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  • Location: USA
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ClassyApples

USA

ClassyApples

USA
Completed
Mr. Sunshine
110 people found this review helpful
Sep 2, 2018
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0

When I watch Mr. Sunshine, I feel like I am watching an Oscar nominated film.

Mr. Sunshine is comprised of everything you would want in a drama. It has a stunning and talented cast, mesmerizing cinematography, an engaging and compelling plot that keeps you hooked begging for the next episode, complex/dimensional characters, quotable writing, and even comic relief. Don't let the first episode fool you in terms of heaviness as this drama has plenty of laughs to balance the grittiness. I find myself laughing throughout the entire episode, in between my tears. Each episode just gets better, and nothing feels like it's dragged, there's not an overdone use of flashbacks or that thing kdramas do when they the repeat a scene 5 times from different angles so we can see each side of the characters (like, can we just see the scene once from one angle, do we need to see them do the same thing 5 times in 5 different angles?? Thank you, Mr. Sunshine, for not doing this.) Honestly, this show has it all and it is now on my list of my favorite kdramas to date.

What I think I like most about Mr. Sunshine besides it being absolutely beautiful to look at is the characters. The main leads are compelling, as well as the rest of the main cast who have me rooting for them as well as feeling for them. They are layered, their decisions are not hasty, and they are not the types of characters you normally see in dramas. These characters really feel like humans making human decisions; I can see their reasoning, their logic, and empathize with them. Eugene defends his country, while feeling his ties to Korea, while Ae-Shin defends her country, which is Korea, and both of them are committed to their causes whilst figuring out their feelings for each other and how they can balance both. Dong-Mae, who rises from nothing, is someone I empathize with and somehow also root for despite his not so commendable actions, along with Hui-Seong, who turns to vices to fight with his inner demons. I honestly love them all and cannot get enough! Once this drama is finished, I know I will miss them dearly, like old friends.

Something else I must mention is the portrayal of the female characters. BRAVO WRITERS for writing such strong, smart, clever, and independent women who do not need a man to rescue them. Both Ae-Shin and Hina are absolutely AMAZING! Girl power! They are both autonomous, self-reliant women who stand up for their causes and do not run away from danger. They do not sit still, and when they disagree with something, they say it! They are smart and take everything by the reigns, which is something more kdrama female leads should do: they need to rise up and speak for themselves and not wait for romance or a man to save them from their problems. I cannot emphasize how refreshing this is to see in a kdrama, nonetheless a historical kdrama/sageuk! This drama certainly passes the Bechdel Test in terms of the portrayal of women in fiction.

One more thing to mention about Mr. Sunshine which is refreshing is that romance does not overpower the plot. Although this drama does have a heavy love triangle (rather, love pentagon?), it is not the main event. What takes the lead is the story, and the romance may be a big part of it, but the story itself stands alone and keeps me interested.

If I haven't convinced you by now, I do not know what else I can say to urge you to watch. Mr. Sunshine is amazing, trust me on that. (:

[I wrote this review on episode 18, but I still stand by it and think it deserves my initial praise]

I made a video tribute on my YouTube channel if anyone wants to cry again: https://youtu.be/iFNuGJe4YY4

https://78.media.tumblr.com/f68adce3cc33aa1741f7d475f3a36b8e/tumblr_pbp0wiqxR01vkz0npo4_500.gif

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Completed
Love Affairs in the Afternoon
14 people found this review helpful
Oct 8, 2019
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

A weirdly pure love in an affair. Raw.

I never thought I'd watch a drama about adultery, but here I am. This drama had some of the best acting I have seen in a kdrama (looking at you, Jung Sang Hoon). I definitely cried watching it. This drama will stick with me, that's for sure.

It was poetic, a slow-burn, but hooked me; some might feel conflicted to rate this drama high due to the implications and subject matter, but just because you rate it high doesn't mean you approve of what the characters are doing. Just because I give this drama a 10 doesn't mean I approve of affairs or cheating. The reason why this drama is a 10 for me is because everything was perfect: the acting, storytelling, music, etc. You could FEEL the emotions and turmoil that the characters went through and see how their actions hurt them and the people around them. I thought it was perfect, and wish more dramas could be so beautiful to watch.

Also, side note, but DAMN episode 12. That episode...best of the show. Had my heart nearly bursting out of my chest from anxiety and pain. I would defnitely go back and rewatch that episode. Like I said, some of the best acting I've seen in a kdrama.

I have not seen the Japanese version of this, so I cannot compare the two, but I will just say that this drama is worth your time.

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Completed
Serenade of Peaceful Joy
6 people found this review helpful
Jun 24, 2020
69 of 69 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

A true look at humanity and sacrifice --a quality show that is layered and poetic

People have different tastes. Some people like dramas with action-packed plot, heavy romance, sweet male leads who are out of storybooks, and females who are bubbly and innocent. Others might enjoy deep, emotional, character driven dramas that grabs at the heart and present characters like real people who make mistakes, are not perfect, and whose actions have consequences--a drama with imperfect people. If you are looking for a show that will make you think, reflect, and examine yourself and the characters deeply, then this show is for you.

I almost didn't watch this because of the criticism, but I am glad I ignored the negative reviews as I was immediately hooked, and my obsession did not die out as the episodes progressed, but instead my interest grew.

I can understand how this drama might not suit everyone, it is not an action-packed, romantic drama, it is not a fairy tale--this is a real story, with real authentic characters who act like humans with faults and virtues. They are likable at times and you hate them at times. Just like real people. I like how this show presents the characters as truly human, faults and all. I can't help but love this series for showing the human psych so well.

Maybe I just like shows that break my heart. Maybe because they evoke emotion and tears, which mean the actors did a wonderful job conveying their characters. Who knows, but this show is right up my alley and I think it's so well done, the costumes are beautiful, the sets, etc.

Whether you like this show will depend on your expectations.

I enjoyed watching this show so much and did not find it to have filler moments, every scene had a purpose. Every action had a consequence. Although there is a lot of talk about politics, you knows the ministers lives and follow those side characters from adolescence to adulthood and see how they grow and change. You meet so many characters, and you become interested in their lives. I cared about all the side characters the ministers, maids, eunuchs, villagers, city folk, etc. You feel an attachment to them, as you follow their lives.

SOUNDTRACK: If you liked the vibe of The Story of Ming Lan, then this is right up your alley. Some of the background tracks sounds identical to Ming Lan, they are subtle and you're not really listening for the music, but paying attention to the dialogue. It brings your attention to the characters, and does not have fanciful overpowering tracks. deep digging examinations of what drives people, good and bad. The emotional tracks that do play come at the right moment, and are artful and poetic.

REWATCHABILITY: I have already gone back to rewatch scenes.

ACTING: Everyone's performance is top tier. Zhao Zhen, the Empress, the child versions of all these characters, Hui Rou, Huaiji...Wang Kai does an amazing job portraying Zhao Zhen as he ages. His mannerisms change in the later episodes, his demeanor, and if I hadn't seen him in early episodes looking so young I'd think he was actually an older gentleman (lol!) Incredible job by all members of the cast.

I can safely say this is my new favorite cdrama, in addition to Story of Ming Lan and Story of Yanxi Palace. There are my spoiler-free thoughts. I just wanted to share and maybe urge people to give this drama a chance. I do not find it to be a waste of time, I like the setting, the politics, just watching the daily lives of these people.

**Spoilers after this point**

Throughout this show, I kept thinking that I could write a thorough character literary analysis for so many of these people. Below is my attempt to explain some of the actions of the emperor and empress, and share some additional feelings.

Regarding the Emperor Zhao Zhen, I can understand that maybe people were angry at him and hence rated the show lower because of the decisions he made. But this is based on a historical figure who made these decisions (example: deciding Huirou's marriage, ignoring the the empress, favoring Concubine Bihan.) The thing about how they portrayed the emperor though made me understand why he behaved the way he did; it linked back to his childhood traumas, his relationship with his "mother," showing us that the emperor is intimidated by strong women because they remind him of the Empress Dowager who overpowered him as emperor and mandated everything; he is shown to be weak-minded because of this, and easily manipulated/attracted to the women who resemble adolescence/are not as strong and who express their love toward him since he craves for that attention. That is why he and the empress have such discord, since she is an incredibly strong, (amazing), smart, capable, confident woman who does not need a man to protect her, but he himself is intimidated by that (like an idiot!) and there is that gap between them. She does not go to him to protect her, and he seems to only like women who need his power to "save" them. This is shown throughout by his relationship with He'er and Bihan, both girls who needed his help at some point or have outwardly shown their care for him. It makes him so unlikable as a character sometimes, but I never hated completely him since he is shown to be a generally kind, caring, benevolent emperor and father (in the majority of the drama, but after episode 55 we kinda see his lacking as a father...your heart aches for the empress, and you cuss out the emperor in your head. Their relationship is emotionally abusive, and I respect this show for not romanticizing such a toxic relationship (unlike some shows...cough cough Goodbye My Princess cough cough). The way this show portrays these people makes you analyze their thought processes and ache for them.

It has too many layers for me to capture in a summary, but here's just a tidbit of my thoughts.

Also, I can't end this review without talking about Huaiji and Huirou. These two truly broke my heart. Their love was so sincere and beautiful, and they are soulmates, but due to their circumstances nothing can come of it. There is this line said between with Huaiji and Huirou where she says she wants to be a lotus flower in her next life, to which Huaiji responds that he will be the wave beneath it so they can be together. My heart just ACHED for these two. I shed tears. Such a beautiful friendship and love story they shared.

Also, if interested here are two fan videos for Serenade of Peaceful Joy:

Huaiji/Huirou : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_w9N6oz88Q
Zhao Zhen/Danshu : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwEhpxtJFhE

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Completed
Prison Playbook
11 people found this review helpful
Oct 18, 2018
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 7.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 4.0
Rewatch Value 3.5
I just finished this drama and it was alright overall, but near the end I got seriously annoyed by how cookie cutter an overly dramatic it got, to the point where I was just rolling my eyes and laughing at how ridiculous the plot was. I say people hyped this drama up, and although it was different than other dramas, it honestly is not as deserving of the hype, in my opinion. Many characters seemed like caricatures, the drama got ridiculous, it was quite unrealistic in terms of prison life, and slow at times with too many flashbacks. I just wanted to post this comment so those who are reading 10 star reviews don't go in with the unrealistic high expectations I did when I watched it.

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Completed
Should We Kiss First?
4 people found this review helpful
Sep 8, 2019
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
I would've rated this show much higher if it was not for the daughter character. She honestly was so annoying. The main love story was AMAZING 10/10, but the daughter and her immaturity is what made me give it an 8/10. To be honest, around episode 25 I began to skip the daughter scenes and focus on the rest of the characters and their stories so that is why I can't give it a full 10 like I want to, due to the daughter.

ALL IN ALL, WATCH IT, but don't feel guilty if you also skip the daughter's scenes.
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Completed
The Rebel Princess
3 people found this review helpful
Jul 1, 2021
68 of 68 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.5

It will be hard to find another cdrama after this, my standards are now too high

I finished watching The Rebel Princess two days ago and came back to write a review since I couldn't get it off my mind. I even went back and rewatched some of my favorite scenes, that's how much I enjoyed this story, the characters, and cinematography.

I don't watch too many Chinese dramas since I am not a fan of dubbing or the "immature baby-like" female voices, and a lot of them seem to have idols/androgynous actors as the male leads instead of more mature/masculine actors, so when I came across The Rebel Princess it was like a breath of fresh air. The voices are not artificial, the female lead is mature (if you get past the first 4 episodes), and the male lead is capable/masculine/sweet.

I was already a fan of Zhang Ziyi since Memories of a Geisha/House of Flying Daggers/Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, so seeing her at the head of this project was no disappointment. She can act, and so can Zhou Yi Wei who showed his capacity and range opposite her as the male lead and her love interest. Their chemistry was great, their relationship was not toxic, and it was refreshing to see such a mature relationship in a cdrama where the misunderstandings are resolved in the same episode instead of 30 episodes. Their relationship reminded me of *The Story of Ming Lan* with Ming Lan and Gu Ting Ye having such a stable, mature, and supportive marriage.

Woe is me that there are not many dramas like this one. I don't know when I will move on.

I made a video tribute if anyone is interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfVmdgd6sHw

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Completed
Be Melodramatic
3 people found this review helpful
Oct 17, 2019
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

So weird, yet so very perfect

Fresh and unique. Extremely fast paced. Not one moment is dull.

You have to pay attention because the writing is so clever and quick witted. Honestly, the dialogue zooms by and you have to read as fast as a cheetah.The humor might be a little weird, deadpan, and sarcastic, but that's probably why I liked it so much. I am not the type of person to laugh out loud, but I ended up doing just that while watching this drama. Honestly, there were lines that were so clever and funny that I rewinded to watch the scene again. Not only that, but I shed tears IN THE FIRST EPISODE. This drama tugged at my emotions within the first episode and continued to do so as the drama continued. Nothing like I've watch before, and it is so weird. So, so weird. But I truly loved it.

MUSIC: 100% in this category. There is one song that has like 7 different renditions and each one sounds amazing and fits the mood. I could not get that shampoo song out of my head.

ACTING: Can I call it acting, when it feels like the actors are the characters themselves? It felt so natural, never felt forced or cheesy imo. They all did an amazing job.

I'd definitely rewatch this. So many laughs. And it was incredibly unique and meta. I could've watched 50 episodes of this. I finished it in a couple days, and I was sad I had to say goodbye.

(I will admit tho, I found the last episode to be a bit weak, hence the 9.5 instead of 10. They could have ended the series way better, but I am hopeful for a season 2 so maybe they did not feel the need to exactly make the final episode feel like a final episode.)

All in all, Be Melodramatic is added to my Favorite Drama list. Watch it. You will not regret it.

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Completed
I Have a Lover
2 people found this review helpful
Jul 10, 2021
50 of 50 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.5

Just give it a chance--worst case scenario, you'll drop the drama and move on

As a viewer watching this in 2021, I have to say I really liked this drama. It was addicting, and the story really picks up after episode 9, so if you don't like the turmoil and blood boiling in the initial 9 episodes, I'd say it's safe to skip around those episodes to get the background info, and then continue watching from episode 9.

I personally found the main story entertaining, and it kept me around for all 50 episodes. I did skip some plotlines, but the main story with the main couple was a good watch. Prepare for a lot of cheesiness, and really good chemistry between the leads.

The music is really good, and I've already listened to some tracks from the OST. I liked the OST so much I ended up making a music video for the drama (lol); so I guess this shows I liked it enough to make a fanvid. Here's the link of you're curious, but there's spoilers so watch at your own risk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDLtu_rk8JA

Regarding rewatch value, I've already gone back to watch some scenes. The acting is well done by the main leads, and just going through the drama and watching their scenes will be worth it.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Just disregard the reviews and give it a chance so you can judge the drama on your own. I almost didn't watch this due to the reviews, but I'm glad I did. I wanted to write this review so maybe those who are doubting whether to watch it will be able to decide for themselves.

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Completed
Heard It Through the Grapevine
2 people found this review helpful
Jul 22, 2019
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Ho Goo's Love meets SKY Castle

I rarely write reviews, but since this is an underrated drama from 2015, I have made an exception!

I absolutely love this drama, it is unique and you can't help fall in love with the characters and their storylines. In Sang and Bom are amazing, as well as the household staff. I want to immediately rewatch the drama all over again, but I think that will make it harder to move on.

I usually stay away from long dramas, and this was 30 episodes, but now I wish it was 30 more. I want to avoid spoilers, so I will just say give it a chance. I was hooked by the first episode, and you probably will be, too.

My heart just aches that it's over. I will miss these characters deeply.

fanmade music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjiq9LansjQ

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Completed
The Longest Day in Chang'an
2 people found this review helpful
Sep 7, 2020
48 of 48 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 8.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 6.0

Because of the cinematography/action my hands wouldn't let me give this anything below an 8

This show is well-made, it is like a 48 hour movie, the quality of the scenes, the costumes, the lack of dubbing. Visually stunning. And the action sequences are amazing. However, this show lacks heart. You don't really get to know the characters, you are confused about who they are since their actions go back and forth. You're told one character is a prodigy, extremely smart, yet they never shows that; instead, you think that character is an idiot since that character just keeps getting kidnapped/tortured/kidnapped again/drinks tea that is obviously laced with something (if he does that, how is he smart??). We never really see that character use that supposedly amazing brain.

I got frustrated watching this, waiting for it to be a masterpiece, but instead I just felt like it was so slow. The first 10 episodes were great, the buildup good, but then it dragged to no end. Endless dialogue with pointless characters saying the same things, an endless loop of chasing/captured/chasing/captured. Who knew someone can survive running at least 100,000 steps, get a finger cut off, drown, fight at least 500 people, and there's still a half day left for them to keep doing that? Like I said, I really wanted to like this show, I kept telling myself during the action sequences "wow this is so good" but then I wanted to poke my eyes out from boredom and frustration in between because the plot and script is so messy. This is not an action-packed story as advertised. This is a beautifully shot, let's talk then fight for like 10 minutes every couple episodes show with far too many flashbacks that make you wonder why they decided to put that important information so late in the show running as a flashback instead of in a neat sequence.

ALSO, SOMETHING THAT BOTHERED ME TO NO END is when something big happens to a character, when you don't know whether they are dead or alive, THEY DON'T SHOW HOW THEY ESCAPED THAT SITUATION. They just show in the next episode they're walking around like nothing happened with NO EXPLANATION how they survived/got there. We needed those connecting scenes rather than the boring-ass Right Chancellor talking his head off for 20 boring minutes every couple episodes.

Overall, it took me 3 months to finish this, it was draggy, and I kept waiting for it to get better, but it never did.

plot - 6/10
pacing - 6/10
cinematography: 10/10
costumes - 10/10
acting - 9/10

Major issues with the show: there are too many characters, too many flashbacks, and the pacing is all over the place. Some episodes are amazing/my eyes couldn't leave the screen. Others are a chore to get through. I ended up skipping a lot during the last 10 episodes because I just wanted to be done with this show.

**please know this is my personal opinion; you can love the show, just don't hate me for being disappointed in it**

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Completed
The Untamed
2 people found this review helpful
Nov 14, 2019
50 of 50 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

First 15 episodes were meh then BAM episode 16 the quality suddenly improves

As somebody who has never read, or even heard, of this story, this is a completely unbiased opinion. Truly unbiased as I primarily watch kdramas and stumbled across this show while browsing the Top Rated shows on MDL. The only other cdramas I've watched are Rise of the Phoenixes, parts of Nirvana in Fire, and Prince of Lan Ling.

Overall, I liked this show. It was entertaining, but don't expect it to be absolutely perfect. It's goofy, with cheesy CGI and plotlines, but fun to watch. The characters are a bit exaggerated in their movements and acting, but like I said, it's a fun show. To be honest, this show reminded me of a Saturday cartoon or a video game in its storyline, but I grew attached nonetheless; basically, the storyline felt juvenile at times, and the characters' logic seemed flawed, but the characters and the fights are what keeps you watching--as well as the comedy.

Something that threw me off a little and reminded me why I don't really watch Chinese dramas is the dubbing. It's hard for me to get used to the added sounds and mouths not exactly matching. As far as I could see, The Untamed was dubbed just like most cdramas. That was my biggest complaint, but it is not a con since it seems to be the norm for cdramas. Also, I got used to it as the show went on.

One thing that was hard as a viewer with no other context is how confusing the show was at times. Expect to be incredibly confused for the first few episodes, but STICK WITH IT! I'm telling you, once you hit episode 16, the show seems to change its tone and get on a solid footing. Suddenly, it becomes Game of Thrones level serious. Some scenes ran longer than they should have (especially in the last few episodes, my god, I kept wanting them to move on but for the last couple episodes something just gets dragged so much I had to deduct a star). Some episodes were just flashbacks with scenes we'd already seen, so I felt the need to skip those out of repetition. These two reasons are why it was not a perfect show, in my opinion.

The music/instrumentals/background tunes at least in the early episodes were lighthearted and goofy, reminding me of a children's show; I think if they added an entire different soundtrack it'd change the mood of the show to more serious, but that was not their vision, as I understand. Like I keep saying, it was a fun show, and more often than not, this show felt like a comedy. Then it would be a serious, engaging tragedy. Back and forth, laughs then tears then giggles then screams. The more serious tracks were amazing, as well as the main song between Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan.

Very clever show. By episode 9, I was attached to the characters. You seriously fall in love with the characters. Kind of loved them. And will not forget them. Wei Wuxian was an amazing character, and Lan Zhan, who reminded me of Legolas from Lord of the Rings, also won my heart.

In sum, don't compare The Untamed to kdramas or high production shows with big budgets. Take it for what it is: an entertaining show that can tug on the heart. Don't expect perfect acting or seamless editing. I had some laughs and fun. That's all that should matter. The main characters and supporting characters were super likeable, and that's probably why people love this show so much. It grew on me, too. I will definitely be watching clips and going back to it at some point to rewatch my favorite scenes.

I hope this review helped for those who need an unbiased opinion. :) :) :)

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Completed
Battle of Changsha
1 people found this review helpful
Jul 4, 2020
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Battle of Changsha = an Underrated Masterpiece

What an incredible drama.

This show, you guys. This show is something else. Such an incredible drama, one of the best I've seen. It has history, romance, slice of life, comedy, family, and deep connections to the characters. It is truly rare to find a drama where you care about all the characters, want to see their life/future/outcomes, and you feel such an attachment to them.

More people need to watch this drama. I was hooked within the first 5 minutes and finished it within a few days. It is on the shorter side for a cdrama, 32 episodes. I can't rave about it enough and now I don't know what to watch next. It is by the makers of Story of Ming Lan so I should've expected it to be this good.

Everyone in this drama is perfect in their role; they embody the person, it feels like it's really them and not actors putting on a role. The twins felt like real siblings, I'd believe they were twins in real life from their connection! Junsha played the lovable brother-in-law and stole my heart. Truly will miss these characters.

I already intend to rewatch, maybe just the first 20 episodes tho so I don't fall into a deep depression (lol) the funny dialogue/moments are worth the rewatch for sure

**no filler, all fast-paced plot/action/contributory dialogue**

It kinda gave me the kdrama Mr. Sunshine vibes with the humor/historical/war

Overall, Battle of Changsha made me laugh out loud, cry, and I just loved all the characters. They felt like family.

All episodes are here, you'll be hooked in the first 15 minutes, I tell you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3tszvh3gBE&list=PLvf4fZgfbz554wKUffK2qqKc4IX3CGKln&index=1

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Completed
Damo
1 people found this review helpful
Sep 17, 2019
14 of 14 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I just finished watching Damo and I really enjoyed it. This is the oldest kdrama I have watched [with Princess Hours/Goong (2006) being the runner up]. I think I was a little forgiving as a viewer because it was older, but still, I liked it.

I did not feel inspired to watch older kdramas, but something about Damo drew me in and I do not regret watching it. Sure, my eyes have spent a years worth of tears, but it was honestly well done and I think it holds up despite being 16 years old (that is, if you can see past the exaggerating Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon combat and funny sound effects). I loved seeing familiar faces before they were well known, such as Ha Ji Won and Lee Seo Jin. Even Kwon Oh Jung!

Ha Ji Won and Lee Seo Jin did an amazing job and made me root for them. Oh gosh, that famous line, "Does it hurt? It hurts me as well." had me going crazy. Lee Seo Jin really pulled at my heart during this show. His love for Chae Ok was beyond measure; and his love confessions to her were probably some of the greatest in all kdrama, even compared to kdramas in recent years! Honestly, his love for her tore at my heart and you can't help root for them. To be fair, Kim Min Joon pulled at my emotions just as much, but without giving spoilers I will leave it at that.

The whole story is crazy and poetic. Man, I am in awe.

That is all I will say in case this review inspires people to watch it, but I just wanted to share my thoughts if others are not as inclined to watch older kdramas like I was. I think watching Damo has changed my perspective and I will be more open to watching classic kdramas.

Give it a chance. The worst thing that'll happen is you will decide it's not your cup of tea and move on.

P.S. The soundtrack is AMAZING.

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Completed
Miracle That We Met
0 people found this review helpful
Oct 3, 2019
18 of 18 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Out of the 100 KDramas I've watched, this is one of the best

I was addicted from the very first episode.

Without giving too much away as I want to make this as spoiler-free a review as possible, I will tell you why you should watch this drama.

This drama is nothing like anything I'd watched before. I've seen a lot of dramas (even ones with body switching), but nothing kept me as gripped and guessing the entire way through with no idea which direction it would take. I went in without reading the plot, only knowing this had something to do with the supernatural and body switching. I am glad I watched the first episode without any expectation, but even if I had, it would probably still blow me away. The directing, acting, everything. From the first episode, you know all of the characters and their personalities, and from there you feel like you're on the journey with them figuring everything out and going through the pain/drama/acceptance with them. There was no way to predict anything.

This drama made me think deeply about the mind, body, soul, life, and death. Is the soul the owner of the body, or the body the owner of the soul? Complex questions like this kept appearing as I watched and I had to dig into my own self to see my own views and beliefs and whether I could agree with what choices the characters made, morally or personally. Without going into too much detail, I will just say that I felt everything fell into place perfectly and went the way it should have in regards to Song Hyun Chul, his parents, children, and both women.

In regards to that, Kim Myung Min BLEW ME AWAY. This actor. I can't give him enough kudos. His way of portraying Song Hyun Chul in all circumstances was fantastic. You believed he was the character, each one of them. I got chills watching him **SPOILER** switch between being the cook and then back to the original banker body's personality and then a combination peak through--you could tell by his subtle mannerisms, tone of voice, everything which Hyun Chul he embodied in each moment and it was absolutely breathtaking. **END SPOILER** I grew to be a big fan of him during this drama and am eager to watch more of his work.

If you are debating whether to watch, give it a chance. I was hooked from the first episode, and the show kept me on my toes and left me with no ability to guess the outcome. I love shows like that, and although the romance might not be as strong and obvious as other kdramas, I felt it, and the romance in this was deep. Very deep.

10/10, and the OST was beautiful as well.

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Completed
My Father Is Strange
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 4, 2019
52 of 52 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I was so hesitant to watch this drama since I couldn't imagine being engaged and vested for a 52 episodes drama, but here I am 12 days later to announce that I have finished this show in record time. Honestly, I couldn't stop watching. I loved the story, the characters, and their bonds. I want 52 more episodes and will have to find another drama to fill the void this will leave me in.

I will admit, I did not care for Jung Hwan's mother storyline and would skip around when [SPOILER Hye Yeong moved in with them since I could not stand how petty/mean/annoying she was to Hye Young; although by the end of the show I found myself liking the mother-in-law, which can show how well done this kdrama is. END SPOILER]

I also did not pay attention to the grandma and aunt/uncle/cousin's house and would skip their parts. But, despite that, I could not give this drama anything less than a 10. The feeling it left me with is rare, and it became one of my favorite dramas. So, even though there were two storylines I skipped, the core story with the rest of the couples/parents/characters I adored. Those two parts made up maybe 20% of the drama or less, so if I account for the rest it is a solid 10.

Now, don't get me wrong, this show is cheesy, but who doesn't love happiness and rainbows? If you are looking for a heavy, serious, cinematic drama, this isn't it, but if you want one that will make you smile, laugh, want to go hug your parents, and scream/cry/catch feelings, then this is for you.

If you are holding back from watching this drama due to the length, please do not let that stop you from enjoying this gem.

Now, go watch it on Viki or YouTube (it's on the KBS channel!)

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