Reviews

He remembers

It's quite a straightforward premise but the attention to details is simply unbelievable, the plot is really precise from the start till the end, taking audiences onto the journey of a man's last mission. The intention of the protagonist unfolds just like him remembering his past as he latches onto the next target, with action sequences that will blow minds. As always Lee Sung Min never disappoints with his masterful class acting, but the more surprised performance from Nam Joo Hyuk really steals the scene a lot, the chemistry between them works so well it just makes the closing scene highly emotional, exactly like how a bittersweet remembrance should be.

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You'll have to complete the story yourself (EDITED)

This drama is all over the place. Now that is a big word for this type of a drama. I know that being an 8 episode drama with screen time of 15 minutes max, there isn't enough time for the story to develop properly, plus the budget is pretty low so they did what they could. You have to put the missing pieces from each episode to make sense, because there is too much time jumping between scenes. It's not that bad but its noticeable in each episode. The story it self ain't that bad but its nothing special too. The actors were alright and the acting wasn't that bad, but sometimes was cringey to watch. I'd like to see them in another project. The ost wasn't mind blowing. But for a low budget, quick and easy drama, I'll have to give it a pass.

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CLEARING THINGS UP

PLEASE READ EVERYTHING CAREFULLY.

i was never the type to write reviews to simply hate, i never even write reviews even to movies i like but there's been tension going around involving the orv readers and to those who just wants to watch the movie bcs your favorite actors are playing the roles.

well, the readers arent just hating on the movie for reasons you think it is. we are just expressing our disappointment, we know live actions to most manhwas cannot really be perfect but changing the whole plot? that's a different story.

let's start with the title, "Omniscient Reader; the Prophecy" is already wrong, Kim Dokja, the main protagonist in the story isnt a prophet in anyway, if you've read the novel or the manhwa you'll know he never claimed himself to be a prophet or to be called as one.

next is the weapons, they're using guns, which aside from gong pildu's tanks and sht arent in the movie. they use swords, which is significant considering the minor constellations being significant ancient korean characters.

and the plot? the skills, the backstories? completely changed which is also obviously very significant to the story. yoo sangah, a woman who doesnt want to be seen as weak just because she's a woman is suddenly turned into a healer instead of a powerful fighter sponsored by the entire olympus nebula, a group of powerful greek gods. and kim dokja turned into a literal murderer, which contradicts to the real story, the real reason why he started reading twsa like WTF?!

and really guys, blinks? jisoo's supporters? we know you just want to see your idol in a movie but dont yall get it? they're only using her to promote the LA (if you dont believe me, look at the first movie poster, then the new one with jisoo in the front.) im not hating on your idol, infact i also like a few of her songs and follow her on social medias too. but y'all gotta wake up, we ain't hating on your idol. let's also talk about how her character, lee jihye is shipped to yoo joonghyuk, lee minho's character.

the relationship between two is purely a master and a student, lee jihye idolizes yoo joonghyuk for his skills in fighting and wants to be like him. lee jihye is a highschool student while lee joonghyuk is 28 when the scenarios started (in three ways of survival) it's just so wrong.

there are alot fo characters I'd like to talk about but then it will only make this very long. so i suggest yall start reading the novel, or atleast the manhwa to get a gist of what really happens in the story.

WE HATE THE DIRECTOR FOR CHANGING THE ENTIRE STORY that probably also helped alot of people. it might sound cliche but i know there are alot of people who resonated with kim dokja.

did y'all think that if this story wasnt well written alot of its fans would be so mad by the DRASTIC changes it made in the LA? if you only knew how excited everyone was when it was revealed that ORV was getting a LA but as the progressed it only seemed to get worse since the trailer was released.

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A Dry Story Based on Actual Event

Under the Microscope is a story adapted from the Silk Case, one of the six cases under Ma Boyong’s historical textbook. The author has also written numerous well-loved novels, among others, Secret of Three Kingdoms, Luoyang, and The Wind Blows from Longxi. Like the other dramas, the mood of this drama is serious albeit with subtle humor. It is a departure from the usual stories of royalty, noblemen and aristocrats, and instead looks microscopically into the issues faced by the commoners during the Ming Dynasty.

The tax and financial system during the Ming era was a very complicated subject, and the story revolves around a tax called the “ren ding sijuan” (silk by head count). Shuai Jiamo (Zhang Ruoyun) accidentally discovers a silk tax entry on the county’s account book with a questionable amount. He deems it erroneous and requests the county official to rectify the error but is told he needs to appeal to higher up. While attempting to do so, he meets all kinds of obstacles, including attempts on his life; someone is trying to prevent him from appealing and digging deeper. Together with his only friend, Feng Baoyu (Fei Qiming), they are determined to get to the bottom of it despite putting themselves in great danger.

Shuai Jiamo is a young mathematical genius with signs of autism. To him, math always tells the truth and he doesn’t allow a speck of inaccuracy in it. Because of his obsession, most people regard him as an idiot, except Feng Baoyu who thinks Shuai Jiamo very special and would do anything for him. Zhang Ruoyun is an incredible actor. As the autistic Shuai Jiamo, he is genuine and very believable.

To readjust the tax amount on the account book, Shuai Jiamo is told to bring his appeal to court. While in court, he meets Cheng Renqing (Wang Yang), a talented but morally and ethically questionable lawyer working for a shadowy character to try to throw Shuai Jiamo’s case out. He has been successful, but Shuai Jiamo and Feng Baoyu do not give up easily despite getting thrown into prison and their life being threatened. Wang Yang is a veteran actor, and has a charismatic aura. With a smirk on his face and a sharp tongue, his performance is on script and has no holes to poke.

All the other actors give a wonderful and believable performance. I particularly love the Magistrate Fang character (Hou Yansong). Seemingly lazy and useless, he turns out to be the hero of the people and the actor Hou Yansong has performed with full marks. I also like the Feng Baoyu character who loves gambling and is a real friend worth having for anyone. Fei Qiming’s portrayal is outstanding, bringing out the essence of the character convincingly.

My Verdict

This is a true story based on a historical event but not a drama for everyone. Some of the characters such as Shuai Jiamo and Cheng Renqing (written differently but with same homophones) were real historical figures. Shuai Jiamo’s obsession in math and in going to court to correct the tax errors can bore many viewers unless one is very interested in the complicated and confusing Chinese bureaucratic and financial system during Ming Dynasty. To add fireworks to a dry story to make it more palatable for entertainment consumption, some ninjas and wuxia sword fights are added. The scene when Cheng Renqing comes to the rescue of Shuai Jiamo and Feng Baoyu in the nick of time on the beheading tables by throwing out two knives is simply hilarious and unreal.

Though at the end of the drama, it seems everyone receives their justifiable rewards or punishments, it doesn’t feel right to me. Despite all the heinous acts by the villains, the ultimate culprit’s punishments seem like just a slap on the wrist compared to what Shuai Jiamo and Feng Baoyu receive for pointing out the problem -- some of the culprit's wealth is confiscated while the good guys are beaten and imprisoned -- this is probably quite realistic.

In the real event, Shuai Jiamo’s and Cheng Renqing’s fates were not as rosy as shown here; they were both sent away in exile for stirring up "trouble". In other words, the best way to deal with any problems at the local level was to punish those who pointed out the problems. As always, the drama depicts the aristocrats are the ones suppressing and stealing from the people, and the government the enhancer and the gestapo police -- a satire of wealth inequality, the world is never fair nor just.

Overall, this is a dry drama based on a real story full of ironies and paradoxes. The acting is very good and the script writing is tight and logical but too bad, as much as I have enjoyed it, the drama doesn’t make a compelling story for most casual viewers.

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I wouldn't recommend it to you if you like fast-paced, why-aren't-they-together-already sort of dramas. This drama requires patience (not that I'm saying I was much patient with their progress. But I didn't skip anything. Haha :P). Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying you'll get bored. There is plenty of stuff to keep you hooked. For instance, You Qing's parents and siblings and classmates are hilarious!

The story is quite simple and slow actually. A couple of friends who swear to never get romantically involved. Da Ren is the sweetest and the most considerate drama character (male) I have come across. Seriously, all the guys of the world should watch this and take notes on how to treat a girl. You Qing is amazing. She is an awesome person and most of the time she doesn't even realize this. She sees herself as cold and bitchy when she's actually very caring. And as for Wei (Sunny Wang) I don't know about you guys but for me, the guy's a creep and a perv. Seriously, even when he's being all serious and sincere I can't contain myself from rolling my eyes. And those tattoos are no joke! Scared the hell out of me when I first saw them. But overall, great acting by everyone. No wonder they bagged so any awards this year. Highly deserved.

Coming to the music - I love it. Especially the song that Da Ren wrote :)) I'm definitely going re-watch this. Especially all the funny moments and the cute moments. Might skip all the stiff with Ding Li Wei though :P

Ok, I've changed my mind. I would recommend it to everyone. If you're in a dilemma over this drama I'd say - GO FOR IT! And if you're in a dilemma whether you should continue watching this drama, I'd say DON'T GIVE UP! Really, the ending would be worth it. After all, all's well that ends well, right? ;)

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Outstanding adaptation! Worth the watch!

Although I started watching this drama for my favourite guest and support actors, surprisingly I was entranced by many brilliant and talented actors/actresses especially the ML ZYL and the FL LSS. Even though I knew the major plot and the ending for this drama,  it didn't deter me from finishing this wonderfully executed and very captivating drama.

All the characters were portrayed impeccably well by the actors. Theirs elaborate appearances added fine details to their characters. Deep emotions, passion, feelings were displayed immaculatelly and their stories unfolded magnificently well, leading the events and results to the point where everything is set perfectly for the season 3.

I adored the beautiful and elegant clothes and make up of the actors and actresses. The backgrounds and settings were very suitable to scenes and events. Unique architectures magnified the effectiveness of making each setting different and enjoyable experience.

I loved different kinds of couples and their interactions. All the couples have different stories to show and their own undeniable and captivating charm.  Each couple had great chemistry. The types of romances shown were very beautiful and engaging: like HZ and HYs romance of push and pull due to their identity and responsibility, different ways of doing things, Spider king BMY's protectivness and selfless acts of care for DNJ and his people, YY and MXW's story of Romeo and Juliet where family interfered and made things difficult for them, the confusing love between MM and the leech demon CML's with two personalities, YYT and WZ being childhood sweethearts, the dark unconditional love with no boundaries between JH and JL, the kind/forgiving love between DCR and JJX knowing the motive they got together, the QMY's unwavering persueing of love and relationship with ZZ and finally, LQZ's cute and hesitant unrequited love for DQL. Although they were all different kind of romances they have one thing in common they loved the other deeply selflessly enough to be ready to sacrifice anything even their lives to protect and save their significant others. Being able to do this is a testament to the real and true love.

Aside from love stories, I was also impressed by heart warming and sweet sibling and parent/children relationships.

This drama taught many lessons. Love and life is not bed of roses. Most people face ups and downs with their loved ones. More so if their world is plagued with societal injustice and chaos. Furthermore, life is even more difficult for people with conscience and power who take their responsibilities and duties more seriously putting their personal lives at the bottom of priority list. Mostly prosperity and peace in different places around the world is achieved by sacrifices of their great heroes/heroines.

Their are always people who commit evil deeds and justify them due to their greed, obssestions, love for fame, power and/or glory and have to be fought to stop them. Without love, kindness, loyalty, trust, sacrifice, strong positive familial bonds and establishment of justice and order world would be very dark place.  Those who are left behind  of course have to learn to deal with grief and regrets but important thing is never to give up and respect their sacrifices and work for the better future and even if there is uncertainty there will be good change when righteous path is persued.


The CGI and cenimatrography of this drama was mind-blowing. The attention to detail, photorealism, seamless integrations, lighting and texturing not only gave a compelling visual experience, it also effectively communicated the sub stories and emotions. Thus, successfully engaging the viewers and leaving an everlasting impression.

I loved the beautiful and exquisite OST's which are very heartwarming, thought provoking and emotion stirring.

Overall it is very excellent fantasy drama adopted from manhwa. I highly recommend it to romance/fantasy lovers. 💕 Definetly looking forward to the season 3 'Sword and Beloved'💖

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It took me over 6 months after this show was completed for me to finish watching it, and no that is not because it was 50 episodes, its because it became so monotonous.
So many of the things that I really enjoyed about the drama came to an end around episode 15 with still 35 more episodes of almost nothing really important.
There were so many scenes where the main character just stared "meaningfully" at the camera, or into space, or at each other.
The main character Princess started off as a strong willful and fun character, but then just fell into this "ugh" phase where all she did was act like every other woman in Joseon. I was so disappointed by her. Over all the acting was sub par and the story just got dragged out more and more. Then the "special armory" people who didn't even have a real role would just show up in a scene sitting and talking to each other like they had so much free time, it was so unrealistic. I really like King Gwanghye and the actor in that role but he is not in it long enough, it would have been really interesting if they had made it more about him than her, and King Injo.
It ends with them trying to pull at some heart strings but it just doesn't work, mostly because by that point I was just irritated with all of the characters I didn't see a reason to care. Over all I would not suggest this drama to anyone.

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An Interesting Unique Korea Drama

The title of "You Make Me Dance" caught my attention. Because I love dance movies/dramas. The story between the debtor and creditor was unique. I loved the chemistry between Song Shi On and Jin Hong Seok. In episode 6, Song Shi On had touched my heart when he was pretending to be have been talking to his mom on the phone. His mom has left him after she had gotten remarried and has changed her number in the process. Also, in episode 6, when he had injured his ankle by a jealous rival, I really didn't think that he would achieve his dream of getting the main lead. I am very please with how the director So Joon Moon illustrated the ending. I wish that the drama could have been longer than 14 mins and have more than 8 episodes. I really enjoyed the storyline of this drama, and I will definitely rewatch it again.

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I'm going to keep this review short and simple

Firstly, I watched this show fairly quickly, so it does have its addictive value.
I didn't skip ahead in any scenes except for the last episode which is weird since most would most every second of the last episode. But my reason was the ending...

To many, the ending is happy since Abu ended up with Yi Hai Lan, but what is stupid and unjust is the treatment to the actually Xuan Mo. This Abu not only stole Xuan Mo's body without properly asking to use it but also stole her life, her crush and her friends. I thought once at lease in the middle of the show Abu would return to her planet, and leave Xuan Mo to Yi Hai Lan and they both get together, but no. What's so inconsiderate is that everyone's mean to Xuan Mo, the original girl without any supernatural abilities, high intelligence and extreme fighting skills. But once she is possessed by this alien everyone likes her. What the nonsense? At least they should have let stupid Abu leave the girl in the end I mean you already fulfilled your mission, and you claim to be so great Abu, but you still have possession of Xuan Mo's body. Imagine how Xuan Mo would feel, just being trapped in her own body, but it's not her that's having the fun times with her friends, brother and Yi Hai Lan. I mean like her life as an actual human being was so depressing, at least give her something you know? The entire time I was waiting for the real Xuan Mo to come back, and when she doesn't I immediately hated Abu. Abu even had the nerve to say "I wanna be with you forever" to Yi Hai Lan so irritating. And what is even ruder is that none of the characters find it wrong for another being to have control of Xuan Mo's body and none of them tells her to leave so that they can see the real Xuan Mo which means they didn't give a s*** about the real Xuan Mo.
However, despite that the story is alright.
Still mad though
Though I was keeping it short and simple but I guess not.

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This is by far one of the best Kdrama I've watched in the years of my life. It has a unique genre covering a story between God, the devil and human. It also covers about human's greed and selfishness. It's a pity this drama seems to be underrated.

I really enjoyed the story line. The writers are great (kudos to them) for writing the ending. It gave closure to the watchers (not many drama do this nowadays). I especially love the ending as the writers gave each characters a great ending, though not happily ever after kind of ending, but it sure won't leave you to your own imagination.
I really love Igyeong's character in this drama, she was so humble, kind-hearted and unselfish girl (which doesn't really existed in reality). There are some lessons you can get from this drama (some wise advise from Harip towards the end).
A big round of applause to the actors and actresses portraying the characters perfectly. To the point of that annoying Jung Ra-in (but got used to her towards the end as the writer made her to be good). The devil's character was portrayed perfectly evil (facial expressions, etc). It was an AMAZING casts. Thank you for the hard works into this drama.

Lastly, the musics... I guess.. the phrase "Let the music heals your soul" does really apply in this drama. I love all the musics in this drama. If you really like music, go listen to it. I may not understand Koreans nor did I read the songs translations but the music itself is pleasing to the ears. Some of the songs are already embedded in my brain and can't help to hum it every time I hear the melody.

Overall... if you really like drama.. this is a must watch... this drama is superb.
Hope my review helps...

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In summary: a very entertaining show that kept me thrilled and excited, and also moved me at times.

This show has pretty much everything - a compelling romance, exciting mysteries and action scenes. In a way the story felt very similar to I Hear Your Voice, probably because they share the same writer-director team.

I love that the central relationship is strong - Choi In Ha and Choi Dal Po, and there isn't too much unnecessary angst as is too often the case in Korean dramas, and it gave us so many scenes of cuteness.

Well it certainly seems like everything Lee Jong Suk touches on TV turns to gold. While his character in this show really reminds me of his character in I Hear Your Voice, I didn't feel there was any baggage in his portrayal of the character. I was compelled and won over to his side, and rooting for him and his relationships and journalistic career. Can I also say Lee Jong Suk is a damn good crier?

Park Shin Hye finally was given the opportunities to show her abilities in dramatic and comedic acting which seem to have been buried somewhere after You're Beautiful.

I am a fan of Roy Kim and was pleasantly surprised at Tiger JK's inclusion in a drama soundtrack, so I quite enjoyed this soundtrack.

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I must say, this was the most beautifully filmed drama I have ever seen. The camera techniques alone should be copied by other cinematographers in the future. I could review just on that alone and I couldn't do this drama justice.

Overall, I liked it, damn near loved it. True, the ending was what I wanted but not expecting. I have to say the acting by all of the characters was stellar! From Jo In Sung to Song Hye Ko as well as Kim Bum and Kim Tae Woo as Moo Chul.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely! Welcome to one of favorites for 2013! And Jo In Sung, I am happy to finally see you in a drama that I finished, loved and will cherish!

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Warm and Fluffy

I usually lose my patience with C-Dramas as they tend to lose focus mid series. I usually find a story can be wrapped up in under 20 episodes. However, with series I found myself enjoying it and not fast forwarding through scenes. The leading couple are likeable and you root for them throughout. It has a well balanced support crew as well.

I would have liked to see a bit more of the ML relationship with his parents. It was almost skirted over.

I look forward to seeing the ML in more dramas. The FL is adorable and not too naive as is the standard in C-Dramas .

I will definitely be rewatching this one again.

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