Kim Sun Ah made Kim Sam Soon one of my favorite K-Drama leads ever! Sam Soon is loud, stubborn, charming, emotional, unfiltered, and absolutely hilarious. She was equal parts frustrating, & inspiring to watch. She's not the usual passive female lead, and I loved watching her take charge of a situation. She is matched up with Hyun Bin as Hyun Jin Hun, who walks the line between arrogance & charm so expertly well. At first I didn't recognize him, because he looks so different in this compared to Secret Garden, but his performance in this reminded me of all the things I loved about him in that drama. Together, their chemistry made them a rom-com dream team. The fact that they didn't fit seamlessly together, and that they were not always good to each other, made their relationship feel more honest. I think they were the perfect blend between discord, and harmony. I could literally watch them go at it all day... in fact, that's exactly what i did. lol.
The lead performances were a clear 10 for me, and every minor character in the supporting cast was also really great, but I feel like I have to deduct at least 1 point for the 2 supporting leads. It's clear that Daniel Henney's purpose in this drama was to be eye candy. Most of his scenes involve him smiling at people while they teach him Korean language & culture. His acting was decent enough, but far from good. Jung Ryeo Won's performance was also underwhelming. As much as I loved to hate her character, there were also quite a few moments when I cringed through some of her acting scenes (in both languages). It was initially jarring to hear so much english spoken in scenes, with actual fluent speakers, but it made their acting inexperience much more obvious to me. The only moments of boredom I felt during this drama was when these two were the focus.
I admit that the plot wasn't exactly original, but it wasn't typical either. The love stories in this drama are far less innocent than the k-drama norm, which was nice to see. There were many great rewatchable rom-com moments between Hyun Bin & Kim Sun Ah, and they share one of the best kiss scenes that I've seen in a drama.
Music also plays a key element in the story, which I liked, but I wasn't particularly impressed with the soundtrack.
Overall, It's lol hilarious, yet emotionally realistic. Even when the tone of the drama began to change, It never lost it's momentum. I continued to be excited about watching each episode, and I enjoyed every one till the very end. This drama could have easily ended with a pleasingly cheesy conclusion, but instead the ending was simple, and inspiring.
I think all rom-com fans should have this on their "to watch" list. Forgive the old school phones, and the ugly clothes, and I think this stands up against any current drama. I agree that "My Name is Kim Sam Soon" is one of the best dramas that I've seen, classic or not. I can see myself easily watching this drama again, & again... while eating a lot of pastries, of course : )
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The Magicians of Love
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I tried to describe it to my friend like this: Imagine F4 as F3 (since there's only 3 guys, not 4), but instead of uber-rich, entitled high school students, they're hairdressers. There's the player/playboy guy; the quiet & reserved one with a mob boss godfather (two-for-one deal there); and the outwardly cold but warm-hearted chaebol type guy. Fortunately, that's where the similarities end.
If I have any real complaint about the drama, it's that it was really too long. Some stuff was dragged out way too long and by the time the leads finally got together, I was ready to pull the hair out of the ex-girlfriend's head. She seriously got on my nerves. And the last sub-plot involving Richie seemed too contrived. I could've lived without it. Also, once the OTP got together, there was way too little cute and mushy moments with them. Would've loved to have had more; instead we got another sub-plot involving a rival salon. It was like once the OTP was together, there was no more focus on their relationship as a couple; all the focus went to hair salon rivalry. And that sucked.
One other major issue I have with the drama is the plagiarism plot. Plagiarism is wrong, period. I did not agree with the way the drama portrayed the characters protecting the one who plagiarized, just so she wouldn't lose her reputation, even though that meant the victim of plagiarism had to take the rap. I know the drama tried to make it right in the end, but in my opinion it was too little, too late, with no real consequences.
That being said, the acting was fairly good most of the time. The more emotional scenes were quite well done, especially one scene with Richie. He seriously made me cry. I liked most of the cast, with only a couple of exceptions, which actually may have had more to do with not liking the characters more than not liking their acting.
Don't expect too much plot. Some of the issues facing the hair salon and its workers are treated with life-and-death seriousness, and the drama is sometimes ridiculously over-done. It's not that I don't like over-the-top stuff - 2 of my favorite dramas are Mei-chan no Shitsuji and Hana Kimi. I have YET to find a drama that can top those two for over-the-top excellence. There are moments when the comedy shines, but plenty of other moments when the comedic characters get on my nerves (I'm looking at you, Moli!)
However, by episode 5 I found myself very invested in the love story. I found the relationships between Xiao Bei and Richie, and between Xiao Bei and Da Si convincing, and their relationships were really what kept me watching all the way to the end.
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Acting/Cast: The acting and cast is amazing ! Every person plays there role so wonderfully ! The person you're supposed to hate, you hate, the person you're supposed to love you love. The couples you're supposed to love you love it's just amazing!
Music: The music is good and catchy but sometimes there would be a very weird song that will be put in and yeah... Pretty weird(:
Rewatch: I would probably not rewatch because there's SO many episodes but if I had nothing to do then I would DEF watch this.
Overall: It gets a sold 9. It was very funny and the characters were all lovable and hateable! All I have to say is that this drama is overly hilarious and dramatic. But it, at times, can be sad, cute, romantic and very ridiculous! But hey, the acting is outstanding so I definitely recommend this! Don't let the many episodes fool you, this drama keeps you going. It starts off slow but it gets better towards the middle! Hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did !
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Queen In Hyun's Man
15 persone hanno trovato utile questa recensione
That being said, this drama is sublimely successful when it comes to one thing only: romance.
This is a very, very romantic series. And the two lead characters have such believable chemistry and do such a good job of selling the romance that I think audiences are willing to completely ignore all of the other flaws within the drama. I think that in itself is impressive. Perhaps even a craft to be praised?
I like to think of myself as an intelligent girl. Yes, I like to swoon and sigh when watching a drama and I can absolutely appreciate a handsome face and a good kissing scene. And while this drama tries very, very hard to suck me in and give way to those emotions, I can’t. I won’t. And I will admit, within the first few episodes of this drama, I was singing its praises from the rooftops, recommending it to everyone who’d listen. If they were selling T-shirts, I probably would have bought one.
But just like a heavy dose of puppy love that slowly fades with time, I had to admit that all was not coming up roses.
First realized flaw in my puppy love: the historical scenes of this drama are confusing and unclear. They improve slightly as the drama progresses, but not enough. As a viewer, I shouldn’t want to skip through parts of a new drama because the plot line is confusing or simply boring. If the writing was clever, I would look forward to EVERY scene of the drama—appreciating the history and political intrigue of the Joseon era AND looking forward to the romantic complications of the modern world. It essentially means I’m bored with half of the drama. Not good.
Second flaw: the rules created within the fantasy are inconsistent. If, initially, you tell your audience that a particular object is the sole purpose for time travel, stick to it. And if you decide to alter that rule, then please create a plausible plot twist where—-within the pre-established rules of the fantasy-—the time travel is possible again.
For example, and stick with me, let's say a toaster is a key plot device in the drama. If the toaster doesn't work within the parameters of the rules given, but then DOES work suddenly to make it convenient for the plot... That’s lazy and unacceptable. Why did you bother telling me the toaster didn't work? It’s as if the writers gave up. I imagine that a conversation similar to the following took place during production:
“No! We can’t use the toaster! We have to use something else! We already wrote that it doesn’t work! How can we clean this up?? Any ideas??”
*a week later*
“Still no ideas? OK, let’s just go with the toaster. We’ve got a deadline.”
Anyway, this review is getting long but I felt the need to express my opinion amongst all the “Outstanding” ratings. I will admit, this drama is indeed “outstanding” at playing on my libido as a female viewer due to all of the romance and epic face-sucking. But when it comes to my intelligence and common sense, this drama is “good” if I’m being nice. “Fair” if my puppy love has totally dissipated and I completely ignore my libido.
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This drama seemed promising. Since they had Mike He, I thought it would be the typical great romance, but it was a bit ruined... The drama is good and average, but they missed some fulcral points.
They dragged a lot too for 17 episodes.
I loved all the actors, they seemed really awesome! I liked Ji Cong and Quian Na's romance, even though it also lacked a lot.
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Without sounding too pretentious, this drama is really about human relationships and how societies expectations make us question our wants and needs in our personal lives. This drama addresses those thoughts that we all have to ourselves: “I like this, but what would my friends think about it? What would my co-workers say if they knew I was doing this? What would my parents say!? Am I wrong for feeling this way?”
The lead characters are complex and well acted by Kato and MatsuJun. Particularly with the Momo character, I really liked that there was more to him than meets the eye. He’s not just some shallow, free-loading bum with a pretty face. Just like Sumire, he too has his emotional scars and is being healed by their unconventional relationship.
In addition to being smart and well-acted, the drama is downright sexy! Not overtly so, but in very subtle and playful actions between the main characters. It’s funny how some of those moments are intended to be completely “non-sexual,” but still feel as such because of the undeniable chemistry between the two leads. There’s also a lot of sexual tension throughout the series, which is never a bad thing. :)
The script is also youthful and wonderfully comedic. Sumire’s best friend in particular is candid and absolutely refreshing in her role. I love characters that unabashedly say what the audience is likely thinking!
My only complaint about this drama is the use of the Fukushima character. Why must all melodramas portray their antagonist as a typical b*tchy, jealous and spiteful woman? I get really tired of that character. She’s in, like, EVERY drama. It would be nice if writers could re-think the antagonist role, or at least make it more interesting. The Hasumi character is also a bit too gullible for my taste, but he isn't completely intolerable and serves his purpose well enough.
Overall though, Kimi wa Petto is so well-acted, interesting, sexy and funny that the plusses greatly overshadow the small, b*tchy and gullible minuses. :)
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well i already watch this movie few months ago and because there's so many review i just feel envy and i just suddenly want to right also hek hek :D first i saw the cover picture and it find me interesting and i search for this movie. I'm not watching it because of the actors it's b'coz of the trailer in youtube i feel that this movie is nice to watch and i just download it in utorret..
REVIEW:
ahhhhammm... just i thought this movie is worth watching xD and really amazing it's really good and funny every time yeo ri rip the shirt.... This is a kind of movie that you can share to everyone! like i'm doing right now. For person that loves horror movie like me it is good and enough to scared not that much everyone can watch it because the way this movie done is pretty unique and it's not the typical love story and this movie content horror,comedy and romance almost hole package very simple but very effective in the audience well not all but most of it will love it like i do!!! so try it and hope that you will like it also!!!!;0
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Story: 7/10
I gave it only 7 out of ten because although I REALLY liked the story, I felt that as the plot went on, I disliked Cheng You Qing more and more. She's thirty years old and sometimes she acted like an inexperienced teenager when it came to her relationships... I also found her to be kind of whiny and needy... And I felt terrible for Li Da Ren, because literally he would follow her around like a lost puppy. But on the positive side, the ending did redeem Cheng You Qing's character. Also, the dialogue was fantastic, and not awkward at all like I find in some other dramas. Additionally, I felt that the drama as a whole took a realistic approach to love that we often don't find among the fluffy, feel-good dramas out there (although there were a few fuzzy moments too! :D).
Cast: 10/10
Each character was really portrayed perfectly by the actors. After watching ISWAK and ISWAK 2, I can honestly say that Ariel Lin's acting has improved a lot! Also, I had never seen Sunny Wang before, and well, I sort of fell in love. lol I was shocked to see his tattoos O__O but they fit perfectly with his bad-boy character in the drama. He acted so well that he became a character who I knew was bad, but couldn't help falling in love him with just like Cheng You Qing...
Music: 9/10
I thought the music was good. It went along very well with the drama and was pretty memorable.
REwatch: 4/10
This is just a personal opinion, but I couldn't stomach rewatching Li Da REn's heartbreak for another 13 episodes... :'( So sad..
Overall: 7/10
It was a good drama, it had high points and low points. I don't regret watching it, but its not one of those dramas that stick with you for days after you finish watching it!
Hope this review helps! :)
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Train Man: Densha Otoko
8 persone hanno trovato utile questa recensione
I am someone who appreciates cultures. Especially getting a sneak peek, almost "fly on the wall" glimpse into niche sub-cultures. This movie definitely gives you that feel. Welcome to Nerd-Dom! Land of the introverted and not particularly brave. The filming of this movie makes you feel as if you are literally transported right into Akihabara, Tokyo. BAM! You are suddenly walking among the otakus, sitting in the manga cafes or browsing the loud, blustering computer hardware stores. I swear it's an almost magical experience.
The story is fast-paced and witty. There are moments that will have you falling out of your chair with laughter, other moments that might bring a tear to your eye, and yet some moments that will have you shouting at your screen! All of the actors involved do an excellent job of balancing between these emotions--especially Takayuki Yamada, who pulls off a believable, yet gradual, transformation of the main character. All of the sub-characters play into the story line so well that you don't feel as if this is a story about one person or two people. It feels like it's everyone's story! It's the story of many people being impacted by the actions and courage of one brave nerd. :)
If ever you're looking for a different kind of love story, this is it! Without giving too much away, this is a story about courage and being bold. It's about how if you want something in life, you have to be unafraid and take a chance, no matter how difficult it might be. Even if you might think you're undeserving, in life, you have to at least try.
It's a universal and simple message, but this movie succeeds in presenting it with a lot of heart.
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What century are we in? This series, while modern in overall appearance and environment, is like something out of the 1800s before the women’s movement. I think women are fairly progressed in Korea, but this series leads you to believe otherwise. As a woman watching this series, I grew weary of the male leads putting down and disrespecting the female leads.
What's even more offensive to me is the characterization of the female characters in this drama. The lead female is weak and whiney. She argues momentarily, but crumbles rather quickly and is back to saying "yes chef" to everything that is barked at her. The only strong woman in this series is of course characterized as the "evil b*tch," and is also constantly disrespected and treated like crap by all the male leads.
Lastly, there are a gagle of typical gossipy, meddling women who really serve no purpose at all. Women overall are portrayed really poorly in this series.
To say something positive, if nothing else, the chefs on the Italian team serve as wonderful eye candy.
While this drama is not the worst out there, all the sexism, ignorance and stereotyping wore on me to the point where I wasn't sure what the message of this drama was. I suppose it's purpose is to be a "romantic comedy," but I don't find bigotry romantic or funny.
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At first i didn't want to watch the drama because it had lots of episodes (58) but when i begone with the first ep i thought that this is a boring drama but I kept watching , i fell in love with the story and the actors !!!
the story is about family and romance
and I'm really sure that you will cry & laugh because of the story .
There are 4 brothers in the story and every one of them has a story
I'm a 1000% sure that I will watch it again :D !!!!
SO TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT DON'T BE SCARED OF THE AMOUNT OF EPISODES IT'S DEFINITELY WORTH IT !!!
lovee thisss family / romance dramaaa :)
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Firstly the story is amazing, I give a 9 though instead of a 10 because the stories at the beginning are quite slow but improve as the drama progresses, but I warn anyone watching that there are a lot of heavy topics covered... but these stories really open up your eyes to the struggles that teenagers go through (not all are universal) and the music is great ! One of my favorite OST and it adds an eery tone to the drama.
Also, the cast is outstanding ! In particular Serena Fang who plays Du/Death Girl stands out, I can't believe I haven't seen her in anything else before this drama... she is the perfect death girl giving off a melancholy, mysterious exterior. Aaron Yan is is great to, but I wouldn't say his performance is that strong, Jiro Wang could have done it better and his character isn't as memorable as Xiao Lin and Da Dong where both of these actors give a lot of emotion. Also I couldn't take Wang Zi seriously as the 'bad boy' in the beginning, but other than that, an amazing cast !
Definitely watch this drama ! You'd be crazy to miss it :P
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Although at the beginning I found the lead girls acting and mannerisms annoying to the extreme, she started calming down about half way through the drama.
The mother is the character that ended up annoying me the most, Her behaviour and actions were inexplicable. She wasn’t evil or good just strange & indifferent. She changed her views without any epiphanys or learning new facts. The premise of the drama was that the mother wanted to get her 4 single daughters married off. She does absolutely nothing to bring this about & when two of her daughters find prospective bridegrooms she objects to them both. She should have been a character that is sympathetic but I am afraid I just found her odd.
I would have liked more of the story to focus on all the sisters romances rather than focusing on non-existent family feuds & a birth secret storyline which goes absolutely nowhere.
The shining beacon in this drama is Lee Kyu Han, his acting both the excellent comedic turn and dramatic was a joy to watch. He is the reason I kept watching and I would urge anyone to give this drama a go if just for him.
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