The drama “Descendants of the Sun” opened for me the world of Korean cinema, and with it the culture of the Korean people. And now I listen to the replay soundtrack and eagerly read blogs about life in Korea. The first two episodes stunned me. I suddenly saw unusual behavior of people: nods as a gesture of greeting. A stretched O, expressing surprise or irony. The increased physical distance between people in a communication situation compared to the distance accepted in our culture. Rare touches of lovers. But gradually I ceased to notice all these differences, and they became natural for me, as if in a different way it does not happen.
In contrast to the often caustic western cinema, the Korean drama creates a romantic-vanilla mood. Koreans are not bored to take off and watch about how a man tying shoelaces for his woman, making a cup of coffee for her, putting her hair in her tail. I understand that this is a drama, that in life they are far from always the case. But the drama serves as a good guide for people - this is what we should strive for. Western cinema shows a lot of dirt, people watch and begin to consider it the norm. And Korean cinema glorifies the right values.
I admire the shown ideal of relations between people, at the heart of all relations is mutual respect. “Descendants of the Sun” provide an example of what should be the relationship between a man and a woman, between a boss and a subordinate, older in age and younger, between a man and his profession, what friendship should be.
Despite the fact that the drama has a lot of romance and humor, there is a place for realism in it. I'm not talking about the amazing combination of circumstances that the characters face. What only heroes have not passed! And an earthquake, and a fall from a cliff by car, and a walk through a minefield, and much more. I’m talking about such aspects of public relations as blooming corruption and dragging their “protégés” to good positions, unreasonable orders of stupid bosses, ugly hysterical behavior of some people.
As for the relationship of lovers, the lack of bed scenes caught my eye. Romantic relationships are platonic. Korean couples walk by the arms, hug and kiss each other, maximum on the forehead. Maybe this is an illusion created in the cinema, or maybe, indeed, Korean society is more chaste? In any case, thanks to this, the relationship between Yu Si Jin and Ka Mo Yong, like So Do Yoon and Yu Men Jin, became even more sublime and emotional. You begin to appreciate every touch, every gentle look.
In the end, I really wanted to see the marriage proposal after all that the heroes had to go through. The wedding would be, as they say, "a cherry on the cake." What did not happen in the drama followed in real life. It is insanely pleasant that the on-screen love of Song Joon Ki and Song Hye Kyo has grown into a real relationship and marriage. They are just perfect for each other and very very beautiful.
Other viewers wrote wonderful reviews of the drama, examined the advantages and disadvantages of the plot, far and wide, so I will not repeat it. I will say one thing, watch this movie. It will bring you many benefits and bright feelings.
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Beyond its engaging romance, the series stands out for its decent cinematography, interesting soundtrack, and enjoyable action scenes, maintaining a balance between emotion and adrenaline. The setting, which moves away from the typical urban landscapes, adds a special charm to the narrative, creating a sense of grandeur and immersion.
That said, I must admit that while I recognize its significance and understand why so many consider it an unforgettable work, it didn’t quite make my eyes sparkle. Perhaps due to the more traditional structure of the romance or the high expectations built around it, the experience wasn’t as impactful for me as it was for many other fans. Still, there’s no denying that it is an okay production and deserves its place as one of the most iconic dramas of the decade.
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IMMATURE ACTING.... (KNOWING SOME ARE VETERAN ACTORS, it's like a downgrade to their performance)...
MUSIC IS OKAY, this could've been better a music video....
A WASTE OF TIME ON YOUR VIEWING HABITS..
http://www.koreaboo.com/kdrama/netizens-claim-new-k-drama-descendants-of-the-sun-is-completely-overrated/
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This review may contain spoilers
Several friends recomemmened me watch this drama, also I saw that in Korea was really popular. However now I finally can finished this dramas after long long time, I started around 6 months or more really excited because I heard before the OST and was amazing I'm fan of Kwill and his song is so nice also obviously Joong ki is another handsome motivation for watching.BUT I need to say that the story is so boring or better they dont have plot ... is just a mix between war, military, doctors without a coherent plot , with a few funny situations.
Also Yoo Shi Jin (main role) is so ridiculous arrogant and in some situation really womanizer that for me was really annoying, for many reasons I paused several times this drama... long time trying to finish but always the episodes didnt hook me and problematic situation repeted and repeted.
I dont want to post spoiler for your understand me, Definitely I can't recommend this drama.
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What I absolutely loved (aside from Song Hyegyo who I've been a fan of since Autumn in My Heart) is how the storyline wasn't as cliched as most dramas! It was actually realistic and, yes, cheesy. The reason it wasn't like other dramas is because it was.. truthful.
When you see someone that good looking would you really fall for their heart at first sight? No, that's just a fairytale. I think that's what caught my attention about this from the first episode on.
(P.S. I'm usually very picky about the music in dramas but I gave this one a 10 because of XIA Junsu, I'll be honest.)
In conclusion, it's a great drama that is definitely worth your time!
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One thing that really put this drama over the top is the pacing of the stories. It's really hard for a k-drama to pace itself sometimes, but this one flowed along right on schedule. Also it's hard to follow a main characters story, but not only did it follow them to fulfillment but the rest of the cast also. On top of that it had a secondary main couple, and it didn't skimp on that story line or push it too fast in order to not compromise the main.
A lot of doctors did scoff at the likelihood of some of the medical happenings, but I stand by what I watched. Though improbable, there are always times when the impossible must be attempted so I can see how it might have a millionth of a chance of happening.
The music was sublime, and the plot points were entertaining and thrilling. There wasn't a moment of this drama that I fast forwarded through. ( I sometimes do that). My biggest thing with K-dramas as opposed to american shows is that I tend to re-watch my american stuff, but I am happy just watching a Korean drama once and calling it good. However, this particular drama rates so high with me that I want to buy it and re-watch it at times. I have only had 3 other dramas out of the literal hundreds that I've watched that I can say are on that list.
The biggest thing that totally had me flying was the relationship between the main characters. And I cannot stress it enough....the KISSING :) I am a big person about the kiss in K-dramas or any show in particular. There were no awkward closed lip push, or one doing a deep french with the tight lipped closed mouth.
The silent communications for all the couples mirror real life. All the things you want to say but cant, and all the things that you are sorry for but can't apologize correctly. You feel it all, and it is breathtaking. I highly recommend watching this drama, and nobody will be dissatisfied.....It really is worth the watch.
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This drama is totally about love life of a soldier and doctor who fall in love at first sight. All the dangerous things that they'll go through together and how they love story will end up that's what this drama told about. I rate it at 9 because the writer wrote the story way too good. It's light story, entertaining. Well that's the reason we watch drama rite? To be entertained :) This drama includes many cheesy lines which told in different way. One of my fave is "Should I apologize or confess my love?". I rate it at 9 because I read article about the reason why Kim Eun Sook and Kim Won Seok decide to not put triangle love inside it. I thought their decision was right. I'm totally bored with classic love story k-drama which is the main character will hate each other first and then they'll fall in love, or chaebol love story with triangle love. DOTS offers you something different and fresh. You'll regret if you missed it. (everytime you end one episode you'll be curious about what happens next, the production team edited the preview in smart way. so when you already start you'll never stop haha :p)
Cast :
- SJK : This is the first time I watch his drama and he totally steal my heart. He worked so hard to play YSJ. I mean he struggles on every single action scenes without stuntman. Even he got injured a month before last shoot and tried to started again 2 weeks later. His decision to pick this drama as his first project after out from military was right. Definitely right. He's good at acting. I'm waiting for his next project.
- SHK : I admire her acting quality. She brings out the emotional side of KMY way too good. I even can cry when tears came out from her eyes. She's definitely not just beautiful but also good in acting. I'm also waiting for her next project.
- JG : I never knew him. I mean he never showed up in drama that I watch. I thought he hasn't married yet hahaha He also will be a shining star this year. He did a good job to play SDY :)
- KJW : Yoo Racheeeeel! I ever watch her acting in Heirs. But I don't like her character and heirs's plot (sorry kim eun sook). But KJW as YMJ? She's perfectly got it. She even cut her hair to become a woman soldier. I'm waiting her new drama with Seo In Guk :)
For conclusion the cast of DOTS is the best cast that a drama could have. I have no hesitate to give it 10 out of 10.
OST :
I watch many drama before DOTS. But having all of the OST on my playlist and repeat it in every my spare time? Only DOTS's OST can do it. This drama also has best ost I ever hear. All of it was easy listening and perfect. My fave is K.Will Talk Love and Chen,Punch with Everytime.
Rewatch Value :
Even when the drama hasn't finished yet I watch last episode while waiting the next one. So it's definitely 9 out of 10 to rewatch.
Overall this drama was good for you who wants to be entertained by light story. Who needs cheesy things but not the cheap one. Who needs jokes to release your stressful feeling. Who wants to see how SJK acts as cool and cute soldier :)
HAPPY WATCHING!
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So much about this drama is a refreshing change to Korean drama. For one thing, part of the story takes place in a fictional country, played by Greece. I haven't been so excited about a location change since Jan Di and Jun Pyo went to New Caledonia in "Boys Over Flowers".
Another refreshing element is the juxtaposition of the careers of a soldier and a doctor. Additionally, they become romantically involved, despite that some aspects of their occupations will never mesh. Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo were excellent in the leading roles and were fondly referred to as "Song Song Couple" by fans of the show.
A third great aspect of "Descendants Of The Sun" ("DoTS') is that supporting characters get their own story lines and don't exist just to make the OTP look good. Jin Gu as Sgt. Seo and Kim Ji Won as Dr. Yoon have their own relationship trajectory. Shinee's Onew as Lee Chi Hoon and Kim Min Suk as Pvt. Kim Ki Bum and others have their own storylines that tie into those of the TTP (Two True Pairs).
Fourth, the female leads are shown as competent in their professions. In so many dramas, the female(s) are seen as incompetent in their jobs, only to be rescued in the end by their heroic men.
Drs. Yoon and Kang were presented throughout the dramas as professionals ably performing their jobs, despite difficult decisions that had to be made.
A few more details that just were icing on the cake....an Anglo that could actually act, David McGinnis as Agus, a good guy gone bad; and Dr. Kang's BFF was a wheelchair user.
The soundtrack was great and many of the songs became popular among fans.
Unlike many dramas that start and end well but sag in the middle, this drama kept the plot going through all 16 episodes. It was very enjoyable to watch and I'd put it on the desert island short list, those I'd watch if I had a limited supply to take to a desert island. Because who knows...someone might actually film a drama there!
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The story was excellent—it was filled with suspense, romance, comedy, action, and drama. The characters were amazing as well. Even though I wouldn't necessarily label this drama as a romantic comedy, the characters themselves all had a wonderful sense of humor. All of the characters (main and supporting) grew throughout the show, and I loved how their development continued throughout several plot arches. The acting was beautiful—Song Hye Kyo (Kang Mo Yeon) and Song Joong Yi (Yoo Shi Jin) have amazing chemistry, as do Jin Goo (Seo Dae Yeong) and Kim Ji Won (Yoon Myung Ji). Song Hye Kyo and Jin Goo also have a great bromance that I will sorely miss. The music was great, and I will be downloading the soundtrack as soon as I finish this review :)
Overall, the drama capitalized on the themes of duty and honor, which tied perfectly into the character's roles in the military/medical profession. My rewatch value rating is slightly lower (if a 9 can be considered low) only because the drama was very suspenseful (and some of that suspense will be lost with a rewatch). The camera-work of the drama was great though, and the drama would be well-worth rewatching just for the sake of the characters alone. If you are debating whether or not to watch this drama, I would DEFINITELY recommend you try it! Happy watching :)
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