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The Pirates 2: The Last Royal Treasure
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Good source of fun and laughter
This movie gave me tons of laughter. Almost all of the comedic parts came from Kang Haneul and Lee Kwangsoo and they both delivered well. None of the cast did awfully. Everyone did a great job regardless of how big and small their parts. Even Sehun who barely had lines and just stood at the corner did well. The fight scenes between Kwon Sangwoo and Kang Haneul is so great. It brought a lot of tension to the movie. Han Hyojoo did well too as the pirate captain . I wish they showed more of the back story between Muchi and Bu Heungsu especially how they became rebels and bandits. But overall, the story was nice and easy to grasp the flow. The special effects are so good too. This is a good movie to watch even kids would definitely enjoy it.Was this review helpful to you?
the story is exciting and different and the pace is just right, for me the amount of romance was suitable for the story, but maybe the ending was a bit lacking but it was good enough.
as for the acting every one was just perfect, i especially loved the little girl and her chemistry with lee jun ki was great. they were so cute together. i loved the action scenes they were impressive
i really hope people will give this a chance it's a very good drama.
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This review may contain spoilers
Having been a huge fan of season 1 of this show, I was extremely excited that there was going to be a season 2. I will try to avoid spoilers as much as possible. Story:
I read the books the show was based on a long time ago and reread book one after I watched season one. I decided to reread book two while I was watching season two whenever I had the time as well, so this review will most likely be compared to season one and book two. The story is a continuation of season one, and continues telling the story of all five women. It followed the book as closely as possible imo, however they made some significant changes in regards to Xie Tong's character and Andy's storyline. Xie Tong was a police officer in the books and not a singer, and Andy actually got pregnant before marriage in the books as well. But I think because XT's police officer character in the books did some bad things, the production team was probably afraid to paint police officers in a negative light so they changed it. Same thing with Andy, having a kid out of wedlock isn't commonly accepted in China so that's probably why they changed it as well. However, some people might think that the storyline's logic got kind of confusing because they didn't reallly clean out these changes that well. Personally, the first half was really really good, but the latter half dragged a bit (however the second book also dragged a bit so I guess it followed the book pretty well). Not all the characters had happy endings, which I think is really nice because that's how real life is. I love how this show portrays life in quite a realistic way, especially coming from a Chinese background, so many things were painfully realistic and relatable. I think all the characters had character development, although some had more than others and some developed but then went back to point one and developed again. But I think that's the beauty of this show, not everyone can develop immediately and even real life people end up going back to their nature sometimes. The last episode is really nice, it feels that everyone made pretty smart decisions in regards to their future. Also I absolutely adored the friendship and support of these ladies!!!
Acting/Cast: Same cast as last season so I'd say the acting was all pretty good! :D Props to Jiang Xin though, her acting for her character was great, even though her character was annoying at certain points haha
Music: This isn't some chinese historical drama so I'm like quite sure they didn't put too much effort on the OSTs lol but it was like okay not too disracting or anything
Rewatch: I think it's rewatchable, however, it might be easier to fast forward through certain parts when rewatching.
Overall: Loved it! I followed this drama the day it aired and watched all the episodes the day they came out. It's a very precious drama in my life XD
Disclaimer: I gave it a 9.5 on my personal ratings, but for the review, I decided to give it a more objective 8.5 as a whole.
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A realistic insight into the entertainment industry
[my first time reviewing so please bare with me & also it's been a while since I last watched this]I'm surprised that this drama isn't very popular.
The story is so realistic about how the industry of music and acting works; how people can get in just for their looks and how they change after fame and money and how stars are forced to perform because of contracts. The topics touched upon are deep and for the most part, the drama is able to get that across. It goes through a lot of ups and downs and the main characters do have a change of heart about who they're in love with which I find very unusual to see in a drama. The drama doesn't hit off properly for at least 2 or 3 eps so please bare with it. As far as music is concerned, some of the OSTs we're incredible e.g Hwan Hee.
The actors played their roles really well and the touching scenes definitely made me cry. I recommend this to anyone who's into music, light romance & someone who can watch all the episodes without pulling their hair out (since you'll want to be stabbing certain characters)!
(Oh and it's really hard to find this drama online with good quality... I mean... I bought the DVD).
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This review may contain spoilers
A quick one, because there have been so many others written already: I doubted this show in the beginning. The premise sounded great, but the first episode didn't grip me. The second wasn't much better. So let me just post a quick rundown of reasons why I am ever so glad I stayed with it:
- The Male Lead: Really, he is too precious. He is caring and awkward, afraid but powers through it, competent, confident and content to stay in the background at the same time. He truly cares for his employees, gives everyone a second chance, takes responsibility for his actions, stays with his friends and he's just an overall cutie. Really, this show was about him growing into himself as much as about romance, and I'd have watched at least ten more episodes of him becoming happy and confident.
- The Female Lead: Couldn't stand her at first, but she suddenly gets better after episode 5 and you'll forget you ever hated her. She's super cute, too!
- The characters and their struggles: There was hardly any black/white storytelling. Every character was shown to have multiple motivations, strength and weaknesses and I just enjoyed seeing people in this show instead of cardboard cutouts.
- The relationships between the female characters: Really, all around people were just so supportive of each other, it was incredible! But what stayed with me most is the relationship between Roo Won and Hee Jin. The best relationship between two girls fancying the same guy I have ever seen, refreshing but heartwarming.
- The relationships in general: You'll watch everyone almost grow into a family and it's so emotionally rewarding!
- Of course, the relationship between our main couple: They're adorable, full stop. They bring out the best in each other and support each other and it's wonderful to see
- THIS POINT CONTAINS A MINOR SPOILER: We see a glimpse of a trans character! And for me, as a cis person, it seemed like a really good portrayal! Of course, if someone who is trans themselves sees an issue with the way the point is handled in the show I'd rescind this point, but so far I've read of no complaints.
- Semi-accurate portrayal of mental illnesses that isn't just depressing: I know this one is hard, but as a person struggling with some of the same stuff the characters struggled with, I saw myself represented here. And in a good way, too! Their actions aren't excused, they aren't used as pointless reasons for some actions, but everyone has their own thing they struggle with and it's really well portrayed.
In general: This is probably one of my favourites now. The music is cute, the cast is amazing, the story is exciting, suspenseful, funny, romantic and heartwarming. It has that TvN flavour. If you're looking for a show that will make you feel a range of emotions and leave you with a smile on your face, try this one!
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« you don’t have to be like everyone »
A beautiful drama about 4 HSP(I think) that have relationship issues. They meet each other, and heal slowly.I could really relate with all the characters. It was as if I’ve met someone who finally understands me and feels the same way I do and think the same way.
A lot of the time I’ve been told that I am a bad person just because of my personality and how I think and I have been feeling bad a lot and hated myself for that. But this drama told me that I am not wrong, and I am not bad. Everyone is different and it is okay that way.
This drama learns you to not judge, criticise, hate someone just beause he/she is different, and has a different opinion and a different way of thinking than you. And to accept them as they are. and to not try to push your ideals to others.
The scripting really beautiful, Ubukata-san always choose the right words really carefully.
The music is perfect and fit the visuals which are so simple yet so beautiful.
There is also a lot of little details that makes this drama even more precious.
Some people might find this drama boring(because of the slow pacing but I liked it and found it peaceful) and might not understand the characters . But that’s okay as everyone is different. But I hope they will watch this all the way through because this is a the end that the message is really conveyed.
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It was a great storyline but a little bit rushed
The story and music was great, it's like a future story or story of another world or another universe just like us with some differences. Actors were all great and acting was also nice. After watching ep 1, it started to make me curious and attacted to the characters.With my imagination I can tell what happened in this story, so it was good for making pictures in a person's mind. That's what I liked.
There were some places from where some important parts were cut off which seems a little off but I think it's production team's idea for upcoming stories about second leads. The most hilarious thing for me was ending, it just ended in the middle of the conversation without any warning. That's what make me more curious about knowing this story more.
So, I believe it's also some kind of trick they used to make people curious about next.
Overall, I liked actors, acting, scenes, storytelling, cinematography but was a little bit confused and curious about editing some important clips in latest episodes and the ending seems to come out of nowhere or can be said a little rushed.
In the end, I would like to thank all the actors, directors, producers, writers and all staffs and people involved in this project who gave a new perspective to think and expand our understanding of some extraordinary mind.
Thank you so much.
Hope all of you can keep doing great things like this in your life.
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This review may contain spoilers
This drama had me snagged by the end of episode one, and never let go, even at the end I was looking for just a little more! I think like everyone else, I put off this drama for a while, but not because of the political aspect most seemed to, because I actually don't mind that as a plot-line, but because I heard from a friend the Kim Sun Ah's character was annoying and the typical stupid female lead. That was obviously very wrong, especially in later episodes. The story-line was semi-unique and new because it carried that political aspect, and was the cause for all of the main pairs trouble. While couples being separated because of their live's situation or social standing is nothing new at all, the politics made it fresh and something not quite the usual. While the beginning episodes were filled with just a little too much outlandish/slapstick humor, that didn't last long, and the humor developed into something more witty and intelligent. For the most part, the story focused really on the main couple the drama brought from Jo Gook's lies and manipulation and Shin Mi Rae's incorruptible beliefs, and their hesitancy to let themselves love each other. I loved watching Shin Mi Rae become an awesome Mayor and stand her ground and go head to head again the villain even when she knew she was out of her depth. She wasn't afraid to ask for help or admit her short comings, but she equally wasn't afraid to tell them to shut the heck up and fall in line either. Jo Gook was also so darn loveable, even when he was being a jerk, that you can't help but end up head over heels for him. He's sexy, adorable, and hilarious all at once. And when he cries...I seriously think my heart almost stopped during some of those scenes. There's just something so horribly heart wrenching about watching a man that looks so strong and confident shed tears or look so sad. There's so much good about this drama, I could go on forever, but I'm horrible when it comes to spoilers, so I'll move on.
The cast was just AWESOME! I am truly a fan of Kim Sun Ah, and have recently been watching a lot of her dramas. She's such a fantastic actress that no matter what role she plays I believe it whole heartedly and always fall in love with her characters. I was rooting for her from the get go, and I only ended up rooting more as the story progressed. And Cha Seung Won is just awesome. I first found him in The Greatest Love, and I was so surprised by just how much I ended up loving him as an actor, and my awe of him only grew in City Hall. He really played his character well, and the growth and changes he goes through are a true pleasure to watch. Just try and watch this drama and not end up wanting your own Jo Gook! He's the pure form of MAN and he projects that in just the way he walks. The supporting cast was also a blast to watch, and even if their motivations or personal stories weren't expanded on as much as they could have been, it didn't detract from the story. Even the silly side characters that granted comedic relief were well acted and believable.
The music could have been better to be honest, but I don't really think it took too much from the drama. The only thing I thought was during some of the sadder scenes, it would have been nice to have a song that matched the emotional pain that was less...upbeat sounding?
Overall, I'm really glad I watched this drama, and I'll definitely re-watching it (again XD). The chemistry and love between the leading pair was so heartwarming and the politics only added to the drama. If you're unsure if you'll like this style of drama, just give it a shot, stick in for a few episodes, and I promise you'll fall in love. If you don't, send me a strongly worded e-mail. :P
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..is one thing that I've learned and reflect from watching this drama. This is hauntingly beautiful story that brings you to a world of dark mystery of a young woman Egi Touko. There aren't that many mystery or suspense dramas in Japan. Usually, you'll get an episodic drama with a "detective-genius-who-solve-all-case" so when a good one like this, it should deserve a good rating. Well, just because the genre is mystery doesn't mean it's always an episodic. Sometimes, it was to confuse and leaves to audience to think for themselves about the events regarding of what the conclusions will be.
The script was very well-written that gives a chilling feel and yet captivating. The actors did pretty well in portrayal especially Matsushima Nanako. She has this cold and creepy aura in this one that her acting transitions made me "never-to-be-forgotten" of her. Eiki and Touko has a very good chemistry, well.. this is not just an eye candy drama though.
Now, in this drama.. YOU are the Detective! :) I advise you to just go with flow in it or else, you may lose concentration to the story. Do not "overthink". :DD
I recommend you to watch this drama, nothing to lose if you try.. Who knows? You'll never know that you're missing. :)
ENJOY! ^_____^
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Sometimes the simple truths of life are the most riveting. I won't lie and say there weren't some drama tropes present. There were, but isn't life what these tropes are based off of? There was a story line about episode 4 that turned out to be a horribly bad joke, and that's really my only complaint. Because even that bad joke had you reflecting on life.
The power of this storyline is the view from the point of view of the parents and we also get glimpses of what the kids are thinking. The parents understand what the kids are thinking because they've live it all. They've been there. Many truths are revealed on both sides. Parents are aware their children are too busy living their lives. Children can't understand that their parents won't be there forever. Small, but powerful truths make up this story.
The age differences also kept the story fresh, though the youngest person was 40 for one of the main roles. It's not only refreshing to see this type of story on the drama scene, but to actually have older actors having such well developed roles. It can be tiring seeing older actors as nothing but one dimensional parents, or filler roles. You know where an older person is expected to be, or they have a young person play an advanced age.
The focus of the story stays on the older cast even though the 40 year old, daughter is telling it as she writes her book. It's probably why I felt like her love story could have used a little more development and time. Especially in episode 15 (where I felt the pacing was off). However, that means the other character's story lines are amazing. When we finally learn about everyone’s past and present circumstances I loved it. I don't want to spoil anything, but there's many truths that I loved seeing present in this drama. (Yeah, I'm all about truths.) The writing stays on top of all of those lead character's stories and no one is left out. It was perfect.
The cast was everything I had hoped for and more. Of course they're all seasoned veterans to acting, all to their own varying degrees. So it's no surprise that these ladies and gentleman delivered brilliant performances. The chemistry was fabulous and I could believe that these woman have been friends since preschool age. They've stayed in each others' lives.
The music was fantastic! The styles and variety of sounds all fit somehow and were brilliant. From songs for the characters, to a general feel good vibe that brought a smile to my face every time. It was very unique and I appreciated that. I loved that one song had this big bopper tune to fit the resident “playboy”. I have a niggling suspicion that he may have even sang it.
There are so many layers to this drama. It's definitely not a typical one and I hope this inspires better roles for seniors. For writers to realize that older actors are loved, and a great drama would have those characters having pivotal roles. Oh, I'd rewatch this. Just so I could see the amazing friendships and reality of these characters again. I loved how well the writing balanced the fun, humor, and warm hearted nature of the story/characters with the sad truth of age and life. It was beautiful and I thank writer No Hee-Kyung for taking me on it.
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There are so many horror movies that are lacking story, but not this one! It surprised me, kept me on my toes and I kept questioning my self. The story is very well written and not too predictable! I gave it a 9 because there were to many plot twist near the ending, and I would loved it more if it was throughout the whole movie.
You can question yourself if this is really a horror movie, but if you scare me, than to me it's horror and I jumped up one time, so that was enough for me to count this as a horror movie.
The acting was also great! I loved their emotions and some parts were really hard to act, but you can only understand this when you've watched this movie.
The music was also good, it did build up some tension but not to much.
I would rewatch this movie, because it has a good story, and that is what I like. I also recommend this to people who like horror, love plot twist and likes a good story!
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1This review may contain spoilers
Nonsense As Usual
So did Min Jun smile in this drama? Mfker walked around like he was allergic to happiness, like he loved being miserable and having a sad background story about his first love. Dude was out there acting like woe is him and heart break was made specifically for him. Give it a rest, Susan. Cuz what even was his problem towards the end? Jin Hwan a better person than me though, I'd have gotten on that plane. Go be incompatible in the corner with your foolishness.And was I supposed to be happy for that airport scene? Literally this is what happened word-for-word. No, really, come see nonsense.
Min Joon: "You know, too. You and I are really incompatible. We will fight and get tired again. And we'd be worn out each time. You think everything would be possible now. But what if, I keep bringing up the past and ask why you acted that way angrily? Similar things keep happening. No one would be okay with that. And what if you keep doing that to me? I know myself well. I won't be able to stand it. You know how it'd end. And I know, too. Choi Jin Hwan. First love needs to be left as a memory. Stop. Please let me be free now. Please, just get out of my sight."
Jin Hwan: *confessing his love, begging, trying to reason, pleading.* Nothing works, he gets dumped, heart broken, he packed his suitcase, quit his job and decided to leave the country.
*Min Joon hears about it and runs to him at the airport. Cue a montage of their moments together and a sad song.*
Min Joon: "Choi Jin Hwan, what's with you? You changed your number and tried to disappear? You bastard. You and I are really incompatible. That is why I'll fight as many times as it takes. Even if you get tired, and beg me to let you go, I won't let go of you, okay? I know everything and I'm mad at you. I know things would get boring and obvious, but I like you so much that I'm going mad. I like you. So, don't go. As long as I am with you, everything is fine. I still like you."
Me: Thunder fire you and your ancestors' goat.
Cuz was that supposed to be romantic? I was making a face the whole time, rolling my eyes and just... why child, what even? Nonsense dey for some peoples backyard. Make someone's son come disturb my peace with this kind behaviour, na slap he go chop. Fool.
Listen, I liked the overall drama. Misunderstanding like this can happen, so I was enjoying the plot when the misunderstanding happened in ep1, I was like, oooh drama, sign me up. I was happy when they both found out that they've simply misunderstood each other. Enjoyed the in-between of getting to know how they got together, how they both loved but were shy, scared and didn't communicate enough so their first loved ended miserably for them both. Nice plot and drama, give me two more.
So yeah, after everything was cleared up between them, I was ready for these two to handle things as the adults they were, instead Min Joon acted like a broken spoon and decided to go with the annoying, childish, approach. Wth is your problem Susan? Like, why you causing unnecessary drama, Bob? So you got dumped one time, so what? Dude let his 2am thoughts won over his rational thoughts, and decided to frustrate us with his nonsense. Child if you don't go sit somewhere.
And, is the theme for this year's k-bl dramas misunderstandings? I wonder if the writers had a meeting and decided to frustrate us, while they laughed over soju. Cuz, again, why?
Anyway, a decent drama, give it a watch, it had its charm, but overall, the ending could have been done better, instead of whatever that was.
Once again, I say, k-bls needs to step up this year, like, why are you on the floor? It's only May.
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Ok, so the choreography was simply STUNNING! I mean, I have never seen a better use of martial arts, ever. Bourne Identity comes close but this was... the economy of movement, the sword play, it was spectacular. I am getting the DVD for no other reason than to slow down the flight scenes to half speed so I can see those fights in all their glory! The fight scenes were STUNNING! The actor was so gritty, damn. You only get a tiny idea of how amazing it is from the preview, let me tell you... I wish I could look up movies by whoever is in charge of fight scenes. Just, dman.
Ok, no one cares how wonderful the fight scenes were (you better, it was something like >50% of the movie) the music... I really liked it. It was a very powerful sound track that worked well with the movie and the era. A mix of traditional Japanese music and instrumental with some classical thrown in there, it made me feel the era. It was an era of transitions and you felt it from the music alone.
Story wise, this covered the fake Battousai and Gatling gun/Megumi arcs. If you are looking for the manga made into a movie... well, this movie was by no means pure but it did a damn good job. Watching Sano fight was comical, he was the comic relief of the movie, where Kenshin was all sex he was all humor.
After my first paycheck, if it is still in theaters, I am SO going. Just an amazing movie people! The costumes, the sets, just damn. If you want to know anything more specific, email me because I feel that if I continue, it is just going to be one large joygasm about how wonderful the sword play was.
I will comment that the ONLY point I was dissappointed in was that Kenshin did not do his 'I'm so badass with my sakabatou I can slice through concrete' thing.
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Overrated; fast forwardable (if there’s such a word)
Plot: weak, mostly focused on the male lead’s talent and work, slow-paced romance is okay with me but there are too many unnecessary scenes like gaming and aerospace; they should have made a movie out of this than a drama. Finished this in one day because i pressed the fast forward button a lot; no deep character development just passion for their job and each other; humor is okayActing: I like reba but her acting here is just the same in fashion designer — bland and restrained. She’s better in TLB. I like yangyang too, compared to love o2o, his acting is better here. His eyes are more expressive. Both actors definitely have chemistry together, if there’s one thing I love about this drama, it’s their romance. Normal conflicts of couples that get resolved easily; to compromise; more on slice of life
Music: forgettable
Rewatch value: only all the kissing scenes and their banter
Overall: it was okay. Or maybe I expected too much and it didn’t reach my expectations. Just overhyped and full of visual attacks from these two good~looking actors. I wish they collaborate again but not with this kind of plot.
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