Completed
Alchemist
1 people found this review helpful
Sep 26, 2017
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 5.0
Story 2.0
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
Ahh, my beginnings. This drama was trending when I first started to watch kdramas. It was very hard to find, but thank god for youtube. I was, unfortunately, let down. I did not understand the point of the story. The fast pace, short episode and scattered production contributed to my boredom and confusion while watching this.  The cast and/or characters were forgettable, the only character that possibly stood out was Byeong Ho by Kim Jong Hoon, sadly his character was not explored good enough and had little screen time. The story was boring and I will most certainly not watch this again. I would not recommend.

Does not suit Saruman's taste.

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Completed
A Werewolf Boy
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 26, 2017
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This was actually my first Korean movie. I knew the movie by its title and main cast before I actually watched it.  This movie was a very popular (and still is) and holds a 100% score on Rotten tomato rating site, which is very good. The cast and acting in this movie is superb. Song Joong Ki is an outstanding actor and the role of a wolf boy Chul Soo is one of his best work so far, especially since the role was mostly based on mimick and movement of the character, with very little dialog. Joong Ki's chemistry with Park Bo Young was lovely as well. The supporting cast was nicely chosen. The story of the movie is moving with an excellent screenplay. The end had me sobbing. All in all the movie is wonderful and I warmly recommend it to any drama lover, especially to those who just started watching Korean dramas or movies.

Absolutely Saruman approved!


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Completed
Drunken to Love You
1 people found this review helpful
Sep 26, 2017
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 6.5
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 5.5
This was really the first Taiwanese drama I've watched, so I'm not sure if this is normal for them. But I did find it to have a very soap opera style to it. Both the camera work and the plot. I felt like the last 10 episodes were just one silly plot twist after another, solely designed to keep the couple apart until the finale. If they had cut it down to 20 episodes, I think it would have been a 9 easily, even with the dumb stuff. I still enjoyed it for the most part.

The main couple was really cute, and I thought they did a great job with their acting. The points deduction came from the supporting characters. Mainly Wang Kingone - who got the soap opera treatment  in every scene he was in: dramatic music and voice, and Tom Price, who seemed like a rookie actor. I thought that Joseph Chang and Rainie Yang did excellent work, though. The best friend, Mei Leng was overacted quite a bit, and totally played for comedic effect.

I did try to skip over the 2:30ish opening sequence as it lasted way longer than needed. So, the episodes are really only about 35 minutes long probably. There are also little stops in the drama that appear as if they must have commercial breaks, something not done in Korean drama. When they return there is a few seconds of replay from where it stopped. There is also a preview/ending of about 3 mintues at the end. So the episodes run about 43 min, but if you skip the opening and closing, you should get through faster.

Probably won't rewatch this, but I enjoyed Chang and Yang enough that I wouldn't be adverse to watching something else with them.


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Completed
A Tale of Two Sisters
1 people found this review helpful
Sep 26, 2017
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
This is a decent horror movie for all those who love a good horror movie but with a ''lower scare rate''. Before I watched this movie I've watched it's 2009 American remake by Guard brothers, starring Emily Browning and Elizabeth Banks. Sadly I was not really impressed. It was a slow-paced, horror yet no horror movie. Therefore I hesitated whether I should watch the original, Korean version. I did and was not disappointed.  I felt it was far better than the American remake. The whole cast is rather decent, with Moon Geun Young's talent shining especially bright. The story itself is okay, with scenery and music decent enough for this movie to be watchable. I probably would not watch this movie again. It's a one-time watch move, with no true, big memorable moment. But overall it was ok.

Saruman approved.

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Completed
A Millionaire's First Love
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 26, 2017
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
I am not a fan of melodrama at all. And this one can definitely be qualified as a melodrama. There were at least 5 scenes in this beautifully shot movie, that made me tear up.  I love the scenery. Truly the scenery in this movie is one of its strongest points and a good reason to watch. I dare say that this is one of the best shot Korean movies that I've ever watched.  The acting was more than good. Hyun Bin and Lee Yun Hee have an amazing chemistry that uplifts the story that by itself is truly wonderful.  This is one of the strongest work Hyun Bin has ever worked on. Overall the movie is a success in every way. It's rewatching value for me is medium-high for one reason only. The heartwrenching story made me depressed for a whole day.  I definitely recommend this movie, especially on a lonely night when all you want is curl up on a couch and immerse yourself into a beautiful, emotional story which this definitely is.

Saruman approved!

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Completed
A Frozen Flower
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 26, 2017
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 7.0
This was one of my first Korean movies. I almost never read the genres of a certain drama or movie so I was very surprised at the mature content and all the sex scenes. I was always a fan of Song Ji Hyo. She was always and still is one of my favorite Korean actresses, especially since I've been watching Running man. Although I very much liked her in this movie, since it was not a typical role she plays, I was a bit disappointed at how unused her character was. I'd love for her character to have more dialogue. I never was a fan of Joo Jin Mo but this was one of his best roles. I hated his character, it was selfish and arrogant, but Jin Mo played it soo well. Jo In Sung was also spectacular in this role. All in all the cast was awesome, especially with the addition of Hong Jong Hyun and Song Joong-ki. The story was great also. Will I rewatch this? Maybe I don't know, but there most certainly is a big chance. I do recommend to watch it BUT beware of the sexual content if you have a bad heart or asthma.

Saruman approved.

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Completed
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas
4 people found this review helpful
by arifer
Sep 26, 2017
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
It's been a while since I had a tearjerker show and I'm glad that this was the one. First off, wonderful storyline by Sumino Yoru, and direction by Tsukikawa Sho. His direction gave me a very fulfilling 2 hours packed with emotions and was handled very well through his skills and cast.

The story flits between flashbacks and current day scenes, not a revolutionary technique, but the director weaves the scenes perfectly through the cinematography and music alike. The OST was subtle and lead to good scene transitions, especially the major one near the end - it's still going on in my head 2 hours after I watched the show.

I personally wasn't that into the lead actress at the start but her bright smile that remained thematic throughout the show slowly won me over and I have to say, damn she is great at tugging at the audience. The lead actor (both the younger and older) showed how the character matured through the 12 years in between. Side characters weren't that heavily emphasised on the show, but their appearances were not done without a good closing at the end.

Overall, the skillful directions and great cast brought together a wonderful bittersweet romance story that screams ?? all over.

BTW I have not read the light novel before this so my opinions are just based on this being a movie on its own.

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Completed
Save Me
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 26, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 7.0
Just like everyone here and any other sites have said, this is not your typical drama. It ventures into very sensitive topics that some people may not be able to stomach (but honestly if you compare this drama to western dramas, this one is bearable). So if anyone would like to watch this brace yourself for the ride,

The plot was well done. It started out slow at first but the pace added to the mysteriousness of the whole plot. Everything was all written in a way to let the readers join in the ride of how everything will unfold. Every episode you will be asking yourself what they would do next, how are they going to  salvage the situation and or is someone going to die? This keeps the viewers enough curiosity to see the whole story through.

The characters are all commendable. Every single one did an outstanding job, although in my opinion Taec Yeon did less good in acting in this drama. He was outshone by Do Hwan and his character Dong Cheol. In all honesty at some point in the drama I did not care what Sang Hwan was going to do because I was so focused on Dong Cheol. The way he portrayed his character was spot on. It was satisfying to watch. Aside from that I can feel Sang Mi and Dong Cheol's chemistry way more than Do Hwan (but then again this is no romance drama). I also like Seo Ye Ji and her character. The way she portrayed a beautiful, cold, brave and fragile character deserves and applause. The characters who deserved a standing ovation in my opinion was Sang Mi's mother and the Spiritual Father. Their characters were two crazies in this drama you can't help but cringe and commend at the same time. The character who changed the most in this drama was Sang Mi's father. You would hardly recognize him before and after he entered Goosunwon. He was still like a father with the added sinister aura that was not there before he was converted. Every viewer probably felt that too and that made him a good actor.

The songs on this drama were really good. It complimented the theme of the story so well and might I say some of them are quite addictive to listen to. I just know some of you will be asking what song playing.

The re-watch value of this drama for me is 7. Like I said it's not something that many people can stomach, especially if religion is a very sensitive topic for you. I know the practice of Christians very well because I am one too and I would just say that they hit close to home. Although the drama had already made a precaution that everything was just written and made for the drama, you should also know that they are basing it with at least one religion and their practices. What I am saying is that you should not judge it for being too close and watch it with an open mind, or if you really can't help it, just don't compare it to something you know and watch the drama for its amazing plot line and roaster of characters.

Overall I enjoyed this drama and thankful that I stumbled on it one day. You won't regret this one for sure.

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Completed
Surprise
3 people found this review helpful
Sep 26, 2017
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
This movie is not the greatest one out there, but still I fell in love with it. It's an easy to watch movie that made me laugh so much. The actors did a great job in capturing my heart, the humour of them all made me feel so good and the director did an mazing job with this low-budget fantasy comedy.

I absolutely recommend this movie.

Story
Ok storyline, not too complicated, just right.

Acting/cast
Very pleased with all the actors. They delivered a good performance, specially Luo Hong Min did an amazing job (looking forward to seeing more of him).  

Music
To be honest, I do not remember much of the music, I was probably too busy laughing out loud.

Rewatch value
I will watch this movie again!


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Completed
The Servant
1 people found this review helpful
Sep 26, 2017
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
This review may contain spoilers
This movie has a lot of potential but wasn't executed very well. The comedy was good and was the acting as too but there's something that just feels incomplete when it ends. The biggest draw back or me personally is the chemisrty. Throughout the movie i kept asking myself does she really love him? Sometimes i would think she was just using him which is not very good thing to think in a romance. The acting from the ML is very good.

SPOILER
i like sad endings but the only real thing i though when it ended was "is this it"? i think the fact that she was playing happily with the other man right before the incident is another strange thing to put in the movie. I still don't understand why he pushed her anyway.

overall it leaves you with a incomplete feeling when its over but its worth the watch.


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Completed
Save Me
3 people found this review helpful
Sep 25, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.5
Definitely one of my favourite kdramas EVER! It was so nerve wrecking!
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Completed
200 Pounds Beauty
2 people found this review helpful
Sep 25, 2017
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 10
I avoided this movie as long as it was possible. Although considered and ''older'' movie this was still trending when I started watching Korean dramas and movies in 2015. On first sight, I just found the theme annoying, but the biggest reason for my avoidance was that I was not a particular fan of Joo Jin Mo. But when I finally gave up and decided one night to just get over with it and watch it I was pleasantly surprised. The story was fun, charming, funny at times, with still enough seriousness and learning points included. For me, it was not cheesy at all. I learned to like Jin Mo a bit more, although his character was not particularly likable. The winning point for me was most certainly Kim Ah Joong. Not only is she stunningly beautiful, her acting in this movie was just mesmerizing. Actually, the entire cast was very well chosen. The music was good also, and Ah Joong's singing (if it truly was her singing) was beautiful. This movie is one of my favorite and I will definitely watch it again and again and again. In my opinion, it represents one of those ''classic'' movies that you can rewatch many many times.

Saruman approved!

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Completed
100 Days with Mr. Arrogant
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 25, 2017
Completed 0
Overall 4.5
Story 2.0
Acting/Cast 5.5
Music 2.5
Rewatch Value 1.0
This was one of the first Korean movies I've watched and sadly I was not really impressed. I don't think that what attracted me to watch this movie was the summary, I think the title itself was promising since I was in that romantic, girly, ''rich guy meets poor girl'' phase. But what really made me watch the movie was its lead actress Ha Ji Won. I have just finished watching King2hearts and just loved her acting. I understand that this was a movie probably made in the earliest stages of her career but it was just the cheesiest movie possible. She is the only reason I am giving the acting section 5.5. I didn't particularly like Kim Jae Won. I saw no tempting chemistry between the two. I also think any possible good music or acting for all it matters, was overshadowed by this corny story that was not good at all. For me, this is one of those movies that I will never watch again unless I get drunk or deadly bored and accidentally click on it.

This one definitely did not suit my taste.

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Completed
Beloved Enemy
7 people found this review helpful
by Jex
Sep 25, 2017
15 of 15 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 4.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 5.0
Music 2.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
I felt no BL at all. Nothing of any sort. Just pure weird friendship between two entirely different people. That is that. Watched and hoped till the end and IMHO, there was none. I did not feel any chemistry between the two characters too, the Gu Qing Pei's character was annoying to say the least, the plot could have made him kickstart the BL between them but to my dismay, the series ended up with "business and corporate" thing.

Acting was good but the story dragged the act below sea level.

Music was negligible to the point that you don't even notice it is there.

Won't rewatch.

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Completed
Save Me
2 people found this review helpful
Sep 25, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
I love how this drama showcase a sense of realism to viewers as it comes to grips with religious cults which is so different from other dramas that we're accustomed to.

I'm also amazed with the actors, they all got great acting chops, both protagonists and antagonists, I like Seo Yea Ji's (Sang Mi) acting, it's very convincing, and Woo Do Hwan (Dong Cheol) is such an "oppa" material istg. I love his character here, his heart of gold behind a bad boy look.

Overall, "Save Me" is not your typical K-drama that is all cutesy and filled with hearts and romance, it has dark and heavy theme which you either like or not at all, there's no in between.

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