Alice de Cheongdamdong (2012)

Story: This drama has a rather 'dark' message. It is about how the society is biased - biased against those who are not born into the right family. The main character is a woman who believes that through hard work, she could make it in life. Despite being really good in her studies and a hardworker, she was constantly side-lined because she did not graduate from an overseas University and she is practically a nobody. After suffering a long and turbulent relationship with a man who comes from the same background as hers, she learned that the only way to the top is through connections and by snatching a rich husband. Hence, begun her Alice in Wonderland-like story. This story is a look at "the other side of the coin". It is easy for us to hate gold-diggers and call them names, but this story brings you the 'justification' why certain women became gold-diggers. At the end of it all, you'll find yourself cheering for the woman to succeed in snaring a rich husband and agreeing to all of her rationale for doing so. This is why, this drama has a 'dark' side to it. Younger viewers watch with care. You need not be a gold-digger to succeed in life. Heck - Tommy Hong (in the drama) did it and he did not marry a rich wife! One just need to be smart and not a straight arrow.

Acting/Cast: I was really excited for the drama when it first started showing but the biggest disappointment, unfortunately, is the acting. There is hardly any chemistry between the male and female leads. Hello! This is supposed to be a romantic love drama - not "let's have a big brotherly and sisterly hug and a very polite kiss and call that a chemistry" drama! I know that there are many ppl out there who likes MGY and thinks of her as a great actress but I am not one of them. I knew long ago, that she has her limitations in acting and for some reason, I do not consider her a beauty. Her acting in this drama is the worst so far. The male lead, PSH, was a saving grace with his ability to act childish at one moment and dead serious at another. He has proven that he is a versatile actor. Unfortunately, even he could not manufacture that sort of romantic chemistry with the "sad or happy-fake-smile-only" MGY. The drama could benefit from getting an older and more versatile actress. The other casts did great, but the extreme lack of chemistry between the leads killed it for me.

Music: The music is passable.

Rewatch value: For me, the first time is the last time. Glad I finished it, but don't think I would be re-watching it.

Overall: Passable entertainment. The IDEA of the story is interesting and has great potential but the lack of chemistry between the leads killed it.

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Cheongdamdong Alice's synopsis was really interesting, topped with Park Shi Hoo, was a must see for me. When I started watching, it proved to be quite a disapointment for me.

Story: Well the basic story was interesting and different, but the writer didnt add much substance to it, I mean how can you stretch a story line which is good for about 10 episodes to 16, it kept going round and round endlessly. The main story was mild but the side stories were quite boring.

Acting: Park Shi Hoo was perfect as always, like most of his other dramas he does steal the show. Probably if it wasnt for his acting this drama would have been a disaster. He plays the cute and nutty character wonderfully as does he with the more serious role of the same character. The female lead I felt was not the right choice. I didnt much care for her acting, and mosty she has a blank and bland expression. Sadly another basic thing which was lacking was the chemistry. That was very lukewarm, rather cold actually.

Verdict: Nothing addictive about this one. If you are a PSH fan, then I guess you have to watch it. Others if you have time and nothing else to watch then give it a go but dont expect it to be like other PSH dramas.

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