Reviews

My Sassy Girl is the romantic comedy to beat in my heart. After so many years, it's just as entertaining as when I first watched it and never gets old.

The film gave Jun Ji Hyun her stardom, and rightly so, for portraying the bizarre character "the Girl". She is violent, foul-mouthed, blunt and Jun plays her with gusto and charm. Our hero, Gyun Woo, is a somewhat ordinary guy who wants no trouble in life. Cha Tae Hyun is a natural comedic and never underplays or overplays a scene. The two have a zany dynamic that is endearing and natural, if not uproarious.

As the film progresses, we get a beautiful emotional undertone. It doesn't take away from the hilarious comedic action in the first half, nor does it slow down the pace. Through Gyun Woo's eyes, the Girl appears more and more human and we learn that she is actually very caring and moral. Deep inside, she hides a sadness that explains her crazy antics thus far.

You don't expect the film to give you so much heart, but it does to the point of tears. I have seen a lot of romantic comedies in which the angsty heartbreak (known as the "downfall") makes me feel like I'm watching two separate films. My Sassy Girl finds the balance between comedy and sentiment in a way that doesn't disappoint.

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Story was good. A few nice plot twists, and the flow was okay. Got a little repetitive around the middle of the series. Connected to this, the story became a little bit too preachy and insistent on a certain plot point (which I won't spoil).

Also, I'm not sure if others share the same sentiment as me, but the main character 'Ho Goo' became almost unbearably soft and wimpy, although viewers already know he is soft and wimpy from the poster of the show alone. In my opinion, it gets to be a little too much for me nearing the end of the series, but if that doesn't bother you, then power to you. The rest of the cast is great though, and their acting was very good as well. UEE, Im Seul Ong, Lee Soo Kyung's performances were pretty good, and the supporting role cast was nice as well.

Music is okay, nothing to write home about. Didn't evoke or add much emotion to the scenes. Couldn't really find myself listening to it outside of watching the show, which is a big sign for me for whether or not an OST is good.

I wouldn't watch this one again for sure.

Overall, the series is a nice one-watch, but you may find yourself forgetting it exists about a week later.
Besides Ho Goo, the cast is a plus. Music is meh. Go ahead and watch this one boys and girls.

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Reply 1988 is possibly my favourite from the Reply series. Perhaps it is because this series focuses more on familial relationships and friendships, while romantic ones are less in focus.

The running time seems very long, but the writer fills it with plenty of stories from daily life plucked from five best friends and their families in a little community in 1988. At first, it seems there are too many characters, but each are written extremely well. They all have distinct personalities, dreams and goals. These characters are very real and not too outlandish, which allows us to relate to them and care for them. The Reply series is known for its naturalistic tone, poignant and heartfelt moments and the cast were very committed and determined to bring us that same feeling. Except, they outshone their predecessors in the process.

I particularly enjoyed the relationships between our characters. Our three ajummas were the absolute best. They've been through everything together and were closer than family. They were often the stronghold of their family, and they made it look so easy. My favourite dynamic is Bora and her father. Both are very similar characters, both gruff and a little shrewd. But their moments together made me cry the most. Without a word, they are able to communicate their deep love and respect for each other. No matter how prickly their words are, they can always find the underlying meaning. The way the characters endlessly support each other through thick and thin is truly moving.

What touched me is the fact that communities like this rarely exist nowadays. In Ssangmundong, people are good-natured and unassuming. You treat your neighbours like family and you have faith in other people. I watched this series with my mother and she said the show is a true representation of the 80s - a simpler time when hearts were bigger than hands.

I admit I got sick of the husband mystery. I wish the writers did not try to bait us and trick us because it detracted from the story. I also think the last few episodes were rushed, but it efficiently let us see the kind of men and women our lovely five friends had become.

Reply 1988 is also about youth, an innocent golden time that we always reminisce about and mourn. After Deok Sun left her adolescence, she recognises that she is unable to return to that blissful time. It is a reminder for us to enjoy and cherish our younger days while we can.

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So I would give it a perfect 10/10 but for me the ending was too upsetting. I wish it wasn't. For those who aren't looking for your stereotypical happy ending (I mean idk, maybe some people can find it somewhat happy... kinda?) then they'd really like the ending.

Otherwise all I got to say was acting was ON POINT. Great. I'm so happy because Kris kinda disappointed me a bit in his Never Gone role so I was a bit nervous but it's obvious that dramatic characters suit him amazingly well.

Hangeng's characters is basically probably every girl's dreamy boy next door type and the female actress was stunning as well.

Honestly, acting just.. amazing. From everyone.
Story was amazing as well, just not my kind of ending hahah. But generally. Just a great movie. But prepare yourself for some emotional turmoil because "sweet" sixteen is far from being sweet and the whole movie had me going up and down and up and down the entire film. Unpredictable, but luckily, the mood change was not confusing at all. Very clean and clear story telling, which is always great for a movie.

In general, I am already putting it on my rewatch list. I personally was not disappointed at all. For those that read the book and then watched the movie, sorry to burst a bubble but movies never live up to their books. Trust me. So don't make an unfair comparison. As someone who looks at it subjectively because I didn't read the book before, as a movie, this is amazing and definitely worth a watch!

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this is the thia drama that got me sad , made my heart cry but i still did not left it i watched it till end i would say i liked the drama there were some faults
THINGS I DID NOT LIKE
1.too much violence there was so much killing that it is my first time seeing this much killing and shooting
2.they prolonged some scenes that were not much interesting were boring
3.gave less time to main character mother and child love
4. i pity the main character cho as he was the one at lost always i felt bad for his character a lot
5.well i hated the main evil character in the drama cho fake mother she was so evil
6.the blood follow blood in this drama it showed how good your up bringing is it does not matter if your blood is dirty and how much your upbringing is bad it does not make you bad if your blood is good

THINGS I LIKED
1. i loved the romance between cho and mui
2.the story was good as well
3.dao and wayu relationship was so good as well just if they cleared that he should have not arrested as it was not his fault that the shooting occurred and killed her fiance
4. at least the end was happy so i am happy
5.the first motorcycle bike kiss was so unique never seen a scene like that
6.i liked how he forced her and how she resisted it all made everything great


about music it suited the drama and i will re watch it after some time cause it was worth watching except the sad parts

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this was my FIRST j drama and its not bad...it gives you a GOOD feeling when you watch it really...it beautifully shows that everyone has complexes , problems of their own but they can be overcome if you realize your power, have faith and show courage to step forward...

but one of its drawback is that there are a lot of things that are hard to digest...so they really should have added fantasy and supernatural in the genre(as i have said earlier)...

also the acting could have been much better...sometimes it seemed a bit makey (if you know what i mean)..its like you realize "oh they are acting..its a drama m watching right now" ..it lacks the element of making you believe in it at some points..

it gives you a anime like feeling..i felt like m watching an anime..

the music is not that good here..i wonder even it was there because i can't seem to remember any of them except the opening song and the ending one..

i don't rewatch dramas so i won't recommend it..

well overall it was a nice watch and i enjoyed it neverthless..if you are searching for something light, fluffy, fun and ESPECIALLY CUTE BOYS and really quick (its short duration wise)....then this is your drama ..so go grab a watch...

and now m off to watch another j drama..

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It was simply amazing and quite refreshing (for me at least). The movie really makes one think about what is right and what is wrong. The way I see it, right and wrong aren't two faces of the same coin (as some may equate them as), rather right and wrong, good and evil are two separate coins and each have their own contrasting faces.

In this movie, there almost seems to be a battle between contrasting sides of good against one evil. One of the interesting things I have found found by watching this movie is the question that arises in regards to which sides of right/good is right.

So, on one side you have someone who believes that everyone has good in them and can change. This was held firm from the ashes of pain and tragedy, however, the pain was still there.

On the other hand, you have someone, who coincidentally doesn't feel pain (or any emotion). come along and after a series of events seemingly solve the problem and remove pain while at the same time bring hope.

The depressed mother in the background could almost serve as a gauge for viewing the two sides. The right that didn't give her any hope, or the right that killed and in the process returned hope to her, or at least made her consider the treatment program. Which in the end was more effective in the real world (the world of the movie at least)?

In general, the movie just makes you question what is right and what is wrong in the first place.

I also kind of like this movie because, while the ideals of what would make up a hero was rebelling against the actions of what would make up a villain, despite all that, the one that could be considered the villain or evil actually won in the end!

It was a great movie. The contrasts in this movie provide interesting food for thought. It's action packed and will play with your emotions. If you love looking into darkness and seeing if you don't flinch when something looks back at you, this is the movie for you!

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Ok, this Chinese drama was sooo cute!! You should totally watch this even though I had no idea what was going on in the first episode everything became clearer later on. I kept thinking why am I watching this strange drama but it's really, really addictive seriously I couldn't stop watching no matter how hard I tried. The story is a bit unexpected but it was actually really good, every episode ends with a cliffhanger making you want to see what happens next and it always ends at the most important parts. Something I didn't like about this drama is the opening cause it shows so many spoilers I wished it wasn't there, some of you wouldn't mind that but those who do, I suggest you skip the opening (the ending song as well). If you have free time you should watch it! no regrets :D

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This drama is SO stinkin' cute. It is positively cartoonish and I adore it. The dubbing takes awhile to get used to, but it is worth it. I was having a really rough week when I started this show and this was the perfect tonic of lightness to help lift my mood.

She's the poor little rich girl who just wants some genuine love in life. She really does try hard to be what her mothers want her to be: a pretty little doll of a Princess that can be sold. The lead is your typical unemotional dude - except for when he's in bear costume. Her nickname for him is literally "Cold Face". He quickly comes to understand her in a way no one else does.

The show is chock full of cliches, but in the best possible way: they are full embraced and played with. I like a show that takes the standard tropes and has some fun with them. For instance it takes a while to figure out the "oh so sweet and perfect" Candy character. Is she sweet? Weak? Secretly manipulative?

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Train to Busan is compelling and thrilling, with an emotional edge that is often forgone in apocalypse stories. Unfortunately, the story and logic are sacrificed for introspection and insightful performances.

The story is quite linear, with no explanations and no proper closure, but this flaw allows the film to be more focused on our bundle of characters, who try to brave their disastrous situation. The film examines human nature and conflicting interests. In such a heightened and delirious state, people are bound to be pushed to their limits. We see selfishness and greed, but we also see change and loyalty. The actors and actresses do a wonderful job in making these characters real and flawed.

Train to Busan is definitely thrilling and it's not cheap. The special effects are very convincing (as they ought to be in a film with zombies!) and coupled with the music, creates a tense atmosphere that is maintained throughout the film. Dirty jump scares are limited and the true horror is actually the prospect of this occurring to you.

Despite the flaws in the storyline, my eyes were glued to the screen the entire time. Train to Busan draws you in and makes you stay.

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the acting was good, there's nothing wrong about it but the story and how they put it together would have been very promising had it not been the lack of character development. many of reviews and comments says that the main leads lack chemistry, it's not that they lack chemistry. they DO have chemistry BUT the script or how they develop the two characters was very poor. I understand that they have to have the male lead use "ajumma" to refer to the female lead, that's ok, just to show that the female lead is older that the male lead BUT using it all throughout the script to the end is not acceptable if you are to have the male lead develop feelings for her. it literally destroyed the romantic development of the drama. apart from that, there's hardly romantic scenes, like if i'm a viewer, i would think that this two leads hate working with each other in real life. they focused too much on the supposedly side stories of the leads. the plot would have been great, it would have been much much better. even how they presented the part of the male lead's comeback thru the musical production was poorly executed. it lacks luster.

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I'm not gonna do a drawn out review. If you read all the other comments and reviews there are many elements in which I agree....

I did like the development of the majority of characters. The acting was pretty good for this standard of drama.

I was okay with the paperbag and her acceptance of it for up to episode 10-11.... and I actually enjoyed her perspective and caring. In this regard, the message behind the story was well received.....

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SPOILER ALERT:

However, for all the effort put into it, I was at once stunned at Macchan's slowness to grow up. His reason for wearing the paperbag was now proof that he was always a kindhearted person almost to the point of ignoring himself for the sake of others. So, this mannerism isn't a new behavior pattern because of Yuchan. For everything she did to support him, and yes I know he supported her but in a way that goes with his character not necessarily special, I wanted him to be more willing and eager to give back to her as well.... They never even fully talked about and resolved the fact that Kaori never DID see his face yet Yuchan is left feeling he only cares for her to a point. Her love for him is stronger and she gets that strength from watching Makoto's bravery. Never have I felt a second lead be so slighted for emotional heroism in a plot. He was everything I wanted Macchan to be and never, ever fully was to me. He couldn't run after her, and every "heart-to-heart" talk was provided to him by others efforts.....
... so to not allow me to understand the meaning behind Yuchan's expressions when he finally takes of the bag left me feeling left out of the story. You wanted me to be invested in this, and then you don't even let me understand it fully. Like at one point, Yuchan almost looked disappointed, and it felt awkward because I couldn't make a discernment myself on whether it was because of his "expression [i.e. sad or nervous face] or "attractiveness".... It almost looked like she was disappointed then pulled herself together to show him she'll love him despite being unattractive. ....but that wasn't the point, and I hate being left to feel this way.... the whole point wasn't even "his voice" but the emotions BEHIND the voice. That he was forcing himself to look a certain way to please others even though his emotions didn't match it... THAT WAS THE POINT.... but instead by playing it out this way, for me, it did end up devolving into an issue over good looks versus not so good looks. I just wished they'd shown ONE expression. For me that was the meaning... being able to face the world with your true self and face.

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I was skeptical about this drama and I thought it will be standard - in the beginning interesting, then in the end the focus will get to romance and everything else will be forgotten, but I was WRONG. I watched all 16 episodes for three days. The drama hooked me from the beginning to the end. Of course when I meet this kind of drama, it goes to my favorites.

Scenario/Writing: Great story for family, not ordinary rich-poor or genius-stupid couples. And most interesting was the love between family members. The writers surprised me a lot with every episode and I was more curious even when I found out the main characters intrigues. In “Love me if you dare” – similar drama scenario when I found out who is who and what exactly wants from others, I got bored. Here this didn’t happen.

Story progression: It was balanced, but in the final series it was a bit forced, because in first there wasn’t even a hint or at least I didn’t see it for certain character story.

Music: Good music, but somehow I didn’t feel it related to drama plot and characters relations.
Acting: Without a doubt the acting was fabulous. I felt all character’s emotions through their eyes, relationships and touches. Everyone played as he/she is in reality those drama characters. The actors really took to heart their roles. I was amazed.

Relationships Development: Slow, but deep. I didn’t get only the “romance” part – when and how the main male lead fell for the main female lead. I didn’t feel their “romance” between woman and man, mostly as brother and sister. It was somehow forced or as if their “kiss” are only done because of watchers and nothing more. But in family and team members’ relations I felt it all. Every other relationship outside “romance” was really deep, strong and beautiful in its own way.

Characters: They are strong and unique in their own way. They developed a lot through the dram as real people do. I love that. It felt more real, not as on a movie. Somehow I got attached to all the characters and I looked at them as people who I meet every day and with whom I can build friendship.

Starting: It was interesting, unique in its own way and a bit standard. The series didn’t get dull till the end.

Ending: Great, realistic ending, I like it a lot, is not the standard ending for K-dramas. No real closure, but in life is also like that. Some scenes of course were a bit forced, but I didn’t really care, because the all episodes I watched made me feel curious and interested. Sad, this drama ended, but it’s better this way then doing some season 2, where the things might go downfall.

Chemistry: Unique chemistry between ALL the characters, especially bromances. Their chemistry is really strong. Romance – not so much. It seems the main leads have great chemistry between them, but not very well acted. This part is because I don’t give 10 of the drama. I love to feel the real chemistry.

Life lessons: Choices – everyone has them in every situation. Also – you should accept people how they are and to not blame yourself, because you had a reason for everything. Another lesson: Running away doesn’t help at all. Hope doesn’t help too. Family – in blood or not is the most important thing that keeps you sane and true to yourself.

All in all, one of my favorite dramas. I will watch it again and highly recommend it to all bromance fans, also to criminal genre fans. Not to all who want to watch Romance and Stupid-normal-hurt-good-girl fell in love with rich-genius-arrogant-hurt man. Here the things are deeper and are about the bonds between people’s hearts.

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