First and for most I want to highlight that this review is addressed in regards to the dog (HACHI) and not the actors. This is because i hardly acknowledged their parts, especially whenever Hachi was in the scene - I was totally mesmerised. From beginning to end I was not disappointed with the development of the movie. I mean they even show Hachi’s actual birth (or a dog that looks like him); clever introduction to the concept of capturing his entire life. The bond that develops between Hachi and his master Professor Ueno is so visible from the moment they meet that you cannot help but yearn and hope for a bond so pure of love. Professor Ueno treatment of Hachi with overwhelming love and Hachi’s replications of it by serving and loving him dearly so well portrayed by the movie. If only dogs could understand how great of an actor they were because the dog or dogs used in this movie were outstanding. Especially the older one - the funeral scene mixed with the tears of the wife, I myself got teary eyed watching and hearing Hachi’s mourning cry.

I figure that it may have taken a lot of takes to get the dogs to react the way they guided them to. Whoever held this responsibility truly had an eye for dog capability and behaviour because the end product is so amazing and captivating of their emotions that as a viewer you left feeling human emotions towards Hachi.


LIKED: I greatly enjoyed the scenes that involved Hachi and the professor, even those at his funeral.
DISLIKED: I would have liked if Hachi’s story was portrayed exactly as want had happened to the real dog because after doing my own research of how Hachi really lived. The untold parts would have made this movie even more outstanding

CONCLUSION:
If you are looking for a good family or HEARTWARMING movie Hocahiko Monogatari will not disappoint unless you are not a dog fan. You should also watch this movie if you enjoy genres such as TRUE STORIES - ADMIRATION – FAMILY – LOYALTY – LEGEND – TRAGEDY – FAITHFULNESS – DOGS – MAN’S BESTFRIEND – AKITA DOG BREED – MELODRAMA – SADNESS – FAITHFULNESS – LOVE – GREAT ACTING DIRECTION.

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First off - “EYE CANDY” is such a befitting name to describe the group and for the first time ever i did not mind the bromance (beautifully done)

Definitely my current top Asian dramas.
Every moment from the music, acting, and storyline was just captivating.


STORY: 10
From the beginning i was drawn in by Lee Min Ki's character so when they killed him off i struggled to carry on. His character was so centre of each episode so briefly but left such a mark on my senses for the rest of the drama. But then Sung Joon's storyline managed to keep me glued on. Having to step up as leader and the choices he had to make broke my heart. Every time you thought he finally found happiness he had to give it up.
It pulled on every emotion within me each episode which totally surprised me. At times I was in tears, shock, laughing or just numb from the grace and beauty of the scene. No episode felt the same and each episode left such an imprint that you have to keep going.

MUSIC: 10
At first I was reluctant on having to hear a song per episode but then each song was placed perfectly within scenes that I could not help but smile and sing along. All i can say is that the music is so great that i plan to purchase the soundtrack

ACTORING: 10
Every actor did their characters justice and portrayed them with such exact abilities that you totally understood their emotions when they were joyed, sad, angry and happy.

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STORYLINE: 7/10 - CHARACTER: 7.5/10
I do oddly enjoy dramas or films based in past Korean culture and Chunhyang truly lived up to that while addressing a part of the culture then I was not aware of. The film provides narration from a Pansori – “a Korean genre of musical storytelling performed by a vocalist and drummer” Google. This was the first I had come across this sort of storytelling so I was intrigued to experience. It did take me awhile to get used to the Pansori’s delivery of the events through what felt like slow-motion singing, however, as the plot developed it became more prominent and at times the Pansori’s delivery style provided life to the scene on screen.

Chunhyang is a film about a governor’s son named Mong Ryong whom falls in love with a Gisaeng’s daughter, named Chun Hyang. At first I had to google what a courtesan was too – “was the Korean equivalent of a geisha or courtesan knowledgeable in poetry, dance, music, culture and politics, who entertained noblemen and royalty of the Joseon Dynasty”. However in the subbed copy I watched she was called a courtesan whom is “a prostitute, especially one with wealthy or upper-class clients” Google. Chun Hyang had insured that she grew up with the mentality and essence of a fair lady in hopes of distancing herself from the title and stigma of her mother choice of career. As the young lovebirds get to know one another (*EXPECT SOME MILD NUDITY*); unexpected occurrence happen that require Lee Mong to leave the town. This is when the story begins to interestingly unfold through the introduction of a new governor in town whom you could say provides life to the love based plot through his use of power from his title. It is refreshing that the main characters do not allow their social class or age to undermine their feelings and love. They both respected one another enough to faithfully love each other despite the distance.

ACTING: 9/10
The chemistry between the actors is believable due to their credible acting abilities. They skills of acting in a manner that you can sense the chemistry of the lovers is made more outstanding due to this have been their debut roles for both. However I did enjoy watching Jo Seung Woo more than Lee Hyo Jeong. He just had a presence of importance in a non-arrogate way to him.

MUSIC: 6.5/10
Not much to say regarding the music for the drummer accompanying the narrator; beside the narration of the story through song.

LIKED: My favourite scene would have to be Mong Ryong’s part at birthday celebration.
DISLIKED: Can’t actually think of something I did not like for despite the governors abuse of his power may be viewed as wrong, however without it the Chunghyang’s story would probably be boring.

CONCLUSION:
You should definitely watch this movie if you enjoy genres such as FORBIDDEN LOVE due to indifferent SOCIAL STATUS/ CLASS – REBELLION – PANSORI STORYTELLING – 13th CENTURY KOREA – FAITHFULNESS – USAGE OF POWER/ STATUS -

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BEAUTIFUL


At first when i first saw the first fight scene and how none realistic it was i was disappointed because it lacked the 'House of flying daggers level i expected. However, i remembered what really drew me to it - "the love story", so i carried on watching.

I can honestly say i was not disappointed (apart from the last episode when we find out he is b***d; it does not make sense) from the moment they began addressing the love story and all the mouth opening/ hands on mouth triangles that followed. Each episode just pulled you more and more into the drama because something shocking happened so you just have to get comfortable and watch on because honestly speaking, you shall not be disappointed but surely continuously be shocked by events and the journey love can lead you.

Now all i have to do is find a English dubbed or even settle for a English subbed dvd because i aim to own it :)

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Literally if you choose to watch just the last 10mins of each episode you would not miss much. Because it seems that only then did they try to provide a new twist of emotional scene so you may continue to follow the series. However after 3 episodes of mainly being bored I began to feel the drain and drag of each episode but I hate to live things unfinished so the wishing for a rushful end began. Additionally, their efforts to provide a different angle or development into the characters’ lives were so predictable it felt desperate on their part.

STORYLINE: 6.5/10 – CHARACTERS: 5/10
She finds out about her diagnosis in the first episode so at this point I was questioning how interesting they were going to make to stretch 12 episodes because at this point I felt like I had watched the whole gist of the drama’s plot. The challenge to push on and not drop it was on before I even got midway the series. However more and more predictability and disappointment followed.
For instance, the unrealistic quick development of the relationship between Masaki and Keigo. Like seriously, who gets to meet their famous idol and immediately becomes the type of acquaintance with them that can just pick up the phone to chat or arrange meetings - unless they want to assume it is due to Keigo’s new fond belief in the beauty of being alive or sympathy for Masaki which totally failed. They even had me waste almost a whole two minutes watching her run (the only thing that made it bearable was the piano). Watching on I felt myself more attached to the supporting characters’ storylines such as Masaki’s mother and Isamu’s quirkiness and protective manner.

I must seem very heartless that her crying every episode had me telling her to man up by providing a life changing reason or threatening reason to why she choice this path. Truly this drama lacked the realism of capturing the struggles a person may decide to become a prostitute because the reason for her selling herself forever surfaced whenever I started to feel some sympathy.

Things do pick up for Masaki after the three year forward. And these are the episodes I enjoyed the most and my rating of the drama jumped 2 places.

ACTING:
The main actors delivery differed so I believe it right to individually rate them. Kaneshiro Takeshi is give a 7.5/10 and Fukada Kyoko 5.5/10 which may be due to the character she potrayed. I just could not connect with Masaki as I did Keigo.

LIKED: i like the fact that the creators shown bravery by addressing the possible consequence of prostitution (unprotected sex) and value of life (health) at a time I assume the world was very much hush-hush unlike now.
DISLIKED: I disliked the series for the reason the choose for her prostitution.

CONCLUSION:
You should definitely watch this drama if you enjoy dramas with the genres such as MISUNDERSTANDING – SICKNESS – LIFE APPRECIATION – LOVE – MUSICIAN – CRYING – FAMILY – DEPRESSION – HOPE – HAPPINESS… And the following genres I believe I just missed out on feeling EMOTIONAL – SYMPATHY– JOY

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I read the reviews as i watched it and honestly almost dropped it by the negativity from them especially when people stated how bad the ending was - the ending is the BEST PART; but luckily i literally went with my emotions and i am SO SO SO HAPPY i did not drop it.

This is by far the BEST live show i have watched so far. Even when i think of my anime list; it surpasses it - although could be on the same level as 'Watashitachi no Shiawase na Jikan'(Manga).
These stories drag you in as the story goes on that you start to feel emotions like you are living them yourself

Despite its slow progression, for once i was hooked each episode that i finished it in less than 24hrs.
I felt as the lies started being explained, it totally made sense why certain people, had such tense relationships. And as each person's past choices started being revealed; the acting of each actor portrayed such sincerity and passion that i literally felt pure understanding and empathy.

MUSIC:
Each piece of music sorted the moment; even though certain songs were repeated; it did not matter because the emphasized the emotions of the scene each time.
At times i would just sit their rewarding certain songs (hahaha)

ACTING:
No negative comment about the acting of Jo In Sung and Song Hye Kyo because their truly portrayed their characters so well; at times i felt the story as true

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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a martial artist film with an amazing storyline trying to depict the lives of those well known for the martial arts movement. The simplest of the story may seem dull but to the contrary, the plot provides the necessary suspense and fight scenes that keep you watching in amazement of the beauty of the arts. The fighting scenes provide flawless moves; the connection of each move despite them being on strings.

The concept of the movie is firstly the retrieval of the green destiny sword which then brings us to the Jade Fox; the villain of the movie.

ACTING: 9.5/10 – CHARACTERS: 10/10
Amazing acting abilities from Zhang Ziyi whom at the time of filming was just doing her second main role at the age of 20-21. The fight scene with Yeoh Michelle is so magnificent that I have to ask whether they use stunt doubles; and straight after she fights Chow Yun Fat. This fight provides the mastermind of the director’s (Ang Lee) ability to produce a worthy scene in weak looking trees.

MUSIC: 8.5/10
Such a calming ending song to a saddening conclusion.

LIKED: I loved the sceneries used and do wish to see them for myself in this lifetime (not so much the desert).
DISLIKED: The ending just because of its sadness

CONCLUSION:
You should watch this movie if you enjoy genres such as SUSPENCE – MARTIAL ARTS – AMAZING ACTING – LOVE – SACRIFICE – SWORDSMANSHIP – PATIENCE.

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Each episode portrays a new insight to four different lives. A very inspirational drama to always follow your dreams and never give up despite how rubbish life may get.
The life choices each individual takes and how they overcome the aftermath and come out fighting. The concept is truly needed in the world even made that more relatable because they are based on real life stories are true life stories. For they provide comfort and reassurance to those that may find themselves in need of encouragement to ‘KEEP MOVING FORWARD’ because life does get better (it just takes a while sometimes).

Definitely A MUST WATCH DRAMA

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STORYLINE: 2/10
By far my ever lowest rating of anything. I just could not connect with the characters.
You require being in the mood for a very wacky plot which I thought I was but My Sassy Girl just did not fulfil to even make me smile. I suddenly found myself fidgeting to do other things with it in the background.

CHARACTERS: 1.2/10
I initially thought that the differences in personality would create a watchable movie like Hotaru no Hikari but I guess you could say My Sassy Girl provided the base for Hotaru no Hikari of how not to do it. The female role was just too over dramatized that her presence overbears the male’s character.
I do not want to judge the actors’ acting abilities based solely on this movie so I choose to stay neutral.


LIKED – The initially description of the movie had me hopeful.
DISLIKED – It did not meet any expectations or amuse any of my brain cells.


CONCLUSION:
This is usually the part in my reviews when I try to further sell you it but I really felt My Sassy Girl such a waste of my time so I would hypocritical if I recommended it.

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STORYLINE: 8.5/10
This movie is for the maturely minded due to its explicit sexual scenes. So refreshing to watch how an adult couple would behaviour on a date. But in honesty it was boring and lacked excitement so I questioned the development of their blind date. They date is made that more awkward due to Jun Young’s narration expressing his boredom which I guess was mutual on both parts.

Yeon Hee’s sudden acting like they were official was truly random to myself and Jun Young too, however, this provided the unknown element of how he was going to react; giving life to the casual relationship their had going. As you watch their relationship grow, they is a constant presence of whether they do actually get married due to their views of all marriage being the same old but due to them both having a similar intake of marriage I had hope for them.

They unconventional relationship together continues despite both looking elsewhere however eventually starts causing arguments and misunderstanding which totally made this movie that more entertaining by providing the realism element.

ACTING: 6.5/10 - CHARACTERS: 8.5/10
The natural chemistry between Uhm Jung Hwa (Yeon Hee) and Kam Woo Sung (Jun Young) is well portrayed in a manner that I was able to relate to and in turn provided a paste to the plot especially with the usage of midpoint screen that pre-depicted what to expect form the next scene. What i found weird was the fact that their kissing was cringing to watch like they did not know what they were doing whereas the sex scenes were well performed.


LIKED: His innocent reason for wanting the turtles to die for I guess at this point he knew what he wanted; additional to the usage of bubbles at the wedding
DISLIKED: The unknowingness of the ending scene.
QUESTION OF THOUGHT: Is that how they dress to go to weddings??? Even most of the women looked like they were going to work.

CONCLUSION:
This movie was good for it portrays an alternative concept to marriage for those whom feel it as a society requirement. Alternatively, you should watch this movie if you enjoy genres such as CHESSINESS – LOVE – MARRIAGE – JEALOUSY – INFIDELITY – SEX SCENES – BAD KISSING – NARRATION – MONEY DRIVEN - GOOD STORYLINE.

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STORY: 9
I greatly enjoyed watching how deep their loved each other from just the brief momemnts they shared with one another. They love is even grows even more beautiful once she becomes the queen. I loved the fact that they stayed loyal and strong when carring out their responsibilities (as a queen and soldier). Always knowing they boundaries despite how much they may have wished to be together. The momemnt they finally end up together is so touching and beautiful (best moment of film)

GRAPHICS: 6
Am probably right to think that film was meant to be in 3D due to the in your face effects during the fights (beside the last fight scene). Due to this the fight scenes did not look as eligent as usual bt they still managed to meet their purpose within the film.

ACTING: 9
Cho Seung Woo and Soo Ae pulled off their roles well enough that the other actors acting did not need to be great :)

MUSIC: 10
The one song in the film summarises it well

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BRILLIANT ACTING BY THE WHOLE CAST

When I first began watching the drama I only thought Soo and Kim could act; but as you get more and more dragged into the plot, all the actors deliver sensational performances. By the time I got to the 10th episode, I was so indulged in the storyline that I struggled to turn it off. At this point I was hoping he would not get either girls.

P.s i warn that you have tissues handy from 16 onwards because my emotions just got over me as each episode progressed. Such an overwhelming story. I am so happy of my first Korean drama choice; on to the next one :)

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STORYLINE: 8.5/10
The storyline follows a homosexual king (Joo Jin Mo) and how he rules, hides and overcomes his desires. Personally, I felt the storyline controversial topic in the depicted culture/ era; plus my investigation revealed the possibility of truth in it which makes it that more provocative and debatable in my head as each sexual scene or plots was introduced.
The love triangle that forms is well thought through and broke down in a manner that may be relatable. The unfortunate status Jo In Sung finds himself born into additional to catching the king’s eye was heart breaking to watch as well as strengthening to observe his loyalty (brilliant acting by Jo In Sung as always).


ACTING: 9/10 - CHARACTERS: 7.5/10
All three main actors/ actress (Joo Jin Mo, Jo In Sung and Song Ji Hyo) delivered a believable performance of their roles; especially during the sex scenes. I totally did not expect such intimate scenes, both the heterosexual and homosexual ones for an Asian based film (a step out of the norm).
Every plot delivered is presented in a manner that derives emotions of sadness; together with the straight faces of the actors made certain scenes overly tense as the fear of suspense filled me.

MUSIC: 6.5/10


LIKED – Despite it making me a tad uncomfortable, I liked that despite it being a known taboo in mainstream Asian films; this did not stop them from showing such in-depth sex scenes.
DISLIKED – More on a personal note as a heterosexual individual the homosexual scenes made me uncomfortable to watch but do acknowledge their relevance in the film.


CONCLUSION:
You should watch this drama if you enjoy genres such as SUSPENSE – FORBIDDEN LOVE – HOMOSEXUALITY – GREAT PLOT – SLICE OF LIFE – WAR – HOPE – GREAT ACTING – NON FICTION – EMOTIONAL.

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