One of TVN's greatest kdramas!
I mainly watched this as I was recommended this and I was interested in seeing IU's acting and also seeing Park Yoo Na portraying another character! I was not disappointed apart from the kdrama True Beauty, this has to be one of the best dramas I've seen from TVN.Acting
The cast did so well with portraying their characters to the point I forgot this was all fictional. The crying scenes felt so real to the point I shedded tears of happiness and sadness towards the final episode. IU and Jin Goo truly have some chemistry and they didn't have to have many intimate or sexual scenes to show that.
Soundtrack/OST
Amazing! The osts are absolutely beautiful it has to be one of my favourites to listen to! They do an amazing job capturing the atmosphere whether it's to create sadness or suspense.
Plot/Storyline
The writers did incredible! From the beginning to the end of the kdrama, I was intrigued of what would happen next with each episode, the writers definitely know how to keep the reader on their toes. The comedy was great too! I couldn't help laughing at some points.
Cinematography and Special FX
The Cinematography and Special FX is something I'll never forget about this drama. The makeup artists did incredible with makeup to create a ghostly look on the actors, it gave me goosebumps! Plus the editing is incredible, it definitely adds to the ghostly/supernatural atmosphere. Also IU's stylist needs to get a raise! I couldn't stop admiring at her outfits throughout the whole drama, all of them were gorgeous.
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Unique, Entertaining, Memorable
This is one of the few dramas that I'll never hesitate to rewatch. I loved watching this drama due to its storyline, OSTs, but also the emotions that I felt throughout. There are scenes that can be scary, scenes that will make you laugh, and scenes that will make you cry. The storyline of this drama is something new and unique that I haven't seen portrayed in other dramas that I have watched. There is great chemistry amongst the actors/actress. The OSTs are very nice and fitting to the drama, even without watching the mv to the most just by hearing the song you'll be able to picture a scene from the drama in your mind.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Disappointing end
Visually, this is quite stunningly beautiful, in a deeply satisfying way. Ahhh the color. Every single scene was a jewel: they could have made the whole thing silent (and kept the orchestral part of the soundtrack, which I also loved) and I would still probably have watched all 16 episodes. The storyline switches between the ghost hotel's current incarnation in present-day Seoul and monster-of-the-week-style tales of its residents as its new young non-ghostly manager adjusts to his job, and historical flashbacks to the story of the immortal, 1000-year-old owner Jang Man-wol and how she got the curse which ties her to the hotel. She was a great character, wonderfully played by IU - I had never heard of her before this, but she was marvelous, and so was her wardrobe, which must have filled a warehouse. I loved both the flashbacks and the ghosts and unlike some reviewers, I liked the ML, who grew on me, and in fact all of the cast. And it was so very good in parts, especially the flashbacks. I'm sad that it's finished and out of my queue.But the storyline was undeniably patchy and messed up: there were too many arcs, which felt rushed, badly paced and not sufficiently filled out, and the end fell very flat for me, as did both of the romances. I felt similarly about The Master's Sun - that it started so well and could have been absolutely brilliant - so I'm super curious now about the Hong sisters' writing process: how much is pre-outlined, how much is done on the fly as it's filmed? Because it feels like they just started pantsing it at some point because they were out of time. If anyone is reading this who has better Korean than me (not hard) and can link to any interviews with them, that would be great. Anyway. In short, could have been a 10, but it gets an 8. Still definitely worth watching though.
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A Nocturnal K-Drama
HIGHLIGHTS: Sumptuous cinematography and set designs. Beautiful and mysterious soundtrack that expressed perfectly the mood and ambiance of the drama. Intriguing plot with plenty of twists and turns to maintain interest.I liked IU’s performance as Jang Man-wol. There was enough nuance in her performance to keep me intrigued. But I didn’t think she had the physicality and aggressiveness to inhabit her role as bandit and fighter in her earlier life. Yeo Jin-Goo'’s acting seemed too exaggerated and annoying in the first episode but I grew to like his character. Overall, the cast and acting was very good.
For me, chemistry is the most important element in a K-drama. There’s plenty of moments when emotions cut loose but what makes this drama really successful is the tension from all the emotions that are held in check. After watching parts of the series for a second time, I gained a greater appreciation for the script. Jang Man Wol and Go Chun Myung were in a passionate love/hate relationship. And this was while she was fully human. Jang Man Wol and Ku Chan Son's relationship was a counterbalance to that. Jang Man Wol was no longer quite human, she was Koo Chan-Sung boss, and both implicitly understood that she was destined to cross the bridge. So their dynamic was one of an understated, unrequited love mixed with an awkward brother/sister relationship. I feel the contrast between the two relationships made the drama a richer experience. But the problem I had with Yeo Jin-Goo's acting is that it appeared to be overacted and inauthentic much of the time. Jang Man Wol also had a warm, heartfelt relationship with her staff which again, was understated, making it a more emotionally nuanced and engaging dynamic.
This isn’t the kind of drama you watch while working out at the gym. It’s far from your typical rom-com. While it has its fun and playful moments, the overall tone is darker and more introspective — perfect for a quiet evening under the spell of the full moon.
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This review may contain spoilers
I honestly don't know.
I don't know how i even finished this series, when now, i will literally drop a show INSTANTLY if i am not vibing with it. If i think back to the storyline, it seems pretty good on paper. He needs to pay back the "debt" that was left behind by his father and she's the collector, i just think it may have not been executed that good. Or maybe it's just not my taste. I loved the cast and some of the ost, but i found myself waiting for it to be over. Idk maybe i just didn't really click with the story and tbh i barely remember it, even now. I really wished that i had liked it more, but i hope IU does more acting.Was this review helpful to you?
STORY: That being said, I think the plot to Man Wol's story was revealed pretty well. It had a beginning, a middle, and a end. I like it how it leaves me guessing a lot so it wasn't predictable for the most part. What was predictable was knowing the ending was going to be heartbreaking just based on the plot and scenario itself but it matched up pretty well to what I expected.
While I did like most of the minor stories of the guest characters, my only problem was there wasn't much relation to the main plot or the main/support characters. I would've cared more of the minor stories if it somehow reminded Man Wol or the other hotel staff about their past lives and it showed some steady progression on how to move on to the afterlife eventually. I mean I just didn't like how they neglected the stories of the support character roles until the very end, like literally the last few episodes. I also didn't like how some minor stories like Chan Sung's mom or Sanchez's girlfriend had potential to have a bigger impact on the plot but was cut short like it was mistake in writing or something. This was something I had a bit of frustration in Master's Sun as well.
ACTING: For the most part, the acting from these actors & actresses were pretty good. IU shows a great deal of emotions, from being heartbroken & betrayed, a stern woman, to having a comedic side when it comes to money. Yeo Jin Goo's acting was a bit boring for me in the beginning. I felt like that didn't give him an opportunity to really show what he can do in his acting but that quickly improved towards the middle and end of the drama, especially his crying scenes. My favorite actor has to be Ji Hoon from this drama. He plays Hyun Joong so well. You just love it when he's happy because he has that puppy smile that makes you want to smile but when he's sad, you just can't help but be sad with him.
MUSIC: Rarely is there a drama where I enjoy and add every ost to my playlist but this drama is one of them. The ost are just amazing and it fits very well to every situation in this drama. Punch's songs "Done For Me" & "Another Day" with Monday and Yang Da Il - Only You, are my favorites from this drama.
REWATCH VALUE: This is one I would definitely consider rewatching however I would probably skip the minor stories this drama shows since the main plot has more value overall.
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I'm out of tears
At first I didn't know if I should watch this drama cause it had so much hyped I was afraid I'd dislike it. Now that I'd finished it, I know why it had so much hyped and why it received so much love. The plot is interesting, this concept of a hotel where the dead go before going to the afterlife. That, plus the thing with past lives and reincarnation, amazing.I'll be honest, the best thing that happened to this drama is its ost. So many good songs that go well with each scene, they set the mood perfectly, I can't complain. There were two songs that stucked with me the most, Can you see my heart and Done for me... uffff those two songs, every time they came out I'd cry my eyes out and sob like a baby.
Another thing that I really liked was IU's acting, I can't help but think that there was no other actress that could've taken the role, Jieun was perfect for Man Wol's character. Also, I really liked the quemistry she had with Jingoo, really loved the couple.
I think the only down side with this drama is that the last few episodes are long af and the story starts to drag a little bit, but other than that I really liked it.
Also, the last episode broke my heart. So prepare tissues if you're gonna watch it.
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The drama itself has beautiful production, the scenes, Jang Man Wol fashion lol
Jang Man Wol has many layers and IU had showcased her character beautifully. The cute, happy, sad, tormented, mad scenes were acted in a way that I do think she is Jang Man Wol and she does it in a way that's believable and consistent with her character. She's the star of this drama and others are just there to support her character which is unusual since most of the time it's the male lead.
I do think that Jang Man Wol has more chemistry with Chung Myung romantically than Chan Sung. I'm actually more interested in the back story than her scenes with Chan Sung. I think of Jang Man Wol and Chan Sung relationship would have been better as platonic than a romantic one.
I wished the ghost stories were not so prominent per episode though, it'll have been better if those scenes were shorten and give the time to show the developing relationships with the Hotel Del Luna staff and, Jang Man Wol and Chan Sung.
The casts were really good too, they portrayed their roles really well, it's just that everything seems so rushed in the latter episodes in terms of resolution for the Hotel Man Wol staff and I prefer to have seen more of their stories than the other ghosts.
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One of the best dramas for 2019
I decided to watch this drama purely because of the title. It was very catchy and so was the poster. I haven't checked the cast so I was suprised to see I.U but I gave it a shot although I'm not a fan of hers ( sorry not sorry). I have to admit that she was really good and proffessional , I was impressed. The story was really good , funny in most parts but there was the nessesary drama as well (and the needed romance of course). I really loved the aisthetics and I.U 's clothes (her stylist did a really good job). Even if you don't like watching supernatural / fairtytale / ghost dramas I think this drama has a little bit of everything and you will definitely like it.Was this review helpful to you?
Del luna have everything i hope from drama. Story include mystery, friendship until romance. The romance itself not too much, just enough to make me say owh, cry & laugh.... :p.
The main couple relationship progress really smooth & excellent. The ending also really perfect to close this drama. The song really good makes me want to search & download. ^_^
Hopping there will be the second season.
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I love the story but a little sad for the ending .. but still it's worth watching IU is very beautiful and Cute in this ..how she played the role was so amazing. . If you ever watch the Goblin and love the story you will also in this drama .. I even more like this ...
Each character in the story was played so well.. It even makes me cry I don't want to spoil the drama if you did not watch yet ..I suggest watch it you will experience mix emotion and fall in love at the same time. .
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Existence and Time
I'll be honest in the review. I was not completely impressed with this drama. I felt the story and setting was heavily inspired from Master's Sun, a previous drama of the Hong Sisters and Goblin which was like a cultural reset with many dramas trying to copy it's fantasy world. Because I have already seen those two dramas, I felt deprived of an original story while watching this drama. The hotel and ghost concept was in Master's Sun while the theme for Supernatural protagonist with a curse from deity to be resolved by a human was from Goblin. There were other world building themes as well that I thought reminded me of Goblin. Because of these things, it felt a little dated.The Good thing though is that it did manage to find a cohesive theme within the show without having to drag out any narrative. The different ghost stories though not as good as the ones in Master's Sun, did progressed story and character development. And the whole theme of resolution of one's grudge using Time and Existence as a background was good addition too.
The biggest problem the the whole drama why I couldn't back it up was the lack of chemistry between the two main leads. Ko Chang Soo as a character was the literal definition of Gary Stue(Guy Many Sue) and a Manic Pixie Dream Guy. It was even more apparent because IU and Lee Do Hyun in their past shared so much more chemistry. They were definitely the highlight.
The show had breathtaking shots and cinematography. But the heavy use of CGI and VFX did feel a little artificial. IU looked Etheral. Extra plus points to her styling department. The cameos were a treat for old IU drama lovers
Finally OST were the best part of the show. Would definitely listen to this album on repeat
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