This review may contain spoilers
Disappointed
I just happened to look over at the cast list for this drama and realized that I had a problem with all three of Park Ji Eun’s (the screenwriter) most popular dramas: CLOY, Legend of the Blue Sea, and this drama. After watching all three of these, I’m sensing a pattern which might explain why I had similar issues with all three dramas. For this drama especially, although I have to admit that LotBS suffered from this as well, the length of the drama and the amount of, uh, DRAMA, that occurred was just too much for me. Recently, I began to binge watch Korean dramas on the weekends, and it was exceptionally hard for me to continue watching this one because of the amount of frustration I had with these characters. While some angst and relationship conflict is justified since there wouldn’t be any interesting storyline without it, must we rehash the same problem and have the same petty arguments over and over again for god knows how many episodes? What this drama suffered from in my opinion was the overwhelmingly high amount of angst surrounding the relationship. I felt like every time something went right for these two crazy kids, they would have another stupid fight at the end of the episode. It’s not fun to be on edge about these things while I’m watching a drama… While I absolutely adore both of these actors so freaking much (I loved Jun Ji Hyun in LotBS and Kim Soo Hyun in IOTNBO), they didn’t seem to have that much chemistry with one another. The scenes felt somewhat awkward and forced at times, and it might have something to do with the characters themselves, for all I know. I never did quite understand why Do Min Jun fell in love with Cheon Sung Yi. Don’t get me wrong, she’s a fun and unique character, but he seemed pretty annoyed with her more often than he was actually in love with her. I have to admit that the ending didn’t really sit well with me either. While there’s a certain level where some plot holes are acceptable due to the nature of the supernatural genre, I felt as though the ending of this drama was confusing and quite disappointing. I’m not new to bitter-sweet endings (this screenwriter sure likes them, apparently), nor do I mind them if they are done well, but the ending to this drama was more, for a lack of a better word, stupid than actually bittersweet or interesting. I really just wish we were told more about Do Min Jun’s world because this actually could have made the ending feel less made-up-on-the-spot. I’ll go as far as to say that I would have liked it better if he just disappeared from her world forever than for them to be reunited in such a stupid and confusing way. I was left with so many questions at the end, and I am for sure venting my frustrations out in this review. Overall, I was a little disappointed with the way this drama turned out since I expected much more from such a popular and highly rated title. You win some, you lose some, I guess.Was this review helpful to you?
Jun Ji Hyun and Kim Soo Hyun's acting made this drama spectacular and irreplaceable. The story plot is definitely innovative as I have never watched one with such storyline. Although many dramas have a supernatural genre, the writer of this drama delivered each episode very well. The cast members was selected very well, especially Jae Kyung, the evil older brother. The actor rocked at his role, definitely gave me a fright.
MUSIC! The music is basically what puts the drama together. Unlike some dramas where the music is not memorable or becomes the 'signature' OST, Lyn's "Destiny" gave every episode a strike. It is just outstanding.
The special effects used doesn't seem fake and every scene where super powers were used was achieved very well and it seemed real.
I am not writing this because I am a drama-fanatic or bias because it is just that good. If you haven't seen this, you are just missing out. For example, my relatives who usually watches criminal genres or doesn't even watch Korean dramas as a whole enjoyed it and got hooked.
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As far as quality, the special effects lent heavily to the lack of 'goofy-ness' one might expect with this type of storyline. I was thoroughly impressed from the first episode with the high quality of effects for a television production. It helps that Kim Soo Hyun was perfectly cast for this role. He made it all seem believable.
My final thoughts after it was over was that it was entertaining. As it got closer to the end, I didn't really care as to who was able to be with who. Who stayed, who left. I would have been content with any outcome. It was the beginning with the historical part that captured me and held me with the show. Now, THAT was so well done that I started watching historical dramas. Once that part was over, though, I was just watching it to see what happened. If there was anything that brought me joy, it was being done with the Cheon Sung Yi character. Don't get me wrong, I think the actor did a good job of portraying the character, it's just the character I don't care for.
For what it was, it was good and I recommend anyone interested in a mix of romance sans crazy Chaebol Mother, and the paranormal, should give it a try.
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This review may contain spoilers
I'm 2yrs late for this drama. Yay! (Cuz i normally wont watch a too famous drama while it is being aired int my country (PH) IDKY,This is one of the few dramas which I would not wish to be written otherwise. It brings you to a new place where you just gotta trust it; sit back and relax. It did not disappoint me in any way. The main leads (KSH my love) Ji hyun and the supporting casts are all perfect for their roles.
KSH acting of a poker face alien will never bore you, his voice is just perfect to sound old while in a young body.
Ji hyun's acting was just right, she did not overdo it which is amazing, The 2nd male lead's character was not pathetic which is good, the main villain actor also is very suitable for the role, Ji hyun's brother is so cool and cute, and the mother actresses are both gorgeous. And same goes to everyone else.
The location shoots; cinematography, especially the OST are all superb. This kissing scenes were surreal.
I actually liked this even better when I rewatched it. I even like it better than Goblin maybe because I fell in love with KSH deeper than I did with GongYoo, hihi.
BLOOPERS: I only knew there were extra scenes after each episodes on my second time watching this drama. lols. I hate spoilers so I would go to the next episodes right away that;s why. hehe huhu
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STORY - Pretty original. I didn't exactly know what to expect, I expected a lot of romance but this has everything. Romance, action, comedy, mystery. Perfect. There is not a lot of lag anywhere, but I am not 100% happy with the final episode. Maybe 90%? BUT DON'T LET THAT STOP YOU FROM WATCHING!!!! The effects are really good in the show as well and the cinematography is very nice - the lighting and camera angles enhance everything rather than being distracting.
ACTING - Amazing and the chemistry between everyone is great - romantic, family and friend relationships alike. I honestly have picked up a few new favorite actors - and reaffirmed why I already liked a few ;)
MUSIC - great as well; this is one of the few soundtracks I have downloaded. Also it's perfectly placed within the show, no random spots that are distracting. The sound effects are also subtle and enhancing as well.
REWATCH - I actually have already rewatched this show all the way through once. However, it is a show I can turn on an episode for background noise or just to occupy my attention and it's still as enjoyable as the first time.
OVERALL - 9! Honestly, this show was amazing and easily has become one of my favorites. The ending is just okay for me, enjoyable definitely, but I would have enjoyed the ending more if it had ended in the manner a certain male lead had wished for. ;)
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I'm glad I did.
The series was very refreshing and enjoyable. and hilarious! It was nothing I expected it to be. I loved every detail in this drama. The script was awesome. The music was, honestly, to die for. It was soooooo good!! and the acting was epic.
although the lead actress was a bit annoying, I loved her (which happens rarely). Kim So Hyun is an absolute contagious crier. whenever he cried, I cried. amazing actor! and I had to give him this shout out because I know he's personality is very different from his character.
THE CHEMISTRY WAS WOOOOW! MIND BLOWING!
some people complained about the ending of this series, but I really really liked it! it's so real to me and believable. I am planning on re-watching sometime in the future.
Have I mentioned how funny, and romantic, and thrilling it was? it's really played with my emotions well, which is one of my basics whenever I try to rate a drama. and I would say I totally gave reactions on different scenes.
if you haven't watched it, well what are you waiting for? this is a great drama and I definitely recommend it!
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In Short: Great visuals and casting. Loved the main couple, did not like the ending. They should also have spent some more time on Min Joon as a character. He seems to exist only for Song Yi.
Pros: Compelling lead couple, and a great female lead character. The nation’s goddess indeed. Kim Soo Hyun looks great in a suit.
Cons:
- Wormhole.
- Title: Why not settle on a simple English title? I have reverted to calling it “Star man alien dude” for some reason.
- Why is he suddenly an idiot towards the end? Hiding your powers would have been easy.
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The alien was not who you think
If it wasn't for Jun Ji Hyun lead role interpretation, this drama would have been nowhere that good. In all honesty, while pretty close I'm not entirely sure this drama deserve its 8.8 rating (at the time I'm writing this) but since it brings up a lot of passion and interest (from what I've heard), maybe that's enough in itself to justify it.As for me, this drama success is clearly related to Jun Ji Hyun : she depicts a character borderline lunatic, superficially arrogant and ... amazingly funny to watch. Not that Kim Soo Hyun is not any good (he's actually quite subtle and believable as an alien), but to me the alien here in this show was clearly Jun Ji Hyun.
While the romance seems the main focus (and is quite good at that), comedic scenes and situations rhythmed the drama so well that there is not so much room to loose interest. And again, the exact moment where you understand that Jun Ji Hyun 'Chun Song Yi' character is not exactly the superb arrogant idiot she seems, you're screwed. Jun Ji Hyun is just imperial in this drama and get you hooked - line, sinker and all - in no time.
Still, there are inconsistent details and poor choices too. There are too many to point them all out, but at the same time, of too little importance to take them seriously. This is not actually bringing the show down, since at best it gets a little annoying from time to time.
So in the end, what remains is an overall very well-written drama, asking interesting questions, answering cold hearts with warm feelings, and along the way providing some action to entertain the malicious villain (who is by the way quite good at being a villain, thank you Shin Sung Rok).
Maybe that's enough to justify the 8.8 rating, after all ? That's not for me to decide. You go watch this then you tell us.
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I somehow got myself to watching this, and it was NOT what I thought it would be. I thought it was going to be all sci-fi and strange alien-human interaction, but I WAS SO WRONG. I literally went on a marathon and finished this in 2 days.
From the beginning, the pace was perfect as it established Do Min Joon as someone who planned to leave Earth with no feelings, but through meeting Cheon Song Yi, he changes his mind. Their love is almost like a fantasy, but so real because of Do Min Joon's longing to stay with her. Seriously, their love was the sweetest thing ever.
I love how there was always random hilarious moments, especially the first half of the drama. By the second half of the drama, I was literally sobbing every episode, but that's not a bad thing. The producers really know how to get at your feelings.
The ending, I won't spoil it, I had no problem with. The plot line got me hooked to the very last second and I never felt like I could predict anything.
The killer aspect was amazing and actually contributed a lot to multiple character developments.
I tend give all 10's when I love a drama this much, so....biased ratings maybe? Lol
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I have to say that, although I really like the plot, the later 5-7 episodes kinda drag. And kinda cliched. Sorry but that's the truth. Dramas often start with trying to make the audience like the characters, and when the audience already like the characters, they portray them less and just focuses on the cliched elements such as people splitting apart or are going to split apart. I wish that the characters can still retain their charisma even till the end, but yeah, dramas generally don't do that.
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