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This drama was so refreshing and comforting, a complete year-end surprise. Never two friends became lovers so naturally. Never friendship, family and love were portrayed as adorably well as here. I didn't expect it to be so addictive and beautiful, I'm speechless.
STORY
The story itself seemed very attractive, but after seeing the first ep I felt somewhat disappointed. But thank God I didn't dropped it! From the fourth episode the quality increased a lot, the story took shape and the characters looked better defined. No doubt they took full advantage of this beautiful plot that only took the sport as an excuse to show how two friends fall in love as they struggle to achieve their dreams. No weak characters, no idiots and abusive male leads. I love the way this portrays the youth and its warmth.
ACTING
Applause for everyone! If I was already surprised by the drastic change of character Sung Kyung ventured into when she accepted this role, I was more surprised when I saw Joo Hyuk's adorable performance, which translated into the couple's insuperable chemistry. Seriously, I can never accept that they don't act side by side.
The secondary performances were also more than charming.
OVERALL
I finished this drama full of hope, as if suddenly I had injected a great dose of energy to get ahead. All of it reminds you how beautiful life can be. Give yourself the pleasure of watching this drama! Impossible to repent later. Oh and I almost forgot: SWAAAAAG!
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Relatively normal people learning and stumbling, winning and losing, understanding their own value and especially dreaming a lot, is the best experience this show leaves us.
Story:
It's unusual but energizing to find a drama that focuses on characters struggling for a dream ... or struggling to find it. The only possible result of such a plot is that the characters grow throughout the story. And this is what happens with our precious Fantastic 4. Although they don't advance in a straight line, but with stumbles, as in life itself.
It's incredible how much you identify with the daily adventures of the characters. Some will reach their goals, others will change course.
Acting / Cast:
Both couples had excellent chemistry. Perhaps in the case of Ae Ra and Dong Man the friendship relationship developed better than romance, but I couldn't say that they didn't work well as a duo, in fact it's the first drama where Park Seo Joon has captured my full attention. That aside, frankly the jewel of this drama is Song Ha Yoon as Sul Hee, did anyone else want to hug her with all their strength? Such an excellent performance!
Music:
Wow, how addicting was the OST, especially the songs for comedy moments. They reminded me and my siblings fighting like The three stooges XD
Overall:
Characters that don't give up, strong but not perfect women, burning dreams, genuine friendship. Do I have to say more? On top of all the flaws you think this story may have, it's a valuable drama to watch. Just give it a chance.
Un drama más al año no hace daño!!
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Story:
The story is simply stunning, exceptionally well written, well-constructed characters with very human and powerful conflicts. It's different from other kdramas because, although there is a forbidden romance, what is really striking is how it shows the strength of family ties through many souls who can't find happiness because they are tormented by the past (and here, the past is represented by the piano).
To recapitulate. An incompetent former mobster, who has just found out that he has a son, marries a single mother. A few years later when the woman dies in an accident, the stepchildren hate as much the stepfather as one of them ignores him and the other is given to low life almost like revenge.
Thus in this story no one is willing to forgive: the stepchildren don't forgive the stepfather, the stepfather not forgive himself and the stepfather's son can't forgive himself for loving his stepsister. The only one who seems to be happy is the last daughter, who while filled with light the family, at the same time turns out to be the guilty to make the lovers' romance impossible.
Acting:
Absolutely outstanding performances. If I had never seen this drama, I would never have known that Korea also has its Al Pacino and it's called Jo Jae Hyeon. I take my hat off to his talent. On the other hand, I had never seen any work of Jo In Sung, but surely if you see this drama you will never see him in the same way. Most of the time he is covered with wounds and blood, hating his life and his stepfather. His performance is just extraordinary.
OST:
I started watching this show because I listened "Spring days of my life" by CAN, one of the most memorable songs in Korea. In the videoclip they showed scenes of the drama and so I decided to see it. Apart from this popular song, the OST is really very original.
To end. This drama is full of homesickness and teaches us that we never reach happiness without forgiveness. The stepson never understand the love and good intentions of his clumsy stepfather until he discovers how much he can love a child that is not his. Beautiful reflection and sample of how life turns on a dime. Deep message that leaves you thinking how ironic we are as human beings. Furthermore, most likely you'll end up with a fervent desire to learn to play piano.
1000% recommended!
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At first I thought not see this drama because I hadn't seen anything of the leading actors, and because I had some grudge against Wang Ji Hye after seeing Personal Taste and Hotel King; however, the drama really worth it.
I fell in love with Ji Sung above all things and loved this type of female character, strong and independent, even a little reluctant to fall in love, I think that's just a plus for the drama, because you can see the guy seeks sassy girl's love and not the other way around.
I also ended up loving Wang Ji Hye and realized that a character may end up defining whether you like or do not like an actor, sometimes you forget the difference between fiction and reality XD
Another plus point is that finally the parents were not the most important obstacle to the main characters, but the circumstances. That seemed more entertaining after all.
In addition, all the supporting characters (the adults) were really funny and charming, I really never loved Kim Young Ok more than here, especially in her scenes with director Cha.
Finally, this drama had definitely one of the best bromances I've ever seen .Sometimes Ji Heon and Moo Won really seemed to be the real romantic couple of the drama haha
May you enjoy it as much as I did. Totally recommended!!!!
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STORY:
Of course the premise is as good as controversial: two men who after an hour of film are attracted to a high school student, one more than the other. However, contrary to my expectations, the strongest reason to fight is not the girl but the literary talent of both men. Nevertheless, Eungyo does play an important role, because she is the straw that broke the camel's back (red ink involved, I warn you). And that's very interesting, although a little disconcerting if you expect a film with a strong erotic charge. What this story does have, and is meritorious, is a tour through very realistic and human feelings and doubts.
(Also, brace yourself for some graphic sex scenes)
ACTING:
To be honest, nothing to say "Hats off to you", but I understand why Go Eun received many awards for Best New Actress, I've seen this movie before "Cheese in the trap" (maybe a bad idea) because I wanted to know the actress, and I have to tell you that the girl's talent itself is obvious. Also, Park Hae Il is notable for his portrayal of an old man when he is not old at all.
In conclusion, in my humble opinion, the highlights of this film are the beautiful framings, the morbid-pure relationship between the old man and the student, the obvious talent and beauty of Go Eun, and that the bad things do not happen to whom you imagine (something I enjoyed).
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Seonam Girls High School Investigators
28 people found this review helpful
This review may contain spoilers
First, I'm really excited to write this review because I think this is a drama that many underestimated, including me.I swear on my life that at the end of the second episode I had no doubt that the drama was a mess, too extravagant and I didn't understand any character. However, my younger sister encouraged me to keep watching because, I don't know why, the drama had fascinated her.
Now that I've finished the last chapter I must honestly say I swallowed my words and curses. This drama was absolutely great, lovely and especially smart, while still being funny and eccentric.
There will come a time (approximately in Chapter 5) where you will not be able to stop and it will become the best remedy for a bad day, it will be the last thing you want to watch before going to sleep.
The performances of the young detectives make love the weirdness of each character. The misunderstood Ahn Chae Yool and her adorable brother (seriously, I've become a stalker of this actor) were the characters I loved most. Hye Ri was so sweet that no doubt will soon give much to talk with her next drama.
In fact, there are two characters who, although they influenced the history, I think they were superfluous: The teacher Ha and his unbearable mother, I totally hated their characters because their existence didn't make sense to me.
However, it's gratifying to see that a Korean drama begin to confront sensitive issues such as abortion or homosexuality.
One point that I found unique about this drama is that there was no representative song, just the sweet whistled melody of the intro.
In short, this is a drama that yes or yes you'd want to see again. I hope you give it a chance and do not miss it because you'll beg for a sequel ... like me XD
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Story:
I found the story concise, I don't remember fillers that motivate me to give headbutts to the screen. I don't know how but it has everything that a long drama has, in a very basic format: a good but clumsy girl, a brilliant guy with problems, funny supporting characters (whose ends are not to be alone, happily), and a mother with high expectations . Besides the child actors who are adorable and look great on screen.
Acting:
The plot doesn't demand great histrionic abilities except in Chapter 5 where you can really see the acting potential of kai, he lived up to expectations.
What I don't like:
Perhaps slightly feminist, but here Choco apparently can't succeed without the presence of any of the two male leads, and that frustrates me a little.
Finally, if you are able to spend 90 minutes of your time on something, you could watch this short drama without regrets. The story is adorable and relatively inspiring; plus you'll have the chance to see the handsome Kai on screen for more than an hour. However, if you gain a few pounds because of an endless desire to eat chocolate, don't blame me.
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The story is very well written above all. No free events that appear out of nowhere as it does happen in many of the latest dramas. It's a classic story (the good ones will never happen to be the bad ones or vice versa) but with very interesting dramatic twists and well constructed characters learning important lessons for the final.
It's assumed that the main characters are 4, but from the beginning it seems that the main couple is that of the hotel managers and their complicated love story; however, when Frank and Yun Hee appear the story gets complicated, and that's great XD
I have to confess that I fell totally in love with the "Yoon Ah-Yong-joon" couple , I never had seen them in any other drama and seeing them here made me their number one fan, they are one of the best couples I've ever seen. On the other hand, I must say that during the first three quarters of the drama I didn't like the character of Hye Kyo because she was very arrogant, but in the final episodes, her character was more sensitive and I ended up liking her.
About music, there are two songs that I found great and that's why I qualified music with 9: "For Love" and the lovely "The Day You Come to Me" by Kang Chul. Although the drama hasn't a very diverse soundtrack and usually repeated this last song for all the romantic scenes, the melody and lyrics are as beautiful to me that I don't think that devalues the drama in any way.
In short, I think this is definitely one of the best classic dramas out there and should not be missing on your watchlist, especially because you will be satisfied with the end... although it leaves something to the imagination XD. Highly recommended!!!
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The Foreign Duck, the Native Duck and God in a Coin Locker
16 people found this review helpful
Story:
Full of Bob Dylan music and a deep love for animals, the story shows innocent and noble characters like Shiina and mysterious and extravagant ones like Kawasaki. While dealing with friendship, values, disease, and revenge.
Acting:
Gaku Hamada perfectly portrays that person who only tries to fit in, he is the impressionable provincial. Eita, on the other hand, represents very well the long range of expressions that his character demands.
Overall:
How valuable are the bonds we create? Who is lying? Who says the truth?
Coupled with a sharp criticism of racism by many Japanese towards foreigners living in Japan, this is a valuable and worthy film. Because ultimately, Shiina also feels like a stranger, even though in his own country.
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Story:
The plot is not really innovative. Perhaps the most interesting parts was when Ha Won discovered the truth about her father, Ji Woon dealing with his past of poverty, and the strange accident of Hye Ji’s brother and Hyun Min’s best friend. Sadly, none of these conflicts is exploited as much as they could.
A strength were the childhood scenes, these were very nice and convenient.
Finger up because of the strong female lead Ha Won was, finger down because Hye Ji was a totally dependent character.
Cast:
I have to mention that Jae Hyun's performance captivated me, until the writers ruined his character.
Music:
They hit the target with "For you" by BTOB, I still can't get it out of my head. I couldn't help but compare it with T-max's Paradise, sorry about my obsession.
In short, this is a worth-seeing drama if you don’t expect something very original. That is, I could say that I'm not disappointed at all.
PS: The ending reminded me of Secret Garden, I encourage you to find out why.
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This format is gold!
I have nothing but warm words for a show that I thought would cause me nervous breakdowns one after another. And instead, I think it's the best k-music show I've seen so far.STORY AKA FORMAT
The non-competition-focused format gave rise to a program that created good music, great collabs, teamwork and what you could never expect: a show where prejudices said goodbye.
CAST AND MUSIC
As you can see, the cast is made up of artists with different abilities, who sing or rap, move in different genres, and most importantly: participants with different backgrounds, popularity levels and reputations.
Since each participant had a different style, and the program was not focused on competition, all of them were able to explore as many genres as they wanted without feeling forced to stick to a certain type of song that would ensure them win. Full of different colours and flavours.
HIGHLIGHTS
Let's start with the wonderful case of Sleeq, a rapper known for being part of "radical feminism" in SK and for having criticized entertainment industry many times. No one wanted to team up with her in the beginning but she ended up being the most wanted, known as the queen of adaptability. This case leaves us with memorable moments like Hyoyeon apologizing to her when she realizes that her prejudices didn't let her see further, after Sleeq turns out to be a great partner. Another great moment where Ailee starts dinner telling Sleeq how nice it was to see how different she was from what she expected (she thought she was closed-minded, turns out to be the opposite). And the beautiful friendship between Queen Wasabi and Sleeq, and their collab with a song that talks about "taking off your glasses", those that don't let you see that you can have a great person right next to you.
Now I will list some points that make this show amazing IMHO:
1.- As all of them were part of the same team, and compete against guests in each round, a "team spirit" was created that resulted in the healthiest show created by Mnet.
2.- All the stages were live. Goodbye playback.
3.- Inviting different idols and underground artists to witness the stages created a great support line for the cast and added dynamism and excitement to the show. It also allowed less popular participants to make themselves known to these artists.
4.- Mention another show where breaking down prejudices was the result of the day.
Finally, Good Girl not only helped great artists to make themselves known through the show, but allowed many members of kpop groups to explore themselves individually like they never could before (Yeeun, I'm watching you).
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The beauty of everyday work and the value of the process
Shot on 16mm, "Small, Slow but Steady" has a texture that lends life and nostalgia to the tape, and fills Keiko's long training sequences with meaning.STORY
We dive into the daily actions of Keiko, a recently turned professional boxer who works as a maid in a hotel to pay her bills.
Keiko has already won 2 of her fights, but suddenly she begins to feel exhausted, not only physically but emotionally and mentally, and this added to external events such as her trainer's illness and the closure of the boxing club mean that Keiko cannot bear more. We realize the great weight that our resilient Keiko has carried alone all this time while we see fights without an audience and people afraid to make physical contact in the streets.
In addition, the film makes an important social comment as well, since like all boxing classics it is shocking to see our champion leave the ring after enduring tremendous punches in the face and go to make a rich man's bed in a 5-star hotel, as well as worrying about not being able to afford a new gym far from home, etc.
ACTING AND SOUNDTRACK
Kishii Yukino and Miura Tomokazu have exceptional chemistry that will make you want to break down in tears many times, especially in a beautiful sequence in front of a mirror.
The protagonist has one of the most beautifully expressive faces I have ever seen, and I think that contributes enormously to telling this story where the only soundtrack is the sound of the streets outside, the sound of punches with boxing gloves. and a faint tune hummed by Keiko's brother.
OVERALL
In short, "Small, Slow but Steady" is a must-see film that beautifully portrays the inner journey of a woman isolated (sonically and emotionally) from the rest. And it is also a reflection on the psychological weight of social distancing, the value of hard work carried out every day and the importance of deep respect even for the rival.
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