Encontro (2018)

i gained nothing

i binged watched this whole drama in like two days and i don't know how to feel about that. admittedly, i was high for 80% of the show but even then it was a chore to get through. at least once per episode i found myself sighing like, "why are you crying again?" girl...what was this? this was my first drama with park bo gum and i get why he's popular, he put his heart into acting this subpar script, but chile... he could only do so much.

i'll admit i started to watch it without reading the synopsis because i like surprises, but i went into it not knowing and i left not knowing. i really had to start skipping lil 10 second clips because it was so boring lol. i respect the whole romance thing but something about their love felt off. Idk if it's because song sun kyu is married to her fine ass husband, but i can't believe the chemistry between them. they had me like, "no but WHY do ya'll love each other? it's been maybe a month." i was more invested in the side couple's love, i would've watched them flirt.

i can't even say that i'd recommend you watch it. i gained no happy feelings from it. i didn't even cry because i couldn't get emotionally invested in the story when they ended up breaking up at least twice an episode. the music actually wasn't bad but god, GOD do i hate that damn english song. it's so bad. i kept on getting distracted by the lyrics every emotional scene. "oHh tAke mE On dOWn by ThE rIvER"

i will say that park bo gum carried that last break up scene. they had that man sobbing lmfao. it got a whole additional star for acting just because he made me feel something.

Leia Mais

If someone put me in an art gallery for 16 hours to do nothing but wander and stare at PBG and Song Hye-kyo's beautiful faces, I'd be into it. Encounter was all atmosphere, and I think that was a bold and admirable choice to make. But it severely underused its leads's talents, and the conflict was so threadbare that I didn't particularly feel like indulging myself in the distractions of Encounter's good points (its music, visuals, its airy, whimsical tone -- as though you've been dropped into the mind of a person who is mid-thought).

[minor spoiler]
There was only one moment in which the frisson we're supposed to feel for these two characters, poles apart but drawing closer, really came through for me. She spots him in the hallway of a hotel and asks him why he's wearing a zippered necktie when she gave him a proper, grown-up one. He says he hasn't been able to get the method of wearing it right. So she matter-of-factly takes off the zippered one and makes him stand still while she puts the necktie on for him. It's a hoary old romantic cliché, but in that moment the combined star power of these two, and the choices they made (he's trying to hide a goofy, helpless grin; she's self-consciously holding on to her gravitas) invested it with such sparkle, I got the point of the whole show.
[/spoiler]

If it had had more moments like that, Encounter would have fulfilled its promise, I think. As it is, all the kudos to whoever decided that PBG should capitalise on his stardom by playing a model of hot, supportive, patient masculinity for women of all ages to project their fantasies on. More such choices from the world's leading men, please!

Leia Mais

Cute Melodrama

This was a good melodrama. Not out of this world, but engaging and heartfelt. At first I wasn't sure if I could buy the romance between our MLs. She seemed so aloof and detached. She also seemed to look at him more like a friend who amused her rather than a love interest. It got better towards the end, but it was never really a convincing relationship.

Park Bo Gum was wonderful in this. His performance as the inherently happy, unflappable, young man who sees the wonder in simple things is on point. He is so adorable you just want to be his best friend. He is almost unbelievably perfect. There were moments though that I wished he had been more selfish and more protective of his own heart. But he surprises me and shows a wisdom well beyond his years. He was well cast in this.

I didn't think this was a great vehicle for Son Hye Kyo. For some reason she was giving off some negative vibes, as if she wasn't as invested in this show. Perhaps she felt is too melodramatic for her taste. I didn't get the feeling she was all in. I am used to seeing her in much stronger roles, so having to play an abused daughter-in-law at her age, was a bit of a stretch. The storyline felt implausible that such a seemingly powerful woman would experience so much abuse in her family and professional life. The romance, yes, is all about falling in love and that love making you strong enough to face adversity, but much of her suffering is both created and alleviated by those around her more than of her facing it for herself and finding the inner strength to push back. Some of the characters don't seem to develop well at all. A big example is the ex-husband. He was the weakest character and I feel the writers could have been a little more fair to him. His storyline at first seems to be something much more important than it turns out to be. I was hoping he would be more of a helper, but sadly the script deviated from this leaving me dissatisfied.

The supporting cast was low key and fun to watch. I prefer that they don't overtake the MLs as often is the case in some Chinese dramas. The supporting couple's careful flirtations provided a nice break from the intensity of the main couple. In general, at 16 episodes, it's a nice series to watch in between other dramas.

Leia Mais

Simple Storyline well told

The story line of this drama is typical. But I found little flaw in the way the story was told and filmed.
What impressed me most was that when I was expecting an action to take place,.. it happened.
I wish the story behind the last 3 episodes was different. It was obvious that Jin Hyuk mom had a "self-worth" issue and she was powerful enough to bring it out in our FL. But I wish Cha Soo Hyun awakening from dark to light was more profound. After all, Cha Soo Hyun is the heroine of the drama. She is the one who transforms the most. Jin Hyuk was her main support but really he didn't have many lessons to learn in life.
I give this drama 8.5 in this category because I think the story was told very nicely and made sense.

It was worth watching.

Leia Mais

Beautiful Encounter

I love this drama for various reasons. This drama tells the story of a young man who traveled to Cuba on vacation. Also, the daughter of a politician and business owner went on a business trip. One day, while on a business trip in Cuba, she meets Kim Jin-hyuk (Park Bo-gum), a free-spirited guy. They spend time together. After they return to South Korea, he meets her again as an employee in the Donghwa Hotel, which she received as alimony. They are attracted to each other, yet only their fate will decide whether they can be together.
*I can’t get enough of it; I wish it were longer than 16. Overall fantastic. If you love, love, then this is for you.
You will cry, laugh, cry some more, and fall in love again.
This drama makes you want to visit Cuba and enjoy and appreciate its culture and people.
I love it. Happy Watching.

Leia Mais

This is a must-watch.

I liked this drama from the very first scene to the last.I don't know why it is categorised as a melodrama, because I could not find that. I am writting this review after watching it third time because it's really worth of writing a review.
It is a romcom, smoothly going, sweet drama.. The chemistry between the main leads is really awesome and kind of immersing. Whether it is charming handsome park bo gum, beautiful, pleasant song hye kyo or the side character's real-like-acting one reason to watch the drama can not be pin pointed.
I really can't understand how can this drama get such a low and disappointing ratings where the lame story dramas are getting above 8.5 rating.
I shall not add spoiler, but if you want to rest from thriller, horror, blood, conspiracy, then you must watch ENCOUNTER.

Leia Mais

A Perfect Reversed Cinderella Story

Encounter is like a warm blanket. It allows the audience to rest while they watch it because of its warm feeling and the pacing is not rushed at all.

I honestly love everything about it. The directing is great. The cinematography is top notch. I love the opening and closing arts, how it gives summary of the story that unfolds in the episode. The epilogues too give us more understanding on how certain things happens and what we don’t see on the main screen. The dialogues are also perfect. With the poetry and books citation, it gives more arts into this drama.

The chemistry between the leads is something that you would love too. Park BoGum and Song HyeKyo immersed themselves that I can only see JinHyuk and SooHyun. Their individual acting is also amazing. Both of them are equally great in showcasing their emotions that no one is being pushed back. The line delivery, especially from the male lead, is great too. He says such cheesy lines with so much sincerity that I never find it cringey at all. That, sincerity, is the key on why this drama touched my heart with so much intensity.

The reversal of usual rich male-poor female tropes is fresh too. Not only the character, but each elements is a complete reversal of cinderella story. You will understand it when you watch the drama. Especially on episode 8. The message of the drama is also the reversal of cinderella. While cinderella finds happiness in glory, this drama shows happiness in ordinary things.

Music is a great aspect that gives a big plus in this drama. I often find bgm distracting, or not suitable with the scenes. But you won’t find it here. Each bgm and osts compliments the story. Makes it more enjoyable and add feelings into it.

What I quite not fond of is the angst that comes late and makes the happy ending part in the last episode to be so short. But it’s not a major turn off. Just some minor aspect.

Overall, it’s a great drama in its category. Do not expect something that’s not the characteristics of a melodrama. This is a drama that stays true to its genre with huge focus on the characters instead of the plots. Recommend ?

Leia Mais

Oh the n number of times I burst out my crying tap with this one. Crazy.
Some scenes, dialogues, expressions and situations were just so heart touching.
It took me a while to get adjusted to the "real life Vs reel life" pairing, and I honestly couldn't enjoy their kiss scenes BUT, this drama was solid as a complete story, good depth of character, generous pinches of fairytale elements, great spring cast, logical and peaceful conflicts and over and above all, masterpieces of acting from everyone involved.

The music just tugs your at right places and you can't stop humming along with it.

A must watch if you enjoy good cinematography, meaningful dialogues, subtle expressions, great acting and peaceful paced dramas.

Leia Mais

We all want an Encounter like this!

This is a review of a re-watch of Encounter, which allowed me to notice things I did not the first time around. The scenery and cinematography are out standing. The scenes shot in Cuba, paired with fabulous songs created a canvas my imagination could build on. I was captivated at all the sights and sounds. It was like a mini vacation for me. The story line that was developed in episode one became a central theme that was used masterfully to recreate romance in almost every episode. Park Gum Bo shone as Kim Jin Hyuk who was strikingly contrasted by the typical uptight role played by Song Hye Kyo. Her character, Cha Soo Hyun, appeared to be more mature on the surface but in reality , it was she that needed guidance of how to have a relationship in the end. There were many familiar stereotypical undertones of false guilt, parental control, over reacting to society, and social mishaps that brought tension. I will have to say that I found the role that was developed for Kim Jin Hyuk's mother extremely irritating. She definitely over steps her boundaries and is forgiven, of course, in the end. The OST is wonderful! I highly recommend this drama to anyone who needs a break from the heavier dramas. There is plenty of drama in this one but it is a lighter fare than most.

Leia Mais

I rate this 15/10. Best K-Drama I've ever seen!

This story is so beautifully written. The actors performances make you feel every emotion. The music OST is a masterpiece. The story is a bit of a slow burn and well worth the wait. Small details in the story are woven together like a fine tapestry and the directors capture so much vibrancy of Cuba and Korea.

The stylists are absolutely genius. I love the outfits the FL and her secretary wear the entire drama. The angst is real and I cried watching the sad scenes. Some of the characters are annoying and some are down right despicable. The writers definitely created believable villains.

This drama actually influenced me to plan a vacation visit to Sokcho (sp?) lol. I am rewatching it for the 3rd time. I highly recommend!

Leia Mais

I wouldn't know if anyone told me the plot and general preview of the story, for it to be kdrama. When you Think of romance genre in kdrama, you'd Think of puppy love or hard core plotting. This has a Little of both, which makes this drama mature, yet not too mature for it to be hard to follow...

OST
I wouldn't per say listen to it separately, but i like the mixture of Spanish, English and Korean. IT's nice to hear that type of songs, and they were well picked, to kind of tell the story of scene without having to make characters emphasize that's silently going on.

ACTING
I don't know much drames that Park Bo Gum acted in, but i loved how he potrayed the character in this one. You couldn't help but fall in love with him. I also loved the chemistry between him and Song Hye Kyo. She Oslo did an amazing job, and im not surprised since she's quite popular for good acting. Both actors made the characters réal, and made the audience feel their émotion. The side actors did well too, none of them did a bad job, and complimented the drama well.

PLOT
It would feel boring when told, but you'll find yourself loving it and being invested in it.
It basically tells the story of a lonely woman who's a CEO of a well known hôtel company. She goes to Cuba, and finds herself wanting to see a sunset from a picture she saw, in réal life. She has trouble sleeping so she takes sleeping pills but still goes, she gets lost and pickpocketed, but find the place where the sunset was shot, she there meets a man who saves her from falling, and they go around Havana... When she gets back, they both find out that the man is the employée of her company. They face hardships, and develop slowly but neatly, with other characters.
_________
I LOVED the romance, it's slow but it still makes you blush and smileys from their cute interactions. But at the same time it can take a mature turn, and make you worry. The romance, isn't dépendend on plotting, but the hardship of a famous and rich person, who's quite older, dating her employée. there are many romance side plots, and even a plot of her ex that makes him develop from trying to get her forcefully, to mathurins into someone that wants to protect his family.
It's a show, for someone who wants a bit more of slower romance, and romance that doesn't have cute and funny interactions.

Leia Mais