biniBningPunkista
By the beach.
Anyways... the main reason I watched this drama was because of Sandara Park. I've been waiting for so long to find a drama in which she will be the main lead after watching that CM she had with Lee Min Ho. I was thinking perhaps she will finally have a break... and she did. Even if it's just in a web based drama, I'm still glad they were able to cast her as one of the main leads. Acting wise, Dara still has room to improve but she has definitely improved a LOT from the last time I've seen her act which was years ago (Not including her CM with LMH). As for Young Kwang, he definitely did evolve somehow. Or maybe it was just the character portrayal?
Story wise, this drama was a bit absurd. Don't get me wrong because I loved the characters even the supporting ones, but I just couldn't get the gist of the story. Maybe someone has to explain it to me again or I have to re-watch it to actually understand what happened. I'm still quite confused as to what is the real deal with Dr. Ian and that other guy. For me, there were unresolved issues for the doctor. The story between Dr. Ian and So Dam though is quite amusing, however it lacked a bit of substance. After the show I was saying to myself, "That's it? That's all how it's going to be? Mission? What kind of mission is that???", watching the relationship develop for these couple is frustrating. It was all about cinematography-crying-talking-crying-cinematography-insert music, angst and a few sweet moments.
The music was good and I have no complaints on that, I just couldn't get over the fact that the story line was just up to that given that it only had 9 episodes and 11 minutes run time. It was short and a bit disappointing. I honestly believe this web drama could have been better but as an audience, I had to take it as it is and enjoy it as delivered.
Thank goodness I loved seeing Dara and Young Kwan on screen that my disappointments are skewered by these actors.
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The chemistry and vibe all throughout the episodes was something I don't see much in melodramas now a days. Having my favorite actress coupled off with Jo In Sung, what else could I ask for? Jo In Sung's character also took me to a different level because I kept asking myself while watching him on screen - how could a conman be so damn good looking?!? Setting his good looks aside though, his acting was seriously effective that every time he cries, starts to cry or even tries not cry... it tugs on my heart and I start crying along. (This is how much this drama affected me.) I don't want to forget to mention that the supporting characters did make an impact in the over all feel of this drama, without them the drama would have been dull and focused on 2 people who are both lost in their own pitiful world without any support from other people. So yes, the supporting casts were vital in the story line making things more colorful for the main characters.
Initially, prior to watching this drama, I already had an idea where this show was heading towards since I've already seen the movie, however I just wasn't expecting that ending. That final episode sort of gave me ambivalent thoughts about this series. I was thinking if I should be giving it a 7 for the story line because it sort of deviated from the original or should I give it an 8 because at least it made me wrong on my predictions and didn't let me have that bitter sweet after taste I usually have in melodramas. I decided on 8 then, because it left me in lighter mood than I have expected. The music was vaguely familiar too, it feels like I have heard it's music score similarly to the drama "Secret Garden" I'm just not up to researching if the artist and music coordinator are the same. Nonetheless, it was good music and gave me last song syndromes right after every episode.
Over all this drama was a good watch. The main characters were beautiful, the story was twisted-sad, music was at its best and cinematography was breathe taking. I'll be highly recommending this drama for those who are looking for something in the melodrama department.
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It shows how a person can change from a simpleton to someone who is respectable. Though the initial pacing of the movie was slow, Ryuhei Matsuda portrayed his character as Mitsuya Majime very well and made the movie enjoyable. I’m also very happy to see Aoi Miyazaki as a supporting actress in this film along with Joe Odagiri. I didn’t even recognize the guy until I looked up the main actors profiles. Despite being a supporting character, Odagiri had a vital role in the whole film and I liked how he was able to add a happy tone to the whole movie.
As for the story, being in a corporate setting and in a world where money runs, I love the concept that the main characters strive hard despite the fact that they are doing something which needs maximum effort but minimal financial back up and takes a LOT of time… more like at least 15 years to be exact. Adding to it is that the start of the movie setting was in the 90’s wherein computers were still deemed as a simple tool for typing and storing devices. These were the setbacks the characters had to go through, but they were people who were looking for modern words and gave meaning to them.
Overall this movie was enjoyable because of the character development and setting. It has its own humor which catches me off guard most of the time because the movie runs in seriousness.
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The drama had a lovely premise but it went all wishy-washy somewhere in the middle, loop holes popped up here and there into the story line because they tried to make the conflicts seem more complicated and instead it had dead ends or unexplained troubles which were left unresolved. Although this was the things I disliked about this drama, there were the perks of seeing my favorite character end up with the girl he likes. I'm not going to mention who it is because I wouldn't want to spoil it to prospect viewers but for me that is much of a happy ending and a drama with happy endings - works well for me BIG TIME.
As for the actors/characters, Aaron Yan has gone quite a long way and has matured from that role he had from "It Started With A Kiss". There was a really huge difference from his acting way back up to this drama and boy has he turned into a good looking guy! I like how he handled the complicated character of Ting-Yu. The seemingly bi-polar attitude, happy at times then all of a sudden angry and rigid. But when his character comes in contact with CJ which is acted by Jie Kai, Tung-yu's character seems to be more carefree and outspoken. Both actors had this awesome chemistry of being really good friends and they looked really comfortable on acting their characters.
The female leads on the other hand - I felt that they were slightly over shadowed by the male lead character, like for Alice - I know that the story is supposed to revolve more around her but it seems that her character was not written with a stronger conviction of who she really is. She was initially a nice girl, then suddenly a bad girl then gradually into the drama, she became a nice girl again then bad then nice again. It was sort of annoying that the writer didn't stick with a proper character for her. There was no sense of continuity. I know it was an act within an act, but there was not proper flow. It was too irritating to watch. As for Die Fei, there was so much potential in her character but the singing thing was like cropped out of no where. It was annoying how her story had to go in circle with Ting-Yu's, that everything she did was because of Ting-Yu and not basically about herself. She had to find herself because of the help of someone else, it's sort of sad. An awakening of a person's worth should not come from other people but from within. One thing I liked about her though was her voice, I swear it was like watching "Love at the Dolphin Bay" all over again and hearing Angela Zhang sing for the first time. My ears where momentarily in heaven.
I only wished the female's characters had stronger back bones - like the older one named Lisa. I loved her character in so many ways. It was rich and full of story and she had purpose in the first place. The actress gave justice to her role as well.
I have already re-played my favorite scenes with all the cutey stuff and musical stuff, so for me this drama is basically re-watchable. Hopefully, the story line won't be too disappointing - over all this series is not a waste of time because it stirred my heart and made me smile a lot.
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It could have ended nicely when she finally became an empress because it was, after all the ultimate goal. What disappointed me was every 10th-15th episode the plot line changes and the story shifts its focus on something else aside from the previous problem on hand. That was really annoying.
I could have loved both kings - Yuan and Goryo alike but instead I fell in love with Taltal, Governor Bayan's right hand and nephew. Sometimes I day dream that he and Sunyang would actually end up together instead of the power driven-infused kings. Their tandem by the end of the drama was more in place than her link with the kings.
The music was timely, I couldn't ask for a better sound track for it. I have already re-watched several scenes from random episodes just because I liked the cinematography and the kick-ass fight scenes and archery of our heroine.
I would recommend this to watchers who are into saguek and all the palace/warlord/politics conspiracy, but let me warn you that the romance isn't the main focus here, it might even disappoint.
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The story was very typical. Rich boy falls in love with poor girl and vice versa. So what made this interesting to watch? Well honestly it's not the story line because that had me lost in the middle of the series. What actually made me continue on watching was the characters. I was very much interested in the character development of the actors that I couldn't help but finish the drama because of them. Yes the male lead Kim Tan was a mopey teenager with so much daddy issues while our female lead did nothing but cry her eyes out on all the bad things that has ever happened to her. And so I waited for their progress, thinking that maybe something drastic would happen in their lives and their characters would evolve on that awaited change but unfortunately - Heirs failed me big time.
But!!! One thing that this drama did right for me was casting Kim Woo-bin. It was my first time to see him in a drama and I fell in love with the bad boy image of his character that I had a hard time moving on from his role. I had a bad dose of second lead syndrome because of him.
Music wise, there was nothing note worthy but it did add to the onscreen chemistry, so I have nothing against it. I would recommend this drama for the Lee Min Ho and Kim Woo-bin fans out there. But over all... this isn't going to be in my list of must watch drama of 2013.
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Back in 2012 I initially chose this drama due to Inoue Mao just because she's my bias but after watching the first episode, I felt disappointed because I can't seem to appreciate it for what it is-a typical Renzoku drama that depicts human life and the love for animals. I was not able to enjoy the series for two major reasons: It wasn't a Rom- com and I had no Pet , adding to this was the fact that I wasn't really that attached with animals.
Then 2013 came and I happen to be in costudy of a cross breed pit bull/american bull dog. That's when I attempted to watch the drama again and finally changed my opinion about it.
The thing I liked most about this show was the main characters. Oguri Shun as Dr. Totori was kind of awesome. He may have that rotten-eccentric personality, but he is the best vet in the story and on top of that he has so much insight as a person. Inoue Mao's character in here was sort of a dumb novice who was too kind and too emotional. Although her character is like this, I still admired her naivety to people's true intentions and compassion to animals. Then there is Hiroki Narimiya as the charismatic vet who could not perform a surgery even if his life depended on it due to a previous trauma. His character adds color to the two main characters. I thought he was the antagonist in the story but I was wrong. There is a good history between his character and Oguri Shun's.
Music wise it wasn't really that memorable, but it has that slight nostalgia in me whenever I hear the sound track. It sort of reminds me of peaceful moments or happy beginnings.
I may not re-watch this show again but I am definitely recommending it to animal lovers of all sorts.
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I like the fact that this drama had the setting of modern day and sageuk at the same time. It was such a good drama and the story line was very much my cup of tea. I love how it began and I love how it ended. I'm not going to dwell much into the story since I don't want to go spoiling people around... but what I would like to share regarding the drama is that it has a very unlikely ending. You rarely find this kind of ending in a time loop kind of drama. Maybe in a movie, yes... but not much in dramas. They usually end up weird and unsatisfying.
But this drama has deviated from the unsatisfying ending for me.
The characters where solid and the actors/actresses in it were really good in portraying them. The main actress was initially annoying but I did find her cute at some extent. Then there is the main actor from Joseon era who can skip time from present to future. He had this aristocratic aura around him and I find it weird that he was able to fit into the modern day time instead of freaking out. It was so logical of him. I usually ask myself why do I like such men from sageuk compared to the modern day? I think it's the hanbok or something. Heh.
As for the music, it wasn't something that grabbed my interest but it was able to convey the feelings on each characters emotion which was good enough for me. As for re-watch value, I'm not sure I would re-watch it due that the mystery was already over for me but I would definitely recommend it to people who are into time jumping themes and all those lovey-dovey shiznits. I'm sure this drama will hook them up.
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I initially watched this solely for Siwon and no one else. I don't even know who Donghae or Ivy Chen was prior to watching the show. Adding to this... I've also never heard of Skip Beat anime/manga at all! *Ducks in a hole* (No flame throwing from fans please! I'm just being honest here.)
What surprised me though, was how much it worked for me. I guess it's a good thing that I have no idea that this was an adaptation - hence I had nothing to compare it with. Although, I have a bit of hesitation when I learned there was a lot of CG effects where in things were faked - I have a bit of aversion in those things, but it wasn't that bad and the story really hooked me up. The story line was awesome and it hit that funny spot in my heart. Not to forget those heart warming moments with regards to friendship and all those special ties with other people. I'm happy that the focus was not too much on the love story between a man and a woman but about the love for all the people around.
The actors were good in portraying their roles, it wasn't that hard to be absorbed in their "acting within an act" it was really fun to watch. The comedy was really funny as well and Ivy Chen's character as Gong Xi was hilarious. She brought out unexpected fun in the whole duration of the series. As for Siwon... I love watching his facial reactions and his hot choco-abs whenever it's shown but what turned me off was the fact that his voice was off. Since it was dubbed weirdly, they should at least have looked for a voice over who sounds like him. The same goes to Donghae. I do understand that both guys are Korean and they had to do this... but the least they could have done was do it nicely, right?
But anyways... setting this aside, this drama is still one of my favorite ones. Music wise - I got addicted to it and still listen to it up to now. I relieve my favorite scenes whenever I hear the OST. As for re-watching, I have no idea how many times I have re-watched this show anymore since 2011. I was just hooked to watching my favorite scenes again and again.
Over all this drama was fun fun fun. I would recommend it to people who liked the manga and anime. It does not deviate much from the original and yet it also has its very own charm.
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What made this drama appealing is the fact that the premise is a love story between two young children who grew up still in love with each other regardless of the hardships they have gone through. Even though politics brought them apart, their love was still able to surpass all odds. It defied the malicious intents of the people around, prophecy made by shamans & yes... even death.
Man... I don't know what the writer had taken while writing the story plot, but everything the two main lead went through was quite unimaginable specially during the Joseon era. Though there were still quite a few loopholes, they are still forgivable since there is nothing such as a perfect story in drama land.
The characters in this drama were never wasted. Not even the supporting roles. Each of them had vital reasons to be on screen because you never know that this person may be the reason why both main leads were able to survive.
Music wise, it was a memorable one for me. It had this olden & modern type of background tune which makes the scenes more cute, emotional, dangerous, eerie & memorable.
I am definitely recommending this drama no matter what their genre preference is, & I will also rewatch this in the near future when all the new dramas have failed my expectations.
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This review may contain spoilers
Good Doctor The story line of this drama is quite peculiar – the fact that an autistic person could adapt fully and work in a hospital nonetheless is quite impressive because in reality it is unheard of.
The pilot episode had given me the impression that it was going to be a very promising drama, then by the end of the whole series I proved myself right. Although like any drama, Good Doctor has it high and low points along with loop holes. Due to the unbelievable premise, I say the writer was very much imaginative although farfetched for having such a plot. An autistic person basically has a lot of limitation but given the patience and perseverance to the people surrounding the person with a disability, it could be managed. Setting those thoughts aside, I love this drama because of the story and characters. It was like watching the movie Forrest Gump only in a clinical setting.
The main character Park Shi-on (acted by Joo Won) was such a lovable character. During the first few episodes, he may be an annoying autistic man who knows everything but after awhile his character grows on to you even his mannerisms become endearing… or maybe it’s just me because I find him really cute and funny? Anyyyywaaay… not to get side tracked, Cha Yeon-so (acted by Moon Chae-Won) is a woman with a strong personality. She has this tough exterior but deep inside she has a really fluffy heart which has a soft spot for our main lead.
I am not going to elaborate on that or else I might post unwanted spoilers. As for the supporting cast, they are essential in the series because they provide the substantial element of acceptance depending on the character's relationship with Shi-on.
Music wise their is nothing really memorable about it except that it adds to the drama.
Good Doctor may not be in my rewatchable list but it is very much in my recommended one. You don't have to be a medical literate to appreciate this drama because there are notes which would explain the terms & procedures. Over all it is a wonderful drama and it has exceeded my expectations.
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Action packed mixed with romance, drama and politics. Then let's put some cherry on top - the theatrics from the bad guys. This drama had so many interesting elements which made me wish it could actually happen in real life, but then again, this is dramaland and there are so many loopholes in dramaland which you would rather not have in real life.
First off the action:
I love watching Ha Ji Won kicking ass on screen. Whether it is in a movie or a drama I love seeing her as a strong woman who can make men drop on her their knees with their balls shrinking from their behind. There's no difference here, as Kim Hang Ah, a general's daughter she is - strong willed, stubborn, military trained sniper/assassin and yet still smoking with femininity. She is a woman with a high caliber. Literally and figuratively speaking. Then there's our male counter part Lee Seung Ki. This guy is awesome on screen. He's not really good looking but man... he is oozing with charm and sex appeal, I don't know where he gets it. I loved his character as Lee Jae Ha for several reasons - he is a dork, irresponsible and has an easy go lucky personality - which would make you think (what makes that likable?) but then these characteristics makes him normal and realistic in terms of being a rebellious prince - second in the throne. He had so much issues on hand but it gave his character so much room for improvement. If you end up watching this, you'll know what I mean. Setting these two main characters aside, let's not forget the supporting actors and the bad guys.
Another character favorite of mine is Jo Jung Suk as Eun Shi Kyung. He suits the role as a national guard who protects the royalties. He was great in his portrayal and how he stands up to Lee Jae Ha's being a pain in the ass to everyone. But what I liked most was his chemistry with the princess. The spoiled sister Lee Jae Shin acted by Lee Yoon Ji. She was awesome here, although initially her character is the happy spoiled princess she's supposed to be, she actually becomes more than that and becomes a vital character in the drama.
Finally we have Yoon Je Moon as Kim Bong Goo aka John Mayer. (Gaaaad... can't they think of a better name than that? Why name a bad guy after a singer?) Aside from the cheesy namesake, this character was crazy as a bastard. He has a deep grudge against the royalties and has planned out everything up to the very last detail. I like the way he has portrayed his sick character, it was so believable and his being an antagonist works like magic.
Now let's go with the Romance, Drama and Politics:
In every drama there is always the conflict of romance, but in every politics we seldom see romance as a highlight. Here these three elements are mixed together perfectly. Nothing is over shadowed. I wish I could talk more about that without spoiling the drama, but unfortunately it will be a spoiler, so I would rather not dwell in that. Check it out yourself to see how they blended so well.
This drama is re-watchable if you like ass kicking and bickering from our main characters. The sound track was alright, it did match up with the scenes and was appropriate in every episode but it just did not stick into my head. Over all I highly recommend this drama for those who likes the genre I have mentioned on top.
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For a 50 episode drama, there were still a lot of loop holes which got me scratching my head in a WTF manner.
Why can't the script writers make a solid character out of Lee Soon Shin? There was so much potential into the character which was instead wasted into having her in a constant inner turmoil and misunderstanding with her family. She kept on bailing out on her manager, then at work, then at her family. Watching her be like this was quite confusing because she's supposed to be the strong protagonist and this is supposed to be her story but instead her character felt faded. The supporting roles were so much more interesting to me than hers. Then there's also the main lead guy, Shin Joon Ho. I felt the same way for him like Lee Soon Shin, why did the guy have to run around and try fixing things but end up empty handed? He tries, but never really gets to resolve anything. These main characters are sad... their story are being much overshadowed by other elements. I blame the writers for this.
What made this show bearable to watch are the actors. If it hadn't been for IU and Jo Jung Suk as the main roles I wouldn't have the patience to finish this drama but since they are my bias and there were a lot of cute scenes (not just on the main leads but as well on the other characters), that made me rethink of dropping the drama. The supporting roles were quite interesting as well. They have brought balance to the story and made it watchable. The families were such a mess, but the three sister's different characters really brought this drama to life so I guess it is still worth the watch.
I couldn't say that this drama was great, but I would have to admit it was a good watch if you could get past the circling theme with long dragging plot lines full of cliche. It was an average drama, it made me laugh-cry-hate-love the characters but at the end of the day it's not something I would want to brag about or recommend to people. It's more of a drama that would let me pass time until I finish downloading that specific drama I have been pegging to watch.
When watching this drama, be mentally prepared that Lee Soon Shin's character isn't actually the best because the supporting roles were better.
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Reply 1997 was a drama which conveyed a part of my past and that's why it probably hit me right on spot. This drama... I love, for so many reasons.
The story line was very much unique from all the drama's I have watched. It did have a full on Rom-Com taste in it (like all the usual Rom-Com Kdrama), but the funny... the funny never stops in every episode, even though I was already tearfully crying out because of a heart breaking scene or because of a heart warming moment; the comedy never stops. Cliches were still used but I should say the writers have done that in a very creative way. I like the fact that they have used a bunch of odd personalities and put them together in a kind of relationship that would bond them as friends for life, then add their family members into it... TADA! You get a really great story to tell. Since all of these characters are peculiar, even from a deep to shallow background of each person I never got tired of watching each one's side of the story. That's how they make the fun come out.
For the main characters, I couldn't really pick my favorite. Even though we have the "very main" characters within the story, I still couldn't really put them as my favorite. Maybe I would put bias on Yoon Yoon Jae because of his good looks, but other than that I still equally loved every character. I also personally think that their accents were cute, it was real and was not irritating (since they are all from Busan it would eventually seem natural, right?). Then there were the consistencies in their characters which I am so happy for, because not even one actor deviated from their role.
To pinpoint the specific characteristics of each cast, I liked: Shi-won's boisterous attitude, Yoon Jae's undying love and loyalty, Yoo Joong's inconsistencies, Joon Hee's secrets, Hak Chan's annoyingness, Sung Jae's eccentricity, Tae Woong's indifference to money/fame and lastly Shi-won's parents; her dad who bickers a lot and her mom who cooks mountain of food for some apparent reason.
Music wise, it added impact on the drama but it wasn't something that really got into my head for me to remember much.
This drama is re-watchable, very much... but a vital segment in the story makes this unappealing for a re-play and that is the mystery part. That actually perked my interest into finishing the drama in the first place - "the guess who and what happened to whom?" guessing game was one of the important thing in this drama. But once you are over that, this drama would not be as interesting as it was the first time. I re-watch this for the sole reason of feeling giddy over the love triangles and the petty arguments. Those scenes were still awesome even for the second time around.
Over all Reply 1997 made it to my Top 10 best drama's and I would definitely recommend this to everyone. But this drama would most suit those who had lived in the 90's, got addicted in boy bands and lived life with loyal friends.
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Before checking this out, you, the viewer need the proper mindset before committing yourself into watching this drama (unless you are already into this kind of drama). Why? Because this is too far away from being romcom or light. There are witty scenes where you find the "funny" but not so much, because it would be obliterated in a second by the realism of the situation the characters are in. Watching this drama was heart racing, mind boggling and most of all tear jerking if you get to finish this in one go.
It was also frustrating being in the perspective of the king - because a person with so much wealth and power could be so helpless at the same time. *sigh*
My favorite character here was King Sejong - Han Seok Kyu's portrayal of him was so convincing that my heart was moved every time he does or say something. His decisions throughout the drama was really something, because it amounts to the lives that revolve around him, one mistake means the death of someone and one right thing could lead to the abundance of the entire nation. His role was really something and his acting was so deep into the character, I tend to forget that he was only acting about the agony of a king who cherished his people.
Then here comes the King's person: Kang Chae Yoon and So Yi.
These characters were portrayed by high fantastic artists - Jang Hyuk and Shin Se Kyung. Their roles were vital and important for the success of the king's plan and well... the ending was very dreary but there's that sense of fulfillment despite everything they have gone through. All in all their characters made this drama an unforgettable one.
The music isn't that catchy or is something that would stick to your head forever, but it does add to the drama. As for the re-watch value, I would not want to re-watch this lest I want to depress myself or stress myself all over again, but over all this drama is still dear to my heart. I loved this drama and would highly recommend it to those who love watching sageuks involving historical documentations.
Tree With Deep Roots - will move you, haunt you and make you change your outlook about your given language. Because this drama depicts history and the people who sacrificed a lot to make things possible.
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