This review may contain spoilers
[Warning: long review]This isn't just a show. It's a story close to life; a story of great moral value and lessons to be learnt. This is an amazing journey through the eyes of a man who can be similar to many of us at some point in our lives. And I believe many people, including myself, have come out of this journey a better person. The below is more an in-depth review more for people who've already watched the show, but if you are curious to what exactly is so good about the show, feel free to read on, since there are no big spoilers in this review.
The story is simple enough; Ken is a shy guy who never managed to express his love to his childhood friend, Rei, and now he is attending her wedding to another man. A fairy pops up to grant Ken the ability to correct some regrets of his past so that hopefully he will face an improved situation in the present. The idea of time-travel seems to contradict the idea of the show being close to life; if you think about it, however, everyone faces some regrets of action or non-action in the past; time-travelling back to change these is an ability we always wanted, and we simply see Ken doing what we wished we could do. These timeslips create a blueprint in the show which becomes obvious very quickly; in fact it is so faithfully replicated that the show is always in danger of becoming repetitive. However, each episode is executed masterfully such that the repetition doesn't become tiring; it instead gives the viewer a standard framework from which to view the characters, their story and the outcome of Ken's actions, making them seem all the more clearer and connected to the present. More importantly, you get to see Ken's gradual emotional development through the series. It is argued by many watchers that this format isn't the best way to present the show due to the repetitiveness; but for me it possesses a mesmerizing charm and cuteness that endears me to the show.
The characters are excellent, and I totally mean it when I say that. Many shows out there create characters to suit the story, which results in disjointed personalities and actions that seem out-of-character in some scenarios; ProDai is one of the rare few that have wholesome, complex characters whom you get to understand and relate to as the story progresses. It is as though the story is written to suit the characters, which is how real life works; this makes the show so much closer to life. Sometimes, it even angers the audience when they see how stubborn a person's personality in the show can be, because at times the show simply stagnates when Ken cannot bring himself to change the past; to me however, this is also one of the charms of the show, the rigidity of personalities is just so like life. Nevertheless, the genius scriptwriters have churned out enough twists and turns in the story to keep it interesting throughout, and effortlessly blended in moral lessons which never seem to be forced into the story (something J-doramas are bad at). Most importantly, the show was brought to a complete end, albeit an open-ended one, which was satisfying for most, but completely amazing for me.
Acting is top class as well; vintage performances are seen from Nagasawa Masami, Hamada Gaku and Mikami Hiroshi, as well as of course the star of the show, Yamashita Tomohisa. His acting isn't particularly fantastic, but he gave his character a personality unique to himself; he became Ken, Ken became him. In all, his was an absolutely memorable performance. The OST is another highlight of the show, with BGM that is always at the right places, at the right time, and invoke heavy doses of emotion and goose-bumps that really bring the show up to another level. Who could forget the inspiring themes of Rising Road and Hallelujah Flash, and their rearranged emotional renditions that play in heart-tugging scenes? The ending theme, Ashita Hareru Kana, and the insert Chiisana Koi no Uta are, well, I don't think I have to say more. Personally I have Ame Agari (translated as 'after the rain')as my favourite as well, because of the scenes that it plays in, and the meaning of the song towards the show: after the rain, sadness will vanish and everything will start anew.
With all that being said, the show has its flaws as well. Particular aspects that stuck out include the lack of development in one of the main characters, Mikio, and the convenient shafting of Tada, portrayed as the guy everyone hates but really, is just a good man fighting for his own love. Even so, I give the show a 10. I have to admit that I'm biased in the score and in this review; but it is really because I love the show so much. My advice is really to follow the show in its entirety, indulge in the characters and feel the fun, the anguish, the anxiety, and the exhilaration in the show. And most importantly, learn from it, and I promise any watcher that it will be a enjoyable and memorable journey for you as well.
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Something so simple and cute went crazy and out of control (I call this the "Boys Before Flowers Effect" if you've ever seen that drama) Too much happened from what there was, and some of the characters disappointed me. The ending at least for me was rushed and sloppy compared to the rest of the drama which contained some excellent climaxes and was directed very well.
If you're looking for something simple and light to watch just for laughs or just because you have nothing else to watch, then I recommend it highly. If you are however looking for an intense, thought-provoking, rapid plot, this isn't something you should be watching right now, even though I do recommend it be watched at least once, just to experience the humor.
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2_the review : this drama was perfect it mouved every emotion in me (happiness,sadness,scare,expectation) it's defenetly one of the best dramas i watched because the story is entresting even the fact that there are other dramas about time traveling but this one realy toped all of them the music is is also great.
it's defenetly a drama worth watching.
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I really liked the story, I just didn't like how it dragged on and on in the last 4-5 episodes. That's the only minus I have in the storyline overall.
The cast was great, especially the main actors. YoonA surprised me with her acting. She did a nice Kim Yoon Hee, but I really loved her as Ha Na. Jang Geun Seok was also amazing. The difference between In Ha and Yoon was a great one and he did both of them perfectly. The supporting cast also, almost everyone played double roles with a lot of difference between the two, and every actor did a great job.
The music, ah yeah, the music. The music was really sweet and cute. I have downloaded the OST immediatly and there is only one song I dislike. I also really like the fact that there are two versions of 'Because it's You', one for In Ha and Yoon Hee and one for Yoon and Ha Na.
As I said in previous revieuws, I dislike rewatching drama's, because I already know the story. This one also, has a very memorable story. When I would rewatch it, I wouldn't enjoy it anymore because I already know what's coming.
OVerall, I gave this show an 8/10, because I really, really enjoyed watching it and I only had minimal points that I dislike. I would highly reccomend this to anyone who hesitates to watch this!
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I was very impressed with the acting in this drama, although I wasn't much of a fan of Park Si Yeon's performance. Even so, Lee Dong Wook, Lee Jun Ki and Lee Dae Ha played their roles brillantly, with not a single bit of disapointment. Especially Lee Dae Ha's character....she was just the funniest, spunkiest and the most mischievous female lead and I enjoyed every minute of her craziness! I love how she gets that grin on her face when she's up to no good. Totally adorable. >.< LDW and LJK were great eye-candy and YES they can act! :P I sincerely loved ALL the characters so much and felt myself going through the same emotional roller coaster they were going through as the story progressed.
I had no problem with the storyline either. It might seem cheesy to some but I thought it was unique and wacky enough to grab your attention and pull you in for the ride. The only thing that really stopped from giving this drama a 10 overall was the romance between LDW and LDH. It would have been perfect if they had just a little bit more UMPF! in their relationship. :PPP
The OST is also a bit on the cheesy side but that didn't stop me from singing along with it. Really, it's contagious! XD
Oh and another thing about "cheesiness" in general....some people really seem to hate it, so I'd like to close with my favorite line from the movie Ratatouille to address this issue.
"Once you muscle your way past the gag reflex, all kinds of possibilities open up." So, there you go....EMBRACE THE CHEESE! :D
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Although the story was kind of complicated in the beginning and it took awhile for me to understand things, when I finally understood what was happening I couldn't stop watching it. Love the story so much because it was well written. The acting in the drama was great and the chemistry between the two main leads was perfect for the story. Well I guess it wasn't just acting seeing how they are dating each other in reality now. They are so cute together!!!
It took me two days to finish the drama. I am sad though because I finished it so fast but what can I do? At the end of every episode I just wanted more. Love the drama and it was fun to watch. Don't watch this drama with the expectation of it being similar to Rooftop Prince because they are very different. It was a great drama!!
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I just wished the end part was written with more substance or whatever.
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It definitely makes you laugh and touches your heart.
At times I felt that the lead was hard to understand because of his double role but you get sucked in by the romance-comedy theme of this drama and so you end up watching it till the end.
It's definitely a must see if you want those romance boy-meets-girl, boy-girl-faces-a-twist, boy-girl-strive-to-be-together, mixed in with the overlay of comedy and light-heartedness.
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Some warnings:
->Absolutely no romantic scenes,still very cute to watch.
->Draaaagging after half of the episodes. (but by this time you would have fallen in love with this story,so you will enjoy watching no matter what)
->Other than the characters,I felt like music was the one that gave the feel of the story.As I said,it was dragging,so music had to fill the part.
One thing I like about this is, usually in all the dramas, although the main roles know how they feel about the other main role, they will not communicate their feelings properly (mainly to drag the drama).Here,the problem is a confused state of mind between 2 of the 4 roles.They are not sure what exactly they want, which I find very realistic.
Casts are perfect,though I felt rain was overacting in many places. may be his character was meant to be that way.
I haven't seen another korean drama with great music like this yet.
Can rewatch it after leaving a long gap.
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I watched Heartbeat love because i love Show (who doesnt?)but i have to say i was sorta disappointed with this mini movie.
The good news is that i liked the cast- rainie and show! i liked their chemistry before and its still good. the scenery was awesome and the film quality seemed to improve as they did more shots of the area, nature, surroundings, ect...
the bad news, clearly supporting tourism to Australia sponsored by Pepsi and the Four seasons (guessing on that one) it seemed like one really big commercial.sad face the story. it is not like personal taste at all. i think the story would have been better if they followed the 100 scene no koi format of being different people in different stories with a common theme. Most stories have a flow, you get a understanding of the characters, you fall in love with them ect... Instead Heartbeat love felt like it was given to the me (watcher) in a wham-bam-thank you ma'm fashion (thats a technical term). i felt like i was watching a one night stand and then was told "get it they are falling in love!" and i am still like "wait- when did they meet?". the webisode format really worked against them but i still gave the story a 6 and not a 5 because it could have been an awesome story that was massacred, thus i do not fault the writer.
overall great for show and rainie fans; it truly is their show. however major warning: some parts are confusing, and the ending is so sweet you will need a tall glass of water.
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Vampire Prosecutor is like CSI/Law & Order. Each episode deals with a different and interesting case that is brought to resolution by the end of each episode. Some of the cases/suspects are hilarious. Despite each episode being a different murder case, there is an overarching storyline (of the paranormal kind) that continues throughout the season, which you get snippets of in each episode.
The vampire aspects of this show aren't THAT extensive, really. They're there, but don't overpower the show. He does have the benefit of certain vampy powers, but the team still needs good ol' normal crime solving power.
Like someone else said, there is a LITTLE bit of romance. It is in no way the main storyline. It's like a bonus crumb, and very understated, which I usually hate, but I found really satisfying in this show.
The cast was amazing. I loved the main cast. The actors/actresses who played the criminals did an amazing job, too. I was efficiently creeped out, angered, sympathetic, etc.
I'll be honest and say I don't remember much music. I remember one song with words, and I liked it. I heard it twice, I think. The other song was instrumental and I heard it once at a poignant moment.
I'd definitely watch this show again. I can't wait for Season 2.
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Talk about the story: This drama did start on a high note. I love the beginning of the story. I find it sweet for early teenagers to experience what they call puppy love. What didn't work for me is that - when they became adults I find it really really odd that they're still so crazy for each other after the years of absence? And really really hate that everything that's going on is very predictable and repeatable! Argh.. till now I want to wring the neck of the writer. They should stick at the teenage story and stop the story there and it could been a masterpiece! If I may also add, this drama is full of cliche and they didn't go deeper than I expect the story to be!
The acting... I like the acting of the whole cast! What didn't work for me is that - there is NO CHEMISTRY between Han Ga In and
Kim Soo Hyun. The younger actors did have a chemistry, actually that's why I keep on saying that they should stick the entire story about them being young...
Music. I love the ost of this drama.
Overall. If I happen to be 12 years old I might like it but then I'm over 20 now so my expectations is quite high. So for people who likes stories w/ no depth then this is for you. I will salute people who can actually finish this till end. Even Rooftop Prince (w/c sucks at the middle) is better than this.
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It becomes a bit silly sometimes, and the biggest problem I have with this drama, is that they, in the very end, just hurriedly squeezed in all events; it all happened way too fast. Then they tied everything together, and left a few questions unanswered; for example, what happened with Apple's problem? I feel like they should've planned out the script better.
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