Surprisingly A VERY GOOD DRAMA

I have just completed a comfortable 14 episodes of "Samee" with lead actor Great Warintorn and I loved it. His character "Rab" to me is truly the center of the entire drama, with him being the son, husband and brother who tries his very best to hold everyone together, true to his up-bringing. Though the character "Rab' is not the perfect man in the beginning, but the build up of him changing with every episode was interesting to me. For at the 'core', he is really a nice person. Which brings us to Great Warintorn. I found his acting naturally real and played well with a talented group of actors and actresses, except for the lead actress Ranida Techasit, who appears young and not quite into her role. The script was not too cheesy and the director placed the drama in a captivating mode from beginning to end.

I have seen quite a number of Thai dramas, but this is the first drama which I am impressed with. Even the songs sounded really good and thank goodness for the translators who helped me understand the meaning to the songs.

Thai dramas to me is often clouded by tons of really good looking people. The heros are insanely handsome and the heroine very beautiful (with too much make up). But somehow, in "Samee" the acting and the story about honor, responsibility, family and love made it possible for me to look beyond, and enjoyed the drama so much.

An overall good drama.
Alfy is Happy

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Do do Sol sol La La Sol .....Soup For the Soul

This drama has one of the most enigmatic title that I have ever come across. "Do do Sol Sol La La Sol"....... I danced around this title for a while, not sure if I should or should not attempt it. I finally went for it! Surprisingly, I did not fast forward and watched every single episode.

I found this drama a truly entertaining 16 episodes watch. It was appealing to me at all levels of romance, relationships, mature love, family, friendship which warms the heart. It reminded me of the book "Chicken Soup for The Soul" which consisted of inspirational true stories of ordinary people. The love story in Do Do Sol, is in it's own special way really inspirational and encouraging too.

Furthermore, everyone in the drama made it feel like each of the roles were specially written for them. No one else could have done a better job with special mention to Lee Jae Wook (lead role Joon Sunwoo) and Kim Joo Hun (Surgeon friend Eun Seok) who were so naturally impressive.

Enjoy the drama with no high expectations. This way, you will appreciate it a whole lot more.

Cheers! K-drama forever!

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Desire on 5th Gear! (Vroooom)

I am watching this drama 10 years after it's release and liked it. First and foremost, I liked it because it is a comfortable watch of only 14 episodes. Top actors Peter Ho, Barbie Hsu and Huang Xiao Ming gave it all in their acting.

The story written got me truly frustrated and angst. One beautiful girl loved intensely by two handsome guys from high school up till adulthood. Possessiveness, jealousy, insecurity, fear of abandonment, all played out by the two guys, on full 5th gear, from 1st to 12th episodes. So it was like watching Formula 1 love race.

The role of Xia Mo was perfect for Barbie Hsu. I normally find Barbie just a beautiful actress. However, she managed to do justice with her character in this drama. She acted well with her beautiful serene facial expressions and her cool temperament. Even when her world was falling apart with the two men playing 'tug of war' for ownership of her, she still managed to hold herself together. Yes, there were many scenes that her crying was on point, which in turn made my crying on point too.

This is a good drama to watch and not a boring moment to waste. It teaches us how we should love.

Read that Peter Ho is also a producer of this drama. Good investment and loved his acting too. He held the show together well from beginning to end.

Cheers!

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Enjoyable Drama With Good Acting

After exhausting myself over a huge amount of K-dramas, I explored into Taiwanese/Chinese dramas. I first chanced upon Summer Fever and was impressed by George Hu's acting and Art In Love followed.

As K-dramas average 16 episodes, I realized that Taiwanese/Chinese dramas are pretty lengthy and this was 39 episodes (phew)..... So, I mentally prepared myself to not rush the watch and see if the story line and the acting was interesting enough to sail me through.... and it did.

I enjoyed this drama very much. The story is not outstanding, but believable, about a couple brought together through art from college to adulthood. Their journey and struggle with love, and all characters of family, friends and colleagues at work relationship were paced out nicely and effectively. I learned a bit too about the wheeling and dealing of the art industry and what the business is like in the real world. The show was directed well with second leads and evil plots, each having interesting stories of their own, nicely acted out and tied up with its end, well through third quarter of the episodes and not left to the very end. This left us more time to watch the main lead's relationship struggles.

The leads actor/actress had good chemistry and I again enjoyed watching George Hu, this time in his role as Tao Yu Fei. He strikes me as a really good actor and he always becomes the character itself with ease. In this drama, he was captivating as a cold, bitter and ambitious young artist who has a hard time believing in love to eventually becoming a well-rounded, generous and successful man, un-afraid to pursue the love he yearns for. Adi Kan who played Li Chen Yin matched his character perfectly.

All in all, if you enjoy watching the evolvement of a romance which is not too rushed, I do recommend Art in Love to you.

Enjoy

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A Slow Watch Until The Last 3 Episodes

Oh dear, I have just completed this drama and truly had mixed feelings about it. Can't say I loved it, but I didn't dislike it. The story had many flaws in it (for the serious viewers) and it is a slow watch. However, the young at heart who enjoy sailing through fluffy romantic 17 episodes, may find this drama delightful. It was personally a difficult watch for me, until the burst of the final 3 episodes which played out really well. All emotions which were to be felt, was felt.

The message I got out of this drama is that love does happen in it's own time, regardless of age. And who are we to judge? In these modern times in Korea, where culture, traditions and stereotypical relationships are still primarily looked upon highly, this drama kinda "broke that glass ceiling". We just love who we love, and instead of judging, there will be more grace and happiness if we choose to embrace it. The message of friendship is also very good sharing between school mates, office mates and family relationships etc...

Then comes Seo In Guk who did a really good job playing Lee Ming Suk, an 18 year old high school student who has a confident and positive outlook in life. He takes responsibilities for pursuing and loving Jung Soo Young (played by Lee Ha Na) who is 10 years his senior working going through a series of events started by Ming Suk's brother. It was enjoyable to see this side of Seo In Guk, in a happy romantic story for a change. Though, it is his seemingly cool macho attitude that we enjoy most in his other dramas. But, In Guk did not let us down on his performance for High School King of Savvy.

I will most probably not watch this drama again, and will think twice if I should recommend my friends, unless he/she is a die-hard Seo In Guk fan, then you will enjoy his cuteness from beginning to end. He is just that good.

Cheers! K-Drama Forever!

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Entertaining Movie

I actually watched this movie to see Lee Min Ho on the big screen.

It was interesting to watch how Gangnam came about in the 70's plotted and negotiated between gangsters (presumed businessmen) and government officials. The movie directed by Yoo Ha (Mr) was again well done. He managed to deliver an entertaining movie and was able to share the essence of it's time and era.

Lee Min Ho did a good job and it is good to see him in an adult role. Not just a pretty face, he is really a good actor. Together with Kim Rae Won, the show could not go very wrong. LMH in an interview said that his favorite scene was the 'mud fighting' scene and yes, it was memorable.

Gangnam 1970 was enjoyable to watch and I stayed attentive throughout with no boring moments. Highly recommended for a lazy weekend, with no children around.

Cheers! K-Movie Forever!

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Bye Bye Gong Shim

Constantly watching K-dramas for the past one year, I find that if the drama is UNABLE to focus on a powerful story line OR an intelligent script OR outstanding acting OR all 2 or 3, THEN it better have a highly compatible lead couple who has mind blowing chemistry, OTHERWISE bye bye drama.

Unfortunately, this drama 'Beautiful Gong Shim' fell into the OTHERWISE category. The story line did not warrant it's 20 episodes and should have stuck with the regular 16 episodes or less, pumping in more depth. Then again, easier said than done, as I lazed on my sofa watching this drama for almost a week, running on marathon time.

Because it had to do 20, it was a struggle to see them trying to fill in every episode. This is especially difficult for seasoned romance drama watchers who could easily predict the series of events leading to the last episode. I am sure they were just tapping their fingers on the table and saying under their breath, "come on, let's get going. I know what is going to happen next". Okay, enough with my cynical thoughts.

The only redeeming factor, was my discovery of actor Nam Goong Min who played Ahn Dan Tae. As I am a late starter with K-Dramas, I only know of this actor now. I found him very talented and this drama did not do his acting justice. I checked his drama profile and I believe I will watch others of him.

In the meantime, for this role in Beautiful Gong Shim, he acted as a struggling lawyer by day and moonlight as a Uber driver at night, to make ends meet. Having to save money, he rents a rooftop room from Gong Shim, hence their love story. However, on the flip side, unknowingly, he is actually a long lost grandson of a huge and successful Korean business conglomerate, which makes up the gist of the the entire drama. The first few episodes were not too bad, but it goes pretty even tempo from there.

Apparently, with Goong Min who is already an established actor, Bang Min Ah (Gong Shim) became quite popular from this drama due to her cuteness. As her role required her to not give up and determined to have Dan Tae's heart, I surprisingly found her acting quite acceptable. Normally such actions can be irritating and turn our stomach inside out which I have seen in other dramas, but her acting was actually not too bad, doubled with her cuteness. But, 20 episodes of this? (eyes rolling). Furthermore, the chemistry between Dan Tae and Gong Shim could not make the thermometer mark. But, if you like occasional cute scenes, then you might like this drama.

Bye for now. Cheers! K-Drama Forever!

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Not Much Comment

This was a disappointing drama.

Though I got curious reading the synopsis, the story line as I progressed watching was weak. The plot did not create sufficient interest and watching each episode was quite a chore, though the first few episodes were acceptable as one is trying to discover what is going on. The script could not even help the actors save the day and as for the Director, no comment. I find other reviewers have given their fair share of comments, so I have not much to say and just do the scoring.

However, Park Soo Ae is as beautiful always and this drama helped me discover actor Kim Yoong Kwang (better late than never)!

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A Familiar Story

I watched this drama right after Ji Sung's riveting Secrets, so my momentum had to be brought down a little bit more to sit back and enjoy The Familiar Wife. I will not write too much as the other reviewers have already done a good job sharing their thoughts.

For me, the drama was overall enjoyable especially with Ji Sung's always charismatic acting. One could see the real struggle of 'what if's' if one was to turn back the clock and change their destiny in married life. Though the drama did not create a lot of eagerness to chase the episodes, it does a good job to share how one could have coped with difficulty in relationships differently without needing a second chance. It was educational and the last hour of the entire drama truly made me laugh and I felt real happiness in my heart after all the struggle. Normally, the ending of dramas have short and rushed happy endings, but Familiar Wife managed to dedicate almost an entire episode of happiness and I appreciated it.

The story was not without it's flaws but the Director did a pretty good job and the Actors were on point. I guess this drama would be more suited to those who are Ji Sung's fans and might want to watch him acting in a less confident role. For me, I enjoy more watching him in his manly and confident characters, but then again, he is so versatile.

Overall 7 Score for this drama!

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Fated To Watch This Lovely Drama

This show is very entertaining from first to last episode. The script was done really well.

Story
Imagine, not the perfect match looking on the outside. An eccentric, complicated yet so lovable and warm hearted rich man and a shy, insecure snail of a lady with a heart of gold...meet, fall in love in a long gradual process, through ups and downs. Fighting their own insecurities and confidence but eventually bond together through the deep love and respect they have for each other. Even the 3rd parties on both sides were respectable and easy to watch.

Acting
Superb. Only Jang Hyuk could have played the role of delightful and lovable Lee Gun so well and forever so sexy. Jang Na Ra is perfect for Min Young. Meek and yet eventually had such strength and determination. Choi Jin Hyuk also acted well as Daniel Pitt who also loved Min Young and became a strength for her to lean on when things do not go well between Lee Gun and Min Young. His role was tastefully done and I enjoyed all the acting in the drama. Well casted.

Music
Morning of Canon, Goodbye My Love, Destiny Sonata, My Girl.....beautiful songs and music throughout the whole drama well done.

Re-Watch Value
Again and again when you want to feel encouraged by love.

Overall
I love this drama. Lots of natural hugging and kissing in the lead's relationship which completes the entire theme of this drama.

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Watch Only If You Are A Fan of Eric Mun

I have just completed the 18 Episodes. The show had a strange plot of North Korea not having enough good actors and sent a bunch of agents to the South to take one good actor back ie. Lee Kang Woo (Eric's character). The beautiful agent is Myung Wol (played by Han Ye Seul) who is suppose to make Kang Woo fall in love and marry her, eventually following/lure him back to North Korea with her. I struggled through the 18 episodes and am grateful Eric's acting held the show together. He is able to portray a famous Hallyu Star effectively as confident, self-assured and decisive which is what the show needed to keep the depth going. Other than that, everything was pretty shallow. Agent Myung Wol had some good fighting scenes but unfortunately the character she played was a very weak, insecure, indecisive agent who did not manage to control any of her actions or decisions. Her acting also needed more work. I was so frustrated at her character especially towards the last 7 episodes of having change her mind again and again on the man she loves. My hair was falling out, I almost gave up but wanted to give justice the work Eric put in....phew, finally managed to complete. Surprisingly, the second lead characters were played well by Lee Jin Wook and Jang Hee Yin and managed to help the drama along. Watch only if you are a fan of Eric Mun or Lee Jin Wook. Otherwise, can give it a miss. Sorry for the honesty.

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Watch Only If You Are a Fan of Ji Chang Wook

I only watched this drama to see Ji Chang Wook. As always he does a good job to portray the character who was frozen for 20 years and woke up just as handsome together with a female volunteer of experiment played by Won Jin-A. The chemistry between the two fairly good but but fail to hold it's passion consistently throughout especially during the last 3 episodes as Won Jin-A was frozen again and poor JCW had to wait another 3 years for her to awake.
After being frozen for 20 years and additional 3 years, surprisingly the heroine still not in a hurry to marry and want to experience more on developing her own self. Luckily JCW character is understanding, compromises and supports her dreams. Somehow, towards the end the mutual love and passion did not seem quite balanced. Happy ending, overall a drama one can watch if there is no other interesting dramas to watch. Strictly for fans of JCW advisable.

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What Happened? Absolutely Riveting Love Story And More

Crikey!! What happened? Namkoong Min (Jang Hyun) really knows how to choose the most ideal script for himself and Ahn Eun Jin (Gil Chae), hot from The Good Bad Mother, both are absolutely meant to be in My Dearest.

A simple beginning in the first 2 episodes, of a man who is not interested in devoting himself to anything nor anyone, suddenly finds himself interested in a spoil brat of a lady who only has eyes on another man. Everything increases in momentum from Episode 3 as their King and Land is threatened by the Mongols, he suddenly finds himself volunteering to go outright to war, in order to not defend the King, but the woman he sets his heart on. How much more romantic can this get?

How about watching Jang Hyun as unfolds his ingenuity, intelligence and strength to overcome all obscurity and calamity around him to protect Gil Chae. And watching Gil Chae transform from a pampered and charming appearance, to a stronger and more mature demeanor during the war is mesmerizing to me. She is seen to be growing in depth to a woman and in this episode 8, her feelings for Jang Hyun is yet to be acknowledged.

The pace, the fighting scenes, the chase makes one await the next episode in great anticipation.

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What Happens When You Become a Famous Actor?

It is interesting to see all the various views and perspective on Records of Youth. Looking at the scores, it does appear one either truly enjoyed it or not at all. No grey areas here. For me, I found it profoundly enjoyable. A really good drama with a well written script.

I liked the way the director really took us into the story and characters, not rushed but was able to make me feel invested in each of their experience and journey. I was looking forward to every episode as Hye-Jun (Park Bo Gum) struggles to make it as an actor. The way he was treated before and after he became famous is like DAY and NIGHT, a complete change. The way he himself is unable to control his schedules and surrounding as his popularity gains momentum. The jealousy, the gossips, the competition, the family and friend dynamics, the paparazzi, the choices and even his young love. And when he does put his foot down with decisions, sacrifices have to be made. I liked that his character, though young, had a sense of confidence and maturity about him. These are truly what an actor/actress have to go through and live with. Wow, no wonder they get paid well and most marry late in their lives. Couldn’t help but envisioned what stars like Lee Minho, Kim Soo Hyun, Hyun Bin, Song Kye Ho, Song Joong Ki etc. etc go through. No wonder they try to keep their lives as private as possible.

I also enjoyed the acting of the entire cast. The script was so well written and it was especially good to see that each of them had a good story to tell.

The only difficulty I had was watching the relationship between Hye-Jun and Jeong-Ah (Park So Dam). It was just too polite and somewhat formal?? Almost like two best friends who do really look cute together. Being that it is about the time of youth, I wanted their love to be a little bit more exciting and demonstrative. More memorable?

In conclusion, the overall experience was very enjoyable for me. Loved this drama.

Cheers! K-drama Forever!

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