Reviews

A fan of Ji Chang Wook since Healer, so I'm biased, no doubt!... ;)

I really enjoyed this drama. It has its flaws, though not many. The plot was engaging especially in the middle of the series. Most characters were cast well and some of them always put a smile on my face whenever they were being goofy or sarcastic (Mr. Bang!) There's some nice chemistry between the OTP Ji Chang Wook and Nam Ji Hyeon. There are enough cliché scenes, but that doesn't mean they were bothersome and even the noble idiocy felt justifiable!

What a pity that the series didn't have really memorable OST's... they weren't annoying or anything but they didn't stick into my head and stir up certain emotions whenever hearing the tune.

Pro's: great acting, sophisticated villain, chemistry between main OTP, kickass female lead, funny yet dark at the same time.

Con's: not that great OST's, clichés, maybe 2 or 3 episodes too long (if they had made it a 16 episodes drama instead of 20(40×30mins), it would have been perfect).

I'd say an overall score of 8.5!

Read More

I think, like many others so it seems, that this drama is way overrated! I usually don't drop dramas unless I really feel I'm wasting my time or fall asleep. Well, in the end I managed to watch till episode 14 or was it 15. The show didn't make me even curious about the ending so I didn't feel I was missing out on something by not watching anymore. For me, Goblin didn't succeed in living up to the expectations it created in the first episodes.

Pro's: beautiful sceneries, beautiful house, first episodes were interesting

Con's: romance was borderline pedophilia (19 years old high school girl with a 900 year old 40s looking man! Whoever ships this... think again ;)), extended running time for each episode made every episode drag on and on, lost steam after the first 3/4 episodes

I'd say a 6.5 maybe 7 (perhaps if I ever watch that last episode :D)

Read More

I saw too much negative comments about this show but I think actually this drama deserve more praises. It had great potential but sadly, it was not perfectly executed, and what make this worse is that it had good promotion as if it's going to be a masterpiece so the viewers had high expectation but turned out the show could not meet those expectation.

As I said before, this show has great potential, the storyline about royal family problems and all those conflict with pyunsoo group were quite believable for me at some point. I have no complain regarding the main plot about how the crown prince grows to be a good ruler for the country. But I found too much unnecessary love dilemma along the story and it becomes annoying at some point. I did not know that story of love actually can ruin the show to this extent. well I actually a sucker for romance but the romance here is not appealing for me. Ok, that was all the negatives I can mention about this drama. Now, let's talk about the good things.

First, we should not miss how the writer make a dynamic character for this story. Almost all of the characters showed nice development over time and they really grew, they showed various emotions, had both weak and strong side and made me pay attention and root for them (I love all four lead characters here). This drama is combination of well written characters and great actors, in this term I'm so thankful they cast these actors. I am a fan of Kim So Hyun and I knew she can do much more than what she showed here just like what everyone complained but at the end I kind of understand that she played a strong and steady character, not the one that stand out much and it was not something we can ignore. As for Yoo Seung Ho, through this drama I discovered that he is indeed charming and so lovable. I'll definitely going to check his future project. That also applied for L. I've known this guy ever since his debut with infinite and among all of his drama, his acting here was the best, I am truly impressed, he finally become real actor *tearsofjoy. Hwa Gun is my favorite here eventhough Yoon So Hee was a bit off in portraying her character. For me Hwa Gun's character was not about obsession since she still care for her father, not just her love interest. She shows how a daughter/granddaughter can also make decision and take action based on her judgement. She was the true definition of cool and influential second lead for me.

Second, the production team put a lot of effort in making this. Aside from the good cast, we can also tell from first glance that this is not a low budget drama. From the setting, properties, cinematography and everything about this drama were not done half hearted. It was beautifully made, including the soundtrack. From what I knew, they released 17 ost for 20 episodes drama and those 17 songs were delivered by talented musicians. Among all the good things bout this drama, the fact that it has 17 ost was my favorite, especially because my favorite singer Hwang Chi Yeul and Yoseob lent their voice.

Lastly, I will say that I really enjoyed this drama despite the plothole and partly unconvenience story line. To be honest, of all drama I watched at the same time, this is the one I am most looking forward to each week. (probably because I did not watch a lot of saeguk so this story is new and original for me)

overall, I still recommended this drama but don't set your expectation too high.

Read More

It's a bit long, but bear with me.

Romance Full of Life is a six-episode drama starring Yoon Si Yoon as its main lead, So In Sung. The drama circles around So In Sung, a slow, weak and clumsy character who has been failing the police academy exam for four years. In Sung participates in a high-paying medical experiment which changes his life.

So In Sung has a very positive and beetle-like personality which Yoon Si Yoon portrays very well. I don’t think anybody else could’ve done a better job. I loved how even after he changed there were minor things that kept him linked to his original self. For example, his eyes had the same dreamy/carefree look as before.

Jo Soo Hyang plays the female lead in this drama. Her character, Wang So Ra, perfectly and realistically balances So In Sung’s optimistic and dorky aura. She shows the frustration, anger, confusion and fear of a struggling unemployed person – something that was missing in the other characters. Even though I understand why, Wang So Ra was a pretty dead character. She was too worn out.

From the supporting roles, Kang Ki Young stole the show with his role, Jo Ji Seob. It is no lie that this man literally brings any role to life with his comedy.

Generally, the acting wasn’t outstanding but commendable. Kang Ki Young and Yoon Si Yoon stood out as they nailed their comedic side. They also proved that they can work the bromance magic with absolutely anybody. Jo Soo Hyang was mediocre. She left a mark on the audience when she starred in School 2015, but I wouldn’t be surprised if anybody forgot she acted in Romance Full of Life.

I DEFINITELY loved the Kim Seulgi cameo and how it linked to Queen Of The Ring – another series in the Three Colour Fantasy trilogy.

I loved the gist of the drama and the message that came with it: “Real success is when you work hard as yourself and achieve your dreams – not when you use shortcuts to get what you want in life.” An applause for the attack on people who use their parent’s names and sources to get a position (Claps). That was a well-timed and laudable strike. However, I felt like they dragged the entire main leads longing for each other concept too far. Instead, they could’ve given us more insight on what So In Sung can do now that he’s strong. But then again, this was primarily a rom-com.

Overall, Romance Full of Life is undeniably worth binge watching. It has the comedy, the romance and, obviously, the plot for a good drama. Although, most of the time I wish a web-drama was a full twenty-episode one, in this case, it would’ve lost its charm had it been a full series. On my blog, I rate dramas out of 5. For Romance Full of Life, it’d be 3.5/5.

Read More

The potential was great! The beginning was great! The cast was superb! Did it keep being this way during the whole drama? Unfortunately, not. When I get to the point when I stop care, I usually drop the drama, and I think, I have more dropped dramas in my list then completed ones :) So why didn't I drop this one?

Reason 1. Jong Hyun Soo/ Dong Ha . The villian in this drama did outstanding job, this is the first time I followed specific character, witch is not the lead with such intencity!He actually was the one who kept my interest to this drama, and the only one who I really wanted to know more about! I just have no words. If he doesn't get an award, it will be final disapointment in SBS after they missed Lee Joon Gi last year!

Reason 2 The office team scenes. I truly enjoyed every single moment of them, they were hilarious and pleasure to watch! Great interaction and chemistry between all cast!

Reason 3 Ji Chang Wook and Choi Tae Joon - and I don't mean just looks, but acting :)

The rest.. I'll just say, starting from the middle of drama there were more and more moments, were I felt bored, except scenes with Jong Hyun Soo... And the worst for me was the last episode.. After great ep 37 and 38, two last ones were just.. well, I would't miss anything if I wouldn't watch them.. And it's a pity, because last episode is the one that leaves final impact from drama, and unfortunatly I felt nothing... But overall there were a lot of moments that I enjoyed, laughed and cared. And all the actors dida great job! It wasn't a bad drama, but it didn't left strong feelings in me...

Read More

The Story was okay although I feel that the script could have been better. But that could just be my objectivity talking. This drama was good for what it was and I would not so much a full blown sequel as much of a prequel or somewhere in-between the two. The director and writers were pretty limited due to of all of the rules and regulations when it comes to historical drama, anytime drams time-traveling to certain times, supernatural being/even that the writers of Chinese dramas have to follow. And this is not even scratching the surface of that.

This has some of the stereotypical revenge will he won't he drama with all the tension and emotions to go with it. Be ready for tears though if not your then someones in this drama because there is a lot of it. That being said I did enjoy the story, it was a bit cliquish and predictable at times but still enjoyable.

The acting just like in the original was pretty spot on and amazing. The chemistry between Liu Cecilia character and Wu Nicky amazing as alway. Although there was some amazing chemistry between Cecilia character and Sun Sean too. Apart from the romance the range of emotions shown by the cast was really good and helped to make this drama more enjoyable.

The music was okay I guess it, the most memorable being Dust by JiaJia. It was played at the right parts and it connected this series to the first series, which I thought was interesting.

Read More

This drama will be included on my top 10 historical drama's of all time as the top 2 contender. Why? Simply because this drama gives you a very interesting story, I won't say anything detailed though because I don't want to give spoilers for those who didn't get to watch it yet.

However, as some said, especially Hancinema who described this drama as 'irredeemably stupid'. I'd still look back to watch it again. Why? Because I enjoyed the characters.

Yoo Seung-ho is the lovely prince who struggled to fight the corrupt subjects of his country, and was being helped by the people who trusted and loved him as much as he love and wanted to save his people.

Kim Myung-soo (L) gave out his best perfomance in here, I got to see that he became good on his craft unlike before. I cried my heart out for him, I felt his emotions and I felt the agony he had in his heart as he plays his role.

Kim So-hyun, at first I was kind of slow on picking up her craft because she was obsessed on what happened to her father and that she's willing to be fooled just to clear her father's name. But in the midst of the commotion, when she gave her best shot to help the King. I clapped for her with all my might.

Yoon So-hee/ Shin Hyun-soo/ Kim Seo-kyung/ Heo Joon-ho & Lee Chae-young: I can't stop admiring this actors/actresses. Especially Yoon So-hee(Hwa Gun) who gave her everything to protect & help the King. To Kim Seo-kyung (Gon), that cherishes Hwa-gun with all his heart and protected the man whom Hwa-gun loves, even though it will hurt him to see that her smiles only belongs to that person. And for the villain of this country Heo Joon-ho (Dae-mok), who's great on portraying his evil deeds. I admire his greed and power to make the King & his Crown Prince suffer.

Park Chul-min (Master Woo-bo) who's good at giving His Majesty advice when he's in trouble or depressed about something that will help resolve the matter at hand.

All in all, this drama gave everything they got and we, the viewer's who enjoyed it gave our own opinion and honest reaction for this wonderful drama. I salute everyone, the cast, the PD's, the Director, the writer's and the crew for their job well done.

We are entitled to our own opinion, as for me. I love this drama with all my heart and I'm giving it 9.9/10.
0.1% left because... you'll know when you watch this drama yourself, I would like to say that the 0.1% goes for the plot arrangement.

Read More

What led me to see this drama was that it involved art and school because I did not know anyone here *no I didn't se Love o2o lol*
I can say that I loved the first part, and it really made me miss the times when I was in high art school myself. I did not think that the story was going slowly, quite the opposite, showing us the day-to-day and how love and hate are developing, just like the values of friendship.
However in a second part I felt that the story itself ceased to exist, becoming a game of popularity, which made me really sad, "Oh i miss the old days"

Act: I do not have much to compare with other dramas, but I really enjoyed Zheng Shuang and all the faces she made. I really thought everyone did a good job.
One point that I enjoyed immensely was the music, always perfect and in the right moments.

I maybe see this again, probably the first part.

Read More

This is certainly a drama that I will never ever forget for my entire life.

It was aired in 2005 on a local TV channel in the Philippines, I watched every single day without missing a part of it. I re-watched the series when I had my very first computer. And this drama never cease to amazed me especially Erika Sawajiri's role of Ikeuchi, Aya. She's really good on bring the emotions to life and you will really feel her words deep in your bones. The struggle is real in here, and you will truly struggle not to cry in every scene.

This drama really inspires me, I won't give you spoilers but what I can say is that, before you watch this one, be sure that you will have acartons/boxes of tissues ready. I love the OST & I love the song Ryo Nishikido as Asou Haruto sang with the class in front of the hospital, I even memorized it and still know the lyrics to this day.

I wish you're true Asou. I really wished you for Aya.

OST: Only Human by K ft. Kim Dong Wan
Special Songs: 3 gatsu 9 ka (Sangatsu Kokonoka) & Konayuki by Remioromen
DRAMA BASED ON A TRUE STORY OF A GIRL WITH AN INCURABLE DISEASE.

Read More

I think this drama started off strong, but lost steam as it went along. The ending episode was meandering and pointless, honestly. It had a happy ending, but was lackluster and bland. I think that if they had cut this show to 16/32 episodes instead of 20/40, they could have written a tighter story. There were some things that got lost in the story, some things that were never explained, and some things that dragged on way too long. The romance sizzled in the beginning and then flickered and died, and then when it rekindled, it was barely an ember. One thing that some people liked, but kind of annoyed me was the lighting in the show. Every time the main characters were about to have a real kiss - there was always this bright light shining between them. I guess it was supposed to be artistic? Once would have been plenty for that and it might have been ok, but it happened at least 3 or 4 times.

Most of the actors did a good job. Ji Chang Wook and Nam Ji Hyun are both fantastic actors and I love to watch the play of emotions on JCW's face. NJH is so earnest and sincere in her acting. Choi Tae Joon as Eun Hyuk was such a cutie pie and his awkwardness and his boyish charm and enthusiasm were fun to watch (this was my first show with him.) I wasn't really impressed with Nara or her character. She was bland and we didn't learn much about her. I thought Kim Ye Won was a scene stealer though! KYW as Ji Hye started off as an unlikable bully and a cheater, but she quickly became one of my favorite supporting actors in this show, and I kind of wished she had been the second female lead instead. I loved her snarky comebacks to Yoo Jung - she made me laugh a lot. And Dong Ha, as the villain Hyun Soo, did an amazing job. It's the first time I've seen him in anything that I recall, but he nailed his role.

The music was decent, nothing stand out, but appropriate.

I won't re-watch this. It was ok, but not one of the best I've seen. I think the longer run time severely hurt the pacing.

Read More

I don't quite know where to begin with my review. Should I list all the good things or should I list all the bad things first? This is also the reason why my rating is probably not yet final. It might change one or two times, though it will definitely not go up any further.

So, to summon it up, this drama is flashy, cheesy, overly dramatic and sometimes seriously ridiculous. The synopsis for this show is quite scarce, so I'll try to describe some additional facts first.

The king rules over his country. That's how it should be. But in fact, he is only a puppet who is led by Pyunsoo Group, a large hidden organization that has its own trick to control the royal family quite well. The Crown Prince meanwhile has to wear a mask in order to hide his face because of an illness he got when he was born - at least that's what the people and the ministers believe. And because of Pyunsoo Group he is also forced to live outside the palace someday. There he meets Ga Eun who he will fall in love with.

The basic plot is actually quite interesting. That's why it's so sad that it doesn't live up to its potential in the end. It had a steady atmosphere what I liked about this drama, but every now and then it managed to drop one or two ridiculous bombs that were either created by some nonsensical decisions or resulted in some foolish actions.

There were alot of characters who had the potential to something big, but they never rose from their grounds. Same applies for the acting. Though I can't blame half of them because they got some crappy scripts for their roles, the other half of the cast was only average or worse.

As interesting as the beginning was, I never saw an actual improvement of the Crown Prince. He might have become a little smarter, that's all. Same goes for the female lead. At a certain point in the drama, she started to annoy me because so many bad things happened only because of her. It irritated me so much, that almost every decision centered around her. She was either bait or needed protection or whatever. I don't know where it went wrong but her role felt more like a burden than a blessing/support. I admit that I enjoyed some of her scenes with the Crown Prince though. But that's as far as it goes.

At some point I started to favor the second female lead more than the actual one. There was definitely growth in her character while she was one of the most conflicted persons in the story. And although I was skeptical regarding the actress at first, I'm glad that she pulled off her character so well that I even felt sad about her efforts being in vain - though on the other hand she did accomplish some of her wishes in the end.

There are only a few performances I truly enjoyed. The Queen Dowager, the second female lead's father, the female lead's father, Woo Bo (Lee Sun's teacher) and Dae Mok, the head of Pyunsoo Group. Their acting was shining compared to the rest. Yoo Seung Ho had his moments, too, and I enjoyed most of his scenes, but damn, he's one teary guy. His hair is beautiful though...

There is indeed an unhealthy amount of crying. Alot of it. And everyone seems to be a real crybaby, it spreads like a disease. Shedding tears during almost every serious moment.

Did I like something? The clothes, the cinematography, the MUSIC (that score was good~), impressive entrances (esp from Yoo Seung Ho, his royal demeanor was intriguing) and some really good fighting scenes.

Recommendation is debatable and this is definitely not a sageuk for everyone. It's quite predictable, with alot of stereotype characters and some questionable turn of events. Despite that I still felt entertained to a certain degree. There were many moments that kept my interest throughout the whole drama and I wanted to see the finale, even though I already knew how it would probably end~

And Yoo Seung Ho's hair was so beautiful... Did I already mentioned that? Damn, that dude is gorgeous.

Read More

This drama focuses on four friends who grew up together and are now in their mid-20s, struggling to recapture the dreams of their youth. Ko Dong Man (played by Park Seo Joon, of the very pinchable cheeks) is a former Taekwondo athlete who suffered a defeat at the top of his game and is now a 20-something guy getting by on his somewhat soul-crushing, mediocre part time job. His best friend is Choi Ae Ra (played by Kim Ji Won), the undeniable boss of this quartet, who dreams of being a new anchor but has to live with her job as a greeter in a department store/mall. Her roommate and other best friend is Baek Seol Hee (played by the adorable Song Ha Yoon), whose dream in life is to be a wife and mother, and who has been dating and half living with her boyfriend of six years, Kim Joo Man (played by Ahn Jae Hong - what a teddy bear), while she works as a customer support rep for a home shopping network. Joo Man works for the same company, but as a producer/buyer for the food segments on the home shopping network. While the story line follows Dong Man and Ae Ra's movement from friends to romantic partners, Seol Hee and Joo Man face the break down of their six year relationship.Throw in a surprise birth secret in the last third of the series for a bit of added flavor. This show was a lot of fun to watch - though I often find Park Seo Joon utterly delightful, so I'm not surprised. When hilarity ensues, it is very well done. The pacing is a bit off, as the ending felt a little rushed in comparison to the slow set up at the beginning of the series. There's also an early on plot line that felt almost entirely pointless, though thankfully it's wrapped up pretty quickly and never mentioned again once it's done.

Read More