Reviews

Capital Scandal is a fun period piece drama set in the 30's during the Japanese occupation of Joseon. In this mix are the rebels who wish to free Joseon from Japanese oppression and immersion, The Japanese police and their ilk and the middle grounders (I made that term up), the people who just want to live under the radar, embrace the fun of the times and the modernization of Seoul. It is at its core, the story of a playboy who has run from all forms of obligation for most of his life and how the love of a woman changes him. And while this may be an archetype that Kang Ji Hwan has played before, I found myself loving his character anyway. I've seen him step away from this type in movies and I hope he does continue to stretch himself in the future.

I liked how deep this story became as the episodes moved along. There are nuanced and complex relationships that flesh themselves out completely and are not left hanging. While not every character gets a picture perfect conclusion, you do get the satisfaction of ends tied up nicely. There is a lot of fun, smart and snappy dialog in this drama that I don't feel was lost in the translation of the subs. The love story between the two leads was very sweet. I liked their antagonistic start, middle and end. They had a kind of old Hollywood Hepburn/Tracy feel to them.

The cinematography, color palette, clothing and music were all added delights of enhancing the feel of the time period. The Concubine Cha Song Joo had so many costume changes my head was spinning; but it was wonderful!

It struck me as I was watching Capital Scandal that even as it must have completely stretched the truth of the Japanese occupation of Joseon, (it was much worse, of course) if not over westernizing the time period; this drama speaks to the sense of pride Koreans have of their long, ancient history as a people. They deserve to feel that pride. When I think about all the ancient civilizations that remain intact, I hazard to say that Asian cultures seemed to have remembered if not kept their traditions better than most. As an American mutt, I envy the purity of that tradition and the ability to go back thousands of years tracing your family and owning your people's history. After I watched this drama I dug a little and found out just how close Korea came to being lost by that occupation. God Love Ya Japan...but I'm so glad you lost that war.

Capital Scandal is not perfect but it is a fun show. Lots of intrigue, funny situations, intense drama and a lovely little romance wrapped up in Kang Ji Hwan's special brand of bad boy comedy.

Give it a try!

Leia Mais

This was directed by Yimou Zhang (Hero, House of Flying Daggers), but is a very different film from the previous ones I saw. I really wasn't sure about the story as I'm not hugely into father-son heart-tugging stories. Also, I really wasn't as huge a fan of Yimou Zhang as others are. But it was highly recommended, so I tried. And I loved.



Truly brilliant across the board. As the special feature said, since he'd made these world-renowned blockbuster films, he could pretty much do what he wanted with what cast he wanted. The big names were mostly from the Japanese side of the cast, but the Chinese used virtually all amateurs. Even actual tour guides. And it was incredible. Yimou Zhang is officially a genius, in my mind. It made for a very natural and beautiful feeling. I really can't even describe how moved I was by this film.



Takakura Ken was absolutely incredibly. He reminds me of a couple of older men I know, and probably will you too. Those rough, silent men that struggle to express themselves. And the quietly powerful emotion this actor gets across is simply mind-blowing. Not to mention the great acting from the little boy.



I also was able to see parts of China that I didn't realize existed. Very rough country that reminds me a lot of different places I've visited in western U.S, but unique at the same time.



I would describe this as a quiet film but with so, so much depth. This is not a movie I will easily forget and will end up purchasing before too long. Don't miss this one!

Leia Mais

The sweet, romantic story. I love the cute love in drama. The all couples are lovely and they are different from each other. It's a pity, that Xiao Cai didn't find boyfriend... Jiang Meng's gang had some guys without girlfriends... ^^

Rainie Yang is so pretty! I'm positively surprised, because I had a trauma after I had watched ToGetHer with the actress.

I don't accept the style of the characters, but Yang Ping and Ceng Shao Zong are cute. If they were dressed better, they would be very handsome! I've known it that Masuyama Yuki has japanese links... Completely different type of beauty!

Leia Mais

Scent of a Woman was a very enjoyable drama and, as the plot summary may have given away, a major tearjerker. If you don't like to cry in dramas, then SaoW is not for you, but if you don't mind it, then it's ability to make its viewers cry is noteworthy. The acting was very good, and Kim Sun Ah can seriously cry at the drop of a hat. Overall I felt the story was missing just a little something towards the end and there were episodes that needed more plot development, but not enough to detract from its overall awesomeness. The OST was enjoyable, but not great. Overall, SaoW is very interesting, and while the plot is traditional, it is a drama that I would highly recommend.

Leia Mais

To be honest the acting outshines the actual plot/story. The story was really good but somehow i didn't find it exceptional. Won Bin really impressed me with his acting. It's like he played two different characters cause in the beginning he is like this quiet/loner pawn shop guy then he turns into tho raging killing lunatic. Both are hot btw=D The little actress was really good too. I liked the supporting characters, they were funny to me. Overall this movie probably could have been more exciting just because the story was a little predictable and the ending was blah. Still the acting is top notch so worth the watch.

Leia Mais

Wahhh...not that bad as i expected it to be :P so you should try watch it when bored - i recommend it ^__^



Even tough it`s not that special of a drama but still i feel like this is rather underrated.

So my opinion: Story - pretty good, interesting, funny & exciting, well i liked the idea of 3 guys liking 1 girl and i especially enjoyed when Johnny & Moo Ryong are together spying on Yoo Hee...really funny and the part where Moo Ryong lives with Yoo Hee. Ah... the cooking skills in the show where a great idea really captures ones attention.

Acting/cast - i liked the cast they fit their roles well as for the acting i think there should be some improvements here and there but it was`n bad. Between Moo Ryong & Yoo Hee there was definitely chemistry but not enough.

The Music - was exceptionally good 1 of the best points of the drama. For re-watching(i don`t usually re-watch dramas) - maybe :P

So Overall - i gave it a 9 since i didn`t got bored watching it and loved the story.



The 2nd best point in this drama where the earrings Yoo Hee(especially her) and the other girls where wearing(they where standing out xD) - i really loved them all xD

Leia Mais

2 words: Epic disappointment.

And it started so good too! Lets get to the pros and cons-

It was an awesome idea to start with a cold blooded woman being melted by a cheery, wanna-be chef. I loved the way that the drama started the story line was moving and developing, different situations occurring, it was exciting! But the story got boring, very predictable, slow and the idea went to crap. Although the concept was Yoo Hee's transformation into a kinder more presentable lady, it happened within the first 6 episodes. This drama focused more on Yoo Hee's love triangles and her naivety in love than her being a tsundere character.I am so frustrated because I didn't like the ending, and I feel like it was a waste of time.

The music is really catchy throughout the drama and for the most part its really well placed. I didn't like Ga In, maybe her acting skills were developing because I loved her in Bad Man. I did like Jae Hee, but his characters seem to be the same in EVERY drama. (although I absolutely hated what happened with his girlfriend in this drama) Dennis Oh and Kim Jeong Hoong were awful, as far as acting goes. The cast didn't seem to have much chemistry, none of the characters really seemed in love with the exception of Jun Hye Bin. Hye Bin was believable!

All in all, you really have to fight through to the end because its boring. However you want to see the characters develop because it begins really charming, funny and cute. My advice start and watch till the 11th episode at that point you can skip to the end. Trust me you wont miss much.

Leia Mais