Suki
India
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? :)
Was this review helpful to you?
A dish that has a lot of ingredients, tastes a bit odd, but leaves a sweet aftertaste
After reading the comments here, keeping the past works of the cast in mind, and also the genre - I began watching the dramas with lukewarm expectations. I had been ready to drop it after the first episode if it didn't intrigue me. I ended up binging it.In a morbid manner, I absolutely hate confusing suspense but at the same time I'm so utterly immersed in the whole "who did it?" mystery. Which is why the first 12 episodes kept me glued to the screen and stopped me from fast forwarding a single scene. I wanted to take in all the clues and baits the plot threw my way. And it was a decently paced out one at that. I didn't truly realize is already watched the story unfold for 12 hours.
Here's the caveat though. As soon as the mystery unravelled, somehow, the plot lost is lustre. The thrill died down. Suddenly everything felt smushed in together. I'm holding back a lot of things I want to write because it could be a spoiler. But I'll be hoping my feelings got conveyed ( via the link of course ).
Along with the main leads, the support characters have all been given their due, which is often rare, as we usually do not get to see personalities of supporting characters in depth. The cast is impeccable, they lived and breathed their parts in my opinion. In all honesty I'd been a bit skeptic about Ga Young but she played her nicely! I did feel there were a lot of inconsistencies in the character arcs, sometimes very conveniently to further the plot, but it takes away the umami from the food, if you know what I mean.
The soundtrack is AMAZING. I like the chilling, thriller-isque aspects of the songs. They were really catchy and well timed. "Unknown World" is a FAVORITE. The slower, mellowed tracks were beautiful too.
I want to talk a bit more about the story - without any spoilers of course. Keeping the theme in mind, this is a relatively darker drama. There is romance, there are light-hearted moments, there is dark comedy as well - but at the core, it remains a tragic story. How something might seem like a singular incident but is linked to a hundred more. Maybe the name of the drama is derived from that, and not the emotional link between the leads (which was, again, very conveniently inconsistent). The relations depicted between family are one of the best I've seen, they're heartwarming and wrenching at the same time. The chemistry amongst the entire cast was *chef's kiss* - ah, reminded me of Chef Eun Gye Hoon's kiss, ahem. Also, yes, there's tonnes of crying. The story demands it really. You'd have to be inhuman not to cry of you were put through what the characters went through. But if 80% of the episodes have an average of 50% tear time, maybe the characters were being put through a little too much. Am I micro-analysing a bit too much as well? I loved the premise and the story regardless. A good attempt at combining a lot of genres!
If my review felt a little all over the place, but still made sense to you - you are all clear to
watch the show and enjoy it. If you are one to nitpick and get bothered by convenient plot shifts, anti-climatic reveals, smh moments- maybe give this a pass. My two cents? Watch it if you'd like a diet version of Beyond Evil, with a side of romance and comedy.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
One of the most memorable shows with the most memorable titular character!
Bellasimo! Bravo! - Words I want to say as I clap while the end credits roll. Although I shall try to be as unbiased as I can while I review this because as memorable or entertaining the show was, there were also some okay-ish parts which need to be mentioned.The story is quite gripping, the premise one of a kind, the execution quite good and the pacing well done. I had my doubts when I learned that this was a 20 episode show, as I tend to lose my patience (or the shows just keep dragging on) post the 16th episode. But the storyline was engaging all along. Okay, maybe, I wouldn't say it was engaging ALL the time, but 90% of the time. I just found myself lost a little in the multitude of subplots or the portions about the ensemble support cast. That being said, I really enjoyed all the characters! It was evident that a lot of time and effort has gone into writing each and every character, no matter how small their part may be! You get acquainted with all the characters you're watching. It was fascinating how I found myself thinking from the characters' POV after a point because I've been made aware of what the character might think or do. This was brilliantly done by the writers.
Kudos to the actors as well, as they brought to life all these dynamic characters. I truly loved the good(but also bad) guys and loathed the truly bad(and definitely heinous) guys. If it would be a crime to gush about Song Joong Ki right now, I plead guilty because this man is a heart(scene) stealer through and through. I could almost hear the collective screams of all the fans (new and old) when I was watching his most stellar scenes. He was *ChefsKiss* This was the first time I've seen Jeon Yeo Bin and I was IMPRESSED. Definitely looking up other works of hers. She gave a very memorable performance as well! The whole cast did an incredible job in my opinion.
I've mentioned quite a few things I enjoyed in the show, now to mention the parts that stopped me giving it a perfect ten:
1. Weak plot links every 3-4 episodes.
2. As much as I loved watching the Cassano Geumga Family members on screen for 20 hours. I wouldn't have minded if was concised to 16/18 hours.
3. Too many deaths after a point of time to ignore. I mean, I get that we were shown the real and ruthless side of the consigliere Vincenzo that wasn't prominent in the earlier episodes but it wasn't just him doing this. The people from plaza (and a govt. agent) were on it ALL THE TIME. It got a little weird if I thought about it too much, so to be honest, I stopped thinking about it at length and moved on.
4. There are so many ridiculous moments that make no sense but I just swallowed the "It's a K-Drama" pill and I was good to go for the next couple of episodes.
Now that we've addressed the elephant in the room, let me summarize the experience I had while watching this show. The show was definitely a class apart, and one that will stand out for a long, long time for its production, story, cast and quality. It's well-written (for the most part), well paced, well acted, well directed - essentially well made. The last show which brought such quality vibes was Crash Landing On You. God, that CGI! And now that I've typed it, there really are many other similarities in the shows as well, but let's skip that. Nevertheless, the characters of Vincenzo are definitely memorable, and several scenes are already replaying in my head as well!
I truly hope this show serves as a benchmark for future works in terms of quality and attention to details. There's a lot that could have been better, but there's more that deserves praise and acknowledgement. I'll surely revisit this world of Vincenzo to relive a lot of impressively written scenes.
Give it a definite try, but do not watch it with astronomical expectations because of the ratings. Also, the viewing experience gets tenfolds better once you stop trying to reason and analyze everything more than it needs to be. It is after all, a drama, written for entertainment purposes - which the show does, and does quite well.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
My alarm would not ring for this show
I withheld my opinions for this series until the second season came out, hoping they would tweak the things that were wrong with the first season. First off, I am all for realistic storylines with flawed characters. But what I do not stand for are characters that do not have a character growth at all. From the onset, there seemed to be a lot of potential because of the premise. An application that reveals the feelings of the other person? Interesting. Does that mean transparency from the get go? Yes (which was later on conveniently wiped out, but who cares, JoJo can do whatever she wants. But more about that later)! Refreshing? Sure. A distorted way of communicating? ABSOLUTELY.Let me breakdown what and where this went wrong for me -
1. A sudden cliched "two worlds apart" situation between the 1ML and FL. I was suspicious they might add that trope of "leaving for the benefit of the other", but I hoped, really hoped they wouldn't do that. Proved me wrong.
2. The way FL's story arc progressed flatly until the last episode where she suddenly decided to right the wrongs. It took someone to murder people for her to finally realize she wasn't really being a nice person. If I had to describe her story graph it would be _________/ At least that's what it was made to look like, for me it never picked up. There are far, far better characters arcs that overcome childhood traumas, without playing with other people's feelings and messing up their heads.
3. The writers probably wanted to show that the two MLs were unconditionally in love with JoJo, but all it looked like to me what she could do whatever she wants, and they'd still be at her beck and call. There were multiple instances she stepped on their hearts and didn't care to explain why. They still followed her like lost puppies. They both deserved so much better. Sun-oh definitely did. That man was made to cry for years - YEARS - over the FL who TILL the end never made up for her actions.
4. I would have been very happy if the bromance of the two MLs had more substance. It felt empty. I was supposed to feel it, but couldn't.
5. The second season felt so forced it made me cringe. Like a 16-episode melo was attempted to be cramped in a 6-episode mini-series. The story felt off, the wrap up was messed up, there were no emotions attached.
6. I feel I need to emphasize a little more about the FL's character. It is going down as one of the most frustrating leads I have ever seen. I see zero reason for her being the lead at all, she showed zero maturity, zero sensibility, zero empathy, zero growth in any sense whatsoever and still looked like a victim in every situation till the last episode.
There were several things I liked as well though, I should mention them nevertheless -
1. The first season was shot beautifully. I loved the setting, it was really refreshing. One word to describe it would be - promising.
2. The way the relationship between Jojo, her aunt and her cousin evolved (however limitedly).
3. The acting was good, I loved the work of the whole cast! I could see them trying their best with what they were given.
4. The overall concept of the show and what we could learn from it. It's thought provoking.
Comparing the things I liked, and the things I did not, it is safe to say it was the writing that ruined it for me. The storyline + characters. The way the flaws of the FL were glorified and excused because of her past basically undermines the growth people actually undergo when they overcome traumas. I wish the actors chose a better project. I'd love to see other works of theirs, because this show is a bad memory now. What's worse is that along with the FL, the audience is made to play ping pong with their feelings regarding the MLs. I hate when shows do that. Now the 1ML is being inconsiderate and heartless, now the 2nd one is doing the same, oh god the 1ML is hurt, oh no no the 2ML is hurt now. What exactly are you trying to do writers? Do you have no other content to keep the viewers watch your show until the end? It's a rhetoric question. They do not, in fact, have any other content.
Never re-watching this, and never recommending this to anyone.
Was this review helpful to you?
Give it a chance! Despite the end, give it a chance
I couldn't stop thinking about the way the end made me feel, and probably how many others were feeling the same, but I also cannot ignore the fact that the show, minus the last 4 minutes, was absolutely endearing and lovely! I was conflicted whether I should shelve the show as a trainwreck because of the end and forget about the beauty the rest of the show was, or should I turn a blind eye towards the end and remember the rest fondly. I found my answer the more I thought about it.Let's talk about the story/premise of the plot. Pretty simple and straight-forward, I liked how they navigated the tropes, and how they revealed the twists and solved the mysteries. The focus was on the characters rather than just getting to the next piece of the puzzle. I loved the familial setting of the show, and how each character was unique and had a story of their own to share. It's a feel good story, it makes you laugh, smile, cry and fall in love (or hope to at least) and helps you heal some of the pain you might be holding on to.
The cast carried the whole thing on their shoulders remarkably! Go Ah Ra keeps getting better in my very honest opinion, she lived the part of a naive but resilient riches-to-rags princess. And I also loved how they handled the character arc for her, she adapted to the new life, learnt so much but still remained who she was at heart. Lee Jae Wook is a gem! How glad am I that I picked this show and discovered his talent. The character of Jun came alive because of him. I cannot wait to see more of his works. The supporting casts are all great at their work, and complemented each other's work so well! I've seen so many of them in other shows and I always marvel how they manage to make each character seem different from the last one (even when the writers haven't really given them much to do with)
The music, is, undeniably beautiful. It felt like the string that tied everything together. It made you feel, and feel strongly. I should mention that the cinematography of the show is quite amazing, the scenes where the piano is being played, or the flashbacks, the epilogues, everything was shot and presented so thoughtfully. Great production work!
When it comes to rewatching this, I'd say yes in a heartbeat. But the end was so off you say? Yes, yes it was. But was the rest of the show? No. So I'd watch it again. I'd watch it to be a part of Ra-Ra's journey, and of Jun's, and of everyone else in the Eunpo family. I'd watch it to feel things that only some shows have made me feel in the last 6-7 years of viewing k-dramas. It would have been ideal if the the writers hadn't handled the end the way they did (it did feel like they were playing with the audience's emotions) but that doesn't mean the cast's or the production team's work shouldn't be commended and appreciated.
Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol surely might have ended on a wrong note, but the rest of the piece was heart-warming and beautiful. Please give it a chance and go a little easy on the end. If you are not the one to nitpick and be too overtly analytical about things, I'm sure you will love the show for what it is.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
More of an eternal ordeal
I put off watching this show for various reasons, the first being that the trailer gave me major Goblin vibes and I couldn't shake off the feeling that the writer(s) wanted to ride on that show's brilliance. The cinematography, the story of two ill-fated lovers, and the FL (who I thought was just juxtaposed from the Goblin world to this show's world and asked to love Lee Gon now instead of Kim Shin).I'd be lying if I said I wasn't prepared to be projected to a pretty flimsy plot. I knew what I was getting into. The plot chasms ( calling them holes would be too generous ), made it so difficult to follow the story many a times. And I need to mention the absolutely horrible way the episodes were linked. There seemed to be no sense or reason or pattern or explanation to connect the scenes. One moment you'd be watching an event in present day and the next you'd be suddenly taken back to a distant past (even a different world) with characters who were not even there in the present scene nor does the scene hold any relevance to current events! What am I, as a viewer, supposed to make of this. Now I just have information that I think might be useful but turns out to just be a filler. This was just one of the ways that the writer(s) tried too hard to make the show seem smarter than it was. It really wasn't. It was more or less a sad and unnecessary rip off of, yes you guessed it right - GOBLIN.
I liked the FL's work in Goblin, and was looking forward to seeing how she carries a more or less similar character. Absolute disappointment, although I doubt it had anything to do with her acting skills but rather just the way her character was written. But I also think there is always something an actor can do to liven up a dead script. I kept seeing flashes of Ji Eun Tak and I swear I wasn't even trying. The crying, the snarkiness, the love sick behavior, right down to her mannerisms. There were moments where I'd almost anticipate her to break into one her signature "Ahjussi!" Lee Min Ho is an absolute eye candy, and served the purpose of nudging me towards the end of the show. Let's be honest, he's not really one of the finest actors out there, but he still did a better job than Go Eun-ssi. I wouldn't give up on her altogether, maybe just chalk it up to bad writing, God knows how many ships that iceberg has sunk. I saved the best for the last. Woo Do Hwan. What a masterpiece that human is. I confess I fell in love with both his roles. I shed tears for his characters more than I shed for the lead pair (zero). There was a depth and a meaning to his characters, and he played them both brilliantly. If Lee Min Ho nudged me along to finish the show, it was Woo Do Hwan (Yeong, or Eun Seop, really) who's hand I wanted to grab and run off into the sunset with. I waited for him to appear on screen, but alas, the writer(s) by this point had probably just thrown all care or respect for the art of storytelling and sold their soul over to the advertisers.
Did this show even have music? The first time that guitar melody plays, I paused and stared at the screen in shock. Had they, had they really? Could they? HOW could they? Was pasting the same fall/winter aesthetics not enough? Really? And it didn't even sound good! I kept waiting for a good ost to play, or stick to my brain, and I'm still waiting, and probably will be waiting eternally. They really should have just played the Goblin OST and had some saving grace.
Will most definitely not rewatch this and do my duty as a responsible KDrama viewer to stop others from watching this too. Unless you're doing it for a case study. A case study of how not to rip off a successful drama and turn it into a circus; of how not to chart a love story; of how not to write flat characters; and basically how no matter the star cast, the production, the backbone of a show is the script and without it, it might take off spectacularly but then crash within a couple of episodes never to pick altitude again.
The intensity of my disappointment with this show far exceeds the intensity of the love that the leads shared which the writer(s) were trying to shove down the viewers' eyes. I get that these are two people who love each other very much, but for God's sake, pace it out. Although I do understand it would be very difficult for any sane woman to resist the charms of a man who looks and talks like Lee Min Ho for more than a minute, but that's besides the point. The love felt forced, the dialogues made my eyes roll far back into my head, the scenes which were orchestrated to make the viewer bawl left me staring awkwardly at the screen waiting for the cringe to be over with. I do need to mention the other relationships in this drama were far, far superior. The bromance was heartwarming. I was more invested in the friendships and bromance than I could manage to be with the lead pair.
The makers had a fine and easy on the eyes cast, a swanky budget too I'm sure, and could have made a memorable drama but sabotaged it all up with poor writing and poorer execution. The finale was the last nail on this coffin. I'm a sucker for fan service endings (forgive me as I wipe a tear recalling Crash Landing On You's end) BUT, that does not mean I will consume anything in the name of a happy ending. Theoretically my brain understands that these are two very very in love, and the rules of the world don't really hold any ground, since the story itself spans worlds and ages. But that doesn't take away the emotions and depth, which again the writers probably traded for product placements. "Here, take about a month long worth of bonding, and give me the milk tea latte with chewy tapioca seeds, which I should taste before stirring" "Ah, still, refreshing". Not.
My verdict would be to steer clear of this show for as long as you can. It's addictive in the wrong way, almost as if you want to watch how much more they can botch show. I will have to watch Goblin again to rinse my mind off of the badly recycled piece this show was. There are definitely better dramas out there, I'd skip this one if I had Manpasikjeok and could go back in time to stop my foolish self from watching this. Or maybe I was fated to watch it (and discover the brilliance that Woo Do Hwan is), and I'm fulfilling my destiny by writing this review and stopping others from watching it.
Was this review helpful to you?
The plot line captivated me from the get go. I knew there would be past connections, betrayals, healing and just a truck load of heartfelt emotions. I got half and half of everything. The stories of all the primary ghosts were sidetracked and stretched far more than they could handle. They lacked the substance and depth to be spanned across 10+ episodes. In contrast, some of the shorter stories of the ghosts were more interesting.
There are instances where the story tugs at your heart but it fades away without leaving a trace. I felt no genuine connection between the main characters. Nothing. From the first episode to the last, I never smiled or frowned or cried with them. The secondary story of Man-Wol's past stirred me deeply though. I teared up every time their memories were shown. Which made the way their story was concluded even worse. A story spanning 1000 years was thrown aside, bid good bye without shedding a single tear? I felt that, as a viewer, I was cheated at that moment, having invested so many hours warming up to the ghosts of the past only to have them vanish as if they were nothing.
Maybe it was the way the character of Chan Sung was written but it was a chore to watch him. Everything about him is perfect on paper, but his personality felt so flat and two-dimensional. Man-Wol on the other hand is one of my favorite characters so far. Her feisty nature and personality commanded every scene she was in. I give her 100% credit for coaxing me to finish the show. I only wanted to watch her character evolve. These two as a pair felt forced and unnatural. The few scenes that Man-Wol had with Yeon-U and Cheong-Myeong had more feels and emotions than all the scenes of Man-Wol and Chan-Sung combined.
The acting was really good, a great cast indeed. If I keep aside the way they were written, the actors all portrayed their characters flawlessly. IU is a delight to watch in every frame. Her dynamic performance as the temperamental Man-Wol is one of her bests yet. The music of the show is hands down one of the most memorable ones I've come across, the OSTs are definitely going to be an addition to my playlists.
To be fair, this show is by far one of the most beautifully shot dramas I've watched. The production was top-notch. The cinematic elements were really really good. But they still couldn't make up for the depth that the story lacked. I'm afraid this might just remain as one of those dramas that could've been. Maybe I've been spoiled for good by the likes of Moon Lovers (which still makes me weep when I think about it). If the elements of fateful encounters, reincarnation, supernatural intervening interest you, there are better shows out there than this one. If there ever is a sequel like the end credit hinted, I hope they build a solid foundation of story first rather than a flimsy card castle painted in gold.
Was this review helpful to you?
I have been pleasantly surprised at every turn when it comes to the drama. The story was so beautifully unfolded that I didn't even realize I had spent 20 hours watching it. The pace was so thrilling, the sub-plots so well blended with one another, the twists were thrilling, it was a memorable journey from the first scene till the last. The way the writers have handled all the characters and their individual stories as well is commendable. I found myself warming up to the characters unexpectedly. Until the very end I was skeptical, rational and kept my wits, but the finale did it. Such a marvelous beauty. It's going to be a long, long time before I forget the characters, the story or this drama.
I won't lie. Lee Joon Ki drew me into the drama. I probably wouldn't have picked this amazing drama up in the first place if it hadn't been for him. I might have missed out, but then I think it is safe to say that one of the MAJOR reasons this show was so unforgettable was because of him. I haven't seen such a powerful performance by an actor in such a long time. He made me feel bad for him, he made me fall for him, he made me laugh, he made me hate him, he made me cry with him. Until the very end, this guy held my attention like my life depended on it. IU was so so SO GOOD! I was pleasantly surprised by her dynamic acting. I'd only seen her in Bel Ami and it wasn't really a.. stellar show to say the least, but she gave such a brilliant portrayal of an amazingly strong character. I'd say nice things about all the cast and end up writing a 10 page review, so I'll just sum it up by saying that except maybe a little overacting on the part of a few people who were playing the roles of pedestrians on the streets, remarkable acting on everyone's part! (I hope you got that joke :3 )
I'm currently listening to at least 4 of the OSTs on loop since the last few hours. Hauntingly beautiful pieces were created for this drama I must say. A couple of them raised goosebumps on my arm. Even if you don't feel like watching this show (although you must!), you should definitely listen to the soundtracks, they're that good.
I would start re-watching this right this instant, but I won't. Solely because I am now waiting for a second season to this drama. I really really hope they make one. I'd read the reviews and comments while watching it and people were really sad in general. They kept saying how this was such a sad drama and a tragedy. It was, but it was also breathtakingly beautiful. I'm tearing up just remembering it. The love between the characters, be it Wang So and Hae Soo, or the brothers (the ones who got along anyway), or the families, was heart-wrenching. I'm definitely rewatching this show even if the second season doesn't come out (but please SBS make the second season! *kneels and begs*).
I have been shaken up by this show in a hundred ways. I love it when a drama I don't expect to be good turns out to be one of the best shows I have seen in my life. It was so human, so real. All the people in it were human, they made mistakes, they had flaws, they loved, they hated, they were weak, but they were also really strong. I'd recommend this drama to everyone, regardless of your favorite genre. It deserves to be seen. You might not like it (I bet you will though), but you won't be able to forget it.
Was this review helpful to you?
It's not a very original idea for a story, honestly, but who said it has to be original to be beautiful? The best part about the whole thing was that it never felt redundant, I never experienced the "Pfft-Not-Again" feeling that one usually ends up feeling when you watch rom-coms. The plot was well paced out, with enough content to cover 16 episodes impressively. Even when there were switches in the subplots, I didn't feel the awkwardness of it. And the story itself is so beautiful! I know I've already used that word for it once, but it just IS that beautiful. Just as the characters. Every character felt so real. The lead guy was never perfect, neither was the leading lady. Everybody made mistakes, everybody had doubts, everybody was human. The only issue I had was with the last 10 minutes of the last episode. I felt they could have explained things a little more smoothly. It felt just a little abrupt. Do get to the end and maybe you'll understand what I mean. But please, do get to the end. The journey matters more than the destination right? :)
The cast. Oh the cast. Kdramas keep making me realize there's so much acting talent in the world that I'm missing. The one jewel I discovered in this drama was Jung Kyung Ho. He was ridiculous, he was charming, he was obnoxious, he was adorable, he was a jerk, he was a hero. He stole the show. Not saying the rest of the cast didn't do a good job, I loved the leading lady's work as well, along with every other cast member, down right to the gritty-voiced Ahjussi Jung Kyung Ho mimics flawlessly. But every time I recall this show, I think I will fall again for Jung Kyung Ho (Did that rhyme?)
I loved the background score, it didn't seem out of place at all, and though one only gets to hear bits and pieces of it, mostly during the end credits of the episode, I listened to the whole thing without skipping to the end. That says something I guess.
YES YES YES. I would definitely rewatch this. Maybe not right away, but every time I feel down and want to feel good, I would watch this again. I waited for a day before writing this review because I didn't want to go overboard with my emotions that were so riled up when I finished it last morning. I had been crying like a baby (not exaggerating) by the end of the last episode. And when a show affects me to that level, I tend to recommend it to anyone who wants to watch a good show in the rom-com genre.
This isn't your average feel good rom-com either. It is a really well-made, well-acted show that you will definitely remember for a long long time. Must watch!
Was this review helpful to you?
If you had to summarize the story of this show, it'd be pretty simple, could be done in a few lines. To have given a lifelong worth of depth to those few lines, to have brought alive the events in the life of the characters, to have made us feel what what the characters were going through with such beautiful narratives, the writers need to be commended. The plots could have easily gone awry in so many places, but EVERY plot, every character, every loose end - have all been taken care of with remarkable finesse. There are zero complaints or unsatisfied worms lingering in my head, none.
Where do I begin with the actors? Where? I've been blown away, drowned, burned, buried, shocked - you name it - by every actor in this wonderful show. Ji Sung left me begging for more of him, even when he was present in 90% of the scenes, I just wanted more. "I wish that the time would stop, and that I could be with you forever", that's all that I felt every time he appeared. This guy can ACT, and he did a bloody brilliant job in this show. To have portrayed 7 personalities, is commendable. To have played 7 personalities with such absolute perfection, is downright worth worshiping him for. There wasn't a moment went he faltered in his performances, never a flaw, never a single crack in his portrayal. Be it the grumpy, violent, protective, dashing and charming Shin Se Gi; the middle-aged, goofy, bomb-making, beer-loving, accented Perry Park; the quite, calm, suicidal teen-genius Ahn Yo Sub; the foul-mouthed, oppa-crazy, troublemaker twin sister of Ahn Yo Sub, Ahn Yo Na; and the less frequently appearing 7-year old Nana, or Mysterious Mr. X; Ji Sung has lived and brought to life each of them. I didn't know it was even possible to be able to do such a thing! I had to literally pause the episodes and look at his face to believe in the changes. His eyes changed, how does one do that. Just with his expressions, his gaze, his very demeanor it was obvious as to which personality it was. He wasn't just Cha Do Hyun behaving like someone else, he WAS someone else. And it was one of the best performances by any actor that I've seen. My opinion of Ji Sung has reached the Sun.
The lead lady Hwng Jung Eum came as a surprise to me. I've ever seen her works before and I'm glad I began with this show. She handled every scene so well. She was goofy and loud and cute and serious and mature and terrified and depressed - and every emotion was conveyed very nicely. I'm looking forward to seeing her other works. Park Seo Joon was a delight to watch, that guy made me laugh and cry with equal flare. His character was simply brilliant, very heart touching. It would be unfair to the others if I focused on a few actors more than the other but these three deserved the mentions, the rest of the cast did a pretty great job as well. They're the ones who were able to make the script, story and direction work.
I don't know what I had in mind when I began the show, what it was that I had expected it would turn out to be, but whatever it was, it was nothing compared to what I actually got. The stories of each personality, their traits, the personality itself grows on you so much that it's hard to let them go. I found myself hoping for them to come out sometimes. I grew to love every facet, every broken piece of Cha Do Hyun. I was sobbing harder with every farewell. It felt as if you're losing a person rather than a personality. The story of each character in this show is going to be in my heart for a long, long time.
I'm really glad I picked up this show, it is one of the best I have seen. The level of brilliance is more than worth watching. I'm already looking forward to rewatching it in the near future. I don't think I've had enough of the characters yet.
The kind of show that Kill Me Heal Me is, you don't need any reasons to watch it, all you have to do it watch the first episode for a couple of minutes and you'll be irrevocably hooked, just as I was. It's everything you want in a drama of this genre. Everything and more. Don't miss out on this one, you'll be passing on a masterpiece.
Was this review helpful to you?
The story was simply genius. The twists and turns didn't seem deliberate, the characters were true to life, the sub-plots were all significant as well! Nothing, and I really mean NOTHING was out of place. No side characters seemed forcefully added or hastily exited (Although the finale did seem to exclude an end to a tiny plot the writers were building, but I'm willing to squelch that itch in my brain). The story itself taught so much! I still remember the great things I learned from I Hear Your Voice and the writers haven't failed to teach me several things in this show either. There was such commendable courage, unconditional love, and selflessness shown in this drama, it simplifies many things that have become complicated in our lives these days. The main pivotal element, that brought freshness and brilliancy to the story, was the drama's namesake medical condition - Pinocchio Syndrome. The inability to lie brings such delightful reprieve from all the deceits and hidden truths and misunderstandings that come along with relationships. If only people were usually so honest and open about their emotions, things wouldn't be so complex. There are some of the most beautiful bonds that I saw in this show that I will never forget. I could go on and on about how remarkable the story of this show was, and still not say enough.
I need to take a deep breath before I begin about the actors. Why? Because I need to make coherent sentences from the heap of positive adjectives that are popping in my head. All I can think of, are words such as - Perfect, incredible, incomparable, outstanding, amazing, brilliant, etc. etc. I can certainly say that from the leads to the guest appearances, EVERY single actor, that worked on this show, deserves an applause or a pat on the back at least. I've never seen such a plethora of great performances, all in one show. Each performance of the actors seems to be imprinted in my head. Lee Jong Suk was positively dazzling throughout the series! And Park Shin Hye pleasantly surprised me with her remarkable portrayal of Choi In Ha. I'd never been a fan of hers, but I have to admit, she gave an absolutely stunning performance. The veteran actors, that were part of the cast, need no extra praise, they were great as always. A special mention for Jin Kyung and Kim Hae Sook though, these two ladies gave such captivating performances as the antagonists that I couldn't help but respect and admire their characters even while hating them. Kim Young Kwang and Lee Yoo Bi looked really promising! I've seen other works by these two, but Pinocchio definitely brought out the best of them, as well as every other actor in the cast.
The OSTs in the drama struck a chord in every situation they were played in. The music really brought forth the emotions and conveyed the intensity of the moments spectacularly. There were so many scenes where I simply shed tears because of the perfect harmony of the music and the script.
Which reminds me to mention the powerful script that the show had! Such impactful words, such brilliant dialogues! The chemistry between, not just the lead pair, but every actor was evident and impressive. I've run out of adjectives that I usually get to use while describing a show, but I still have many things I haven't been able to mention. The list of things that worked in the favor of the show is too long to post in this already too long review. If anybody has had the patience to read till now, I'd like to request you Dear Reader, do not let anything stop you from watching this show, it'll be one of the best you've ever seen. I can guarantee that. I'm off to place this in the top slot of my favorite dramas.
Was this review helpful to you?
The plot was just brilliant! I loved the premise and the setting of the story. It's one of those stories that I could watch anytime without hesitation. The synopsis was enough to reel me in. The characters that the writers created were superb. Such depth to each character, such detail that you forget it's just fiction. The story had it's share of twists and turns that kept me at the edge of my seat. And the show didn't break it's streak until the end, which is commendable.
I simply bow down to the cast of this show. I saw some of the best performances I have come across in the time since I started recognizing good performances :P The actors are a part of the reason I'm silently praying for a next season. Anyone who's seen this show will probably agree with me that the actors did praiseworthy work.
It was an absolutely wonderful show, one of the best I have seen. I just need another season to make it perfect. Don't miss out on this one though.
Was this review helpful to you?
