A Ilha (2022)

At least for our Priest boy, it's worth it.

I'm conflicted about how I feel about this now. Thought that I'll be rating this drama lower, but the last 2 eps have changed my opinion completely.


I think, they should have spent more time on world building and other details. This is primarily a fantasy drama, so they should take time for such things. Instead, they dove right into the main plot, leaving those who hadn't read the webtoon (me, for one) at a loss. The first two episodes were as uninteresting as they could be, if not worse. It was frustrating to watch, to be honest. They wasted almost 3 hours and nothing much was going on. The story wasn't moving as strongly as it ought to have. I would have really dropped it if it weren't for the cast and the short run time. I expected this drama to be more impactful and intense. But, something felt missing here and there... Like, the flow of the story was kinda bumpy. But toward the end, the story did get better with the appearance of Goong Tan. The last 2 eps were darn good! And that cliffhanger at the end has me expecting a better and more engaging second season.


Speaking of characters, it was Eun Woo's that spoke to me the most. Sure, Van and Won Mi Ho were good, but they sometimes seemed really boring to me. Mi Ho sure was funny, but she laked depth. She felt too flat or one-dimensional. While Van's character had depth, I couldn't empathise with him, even with his tragic past. He is silent and brooding but, sometimes I get the impressions that he is so full of himself and isn't really feeling guilt as he is said to have. But, I didn't have a single boring or dull moment when our Priest boy came on screen. He literally owned this show, in my opinion. But I'm looking forward to Van's and Mi Ho's character development in the next season (if it does happen).


The cast was fantastic. They made the best of the mediocre scripts they were given. Ki Nam Gil slayed his character, his look is perfect for it. Lee Da Hee was good too, I have no other comments. But Eun Woo! Honestly, I wasn't even his fan before! He was FANTASTIC in this drama! I haven't seen any of his past works, but I think he isn't really as bad at acting as some people make him out to be, or he must have really improved. Mind you, I don't tolerate bad acting even if oppa has a pretty face and defined abs XD. I'm being honest here.


Oh girl, I've lost count of the amount of times I cried laughing while watching this drama's CGI monsters! They were not at all scary, and on the contrary, they were funny enough for comedy genre to be added to this drama! The CGI is an absolute failure. It's so fucking bad that after some good CGI dramas, I really can't accept this one. I might have overlooked this defect if this had a much more interesting story line, but sadly, that isn't the case with Island.


Overall, this is a one-time-watch, for me. I'm not sure if I'll ever come back to this drama (maybe I'll if the 2nd season is a blast). Considering all the aspects, this drama is basically a 7/10.

0.5 points extra in honour of our eye candy priest boy. ;D

Leia Mais

I adore CEW and I've wanted to see him play something other than the role he keeps getting of "cold yet super attractive male lead who only warms up for the female lead". He played a slightly different role in Top Management so I knew he was more capable than many give him credit for. He was amazing in this. Everyone knows how good KNG is, and I love LDH so I was a massive fan of our leads, and you can't deny CEW held his own with the others really well. And I mean I don't speak Italian, but it sounded legit to me. They didn't try to make him less good looking (couldn't if they tried), but they managed to make that the least interesting thing about him.
The story was middling, which is fine, I don't need a masterpiece. I'd heard people say they took the webtoon apart and stuck it back together in a mess, so I was pleasantly surprised that it was still mostly cohesive (but then I don't know how the original is). The plot was very predictable. I mean as soon a you mention a sibling reappearing we all know he's going to be a problem, but I think the did it pretty well even though they were really just going through the motions to get them to the point where CEW has to stab him. I'm wondering why at the end though KNG and LDH walk away to give him privacy when he's just gotten a demon arm to the torso, like should he not go to hospital? Or are they leaving him there till part two? And I imagine we were supposed to be mildly surprised to see the girl with the bob in the demon cave, but she'd been pinging KNGs demon sensors since day one and she was a sneaky little instigator with her poor friend too.
The cast were fab for me as I said, and the secondary characters were medium levels of fleshed out. I wouldn't mind seeing some more backstory on our former priest, now secretary. But we're unlikely to get it. I assume part two will give us the deets on KG, his "brother" and LDHs history, and the big secret which led to her death.
The sets were nice, the effects weren't great. It almost felt like the spent their money using effects but then forgot they'd need further work to make them actually look good, so any cgi just looks sort of half done.
Loved the music.
Can I just say again, thank you casting director for trusting CEW with this! Fingers crossed this opens him up to further work with a bit of variety.

Leia Mais

Amazing

Just completed episode 1, 2 . IF you want answer in single line to either watch this or not
GO AND WATCH NOW!! BYEBYE ;)

✅️ Strong, Plot & the Cast are all awesome &
extraordinary
✅️ The Cinematography & grapics are good
✅️ Even though i Completed just 2 episodes, i felt like
this drama doesn't disappoint me!!!
? Worth Watching
✅️ If you check comments some are telling this drama
is slow start, but i never felt that way, from the
beginning to the ending of ep2 i never felt bored or
annoyed

❌️ Chaeunwoo has very low screen time
❌️ Editing is Weird, fighting are soo fast and make me feel clumsy
❌️ Just 6 episodes??? ?

Can't wait to see next episodes ?

Leia Mais

A Deep Review <3

I want to be as honest and transparent in this review as much as possible, and tell you why I deeply Love this show, for everything it is, and for everything it isn't. This will be long, but I want to go down the list of everything, to the visual effects, casting, acting, soundtrack, story, and my overall view and meaning of this show, and why it touched me deeply.

First off, the visual effects of this isn't trying to be anything other than itself. I don't find it cliche, I don't find the performance of the visuals to be underwhelming either, in fact, I find it simple, which does not necessarily mean bad and or lacking of greatness. Kim Nam-Gil's character Van and his visual performance and fights were top notch, stunning movements, and visuals, that kept me satisfied, and convinced, and that's all I needed. The visuals of the demons, weren't meant to be as top notch as Van himself, when he himself carried the show.

As for the casting, I will say I am very naive when it comes to whom these people were beside Kim Nam-Gil before this show. For the ones I haven't seen in other shows, and have nothing to compare them to. I couldn't say there isn't anyone else I'd rather have them brought in, as the casting and characters, did a good job, and I was pleased with the characters and the people who played them.

The acting was phenomenal, I have seen many movies with Kim in them, but never realized until now, how much of a great actor he is. He not alone acts with his body to convince the audience, but he acts with his eyes, that convince you of the emotions his character is betraying. I can't quite say, I've seen anyone else convince me of something through their eyes as much as him. Other actors, did an amazing job, I deeply enjoyed everyone's acting, and they did a wonderful job playing the characters they were intended to play.

As for the soundtrack, I must say, with games I am someone who turns music down to zero, and someone who gets annoyed with music in shows and movies, MOST OF THE TIME. Island's soundtrack, is absolutely amazing however. With appropriate sounds for appropriate moments, to volume being adjusted appropriately. I was into it, the soundtrack made you connect and associate with the characters more. For instance as the same song playing everytime Van was in the picture, was great, and connected you to him through the music. That's something Ive never seen before. I honesty never thought I could say, I Loved a soundtrack as much as I did for this show.

Now onto the best part, the story. It was simple, with a sense of distance. I wouldn't say it was overcomplicated, confusing and or shallow and or lacking. To me, it was enough, it was perfect. It filled in gaps, to than lead you to more questions, and I know that may upset some people, as they might think since the show is over we should have all the answers, but that's silly. It lead us to more questions, to seek a deeper part of our human condition, wanting to understand. When we don't we are left with a bit of curiosity and frustration, a perfect mix for a show like this. Island isn't a romance, but It is a Love story, and that to me, is much better than any romance. A story that dives into many things, and one big thing is an Unconditional Love. A deep, timeless, Divine Love. Van and Miho were deeply connected, even despite her not knowing who he was at first, it was sensed, the Love was apparent and obvious, anyone who denies that can't take and read the clues. Love does not equal Romance, but Love equals Love. This story is much deeper than it appears, from the magic marble, and a piece getting into his eye, to the weakness he has when around her. Many metaphors for many deeper things, to the Priest, and his Faith. To the brothers, and everything they represent. A yin and yang almost, a Cain and Abel. Gungtan, holding revenge, anger and hatred in his heart, to Van keeping Love, hope and forgiveness in his heart. To say they were stripped of their human emotions, was an absolute lie, as revenge from Gungtan is as much of a human emotion as Van's Hope within in him.

This show was an absolute masterpiece to me, and it touched me deeply. I think many shows are missing, something that fills a deeper void and hole in our heart, and Island is filling that. I've been happily married to someone I consider my Soulmate, who spiritually we believe we have shared many lives together and will continue to do so. Van's Love, and Miho's Love touched me. Unlike anything I've seen before.

I will say, the ending left me in incomplete, and no show has ever done that to me, and this is why I find that amazing, and upsetting all at once.

We have seen the lengths that Van will go to wait for Miho, and we have seen the lengths he will go to, to save her, it's only fair to wish to see the lengths he will go to, to return to her. <3

I hope for another season, to see the growth of all these characters, and see deep Love again between Miho and Van. <3

Leia Mais

BEST HAVE A TRY!!

After Alchemy of Souls Season one and two, I was so much in denial that no supernatural fantasy dramas were as interesting (Due to the high quality standards set by AOS). But look what I found!!

Island season one is worth more hype than it's getting and am wondering why the many negative reviews. The Casting is so perfect and handsome as well as beautiful. Van is so handsome and the priest Chan hyeok. They deserve their roles. Let's not talk about Won Min Ho. Such a perfect fine lady for her role, its destiny. She's magical, so beautiful. no more words. Last thing for the cast is how perfect they portray their emotions. Won Min Ho will really make you cry or laugh for that matter.

I've just finished season one and I quite like the story as well. Though am not for the part that Min Ho hasn't managed to awaken through to the last episode. I think that would have been a better way of closing the season as she awakens. But I quite like the ending suspense and the fact that I didn't expect it that way makes the writers less predictable.

Another thing I need to praise is the production. I hope it's not my obsession with dragon studios after they featured in AOS. But it's worth the praise for real. The cinematography, the CGI, the SFX and the music both OST and ending theme songs are meant for just such a drama. The intensity created by the sounds awaken the nerves.

For the rewatch Value, aaah it's there, yes, but not that much. I enjoyed watching first time but I struggle to repeat. I don't find the passion to rewatch nor find some missing clues that I may have overlooked(well that probably because there aren't any hidden clues) that makes the story boring to some extent. I like when a drama makes me think about what I may have missed in the plot, or just make me think outside the box.

That said I'll keep my review as short as that and encourage any reader to watch. it's worth the time. So go for it.

Leia Mais

Cha Eunwoo literally owned the character Yohan

The show was fabulous. Episode 1 & 2 were a bit slow but that drama picked up a pace from episode 3 onwards. I was rooting for all 3 main characters - Van, Miho and Priest Yohan. I was not interested in romance scene but I loved all the action scenes. Priest John/Yohan was my favorite character. He made me smile and then he made cry. Cha Eunwoo's acting in this drama is on next level. If you are not a blind h@ter, you will see how fab he was as Yohan. NamGil and Lee Dahee are awesome actor. Can't wait for Island season 2 and to see more of Sung Joon aka Gungtan. Again, I would like to say Cha Eunwoo really acted well in this drama. Episode 6 was testimonial of his incredible acting. I smiled and cried with him. I felt his pain.

Leia Mais

Why split into 2 seasons?

This is actually pretty tough to review, as my reactions and feelings about the drama are split so far (kind of like the airing).
WHY OH WHY did the makers, or Amazon Prime (whoever is responsible), decide to air in 2 halves?! It's not like it's 32 eps long...if S2 is also 6eps, that's less than a normal K-drama length of 16eps.
I am loving the supernatural element and characters.
Kim Nam-gil is so good as Van (although his name seems to be pronounced as Pan). I so like this actor and how he can still manage to convey emotion while marble faced.
Cha Eun Woo is a revelation; love his Italian ~ very authentic ~ and he seems both comfortable in and enjoying of, his character. The personality of Johan (reason for the name is made clear), is double-sided... he is cocky, witty, sometimes narrow minded, but also gifted in his area of expertise, caring and will do what has to be done.
I love the older lady who is Van's shelter and ear, too. A really good actress.
The FL I have mixed feelings about. The actress plays the part well, but the character is really irritating. I love strong female roles, but there's a fine line between confident/assertive and arrogant/know-it-all who doesn't listen. This character comes down on the wrong side of that line a little too often. It is just sits all wrong, how she often treats Van like a servant, when she's seen his power and must feel he's no ordinary human.
There is also something too comedic about the way she approaches several of her demonic encounters and she takes everything a little too much in her stride. It doesn't always work. I'm a fan of dark humour, but not when it jars with the credibility of the plot.
In its entirety, S1 feels choppy. There are too many frayed edges, questions where answers aren't even hinted at and a lack of substance.
But, the action when it happens, is exciting and exhilarating. There are some really moving moments too.
S2 should never have existed, unless needed and following a 16-ep S1. That would have been far more beneficial to the feel of the story and its continuity.
I await S2 (airing Feb 24th I've read) and am really hoping that all the muddy parts of this drama will become clear and my 8/10 doesn't
drop ??

Leia Mais

Korean X American Supernatural Mini Series

Watched this drama solely for Eunwoo but didn't expect to get more eye candy- Namgil, Sungjoon and Taejoon. And honestly the cast for this series was fantastic!!!

I really enjoyed the Korean Dol hareubangs and the American Christianity/priest/exorcist theme was really cool to see. I loved the graphics of the fights and how all the scenes looked so beautiful!!

The only dislike was the storyline- it was kind of confusing and it left me wondering what was happening at some points. I was expecting Miho to unleash her powers fully but I guess there's gonna be a season 2???

Overall, a decent short mini series that is very nicely produced!

Leia Mais

Worth watching but be patient

This is one of those shows where I really don't understand the need for 2 parts. Why did TV or cable stations think they were doing? Did they think it was a good idea to have 2 parts? I waited until Part 2 had finished broadcasting before I watched both. Same with Glory and Alchemy of Souls. All there have suffered from a dismal Part 1 (altho Glory was better). If I hadn't had Part 2 to follow up with, I would have never bothered beyond Ep 2.

The Part 1 of this is slow. It spends at leat 4 episodes building up the characters and giving their back stories. Finally, the mission of the characters begins around episode 5. If I had to wait several months/years for the main story to unfold, I would not have bothered continuing on with Part 2.

The actors are fantastic and I won't go further as many other reviewers already have. Overall, it's a good entertaining drama of a different genre (I'm so over romantic idol dramas) if you're able to binge watch.

Leia Mais

Fantastic

Full disclosure, my main drive for watching this series was purely for the fact I have a thing for hot priests. Just laying that out there for all the world to know.

This series was so much more interesting than I’d anticipated. It felt like a combination of Jujutsu Kaisen and Goblin: The Great and Lonely God. The action sequences were brilliant and not too over the top (which I feel you sometimes find in fantasy Kdramas), and the storytelling was easy enough to follow without the writers having to go too deep.

Being only 6 episodes I expected things to feel very rushed but I didn’t get that at all. The lore and connections were very balanced, not giving you too much or too little.

I’m so glad season 2 is out soon, because that cliff hanger? Ooft!

Leia Mais