This review may contain spoilers
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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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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This review may contain spoilers
i was 12 when i first watch this (which is basically 10 years agoㅠㅠ) and i don't remember it was this hilariousI 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.Was this review helpful to you?
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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This review may contain spoilers
****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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Best Group ❤️
The best healing variety show , which shows the importance of farming. Its shown how hard it is, yet its outcome is how much it makes you happy.They were like children who started learning from the start and kept on learning new things about farming.They cutely interact with people ❤️big respect to farmers.It's not an easy job,and proud of them how much hardwork they had done, it just makes me sad that they only had nine episodes.I wish we would get season 2 in future.I just love their bonding❣️Was this review helpful to you?
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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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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To me this drama was really about second chances. When a second chance happens is a miracle, and you have to use it wisely! Because you never know if that chance is your last. That chance can and will change your life forever. And that is what they got, a miracle. A miracle that not only changed their marriage, but what they expected of each other.
With time we lose the sight of what is important. But what is important? What is important is the love we give and receive. The happy memories that we create with the people we love. The happiness and sometimes even the tears. Sometimes we don’t say what we feel or think. We break our relationship with our heart and lose the road that takes us to that happiness that we long so much… That is what Hae Chang and Kang Young forgot why they fall in love to begin with? During their time dealing with Hae Chang’s amnesia, Kang Young found the woman he fall in love with. He found those happy memories and those mementos that took his breath away. Those eyes that only looked at him…and those naughty smirks that were just the beginning of a love story…his own love story. For Hae Chang was a journey to find herself and rediscover the girl she once forgot. She was so lost in “being there” for Kang Young that she loses herself. Kang Young even said once that “she was the one who make him who he is”.
That is why I love this drama so much. I love that they have a second chance, a chance to find themselves, a chance to fall in love again. A chance to start over…No many of us has that opportunity!!
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The Story is Good
The story and characters of this web drama inspired me to read the Manhwa, which is something I've never done before.I liked the actual story, and the characters enough to keep watching this, but this is a no-budget production and it shows.
Don't watch this if you are looking for good production quality. Everything including the actual script is sub-par at best. Acting is a solid OK, though the actresses playing young Ye Mu as well as older Ye Mu are both gorgeous, in a natural and unostentatious way, and they suited their character perfectly. The actors playing the ML and SML fit their roles as well, but they weren't given much to work with appart from the typical handsome stoic male role.
Anyway, I read my first Manhwa because of this web drama, which is something I thought I would never do (I haven't read a comic book since childhood).
Oh! By the way, why not just read the Manhwa if you want to know what happens next? The c drama follows the manhwa well. Here's a link to the Manhwa:
https://mangagg.com/comic/raising-the-enemy-only-brings-trouble-series/
And the episode that picks up the story after the final c drama cliff hanger is: Chapter 25. There you go, you have all the info you need now.
Because of the interesting story, I'm giving it a generous 7.5 severed tongues out of ten.
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This review may contain spoilers
First and foremost I would say that I did watch "Itazura na Kiss" and I didn't like it. Unfortunately, I didn't know that this show was an adaptation because I definitely wouldn't have watched this.This is my opinion so you are not obligated to agree with me.
Xiao Xi- as a high school student being weepy, clingy and immature makes sense but even as adult there is no growth. She cries all the time and doesn't learn from her mistakes. She is a complete submissive. In the end it seemed like she has a little strength but that bubble was busted really quickly when she saw a little bit of tears in his eyes. "Did you forget all of the tears you shed for him on the second leads shoulder?"
Jiang Chen- I do not understand if its bad acting skills or the character is a robot. His expression never changes whether expressing love, anger, despair or happiness. He dominant and manipulative. He thinks very highly of himself and treats everyone -especially the woman he loves- as trash. Basically, I haven't found a single quality that I like about him. In college they were in a relationship but it felt more like only she was in a relationship. At the end when they get back together, he is totally taking advantage. He is the only one benefiting from that relationship and she is the only one comprising in the relationship. He doesn't care about her at all especially not about her happiness. When you love someone their tears hurt you more than it hurts them.
There is almost no character development in any of the main characters. I wouldn't want to promote this culture (the main male leads attitude) for the next generation.
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The love that Natsuo had not only for his brother and sister but also for his sister's boyfriend is portrayed very well here. The absolute love for Yuki was amazing to watch as a slowly grew. The diving sequences were also well filmed. This was my first time seeing Domoto Tsuyoshi. Even though he was new to acting at the time this was filmed, his portrayal of Natsuo will be cemented to your mind. Hirosue Ryoko as Yuki was also a treat as I'd seen her before but again both actors did a hell of a job. Last but not least is the surprise of seeing an extremely young Oguri Shun! Such an accomplished actor he was even back then!
If there is one thing I can tell you, make sure you watch through the credits as the story continues and what ever sadness is left after the end, will be wiped away. This is why I feel Japanese dramas do an excellent job in making you feel better even with a sad ending.
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