It is really hard to rate a near perfect drama!! Some people will miss out on this gem simply because of the episode count. But I can assure that with 32-35 minute episodes, you will be swept into a story that will resonant with you from now on; one that you will use as a template for all future family dramas. The acting by all was superb! The writer promised to present a story without one single drama clique and it was delivered. I got to see the development of a romance from start to finish. Wait, I got to see the development of 3 relationships. The problems they presented made sense. Even the brief noble idiocy moment made sense to me. I never thought I would dismiss that as a necessary evil in the story. The supporting characters, you either loved them or hated them. But that was a testament to how well they acted. Overall, I do not feel that I wasted a moment of my time. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't be surprised if one day down the drama road, I re-watch the entire drama again. Yes, it is that good!!

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This is definitely the oldest drama I've ever watched but I must say I felt right at home watching it. From the beginning to the end, I just loved the characters and their interactions. I think viewers of a certain age would appreciate this more than others. As I watched, it solidified my fandom with Kimura Takuya, what an actor. Imagine my surprise to see this was Yamaguchi Tomoko's last role. I loved her character's perkiness and willingness to bounce back after her break up. The supporting characters also brought so much to the drama. And thankfully totally devoid of the usual drama cliques!! I loved that the most about this drama!! Again, it's not for everyone. Not one cell phone in the story!! It was great!

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Not too many dramas I've watched over 50 episode; hell, over 30 episodes. But, watching this one was simply a privilege! It had been on my watch queue for a very long time and once in a awhile I get into these must watch historical drama moods! Lo and behold, 5 days later, I completed this drama and now I am simply in love with Ji Jin Hee!! This was my first drama watching him as well as Lee Yeong-Ae who seems to be quite famous in her time. The love story between their characters; Sir Min and Jang Geum is simply one of the most romantic stories I've ever seen! The chemistry, the portrayal of these characters by the actors was simply amazing!! Amazing! Amazing!! I loved the story, it helped peak my interesting in learning more about the art of food and healing. It truly was a well told story with beautiful cinematography! This is a 2003 drama so if you are new to dramas, it will seem very different than the more modern ones; however, after watching this tremendous jewel, I now know what the ratings during its broadcast times was well into the 50% range! Excellent! Excellent! Stupendous! I will never forget this love story ever!

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I think this movie will represent a truly realistic vision into the life of a family dealing with autism. Here is a Mother who works tirelessly to give her son a purpose in life. I read somewhere that people wondered if Cho-Won’s mother’s insistence in her son running in a marathon was more for her sake or for his. At one time in the movie, she questions whether or not she is pushing him into it for selfish reasons.

However, at the beginning of the movie, Cho Won’s mother made a statement where she wanted him to have self worth. I think in her pursuit of this, she kind of lost her purpose and doubted her reasons. Me, personally, I applaud her for doing it.

The acting by the leads, Kim Mi Sook and Cho Seung Woo was outstanding. The attention to detail that not only Mi Sook focused on as the mother but Seung Woo as an autistic man was definitely believable.

No stone was left unturned; from Cho Won’s treatment by so-called normal people to the jealousy his brother had because of all the attention his brother got. I was glad they didn’t leave that out. I believe the actors spent a lot of time researching the subject as well as talking to the real life Mother and Son. Yes, this is a true story that reflects the life and accomplishments of not only the mother but the son, in his pursuit to run!

A great real-life story!!

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Overall, I still liked the drama. There were times when the story seemed to be repetitive and the constant persecution and denial of Baek Kwanghyun's ability as a physician grated on my nerves. The medical procedures were interesting to watch and I suggest never to be caught eating during some episodes; however, the major focus was on the political intrigue which detracted from the story greatly. When the focus was on medicine, it was great; when it was on the machinations of the nobles and ministers, it could get downright boring. Would I recommend? Only for the hardcore medical saguek drama watchers.

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This truly was a drama that reminds you of a cold car that has been sitting for awhile; like that cold car, it takes it awhile to start; so too does this drama. The first 5-6 episodes, I kept asking myself why do people like this? The next 10 episodes were a lot better but I still didn't see the fascination; however, from that point on it kept getting better and better. The bromance between the brothers; the individual romances, even though the second brother and his wife's story will grate on your nerve, hang in there. However, the highlight romance and story, you must give to Uee and Joo Won. I was so glad to see him again and have a great chemistry with his co-star lead. Their chemistry was so sweet and so was their story. You really didn't want it to end. The conflicts, even though serious, you hated to see them. I loved the brothers, the women in their lives, everything. Great story! Great acting!

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You ever watch a movie and are totally shocked by what a person did but as you watch the final 30 minutes you realize just how desperate they were? This is that type of movie. As always, I must warn, this is not for every body. Sure there are elements of romance but the main story is a man's desperate search for his fiancee that he loves deeply. And what happens during that search is the story.

Lee Sun Gyun, as usual played his role as Moon Ho exceptionally well. You had no doubts of the deep love and under despair he was feeling as he not only did not know where his fiancee, Seon Yeong, played by Kim Min Hee was but as he researched and followed one lead after another, the story that unfolded turns out to be pretty, pretty...I'm not going to say, you have to watch the movie.

But Min Hee as Seon Yeong was extraordinary. I believe that her love for Moon Ho was genuine; however, her actions only reflected her deep desperation.

Sad movie but very well done. Not too often that I can say: I don't condone but I truly, truly understand.

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This drama was all about the kids!! I just love dramas that discusses children and their daily lives. What made this different is these children are all living as foster children. Some have lost their parents and some have parent(s) but are there for different reasons. I liked this drama because we got to see each of the children back story which made the drama that much more interesting to watch.

As usual, Kimura Tayuka reins supreme in the human interest type dramas! His portrayal of Jiro was excellent. But I must say, there is nothing like seeing Takuya dress in racing clothing. My, my, my!!

Alas, don't be fooled about the romance label, this drama was NOT about romance. The two leads have nothing romantic between them to speak about. Sure, there are hints that they like each other but that is about it.

If you like dramas that tell a story, especially ones featuring a bunch of cute kids (to include a younger Toda Erika), you will definitely like this!!

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This drama has been a privilege to watch. From beginning to the end, you truly felt that you were involved with the lives of the Kameyama family. This drama is amazing because it covers almost 50 years of this family; a multiculteral family during a period when marrying outside your race and culture just didn't happen. You got to witness the bravery of Elle going to a foreign country with a passable understanding of the language and morphing herself into a full-fledge Japanese woman. Catherine Kate Fox did a FANTASTIC job! I can already imagine how well she has been accepted in the entertainment community because she did such a wonderful job in portraying Elle. Tamayama Tetsuji was also sensational as a man driven to achieve his dreams of making Japanese Whiskey. The story itself makes you curious about the real people that this was based on. Even the times through World War II were realistic and definitely made you wonder how this woman AND her family maintained their strength through that turbulent time. So, the question is do I recommend it? Yes. If you are a lover of history, a great story and a beautiful romance between two people who beat the odds and stayed together until death do them part. My first Japanese TV Serial and it will not be my last! It was a labor of love to make and also a labor of time (and love) to watch!

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Must preface this review with the following: If you are expecting romance; don't watch. If you are squeamish about violence; don't watch. If sexual innuendo gives you the creeps: don't watch. And most of all, if you think this is Sailor Moon, you better damn sure make sure you don't let your kids watch!

Man, I watched this having no idea what it was about. Imagine my shock after the first episode. You doubt me? Watch the first episode and report back to me. I guarantee, your mouth will drop like mine did. But getting past the violence, sometime choppy story line, I had a great time watching it. The action was sensational. I found afterwards that most of the actresses are part of singing groups but then blame it on my ignorance of Asian pop music that I didn't know that. Overall, I was duly impressed with the acting and the action was KICK_A$$!

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A lot of people probably never heard of this. This was my first exposure to Jang Hyuk! The fact that the subject matter covered (HIV) also contributed to this being an amazing story! I fell in love with the young child actor,Seo Shin-Ae who played the young daughter, Lee Bom, was simply amazing! I am truly going to watch her career! The story covered every aspect of a person with HIV living in Korea; the fear of being found out; the attitudes of people when they do; the suffering a patient, especially a young child. Couple this with a seriously tortured soul (Jang Hyuk’s character Min Gi-Seo) added to the phenomenal acting displayed. I cannot forget Kong Hyo-Jin who plays the mother, Lee Young-Shin. Whose story consisted no only of single parenthood but raining a child with an illness! Amazing story and amazing acting! Made me a lifetime fan of Jang Hyuk!

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Psychometry: The ability through touch, to experience what someone has seen, witnessed in the past; ergo the title of this movie, The Gifted Hands. Rewatch?!! You betcha! A kind friend made this available for me temporary to watch and let me tell you, without English subs, this is one FANTASTIC movie! From beginning to end, I was enthralled and spell-bound by what was happening. Kim Bum, to me is the best of the F4 when it comes to acting. I have yet to see him in a role that he does not shine! And in this as Kim Joon is no exception. I cannot imagine being a person with this ability and being able to function on a daily basis. And as Kim Joon, he showed us how tortured his existence is. Kim Kang Woo as Yang Choon Dong was GREAT! He also brought to life the detective on the case. But let me tell you, even though the scenes are not graphic, I must warn you there is some seriously, twisted cruelty to animal scenes so Animal lovers, beware! Hopefully at the end of the movie, there is a notice that no animals were hurt during the filming. But let me take a moment and talk about our little consummate actress, Kim Yoo Bin who plays the last little girl kidnapped. She is now on my kids to watch list. She is so good in this and if you don't cry during some of her later scenes, you're made of stone! Do I plan on watching this again? Absolutely!!

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I have to preface this with a little fact: I hardly watch HS dramas! I'm too old to really get into them and the stories tend to bore me silly! But this? Short, sweet and to the point! Covers everything you need in a drama. The OTP meets, fall for each other, have that antagonist in the background, the piggyback ride, not one but TWO kisses! What else do you need? The acting was superb! The music? I want some of these songs, especially the one that Jung Woo sung at the end at the Contest. I don't know what else to say but this is a must!! I loved the cast! From the leads to the supporting! This was near perfect! It deserved the perfect rating from me!

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