Hard to write a review of this one without spoilers but I will try. The story is one about love -- love between man and woman; love between children and parents;love between siblings and extended love from friends. The writer is very effective in outlining the trials of love when there is conflict; love when power is a variable; and love when you are desperate and unwavering in your actions and thoughts. The drama was addictive for me resulting in another marathon event. Each episode makes you want to dissect the minds of these characters -- I found myself talking to the television screen -- my frustrations, disgust and admiration. 41 episodes were all filled with events that pushed the drama forward -- as opposed to mindless fillers. If you are a romantic -- definitely watch. There is enough action scenes and fighting scenes to get your other half to watch if not inclined for just a romantic drama. Bring your tissues.

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I had to challenge myself to write a semi-positive review.. Initially it was just fun watching NG play a different type role and he showed his versatility and talent as an actor. What ruins most of these dramas for me is the costume design person. Annoyed and distracted by the leads wig and dress (based on her age) throughout each episode. The story telling was consistent until the 19th episode when the drama gets bogged down with nonsensical responses to the situations that were created for the drama. I kept asking myself "why?" Entertaining and funny in spots but just not an exceptional comedy or romantic drama K dramas can't remove themselves from cliches. You can watch for light entertainment if nothing else to d but don't expect this drama to end up as one of your "favs"

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Fresh drama and different prospective about love with light comedy included. However, no mistaking - this is a romantic drama and the writers had the guts to explore several levels of love through its outstanding cast of actors and actresses. Once you become hooked - the story becomes engaging to the point you become judgmental and critical or situations :out loud.:, I found myself talking to the television set without hesitation. What is the most intriguing for me is adult immaturity in the matter of love, life and consequences. - Add the word pride and sometimes lack of it you begin to enjoy each episode more and more. Ending did not disappoint and that is why the high rating

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I have mixed feelings about this drama. It is very mature in its theme, but somehow it converted itself to a very immature ending and it catered to what it believed the viewers wanted in the end. I marathoned the first 14 episodes and truly enjoyed the way the story evolved and how the actors and actresses portrayed their roles. As usual, there is always the "Korean mother" - someone we all want to hate , but if this is a true depiction of life as an unmarried woman living with parents in South Korea then the story is given a higher rating. However, the story failed to really deal with true human emotions, especially when the parties have connected so initimately. Character flaws are really the highlighted themes of this drama. You keep asking yourself - would I do that? How would I respond? If only I had that chance? How far would I go to love someone? Would I sacrifice for the one I love? So for me the drama did merit a higher rating. It was not for the younger or inexperienced viewer. As an older woman you can look back at your own personal life and ask yourself these questions and focus in on mistakes or missed opportunities. The drama was a work of art. The painter drew the lines and colored it according to his/her feelings of what is love so I don't condemn this drama totally. I truly did not feel good at the end -- but was happy at the end. It is a judgment we all have to make after watching - and I do recommend watching. There are some wonderful moments in this drama that should not be dismissed because we disagree with the outcomes. Again, this is a drama about character flaws and I must add - love that is unyielding (even if it is by only one party in a relationship). The music was appropriate, but sometimes annoying.

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This drama was the best K drama I have viewed in the past 5 years.   It had entertainment value but more importantly, its value was its vicarious desire for the viewer to reevaluate the life and decisions of each character presented throughout.  When you have lived a long time -- and if you have been married or consider getting married this drama is love 101 or a refresher course.   It was fun for me to watch with my husband of 28 years who was also a cat owner (multiple cats).  I've never understood his personality but watching this drama made me reflect a lot about life.  The balance of the 3 couples, the parents, and the additional character s - ex-boyfriends, girlfriends, potential liaisons, and expectations were weaved into the story in an organized way with resolutions and no loose ends.  The ending was perfect.  What I enjoyed along the way was the music -- it really was suited to the scenes and had added dramatic effect.  I have already some of the episodes twice.   A very good drama and one that is worth the time viewing.

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Convuluted Beginning

This is one of these dramas that you watch and keep asking yourself - why haven't I dropped this hot mess? However, I am always one to take on a challenge. I could only watch this with outside help. I had to research the synopsis of the story from an independent blogger to even begin to understand what the baseline story was about. It began with too many characters, too many unexplained scenarios. However, with the synopsis, I persevered and finished finally getting a handle on the director, screenwriter and editors' goals. 60 episodes was a struggle but when you are homebound daily you have time to waste I would not recommend this drama if you are looking for substance - the one thing that it lacks and that is evident from all the mixed rating reviews on this site.

Story: A hodgepodge of plots and subplots and characters that represent evil and good. The problem with the story was the illogical choices of so many of the characters. I don't want to use the word stupid - but it bordered on it sometimes.

Acting: The actors should not be berated because of the work they were given. Most tried their best to give life to their characters. I believe that following each character and how their lives were entwined in the story was the chief motivation for pursuing this to an end.

Music: not relevant to love of drama. Just your average songs and melodies repeated.

Rewatch - NO REWATCH value!!!

Overall: Watched but wish writers would truly take the time to evaluate what is being released. A terrible beginning, good middle, and yes I will say this - a MUDDLED ending.

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Gritty Movie - Not for Everyone

First: Some scenes may offend many. Second, don't read this review if you don't want spoilers - there are many. This is purely a recovery and revenge movie. Accomplished " BY ALL AND ANY MEANS NECESSARY". What is scary about this movie from a woman's perspective is to replace yourself as the victim. Who comes to your aide when you are being victimized. by every segment of society? I felt a sense of vindication watching this movie. When women call for help - little or no response and when you have slight or severe mental diseases as a woman you are easily preyed on and frankly as indicated in this movie - who cares?

I started this journey by accident - bored on a lazy evening I decided to check out Asian Crush. This was the first movie in the cue so I started watching without knowing anything about the storyline. I was quickly drawn in with feelings of outrage staring with the uncaring school associates allowing a mentally disadvantaged person to be abused and participating in the abuse. The first level of disgust.

Then my second level of disgust - other women clearly seeing her condition and participating in sexual abuse. A woman hero. Yes her sister is the hero - no holes barred - kickass - throw caution to the wind - recovery efforts that can only be described as supernatural.

The story takes on another level of disgust (my third) when the sister goes to the store based on a possible lead - only to discover MORE disgusting people. Her sister's sense of retribution and payback was pure satisfaction. Again, you have to ask yourself -- if the younger sister was not mentally disabled - who would help her?

Unable to quit watching because you have to find out the outcome, you are drawn further into human depravity. The common citizen doing their " I am not a good samaritan role. The only physical attempt by the victim to save herself results in nonchalant uncaring people on a bus filled with other women. No cameras, no heroes - no nothing - this was also disgusting. Watching her scream all the way off the bus and the door closing without a word brought tears to my eyes.

Yes, the fighting is over the top and bad sometimes - but the accomplishment of a goal and a lesson for all of us is taught in this drama. Your loved ones are sometimes your only lifeline. The actresses that played both roles were exceptional and I give them both A+ in their portrayal. Not a Man From Nowhere but close to it.

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Based on true events I found this movie surfing for work by a specific actor -- Johnny Huang-- who I am enjoying in Love Designer. Not a fan of war movies because I always leave with a feeling of PTSD and asking myself why did I subject myself to these feelings. However, with no trepidation - bored with no historical dramas to watch -- I decided to give it a go. Well -- from minute one to the end of the movie you are pulled in to the extreme level of action. You become invested immediately in the characters and their missions, interactions and will to succeed. The appreciation of the life of a soldier and their sacrifice can never be diminished but only hailed and appreciated and honored at every stage of their lives--- this movie is pure reinforcement of this principle. The director and production staff did not spare a dollar giving the viewer a REAL LIFE experience of being in a battle, fighting for your life, and sacrificing o fight for the life of others. The viewer has to appreciate every aspect of the filming and action scenes. BRILLANT!BRILLANT! BRILLANT.! I can still internalize the feelings of pain 24 hours after watching. I highly recommend this is a Saturday Night popcorn treat -- but be prepared. The edge of your seat will be where you are sitting most of the movie.

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I've hesitated writing a review but the ratings are all over the place. I thought I would add my two cents. This is one of these love it or leave it genre of dramas. Although, the storyline (revenge) is a commonplace theme in different dramas this drama does an exceptional job of depicting the execution of the plan for revenge and its accompanying hardships. It started with great cliffhangers which allowed you to have a desire to return, weekly to follow the episodes. The added bonus was the highly skilled unusual (pretty and strong) female actress who plays the female lead n this drama

In this dramas, the viewer's common sense was put to the test near the end. Instead of focusing on the story the viewer would have to start asking basic questions - like why did she do this/ or why didn't he do that? or normal questions like why don't you call the Police? why are you running down a road? Or why are you out of the hospital so soon after a near-death experience? and the list becomes endless near the end and distracts away from the initial quality of the drama. For some reason, Korean writers are infamous for killing a good drama with a bad or poorly thought out ending because of the cliche culture. This is definitely the case in this drama.

Needless to say, it is still a watchable drama and worth the investment of time. As a reviewer, I was disappointed by the endless "reflection" moments during the end. Before I end -- I must say I was TOTALLY disappointed in the development of romance in this drama. Logic could not even save these afterthoughts of "who in the heck writes these dramas?" Give it a go and you will love it, leave it or be muddleheaded after finishing.

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I think I've seen most of the "classic K dramas" - Autumn in my heart, Winter Sonata etc. after I became addicted to K dramas in 2014. However, I never saw this title on any of my lists to watch and discovered it listed in an article recently and comments suggested watching it. I marathon most completed dramas and since this was a 2002 drama -- it took about 5 days to get all 40 episodes in - but it was worth it. First, the story - impressed that it was always moving forward with few flashbacks as fillers; A story about real family, adopted family, and filial loyalties. A solid romance story with "G rating". Strong conflicts within families without continual nagging abuse without reasonable end. A drama that defines the writer's definition of happiness, commitment, loyalty, and sacrifice - but not always to the viewer's pleasure. Sometimes very disappointed in choices made but the movement of the storytelling often depended on irrational choices. The Actors were stellar - emotions and reactions were always on point and not strained or overdone. Even "the bad guys and gal" throughout delivered their performances. The music - melancholy and moving and appropriately interjected into scenes when appropriate. Would not rewatch - the outcome was not what I would have wanted but satisfied the director and writer found a way to wrench more tears out of me since I cried buckets throughout.

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This drama will always have a special place in my heart. The idea of filming a story of war through the eyes of young adults was intriguing and challenging at first. But as events unfolded you began to mature as well - growing with the experience of witnessing first hand the challenges of living through battle after battle with only your personal concerns because of youth. As time moves forward and youth fades the drama matures to an adult level and is outstanding. The story writing, the sweetness of relationships, the challenges of family relationships, the betrayals associated with greed and war, and the chain of command are all highlighted. The social status of rich versus poor is also the main theme. This was an unforgettable experience and worth a 10 - glad I binge watched it over 3 days. Definitely, will do research to further my knowledge of these events.

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This was my weekend binge drama after watching movies for a respite. The title was strange so I was curious ---once I started the drama it took 10 minutes to be hooked. This drama was only 10 episodes but it held my undivided attention for 7 straight episodes -- then it faltered a little and I wondered was I being suckered into another good story with a poorly written ending. Much to my surprise it picked up and completed the story line with enough points to garner a 9 rating out of 10. I always enjoy a drama when I have out loud opinions about the characters -- like "HE IS A JERK". or ""SHE IS JUST STUPID" or I would have reacted differently. But this drama challenges you to evaluate exactly how you would react if faced with the same situation or similar situation. The male lead was the weakest character in acting and role definition but the females were stellar in their emotional expressions and investment. This drama is one that garners discussion - parent/child/friend/teacher - group therapy.

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A Mind bender but Complicated to Watch Drama

"The devil is in the details " because this was one hellish movie to completely enjoy. Week after week after week the viewer is challenged to remember intricate details of the lives of multiple characters in two dimensions and in two kingdoms. After 13 episodes the drama seemed too complex and convoluted and the temptation to drop or give it a low rating was in my heart. However, I realized that the questions I kept asking were "Who is this character?" " What Dimension or Kingdom? " and "What Time frame Is This ?" This is the quandary I was in and it needed to be asked constantly. and while watching it was often unanswered. The writer had brilliant ideas but the execution of them were lost -- first in translation (simple translation notes or aides would have helped the viewer understand what as going on each week. Helpful also would have been a refresher summary since the drama was so convoluted. Having criticized the production and visions of the director I must now explain why in the end I found enjoyment in the drama.

The Acting - A+ The expressions and chemistry were extremely good for the leads and supporting actors did an excellent job. Many had to play dual roles in two worlds and had to exhibit different character traits to carry out the distinctions of the two worlds. Kudos for their efforts.

The Story -- B- Unable to follow consistently. I had to binge watch (rewatch) after 7 weeks. I also needed to use other websites to find reviews and recaps to try to follow each episode during the rewatch. I also needed to read several comments to try to find hidden meanings and clues to the stories progress throughout the drama. Basically could not watch without a CHEAT SHEET

Once I had my Cheat Sheets and Techniques -- well the drama felt like I was watching Inception. Time twisting, parallel universe, mathematical principles and theories all were worth researching in an attempt to understand this jewel in the rough. The only question as a future viewer (if you haven't seen this drama) is - are you willing to research and study recaps to get a full understanding because the editing the story just makes you frustrated. Living on the rewind button during the rewatch to understand was no fun.

For the Future Viewer -- Watch - it is a beautiful drama and a good romantic drama. The ending was satisfying.

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