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Completed
Marriage, Not Dating
3 people found this review helpful
by Suki
Aug 24, 2014
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 7.0
Romantic Comedies are my favorite genre when it comes to Korean dramas or movies. I'm a sucker for a good romcom. Marriage, Not Dating did not disappoint me. Mainly because I didn't start it with much expectations. I'd never seen any of the actors' works before except for Yun Woo Jin, whom I saw in Arang and The Magistrate, and I can say it was a dark role and I couldn't really imagine him as a lead in a romcom. But the show is such a light breezy take on a veteran plot, you never feel as feel you're being dragged through something you've already seen a lot of times. A major plus point.

The story like I mentioned earlier is definitely not new. I've seen it quite a few times now. You basically know the story inside out even before you begin watching the show. Why watch this show then? Because it's a got a freshness that you will find rejuvenating. Granted, there are no major twists that you should be anticipating. What makes this drama good is the way the plot has been executed. You can think of it as a traditional dish that has been made with the same ingredients but has a different flavor. I hope I made sense there.

As far as the acting is concerned, I won't say I'm thoroughly impressed with the whole cast. Some performances did stand out. Yun Woo Jin surprised me the most and stood out far more than anyone else. The main reason for that could be that since I'd only seen him in a dark and gloomy role as a second lead, it was an eyebrow-raising and praiseworthy performance by him as the multi-faceted Gong Gi Tae. My thoughts about Han Groo are stuck in the grey area between like and dislike. In some of the scenes she did a brilliant job with her character, whereas in others it felt a little over the top. But I guess it's all a part of the package. There wasn't any actor/actress that I found unfit for their role. Just that nobody really stood out other than Yun Woo Jin. No negative marks here.

The music in this show was quite good. Quirky, peppy tracks are sprinkled throughout most of the episodes, and a couple of sad tracks dot the story here and there. I'd say the peppy tracks were pretty decent and easy on the ears. The mellow ones, though nice, didn't really leave an impact. Not really complaining.

Even though I enjoyed the drama very much, and looked forward to the next episodes, I'm in two minds about watching it again. Maybe that's because I just finished watching it. But either way, I wouldn't put it off the ReWatch list just yet. Maybe in a few months or an year or two perhaps. Although, I should mention it HAS got quite a bit of cute romantics scenes and real kisses you feel in your toes.

Overall, it was a good experience. I don't think I wasted any of my time with the show, that's a really good thing if you take into account that it basically took 16+ hours of my life to get to the show's end. And if I'm being honest, I think I really will miss the lead pair a little bit. They are those sort of characters, ones that grow on you and you don't even realize that until you find yourself missing them out of the blue. Well written characters, solid execution and no dragging at all. I'd take this RomCom without a second thought if I hadn't already seen it :P

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Completed
My P.S. Partner
3 people found this review helpful
by Suki
Jul 16, 2014
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
The last few movies I've seen have been of a totally different and somewhat more somber genre and somehow I found myself looking for something light when this refreshingly new synopsis caught my attention. Though I'm fairly new here and am just discovering the extents of the treasure that Korean Movies and dramas are, even I figured out that there are some things that are considered inappropriate or tabooed in the movies/shows here. This movie broke that mold for me. Completely shattered it :D

The story is really interesting, it was a very realistic concept and quite believable. I could definitely see references to real life here and there. It made the movie even more enjoyable. Hilarious dialogues, amusing scenes, pretty sexy phone conversations, and a really sweet and cute love story amidst it all. I loved the story!

The actors were quite natural I think. You love them instantly and feel connected to them. It was a really great work, enjoyed every single actor's performance!

Haha the music, when I think about the music all that comes to my mind is the outrageously vulgar yet lovable song that comes at the end, I'm going to call it 'The Panty Song'. Yes, that's exactly what I wrote, no typo :P There's a cleaner and awesome-r version of that song 'Show Me Your Heart' that Kim Ah Joong (I LOVED HER VOICE!) has sung. The music of that song is brilliant; the rest of the time, I was too engrossed in the movie to really notice the music so - sorry! :D

It'd be only right if I warned you about the sexual content in the movie, both verbal and visual. I never thought I'd have to write this for a Korean movie but this one is definitely for the adults. It's a really fun movie with excellent acting and an entertaining story to keep you occupied for the whole of 2 hours. You'll definitely feel refreshed after watching it. Recommended! :)

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Completed
Budapest Diary
3 people found this review helpful
by Suki
Jul 5, 2014
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
I'm going to be unbiased about this one. I picked it up because it would give me 40 mins of uninterrupted Jang Geun Suk. It turned out to be more than just that.

The story initially left me a little confused to be honest. I couldn't really follow the turn of events and had to just go with the flow. The time line of the story confused for a few seconds too but I didn't care. Before I knew it, I was sucked in by the beauty of the city Geun Suk was exploring and it was almost as if I was there with him, feeling every emotion of awe as he went from place to place. I was flowing with the tide and it eventually reached the shore when everything finally made sense to me (maybe I'm just slow).

I've never seen a movie, even a short one, where there's just one actor who's supposed to carry the whole thing solo. I was a little apprehensive before I began watching the movie, worried if it'll prove to be too much for Geun Suk alone but boy was I wrong. His narrative, acting, emotions, expressions, everything were bang on target. Everything he did was so heartfelt you cannot help but reverberate them in your heart as well.

The music was really soothing and went well with the mood of the movie, had a different feel than most of the tracks I've heard in other dramas or movies. The instrumental playing during the credit role was especially lovely.

You can watch this movie for the stunning cinematography and brilliant acting by Jang Geun Suk. It's short, doesn't really put a load on your head and you end the movie with a warm buzz in your heart because the experience as a whole is beautiful.

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Completed
Call It Love
2 people found this review helpful
by Suki
May 16, 2023
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0

How do I describe this drama? Well.. Let's call it love

I think I have found my soul genre in the K-Drama land. It's the slow burn, healing dramas which are knitted with gilded threads of bonds that real characters share. And this particular show sits comfortably in the heart of that genre. At first glance, it is a seemingly simple plotline, a reasonable revenge resulting in a shouldn't-but-can't-help-it love trope. But stay long enough, look at it more carefully, and you find yourself mesmerized by the details, the facets of the characters in the story.

I wanted to pick a slow burn romance, which I got to watch - so double thumbs up, but what made me stick around till the end were the stories within story. I loved how the subplots were not treated as fillers but as layers that add to the personality of the character. That is how you understand the person, their actions and also their reactions. The drama is superbly written with the pace so well maintained that you forget the number of episodes you're on, you forget to check the duration left in the episode.

With all that pretext, let me get started on the part I've been itching to talk about. The characters of Shim Woo Joo and Han Dong Jin. Have I seen more lovable, heartwarming, sweet and gentle souls in the dramaland? Rarely. I was ready to plan my own little revenge on the writers if these people did not get the happy ever after that they so truly deserved. Oh the rollercoaster of emotions I felt while watching these two! It did help that Sung Kyung and Young Kwang brought them to life so beautifully, for these two can act! What remains with me long after watching a drama is the story and the work of the actors, and I will surely remember this show for that and far more. The nuances of each scene, the eye contacts, the subtle smiles, the jaw clenches when they had to endure something, I noticed it all and it wasn't even an effort! They could have easily come off as dull, lifeless, two dimensional characters but the heart-stirring performances of Sung Kyung and Young Kwang in addition to the masterful writing has created one of the most charming couple I have seen.

If I have not already stressed enough on the fact that I loved the writing on the show, let me do it some more - it is SOLID. The characters do not break, they evolve. What I mean is that there is a real and tangible curve in the character arcs, because people do not change overnight, they do not gain the heavenly enlightenment within a snap of fingers, they learn and grow, and then learn some more. And believe me, every character in this show has that. They learn and they grow. Even the leads. But that does not change who they are at their cores. This include the not so nice people too. It would be too unreal to have someone who has been vile their whole lives turn into a saint because they have faced the smallest of repercussions of their actions so far. I loved how that was handled. These people were real, with real, raw emotions. They felt pain, anger, hatred, pride, confusion, dilemma, love, distrust, numbness, hope, happiness - and everything in between. And as a viewer, I felt it too.

Do you know the indescribable emotion you feel that makes your heart pound, but also calms you; is liberating, but frustrating too; is exhilarating, but nerve-wrecking at the same time; seems incomprehensible but is in fact also the simplest of truths? There couldn't have been a more perfect title for this show.. For what else can you call it, if not love? :)

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Completed
Move to Heaven
2 people found this review helpful
by Suki
Jun 6, 2021
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

A life-changing tale that lingers long after you've finished it

I don't think I spent a lot of time reading reviews/comments or even the synopsis on MDL before I began watching this. I saw the preview on Netflix and immediately dived into it. I don't remember the last time I took such a brilliant decision. What began as a curiousity induced weekend watch turned into a series of life altering lessons.

I knew the premise of this show, I knew that there would be loss, grief, the aftermath of a life lost, I'd also hoped for a lot of healing. What I'd never imagined was such a beautiful amalgamation of all in a manner that would speak to my soul. I've never seen or heard of this sort of a plot, which centers around trauma cleaners ( I could have missed them, though, I'll surely look this up ) and this made my experience of watching this unprecedented. It made me question the way we live, and what we leave behind. I spent a good amount of time last night thinking what would my yellow moving box hold? What about my loved ones? It was a jarring night to say the least. This story, has moved me and definitely brought a change in the way I look at the world around me.

The people I was introduced to in this show might be fictional but each one of them taught me so much. Each scene/client the team of Move To Heaven visited taught me so much. Recalling the moments brings warmth to my heart and a smile to my face. Even if some of the stories were heartbreaking, each left a clear picture which emphasized the importance of compassion and love that is shared between people.

I'm truly grateful to all the actors for their incredible work, the writer(s), the production team - everyone involved in making this gem. The characters, the stories, the lessons are all going to stay with me for life. And I don't say that lightly at all. The little details, the little things that go unnoticed, the little moments - the show highlights the importance of all that and so much more in an exquisite way. I urge you, dear reader, to watch this, with your families, friends, loved ones, or just by yourself too - but do watch it. It was an epiphanic experience.

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Completed
Arang and the Magistrate
2 people found this review helpful
by Suki
Jul 29, 2014
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This is the second historical drama I've picked up after Faith (which I saw about 8 months back). I really liked Faith but, let's be honest the direction and execution of that show was embarrassingly terrible. So it was only natural that I shied away from historical dramas after that. Arang and the Magistrate did two things for me - 1) Rebuild my opinion about historical dramas 2) Bring me out of my drama slump. Regardless of its short comings, I'm going to remember this drama for a long time.

The story of this show was the first thing that caught my attention and made me add the drama to my PTW list. Even the concept itself was novel for me. Once I began watching the show, I realized the dozens of different genres that were being incorporated could either make this the best show I've watched or completely destroy my taste for historical dramas. By the end of it, if not all the way, at least it managed to be one of the good shows I've seen. I read in the reviews that this show had a slow pace and it put me off a little thing it might be boring maybe. But it isn't. I admit, the story moves slowly and not all of the episodes will put you on the edge of your seat but that's fine. It's such a beautifully woven story that you don't notice the slow pace, not as much as you normally would.

The premise of the story itself is ethereally breathtaking. You are taken on such an amazing journey in the show that shows you every aspect of life. The characters in the story are so real and human that you cannot help but relate to them and their dilemmas. Brilliant work on the writers' part.

As I mentioned before the story was what brought me to Arang and The Magistrate, not the star power of Lee Joon Gi or Shin Min Ah, I've never even seen any of their work before. A huge loss on my part since I've been missing out on some phenomenal acting. I can now understand what all the hype surrounding them is about. The chemistry between the two literally oozes out of the screen. And god the fight scnes of Lee Joon Gi! That man has some serious appeal. The rest of the cast did a spectacular job! I enjoyed EVERY single actor's part. The gods, Moo Young, the three officers, Dol Sae, Bang Woori, the mother/Moo Yeon. Fantastic cast, absolutely perfect for each role.

The music was simply magical. Every background score suited the scenes and brought it to life. The songs were great, the feel of the music was spot-on. A special mention to the rap that is played during most of the fight scenes - bloody mind blowing track!

The main thing that keeps you hooked into the drama is the intrigue. The show's got a brilliant style of mystery and suspense that keeps you guessing and craving for more. But as is the case with such dramas, once the mystery is solved, it's hard to watch it again. It's a beautiful story and I loved it but it will be difficult watching it again.

A note to everyone who's jumping in thinking this is a romantic drama - it isn't. It's got that element somewhere interwoven with the other themes but it's not primarily a romantic drama, there's tonnes of other stuff happening. But that doesn't mean there's a dry dish being served to you in the name of love. You get your fair share of romantic scenes and sweet love that's enough to make you sigh but not wiggle in your chair :P

I highly recommend this drama to anyone who's interested in watching a show that serves a dish with every ingredient added right, albeit one that cooks a little slowly. But is worth the patience.

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Completed
The Case of Itaewon Homicide
2 people found this review helpful
by Suki
Jul 5, 2014
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
This is the first movie/case I've across that's left me confused even after the credits have rolled. Who did it? Is it Alex? Is it Pearson? You ask yourself that until the very end and you'll still not find the answer.

Brilliant execution of such a hauntingly grave case. The perfect amount of drama and theatrics. A depiction of the real life story that does justice to it. I read about the case when I came across this movie but couldn't watch the movie at that time. I didn't know what I was missing out on.

I know the English language and Korean actors have an awkward relationship but Jang Geun Suk did fairly well considering everything. And his acting, bravo! I became a fan all over again. One minute you're sure he's not the killer and the next, with a slight change of his expression you start doubting that conviction. That reminds me of Prosecutor Park, what a brilliant performance by that man! Great work by each and everyone in fact. It could have turned out to be a dull movie because of the lack of any thrilling turn of events or twists, but it managed to hold my attention through every second.

The music was fitting as the focus was supposed to be on the actors and the scenes and not the music. It provided just the right amount of feel to the scenes so that they'd have more impact but wouldn't distract the viewer either. Good background score!

I wouldn't be able to rewatch the movie though, not because it wasn't great, it was truly amazing, but only because watching it the second time would frustrate me even more. Being faced with the fact that in real life things are not always right in the end is a really demoralizing thought. But the unfairness of it all just makes me really sad. But a great movie nonetheless.

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Completed
A Werewolf Boy
2 people found this review helpful
by Suki
Jul 16, 2014
Completed 1
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
I saw the movie purely on the basis of the reviews and ratings. I've never seen any of the lead actors' works before so this wasn't one of those shows or movies that I saw because of a star. And I don't think I'll think of them as actors when I reminisce about this movie in a while, I'll think about them as Soo Ni and Cheol Soo. The supernatural genre of the movie was putting me off a little while I contemplated whether I should watch this or not, as there were a million ways it could go wrong (Exhibit A - Twilight Saga), but I'm happy to say that this movie was one of the best supernatural films I've ever seen. In any language.

You'd think this was a romance between a werewolf and a human, I thought that too. But this movie taught me once and for all that I should never judge a book by it's cover. The love that two people share doesn't always have to be romantic. The bond that was shown between the leads is beautiful in every aspect. I wouldn't say the story of the movie is exactly anything special, no; but the way it was written, the execution, it was heart wrenching.

The actors who've played the leads were probably made for doing these roles, they were that good. Song Joong Ki (I've honestly never seen his work before, which was good in a way, I want to remember him as Cheol Soo) was fantastic. It's indescribable how his performance effected me. I don't mean it as an insult but I was reminded of my pet dog (I love him more than anything in this world, so it's a compliment in a warped way). After watching the movie I can finally understand what all the fuss about Park Bo Young was. She's brilliant. The supporting cast did a great job too.

Like I said before, for me, this wasn't a romantic tale. It went deeper than that. I was reminded of all the unconditional love that is not a myth. You can witness this love every time you come home and find your dog waiting for you, you can feel this love every time you scold your dog but he still wags his tail excitedly when you pet him. Don't get me wrong, I'm in no way implying that Soo Yi treated Cheol Soo as a pet, not in the literal sense of the word. They were companions who made each other's lives better without asking for anything in return. I refuse to label it as a romance. It just reminded me of the love I felt for my dog, and me saying this is the highest level of appraisal I can give.

You don't have to agree with my opinion of what this movie was, but you definitely need to watch this movie to find out what it meant for you. Although I'm sure that you'll love it either way. I wouldn't bawl my eyes out and almost choke myself crying if it wasn't worth it.

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Flower Boy Ramen Shop
2 people found this review helpful
by Suki
Jul 3, 2014
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 3.0
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
I swore I won't watch another Flower Boy series. I really did. I don't know why I made an exception for this show. Wait, I do know - Jung Il Woo. I was watching 49 days and this guy totally bowled me over, I really just wanted to watch him in some other drama meanwhile, that brings us to the present.

Coming to the drama - I didn't start watching this with any expectations at all. I knew what I was getting into. That really helped me get through it. I knew the story would be predictable, I knew there'd be ridiculously foolish scenes and scenarios that shot to somehow make the audience laugh (they made me cringe sometimes) and I knew I will avoid another Flower Boy show with fervor. Despite all of that, I enjoyed the show. I really did. It was a fairly entertaining drama. All the antics of the lead characters were really amusing to watch, you laugh at their attempts to make you laugh only because they try so hard :P

There were some surprisingly good scripted scenes which elevated the standard of the show. The pace of the show is so light and breezy that you don't feel a thing as it carries you along with it. How much ever I like watching meaningful and intense dramas that rile me up, breather shows like this are a necessity when you're a drama addict and need to detox once in a while.

I didn't skip even once (I'm a major skipper when it comes to silliness and predictability) even though there were scenes that deserved getting skipped mainly because they passed by soon. 16 hours and I didn't even realize it until I finished episode 15.

The main leads did a good job in my opinion. They were believable in their respective roles. The supporting cast was a whole different dimension though, but I'm not going to start about that otherwise the warm buzz that I'm feeling after the end of the show will evaporate and be replaced by the annoyance I felt towards the stupid young side characters and novice actors.

Music was good. There were just 2-3 main songs that were repeated throughout and they were pretty decent and soothing. There was an overload of Bruno Mars whenever somebody went to the ChaSung Cafe though :P

I wouldn't watch the show again though, there weren't any especially endearing romance that I'd want to see again. But that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it the one time I did see it. It's just not something I'd devote time to again.

Verdict: If you're in the mood for something super light that doesn't hurt your brain or eyes and can make you laugh as well, give it a shot. If nothing, at least you won't be disappointed if you won't have high expectations, trust me on that. Warning: The show's storyline has little to do with the title. Don't jump in thinking you'll get to learn stuff about Ramen. Watch The Ramen Girl if you want to do that.

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Bride of the Century
2 people found this review helpful
by Suki
Jun 14, 2014
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
To be honest, I picked up this show for the sole reason that I didn't feel like picking up anything else. I started watching it thinking it'd be just another typical Wealthy-man-poor-girl love story with a little bit of spooky elements incorporated to give it a new feel. Essentially that's what this show was but to be fair, it grew up to be more.

The story in itself was sometimes really innovative and impressive, but sometimes it had those wtf moments too (they were occasional but they were there). I think it was a really nice concept and though after finishing the show and thinking back on it there are huge holes in the story but while I was watching it I was engrossed nevertheless. The addition of just the right amount of mystery and emotions made up for the missing parts. There was a low point somewhere in the middle of the show but it picks itself back swiftly. All in all you don't feel like you've wasted your time on a lame storyline.

The actors did a nice job, there were some really good scenes and impressive work. The main lead actress is fairly new I've read and I've just seen her in City Hunter as a supporting role in which she seemed too good for her role somehow, I'm glad she got such a chance to show her acting. She did a really good job of acting the part of the two girls who look alike without ever getting them mixed up. Lee Hong Ki in all honestly felt off for a few initial episodes but slowly grasped the role he was playing. Just in the span of the show I saw his acting skills grow. Good work by ALL of the cast.

The music was good, smooth and felt right, there weren't many songs and things were pretty basic but that's good as it suited the situations well.

I would recommend this show to anyone who feels like watching something that might be a little rough around the edges but is still endearing. Towards the end, you get a solid end without any loose ties and you get all your questions answered. I'm not saying it's the best, but it's definitely not the worst. One of the better shows I've seen, I didn't regret watching it.

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You're My Pet
2 people found this review helpful
by Suki
May 8, 2014
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 5.5
The whole and sole reason for me to watch this movie was, yes, Jang Geun Suk. I haven't heard of or seen the Japanese Drama (dorama?) so I wouldn't know the difference but I guess since it was a drama, it would have been more spaced out and carried out well.

I rated the story high because essentially, it IS a good story. Tbh, even before I knew there was a Japanese drama already, when I finished watching the movie, the first thought I had was that this would have been amazing as a drama. It had the potential. A story where so many feelings and attachments are involved, you need to be careful. There was so much going on and I guess it proved to be a lot for the movie to cram into 1 hour 50 mins. By the time a scene or emotion registered in my mind, we moved ahead to something entirely different. In such movies, if anything is rushed or sudden, the audience loses the connection. Which I did, quite a few times during the movie.

BUT having said that, Jang Geun Suk pulled me back right in. If I think about it, he actually did feel like a human pet to me, which is difficult since a human pet is a concept that's hard to grab. Almost makes me wish I could have one like him (I'm downplaying it when I say 'almost', I've already made a thousands fervent wishes to whoever may listen). Although, imo, the lead couple seemed mismatched. Granted, Ha Neul was apt for her role but she seemed.. too mature(for the lack of a better word) for Geun Suk. They had chemistry, but at some points I felt it was more like an older sister-younger brother kinda relationship. But I guess that's the story's demand that their should be an age gap or something. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them act their parts.

The all-too-obviously-recorded-somewhere-else-but-shown-to-be-performed-on-the-stage performance towards the end was.. pitiful (Again, for the lack of a better word). Geun Suk was the knight in the shining armor for me then as well, I spent the entire sequence ogling at him.

So, if you're looking for a light movie that doesn't really boggle your mind up and leaves you feeling silly and relaxed, you can definitely watch it. But don't expect anything too great, it'll spoil the movie-experience. It's one of those movies that can make you smile and laugh and happy ONLY if you watch it with an open mind. And if you picked this up for Jang Geun Suk - what are you doing reading all these reviews, watch it already!

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Completed
Familiar Wife
1 people found this review helpful
by Suki
Oct 15, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0

A wonderful tale everyone should watch

I finished this show a month back, and decided I need to talk about it as I just haven't been able to put it out of my mind. For various reasons this has become one of the shows I absolutely loved. Now, no show is perfect if you look at it too closely, but some of them came close enough for me, this is one of them.

This is a story of daydreaming about the what ifs and maybes and then miraculously being able to live those out. But it is true when they say be careful what you wish for. Cha Joo Hyuk (Ji Sung) gets a chance at changing the course of his life and after a couple of cautious attempts, manages to do so successfully. The first couple of episodes give you a glimpse of the ordinary and taxing married life that make you feel sorry for the couple, even wonder why they fell in love, or if they should just part their ways, precisely the thoughts that Joo Hyuk keeps having. So it would make sense to put an end to their misery if given the chance. And when he is given one, he takes it. He now has everything and lives a life he'd always imagined having, a perfect life. And this here, people, is where our real story begins.

The character growths in this show are one of the best I've seen. Be it our meek manchild Joo Hyuk, who's definitely not your typical crafted perfection lead, or our tempered, foul mouthed Woo Jin (Han Ji Min) who isn't afraid to go after what she wants in life. The show takes us on a journey of self-realizations, makes us pause and think. There are various elements that don't make sense or are left a little unattended, but in all honesty, they were out of my focus within moments. If I talk more about this, I'd be giving spoilers which I will refrain from since I want you to watch it without any prejudices.

I don't think I can say anything new or more about Ji Sung that probably hasn't already been said many times. At this point in time it's just about the kind of projects he picks, since no one ever has to worry about whether he'd be able to act it out. But to mention the one thing that stood out for me in this show was how lovely his portrayal of Joo Hyuk was. Joo Hyuk frankly isn't the stereotypical male lead we're used to seeing in dramas. He's a nice person, but that doesn't mean nice people don't make mistakes or can be nice all the time even. This person here was real, just as all the characters in this show. They could be people around you in your life even. Which made watching this show an all the more immersive experience.

Han Ji Min is on a roll right now, at least for me, as I keep falling in love with every show of her I watch. She didn't disappoint for a second in this one either. It's an absolute delight watching her on screen as she becomes this new person for every story she acts in. This show was no different, as Ji Min owned every shade of Woo Jin entirely. I should also talk about the chemistry between her and Ji Sung - it was so mellow and subtle, yet so gravitational. And real. So real.

I cannot stress on this fact enough that this story felt so real. It was what most humans dream about. To be able to change the course of their lives, to be able to make different decisions if they could. But also showing the other side of it, the consequences. As you progress into the show you see yourself understanding the characters bit by bit, understanding where they come from, what stems their actions, what's the root of their pain. It was beautiful watching it all come together. Each and every person who's a part of this story is such a remarkably developed character, and we're shown every side to them. The good, the bad, the ugly. There is no sugar coating.

The reason I couldn't give it a perfect ten though, is the fact that though there are certain decisions that probably would be better off taken differently in our lives, but that's not a blanket rule. It's important to note that the takeaway from this story isn't to continue living your life as it is, but it is to compassionate and see things for as they are. It is easy to lose the sight of things as life progresses, we forget why we are doing what we are doing, we forget to take responsibility for our shortcomings, we tend to take things for granted. This show tells you to be conscious about yourself and your loved ones. To listen. To notice. To appreciate. To understand. I would have loved this beauty a little more if they could have addressed this as well. To show that it takes wisdom to be able to understand the difference between what is acceptable and what is not. A couple who's lost themselves in the chaos of life and have forgotten what it's like to be loved, and a couple who are in a mentally or physically abusive marriage are two different scenarios, and shouldn't be confused with each other.

Nevertheless, this is a gem, and will remain in my mind and heart for a long, long time. Thank you for reading this excessively lengthy review but I felt like I need to explain why this show is so beautiful and needs to seen. Please do watch it, and go on a little journey of realizations and epiphanies.

P.S: The OST 'No Longer Mine' sung by Roy Kim, is hands down one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard, in any language. Do give it a listen even if you decide not to watch the show, which you must, it's a genuine recommendation from me.

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Completed
Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do
1 people found this review helpful
by Suki
Jul 6, 2014
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
I've been putting off watching this movie for quite some time now mainly because it is a little old and I wasn't sure if I'd like it. But the lack of interest in any other thing right now steered me towards this and I was really in for a surprise as it turned out to be one of those stories that touched my heart deeply. I read some comments where people said they cried while watching the movie but I thought they were exaggerating because till about 70% of the movie I didn't have tears in my eyes, forget crying. But after that, I was left sobbing. The movie takes such a sudden shift and you're left jarred.

The story is fairly good, the basic ingredients are the same but you can still see new packaging here and there. Not an overly cliched plotline, which was a relief as I was afraid this might be ruined because of a typical love triangle based theme. But I still felt a few parts were rushed mainly because it was a story better suited for maybe a mini drama. Although it got a lot better towards the end and I didn't end it with any complaints in my heart or head.

The acting by the cast was great. Loved the leads. I could understand every emotion they were portraying and feel it as well. Jang Geun Suk did well especially in the later part of the movie. The lead actress did a really bang on job though, this was her movie through and through. Nice work by the others as well.

Music was nice, peppy and light. There was nothing noteworthy as such but the songs suited the situations well and the lyrics had relevant meaning. The only thing I wish there was were the OST being sung by Jang Geun Suk himself, I don't think he sung more than one song. His voice would have made it even more amazing!

I would definitely watch this again, maybe not in recent future but in a few months definitely. A great movie that gave me a very warm feeling in the heart (Hence the overall 10), there were flaws in it, I won't deny but if you don't get stuck on those too much, you'll be able to enjoy the movie for sure. Not one of the best directed movies but it has a good story and good acting. You can watch it if you are willing to have an open mind.

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Completed
18 Again
0 people found this review helpful
by Suki
May 29, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 7.5

Thoroughly enjoyable and absolutely heartwarming. A definite feel good!

I have had such mixed feelings about this show, that even as I write this, I'm not entirely sure where this will lead. When I completed the show, I was left feeling happy, warm, hopeful, optimistic and absolutely soaked with the sappiness of the romance. But I was also left with this indescribable feeling of.. Something not being.. Quite right somehow. If the way that I just explained it is any good hint, I hope you understand when I say that I cannot exactly pinpoint what didn't click with me. Let's get into the details!

It's no secret what this was a remake of, and I had watched 17 Again and liked it, as a young adult who was hopelessly crushing on Zac Efron (nothing you ever say will ever top the shade I throw at my younger self). I knew when this was picked up that the korean remake will add in a lot of feelings for sure. And it did. Not for the first few episodes though. I was finding it hard to stick around at least till the 4th episode I think. But the way that bonds between family and friends were created and unfolded was beautiful. I smiled through tears and sobbed so many times along the course of 16 episodes. But. But. There were also quite a few side plots that I did not really feel the connect with. Several incidents were dramatized to be lengthier and bigger than they should have been, it got to the point where it felt strained and obvious that something was just being said and done to be a filler. There were many, MANY, strong points in the show but along with them came this draggy, drudgy, aimless parts as well.

When I say that it was hard for me to stick around during the earlier few episodes, the reason I got through was entirely because of the actors. Lee Do Hyun - this man, carried this on his young able shoulders and everyone in the cast helped him in their own ways. This is probably the first time I've seen Kim Haneul in a drama, and it was pleasant watching her, I could see the veteren charm there. And I really think Yoon Sang Hyun shines in such roles (I need to watch more of his works). I also loved, loved Wi Ha Joon's role! He's got such an appealing vibe, suited the role too. But my oh my, Do Hyun! The spectrum of emotions this man showed were so brilliant and memorable. Every emotion, every expression, every dialogue was delivered and FELT. Be it an 18-year old father, or a 37 year old father transformed into an 18-year old kid - I could feel everything that the character was trying to convey. And all that is thanks to Do Hyun. There are great levels of details and nuances in the way he acts out Hong Dae Yeong. The supporting cast is one of the absolute best too!

I adored the OSTs so much! I've got a couple on my playlists now. Only One, Hello and If You have become favorites! The whole album in fact, is a very easy listen, and after having watched the show, each song now has a feeling attached to it because of the show. It's a beautiful OST album.

When it comes to the matter of rewatching it, the chances are quite low. But I definitely would not mind watching this for Do Hyun and to relive some of the interactions between the characters. Have I mentioned how beautifully they've shown the bonds? People travelled full circles to be where they were. Also, this is was such a mix between realistic problems people face in life and love, and a fluffy mushy romantic's dream come true. There were portions that felt real, relatable, and others that felt entirely in-your-face drama like (=never happening in real life, stop waiting for it). What I mean to say is that there was push and pull happening for me when it came to making a stable connection with the drama as a whole.

In conclusion, even though this didn't bowl me over, this in no way, is a drama that should be passed by, please watch it. The actors deserve it, the production team deserves it. It's a beautifully made drama that showcases familial love and bonds in a very heartwarming way. Not to mention, it's got some wonderful background tracks that will be a blessing to your ears.

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Completed
From Me to You
2 people found this review helpful
by Suki
Jun 6, 2014
Completed 2
Overall 5.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 5.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
I read the reviews and was expecting something good. The reviews have never led me wrong. Until now. I have never ever felt the need to drop a movie. A movie for god's sake. A movie is like, two episodes of a drama. Who drops that! I almost dropped this one.

What failed to make sense to me was, is the character of the female lead really like that? Like really? I could barely hear her dialogues! You are shy, you're timid, fine, but GOD why do you have to be so irritating about it!? And so dull, omg so dull -headdesk-

The story felt nice, the supporting cast was good as well (the ratings for the acting and cast were for the male lead and supporting cast ALONE, I frankly disliked the female lead). I have never seen a more annoying female protagonist. I'm so irritated right now. AGH. The male lead was nice though.

I get the whole 'I've always lived alone so I don't know how to behave normally' thing but this was just a bit too exaggerated. I don't know why but the movie just felt supremely awkward to me. Maybe it's the female protagonist's character or the female lead's acting, either way, a total turn off. I couldn't enjoy the rest of the movie because of her.

I don't know about the rest of the people but, the movie experience for me was bad.

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