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Good, but overrated!
I'm quite shocked that almost everyone is rating this at 10/10. I mean sure it's a drama that is worth watching, but it's not overwhelmingly great. I'm fine with romantic comedies having absurd nonsense stories, but CLoY is not supposed to be just a romcom, there are times when the the show takes itself very seriously and there is supposed to be quite a bit of impactful melodrama. I feel that it does not quite work.(the serious melo parts) Maybe it's because of the cartoon villain style adversaries, or because of the 4 idiots in the second half I just cannot take the sad bits seriously. Also the drama was much better in the first half, I think there was no need for the idiotic plot that commenced once Seri has returned to the South. I have seen people discussing how many details they've gotten right about the North, there were even some real north koreans refugees interviewed. I'm sure they've gotten many minor details right and that's laudable, but there are just so many absurd things, let's not even get me started about product placements..Anyway I enjoyed the comedy, especially before they've gone to the South. The romance between the leads was so so, I don't think that the Hyun Bin+Son Ye Jin coupling was a particularly good choice. I think Hyon Bin was a lot better in Secret Garden and Son YeJin also did much better in Something in the Rain. Don't misunderstand I do think that they did a decent job at their characters, I just did not feel the same authenticity, or the chemistry that they've had with other actors in the past. I must admit that Seo Ji-hye was incredible as Seo Dan, I'm looking forward to seeing more of her in the future. As for Alberto Gu, well I'm not sure what was the deal with him. For starters he did not have a lot of screen time, nor did him dying serve any meaningful purpose. I mean sure I did enjoy the ~20 minutes he spent with Dan, but it feels like he was the redshirt that the writers used to make a bigger impact for the ending. Ah yes, the ending, they just had to go with the forced separation for 2 years formula, not the worst, but not great.
The production quality was on an extremely high level, they had a really high budget & used it well for the most part. I found it incredible that they've even used anamorphic lenses in the pilot episode. The anamorphic look really worked too with establishing that authentic war movie vibe.
The music is a mixed bag, on one hand they've made some amazing OST tracks for this show, on the other though the director did not do an amazing job at arranging those tracks to fit the scenes particularly well.
edit: Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin as of now are supposedly dating in real life. Despite me not liking this pairing in this drama too much, I gotta admit their behind the scenes videos/bloopers showcased hugely more chemistry than their actual scenes shown in the final edit..
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This review may contain spoilers
Crash Landing On You - Summary & Review
This is probably the most popular drama of the year, so a lot of people who haven't watched it will probably think that it's overrated. But in my opinion, it totally deserves the talk!First of all, this is one of the realest stories I've watched so far! It is about a North Korean soldier and a South Korean businesswoman who fall in love with each other. Of course this leads to different kinds of problems, mainly because of the big differences between the two countries. I think that the plot is very gripping and the viewers can feel all kind of emotions - from happiness of the love to painful sadness!
The TV series were filmed in different places around the world and although the scenes that happen in North Korea are filmed in Mongolia, it still looks very realistic and amazing! I like how some parts of the drama take place in Switzerland and this definitely made me want to visit this country!
The acting was also on point! In my opinion, Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin have a fantastic chemistry and I hope to see them together in another romantic drama! The second leads also did very well although there love story didn't have a happy ending. The other soldiers were really funny and I like how much they enjoyed their trip to South Korea and how powerful is their detachment to Yoon Se-ri!
All OSTs were awesome, but my most favorite are Sunset by Davichi, Flower by Yoon Mi-rae, Here I Am Again by Baek Ye-rin. The piano song for the brother was also very touching!
I hope that after reading my review you'll watch this drama, if you still haven't done it! Am I the only person who wants a second season!
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This review may contain spoilers
It Was Just Okay
So I JUST finished watching this drama and I had to create an account just so I could talk about it. Sigh...where to begin?This drama wasn't bad, but it was just okay for me.
THE GOOD
This is a rom-com so let me talk about the romance and the comedy. The comedy was definitely there. I laughed until I cried almost every episode. The main comic relief was delivered by the side characters.
I love the wardrobe.
I liked watching the good-looking men.
THE BAD
The staring into each other eyes for eternity, does not a good drama make. So sick of it. Not to mention the lack-lustre kisses...especially when they haven't seen each other in a long time.
I couldn't believe their love. That's the truth. It happened fast, but it wasn't believable. It's so funny because I felt like the fL was more in love with him...idk... I believed the bond between the housewives more than anyone else. The ML and FL acting felt so stiff at times...especially the ML. I felt like I was watching my dad being awkward with his new girlfriend.
Also, what was that death with the second male lead? What? Why?
There were also so many things that made no sense whatsoever! It makes me mad really and I started to lose interest.
The FL felt so bipolar. She was presented as this strong woman but then her personality changed so much. SIGH. I'm sorry to be rambling but why is this scored so high? It's not all bad, but it's just okay! This can't see the likes of Goblin, Descendants, Weightlifting Fairy or even the lower budget I Am A Robot.
Don't get me wrong, there were times I teared up and not even over the mains. Kim Jung Hyun...you handsome guy you! You did well! And I believed his story. He's so good.
OMG! The eldest brother and his wife! OMG! I LOVE them!!! I would watch those two all day! They are so cute!
Think my rant is done now. I am glad that I watched it though because I would always be wondering.
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I'm a sucker for romance and my husband is the challenge-adventurous kind a type audience. Very picky.
Feeling during wathing the drama:
this is the kind of drama that make me wants to do marathon watching till morning. Seriously I can finished this in 2 days because it's soooo good.
I love the main lead. Seo Jin, watch her in "be with you" with So ji Sub, very good movei!
This is my first time watching Hyun Bin, and instantly a fan:))
Some just born to become an actor. Skilled and Appearance.
I love the supporting cast.
I even love the villain
I love the story.
I love it from the beginning till the end.
When it finished:
really having hard time to move on. I started watching all Hyun Bin movie (Confidential Assignment, Negotiation, Secret Garden) and they're all gooood!
started watching hyun bin and seo jin all interview on youtube:)
So far this was the feeling when watching Healer, Strong woman do bong son and Meteor Garden.
Big appreciation to all the crews who must have work hard that we can so enjoy it.
Pokoknya ini kereeeeeeen banget, dan romancenya: out of this world!
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At first, I had hesitations watching this because I thought it was too heavy. I mean, imagine a South Korean woman ending up in North Korea? The tension between the two countries is enough to make this drama unbearable to watch but I was definitely wrong.
The plot was undeniably interesting but I had doubts if my emotions will be able to handle it because I'm a person who's easily gets carried away.
However, the public has spoken. When it surpassed Goblin's rating, I thought to my self that I MUST WATCH IT and honestly, I'm having no regrets.
Everything about this drama is perfect. It has the right ingredients. The story, the casts, especially the North Korean people (the ahjummas, Captain Ri's squad), the villains (you'd probably hate), the complications, the filming locations and all. I also like how they showed a glimpse of the North Korean life. It was well-crafted. This is the type of drama that makes me want to be part of the production team.
I like how they infused comedy in such a heavy plot. I believe this is one of the best asset of Crash Landing On You. It was different. It has the perfect balance and depth. One moment you'll laugh, and then you'll find yourself crying on the next scenes. You'll get angry, nervous and then later on you'll laugh again. It didn't lack on making the viewers understand every character's background and pain.
The acting was superb. I respect each cast who gave justice to their roles.
This drama is indeed REMARKABLE.
PS. I've watched a lot of Hyun Bin's drama and to be honest, this is the first time I've become attracted to him. Maybe because he's a soldier? He's so perfect for the role and I can't imagine any other actor being Captain Ri. I will miss him so much as well as his squad. 사랑해 ❤
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This review may contain spoilers
Mild Spoilers ahoy
I really do want to preface this by saying 7 isn't a *bad* score. If Crash Landing wasn't such a hyped show, I might've bumped it up by a 0.5 star, but considering how everyone and their mothers have told me its the best thing to happen to K-drama since Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye, it's exactly that: a personal opinion that some very, very strongly believe and the rest...not so much.To start of, I will say that the first few episodes of this drama? Innovative. Brilliant. Iconic. Never-been-done-before. I jest (sort of), but I truly loved the pacing and character-driven arcs of the first few episodes- yes, there was drama. Yes, it was a little unrealistic.
Scratch that, the whole drama was extremely unrealistic, as one would expect from a plot like this. Unlike many other viewers, though, I didn't really care about how...um...gentle...the writer was about North Korea and North Korean life. At the end of the day, I'm willing to suspend a bit of my disbelief because its a K-drama and I want a happy ending for everyone involved. The writer was very gentle in their portrayal of, well, everything- from North Korean politics, to military, to imprisonment, to daily village and city life, and hell, even made the South Korean NIS (National Intelligence Services) be kindly government employees who treat their North Korean inmates (special forces and probably SPY inmates) well and send them back to North Korea with a pat on the back and a lollipop to suck on. Realistic, this drama is not. But yeah, I really didn't give a rat's ass.
What I *did* give a rat's ass about, though, was how terribly they dealt with Gu Seung Jun (SML?). Can't say much or it'd be a spoiler, but my god, they NEVER gave him a goddamn break. Seo Dan, too. Though I admit, I can't say I cared much for the either of the romance lines (the main one or the secondary one), which is incredibly annoying in what is literally a romance drama first and comedy/action second, but I still became very, very reasonably pissed when the writer made very out of pocket writing decisions for the SML. I mean, to put him through all that and give him THAT ending? Damn.
Can't say I cared much about the acting either by the main leads. For some reason, I found the main actors (minus Kim Jung Hyun (SML), who I have seen and enjoyed before) really wooden in some scenes and wish they emoted more- especially Hyun Bin (ML). It's not my first drama of his, so I'm really disappointed- he can do so much better. Did he just not connect with this character? Because his chemistry with Se-Ri (FML) was so forced. Son Ye Jin did pretty okay around everyone except Hyun Bin, too, and then her acting seemed to become so monotonic I found myself skipping all the scenes where they just gaze lovingly at each other with tears in their eyes and talk about how much they care about each other (which happened a lot...).
You know, not to be crass (much), but for 30-something year olds who obviously love each other and see each other for only 2 weeks once a year, they act more G-rated around each than I did with my crush from kindergarten. You're telling me they go to damn picnics when they meet once a year? Yeah, I have two words for you: bull and shit. Also, that's such a weird HFN (happy for now) ending to me, because I'm sure its all magical for like, another 2 years, but imagine meeting your SO once a year for a few days for the rest of your life and not even getting to talk to them every now and then. They live happily ever after? 3 words. Bull, freaking, and shit.
This drama isn't without its redemption, though, because if there is one thing I never skipped and watched gleefully is the the ML's bromantic group of hilarious North Korean soldiers who singlehandedly save this drama from boredom. Watching their antics and their obvious camaraderie is such a good break from watching Mr. and Mrs. Tortured Love kill themselves (and the audience) over their mutual inability to so much as hold hands.
Also, I have a genuine question: did we EVER get any insight about Se Ri's past? It's implied and redeemed SO many times in the drama, but its literally like the author forgot to explain why Se Ri has such a terrible childhood at all. Every character has hint-hint-nudge-nudged at it to death and yet, NO ONE has bothered giving any explanation to the viewers what exactly happened. Is this a writing oversight? Or an editing mistake? Because these episodes are 1.5 hours long, so there was more than enough time to explain.
All in all, I would pass, unless you're a huge Hyun Bin or Son Ye Jin fan.
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One of my absolute favorites
This was an exceptional show. This is the only show that, while I was watching it, kept telling myself it was practically perfect in every way. I don't rate very many shows a '10' and one of the criteria for a 10 is my ability to re-watch the show. This is the one I keep going back to, especially after I've watch a disappointing drama that's full of all the Asian cliches. I have to admit I was somewhat disappointed with the ending, but even that couldn't lower my overall rating for this show.Story/writing: This show was unbelievably well-written, with a unique storyline. My emotions ran the gamut throughout the series, one minute I'd be laughing, the next I was in tears. This had SO MANY of those wonderful lines that made me think, "Boy, if a man said that to me, I'd totally fall for him!" I loved the nod to Secretly/Greatly and the cameo of Kim Soo Hyun - so clever! The director/writer must have some kind of mind meld going on, because this show was so well-executed, one scene flowed wonderfully into the next. I loved how they had the extra, different scenes at the end of each episode. My favorite was in Ep 1 when he saw her in a tree and was listening to her talk. That small smile, you could tell he was already smitten. The scenery was spectacular (especially in Switzerland) and I loved how the destiny aspect of their relationship kept being revealed, a little bit at a time
Acting/Cast: Everyone owned their role. I could not imagine any actor doing a better job in any of the roles. Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin - their chemistry was palpable! Their chemistry was so good, it's going to be hard for me to see them in shows with someone else! Hyun Bin - At the beginning, he was all about being a soldier and I liked the softening of his character once she came into the picture. Son Ye Jin - her character could have been someone completely unlikeable, but the way she played it, I could see how her family background/dynamics had colored her life and it was such a treat to watch her become more human and playful. Seo Ji Hye as Seo Dan was beautiful to watch. So cold and unapproachable, but there was something that you just had to like about her. Kim Jun Hyun did an excellent job as Alberto, another person that redeems himself as the story goes along. The soldiers in the platoon - what a treat! They each had their own personality trait and they melded so well together. I think the majority of the comic relief came from these guys and they were a hoot. The North Korean ladies - wow, between the script and their acting, they moved from being ancillary secondary characters to being pivotal to the story. Their communications with each other, their strength in adversity and their growing in closeness with each other as the show progressed was a joy to watch. I MUST give a special shout out to Jang Hye Jin, who played Seo Dan's mother - she was spectacular and brought so much humor and heart to the part.
The OST was perfect. The piano music, the songs that sometimes were just the music, sometimes with words. I've always known that music connects with our emotions, but never more so than in this show. I think we have to give a lot of credit to the music for drawing out our emotions, because without it, I don't think I would have cried nearly as much!
My only complaint about this show was that they made such a big deal about their couple rings and never taking them off, then when they found each other at the end of the show, they weren't wearing them. I realize that those scenes were shot first, but with CGI the way it is, you could have just added the rings.
I think the biggest testament to how much I liked this show, other than how many times I've watched it, is the number of times I've recommended it to others. Everyone I know is always looking for something decent to watch, and I tell them, if they are willing to read subtitles, they absolutely cannot go wrong by watching this show.
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I wanted to leave their chemistry for the end because that's what I loved the most!! The quirky, funny scenes, the angsty ones, the lovely ones..... It was all so believable and ugh I loved them together ???
Also, Ri's soldiers were so great too. From the guy who acted all tough and pretended to dislike Se-ri, to the kid who loved kdramas.....
This drama was amazing and yeah, it's my new favorite.
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Pros:
1. The leading lady is so charming and has so much presence wherever she is. So funny and capable while being vulnerable. I loved Seri more than any other FL I have seen.
2. The ML - Ri Jeong Hyuk(RJH) is the perfect man. There is no other way to say this, he is just great at everything while being the cutest, most loving man in the world.
3. The supporting characters who Seri meets in North Korea are the best and really bring the story to life.
4. Its a true romance with "love trumps all" motto.
5. The melodrama and comedy elements are both done well.
6. Mature relationship where they don't have useless misunderstandings and are capable of gauging the situation.
7. BEAUTIFUL clothes omg! Seri is so well dressed even when she is wearing ajhumma fashion from "North Korean local market". The second female lead has the amazing wardrobe. She is rich and a fashion queen.
Cons:
1. I definitely felt that the part set in North Korea was the highlight of the show. It lost the same charm once the setting was changed.
2. The couple had a very beautiful connection but it was somehow weird seeing grown adults having no physical contact when they're clearly in love.
3. The plot is not supposed to make complete sense, I was okay with FL accidentally ending up in North Korea through a typhoon but later in the story it seems the events are just crazy not to make any sense except creating angst for our pair.
The first 8 episodes were the strength of the show in my opinion.
4. The style of Seri's home in South Korea meant for a fashion forward business woman seemed off and a little too strong compared to the softness of the setting in North Korea.
Overall, I suggest you should absolutely watch this drama is you like Kdramas at all because this is one of the best. I rewatched the episodes so many times. CLOY is the show I was most emotionally attached to. I watched it as it aired and waiting each week and participating on the forums with other viewers were part of my routine. It absolutely deserves all the praise and hype that it has achieved.
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They've perfected the formula
This is the drama I will recommend to friends who have never watched a k-drama. It's the gateway drama that will get them hooked. CLOY is the embodiment of the most skilled execution of the k-drama formula: dramatic scenes + heartfelt humor + swoon worthy love story. Writer Park Ji Eun and director Lee Jeong Hyo should write a textbook on how they made this show.I have read various reviews that complain this show provides nothing new to the k-drama scene and is predictable. My response is that they are correct. CLOY is simply the formula done to perfection, and that is a hard thing to do.
My favorite characters are the crew of soldiers. Their fish-out-of-water act in the second half of the show had me laughing and loving them even more than I did in the first half. Likewise, their counterparts in the band of ahjummas were vital to the show, and they came to life under the leadership of Wol Seok. I have so much respect for actress Kim Sun Young. She seems to be in her element playing tough ahjummas with heart. And a special mention goes out to Kim Young Min for his portrayal of the anguished spy, as well as Yang Kyung Won as the first sergeant under Jung Hyuk. Both of them added dimension to characters that could have fallen too far into flat caricatures.
I have to say that Son Ye Jin is one fantastic actress. Her energy fills the screen and she's lovely to watch. Despite a bit of weak writing around her role, she carried it where it needed to go. I wasn't a fan of Hyun Bin in Secret Garden, but it seems like the character of Jung Hyuk was written just for him. He was perfect as the quiet, stoic, sometimes clueless man. Finally, I know many people agree that Kim Jung Hyun and Seo Ji Hye often stole the show as the second couple. In many ways, they were more exciting to watch than our main couple.
The rewatch value is high with this one. It's like a favourite movie that you want to watch any time you have the chance. It doesn't ask the viewer for much and rewards you with happy feelings.
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This series is a masterpiece
My reasons for seeing this series came from its writer and lead role actors (Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin) and I was sure it would be a good series.The awesome story and great acting of the actors, both the lead role and the other actors, made this series one of the best I've ever seen. It should be noted that its delicate and beautiful Ost adds to the charm of the scenes. The story line throughout the episodes was so engaging and exciting that made it difficult to wait for the next episode, and I wanted to see the next episode immediately.
To put it in a sentence, this series is so spectacular that is worth watching over and over again.
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This review may contain spoilers
Story: 10/10The storyline is so beautifully made and filmed that I can't give it lower than a 10. I was hooked to the storyline. Even though, I generally already love stories in which someone needs to be undercover.. this is a new look on the concept. The woman needs to hide in North Korea and adjust to the lifestyle while staying away from all the danger. Despite being so locked up, she actually finds herself and her happiness which she had lost. She learned the value of love, life and loyalty. The growth she makes throughout the drama is amazing to watch and you might actually learn something yourself too. Besides that, the innocence of the fellow soldiers were also beautifully played and just so adorable (AND FUNNY).
I really just binged this drama 'cause it got me soooo hooked.
Acting/Cast: 10/10
ALL THE ACTORS WERE SO GOOD AND CONVINCING!! The fellow soldiers had their own unique personality which were all well played. You will definitely fall in love with all of them!!! Some of the characters might fool you. You'll think that you hate them, but you'll actually grow to love them.
Music: 10/10
I loved all the OST's. It doesn't happen very often that I listen to the OST's seperately, because I watch so many dramas but these ones are just sweet and amazing.
Rewatch Value: 10/10
I've just finished the drama so for now I won't rewatch it, but I will put it on my ''to rewatch list''. So when I'm yearning for nostalgia, I will definitely rewatch this drama first.
Overall: 10/10
I would recommend this drama to everyone who loves: romantic dramas, cultural dramas, undercover dramas and action dramas. Also, if you're interested in North Korea, because even though they've romanticised some things (in my opinion) it's still a good representation of how it'd be in North Korea.
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