Summary: This show is perfectly sweet in every way, the storyline, romance, comedy, filmography--literally everything. I feel like this show is pretty underrated, I will admit I wasn't initially smitten by the casting but I feel like they all took me wonderfully by surprise and am so happy I decided to watch this show. And now that it's over I'm going through the stages of acceptance--currently at...depression.
+/- Plot:
The scriptwriters had a way of leaving you wanting more at the end of the episode; and even though they used all of the KDramaLand cliches I actually didn't mind at all. They had a way of not making it overly dramatic and focused more on the characters' growth and developments which are the fortes of the show. They really tugged at your heartstrings with the hardships of the characters and how they overcame the difficulties together. What I really loved is that the theme of each episode was based on an older song--like Vincent, Be My Baby, The Winner Takes It All...etc. I felt that it was a different concept for a KDrama and felt it very reminiscent of some American dramas, which I really loved. The thing that really stands out in this drama is obviously the romance between the leads; they're both such sweet characters that you can't help falling for the two of them. What I think I loved the most about them is how they took care of each other and believed in one another, even when no one else did. Their romance was very sweet and innocent just like the characters. The only disappointment I had was maybe the conclusion of the show--because everything was so sweet and the writers kind of lead you to the conclusion of them settling down with a family, I really wanted a more concrete proposal at the least. However, I overall really liked how they came full circle with the show and was satisfied and very moved by the ending.
+/- Characters/Acting:
The actors portrayal of their characters are what really made this drama a hit for me.
In my opinion, while I haven't seen many of his other shows, this is by far one of Seo In Guk's best shows. I was so surprised that he fit the character so well and really became Louie. His character is the type that just keeps growing on you because of how sweet he is--even if at times the innocence caused him to be a little ignorant. I think what really made him shine in this character is all the small details he added. Whenever he'd remember something new, he would always cover his mouth like a shocked little kid, or when he'd walk he'd have a cute little waddle with little hand movements--they were the perfect touch to his child-like personality. What got me every time were his screams whenever he was shocked or scared. Everything was "Perfect!", as Louie would say.
Nam Ji Hyun is so heartwarming, even through her hardships she’s a hard and diligent worker and those are the types of characters I like the most. I really felt that she portrayed the country bumkin girl so well; never for a second have I doubted her role. She really played out every emotion to the T; one moment you could see the tears well up in her eyes and she’d turn around and be cold as ice. There were times when I was a little frustrated because she would play up the innocence factor whenever there was a romance scene; I felt that if she was a little less timid then I would have loved the scenes even more. But overall, I was really pleasantly surprised with her acting and character as it is the first time I have seen any of her works.
Yoon Sang Hyun is supposed to be a bit of a critical guy with sweet intentions, but at times I was a bit frustrated with his character. I really like him as an actor and am continually surprised in how many shows he's cast in. However, I don't think that this is his best work--I felt that the character was a bit too stifled and a little forced at time. The thing I disliked the most was the constant throat clearing, which got a little irritating half way through the show. But it became the running joke towards the end, which I admit I kind of liked.
Overall, the characters you are meant to dislike; I found that, while I wasn't fond of them I hardly had any animosity towards them. Im Se Mi played the insincerity decently so I wasn't disappointed by her character. I will say that I was kind of let down by the timidity of the "bad guy", but I think with the conclusion of the show and the unraveling of the backstory it made sense of how he portrayed the character.
+/- Music:
I lovedddd all of the music! As I said earlier each episode was based on an oldie song and loved how they weaved it into the background. As for the soundtrack I loved all of the songs and have been listing to the OST on repeat. Every song is the sound of the dusk of a warm spring evening; lovely and reminiscent. I think they really encompassed the feel of the drama well.
Rewatch Value:
Because of the sweetness of the characters and the romance between the leads I'd definitely watch this show again. I think that everything from the soundtrack to the editing and filmography was wonderful and would continue to make this really enjoyable. My two favorite shots of the show would have to be their trip to the beach and to Busan as I thought they were beautiful shots of the scenery as well as their budding romance. Overall, this show was spectacularly made and I really enjoyed it and will be back again in the future to revisit Louie and Bok Sil's romance.
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Story:
To say that the main plot was far-fetched is being kind. Suspension of disbelief is warranted for the main characteristic of Hwan Ki's character, since that's the hook of the show, but to have this entire scheme to uncover a mystery from left field that left me thinking: "uh... this is not the fun and wacky drama I thought I'd be seeing...", having this was unnerving. The way the protagonist was written had me frustrated. The way that the female lead was acting (from the script, not her actual acting) was irritating. The growth in all of the characters, including the silent monster staff, all came abruptly without minor changes in their behavior could not be noticed. It's as if on cue, they changed their behavior because it was already episode 6, and by episode 7, they should be acting in a certain way towards each other.
The pacing was excruciatingly slow in the beginning, became rapid fire fast in the middle and then slowed down when you were expecting the climax.
I can see how the writers might think that the way the story was written was clever in their minds, but since this is not a sci-fi drama, I can't bring myself to buy the contrived plot and the forced character changes in the middle. Granted a re-write was done to make the female lead more appealing, it wasn't sustained in the succeeding episodes. And speaking of the female lead...
Acting/Cast:
I feel bad for Park Hye Soo. She was given a material that she couldn't execute better. If a different actress was in the role, they could've brought out more from the character. I loved Hye Soo in age of youth, and I felt that her character there was closer to how she normally is, seeing as she was more likeable and believable in that role. For this drama, though, I couldn't believe how easily her motivations changed. She needs more seasoning in her acting chops, and her acting was a major reason why this drama was a disappointment in my eye.
Yeon Woo Jin acted fairly well, and gave the best performance he can, with the script that he's given. He's had better performances, with "Marriage, Not Dating" being his best one so far.
Several supporting actors actually came from the previous drama that the PD worked on, which was superior in every way, "Another Oh Hae Young." The Silent Monster crew was charming in their own way and damned entertaining. As usual, Ye Ji Won and Heo Jeong Min gave brilliant performances as supporting actors. Both were very funny and entertaining as usual, but the limitations of the script and story prevented us from seeing more and enjoying what they can potentially do, given a better script.
Music:
The music was very appropriate, and you can feel how each track was selected to coincide with the mood of the scene/s. But since they used and re-used around 4-5 tracks, it became formulaic. It's as if the drama is telling us: "It's time to laugh.... now, it's time to feel sad..." I understand that this is normal in any show that features sequential story-telling, but because of the really bad script, which in turn translated to less-than-stellar acting, the music just brought me out of the story. Rather than helping accentuate the scenes, and feel the mood based on the scene and the acting, my attention focused on the music. Normally, the scenes and acting are enough for me to feel, know and understand what's happening, with the soundtrack adding that icing on top. Instead, I hear the music, and I'm forced to pay attention to the scene to get the appropriate mood that was supposed to happen. That is an indication of bad story-telling.
ReWatch Value:
There are dramas I like that I rewatched the entire thing, and these are mostly the most exceptional ones that entertained me throughout the run, like "You From Another Star." Then there are some dramas that I just re-watch certain scenes with the lead actors in them, to re-create the feel of the show, without being bogged down by the entire story. This happened to me for "You're the Best, Lee Soon Shin." Lastly, there are dramas that I'd rather not see ever again. THIS DRAMA, created a fourth category for me. The only scenes that I re-watched, were the scenes wherein Han Chae Ah (Chae Ji Hye [Ro Woon's older sister]) were in them. That was how unbearable the female lead's acting was. I enjoyed the chemistry and interactions and the presence (she looked so much prettier) that a DEAD CHARACTER had, more than the female lead.
Over-all:
Over-all, it's like High School for me. I enjoyed half of it, I slept through the rest just to get through each day. I'm glad I saw the drama because I really liked the actors, but I was happier that it has ended because that way, my frustrations ended along with it. IMHO, the female lead was miscast, and the story structure, plot and re-writes made it a big jumbled mess. I've never written a review before because I tend to be satisfied with most dramas I watch, but this one prompted me to hit the keyboard because of how mind-numbingly frustrating this had been for me. You know it's bad when you'd rather watch the story of the dead plot device Unnie, rather than the actual female lead's story.
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Idol historical costume drama
I had great difficulty keeping up with the plot, and sympathizing with the superficial characters and the storyline. It is more of a contemporary historical drama, with the K-POP fans as the target audience. This was touted as a pre-produced drama, but the planning and execution of a poor script, emotionless acting with excessive crying and average directing, shows in the end-result.The scene stealers were Park Ban-ryu and Kim Soo-yeon (Do Ji-Han and Lee Da-in). The weakest link was Kim Ah-Ro(Go Ara). If they had strengthened her back-bone, and deleted 90% of the crying, she would have shined among the young cast. The two characters that I rank last, are the Queen of Shilla and Park Yeong-Shil. Queen Jiso sat on the throne to protect her son, but at some point, it seemed like she was on a power trip. Park was a sleazy villain, who wanted to rule Shilla.
This is a drama where I was impressed with the incidental music, more than with the cast, characters and story.
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Novoland adventure with the Winged Tribe
I watched Novoland Castle in the Sky #1 for Zhang Ruo Yun and Guan Xiao Tong.Story:
Emperor Feng Tian Yi started out as megalomaniacal and arrogant, but he revealed his motives for acting like a young despot. Fuling was the nucleus of the story. Fuling was stiff, but her temperament seemed to be the perfect yang(bright) to Tian Yi's yin(dark). SLS Prince Bai Ting Jun was lackluster, but his temperament was most compatible with Fuling's personality.
Acting/Cast
Zhang Ruo Yun carried the show with his superb acting and his regal stature. He is one of the outstanding young actors in China. Guan Xiao Tong's acting was adequate, but still charming on screen.
Music:
Music moved the drama along adequately.
Overall:
The maniacal Queen and Fuling's father's side story was tedious, and a detriment to the plot. The wingkind tribe seemed to function in a small space. CGI and props were cheesy,and reminiscent of the early Doctor Who days. The M-POP artist in the end credits seems disjointed with the drama setting.
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Story:
Well, nothing new.. same story we all know and love. Girl falls in love with smart, handsome guy, he says no, the chase begins. Though I will say, I found a lot of similarities in this one as I saw in Playful Kiss (Korean version).
Acting/Cast:
The lead is so cute! Oh, she had me crying when she cried, which happened frequently... but mostly towards the end, you could literally feel what she was feeling. Her acting was really good and I liked that the more you saw of her, she wasn't as 2-D as other versions. I love them chemistry between the two. Dino was pretty good, though I felt like some of his lines fell flat.. if you watch, you'll see, but on the whole cast was great. The mom was a bit too pushy for me. I prefer the mom in Kiss Me, like a guide more than an instructor. The second lead in this one wasn't up my alley. I'm usually fine with them because I know he has to be there to serve and the lead's foil but I didn't like that he didn't listen to her. Even in the Korean Version when he was at his absolute worst, I still didn't dislike him as much as this version- but plot, I know...
Music:
I don't remember... I think it was good, it didn't bother me.
Rewatch:
YES!! haha, I just finished it, but yes, I will probably go back and rewatch it in my free time when I'm not watching other dramas.
Overall:
One thing that really stuck out to me is that in this version, he isn't as cold. You can't really tell what he is thinking like most of the adaptations but unlike in Playful Kiss and etc., Dino gives you hints as to his feelings and isn't stone faced- he smiles a lot when she isn't looking. If you pay attention to him, his actions speak a lot. Thought he is still a bit confusing, like he'll do something, she'll misunderstand, he'll try and clear it up, she becomes happy, and then he does something that negates it all and your just like "what?????" so yea, but I definitely like this version of him best as of the moment. Dino really stood out to me... might watch more of him in the future.
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Story: What I like about this version is that they change up the story, it's not the same as the others. It has it's similarities, but I feel like this is the most original out of the one's I've seen. Looking back on watching this now.. I really think this one takes the story further than the rest. It really fills in the characters and what they are thinking. Mike's character isn't as much of mystery in this one and he doesn't "tease" her a lot like the other boys in their respective versions. And their separation really lets you in on their thoughts and King and Aom's character actually get understood more than just thrown together for the sake of plot. Another thing about this story is you truly love her in the end because she learns. She doesn't make the same mistake 3 times. She doesn't do things blindly just because it's what her heart tells her. I feel like this is her smartest representation and I wish that the rest had followed suit... not gonna lie.
Acting/Cast: Oh geez, these two are amazing together- if you haven't seen Full house-Thai, go watch it. Drop whatever you're doing and watch it. I like how they kept the original girl, completely in love and deaf to the bad, pure and happy but so easily hurt. But the guy's character got changes. I don't think he is as cold in this one. When I watched this, I had only seen Playful Kiss, the Korean version, so I didn't know much about the characters. Also, the leads seemed to be a lot closer in this version. When focusing on Aom, you really can't help but love her. She is this role, like honestly, everything about her fits.
Music: I don't even remember...
Rewatch: Yes, I have. I love going back and rewatching episode or scenes, even youtube-ing them when I'm bored. I will rewatch it no doubt.
Overall: I gave it a 10, because that is what I rated it, honestly. Looking at the scores, it should probably have an 8 or 8.5 but I watched it all in one sitting, unable to stop because I had to know what was going to happen. Also, I didn't even realize it was a Itazura na Kiss remake until the end when I came on to rate it.. though looking back, I should've known, haha.
Looking back on the versions I've seen.... I would rate this one second best. The first being Miss in Kiss.
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Its worth watching.
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I think the actors did a good job with what they had, but I truly didn't like any of the characters. But I think every single drama cliche ever done was throw in and spat back out again, I cringed my way through a lot of the episodes.
I know tons of people disagree, and they are welcome to their opinions, but I just didn't like it.
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The actors (especially KGE & PHJ) were amazing and played their parts really well, even in the episodes I didn't really enjoy, I thought almost everyone did a good job, but LSK's character was crazy. I almost had to fast forward thru the scenes with her in them, they were painful. I guess she did a good job portratying a spoiled rotten vengeful crazy person, but still painful.
It all started sliding downhill and fell off my list in a hurry. Ep 10-14 were kind of a mess. There were moments of greatness, that kept me hanging on, but it was a struggle. Then they hit rock bottom with the ending. What kind of ending was that? Anyway, best I can give it is a 3 because the beginning was so good.
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To be completely honest, I think the premise of this show is quite exciting and I bet the novel it's based on would be something spectacular. I will even admit that I really liked the idea behind the General's and Ping Ting's character. They were supposed to be strong and witty people in their own right and that was essentially what lured me in. But by God, that's not what this drama really ended up being.
Matters were made worse by the horrible acting. There is a lot of negative stigma attached with AngelaBaby but I did my best to keep an open mind and not be influenced by all the drama. Unfortunately, it was a wasted effort because she literally cannot act. Half of the time she's a blank board and in the other half she looks like a psychopath with her crazy eyes and creepy smile. I liked what her character was supposed to be but she destroyed it quite effectively.
Wallace Chung is a good actor but all the edgy scenes really didn't make him cool, instead, Chu Bei Jie mostly just comes off as an asshole who's trying and failing to assert his dominance over everybody.
The overdramatization makes everything more unbearable. With all that flying in the air, jumping over mountains and exaggerated facial expressions, General and I can't possibly expect the viewers to take its bullshit seriously. I watch Asian Dramas for their sincerity and poignancy, not whatever this superficial serialization was offering. So fucking disappointed.
It didn't help that I started watching it in between episodes of Eternal Love, which is why its flaws were even more noticeable than they would've been if an incredible show was not there for comparison. I really tried to give it a lot of chances but by the nth chance, I thought it better for my sanity to skip most parts.
This is an unpopular opinion and if you are someone who has diligently watched all of its episodes and have arrived on a different conclusion, then good for you. Boos should always do their yous.
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It has amazing story and unpredictable plot.
It's also fun to watch this. If you like "catch me if you can" movie, u will love this.
It's so fun to watch until you don't know about time,
There is no fillers or unnecessary plot at all.
All is well. Good job to the writer. Salute. Respect.
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It's fun, cute, funny, but it has a deep meaningful story too. The most importantly it's short.
I cannot watch too lengthy drama anymore, i think i am just too tired, i need good drama that does not make me feel awful and feel forced to finish watching it. K-drama nowadays are full of fillers, i can't take it anymore, need to choose a good one, i don't have much time :D Anyway, this is a short drama with good story, i love it.
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But it's the characters that made and wrapped the drama in shiny gold packaging for me. I know there are many people saying that the actress playing Ro Woon is extremely irritating, but somehow, I never thought that. Every action of hers fit her personality (nosy, loud, argumentative etc.) perfectly, so I could hardly fault either the actress or the character.
Which brings me to the acting. I thought most of the acting by the main and supporting cast were pretty solid. They did full justice to their characters (though I wish some of them got more screen time, but oh well). The leads were great and their chemistry was PERFECT. It's been a long time since I've seen the main couple so well casted, but they really did make an excellent pair. Their opposing personalities were surprisingly well matched and Eun Hwan Gi as a character was absolutely adorable. He was the main highlight of the show, to be honest. The couple and Hwan Gi were MAJOR points in favour of the drama, almost fully overshadowing the negatives.
The negatives were minor for me, since I could so easily look past them, but a main one would definitely be how much the beginning was stretched. There were a few unnecessary scenes which, I felt, could have been edited out for clarity. Hence, I agree that the first 5 episodes were pretty boring, which was why some people (including ones I know) dropped the drama early on.
But I highly recommend you push on, like I did. It gets MUCH better, the pace stabilises and the whole drama gets more interesting.
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