Reviews

I loved every minute of this drama, it has made it to my top 5 Family dramas (of this length) ! Best family drama of 2014 so far!

Story: a divorced mother of 3 girls ends up moving next door to her "oppa" and when families meet sparks fly (good and bad) lol, we see the process of her daughters falling in love and there's someone for the mother too ;) anyone who likes family dramas, this is one you aren't going to want to miss!!!

Cast: Jae U (LSW) my personal favorite and probably the "main main" male lead - his characters never fail to make me fall for them - he was a true sweetheart <3 Da Jeong the second eldest daughter and my favorite female lead. In U who is a bit childish but funny at some points, sometimes I was a little annoyed but most of the time he'd pull a smile from my face with his childish ways - especially around his brother ;) Da Ae a pharmacist who comes to love a man with a teenager, she was nice but I hated the way she'd cry. Da In the youngest daughter a photographer and finds love along the way too - hers was shown the least but it was cute when it was shown. Seo Lee, a lot of people didn't like her - but I liked her since the first time we get to see her, she was always nice although a bit materialistic at first (I knew that would change). Then we have the grandparents - I loved them!!! Whenever they'd sing "what about my age" I'd sing along with a smile on my face :D Min Shik a very nice warm-hearted father (love it when this actor plays a good decent guy). the only people I never really liked was Shin Ae - aggravating through almost the entire show (although it never ruined the drama for me b/c all the rest of the characters wouldn't give in to her) & Ho Jang (the girls despicable father). Hee Joo a mysterious man a first, I always wondered why he was always with Da In but after a while I kind of figured it out and then things were revealed - I liked him for the most part. Ji Ho - he was cute, especially when his father came one time and we find out he takes after his daddy hehe ;) the only complaint I had about Song Jeong is her clothing!! it looked like she was in rags for most of the drama. Goong Young, I liked him "uncle" he was very persistent but never annoying - he was special.

Music: most enduring song: What About My Age by Hong Jin Young - I love that song so much!!!!

Re-watch value: 10/10 I will definitely find time to re-watch this drama someday :D

Leia Mais

An extremely decent romcom. I was swept into addiction after finishing the first few episodes and my excitement lasted until the last 4-5 episodes, the two last episodes bored me to death but were necessary to wrap up the story.

This drama was really well written, acting was nice and music effects interesting. The chemistry between the main couple was good and Jang Mi was a fun, surprisingly sane heroine. There was a lot to laugh about and many lovable characters.

It's hard to find much to complain about but if there is something I must mention is how one dimensional the side characters appeared. Too much time was given to boring pasta making, Jang Mi eating and Ki Tae's mom.

Leia Mais

This was an average show with many many plot twists, bad music, bad acting and extremely unrealistic storytelling. But still, there was something that gave me the feels. I can say I enjoyed the mess. I often watched this show while cooking or doing something else, all important moments got repeated countless times so even if you miss a few episodes you won't miss anything.

If you can get past the woman hating in the beginning you will be awarded in the end. Good wins and bad gets to learn the lesson + a chance to redeem itself. No matter how I hated the baddies they were often the most interesting to watch and they were the ones who drove the plot forward. But God did I hate them, they made my blood boil and one of the reasons why I finished this drama was to see them suffer. The show gets boring at some point but there is always something refreshing happening all the time, never mind it's unrealistic and stupid. Just don't take this show too seriously.

Even though there was enough time to tie all loose ends some things were not explained properly. Anyway, the ending was decent no less. Personally I was a bit disappointed with the pairing, probably I am the only one who wished Hana to end up with that other guy.

Leia Mais

Story: It touches on a sensitive topic in our current age of technology and increased focus on identifying and helping those with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Though the entire film centers around these problems, the approach is still subtle in a way where the message to the viewer is firm but not preachy or PETA-esque. I think if you are even mildly intrigued by the plot, I highly recommend that you watch it. On the other hand...

Acting/Cast: Our main man, Yamapi (Yamashita Tomohisa) has done it again. He's not a bad guy but his acting is just so flat...I don't even know how to describe it, because his tone and intonation are there, but his face, body language...just somehow doesn't line up with the words that are coming out of his mouth. However, the lead child actress is an absolute delight.

Music: Nothing noteworthy.

Rewatch Value: I don't rewatch anything really, so I'm giving it a middle value of 5. Sorry if that's not particularly helpful.

Overall: A good film to pick for its bravado in addressing the societal and familial problems occurring today. Execution was fairly good. If the story does not interest you, don't watch it just because Yamapi is in it because you will be disappointed u_u

Leia Mais

There is no one else can pull of the role of Cheong Song-Yi like Gianna Jun could for " My love from Another star. Kim Soo hyun was amazing as Do min Joon. The couple was a perfect match for the characters. The story-line falls along with fantasy of Alien from who falls in-love with an Earthling. It has a touch of " Super Man," feeling along with a touch of " Iron man." He has powers, but he cannot fly. He from another planet his he has a krypton that is tricky to work around so he need to careful. I won't want to give too much away in my reviews. However I do have to say this is a drama that you would want to slowly watch because when you get to the ending you don't want it to end at all. You want a few more episodes of happy ending.

Some fans didn't care for the ending because it didn't seem complete. I think it was great it left the audience to imagine they are can work around this tricky situation. I would re-watch this drama if I had someone who has never seen it before because it was so good the first time I don't need to do it all over again, if you know what I mean? I have to say I would recommend anybody who loves Korean Drama this is on the top of my list for 2014. I can't wait for their next collaboration. If they have another one.

Leia Mais

It's Okay, That's Love is one of the best written dramas, casted and acted I have seen since " My Love from Another Star." I am a fan of Gong Hyo Jin she ( Ji Hae-Soo) is a fabulous actress and I always felt she was talented in any role she play. The guy actor Zo In-Sung (Jang Jae-Yeol) is new actor for me although he's been in many films and dramas I just never ran across him. I thought I wouldn't like him as a match up for Gong Hyo Jin, boy was I wrong! I love him as Jang Jae- Yeol. I felt all the acting including the co-stars were excellent.

The story line doesn't fall into the A-typical Korean Drama. You know Rich boy falls in love with poor girl, Cinderella story, followed by a disapproving parents and some guy or girl who plots evil against them. Thank goodness this one had a story line about psychiatry work and patients. It had wonderful romantic story no just with the main characters but also with the supporting characters too.

I can't get over how the music was pair perfectly with the drama. From the theme song intro to the songs that match the special scenes the song selection is KEY to any drama. It made the drama more meaningful and intense and light-hearted when it needed to be. I would recommend this drama to everyone looking for something new in a Korean Drama and wants to laugh and cry through it all. I don't want to give away too much which is why my reviews leave so many whole in it so people should desire to watch it.

Leia Mais

One more drama from the 90s without any review. So I decided to write about this one, too. Honestly I think these old dramas are the best in every way you look at them, especially dramas with romance as the main focus. I wanted to watch this one because I liked the story and because of the brilliant cast, Mikami Hiroshi, Toyokawa Etsushi and Suzuki Honami. Those actors are really so talented and I enjoy in their works especially in Etsushi's dramas. This was his first drama, his first role so I guess that's why he wasn't the main lead and didn't have so many scenes to show what he's made of but he was good enough, exactly what was his role he portrayed it in the best way.

As for the Suzuki, that woman is just too beautiful, I watched her in Tokyo Love Story where she was fantastic but in this drama she was way too brilliant and amazing, I was hypnotized all the time when she was in the screen. Hiroshi as the main guy, I was mesmerized by him, he just know how to portray tormented, lonely, tortured soul with a serious psychological problems, I've seen him in Lipstick and there he was fantastic and I thought that he couldn't play better any role. But I was so wrong. This is for sure, 100 % his best role, the most complex one and I've never seen that kind of acting like his in some drama.

One thing is sure about this drama and that is that there isn't no darker and more depressing Japanese drama than this one. Literally. I've watched many of them, old ones, new ones but like Kono yo no Hate, never. I mean there are no happy things at all, rarely you get to see some smile, some light, well maybe only in the last episode. This is the first drama I saw that there was a drug addict as the main lead and that someone from the top, a married man with career, a famous pianist fall so deep down in a a gutter and become worthless. And that is what fascinated me and wanted to see more and more, how Hiroshi played a heroin addict, you know how Japanese are the masters in creating some drama to be so realistic one, and I really thought that he was on some drugs. He starts from the top, a man with money and power who accidentally meet Mariya and fell in love with her, then the next stage is how he leaves everything for her, they start to live a happy life but not for long because some things begin to happen and slowly everything starts to fall apart. What left me with the most impressions was that man Shido, how he became wreck of a man, you could see how heroin had an affect on him, how he destroyed everything he had and the woman he loved because of that drug. This drama showed us how no matter how much you love someone if you abandon everything, your life, your career for that person and the most important if you lose yourself, start to lose self confidence and doubt in yourself and the woman(man) you love causing to become jealous and obsessive, you'll lose everything and that's when you turn to other vices and destroy your life and all that love you had for someone. It was very difficult for me to watch this drama because I am a person who hates drug in every single way but I always want to hear the stories and to listen to people who have gone through that hell and that's why this drama had such a big effect on me.

As for the main girl Mariya, she was the most gentle, kind and selfless person in this drama, actually the most selfless character I've ever got to meet but not the stupid one. This girl should have a medal for everything she's gone through, she was not typical girl at all, dressed more like a guy with short hair, smoking cigarettes all the time and with a quick temper. But how strong she was, how smart, how she was helping selflessly her sister, her mother, Shido to the very last breath. She was also a very tormented young soul with tragic past and you could easily see through each episode how she was struggling with everything, with all the insults, offensive words, rude behavior and remained strong, positive and cold from the outside, I think she is the woman I truly admire and respect.
In this drama I liked also the side characters, especially the guy with a scar, he was such a hero and cool guy, and I liked it how you get to see their stories, not only of the main couple.
There are no perfect and happy people in this drama, everyone had their own flaws and issues in the brain, simply that is the thing with Japanese, when they make a drama they make it more realistic and more darker than anyone else. And I admire that completely.

Kono yo no Hate is a drama with tragic events, dark issues, depressed atmosphere, crazy people, many tortures souls, with music in the background which suits so good with all the non happy things and happenings, I truly think that this drama is no doubt the most complex one I've ever watched but also a drama with the biggest and strongest emotions ever.
A true love story about a man who had everything and lost everything because of his stupidity, immaturity and jealousy and a woman who didn't have anything and who fought 'till the last breath for the people she loved risking her own life and not stopped believing and trusting her man. The story that showed us how love great and strong can be that nothing couldn't stop or destroy her but that sometimes just love isn't enough.
A true masterpiece for me.
If you look for something very different than all other dramas, if you don't mind real human stories, if you don't mind dark, depressed, problematic and mind issues plot with the complex characters, if you love a full development of how and why things happen and if you love not simply, not fairytale, a very serious and complicated romance story then this drama is a must watch for you. Also what was a big plus to the drama is how at every beginning and ending of an episode, Shido narrates and telling us his own thoughts from the time he met her until the end and you could easily find yourself to understand and feel everything he tells you through those sentences.
For me it was a piece of art. And in the end left me with so many lessons, deep messages and gave me a light in that dark atmosphere.

Leia Mais

First of all, if you're looking for one particular, obvious reason to watch this drama, it's the chemistry between GHJ and JIS. I don't know whether if it's because of both of them are a very experienced actor/actress or what, but their chemistry makes us the audience just want to ship them until the end of the day. it's like u want them to really be a thing even after the drama ends. They are just THAT compatible w each other. they"re not awkward. the acting is superb. Kwang Soo and D.O didn't disappoint either. The OST also great. Yoon Mirae yet again w another great song after Master's Sun OST success. The storyline is also excellent. definitely worth it. Go watch this dram if you still haven't. Highly recommended!

Leia Mais

Firstly, I want to say this: I loved this drama! This drama was amazingly warm-hearted and it always made you smile.

To be honest, I started to watch this drama because of Park Se Young. I wasn't really aware of the other actors (except for Kim Mi Sook and Jung Man Shik).

This drama is presented as a family drama and this description suits it very well. Everything in this drama is about family and I liked it that way.

I was a bit worried to watch Glorious Day, because 50-ep dramas usually scare me off but then I gave it a chance and I made a really good decisions. Unlike other long dramas, this drama was fast-paced and every problem got resolved very quickly (max. 2-3 episodes)

I was really addicted to this drama at the beginning. I even watched SBS live, so I could see the episodes as soon as possible. Then my addiction dropped, but this drama still became a drama I was looking forward to watch, because it always made me smile.

STORY
I loved the story in the beginning. It was fast-paced and gripping, then somewhere in the middle it lost its spark for a while but regained it very quickly in the last episodes. Unfortunately, this drama was cut down to 44 episodes in the end (because of the ratings in Korea) and honestly, I don't think that this drama deserved it. However, despite that, the writers did a great job with the ending. I was smiling like crazy. I could compare this ending to It's Okay, That's Love. I think this ending was just perfect for this drama.

ACTING
As for acting, most of the actors did a great job, but I could have seen many flaws in their acting. However, because of the storyline and chemistry between the actors, I just didn't pay so much attention to it. By the way, I loved the chemistry between Park Se Young and Lee Sang Woo. If I should pick an actor who did the best job, then it would be Kim Hyung Kyu, in my opinion. He is so young, and he did an amazing job! Really talented!

MUSIC
The music was kind of so-so. But the original songs were perfect for the story. I loved how they used trot songs.

If you are looking for a heart-warming drama, with a great chemistry between actors and you have a free time to watch it, then, please, don't hesitate and watch it! It's worth your time!

Leia Mais

Alright, that was about the cutest thing that I ever witnessed! Watching Kyung Min fight his attraction so damn hard to Jung Eun was adorable and full of comedic gold! Seeing him squirm in his jealousy was amazing, and the two leads' dynamic was just perfection. If the drama had one criticism working against itself it's that we never really see these two have moments of a healthy relationship. Most of the drama is spent with these two bickering and being at odds, which is great for entertainment and story but it makes it a bit difficult to buy them as a long term couple in the end.

If this series had done a bit more to show instances of these two learning how to work out their differences, I'd be a little more pleased. That said, I so enjoyed how the lead actor was able to walk that line of being an asshole but so redeemable, and how the lead actress managed to show forgiveness without coming off like a doormat.

Leia Mais

This was the second time I watch this drama, proves its rewatch value!
The Story: The story is quite beautiful, about a lost soul, who wants to complete what she started without leaving any loose ends. although I find the younger girl quite plastic looking, her acting was good, of course the Unni's acting was the best.
the lead guys didnt do a bad job too.
although its had humour it is laced with deep emotions of sadness and regrets. It is a romantic drama, although I did not find much chemistry between the leads.
All in all, a well written and addictive drama.
The ending is unpredictable and actually quite realistic, although sad. Even though I wanted a happy ending, it would not have gone with the flow of this drama.

Leia Mais

Isn't “Roosevelt Game” an unusual title? Though at first glance it might look odd, once one learns the context things grow clearer. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, that famous American president, adored baseball—so much its terms often featured in his legendary radio addresses! But though he cherished the game as a whole, his favorite situation could be described as a close call; a terrific match was one, in his words, “that guarantees the fans a combined score of not less than fifteen runs, divided about eight to seven.” So a terrific drama like this one, with its engrossing tale of determination, close calls, and unexpected reversal… well, it could bear no better name.

There are actually two story lines in Roosevelt Game: one concerning the ailing manufacturer Aoishima Seisakujo, the other its beloved but struggling promotional baseball team. Both are written solidly enough to stand alone, but complement each other so well why should one want them to? Together, these plots form an exciting masterpiece—though I avoid using that word if it can be helped. Often the events in one half relate to those in the other—but without the heavy-handedness this narrative device often carries. Some parallels are so subtle as to create a feeling of “Ah!” in the viewer when they are realized. And, as one might expect from the team behind Hanzawa Naoki, an overall atmosphere of intensity and forward motion permeates both elements—business and baseball alike. It has all the intrigue and heart-thumping one could wish; several times I found myself exclaiming aloud or nearly jumping upright, no exaggeration.

Because they share an author in Jun Ikeido and even directors, it is impossible to talk about this drama without referencing Hanzawa Naoki. But please, do yourself justice before coming in: don’t expect another Hanzawa Naoki, even though certain components may resemble that excellent series. Roosevelt Game, I felt, was actually an improvement on the model in many essential respects. For one, the human element was decidedly more powerful here—there were even brilliant touches of the life drama Japan so excels in. Thematic components found themselves better applied across the board, creating one solid arc rather than two. But perhaps most telling, Roosevelt Game concludes its 9-episode run satisfyingly self-contained and complete…with one less episode, and no need for continuance. As wonderful as Hanzawa Naoki was and still is (I’ve both marked highly), there’s no reason to allow it to overshadow this rare discovery in its impressive enormity.

I mentioned cinematography earlier; let me conjure it up again briefly. There are indisputable similarities to Hanzawa Naoki (again, same team); you've got the intense close-ups, dynamic angles, and unique shots. However, Roosevelt Game again sets itself apart with brighter lightning and softer colors. I also don’t believe another drama exists with such brilliant baseball footage! Though it isn't my favorite sport, I would be a liar if I said these games were not as exciting or remarkable as any action sequence in Asian television. If they used body doubles for the players, I definitely couldn't tell.

Speaking of players, what a uniformly talented cast! Enough are worth mentioning that I could write another few paragraphs on performances alone—but I won’t do that to you. Karasawa Toshiaki portrays President Hosokawa, an unpopular choice for this important seat; I am unfamiliar with him in a leading role, but he caught my eye right away. There is something of the tiger about him, his method is quiet and understated—but when he strikes, you know. Next is Kudo Asuka, another relatively new face to me and in actuality, as ace pitcher Okihara. A simple and sweet character, Kudo draws the viewer in with a mixture of gentle heroism and unassuming relatability. Be warned you may leave this drama affectionately referring to him as Oki. His wonderfully eccentric coach Daido is a scene-stealing gift via Tezuka Toru, while an executive officer occupies a similar space in the form of Sasai (a delightfully complex and stormy Eguchi Yosuke). So many more I’d love to mention, but please meet them in the drama instead!

For the lack of a more elegant term, the soundtrack is killer. The compositions, exquisitely arranged by Hattori Takayuki (Hanzawa Naoki, Shinsengumi!, Nodame Cantabile) are to absolutely to die for. I am not joking when I say that I've scrambled to find the Roosevelt Game soundtrack for purchase. Though almost entirely instrumental (with a few dramatic exceptions), the songs cannot be stopped from creeping into the brain. They are of an almost universally cinematic quality, from the stirring introduction and intrigue themes to anthems of crushing defeat and spirited victory. If you love string instruments, you’ll be in heaven especially.

One final warning: Roosevelt Game is frighteningly addictive. I finished the entire thing in one sitting—on a work night no less, and I almost want to watch it again right away. Take care when you start!

Leia Mais