Not bad, not at all, but it's super cheesy.
This one must be for the romantics of this world.I will not talk about all the things that made absolutely no sense in here, plot holes and so on. I'll excuse it all because it's a kdrama.
So on the kdrama world alone, it's still super corny and cheesy. I can't even say that "it's too romantic" because that's not the expression I am looking for. The whole "we were always meant for each other" narrative gives me the creeps - especially because they used it so often, with so many unnecessary and very poorly filmed throwbacks - honestly it's not for me.
I thought this would be more political and historical. Since to this day, the "two" Koreas are still divided. They did explain a lot about North Korea, but it had such a lighthearted mood, most of the time, that somehow ended up not working for me.
Everyone's a great actor, so I have nothing to say about that. My high score is based entirely on the supporting characters. The only moments I felt more emotional was because of the friendship between all the officers and the lady's from North Korea, that were so pure and lovable.
If this kdrama was anything for me, was because of those amazing supporting characters plus the secondary couple. Their chemistry was much better than that of the main couple. I understand that they both played their part(s) well, so I am not pointing fingers, it's just that for me the other one was much more adorable and funny. If anything, the main characters made the necessary fillers, so that the secondary characters could shine on the screen afterwards.
About the last minutes of the kdrama... truly a work of art for the romantics of this world. So it's gonna be like that forever, this two-week system? Is that real life?! Absolutely not... but were the romantics happy with the "happy ending"? (it's a happy ending right?!). I guess they were.
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North Korea sticks the landing but South Korea crashes this drama
Story: pretty SK heiress with mommy issues literally crash-lands in the arms of a very dashing NK Army captain. While the premise itself - a SK citizen finds herself illegally in the NK and in the hands of NK army no less - is dramatic enough, in an infamous drama tradition, this is complicated with several convoluted subplots to pad the mandatory 16 episode format, most of it with zero consequence to the main conflict. Still, ML and FL are as likable as it gets and have a nice rapport between each other and the winsome supporting cast of NK soldiers and ahjummas who are the main reason why NK proceedings outshine the SK ones.Acting: Very good. Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin carry this drama like pros but Captain Ri's Fab 5 (4 soldiers and a spy) and NK ahjummas steal the scenes. Didn't care for Se Ri's family and Captain Ri's unnecessary, stony fiance aka SFL but the unnecessary SML won me over as his character got more charming and likable as his (side) story progressed. No wonder Kim Jung-hyun scored a ML role in Mr Queen.
Music: Nice and hummable. I also liked that they incorporated it in the plot for captain Ri is a pianist who also composed the main theme.
Rewatch Value: Yes but with lots of skips. There are moments of immense beauty that deserve to be revisited SPOILERS the scented candle scene at the market, first snow, farewell at the no man's land, any piano play in Switzerland scene, just to name a few SPOILERS END but episodes got longer and longer and filler content bigger and bigger and the less said about product placement terror of Subway and that friend chicken restaurant the better.
Overall: See what the hype is about cause there's a lot to love. However, NK portion is much stronger, for bringing the conflict from that side of the story to SK didn't work and there are just too many side plots SPOILERS Ri brother's murder, Ri's fiance, Se Ri's scheming siblings, SML's involvement with mafia, Se Ri's mommy issues SPOILERS END that could have been scrapped altogether. Being stuck as an illegal in NK is dramatic enough and didn't need banality to make it more dramatic. However, those grievances aside, the ending sticks the landing and gives many earned closures which has become increasingly rare in dramaland.
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Best part was the meeting with Choi Jiwoo
It's a good story, but it was also pretty cliche. I would recommend this if you're looking for a very mushy fluffy drama. There were many cute scenes between the main actors, and the writers seemed to place in enough conflict that the characters could overcome. There's the typical love triangle, and the many coincidences that make the main actor's love seem like fate. In my opinion, the comedy cut too much into the drama, so that when it was supposed to be serious, it felt out of place.This feels like a typical asian drama that starts off strong and then fizzles out in the end, which becomes very predictable. The plot itself was straightforward without too many twists and bends - the villains were villains, and the good guys were good guys. I wish the writers brought in more emotional conflict between the two main characters to add some depth rather than just showing closeups of the main couple staring at each other. The family relationship is the most emotionally aggravating, and Bang Eunjin did an especially good job showing the pain and conflict she was facing after Seri's supposed hate for her.
In the end, if you're looking for a fluffy cute drama with a simple story and fate-like coincidences that make the main couple made for each other, then this is a great choice.
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Pretty much everyone was watching it when it aired, but I was quite worried that I might disappoint myself if I have too high expectations. Nope, that didn't happen. I loved it so much that I had to binge watch this in only 3 days.The storyline itself is quite complicated in subject matter, but they handled it very well. The characters were well developed, and every moments, even the small events were precious to me. The chemistry between the main couple was definitely no joke. The only thing I'm subtly sad about is that person who goes far far away that they can't return (spoiler but didn't name it lol). Still, in my heart, they have a happy ending too, that they met and live happily ever after.
P.S 1: Ri Jung Hyuk set my expectation from man unreasonably high
P.S 2: I hope for reunification real soon.
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An absolute delight from start to finish
This is my all time favourite k-drama. The entire cast are absolutely brilliant. The chemistry between the leads is sizzling. Both are superb actors and together they make a very beautiful couple. The quirky support characters are an utter delight. There are some very funny scenes with the soldiers and townspeople as well as the main couple. The interactions between one another make this drama a cut above the rest. It mixes the light-hearted with deeply moving moments very well indeed.I loved every minute and highly recommend this series.
It is a series that I have and will rewatch and would never grow tired of.
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The writing and plot were captivating. I'm not going to lie and say the writing was groundbreaking and the story was the best ever created, but it was a unique story that mixed in romance and comedy seamlessly well. Overall, the plot also flowed very well and pacing felt super smooth and unrushed from the first episode to the last episode. There are the expected cliche romcom scenes sprinkled throughout the drama, and the plot twists can be predictable at times, but CLOY executes them all so well, regardless. Some lines were really memorable and stuck with me- There was a specific internal monologue scene where the writing, directing and OST was so perfect, I was struck in awe. This drama really isn't about surprising you with a jaw-dropping plot twist, but more about just enjoying the relationship between the characters and all of the action. Speaking of action, the fight scenes in this drama...fell short. They were exciting, but from the camera angles, you can see clear misses which was pretty funny because people just dropped. On the upside, comedy was always on-point. Specifically, the North Korea Soldiers were super fun to watch and they stole every scene they were in. Really loved all the comedic scenes and they were a great respite from the heavy, emotional scenes.
Acting: For the most part, I enjoyed the acting. Chemistry between the main and side couples were off the charts and I enjoyed both of them equally. However, there were also times when the acting fell short for me. Sometimes I felt that exchanges between the main couple were a little too awkward and Son Ye-Jin (who did a fantastic job) couldn't bring out the emotion on her end so it just felt forced, which prevented me from connecting with her. However, I really liked Seo Ji Hye's acting for her character Seo Dan- a cold and serious, but secretly emotional character played amazingly well- the last episodes really brought out her acting ability. On a side note, I did enjoy all the side characters. Looking into the North Korean world and how the director portrayed the behavior of the North Koreans was incredibly entertaining and unique.
Music/Soundtrack: Stacked and magnificent. Reminds me of how stacked Hotel Del Luna was. 10 CM, Yoon Mi Rae, Davichi, Baek Ye RIn, Sejeong, Crush, IU, etc. all with incredible songs. It's been a while since I've genuinely enjoyed every OST song from a Kdrama. My favorites were: Sejeong - All My Days, probably the most beautiful OST I have ever heard watching Kdrama; IU - I Give You My Heart, after 9 years the queen of korean music has released another official OST and it does not disappoint- another breathtaking song. Even the soft piano music and instrumentals in the background of scenes were perfectly fitting, drawing out the emotions behind the characters. All the songs work so perfectly with the drama, it's almost eerie.
This drama wasn't perfect, but I still enjoyed the heck out of it which really allows me to look past the flaws. I would recommend this drama to anyone looking for something new and refreshing but familiar. Even if you don't typically watch romcoms, give this drama a try- I think you'll enjoy it.
Favorite kdrama opening
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I cannot believe this drama is so hyped
Sometimes there are beloved dramas that do nothing for me, but I can understand why they’re so famous. For example I dropped Goblin for a number of reasons, but I can see why it’s considered a classic.But this? This drama is so ordinary! The story is ordinary! The romance is ordinary! I never managed to feel anything for our romantic pairing. Hyun Bin frankly plays a character that might as well be named Captain Cardboard. He’s just total wish fulfillment and inconsistently written depending on what the writer needs. The same goes for Se-ri. Together they managed to never feel like they were anything besides friends. When they gave each other rings it just felt awkward. And yes part of that is the lack of skinship and the poor quality of what little skinship they have.
There was one point when there was a serious scene involving the villain where I actually said “wow this show is ridiculous”. Lots of dramas are ridiculous at times, but they’re more fun than this. Even fast-forwarding through the episodes wasn’t enough to keep me from giving up on it in the end.
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The cast seemed okay to me and they were able to portray the characters in am excellent manner but I think that the female lead seemed fake or maybe it is the character itself who behaves that way.
The music on the other hand was extraordinary for me. Some music was well matched with the scenes and were able to create a special affect together but it was not perfect for all cases. However, the OST alone are awesome for me.
Rewatching this drama to me will be like walking through hell. Watching it once, was a big step for me because the drama was extremely boring and I am pretty sure that I will be dead while watching it again.
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I started to watch this drama as its on going since 1st episode. It's all because I just watch Memories of Alhambra in Oct 2019 and fell in love instantly with Hyun Bin. And suddenly CLOY trailer popped up on youtube. So yeah, I've been waiting this drama since October 2019, and here's my reviews after completing it:1. Story (8.0)
The story is well developed but I feel this drama will be awesome if the total episode is 20. I must say many plot holes. Until the very last episodes, I don't know the real motives of CCG. Yeah maybe because he's actually nobody in the storyline, but I interested to see who he really is. Why RJH's father shoot the man in episode 16? Also, I would love to see how YSR & her mom made up.
Meanwhile I love the idea of having epilogue in every episodes. I do love the theme about fate. No matter how far your loved one goes. If he/she really means for you, they will always find a way back. It's not a heavy neither light drama. It's in the middle. It's just enough.
A bit suggestion to the writer maybe on episode 16, she can put how RJH find YSR. I think it's gonna be fair since she shows how much effort YSR put to go find RJH.
What I really love about this drama is actually, not only the main leads are super sensational and good in acting, but also the supporting role do their job excellently. F4, Man Bok, and Ahjummas are forever be the "squad I would love to hang out with". Also how director, writer and staffs try to portray North Korea but in a heart warming way. As I know, they really do some researches from NK defectors. I admire this teams hard work and it was payed off when they hit 21% rating on their last episode.
2. Acting/Cast (9.0)
a. Hyun Bin
No one can replace him being RJH. No one. Having military service in Marine, he really is RJH in real life haha Not to mention he also not the kind of flowery-handsome but more of manly-handsome (?) not to mention I love his acting.
b. Son Ye Jin
I love her acting. Everytime she's about to cry, so am I. She really is Melo-drama queen.
c. Seo Ji Hye
Great work for potraying cold Seo Dan. I just realized she is the villain in 49 days. And yes, her visual fits the image of Dan.
d. Kim Jung Hyun
Besides Memories of Alhambra, I also watch Eulachacha Waikiki. And I love Jung Hyun's acting as well. He's so good potraying his roles whether in EW or in CLOY. And wow, he's the youngest actor who can keep up with his sunbaenim. Respect.
3. Music
Last time I love all ost is when DOTS's airing back then in 2016. And now, CLOY also has a good line up for the OST. This drama has 11 ost (10cm, Yoon Mirae, Davichi, Baek Yerin, Crush, and even IU). I love how every song fits the drama moods & situations. I even make my own spotify playlist for this. 3 out of 9 ost are happy ost. Meanwhile the rest of it is kinda mellow. When you read the lyric, you'll feel happy but sad when hear the melodies. Besides ost, there are some instrumental parts on their album. I love the opening title and RJH's song for his brother.
4. Rewatch
Yes. since I can't move on. But still this drama will be kept in your heart once you watch it.
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Good, but overrated!
I'm quite shocked that almost everyone is rating this at 10/10. I mean sure it's a drama that is worth watching, but it's not overwhelmingly great. I'm fine with romantic comedies having absurd nonsense stories, but CLoY is not supposed to be just a romcom, there are times when the the show takes itself very seriously and there is supposed to be quite a bit of impactful melodrama. I feel that it does not quite work.(the serious melo parts) Maybe it's because of the cartoon villain style adversaries, or because of the 4 idiots in the second half I just cannot take the sad bits seriously. Also the drama was much better in the first half, I think there was no need for the idiotic plot that commenced once Seri has returned to the South. I have seen people discussing how many details they've gotten right about the North, there were even some real north koreans refugees interviewed. I'm sure they've gotten many minor details right and that's laudable, but there are just so many absurd things, let's not even get me started about product placements..Anyway I enjoyed the comedy, especially before they've gone to the South. The romance between the leads was so so, I don't think that the Hyun Bin+Son Ye Jin coupling was a particularly good choice. I think Hyon Bin was a lot better in Secret Garden and Son YeJin also did much better in Something in the Rain. Don't misunderstand I do think that they did a decent job at their characters, I just did not feel the same authenticity, or the chemistry that they've had with other actors in the past. I must admit that Seo Ji-hye was incredible as Seo Dan, I'm looking forward to seeing more of her in the future. As for Alberto Gu, well I'm not sure what was the deal with him. For starters he did not have a lot of screen time, nor did him dying serve any meaningful purpose. I mean sure I did enjoy the ~20 minutes he spent with Dan, but it feels like he was the redshirt that the writers used to make a bigger impact for the ending. Ah yes, the ending, they just had to go with the forced separation for 2 years formula, not the worst, but not great.
The production quality was on an extremely high level, they had a really high budget & used it well for the most part. I found it incredible that they've even used anamorphic lenses in the pilot episode. The anamorphic look really worked too with establishing that authentic war movie vibe.
The music is a mixed bag, on one hand they've made some amazing OST tracks for this show, on the other though the director did not do an amazing job at arranging those tracks to fit the scenes particularly well.
edit: Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin as of now are supposedly dating in real life. Despite me not liking this pairing in this drama too much, I gotta admit their behind the scenes videos/bloopers showcased hugely more chemistry than their actual scenes shown in the final edit..
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