Reviews

Getting through the first episode was impossible, the males characters on this show are so rampantly sexist I literally screamed at the screen halfway through. "One night stand women are easy and deserve to be used and discarded." "Clingy women are why men cheat." "Women who ask men out are aggressive." "Women who get revenge on cheating boyfriends are pathetic." "Women who buy their boyfriends gifts are ABUSIVE." Oh my freaking god, considering in my country 1 in 4 women are actually PHYSICALLY ABUSED at some point in their lives and the NUMBER ONE cause of injury to women is PHYSICAL ABUSE. On average, more than THREE women and one man are MURDERED by their intimate partners in this country every day. But apparently buying gifts is the just as bad. This show made me want to vomit and represents everything wrong in the world. I don't care if everyone does a 180 by the end (unlikely as that is) the setup was disgusting and straight out the 1950's.

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It is really hard to write a review without being all spoilery... I'll try my best!

I must admit, I started watching Summer Nude because of the cast: my goodness, what a cast! Yamapi, Karina, Erika Toda and even Nagasawa Masami (yes, my little ProDai heart started beating so fast), Katsuji Ryo, Itaya Yuka... oh my worlds collide. And I wasn't disappointed, I must say.

It has everything we want from a getsu9: great actors, good music, beach, sun, a bunch of friends and love triangles/squares/pentagons/hexagons... The overall story is not THAT great though: in my opinion it lacked a little something, you know, that thing that can hook you up for the whole series and which is originally provided by the main characters.

I ended up being more interested in secondary characters (Mami, Takashi, Secchan), and especially in Hikaru. I honestly didn't know much about Kubota Masataka (well, i've only seen him in Boku no Hatsukoi wo Kimi ni Sasagu) but I think his acting is really good. I love his character so much, and who wouldn't: a young man who is always super quiet, loves reading, not that handsome and wearing glasses (oh how I love clichés), doesn't speak much, works in a small video-rental shop and is desperately in love with Hanae (Toda Erika) who's herself involved in a one-sided love with the gorgeous Asahi (Yamapi) . Good enough for me!

What's really agreable is the background: we can follow a group of friends enjoying summer in their small town by the beach, it's hot, they have fun, they eat, they drink (A LOT), all this served with some good soundtrack.

I would not call this a must-watch, 'cause I pretty much knew how it is going to end from the first episode. (yeah, I am patiently waiting for the last episode to be subbed but still, it's obvious.) It remains a nice story for those who long for summer!

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My score is all over the place and so was this movie. From the beginning until the last 1/3; it was very, very good and this is where my high score comes from; however, somewhere, the story kind of lost me for a few frames and I wasn't sure where they were going with the story. However, the acting was great! A good actor works with what he has. I must say, thanks to this movie, I'll look at Kim Soo Hyun a lot closer now. When he was playing his Dong Gu , he was absolutely phenomenal! The rest paled in comparison. Park Ki Woong, was good but I just couldn't take my eyes off that freaking orange hair! Lee Hyun Woo as the youngest was badass from the beginning.

The action in this movie was well-orchestrated. Every action scene was definite and distinctly different. All of these actors should do more action movies or dramas; they really excelled. Again the biggest hole in the movie was the story towards the end. But be warned. If you are looking at this movie strictly for the actors, I think the ending might be a big disappointment for you but otherwise well worth the 2+ hours. BTW, starting to wonder if the Korean film industry just think SK police are stupid. Just saying.

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This has got to be the best two hours spent on a drama. Great story about love and reality. There is not really too much that can be said without giving the drama/movie away. Just shows that with love, timing is very important and communication in a relationship is important. This has to be as close to the real thing when it comes to relationships that I have seen in a while in a drama. It also shows that you can do a lot with 2 hours and still get the main point across. I gave music an 8 because there really wasn't much when it came to music except that mellow background music that fits each mood.

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This is a drama to kill some time, but actually it is nothing special.

The story could have been better. But it didn't work out. I thought they should spend more time on each and everyone. Not one or two episodes about one character and their happenings at home.
Also the drama was at sometimes really slow, boring and not entertaining at all.
Also it somehow needed more episodes, well they could have cut the boring parts and put some interesting parts in it.

Also the acting was average, it wasn't outstanding but also not to poor.
The music on the otherhand was very nice! I really liked it and it sounded really good. To bad that was the only great thing about this drama.

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I have mixed feelings about this drama. I enjoyed up to mid-point, then got a bit bored, and frustrated up to episode 19, then returned to enjoying it again, partly because we had finally arrived to the end of a seemingly long drama.

The drama revolves around relationships; there is not much that happens in this drama other than the interrelations between the various characters, especially between the parents and children amongst themselves, and with each other. There is no crime to solve or mission to accomplish, nor is there a lot of comedy. There are two parallel and similar stories: the early and lasting love of the two parents who met in their youth, separated, married different people but meet again 30 years after; and then there is the strong budding love between their children.

In my opinion the major issue was the writing and editing. The two central story lines competed with each other, and the writing was lazy, when it needed to be creative and interesting given the task of the central plot. This was evident when the story started to really drag out and then seemed to stall, and you got bored because of repetition of theme, ideas and frustration that the story wasn't going anywhere.

The pace was too slow, and even the dialogue seemed to be delivered with deliberate pauses and almost monotone. By the end I felt 20 episodes of what? Far too long it could have been completed in 12- 15 episodes; this probably owing to those 4 to 5 episodes where it felt like the drama had stalled.

The four lead actors did a very good job in portraying their roles, to be expected from veteran actors Jeong Jin Yeong and Lee Mi Sook, and the wonderful Jang Geun Suk. JGS and YA played role of the parents when they were young in the 70s and the role of their off springs 30 years later, and were very believable and strong performances. I was impressed watching Im Yoon Ah, and the supporting actors did well and delivered decent performances.

The music was an interesting mix of indie, cool jazz and some quirky music which seemed to fit the movie, in most parts; nothing stood out for me.

What was good? The concept was interesting, the recreation of 70's look and feel was well done and effective in distinguishing the two time periods; the acting was good, and the portrayal of the two relationships was also very good. Jang Geun Suk and Yoon Ah had good chemistry, looked great individually and as a couple so the eye candy helped.

I watched this on Viki.com, where you have viewers post their comments during he drama. This was one of the most packed commentary from start to finish, and it was interesting to see that there was a general sense that it was good and interesting to begin with then got stale and boring as it progressed. Many viewers were torn between their loyalties to the young couple and the parents, as main protagonists and this lead to frustration with the drama. There should have been one central story which is supported by the sub plots, characters etc.

What saved this drama for me, was the Jang Geong Suk and Im Yoon Ah! I loved their characters and story, that's why I was generous with my rating. If you don't like 'relationship' dramas then this drama is not for you. If you like fast paced dramas or action avoid this.

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i just finished it and damn, that was an exciting ride. i want more at least 20 more minutes. ok so minho is a tall ass sexy mofo who was just bad ass, the fight scenes were just to die for literally. kim hee sun is just an everlasting beauty and the two had perfect chemistry not just together but they fit the characters well. the bad guy "gi cheol" and the grey haired one were perfect as bad guys, i dint like the fire woman maybe because her acting was annoying. the cast was really perfect esp the handsome wul dal chi guys....abs abs abs (fight scene). as the episodes progressed, it became more interesting and addicting that i would stay up really late 3-4am.
as much as it was good, there were some little negatives esp with the stunt moves. clearly i can tell the wires were hanging on the sides for them to jump that high that it dint feel real. sliding across and shit, also what was hwa ta's identity
they used their time wisely to tell and dint drug much. the ending wasnt rushed either like all other dramas.
must seeeeeee

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I've no idea what draws Song Seung Heon to dramas with infuriating lead females that don't make sense, but it seems he was playing in them long before "When A Man Loves" aired, which has the same problem of having a leading lady I cannot stand.

This was the first Korean drama I'd ever watched, and for the first handful of episodes (perhaps seven or so) it was interesting, and emotional, and worthwhile, and I was convinced Kdramas were the bees knees. But my goodness, did it drag on! After a while, for each step forward the main couple made, they were taking two or three steps back. I got so fed up that I stopped watching before the 14th episode, and didn't start anymore Kdramas until my manager (and friend) recommended some great ones. (You're Beautiful, Protect the Boss, Boys Over Flowers; those are great starter ones.) I finally sat down to watch the last three episodes this afternoon, and I admit, I skipped through them. I just couldn't handle the endless melancholy.

The most aggravating part was Hye Won's ridiculous excuse-making, and her perpetual need to play the victim. At first, it was understandable, but after a while it just got obnoxious. I don't believe she was being fair to her fiance. I don't care how the writers tried to make him seem like a bad guy; he had every right to be upset with her, and the bit where he flies off the handle and attacks her seemed thrown in to try to give us a better reason for her to behave the way she was. I'm not buying it. All she ever does is apologise, and as Jung Jae (her oppa/fiance) said at one point, "Stop apologising. Just don't do things to make me upset." So simple! This girl just couldn't ever make a decision, always playing the fence with her oppa, her love, and even her life, and once she did make a choice, it was always the WRONG one.

Jung Ah (Jung Jae's sister who's in love with the lead Min Woo) is a manipulative brat through most of the show, and I wanted to slap her. Yet, by the end, I was more infuriated with Hye Won, and how stupid she was. She kept insisting that Min Woo only loved her because he saw her as his first lost love, and she wasn't the warm, cheerful person he loved, so he must not love her, but just a memory of another girl. Whaaaat?! When you have a new heart that gives you a fresh start on life, of COURSE you're going to be different! Your quality of life improves. You're able to do things you've never done before. That would turn anyone from glum to cheerful! Your personality didn't change, stupid! You're ability to BE the happy, cheerful person you were meant to be was finally realised! Why do you WANT to insist that you're a miserable human being? She kept saying she did things to prevent Min Woo from suffering, but just like the most horrible of Kdrama leading ladies, she kept making it worse and worse for all parties involved. Get over yourself, girl. Maybe you're right, and you don't deserve to be happy. But stop making everyone around you miserable in the meantime!

So many slow scenes with close-ups of Min Woo's longing, tearful sighs--usually, I wouldn't complain about any close-ups of Song Seung Heon, but when it's totally unnecessary because of an idiot girl, I have a hard time sympathizing.

This had the least satisfying ending of any drama I've seen so far. Nothing to justify putting the audience through so much slowness and depression.

The music was good, until it became repetitive and I got tired of hearing the same depressing version of Schubert's Serenade over and over. I feel like I could have felt for the characters more if the music had been of a better arrangement.

Please, SSH. Find good dramas. You didn't learn your lesson with Summer Scent, and were the only likeable thing about When A Man Loves. Go back to great ones like My Princess. I want to see you in satisfying endings! Kthnx!

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Story wise my first Chinese drama felt a lot like my first Taiwanese drama, Autumn's Concerto, but with better production values and music.

Whoever lit the set on this show did a wonderful job. There's nothing overly unique about the cinematography, but the pictures looked sexy, very cinematic.

Great direction of the camera too. With very short episodes the story doesn't have much room to develop, but the choice of shots were effectively used to enhance the dramatic effect of each scene. In particular the numerous high angle shots made the subjects seem more desperate, vulnerable, passionate or whatever emotion the director tried to evoke.

I haven't seen such high production values on an Asian TV show in a long time.

Acting was average. No standouts, but no irritating performances either. Good chemistry and intimacy between the leads. The little boy was really cute and sweet.

If I had any problem with the show it was with our hero. Arrogant, rude, self - centred male leads don't bother me. Most men in real life are like that anyway, until they meet a woman who inspires them to change. I like watching this transformation so I can forgive a lot of bad behaviour if I know deep down he has a good heart, but there was something about Le Jun Kai that made me uncomfortable. He had a violent streak toward the women in his life that I didn't like. Even though his motivations for being angry were valid I just can not trust a man whose first impulse is to resort to violence, especially against women. It's not a good sign. And I know, I know! It’s just a tv show, but still, I don't like it.

Aside from that the series was good. It works the way it is, but wouldn't have suffered from a slightly longer run time for each episode, say 30 mins instead of the current 15. Just to give the story more oomph & to allow the characters to really capture your heart.

Overall, well worth the watch if you're looking for a quick fix or if you’re in between dramas like I was and can not decide what next to watch.

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This drama was just WOOOW big times.!!!!!

I have never seen such an amazing chemistry between the lead couple. EVER. Whenever they were together it was like seeing fireworks. Seriously.! I have seen so many dramas but this has by fare the best chemistry ever.

Wallace was amazing at his role. His acting was superb and so believable. As was XiaoRans. An amazing female and male couple. APPLAUDS!!!
The acting was generally great from the whole cast and deserves a perfect score.

Wallace was so great at his jealousy scenes that I melted every time. Not only by that but the kisses killed me on the spot. That's how good it was.! xD
And yeah the guy is FREAKING HOTTTTT. Ahhhh. I will never get a guy like that.

The story was great and really intense. It hooked me really well and kept me wanting to watch more and more. Episode by episode.
A lot of stuff happens but not at the same time so it's build very well. I liked the flow. It was almost perfect. ^^

I got MAD, SAD, IN A KILL MODE, DEVASTATED, HOT, HAAPPPYYY, OVERJOYED and COOLED down again. So this was a very joyful ride since it ended happy too. YEAHH

Though I'am still in a mood of not knowing what to do with my love for the 2. lead guy. He was soo sweet and deserved more too. But I already knew and wanted her to end up with by BIAS, the lead guy!! :D

Anyways I would say this is a very recommendable drama for u guys who likes HOT chemistry beside some action and drama. Especially if you are in a drama-slump. It will wake you up right away. If I were you I would watch it! Believe me you have never seen anything like this. The chemistry! WOW.

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Admittedly, I picked this movie up to watch for the leads, Kang Dong Won and Ha Ji Won, so I really didn't know to expect.

This movie is very artfully filmed. Each introduction to a new setting is done seamlessly, in a single shot. Most scenes fade in and out, instead of cutting to the next scene. There is quite a dreamy tone to the movie and many of the important scenes take place in the dark or at night, which was slightly frustrating for me but I guess it adds to the mystique of the film. Each duel is filmed like an art piece, like a dance. Very well done!

Most of the story is not told in your face, but left to your imagination and interpretation. I would say the director assumes that the audience is intelligent enough to infer certain things and interpret certain scenes.

I really like the depiction of the relationship between 'Sad Eyes' and Nam Soon. There are insinuations of a romantic relationship between them, but I gather that most of their relationship is based on mutual admiration for each other's excellent swordsmanship skills.

I had only previously watched two of Kang Dong Won's films, Psychic and Secret Reunion. In this movie, he plays an equally mysteriously character, with very few lines and few opportunities to see that pretty face of his. I'm definitely not complaining.

Ha Ji Won is really good in this film, and I feel that she is the heart of this show. Her character is vivacious, enthusiastic and we can see the conflicts of emotions she feels on her face.

An interesting and stylish watch!

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Started watching after I od'ed on DTR. X on Crunchy_till they wanted $$$ thanks to Damaholics I'm hooked again. An interesting series focused on the divide of the capitalistic & good ole boy HC systems in Japan (and anywhere else)vs a community (town doctor)HC. The actors are good, each episode focuses on a specific patient issue (very realistic issues (diabetes, cancer, abuse, mental issues etc.)accompanied with a swirling heavy backstory of lustful admin & his sirene complicit in taking down his nemesis town DTR & taking over the community clinic home of a naive yet caring nurse. Not real complicated stories, yet the layering of rural community HC, Japanese culture and non-traditional Dtr methods make this an interesting series. Would I re-watch? possibly a couple episodes - If you liked Dtr X - JDrama; give this a try, you will be entertained and YET saddened that HC systems globally are merely corporations focused on bottomline & not appropriate care of society.

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After watching about half of this last back 4 or 5 months ago, i decided to pick this up again to finish it. I'm really glad I did! In my opinion, the first half of this was a lot better than the end. However, its always nice to watch everything get sorted out, and get a complete ending. Also, Man Ok finally got rid of the ahjumma hair!

So if you really like the cute fluffy dramas with pretty much no worries, I advise this one. It might deserve a little more than the rating i gave it, but this wasn't really my cup of tea. The humor in it to me wasn't that funny, but its really relaxing to watch in between melodramas.

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when i first started this drama ofter reading the descreption i was exited and honestly the first episodes lifted to my expectation , but then the series just became boring and rediculous due to the lack of chemestry between the two main leads and the fact that they made fool of the NIS agents that they made them look as if they were a bunch of children playing hide and seek , an other thing that i didn't like is that the main lead played by joo won was hopeless and really stupid , i know that it was supposed to be a comedy so there must be some misunderstandings and hilarious situation but sometimes it just feels pethatic instead of funny , however I won't deny that i had some good time watching this drama and especially at the begennig , i laughed so hard until my eyes were full of tears and i really enjoyed the very few action seens dispite it was supposed to be a spy drama so my advise is don't be fooled by the dicription , the drama is totally diffrent , if you want some light drama with some funny moment and no actual depth it's for you , but if you seek a story that keeps you on the edge and leaves a huge emotional impression , then i don't recommand it .

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