Im writing this review after finishing rewatching this drama.
Story
Its not simply about a gumiho trying to become a human. No. Its much deeper. Its about love, about family, about friendship. Its about trust and value of human.
The protagonist of this drama, who is so much honest and caring for the people he loves will face many tragical moments and he go trhough so many pains, but still he will keep on fighting for the ones he loves and standing for fairness.
What also I like about the story is that you get to know many characters sorrounding our protagonist.
But first you have to go trhough the first 2 episodes. They are not really as exiting as the other episodes. But they are important to watch to understand why, what, where.
Acting/Cast
PERFECT! Simply perfect! Lee Seung Gi did a great job. It made you believe the oains he was going through. The way he cries, the way he loves, you just believe in the emotions his character is going through and feel yourself feeling the same, too.
Suzy was also great, I have to admit at first I wasnt really into her acting, but she improved and became so good.
The support act were just awesome. Everyone character had a different personality and they acted it so well.
Music
While writing this Im listening to the OSTs. This drama got the best OST of the year. You wont be able to listen to them without a feeling of goosebumps.
Rewatch Value
As I said before, Im writing this after rewatching this drama.
And Im already missing Kang Chi (Lee Seung Gi), Yeo Wool (Suzy) and all the others, so Ill probably rewatch it again. So, not much left to say. :)
Overall
Ill give this drama 10/10 as every single episode made me going crazy. I couldnt breath because of fear. Because I was afraid that something bad or sad could happen every moment. It was just too exciting to watch, a ride of a rollercoaster.
I loved all the characters of the drama (okay, exept the bad ones).
I loved the music. So this drama deserve a 10!
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acting was good. everyone is great. from main to supporting. you'll really hate the villains.
music was fair. unlike other dramas it sets the mood. and it suits the scene right. theme song wasn't that catchy.
i suggest and will recommend this series.
although the ending gave me a little hope that there is a possibility of a sequel. then i will watch it and will hope they clean up the mess of the ending. (im not saying he ending is bad but it could have been better.)
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This review may contain spoilers
*spoiler free*I truly enjoyed Gu Family Book .. it's the full package great acting , great directing and most importantly great storyline..
I'd say that characters are its strongest point .Kang chi is so kind, funny, pure and prince like. yeo wool isn't your everyday kdrama lead .. she's strong,confident and doesn't need the hero to defend her!! the supporting cast is so great as well especially females .. they're all strong welled and admirable .. Some people are bashing the show saying that "it didn't know what it wanted to be whether romance or fantasy .. etc ... others said that it went on circles and failed to accomplish its main purpose" I personally think that these people misinterpreted the show possibly because of the synopsis which said that the drama is about a gumiho trying to become a human using Gu Family Book .. which is not precise but true .. did you know that the initial name of the show was "Kang chi the beginning"? that is the core of the drama it's not about a guy becoming a superhero to protect his love ones and seek revenge . it's not about a gumiho wanting to become a human . it's not an epic love story between a supernatural creature and a human girl .. it's all of them .. it's simply a BIOGRAPHY!! even if you have everything planned out , you don't know what fate may throw at you .. life is full of variables and this drama is no different .. It was a great watch that I highly recommend simply because it has a thing for everyone..
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In addition to the plot, I found the plot devices to be poorly executed. Yes, kdramas recycle plots a lot but that doesn't bother me. It just felt very forced and not very genuine. But I think a lot of people disagree with me and that is perfectly fine. Not everyone likes the same stuff.
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Now off to the main event, I wasn't really a fan of flashbacks to give substance to the stories. Flashbacks feel like cheating... so after those flashback from the main characters story I felt cheated but setting that aside, I love Yeo-wool's character. She was a bad ass woman with skills, the downer for me here is the consistency of her being bad ass. Initially she started off as being Kang-chi's protector then as the story progressed little by little Yeo-wool was turning into a damsel in distress. That annoyed me. If she was a bad assed chic who dress up as a man and could fight equally as a man, why didn't the writer own up to that character? I have this inkling the writer was trying to feminize Yeo-wool in way that would not over shadow Kang-chi's strength. My take on that? It was a lame move. Yeo-wool could still have supported Kang-chi even if she was strong.
As for Kang-chi's character, I like the way he progressed from being recklessly clueless about his real identity up the part when he has evolved to who he really is to the very last episode. I love how he decides on his own and the trail of thoughts that runs inside his half gumiho head. It shows how pure his heart really is. That's the kind of solid character I wanted in a drama I watch.
Of course if there are the good guys, there are also the bad guys. Jo Kwan-woong was the ultimate baddie in this drama and I just loved to hate the guy. I was already plotting my revenge on him inside my head because he has been killing off wonderful characters or marring their image to a point of no return. That's how affected I am with his character.
There were also several character that I liked:
Gon, he was that kind of guy who doesn't say too much but gives off all the vibes in his facial expressions and physical gesture. My favorite expression on his face is the I-like-you-lady-yeo-wool-but-I-could-never-have-you-because-I'm-only-here-to-protect-you-and-your-heart-already-belongs-to-someone-else.
Choon Soo-ryun the gisaeng head mistress because she's level headed and her principles are way beyond being desperate and lastly she's awesome with the five drum beat.
Finally there's Head servant Mr. Choi, Kang-chi's second dad. His character was consistent all throughout. Never wavers not even when he gets beaten up multiple times, he was one of the underrated characters which I would have cried if he got killed off.
The music score was lovely, I like the song they have used especially during the pilot episode for the mom and dad. It was cute, romantic and timely.
I would highly recommend this drama for those who are into sageuk fantasy. Its not too light but its also not too heavy as a kdrama. I'll have to say it's just the right mix. I just wish they make a second season out of this because I'm pretty much looking forward to it already.
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Story:
Even though our lead characters do not appear until the third episode, the beginning of the drama does draw you in with the parents’ story. I do believe the first half of the drama was better than the second half where things slowed down a bit. Based on the title, I did expect the drama to be more focused on Kang Chi’s search and journey to becoming human. I also was not particularly fond of the ending. It was more of an open ending and left you expecting more, especially the last scene. However, I did enjoy watching this drama for the most part.
Cast:
Suzy definitely has improved in her acting since her past dramas but she could still work more on her crying scenes. Lee Seung Gi was great as he is really able to convey his emotions through his acting. The supporting cast did well in their roles and Lee Sung Jae did an amazing job portraying the villain.
Music:
There are some nice songs that fit the scenes well but overall the OST wasn’t too memorable for me.
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I have tried watching MANY and ended up hating ALL of them. In my humble opinion, all they ever really amount to are three things:
A) Cool/pretty costumes
B) Mildly interesting linguistics
C) A bunch of people running around in the woods
Usually by the 8th episode or so, some ridiculous mythological plot devices are non-sensibly and incongruously running amok, and we're falling into the same old plot twists used in ALL KOREAN DRAMAS..... Except for the cool costumes, interesting linguistics and everyone running around in the woods (and dying... lots of people always die in Korean historical dramas).
THAT BEING SAID........ I really enjoyed Gu Family Book!
It is THE FIRST historical drama I have watched and never once felt bored. The first where I didn't get confused and generally irritated with illogical plot twists. The first that captivated me to the point of talking out loud to the characters via my computer screen and or laying on the ground in a puddle of lovey-dovey goo (I am looking at YOU Lee Seung Gi). Call me crazy, but that is when I know that I am absolutely bewitched by a drama.
Yes, this drama does have cool costumes, a mythological plot and plenty of forest frolicking, but the strength is in its characters and their development. The best dramas are those where I actually care what happens to the characters. They're all just so darn charming!
EVERY character is given a certain level of depth and significance within the plot line. Not only did I care very much about Kang Chi and Yeo Wool, I also ADORED ALL of the random side characters--from the cheerful/sunshiney Sung and wise/cheeky Master Dal, to the rambunctious Bong Chool and his goofy gang of street thugs. I even cared about the bad guys, because they were so good at being despicable that I HAD to make sure they got what they deserved in the end.
And I must give a bit of kudos to the writers for the character Yeo Wool. One, I love a good, strong, "rough around the edges" female lead. Two, Suzy did a great job projecting Yeo Wool's unwavering bad-assness, which was necessary to properly support the character of Kang Chi.
At 24 episodes, this drama initially made me nervous with its length (I usually stay away from dramas more than 16 episodes long--the plot almost always drags). But I was SAD when this drama ended!! As if having to say goodbye to good friends. I wanted to know more!!
Who knew running around in the woods could be so much fun!?
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I had some frustrations because the scenes were so long, i mean each and every thing needed a 10 sec ff to go forward believe me. If someone is trying to say somethings it takes them 10 sec to start the dialogue.
The begining is excellent with a lovely story (regardless of the slowness of the scenes) it progresses good, it does slacks and gets a bit boring in the latter part of the drama but you are so far ahead you have to finish it. (the evil guy gets a bit boring as no one seems to be able to control him, its a bit unnatural as he seems untouchable to this extent)
I really loved the ending, it was quite romantic and cute. I would have prefered if they had shortened the old era and given us a few episodes of the modern era, I think it would have worked much better.
Overall, an enjoyable drama.
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Since I'm used to hearing modern day language from Seunggi, Suzy and Sungjoon it was a bit weird at first to be honest. The meshing of all the characters just didn't feel like it would work and even the love line with Suzy and Seunggi seemed like an odd pairing because they acted more like siblings. But as time progressed, the chemistry between all the characters seemed to knot so well together and it was just perfect. They stepped into the shoe's of their character flawlessly and even though Suzy showed awkward acting in the beginning it got so much better after a few episodes. KANGCHI, YEOWOOL, GON AND MASTER GONGDAL WERE JUST TOO ADORABLE SOMETIMES I COULD NOT HANDLE IT. Even the main villain, had me believing him to the point where I wanted to wring his neck.The cast had me both crying and hysterically laughing. Couldn't have asked for a better cast for this drama. (especially wolryung mmf that guy is sexy)
They often replayed the same few songs, but not once did I ever get sick of it. I'm a sucker for musicians like 4men and boy did they hit the spot with me musically. The songs were beautiful and fit so well with the drama, with a magical feel and most of the songs have you feeling up in just a second. I have no complaints in this area.
Rewatch Value: It was an amazing drama, don't get me wrong. I will most likely end up rewatching my favourite parts but I'm just not one to rewatch a drama again.
Overall: 10/10
I'd definitely recommend it to you if you are looking for a drama that makes you wanna smile from ear to ear, wring someones neck out and bawl your eyes out (and i'd definitely watch it if you are looking for some good eye candy)
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I don't even have words! My heart is still racing! I don't even know where to start! Okay. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. I CAN'T THOUGH! SO MANY FEELS!!!!!
The Story: I think it is fantastic. I love the story, except I was disappointed with the ending. I don't know how to say this without spoiling it... SO I'll just move on to the next thing... LEE SEUNG GI YOUR HAIR CUT IS THE SEXIEST THING ON THE PLANET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Never mind about being disappointed. Lee Seung Gi's hair was enough to make me smile my face off at the end. :D But seriously DO NOT watch this drama unless you are prepared to cry. It's soooo good.
A message to people who are afraid this will end bad:
I FEEL FOR YOU!!! This drama is so good and it's the first all through historical drama I've seen. This drama doesn't have that amazing of an ending. It was actually quite sad for me.. but the drama throughout is SO AMAZING!
The Cast:
Are you an idiot? Do you really think I need to say anything about the cast? DUH IT'S AMAZING IT HAS FLIPPING LEE SEUNG GI IN IT!!!!!! :P
To those who dislike Suzy... Shut up. Suzy is so flipping amazing in this drama I love her to pieces. This is the first drama I've seen with her but I have been watching Dream High along with it. But seriously people HER ACTING IS AMAZING!!!
The Music:
I died. It's just so beautiful! My eden is so pretty! I absolutely love Choi Jin Hyuk's song also! Don't Forget me is my new favourite song sung my a female lead. So precious! And obviously Last Words. Man that song kills me! Just Kills me with it's epic and love and I think I broke my MP3player by pushing repeat so many times!
Rewatch Value:
I am not one for rewatching dramas. I always feel like it but I can NEVER get around to rewatching them. I say I'll rewatch them... But I never actually end up rewatching the whole drama. This one I think I will rewatch almost as many times as I've rewatched Queen In Hyun's Man and You're Beautiful. Honestly I have no idea how many times that is sooo.... I can't really tell you how many times I'll rewatch Gu Family Book. OMO I SERIOUSLY CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT SEUNG GI'S HAIR CUT AT THE END!!! SO FLIPPING HOT!!!
Overall:
I love this drama. I love this drama. I want to just hug this drama till it's so squished that I can't possibly love it anymore. Not sure that makes since in the real world but if you've seen this drama you probably know what I mean. ! ^.^
One more thing... LEE SEUNG GI YOUR HAIR CUT IS SEXY!!!!!
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- 2 pure love stories!!
- funny
- intense with action
- gives you all the EMOTIONS!!!!!!!
at first the story becomes redundant and boring for me to the point of forcing myself to watch it (except for the first 2 episode :>) but when you get to the 9th episode BEWARE!!! It becomes ROMANTIC, CUTE, FUNNY, INTENSE, EPIC, UNPREDICTABLE, and INTERESTING that's how it HOOKED me!! I'm glad i didn't give up this drama**^________^**
ending? ~kyaaaaaaaaaa!! it's EPIC!! I just can't get over!!
music? I LOOOOOOOVE it! kyaaaa! especially with lee seung gi's voice? it melts my heart :) :< T^T all the ost is full of emotions!
Cast?
-suzy: I just don't like her acting when whe she cries (not too real for me!XD) but she's still a great actress especially at her young age!=D
-lee sung gi? his not handsome but there's something about him that will make you like him, his charm, cuteness and the way he SMILES!!
-tae soo? it took me 21 episodes to realize how handsome he is!lol!XD
-GREAT CAST!
Rewatch value? I gave it a 10 score =)
OVERALL? EPIC and UNIQUE! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR EVERYONE!
WARNING: even if you finish watching this drama it will make you hunger and thirty for another season!! LOL
PS: I WAAAANT A SEQUEL PLEASE!!:> #mywishfulthingking
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This review may contain spoilers
This is just one of those dramas you have to watch. It's that good.It's the heart aching poetry of how history repeats itself, and falling to one's fate.
Gu Family Book has a depth you rarely see; there are so many levels to the plot, each enhanced by a spectrum of emotions and feelings.
As a warning, this series takes a hatchet to your feelings. While the feels are proof of a phenomenal drama, you may need to do something like hold kittens or let puppies lick you to make everything okay again.
While some scenes are arguably dragged out too long, I was amazed about how much happens in every episode. I'd get to the end of one and be shocked at how much actually took place in just that one hour. These are not a boring 24 episodes.
Despite how much I adored this drama, the ending has the potential to ruin the entire series. I really had to sit down and think about if the final twenty minutes really lowered my entire opinion of this series (the other 23 and a half hours of it).
Avoiding spoilers, I believe Gu Family Book would have had a much, much stronger ending if it had ended thirty minutes into the final episode. While it would have been much sadder, by ending on a promise it would have been more beautiful. The ending almost mocked the rest of the series with it's casual atmosphere.
Among my issues with the ending was the fact that there was a significant lack of closure for the vast majority of the characters. Gu Family Book focuses so much on the characters' interactions with one another and their growth as a whole that to not know what happens to them gives you a very incomplete feeling.
On the more technical aspects, my only complaint was the supernatural effects (this includes the design of the gumiho's divine creature appearances).
They were... somewhat cheesy and contrastingly cheap in comparison to the effort put into the costumes and sets.
What I considered the worst part was that they threatened to ruin many serious and emotional scenes.
While I can't speak to the historical accuracy of the setting and costumes, they were beautifully done and obviously had a great deal of effort put into them.
The music beautifully accented the scenes-- moments where I was close to tears, the music often pushed me over the edge.
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