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I am sure that if someone with a critical eye was to peruse through this review, they'd "Tsk Tsk" just like El Temur did to show his condescension for things he thought beneath him but I am past the point of caring. For I am hopelessly and utterly in love with everything about this drama, blissfully ignorant to all of its flaws and honored to have witnessed characters that made me feel all there was to feel and more.
After I was done with it, I felt so emotionally spent that it was almost physical. Every waking moment of my existence had been consumed by this production and the withdrawal symptoms were kicking in with a vengeance. Now, there is so much to say, but not enough words. I want to shout its praises from the rooftops but I'll settle for writing this review that can't possibly ever truly deliver the amount of feeling I had for this drama.
This is a story about vengeance, lust for power, loyalty, sacrifice, the blurry line between good and evil, the ugly side of human nature and lastly one woman's quest for justice. You cannot go into this if you don't want to get invested because trust me you will. It will possess you and maneuver you around like a puppet until its characters' emotions are your own, their pain your pain, their heartbreak your heartbreak and it will make you want to burst from all the sensory overload.
If I am to be honest, I admit that I have never seen a more brilliant piece of acting before. From the minute roles to the colossal one's every single act is done with perfection.
This was my first time watching Ha- Ji Won and six episodes in, I had already added her to my favorite actress list and vowed that I will not stop until I had followed her into every show she ever starred in. Simply put, she is my Queen. Her acting is so real and raw that it breaks you every time and leaves you in awe. It's really no surprise that she won a Daesang for her role.
I don't think I have ever felt more strongly for any female heroine before Niang. The intensity of love that I felt for her was crazy. She's a woman of power, deadly beyond measure, a master mind and the definition of strength. In Asian Dramas, there is always more talk than walk about how intellectual the heroine is. Producers use the classic element of make believe and create so much hype that people really start to see the MC as smart and witty even when there are no visible actions to back it up. In the synopsis it would be stated repeatedly how much of a genius she is, the characters in the show would boast about her relentlessly but in reality she usually turns out to be a hollow personality-less beauty vessel constructed on baseless compliments.
Niang doesn't roll that way. She is the real deal from the start; a highly intelligent woman, a schemer, a warrior, a meticulous planner and a ruthless executioner. She doesn't need other people to gass her up, because everything she does speaks for itself. She doesn't require saving because she is the savior. She is a Queen in every sense of the word and honestly, I would rather kill everyone -love interest or not- if they dared hurt her. My heart clenched whenever she faced a setback, my fists pumped and I screamed joyfully every time she was victorious, I cried with her, I smiled with her and I rooted for her every single time. I can honestly sing odes in way of her perfection and it would still not be enough.
Before I started with the drama, I had heard a lot of praise for Ji Chang Wook and when I saw his face and got a glimpse of the character he played I had instantly stuck my nose up, jutted my foot out and turned the other way. I thought that there was no way that I'd ever root for such a privileged, weak and spoiled wimp of a Prince. It didn't help that I had hated characters like him in the past (See: Goo Joon Piyo from Boys over flower, Mike He from Full house, Yune from MiSa) but as I watched, piece by piece the ice around my heart fell off until I was effectively boarded and happily sailing on his ship.
Ji Chang Wook is a gem and I truly believe he deserved a Daesang too. Ta Hwan is a highly flawed character and an anti-hero at best. He's selfish, cowardly, naive and obsessive. For one good deed is followed by a hundred missteps on his part and there were multiple times where I wanted to just slap him senseless. But despite all this, JCW made me fall in love with him. A lesser actor or any other actor for that matter, couldn't have even dreamed to do the same.
He's the type of character that you'd love to hate and hate to love but soon enough you see the deep scars he harbors, the purity of his heart and you understand him. In a palace full of people under his command, he's utterly lonely, horribly abused by everyone he trusts, constantly forced into his insecurities and you cannot help but weep for him and the pain he has had to suffer. Once you understand him, every horrible action he commits doesn't make you hate him, rather it breaks your heart. I had so much affection for him that I bawled every time he was either volatile, helpless or bordering on insanity. I honestly prayed for his relief.
As for the other male lead, I had my doubts about Joo Jin Mo at times but soon, I realized that he held his own too. Even though I felt like Wang Yu was way too likable I did come to adore him. The loyalty his men showed to him, his persistence in fighting for his country and his devotion to Niang warmed my heart. Plus, the guy has really beautiful and expressive eyes.
As far as the couple ships are concerned, Ta Hwan and Niang was the only one that made sense to me. Sure, Wang Yu and Niang have some heart warming moments and their love for each other is supposed to be strong but the moments between Ta Hwan and Niang are simply emotionally intense. There is so much misery between them but their relationship is powerful. She builds him up when he's nothing, she's his support system and his love for her is obsessive because in the midst of so much cruelty she is his only friend and confidante. The only time he attempts to be selfless is when he's with her and she makes him want to be a better man.
Tbh, they both were my babies and they absolutely dominated the show.
The beauty of this show is that everything bad that could possibly happen; happens. In most shows you don't have to guard your heart because you're sure that when things are their absolute worse, a convenient plot device will somehow come in handy and save the characters from catastrophe but here, there is no such luck. The villains are extremely fleshed out and three dimensional which makes it all the more easy to despise them. This drama truly depicts that 'evil is bad that believes it's good' and that is the most dangerous thing about the awful one's because somehow they all have reasons that are wholly justified in their eyes. People I liked transitioned into horrible power hungry monsters and people I hated with a passion tried to force me to feel pity for them. It was such a mixture of charcoal and pristine that I was constantly in a whirlwind.
I'm not going to lie; I bawled a lot in this drama. However, none of my tears flowed when people died or were killed rather they were for the tiny moments; the moments where the helplessness of the characters was shown, the moments where they are trying their best to hold on but falling apart, when they are striving to fight madness but stumbling and it's so beautifully heartbreaking that it wrenched out sobs from me.
This drama is filled with small immensely impactful scenes that combine to make the whole production powerful.
The side characters are very strong and multiple story-lines make the drama diverse and interesting. I majorly love me some Tal Tal; the smart, loyal and brooding man that you just can't get enough of. Wang Yu's men were always a source of happiness; Jokho and many others too make the list.
One thing I agree with many reviewers was that I too wanted the MC's to take a breather. From start to finish they are battling complication after complication and I desperately wanted the sweet moments to be drawn out and for them to bask a little more in the fleeting happiness they were granted. I mean, I wanted to see the faces I love express joy so badly that after finishing the show, I spent hours watching behind the scenes and blooper videos to lighten my heart and seeing those actors laugh and goof around filled me with inexplicable warmth.
As far as the ending is concerned, I'll dole out the same advice a friend gave to me and that is to not dread the tragedy too much for it's something that's bound to happen and you might actually find it quite acceptable. Who knows?
I have said so much, yet I feel that there is so much more to say. I am positive that I can write a thesis on my love for this drama and still not be satisfied so I'm going to end this here.
Every single second of this is nerve wracking in some way, the violence isn't over-produced, the action scenes are beautiful, the dialogues are excellent and although I never really re-watch seasons even when I say that I will, this is one season that I'm absolutely certain that I will binge re-watch and will most probably once again, be strung like a live wire because of all the feels.
An undeniable must watch.
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This is drama is way too good in every perspective. The storyline has always been best because of the manga but many times the drama or adaptations don't do justice to the main thing. But in this case the drama intesified the beautiful story even more!!!!!
The actors were incredible and did justice to the characters. The emotions they showed were so raw and tear worthy.
The chemistry between the main leads and the swoon worthy kisses made my day.
We can't thank enough the side actors for their exceptional acting cause without them the main leads wouldn't have shined so much!!!!!
All together this drama is awesome. This is a ride full of emotions such as first love, self acceptance, tragic past, friendships and importance of family.
I would definitely recommend you to watch this.
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I do admit however,the first few episodes was really good and was just amazing! However,at the 25th episode,i just completely gave up on the show and just watched the last episode.There were many unnecessary events starting to happen but i honestly cant say much as i did not watch the entire thing.
The acting however was on point and the music was good too although at some parts of the show,the music kinda was too loud and just kinda masked the other main points of the scene.
Basically,from the 26 episodes in total i watch of this show and the general idea i know of this show is basically a mix between Lan Ling Wang and Princess WeiYoung and its own origianal plot from the novel.
The similarities between this and Lan Ling Wang was that both female leads were smart and thought about clever and unique ways to get out of trouble.Both were about being the male leads kinda saving the female lead when they are in trouble and also consuming poison just to save each other,etc...
The similarities between Princess WeiYoung is most obviously the forbidden romance concept. WeiYoung's forbidden romance due to her wanting revenge to the male leads country and for this drama,it was about both countries being in war/not in good terms.
The good thing however,was this show had a good ending with is something im SO THANKFUL FOR!
OVERALL,if you like the quirkiness and unexpected ways of the female lead in Lan Ling Wang,the forbidden romance concept from Princess WeiYoung due to the countries war and also other factors and also considering the fact you are able to trudge thru 62 episodes of this with some unnecessary drama happening than definately watch this show! IF NOT,just watch like the first 20+ episodes than skip to the last few..Im not saying to completely not watch this but just watch at least a quarter of it:))
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Let me just say, I really couldn't handle Byul's character. It was either the fact she was a fan girl acting stalk-ish or it was the actor's acting. Ugh!
Woo Joo's character was okay, pretty bland though. I know he's from EXO, but...nope didn't care for.
The beginning grabbed me just a tiny bit, and I like to finish bite size dramas because they're short. So, I don't know what or how the drama did this, but I got emotional at the end. That's it, not going to explain, I might spoil things. Hehe...
Any way, not one of my favorite bite size dramas, but a simple and quick watch.
I can't really say anything else though, it didn't really make a big impact on me.
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I always look forward to when another OCN drama comes out, lets just say, I get excited and giddy. As one of my favorite stations in South Korea, OCN always brings out the brutal and scary sides of cop dramas.
The way Voice was shot, was amazing. Dark alleyways, mysterious figures and bloody crime scenes. Typical in an OCN drama, but always needed and wanted from a fan like me.
From other thriller dramas, the choice of weapon from the killer was freaky and strange. If I ever see one in real life, I know to stay far away. I know I'll never see them the same way again.
Of all the acting, Kim Jae Wook's really got me. I saw him in Who Are You (the newer one), and Voice was a complete change over. I don't want to spoil anything, so just watch Voice if you like to see how his acting plays out. Superb!
So yes, big fan of Voice. Really really loved it! My mom isn't a fan of OCN dramas, but this one I recommend.
(Now, waiting for "Tunnel"!!)
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As a big fan of Yoon Shi Yoon, I just knew this was going to be hilarious and the premise was wacked-out weird and strange. I mean, come on! - medical experiments?? With this actor that can be pretty funny.
The actor who played Kong Moo, besides being pretty hot - I just loved his hopeless romantic character. I shall definitely check out his other dramas!
Anyway, I don't really re-watch dramas, but I really recommend this one if you love Yoon Shi Yoon acting crazy. Vivid Romance did bring the laughs and heartfelt moments.
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The total stupidity of the ending just infuriated me - not whether sad or happy but the complete, total lack of intelligence, logic, character consistency, left me aghast that I had watched this whole thing for this! I just cannot fathom what these writers were thinking. It's taken 12 years of dramas to produce one that had this badly written & conceived an ending (that would be Missing 9).
So if you must watch everything Rain (a worthy goal), you won't be disappointed if you watch all but the last episode then make up your OWN ending!
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The way death note ended gives lot of questions to us viewers just what happen to the world after? Given that death note still exist. This film tries to answer that question as 6 death notes spread around the world; it also clarifies some rules and expands it more which only makes it more interesting for possible sequels in the future. Also, the film did a nice job of portraying the post death note world as how we imagine it, death note used as a tool for terrorism and the idea of death note as the key for world order. Although even with interesting setting, fans of death note would be a bit disappointed here as it lacks the brain power of the original, nothing new as plot twist and tricks were all familiar, the execution was right but sometimes innovation is needed.
Although the movie's substance is a bit of a disappointment what it excels at is its stunning visuals it's so good, it's directed by Shinsuke Sato in the first place, the guy who directed Gantz and I am hero so you know what to expect if you watched those, the camera shots were awesome and the films atmosphere too, and also THE CGI WAS TOP NOTCHED RYUK here is miles better than the original.
Imagining death note without Light and L would be hard but at least their presence was felt from video recordings of them throughout the movie which IMO was a brilliant idea. As for the rivalry, it is now played by Ryuzaki and Shien which was subpar compared to the original but please do yourself a favor "DO NO WATCH THIS FILM WITHOUT WATCHING THE 3 PART MINI SERIES" this will make you connect with them and understand their motivation better. The acting from 3 main actors was excellent even higashide which at first I thought would be subpar compared to ikematsu and suda.
Got the same feeling from watching Crows Explode, just replicates the awesomeness of the original but offers nothing new. Felt a bit of cash grab. Felt a bit disappointed especially that actors played their characters well.
Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/
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In the acting department, Yeon Woo Jin was very good at playing the shy boss. Besides being super cute, he brought out a character who is relatable to life, with many layers to his personality that always surprised me. He and Park Hye Soo had a nice chemistry, imo. They were adorable together and shared some emotional scenes. She may have been a bit exaggerated at the beginning with her character, but then she finds her way. If you watched her in Age of Youth, here you'll see she is able to play a completely different character. Although I liked her performance, I think she needs to improve more. Well, she's young and has a long career ahead of her, so. The supporting cast was also great. I've seen Yoon Park in other dramas as well and I wish for the future that he'll land a main lead role, I'd like to see how he would do.
The music was cute and tailored perfectly for this drama.
Overall, is surely a drama I would rewatch because it's simple and light but it makes you think. It was such a pleasant story to watch unfold. If you love comedies, then I think you may like this because it is a refreshing story.
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The acting was Pure epicness and it was amazing.
The story was Great with some plot twists! amazing plot.
The music.. It didnt have Songs, like all the other dramas, but more like Instrumentals and i think this shows how "serious" the drama was.
They wanted to make it look serious and the music helped in my perspective.
Rewatch value? honestly I think watching the same drama all over again is kinda a waste of time, you already know the twists etc, so it will be boring, But if a drama is full of action i think , it might be worth rewatching it.
But a drama that is mainly talking , and thinking? with 30% action? I think it will be boring. But thats just me! you be the judge when you watch it at least once!
So all in all! this drama was a masterpiece! Loved every single episode! and it surely is one of my Top kdrama right now^^!
Greetings from Greece~ ??~~
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Awesome Drama, loved it.
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Yet I'll confess... each time these series keep increasing their episode count a piece of me dreads the extensions. More often than not, drama extensions, especially those exceeding more than 2 episodes (and this one started at 40 and went ALL the way up to 65) is a turn off for me. I put a lot of dramas on hold or stop watching them because of unnecessary dragging, but this drama IS SUCH A GREAT EXCEPTION.
Initially, I was drawn to this drama because of the unique premise: bodyguard meets passionate journalist. Their two professions are polar opposites of one another, and yet, sparks fly in more ways than one. They clash in more ways than one, and sometimes Melvin Sia's robotic face made me feel like the dude couldn't act, I even warmed up to him after a handful of episodes and character development.
STORY: As I said, the premise is unique. I haven't seen a drama with this exact plot line. That being said, there are elements in here that are somewhat cliche, but at the same time, a lot of drama cliche's are turned on their heads. Especially concerning the strong women in this series who take the lead' in more ways than one. For reals strong: like emotionally, physically, and verbally. I didn't dislike any female character in this drama, and I was absolutely shocked that 65 episodes went by and there were womances, and women who supported each other. Of course there are adorable bromances as well. It was nice seeing characters supporting each other. Not too much angst, just a little here and there. You start off with introducing everyone at V-Focus, and then at Krisis, and from there their 'businesses' continue to interact. Moving forward, there are several sub-plots in this series that are neatly tied up in a bow by the end (which, surprisingly, I was pleased they didn't leave anything out). You can expect to have a few 'scandals,' and mysterious that DRQ pursues alongside her colleagues. You can also expect JZH lead Krisis and 'protect,' his clients. I don't want to spoil much here, but the plot only gets somewhat draggy around episode 50, but picks up shortly after. I can promise you there are certain steamy kiss scenes and I won't spoil who or whom, but lets just say we get plenty of that, and it's glorious. It's such a sweet romance story as well, and I hope people who are interested in this series do see that it has love stories/romances in it that are very fulfilling.
CHARACTERS:
Ding Ruo Qin: Bubbly. Smart. Passionate. A kick-ass reporter with no filter. I loved her. I found her pursuit of the truth to be a reflection of her loyalty to V-Focus and a promise she made to someone close to her. You watch her character grow, fumble/make mistakes, but continue to mature over the course of the series. I liked how she always stays true to herself, and yet at the same time, can be playful and also super caring and thoughtful of her family and friends.
Jiang Xhi Heng: Stern, but still very likable. When you first meet him you think he has a 'I'm the best,' kind of arrogant attitude, but as you learn more about his story, you can understand why he acts the way he does. I like the fact that he respects DRQ. He worries about her, but he understands her passions and dreams and is supportive of her -in dramaland, you got to love these guys.
Zhou Xin Yi: I liked how steadfast she is. A little jaded at times, but is one of the most sincerest characters in this show (like DRQ). She cares for the people in her life, to the extent that she would go through leaps and bounds to make sure they were safe or protected. She's smart, elegant. and strong. She's someone that you can get a little tiresome of, but you understand her.
Ke Guo Long: THIS SWEETIE PIE X1000. Plus KK (and you will know what I mean when you watch this!). He is like... boyfriend goals. Or partner goals. I liked the fact that he was super innocent, but also kind, and supportive, and willing to maintain boundaries so as not to upset anyone in his life. He is such a refreshing character.
SOUND/OST: Absolutely suitable for this series. The singer for one of the songs sings the main theme song in Behind Your Smile, and her voice is PERF for this series too. I liked that some characters story lines with other characters/the way they interacted with others had soundtracks to them. You expected certain songs or sounds to be played at moments. It's endearing and suited the moods very nicely.
OVERALL IMPRESSION: I can't believe this series was 65 episodes. After the first 20 episodes, I wondered what would happen to each of these characters, and I never anticipated the amount of character development on many ends of the spectrum, including supporting characters in this series. What I liked about V-Focus was its ability to keep the viewer interested. There was always something going on at Krisis or at V-Focus. DRQ was always on the move, and JZH was always involved in some newer case which (coincidentally) tied to stories that V-Focus was covering. You get to see an array of emotions, thoughts, and feelings expressed by lots of characters, and events that made this series unique. I think if you end up giving this show a try, you may end up surprised. I think the charm in this series was its balance between progressing the plot forward consistently by unraveling secrets and intentions behind people in the series, unveiling events and tensions, and managing budding romances. It has a lot packaged in this series. I think the characters are definitely worth while here. Especially Guo Long. Happy watching
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