Reviews

When I saw the first chapter, I immediately thought of the drama In a good way, and I was going to fill the void that this leave. Also because one of the actors plays a similar character in both series. Lego Li does not appear, but instead there George Hu, who is also cute!

It is a human drama, and family, youth, but mostly it is a trip to Kinmen. In fact throughout the drama almost nothing happens, or at least nothing relevant to the end. That makes it a little slow, because it is a drama to observe and accompany characters in a summer of their lives. Keep in mind that the central argument only runs until the end, and that may be bored along the drama, so I have to like this style of simple and enjoyable drama. Visually it is very beautiful. I recommend watching DramaFever version that has very good quality.

What I did not like: The behavior of Li Jing in the middle of the story, spoil the good vibes in the last days, and that makes me very angry. Also the character of Ah Kuan seems to suffer from a bad karma, he suffers too many misfortunes, at the end they see his stupid face. Makes me sad.

The end (spoiler): he was known! but anyway it's what you expect during all drama, see the last moments!! At this point the decision of the girl seems very questionable, but also think it's admirable. In the last chapters I had with a lump in my throat ... gave me very sad! but overall I liked it! the problem is in the last 10 minutes! It is impossible for me to accept the other twin, after having been familiar with Xiao Ting during the first 25 chapters. For me here they have ruined.

Cast: All actors are well into their characters, and the couple is adorable!

Music: The ost I do not particularly like, but has a song especially meaningful. A more music plays an important role in the drama!

I think the drama is far superior to the movie on which it is based, because it is more extended and with many more details.

Leia Mais

I sincerely did not think this drama was going to be so good when I decided to watch it. It has become one of my favorite sport dramas of all time. It's emotional and sincere in a very believable way, it allows you to understand where the characters are coming from and relate to them in a very successfully. Each story-line is compelling and they all come together really well, the cast did a fantastic job in every angle and I can't recommend it enough. It isn't just another sports drama, it spends enough time with the characters for you to understand their motivations and root with them till the end. Very emotional, very approachable and very relatable kind of drama, definitely more than what it seems at first.

Leia Mais

I'm torn with this one. I really liked the idea of the animals and the characters that represented them, there were a lot of likable young characters in this drama, and Yamada Ryosuke is an extremely talented actor, he can pull off comedy as well as drama and it's great to watch him. But the whole relationship between mother and son did make me feel rather uncomfortable at times. The mother's character is extremely problematic and she never fully faces her issues and how she manipulated her son throughout his life, that for me is a no. There were some sub plots that I found much more interesting than the mother's tribulations, like Taipi's career and his mother (A+ for Taipi in that last scene he was in, really great handle of drama) or both girl characters with their extremely opposite yet very interesting backgrounds (we never get to know the resolution of one of those arcs, actually). I feel I would have enjoyed it more if it had been either more balanced in content or if the mother had actually faced half the things she did as problematic. Everything that had to do with Daichi's school life, I loved: the classmates, the fights, the coming-to-age aspect, the problems his friends had to face (including Yuto's character, which was complicated to get through at times but it did pay off in the end), the friendships, the school loyalty, the troubles between schools, the prejudices, everything. But the family aspect, which is supposed to be the central part of this drama, that's where they lost me. I felt the connection between them was so strange and co-dependent that I couldn't quite feel their attachment as something I wanted to root for. Maybe that's the point of the drama, maybe they want you to want them to get it over with, but with the mother never fully accepting that she did wrong (she apologizes for things she had no control over, like being poor or not offering him more but never for using him to try to get a house and economical stability through constant "brainwashing", as she called it), I can't fully say I completely loved it. The acting, especially the acting of the young cast, is reason enough to give it a shot, though.

Leia Mais

I could describe this drama by one word - Disappointment. I am a huuuuuuuuge fan of Hyun Bin and I have anticipated this drama since it was announced that Hyun Bin will star in this drama. But I probably wasted my time...

STORY - 5/10
The drama itself was so dull. I quite liked it in the beginning, because I though it is just slow in the beginning and then it will evolve into a fast-paced drama...haha...I was so mistaken. It was slow the whole time. There was only one exciting moment during the whole drama - and that was the ending of episode 8. I though that from that point the drama will get better, but it didn't...From episode 12, I was just fast forwarding the episodes, even the final one...The story was simply not captivating - the scriptwriters did such a terrible job, seriously. This drama was way to similar to My Lovable Girl on this point...

I quite liked the directing and the colours the drama was edited in but that was probably all.

ACTING/CAST - 6/10
As for Acting, my mark is quite generous, and that is because of my love for Hyun Bin. This drama was totally without chemistry. I did not care for a single character. Simply horrible...

Hyun Bin is definitely not the best actor, but he is a decent actor. I always care for his characters. And the chemistry between him and other actors is always good. But not this time...Well, I could blame it on scriptwriting, but the problem doesn't lie only there...Well, hopefully, he will choose a better project next time :)

As for Han Ji Min...she is a botox face...She looked so unnatural in this drama and the acting was horrible. I could not feel any emotions from her. I quite liked her in Padam, Padam and I thought that after so many years, her acting might have improved, however, I was mistaken again. So she is totally 'that's no-no' to me now. She is just a botox face, which I can't even call an actress.

As for Sung Joon, I have never thought of him as a good actor. And he didn't prove me wrong. His acting in the beginning was so bad that I was asking myself, why did they cast him. Then his acting improved a bit, but not drastically improved.

MUSIC - 7/10
The music was OK. Baek Ji Young's song is really catchy, but doesn't really fit well with the drama. As for the other OST songs, they were nothing special. My mark is quite high because of the instrumental OST. That was quite good.

OVERALL - 6.5
My overall mark is quite high. It is high because of Hyun Bin. If there was another male lead, my mark would be even lower and actually, I would have never finished the drama. I just hope, that next time, he will choose a better drama and with a better female lead.

Leia Mais

When I started watching this I was hoping for a cute and silly story, some flower boys, lots of eye-candy and fan service for the IGOT7 out there. But what I got was a little twist from my expectations. Dream Knight still had everything I said I was waiting for, but it also got some touching moments.

Considering most of the main characters in this short series are mainly singers and dancers, I didn't expect overwhelming acting, but they did actually pretty well. A little above than just fine, I would say. The lead female, JB, Jackson, Mark and Youngjae actually made me tear up a little bit, which is something few actors and stories can do, so kudos to them. I was sincerely touched by the ending, although I didn't liked it for the same reason I didn't liked the ending of the drama special Pianist (my most recent review after this).

The soundtrack for this drama is composed of just JYPE artists songs, and I like all of them, so there's nothing to complain but nothing special about it either.

Although I don't usually re-watch stuff, I would definitely re-watch Dream Knight because it was cute. It was a little dose of a light story (even with the sad moments). There were obviously some things I would rather they were made in a different way, but overall I can't complain (too much). For a short drama special, it was really good and I really enjoyed it.

Leia Mais

This was a quick, relevant and entertaining gem that depicted the clashing workforce of women & men with the backdrop the food.
STORY: not new, except the opening scene creates the catalyst for the 4-5 women who have been tossed, jostled/abused and or harassed band together to open a boutique type restaurant, going up against the odds & good old boy establishment.
ACTING - CAST: Well matched to the characters portrayed. The centerfold lead served as the fulcrum to keeping the others balanced as they attempt to right -side their worth in society and selves. This was the heart of the storyline!
Music: quirky yet catchy
RW: No... too many to catch up on...

Summary - If you are looking for completely subbed, quick 10eps, and light, no romance and not depressing yet a poignant storyline with lots of great looking food, give this drama a try - you'll might enjoy as much as I did.

Leia Mais

I have mixed views about this series. On the one hand: Hyun Bin! On the other hand: shitty writing.

The Story:
Waaaay too long. This could have been shrunk down to a 16-episode show and it would/should have been a better drama. Meaningless plot lines were dragged out, hypnosis was treated like some sort of super power, and I don't know but I'm pretty sure this writer didn't do much research on DID (I'm not saying I know more about DID than she does, but I'm pretty sure DID doesn't work like that). The whole kidnapping plot was something that was supposed to keep watchers on their toes, and although I think Sung Joon is brilliant, more could have been done.

The Cast/Characters:
I cannot even right now. Hyun Bin could have picked a much better drama for his comeback. I need to go rewatch Secret Garden right now. Seo Jin was a much better character than Robin, who seemed over-the-top and fake. I liked him when we first met him, but I began to want Seo-jin more. Hyun Bin can act, I'll give him that, and he may have salvaged the train wreck that was this drama. What even happened to Terry? The third personality barely had half an episode to himself before we never saw him again. I have no idea what Han Ji Min was doing, but Hana is the next Bella Swan. No expression, no personality, selfish in the name of selflessness... and practically no chemistry at all. I was rooting for Eun-chang and Woo-yong more than anybody else in the show. The only delight I got was in Cousin Seung-yeon and his weirdness.

I do not recommend this drama, but if you like this kind of thing, then watch it if you like flat plot lines, poor writing, and Kristen Stewart-characters.

Leia Mais

Poor Hyun Bin. I don't even know where to begin with this review. Let's see...if you drop the first four episodes and the last four episodes, then it is a pretty decent drama. The writing is just horrible. I can't write spoilers so I can't go into it all, but if you want to know more, then PM me. First, the female lead character is horrible. I can't stand her from beginning to end. Selfless my ass. Everything she did was selfish under the guise of selflessness and she is stupid. The male leads in one person may sound interesting, but it is the stupidest thing I have ever had the misfortune to watch. What was the purpose of the circus or any of those characters that add nothing to the story? What is the purpose of the cousin or whomever he was trying to out Seo Jin? What was the doctor's purpose? Forget it. I'm done.
EDIT: OMG...I forgot about the over used hypnosis. Great idea, poorly executed.

Hyun Bin is great and some of the side actors are good. I don't know what happened to Han Ji Min. Did she always act that horribly and I just didn't notice? Sung Joon was beautifully "bad".

The music was ok sometimes.

I will never ever rewatch this.

Don't watch it. Watch something else!!!

Leia Mais

Despite the discouraging length, It’s never wrong to watch a taiga drama. Or at least that’s how I see it through my experience.

Kurode Kanbe is an acknowledged figure of the Sengoku period –the most chaotic era of Japanese history. He came from a humble clan in Himeji Castle but he distinguished himself through his impressing battle tactics. I will stop here to not spoil those who are unfamiliar with the history of the main character.

This taiga drama illustrated the life of the historically-famous strategist. It wasn’t only a numeric retell of his life story. On the contrary, Gunshi Kanbei was more focused on the emotional side more than anything. Which implores that you will get to know the story without the clinical heavy/slow pacing.

Sengoku Jidai is known for its numerous battles, renowned generals, political clashes, lots of betrayals and utter turmoil. This drama didn’t only illustrate Kanbe’s personal battles but it also included all of the major events that occurred during his lifetime. And since he was close to several main figures of the era, Kuroda Kanbei found himself entangled in all of those continued wars. He was forced to make critical decisions and became a key character in the unification of Japan.

That aside, Kanbe’s familial life was also put in the spotlight. His relationship with his vassals, his wife and his offspring was vastly explored and beautifully dramatized. But the over-idolizing was probably a bummer. Kuroda Kanbei wasn’t exactly a selfless man like the screenwriting pictured him to be. He was known to be quite ambitious. They didn’t focus much on that side except near the end. But again this isn’t a documentary and the main historical points were left untouched.

As usual in Taiga dramas, the cast was relatively loaded. Okada Juichi was marvelous as Kanbe. He’s definitely a rare Johnny’s –an idol of high caliber. I am so glad I got to first meet him through this. Other cast members were pretty fitting. But the ones who stood out the most were Egushi Yosuke’s Oda Nobunaga (one of the best portrayals of the legendary character), the penetrating performance of Takenaka Naoto as Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Nakatani as Kanbe’s wife, Tanihara Shosuke short yet amazing portrayal of Takenaka Hanbe and other remarkable talents like Tanaka, Kuroki, Uchida, Ikuta, Matsuzaka, Hamada, Tsurumi and Takahashi.

The directing was noticeably improved from previous taigas but it’s nowhere near perfect. The cinematography was catching. The sceneries and outfits were as usual historically accurate despite some insignificant flaws.

The smooth flowing of events in Gunshi Kanbei proves that this is an impeccable example of how taiga dramas are supposed to be.

Leia Mais

To be honest I started watching this drama as soon as it started to air because I am a big Hyun Bin fan starting from My Lovely Sam Soon to Secret Garden I have probably watched both those dramas more times than I want admit. I was very excited about this drama and Hyun Bin's return to dramas. It started of great and then somewhere in the middle it slowed down a bit but oh my the ending...my emotions are so high right now. I kept the last four episodes so that I could marathon them which was the best idea. The ending in my opinion was perfect. The acting was great both leads did a fantastic job.

If it seems to get slow for a couple of episodes in the middle just hang in there it is well worth...

Leia Mais

Medical dramas always fascinate me. I am in awe of how these dramas are shot and amazed at how these actors can memorize the complex medical terms and actually look like real surgeons. I am even more amazed at the script writer(s), research and props teams for the depth of medical knowledge they infuse into such dramas. I am no medical expert therefore cannot attest to the accuracy of such procedures or operations of hospitals but I must say those surgical scenes looked so realistic and are definitely not for the faint of heart.

This drama satisfied me on three fronts; the surgical room mystique, a physician dilemma “to save a life or not to save a life” and a heartwarming romance from two very likeable actors with a nice twist of the jerk with a heart of gold plot device; except the jerk in this case was the female lead.

Ji Sung’s character was bubbly and kind; nothing seemed to be able to get him down; his glass was always half full. Kim Min Jun’s character was the haughty female resident whose biological father happened to be the Chairman. She grew up wanting to prove her worth to him and therefore came across as cold, uncaring and ambitious. These two balanced each other out nicely and eventually learned to see from each other’s perspectives.

It has its share of hospital politics and infighting but not crazily overdone. The moral of this medical drama is mostly about the question of ethics and a doctor’s true calling. Cho Jae-hyun played a stubborn, idealistic doctor who did not care for hospital politics and protocols. His only mission in life was to save his patients but at what cost? His conviction and dedication to his profession almost caused him his career, his wife and children.

This is a touching drama that gives rise to many thought provoking questions about the profession and human nature. The pace is fast and subplots get resolved in one or two episodes but all building up nicely towards a satisfactory conclusion.

If makes for a good intro to this genre if you haven't tried medical dramas before. It may be a bit dated but is still worth watching.

Leia Mais

First and foremost, I am a fan of the leads Hyun Bin and Han Ji Min so my review might seem a bit bias.
I enjoyed watching the drama week to week and even re watched some of the episodes. There were great elements to the drama and bad but the overall outcome was worth watching.
~The story was good but lacked some depth for a melodrama, the problem was not only the writing but the editing. There were many scenes that seemed choppy, and I would end up confused. Also, some aspects of the story should have been cut to make room for other story lines. That would make the drama more enjoyable.
~Acting and Casting was great for the most part; the bad guy was believable, the love story was believable and the character growth was also believable.
~I am a big time music buff, so if an OST is good then i give extra points to a drama/movie. Even thought i didnt care for one song in this drama i did enjoy the music, instrumentals and all.
~I did re watch some episodes while it was airing but i'm not inclined to re watch the drama over again. Maybe episodes 4-9 for romance feels, and a few of the last episodes..or.. if i get in the mood for Hyun Bin TLC.
Overall I enjoyed it but it wasn't a favorite or a recommendation type drama.
**Vitamins FIGHTING!**

Leia Mais

Story: A young and naive lady, Rong Jin Xiu went to Shanghai in pursuit of the men who murdered her family and to search for her elder sister, Ming Zhu who had left the family many years ago. Along the way, she accidentally met and rescued Shanghai's most notorious and powerful gangster leader, Zhuo Zhen, and Shanghai's richest playboy, Xian Ying Dong. She fell in love with Ying Dong but was aggressively pursued by a possessive Zhuo Zhen. Through a series of near death experiences and clearing of misunderstandings, Jin Xiu finally learned that the man who truly loves her is the rough and tough Zhuo Zhen. However, happily ever after for Jin Xiu does not come easy even after she and Zhuo Zhen realised their love for each other. There are many who are out to separate the couple. More misunderstandings ensued amidst the setup of pre-World War 2. The ambitions of the Japanese to conquer China and the world, especially the financial empire of Shanghai cannot be denied. The Japanese spy/businessman that was given the responsibility of conquering Shanghai is Maeda Ryuichi and Maeda has his own personal agenda when it comes to Rong Jin Xiu. And what of Jin Xiu's sister, Ming Zhu? She has her own sad and painful story to tell:- of love, sacrifices, death, murder, betrayal and salvation. Hers is a character that will experience, change and grow a lot through the drama. Will Ming Zhu find her happiness as well? It is for me to know and you to find out! :)

The story is typical of 1930s Shanghai romance with the involvement of businessmen, gangsterism and Japanese spies. Personally, I think the entire story can be told in around 25-30 episodes. There were just too many flashbacks and insignificant scenes that distracted from the main story. The main story itself is actually not too bad. Therefore, I blame the lower rating of story and overall on the directing of this drama. If the director had cut down on the flashbacks, insignificant scenes and tightened the drama - the story of Jin Xiu and her sister Ming Zhu would have been better told and Cruel Romance 2015 would have been a better product. If you are planning to watch this, I highly recommend that you fast forward the flashbacks. It'll be less annoying this way.

Acting/Cast: I give 10/10 for the actors and actresses. They all did a superb acting job. The reason for my final lower score of 9/10 is the many obvious errors in directing and editing of the drama. There are parts that seem to drag 2-3 seconds too long - the pause causing a less smooth shifting of scenes. It is not the actors' fault as it is the director and editor's job to make sure each scenes flow nicely into each other without any obvious or awkward pauses. Again, I place this blame on the doorstep of the director.

Music: Nice OSTs:- sad, nostalgic and meaningful. I have them downloaded and am enjoying the OSTs now.

Rewatch value: Due to its' length and the many flashbacks, it is not a good candidate for re-watching. However, there are some romantic scenes between Zhuo Zhen and Jin Xiu that may warrant some re-watching for those of you romantics at heart!

Overall: Considering the directing hiccups, I give this drama 7.5/10. It is a passable drama but not great. Story-wise, it is worth your time watching but only if you are happy to be pressing the fast forward button over tonnes of flashbacks.

Leia Mais