Completed
Guardian
33 people found this review helpful
Aug 8, 2018
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10
The first Chinese drama ever that I forced my Mandarin fluent friend to read the book and watched all episodes and summarize it for me. And mind you he wasn't a fan of Yaoi.

The trailer was in my Youtube's recommendation and I was glad I clicked it. The first episode captured my heart; the moment Shen Wei (Zhu Yi Long) saw Zhao Yun Lan (Bai Yu) at the university. The look alone was a testament that there was something more about their relationship. With China's ban on certain things, what should have been a reunion between soul-mates had to be tone down to soul-brothers. But, Zhu Yi Long and Bai Yu managed to convey the gist of the book (which is Yaoi) with subtle things via facial expression and the way they look at each other. The plot was there but with limited budget, not much can be done. There were some part which made no sense because of the editing, like there should be something more but was cut short. If you cannot stand flaw in small details, then there's plenty in it. Just focus on Zhao Yun Lan and his lollipop and you'll know. One moment it was in his mouth, then his hand and the next thing it's back in his mouth.

The two main lead (Zhu Yi Long and Bai Yu) saved the drama from going down the drain; and to think the initial cast was supposed to be Bai Yu and an un-named actor. Bai Yu in fact mentioned he was uncomfortable taking the part once he read the book. I don't think it's because it was Yaoi but Zhao Yun Lan in the book was flirtier and reminded me of Sun Wukong. The supporting cast were brilliant as well. The entire SID team seemed like they walked out of the book; of course with minor changes to some characters to fit the ban. Some extra characters left an impact with the way they carried their role, for example, the guy who play the new king and the guy who have the fire ability.

The opening theme was epic. It promised of a grand scale drama even though the drama did not deliver much. And it was in English which was rare for China to have for an opening theme; maybe for interlude, but definitely not opening or ending theme.

Heck yeah you'll wanted to rewatch it. Maybe skipped most part and just stick with the main lead. In fact, someone should edit the entire 40 episodes and make it a movie just with the two of them.

Overall, it was the best Chinese drama I watched so far for 2018. Do not watch it for the logic, watch it for the main lead.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Twisted Fate of Love
33 people found this review helpful
by Jenna
Jan 26, 2021
43 of 43 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 6.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 6.5
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers

This drama was a hot mess for a lot of reasons...

This drama was a hot mess for a lot of reasons, but the most glaring being the FL's "character". She was a hardened last-man-standing against an entire army GENERAL who is going back in time to STOP a devastating WAR. And from episode 2 on... she's only a frail little girl who speaks softly, worries about trivial crap, and never does anything outstanding as a LEAD. Nothing outstanding as a GENERAL. Nothing even remotely resembling someone on a MISSION to save the future. She isn't badass. She doesn't fight much. She doesn't scheme at all. She doesn't even come up with ANY real plans of her own. Disappointment is an understatement. & let's not even start on the messy storyline and absolutely incomprehensible time travel element... because this drama just uses it as a ploy and doesn't follow any type of rules of engagement. We have WAY more questions "What happens if..." now that when we even started. The only good thing in this drama was the FL's beauty & the ML's flawless acting. Seriously HATE him in Princess Agents... like wanted him to die a slow and painful death hate, but there is no doubt he's an epic antihero! He's a FABULOUS actor!

BUT... even as an antihero, he had MAJOR flaws. Ones in the script, not in his acting.
((( light spoilers below )))

.
.
.
.
.
The ML is supposed to be an antihero, I'm guessing. A TRUE ML antihero who isn't afraid to do a LOT of bad things to make "right" or get revenge on some bad guys. HOWEVER... that means (in this drama at least) that he is willing to USE, HURT, & MANIPULATE the FL to further his agenda. I *get* that he knows she can't DIE, however... him whipping her and hurting her physically (she feels PAIN, DUDE!) just to shrug it off, like "well you'll heal anyway & that's the only way I could think to get you out" EW.
Not only that, but he is CONSTANTLY manipulating her, using her, putting her in danger JUST for his own benefit. These traits are NOT attractive EVEN in an ANTI-HERO ML.
The ONLY way the episodes that have aired so far would work with the ML KILLING her, hurting her, using her, etc... is IF they wrote it to where he is willing to do all this because he doesn't REALIZE YET that he loves her. THEN (maybe) we could understand/connect with the ML later when he figures out his feelings and then REGRETS his past actions. This drama has left NO room for that and completely cut out the opportunity for character growth in that regard.

I WILL say that he gets better (later) in the drama, but it's like a switch flipped and weird. Not a natural transition of falling in love and regretting past actions and moving forward to love & protect. Instead, it's like... use/abuse/all for the greater good then POOF like it never happened, I'm the perfect slightly damaged ML who is just misunderstood. Such an unnatural shift that you NOTICE the shift as it happens.

Sad about this drama. Such epic potential.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Love in Disguise
30 people found this review helpful
by Rourou
May 4, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 5.0
1-The reason I watched this : I was looking for an idol film so I end up wayching this.

2-Storyline/Plot : Many would think that the story of an idol falling for a normal girl is so common and cheesy but this film story took a different level since it focused on finding a soulmate through music so the plot's setting was sort of unique. However, the romantic side wasn't satisfying since the story's development didn't focus on many important elements.
The music in here was amazing: a combination between classical Chinese music and the modern Chinese pop; I don't really focus on any film/drama's music while watching especially Chinese ones but the music felt like a deep core in this film. Great job!!

3-Acting/Cast : Wang Leehom has done everything here: playing the dorkey, the famous, the smart, the dumb; he did a great job indeed.
The lead actress succeeded in playing the innocent simple character; The cast was good enough and the acting was satisfying.

4-The ending : A typical rom-com ending; nothing special about it.

5-My Impression: Whan I started watching this film, I didn't have any expectations for it but later on I surprised myself by liking it plus I was literally blown by the music, I never thought that it could've been that great.

6-Overall : If you're rom-com lover then you would like this.
If you like idol shows then you need to watch this.
If you like classical or modern Chinese music then you would love this.
If you like Wang Leehom then you really need to watch this.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Light on Me
33 people found this review helpful
Aug 19, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

WORTH WATCHING!!

SPOILER AHEAD!!!!


I can't even explain how much I loved this series! Everything about it. First, the cast was so great, they were very GOOD! The OST was also really nice and comforting. I like Da-On, I'm glad he got to realise that putting himself first before others is so important. Sohee, I very much disliked her and she made me sigh A LOT lol, but I'm glad she learned her mistake and apologised, and changed. Namgoong was just the best, he was such AN AMAZING FRIEND, will punch you to the ground if you crap about any of his friends, and he makes the mood a lot lighter and I love that about him. Taekyung was (dreamy sigh) everything for me; he was so adorable and very straightforward which is so amazing, his little smile that he often does? that got me freezing, i love him. Shinwoo (dreamy sigh #2) was the dreamy boyfriend; he stepped back when he had to and wanted Tae to be happy. All his actions towards Tae were really cute. The teacher was also their emotional support which I loved, since we never saw any parents. Now there was a cliffhanger at the end with the teacher which makes me think there might be a s2? But maybe not. The ending, I LOVED. Finally Shinwoo and Taekyung got together, and lemme tell you, the last scene of ep15, I had tears in my eyes cause I thought Taekyung pried Shinwoo's hand away to stay with Da-On, BUT OUUU, my smile when they left together?! priceless. That scene where they kissed was so adorable. I really wish we'd get a season 2!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Broker
33 people found this review helpful
Jun 20, 2022
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Painting A Painful yet Beautiful Gestures and Emotions into One Huge Canvas.

Visually this movie is really artistic, aside from the aesthetics and beautiful cinematography, the performances of the actors come out like a combined art in the movie, it's like they're painting a painful yet beautiful gestures and emotions into one huge canvas.

Performance wise, the actors successfully conveying the messages of the story with their whole body, eyes, slight hands or shoulders movements, even the way they breathe can tell us the solid messages and emotions. Salute to all actors, no exceptions, even the child actors and the cameos, they show great acting quality, especially Song Kang Ho, Lee Ji Eun aka IU and Bae Doona.

We don't need to question any more about the acting quality Song Kang Ho has, there were one scene he walked while holding a doll after seeing his daughter, and he made me want to cry just by looking at his back. He is great and his all performances as Sanghyun, lead this movie so well.

I'm still shocked with IU, I actually didn't expect her to be this excellent for her movie debut. Her quality is multiple times better than her previous project, from facial expression, tones, gestures are all leveled up. Here she knows how to brings out enough portion of the emotions she has to show in every scene, and that looks visually poetic. There were not many scene where we can see Soyoung having a long physical contact with her own baby, Woosung, but once it happen -although it might look awkward, which is realistic, since Soyoung herself is an unprepared young mother- you can feel the hidden affections and the maternal instinct she has toward her baby, as a mother myself, i can clearly see it, maybe the other moms who watch this movie will feel the way i do.

The chemistry she has with Dong Soo is like a sweet bonus we get from the movie, proving that even without a physical contact you can still feel the butterflies by only seeing the image of Soyoung and Dongsoo in one frame. People keep mentioning the Ferris Wheel scene, yes it's so touching and heart breaking and i cried, but you'll actually see more of it throughout the movie.

Bae Doona as Soojin is not shown really often in the movie, but there were one scene where she has a conversation on the phone with someone, we don't really know who or what that other person says to her but her whole expression and tone in that scene is like telling a huge pain she has been dealing, whatever it is.

Story wise, it is kinda slowburn, up until half of the story. Surely it's not the type of movie that would make you cry a river, leave us in lots of angst nor laugh the hell out. It stays in the middle but if we see it in a positive way, actually with that we can slowly understand their wound and clearly see the emotion transitions in each character, also how they develop, personally it helps me to catch the feeling throughout the movie.

There were no long or difficult to understand narrations and dialogues, but almost every dialogues come with huge impact and weight.

Like everyone else's favorite, the "Thank you for being born" that said with IU's voice it's so precious, and i cried when the kiddo Hyejin say it to her in return.

In the end of the story, all of the characters here trying to find the best way to protect baby Woosung, it's heartbreaking and beautiful in the same time.

With this movie, Koreeda is trying to tell us not every woman who gave birth to a baby has an ability to be a mother, but every children that born deserves to receive protection and love from the adults around them. And that an action most people consider as irresponsible might be the best way to protect someone.

I watched this with my husband and our baby boy, my hubby cried a little at Soyoung and Soojin conversation inside the car. And on the way home he thanked me for giving birth and spending most of my time taking care of our son.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
The Perfect Match
33 people found this review helpful
by tan
Jul 30, 2017
22 of 22 episodes seen
Completed 6
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 5.0
This show started off really well and I really loved it till episode 17 but after that the story lost focus and it ultimately limped to the finish line (the show was extended which really hurt its plot and pacing).
The best part of the show for me was Chris Wu who was awesome and such a treat to watch. His character Huo Ting En was smart, mature, thoughtful,a great mentor and respected the heroine's opinions and decisions. Also the female lead was intelligent and spunky and not annoying like most of the female leads in Taiwanese dramas.The chemistry between the leads was crackling and the bromance between Huo Ting En and Peng Xiao Bin was really fun. The second leads are also not irritating and there are no out and out villans in the drama. Not a bad show in any way but would have become a favorite had it ended a couple of episodes early.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
The Uncanny Counter Season 2: Counter Punch
108 people found this review helpful
Sep 3, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 5.0
Story 3.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 4.5
Rewatch Value 4.5

Disappointing! Feels drastically different from S1

I am really disappointed. I watched Season 1 shortly before Season 2 came out and was super excited. The Teasers looked promising and the cast looked fantastic in their new styles. Especially So Mun with the longer curly/wavy hair. Cho Byeong Kyu can shape-shift with his different hairstyles. But styling and looks is not enough to create a great follow-up season.

Where this season went wrong:
- The comedy is over the top and not my taste. Especially because it wasn't like this in S1
- The dynamic between the characters feels different as well. Less serious.
- The tone of this season is generally different from season1 and not in a good way. S1 was more personal and serious
- The Plot was running in circles. So much that it was getting draggy and boring.
- They wasted Yoo In Soo. His character was really annoying. I thought it would get better after ep 3&4 but it did not
- I don't know why, but it just felt hollow

If you do a second season with a different tone etc. ... do it at least good. Not like this.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Cruel City
83 people found this review helpful
by joiy
Jan 15, 2014
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I'm almost speechless when it comes to this drama, that is how good it actually is. Usually i'm a fan of the romantic/comedy type but for some reason I watched this and oh WOW! It is just pure amazing.

This show made me jump, scream, laugh and cry, my husband asked me if have turned nuts;). One second your thinking Is he a gangster? other your thinking OMG no he can't be, he must be undercover, then ooh no he is sooo bad and next OMG HE IS. It's not limited to the main leads but also to all of the supporting casts, they seemed all to be so very good planned out.

Chemistry between all of them was really nice, the bro-chemistry, the family-chemistry and the love-chemistry. No sloppy violence.
I'm sure i'm not alone thinking that its nice when a show ends in a realistic manner or unexpected. But some shows, you just wish they could end the way you want it, somehow Kdramas and especially this use the ending to make you keep thinking about the show over and over again after its done. I LOVE IT.. can't stop thinking about an alternative ending in my head.

Im out of praises, watch it and you will love, it.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Saimdang, Memoir of Colors
38 people found this review helpful
May 4, 2017
28 of 28 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 6.0
Despite being one of the most anticipated and hyped-up dramas of the year and in spite of the fact that it marked the comeback of acting-giants, Saimdang ended up being rather disappointing and underwhelming failing to live up to expectations according to the majority of viewers. While I can’t completely argue against any of it and having said all that, I can’t deny that Saimdang turned out to be quite special for me against all odds.

Story
Having had studied Art History in Uni and with it being my favourite module, you can understand my initial excitement when I realized this is a drama about art history but in Korea! Only 2 of my biggest interests intertwine like that. I wouldn’t miss the chance to savour this rare opportunity!

Saimdang is a wonderful drama but not without flaws. It takes place simultaneously in the past and the present, depicting the past and present lives of the characters. Starting in the present it centers on a woman who tries to prove that a painting is or is not authentic facing serious enemies in this endeavor of hers.

Simultaneously and very flexibly the story travels to the past as we get to see the whole story behind the painting in question and how this is connected to our main flawless female character Saimdang and her life.

I can totally understand why viewers found this boring and disappointing. Most of the drama depicts Saimdang’s life but focuses a lot on events rather than romance, politics or other juicy things saeguks are known for. First half of the drama focuses on how Saimdang grew to become a memorable and powerful figure of her time creating and sustaining her own business. There are classic villains who try to destroy her but everything is more connected the job development rather than her personal life. The second half was a bit rushed because of the trimming of 2 episodes and the re-editing was very obvious to the point it reduced the drama’s quality. Still, it stays in the same lane of events.

I read comments from Korean netizens expressing their disappointment in the drama’s direction. More specifically, they disliked the fact that there wasn’t much of Saimdang’s drawing and painting showed. I cannot argue with that. Simultaneously, I can safely say the story line that took place in the present was rather disappointing and ill-developed. I can totally understand their idea behind it but they spent too much time perfecting the past story –which ended up being, understandably, a tad boring for some people- that the present one just rounded up being a constant back and forth.

All that being said, I cannot quite put my finger on it but this drama just charmed me to the point I was completely unfazed by all the -otherwise- stern drawbacks.

I thoroughly enjoyed the backstory. Some of it a bit clichéd – classic evil 2nd female lead who is just too self-centered for her own good- but all of it really interesting and really well-written as far as I’m concerned. Against all odds, I loved the business part of the story, it was inspirational seeing a woman overcome so many pitfalls and achieve greatness!

One of the main parts that I especially appreciated was the female empowerment of the drama. Saimdang on her own is such an incredible character, empowering and just inspirational. Even if we barely got to see her drawing, the passion for it was well-depicted and the characterization was just brilliantly presented!

Moreover, I enjoyed several parts of the past story illustrated like the education for non-wealthy citizens, or how women were looked down upon but were undeterred by it. Plotlines that involve weak and easily manipulated kings are nothing new and play significant roles here as well.

Continuing to my favourite part, the romance. I'm not the biggest romance fan, I tend to rather cringe but here… here it was special! I can understand why some people would find the romance here disappointing. There is no skinship at all; barely any intimacy while everything is kept on a platonic level. Rather frustrating. However, there is no need for obvious affection when you have Song Seung Heon’s eyes just depicting everything better than a gesture ever could. My heart ached in every scene he looked at Saimdang and I was completely blown away by their tragic and heartbreaking love story. Strongest part of the drama for me, but you have to be into doomed couples to like this.

The drama did have some boring parts, but I enjoyed it throughout. I can’t say I felt fulfilled by it, rather depressed especially during the last 5 episodes, but it just felt special in ways I can’t put into words.

Acting
Overall exquisite.

Lee Young Ae. Acting giant and I feel a bit intimidated to actually judge her acting. She was amazing, overflowing with charm and experience; she was a blast to watch on screen. I thoroughly hope it won’t take her another decade to comeback.

Song Seung Heon was luscious in ways I can’t describe. I usually complain about kdramas lacking actual manly characters since all those flower boys have taken the industry by storm. He brought exactly what I wanted to see. Manliness, masculinity all spiced up with actual emotions and sentiments. His character just elicited unlimited emotions out of me, his acting was out-of-thing-world good and he had amazing chemistry with Lee Young Ae.

Other than them, the full casting was amazing and most of it quite memorable, namely Oh Yoon Ah as the evil 2nd female lead, Choi Jong Hwan, Yang Se Jong and the rest really made the drama shine.

Recommend
Considering most of the reaction I saw was rather negative or indifferent I wouldn’t openly recommend this to everyone. Saeguk fans would probably like it and people interested in tragic and unfulfilled love.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Circle of Love
38 people found this review helpful
Jun 5, 2023
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

I want the main leads together in another show!!!

This is was great show. I wish it would've been longer than 12-13 minutes. The ML is an asshole but it's been so long since i have seen such characters in dramas.. it's my guilty pleasure😝

The Acting was GREAT. The cast is top notch. The chemistry between the main leads is the main thing that keeps you watching this drama till the end.

i LOVE the OST.

The ending scene of two years later didn't even make sense so i will pretend it did not happen. But i wish FL would've known the truth about the actual culprit of her family's death and the true villian is zhou zichen. BUT THEN AGAIN, she would've been guilty of killing the ML and kill herself out of guilt rather than loving ML too much to stay alive. So i guess it made sense for her to die first.

And this way... FL actually is the one that kills ML... and i so wanted this to happen. ML deserved to die from FL's hands!!!!

I hope we get to see both main leads together in another show, probably a modern day office romance drama! Their chemistry is reallyyyyy good and they'll look even better together in Modern day dramas!!!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
The Moment Since
38 people found this review helpful
Aug 13, 2020
5 of 5 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0

why yall mad for

I don't know why all of you stay hating this show. It's literally so simple and cute for people who need a break in between shows that are hectic and all over the place. Sure, the characters were a little show at advancing with their love, but at the end it was still all cute and was worth it in my opinion. I don't know what you guys expected from a 5 episode show where they're all each 15ish minutes. I'm actually really happy the show ended the way it did. The first season was very wholesome so it would have been weird if they included more "adult" situations into this one. I really recommend this and the first season to anyone who needs a little break and who needs a calm show.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
My Fellow Citizens!
38 people found this review helpful
by Haze
May 29, 2019
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

BEST OF DARK HUMOR

My Fellow Citizen is got to be one of the best drama of 2019 .
A hidden gem .
Why ?
If you read the synopsis , it's about a con man who's forced to run for assemblyman elections .
Hilarious right ?
Pretty Ironic , Con man and assemblyman in a same sentence .
This drama has the best satire and humour out of all the one I've ever seen.
There are situations which are lame but that's just to build up the plot.
The first 2 episodes are nothing special, it might seem cliche' but that just changes significantly to the point that you can't seem to say this was the very drama you started.
I think the situation build-up to the synopsis point took 2 episode which is why it felt a bit cliche'
but woahhh after that it sky-high .
Everything is just on fire.
It's your loss to miss this golden gem.

The casting and acting is above the clouds . As for the plot , you rarely get to witness such different and interesting plots, moreover if they have the plot, the execution is shit on all those.
This goose has laid all the eggs at the right time.

Don't miss this one.

PS : Just came to know Kim Min Jung won the Bakesang Award for this, shows how truly phenomenal this was.^^

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Hard to Find
38 people found this review helpful
by KingC
Apr 22, 2024
28 of 28 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 6.0

Brutal, Logical, True to Itself.

Hard to Find, indeed. The only flaw I can point out right from the get go is the music which sometimes sounds too loud, and the rules of Lin Chuan's ancient tree, which I personally found unclear in some instances. This might have also taken the ‘impact’ away from the final episodes as I was trying to make sense of the character's actions and trying to link events and laws.

Alrighty, now that I've got out these *cold pricklies* away from my mind, I'll dive straight into why I think this drama is far better than many other throwaway idol dramas released per year.

Also - thank you to whoever selected the English title and designed the opening credits. If it was some big budget drama out there, we'd probably be stuck with some title such as ‘Love Lasts Forever/Forever Love’ or the word which is currently in vogue - ‘Blossom’.

When Master He Lian Xi of the divine Lin Chuan clan married Princess Feng Yuan, a marriage with a foreigner after almost a century, he expected to live a quiet life with his wife and the rest of his tribe away from the turbulent world as always. What he did not know was that Feng Yuan was purposefully sent to him with a motive far bigger than what his tribe could've handled. The fatal marriage results in an unprecedented bloodshed in which his entire tribe is wiped out and Lin Chuan falls into ruins, forgotten by all.
Three years later, he returns with vengeance to seek for answers and find the divine artifact that can bring back his clan, which belongs to Feng Yuan, the person who initiated the tragedy.

The drama runs for around 19 to 20 minutes and it does not dawdle around unnecessary plot points and ‘twirly’ swirly dramatics.
It's one of the most brutal ones I've seen in terms of CDramaland with plenty of knife cuts and torture. The entire aura of the story is dark right from the start. Not to mention, the very ominous all-black end credits.

The Characters in particular are given plenty of background and depth. I could see why they made the choices they did, their anger and despair. I felt particularly sad for the Lin Chuan clan – they were pure souls who did not deserve the fate that had befallen them. Props to Zhao Yi Qin in particular. He is definitely one of the best actors in CDramaland and it's a shame that he is not given an opportunity to showcase his talent in some full length drama. Or maybe it's safe that he is away from toxic fandoms.

Shen Yu Jie was not behind at all, but for some reason, I kept getting distracted by her well manicured nails, which seemed out of place in certain situations. [There were close up shots of her hand.]
Her emotional scenes were convincing enough, and I liked how strong her character was.
Also, two familiar faces: Feng Yin and Hua'e. Though, I have to tell that I liked Feng Yin better in A Familiar Stranger. His character was more challenging here, and kudos to the actor, particularly in the final episodes.

With supporting characters such as Shu Yin, Qing Sang and Xiu Jiu, the ultimate finale seemed more hopeful.

The costumes were beautiful without being overdone, leaning more towards darker shades without any splash of color for Feng Yuan and He Lian Xi.
Though, I have to say, the outfit designs for Xi Jiu were the most eye-catching to me.
Music was hauntingly beautiful. But, it was overpowering at times. Also, the background score was to die for, particularly the one in EP16 and EP27. I hope they release every single track.

I'd suggest this to anyone who wants a break from filler-stuffed long dramas and seek a solid plot with excellent performances and chemistry. This is the second time I was relieved that a drama was over, (the first being Goodbye, My Princess) both for myself and the leading couple. They deserved a break after all that mayhem.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Something Happened in Bali
38 people found this review helpful
Mar 9, 2012
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers
I already wrote a recommendation for this drama, but I will quickly say it here...while watching WHIB, I was constantly reminded of Que, Sera Sera (WHIB came out a few years before). They shared the same vibe. It's a darker K-Drama that deals with more mature topics. It's mostly about love and greed of money. I liked the vibe of the whole thing. It's not fluffy in the least. There are a few humorous moments, but over all it's angst filled dealing with every day life...love, money, desire, greed, etc.

For me the angst was done well. After seeing so many dramas, these days I tend to fast forward through parts that bore me, usually dealing with secondary characters and such. However, this drama was twenty episodes long and I did not fast forward it once. Not even for a minute. I was completely engaged throughout. It was fast moving, and I wanted to hear what ever single person had to say. For me it was all a meaningful part of the progression of the story.

I'll admit this story is brought about by a series of contrived, coincidental incidences that are used to bring the four forever together. But seriously, if you're going to complain about that, then you shouldn't watch k-dramas, because that's basically how they all are. It's a tried a true plot device. It's easy for me to look over this and chalk it up to "fate" as they do in the drama itself.

There are four main leads in WHIB and they all get a good amount of screen time. You never know who the main male lead really is, because they both get equal screen time. At first, none of them are all that likeable. However, by the end, I really enjoyed them all. That included all their faults and wackiness too. They each make choices in their lives and we get to see the consequence (usually a fall out) of that choice.

I gave the acting for this drama a 10, mostly because of Jo In Sung. I had read somewhere that he was the most anticipated Korean actor to return from the military, and I just didn't understand that as I hadn't seen any of his dramas and had never heard of him. However, he knocked my socks off. This guy can act. He was great! No wonder he won all the best actor awards for this drama! (As a side note, at the time of airing this drama rated in the 20s and even got up to the 30s so it was pretty popular at the time). Seriously, the guy impressed me, and I look forward to watching his other work. Anyway, he plays the rich guy to a T.

Ha Ji Won (of Secret Garden) was one of the appeals to me when I decided to watch this drama. She did a fairly good job as well. She plays the poor girl. The other two mains played their parts perfectly and fit the roles great. The drama was cast perfectly in my opinion all the way down to the secondary characters. I just loved the psycho rich moms!

The main thing that got me to even notice this drama is I was looking through best couples in k-drama videos and such. This drama was on a top five list, with Ha Ji Won and Jo In Sung being like third best Korean drama couple in dramaland (just someone's personal opinion) as their characters in this drama. One of the pictures posted of them just really caught my eye and I could totally see their chemistry just from that. And they were right, they made this drama rock, and their interactions throughout were just awesome. However, this in no way, shape, or form, is saying that they get together. They might, they might not. You have to watch to find out. Watching them in this drama was great, and it would be neat if they could do another project together.

The music was uneventful, but it did it's job with blending into the story and providing the feeling of things like foreboding and such.

The rewatch value is a seven. Mainly because, I will probably eventually rewatch this again although it won't be the same. Normally, there are is so much angst in dramas that in order to prevent myself anymore personal anxiety, I read all about the drama I watch before hand, and if I can find out the ending in advance, that's a good thing. It helps me enjoy the drama with out feeling my skin crawl. Or, you just tend to know from the very beginning how a drama is going to end. Well, like I said, this is not your typical K-drama. From the very start, you may have an idea of how it's going to end. Your going to have your own opinion of who she's going to end up with based on which main guy you like the most, most likely. However, you will not know who she ends up with until the very end. And unless you found a spoiler some where, you will not know how this drama ends. Period. That in itself is kind of appealing and new in dramaland.

This of course brings me to the ending. I could not find out how it ended anywhere I looked on the net. I decided to watch it regardless, because I was so intrigued that nobody wanted to share the spoiler. I also found where most people that commented on the end didn't like it. That doesn't sound good right? Well, I've learned not to base my decisions on how other people interpret an ending. I have found it all has to do with personal taste and opinion. After watching the ending, I felt it was brilliant. It even made me smile. It was completely unexpected until it actually was playing out, however, I thought it was great!

But this is why the rewatch value of the drama is only a seven. Because, part of the appeal of this drama the first time around is not knowing what is going to happen next, what choices our leads are going to make, and how those choices are going to effect them and everyone else around them. Throughout the whole drama, you don't know who she really loves, who she's going to choose. Is she going to choose love, money, a combination of both, or neither?

Overall, I would give this drama a shot. I gave it an eight, because I truly felt it was very good. The overall tone and vibe aren't for everyone. I like it though. So, if you're interested, give it a shot!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Inspector Koo
38 people found this review helpful
Nov 2, 2021
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

What a show

!!Recommended!!!
It bothers me that this didnt get the hype it deserves. I came watching with zero expectations and then I got hooked. I'm shook about the quality of the show. Everything is top notch, the direction, acting, production and even the plot. The writers actually used their brain cells. The characters are actually smart. Like what??? Everyone is layered, I don't trust whatever word comes out of their mouth. The acting is off the charts, there aren't any cringy parts. There is no dull scene, absolutely love the chemistry between the cast. Lee Young Ae doing wonders as always! Truly a great actress. Was hoping to learn more about her background and how she ended up the way she did.

Love the female leads, their battle is intriguing both similar yet different especially with the paths the chose. Loved their fight in ep6, just hilarious. Kim Hye Joon is truly underrated like her acting surprised me. I'm disappointed that I only heard of her now. The way she is able to execute K's "emotions" are great. K is a psychopath to say the least. Santa is hiding something, he knows more than he leads on. He is such a wildcard, i can barely firgue out what his plan is or who he is. The ending didnt help as there were still questions...frustrated about that. I definitely did not trust the Chief.

The comedy not bad, got me laughing a couple of times. The comedic timing quite good. The OST is fire, it is great. Definitely not a show that should be ignored. Keeping me engaged and entertained, can't wait for the next episodes. The episodes just kept getting better. Just when I thought they have outdone themselves, the twists just kept coming. Each episode grew more intense.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?