The Master's Sun (2013)

I have watched the Hong sister's other masterpieces but this one is definitely one of my favorites.
It's a great proceeding to I Hear Your Voice.
It's a bit like the Thai dramas Raak Boon (if you have ever hear of it) It's definitely hilarious, adorable and you kinda only kinda don't expect what's happening.
I have only watched up until episode 4 as only 4 episodes have aired but i still think even after the drama finishes i would definitely watch it.
The music is what that makes it less scary, and also the ghosts aren't all that chilling so if your looking for a horror drama its good to watch but you won't be that scared.
The acting well...all the actors cast, as far as what i have seen from them i think they are great actors, they all make it hilarious and funny and unique in there own way so the chemistry between the cast and how they act with each other is really good!
The romance is really cute and adorable and once you have seen the first episode you will know what i mean, its very..different but funny.
You can see throughout this review that my main opinion of this show so far is that i's hilarious and it entertains me and as far as i know I'm someone who watches and likes things that most people would like as well, and i definitely think that whoever wants to watch this show is just like me so i say go for it.
It's super goooooooood!

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First I want to start by saying I have nothing against anyone who was a part of this drama and this review is my opinion of the show as a whole.

Pro:
Gong Hyo Jin is so adorable in this.
Episode 9 was a rollercoaster ride for my heart.

Con:
The ghosts aren't even scary.
I was rooting more for the second leads to get together then the main leads.
Everything started to get better around episode 9.
The story and backstory felt weak and boring to a point I had to take breaks and come back when I was ready to continue.

Overall: it's not rewatchable but at least watch it once.

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I found this while looking for a ghost story ( after having seen Bring it on Ghost, Hotel del Luna and Goblin which I really loved) , but somewhere along the way I started to really enjoy the romantic story, and I can almost say I will watch romantic stories again... Korean have a certain touch, even the ghosts are poetic and there are always philosophical messages that appeal much to me. Everything is smooth and goes without any vulgarity, which is so refreshing nowadays. In my opinion you really can watch it with children...
Obviously there is a part when things seem to fall apart, the end is not too pink, and along the road you have laughter, sadness, a lot of mixed feelings which make you want to watch more than just one episode per day...
And I can say this is the second korean actor I 'felll for' , So JI Sub is perfect, it's not only his look , his gaze, and his gestures, but his voice, and in this story, he doesn't melt overnight, which makes it more believable...
The other actors complete the leads perfectly, even though some events could have taken place sooner...
Finally the Music is on top too, you will want to listen to it after it ends...

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After finishing up The Master's Sun, I am finally able to write a review on this unique and exciting romance. :D
The Master's Sun is one of those shows that I heard about early on when looking into some dramas I could watch in the future. This show was listed on a multitude of websites and possessed high ratings, along with many reviews, so it was only a matter of time before I picked it up. And having it posses not just romance but a darker type of fantasy was something I can get behind in a blink of an eye.
The plot itself was extremely straightforward and possessed a feeling of something new each episode. There are episodic stories that revolved around individual ghosts, along with an overarching conflict in the background. I'll admit that the "main" conflict wasn't the most entertaining at some points and made you want to skip ahead to more of the ghost-related ones. Albeit, each problem had some effect on the characters and aided in their growth, so although boring sometimes, it provided so many opportunities for the characters and left some lasting impressions.
Oddly enough, the central conflict ended much earlier on compared to other dramas I've watched; so It was so intriguing to see how the writers used the large amount of extra time to focus on other aspects, which made the ending feel so complete and satisfying.
Now for the romance portion. The romance itself was charming, and I couldn't help but fall in love with both the main leads. As mentioned earlier, they each changed in such a natural and positive way due to the impact they had on each other, which was extremely satisfying. Gong-shil and Joong-won start off as the well-known rich man and poor woman duo, both with remarkably different personalities. Gong-shil being the fearful ghost seeing woman and Jong-soon being the coldhearted skeptic, which is most definitely a unique combination. But with their polar opposite personalities, you can see the natural progression both of them have. Not just as a romantic couple but as people in their own right. The main female protagonist even goes out of her way to become someone that doesn't have to rely on her partner, which is extremely heartwarming to see. The dialog between them was also enjoyable to watch. Joong-won having such a hard time when it comes to accepting his feelings for Gong-Shil made for hilarious misunderstandings and moments that just left you wanting to see how things end up. I do wish that there was a bit more weight when it came to them expressing their love. There were the occasional cute kiss scenes and some hand-holding, but that was about it. So a part of me wishes they went a bit deeper, but at the same time, it flowed nicely, so maybe that's just something that needs to be given up.
There was also romance between side characters that was also just as enjoyable. Sure they were much more slow going due to the shows pacing and wanting to focus on the main couple. Some couples were together since the beginning, and some only got together in the end, but none of them felt forced. Little by little, you can see why they got together and how they see each other regardless of the impact of their characters on the main story. They were really well written and provided more of that fuzzy feeling in the end.
When it comes to the characters themselves without their romantic partner, all I can firmly say is that they were so enjoyable. The actors themselves did a fantastic job and matched their roles so well. Even characters that were not in support of the main ones were fun to watch. Joon-won's aunt and uncle being prime examples of people who made me love them even though I was against them. In the end, there were just two characters I wasn't all for. One of them being your average "menacing" female antagonist and the other one being a character that wasn't given a fair shot. Since, although the pacing was good for the majority of the show, there were times that I felt a character should have been brought in earlier since they could have added so much more. Not that this worsened the show in any way, but it just brought a feeling of a missed opportunity.
I'll finally bring to light the ghost aspect of the show. There were a few things that didn't add up when it came to the rules for Gong-shil's ghost vision and interaction. For the most part, it was pretty simple and straightforward, but there were one or two moments that made me question when that became a thing. It seemed like each ghost had its own rules since one could do something while the others couldn't. Not that it bothered me much, but it was easy to see the writers trying their hardest not to leave any plot holes. As for the ghost adventures themselves, I can safely say I enjoyed each one, since it wasn't just a different ghost every episode. Yes, there were temporary ones that only served as symbolism or a helping hand towards character development. But there were also recurring ones that served as comedic relief among other things. But in the end, the fantasy aspect didn't feel out of place and was a tremendous joy to watch.
After all that, I can say that this is an excellent show to watch and I highly recommend it. I'm not saying it's my favorite of all time since there were a few moments that made me lose a bit of interest and can be considered slow. But the show as a whole provided so much enjoyment. There were heartwarming moments and there were heart-wrenching ones too. If you love romance and fantasy, then this is the show for you. Even if your not a big fantasy fan, then I'd still recommend this since the romance in itself is just so sweet and enjoyable.
Just relax and enjoy it! Happy watching - <3

Leggi di Più

Let me start with saying that I totally recommend watching this drama but despite really enjoying it, I have a couple of bones to pick with it. First, the positives. I think that the story was very engaging and fun to watch. I have a habit of fast forwarding annoying scenes in kdramas and I found that I didn't do it much here. I think the actors did a decent job, even though the parts that were written for them were not always that great. For example, I really liked Tae Gong Sil, but she acted more clingy than tired around JJW in the first episodes. Despite that, the interactions between the characters are just plain fun. I also liked how natural Joo Joong Won's character progressed to the point that we barely notice until the last couple of episodes. The ghost stories were interesting, too. I also liked the fact that even though there was a typical vain character and rich family members looking over the heir's shoulder, there wasn't a typical villain in the form of scheming family member. I was satisfied with how the story of Cha Hae Joo was solved, too.

Now, here are the problems with the show. I already mentioned the weird TGS's role. To me, she acted clingy at the beginning and then irrational and aloof in the end. The change was a bit too much. I also thought that the story kind of fell apart towards the end and. Adding the really annoying plot cliche towards the end was probably unnecessary, although it was handled pretty well for what it was. TGS's choices were fun to watch, but were sometimes very illogical to me. Overall though, I am going to rewatch it just because I really had fun watching it.

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Eventually watched it, eventually enjoyed it.

I had this drama on my watch list for literally years, and was really very conflicted about whether to watch it at all. I dislike horror, finding most of it fake, and many of the manifestations of spirits very cliched and boring. It is also too often depressingly predictable.
When I did decide to watch, I had massive reservations about the premise, but also quite strongly disliked the female lead - an excellent actress, but I have too often seen her play the same long-suffering, passive, devoted, courageous but self-effacing female who has to be abused for too long before she is eventually considered worthy of the attention of a self-aggrandising narcissistic male. That's neither good writing nor a model for good relationships, and frankly it worries me what people think is a good example for minds and emotions to learn from
Because of this, I struggled with this drama in the first few episodes. I simply could not understand Tae Yang, as she whined and simpered, yet she seemed also to find it mindlessly funny. It was annoying, and I would have happily slapped her upside the head to see if we could drill a bit of sense into her. It wasn't that I could not see the situation she was in, or the fear she was battling, but her antics in relation to Jun Won were just awful, and not particularly believable. Believability though is pretty redundant here.
As we trickled through the episodes even her annoying mannerisms and glitches gathered a little charm, and Jung Won's arrogance was tempered. The innocent double-entendres of her need for his body were a small and quiet joy, as were their discussions of her seduction later on. I started to enjoy their company as each of them became more the person they were supposed to be. All the other characters and cast were well rounded and well realised too. I really feel that writers did a good job, painting characters and plot by means of excellent dialog, which was (once people stopped whinging) a delight.
The acting was excellent - from everyone involved. I've tried to think critically and pick a hole somewhere, in any performance, but I can't. When I watch something and find an actor's performance weak or jarring I often have to stand back and consider how well the role was written or directed, because that is often the real weakness. I really enjoy that I never had to even think about that here.
Ghosts do nothing for me - too often under-written and cliched - but it was nice that here the ghosts were in themselves characters, with motivation and pain and tasks they had to finish, and that many of them actually developed and were ready to move on. Those wee sub-plots and stories for the ghosts were all pretty enjoyable and satisfying. I was also very impressed by how this series actually touches on a number of serious issues which in Korean society are taboo, and love that it is done quietly, with little actual drama, but great kindness and acceptance.
The weakest ghost story for me was certainly the main device, that of trying to resolve the mystery of the kidnap and the whereabouts of the ransom. When that was finally settled it was something of a damp squib. The drama needed something a bit more meaty that we could actually care about - by the time this resolution came around it was completely irrelevant and did not change anything for any of the characters, except "Hana" - though that was a bit satisfying - self-satisfied smirk removed from that face at last!
Pacing was good - 17 episodes is an odd length, and thankfully they didn't try to pad it out to make 20 boring or repetitive episodes! 17 good episodes is excellent!
Music plays a massive role - often it gets on my nerves. Here the music wasn't always the awful soupy strings which sometimes make me feel slightly sick and dizzy, imagining all those violinists' elbows working back and forth as if they're stirring a massive bowl of porridge, and some of it was quite pleasant. It even seemed as if some of the songs carried the story of someone's inner processing, but since Netflix doesn't translate lyrics, that is really anybody's guess, and for me they were pretty irrelevant. Might have made 16 episodes without all that. That said, the music was often far too prominent - so that on those occasions when a conversation wasn't set against a "soundtrack" it offered an oasis of clarity and light - what a relief. The soundtrack was at times oppressive - like musac. Sorry. Could have done without most of it.
This became a much better drama than I at first expected, and I did massively enjoy myself, had a great time with all the major and minor characters.

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A ghostly watch with a beautiful love unfolding

Have you watched So Ji Sub drama before. Great than, because he will make you fall in love not instantly but slowly.
It's a ghost story and as promised there's scary ghost as well as funny ghost.
What's the difference from other ghost stories, it will show you through the heroine a different phase after death. Some time, the on-off relationship between hero and heroine will tire you. But the crackling chemistry will be there making you wander what the maker wants to do.
Music is not much memorable. There's a second lead in the story. But Seo In Guk as Kang Woo doesn't bring much change in the story. You can rather consider him as a treat to eyes. Popular singer L from Boy band "Infinite" has played a pivotal role. Look forward to it. Gong Hyo Jin, well my first drama with her in the centre and she is such an intriguing performer. She alone can pull the story on her shoulder. That is her charisma.

What are you thinking? Delve into this ghostly journey if haven't yet,!!

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Loved this show! It was the first kdrama I’ve ever watched and it wasn’t disappointing either. I seen clips on Facebook and always wanted to watch it till I finally gave in. It was worth it. Great chemistry. I’m however I wish they gave us a better ending or came out with a second season about the couple. I really hope they do give it a thought or try. The storyline was perfect and the fact that they didn’t focus too much on the main storyline in each episode was good. They give you other stories within the show that will help lead up to the main point. Watch it you won’t regret it at all!

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The Master's Sun (2013)

Relatively fine.

I'm not much into the spooky-based shows, especially with the "I see dead people" twist, but I was pleasantly surprised by The Master's Sun. Although the spook factor is toned down as the show progresses and the show turns a bit into a slice of life-y, pseudo-romance-y, melodrama; take that as you will.

While the ghost story lines are directed pretty well, they are sometimes awkward and logically head-scratching. The cinematography is uncreative and the dialogues are oftentimes stiff. And yes, a lot of the classic K-drama tropes come into play as well:

- dismissive man meets pitiful woman romance
- arrogant woman falling in love with the uncaring man romance
- amnesia plot device
- "bad step-mom" character
- airport scene

The climax of the show where all the "big reveal(s)" happen--- were unexciting. An anticlimactic, awkward ending sequence featuring an unconvincing villain resulting in an endgame that just sorta... happens?

And the show never stops annoyingly beating the proverbial dead horse with the "sun" wordplay. Female lead is the Male lead's sun; big sun, little sun, The Master's Sun; yeah I get it... enough already.

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Voir les fantômes n'est pas drôles mais peut déboucher sur une belle rencontre !

Mes commentaires au fil du drama :

1 - Je viens de voir le 2 et 3 de Master's sun et ça me plaît beaucoup plus ! Je sais bien que les dramas coréens, faut leur donner leur chance au moins jusqu'à l'épisode 5 ...  et je n'oublie pas que j'avais abandonné Chuno après l'épisode 1 pendant des mois, pour ensuite le dévorer et le placer définitivement dans mon top 5 !!!    Gong Yoo Jin, que j'aime beaucoup par ailleurs, en fait quand même un peu beaucoup question minauderies et manières, et ça me gave un peu (j'ai peu de patience avec ces dames ...  ) par contre, So Ji Sub, si je vous le laisse volontiers question swoon, me rappelle un peu Mr Playmobil ( Cha Seung Won et croyez bien que c'est un compliment  ) dans son personnage de mec détestable et dont on sait depuis la première minute comment il va basculer ...   Il a une belle présence et il arrive très bien à faire passer un personnage assez cliché quand même ! Et les fantômes, ça ne fait pas peur, on voit très bien que ce sont des acteurs maquillés ...  

2 - Je continue "master's sun", qui me plaît vraiment beaucoup parce que c'est pas mal barré et vraiment drôle !!! Même si je ne swoone toujours pas sur l'immonde coiffure de So Ji Sub, ses pantalons trop courts et ses pieds nus dans les chaussures bicolores, sa veste rose et son pantalon bleu ciel (mais QUIIIIII crée la mode en Corée ???    ) bref, je l'apprécie quand même beaucoup comme acteur, et c'est l'essentiel, non ???   Le couple qu'il forme avec Gong Yo Jin fonctionne à merveille et heureusement qu'il y a les fantômes, ce qui nous évite la sempiternelle romance mec riche imbuvable/fille pauvre sympa, en tout cas ça la pimente bien et surtout c'est fort drôle ! La nuit que ce pauvre garçon passe a voir défiler les différents personnages qui "possèdent" la fille vaut son pesant de cacahuètes !!!    L'épisode avec le petit garçon et la poupée était fort émouvant, et heureusement que la scène en prison redonne un sourire bienvenu !

3 - J'en suis au 7, j'espère que ça va continuer comme ça, mais ... c'est la Corée, n'est-ce pas, donc méfiance ...     

4 - Après deux épisodes de master'sun et je suis un peu déçue, le coup de la fiancée qui débarque, depuis HYD, on nous l'a quand même refait souvent et en plus là ça vient comme un cheveu sur la soupe, et quand même se faire l'aller-retour Incheon/Seoul le temps de chasser le fantôme, c'est un peu gros !!
Mais dans l'ensemble c'est plutôt pas mal ...   

5 - Je continue avec plaisir "the master's sun" dont j'aime beaucoup les aspects humoristiques
(voir le CEO assis su un banc parlant à un supposé fantôme qu'il ne voit pas par couvercle de poubelle interposé est tout à fait réjouissant !!)     
D'ailleurs j'aime beaucoup son personnage, assez classique mais bien ficelé quand même. Par contre j'aimerais que Gong Yoo Jin arrête de se mordiller les doigts et de se repousser les cheveux (sans vraiment les repousser, d'ailleurs) parce que c'est devenu si répétitif que ça agace !! et surtout ça sonne faux ... dommage ...   
La fiancée n'était qu'un prétexte pour faire un cliffhanger de fin d'épisode et elle a disparu aussi vite qu'apparue (je crois qu'elle jouait dans SKKS, de même que le CEO dont le père s'habille en femme jouait le traître dans Chuno …)
J'adore reconnaître des acteurs ... quand je ne me trompe pas !!  

6 - Il me reste 4 épisodes à voir pour finir Master's sun, et bien que l'intérêt ne faiblisse pas (encore ...   ) j'ai moyennement apprécié l'arrivée de la jumelle, et de l'amnésie, on se croirait tout à fait dans le dernier épisode HYD, manque plus que la tempête de neige !!!    
Mais ce que je me suis gondolée devant les trois mecs chantant une comptine sur les trois ours à un fantôme de gamin qu'ils ne voient pas !!! Scène excellente !!!      

7 - Je suis à la fin du 15 de Master's sun, normalement ça devrait finir là, ce serait une fin logique, mais il y a encore 2 épisodes, je me demande bien ce qu'ils (elles ??  ) ont bien pu inventer pour forcer le happy ending !!!   


Conclusion :
J'ai fini "Master's sun" et à part un ramollissement sur le 15 et le 16 (je pars, tu restes, tu pars, je reste   ) c'est quand même un drama qui m'a beaucoup plu.  
L'histoire des fantômes rend l'intrigue, au départ fort banale, bien plus intéressante et originale et surtout cela ne se prend jamais au sérieux, malgré quelques moments d'émotion touchants. De plus j'ai retrouvé avec bonheur le héros de reply 97, que je trouve toujours aussi chou et So Ji Sub est vraiment excellent dans son rôle de protecteur malgré lui.
Le voir discuter avec une poubelle est un grand moment !!
Il y a nombre de trouvailles humoristiques qui font passer la traditionnelle intrigue amoureuse, sans parler du "petit soleil" essayant en vain de séduire le garde du corps, ce qui donne là aussi des dialogues très drôles.
C'est le drama parfait pour passer un bon moment de détente !!
par contre énorme bémol : la chansooooonnn !!!!!    qui revient sans arrêt, avec en plus les paroles dessous pour qu'on n'en perde rien !!! ... mais ça, c'est le prix à payer avec les dramas coréens !  

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