pammo1949

I really used to enjoy the daytime dramas. Perfect for watching when you wake up - 30 minutes of distraction but at least meaningful.   This drama had a very good cast of actors tasked with a very mediocre storyline.   Since I marathon these dramas I try to wait for the reviews or ratings and if above 7.5  and 3/4th completed --- I will dive in to watch -- hopefully not resulting in an absolute waste of 50 or 60 hours of my life.   What I am discovering is the 100-120 episode dramas are resorting to cyclical, ambiguous, ridiculous storytelling schemes.  Even if you are an idiot you can detect they have run out of ideas for the story and begin to drag you along like pieces of attached trash.  You invest so much time - you feel you shouldn't abandon the story -- WE ARE CONQUERORS!!!
However, the daily drama challenge has become so insulting to the viewer that there is now one rule that I will follow -- LET ALL EPISODES AIR FIRST - then read ALL COMMENTS about the ending and the last few episodes - THEN DECIDE WHETHER I AM GOING TO BE INSULTED.    Obviously, if it is clearly not worth my time - I will just take a pass.   Now, this drama - since I am angry --- I watched after watching Sweet Enemy as well -- good in the beginning and terrible the last 20 plus episodes.  The story is just not plausible, women are devalued as being dumb, conniving, and easy to forgive even the most heinous of offences.  Crimes are rampant throughout but excused as part of the plot lines.  Romance or rather love relationships is just a side thought - not even there - but used to be the backdrop for betrayals and lies.   When will the writers be charged with the responsibility of QUALITY, not QUANTITY?  I am taking a pause from Korean daily dramas until one of them produces a rating of 8 + at the finality in MDL.

Read More

I hate to compare any drama to 10 miles of Peach Blossoms but it is inevitable because the quality of the cinematography was just breathtaking and strangely addictive. The story is a beautiful romance that does not deviate from the writers' intentions of giving the viewer an opportunity to feel mixed emotions along with the story that is being told. There are moments in every drama that make you reconsider your rating - but in the end, I realized that overall this drama was a 10 for me. I loved the story, the music, the actors, the direction and the pace of telling the story. The chemistry is amazing because the acting was amazing. The lead actress had to define herself in a way that would be contradictory to normal and she did an amazing job. Some might find her annoying but I found it to be an artistic achievement to maintain the role's intention. Although there were several characters, the depth of character development for each one was enough for the viewer not to be overwhelmed by so many roles and faces. The best find for this year - enjoyed more than Legend of Fuyao and most definitely I rank it with Eternal Love (10 miles) with the splendid cinematography and camera work. A must see.

Read More

The question of whether love is fated or love is driven by circumstances is realistically portrayed in this drama. What I love is the step by step decision making that goes into the separation and the divorce and the natural attraction of the leads. This wasn't a lust drama but one of mutual respect for the person that is the object of affection. One of the most satisfying endings for a K drama that usually spoils the ending withe the contrite attempts to redeem characters so everyone has a feel good experience. In real life and in this drama responsibility is the main theme. Responsibility to marriage, children and to self are all analyzed in unique ways. Tolerance and intolerance are so explored. Worth watching again and I thank the writers for seeing this drama through to a mature adult ending not some make believe fairy tale ending.

Read More

50 episodes in 3 days required a lot of interesting scenes and side stories. This drama was loosely based on historical facts as the background for story telling but not historical accuracy. Had the writers stuck to historical facts with a little puff the drama would have been a 10. The underlying story of a fictional female daring to become a doctor in ancient China and the societal backlash was interesting. Hardships and pain were expected and the viewer is definitely drawn into her life which is almost pitiful -- except for the love interests she garners along the way. The acting is credible but writers tend to always give strong females an IQ under 100 when it comes to logical thought processing. Mothers are always "evil" and "daughters are either pitiful or just too kindhearted to think intelligently. Smart enough to be a doctor but dumb when it comes to institutional analysis and responses. Yes the drama reverts to a pure romance in the end but it still retains value for continued viewing. The ending is not a disappointment and was satisfying. worth viewer time.

Read More

This is one of these dramas you spend so much time watching - week by week - waiting for the next episode because it seems to be following a logical and intriguing storyline that was building on a theme that made sense. Then for some reason, this drama took a u-turn. Reality takes a dive and the viewer must suffer through 2 episodes of dry storytelling and unrealistic scenes accompanied by dumb piano playing and pitiful music in the background. This was not a realistic or credible story ending. I am not going to write a spoiler but I advise any new viewer to heed a warning -- don't spend 52 hours of your life on this scrambled egg. The rest of us have been wounded deeply and feel the burn of frustration.

Read More

outstanding drama from beginning to end - A GEM

I had stopped writing reviews because I was binge-watching so many dramas from different countries and decided to watch fluffy dramas in between the historical ones that find. Thanks to MDL I saw a 10 rating for this drama from a previous reviewer and put it on my "binge-watch calendar."

The story - from episode 1 to episode 40 you are engaged and immersed in the story. Each episode I felt the writer was KNITTING. The writer did an excellent job and initially was weaving a story using different strands - without flashbacks his technique was perfect and the viewer becomes part of the strand that he is the weaver. The story is a mystery, romance, police investigation story with unique qualities. Only one warning - try to watch without comments from Viki -- viewers spoil some of the anticipations of storytelling halfway through.

The title: TO LOVE -- gosh -- I'm sappy. Everyone wants to be in love with that level of commitment. The writer hooks you again with this thread that makes you ask yourself - have I ever loved with trust or commitment? An element that is streamed throughout the 40 episodes.

The flow of Storytelling: Never a filler, never a drag - always moving forward and weaving the story without dropping or dragging or repeating. I gave this aspect an A+ because I hate filler episodes.

Actors: The writer used every actor to his/her fullest and within their talent range. The lead couple - outstanding (both impulsive and strong - which made them compatible) the secondary couple - outstanding. The violinist - convincing in his dual role. The police officers outstanding and convincing without diminishing the occupation of the police office or investigation.

OST: moving and good. Not overwhelming soundtrack distracting from the story but music to set the mood - and done appropriately, not distracting.

This is a guarantee WINNER and your viewing time will be rewarded with QUALITY!!!!. Highly recommend.

Read More

This was 2018 rewatch -- reminded of it after trying to watch the Seven Faced Man -- and comparing the story.   I could not get Ji Sung's incredible acting and the impact it made on me emotionally when I viewed it the first time in 2015.  Watching week by week you sometimes forget the incredible scenes and storyline.  However, marathoning this drama just reminded me of why I believe this will be my all-time top K drama.    Acting - children and adults -- over the top good;   Editing -- perfect;  Music -- exceptional -- I don't buy music at my age but I downloaded the song Hallucinations to play when I'm walking.   It is one of my all-time favorites.  The best part of this drama is the creativity of the story -- not a dull moment -- a full story from beginning to end.   A story with mixed emotions - you laugh out loud -- a lot,  and you cry buckets of tears along the way.     There were so many life's lessons shared in this drama that you almost need a notepad to keep track.  I am still trying to watch Seven Faced Man -- but like most remakes of outstanding dramas they will continually be compared and the bar was set to high with Ji Sung, Hwang Jung-Eum and Park Seo-Joon casts as lead actors.  A good rewatch for the New Year's weekend.

Read More

Hard to write a review of this one without spoilers but I will try. The story is one about love -- love between man and woman; love between children and parents;love between siblings and extended love from friends. The writer is very effective in outlining the trials of love when there is conflict; love when power is a variable; and love when you are desperate and unwavering in your actions and thoughts. The drama was addictive for me resulting in another marathon event. Each episode makes you want to dissect the minds of these characters -- I found myself talking to the television screen -- my frustrations, disgust and admiration. 41 episodes were all filled with events that pushed the drama forward -- as opposed to mindless fillers. If you are a romantic -- definitely watch. There is enough action scenes and fighting scenes to get your other half to watch if not inclined for just a romantic drama. Bring your tissues.

Read More

A totql workout for the brain and a great drama - a Gordian knot.

This drama was one of the best I have seen in 5 or more years. The concept and execution of the creation of a dual identify character (in a different timeline) that exists for the sole purpose of seeking revenge and ascertaining the culprits responsible for his murder (which was only attempted) was executed by the screenwriter with the highest respect for the viewers' entertainment and mental engagement. There were several times I had to go back and recount incidents to properly knit the story together to its final mindblowing conclusion. After watching episode 15 I was concerned that there was NO WAY this drama could have a good ending. However, I was totally surprised and enjoyed my Christmas day just screaming about how brilliant the screenwriters and directors were to lead to a 100% satisfactory and believable conclusion. The timeline changes were the hardest to comprehend but I used the weightlifter's silver metal (2004) event to account for the 20 years that passed to bring reality and the events of the last episode to a plausible reality as a viewer. Even the 10 years for the Miracle corporation converting into an arboretum was confusing at first -- you just have to remember that Do Jun died 10 years before the company basically removed itself from ownership of the Soonyang corporation. Totally satisfying and worth a rewatch if you are uncertain of timelines and events. A difficult watch but if you enjoy a challenge and a little eye candy to boot - this is one to watch.

Read More

Watched again (saw in 2014) after watching DOTS. It kept coming up after every completed episode on VIki so I said -- why not. The intensity of this drama and the level of misunderstandings that can cause heartbreak can only be measured by the tears you shed watching. Love that both female leads are flawed to the core and the male leads are "macho" protectionist of these flawed women. Although the title is "Innocent" I find that a misnomer as the drama progresses. Each episode is addictive so you will watch and watch praying for positive outcomes in negative situations. What is most fascinating is how the drama ending. I found it to be a good ending --- for a K drama it is a very good ending comparatively. The actors are all good and the music is not overwhelming but drives the intensity and moods of each scene. Good drama.

Read More

A quirky romantic comedy that keeps you guessing through each and every episode. What makes this drama a winner is the exceptional acting of the female lead that immerses herself into the role of being a "male" and a "brother" to the male lead. However, as each episode progresses you see her as a female wolf in sheep clothing circling and capturing her prey. As a man she is an alpha female and you love the interactions between the two. Unfortunately the secondary leads are too weak to add to the enjoyment and pull down the rating. You also find yourself debating with yourself which is fun in itself.
The does he or doesn't he question is the fun of watching. I would definitely recommend with some fast forward moments and some skipping.

Read More

Not a Dry Eye In the House ( No spoilers - just reasons to watch

Many reviewers have described this drama as a masterpiece. It is a priceless drama that shoots to my top 3 of all time and I have been watching K dramas. Chinese dramas, Thai dramas, Japanese dramas since 2014. What makes this one that must be on your watched list is simply the storytelling and the unique way the writer has weaved a tragedy that is so common with young people today throughout the world into a treatise on cause and effect, depth of friendship, and family interactions. I found myself crying so much during the drama that I began to understand the writers were astute in layering common situations into everyone's emotional DNA. The story writer is a genius, and the screenwriter was able to take this story to the next level by making it a visual treat. My only complaint and why this must be watched and rewatched over and over again --- the English translation was not accurate (seemed to be google translation) but this does not stop the viewer from being absorbed into being a second skin or shadow for each character.

The reason to watch and rewatch -- the need to take notes and analyze the lessons being taught and the lesson learned about how we as humans respond to a variety of challenging situations and crises in our lives. Our parents, our friends, our boyfriends/girlfriends are intimately affected by all of our thoughts words, and deeds. Just living and bearing burdens to the point of being in a dead-end situation was so graphically and emotionally portrayed that there is a point that each of us has to reevaluate our own lives and the lives around us.

How much do we share with others we trust, how much do we hide that is painful, how much deception do we live in our own lives, how much do we pretend, how much do we value our partners and their aspirations and goals? These are only a few of the socially challenging questions that this drama achieved in only 12 episodes. A priceless lesson on living - you have to reflect and be introspective to really benefit from this drama.

Just watch and you will agree - a SOLID 10 -- and that is a rarity.

Read More

This drama was so good - marathoning it night and day to get through 90 episodes --- but oops -- the drama ends in 62 episodes and I spend half a day trying to find 63-90 ( raw or subbed). After reading it was on Amazon Prime I went to Prime and yes it only has 62 episodes. All of the streaming websites lead the viewer to believe there are 90 episodes so you have to re-watch to accept the fact that ep 62 is the end. Nonetheless, I felt cheated because it was such a good storyline and it had so many secondary stories that needed to be told. I am assuming someone planned to do a second season but it never was made or still on someone's drawing board. This was my frustration.

Story - the story was so good and really needed to be told to its conclusion for viewer satisfaction.
Acting/Cast - chemistry over the top and the roles were cast perfectly throughout
Music - good - not epic but good
Rewatch - would only watch season 2 if ever made or rewatch as a refresher.
Overall - for many could be a waste of time ( if you like finality) but as a filler {in between searching for a good drama) it was satisfying.

Read More

This was one of the slowest developing dramas I have watched completed in 16 episodes. I often complain about the 45 and 70 episode dragged out love stories because you usually can tell a truly romantic story within 24 episodes. What I disliked about this drama is the writer's attempt to keep a melancholy theme throughout. Dating was so unnatural for everyone involved in romantic encounters and I felt there was this weirdness feeling and not a feeling of reality that was evolving in an attempt to be artistic. The actors started out with strong lines and good material to deliver a challenging romantic story but in the middle of the story the writer began to scrape the barrel grating the viewers' nerves - many reported dropping the drama because it was so slow and never maturing to romance, only conflict. In the end, it was the feeling - well I've watched this far - might as well finish. When I finished it I asked myself - what did I just watch for 16 hours? The chemistry was "off" during the 2nd charm and we never saw the maturation of a third charm. I would not recommend this drama unless you just have nothing else to watch.

Read More

I don't know where to start but I will give it a try.
ACTING -- Plastic, repetitive, unemotional, forced and just bad. Tedious repetition of same lines, same outcomes and impossible resolutions of problems. Acting was just merry-go-round pronunciation of the same or similar lines or facial expressions. The baby stretched out on the blanket was the best actor throughout.

STORY - I routinely watched this drama in the morning and the story was so unrealistic and condescending to human intelligence that I felt like an idiot watching this mess. They even extended it 23 more episodes which was a trigger to drop but after 60 hours - I just went into fast-forward mode to the end. A 26 mile marathon running with bad knees.
MUSIC -repetitive music every episode with singers at a cabaret. It was just plain annoying after a while.
REWATCH - not in my lifetime.

I have had bad luck watching daily dramas recently. They are becoming the worse of the worse with the dullest writers and actors. Simply they should try to write an outstanding 60 episode drama then divide it in half., timewise. What is happening is the substance of these daily dramas seem to fill up 30 episodes and they stretch and stretch until the viewers are hooked or frustrated trying to learn the ending which is always unrealistic or totally disappointing.

Read More