K-lover61
UK
As Great as the First Time I Watched It
I know tastes differ and respect other's opinions, but I honestly don't get this whole "it's an idol drama" thing, which I see in a lot of other reviews, at all.It has a large cast, with some much loved and excellent other main and supporting cast actors. Out them all, only 3 are idols and 2 of those are also credited actors.
Whilst set in an actual Korean kingdom (Silla) and Hwarang being an actual organisation, the drama is not serious, nor is it based on any actual events.
There is a lot of wit (it really makes me laugh), plus plotting, camaraderie, romance, action, intrigue and tears.
The characters are made up of fun, nasty, sad and dark ones. The acting fits the script, which I think is very good, and overall concept.
I love the entire cast and it felt like they had a good time making it.
It is not deep, meaningful, historically accurate or serious; it's what it's meant to be, very entertaining.
The only thing that irritated me, was how often, as the episodes progressed, Ah-ro would cry. She was a confident, principled, feisty, warm and witty character, yet once she fell for Moo Myung, she seemed to cry at the drop of a hat!
I watched it years ago and just finished my second viewing. It made me laugh and cry all over again; as fresh and fun as the first time I viewed it. Plus, unusually for me, definitely one I know I will watch again and again.
Fabulous.
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A feast for the eyes and ears
It really was a drama with a magical feel, containing eye popping set moments and, of course, a very attractive lead male cast.The story is a definite, quite sharp dig, at the S.Korean culture of many parents pushing their kids academically (at the cost of their childhoods), being fixated with 'powerful' jobs and their associated higher earnings, and moulding kids even if they don't fit. All at the risk, or cost, of their mental health.
The acting is fitting and the characters mixed, with one female being truly slappable.
The story gets far darker than the trailers and look of the drama depict, with a very unpleasant character in a thriller/crime element of the story.
It wasn't perfect and some aspects had me scratching my head; but, I was captivated and thoroughly enjoyed the singing in this musical, too. Ji Chang-wook is very talented, even though he doesn't always pick roles that make his talents shine.
Worth watching.
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Fizzled out somewhat after a strong start
Overall not a bad watch.I liked the cast and, initially, the characters too, but as it progressed, I found some really irritating.
Emotional scars linking the main characters and a pretty tragic story would have been sufficient to carry this drama, but the feeling of threat, mystery and intrigue, were swept away by other superficial storylines.
The reveal was clumsily handled and, to be honest, so obvious.
I still enjoyed it for the most part, but was disappointed in the plot progression.
Still worth a watch.
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The Pirates 2: The Last Royal Treasure
1 people found this review helpful
Comical shenanigans
Very pleasing cast, who all threw themselves into their roles and seemed to have fun making this film.Perhaps it was a lack of concentration early on, but I found the start a little confusing at times. I also couldn't work out how a main character changed their location so suddenly, a little later on, too.
On these occasions I felt scenes were inconsistent and I thought I'd missed something.
The early part of the film was, for me, a bit slapstick, although those kind of laughs were used more sparingly, in latter scenes.
The SFX were at times a little hit and miss, yet at others very good.
Overall, it's a bit of fun and I did laugh. If taken for what it is; a flamboyant, haphazard, swashbuckling adventure with some giggles, then it's an enjoyable, even if imperfect, watch.
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The perfect distraction
For sheer escapism, laughter and a few tears, this short 2-episode drama is perfect.A lovely cast that didn't ham it up, but acted well, even though it was a light hearted comedy.
Well written and a lot of story, very neatly packaged.
Nothing here to upset anyone about how a real Joseon King was portrayed either! ?
I loved the bloopers at the end too, which suggested the cast enjoyed making this and it showed.
Added to my very short list of uplifting, feel good dramas to watch again, when I am ever in need of a pick-me-up.
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Not a fluffy romance and a different take on a different era
I binged this sageuk drama in less than 2 days, as I just got hooked.I liked the fact it's based on real historical figures, even though the plot was largely fictional.
Fine cast and very good acting. Considering the vast majority of the drama took place within the palace walls, or immediately outside it, I felt the sets were wonderful and it gave a sense of how it must have been for those never allowed to leave.
This isn't a fluffy story at all. Whilst there are many light moments, the latter episodes contain tragedy and heartbreak.
The inner workings of palace politics, the personal maids and servants, tied for life to the King, who has total power and control over their lives, has been portrayed many times in sageuk dramas, but in Red Sleeve, possibly for the first time, I really felt like I got a glimpse into how hard and terrifying life could have been for anyone working close to the King; especially women.
In this instance, the ability to possess what one wishes, regardless, is taken advantage of. Though love is reciprocal, the effect this has on a previously bright, opinionated and free thinking character, I found so sad.
A King who in reality did a lot to reform policies at the time, but was overshadowed by his bi-polar, paranoid father, who was remembered for causing the deaths of a large number of his servants ~ although as the drama portrays, he and others felt Crown Prince Sado was purposely driven to madness.
At the end of the day, the King forced his will on the woman he loved, even though she'd explained why she didn't want to be his concubine.
A fated love story and not an easy ride. A little laboured at times, but overall a powerful watch. You might need tissues.
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The different stories are often touching and pretty mixed.
There's also the mystery surrounding her own mother and Yong-hwa's character's past too.
A gangster property developer and shrouded memories all add to the mix.
It's fun, dark at times and an entertaining watch, with a good cast.
A little more on the romance front would not have gone amiss.
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I recommend paying close attention to all the various characters from the very first episode onwards, otherwise it is easy to get lost or confused about what's happening with who, later on.
Varied characters (though most are damaged through traumas), occasional humour and a dark plot with some real shocks along the way.
The story kicks off with the discovery of a DNA marker that characterises whether a baby will be born a psychopath. Testing is done on the pregnant mother and if detected a debate rages as to whether an abortion should be mandatory. It's argued that the difference between the psychopath and genius genes are so small that it's hard to differentiate.
The ethical consequences of this are very thought provoking. Where it takes the story is also very disturbing.
What isn't touched on is the fact not all psychopaths become murderers, let alone serial killers and for me, that made this drama quite judgemental.
Various tragic events in childhood tie many characters together, although they are unaware at first.
There is a lot of blood and violence at times, which occasionally felt a bit OTT or for shock value. The crimes of various psychopathic and mentally disturbed characters are pretty unpleasant, including children and animals. Not for the easily upset or squeamish.
I found this a gripping drama for the most part, but it really is very convoluted at times.
The relationships between characters are pretty realistic to a point, although how people seem able to stroll in and out of other people's homes and places meant to be secure, with such ease at times, isn't.
Very recognisable cast, who do a great job, my favourites being P.O, Jo Jae-yoon, Kwon Hwa-woon, Ahn Jae-wook, Kim Young-ok and all the main cast.
There is romance, but very low key and a lifeline in one respect.
Whilst it doesn't exactly glamorise serial killers, I felt it did try to make viewers sympathetic towards one, but given their cruelty, I honestly found it hard.
How Go Moo-chi kept his job as a detective is beyond me, to be honest, as he hits the Soju hard when grief stricken and spends a lot of time so full of hate and anger, it blinds him.
There are several times when characters are not listened to, either because of age or intelligence, which was frustrating.
I also really don't like this thing many S.Korean dramas have, of blighting children with the sins of their family ~ it's really distasteful and I see it a lot.
Some parts of the plot I just didn't get though, like why 2 mums appear to swap their babies... just couldn't figure that out at all.
Once all main eps are watched, there is an additional fun one featuring main cast members that also includes an alternative ending to the drama, plus 2 further episodes showing past scenes (in a confusingly jumbled up order though) with the unmasked serial killer's perspective central to them.
Whilst very messy at times, it's still a pretty good watch.
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Stiff (not just the corpses)
As with S1, I like the idea of the storyline, but at times, it's just too far fetched.Also like S1, the killer is revealed slowly, before he's caught, so we know who the main bad guy is, well before the end.
I like Jang Hyuk as an actor, but Lee Jin Wook filled his shoes pretty well, with a character far more quiet and detached, with not a few personal problems.
The serial killer this time, whilst equally formidable, is not as evil or scary as Mo Tae Goo (he was the devil incarnate), but chilling nevertheless.
Again though, it gets very far fetched at times and there are real weak areas in the plot.
There were still some surprises too though and it's as violent as the first.
I did feel that at times some actors were literally just reciting the words, as on occasion their acting became stunted and kind of uncomfortable.
Unlike S1, this one will lead into S3, so I can't really comment on the overall ending, which left us in no doubt of more instalments.
I will watch the next one, but hope that the dialogue and realism will improve.
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Exactly what it says in the title
.... well, there's more than 1 to be honest.Staple backbone of bribery, corruption and law enforcement breaking their own laws to convict someone of murder.
A decent drama with a team of detectives that bond as they take on the higher ups, establishment and a wealthy businessman, to find the real killer, after Kang Do-chang has to face the fact he ended up party to convicting an innocent man.
The consequences weigh heavy and spur him and his team on to revealing the truth.
They are joined by Oh Ji-hyuk, something of a loner who does things his own way and has a close link to a real perpetrator (proper psychopathic character) involved in their investigations.
Joining the fight for justice is a principled reporter, Jin Seo-kyung, who also ends up having to choose between those principles and loyalty.
The story has some interesting twists and a few lighter moments, which kept me engaged.
There are some very uncomfortable scenes with weaker, powerless victims and younger criminals.
There are several sub plots that I didn't really think added anything to the story; Ji-hyuk's tragic childhood trauma being one ~ this lingered within the series, yet never got fully explored, or satisfactorily concluded, given the seriousness of the incident that the plot eluded to. Then there's Do-chang's very irritating and mostly very unpleasant sister, with her personal problems, which lent nothing to the storyline at all.
If the script had ditched the latter in favour of focussing on Ji-hyuk's side story, that would have been far more engaging and fulfilling.
Most disappointing for me, was the chemistry between Seo-kyung and Ji-hyuk, which grew as the series unfolded, but again, was never expanded on, with a subtle romance only ever flirtingly dangled before being whipped away.
Convicted murderer Lee Dae-chuk's daughter, Lee Eun-hye, well played by Lee Ha-eun, I really felt for. Her maturity and ability to rise up from such mistreatment and pain, made for a strong young female character not often found in dramas.
Overall a good watch, but it could have been even better. With a series 2 seemingly in the pipeline, it will be interesting to see whether Ji-hyuk's past is revisited, or what new story awaits.
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Epic
Magnificent Chinese drama and whilst there are 50 episodes, the story is split into 3 and some supporting characters change with the timeline, so it never drags or gets dull. For me it went really quick and I totally got into it.The acting is very good and the main characters are so likeable. It's a bromance between Wu Xian and Wang Ji ~ 2 total opposites who have a huge amount of respect for and belief in, one another, which becomes stronger through their adventures and experiences.
I've read the novel and their relationship is a lot steamier in that, but considering China's censorship laws and views on homosexuality, it could never be portrayed.
There is familial love, betrayal, competition, plotting, tragedy and fun too. Add to this supernatural and Wuxia content, and it = one heck of a show!
The locations, costumes and actors/tresses are stunning.
I laughed and cried, sometimes in the same scene!
Some of the SFX are a bit low budget, but personally, I could overlook it because the story gripped me so much. Also, there are several scenes, especially near the end, which are a bit wordy and, therefore, feel a bit drawn out; however, they are few in comparison to the total number of eps though.
There are a LOT of characters, so I found having an online cast list open, helpful.
The early transmigration scene was a little confusing after, mainly because facially the characters were the same, but it all becomes clear... we 'see' Wei Wuxian as he always was.
My favourites were Wei Wu Xian, Lan Wang Ji, Wen Qing, Jiang Yan Li and Wen Ning, who frequently plucked at my heart strings.
Definitely worth watching... more than once
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The acting was a little wooden in early episodes, but as this wonderful story progressed, the actors became more comfortable with their roles.
Pharm, character becomes very emotional, but considering what he's going through and the fact he has no apparent control over the memories that activate those emotions, it's not surprising.
Win and Team were adorable. The former was certainly persistent. I felt the latter could never seriously reject him; it was more like rejection of feelings Team was afraid of.
I absolutely loved it; not perfect by any means, but I adored the actors and the characters they portrayed, the plot, plus had a few good cries and will really miss it.
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Film highlighted some flaws, over the series.
I watched and rated the series a 9.Strangely, seeing it edited together and viewing in one sitting, made some aspects of the character's interactions a little perturbing.
I got that that Sang-ha possibly didn't want to share his troubles about the marathon with Jin-won before it, in case it affected his concentration, but directly after?...
Jin-won lacked empathy with Sang-ha and could be quite selfish, whilst the latter seemed to like him so much, he either overlooked that, or was ok with it.
The actors are very good, however, and portrayed their characters well.
Being a very light drama, the more realistic issues of their relationship, with the type of father Jin-won was intimated as having, couldn't be touched on, but it raised that question for me.
Life would be better if parents accepted their kids for who they are, but we know it's sadly not like that. Maybe one day gay relationships won't be viewed as different, lesser or wrong. We can only hope.
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Short and sweet
It's a real shame that all BL dramas from S.Korea are so short. I would like to see a commitment to the genre, rather than feeling like it's slightly half hearted.This was a good watch. I like the characters and the actors seemed pretty comfortable together, making them quite natural. For short and few episodes, the story is also good and made me feel concern for Sang-ha; I also wanted to see them happy.
A sports setting for a change, with the unusual backdrop of marathon running. I do think they would have looked somewhat sweatier in 'real life' though! ? There were also good 'threat' elements, adding another feel to the drama.
It really was a story that could so easily have been further developed into a full 15/16-episode drama.
A compact and enjoyable series I'd happily watch again.
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Ahead of its time.
First off, seeing so many actors now in stronger supporting roles, taking bit parts appx 13 years ago, is brilliant! Ji Il-goo, Jo Hee-bong and Ko Chang-seok - I couldn't help smiling. A very young Yeo Jin-goo as the young Jin-hyuk too, was so good, as was a teenage Yoo Ah-in. I love the quirky charm of this drama - it has humour and at the same time, even by today's standards, is pretty brave in its portrayal of homosexuality as being more main stream (which it should be), even if not accepted (which it also should be). I just love Kim Jae-wook's character of Sun-woo - so confident and at ease with himself. His acting in the more intimate scenes with Andy Gillet (Jean-Baptiste), were so natural and the kisses were to die for. Far more relaxed than many actors in current BL dramas. Joo Ji-hoon (Jin-hyuk) was also great - again, seeing him between his roles in Goong (aka Princess Hours) and Kingdom, is quite special; he is really versatile and certainly didn't become pigeon holed, as many do. A joy to watch.Was this review helpful to you?
