Reviews

I am a fan of Makjang and revenge dramas, but this one has something lacking. I can't put my finger on it exactly. I wasn't emotionally invested in any of the characters except the little girl and Kang Il Ran and the drama wasn't about them. The main characters were just too boring. After a while I didn't care that much about anything except Kang Il Joo getting what she deserves. I can't post spoilers, but the ending left a lot to be desired. The characters were complex and there was pretty good development. The plot wasn't too convoluted considering the genre, but it felt like it went round and round over the same thing. I finished it because there is also something intriguing about it. I don't know if this review will be helpful because even I feel wishy washy about it. LOL

The acting is fine. Nothing to get excited over though. I'm learning to hate Cha Ye Ryeon as this is not the first crazy woman she has played as Il Joo. She is really good at it. :-)

The music is appropriate and doesn't suck.

I will never rewatch this.

There are some better Makjang/Revenge dramas out there, but this one is an okay watch.

Read More

"Signal" is an extremely ambitious drama. I watched without knowing anything at all about it (other than it involved cops), but it's hard to review it without giving parts of the story away. I'll spoil this review and say I am going to recommend you watch it, so you can stop reading now, and immediately start watching episode one the same way I did. If you want to know more about what you're possibly getting yourself into, keep reading.

This drama is primarily a crime thriller. It claims to be adapted from "Memories of Murder", but I saw that movie, and the two only seem to relate on a surface level. What this show really focuses on are unsolved cold cases, and it uses a mysterious partnership between an ambitious cop from the past and a cynical cop from the present to attempt to solve them. The idea of manipulating the past to change the future is not new in KDramaland, but it is hard to do well, and this show manages to do it very well.

Much of the show's appeal comes from the 3 main characters, and the actors who play them. Jo Jin Woong as Lee Jae Han is the ultimate everyman hero. His determination is inspiring, and frustrating to watch. He brought a humanity to the idea of what it takes to be an effective cop. Then there is Lee Je Hoon as Park Hae Yeong, another character with a lot of depth. I loved watching him go from being a cynical know-it-all to going above and beyond. I think his character was so well written, and liked that the more I learned about his backstory, the more I connected to his choices and actions. Then lastly there's Kim Hye Soo as Cha Soo Hyun. I love that she is a total bad@ss. I will admit that I was definitely more of a fan of her in present day, although I understand showing her transformation from how she started out. Watching their frustration, eagerness, regret, stubbornness, impetuousness, tears... made me have so much empathy for their characters, even though I didn't cry even once (and I am a cry baby).

The supporting cast is good, really good, even when their characters aren't the most likable. The cases themselves were also all interesting, which means I was never bored.

Although there are romantic aspects to the plot, it's the partnership chemistry that drives the show, so reviews that call this a "romance" aren't really accurate. I will admit that I was more into the chemistry between Cha Soo Hyun and Park Hae Yeong, than her chemistry with Lee Jae Han. Some of the scenes when she was a rookie made her seem a little like an emo-stalker, which didn't seem as cute to me as it was meant to seem. I think their past was the only weak part in the plot for me, and although I understand why it was written that way, it made it seem like she was always overreacting when it came to her senior. Meanwhile, I wonder if I was the only one who sensed some kind of unspoken attraction between her and Hae Yeong. Fine, Was it just me? Wishful thinking? lol. Either way, I thought they worked really well together.

I saw that some people complained about plot holes, which you will always find if you look hard enough. I thought this show did an excellent job of tying up loose ends, avoiding useless scenes, and answering questions. It may be confusing in the beginning, but it soon starts to make perfect sense. There are a few things that are left open ended, or without explanation, but I think keeping a little bit of mystery added to the story. The fact that the story is so cohesive is why I gave it such a high rewatch rating. I think it would be cool to see the whole thing again, now that I know whats's going on, and my guess is that I will see things differently than I did the first time, which is my favorite reason to rewatch anything.

It's also not all depressing, or gruesome. They actually manage to find places to add some comedy, without it being glaringly inappropriate (well, there are the obligatory fart jokes... )

I should mention too that the OST fit the show very well, complimenting the atmosphere, but it's not something I feel compelled to listen to on it's own.

Overall, this is a must see for any thriller fan, but still has enough appeal to convert fans of other genres. I don't agree that it's the greatest drama ever, or the most original ( I saw "Frequency"), but the fact that it has so many fans makes complete sense. This is one of those shows that it's really difficult to find fault with. From the very first episode I was sucked in, and I had to keep watching 3 more episodes just to see what happened next. This is the kind of drama that can make you lose sleep, because once one thing is resolved, a new equally/more interesting scenario begins. It's that way up to the very last episode, so I understand people being excited about a possible season 2. I know I would watch!

Read More

I found it really interesting to watch and it was the series that pulled me into watching dramas however after a while it became a bit of a chore and i ended up dropping it. I got attetched to many of the characters, but to an extent, the medical scenes seemed more real than the relationships (as i've found to be the theme in many dramas actually.. the whole budget always seems to go towards overly graphic medical scenes).
I loved the music and the plot was really well thought and planned out; when trying to explain it to a frend it got a little to complcated to say in words and thats honestly what i look for in a drama.
I may go back to it some day but I'm honestly satisfied with having watched half of it.
Despite not finishing it, I'd still recommend anyone to give it a chance (unless heavy medical scenes are a bit too much for you as there were for me.)
I'd also recommend if you want a reason to cry.

Read More

As a fan of James, I had to watch this. This had a Neung Nai Suang 2015 feel at first mainly due to the time setting and, of course, the fact that James was also the male protagonist. I'd say, though, that's where the similarities stop. Differently from Neung Nai Suang 2015, where the main character's love relationship is extremely childish and lacking in communication, Padiwarada delivers a very mature perspective of love and that was intensely refreshing for me. The concept that love is something you build over years of understanding and caring for the other is rarely explored in dramaland and in my opinion, was well presented in this drama.

Rin was a good female protagonist, had great sense and presence. From beginning to end I admired her and, to be sincere, if I ever come to marry I hope I'll be able to be at least 30% of the wife she was. Even when the female rival plotted against her and Saran's wedding, she always acted accordingly with elegance. It's hard to find a main character like her in dramaland in general, so I was really surprised to find one in a lakorn of all things.

I think some of that also applies to Saran. From the moment he started opening up to Rin (what happened really early, another good surprise) he was really sweet. The only thing about him that made me a little mad was that he was too gentle for his own good at times. His first love didn't deserve 1% of his consideration towards her... That bitch really irritated me.

Now, besides the usual bitch character that is always present in any romance drama there is, the only other thing that I must complain about was the "White Tiger" and his magic thing. For me, that part of the lakorn was totally unnecessary and what would cause me distress if I ever were to recommend this to someone who isn't really into dramas and lakorns in special. Watching that part made me extremely silly, I wasn't even believing what I was watching at times and every time someone would enter my room I would simply stop watching out of embarrassment. I mean, really... Magic powers and all that in that kind of setting was horrible. This wasn't supposed to be a fantasy drama!!

The OST didn't really stand out to me. I would rewatch this only to see Saran's and Rin's beautiful relationship develop again. I just wish there were more kisses on the mouth instead of kisses on the forehead (which was seriously over used... I mean, there was this one episode where I counted at least five of them!!!)

Read More

I loved this in the beginning, the first episode introductions got me hooked. The story developed then probably around episode 8/9 I pieced it together and knew what was going to happen which probably spoilt it for me. There are a lot of misunderstandings stemming from a lack of communication which annoyed me, there were times where I was almost screaming at my screen "just tell them!!" Lol. Loved the characters apart from squad leader, his whole bad guy, low voice, long ass speeches irked me greatly and the female officer was a bit annoying and easily mislead.
What was great about the drama is that it was a great idea and you really felt for the criminals. I really enjoyed it, the action was good and they didn't waste time getting into it. I would love a season 2 just to see the all together again!

Read More

Do you know what? After all the controversy behind this drama I still really enjoyed it. There were parts of the webcomics that didn't flow and made no sense but the way the drama flows it does all add up. The ending was a bit annoying but it was still an enjoyable and understandable storyline. All personalities made sense, I was annoyed the Seol began to like Jung considering what they went through but then again he is a good looking guy that is giving you attention lol.
The music is amazing! The OST can be found on Spotify.
The characters work, all of them kind of look like their webcomic counterparts without looking fake. It draws you in and even though, like I said, there was a lot of commotion about screen time etc. It should still be given a chance especially so you can hear the music lol.

So not 10/10 it's an 8 for me.

Read More

This starts off as a light hearted historical. Tiffany Tang and wallace Huo bang heads and meets in some really hysterical situations in the begining but gradually fall in love. These 2 main leads had some great chemistry going and there were quite a few sweet romantic scenes. Story line did get serious as the drama went on, but very satisfying ending. Even the secondary couple was very good. The Ost is really good and matched the drama perfectly. I listened to it a lot and imagined my favorite "fire fly" scene when I hear it. I absolutely loved this drama, highly recommend!

Read More

*I can't leave my sons hardly any money, but I do want to tell them to make people their asset.*

This was one of the dramas I wasn't planning on watching, then started out of boredom but turned out to be a pleasant watch. Watching it made me forget all my problems and the things I stress about, and gave me a warm feeling. I enjoyed every second of it. I can't say they it has anything that stand out, but more of a number of things coming together in harmony and giving us this heartwarming fun dorama.

The drama is really about bringing people together. The title is about the ever changing form a family takes as time goes on and how we find ways to adapt at every upcoming change. I love that our hero Daisuke, played by Katori Shingo (my first time watching him - he did pretty well) is a typical introverted who treasures his time alone, only to have to deal with his extraverted father Yozo, played by Nishida Toshiyuki, who has no consideration for such issues. Another highlight is the growing relationship between Daisuke and his new ototo, and mostly the hearwarming relationship between Yozo-san and Kota. Then there's Ueno Juri playing lonely Hanako, with her lazy demeanor that takes out her boredom by complaining about anything, getting nicknamed *Complainer Hanako*. I enjoyed her bickering relationship with Daisuke, her mother, played by the lovely Fubuki Jun. Actually my favourite part of the drama was the relationship of Yozo and Ricchan and how they affected everyone around them with their warmth. Arakawa Yoshiyoshi as Daisuke's colleague doubled the fun, and the addition of Tanaka Kei was a great welcome. That guy needs to get a leading role next!

There were more. It's a huge cast and the drama gave the spotlight to most of them, and we saw both main and supporting characters grow throughout the drama.

Nishida Toshiyuki was at the center of it all. He brought lightheartedness to the drama, but can be a firm father figure when needed to, and when he gets emotional you can't help but get carried away by it. There were many instance I understood Daisuke's frustrations, and it would've drove me crazy if I was in his place, but the moment Yozo-san makes amend or explains himself, I just can't help feel for him and want him to be forgiven.

Anyways fun drama worth checking out ;)

Read More

This is my first actual drama that is not a movie review! Yay!

Story
As far as detective dramas go, Rinsho Hanzai Gakusha's story arcs are based on individual cases. However, what makes this drama distinct is the fact it circles around a criminologist, not a detective. The mind of the criminologist is delved into deeper in each arc. It is as if the story is conceived to solve the mysteries of the criminologist Himura HIdeo rather than the mysteries. The story was otherwise entertaining; however, predictable.

Acting/Cast
The actors of Himura and Alice really played up the Holmes and Watson vibe which is refreshing to see after Detective Conan. For this drama, the cast was of a high caliber, all great actors seasoned with experience. The best acting would be from Hasegawa Kyoko as Moroboshi Sanae. She is the best villain, because who knew she could be so evil? Of course the main cast is nothing to scoff at either. Takumi Saito already has experience in law from the drama Ace Attorney. Masataka Kubota was Light in Death Note, so its interesting to see him on the right side of law this once. The only actor I would complain about is Yamamoto Yusuke because I see him in literally every Japanese drama.

Music
In a detective drama, the soundtracks are suspenseful, and little of nothing else. Unfortunately, Rinsho Hanzai Gakusha failed to break away from this norm. If the soundtracks were more memorable, not repetitive for every case, and not only suspenseful, I would have given a higher score. Sorry, I way have high standard because of Meitantei Conan.

Rewatch Value
Rinsho Hanzai Gakusha should be quite easy to rewatch because the story happens in arcs. Just pick the arc you like and rewatch it. In addition, it helps that this is one of the best mystery dramas out there.
Given that you know the criminal and every fact of the case, the rewatch experience would be a tad lacking.

Read More

You may think that this drama sounds 'boring' when it's about two men that works as handymen in a small town. Well that's true, I also felt like that but it's not boring at all! This drama is pure comedy, all 12 episodes are laughable.

So basically the story is about a young screenwriter that needs to go to a place to gather ideas but due to a snowstorm he ended up staying at a small town in Hokkaido. It's fascinating to see how you yourself are getting along with the drama and the characters. Not so many events occur, but it's a realistic story and very amusing. The actors played naturally, but don't worry there's plot twists as well :) Did I say it was comedic?

However, if you're bored and feel like you want to watch something that doesn't require intense concentration, this is the drama you can watch. Relax and enjoy!

Read More