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Completed
Kazokugari
15 people found this review helpful
Nov 21, 2014
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
"Do you love your family?”

There are no perfect families. Even with the same blood coursing through our veins, we all remain human; living in close quarters, we’re bound to have differences. Disagreements will accompany warmth and support, affection and acceptance mix with disappointment and misunderstanding. But when we have nowhere else to go, we can always return home (right?) Yet like any other relationship might fail, so may a family—romantic as it sounds that familial bonds are unbreakable. So much is stacked against this most important of relationships, though the ideal is that word again: “unbreakable.” Outside external problems like financial concerns, personal failings and instances of abuse and neglect constitute the most daunting. You see, while there are no perfect families, there *are* many unhappy ones.

Kazokugari (literally “Family Hunting”) takes this idea to ask some harsh questions. At its very worst, can a dysfunctional family be saved? If things appear hopeless, should the entire institution of family be torn down—even if that necessitates murder? When we’re hurting too much, is it better to live or die (and do we have the right to make that decision for others)? To answer, this drama uses three intertwining stories whose themes and importance overlap. Our main characters combat their own demons separately, but each is being suffocated by family issues and lack of direction or comfort. What links the three are the family suicides (murders?) which haunt their city; as they sink deeper into the mystery, they’re drawn closer together for better or worse. Of these, two combine beautifully (Hizaki and Sudo) though alone Hizaki was far and away the most interesting character in the series. The third, Detective Mamihara, ends up feeling the least focused and connected despite his story’s thematic importance. He’s ultimately one of those characters that might have worked better as a supporting character.

But the brilliant, atypical nature of Kazokugari begins with *how* it tells the story: this drama is a strange chimera of the horror and family genres. Touching scenes often find themselves sandwiched between ones that might seem more at home in a slasher flick. Like in Karamazov no Kyodai, isolated disturbing imagery is used to transition scenes (for instance, perfect fruit that turns to reveal rot—just before the mold is sliced away by an unseen hand). Viewers may find themselves warmed to the core, then frightened off the edge of their seats. My only issue would be that sometimes these elements are pushed too far and muddy the intent, which is to create an uncanny atmosphere. When things worked out it was great, but sometimes my reaction was “Huh,” rather than “EEK!”

Just like her character Hizaki, Matsuyuki Yasuko hooked my interest from the first. This is my third encounter with this talented actress, and I’ve come to realize she often stars in excellent projects. That suits her, since her performances are just as exemplary—and she maintains her standard here. Her vivid expressions betray the character’s feelings to the core, whether it’s an insight to her hollow pain or a rare moment of peace. Ito Atsushi, whom I have great affection for, absolutely pales in comparison. But while he might not have the charisma of his character's favorite Basquiat, he holds his own in terms of everyman relatability and likability. Of the rest of the cast, I wanted to point out as notable Kitayama Hiromitsu. His Keitoku was excellent and much-needed comic relief that somehow fits right in despite the dark themes of the drama.

Music wins a high score for two reasons. First, the orchestrations are perfect mood-setters. No scene would have half as much impact without them, whether creepy or tender. My favorite example will be the inclusion of tragic Ozaki Yutaka’s heart-wrenching “I Love You.” It’s used devastatingly in many scenes; if one knows the lyrics, it enriches the context. There’s also the lovely theme (“Shout” by androp) which ends each episode with a suitable bittersweet feel. Secondly, the sound effects in this series are just genius. These offset dialogue and actions with fabulous timing, giving them new atmosphere—whether it’s a painful sentence being repeated in horrifying tones or some cruel violin riff.

Please be forewarned this drama includes depictions of domestic abuse by and against children, blood, and disturbing imagery. Sensitive viewers may find some parts unpalatable.

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Completed
Koi
15 people found this review helpful
by Lily_B
Jan 19, 2014
1 of 1 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
Koi, my friends, is something as refreshing as a love triangle story that doesn’t suffer from the intolerable ”Evil Second Lead Syndrome”. From the synopsis, you learn that the driving force behind it is to find out what really happened that day when a “crime of passion” took place, but this is by no means a detective or investigation story. The writer who gets to hear a dying woman’s confession is merely there as a frame story, a reason for the real story to be told.

The real story is a love affair, a ménage-à-trois that at one point seems beautiful and perfect until the cracks in the façade eventually begins to be seen (can such things really be that way for long anyway?) but even though you know (from scene one) that it’ll end badly somehow, there’s something wonderfully alluring here that sucks you in and you’ll watch in fascinated sympathy how things fall apart.

Or maybe that’s just me. Except, no, it can’t be just me; the story is based on an award winning novel, and what is more; some of the basic elements of the plot have been used many times before. Evidently, people fall for it, the story of an innocent young girl getting lured in by an older, glamorous and decadent couple that laughs affectionately at her because they can barely remember what it once felt like to be naïve like her… I have read it before, and I’d read it again. In this version of the relationship of three, there were the things I had anticipated, and things I couldn’t see coming. (I imagine some people would criticise the ending, but I – being the sentimental fool that I am – like it.) I would really love to read the original novel, though, to find out about a few things I’m wondering about…

I have to admit, though, to being somewhat biased, not only for liking the theme but also for liking the male lead, Iura Arata. My expectations were high, because lately I’ve just been going through his minor supporting roles and I’ve been waiting eagerly to see him in a main role again. With this character, I got more or less what I wished for – an intellectual seducer with a dark secret and a gentle heart. (From a fangirl point of view: so hot!!) Katase Shintaro and his wife Hinako are elegant, seductive people and experienced in the ways of the world while also seeming to live in their own little universe that only a select few are invited to. The young student Fumiko – they call her Fuu-chan – is lucky or unlucky enough to be invited. She is thoroughly seduced by their overwhelming presence in her life and watching how this happens, inevitably as it has to happen, is very enjoyable.

Fuu-chan is a simple character, the kind of character who just is who she is and becomes dear to the others because of her kind and gentle spirit. There are no surprises in this character, but that’s not to say that she’s shallow. She is just as fascinated as she is intimidated by the couple's passionate, free-spirited lifestyle but she learns to like and accept them. Ishihara Satomi pulls off this natural cuteness almost surprisingly well and I didn’t doubt her for a moment. Tanaka Rena as Hinako is equally convincing: this pleasure-seeking, somewhat whimsical femme fatale kind of character could easily become over-the-top but somehow the actress manage to balance on a thin line, gradually revealing Hinako’s vulnerability. As for Iura Arata, well, this kind of role just suits him – he may have done it before but if you need an actor who can dive deeply into the darker realms of passion and do it with true conviction, he’s your man. This character is the one who goes through most of the changes, or rather, the way we look at him – through Fumiko – changes when we get to understand him better.

I have to give this a ten overall. This story may not always be subtle but it’s elegant and vibrant, erotic without being graphic, and with some surprises in the second half. The enjoyment lies in the character's interaction and all the emotions, and all in all, this is very well done! Even though the characters are driven to the edge of reason, this is not done for dramatic effect or because of drama clichés (e.g. jealous ex lover, annoying parents, etc), this is motivated by the story’s and the characters’ inner logic. Even the old “moth-to-the-flame” metaphor is taken to the next level. (Not gonna lie; I was thinking “no, please…” the moment the moth flew in, but thankfully the writer knew what she was doing!) It’s like a Greek tragedy; you know that something bad will happen, but once it does, you know that it couldn’t have been any other way. And through it all, they do truly love each other.

Is this a movie I would rewatch? Maybe! I found some beautiful and swoon-worthy scenes in it. As for the music, I suppose it did add to the atmosphere every now and then but overall I didn’t really notice it.

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Completed
My Mighty Princess
15 people found this review helpful
Aug 5, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Oh my gosh! This movie is so cute! :)

Actually the above is all I had on my mind, but seems I need to write something more to post to share my excitment, so...

The story is fun and suprising with a twist now and then, and I liked the final outcome, I only wish the movie lasted longer.

It was hilarious at most times, and sometimes a bit touching even, so as it was said before it is a cute comedy if you want something light to watch.
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Completed
Hometown
15 people found this review helpful
Oct 28, 2021
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.0

Drop Everything and Watch this

You know what i literally re rated everything i have watched till date cuz after watching this series my standards have gone so high that i don't think any drama or atleast any mystery thriller would get close easily.

I am the type of person who focuses on two things : the story and the characters. Even if one is done right and is consistent, i am generally satisfied. Here, the story is the hero. The direction is brilliant but definitely the story carries everything on its back. I love creepy stuff, and i have watched a hell lot of things so nothing creeped me out, nothing scared me but based on my experience ppl who don't watch stuff like that will definitely be uncomfortable.

Now, another word i write and it will be a spoiler and i don't want to ruin anyone's journey to watch this masterpiece. Go watch it and if you don't understand something after finishing it, we can discuss or even in the mid but don't drop it just bcuz it might weigh down on your brain. I mean seriously dropping it would be disrespectful to art.

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Completed
Your Playlist
14 people found this review helpful
by Lipsi
Nov 7, 2021
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 1.0
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 3.0
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

Waste of time

Story: Doesn't have any. Should I say this drama is a total waste of time and the FL is the most annoying character I've ever seen? 3 men are totally head over heels for her & she's just acting like a stupid so called popular girl. She keeps rejecting everyone, actually that's not the problem here coz she has her reasons but the main hypocrite thing was when she told her friend that she can't love anyone coz she doesn't believe in love nd next day she is in love with a person whom she never met irl, who's only in her social media. Not even 1% realistic 🤦‍♀️

Acting/Cast: They all are rookies so it's neither so good nor so bad.

Music: It has some nice music. Isn't that why the name of this drama is "your playlist"?

Rewatch value: I'm never gonna watch this again until someone points a gun at me👁 👁

Overall: As an AROHA I'm a bit frustrated.I still can't believe they fooled us. They even made sanha's character as a dumb who is a top idol of the nation & totally in love with a girl who doesn't give a f*ck about him & insults him every chance she gets?? I don't know why the company made sanha doing this🙄 In the drama description they wrote "Yoon San Ha" as main character but he's definitely not. He got a very few like maximum 30secs of screen time in each episode. They just used sanha as a bait to make views for their not-so-good drama.

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Completed
Princess, Make Way
15 people found this review helpful
Aug 10, 2023
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 2.0
This review may contain spoilers

Not the ending again...

I really wanted to add this drama to my favorite short dramas but it didn't make the cut...

The cast are all good-looking with decent enough acting. The leads have good chemistry which increases by the second half of the drama.
The costumes look good enough to me, specially the ML's.

It is filled with cliche but it didn't drag on so it was nice. Fl wasn't dumb so it was also nice.

Here is what we have here :
-hidden identity (which doesn't last much long!)
-enemy to lovers
-good chemistry
-jealousy over misunderstandings (it wasn't annoying!)
-amnesia (doesn't occupy whole drama)
-break up
-possible reunion
-secondary couple
-good support characters for both ML & FL.
-very little screen time for villains

The comedy becomes stupid sometimes but it wasn't bad either.

I enjoyed watching this drama more than I expected! It was meh at the start but it got better as I continued watching, the plot was simple yet interesting. There aren't too important plot holes either in my opinion.
It got ruined for me with the ending.
I'm just not a fan of open endings. you could interpret it as happy or sad.. I was prepared to give it an 8 until I reached the ending. I'll give it a 7 cause overall it was entertaining.

So what to do? watch or not watch?
*if you like light romance with little tiny bit of palace shenanigans and don't mind open endings, go for it.
**if you like obvious happy endings, move on, it's not for you.

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Completed
Happy End
15 people found this review helpful
May 4, 2013
Completed 6
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
The cheating spouse theme has been done to death in Korean romantic drama films, but this movie is notable for putting the proverbial shoe on the other foot. Instead of the unrepentant, philandering husband it's the woman who cheats, and the man, a dedicated family guy and doting father, is left to pick up the pieces. As with every drama that deals with cheating you feel bad for the person being wronged.

The ever popular Choi Min-sik, of Oldboy & I Saw the Devil fame, delivers a solid performance as the scorned, emasculated house husband. The juxtaposition of gender specific traits in his character, nurturing femininity vs aggressive masculinity, was particularly well played in my opinion. It shows how, in the heat of passion, one can really act against type.

The reversal of stereotypical gender roles, especially in a strongly patriarchal society like South Korea, is always interesting to watch. I did enjoy the film, but can not score it higher than 7 because with the exception of the cheater being female, the storylines are essentially the same for pretty much every film I have seen in this genre. The movie is definitely worth a watch for Choi Min sik and reversing the role of who cheats, but don't go in expecting any clever twists. There are none.

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Completed
Let Me Eat Your Pancreas
15 people found this review helpful
Oct 12, 2017
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
I haven't finished reading the novel but decided to just watch this one in cinema anyway since I'm a huge fan of Shun Oguri. Need to remind you guys that this movie isn't really focusing on love as in romance, it's about connection to things that we love. It's about love for life, and lives.

This movie is not for those that want something exciting all the way through, in fact the movie is quite slow in the beginning. However, the cinematography is beautiful hence I don't have problem with the slow plotline. It didn't really follow the flow of the novel, but the storyline still delivers. The transition between current timeline and the past are not confusing at all since they are using different actors so you can figure out when is the current and past timeline easily. I love the climax, it was delivered nicely.

Just to let you guys know, the movie focused on the past timeline the most so Takumi Kitamura and Minami Hamabe are the one that appeared the most in this movie. Shun Oguri acted as the storyteller and Keiko Kitagawa as the friend that also effected by the main issue. All of them played their roles perfectly, especially Takumi Kitamura. I really love the tone of his voice that he used in this movie, it suited his role perfectly. Minami Hamabe is perfect as the cheerful girl and you just can't help to like her since she always smiles brightly. Both of them connected naturally despite them being strangers in the beginning and the differences in their personalities.

The music is subtle, easy to the ears, suited perfectly with the storyline. Though I'm not sure if I will rewatch this again, this movie surely isn't forgettable. Enjoyable.

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Completed
Khemjira
15 people found this review helpful
Jun 5, 2026
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

Worth the risk of watching ghosts if you hate horror like me :)

Another dark magic romance that was worth it! I have always loved this genre as much as I hate horror but the chemistry and world are worth it.

The story is pretty good. There are unexpected twists in the drama, but nothing too much to blow your mind. There are jumpscares but you know it coming so it's fine. As for the story itself, I think as a novel, it's way better than the series. So many lines and paragraphs become just a scene where you miss out a lot of details because you are focused on the characters. I personally liked the ending, maybe because that decreases the scare and fear of the ghost. Lowkey grateful; plus points for that 😭 Honestly, I really liked the ghost, maybe even more than the main leads I'll say 😂 She was a more complex and emotional than the lead characters. When it comes to Paran, with all due respect, I hated him a lot because of the way he kept going hot and cold with Khem. Like come on man! What the hell? But this love story was definitely the kind that you know it's blaring red flags, but you still want them together because 'basically' he isn't all bad; just bad at expressing and all🙄 I was as frustrated on myself as I was on Paran. Khemjira simply put is a good human with a wretched fate. Nothing more honestly. But their love story didn't feel anything more than just love at first sight, a crush. The next memorable character is Jet. I LOVED HIM! Seriously! His character is the most genuine and solid of all. And though Charn logic pissed me off from time to time, I liked him too. This pair had a good love story that made more sense. Grandma Si and Khem's mother were also favourites of mine. Thong and Ake were adorable characters too.

The cast was real good. Especially the two lead pairs. Khem and Paran were so well played by Namping and Keng! Both there acting skills are amazing. Though I'd say, they could cry better. They did not have it to be emotional enough. But the biggest plus point? KengNamping is one of the best pairings out there, period. Because all they have to do is look at each other and you are already swooning 😭 That is the main reason why, even if Paran was giving mixed signals and unintentionally hurting Khem, I couldn't let go of my desire to see them together. They just make sense together. The kind that makes your heart smile and relax when they're together and clench and sink when they aren't. If this chemistry is just onscreen, I must say, they deserve a standing ovation for that. Then comes FirstOne as Jet. This might be the best actor of the lot. Every emotion, every nuance, you see it written all over his face. He makes you feel exactly the same as him. Especially the scenes where he was spying his ship, I actually felt I was with my bestie giggling over a random couple. Loved his acting 🥹 And of course Tle as Charn did a very good job, portraying the stable character who was the typical nerd and a calm anchor. Again, this pair goes soooo well! I just cannot 😭 Love to see them together. Even if they're chemistry isn't as overwhelming as the main leads, they have a strong bond. Green as Rampeung was a very good choice. She's so gorgeous but also an amazing actress. I sympathized soo many times; yes, I sympathized with a ghost ✋️ Also loved other casts like Noknoi Uraiporn as Grandma Si, Om Manita as Khem's mother and Udon and Ryuji as Thong and Ake.

Music was great! The intro Phap Man? Damn! That was one insane! Awesome song. Aof Surapol, you're voice is amazing! I really really loved it! The traditional elements of the song are so beautiful. Feels home and makes me want to do classsical dance!

The drama did feel a bit out of concept at times though. Suddenly the shift was towards the romance alone in between and you wonder where Rampeung is while these people have the audacity to think of love in between 😂 It was really slow and painful to see misunderstandings grow. Too slow. Then I had a big doubt. The ghost says this would be her last kill and she would be satisfied after that. So I wondered why this time? Won't he reincarnate again? Why stop now? Don't you mind the soul of you 'enemy' freely living next lifetime? I also did not understand why the monk waited all along? I mean, all that 'she had to understand, he had to lose power, he had to give up' thing...didn't get the logic. Yah, there are plot holes.

Overall, this series is a good Thai drama. It has it all - good genre, acting and cast and one of the best chemistries out there. But the story could have been more complex and deep. I'll rewatch it again someday. Worth watching. Grateful I put my fear of ghosts aside to finally watch it!

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Ongoing 16/16
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God
15 people found this review helpful
May 6, 2023
16 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

All time favorite masterpiece - rewatched hundred times now

It was pleasure to watch and cry...no complain... actors are amazing... story is perfect...moments are heartbroken and you would cry... I could not stop watching it till finished and after I had the worth withdraw symptoms ever so I rewatched it again and again wishing to unwatched it so I can watch it as new.

1. Rewatched value over 100%
2. The second couple is on pair with main - loved both of them so much. Second couple could get drama on their own due to their chemistry, story and actors
3. Like the ending as well, it suitable and beautiful
4. Music/OST are out of the world


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Completed
Almost Lover
15 people found this review helpful
Nov 27, 2022
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

An unconventional sweet drama

What started out as a misunderstanding turns out to be a love going both ways. However, can they overcome obstacles along the way to get their happily ever after?

Certainly this kind of idol urban drama where love is the center is nothing new but the most striking thing is the definition of love in this drama is not limited to romance. There is family/responsibilities/filial piety, friendship, and comradery. In addition, the drama highlight upon each career aspects of all characters.

Male lead is definitely not your typical domineering CEO. Rather he has flaws, but is willing to listen and understand others. This character doesn't have much lines compare to FL and second leads but the actor's acting is immersive that grounded it for me. Timmy Xu did an excellent job in presenting a 3-dimensional character that I can relate, sympathize and like. One thing I have to say is that there is finally a drama where the domineering CEO actually is seen working hard and not falling in love all day long. Also, this male lead, Xiao Shangqi, does not have the golden finger to solving or having an answer to everything. Xiao Shangqi is certainly in the dark in almost every situations where he either has to slowly figure out the puzzles himself or with FL. Our male lead is a most understanding, patience, devoted, faithful character to FL I have not seen in a while. You'll wish there is such character is real life. Sadly, there's no such tall, rich, handsome, loving man in real life that would chase their partner like Xiao Shangqi. If there is he does not have to give chase, I would be the one chasing. LOL

All the actors/actresses did a good job. Each carries their character well. Although there are noticeable traces of weaknesses in some. As a viewer, I think there are some inconsistency in FL behavior/characteristics. The actress could have done better maybe in acting out a more loveable/relatable or softer character. There are also instances where she is "acting" instead of "being the character". However, this is just my opinion.

I wouldn't exactly say I love it but I do like it. It was an enjoyable watch. I would re-watch it again. Well, I have re-watched some episodes. ^_^ The story is logical. The storytelling itself is not excellent but very comfortable. Some situations are very relatable and grounded and there's no over the top or suspense of disbelief. And best of all, we have a satisfactory ending wrap, which is sometimes rushed in many other dramas.

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Completed
Connect
15 people found this review helpful
by Shiro
Dec 9, 2022
6 of 6 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 4.0

X-men meet serial killer

I was promised pain, gore and a bunch of pretty faces... and got pain gore and a bunch of pretty faces in this X-men meet serial killer...

What I liked was the visuals and the sound of connect... it felt cute yet bloody in a way. I also liked seeing Jung Hae In and Go Kyung Pyo + am crushing really badly on Kim Hye Joon who pretty much stole the show.

Go Kyung Pyo is an amazing priest type of serial killer, extremely well casted! There is something about a cold serial killer vibe that captivates me and keeps me interested. And well the execution here was flawless...

Jung Hae Ins character is kind of pathetic and though the acting was good I just did not fall for the character, he did not captivate me at all. Something that speaks poorly about the character since me not falling head over healls for a character played by Jung Hae In is pretty rare. Something that kind of drags down the score. I am however hoping that character takes on some other traits for the next season. That said I do like his look and find the missing eye adorable, but it did start a slight questioning of faith towards my fanhood towards Jung Hae In.

Kim Hye Joon is amazing I love her, she is going straight to the crush list if she is not there and I am hoping to see a lot more of her, here there,,, everywhere.

All in all a decent watch if you can take a bunch of violence and without a lot of substance...

P.S. the portrayal of organ transplants did not bother me at all.... And if you are expecting anything realistic back away and watch pretty much anything else.

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Completed
The Promise
15 people found this review helpful
Jul 4, 2020
102 of 102 episodes seen
Completed 4
Overall 8.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 5.0
Revenge, greed, and different forms of love is what this drama is all about.
It is the perfect portrayal of so many things: How far one is willing to go when he/she has nothing left to lose, how low humans are capable of falling for their greed, and the way humans are capable of becoming monsters for it.
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Plot: 10/10
Hats off to the writer of this masterpiece. This drama was so well written that for someone who gets bored/distracted easily, I binged it. 102 episodes in 10 days, is a new record for me. Right from the first episode, the plot pulls you in if it doesn't by the summary. There's something happening in each and every episode. I've read many comments about it getting draggy in the middle but I didn't feel it, maybe because I was watching episodes after episodes without a break? Anyway, the plot and characters are enough to keep you hooked up till the very end. Sometimes it gets predictable and sometimes, it's hard to predict what the characters would do. All in all, its a good Makjang.
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Characters: 9/10
I LOVED THE CHARACTERS!
1) And hands-down, there's no one better than our main lead Lee Nayeon. She's the sole character who shines brightest. This character went through SO MUCH, SO MUCH in this drama. What I loved the most about her character is; even though she seems timid and polite girl, she has this fire inside of her that intrigues viewers right from the start. Whether she's 12 or 32, she's something to be reckoned with. She's the kind of character who won't hurt a bug but is capable of bringing down a mountain if someone is to hurt her loved ones. And THAT is exactly what she does. She's the gold of a character! Lee Nayeon's character is followed by Baek Dohui's who's such a precious character but.... I cried a bucket!
2) Then there's Kang Taejun! DUDEEEE!!! He is the perfect example of someone who's leading a blessed simple life but keeps eyeing the stars and forgets what he has while he does. His character deserved everything he got. What's interesting about him is, HE KNOWS!! He is not oblivious to what he's doing and what might happen to him for it but he still pursues what he believes in. He's actually a wise character who just made unreasonable/stupid decisions to get what he THOUGHT he wanted. Enough said.
3) Don't get me started on Jang Sejin!!! DAMN!! I HATED THIS GIRL WITH PASSION! You greedy witch!! And here I'd say, she didn't love Taejun, SHE WAS OBSESSED with him. Kdrama writers tend to confuse obsession and love and this is exactly what they did in the case of Sejin! This issue should've been dealt with properly. She was obsessive, immature, and threw around words without care of what words might do. And her words did TONS! Those who've seen this drama would know what I'm talking about.
4) Park Yugyeong: *insert shudders* THIS WOMAN IS SO DARN EVIL. She is the example of those people who commit errors and instead of owning up to them, they bury it and they try to bury it deep. This woman is the root of all, ALL evil in this drama, and I loved how Nayeon pulled the world from under her feet. She took her time doing so. Park Yugyeong is one of those women who are obsessed with their children. I pity the people who have moms like this woman because while the world sees it as love, it is something much dangerous and unhealthy.
5) Park Hwiyeong: Ok, he's the most innocent character in this drama. He's just a tall teddy bear who wants to console everyone and help everyone. He trusts easily and has a big, big heart with so much love for his family. Even his witchy sister. But I loved how he could set his priorities right and knew what he wanted. I loved how he grew a backbone and started fighting for what he believed in and wanted. Now that I think about it, he's the only one who didn't hurt even a fly in the drama =3
6) Others: Taejun's mom was TERRIBLE! Nayeon mothers were the BEST. Her sisters were PERFECT and their boyfriends meh. Ahjussie Jang Gyeongwan......I have no words for this guy. WHAT? HE TRIED BECOMING THE VILLAIN FOR THE PEOPLE HE LOVED? Dude, grow a backbone first. But he got what he deserved. Hwiyeong's mom is THE BEST and Dohui's parents are the sanest people in the drama!
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Character Development: 7/10
Not much of character development except for Nayeon. Other than changing a bit due to their circumstances throughout the story, everyone remained pretty much the same.
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Acting/Cast: 8.5/10
Lee Yoo Ri rocks this show. She outshone everyone and everything. She played three different types of characters and nailed each of them. She just became the actress I'd definitely check out the work of. Others were okay. I'd say Park Ha Na who played Sejin is awesome too considering how much I despised her character.
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Re-watch Value: 5/10
I don't do re-watches, nope and there's no way I'm going to put myself through the anxiousness I felt while watching this. This drama drained me emotionally and it was well required too which is why it's going to have a special place in my heart.
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Music: 7/10
Except for its main OST, the rest of the music tracks were just okay. None out of ordinary kdrama makjang tracks ;)
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Conclusion:
This is my second Makjang and the first show I've binged since ages ago. I loved the characters, the intensity of the drama, and the way it kept me absorbed into it for ten long summer days.
If you're looking for something intense, something to test your emotions with a little bit of romance then this drama is for you. And I'd say, this is not for the weak-hearted or you'd cry an ocean.
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P.S: I hope people would read this long essay than a review xD

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Completed
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God
15 people found this review helpful
Jul 17, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

This is a must watch drama

Words cant even begin to describe how good this drama is. From the cast to the plot to the way it was filmed it is perfect. It was the perfect amount of heartbreaking scenes and cutesy scenes. It has your emotions going up and down like a roller coaster. The only flaw in this near perfect drama is that it has to end. Though i do have to warn you i cried like a baby throughout this show as happy scenes only distract from the inevitable fate that Kim Shin faces. This drama is a must watch for Kdrama fans!!
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Completed
Doctors
15 people found this review helpful
by SamaaM
Aug 29, 2016
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
Okay, so what got me to watch this drama was Park shin hye's awesome gangster character. I've always liked park shin hye but was getting bored of her always having the cute naive character in everything she played. However, when I watched the trailer for this show, I was extremely excited to see that side of her. It was so cool. After watching the first few episodes I was in love with the guy!! I kept watching till the end because I liked their relationship and the acting of the whole cast was on point! The story wasn't that strong though. If you compare it with pinnochio, for example, (which I adore and if you're someone who hasn't watched it yet you definitely should!) the story is very weak. For me, doctors was a light watch that was entertaining enough to keep me interested but not enough to go crazy over having to wait a whole week for the next episode. It was enjoyable to watch the development of the different relationships. So if you're looking for something with a good cast, cute relationships, some humor but nothing intense, then Doctors is a good option for you.

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