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Won Kyu (Cha Seung Won) is a young, diligent, upright and idealistic detective. One day he’s sent to an island to investigate an arson case. Given his all to solve the case, much more gets revealed. The young detective finds himself stuck in a serial killing case with grudges, vengeance and superstitions surrounding him. The more he digs, the deeper he sinks into the mud of the horrific tale. Though he solves the case and though the world seems fine on the outside, Won Kyu’s world completely alters. His ideals and what he always believed true scatter in front of him. Though living, he’s not alive anymore.
The film is a genuine investigation film set in the 19th century. The plot is well-written and the twists are so interesting. Once Won Kyu takes the case you can’t take your eyes off. The lighting, sounds and effects are awesome. The abominable crime scenes are so realistically depicted I couldn’t but close my eyes. And Cha Seung Won! His superb acting gives the film a different and more fabulous air; biased as I am.
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Well, after completing 126 dramas and watching 40 in the mean time, a 2005 drama wouldn't bring much newness; but though they didn't surprise or impress me at all, I enjoyed the drama.
It's about the most childish couple I've ever watched. They're so cute and loving though. I understand now why married couples fight all the time but stay together after all.
I'm not a big fan of Ryu Soo Young but his role here was adorable at times so I liked him a bit. It's my introduction to Park Sun Young and she's really good; surprising me!!
I got to know Lee Joong Moon for the first time as well and fell for him -obviously- but was disappointed when I checked his drama list!
The supposed second female lead Park Eun Hye got on my nerves throughout the drama, ohhh goosebumps!!
The sweetest part about this drama was the love triangle between Lee Sang Woo and Ahn Nae Sang to win Jo Eun Ji. I'm loving Jo Eun Ji in The Greatest Marriage now (Park Seon Yeo; Jo Eun Cha's insane ex) and I really liked her here. Lee Sang Woo acting a mute chef was just the most adorable person ever. He always is anyway.
The epilogues here are so interesting. The comedy and the sound effects are cute. It's a good introduction if you're new to kdramas or ro-comedy or if you plan to knit while watching something -like i did-.
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The film centres on the silk road and the trade industry back in the 3rd century and how central that was to all nations; involving them into commercial wars even.
Through the fight over the right of commerce, the film presents a humanistic approach. All races are equal. In a world that treats the dead better than the living, we need each other to survive. Place is an imaginary space. For a common goal, there are no nations. There are only brothers. Even we you get betrayed and your comrades turn their back to you to survive, use your pain as motivation.
We see people's obsession with money and power and the consequences of that obsession, from betrayal to malicious killing. The film tosses questions at us, insolvable once again. What is destiny and what is fate? Is the unification dream even possible? And what is Home?
A film full of breathtaking fighting scenes. Jackie can't help being hilarious. Emotional music, songs and a touching bromance. A beautiful film to watch.
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In all aspects; this is a masterpiece. Not only that the fire scenes throughout the film were shot in real buildings and used real fire. The story, production and acting were flawless; this much I can guarantee.
If you thought you had any idea of what suffering might feel like -like I did- you're going to rethink after watching this. The amount of pain every single second carries is nothing I would tolerate. I had a rough idea of how bad firefighters suffer, but after this everything changes. To be stuck between saving a comrade and saving yourself in the middle of the flames is hell in itself; that's where the title came from. I should not have started this after reading the title; I shouldn't.
Libera Me playing in the background all the time drags you into the depth of hell; actual hell.
Friendship, sacrifice, love, duty, pain and traumas are all depicted most brilliantly and excruciatingly here. I gaped at the screen amazed at how complicated and pathetic we humans are. And I cried for the same reason.
I watched almost 100 Korean films and I can confidently ask you to watch it. I'm too numb to write a good review.
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Lee Byung Hun was beautiful as ever with his perfect body and flawless English. He brought as much as he could out of the character. His eyes carried the obsessiveness of it. But that was all to it.
Kimura Takyua looked so much like Kim Nam Gil at moments he stuck in my memory.
Cinematography was .. well.. awful.
Rock music was everywhere all the time. Some great songs played.
Anyhow, a total waste of time and talents.
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The drama presented different syndromes and psychological problems in details so the audience -even if completely ignorant- would at least understand a rough idea about the syndrome. And at the same time it was never boring. I learned about some for the first time and I learned and researched more about the ones I had an idea about.
The acting of the main cast and the guests were superb. I must applaud Song Chang Ui's performance. He did a great job.
There were some fun moments, in the right place. The music was suitable.
The mystery remained till the end and I liked that -OCN!- I liked how the cases would seem unrelated but end up as a part of a chain.
Again; the great dramas are cruelly short. Hope there's another season. OCN lets us hope. Thanks fortune there's God's Quiz to make us hope.
Here's the Currently Watching article I wrote when I started watching the drama:
http://mydramalist.com/article/2015/01/15/currently-watching-dr.-frost
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The drama present different types of crimes and the motives behind them, showing a humane and sympathetic sides when dealing with the criminals and not judging them blindly. Each episode would give away nuggets of wisdom and political advice. The most interesting part is that the crimes tackled are present day crimes handled in the Joseon era with the old ways and tools.
The topics presented in the mini drama varied. We see traumas, revenge, passion crimes, pedophiles, homosexuality, affairs, people's indifference, psychopaths, usury, theft, private loans, tax evasion, hostages, grudges, nobles tyranny, classes, gisaengs, compassion, obsession, divide and rule, poison, law vs. justice, bullying, parents covering up for their children's crimes, how evil can a person be, education purpose, violence, jealousy, drugs and many others.
It is hilarious to see them use English borrowed words as if they belonged to the era.
Acting is great by everyone. The cinematic effects and music fit perfectly. OCN after all.
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As a fan of KMJ, I really got sick of all his gangster macho man image, but he did it well so I couldn't complain. But in this film they ruined all the good memories about his well-written characters. The characters here were poorly written. Their relationships with each other were loose and confusing. There is no story. No plot. Comedy out of place and not even funny. Silly production. Seriously, one of the hugest waste-of-talents film in the Korean film industry.
I did watch the two hours because Kim Min Jong and the other leads were really good at whatever their roles were supposed to be. And he was so beautiful. He just is so I finished it. Unfortunately I won't recommend it to anyone.
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The blend of revenge and working for people was presented awesomely. I believe it would have been lame if it was only one of them. Family, friendship and love are what the drama is all about. It’s not only the biological family that matters. Human relationships and sympathy go beyond what they might seem like. When a person is required to sacrifice for the people they care about, people would surprise you in how differently they’d react.
The drama shows how dangerous it is to believe wholly and unconditionally in an idea or a person. The moment you give your all to what you believe in, you don’t exist anymore.
What’s a king? Who has the right to be a king? Is everyone sitting on a throne a king?
How far would people go for their ambitions? How much would they stake for what they want? The drama presents scary examples.
The acting is superb by everyone. There’s absolutely no one who didn’t give their all. After Lee Jun Ki of course, I was impressed by the supporting cast more than the other leads. Park Si Hoo has evidently improved so much after that.
I actually liked Lee Jun Ki at the beginning of my Korean journey simply because he looked like Park Si Hoo –not the other way around- so when they played brothers here I was so glad. I applaud whoever cast them; they really look alike.
Lee Jun Ki, as always, outperformed everyone else. How he’d change from the shallow, playful and careless Young to the shrewd, skilful and charismatic Iljimae was splendid. I loved his moments with his father and cried my heart out because of them.
The main love story was the least touching of all stories for me. I loved everything else avidly.
The production and music were complete. No complaints. A round of applause to the stylist. Iljimae’s outfit was the best.
I don’t usually like extreme fighting scenes but here every scene of them impressed me. Perfectly done.
I will definitely re-watch it one day. I might as well write an article on Iljimae whenever I have time.
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The music is awesome. The film -apart from the typicality and the length- is a good one.
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This is the last work of Cha Seung Won I could find online; and my 21st; and I can assure you his performance here is outstanding. I cannot but bow in respect.
Apart from the ending track I can't recollect any music. The track made up for that though.
I can see myself watching this again and I'm sure I'll enjoy it even better.
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Ahn Hyun Min (Cha Seung Won) is a brilliant schemer with a perfect plan for revenge. To get to his goals he impersonates the bilious and troublesome Police Captain Sung Chan Baek (The legendary Han Seok Kyu). Aware of his impulsive personality and strong pride; Ahn Hyun Min moves Sung Chan Baek according to his plan. Chan Baek on the other hand takes the challenge personally and charges head-on in the battle with Hyun Min.
Apart from the brilliancy of the production and the plot, the acting of these two leads is superb. The encounters between the two are mesmerising in an insane way. Their smirks and laughter, their conversations and their challenging stares make a saga. Don’t know how I survived before this film.
I read some people comparing it to American films but because I’m not knowledgeable when it comes to those; this film is an experience to me; a brand new and beautiful one.
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The very idea of the film is brilliant and genuine. They carry the story as if it's the most natural thing ever. The acting is insanely superb. It's so hilarious and cute I can find myself watching it again and again. PERFECT!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Well-written, well-acted and well-produced. I can imagine how crazily I would have waited for the episodes if I watched it at the time it was aired. You wouldn't believe most of the cast were rookies. The story is so well-written it's insane. It's so much fun and it's loaded with emotions. It portrays the family life in its most realistic view. I enjoyed every single moment.. I wanted more music and osts though... *Spoiler Alert*
What the hell is this ending?????????????????
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The story is very interesting and the ideas discussed are essential and deep, but there was something lacking about the details and the presentation. The actors did a great job, especially the two male leads. Lim Won Hee was really good and Kim Min Jong was totally immersed in the character. But the plot lacked some necessary details. We know nothing of the characters and therefore find it hard to relate. The camera work and the choice of shots were not successful at all. The director tried to add a comic element through the fight and chase scenes but did not do it well.
Didn't dislike the film or find it boring at all, but you know the feeling when you're left hollow as you watch. This film is an example. Enjoyed watching serious and dedicated young Kim Min Jong of course. The last scene left me smiling which was a reason why I rated it more than I planned. I don't think I'll watch it again but I'll go through some scenes for KMJ for sure.
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