This review may contain spoilers
DAPPER JU JI HOON IS DAEBAKK!!!!
As you can tell from the headline I might be a little bit bias toward our ML here since he’s the reason I really started watching this. Been infatuated with him since 2006 ya know typical fan girl stuff ;)Okay so first of all, I love how dapper JJH looks here! I mean it’s hard not to fall in love with him. He has the looks, the wits, the intelligence, and the personality (well this one is up for debate but you do you boo). What I really loved about him here is that despite the seriousness of the topics they discuss throughout the series he is still able to make us laugh. May it be thru his witty comments, his stern personality, or his random dances (love those!!! And his facial expressions too!!!!). Actually it’s not just him, all the cast here really did an outstanding performance and this drama deserved all the praises it got and maybe even more.
The only thing I think that was somewhat off in this drama is the love story. That’s the only reason I didn’t really give this one a perfect 10. I’m not sure if it’s the age gap or what, but something felt off. Even as when I was watching the ending, when both of our leads were standing in front of the building Jung Geum Ja wanted to buy and they started walking with their arms around each other’s shoulders, it looked like they were just BFFs and not lovers. And honestly, I prefer it that way. Personally, they look like brother and sister. I was actually rooting for Atty Yoon and Atty Boo to be together. They looked better as a couple for me tbh.
But this doesn’t necessarily mean that I’m not happy with our FL. In fact, it’s hard to imagine any other actress playing the role (excluding love line). Her character was a strong one. And I know initially this role was proposed to Song Hye Kyo but she declined (thank goodness). SHK is a great actress but I don’t think she can pull this character as much as KHS did.
Overall, it was a fun watch. Learned things along the way also that might be useful in life. Will definitely recommend this to someone who is looking for a witty legal drama that is not too far from reality.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
SHIN HYE SUN DID NOT DISAPPOINT.
Although I gave Mr. Queen a 10/10 overall rating I wouldn't say it's flawless. It does have some loopholes in it but I think it's what makes this drama more relatable and charming.I love that even though it was a historical drama it didn't bore me at all. Every episode was worth the time and wait. It actually got me hooked on episode 1 and after that I just couldn't wait to watch the next one.
The main reason I watched this drama was because it starred Shin Hye Sun as the lead. (Just a short backstory, I LOVE HER. Her acting is 100/10 for me. She always nail her role. Hands down). And as expected, she did not disappoint! I love how we only saw CJW in a few episodes (i think less than 5 eps) but it felt like he was with us from start to finish. Everytime we see the FL on screen we would immediately know who's spirit is talking either KSY or JBH. Her acting made it easier for us to distinguish the two characters easily even though it was played by the same actress. I noticed that SHS studied how CJW acts and tried to copy his subtle mannerisms like his smirk the way he talks etc. and that for me was just brilliant. And her chemistry with the ML wow oh wow. It's like the cherry on top of an icing. I loved it.
Story wise, I love historical dramas but sometimes it just gets too dark and heavy for me but this one I loved how light it was. Even though there were antagonists in the story it was still light but the story still was complex enough to keep us entertained.
I think there are only 2 things that would make the story better overall. First is to have the ML and FL meet in the future and be together again but they exchange their genders. Second is to have more episodes hehehe.
I'll honestly miss this drama. I'll miss our king and queen and the palace peeps. Love love love it!!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This is such a light heart warming drama!!! I'm so glad I decided to start watching this!!!The two main leads are so adorable together!!! The story is not too overly cute that you'll get fed up, it was not too mature that you'll easily get bored. It was a right mix of everything. The concept of a "dinner mate" was so simple but somehow it was a unique concept.
The script writing, directing, casting, acting was orchestrated well!
I really loved the idea of "not staying with a person who is uncomfortable to eat with", because though this is common sense to some, I know a lot of us still tend to push this idea aside. But yeah, as a food lover and a kdrama lover I really loved this drama.
Song Seungheon and Seo Jihye Fighting!!!! Congratulations to the whole team behind this drama!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
it's a simple drama that will give you butterflies here and there from time to time :)
Overall it was a really cute drama.Honestly, the overall vibes of this drama was really nice. Love the friendship, the stories, and of course the romance plot of the drama. I wouldn't necessary say it's the best drama out there but it was cute. Am glad that I watched it.
The casting was great and even though the story line was simple it still kept me entertained for the most parts. Honestly, there were some parts that made me want to stop but since I really like the casting it made me go on and so far no regrets. To cut the long story short, it's a simple drama that will give you butterflies here and there from time to time :)
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Don't really know why I delayed watching this because this is a gem! All the actors are superb! This drama is daebak, from the story line to the actors to music just wow! It's actually been a long time since I've watched a period drama like this.
I really loved how they made an effort to cast younger actors that somehow has a resemblance to the older ones. I really can't say much but I really really love the story line. If you think about it, it's just a simple plot, nothing too complicated but it has this charm to it that makes the viewers fall in love. I think these days a lot of dramas has a lot of plot twists and complicated stories just to make the show more "unpredictable" but honestly if you're a constant viewer of dramas like me, it does get tiring some times.
so kudos to everyone behind this! (though I know I'm late to the party but still)
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
The plot of the movie was very straightforward and simple yet the story was still heartfelt. Most importantly, the chemistry between the two leads is amazing!!! There is something about their eyes that makes you fall in love with them as well! Hope to see more of them in future projects!Hoped they could've extended this a bit more, even for just another 30 min, so that we may be able to see more of SJS and SYJ 's life together both in the present and the past. Not really sure what's the reason behind her death? Also, since she knew that her second chance was for only a limited time, I was hoping she could've had a better "good bye" to her husband. Besides her diary and Jiho, she left nothing else for him. Hoped she could've written her husband letters also for his birthdays like what she did for Jiho. Anyhow, still loved the movie and will recommend it to people who are into this type of stories :)
PS: Can't believe SJS and SYJ were able to pull off roles as college students. Koreans in general are like vampires, they don't seem to age much!
PPS: Love the best friend of Woojin! Thank you for adding some humor :)
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Actors were great, scipt was good, plot was okay. Honestly, it just lacks complexity for me.
After watching Alchemy of Souls... my heart was still yearning for a good drama... and since I heard a lot of good feedback about this drama I thought this was the drama that would cure my yearning heart...Honestly the drama was okay... The actors were great. I never expected KHS to be your stereotypical kdrama queen (reserved, soft spoken,etc.) since her personality is really far from that but she was able to pull off this role. Especially the role of being a mother. She aced it 100%. And her children here, loved them <3 they were the perfect family.
I think after watching too many makjang lately I just got disappointed half way thru this drama as it only really evolved in one plot and one plot only: the death of the crown prince. I was hoping that they will be able to resolve this around episode 8-10 to make way for a bigger and deeper plot twist. But nope, they were literally just investigating the deaths of the 2 crown prince up until the end.
Since they were just really working on one plot, 3/4 along the series... I just realized that they have too many characters that they could've utilized more. Like the Royal Physician Yoo, the crown princess of the late crown prince, the grand heir, the king, the grand princes, the other princes and many more. Honestly they built up so much mystery around the character of RP Yoo but the way they did him was a bit anticlimactic. They really could've utilized him more.
I wish they told more stories also about the relationship of the King and the Queen so that us, the viewers, can appreciate more why does the king listen so much to the Queen, and why Consort Hwang mentioned earlier in the drama that you cannot disregard the Queen as she still holds value. I mean these are the little details that would make the viewers appreciate the plot more. But oh well... it is what it is. I don't regret watching it... but after watching it I really don't understand the logic behind the high rating.
But kudos to the actors! Bravo performance!
PS: I was really happy to see Bae Inhyuk again in a crown prince role!!!! But the heck they did him dirty by killing him asap ??? hahahahahaha
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Another underrated gem <3
Overall the show was really nice. I liked the characters, the story, and how they were able to deliver everything.It was a cute romcom with good leads and story. But personally, I do think that the main plot was dragged for too long. I think they could've done a bit more in terms of the love story since this is mainly a rom com. I am a sucker for love triangles so I wish there were more push and pull between the 2 ML and FL hehe. I know that the character of the 2nd ML was an a-hole but they could've showed a bit more of his "lover" or warm side so that the FL can be swayed a little in the beginning (together with the viewrs of course kkkk). The way his character was portrayed in the drama felt like his chances to get back with the FL was doomed from the start. The writers played him dirty hehehe they didn't even give him a chance to redeem himself even for a shortwhile just enough time to make the love triangle a bit more exciting.
One thing I didn't completely get as well was the FL in general. Can't seem to figure out if she's a strong person, a timid one, a smart one, a pushover, or what. Like when they showed their flashback when she was in high school, it didn't seem like she was the quiet shy type. She was aggressive. But then in the present, she's different. She also lets people push her over. That was something that I found inconsistent throughout the drama.
I honestly think that this drama was worth the watch, especially if you are just looking for a light drama with the right amount of mystery.
now unto the next one!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Wow I just finished this movie 5 minutes ago but I think I need more time to really process everything that I have watched. First of all, I really really love the casting of this movie!!!! Looking back, I think that was the reason why I watched it in the first place. Aside from that, I love that it's under the genre rom-com. After watching a lot of heavy dramas consecutively, I've been craving me some romcom dramas/ movies.
I really liked how they portrayed the characters here, it was really close to reality. Even the relationship and careers of the main characters were portrayed really realistically. But the reason why I didn't give this a perfect score was because of the last part of the movie.
I honestly think the last part can be debatable depending on where you stand. For some it can be considered as the perfect ending because they see the other "Hyeok" as someone who is perfect for our FL since he takes care of her and everything. However, for others (me included) it can be considered as a very unlikely and to some degree "unsettling" ending. I honestly find it weird that the FL tried to get close to her patient because of his name and when she found out that her patient likes her, she used it to her advantage. Some see them as the perfect couple, but honestly all I can think of is that the second "hyeok" is nothing but a rebound guy. Same thoughts on "Boyeong". She's nothing but a rebound girl.
But don't get me wrong, it actually made sense that there were two Hyeoks. I honestly didn't get why the character of Jang Ki Yong suddenly turned for the worst when in the first part he was shown as a very dorky loving guy.
The guys who acts like "cupid" (the security guy i think?) was also a weird part. Like where the heck did he come from? Why is he matchmaking? Why is he throwing all this wisdom to Hyeok? It was really weird and creepy.
But anyhow... it was an okay watch. As what they say, to each his own.
Now unto the next drama/movie!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
When I first watched the first episode of this drama I was wow!!! From the intro up to the last second of the first episode it was so amazing!!! In fact when I finished watching the first episode I immediately looked for the next one lol. It was only then that I found out it was shown on Netflix, I was really happy because that means rather than waiting for almost 1 day for the subbed version, I can watch it an hour after its airing in SoKor. What captivated me most when I watched this one was the character of Seo Ye Ji, Ko Mun Young. For some reason, I find her character very relatable. I really really love love love her acting here. She really brought the character to life. From her fashion sense to her dark humor, everything was perfect. And of course, don't get me started with her chemistry with Kim Soo Hyun. Wow just wow!!! They both really outdone themselves here.
But to tell you honestly, in terms of acting skills I was really taken aback by Oh Jung Se who plays Moon Sang Tae. I first watched him in the drama When the Camellia Blooms in which he won an award for his acting, but his acting skills here in IOTNBO is really on another level. He played the character of Sang Tae well, from the way he talks to the mannerism, it really seems legit. I'd even go as far as saying he deserves a Daesang Award for his acting here.
I love watching dark, mysterious and dramas that tackle psychological issues, that's why I think I was also drawn into this drama. Aside from learning things about the different psychological issues, it's really nice that we also learn how do they heal from their wounds. It's really satisfying to see the characters grow as a person which was something I loved in this drama. Not only the leads, but even the supporting characters grew from their old selves (Well except from MY's mom). They went out of their comfort zones and lived a better life. This drama is really one of the dramas that has a satisfying ending. I'll truly miss this one.
The only thing I didn't really understand from this drama is how the hell did KMY's mom survived what happened to her. She freaking bled a lot and was thrown at the bottom of a lake. How the heck do you live from that? I guess we will never know the answer to that lol.
Anyways, wishing everyone the best. I appreciate the effort of everyone involved in making this drama. Despite the fears of COVID19 you didn't backed down and gave everyone something good to look forward to in these trying times so kudos to you all!!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Started watching Sky Castle out of curiosity. Never thought I'd get hooked. Honestly, I'm so surprised that a satirical drama was aired and even broke a record because education is really something that everyone takes so seriously and I think this drama depicted it perfectly.
Acting wise, I would give them an overall of 10/10. The actors made the viewers hate their characters so much because they were able to embody them so perfectly. I honestly never hated so much characters in one drama ever. At first, I hated Kang Yesuh because, well let's be honest, she was just plain rude to every anyone when she doesn't get her way of things. Then I slowly started hating her mom, Coach Kim, her dad, Mr. Cha, Park Suchang, etc. But I think the character that I felt hatred toward the most was Hyena. Gahd she was just so irritating that I hoped her character would just die (and she did thankfully). She thinks she can outright anyone just because she doesn't really have anything to fear for. I understand she and her mom went thru a lot but in the end she conditioned her mind that she was always the victim and that became her flaw. While we all hated some characters, we were also able to empathize with them. That's how good they were.
However personally, there is one actor that I think needs to improve his acting a bit more and that's the actor who played Hwang Uju. He was able to portray his character well during light scenes but since his character had more depth towards the end he had to enact more heavy scenes. I don't why but I just find it hard to empathize with him during those scenes. It felt like it was "pushed". It might have been too much for him to portray.
Coach Kim is an interesting character, I expected more than what they revealed from her past. I would've loved to find out what is the main root of her personality. Would've loved learning more about her. And does ending mean, she's back? I think the final episode gave us more questions that answers regarding her.
I think 16 episodes should've sufficed, the drama felt too long at times but nevertheless I enjoyed watching every episodes.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Fate and destiny can only do so much for us most of the times... Sometimes we need to take the lead
First and foremost I was really excited the first time I saw the trailer for this series!!!! "First Love" by Utada Hikaru will always be one of my ultimate favorite love songs <3Casting was superb from the young actors who played the leads to the adult casts. Hands down!!! Super great chemistry!!!! Satoh Takeru is such a fine man omg <3
Aspiring viewers beware this is not your typical fast paced love story but it has its own charm that will keep you hooked until the end. Personally, I have a soft spot for first love stories as this is something I really hold dear to me. So my review will be bias but that's alright.
At first, the story telling was kinda confusing for me as it has flash backs a lot throughout the episodes but once I tried to really focus on the show I got to understand and appreciate the plot more. As a viewer, it became more engaging for me and it made me appreciate more what is happening in the present time. I also loved how realistic the story telling was. I know fate played a big role in making things happen for the two leads but it's okay. It also happens to us every once in a while.
It was really nice to see them grow from high school students to responsible adults. When they were young and in love, they let fate and destiny take the lead for them. The universe gave them one more chance when they became adults (Thanks to Tsuzuru and Uta). Unfortunately, fate and destiny can only do so much. Which is why I think they got separated again. But luckily, this time, Yae took the lead and made things happen for them one last time and that's how they got their happy ending <3
The only reason I did not give this a perfect score was because of the ending. I was actually hoping that after all they've been through, the writer/director would have given them a bit more screen time together. Don't get me wrong I loved that they were able to fulfill their childhood dream together but I would really love to see more of them <3
PS: This show really makes me think of my first love during high school and how lucky I was with him <3 It was He really did love me the same way as the ML here loved the FL. Unconditionally. Like I was his last love. And that's what I became, his last love. "First Love" is the song I dedicate to him the most as I will always have a special place in my heart for him. He was the one who taught me how to love. I really miss him and how I wish he was still here.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I honestly hope they make a longer version of this movie bec the leads need more time together!!!!!
I have a soft spot for plots like this where it involves nostalgic moments about your first love, friends, family, youth. I'm not sure why but maybe because my first love was a really big factor of how I became the person I am today.Overall I really loved it, I enjoyed the storyline. It was really cute. Casting was on point. Honestly, I loved the chemistry between the FL and the ML. The only thing that bothered me throughout the movie was the pacing. It was really too fast. I think it would've helped if the movie was 40-60 min longer (I mean come on a 3 hour duration is not something new for a korean movie). Imagine with that amount of time you can build up your characters better. Thus, making the foundations of the relationship of the characters better, more relatable, and their actions more justifiable.
Frankly speaking because of the pacing, there is a part of me that can't help but think that it was just a high school fling that was left open ended for a quite some time. I know there are some movies that when you make it longer it ruins the show but I believe this is not one of it. I really do wish that they make a longer version of this one. Maybe an 8 or 12 episode drama? I don't know. I just know that if they do I will definitely watch it and I know for sure that adding more screen time to this will definitely help enhance the story line.
There were also some questions that were left unanswered like :
what happened to Bada why did he got into an accident?
-Was that scene really significant? I honestly think no because even if they met that night, and they had an additional few hours -together, I think their last moment together would've still made the hearts of the audience break
- What happened to Baek Hyun Jin? I find it really impossible that he did not know woonho passed away
-how the heck did woonho die all of a sudden?
But it an all honesty, what made my heart break was the last part when Joseph and the FL were talking. It made me think of my late boyfriend, my first love, who passed away when he was 17. At some point, it felt like Joseph was talking to me and honestly I would've said the something "how can I forget *****?". Just thinking about those lines, really brings tears in my eyes which is why this movie will always have a special place in my heart.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Ahhhh Youth...
Jiang Xiao Guo - Her character is really annoying. I really don't get her logic when it comes to relationship. The ever so sweetest Zhen Yu kept showing his sincerity since the start but she said she cannot accept his feelings because she sees him as a kid when in fact their age gap is only 3-4 years. BUT she still had the audacity to pursue her boss who is probably 10+ years older than her. I also don't get how an intern like her gets to work with all the executives and all the confidential assignments. I mean she did not even had the best professionalism. She keeps on barging into the office of her bosses and unnecessarily question them? Like hello, you can't do that to the owners. Let alone as an intern.Luo Yan - all throughout the drama she was really the most immature one out of all of them. A lot of her problems could've been solved thru proper communications but no. She doesn't want to share anything nor she wants to listen to others. Together with Lu Ran, they were just the most annoying among all of them. They were so immature, like oh my god just talk to each other about your problems!!! that's the sense of being in a relationship, to have someone by your side.
Zhou Xun - Honestly, there was seriously no chemistry for me between him and the FL. It felt like he just had to like her at
some point to create a love triangle and make the FL realize what she has to. As a boss, yeah stop giving everything to the interns. It made me think think that his company does not hire any regular employees as everything was done by the executives or interns. No in between.
Liang Shuang and Duan Jia Bao/ "Da Bao" - I like their characters a lot. Their sub-group within their friendship was cute especially with Zhao Xiao Juan and his brother.
Xiong Zhi / "Da Xiong" - He was a nice guy that didn't deserve the breakup. It was very unfortunate but I liked how they reconciled and ended things between them.
Duan Zhen Yu - I have a feeling of how S2 will go for you but listen to me my sweet boy, Xiao Guo does not deserve you and your sincerity!!!!!! You are just too pure <3
I honestly watched this as I was looking for something to watch that won't make me use my brain to much. I honestly do not regret watching it was cute but I really did find it too long and I can't understand why they had to split the story line to 2 seasons. I honestly think they could've made do with just 1 season. But whatevs, what's done is done. And now, I have to check out S2 since I have nothing better to do.
Unto the next one!!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Forever within a numbered days
There’s really something about tragic love stories that I really like. Call me a masochist but I really really love watching these types of dramas and bawling your eyes out.The plot and number of episodes were perfect because just like the story of our leads, it was short and straight to the point.
Just like the ML here, I too lost my other half. Not to a gun shot but to a terminal disease. I think that is why I feel for his character more especially during the last part where he was looking back to all the years that has gone by without the FL and how he coped up with everything. This drama made me think also of all the what ifs that could’ve been but it also made me realize that things do happen for a reason.
I think the only thing I’m missing from this drama is what happened to the people who were left behind? Like the FL’s family? What happened to the ML’s dad and stepmom? How did everyone moved on from what was happening?
I recommend this drama to anyone who wants to have a good cry and watch a heartwarming love story. Really really worth it!
Now, unto the next one
Was this review helpful to you?