Becca256
Costa Rica
It goes from being a typical drama in the first few chapters to something so much bigger than that afterwards. It is like an onion(Shrek, too much?), it has many layers and you only discover more the further you watch it.
It is a love story, a family story, a story about forgiveness, a story about being true to yourself and your feelings, but it is also a story about treason, about the two sides of the story, that not everything is what it seems at first sight.
The characters are really well written, each has a hidden depth that you see little by little. The drama pushes you to watch more for you to understand the story, it doesn't lays it out at simple sight like most dramas do.
I saw this when it came out in 2009 and I remember being super impatient all week waiting for the next chapter to air. Since then I've watched it two times. I have the OST on my computer, and the MV of the theme song.
Taiwanese dramas are always being underrated because of the acting, but anyone who watches this will be really impressed with it, and if I have to name my favorite actor, it definitely is the little boy, he's just so cute and adorable, yet mature.
If you are reading this is because either you haven´t watched it and you aren't sure if it's worth your time, or you have already watched it and want to see if anyone feels the same way about this drama that you do. If you are in the first category, let me tell you that yes, it is worth your time, this is a brilliant drama by any standard, and even if you don't like love stories (very unlikely because you watch dramas) you won't be able to deny that this is genius. And if you are in the second category, yes, I think like you, this is genius and it is one of my favourite dramas. If I had a flavor of the week of "sucker for romance dramas" this one would definitely would be in there. Either way, I hope you find this review helpful.
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Story-The story is about how the drama world functions, it tries to highlight the differences and similarities between dramas and real life. In the romantic part it's completely different from any kdrama that I've ever seen. So to give you an idea, the leads are exes, so it isn't about how they fall in love, but rather how real couples relate. I loved it because it was a completely realistic story and the kind of romance that shows is completely mature, as opposed to you typical romcom. Also I love that the story isn't only about their relationship. It really shows how the drama business function, and I loved the stories of the supporting characters, specially Uhm Ki Joon and Seo Hyo Rim's. I love that throughout the drama you can see all kinds of love, and that the main idea it that sometimes reality is way better.
Cast-Hyun Bin and Song Hye Kyo are like the bomb together, they have so much chemistry that at some scenes I thought the whole thing was gonna explode. I wasn't surprised at all when I found out they announced they were a couple in real life two months after the drama, I mean, you could totally see it through the screen. I loved Son Hye Kyo's evolution from Full House to Worlds Within, it shows she really grew as an actress and left behind her innocent self. The supporting actors where all really great, and each really had a chance to shine at least in an episode.
Music-The olnly thing that wasn't perfect in here. It wasn't bad but it wasn't anything special. Actually, it resembles a lot to My Girl's OST.
Rewatch Value-Definitely will rewatch it soon, I loved it, specially the cute scenes that make your heart melt.
Overall-This is a great drama, I recommend it for anyone, it has everything from romance (a lot), to comedy, family, friendship, drama and simply life.
I really loved this drama and I hope that through this review I can encourage at least a person to watch it. If you ever read this and because of this start watchingt this drama, please send me a message or leave a comment on my profile, it would mean a lot to me.
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I think almost everybody who is familiar with this story knows that there are several adaptations for it. It all started with the manga, then the anime, then the 1995 movie and then 4 drama adaptions from China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea. This version, the JDrama one is my favorite. Reasons? Here I go.
Story:
The story isn't your typical Cinderella. Yes, there's a poor girl and a rich guy and yes, he falls in love with her, but this Cinderella definitely doesn't want the charming prince to return her glass slipper. For me this story is a master piece not because of the love story, but because of its crudeness. It deals bluntly with heavy issues (even more forbidden in Japan) like bullying, rape, tolerance, corruption, class differences and the general injustice that is high school. I think this a story that every teenage girl should know of, because it says that you don't have to be anything to please a guy.Instead, you should worry about the things surrounding you and how you can make a change.
The love story is pretty good and addictive too. You have a strong female character who deals with a LOT of things throughout the story. She isn't searching for love, she has her hands already full with school and her family. She isn't pretty OR nice. Neither is she elegant or flirty. BUT, she is loyal to her friends and always defends people against injustice. She is honourable and honest, she always speaks her mind, even if it will get her in huge trouble afterwards. She's also fearless and does what most people are afraid to. Watching this now, I realize that Makino has been my role model throughout my teenage years and has helped me morph into the person I am today. I am still very far from being like her, but she's a truly inspirational character who makes me always push myself harder.
Then there's Domyouji, who is far from your perfect prince charming. To put it mildly, he's a total jerk and a bully. He's used to getting his way and everybody is afraid of him. He's a really rotten human being, if that can even be called human. But, when Makino confronts him instead of running away from him, he falls instantly in love with her. For me one of the greatest thing about HYD is seeing Domyouji slowly changing from being the monster that he was at first to a truly beautiful human being. His love for Makino makes him grow as a person, become someone kind and adorable, and he learns a little more about life, and accepts that he can't always have his way.
Acting:
All the cast does a perfect job. They made the characters from the manga come alive completely, instead of changing them. The chemistry between Inoue Mao and Matsumoto Jun is so real that I often wish they were a couple in real life while watching them, and the chemistry between the F4 is great too. They really came together as a group of friends who always have their back for each other.
The thing about this story is that you don't say: wow this person is a great actor/actress. It is the kind of awesome acting that makes you forget they're acting. It's simply natural and perfect.
Music:
The OST is really good. It's not mad good, but it's the kind of music that gets stucked in your head for several days in a row. It has been on my iPod for several years, and I sometimes use it as a ringtone from my phone.
Rewatch:
I've watched this several times and I will keep rewatching it, because I learn something new about it every time I watch it.
Overall:
This is one of those dramas that for ME, is really a must. If you haven't watched it, I recommend it greatly. I don't know if you'll think of it as high as I do, but I seriously think you'll like it, what are you waiting for? :)
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Story: This is a character-driven story, not plot driven. This is the story of how they met and changed each other's lives, and how they individually grew, and I couldn't have been happier that this was it, without any cliches or contrived plot points.
Characters: On one hand we have Cha Soo Hyun, a chaebol through and through who has never had a chance to have a live of her own, because of the deep love and commitment she has for for family. On the other hand we have Kim Jin Hyuk, an old soul who loves poetry and has a very positive way to look at live, not to be confused with naiveness; he is also a man who is completely free of the toxic masculinity that has been so talked about in recent times. He always respects Soo Hyun's decisions and backs her up, and encourages to empower herself, without pushing her.
There are good side characters throughout the story, but this is a story about these 2, and the drama doesn't waste much time focusing anywhere else.
Acting: Song Hye Kyung and Park Bo Gum have great natural chemistry together; they pulled the drama all on their own, and did a great work while it. With them we were able to see 2 people fall in love, especially in the small details. They were able to convery their emotions and story without having to talk at all. Their scenes felt so real that sometimes we as the audience even feel like voyeurs by watching something so intimate.
Music: This usually is not a very important part for me, but the music in this drama really lifted up the story and gave it great ambiance; it was also great to hear music in Spanish.
Overall: I loved almost everything about this drama, from the simple story to the great chemistry between Soo Hyun and Jin Hyuk. I loved that their story wasn't overly dramatic but instead very realistic. Each time it could've turned into a cliché, the drama subverted it and went the other way. If I have one complain is that characters, especially antagonists, talked a lot about creating havoc but never actually did anything, robbing some momentum to the plot; however, the cute scenes more than made up for it.
Watch this if you're feeling down or just want to feel fuzzy all over; it'll help you remember your first love, and all the small moments and feelings that you go through when you first fall in love.
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The story is great, you really have no way of imagining what's gonna happen next, but I won't anything more about it because otherwise I'd spoil it for those who haven't watched it yet.
The acting really blows my mind, I've always loved Tamaki, ever since I saw Nodame Cantabile, and he always plays his part perfectly wether it be here, in Nodame, in Love Shuffle or any of his other dramas and movies. The female lead, whose name I can't remember right now, also plays her part perfectly, her more than anybody because her role was really hard to play. I hate her in real life because she's one of Japan's biggest divas, in the BAD sense of the word, and that's why admire her even more in this movie-because I love her character.
The music always goes according to the scene, it makes you feel what the characters are feeling.
I've watched this movie several times with different people, and every time I watch it again I discover something new.
Overall this is one of the greatest japanese movies that I've ever seen because unlike must jap movies this one actually makes me feel something, this one gets to the heart instead of being overvdepressing, I recommend it for anyone who likes memorable love stories.
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The first thing you need to know about this drama (you're reading this probably because you haven't watched it, right?) is that it's very fresh, and different from any other kdrama.
For me the most awesome thing about this drama, and the reason why I'm giving it a 10 it's the story. The writing is superb. Each character exists completely, and it's really human. You can feel all they're feeling.
The story doesn't have any cliché and unlike other "musical" dramas (coughheartstringscough)the musical part is really there. Musical is part of the character's lives so it becomes another character in the drama, making it more beautiful and allowing us to feel.
The acting is quite amazing. The performances that, for me, need to be like high lighted were Oh Man Suk's and Im Joo Eun's. They truly stole the show, and their characters were the best.
The music was for a musical but it had different genre and I must say that the vocal part of the songs were great. I hadn't realized Daesung had such an extraordinary voice until this.
I don't think I'll watch this again because this is the kind of drama that you must watch once to be amazed by it and discovering each character little by little, so I don't think I'll feel as deeply as I feel now about it if I watch it again.
This drama left me with a feeling of change, like I was a different person just by watching it, as if by watching it I was somehow becoming part of the story, so I'm happy to say that this is a drama that I won't forget soon, because it taught me a lot, and it definitely has a special corner in my heart, so I hope that by reading this, you'll also want to have that experience! Go watch it! Oh Man Suk rocks! =)
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Story- I love sport movies, and this one was no exception. I loved both main characters, one who was very talented but didn't wamt to swim and the other one who was less talented but trained a lot and was pressured by his dad. I specially liked the bromance between Wu Sang and Won Il, it was my favorite part of the movie. The weakest part of the story for me was the romantic part. The female lead was shallow and poorly written so I could never understand how they would fall in love with her? What did they see in her?
Acting - I already knew both SIG and LJS could act really well, they have proven it before, and this movie was no exception. Seo In Guk nailed his performance of an orphan rebel kid, bringing life and joy to a character who could've been very tragic and Lee Jong Suk also excelled in his role of a pressured kid who doesn't know how to have fun. Sadly, I can't say the same thing about Yuri. Saying that I suffered watching her acting was an understatement. I understand that the producers were trying to attract a younger audience and that's why they chose an idol for the love interest, but why did it have to be Yuri? She barely knows the basics about acting and her character seemed too plastic, taking credibility from the love story.
Music- Again, it was a weak part of the movie, way too mellow and pop-ish.
Rewatch value- I will definitely rewatch this again because it's the kind of movie that you enjoy watching several times
Overall, if you're looking for a good sports movie about friendship and bromance, this is your movie! PLUS! Lee Jong suk and Seo In Guk shirtless 95% of the movie! :D
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For those of you who don't know it, this drama is supposedly based on the Hans Christian Andersen book "The Snow Queen", but I didn't feel it that way. Although the characters are alike, the story is very loosely based, but it did have the feeling of magic, and fairy tale, which I guess was the idea.
The story starts years back, and the whole first episode is like a prologue, or a prelude to the real story, it's used as a tool to make you understand the characters and their background. So, don't make up your mind about this drama in the first episode, although I do have to admit that I did it and made up my mind to love it.
When I started watching this I was expecting a tragic story, but it really isn't that much. I mean, yes, the main characters are screwed up, and yes they aren't happy, but it doesn't feel tragic because you actually think "if I were them I'd be the same". And it does mix very well drama with comedy, there are scenes that had me laughing real hard, specially in the first half. Besides, you are in suspense the whole time, waiting, dreading, to see when will all the secrets come out and how will the characters react.
I think the cast is really good. The leads have a lot of chemistry together. Not explosive, like Hyun Bin and Son Hye Kyo on Worlds Within, but it is the kind of chemistry required for this story. The second leads did exactly what every second lead is supposed to, although they didn't really stand out, just became a little annoying. I fell in love with the actor who plays Kim Bo Ra's father in City Hunter, so I think he really did his part well.
The music although it wasn't extraordinary, it really was according to the drama, and very well used, specially the main theme, which reminded me of a ballet, like The Nutcracker, it was just so magical.
Overall, if you like dramatic love stories, with deeper characters who aren't perfect and like to see them evolving, this is definitely your drama. I, personally, liked it a lot, although I wouldn't say that it is one of my favorites, and I'd like to see it again someday with a friend.
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The story is something different. Even though time travel sometimes is a cliche, in this movie it isn't. That isn't the focus or the story and it develops nicely apart from that fact. All the characters had something you could relate to, and had something that you just HAD to love. Besides, the story has twist that while watching it I just kept thinking "what the heck? This wasn't supposed to happen here!", so it never gets tiring or boring.
The cast was great. Nishikido Ryo's acting was superb, specially if you have seen him acting in other stuff and you realize just how wide his acting is. The female lead and the little kid also did a great job, and the 3 of them together could create a feeling of a real family.
The music wasn't something special. It wasn't bad but it isn't something that I would download to listen to it all the time.
On the rewatch value I'll definitely watch it again soon because I liked it a lot.
So overall, a solid 9. I would've given it a 10 if it weren't for some stuff about the story that I didn't like and I won't mention here to spoil. Watch it, I think you'll like it :D
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This is a great drama, the characters are great and I loved that it actually did have a lot about food because a lot of dramas, like You're Beautiful, Only You and Heartstrings are about a certain subject but you never get to actually see the writers exploding that.
The thing that really bothered me about this one that made me not like this drama so much was the female lead. She had no personality whatsoever, always letting everyone push her around, even her love interest. I hate that she was alway "Yes, Chef. Yes, Chef. Chef, chef chef chef..." I mean she never even called him by his real name, no Hyuk Woon ah, or Hyuk Woon ssi, or even Choi Hyun Wook ssi.
Also, for the sake of not spoiling I'll really just say that I hated the REAL reason (not the generic, but the one he says) of why the chef broke up with his previous partner. I don't know of it is just because I'm a hardcore feminist, or simply because I thought he was dumb but I simply hated him.
On the other hand I loved all the kitchen drama, with the main line and the pasta line, Italian vs Korean! It was so funny to see them fight for the most minimum thing, I think all that made the drama funnier to watch and lighter.
In general I really enjoyed this drama, though it isn't one of my favorites
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There were a lot of things that I liked about this drama and a lot of things that I didn't.
The acting was one of the best thing of the drama. Each actor and actress did a great job portraying his or her character and they complemented each other perfectly as a family. Sometimes they fought, sometimes they cried and sometimes they were plain hilarious, but each time they did it as a family. Seeing them like that kind of made me wish I had such a huge family like them!
The music was a lot better than I expected, I even learned the lyrics for the songs! There was one that was specially catchy, the one with the ?vis a vis face to face? chorus.
Now to the main part: the story. This is a really long drama,so the story is like several stories put together. The first chapters were really frustrating for me to watch because every character is really annoying and dumb. They made me just want to smack them really hard.
But then, as the story continues you learn to love these characters even with their flaws, and feel what they're feeling. Maybe, you will even learn to relate to them.
In my opinion it was a wonderful story, because it wasn't the kind of story that made you want to dramathon through the drama, but it grew on you slowly and made you want to keep watching what happened to this crazy family, and how each character grew (they really needed to grow, ALL of them).
The downside of this drama for me was that it was extended. I think the drama would've been a lot better if they had finished it in episode 39-40. The last 5 episodes were a torture for me to watch, because I felt like I had already witnessed the end of the story, and that the last few episodes were a really LONG epilogue, and no one wants long epilogues.
Overall this a really funny, light and heart warming drama. It is constantly entertaining and you will never get bored watching it, there's always a crazy scene waiting in the next 5 minutes. If you're in the mood for something like that, this drama is just for you :)
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So, it started really good, and then it got tired and in the end it just sucked. The characters aren't well written so it's like hearing them say the same thing over and over again. You never really get to know them. It doesn't have good secondary characters either. Her friend, Hyung Sung is really stalker, and I got the creeps watching him, he didn't make me feel anything, just annoyance. The female lead isn't likeable, as opposed to Mu Cheng in AC. Here you don't feel sorry for her situation, you just get tired of her not sticking up for herself. The male lead is really just cheesy, you don't sense any real feelings. And the story has like really huge holes, and in other parts it just keeps repeating.
One of the main reasons I started to watch this drama was because of Jo Hyun Jae, I just simply loved him in 49 days and I thought he was a really good actor. But here, I don't know if it's because he was just starting his career or because the script wasn't really good but he just came out flat. Han Chae Young, who is really famous for her role on Delightful Girl Choong Hyan, really didn't stand out here, she didn't make me feel anything. As for the other two who completed the love square, they were just creepy.
The music wasn't anything special, although it did fit the scenes. I specially liked one which was like the intro to Aerosmith's "I don't wanna miss a thing."
In rewatch value, I wouldn't ever watch it again, specially because I got really bored at the end and just pressed fast forward in the tiring scenes.
Overall, it really isn't a good drama, although if you like soap operas, you probably will like this.
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But, a few days ago I finished a drama and I said to myself well if everyone is talking about it and it's getting so much recognition then it must have something good. And, as soon as I started watching it, I fell in love.
Story-It's really interesting because, as in Dream High, it gives you a chance to see a little of the inside world of Hallyu. Besides it doesn't get tiring at any time and it moves really fast, without losing any time. I specially loved that unlike most dramas, he was the one who fell in love first, and isn't afraid to admit it.
Acting-I was really impressed, specially with the main lead. I have to admit that at first I had my reservations because he was so OLD. But then I started noticing his acting and he's REALLY good. He is so much better than the female lead and is always setting the mood for the scene. The supporting actors were also very good and funny.
Music-It is great, there is always a great song accompanying each scene, completely according to the mood. I specially liked the suspense music because it made the scenes funnier. And of course I loved "Bum bum"! It is so catchy that I find myself humming it at times!
Rewatch value-I'd completely rewatch this drama, and probably will in vacations.
overall-so 10
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As many of you probably know, the crew of this drama was the same staff that produced Queen In Hyun's Man, and it definitely shows. Not because the stories are similar (because they're not), but because they have the same quality. There are few to none plot holes and the every single detail is taken care of. So let's start digging a little deeper now.
Story-the story is about a man who has a chance to change his life and fix all of his mistakes. This in itself is a wonderful theme because it gets us thinking about what would we change of our life if we could and what would be the consequences of that change. What I loved about this story is that it never was predictable, you never know what's going to happen next, and it manages to mix romance, action and character development in a completely natural way. I personally loved the ending, it was fitting to the rest of the drama. I really liked that even though Park Sun Woo kept going back to the past, he almost never changed anything for his own benefit, but for the benefit of others. Even when he makes a mistake that turns his life completely upside-down (and not for the best), he refuses to go back and fix it.
Acting- I can honestly say that it was genius. Lee Jin Wook's portrayal of Park Sun Woo was right on spot, bringing us to tears one moment and making us choke laughing at the next moment. Jo Yoon Hee also did a great work with her character, being irresistibly adorable, completely straight forward with her love but at the same time managing to be innocent. I have to make an honorary mention at something she said because I literally rolled in the floor laughing because of it. At one point she says to PSW while throwing a tantrum "You're going to ruin my life by letting me die a virgin!!". And that brings me to the chemistry. The chemistry between the protagonists was sizzling,making the love story not only believable but relatable. Rhey made you root for them as they went through many obstacles together. The rest of the cast was also amazing, making us not only focus on the romance but also on friendship and family relationships. The only weak link on the cast was Jeong Dong Hwan, who over acted his role and made the EXACT same face EVERY single time he discovered something (OoO).
Music-It wasn't bad but it wasn't anything special either.
Rewatch- i will definitely watch this again soon, if only to get all the details and contrast of this complex story.
This is a really good and neat drama that will never get you bored but keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time. If you like action or suspense dramas, or dramas that will get you thinking, this is definitely your cup, I highly recommend it.
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Hana Kimi was one of the first dramas that I've ever saw. I've watched it complete 2 times and my favourite parts at least 10 times. It's a really must see in the drama world. It's not the best drama with the best story and the best acting, but it's really entertaining and cute. If you are in your teens, then you'll definitely enjoy it. If you are older, you'll probably won't like it because you'll think that it's way too over-the-top.
The story is not really that original in the girl-dresses-as-boy thing, the original part is how develop it and why she does it. Also the side stories are pretty funny, like the competition between the rooms and all that.
The acting is pretty good, I love Maki, she's one of my favourite actresses. The whole cast is great, you can notice that there's chemistry between them, that they really bonded and friends throughout the filming of this.
The music was good, it was funny and according to the moments, also I love the theme song, I have it as ringtone on my cell.
On the rewatch value it is definitely a 10. I've watched 2 times and will probably watch it another 20. It is a funny light drama that cheers me up when I'm down.
Overall, although it isn't extraordinary, Hana Kimi is a classic and a must see for us drama fans, it really is something.
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