama scored big with me for not going down that road.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Honesty is key- This drama made Hyun Bin unlikeable
That is a hurdle to tackle. Making Hyun Bin, one of the most charismatic and magnetic Korean actors working today, unlikeable. Thank God for CLOY in that sense-otherwise I might`ve remembered him as this arrogant, borderline psychopathic Jin-heon whose pathetic indecisiveness almost made me drop my first Korean drama. Alas, that didn`t happen. Like many mentioned before, it is important to acknowledge the good parts of this drama, which is obviously acting and even the story wasn`t written half bad. Kim Sun-a as Kim Sam Soon is great, she sells it completely(it`s kinda funny to see what Koreans back then thought fat was) it`s just that her character is so grading, also bordering on psychopathic. This drama shows two very unstable people falling in love(?) only their personalities, in reality, would never, ever work.The ending and kissing scenes are probably my favorite parts of this show, as the ending is strangely mature and complex, when compared to what we`ve been seeing so far- utter displays of unnerving immaturity on both sides. That being said, now I`m going to go in on just why this whole drama is so farfetched, and incredibly disagreeable. And it all pretty much stems from Hee-jin. Not her as a character, in it of itself, but just how many times she`s used as an excuse for both Sam Soon`s and Jin-heon`s problems. In fact, I commented on one of the episodes that, even though Jin-heon has ended up with Sam Soon, he`s still sus in my eyes, because up to the last episode, he was all about Hee-jin, despite having feelings for Sam Soon. He never once instilled that confidence in me of being over Hee-jin and his indecisiveness, coupled with a few scenes of Sam Soon plainly taking his disrespect just pushed me over the edge and had me giving this score to this drama. I love strong characters, and I don`t mind characters to whom I can`t relate, or even like, but I can`t forgive this hot-n-cold take just on the basis of first love. In "Coffee Prince", Han Kyul was also in love with someone for 9 years, but when it came down to it, he gave up. I just don`t feel like Jin-heon ever definitely gave up, though they were hellbent on proving that to us. It just didn`t work. And I also strongly dislike how their main troubles were related to that love triangle, as if they themselves aren`t a whole mess and a half to deal with. At times I felt exasperated, just HOPING that one of them will nip this at the bud and move on. Yet, they ended up together. I don`t know, the main leads, although brimming with chemistry, just mismatch as a couple due to their tempers. And when most of the story is about that, it becomes a chore to watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
The beginning episode was not what I expcted but as the drama continued it fell into the usual drama pattern. Although you can predict what will happen I really enjoyed this drama and have re-visited it quite a few time. I really enjoyed the relationship of the lead couple.
Was this review helpful to you?
Okay wait - there was one thing I didn't like about the drama and unfortunately it has to do with the ending. Still - that didn't ruin how much I love the drama, so maybe it won't bother you all as much as it did me? Aside from that, however, it was an awesome drama and I will continue to love it.
Also? Jealousy + Hyun Bin = ?
Was this review helpful to you?
Hyun Bin being a good actor is a given. This was my first time seeing Kim Sun Ah though and she's an amazing actress. Although she seemed to remind me of the Choi Kwang Hee in Protect the Boss at times, I liked how she played her character more. I found her more relateable and her acting more convincing from the fact that she actually showed tears to how she acted with her family. She was actually cute at times which made me forget about the large age difference between the actors, that and because Hyun Bin looks mature for his age. I thought that she and Henney were very cute together and wanted to see more of them as well. Henney's not ugly but he wasn't entertaining when he was with Hee Jin; neither was Hyun Bin for that matter. It's not because she's the other woman, because I've seen many shows where there's cute other woman, but she reminded me of Yoo Joo from Coffee Prince (who in my opinion made the most annoying, overly mushy couple with Han Seong in all the Kdramas I've seen so far). I pitied her, but her character really annoyed me. There are pitiful characters who can be mean too, but I didn't think that she could pull it off. Moving on, I've seen Lee Ah Hyun from Mary Stayed Out All Night and thought that she fit the role of the sister in this much better; I liked her more maybe because she wasn't freeloading like in her other role. After watching who they paired her up with in this show, I had to look up her age because it seemed weird to me. She definitely doesn't look her age. I need her beauty secret! Lee Kyu Han was one of my favorite characters in this drama. That guy never gives up, and his facial expressions and reactions are so comedic. I'd give the acting/cast a 10 if it wasn't for the Yoo Joo character. Some people may like mushy, but I can't stand it so I gave the cast an 8.
I don't really remember the music being good or bad so I gave it a 5 and I would stop and watch if I saw this playing somewhere, but I don't think I'd rewatch the whole series so I gave it a rewatch value of 5 as well.
Overall I really enjoyed this drama and would give it an 8 because while I did find it funny and entertaining, I tend to have a mean sense of humor according to people around me, so I'm not sure if it was really meant to be interpreted the way I saw it or if I'm somewhat delusional (which you probably didn't want to hear after reading this whole thing). Basically if you want something that's charming and romantic, this isn't really the drama for you. However, if you're up for something that's not quite typical, and can laugh at pitiful things (that sounds mean but I'm not sure how else to put it), then I recommend this drama. Also, watch Sercret Garden first or you might not be able to watch it later and because I'm not sure if you can stand Hyun Bin in this without believing he really is that mean and disliking him.
Was this review helpful to you?
First the story...it is a well thought out concept. Breakups, first loves, and the story of loving yourself so that others will love you too is so well written and directed.
Acting/Cast...Sun Ah does an amazing job as Sam Soon. I totally love Sam Soon. She is an amazing strong character while maintaining her vulnerability. The reason I watched this drama was Hyun Bin. I think he did a great job playing Jin Hun. He was a complex boy that grew into a steady man. I loved when he poored out his heart to Sam Soon while laying his head on her tummy.
I think all the other actors did an amazing job and the side stories are well done. The relationship between Sam Soon and her sister, Yi Young deserves a mention because the characters are wonderful together. Then of course there is the other eye candy...Henney Daniel and Lee Kyu Han. They did a great job acting too.
The music was great...I loved them using Only Fools Rush In. It is perfect for this movie. "I can't help falling in love with you"
I will rewatch this drama when I decide to start rewatching my favorites.
I think you should all watch this at least once!!! Enjoy!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
What I liked most about it was definitely the cast. Everyone fits their role really well and the characters grew on me a lot. Especially Kim Sun Ah's acting as Sam Soon is amazing.
The plot was also well-written, even though I had some issues with it. One is that they could have done a lot more with Daniel Henney's character but somehow I just feel that he didn't add much to the story even though there was potential for it. I also have to admit that I was annoyed a lot with Hyun Bin's character, especially in the second half of the story. I know that it's usually the case in these Rich Guy/Poor Girl type of dramas, but he should have acted more considerate towards Sam Soon.
Despite the issues I had with the plot it was still a great drama and I really enjoyed watching it. The show just had "heart" and I could relate to the characters really well. It was also very funny and made me actually laugh out loud (which doesn't happen very often).
All in all, I'm glad I watched this drama and if you're looking for a fun rom-com this drama is highly recommended!
Was this review helpful to you?
Endearingly real, vulnerable and funny
This has been my fourth time watching this drama, I wanted to see if it's still as good as I thought it was; I'm happy to say that YES IT MOST CERTAINLY IS!My Lovely Sam Soon has got to be my all time favourite drama, it encapsulates everything I want to see in a drama and doesn't have the things that I don't like to see.
This drama is real, it is unselfconscious and unabashed; that is quite rare in kdramas.
Sam Soon is a female lead who is mentally and emotionally strong, yet vulnerable; she stands up for herself when it is necessary to do so, she doesn't take any nonsense from anyone, she is not ashamed to articulate what she wants, how she wants to be treated and what she will not tolerate from a man. She is intelligent, knowledgeable and wise, I love the way she communicates, often peppering her speech with allegories and metaphors to get her point across.
She is fun to be with, our male lead often makes reference to this when he's trying to articulate how he feels about her. Sam Soon has a special knack for getting under people's skin, in a good way.
I especially enjoyed watching the progression of the main relationship, their constant bickering had me in stitches in most of the earlier episodes.
Our male lead Jin Hun starts off extremely arrogant and selfish, but Sam Soon brings him to heel pretty darn quick, and the process is both hilarious and heartwarming, watching these two fall in love is what makes this drama so special.
The second female lead is not roadblock central like in other dramas, she's sufficiently annoying but I felt that she actually served some purpose other than just being a hindrance to the main couple, she helped Jin Hun to mature and make some grown up decisions.
I also loved the way the disapproving wealthy mother of the male lead was not made the centre of the story like in other dramas, her objection is noted but it doesn't overwhelm the narrative. It's also refreshing to see Jin Hun stand up to his mother and he also has some bargaining power with her which makes for some entertaining back and forth between them.
There isn't anything that I can criticise in this drama, it's very real and the characters tackle their issues in a mature and straightforward manner, there is very little sugar coating and childish cutesy antics, I especially loved this about the drama; I'm often frustrated by kdramas which present a story of two people falling in love, then when they do fall in love with each other they start acting childish, can't give each other a decent hug or kiss and generally descend into nonsensical time filling antics until we reach an unsatisfying finale which is lacking in logic, even if it is presented as a happy ending.
My Lovely Sam Soon is very realistic and the ending is very much in keeping with this realism.
I absolutely love this drama!
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
I'm going to start with the characters first because I believe that's where the strength of the show lies. Sam Soon was an amazing heroine. I loved that she was not the cookie-cutter drama girl. Sam Soon was chubby and loud and sometimes had a bit of a potty mouth. She was a force to be reckoned with. However, Jin Hun as a hero, was a bit weak. I don't think he was ready for the storm that was Sam Soon. She came into his life and restarted his "clock" which was stunted after a life altering accident. He was stuck in the past, mourning his lost family and lost love Hee Jin...who comes back to Korea just as Sam Soon and Jin Hun are starting to make a connection.
This was where the drama got frustrating for me, even though I continued to watch in hopes that Jin Hun would mature and be a worthy love for our girl Sam Soon. He had his moments where I loved him, and moments where I nearly hated him. The two did have some sizzling chemistry together, but then he would ruin it by saying something childish and mean...I know that his words were not true, and so did Sam Soon, but it was hurtful all the same and I didn't feel he did enough to make up for it a majority of the time. I think Jin Hun also didn't do enough to clear up the inevitable misunderstandings that he caused.
Hee Jin was a second lead female that you couldn't bear to hate, but at the same time just wished she would move on already and not tie Jin Hun to the past that he'd just started to let go of. Henry, played by the handsome Daniel Henney, was a refreshing character who I felt was under-used. His interactions as a non-Korean speaker with Sam Soon, a non-English speaker were a treat as they tried to communicate in broken Konglish. Hee Jin should have snatched that man up right away and forgotten all about immature Jin Hun.
I was entertained by this show and can see where it may have broken a lot of drama tropes for its time. My heart squeezed for Sam Soon many times. Sam Soon wore her heart on her sleeve and it was hard not to be moved by the emotions that she was feeling. I was a bit disappointed by the ending, but it was not a bad ending. I don't care if it would have been cliche, I just expected a little....more.
The hair and clothes in this show are quite out of style now (2016), as well as the technology, but I don't think they detract too much from watching this now.
As a classic K-drama, I would recommend it when you are in a drama lull and need something to fill a void, but I wouldn't say that you need to rush to watch it. The storyline can be a little slow and repetitive - I mean how many times must we watch Sam Soon's heart get broken before she gets her happy ending? My final judgment is that I have a sort of love/hate feeling towards this show. I don't know if I would ever re-watch it or not.
Was this review helpful to you?
So we're back in 2005, over 6-7 years ago. A rather youthful Hyun Bin delivers a performance that easily matches his role in Secret Garden. For some reason though, the writers still demand that he plays rather outrageous and unbelievable characters with little common sense that people could relate to. It's a Korean drama, so no big surprise there. Take that for granted and you will enjoy the performances of the other leads as well. Kim Sun-A as lead Kim Sam-Soon delivers a (relative to other dramas) very realistic performances which clearly translates itself into the ratings it received when it first aired. The other actors and actresses don't disappoint either, all of them give credible performances. Special attention deserves to go out to the performances of Yun Ye-Hee as Yoon Hyun-Sook (President Na's secretary) and Lee A-Hyeon as Kim Yi-Young (Sam Soon's sister) for both giving very good performances.
The usual paragraph that I spend on complaining about how the support characters did not get enough screen time can be kept short for this drama. The only issue I have is that a few ends remain loose and the fact that we lose sight of a few other supporting characters. I wish they would just cut the flashbacks accompanied by music and award the time to characters such as Lee in-Hye (played by Han Yeo-Woon ), Jang Young-Ja ( Kim Hyun-Jung ) and cute little Mi-Joo ( Seo Ji-Hee ].
The script is not very unfamiliar for those that have seen Bridget Jones' Diary, but there is enough Korean culture mixed into this drama in order for it to come across as original. It also makes this drama more daring than many of the popular dramas that have followed since. Many of today's dramas don't dare or simply don't care about that additional level of realism. I wish they'd try more though, but this is really an achievement that sets this drama apart from others.
I wasn't exceptionally moved by the music in this drama, although Bonbons au Chocolat was a very touching instrumental track, played throughout the drama in a few different variations. The slower ones were the better ones in my opinion.
I would recommend this drama, most definitely. It is ageing rapidly though, so if you're trying to catch up on kdrama's from the past, let this be high up on your list.
7/10
http://www.reddit.com/r/KDRAMA/comments/llv67/my_name_is_kim_sam_soon?_???_???_2005mbc_more/
Was this review helpful to you?
