Reviews

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

Favourite quote - Excuse me, that pink tie is the one I bought for your birthday, right? The children are lonely at home, go home early!
~ Asuka to Junpei

Reason for watching - I was looking for a funny drama and this was recommended in the MDL forums. Since it had both Jun and Eita, I knew I had to watch it.

Story - Seven detectives(with Jun being the rookie) who bicker and fight constantly, unite to solve the mysteries surrounding them.

Cast/Characters - The cast is good and the characters diverse. There's the preppy looking Junpei, sassy Asuka, the cool Shuntaro who is too curious for his own good, the hippie Nitta, mysterious president, the tech geek Kayano-chan and the stoic Tsukushi-san. The best thing for me about this drama is their dynamic relationships with each other. Each one is unique and they all come together in a wonderful way. They feel like a family.

My Favourite scenes - There are lot that were funny, but I loved the flashlight mug one and Junpei's contact names. Ieyasu! (Naturally, I thought of Samurai high school lol)

My favourite character - Shuntaro and Asuka. They have great chemistry and are . I so wanted them to end up together. I still have hopes for them in the special episode. :D

Music - I didn't really notice the music in this drama. Too caught up with all the stuff going on. But watched the theme song 'Wild at heart' by Arashi which was cute.

Rewatch value - Not sure if I'll rewatch(I seldom do), but it's fast-paced so may pick it up if in the mood for a funny detective drama.

Overall - Recommended for those who live workplace dramas, lots of bickering and bonding among the characters and detective stories which are light and easy to watch.

That's about it...I'm off to watch the special episode. :)

Leia Mais

I held off on watching this drama when it was airing b/c of the episode count (but I had it in my ptw list for JCW) - I'd look at clips on YT and was wary about starting this drama b/c of the other lead guy. I'm a person who hates "love triangles" and I especially hate "strong love triangles" and unfortunately this drama had a very strong "love triangle".
Cast: JCW (Huizhong Ta Hwan - Emperor) I loved the way he sincerely loved Nyang (HJW); his character was innocent/naïve and quite a bit stupid I must say... I liked him for the most part but I had hoped his character would really mature as the drama progressed but except for a few things he never really changes the way he is - I was "ok" with it for the most part up until the last 10 episodes where well he kind of goes crazy....(he makes up for it in the very end)...He is very handsome (biased on JCW as he is a favorite actor of mine).
HJW (Nyang Sungnyang Empress Ki) I liked just about everything about her character and personality except for the fact that she had the hots for the other guy for most of the drama (that really grated on my nerves and is the main reason I could never really like the guy - looks aside...)
JJM (Wang Yu King of Koryo) If I had to pick a ruler I'd probably pick him - but never as a lover (he is unattractive in my eyes - my own personal opinion) I hated him for the most part ONLY b/c he never truly let go of Nyang (HJW) - it really bothered me; if he had let go and vice versa then I could have liked him more, b/c he was a good ruler (even if exiled) and leader to his people and he helped out around Yuan a LOT - I appreciated him for all of that - but that's about as far as I got with him - just appreciation nothing more...
JYH (Tal Tal) I always wondered what peoples obsession with this guy was when I was watching earlier on in the show, it's not until half-way into the drama that we get more of this guy and what he is all about that makes people like him so much - I didn't care at all about him early on but later on I started to really really like him ;)
I'll throw all of the bad guys together in one group - I hated each and every one of the "bad guys" which is pretty obvious - they were all horrid people - well deserving of my hatred.
Story: I've seen better - much better as in: Jumong - this drama was written well but I could have done without the "love triangle" aspect.
Re-watch Value: right now not happening - it was good to watch once but I can't see myself watching this again. for me the best part of the show was from episode 28ish - 40...
Music: everyone raves about the ost - but it was just alright to me - I have no complaints but there weren't a whole lot of the songs that would stick in my head or that I would sing along with - the exceptions were: JCW's solo (I think it was him singing), Junsu's (JYJ) song, and 2 songs in the later episodes one by a girl and one sung by a guy (don't know the titles but I do know I started to sing with them surprisingly.

Lot's of people fell in love with JCW (actor) through this drama - I on the other hand loved him since Smile Donghae (I'm glad I saw him in all his other dramas before watching this one - his acting was flawless but not his best character in my books).

Leia Mais

I was initially intrigued because of the actors in this drama. I really liked it, but like many others have said it did seem to drag at parts and probably could have done better in 16 or 17 episodes rather than 20. I also felt like it was REALLY cheesy at some points, as in I thought to myself "Okay, this would never happen in real life, but I will accept it for the purpose of it moving the plot along of the show." I guess that's why it's called a "melodrama" though.

On a more positive note, this has probably one of the better OST music I have heard in the few dramas I have watched! It's played a little too much, but I guess that is to be expected when it is so short overall. I also think there may have been some cultural things I missed as well. It must be a "taboo" to like someone who **might** (not spoiling), become your step-sibling even though you're not blood related? I don't know, it just kind of aggravated me because to me I saw nothing innately wrong with it, and that seemed to be like 90% of the problems our 2012 characters have.

Finally, the acting was great though! Yoona and JKS were so cute together at certain points! I would love to watch another drama with them acting together. I do feel like they could have done more of development with the 2012 charters (Joon and Ha Na) though. It felt like less of a romantic relationship in reality where you get to know each other for a while, but instead in this there is a kind of of "instantly falling for someone" thing going on. In any case, I am a just a sucker for a good story and I enjoyed it for a bit of a mental break while I was on a break from school! :) Enjoy!

Leia Mais

having not watched the older version, not that i didnt try watching it but the graphics where too horrible so i skipped to this one, so for me, this is it, at first this drama was rainbows and unicorns a lot of laughing and the villain wasnt that evil yet, i even overlooked the cheesiness between Er kang and Zi wei that gave me goosebumps seriously blaaaah, but i still love that the whole drama wasnt centered around the love interests of one person ,it kept me entertained so much so that by the second i was like what? how did i get through half of it, and remember it is 98 EPS!! yeah still cant believe i finished it without dropping it for few days to think of a new reason to watch it again, however one thing i know XYZ didnt belong in the palace boy was she clumsy and staff, i loved it because i cant really criticize it since its a comedy .....well most of it, before it got serious on me, but XYZ still managed to make me laugh therefore i loved because it was funny and i would totally re-watch the first 93 episodes

Leia Mais

The first half was amazing. It was funny, romantic, full of friendship and simply great. Unfortunately as soon as they return to Thailand the drama takes a nose-dive. It feels as if they changed the writers. The characters seem almost schizophrenic. They change their opinions at every turn. The only ones who stay constant are Pat - he just continues to be spineless right until the last two episodes - and the main couple. But those two were great! Krit and Matt had perfect chemistry and made it seem like it was real and not just for a lakorn. If the director had stayed true to the first half, the show would have been a new favourite of mine! As a whole I don't regret watching it!

Rating:

3 points = 'hmmm...'
Rewatch value: I normally don't rewatch dramas, therefore.....

6-7 points = 'it's not better or worse than any other drama out there'
Story: nothing new, but enjoyable nonetheless
Music: not bad, but not very memorable either

9 points = 'I loved it'
Acting: Matt and Krit were fascinating. I could imagine them reacting the same way in real life. And for once the gay best friend was kind of funny and not simply annoying. Besides, I loved their friendship! It showed throughout the whole show and made my heart all fluffy ;)

10 points = 'I would die for it'
I don't give away 10 points. It really is that simple :)

Leia Mais