Completed
Kimchiiallinonefan
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 30, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.5

EXPERIENCE THE SCHOOL FRIENDSHIP

I found this drama exciting after the entry of Kim Woo Bin ?? cuz I really like everything about him especially when he is serious and his eyes become a sharp killer like a knife to some of the viewer's heart.I found out this after watching Heirs, uncontrollably and in this drama as well..although he does fab in comedy and romantic genres the acting for serious or sad scenes is on a different level. I was waiting for him to show up, also Lee Jung Suk is also one of my favourite actors.I only liked watching the school students, especially Park Heung Soo and Go Nam Soo. I hesitated to watch this drama cuz it didn't have any romance but Bromance made it a place instead of it. Loved the friendship between Kim Woo Bin and Lee Jung Suk ?✌️?.Feel like it needed some improvement, however, it was a good enough drama for students like me during lockdown.?

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Completed
Draken Sano Shipper
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 11, 2018
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10
ALL THE FEELS!!!!!
Amazing cast, great direction, fresh plot. Honestly made me nostalgic, so similar to my own high school experience. But Lee Jong Suk and Kim Woo Bin NO WORDS. I was sad about the ending of one character but I feel like it was well suited for the story. It didn’t seem unnatural. Also, Teacher Kang throws the best shade calling the drawing "a masterpiece" lol pretty much everyone's shade game is strong. One minute you'll be laughing stupid and the next you'll be bawling like mad. When Teacher Jung (Jang NaRa) asks LJS if he is in school for the food, and he goes "No. I'm also here for the sleeping still LMAO!

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Completed
sephyxcallum
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 21, 2019
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 7.5
I gotta admit, one of the reasons why I watched this show was for Kim Woo Bin (I just love him). The first three episodes were okay but I didn't start really enjoying it until Woo Bin's character was introduced.

The show can be quite cheesy at times but it's also very heartwarming and amazing. The cast did an amazing job with the acting and even though the music sometimes felt out of place in certain scenes, the music was catchy. My favorite characters were Jung In Jae (Jang Nara) and Go Nam Soon (Lee Jong Suk). I didn't really have a least favorite character but the bullies and the mean girls did get annoying after a while. Despite enjoying the show, the ending was a bit of a letdown. Overall, this show was great plus it introduced me to Jang Nara who is one of my favorite Korean actresses.

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Completed
sweetrainers
0 people found this review helpful
Aug 11, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 6.0

Cliché Bullying Drama

This is the third korean drama i finished and i always wonder how i can finished it at all? The topic kinda overused, the acting was awkward in most part like i really feel they are acting if that's makes sense? and I'm sure it's partly due to exaggerated storyline and acting because all the actor here have good filmography and good actor.

Overall not enjoyable at all. I only watch it because I'm obsessed with Lee Jongsuk back in 2014 and backtrack all his acting gig and this is the only one which I'm not enjoying so far.
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Completed
SieL68
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 4, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

What a journey for this school drama

9 years after this was aired was the first time I watched this. I actually finished watching School 2015 and 2017 before this. I would say that the plot on this one is not as intriguing as the other School series I have watched but this one sure has almost everything.

From friendship, parenting, being a student or teacher everything's here. I felt like I have witnessed the characters growing up, learning from their mistakes and try to do their best in everything.

I particularly wanted to see Lee JongSuk and Kim WooBin in this drama that's why I watched this but I am surprised because there were a lot more interesting casts that I found here like Jang NaRa, Lee YiKyung, Shin HyeSun and other familiar faces on recent dramas. Most of them I see frequently on other dramas and it's interesting to see their younger faces.

This drama will give you roller coaster ride of emotions from laughing, to crying, to feeling angry, to feeling forgiving and a lot more. No wonder this is considered as a legend during its time.

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Completed
Hashiridase
0 people found this review helpful
May 8, 2018
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
I was actually very hesitant to start this one, because I wasn't really in the mood for another high school drama, as I was expecting something full of fluff and cliches. But I heard multiple times that this drama was amazing and that it was different, so I decided to give it a shot.

And I'm glad I did! The tone of it reminded me of Gokusen at first, with the teacher trying to reform her kids. The drama definitely addressed a more serious aspect of school but after a few episodes it became clear that this was no Gokusen replica either. Teacher Jung was not always strong and sure of herself and the decisions or actions she made, and I liked how the drama portrayed her struggles to decide on how best to interact with students and their unique qualities. Students that annoyed me at first redeemed themselves later on in the drama. One thing that also sets this drama apart from Gokusen is that it never felt repetitive. Each character (and not only the students) presented their own set of troubles that they had to face.

Yet this drama also didn't feel bogged down by its serious tone and never became too overdramatic--it was all done just right and it may have come the closest to realistic situations as we can get in dramaland.

I was glad that they didn't decide to develop love lines--even though they are a part of school life, taking out the love lines probably was for the better in avoiding any cliche moments. There were hints, and there was bromance so all in all I was immensely happy with the relationships portrayed between the characters. Perhaps why I like this drama so much is because the interactions between the characters led to the growth of all the characters involved, and not just the main protagonist. Sure, there were some open ended things or characters that didn't change from their ways, but that all contributed to its realistic feeling.

I would most definitely recommend this drama if you're looking for something with a little less fluff, while also being a feel good drama at the same time. The chemistry between the cast is great and there are plenty of characters to love.

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Completed
myheartisomg
0 people found this review helpful
May 15, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 10
I wanted to try this drama because I've loved everything else Lee Jong Suk has done, but I have to admit I was a little hesitant when I read other reviews saying that it had no romance (usually my favourite thing). But in the end, it didn't matter - the central friendship is as compelling as any romance, and more moving than many I've seen. Beyond that, each side story is almost as heart-rending.

What I love about this drama is that the characters all face realistic, emotionally complex problems, to which there are no easy solutions. They tackle those problems with bravery and persistence, but they also sometimes withdraw in fear and selfishness. That just makes you love them all the more. Each one is so relatable and ultimately, loveable - even those you feel indifferent towards at first. There are no quick fixes, no sweeping drama cliches. You feel like the world these characters live in is not so different from our own. Apart from the writing and acting, the drama is visually quite flat - there's nothing special about the direction or cinematography. The music is good but also not outstanding. But that just serves to underscore how careful and considered the writing and performance is. The fact that the drama is so gripping even when the visuals are so basic really says something and makes this a standout for me. And yes, Lee Jong Suk is adorable in it.

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Completed
hardpliers
0 people found this review helpful
Nov 27, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 3.0
It's probably one of the most difficult reviews for me to write here yet. Well, because I just can't describe my emotions after watching it. I'm in between loving it and finally being happy that it's over.

First of all, it's such a classic. Especially the bromance in the drama, one of the most powerful friendships in Kdrama world. At first I was very skeptical of watching this because I'm mainly new to Korean dramas and I've been watching new and fresh series while declining the older shows. I had the feeling that this would be super low quality, cringey and weird, but I was pleasantly surprised. Even though it's a 2012 drama, it was filmed nicely and quite naturally. Also, I'm a huge romance junkie and I was quite drawn back when I read the reviews stating that there is basically no direct romance in this drama. However, I just love all of the other "School" series so much that I still felt obligated to watch this one too. Actually, it was so unique and different that now I understand why it's so highly hyped about. School-themed series in general are really nostalgic and pleasant and this one brought a new light on the dark and cruel subjects of bullying, marks, friendships in Korea. The music was great as in most dramas, but what I least expected was that I'd fall in love with all of the characters! Even the bad guys!

Overall, this is a must-see for all of you that are into "School" drama series and want to take a break from all of the cheesy dramas that are being produced nowadays! Don't get let down because of the trailer or the plot, because this drama is a classic and will make you rethink of all the choices you've had in high school!

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Completed
candiesandnihilism
0 people found this review helpful
Dec 27, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This was such a great show. I absolutely loved it. And the fact that it explores everything so realistically and without rushing things is the best thing about it. The bromances are the highlight of the show. And I absolutely loved everyone's story. How teenagers' issues and feelings are explored is refreshing. How it shows that adults can't always relate to or estimate the trials and pressures adolescents go through. They think it's trivial just because we're "kids". One should think about how it's even harder to go through things when you're an adolescent because you don't have the mental capacity, tools or experience to handle them.
Best part was the character development and growth in everyone. It was at a realistic pace. And very beautifully written and executed. Every single person's story was important. The actors did a great job.
I would have had a better experience in school if I had teachers like Jung In Jae to help me. I loved her. She genuinely wanted to help and gave it her all. Teacher Kang's character development was a delight to watch.
Plus there's no romance complicating or overshadowing the plot. It makes it even more realistic and better. There's possibility of it but they didn't push into it preemptively. It felt natural.
The ending was beautiful and I cried a lot. This show kept it very real and showed us how real life is not as ideal and not everyone has a happy ending. It is important to build healthy and close relationships with good people. These friends will be there for you when you need them. School life is one of the most important phases of one's life. Teachers play a huge role in the character development of the students. They should be compassionate and understanding. Also kids already know how hard life is and how cruel the world is. School is a place where we grow and learn how to navigate the world. We need people who can guide us and nurture us. Not punish and torture in the name of readying us for the real world. You don't comfort a child and don't give them affection and they'll just grow up to be bitter and emotionally starved individuals who contribute to make the world cruel. You need to show them care and affection, teach them kindly and comfort them when required. So that in the real world they'll have the good memories to get them through hard times and remind them that the world isn't always this cruel and not everyone is bad. The drama shows us the glaring flaws in our education systems and sheds a light on the different hardships faced by students.
It's a great show, you must watch it.

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Completed
jdfan
0 people found this review helpful
Mar 19, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
In my opinion this is the best School series among 2015, 2017 and 2021.

The drama tells you about real life happenings, no too much drama compared 2015, mostly realistic than 2017 and doesn't focus on romance, but it doesn't mean they are that bad. There is a plot twist that aren't predictable and the actors are good in their roles, also I can relate almost all of the scenes.

This drama is the reason why I felt in love with Lee Jongsuk, his acting is pretty good as a rookie during that time same with Kim Woobin, Jang Nara and Choi Daniel, there is no doubt in their acting.

Overall, this is a good recommendation for starters and for younger audience.

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Completed
Daisuke
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 4, 2018
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10
Boy, this drama was sooooo good I can't believe it…I feel it's the best one I've seen since Seven days, I really was not looking forward to the end as I'm going to feel empty and wonder where I find another one as good??? So far Master of Study, School 2017 (very different, though, and not as gripping). I thought once the issue between the main protagonists was resolved, the main story would be pretty much over and all the writers can do is think up various school issues to dramatise. But actually they have explored the boundaries also on really important social issues, covering many issues that must be faced by kids and teachers in schools in underprivileged urban areas. It's here where the main teacher actors also did an outstanding job, although one of them Jung In Jae is so almost saintly as to rather stretch credibility when you go outside the drama and think of what's more likely to happen in the real world. If only I had had any teacher like that I'd be in seventh heaven. I mean, keeping phone contact???……is that normal in Korea? Can we please, please have it in the West, as long as it's someone like her?…….But the Daniel Choi character and the other main teachers (perhaps especially the "baddie" ones) - do bring a dose of reality to what challenges teachers in similar situations face - ditto the parent characters stand for a credible portrait of what some parents are really like in the real world. The only fault I can find in this drama - where it really is drama, not a full portrait of reality - is the constant allowances for misfit kids - though that was corrected somewhat at the end where reality took a savage bite. In the real world, kids who don't fit in are written off, which is why we have crime, broken homes etc etc Maybe these kind of dramas can alert more people to the problem. The end feeling is that everyone went through some kind of evolution in this drama - kids and teachers. I feel this is the only drama other than Seven Days (which is out and out gay and therefore pushes the boundaries more) and maybe Nobuta wo Produce, which I could give a 10 to for rewatch value.

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Completed
KD-Jen
0 people found this review helpful
Apr 9, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 5.0

Oh Jung Ho!!!

I did not get the ending I want but I'm happy with 'I won't live badly'.
The acting was great, considering it was a first project for most of the actors. I was drawn to this for Kim Woo Bin and Lee Jong Suk, but ended up with a few more favs, such as Lee Ji Hoon, Yi Kyung, Kwak Jung Wook and Daniel Choi.

It dragged on a bit in parts, but then, that is to be expected when it has to last 16 episodes.

Didn't think much of the OST, but it didn't get on my nerves.

If you don't mind high school dramas, give it a try.
Enjoyable and mildly tugs at your heart strings.

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School 2013 (2012) poster

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