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Elle

Exploring Dramaland

Elle

Exploring Dramaland
Completed
Witch's Court
0 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Nov 30, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
Jung Ryeo Won proved to be the be all end all of this drama in her role of Ma Yi Deum.  Her portrayal of the straight-talking, tenacious and sometimes reckless prosecutor was such a defining role.  Her range and ability to make me laugh out loud as well as cry my eyes out was simply incredible.  In contrast, Yoon Hyun Min did a very good job bringing Yeo Jin Wook to life as the even-tempered, yet easily sympathetic foil to Yi Deum’s character.  Personally, I think the show could have spent more time on Jin Wook’s character arc.  The couple episodes that did capitalize on Jin Wook’s tendency to be overly vested were the best when depicting Yi Deum and Jin Wook’s opposing perspectives.  I loved watching these two butt heads.

Otherwise, the political conspiracy arc is okay, but nothing groundbreaking. The sexual offenders are very static and cliche. I was overall underwhelmed in the main antagonist. Each episode follows a pretty predictable setup week over week.

I want to recommend this because ama Yi Deum is a powerhouse of a character, but the story arc is rather disappointing ...

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Completed
Bad Guys
0 people found this review helpful
by Elle
May 30, 2017
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
Bad Guys tells the story of the suspended detective Oh Goo Tak and his Crazy Dogs, three convicted felons, as they attempt to clean up the streets of Seoul. The world the drama paints is a dank, dark dog-eat-dog world, where you never know who to trust and nothing is what it seems. The drama primarily focuses on four central characters and how their fates have been intertwined.

The actors in Bad Guys do an impeccable job in their roles. Kim Sang Joong's Oh Goo Tak is the stand out in the show. His transformation from loving father to the downtrodden Mad Dog is incredible. Park Hae Jin as the calculating psychopath Lee Jung Moon was career changing. Park Jin Hae's portrayal provided so much depth to the young genius. Ma Dong Seok and Jo Dong Hyuk both do amazing jobs with their performances of Park Woong Cheol and Jung Tae Soo respectively. All four do an astounding job, breathing life into their strained relationship, trying to form a team with members that they distrust from the bottom of their hearts.

Bad Guys is sooooo deliciously gritty ... In the first episode what struck me the most was the close up shots that showcase the pasty faces of the actors full of pores and imperfections. You can see the age and what a hard long life fighting for survival has cost.

Throughout the drama, it continually poses the questions of what constitutes as being human or animal as well as the search for blame versus truth. Bad Guys will attempt to answer those two questions throughout its eleven episodes. The dramas pacing is fast and concise. It feels more like a 12 hour movie than an 11 episode series. I really appreciate that aspect of the story and believe that this drama is masterfully done. I can't recommend this drama enough, especially if you are looking for a story that will keep you hungry for more.

Now with the announcement of Bad Guys: Age of Evil, the real question is why are they planning a spin-off instead of a sequel?! Ahhhhhh?!!! I need more of Oh Goo Tak and Lee Jung Moon! Why?!

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Completed
Kaitou Yamaneko
0 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Mar 11, 2017
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
If you are looking for a quirky, revenge, crime drama, you should seriously consider watching Kaitou Tantei Yamaneko. It's really a special drama. Man, has Kamenashi Kazuya really grown up as an actor ... As Yamaneko, he does an amazing job with both the antihero's more serious and funny bits. I picked up this drama because I've always loved Narimiya Hiroki's roles and his diversity. This drama shows a lot of diversity in its characters and is a good illustration of how skilled these actors are at their craft. As a story line, I think it has a good plot, but for a lot of the series there's too many one offs ... I think it would have helped to build into the larger plot sooner. Episodes 6 and 7 were a little hard to get through, but 8 on ... the plot really ramped up for a big climax ... but then had a bit sluggish ending ... I would certainly recommend this drama is you are a fan of Kamenashi or Narimiya. This drama really is a good depictions of their acting abilities. The acting is phenomenal with an interesting plot. It's FANTASTIC!!

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Completed
Proposal Daisakusen
0 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Feb 28, 2017
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
On the day of his unrequited love's wedding, Yamashita Tomohisa's character finds himself reflecting on the missed connections over their years together. He gets the opportunity to visit those special times and attempt to change fate. Yamashita Tomohisa and Nagasawa Masami have a good chemistry throughout the series. This drama is a touching story about life, friendship and memories.
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Completed
Prison Playbook
1 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Jan 24, 2018
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Prison Playbook is an offbeat slice of life comedy that is masterfully executed.  The drama expertly navigates its audience through its spot on comedy as well as powerfully heartfelt moments.  The drama succeeds in delving into the lives of each of the inmates prisoner by prisoner. I was blown away at how relatable this drama was and the male relationships this drama portrays.  If you are looking for something different with a perfect balance of comedy and heart, give this drama a try.  You won’t regret it!
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Completed
Pinocchio
1 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Feb 25, 2017
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
The beginning of this drama starts off a little slow, but overall the story has a pretty good pace. Park Shin Hye and Lee Jong Suk make such a cute pair. Watching the male lead temper his feelings from early on in the series is really adorable. A lot of energy and focus is dedicated to Lee Jong Suk's rise in his journalism career and proving himself as a true reporter, this ends up making the leads' romance take a backseat for most of the series. That being said, I think this is the first really satisfying ending that I've seen with Park Shin Hye. I would definitely recommend it for any Park Shin Hye and/or Lee Jong Suk fan.

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Completed
Save Me
1 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Dec 18, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 5.5
What can I say about this drama?! This drama blew me away!!  This drama has such a unique and dark tone. It delves deep into what makes up the human psyche and how far people will go when are found in desperate situations. This drama is incredibly compelling. The story is complex and full of twisty goodness.

The character arcs are extremely well written and are backed by a strong cast. I empathized so much with Im Sang Mi throughout her struggles with Guseonwon. As well as the antagonists were so interesting with all of their different motives and power plays. Woo Do Hwan in his role of Seok Dong Cheul was transfixing. He really is everything you want in an underdog. This rookie performance will forever be a stand out for him. The only performance I was completely underwhelmed with was Ok Taec Yeon’s Han Sang Hwan. His character is pretty flat and lack luster.

I strongly recommend watching this drama. If you are looking for something different, a little spooky with good writing and story-telling, pick this ONE! Even if this doesn’t seem like your thing, still try this one on for size! It is quite a ride!!!

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Completed
Doctor Stranger
0 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Mar 1, 2017
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
I am so on the fence about this drama. It had such a strong start with a number of different moving storylines. Yet, I feel like all these story lines kinda trickled out. Even so the majority of the leads did an excellent job. Lee Jong Suk had probably one of the most compelling performances even compared to his roles in W and Pinocchio. His depiction of the lead makes his character very likable and touching in parts. Both Park Hae Jin and Kang So Ra had very notable performances too. I have to say the weakest part of this drama has to be Jin Se Yeon's character. I'm not sure if it's a flaw in the writing or just Jin's acting ability. I think from the beginning of the drama the audience is supposed to question Jin's intentions, but the drama is never able to aptly prove to the audience that they are seeing her genuine feelings ever. So Lee's dedication and love for a character most of the viewership can't trust becomes this drama's fatal flaw. I think this drama missed the mark in the later episodes. I do still think Lee Jong Suk and Park Hae Jin fans should still see this drama, just prepare yourself.

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