ylisse
Philippines
Story: ;) Unusual Start and Intriguing Plot - Unusual because the main lead started as anti-hero, intriguing because as a loyal follower of Japanese, how did Gaksital came to surface? The storyline was well-thought of, filled with nationalistic theme and a specific eye-opener of the dark period in Korean history.
;) Non-stop Cliffhangers- Be advised that it will be BEST to watch this drama in a marathoned mode so you can be relieved of mini-heart attacks. It’s rare to maintain the heightened tension for 28 episodes. Gaksital simply did it, being intense till 28.
;) Action- Scenes Satisfaction Guaranteed- It’s not all about guns and martial arts! Why not use an iron baton to kill off enemies for a change? Gaksital did it with grace!
;) Great Production for a Period Drama- The theme, costumes and the way Japanese colonized Korea were clearly- presented. Let me add a dancing Joo-won as a bonus!
;) Heart-Wrenching Moments by Episode 7- Sad moments at earlier episodes will make you cry; this drama will mark your heart and will make you sympathize with the characters at some point.
;) Bittersweet Childhood Sweetheart Romance- Sounds promising but put in mind that if you watch this for romance, you’ll not like how it will end.
Lastly,
;( Just a Fair Ending – The sole reason why I gave a 9 on the story and it didn’t land as one of my top 5 favorites. Don’t get me wrong, the ending was appropriate for the heroic and patriotic pattern of the plot but I didn’t like it, I didn’t feel a proper closure, that’s all. I felt bad for Joo-won— not as Gaksital but as Lee Kang To , Shunji and Mok Dan, and mostly saddening of all was how did the friendship ended. Death is bad but being left alone is just worse.
Acting/ Cast- This drama picked an excellent ensemble of casts. Joo Won and Park Ki Wong were definite standouts. I loved that Lee Kang To becoming Gaksital was deeply-rooted and his character portrayed by Joo Won was greatly compensated in terms of acting. Park Ki Wong had the same depth of character as Joo Won on an antagonistic counterpart, he’s commendable because from a friend to a foe, the changes in personality was very visible. Jin Se Yun and Han Chae Ah were equally great female leads for me. I had a little crush on Katsuyama.
Music: I loved the Italian song at the end of each episode, it mixed well with cliffhangers. Then there’s a determinant song wherein when you hear it, Alas! Gaksital is finally here to save the day!
Rewatch Value: For the superb scenes, yes, but for the ending, no. Besides, I rarely rewatch dramas.
Overall : A DEFINITE MUST WATCH this year! If you’re an avid action/ thriller fan, this should not be a miss on your list. Gaksital will always be one of those legendary masked heroes a Kdrama fan like me will remember for a long time-- and perhaps it can give you withdrawals too? :)
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Story: Fast-paced., Episode 1 will give what the story is all about so don't you dare miss it! I love how the story builds problems and conflicts but it will be solved in a way that you will be satisfied, surprised and will keep you at the edge of your seat. The revenge theme was there till the end, no loose ends,it's good. This was really action packed- for me, I was not even bored, I want to finish it at one seat-- only if I have all the time..The romance was enveloped in way that it helped develop the main story and the characters as well. I also loved how most of the characters had their own stories to tell, giving more depth on the story. I was satisfied in the ending because there was a feeling that everything perfectly went on their place.
Acting/Cast: For me, I felt their suffering, happiness, love, hate, sadness, revenge, the mother's longing, everything they want to convey, I felt all of them. Lee Min Ho is so good in his role, I love him! His acting was incredibly superb! The chemistry between the couple was evident,though I wish there was more on them after everything was resolved. I love all the supporting cast and how their portrayals all seemed important in the overall story. I want to hate the main antagonist but I can't,I felt pathetic for him. Indeed, no one can really fully understand someone unless the exactly same thing happened to him/her.
Music: The music was created in such a way that it enhances the atmosphere of the episode! So fitting! I found myself humming the songs even after I had finished this.
Rewatch value: I finished this 2 months ago and had an idea of giving it a review after rewatching it 3 times. So far this was the only drama that I rewatched since I was bored recently. Still it gave me the same feeling.
Overall: I guess I said all I want to convey only for you to be convinced to watch this! I absolutely loved this, no doubt it's my all time- favorite :)) Kudos to the authors, directors and City Hunter family.
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Story: It's extremely new. I believe this one was the first to introduce time travelling concept this year, it's original. From the start, I believe the premise that the story was trying to achieve was about destined love and simply said, it was there. The first two episodes was really hilarious; if you had watched other historicals before this one, this one would be really funny. There were episodes that feels that it's dragging the story already but would I recommend that for you to skip? No, some conflicts and unpredictable twists will unfold. The middle latter part had the comeback turn for me bacause the main story is picking up on it's main path. A struggling love of two destined lovers who hadn't given a chance on their past life- it's the concept of the romance for me. The ending? I wished it ended on episode 19! hehe., The ending was good but it could have been better. The ending was an open one., you'll the one to decide how you want it to end.
Acting/ Cast. The four people from the Joseon era were consistent on their acting. For that personalities to travel to the modern era., the show was extremely hilarious. I love how their characterization was made and for me they are not merely supporting roles., I love them. Han Ji Min performed well and the two main antagonist were convincing doing their evil deeds.
Music: The songs were light., not too intense but also fits on the episode being shown., and most of the time it had a fun feeling ( Again, most of the time because of the four rangers?.. haha.. )
Rewatch Value: It's rewachable if you are a lover of a romantic comedy concerning time-travelling concepts and you're a fan of the four guys in this story, I don't rewatch so it's up to you. :)
Overall: This is a drama that you will like if you are a believer of destined love or fate. It left me an impression that no matter what, if you were really fated for each other, your souls will find it's way to be together, if not now, maybe 300 years after? :D
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Story: What I liked about the plot was the strong adherence of romance in the story. The romance was enticing, sweet and pure that I, too fell in love with the couple. The story offers a not-so original premise of time-travelling genre but undeniably there was an interesting twist on it. In my opinion, there's a little comedy on it and it mainly come from the male lead while he was adapting to the modern world, some from the manager of Choi Hee Jin and Kim Boong Do's assistant in the Joseon era, so if you're expecting hilarious scenes here, it's light but barely evident. There was a main plot to follow and because the male lead was smart, the wise tactics he made was quite fascinating and fun to watch. The opposites attract indeed., he's smart, she's not dumb but rather lacked knowledge., (that's according to him, how sweet!),still they come from different eras with different manners and belief that made a great deal on their chemistry. The ending was happy and passionate. Haha.
Acting /Cast: For the chemistry of the couple, hands down, its amazing, one would really thought it was for real ( I'm happy it is, btw). For Ji Hyun Woo, he looked genuine portraying smart scholar In Joseon era and innocent gal in the modern era. As for Yoo in Nah, her acting was good for someone who played main role for the first time. The supporting casts I admit lacks depth on their portrayals except for the King and Yoon Wol, in my opinion. In general, the acting wasn't that perfect, but watchable.
Music: The OST was sweet and pure, a perfect song for the couple's romantic moments.
Rewatch Value: I'm not fond of rewatching, but this is good if you want to rewatch the enchanting moments and great kissing scenes.
Overall: A delightful watch if you want something romantic-- in the very sense of that word; enveloped with a time-travelling twist :)
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