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The writers and producers has so much material to work with since according to history, this is where the first royal annals (records of the king) started. Having that as a solid background to a great story in the making, they were able to show how beautiful and frightening it was to live in those days. Days in which freedom was what the common people could only dream of. I give my kudos to the director and the people behind this drama for being able to produce something so outstanding (FYI: Six Flying Dragons won multiple Baeksang Awards, a prestigious award in Korea for the best drama shows). Another side to this drama is the political aspect, it was so intense that watching this without proper subtitle would have been bad for your health if you cannot understand the Korean language. The dialogues could be heart wrenching one minute then an eye opener the next. What made this drama peculiar for me is that usually, sagueks leaves a lot of moral lessons in life and has a clear cut on what is right or wrong, but here… YOU have to be your own judge as to what you deem is right. Everything is grey especially to one of the main characters specifically Yi Bang Won. For him, everything has a means and a justification in order to reach the ultimate goal, a goal that benefits a lot of people by sacrificing a few. You get what I mean? That said, the drama story is long but it’s not tiring to follow because there is always progress in every episode as the characters come to an individual realization, then gets together for a common cause and finally outgrow each other.
What I love about this drama is that it has a lot of powerful characters. There are a total of six main ones, hence the title and they are portrayed by actors that could stand up to their roles. My favorite would be Yi Bang Won which I have already mentioned earlier and was portrayed by my beloved actor Yoo Ah In. He has the most character growth in the 50 episodes that I’ve seen him, as he started as a naïve child, to being an adolescent who wants to change his country and finally as a king. His thought process was also very different from the rest of the characters that’s why I love watching him and see what he would be scheming up next and he is one seriously complicated guy. My second character choice, would be Moo Yool acted by Yoon Kyun Sang, this guy here is seriously pure heart and pure strength. He is the total opposite of Bang Won who is witty and manipulative. It’s no wonder that he and Bang Won complement each other’s character, he’s just too nice and loyal. My third and last favorite character is Bang Ji acted by Byun Yo Han, this guy is a fantastic swordsman and his fighting skills are... I just get speechless every time he gets a fight scene. He has gone through so much hardship that all I wish for him is a tiny-bit of happiness. I like the fact that he is loyal to the person he loves and to the person he decided to follow until end. As for the rest of the other main characters namely: Boon Yi, Sambong and Yi Seong Gye… I feel that they are all on the same level of liking in my rating book. It's just that there wasn't much character progress for any of them since they are utterly stuck to their own principles. Aside that... there are a lot of other sub characters who also gave light to the show but I would leave that for the viewers to judge and pinpoint who they like.
The soundtrack of this drama was awesome and unforgettable. It has been more than a year since I’ve seen the drama and yet the songs still run in my head and I could still sing a few verses. It added dramatic luster to the scenes, the songs that would be played in the background is like a clue as to how intense each scene was going to be. I give two thumbs up for their choice of music.
I will be re-watching this drama in the near future, since I miss the characters and would want to relieve each moments with them but for now I highly recommend this drama for all the saguek lovers out there.
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Music wise, it was a big help for important details in each scene but it was not something I couldn't forget or get an LSS (Last Song Syndrome) from. I also have to confess that I re-watched the film again after seeing it, I just had to replay some parts which I found really eye catching, which I will be mentioning below.
Here were some key points in this film that I found really lovely:
Friendship of the main character - since I am a sucker for best friend themed film, the turn of events for me at the end was a plus point. I like the fact that both of them really cherished each other and counted on each other for consolation in their personal lives.
Back drop - the places where the main characters spend their time was really something worthy to take note of if ever I do get to visit Korea. I'm not much of a party person, but that club in which they spend their time drinking was pretty much awesome. I've never seen a club which had a theme of a bath house/disco bar. It was weird and yet it was working well. Then there's those cozy apartments which belonged to the lead female and that house in which the main guy's family lived. It shows the coziness of a korean living. Finally, Jeju Island. That beach back drop was really something indeed. I love how saturated blue the ocean was and the waves... it was something that could pull me into really visiting the island.
Ending - it was the average ending where two people reconcile and such, it was not outstanding and even border lines into cheesiness, but I loved the closure. I am delighted in a movie that gives proper closure to the main characters. It was cute and simple. And definitely something I enjoyed watching.
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I didn’t expect to be in this kind of state at all. I only watched this because of Kim Nam Gil and barely read the synopsis. Lately, I noticed that I’ve been picking a lot of melancholic stuff which I know isn’t good for my heart but then again this movie was beautifully portrayed that I’m letting myself succumb to the fact that it is about death, letting go and moving on with your life. To be exact, the story is the opposite of a happy-go-lucky-romantic-comedy which is my usual genre to pick and it is pretty far from being perfect… however, though it may sound like a despondent type of film, it definitely has a lot to offer.
The storyline involves some supernatural characters like a half ghost (half dead-half alive) but it is very interesting and I liked the fact that it lead me to realize all kinds of emotions through the main lead’s character portrayal. I was kind of waiting for some romance, however there was none up to the very end. I was only left with a bittersweet ending and lasting taste of some meaningful friendship. My tears fell at some point due to the emotional baggage of both the lead protagonist. I was partly wishing something really good will happen for the female lead which was acted by Chun Woo Hee but I already knew how it would end for her and so I braced myself for the inevitable and instead tried to enjoy the interactions that unfolded in front of me. On a side note, I love how the sub characters made the movie more fun to watch as they gave color to the main ones. Without them, I’d say that main lead's lives could have been more bitter and dull.
I’d like to commend how Nam Gil was perfect for this role along with Woo Hee as his co-star. They suit each other well and even though my prayers for some romantic interaction between the two of them wasn’t granted, I didn’t feel disappointed at all because the friendship that they both portrayed was spot on. As I’ve already mentioned earlier, the male lead was the sole reason I checked out this film, I expected for him to be good in his character portrayal. Yet again, he has proven himself as a great actor and never lets me down. He has also exceeded my expectations! The female lead on the other hand was unexpected. It was the first time I’ve seen her and yet she was able to capture my attention and put her in my list of female actresses to follow. I liked her acting style and her portrayal of a blind person. It definitely looks hard to pretend to be blind because at some point there would be a glitch in the acting, but she was able to portray her character impeccably which impressed me.
The music was as morose as the movie could be, not that memorable but it was tuned in perfectly for each scene and I liked its simple tune. Overall this is a movie worth watching and doesn’t seem like a waste of time at all. Recommending it to those who are looking for some bittersweet drama full of lessons about the reality of losing a person you love.
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I was initially looking forward to it because Joe Chen was the main female lead but then the character was a berserk. There was no consistency or proper flow in her character's development as Lin Xiao Jie. The writers might have wanted to make her progress fast but they did it TOO fast there was nothing substantial in her newly reformed persona. As for Tang Jun, at least him being Tom and Tang Jun at the same time was a clear cut thing. And his fondness to Xiao Jie was obvious and unwavering giving us a solid main lead. Then there's Godfrey as Gao Zi. The man is like a prince, I swooned at first sight and I was already shipping for the second lead instead of the main one. His character was quite fickle though that's why I still liked Tom despite the huge difference in the hotness scale.
The story was subpar, the usual rich-guy-meets-poor-girl and it was all predictable I almost cried out of boredom because I was already telling myself what's about to happen. There were also scene executions in which made the story far fetched and circus-y already. There were unneeded plot lines which only made the story dragging and made the episodes longer. Over all it was tiring to watch. I only finished it because I was hooked with London's wonderful view along with Xiao Jie and Tang Jun's cutesy moment.
Oh... I also liked the soundtrack... but I'm still not recommending this as a must see drama. I would hate myself if you wasted precious drama time on this. But then again if you're a fan of the main leads... go ahead and knock yourself out with their cuteness.
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That’s until I’ve watched through 5 episodes.
This is the type of drama that just tells you, no matter how hot or how popular the actors are, if the story line is crappy, the drama ends up dead.
It was cute, yes. I would have to be honest with that. Seeing Wi Mae Ri strut in her fake voluptuous hair emphasizing her eyes, it was enough for me to go on and watch it. Then throw in the musician Moo Kyul with his long hair, pale skin and shiny shiny smile! Oh wait… not to forget the rich daddy’s boy Jung In, the angsty big boy with daddy issues and melancholic aura. Yes. I’d say they were quite good characters! The show could have been better but it just died with the plot line.
The story revolved in a never ending mess about being in debt, going broke, living a hobo life, making lies which made no actual sense, being employed, being engaged, being dragged around… it was going nowhere. The story went round and round with little bits of cuteness that couldn't save the drama. It was sad because the production had big name actors thrown together and yet they were not able to utilize them to their highest potential.
I won’t be recommending Mary Stayed Out All Night/Mary Me Marry, but if you like to get all gooey eyed to these eye candies… be my guest, just don’t tell me I didn’t warn you.
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What I liked about this was how everything coincided with each other on the ending part. Initially I watched the film because of Ikuta Toma being one of the characters but slowly, I realized that there are other veteran actors casted in this film which was quite surprising because I thought it was a really low budgeted film. Then again… that’s what they wanted the movie to seem like.
Over all, the movie was funny in some ways, confusing due to the fact that it made me guess some of the character’s real intentions. The sound track and the setting did make sense after finishing the 103 minutes run.
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This drama has its own target audience and maybe they would be up for the popularity of the actors, it did highly market the actors for me, but aside that… something just felt missing. You know that feeling when you’re watching a drama and you can’t just get enough of it? I didn’t really feel it with this one, hence I got really disappointed because I was expecting so much from it.
Aside from my above rantings here are the following elements that are worth mentioning: actors, cinematography and OST.
Let’s start with the 3 lead roles:
Yoo Ah In as Han Se Joo, I felt like he was over the top for this particular character. He could have downgraded it a bit and at least acted as how most authors really lived. It felt like he was a top actor instead of an acclaimed writer who was supposed to be eccentric, in this drama he came across as a guy straight out of a magazine who lived in Beverly Hills. Don’t get me wrong, I love the actor himself but I’m not a fan of his Se Joo character. I do admit that he has a complex role since he had to have the weight of his past character and his present one, but still... it could have been better. However, even though that’s the case for his present character, I couldn’t say the same to his past one, Seo Hui Young because he really nailed that bad ass role. I love how charismatic he was as the writer during the 1930’s and being in a covert rebellion at the same time. He was witty and stuck with his own principles. That’s the kind of character I love rooting for, the lonely-brooding kind of guy who believes he can make a difference in the world despite sacrificing himself and everyone he cares about. Nuff said. Im Soo Jung the female lead who acted as Jeon Seol/ Ryu Su Hyeon, she was a sniper in the past with the alias “Anastasia”. I definitely like the fact that she’s a strong character, not just in the past but as well in the present. She can still pick up a gun and kick ass despite her traumatic visions. The fact that in the present, she’s also an avid fan and at least knows her limitations… its makes her more amusing. As for the last character Go Kyung Pyo as Yoo Jin Oh/Shin Yul is such a charismatic guy. He also has this cool relationship going on with Yoo Ah In’s character in which they have some sort of unspoken bond. The bromance was palpable I could certainly compare to the Goblin and Grim Reaper’s relationship the Goblin Drama. Aside that, another thing that I find interesting from his character is that during the past and the present he had that appealing aura in his stature all throughout the drama. I find him both cute and endearing at the same time. Oh, and kudos to his stylist too because he dressed up oh so damn well!
The cinematography for the drama is breathtaking. I think the fact that this was shot during the spring, it made everything look so colorful and vibrant. I just loved it. Even the indoor shoot of interior was wonderful, I love how the director was able to capture those lines of books, arches of windowsill and the nook and crannies of Han Se Joo’s house. It was really pretty to look at. Lastly there’s the OST. It was memorable and did pull my heart strings at the right moment particularly during those heart-racing-revealing-moments of the show. I like how the melody can stir emotions out of me.
Overall it was interesting enough to sit down and watch through but not really something I would go on to enjoy and binge watch with in one go. I may not re-watch this again but I would recommend it to the fans of the actors and those who like the type of story with twist and turns along the way.
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Although the ratings weren't as high as expected since it had a very tough competition from IRIS during it's airing, You're Beautiful was rather well accepted all over the world and had a huge fan-base online. This drama was definitely worth the wait, the space of my HD, the sleepless times I had and of course it was definitely worth the WATCH. It's like watching Coffee Prince and Boys Over Flowers together only better than BOF and good enough like Coffee Prince. Lately I've been watching too many shows where a girl cross dresses and pretends to be a man but still… I'm enjoying every bit of it.
In conclusion, the drama is a heartfelt show that would entertain specially the teens up to the young adult population. The humorous lines and acting, good music along with great cinematography (which the Korean media industry are so keen of) bring this drama to my top list in the Korean section for the year 2009.
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I initially watched this solely for Siwon and no one else. I don't even know who Donghae or Ivy Chen was prior to watching the show. Adding to this... I've also never heard of Skip Beat anime/manga at all! *Ducks in a hole* (No flame throwing from fans please! I'm just being honest here.)
What surprised me though, was how much it worked for me. I guess it's a good thing that I have no idea that this was an adaptation - hence I had nothing to compare it with. Although, I have a bit of hesitation when I learned there was a lot of CG effects where in things were faked - I have a bit of aversion in those things, but it wasn't that bad and the story really hooked me up. The story line was awesome and it hit that funny spot in my heart. Not to forget those heart warming moments with regards to friendship and all those special ties with other people. I'm happy that the focus was not too much on the love story between a man and a woman but about the love for all the people around.
The actors were good in portraying their roles, it wasn't that hard to be absorbed in their "acting within an act" it was really fun to watch. The comedy was really funny as well and Ivy Chen's character as Gong Xi was hilarious. She brought out unexpected fun in the whole duration of the series. As for Siwon... I love watching his facial reactions and his hot choco-abs whenever it's shown but what turned me off was the fact that his voice was off. Since it was dubbed weirdly, they should at least have looked for a voice over who sounds like him. The same goes to Donghae. I do understand that both guys are Korean and they had to do this... but the least they could have done was do it nicely, right?
But anyways... setting this aside, this drama is still one of my favorite ones. Music wise - I got addicted to it and still listen to it up to now. I relieve my favorite scenes whenever I hear the OST. As for re-watching, I have no idea how many times I have re-watched this show anymore since 2011. I was just hooked to watching my favorite scenes again and again.
Over all this drama was fun fun fun. I would recommend it to people who liked the manga and anime. It does not deviate much from the original and yet it also has its very own charm.
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This isn’t your typical romantic comedy where girl loves boy and boy falls for girl… it’s different because girl is fox and boy is human. Then mix in different immortal beings of the world in the picture, like for example a goddess, a goblin and a human half goblin… yeah. Underworld creatures and immortals are invading the story line but it’s what makes it more interesting.
Not to forget the OST, it adds to the whole concept of the drama: cuteness, hilarity and love in whatever kind of form.
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The colors and cinematography all throughout was eye catching and the characters were as colorful in their own life story that it brought out the goodness of the series.
I have more thoughts about this drama and am definitely recommending this for those unbiased people who want to check out the pop-culture-industry of korea. Music wise, it was alright since I'm not much of a kpop fan BUT I love IU's rendition of Video Killed the Radio Star by the Buggles :)
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The film shows two unlikely characters meeting and helps each other in the most unusual way (Oguri Shun and Aoi Miyazaki). Friendship falling off and starting anew. The ending was pretty much special for me, it was directed well. The last scene kind of gives you a glimpse of a drastic change due to a decision that was made.
That's all I could say about this movie because I want you to check it out your self if you have the chance. And hopefully, by then some subs are out.
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It could have ended nicely when she finally became an empress because it was, after all the ultimate goal. What disappointed me was every 10th-15th episode the plot line changes and the story shifts its focus on something else aside from the previous problem on hand. That was really annoying.
I could have loved both kings - Yuan and Goryo alike but instead I fell in love with Taltal, Governor Bayan's right hand and nephew. Sometimes I day dream that he and Sunyang would actually end up together instead of the power driven-infused kings. Their tandem by the end of the drama was more in place than her link with the kings.
The music was timely, I couldn't ask for a better sound track for it. I have already re-watched several scenes from random episodes just because I liked the cinematography and the kick-ass fight scenes and archery of our heroine.
I would recommend this to watchers who are into saguek and all the palace/warlord/politics conspiracy, but let me warn you that the romance isn't the main focus here, it might even disappoint.
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Do take note that this live action drama is VERY DIFFERENT FROM THE WEBTOON. If you are watching for that reason, beware and do not put your expectations too high.
If I would be rating this prior to the saguek part, it would probably have received a 5/10 for me. For the saguek period, I give it a 7/10. Post sageuk and after finishing the whole drama, I give it an 8/10 and here are my following reasons for the different ratings.
Pre-sageuk:
I felt that the drama was a bit draggy and had this vampire teenage angst going on, then not to forget that I have read the Webtoon version which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was pretty much hard not to compare, which I did throughout the episodes and had myself disappointed a lot of times. It might have been better if I haven't read the webtoon first prior to watching the drama, unfortunately... the drama came 1 month after I have read the whole thing. But anyway, the first few episodes for me was blah. The fact that I wasn't a fan of the lead guy did not help at all. The other cast members were pretty much new to me as well, except for the parents of the main characters who I think brought something in at the table with their pro-acting skills.
Sageuk:
I know a lot of people hated this part, but not me. I love sageuk and this was probably one of the reason why continued on with the show, despite the fact that this was not even part of the original webtoon story line. I'm glad though that they included this, because if not, the drama would have probably ended at 6-8 episodes. This part explained a lot of things about the vampire community, the history of their diet and the treaty between normal humans and vampires. It had the cute, the romance and the exact heart breaking scenes you need in a drama to keep you moving forward. It also told the backdrop about the fate of the main characters.
Post Sageuk:
Initially, I didn't feel like continuing on with the whole thing because I was already satisfied with the saguek part so I put this on hold for a few months, but I knew I had to finish this and so I did. There was this sort of dismal feeling on the first few minutes of episode 11, but the songs and bits of change in the story line made me push through. I guess the last 2 episodes were able to give closure to the whole story and I accepted it with a whole heart.
Other bits that made me like the drama:
Second Leads - I enjoyed the fact that the supporting characters had shifted in their attitude. The way the actors delivered it may not be perfect but they still definitely gave me the feels. Compared to the webtoon - the attitude change did happen and I'm really happy about that.
Music - it was cute, bubbly and left me with a good feeling. Seol Hyun and Lee Jong Hyun's voice were pretty good. In each of their solo songs, I was caught in a bit of trance. I'd prefer rock anytime, but having to listen to their music gave me a different feeling all over.
Overall, I liked the drama and how it changed my mind on rating it. I don't feel cheated at all that I watched the whole 12 episodes. I probably just needed a different perspective.
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Summer scent is the third installment of Endless Love Series, right next to Winter Sonata. As to why the director chose Song Seung-hun to act as the main lead again since he already acted in Autum Tale (first installment of Endless Love Series), I have no idea but the series was lighter than the preceding installments. Watching the drama was a bit refreshing due to the fact of a new setting, much lighter mood on the actors and an easier plot line.
Main man has a dead girl friend, dead girl friend’s heart was donated to the main woman in which the main man eventually falls for. It’s kind of a far fetched conflict, but whatever suits your taste. We all know that an internal organ has nothing to do with falling in love. If I donate my liver to someone, would my man fall for that someone just because that person had my liver? What if I donated my kidneys, lungs, heart and cornea… would my man fall in love to multiple people because they have a piece of me just because I’m dead and they are living? That’s just plain weird.
Setting my cynical comments aside, I still liked the drama. After bashing it, then I recommend??? WHY???
My reasons are very much quite simple:
Song Seung-heon is hot.
Son Ye-jin’s beauty and acting would take you in.
The story itself (never mind the main conflict) hooks you up with so many thoughts about real life that all you can do about it is relate and continue on watching, regardless if you’ve missed your bed time or not.
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