Reviews

This movie is the original of the now playing drama "that winter the wind blows" the whole plot and story line is same. Moon geun young is a brilliant little actress. In thos movie, things were happening too fast that if I hadn't watchedthe drama I wouldn't understand how some things came to be like how did the guy know that the fake sis listened to the same music in the snow glob and stuff. The guy irritataed me with his constant smoking in the plane, club, bus,hospital etc it was unnecessary to the plot. Anyway the acting was good but I prefer the cast in the drama super hot.

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A good drama with strong female leads who stay true till the end. It's fun and quirky in many ways. The Handa company staff are crazy and fun. You can never anticipate what happens and it's entertaining to watch them. ^^
Plus points:
- DalJa is the first female lead to pull off stunning curly hair. For some reason most Kdramas give the female lead the most ridiculous hair and dressing sense. DalJa was indeed an a cool lead- well educated and strong and has the ability to dress!!
- Usually, all leads start as a 'strong-independent' woman and then breakdown and become the opposite by the end of the series. But here they were all strong, till the very end.
- It was good to see DalJa and Seon Joo, actually become friends. Instead of back-stabbing bit*$£& [pardon my language] that they would become in other dramas, they stand by and support each other in all circumstances.
- All the characters are well written. They bring out the good and bad in every single one of them and you come to like the whole team. It gives you a feeling of being a part of them.
- Although, DalJa is a trouble magnet she faces her obstacles in a mature way, including that of the 'second lead'.
- The evil ex's, mother-in-laws, family, second leads and others all give you very surprising turn of events.

Bonus point: Kim Jae Wook is in the drama!! Gaaah, my heart raced and I fan-girled like a teenager!!

Negative points:
- Some of the episodes were a bit dragging. They could have shortened and edited out some episodes.
- I like Lee Min Ki but I found his acting a bit bad in this series :( He seemed to have no expressions or emotions.

Overall, a drama where you actually find it difficult to predict the next move. Entertaining and fun to watch. [Besides you can skip the boring parts and you wouldn't have missed the story much;p]

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I was intrigued from the onset with the bookstore. The actors, scenery, and pace is very watchable and soothing. This drama uses the unspoken dialogue as the dialogue. Thus the actors are filling in the spaces with their stories, lives and secrets. The bookstore business I the US is fading art yet this drama critically illustrates its importance in the lives of others. If you love books, mystery/treasure hunting and the voluminous quiet of a bookstore this is worth the watch.
Why watch? I confess, I own a bookstore ;) and yes we have all these kinds of characters enter our store&life;.

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I started rewatching this drama with my sis and am afraid that I felt an urge to edit my review of it ;-(

The story:

I loved the Story to a certain extent, loved how it discussed a type of social disturbances that's rarely featured in KDramas and also in a light and uncomplicated manner. I loved the fun and comical parts, felt moved by emotional parts so much that proves the story & the script were successful in a sense, BUT (here it comes) though the show has some highly interesting characters with unique backgrounds I still found some characters a bit under developed (like kkegeum's first love and do hwi) and hard to relate to, and unfortunately there were certain parts in the story that felt a bit draggy and unfocused with a bit of unnecessary sidelines that felt distracting.
To stretch a popular drama to fill 20 episodes when it should nicely fit in only 16 episodes is a mistake that a lot of KDrama producers fall into, all in the search for more viewers, it can easily ruin a very well written script. In the case we have here though, the story might have turned a bit boring near the end but I find the script and the directing paid out for some of that, so it didn't feel boring to the extent where you would consider dropping the show.

I enjoyed the direction a lot, loved the flashbacks and how you slowly discover the truth about different mysterious sides each character had.

I enjoyed above all the script, so many emotionally moving lines, so many sensationally touching lines that make you want to memorize them or note them down in your favorite quotes list.
And also this drama has by far the most heart-wringing love confessions you can ever hear!!

The cast:


I gave the cast a 9 which is fairly high by my standards cause I felt they did a great job (well most of them)

The OST was nice, repetitive as usual but nice.

Rewatch value! Hmm considering the fact that I changed my review to a lower rating proves that I should have just rewatched the cute and funny scenes instead of watching the whole thing.
This is not a bad drama, it has an interesting story and a talented cast with lovable side characters, but it should have been made shorter, to avoid becoming a bit boring near the end like it did.

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If you're a fan of the flower boy series, this is a must watch too ^^ i like how the drama plays around with the audiences' emotion. At one moment you were laughing and out of nowhere ended up crying. They were also able to emphasize the reality of life except for the flower boys part. lolxD The cast brought out the character they played well and the lines they delivered was 'hit you in the heart' as anyone or everyone could relate with. I would say the they chose the right actors for every character. Probably it's just me but I could understand how Go Dok Mi feels when she was betrayed by her own friend. Park Shin Hye really brought the character out well. Yoon Shi Yoon managed to create Enrique of his own. You can see how he was able to show himself as a happy-go-lucky flower boy but you can also see the loneliness in his eyes. This drama shows how different people cope with loneliness and also how they show love in their own way. If this was the aim of the drama, I think the message has been delivered.

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I actually have tumblr to thank for my discovery of this movie. Before I watched it, I read many reviews and many say that Erika (Lillico) lacks depth of character and are critical of her performance. I however, really loved Erika's acting and I think her portrayal seems so genuine and real that I found no difficulty sympathizing with the character Lillico. Apart from Erika, I was really impressed with the whole cast and I might add that I was especially happy that Go Ayano was in this film. ><

The movie also deals with fame and power and looks at the influences of drugs, sex and cosmetic procedures. The themes this movie deals with are highly controversial and I believe that is why many people don't enjoy this film. Before I get too far into the review, it is really important to note that there are a significant amount of sex scenes in this movie. Seriously do not watch it if you are not mature enough to appreciate their importance to the plot development.

The music is such a great indicator in Helter Skelter. If something bad is going to happen, you can tell by the music. There is only one piece of music I thought was inappropriately placed but I won't mention anything as it will spoil the movie.

I've watched it twice so far and the only reason it hasn't been more is because I have other commitments. I can honestly not fault any aspect of this movie. Maybe you might have a different opinion to me but you'll never know if you don't give it a chance.

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It is a Japanese remake of the American film Ghost. They both used the song Unchained Melody, have the same story as one of the lovers will die and became a ghost, but the plot in the Japanese version is different.

It is ver romantic, emotional and you can feel the grief after the lost of someone you love. The special effects is good, the fighting scene and the thrill when uncovering the reason of death.

The wedding ceremony is so surreal but romantic indeed.

Well, I feel both happy and sad at the end. It is fantasy but it gives hopes and idea of eternal love. Both actors were good and I like Song Seun Hun (male lead) speaking Nihonggo.

Overall, I like the movie.

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Also known as Kimi Ni Shika kikoenai, is a unique fantasy love story where you can enjoy the country side scenery of Japan. They used telepathy in communicating each other and eventually meet in person.

It is funny somehow, if things likes this happen in real life, I wish I have one friend so I can perfect my exams like what happend in the movie!

I love the mellow song used, it is soothing. The plot is good makes you want to see more in your seat. It is inspiring on how to overcome insecurities and being alone.

The only thing that I noticed is the lack portrayal of emotions of grief, regrets and shock of the female lead when something tragic happened infront of her. I didn't feel it. But she perfectly acted the lack of confidence in meeting the male lead and infront of the others.

There's a third person involve in the telepathy activity which was concluded the relationships to the two lead at the end.

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It is my very first time seeing Kang Ji Hwan being obnoxious and gross in his role and he made me roll on the floor laughing.

This detective comedy movie is hilarious. Personally, I am not impressed with the fighting choreography, perhaps because it's a comedy action and the love story is not that developed or has no depth. I don't feel the chemistry and seems like half baked. I think that KJH acting as comedian here is somewhat exaggerated, on other note, he is still different here from his serious role. So guys, don't watch this when you are eating, or else! *it's a compliment!

Since the case is in fashion industry, expect to see a lot of eye candy here and whoa, Kang Ji Hwan is so smokin hot after the transformation, guys, wait till you see him half naked! *faints

Overall, it is entertaining.

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There's no so much story in this movie. The story revolves around the Super Junior members getting attack by poop and desperately wants to "be attack" due to stardom. Even though you are not Super Junior fan, since they are super cutie and sexy, I think you will still enjoy watching this as it is funny.

Very entertaining and I giggled everytime my favorite Hong Dae was on scene *kyaaa*, I'm also wondering who is the member who wore the Panda suit the entire movie! And yeah, he is a cutie too! I was laughing when they revealed it at the end, forcing him to show his face in the camera *lmao*.

I especially love the end part where all the Super Junior dance and sing.

It is something to see when you just want to fangirl and relax a bit.

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Yeah..so..um..It's crap!

Let me break it down for you like this:

concept: 9
writing: 5.5
directing & editing: 4
lead actors: 1.5
rest of cast:7

So, basically had they hired leads with more talent, a better director, and more competent editor this convoluded, melodramatic, barely passable murder mystery would have been much better. As it stands it's not the worse drama I've ever seen (that dubious honor goes to The Rose, another Joe Cheng drama..hmmm), but it's down there vying for the title. Speaking of Cheng, I don't know what people see in him, but he needs acting lessons. The man has not a clue how to emote. He's no better than he was when he first started. Kuo's voice is annoying. I couldn't stand to hear her speak.

Don't let the pretty good first 2 episodes fool you. Watch it at your own risk. You've been warned. There are a LOT of better dramas in this genre. Taiwan needs to step it's game up, big time!

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Story: Ling Hu Chong (played by Wallace) is a carefree and honourable man. He was the eldest disciple of the Hua Mt Sect and a favourite amongst his juniors and teacher. However, Ling Hu Chong's teacher is an ambitous man with ulterior motives masquerading as a virtous person. As Ling Hu Chong ventures through wulin (the martial arts world), his easy and honest personality garnered him many friends from the 5 mountain sects and the Sun Moon Holy Cult. Eventually, his teacher turned Ling Hu Chong into a scapegoat for all of his evil deeds, including heaping blame of the murder of one of his student on Ling Hu Chong. Lin Hu Chong got kicked out of the Mt Hua Sect. That is when his true adventures begin. The love story in this 2013 version has a good ending, unlike the original story from the novel where all the women Ling Hu Chong loves dies and he is left alone as a wanderer. The most notable change in the storyline comes in the form of Dongfang Bu Bai (played by Joe Chen). In the original story, Dongfang Bu Bai is a man who became the powerful leader of the Sun Moon Holy Sect. He mastered the Kuai Fa Manual. However, in order to master this manual, which is very "Ying" (feminine) in nature, he must castrate himself. The more he learned from the manual, the more feminine he became. Eventually, he regarded himself as a woman and developed romantic feelings for Ling Hu Chong. It was this hint of homosexuality that did not sit well with audiences of the previous versions and readers of the novel. Therefore, in this 2013 version, Dongfang Bu Bai has a new story - one that begins with Dongfang Bu Bai being an actual woman, but in order to succeed in the wulin and not to be bullied ever again, she lives her life as a man. When she meet Ling Hu Chong, she developed feelings for him, but Ling Hu Chong is conflicted as Dongfang Bu Bai is a cold hearted killer. How could an honourable man loves a monster??? Watch and find out.

Acting/Cast: The chemistry between Wallace's Ling Hu Chong and Joe's Dongfang Bu Bai is siiizzzzzling! This is the only version so far when most ppl who had watched it wanted Ling Hu Chong to end up with Dongfang Bu Bai! It is because of this that I give the acting 9/10. It is 1 mark away from perfect because the chemistry between Ling Hu Chong and Ren Ying Ying is neutral at best and yet, it is Ying Ying that Ling Hu Chong ended up marrying at the end. Imagine the frustration of fans of Wallace-Joe! LOL (btw, I do not consider this a spoiler as it is widely known knowledge amongst fans of wuxia series and readers of Louis Cha's novels. There are many versions of this story made in the past. Me thinks the 1996 version is the closest to the novel).

Music: I love the opening OST, "Carefree". Am listening to it as I am writing this review. :)

Rewatch value: It is 42 episodes if you watch from the DVD version and 56 episodes from the tv version. I might re-watch this a few years later when I have the time. I am quite impartial to Swordsman aka The Smiling,Proud Wanderer. I still think that the best novel of Loius Cha comes in the form of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils and the Condor Heroes Trilogy. I am waiting with abaited breath now for the 2013 version of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. Rumour has it that it is due to be released mid this year. Fingers crossed!

Overall: It was entertaining while it lasted. I love the scenes between Wallace and Joe... they are the best features of this drama. Joe Cheng makes the most beautiful and coldly powerful Dongfang Bu Bai ever! The other parts are passable. I give this an 8/10. Not bad but not the best wuxia around.

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I don't even know if I can say this is a review... but anyways.

Story:
It is a slow and sad drama but very powerful and haves a great story if you are willing to watch it.

We all know from other dramas and stories we read on the net about how hard is the education system in Korea and the contest between students to take higher places but this is not from the kids view here the point of view is from the parents perspective.

As the drama moves on you will notice that they main subjects are:

- The high expectation a family haves on their kids and their education and how it affects the family itself and even the neighborhood. Not your regular school drama this is just about the parents way of seen education and what they are capable to do to get what they want from it. (risks & consequences)

- The behavior, sacrifices and attitude society expect from you as a mother, wife, housewife and a woman in a family or neighborhood.

Many other themes are discussed on the drama too: infidelity runs along the WHOLE drama, money, greed, addiction to gambling, humiliation, depression, suicide, bullying, sexual harassment, power, in-laws, values, moral and secrets (LOTS OF THEM).

Acting/Cast:
The acting is spot on. The housewife is played by Kim Hee Ae and I couldn't believe she is the same person that play the extremely powerful Machiavellic leading lady on Midas.Here she is the opposite. She doubts and fears everything. She is an amazing actress got me believing her story it was the real thing the whole drama. Gyeol (housewife son ) was played by Im Je No and he was brilliant. A kid becoming forcefully an adult while keeping his innocence that is what I saw. The rest of the cast... all great actors... I ended having strong feelings for them. (don't want to give you spoilers)

Music:
The music it was mellow kind of indie music. I didn't pay too much attention cause I just wanted the drama to keep on and get resolved. I was really into the story and outcome. Got carried away.

Rewatch:
No. I don't think so. I ended all upset on some episodes... but it gets better. The bad. then good. Still once is enough. Just watch it at least once.

Overall:
I liked it and glad that I watched it. It helped me see/understand more the education issue in Korea and how it affects the values and believes of society. I saw infidelity different layers, acceptance and point of views or aspects in Korea. At some point the issues left me feeling confused to the point of been kind of disturbing. It help me appreciate the freedom I had when I was a student and the freedom I've as a woman.

The last episodes where so good that I didn't even noticed when I got to the last one. And was like OMG this is the end so fast? If you watch it you will understand. It might sound all sad but it haves it's really "funny" good parts. It is NOT a cheesy, action, kisses or tears drama. There is a love story but is not your typical romance. This drama is FULL of real life issues. It is a drama to think and study our humanity and meditate on how we value the people around us and life.

Hope this helps.

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People keep asking me why i love this drama (and the first season).
here's why: (and i'm sorry, english is not my first language so...)

- ariel lin and joe have the most amazing chemistry i've ever seen onscreen. ever. at least on a drama.

- the story is complete. you can see them together, him finally realizing he loves her, then they marrying, working, living, having fun, fighting and trying to deal with struggles. it's almost like it's really happening in front of our eyes (in real life), it's the same feeling.

- you can go from laughing to crying in just one episode and it doesn't seems wrong, beucause they have great development

- the back stories are amazing! you can see the WHOLE drama going forward, you can see AH Jin starting to forget xian qin and start to fall for christine; everything is so real.

- It's not like other dramas that some characters go missing and we never see them again in the story... no. even if there's new ones, they knew how to bring the old friends, the old cast back and all of them had their moment.

- when rewatching it i realized that there is storylines that they had been building since It Started with a kiss, and they went and used it in the end of this season, for example. amazing continuity.

- it doesn't matter that she (Xian Qin) makes me want to hide my face and die from shame sometimes, because she's so real, so sincere that there's no way you could find her crazy (not if you watch the drama and understand her story). And you can see that's why zhi shu loves her, too.

- it has a way of capturing your attention and when you see it's already the last episode and you really feel like you've lived their lives with them. you saw every single moment, even if it was so trivial as they having coffee together.

- and it's not like some dramas that they try SO HARD to make a fairytale out of the story that seems like 'oh so beautiful' but not real. no. it's real, there's no ONE MAGIC KISS in the series, because they're married, and they kiss everytime, because there's no reason to make them just kiss each other one time in the whole season. They kiss because they're a couple, they cuddle for the same reason. they fight. they cry. they dont know how to approach each other some times... and that, my friends, that's a real love history. I LOVE the magical fairytale style too (most of the K-DRAMAS are like that, one or two kisses in the whole story, just about them, the whole OH I'M SO IN LOVE story), i REALLY DO, but it's refreshing to watch this drama right here, sometimes, and remember what a REAL love history is about. (and that's why i'm rewatching it for the 3rd time hahaha)

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I just finished watching this drama, and I am SO mad at myself for not watching it earlier! Somehow I always managed to talk myself out of watching it, despite all the raving reviews and despite my love of good acting, comedy, music, and pretty faces (which this drama was FULL of!).
So what makes this drama so good?
Well... everything.
I have to say this was probably the most hilarious thing I have seen in a long time, and it still managed to be serious and touching when it needed to be. So it was a great laugh, and a heartfelt story.
Like most dramas, Reply 1997 was overtly dramatic and didn't really portray what high school life is like for the most, but at the same time, I found myself identifying with the characters, and for once in my drama-watching career I wasn't quietly scoffing to myself about how ridiculous the show was (although every time I do that I end up watching the whole show anyway...).
I absolutely loved the plot! I was confused (in a good way) and on the tip of my toes the whole time mentally screaming WHO IS IT? WHO IS IT?, which for me is awesome, as I love not knowing what's going to happen, and I love plot twists even more than not knowing what's going to happen, and this drama had them both!
Seo In Guk and Hoya were probably the cutest thing that I will ever see in a drama. Despite my original inclination to ship them as a couple, I ended up liking the female actress so much that I was rooting for her! Wait what!? I actually cared about a female character in a drama????? In so many dramas I find myself not caring at all about the whiny, clueless, annoying female protagonist (I usually like the female character that serves as the antagonist way more, though of course there are always exceptions), but in this drama I liked her almost as much as I liked Seo In Guk's character!
The characters in the drama were amazing! I loved each and every one of them and there little special quirks, and each actor portrayed them flawlessly.
I am so glad to see that this drama is at the top of the dramalist, because man does it deserve it!

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