Reviews

I hate Melo, never been a fun of Sageuk... but this drama has the ability to hit you on the right spot. I only gave it a try because I love Park Min Young and thought of dropping the minute it becomes unbearable for me to watch. Indeed best gifts come in small packages.... it has become now one of my favorite dramas and I considered this a classic.

I am so grateful not just because I was able to watch a great drama but because I was also introduced to an amazing woman Queen Dangyeong who's life, sacrifices and virtues should be celebrated. Many stories have been told about the Joseon Kings but this is the first that allow us to have a glimpse of her life.... I know some parts have been fictionalized but just the same I am in love with her steadfastness and resolved to remain faithful to her husband until the end. A diamond in the dust indeed!!!


The story was told by a rookie writer but I tell you....she is really good..... her range of imagination blew my mind. Each episode is so pleasantly unpredictable. The narrative was so good and the dialogues would leave an imprint in your heart. The pacing was fantastic....never a drag and I love how she was able to balance sad and funny scenes almost every episode. The character development was amazingly presented.....there are no loopholes. The human weaknesses of each character was so credibly captured and so believable. So many nuggets of wisdom hidden between the lines. I've learned so much from this drama. I will definitely look forward to this writer's next drama. (10/10)

The Acting..... oh my goodness... how can I describe Lee Dong Gun??? He is soooo good in portraying the role of King YeongSangun....you would hate him and at the same time pity and love him.... so many mixed emotions but he was able to capture all of these beautifully. So don't be surprised if you read so many comments loving him despite that his character is an evil one.

The young actors Baek Shung Hwan and Park Shi Eun did an amazing job too in portraying their role and laying the foundation for the love story. Part of the success of this drama was because of their stellar acting. They were so suited for the role that when Yeon Woo Jin and Park Min Young took over.... the transition was so perfect and so believable that it was still them growing older. Give these 2 another project please.

The OTP...Yeon Woo Jin and Park Min Young were perfect for the role. I cried and laughed with them. Never did I thought I was watching Yeon Woo Jin and Park Min Young....they are simply Lee Yeok and Chae Kyung, that's how good they are. All their scenes were beautifully executed....I fell in love with them, felt their every emotion. Their chemistry is soooo great, no skinship needed just let them look at each other and presto that's it! I know Park Min Young always has good chemistry with any of her onscreen partner but I guess Yeon Woo Jin bested them all. They were sooooo good together.... seriously I wanted to see them again in another drama.

The supporting casts were did a fantastic job too. Everyone was given their moment to shine... the nanny was stellar, Myung Hye, Nok Soo, Seo Noh the ministers, the parents and the Queen Dowager and even the eunuch were all amazing and necessary to complete the story. ~ (10/10) for Acting

The Direction....I know director Lee Jung Sub is a great director but He outdid himself here. The direction was good.... the pacing, scene transitions, back story everything was to my liking. The romantic scenes was cleanly done. The OTP scenes were so well executed... I cried a bucket from raw to subbed. (10/10

OST.... I never thought that OSTs can actually be telling stories too LOL. But when I checked the lyrics they so rightly conveyed what the story was telling. It is not just there to lend musical scoring and make the scene more dramatic but each will somehow give you bits and pieces of clue on how the story will flow. Fantastic (9.5/10)

Rewatch Value.... As much as I love this drama.... I don't think I can allow it to rend my heart over and over again. Maybe a few years from now because it is such a beautiful love story .... I may have the courage to watch this again (8.5/10)

Overall..... My all time favorite Kdrama. Because You are sooo good and beautiful, I forgive you for breaking my heart to pieces.

Let me add.... KBS if you do not give this drama all the awards they deserved and not give the Daesang to these 3 or at least to Lee Dong Gun.... better change the best actor to the most popular actor/actress. Best Actor to Yeon Woo Jin, Best Actress to Park Min Young (her best work so far) Best Couple Award to the OTP.

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I like the drama then their is somethings that I really didn't like. For example the main role girl known martial artist, talked about being reserved. But she wasn't like that at all, she had a strong will in the beginning and then they just turned her into a big cry baby. That was such a let down when I seen this. And in some parts I thought they where going to let her be with Che. The boy she was dating she just about every time jumped to conclusions without giving him time to explain. I really didn't mind them doing that, but come on close to the ending it was spammed I don't know how many times. And I really didn't like they letting her run to che just about every time she had a problem, when she clearly see that her friend likes him. That was just playing dirty in my opinion. The drama could have been just about 2-3 more eps, they just crammed everything in the end. You can clearly see that in the end when they just make her the Elite Union President and goes off. Which could have been better when you see that their is so many hole that haven't been filled. But over all it was a great drama, they brings back that feeling of my first asian drama. And if you are wondering, it is Love O2O.

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I feel like several people were confused by this movie because they were thinking too much of it, I found that the answers to everything were on screen; it was quite a simple story actually.

If I had to sum it up it's a touching story about youth.

One thing I absolutely loved about the movie was the way it depicted youth. It showed you immature teenagers trying to act older than they actually are. The cast, while all much older than actual teenagers, managed to portray the childishness of adolescents perfectly, something that I find very scarce in media.

Another thing I enjoyed was the way it was shot, it was refreshing. Seeing all those gorgeous scenes made me want to watch the movie even more.

Would I watch this again? Most likely not but it made for a good experience and it was filmed so beautifully so I would definitely give it a go.

I recommend it to anyone who would like something to watch on a dull summer's evening!

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My rating of this story depends on whether I rate based on my immediate emotional response or my logical analysis several weeks after I finished it. I watched W in one go. I was basically glued to the monitor for two days until I finished. I loved the idea for this show.

However, when I read the criticism towards the show, I kind of agree with it. The story was too rushed and all over the place and it often lacked internal logic. It was too much, too soon. It would probably be much better if the writers took time to develop relationships and some reasonable pace for twists and turns. The first 3 to 4 episodes were absolute deabak and left me craving more of the same thing. Unfortunately, the story became a bit messy later on.

I also loved Han Hyo Joo's acting. I wish I could say more about Lee Jong Suk's acting, but honestly I can't since he kept distracting me with his good looks. I don't know if he is a good actor or just a good looking one. I'm not sure I would care either way, to be painfully honest.

All in all, I still totally recommend watching this show and seeing for yourself what the hype is about. I can't give it a high rewatch value mark, though, since the drama is about surprising twists and turns and once all the secrets are out it's just not the same when watching it again.

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This drama was so cheesy but so cute! I loved the cast choices and I found it very entertaining. I felt closure at the end which is what I like. Lee Dong Wook is one of my favorite actors and I was very happy with his role, he is always amazing. The story line was interesting. I found myself wanting to know more about all the characters and following everything with ease. I've watched better dramas and i've watched worse dramas. I find that it falls in the middle of them. It's romantic, suspenseful, and funny. I don't really re-watch most dramas. I'm glad I watched it and I recommend you do too.

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I think I can say that I have very little tears left after watching this drama. I had to take a few short breaks throughout watching this, but overall I really enjoyed it. It was very emotionally draining. The cast choices couldn't have been any better, lots of my favorite actors/ actresses were in it. A long the way I found many new favorites too. IU was amazing in this, the force crying and acting from everyone was phenomenal. I found the story line very good but it is quite tragic. Be prepared to shed some tears and not be able to stop watching, its addicting. You just want to know what happens next. This was my first historical drama, I went though so many tissue boxes. I don't think I could watch it again though no matter how good it was because I would just be too sad. If you don't mind crying during your dramas then totally recommend, very romantic too.
Enjoy Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

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A not so good sports drama that doesn't follow the lines of the
original sports dramas. The performances were good and the teacher was
easy to understand and read really, even from episode number one.
Actually, the movie was more about the teacher rather than the
students, which would have created more interest, even if the students
had just a little more TV time. The sport thrill never really was
developed enough, as well. You expect the thrill of a victory in this
kind of dramas, but, unfortunately, this time, there was non. The small
stories were okay, but the first few episodes that had some comical
element in them were the ones that saved this drama that other than
that was a bit dull and the final episode seriously without point.

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Descendants of the Sun is one of those shows that are difficult to forget. If there is a canon of Korean dramas that everyone should watch, than DoTS belongs there. However, I can't give it a 10 due to several reasons.

The story is very unique, but messy. It deals with different type of setting and conflicts than usual in kdramas. There are no love triangles and rich chaebols. Usual signs of being successful, such as money and a position, are somewhat meaningless in this story. It does deal with very popular high brow topics like honor, duty, death, love, friendship and connections, though. It is also very non-linear in the sense that it could be divided into several different episodes pulled together by the same characters.

The Korean actors gave a flawless performance. I can't even express how in love I was with Son Joon Ki's acting. However, I was deeply disappointed by the usage of the non-professional actors in this show. The Korean actors plus Argus were spectacular, but I couldn't help but cringe when I saw and heard the non-Korean characters in this show. I tried to get over it, but it honestly ruined a bunch of scenes for me. This show takes the cake for the worst acting by the non-Korean individuals up to date.

Some people say that the story was cheesy. I could agree with that; however, it was cheesy in the way that it makes you swoon, not in a way that makes you cringe. I honestly liked that about this show.

Best things about the show:
+ non-typical story
+ amazing male leads
+ good supporting role stories
+ no love triangle in the typical sense
+ great acting
+ very romantic moments
+ good mix of comedy, drama and romance
+ choices that are difficult to make
+ very limited usage of Kdrama cliches
+ another great bromance
+ eye candy

Weak spots:
- amateur actors (foreigners apart from the main bad guy)
- messy story
- stereotypical hero
- kind of old-fashioned idea of honor and duty

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Before you roll your eyes at how high of a rating I gave this show, hear me out.

The Heirs is one of those shows that is my guilty pleasure. It's like wearing a shirt that you love but everyone else hates: you know it's not flattering and it doesn't make you look sophisticated, but you just can't stop liking it nonetheless.

Objectively, The Heirs should be so- so. The story was the regular he was rich and she was poor; they can't be together but could love conquer it all? Top it with a couple of mean girls, preppy school for ridiculously rich, spoiled brats and the unavoidable love triangle, put in as many Kdrama cliches as you possibly can and give it a go. Objectively I know that the Heirs wasn't a masterpiece yet I had a ridiculous amount of fun watching it. Sure, it was stuffed with cliches like a Thanksgiving turkey, but most of the wrist-grabbing, love quibble scenes were just entertaining for me. I'll even admit that the story fell apart towards the end of the show and I ended up fast forwarding 2 episodes.

The acting was ok for me. It is probably true that Kim Woo Bin's acting stole the show. Once again, I can admit that he was the highlight of the show even though I didn't particularly love his character nor did he give me a bad case of second lead syndrome. Some people didn't like the acting of the female lead. Park Shin Hye has a particular style of acting that not everyone likes. She pretty much acted here the same way as she acted in other shows I saw her. Can't say she was worse here than in You're Beautiful or Pinocchio.

All in all, I just had fun watching it and this is ultimately why I watch Kdramas in the first place: to have fun.

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Although based on a true story but due to entertainment purpose the history was presented distortedly in this drama, which is perfectly acceptable otherwise it would be immensely boring. The main theme was kept same like the tyrannical king and his atrocious reign, his utter jealousy towards his half-brother, his love towards Chae Gyun which he tried to express yet not properly expressed along with intricate politics surrounding the whole monarchy system. Everything was shown properly. Everything was done properly. Still I found something missing in this drama. There was some haunted empty feeling which trudged into my mind after I finished watching the drama. I asked myself: why is that? Is it because the plot was intensely tragic or is it that there was some gap in story representation. We all sageuk lovers have seen quite a number of sageuks which were obviously full of tragedies but this drama lacked a bit of depth I believe.

Firstly, the prelude showed the glimpse of some ending scenes that in itself enough to grab attention of the viewers and enhance their curiosity upon what may happen leading to such odious fate of the beloved royal couple. Once one starts watching, certainly s/he would be pulled with the story since the initial episodes were truly marvelous. The teenage couple acted amazingly which can make anyone fall for their cute love-hatred realtionship portrayed so well that they might end up receiving awards for good performances. Their sweet gesture, arguments, fights, playfulness and amicability was capable of winning a lot of hearts and I’m sure many viewers loved them. However, once they started growing up and as everything was going against their relationship, the story seemed playing back and forth. Now an episode seemed gripping and the next episode turned out very monotonous. From 15-18 episodes it was extremely hard to go along with the story. The tragedy, the emotional outburst, the murders and the meaningless sacrifices everything to me seemed exaggerated to the point of annoyance. I just could not cry in few many scenes because I found few death totally out of nowhere unnecessary. The makers could have toned down the death parts of some important characters whose death was imposed forcefully. Many a times it felt like suddenly the writers couldn’t figure out what to do or how to extend a particular character’s story so the only supposed solution was to kill that character making a good story pretty shallow. The last two episodes were rather nicely closed. Though the plot itself was remorseful but the couple could make it through all odds and adversities was satisfying to watch.

Most interesting to watch was the despicable king who was submerged under innumerable complexities. He yearned for admiration, acknowledgement, recognition and love; at the same time, he was blinded by envy, mishandled his power and pushed his confidantes away from him. The pressure of ruling a nation who was constantly surrounded by imposters, deceitful people and shrewd opportunists; the poor judgment of making a clear distinction between his enemies and his dearer ones; the struggle to understand whom he loves doesn’t love him back was eventually crippling his fair mind, clouded his judgement and weakening his thoughts. Eventually he let his mind eaten by evil maggots. He was having an utter hard time which he expressed through brutality towards his innocent subjects. Ultimately he himself inflicted ruination upon himself, an obvious end result of any tyranny. Therefore, the king was the most powerful character in this drama exuding multiple personalities through one mind and soul was simply a pleasure to watch.

Secondly, as long as the acting comes into concern, I pretty much liked the ensembles. Nevertheless, the role of a despotic king played by Lee Dong Gun was to some extent aggrandized by him which appeared as if he was playing the character in a theatre drama rather than in a televised drama. Both platforms are different and the acting changes according to theatre, small screen and big screen but our dear Dong Gun relatively overdid his performance. The performances displayed by Park Min Young and Yeon Woo Jin was splendid to watch. Their depiction of romance was too heart fluttering and they have an endearing chemistry. The teenager kids did super exceptional job. I loved them so much I did not want to watch their adult version.

This is the first time I’ve seen Chungsung of 2 p.m. in any drama and his work was quite commendable. I wish he improvise his acting ability diligently for better and more important roles in the future.

The Osts are beautifully soothing to hear and I personally loved “Junggigo - Miss You In My Heart”. It’s on loop since I finished watching the drama for few hours. The singer sung this ost pouring out all his emotions. Simply wonderful.

In deduction, this drama again proved to be one of those dramas which started of exceptionally good then gradually not so good. This particular one has gone back and forth and I found the scriptwriter kind of lazy who applied their brain less in thinking about the story. Sometimes it was enthralling and then again it directly went down the hill again it picked and again it went down the hill which persisted till the last.

Few things I like about this drama and many things are there which I seriously disliked. Watch it of your own accord.

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Before watching this movie, I read the reviews first and I was intrigued with those who said they don't understand the ending and whatnot. I guess you need to analyze a little bit in order to get the meaning of the story. I did had a hard time analyzing the things that is going on the movie but as the ending approaches, it actually made sense. I totally get it (For those who don't know Greek Mythology, you might want to search Pygmalion).

I don't know any of the actors but they were great and they fit the characters. I must say it is a sad, nice movie, and it is worth watching.

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