Reviews

Very rarely do you find such long dramas with such heart-wrenching and sensitive topics that makes you warm and fuzzy and then kills you with laughter. I personally avoid long dramas even if they're comedy because if there are boring characters, at some point they tend to go slow and annoying (something that happened with The gentlemen of Wolghyesu tailor shop. Yes i finished it but it was a long journey). I started this after Song Joong Ki recommended it and said he was enjoying it. :D And boy he was not wrong.... I actually was glued to the drama and finished it within a week avoiding the regular shows i was watching.

If you're looking for the perfect rom-com to binge watch and are still skeptical about if or not you should then don't think much because you've found the right one to torture yourself with because you're in for a ride on the roller coaster of emotions!!! GO WATCH IT NOW!!!

Genre : Rom-com, Family, Slice of life

Story : Giving out the start of the story, a high end ex-idol/actor (he convinces us that he is a bad emotionless actor)decides to look for his father who abandoned him. The gentle father takes him in and the family goes through a lot of ups and downs but there is a twist. The elder daughter is a bad-ass you'd love to hate. The Son is unemployed and is preparing for the civil services examinations. The second daughter is a sweet little thing. And the maknae is a feisty bad girl with a good personality. The other characters that you have to get prepared for are the pd-ex of the elder daughter (He sets really unrealistic standards of men and you'd have to be really careful trying to not fall for him) and of course the mother.
It's amazing how each character is perfectly matched and well developed and gives out an almost dreamlike yet realistic feel to it. The more you watch it, the more you realise how you're going to miss the family badly when this ends. Unnecessary hindrances and evil characters are avoided and i can't believe but at some point i actually felt attached to the tortoise....

Acting : Special mentions to Lee Yoo Ri and Ryu Soo Young for giving us unrealistic goals. The chemistry hit right on spot and you start missing them more than the Jung So Min and Lee Joon. I don't think i have to say anything about the elder actors because they prove their experience and wit all through the show. The chemistry between Lee Joon And Jung So min lacked a little (personally i would say the other couples were way too perfect) but i wouldn't judge them. Lee joon's almost point on acting impressed me completely. I guess i will be following from now on.

Will I watch it again? May be if i miss the characters but honestly it was way too long.
Will I recommend it to anyone? Yeah i do. If you still have doubts, whadahell just try the first episode.

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This was my first Chinese drama. I had been reluctant to watch them mainly because of the dubbing that drives me crazy, but thankfully was not present in this show. I decided to jump in after watching a clip online that intrigued me. I was immediately hooked on the characters, and I thought the cinematography was nicely done, as well as the music. There was a slow burn on the romance that built up steadily until a little over halfway through the show.

Jian Yao started off as a smart, independent female that was in control of her life. Bo Jin Yan was this enigmatic man whose cold exterior was gradually warming up to Jian Yao and drawing closer to her. I enjoyed the episodic cases they solved together and the growth of Jian Yao as Bo Jin Yan's protégé in criminal profiling, not to mention the blossoming of their feelings toward one another. There was some quiet humor in there as well that I enjoyed immensely. But in the end Jian Yao was just a damsel in distress, and Bo Jin Yan was running away to "catch the bad guy" immediately after telling her he'd be with her "24/7" -- more than once. She was left out of the loop completely.

So....why the 6.5 rating you say? Well, that's because the last 1/4 of the show, the story, once it moved from China to America, went downhill in flames for me. I raced to the finish of this show expecting things to get back on track, but they never did. It was almost as if they changed writers because the whole tone of the show changed completely. Jian Yao and Bo Jin Yan were hardly in a scene together afterwards, and their dynamic changed as well. The chemistry and romance was lost as they pursued "one" big bad villain. The plot got too twisted and convoluted. The actors playing the Americans were atrocious. The stilted speech was one thing, but there were several goofs as well. One text was sent out - with a misspelling of "steel" instead of the word "steal" that was meant....but on the receiving end, the text was completely different than what was sent out. The actors playing the Americans had a few flubs in their delivery of lines, as well as changing the names of the other characters a few times. There were a few that also could not hold their American accents. It was horribly distracting. Also, the Americans would speak in English, and the Chinese would reply in Chinese. This seemed very unrealistic, as how many Americans are fluent in Mandarin? And apparently New York police officers really need to wear their bulletproof vests. Yikes!
The 7.5 score for acting goes entirely to the Chinese cast in this case, points deducted for the "Americans". (Edited to add: Although, I do realize that English speakers are NOT the target audience, I hope that this information is helpful for those that it would make a difference to.)

Poor Jian Yao and Bo Jin Yan were almost completely different characters by the end of this show. Not the same one I was captivated by in the beginning. That disappointed me a lot and the only reason this is getting a 6.5 is for all the scenes in China. I feel bad hating on a show that most seemed to really love, but there it is. They could have fleshed out the story and the characters better if they had stayed put and continued in the direction they started. The switchover to New York also had the undesired outcome of not completing the setup they started in China. Many things were dropped and not explained.

Despite my utter letdown in the ending of this show, Huo Wallace has gained a new fan in me. I hope to one day see him act in something that will "wow" me like the start of this did.

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I love watching a movie without any expectation because I did not know anything about this one. But I was really glad I saw it.
The story is very beautiful, and have fantastic details, it gave a little hunger when he cooked, which is good. I loved the way he dealt with her, how he explained everything about the cooking and how he should do it.
Personally, I also liked his connection to plants and the way he talked about them.

I advise everyone, because it's not just another romance, nothing cliché * I think * deals with small problems that we have in love, in relationships.

I just think the song could have been better.

Will I see you again? most likely.

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i think because of the high positive opinions i do really put high expectations at this drama
which wasn't that brilliant as i imagine after watching

i did enjoy the nona romance between the two main leads but at the same time i found the romance was in the back seats & a little lukewarm & the development in it was slow motion

the writer focused so much on the lawful cases to fill the drama which took us several times away from the main story
this drama would be brilliant if the lawful cases was fewer & reduced no. of ep.

i found the character development for (Lee Bo) was really weird it was causative
when the reason disappeared (lee jong) she returned again to the same bad attitude ???
& many times i found that there were fake emotions on lee jong face while he was acting as if he wasn't versed enough with his role

but at the same time this drama was focusing on a very imp. moral which is
the courage to tell the truth under any circumstances & to admit & apologize for ur faults
which was very imp. msg for people nowadays

if u r that type of person who likes lawful cases much & moderate romance then definitely this is ur cup of tea

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Ok, I honestly watched this just because of Vic. I love him, ok? Plus the story line intrigued me. How can a Japanese and a Taiwanese couple work out.



I really have a very low, low, like 2.5 (IMDB Rating) low expectation from this movie. But hey, it was actually ok. Not great but ok. It made me laugh every now and again.



I loved that Vic was laughing a lot here and showed his tender side. He's a great actor indeed. The Japanese girl, I have not seen her before. I don't have any other works where I can compare her acting. SO there.



I love the songs they used. I loved that I heard him sing again. Vic is a great singer as well.



It was worth a one time watch or if you really love Vic, you can go ahead and watch it again if you have nothing else to do.

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First of all, i decided to watch it only because i am a huge fan of Kim Seul Gi and it was the only ongoing drama i found while looking for other dramas. So, the review might be a little biased but i would try my best to keep it clean. Crime thrillers seem useless and stupid when merged with an emotional background but this drama is worth it.

Genre : Action, Mystery thriller, Crime, Melodrama, Investigation

Storyline : A secret group decides to do things their own way to get the justice they deserve against corrupt officials. A story that sounds quite usual, is strangely much more meaningful than what you expect. It has a fresh approach to story-telling and makes you excited from the first few minutes. It points out the sentiments exactly at the right emotions and makes you think how something can make you excited yet emotional at the same point. Another thing that impressed me was the consistency of the emotions and how they avoided anything that was unnecessary, from romance to pity (talking about the kids). Although i don't know much about hacking or korean laws, i couldn't help but notice the flaws in the plot at times but i won't spoil it for you.

acting : KIm Tae Hoon, Lee Shin Young, Kim Young Kwang. People i had watched in other dramas and thought thy stood out shined all through the drama. Key was the useless comedy relief till a while but everything, the characters and the story-lines were well formed so i don't think it mattered much. As much as there were other characters that were amazing, the only other actor who i thought needed the recognition he deserved was Park Solomon who played the character of Yoon Shi Wan.

Will i watch it again? Probably no.
Will i suggest it to other people? Yes.

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I adored this film - the story was very well put together and I liked the plotline which was very different (and very welcome because of it). Much kudos has to go to Ikuta Toma who was wonderful as Rinko. He really was completely believable as a male to female transgender and I adored Rinko so much. Ikuta and Kiritani Kenta (who played Makio) worked really well together - they were a completely believable couple and had you rooting for them and Maiko's niece..

The music was okay; nothing special or memorable but not horrible either. But the rewatch value, for me at least, is very high. I liked it so much - just not the ending; I really wanted it to be just a slight little bit different to make it happier for everyone - but it still raised a smile. However, that's why it wasn't a 10 overall for me.

This are my scores -
Story - 9.5/10
Acting/Cast - 10/10 (especially Ikuta Toma, who wound the dial all the way to 11)
Music - 5/10
Rewatch Value - 10/10
Overall -- 9.5/10 (just because of the ending).

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There is a reason this show is ranked so high on this site and has such high popularity. It is actually as good as it sounds, if not even better. I finished the show and gave myself a couple of days to come off the drama high - you all know what I mean don't act like you don't - and I realized I was more than slightly annoyed I had waited so long to watch the show. It was that good.

The story seems like many when you look no more than surface level: handsome young man with a dark and dangerous appeal, a young girl who wants to be strong and save the world etc. HOWEVER, this drama had much, much more to its plot. The theme of reporters and fighting for the truth was much more prevalent and took first seat in this story; a huge and pleasant surprise if one is expecting to be let down on that aspect. The darker underbelly aspects of stories and characters could have been emphasized somewhat more, so I will only score a 9 for this section. That being said they were done fairly well - considering they are topics that are often seen as taboo even in today's societies. Romance and action are actually woven together very well, making this drama much more appealing for audiences. The writing and timing are essential to this production. The writers understand their audience and their desires and mindset as viewers; when certain details get fuzzy there is a new part that brings clarity; you begin to understand bits and pieces only to have a new mystery evolve from what you have been given. There are no stale aspects because every turn something new happens to keep you on the edge of you seat and anticipating the next episode. I had not experienced that with a drama in quite some time.

The cast is essential to this drama as well. Each person not only fits their role but brings something to it that makes them standout. I was surprised how well the actors worked together and how many of them had a wonderful amount of chemistry. Normally you hope and expect the main cast to have that chemistry, especially if their is supposed to be romance involved, but this production gives much more than you are expecting. The importance of family and friendship is highlighted by the cast performance as much as romance would be. Park Min Young balances her role of fighter and an innocent in need of protection so well, I found myself connecting to her in the best of ways. With every victory, mistake and cringe worthy moment I was with her because she did not merely complete a role but gave it something more human and approachable. She definitely emphasizes how someone can be weak in one way but incredibly strong in others. Ji Chang Wook was also just as good as Healer. You expect him to be tough, untouchable and bad-ass. Ask and you shall receive. However, you also begin to see a developing vulnerability that is subtle but gives so much more to the performance. There is a ton of supporting cast (too many to name but all standouts) that create funny moments as well endearing, painful, heartbreaking, and beautiful moments as well. This is most deservedly the highest section I can rate. Absolute 10, if I could score higher I would.

The soundtrack is well timed; moments did not seem interrupted by jarring music or sound effects. In my opinion, nothing is worse than music that does not fit or takes your attention away from the show. Sounds should emphasize, not detract. I have not downloaded the soundtrack so I am not scoring super high in this category but the music was definitely good and added to the experience of watching.

This show is definitely re-watchable, but I am basing this score of 7 more on the ability to binge watch. The plot is a bit too deep to just pick an episode to watch, and with 20 episodes that have quite a bit to them I would have to be really in the mood to watch it again. However, this production was so good I finished it in about a day and a half or so. Very binge worthy - which I think is more important than re-watching! ;)

So overall, I give this drama a 9! And I wish you all a happy drama time! :D

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For some, this drama may have not lived up to all their expectations, but it certainly lived up to mine. And I love rewatching scenes from this drama. This drama is so good I am trying to force my family to watch it. It may be a little difficult since they don't like medical dramas though.

First, I want to talk about what this story was to me and why I love it so much! This drama may have been played off as a medical drama, but, to me the medical stuff was only a backdrop for the real heartwarming story! This story was about a Romance that never died, even if Song Jae-Hee had died, I am convinced that Park Hoon would have never loved anyone his entire life. She was the only girl for him, and I loved that! I can't help it, a guy loving a girl no matter what whether she is dead or alive is my kryponite. This is why I loved this drama so much, the love spoke to me. To me, I can always get behind a romance if the guy is head over heels for a girl. The Heartbeat Couple withstood all the obstacles thrown in their way and got together. There were so many things trying to stop them from ending up together, other people who fell for Park Hoon, and also North and South Korean leaders.


I heard that this drama was based on a book, and believe me I wish to read that book. Although, I heard that the ending wasn't as good for our Heartbeat couple as this ending was.

Second, I wish to talk about the Cast/Acting. I loved it, all the actors played their parts well and I loved really believed that they were made for these parts. I can't really see any other actors playing these characters. Lee Jong Suk and Jin Se-Yun of course as our Heatbeat couple stand out! Also, just to let you know there are some really good kiss scenes in this drama! (I guess that is to be expected though, it is Lee Jong Suk after all.).

Lastly, I want to talk about the music in this drama and the rewatch value. The music still brings tears to my eyes when I hear it because I can see the tragedy of our Heartbeat couple so clearly playing out before they got a happy ending. For the rewatch value, although, parts of this drama were clearly about medical operations and surgery, I would not rewatch those parts because I like my family am not into medical dramas. I prefer romance, friendship, action, and family over medical. But, I would rewatch the romance and the funny scenes. They were the core of this drama to me.


Anyway, despite all the other reviews you read, I suggest you give this drama a try, because you might find that you love this drama like I did when everyone else gave it a bad review. I say it is well worth the time.

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Evergreen love is a very laid back easy breezy simple love story. Quite slow-paced, very slice of life, that can be likened to the changing of seasons, and growing of plants, that our characters bond over. Before you pick this up though, you have to get by the weird premise of her adopting him as a roommate when they just met. Now I laugh at all the outrageous theories I have behind Itsuki’s personality (I thought: does he turn into a plant, is this secretly a fantasy genre lol!). The leads look cute and charming together (Iwata Takanori looks like the hot long lost brother of Running Man’s Kim Jong Kook), but the plot didn’t really stretch anybody’s acting muscles. As I was looking forward to seeing more of Takahata Mitsuki’s projects after her excellent turn as Kahoko, so in that aspect I was disappointed. Overall I still appreciated the warm feel of the movie and how it tried to be different in the way it told the usual love story.

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Unfortunately, even though I love Nam joo Hyuk as an actor, this time, he didn't pull it off. Or maybe, the whole drama didn't. It reminded me of a cheap attempt to recreate the big hit Goblin, BUT this one didn't have the story nor the premises to do so. The special effects were okay, but the cinematography weak, just like the romance. The couple didn't have chemistry and the ending was just...too cheesy. Actually, after the tenth episode and inwards, the drama got boring. It was kind of uninteresting to begin with, because the theme of a supernatural being coming to earth to live with the humans and learn how to behave may have work hilariously with the "The legend of the blue sea" and "My girlfriend is a nine tailed fox", but not in this case. Finally, the side story with the semi god was okay, but lost it's charm after a while as they just blew everything out of proportion and they couldn't handle it in the end. The performances were just okay, lastly, but the leading lady's character was kind of annoying and all over the place, with her economical problems and her practice that was shut down numerous of times during the drama. I don't know if the actual manhwa is better, but this one didn't come through, so 3 out of 10

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