7 years ago STH was my first journey into dramaland and even now when I hear "Bogoshipda", there's a quick bittersweet tinge of feeling. A must watch! Just select lighter fare after STH.
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NOT a cliché catastrophic love story but in fact a marvellous jewel.
I have never been a fan of “love stories” or any dramas that have been set up in 1970/1980s. I prefer modern or extreme historic dramas but this one is so different then many other that I’ve watched.
Story/Plot:
Youth of May- the name itself signifies the story of the leads. It’s a love story taking place in Gwangju during the 1980s in the midst of the democracy movement. The main love story isn’t directly connected to the movement but plays a big role in the story. The basic plot of the story depicts Hwang Hee Tae, who comes from a well off and well known family but hasn’t lived the best life. On the other hand, we have Kim Myung Hee a kind and selfless nurse who although is very strong, tries her best to not show her weak side. Although many might find the story a little slow paced, I in fact adored how beautifully we could see the chemistry of our leads grow scene after scene. There are many life lessons of this drama that truly did catch my attention in many ways.
While focusing on the leads, I loved how the support cast was had their fair share in the story and none of the support characters were “useless”. All the characters played an important role and made the story what it is.
Acting/Cast: (EXCELLENT AND OUTSTANDING)
Each and every cast member did an outstanding job in portraying their roles. The most notable actors for me were lee do hyun- I’ve seen him in many dramas playing totally different roles in all and he has scored each and every one of em’! He’s definitely one of the most remarkable actors of the generation. Go min si- I’m shook at how versatile she is. From love alarm to sweet home and now THIS- they are all completely different roles and yet she’s portrayed them flawlessly!
Geum Sae Rok- this is my first drama with her and man I’m in love with her skills! It doesn’t look like she’s acting and that’s how real she is. In fact she’s definitely my favourite character!
Choi seung hoon- I’ve followed this little man in a few dramas and man he’s good. He depicts the emotions of his character extremely well! He’s pretty talented!
Characters: (of imp roles)
Hwang Hee Tae: I think it’s safe to say that he was MADLY in love with Myung Hee, which is why he could be considered somewhat selfish. I mean love does make one selfish- which is why his top priority had always been to make sure that Him and Myung Hee were safe and together. I loved how he was EXTREMELY respectful and gentle. Genuinely, he’s not a man anyone world wanna lose. He’s playful yet sad- he’s perfect with all his imperfections!
Myung Hee: I love her. She’s tries her best to live with honesty and her selflessness is very attractive. She’s the kinda person who’ll risk herself to help a stranger. Although she does have a hard life, she’ll never show herself being sad in-front of the people who care for her. She’s an extremely strong woman, which is why I respect her.
Soo Ryun: I started from strongly disliking her to absolutely loving her. In the beginning, she was selfish and not the most honest person- but I get where that came from. As episodes passed, I understood her more and I absolutely loved and adored how she didn’t give a damn about her love life and dedicated herself to her country and citizens. She’s extremely strong and doesn’t need anyone to take care of her, which is why she’s my favourite!
Hwang Gi Nam (Hee Tae’s dad): Annoying, hateful, cunning, merciless, disloyal and if I could- I would love to kill him myself.
Overall: Truly a masterpiece and definitely worth a one time watch. It has it’s own fair share of tears (a river or maybe a sea) and happiness! I recommend this to everyone if your looking to watch a drama that’s of high quality and amazing presence.
Rewatch Value: If your strong enough, then yea go for it! Watch it again! I personally wouldn’t rewatch it except for a few scenes!
Edit: Yayyy! I’ve been analysing and writing this review since episode 1 and now I’m finally here!
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I began the movie thinking I already had the plot figured out. While watching the movie I still thought that this isn't such a great movie maybe. By the end I was choked up and bawling my eyes out. The story takes such an unexpected turn towards the end that you just never see it coming. It was a beautifully woven tale about the love stories of a mother and daughter. In fact, as far as unrequited love stories go, this has got to be my favorite one. Usually at the end of those, I'm cursing the characters for their foolishness but this time, I was awestruck by the sheer power of sentiments and reality when it comes to loving someone you cannot be with. The strongest part of the movie, as well as the best, is the story.
The actors were all truly amazing. Son Ye Jin is one of my favorite actors and she never fails to impress me. She did a great job playing both the roles and brought credibility to the screen. Jo Seung Woo was brilliant from the first scene he appeared in, you just love the guy by the end. Jo In Sung and Lee Ki Woo had smaller roles but were pretty good in their own respect.
I never usually notice the music in a movie because there's not much time, not much focus on it. But the music of this movie was heartbreaking and heartwarming-ly beautiful. The instrumental theme of the movie made me feel bittersweet, like an unrequited love.
I could definitely watch this movie again but maybe in a little while, not in the near future. I'd like to see it again when the effect of this tie wears off and I need to be reminded that yes not all the love stories get their happy ends but life moves on nevertheless.
A must watch movie for everybody. Steer clear if you don't like too of much emotional hooha. But I'd still recommend it anyway because it's just that brilliant!
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Healthy Relationships! Communication! (And... a fetish?)
What started out as a slightly weird and funny show ended up being really touching with an example of what a healthy relationship should be. I was incredibly surprised by how much I actually enjoyed this show, and encourage anyone who's curious about it to give it a chance.Let's start with the characters. Natori is a man who can smell things really well, to the point where it is a little bit of a superpower. It helps him develop his relationship with Yaeshima in both obvious (how they met) and subtle (emotion-sensing) ways. Yaeshima has low-self-esteem, but while that would normally make me not want to watch the show (unfortunately women like this are often portrayed as pushovers or people without personalities), they actually portrayed it well in this show. She's got some trauma from being bullied as a child, and Natori and his fascination with Yaeshima's scent very much helps her feel a lot more comfortable in her own skin.
The side characters were very much just side characters, with none of them being fully fleshed out, but honestly I didn't feel too saddened by this, since by the time I realized this I was already invested in Natori and Yaeshima's relationship.
But honestly, my most favorite thing about this show is the communication! The show always makes sure to resolve the conflict of the episode in the same episode (with the exception of the penultimate episode) and there is rarely any miscommunication that isn't talked out in the very same episode. As a person who watches a lot of dramas, this was like a breath of fresh air. Miscommunication is often used as a trope and/or plot-device to create more drama, and quite frankly it's something I'm very tired of. To have these two flawed characters act like adults and talk about their problems in a healthy way just made my heart sing. Whoever is the screenwriter -- thank you!
If you can get past (or get used to) the sniffing bits, how often the female lead gets shown in a bra, and the unique, almost-metaphorical ways of portraying steamy scenes, you'll be in for a pleasant surprise with this show.
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Disappointed
Very disappointed in the lack of conclusion to Leon/Pob. Can't believe I was rooked into paying $9 to watch this and it was a waste. The Leo/Fiat story was great, as always but the last 20 mins of credits, photos and behind the scenes, not worth it. I was really hoping that Leon and Pob would see each other and have a happy ending. So sad about this. Don't waste your money people. There is a pretty steamy love scene with Leo and Fiat but that is about all, certainly not paying to see, however. Don't waste your time or money people.Was this review helpful to you?
From the opening scene you are drawn into the main protagonist's life and where he comes from. N' Ngern draws you in with the back story and total likability of his portrayal of Mong. The gritty realness of his moving from home and trying to make a new life is just simply portrayed perfectly.
As the story progresses you can't help but love the cast. As relationships develop the realness is felt. The daily struggles, the forged friendships, the problems balancing school and outside life, especially sleep! This is truly University life!
What's interesting is although Mong is the genesis he is not the only focus as the world expands. All the characters are given their fair share of development so you don't really feel boxed-in or linear. Kinda rare in dramas, especially with such a large cast.
The music score is more an upbeat, dreamy, and story-book-telling like. Adds quite an atmosphere to the series!
The directing is simply perfection! Camera angles, capturing faces, always on-point!
You don't feel like a spectator. You don't feel like you're intruding. You don't feel like you're spying. You don't feel like an outsider! You get to know the characters, their ambitions, their wants, their needs, their emotions! It just feels like you are there going through life with them!
All in all a wonderful drama that comes really close to mimicking true life as it could get! Thai television coming of age and really maturing in this genre!
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It was so dramatic the storyline the events were all perfectly done .
- But in case you've read the novel , I heard that they changed the storyline & the ending .
The lead actress Ren Min " Yi Yao" was AMAZING ! everything about her facial expression her gaze really i was so impressed .
Gu Sen Xi was an amazing supporter for Yi Yao , I liked his character .
The whole production the story the acting the cinematography is well done , but if only they made the movie a bit longer like to show the bullying scenes not just flashes of what happened to her and also so we know what happened at the end after all these events .. but still it has a decent ending .
I am really excited for the drama version am not sure if they will follow the novel or not .
Anyway , I highly recommend watching the movie , for me it is the best movie of this year .
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Did I feel I need to wash my eyes? No
Did it jade my view of future performances of the actors in shows designed for the mainstream audience? No
Do I now think less of any of the actors in it? Absolutely not. All actors start somewhere. It's their current works that I define my current rating for their talent.
If you are here to watch more than what you're used to seeing of Woo Do Hwan, you will surely do so. It's worthy of noting this August 2017 disclaimer from Woo Do Hwan's agency, Key East Entertainment, 'Woo Do Hwan filmed the movie during a time when he wasn't known and didn't know how to receive acting opportunities. He only filmed the movie because he was passionate about acting and happened to receive the casting offer.' My thoughts simply are if you want to see a really good work by Woo Do Hwan, spend your time watching works from 2017: 'Save Me' or 'Mad Dog.' He's a rising star and deservedly so.
_________Articles related to this review for MDL admin purposes_____________
http://www.insight.co.kr/news/116638
https://www.koreaboo.com/buzz/fans-discover-rising-rookie-actor-19-film/
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A cute story with a unrealistic female character (and i know this is a fiction)
At first glance, 'Usokon' presents itself as a heartwarming romantic comedy that reunites two childhood friends who lost touch for ten years. Takumi, the male lead, approaches her with an unconventional proposition, to be his fake wife for six months.As the story unfolds, 'Usokon' initially weaves a charming tale of cute and heartwarming moments, where you can witness how this lie gradually transforms into their truth.
However, as the plot progresses, the portrayal of the female lead character, Yae, raises some concerns. She is selfless and sweet but her naivety and unrealistic behavior can be hard to ignore. The central conflict in the story becomes ... bonkers? as it involves a girl who had a brief relationship with Takumi a decade ago suddenly resurfacing and demanding Yae to go away, so she can be with Takumi. And she does!!!! This development feels unrealistic, with the character seemingly disregarding everything Takumi did and said up until that point.
While I initially enjoyed the dorama despite some minor annoyances, the appearance of this new character marked a downturn in the plot. If a conflict was needed to drive the story, it could have been approached in an entirely different and more believable manner.
On a brighter note, I found Takumi, Shindo, and Remi's characters to be quite engaging. I look forward to seeing these actors in future doramas, hoping for a more compelling storyline that does justice to their talents. ♥
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This review may contain spoilers
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this drama and even months after finishing it, I'm not sure where I stand in terms of liking or hating the plot twist. Yes, the message is beautiful and all, and yes, that last episode had me crying, but I can't say whether that's because of the writing or my feelings towards Alzheimer's after experiencing it through my grandmother.And, while the message is important, I would have cared so much more if I knew going into this drama what it was about. Sure there are some people who would choose not to watch it because it is a heavy topic that affects many people in real life. When someone has Alzheimer's, its effects radiate. It affects their family, their friends. It even showed as much in the drama. But the choice of whether or not to watch it should be theirs to make. For some people, dramas are an escape from the hardships of the day. They go into dramas wanting to forget real life and to instead invest in characters that they get to slowly learn and care for. So if they go in wanting an escape, it could be considered cruel to throw away the story they developed over 10 episodes for a topic that hits close to home for many. At the same time, I do understand what they were trying to do and respect that. I'm just not sure I agree with the implementation of it.
If the show was honest from the start, I may have loved it. But it wasn't. It feels like those 10 episodes weren't needed if this was the story they were going to tell. All of those story threads and all of that time invested to get to that point were just thrown away in favour of a slice of life melodrama. The show made me care about the delusion of Joon Ha, and I just didn't care at all for the real him because of it. The fake versions of the main couple were a lot more compelling to watch, and I really did care about them, no matter how absurd the story around them was. It's a kdrama, I'm used to the absurd. But the reality of them just made me numb to it all. When I should have felt the most and been hit the hardest, I didn't feel it. A part of me regrets watching it.
And yet, at the same time, I respect the premise. I think that Alzheimer's should be talked about and discussed more often, especially since early intervention is very important for treatment. But I don't think this story pulled that off as well as it could have. Judging from the polarizing reaction to it, while some appreciated the message, a lot are just upset at wasting their time.
So I'm torn on whether to recommend this or not. I do feel that the surprise is unnecessary, and that going into it understanding what you're going to find at the end is the best approach. You can't be disappointed if you know what's coming, so go into it with an open mind and steel your heart.
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When a sociopath falls in love...
I normally don't like Kdramas, I'll just throw that out there. Most are too melodramatic and Disney level cheesy for my taste. So, there are very few that I can finish, but I couldn't stop watching this one. Maybe I was a cheese in a trap, because I found the male lead, Yoo Jung, one of the most interesting characters I've seen in a Kdrama. He wasn't there as just some good-looking hood ornament that has blinders on for no one else but the fl. No, this male lead had depth and was sinister. There was clearly something wrong with him from the beginning, an inner anger bubbling just beneath the surface, and only the fl, Hong Seol, could see it. How intriguing...If you're like me and usually root for the villian in a movie and find them far more entertaining than the vanilla hero, than "Cheese in the trap" might be for you. It had a psychological aspect that I loved, where the show could have easily been a thriller. It's dark in various places and really explores why we as humans act/react to certain situations and the people around us. I got a kick at the mind games Yoo Jung would play on various characters and the ultimate chaos that would ensue. This dude fought with his cunning mind and not his fists. (Actually, he did get in a physical fight once lol). Now I know you're probably saying, but there are several male leads in dramas that are cold, insufferable douches, so what makes Yoo Jung's character any different? Well, in short, Yoo Jung I strongly believe is a sociopath and it's more or less implied several times in the show. He isn't a misogynist jerk like we've seen time and again in other romance dramas, he's actually quite a gentleman to Hong Seol and treats her well. But lord help you if you try to get between these two love birds. I believe Jung's flawed character worked in Cheese in the trap because he never intentionally tried to hurt Seol while they were dating, and the characters he did try to harm let's be honest had it coming.
I also really liked the female lead in this drama. Hong Seol is not the typical wimpy, weak, dumb fl that is so often found in romance shows. She's smart and hard working. She doesn't need saving, hallelujah for that! How many dramas have I seen now that had cringy soapy situations happen for the sole reason to have a fl need saving by a man. I've even seen several shows where the fl can't seem to walk upright without tripping every 5 seconds. It's tiring! So seeing a capable lead like Seol is refreshing. She commutes for hours on train, she works, she studies, and she can walk in a straight line without crashing into the ml like some kind of cartoon character. Aaahhh..and best of all she's likable and real! Her character did seem to dissapear a bit though toward the middle of this show, but no biggie. I also, had little issue with 2nd ml. He was a good guy but not boring and was given enough screen time for viewers to care about him. He seemed to be a real contender to win over the fl. I also loved his off the rails gold digging sister. She provided a lot of comedic moments and was a pretty good villain in her own right. Even with all the crap she pulled, I still wanted her to have a good ending and I'm glad she did.
Now I love lists, so here I will list the things I normally hate in Kdramas and how "Cheese in the Trap" measures up:
1.) Horrific sound effects used way too often. Usually barn yard animal sounds like a goat etc. Very distracting..
(Cheese in the trap): None. Happily there are no annoying sound effects.
2.)Toilet humor
(Cheese in trap): None
3.)Repeated too often songs from OST that are below average and by the end of 16 episodes make you want to pull your hair out.
(Cheese in the Trap): Great diverse OST. Each song fits scenes well and wasn't repeated too much.
4.) Too much yelling. Most Kdramas I've watched had every character barking/shouting out their lines.
(Cheese in the trap): Some yelling by side characters including elders but not too much to give you a headache.
5.) Love triangle
(Cheese In the trap): Yes, however it didn't bother me for some reason maybe this is due to good writing..
6.) Hiding/over hearing convos a character wasn't supppose to know about.
(Cheese in the Trap): This happens a lot and no one ever notices the person eavesdropping.
7.) Annoying side characters.
(Cheese in the Trap): Most of the characters are likable.
8.)Great start..draggy middle..wtf ending!
(Cheese In the trap): Great start, a bit draggy middle, pretty realistic ending. Many romantics would probably hate the kinda open ended ending this show had, but I didn't. Jung really hurt a lot of people. The man destroyed lives, he couldn't simply walk hand in hand into the sunset with Seol lol. There relationship was far more complicated than that.
Overall 9.5/10.
It cracks me up that this show's been labeled "the worst drama in history" and it's the one Kdrama I really loved. Haha go figure.
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2020 drama underdog that I surprisingly looked forward to
Eternal Love Rain is possibly one of the most uncomplicated, easy to watch, romance drama with basic conflicts and villains for 2020.Most might not like this because it’s a lot like junk food and sweets, but I am some of the few who actually liked and waited eagerly for all the episodes. I like it exactly because the episodes were short, the story was very uncomplicated and it was easy for me to relate and understand.
The actors are not as popular as those in other dramas but for small production like these, I think they did their part. I specially would like to commend the actor for Li Ji because he might be the oldest but he pulled it off being the crown prince. Overall, the main and supporting cast were ok.
On the romance part, it was very PG 13, which for other dramas I would be disappointed, but for Eternal Love Rain I think it actually works because it makes Xiu Rui/Wang Run Ze’s acting more acceptable like he’s really a pure/innocent dragon on his first romance/love. I am also some of the few that are not bothered by Yin yin/Camille Hua’s high pitched voice because I understand that some people do get high pitched when they are excited (like me) and her character is almost always happy/excited. Lol. I just found Wang Run Ze and Camille Hua’s scenes together to be so adorable/precious that I don’t mind the awkward kiss scenes. Lol.
Regarding the conflict and villain, this story has got to have the most uncomplicated villains and conflicts for any period drama. The show did try to humanize the villains (Mo Cheng Feng and the Xiu Ren) and gave them fitting ends. The conflicts are also easily resolved after 1 or 2 episodes.
Anyway give this show a shot if you’re lookingj for something light to watch. Just watch it at 1.5x speed so you won’t get as irritated.
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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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Would recommend this drama!!! Starts really good. The male lead is a person who seeks for precious gems. He gets into. a car accident and accidentally meets the female lead who is a tribe leader. She takes him in and takes care of him. He finds out she has a precious gem and he wants to take it for himself, so he needs to gain the trust of the female lead. The female lead promise to give it to him only if they get married. He basically teaches her about how to use a phone, eat instant noodle, and take selfies. She has a really good memory. Female lead is a naive, innocent, simple minded girl. The male lead is more dark, cold and mysterious ( he wanted to only use her at first.... but then you know ,... they fall in love) He basically drugs them the night of the wedding and he escapes. ( lol thats the background)
The female lead tries to find him in the city, there she meets the second male lead. lol he wants her to be in a live stream with him( thats his job) The male lead is trying to find the cave were there is a lot of precious gem. Also the evil characters in the show want to find it for themselves. In the process the male lead finds an elder who once had connections about finding the cave/ he had a secret box that he kept with him. They keep trying to open that box to see whats the secret behind it all.
I really liked the male lead's relationship with his two childhood friends. One is a computer genius and the other is knowledgable in gems, they all help to try to open the locked box.
Some parts in the middle was kind of draggy/ a little slow, like the plot was developing it pick up closer to the end. ( dont want to spoil too much )
What really sold me was the female lead. She is so cute, gulliable, innocent but at the same time smart, brave and honest, speaks her mind. She is the ray of sunshine that melts/ heals the male lead's scar.She brings positivity and genuineness. The chemistry between them is alright. I felt the female liked the male more lol , therefore some of the kissing scenes to me didn't strike my heartstrings as much as some in other drama, but in the end i felt the feelings ( lol watch for yourselves). I also liked how each character was able to get some romantic character development. The story was well rounded and had a happy ending. So please go watch :)
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