silent_whispers
Dramaland
This drama started out really fun. My ratings of the first 4 or so episodes are pretty good. But things went south. It had a great setup and I was interested in the characters. Things were progressing nicely. But then the storylines started to repeat over and over. Pretty much all of it got convoluted. I'm usually someone who doesn't mind 20 episodes. When the shows good it's perfect. But normally a drama needs to be 16 episodes to avoid flashbacks and fillers. Sadly THIS drama needed to be done in 10. (As I think someone else has stated.)
The acting was pretty cute and fun. I really liked Seul Bi she was amazing and I hope to see her in another drama. A better one. Both male leads were pretty good as well, and I wouldn't mind seeing them else where. Some of the other actors/actresses where campy. Like the male reaper/angel, though I think that might of due to his stereotype as that character.
Music was fun. Great at some points, too dramatic at others. Visually I thought it was well done. The fashion was fun, weird at some points, and hilarious in a few spots. And no I won't be rewatching this ever. As I really debated about dropping this drama.
In the end I kept going with High School Love On because I truly enjoyed it at the beginning. I think this drama suffered because it took so long to come out. Writing issues and it lost itself. I'll keep an eye out for the leads.
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Just have a box of tissues.
The only reason I'm taking points of the rewatch value is because you'll want to cry all over again. A particular kind of cry. One I'd have to be ready for again. Seriously, have tissues handy.This was a beautiful movie. I loved the characters and their stories, some where straight up injustices, and some that you realized that probably did deserve what they got. It was still hard to see anything happen to these women though. More so it's about connections and choices. It always makes me sad seeing how South Korea portrays orphans and prisoners. Prejudices against people for things they can't control. I hope this isn't really how it is . . . . but I've been told it is.
The actors were amazing. Whether they were top cast or just little side rolls. Which is impressive. The characters grew and the actors did such a wonderful job that you could see that growth. Be totally affected with it right along these amazing women.
The music was great. Which is important here! It was used in so many ways. To make us laugh. Empower the women. Convey hope, longing, and eventually heart break.
Overall I probably can't add to the praise everyone else has already sung (hahaha! couldn't resist), but I definitely will say this is good enough that I would suggest it to none K-drama fans. It holds up well enough. I was so happy with the acting and story. It was such a moving movie and I loved that all of the characters grew. No one was unaffected by the plot!
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Ugly Duckling Series: Perfect Match
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Tons of fun when you need a brain break! From drama burnt out or life burn out!
"I need something cute and brainless" were the words that inspired me picking up Ugly Duckling Series: Perfect Match. At first I thought it was too brainless. Instead I discovered that this particular genre of drama is something I can enjoy. When it's done in small doses and paced right. AKA I could have enjoyed Full House, Boys Over Flowers and so on, if they hadn't dragged it on forever. No really. 9 episodes is more than enough to not only establish the story and plot, but to build great character development. Maybe that's why I've started to enjoy J-dramas so much more. Though to give credit where it's deserved Ugly Duckling Series: Perfect Match actually tried to give more to the basic drama tropes it starts out with.Rant: This drama is going for the light and bubbly. The cute concept behind the original ugly duckling story. Yes, this drama is cute and bubbly indeed! Though I need to address its dark side: the woman shaming. The concept is that the lead girl becomes ugly, so now she's free to find love without the restrictions of being beautiful and rich. Though it's clear this drama woman shames. The mamma duck in the story is called "a fat mamma duck", because why not shame the cute female animals while shaming the human women? The lead basically gets a bad case of cystic acne as an allergic reaction to a treatment she should have never needed to get. Instead of people just chilling until it's gone everyone is freaked out. Not to mention they know it's not contagious, but even her own mother (basically everyone in her life) treats her like a plague victim. The only person who knows she's gorgeous under the acne turns out to be a perv/creep. So that's not cool. The thing is I don't believe the drama is addressing this as a problem of society. They don't even know they're doing it. So my dramatic rant is over. I feel entitled to rant about all this not to mention as a cystic acne sufferer I can't believe how crappy people would push you over the edge about it. Severe acne is common in the States so I guess that's why most people are pretty "whatever" about it.
Despite my huge rant this drama is one you don't take seriously. That's the fun of it! It's blast and I was smiling and laughing during most of it.
There's plenty of laughs like the leading lady, Joo, bending the story of the Ugly Duckling to her needs. It's not inner or outer beauty and "accepting one's self" kind of tale. It's a lesson in making sure you don't sit on the wrong eggs! Ha-ha!!! Joo does finally learn what makes people decent and the real world of being a "ugly girl with no money".
Suea is a legit poor person. The penny counting and down to his falling apart sandals. A lot of dramas say the characters are poor, but they dress and spend money like cray-cray people. I enjoy that Ugly Duckling addresses this realistically. Not to mention that Suea is "handsome and brutal". He defends Joo and even makes people apologize to her. Just as a decent person. You calls EVERYONE out on their stupidity.
What really makes Ugly even better is that Joo and Suea are true friends. They both get to know each other and call each other out on their bull. It's fabulous to have REAL friendship before things start to turn romantic.
Even better and what makes Ugly Duckling Series: Perfect Match more. Is that Joo and Suea have real flaws. Suea is a bit of a flirt and slut, which everyone talks about. It's even a factor in Joo not immediately taking Suea's perusal of her for real. That and the annoying bit that she's also still hung up on her being "ugly". Suea has to deal with some of his own ugly personal truths, his pride, and eventually jealousy of Joo becoming beautiful and other men pursuing her. I did overall love this drama and it's pacing. It was just hard to watch as Joo's old self and new self merging. Despite her big words Suea's lack of money and family is a big deal. (Not just because her family won't accept him.) She even dates her old boyfriend at the end. All while Suea gets even more intense about what she does when she becomes beautiful again, even complaining about her dress. It all feels like a take back, but it's also very real. Except for that ending twist stuff which would be the hugest take back ever! (Though it also felt like a wishful fantasy sequence.)
Ugly Duckling Series: Perfect Match deals with social class. Addressing Joo's healing on the inside as she experiences life of the middle class. Joo finds out who her real friends are and what that type of bond means. I also like that Suea realizes his feelings first and is bold in letting her know. (Though he got pervy a few times. It felt real.)
There is an openly gay best friend here, Bee. I love the relationship Joo and Bee have. Joo does so much for him and I love their love for each other. True Bee is at times mostly the comedic relief, it was still great.
I have to be honest the music is nothing mind blowing, nor is it bad. However: ***WARNING*** If you're annoyed by bad sound quality this is the worst I've ever listened to for a drama. I know Bromance had some issues, but this drama makes the sound issues on Bromance seem like A+ work. Because it's bad. Background noise isn't even the worst of it. The actors dialogue gets loud and then drops. At one point what the female lead said was lost, thank you subtitles for the save. It happens none stop through out the drama.
Despite some of it's flaws I would/will definitely be rewatching Ugly Duckling Series: Perfect Match. Ugly tries to be more and despite the "take back" of the rich girl and poor boy story it feels right. I love the feel of this drama and it is a great breath of fresh are for someone who is fried. On life or dramas. It's fun! Sometimes that's all you need. This is actually the third entry in the series, but I had no issue jumping right in. The connection isn't strong. Mainly just the concept. Though I did go and promptly watch the 2nd entry to this series which I loved! Even more than this one!
I also have reviewed every episode so if you want to follow along it's there.
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Mi Rae is an amazing lead. At first we see a woman judging other women on her train ride. Rating and ranking their faces. What a shallow person! The writing wastes no time in sharing the fact that Mi Rae is on her way to get plastic surgery herself, and she's not a shallow person. The flashbacks tastefully start as she is going under the knife. The life threatening risks all laid out before her. She was a "fat" child and withstood viscous bullying. She wasn't a weakling and didn't just take it standing down. She stood up for herself. Until the bullying became so intense she used her super strong will to lose the weight. Thinking she would discover the true beauty underneath. Only to find that her face was ugly. In a bold move we never get to see Mi Rae's old face. In many beautiful shots her face is avoided and in bold moves we get a look of her eye/eyelid. Or her own preference of only seeing the back of her head. Personally I believe it's so that viewers couldn't judge Mi Rae. Instead we're going forward with her into her life with her "new face".
It's horrible to see the intensity of the bullying that Mi Rae struggled through. Even to the darkest place a mind can go with such treatment. Even though she was the top student in grades and had many secret talents because just the right horrible people deemed her worthless that's what others treated her like. So to see her be able to show off her dancing talents because she became beautiful was such a joyful thing. While being sad. Soon it becomes apparent that because she had plastic surgery she now has to face that criticism. She's on a journey discovering that everyone deals with bullying and their own worries. Soon it's clear she might have been subjected to horrible harassment because of her old face, but now her new face is open to judgment. It's not just that all women are. Even the most beautiful superstar in looks is judged.
That's the heart of this show and why it's for women. Mi Rae want to go under the radar. At the start she's very traumatized by what others will say about her. Mi Ra was so shaped by how people judged her she judged every girl around her by their looks. Not by who they were. Until the male lead, Kyung Suk, points it out to her. Soon she is aware and starts to see how the other women around her are bullied. Women she thinks are beautiful are talked down by other male student in their department. Too skinny, to fat, too old, tomboy, childlike, doesn't smile enough, women are meant to serve, it's the tradition of women to be in certain roles and so on. Even adult issues are pulled in through Kyung Suk's mom. The concept of how a woman should put being a housewife first and she shouldn't have dreams such as work. That even working moms, all moms, are great moms. It also deals with the strength of independent women and getting out of abusive relationships.
Everything about My ID is Gangnam Beauty could have easily been average. Every character is a stereotype we've seen before. Soon the skills of the writer become spotlighted as characters are expertly balanced and revealed as complex people. So complex that I didn't find myself with second lead syndrome. Usually I suffer it because the second lead is an amazing warm and wonderful person. Which Woo Young is. In fact, his qualities for being kind, respecting women, and being worldly gain popularity with other women in the show. In contrast everyone is dazzled by Kyung Suk looks and status. Though as we and others get to know him it's clear that he doesn't have social skills. What is usually advertised for cool and aloof in a male lead is actually awkwardness and as mentioned lack of social skills. Kyung Suk soon isn't an uninteresting male lead his story is just as much a part of the drama. From his rift with this mother and dealing with just as much gossip and bad mouthing as Mi Rae. He dealt with it differently.
The wicked female lead, Soo Ah, destined to be jealous of Mi Rae had a tragic past and if you think about it under went both sides of bullying. From being undesirable to the switch and attention of beauty. Stalking and body image issues just as much as someone who is perceived as ugly. Soo Ah's character reveal was slow to come, but still powerful. Every character was explored and balanced well through out the 16 episodes. Only one was left as a mystery, but I understand that you can't explore everyone though she became such a pivotal character at the end. The biggest message is how the women could become friends and all stand together. Rivals in love, both male and female, can be friends. That people can be hurt and left with scars by other people. However, that same person can be healed by a person as well.
With all the deep issues My ID is Gangnam Beauty is bringing to the table it incredibly balances a wonderful since of humor and warm heartedness that I LOVE!! LOVE-LOVE-LOVE and need in a drama. Many times things could have gotten dark and many times a drama has lied to me and went from warm story of love and comedy to dark angst. My ID is Gangnam Beauty never does that. Even with concepts of suicide and bulimia it keeps things feel good. True the usual drama plots are here, but all the connections feel good. Nothing is overly dragged out. Such as the truth behind Kyung Suk's mothers story and his family. Kyung Suk's mother's connection to Mi Rae. It is such a relief not to have storylines dragged out to the point were you're just over it. (You know what I'm talking about.)
The romance is beautifully balanced. Kyung Suk is so understanding and patient with Mi Rae. They both learn from eachother. Not to mention they have REAL conversations!! Kyung Suk is so straightforward and doesn't ever hide his interest in Mi Rae. He goes forward. He lets Mi Rae take the lead and do her. Be her. He's proud of her when she stands up for herself, let's her stand up for both of them! Let me tell you I haven't wanted a couple kiss this bad in ages!! Boy does that kiss deliver as well. I won't say it's the best and wildest, but it isn't a dead fish one and the emotions feel so good.
Refreshing is the word of this show. As the pacing, drama, story, and almost every aspect of this drama felt so effortless. Many might say at many points things slowed down, but I loved all the connections and characters. The balance was perfect. It was such a blessing to have Mi Rae have a great girlfriend who stood up for her and they were actually best friends and were shown that way. Kyung Suk's mom liked Mi Rae and supported them both! Mi Rae's parents were wonderful as well! My ID is Gangnam Beauty is a drama that has something to say for all women. Deep and complex messages all while keeping a lively plot and story. I loved the warmth from this drama. From it's strong start to it's perfect drama ending!
I suggest everyone checks this drama out! Don't miss it! It's a hopeful drama full of warmth and great messages for everyone. I know my review is big and that I'm missing a lot of important points that should be covered, but that's what my individual episode reviews are for!
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Totsuzen Desu ga, Ashita Kekkon Shimasu
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Which was the appeal and what I needed. I loved the characters and the actors were wonderful. The show put a smile on my face. The end felt rushed and the result was boring, but I truly enjoyed the fun of the first episodes. (So really the majority of the show since this one is short.)
Sometimes predictable brain fodder is good.
Though I felt it could have had better commentary on the role of women in Japan now. Such as Asuka's dream of being a full time house wife is actually a turn off and men want their woman to work a job. The way in which women decide what they want and so on. It's touched on, but sadly not truly explored. Which is fine for this light hearted drama.
Overall I don't regret this. Fun and simple is something every drama viewer needs. Can you believe this is actually the first Japanese drama I've completely finished! Ha-ha. I'm actually watching other ones with this one and I do really love the story telling style of J-dramas. Because the characters do become developed so well in such a short episode count. No I won't be rushing to rewatch this one, and yes the music will be song long after and I'll wonder where the song is from. Still I think it was perfect for what I needed. I got a happy romance, cute couple, and a wonderful happy ending for everyone. Oh, and there are some pretty clever jokes and humor.
On an ending note I hope to see the actor of the male lead in more work. I love his voice and acting.
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Police Story 3: Super Cop
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The stunts are higher octane and even more complicated. As this is Police Story's induction to the 90s I say bravo. I couldn't pick up any computer affects to compensate. Everything is practical and that's what makes the scenes pack more of a punch then even today's modern CGI fights and shaky camera. Just watch the bloopers at the end. Many of them came really close to dying. (I think they guy on the train catching Jackie almost vomited, look at their relief!)
The plot doesn't pack as big of a punch as Police Story 2 for the simple fact that it doesn't develop the characters much. They don't grow, poor May is straight up there to become a damsel and that's sad. At least Yeoh Michelle's character is straight up bad ass! She does her stunts so amazingly! That motor cycle scene is all her! In fact you can see all of her takes and attempts in the end credits. *_* The woman is my idol! I enjoy that the title "Super Cop" is kind of a joke and if this was any other title it would be obnoxious and you'd have some emotionless guy punching through walls.
The sound definitely improved with the time leap between movies. There's a plus!
Did you know that the AMERICAN release actually edited and cut the movie, changing fight sequences!??? It never got an official release in America even though it was Jackie's biggest box office at the time. I firmly believe because it hit so big that movie 4 was what it was. It astonishes me that it was edited so heavily. Even though the USA editing Asian content to fit it's needs (Sailor Moon anyone?) is pretty well known. I couldn't think of why they would cut it. Then again US directors rarely understand the rhythm and importance of the sequences in Jackie's fight scenes.
That aside when people talk about females in action I've always cited Police Story 3. One in which the heroine is in the final battle and is actually key. She doesn't become a damsel. (Yeah, I'll say it as much as I can!) While I am sad about how much May was not utilized and that there really isn't much character growth. It was still great stunts and many directors site this movie as the best stunts ever. Though I notice less comedic stunts and a more serious take. The running jokes with Ka-Kui's (Jackie) superiors is hilarious! Ha-ha. I also liked that Yeoh Michelle's character was mischievous and that Ka-Kui and her play and tease each other like rivals. Not like love interest. Great action movie!
Sidenote: doesn't it make you sad how Yeoh Michelle isn't utilized as an action star?
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Come on it started out with the lead Dok Mi basically spying on her hot neighbor across the way. She knew his schedule and planned her day around it. She even had scary big binoculars to do it. Not cheap fun ones, the real stuff. Bird watching stuff. Bird watching stuff used for a nefarious purposes.
It was a questionable start and I almost tossed in the towel. However, it was really funny. It didn't hurt that Dok Mi and Geum had some decent chemistry. Dok Mi's mental issues and troubled past fascinated me. I wanted to see her overcome the odds, and to rise up like a phoenix as she realized she could now control her life!
Sadly Dok Mi was not truly given a decent chance to do so during the drama. And when she did--and I was fist pumping her victory--confront the person who ruined her life she was smacked down. What the bleep!
That was the problem. Flower Boy Next door didn't know what it wanted to be. Then it tossed in some hot topic issues such as suicide, mental illness, bullying, and just . . . ugh! It was horrible. No lessons where learned and it felt so unsatisfactory. The guilty parties just kept going and being justified. A small tap on the hand when it should have been a sever hand slap. The "villains" should have dealt with some consequences.
It was funny I started this up for Park Shin Hye, I'm a fan, and I thought she'd be awesome as Dok Mi. But I didn't like the way the director lead her, I know she could have did so much better. (I type this as I'm currently watching Pinocchio.) What made me stick through this drama was newcomer (at the time) actress Kim Seul Gi. She played a deputy manager of a Contents-development team.
She was glorious and stole the entire show!! I Watched for her. I yearned for the storyline around her and took any thing I could get. (And it's safe to say she is now one of my favorite actresses.) I thank Flower Boy Next Door for introducing me to her. Thank you. Kim Seul Gi is hilarious and one of the best comedic females I've seen. She's laughable, loveable, and just all kinds of awesome.
Visually this was nice to look at and I enjoyed the fashion. The music was pretty enjoyable. I was singing and humming a lot. Sadly the story didn't hold up. It tried to be too much and tackle issues it didn't really want to tackle. Or tackled them poorly. There were surprising moments where I did love the romance and plenty of fun scenes. Dok Mi was an interesting lead, and while I didn't enjoy how she just took things and didn't get to rise up quite like I had in mind, she wasn't too badly realized. So that was something. The only reason I'm truly happy I watched this was to discover Kim Seul Gi.
Truth is though I dropped this drama in 2013 at episode 13 and didn't care to pick it up again until 2016. I only picked it back up because I had just 3 more episodes left. AND I didn't want to miss out on some good Kim Seul Gi scenes. PEOPLE KIM SEUL GI IS AMAZING!
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All of the plot twists are glaringly obvious, the humor is practically tap dancing out there on the sleeve, and well . . . . it's a fun little romp. The plot has a lot of holes in it. The female police officer is nothing buy a comedy gag, and if I hadn't been laughing so much I probably would have been more disappointed then I found myself.
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Outrageous fits this movie well. Outrageously funny is even more accurate. To be honest I'm not that familiar with these actors playing the leads. (Yeah. I KNOW who they are, but have been exposed to almost none of their work except for Kang Ha Neul.) The writing weaved a fabulous friendship that started over an unlikely event, but I believe that's how great friendships start. You just fall into it. The actors do a great job making me feel their friendship.
Really I don't want to give away too much of the story. However, I will say it has a nice awkwardness to the humor that comes from being real life. Come on. It's totally relatable. Even though you’re thinking “that's outrageous” it's totally believable. It deals with the awkwardness of the early twenties. Facing the reality that you are at a fork in the road where your life has to go on after school. Will you still have the same beliefs, how will you change, and of course how will your friendships change?
Honestly if these 3 guys ended up being in a male Sex in the City I would be on board. In a strange way I felt like the totally upfront and frank talks these guys had about sex and life actually had kinship to aforementioned show. Which is probably why I liked it so much! So Chi Ho (actor Kim Woo Bin) would be Samantha. Gyeong Jae (actor Kang Ha Neul) would be Charlotte. Miranda would be Kang Dong Woo (actor Lee Jun Ho). At least to me. (Sorry no Carries!)
The female cast is just as awesome and important. I loved Gyeong Jae's little sister! She's such a force and I love that she went for what she wanted. The other females where just as complicated and fabulous and held their own with the male cast. The parents that were present and the “adult” figures also did great jobs.
The music fit the movie well, but overall I've already forgotten most of it. I do know while viewing there were many times I thought: “that fits so perfectly!”
Oh, yeah. I would totally rewatch this again. It's too fun not to dust off for multiple views.
This is a more adult and frank real life type of Korean movie. Which I love. Actually I think if you like My PS Partner you will appreciate this one. No nudity . . . was there a naked butt? Lot's of sexual content! Chi Ho's player and sexy times there's not much in that graphic nature. Still be warned. I loved the story and humor. It feels out there, but it's relatable in the story of growing up. Especially as an early twenty something. Check it out. I dare you not to laugh your butt off.
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So yeah. I was excited. Not to mention the other cast members.
Doctors has some of the best flashback story I have ever scene. The first 3 episodes are setting up Hye Jung's past and her connections to the other cast. It was so exciting! Fresh! I had no idea how they'd jump back to the future and make that story better then those first 3 episodes. Because that story was engaging and I would have been happy with the story progressing from there. Yes, I had issues with Hye Jung and Ji Hong having a teacher/student romance. However, I could not deny the chemistry these two characters had together.
The jump happened, it's a 13 year gap between the present story and the past. The writer created an interesting cast and the new characters as well as the ones from Hye Jung's past were all unique and fun. It seemed like Doctors was doing it! The jump to present day was exciting! There was WOMANCE between Hye Jung and her long time friend Soon Hee. Soon Hee was so great and I was excited for a female lead to have a great FEMALE FRIEND. A rarely embraced thing in dramaland. Ji Hong and Hye Jung's picked up their romance! It felt beautiful and the rain dancing scene will be an iconic thing for me, but I feel like it will be for dramaland period.
There were so many possibilities with this show! Fabulous side characters and . . . it only lasted until about episode 8, where this show peaked for me. Then after that it slowly declined as stupid drama tropes swept in to kill this drama. Such as hospital takeover politics, and Hye Jung obsessing about getting an apology for her grandmother's wrongful death. Which leads to a very dragged out boring plot in which we all know the villain will have to have surgery from the people he has wronged.
Sure the drama tried to hold on up to episode 14, but then it's like the writer gave up. The side characters were completely forsaken. The WOMANCE was only seen in brief glimpses and Soon Hee was given the ax. Other characters that were brought in and developed where either totally forgotten or given a few scenes towards the end. Basically the networks and writers don't realize that what makes the shows are their characters. The tropes that they feel the need to shove in and kill the dramas are the things that fans hate! There never had to be a hospital politics to make this drama interesting!! Hye Jung's story of becoming a Doctor and overcoming realistic every day odds would have been better. Focusing on the stellar cast, their chemistry together, and their lives would have been interesting. I know the writer wanted to go there as most of the episodes started and ended with a monologue from a character. Which was clearly inspired by Grey's Anatomy format.
Truth is I felt like all the effort and amazing aspects of this show were put into the first 8 episodes. Then someone said, hey we have our audience let's phone it in. I think the writer kept trying from episodes 9 to 14, but the show just got away. Plot lines were started and then never explored. The writer clearly knew how to start the show, but didn't quite have enough skills to take it to the end. Opting out to do hospital politics and lame revenge stories that only hindered Doctors in the long run.
It even hindered the romance! Hye Jung and Ji Hong actually grew stale and I felt like they're relationship never grew. Back hugs and cute little scenes of smiling does not a romantic development make. By the end of the drama I didn't care about them getting together. The issues they discussed where never explored and Hye Jung changed, but Ji Hong just stayed the same. Hye Jung striking him out when he did things they discussed they wouldn't do was a joke. When I thought the story was taking them somewhere it was all taken back.
As to date this is my favorite role for Hye Jung. She really put the effort in to learn how to fight and those scenes were flawless. Sadly her character cried a lot, she had reason. But I've just seen so much of Park Shin Hye's roles as water work fests that I have a very low tolerence to how much I can stand seeing her cry. There's other ways to show sadness.
The side characters and cast did an amazing job! Though I feel like all the interesting characters were wasted! Not to mention Yoon Do. It wasn't so bad with him, but I feel like they could have taken him to even better places. I do enjoy that Seo Woo was redeemed and decided to live better. Actress Lee Sung Kyung did a great job and I hope to see her in roles outside of her mean girl ones. There were a lot of great characters and their actors did well with what little time they were given.
It baffled me that Kang Soo, played by Kim Min Suk, was given so much plot time. But they chose to do a very long and boring plot device that they then used on another character. Why?
Moon Ji In was one of my favorite actress discoveries and I loved her character! She was such a force on screen and as I mentioned had a WOMANCE with Hye Jung. It's another crime that she was abandoned in favor of the dull plot lines. Not to mention the way we're supposed to believe Soon Hee will have someone. It was cold.
The music went like the whole drama. They did some 90s stuff to flavor the flashback and then to connect Ji Hong and Hye Jung together. It was amazing!!! Then of course that too was abandoned, as I assume it was to much effort and not important with the boring plot line. (Yeah, I'm bitter guys.) The OST is really fun and the songs were pretty great! They matched the drama well, but towards the end I thought some of the song/music placements were odd.
Rewatch? Hmmmmm, I'd probably rewatch the first 8 episodes and then make up the story from there. The next few episodes weren't bad and I could live with them up to 10. However, the majority of the drama is boring and the unique and amazing parts saved the first half of it. In my bitterness I don't think I'd rewatch. Simply because while watching the good episodes I'd feel rage about how this series became yet another great idea that was a waste in the end.
If someone was looking to watch this I'd say watch the first 8, or the very least watch the first 3 episodes to see how amazing Park Shin Hye did for the role. Then I would caution that the drama declines and doesn't pan out. Also, I'd probably keep an eye out for writer Ha Myung Hee's work. Besides Doctors she's done High Society, which is another drama that started out strong but went boring. For me this has always been a curse of K-dramas. They have unique ideas but no follow through and become very boring. This year has been a revolution in dramas with Signal and quite a few others. Sadly there are still step backs like Doctors.
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At first glance Oh My Ghost is just a super silly show about Sun Ae, a ghost, who is holding a grudge and not moving on to the next life because she is a virgin ghost! Ha-ha. However, Oh My Ghost's writer quickly establishes that there are darker elements and that something bad happened. Even linking to Seon Woo's, THE male lead, sister's accident. It was a breathtaking balance as the show stayed mostly on the warm, light, and funny side. Most of the time I was totally smiling my face off! However, very human moments about death and how we live our lives creates poignant moments. What are regrets? If we died would something hold us back that we needed to resolve?
There were some big plot holes, I won't lie. Some small ones that most shows make that I won't begrudge it. Yet, the biggest one I couldn't quite over look. After all it center around Bong Seon one of your leads. Bong Seon can see ghosts. The ability comes from her shamanic grandma. Strangely enough it's not really touched upon why Bong Seon couldn't seem to adjust to seeing them. If people believed her grandma was a shaman, wouldn't they think the daughter had talent? How come her grandma couldn't teach her how to handle it? Wouldn't it be a comfort to have someone else with that kind of gift? Wouldn't she know more about seeing ghosts being raised by a shaman? I mean I could go on! AND ON! It baffled me why that wasn't touched on. Especially as Bong Seon is apparently a great vessel for possession. It didn't help that Bong Seon didn't truly get developed until later in the show. Sun Ae was definitely the star. Which makes sense as she is the ghost in the title.
Other than that I thought the story was great. At times there were a lot of elements, but they all fitted well together. I enjoyed that the writing established that something was fishy with Seong Jae and that there was a darker mystery. The other characters and their stories fit in well. In fact, they fit so well that I didn't feel like any of them were gimmicks and that they all contributed something great to the story.
The acting for Oh My Ghost was phenomenal. At first I was disappointed that Kim Seul Gi wasn't technically the lead. She is a main role playing the ghost Sun Ae. However, the true star of the show is Park Bo Young playing the girl who can see ghosts Bong Seon, and the one who gets possessed by Sun Ae. As a die hard fan of actress Kim Seul Gi it was hard letting go the dream. However, Park Bo Young won me over as she has to play Bong Seon and then a Bong Seon possessed by Sun Ae! You could tell who was in residence of her body just from the acting! Each character had their own tick and she figured them out to show them in the role! Not to mention that Bong Seon was an introverted weakling dealing with being haunted by ghosts, then a girl dealing with the horror of being possessed, and then someone who grows into who they were meant to be. Not to mention way in your face Sun Ae! Any character played by Kim Seul Gi is going to be really loud, funny, and expressive. Because even though I was won over by another actress Kim Seul Gi did an amazing job. Seul Gi displayed amazing range. Her role was very heart felt, and towards the end when she cried I did too.
These fabulous ladies aren't the only ones to do wonderful jobs! Seon Woo ended up being a very complex male lead, and in the end a total softy. Which is good as he started out as one of those cold bullies. Seon Woo turned out to be adorable and I love how he handled things once he found out the truth. Because Bong Seon doesn't keep lying to him, she confesses everything to him. They actually have frank discussions about the whole situation and in the end Seon Woo even jokes about how he was in a love triangle with a ghost. What's more is he realized when he was with Bong Seon and then when it was Sun Ae. Even admitting that he had feelings for both girls to some degree.
As I said before the other characters were great! From the shaman that tries to exorcise Sun Ae and ends up helping her with her virgin grudge! To the adorable kitchen crew in Seon Woo's shop. What I love more is that there isn't another lead falling in love with Bong Seon causing unnecessary triangles every where. Technically there was another love interest for Seon Woo, but it was handled beautifully. Showcasing what friendship is and what happens when you fall so much in love that silly crushes can be left behind. Not to mention Sun Ae's family! Her father was just amazing, and her brother a good comedic relief. Seon Woo's sister was adorable and I truly loved her. The only person I didn't care for was Seon Woo's mother, but I think it had more to do with the personality the writer gave her than the actress.
The music really fit the drama well and I loved the warm feeling of it. The “danger” music even had a certain quality to it. The singers they got to sing for the OST were great and I enjoyed the more lively music to the boring ballads other shows have.
Rewatch? Oh, yes! There is no doubt that one viewing is enough. There were too many things to love about this drama and why would you only want to experience the fun once!
Personally I thought the writer did a wonderful job at hinting to the darker tones behind this romantic comedy. Obviously something more was going on behind Sun Ae's death. So when the build up to episode 14, and especially 15 hit, it wasn't that much of a shock. Apparently other viewers did not agree with me, so I guess here's a warning. Both actresses did an amazing job and I really was impressed by the quality of the writing. What truly hit after I started this drama is that the female leads love each other and end up genuinely caring for one another. They're friendship was beautiful and was a love I was so happy to see in dramaland. Too many times the female leads, and pretty much all the females subsequently, tend to be enemies! I love that this is a story of all kinds of different loves and friendships. Most importantly is that Oh My Ghost is a truly fun time. The pacing is excellent and has no room for boring moments. Not to mention that the ending was perfect! D-Day time! ^_-
Honestly I don't think my review truly covers it, however I did review each episode so you can either follow along or check out what I thought in more detail(s) there!
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Well Shin Seong Woo was a treat to watch. It was actually time I had ever seen him act. It was a treat.
Sadly I thought the script felt off. It takes the wild and energetic feel of the original story and tones it down. I think they were going for a sweet, dreamy, and contemplative feel. Which at times made the humor feel off. Especially when talking about the woman's escapades with men as her daughter comes to find out who her father is after her mother's death.
Yeah, different tone. At times I felt myself more bored than engaged in the story. The music wasn't quite what I had expected and visually it was just average. I felt like the writers weren't sure what kind of twist they wanted to put on their remake. For me, it was a miss. Though I feel like others might like the quality of it. It was interesting seeing a Korean remake this time around, so I'll give it that. (I've seen a lot of American remakes on Korean/foreign movies lately.)
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Police Story 4: First Strike
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The reality is that I have only ever seen the international version. (Even to this day the US companies that own the rights make it more readily available.) The plot is choppy and leaves a lot of questions up in the air. Yet, I can't stay mad. This was my very first Jackie movie, and a lot of other people's intro. Though now I totally understand why I got confused about this actually being in the Police Story franchise. With a change of name, only the chief in Hong Kong to tie in, and the title internationally being "Jackie Chan's First Strike" well things get confusing. AND in reality it wasn't initially part of the franchise despite the attempted tie ins.
That said the epic stunts for the ladder scene and skiing scene are amazing. I still hold out in saying that Police Story 3 has the best stunts ever in this franchise, and other action movies will be hard pressed to beat them.
That said I can feel the need to get world wide recognition (cough--USA recognition--cough) with this. What saddens me is that even after tailoring it for US audiences they still felt the need to edit. (Which will bring me into a whole nother rant about the US being dip-poops about letting international work be. Especially since US stuff can have much worse content, and they love to jeopardize plot and substance for the sale line.) Which makes this installment into one of the weaker entries into the franchise. Oh, I'll always think of this fondly. I know without it a key piece of Jackie's movies being introduced mainstream may have taken a longer route.
The females are left to be eye candy and damsels. (That's part of the American action movie trend.) The plot is so bastardized and needs development. As I haven't scene that 23min of missing footage I can't say if it clears it up. Still this, and yes the international release, hold a warm fuzzy spot in my heart. This is still one of the most re-run movies (kind of like Fear). It did have a lot of Jackie's great humorous action! Not to mention the legendary ladder scene. Sadly the only Police Story movie I'd say ranks lower then this one would be Police Story 2013.
(Here's the full details on the censorship: http://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=1809
Apparently I need to quit being cheap and just by this release.)
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Another Miss Oh definitely was a surprise drama of the year. When I first read the synopsis it sounded like a hot mess. When the updates came in from other friends who decided to watch this one, I picked My Beautiful Gong Shim instead, they claimed it was amazing surprise that surpassed most of the dramas this year. After caving (and being disappointed by my Beautiful Gong Shim in the later episodes) I soon found they were totally right! Another Miss Oh is a unique and wonderful find.
There's a lot going on here. Tons of ideas and concepts used and explored. Yet the writer masterfully introduces and utilizes them. The crazy idea of Park Do Kyeong being able to see glimpses into the future transforms into one of the most beautiful love stories I've been able to enjoy in a drama. The whole idea that he ruined Oh Hae Yeong #1's current life because of mistaken idintity was even handled well. Having the same name as someone else even turned into an amazing story of self love and being happy with who and what you have. There's so many amazing elements that I can't cover them all, and I don't want to spoil them.
The side characters and stories were also fabulous. Oh Hae Yeong #1's parents where epic! Instead of being this cold or cruel things, or just parent figures for the sake of parent figures they were real people. I loved seeing the echoes of Park Do Kyeong and Oh Hae Yeong in her parents relationship. The idea that Oh Hae Yeong did pick someone like her dad was epic. The scene where her parents take her to karaoke to help her heal was funny, moving, and one of the best drama scenes ever.
Park Do Kyeong and Oh Hae Yeong aren't the only quirky romance going on. There's two more that I absolutely loved and I won't spoil anything. Just be aware it's there and it's awesome.
Oh Hae Yeong #1 is a complex lead and while she seems like the standard clumsy girl you soon find yourself realating to her and completely becoming wrapped up in her. She's fearless and even after being beaten down by love she fearlessly goes all in again. Despite doubts, fears, and reasons not to she choses to go all in. Because she never wants to say that she had regrets.
So the must noisy girl about love finds herself falling in love with Park Do Kyeong. A man who isn't in touch with his emotions, has super amounts of pride, and is quite the quiet one. Who better to awaken his emotions and realizing how much of his life he'd regret then her? Hmmmmmm?
Their love is beautiful and in the end fearless. Even with others opinions frowning down upon them they remain brave.
That said I did have some issues with the drama. First is that no one even mentions that Oh Hae Yeong is pretty much a drunk. I was really bored with how the first half of the drama kept showing her drunk and that the other characters were aware that she gets that way even when she isn't being dumped/miserable. That was probably why I felt disconnected despite all the amazing character building. I'm not someone who likes to get drunk and I don't care to watch drunks. Especially as getting drunk resulted in her doing things that made her miserable. When she quits drinking because she finds happiness I'm pretty sure her amount of alcohol consumption would lead to alcohol withdrawals. (It needed to be said.) I do give points to the writer for emphasizing that you are the biggest factor in staying miserable and sad. No matter what happens you can always be reborn again and move on.
Secondly was the pacing. So we spend a lot of time with drunken Oh Hae Yeong, lots of dramatic crying, staring/longing/dramatic moments of contemplation. There was one scene where we just watched Oh Hae Yeong watch the train leave the station over and over again. These moments felt like a waste as they lost their impact due to boredom and it took away from developing the story! No really I think it would have been good to use that time to let the side characters/stories shine more!
About episode 11ish I felt a shift in the drama, like the writer suddenly decided to add some new elements. It soon became almost like a dedication to someone. A bigger idea and you really have to pay close attention to catch and realize that it was there the whole time.
The music and cinematography were amazing. Considering that Park Do Kyeong works in sound production for movies I believe that having an amazing OST was very key for this drama. Well it is one of my top OSTs for the year! The sound team on Another Miss Oh did such a wonderful job that everything made a bigger impact by what music was playing. Even if you thought it wouldn't have worked it did.
Rewatch? Well I know I really want to see this crazy cast again! The slow bits make me a little leery and I really disliked how stupid OH Hae Yeong was drunk. I think way down the line after many years I'd want to revisit this unique drama. For now I'll just watch my favorite parts only.
Despite all the fabulously crazy ways it gets to it the message of Another Miss Oh is of finding happiness, never living with regret, saying what you wanna say, and that every action will have a reaction. I firmly believe that this breaks down many stereotypes of dramas! From side characters, to how female leads should be, cold male leads aren't that simple, parents are people too, and so on! Another Miss Oh should not be missed.
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The story is pretty awesome. There is a lot of EVERYTHING crammed into Dream High. The writers did a good job of balancing out all of the tropes. Characters that initially come off bad and just seem like another stereotype develop into actual people. Ones that you can go from hating to caring for. Sadly some of the time jumps and developments don't happen realistically together. Though I'm thankful for the development. At times jumps happen . . . but it's soooo sloppy. I will commend Dream High for bringing up the issue of sexism in the music industry, especially in South Korea. It shows some hard truths for women in the industry.
That aside the plot kept me engaged. A roll coaster of emotions! Happiness, joy, sadness, and confusion. My head was spinning.
The cast here is great! For me I started Dream High for Ok Taec Yeon. It was an accident that I watched him in Cinderella's Sister, but a happy one as he was the only thing I truly liked about the drama. Here he showed me again why I love him as an actor. In fact all the actors do a pretty darn good job. When they were allowed to. But it wasn't often. Because my main issue with Dream High is upon this review:
Water works fest!
Holy cow there were so many tears. It actually became painful for me to watch this drama. I had to take a break, despite how badly I wanted to finish it! Many state that Go Hye Mi (Suzy' character) cried a lot. However, EVERYONE cried soooooooooooo much. Heck. I was almost reduced to tears of frustration. As every sad bit, emotional break through, joy, fear--JUST EVERYTHING was represented by a cry fest! I've seen most of these actors outside of Dream High, I know they can act! It's just horrible that Dream High had the most crying I have every seen in a show.
Moving on.
The music is pretty awesome! I loved all of it featured here. Most K-pop fans are going to be super happy recognizing the songs and enjoying how the accompany the drama. At times I found it a bit repetitive with the choices. Which is funny considering this is a music show. IU is especially showcased well. Before I was kind of fan, but now I'm obsessed. (And even the crying couldn't stop me from enjoying her. You bet I'll be checking out her other works.) I enjoyed Suzy's vocals. It was also fun to see Taec Yeon not only wrap and dance, but do a ballad. It was lovely.
Overall Dream High is tons of fun. If you don't like Glee or musicals don't worry, this isn't a musical. It stands on it's own. Sure the story is messy and uses every trope they could think of to toss in. It does have a decent love triangle and I love that it stepped outside of the love triangle "comfort zone". All of the characters become loveable in there own way. It's nice not to see someone slanted as the villain, but that they're all human with their actions. It saddens me that the dramatic single drip crying was so overly used that it actually annoyed me. And to be honest the ending was almost as sloppy as the beginning. Still, Dream High is definitely something any drama fan should check out.
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