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If a Kdrama wants to focus on marriage they will focus on marriage. Mostly the bad and the ugly it seems, in this drama. Fake marriages, arranged marriages, adultery, marriages of convenience, divorces, what marriage does to a family what marriage doesn’t do to a family, etc.
This is definitely not your stereotypical romance. This is story. And it's unpredictable. And characters' motivations make sense.
The first ¾ of the drama were pretty good but then it really got into ridiculous, drawn-out territory. The last couple of episodes, you just want to die.
But things get interesting between the secondary character couples two episodes from the end, so watch for that to get you through.
This drama is kind of shocking with how relationships form and fall apart and form. It's a real whirlwind. And it makes me feel quite confused at how I view the characters.
The show also shows how motherhood can be all consuming. Cha Ki Young is such a normal person when she doesn't have a child.
The drama also pokes fun at the strangeness of dysfunctional families.
Ki Young – female lead
I really love how straight forward she is. And how honest and vulnerable she allows herself to be without being shy about the way she feels. She owns her personality.
And I have not seen a woman like her so unmoved. She has a great control on her emotions.
It was interesting seeing her not exactly becoming motherly to her co-host, but how she understood him more and didn't look at him with such disdain.
I really loved that the heroine completely owns the show. She makes her decisions, she faces down her adversaries and she solves her own problems. Until the end, then things get a bit finicky.
I feel like Ki Young really is the best when it comes to being unfazed by personal attacks. She is so cool.
Small Rant about Sex in Kdramas
Why can't we get sexy scenes from people we actually care about?
It's like Korean dramas just won't give us that mind blowing stuff when we want to see it.
Tae Yun
“Hey! You crazy pregnant woman! Take the elevator!”
He is not the greatest guy. But he's just kind of ridiculous and you don't always get that kind of Kdrama man who really is good for nothing. He's a guy who doesn't have all the answers. He reacts before he thinks and he makes a ton of mistakes. He doesn't know what he's doing but he tries.
I actually warmed up to Tae Yun by episode 3.
I didn't expect him to man up, not for a long time. I was impressed for a while. But then he went back to his temper tantrums and his cluelessness about life.
Tae Yun's sister's storyline with her fake husband was a lot of fun. I like that she's jumpy when she gets a sudden approach from guys. Pedro's storyline was actually pretty good. I found him and the sister to be so cute.
Eun Cha
As per usual, Kdramas throw us some crazy characters to deal with and Eun Cha is one of the wildest. He's a pervert but he's also kind of funny. I was shocked at how my perspective of him changed and how he himself changed even while keeping his sexism.
Myung Yi
Despite her scheming, she does get a bit of the short end of the stick. Tae Yun is such a brat with her.
It was interesting how she started off as a somewhat innocent kid and then turned into one of those high society women. I also found her relationship with Tae Yun to be a little scary but also fascinating. I kind of liked her poise and how she knew her rights. She'd go through hell for what she wanted.
And she was so heartless with everything, but she had her weaknesses.
In the end, she was the one person Tae Yun could be honest with.
Yun Hee – best friend
“I picked a cool man because you were so patriarchal. But I think a cool man is more difficult.”
I ended up really loving Yun Hee and her husband and their dramas haha.
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But after watching the series and completing it i can now say i am a big big fan of both actors the way the series carried itself over the streches of 3 to 5 episodes showed a different side to them and you were on the edge of your seat with there acting as was the rest of the cast.
When some of there motives and emotions start to show the show really grabs at you and doesn't let go untl the end of the ride.
The music and ost of this drama is really excellent one of my favorites along side Who are you 2015
Its truelly a shame this didn't do well in korea and i for the life of me can't figure out why IU was critised for her acting in it props to all the cast for the amazing roller coaster and well done this instanly made it into my top 10 dramas and found myself 2 new of my favorite actors in the process i am glad at least on the international stage it did well and it receive the real love it deserver a great fantasy history drama.
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Unfortunately, Kiss Me decided on some major structural changes to the story that I'm really not pleased with. This adaptation is definitely the most loose with the story in comparison to the others, but there are certain things that happen in their lives sooner in this version than in the other versions that are a major detriment to the story. Most of this is around TenTen's decision to become a doctor and how they go about that journey. It's radically different from the source material, and unfortunately I think it really messes with the potential story of any potential season 2.
Season 2 is consistently my favorite part of their story, as I enjoy this story so much more because you get to see their lives and how they go through the challenges of their marriage. That is a much more interesting story for me, and the structural changes that they've made to their respective careers are going to have a major impact on how they can even tell the story of their marriage. Almost to the point that I don't even think they will do it. Which really drops this version's value in my eyes.
But what really hurt it the most for me is what another review by babysmurf highlighted really well: why their relationship even exists. Both of them actually need each other to be the best versions of themselves.
For Irie, she straight up gives him a reason for living and getting up each morning to go to work and do what he does. This version doesn't even touch the depression that he goes through when he legit can't figure out what to do with his life and the strain of the expectations his family has on him. Kotoko can give him that clarity of direction and sees him as the best version of himself to give him that guidance. Furthermore, she gives him that connection with others to make him a more empathetic person. Most criticize the story because Irie is too cold, but if he's not cold then you don't really see the changes that Kotoko has made to him and his character. Here he's just a guy that's in love with a girl, but is really really bad at showing it and understanding his feelings. Dude, if that's the case she really should have ended up with King, because he has a hell of a lot more going for him.
For Kotoko, his honest belief that she can do better than she expects of herself makes her a better person and gives her the direction in life that she has. This version touched on this, but not incredibly well. Admittedly this is something that neither the TW or the J versions did very well either, but this version was horrible. He sets that bar high for her, and she has the determination to reach every goal he sets for her. He is proud of her, but this version didn't show that in the slightest and that was a super bummer for me.
Now the good:
I really have to look at this outside of the other versions and kinda outside the source material to understand enjoying it. When I do, it's really a great story. Very much your standard drama, with a few additions (a decent side couple for one) that make it a fun story. I thought the story (as a standalone and without a potential Season 2) was really well thought out and I think some of the changes they made make it a lot easier for people to enjoy these characters. He's cold, but not too cold. Man does he have a melted golden center of goo for Taliw in this version. I adored that they were "fated from childhood" to be together. I thought that was a really great addition to the story. Taliw isn't the brightest in the room, but clearly more average and has a great group of friends around her.
King is fantastic. I think the decision to make him a cuter looking character has a lot to do with this. As the macho friend who loves her and fawns over her it can be hard to believe in his love and it comes off as very comical and artificial. But King is a great character by being much more cute and average, and his wide eyes of happiness any time Taliw shows her happiness toward him definitely sell that even more.
I also loved the bond that Taliw and the little brother had in this version. It's a refreshing change to the strong disdain he has of her in the other versions. It was kinda fun to see him also rooting for Taliw, even though it meant the brother bonding scenes weren't as strong where Irie would make a discovery about why he loves Kotoko through his chats with his brother.
The OST was great. I loved most of the songs and am happy to add them to my OST Playlist.
Mike and Aom were great, have great chemistry, and I look forward to seeing them in Full House. The rest of the cast was also pretty strong, with King being the most notable strong point. I enjoyed this side couple a lot over the traditional version of this side couple. P'Dan was awesome and I really want to see him in other things now.
Rewatch value: Nope. Much of what I love about this story is totally gone from this version, so while it is cute I don't really want to turn around and watch it again to see if I can catch the things that I might have missed or rewatch those moments of discovery. Them realizing they can be more than what they are through each other is really my favorite part. Since that's not present I don't feel the need to watch this version over again.
The only thing that could make it better I would have to see in Season 2. But again, even though it's been announced the story changes they made make me think that I'm probably going to be even more angry with that version of Season 2 than I am with the changes they made to Season 1. And that they probably shouldn't have one.
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This review may contain spoilers
This is a really creative drama special! KBS has a pretty solid track record with their drama specials, but there are practically never sci-fi installments. That's why I was excited to see how they pulled this one off. I expected the sci-fi portion to be relegated to setup and then dropped, but I was pleasantly surprised that it never went fully into the romance/melo like I expected it to.On a side note, this episode was written by the director, Choi Yoon Suk. He's been around KBS directing and producing since at least 2010, but this is his first writing credit, as far as I can tell. He did a really nice job here, both on the writing and directing fronts. Hope to see more from him in the future.
Not much specific to say about the music or acting, other than it was very good.
I don't want to say too much about the plot, since I feel like it might be easy to give away too much and slip into spoiler territory. So, basics: girl marries cyborg, and we get to see how it all came about. She programs him, essentially, because he can't remember his past, but we see very quickly how that becomes problematic for both of them, especially after one of their old classmates shows up out of nowhere.
And the ending! It's extremely rare for me to be surprised by an ending, and even rarer for me to think it was a good ending on top of that, but this one manages to pull that off. This one might even be worth a rewatch, just to see the details in a different light with knowledge of the ending in mind. Glad I chose this one as my first special of the 2016 season :)
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This was the first drama based in the past that I watched and i have to say that this drama got me into history based drama!
The strory line was good even tho it got really hard to watch in the last few episodes but the last episode made all up for that.
It was a drama to laugh, cry and get angry so i can really say it had everything a good drama needs!
The cast was amazing and Beakhyun did a great job for jis first time in a big Drama!
I loved the OST and the whole drama!
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The story I really enjoyed. The concept is good, but as I previously said, it became repetitive. It felt well structured. You couldn't tell what the exact story line was, but you knew what he was going to do. You also never felt what the producers were intending, because you can tell whilst watching it that they need it to run for 16 episodes so it won't just be that easy. Saying that, there are points that are good. One major story point, don't watch if you do not like the thought of a teacher marrying a pupil. 'Coach' was their highschool coach, marrying a pupil. I didn't really like that concept (or the character but thats a different matter), so if I had known that was part of it I would have been put off a bit.
I think overall, the acting and cast were good. Each suited their character very well. I think especially the main two characters. Not more can be said really, there wasn't a problem in that departement.
The music suited the drama well. It wasn't a typical high school cheesy drama, so there was no catchy opening theme tune. However it has good tunes for different scenarios, which helps build the mood for the audience. It also incorporates the music quite nicely with singers and performers. As my boyfriend pointed out to me, they also clearly at some points used a microphone for live singing, which is nice!
However, I don't think I would rewatch it. It is a sweet drama, but it became repetitive, and it got to the point for me where I thought I was watching to just find out, and once knowing the story line I didn't want more. It didn't have a particular spark for me and it didn't seem particularly sweet, just a bit frustrating.
Overall, it was a good drama and I would say to give it a try, but its not amazing and it can get frustrating.
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This drama really broke my heart and then repaired it agan. I have a really hard time relating to other people's feelings but I really find this drama so good since you get really involved in the male lead's situation and emotion. It took me a while to finish it since i watched multiple dramas at the same time but the time was really worth it.
I think you get a really good insight in their lives and how difficult it can be living with a mental disorder that might not be able to cure.
The reason I set 6,5 on the music is because it's like 2 songs playing over and over but different parts of them.
It took me a long time explaining the story to my psychology interested friend and only by retelling the story she got very moved so the plot is very powerful and really moving. I recommend this drama to everyone who's looking for sad stories with a lot of emotions and a touching love story.
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Story: love lost, love found, creepy connections, secret adoptions and marriage via a coma. Yes, this was basically the plot.
Actors: Started this due the opening sequence - the main leads voice is deep, mature and addictive. He was my main reason for watching, simply listening to his calm, peaceful voice wading through the youthful love got my attention. The female lead had good chemistry just way to immature for this match. All the other players/actors were mediocre to blerg.
Music: Nothing memorable
ReW: No, NO, NOOOOO. Way to long for result. 32eps. Why did I watch? Sped through many, so pain reduced.
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I was hesitant at first to watch this drama, and the first couple of episodes might seem a bit slow for some of you but once you watch the first episodes you'll be dragged into this drama. I never felt bored watching it, all the funny scenes make every episode so entertaining! :D The cast is just perfect starting from the lead couple, to the characters at work, or the students at the restaurant.
What I liked the most about this drama is its realistic side, the fact that it talks about a not very much spoken subject which is male breast cancer, some scenes are really overwhelming. Plus her struggle at work, all the ups and downs to achieve her dream to be an announcer. The characters development throughout the drama and the bonds that are created between each of them is also what makes this drama GREAT ! ^^
Around the 20th episode when I thought the drama will drag, it took another surprising path that will keep you hooked till the end. So sad this drama will end next week.. :(
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Overall, i give this a 4 out of 5. Adorable. Kinda fake. And suspenseful. Watch it guys.?
AND oh my god. I just realized they didn't kiss. what a shame. I need fan fictions now lmao. What's good to know is that the movie is realllllyy not concentrated on the sex/kiss relationship. There's actually a great background story that is absolutely amazing.?
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The reason why I actually started this drama was for Zhang Zhe Han. The story is about how Xiao Hao meets Xiao Li and they try to find out what's her identity. It also goes in depth into why 13th Prince's mother died. Overall the story line was confusing for me personally. Like I understood all the events that occurred, but I don't understand why the characters made certain decisions.
On the side note: If you watch The Palace the Movie it's actually based on the same characters but another spin-off -- I actually like that one much more compared to this drama unfortunately. Even though ZZH looked so cute in this drama :/
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The STORY is as cliche as you would expect from the premise. At first I thought that they would focus more on the culinary themes they present to us at first but don't be fooled the romance quickly steals the spotlight which was disappointing.
Honestly I am surprised that this is not an adaptation of some sorts because it is really shoujo manga-ish.
At first I was fine with the story, because at the time they really focused on the food making and Misaki's struggle to get along with the chef. Cliche but enjoyable.
Then followed some drama that wasn't annoying but my attachement to the characters was lacking so I really had to force myself to care about what was going on.
But somewhere in the last third of the drama the story just became ridiculous. One unnecessary misunderstanding after another. They really lead to basically nowhere and were predictable as well as annoying as hell.
The CHARACTERS are probably the best and the worst part of this drama. Now prepare your forks and torches. I didn't like Kanata's character. I assume most of you know what this term means and if you don't a quick google search will help. He was a prime example of a tsundere. Now at first it was cute and all but God later on I really struggled. Kanata was mean and insensitive, never apologised because the writers made it out to be that he was always right but I didn't feel that way. Even if you were right you still have to apologise for losing your temper am I not right?! Now Yamazaki Kento did a pretty good job at playing this kind of character, he sort of managed to portray the subtle changes of expression to not make it seem like Kanata was a robot. Misaki was pretty cliche (you know the clumsy type) too but I enjoyed the fact that she was somewhat stronger than a lot of female leads I have been seeing recently. Her passion for work was admirable.
Honestly the more I think about it the more I come to a conclusion that all the characters are prototypes created by shoujo writers:
Takana - tsundere.
Misaki - the clumsy type.
Chaki - the kind one in the love triangle.
Kaede - the love rival that is seemingly way better than the main heroin. In this one she was such a tool for the writer that I laughed.
And lastly couple characters for comic relief.
The writers didn't create anything with this one, they just took what someone had already made and mixed it together.
OVERALL it wasn't as bad as I am making it out to be. We are all guilty of loving cliches so why should the writers stop using them. There were quiet a few of momment that I enjoyed despite everything. What ruined this for me was Kanata's character so if you like tsunderes then you will enjoy it way more than I did. But if you're tired of unoriginality then stay away.
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This review may contain spoilers
I often think that, whilst most people sympathise with the amnesiacs, those who are with them and have their memories intact, are the ones we should be sympathising with the most. It's harder for them as they remember it all and yet have little they can do - yet they have to live with being treated like a stranger by someone they deeply love. That said, I struggled to sympathise with the wife - sometimes loving someone so much is destructive. I can't say too much because...spoilers. But every time I watch it I come away with the same feeling that she made everything about her; which is, of course, not helpful to him.. Time is *not* a great healer (if it was it would've cured cancer) but it does pass and yet she doesn't get that going back over and over never works......
I'd like to think the lives of the main couple improve and they're eventually happy again, though I'm not actually that hopeful because the wife refuses to let this depressing cycle end. This is one open-ended movie where I appreciated why they left it that way........
Story - 9.5/10 (I think there were chances missed to explain more of their backstory since the accident as you're lead to believe this cycle has happened before, more than once)
Acting - 10/10 (main couple deserve that alone).
Music - 7.5/10 (very m'eh)
Rewatch Value - 10/10 (I've already watched it 3 times recently; it's the sort of film you keep coming back to to see if things can be done differently for a different outcome.)
Overall - 9.5/10 (again because of the missed opportunity to show the viewer all those other hinted at attempts she's made).
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You can see the influences from maison ikkoku(a classic Japanese manga and anime). For anyone who has seen or read it you know how frustrating and over the top the side characters were. However in this show they were rather helpful and understanding of the situations. Their dialogues were one of the best in this show.
I know the rating for this show is kinda low on mydramalist. I think i found this show at just the right time in my life. If you want something that shows the transformation of a young boy into a young man this is kinda the right thing to watch.
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