Queen Seondeok is mainly a historical/political melodrama depicting the struggle of opposing (good vs. evil) factions. The evil faction is led by a ruthless leader (Mishil) representing government control both of government officials and citizens, based on manipulating them with fear. The good faction has a good leader who wants power and freedom to shift from government to the people (control by their choice instead of governmental dictates, ownership of land by farmers instead of tenant farmers working for the rich), and who appeals to the hope and good nature of others.
Despite displaying inaccurate portrayal of the actual historical figures. Nonetheless, it did do an excellent job introducing the viewer to Korean, specifically, Sillan, history at a critical time. Whatever the artistic license taken, the fact is that this period in Silla saw first a major change in succession rules, and second the period of unification that would occupy the reigns of Sillan monarchs for a space of decades, and which Queen Seondeok started. In addition the story is so engagingly written that you really don't care if it's what "really happened" or not.
Another core theme is women's rights in a male dominated world, which I find the most appealing theme of this show. The power play between two very intelligent women (Deokman and Misil). Their chemistry was very much electrifying as many of the greatest hero/villain rivalries of literature and TV. The concept of the shadow self that makes for such a dynamic, two sides of the same coin, but rarely has it been done with both the characters being women. Misil and Deokman do have moments that prove they can fight; but it's really intelligence that marks these women as strong females.The conflict between duty and love is one Deokman has to tread throughout the show.
The marvelous thing about many characters in this show is the depth they all have. Bad guys have sympathetic moments. Characters you think are good doing something that suddenly makes you hate them, or vice versa. Every character, good or bad, has motives you can understand. The complexity of characters and the realism with which they are portrayed that gives the show it's nuances. It's really the quality of acting that also keeps things realistic that with actors of lesser experience could easily turn into melodrama. Equally nuanced is the writing. This show is great in what it chooses to reveal to the audience at certain points and what it doesn't allow the audience to know. My personal favorite of Deokman's boys though is Alchun (Lee Seung Hyo). There's something I love about his deep loyalty uncomplicated by romance, especially since he doesn't start off as one of Deokman's supporters. She has to earn his trust, but once she does, she has it for life.
Acting:
Deokman/ Queen Seondeok – Lee Yo Won: Amazing how well Lee Yo Won was able to portray this character. LYW’s performance as Princess Deokman, who later became the great Queen, was really stellar. The way she portrayed herself as a nangdo (a soldier trainee), to princess, to ruler was a compelling/convincing act. Her expressions were so clear, that I find myself “congratulating” her for overcoming every impossible feat that stood her way.
Mishil- Go Hyun Jung: GHJ is a brilliant actress who made the Mishil character stands out in this drama. She had the most audience attention actually in QSD. She played the controlling, power-hungry Mishil perfectly. She was as beautiful as she was terrifying in her quest to sit on the throne. Most times the ‘bad guy’ of the drama is detestable, in Mishil’s case I couldn’t detest her, in the end I understood her.
Bidam- Kim Nam Gil: FAWLESS! I was waiting for Kim Nam Gil to appear from the opening credits but I had to wait about 21 episodes for it to happen. But boy-o-boy when you came, he came with the thunder. Just as I was getting a little bored, Bidam came into the picture adding a whole new dynamic to the show. KNG really played the role of Bidam perfectly. I couldn’t imagine another actor playing his part very effectively. As Bidam, KNG was able to portray different emotions one after another that you would find him the charming, egoistic, and suddenly frightening individual. His character is a thin line between evil and good.
Yushin-Uhm Tae Woong He played the upright Yushin very well. Always steady and honest. That was the energy that he brought to this role. I was like with all the chaos, he was the one constant, the pillar for not only Deokman but for us viewers as well.
I should also mention the music of the show which has a great mix of character themes, sung love themes (both romantic and parental), and suspenseful background music.
Finally, the reason I could not give this drama any less than a perfect 10 despite its flaws is because at times the story offered some of brilliant psychological insights, such as Mishil saying "Humans can not live without believing in fantasy", as in liberal idealism (world peace, income equality without degrading the economy, big government that works efficiently, etc.) that can never be achieved. I am weak when it comes to brilliant/breathtaking psychological insights especially if portrayed so raw and wonderful as it is the case in QSD.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“Do not even think of possessing me, nobody can ever possess me as long as this crown adorns my pate”–Queen Seon Duk
“Why did you change?”-Bidam
“Because I have no name, crown prince crown princess and even the scoundrels parading in the market have a name but a ruler does not… All I am is Her Majesty”, “Because the moment I lost my name, you became nothing more but an influential subject of mine” –Queen Seon Duk
“I love you for loving me as woman”–Queen Seon Duk
“Earning people’s trust is hard, however what is even harder than that is abandoning them” – Queen Seon Duk
“I shall neither give up, nor abandon my people, not a thing not anyone” –Queen Seon Duk
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Yet again a wonderful, beautiful, inspiring, realistic, rich of humane emotions one peace of art written by Yuji Sakamoto. Woman has managed to stay real to the core and majestic even though the whole story does very much emphasize on real depressing facts which we see in our day-to-day life yet it still managed to be optimistic and full of hope leaving you feeling warm and hopeful yourself. Hope is a great thing, and that's essentially the message of this show.
"Woman -My Life for My Children-", tells the story of a single mother who struggles with money, living her life for her children who she loves so dearly. Woman depicts a woman's fight to survive in a difficult world, whilst shedding light on problems rooted in Japanese society in specific. Although I'm not related to the Japanese society in anyway but I can to some extent relate to the culture and its drawbacks especially towards women in "family oriented societies" which is why I find this drama very compelling and rewarding.
The story touch on motherhood, how motherhood is not a switch you can turn on and off once a mother, forever a mother. However, there are mothers who never chose to be a mother. This is about Koharu's motherhood and although she questions herself whether or not she is fit to be a mother, personally I think the real question is whether or not you "want" to be a mother. This is what matters.
What else makes "Woman" very special? Well, Woman had some of the most commonly/overused cliches in Asian dramas not just J dramas and as a drama viewer, you can either choose to be turned off by it and quit watching or enjoy the awesome acting and put aside the logic of it all. But here there is a 3rd option! Woman. I was taken by the unshakeable resolve of Koharu's attitude and the fact that she never allowed herself to get swallowed by self-pity and rejection. She took it upon herself that she has to survive and at least allow her kids to grow old enough for them to become independent. That was one of the most inspiring motherly acts I've ever witnessed in Asian drama.
Although she had many things going on with her family instead of disintegrating and falling apart, they choose to unite and set aside feelings of bitterness and hatred. After all family is what matters you need to try and open up your heart for them to reach you. The drama is blessed with a beautiful striking dialogue one of the best really.
According to my research on this drama, I‘ve come to know that Woman has managed to obtain huge rave especially to women among the J audience (which made me happy). Why wouldn’t it? We get the ever-so realistic performance by Hikari Mitsushima, and a stellar cast to drive the story (Hikari is the queen of them of course). Not to mention the compelling script that takes you inside Koharu's struggles and her sweet moments with her two adorable children, the drama unfolds the daily life of a young family just trying to find peace and happiness... I sincerely urge you to watch this drama although it isn't a drama made for entertainment purposes but it is nonetheless entertaining, rewarding, insightful and precious especially to women :)
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Jyoou no Kyoushitsu is such a meaningful, addictive, intense, unpredictable, intelligent and educative story. It made me delve with many questions about the importance of life, learning, and the future. It managed to be both pessimistic and optimistic at the same time, both realistic and idealistic. It showed many difficulties of life, flawlessly relating the troubles the children experienced to the real, adult world.
This is the kind of story that will need you to have enormous use of your heart to appreciate its beauty and have patience too. It is one of the few dramas that not only does it provide the "entertainment" service but also offers you so much values, so much meaning and so much lessons. Usually such a slice-of-life kind of dramas do somewhat lack in the "entertaining" factor but not here, not this one.
Akutsu Maya is the show's best attraction. I wouldn't be exaggerating when I say watch it for her! She is the kind of teacher whom when you run into you'd wish you if hadn't! She is SCARY, mysterious, manipulative, controlling and idealistic. She will make sure students surrender to her and her "rules" no matter what it takes and is pretty much determined to do so.
The drama will take you into and intense journey where you will feel you might soon run out of patience because there are things that won't come to your liking and you won't understand "why" BUT that's what makes this story even more compelling, you just simply can't stop. It will suck you in from the very 1st episode and the characters will eventually grow on you. The students each one of them had their own problems to overcome. The more time went on and the more you learned, the more important everyone became, whether as part of the class or for something a bit more complicated. I felt I was one of the students too and Maya-Sensei will haunt me down if I break rules too.
What does it really mean to be a teacher? Who determines what is a good or bad teacher?
Whatever the answer may be, there are many risks involved here and taking responsibility for people's lives is a HUGE burden which teachers in general have to live with. I almost forgot how much of a big of deal a teacher's job is but Jyoou no Kyoushitsu has done a beautiful splendid job with reminding me that.
Another thing I loved here the realistic portrayal of the faults and deficiencies in education system (Japan specifically). That was such an honest portrayal of things that should be changed in order to make better people and better future. I honestly wanted to clap for the writer for being able to create an entertaining story while keeping things realistic.
Finally my new love interest, Amami Yuki!! I absolutely loved her. She is the queen of the show I loved her portrayal for Maya-Sensei. She was both lovely and luscious. I honestly believed her as Maya-Sensei (which is why I felt being haunted by her too). Not to mention the everlasting affect from her gaze and voice tone when she says "Open Your Eyes" (when you watch the drama you will understand the weight which this sentence carries trust me).
Jyoou no Kyoushitsu had so many beautiful quotes and dialogues, which I’d love to share, but I don't want to spoil things away. I just want to say that this drama has moved my heart to the point where I shed few tears not for a sad scene but for a happy one.
Overall: In my humble opinion, this is a drama for everyone and should be watched by everyone regardless whether the genre is your cup of tea or not. This is definitely not children/teenager drama it's different from all the school projects I have seen and I'm sure it will take you by surprise just like it did to me. I honestly think this is the kind of drama that if you miss out on, it would be such a loss. Give it a chance and you might end up feeling rewarded as I am now :)
I'll leave you with the queen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwl70ZrX9D0
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Story: The main reason why I doubted this drama is because of the story (Rich man falling in love with poor woman and everyone is against them) let's be honest here this concept is been used so many times already not just in K dramas but all over the world. What makes "Lovers in Paris" story so special?? Well, it is special the story made me go through so many emotions (and I'm not the type of person that goes through emotions or cry over scenes no matter how sad they were... it's my first time tearing up for a Romantic Drama such as Lovers in Paris). This story is really classic now I understand why, cus even though towards the end "certain characters" made me really pissed off and annoyed (I almost kicked my screen) I thought that I wouldn't rate it as 10 because of those characters behaviors towards the end (it was just too much) but what happened in the last episode was more than enough for me to forget about how annoyed I was with some characters. The main couple's lines and scenes were enough for me to rate this drama 10 they deserve it this drama deserve a 10.
Acting: Park Shin Yang !! OMG I saw him in sign and loved him there he's such a great actor I never saw his romantic side...but I saw it in here he is MAN you'd wish to have for your own he did a great job I loved him the most (his romantic scenes, his character and his acting SIGH everything about him was mesmerizing me). The rest of the cast did a great job as well Kim Jung Eun annoyed me at first but as the story proceeds I started liking her. As for Lee Dong Gun oh my I really hated him and got really sick of his character but that just shows he acted it too well for me to get this annoyed by him.
Music: I LOVED one song (To Your Side by Jo Sung Mo) OMG how I love this song whenever they played it I would always repeat the scenes and react strongly to the them... it's just too mesmerizing with breathe taking lyrics I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT I'm even trying to memorize it to be able to sing it as well as Jo Sung Mo I will love it forever.
Rewatch: This is one drama I would gladly rewatch because it is filled with sweet romantic scenes and I'm sure I'm going to miss this cute couple very soon.
Overall: This drama is one of the best romantic dramas out there, it is PURELY and COMPLETELY romantic filled with sweet romance!! Lovers in Paris is also known for its drama lines ppl still remember those lines said by the actors (I didn't know why ppl were making such a big deal about those lines even after so many year have passed I didn't get why until I actually saw the drama).... My favorite line for Park Shin Yang is "Ore Aige (My Baby)" and for Lee Dong Gun "You're inside me".
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This review may contain spoilers
“The world is like a mirror. If you curse and spit at it, the world will curse and spit back at you. If you smile, I am sure the world will follow and smile back at you too.” Jung Si-HyunBefore I start I would like to clarify one thing, I have watched 10 eps of this drama when it first started airing back in 2013 and then stopped (but that was no fault of the drama! I got busy with real life so I had to pause it and now I had to start all over again *which I didn't mind at all*). So you see the problem here after so many years have passed, there is a big chance that I may not feel the same as I would have had I finished it on time, but impressively enough this drama is one of those exceptional ones that keeps its great ‘quality’ preserved against time aka TIMELESS.
Writing a spoiler-free review for this drama is nearly impossible, but here goes.
'Moo Jeong Dosi' aka ‘Heartless City’ is extraordinary, unique, and lethal (yes lethal but I mean that in a good way). If I had to define Moo Jeong Dosi in simple sentences >>
- The story of charismatic men, and memorable characters with unique nicknames.
- Midnight summer dream in the heart of winter; fragile, but not frail, yet raw and omnivore.
- A world where nobody’s clear-cut good or bad. Everybody’s a shade of gray.
- Murky, intoxicating and twisted.
- Beautifully cruel, ruthless and dark but in slow cold motion.
As the cinematography is glimmering in the darkness, the story deals with a breathtaking confrontation between big drug organization and the police. Each of the characters' backstories is a whole different drama on its own! Human 'desire' and 'anguish' were the center theme of this drama in a world where 'white and black' does not exist.
Despite the slight drawbacks in the story and the few potholes, the storyline was intriguing and captivating enough to say that Heartless City rightfully deserves all the praise it has been scoring. I cannot stress enough on how much I enjoyed the coolness and slow motion feels that I’ve got from this drama as I was watching; it helped me savor every minute even though no ep actually dragged but there was that chill sensational feeling to it.
Characters (according to the ones that left the most impression on me):
Baksa Adil aka Professor’s son (Jung Kyung Ho): Before I start I have something that I’d like to say to Kyung Ho-ssi “WTH have you been doing since this drama?! Seriously, what… why…? I demand that we take you back 4 years ago for you to re-think your drama choices again!” :(
Jung Kyung Ho as Baksa Adil is in one word >> PERFECTION. He was simply astonishing, pouring heart and soul into Jung Si-Hyun’s multifaceted and multilayered character. Delivering pain in an aristocratic way. Jung Kyung Ho is truly the LORD of this drama. Who wouldn’t love Baksa Adil? He’s one of those few drama characters that will rightfully remain in your memory. The quietly dangerous air about Baksa Adil is mesmerizing and irresistible! What’s more, is the hidden tenderness in all that cold ruthlessness especially towards his loved ones. Even when he is fighting he managed to remain elegant, charismatic and mesmerizing. JKH’s presence dominated the scenes! No words could ever do his performance any justice. I'll just end it saying>> This is by far the best performance and character I've seen for JKH-ssi (please bring back that glory!).
Safari Samchun (Uncle) aka Moon Deok Bae (Choi Moo Sung): Safari is my heartbreaker (second to Baksa). Everything about Safari, from the nickname to the hair style to the Busan accent to his unconditional love for Jin Sook… it will all reside in your memory. Every bits and pieces of this man is wonderful, you can’t help but love him despite how strongly you disagree with his actions. CMS is an underrated actor. An actor who manages to embody each character he plays as if he’s an entirely different actor each time. His style of acting is rather peculiar in such a deep breathtaking way. His facial expressions, the moment Safari entered the scene I knew immediately that I’m going to fall in love with him. I plead to the K industry to please bless us with more of CMS in the future.
Last but not least, Jin Sook Noona (Kim Yoo Mi): The most intriguing aspect of her character is her relationship with the guys, Si-Hyun, Safari and Hong Ki but most of all her relationship with Si-Hyun. A relation that I still can't define, a relation that’s quite vague yet captivating and touching. I have never seen such complex undefined relation in a drama before and yet it still managed to move my heart. Jin Sook is gorgeous, strong, independent, prideful, sexy, cold and tender at the same time. Kim Yoo Mi has managed to stand her grounds among charismatic beasts of male actors.
Music:
Slow, raw, cool and very fitting.
Overall:
This drama has its own beauty that sets it apart from anything else I’ve seen. The atmosphere, the vibes, the cinematography, the poetic elegance in the fighting scenes, the memorable characters and their unique nicknames… everything just screams “memorable”, so despite my personal complains regarding the plot itself and some of the other actors in the cast, I still loved and enjoyed every second of this intoxicating dark beauty.
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Story: It may seem ordinary to you, and it is indeed but that doesn't make it any less impressive!! The reason that it is ordinary story is because it is very much realistic. The dirty politicians, power, money, schemes, conspiracies, assassinations, murders and injustice…etc. We see all this in many dramas if not all of them, however in here it does not come anymore realistic than that!! it's no longer a drama you will be watching the sad, harsh, cruel, and disturbing reality. Though reality isn't pleasant but the good thing about this drama is that it shows you both side. I can't say more than that without spoiling it.
Acting: Son Hyun-Joo this was my first time watching him and I'm a fan now! Impressive actor worthy of a respect and appreciation. Yoochun not so impressive but I think he was a good choice for the drama not a bad choice. So E-Hyun Very good as always but I wish they had given her more significant role instead of Park Ha-Sun because frankly she can't act and I don't understand her role it was unnecessary and stupid, I can't understand how a mere police officer does all that. Nonetheless, the small supporting characters whom had very short time but did a phenomenal job.
Rewatch value: I definitely won't be watching it again because I've already seen all the mystery, surprises and conspiracies. However, I wish there would be a 2nd season (and this my first time wishing for a 2nd season in a drama) because Three Days story doesn't end and it never will. The real life battle between good and evil, power money and justice watching that again in the same way in a new sequence with new stories that would be very nice and I would gladly watch it.
Overall: If you are looking for a fantasy, romance, comedy, fairytale, heroes always save the day… etc then this is not your drama. However, if you want to watch something which reflects reality and is worthy of your time then this is perfect drama for you!! In the end, it is just a drama it won't hurt to try and watch it who knows it might surprise you like it did to me (I finished it in 3 days just like the title) XD
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This review may contain spoilers
I'm writing this right after watching the last episode... I've been repeating the last scene for more than an hour now nonstop... Let me just say that I'm deeply in love with this drama, I'm so in love and attached to the point my heart hurts now that it's finished...Story: The story from the start to the end never ever failed me, the more you watch the more you WANT MORE !! It's the kind of story that touches your heart continuously and keeps your mind busy all the time. This drama is really special and unique, it so different from other dramas that I've watched before. My favorite theme is "revenge" and I have watched so many revenge dramas but they are absolutely nothing like this one. I would gladly explain why I loved the story so much but that would mean mentioning spoilers so I'll just say this "when you watch you'll understand why this drama is one of the best".
Acting: UHM TAE WOONG no matter what I say about him it won't do this guy any JUSTICE !! I loved his character the most he has done an amazing job and gave me an unforgettable performance. What makes this drama even more special is that EVERYONE did a WONDERFUL job and I do mean it when I say EVERYONE (guest characters, supportive characters and main characters they all did great). For once it's not only the main characters that shined others did shine too, each character managed to grab my attention not just the main ones. The characters in this drama are the most complex characters I have ever seen, you don't know who to hate and who to sympathize with, who is the victim and who is the devil.
Music: I loved the OST of this drama, it went so well with the story. The music contributed so much in the story it made it more real and intense. I loved 2 songs the 1st one is "Don't Love Me" (Saranghi Marayo) Sang by Uhm Tae Woong and the 2nd one I don't know what is the name of it so here is the link to it: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RJa1zpHSPQ&feature=relmfu).
Rewatch Value: I think I would watch it again I'm even thinking of watching the Japanese remake of it (and I'm no a person who would watch remakes but in this case I will). However, since TD is a mystery drama it might not be a rewatchable drama to some of you (cus the mystery part will be gone).
OVERALL: The Devil in one word? a MASTERPIECE. To everyone who hasn't seen this drama yet, what are you waiting for?? start watching it now... FYI this drama is the 1st K drama that got adopted into J drama (it was always the other way around Koreans adopting Japanese mangas/animes/dramas) but in this case no and that says a lot doesn't it?
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This drama is for melodrama lovers, it was a decent melodrama (though it doesn't say melo on the genre) but it's pretty melo makjang drama. I was looking for something similar to King Of Baking Kim Tak Goo with the same vibes and checked this drama's 1st ep then decided to watch even without subs and I'm glad I did (I'm surprised that it doesn't have any review even though there are people who completed this which is why I decided to do one).
Story: is pretty much familiar to all of you melo fans, family issues, abandoned, greed, selfishness, evil, ridiculous nerve racking plot but addictive one so basically all the elements a melo fan would look for in a drama. This is a Daughter on Mother story, I'm not sure if there are other dramas that presented such story before but for myself this is the 1st I've seen (daughter taking revenge on her mother). I loved the early stages of the story with the kids and to my surprise I liked the adults as well specially Cha Yeong.
If you came here for the romance then this drama is not for you, because even though it says romance, it's not the kind of romance that most may expect. This is mostly evil and revenge and wrong doings, the main character goes through so many things that she becomes only blinded by revenge. Romance plays very small part of the story (which is plus point to me) because it does not follow the typical plots and the story was presented without distraction.
Another note to those who hate annoying 2nd lead girl and can't handle that, I guess this drama is not for you because the 2nd lead here is pretty much as evil and pain as it gets but that's what makes melo a melo and keeps me entertained.
I loved the intensity of the story, I loved the intensity in the mother daughter relationship. I liked all the craziness and nerve racking situations in this drama and most of all I loved Hong Ah Reum performance.
Acting: For the rest of the cast it was decent, but for Hong Ah Reum and Yun Seo I think they were the drama's strongest point because they delivered all that intensity very well (I must say Yun Seo managed to make me hate her and Hong Ah Reum is meant for melo).
Music:
Decent.
Rewatch:
Maybe to some of you but not for me.
Overall:
Looking for good melodrama? Watch it. I can see that even if this drama gets subbed it probably be forgotten because of the unknown cast, I hope you don't judge the book by it's cover.
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Story
Very well written very well put together very well presented I could not see any flaws and I would not change a thing with the story I absolutely loved it with its development with its events everything was perfectly done in the best bases. This is the first revenge drama that discusses the consequences of choosing revenge and It's the first revenge drama that approaches revenge in this way a revenge that results in another revenge isn't the idea itself is interesting? One more thing I liked, there are no villains in this drama you won't be able to hate any character there is no "bad person" only people you will feel very sorry for and won't be able to take sides and I find that pretty amazing a story that can confuse me in this way is a beautiful one.
Acting
Lee So Yeon was FLAWLESS, she did one of the best complexed character I've ever seen. I absolutely loved her the best this is by far her best performance!! As for Bae Su Bin this ahjussi always excels as a villain to the point of me hating him so I won't say this is his best performance BUT his best drama indeed. Jin Tae Hyun I never seen this guy before so I'm glad I get to know him here he's an amazing actor. Everyone did good job from main roles to supporting roles everyone did good.
Music
This drama's OST is a story telling itself!! with the lyrics perfectly describing the complex emotions that this drama presents! Specially "Broken Heart" by Yoo Seung Chan I loved the lyrics of this song so much that it inspired me to draw a sketch! best quote from that song"The pain that you caused me I'll pay you all that back,,, even If revenge is a crime doomed by Heavens I'll gladly take my punishment".
Overall
If you are a revenge melo fan you have to have this drama on your complete list! It is a must watch drama not only a worth watching drama a must one. I watched so many dramas too many that I can predict any plot in any drama, but with this one it did have surprises that I could never have predicted it. That fact alone is amazing imho.
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