It's a pretty decent historical based drama. From beginning to end, it held my interest. I admit readily at sometimes in Chinese dramas, especially action ones, the stunts and graphics can be cheesy but looking past that as this was released in 2004, it's pretty much what you would expect from the time. The acting by all the cast was great, especially the actor playing General Qi (sorry, couldn't find him on mydramalist). He did a splendid job. This was pretty much the first time I'd seen any of these actors except for Peter Ho. If you love historical dramas, this is definitely fun to watch and the fight scenes can be brutal at time (just what I like).

Read More

Close to perfect at times. The acting was perfect for this drama. I asked myself why I hadn't watched this before. The title throws you off because you have no idea what it really is about. Let's start with the stand-out actors. First of all, Ryu Deok Hwan as Han Jin Woo was unbelievably good! From the first episode to the end. His portrayal of Jin Woo was spot on perfect. Yoon Joo Hee as Kang Kyung Hee was great! At times, she drove you batty with her police decisions which made no sense to me (or maybe I watch TOO MANY police and crime dramas) but overall she did a good job. The rest of the cast was fun and acted well. Every episode was a learning experience. Keep wikipedia/google handy. You will be doing a lot of searching! Again, I cannot believe I am just watching this. Onto to season 2!

Read More

Some many twists and turns. Don't blink and don't turn your head. Jung Jae Young as the tortured Lt Choi and Park Shi Hoo as Doo Suk were excellent. The supporting cast also did a great job in reeling you into the story. The action sequences like the car chase, the alley chase as well as the ending scenes were well done and choreographed. Like I said, don't turn your head or fast forward because you will miss some serious details. Park Shi Hoo should do more action. His scene in the elevator was great to watch. Here's hoping for a comeback in the movies. Still can't wrap around my head people saying this was boring! Never a dull moment to me. But be warned, this is NOT a romance!!

Read More

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!!

Read More

Yes, definitely a watch one time movie for me! But besides that, when is a movie with Kang Dong Won BAD?!! I've yet to encounter one. This told a story! It told a story of what can go wrong in life and those single moments of hope in life at the end. This wasn't really about redemption but more about recognizing that there is forgiveness. Kang Dong Won as Yun-Soo was flawless. He portrayed Yun-Soo as starting out, a angry and hurt young man facing death to a man who finally knew what love was again. Lee Na Young as Yun-Jung was marvelous! Simply marvelous! Nothing new that she had attempted suicide 3 times! But when you find out the reason later in the movie, it helps you to understand this tortured soul. But because these two were so mentally tortured, they truly were able to heal each other. As Yun-Soo says, to Sister Monica (played by my favorite actress, Yoon Yeo Jeong), you sent me an angel. Warning, this is not a movie for everyone but if you are a Kang Dong Won fan, this is a MUST-SEE.

One last thing, telling a prisoner that is about to face death that they have a visitor, not sure what to think about that. Maybe, it's the system's way to let them know what it feels like to suffer an unexpected death. What do you think?

Read More

Like other reviewers will say, never to be seen again. As this is a true story, you go in knowing that and the events that lead up to Sang Woo's (in the movie) kidnapping, it makes you question whether or not what would you do? Would you allow your child to stay so long outside? Would you never check on your child who is at the playground right outside your window?

This movie definitely brings out the questions AND the tears. The ending when Samg Woo's Dad is on the air; never will I need to see those emotions as well as the pain and emotions emitted by both parents throughout the movie. This is definitely not a movie that would attract everyone to see. But I must say it was a GREAT movie!!

Read More

Stunning! Absolutely stunning! A lover of the classics would find no fault in this drama at all. It was fun to watch, the music was sensational, and the acting was amazing!

This was my first Ueno Juri experience and she was great as Nodame! She was funny, expressive in her emotions when needed and just an amazing actress in this. Tamaki Hiroshi as Chiaki was so good! He was the stuck up music man at first but he morphs into this character that you soon learn to love, even his prickly self. And let's not forget Koide Keisuke as Masumi! His constant antics to bloke everyone from his love, Chiaki was hysterical! Every time he is on the screen, you laugh, laugh laugh.

I have to applaud the writer and director for making this the first drama I've ever watched where the ending had NO FAULTS! NONE! I'll never forget the scenes when Chiaki meets the family. I'm still chuckling over those scenes! And boy, these two have some serious chemistry! Who else can make a back hug SO ADORABLE! 10's? I'd give this 20's for the music alone! Excellent drama! EXCELLENT!!

Read More