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Rondo
5 people found this review helpful
Oct 9, 2012
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
Rondo is one of those rare dramas where I genuinely did not see where it was going to end up. The writing and plot are quite outstanding. I am one to be a little easy on dramas just for my love of them but this one really deserves it in my book. It is a really good suspenseful cops and robbers caper, Japan Style. Sometimes I truly didn't know who was bad and who was good. The ambiguous gray areas of characterization were very well done.

I am hesitant to even say more than this because you have to watch this drama unspoiled. If anyone has spoiled you for this drama send them to my house and I will Chinese water torture them for you.

The set design and lighting becomes almost part of the plot...a character of its own. There are little dramatic, scenic touches; camera angles and lovely direction that just MAKE this drama. It's cool. It's kinda bad ass. The chemistry of the leads and their interactions were addicting. I couldn't wait for the next scene they shared.

The music is okay. There are two pieces that stand out for me that I liked. The main "love" theme being my favorite.

If you are in the mood for a very well written, twisty/turny and suspenseful drama that goes at a pretty fast pace, Rondo is a great one to watch. The love story tucked inside is pretty awesome too. I embraced the characters...or I should say, they made me embrace them and it has become one of my favorites. This drama goes fairly fast at 11 episodes which is a good thing!

There were a few little things I would nitpick but overall, this gets a 9 from me. Well deserved.

I recommend this highly if you can find some decent subs out there!

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Haeundae Lovers
9 people found this review helpful
Oct 9, 2012
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 3.0
Pure Fluff. Mindless entertainment. Not a classic by any stretch. These are all ways I have described Haeundae Lovers. But... I also said: It's cute, funny, kinda sexy and what the heck...fluff isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes mindless entertainment is just what the doctor ordered.

Perhaps it was the timing of watching this drama that actually made me like it a lot. It was totally cliche'. The only things it really has to recommend it are the chemistry of the leads, the eye candy, the hilarious dynamic of the three Uncles and the fact that I watched it at the same time I was watching darker dramas. But getting serious:

The writing is just okay. The plot is pretty standard but there are little touches here and there that kept me watching and deviated tonally even from some other dramas I've seen. There were some plot twists I didn't see coming but on the whole, I knew what I was in for and I got exactly what I expected. This ain't no Secret Garden but hey...It's fun.

The acting was fine. The chemistry between the leads and the funny Uncles are what make this show watchable. There were a few characters that got on my last nerve so I concentrated on the main story line and tolerated the rest. This is more of a writing issue slash personal preference. No one did a bad job playing their parts.

I loved Kim Kang Woo in this drama. He was a darling Lead. Funny and so sweet to his girl once he fell. The thing that stands out about him isn't exactly the eye candy (which is nice). It was watching him play a total goofball after his mind bending turn as a sociopath in "A Man's Story" ~ Two utterly different characters and I recommend you check him out in that drama.

The music wasn't anything I was clamoring for outside of the show. Unlike some other dramas I've watched, I am not actively seeking songs to add to my playlist.

The rewatch value is a 3. I probably won't watch this again but I truly did enjoy watching the first time.

This is not a perfect drama. But it is a cute one. I would recommend this for a drama slump, a rainy day or as great filler when you have too many heavy dramas on your watching plate.

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Reply 1997
24 people found this review helpful
Oct 8, 2012
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Are you like me? You adore watching dramas but sometimes you get into a rut because you feel a lot of plots are recycled, clichés become over done or characters start to blend? So you find yourself looking for those rare dramas that stand out! Then, when someone recommends something different or, even better, you accidentally stumble upon a drama that is completely different, you feel like you have hit the jackpot! This is the way I felt about Coffee Prince and Soulmate. This is exactly how I would describe Reply 1997. A find! A Gem! Close to perfection!

The writing is wonderful. I like that the show was bold enough to change some of the feeling, locations and situations as the characters grew and their lives transitioned. And yet, the core of their personalities, friendships and relationships remained steadfast. This show touched my heart. I didn't need to be immersed and well versed with the cultural norms, and especially the pop culture of the day in Korea. Their teenage angst, first love woes, parental conflicts were totally universal. To me, that is good writing. The editing and execution of the plot was so fresh; a completely enjoyable mix of drama and hilarious comedy that often felt so natural to every circumstance. There were truly hilarious laugh out loud moments but it was relatable comedy. The kind where you watch and you laugh because you understand...this has happened to you! Slapstick comedy is so fun and has it's place but Reply 1997's comedy was often hysterical because it seemed real. I never had a bored moment watching this show.

So in Guk and Jung Eun Ji do a great job! I am really looking forward to seeing more from both of them. Sung Dong Il , who played Shi Won’s father, stole the show with every scene he was in.
One of the magical things about this show was the chemistry of the actors. The caliber of a great drama is sometimes that intangible element that cannot be predicted. There was great chemistry across all the different relationship combinations: the father and mother, Shi won and her Dad, the two leads, the bromance, the true friendship between the two girls, the love and loyalty between the brothers.

The music was great. This is one of those dramas where you quickly start looking up the songs and ultimately want the OST. Every song was fitting, relatable and enjoyable. I want this OST so bad!

Re-watch value is a total 10. I would re-watch this drama in a heartbeat. No question.

If you want to watch a truly well done, touching, hilarious, special drama. If you are looking for something that is a cut above the crowd. If you want something that stands out in the stew pot of other pretty good dramas out there… Give this show a try. You will NOT regret watching this 'close to perfect' little show.

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Liar Game: Reborn
29 people found this review helpful
Oct 3, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
The thing that excites me about Liar Game is not only the puzzles, but the look and feel of the series as a whole. When Liar Game: Reborn started it was typical of the show. The kind, unassuming heroine discovers a box of money and an invitation to the game. This was expected. And our hero is reluctantly pulled into the games, seemingly against his will. This was also expected.

But once the players entered the playing field…That is when I sat up straighter, started to smile, munch happily on my overly buttered popcorn and get that excited feeling as if I am sitting in a theatre waiting for something good. Let the Games Begin! The game played in Reborn is intricate and will keep you entertained.

The cast of characters in the series are as quirky as ever. Mushroom Head and Gold Tooth both make appearances but most of the characters are new so it kept things fresh. The location is crazy. It looks like a really cool upscale techno nightclub that has been bombed and forgotten. The set design was awesome.

The execution of the game and plot was fun and entertaining. I love how smart Akiyama is when breaking down the game, forming alliances and figuring out his incredibly clever strategies. He is so cool in his plotting, so patient for the outcomes and totally badass when he needs to be.

The one thing that brought this film down a notch for me was indeed the absence of Kanzaki Nao. There was a chemistry between the lead actors and a relationship that developed between their characters that was lacking with this new pairing. There was a special dynamic from the series between Nao and Akiyama; his cynicism was attracted to her goodness. She softened his edges and that little touch made Liar Game a little more than just a drama about puzzles and ultimately enhanced the tension of the outcome. I felt the loss keenly. Matsuda Shota is a very solid actor and the rest of the cast does a great job...I simply missed Nao. I wish that wasn't the case.

The music was actually great. I liked the techno beats and some of the strange compositions that fit the mood and the tension of some scenes. As always, the theme playing when Akiyama enters the game was just as cool as his character. Loved it.

Overall, I totally recommend this film. It wasn’t perfect but it was a lot of fun.

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Hard Romanticker
29 people found this review helpful
Sep 9, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
Hard Romanticker is set in a hard and unforgiving urban underground world. Every character is a thug. This includes the lead protagonist Gu played very convincingly by Matsuda Shota. The word 'romanticker' suggests the literal version of the word because this film is anything but romantic.

There really is no true plot to this movie. It takes place in the span of a few weeks and encapsulates a time period in this man's life. Unabashed and raw; showing all the nonsensical violence of the world he lives in whether it be by himself, those he keeps company with, his enemies and just about everyone in his sphere.

When I was finished watching the movie it took me some moments to think of what to say here in this review. This is a violent and dark movie and I came away from it having almost no sympathy for any of the characters save one. And it wasn't Gu. I suppose I had a sliver of sympathy for him in certain moments because Shota has impressive acting skill but ultimately the character was undeserving of very much. That said; overall, the acting in this was really great and as unsettling as the film is, the story is well told. They certainly were convincing but it is more than disturbing to think that this kind of world actually exists. Most of the characters showed almost no caring or sympathy toward one another. So harsh.

There are some movies out there where you can watch, appreciate the quality of writing and acting but yet have no desire to ever watch that film again. Hard Romanticker is one of those movies for me.

I gave the re-watch value a 'fair' (6) because even though I might not watch this again for the subject matter I don't want to lower the score unfairly and have people mistake it for bad quality.

The music was fitting. I am not sure what to say about it other than I don't believe this movie is the kind you walk away from even wanting or needing an OST. But the score was right for the film; sometimes comical and sometimes dark.

If you appreciate darker (and I DO mean darker) fare and don't mind intense subject matter than this is the film for you. But you have been cautioned here...it is graphic. And fangirl moment...even at his darkest, Shota impresses me with his ability to absorb into a character for good or ill.

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Ghost
16 people found this review helpful
Aug 19, 2012
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
Ghost is the first Korean Drama Procedural I have ever watched. Honestly, my motivation stemmed from being a fan of So Ji Sub, which I expect isn't that unusual. But really, even though I really liked him in this drama, he wasn't my favorite character or my favorite part of the whole.

My reviews most always start with the story, or writing because without that, even good acting can't save a drama. Ghost started out with a bang in the first two episodes and I was excited. The plot line was thrilling and I was totally surprised by the twist we received right out of the gate. Then for a few episodes after that things settled in, became episodic and just a little uneven. Not bad, just a little meandering. Thankfully that did not last long and Ghost started revving it's engine. The clever plot, continuity and smart writing kept me watching and kept me thrilled to see what would happen all the way up until the VERY satisfying ending. Some Kdramas start strong and just can't keep the momentum. Ghost rushed out of gate, stumbled for a step or two then ran it's heart out and won. I loved that!

The acting was great all across the board. There was a great balance of suspense and some really funny moments. My favorite characters became "Mad Cow and the Cyber Crimes Team" !!! They had some really great moments and tons of chemistry together. The writers gave them each their own personalities and they bounced off each other so well. I liked Lee Yeon Hee as Gang Mi. It was so fun and refreshing to see a lady cop right in the thick of things, solving cases and running after the criminals. She wasn't placed in the damsel in distress category (maybe once?) she was the badarse lady cop! Daniel Choi's brief stint Gi Young was incredibly charming and cool. So Ji Sub did a good job. I wish he would have been more expressive, but over all, I do love him so and I was rooting for a good resolution for his character. Even the creepy baddies and lesser menacing characters really made me believe. (Special Mention to Lee Won Gun...face of an angel but really NOT! ...good job)

The music was well done. There isn't a catchy pop tune that stands out or that I take away from this humming or looking up on YouTube, but I don't think this drama is meant to have a take away OST. Every part of the score fit the mood and scenes just right and the Phantom of the Opera theme creeped me out! In a good way. Nicely done.

Again, Procedural is not really a genre I gravitate toward watching more than once. But I am giving the re-watch value a high score because I feel it deserves it for those who really love this type of genre.

Overall, I was completely entertained and satisfied watching this show. It has actually made me want to give other shows of this ilk another look. (Sign and Brain are two examples) I highly recommend this. I had a lot of fun biting my nails and sitting forward in my seat watching Ghost.

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Ikigami: The Ultimate Limit
12 people found this review helpful
Aug 2, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
I had been meaning to watch Ikigami for a long while and finally watched today.

If you like novels like 1984, Lord Of The Flies, The Giver or Hunger Games...You may like watching Ikigami, The Ultimate Limit. Set in an unknown but familiar looking future time; the population is contained and controlled by random selection. Children are inoculated when they enter school and sometime during their young adulthood; the 'chosen to sacrifice for prosperity' are given 24 hours notice of their death. The story begins here for the viewer. We get to follow one man (Shota Matsuda) who's job it is to inform the chosen that their death is nigh.

I found it incredibly interesting; the different reactions people had to this news. This story is more about the human condition, human reactions in the face of death with nothing left to lose. It is not a rousing tale of the populous rising up to over throw the oppression. It is dark, sad and really touching.

The color pallet of the film lends itself to this feeling. Dark blue lighting, cloudy days, windowless rooms and dank underground work places. There are glimpses of light just as their are glimpses of hope in the lives of those lived and those left behind.

I've never read the manga but I am curious now. I recommend this film highly and not just because I am a rabid fan of Matsuda Shota. But I am a fan for a reason besides the superficial. He is a great actor, with a rubber face, fearless emoting and the ability to go very dark. He can turn it on a dime and be comedic too but for that you will have to watch some of his other films and dramas.

The whole cast was stellar. I particularly loved Yuta Kanai and Yamada Takayuki. Their acting was amazing and their stories touched my heart.

This is a cool movie. Give it a try if you are in the mood for darker fare.

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Queen In Hyun's Man
36 people found this review helpful
Jul 31, 2012
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
So romantic, funny, smartly written, compelling and sweet. Queen In Hyun's man is far and away, one of the best romantic dramas of the year so far. I am glad I skipped the other glut of time travel dramas and chose this one to watch.

The story is a complete and cohesive tale; beginning, middle and end. Which sadly is something Kdramaland tends to have trouble with. But the writers of this drama really got it right! I fell in love with the Boong Do and Hee Jin falling in love. And even better I loved the plot. Usually I have a lot of trouble with time travel genre. I think time travel is one of the harder kinds of plots to pull off and pin down. They can get convoluted and tend to lead to more questions then answers. But this drama kept things simple and fairly clean. It didn't try to over explain or get too complicated. I walked away feeling satisfied with a really great story and ending.

Queen In Hyun's man is so satisfying to watch. There is dramatic tension, bad guys to fear, funny characters to laugh at and romance to make me sigh. And the kisses! Such great kisses!

The acting was so wonderful. I was very impressed with Yo In Na. She really gave a memorable performance and is quickly becoming an actress I will happily follow from drama to movie and back to dramas again. She was so engaging and real with all her emotions. I never felt she was faking her performance and she didn't over act and fall all over herself crying. She was a delight. Ji Hyun Woo blew me away with his portrayal of Boong Do. I fell in love with him right along with Hee Jin. Every girl needs a Boong Do! The orbiting characters were portrayed just as well. I loved Hee Jin's friend Soo Kyung played by Ga Deuk Hi and her ex boyfriend, played by Lee Kwan Hoon. He was such a character. This cast was a great fit together.

The music was Daebak! I love the OST and one that I would like to own. The songs fit with the undercurrent of romance always present in this drama.

I would wholeheartedly and happily watch this drama again. It's a keeper. One I am glad exists so I can go back to on a rainy day and re-watch with delight.

Solid 10's overall for everything. There is not one bad thing I can say about this drama. I am so glad it appeared this spring/summer in a sea of some really mediocre romantic drama fare. Stellar acting, writing and great fun. Please don't miss this!

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Big
26 people found this review helpful
Jul 28, 2012
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 2.0
Story 3.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
An explanation on my points given and why I am so dreadfully disappointed with this drama.

Story: This story was awful. There were so many plot holes and inconsistencies that any good points in the narrative and any episodes I enjoyed were completely killed by an ending that was incomplete and worse...an ending where the writers treated their audience as stupid. There is no greater crime a writer can commit. If you see the last two episodes you will understand with glaring clarity what I mean. Too many major things were left unsaid and left undone. Horrible story and a terrible thing to do to loyal watchers who will have wasted 16 hours of their life investing in nothing.

Now, I know I sound harsh but the writers deserve it...and I am actually a fan of the Hong Sisters...But I give no quarter as I cannot judge this crap work based on other dramas I have thoroughly enjoyed. Skip this and watch The Greatest Love, Hong Gil Dong or My Girlfriend is a Gumiho.

Acting: As harsh as I am on the sad and enraging outcome of the story, I cannot be harsh with the acting. I place no blame on the actors of this drama. Gong Yoo was wonderful playing Kyung Joon; a boy trapped in the body of a 30 year old. And I would go so far as to say that his younger counterpart, Shin Won Ho did a good job playing Kyung Joon as well. He was cute and charming and I even felt chemistry between him and Gil Da Ran at the beginning. I would have loved to have seen more of him...especially toward the end. I like Lee Min Jung. I have seen her in several dramas and some movies too. I think she is a talented actress and while her part was written to be a bit weepy, like Gong Yoo, I find fault with the writing, not her acting. Suzy was much improved and Bae Sung Hyun who played Choong Sik was totally winning and adorable.

It is really a shame when a talented cast is wasted on crap writing.

The music was forgettable. I don't remember one song and never did I find myself humming a tune or looking up the OST on YouTube. Which is a bad sign because I do that a lot when a drama has a good OST. (see Me Too Flower and Coffee Prince)

Overall, I walked away from this drama feeling cheated; out of a resolution for the characters, out of what could have been a fun story if it were written better, out of a Gong Yoo comeback drama that actually did not WASTE his talents and finally out of 16 hours of time that I want back.

I won't watch this again and I caution anyone who hasn't watched to even begin.

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Love Rain
40 people found this review helpful
Jun 17, 2012
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
This review is hard for me to write. This drama was a little difficult for me to finish. Which threw me. I expected to love this drama and for the first half I really did love it. I liked the premise of the lovers meeting in the 70's and their children meeting and falling in love in present day. The first few episodes in that world were awesome!

The director of this drama really knows his stuff. The cinematography, set design and costumes were stellar. I wish MDL had a ratings section for the technical aspects of dramas because I would have given that a 10 plus. This drama was nothing if not beautiful to look at, both technically and aesthetically.

I really enjoyed Jang Geun Suk in this role. He has improved as an actor and really seemed mature. His acting wasn't as stiff or forced as I have felt from him in other dramas/movies I have watched. I adored Joon during so many moments of this drama. I enjoyed Yoona too. Their characters and their love story was in many ways adorable!

But somehow the writing of this drama fell flat for me...grew redundant and boring. It was likable but I am still confused as to where it went wrong for me. I think somewhere around episode 16 I began to struggle to keep my interest unless the main pairing was on screen together. The plot just didn't grab me and follow through in an exciting way. The final episode was cute but also at the same time, a bit choppy and didn't flow smoothly.

The Older Couple just made me kind of sad and I wish I could have felt the passion carry over in the adult version of the pair that I felt from them during the scenes from the past. It seemed that in every conversation they said the same thing over and over.

I liked the music but nothing really grabbed me, made me groove or move me emotionally.

Ultimately I would have to say that if I could condense this drama down to 16 episodes and keep the main (modern day) pairing on screen I could have given this a higher score. Gah! I wanted to LOVE Love Rain!

And because I was fond of this drama and because of the main leads...I am bumping this up to an 8 when realistically in my head, I think it probably deserves lower.

My re-watch value is set at 5...middle of the scale. I know I probably won't watch again.

But I say this...I have much more respect for Jang Geun Suk as an actor. He was also extremely adorable... And the director really did a great job. If only I could say the same about the writing and plot.

*sigh*

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Nodame Cantabile: The Final Score - Part II
11 people found this review helpful
Feb 27, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Nodame Cantabile The Final Score II is really a continuation of the first movie. I wrote a review for The Final Score I and my thoughts there are very much the same here.

The continuation and deepening of both Chiaki's and Nodame's talents and relationship are the focus. And they both have to decide what they want and what is important. The story is told in the same funny, silly and charming way the whole series has been told. This movie is the best of them and usually with sequels, you can't say that.

More of my thoughts are expressed in the other review and I'd only be repeating myself too much.

The music is a 10. I can't give it any lower. I think I am more of a classical fan now.

I give the re-watch a 10 because I just got done watching a 2nd time.

I recommend the whole series highly.

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Nodame Cantabile: The Final Score - Part I
15 people found this review helpful
Feb 27, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
The thing about Nodame Cantabile is the very different and creative way the story is told. It is a refreshing mix of comic book slap stick and lovely maturity with really solid and well written relationships underneath. I’ve never seen anything like it. Add to that the constant and beautiful music that is the focus of Nodame and Chiaki’s world.

This show and particularly the movie, are so much more than just your average drama. I have already reviewed the Jdrama Nodame Cantabile and I would only add one really important thing you should know. Nodame and Chiaki live in Paris and their journey is set in a much more adult world past college into apprenticeship and learning to become Pro. They have a new group of friends, harder challenges and also a deeper, more mature place in their relationship.

But trust me, it hasn’t lost all of its comic book slapstick and silliness. I think the way the writers made both Chiaki and Nodame grow up is very smart of them and cool for us viewers. This movie is a fun. Because Nodame is still sloppy and she still has all of her core craziness intact. Chiaki is still a stuffy, cranky commitment phobic but he is also still tender and kind of a sucker for Nodame. They have become in my mind eccentric because they are genius and geeky, not because they are comic manga characters with no depth. Again, the writers of this show/manga are smart.

Of course the cinematography is great. They are in Paris! Everything looks great, all the time. (Accept Nodame’s apartment.)

The music is a 10. It’s Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Revel and on and on.

If you haven’t watched the Nodame Series, you should give it a try but
I suggest definitely watching before you watch this movie. And when you do, you’ll think this movie is the best part of the series.

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Fermentation Family
46 people found this review helpful
Feb 26, 2012
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This drama really should be called by it's alternate name: Kimchi Family. The word 'fermentation' doesn't quite encompass what this story is truly about.

Kimchi Family is a real family drama with an extremely well written mystery and lovely little romance wrapped up inside. Every episode highlights a recipe for a type of Kimchi or on some occasions, a traditional Korean dish. Every type of kimchi and how it is prepared is mixed with a lesson about family, forgiveness, friendship, love, trust and on and on. The writing and acting are extremely well done. The way the plot advances and moves toward its conclusion is not rushed and no story line is left hanging. The pacing is perfect. This is a rare thing, even for the best Kdrama.

The thing that struck me about this drama is it's mix of corny and wise, silly and serious, tender and real. The well played out mysteries are what ended up surprising me. There were actually two! Ki Ho Tae and his search for his roots and another, slightly darker mystery that I won't spoil here. The great thing about how they were written is the subtlety and rationale of the characters. Each actors' dialog and reactions weren't over melodramatic and maudlin and yet still emotional and moving. I was excited to see how they would be solved.

I also loved how every episode was all about food, it's preparation, it's healing qualities for body and soul and it's ability to bring family together; both blood family and the family you choose with your heart.

Song Il Gook and Park Jin Hee were great. Their romance was sweet and their chemistry was lovely. Every actor did a great job. I have not one complaint.

The cinematography and lighting, the set designs were all so well done. I'm almost sad it's over now because I'm going to miss Earth and Man Restaurant.

The music was great! There is one song in particular that I absolutely loved. I don't know the name but it was a mix of traditional Korean, modern pop and rap! It was so catchy that I was actually bummed when an episode passed and it wasn't played.

I gave the re-watch value a 10 because even though I might not watch this again, it certainly is as far from a 1 (pathetic) as you could get.

I recommend this highly for anyone who is looking for an original (yes, original!) story and one that is maturely written and very well told.

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Wild Romance
50 people found this review helpful
Feb 24, 2012
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 3.0
Story 3.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
Perhaps I should have waited a few days to cool off before writing this review. But I can't seem to stay my hand.

This show started out a slap stick farce wherein a tomboyish girl, through a set of wacky circumstances, and who loves the (blue) Seagulls, has to bodyguard for an arrogant, temperamental player on the Red Dreamers team. Comedy heaven right? You would think so!

The first few episodes were fun! I was excited as to where this show would go. I loved Lee Dong Wook's character of Moo Yeol and the interactions, sparks and animosity between he and Eun Jae. The acting and chemistry between them made me voracious for each new episode that came along.

The serious subplots were back burner and seemed only there to propel these two closer. The mysterious stalker, the ex girlfriend showing up again...These things were played pretty well at first and seemed to have an okay balance with what we were all tuning in for! A Comedy! I was right on board! And then right at episode 12/13 things started going south. The writers didn't seem to know exactly how to finish off the series. How to ramp up the peril and push along the angst. Every episode turned maudlin and over done. Some of the characters started acting really stupid. The writers treated the audience as stupid.

The side characters each had their place and with only a few exceptions, I liked them all. Especially Manager Kim and Dong Ha. Unfortunately, even the good acting and chemistry of the two leads could not save this drowning mess. Oh Man Suk is horribly wasted and the actress who played his wife a sad, downer of a character that I lost all sympathy for.

I wish so much I could have given this show a good review. Up until around episode 9/10 I would have thought I was going to in the end. There is nothing worse than a good drama gone horribly wrong and Wild Romance is in that sad class of Kdramas.

It is rare I do not recommend a drama. But I just can't with this one. Sad, that! Skip it and don't waste your time.

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Nodame Cantabile
14 people found this review helpful
Feb 23, 2012
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 7.0
I am going to repeat and refine my comments from the Nodame Thread here in my review:

When I first started this drama I actually did NOT like it. A lot of the humor is very wacky, comic book, slapstick. Which makes sense since it is based off a manga. It is definitely a drama that, at first, doesn't veer far from a manga style, unlike other live adaptations of manga that do not follow a graphic novel format.

I felt, while watching these early episodes, the style just wasn't for me. But as the episodes progressed there was tangible character growth. Especially from Nodame whose crazy, childish personality grated on me. As she grew and as I got to know the story and characters, that feeling diminished. The main leads and secondary characters all have growth! With the different concerts, orchestras forming and school year progressing, the plot moves along and doesn't stay stagnant. I didn't expect to come to like this but I did. Very Much!

Also, in spite of the cartoonish beginnings which lowered my expectation of content and writing, this also proved untrue. There are some scenes, especially in the latter half that have real depth and unexpectedly smart and mature dialog. I wish I could expound on this but let me just say the characters say and do things that are atypical of how dramas normally handle standard scenes and the relationships contained within.

The music is what this show is all about. Beautiful classical pieces are played through out and in the background making Nodame Cantabile pretty unique in the drama world. I gave the music a well deserved 10.

I am finished now with the 1st season and moving onto the first special. A week ago I almost dropped this. If you are like me and slapstick, comic style manga's aren't usually your thing, I recommend you stick with it and just maybe you will come to appreciate it like I did. If comic manga adapted dramas are your thing, Nodame Cantabile is Perfect for you!

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