I wish the story was better executed
I have to say that I really enjoy the story in the beginning, but somewhere a long the way, I start to notice some inconsistencies about the plot and uneven pacing. The last episode is just a disaster. I hear that it was supposed to have 20 episodes, but it’s been cut down to 16 and then they decide to extend it to 18, no wonder you could really feel the unevenness of the pacing in the last 4-5 episodes.I love the messages they try to convey, that changing fate doesn’t always lead to a better ending, every decision we make have consequences and also that a single person lives have a lot of impact in this world, no matter how small or insignificant they think they are. Ha-Ram try to save everybody lives, even when they suppose to die, some times this bring happiness to a lot of people, other times, this lead to a lot of heartaches. We cannot play god, by changing fate as we like them. There are consequences for every decision we make. Some times we could see the consequences right away, but sometime it take years to be visible.
I love Kim Joon or Black, he’s character is well written, but I really wish they went for a different ending. It feels like a cop out, like they just don’t want the ending to be a sad one and force some unreasonable event to make it a happy ending. I really don’t understand what the director’s thinking by making him hide a really important fact from Ha-Ram, if he only say the truth, I’m sure they could come to an understanding. It’s probably not a happy ending, but I think it’s still a much better ending than the one we have. Why is most Korean movies that I have watched loves to hide the through for some inexplicable reason? I get that miscommunication is a really good way of developing plot and exploring character, but sometimes it’s just cannot be explained.
I think all the actors portray their role really well and the story does a good job in developing the character of most of them. A lot of the side character end up having quite an important part to play in the overarching story even when you think they are not connected to one another.
I really love the twist and turn in this story, but near the end, I think they put one too many. They try to be smarter than they are, making it a bit too much. But overall, I’m happy with this drama, if you exclude the last few episodes. I love the opening and ending songs. The music fit the tone and mood of the story.
Was this review helpful to you?
Lots of wet handsome guys
I must say that I watch this movie because they feature 2 of my favorite Korean actors, Lee Jong Suk and Seo In Guk. And I’m really glad that I watch it.Sure, it have the typical, cliche plot of sports movie, but the execution is good and the wet handsome guys sure keep me entertained 😉. Our two main actors do their job well in portraying their characters. I’m cheering for the both of them.
I wish they give deeper exploration of character for both of them instead of giving them love rival. I think this movie would have been better with just the two main sports rivalry and friendship. The romance feel forced and flat. There’s not enough going on about the romance but it takes time away from our main character back story explanation.
The music is okay, I quite like the easy kpop songs sings by the female love interest. But I would enjoy it more if the story about her character is replaced with more back story for our two leads.
I would definitely rewatch this movie, since it’s entertaining, easy and fun. Not to mention all of those wet swimmer body...
Was this review helpful to you?
Don’t be fooled by the title, this is a very sad and heavy drama
I think the main point of this drama is acceptance of different things, be it relationship, family, life or death. The story mainly focus on a Hospice, so you should except to see a lot of deaths. When we know the end is near, there are a lot of things we need to learn to accept. But the lesson learned is not just for those facing deaths, it also pertinent to those around them, from family, friends, doctors, nurses and even the staff member of the hospice.This would be a great drama if they delve deeper on just some of the plot point they have instead of trying to divulge all the plot points. There are too many different messages they want to impart with the plots that everything is just skimming the surface, without any depth. It feels like looking at a lake, where you could see the surface, but you don’t know what’s inside. It left me unsatisfied by the end of it.
There are quite a few plot point that for me worth to be explored more deeply and some could probably be saved for later. There are too much going on that it felt scattered, unfocus and shallow. It has romance in it, that I think really need to be developed more. The brotherly relationship between Lee Kang and Lee Jun should also be delved deeper, because it’s so interesting. And a lot more other plot points that I think they could actually make several season of the drama to be able to explore them all.
The drama have a lot of medical undertone, but they just gloss over it. It’s a hospice, there are doctors and nurses and hospital, but they never go over the medical aspects. For me this was a real negative point of this drama, other than the skimming the top plot. I wish they explore more of the medical problem faced by the people in the hospice and even the doctors.
There are a lot of food, cooking and eating, but it still only feels like a garnish, not a meal or even a complete dish. This drama really feels like snacking, it only feels you up for a little while but it actually make you yearn for something more substantial. I really wish they just focus and delve deeper on some plot point and expand it. They should make several season with all the plot fully explored.
The chemistry of the casts are top notch. My favorite is Kim Ho Jung, playing as Han Sun Ae, the chef in the hospice that have Alzheimer. She’s convey they progression of the decease so convincingly. Min Jin Woong as Moon Tae Hyun also great at portraying this really annoying brother of our MFL, wish they give him more time on screen and developed him. The main female lead character, Ha Ji Won as Moon Cha Young, for me is too one dimensional, she’s just too nice and sympathetic. The main male lead character, Yoon Kye Sang as Lee Kang, is better developed, you could see the change in his world view after working in the hospice. Jang Sung Jo as Lee Jun should have been explored more, because I think he could have a really great character development.
The music is good, it really help developed the atmosphere of the drama and build up the mood. Nothing that I would remember afterward though.
The cinematography feels very artistic, a lot of beautiful scenery with with angled shot, and also close up of delicious looking food. The show makes me feel hungry after looking at all the food they cook, and makes me want to travel to all the places they shoot at.
I would rewatch some of the scene to enjoy the cooking and scenery, but it would always makes me a bit annoyed because I feel like they should have explore the story more.
Was this review helpful to you?
For me the story was not developed well enough, especially in the first half. If I didn’t watch the ending and conclusion, I probably would give the story 6/10, but the ending was really satisfying and makes me understand their decision better regarding the first half, that’s why it gets 7.5/10. I still wish they develop the story better in the first half.
There were several issues that I really dislike that’s really prominent during the first half. One of them is the lack of psychometric used, I mean this is supposed to be a series about somebody with psychometric abilities, but he barely used it, like almost never. Yes it could be part of the development, but I don’t think that’s the best way to go about it. Another thing I really dislike is how incompetent the series make the police look, other than Eun Ji Soo and even she’s not that great. I also really dislike how stupid and immature they make Lee Anh character. I mean he’s supposed to be in his early twenties, victim of trauma and tragedy, but he’s literally made into a puppy, a stupid one at that.
Other than those really annoying things, the plot was great. I really the curve ball they threw by midway point, when they main plot start to really be revealed. I also love all the relationship between each characters, they are so entangled and complicated once they revealed what really happen in the past. Really love the ending, it’s so satisfying and rewarding, I wish they make a 2nd season because I want to see them all again in a better setting.
The cast for this show is great, they all acted their character perfectly. Kim Won as Kang Sung Mo stands out the most for me. He portray Sung Mo’s troubled character so well, he’s brotherly love to Lee Anh also come across so naturally but awkwardly, which is perfect. Park Jin Young as Lee Anh also portray the character well, I just wish they develop the character a bit more. Shin Ye Eun as Yoon Jae In was very lovable, her character is portrayed and developed very well. We could see the vulnerability but also the steel resolve she has. All the other casts are also great, even the supporting casts.
I love the music for the series. There are 3 songs that I have been keep playing in my list, ‘With You’ (by Promm), ‘Wake’ (by JUS2) and this is my favorite ’Shadows on the Wall’ (by Janet Suhh). I also really like how they always show what happens in 2005, when the fire happen in the apartment, in the first 5 minutes of a new episode. It keep on build up your knowledge on what happen in the past. I don’t think I will rewatch this series anytime soon, because once you know the twist the series lack anything interesting.
Was this review helpful to you?
I really love the child.. she’s so cute and adorable. I think she’s a very talented child actor, and I couldn’t wait to see what she would do next. Main Female and Male lead did a good job portraying their character. All three of them together are very adorable, I wish they have more of it.
The music is totally forgettable. I wouldn’t really rewatch this drama because the plot is just too basic.
Was this review helpful to you?
Romantic and cliche
I cannot really decide whether I like this drama or dislike it. It’s story is very cliche, but I really love the ending. It’s a very romantic story, but I think it could have something more.I love the positive massage they’re trying to sell. Everyone have a positive attitude. But I think it’s also part of the problem, because it make some character too one dimensional. It’s a good thing to have positive attitude, but I think everybody have their moment when they’re feeling down or anger. The most important thing is how they overcome that feeling with a positive attitude. I think that would have more impact to the story.
It’s a beautifully shot drama, a lot of wonderful scenery and location, but I think the over saturation throw me off. They’re trying to make everything look angelic , romantic and like a dream I guess, since the white is overblown that it create a halo on most things. I’m not a fan.
The casts are good, but since the story is a bit lacking, I cannot see the full potential of the actors. Which is unfortunate.
The music is nice, I quite like the main soundtrack.
I probably would not rewatch it fully, but I could watch the ending a few times. It’s very romantic. I think the last 2 episodes are really well done.
Was this review helpful to you?
Great series to raise mental health awareness
This is a really great series that would raise your awareness related to mental health. There are a lot of different type of mental problems that plague people in this day and age. They ranged from dangerous to what you probably think are menial. It also really encourage people to admit if they have mental health problem and to treat it as any other health problem that you may have suffered. Why people could easily admit they have cancer or a cold but they would not admit they have OCD or Agoraphobia.It also portray psychiatrists as normal human. Even though their job is to cure you of your mental problem, it doesn’t mean that they themself couldn’t suffer from some type of mental problem. Just like doctors still could get cancer or heart issues.
It’s a very heart warming story about how people try to battle with their mental problems and how to be fine again. It portrays the struggle of all the different characters with their own issues well. The main point of curing a mental health problem is to admit there is a problem, finding the real cause and find a solution. You have to really be open to see the real issue, because sometime it could be misinterpreted as another issue.
The casts are great, especially the main cast, the 4 people who lives under the same roof. They each have their own problem and they have to learn how to be considerate to each other to live peacefully in the same house.
Jang Jae Yul as the new comer to the house which he actually owns have to adapt to everyone that’s already living there. Jo In Sung play this character so well, you get sucked in by the charm but you could see the crack in the facade and something brewing underneath. His chemistry with Gong Hyo Jin who played Ji Hae Soo is really great. How they seem to challenge each other but then they start to fall in love. It’s progress is believable and so natural.
Jo Do Min and Park Su Kwang that also lives in the same house give variety and depth to the relationship of everyone in the house. Do Min as the father figure and Soo Kwang as the little brother. Everyone’s characters are beautifully written and acted.
Really love the music in this series. A lot of jazzy soundtracks and shooting songs. It really fits in the theme of the series.
I will definitely see the series again, probably not everything, but there are a lot of beautiful and also painful moment that I want to see again.
Was this review helpful to you?
It emphasizes that you should be in a normal weight (not fat but also not skinny) not because you want to look good, but because you want to be healthy. It also emphasizes that you should have regular exercise along with healthy diet to achieve a healthy body.
They not only show case Kang Joo Eun who want to loose weight to be healthy, but they also give example of Oh Soo Jin that lose weight just for looking good. It’s really interesting to see the difference in them, and you could see the effect of what a difference in diet and reason of losing weight could lead to a very different live style and health effects.
I think the casts are top notch, I love everyone in this. So Ji Sub is great as usuall and ‘dripping in sexy ness’. His interaction with everyone is great. You could see how he was like a brother and father to Jang Joon Sung and Kim Ji Woong. His romance with Joo Eun grows naturally and so believable. I also love his interaction with Manager Min, who act also like a father to him.
Si Minh Ah as Kang Joo Eun is also great. She bring such a positive attitude, ‘I could do anything if I put my mind into it’ is definitely my favorite quote from her. It’s her mantra in life and the reason she could conquer any problem she faced, including losing weight and become healthier.
Love Sung Hoon and Henry Lau, I think this is the first time I see them in a drama. They are so good looking and adorable. I wish they give more background story to Ji Woong. The background story and development for Joon Sung is good.
The music is very romantic which fits in with the story. Nothing that I really love but it’s nice.
I definitely would rewatch this drama again. And everyone should give this drama a try, you would not regret it.
Was this review helpful to you?
It’s written and directed well, even though I think it’s a bit rushing the ending and sagging in the middle. The time frame is a bit unbelievable, since the story should only span across the first 3 months of the interns life in EMC, but it feels like they are more like a year.
I love the chemistry between all the casts. The 6 interns with their own history and background. I love how as the story progress the newly married couple start to see the reality of married life all it’s challenges, and how they grow with each challenges. We could also clearly see the development of character from our main divorce couple. They’re learning how to work together again and how to rebuild and define their relationship. The other 2 interns also see a lot growth, since they are quite young, and become a responsible adult.The 2 mentors also have a really interesting connection between them and between the interns.
I’m not particularly impressed with the music. I cannot remember any of the soundtrack from this drama, but I think the music fits the show.
I think if you like romantic comedy or medical drama, you have to watch this. It’s a must watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
Let’s start with what I find enjoyable, which is a short list.
I like So Ji Sub acting as the main protagonist, it’s not over the top but you could feel the emotion. Love the evolution he did for the character development. I also enjoy the last 2 episodes and the beginning.
And now for the okay factor. The pacing of the drama is ok, some beautiful scenery. The plot is cliche but not boring. The music is standard, not bad, but also not memorable.
Other than those, I found the drama to be lacking. The story is too stark, all black and white, there are no shades of grey. All the bad guys are evil and the good guys are angel. The acting of the villains are so over the top and theatrical, full of screaming and evil glare. All the packets are stupid and the masterminds are not that bright either. No subtle nuance to bring another layer to the character.
I find the political aspects of the hospital and evil schemes are without depth and too cliche that you know they wouldn’t work from a mile away. Too many forced events to move the story forward.
Another thing that really annoying is the female lead character, that is only one dimensional. She stutter and pouting or getting confused through out the series.
I really wish the story could be told in a deeper and layered way, not just black and white character which is quite boring.
Was this review helpful to you?
This is a story of how someone could sacrifice almost anything in search of the truth and revenge. Full of deception and schemes. It portrays the world as shades of grey.
The main protagonists, Jung Si Hyun, is written and acted very well. In the beginning he may seem like a really cold person, but as the story goes, we began to see a lot of different side of him. We begin to understand what made him did what he did and sympathize with his fight for revenge.
I’m not a big fan of Yoon Soo Min character, it’s not developed enough and I didn’t believe in the love story between her and Si Hyun.
Detective Ji Hyung Min character is well written and developed, I love how every interaction between him and Si Hyun bring something more to the story. How he grow from the naive detective to realize that nothing is black and white.
All the people around Si Hyun have a really good background story and development, well other than Soo Min. Love Lee Jin Sook and Safari character development. You could never guess what they are going to do and you keep doubting whether they are a good guy or a bad guy.
All the cast is superb.. The music compliment the story..
The cinematography is also very nice, all grimey and dirty.
Was this review helpful to you?
There are too many waiting scene, waiting for something to happen. Just long take without any meaning other than making the run time longer. There are also a lot of waiting around and repeating a scene from another angle that is as boring as the first time it’s shown.
There are also a lot of stupid decisions that doesn’t make sense from the characters. Like when you’re in a dangerous situation, get outside... not just running around inside. If there’s someone hurt, don’t just ask them if their ok, get them outside to get some help. It’s too stupid and cliche in a bad way.
Cannot stand it any more. So I decide to drop it after only watching 5 episodes.
Was this review helpful to you?
This drama is full of all the cliche story line, an over ambitious and revengeful person, broken family, chaebol heir, doppelgänger and corruption. There is nothing new, or even fresh in the story. The synopsis is intriguing, that’s why I’m giving it a try, but it’s really not well executed or well written.
All the acting is over dramatic, nothing natural. You would know who the bad guy is by the first episode, which makes the whole story line boring I think. All the bad guy is bad, and the good guy’s good. No depth or layer to the character. That, on top of the over the top acting make this one drama a really blah moment for me.
The music is okay, not that I remember anything, since even watching 4 episodes was spend on fast forwarding.
Not going to rewatch it or even remember this drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
Interesting message but total disaster of execution
I think the basic message is interesting. It’s trying to show case the unbalanced opportunity that’s been given to poor and wealthy people. How the rich become richer and the poor have to struggle much more to get the same opportunity. Unfortunately there are nothing else substantial about the story. It doesn’t have substance or depth that it feels like it just go around in circle.I only managed to hang on until episode 4, and that already spend mostly fast forwarding. It’s such a shame that the message their trying to convey cannot get across.
I think the casts are not good enough. I don’t like the Female Lead, her acting doesn’t have the charm needed for the story. The Male Lead is okay, but I think the character is not written well. It’s such a shame they didn’t use Namgoong Min better, because out of all the character, he acted it out the best. There are some layer that he portrays through his acting that I want to know more.
I don’t remember much else from watching 4 episodes.
Was this review helpful to you?
The worse acting ever
Oh my god... this drama probably have the worse acting I ever seen.I’m intrigued about the story, but I cannot even stand to watch it for more than 20 minutes. The acting is really really bad. Whose the FL? I never see her before and I would never see her again. The worse and most awkward acting i’ve ever seen. But she’s not the only one, everyone else is also not that much better.
Horrible.... that’s the only word that could describe this drama.
I also think that the director is not helping either, from what I can see, it feels like a slap dash drama. No quality at all. And here I was expecting this drama to be good... but it’s not even watchable. Give me back my 20 minutes that I spend on watching it.
Now I’ll find some better drama to wash my eyes and lift my mood.
Horrible, just horrible.
Was this review helpful to you?