Great cast and story, except when the writer falls into KDrama bad mother cliches and silly plot twists and gaffes in the last couple of eps to extend the episodes to the 16 signed for. PBG has the toughest role in creating a character who evolves from sweet but callow youth [watch the whole series before commenting on him] to a truly good man everyone else can learn from. I loved him so much. Also, the OST is one of the best in KDrama, and those two thematic ballads had me in tears more than once. It's a good drama, but once again the flaws that do exist are in the writing, not the acting or direction. I was going to buy the DVD but decided not to because of those flaws.
This is a fine movie that has both powerful action scenes and intensely emotional moments on many themes. Won Bin is a superb actor who can develop his character more through his eyes and the quiet play of emotions across his face, than most actors can do even with training. What Won Bin does can't be taught: it's a gift. It is also Won Bin's last film before leaving the entertainment business 10 years ago. I've read that he left at the height of his career to focus on his personal life, marriage, and child. I have also read that he has become a mutimillionaire from doing CF and modeling--both of which I'm guessing are not as draining as acting in brilliant films that win lots of awards--especially when the star is as good as Won Bin. Still, I join the chorus of voices that would love to see him in another film, when and if he chooses to do so.
This is a story about two beautiful, good people who adore one another and just want to be left alone; but of course it's a drama, so that isn't going to happen. And the resultant themes that drive the narrative are as ancient as storytelling: secrets, love, sex, jealousy, class, revenge, manipulation: and especially the sins of the fathers (and brother) landing straight on the heads of the children who deserved none of it.
Writing, direction, and cast are all excellent, though I did shave off a point because there are some questionable plot decisions. That said, the series belongs to SEO IN GUK who is extraordinary. This is one of the best Korean series I've seen, and he is an incredibly gifted actor--now one of my favorites, though as superb as the cast is, Seo In-Guk is working on a different level that no acting class can teach: he simply becomes the character and breaks your heart. For as one commenter wrote, this drama is not for the faint of heart: it is a complex, mature story that will cause both joy and anguish in viewers--will steadily pull in every emotional direction, right through the conclusion, where I sat stunned. But I was grateful for the experience of this drama.
I loved this warm, sweet, gentle series with wonderful themes: like we're all living this life for the first time and nothing is determined yet as we figure things out for ourselves, and that none of it is about pieces of paper or other peoples' expectations for us but about living our lives as we decide and focused on our love for one another. Kudos to the entire production: this drama will be loved for many years. [note: Doris Lessing's short story "To Room 19" shows at the end what happens if we cannot live free of those constraints--the ending is tragic.]
Disappointing. The actors are very good, but the plot is messy and tediously slow. The production had a great love story they should have explored more, but they left it hanging in the air and did not develop it--though her grief is heartbreaking, and she's very believable. They spent too long repeating the same plot line about the bad guy, who got away far too many times and deserved to be kicked and beaten slowly to death by our guy. Speaking of our hero, I realize he is suffering from PTSD and probably a lot more, but the actor really didn't have enough to say, and the staring became tedious. And there really was not enough about the kids themselves, nor the whole important trafficking theme. Missed opportunities throughout: they could have had a great series in better hands. I really do love both leads.
One of the best casts and one of the most charming couples in one of the darkest series ever made. If that's off-putting, don't watch it, but if not, you will find it a mature and great series that pulls no punches regarding the power of evil, but also the stronger power of righteousness--and love.
Song Sae Byuk has been making movies for 20 years, and then with only his second drama has the lead--and in that is eventually playing two roles. He is one of my new favorite actors--just phenomenal. And now that he's found his niche in dramas, those of us who love him look forward to many more from him.
Rewatching after a couple years just to get Hyun Bin's excellence back in my head after Alhambra disappointment--not him but the writing and ending. I already feel better. :) But, of course, Secret Garden is one of the very best KDramas with outstanding cast, many great now and others who go on to greatness as well, so this is fun.
I loved every actor and character in this amazing, wonderful series. LKG knocked me for a loop. He made me howl with laughter and ache with grief. Superb performance.
A series that reveals why the best of KDrama is loved worldwide. The writing, direction, and acting are a joy in a clever, intelligent, compassionate, and often hilarious prison story that surprises at every turn. Strongly recommended.
One of my favorites, which means I bought it I love it so much. For me, it remains LJS' best performance to date, and I've seen all of his dramas. I think it's because he was working with the brilliant Lee Bo Young who challenged and taught him. I've been watching for that level ever since, but not yet.
I love both actors, and I am generally as moved by a tragic romance as anyone. But I felt the performances here were static and wooden with virtually no chemistry between the actors. I thought the whole thing was cold just as the final outcome would have been for the historical figures. For me, there is nothing romantic about that at all. Just terribly sad.
I have a couple dozen favorite KDrama actors whose films and series I watch for: Jung Hae In is even more special in my list. The characters he plays are so charming that they are adorable, yet he also shows an edge and depth when needed. The range is there, and he can do it all: a natural with a brilliant future.
Excellent acting from strong actors I really like, which is why I kept watching. But the writer runs out of ideas and repeats plot devices until I was yelling at the screen: "here we go again. " There are also numerous plot holes and infuriating or just plain dumb decisions on the part of characters. Honestly, writer, if you don't have any more imagination than that, then stop writing for drama series.
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Writing, direction, and cast are all excellent, though I did shave off a point because there are some questionable plot decisions. That said, the series belongs to SEO IN GUK who is extraordinary. This is one of the best Korean series I've seen, and he is an incredibly gifted actor--now one of my favorites, though as superb as the cast is, Seo In-Guk is working on a different level that no acting class can teach: he simply becomes the character and breaks your heart. For as one commenter wrote, this drama is not for the faint of heart: it is a complex, mature story that will cause both joy and anguish in viewers--will steadily pull in every emotional direction, right through the conclusion, where I sat stunned. But I was grateful for the experience of this drama.