Reviews

i think this is the first drama i've watched that was front loaded. usually rom coms of this length get draggy toward the end and you find yourself skipping to get to the resolution. this show starts out slow. really slow, like skip the 1st 6 eps slow. its not just the pacing every character seems super irritating in the 1st 6 eps. but once it gets into the story it;s engaging even if it's nothing new.

the main leads are great, so much so that the 2nd leads just annoyed me. Why were we spending screen time on them when we could have been watching Win and Wan Neung? Their chemistry was amazing. Wan Wan is a truely diabolical villian, even if he is a caricarture and very static. there are some really great supporting actors who did fantastic things with poorly written roles. Lukpit and Tom were really no more than the animal side kicks from a Disney movie, there to show us how we should feel and make us laugh a bit. the actors brought a lot to their respective roles even if the characters did tend to disappear for long stretches only reappearing to make story telling easier.

the only song that sticks out is what i think is the OTP's theme, it's song by a woman and it's lovely with just enough pep to make it stick in your head in a good way.


i will totally rewatch this. maybe tomorrow. it's one of only a handful of thai dramas i've watched and i hear it's actually quite a bit different than your standard Lakorn. if Thailand keeps making such delightful rom coms i will definitely watch.

Leia Mais

I really wanted to give this drama a rating of 9 or 9.5 but b/c of the confusing ending that kind of made me upset (the writers really need to explain the ending - even now isn't too late to explain it!) I am uncertain if it's supposed to be a good or bad ending, so I only gave it an 8 - I couldn't possibly give it a lower rating b/c the rest of the drama (excluding the last 3 especially 2 episodes) were really well done, I really enjoyed it!

Jo Dong Hyeok's character Dong Woo was the BEST thing about this drama "He melts your heart" as a friend said ^^ He is at first fun loving and would tease your emotions like crazy when you're watching him on screen! He truly nailed this role! He deserves more MAIN leads in dramas! He is seriously one of the most kind, caring and compassionate characters to ever enter drama-land! I loved him SO much - and it was SO adorable to watch him play with the two kids in the drama! In the last 3 episodes he brought out the tears - and it really hurt to watch him go through so much heartache and torment all b/c of one incident that he didn't even know happened! This drama was totally unfair to his character! I wanted to pull him out of the drama at the end and rescue his hurting soul! <3
Chu Sang Mi's character Ban Suk was kind of like a run over rug in the beginning - she wouldn't let go of things that were hurting her - she'd rather suffer all the pain in the world than hurt her child who was going through Psychological treatments for anxiety related stress. So even if I wouldn't have tolerated and lived with the things she did, I did understand her b/c of the child's issues... When her child dies (not a spoiler - it's in the description) she goes through a lot and 4yrs later she meets Dong Woo again - they start off as co-workers/neighbors and he was always helping her and in her business lol - I empathized with her character for most of the drama but the last 3 episodes honestly kind of made me really mad at her - she would throw away happiness and love for her hate? O.o does that make any sense?!! Anyways - her acting was really good! and her character growth was pretty good as well, but it almost seemed like she went back to her old self at the end :/ [I got really mad with one dream she had toward the end - I mean come on - it was a DREAM!!! Dreams are NOT reality!!!] >_< If I could remove that scene I would!
Both child actors were AMAZING!!! and they were both SO CUTE ^_^
I hated her ex and his mistress and her ex's mother - they were the worst people on planet earth and yet they believed they deserved everything! I consider the three of them to be filthy garbage.

Music: I LOVED 3 of the songs! '?? (Fever)' by ?? (Tae 1), '???? (Sunflower)' by ?? (Tae 1) (my favorite^^), '??? ??? (World)' by ?? (Tae 1) These songs had the most impact! [The last song reminds me of Lobbyist's ost ^^]

Despite the confusing and irritating ending I would still re-watch this and yes I would still recommend it - maybe some of you could understand the ending better than me... I'm going to do what most viewers are doing - believing that the ending was actually supposed to be positive.
And I would say - PLEASE avoid all spoiler comments until you have finished the drama yourself! Or you might miss out on some great acting and a pretty good story-line ^^

Leia Mais

If you are willing to go outside your comfort zone, this is a unique drama that gives a lot of room for contemplation. Infidelity is not the usual hum drum romance. These 2 parallel affairs have something is common that keeps you from entirely sympathizing with the jilted spouses: empty, loveless marriages. At times I felt that the affairs were well warranted because the jilted spouses were so incapable of showing love and appreciation that they drove their spouses to seek love elsewhere. It was both tragic and extremely realistic.
The acting is exceptional and the plots twists will keep you on edge. I was quite shocked at how severe Japanese culture is towards divorce. This story would not play out the same way in the US.
In the end, truthfulness is the only way to conduct one's life. And if a woman chooses to have children, her only choice should be a life of sacrifice for her children. In conclusion, this drama is worthy of watching if you are in a relationship or are contemplating marriage. It will make you give pause to showing more appreciation to loved ones. I

Leia Mais

I don't think any words would be able to justly convey the masterpiece that was 'Battle Of Changsha'.
The whole drama was an epic journey mainly in the point of view of the young XIangxiang and her twin brother Xiaoman. At first I thought this drama was a romance but I was incorrect. Don't get me wrong here, there is romance but Battle of Changsha is so much more than that.
This drama retells the war mostly in relation to the major city Changsha, and not only do you learn more about this war between Japan and China but you fully appreciate the horrors of the war and what a disaster it really is.
'Let us hope there is never a war in the future' I wish too that this would be a reality. Even now, with wars in the Middle East it just goes to show that mankind doesn't learn from their mistakes. Tragedies keep repeating themselves in vicious cycles and with the advancement of technology, war is far far more dangerous.
Anyway, the story fully deserved 10/10. Be prepared to cry. Even I, who rarely cries when watching movies/dramas was reduced to tears. The writing was amazing, and the character development was very clear and realistic . Watching Xiangxiang and Xiaoman grow up was truly a journey.
The acting was also a 10/10. Wallace Huo, is not only handsome (in my opinion anyway:P), but can act well too, His eyes, I feel are quite expressive and I'm always drawn to them. All members of the cast played their roles well and I have no complaints there.
The only reason rewatch value is 9.5/10 is because I don't know how I will bear to watch this drama again. Perhaps in 5 years time I will come back to it.
Overall it was a 10/10 and fully deserves it.
(I know I'm going to start having Wallace Huo withdrawals so I will definitely be watching 'Love Me If You Dare' soon! )
HAPPY WATCHING!

Leia Mais

Now you'd think my ratings would be overestimating the value of the show, but I thought it was absolutely fantastic.

If you didn't think there was any character development, that's more or less true. Their overcoming unrequited loves that don't just immediately go away. It's not as easy to forget especially when you're around them so much. This story isn't so fluffy since the main character is trying to get the girl of his dreams to fall for him even though she's married and he sleeps with a girl who isn't interested in him either to comfort each other's unrequited loves. There isn't any real visible character changes until the end where they accept their unrequited loves, but what else can we expect? Love isn't that easy and the drama perfectly depicts that.

What really gets me is the female lead isn't the typical female lead in dramas. Where they're mentally weak and easily impressionable, will follow the male lead anywhere and believes he can do anything. This lead never brought her walls down for him, she plays the same game as him when it comes to entrapping the other. She's independent and still, I find her so mysterious. Has she ever loved someone? It all seems so convenient for her to be with the man she's with. You can either love her or hate her.

She's incredibly cute and sexy especially in the middle of episode 8. And the kiss scenes actually doesn't make you want to cringe. Every episode my heart feels torn and I would get mad, but thats what dramas should do: they should move you. I also kept wanting to watch more and more to the point where I needed to stop and had to look at spoilers to end some of the crave.

The music, especially phonecall was extremely good and matched well to the heartbreak. It really elevated the emotions of the drama. The background music would probably the best part of the drama.

I would definitely rewatch this again but skip the trivial side couples. Some say they like them best but what really captivated me was the main character's love interests.

Leia Mais

Incredibly boring. There was probably only one episode where it made me want to watch the next episode. The story is so cliche and generic. Female lead is like any female lead in a girl's manga. She wants to support the man and would sacrifice her own opportunities for him because she's in love. She's passive and quiet. I finished 10 episodes in a day because I didn't bother to process any scene, I usually like to take my time and rewatch if I missed something.

I'm glad it isn't like a kdrama focusing on social class clash but I felt this story could have been more original. Everything was predictable and expected, and there was no romantic development that made me swoon.

I thought the main lead was the most interesting, though. Eccentric genius who didn't back down.

Maybe because I've watched a lot of dramas. Maybe because I watched this right after finishing Shitsuren Chocolatier. Maybe because this is an older drama so it stayed to its traditional storylines. Man is powerful, lady is his helper, she falls for him first.

I would not rewatch this again because i could find this anywhere else but probably elsewhere more interesting than this.

Leia Mais

Autumn's Concerto is one of my favourite drama and will forever stay in my heart. Every time someone mentions about a good dama especially taiwanese, i will remember Autumn's Concerto. I really like the story line that is so original at the time and also so touching. This is a tear jerker drama but with a nice ending. I really love the story and the kid is just so cute and smart. I don't know what to say anymore about this drama because i've watched this a long time ago. I've rewatched this a few times and it still definitely worth my time. So i really recommended this drama

Leia Mais

Firstly, I haven't seen the webtoon Dr. Frost doesn't have any major romance or action it mainly covers psychological mystery. People who would want to watch something that will give them knowledge in psychology or crime, this drama is for you. Here is my assessment:

STORY:
Since this is my kind of thing, I personally like it. The set- up is one crime-solving-adventure-per-episode and alongside it's uncovering the mystery behind Dr. Frost and surrounding characters. The plot is not so powerful, it's not something that's unique overall but it's worth a shot.

ACTING/CAST:
The lead actor is pretty decent, though I personally doesnt buy his character at some point, I think he couldve done better or if anything, other actors would've better fit for the role. There are some stellar acting, especially Detective Nam. Im not so impressed by the actors but not disappointed either.

MUSIC: Nothing memorable, i think it didnt somewhat helped build the scenario. A little bit disappointed in this part since the musical score has a big impact to a movie/drama.


REWATCH VALUE:
I would rewatch this for the sole purpose of recalling the different cases they covered but nothing too significant to put on replay mode.

OVERALL:
The drama is a decent one, if you're looking for anything heavy this is not for you.

Leia Mais

90% of this drama's problems could be solved if Koreans understood the term, “Innocent till proven guilty.”

"Back then, there were no good reporters. This time there is.” ~ Dal Po

The first episodes starts with a rollercoaster of feels. I like that this drama isn't the standard love square with scheming elders. While I was watching it, it kind of overtook my life. Although it was pretty stressful for me I couldn't stop watching it. I was also watching an action Kdrama at the same time as this one and Pinocchio made my heart beat so much faster and the plot and relationships really had me on the edge of my seat. I don't like foreshadowing though! Don't tell me something bad is going to happen, Dal Po! There are no dull parts in this drama, which, makes it really special in my opinion. And there are no useless side characters. Everyone is interesting and unique and screen-worthy. I actually loved every single secondary character even the ones that were just comic or even bordering on slapstick. They were all really good.
I liked that there are sub-plots and crises that arise and get dealt with as different news incidents happen. So there are a lot of small victories along the way and it's not just about one long-drawn overarching plot. It keeps the storyline fresh and exciting. I also appreciate how they portray the older generation of reporters influencing and mentoring the next generation but sometimes their words of wisdom come back to bite them in the butt. It's funny how a moment of fierce lecturing gets imprinted on a trainee's brain and informs their professional development.
It's also great that it's not just about fighting against the news industry. Sometimes the news drama took a backseat to the characters' personal development. I also like that it's not all an uphill battle. There are some higher up people rooting for In Ha and Dal Po too. There are humorous parts as the two competing news stations try and one up each other.
I thought the set up of the drama, was really thoughtful. Having the main characters be in a legally awkward position is great. And the whole uncle thing? Never gets old. It's so funny the way they got used to it. Although how they can stand to be in a relationship and still go back to “uncle” terms without batting an eye is beyond me.
I love how Korean dramas know how to uniquely demonstrate the relationships in the family in such a meaningful, but cutesy way. Actually, a surprising theme that emerged is the betrayal of family for the sake of justice.
Random note: In Ha wears heels to her first interview and then later on in the show she claims she doesn't have any heels.

Gyo Dong
I loved him. He seems really serious and upright and a good mentor to Dal Po but he gets caught up in the news rivalry shenanigans too. I love the way he'd be so mature and then encourage his subordinates to insult the other team. And he's easy on the eyes too. His little flirtation was so awkward but cute.

Mothers
In Ha's mother was not as evil as I thought she'd be. She was sensible and thought about her actions. Sure she was selfish but at least she was clever and cunning and made sense. I also liked seeing her loosen up and joke around. I like that even though she tries her best to make people feel like shit, Dal Po and In Ha are strong enough in themselves to continue to be professional towards her. Although, there is one point that In Ha confronts her and she does it in a way I thought I'd never see. It was good to see the icy Manager Sung pissed off. I was annoyed by the repetitive cycling of her arguments though. When she told lies she demanded other people prove them false. When others did the same, she disregarded them as assumptions.
Towards the end of the drama, I really liked her acting.
For Bum Jo's mother, I liked that she was more concerned about Bum Jo's happiness than status.

Romance
I really do not understand why Koreans think applying bandages to the opposite gender is so romantic.
Anyway, this is my first childhood friends/frenemies romance. I like seeing their casual relationship that sometimes sizzles. The chemistry between In Ha and Dal Po...it's good.
Also the toast kiss was more memorable for me because of what happened after...hahaha.
The way Kdramas dream up these convoluted obstacles...it's so sneaky and tricky. I kind of like the twist that Dal Po feels he's not good enough for her but In Ha's father actually thinks it's the other way around.
Dal Po, on the romance front, is strong and not afraid of rivals. He's so freakin' calm about it. I just like the way he doesn't dramatise things. He makes a lot of mistakes in his relationship with In Ha but I like his imperfections. Also, can we just have a shout out for Lee Jong Suk and his epic back hugs? The way he affectionately caresses In Ha's face is always so satisfying and sweet.
I like that Dal Po trusts In Ha and doesn't think he needs to be the big man and protect her from things. I like the way she trusts him back so there's little pointless arguing or her needing to prove herself. I do like that they have real arguments about their values.
In Ha is really thoughtful of everything that Dal Po has gone through. And when it comes to standing up for him, she's a tiger.
The crisis of the romance was stupid and yet tricky at the same time. There are no right answers. Is it a case of illogical noble martyrdom? I don't know. I really don't.

Jae Myung
I really loved this actor/character. His smile is perpetually sad and he just conveys this broken, and lonely persona so well.
Every time he was on the screen, my heart was in my mouth just being so achey. And he's so kind and so bitter and aghhhh.
He honestly, stole the show for me. He, out of everyone, is so strong. His powerful character is so intensely portrayed. I wanted to hug him and hi-five him and everything.

In Ha
I like seeing her expressions come alive. She has some great attitude and sass that I enjoyed.
My first drama with her was Flower Boy Next Door. I thought the hicupping thing would be overdone, but she owns it well. Her hiccups' concept stretches to scenarios as well. So it's not so much about lying but keeping quiet about the truth. And so she can't act either because her “body knows she's lying”. I wish they kept true to that, but they started to expand it so that her hiccups was basically her moral compass, which kind of made it preachy. Although I did like it when she'd say something like, “I do believe you *hiccup, oh, I guess not.”
I like her confidence. When she and Dal Po get into the reporting industry, In Ha is professional and not clingy. Yay! Dal Po has the smarts but In Ha has good instincts. She's level-headed and she does it in a way that's calm and not showy.
She also stands up for what she believes is right even if it means standing against Dal Po. It's always good to see a woman able to separate herself and her opinion from her boyfriend. She really whips Dal Po into shape. I was really surprised to see that kind of backbone coming from a Kdrama/Park Shin Hye. As the drama goes on, it becomes clear that you do not want to mess with In Ha.
In Ha is also really good around the second male lead. He's nothing to write home about, but she showed decisiveness when it came to him and didn't string him along.
Also, I love that she initiates kissing. And how many times have you seen a heroine cut off a hero's rambling with a kiss? In Ha is awesome.

Dal Po
I'm starting to see a trend with Lee Jong Suk characters being underestimated and looked down upon but possessing inner strength and confidence. I love the way he portrays his characters as arrogant and intelligent, yet vulnerable and with such a selfless and big heart.
Lee Jong Suk and his feelings. It's so easy to get caught up in them. Gah! Even with his ridiculous hairstyle my heart was beating for him. And seeing him as a sad little orphan again...oh, Lee Jong Suk...The way he lived his life...just to spare a poor old man's heart...*sigh. Such a sad little kid.
Dal Po gets caught up in the chase of the news too. The drama portrays a very cutthroat, unprofessional and dirty world of journalism. It was interesting how Dal Po, despite his hatred for the culture fell trap to it when he started in on the race to get that exclusive. The self-reflection was really spot on. He's a really mature character and even the elders respect him for it. He's also really clever with catching people out when he interviews/interrogates them.
As the drama builds, I hated to see him go through his crisis alone.
“I hate myself to a point where I can't even breathe.”
Lee Jong Suk knows how to act. I also really like his blank face when Yu Rae tries to flirt with him. Also, his disgruntled face makes me laugh every time. Seeing his range of emotions is impressive. I thought I'd seen all of his facial expressions. But then there was his tipsy scene. His drunk face...Oh gosh. Lee Jong Suk is epic. EPIC.

Bum Jo (that's such an unfortunate name!) Second Male Lead
I'm not sure if I've ever disliked a secondary male lead off the bat like I did this guy. He's all “In Ha is my destinyyy”.
He's also a spoiled mama's boy. This guy is so creepy. He's the kind of “nice” stalker that is fooling nobody. He's freakishly tall as well. How can someone be taller than Lee Jong Suk?
I did kind of appreciate that after In Ha draws the line, he takes the hint and stops chasing her. But of course, I did feel that he was being somewhat petty.
Actually, he probably has the least character development out of anyone I've seen in a Kdrama.
He's all kinds of ridiculous. But my favourite line of his was, “Did I just swear out loud?”

Jae Hwan
I love these competent and capable women in the media industry.
Dal Po - “We have to barge in there, so it might get ugly.”
Jae Hwan - “That's my speciality.”
I loved her relationship with the silly Hyun Gyu.

Yu Rae is pretty silly. “It's not easy to make copying paper look sexy.”

On an end note, I really loved the music and how emotional it was. It matched the story well and I just thought it was used really effectively.

Leia Mais

Season 1 sets the bar high since it was in itself perfect in every way yet with each subsequent season the story, acting, casting and rewatch value gets even better.
Season 3 sees Daimon Michiko develop even more as a character. In season 1 she was the very self assured surgeon that could perform outrageous surgeries. Season 2 we saw her do even more innovative and outrageous surgeries with the same level of confidence. Season 3 she shows she knows her limits but will come in to save the day when lesser surgeons try to do what she does best which is to skilfully throw out the last lifeline a patient has for survival.

Leia Mais

I'm completely in love with this couple, but the road to coming together was just so rough. I mean so mush loss, pain, hate, jealousy, resentment and misunderstandings are floating around right now; that I could seriously consider smacking some of the character. The acting of the cast were on point and did not miss a beat to make it realistic at every point, while bring awareness about the struggles for the poor. Since the story timeline is during the war period between japan and china they have accomplished a lot to make out what could have so many suffer.

The re-watch value is low because i know i will only skip out the unnecessary portions that showcase stupid mistakes. i just can't stomach how they make so many assumptions about an issue instead of asking questions. Overall I have a good feeling about the show and the development of the characters to the very end..

Leia Mais