Reviews

PLEASE NOTE: Certain details related to the overarching theme of this drama are scattered throughout this review. There are no spoilers of important plot developments, however, reader discretion is advised.

THE GOOD

First and foremost it should be noted that this isn't a breezy frolic for romcom lovers looking for kicks and giggles/rainbow and hearts. The drama poses a series of pertinent questions related to love, commitment and marriage. Though certain situations are exaggerated for dramatic effect the drama presents ethical dilemmas people in long term relationships face in some form or another everyday:

Is it fair, reasonable or wise to expect blind devotion from your partner?

When does cheating become cheating? When physical contact occurs or when the heart departs and only the empty shell of the body remains? And regardless of which, is cheating grounds for the parting of ways?

Good food for thought. Exactly my type of gig. Up to about episode 4.

Secondly, the dynamic of the lead characters’ relationship. Let me say this right off the bat: I hated the leads in this drama. I wanted them dead. BUT I did like the dynamic of their relationship. It’s not every day you see a powerful, confident, intelligent female coupled with her equal. In a better drama I would have loved this pairing, as they represented a meeting of mind and heart on equal footing, as opposed to the usual pairing of the naive, country bumpkin and big city slicker or the take charge older career woman and her lap dog noona killer lover.

Finally, acting wise there were no standouts, but no irritating or horribly unconvincing performances either. Pretty average all around, but okay enough for me. I was, however, pleasantly surprised by Lee Jung Jin. I’m used to him in more wholesome, boy next door type roles so it was a pleasure to watch him as the debonair playboy who was more naughty than bad. He had just enough good in him to make me not completely hate him. I bought it.

THE BAD

The drama blights its own potential, given the mature, thought provoking subject matter, with cheap, superficial, self-congratulatory, crass plot developments. Poorly written and poorly realized almost from start to finish. A drama or movie doesn't start on the screen, but on the page. If what's on the page is bad from the get-go, no amount of good direction and acting can save it (in the vast majority of cases). This being one of them. The first 4 episodes did their job of getting you interested and engaged, but subsequent developments disappointed with one impulsive, puerile action after another. Not to mention characters who seemed impervious to any logical behaviour expected of normal human beings. Here are a few general examples:

*You hire your rival’s most trusted and loyal servant, tell that person all your secrets and are then surprised and angered when the servant betrays you. #smfh

*You’re under investigation for a crime where you stand to lose EVERYTHING, but instead of hauling ass out of there, you offer up evidence that could ruin your life as prize for a fist fight. WTF?? Nobody with half a brain does that!

*Just keep on throwing people together in parks and cafes for a nice ol’ chat, without thought or plausible motive as to WHY these people should even be talking to each other. Let’s create drama at any cost because my viewers are dumb morons who won’t notice this sh--.

And those are *only* the minor ones. It was simply just one absurdity after another.

Supporting characters were nothing more than vapid, 1-dimensional talking heads, transplanted only to encourage sympathy for the insipid. None had depth. In fact, pretty much everyone displayed some sort of split personality disorder every 5 minutes ... to the point where I'm convinced the writer must have been tripping on some serious high grade herb as he penned this sorry drama!

If I had any affinity towards anyone that would be Han Soo, the mumbling, bumbling wannabe paparazzi. An insignificant character with no story arc of his own who should not have garnered my sympathies more than the leads! I also supported the wife. I don’t understand what HJ bashers saw that I didn’t. Even if she did everything people accuse her off, is it so wrong of her to be hurt and angry in the grand scheme of things? People are acting like only the Hong Kong incident is at play here when there’s far more to it than that. Is what she said/did in a moment of great crisis so much more worse than what transpired later on in Korea, after the Hong Kong trip? While I don’t condone all of her behaviour, I certainly understood what motivated her. Besides, she ultimately showed herself to be the only character of true character in this sordid tale of treachery and deceit dressed up as ‘true love’. Lipstick on a pig, as another reviewer puts it. A very apt description indeed. SHE was the only true heroine as far as I could see.

THE UGLY

I am still trying to fathom what exactly is the writer’s proposal here. Is it:

a) a bad joke to get viewers all worked up?

b) a nod to narcissistic weasel pricks and conniving home wreckers? or

c) an attempt at a balanced discourse on a complicated topic?

If the answer is a) then I didn’t get the joke. Sorry.

If the answer is b) this drama is a resounding success! Home wreckers and cheats everywhere should see this NOW! Somebody finally showed how shitty some of you people are … BUT not to worry you still get the ‘prize’! And a ‘good job, good job’ pat on the back to boot. Now ain’t that the shi..zzle!

However, if the answer is c) this would be the most vile, ludicrous piece of chauvinistic drivel I have ever witnessed. Here is a drama which basically dumps on women:

*Your husband is entitled to have you put up with all his sh*t, no matter how stink it gets. Continue to blindly trust him in everything he does even if his actions don’t match his words. Just delude yourself with the lies that come out of his mouth and be quiet, woman!

*Cheating is a man’s privilege. His right, even. Don’t make a big deal out of it, no matter what, as you’ll only end up hurting yourself. Just put up with it, uh, Yeobo? Endure. Taaaaaaaaaa kwænchana! (Everything alright, for those of you who need to brush up on your Korean :-).

*All my single ‘ladies’, it’s ACE to covet another woman’s husband! You go get him, girl! Even if you have to buy his ass. And slap a bitch.

*Brethrens, never give up on an opportunity to trade up, ya dig? Love? Loyalty? Conscience? Screw that. None of that gets you the good life. Or a fast track ticket to the big times. There’s no dishonour in being a kept man.

*But trust, only women pay the price for home wrecking. Us bros get off scott free because … well. It’s a man’s world. Haha. Sorry, ladies.

It’s insidious. If c) is the writer's proposal, then I utterly repudiate it. This is no epic romance about love conquering all. This is very sordid business, set in motion by a conniving serpent and a lying, opportunistic loser pig.

And just so we’re clear: I know it’s possible for people to fall out of love (one of my all time favourite dramas dealt with this very theme with an entirely different effect). I know good people sometimes do bad things. I know life is messy and doesn't always allow for things to be wrapped up nicely and neatly with a big red bow. I didn’t go into this drama expecting sweet, uncomplicated love. I was prepared to keep an open mind and forgive where necessary. Unfortunately the writer led the donkey into a ditch. I couldn’t find it in me to sympathize with characters who acted with such haughty and callous disregard for other people. At least show a little contrition that doesn’t come off woefully lacking, phoney and insincere. Show a little reverence for the years someone dedicated their life to you by being honest with that person at the very least. But, they were pompous, condescending arses to the very end. I seriously wanted to vomit.

I won’t close with a recommendation of whether you should watch this or not. See it for yourself and make your own determination as there are certainly those for whom this drama was a hit. I am just not one of them. Temptation is the worst adaptation of the ‘indecent proposal’ concept I’ve ever seen. It didn’t work. It left the mother of all bad tastes in my mouth. I couldn’t get away from these characters fast enough. I hated them. I wanted them dead. And I’m blacklisting the actors until I purge myself of this truly repulsive experience.

Leia Mais

I try not to be biased, but honestly, I love anything Nagase Tomoya is in. In all the dramas I've seen with him, he has not disappointed me, and IWGP is no exception. Putting my feelings aside from Nagase for a minute, I can honestly say that this drama was very good. I loved the aspect of different ppl going to Makoto for help solving crimes that they can't go to the police for. I loved the underlying themes of finding what your good at and self-confidence (it's subtle but it's there). I did not like the main girl at all, from the very beginning I thought she was annoying. I loved the themes of friendship and loyalty.

MDL did a good job at summarizing IWGP, but honestly, I thought this drama was gonna be so cliche. Like I thought there would be a fight between Makoto and his best friend for the leadership spot of the gang, but no such thing happened. Makoto's best friend, Takashi, has his back throughout the entire drama. Not only does Takahi love Makoto, but everyone does. This character just has so much swag I can't take it.

There's also kinda sorta a love triangle, between Makoto, the main girl, and some other girl. I definitely liked the other girl better, but w/e. I'm not even upset with the ending because things get wrapped up, all questions are answered, and it all just ties together very nicely.

I wouldn't call this a detective drama to be exact, but if you like those types of dramas (the types where the characters are trying to figure out who committed a certain crime), u like laughing (it was kinda funny, u know anything with Nagase will have u laughing), u like dramas with friendship and loyalty, u may like this one. I'd definitely recommend, although some may not like the style/quality since it is a kinda older one (2000 I think). Of course the acting/cast is on point. And the music is pretty good (at least it is to me). The only character I didn't like was the main girl, I found her very annoying and self-centered. But that didn't stop me from enjoying the drama. It's good, definitely worth a watch.

Leia Mais

One of the BEST dramas so far!
If you love watching emotional Heart touching dramas then you'll love this.
A medical drama with a strong female character and a cool i-know-im-hot iwantyouyouwantmetoo male character who has this emotional side to him that will make you cry.
One of the reasons why this couple fit. Other than these two.The drama itself has adorable, funny and sad moments. It has EVERYTHING. Great music. Romance. Cute korean moments XD Hilarious parts and Sad moments. Its so good to see a drama with everything. The story line is great. Keeps you entertained and im not a rewatcher kinda person but ill definitely watch this one again.
And its def worth it...Jo in sung <3

Leia Mais

The production of this drama is beyond ordinary from tv series. I haven't seen this kind of production with tv series before in j-drama, i wish they have more of this kind of production, it's like film production not a tv-series. I have to give loud of appluse to the production team, they did well. The camera angles they used here with the scnes were impact and dynamic.

The story and the script were great, i love how they tell the story here. Even though you aren't a fan of suspended and mystery please give this one a try, it's worth a watch. I'm a big fan of this type of drama and Mozu also added the dark tone into it which i love it as well, it's rare to see dark mood and tone in tv-drama these days, so this drama is really make my day.

The characters from the 3 main leads were great. The killer and also antagonist were great as well. I have to admitted that in some scnes i was bitting my teenth because i get too excited while i was watching. I think from episode 1-6 were the best part and then 9-10 were great as well. I don't feel like overdone anythingin this drama. The episode 7 and 8 are great too they need these to build up the tension of the drama. Hope you will enjoy this drama as the same way as i do.

Leia Mais

This drama really charmed the socks off me. I really liked having a drama finally focusing on some "good guys" for a change, instead of introducing a horrible chaebol heir seeing the error of his ways due to some candy.

My Rating: 9.0

In Short: I really liked the premise of this, It's simple, but original and effective, and gives off a "slice of life" vibe that I enjoyed. I also liked the cast, particularly our "lock and key" couple.

Pros: A realistic view of relationships in four different age groups, with a refreshing cast, great music and lots of charm. I also really liked the 14-episode format. For me, even 16 episodes can sometimes be way too long.

Cons: I would have liked to see even more interactions between the boys, not just their lives outside of home. I feel like the great scenes in the last episode really show us the potential in this. After all, five people who live together are bound to interact and influence each other a lot.

Leia Mais

The story, the chemistry, the actors, and the directing all came together to make this a quite enjoyable drama. Who knew? I didn't have any expectations of The Three Musketeers and I was pleasantly surprised. I like the story telling, comic book type of directing. The drama writing had some lame moments, but the story more than made up for it with some excellent twists and specific emotional scenes. For example when Park Dal Hyang is talking to Mi Ryeong in the prison and she goes through every trick she has and he still stands firm and what he says back to her is just daebak!!! Even if you don't watch any of the drama...watch that part. I also like how Yoon Seo was strong and confident when she needed to be the most. I absolutely loved the writing of that character. Ok...I have to stop now or I will quit being vague and write spoilers.

The acting is good too. I know a lot of you don't like idol actors, but Jung Yong Hwa is too adorable in this. He may not be the best actor, but he isn't horrible either. Lee Jin Wook and all the other actors are good also. Seo Hyun Jin portrayed my favorite character, Yoon Seo. For once the leading lady wasn't stupid and weak. She cried and was naive, but when it was time for her to step up, she was perfect.

I liked the music.

I may rewatch this at some point...especially if there is a sequal.

I recommend this because it is entertaining. There is no epic story or deep meaning, but I was fully invested in the story line and the charcters.

Leia Mais

The rating here is really on a personal level to me. I do acknowledge it has some flaws, some questionable actions, some acting issues and some of the actions taken. I do understand some viewers' frustrations with the drama but I enjoyed it to the fullest. I was always a fan of the original novel - Les Trois Mousquetaire - and most of its franchises. I love how it was transposed here in Korean historical setting and throughout the whole drama I felt the spirit of the original story was there. At the same time I have to admit I lack a lot of knowledge about the history of that setting and its era but it did peak my interest to read up on it.

The drama starts with the narration of Dal Hyang as we follow him to the big city, a country bumpkin with big dreams and a sense of justice, and he meets our titular characters. I loved their introduction in the first episode, and kept being amused by So Hyeon's character as he makes fun of Dal Hyang's innocence. The choice of making one of the musketeers the prince is a curious one, and I do wonder how the drama would've turned out if they had chosen to make them all into royal guards. I do have a complaint that the two other musketeers, Seung Po and Min Seo, were always used as companions so we don't get much development from their characters. On the upside we get plenty of growth from both Dal Hyang and the prince. Other characters that I appreciated are the two female leads here. They are presented differently here as in not much of first and second lead, but more one that represents the light and the other the shadow. Whats most curious is how each envies the other for what she longs but they recognize each other's pain. I love what they did to Mi Ryeong's character she is filled with Milady's viciousness. I also loved Yong Gol Dae's character and wished to see his bromancery with our leads but time didn't permit much.

I did also enjoy many of the dramas dialogs. I loved the confrontations between Prince So Hyeon and Yoon Seo. Many complain about her being weak but I never saw her this way. We have to acknowledge women status at that time but even with that, she did exude enough courage to keep So Hyeon from taking her lightly. Other dialogs I enjoyed is those involving King Injo. That and Kim Myung Soo's acting were perfect in displaying King Injo's inner struggles and fears resulting in his indecisiveness.

On the acting side, Lee Jin Wook was perfect for the role, as if it was tailored to him. Yang Dong Geun was a joy to have on screen at all time. Jung Hae In as Min Seo did not blow me away but neither did it bother me. Jung Yong Hwa, who everyone had doubt about him did not disappoint. At the introduction, it wasn't a role hard to play but as the story went on and we start seeing changes in his character, you finally get to feel Yong Hwa comfortable playing it and even enjoying it. The most shining light here though was Yoo In Young. Her presence on screen amazes me and her eyes convey all the right emotions. I cannot imagine any other actress doing a better job, and her beauty does Milady justice when usually described.

I did say more than I expected but I just had to mention that some of the songs used were spot on here. I especially loved the one used as theme for So Hyeon and Yoon Seo's relationship. The one used when the three musketeers were in action, though not my type of music, but matches the fun and action happening.

Overall, I cannot say if you're an avid history fan if you'll enjoy this drama, but I assure you as a fan of the original novel and a fan of Alexandre Dumas, I wasn't disappointed at all.

Leia Mais

Before i say wow great cast, i will point out what a great story this is, a story that lucks all k drama clichés, seriously if you saw any unnecessary clichés tell me, the acting was spotless, chemistry between the characters. as or the graphics were just wow. this is the first drama where, when it is night and its dark with no light, its actually dark, dark enough that u really see there is no light yet you can see clearly, it lucked all the common k drama mistakes in fact i might go back and re-rate all the dramas i have seen before basing them on this one, and the cast was perfect,not to forget who ever directed it did a great job. The timing of events,laughing in one second and having your jaw drop in the next, yeah thumbs up who ever the writer was,and yes cant wait for next season
if u havent watched it, type fast. BEST DRAMA EVER

Leia Mais

Wow, what a great show with a Daebak ending! Can't wait for season 2 to come - I've heard it's coming out in January!

Story: The Prince and his two guards/friends form the Three Musketeers. They, along with Park Dal Hyang go around causing havoc by trying to bring peace - it's a very enjoyable ride.

Cast: Park Dal Hyang (Jung Yong Hwa) a country boy who practiced hard enough to become a guard in Hanyang where he soon meets the Three Musketeers and their journey begins. He is a very sincere yet naïve person who I believe matured during the duration of the drama. Prince So Hyeon (Lee Jin Wook) my personal favorite character, he's always joking and laughing but he does have a scar that has prevented his relationship with the Crown Princess Yoon Seo - through the princes friends Heo Seung Po & Ahn Min Seo as well as newcomer Dal Hyang his heart begins to open to his wife <3 Their scenes together were some of my personal favorite scenes to watch^^ These characters are constantly going through ups and downs during this drama (and it's only season 1)! Mi Ryeong/Hyang Sun is basically the antagonist - she's evil any way you look at her. And I swear the King is the stupidest person on this show.

Music: I remember only 1 song and that's the song where the lyrics say one for all all for one lol - I love that song.

Re-watch Value: 10/10 I would LOVE to re-watch this at some point - but not until all 3 seasons are complete^^

Overall this drama is very enjoyable to watch, you will be laughing, crying, going WTH?! lol - all sorts of emotions and they make the show amazing!

Leia Mais

OVERALL
An entertaining Taiwanese rom-com that digs a little deeper than others. Watch if 1) you can watch food without eating (otherwise, you'll gain weight, trust me), 2) you've had an overdose of the typical sweet girl and douchy guy, 3) you like shows with children. Don't watch if 1) You have little patience for weird or irritating characters (you can always skip if they bore you, but...), 2) you're looking for a romance with lots of skinship (kisses sure are fine in this show, but there's little more, you're warned!), 3) you don't like when everything is just too happy (yes, there is such a thing as too much happiness).

THE STORY
After watching many many dramas, if there's one thing I'm particularly tired of, it's the cliched sweet, innocent and naive female protagonist. Granted, the main lead of this show is also a cliched character. The distrustful, cold and solitary female type. But I was pleasantly surprised (pun intended) with the character development of Kai Qi, who slowly opens up to people. It was not expected in such a light, comic romance, and that's just how to earn some points in my book. Another way is to have a male lead that slightly deviates from the norm - a patient cutie pie with a warm smile and personality, instead of the all-too-common barbie Ken - the overly-confident, masculine, smirky (or douchy) faced guy. And yet another way is to have a very cute little child actor. So this show was quite enjoyable for me. Predictable, yes, at times unbelievable or dragging too, with an ending that seems a bit too abrupt, but fun to watch and slightly different from the comedies I've seen so far. If that's where Taiwanese rom-coms are going, I'll be hopping onto their boat a lot more often in the future.

THE ACTING
Mmm...I don't know about that, and truthfully the main couple didn't have much chemistry, but I'll say the cast was selected well because they make the show visually appealing. Puff Guo looks great and makes an endearing cold girl. I had seen her before in a similar role (in Inborn Pair, though her character was more of a two-faced bully) and I also had had the I-want-to-be-your-friend feeling. Jasper Liu is cuuute. He's in my list of actors to watch out for. You just look at them and feel like watching the show. That's totally not a legitimate reason to watch a drama, but hey, all is fair in Dramaland.

THE MUSIC
Nothing that captured my attention, except maybe for the occasional instrumental track. The piano piece was cute and I wanted to play it.

REWATCH VALUE
Why not? But...in a while.

Leia Mais

This show was just hilarious esp the first 2 episodes. I only watched it coz of lee da hee. Her movement and body language are in tune with her character and she can make u lol without doing much. Hwang dong hyu is just quiet humble nice guy and he gets blamed alot coz hes not man enough to defend himself it got alil frustrating. Changmin and the aunt did great with their parts.
I hated kkot bun, every time she was on screen she would walk, stop, stare, think out loud then move. Her acting was so bad i dunno how she was picked. Su ha's other family were as bad as kkot bun. It dragged on some scenes but overall ok. They waited till last two episodes to develop feelings
anyways its a good movie for a laugh

Leia Mais

Nodame Cantabile, like most Japanese dramas, not only deals with a romantic storyline, but it also transmits friendship, family, and 'working hard to achieve your dream' messages. The acting was great (in a goofy way), the classical background music was really enjoyable, the side-characters all had something to contribute to the drama's development, and it had its laugh out loud moments. Nodame Cantabile could've easily been an 11/10... but its female lead ruins those chances.

While Chiaki had some signs of abusive behaviour, he managed to show character growth as the drama progressed, and I couldn't help but think that if it weren't for him (and the actor), this drama would've definitely not be as acclaimed. Nodame, however... eh...

I would say that her perspective of the planet Earth rotates around Chiaki and his dreams. Nodame doesn't seem to have goals (unless you count snagging Chiaki as one), motivations (other than Chiaki), and thoughts of her own (excluding worries concerning Chiaki's problems). Her mental and sentimental state also depends on whether Chiaki is content and around her. And even though the actress succeeds at not making this character /so/ annoying, I would've liked to see Nodame actually have a storyline.

In conclusion, if you're a looking for a drama with a strong female lead and serious (as in, not exaggeratedly wacky) acting... this drama is not for you. But if you're in the mood for an easy-going, drama-free story about achieving your dreams (and can tolerate a clingy female lead), I recommend it.

Leia Mais

Have you ever asked yourself what's more important in a drama? Plot or acting? Can a good performance turn a mediocre plot into something unique?
Fated to Love You answers this question with a decisive Yes.

Let's have a look at this plot. Aside from it being a remake of a popular Taiwanese drama, this is a collection of old clichés: doormat girl meets obnoxious rich guy, an incident of some sort occurs and compels them to live under the same roof, meddling – and maddening – relatives, random humour, misunderstandings, birth secrets, the 'other girl' and the 'other guy', all spiced up with a lot of noble idiocy (although this might be one of the few cases when the noble act is frustrating but comprehensible). It's not hard to see why I treaded on this very makjang field on tiptoe.

Therefore, my overall 9 has to be ascribed entirely to the impeccable acting and one of the best thought of OST of songs I've come across. Try out the first 10 minutes of this show, and you'll have no doubts the whole thing is going to be played on style, rather than plot substance. The performance of the whole cast is brilliant, but the two leads manage to outshine everything and everyone.
What could have resulted in two trite, annoying characters in lesser hands, becomes one of the best matched couple in melo/romantic comedy. Even when their plot-line drags – and it does, here and there – they are both able to sustain the silence and make it resound.

Jang Hyuk… wow, the man can act. Yes, I suppose this is a very superfluous statement for the many of you who know him, but this is my first time and I was enchanted. The character he creates here has no grey areas: Gun is so over the line he goes from hysterically funny to heartbreaking in the space of a few minutes. At times the two aspects are interwoven, and the viewer gets glimpses of his pain through his laughter. But his best trait in my opinion is that he doesn't give a dry fig about what people think of him: he goes on doing what he believes is right in the craziest of manners.
It doesn't hurt that the actor is seriously hot. Seriously. When he cuts his hair – this is not considered a spoiler, is it? - I was so distracted here and there I forgot to watch the drama and just watched him.

This said, Jang Na Ra is downright brilliant. For the first time in my drama addicted life, I loved a 'weak' heroine. There's a special quality about the rendition of her character that turns her weakness into strength, and her compliance into endearing sweetness. One can see why Gun falls in love with her, because the viewer experiences the same. Possibly, we all know from the start that Kim Mi Young will eventually change, and yet she keeps her true, generous nature intact. With her beautiful, huge eyes she speaks volumes and her chemistry with Jang Hyuk on screen is tangible.

Notable mention for Song Ok Sook, aka Mi Young's mother. I enjoyed every minute of her antics and rejoiced in her relationship with both her daughter and her son in law.

I already mentioned the music. As a rule, I only like instrumental pieces in dramas. I'm making an exception here not only because the songs are beautiful, but because each piece is chosen with the utmost care, emphasising in turn the fun, the suffering, the romance, the absurd. Isn't this what an Ost should do? Perfect score from me.

Because I believe the plot to be absolutely secondary in this drama, I'm sure it lends itself very well to future re-watching.

Leia Mais