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1This review may contain spoilers
It is all about balance and whole a lot of pain...
In not so many fancy words, I think this movie is phenomenal! Why?• Two hours flew by in a second
• Intimate scenes are so raw and believable, and just the way I want them. If someone can do a nasty yet sensual NC scene that makes your stomach turn is Japanese. This time, the scenes are going so well along the story. Lets be honest, many Japanese movies do have explicit content that can overpower the story, or, especially dramas can lack any kind of sexual or intimate content. This does not make them bad, I am just talking about how well Egoist is balanced compared to Japanese movies, and in general.
• I enjoyed the balance between letting it go and being polite and restrained. Overall movie has that. And all of that is very nicely packed and topped with a hint of luxury and poverty.
• The whole story about financial and emotional compensation left me deeply wounded, so at the end of my short review, I would say this is not a love movie, nor a romance. This is movie filled with love by the people who were severely damaged by life and their families and they did love and they did care, the way they knew how.
• I feel I cannot pick the pieces of my heart after watching this movie and that is not that bad. It made me feel something, it made me feel a lot actually.
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This review may contain spoilers
OK I am not 1 that goes all 10's on any drama. There is usually something that I don't like, but this drama just hit my top 10. I was so blown away by how it kept me guessing the whole time. It was amazing. I loved every part about it. The acting totally killed, the music was exactly right, loved the story, & I will watch it again just b/c it was that good! There is a big red tip here that says not to post spoilers. So I won't, but man let me tell u I was soooooo not disappointed by any part of this drama. I enjoyed all the main actors & loved the ending. It was exactly how I would have ended it. I think that even if u don't like melodrama's that this 1 would change how u think about them. It was totally killer.
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This review may contain spoilers
FABULOUS STORY, POOR ENDING.
The best thing about Korean 'crime thriller/ murder mystery' dramas is, they focus more on showing the criminal psychology than anything else.And what makes 'Memorist' more interesting other than the supernatural thingy is, the meticulous use of cryptology & cryptanalysis. I regret I misjudged it at first.
Being a semi-supernatural drama, it got a fabulous story, which is as expected heavy, since it's also a crime thriller. The lead actor, who got psychometric powers since birth but had to forget about his past in a tragic accident ends up joining South Korean Police force. He rejects plenty of proposals worldwide to get researched on once his superpowers are revealed worth millions of money. Motive: To find about his forgotten past. In this process he along with the profiler female lead, has to encounter challenges involving another superior power, namely 'the executioner' who creates havoc and gets away every time with them.
The direction, screenwriting, editing, connecting plots & events and the entire plot development are really really good. The crew has done an amazing job and the cast too did their respective parts well.
BUT BUT BUT
Let's talk about the ending.
It was DISAPPOINTING. The way the executioner was caught FUNNY and the person who turned out to be the main culprit behind everything, was an absurd end point to the drama. This drama being one of the best of 2020, had to ruin the ending like this. I was totally displeased tbh.
There's a proverb in Hindi language, "Khoda pahad nikli chuhiya" which translates, "dug up the mountain just to find a mice" means "Insignificant returns resulting from enormous toil".
The ending of MEMORIST felt exactly like that. Anyways, this is a must watch that I'd recommend to everyone.
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Without sounding too pretentious, this drama is really about human relationships and how societies expectations make us question our wants and needs in our personal lives. This drama addresses those thoughts that we all have to ourselves: “I like this, but what would my friends think about it? What would my co-workers say if they knew I was doing this? What would my parents say!? Am I wrong for feeling this way?”
The lead characters are complex and well acted by Kato and MatsuJun. Particularly with the Momo character, I really liked that there was more to him than meets the eye. He’s not just some shallow, free-loading bum with a pretty face. Just like Sumire, he too has his emotional scars and is being healed by their unconventional relationship.
In addition to being smart and well-acted, the drama is downright sexy! Not overtly so, but in very subtle and playful actions between the main characters. It’s funny how some of those moments are intended to be completely “non-sexual,” but still feel as such because of the undeniable chemistry between the two leads. There’s also a lot of sexual tension throughout the series, which is never a bad thing. :)
The script is also youthful and wonderfully comedic. Sumire’s best friend in particular is candid and absolutely refreshing in her role. I love characters that unabashedly say what the audience is likely thinking!
My only complaint about this drama is the use of the Fukushima character. Why must all melodramas portray their antagonist as a typical b*tchy, jealous and spiteful woman? I get really tired of that character. She’s in, like, EVERY drama. It would be nice if writers could re-think the antagonist role, or at least make it more interesting. The Hasumi character is also a bit too gullible for my taste, but he isn't completely intolerable and serves his purpose well enough.
Overall though, Kimi wa Petto is so well-acted, interesting, sexy and funny that the plusses greatly overshadow the small, b*tchy and gullible minuses. :)
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The plot is heavy so I did doubt if the writers could wrap this up well. And oh boy they did. Every problem was taken care of and they really did give justice to every character. I was only planning to watch this until the main guy figures out that she’s not the real Lookaew (because as I’ve said, I’m not ready for too much drama). But guess who got hooked and can’t stop instead???
What I like about this the most is how we got a super smart lead who literally talks about everything to his dad (this is something we don’t usually see in a drama, because parents tend to be those villains who contradicts their children). I like the dad-son combo and how they teamed up to connect all the puzzles together. There’s so many twists that I can’t even predict what’s going to happen next.
Overall, Nakark Kaew is an addicting masterpiece that you can’t stop watching. This drama hits all the good parts. Just when I thought something's going to happen next, it continued to surprise me and gave me a better scenario instead. I must say the plot is EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD! Yes, it has a heavyyyyy plot but I love how everything fits together and how it got solved in the end. I am usually for the romance, but in this one, I got hooked with both the storyline and romance. I didn’t even skip one bit and towards the end, I was always at the edge of my seat. Highly Recommended!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Psychological thriller re. gaslighting & family, wonderfully wrapped in the cloak of a black comedy
Psychological thriller meets black comedy. “Bittersweet Hell” is wonderfully staged in many ways. The script may have its weaknesses here and there, but the performance as a whole quickly makes you forget about that. Lee Hye-young clearly steals the show from Kim Hee-sun here. However, it's hard to top her fantastic performance as the eccentric mother-in-law (which alone might make a rewatch worthwhile...). Together they form a resolved mother-mission-duo, both determined to fight the 'WE' of their family, in which they feel deeply at home… even if this 'WE' might have plenty of flaws... Eventually, the cast is also hand-picked in other ways, e.g. with KPop Idols Yeonwoo, Jaechan and Chansung. Overall, I´d say “Bittersweet Hell” offers unique KDrama enjoyment.The plot is centered around the psychological phenomenon of so-called 'invalidating communication', which is also known as 'gaslighting' – after the play "Gas Light", which became particularly famous in the 1944 film adaptation "The House of Lady Alquist" with Ingrid Bergman. Gaslighting is about deliberately and consistently misleading a partner, family member or close friend. Gaslighting only works among close ones, i.e. trustworthy people. Thus manipulated with psychological tricks and lies, the victims feel increasingly insecure when it comes to their own perception, ultimately preferring to entirely rely on the supposedly valid judgment of their trusted person… who is now able, to fully control his/her victim. In "Bittersweet Hell" various examples of this phenomenon add to the plot dynamics. In passing, the KDrama also explores other socially explosive topics – above all the high value and ideal of ´family´ versus the sobering reality of ´actual family lives´, but also the weal and woe of the mother's role, different parenting styles and sexual orientation.
In my opinion, "Bittersweet Hell" could have used the 16 episodes (there are only 12) in order to better develop some character profiles. The effective production and performance, however, is actually very well making up for some lack of substance here and there. Therefore I´d consider this criticism a suffering on a rather high level… because nevertheless, “Bittersweet Hell” comes along as a great psychological thriller about gaslighting and family, wonderfully wrapped in the cloak of a black comedy.
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I like how fast paced the drama is, or at least the first half. When I watched the first two first episodes, I wasn't really into it but as I continued watching I began loving it. Each episode ends with a cliffhanger and it makes you want to watch more. I still wasn't the biggest fan of the last few episodes -- I think some things could have been resolved without getting too dramatic which could have prevented the drama dragging out too much. Well, 12 episodes are not too many and I think they would have been perfect for the drama if they focused more on some things and avoid others.
I wanted to see more romantic scenes between Nan Do and So Yun. Yeah, you probably think I'm a romance enthusiast and I watch dramas only for the romance, but no, it's not like that. But with a drama that has a mediocre plot, the romance should be there to save the day. I really loved Nan Do and So Yun's chemistry, as well as Holo and So Yun's. I'm glad that they made ''both'' main leads likeable even though they were completely opposite. The second couple was also very cute and I enjoy watching their scenes. I wanted to see more interactions between Nan Do and Holo too, I loved their conversations.
The ending was satisfying for sure, especially the last scene! It was very cute and it made me glad that I watched the drama.
The acting was quite decent. I like Hyun Min and he did a good job with portraying two characters, but he can do better for sure. Go Sung Hee was amazing as Han So Yun, I believe this role perfectly suits her.
So overall, ''My Holo Love'' is a nice drama and I recommend it if you want to kill time. It's perfect for binge-watching as I already said, it's cliche but it's well-done -- with good CGI, decent acting, some cute romantic scenes and amazing OSTs.
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Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre
44 people found this review helpful
This review may contain spoilers
This is by far the best screen adaptation for HS&DS that I have seen and read. The story line is very good, it was executed perfectly under a good Director. Scenery is also amazing, the choice of places are exceptional and highlighting all extraordinary places that you can only find in China. This include the choice of Wudang Mountain and the whole temple is just awesome to watch. The wardrobe are also worth complimenting. You can see Zhang Wuji, Zhao Min and Zhou ZHiruo in the most dashing clothes which in my opinion rise to the occasions. The music score were heartwarming and help with the mood as we watched the characters playing it. It helps us understand the emotion underwent in the characters during the particular scene. It is also helpful that the Main Theme is by Emil Wakin Chau. Perhaps this is the only series that I watched and listened to the opening theme every time I am watching.The special effect are also exquisitely done, not overly doing it so still acceptable to watch but able to relay how good of a Wukong Zhang Wuji has, perhaps the best Fighter of the time. The character building was also very good, something that I have never see in any adaptation. So we can be in touch with the character struggles as well as understanding why they did it. I would like to make a special remark for the kid actor who played Zhang Wuji age 10 from the beginning he really stole the show! The relationship between Zhang Wuji and Zhou Zhiruo at that age was entertaining to watch to say the least. No wonder some people were hoping that this time Zhang Wuji will be with Zhou Zhirou, but based on the story line, it was not compatible. Zhang Wuji contemplated a lot on this, until he decided to be with Zhao Min for good. It took him a while to reached the life changing decision. In which Zhao Min knew all a long the hardship that they will endure. Imagine, the Head of the Rebellion against the Mongol occupation and the Mongolian Princess? These were pictured and played perfectly throughout the series, you can see details here and there.
Last but not least, the ending, ultimate test of their relationship was a bit too fast as I had hope but still acceptable. As for the end, I am hoping that we can see more of Zhang Wuji and Zhao Min realizing their dream as Zhao Min pictured during their travel.
My deepest thanks for the team behind this project, if there is anyway I can buy the whole complete series please let me know as that will be the least I can do to show my support.
Sincerely,
Hartanto
PS. I am 49 years old Wuxia lover from Indonesia and I have read almost all Jin Yong, Gu Long and Liang Yu Sheng
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Story: Though it may seem your typical 16 ep romantic comedy k drama but it's really not, it is definitely not a typical K drama and that's one of the reasons why I loved it. For once no evil characters no crazy insanely jealous characters no annoying love triangle and clingy characters... The story points out something very important in Korea "contract workers" and work environment... though the topic is serious they brought it out in a very comical way this drama was so funny I couldn't stop laughing not a single episode was boring... it's my first time finishing a romantic comedy drama in just two days because I watched none stop. They presented the story in a way that you understand how hard work environment while also laughing it out. I loved how they put it in a really funny amusing way I'm not a person who laughs so easily but this drama never failed to make me laugh out loud in each and every episode.
Acting: I'm totally in love with Miss Kim (Kim Hye Soo)... I've never seen this actress before but let me just say she really deserved the 1st place in critics evaluation for best actors... Miss Kim is my favorite female character ever made in K drama !! FOR ONCE not a push over weakling and a doormat for everyone character but rather strong, independent and super cool female character. This just proves that Queen of The Office is really not your typical K drama and Kim Hye Soo (Miss Kim) is worthy of your time trust me !!
Finally I would say it's a complete loss to anyone who haven't watched it yet and I do mean every word !!
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This is the best drama i have watched by far this 2018. I highly recommend for you guys to watch this drama, but i also warn you that this is not for everyone as this tackles more of a mature love. Like finding and getting to meet your other half that could complete and compliment all your flaws. that is also the reason why i rated it only a 9.5 despite being the best for me.
Talking about the plot, i love how this drama started as cute, and just completely corny cheesy, and funny but it starts to get serious and picks up itself in the middle of the series without completely letting go of that romantic comedy drama vibe. I am just amazed as to how the writers were able to make this drama come up as something sweet and heartwarming and not overly comedic unlike some dramas that came out this year. The plot and the main topic of this drama was just so beautiful. Portraying love beyond the sweet and romantic kind of love we know but it is rather loving someone for themselves and their personalities and traits. Finding that love, like one has been searching for his/her other half and finally feeling complete and alive after meeting that person.
As for the acting & cast.. i can only say wow! I love how they casted actors that are around the same age. I think this is the reason why they were able to create the fun, easy, and friendly environment around the set and also it allowed greater chemistry among them. Lee Da Hee looks so pretty here! She perfectly matches the role of Do Jae's sister and clearly she slays the rich heir to the company role with her pretty face and slightly cold looks. I have to also say, I love the Seo Hyun Jin & Lee Min Ki pairing, their kissing scenes are the best! This couple can make even the sweetest subtle scenes look so heart thumping and give you all the feels! Another bonus is that they are cute and sweet on and off set! The way Lee Min Ki looks at Seo Hyun Jin even off cam is just so sweet that i am secretly hoping they are actually a couple. ^^
Overall, I have to give props to JTBC and the whole cast and crew of The Beauty Inside for making such a great drama. I hope other dramas would step up their game and produce wonderful results such as this one as well!! and I will definitely look forward to more Seo Hyun Jin & Lee Min Ki collaborating in the future!!
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I loved the first couple episodes. They were exciting and unpredictable (most of the time). But after the eighth ep, it slowed down a lot, so I got bored. Why did I stick with it till the end? I was already halfway through, so I stayed for the romance (haha, this isn't the first time something like this has happened) ;-)
Try this drama if you love light school dramas with a bit of mystery. I was really impressed by the acting of the cast, especially rookie actors Kim Se Jung and Kim Jung Hyun. Their chemistry is over the roof. I found myself skipping through episodes just to get to their scenes. The side storylines were incorporated well. Like sunah said, School 2013 has the best bromance, School 2015 has the best second lead syndrome (rip), and School 2017 has the best male lead. I personally enjoyed School 2015 the most out of all the School series (except for that last episode), but go ahead and give School 2017 a try. It might be your type of drama. :-) It was a fun kdrama, even if it lost steam in the second half.
The final verdict: watch if you enjoy predictable fluffy dramas
Check out:
- Sassy Go Go
- Reply 1988
- Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
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By the end of the show, I was so sick of the repetitive emotional onslaughts I had to endure with my frail heart. With the noble idiot trope being repeated almost every episode, I was going to take a leaf from the battered protagonists and cough up blood myself. Unfortunately only Yang Zi and Allen Ren could pull off this stunt every episode and still look so damn good that you want to keep watching them ruin each other only to reunite in sweet, tender moments then repeat the abuse again.
After nursing my heartbreak at the end of 60 episodes, I look back on the experience with sudden realisation - WTF was I thinking? WTF was everyone thinking? There were too many plot holes, illogical decisions, haphazard pacing with no real climax and a lame antagonist that wasn't even a real threat since he was reduced to being a deranged lovesick puppy. In fact, all the antagonists were so useless they only served as props to set the stage for our OTP's wretched relationship. Even the side characters' storylines were equally afflicted.
What an epic waste! All the top stars, beautiful costumes, ethereal cinematography couldn't save our OTPs from their anguish. And I grieved alongside this state of absolute despair. If the intention of the show was to bring sorrow to all viewers, it definitely succeeded.
But why, oh why? After all that stupidity, I couldn't decide if all my suffering in my viewing was worth it, just like how the show couldn't decide if it wanted the characters' sacrifices to be worth it. The end was totally confusing and ambiguous. By then, I had no idea what was going on anymore...the journey seemed so meaningless. I could only feel relief all that ordeal was over so I could snap. out. of. it.
Well, at least there was good music and I could watch the beautiful OTPs enact all that glory cum misery. Watch only if you are a sadomasochist.
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Hilarious
I don't understand how can people hate on this drama..!!!???? I find it hilarious(swimming on tableㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ) I absolutely love silly adorable dramas with no complicated stories....I'm literally livin' for both of those cuties......♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
I suggest, watch this if you want something little and funny...A story that will make you feel warm in these cold days.........
p.s: Hot men alert......RoWoon along with SooDuk's hwatttt oraboni(sorry, can't remember his name rn)....😌🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
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A delight to watch!
I honestly didn't expect to enjoy this drama half as much as I did.I had no particular expectation for this drama, however, the more I watched, the more I grew to love the characters and simple yet intriguing plot. Each character is greatly fleshed-out, all having their own stories and secrets. With the ongoing question "what's going to happen next?" running through my mind, waiting a week for the following episode was surprisingly difficult.
The plot may seem cliché at first but it gets better as you continue watching. It's extremely well made with the beautiful cinematography and camera work, wonderful OST, great acting and interesting plot, everything is on point and just too good not to watch! Nothing feels rushed or jam packed, the story is unfolded well.
This is one of the many dramas in which I didn't skip a scene or part of an episode because they all seemed important or have a relevance to the story - I commonly find myself skipping unnecessary boring scenes a lot in other dramas so this was refreshing.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed watching Live On and totally recommend giving it a try!
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It had SO much potential and I don't say this lightly. It really did. The first half was amazing, new and very intriguing! But during the middle something happened and it became really slow and had so little progress in each episode. I just continued because of my attachment to the characters and for that part in me that knows that the story is actually pretty good and I want to know how it'd end.
Honestly If I could I'd remove 4-5 episodes from the middle that had so little affect on the story and felt repetitive and useless.
The ending is good but a lot of questions weren't answered and you're left with a number of loose ends.
I won't go into details because it would take forever.
The acting was great! Everyone was made for their role and did it exceptionally well! The chemistry between the main leads (and every other couple really) was also perfect and both of these things made up for the plot drag.
To summarize: it's good! If you're looking for something perfect this isn't for you but if you're looking for a romantic cute drama with good chemistry and don't mind about the plot holes this would be perfect for you!
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