This review may contain spoilers
I enjoyed it!
So far I am seeing this series being separated by two types of viewers- those who hate it and those who like it. I am in the latter. And that's okay! Cause everyone has different personal preferences. It's up to the individual to form thier own opinions when they watch this series.Story-9/10
I was in the beginning giving this series an 8/10. However, the latter part of the series I actually liked as they touched on issues that I personally wasn't expecting them to touch. So for that, I raised my ratings to a nine (I still felt that it had something that I don't like, so I can't give it the full ten).
Acting-9/10
I actually liked everyone's acting. They were able to keep my attention and was able to get a chuckle or two sometimes out of me. I was very impressed by Choi Youngjae as this is his first acting gig as a ML.
Music-10/10
People are not going to change my mind! The music is a clear 10/10! Loved the OST and just hearing Youngjae singing so beautifully! I was so happy! I played the OST all the time for every episode. That's how in love I am of the song as well as Youngjae's voice.
Rewatch Valu-8/10
I give this an 8/10. Cause while I did enjoy it and don't mind rewatching it again, I just don't see myself watching it immediately- but I do see myself watching it sometime soon.
Overall-9/10
Overall, I enjoyed this series. Maybe I was the targeted audience (I highly doubt it). But what I do know is that yes, I would recommend this series to others.
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Tons of Fun
Story: This is definitely one of the best written dramas of 2014. It's really hard to stand out in a sea of romantic comedy dramas but this one managed to be memorable because it actually managed to be funny and romantic until the end. The story didn't have any melodramatic moments. There are scenes that will really make you cry but it's because the characters are so endearing and likable. The story might sound cliche at first but the writer is very clever in twisting expectations. You might know what would happen but it turns another way. The opening sequences are also really creative. The second leads were a little sketchy and unlikable in some episodes but they weren't really the focus on the story so they didn't cause major problems. I really love the two leads and their families. The story really did a lot to make you care for them. The heroine really was an awesome character. One of the best characters of 2014.Acting/Cast: The acting was the strongest weapon of this drama. Han Groo and Yun Woo Jin were really committed to their roles. I really loved how Han Groo manages to look silly and funny in comedic scenes then be genuinely endearing in dramatic scenes. She manages to give more depth to her character. I want to see her in more dramas. Yun Woo Jin was also really good and he really had so much chemistry with Han Groo. The actress who played his mother was awesome. She was really hard to care for at first but as the story showed the layers of her character, she became a very memorable character. Her acting managed to elevate the material more. I rooted for her in the end. The other supporting characters did well enough to support the leads and most of them were memorable.
Music: The music was good enough to help elevate the drama. There were really excellent musical choices that helps makes the drama more clever. The ending song was definitely memorable for me. I always hum it from time to time.
Overall: This was definitely in my opinion, the best romantic comedy drama of 2014. From the writing to the directing and of course the acting, everything was just pitch perfect. Everything was in perfect harmony with each other. There were some flaws but they were too minor and not enough to derail the whole thing. I would definitely watch it again.
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… Captivating…
I was looking for a romance. Somehow, I ran across this, read the first two lines of the summary, and thought it sounded fun. The first five minutes I thought maybe it was some sort of gothic romance, but no, it is the most gruesome graphic violence I have seen in my life. However, the fact that I came in looking for romance, but ended up watching all 1 hour and 20 minutes of this horror says a lot. I screamed and writhed around every five minutes. The plot was awesome, and it somehow managed to have a satisfying ending. Anyways, very much not a romance, and I think I’ve sustained genuine trauma. Would watch again with a blindfold and earplugs.Was this review helpful to you?
The Chaser is a contrived, and manipulative story, which brings us to a clearer understanding of police bureaucracy and corruption. It is not the kind of film to enjoy with a sensible heart, but it will grip you and make you wish reality wouldn't be so grim.
No matter how I write this review, I know I will not make this film justice. There are so many things to address in this story, and I don't have the confidence to answer all questions without messing up my credibility as I go. I might be too mushy, or seemed too biased as I admire this film with all honesty. But I will do my best.
What to expect from The Chaser?: With a well written script, and a rookie director (Na Hong-jin), you will get drama at is best, mixed with suspense, and a dash of British humor.
The story is no doubt well writing. Its an act at manipulation, it will grab you and play with your conscience throughout the whole film. The writers have given the audience all the tools with which we can formulate our own idea of how the story should go, and what it seems reasonable that should happen given the situation the characters are thrown into. However, nothing happens like it should, and there seems to be good reasons why not.
You will find yourself immerse in Jung-ho's quest to find one of his missing girls, who he believes is being sold in the human market. With no lead on her whereabouts, and the cops putting importance on bureaucracy and the media, there is plenty of time for all sorts of ill-fated events to befall the call girl. Jung-ho at first seemed like an uncaring pimp, but gradually turns into the hero we all expect to see from him.
The attention put into character development is absolutely perfect. I believed every action taken, because it seemed genuine. Logic exist in this world, but we are not perfect.
The directing is simply stunning. Hong-jin takes you through the story with such conviction he will amaze you, that you are indeed stupefied.
There will be a chase, and there will be a climatic moment, also a conclusion. But none will have any of the superficiality we are exposed to so often we seemed to be ready for it. No embellished fight scenes, no overly acted deaths, and no open endings. No, there is no sequel to The Chaser. The story ends here! What there will be is a realism so hard to deal with, you might want to have a lighthearted comedy lined up.
All in all, The Chaser is not claimed to be one of Korea's number one film in recent years for no reason. If you are a true lover of suspense, this one is definitely a must watch for you.
All my ratings are 10 except for re-watch value, as it is a suspense, and it will not have the same effect again. For me, it does not matter; when a friend asks me for a recommendation, I know it's time to watch The Chaser.
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character driven story
this drama was made for me❤ when I 1st started watching kdramas I kept searching for 1 theme and it's "female spy", and if having that with 2020 quality was not good enough they added "female centered plot" as the cherry on top~good casting is a "comedy" spy genre so the show never took itself seriously and honestly that made it even better, I love spy stuff but I hate the crime involved so even here I couldn't 100% focus on their big mission, but I loved everything else involved and I LOVED the characters the most.
Baek Chan Mi was strong, smart and she seemed cold and a "lone wolf" but she really cared for her team and she blamed herself for the incident that killed one of her members.
Hwang Mi Soon was my favorite, she looks like the weak link, she was a normal boring ahjumma/mom but the fact that she was a secret spy made her the most "ironic" spy xD they also mixed her normal life issues well.
Im Ye Eun was the inexperienced "unfortunate" smart maknae that just kept messing her cover. plus her little love line with Gang Woo Won added a little romance that lightened up the mood. though tbh I didn't "like" him, but I could tolerate his picky loud personality because this was a romance (and I kinda wanted to punch him a few times xD)
Yoon Suk Ho is the nicest sweetest male lead, no one else deserves to be called a nice ml. and I really liked his dynamic with Baek Chan Mi. whenever he was trying to pull a "Gang Woo Won/bossy jerk" she was able to stand her ground and he'd let it go, though I wished he found out earlier I was really happy by the smooth discovery, and I really need a 2nd season just to get more of their sweet "normal" romance uwu
Dong Gwan Soo was the boss they could ever have. even as a guy he never doubted or hated working with a team full of women and he never degraded them, on the contrary he hyped them up so much. also I really loved that he was Baek Chan Mi ex boyfriend, it really added depth to both as people.
from one side their past relationship made them better friends and better colleagues and though they had a rocky breakup they both really appreciated their time together and they never held a grudge, so it's nice to see a normal breakup in dramaworld.
Byun Woo Suk was my favorite, he was an unexpected treat. he was funny and silly and a really good friend to both Yoon Suk Ho and Baek Chan Mi❤
so basically this was a character driven story and again I'd love to see a 2nd season (with the same cast, directors and writers!). they made me laugh, cry and it really saved me from boredom in a time when I didn't have any ongoing drama beside it~
the songs were really nice too and they set the mood really well, also I liked the lighting and the aesthetics~
I never rewatch stuff but I want a 2nd season!
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Sad but beautiful, and you will need tons of tissue, lol. :D
hi, I just finished 10 episodes of this drama. In every episode, I cry until I have a headache, lol. before reviewing, as a note that I have not watched the film version of this drama, this is the first time I know the story of K & Cream.I enjoyed everything in this drama. I like the storyline, I like all the couples in this drama, the story of each of them is interesting to follow. for me, the interesting thing about Taiwanese dramas is the warm color tone and more vintage vibes, and it's really pretty. the cinematography of this drama is good. The OST songs are also very good, I cried many times while listening to these songs. I want to praise the acting of the actors, especially the cast of K & Cream, they did a great job, how to manage the feelings so that the audience gets carried away and feels the sadness. this drama is sad but beautiful. if you love someone then tell them, every moment in your life is precious, love the people you love. Even though they are gone, maybe their body or form has disappeared, but they are still in your heart. Thank you for giving us this drama. I will keep the story of K & Cream in my heart.
Edit : After 1 week, then I'm watching the movie. honestly in my opinion for the series is more perfect because it has more screen time when they are together (main lead), so we can feel deeply about their chemistry and pain. TT
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This review may contain spoilers
the story was rather slow paced for me hence why i had to skip from ep12 towards the last ep. didn't regret doing that but what I DO regret was to even start watching this show GOD THE PAAAIN.eventhough i missed out a good half of the show the pain towards the end was still there.. It was there.. Still there.. Somehow the words I want to say isn't forming but what i can say is it is one of the most beautifully captured show there is. Everyone who was a part of this drama did a REALLY GREAT JOB . I had a few attachments with the characters and it was god damn painful to see them go. Especially Yu Jin, Hui Seong & Dong Mae . They were just starting to grow fond of each other and- It was good to know that they had each other's back eventho they hate e/o Lol. The end of this drama gave us the closure we expected and wanted which was good BUT STILL PAINFUL. YuJin & Lady AeSin cause of my pain and suffering god damn why cant they just be happy ?!
was it worth a watch ? YES definitely but if you have awful attention span like me it'd be fine to skip a couple scenes and episodes.
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A must watch drama
This drama was great, one of the best I've seen. The story is so well constructed, all the actors portray such relatable characters, dialogue is so natural that the whole plot feels like it might just happen for real. After each episode I couldn't stop thinking about it and Brush Up Life became a hot topic among my own friends and family for the same reasons. The child actors also did an amazing job, not only are they cast well to fit perfectly for the adult versions of them but they way they act showing the same habits and quirks of the older versions was perfect. The first episode at first might seem boring or bland but its so necessary for it to be that way. I can guarantee that if you just push through the first 30 mins of episode 1 you will be hooked.Was this review helpful to you?
Well, the story is pretty much very predictable once you read the synopsis and after a few minute in the movie, I personally had figured out what was going to happen. Also, be prepared, the beginning is quite slow but this kind of pace matches this kind of movie. The story isn't particularly new. You will probably get a feeling of deja-vue. The story alone I would rate 3-4/10.
But what bring the grade up are the characters. I loved them, completely. They were so real, so 3d, so youthful and refreshing. I could see bit of myself in them. That's is why I rated the story 7/10. Because even if this kind of story have been done millions of times, the characters were actually interesting. They weren't those 2d (even 1d at time), stereotyped characters that we see everywhere nowadays. The friendship was beautifully portrayed. At the beginning, I was afraid that the little bit of romance would ruin it all, as it's often the case, but don't worry the romance is well balanced in this one. About the ending, I have heard people say that it was disappointing and selfish. But, I think that the ending is the strongest part of this story. Any other ending would have been disappointing. It's a very realistic ending.
Acting/Cast 10/10, Awesome, perfect !
The music. So perfectly on point. Honestly I generally don't pay much attention to music as long as it is not bothersome. But, I remember every single song of this movie because every single song went perfectly with the flow.
Rewatch Value : This the kind of movie that is actually pretty boring to rewatch, so I don't see the need. But I guess, if in a distant future, I feel the need for a tear-jerking movie, this one would be an option
Overall, It's not the movie of the year that's for sure. The plot has been overused, that's definitely true. But, if you want to see real art, if you are ready to let yourself be immersed, if you are disposed to open your heart, I promise you that you can have a wonderful experience with this movie. If you have time, give it a try.
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I don't know much about Chinese actors. Janice Wu was excellent as quirky, naive and somewhat silly Tian Jing Zhi. I didn't feel like she was stupid as some people felt. She seemed to pick up on things quite quickly once she had all the facts. She felt real to me and even through all the silliness. Kim Tae Hwan doesn't seem like much of an actor, but I cut him some slack since this is his first drama and he is model cute. He wasn't horrible as Xue Ling Qiao, but sometimes a little expressionless. The other actors were good too.
I enjoyed the music.
I might rewatch this someday..
If you enjoy fun, fantasy romance, then I recommend this drama.
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But the story in Pinocchio was very intelligent and was not boring at all. I was worried about halfway through, wondering how they would pull 20 episodes of story out of this plot, but somehow they not only managed to do so, but did so very well. There were lots of thought provoking decisions and choices made by the characters and the show is set up around a topic that is very relevant today, especially in the era of accusations of "fake news" and misleading headlines- truth in media and how news stories are presented to the public.
I enjoyed all the characters and was consistently surprised at the decisions that Choi Dal Po/ Gi Ha Myeong made. The side characters were all utilized well, and were interesting. I most loved both Yoon Yoo Rae and Seo Beom Jo. Yoo Rae was adorable and funny. I look forward to seeing more of the actress, Lee Yoo Bi. Kim Young Kwang is always a favorite and did not disappoint! His character really surprised me several times as well. The YGN Cap, Hwang Gyo Dong, played by Lee Pil Mo, was another favorite. In fact, there was not one badly done character in the show. I'd feel a little silly listing all the characters and what I loved about each one, so I will stop there. :)
I don't really re-watch many shows, but I think this show has a decent rewatch value. The story would hold up well to repeated viewing.
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The Drama mainly focuses on the journey of the female lead finding out her true roots and reconciling with her family with the male lead supporting her along the way. We come to see the relationship between three generations of a family.... starting from the grandmother, her two daughter-in-laws, and her real and adopted granddaughters as they fight for the role of the head of the embroidery business. Old and new secrets come to light as the power struggle comes to a head.
Watching the OTP in the drama was really satisfying. It was nice to see the male lead coming to understand the goodness of the female lead and falling in love more than ever. Their romance evolved beautifully along the duration of the drama.
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What I liked about the story was how it incorporated all K-drama cliches from years before and presented a nice, smooth story. The FEELS the drama gave me was immense. The main guy Ji Eun Ho has one of the purest loves ever in a kdrama. I loved how dedicated he was towards her and literally never thought of anyone apart from her, neither did he give up on their love.
This is one of those dramas where you won't be sure whether it will be a happy end or a sad end. The story is kind of sad throughout and when I imagined a sad ending, I really thought it would be hell depressing. But the fun part here is you won't be sure how the leads will EVER manage to have a romance or a proper relationship with each other. Plus, there are a few mysteries which keep the story interesting.
The drama is very much an old school kdrama with star-crossed lovers and a whole lot of scheming and manipulations. It was seriously so entertaining. The splendid chemistry between the leads only increased my awe for it and not lessen it in any way. The soundtrack is pretty good too.
Like all kdramas ever, the last four episodes are sort of a drag and you might find yourself skipping some scenes. I liked the ending a lot. It fit in nicely with the story. I think I made a good decision watching it but I am not sure if I'll rewatch since I hardly ever do. Highly recommended if you like melodramas and pure love stories.
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True North
For fans of the critically-acclaimed Kingdom series, this is a much-awaited production that has been a long time coming. Officially designated as a Special Episode and “Sidequel”, Kingdom: Ashin of the North is a feature length film that serves as the prequel to and the basis of the upcoming season 3 (as I understand it at the time of writing). For viewers who are interested in watching the entire series and have not seen the preceding seasons, I would advise starting off with those before embarking on this one. Both seasons 1 and 2 released only 12 episodes between them so it won’t take too long for viewers to get up to speed with the complete sequence of events.The production team remains the same, with Baeksang-winning screenwriter Kim Eun Hee as the creator and showrunner, as well as the art direction and special effects crew. The only notable change from season 2 is that Kim Seong Hun, who helmed the first season, replaces Park In Je in the director’s seat. The franchise is developed by AStory while the production and distribution rights are retained by Netflix. Unlike the first 2 seasons which were filmed on location in Gyeonggi and North Gyeongsang Provinces, principal photography this time took place solely in Jeju Island.
In addition to the gorgeous panoramic vistas of the new filming locale, the overall tone is somewhat darker and more chilling, in comparison with the earlier seasons. Nonetheless we do get the exact high standards in production values and overall quality of the cinematography, set designs and, of course, the special effects encompassing the visuals and the zombie makeup, which is particularly praiseworthy. The action choreography and the stunts involving said zombies and humans alike deserve as much acknowledgment. The original score is composed primarily of dramatic orchestral music while the ominous BGM is generously applied throughout to great effect as well.
In case anyone’s forgotten, here’s a quick refresher. During the ending scene in the final episode of season 2, our protagonists Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji Hoon) and Seo Bi (Bae Doona) find themselves in a creepy, dilapidated and seemingly deserted village in the northern borders while investigating the origins of the saengsacho, the source of the scourge that plagues their kingdom. Cue the dramatic entrance of a new character right before the end credits begin rolling - the mysterious female figure in a dingy room filled with chained up and boxed up creatures, presumably zombies. Who is she? Is she a villain who created or started the outbreak? Why is she smiling? Well, now we finally get the answers to all our questions and more.
She’s none other than the titular Ashin of the North and this special episode chronicles her origin story. From her humble beginnings, the calamitous circumstances that ensued thus setting off an irreversible motion of fate-altering events that kicked off in the North before eventually engulfing the whole peninsula of the Joseon Kingdom. Epic, cataclysmic, action-packed, thrilling, evocative, and incredibly brilliant. Kim Eun Hee has done it again and expanded on the original concept within the space of 90 minutes to set up a new direction for season 3. You’d expect nothing less anyway from the screenwriter who brought us Signal.
The main cast this time around is headlined by the wonderfully experienced and award-winning Jun Ji Hyun as the eponymous character. With a screenplay that is fully devoted to her character, she carries this show with consummate ease as she projects an aura of darkness and conviction alongside her dynamic range to breathe life into the mysterious Ashin. During a recent interview with Kim Eun Hee, she stated that the role of Ashin was written specifically with Jun Ji Hyun in mind, because of how impressive she had been in the films The Thieves and The Berlin File, incidentally both of which I had watched some time back. Although she is most well known for the dramas The Legend of the Blue Sea and My Love from the Star which established her reputation as a romcom specialist, JJH is extremely versatile and adaptable to diversely multifaceted roles than people give her credit for.
In any case, I thought she utterly nailed her portrayal here that enabled viewers to be engaged in the story and invested in her character’s journey of evolution. Acting chops aside, her action sequences are quite realistically executed as well. She appears very fit and certainly looks the part of a fearsome bow-wielding warrior. I think she has lost even more weight as can be seen in her recent photo calls promoting this show. Meanwhile the talented and prolific child actress Kim Shi Ah portrays the young Ashin while Park Byung Eun returns as Min Chi Rok of the Royal Commandery.
No amount of words will do justice to the spectacle that is Kingdom: Ashin of the North, because seeing is absolutely believing and there is much to be observed in this production indeed. The only downside for me was that it was too short - I wanted...no, needed more! 16 months was definitely worth the wait, especially now that we know for a fact there’s more to look forward to in the horizon. I only hope the wait won’t be as long.
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The Story is so cute,funny and romantic. Ill recommend this drama to put it in your watchlist especially young MDL users.The story is so Good and very well organize,well it has flaws but only a little bit if you notice it.
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This is story is about love and friendship. The story is getting better on and on. It makes you to watch more episode because it does not leave you hangging
Gou Fiction did a job well done of building his character and its improving episode by episode.
Sun Yi Ning also did a great job for acting as a two characters base on hiding her identity.
The other Actors and Actresses did great too to support the plot really well.
The OST's are very nice especially the "STAR" by Gou JunChen because of it's lyrics that I can feel the feelings in it. The OST "To be Your Love" is really cute. The OST's are motivating you to watch another episode. I have download all the OST's in this drama, you better download it too ;)
I have put this as the 1st in Favorite Youth Drama list.
What are you waiting for watch it now!
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