This drama is the BEST drama i have ever seen, and I'm seriously not exaggerating, the plot, the music and the cast...every thing was just perfect!the first episodes may not be the best thing i have ever seen, i really wanted to drop it but because my friend who recommended this drama to me kept nagging on me...i did, and now i know that i shouldn't judge dramas from the first episodes.
In many dramas wither its comedy, drama, thriller or any other Genres
u can know the plot of the story without watching u can know what is going to happen next, because simply it wasn't hard to figure out the next move, but i really couldn't read any thing in this one! i don't know if it was because i was really into the drama or because i was just stupid :)
anyway i really recommend this drama for all the revenge lovers! u will totally enjoy it! have fun!!!!! :)
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This review may contain spoilers
This drama was so much better than I ever expected it to be. It made me cry, angry and on rare occasions, laugh, and definitely had those "pull your hair out" and "bang my head against a concrete wall" moments, but to be honest it's all worth it in the end. Although I feel like since we were viewing the whole background story thing, almost every event that took place (like Da Hae threats, or even Ha Ryu's (I don't want to give specific details out without spoiling it, but those of you who watched it should know what I mean)) you sorta knew how they were going to turn out because of the beginning. How she had already gotten to that high place she hoped for, but Ha Ryu's story took a bit of a twist, so it wasn't all predictable. I hope some of you don't consider that a spoiler, I'm trying to be as discreet as possible...Like the others have stated before me, this was so hard to keep up with. I can't even tell you how many times I wanted to drop this drama because things were turning out so bad and it always felt like the good people were being wronged, but I think in the end that's what I loved most about this drama. It wasn't your typical "cookie-cutter" drama. Bad things WILL happen. Everyone doesn't just miraculously kiss and make-up, and go on with life. You will become so frustrated with this drama it's not even funny. But in my opinion, that's what make dramas so good to me.
And it possibly even showed some meaningful life lessons you can take with you into reality. How people can change, and betray you, and how some aren't all that they seem to be. It may even show the dirty side of our government, and how money is always involved to get one's way. But despite all that, I'll honestly probably never watch this again... Unless I want to cause myself more emotional trauma. The amount of tears that fell from my eyes.... Well, that's a different story. I hope you have a box of tissues lying around somewhere because *warning* you WILL use them.. all.
I hope all of you take a chance with this. This drama won't make you happy whatsoever, but it's so beautifully written you really have to see it for yourself.
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This review may contain spoilers
Queen of Ambition is no joke. I really wanted to give it top scores, but there are some things that are missing. BTW...this has a lot of adult content, so I wouldn't recommend this for just anyone. Joo Da Hae is the epitome of evil. I understand that she goes through some major horrific moments when she is young, but wow... I really can't explain this story without spoilers. It has murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, twin switching, etc. Ha Ryu is so pitiful and sweet that it is hard not to fall in love with him. I enjoyed the ending. They took the time needed for the main characters before spending time on the side stories. I really appreciate writers that do that. Ok. Now for the acting. I will tell you the bad first and why I couldn't give this drama higher scores. Soo Ae to me is just not the femme fatale that I thought was needed for that role. I get that she is supposed to be cold-hearted, and I did see her expressions change, but there just seemed like she was missing something. Honestly, I just don't think that she was pretty enough to ensnare all of the men that she did...especially since she was never sincere. Is that too superficial? I would think that Kim Tae Hee or Chae Jung Ahn would have been a better casting choice. They are prettier and their acting abilities are better.
On to the much better...Kwon Sang Woo was daebak as Ha Ryu. I felt so deeply for his character even when I was mad at him. There were times when I blamed him for what he was going through even as he blamed himself, then I would realize that he is just too kind-hearted. I also thought Yunho did well in his role as Do Hoon. I kept yelling at him to wake up and realize who Da Hae really was.
I also liked the other actors. I'm not much for extra characters, but all of these were needed to add to the story. I really liked Kim Sung Ryung as Do Kyung.
The music was good.
I probably won't rewatch this just because I already know what will happen.
It is full of angst and at times I was just yelling at the characters. If you like melodrama, then you will love this.
Edit: After watching Soo Ae on 1N2D Korean variety show, I realized that she seems to be a soft person and that may be why her role isn't really that believable. I give her props for trying something that seems to be completely out of her element and doing a passable job.
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Story: Twisty, Unpredictable, fast paced, melo melo melo! I loved that there were so many time jumps and the writer just kept changing the story but in a way that flowed so the viewer could keep up. Be ready for a dark plot all the way to the end filled with tragic romance, obsession, betrayal, revenge, lies, murder, and multiple deaths. The ending is bittersweet but everyone gets a closing fitting to their story.
Acting/Cast: Soo Ae and KSW as the OTP were perfect. They had chemistry which made their unhealthy relationship so painful to watch. Their acting was what you'd expect from A list stars. Just be warned that Soo Ae's character has no redeeming qualities, so you might want to feel like stabbing her in EVERY episode. The other female lead played by Kim Sung Ryung was sympathetic and I kind of wished she got a better ending. Yunho was the weakest link out of the 4 main leads. He was okay but he had zero chemistry with Soo Ae which made their relationship pointless and boring. The supporting cast were amazing and made their characters stand out. Oh yeah and Go Joon Hee really should be getting lead roles soon!
Music: The OST was powerful and fitting of the dark themes. I loved Ice Flower by Ailee and plan on downloading just that song from the OST.
Rewatch: It is a bit long and so dark but just exciting enough to watch again just not for a bit.
Final Thoughts: Queen of Ambition is a dark drama that is not for the light hearted fare lovers. You gotta truly be into melos to enjoy this one like I did!
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From start to end.
An amazing, hair-pulling story of revenge like many others and yet unique, because you take part in it.
You live the background story, the moment when things change, all the steps that have been taken towards the collapse and of course you live the end and it just plays with your own mind.
It's like you are the wronged one, you the one who's seeking revenge. This drama was one of a kind on all levels.
I have to admit it was hard to keep watching at the beginning because like i said, they show you the moment when everything was good so it can seem a bit boring, nothing really happens except for this couple building a family together. But you would regret it if you couldn't hold on through that phase.
Also, it delivers a meaningful message without ever mentioning: that sometimes bad things happen to good people and the culprits get away with it and there's nothing we can do. But also that revenge - whether it comes immediately or years of pain later - might not heal you after all. Clichè but somehow enlightening.
It was beautiful and mature and addictive. Literally painfully perfect.
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The character Da Hae, even though I know she didn't mean for everything that happened to happen, was just evil. I know she felt remorse for certain things (u will only understand if u watch), but she still continued to make choices that were selfish & evil (the only word I can think of to describe it).
The character Ha Ryu was just too sweet. I know he did the whole revenge thing, but that wasn't his motive. It was more along the lines of making ppl pay for what they did. If u ask me all his actions were totally justified, but I still think that he was too sweet for his own good.
The other characters were awesome. Each character was necessary and the actors that played them did such a good job.
I have to say that this drama kinda blew me away, but b/c I had such an angry feeling most of the time I had to give it lower scores. I don't feel that anger is a good way to feel entertained. But b/c I was so invested in each character I had to continue to watch till the end. I am glad I did b/c the ending left me w/ happy & sorrowful feelings. It was appropriate for the drama. Don't go into this drama thinking that you're going to come out all sunshine & roses, b/c that is so far from this drama. I suggest only those that can handle a serious melodrama should watch this, b/c it is like no joke.
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STORY
The base concept of the plot is revenge. I have watched a few dramas about revenge this was definately the best one yet! The main idea behind the show is: 'Be happy with what you are given!'. Ambition is acceptable, but up to a certain point, nothing good can come from stepping on to other people to make something of yourself! The main idea of the drama was quite innovative to me, i don't know why but i found it unique. Usually melodramas are about love and revolve around that idea, here we get a very wonderful life lesson, which i savour and agree with.
As far as the description goes, i am not sure what is happening there, even the names are wrong...
We get a main female character who is unhappy with the way her life is, and she tries with... unethical ways to climb that ladder, and her significant other, feels betrayed and seeks revenge. Pretty obvious isn't it? Yes the story is obvious, and only a few story developments actually shocked me. But, the story's intention was never to shock, but rather to tell a story and give some life lessons. The drama is packed with a lot of frustration (i seriously pity the people who watched it week-to-week), a lot of suspense, to the point of the story becoming a psychological thriller.
The only problem i had with the show was the fact that it could have worked as a 20 episode drama. Not that it gets dragged, but there were some episodes serving as plot-slowers, and the drama could have worked without them. Also, the first 3-4 episode might feel a little slow, i understand that, don't let that stop you, they are essential to the rest of the story, the drama picks up fast after episode 4. The drama basically starts showing you the ending in the first scene, and then we travel to the past, and the whole drama is the backstory of that scene, don't let this stop you from watching, this is the reason i said there are no huge revealings and game changers here, just a story being unfolded a little by little!
ACTING
So sad what happened to the acting, to be honest. Let me explain:
KWON SANG WOO. This is the 3rd drama i have watched with him, and god, this was his best performance out of the 3, i am thankful and glad i got to know him! The drama wouldn't have worked without his flawless, effortless and emotional acting. He was sensuous and luscious, exquisite in every way! To be honest he made the drama what it was, and it wouldn't have worked without him! The drama basically is worth watching just to cherish is award-deserving performance!
SOO AE. Ok, for me, she was't good, and she almost ruined the drama, which is sad and unfair to everything and everyone! She had literally the same face throughout the drama, while crying, while laughing, while speaking, while sleeping lol. Her facial expressions, body expressions and emotions were kept to a minor level. At first i thought it was because of the character but no, i believe she was either afraid or she just couldn't do better. Her face was always the same to me, and for me, facial expressions are the most important part of the acting. She didn't completely ruin it, but she was the main reason this is not a 10 but a 9.5! I can only imagine what it could have been if another actress had taken this part. I was picturing Choi Ji Woo many times (i have connected her to KSW, don't mind me), and i believe she would have worked amazingly. Apparently, they needed someone younger for this part.
YUNHO. Sucks for Soo Ae that an idol did better job than her lol. He was great, especially during the middle of the show where he stopped being a shallow chaebol boy, but he had to express feelings he did a great job, obviously overshadowed by KSW.
KIM SUNG RYUNG. She needs to be considered as the 2nd female lead, and i want to thank her for doing what Soo Ae couldn't. She was amazing, expressing a diverse amount of feelings. She had a proper resting bitch face and a hidden warm side consealed behind that, and expressed that wonderfully. I loved her and she served as tranquilizer after SA's mediocre performance.
I want, at this point, to congratulate the complete supporting cast because everyone was amazing, especially Lee Il Hwa (who i am growing to love), Cha Hwa Yun (amazing!), Lee Jae Yoon and others, and at the same time apologise for such a low grade (8/10).
RECOMMEND/REWATCH
If you are a melo fan definately watch this, if you are a revenge melo fan, certainly watch this. If you are a rom/com fan, this will get a 1 from you and you will lose 24 hours of your life. No reason to hate and be frustrated, ignore this one. This is heavy melo (not a tear jerker though), it should be watched by a certain melo-loving crowd!
I doubt i will ever rewatch this, once is enough. But it most definately deserves to be watched once!
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This review may contain spoilers
Queen of Ambition made me feel so many feelings... mostly frustration and anger... and I loved every minute of it!First off, I love villains! I find them fascinating, which makes this the perfect drama for me. I'm also a sucker for a good revenge story. Based on the title alone, I had a feeling about what I should expect, and I still was not at all prepared for all the twists and turns! The lead character goes waaaay beyond normal ambition, and the situations in this drama caused me to yell and curse at the screen so many times. This is a MAKJANG in all caps, and a super addictive one. It caught my interest from the very beginning, and as the story progressed it just kept topping itself. It's part love story, part revenge thriller, and part one woman "House of Cards"! Of course reality police could pick apart every unrealistic moment, but when it comes to melodrama, it doesn't matter if it's unrealistic, it only matters that it works, and everything in this drama works! A large part of the credit for making it all work so well should go to the cast.
I will start with Kwon Sang Woo, who won me over with his lisp, and his admirable back muscles, but most of all made me fall in complete love with Ha Ryu. His heartbreaking character goes through so much during the course of the show, and I believed every moment of it. He did initially seem too old to be college aged in the beginning, but he was such a good actor that I didn't care. He handled romance, tears, action, sweetness, comedy, and tragedy effortlessly. I definitely will check out more of his dramas in the future. I also thought he was a good match for Soo Ae, and it's hard to have a convincing love story with someone so unlikeable.
Now, Just to be clear, this drama's main character is a sociopath. I am not saying that as a spoiler, but as a warning for viewers who may not realize what they are getting into. Soo Ae plays the notorious Joo Da Hae, a name I won't be able to forget for a long time. I can almost guarantee that you will not like her, and I have to give Soo Ae credit for making her so good at being bad. I do have some problems with her performance. I can barely recognize her as the girl from "9 End 2 Outs", which I loved, but that could be because it was a different genre. Her character is closer to her role in "Mask" (same genre) in which she mostly looks zoned out and depressed. I think the depressed stare works for this character too, I mean she is a sociopath, but she would also do this wide eyed deer-caught-in-headlights look constantly throughout the show that would literally drive me insane. I know that part of this type of drama is a small element of over acting, but the rest of the cast managed to be pretty realistic. The entire supporting cast was awesome (including super cute Go Joon Hee, and super hot Lee Jae Yoon), so her bad acting moments stuck out. I also think she missed a lot of opportunities to make her character sympathetic due to her acting, because the writers definitely tried on their part.
The story definitely gets a 10. It starts with a suspenseful moment, and for 23 unpredictable episodes tells you the backstory that lead to that moment, without any real plot holes, and without boring me even a little bit. It's also not all anger and tears, there are funny and touching moments as well, for much needed balance. Then the final episode packs in a lot, without feeling rushed, and without leaving me feeling cheated. The ending also made me ugly cry. I can see how some people may have been disappointed, but I thought it ended things beautifully.
Would I rewatch this? Without the suspense element, the show would lose some of it's appeal, but watching each unbelievable moment again would be entertaining enough.
I would recommend this drama highly, especially to revenge thriller fans, but with a disclaimer. This drama is the complete opposite of happy escapism. This is the kind of love story that will make you want to avoid love like the plague. This is the drama equivalent of driving slowly past an tragic accident, when you know what your are seeing is horribly tragic, but still you can't look away. A good alternative title might be "Oh No She Didn't", or "WTF". If you're ok with this, and can kinda appreciate it when bad guys win, put this drama on the top of your "to watch" queue. The score on MDL definitely doesn't do it justice. Seriously, the 24 episodes will fly by! It's probably best to watch it with someone else, so you can curse at the screen together!
I will definitely have to watch something happier next. The good thing is, most dramas will be much happier in comparison. I was looking for a drama to scratch my melodrama itch, and this definitely did, and more! It will be a nice dark addition to my favorites list.
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Summary:
Female lead's character was one dimensional.
Story not believable.
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