The thriller aspect with kidnapper storyline just becomes tiresome halfway through, with the usual moronic police investigation/constant mistakes in capturing the uninspired villain.
I found the comedy scenes totally unfunny and embarrassing.
The romance was ruined for me by the coy and overly cutesy acting by Park Bo Young. I am not a fan of ayego.
My biggest problem with this drama was the main female lead Do Bong Soon. I disliked her thoroughly and cannot understand how others found her likable and described her as an admirable strong woman. For me she is nothing but a two-faced, passive aggressive bully. She casually assaults people and then acts all sweet and innocent as if butter wouldn't melt. I found her hypocrisy a total turn off. She is smug and rude to her superiors at work. She bullied and assaulted people everywhere she went, if it had been a man doing these things everyone would have been up in arms . By the end of the drama I started to dislike the actress as well - as it is her portrayal not just the writing that i found so unpleasant.
Other things I did not like:-
- the contrived love triangle which went nowhere and made me question why it was introduced it in the first place.
- the way DBS mother treated her husband was totally unacceptable. If I were him I would have divorced that useless harridan in an instant.
- the main male lead's besotted act went rapidly from cute to cringe.
- the cliched depiction of the gay character.
All in all an utter disappointment I had looked forward to this drama as the 3 main leads were all on my like list but after this debacle I will have to rethink my stance.
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I watched this movie with a skeptical attitude. Not a big fan of plots which one of the main characters suffer from an incurable illness, but this has actually some good points.
The plot is a little bit different from any other shojo mangas, that's maybe the reason why I loved the manga so much.
An adorable kid met this bubbly girl who's a violinist. The girl wants the boy to play the piano again so she starts to encourage him to not turns his back to the real love of his little life; classical music.
What I love about this story is the huge love for music shown by the characters.
Kento played an amazing Arima here. He's cute, nerdy, a ball of fluffiness. His cry scenes gave me goosebumps.
The cinematography is colorful, making every single actor look like an anime character.
There isn't a real love story, at least in the manga version, so I was a little bit confused when I saw how the movie ended.
Kaori's illness isn't explained at all, leaving the audience thinking "What the actual hell is this girl daying of?"
Expect for Suzu Hirose's voice tone that actually sounded like the one of an anime voice actress, everything was well directed. Sometimes the peace of the movie was a little bit slow, making me look at my phone, but it wasn't actually a big deal.
Hands up for Kento's acting here. Comparing this character to Naruse's one, I think he has done a better job in here.
At least, Arima made me feel something.
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And a Korean-actor was cast, maybe to have a wider audience? The English he and Michelle speak was not bad, but it wasn't too good either. Which wouldn't have bothered me at all except that they talked in whispers! I had to come closer to the screen to understand at least half of it... and they were supposed to talk in English every day or so... ha! As if.
I loved the contest they have at school, it is one of my favorite plot to watch in a live-action. Kinda like HanaKimi, where there are several groups that compete against each other, in the silliest games! My favorite part of the movie! My least favorite: everything that was about Michelle and her brother. What a pain, it dragged so much sometimes. I wanted more Host Club, more Tamaki-Haruhi, not more about a girl with the most terrible hair (seriously, how could she comb that tangled mess??) and with a brother complex.
I wish the scriptwriter had chosen another arc instead of that... nevertheless, it was good to see the gang again XD
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I love Yusuke as Tamaki, he portrayed Tamaki so well. He was never stiff and I never thought he was overacting in a bad way, but in Tamaki's way. He was funny and charming, and yes, he looked silly most of the times, but that was the fun. I loved every time he was yelling "Haruhiiii!".
And the twins! OMG, they were excellent. Although I love the manga to death, I never truly liked the twins. They were too "melodramatic", and I was never a fan of their kind of fanservice (twin love incest or whatever). Worse, since I am "Tamaki Team" since chapter 1, I was never happy with the harem thing. BUT.... this dorama made me see a whole new point of view. I now understand more and accept why both of them are the way they are. And why both of them fall in love with Haruhi. At the end, they both became my 2nd favorite (which I did not have) and I admit I pitied them at the end. Poor guys :( but at least both of them love Tamaki as much as they love Haruhi, so it is not a big heartbreak.
Do I need to add that Daito was good as Kyoya? He was the perfect: handsome with an evil smile. I think that only once I thought that he needed to be taller, but otherwise, to me he was perfect (and he looked really good with glasses). Again, I never approved in the manga that Kyoya liked -romantically- Haruhi, but I liked the episode where he shows her that he could have attacked her if he wanted to. It was like seeing that scene from another light.
I've read somewhere that Kawaguchi Haruna (Haruhi) was too stiff as an actress. But to me, as Haruhi, she was perfect. I never cared about her wig; it looked good on her and I would have never guessed it was a wig, except in the first chapter when it was longer. She made good expressions when she was surprised, and whenever she smiled, she looked very cute. I am very satisfied with this Haruhi.
On the other hand, I can't say I am satisfied with Honey-sempai and Mori-sempai. Yes, the actor who played Honey-sempai looked the part, but while it works in anime and manga, it doesn't in real life. Instead of looking cute, he looked effeminate and, well, ridiculous. The CG when he hugged or jumped on someone, making him looked smaller was weird and kinda creepy. Thank God they did it only in the first couple of episodes. And really, a teenager carrying a stuffed bunny is awkward and not cute at all... As for Mori-sempai... the actor looked like him, but Mori-sempai should be a guy who either looks bored or just expression-less, not like a robot, like this actor did.
I was not really happy at first with making Nekozawa such an important character, but what can I say, I love Ryo! He is like one of my children (all Kyoryugers are) and I am just happy to watch him grow as an actor and have different roles from Kingu. And objectively, he did well as Nekozawa. Not only he looked like him, but I love how he portrayed him... it was like watching Undertaker from Kuroshitsuji, with that smile and black cape. I am so happy for him XD
The rating for this dorama was very low... it shows you that doramas with low rating can be really good! True, I wasn't a fan with the first couple of episodes, but when I was in Ep. 5 or so, I was loving it. It is true to the story, and I liked most actors in their roles. Highly recommended for OHSHC who aren't picky when it comes to looks! (Tamaki isn't blond; Honey-sempai isn't blond; Kyoya isn't tall, etc.)
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This review may contain spoilers
This is a very light drama, not the dramatic one I had expected. It was very easy to watch, and thankfully, many problems were fixed almost in the same episode, so there was no dragging.**Possible spoilers**
There may be a bit of bullying from the posh mothers' side, but it wasn't too much, just childish stuff like notes telling Kiko to go away. Nothing over-dramatic, and nothing that Kiko couldn't handle. In spite of being a single mother, she had at least her grandpa, plus her coworker. And later on, her ex. So this if far from similar to "Woman".
I liked Kimura Fumino as Kiko, she was strong and didn't overact. Never seemed pitiful, but resourceful. I think I liked Dan Rei as much (or much more) as Kimura Fumino. This actress was very lady-like, very soft-spoken. It is not hard to imagine her and her real-life husband together, they are very similar in that aspect.
The children were super cute, specially Haruto and Rika, but I can't say they were good. They overacted some times, specially Rika's crying. But I got to admit that I was tearful when Haruto made his speech of not being pitiful, with a huge smile. It was very tender.
I can't say that Kiko was perfect since her biggest flaw was her reluctance to let Haruto be with his father. But nevertheless, she was portrayed as The Heroine to the maximum, changing the life of these 4 women, who looked like they were going to Mean Mothers but turned out every one of them had a problem at home (hikkimori son, cheater husband, penniless, dictator mother-in-law). I dislike when in dramas the MC is preachy, always giving a 10-minute speech and everybody listening to her/him. This happens a lot in Mother Game. Yeah, ok Kiko-san, we get. You are perfect **eye-rolling**
Taking aside all the preach, it was engaging and somewhat relaxing. The male characters were either jerks or useless. The female were strong and never behave in a childish way (ok, except for the bullying). I mean, there were times where it would seem like the character would yell in despair, like when Satoko-san confronted her mother-in-law, but it was all very civilized.
Some of the conclusion of the stories were "and then?". So the evil mother-in-law only needed to be confronted ONCE to behave? Hmph (her son was so useless, what an a**-hole husband). And what about the Odadera's fate? The sensei (Seto Koji) was so MEH. Was he really in love with Kiko-san? What a way to show it, by being so reluctant to have working mothers in that school! I am glad of her answer.
A few complains maybe, but overall, it was easy and enjoyable to binge-watch it.
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Acting: The real standout were the leads - they had chemistry. The surrounding cast and stories were credible and supported the main story-line of revenge-love.
Music: no real winner for me. It did not get in the way.
RW: Not for a while - too many eps.
Overall: Good story that seemed rushed at the end, felt like the writers were told end here and they just scrambled to tie up. It ended the way it started with the OTP bickering. Wish the writers would have ended it with Xi bickering with Zhang, and he just walk over and kissed the hell out of her. This move would have startled her immensely and given the viewers a bit more of his smexy stares manifested into something besides a hug. Cdrama is getting better.
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I'll admit I only initially watched this because of Han Hyo Joo...
Story (7.5):
The beginning has some antics to get the two leads together, one a firefighter and the other a doctor, and I don't think it felt cliche or contrived at all. Perhaps a little, but it was pretty refreshing and a bit comedic too.
Later on in the story I felt like I was watching a couple different movies, most notably the indie film Fireproof (EXACT SAME TRAIN SCENE I TELL YOU), and at the end of the movie I felt like some parts of the story line weren't fulfilled, but this is still a fun movie to watch regardless.
Acting/Cast (9.5):
Han Hyo Joo.
I was going to end this part here, but I guess I'll continue on. So, I kind of like Han Hyo Joo as an actress. I've seen her in a billion other things, like Dong Yi, Shining Inheritance, Always, etc. and I liked her in those; if you did too, then there's no way she'll disappoint here! The rest of the cast was pretty decent and some I felt were pretty topnotch even if I'd never seen them anywhere else. I've got to say, the husband of the brain dead woman really surprised me with his acting...
Music (7.0):
Meh. I grew up on Beethoven and Mozart; sue me, but nothing life-changing here. Fortunately it didn't stick out as bad either.
Rewatch Value (7.0):
I don't rewatch things very much, but I'd say given enough time I could easily rewatch this one.
Overall (8.0):
Maybe a bit optimistic of a score. I'd give it more of a 7.75, but I'll round up on this one since it was decent. I'll admit I was using that 10 second skip feature a little bit at parts, but it was worth the watch. Recommended especially to romcom and Han Hyo Joo fans!
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Leads really act well!!! All four of them. They have the chemistry and I need to give extra credit to the actress of Cheng Xiang Nan ??? for her brilliant acting as the inferior jealous lady.
We cannot deny how JJ Lin music is so addicting. I literally just sings it every time his songs comes out, especially when something good happens in the drama and I will be sooooooo happy.
Rewatch value is low cause it's too long and to be honest, nothing to rewatch.
This is really a great drama to watch for a modern mature love story. A story about dreams and love. Not suitable for those who are searching for a fluttering moment though.
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This review may contain spoilers
Several friends recomemmened me watch this drama, also I saw that in Korea was really popular. However now I finally can finished this dramas after long long time, I started around 6 months or more really excited because I heard before the OST and was amazing I'm fan of Kwill and his song is so nice also obviously Joong ki is another handsome motivation for watching.BUT I need to say that the story is so boring or better they dont have plot ... is just a mix between war, military, doctors without a coherent plot , with a few funny situations.
Also Yoo Shi Jin (main role) is so ridiculous arrogant and in some situation really womanizer that for me was really annoying, for many reasons I paused several times this drama... long time trying to finish but always the episodes didnt hook me and problematic situation repeted and repeted.
I dont want to post spoiler for your understand me, Definitely I can't recommend this drama.
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I went into this, not knowing what to expect. There are many sageuks that sound promising but disappoint you utterly. And then there are those who start slow but grow to be one of your dearest gems. Rebel definitely belongs to the latter. (At this point I also have to admit that I still haven't watched Six Flying Dragons. But I will definitely catch up with that one soon.)
Many people know of the story about Hong Gil Dong and there's already another drama addressing this character. But I had no idea. That's why it's even more funny that while I was watching this, it constantly reminded me of Robin Hood. Thanks to my comparison someone told me that it's indeed based on that legend - or rather it's basically the Korean version.
So, why did I like this drama so much?
1. First of all the story combined with its characters.
I always have to mention that together because one part doesn't work without the other. I do think the story is pure gold. Well, nothing new, of course, but the way it's written and the way its characters are acting and growing, left me speechless so many times while following every new turn of events. What I also really loved was that you will never be left in too much agony. Of course, this drama has its sad, its heartbreaking moments, too. But despite their misery, I never felt uncomfortable or frustrated about it. Why? Because every event had its reasoning. It was such a well thought-out net of actions and inevitable consequences that made me unable to be angry at somebody or something. I did hate a bunch of people, but the writing managed to make even those bastards palpable and well-founded. The best part though was the close follow-up of injustice and justice. You might feel angry at some point but right the next minute you feel relieved and satisfied. It's rewarding (for you and its characters equally).
2. Camera. The way it was shot. Cinematography.
There are so many beautiful scenes, not only of the people but also of landscapes and important scenes that just underline the impression of each and every moment.
3. Love for details.
That's one point I cherish deeply because many dramas don't care about those things. If I find a show that does, it immediately rises alot in my favor. Rebel does those beautiful details. And what I'm talking about are not those things that are pointed out by the camera to be sure the viewers get the meaning. No, I'm talking about those things that are not pointed out and that you only notice if you pay enough attention to the story.
4. Acting.
Magnificent through and through. From leads to supports to guest appearances. The first one to mention here is Kim Sang Joong. His portrayal of Ah Mo Gae is perfection. You see him loyal, you see him weak, you see him angry, you see him desperate and you see him loving. And! You see him strong and determined, rising from the bottom. He's smart, he knows how to talk to the people and be a leader. KSJ's Ah Mo Gae paves a large path for this drama and is the first step to be sucked into this story and not being able to leave again.
After him, of course, Yoon Gyun Sang who plays Hong Gil Dong. As I said before I haven't watched SFD yet, so I didn't know what his acting is like. But man, this guy can act! It is such a pleasure to see a well written character and an actor who can pull off such a role. Showing the character's different stages, his struggles and growing of mind. What amazed me the most was how he was able to make me believe that Hong Gil Dong is indeed Ah Mo Gae's son. There's this special thing he does with his voice (again one of those details)... The way he starts talking after awhile - like father like son.
Kim Ji Suk. Maybe his best role so far. Playing such a complex character as the king and doing such a stunning job with that task, is definitely something not everybody can manage.
Shim Hee Seop aka Gil Dong's hyung. The hidden treasure and such a surprise. Haven't seen him before but he nailed this performance. Never loved a side character more.
Chae Soo Bin, Lee Ha Nui... Two great actresses playing two completely different yet marvelous women. I don't want to let out any actor/actress, but it would be too boring to list them all. I still have to mention how visible their efforts were and how they added to a more perfect overall picture.
5. The romance.
Slowly, slowly................................. and then deeply satisfying and vigorous.
6. Music.
Isn't it rewarding to watch something interesting and then the music starts and within seconds captures you and never lets you go again? Rebel has such a haunting score and soundtrack. It fits in every scene, strengthens or lessens every respective moment and mood.
If you want to enjoy a well written drama with outstanding actors and characters, you should definitely go for this one. Highly recommended.
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