K-lover61
UK
I've backpacked and this felt quite real, even though, if push came to shove, I doubt they'd ever have ended up sleeping on a beach!
It felt very unscripted in that they seemed to genuinely make their own decisions on where to go and what to do.
Both actors seem genuinely nice people and fit together very well as travel companions.
The sights, sounds and almost smells even, are beautifully filmed. Many characters and experiences are shared, which are uniquely found when travelling independently (something I've done a fair bit of).
A lovely way to visit another country and culture, from the comfort of one's home, with 2 lovely guides!
Was this review helpful to you?
Great acting from the entire cast, but especially Kim Jung-hyun (who never overplayed his part and was the perfect match for...) and Shin Hye-sun (her mannerisms, talking and overall portrayal of a woman with a man's soul trapped inside her, was a joy to watch).
I've not seen a drama capture its story like this and its script, so well. Perfectly paced, funny, emotional, nail biting and so enjoyable. The main story was never lost and the character of Jang Bong-hwan was kept at the forefront throughout ~ even when Choi Jin-hyuk wasn't appearing! He was seamlessly reintroduced at given times too, which was cleverly done.
Even though this is fantasy, with a melding of 2 totally different eras hundreds of years apart, the direction and character portrayals made it possible to completely fall into it. Nothing felt a step too far.
I shall miss this so much and it's one I know I will come back to, again and again.
Was this review helpful to you?
Inappropriately targeted and cancelled
What a promising horror fantasy set in the time of the Joseon Dynasty, with characters that were a mix of actual and fictional.The story was pure fiction, with corpses rising from the dead, with a thirst for blood and the very life force of people. Controlled by a demon spirit somehow connected to the King and his father before him.
It was gripping and with sarcasm and light humour added to counterbalance the horror and gore... there was plenty of the latter, so not for those who dislike horror and blood.
I was gutted that this well made series was cancelled after only 2 episodes, due to props in a really short scene and then, criminally, because it distorted history and misrepresented the characters who actually lived... even though it was a work of fiction and fantasy. I honestly cannot believe it. One could not make this scenario up.
We will never know what else this story was going to offer.
The misplaced reasons given by an extremist group of citizens was totally OTT in this particular instance.
I cannot believe they were listened and pandered to, especially when it was explained the props used were actually in line with the time and area the characters were in. So, only the historical aspects they choose should be accurate, it seems, even in a fantasy.
A crying shame.
Was this review helpful to you?
This film says a lot about how forcing people into a life that's a lie, just to conform to a society based on antiquated and made up morals, is ultimately cruel and damaging. Also that things are not always what they seem.
Roy Chiu, Hsieh Ying-Hsuan and Joseph Huang are all excellent.
I felt for every character, but ultimately my heart went out to Jay (Roy Chiu), who loved, lost and loved again, all selflessly.
Was this review helpful to you?
Gets confusing but stick with it!
Watching this drama was a bit like riding a rollercoaster - it veered from intense and thrilling to the 'flat' bits and confusion!I was really enjoying it until one particular scene that just threw the story into the realms of being totally unbelievable.
Fantasy, supernatural etc dramas, still need to have a sense of reality in terms of a storyline being possible and that one scene in this, I felt shifted that. If one character hadn't done something to themselves at a crucial point, which just didn't fit with what happened next, this would not have been the case. That aside and the story would have been excellent, although the way some of the characters think (or don't, more to the point), is sometimes infuriating too.
I was gripped, and besides being very irritated by the number of times people can be in pain or passed out, whilst everyone in the vicinity appears to be completely oblivious to the fact, was able to stayed engrossed whilst watching.
The main characters are all so deep and multi layered. I did find Jung Ha Eun to be somewhat delusional on occasion and Jung Sa Bin had a tendency to be gormless at times when her usual intelligence was called for.
There are some truly psychopathic characters in this drama that are very easy to hate. Considering that, the writers did well in managing to not make it so bleak as to be unwatchable. It was balanced by very touching, kind and warm scenes too.
I had no idea how it would end until the final episode played out and it was not a disappointing, but as is often the case, for some reason they decided to add a tiny scene to what would have been a great ending, which made it less clear - at least to me . The positives of this drama do outweigh a story that became confusing and (as mentioned before), overdone at times.
The cast though are excellent. I loved Jang Ki Yong and Lee Soo Hyuk's portrayals of their dual roles a lot.
I also thought the music score suited the episodes really well too.
Worth watching.
Was this review helpful to you?
Dull, sadly
I love the entire cast and they are what made me stick with this drama, however the story is, for the most part, so very dull and slowwwww.So much talking whilst just standing, sitting, on the phone, strolling. Too many meaningful stares. Not enough action of any kind.
I have watched gently paced dramas that still provided an unfolding plot that was captivating, with witty, tender, sad and fantasy content. I really didn't get this one at all. I suppose it was about what loving really means, in terms of giving it up and being selfless, but it for me it missed the mark.
I found it utterly bizarre how the American Uncle happily chatted away in American, whilst the entire family responded in Korean. No one bothered to translate for him, basically cutting him out of being able to interact. It was the oddest thing to watch; totally weird.
The story of the brothers and their love triangle was also bizarre. The fact the couple were young and immature, with the older brother offering no guidance, but instead behaving totally inappropriately. Later, as adults, it was so uncomfortable and in many ways, underhand.
The ending was also very flat.
I had very high hopes for this, as the potential for a story about a Doom character was more than the one delivered. Disappointing.
Was this review helpful to you?
Slice of life that was just too slow for me.
First I'll say what I liked...Great acting, diverse characters, intelligent lines (dialogue), which were brought together really well and perfectly executed.
Understated acting in a drama that contains little action or romance to fill in gaps and quite a few scenes that involved little or no dialogue, really tests an actor's abilities.
Viewers will have their own take on what this drama represented. For me, it was about regrets, being stuck in a dead-end life and reaching a point where that hits you and questions then raise their heads about what the point is and if that's it. One's own worth is even questioned.
The pace, however, killed it for me.
There are slow, gently unfolding dramas, that I have loved. I don't need murders, horror, steamy romance or laughs-a-minute. I do need SOMEthing to pull me in though.
If I had watched this drama after it aired, I would have dropped it.
Watching it air, however, I stuck with it, as 2 eps a week I could watch.
I do feel it picked up, but only in the very late episodes. The rest were like watching paint dry.
It was claustrophobic, often miserable and with some horrible characters. I couldn't stand Ki-jung, the older sister; even outside the house, where she seemed to be supposedly 'quirky'. I felt sorry for her once and that was short lived.
Tae-hoon's sister, Kyung-sun, was also repulsive ~ totally selfish and a complete martyr, who made a decision in her life and then used it to whine and bitch.
Chun Ho-jin as the father, was excellent, although I don't think he'd have had a problem learning his lines.
Lee Min-ki's character of brother, Chang-hee, was my favourite. Terribly immature in his behaviour at times, but very self-aware. I think all the father's dialogue was allocated to that character too!
The ending felt abrupt, not so much because of unanswered questions, but because I found 2 storylines really odd in how they were left. It was almost like the script writer couldn't be bothered. Perhaps they didn't know where to go with those aspects, or were trying to be life-like... which doesn't always make sense. I don't want that side of reality in a drama though, thanks, as it's just frustrating!
I don't think I chuckled, never mind laughed, once.
The title that represents what the drama portrays, is tenuous, to say the least.
I found the story and script very disappointing and it is definitely not one I would ever watch again.
Was this review helpful to you?
A General who's no devil
The things I liked about this drama mainly centre around the lead male characters. The General and his surrounding supporters were well portrayed and their relationships great to watch. Trust and reliability were evident in most scenes and I loved that. Caeser Wu was a pleasure to watch. I loved Liu Yin Jun's portrayal of Xiao Su, too.The way the General and Shen Jin treated their household and soldiers was also a nice change. He is fair, just and whilst makes most decisions independently, listened to the thoughts of those around him.
What I really didn't like was how almost all the 2nd generation women, apart from Rui (who I really liked), were painfully immature and in the case of Shen Jin's 2 younger sisters, spiteful and selfish as well. They got away with far too much and were never fully held accountable, which irked me a lot.
Aspects of Shen Jin's character I liked; she was feisty, supportive, fairly self sufficient and had a positive can-do attitude. What sadly spoilt that, were too many occasions when she didn't listen to the advice of those with more experience and just randomly went off on her own, with no thought of the consequences. Ep23 really highlighted this and I couldn't believe her actions at all ~ quite ridiculous. She was just far too immature at times.
Rou Rou was a complete nightmare. I know she was probably supposed to be funny by being ditzy and not terribly bright, but for me, she was just far too childish, irritating and basically a royal pain.
I felt that far too many scenes were wasted; instead of concentrating on the intrigue of the fire 12 years before, as well as the scheming in the present story time, they were nonsensical, detracted from the main story and served no apparent purpose. This slowed the pace, I thought, and made the story drag.
The music was mostly quite nice, but I absolutely hated what was used each time lighter or comedic scenes were played.
The ending was a complete surprise and I liked that.
Overall not a terrible drama, but I wouldn't watch it again.
Was this review helpful to you?
Escapism
Such an enjoyable story, shere fantasy and escapism; something we all need in these challenging times.I love the true friendship that develops between the lead characters and how Zi Jin (Chen Li Nong) is so naive and innocent, which disarms Shi San (Lee Xian) on a few occasions.
The CGI is pretty good and there are ghosts and all manner of strange creatures
The filming and sets are so good too.
I enjoyed the majority of the soundtrack, especially the closing song (sung by cast member CLN), but there was some instrumental music in a couple of scenes that I didn't think matched.
I felt a little more could have been made of the closing scenes, but overall I thought this nicely acted and well done.
Hard to believe it's Chen Li Nong's first film and one I'd happily watch again.
Was this review helpful to you?
Whilst the central theme was opposites attracting (twice), that wasn't enough to keep my interest piqued and the story lacked a central theme. There were too many issues around the main characters, with none becoming a central, in-depth story that would have given weight to the drama.
Instead, they were all quite superficial with very crude and simplified closures. The most disappointing being that of the overbearing, status mad father/husband, who was totally self obsessed and viewed everyone as his pawns and tickets to power. I literally slapped my head at the way that was brought to an end.
On the plus side, the female characters are all pretty independent and don't run after men who treat them like poop, or just aren't interested. They're all successful (to varying degrees) in theircown rights.
I liked the dynamic between the main 2 as well. Here is a man who is pretty open when he needs to be, even though he's far from a sweet talker.
Overall an ok watch, but did lack substance.
Was this review helpful to you?
Namgoong Min gives another fine performance in his multi layered character, whose story opens up with every episode, right to the last.
Loved the character of Jamie Layton, so well played by Lee Chung Ah. Cool and quirky.
I wasn't particularly surprised by the story's development, but that's not to say it was dull ~ surprises were still waiting.
The 3 child actors who played the young versions of Jung-woo, Jamie and Jae-woong, were so good. I find most Korean child actors excellent.
I binge watched this drama and loved almost every second. Decent OST too.
I liked that dues were paid, one way or another, even though for one hateful character it wasn't witnessed, but the description of their demise was pretty gratifying.
I did feel for Jae-woong, although he seemed content with his lot.
Great watch and cast.
Was this review helpful to you?
Unfortunately Won't Stay In Mine
Liked the cast, but the story has a lot of flaws, as do some of the characters.Kim Dong-wook plays Jung-hoon, with his incredible memory, which unfortunately enables him to not only recount events in video-like accuracy, but with the attached emotions too, beautifully. He is gentle, mild mannered and polite, but ruthless in his profession of news anchorman. Due to the pain that close relationships have caused in the past, he is a little reserved and closed off, but not cold.
Moon Ga-young as Ha-jin, is saccharin sweet and comes across a bit ditzy, but this is due to an event that caused her mind to block off all memories during a specific time in her teenage years.
The 2 are linked and their growing relationship begins to uncover a hidden story.
Within this are stalkers and murderers, as history seems about to repeat itself. Jung-hoon is pretty unlucky on the GF front it seems.
Keeping the facts from Ha-jin (for 'her own good') whilst also trying to maintain their relationship, protecting her from the past as well as present, are the general story lines.
The 2 lead characters are chalk and cheese. He is mature whilst she is like a teenager. Yes, she lost memories, but of a specific point in time and the people related to the incident, not of everything before that point. The way she behaves is infuriating. I really struggle when grown women speak in a child-like manner as a large part of their character and behave like one too.
She is disorganised, treats her manager-sister like a servant and brushes off low-key inappropriate behaviour from a film writer/director, when she should nip the advances in the bud.
The story has a lot of toing and froing as well, as they are caught up in countless scandals, which become an eye rolling "not another, please".
Frankly, I would have preferred he found someone else during the lazy '2 years later' bit of the story. Another thing I'm not at all keen on.
Two characters that really pushed the bounds of realistic, for me though, were Park Kyung-ae ~ how the hell an agency survives run by a woman like that...; and Yoo Sung-hyuk, a morally challenged, unethical, inhuman excuse for a professor/clinician (never mind father), who should never be allowed near patients and whose character should have been held way more accountable for his actions.
Not a drama I would watch again, or recommend. I watched to tge end because I wanted to know the outcome, but it really wasn't worth it.
Dong-wook playing Jung-hoon was its only saving grace. Oh and Ha-kyung and Il-kwon were sweet together.
Was this review helpful to you?
An absolutely epic love story
In the real world, if a Si Feng existed, the bar for romance would be set unattainably high. The loyalty, staying power and crazy patience of this character is second to none. At times he made his own problems even worst, but this is fantasy!This 59-episode series features impossible choices, secrets, anger, betrayal, resentment, grudges, hate, guilt, hypocricy, racism, battles and one of the most manipulative characters I've watched; but it also provides laughs, loyalty, kinship, friendship, trust, selflessness, devotion and, of course, love.
There were a very few times when I felt certain aspects of the story were a little laboured. Some characters also had the most frustrating habit of constantly ignoring advice (always messing things up, yet never learning), being overly judgmental and not listening to anyone!
But isn't a good story one which makes you shout at the screen?! ?
Some of the evil characters were portrayed a little pantomime-like (think wicked laughs... "mwa-ha-ha"); however, the casting of actors and acting though, really were spot on.
The accompanying music was mostly good, but sometimes I found the electric guitar stuff a little intrusive and not quite appropriate.
Cheng Yi and Crystal Yuan were wonderful to watch. I loved that she didn't mumble, whisper or talk like a 5-year old ~ which too many actresses often do (perhaps they're directed to, but I loath that).
The way he looks at her at times is breathtaking. He didn't overplay the role at all and for such a powerful character, the gentleness he portrayed, even when being cold and detached, was so appealing. A joy to watch. The drama is stuffed full of great characters (Lord Flying Snake being a favourite).
I will definitely watch this again one day and it's been added to my list of favourite dramas.
Was this review helpful to you?
Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow
7 people found this review helpful
My kind of Drama
It's over; the final episode has aired and overall, it did not disappoint. I will so miss my weekly fix.Equalling S1 and very similar in its slow build, with the action, intrigue and surprises, increasing with every episode.
The shift in Jang Uk's character and the effect on all the characters of S1's finale, was immediately felt from ep1.
There's more obvious romance in S2 as the eps role out, but it was never out of place or eye rolling. Quite the opposite.
I loved Go Yoon-jung's portrayal and the character of Naksu/Jin Bu-yeon. Still feisty, independent, capable and witty. Her interactions with Uk were as amusing, touching and frustrating, in turns, as S1. Subtle differences, as after all, the character has suffered and undergone a big change, but just as strong. Both actresses brought so much to their roles and credit has to go to everyone involved for making it pretty seamless.
There are twists, turns, revellations, just deserts and some shocks in S2.
There are some flash backs featuring Jung So-min's character, Mu Deok, in later eps and I'm really pleased these were included, as it stitched what was unfolding in the story together and was a reminder that the souls and their bodies had shifted to start with.
The ending was thrilling and all gets neatly tied up. It wasn't rushed, but did feel a bit like a conclusion, rather than extension of the story. Some characters and their stories did take a back seat in S2, which was a shame, however, it was still pleasing and unless S2 was to run for another 16+ episodes, the only way to complete the central theme.
With the closing 2 eps, there were a very few times the dialogue felt a little lazy and it only stood out for me because I never thought that in all the other 28 eps.
The special effects, soundtrack and sets were spot on all the way through and Car, The Garden's "Scars Leave Beautiful Trace" is now a favourite song.
An absolute favourite drama of mine now too, which in its entirety of 30 eps, is possibly top of my list. Ticked all my boxes!
All involved did a great job.
Was this review helpful to you?
Fabulous
Sep 2023First off; whenever a story has been successfully told once and is then remade, those who LOVED the original shouldn't watch other versions... they'll never compete. Those willing to watch as a drama in its own right, view on. After all, if subsequent productions are only to be carbon copies of an original, what's the point? So, moving on...
I watched this over 2 days and absolutely loved it.
Time travel, fantasy, mystery and a well thought out, gripping story, will make me putty in that drama's hands!
I read a lot of stories where the central theme is often transmigration (souls awakening in another body, which can be years apart from the last life).
This drama is a mix of that and time travel; the latter not being an easy subject to write well, mainly because it can be easy to lose the thread when trying to end the story. I've watched a few dramas where the plot's gone askew, but not this time!
However, this drama does need concentration and watching very closely. It isn't one to have on whilst doing something else and the FFWD button should be taped over. So much can happen in different scenarios, where subtle repetition of words and actions are actually so important.
It can be a little odd in feel, to start with, until the way the story is presented becomes familiar and comfortable ~ but please bear with it, as it really does make sense and come together.
Time can alter at each scene change and initially that threw me. I watched ep 1 & 2 twice! It was worth it though, as I quickly learned the difference in the characters that shared faces.
It is a complicated, but fascinating plot, full of intrigue, questions, frustration and very gripping. It is also so romantic, in the best way; a true love story, yet not at all saccharine. There's wit, angst and tragedy as well.
The cast were bloody perfect ~ all of them.
However, I have to credit Jeon Yeo-been, as how she was able to play 2 characters that looked identical, and managed to portray their totally different personalities, so that they became identifiable as 2 different people, was SO good!
Ahn Hyo-seop was the same ~ he, in effect, played 3 (almost 4 ~ one much more briefly), different roles and, again, brought a noticeable difference to each.
All the characters were such an interesting mix, the story, whilst complicated, did make sense and what an ending! I was so surprised by the whole thing.
The consequences that love has on characters who are so desperate to be together, they're willing to move through lifetimes, is such a surprise and also comes with a couple of shocks.
The soundtrack is mostly great (there was some instrumental background music I wasn't keen on). The main song that repeats through and is an important part of the story, has a sad background though.
The artist is Seo Ji-won, who tragically took his own life in 1996, just over a month before his 20th birthday, due to the pressures of having had such a successful debut album. I loved the songs and learning what I did from Googling the artist, felt the tracks chosen were made even more poignant.
I loved almost every second of this drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
