What a story line. A MUST WATCH !
Mr. Queen is so special to my heart. I was hesitant to watch it at first. I thought oh another romcom with a body swap. I was bored with romcoms actually. But the Mr. Queen trailer kept following me everywhere on Instagram, So I decided to give it a go. And I'm fully satisfied with the desicion.The first episode was kind of overdone. The visual effects was kinda bad and the comedy was too simple and easy to predict at the first episode.(but please don't underestimate the drama, you'll miss a lot.) I mean you can imagine the comedy in body swap.But it was enjoyable. I don't lie about that. You can laugh out loud. So I thought the comedy would be the main part of the drama.
And actually the OST "Bong Hwan Aaaa" was really good. That OST was ringing inside my head for weeks when the drama started. Other OSTs of the drama are pretty damn good as well. Specially the OST " Here I am ".
As the drama progressed, the genre started to change. I thought the drama would be pure comedy. But it was not. It had so many other aspects to it. That's when the drama showed it's true colours.The drama has so many plot twists as well. So you'll enjoy it more.
I mean the queen's character development is unbelievable. I felt like Queen is completely different when I started rewatching from the beginning. The romance was great. The politics were great. And her cooking skills were even greater. It felt like comedy version of "Dae Jang Guem" at times.
The chemistry between the actors were great. I mean they deserve the recognition.Everyone really pulled it off. I'm so satisfied with their acting. I really wish they win so many awards for the drama.
And the cinematography is so nice. I mean every shot of the drama is so beautiful. So pleasing to the eye. Nice post production. Loved each and every scene. Drama was so beautiful from the beginning to end. Of course you can see the photos from MDL photos section and admire the beauty.
The Korean remake was miles better than the China original version.The ending of the drama is pretty neutral. At the end you'll think a lot about human nature and who we really are. The drama is so worth watching. What ever happens it will be beautiful.
2020 was a good year for kdrama fans. So many good drama were aired. And I rank Mr. Queen in the top 3.
Was this review helpful to you?
1This review may contain spoilers
"Times make the wrong choices, but history does not."
Song of the Bandits was a 1920's historical set on the border of China with a decidedly modern feel. It combined the Joseon independence movement with elements from a Sergio Leone spaghetti Western. Gun slingers and bar fights set to a raucous score led by the talented Kim Nam Gil made for an entertaining drama.Lee Yoon is the freed slave of Lee Kwang Il. Together they joined the Japanese army with Kwang rising in the ranks. Upon receiving a letter with the name and address of a man from Yoon's past he leaves and heads to the border settlements. He is given the gift if not of forgiveness, at least purpose to his life. He puts together a band of talented but misfit bandits. "They wouldn't come here if their brains worked right." An assassin is sent after him and as the days go by and the bandits' missions become more dangerous, the past, a love interest, the assassin, the Japanese, and big badder bandits are all set forth on a collision course that will leave a sea of spurting blood in their wake.
The cinematography and scenery were beautiful. Some of the sets might be familiar to Mr. Sunshine fans and there were also ones that came right out of a wild west town. I enjoyed the variety of music in this drama. The music was engaging, some songs rousing and others more quietly emotional. Spanish guitar was used as well as the whistling from old spaghetti westerns. The fight scenes were creative, blood spurting, and fast-no blurred knives. Much of the action was highly stylized. I particularly liked that the female assassin stayed competent and strong throughout the film with her own code of ethics.
The acting ran the gamut. Kim Nam Gil perfectly fit the conflicted bandit leader. Yoo Jae Myung made for a badass grandpa Legolas with his own checkered past. Lee Ho Jung held her own in scenes with KNG and she made Eon a compelling character. The bandits were archetypes-an axe wielding nimble ex-clown with sticky fingers, a drug addicted sharpshooter, and a mountain of a man. Each actor made their role their own. The relationship between Yoon and his ex-master Kwang felt ill-developed as if the writers couldn't decide if they truly wanted to cut the ties and make them bitter enemies despite Kwang's reprehensible actions. Seo Hyun was the biggest let down. She was unable to bring any depth or interest to her role as Hee Shin, leaving the character as bland as sand. There was no chemistry with Kim Nam Gil which meant when scenes focused on them or the fledgling romance the story ground to a stop.
I enjoyed this drama that for the most part was fast paced and coherent even if it became repetitive and ran out of steam near the end. The ending was abrupt leaving some questions unanswered despite the historical boundaries. That's not to say the drama wasn't entertaining, it was. The chemistry and camaraderie between the bandits and Yoon and Eon were fun and captivating. The scenery was stunning and the music was emotional and enthusiastic. Song of the Bandits brought to life the struggles and fragility of life while being occupied not only in Joseon but in communities on the border. Even though it would take another 25 years to drive the oppressors out, the drama showed how people long to be free and are willing to risk their lives in the face of insurmountable odds to protect their homeland, family, and friends. Whether you are a Kim Nam Gil fan or of historicals in general, this is one to give a try.
9/22/23
Was this review helpful to you?
When I say this drama is crazy it's not an overstatement, Truly undefinable.
As I said above I didn't really expect anything from this drama indeed I did find the beginning a bit slow, the first 10 eps were good but something was missing for me to fully enjoy it, I was still curious about Lu Yuan and Jiang Lai and wanted to continue for them as I loved their interactions and their chemistry and found them so intriguing. Also I was very fascinated by the Ost, the colours and the cinematography : the reason why I continued and we can clearly see it's a high budget drama and they did so much effort which are very noticeable if we pay a close attention to every little detail. And slowly I fell in love with Lu Yuan and I think it's around ep 11 when Lu Yuan ordered a Wellington Steak in a restaurant that I realised I was already under his spell and I then I told myself '' this man has clearly nothing to lose, he is special and he has something that no other male leads have, he is strange, full of tricks, fearless and hilarious'' this instant I knew this drama had an offbeat feel and that it would suit my current mood.
This is a story about a man, Lu Yuan who lost everything in the United States and decides to come back to his motherland with his friend's ashes, he is then his friend's daughter guardian and has the duty to take care of her until she becomes an adult. We will follow each and every of his adventure in China, his reunion with his past friends (mostly his ex girlfriend) and his meeting with one enigmatic and fickle woman, Jiang Lai. It looks simple reading it like that but that's all what transported me for 42 eps.
Undeniably Lu Yuan was the highlight of the show and he was truly the only shining star for me though I loved Jiang Lai and Lau Tai Tai (Da Hai's mother) a lot. Lu Yuan is not a character he is more than that, simply too real and too charismatic to be unreal (in my world), that's how much I love and admire this man, we all need a Lu Yuan in our life to illuminate our days.
Of course I need to mention the gorgeous Jian Shu Ying, who completely stole my heart here with her beautiful smile, her mannerisms, capricious and lovely personality, simply I fell in love with her charisma, I think she has a peculiar beauty but all those traits make her so elegant and lovely. She made a great pair with our main actor Sun HongLei and I love every one of their scene together. Da Hai's mother was the sweetest and loveliest character in the drama, so caring, she's also the only one who made me cry here, some of her scenes are too powerful. Of course I loved the little cutie Xiao Cai who truly loves and admires Lu Yuan for who he is, never judging him and accepting him the way he is, without conditions. They both made me smile so much. I did like the other characters, Jia He could be very adorable and understanding but I didn't like how she always wanted to control Lu Yuan's life, she could easily become irritating at times. Don't have much to say about Jiang Haokun and Gan Jing, they clearly don't inspire me!
There are 42 eps but I can tell you that when I was already at the end I wish there were more waiting for me. ><
Now the Ost, I immediately fell in love with this music, I mean the first thing that attracted me in this drama is the opening so enchanting and beautiful, both musically and visually and it's the best I ever heard/seen. The songs and pieces of music here fitted perfectly with the atmosphere of the drama and were well chosen for certain scenes. I love the ending song "Lu Yuan" so so so much, aww.
I think this drama is definitely not for everyone, though it's very special to me and it means a lot as it brought me so many laughter and enjoyment. I'd recommend it more to people who are looking for mature, delirious, not typical and realistic stories though it has a bit of fantasy* (EDIT: eventhough* it felt weird and inappropriate at times it didn't bother me too much hence I change my 9.5 into a 10).
THIS DRAMA IS TERRIBLY UNDERRATED, hope it eventually gets the attention it deserves.
Last but not least I love this quote : "True love is actually very simple and plain, whenever I sit next to him just by the look in his eyes, the tone in his voice I feel strongly that we could both read each other's minds. Some people might never come across such a feeling." Lu Yuan truly deserves to be loved.
Was this review helpful to you?
There is RAPE – very GRAPHIC. This is not a spoiler, this is a warning. If you cannot stomach that, then don't watch it. I found it as unexpected as I did in A Round Trip to Love – very GRAPHIC and Together With Me.
This is an manga based movie. Of all the mangas, yaoi mangas, they could have picked from to turn into a film they chose this one boggles the mind. I went to read the manga* after this travesty to see if I could rationalize this travesty, however two things seemed to happen:
Questions:
1) did the scriptwriters feel they had to remain faithful to the manga?! 2Moons scriptwriters felt the same to their doom.
2) why choose such a poorly conceptualized story? - was it b/c of the popularity of Nodame Cantabile?
I didn’t have a clue for no.1 b/c really that leaves the characters utterly one dimensional and useless. As for no.2, It covers 2 points. The massive craze over BL that has taken over East Asian girls and international girls and men across the board. fujoshi fandom love. In addition, you get to tap into the Nodame Cantabile craze. Mentally it's a win-win. Problem is everything else.
This is a horribly conceptualized story about obsessive love, control, rape, cognitive dissonance, and abuse. We have an individual who will leave everything in his world behind, everything he has owned and search to the ends of the Earth to find this fig mental "thing" he has deemed his love. Then he will take what he "loves" and FORCE it to "love" him back. DEMAND it. The absurdity of it all is that everyone around the victim seems to believe the victim was blessed to be loved in such a way. The victim sees the absurdity of the situation but then falls prey to this thinking and believes the lie of those around him.
** You don't need to read the manga to understand film. I never read before the film. I just read it to see if I could rationalize something. However, it was a direct copy. It did help me in thinking through some of the ideas a bit. Not much.
Was this review helpful to you?
I binged the whole series and didn't regret it. The acting is great, lots of laughs all the way through, the romance is swoon-worthy (ugh the main guy's devotion to her is unreal ~jealous~), and even the more emotional parts of the drama are well done. No, this is not a masterpiece but definitely worth watching.
Was this review helpful to you?
Where Something in the Rain tried and failed, One Spring Night tries and scores a home run.
He is "flawed", he is a single dad of a son. She's got a boyfriend at the start and are starting to talk about Marriage, but she's not on the same page and frustrated with the relationship. This sets up the tone for a story with lots of factors working against the couple, whether it's the notion that she might be considered to have "cheated" on her boyfriend, or whether others will accept that she wants to get involved with a single dad and all the "baggage" that brings. Parents on both sides bring challenges but they're different, the ML's parents are over protective about things that might bring him the kind of sadness that left him a single dad and the FL's parents are traditional and "difficult".
I was absolutely delighted with the FL's mother in this, you can see her growing and evolving around the changing situation around her and reacting in a really great and supportive way - even if it takes her a bit to get there. The same actress played the absolutely nasty mother in Something in the Rain so this was a redemption from my perspective, as odd as that might sound :)
Initially I was confused about why the FL wasn't being more direct about breaking up with her boyfriend, and I must confess that I'm married to my first love (24 years now) so... i'm totally inexperienced in this kind of thing... but as the story progressed I grew to appreciate that it hadn't been a binary switch-off, it made the time that things properly change that much more valuable when it happened, and also meant that her previous relationship wasn't trivialised and thereby her attitude to relationships in general wasn't.
It did also somewhat talk to one of my other general meanderings - if someone cheats, betrays a partner, and goes to someone else... surely the new partner must always have in the back of their mind - that person has already demonstrated that they have the capacity to change, to betray and to move on, what worked in their favour today could happen again but against them. The ML's insecurities about this surface at an important point and it creates some tension but I thought it was dealt with well.
There are other arcs in this as well, I think that the general arc that follows her and her sisters around and the things happening to them is probably just as important as the main love story.
I struggle to find flaw with this, I was just so happy watching it all the way through, other than towards then end when I realised I was going to run out of show and this amazing couple were no longer going to be in my life, but, i'll probably get over that when I start my next drama :-P
Highly recommended, and as the flow is not really ruined by knowing what happens, it makes it all the more easy to re-watch again if you want 16 episodes of lovely warmth to keep you company on a cold weekend.
Was this review helpful to you?
Am I exaggerating? Sure. However, this drama surely exceeded my expectations! What a refreshing drama! Action, Comedy, Crime, Investigation, Amazing female lead... It's a great package! This drama became something I looked forward to every week.
The acting.. Seol Ok and Wan Seung's chemistry was over the top! It'snot even romantic! I love how they argue, their personalities and roles collide, the (flirty) banter! They're my parents and I love them so much no one can stop me. Supporting characters are amazing! They definitely make the drama colorful and flavorful. I love Seol Ok's smart, witty and brave yet clumsy at the same time.
There are cases that were dragged a little too long... Especially in the first episodes, I honestly didn't mind since I was enjoying everything so much. However, there are certain I wished they went more in depth.
I am seriously expecting a season two. I'm not hoping, I am expecting. Divorce must be done(Ok, I'm hoping this)....Overall, a fun drama! It's stress relieving. If you like comedy and crime or a fun drama in general, give this drama a try!
Was this review helpful to you?
The characters were absolutely like I imagined them to be in the original verse. Yes, some of the scenes only made sense in CQL-verse and not novel as well but they were done so good! The effects were kinda bad at the end, but honestly, I was sobbing so much I didn't notice hhhh
In conclusion: watch this if you want to cry about how the Nie Brothers are truly deserving of the title "Best Siblings in MDZS"
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Realistic Love Story
Now this isn't really an average love story. It's more of a realistic slice of life + love story film. In life, things sometimes just doesn't go the way you want no matter how hard you try.That's the crux of this film. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try your best. This movie is about the 5 years journey of a couple who is deeply in love.
Can their love withstand all the pressures from their own insecurities ? Will they stay together even if their love has started to fade ?
Kasumi and Suda are two of the best actors in Japan at the moment. Therefore, their chemistry are off the charts. I actually watched this movie because of Kasumi and I can say that she's still one of the best actresses around.
Was this review helpful to you?
Story: The script is done perfectly that will definitely make you fall in love with the leads and no room for Second Lead Syndrome. The story typical in the sense of having an innocent main female lead. However, the male lead unlike other shows with rich spoilt characters is a kind and understanding man. Furthermore, there is no angsty plot or evil second leads which made the drama a whole lot more enjoyable.
Acting/Cast: The cast was amazing and Sean and Esther have great chemistry during the show. They managed to show their love without much words and will make you fall hard for this love line. Similarly for the second leads, the actors were amazing. All the casts managed to make you fall hard for them or hate them like crazy which is great!
Music: One flaw of this lakorn is that they used the same music for almost every scene which by the end of the drama, your head will be repeated that particular segment of the song.
Rewatch Value: I think there is definitely rewatch value in this! After watching Korean, Chinese and Taiwan dramas, Leh Ratree made me fall hard for Thai lakorns and after I finished i can't stop replaying the scenes. And I'm sure to rewatch it again soon ;)
Overall: Leh Ratree is a really really sweet and cute drama. Do watch this if you are looking for a fun and light lakorn! I'm sure it will not disappoint :)
Was this review helpful to you?
Her character as Luna was also impressive as the character as Luna was completely different from that of the character as Jeong Tae-ul. the formal being a pick pocket thief with a vast criminal record and the latter being an honest, strong and diligent police officer Wo Doh Hwan also did an excellent job at potraying 2 different characters who were poles apart in personality. One being a stiff and upright bodyguard cum soldier and the other being cheerful and chilled out person. All other actors too did a very good job as most of them played in double roles from the 2 parallel worlds. The screenplay and direction too was applause worthy.
Kim Go-eun, God, I am falling in love with her acting skills. Just saw her Goblin TV series and she was amazing. She didn't disappoint me. Her strong-willed and sarcasm character made me love her even more. The Superb supporting cast Woo Do-Hwan and the enigmatic Villain Lee Jung-jin shines here. You will fall in Love with their characters. Highly recommended must watch!
Was this review helpful to you?
RomCom done right
Simply, it's romantic comedy done right. There are many shows categorised as "RomCom" over the years and very few deserving of this label. "Please Don't Date Him" is one of the few exception as it brings out genuine laughter in every episode while building on the romantic relationship of the characters.The literary device used for the plot was properly used and was not just a literary device later forgotten after setting up the story. When this was revealed, I was expecting this show to turn serious and deviate from being a romcom and turn into a serious drama, but the writer(s) stayed true and kept it in the sidelines yet still an important part of the show.
Song Ha Yoon, who played "Seo Ji Sung" did very well in portraying an A.I. programmer yet still "just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her" (to borrow from "Notting Hill"). I also love how they chose a woman as a programmer in this show debunking the stereotypes [1] programming is for men; and [2] girl programmers does not have a love life.
I recommend this show if you are looking for a series which will make you laugh, fall in love all over again, and appreciate the people around you, even strangers like our brave firefighters. Don't forget to check my review of episode 9: https://mydramalist.com/62539-please-don-t-meet-the-man/episode/9 -- a must-watch episode.
It's sad that they only planned a total of ten (10) episodes, they could have extended it to thirteen or a full series (sixteen episodes).
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
selfless, pure love
I am a sucker for tragic stories and this drama is delivering just that.I first went into this show knowing nothing but something along the lines of a romance between a teacher and a student. This was off-putting, but my sister urged me to give it a chance and I’m glad I did. It has been too long since I have watched a show that has really resonated with me.
The relationship between Ms. Ji and Seongyoo is beautiful. I’m not talking romantically, just in general, what Ms.Ji does for Seongyoo is just so heartwarming. They both see the world the same way and she can see that, she as a teacher wants to help him be more open to the world and what is has to offer. She is the first person Seongyoo truly opens up to, and in this she becomes his first love and honestly, it’s touching to watch. Ms. Ji does not coerce Seongyoo into falling in love with her. Their relationship in the beginning of the drama as a student and a mentor is truly so heartwarming. Ms.Ji helped Seongyoo out of the his darkest place, she helped him rediscover that and in the second half of the drama we begin to see Seongyoo do the same for her, now as a 20 year old man. I am rooting for Seongyoo and Ms.Ji.
The love that Seongyoo has for Ms. Ji is the purest and most beautiful form of love. He is not selfish, he is not in it for himself, he wants the best for her and to protect her. It is completely understandable why he fell in love with her.
Now that I have finished the show I can say that it doesn’t disappoint. The acting done by every character was phenomenal. Everything was done perfectly, all lose ends tie up in the end. The show ends very satisfyingly. This show was just so beautiful, it’s hard to come across a show this good, one that makes you feel something so deeply. It’s just truly beautiful.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Cute, cliche, & cheesy
Likes: Darren Chen looks super cute and did a really great job at making a cheesy script a lot less so. It's a breeze to watch.Dislikes: Do you like xtra cheese in your dramas cuz you're gonna get it in this one. The FL. She was miscast IMO.
Every cliche romcom scenario you can think of will be in this drama with plenty of cheese and corn, and yet...I still finished all episodes. ..and it's because of Darren Chen. I remembered him from Meteor Garden, but wasn't a fan or anything until now. Honestly, this drama had so many lame cringeworthy scenarios that made me either laugh at the stupidity or gag from the cheesiness, but it would have been a lot worse had it not been for DC. He somehow made most of the cheesy lines charming and cute and oh man, those gazes! Tingles. hahahaha. And he was able to create that underlying tension with the FL who in my opinion was as bland as they come.
The main problem I had with this drama was with the FL. She was entirely miscast. It was so obvious that she can't skate and can barely lift a hockey stick, yet we're supposed to believe she's this skilled hockey player that can magically get into a hockey team? I can overlook a lot of things, but when the central theme is about hockey...you need to make sure you cast someone who can sell it. And she doesn't. She also adds nothing to her character. Like no personality whatsoever. I could see any other actress playing this role.
But these two did have some chemistry and there were a lot of scenes with just the two of them so I did enjoy that aspect. Also the side stories weren't that bad either. There were a lot of things that didn't make sense to me, but that may be contributed to the fact the the subs weren't that great. Overall though, it's a light hearted drama that is easy to watch mainly due to DC, but be prepared to overlook the major flaws.
Was this review helpful to you?
This lakorn is very well made....it looks like a kdrama very pretty but has that thai chemistry in it.
The main lead pair -just incredible. Krit and Yada are so freakin awesome together....no real kisses but u dont even need them....these guys build chemistry just being in the same screen space. I love Ken since Sawan Biang and watched many more but this show is like his rebirth...he looks sooo freakin HOTT.... I love the female lead playing Yada too, watched Ngao Hua Jai before this so could really connect with her.
This show has everything and is well paced...so much happens in 14 episodes that u feel like u gotta rewatch it again to absorb it better.
Watch it if u like gr8 chemistry, bad heros, romance and strong women.... no rape in this drama and it still rocks the slap/kiss charts plus the behind the scenes at the end of each epi is so cute:)
Was this review helpful to you?
