2
amrita828
Italy
As much as I don't want Ji An to marry the doctor, I must say his sticking a sign on his back stating "not getting married" was pure genius! Hahahahaha
Most people involved in Ji An's pregnancy are coming to terms with it, which I think it's the right time too: her parents are a lot more bearable when they show a little sense. Now it's Tae Kang's father turn: what would he say if he knew he's the biological grandfather of that baby? Would he still insist his son goes to the USA?
I love how sensitive subjects are treated here: presenting different views and then coming to the most sensible conclusion. A single parent is not only a present reality in every country, but it's also something to be respected and, in many cases, admired. Would it be better, or morally more acceptable, if a person decided to marry just to avoid complications?
Most people involved in Ji An's pregnancy are coming to terms with it, which I think it's the right time too: her parents are a lot more bearable when they show a little sense. Now it's Tae Kang's father turn: what would he say if he knew he's the biological grandfather of that baby? Would he still insist his son goes to the USA?
I love how sensitive subjects are treated here: presenting different views and then coming to the most sensible conclusion. A single parent is not only a present reality in every country, but it's also something to be respected and, in many cases, admired. Would it be better, or morally more acceptable, if a person decided to marry just to avoid complications?
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You will laugh, but I was a little on edge about watching this episode with my mom. It is one of my favourites, but it also contains the most disturbing scene in the drama for me: Joo Won throwing clothes at RaIm's feet and stating she's not worthy of even being thought of as his toy mistress.
When I saw it the first time, I truly wanted to cause Joo Won physical pain, and until now I can't think of it without shivering.
That same scene, however, is also one of the most sensually charged and revealing, and this is what my mother focused her attention on.
Although condemning Joo Won's behaviour on basically everything he does and says, she agrees with him on one thing only: RaIm's badly dressed.
me: "she's poor. How can he humiliate her for the fact that she can't afford things?"
mom: "it's not a question of money. She could just wear a pair of normal jeans and a white T-shirt, it would be classier. He's not criticizing her poverty, he's blaming her lack of propriety."
I can't contradict her: that's the main point of the episode, mirrored perfectly when Joo Won's mother appears at his house and suggests RaIm is there to collect money for her "services". And not surprisingly, Joo Won's appalled too, now that he hears it from the mouth of somebody else.
Mom laughed out loud at the Kim's family lunch. She commented on how perfectly chosen the two sisters are: Oska's mother is the essence of vanity and shallowness, just like his son. And Joo Won's is a modern Lady Catherine de Bourg, haughty, unreasonable, obnoxious and materialistic.
For those who may have forgotten or overlooked the exchange between the two sisters, here's how it starts:
Oska's mom: What were you talking about?
JW's mom: Does anyone here have a chatty mouth except for you?
Oska's mom: Is it not possible to get plastic surgery on that attitude?
Oska's mom: It's lame without my Woo Young. [...] I just talked to him, he said he's in Jeju island, not in Thailand.
JW's mom: He's like that. Doesn't even know where he is.
Hahahahaha. Oh my. :D
When I saw it the first time, I truly wanted to cause Joo Won physical pain, and until now I can't think of it without shivering.
That same scene, however, is also one of the most sensually charged and revealing, and this is what my mother focused her attention on.
Although condemning Joo Won's behaviour on basically everything he does and says, she agrees with him on one thing only: RaIm's badly dressed.
me: "she's poor. How can he humiliate her for the fact that she can't afford things?"
mom: "it's not a question of money. She could just wear a pair of normal jeans and a white T-shirt, it would be classier. He's not criticizing her poverty, he's blaming her lack of propriety."
I can't contradict her: that's the main point of the episode, mirrored perfectly when Joo Won's mother appears at his house and suggests RaIm is there to collect money for her "services". And not surprisingly, Joo Won's appalled too, now that he hears it from the mouth of somebody else.
Mom laughed out loud at the Kim's family lunch. She commented on how perfectly chosen the two sisters are: Oska's mother is the essence of vanity and shallowness, just like his son. And Joo Won's is a modern Lady Catherine de Bourg, haughty, unreasonable, obnoxious and materialistic.
For those who may have forgotten or overlooked the exchange between the two sisters, here's how it starts:
Oska's mom: What were you talking about?
JW's mom: Does anyone here have a chatty mouth except for you?
Oska's mom: Is it not possible to get plastic surgery on that attitude?
Oska's mom: It's lame without my Woo Young. [...] I just talked to him, he said he's in Jeju island, not in Thailand.
JW's mom: He's like that. Doesn't even know where he is.
Hahahahaha. Oh my. :D
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Descendants of the Sun Episode 1
9 people found this review helpful
The show has a great start... actually, a grand one. Stunning cinematography and photograph and beautiful introduction of the main characters. Loved the first 10 minutes of combat - you must love war scenarios to appreciate this, but then this is a war drama, no surprise here. There's also some humour, which I found well placed and engaging.
However, the music is annoyingly overpowering. Pieces are played too much, too loud, too often. I truly hope they are going to tune that aspect down, because music is paramount to enhance feelings. If it is played every 2 seconds it totally loses its impact. Harrowing love songs shouldn't be played when two people have just met 5 seconds before: what are they going to use when they truly fall in love, Beethoven 5th symphony? When the plot uses all its ammunition in the first episodes, it's likely to suffer later on; the same principle should apply to music.
However, the music is annoyingly overpowering. Pieces are played too much, too loud, too often. I truly hope they are going to tune that aspect down, because music is paramount to enhance feelings. If it is played every 2 seconds it totally loses its impact. Harrowing love songs shouldn't be played when two people have just met 5 seconds before: what are they going to use when they truly fall in love, Beethoven 5th symphony? When the plot uses all its ammunition in the first episodes, it's likely to suffer later on; the same principle should apply to music.
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I actually didn't want to write a review for this episode: it seems to me I am starting to repeat myself over and over, without truly conveying what I feel for this drama.
I was prompted by a friend and fellow reviewer to do so. I love reading reviews of a show I'm obsessed with, the longer the better: it's like a thread to the story which I don't want to cut completely, and perhaps I'm not the only one.
So, since everything's been very well expressed already, I'll focus my review on the cinematography.
I'm impressed by the use of photography, light, and in general the attention to small details. This episode was no exception. It's interesting how every time there's a breath of relief in the emotions of those characters, they find themselves surrounded by greenery. The queen mother finds solace in her plants, Jae Shin is left among flowers to meet Shi Kyung, father and son Euns find a bit of a bond back by the lake banks (how beautiful that lake is) and is there that Jae Ha gives back his trust to his "ajussi". In direct contrast are all the cruel scenes, immersed in black, browns or grays, mostly played underground or in confined spaces. Great editing too, closing up on lonely Hang A lit up by the light coming in from the small cell window, and re-opening on Jae Ha watching out of an equally lit up, but very different window.
What is even more interesting is the fact that Bung Gu's the only one who wears flaring colours, mostly red, which is the colour of blood, but is also - not randomly - the colour of royalty. But because he is such a sub-specimen of a human, red on him is the exact opposite of royal: it's vulgar and gaudy like himself.
The acting... spectacular. I love it that Jae Ha exhales when he hugs hang Ah, as if without her he could not breath. He did the same on episode 17, during his dream. And I love that she is the physical, soldier one, while he's using his political and diplomatic power to win this war. Every photography of the two together enchants me, they are so beautiful together.
How awesome are all the public appearances and press conferences in this drama; it's great that they show the reaction of the viewers, the king's people, as if we could witness their growing love for their king.
Finally, I love that Jae Kang is always present, in every single episode since he died. Jae Ha looking at his portrait on the wall and finding the clue to the evidence he needs is wonderful, it's like it was his hyeong telling him.
I was prompted by a friend and fellow reviewer to do so. I love reading reviews of a show I'm obsessed with, the longer the better: it's like a thread to the story which I don't want to cut completely, and perhaps I'm not the only one.
So, since everything's been very well expressed already, I'll focus my review on the cinematography.
I'm impressed by the use of photography, light, and in general the attention to small details. This episode was no exception. It's interesting how every time there's a breath of relief in the emotions of those characters, they find themselves surrounded by greenery. The queen mother finds solace in her plants, Jae Shin is left among flowers to meet Shi Kyung, father and son Euns find a bit of a bond back by the lake banks (how beautiful that lake is) and is there that Jae Ha gives back his trust to his "ajussi". In direct contrast are all the cruel scenes, immersed in black, browns or grays, mostly played underground or in confined spaces. Great editing too, closing up on lonely Hang A lit up by the light coming in from the small cell window, and re-opening on Jae Ha watching out of an equally lit up, but very different window.
What is even more interesting is the fact that Bung Gu's the only one who wears flaring colours, mostly red, which is the colour of blood, but is also - not randomly - the colour of royalty. But because he is such a sub-specimen of a human, red on him is the exact opposite of royal: it's vulgar and gaudy like himself.
The acting... spectacular. I love it that Jae Ha exhales when he hugs hang Ah, as if without her he could not breath. He did the same on episode 17, during his dream. And I love that she is the physical, soldier one, while he's using his political and diplomatic power to win this war. Every photography of the two together enchants me, they are so beautiful together.
How awesome are all the public appearances and press conferences in this drama; it's great that they show the reaction of the viewers, the king's people, as if we could witness their growing love for their king.
Finally, I love that Jae Kang is always present, in every single episode since he died. Jae Ha looking at his portrait on the wall and finding the clue to the evidence he needs is wonderful, it's like it was his hyeong telling him.
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I have only one thing to say - long due, really: can the doctor please be erased from the picture?
A nice man by all means, but like all second males in Korean dramas, he's redundant. And I truly can't stand men who order food without asking her what she likes. He even decided how the meat should be done! Doctor or no doctor, that's too much.
Shooo.
A nice man by all means, but like all second males in Korean dramas, he's redundant. And I truly can't stand men who order food without asking her what she likes. He even decided how the meat should be done! Doctor or no doctor, that's too much.
Shooo.
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Queen In Hyun's Man Episode 8
5 people found this review helpful
Great episode, funny and intriguing at the same time.
And let me just say: he's smart, but she's even more so, hahahaha. I too want a man who doesn't know what other uses can be made of a car. teaching can be great fun.
Love how the time changes have been played: not an event in the past which changes the whole future, but a change perceived only by those directly involved, i.e. Boong Do and Hee Jin. This clearly opens up a few very interesting twists, since the past has been changed once more by Boong Do being stabbed and losing his memory.
So now we have an assassin who's very likely going to be transported in the future...
And let me just say: he's smart, but she's even more so, hahahaha. I too want a man who doesn't know what other uses can be made of a car. teaching can be great fun.
Love how the time changes have been played: not an event in the past which changes the whole future, but a change perceived only by those directly involved, i.e. Boong Do and Hee Jin. This clearly opens up a few very interesting twists, since the past has been changed once more by Boong Do being stabbed and losing his memory.
So now we have an assassin who's very likely going to be transported in the future...
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Awesome episode, closing a chapter and opening another.
These two are so beautiful together - I am not referring solely to looks - it's a pleasure to watch them. I love it that it was Jae Ha who planned and conducted the final stage of their war game, hence showing he's gone a very long way since everything began and is now ready to be a true king worth of his brother esteem and heritage.
The video of the late king rehearsing his future acting as wedding... minister? was a pleasant surprise and reinforces my conviction it was him who leaked the news of the engagement on episode 5.
I love it that he's still present not only in the hearts of everyone, but also for us viewer to see again.
Jae Shin and Shi Kyung are stealing my heart too. She has been wonderfully brave, both in facing her fears and confessing to Shi Kyung. And his embarrassment was the sweetest thing ever. It's only right that Jae Shin's the only one to witness his first breakdown. He is so far from the impassible, emotionless person he's been accused to be!
Jae Ha basically declares war to Boong go, which I find awesome too. It doesn't matter that the villain asked for a truce, he's too deranged to ever keep his word. So I believe the best defense is attack.
Clearly Hang Ah's going to be the next main target; I was expecting this. So now I'm again at the edge of my seat.
This drama's killing me.
These two are so beautiful together - I am not referring solely to looks - it's a pleasure to watch them. I love it that it was Jae Ha who planned and conducted the final stage of their war game, hence showing he's gone a very long way since everything began and is now ready to be a true king worth of his brother esteem and heritage.
The video of the late king rehearsing his future acting as wedding... minister? was a pleasant surprise and reinforces my conviction it was him who leaked the news of the engagement on episode 5.
I love it that he's still present not only in the hearts of everyone, but also for us viewer to see again.
Jae Shin and Shi Kyung are stealing my heart too. She has been wonderfully brave, both in facing her fears and confessing to Shi Kyung. And his embarrassment was the sweetest thing ever. It's only right that Jae Shin's the only one to witness his first breakdown. He is so far from the impassible, emotionless person he's been accused to be!
Jae Ha basically declares war to Boong go, which I find awesome too. It doesn't matter that the villain asked for a truce, he's too deranged to ever keep his word. So I believe the best defense is attack.
Clearly Hang Ah's going to be the next main target; I was expecting this. So now I'm again at the edge of my seat.
This drama's killing me.
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Queen In Hyun's Man Episode 3
5 people found this review helpful
That a super tall man dressed in a 300 year old gown, should be locked - with a ribbon, no less - inside a shower box and still look composed and dignified made me laugh and fall for him at the same time.
This character is growing on me as much as he is so blatantly growing on Hee Jin. I anticipate sparks.
I like Hee Jin a lot too: although still confused, she's not left in the dark about the whole time travel and starts to grasp it herself. At last a drama where both the female lead as well as the viewers are watching the truth unraveling in front of their eyes, and not left suspended until the last 5 minutes. All this without taking out the mystery.
This character is growing on me as much as he is so blatantly growing on Hee Jin. I anticipate sparks.
I like Hee Jin a lot too: although still confused, she's not left in the dark about the whole time travel and starts to grasp it herself. At last a drama where both the female lead as well as the viewers are watching the truth unraveling in front of their eyes, and not left suspended until the last 5 minutes. All this without taking out the mystery.
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I'm jumping up and down with joy at having the WOC members reunite - ok, bar one, but Shi Kyung is so adorable with the princess we must do without him in the team. I'm particularly fond of Young Bae, so sweet a blend of shyness, ingenuity and loyalty.
The plan to challenge and eventually defeat Bung Gu is taking shape and makes me tremble with anticipation but also with anxiety. Poor Tara has been sacrificed without a third thought, but then again, the girl was asking for trouble the moment she became the gf of a psychopath - because she couldn't be oblivious to his actions. No amount of money would persuade a sane woman to even befriend such a man, let alone become his lover.
It's tremendously satisfying to watch Bung Gu be belittled at every turn; I know he will retaliate and it won't be nice, but to see someone wiping that awful grin from his face is already a huge satisfaction.
How incredibly believable are JH and HA as a couple? I love how their relationship is based upon equality: they derive strength one from the other and we watch them grow together. Lovely.
I can't wait to see them compete against the US, of all the possible opponents. But I'm glad they didn't get to meet Italy, or I would have had the first identity crisis of my life, lol.
Korea: fighting!
The plan to challenge and eventually defeat Bung Gu is taking shape and makes me tremble with anticipation but also with anxiety. Poor Tara has been sacrificed without a third thought, but then again, the girl was asking for trouble the moment she became the gf of a psychopath - because she couldn't be oblivious to his actions. No amount of money would persuade a sane woman to even befriend such a man, let alone become his lover.
It's tremendously satisfying to watch Bung Gu be belittled at every turn; I know he will retaliate and it won't be nice, but to see someone wiping that awful grin from his face is already a huge satisfaction.
How incredibly believable are JH and HA as a couple? I love how their relationship is based upon equality: they derive strength one from the other and we watch them grow together. Lovely.
I can't wait to see them compete against the US, of all the possible opponents. But I'm glad they didn't get to meet Italy, or I would have had the first identity crisis of my life, lol.
Korea: fighting!
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Wow. Another extremely emotional, superbly directed episode. I loved the little details, wonderfully highlighted by the music: the late king's recordings, Hang Ah taking off her shoes, the Queen mother cleaning the plant leaves with a vengeance.
And I love that Jae Ha is rapidly getting to the truth. While the characters are given plenty of time to develop, the general plot takes its form swiftly. War has been officially declared.
By now, it seems clear to me that secretary Eun has got a worse agenda than the simple "lie about my slip of the tongue". He may be much deeper involved than I previously thought.
I also love that slowly but steadily the king is forming a bond with Si Kyung, who is such a great character.
Wow at the ending.
Overall, an intense, heart-wrenching episode.
And I love that Jae Ha is rapidly getting to the truth. While the characters are given plenty of time to develop, the general plot takes its form swiftly. War has been officially declared.
By now, it seems clear to me that secretary Eun has got a worse agenda than the simple "lie about my slip of the tongue". He may be much deeper involved than I previously thought.
I also love that slowly but steadily the king is forming a bond with Si Kyung, who is such a great character.
Wow at the ending.
Overall, an intense, heart-wrenching episode.
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Honestly, I couldn't care less who ends up with whom: this drama is histerically hilarious, and I'm enjoying it for the sake of comedy.
Sure, Hiroto is indeed as hot as a chili pepper, but that's beside the point, isn't it? Or is it?
Whatever.
Shinohara is absolutely brilliant in this comedic role.
There's only one detail which bugs me no end: can't any of her co-workers, or even mr hairdresser grab her by the shoulders, push her onto a chair and give her a nice hairdo so that she needn't go around with that wobbly chignon all the time?
Sure, Hiroto is indeed as hot as a chili pepper, but that's beside the point, isn't it? Or is it?
Whatever.
Shinohara is absolutely brilliant in this comedic role.
There's only one detail which bugs me no end: can't any of her co-workers, or even mr hairdresser grab her by the shoulders, push her onto a chair and give her a nice hairdo so that she needn't go around with that wobbly chignon all the time?
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So I couldn't resist. I watched the episode raw and actually understood most of it.
Amazingly good episode. The pace, the emotions, the dialogues, I loved it all.
You know when you watch a scene and you silently urge the characters to do or say something? Well, here they do! It doesn't happen often, and when it does it's such a satisfaction.
Terrific acting by the main leads in this episode. So many emotions expressed with the eyes and posture, and many incredibly sweet moments.
How they are going to come out of the "empasse" they are in now I have no idea. Which is more than fine: the fact that a drama not at all based on twists can surprise, goes to the credit of the writer.
I'm happy to have an excuse to re-watch the episode with subs soon.
P.S. Purplenette, I didn't stand up but I clapped too! That was awesome and very, very deserved. :D
Amazingly good episode. The pace, the emotions, the dialogues, I loved it all.
You know when you watch a scene and you silently urge the characters to do or say something? Well, here they do! It doesn't happen often, and when it does it's such a satisfaction.
Terrific acting by the main leads in this episode. So many emotions expressed with the eyes and posture, and many incredibly sweet moments.
How they are going to come out of the "empasse" they are in now I have no idea. Which is more than fine: the fact that a drama not at all based on twists can surprise, goes to the credit of the writer.
I'm happy to have an excuse to re-watch the episode with subs soon.
P.S. Purplenette, I didn't stand up but I clapped too! That was awesome and very, very deserved. :D
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Shining Inheritance Episode 7
4 people found this review helpful
Watching the trio go to work for the first time in their life was truly rewarding, and funny. Especially the mother and her radish. In my country we say: "Wasn't it you who wanted the bicycle? Then start pedaling."
I'm skipping all evil mother's scenes, they seem useless to me. All she does right now is learning of Eun Sung's business and brood in shock. No doubt she will strike; for now, I'm just giving her the cold shoulder.
I'm skipping all evil mother's scenes, they seem useless to me. All she does right now is learning of Eun Sung's business and brood in shock. No doubt she will strike; for now, I'm just giving her the cold shoulder.
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I have watched the whole episode seated on the edge of my chair. I haven't fallen from it simply because I didn't want to miss a scene, but there are several exhilarating moments in this episode which call for a loud thud.
Oh, the joy! Jae Ha's really doing it: he's becoming the best king ever, as Shi Kyung loyally assures. His clever deceit to the expense of secretary Eun has made my day. I loved the scene in which the supposed redecoration material brought to the king's office suddenly morphs into cameras and you know he's going to make a grand announcement. Awesome. My heart's swollen.
And all this with the complicity of the queen mother. Did I mention how I adore all the involved relatives?
But the part I personally prefer is how Jae Ha is all brave and stoic and king-like in crossing that dangerous yellow line, when in fact the confrontation he dreads the most is the one with Hang Ah. And, not surprisingly, among all the high stake political moves, convincing Hang Ah is the only failing one.
Brave, proud, sweet Hang Ah. As a viewer I obviously want these two to love each other and erase whatever complication in their relationship, but as a woman I can understand Hang Ah's feeling and honour her behaviour in such a situation.
Shi Kyung and the princess deserve a mention (or ten) too. How sweet are they? I had to laugh out loud at his clumsy attempt at being at the same time respectful as a guard and courteous as a man, all resulting in him dropping the princess on the bed like a sack of flour. hahahahahahaha Adorable.
Oh, the joy! Jae Ha's really doing it: he's becoming the best king ever, as Shi Kyung loyally assures. His clever deceit to the expense of secretary Eun has made my day. I loved the scene in which the supposed redecoration material brought to the king's office suddenly morphs into cameras and you know he's going to make a grand announcement. Awesome. My heart's swollen.
And all this with the complicity of the queen mother. Did I mention how I adore all the involved relatives?
But the part I personally prefer is how Jae Ha is all brave and stoic and king-like in crossing that dangerous yellow line, when in fact the confrontation he dreads the most is the one with Hang Ah. And, not surprisingly, among all the high stake political moves, convincing Hang Ah is the only failing one.
Brave, proud, sweet Hang Ah. As a viewer I obviously want these two to love each other and erase whatever complication in their relationship, but as a woman I can understand Hang Ah's feeling and honour her behaviour in such a situation.
Shi Kyung and the princess deserve a mention (or ten) too. How sweet are they? I had to laugh out loud at his clumsy attempt at being at the same time respectful as a guard and courteous as a man, all resulting in him dropping the princess on the bed like a sack of flour. hahahahahahaha Adorable.
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I'm not in a fit state to write a review. I watched the whole hour with goosebumps.
Left without adjectives to describe what this drama's doing to me, I'll just be quiet, for once.
Left without adjectives to describe what this drama's doing to me, I'll just be quiet, for once.
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