But, the effects are really good, and the main leads have a very nice and fun chemistry. I think it really does cause the viewer to wonder what their stance is about falling in love with a robot, but a beautiful robot like Kang Joon is. It changes your stance and views on whatever you think you can love. It's an interesting watch for romantic comedy fans and sci-fi fans.
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A solid drama
Overall, this is a solid, enjoyable drama that I would recommend to anyone who likes romances where one person is human and the other is not. I'm really impatient and only fast forwarded a little and I finished the show, but it had some issues.Cast: This was my favorite thing about the show. The cast was excellent, especially Seo Kang Joon and Lee Joon Hyuk. SKJ really killed the 2 performances of Nam Shin 3 and human Nam Shin. You could see in his mannerisms, expressions and even how he walked exactly who was who. LJH had great chemistry with him which was remarkably different whether SKJ was playing NS3 or human NS. The other members of the cast were great too, although some of the characters were a little flat, I still think they all did a good job.
Writing: The unfortunately was my least favorite part of the show. It wasn't terrible, but there were 2 big issues that stood out for me. First, the pacing was way off, especially at the end of the show. There were times when it felt too rushed and other times where it dragged too much and it felt like it would be pretty simple to fix just by moving around when things happened. Second, the female characters where not super well written. They mostly came off as annoying and one dimensional, which is a real shame. The male characters were much better which is unfortunately a common issue.
Music: Was fine, didn't stand out.
Rewatch Value: I might rewatch it someday but I think the rewatch value is just ok.
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This review may contain spoilers
Extremely good drama!It's a story that has a hint of sadness following it but the comedy in it suppress that. The ending brings it all out it a beautiful tragic way but don't worry though, it still has a happy ending! My one complaint is the the story definitely drags a lot. Once the human Nam Shin wakes up, the ball truly starts to get rolling. It's a story thats a story with a It has a satisfying ending. The Female lead could be heartless at times but she eventually redeems herself in the end. If you need a slight melodramatic drama with a strong FL I recommend this! Was this review helpful to you?
The plot is fast moving and contains many layers of questions that keep you watching (can a robot be a human? can a human fall in love with a robot and vice-versa? who will end up running the company? who will be left standing at the end?) The plot is unique in covering some moral/ethical concepts around duty, responsibility, and doing what's right. There's also enough humor to break up the mood. This drama is NOT for anyone who likes clever intrigue/thriller/mystery plots - no one acts in strategic ways.
The show succeeds due to Seo Kang-jun playing both Nam Shin and Nam Shin III (robot) as different personas with different tics/habits, and mannerisms. He is distinct and electric in both roles. Lee Joon-hyuk as Ji Young-hoon plays his role as pragmatic, corporate strategist with hidden motivations extremely well.
Everyone else fades in comparison.
Music was fine, there are some great rescue scenes to rewatch.
I grade on other criteria as well:
Complex Themes - 9
What qualities make a human being a human? Can a robot prove to be more kind, generous, brave etc. than a human being? What do we owe to each other? What makes a family? Can emotional/psychological abuse turn a person into what they hate the most? (Not a 10 as these themes are not followed all the way through to the end)
Character complexity/evolvement - 7.5
Characters have complex backstories and motivations, and the story will revisit plot points from different points of view. However, they act in very sterotypical drama ways. In the end, they are the same characters as in the beginning.
Complex roles for women- 5.5
The women while supposedly in high powered roles/very strong people, just act like one-dimensional plot points. Almost 100% of their dialogue is devoted to the men of the show.
Production budget/cinematography - 7.5
Competent enough that you believe he is a robot. Camera angles/shots/cinematography is very bare bones. Fashion for the men is competent, but for the women is terrible.
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But after a few epsiodes the bad writing became obvious to me. I guess I would have enjoyed it more if it was more character driven and would have fleshed out the characters more. What makes the evil guys be evil? I thought even with the unique premise did the story contain lots of clichees and overdone tropes that made the drama feel kind of old.
The acting was cute and fitted the drama and the robot did feel like a robot.
One part of the watching experience is also the music that goes along with the drama. I found the music to be pretty generic and at one point some songs got a bit annoying. K-Dramas have the tendency to overuse parts of their OST, especially the dramatic ones.
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Robot-human romance drama that will give you the feels and chills
Sci-fi romance drama that earned lot of internal screams from me. I love how exciting the story was made and it was very consistent from beginning to end unlike other dramas that will catch your interest in the first few episodes and fails you towards the end.I wasn't really expecting anything much on this drama since everything seems normal, even the female lead is a new face to me. I was just really hooked with the plot premise of an AI and human love story and I keep getting anxious on what kind of ending this drama will give me. Thankfully, it didn't disappoint me at all.
If there's something that I really loved on this drama, it was Kang SeoJoon's praise-worthy portrayal of jerk NamShin and NamShin3. There was this look on this face that I didn't confuse the two of them. As soon as I saw his expression on the screen, I know for sure if he's jerk NamShin or the robot NamShin3 which is not an easy feat for any actors/actresses. The female lead is kinda so-so for me. The first few episodes gave a bad impression of her for me. The other supporting leads actually made the plot more interesting making you wonder on which side are they leaning.
The first few episodes setting is so picturesque. I'm not sure though if they really did the shoot on Czech Republic. I just love the ambience I guess. Even the houses featured emit different attitudes.
Overall, this drama is pretty much average but the consistency made me love this drama. It keeps my interest going without failing me. I didn't need to binge-watch the drama to appreciate it because it's easy to pick up where the episode ended. This is definitely a recommended drama for me.
P.S: I edited the rating because I realized how much I loved this drama because I kept thinking about it even if it's been months since I watched it. I keep singing it's OST as well.
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An Enjoyable Watch
【Ｓｔｏｒｙ】6.5The premise of this drama is fun and exciting. Though I find the implementation of that premise to be a mixed bag. Over all broad view it's a great story, with a lot of excitement. I really like the story beats, as well as the twists and turns the story takes.
Sadly, the path to to these story beats is marred by the writing. This drama heavily relies on character emotion to drive the story forward. But, it uses this tool like blunt weapon with no grace. Characters will often do something irrational, with no plan or purpose behind their actions, using emotion as an excuse. This is hard to explain without spoiling anything, but the best example of this comes as soon as episode 2, between the male lead and the female lead, and continues throughout the show.
【Ａｃｔｉｎｇ／Ｃａｓｔ】9
I absolutely adore the cast in this drama. Every casting choice feels spot on and everyone really embodies their roles.
I'm knocking off a point for Park Hwan Hee crying scenes. They just feel uncomfortable because of the bad fake crying.
【Ｍｕｓｉｃ】10
Nothing much to say about the music. It is used when it is appropriate and the music fits the scenes.
【Ｒｅｗａｔｃｈ Ｖａｌｕｅ】3
Once you have watched it once, I don't think you will get anything new from a rewatch. I also don't think it would be all that enjoyable once you know the story twists.
【Ｏｖｅｒａｌｌ】7
It is an enjoyable watch, but don't expect it to be life changing. If you are like me you will enjoy your time watching this show, but will also be annoyed with the way every most actions seem to have no real rational behind them.
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Human x Robot story with fluffy romance
Positives: Overall a nice drama with cute romance, funny moments and schemes. It has nice visuals.Personal negatives: The story started strongly, but became less interesting over time, it wasn't too deep and didn't delve much into the problem of existence of robots. It is more for people who want something where you don't have to think too hard (not for me).
The drama had a promising start, the story was interesting. What didn't make sense to me was how the mother could leave her child so easily, there were also other absurd things further in the story.
I liked when So Bong didn't know Nam Sin III was a robot and I wish this tense relationship would last a little bit longer. After So Bong figured it out and started liking him, it became too fluffy for me. I would also appreciate more physical romance, I really missed more passion - we got many hugs, but only few kisses. I guess they thought that viewers could feel weird about it, when he is a robot. They could have just gone for it though, when its human x robot romance, and the robot is supposed to be a thinking creature.
Not all of the characters were well written. Despite all the things he has done, Jong Gil didn't feel too evil, I actually resented Nam Sin's mom more. So Bong was strong, but too bland and her father was that classic parent we often see in comedies, I do not like these kinds of characters because the comedy feels too forced.
Many problems of Nam Shin III being a robot were left shallow, when other people found out he was robot, they were shocked at first, but accepted him quite quickly. The people didn't question his feelings that much.
The classic fighting over who gets the company, was a bit boring. Especially the last few episodes, that were filled with it felt slow. I wish they would wrap it up sooner. The ending itself was predictable, they never convinced me, that Nam Sin III was dead for good. I was also upset, that it was never revealed that Nam Sin's dad didn't just fall to his death, but that he was killed by Jong Gil.
The actors did quite a good job. Notably Seo Kang Joons acting was very good. In the beginning I couldn't even believe that the two characters were played by one actor, like even their facial features seemed a bit different - robot Nam Sins face looked softer, like can he shapeshift? :D Maybe it was because of the different hair style, I guess the stylists did a good job. Anyway, you could really tell which character was on the screen if you just saw him walk. I also liked Lee Joon Hyuk, his character seemed a bit mysterious and I was rooting for his friendship with robot Nam Shin.
As a Czech person, I enjoyed the appearence of Czech Republic (even if it was sadly only in the first episode), I assume they choose it because Czechs coined the word robot. I have to say Kang Joons Czech was quite good. But it was also funny hearing Koreans pronounce Czech words. I don't know if it was intentional, but the robot Nam Sins pronounciation seemed better than the human Nam Sins, who didn't grow up there.
The music was OK, I liked one OST, but other than that nothing was too memorable. The special effect were really good, like his robot parts, when he got hurt, fit in nicely and didn't look weird, I also liked how his eyes changed.
I actually enjoyed the drama up to like 12 episodes, but I slowly started to loose interest. I am being quite critical above, I am just stating what I noticed (because I think a lot), but it was a nice drama overall.
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This show is incredible. I’ve never been much interested in sci-fi dramas and came across this one totally by chance. But now, I'm really thankful to god that I encountered such a masterpiece! I binge watched the series and absolutely loved it.'Are you human too?' is a show that will leave you awestruck after each and every episode! The plot is perfect, story is perfect, cast is perfect and cinematic experience is so amazing! Seo Kang joon's acting is absolutely mind boggling, his ability to portray two very contrasting characters had me stunned more than once throughout the drama. In certain scenes where it’s quite impossible not to show human emotions, he maintains his robotic persona without fault. He’s so extremely lovable in one scene and as soon as his second character comes on the screen, you feel this undeniable hate.
I could relate to both Nam Shin 3 and Nam Shin as both were correct in their respective places. You'd despise the human Nam Shin and his psychopathic behavior but just think once, what does it feels like to loose your everything to a complete stranger? We've grown up watching movies that show how machines and robots could turn into evil and harm mankind. But what if it's the other way around? This drama shows how the creators can become their own destroyers over greed and ego. Presenting this angstful side of human nature just brought life to the whole drama and made it one of its kind.
Lee Joon Hyuk is a special mention here as he pulls off his role amazingly and makes the entire plot so thrilling. Also, I really felt that the connections between the male and female leads were so heartwarming. Be it his mother or his bodygaurd, the relations were pure and full of unconditional love.
This show hit me hard because it's way different from the old school love between human and robot.(as if it's possible you may say xD). Since this is a fictional sci-fi drama, you can not expect everything to be realistic. At some point you may feel that things are going overboard, but my only suggestion to you would be: ignore the little mistakes, watch it as a fantasy drama and keep your realistic logics aside for a while. This way, You’ll definitely enjoy this fun filled drama.
Moreover, I don't know who categorised this under pure romance genre as to me it seemed more of a political thriller and mystery drama. Bits of romance and comedy in between are just cherry on the top of the cake. The story includes so many things at the same time, that it'll leave you longing for more episode after episode. As the story unfolds, you get to dig deeper into the roots of hidden secrets.
VERIDCT: If you want to experience love, friendship, happiness, heartbreak, honesty, rivalry, politics, mystery and all sort of emotions at one place, this show is a MUST WATCH!
PS: OST of the drama is just heavenly and blends well with the scenes. It drowned me so much that i'm listening to it on repeat on Spotify right now
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This review may contain spoilers
Had low expectations for this drama but was pleasantly surprised. It's my first time watching Seo Kang Joon and I was very impressed by his performance. Acting out duel roles can be very tricky and hard to execute properly, and I thought he did an excellent job to the point where I could have mistaken him for 2 separate actors. He nearly impressed me as much as Yeo Jin-Goo in The Crowned Clown (although that show still takes the cake for Top 5). I was hoping the sci-fi factor would veer a litttttle bit into fantasy by somehow giving him true chemical emotions and sensation near the end. I was craving a good cry out of Nam-Shin III or a reaction out of pain, but the emotional depth he was able to show near the end was very satisfying. I really liked the FL and Young Hoon. Their chemistry with both Shins was palpable (in platonic, romantic, and angry scenes). It was interesting to see how the dynamic between both Shins and the FL and Young Hoon changed throughout the show.
Overall, I don't know if I'd watch this show again, but I think it's worth the watch nonetheless.
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Wonderful watch
I really enjoyed this series. It's a very interesting plot that makes you contemplate what it means to be human and at what point would you start seeing/treating AI as such. Also what place they could possibly hold in society.Thsi was also my first introduction into Seo Kang Joon. He played Nam Shin 3 with such innocense and heart that you really start to feel for him, even though he is 'just' an AI robot.
First I was worried for the ending, because K-drama's usually have 'realistic' ending where regular westerns shows mostly have a romantic ending. It was realistic, but still enough to satisfy the romantic in me. Absolutely worth a (re)watch.
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This is PEEEERFECT let me tell you why...
I may be exaggerating but this drama deserve a spot in my top 5 kdrama list of all time!!STORY- Yes I love the plot/storyline. At first I really wondered how this will work out between a robot and human and some may find it weird and criticize the series before they even watch after reading the synopsis and would even hope for the real Human Nam Shin to end up with So Bong and will be left disappointed. However, this series will prove them wrong, because who would hate an adorable robot like Nam Shin III, right? The cast didn't overact and I love how every characters in the story played their part. Especially Ye Na I sooo much appreciate her, she contributed a lot in the movie where she would do everything to help Nam Shin even though he doesn't love her ( which I hoped for them two to end up together but it will be weird to have the a boyfriend with the same face as Nam Shin III)
ACTING- Hats Off to all cast for their superb acting, Korea has a standard in acting and so does here in Philippines and almost all characters in korea are really versatile even cameos are doing a goodjob. Though I still see some korean actors/actresses that is a little bit over when it comes to their acting capabilities once in a while, would stare too much and is really unrealistic I would cringe. In this series Seung Yeon and Kang Joon really have a good chemistry here and I love how Kang Joon did a good Job portraying the Robot Nam Shin.
MUSIC- Yes of course, i love their OST 'Is it love'. I already have it on loop hahahhaha
REWATCH- Don't me hahaha I watched this THRICEEE! I can even tell you the details of each episode here :D
THIS IS A MUST WATCH!
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