the 1980s in South Korea. Being brought up by parents from a dictatorship regime, it was almost like I was reliving all of their hardships and experiences through the movie, which just highlights how really half of the world was going through the exactly same thing at the same historical period. The movie nicely bridges the 'Anti-American' sentiment with actual human trust, especially with Song Kang Ho's curious and bubbly character helping out a complete outsider and once again showing to the world how hospitable and family-like Koreans are. As noted, the plot was very dramatic and carrying a powerful message, also doing a great job in translating the strong spirit of the protesters of the time. Truly a great watch if you're curious about Korean history, or just want a great movie night at home.
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Once again, I gave into the hype a bit too late but you can always trust what the people like, right? I absolutely loved the story, and even though time slip dramas are considered to be some type of a cliche and overdone overall, I completely disagree and love to see a dash of supernatural occurring. More than the romance itself, I particularly enjoyed that the story revolved mainly about the son's relationship with his dad. It was meaningful, and truly a life-long bond being built while travelling to the past. However, I did feel as though the father-mother romance got a bit lost in the mix, and not to mention Cheong A's storyline. She seemed like a complete side character, and even the love story between her and Yi Chan seemed completely out-of-place (I did not see the sparks fly). Overall, a good slice-of-life watch bringing something new into the KDrama sphere, but personally, it was lacking something that I can't exactly pinpoint. Chemistry, further character development for some side characters, quicker pacing maybe? Could be a mix of all of these.
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First and foremost, I love the fact that this drama takes place in a seaside town rather than Seoul. The big cities are so exhaustive when a bigger more than half of Kdramas are based in that area. Coming from a small seaside town like this myself, the show really showcased what a place like that really is in terms of living, working, having a business - the good, the bad and the ugly. The story seemed natural, without overdoing any dramatic car crash scenes etc. Every character trauma, memory, story seemed real and relatable. Second, can we just address the fact that both the female and male leads have so much chemistry together? I had to rewind multiple times just to watch the scenes again. Shin Min Ah has always been one of my favourites, and I loved seeing her in action. The male lead really didn't disappoint as well!
If you enjoy slice of life and romance, this one is for you. Be careful watching as I'm guaranteed you'll have withdrawal symptoms afterwards - it's that good!
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Reply 1994 was a breath of fresh air after a long slump of very mediocre kdramas I've watched lately. So glad I decided to pick this up right after the 1997 series, as I had a hard time finding something nostalgic like that, which fits the same category. The show starts of with an introduction to the Sinchon boarding house in Seoul, and every character who gets to come and experience the early adulthood in Seoul. I found it comforting have to follow the country kids journeys in college life, as compared to Seoulites, which brought a lot to the table. This drama was a complete glimpse into what the Korean culture is like, the different food and being one big family despite the relation in blood, the hype culture, the technology and Westernisation. There are many more themes I could name, but these are just some that stuck out to me and made me feel really nostalgic and almost like having FOMO for not being a young adult in the 90s.
Character development was also one of the points that shot this show to my list of favourites. Each and every character got their respective screen time, and there wasn't a single character I didn't like. In regards to the love triangle, I had stuck out with a clear bias for the baseball player, however, for the last 3 episodes my heart was wavering. Like seriously, I was torn between the two male leads and still can't make up my decision which one deserves the girl more.
Overall, a must watch to teleport and relive the 90s in the bustling Seoul (while having the 90s Korean playlist in the background, because you WILL be addicted)!
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I've watched the 11 episodes in 2021 and was reluctant to watch it until the end. Really glad I've picked this up again, despite spoiling the ending for myself...I have a soft spot for nostalgic 1980s-1990s dramas like this one. While it is sweet and reminiscent, it reminds that how much more cruel the society was in the Korea, under the dictatorship. Youth of May is a beautiful love story, intertwined between the harsh and dark history of the Gwangju Uprising. It's a story which reminds us that there's always love and hope whenever there's fear and turmoil.
The characters in this story were amazing. We have Myung Hee, who is a strong young woman who's ambitious, strong-willed and a force that can't be stopped by anyone. By her side, we have Hee Tae, who's charismatic and loveable, although no one can see through his perfect-picture. He's broken inside, but perfectly compliments her timid nature. Their blind-date, and the chemistry that begun there, is out of this world!
While my heart fluttered and was hurting during the last few episodes of this, this drama is definitely in my top list. Worth to remember the uprising, and worth every tear and re-watching every sweet moment.
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Dr. Romantic: APPENDIX, The Beginning of Everything
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I had very high expectations before watching this drama. Felt like it was appropriate to watch a tear-jerker drama due to the ongoing things and problems in my life. The love story of Noh Eul and Joon Yeong was a beautiful construct that just shows how romance is difficult to pursue due to some circumstances, even though you can love a person so much. First, the story was very unique, however, I spoiled so many things for myself before fully watching this drama. Of course, there were plenty of Kdrama cliches and cheesy moments, however, it fit in well with the whole storyline of this show. I just wish the ending was more impactful for me, as I did not shed a single tear and was confused about how certain characters dealt with his death. As for the acting, this show was a good mixture of either very talented, or inexperienced actors. However, I did like that the OST had both, Suzy's and Kim Woo Bin's songs, in addition to the beautiful English soundtrack. Would I rewatch this? Probably not, as the drama in itself is 20 episodes long, too long for me to dig up all of the scenes that are worthy to watch again and again. Nevertheless, this show is a Hallyu classic and has a fair share of its special moments. So if you are a loyal Kdrama fan, this is a must-watch. Was this review helpful to you?
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Slightly disappointed to be honest after all of the love that my fellow Kdrama bingers have given this drama. I was introduced to this by my friends, and based on the many positive reviews, I decided to give it a go. I felt like the series was all over the place: with many storylines, I feel like the directors and screenwriters had to think out of the box for this drama. Don't get me wrong, the story was nothing like I've ever seen before. The problem is that I didn't feel a strong connection with the characters or even the OST. I'm a fan of some of the actors and their other well-known dramas and movies, but I felt like they didn't live up to their characters. For example, the ghost, the chef and the shy girl love triangle was a bit awkward, not gonna lie. Plus, they didn't seem to have any chemistry at all. Overall, this drama didn't keep me watching on the edge of my seat. I think I'm being generous for giving it a 7, but the main storyline was a lot different than what I've seen in Kdrama world. So if you enjoy supernatural themes, a bit of thriller and rom-com, you'll definitely love this. Was this review helpful to you?
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This was such a rollercoaster of a drama, with many ups and downs, offering an awesome thrill all the way. This series was in my "must-watch" list after much praising and positive feedback on it everywhere. I loved it, even though it had its flaws here and there. Now let's focus on the positive aspects. First, I loved the strong female lead. Not only her as a character, but how beautiful she is as well. Second, the story was very unique and nothing like I've ever seen before. Third, I enjoyed how quickly the chemistry and romance blossomed between the main leads. As lastly, and something that I look for in every drama, the OST was magically beautiful. No wonder it scored so high with the fans around the world! Now, the only thing that ruined this drama for me was how draggy everything became after the schizophrenia diagnosis. It went downhill after that for me. The female lead became weak, the male lead followed in her footsteps. Even though the illness was quite unexpected and a plot-twist for me, in addition, the brother committing a crime was a big plot hole too. If I took anything from this drama, is to look at mental illness from a different perspective. But I don't get why the drama is so hyped up, there are definitely drama that are more fascinating and gripping than this one. Was this review helpful to you?
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Would I suggest watching this? Sure, if you were a fan of the originals. But if are intrigued by the abnormal storyline, definitely start from the manga and climb your way up to this movie.
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Initially, I heard that this series is very intriguing, but not quite popular outside of Korea. I understand why: this drama depicts main social problems lingering around in Korea that we, as mostly westerners, might think of as a bit weird. Especially sexual assault and lack of leadership of being a woman. Miss Hammurabi - an eye-opening drama that lets you peek inside of the wonderful and tiring world of judges. The characters: unique, a small little family that you'd want to be a part of. Each character of the department has their own little story and problems. But I'm guessing my favorite characters were from Department 44, especially Oh Reum and Ba Reun - two completely different individuals who come to respect, love and rely on each other. There wasn't a lot of romance which is a bit of a bummer, but it didn't ruin the whole show watching experience. It had to be work and case-solving based and not romance. The highlights of this drama had to be and still are all of those little cases and the victims with their unique stories + the stunning cinematography and the ear-blessing OST.
Once again, this drama was really eye-opening and sweet. Maybe a bit too heavy to watch on a hot summer afternoon, I'd say watch it during fall when it's rainy outside to create the best vibe to watch Miss Hammurabi. It's something I'd re-watch myself too, maybe when the weather gets a bit chilly!
(Edit: the ending is very well though-out and quirky, love it so much)
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I'm a fan of timeless stories like these, especially Itazura na Kiss, which, I think, inspired this drama series. But more than anything, this drama was even better than the original ISWAK story! You cannot state that A Love So Beautiful was an adaptation of the original manga, because it's not. However, the plot is very similar. Stories about high school sweethearts always warms my heart and makes me melt. In my opinion, the early 2000s setting, the characters and most importantly the lead couple - they were more likable than the original cast of any ISWAK adaptation. The thing that makes this drama so enjoyable to watch is the relationship between the main couple - Jiang Chen and Xiao Xi. They show signs of love and interest from the very beginning of the drama. Yes, the story and characters might seem childish and too good to be true at times, however, it's a feel-good type of story that doesn't need to be realistic or mature for you to love it. There are numerous scenes that make you press the stop button and replay the scene over and over again. You've got to give it to the brilliant acting as well, I might even start watching more Chinese dramas after seeing so many pretty and talented actors.
It's still very difficult for me to get over this drama. The episodes are too exciting and some scenes always make me want to squeal, so I'll definitely be rewatching this very soon! If you're still hesitant, whether to watch it or not, just do it! Your heart will flutter - that's guaranteed!
P.S. And gotta mention that last episode. The directors gave us complete fan service. Thank you it was just what we all needed!
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