The show can be quite cheesy at times but it's also very heartwarming and amazing. The cast did an amazing job with the acting and even though the music sometimes felt out of place in certain scenes, the music was catchy. My favorite characters were Jung In Jae (Jang Nara) and Go Nam Soon (Lee Jong Suk). I didn't really have a least favorite character but the bullies and the mean girls did get annoying after a while. Despite enjoying the show, the ending was a bit of a letdown. Overall, this show was great plus it introduced me to Jang Nara who is one of my favorite Korean actresses.
Was this review helpful to you?
Cliché Bullying Drama
This is the third korean drama i finished and i always wonder how i can finished it at all? The topic kinda overused, the acting was awkward in most part like i really feel they are acting if that's makes sense? and I'm sure it's partly due to exaggerated storyline and acting because all the actor here have good filmography and good actor.Overall not enjoyable at all. I only watch it because I'm obsessed with Lee Jongsuk back in 2014 and backtrack all his acting gig and this is the only one which I'm not enjoying so far.
Was this review helpful to you?
What a journey for this school drama
9 years after this was aired was the first time I watched this. I actually finished watching School 2015 and 2017 before this. I would say that the plot on this one is not as intriguing as the other School series I have watched but this one sure has almost everything.From friendship, parenting, being a student or teacher everything's here. I felt like I have witnessed the characters growing up, learning from their mistakes and try to do their best in everything.
I particularly wanted to see Lee JongSuk and Kim WooBin in this drama that's why I watched this but I am surprised because there were a lot more interesting casts that I found here like Jang NaRa, Lee YiKyung, Shin HyeSun and other familiar faces on recent dramas. Most of them I see frequently on other dramas and it's interesting to see their younger faces.
This drama will give you roller coaster ride of emotions from laughing, to crying, to feeling angry, to feeling forgiving and a lot more. No wonder this is considered as a legend during its time.
Was this review helpful to you?
And I'm glad I did! The tone of it reminded me of Gokusen at first, with the teacher trying to reform her kids. The drama definitely addressed a more serious aspect of school but after a few episodes it became clear that this was no Gokusen replica either. Teacher Jung was not always strong and sure of herself and the decisions or actions she made, and I liked how the drama portrayed her struggles to decide on how best to interact with students and their unique qualities. Students that annoyed me at first redeemed themselves later on in the drama. One thing that also sets this drama apart from Gokusen is that it never felt repetitive. Each character (and not only the students) presented their own set of troubles that they had to face.
Yet this drama also didn't feel bogged down by its serious tone and never became too overdramatic--it was all done just right and it may have come the closest to realistic situations as we can get in dramaland.
I was glad that they didn't decide to develop love lines--even though they are a part of school life, taking out the love lines probably was for the better in avoiding any cliche moments. There were hints, and there was bromance so all in all I was immensely happy with the relationships portrayed between the characters. Perhaps why I like this drama so much is because the interactions between the characters led to the growth of all the characters involved, and not just the main protagonist. Sure, there were some open ended things or characters that didn't change from their ways, but that all contributed to its realistic feeling.
I would most definitely recommend this drama if you're looking for something with a little less fluff, while also being a feel good drama at the same time. The chemistry between the cast is great and there are plenty of characters to love.
Was this review helpful to you?
What I love about this drama is that the characters all face realistic, emotionally complex problems, to which there are no easy solutions. They tackle those problems with bravery and persistence, but they also sometimes withdraw in fear and selfishness. That just makes you love them all the more. Each one is so relatable and ultimately, loveable - even those you feel indifferent towards at first. There are no quick fixes, no sweeping drama cliches. You feel like the world these characters live in is not so different from our own. Apart from the writing and acting, the drama is visually quite flat - there's nothing special about the direction or cinematography. The music is good but also not outstanding. But that just serves to underscore how careful and considered the writing and performance is. The fact that the drama is so gripping even when the visuals are so basic really says something and makes this a standout for me. And yes, Lee Jong Suk is adorable in it.
Was this review helpful to you?
First of all, it's such a classic. Especially the bromance in the drama, one of the most powerful friendships in Kdrama world. At first I was very skeptical of watching this because I'm mainly new to Korean dramas and I've been watching new and fresh series while declining the older shows. I had the feeling that this would be super low quality, cringey and weird, but I was pleasantly surprised. Even though it's a 2012 drama, it was filmed nicely and quite naturally. Also, I'm a huge romance junkie and I was quite drawn back when I read the reviews stating that there is basically no direct romance in this drama. However, I just love all of the other "School" series so much that I still felt obligated to watch this one too. Actually, it was so unique and different that now I understand why it's so highly hyped about. School-themed series in general are really nostalgic and pleasant and this one brought a new light on the dark and cruel subjects of bullying, marks, friendships in Korea. The music was great as in most dramas, but what I least expected was that I'd fall in love with all of the characters! Even the bad guys!
Overall, this is a must-see for all of you that are into "School" drama series and want to take a break from all of the cheesy dramas that are being produced nowadays! Don't get let down because of the trailer or the plot, because this drama is a classic and will make you rethink of all the choices you've had in high school!
Was this review helpful to you?
Best part was the character development and growth in everyone. It was at a realistic pace. And very beautifully written and executed. Every single person's story was important. The actors did a great job.
I would have had a better experience in school if I had teachers like Jung In Jae to help me. I loved her. She genuinely wanted to help and gave it her all. Teacher Kang's character development was a delight to watch.
Plus there's no romance complicating or overshadowing the plot. It makes it even more realistic and better. There's possibility of it but they didn't push into it preemptively. It felt natural.
The ending was beautiful and I cried a lot. This show kept it very real and showed us how real life is not as ideal and not everyone has a happy ending. It is important to build healthy and close relationships with good people. These friends will be there for you when you need them. School life is one of the most important phases of one's life. Teachers play a huge role in the character development of the students. They should be compassionate and understanding. Also kids already know how hard life is and how cruel the world is. School is a place where we grow and learn how to navigate the world. We need people who can guide us and nurture us. Not punish and torture in the name of readying us for the real world. You don't comfort a child and don't give them affection and they'll just grow up to be bitter and emotionally starved individuals who contribute to make the world cruel. You need to show them care and affection, teach them kindly and comfort them when required. So that in the real world they'll have the good memories to get them through hard times and remind them that the world isn't always this cruel and not everyone is bad. The drama shows us the glaring flaws in our education systems and sheds a light on the different hardships faced by students.
It's a great show, you must watch it.
Was this review helpful to you?
The drama tells you about real life happenings, no too much drama compared 2015, mostly realistic than 2017 and doesn't focus on romance, but it doesn't mean they are that bad. There is a plot twist that aren't predictable and the actors are good in their roles, also I can relate almost all of the scenes.
This drama is the reason why I felt in love with Lee Jongsuk, his acting is pretty good as a rookie during that time same with Kim Woobin, Jang Nara and Choi Daniel, there is no doubt in their acting.
Overall, this is a good recommendation for starters and for younger audience.
Was this review helpful to you?
Oh Jung Ho!!!
I did not get the ending I want but I'm happy with 'I won't live badly'.The acting was great, considering it was a first project for most of the actors. I was drawn to this for Kim Woo Bin and Lee Jong Suk, but ended up with a few more favs, such as Lee Ji Hoon, Yi Kyung, Kwak Jung Wook and Daniel Choi.
It dragged on a bit in parts, but then, that is to be expected when it has to last 16 episodes.
Didn't think much of the OST, but it didn't get on my nerves.
If you don't mind high school dramas, give it a try.
Enjoyable and mildly tugs at your heart strings.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
I watched all ten episodes in one day, which I haven't done with a drama in a while.
I literally started to cry by episode 9. I did not think I would love this drama so much. The bromance in this drama is enough to get you fan girling forever.
I do not care if any romance happens at all in this drama and I am a huge romantic. I started watching this drama for Woo bin and he was definitely worth it. Even the boring parts are not as bad because we have him in this drama. He definitely needs to be in more dramas. I am waiting for the day when he is the main lead. Even in this drama he does not show up till the third episode, so, if you are watching for him keep that in mind. Lee Jong Suk is a pleasure watching, and knowing that they are best friends in real life made the drama ten times better.
I will have to post later after I finish this drama, but I wish I had watched this earlier. Because this drama has a lot to do with school and problems in school, I think teachers and people planning to be teachers should really watch this drama.
If you guys ever have to teach in a troubled school or even a normal school, some of these problems might come up.
Now, that have finished the drama, better title for this drama would have been: Bromance level: Kim Woo Bin and Lee Jong Suk.
This is a great drama and everyone should watch it. I love rewatching this drama!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A story filled with lessons
This series is like an emotional rollercoaster.I almost dropped it when I was watching the first two episodes, and if you're having the same thought as me- don't do it.
It gets immediately interesting after Park Hyeong Soo (Kim Woo Bin) showed up.
The relationship between the two main characters are a delight and there's a lot of bromance. The lack of generic romance is great as it keeps the focus on the main education issues.
But, I also adore the relationship between the two teachers, even though the female teacher is a bit annoying at first. I am quite sure Kang Se Chan has a crush on the female teacher.
I like how the series discusses issues such as bullying, child neglect, momager, and even suicide through two people with completely different standpoint, with the two characters gradually learning more and more of each other.
It's a must-watch series for those who like school dramas and this has a lot of complexity in term of character development, though admittedly some scenes are simply too much or unrealistic (like they should have handled On Jung Ho better) and I am so frustrated when there are misunderstandings arising from people who refuse to speak up.
Overall, an amazing series.
Was this review helpful to you?
