A Lenda do Mar Azul (2016)

The Legend of Blue Sea - reads the title which would like to hint at a probable place or hidden destination. It garners the attention of viewers for mainly 2 reasons the major one being the Lead Casting and the next being a view into the forbidden. Myself being absolutely a first time watcher of Lee Mi Ho, I chose this drama above his much acclaimed BOF for the sole reason that this entices a certain other world forbidden charm.

Taking it right from Episode 1 which started off with a gripping start wherein the viewers are swept off into the storm in the initial minutes, the screenplay easily keeps one praying for the mermaid and hoping nothing goes wrong. As the show progresses on we are introduced to a very suave but shamelessly shrewd Heo Joon Jae. The present introduction of the Mermaid though cute soon turns into a very embarrassing affair as soon as she's meets the lead. Yes it's completely understandable that she's never been on land but even then a few scenarios don't fail to deliver first hand embarrassment to the viewers so much so that one is compelled to close their eyes and let the drama flow by.

The plot does indicate that there's no reason why mermaids can't be better than humans infact they've specified that mermaids tend to do things better than humans, which naturally gives the viewer an assumption that the mermaid society down below is also developed to an extent. It's sort of too gullible and naive to believe there's absolutely no rivalries in the ocean. Wherever there are living beings there exists sort of rules and guidelines and given these are mermaids they must've had some form of common behavioral patterns similar to humans. When mermaids can speak and erase minds it is assumed that this is an era post EVOLUTION of humans and the like which again asks us question why exactly is the poor mermaid shown as an idiot on land. They don't lie, they are simple and straight people yes we agree but it's a little too much of an overshot to make them look uncivilized.

Well that apart it's a delightful ride to see her facing new challenges and learn new things. The journey she imparts on is one that's filled with laughter and love. Lee Min Ho albeit being a little obnoxious comes across as an amazing guy who helps her although he has no idea who she was. The supporting cast are only too entertaining, especially the dorky hacker Tae Oh and the mean/not mean conman Jo Nam Doon. Their roles add in the much needed fun and frolick aspect in the show making one want for more of them with Sim Cheong and sometimes all four of them together.

Finally the Last Episode which left me a little confused and disappointed. Why? There was honestly no need to erase memories of the people around her. How could she do it? and by what authority? Yes being seperated is painful but what is more painful is the choice of remembering someone being snatched away from you. Lee Min Ho bless him is quite clever when he records his memories but the rest? they don't know anything. Tae Oh was snatched away from his secret crush while Nam doon his brotherly love. So not justified.

The series had a potential of being a blockbuster but midway along it's run falls short. The reason? what could've ended in a 16 episode span is purposefully dragged on for another 4 episodes, the stretch becomes only too noticeable to a viewer wishing for them to either drop it or endure the misery. A few shows and dramas feel like there too much time and too less content this is one of them. Maybe a limited run would've done the trick.

Well watch this if your ready for a mediocre drama with lots of fun. Ironic? I know!

Leia Mais

I'll never regret binge-watching it for two days.

This is not only my favorite kdrama, it took the spot of my favorite show ever.
The story got me whipped instantly, i loved seeing rhe story progress episode by episode for both timelines.
It was so effortlessly good i couldn't stop watching it, i put aside all my errands to enjoy it and it was the best choice of the week i guess.
I loved the cast, both female lead and male lead were amazing in their own way, i love how we see them evolving through the story along with the side characters.
My props go to the villains of the story too, which i hated so much, a great performance.
Each episode left me either tearing up or breathless.
There's a lil of everything, fantasy, mystery for a bit, funny moments, romantic moments, drama all perfectly woven together. I loved the pace it had and it felt just divine like that, i wish we had one more episode just to see how they ended their life together but i guess that's on me being a lil greedy and wishing it never finished.

I loved the music hands down, i ended up saving it on spotify which is not something i usually do unless i just fall for it, and this was the case.

I'll probably rewatch it countless of times cause kt was so good i dont think I'll be able to stay too long without it.

Leia Mais

After i watch " My Love from the Star", i really fall in love with Jun Ji Hyun. I found out she is really beautiful, i meant natural beauty and super talented actress. So i got search which drama she acting and found this drama "Lagend of the Blue Sea". I'm super excited for a few first episode. Yes, she did really well. but after that i felt like the story is so lame and dull. Even though this is fantasy movie, the concept is similar with other romance korean drama.

I'm not a fan of Lee Min Ho and this is my first drama, hmmm. .. i dunno know but i think his emotion and acting just not in the point. And yet couldn't find his chemistry with the lead actress. I cannot help to jump to the ending (i skipped a few last episode because i felt it is tooo boring). This drama could be better. The ending also could be more sharp and memorable.

If you are fan of fantasy movie, please go watch "Goblin" and "My love from the Star". Both drama is better than this even though the story plot almost similar.

Leia Mais

There are some things about Legend of the Blue Sea that are AMAZING .... and then there are some that aren't.

This drama is beautiful and the acting is excellent! Jun Ji Hyun does an amazing job as Shim Cheong, she's adorable, funny, and so so lovable! She's easy to adore and the absolute best thing about this drama. Lee Min Ho does a great job as Heo Joon Jae as well, even when he's being a jerk you still have to love him. The relationships between all of the characters were interesting and fun. There is a wonderful 'found family' feel to Shim Cheong's friends.

The character I wasn't expecting was Tae Oh. Shin Won Ho manages to create the most relatable character with few word and many amazing facial expressions.

I thoroughly enjoyed most of the present day story line but honestly skipped through most of the Joseon scenes, as I found them very dull. The other thing that lessened my enjoyment of this drama was the ending, as I found it left me wanting, particularly as it had to do with the character relationships that I so enjoyed throughout the majority of the drama.

Overall, I liked it a lot while I was watching it, slightly less once I'd finished it, and I don't think this is a drama I'd choose to rewatch any time soon.

Leia Mais

Honestly Loved This Drama More Than MLFTS

I have a confession to make: this is my first LMH drama. I had always known about him and almost watched the kdramas he had been in. But then the reviews or tags would put me off watching them. I'm happy I chose to watch this.

LOTBS doesn't seem to have a lot of praise in the top MDL reviews. However, I have a feeling that's because of how hyped this drama was when it came out and the fact that the two leads are MASSIVE stars. So maybe people had overhyped it to themselves and had higher expectations. For me, I had watched JJH in MLFTS (which everyone compares LOTBS to) but I hadn't watched any LMH dramas. Therefore, I basically had no expectations going into it.

Now let's get into the review.

Story: I REALLY enjoyed the plot and how well executed it was. There were many twists and turns but none of them felt excessive or unnecessary to me. It never once felt draggy to me and I absolutely loved most of the characters and their relationships/friendships. If you've read any of my reviews before, you'll know that I'm a huge fan of found family tropes or just really amazing family/friend dynamics. And this had all of that. It was the perfect mix of comedy, romance, friendship, and mystery for me. Plus, almost everything made sense. Of course, there are some plot holes but they didn't really alter my experience and I just held onto my suspension of belief for some things. ONE MORE THING: This drama had superb villains. The main one legitimately scared me because of how psychotic they were (using these pronouns to avoid revealing the gender for spoiler reasons.) Okay I swear THIS is the last thing for this section: I enjoyed LOTBS more than MLFTS (I gave that an 8/10). I felt more satisfied by the ending of LOTBS. I didn't have as many questions and I actually liked it way more. Plus, I loved JJH in this more too and the relationship dynamics.

Acting/Cast: AMAZING! Well maybe 95% perfect. Don't send the pitchforks but I think LMH had one of the weaker acting performances during certain scenes. But overall, he was really great in this role. His chemistry with JJH (who did a perfect job btw) was adorable and believable. Their on-screen romance was honestly so cute and I was most certainly invested. Now, onto the side characters and their actors. I can't fault any of their performances; they played their roles effectively. Shin Hae Sun was a nice surprise and although most people dislike her character, I didn't at all. I felt bad for her and liked that she was a good friend and didn't interfere all that much with the main pairing. Plus I loved her final pairing. Onto Shin Won Ho's character Tae Oh... AH my favourite. What a cutie omg I just wanted to give him a hug the entire drama. So precious. Lee Hee Joon did amazing as Nam Doo too and I really enjoyed his character because he always kept me guessing. I thought I had him figured out and then he would flip my thoughts onto themselves. The next two actors really outdid themselves when it came to their acting performances; Lee Ji Hoon as Chi Hyun and Hwang Shin Hye as Kang Seo Hee (his mother). Like wow. I don't want to say too much but I will say they played their roles perfectly and incredibly.

Music: This review is getting a little long so I'll keep it nice and short - typical kdrama soundtrack. It was nice and fitting, but nothing outstanding.

Rewatch Value: I would definitely rewatch this but not soon. I really did loved the romance in this and friendship dynamics (plus the comedy was great too) so I would enjoy rewatching it.

Overall: Sure, some aspects of LOTBS was cliche and predictable but I still felt like it was unique. Don't ask me for specifics because I don't think I could really give you any. I just really loved it and recommend giving it a watch.

Leia Mais

Not the usual Legend

This drama depicts a love story that overcame challenges in their relationship. Like many other stories, the characters endured a lot yet decided to keep their love for each other despite being ill-fated. Although the story may seem typical and other fairy tale lends itself to this drama, it still possess it's own unique way of delivering the story. It has a blend of comic relief, romantic element, suspense and intrigue as the past (historical drama) runs parallel with the current story.

The chemistry of the male and female protagonists makes the romantic element of the story fluid and very natural. In general the acting of the actors were all portrayed well and gave justice to the part they played.

The choice of location in this drama gave an added value to the story.

I was never a Lee Min Ho fan, but this is the second drama in his filmography that I have seen....and convinced now that he's quite good in this genre. Suits him in many aspects. A must see if you haven't.

Leia Mais

A common drama with high attraction!!

As a story I don't see a lot of variations from normal romcom, but main characters always gave their hundred precent effort to make the drama a success. I appreciate the main female character who kept the attraction as well as the affection of the viewer towards the drama. She was highly outstanding when comparing to the other characters. Other characters also gave a lot of effort to make the drama a success. Even though story line is like a normal romcom I really like the beginning of the drama because the main male character's profession was unique because in k-dramas they tend to give a wealthy and honorable status to the male lead. But in this that was different, and that point gave a positive push to the success of the drama. I normally hate historical dramas as well as in this drama also historical relation was bit boring because that story line was really common. But when it came with the present comedy situation, that was bit attractive and funny to watch. When it came to the ending it just went as usual happy ending with no regrets and that's why its a common drama like common cold.

Leia Mais

Cute and funny

Adorable and funny and sweet, the FL is so great, I have a massive girl-crush on her. The ML is so cute. The story is great because I love the blend of modern and historical. I really didn't have much to say because I love it and could watch it over and over, but 500 character minimum.

So, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it, watch it.

Leia Mais

Time has finally come for me to review this Hit of a K-drama that has been a sizzling force across Asia,starring the great stars Lee Min-ho and Gianna,"Legend of the Blue Sea" is a paranormal romantic drama where Gianna plays a mermaid and Lee Min-ho a charming con-artist. They are reincarnated soulmates that has to overcome obstacles from their past lives and fight against a tragic fate to finally have their happy ending they have so much earned for.

This drama reminded me of another Gianna starrer,which is "You Who came from the Stars" with 20% of the same cast,having paranormal obstacles (while "Blue Sea" takes up mermaids with super powers,"Stars" take up aliens with super powers) and having reincarnation in it. Hundreds of kisses and hugs from me to this gorgeous and epic love-story of Joon Jae and Shin Chung,that i will never forget!

Leia Mais

As someone perpetually trapped in her own childhood obsession with mermaids, let me tell you how much I loved this fairytale of a drama!

It was the perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and comedy. Jun Ji Hyun was, as usual, THE BEST. Her take on the mermaid character Shim Cheong was at once hilarious and ethereal and heartbreaking. Honestly, I'd recommend watching it just for her scenes getting accustomed to life among humans alone. Months later, I still go back and search for scenes from this drama, because they're that funny and enjoyable to watch.

The cinematography is epic and gorgeous, and the soundtrack is one of the few where I listen to the entire score. It really transports you... it's so otherworldly and perfect for a mermaid story.

Leia Mais