Reviews

Surprised with the poor reviews and comments but this is my favorite Japanese story. Its quirky and a lot of fun and has little surprises. Short and sweet and I really wanted more. It is something that I have watched religious every few months since I saw it about 2 years ago. I am a sucker for nice guy stories and this story had the perfect nice guy. It certainly helped that the female lead was smart and bossy which I also loved.
I think one of the strong points of the story is that it is so focused on the two leads almost to a fault without any distractions from other characters.

A wonderful gem and deserving of the award that it won but I can understand that its not for everyone.

I am going to watch it again haha

Leia Mais

Starts great and completely falters during the second half. I wanted my 11 hours or so back haha.
Anyways the story is very cute but the acting of the supporting cast looks amateurish and quite silly maybe that was the point. The music is awesome. The leads also awesome. The second half was just bonkers, they ruined an almost perfection show, I was pretty angry and just finished it to fulfill all righteousness and because I wanted to see the male lead in something(Amour et Patisserie still isnt fully subbed someone please finish it :((( )

If it was possible I would make a virus that deletes the second half of the series from this world and give this show an 11 out of 10 :D

Leia Mais

Everything about this drama is superb. Let me tell you that I only had few little times in my life this feeling while watching some Asian or western show, this amount of excitement, fascination and admiration. I've fallen too deep in this endless hole named Nirvana in Fire and I don't want to go out from here ever. No seriously, this is one breathtaking, majestic piece of art, it crawls under your skin so naturally, so addicting and it stays there, I think forever. Every detail is incredible, from such high and expensive production, brilliant idea and intricate plot, amazing script where each episode was heavy and carefully detailed to magnificent acting, character development and music. I don't think I could ever put in words all the praise I have for this drama nor I think it could ever be possible, it just has to be seen to be understood.

I cried, laughed, cringed, shouted, smiled, raged and did all sorts of things while watching this drama, I even had to make pause of few days cause I didn't want to finish it. Ever. I know, it may seem too subjective, I guess it is but if I take out all too attached feelings still this is a drama which deserves to be praised and greatly received.

The cast was brilliant. From Hu Ge as too intelligent and clever strategist with many secrets and Wang Kai as loyal, brave and reckless prince who were the main leads in this woven plot, to other side characters: funny and dense General Meng, sweetie pie and awesome martial artist Fei Liu, astonishing and beautiful princess warrior Ni Huang, calm smart and always looking relaxed consort Jing, joyful, carefree and weirdly intelligent Lin Chen, crazy over power and greedy Emperor, faithful and innocent Jingrui, the dignified Marquis Yan, the most loyal retainers of Su ge ge, all of them were simply outstanding, list is too long. ;)

The one who shined the most in this drama is no doubt Hu Ge as Mei Chang Su, he was truly amazing. Man who lost everything where he was young, who lived and fought with only one purpose- to avenge his family and all those innocent lost lives of Chi Yan's army. He became a grand and calculating man with intelligence higher than everyone's else. I loved how Hu Ge portrayed him, as cold, emotionless man who didn't let feelings get in the way and cloud his judgement not one single moment, always being rational and moving forward according to his plan which he was making for 12 years. Cause in this game he couldn't afford himself that, otherwise his enemies would easily defeat him. But under that shell he was the same Lin Shu, kind with good heart and will to fight against injustice and evilness. I fell so much for him, his gestures, mind, expressions, movement, everything was really powerful about that man.
And the other one who has won me was certainly Prince Jing. He was opposite of Su Zhe, quick-tempered and disobedient, always hot headed and too reckless but loyal, brave and firm in his decisions, I really respected that side of him, his unyielding morals and fighting for justice no matter what. It was so entertaining to watch two of them bickering, arguing and sharing their opinions, prince Jing was always bringing fear to Su Zhe cause he was the only one who could actually make Su Zhe's plans not going in the way they should and mess something up, I loved their bromance, their powerful bonding, their attachment to each other, they looked so cute, sometimes like a romantic couple. ;) And I think that Wang Kai really nailed it, he is such a talented and great looking actor, looking forward seeing him more in the future.

I enjoyed in the feeling they gave me, their characters so endearing and strong, greatly written indeed. I enjoyed in all of them but those two especially captured my heart along side with little monkey Fei Liu. What is so fantastic and attractive about this drama are so many awesome bromances, friendships, funny moments in all that seriousness and revenge fights, many of those characters were like a family, I loved their talking, their joking around the house, their ultimate protections towards each other, and that subtle, little amount of romance I really really loved, it was such a wonderful addition to all those powerful feelings.

Without even one little dull moment, I can only say KUDOS to the whole production team and the writers. Production quality is so high and impressive with great action scenes, wonderful costumes where even the shades of colours fitted perfectly to the characters who wore them and not to mention settings and sceneries, every scene shot outdoor was really delightful for watching and every scene shot indoor also was beautiful. Effects and CGI look very realistic, which is pretty awesome for some Chinese drama. And the best thing of course is the script, it is something the most important that made this drama to be this breath taking, intense and phenomenal.
Oh well what else did I expect when it's the same team from whom big names like Battle of Changsha (personally my fav.), The Disgusier, All quiet in Beijing and Love me if you dare are from? ;)

So if you like badass action scenes filled with fantastic developed story line, interesting plot with revenge, political maneuverings and intrigues, astonishing melodies (music in this show is so beautiful, whole OST is wow) and if you're into The Count of Monte Cristo kind of feeling then you should definitely give it a try. Plus many eye candies who weren't there just to be eye candy, they actually had a role and importance. ;)
It may seem too confusing in the beginning with introducing too many characters but after a few episodes you''ll get used to it, just don't give up.

I got too attached to this drama, too fascinated by its existence and in such an emotional state I dare to say that I'm anticipating more dramas like Nirvana in Fire, more dramas which will engrave in my heart and capture me in their little world for a lifetime. Thank you. Thank all of you who participated in making this grand and glorious show. I'll never be able nor I ever want to be able to forget this drama, the most wonderful Asian drama with most mind blowing script.

";In this world, there’s no carefree person. If you have desires and feelings, you won’t be carefree."

Leia Mais

When I first looked at the trailers for this drama, my expectations were kind of on the low side and the show plot was completely different than what I was expecting. This was a very refreshing drama!

Story | Two clubs, one consisting of the lowest ranking students and the other with the highest ranking students, somehow find themselves having to work together as a cheerleading club. Even though the plot is circled around their cheerleading club, there is a lot of real life and school type scenarios that occur throughout the entire drama, so it's a nice mixture of fiction and reality. The story actually goes into some deep real life issues that I don't see addressed in Korean dramas (at least any of the ones I have so far watched). So to me, it was nice that this wasn't just some upbeat cheerleading romantic comedy type drama. Now, the whole story in general, to me, was pretty unrealistic so I was interested after the first episode. Plus, I always love me a good school drama.

Cast | I simply adore Eunji. I don't know what it is exactly but she has this charm that pulls you in the drama in the very first seconds. I love how she usually has a character that does have her soft side but she is usually a feisty one and can stand up for herself. Her and Lee Won Gun were a joy to watch together. He had an undeniable charm as well. His character was playful but extremely cunning and when mad, he showed emotion that seemed all too real. Ji Soo. My god. His character and acting was probably my favorite, which literally came out of left field. Was not expecting much from him in the beginning of this drama. I haven't watched him in anything else but best believe I will be on the lookout for his future projects. The rest of the cast was perfect. The other students, teachers, faculty, and parents fit each of their role nicely. Everyone just clicked in a way and it was sad knowing after the last episode that that was it.

Music | I finished this drama earlier this week and I honestly can't remember what music was really used in this drama. Nothing really memorable for me I guess, but nothing to complain about either. I just remember enjoying insert instrumental music.

Rewatch | High possibility. I really enjoyed watching Eunji, Woo Gun and Ji Soo, so I'll of course have to come back and rewatch.

Overall | As much as I praised this drama, I did have some issues and can't give it a full score. For 12 episodes, the drama moved nicely, connections were formed in a nice timely matter that I was content with, and the flow for everything was actually pretty good for a short Korean drama. I just have issues with how the writers cleaned up big situations. I was hoping for the progress of one character to go a certain way by a certain time or episode, and when it didn't I was somewhat annoyed at it taking so long. And I was pretty disappointed in the resolve of it all, well, most of it anyways. That was my only issue though. All in all, it was a nice drama to finish. It's short, the cast it great, and the story moves along very nicely. A drama I'd recommend to anyone who asks! ~

Leia Mais

This is my first review on here and I have watched a number of dramas and thought about writing a review but this is the first one where I knew I had to write one.

I am not sure where to start with this drama as this is an amazing drama. Probably one of the best dramas of 2015 if not the best. I could talk about how great this drama is for a long period of time but I will try to make this review as short as I can.

First things first. I started watching this drama as soon as it came out because I found out about it a month or so beforehand. As soon read the synopsis I was hooked. I have never seen or heard of anything like that for a Korean drama. So the synopsis is what drew me in but seeing who was cast as the lead characters made me want to see it more. The only thing I was worried about was where they going to be able to pull off a drama like this. Well my worry went away straight after the first episode and left me blown away. Some dramas start really great but then start to slow down and others take a few episodes to get going. While watching D-Day not once did it slow down, it continued the momentum it started and kept it going through all 20 episodes. I never felt bored or tired and each episode left me wanting to watch the next one right away.

Story
The story for this drama as I said before is something that I have not seen or heard of for a Korean drama. I was worried how it was going to work out but it was done way better than I expected. The special effects and sets they had made it more realistic. What I really like about the story is that it is so believable. This is something that could happen and I think that is what first drew me to it. I am a person who loves romantic type dramas but what I like about this one is romance is not the main feature. The romance is there but it focuses on the disaster a bit more. You get to see how the doctors and other emergency workers deal with a disaster like this. If you are a person who loves romance in your dramas and likes shipping the main leads together then I will say this drama does have that. It does have some sweet and cute moments admits the tragedy that happens. So don’t worry about that.

Acting/Cast
The cast for this drama I think is perfect. I loved all the actors and their characters even if some characters where not so good. Kim Young Kwang does a phenomenal job in this drama. I first saw him in Love Rain and every time I saw him since he has played a supporting role or played the second male lead. So I loved that he was finally the main lead in a drama and boy did he do an amazing job. He is such a great actor but in this drama you can see just how good he is.
Jung So Min played the female lead and also did a great job. I first saw her in Playful Kiss and while watching this drama you can see how much she has grown as an actress. She plays a doctor in this drama just like Kim Young Kwang and does a great job at it. I really liked her character and also Kim Young Kwang’s. I think both lead actors had great chemistry together and I would love to see them both again in another drama.
Also loved the other actors in this drama. A few of them I recognized and had seen before and loved seeing them again.

Music
The music in this drama was so good. Most dramas have about 4-5 or more OST songs that have music and lyrics but this drama only had 3. But the 3 it had were so good and fit the drama perfectly. One of the best parts about the music was the instrumental/Score soundtrack for the drama. It was amazing to listen to and scored so perfect for the drama. So in all the music is really good and I have already bought the 3 OST songs that were released. I also plan to download the rest of the soundtrack once it’s available on iTunes and possibly buy the physical soundtrack as well. That is how much I just loved the soundtrack.

Rewatch Value
The rewatch value of this drama is so high for me. Actually while I was watching this drama I went back and rewatched a few episodes. This is a drama that I would defiantly rewatch from start to finish a bunch of times. I will probably watch it again very soon and this time introduce it to a friend. Since I watched this drama by myself it would be a great drama to watch with a friend or friends. Also if this drama comes out on DVD with English subs I will defiantly be buying it.

I highly recommend this drama as everything about it was so good. All that is left to say is if you are reading this and trying to decide if you should watch this what are you doing. Go watch it now. It is a must watch drama that should not be missed. One of the best or if not the best drama of 2015.

Leia Mais

Yes, I gave this drama all 10's. Cant help it, but I also don't care. I love this drama so much.

This drama starts off HILARIOUS and you can't help but laugh out loud! It has a very interesting story and you get addicted to it very easily.
Then after some time, shit gets serious, and deep, and depressing....

I remember watching this drama in the first half of December 2012, and the fact that I remember it so clearly is amazing in itself because I have the worst memory. Here in my country we celebrate Lucia, and I remember sitting up waaaaaay past my bedtime watching this drama. And I remember that I only made it to episode 19. Oh man I was bawling my eyes out!! I can honestly say I have never cried SO MUCH because of a drama or movie before, and I am the kind of person who cries because "that high note in the song was just too beautiful! ;;__;;". Yeah. And I had snot and tissue papers EVERYWHERE! And not being able to watch the last episode until I got home the day after was absolute TORTURE! My friend still makes fun of me because of this, as we celebrate Lucia we go to church and sing and so on and I had an actual mental breakdown in church because of it! It may seem as if I am overreacting but this is honestly how great this drama is and how it made me feel! I feel like I needed to make this clear and let people know (especially us sensitive people) that this drama will make you cry your eyes out in a fetus position!

But to be honest, the ending still to this day confuses me. So if someone could explain for me I would be SO HAPPY! Sorry for the lousy review!

Leia Mais

I didn't expect to like this drama so much but now, days after finishing it, I still feel that tug at my heart because of this drama. I've even distracted myself with an entire drama! It didn't work!

This drama is unbelievable, the acting is so so great. The actors were such great choices as they really performed what needed to be done to deliver the important messages and intensity that the drama has and need. The drama is so great for bringing light to these issues about mental illnesses and the stigma around it that sadly is reality. They show that it can happen to the best of us, and there's nothing wrong asking for help if you need it.

The drama is also great in the aspect that this couple actually talks to each other and work to solve the problems they stumble upon in their relationship. They show that talking to each other and solving the problem together really isn't that hard and it saves you from so many fights. They're happy for it.
It's very realistic in the sense of skinship as well, if they want to kiss, they do.

I absolutely adore this drama. Much love <3

Leia Mais

Turns out I've seen 2 dramas by JTBC without knowing (Maids and Falling for Innocence) and i LOVED them, so i kinda had high hopes for this one! Especially as it was a medical romance drama with Distaster based theme!


The special effects were done very well, I was a bit worried at first that the special effects would be awful and it would ruin the drama entirely but thank goodness they were good and made the scenes very realistic! It had been a long while since a drama had made me sit on the edge of my seat in suspense and left me watching the next episode straight after until 6am ;'D

Yes there were unrealistic elements and plot holes in the story, some story parts felt a bit unnecessary and rushed, I wanted them to focus on the other minor character's growths, but we only touched on them, the main focus was put on the hospital which I think fair enough, it works but i think it would have worked even better if they had shifted their focus on other characters and their stories!

I hadnt seen Jung So Min in anything since Playful Kiss but she played her role exceptionally well and nailed the Busan accent! The chemistry between her and Kim Young Kwang was adorable, and the romance that we got was cute, I just wanted more! I know I know, its a disaster drama, obviously the medical side of things and saving lives is probably more important to focus on but ahhh they are both so cute! if we had that litttttlleee more i would have been satisfied!

The other actors did really well! They were actors that I hadnt really seen in anything else before and I'm reeled in and want to watch them in their dramas too!

The music was OK, it suited scenes and were soothing to listen to but they werent very memorable, I think i was too invested in watching the actual scenes to pay enough attention to the music!

I'm not sure if i would rewatch this again, it made me think alot about earthquakes and kept me up at night or entered my dreams about if it happened to me so i was a bit unsettled in that sense, maybe, maybe one day i would rewatch it but skip through it for the really good parts, im not sure if i can sit through it all again.
The antagonists in this were characters I hated watching! so i wouldnt want to rewatch their scenes!

I also wished that they had shifted the story so that Jung so min's character was the main focus rather than just Kim Young Kwang's character i think it could have been a much more powerful drama.

brb, whilst i go fangirl and watch all Kim Young Kwang's dramas!

Leia Mais

It's been about 10 days since I've finished She Was Pretty and I still remember how the lackluster of this drama ended. The anticipation was high due to Hwang Jung Eum and Park Seo Joon coming together again from their huge success with Kill Me, Heal Me. However, in my opinion, it didn't live up to the expectations. I enjoyed the story, the acting and the music, but there was no spark to bring She Was Pretty to life.

Okay, so for the story, we have a love square with the majority working together at the same company and/or having a lot of money. Cliche much? Extremely so. The character that picked this drama up was Kim Shin Hyeok. He was one of the best second-lead characters I have ever seen, he just knew how to entertain his peers and become loved by all. And yet again, we have the best character overlooked by our main heroine. I'm sorry, but Shin Hyeok has pretty much everything (personality, looks, charisma, etc.), and yet, he doesn't win. Anyway, besides the fangirl-breaking-of-hearts, the plot could have been better, but despite everything negative about the story, it could be quite enjoyable.

Now, this is what I'm talking about. Hwang Jung Eum. Park Seo Joon. Go Joon Hee. Siwon of SUPERJUNIOR. What a line up. Everyone thought they couldn't get past the idea of Jung Eum and Seo Joon going from siblings to lovers, but that was forgotten about completely as soon as the fourth episode ended. That is just how well done these actors are, and the directors and writers should be proud of their acting choices. I don't want to babble on so much about how amazing these actors are, but there are a few things I want to say about Siwon. Firstly, thank you for making me laugh so much. He pulled off Shin Hyeok's character amazingly and I'm so glad to see him diverge from his normal, chaebol-like characters (although Shin Hyeok is still a rich character). After She Was Pretty ended, you have no idea how much pain I felt knowing Siwon was going to leave about a week later for his military service and I couldn't see him again for two years. Good luck Siwon in the army!

I don't think I've found a drama where I have disliked the music. The soundtrack for this drama was superb, and I especially loved the track of Only You by Siwon himself. It has such a lovely tone and I could not help falling in love with it (along with Siwon again). Not much else to say, just listen to the soundtrack if you haven't.

I doubt I will watch She Was Pretty again. As much as I loved the amusement that this drama brought me, I can't going through Shin Hyeok-Hye Jin scenes again without mentally crying.

Overall, acting and music for She Was Pretty was absolutely brilliant and I could not complain, however, the story was a bit of mess and over-the-top cliche. Writers, you need to step up your game with drama stories and make more unusual ideas.

Leia Mais

These are two of my favourite actors so I of course had to watch...I like the way each character is sassy and assertive not naive like I have seen in alot of kshows...

the struggle of losing weight dieting and a lifelong ilness have really touched home for me with Shin Minah's character because I myself have the same ilness and thus have a love/hate relationship with food...I love eating and I hate the idea of having a slow metabolism that prevents me from eating too much...

as i watch her grow and learn with it I feel like im watching my own life play out on screen so I hope she portrays it well and keeps up the good work...

As for So Ji Sub and the surrounding characters they are superb as always..especially mr 'ma'am'...he is adorable

the whole subplot involving the ex and old schoolfriend is unnecessary however and detracts from the overall story so I just skip those parts cause I think its unnecessary

this is one show I am confident I will watch till the very last episode which will be a while for me....:-)

Leia Mais

The most complete drama I've seen to date. I don't plan to repeat what's already been mentioned by all the other glowing reviews but I will say this: after watching Scarlet Heart my standards for dramas have never ever been the same. Only a handful of dramas I've seen since then are considered 'great' and even fewer or barely any in the 'exceptional' category- where Scarlet Heart is safely sealed with a plaque of its own.

Since everyone already addressed what's so great about the drama in all these other reviews, I shall make this my own and share what I enjoyed most. These include:

- the attention to detail that may not seem much at first glance but overall accumulates into all the difference in the world in terms of production, plot development to overall story and how everything comes off

- Maertai Ruoxi's relationship with the princes whom she has a different relationship with each. Some of them are her good friends - one even becomes her confidante, while others become her romantic interests and eventually the 'one' for her. Even her relationship with others such as some of the wives, servants in the palace, and the Emperor - are unique in each their own. No two are the same.

-The meticulous development of each character and their relationships with each other over the years. Brothers who turn into rivals, strangers who turn into loved ones, friendships in the most unlikely of places (or is it?) - you see the processes and driving forces behind all of it, instead of it just happening like in most dramas. Even if you don't agree with some of it, you understand it.

- Maertai Ruoxi is not your typical heroine. None of the main leads are perfect; in fact they aren't truly good either but rather 'grey area' types. The truly good have no place in the world of imperial politics (like the 13th prince), and the truly bad ones never get out alive. Ones in the grey area may seem like 'winners' but in reality- they lose more than anyone can realize - in different ways that may not be exactly apparent or is it something they realize themselves even. These are the fates illustrated among the various members of the imperial family - from princes, wives and servants and even the Emperor himself.

One feels a true sense of attachment to all the characters (even the antagonists) and the relationships with one another by the end of the series. Rather a weird comparison but it's like watching your kids grow up except I've never been a mother, and these are all adults and people who existed well before my time. Maybe it's safer to describe it as a really bad breakup once you finish the series with a serious case of withdrawal, unable to forget the emotions it drew out of you and the attachment to the character/story that you gave so much time and emotions into but really doesn't give anything back to you...other than change the way you see dramas from now on and the emotional rollercoaster that leaves you aching yet fulfilled.

Rewatch? If you are okay with going through the heartbreak and extreme range of emotions the first time around, it just might be worth it for the beauty of the experiences again

Leia Mais

OK so you mean think that is drama is about how to get on the Cheerleader team and getting good grades, but not let the name get you.. To me this drama talk about some deep stuff with going to school and trying to get the best grades.. It kind of show the schools in Korea and how the do have to work so much head then the schools we meant have want to. am not saying it 100% true but i here that school in korea can be hrad and stuff.. To this much more to this drama like Ha Joon ( Ji Soo) with hes dad am not going to say what full happen with him is this drama but dad hurt him and then stand up for hes self and i feel like that what this drama them just much about it then can mean something to you of watch. I know one then that i felt i was could of in the drama cuzs alot of the self in this drama can happen in really and it can be beep in way. yes i then some i dont like bout at the end of the drama i did to get to like most of them. I think this drama shows to follower your heart and not what everyone whats you to be or do and every tho it met hurt ppl you love..

Leia Mais

Overall I liked Fondant Garden but i did not love it. I enjoyed the cast and the story line though it was your typical romantic comedy with a little drama. The story was filled with cliches, light, a bit of fluff, kinda cookie cutter, trip and fall kisses, love hate, some twists, back stabbing etc. The twist happens early which I was fine with but I felt it dragged a bit. Some info says 16 episodes but I saw 24 so now I'm a little confused. The main actor character Po Xi Huan was immature, very playful, with an overload of cuteness. I wish they would have focused more on him maturing more. The first few episodes I believe was too long with the focus on this lie/misrepresentation. I think the story would have been effective with less on this lie/misrepresentation. I would have preferred to watch the lead growing more in his character while still maintaining his personality. The character Zheng Mi En was sweet and lovable. The characters Yan Han Xiang & Chen Ai Lin are kind of selfish but I think they are understandable based on their experiences. They are not evil; they have good intentions but are misguided in how they reach their goals. The ending was nice and everyone found a place where they fit in though getting to that final end again presented another twist which was a bit frustrating. Once again I liked Fondant Garden but i did not love it, I think with less emphasis on the unimportant things and more focus on important things this drama would have been great/better. 7 out of 10.

Leia Mais