Reviews

This isn't a really comprehensive review of the story itself, although the story wasn't bad. I'm mainly disappointed in how certain characters are written. It's not the fault of the actors, they did the best they could with what they had to work with. My beef is this: a strong woman suddenly loses herself through all the events that take place. I can't stand a strong woman who suddenly becomes worthless. There are many side characters that made the whole thing palatable. Aside from that, I think the story is fine...meh... Watch it if you want to, but I won't be re-watching it probably ever. Once was enough.

Leia Mais

The synopsis did make me watch it. I have a soft corner for ""supernatural with a little heart"" kind of stories! And it is a mix of a little sweet, a little sad, little funny, a little face-palming and a bit of creepy horror. Yes, odd combination I know . The whole concept of putting such a manly main lead into such situations and watching him cope is hilarious at times, but watching the characters (of this world and hereafter) make connections is really well-done. The acting is pretty natural, the banter is so real, you feel you have said them or heard your friends say the same stuff at time, especially the main lead and his BF. The horror part is pretty well done too. Old school style horror but creepily close enough to real life: enough to give you the goosebumps when thinking about those sounds you hear at night when the wind blows. Can't say much about production value, but give it a chance. WARNING it may be a little draggy for all those used to fast paced K-drama or high gloss j-dorama but still give it a chance. Once you get past the lackluster sets, the story & relationships unfolding will keep you hooked. REWATCH: mmm... hard to be surprised a second time so unfortunately no, but definitely return to watch select scenes.

Leia Mais

Great plot, that starts and runs awesomely till the second half and then loses some steam in the middle of the second half. More than once, just when you think it's over, everything tumbles down and we're back to the struggle. Most of this last portion I watched in fast forward, skipping what felt tiresome to me.

Maybe they wanted to keep it realistic, without giving a fantastic drama ending. Which is exactly the case. There is no photo finish ending, but it's optimistic and everything that Yoon Kang and Soo In stood for throughout the series.
Similarly, the way revenge and violence is portrayed in this series is commendable. Most negative characters get a deserving kind of end, which isn't just violent.

One thing that makes the drama work even through it's somewhat dragging latter episodes is definitely Lee Joon Gi. He comes in many get-ups through the series and looks and performs great in each. My favorite is the gunman which he does with great flair and charm.

Another thing I liked was the relationship between Yoon Kang And Soo In. There was not much stirring passion or great chemistry, but there was a strong kind of bonding and affection. I loved how they almost naturally trusted and relied on the other. It was different from the usual sageuk romances, just as Soo In was not the regular sageuk heroine.

Overall, I enjoyed watching Joseon Gunman. While it isn't perfect, it is interesting and exciting(for most parts). A different kind of historical drama.

Leia Mais

10/10 is an exaggeration? You say that because you haven't watched the 11 episodes.

At first, I added it on my Plan to Watch list because of the all-star casing. Eita, Tsumabuki Satoshi, Aoi Yu, and Nagasawa Masami are very familiar names in the dorama world. Plus, the names Mitsushima Hikari and Hashimoto Ai are also noted for their acting skills.

And so I watched the first episode, first impression~ its old. The song, the setting -- but I wonder why I didn't pause/stop it. I watched the first episode and ended in tears. And so I know I will definitely be watching this! Of course I had to wait for a long time for the series to end and for the English sub to be available.

And it's all worth it. I don't remember ending an episode without crying. One time, when the new episode was out, I hurriedly watched it in the office. I didn't want my co-workers to see me crying so I tried my best not to --- but tears won't stop flowing~

But it's not just that. There are also a lot of lines and conversations which actually make sense. There are humor scenes in each episode which I always look forward. Physical actions are my favorite scenes. You know when siblings fight. Literally.

The song which is the very theme of the drama sounds old, but surprisingly, I didn't get tired of hearing it over and over. The storyline may be common but the conflicts are interesting. I find it more admirable since it's the very NOW. Yet we are reminded about the OLD characteristics we grew up with -- how to be passionate, to believe in others, to find hope, to be given permission to be happy, to chase your dream and realize it. But the highlight is really the SUPERB acting. I'm able to appreciate the drama because the actors are so real in their characters.

I'm trying to say, new/old jdrama fans should watch it. Yes, we watch doramas to be entertained and to just have fun. But watching Wakamono Tachi is really worth your time. Family, relationship, individuality, dream, reality, morality, life, love, money, work, lesson, chances, beginning, crime, changes, hope. It is so relate-able. You'd realize how much you already have. You'd appreciate life as it is. You'd think about your family back home. You'd ask yourself what it really is that you want. It'd make you see life in a different perspective. And allows you to check on yourself.

You're like. "What is she talking about?" I don't know. I'm not very good in explaining things to other as well. I joined mydramalist since May 8, 2011, have a total of 307 on my list, 13, I'm currently watching, 150 are completed, 108 on my ptw, and 36 are on hold. But this is the first time I'm writing a review. Because it is worth it. I want others to watch it. My intention of posting a review is to encourage readers to watch it, not influence you to give it a try by working hard on my writing. I'm no good in writing. English isn't even my native language.

I watch Japanese dramas but i don't check on the technicalities --- ratings from Japanese viewers, who are the writers/directors. Details of this review are purely my opinion based on my feelings while watching the series. Please watch it. I will rewatch it. Because - again - IT IS WORTH IT.

Leia Mais

I realize my ratings for this show are all over the place but I'll explain why one by one^^

The premise of the story (vampire prince accidentally getting stuck on earth while trying to visit a concert of his favourite girl group) is pretty wacky but also one of the two things that originally drew me to this drama (the other was the cast). It has an episodic format with an overarching story developing in the background. As a sitcom there's not that much plot happening, but the episodes do exactly what they're supposed to - make us laugh (a lot).
The reason I didn't give more than a 7 for the story is that the drama was cut short by a lot. I really liked the direction the writer seemed to take, but with the episode cut we unfortunately never reached the point where the backstory came into the foreground. What we get instead is a wtf ending that raises a lot of questions, but since the writer isn't to blame for that, I actually like what she did with it: Showing us what could have been if people had actually allowed her to tell the story until the end.

On to the cast:
1. I loved every single one of them.
2. Most of them were newbies which results in bad or awkward acting.

In other dramas these two points might be contradictory but I really wouldn't want to see anyone else in these roles for the sake of less awkward acting. The heart of the cast were definitely the 4 vampires landing on earth. I personally loved the vampire prince the most, but Lee Soohyuk as his quiet but loyal and caring bodyguard, Kim Woobin as the not so smart guy with incredible hearing skills and Hong Jonghyun as the nerd with an IQ of 790 were great in their roles as well. Kim Soo Mi was as usual a joy to watch in her role as the temperamental, cursing grandma.

Now the reason why I rated this show a 9 despite the lower scores in acting and story is simply because it's that funny. Starting from the prince's name, the vampires having to adjust to life on earth, the fact that beauty standards on the vampire planet are opposite from those in Korea, the 4 vampires calling the grandma aegi because with her less than 70 years she's still a baby to them to the budding relationships between the girl group and the vampire boys - it was just so much fun all around and made me laugh more than any other drama could so far.
It has a pretty low budget and the sense of humour might not be to everyone's taste, but when it is you're in for a fun watch!

Leia Mais

Heads up - this drama is virtually impossible to find online - I caved in and purchased it from ioffer for $75 - it was worth the money to me since I really wanted to watch it and am a fan of Park Hae Jin & Lee Seung Gi - I'd say if you're a fan of either of those actors it's well worth the money (if you like family dramas & really do want to watch this).

Story: About 4 daughters (Deokchill, Seolchill, Michill & Ttengchill) who are raised by a very strict soldier father, the oldest one has a hard marriage w/out love she ends up divorcing and finds a new life for herself; Seolchill (a strong & softhearted woman)(there is a secret surrounding her) she works as a soldier at the army base where Hanam (Park Hae Jin) first meets her (Hanam was the whole reason that kept me watching this drama - his character was practically perfect - he was so sweet and loving, sincere and the type who would never give up on his love - I loved him to pieces); Michill who is a very stubborn willful girl who speaks her mind - she considers it being honest while others take it as being rude (which it kinda is) she eventually^^ grows up ;) She goes after Ilhan to spite her sister Seolchill but in the process ends up falling in love with him (she was Ilhans first love). then there is Ttengchill - might I say the most absent minded one of the bunch? lol, she'd crack me up, I'd roll my eyes at how stupid she could be half the time haha - she winds up pregnant by mr.player/mama's boy Taeja (Lee Seung Gi) and they get married and go through ups and downs in there marriage while learning to adapt and mature together (p.s there is a side romance with Taeja's mother & Ilhan's uncle^^).

Cast: My favorite couple was Seolchill & Hanam after them it would be Taeja & Ttengchill.

Music: about 5 songs I remember... the theme song, 2 ballad songs, I song I can't find, and & "One Summer Night, I summer dream" song & besides the 2 songs the cast sang on the drama "ttengbal" "honeybee" (Taeja's family) and "step step you don't know what you got until it's gone" the grandma's regular song lol (they will stick in your head and you'll start singing along with them - wish I could find them)

I thought this drama had a good pace, there were a few characters that were in a few episodes that I didn't like and wish would disappear and luckily they do ;) one I remember the most and really didn't like was a navy officer that Seolchill's dad introduces her to - ugh the most boring man on the planet - and he actually thought he was romantic yuck. (when he talked I thought of something I NEVER think of when I listen to people - i thought he'd be horrible in ____ (i'll leave it to your imagination lol)).

I really loved the last 10 mins of the show lol the things that happened in the span of 3yrs was just too funny ;)

Re-watch value: 7.0 it's a family drama and long - but i wouldn't mind re-watching Hanam's scenes over and over again <3

Leia Mais

I've always enjoyed watching this kind of series and this one is no exception. However, how much the beginning was good and promising that much towards the ending plot became ridiculous and without a sense. No, I'm not trying to tell you not to watch it, it's even opposite, watch it and you'll see and meet one the best villian and psychopath EVER. Lee Joon potrayed a great, mad, twisted, crazy, unstable and psycho man that every time I saw him I got chills all over my body. His acting was so believable and real that I sometimes wondered if he's like that in real life and I would give a 10 for that. Yes, there are many flaws in this drama, besides that they made cops look totally ridiculous and clueless, I didn't like any of the female characters in this drama. Maria was the hell annoying and ridiculous trying to be something that she is NOT. Honestly, if I have to choose between her and Ji Wool it would rather be Ji Wool, 'cause at least she tried to help and understand Ryu Tae Oh, even if it's putting his life on line.
Yoon Sang Hoon did a best job in a character of a detective. For me, he tried his best and totally succeeded in it.
Ah, Sung Dong Il ahjussi... it's always a pleasure to watch him with a no exception this time too!

Overall I enjoyed this drama, but I think if they packed it all in 16 episodes this drama would have a higher rating and it would be a better watch. l've liked Lee Joon's character, even though he was bad, but there was something great about him and his mind. His craziness was driving me crazy too!

OSTs were really good, especially main song and all those kinds of instrumental played in this drama giving you a thrilling and exciting feeling.
For those who love thriller and suspense genre with a many twisted characters that at some point you want to go into their heads and understand what they're thinking, is totally not to miss!

Leia Mais

Let me start by saying River's Edge is an unusual episodic detective dorama. As a detective dorama, the mystery isn't the main focus. The mystery blends in perfectly with the moody atmosphere and it's darkness. Not all mysteries are meant to be solved and not all questions are meant to be answered.

Before I go on further I'll first introduce the 3 main characters here. Those characters and the casted actors were a perfect fit with what the dorama is trying to portray.

Muraki: Maybe the most mysterious of the bunch. Lazy, laid-back, uninterested, which is most perfectly fitted to be played by my dear old Odagiri Jo. Being usually unconcerned about anything, I enjoyed his interactions with the other two.

Megumi: She's the opposite of Muraki. She's full of energy and always up to something different. For some she may be hard to take on at first but she does grow on you in a big way. She doesn't change or anything, but you learn ti accept her as she is as a viewer.

The boss/Director: He's an interesting old man. I never get tired of listening to him. He's full of wisdom and somehow can have empathy with creepy weird men. His reactions to what Megumi is up to each episode is a delight to watch and he's the only one we get to know a bit about his past.

As for dorama itself, each episode deals with a case. The cases are mostly pretty simple, but need some digging. My only complaint here is that many episodes become repetitive with a number of similar cases.

I found the music to fit perfectly with the dark mood and general ambience of the show.

Finally I need to mention, as a Tv Tokyo midnight time slot, it has more freedom to become more artsy as well as more racy then your usual dorama. Specially compared to your usual detective dorama, although this one has hardly anything similar to the usual detective dorama.

Leia Mais

well this ismy first review but i just can’t help my self ..i don’t even know where to start

Acting : i fell in love with all the characters especially the male lead iam now a huge fan of jo in sung i just can’t believe how well he portrayed his charcter , iam glad to see that kim bum’s acting really improved since boys before flowers , the other charcter that realy capitivated me was moochul’s i realy realy realy hated him at first but then found my self really caring for him .. all other supporting charcters did a realy good job everyone of them just fits right to his role

Story : I’m not realy a big fan of melodrama but the story realy capitivated me from the first episode however i got alittle bored in the last four episodes but that doesn’t realy matter because the acting kept me going on watching because i just was really happy to see that amazing performances from all the characters and not to mention that i have never cried that MUCH while watching a drama

Music : i liked the ost of the drama it was realy nice and fitted too well to the story

Overall : this is a very nice drama with superb acting and even if you weren’t really interested in the story the acting will make you want to see and finish it as it was truly amazing

Leia Mais

The Quickie: There are dramas that make you want to eat ramen or drink beer. This drama made me crave grapes and watermelon. It's the warm and fuzzy type. No complicated storyline. No craziness. Some would say boring but I liked the characters enough to go all the way. If I were to describe this drama in one word it would be this: cozy.

Everyone and their dog knows who the actress Yoon Eun Hye is. Usually, I love her. She has a vulnerability and depth that most actresses have trouble showing on screen. In this drama she plays a (spoiled) city girl Lee Ji Hyun whom I did NOT like. Lee Ji Hyun ends up loosing everything in one day. Once a clothing designer, now an unwilling farm worker. Her last few days in Seoul are the beginning of her turbulent relationship with Jang Taek Gi (played by lesser known actor Oh Man Suk). Because of her accusations Jang Taek Gi lands in jail for the night. The two reunite on the vineyard Lee Ji Hyun has to spend the year working. Guess who her teacher is?

The two characters are typical. Lee Ji Hyun is the city girl who doesn't know the first thing about working the land or the rewards of a simpler life. She just wants some coffee and sleep. Beneath all that laziness is a compassionate person. Or so we are told.

Jang Taek Gi is the hardworking, quietly affectionate rural man with a surprising layer underneath all the dirt. He creeps into your heart slowly. Their love is a slow burn. Something that builds slowly and steadily throughout the grape harvest. Too bad she's dating the second male lead (Kim Gyung Min played by Kim Gyung Min).

The story is Lee Ji Hyun's. We watch as she struggles to make her family happy, keep her dreams alive, and find love. Is love with the doctor and a secure future or with the infuriating but sweet friend working the vineyard with her? I liked that before they were lovers, they were friends. Awkward friends, but friends nonetheless.

This drama was free of drama, instead trucking along like life does. The acting is excellent. The supporting cast just as important as the main characters. The village's dynamic is like a family. They did a wonderful job of making life at the vineyard come alive on the screen. It's a character driven performance that is best viewed when you feel like falling in love slowly with lots of laughs along the way.

Leia Mais