So this drama had it all. I was left guessing the whole time. I never knew what was coming except once & that was just a given. There wasn't anything bad about this drama. I loved the whole thing. The acting was amazing, the story was awesome, & I would totally start rewatching this in a heartbeat. I don't think that this drama could disappoint any1. The only issue was that I just couldn't stand the old bad guys facial expressions, but ur supposed to hate the bad guy. Anyway awesome job writers. This is the best time travel drama I have ever watched b/c it is simple and complex at the same time. It makes u think, but u also have to accept things as they are. I enjoyed watching this drama & I suggest that every1 give it a try. I promise it will draw u in on the 1st episode. ENJOY!
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Story: "Nine" is another time-travelling drama, but just like "Queen In Hyun's Man" the rules of time travel were clearly defined from the get go. There wasn't a morally selective wormhole (Faith) or a weird tumor thing (Dr. Jin). The plot was really complex and the writers kept you guessing until the very end. Just like "In Hyun", this drama also went with the idea that some higher power punished you for trying to play god and change the past, and how trying to change them can just hurt you more. I liked how that had less to do with fate coming in and more to do with karma.
The plot itself sounded a bit like a mash-up when I first read it. So we have a time-travelling hero, with terminal brain cancer. And a birth secret. And a murder. And this hero lost everyone due to some past tragedy. That all sounds *really* unoriginal. We already went through the whole time-travel thing last year, and cancer is the illness that everyone has, and don't even get me started on the last two. But somehow, the writers used all of that in a way I really didn't expect. (On a side note, "Nine" felt like a darker, more dramatic version of "In Hyun". That's not to say is was serious all the time, but it was just *more* serious).
Acting: Lee Jin Wook was perfectly casted. I don't think I could ever imagine anyone else playing Park Sun Woo. He really bought the character to life with his emotional depth and dry humor. I loved his character and the easy chemistry he pulled off with all his cast members- whether it was the familial relationship with Jun Noh Min or the romantic chemistry with Jo Yoon He. Jo Yoon He has gotten much better since she was in "Lie to Me" and she was really good at the emotional scenes in "Nine". While she and Lee Jin Wook didn't have steamy chemistry, they had an effortless one instead- sort of like two people who have been together forever. Hyungsik is a surprisingly good actor for his age, and some of his scenes made me *cry*. I'm going to give an honorable mention to Lee Seung Jun because his character was mainly used for comic relief and he wasn't afraid to seem ridiculous on camera.
Music: None of it struck me as original. It sounded like every other OST out there, but it was really well used. The music really helped establish the mood in pivotal scenes in this drama.
Rewatch Value: This drama pulled me from one emotion to the next. Each episode left me a blubbering mess, but that was mostly because I had no idea what was going to happen next. That's why the rewatch value is sort of low.
Overall: This is one of my favorites. It could have had a better ending, but overall I loved it to pieces.
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It started off slowly but nicely in Tibet, which sort of set the perfect scene for a mystic journey of time travel. From then on, you will be kept on the edge of your seat as each episode produce one after another unexpected events. I was never able to second guess what exactly will happen next. On many occasions, I was thinking that's it, the story should be completed and it will be happy ending thereafter, but the next twist again proves me completely wrong. . The ending is very meaningful but needs a bit of thought process to appreciate it. Surprisingly, there is not a single loose end to the plot, everything just ties in together perfectly and logically despite the time travel element (which in itself is the most consistent and logical means compared to the other time travel dramas)
The highlight of the drama was the charisma of Lee Jin Wook or rather his portrayal of Park Sun Woo. His character's dry humor even when facing with adversity is really spot on and Jin Wook really makes Sun Woo comes alive.
The only bad point of this show in my opinion is the lack of quality OST. There is only one (the main one) which left some impression, but the rest or lack-of are forgettable. Don't think this show has much rewatch value after you watched it once because you would have knew all the twists that are going to happen. Also, other than superb acting of Jin Wook, there is really no "star names" in this drama which would prompt you to do a re-watch.
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I feel like odd man out when it comes to this drama. Nine Times Time Travel is a really great drama, one that I think anyone could enjoy. It has something for all types of drama watchers, and I think the storyline is unique enough to keep you guessing at every turn. As soon as you think you have it figured out, the writers throw your notions out the window. It's rare for a drama to excel at that aspect so much without seeming like they jumped shark.
But here is where I start feeling odd man out from all of the people who gave this story a ten. I am not sure where to place the blame for this on. The writers touted the story as even better than Queen In Hyun's Man. The similar time travel also leads to comparisons, and every single person that recommended it to me mentioned QIHM and how similar they were. And, to a degree, they are similar. But 9 focuses much less on the romantic aspect than QIHM did. 9 is all about all of the relationships between all of the characters, not just the main couple. It also lacked the levity that QIHM embraced. There wasn't an episode of QIHM that went by without making you smile at least once. 9 was much more melodramatic and tearful.
All of that aside, the actors seriously did an amazing job, every single one of them. Lee Jin Wook just has this smile that conveys so much sadness and heartbreak, you just want to hug him. And the supporting cast all were absolutely phenomenal as well. I really liked the few QIHM Easter eggs that I noticed, like when the head reporter guy (who was the baddie in QIHM) ringtone was Hee Jin's ringtone. It was cute!
This drama had a lot of action and drama and was constantly moving from the getgo. There were very few slow scenes, and almost no useless scenes, which can be nice. Every scene felt like it had a purpose, even if you didn't understand the purpose for 10 episodes. There were, however, a lot of really boring car chase scenes. I mean, one or two is OK, if it's like a 3 minutes shot. But almost entire episodes were devoted to car chases, so it felt excessive.
All in all, this was definitely a drama I could recommend to anyone, and I really do think anyone would enjoy. My only caution would be to not go into this expecting a lot of romance, cause you will be disappointed.
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First I have to confess that it actually took me a couple of episodes to get completely absorbed, but when I did I just couldn’t stop anymore.
Story: I honestly don’t know what I was doing holding up this drama for all these years, and what was holding me back? I was worried that if I watch it now I won’t experience the same thrilling experience, which the viewers felt while watching this as it was freshly made. But fortunately it is one of those few dramas that, I believe, will hold on very tightly to its astonishing qualities even if much time passes. If I had to pinpoint one single thing that makes Nine different than all of the mystery/twist and turns type of dramas that I’ve seen, it would be the plot development and writing. The plot development takes the center-stage over character and relationship development. Allow me to say that in your average K drama, character and relationship developments are often given more prominence and importance over the plot development itself. In Nine however, the characters are the constant components of the show and the writing/plot developments is the thing that’s twisting around them instead. It was such an intriguing construct, which was really refreshing to watch and brilliantly set by Nine writers.
Thoughts throughout the show: Two core questions,
Can We Humans Play God? And What’s The Price of Playing God?
No matter the timeline, we are essentially the same people. The character consistency across the timelines didn’t bow to human meddling. Although there is the possibility that some things within us may be re-shaped but the core will never change. It is such thought-provoking stuff indeed.
Acting:
Since Lee Jin Wook plays the lead and primary focal point of the show; from start to finish, Nine revolves around Sun Woo’s journey, all other characters exist in relation to him, and their importance is also mapped in relation to him, thus everyone else is mostly a supporting character so I will dedicate this section mostly to the actors who played Sun Woo (LJW & PHS).
Lee Jin Wook as Adult Sun Woo: Lee Jin Wook turns in a solid performance as Sun Woo, effectively portraying him with an almost impenetrable veneer that is at once intelligent, rational and tenacious, while giving us glimpses, in the quiet moments, of the uncertainty, fear and worry that he keeps to himself. This is by far the best performance I’v seen from LJW. I loved Sun Woo as a character very much!! I was so happy that I could love him so easily because he is the essence of the entire show. It’s really hard not to love Sun Woo, he is smart, quick on the uptake and cares about the people he loves even if it means putting his own life at stake. One of the most endearing qualities which is worth mentioning about Sun Woo, is his courage in the midst of confusion. Very admirable quality truly a hero in the making.
Park Hyung Sik as Young Sun Woo: This is my 4th drama for PHS and I have always admired him, moreso when I consider that he’s an idol. He did admirably well as young Sun Woo, it is possibly one of the best young portrayals I have come across in dramaland. He managed to give similar vibes to the adult Sun Woo and was a reasonably good echo of the adult Sun Woo. I really loved his scenes the most of all.
Lee Seung Joon as Young Hoon: I freaking loved LSJ here!! Young Hoon is by far my favorite character of his! YH’s friendship with Sun Woo, seriously one of the best BFF demonstration in dramaland even though it wasn’t given enough time, attention nor space but it was beautifully demonstrated nonetheless. LSJ is the comic relief of the show as his expressions to the time travelling talk were priceless!! Young Hoon is such a sincere, dorky, grizzled and adorable grumpypants. His concern for his friend all throughout the entire show is the show’s best emotional treat, for me it beats the romance element by million times!!
Music: Nothing memorable to me, nothing special and the show didn’t need one tbh.
Overall:
Nine is a rollercoaster of a ride. I am rarely ever taken by dramas, which don't move me emotionally, but there is always an exception and Nine is one. This is one of the very very few dramas that doesn’t need your emotional consent and will make you appreciate the ride for the thrill and creativity factor alone. For those who are thinking thrill-seekers Nine is a must watch drama. For those who are wondering why is this drama so popular, the ending on its own is a mind-blowing sensation for your thoughts (if you are willing to accept what the writers tried to offer). The only reason this is not getting higher grade from me is the romance factor, which took from the story a lot more than it deserves and this has admittedly peeved me.
I will definitely not re-watch this for two reasons 1) I rarely re-watch dramas 2) This is a "mystery"drama and once that element is unfolded there is no point in watching the whole thing again.
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The story is great, it's original, it's neat, and the suspense made it hard for me to not press the next episode. Although there were a few scenes that I skipped because I got bored. (mainly car scenes because they lasted too long but it wasn't too severe)
The acting and cast were amazing. Honestly, the acting is good. If you're scared too watch this drama because you might think there are bad actors, just watch it. The acting is amazing. And the characters were just perfect.
Music, I gave it a lower mark because there was never an ost that stuck in my mind.
The first few episodes may have you bored, but just keep watching it, because you'll probably get hooked after 5 episodes.
Idk, a lot of people say it's pretty similar to qihm but I didn't find it similar.
It's more of melodrama but, there are the happy moments that will make you smile and laugh because it's too cute.
WATCH IT.
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Story wise- It has perfect script, great story, thrilling, mysterious, funny, romantic, and erotic kissing scenes(PG13). it is just too perfect for me to describe co'z i really like how they wrote every sequence... Just so refreshing to watch.
Acting/cast- I'm so amazed how they be able to have such a very good cast here like they were born for it.. 2 thumbs up to the director...
Warning: the lead actor here is too hot!.. watch out girls!. ahehehe
The music is just right (actually doesn't notice)
Rewatch value is not recommended here... ;)
so hope you can add this to your dramalist and make a review about it.
Spread the good news guys and keep watching :)) aja!!!
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That being said, here's what I thought. The story line was crazy all over the place. Although K-dramas tend to be fairly predictable, I was actually really surprised about many of the events that happened. Not surprised enough to pull a stupid Choi Jin Chul face (omg), but on edge throughout. The romance between the OTP was doled out in satisfying amounts here and there. Just when I'd get to thinking, I need some romance..it'd turn up! The last episode was my favorite, though the very ending was kind of...?!?
I LOVED the friendships between Sun Woo, Young Hoon, as well as, Sun Woo and Chul Min. I thought the actor playing the young Sun Woo was actually pretty awesome, too. On a sort of side note here, I kind of wish we could have seen a part of Min Young's life that didn't revolve around Sun Woo..I mean I know she came over from the US..but doesn't she have ANY friends??
It'd be hard to rewatch this drama because I really think the element of surprise is what grabbed me for this one. All in all, though, I'd rank it in the top 5 for 2013, for sure.
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[The Story]
So like I said it's the most unpredictable drama I've ever watched.
The plot was from the beginning very interesting and creative. Even though the time travel thingy seems to be the trend nowadays, the fact that the main character actually travel back and forth at the exact same time but with a 20 years difference makes it unique.
Each episode brings its share of suspense which makes you fall down from your chair and even though there are only 4 episodes left, I still don't have a clue about what the ending could be like.
[The Cast]
Even though some of them seem to have a long career, I didn't know any of the actors when I began to watch, and I must say some of them definitly impressed me.
Lee Jin Wook (Park Seon Woo) has a lot of charisma, and I think he portrayed his role perfectly. We can also feel that he has a good feeling with his co-actress Jo Yoon Hee (Joo Min Young) and this adds a lot of credibility to the romance part which isn't that big to begin with.
[The music and rewatch value ]
The OST doesn't appeal to me particularly but it definitely matches the drama well and adds a lot to the sad and suspensful scenes.
I gave a 9 for the re-watch value because I'm 100% I'll watch this drama again, just to be sure I didn't miss anything now that I know everything (well, almost, because there are still 4 episodes to be broadcasted) and because the drama really leaves me a deep impression and makes you addictive.
In conclusion, if you want to be surprised and like suspens, this drama is made for you :)
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From the same writer who also wrote the popular time travel drama, Queen In Hyun's Man, I really applaud him for utilizing the time travel trope so well. This drama has to be the few dramas if not the first in my opinion that utilizes the idea of time travel so realistically and brilliantly. I walked in expected that I've seen everything with time travel, but this drama kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.
I also applaud the writer for writing such realistic, intelligent characters. Most kdramas concentrate on main characters leaving side characters one dimensional and often times, dim-witted. In this drama, each character has his/her own motivations, are consistent in their actions, and just overall believable. I'm also glad that writer wrote with the mind that the audience are not stupid and instead actively engages the audience's mind, curiosity, and imagination.
Overall, I really enjoyed watching this drama for its intelligent plot and engaging characters. I would recommend marathoning at least the first four episodes of the drama though since the first few episodes are slow paced as the writer tries to paint the storyline to the audience. Once you got over the first few episodes, buckle your seats because I guarantee you you're going to embark on an awesome ride.
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