Love, loved, loved the series. This was so different and fun. The supporting cast had the personalities that made you laugh or cry. I knew when I saw them on a scene something funny was about to be said or happen. They were brave, somewhat smart, loyal to a fault and honest. Loved the female lead as well. Her personality was authentic and just yes.
Watch it. Get ready to laugh, laugh and swoon.
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1I absolutely loved the drama from beginning to end especially the romance. It didn't matter to me that Nam Shin III was infact a robot as I've seen other robot dramas with human/robot romances so its not anything weird to me. So as sci-fi with romance dramas go what else would I expect from it? I felt the leads had great chemistry especially as the drama progressed. I liked the fact that whilst there is indeed a second lead who I very much loved he wasn't your "typical" second lead. This drama made me fall for Seo Kang Joon, NS3 as well as NS. I think he did amazingly well portraying both NS and NS3. I also loved Kang So Bong's character, mostly because I saw a lot of her in her MOLS character. After the amazing character development, I loved her even more if that's at all possible.
The music for me fits perfectly with this drama, I love each and every song especially Kang Joon's one.
This drama is definitely rewatchable for me seeing as I've already rewatched it 12 times....not that I'm obsessed or anything. lol :D
I recommend this drama to those who enjoy robot/human romances because its been brought to my attention that a lot of people weren't happy about this but we each have our own individual preferences. Next, if you enjoy sci-fi, action, comedy then this drama is for you. Just make sure you have tissue because I honestly couldn't control myself.
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I loved Lee Min Jung here. And Joo Sang Wook, who I've only watched in Good Doctor and his role there was too different. L had a small supporting role but it was pretty cute too. In fact, this drama was overflowing with cute guys. And I'm nowhere near complaining. lol. The second leads here were extremely bearable. I mean, yeah, there was a point towards the end where I wanted to punch both of them for a moment. But it was flickering. And relatively they pretty good second leads. Not good enough to have second syndromes but good enough to develop a slight liking for them. The second lead girl especially was not a cold hearted bitch. I mean, she was shy and a bit gloomy because of her disability and her past. But she was nevertheless likeable.
The ending episode was super-sweet, with every character a bit of their own happy ending. Overall I would say while this drama is not something that would make you go, "wow best drama eveer" but at the same time you won't regret watching it and definitely won't throw popcorn at your screen. lol.
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I first heard about it because it was officially competing at the Cannes's Movie Festival.
And then I saw that the great Park Chan Wook was the director behind it so I quickly decided to watch it.
BUT, neither did I read the summary first nor watched the trailer ... and maybe I should have had.
Don't get me wrong ! This movie is a masterpiece. But, I wasn't expecting that plotline AT ALL.
You should be aware that it gots some serious mature contents like SEX, BDSM and violence. You can feel really uneasy watching it. But that is the reason why this movie is so beautiful : the darkness and somehow weird feels matches so well with the love story. Some scenes are magical.
But just keep in mind that it is 18+ rated (basically 5 minutes of intense, non-stoping and not-really censured sex)
There is three major arks in the movie: the first two ones where you get to discover and even rediscover the characters and story from different point of views, and the third one where all of your answers are answered & the story ends.
This combination might seems odd to some viewers, as we sometimes get to rewatch the same scenes. But I personally find it really interesting.
The two main actresses are absolutely perfect. They convey all the feels of their characters in an emotional way. As it is stayed in the summary, they will both 'discover some unexpected emotions'. Lesbian relationship in Korean movies are quite unusual and I must say that this one is breaking down HUGE taboos. The geniuses of Park Chan Wook was to gamble on this idea, in a country where he perfectly knows that the critics will get fierce.
Thanks to a good casting choice, I personally think that he won his bet.
I was surprisingly amazed by Kim Tae Ri (Sook Hee)'s acting. She's new, It's her first movie. The idea of new fits perfectly her character. The way she acted was stunning. I want to see her in more things from now on.
Anyway if you're 18+, interested in some good suspenseful stories and open-minded regarding this movie love plot line, you will definitely enjoy it.
It's not Old Boy sure ...but it is The Handmaiden. They both have their qualities and universe.
Special mention to the ending song which was absolutely gorgeous ... kinda combines all of the feels that this movie gives you.
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Without beating around the bush, The Tale of Gumiho ( or the Nine Tailed Fox) ‘s beginning did offer the criteria of being a brilliant fantasy show ; a stellar cast, fairly strong scriptwriting from episode one and of course the intriguing plot scenario of a lovelorn nine-tailed fox ( Lee Dong Wook) desperately yearning to be human again and overcoming the emotional scars of his past.
The Tale of Gumiho does certainly have one gift for drama watchers by offering us a stellar cast line-up. Finally seeing Lee Dong Wook reprise a fantasy role again had to be an undeniable selling- point for most drama watchers.
In place of wearing a prim and proper black hat as a certain Grim Reaper, however, Dong Wook steps into his new character, Lee Yeon, by sporting freshly dyed auburn red hair and brightly coloured suits as part of his foxy persona. There is no denying the fact that Dong Wook is undeniably Dong Wook in his performance - with a mixture of a sarcasm , comical wit and angst-driven ambiance surrounding his performance as Lee Yeon, it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing this mysterious trickster instead. In a similar manner to Dong Wook, Jo Bo- ah was stunningly brilliant as the female lead, Nam Ji- ah through her heart-driven wit and capability to portray a female lead with rationality and intelligence in the show .
Yet sadly, however, as far as the scriptwriting is concerned both characters undeniably fall short of expectations through how they are dealt with after the opening of the drama. Without revealing too much it’s fair to say that although both characters did respectfully have emotional attachment to viewers through their experiences, some of the cliches that the scriptwriters had included just didn’t live up to expectations for these characters to be more than plot devices. ( Ji- ah’s rationality and intelligence as a lead is seemingly flung out the window by the halfway point of the drama, our main antagonist, Imoogi played mostly by Lee Tae- Ri has little intrigue for
watchers over his motives whereas characters such as the Snail Bride, Taluipa and Hyun Eui-ong who should’ve have had some of the most intriguing involvement in the storyline, were simply played for comical effect instead). By the ending of this drama there was little development or actual intrigue around most of these characters.
On the other hand, perhaps the one thing ( alongside the fairly good OST ) which most certainly can be praised in regards to one element of the scriptwriting, is how they dealt with Kim Bum’s brilliantly sardonic and emotionally complex portrayal as the antagonist- antihero role , Lee Rang.Of course, there is no denying that Rang did step often beyond the points of morality in the drama even from episode one, yet revelations of Lee Rang’s complicated past and his partially morally-guided actions throughout the drama such as saving his faithful sidekick Yu-ri ( Kim Yong Ji) from animal abuse in a zoo, a puppy from being tortured by a group of teenage thugs and Kim Soo oh ( Jung Si yul) from child abuse, adds more intricacy to him simply being labelled as an “ evil” or “ twisted” character.
Surprisingly, Kim Yong Ji’s performance as Yu- ri , also had better characterisation than the majority our main leads as well. As a character, Yu- ri appears at first as somewhat detestable by her animalistic desires to eat humans and to deceive a married couple behind the truth that their daughter is dead. Yet as Rang reveals more about Yu-ri’s past, it soon becomes apparent through her growing relationship with the veterinarian Shin Joo ( Hwang Hee) that Yu-ri is again not entirely an evil character, but simply doing what she must in order to survive. It is only a shame that whilst Yu- ri undeniably had a good character progression by the ending of the show, the circumstances of Lee Rang, Lee Yeon and Ji-ah felt lacklustre in comparison. It wasn’t that the ending of the drama wasn’t good, however, the means in which the scriptwriters had got us to this ending felt rushed and lacking in both emotional investment and intrigue for watchers.
Overall Tale of Gumiho was a fairly enjoyable show, however, it was severely flawed by character progression of our main leads as well as their relationship, and the overall ending deliverance of the drama. Perhaps the two saving graces of the drama were the casting choices and evidently Kim Bum’s performance as Lee Rang due to being a complicated and intriguing antagonist up until the ending , where sadly his final character twist and progression felt too rushed. Whilst Tale of Gumiho is worth a watch, don’t watch it if you’re looking for a masterpiece, as there are certainly better fantasy dramas out there.
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Interesting storyline
Omg this has all the bells and whistels from a good fable or story. Has my favorite actor as well. Great hook at the beginning of the story to make you want to watch more. Sets are colorful to the eye and costumes are not over the top but are brautiful none the less. This director keeps it at a fast pace so it doesnt bog down in the middle. Well worth your time to watch and rewatch. Sets on this piece give it that xtra pazazz. Female lead is well matched to the actor and intimate scenes are believable could he have found his soulmate in real life?Was this review helpful to you?
Mnet at its finest, delivering some manipulative editing.
I’m not gonna lie, this was a fascinating watch. Trying to see all the shady business and tactics Mnet delivered, seeing viewers' different reactions depending on their knowledge of the industry and how Mnet works. What a ride it was. And behind all that mess was a bunch of talented trainees who could not breathe in the wrong direction, or they will be evil edited till their elimination.This is probably the worst survival show I have seen from the production standpoint. The editing was atrocious - they gave us 10 takes of the same 2 moments from different angles and different speeds, while completely cutting out most of the performances. How can we judge the stages and trainees skills when we see the same smile or wink just repeated countless times?
Then there is the issue of evil editing. I’m not saying just exaggerating existing issues, I’m saying complete lies, like using footage from two different interviews and making it seem like they were both filmed about the same situation. Translating what foreign trainees say in a vague and misleading way to frame it as them being disrespectful. Making it seem as if teams had massive disagreements in the episode, when we could see them work just fine during the practice lives.
And I don’t even want to talk about the G versus K trainees concept - that was dumb, since the plan was to debut a mixed group. Mnet framed it as rivalry so hard, I’m not surprised Koreans went so strongly voting for Korean trainees - it seemed like a matter of pride for them with how it was presented in the initial episodes. Showing G trainees in a bad light, only “promoting” G trainees that are either Koreans just living in different countries, or been in Korea for years…
What’s more? The legal rigging votes. they knew exactly what info should be released when to make people mass vote for specific trainees out of fear of them not debuting. Just naming the 2 or 3 k-trainees’ ranks that went down - panic voting from the audience. Only showing the 3 trainees ranks based on ONLY G votes - panic voting.
All that said, I loved the kids so much. While I am sad we did not get many strong rappers, and literally barely any in the finale, I’m still more than happy with overall skills presented. Yes, some got into the show as a joke to make the public laugh, but in their case, I could see they truly put in the effort and tried to grow from this experience. The level of talent was high and honestly, one could randomly pick 9 trainees from top 18 to make a team, and every variation of it would make a strong debut.
The trainees had amazing friendships and I loved to see them support and encourage each other. We could see the most honest versions of them in the additional behind the clips mnet uploaded on youtube, and for these I am grateful.
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This review may contain spoilers
Aaaaaabsolute Disarseter
This, I imagine, is what the first draft of the script for "A Perfect Match" looked like:Scene 1.
[A wet dream.]
[Morning wood.]
[Lingering shots of Xiao Nan showering. Ummmm…. Aaaaaaaaabs.]
[Lather. Rinse. Repeat.]
[Product placement.]
[Dead parents.]
[Gran sad.]
Scene 2.
[Nan's late for an interview. Saves a girl.]
[Boss bad. Girl his sister.]
[Product placement.]
[Dead parents.]
[Gran sad.]
Scene 3.
Evil woman: Flirt with me. I’m the straight devil.
The Villain: I will, baby. Now fuck off, Nan, you perfect-bodied handsome god, you.
[Note to casting: Make sure the villain is the ugliest member of the cast.]
Xiao Nan mewls.
[Lingering shots of Xiao Nan (and the villain) showering. Ummmm…. Aaaaaaaaabs.]
[Lather. Rinse. Repeat.]
Scene 4.
[Xiao Nan and The Boss meet, get drunk, and talk about...]
[Dead parents.]
[Lingering shots of Xiao Nan showering. Ummmm…. Aaaaaaaaabs.]
[Lather. Rinse. Repeat.]
[Product placement.]
[More product placement.]
[Near kiss. Even more product placement.]
[The little girl is a brat.]
Director’s Note: All very well, but where’s the dialogue in this?
Scene 5.
[Introduce a supportive fujoshi.]
[Product placement.]
[Yes, this whole episode is for product placement. It's called multi-level marketing.]
[Lingering shots of Xiao Nan showering. Ummmm…. Aaaaaaaaabs.]
[Lather. Rinse. Repeat.]
Scene 6.
[Boss and Xiao Nan play tennis.]
[Both take their tops off, for no apparent reason.]
[Ummmm.... Aaaaaaaaabs…. Peeeeeeecs… Niiiipples....]
[Boss has an unexpectedly hot body.]
Xiao Nan's Thirst: That tattoo! Wreck me daddy… Destroy me king…
Xiao Nan: I think I might fall in love with you. So, I'm going to go.
Boss: I like you too, so I'm going to let you go.
[Brat sister screams.]
[The villain wants a second serving of Xiao Nan.]
Everyone: Who doesn’t?
Scene 7.
[Brat sister screams again.]
[Xiao Nan shows he can bitch-slap.]
[The villain wants a rematch with the boss. They play tennis. The boss wins. Obvs.]
[The hotties kiss. Finally.]
[Gran sees.]
[Gran sad.]
[Fujoshi consoles.]
[Product placement.]
Director’s Note: Seriously. Will there be any meaningful dialogue in this show?
Writers: Aaaaaaabs…olutely not.
Scene 8.
[Gran sad because boy loves boys.]
Gran: You a whore?
Xiao Nan: No....
[Cut to Xiao Nan, who's now having rampant, rambunctious sex with Boss.]
[Camera cuts back to Gran again, who’s suddenly happy, for no reason whatsoever.]
[Product placement.]
[Lingering shots of Xiao Nan showering. Ummmm…. Aaaaaaaaabs.]
[Lather. Rinse. Repeat.]
Scene 9.
[Tennis match. Someone wins.]
[The villain creates a conflict. Let’s see, he pretends to be injured so that the boss can be jealous?]
[Boss jealous.]
[Lingering shots of... ]
Writers: Wait. What the fuck? Where's the shower scene? What's going on?
Director's Note: I think we've had enough showering, don't you?
Writers: Aaaaaabs... so.. fucking... not!
Scene 10.
[The leads reconcile.]
[Xiao Nan becomes a wife and a cook.]
[The kid's still a brat.]
[Gran's a bit useless.]
[Beach trip. Shirtless frolicking. Ummmm... Aaaaaaaaabs.]
[Product placement.]
[They all live happily ever after... in a surprisingly tiny flat.]
Note from the Producers: What?!?!? That's it? The final scene is not of the boys showering together? After all this fluffing, you won't even finish us off?
Verdict:
This is one of the worst shows I have ever seen. I loved it.
Reader’s Digest:
DO SAY: sPectacular...
DON’T SAY: exPectorant...
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The Queen Who Crowns
52 people found this review helpful
This review may contain spoilers
A grand historical, passionate and emotionally complex high quality drama
I´d say, “The Queen who Crowns” is an excellent, impressive historical drama that gets under your skin. An emotionally stirring KDrama of the finest quality against a historically real backdrop. The KDrama year 2025 could continue like this..."The Queen who Crowns" brings the first decades of Joseon onto the screens. It is not the first series to take on the historically dazzling personalities of that time. Those early hours of the dynasty are simply captivating. And so, with this KDrama, too, it is not boring at all. On the contrary. And with an increased age rating, "The Queen who Crowns" additionally gains necessary freedom for an not only aesthetically impressive and emotionally impactful, but at times even unrestrained narrative.
However, it doesn't hurt to be somewhat familiar with the historical background. This makes it easier to understand the connections and relationship dynamics. Yet, enjoyment of the series is also possible without prior knowledge. Explanations in the subtitles fortunately provide the corresponding context here and there.
"The Queen who Crowns" offers a grand historical and emotionally complex drama. A special nuance is peeled out of the actual historical context, closely inspected, and dramatically excellently embellished: The complex and dramatic relationship dynamics of King Taejong with his father, the abdicated King Taejo, and his wife, the later Queen Wongyeong.
------ More thoughts about the relationships between former King Taejo, Prince Bang-won and his wife -------
"The Queen who Crowns" offers, among other things, a fantastic interpretation and performance of Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. Lee Sung-min ensures we are learning to understand that the self-proclaimed first king of the new dynasty was not only a rather dominant father but a man who truly had great things in mind for his people. The path to achieve his new dynasty was indeed bloody, the power struggle at the turn of the 14th century not yet over, and life at the royal court dangerous. The now abdicated King Taejo, however, is convincingly shown to be torn between his archetypal ideals of a strong Joseon king and the very human feelings as an emotionally entangled father. Through his son Yi Bang-won as King Taejong of this newly founded Joseon nation, he painfully reflects how low human emotions can sink. Noble ambitious monarch and defiant despot, that can be so close together.
Actor Lee Hyun-wook acting historical Yi Bang-won gives the defiant king's son his very personal touch. As a son who desperately hungers for his father's recognition. As a man who would like to wear the pants in the relationship and cannot really handle to see that his straightforward, dominant wife is superior to him in terms of political calculation, overview, and foresight. As a spoiled prince whose frustration tolerance was never really trained, who ultimately confuses defiance with power, he is trying to enforce with ferocity what thus only slips away from him even further: the respect of the two most important people in his life – his father and his actually beloved wife. Bang-won as King Taejong proves to be no counterpart to whom they can trustworthy surrender. One can feel sorry for the king. And that says it all...
Before I get to the queen, who is actually given the stage here, I would like to address one thing that is also in the focus of this KDrama along the way: The crux of the archetypal relationship between king and queen in contrast to the relationship between king and concubines. For the king, he may have both, “saint” and “whore”. The queen however, is doomed to just being the “saint”. Hardly any other historical drama I´ve seen so far had processed the dilemma and explosive dynamics of such an archetypal, almost dehumanized relationship between king and queen so emphatically. While the king gets/takes his space for being a man with needs, too, the queen, as the mother of the nation, is per definition pure and saintly. It´s bad news, if king and queen should actually love each other. There is no room for intimacy and passion in the life of a king and queen. They live an ideal of relationship that stands solely in the service of the nation. Dehumanized, so to speak. Pure archetypes. Pairing between king and queen serves only the reproduction of royal genes. Furthermore the queen´s job is about raising this offspring properly. It is a public relationship and for the nation only. It has (should have!) nothing to do with personal lust and passion. In theory at least...
Nevertheless, the king and his concubines may share their private intimacy in their bedchamber – as long as it pleases the king. And in the case of our defiant, discontented, and somewhat emotionally lost King Taejong, he rather escapes to his concubines, who are willingly serving at his whim, with a warming embrace, a tender word. There he supposedly finds the most submissive subservience, the encouragement, and all that his father and wife deny him for different reasons. In the best case, it may truly nourish him and bring him into his power. In the worst case, he may be manipulated, and thus losing even more ground.
Now to Queen Wongyeong. Chapeau to Cha Joo-young! She gives that imposing historical personality such a strong, beautiful, clever, and quick-witted aura, portraying her as a dominant yet simultaneously sensitive woman, too. It's about time that this queen, who was only historically appreciated late, now also gets the deserved attention in the KDrama orbit!
King Taejong truly had a competent, intelligent, valuable partner at his side. At eye level. In the truest sense also above what concerns convention and customs. Thus, at the same time, courageous enough to take new paths, to think innovatively, and to act fearlessly.
But woe if the king thinks he has the power by virtue of his throne only. No, he must also be able to fill this position with respected personal authority. Most of the time, Taejong is trying to enforce power and respect with force. He truly lacks the necessary personal maturity for the nation´s highest office in many places... and for this great wive. What a shame.
Queen Wongyeong, in turn, pays a high price for her ambitious demeanor and constructive political influence at the royal court: her passionate love for the king, for which there is no more place at the court. But, at least, the queen does not let this stop her from making wise decisions and prudent politics. No matter how adverse the circumstances. Without her, Taejong's reign would ultimately not have been at all, let alone being so valuable for the coming Joseon. Without her, the country would not have experienced one of its greatest kings of the Joseon Dynasty – the following King Sejong, who created, among many other things, an alphabet for his people.
Those two, they paid with their personal relationship over the years of their reign. The KDrama does a great job in recognizing and dignifying their sacrifices, efforts and accomplishments.
Ps:
Episodes 13 and 14 "The Queen who Crowns - Before Sunrise" are a kind of prequel. They begin with the end of Goryeo. It is about our two protagonists meeting and falling in love, starting to dreaming their common dream of a 'better world'... and ultimately materializing it.
This may be well-intentioned, but the dramatic quality unfortunately drops somewhat compared to episodes 1-12. It almost seems as if this was a spontaneous decision in the course of events. Somehow it was done half-heartedly only (possibly under time pressure?). Nevertheless, some striking key scenes, referred to in 1-12, are delivered here, which is nice, though.
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How to be a Family
The idea of a contract marriage, and seemingly a child from a previous marriage, didn’t appeal to me initially. But how the story is being told and how everything unfolds make this drama a very worthwhile watch. All the characters are lovable despite each has his/her flaws, making them believable. A child is always the center of attention, and here this cutie is the most adorable child in recent dramas. What seemingly a fake relationship and marriage that initially try to address the psychological issue of the boy by giving him a complete family that he craves, have become a real outcome as the fake parents fall in love.He (pronounced as “her”) Qiao Yan (Wei Zhe Ming aka Miles Wei) is the CEO of a conglomerate owned by his family and a single father. He loves and dotes on the child, at the same time tries to discipline him like an adult. The outcome is ineffective and hilarious until he meets Qin Yi Yue (Hu Yi Xuan), a child psychologist. Seeing how readily He Wei Fei aka Xiao Bao (Lennon Sun) takes Qin Yi Yue in as his own mother, He Qiao Yan coerces Qin Yi Yue into a contract, with high compensation, to be a pretend mother of Xiao Bao and a pretend Mrs He, for he is a “number” guy who does everything in black and white. Little does he know he falls head-over-toes in love with Qin Yi Yue himself. He misses and thinks of her whenever she’s not around, and he would find ways and means, using Xiao Bao as an excuse, to see her. The interaction is cute and hilarious. The family dynamics are warm and pleasing. What seemingly two very different personalities, he is meticulous and analytical, and she is spontaneous, come together and form an enviable family with a ready-made son.
He Qiao Yan is a person who doesn’t express his emotions very well and openly. He doesn’t understand human relationships and has lived a monotonous life. In other words, He Qiao Yan is a boring person and Wei Zhe Ming captures that 100%. Despite being an immaculate person, I really love how he acts to protect Qin Yi Yue by dropping everything he’s doing and come to her rescue. He Qiao Yan may be a genius in everything but is an idiot in love relationship.
This is my first drama of Wei Zhe Ming. At the first look, he didn’t appeal to me. But he grows on me and by the end of the drama, I find him the most eligible single father to die for. His acting is so convincing with small little facial expressions such as a raise of the corner of his eyebrow, a blur look on his face etc, capturing all the essence of his character.
Qin Yi Yue is disorganized, intelligent and quick witted. Despite being a doctor, she is not very health conscious as she feasts on junk food. She finds He Qiao Yan a weirdo initially but moved by him when she sees his devotion for the child who is not his, and his consideration for her well-being unspoken. Their love development is gradual and solid.
I have liked Hu Yi Xuan’s acting in “Sleepless Princess”. I find her charismatic with an air of freshness and authenticity. Here as a child psychologist, she is soothing and gentle. Even at times of helplessness, she still smiles with tears and resignation in her eyes.
Chinese dramas will not be complete without some tropes such as arranged marriage for economic benefits which is not much different from marriages of the old days among the royals. And of course, there are the side couples who are also the best friends of our ML and FL.
My Verdict
This is a very enjoyable drama most romance buffs will love. I love it myself. It’s funny and light, especially when it comes to dealing with the child. The parent-child dynamics are really fun to watch. Both main lead characters are mature with a tsundere ML and a warm and approachable FL. Although some parts of the editing are lacking, it hasn’t turned into a disaster and ruined the story. Overall, this is a wonderful drama not to be missed.
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I even managed to regain my composure after the initial excitement, let some time pass and cool down, in order to look at it with a less passionate, more objective stance. The result is, SG remains my all time favourite, a drama I have watched and rewatched and will watch again until the characters and the script will be integral part of my life - perhaps they already are.
The plot speaks fot itself. There is fun, romance, magic, tragic, twists and literary references. It flows without interruptions, making you laugh like crazy and cry like a baby, at times flooding you like high tide, but it never leaves one dry or unsatisfied: questions are answered, references fulfilled, all spiced up with a little magic.
The script is unique and brilliant. The funny lines are hilarious, the serious ones thought-provoking. Nothing about this script is either predictable or shallow, making the characters come to life and become realistic in a fantasy world.
Which inevitably leads me to the acting, which is outstanding. The main leads have to play the part of themeselves, then that of the other, then that of the other playing the part of themselves. Lesser actors would have screwed up, but Ha Ji Won and Hyun Bin both do a fantastic job, providing laughters in heaps and tears in the same amount. And their love story is just as beautiful as their chemistry on screen is sizzling.
The secondary characters are not mere supporters. They are all interesting, complex personalities who adds to the plot and the dynamic wonderfully.
The music is addicting, even for a K-pop ignorant as myself. Songs and lyrics are never chosen randomly but highlight and define the scenes they soundtrack.
I can't ask more of a drama. In fact, I doubt I'll find something to fully compensate for the end of this wonderful show.
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1The Art of Strategic Retreat
Immortal Ascension is the long-awaited live-action adaptation of the hit xianxia web-novel A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality by Wang Yu (忘语), a defining work of the "mortal cultivation" sub-genre. While the novel chronicles protagonist Han Li's thousand-year journey over a sprawling 2,400 chapters, this ambitious adaptation condenses the first 200 years into 30 episodes. It is set in a brutal, realistic immortal world where might makes right. The Heavenly Dao (天道) is indifferent to concepts of "good" or "evil"; the path to immortality isn't about grand morality or predestined genius, but about raw power and survival. Here, cunning, alchemy, and artifacts can trump sheer talent.Three borrowed bowls of flour for flatbread. That is why an ordinary village boy, Han Li, stumbles on to a thousand year path to immortality. It isn't a profound or carefully considered decision or even a conscious choice on his part —just survival instinct, pure and simple. It begins in Shenshou Valley, a place that opens his eyes to a world beyond his wildest imagination and offers his first chilling glimpse into the callous utilitarianism and transactional nature of cultivation relationships. He picks up the underappreciated skill of gardening and chances upon his most invaluable artifact. From his first mentor, Physician Mo, Han Li learns the core secret to immortality: live to fight another day. He is the master of the art of strategic retreat—my lips would twitch every time he began stealthily backing away at the slightest hint of hostility.
Han Li is an unconventional protagonist. He isn't motivated by naive heroism and chooses a path that is ultimately selfish and solitary. Often underestimated, he prevails through cautious pragmatism and resourcefulness, relying on methodical long-term planning, deception, and fleeing unwinnable conflicts. Despite the running gag that Han Li is very plain, Yang Yang is perfectly cast. His immaculate appearance and radiant, ageless glow convey the aura of a character who is ultimately unattainable. I've never been a fan of his acting, but this is by far his best role. His portrayal is exquisite: the careful circumspection in his movements, the nuanced flicker in his eyes, the micro-expressions that signal he is always watchful and calculating; that fraught stillness when sensing danger; and the intense, cold-blooded ruthlessness in combat. Yang Yang's power, grace, and natural athleticism are on full display. Instead of just standing around uselessly waving a fan (Who Rules the World), he delivers multiple thrilling, intense, and brilliantly choreographed action sequences that showcase Han Li's ability to think on his feet, using his cunning and resources to level the playing field. The visual effects, however, are a bit dated and at times overwhelm the impressive stunt work, detracting from how flawlessly Yang Yang executes difficult mid-air acrobatics while staying completely in character.
I love the decision to shoot mostly on location—it vividly reinforces the vastness, timelessness, and solitude of Han Li's journey. It may have made lighting and framing more difficult to control, but it's far superior to the typical fake, over-lit, and stagnant xianxia set. The plot feels condensed, and the pacing is uneven, alternating rapidly between character introductions, heavy world-building via dialogue, and high-octane action. Some important characters—Physician Mo, Mo Caihuan, and a few of Han Li's Yellow Maple Valley mentors—are fleshed out, but too many others zip by cursorily. While Wang Duo plays the villain with great relish and humor, Wang Chan's character is a cardboard cutout, because Han Li's greatest antagonist is truly the indifferent universe—and Han Li himself, and the humanity he must leave behind.
At times, this feels like a video game, but it is actually a quite sad and profound story. The narrative tone doesn't indulge in sadness; Han Li's moments of temptation and regret are subtle and transient: a pause, a concealed glance behind lowered eyelids, the slightest hesitation, the moment he gives in to a brief hug. It's all in the subtext, in how he regularly shouts out to Li Feiyu, recalling his last mortal friend. Han Li is not a relatable protagonist; it's hard to feel sorry for him, as he does not feel sorry for himself or for the people he coldly leaves behind.
Fittingly, at the end of this first phase, we come full circle to a precious piece of flatbread that Nangong Wan casually snatches from him. Ms. Mo would never have done that. It's why she is not the endgame; she isn't ruthless or selfish enough to accompany him on his journey. While this is not a romantic story, the character who moved me most was Ms. Mo. It is with his first love and final obsession that Han Li almost allows himself to be mortal.
I don't know how to feel about this kind of story or Han Li's path. It is inspiring as a tale of how an ordinary person can become extraordinary. And a sobering lesson about at what price. It is a story that has stayed with me. I have to rate it 9/10.
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Kim Hee Sun rocked as a high-schooler believe it or not, I was surprised how good she looked in a high-school uniform. She was great at portraying a mother determined to protect her daughter, although a little naïve in the beginning her character grew throughout the drama. Even though she was a mother she matched so well with one high-schooler I couldn't help but ship them whenever they were together. and watching her fight with people was a plus.
Kim Yoo Jung as Oh Ah Ran was great a playing a teenager scared of the people that threatened her and her moms safety. I loved her moments with Hong Sang Tae played by B1A4's Baro - she melted his heart of ice.
Ji Soo as Go Bok Dong - this guy literally stole the show, not to mention my heart too <3 Every scene he was in was beautiful, dark, emotional, heartbreaking and brilliant! His damaged heart at the start of the drama was beautifully mended throughout the drama, with the warm touch of people who cared for him and those he cared for - his tears were wiped away <3 He was my favorite out of all the characters on this drama and the main reason for my checking in diligently every week! You'll fall in love with him too as you watch this drama.
Ji Hyun Woo as Park No Ah (whenever I say/hear his name I can't help but laugh a little inside "No Ah = Noah - the ark) anyways lol - I honestly can't think of any other actor who would pull off a naïve, sincere, honest, and "greatest fool" (quoting the drama words) "in the world." than he himself. I honestly got annoyed by his naivety in the beginning of the drama but it eventually ended up being his charm "after his eyes were opened". His fight to protect "his kids" was precious. & I enjoyed watching it.
Baro played a character who was caught in the prison of his dad's rules - Kim Yoo Jung tries to pull him out.
All the villains, supporting cast, guest stars were great.
The OST might not be up everyone's alley but it sure was right up mine! Most of the songs have a jazzy feel to them and are in half English/Korean - I loved each and every song! "Angry Mom" by Lee Juhan, "Sunny Side Up" by Ashbun, "Happy Magic" by Lee Hyun Woo, "Crying, Crying, Crying/I Love You, I'm Sorry" by ALi, & "Teleport Me" by Aberdeen Orange.
I would definitely re-watch this sometime in the near future and I highly recommend it^^
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1"Our Youth" - Minase Jin
I honestly have no words. I wish I could do a cool one-liner that puts all my feelings into one, but honestly, I don't know. All I can say is "wow." This is like trying a food and knowing it'll be your favorite from the first bite. That's how I felt when I watched the first 2 episodes. I remember telling my friend, who is now watching, that I had just started this but I knew it'd be in my top 5 jbls. This is just THAT show. I lowkey haven't written a review since "The Trainee" ended (September) but I just have to for these cuties!!In a tiny sum up, the story: Minase Jin is what a parent would call "perfect," with good grades, stays out of trouble, and overall just well-behaved, that is until Hirukawa Haruki steps into his life. This entry led him to find out a pretty personal secret about Hirukawa, which brings them closer, maybe a bit too close.
What did I like? Wow, there's a lot. Shall we make a list?
1. Characters: Honestly just both of their stories alone are great, especially Hirukawas, and them coming together makes a pretty good mix.
2. Chemistry? Well it's definitely there!! I don't care about what others say, there was TENSION.
3. I read other reviews, and with the cinematography portrayed, I felt extremely immersed.
4. As well from a review, the mention of waves and boats. A quote I have from the 10th episode is said from Minase Jin. "And I let the boat carrying the letter go into the sea out of my hands as the wind takes it. That letter sails into the deep sea. " Honestly, I just love the comparison.
5. The loyalty of the two..oh my gosh?? "Even if we can't get married, I will always be by your side." Haruki Hirukawa, can you be MY husband??
Honestly, to name everything I love, I'd have to go back and watch every episode and write down each and every one of my thoughts. But Our Youth has brought out a feeling in me that I didn't think many could reach.
In the later episodes I also realised they called each other by Jin and Haruki, when in the earlier episodes they called each other Minase and Hirukawa, which I found cute. The fact they do that from when their teenagers to adults? I love them. As well as how the "novel" of the letter was Our Youth. That means what we just watched was the letter, right?
Anyways!!!
The only con for me is the special episode. The fact they didn't ACTUALLY tell them they were dating made me sad, but that's okay!! Same with the marriage. Maybe someday we'll get another special episode of their marriage when it becomes legal in Japan. But for now, we can only hope!
To wrap this up, I honestly really wish I didn't have to. I'm gonna miss dreading every time I had to wait for the next episode. When I first started watching, it had 5 episodes out, and I caught up all in one. I started at 10pm (mind you, I have school) and watched every episode to catch up. Then when I found out the 5th had came out that day, I was quite sad to have to wait. But, now I can just rewatch when I'm feeling down. Anyways, I'm really going to miss these two. I know some may disagree, but I loved these two a lot. Would definitely recommend!!
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At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to watch it. Let's face it - half balded guys aren't exactly eye candy. But I was wrong! And I'm glad I found people who were raving about it because it made me want to watch it! I got over that issue by the 5th episode - and some of the Prince's are still cute! And whatever else lacks, the story is the most important part - and it was excellent! I had mixed feelings about the princes' throughout the drama.
The acting was amazing! I've heard that Chinese dramas tend to not be acted out that well - but this one is certainly an exception! Wonderfully done - whatever the characters were feeling were clearly portrayed. They cried - I cried.
The music is beautiful! I love the soundtrack! Listening to it now, it just makes me sad - but I can't stop listening! Beautiful!
I don't think I'll rewatch this drama soon - only because there's already so many I have lined up to watch.
Overall - this drama was really worth the time. 35 episodes may seem like a lot - but the story is really done well and it made every episode worth it!
On a side note - keep in mind to expect some not so good greenscreen use and such. Actually some of it was bad enough that it made some scenes [when they're riding on a horse] look like something straight out of a video game. On the plus side - I found it comical and it added humor to a scene haha. Another thing to note that slightly bothered me - she's stuck in the past for many years: but none of them seem to age. It's not until it's almost over that they look slightly different. Because of those things I can't give this drama a full !O. I almost gave it an 8 but it's such a great story, the ending.... get some tissues ready!
Another thing - you don't have to know anything about the Qing Dynasty to follow along with this story. In a way I think it might be better if you don't. I didn't and it left surprises for me when I found out what would happen to the characters.
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