Completed
Rourou
12 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2012
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
One of the first dramas that i've watched an it's definitely one of the greatest dramas out there.
For real this drama has it all ; the story i couldn't find words to describe it, it's a mixture between love, hope, action, magic, music, fantasy, passion,... if i go on i may finish tomorrow.
The leads and even the supporting roles couldn't have been any better, the music OMG this drama have one of the best drama's music ever!!! I liked all the songs they played in this drama and still remember each and every one of them.
The romance was one of the best ones that i've ever saw in a drama and the characters were even better.
This drama is the kind of drama that never dies no matter how many times you watch it just a masterpeace and special in its own way, if you haven't watch it yet you really need to start; a creative story that's different from any romance you've seen before.

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Completed
fiflydramalover
21 people found this review helpful
Jun 2, 2015
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 2.5
Story 2.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
Okay, I tried watching this drama several times. The first two times I gave up because I hated it so much. During the third encounter I decided, I would never feel the pressure of having to watch it again, by finishing it so that I'd never have the doubt in the back of my head saying "but what if it gets better, and that's why it has such a good rating?"Truly, that's what I thought. I will admit though, the last two episodes were pretty nice.

The acting is pretty good, but as the story gets a bit more ridiculous, it sometimes seems strained (not the body switching part, but more like when she gives in at some points I won't go into detail for to avoid spoiling). The music was actually pretty good. Now let's get down to the story.

It had an interesting premise. Cool edgy chick who isn't down for injustice. Does her own stunts. Huh interesting, woah there's body switching that's cool? It was very cool. Very very cool. But there's one problem. The romance. The romantic line ruined pretty much everything for me. The story without the romance was super interesting. But... well... the romantic story line was sometimes just disturbing, gross, and creepy to be honest. There were some points where I was concerned that the main actress should get a restraining order. I literally could not see how she could come to like someone who was obsessed with her. It wasn't like it was cute like first stage of falling in love with someone, no it was straight up obsession and it was creepy. Like he was affecting her life and sometimes it was borderline rapey. I honestly cannot understand the romanticizing of it. Sometimes, I expected to hear some dramatic "danger" music but instead got the "omg love love" music and I was like, what? Are you seriously saying I'm supposed to think this is romantic?

Also, Gil Rah Im's character development was such trash. Like it seemed like her character development was secondary to his, like they could disregard what makes sense for her to do as long as it continued the story in a way in which was favorable to his. So glad I finally proved to myself that I wasn't missing out on anything and it was as bad as I thought it was.

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Completed
VeeKim
14 people found this review helpful
Nov 7, 2012
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Secret Garden being phenomena since end of 2010, until now people still talk about it, I guess same thing happened to me, I watch this on March this year and now the feeling of it still lingers around me. It takes few days after I completed all episodes to get over it; It was really like Secret Garden fever and it takes sometimes for me to recover the feelings I felt towards Secret Garden.

Overall/Story: This kind of love story very typical nowadays, between rich arrogant man with poor innocent protective woman, but the storyline make you forgot that you’re only watching a drama, I’m sure, it makes you feel like you’re in the drama and feel it by yourself, cried for it, laughing out loud for it. Mystical elements in the drama are subject to reconsider but Ha Ji Won and Hyun Bin portraying each other well. It makes us believe that they’re really switching their bodies. Supporting roles like Oska, Ah Young, Director Jong Soo make this drama perfect just the way they are, blends each other well.

Acting: Hyun Bin and Ha Ji Won being an idol after this drama for sure, they both doing a very good job, I noticed that many anti-fans of Secret Garden dislike Kim Joo Won’s character because his character needed him to looked down over Gil Ra I'm, but I found it funny to people who dislike it because actually the main reason I like Kim Joo Won's character because of his arrogant behavior, who can’t accept the facts that he falling in love with poor, shabby lady. LOL. BUT MAJORITIES HAS SPOKEN, that’s why this drama being at top 5 at each drama site.

Music: I like all ost from this drama, it being my ringtones for quite sometimes, That Woman, That man, Scars, You’re My Everything , every times listen to them makes me rewind each moment in this drama.

Re-watch value? As far as I remember, I re-watched these more than 5 times. LOL. The moment Kim Joo Won regain his memory is the best scene of all times.

Happy Watching Everyone ^^

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Completed
mrspartypoison
8 people found this review helpful
Mar 3, 2018
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 5.5
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
I don't really get why this is a classic. Yes, Hyun Bin is fantastic at acting but I just hated his character so much ugh. Overall it was pretty boring, nothing happened (except when they change bodies, that was actually really fun to watch because again: Hyun Bin) and I couldn't buy the romance because how can you get to love someone that controls you and stalks you that much? However, I actually really enjoyed Oska and Yoon Seul's bits and the ost as well. I'm not going to say 'don't watch it, it's horrible' because I've seen worse but I can't recommend it and I'm actually really disappointed because I had really high expectations. Don't be hyped, look away whenever Joo Won's being dumb (lol that's like most of the time), focus on the good things and you might actually enjoy it.

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Completed
Ceruleangirl
17 people found this review helpful
Apr 26, 2011
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
Given the hype of Secret Garden, I was quite disappointed when I actually watched it. Ha Ji Won and Hyun Bin were both amazing in their roles (especially Hyun Bin) and the supporting casts were solid as well. However, the storyline just felt really unbelievable at times (even for a kdrama) and although the leading casts had great chemistry, the storyline didn't really provide any base for a compelling love story. To be honest, the side pairing of Oska/Seul was a much more compelling and interesting love story, in my opinion. In the end, it was the acting and the chemistry between Ha Ji Won and Hyun Bin that convinced me to finish watching the drama.

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Completed
94loveKdrama
10 people found this review helpful
Dec 17, 2012
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
out of 70 dramas that I've seen secret garden is My MOST FAVORITE among them all!! I can't explain why I love this drama the only thing I know is I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT the cast, story, ost, ALL. wanna know why??
uuuuhhhh, idk how to start!!T^T but for those who are addicted to dramas and likes to watched love story YOUR MISSING SOMETHING if you haven't watch this!! ep 1 you'll be hooked!!
every episode is amazing, there are no dull moments and as you go farther it's becoming MORE interesting!! There are scenes that is very REMARKABLE the sweetness of this drama is totally different and it will mark on your heart.
The story, cast, ost will never fail to make you smile, laugh, touched, amaze, shock, cry T^T
all of the cast in this drama are outstanding you'll be carried away on how they portray their own role. the rewatched value is 10!!I've watch this for the second time and the feeling is still the same!! You'll never get tired watching this drama, I assure it to you guys!!

WARNING: Once you finish this marvelous drama you'll definitely miss the cast:

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Completed
Wererabbit
11 people found this review helpful
Jun 29, 2018
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 1.0
Story 3.5
Acting/Cast 6.5
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 1.0
Actually I won't ever understand why rude jerks are so popular (in general, even outside dramaland) and why the girl would have any interest in him, since she's not after money nor handsomeness. But still somehow she ends up falling in love.
The plot is not maybe that bad, even tho body swapping and rich man x poor woman are not at all unique tropes, some parts were interesting and even funny but the romance and character development of the two leads was kind of wrong. I really felt his way of chasing her creepy and the fact that he trashed her for her status was utterly irritating at the point that I felt angry in the girl's place (also they presented her as a really strong and independent woman and they just flattened her personality episode after episode). He even repeatedly barged into her workplace to "play" and chase her, like "what you do is not even important". I mean are you for real? This is the kind of guy that most of girls fall for?! It could be okay if his behavior would have changed gradually at some point but beside the final part he stayed a rude jerk with not even a bit of respect for the girl: how come his character didn't have any development at all even tho they literally put each other shoes? I am not blaming the actor so don't get me wrong but just let me say that romanticizing this kind of toxic relationship is really not a good example. I witnessed how abusive love is and it's not something to daydream of.
So, this is to me the only big flaw that make me say no, don't waste your time over this.

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Completed
shinypher
8 people found this review helpful
Feb 18, 2014
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
I like Secret Garden very much (I watched it 4 times) , even if there are things not in my style. Well, I am going in steps.

Story: The story is simple, but well told. The link between her father and the body switch is clear from the first time they switch, but the reasons of this are revealed only in the end, step by step.
The story is well balanced, not too much fantasy, not too much reality, not too much bad, not too much good, not too much romance.
Feelings are well mixed, so that you can think "This is not a commedy, but even if it is moving you can still feel comfortable while watching"
Even if the romance between the two main characters is the main topic, you are interested also in other.
Good plot, well done.

Acting/Cast: I have to say I liked the casting, but I don't like the main actress. She is good indeed, but sometimes I just felt there wasn't chemistry between her and Hyun Bin (even if when they switch you started to think it was real haha).
Anyway, I think it was also in her character to be too cold sometimes.
Nothing to say about Hyun Bin, he is one of my favourite actors, and when it comes to dramas like this I just love him too much.
He was funny and caring in a cute way. My fav character in the show.
Speaking about 'Oska', I loved both character and actor; I was able to find out that he is actually very good in acting. I was always laughing or crying when he was on the screen.
The other characters were absolutely cute: the guys from the stunt school, and also Lee Jong Suk, that played his character well (actually he improved a lot from here, but he was already in the good-actor mood)

Music: The ost is very good.
I like "That woman" a lot, that song suits perfectly the drama. Everytime it was played I felt like it was giving a big help to the acting.

In the end, I think this is a must to watch, even if you don't like fantasy dramas.
Firstly because the switching was so real, second because there is not only fantasy.

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Completed
Light
8 people found this review helpful
Jun 3, 2014
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.5
One of the best romance Kdramas of all time. Not your everyday drama, characters were well-developed, well-thought out and cast did an amazing job as well. Funny, heartbreaking, interesting. It keeps you wanting the watch the next episode right away. The storyline is good, soundtrack is memorable. Though it has some conventional drama elements, it still manages to be different from the rest. Must-watch!
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Completed
poloalduchili
12 people found this review helpful
Nov 19, 2012
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
The Secret Garden syndrome: either you fall in love with this one and then it gets really hard to get over it if you manage it at all, or you hate it.
The synopsis usually leaves you completely uninterested, so don't read it. The real value of the drama is the addiction: once hooked, be prepared for a 20 hours ride.
As for the strong woman falling for the rich guy who just constantly pursues her, blowing hot and cold on a daily basis, I can safely say that it is nothing but realistic. Yes, she is strong. But she is still a woman and he is rich, always after her, slowly sacrificing everything for her... Of course she falls for him!
The part that you may find unrealistic is actually why on earth this "I have it all" guy is so obsessed by a regular stuntwoman with almost no sex appeal (cause really no make up and short hair are not a strong suit for Ha Ji Won)? And that is what I loved about this drama: it actually has an answer for that. So overall if there is one thing this drama is, in my humble opinion, it is actually CONSISTENT.
If the story (and the hot scenes that send your heart flying, hence the infamous sit ups scene) was not strong enough, there is always the huge laughs and cries you get over the frequent swapping bodies (even though it looks weird and lame it actually is well brought and extremely funny) or the perfect amount of second characters who for once actually bring something to the story instead of just forming the usual foursome which drags on forever even though you knew the ending from the first few minutes.
Towards the end, SG returns to the classics of Korean Drama with the unusual amounts of hospitals meant only to make the watchers cry but at this point in the drama you are usually so completely into it you can't help but actually feel it for once.
Add to that a realistic ending, a strong plot, good acting from both parts and a huge chemistry all throughout the 20 episodes and you get what I consider to be the best drama I ever go to watch.

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Completed
Jeaniessi
19 people found this review helpful
Apr 7, 2011
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Okay, here's another one that maybe someone, somewhere will find fault with. Not me! This show is pitch perfect. Hyun Bin is so much more than a pretty face. The man can act. Comedy or Drama. There is such a great mix of that here and it's all done very well. It is Hilarious! (See episode 3 for one example...you'll know when it happens, trust me.) The chemistry between the leads is smokin'. Joo Won is soooo flawed! Whew is he a hilarious mess. And his Hyung Oska...oh those boys. Ha Ji Wan is great. I loved her. This show is one of the best I've seen so far. I enjoyed every minute! So Fun. A great send off for Hyun Bin.

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Completed
claudya87
28 people found this review helpful
May 13, 2011
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 4.0
Story 4.0
Acting/Cast 5.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
I know I\'\'m weirder than most people but still I don\'\'t understand why all the fuss about this series. Is it because of the way Hyun Bin looks like? I won\'\'t judge a story after the grade of hotness an actor has.

I most certainly didn\'\'t enjoy the story. Actually I liked more the supporting casts namely Oska/Seul. I have to say that I also like the main actor - as he looks like of course because in the end I\'\'m a superficial person - but I didn\'\'t see any chemistry between him and the main actress. At all. NOT EVEN A BIT !

Love should not be comprehensible and can hit you at any time? :)) Sure, I understand that fact but I refuse to accept it as an excuse for an undeveloped storyline. I may seem harsh and many will curse me under their breath. All I can say is : \"I\'\'ve seen better!\" and those series were unappreciated or not so widely known because no \"star\" played in them.

Amusing scenes? All I saw were actors trying to be funny.
Realness of the story? Of their love? Gradually convincing action? Where? Maybe it all went past me and I missed it.
I don\'\'t like series that don\'\'t convince me of their value and I had to try my best to not drop this one.

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Secret Garden (2010) poster

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  • Score: 8.2 (scored by 55,014 users)
  • Ranked: #1462
  • Popularity: #58
  • Watchers: 105,417

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