What made me watch it in the first place was Joe Odagiri as Ginko and Yu Aoi as Tanyu. Both actors are big names in the Japan entertainment industries and their acting was not subpar at all. They played their roles amazingly.
Music was in sync with the scenes but it was not that special. Although I would have to take note of the background music during a scene with Tanyu and her magical skills using long metal chopsticks. That scene was really brought out by the music, I think without the sound track that specific scene wouldn't have been as powerful as it seemed.
I re-watched segments of the film just for the sake of ogling on Joe Odagiri and his white hair. Not sure if you're interested in that, but if you are, then share the boat with me. It's worth re-watching.
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Music wise, they have used it splendidly. I say that because the main theme song was really incorporated well into the story. Having it has so much meaning all through out the drama and you'll just get that sense of LSS (las song syndrome) after hearing it over and over and over again.
Cinematography was pure bliss. It wasn't big or extravagant like other dramas but the angles to capture the scene brought out the beauty of the back drops and it's realism.
Here are several favorite quotes gathered from the drama:
"Everyone has a reason to be happy."
"Fate is something you can't run away from, something you can't shake off no matter how hard you try, it just sticks on to you no matter what."
"The best revenge to do against your enemy is to live happier than he does."
"So knowing each other's true feelings can be this difficult."
"If we're meant to be, even if it's not now… someday. Someday we'll be able to meet again."
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This review may contain spoilers
Action packed mixed with romance, drama and politics. Then let's put some cherry on top - the theatrics from the bad guys. This drama had so many interesting elements which made me wish it could actually happen in real life, but then again, this is dramaland and there are so many loopholes in dramaland which you would rather not have in real life.
First off the action:
I love watching Ha Ji Won kicking ass on screen. Whether it is in a movie or a drama I love seeing her as a strong woman who can make men drop on her their knees with their balls shrinking from their behind. There's no difference here, as Kim Hang Ah, a general's daughter she is - strong willed, stubborn, military trained sniper/assassin and yet still smoking with femininity. She is a woman with a high caliber. Literally and figuratively speaking. Then there's our male counter part Lee Seung Ki. This guy is awesome on screen. He's not really good looking but man... he is oozing with charm and sex appeal, I don't know where he gets it. I loved his character as Lee Jae Ha for several reasons - he is a dork, irresponsible and has an easy go lucky personality - which would make you think (what makes that likable?) but then these characteristics makes him normal and realistic in terms of being a rebellious prince - second in the throne. He had so much issues on hand but it gave his character so much room for improvement. If you end up watching this, you'll know what I mean. Setting these two main characters aside, let's not forget the supporting actors and the bad guys.
Another character favorite of mine is Jo Jung Suk as Eun Shi Kyung. He suits the role as a national guard who protects the royalties. He was great in his portrayal and how he stands up to Lee Jae Ha's being a pain in the ass to everyone. But what I liked most was his chemistry with the princess. The spoiled sister Lee Jae Shin acted by Lee Yoon Ji. She was awesome here, although initially her character is the happy spoiled princess she's supposed to be, she actually becomes more than that and becomes a vital character in the drama.
Finally we have Yoon Je Moon as Kim Bong Goo aka John Mayer. (Gaaaad... can't they think of a better name than that? Why name a bad guy after a singer?) Aside from the cheesy namesake, this character was crazy as a bastard. He has a deep grudge against the royalties and has planned out everything up to the very last detail. I like the way he has portrayed his sick character, it was so believable and his being an antagonist works like magic.
Now let's go with the Romance, Drama and Politics:
In every drama there is always the conflict of romance, but in every politics we seldom see romance as a highlight. Here these three elements are mixed together perfectly. Nothing is over shadowed. I wish I could talk more about that without spoiling the drama, but unfortunately it will be a spoiler, so I would rather not dwell in that. Check it out yourself to see how they blended so well.
This drama is re-watchable if you like ass kicking and bickering from our main characters. The sound track was alright, it did match up with the scenes and was appropriate in every episode but it just did not stick into my head. Over all I highly recommend this drama for those who likes the genre I have mentioned on top.
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Aside from her, I was very much interested in the story line. As you have noticed the title says “Cinderella” because it was depicted in the fairy tale but is very much different in every aspect. I wouldn’t elaborate too much. What made it similar to the fairy tale? We have the evil step sister who acted as Moon Geun and Cinderella herself as Seo Woo. But what I like in this story was how they made Moon’s character, it was far fetched from the original concept, but it justified her bitchiness.
This way, the story really amazed me and how the main character’s inner conflict was resolved. I love the tough exterior the main character had but in the inside she’s all marshmallows. Oh, and I’m not forgetting Chung Jung Myung, the man who moved the evil step sister’s heart. The music was also lovely especially in those very melodramatic moments in which you couldn’t help crying out loud and say “Please please please stop hurting so badly so I could stop crying for you” this dialogue always ran through my mind all through out every episode.
By far, this is one of the best melodramatic Korean series I have ever seen. So if you’re much into another cry-fest drama, this one is for you. Prepare your bucket for those incoming tears.
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Eguchi Yosuke has always been a great actor and I’m glad he is able to reunite with Miyazaki Aoi on screen for yet another work or rather I should say a BETTER movie this time around. I have already expected top notch acting performance from both main actors including Tsumabaki Satoshi who is part of the supporting cast, and unbelievably they surpassed my expectation.
The plot line sound quite simple, a volunteer social worker meets with a journalist and they start working hand in hand to uncover and expose the crime behind the Human Trafficking to help the poor children who are caught in such a hideous crime. What makes this story interesting is that this event is actually happening in real life and by watching this, it raises awareness to other people in other countries. Then add to this the fact that the production setting and cinematography seemed so real in a sense that it almost looked like a documentary, that my heart broke every time I see the children being herded off to the unknown. Lastly, there is the script. The story line is awesome that it makes the whole movie a real work of art. Music wise, I couldn't actually remember much of it, but I would probably rewatch this in the future with some students to use as a tool for discussion on such issues.
I usually have the habit of predicting drama or movie endings, and usually I’m not mistaken, but when it comes to Yosuke’s films, I am always caught off guard. I had the same feeling when I watched Gimme Heaven’s ending which both main actors where previously in. It was so mind boggling and yet it did make sense big time. I'm really hoping more people will be able to watch this film and I am definitely recommending it.
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What made this drama appealing is the fact that the premise is a love story between two young children who grew up still in love with each other regardless of the hardships they have gone through. Even though politics brought them apart, their love was still able to surpass all odds. It defied the malicious intents of the people around, prophecy made by shamans & yes... even death.
Man... I don't know what the writer had taken while writing the story plot, but everything the two main lead went through was quite unimaginable specially during the Joseon era. Though there were still quite a few loopholes, they are still forgivable since there is nothing such as a perfect story in drama land.
The characters in this drama were never wasted. Not even the supporting roles. Each of them had vital reasons to be on screen because you never know that this person may be the reason why both main leads were able to survive.
Music wise, it was a memorable one for me. It had this olden & modern type of background tune which makes the scenes more cute, emotional, dangerous, eerie & memorable.
I am definitely recommending this drama no matter what their genre preference is, & I will also rewatch this in the near future when all the new dramas have failed my expectations.
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If you have only 24 hours to live, what will you do with your remaining hours?
If death comes knocking at your door step, what would you do?
The main character, Kengo Fujimoto (Shota) was one of the "Ikigami" bearers. An Ikigami is a notice, sent by a messenger to the person who only has 24 hours to live as issued by the government. This law was done to prosper the country by lowering crime, death rate and increasing productiveness. It was meant to sacrifice a handful of innocent or not so innocent people, but nonetheless, these people are picked randomly, given an Ikigami notice then die after 24 hours through a capsule that was injected to the citizens during the preschool age acting as a time bomb. The story revolves around the people that Kengo gives the notices to, he somehow ends up following these people and disregard his agency's rules.
With a scene starting off with a violent act, the ending was pretty much unexpected. It was beyond my imagination that Ikigami would turn out like this. The film should be watched by many to learn more about the essence of life and living.
I love the soundtrack, the story line, the actors, everything about the film was great. The flow of the story was very simple and yet it leaves you thinking at the same time. For the theme song entitled SIGNPOST which was also sang in one of the scenes of the movie was incredible. The thought and lyrics of the song was something that has to be listened to carefully (or read in our part for those who can't understand Japanese).
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Anyways... the main reason I watched this drama was because of Sandara Park. I've been waiting for so long to find a drama in which she will be the main lead after watching that CM she had with Lee Min Ho. I was thinking perhaps she will finally have a break... and she did. Even if it's just in a web based drama, I'm still glad they were able to cast her as one of the main leads. Acting wise, Dara still has room to improve but she has definitely improved a LOT from the last time I've seen her act which was years ago (Not including her CM with LMH). As for Young Kwang, he definitely did evolve somehow. Or maybe it was just the character portrayal?
Story wise, this drama was a bit absurd. Don't get me wrong because I loved the characters even the supporting ones, but I just couldn't get the gist of the story. Maybe someone has to explain it to me again or I have to re-watch it to actually understand what happened. I'm still quite confused as to what is the real deal with Dr. Ian and that other guy. For me, there were unresolved issues for the doctor. The story between Dr. Ian and So Dam though is quite amusing, however it lacked a bit of substance. After the show I was saying to myself, "That's it? That's all how it's going to be? Mission? What kind of mission is that???", watching the relationship develop for these couple is frustrating. It was all about cinematography-crying-talking-crying-cinematography-insert music, angst and a few sweet moments.
The music was good and I have no complaints on that, I just couldn't get over the fact that the story line was just up to that given that it only had 9 episodes and 11 minutes run time. It was short and a bit disappointing. I honestly believe this web drama could have been better but as an audience, I had to take it as it is and enjoy it as delivered.
Thank goodness I loved seeing Dara and Young Kwan on screen that my disappointments are skewered by these actors.
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Winter Sonata is the 2nd installment of Endless Love series, it is also far away from being Rom-Com. The drama is all about romance, spice of life and deep conflicts not just within the characters but their roots. Meaning their family, where all conflicts usually starts in this kind of setting. The main characters meet and fall in love during their high school until one day, they were separated for vague reasons. After 10 years, they meet again in an engagement party in which one of them are getting engaged.
The actor’s portrayal of their character is really amazing if you judge how much their caliber on acting is. The emotions on each role was poured out on scenes and even those melancholic-angsty moment would move you against your own volition. (It did mine and I wasn’t really expecting that) I remember my mom tearfully pointing at me for making her watch another mellow drama and making her cry out once again. (I made her watch Autumn in my Heart, the first melodrama she’s seen and she’s the one who insisted on watching Winter Sonata. NOT ME.)
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For a 50 episode drama, there were still a lot of loop holes which got me scratching my head in a WTF manner.
Why can't the script writers make a solid character out of Lee Soon Shin? There was so much potential into the character which was instead wasted into having her in a constant inner turmoil and misunderstanding with her family. She kept on bailing out on her manager, then at work, then at her family. Watching her be like this was quite confusing because she's supposed to be the strong protagonist and this is supposed to be her story but instead her character felt faded. The supporting roles were so much more interesting to me than hers. Then there's also the main lead guy, Shin Joon Ho. I felt the same way for him like Lee Soon Shin, why did the guy have to run around and try fixing things but end up empty handed? He tries, but never really gets to resolve anything. These main characters are sad... their story are being much overshadowed by other elements. I blame the writers for this.
What made this show bearable to watch are the actors. If it hadn't been for IU and Jo Jung Suk as the main roles I wouldn't have the patience to finish this drama but since they are my bias and there were a lot of cute scenes (not just on the main leads but as well on the other characters), that made me rethink of dropping the drama. The supporting roles were quite interesting as well. They have brought balance to the story and made it watchable. The families were such a mess, but the three sister's different characters really brought this drama to life so I guess it is still worth the watch.
I couldn't say that this drama was great, but I would have to admit it was a good watch if you could get past the circling theme with long dragging plot lines full of cliche. It was an average drama, it made me laugh-cry-hate-love the characters but at the end of the day it's not something I would want to brag about or recommend to people. It's more of a drama that would let me pass time until I finish downloading that specific drama I have been pegging to watch.
When watching this drama, be mentally prepared that Lee Soon Shin's character isn't actually the best because the supporting roles were better.
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The chemistry and vibe all throughout the episodes was something I don't see much in melodramas now a days. Having my favorite actress coupled off with Jo In Sung, what else could I ask for? Jo In Sung's character also took me to a different level because I kept asking myself while watching him on screen - how could a conman be so damn good looking?!? Setting his good looks aside though, his acting was seriously effective that every time he cries, starts to cry or even tries not cry... it tugs on my heart and I start crying along. (This is how much this drama affected me.) I don't want to forget to mention that the supporting characters did make an impact in the over all feel of this drama, without them the drama would have been dull and focused on 2 people who are both lost in their own pitiful world without any support from other people. So yes, the supporting casts were vital in the story line making things more colorful for the main characters.
Initially, prior to watching this drama, I already had an idea where this show was heading towards since I've already seen the movie, however I just wasn't expecting that ending. That final episode sort of gave me ambivalent thoughts about this series. I was thinking if I should be giving it a 7 for the story line because it sort of deviated from the original or should I give it an 8 because at least it made me wrong on my predictions and didn't let me have that bitter sweet after taste I usually have in melodramas. I decided on 8 then, because it left me in lighter mood than I have expected. The music was vaguely familiar too, it feels like I have heard it's music score similarly to the drama "Secret Garden" I'm just not up to researching if the artist and music coordinator are the same. Nonetheless, it was good music and gave me last song syndromes right after every episode.
Over all this drama was a good watch. The main characters were beautiful, the story was twisted-sad, music was at its best and cinematography was breathe taking. I'll be highly recommending this drama for those who are looking for something in the melodrama department.
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For a non-Masami fan like me, this movie changed my whole opinion of her. I'm still not a fan, but I loved the way she acted here. It was a very heartfelt one and moved me to tears. Takayuki Yamada who was her co-star in the film was good, although not good looking like some Japanese actors I know, he had the charisma or an actor to let his viewers make them watch more and not get bored. Also Takashi Tsukamoto showed up in this film. I was racking my brains what movie I've seen him before, then it dawned on to me that it was Taiyou no Uta. His character there was a high school kid and they made him look so young, while in this movie he was so mature looking and hotter nonetheless.
Well back to the movie, the plot line was very interesting and surprising even with its little flash backs it didn't sway away from the whole story. Although there's this one glitch that itched on me, it was the disease that the main character had. It was a made up disease. They didn't even name it, so it seemed so unrealistic. This didn't make me dislike the movie though, it was still a creative thinking in a way. That's why I wouldn't take that simple observation as a count out of the rating I made. It made me cry the whole time and how my heart felt after finishing the movie. My tears was all worth it because the ending was much to my likeness.
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The film was a bit draggy, but a couple of indie film lovers would probably like this. The cinematography was quite nice for a low budgeted film but nevertheless the cast were big timers which was unexpected.
I loved Aoi's role here as Suzuko, she made the character much realistic. Her features would show a calm girl on the outside but could burst like a bubble any moment. The younger brother Satoru was a good supporting actor and made Suzuko's role much more stronger because of him.
The main character Suzuko, skipped from town to town, changing places as soon as she saves up 1 million yen, professing that she's really not finding herself but instead running away from circumstances that lead from one thing to another. In the end, love crept on to her and she had no way to shrug it off but basically, the story revolved around Suzuko skipping towns, meeting new people and her younger brother whom she left behind, trying to be strong against the bullies in his school.
There was only this thing that confused me in the end. Her dialogue at the ending sort of put my understanding for last 1/3 part of the film. I think the director or script writer intended that to confuse their viewers to make their own conclusions. Which I usually tend to hate because it means its one of those cliff hangers again.
Soundtrack wise, the ending was cute. Reminded me of Synesthezia's ending theme song which was just perfect. There wasn't much dialogue in it that would be very memorable, except for the one where the main character had a conversation with her brother and at the ending part where some sort of confusing revelation/not was given.
Over all the film give an impact but wasn't as enjoyable as I thought it would be.
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The drama’s setting was about war times in which people were still ignorant about science and turned to believing in myths. The main character Seon Duk or first known as Deokman was born during those times of conquering kingdoms and ignorance. She had to be separated with the royal family right after birth due to the nation’s cruel beliefs . It was then, a prophecy was given that a chosen one will unite the kingdom of Silla. Though, never in their wildest dreams did they think it would be a Queen and a twin nonetheless. Seon Duk’s journey from being a traveler, to a soldier then finally to being a queen was an epic one. During her growth, she had a handful of help from different people she get to meet along the way. Her perseverance, wit and loyalty has touched people’s heart around her and because of this, they become loyal to her in return.
What I liked about the drama was the political conflicts in every aspect. The more problem there is on the top of the ladder, the larger the problem becomes at the bottom. Politics has always been a mar in our society due to the scoundrels who take advantage of their power. It’s sad that if one person tries to be righteous in his ways, a flock would try to bring him down. Solving political problems was never easy to begin with, but this drama even the antagonist had the same thoughts as on how to control the government properly. It was a good idea, only it had the wrong ways on executing it which turns the table to our protagonist. Though the antagonist Mishil is very much witty like Seon Duk, the show got more interesting because two great female minds are going to collide head on with their own tactics.
Inserted along the way is also a love triangle within the story line. (They just wouldn’t let romance get away in sageuk dramas!) There is the ever loyal Kim Yu Shin from childhood to puberty and then later on comes the feisty Bidam. This part of the story isn’t your average love story, there were so many twist and turns that in the end it just made me pull out my hair and cry out loud for all the things these three people had to go through.
I am recommending this drama, because it is a good watch. An eye opener and you would seriously love Mishil in this show. Love her and hate her all at the same time.
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What I would like to point out about this drama is not the story line, since THAT seems a bit of a cliché in all areas of the series. To make a short summary out of it though, the story is about a troubled young woman named Sano Sakura who falls in love with a middle aged guy named Kohei Kamishiro who was formerly a musician and producer but currently working as a doctor. Now insert the friends of both these main characters, the story starts to unfold and becomes more meaningful than the main plot.
Now off to where I want to focus, Sano Sakura. She is such a beautiful character, I love how lively she is despite being different from everyone else. I am debating with my inner self whether to indicate here what exactly her problem is, but I decided not to. Since this is supposed to be an element of surprise which the viewer needs some getting used to. Aside that, the people surrounding Sakura are her genuine best friends because they are the only people who were able to accept her as she is and this is what hit a special place in my heart. This kind of involvement with selected people can be related in actual life. It gave me this sense of realization and I got to question myself, “Do I really have people like this in my life?” because in this day and age of socialization, it is too hard to discern who is legitimate or not. Sakura on the other hand alienated herself from other people because she was afraid and embarrassed of her condition. Due to her troubles, she met Kohei Kamishiro by chance and because of this, her world expanded. Music was introduced to her and gave her a new reason for living, at the same time other people slowly became part of her small circle of friends which gave her more courage to live the way she wanted to. There’s also this line that Kamishiro told her, “It only takes seven seconds of courage. If you could get your courage up for those seven seconds then your world will change.” Those words left Sakura with such a huge impression.
The other sub characters in the drama are all vital because without them, Sakura and Kamishiro will not be able to move forward and grow out of their own shells. I would like to specifically mention Mami, Sakura’s best friend. This girl who used to be a bar hostess had all the spunk a woman can have. She’s brave, smart, loving and she is the perfect fit for Sakura as a friend. To complete the circle there is also Soraichi, the troubled guy best friend who in my opinion is such a loud ass. Sorry for the choice of word, but he is really loud in this drama. However, despite that, he is loyal and he would do everything for the people he love. Thus this would have completed Sakura’s life even if music did not come around.
Acting wise, everyone was great and they were able to portray their characters so well that I cried a lot on specific scenes when my heart was too moved to even smile. Another noteworthy thing in this drama is the voice of Fujiwara Sakura, I find it amusing that they also used her real name as her character’s name. It’s unbelievable that this is her debut drama since her acting and voice is so legitimate and amazing. The songs for the drama were so beautiful that it really fit the whole theme of the series.
I’m definitely recommending this to people who are looking for a drama with a different perspective about life, love and music.
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