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Elle

Exploring Dramaland

Elle

Exploring Dramaland
Completed
Suspicious Partner
22 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Jul 22, 2017
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
As the new Ji Chang Wook Drama, Suspicious Partner had big shoes to fill. Ever since Healer, fans seem to be waiting for another epic drama that will sweep them off their feet. Suspicious Partner from the get go had all the makings of a great drama: a great cast, a respected producer and an interesting premise.

This drama has such a good start. The chemistry between the leads was perfection. Watching Noh Ji Wook get drawn into always aiding the helpless Eun Bong Hee was so endearing. As this couple is forced to live and work together, their relationship drives the drama forward.

So it shouldn't be surprising that when the relationship between Ji Wook and Bong Hee hit the breaks so does the momentum of the show. During the last third of the show, the noble idiocy runs rampant. As always this is supposed to show depth and character development, but it just kinda falls flat. I just wanted to see my OTP back together again.

The suspense portion of the story could have offered more. Throughout the drama, there is a main murder mystery that weaves its way in and out of the story. Dong Ha does a very good job as the main antagonist. His interaction with Ji Chang Wook is very compelling. It seemed like whenever the tensions were high between these two, viewer ratings saw a spike. This arc is supplemented by short one to two episode vignettes that do little for the overall story. Personally, I think these one off cases, distract from the main story and delude the tightness of the plot. The time taken to spend of these little cases took time away from answering questions about the main story.

This drama's best selling point is its cast. Ji Chang Wook and Nam Ji Hyun do amazing jobs portraying the main leads. In addition, the dynamic of the supporting characters was so entertaining and funny. Noh Ji Wook's firm consisting of Bong Hee, Eun Hyuk, Chief Bang and CEO Byun kept me in stitches. Their regular office banter was a highlight of the show.

Overall, I really enjoyed this drama. I do feel that there is a lot of untapped potential, but the characters are too endearing to pass up. This show is a pretty light and breezy watch. I did enjoy the 30 minute episode framework. It made this show very watchable. If you do hit a bit of snag in the last third, I recommend you stick with it, since the ending is very cute.

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Completed
Man to Man
14 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Jun 11, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
Man to Man had a lot to live up to right out of the gate. Hawking an all star cast led by Park Hae Jin. This drama was going to be part spy drama, part comedy and part romance, all beautifully wrapped with a red bow. Though I don't think it was ever able to live up to its sky high expectations, I do think it was a pretty fun drama.

Man to Man's handling of its comedy was top notch! There were a number of moments that just had me rolling, especially when they were featuring the dynamic between stoic Kim Guard, Cha Do Ha and Yeo Woon Gwang. This trio kept me rolling. The effect that Woon Gwang and Do Ha have on the normally straight faced and unflappable Seol Woo kept me in stitches. I think this drama initially touted an amazing bromance between Seol Woo and Woon Gwang. I personally feel like there was some untapped potential that the drama could have played up a little more.

Overall, I think the drama had some trouble with balancing the suspense and romance. I tended to get a little tired of the political power plays. Nor was I ever all that intrigued with Mo Seung Jae's role as the main antagonist. I felt like the romance between Seol Woo and Do Ha seemed a little unnatural. I loved how they played off each other, but as a romantic couple ... the drama never really got me there.

Even though this drama can come off as a little unbalanced and a bit all over the place, its comedy is its saving grace. I so enjoyed watching Park Hae Jin play in a comedic role. His acting chops and range are on full display in his role as Kim Seol Woo, ghost agent and body guard. To be honest, I wish this drama was touted more for being about friendship and the family you choose. I worry that this drama will be remembered for not being able to live up to its hype, but I think it's a worthwhile drama. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a comedy with a little action on the side or anyone that is looking for some amazing Park Hae Jin eye candy haha!

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Ongoing 13/13
My Secret Romance
3 people found this review helpful
by Elle
May 30, 2017
13 of 13 episodes seen
Ongoing 2
Overall 6.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
My Secret Romance has a fresh setup and premise since the drama starts with a one night stand, but overall this drama is pretty cheesy and cliche. This dramas love for pretty standard Kdrama tropes is probably why is keeps on sneaking into viewers "guilty pleasures" lists. There isn't anything very original about this drama, but man, does it make me super nostalgic for the classic Kdramas of the early 2000s. I feel like this is one last hoorah for the tsundere male lead ... even at its best ... there are some really cringe-worthy moments. This drama has a fairly low production value. From the sound effects, the audio mix, the shooting angles, they all leave something to be desired.

Yes, this drama was pretty painful to watch at times, but I did shamelessly enjoy it in parts hee hee! I probably wouldn't reccomend this drama ...

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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
The K2
1 people found this review helpful
by Elle
May 22, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
In contrast to many of the reviews out here, I found The K2 pretty interesting. Yes, it's a little convoluted and tries too hard, but it was reasonably watchable. It is no masterpiece, but it is still pretty evocative. Sung Yoon Ah's Choi Yoo Jin makes a striking villainess. She is able to portray this truly evil persona all the while bearing her vulnerabilities. Her performance is quite impressive and kept me very intrigued throughout the drama.

I picked this drama up purely for the casting of Ji Chang Wook. His acting will not disappoint. His character, Kim Je Ha is super cool and steamy, and has a fatal flaw as a soldier for hire. I truly think if you are a Ji Chang Wook fan, this is a must-see.

If you are watching this for the romance, I probably wouldn't recommend it. Ji Chang Wook and Im Yoon Ah have some cute scenes together, but the romance seems more like a supplementary after thought.

My interpretation of The K2 is a modern day fairy tale set in the world of politics. It often tries to be overly complicated and political. Everyone is seeking revenge and pushing their own agenda in an amoral political environment. To watch this drama, one has to be very liberal with their willingness to suspend disbelief ... The drama itself is pretty far-fetched ... Everything considered, I'm still glad I watched this drama.

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Completed
Beautiful Gong Shim
2 people found this review helpful
by Elle
May 20, 2017
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
I really wanted to love this drama, since I was trying to catch up on Nam Gung Min dramas. Though it has a cute setup, I don't think this drama was ever able to live up to its potential. I never did grow very fond of the characters and became quickly apoplectic with all the noble idiots.

I really tried to like the title character Gong Shim, but due to her childish personality, her lack of fashion sense and that wig ... it just wasn't cutting it for me. I did find it amusing that the drama is called "Beautiful Gong Shim" yet the main story has nothing to do with her. She could have been a side character with her own side quest, and the drama could be named "Beautiful Dan Tae."

This story is supposed to be about a girl finding herself, leaving to love herself and to teach beauty is what's on the inside. Yet, this drama is mostly about the convoluted story about a kidnapped child and contrived family politics ... ugh!!!!!! I cannot recommend this drama. I am surprised that I was even able to finish it ...

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Completed
Good Manager
1 people found this review helpful
by Elle
May 20, 2017
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
What an extraordinary story?! I don't think there is any drama quite like this one. I love how his drama tackles the reluctant hero arch. Kim Sung Ryong's transformation from small job swindler to hero of the entire TQ group will leave you touched and howling from all the crazy office hijinks.

As someone who normally only watches rom-coms, this comedic business show is certainly outside of my regular preferences. The drama has the most amazing episode endings ... that kept me watching episode after episode, but in the middle of each episode there seems to end a bit of a lull. I was so happy to get to episode 16 and 17, where the bromance really starts to heat up.

The bromance between Nam Gung Min and Lee Jun Ho is of epic proportions. This Love Hate relationship is what keeps most viewers watching. The drama teases it throughout the series, but it really gains momentum from episode 16. I would venture to say that this drama is worth it just for the bromance and the comedy.

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Completed
Cruel City
1 people found this review helpful
by Elle
May 3, 2017
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Cruel City is a masterpiece of a drama. It is a moody, dark and oh so sexy drama the plunges its viewers into the world of crime. From the very first episode the shock value will pull you in and keep you reeling until the very end. While the beautifully choreographed action scenes initially caught my attention, the complex story the drama weaves kept me watching. Jung Kyung Ho's performance as the dangerous and suave Doctor's Son is mesmerizing. This is by far Jung's best performance. His character is enigmatic, intense and at times ruthless. The drama follows Doctor's Son as he navigates his relationships in a city where you can trust no one. While the drama focuses mostly on the crime world, this drama delves into aspects of friendship, trust, loyalty and love. The love story is understated and restrained which suites the tone of the drama quite nicely.

The cast of characters is vast where it is sometimes difficult to keep track of all of them and their ever changing allegiances. This can sometimes make things confusing. I'm curious to how much is remedied by a second run though.

The music and score for Cruel City are remarkable and poignant. The ten track OST is phenomenal. This album flows amazingly well from one track to the next. While Wound, Butterfly and Everyday stand out as beautiful lyrical tracks, the instrumental pieces are surprisingly evocative and striking as individual tracks. My favorites are Memories of the Past, The Man, Undercover and The Night. Undercover reminds me so much of Time from Hans Zimmer's Inception.

Cruel City is an amazing creation where everything: the setting, the cinematography, the vibe, the tone and the score feed into the dark and surprisingly beautiful kill or be killed world. The characters are complex and have truly dynamic story arcs. The story telling is tight and well woven. Though the drama is dark and sometimes jarring, I think the story and cast of characters set it well above the rest. I can certainly understand why it is so highly revered as a beautiful, poetic and tragic story.

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Completed
Healer
6 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Apr 18, 2017
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This drama is phenomenal and pure perfection. The story is timed perfectly and keeps you clinging to your seat. With excellent performances from Ji Chang Wook, Park Min Young and Yoo Ji Tae driving the story forward, this drama is in a class of its own.
The chemistry ... oh man, the chemistry between the lead protagonists is soooooo good. Their love is sweet and nurturing. I particularly liked how Ji Chang Wook depicted the differences between Healer and the shy Bong Soo. It made me very reminiscent of Superman and Clark Kent.
I found this drama very balanced across its genres. It touches on mostly Action and Romance, but there's just enough Comedy to keep it light enough. It has all the good feels, but it is by no means a melodrama. Thank goodness. I cannot recommend this drama enough. In fact, I am ready to watch it again!

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Completed
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon
2 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Apr 18, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Omo, omo, this couple is going to be a fan favorite. Min min and Bong Bong are just too precious. Their love is what drives this drama forward, keeping everyone watching ...
This drama is by no means perfect. There are a few plot holes, and the drama has the tendency to focus too much on secondary characters. Even with these shortcoming, the romance in this drama makes up for it.
This drama is truly fresh and new. Featuring a peanut size King Kong as the lead protagonist. Park Bo Young will steal into your heart. Park Hyung Shik's performance as a snarky chaebol keeps delivering the SASS. His love and obsession with the surprisingly strong protagonist will keep you grinning from ear to ear. What are you waiting for?! Go Watch It!

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Completed
Oh My Ghost
1 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Apr 10, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
I am in LOVE with Park Bo Young!!!!!!! The range that she is able to portray from the shy, quiet Bong Soon to the outgoing and brash ghostess is extraordinary! The female acting strength in this drama is remarkable! Kim Seul Gi's character will steal your heart away! Her energy is infectious and moving. At first, I was kinda skeptical of Je Jung Suk's as the male lead, but his performance and transformation slowly warmed my heart. His chemistry with Park Bo Young is palpable.
Not only are the main characters lovable, the supporting cast add so much to the story. The drama does an excellent job giving all of them enough air time without taking away from the main storyline. In particular the restaurant boys added non-stop laughs to this drama, keeping this drama extra fun and light! "CON-GRA-TU-LA-TIONS!!"
The story has great balance and pace. It precisely weaves romance, comedy, supernatural, and suspense together. This drama is perfection!!!! I highly recommend this drama! Please watch it!

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Completed
I Hear Your Voice
1 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Apr 2, 2017
18 of 18 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
I FINALLY finished this drama!! I Hear Your Voice is a great story and drama. The story is deep and has a great premise where the male protagonist can hear people's thoughts if he looks into their eyes. I hear your voice spends a lot of time exploring the when and if it's always right to tell the truth. The lead couple has amazing chemistry. I am not normally a fan of noona dramas, but this drama is a bit of an exception. Where this drama loses out is its pacing. It may be the legal genre or just the way the story was weaved, but this drama has a leisurely pacing. If you tend to gravitate toward dramas that are fast paced, you may need a little dedication to finish. Hang in there though, this drama is worth it!

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Completed
Kill Me, Heal Me
1 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Apr 2, 2017
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This drama took me by surprise. I really thought the whole premise with dissociative identity disorder would be way to gimmicky for a drama in 2015, but Ji Sung does an amazing job with all the different roles and personalities he played. His acting in this drama really illustrates an amazing range. It's incredible how the viewer can fall in love with all of the protagonists personalities even ones that make limited appearances throughout the drama. Additionally, I loved the relationship between Oh Siblings, Oh Ri Jin and Oh Ri On. Their friendship is infectious and side split-tingly funny. Kill Me, Heal Me has a perfect balance between laugh out loud funny and uncontrollable tears. This story's pacing is FIRE!! If you like dramas that keep you clinging to your seat, you should definitely give this drama a try.

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Completed
Totsuzen Desu ga, Ashita Kekkon Shimasu
1 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Apr 1, 2017
9 of 9 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
A cute drama takes its stab at modern relationships. Though I only read the first few chapters of the original manga, the drama kinda misses the mark with the tone of this story. I wanted someone different to play the lead protagonist ... I felt flumpool's Yamamura Ryuta was a little too cute and green to play Namami Ryu. Also, the drama has a pretty rushed pacing and what loses out is the lead couple's chemistry. Throughout the drama, I kept asking myself why is the female protagonist still getting jerked around by the moody, confidence lacking coward ... That being said ... the last two episodes surprisingly spoke to me. This drama was okay, just okay.

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Completed
Hana Kimi Remake
1 people found this review helpful
by Elle
Mar 25, 2017
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
So the original manga for Hanazakari no Kimitachi e is one of my favorite graphic novels of all time, thus I have some pretty high expectations. It took me five years to get over my bias to even consider watching this remake. Though the original drama has a much more fantastical and comical tone, it starred a moody Oguri Shun and a memorable Ikuta Toma performance that honestly saved the show. The remake stays pretty true to the original work which I can appreciate ... I am not very familiar with the young cast, but they pulled off the high school drama pretty well. I particularly liked how they portrayed Sano's feelings. His growing love for Ashiya is made much more apparent than other Hana Kimi adaptions. This drama attempted to add another dimension by creating a school closing theme that flowed throughout the entire drama. To be honest, it was a little gimmicky to me and was a mild bother and detractor to the main storyline. If you have any interest in the story and have seen the other adaptions, I do think it's worth it to watch.

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