I finished the series within three days. Then, I had to take a one-hour breather before I could write this review because I couldn't form coherent sentences.
I didn't read the webtoon so please don't judge me but I couldn't understand why some people thought the story went downhill midway. For me, it didn't. It got darker yet at the same time had more substance. The scary part though was that I'm convinced that the writer and the actors were able to show logic out of insanity. What does that make me?
Anyway, here are the actors who are to blame if ever I get admitted:
1. Park Hae Jin - except for MLFTS, I haven't seen any of his other projects although I've planned to watch Bad Guys for a while now. MLFTS really didn't do much for me if not for his performance as the second male lead. I thought he could be the next Gong Yoo. This series intensified that belief. From the beginning until the end, his character was simply captivating. I was torn between loving Yoo Jung and being cautious of him. His character was so strange and so complex and PHJ portrayed him brilliantly.
2. Lee Sung Kyung - there had been a lot of issues about her overacting in this series. I'm sorry but I have to disagree. LSK's portrayal as Baek In Ha is possibly the best I've ever seen her do. I first saw her in Doctors and thought she was so-so if not a bit annoying. Imagine my surprise when I saw her as Kim Bok Joo. Gone was the stylish chaebol. She was instead replaced by a short-tempered and impulsive eating machine. Now combine the two personas and add a little bit of crazy to the mix. The result? A completely flawed character that you want to hate and pity at the same time.
3. Ji Yoon Ho - I first saw him in Sweet Stranger and Me and thought he was rather cute. He wasn't cute at all in this series though. He portrayed his role quite well that I can't wait to see him with bigger roles.
In case the other three escape, here are the rest of the reasons behind my strange behavior:
Seo Kang Joon - Baek In Ho is probably the only normal person among the main characters. He easily captured the hearts and sympathy of the viewers and even though I love PHJ, I seriously wouldn't resent it if In Ho ended up with Seol.
Kim Go Eun - I still maintain that Hong Seol isn't as innocent and normal as she pretends to be. She has her own air of cruelty around her; enough for her to plot her own revenge or look the other way when her boyfriend does it for her. On a lighter note, can someone give KGE a break already! If she isn't surrounded by a goblin, a reaper, and ghosts, then it's another kind of crazies!
Nam Joo Hyuk - Eun Tak and Bo Ra's characters and romance were so heartwarming. NJH is simply so adorable! Can I adopt him?
I almost forgot the amazing portrayal of Lee Na Yoon as mini In Ha. She definitely had the same expressions as LSK, don't you agree?
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With regards to plots, K-TGW is a serious stickler to the original in ways that should thrill any Good Wife purist. It's abundantly clear the writers/producers *themselves* are highkey stans for TGW in light of the attention to detail in every reproduction of the original's greatest courtroom hits.
K-TGW also deserves praise for being a masterclass in pacing. For those unaware, the drama spans *three seasons* of the original within 16 episodes. 16 EPISODES. Yet, by some level 10 sorcery, all major character/relationship arcs are completely cohesive.* Particularly, the transformation of Hyekyung (Alicia Florrick's counterpart) is absolutely seamless.
(*The one glaring exception is the last act of the finale, which is weirdly ambiguous in a way that seems rushed rather than purposeful.)
Maybe most importantly, the drama also stays faithful to the bisexuality of Nana's character, which was my #1 priority when I heard news of the remake.
Where Korean TGW diverges from American TGW is in being a lot less cynical. This isn't a value judgment. I for one like my TV cynical, and I was honestly delighted by the corrosion of Alicia Florrick in the original's later seasons. Others hated it. Many read The Good Wife as a story of female empowerment and were not here for their heroine becoming a bad person and ending up alone. But I don't need female protags to be role models who can """represent""" every woman. I just need them to have fully realised journeys.
In that sense, the Korean version takes the story back to its roots. Whereas American TGW built Alicia up and then tore her down, K-TGW portrays the rise of Hyekyung and makes that a self-contained story. The drama also fleshes out a proper redemptive arc to Joongwon that would make his blithely amoral American counterpart Will Gardner roll over in his jewel-encrusted coffin. Speaking of which: Alicia/Will was a tragedy of epic Greek proportions; Hyekyung/Joongwon is not. (Naturally, I was much more ruinously attached to the former. YMMV.)
Meanwhile, Yoo Jitae's character is both more villainous and more appealing than Peter Florrick has ever been. Let it be known there was never any Peter stan-base to speak of. Yoo Jitae, OTOH, probably deserves one.
I wouldn't necessarily call these changes an improvement per se. A happier story doesn't always equal a better one (just as a more grimdark story =/= more mature). The strength of storytelling is what really matters.
What K-TGW does, though, it does very well. Whether you're familiar with the source material or not, this is one of the best dramas of 2016.
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Would I re-watch this? Yes, or at least certain scenes. Hou Zi is the perfect man, and I love how protective he is of the female lead.
Would I recommend this? Only for those who are patient. At the beginning of the show, the female can come across as annoying because of the stupid choices she makes. She grows smarter and makes better choices but it definitely takes patience to make through those first 5-6 episodes.
If you would like some recommendations check out my blog: http://lovekoreana.blogspot.com/
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The relationship between the leads was cute and funny to watch. Baiplu is just a normal girl who gains a adorable, dinosaur stalker. T-Rex is what makes this show special! His child-like personalty, and innocent smile just steal your heart!
Would I re-watch this? Heck, Yeah! This show provides a sweet shot, when you need a break from watching melodrama, or mainstream shows, This is no doubt on of the best U-Prince shows!
Would I recommend this? Definitely! Especially for people new to Thai dramas or want to watch a cute, uncomplicated romance!
If your looking for some recommendations check out my blog: http://lovekoreana.blogspot.com/
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The plot starts off great and the chemistry between the aunt and the guy is great! There were some annoying side characters, but it was easy to ignore them since they weren't on screen much. How quickly that changed...
I don't want to spoil anything, but let me just say what you're given at the beginning is not what you end with. The show started as a drama-romance and ended as a action-thriller. And trust me it didn't transition well.
Would I re-watch this? No.
Would I recommend this? The romance is cute, but the side characters and the plot cliches ruin it. If your bored and have nothing better to watch, then go ahead. If you hate wasting your time on shows with bad plots, and stupid characters then you might want to skip this.
Although this show was a mess, the lead actors are great so I recommend you check out some of their other shows!
If you need some recommendations you can find some on my blog: http://lovekoreana.blogspot.com/
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The main premise of this drama is that Choi In Ha can not say anything that she believes or feels is a lie. This can obviously become hilarious or scary. The main male character Dal Po (formerly Ki Ha Myung) went through a horrible experience as a child and has left him with a personal vendetta against the media. The reasoning's behind his attitude and feelings was described quite clearly, and you instantly understand him as a person.
Choi In Ha is very innocent in the ways to the world, though has also been through family troubles, however she is ignorant to the truth (ironically). She grows as a person and as a reporter together with Dal Po.
Together the two unravel lies and cover ups, pain and hard decisions. I like how the story progresses and I like how not everything that you see in the media is the truth. The message of that seems quite clear and is one that some people often forget.
Acting: 10/10
Sometimes I feel like I wouldn’t know bad acting if it bit me in the butt, but I can’t really fault the actors here. I hated some and loved other, felt bad and felt sorry. That exactly what I want from them.
Music: 8/10
The music doesn’t leach a huge impact on you but that’s not to say it’s bad. I think for such a busy story anything to extreme or powerful may have overpowered it somewhat. Notible songs include Roy Kim’s “Pinnochio” and Zion. T’s “Kiss Me”
Rewatch Value: 9/10
I would rewatch it because I liked the relationship between Choi In Ha and Dal Po + the funny exchanges between them and other aspiring reporters.
Overall: 9/10
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Okay, the premise sounded very interesting, and the drama started out very well. I enjoyed the back and forth between past, plane crash etc, and present. All the characters had substance. Loved it for the first, say, 6 or so episodes.
Then stupidity happened. Lots of it, on the part of the writers and the characters. Failed logic, the frustration of those 'trapped w/psycho killer but too stupid to hide from him" horror films I hate, total leaps of idiocy - I almost stopped watching this by episode 9.
Then it got better, somewhat. The island scenario finished, so the above mentioned stupidity vanished. It became a recognizable suspense plot, complete with scheming chaebols & corrupt prosecutors. Not very original but since the acting was excellent & I like most of the cast I could manage. By episode 14, EUREKA! Some brains emerged! I liked that episode!
Then the writers got hit once again by the stupid bug, which eroded the logical progression of the narrative into increasingly WTF moments, concluding with what has to be the most insane, ridiculous, maddening ending I've ever seen in KDrama.
I had held out hopes of one of our supposed murder victims being resurrected - which would have made as much if not more sense than what the writers forced on us, plus made so many of us much happier - but noooo, that was not to be :(
Do not waste your time on this, really, unless plot actually means nothing to you. On the plus side, the interactions of the characters in this show was excellent - I totally enjoyed watching them as long as I forgot whatever plot point was supposed to be happening.
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if they made it just 5 ep. it would be great
i was so disappointed cause i love the idea of how friends fall in love ... but they ruin it -_-
there were many details of the details capable to make u break the screen with relieved Conscience
thank god i survived till the end -_-
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The female lead made me cringe. there were moments that had to make her look mature but failed... The writers probably wanted her seem like strong person- bullied and neglected by a lot of people, but even with such a hard life she keeps being super kind and joyfull, tries her best in school and ect... ok, that is good... but the writer forgot about her behavior. They trully over did it. She acted like a 8 year old girl, she way too cozy in a strangers house . I dont know if the actress (she is good) is in the wrong or the writers. I really tried to force myself to watch this till the very end ... Maybe the drama should have been about the grim reaper, cause I always saw the goblin more as a father figure to the female lead. Its seems creepy and she doesnt help with acting kind of spoiled sometimes. The goblin legit acted like a creep sometime tho, how is that sweet or romantic? I hope that those that liked the drama wont feel bad if they read this~ XD
I just wanna add, that I have seen similar type of "relationship" in real life to the one in the drama. Thats why maybe I am a little triggered. He legit can get registered as an offender (done something or not), cause she is a minor in the start. So ya, think about that and other unwise things Eun Tak did though the drama. Then you will understand maybe why I kind of dislike it :(
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Ji Sung- I have so much love for this man. He captures my soul every time he comes on-screen. He has always been one of my two most favorite actors and will always remain that way. I can sing odes in way of his acting and it still wouldn't be enough. In this drama he plays a Chaebol with 7 different personalities and his transitions are so real and vivid, that each of the seven personalities seem like entirely different people.
Shin Se Gi= The over dramatic bad boy who made me giggle, swoon, cry and fall in love.
Yona= The side-throbbingly hilarious and bratty mean girl who I wished I was friends with.
Ah Sub= The genius and serious teenager who had a penchant for suicide.
Perry Park= The ahjussi who shined so brightly and tinkered with bombs for fun.
Nana= The child without a voice.
Mr. X= The man who brought forth reason and rationale when Do Hyun was truly ready to embrace himself.
Cha Do Hyeon= The beautiful and complex man who suffered so much and yet, never stopped fighting.
I used to believe in the stupid "real men don't cry" stereotype that our society worships. I was so awful that if a hero in a show I was watching cried, I'd think him weak and turn away but Korean Dramas changed it for me. Korean characters often communicate with their tears, the feelings they don't verbalize, express themselves in the way of salty water. Tears are not a sign of weakness, they are a sign that you're alive. Cha Do Hyeon often had tears leaking from his eyes and every single time they moved me. Sometimes my heart hurt from all the pain, sometimes my lips hurt from smiling wide. His tears were gorgeous as was his struggle and will to become whole again.
Ji Sung deserved that Daesang and more.
People call Ji Sung the king of Kill Me, Heal Me and he no doubt is but what many don't say is that Hwang Jung-Eum was also undeniably the queen. I've heard many complaints about how Jung-Eum screams too much, how her obnoxious loud voice is unbearable, how she over acts and tries hard and frankly, I think all these people are just tripping. True, she does shout more than is necessary and she'll probably rupture your ear drum with all the noise she makes, yet there is not a single other actress who can even dream to properly pull off the roles she has executed.
She always grows on you and makes it work. She is the Empress of expressions and I don't know why but whenever she cries ( and she cries a lot and it's rather ugly) I always cry too. I don't even know why. I love her so much and to this day, she's one of my favorite actresses. The roles she plays, whether it's the self-sacrificing woman in Secret or the scarred psychiatrist in KMHM, always show inner strength. Oh Ri JIn is a brilliant, full of light and empathetic woman whose strength knows no bounds.
Ji Sung and Hwang Jung-Eum are undoubtedly the Korean industry's most powerful pairing. They are both excellent actors in their own right and together they are undeniably magic. Their chemistry is off the fucking charts. They move in sync and it's apparent how much they understand each other. Secret had left an impression on me and yet, KMHM without being influenced by that, made its own indent in my heart. Usually, in K-dramas the female character is overshadowed by the male's but Ji Sung and Hwang Jung-Eum exhibit equality of the sexes. They are both formidable players at their game and they play effortlessly together and bring the victory home, every single time. Despite the fact that Ji Sung's role was very powerful, Jung-Eum held her own and due to that, they co-existed beautifully.
Then comes Oh Ri On. Ah, my baby. He was also one of the best characters in the show and literally the best brother ever. He loves her but he let's her go. Park Seo Joon couldn't have done a better job in my opinion.
Every single actor from top to bottom brought their greatest to this drama and made it the masterpiece it was. I think it's rightfully one of the best Korean productions ever made. It had me bawling and heaving at one point and clutching my stomach laughing and gasping for breath at another. It made me feel bittersweet melancholy, made my heart fill with warmth and made me be so unwilling to let it go that despite dying with curiosity, I wanted to prolong it in some way so that it wouldn't end. This drama has pain yet joy, tears yet laughter, incredible heartbreak yet so much love. Not a single second is filler, it's filled to the brim with powerful dialogues and the suspense element is excellently done. You simply cannot get better than KMHM.
The OST (Auditory Hallucination) is definitely one of the best ever made. It always played on the perfect time and made the already soul stirring scenes a thousand times more impactful.
Yes, there were some medical errors in the drama but despite that, mental illness and trauma have been wonderfully explored to their core. It offered a peek in the life of a man waging war against his own mind and how an equally scarred woman became his sword and together they were conquerors.
This drama showed everything that makes Asian dramas so raw and poignant. If you haven't watched this and you call yourself a K-drama fan, I say you need to check your priorities.
Rewatch value is worth more than can be described. The moment I even begin to forget it (which will be hard) I'll watch it again because I never want to lose all that I felt while I was on the journey of watching Kill Me, Heal Me. I am sincerely thankful to Jin Soo-wan for writing this gem.
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it's full of sulk that made me definitely depressed
i can't deny it had a touchy moments but it provoked me several times
even it's fantasy it was about capability of God & angels things beyond the knowledge of human beings
the writer definitely disdain God many times in a very outrageous way
the plot was very weak, provoking, boring & full of gaps i felt it disparage my mind
2/10 just for the heartwarming moments
HATED so -_-
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1. Quality of filming and sets
A LOT of work was put into this drama... Its sad how a lot of people rate it low. As someone who loves creative work, this gets me a little T.T. From their clothes to the sets- everythings was carefully planed. It really deserves to be praised, can some of you even imagine... wait you can see in the special episode what conditions the actors and staff had to work in.
2. Cast/Acting
The cast is amazing, its full of great actors :) !!! If you pay attention some times you can notice things- like you can see in the last episode how Ji Ah is holding her wrist( if you watch you will know), you know things like that. For real you can watch this drama just for the cast.
3. The story
Its REALLY interesting. Normaly if watch Kdramas you listen to Kpop too, right? The drama, might give a better view of some things in the ent.industry, its not all rainbows, smiles and abs. It shows how politics handle and view the public. It has all of it media, politics, law, crime, drama, a LOT of mystery, some silly moments too( which really get to you T.T).
Dont let others stop you from watching it, because overall is GREAT only the last 3-4 min were what got the rating down :(
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where is the story & the plot
i hated every moment in front of it
it's the most vapid & disgusting comic i have ever seen i didn't even smile
the story can be much better than that million times the idea it self is good but the plot was really rubbish
WARNING : don't waste ur time as i did >_
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Missing 9 won't be for everybody. It was for me and then it wasn't anymore.
I guess I still like it a lot because I appreciate that the drama kept my interest the whole time. I wasn't bored, and I didn't skip. Since suspenseful dramas stress me out quite a lot, the frequent comedy here kind of put my heart to rest, mostly when needed. In my opinion, though, this is also it's weakness. The comedy was out of place most of the time and when you just thought something really big happened, they just took it away with silly music.Story:
The story overall was good. It wasn't the best in my opinion and pretty predictable in an unpredictable way (when you know what I mean) but at the same time fascinating. At some point, I just thought that the writers tried too hard to lay every possible difficulty in their way, and it got a bit annoying. Also, if you are looking for romance, there isn't really any. I mean it does seem like it, the whole time, but the romance plot is more like an anti-climax.
Acting/Cast:
The acting was great. Everybody fitted very well into their roles. There were some roles, I found a bit annoying and at some point I wasn't sure if it was the actor's acting or the actual character that made me cringe. Overall, I don't have anything I didn't like about the cast.
Music:
I don't even remember the music tbh, I know, that it was used to lighten up scenes a lot, and it was used for comic relief.
Overall:
Missing 9 is a good drama. I don't know if I would recommend it, though. It's something you have to stumble on by yourself. Personally, I also think that since I watched it weekly, it kept interesting for me. Probably not the best drama to binge-watch.
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