WHY? This is simply a COLLECTION of private HOMEVIDEOS. First i thought, this might get interesting. But i didn't know this solely consists of god damn homevideos. I paid 7 bucks for the ticket while i can also go on YouTube, which is also more interesting!
To be fair, the plot might have potential. The family situation wasn't the easiest. But still, i can't bear the damn home videos. Props for the amount of video material. There isn't that much about my life/family. There was video material of the family when the kids were little, when they were a bit older, and the most video material was when the creator of the movie was an adult. Sorry, but i can't recommend that movie expect you're related to that family.
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If I have to describe this drama in one word, I'd say it's "nostalgic". It does seem like an obvious choice since it's a story about past life, but making a mere viewer like me constantly feel warm and comforted by the characters and the bond between them is not something other past life stories can easily do. This is the product of seamless writing, talented cast and their acting, mesmerizing music and phenomenal cinematography. This drama is at the very top of productions of its kind, it will stay there for a long time, and it has possibly exceeded the standard value of other genres as well.
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The story, for me, sums up into a beautiful story about destiny and camaraderie that surpasses the boundary of time. Instead of being something completely new, it surely makes a lot of new choices in characteristics, settings and storyline.
You will experience this simple concept of love and friendship on two timelines: one is back in 1930s Kyungsung (Old Seoul) when Korea was under Japanese rule, and one is in present time Seoul. Although the present time is their main timeline and their past is shown as their recollection, both timelines have their own weight and are laid out equally well.
The main characters are this story's forte. In the present time, we have a bestselling writer who appears snobbish at first but opens up into a very thoughtful person, a ghostwriter who can look both like a caring gentleman and a lonely lost puppy at the same time, and lastly, a fan who is strong, caring and rather very respectful for someone entitled "number one fan". They really are a bunch of good qualities which you can't help but fall for.
These three characters are then tasked with a mission to find out what truly happened in their past lives that makes things the way they are in present time. As they recall past events together, they develop a strong bond just as how they did in the past – if not even stronger because now they also have a chance to learn things about each other they previously didn't know.
At the same time, their past timeline is where the political genre comes in. It's not heavy on politics at all, I can assure you. It rather weaves this setting into the main message very nicely because here our main characters share their passion in fighting against the Japanese for liberation. It's rather super romantic, I must say. "To protect the love I couldn't protect in my past life. To meet again in a liberated homeland and love freely." – This quote says it all.
Other than that, this story gives you a good laugh. Side characters are as three-dimensional as the main ones, and many of them will surely grow on you. Also, this could be because I'm Korean, but even their dialogues and choice of action are three-dimensional. Every word they speak, everything they do, has a good reference and reason behind it. The constant mention of supernatural beings is witty, and how they involve famous quotes, poems and authors really fits with the plot. I can't praise this drama's writer enough for her super well-done research. There's really no plot hole or boring/dragging moments.
And, oh, did I mention? The said writer is Jin Soo Wan, the amazing writer behind Moon Embracing the Sun and MDL users' all-time favorite Kill Me, Heal Me.
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For the cast, I have seen almost every single one of them in their past works, and they still didn't remind me of their other characters at all, which is always important. They were so alive in their roles. I specifically want to praise our leading cast Yoo Ah In, Im Soo Jung and Go Gyung Pyo who had to take on two roles each for their separated present and past characters. They all nailed it. Additionally, Kwak Shi Yang who portrayed the antagonist deserves extreme compliments. The fact that he made me utterly hate his entire being proves that his acting was marvelous. That is an A+ for someone who's been in the industry for merely 3 years.
Another thing I fell in love with was the music. This drama's OSTs are gems – not only because we have golden voices like Baek Yerin and SG Wannabe but because the lyrics were written according to the storyline. The music cues are planned out so well that it's almost cunning. They appear at every right moment to add meaning to what we're seeing on screen, and often times they call for tears. In other words, they are not just background music but part of the storytelling itself. Don’t ever forget to read the meaning of those songs, and you’ll be in awe.
Likewise, the cinematography, the costumes, sets and their props are also impeccable. "Visually stunning" describes this entire production. This is one of those few dramas that you can pause at any moment and get a beautifully-composed still image. Present day Seoul and 1930s also have a clear line between them – both done beautifully from a lot of research. The color is graded in a cozy lukewarm tone and will make you feel like watching a beautiful independent movie on a big screen.
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Romantic, evocative, delicate, sentimental, homely.
“Nostalgic” it is. Nostalgic really sums up everything.
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Witnessing how this drama played out every week felt just like witnessing a piece of art. I never thought I'd have a chance to give straight 10s on a review, but this drama felt like an exception from the very beginning, and it never disappointed me until the end. If this isn't enough to make you decide to watch, I don't know what else will.
I don't think I'll be able to get over this drama in a very long time. This drama is my home.
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Every week I waited in front of my laptop, hoping the next episode to air a little earlier. Because I was in love with the story, the characters, the cast, the songs - oh the songs! - the cinematography and every thing that makes this drama so unique. So this will not be a fare review but something to do until my heart can cope with its farewell.
Lets start with the story.
Its amazing. It's a TvN drama, so I expected nothing less from the beginning. And the writer is Jin Soo Wan, author of 'Kill me heal me' thought I haven't tried that, but I have heard nothing but good things. I am going to watch that very soon - once I am over this one, off course.
When i first read the synopsis I thought it was cool. I like the idea of a drama about a writer and his fan and ghost writer. The whole supernatural thing didn't even came to my mind. Because I thought it will play a small part, or nothing - I was wrong.
I gave it a try. From the moment it started I knew it was going to be good. Because from the very first scene you are on the edge of your sit, mouth wide open and - if you were anything like me - in love.
The story is not only well written but thought out too. There are two stories happening in this drama. One in 1930 and the other in the 2017 which is our main line. And you want to know about both. Because everything that is happening with them - the character- now is part of what happen in 1930. That story that was never finished is tied with everything that is happening with them in the present. And so the tied with string of fate the story starts.
Everything the characters said, does, the little items - even the smallest of it - was for a reason. And I love this type of thought out stories. It makes me connect more. It makes me fall in love with it more.
The mystery in this drama is something that will wrap you around it. You can't get away. It's a true mystery because until the very end you don't know what happens or how. And that's how they holds you in front of your screen.
Its a writers/ readers drama. For people who likes to read, people who likes to write and people who just loves a good story. This drama is for them. Because there is references about many big writers and their works. 'Mystery' by Stephen King is one of them.
The romance and comedy will make your heart ache. And by the end of the first episode you won't be able to do anything but wait for the next.
It's very very well written and characters are well developed. And the whole production team did a hell of a job behind the camera to make it as great as possible.
The cinematography is beautiful. Specially Han Se Ju's house. Books are every where. I wanted to live there!
The cast was fabulous.
Yoo Ah In, Im Soo Jung and Go Kyung Pyo were perfect for the characters. They not only acted but they brought out the little thing that made those characters more...real. Because they felt real to me and I felt their pain.
Yoo Ah In is as good as his hair style in this drama. I think I have a crush on his 1930 laid back writer self. Who loved to party with his friends. And then the present version where he is even more cuter.
I want to thank that person who came up with his hair styles. Because of him/her we have the hottest hairstyle of 2017 in front of us. Thank You!
Im Soo Jung plays Jeon Seol, the fan who gets her wish to come true. She is the obsessive fangirl that we all are in the inside. And to see her dream come to true - as a fan - made me root for her. Its one fan to another. Her 1930 character is what made me drawn to her even more.
And then we have Go Kyung Pyo. Everything I say about him or his character will be considered less. His acting was phenomenal. Its the little things that he did made me love him even more. And those adorable moments with him and the dog. CUTE.
And applause for Kwak Shi Yang. Because he fooled us all. That is a hard thing to do, with that face.
The songs...oh the songs.
Every single song in this drama is beautiful. They are not only songs but stories told in the lyrics that makes your heart hurt. And every scene is perfected with that well timed OST playing in the background. They bring out the emotions that are shown in screen. You can't get over the songs.
In the end if i had to describe this show in one word, it will be unique. Different, beautiful and unique.
At first sight you might not fall in love like I did. But I will tell you to give this a try. I promise you that its a not a time wasted. Because the next thing you will know, its top in your favorite list. Like mine. So watch it!
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Though personally I am not a fan of Choi Jin Hyuk's acting even with the other dramas of his I've seen he was not that convincing and most of the time I ended up cringing during his scenes. I love Lee Yoo Young's acting here, most of her scenes gave me the creeps. The acting as a whole was great.
This drama may be lacking in some parts but I think this deserves a try atleast.
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This is the re-make of the famous american tv series The Good Wife ( You must watch it) . So, I never expected such a re-make in Korea. They nailed it. tVn has a great cinematography team, Th aesthetics and the shots are so beautifully captured. The plots were so good.
Acting 10/10
Jeon Do-Yeon the good wife, Brilliant acting and her chemistry between Yoon Kye-Sang was so amazing. God, They look so good together. I wished there was more scene of them in love and all.....Kim Seo-Hyung plays the role of diane. Ahh God !!! I felt the difference here but who cares. Amazing acting. Nana was good. She is hot af. Lee Won-Geun ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh There is now ords for him , I loved his acting in Sasy go , Mystery Queen... Just loved him. Yoo Ji-Tae the bad husband was not that bad in acting ah ha Love him also.
Music 8/10
The Background score was something that will keep clinging in your ears. Don't forget to listen to OST 1 AND 2 .
Re-watch Value 9/10
i WATCHED THE AMERICAN DRAMA ALSO. I am a big fan of this drama. I literally don't watch any american drama's for now but only Asian drama's . This drama made me cry and feel lot fo things. I will definitely watch and i wish there is a season 2 for this.
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this drama had it all; the romance, comedy, friendship, bromance, sad moments, happy moments, and mistery. Everything was served in the most beautiful way. No less and no more than it should be, but everything was always on point, especially the way they slowly reveal the secret episode by episode. It was so well written. Also the cinematography, it was very good just like Goblin or Tomorrow With You.
All the characters are also amazing especially the main characters. Han Se Ju had the best character development tho, but Yoo Jin Oh was my favorite.
Don't ask about the acting, they were the best. Yoo Ah In's and Im Soo Jung's acting never failed to satisfy us. And for Go Kyung Pyo, I think he had his best performance in this drama. Especially in the 15th episode when he cried, it was so painful. The trio acting and chemistry stole my heart. And also the one who played as Baek Tae Min, he was also amazing. I hate Baek Tae Min character, but at some moment I pitied him too.
For the music, it was perfectly fit with all of the scenes in the drama. I love all of the soundtracks. Satellite and Be My Light were my favorites.
Overall this drama was amazing and brilliant. I enjoyed this drama so much. When I was watching this, it felt like I was on a journey. I can watch this drama over and over again and I will still be enjoying it.
DAMN, I LOVE THIS DRAMA SO MUCH!
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And the particulars just aren't great. The directing and the acting are marginally better than the writing, but they're nothing to write home about, and at the end of the day the whole thing reeks of sanctimony. It's poorly structured, fails to bring its themes to life in any credible way, and wastes more time on its heroes' epic backstories than it spends with any of the characters they claim to speak for. The working class are presented as victims, objects of sympathy who must be saved from their tragic lot in life by a couple of Heroes doing heroic things. Don't expect their struggle to gain some agency and leverage in the workplace to come with any leverage or agency in the story.
If I had to sum up, I'd say that it's basically a mix between a dumbed-down political action piece that simultaneously deals in polemics and avoids taking a stand on anything beyond the obvious (the system is built to exploit the poor! Illegal=bad!), and a facsimile of a "serious" drama written by someone who doesn't understand what makes those shows tick.
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And in the end when you reach its final piece, you start to really appreciate every single item. Although each of them has their own shape and characteristics, you notice that special bond that connects every part, smoothly like a cogwheel. And when you put it back together afterwards, it matches perfectly again.
That's how I experienced Chicago Typewriter. I was sold from the first minute. The start was slow and the show takes its time to tell its story. But I never even once complained about the pace. I enjoyed every second of it. Why? Because I simply savored every interaction with the characters. It felt like they took me along on their journey.
The people in this drama - and yes, I call them people because they felt real to me, no matter how estranged they appeared sometimes - will grow on you, especially the female lead. She's one wonderful fangirl many of us can relate to. Being obsessed with her crush in a totally unharmful and charming way, you can't help yourself but root for her. And who wouldn't take the chance and meet his/her crush when an opportunity arises out of the blue? Even if that means to maybe get disappointed by that one person you dedicated your life to. Even if that means you maybe should decide about ending that long-lasting one-sided relationship. So, hands down for the first honorable mention in this cast: Im Soo Jung. An endearing actress who not only impersonates our everyday fangirl but also a devoted freedom fighter per se.
And who is the counterpart to every fan? Of course, the star. That ray of light we see whenever we feel down. Those people who have all the rumors floating around them. Charming on the outside and... either exactly the way we imagine them to be or shockingly different. Being a nationwide renowned bestseller author in the present (and a seemingly resigned writer in his past life), Han Se Ju is certainly one interesting figure. Reserved towards strangers, with a proud and confident demeanor, he might appear paranoid, rude and self-centered. But he learns to change his ways and views, and certainly grows with time. Yoo Ah In is one brilliant actor whose magnificent performance impressed me deeply.
Finally, the third to be in league and a must to be mentioned here. Go Gyeong Pyo. He plays the handsome and classy Yoo Jin Oh who stirs up the daily lives of our other two leads. His appearance triggers a chain of unforeseen events that will certainly change everyone's path. Without telling too much, Go Gyeong Pyo clearly nailed this role.
These three are telling a story about fateful friendship and love in desperate times, that will eventually engrave its signature into your heart. Their tale has "passion" written all over its face. Passionate love, passionate friendship and the passionate desire for your people's freedom. It's captivating in every point, once you let your guard down and allow yourself to be swallowed by its mysteries. Emotions are raw and daring, and an important pillar for its partakers. It's like fire, burning hot and dangerous. And the leads are doing a phenomenal job on conveying that driving emotion.
The mystery surrounding this drama may not be completely new, but still be a rare kind in its execution through neat hints that will be revealed step by step. Starting with visually beautiful scenes, the drama takes a constant pace with a fluent transition between the past and present story. This helps building up the layer-by-layer suspense which ultimately vents into a poignant finale. On a side note, you have of course your usual suspects as well, your lovely sidekicks who add some fun and comedy to the story. And you have that villain that you will hate with utter disgust.
And before I will conclude my review, let me tell you that once you got to listen to Chicago Typewriter's haunting soundtrack, you won't be able to turn back. It's like the icing on the cake and you'll be lost for good.
Don't hesitate to watch this mesmerizing gem. Let yourself be swayed, and take on this incredible journey with an exceptional love for details in every aspect. Even though you might not end up with a 10 like me, because you perhaps find some things only normal or average along the road, it's worth the watch nonetheless. In the end, I might sound a little biased but this one just hit all the right spots for me. It never let me or down or disappointed me.
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I recently finished watching Hero, (2001, 2006, 2014, and 2015). They were fun to watch, I’m sure I’ll look at those again in the next few months. All the episodes have substance to them (Congratulations to the writers!), and the ensemble acting was superb! My only regret is that I have to watch the series with the subtitles; I’m not a native speaker but I totally got the funny parts, cried at the sad ones, and felt a bit of disappointment that Kuryuu-san didn’t even hold Amamiya-san’s hand when they said good bye.
The 29-year old Kimura Takuya in Hero, 2001 was, and still is, pleasant to the eyes. His facial expressions communicates a lot but that’s what a good actor is about, isn’t it? Perhaps he’s gotten to the pinnacle of his acting career, a goal that actors would love to achieve. I look forward to seeing him in other roles as well. The cast was well chosen; more than that, the directors had a vision, created the success it was (2001) and 16 years later, I saw all four and was touched by the timeless words in the show. I must admit that the series and the movies slowly pulled me out of a darkness and inspired me to write again. Thank you!
We go to see the performing arts to be entertained, to forget the challenges we face. There, we can see our wishes for beautiful, fulfilling lives coming true. Thank goodness for films, we get that vicarious experience of solving problems, of joy, for an hour or two. Thank you to the actors who make those wishes come to life; thank you to Kimura Takuya whose acting shows what it might be like to be present in the moment, to be a participant in life.
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I like the leads and enjoyed the first part, then the story got very predictable. So skipped a lot in the last few episodes.
Lots of loose ends, it feels like an incomplete story. The story could have been better written.
Anyway everyone got a happy ending even though it was kind of rushed.
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Still, this film is far from perfect. It seems like a cluster of different scenes which doesn't always make sense. The cause-and-effect relationship is not always tangible. Sometimes, I had problems understanding characters' decisions. Having said that, I still think the film is worth watching. There's time for the laugh and time for the tears. I enjoyed most of the scenes thanks to the amazing actors.
I really think the actors are the best asset of Water Boyy, especially Ngern and Beam who played lead characters. I simply loved their chemistry, the way they looked at each other etc. Other swimming club members were so lovely and boisterous. I enjoyed every scene with them. Nam's family and Nune weren't that bad either.
Music wasn't that memorable (except the theme song), but it suited certain scenes. Sound effects were mostly fine, but some were completely unnecessary. On the other hand, I liked the scenography and warm colours of the frames. The film's so colourful that it's pleasant to watch.
Even though I think Water Boyy the Series has a better writing and pace, BL pairing lacks chemistry which made Water Boyy the Movie so good. Again, not perfect, not marvellous, simply good and enjoyable. Most importantly, I couldn't stop smiling after I'd watched the whole film and I think it's all you need to know.
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When it came to the cast we have an ill-tempered prang'ek. I liked how he doesn't get easily persuaded by the niang'rak (the evil girl,etc) but i felt that his trait of being ill-tempered got pushed too far during the last few episodes of the lakorn, BUT I'm sure the writers had their reason to give him this trait because fits into a plot line ("to have a flaw but be able to push pass it etc.")
The niang'ek was unlike-able in the beginning of the lakorn but i feel that you may grow to like her because she doesn't cower to the niang'rak. It's one of those storyline with a rich girl turn poor who now has to work, but her attitude wasn't as bad compare to other lakorns with similar plot lines.
I'm trying to be very broad about the lakorn, so overall just an overview, watch the lakorn if you'll like. It's not the best nor was it the worse. They did some justice to each characters and you'll be faced with scenarios that are commonly seen but you'll come to enjoy the lakorn because the niang'ek isn't weak, the 2nd male lead just makes you feel bad for him yet love him at the same time, the prang'ek's character could be worked on but eh you'll get over it. Compare to other lakorn this one was on the better side. (except the ending lol I wasn't that in love with the last few episodes but it's your own call lol :))
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