Completed
Le Grand Chef 2: Kimchi Battle
4 people found this review helpful
Jan 13, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 10
This was a predictable but extremely heartfelt movie that really stress the importance of family. Nothing will surprise you in this gem of a family film but it cleverly tugs on just the right heartstrings to keep you watching to the very end. It was so refreshing to see a well-written, well acted movie that tells an amazing story without ever relying on gratuitous violence or sexuality. Also, the stories that unfold around a culture's most prized dish are wonderful and it really makes you realize that to many people, food is the language of love. It's one of those rare films that the whole family can enjoy and despite it's two hour running length the time will fly by.

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Completed
Meteor Garden
11 people found this review helpful
by KrisM
Jan 13, 2012
27 of 19 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers
I agree with much of amrita828's review, so basically consider this an extension of that :-)

In all three versions, I think the main love interest is a complete tool. And in all three, I think that she should get with romantic possibility #2. However, even though this incarnation of Domyouji is the most horrible to start with, of the three he has the biggest improvement in character and behaviour, so by the end I could see how a relationship between them could work. And they do have chemistry, which helps.

I like the presence of Shan Cai's male friend from her old school (although apparently not enough to remember his name :-) ), I though the provided great comedic relief. And overall I think I laughed more during this series than any of the others. There were several funny, cute moments, such as Si, Lei and the biscuits (vague to avoid spoilers). Rainie is adorable in general, so I liked her as Shan Cai's best friend.

Overall, a fun, enjoyable series.

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Completed
Mars
9 people found this review helpful
by KrisM
Jan 13, 2012
21 of 13 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I usually find it difficult to watch shows that deal with heavy subject matters, and for the most part prefer sillier, light-hearted drama/comedies. So I was surprised how much I enjoyed MARS. I stumbled across MARS when looking for live-action manga/anime, and thought I'd give it a shot.

I liked how it leapt right into the story, with the introduction of the two main characters. Then we got to meet supporting characters, whose stories interested me also. The chemistry between Ling and Qi Luo was amazing, and I love how their relationship slowly developed. I really enjoyed the little things that made the characters endearing to me, like when Ling annoys Qi Luo in class, trying to get her attention. The relationship develops at a realistic pace, with the facades and defences of each slowly disappearing, and their true natures and vulnerabilities revealed.

I became emotionally invested in these characters, and to me that is a sign of good acting and writing. I cried several times throughout, and just when I thought surely nothing else could possibly happen to these people, something did. But there was still that sense of hope, that they could overcome everything with each other's support.

So, an emotional roller-coaster, but well worth watching, and just as good to re-watch.

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Completed
Le Grand Chef
1 people found this review helpful
Jan 13, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
Although it is not a really knew subject that was brushed on in this movie we have to admit that it's simply fascinating to watch all those people with culinary skills do what they do the best. This movie just makes your mouth waters from beginning to end. Although It was not set to be a romantic movie I still deplore the fact that any love story here? was not fully developed subtly hinted, but we may have to applaud the director flawless superfuge in making it still subtle enough to make the viewers understand. The cooking skills are what definitely would have made me give this movie a full 10 out 10! if only I had found so much similarity in the plot has in the Drama Gourmet ,thought I have to admit that for a movie the plot hole were nicely filled. Seeing how the combination of ingredients are being mixed, chopped,give the viewers enough imagination to actually makes you imagine the taste!
The rivalry between the 2 chefs is also well presented. The lunacy of the grandfather is another mystery. But this entails the loving and tender care showed by the grandson. oh my… then the sufferings of the coalmaker - Han and his story with his mum. Then the story of Chef Ho and his grandfather and Sung Chan & his grandfather. In clear this movie should actually get full mark on it's ability to nicely transpose three different story into one story.

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Completed
Zettai Kareshi
9 people found this review helpful
Jan 13, 2012
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
I originally read the manga, but it's been about 3 years or so since I read it. The most I remember about it are the main details, such as Riiko being a high school student. That's part of the reason it took me so long to come around to watching this drama - in this drama she's not only not a student, but she's older and working in an office job! I was a little iffy about the change in the story, but after watching it I have to say I was surprised. I found myself loving this drama and I watched it in 2 days! What I loved is that even though they changed things about the story - they adapted to that change! Meaning the characters didn't change much (personality wise) from what I remember. And I found it to be a good drama, funny in parts - sad in others. It made me want to reread the manga, because the original will always be the best. But as for a live adaption of this sort of story, they pulled it off well.

The acting was good! I've seen Aibu Saki in Buzzer Beat, and while I didn't like her character there I felt her character here was a lot more likeable and she pulled off the role of Riiko well. Mizushima Hiro I've also seen and remember him most as Nanba-senpai in Hana-Kimi. While his role there was more comedic, I found myself loving his version of Soshi. Hayami Mokomichi I've also seen in Gokusen 2 - I remember him most as "the tall guy" haha. But his role here and his role there are completely different. Then again, he is pulling off the role of a robot and I think he did a good job as Night! The cast might not have been who I might've expected, there might have been better people out there to pull of the roles, but I felt they did a good job!

The music was nice, the theme song "Okaeri" by Ayaka grew on me with each episode and now I love it!

I can see myself rewatching this drama again sometime, but not anytime soon (my plan to watch list is out of hand haha).

Overall - if you've recently read the manga I wouldn't recommend watching this version - at least not anytime soon. Unless you're the type that likes new adaptions and seeing a different story. I myself have a hard time watching something based off of a manga if the storyline is really different.

And if you haven't read it - then I recommend it if you're in the mood to watch something a little light and a bit unrealistic. Ohh and there are sad parts as well. The story focuses not just on the relationship between Riiko and Night, but between her job and Soshi. There isn't a ton of romance, but there's enough to make it a rom-com (:

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Completed
Love Keeps Going
2 people found this review helpful
by iindu
Jan 12, 2012
13 of 13 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
I really enjoyed watching this drama.
The story was interesting and it didn't drag anywhere. I also really liked the main actors. They did a great job. The music was cute and added to the feel of the scenes.
Another thing was the number of episodes was just right to tell the story well, without dragging it much. Every episode I finished watching, I wanted to watch the next one more. In fact, I felt they could have taken some more time to show more of the couple in the last episodes.
The one disappointing thing was the ending. After all the drama about Yi Lie, the way they chose to end it felt incomplete.
If there is one thing worse than one of the lead characters having some illness towards the end, it is ending the drama without being conclusive about it.
Other than that, the drama was good to watch.

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Completed
Shima Shima
14 people found this review helpful
Jan 12, 2012
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
I started watching the drama, because the story looked interesting. And this is a cute, predictable, and light drama. So, if you are looking for some mindless fun, it's a good choice. But if you are looking for something which makes you think, then you should not watch this.

The drama tries to address subjects about the woes of women who are 30, and over, seriously, but they do it so lightly while trying to act serious that sometimes I found myself scoffing at the way they "analyzed" the situation. There isn't much character growth, if any. All relationship developments were rushed, I would have missed it if I blinked.

The acting was similar to most other Japanese dramas I've watched, not bad, but forgettable. And the music although it felt right for the moment, it's really nothing special.

Also, it's anime-ish at times. So, if you don't like those random characters that seem to come out of nowhere, random moments, and the exaggerated acting, this may not be for you.

I'm giving it a 6 because I did enjoy it, even if I don't considerate to be among the best dramas of any year.

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Completed
Tatta Hitotsu no Koi
26 people found this review helpful
Jan 12, 2012
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 8.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
I originally watched this drama due to me being a fan of Kaname but this drama was seriously good. In all the other dramas there are always so many complications between every love story. Some characters can get quite annoying. The thing that I really loved about this one was that it's just a pure love story. There are not all those complications.

This drama can make you feel happy inside. It's quite addictive so you find that the drama starts and finishes before you know it, like a movie. It was such a sweet story and it didn't have any unnecessary side stories going on. It focused on the storyline and ended with you loving everything about it! A must watch drama.

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Completed
Hana Yori Dango
4 people found this review helpful
Jan 12, 2012
9 of 9 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
many of us picked this drama to watch since it was based on the manga series by the same name or because it was recommended and if you'd compare it to the manga since i read it they are the same with nothing changed in the plot so lets start with the :-

-STORY (10/10) :- the reason i liked the story the most in this drama that it came with a cliche idea of love between rich and poor but presented it with a very unique and breath taking way that was never done it took it to another level completely , also the pacing of the story was well done things weren't rushed or boring at all it had perfect pacing that wouldn't make you feel tired and would make you want more
-CAST (8/10) :- the reason i gave the cast an 8 was that not all of them are as good looking as you think and honestly some were unnoticed but that isn't a problem the main actress did her part well so i guess it depends on your taste .

-Music (9/10) :- well this is not a musical drama but music is ended a major factor of making the correct atmosphere , the music in hana yori dango was good it was not that breath taking but the music they played fit well with scenes no problems in the impact .

Well overall its one of my favorite Jdrama ever because it reaches a deep place in your heart when you watch it you will never forget about it , and i would re-watch again it only when i am hurt because it gives people hope and a fact that nothing is impossible in life and sometimes the unexpected happens!

hope i was of good help :)

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Completed
Nobuta wo Produce
7 people found this review helpful
Jan 12, 2012
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
Nobuta wo Produce~ a great jdrama.

Story- The storyline revolves around 2 boys and a girl, where the girl has closed herself off from the outside world and the two boys just don't really fit into their school and they decide to give her a makeover, "produce" her into the most popular girl at school. Its a fun idea with great moments. The drama is fun and quirky for the most part, showing emotional scenes whenever necessary. For a while, I copied "Nobuta's power.... Activate!" just because it was cute.

Acting/Cast- What makes this drama is the trio of stars that play the leads, Maki-chan, Kamenashi Kazuya and Yammapi. Alone, each star has the potential to make a great drama, and together, they show their capabilities. I actually didnt recognize Maki-chan in this at first(I know, I didnt read the cast list, blahh), but seeing her change from the quirky character of Hana Kimi into a dark, and pessimistic girl is a complete turnaround. Kame has also released a few of his own dramas, in my opion, the best being Tatta Hitotsu no Koi.
And Yammapi has been in many dramas such as Kurasagi, Dragon Zakura, so on and so forth. With such talented leads, its bound to be good.

Music- I dont know why, but music in jdramas never really stick to me unlike kdramas. Im pretty sure Kat-tun or Arashi sang the songs for this drama, so it'll be popular within japan/ fans of the two bands.

Rewatch? Hmm, I don't know about the rewatch. Maybe just a few scenes that were memorable but thats about it.

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Completed
Nobuta wo Produce
49 people found this review helpful
Jan 12, 2012
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
What a sweet drama! While the premise of Nobuta wo Produce is not original, it is freshly told and I enjoyed every episode.

What I really found endearing is the frankness of the lead male Shuji and his inner monologue/narration. I like that he was outwardly popular but inwardly unsure, bored, scared and lonely. The theme of this show is a simple one. Finding true friendship...whether you are a popular kid, a quirky loner or a withdrawn, scared and painfully shy newcomer.

Each episode is written to show the development of this core friendship. As the synopsis and title reveal, these three come together to 'produce' Nobuta and make her popular but...wow is that so not what really matters here. I loved the way the story unfolded in such an original manner compared to the way a westernized show would have handled this. Lovely.

The acting is great. Not perfect but very good. My favorite was Yamashita Tomohisa who played Akira. He was so quirky, clumsy and strange but what a loyal and steadfast friend. Yamapi was great. There are a lot of wonderful characters to be found within the setting of their school; teachers and students alike. I enjoyed Shuji's family. They were a hoot! Nobuta was like a flower opening up to the sun when Shuji and Akira found her. I loved the development of her strength and their loyalty to her. Wonderful!

At 10 episodes, this series was a fast and entertaining watch. No story line or plot point dragged on too long or bogged down the pace. The music was fine..not memorable but not bad either. But this drama isn't really about a standout soundtrack so I did not find it distracting or lacking in any way. I gave the re-watch value an 8 because while I might not watch it again this was a very entertaining drama and others might really enjoy watching more than once.

I recommend this drama highly. It's quick, it's sweet, it's touching and fun. Give it try if you are hesitating.

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Completed
Nodame Cantabile
7 people found this review helpful
Jan 11, 2012
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
great show! i never expected to see a japanese drama that resembles the korean drama way of acting ^^but this doesnt mean that j drama is bad actually i love j drama more tha k drama but k drama is more attractive and this show was so attractive like k drama ^^it was super hit drama even i really dont like orchestra but this show was so honourable and fun at the same time
chiaki and nodaime were so great they remind me of you are beautiful !
you must watch to laugh from the bottom of your heart sooooooo funny yet hounorable show^_^
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Completed
The Case of Itaewon Homicide
4 people found this review helpful
Jan 11, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
Based on a true story The Case of Itaewon Homicide contains the touch of the real life. I think it is somehow ironic to say that story was "good". Well it was good, or let's say the story was told good. The setting and costumes were not particularly eye-catching but they do not distract you either, and the movie was directed in way that takes you in the story. Nothing particular for the music though. But there is "acting".Well eventhough I watched other dramas of him, to me it was the first time I saw Jang Geun Seok acting, and I liked it. That is all for technical critics.A few words about the movie...The movie is not heartstopping/exciting or a geniusly designed crime movie because it is real life related, and no murder can be exciting in real life. Morelikely it causes you a stomach ache, thinking about what a life worth is, what it means to be foreigner/delinquent/minorty/bad guy and the term justice.

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Completed
City Hunter
6 people found this review helpful
Jan 11, 2012
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 7.0
Ah yes, the power of charisma that can only be Lee Min Ho's. Action, drama, romance, you name it, City Hunter has it. The action scenes were great and I'm sure lots of fans out there like me enthused and marveled at how he used a spoon to take out a goon (Oh! That's a rhyme!)

Oh well, but after a while, the daddy issues were increasingly redundant as is the case of keeping his identity a secret to protect the ones he love logic gradually faulty as almost everyone around him knew who he was. And, in the midst of it all, there were these shameless plugs for fast food chicken, social gadgets, heck even a washing machine.

The story broke off to a strong start but the intensity gradually decreased as it ended. To put it mildly, it was NOT the best ending any writer do for a whole series that was so explosive. If the writers wanted to leave this drama open-ended, they failed, and miserably so. I'll leave that for you to find out.

Story - could have been a perfect 10 if there had been closure for the other issues that were left behind
Acting - The cast was awesome! Kim Sang Joong's surrogate father role as Lee Jin Pyo practically owned it. Best villainous conviction with a soft spot for Yoon Sung and let's not forget the ever square Prosecutor Kim!
Music - 10 out of 10. Best part was that instrumental for the underwater hand salute Jin Pyo gives to his partner Moo Yul as he sinks to the bottom of the sea. It's a dang good OST!
Rewatch value - Once is good enough for me.
Overall - it's still a great drama!

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Completed
Athena: Goddess of War
19 people found this review helpful
Jan 11, 2012
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
Well, the spinoff from Iris was not close to the original, why? Let me tell you!

Story/Love plot - A forbidden love between two warring organizations? I have to say that this was a great idea. Although this was different from Iris, it made the drama extremely interesting. Whenever there were collisions from the opposing sides, the love story would blossom during the most intense parts of the drama. Well done from the directors part for portraying it as such and the writers for coming up with this idea. Now, the actual drama, pretty good. An easy to follow story line but still throws in twists and turns to keep viewers interested.
Acting/Cast - Not as good as Iris, but the actors/actresses did their part. It was enough to keep viewers interested, but bringing in Kim So Yeon as a guest role showed that there was some wavering for the drama and needed a small help from the cast of Iris(Kim SoYeon was phenomenal in IRIS, but I digress)
Music - Kim TaeYeon sings one of the OST's, what more is there? Hah, I kid, the music was alright honestly.
Rewatch Value - Ehhh... The story drops off during the middle of the drama and it becomes a bit troublesome watching the episodes.
Overall - Yeah, it was ok, nothing great.
Circumstances - due to someone getting injured, production of the last two episodes were stopped for about 2 months, so I have not had the chance to see the last two episodes but I did read the summary, with a relatively predictable ending.

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