This review may contain spoilers
Less Magical, More Gritty
As my title stated, this show is kind of not what I expected. Netflix made this show seem like a magical love story set in the lovely city of Grenada, Spain. I got to say, not really the case. This was sci-fi, a thriller, and a thriller that was surprisingly gritty and dark. I have mixed feelings on this show. Let me first say that I do not regret watching this show, was it was a good show, and it definitely gets an A+ when it comes to originality. This show blends augmented reality with reality, and the rules are very blurred. That is not to say that there are plot holes, but some of the phenomena make you wonder how that happened (because like logic), and you overlook the first few, but there ends up being a lot. I managed to overlook them, as it was just a small distraction anyway. Visually speaking, this show was great. The graphics of the game along with the lovely city of Grenada has to be mentioned, and does make the show more interesting to watch. This show was also not boring, there was lots of action and plot twists, especially in the beginning. Besides some questionable logic, my main critiques are that the love plotline did not work and lots of the show was kind of...depressing. This was surprisingly gritty and dark as I have mentioned, and lots of this show is watching the protagonist slowly hit rock bottom. Not necessarily a bad thing, just not expected. The overall ending and final episodes had some great moments that were fun to watch and gripping, but the final scene did not make sense to me, but I just went with it.I know I had a lot of critiques, and this show has its imperfections, but the overall concept, visuals, and plotline were good. I did mostly enjoy watching this, and I am happy that I did watch it, so no regrets here.
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Best drama I ever watched!
I found this show by accident. I love romance as a main plot but this drama was so awesome even if a love plot was mostly as a secend one. I was happy and I cried- all in one haha. Actors were great, they did so damn good job. I love mixing cultures and languages. There were a lats of plot twists. The best this is that - you have to think too. This show is like one big box of puzzles, slowly slowly everything starts to fall into it right place. I would love to watch this show again and again for the first time. Totally recommend it!!!!Was this review helpful to you?
If you're familiar with Augmented Reality mobile games like Ingress or Pokemon Go then some basic elements of this are going to be familiar, the idea of playing a game out in the real world, where real world locations are important - you need to go to real world locations and complete tasks to play. Alhambra takes this several steps further - merge those ideas with Call of Duty and other current video games and you start to see where things could end up.
If you watch this with a tech mind you're going to start wondering how sword fighting works that causes reaction to your arms, if all you're wearing is contact lenses. There are many other questions you'll ask yourself. Stop. Sit back. Just relax and enjoy the drama, you're thinking too hard. :)
Video FX is outstanding, the way the video game world is layered onto the real world is seamless, just as i'd expect it to be if the game were for real. Simple actions like how the player changes or stores weapons and how things like the armory and so forth are done - perfectly executed. I absolutely and firmly believe that enthusiastic gamers and/or real game designers were involved in the AR game elements because nothing jarred at all (and I say that as a game designer myself).
The story itself is a twisty rollercoaster that goes all over the place, in both Spain and Korea. Nothing is obvious, and the way the story jumps around is at first confusing but once you get the hang of it, it actually makes for an interesting approach. You'll see a sequence of things happen e.g. a,b,c,d, and then later you'll see what actually happened between c and d - or some additional facts will be played out between c and d that totally changes the way you'll understand the meaning of what happens in d. None of this is in a random way either, as the viewer you become guilty of taking a few facts and drawing a conclusion involving additional facts that you made up out of inference or the way something was presented.
Park Shin Hye was great in this, one of my favourite dramas with her in it. After seeing Doctors recently with her where I didn't really buy her performance (or her character) - but this was superb.
Hyun Bin - well this guy just can't put a foot wrong, can he. Exactly the right actor for the job.
The only weakness for something that was just such an epic drama to watch, was the ending. I mean, I get it and I liked where they went (though not how they did it as it feels incomplete), but I can absolutely see why so many people didn't, it's just a tad too subtle imho. There are other reviews which go into detail on explaining it so I won't add to that, but suffice to say if the ending seems "eh?!" to you - read them AFTER you watch and all should become clear.
Overall thought this one was brilliant. Rewatch is a tough choice ONLY because I didn't enjoy the ending as much as I was hoping.
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The plot description of this drama hasn't been done justice on a lot of sites. It's actually a lot more interesting than they make it seem, so here is my version of it:
After getting a strange call about a game that would change the entire world of technology, The co-founder of an investment company, Yoo Jin Woo, travels to Granada, Spain in an attempt to meet the creator and buy the game before his rival and former best friend, Hyeong Seok gets to it.
Forced to stay at a run down guest house, in wait of the creator, Se Ju, Jin Woo plays the new game in an attempt to learn more about it. But as he levels up, things are changing for the worse and Se Ju still hasn't showed up.
REVIEW
The story was well built and stuck to it's logic until the end. I feel like they made this fictional world as realistic as they could while adding a dimension to it as they jump between time lines. Although you might feel like you've seen the same scene many times before, every time it's presented to you, a new clue has been added to it. So this is definitely not a lazy watch. It's a drama that deserves all your attention while watching it.
The theme of the drama is artistic and dark while carefully mixing in the charms of Spain and the lightness of supporting characters. There isn't too much blood being shown apart from the average amount that usually comes out of a body when you stab it, shoot it, or piece it but other than that, they kept it realistic.
There is a love story amongst all the fighting and backstabbing, that didn't steal too much focus from what this drama actually is about. I found the romance to be comfortable, well paced and cute in a way that isn't like a oily, cheesy pizza.
The characters where all memorable in their own way and they all had a reason for existing. The grandmother brings comfort and nostalgia to the audience of Koreans with grandmothers like her, in the nightmare like atmosphere.
The little sister is the embodiment of cupid as the main function of her dialogue is to get the romance going between the two main characters as she also lightens the mood.
The "adopted" best friend of the female lead is the logical side of things. He is there to act on the logic that most people would be thinking in the circumstances which balances out with the female lead who completely lives off of fairy dust.
I wish the female lead was less passive and actually had a chance to join in on the dangers of this game. Having a female character fight along side the male lead would have been so refreshing but sadly, she's mostly just crying or fueling the male leads ego while having a pretty bad Spanish accent. She did her best though.
The male lead is quite a cliché character with his hot temper and rude comments, carrying such a hard and cold facade, but the writers did give him a very humane and good side as well so I ended up falling for him at the end anyway.
Of course there are more characters in this drama, that I didn't mention, like:
The old man you would like to strangle with a shoe lace.
The fluffy, cute, innocent, man baby who doesn't get what he deserves.
The famous person who stirs the pot and so on...
So if you like games and the thought of games becoming a reality. Or you're a fan of crime and investigation, you might actually like this drama. Bringing you the feels and many reasons to cry, this might be one of the best dramas this year.
ENJOY!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Ignore the plot holes and enjoy the (AR) ride
verall, this was an enjoyable ride but only after I started questioning what was going on. We'll come to that later...Let's start with the positives: the cinematography, locations, and CGI are all beautiful. The first half of the drama is shot in Alhambra in Spain which looks stunning. Park Shin-Hye's Spanish is also fluent and really helps the integration of her family into their Spanish home.
The CGI is also really well done and well-integrated into the surroundings and with the characters.
You can check out the synopsis elsewhere but there are issues over how the AR tech works (SPOILER ALERT) - like how do they physically feel the effects of the AR weapons; how do they feel pain, how is powered - you know, the logical things.
But... ignore that and it becomes an enjoyable rollercoaster of a who-done-it adventure, and you end up forgiving it a lot of things. The acting is good - if you've only seen Hyun Bin in CLOY then it's weird seeing him be such a jerk at the start but his character develops due to the wonderful Park Shin-Hye and her family. The supporting cast is good too - with the evil Professor Cha (you'll remember him from Mr Sunshine - has he ever played a nice character?) and Hee Ju's little sister who is a great actress. EXO stans will love seeing ChanYeol as Se-Ju as the mysterious creator of the game.
All in all, I like it in spite of the plot holes. Give it a go.
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I fully enjoyed the storyline. Very different and unpredictable. Although the character of Park Shin Hye proved to be the boring one for me. Felt that the story didn't need a love interest at all. It could stand on its own without her character.
Hyun Bin was perfect for the role. I love his deep voice and the way those dimples flash is just.... WOOH!
The game's concept is thoroughly enjoyable. If you are a gamer, this would be the stuff dreams are made of.
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This review may contain spoilers
Your Ally has arrived...
Gaming since Atari (telling my age, lol). I know what it's like to build mods and play online with great friends. Alhambra's gaming schematics aren't your conventional couch or desk gaming experience. The all-AR base is physical.In "Memories of the Alhambra", Yoo Woo plays Yoo Jin-Woo, a CEO who visits Granada, Spain, on a business trip and important mission. At Jung Woo's (Park Shin-Hye) hostel, he meets Jung Se-Joo's character, as he experiences a mysterious virtual augmented reality game.
Jung Joo's brother Se Joo is missing, and Yoo Woo's mission is to find him. Initially unaware of the brothers' relationship with Jung Woo, he hides most of his plans. It is soon apparent what "magic" he was speaking of when the game world is activated. In the process, we learn more about Se Joo's programming and his dilemma, and Yoo Woo's marital problems. A betrayal of Yoo Woo's friend CEO Cha Suk raises the stakes in Yoo Woo's mission and complicates his life even further. The only real impatience I felt from that point on came after Cha Suk made his 37th enemy appearance. (sarcasm)
In the middle episodes of "Alhambra," the story was a bit confusing. Mostly following the game. What was the truth behind the deaths? Were only a few people singled out? Is Yoo Woo really crazy? It became clearer as the episodes progressed.
Regarding the love interest, I wouldn't describe this as a romance series. Yoo Woo and Jung Joo's love provided a change of tone and stakes to the story. In my opinion, it wasn't significant, but it was sufficient in light of the story involving her brother and how much she liked Yoo Woo. Slowly, the romance developed. The relationship between the two leads took about 10 episodes to develop after a very rocky start. While she cried a lot, Park Shin Hye's doe eyes won me over.
Even with newly found love, the ML seemed to struggle with inner happiness.
"Memories of Alhambra" had good cinematography. The visual effects in the game were not groundbreaking, but they were different. As far as capturing the beauty of Granada and Barcelona by showcasing their iconic landmarks and architecture. Certain areas felt a little controlled to me. Permits for film can offer a lot, but only so much, I guess.
"Alhambra" had a good cast overall. Especially liked Jung Joo's little sister Min Joo. In most of her scenes, she played a low-key tone relief role. There was something annoying about her brother. As well as Jung Joo's male family friend.
While I did not resonate with some minor issues in "Memories of The Alhambra", the series was overall good. Other viewers may have a better or worse understanding. This is just my experience.
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Compelling from start to finish
I watched this drama because I was captivated by Park Shin Hye's performance in "The Heirs." In both dramas, her eyes tell the story in a way that sets her talent apart even in a field rich with talented leading women. That, coupled with her "girl next door" charm and looks, plus that undefinable Q factor, makes her compelling in a way that sneaks up on you.To avoid spoilers, I won't say much about the ending except that I prefer that final episodes do a little more overt work toward the happy ever after. Instead, the ending felt like the set up to a Season 2 that didn't happen. Still, the writer gave us enough to know all was well and and that love and creative programming would win.
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A Very Intelligent Story On Virtual Game Competition. What We See On Screen, Can Become REAL!
I seriously started to watch this drama because I love Hyun Bin. Then see if he has chemistry with the sweet and pretty Park Shin-Hye and finally hoping to understand this virtual reality game drama is.And I must say, the virtual reality game came top on my list from episode 1. It all started for me, the moment I caught on the complexity of the game where real humans can enter duel with them. All this whilst the gaming company is trying to launch faster than the other competitor. The chase for control, the mystery, the chase to duel to the end of the game is thrilling. Special effects, fighting scenes, pretty cool.
Because of this, the romance became secondary to the Virtual Game plot. The relationship between the two main leads left a lot to be desired.
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This review may contain spoilers
Story: First of all, the plot was quite promising an augmented reality video game and it reminds me of SAO (Sword Art Online) but it gets deeper than that. I am also disappointed that there were only like two, TWO kissing scene from Hyun Bin and Park Shin Hye. I want more. The ending was unexpected though and I felt that it was sort of rushed I don't know and what was that? I didn't even know if they met or not!!! I so wanted a season two real bad.Acting/cast: well, the cast are top-notched but I don't see much chemistry between the two main leads but love their acting nonetheless. Hyun Bin is a good kisser too and Shin Hye has improved her kissing scenes very much. Especially the rain/umbrella scene it was very passionate! it was the best Kiss scene of Shin Hye for me.
Music: Music is quite good and catchy and I have it on my phone to listen to whenever I drive.
Rewatch Value: I don't know. Maybe if they make a season two I will probably rewatch season1 again.
Overall: It was a good watch despite the ending, I just didn't like the ending that's all but overall this is a great drama and a must watch. It's only on Netflix, LOL
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10/10 show, until... the ending
I loved every aspect of this drama. From the superb acting of Hyun Bin, to the great setting of Spain. The story was gripping, intriguing, and not predictable at all, the latter being an abundant problem in K-dramas to-date. That is, until the last episode. I've never been this disappointed by an ending. I get that an ending doesn't have to be happy, but this just feels wrong. If the ending were better, this would probably have become my favorite drama of all time, but sadly it isn't.Watch it if you like games and action, but don't expect feeling good when coming out of this drama.
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The story's interesting because it shows the mix in between the real world, magic and the game. It tells the future, the experience of the gaming world and the imagination of development of new technology in the future.
Furthermore, I disliked Jung Hee Joo character in the story, this one I can blame the writer, Jung Hee Joo character seem like a support character more than the main character in the story. The character is too weak and cries a lot.
Park Shin Hye already did her best to save this character. Another thing that I dislike is, the writer did not explain clearly of the story and how the game end. In my opinion, the story is good at the begin and getting worse at the end.
Overall, I think Park Shin Hye and Hyun Bin had done their best job to save the characters in the story. The writer had wasted the actress and actor's skill to show a perfect ending.
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