Acting/Cast: Perfect 10 for cast and acting. Ji Chang-Wook was the perfect 'Healer'. Although I watched his acting in Empress Ki and Smile Donghae, it is his acting in this drama that drew me in to this young actor. I am expecting great things from him in the future.
Music: The OSTs are good - if you are into ballads. I am surprised that they did not have at least 2 or 3 OSTs in this drama with stronger and faster tempos for the action scenes - again, a big giveaway that this drama is more of a romance drama than action. The action just spice things up a little (though not too much in my opinion).
Rewatch value: This drama is an easy re-watch despite it being a 20 episodes' drama. Each episode is interesting and has its' 'moments'.
Overall: I gave this drama 9.5/10. It is just a touch under perfect but still a very worthy drama! If you haven't watch it, you need to start clearing your schedule for 2-3 days, sit down and just marathon it. Trust me, once you start this, you are hooked!
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Extremely shocked at the terrible production quality
So I've finally decided to complete this show after so many years since it aired, since currently the incoming influx of C-Drama and K-Drama shows have been stale in quality. Not sure if it has anything to do with streaming services cutting down on the typical production budget.But anyway, I'm going to keep this review short and simple. Healer is a show with a very good choice of Main Actor and Actress. Park Min Young was hot at that time, and all the girls seem to be crazy for Ji Chang Wook (this is likely the reason for the high ratings). The choice of actors alone, carried this show.
The script was nothing special though not as bad (I've seen worse in the plethora of 2024-2025 c-dramas being released with boring AF draggy episodes). Comparing healer's script to these latest productions, it can be treated as a "decent" script. In the first few episodes, the main character gets toss aside and the side/antagonists characters with their boring past consumes most of the screen time. A good script should introduce the main characters first or at least give them a decent amount of screen time, this doesn't happen in healer, so we pretty much did not care if the main character lived or die since there's no attachment.
Now on to the bad. (If you don't wish to read anything negative about this show, skip this portion you're done reading this review)
The camera work gave the nauseating feeling. Action scenes seem as if they were shot while there was a 9.1 magnitude earthquake hitting South Korea. It's as if the crew had forgotten to turn on their camera stabilizers or a camera gimbal and were simply running around with their camera. The footage was unbearably shaky in several scenes.
The OST, especially when the main character whoops the bad guys, is shared across multiple other non-action scenes, happy scenes, stress scenes, fighting scenes etc, somehow the production team decided to use this 1 corny tune on all these scenes. Ruining the mood of these scenes. This tune seemed as though it belongs to a game like Maplestory where cute characters fight against cute monsters. Imagine taking one of this game's background music and inserting it in multiple different scenes in this supposedly action thriller crime drama.
To summarize without spoilers, I'm confused as to how this show got such high ratings. But as stated earlier, it is likely due to the choice of actor and actress, especially the main leads. If you're a diehard fan of either, by all means watch this show and enjoy it. But if you're in the mood for a well-produced show and couldn't care less of the casting choices, the shaky camera work and surprisingly TERRIBLE background music choice will sting both your eyes and ears to oblivion in the first few episodes. This is the first time I've been turned off solely by shaky cam and terrible music. Now I can appreciate the importance of music and how it influences mood in dramas.
If you're looking for a great Ji Chang Wook action-romance drama, check out the K2 which doesn't suffer from the same complains as this show. It has better ost music that matches each scene, the plot focuses on the main characters from the start with little draggy scenes, and the camera work is free from healer's shaky nightmare.
If you're looking for some of the top action romance show and don't really care about the casting choice, check out City Hunter, Bridal Mask, and Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre. These shows, especially City Hunter, have top of the line production quality. Camera work, action choreography, music choices are of a high and acceptable standard (for a TV show it is impressive, just don't compare them to top budget movies from jackie chan / donnie yen or the MCU). Of course each of these shows have their own sets of flaws (no dramas are perfect), but at least they've definitely surpassed many shows which rightfully makes them some of the best in the Action Romance genre.
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Ji Chang Wook, Park Min Young have a good chemistry. I simply enjoyed in every single romantic scene of them as they had the chemistry right up to my taste. You are going to love Yoo Ji Tae also. There acting is top notch.
I did not regret watching this drama. One of the best Korean dramas I have ever watched!
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Let’s weigh Healer on our show beam balance and see the reasons why I have been praising it right from the first paragraph of this post.
Good Weights
Ji Chang Wook: Ah! Where do I begin from? His pretty face? Hot body? Killer smile? Screen presence? Sweet-sounding voice? Magnificent action? Well, he has it all. (Sheesh! I am such a fangirl!) Okay, let’s get to the point. Ji Chang Wook is incredible as the Healer. He justly fits the bill of an action hero. His kicks are smooth and swift. His jumps are light and punches power-packed. I used to wait for his action scenes more than the romantic scenes only to see him effortlessly manoeuvre as the most wanted Healer. But that doesn’t mean he was bad at romance. In fact, he was exceptionally good at it. All his romantic scenes with Park Min Young were utterly fascinating. I also loved him as the fearful and wimpy Park Bong Soo. It was funny to see the fearless ‘Healer’ act shy and nervous when acting as Park Bong Soo. Chang Wook acts so well! If you are planning to watch the show, then let me warn you of his charm. I am very enchanted by this pretty and strong performer, especially after I saw him cry on the show. There are very few male actors that cry well on screen and Chang Wook is one of them. Actors who cry well always top my favourite list. I can easily dedicate two more articles purely to Chang Wook’s charisma but I better stop here for now.
Fiery Chemistry: Though an action-based drama, Healer has tonnes of romantic moments that will melt your heart. This is because of the great chemistry that Chang Wook and Min Young share on screen. The actors look almost perfect for each other. Do look out for scenes where Young Shin tries to dominate Park Boong Soo as his superior and he easily gives in to make her happy and live up to his fake identity. All Park Boong Soo scenes are my favourite on the show. Young Shin and Healer’s OTP (one true pairing) is one of the best I have seen in a K-Drama.
Apt Casting: Every character on the show is aptly cast. The supporting cast does a phenomenal job and I did not dislike any character in particular, not even the negative ones.
Flawless Action: Now I do not know whom to give credit for the amazing action on the show. Was it Chang Wook’s swift moves or the stunt director’s imagination that made the action sequences so damn good? I don’t know. But it certainly was a perfect combo of an agile actor and a capable director that made every action scene so enjoyable.
Bad Weights
Hasty Wrap-up: When the show is so cool, as a viewer I will obviously expect an extraordinary climax. The show does try to tie up as many loose ends as possible in the last episode but sadly it makes a mess out of it. The most disappointing scene was the way Young Shin was reunited with her long-lost biological mother. Young Shin’s mother has been grieving the supposed death of her only child for over two decades but their moment of meeting each other as mother and daughter is so subdued. Also, it is not fully revealed as to what exactly happens with all the antagonists on the show. It was a very hasty climax. If only they could cover these minor potholes, the show would have been perfect for me even with the other dents in the script.
The show beam balance evidently weighs heavy with good weights. Healer undoubtedly makes it to one of my favourite K-Drama shows list. I have an attention span of a gnat and get bored easily which is why I generally jump in episodes skipping scenes that do not interest me. Healer is one of those shows that had my full attention and I barely jumped through any episodes. So when a show manages to keep me involved it definitely must be something good.
Healer is a sleek and stylish action drama infused with lots of love and romance. It is a must MUST watch for every drama lover. I highly recommend it to those who love romantic shows.
Originally posted www.alphagirl.in
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The story seems like many when you look no more than surface level: handsome young man with a dark and dangerous appeal, a young girl who wants to be strong and save the world etc. HOWEVER, this drama had much, much more to its plot. The theme of reporters and fighting for the truth was much more prevalent and took first seat in this story; a huge and pleasant surprise if one is expecting to be let down on that aspect. The darker underbelly aspects of stories and characters could have been emphasized somewhat more, so I will only score a 9 for this section. That being said they were done fairly well - considering they are topics that are often seen as taboo even in today's societies. Romance and action are actually woven together very well, making this drama much more appealing for audiences. The writing and timing are essential to this production. The writers understand their audience and their desires and mindset as viewers; when certain details get fuzzy there is a new part that brings clarity; you begin to understand bits and pieces only to have a new mystery evolve from what you have been given. There are no stale aspects because every turn something new happens to keep you on the edge of you seat and anticipating the next episode. I had not experienced that with a drama in quite some time.
The cast is essential to this drama as well. Each person not only fits their role but brings something to it that makes them standout. I was surprised how well the actors worked together and how many of them had a wonderful amount of chemistry. Normally you hope and expect the main cast to have that chemistry, especially if their is supposed to be romance involved, but this production gives much more than you are expecting. The importance of family and friendship is highlighted by the cast performance as much as romance would be. Park Min Young balances her role of fighter and an innocent in need of protection so well, I found myself connecting to her in the best of ways. With every victory, mistake and cringe worthy moment I was with her because she did not merely complete a role but gave it something more human and approachable. She definitely emphasizes how someone can be weak in one way but incredibly strong in others. Ji Chang Wook was also just as good as Healer. You expect him to be tough, untouchable and bad-ass. Ask and you shall receive. However, you also begin to see a developing vulnerability that is subtle but gives so much more to the performance. There is a ton of supporting cast (too many to name but all standouts) that create funny moments as well endearing, painful, heartbreaking, and beautiful moments as well. This is most deservedly the highest section I can rate. Absolute 10, if I could score higher I would.
The soundtrack is well timed; moments did not seem interrupted by jarring music or sound effects. In my opinion, nothing is worse than music that does not fit or takes your attention away from the show. Sounds should emphasize, not detract. I have not downloaded the soundtrack so I am not scoring super high in this category but the music was definitely good and added to the experience of watching.
This show is definitely re-watchable, but I am basing this score of 7 more on the ability to binge watch. The plot is a bit too deep to just pick an episode to watch, and with 20 episodes that have quite a bit to them I would have to be really in the mood to watch it again. However, this production was so good I finished it in about a day and a half or so. Very binge worthy - which I think is more important than re-watching! ;)
So overall, I give this drama a 9! And I wish you all a happy drama time! :D
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Story:
I had high expectations from this drama since it's top rated but I wasn't that impressed by it,
The plot itself isn't that original- The man who has a job that it's the only thing that interests him,saves the girl and fall in love with her, reminded me City Hunter a bit...
The story as it goes by, is very good, everything is built in layers very well, especially the flashbacks of the past and the stories of the character's parents were really interesting and kept me wondering, also with knowing each piece of information as the episodes continue is very good, and I can say that it was made very well.
Some points I really liked and some things I thought were really predictable.
Characters/Cast/Acting;
I was a bit afraid of PMY at first because I remember her acting not that well in other dramas I saw with her but she proved that she can act, the other actors were good also and JCO was also very good (especially when he had to shoew emotions)
About the characters,
Healer and YS were nice, not that interesting but bareble to watch, I liked the master, the hyung and the ahjumma, hyung was the only character I could understand his motives and personallity, all of the characters were too much "black/white" they weren't that complicated and that's what bothered me ,they were only bad or good, Also there were also many characters that were insignificant like the detective, I felt that he was mented to be only becuase one scene in the last episode.
That Elder felt like a character that was invented to be a reason and not because he was necessary.
Moon Ho didn't have purpose in the story almost at all, I understand that he was like "a leader" or to connect Healer and YS to their past but other than that he was just "there" ,I couldn't understand him-why did he go againts his brother in the first place and what exactly his personality?
The only thing I liked about him was that he wasn't in love with YS ..
I liked Bong Soo, he was very funny and I enjoyed the scenes when he was there.
Music:
The good thing about the music is Ahjumma! I liked all of the songs she sang.
The main soundtrack (like the opening theme) was refreshing but for the fights scenes it wasn't always in the right place,
The other songs were drama-like and I don't think I will remember those.
Romance:
The thing I liked about the romance here was that even if they met an obstacle, they made it through and not like in other dramas "we can't be together because of-"
I liked some of their moments (some of them felt too much cheesy)...
I didn't understand why they felt in love actually, I can somehow understand why Healer-Bong Soo fell in love with her but she didn't have a reason and sometimes it felt a litlle too fast ,
Rewatch Value:
Probably not but the drama itself was indeed a good drama, I think that if it will be a "first drama" to someone he will really like it, but the reason I didn't give it a 10 was because everything there was predictable for me, I knew from the very start what's going to happen and how it will end,
Another reason was the characters and that's all, overall was a good drama.
I think that I was kind of disappointed because it is ranked so high, so I had high expectations .
I did enjoy it in some episodes; I wanted to know what will happen but I didn't enjoy it to the point that I would say that Healer is one of the best I've seen because it's not, and I know that most of you won't agree with me.
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*I'll miss Chae Yong Shin and Park Bong Soo for real! Shipping them both! OTP is real! :)
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Healer has a deep and long plot that will probably leave you confused and filled with questions in the beginning. But at the story progresses, every little detail will be explained, and it'll leave you with a satisfying ending with no loose ends. Healer's story was one that was planned very well throughout, and everything that happens in it are linked together so spectacularly that it just makes you think how a drama could be planned so well.
ACTING/CAST -
Really, each character was played very well. Jung Hoo was an amazing male lead who was strong, smart, and also funny. Chae Young Shin was a character that didn't take long for me to grow fond of - her quirkiness and inability to stop talking was adorable. I think Moon Ho's acting was golden. I didn't understand his character in the beginning, but it's all explained very well as the drama progresses.
The only flaw for me was probably at one point, every time Chae Young Shin appeared in the drama, it was just her crying or appearing really needy. It was so frustrating that I couldn't help rolling my eyes every time she showed on screen. However, this period of needy Young Shin was fairly short and was easily brushed off.
MUSIC -
I don't have much to say about the music since I don't really pay attention to it, since I'm mostly focused on the drama. However, the music for Healer was really good and fit the scenes really well.
REWATCH VALUE -
The reason why I gave the rewatch value a 4 is because I generally don't rewatch any dramas, especially if they are plot-heavy and long. I will probably never rewatch Healer again, but if I have a lot of spare time, I might give it a try.
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Anyway,I just started watching Korean drama during summer break. I watched 5 so far, and rhey all had good revies and rating (I always make sure I don't waste my time watching the bad ones, so I read reviews and rating first before I actually invest 20 something hours on the movie. This one Ichose after I watched City Hunter and many reviews on this site actually mentioned that Healer is better than City Hunter. So I gave it a try. And thank goodness I did.
In short, this the only Korean movies that I watched that made me laugh constantly, made me said 'cool! I like her!' (I am talking about Jin Ma and Healer little sister), shiffer to the bones (with the romance scenes), and (this one is rare for me) cry. I fast forwarded some of the scenes in City Hunter but Healer kept me hooked untuk 3 am in the morning that I finished this movie in 1 weekend.
Watch this movie. trust me. It's that good.
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