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Lengthy Sageuk With Inspiring Character Growth
54 Episodes. This sort of thing likely works best watching weekly as watching the episodes in a short time frame all together highlights some definite flaws. There are plenty of filler episodes that could have easily been cut down or replaced with something different. For example, Jang Geum being sent off to a banishment section of the palace could've been stretched out longer as it seemed too easy to escape when no one else was able to. Have that replace some of the rather empty episodes and you have a more complete drama. The obstacles were a little one note. Jang Geum gets framed for something, she gets out of it with talent. It was basically like that. Some work really well such as Jang Geum, as a child, becoming a Court Lady through her wit and intellect despite not being allowed in the lessons was something that showed how great and worthy she is of her legacy bestowed upon her. However this was an excellent drama overall despite some of the flaws. This drama is split into a few sections, the introduction with Jang Geum’s parents, how they came to meet and her upbringing. Jang Geum’s first days as a court lady, her transition into a Doctor and then her junior into the King's personal physician. The best section of the story was the introduction, as it gives a unique and well written background for the world we are in and an inspiring story regarding Jang Geum’s parents and their sad demise. Jang Geum herself was a wonderful character. Pure at heart, modest, talented and earnest in her actions. Even her relationship with the antagonists is nothing short of respectful on her side. Her and Lady Han’s relationship was a true kinship that won't be replicated anytime soon. They truly felt together and made each other better. Lady Han tested Jang Geum’s skills and got the best out of her, while acting as her Mother would. Jang Geum was able to fill the gaping hole and guilt that Lady Han felt from the death of Jang Geum’s mum, Myung Yi (who is a dead ringer for Lee Young AE at times). The romance between Jang Geum and Min Jung Ho is a slow burn. Very natural and not forced at all - started off with a few Kind words and grew as they met more and more . That's where the long episode number benefits. The antagonists were somewhat understandable over their circumstances. Choi Geum Yeong and Head Lady Choi were forced into being Court Ladies and forced to act against the King by their families, so they are sympathetic initially, but there are vindictive actions in there which make them more hateable.Overall this is well worth watching. It had some interesting stories based on factual history and folklore around Jang Geum. But ultimately this is a story about overcoming backgrounds, gender and other obstacles. This drama expertly delved into the system of the Court Ladies, their roles and expectations. If you want historical accuracy, this is for you.
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It was quite a joy to watch Song Kang-ho and Kim Ok-bin's relationship develop from humble priest vampire and opressed housewife to the battle for lust and blood. A seductive game of right and wrong. They blended all the combining themes effortlessly with their chemistry.
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The symbolism in all the scenery, setting was heavy. But the heart of the story was in the acting. Gong Yoo’s performance brought all the intensity and vulnerability required. His character is a stuck soul that’s longing for love and intimacy. And he’s struggling to let it go, as shown through his persistence throughout the film, but eventually, regretfully. acquiescence to his situation, and lets Jeon Do-yeon’s go in a heartbreaking finish to the film. Jeon Do-yeon’s acting was so subtle and on-point, bringing everything she needed to the character and making the best out of the story on display.
A super well rounded movie that was both heart-warming and pitiful at the same time.
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Forest is follows two people that are sent out a small town in Gangwon for seperete reasons, punishment and job related respectively, after first meeting in Seoul. Both are suffering somewhat from their troubled childhoods and despite their tough exteriors, are able to use this to connect to each other. They have a sweet relationship but with shady businessmen that's related to Kang San Hyuk's ideas for a resort having their own plans, things go arwy. The villains of the series are a little generic and too evil compared to the simplistic story and characters around them but it does create a nice contrast for our leads to overcome. The rescue team plot adds some good adventure scenes and gives depth to Kang San Hyuk, allowing him to show his less ruthless side outside of the relationship with Jung Young Jae.
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Promising series but it fizzled out and left you wanted more in an unfulfilling way
Doctors is a decent drama with an interesting premise, character ideas and a surprisingly interesting back cast. However, all are either left unfulfilled or under used. The show is really good and delivers on the overall plot until ep 12/13. The drama starts off showing our characters during their last months at school where our main lead, Hye Jung, was a delinquent and how she met Prof Hong and it changed her life. That was a really strong first main arc of the show with all the characters having strong aims and goals. But I can't help but feel that all of that work came off very weak once we were in the present day where everyone in at the hospital. That's disapointing. Hye Jung wasn't as mentally strong as she was as a child as she just seemed normal and, honestly, generic albeit likeable nonetheless. But her plotlines just totally fizzled out at the end and I just lost my investement in the whole plot. Hong was a cool character, was determined and smart - perfectly fine except the second lead was much more interesting. I'm not saying that I have second lead syndrome because I don't really thing Hye Jung and Yoon Do was a better pair (the main leads are right for each other, for sure) but Yoon Do was much more interesting in his motivations, actions, etc. He is on the losing end of a love triangle that he was never going to win but he's not angry or bitter. He takes it in his stride and contiues to function. That's what I feel the story should've focused on more. His scenes were the highlight of the show. In fact, Yoon Do's scenes with his Dr Jo In Joo and Prof Pa Ran were a joy to watch. Their chemistry together would've made for a better series on its own, imo. The side characters had interesting arcs and they were too something that make the series worthwhile but it's all limited as well and just squandered potential. I've seen other reviews that say that Doctors would be best as a long running sitcom and I throughlly agree with that statement. You'd get more chance to flesh out some of these interesting ideas and characters such as Dr Choi's brain tumor, Dr Kang's relationship with his subordinates.It's acting perfecty fine but the lack of compelling overall plot, the not fully fleshed out side plots and focus on the lesser compelling characters means this is just an good series. It could've been great and it was for large parts but I was left underwhelmed towards the end.
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The erotic vibes are heavy. Perhaps a bit cliche but served their purpose. One thing I found fasinating is how the the story was able to be protrected through these acts. Anything more will be spoilers.
Kim Tae-ri continues to impress with every performance. Hopefully that leads to stardom. Cho Jin-woong was wonderfully eccentric, making the perverted Uncle role his own. The subtle movements, the eyes,. The acting all round is up to par.
I'm intriuged by the rewatch value this has. I may need to watch the directors cut. That's a first.
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Maybe the most influential story of all time
Instant classic. The movie is pretty much immaculate. The only things I'd point out as less than stellar, Kikuchiyo'death being not as impactful as it could've been, are minicule and nitpicking at best.The pacing is perfect. A 3 hour run time can put most die hard movie fans off, but the gripping storytelling, acting from all of the cast with such range of emotions - heartfelt to dramatic - and cinematography just catches you and never let's you go until the title cards say "The End".
Takashi Shimura, Isao Kimura and Toshiro Mifune all give exceptional performances. The wise veteran, giving wisdom, the naive protoge and the brash unpredictable rogue. Mifune steals any scenes he's in with his charisma, his energy, his range and the weight behind everything he says. You could follow him for the run time and be just fine.
Kurosawa's masterpiece, indeed. Every shot is beautiful. Timeless direction and camera work.
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Lee Jun Ho’s role in this drama was incredibly hard. He had to play someone plagued with drama and hardship but was also resilient. Being the one we, as viewers, follow, he was a brilliant focus point. His chemistry with the rest of the cast was pretty outstanding. Everyone gelled in their role and was able to bring something vital to the drama.
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You'll wish to go shopping after watching this
Alive won’t break any new ground as far as Zombie movies but it follows the formula well. It's not a scary zombie film, it's more about the loneliness, the isolation and the will to live through it. But with that being said, there were a few big jump scares while our main character, Joon-Woo is looking through apartments for food and other essentials. The zombies themselves looked amazing and so creepy. The transformation of those creatures sends shivers up my spin. The chase scenes themselves were very exciting. The sheer number of the zombies chasing our MCs made the chases very tense and gripping. The dialogue throughout the film is rather limited with not much being said given the characters' situations but I found that they were able to convey communication really well thanks to their facial expressions and good use of the technology around them. Joon-Woo using his phone and his drone and Yoo-Bin using her laser pen to good comedic effect but showing her smarts using rope to send food, saving Joon-Woo from starvation. Just a good solid film from a production and story standpoint. I enjoyed every moment of the film. One of the biggest criticisms of the film that I have is that it's very short compared to most Korean films (which are mostly 2 hours plus in my experience). Perhaps some scenes are cut out or the writers didn’t feel the need to drag the story out longer. There is room to develop the film more, I feel.The performances in Alive were really good throughout the film. The acting from Yoo Ah-In is particularly strong as well. He brings a good sense of frustration and regret to the role during the opening 40 minutes where it is basically a one man film. The short cameos from Jeon Bae-soo and Lee Hyun-wook provided some nice spice. Park Shin-Hye was solid in the film as well. Her character is very resourceful and friendly to living things such as her plants and Joon-Woo. That came across in her acting - Shin-Hye is a very soft natured person naturally so the role was perfect for her and her other roles. Again, there weren’t many lines but she sounded natural and on-point when called upon.
I just want to point out the brilliant soundtrack. From what I heard, it was only two or three songs (Break by Beenzino and Sail by Inni) but Sail by Inni in particular had a real tension fueled vibe to it. The eerie synth sound brought gravitise to the scenes it was used in.
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At heart, this is a social commentary on the struggle of doctors having to choose their ethics over the harsh system they are supposed to adhere to. The idea that you shouldn't admit a mistake to protect the reputation of yourself and the hospital, even just a little bit. The inner fight to choose a side is strong for anyone, and it's explored heavily through Dr Yeom Dong Il, an intern in the surgery department. But that aside, the political elements are vastly interesting as well. The idea of cliques and past relationships having so much effect. Choi Do Young - our conscience opposed to Jang Joon Hyuk - is plagued by that idea. No matter his values, he is expected to stick by Jang Joon Hyuk and his version of the truth. We see small elements of that in Vice-Director Woo (Played by Kim Chang Wan). He is on the side of Chief Lee, previously being wronged by Dr Jang but due to being friends with an ally of Dr Jang, he had to abandon that dislike to further his career. This brings many different, little threads to the table, giving this drama so much depth that you'd think on first viewing. That's thanks to masterful writing and direction (Lee Ki Won and Ahn Pan Seok respectively)
The acting perfectly complemented the subtlety of the show. I'm not quite sure where I heard this, but I once heard someone praise Kim Chang Wan’s acting for this very drama and I never thought anything of it but within a few screens, I remembered that statement. His sly facial expression, the movements in his eyes when he was plotting. Kim Chang Wan isn't the show's biggest character, plot wise, but he's fascinating to watch perform. He was quite mesmerising in any scene. He was one of many who were excellent in White Tower. Kim Myung Min as Jang Joon Hyuk, the ever reliable Lee Sun Kyun as Choi Do Young, Song Sun Mi as Lee Yoon Jin. The names I can list off tenfold.
It took me a while to find White Tower on the Internet, but that struggle was well worth it. It was an engrossing drama that had very interesting medical, ethical and political elements while very little tropes you can see elsewhere. Lee Yoon Jin and Choi Do Young are described as being very similar in this show by other characters. Both have a strong sense of justice. So, you'd expect there to be some romance between the two, right? That's not what transpires. Choi Do Young is a happily married man, who doesn't think of any other thoughts. Nor does Lee Yoon Jin. They are simply friends (through his wife) and want to help the bereaved Kwon family. Isn't that refreshing? That's what White Tower brings. Just a well rounded, excellent drama through and through.
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