bipolarIsha
Drury Lane
This review may contain spoilers
STORY------ 10/10 I find this story very interesting, I like the fact that the writer actually adapted most of the scenes from the original Japanese manga (MARS by Furumi Soryo, 1996, if you haven't read it yet I recommend that too you'll be amazed at the resemblance) back to the story line one of the scenes that I was pointing it were the opening where Qi Lo and Ling met and a lot more I won't be a spoiler. It's unpredictable in some way, I kind of didn't know how the story will unfold and what is background of each character until it was revealed in the series itself. The topics touched in this series is a very complicated mix, highly dramatic from family problems to even as grave as rape and suicide. Although it still had some of the usual cliches, I'm giving it a 10.
ACTING/CAST ------10/10
This is a turnaround from how I first saw Barbie and Vic (Meteor Garden) she still had the same hair though, I like the timid side of Barbie and the more arrogant yet lost soul Vic was in this drama. I think he also gained weight here, which is better. The other supporting roles were great.
MUSIC -----10/10
I love the soundtrack,very well placed songs, if it's a cute lovey dovey scene you'll feel the lightness of the scene from the song. If it's those scary psycho turnarounds, It's scary alright. Just listen to it and the intro Very STRONG SONG.
REWATCH VALUE ------ 10/10
I'm giving this a high rewatch value, you just get pulled by the drama. The love for the characters and that Ducati man it's just nice to watch over again, even the struggles that they have it gets you back to see it again.
OVERALL ------ 10/10
Overall it's a 10! although it's a bit old considering it was aired 2004, it's still a great all in all. Something highly recommended.
I hope this is helpful enough for you guys :)
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
My curiosity was ignited when I saw Gong Yoo on the cover poster of this movie, not knowing what to expect I dived in and watched it. It started out slow for me, I didn't really get how the title was related to the story at the beginning, I was expecting a different sequence of events (I'm not going to elaborate as it may contain *spoilers, which I don't want you to get mad at me for). As the plot progressed, it was kind of cute because the difference in the characters were brought to play, I was just a bit confused because Gong Yoo was mostly the lead man and the other man?!I mean the one they were looking for (supposedly a love triangle? there a spoiler [watch it so you would understand])
In the end it all cleared up, The story has it's own depth and can appeal to the audience by giving taking on the topic of "FIRST LOVE" giving it just a dash of satire to it mixed with humor, an unusual way of presenting the topic but the ending was quite STRONG, what it lacked in the beginning, compensated in the end. Plus cinematography wasn't that bad also ;)
Was this review helpful to you?
STORY------ 9/10 ?????
This is one Korean show that had a story line based on gender bender genres of mangas and manhwas (as far as I know). I think it is by far one of the most successful or the most successful one to date. The story is basic, if you're familiar with this sort of plot, what I fancied is the attention to detail that they had, for you to take this kind of scratched framework and make it interesting for viewers is really a skill. I loved the way each of the subs-plots unfold with every episode,the sequence of events and how it was presented, the conflicts were showed in a way that you will laugh but at the back of your mind you'll think that it's hard to be in that situation. However the ending was a bit weak for me, I just wished there was a bit more to it. Just a little dash of sparkle will do. But it satisfies the curious mind never the less.
ACTING/CAST------ 10/10 ?????
I was very much satisfied with the cast,this is a role I didn't imagine Yoon Eun Hye (Eun Chan) would actually take, if you remember her form "Goong" she was as feminine as ever then a sudden transformation, she played this part so well I was amazed. This was the first time for me to encounter Gong Yoo (Han Gyul), I was fond of his style in this drama sense of fashion, etc. He embodied the character of Choi Han Gyul, he owned that character like it was made for him (even the writer of this drama agrees. The supporting cast was superb so perfect 10 for this.
MUSIC------9/10 ?????
The musical score was pretty, I still sing the opening theme up to this point whenever I remember it, then again rating all of the show's background songs, instrumentals, you don't recall all, there are these few that you still have to go though your memory palace to remember from what scenes was it used.
REWATCH VALUE ------ 10/10 ?????
Oh you'll rewatch this for sure, It has a very high charisma for rewatch, it's very invigorating, a feel good show. It's the kind of show that you instantly remember when you sit on your couch one lazy afternoon, and there's nothing good on the TV and when you want to activate your inner love bug, just for the fun of it, even during you're bitterly single days. :))
OVERALL ------ 10/10 ????? *Clap Clap
Overall it's very much OUTSTANDING AND IS A TWO THUMBS UP ON RECOMMENDATIONS, Like a summer chick flick :P
P.S
Try looking for a copy that has good subs, I've seen some with crappy subtitles it will ruin your day. The Tagalog audio dub is also good for those who speak in this native tongue, although they modified the dialogue a bit, it made it more funny, I swear. :)
Thanks for reading I hope this is helpful enough for you guys ;)
Was this review helpful to you?
The plot isn't all that new since I've already watched more than 1 show using a gender bender theme, although the beginning was strong the first episode started out good, then I encountered the Main characters of course she's going to end up with guy that usually bullies her but secretly is falling in love with her, unconsciously.
I think that dude looks kind of old compared to the other members of their band. And discoveries were too speedy. It's not a meticulous disguise since at some parts of the first episodes where she started acting like a guy, she didn't wear any support to decrease her bust size, you can tell by looking, and they made her wear fitting shorts and pants which emphasized the the anteroposterior diameter of her hips. Although she had a sort of appeal looking like a bishounen, I do commend her for that.
Another thing I didn't like is that they don't have a Bassist in their band, it's dull not having one, the other is on the lead singer he might do rhythm but he rarely change chords during performances, you mean a single chord for a whole song? (I'm exaggerating am I?) It just feels weird letting him have a guitar and he just, whatever man, respects for the instruments, If he knows how to play it then I blame cinematography,
I just hoped she ended up with the other guy I guess haha! Anyways plus points for this series it has its own quirkiness and perks that appeals to general public. I'm not saying it's lousy, it's decent enough yet not for the viewers that have a more sophisticated taste, but if you're looking for a quick laugh and perky love story this might be one for you. :)
Was this review helpful to you?
STORY 5/10
For those who are not aware BIG is the latest work of the Hong Sisters (other works include My Girl, Sassy Girl Choon Hyang, and My girlfriend is a Gumiho). A lot of web blogger and drama fanatics were highly anticipating this because of the writers behind it , specially those very much interested with romcons.
The anticipation went to an all time low because the plot was, if I may use the term "butchered". This was based somewhat from the movie Big (starring Tom Hanks) but the spin off was lacking and had it's flaws. It started slow, the paced up a bit in the middle then the ending was a flop, it lost big time. The whole flow seemed rather unfair to certain characters. If one is very keen in observation, a lot of conflict will arise because of the flow in story(just look beyond). Anyway it was mediocre.
ACTING/CAST 10/10
For the cast I was really happy and was very much pleased with the line up. I was really looking forward to this drama because of the cast. And because it was the small screen comeback project of Gong Yoo after Coffee Prince. The Chemistry of Lee Min Jung and Gong Yoo is superb, you might as well get them married in real life! Suzy was also funny and somewhat great in depicting everyday high school stalker girls (with a little exaggeration, which works for her). Whatever the drop was in the story made up for the cast and the acting. For me it saved this show. If it wasn't them I would have easily dropped the show and moved on with my life.
MUSIC 8/10
I'm giving the musical score an 8 point mark because it simply fitted. It works well in the funny scenes and also towards dramatic ones. They've also used some of the latest international song being in the radio so people will be aware of the timeline this was made. Cliche but it works for it.
REWATCH VALUE 6/10
I'm giving it a rewatch value of 6 because I know some drama goers might still give it a second glimpse. What? Gong Yoo is there showing off how buffed he is. And he cries so beautifully I tell you, he goes deep. :D
OVERALL
7.5
This would be a better grade. It's being fair considering different factors.
I hope I'm helpful again :p
Was this review helpful to you?
When two childhood friends decided to move in together because of some circumstances they find themselves in journey of discovering new emotions while dealing with their own problems along the way. It shows how regrets, disappointments, accomplishments about love and life are faced on a daily basis. The story has it's own pacing, not too fast neither too slow, it develops in a very realistic manner and time frame.
The characters were well selected, representing different people in the age of 30 or so, chemistry towards the characters were very commendable, the way they represent frustrations and happiness was good. Props and costumes were also realistic and fit to the characters in terms of age and the fashion styles during that year. Even the set design was good enough, the houses and locations selected for shooting had the atmosphere fit for the setting. Background music reminds you of the 90's in some way, the beat and melody of the songs focused on easy listening genre. Tempo was not too upbeat nor too slow.
All in all I think this is an underrated drama, I was moved to think about what will the 30 year old me be like? It was very heart warming in a natural sense. A drama that you will feel cozy with even if the you're not at that age group yet (more so if you are). I rarely like dramas with adult characters but this is a highly recommended one.
I hope you get to appreciate this it was a really nice experience watching it :)
It makes you want to have at least one lifelong friend :)
Was this review helpful to you?
The plot is a unique adaptation of the popular story line of a soul wandering the earth finding ways to comeback to her body. I warn you don't treat this drama as an ordinary romance chic flick. It might contain some cliché parts the writer creatively masked that it remained inconspicuous.
ACTING/CAST-----8/10
It was relatively familiar cast for me, even the supporting actors I've seen from other SBS shows. The acting I was particularly moved by Jung Il Woo's performance, this is the first time I've watch a drama he's included, I thought he's character was easy to play since he's just the punk scheduler but when he started to cry and when his story started to unfold, I just wanted too see more. I was really sad for him, for Yi Kyung and Yi Soo. More that the main characters. I paid more attention to his story in the end.
MUSIC-----8/10
It was a touching mix of songs. It made you cry some more when the scenes were sad and made you feel bad when you should. Sound amplified the feelings.
REWATCH VALUE-----9/10
It has a high rewatch value for me, If you feel like contemplating on your life and just looking back and for self assessment this will really do.
OVERALL-----9/10
I'll give this a 9 overall score because it was so touching at an aspect even if i'm not a sucker for down right teary series. I finished this without me noticing it. Although I want it to end utopian style. Like everybody happy and they get to be with their most important person. I looked it very much with a bright perspective.
"It’s so poignant and beautiful and meaningful…and even though I didn’t get the ending I want, the ending was one of the best orchestrated I’ve ever watched: totally consistent and wonderful in its own bittersweet way"
MUST WATCH!
I hope I'm helpful enough :)
Was this review helpful to you?
I was very skeptical at first because my grandma bought the DVD without consulting me, the first scene that I saw was when Gong Xi was riding her bike. I thought it looked stupid but as the Drama progressed I liked the was she portrayed the character. I haven't read the manga nor watched the anime yet but I think this Taiwanese live action is good. It's rarely that you get bored with the episodes and it was very comical sort of like Japanese anime. My brothers and sister also laughed so hard because of the crazy antics. Although I'm not a fan of Si Won he became very likeable in this Drama, the character makes the viewers like Si Won or for some to like him more. The sound track is very catchy I find myself humming the opening and closing theme songs and trying to sing in Chinese.
There is something that quite confused me, I think the ending is more of a cliff hanger, it's an ending for a Drama that they plan to make a sequel, you still find yourself wanting more, I'm not disappointed, I just want closure or each character :)
Was this review helpful to you?
Now back to Heartstrings, Let's see Plus Points? I liked the set, the location of each scene was nice, I liked the fact that musical instruments were involved, and that they highlighted skill in playing. The cast was likeable, I think they played their parts well enough to satisfy viewers, those who should play instrument knew what they were doing which is a biggie on plus factors. I also liked the fact that all the main characters have their own partners so nobody gets really bummed in the end :D and the best was the OST, I have to say I liked the songs that they played in this drama even the instrumentals, I wasn't disappointed at all in that aspect.
Low Downs? There are handful of low downs as of this story, The story line for me it wasn't all so well made, the beginning was slow but it gets better by episodes 4 or 5 if I remember it right. But the story focused too much on the the production they were doing the centennial celebration, that I think it's too long for a certain undertaking. The story would've already showed other developments if it wasn't for that. And by approaching the end episodes it got too fast and the ending is weak for me, it wasn't the optimum resolution for the characters, I think it was particularly unfair for Lee Sin, watch it for you to understand. I also think Gyu Won abandoning the gayageum was sad, after being an advocate for traditional music. I also didn't like the potrayal of the bulimic girl (she's bulimic, binge eating then, guilt in eating that much so she purges all that she ate, THAT'S BULIMIA ALRIGHT) she needs certain type of intervention for her to get well ,they kind of sent the message that it's superficial thing, which is a no no! It sends misconception to viewers, that's sad :(
All in all I think one will enjoy watching this especially if you're musically inclined and into idols of some sort because it gives a light feeling. It'll still get you hooked at some point :)Especially the development of Lee Sin and Gyu Won's love story. That made me stick until the end haha Because I like their love team so much!
I hope I was helpful enough for you. Thanks!
Was this review helpful to you?
