Growing Up is Hard, But Companion Makes it Easier
Crossroad Bistro (北辙南辕) narrates the story of five women who opened a restaurant together. With each other companions, they found friendship, love, and learn how to grow up in life. In terms of the production, technical execution, performances, and music, this drama is perfect!!The script of this drama is so well written, you can see just how much the writing team put so much effort and attention into the characters. Every single character in it is written realistically, they are well-dimensioned. The characters are written so well to the point that you can relate to their action, and you unconsciously built a connection to them. I love how the writers make the characters develop and grow. I loved every single character and their personal journey arc.
The delivery of the amazing script is accompanied by stunning cinematography which makes this drama arguably one of the best adult dramas. Crossroad Bistro is directed by Feng Xiaogang, it is his drama comeback after more than a decade of not directing a drama. You can already see in the first episode how spectacular and stunning the cinematography is. Through the cinematography, you can see how high-quality production this drama is. Each shot uses soft filters and a warm and cold colour palette are used accordingly, which gives the audience a pleasant viewing experience. The angles of the scenes are also beautifully taken, each and every shot in the drama are exquisitely taken, it is a feast for the eyes!! Other than the amazing cinematography, this drama also has really beautiful authentic sets. Overall, all the shots really evoke and gives off Beijing ambience.
This drama has a simmering pace, not too slow yet not too fast. It has eventful moments but also slow moments. This drama does not have draggy problems too, the problems encountered are realistic, and the problem solving is done in a timely manner too (they do not drag it). And I also love how the drama does not specifically focus on one or two women in the middle of the drama, they still made the five women the main focus of the drama. All five women in the drama have equal screen time and their own developed storyline.
The casts of Crossroad Bistro are also well-chosen. Each actor and actresses fit in their role so perfectly, as if the characters are written for them. All of the casts' acting is a joy to watch. Even though the five girls are not 24/7 together in the drama, they still showcased really powerful chemistry between them. Everyone in this drama has great chemistry with other casts, not only with their love interest. Moving on, the music of this drama is also beautiful, the music encapsulated the essence of the story - the essence of growing up, love and friendship.
I definitely recommend this one to those who are looking for an adult drama to watch!! If you loved Dear Missy, My Best Friend Story, you will definitely love this too!!
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Let me start off by saying that Mirai Nikki has more than one amazing concept. In fact, it seemed to be a combination of a few of my favorite movies, but I won't tell you which ones because that would be a major spoiler. Anyways, Mirai Nikki is a great show. The concepts alone make sure of that. Unfortunately it's not a masterpiece, which really sucks because it definitely had the potential to be. The story is awesome, however the show itself lacks a certain flow. I'm not sure if this is due to the cinematography, the directing, or the production, but something just felt a little cheap about it. There has been a few other Japanese suspense shows that I've watched that have this same problem. It's a lack of professionalism, or perhaps movie magic that makes you feel like the fantasy movie world is real. It feels like I'm listening to someone trying to play a beautiful song but they're just not hitting all the right keys at all the right times.
That aside, 65% of the way through, the show changed course in a way that made me put most of my criticism on the back burner, and from then on the overall story continued to boost my approval of the show.
The acting wasn't bad, but it could have been better. Gouriki Ayame was so freaking cute as Yuno though. She definitely stole my heart. But I do feel like the acting would have appeared better if the show would have been produced better.
Overall I would say that Mirai Nikki is worth watching, but you're going to have to be a little forgiving while watching it. Maybe in the future I'll watch the anime, or perhaps one day they'll make a remake that will enhance the show and make it the masterpiece that it certainly could be.
Was this review helpful to you?
We always thought that we are alone...But we aren't alone. There is always someone, somewhere that love us. That guide us. That give us strength and comfort.
This movie make me laughed. Make me cry. But above all, make me think of that hugs I didn't give...Those "I'm sorry" I didn't say...Those "I Love You" I hush...
I totally love this movie, and I recommend that you prepare some tissues... Because you will need them!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection
37 people found this review helpful
1This review may contain spoilers
Where it is particularly dark, even a tiny little bit of light appears immensely bright...
I ended my review about the first seasons with the conclusion: "I only recommend "The Escape of the Seven" if the mood is right - one that demands unfathomable beastliness down to the blood. If we get involved in this KDrama, then we will uncompromisingly be catapulted into a world in which a search for the good guys could very well be in vain..."And obviously, things can always get even worse. At the same time, a wink of a conscience is actually making itself known here and there… very quietly, though. Regret and shame become concepts that are though stumbling trying to make themselves be heard. It's evidently not that easy, but maybe, who knows, it might not be impossible…
Still, the Seven can't easily get out of their skin. It´s way too serious what they had done and must be held accountable for. Even if they all go through their own processes and would perhaps like to choose a new path in some way (fortunately, people have the potential for healing and transformation), they can neither run away nor undo what has happened. In addition, they have made a pact with the devil... No matter which devil you get involved with, it rarely goes well...
The second season cleverly manages to build on the first one with fresh dynamics, while still giving the emotional rollercoaster ride a new direction. Sophisticated dramaturgical twists included. It's amazing to notice ourselves suddenly sympathizing with one or the other of the loathsome Seven...
In addition, the KDrama is vividly displaying the frighteningly diabolical (not too distant) future scenarios of our increasingly digitally depending information society, that in the worst case scenario, could become completely helpless in its interconnectedness...
Overall, I think “Escape of the Seven” is even winning with its second season. It offers a special KDrama experience that has it all - for all those who don't shy away from the abysm of the human species. And as is well known, where it is particularly dark, even a tiny little bit of light appears immensely bright...
Was this review helpful to you?
2
1This review may contain spoilers
Giant is an epic about the life&love of 3 siblings during highspeed urban development of Gangam
"Giant" offers a dramatically stirring ride through 4 decades of recent South Korean history - 60 episodes tell a touching, upsetting, emotionally stirring and complex story set in the context of a turbo-fast urban development process in Seoul, south of the Han River: Gangnam.In passing, those episodes tell the story when Seoul and its people had to deal with a phenomenal population explosion: in 1953, 1 million people lived in Seoul. In 1960 it was 2.45 million and in 1970 it was already 6 million. Visions and plans were in demand, as were quick practical solutions and investments. Real estate speculation created a veritable gold rush atmosphere. "Giant" is about these 'gold diggers' in particular. (...and this hype about real estate speculation in Gangnam hasn't stopped until today...)
"Giant" is an epic. It is a monument and a memorial to the efforts and sacrifices of many people. The autocratic (and also often corrupt methods) of urban development become comprehensible if one considers them against the background of their time: the military dictatorship, which was inevitably characterized by the powerful influence of persons with military background in political and social decision-making processes (if you like see side note below). Instead of technical arguments and detailed examination, influence, money, bribery and position often had the say at the crucial interfaces.
If you pay a little more attention to the seemingly irrelevant details, "Giant" provides a crash course in recent South Korean history. (If you don't know or care about it, some things might be rather arbitrary or interchangeable.) In any case, the series has reached the South Koreans. In the course of its success, a further 10 episodes were added to the originally planned 50 episodes. For 40 percent of the viewers, "Giant" ranked first at the end of the 60th episode in 2010.
Ok, admittedly, there are 60 episodes. But when the time is right, you can confidently get involved. "Giant" is worth seeing. The story is told in a colorful way and played fantastically. It is emotionally gripping, touching, exciting. We accompany the protagonists over almost half a century: from their childhood in the 1970s to the year 2010. This means that actors can also show what they are made off by playing the protagonists as young. (Today they are stars of the 2020s: Yeo Jing-goo and Kim Soo-hyun). All in all, without exception, everyone delivered a strong performance. Last but not least, villain number 1, Jeong Bo-seok as Jo Pil-yeon, who holds his role brilliantly from the first to the last episode, is vividly remembered with his ice-cold laugh, which never got stuck in his throat - even in the most adverse headwinds.
The KDrama takes a sophisticated approach in telling the historical events and dynamic processes of the time through the eyes and hearts of three siblings. So, we tightly follow these stirring personal processes on the one hand, and several dubious machinations of the (fictitious) masterminds (who are quite close to the real events - see below) on the other. Against the historical background of those decades, in spectacular loopings the dramatically revolving wheel of fortune is allowed to turn to the fullest again and again, emotionally throwing the audience wildly around. KDrama shows it all.
"Giant" offers numerous stirring twists and upsetting turns in matters of love and rivalry, guilt and atonement, revenge and forgiveness. It won't be boring. All this surrounded by an indeed spectacular Gangnam urban development dynamic - at a dizzying high speed from no man's land to the hip trend district - which was not least favored by the autocratic control.
-------------------- SIDE NOTE: --- Gangnam highspeed development thanks to autocratic urban development during military dictatorship ----
There are details of everyday life during the PARK DICTATORSHIP: the influence of the military in all sorts of social issues, the secret service KCIA, which interfered unrestrainedly in domestic political issues and investigations and even used torture to interrogate people. Positions of power, like mayors, being appointed according to their military background and the level of their allegiances with Park. The backroom networks where the places, where the real decisions were made.
There are details of the subsequent DICTATORSHIP under CHUN DO-HWAN: the curfew during the state of emergency under martial law, for example. The brutally crushed democratic aspirations. The establishment of educational concentrations camps - "Giant" refers to the Samchung Camp in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi, which was set up under the guise of fighting the threat posed by North Korean Communism. In this peculiar concentration camp, at least 60,000, probably even up to 100,000 innocent South Korean citizens were held captive in the former military prison under the most brutal conditions without an arrest warrant. There was talk of 'cleansing'. In fact, it was pure arbitrariness, verging on sadism.
And finally there is TRUE DEMOCRATIZATION of the system after the first free election for a long time - however, sadly, being faced with the same personnel (in autocratic tradition) in decisive ranks.
It has been proven that the military past in many political leadership positions during the Park dictatorship was not accidental but intentional. Among other things, of 6 Seoul mayors of that time (these were appointed, not elected), 3 had a military background. The other three were known for their expressed loyalty to the Park regime. Such people of Park's trust got the chance and used their past, their networks and opportunities as a robust standing, from where they set visionary course for the future of the capital with all means. Otherwise, rarely had the urbanization of Gangnam been as rapid as during those decades.
Gangnam beauty industry, the relevant corporate headquarters of the KPop industry, the suites and penthouses of the richest of the rich in the most exclusive apartment blocks of the country, temples of consumption of numerous luxury brands, hotspots for leisure and culture as well as some of the most prestigious schools contribute to Gangnam's dazzling image today. Gangnam with a population of over 1/2 Million recently is one of the economically most important urban districts of Seoul, in whose towers, which rise ever higher into the city sky, the very large companies of the country have their headquarters. A central transport hub has emerged and even the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has taken political presence here.
It's hard to believe that 60 years ago this district south of the Han River (강 - Gang = river and 남 - Nam = south) stood for flood plains and agriculture - especially cabbage fields and plantations with the Korean Nashi pear. It was an unattractive no man's land, considering you want urban city life.
This had changed in the 1970s after Seoul faced a massive population explosion, the consequences of which the city could not cope with under the given circumstances. Previously, the city's political, economic and cultural heart had been on the north bank of the Han River in Gangbuk - in fact, since the dawn of the Joseon Dynasty. But between 1953 and 1960, in just 7 years, the population had more than doubled, practically 'overnight', from 1 million to 2.45 million. In 1970 it had already reached around 6 million! Nobody had been prepared for this. Chaos was the result. Infrastructure collapsed, slums literally sprouted out of the ground.
That's when the vision of a whole new district south of the river was born. In 1966 it was announced for the first time that the population should be redistributed in the future: 40 percent of the population should live in the northern area, 60 percent in new and densely built Gangnam. A dream in distant clouds, that's how it seemed back then, because there was nothing there at that time.
In the 1970s, the planning took on more concrete forms. Gangnam has been defined as one of Seoul's 3 central urban cores alongside the historical old town and the political center of Yeouido. In order for this to happen, construction of today's Hannam Bridge had already begun in 1966. In 1969 this important connection was completed and the first milestone was reached. Also, the Gyeongbu Expressway was opened in 1970. However, to speed up the development, Gangbuk was deliberately disadvantaged and Gangnam was privileged, for example with tax breaks. An express bus terminal was built, elite schools were relocated and comfortable new apartments were advertised. Stylish urbanity was marketed on one plot, yet rural wasteland was right next to it. The contrasts were enormous.
Yet, residential buildings started to grow at breakneck speed and people began to move to the new southern neighborhoods.
Strictly speaking, Gangnam and the education of an elite school district also marks the beginning of the now enormously profitable private education market and some social excesses, which to this day provide the KDrama market with plenty of material for the most bizarre stories. In addition, speculation in real estate became fashionable and became a new hobby for (more or less) rich wives. Eventually, Gangnam also earned its reputation as an entertainment district, with clubs staying open all night.
The story of Gangnam reads dazzling and spectacular. But the city itself initially had no money for all the investments that were necessary to develop the land. It relied on income from sale of the land set out for recompense from the land readjustment programs. All started slowly, because interested buyers withdrew, disappointed since there was hardly anything really urban in Gangnam in the early 1970s. In order to speed up the processes, a law was passed in 1972 that deliberately relaxed the existing tax regulations relating to property regulations. From then on, profits from real estate speculation were practically tax-free. Trade tax, property tax, etc. were also waived for the next 6 years. This temporary incentive for investors proved extremely successful, but also problematic. This brought speculators onto the scene, who didn't care at all about professional urban development as such.
Thus, remarkable performance comes with sad collateral damage. The catastrophes associated with sloppiness in construction and human fault in the wake of corruption pave the decades just as much as the milestones of urban development. The biggest accidents in this context were, for example, the collapse of the Wawoo residential complex and the Seongsu Bridge. (Others followed at regular intervals. Every decade has its own list...)
Autocratic regulations, the need for speed and the money involved also encouraged flourishing and unchecked corruption regarding insider trading with real estate speculation, building tenders and bidding. Bribery shaped the entire business world. This also promoted a climate in which - if someone was convicted of his illegal activities - he (usually a 'he') was easily released soon later on.
While the giants were able to pocket their gigantic profits without restraint, the population of Gangnam suffered (and still suffers) from housing costs that exceed every measure.
Finally, within this whole developmental process, the lending business has been a crucial and lucrative business since the very beginning until up to date, even if customers and their needs may have changed in the meantime...
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
"Lord, please don't let sorrow overwhelm the lives of those that left behind."
Youth of May depicts the Gwangju Uprising in 1980 through multiple perspectives. From lovers, friends, families, parents, and children to politicians, activists, polices, businessmen, healthcare workers, even people who just wanted to escape and save themselves, and ordinary lives who knew nothing but got killed.Also soldiers, one that usually hasn’t been really looked into. Here, it's shown how miserable they actually feel, some were unknowingly deployed to their hometown, suddenly being forced to shoot even their friends. While others may have moved on albeitly, for soldiers, based on real reports too, they really had it harder than anyone else, experienced trauma, guilt and stayed in the same dark place throughout the years. People often forget they're victims as well.
"The worse pain in life, the life of those who were left behind."
Heetae's character indeed represents the survivors, those who are still searching, grieving for their lost loved ones, which some haven't been found even til now. I love how it emphasizes this. The survivors didn't 'survive' even though they live. Their souls had died during the uprising.
Youth of May really retells the history beautifully. "This wasn't only his story. This was history."
And last, the prayer in the ending narration is really its main message.
"Don't let the sorrow overwhelm the lives of those that left behind."
Youth of May is more than just a drama. It is a prayer.
Was this review helpful to you?
The Quintessential Japanese Drama of 2018
What makes Japanese drama different from its neighbors is how diverse its genre. From mystery thrillers, romance live actions, tearjerkers, weird WTF comedy to Job oriented ones. But my favorite is without a doubt the thought provoking genre. This genre is their forte in my opinion, those meaningful dialogues is always fascinating and this drama not an exemption, it has many dialogues that will make you think and it will teach you different philosophy in life.Japan is the land of symbols, if you've been watching anime for a long time you probably see this already, they are so good using symbolism as part of the narrative, to me it not just makes the show looks good but it elevates the story. Their method of using symbolism is more prevalent in Jdramas and Japanese Movies, that's why I always tell my anime friends if you want to learn more about Japanese culture don't watch anime but watch Japanese Movies instead.
Aesop's tortoise and hare is one of those fables that are known around the world. In the story the tortoise keeps going on no matter what happen, it teaches us hard work, perseverance and going the extra mile, the hare on other hand has this cocky attitude believing he will win against the tortoise even he sleeps during the race, but his carelessness made him lose in the end. Bokura wa Kiseki de Dekite Iru gives this fable different yet very fascinating interpretation. According to the drama the tortoise doesn't work hard and it doesn't even care about winning or losing, he just enjoys whatever in front of him. The way the tortoise see the world is very different from the hare, the hare doesn't even exist in his perspective. Meanwhile the hare always check on the tortoise and he always looks down on him, the tortoise is huge part of his world. This philosophy of "Not Caring What Others Think" is basically the central theme of this story, which is also very much applicable in today's world of social media where everyone always cares what other people will think and everyone always look at other people's life and compare it to them. BE A TORTOISE AND STOP BEING A HARE.
This is such a cozy and laidback drama, I would compare it to Wood Job, Little Forrest and Bread and The Soup and Cat Weather, as for anime I would say Yuru camp and Aria are good comparisons. The story is also very well written, the touching moments and funny moments are very balanced. Pacing is also nice until the last two episodes where the plot seems all over the place, but it's ok as long as the message is there I wouldn't mind. This drama is very Ikigai. The message is given in a very subtle way and I like how the scenes are not over dramatic. The way they connect the behavior in animal kingdom to philosophy in life is brilliant. This drama also has a set of interesting characters that plays a very good role in the story, not a single one of them is useless. The acting by Takahashi Issei is no joke. I bet only few actors can play the character he portrays. It's the type of acting where an actor carries the whole show. It is perhaps the most eccentric character I've encountered in Japanese drama, the development of his character is also one of the most interesting ever.
Lastly if you are looking for romance you would be disappointed but it's really obvious what he feels for her during the end. I am happy that they didn't force it as it is not what this drama is about.
Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I think I'm probably in the minority for liking this: But, I basically reviewed this as I watched the episodes, so come read my journey if you would like to see what went through my mind as I watched this while waiting for episodes to air, and translate.Currently watching this because I love the two actors, just currently waiting to see how the story goes! It is interesting though, how they both are slowly overcoming mentally together, I would love to see what else there is!
From Ep20 Update: I've seen many bad reviews! But in hindsight, I actually enjoy it! Since it's a lot about mental health, and just seeing how they both are helping each other bit by bit. It does seem slow the process, but sure nothing is a quick process when its relationships and also dealing with mental issues, so I am enjoying it even if the reviews say it's bad.
Update! Ep30.. - I am probably one of many who are in the minority of enjoying this drama, I think what I like is, how when dealing with their mental issues, they always each go to someone who they trust to talk about things. Whether it's the guidance counsellor, or one of the friends! And how the four main leads, help each other out.
How mental issues, take time and you need patience, and sometimes like Tang Xin how she wants to really help Shen Qingyuan to recover, yet also being afraid if he remembers things could become worse.
I think another reason, why I am enjoying this drama is because there isn't any like misunderstandings, like many dramas, where there's like a side girl making everything worse or making up situations, and everyone's crying ..etc! and even if I see many reviews and comments saying the story is slow and how both the Male & Female Leads are annoying.. I somewhat still enjoy the drama myself! -
Ep34 - O.M.D ... What a roller coaster! This is the real drama now.. - still processing what happened! But, I do feel like what I got out of this is the jealousy from the men in these eps: People are crazy to go to lengths in messing with someone's mentality just for their own fame, money etc. Shen Qingyuan: literally became a changed person, over broken memories, and the words of someone who just wanted to win a game! What's also scary is that this actually does happen in reality too - jealousy, people being mean with their words..
Ep38: - It was a interesting few eps, I do feel it was a little rushed around what's happening! And everything kind of ended really quickly.. And meeting the parents was soo quick as well, and we never got to see Shen Qingyuan's parents either which is why I felt everything was a little rushed. Or they could have gone through therapy together a lot more and slowly in that sense gotten better and closer!
Final: It was a cute ending, I'd have to say! I just enjoyed both the actors. I do feel like the story could have been recollected a little better. Since the start, they focused a lot more on Tang Xin's mental health, and the rushed the rest of the story. But I enjoyed how they were always supporting each other and believing in each other till the end!
Although a few things, I would have loved to see the wedding, and would have been more a surprise if Xiao CiCi, got into the Olympics cause she was pretty much just as good! Also, do wish, Xiao CiCi had more double dates in the story, I think she was such a pretty character in the show, but always hate the same outfits on. Definitely would love to see her in another show as the main character, with loads of really pretty clothes!
- But I enjoyed this! Kinda sad that it's over! I'm glad I finished this.. It was like a nice light-hearted drama, and even though the story was a little quick near the end! I still nonetheless enjoyed it. It also gave such a eye-opening for mental health, and seeing therapists, and also how demanding sports can be with jealousy and many other things.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I admit that the first major half of the series I was actually invested, and I wanted to continue, but there were so many little things that kept bugging me. I'm listing them as follows:1) The Characters and the Insufficient Backstory: I couldn't sympathize with most of the characters because there was just not enough depth in flashbacks to make me feel for them. For example the relationship between Seo Hui and Sang Hun seemed really empty to me, considering he had spent so much time abroad, and when he returned he didn't live with her. He kept some heavy, HEAVY secrets from her and she was basically clueless about everything. If their relationship was that bad, I can't see why she was so desperate to find him, especially if she even suspected that he was cheating on her. It just didn't add up. The relationship between Sang Hun and his step-father wasn't really explored in depth either. I don't know what made Sang Hun think that his stepdad would care much if he got kidnapped or mutilated. I mean the old man basically stopped caring after the eye was discovered at the news agency, and he was ready to shut down the investigation for the son. The relationship of Yeong Min and Seo Hyun (the reporter) was so out of the blue, unnecessary and superficial that I didn't know what to think. The relationship between Yeong Min and Sang Hun wasn't satisfactorily pursued either, since Yeong Min's feelings were actually very complex but not explored at all.
2) The Disbelief in the Storyline: I'm sorry but I just can't imagine that any human being, any sane person, even a dying man would willingly suggest that his limbs be cut off, and that other 'sane' human beings, especially a brother-like relation would agree to do it. I can't believe Sang Hun would do it thinking it would help stop his stepdad who clearly stopped caring at one point. I also can't believe he would make his own wife undergo this torture, keeping her in the dark about all of this, knowing how she would feel upon discovery of his severed foot, hand, eye and then the heart. That last organ was a bit too much. What friend/brother can take out his brother's heart? without the proper tools or the know-how? I mean, is it that easy to extract a human heart that any lay person can do it without going stark raving mad? I can't forgive that Sang Hun made Seo Hui undergo all of this just so that the bill would be stopped and there was no guarantee that it would be stopped. And that last minute 'oh Sang Hun is dying anyway so it's all good' was very offensive I mean it was just meant to make it all convenient.
3) The Cliche: Corrupt old men covering up their corruption, cruelties, and greed while using henchmen who would go to any length to serve them is getting really old. Also the corrupt insiders in the police, the erased CCTV footages, the insufficient evidence to convict the obvious killer. Please stop it.
Little things kept bothering me, like the fact that I just couldn't get how Seo Hui could be such a dumb clueless person, who never tried to investigate just what it was that was bothering Sang Hun, why he didn't want to work in the company, what he did in his secret time away from her, and what was on his mind. You're his wife! How can you be so disinterested? She did good acting, but the character wasn't very likeable. I mean, girl, your laptop got hacked once, why are you using it again to check out a secret USB which you know will have top-secret content?
It was an overall meh drama. Lee Min Ki is amazing in his acting though.
Was this review helpful to you?
A Romantic Tale That Gave Birth To A Masterpiece.
I have a lot of things that I want to say about this phenomenal show, but I’ll try my best to make it as concise and spoiler-free as possible.The majestic cinematography is one of the strongest points in the series, be it in the modern day or the 1927 era. The filter or the soft bokeh effect that they put in the 1927 era gave the show an ethereal feel as if we were watching a movie set in a dreamworld, which in my opinion is a smart decision since it is told mostly from Jom’s perspective, cause literally, everyone in that time is already a ghost in the present day except Jom. It’s like putting the character’s lenses through our screen. This alone is already a brilliant way of visual storytelling!
The characters are all interesting and well-written. The acting? Outstanding! Nonkul and Bright did an astonishing job as Jom and Yai. In the first episode, we can already see Nonkul’s spectacular acting chops! His eyes alone speak of those devastating emotions that he is experiencing. In the succeeding episodes, you can feel those tantalizing romantic shivers that he feels every time Yai speaks poetry of his love to him. I would not be surprised if he wins an award for his performance as Jom. Bright’s big moments were in the later part of the story. But what amazes me is his versatility in portraying different versions of Yai. The non-verbal and verbal that he did is distinct from the other versions of the character. He did his homework excellently.
I also have to commend the supporting actors for a splendid performance! It’s great that the supporting cast had their own moments and was not left behind by the amazing leads. And did I mention that aside from the main gay couple, we also have a lesbian and straight couple? Yes, this series shows all kinds of love.
The series holds no bars in showing the ruthless treatment of the servants and women in that period. Its fearless portrayal of what happened in the past makes me realize that the series that I’m watching is a bold, unfiltered, and fiercely beautiful work of art. Despite that, it also shows that the abused and the oppressed CAN claim their power and stand up for themselves! Which makes it one of the most powerful scenes in the show.
The music and original soundtrack are magical. For some, it might not be radio-friendly, but the way the music was arranged fits the drama perfectly! Even the lyrics of the four songs featured in the show voiced the perspective and emotions of our main leads. Each note and instrument was meticulously placed to fit the scenes of the drama.
The show as a whole is heartfelt and hopeful. Especially the last few episodes which are excruciatingly beautiful, it made me dehydrated from wailing. Each second that goes by is a slow agony of the inevitable separation. The last scene makes some people confused, unless you read the novel, you will understand it. But I think it was left that way in the series to open the possibility of a 2nd Season, after all, there is so much more to tell.
The love story of Yai and Jom can be considered a one-of-a-kind timeless, classic, romantic tale that gave birth to a masterpiece.
Was this review helpful to you?
Like many other real cruel stories another cruel story is made into film. This film is based on a rape case known as 'Na-young case'; in which an 8 year old girl was beaten and raped by an old man. I've a problem related to reality...
Now the problem is that the case is only 5 years old. Girl was 8 and now she's just 13 years old. Few years ago someone made a song on this & now this film caught lots of attention and I think it's extremely hard for family to overcome the trauma because of this film. Especially because this film came into light at the point where family was (probably) starting to forget this event. I'm not saying that it's wrong to make films on such cases but this film came too early.
I'll keep this short since I'm still buried under emotions.
Beginning of the film is very sad and can make anyone angry easily. It was painful to watch but those scenes don't last for long. After those painful scenes there is series of many beautiful scenes. Recovery of So-won (Victim), friends helping family, a lot of people trying to restart life of devastated family, family trying to be positive for future and make the daughter happier instead of crying over past that can not be changed. I loved father-daughter relationship most.
What I loved about this film is it's strength in stirring up emotions (of characters & our) in meaningful way. It's not like usual Korean films that force melodrama and turn into joke (Fly High, You're My Sunshine and many more!). Everything in this film is genuine...
Good:
-Genuine & unforced situations-emotions
-Great cast
-Music is excellent. I loved the long track played during recovery scenes of So-won.
Bad:
-Mistimed release (Related to reality, it's bugging me)
-I didn't notice any bad points. I was very busy in watching film.
Was this review helpful to you?
An Intelligent Romance Drama, Sweet but Lacks Sizzle
Excellent drama with intelligent dialogue and mature characters. Good story development. Good acting. Good chemistry. Motivational. Inspirational. More than a romance drama, this was a story of growth for individuals who had become trapped and stunted by their circumstances, both professionally and emotionally. This was true, not only for the main leads, but for numerous supporting characters as well. All of the characters were integral to development of the story. A very well-thought-out script.Admirable, capable FL character free of the babyish voice and cutesy nonsense you typically see in cdrama female leads. Angsty, straightforward ML, seemingly brusque and hot-tempered, but warm and honorable in reality. Both lead characters were outstanding and hard-working and exemplary. A real joy to watch their stories unfold.
An idealized romance where the partners are nearly always thoughtful and considerate and problems are handled quickly. A little too-good-to-be-true, but is exactly the stuff every romantic dreams of. Pretty much perfect for stress-free viewing. The slow-burn romance was well done with a comfortable vibe and natural, easy banter between the leads. But, it lacked fire and sizzle with only a few tame kisses and one love scene that, honestly, felt a bit awkward and could’ve been left out altogether as it seems Wu Lei isn’t entirely comfortable with these sorts of scenes yet.
“Sizzle” isn’t necessarily created by sexy love scenes and gratuitous skinship any way. That’s not necessarily what I’m looking for. “Sizzle” is created when there’s a heart-pounding energy between the leads that makes you want to watch and rewatch because their chemistry is so intense, almost palpable. I didn’t get that from this drama. While there were several swoon-worthy moments here and there, the “Nothing But You” leads’ chemistry remained quite tacit and mellow over the whole series—very realistic as real life isn’t full of hot moments all the time, but, honestly I want a bit more spice from my dramas because I get enough real life from real life. Still, overall, a very, very heartwarming story and many sweet moments.
I enjoyed watching, but have no real interest in watching it again.
Was this review helpful to you?
So, I had pretty low expectations of this drama when I read the synopsis, but It was the most fun I've had watching a drama in a while.I laughed, I cried, I crushed hard on So Ji Sub. What more can I ask for in a K-Drama? lol!
What made me love this drama so much, from the very first episode, was So Ji Sub & Gong Hyo Jin. The premise for their romance is pretty far fetched, but their chemistry was amazing, and their characters were so well played that even the most unbelievable parts worked. Both play the comedic moments, and the emotional moments equally well. They are, hands down, two of my favorites in K-Drama.
I think the entire cast was outstanding, even the minor roles. Seo In-Guk was so charming, that he didn't get completely over shadowed by So Ji Sub, which is very impressive. I'm definitely becoming his fan. Kim Yoo-ri was great, and it was really fun to love & hate her as Tae Yi Ryung. Their storyline, and chemistry, was also a lot of fun to watch. Choi Jung Woo was another favorite of mine. He was great as the caretaker/quiet instigator Kim Gwi Do. Han Bo Reum was maybe the only slightly boring one in the main bunch, but was still good enough to not be a distraction. It's the cast that held together the weaker episodes, because they were all so likable.
I thought the story was mostly original, and really well told, even though I'm not really a fan of dramas that include a bunch of unrelated mini stories in each episode. I think the Hong Sister's did a great job of making sure the stories still connected to both of the main character's development, so they aren't just completely random. The horror elements weren't cheesy, or all that scary (for those of you turned off by horror). There were plenty rewatchable romantic moments that made me swoon. There was one moment in particular that had me unexpectedly in boo-hoo tears. There is also a good amount of suspense.
The reason for giving this drama an 8 and not higher for the story is that It definitely lost some of it's magic, and started to drag a little, in the last episodes. I'm still not sure why introducing someone from Tae Kong Shil's 'unconscious' past was necessary, since it didn't do much to move the story forward, or explain much about why she is how she is. Too many plot developments like that seemed more like time filler towards the end, making the show lose some momentum. It had such a strong start, and was so addictive throughout most of it, that watching it start to fall apart at the end was really disappointing. That being said, I was satisfied by the end of the last episode.
Oh, the music. I guess nothing really stuck out to me besides "Touch Love" by T Yoon Mi Rae, but it was hard to get the "lonely love, yes i love..." out of my head.
Overall I loved this drama. It caught me off guard the way "Secret Garden" did, making the unbelievable seem perfectly plausible. Sure, it's the same rich mean chaebol meets quirky poor girl cinderella-type romance, but it still manages to feel fresh & unique. I would definitely recommend The Master's Sun to rom-com fans who want something that's a little different, and isn't too light-hearted.
Was this review helpful to you?
What I really loved was the freshness that Soo Ji Brought and Sang Goo was lovable too. Ho Rang's and Won Seok's story was what made me finish this drama, it gave me heartaches and I really felt their pain as a couple.
Was this review helpful to you?
