I think to call this a romance is a mistake, but worth watching

I'll start by saying this was NOT a romantic comedy. Comedy yes, but romance? There was someone that she was in love with, but there was no chemistry between the two, no kissing, actually no touching between the two at all. They could have been brother and sister, in my opinion.
I thought she had more chemistry with her editor! The lead actress was just precious. Her character, Etsuko, was very high energy with a positive attitude. At the beginning I almost quit watching because she had not taken any job in seven years because she only wanted to be an editor for one specific magazine - was she stupid? Did she think she was so special that she should be given a job that she had no experience in? I'm glad I stuck it out, though. She finally got hired as a proofreader (she thought she was going to be an editor) but made sure to tell the proofreaders that she was working with that she wasn't going to be there long, because she was going to be moved up to editor. Each episode focused on a new job she was working on. She learned a lot as a proofreader and taught everyone else in the process. I loved watching the developing friendships with the authors, her editor, and especially her proof reading colleagues. For me, this show was mostly about the clothes (how did she afford them? Where did she put them in that tiny apartment?). I loved the preview of the outfits she was going to be wearing before each scene. Etsuko was one of those characters that, on paper, would be a big pain in the neck, but she was so likeable that you just had to root for her to be a success.

Leia Mais

Fun show!

This was a sweet story about a woman that's creating a dating game to play on your phone, and the president of the company that has absolutely no clue about women. Their relationship starts out antagonistic and the bulk of the movie is about their developing friendship. It speaks to the importance of friendship and how we often don't see a relationship for what it is, until it's almost too late. Yes, there is a large age difference between the two, but it really doesn't matter - she's mature, and he's very naive about the real world. The age difference made me focus on their relationship, and not how gorgeous-looking they were, which made me sink deeper into the enjoyment of the story. Part of it was filmed at Christmastime which made the whole thing kind of like a shiny package of happiness. The ending was happy, though as Asian dramas are wont to do, extremely rushed.

Leia Mais

Come in for a soju and a chat

This was an extremely original concept for a show and, for me, there was a lot to like about it. I loved how each episode was like its own self-contained little drama. The music was wonderful. The special effects were really good. The story of trying to solve the grudges of others while holding onto your own was very good and I loved how in every episode you got another snippet into the back story of the main characters. There were so many funny aspects to this show, but with a serious base, and the two were well-integrated.

The acting: Choi Won Young as Chef Gwi was terrific. I'm used to seeing him in supporting roles as the driver or the secretary of the male lead, and he was really up to the challenge of a leading role. I liked his character from the outset and just kept liking him more and more. Yook Sung Jae as Han Kang Bae - he has that wonderful innocence about him, and he really conveyed the loneliness he felt because of the gift/curse that he had. Hwang Jung Eum as Wol Joo - I know she's kind of a controversial actress, people either usually love her or hate her. Unfortunately, she usually gets cast as someone that yells/screeches/screams a lot, with broad physical movements (think Lucille Ball) because she is good at physical comedy. I was pleasantly surprised that was not the part she played in this show. She starts out extremely cold and unlikeable, and as the story goes along and you find out more about her, you are able to empathize with her and the life she is forced to live.

Production quality: This show was beautifully filmed, full of bright colors and nuanced textures, drawing your attention to the sidewalks, walls, pop-up tent, etc.

I did not find this show romantic. There was a romantic subtext to it, but, for me, this was a show about building a family. Resolving differences, building trust, letting go of grudges. It was so heartwarming to watch Han Kang Bae go from being alone to being part of a family.

Leia Mais

If you love historical dramas, watch this one!

I'll start by saying that I don't care for historical dramas, I find the hats distracting, everyone with a beard looks alike, they tend to be very formulaic (evil king or else evil family member trying to kill the king). So, if I was rating solely on my enjoyment of this drama, my score would have been a lot lower. I did rate it a little higher, knowing that this type of show is not my cup of tea.

Acting - Jang Dong Yoon at NokDu/Lady Kim was exceptional. I don't care for gender bender shows, because I always feel like they think we're stupid, because it's completely obvious that the character is not the sex that they are pretending to be. However, Jang Dong Yoon was terrific as both a male and a female. As a female he had the right tone of voice that didn't sound like he was trying too hard. He has such a beautiful face and his long hair helped as well. NokDu was trying to find out who he was and it was an interesting journey. I loved his interactions with all the ladies in the widow's village when he was Lady Kim.

Kim So Hyun as Dong Dong Ju - she had her own secrets that she was trying to deal with. I have loved this actress in everything I've seen her in. She's got such a sweet face and she played her part very well. The "I like you" "go away" got a little old, but I really appreciated that they didn't stick with cliche responses to her finding out NokDu's secret

Kang Tae Oh as Yool Mu was exceptional. The arc of his character was a joy to watch. From sweetness and light to evil personified.

Lee Seung Jun as NokDu's father was very good. I've seen him in things where he's a little goofy/funny. This serious role suited him.

Jung Joon Ho as the king. WOW!

CHEMISTRY BETWEEN LEADS - they were a treat to watch. Their bickering was such fun and her standoffishness played well as he kept trying to get closer to her. Their chemistry was great. The way he watched her and the smile that he got when he saw her, sigh. There were some great kisses and I really appreciated that she wasn't missish and acting like she was terrified of him. Their quiet times sitting together talking were lovely. It seemed that they wanted to be there for each other, helping the other when they had a problem. I could see/feel the progression of their relationship, I rooted for them and I believed the love between them.

ACTION - lots of swordplay and blood.

BONUS - unlike other historical dramas I've seen, this show had multiple scenes of Jang Dong Yoon being just yummy eye candy. Shirtless changing clothes, wet clothes sticking to him, shirtless when he gets wounded and she takes care of him, and my favorite - open robe as he twirls around showing her how to do a fan dance.

ENDING - Plus - it wasn't rushed. There was a wedding to tie up the story. Minus - no consequences for the bad guys and our leads live the rest of their lives on an island? Since there were no consequences, I felt that the bad guys could show up at any time which, as a lead, character, would certainly throw a pall on my happiness!

Leia Mais

Watch this show!

My first k-drama, and one I revisit periodically. The storyline is original - a man destined to continue living to atone for crimes in his past. I'd like to address the age difference - I can see why some people really had a problem with it, especially since she spent so much time in a high school uniform. However, the chemistry between Gong Yoo and Kim Go Eun was amazing. When watching Gong Yoo - his loneliness was almost palpable and was heartbreaking to see. Kim Go Eun was able to vacillate back and forth between her pitiful life and her vivacity as she gets to know Kim Shin (Yoo) better. The secondary love story between Lee Dong Wook and Eu In Na was lovely as well. There was a lot of humor (like when he told her his name was Kim Woo Bin!), but such sadness as well. The scenery is just beautiful when they are in Canada. The music is absolutely perfect. Each song fit perfectly where it was used and there was a haunting quality about a number of the songs. These songs are easily recognizable when you hear them outside of the show. But I think the thing that I love best about this show is the friendships between the characters, especially between Goblin and Reaper. If you look up the word Bromance in the dictionary, you should find their pictures there - what started out as hate, moved to grudging respect, and then finally brotherly love. Their scenes never failed to make me laugh. This is one of the few shows that I have watched multiple times, and have enjoyed it just as much each time.

Leia Mais

Beautiful to watch

This is a beautiful show to watch. Beautiful cast, beautiful set, beautifully filmed, etc. I was impressed by IU's progression throughout the show. I really hated her at the beginning (as I was supposed to), but her character really progressed and you could really see her pain and her vulnerability. Yeo Jin Goo was very good at the reluctant hotel manager. There was a sweet romance, but this spoke more to me about resolving issues in our lives, and the fact that family doesn't have to be nuclear. The hotel staff had their own lovely family.

I thought the special effects were very good and added to the enjoyment of the show.

The costuming of IU was the standout for me. Her clothes and her jewelry were always so stunning and classy. I've watched some other K-dramas recently and have compared the feeling of the clothes/cinematography to Hotel Del Luna. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!

Add the cameo appearances of Lee Joon Gi and Kim Soo Hyun - bonus!

Leia Mais

Was I watching something different from everyone else?!

I must have been watching a different show than everyone else. I didn't care for this show at all. I didn't find it funny in the least, and so many of the characters were completely unlikeable. Her original boss was the worst, and I'd like to think that he couldn't really get away with being that evil for that long. Daniel Choi did a good job, I think the problem was with the script. I really didn't care for the female lead's character. She was always in his face, even when he told her he didn't want to see her, asking him all kinds of personal questions. The first kiss that they shared was the worst! He looked so uncomfortable, bent over to reach her lips, and it didn't resemble, in any way, a real kiss. So many cliches - wrist grabbing, pulling the car over and telling her to get out, excessive drinking, evil mother, irritating ex (2 of them!), emotionless back pat, umbrella in the rain, the list goes on. On the plus side, the kisses did get better. Happy ending, but nothing specific to it, walking into the sunset talking, that's it!

Leia Mais

Extremely unlikeable FL

There are a lot of shows that you watch that start out with an unlikeable character. This show adds the fact that she makes stupid mistakes, is insubordinate, doesn't go to the ML for help but the 2ML, and she isn't even very nice. The way this character was written is very unfortunate. I have dropped very few shows, but I just couldn't watch this anymore. She didn't appear to be growing or progressing as a person, and I would have really been mad if I got to the end, and she hadn't learned from her mistakes. And how do you expect me to believe that there is supposed to be a relationship between the ML and FL when she never turns to him. Not the beginning of a healthy relationship, that's for sure.

Leia Mais

Bottom line...WATCH IT!

Oh my! What a beautiful story! This is one of those rare dramas that made me forego life in order to watch the whole thing in one day. I cared about each person, wanted to know more about them, and join them on their journey. The struggles, the accomplishments, etc. At the outset, I was worried that this was going to be full of family members that I hate, but we got to see why they were the way they were, as well as their growth. It was heartwarming and heart breaking, and I was sorry when it ended.

The acting was spot on, as far as I was concerned. Park In Hwan as Deok Chul - the 70-year-old that wants to learn ballet was an absolute joy to watch. First, I want him to be my grandpa. Warm, caring, supportive of his family. What a beautiful smile! I don't want to give too much away, but his facial expressions were perfect as you get further into the drama. The changes that come over him. We often tend to ignore and denigrate our elders. Deok Chul changed everyone he encountered for the better, he had such an impact on everyone he came into contact with.

Song Kang as Chae Rok - tall, slim, yet muscular, befitting of a ballerino. He did a great job of portraying an individual that was selfish and driven. I really sensed that he was going through the motions with dance until he met Deok Chul. There was a stillness about him, this may sound strange, but it made me think of a flower just before it begins to bloom. The interactions between Chae Rok and Deok Chul were wonderful. I loved watching the maturation of Chae Rok, becoming less selfish and caring so much about someone else.

Kim Kwon as Yang Hoe Beom - I don't like bullies, so, as intended, I hated this character at the beginning. I don't know if it was just the blond hair, but I couldn't look away when he was on screen. I loved that they developed this character, that he was changed by Deok Chul as well. This actor was able to convey so much emotion with just his eyes. I'm going to go and see what else he's been in.

Then there was the surprise cameo of Seo In Guk. We also got to see Cha Sung Je in episode 11. He was the cute North Korean thief/beggar child from Crash Landing on You, a couple of years older here. Still so cute.

I also loved that they didn't turn the granddaughter and Chae Rok into a romance. I'm a romance junkie, so for me to say that is saying a lot. This drama didn't need it.

I have so many thoughts running around in my head, vying for attention, to explain how I felt about this drama. At the end of the day, what I say doesn't matter. I may never fully understand all the reasons I loved this show, I'll just have to say, it is definitely more than worth your time.

Leia Mais

Why what his drama split in two?

I reviewed the first half of the drama, and it was for the entirety of the drama. So, here, I'll give the Cliff's Notes version of my thoughts.

My recommendation would be watch it and decide for yourself, since everyone seems to have loved this drama. My rating is based on my feelings and does not reflect the actual quality of the drama.

Excellent cast. If you've been watching Korean dramas for any period of time, these faces will be familiar to you. I would have liked for some of the stories to have been more in depth, to develop the characters a little better. This drama was a Who's Who in drama land.

The concept was interesting. Some people had a problem that it seemed to be an anti-suicide PSA, but to me it was more about how choices we make affect others.

My biggest problem with this drama was the overabundance of violence. Many of the characters were not well developed, because of the number of bodies that he inhabited in eight short episodes.

But again, I will say, this is all just my personal opinion. Watch it, you'll probably like it.

Leia Mais

So much filler

What I liked:
-Both actors in the lead. I've liked them in other projects.
-You gave us a wedding at the end!!! Thank you so much, it almost makes all the time I spent watching this worth it.
-Cute, low angst, supportive mom, no triangles
-The lead couple were cute together, but I didn't feel a romance vibe from them. More like best friends.
-Happy ending.

Not so much:
-multiple really bad kisses.
-Lack of "couple" chemistry.
-I didn't care for the secondary storyline.
-2ML. Either it was written poorly or acted poorly, I don't know which.
-This could have been condensed down by quite a few episodes, in my opinion.

I will just acknowledge that I seem to be in the minority on this. Please don't come at me with hate, it's my own personal opinion. Maybe I'm jaded, maybe I'm impatient, maybe it's ADD, but I fast forwarded through most of this and STILL felt it went on too long.

But don't listen to my opinion, if you like low angst, fluffy romances, you will probably like this, it just didn't have enough to hold my interest.

Leia Mais

FINALLY, a strong female lead!

I would have to say that my favorite part of this drama was that the writers took a different direction than they normally take and made the FL smart and strong, without making her a total witch. Sadly, the preponderance of FLs seem to be doormats and/or not very smart. The ML was very supportive, but you didn't feel like the FL needed to be "saved", because she could take care of herself.

I watched this on YouTube and there was only one episode where the sound was wonky.

The ML and FL were cute. I always like when a man has liked a woman for a long time, and this was sweet.

I do have to say that the 2FL's acting was pretty bad.

As usual, the voice dubbing, especially for the 2FL was awful. Why do they always have to use the high, shrill voices?

This was good to watch while trying to pick my next drama.

Leia Mais

Could have been much better at only 12 episodes

I'll start this review by saying this is only my personal opinion, so I would appreciate if people would refrain from being ugly. This review is also full of spoilers, so if you don't want to know them, don't read past the portion about what I liked about the show.

What I liked:
1) Rowoon - visually and professionally. I felt that his portrayal of Shin Yu was very understated, yet he put his emotions out there when it mattered. The episode where they FINALLY explain the back story fully (maybe episode 12?) was wonderful. You could feel his love and despair. When he was uptight and self-centered, he was funny in a non-over the top way. Once he and the FL got together, I loved their chemistry and the cuteness factor. And the costumers did an awesome job with his wardrobe.
2) Bromance between ML and 2ML - they were antagonistic, but their encounters with one another were always amusing.
3) Chemistry between ML and FL - yup.
4) The CONCEPT of the script. The idea felt original and interesting when reading the synopsis and watching the trailers.
5) I like how they resolved the "curse".
6) The fireworks scenes, just beautiful. The costuming in the historical part of the drama. The cinematography in the snow (the spreading of the blood) in the historical part was beautiful.

SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS!

What I didn't like:
1) The EXECUTION of the script. The whole thing felt very repetitive. The storylines ran on too long. Especially the stalker storyline. How many different scenarios did they come up with for him to get away, be on the loose, and terrorize her? I mean, how many times did she really need to break up with him "for his own good"? This would have been more compelling if the script had been tightened up.
2) FL's character. I love Bo Ah as an actress. This character was working my last nerve. So many drunk scenes, and that was the only time she spoke up. She was just a pitiful doormat of a person, letting everyone walk all over her. Her trying to be cute when she was around someone she liked, changing her voice and her mannerisms. Then she moved WAY into stupid territory - which ended up making me angry, like yelling at the tv angry. There is a stalker out to kill her, yet she's alone in the park, alone at the hospital, alone in the neighborhood. He's tried numerous times to kill her, but by all means, open the door when he rings the doorbell! Then, when she finds Shin Yu bleeding in the stairway, she just spends an inordinate amount of time saying his name. Maybe you should call EMS? There was another time that she managed to drag his dead weight to the car (when she's half his size) to drive him to the hospital - wow, that's strong. Then the bleeding in the stairwell scene - not a character problem, but he'd have been dead if he'd lost that much blood.
Her constantly saying that she wasn't going to see him anymore for "his own good". Then, who drags someone all the way to the snow to break up with them??!?! That would have been an amazingly uncomfortable ride back to town.
3) Crazy gf, and I mean crazy!! I know that, for him, it was an arranged relationship, but she apparently didn't get the memo. That her behaviors were allowed to continue on through all 16 episodes was painful to watch.
4) Her coworkers. Oh my gosh!! They were awful! They were mean, loud, and entirely too over the top. Eventually I skipped their scenes, they were so intolerable. Also, there was no need to use up as much time as they did with the office romance of the bosses - no one cares.
5) His family - his mom was portrayed as an airhead, and his dad was just downright verbally abusive. In fact, there were an inordinate number of unlikeable characters in this show.
6) Costuming for the women - what is with the short shorts as work outfits? Then, add boots. Just not a good look.
7) The character of Shin Yu at times. I really didn't like how he kept breaking up with the GF but then kept meeting with her. He didn't say anything when a wedding date was sent. He knows that the gf is pretty much terrorizing Hong Jo, but doesn't really address it. Also, the way he allowed everyone, including his family, treat Hong Jo. I know that respect is valued in Asian cultures, but, to me, respect needs to go both ways. There were so many times that I was waiting for him to "man up", but he never did.
8) The relationship between the leads was very messy, I thought. Was he affected by the potion, was he not? Her becoming attracted to him - that didn't totally make sense either. Then they went from push and pull to not being able to be without one another and crazy in love. It didn't really flow well, I didn't think. That said, I loved their chemistry was lovely.

Should you watch it? Again, it's personal taste, but I found a lot to be lacking. But if you are all about Rowoon and can put up with a frustrating script, go for it!

Leia Mais