Reviews

Light, but not lightweight

The story tells the tale of two openly gay Korean friends, Haneul and Bongshik, and what happens over the course of a few months after Haneul breaks up with his partner of 3 years and moves in with his friend. Accordingly, the story does address several issues that most gay men could relate to, the most of which are very common themes, maybe too common, in other gay films. However, the screenwriter managed to keep it refreshing, by including jokes, puns and showing different aspects of the characters' lives. So, while I think some of the themes were already better discussed in other films, what makes this film stand out is how accurately it portrays human lives - sometimes full of conflicts and drama, sometimes light and fun, and sometimes a combination of them all.

The acting is one of the strong points of the film, and in my opinion all actors played their characters perfectly and realistically.

I watched it during a film festival event, but I would watch it again probably as soon as it's released with English subtitles (if only just to screenshot the Chungha reference)

9/10

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This is a great “dramedy” period drama! The romance is cute and, although the romantic scenes could’ve been better, the lead couple had very good chemistry and their relationship evolved naturally. The story is about Goo Hae Ryung’s development as a historian, palace politics, secrets, and great character development all over. The cast did a great job bringing their characters to life and the supporting cast was equally important throughout the drama. This drama offers some action, cute and believable romance, tragedy, and great comedic moments that were strategically place throughout the plot balancing up the heaviness of palace antics and the main characters’ stories. It is really a good drama to watch. Enjoy it!

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I loved every part of this drama except the ending. Ren Jia Lun is one of my top favorite Chinese Actors. The story was indeed exciting and great. Ren Jia Lun, Landy li, Jeremy Tsui did an excellent job playing their characters. All the actors did exceptionally well. I am emotionally broken and here is why...

I've grown weary of the emotional toll that comes with watching Ren Jia Lun in dramas where either he or the leading lady dies. It feels like the producers, writers, and directors often alter the endings to suggest that they might find each other again or to somehow make sense of the loss. Out of the ten dramas I've watched with this incredible actor, this kind of ending seems to be a recurring theme. I truly hope that before my time on this earth is over, he'll have the chance to star in a fantasy drama that ends on a positive note.

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Yay! Another great Sakurai Sho drama. At first I thought since I had not seen the first "The Quiz Show," that I would be left behind. But there is no need to watch the first one. (Though I do believe there are some appearances by the first cast that would make more sense if you saw the first, but it does not affect the story.) Though it may seem like it's the same episode over and over, I feel that as the show went on, it became more interesting. Each character was different but each played an important role in the continuation of the story behind The Quiz Show. Sakurai and Yu did a great job with their acting! They never fail to impress me. And of course, the ending song was sung by Arashi, though I think it didnt really fit the drama til the end of the series. I'm not sure whether I would ever rewatch this, maybe just the last episode. There is no romance, but it would be rather weird if this drama did have it. If you like mystery and suspense, then I would recommend this drama.

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just four flawed women trying to figure out what they want out of life and love

The series is an anthology, which means that it features four different stories about four different women who don't interact throughout the show. (It comprises 8 episodes with 2 episodes for each story.) But this doesn't mean these stories are entirely separated though, because there's one element you can find in all four stories that will confirm that these four women all live in the same timeline and setting. I'm going to talk about each of the four stories one by one, before I talk about it as a whole.

1st story (Eps. 1-2) #23: If I could describe #23's story in one word after watching the others' stories, it would be: VIBRANT. The first two episodes really have a fun, more youthful quality to it, with our heroine being in college and her story starting with her proudly sharing to the audience (that's us) how she managed to place herself in a *secret* "polyamorous" relationship with three men. But she suddenly finds herself in a situation where she's forced to admit to herself the reason why she was doing it and what she was trying to compensate for in exchange. Anyway, this was a fun little story, and while the topic is a little daring (a young woman? dating three men at the same time? without their knowledge?? controversial!!), I think this was the lightest of the four.

2nd story (Eps. 3-4) #29: This was slightly toned down than the first one, with #29 contemplating on running away from her incoming wedding and her awkward fiancé, who she finds she has become too comfortable with. But what really is she running away from? That's what her story of self-discovery is focused on. Our heroine might seem a little fickle, and honestly even I got a little frustrated, but watching her figure it all out was satisfying to watch. I was a little bored in the beginning (I think because I was a little hung up on how much I liked the first story), but by the second half the pace started picking up and got better.

3rd story (Eps. 5-6) #35: The third story takes a dark turn, that it almost felt like it came from a whole different show. (TW: blood, suicide) This was so much more intense than the first two, with #35 going through bouts of insomnia, some PTSD, and occasional panic attacks. She falls in love with a man who she thinks is too good and too kind, not knowing he was carrying a heavy amount of guilt in his heart and dragging some emotional baggage in the form of his wife, whom he is separated from but still legally married to. This was a little hard to watch, but the story was engaging and I honestly can't not pay attention when all that crazy stuff was happening on screen. I found the ending a little too quiet though, especially after the climax crescendoed (I don't think that's a word?) so hard, so the resolution just kinda made me go, "That's it?"

4th story (Eps. 7-8) #42: Seeing as the second half of the series stuck on more mature themes, #42's story is focused on infidelity and trust between a married couple. I liked the questions that were raised here: When is it considered cheating? Is it justifiable to cheat on your spouse if they cheated on you too? Can a couple ever heal from a trust broken between them? Watching an uneventful couple break their routines and lose their cool is uncomfortable for me as a viewer and the way they dealt with things didn't make things easier for either of them. It made me wonder who really was at fault here... Was one person to blame? Or were they both responsible for the cracks in their relationship? It made me, someone in her early-20s, question these things, so I guess I could say that it had quite an impact on me.

As a whole, I think it had solid performances from the four female leads, their love interests were also great as support. I also have to commend Kim Young Ah, who played Ji Sung, the one constant in all four stories. I loved how my perception of her as a viewer changes in every story. It's almost as if we see her character in the eyes of our female leads, making Ji Sung quite the complicated character and arguably the most flawed among those featured on the series.

There's the thing with the cinematography too, with #23's episodes being bright and vibrant, then #29's being slightly more muted, followed by the darker tones of #35's story, and finally, #42's having a gloomier filter. I think this is to signify that each and every person in this world are going through different situations-- we all belong in one show, but we're the main character of our own stories.

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If I have to describe this show in one word that'll be, MASTERPIECE. I have seen nothing like this before though the whole premise is about the undying story of Romeo and Juliet but there is much better told than that! It is a star-crossed lovers that happened in the time when you can't opposed to your parents. What set this apart from the previous set of stories and dramas that were already out there is the whole story-telling. Everything is like a poetry! I love every part of this drama!

In the acting category, I don't have complaints since all of them can deliver and not just a one dimensional character. Though at first, I thought PSH is not suited for the role since he has the very white complexion and pretty face but turn out he carried the drama till the end with effectiveness. MCW is pretty much suited for sageuks costume in my opinion. She is so beautiful and I love her character. How she stood up for what she believes is right and not just becoz she loves the moan more than her life. So everyone else is just perfect!

Music wise, This drama Ost is my favorite. I think what makes this drama really effective and theatrical-like is the Ost! The timing of the music is really perfect. Truly suited for the scene. I love the Ost to bits that I downloaded a drama OST for the 2nd time (being SKKS the first)

For being rewatched. I rewatch this drama more than twice and I can still feel the intensity of the drama. And some of my friends in twitter feels the same way too, They re-watched it atleast twice. For me this drama is the best kdrama not only in 2011 but the whole history of the kdrama!

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i was 12 when i first watch this (which is basically 10 years agoㅠㅠ) and i don't remember it was this hilarious

I love every single second of this movie
but that lakorn sequence have a special place in my heart. i remember the times when dramas were done in that simple kind of format
the chemistry of the leads were really cute. there's a 3rd person, but she doesn't bother for too long

the acting was okay. i don't notice any music except the one FL used in her messages and the ones in outro. however both are good enough.

frankly, this movie doesn't have anything so special. for some people it's just another romcom movie, maybe it's a little bit boring (the length is 2 hours)

However this fits my taste and i love it, despite the plot holes and silly logics.

If you could handle silly logics and want some simple/comedic watch. I'd recommend you this

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The finest level of Korean cinema

No one would have expected another flight action movie that could give 'Emergency Declaration' a run for its money, and yet this one has done the impossible of Korean cinema which surpasses it in both technical aspects and even more so in its storytelling. The script is so well written and the plot design is having pin point accuracy, every single emotion is precisely placed, the political sentiment from both sides were also well resonated. Action sequences are terrifying enough and the final sequence is simply the best thing you could ever have in a Korean movie. The vintage setup is also visually stunning, everyone's acting is also ridiculously immersive, it is seriously a phenomenal Korean production at its finest level of commitment.

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First off, if you like to watch action packed movies full of suspense then don't wait and watch this right now! ^.^

However if you still need a reason or as to why you should watch this movie then keep reading. This movie is truly amazing and will make you fall in love with the main character. Throughout the entire movie he is cool and calm. The music is intense and calm when it needs to be. The story is pretty original. So, in a nutshell lost girl and guy comes saves him, but there is just so much more than that.

Things that I liked:

- The Main character is truly the main attraction. He is an upholder of justice with a cool and calm attitude

- The action combined with the story make you more excited than ever

Things that i hated:

- This movie is for the mature audiences(noted)so, there are scenes where you will feel that humans are truly trash.



Really though, I recommend this movie to anyone that truly wants to watch an action packed movie filled with an amazing main character and suspense filled story. Actually I recommend it to anyone that wants to watch a great movie ^.^

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It just keeps gets better and better

Aren't you already watching this if you claim to be a Namgoong Min fan? Do you even need more of a reason to watch it? Well, if you're indecisive on whether you should start this or not, then this is your sign to give it a try!

Before I go any further, I'd just like to mention, although I might be biased when saying this, but The Veil shouldn't be binged. I think it loses a lot of value this way. I binged 7 episodes in one sitting, and it seemed rather average in terms of its plot. In retrospect, waiting every week for episodes is probably what the makers intended. So yes, I'd recommend watching this at a leisurely pace for the best experience (unless you're dying to know what happens next ^^). AND for those of you wondering if there's any romance... No there isn't, but it's still amazing without any of that, plus there is some chemistry.

Namgoong Min is just astonishing, as always - he is, in my opinion, one of the best Korean actors, I mean the extreme length he went to get jacked up for the role is incredible on its own (hey Alexa play Megan Thee Stallion's BODY ODY ODY ODY). He has officially become an all time favourite actor of mine. Kim Ji Eun! I've only ever seen her play small roles like in Strangers From Hell, so it was refreshing to see her as a main. My biggest question for this drama casting is how what when why is Park Ha Sun considered a main when she featured for probably only 10 minutes in the whole show?!? She's more like a guest role than anything else :( Despite her lack of screen time, she is still amazing, both her and Namgoong Min embodied their characters very well.

Disregarding the fact that the writers keep adding 2 to 4 new characters each episode (that it's a bit hard to keep up with the actual plot), it's well paced, not being too fast to the point of confusion nor is it too slow to the point of getting bored and irritated. The script is well written in terms of how little portions of Han Ji Hyuk's memory are revealed and eventually all explained, leaving room for enough speculation by the viewer, to how the pieces of information build a bigger picture. And yayy plot twists. They leave you a bit annoyed but also keen for the next episode.

I gave it an 8 because it's a genre I love and overall I really enjoyed watching this! If I were to choose my favourite aspect, it'd be the action, I was on the edge of my seat for a lot of it and those scenes as a whole were entertaining to watch.

It's not everyone's cup of tea, but if you like a good mystery action packed drama about NIS, then this is worth checking out!

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****BEWARE ENDING SPOILERS BELOW****
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The drama started off decently. I had a major case of 2nd Male Lead Syndrome after the first few episodes though.
At first it was a really decent storyline with some complicated and interesting characters.
I was really enjoying it & the romance was cute.
Then... things went a bit south.
This show should have ended in 12 episodes TOPS.
The guy who was in debt to the mafia went WAY over board.
The last 6 episodes were filled with stuff that didn't matter and side plots that weighed down the story majorly.
THEN we see the BFF get not only forgiven immediately, but, also get to live VERY well, and even better than the FML who had been through so much. I mean, she at least got to LIVE and have a HEA, right? -_-
And then the ending. Him dying. Not a shocker.
BUUUUT her getting randomly crushed by a rockslide to "reunite" with him????
NOPE. That was out of place and over the top.
Not to mention... wouldn't she be reunited with her original true love and not the guy who happen to have his heart?
MEH.

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Taegukgi, as you know, is the foretelling of the korean war between the North and South. This film goes into a deep understanding between 2 brothers that have lost ties to one another due to war. However this film is very special. Special in that you are literally able to feel the emotions conveyed in this movie(props to the actors for this ^.^) You can see the passionate and tragic stories of not only 2 brothers but the Korean people as they were in the war. This movie will be eye watering for some and painfully sad for many.

Things that i Liked:

- The actors were able to truly convey their feelings towards the viewer/audience exceptionally well.(Especially to me T.T)

- Although the music is sad and painful it really is amazing to listen and fell how well it matches with this film.

Things that I hated:

- Being a war movie don't expect it to be all smiles and kisses. Be prepared! (I know I wasn't T.T)



Overall Taegukgi is truly amazing and it is a must watch for anyone that enjoys watching movies. This film will make you a different person. If not then you will get very emotional T^T

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What makes this drama stand apart from other time-travelling dramas is the way in which the time-travelling aspect is implemented. Whereas, some dramas that feature time-travelling are more concerned with evoking a sense of nostalgia and wanting to return to a simpler time, this drama uses time-travelling as a way to examine the characters. I should mention that this drama is not solely a "plot-based" drama and there isn't an emphasis solely on narrative/story beats. Instead, this is more of a character study with more of a slice-of-life pacing to it. We're watching these characters encounter "timeless/unforgettable moments" during a crucial period in their lives and how the decisions they make/actions they take end up shaping what kind of person they become in life. There's a lot of subtle details/changes that occur within characters and it was nice to see them subtly change throughout the drama. The characters in this drama are certainly flawed with their own issues/hang-ups in regards to love but I found it more fascinating to watch these characters learning and trying to improve themselves rather than watching your typical perfect drama characters.

Another thing I liked about this drama was the little details the writer gave that make the world feel more lived-in. Without spoiling much, there is an early episode where the characters are told a story about a ghost haunting a building. Although, played for laughs, this story later plays a somewhat important part to the main story. It's little details like this and others that eventually add up and have repercussions on the characters and their decisions and actions so you'll get more out of this drama if you pay attention to all the fine details. Beyond the theme of love, this drama also touches on the subject of regrets/second chances, independence/freedom and fate/locus of control.

The main four leads varied from good-great with Summer Meng and Huang Wei Ting being the standouts to me. Summer Meng and Nick Chou should be commended for selling the fact that they were close friends with a shared history together. The glances the two shared as the other pursued other love interests definitely were effective in portraying the love they had for one another. Johnny Yang and Blue Lan were also good in supporting roles that provided some levity during some of the more "serious" moments.

The OST was great with Let Go, My Turn to Love and Could Still Embrace standing out for me. There were some technical/sound mixing issues when songs were used sometimes but that is a minor nitpick.

I would definitely rewatch this drama as many of themes touched upon in this drama are right up my alley and I became invested in watching these characters change and grow. Ultimately, I felt like this drama set out to explore the theme of love, which means showing both the joy you get out of it and also the pain it can also bring. How we learn to endure the pain part of it makes the joy part of it that much better. For my money's worth, the drama succeeded in conveying this while also tackling other themes to great effect. As a result, I believe this is one of the more overlooked dramas of 2017 and feel it deserves your attention and time if you want a drama that has loftier ambitions than simply who the characters will end up with.

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So touching and warm, so real life coded.

Northward surpasses its predecessors, the story remains engaging and never feels repetitive. The slice-of-life interactions between the families are captivating rather than dull. The drama evokes a longing for deep friendships, strong familial love, and a simpler yet meaningful life. It transports viewers from the 90s to early 00s, allowing them to experience the journey alongside the characters.

The drama’s greatest strength is its ability to balance humor and deep emotions seamlessly. Within minutes, it can make viewers laugh and cry without feeling forced. The richness of the characters extends beyond the six friends to their families, adding layers of depth.
The unpredictability of the romance also sets this drama apart.Northward allows relationships to evolve naturally, rewarding those who take chances. The romance is sweet and sincere and not exaggerated or mainly focused but with well-developed chemistry. The show also gives multiple couples, both young and old, the opportunity to find love again.

The emotional rollercoaster of laughter and tears is further amplified by an incredible cast. The six main friends fully embody their characters, showcasing their fears, love, and struggles.

Beyond the younger cast, the parents are just as impactful, balancing humor, vulnerability, and strength in a way that feels truly authentic.

Overall, Northward is a masterful drama that blends nostalgia, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling into an unforgettable experience.

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