It has one of the most intelligently written plots that one can ever come across. It's psychologically heavy and demands a mature audience. The drama chooses to look at its theme in a very philosophical manner; it chooses to take its audience to the core of a damaged human soul, and then slowly analyzes its each and every layers. As each layer unfolds, the audience learns more and more of the truth.
To put it simply, this drama is about mistakes. However, what it focuses on is not the act of making a mistake itself, but rather its effects on both the person who's made the mistake, and the people who've been hurt by it. This might seem very simple, but in actuality it is profoundly complex.
We watch the characters suffer as they fight their inner battles, the battles between love and hate, good and evil, right and wrong. We watch them as they crumble and still try to find their footing. Even though at times it seems futile, we still hope as hard as we can that they will survive this, that somehow everything would turn out to be ok. And I have to add this: what was very impressive was how in the midst of all this, the most humane feeling started to shine ... love; not necessary a romantic love, but the love that one can have for oneself, for the people around him/her, and for the life itself.
The music was simply AMAZING, I cannot think of a better choice of music. Moreover, the acting was outstanding, specially the leads. Before this drama I didn't know any of the male leads, so their breathtaking acting took me off guard. There were times that the slightest change in their expression would make my tears drop or my heart to skip a beat.
I recommend this drama to people who like to dwell in psychological mysteries. People who enjoy brilliantly written stories with meat to chew on, the ones that will leave you thinking not only for hours, but for days and months to come.
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The Nokdu Flower
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1This review may contain spoilers
Fight for human rights. A story written with the blood of latest Joseon history. Highly valuable.
Definitely worthwile! "Nokdu Flower" offers a historically remarkable epic with a strong performance. The KDrama excels sort of. It almost seems as if the entire team was all too aware of the ambitious challenge to adequately capturing this short but crucial sequence of Korean history.In the second half of the 19th century, exploitation, famine, a corrupt, incompetent government and weak kings had eroded almost all belief in the existing system, in aristocracy and administration. Then there was the opening of the country to world politics and trades, for which the corrupt Joseon also proved to be profitable. In this historical KDrama it's not so much about the political intrigues around the palace, but about the landowners, administrative offices and Yangban in the provinces as well as the rebellion of the desperate rural people, who simply can't take it anymore.
The struggle for democracy in Korean history, like elsewhere in the world, has been quite bloody. That was last in May 1980 in Gwangju, when the democratic aspirations of the people were brutally crushed by the military. This was so during the student independence movement in 1929 in the fight against Japanese oppression. And that happened in connection with the Donghak movement, too, which had caused quite a stir throughout the country between 1860 and 1894. "Nokdu Flower" is deliberately very close to the front lines of those uprisings for democratic reforms, which then had been for the first time organized on this scale. This forms the perfect background for dramatically intertwined relationship dynamics of two half-brothers, (whose father is one of the particularly exploitative provincial officials who bleed the people dry), as well as the daughter of a merchant, who is used to deal with anybody, even the Japanese, for high profit.
The road to democracy on the Korean Peninsula is definitely rocky. To this day, the reactionary forces are still strong. "Nokdu Flower", however, represents a powerful, unforgettable symbol for the spirited struggle for freedom. The Donghak movement is often seen as the first patriotic Korean movement, since it was also about counteracting the increasing e. g. Japanese influence. But more than a patriotic struggle, initially the Donghak movement was actually about an idea that is bigger than family of origin or nation: It's about basic human rights. (An idea that, not too long before that, had also stirred up the European continent)
Matter follows spirit. And this spirit was shaken up in the rural population of Joseon by a new religious movement: Choe Je-u (1824–1864) created a new faith in 1860: Donghak, which roughly means "Eastern Wisdom". Drawing from Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and Shamanism, it sees the divine spirit at work in human beings - in ALL human beings, without distinguishing between class or gender. Additionally, it sees the world as moving in cycles - with a whole new world just waiting ahead.
Nevertheless, it is blood that paves the path to a new era. Eventually, the results of the first Donghak peasant rebellion included a treaty. The "Gabo Reform" recognized the new religion, and among other things, the lowest classes were freed, widows were granted the right to remarry, and penalties for corruption and abuse of office were introduced. Unfortunately, there followed a second peasant rebellion...
This is a story written with the blood of latest Joseon history, sort of.
Overall, a highly valuable production.
--------------- BY THE WAY... ----------------------
...the traditional Korean national dish BIBIMBAP is closely linked to Jeonju and to the Donghak uprising. The heart of the rebellion was in Jeolla province with Joenju being the provincial capital. Among farmers who did not have the time to prepare countless side dishes, it was common to simply mix whatever there was with rice and spices. This food proved its worth, especially when it came to feeding the rebels in their brave fight for new values and a more just future.
... the TITLE TRACK is actually a popular folk song that goes straight back to the peasant uprising. "Nokdu Flower" actually means 'blossom of the mung beans', but here it refers to the nickname of Jeon Bong-jun, leader of the peasant rebellion.
"Bird, bird, blue bird,
bird, bird, blue bird,
Don't sit in the mung bean fields.
When the blossom falls
the farmer goes to cry.
Bird, bird, blue bird,
Jeonju Gobu Nokdu bird,
why don't you fly away
The pines and bamboos are green.
We thought it was summer
yet it's bitterly cold and snowy."
The blue bird refers to the Japanese - they shouldn´t have any business in Joseon and should go away. Joenju and Gobu are legendary places of the uprising. Nokdu refers to Jeon Bong-jun´s nickname and the riot. However, Nokdu, the mung bean, also refers to an important agricultural product and food. Falling blossoms indicate a bad harvest. The 'summer' stands for the first uprising, the 'cold winter' for the second. The song was probably born during the execution of the leader Jeon Bong-jun and has since become a nationwide folk song in several different versions.
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A wonderful "slice of life" drama that isn't for everyone's taste
I rarely write reviews for dramas since I consider that everyone's taste is different and we don't have to and can't like the same things.However, this drama made me write my first review here.
I'll start by saying that this (as I've seen in the comments) is a "love it" or "hate it" drama, with no in-between.
I, for one, adored it.
It's rare to see such true depiction of real relationships and real human emotions with all their pettiness, frustration, sadness, joy and all that comes when loving another.
It's such a fresh drama that shows the viewer what happens in all stages of a relationship and isn't stopping just at "they lived happily ever after" or "they broke up and that's it".
In my opinion, the viewer has to be in a proper state of mind to watch this drama. Also, a certain amount of life experience might be of help in order to understand it, maybe.
A well made "slice is life" drama with good, bad, funny and sad moments that was really well acted and made me admire Seo Kang Joon even more (his portrayal of Junyoung was amazing) and love and understand Esom's Youngjae and all the other characters.
Life doesn't have a liniar flow. There's always something that will shake us to our core and either make us or breake us and this drama shows this in a very human way.
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What I really found endearing is the frankness of the lead male Shuji and his inner monologue/narration. I like that he was outwardly popular but inwardly unsure, bored, scared and lonely. The theme of this show is a simple one. Finding true friendship...whether you are a popular kid, a quirky loner or a withdrawn, scared and painfully shy newcomer.
Each episode is written to show the development of this core friendship. As the synopsis and title reveal, these three come together to 'produce' Nobuta and make her popular but...wow is that so not what really matters here. I loved the way the story unfolded in such an original manner compared to the way a westernized show would have handled this. Lovely.
The acting is great. Not perfect but very good. My favorite was Yamashita Tomohisa who played Akira. He was so quirky, clumsy and strange but what a loyal and steadfast friend. Yamapi was great. There are a lot of wonderful characters to be found within the setting of their school; teachers and students alike. I enjoyed Shuji's family. They were a hoot! Nobuta was like a flower opening up to the sun when Shuji and Akira found her. I loved the development of her strength and their loyalty to her. Wonderful!
At 10 episodes, this series was a fast and entertaining watch. No story line or plot point dragged on too long or bogged down the pace. The music was fine..not memorable but not bad either. But this drama isn't really about a standout soundtrack so I did not find it distracting or lacking in any way. I gave the re-watch value an 8 because while I might not watch it again this was a very entertaining drama and others might really enjoy watching more than once.
I recommend this drama highly. It's quick, it's sweet, it's touching and fun. Give it try if you are hesitating.
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1This review may contain spoilers
The P'orn Supremacy
It has become clear to me, from the very first scene, that the producers of this magnificent show must have hired someone from the gay porn industry as a consultant. This, I believe, is how their pre-production meetings went.Day 1.
The Producer: Alright, everyone. The results are in, and the trends are clear. There is now a clear north-south divide in the BL audience. Those who seek chaste BLs of cute boys go to Korea or Japan. If they want stepbrothers, they go to Taiwan. If they want pure spice, they come to us. Now, the greatness that is Mame showed us how low — I mean, how far — we can go. We now have to up our game. So, I have hired a consultant, Thunder Thighs, from the world of gay porn…
Writer 1: Oh god.
The Producer: …to help us improve our offering. Let’s give him a warm welcome.
Thunder (to thunderless applause): Cheers. Now, let’s get to work. Show me what you have.
Writer 1: I think we’ve covered all the basics. At least 3 couples; tall tops, short bottoms; rich tops, poor bottoms; boss tops, subordinate bottoms; slutty tops, virgin bottoms…
Thunder: Yeah, I get the idea. Any of them dom tops?
Writer 2: One is, absolutely; the other is for chaste-chasers, or, chaters, if you will.
Writer 1: We also have the tried-and-tested office setting, token women, time jump, accidental fall-and-catch, ten-percent body fat…
Thunder: Good, good. Any openly gay guys in it?
Writer 1: Not really. "Don't say 'gay'" is sort of our policy here.
Thunder: Good. Nothing is more off-putting in gay porn than having gay men in it.
Writer 2: Really?
Thunder: Yeah, the thrill is all about seducing a straight guy. What about the other guys? Are they “straight”?
Writer 2: Well, technically, they would be bisexuals.
Writer 1: But we don’t acknowledge them. Or use that word.
Thunder: Promising.
Writer 2: Do you want to hear the story?
Thunder: Oh, no one cares about that. People just fast forward to get to the good stuff.
The Producer (puzzled): Why then have it in the first place?
Thunder: To give the illusion of reality. You have to be able to believe that there is a world in which you can “pay the pizza guy back” by servicing him, or that you can “convert” a “straight” guy gay…
Someone at the back: Ah, so this is another form of “conversion therapy”?
The Producer: You’re fired.
Day 2.
Writer 1: So, this is how the story begins. An inexperienced youth is initiated into the rites of gay romance by a brash senior. Time pulls them apart. But then, a few years later, they end up working at the same office, and…
Thunder: How does the initiation happen?
Writer 2: What? Oh. Well, we thought that they could spot each other across a Buddhist temple, know that they were meant for each other, bump into each other -- literally -- the top will then catch the bottom...
Thunder: What the fuck is this? The Hallmark Channel? This won’t do. Here’s how you do it. The old’un’s the top, yeah? Have him wank off secretly in a public place…
Writer 2: Secretly… in a public place?
Thunder: Yes. Then have the bottom catch him in the act, by hiding clearly where the top can see him.
Writer 2: Hiding, where he can be seen?
Thunder: Yes. Then the top catches him watching, pulls him in, and says, ‘You’re so hard! Come, I’ll give you a hand shandy and make you come." He'll go: "But I thought you were straight?" Wait… can the top be his stepbrother?
Writers (together): No!
The Producer (at the same time): Sure!
Thunder: Never mind. You’ve seen gay porn. You know what comes next. One of them says: “Have you ever done this before?” The other guy says: “no”. Then, "Do you want to try?" Then, "Sure." Now, you must avoid kissing if possible, yeah? Kissing is “gay”. But if they must kiss, have the top say: “Can I kiss while I wank you off? It’ll be hotter.” The bottom says: “What if we get caught?” The top goes: “We won’t…”
Writer 1: You want us to put all of this in the first episode?
Thunder: Are you kidding? This is the first scene!
Day 3.
Writer 1: Should we talk about the other couples?
Thunder: Must we?
Writer 1: Yes.
Thunder: Okay. What's the deal with the other gays?
Writer 1: Well, we were going to have them as a sweet, romantic alternative to the spiciness of the first.
The Producer: We have to cater to the non-horny people, Mr Thighs. Otherwise, they’ll go to Korea.
Thunder (looking at the cast photos and finding Yoon): Wait… Isn’t this the guy from Unforgotten Night? Are you telling me we're not going to see his back tattoo? That he won't fuck his chump against a desk in his office?
Writer 2: His Champ. And you do know that wasn't a real tattoo, right?
Thunder: What's your point?
The Producer (getting up): Perhaps now would be a good time for a break.
Writer 1: Wait, what about the lesbian couple? (To the Producer): Are we allowed to say “lesbian” in Thai BL/GL?
The Producer: No.
Thunder: Sorry, love, I’ve nothing to contribute to that. If you want to fetishise or demean lesbians, go to straight men.
Day 4.
Writers (walking into the room and slamming the table): What the fuck are you doing to our script?
Thunder: There was a script?
The Producer: Let’s all calm down.
Writer 2: Why have you butchered half the scenes? And why does each episode read like a sex-ed class from a gay porn star?
Thunder: Because, darling, it is. What else have I got to work with?
Writer 1: Plot? Characterisation? Dialogue?
Writer 2: There *is* a story here, can't you see? Jun is the only one with integrity. Sorn is lying to himself and to Jun. But as the story moves along, their roles will reverse. Sorn's girlfriend...
Thunder: Can you show me where in the script you've written all that? Because I can't find it. The only thing I can find is horniness. If sex is what brings them together, why not make it front and centre? No one's staying for the dialogue.
Writer 1 (to the Producer): You hear that? That’s the nail in my coffin.
Day 5.
Thunder: Alright, where are we so far? We’ve had the handshake, the kiss, the steam, and the straddle. We now have to do the… Wait... Wait a sodding minute. (Thumbing through the whole script.) This thing has 12 episodes? How the fuck are you going to drag it out that long?
Writer 1: Oh, don’t worry about that. We have it refined down to a fine art.
Thunder: How’s that?
Writer 2: We'll start with some denial. That long river in Africa. We'll then introduce an unlikeable girlfriend for the top, and a gentle love interest for the bottom. We'll make them all jealous. Then, we'll use the two most powerful weapons in our arsenal...
Thunder: Which are?
Writer 2: Misunderstanding and miscommunication. Believe me, you can mine these two babies to keep the plot turning for at least six episodes.
Thunder: And the rest?
Writer 2: That’s where the side couples come in.
Thunder: So, what you’re telling me is that this time, you don’t even have enough material for 8 episodes that you had to bring me in.
The Producer: That is correct. So, what’s next?
Thunder: How bold do you wanna go?
The Producer: I mean, we opened the first episode with a handjob…
Thunder: Then how about we open the fourth with a flatiron?
Writer 2: What's that?
Thunder: Google it.
Day 6.
The Producer: So, we're all in agreement? We’ll keep Thai and Chump — I mean Champ — for the softies: soft, gentle, and with flags so green that all of Ireland would be offended…
Writers: Fine.
The Producer: Now, as for Sorn and Jun…
Thunder: You’d better let them breed like rabbits if you want the people hooked. You've got to put the Dom back in Condom; the Ass back in passive.
Writer 1: Oh, does that mean we’re allowed to show some realistic elements of safe gay sex on screen? Condoms, lubes, preparations?
Thunder: Don't be a douche.
Writer 2: Yes, douche too.
Thunder: Funny. But people don’t wanna see all that mess, yeah? They just want a clean shot. Geddit?
Writer 1: I'll add that to my list of reasons to die.
Writer 2: So what's next? What do we do with Sorn and Porn? I mean, Jun?
Thunder: Well, you've vetoed 'stepbrothers'. We’ve done 'straight-to-gay'. So, I guess the next big thing would be ‘roommate' porn, and almost ‘getting caught’. Run with those.
Writer 2: Right in front of my salad?
Day 7.
Script Editor: I quit. There is no meaning to life anymore.
(Storms out of the room.)
Thunder: What’s her problem?
Writer 1: Let’s see, we've gotten so bored with Chai — Champ and Thai, that is — that their storyline's now as bland as camomile tea. Penny breaks up with P'Sorn in a scene so amicable that Gwyneth Paltrow would look at it and say, ‘that’s bullshit’. And then, all of a sudden, Penny is just ready to scissor Jun in the middle of the office…
Thunder: Oh please, as if you BL writers were ever interested in the romantic life of lesbians.
The Producer: I mean, that's fair.
Writer 2: But you’ve mangled the script so much that nothing makes sense anymore.
Thunder: You loved the nipple play though, right?
Writer 1: Yes, the dialogue is scintillating. “Don’t mess with my nipple.” “But it’s so tiny and cute.”
Writer 2: I can’t believe I’m about to say this: but the writing is better in porn.
Thunder: Why, thank you. I'm flattered.
Day 8.
Writer 1: What next?
Thunder: Cottaging.
Writer 2 (to the Producer): How far are we willing to push it?
Thunder: Swallowing, if you want to be demure. Cum shot, if you want to be bold.
Writer 2: Jesus Christ.
The Producer: Meanwhile, please welcome our new addition to the team... Chad.
Thunder: He’s straight, isn't he?
The Producer: Yes. I’ve brought him in to advise us on the GL scenes.
Thunder: You do realise I was joking last week, right?
The Producer: So?
Day 9.
Thunder: Missionary Accomplished!
The Producer (raising his glasses): Here's to Oat and Boat!
Everyone: To Oat and Boat!
The Producer: How did you come up with the scene against the mirror? It was inspired.
Thunder: It's from one of my movies, Willy Wanker.
Day 10.
Writer 2: Oh, you haven’t shredded our script for the next two episodes?
The Producer: I’d argue that it reads somewhat better than before.
Writer 1: How come?
Thunder: Here’s the problem with you ladies. You seem to think that sex is something supplementary to a story. It isn’t. Sex is an integral part of the story. The human story. Evolution shaped us for it. And sometimes, as here, sex *is* the story.
Writer 2: What’s your point?
Thunder (sighing): The emotional connection between the boys is built on sex, innit? It ain't books or music. It 's also their main way of expressing trust, distrust, pleasure and pain.
Writer 2: That's suprisingly thoughtful.
Thunder: So, when their physical relationship falls apart, their emotional relationship falls with it. Even if the reasons you give for it are daft, as is the case here.
Writer 1: Daft?
Thunder: Please, you thought Sorny’s backstory would convince anybody? Why don’t you give him a spray-on beard while you're at it and show people how sad he is?
(The writers look at each other, wondering if it’s not a bad idea after all.)
Day 11.
(Back from the actors’ workshop):
Thunder: No, no, no, no, no. Nope. I can’t work with those two. I can’t.
The Producer: Why not?
Thunder: Did you take a look at their "acting"? There was more sexual chemistry between oil and water than those two. They touch each other as if they had visible eczema. Can’t you abandon them, like you abandoned the lesbians? Subtle, by the way. What, did you fire Chad after one day?
The Producer: But Yoon & PunPun have signed a contract saying they’d do at least three sex scenes. We’ve already paid them for it.
Thunder: Baffling. Who’d want to watch those wet wicks instead of real fireworks?
Writer 1 (sighing): I told you. We could have done without the side couples. And we could have spent that time to properly allow the characters to come out and be happy together. But no, you insisted on at least three to cater to everyone.
The Producer: I need to hedge my bets, okay? I'm only in it for the money. So stop hounding me.
Day 12.
The Producer: Alright, everyone. It's the last day. Let’s go out with a bang, shall we?
Writer 2: Two bangs, according to the script.
Thunder: A bang and a whimper is all you'll get. Can’t make a horse drink water, can we?
Writer 1: ChatGPT will soon take care of that. But what do you suggest for now?
Thunder: Tell Yoon to stop poking his tongue out like a goldfish. That would be one. Then, standing doggy in the staircase?
Writer 2: For whom?
Thunder: Both. I don’t care. Nor will the audience. They'll have tuned out by Ep. 10, trust me. So, just wrap it up, and churn the same stuff -- jealousy, aggression, possessiveness, horniness -- one last time.
Writer 1: Done.
(The Producer sighs.)
Thunder: Just make sure Boat’s shirt is unbuttoned, yeah? It leaves something to the imagination.
Writer 1: How about we also drop Oat’s trousers as well? To further fire up the imagination.
Thunder: My work here is done.
Reader's Digest:
DO SAY: Your Oat Floats My Boat
DON'T SAY: Bring back the back tattoo
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Best Historical Romantic Drama of 2019
This is one of the very few dramas that has more depth and lets the viewers experience all kinds of emotions – love, hatred, happiness, sadness, kindness, cruelty, trust, betrayal, amongst others. Being a tragedy, this drama has captured my heart and emotions, and takes me through the journey of joy and pain.The female lead grows from an innocent and naive girl living on the steppes/desert, into a thoughtful and self-sacrificing woman living in the palace. Her role makes her the most loved character in the drama, and Peng Xiao Ran has effortlessly achieved the high standard in her acting. She is an amazing actress – natural, beautiful and authentic.
The first male lead, Chen Xing Xu, is very young in his early 20s. He has also achieved successfully his role as the 5th Prince with a boyish personality. He gives viewers the impression of a silly thoughtless youth, and yet, he is a smart scheming lethal strategist deep down. This is a very complex character to portray and Chen has done it with flying colors.
This is a high-quality production, from acting to costumes to props. The whole cast plays their roles convincingly and effectively. All details are taken care of. There are no or few holes/loose ends.
The story itself is heart-wrenching and sad, but it also calls up many questions we may have within ourselves about life and about decisions we make daily – things may not always be what they seem to be.
Since it is a tragedy, the ending is what it is expected, a tragedy. I love the ending because there is proper closure for every character; no unnecessary killings just to write-off a character. Everyone gets what he/she deserves.
The sound tracks are the most unforgettable tunes for this drama. Each song is meaningful with sorrow and longing that are sung in beautiful melodies. I don’t know how many times I have listened to the “Little Fox” which gives me the deepest impression. The song conjures up images of a girl riding a horse running freely on the steppes, long gone is the pain one has to endure in life.
Despite it is heart-wrenching to watch some episodes that involve betrayal and killings, this is a must-watch drama. I give it a two-thumbs up.
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As other reviews have mentioned, the story is definitely your typical, cliche rich man and poor girl. But, there was something different about this story. I couldn't pinpoint it out for you, you'd have to see for yourself, but it was just so refreshing! I think the reason might be because it wasn't as stressed or emphasized. I mean yes, you can clearly see he's rich and she's just a little mere accountant's assistant, but Feng Teng wasn't a complete jerk like you see in so many other classic dramas like this, like BOF for instance.
What I liked the absolutely MOST about this drama, and the reason I think I'm so in love with it even though it was rather simplistic, is because it seemed kind of REAL to me, and there was no real hindrances. I mean of course there were problems for the main couple, and a love triangle in the beginning. But there was no character I ever truly hated, not even the second female lead in the first half. I didn't have the same pure hatred for her as I've had in other dramas, and I grew to really love her in the end. It may not have a whole ton of complex plot-twists and things like that, but it never died for me. It was 33 episodes and I finished it within days. It never dragged for me, not really, and there was just enough cute moments through out the whole show to keep me squeeling.
I swear to you, the amount of times I SQUEELED is HUGE. I can't even begin to tell you how surprised I was at how many times I legitimately squeeled and clapped my hands. I am not this type of person, but I could not suppress them!
As for the acting, I'm not sure. This was actually my first Chinese drama, I'd never explored the C-dramas before, but I think I just might now. I dabble more with Korean and Taiwanese dramas.
Zao Zanilia was absolutely adorable. She took a silly, ditsy character and turned her into a complex, three-dimensional real human being. Typically characters like Shan Shan are annoying, and their lack of passion (and a back-bone) usually irritate me to no end. Zao Zanilia (and the scrip writers) gave Shan Shan an edge; she may not have always screamed and fought, but she had her own way of dealing and handling these situations.
Zhang Han was, of course, sizzling HOT. I was actually wavered by him when I first started watching the show. He's one of the cutest actors I've seen, I'm not sure why. To be honest, my only shallow complaint is that his legs are just so skinny. But maybe that's a Chinese trend or is typical? I'm not sure, I'm not proficient in this area, like I've said before I haven't seen any others. His acting was pretty on par, my only complaint there is a sometimes lack of facial expressions. Although it wasn't in his character to be so blatantly affected, or to show it, but still. I swear his eye brows never moved... but he was still cute, none the less.
As for the supporting actresses and characters, they all did swell. I was engaged in their stories as much as the main couple, even if they didn't get a whole lot of show time (because this story was more focused on the main couple - which I really liked actually).
The music wasn't bad, but it wasn't amazing either. There is a song or two that I think I'm going to download though, very cute, and they were definitely put in the right places. They weren't too extremely loud or annoying, either. Which was nice!
To be honest, I want to start rewatching it RIGHT NAO. I like this too, and hate. It's contradicting I know... I haven't felt this way about a drama in a LONG time. It was so heart-warming and just so cute, I mean I think this is probably the cutest drama I've seen in a long time, and not cute in an over-the-top, annoying way. The story was smooth, never slow, never fast, just a steady pace that drew me into the characters and into their world. I'm still reeling now... I don't want it to be done, I think I might cry... WAHH~ ;3;
Overall, because I was so absolutely in love with this drama, I have given it a 10. I know, it lacks a lot of things a normal 10 drama should get, but for me, I'm giving this one a 10 not because of the technicalities, but because of how I feel. Not many dramas can make me feel this way, but this one has accomplished just that, so I must tip my hat to this drama. I'm glad my first Chinese drama wasn't a bad experience!
I whole-heartedly recommend this drama to those looking for a refreshing, cute, innocent drama that's not over-the-top or annoying, but has just the right amount of serious matter, realistic relationship hindrances, and lots of fun and laughing! I can't help but to feel like I haven't said enough, that I'm missing something... but this is long enough!
Just. Watch. It. :D
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I haven't been this fascinated by a movie in a long time. Sure, excited and caught by movies but not fascinated.
Story - the story is awesome. The ending did not really go for my taste but I liked it better than expected, let's say - it fits the movie well. While in the beginning you start thinking "Will this movie really be interesting?" the characters suck you into their life and feelings and you cannot stop watching until you know what's gonna happen. I liked how the story went along and like I said the ending fits quite well.
Acting/Cast - First off, I'm amazingly happy that the actor for Jaeha (I just forgot his name right now), a really known and popular actor, is in this movie and it's not just made by newbies or so. This gives this kind of mature movie a more serious and experienced feeling. As for the acting - it was awesome. I loved it. Nothing more to say.
Music - You don't really notice but then you do. It fits really really well.
Rewatch - Probably. Pretty sure.
Overall - Overall, Method is a piece of art where everything was put together neatly. It's definitely interesting, although not to everyone's taste I presume, and I think all the parts fit so well together which makes it enjoyable to watch even if it is quite dark. I recommend it, definitely!
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As much as I love my usual rom-coms, Misaeng completely took me by surprise and gave me thrills and heart wrenching moments in every single episode. Some people find the pace slow, but it worked for me. I was engrossed with each and every character and every single plot. I laughed and cried with the trio from Sales Team #3 and its group of supporting casts. It has unexpected moments and original story telling that is rarely seen. I absolutely loved it!
Give it a try. If nothing else, you will walk away with a few valuable life lessons.
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This drama stars Park Min Young as Hae Won. Hae Won's POV is how we slowly (very slowly) get introduced to this town. She is cold, and super emo, so don't expect a completely lovable character, but I found her performance to be super realistic, and I empathized with her even when she frustrated me. I'm not surprised that she was so good (she's one of my favorites), but I am surprised that she had such great chemistry with Seo Kang Joon, who I initially thought was too young for her. They were perfectly matched from the very beginning, whether their scenes were awkward, cute, sexy, or intense. There is also a lot unsaid between them, and lots of staring , which would get old quick with lesser actors. I just loved how they played off of each other so well no matter the mood of the scene. Kang Joon also plays Eun Sub as mysterious so effortlessly but also showed awkward vulnerability in a way that made me fall in love with his character quickly and look forward to seeing him on screen, even if he was just making coffee (very slowly lol). This isn't your typical romance, but I think romance fans with patience will get the payoff of seeing a great love story between two loners struggling with their own complicated pasts. Warmth in this drama isn't just about the weather, it's about how they are able to warm each other emotionally, and that feeling between them is palpable. It also gets HOT at moments which I appreciate!
The rest of the cast truly is also amazing, and really makes the town feel 100% real. One good thing about the pace is that it gives time for the supporting cast to also be portrayed as complicated well-developed characters, whether I loved or hated them. So many of the supporting characters got me in the feels... Mom and Aunt in the matching sunglasses (my favorites), Eun Sub's parents and hilariously obnoxious little sister, The book editor, The frienemy, The book club, and goofy but reliable Lee Jang Woo... eventually I felt like I knew the whole town well, and along with the gorgeous shots of the scenery, it felt like a welcomed vacation from coronavirus quarantine. At times it was almost a PSA for social distancing (physically and mentally lol)!
As for the story, I do think it is well done, with great attention to detail when it comes to relationships, and even a bit of suspense, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't struggling during the first episodes which mostly set the mood more than moving the story forward. It almost feels more like a stage play at some points. Still, it is definitely original and I had no idea where the story would lead, which was great, The music, while a perfect fit, also makes taking a nap during this drama very tempting. The Good Night Club confessional blog also felt a little much at times, although it does allow us to see more into Eun Sub's thoughts, especially about "Irene". For me, the pace picked up once Mom showed up, or at least there was much more focus on the overall story, and I no longer felt the urge to nap from then on. Not that the mood every really changes completely, the tone is moody and even calming throughout.
So, would I watch this again? I'm sure I will. I do think that now that I have connected to the characters and know what's going on, that the slow beginning would be more enjoyable the second time, and I'll no longer be confused by moments that didn't matter to me out of context. I still think some things could have been introduced or resolved in a way that dragged less, and maybe fewer flashbacks initially, but I still respect the overall pace because of the mood and atmosphere it helped to create.
Overall, I was uncertain at first, but this may be the perfect drama to watch while stuck at home. Don't expect a lot of action, a major villain, or even melodrama, because this story is driven by relationships and character development. I did love the themes of healing through emotional warmth and affection, struggles with forgiveness, or even the comfort in expressing themselves at the multigenerational bookclub. To me, this was a wonderful love story but it also explored all the different ways love can look, even when it seems like love is not there. I laughed, I cried, I felt butterflies and wanted to scream at the screen at moments, so I would never call this drama boring as a whole. I recommend giving this drama a chance. It won't appeal to everyone, but the slow but steady vibe definitely won me over!
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Another perfect season of Forest of Secrets (Stranger)
Forest of Secrets continues to shows Korea how it should be done. This is what happens when a writer as skillful as Lee Soo-yeon gets teamed up with brilliant actors, a talented director and a PD that understands how to bring all of that talent together.Jo Seung -woo is back as Hwang Shi-mok, the incorruptible prosecutor suffering from brain damage following surgery when he was young. He is joined once again by idealistic police officer Han Yeo-jin (Bae Doo-na). Set several years after the events of the first season, time and an inherently corrupt system has not been kind to either character, both ground down by the machinery of justice and both clearly nearing burnout.
This season starts with fog, Shi-mok's headlights illuminating it faintly and this image underpins everything the writer is trying to tell us about the quest for justice. Which way do we go through the fog? What step do we take? Which direction is the right one and which just gets us more lost? While blood splatter led us through the forest in the first season, there is no clear direction here: just people going through the motions and wondering whether they make any difference in the world.
The tone of season 2 is not just grim, it's leaden. The weight of those years bears heavily on our two protagonists as they attempt to navigate their way out of the fog, their path lit however dimly by a belief that justice is possible even if the pursuit of it is exhausting.
Forest of Secrets has grounded its narrative in this season in the fight between the police and the prosecution over investigative rights. As the infighting accelerates and the two sides seem more intent in slinging dirt than in serving the public, corruption gathers apace as it always does. And with our eternal partners Shi-mok and Yeo-jin on opposite sides, both will begin to question their role, their ethics and their ability to retain their independence and objectivity in an environment where it seems everyone is compromised in some way.
Forest of Secrets 2 may not be as rollicking as its first season but the writing is even more skillful, insightful and mature. We flounder in the dense fog as much as our characters do at first, waiting for that path out. And by putting us there and building that atmosphere, everyone involved shows us that they are truly at the top of their game.
Everything - the writing, direction, music, design - every aspect of this drama is almost perfect as its first year was as well.
This remains the pinnacle of Korean drama and its sophomore season merely cements that rank.
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QUEEN OF IDIOCY AND HER BIGGEST SIMP.
A show that looked quite interesting and engaging from its trailer and previews only to end up as a total dud. The episodes get boring with each case and rarely are moments of anything exciting. It is draggy and even gets annoying sometimes especially the entire relationshit arc between the leads.One of the most dumbest female leads to ever exist. I still don't know how she even managed to become a lawyer. From the previews it looked like she will be one strong willed and badass lady but all you get is an idiotic damsel in distress who just keeps putting herself into dangerous situations, only to be rescued by ML. In almost very ep, she just keep crying and lamenting.
Kang Ki Young finally getting a lead role but just the wrong show. His character is a huge doormat of a simp who just cannot move on from a lady who dumped him to marry someone richer and influential. The entire past love arc was pure crap and would have been better if not kept in the show. Dude keeps on getting hurt by FL's decisions and keeps coming back wiggling his tail.
There is no chemistry between the leads and neither is any character progression. I would say the relation arc between Sara and her ex husband was way better than the ex boyfriend turned coworker dude.
I would say the antagonists were way better than the leads and at some parts I even wanted them to win be it the ex husband or his mother. They did really well with their part.
If you are looking for some exciting law and thriller stuff, this show ain't worth your time.
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This review may contain spoilers
A contemporary love story with bonus fashion
I always wonder why some dramas have extremely low ratings. I have found out that it is best to watch most of the drama yourself and then rate independently of low reviews. This drama is another example of a diamond in the rough. From the beginning to end it started with strong characters and a substantial storyline that took the viewer beyond China to France and back. In addition, the story is a treatise on Chinese clothing styles and heritage. So many times I went to Google to research different terms used and regional cultures based on the introduction of different sewing styles and fabric choices that were indigenous to China. The fashion designs were over the top beautiful and the runway presentations made you feel like you were personally at Fashion Week.The second unique quality of this drama was the romance. This drama bordered on "Restricted" viewer use for a Chinese format. This is the first drama I have watched that the man was truly a sexy back type of man - (both lustful and romantic) as compared to the endless "cold - unemotional men portrayed so often in romance dramas. This drama continues to mature and mature and evolve into an addiction daily since the episodes were translated 7 days per week until the conclusion. That was a major treat.
The third quality was the background music. It never overwhelmed me and was always appropriate and never distracting.
Costume design A++++++ The fashion designs were excellent but the person or group of people that designed the attire for the actors throughout were very talented and added a higher quality to the drama. Award winning choices.
Kudos to the actors - all of them. They all hit home runs in their roles and this drama is highly recommended.
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