Not All Stories Need a Happy Every After

me cry as I listened and from there I searched up the story of Shim Deok and Woo Jin and fell in love with their story. It's the timeless tale of love and heartbreak... but I think it's common for us to look for these drama's and stories more than the happy ones, with the "tied neatly up with a bow" ending with a wedding and happy laughter because sometimes it's so hard to believe that can truly be achieved because we know that after marriage it won't always be beauty and butterflies, that there will still be hard times and concessions. The dramas we watch and the stories we read do not have to have happy endings to leave us satisfied. I feel more at peace with an ending like this, that stays with me and keeps me thinking about it for a long time after.

The story was wonderful. Even if some parts aren't true to history or are embellished and skip over things, it didn't matter. I was enraptured the whole time, barely breaking away from my screen to even eat. I smiled and laughed, but the somber tone never quite left me as you get the ending in the beginning. To me, it seemed more than just the story of adultery and betrayal; if this is keeping you from watching the drama, please reconsider. Woo Jin spells it out plainly to the woman he is married to in almost every scene they are in: to him, he will never love her and will never be hers. They married without seeing each other and while she accepted it as her fate, he couldn't. Shim Deok is the same. She left when she found out and when they came back together, it was because they didn't want to fight anymore. In the scene where he explodes at his father, that isn't a man who is alive-- he's only alive with those who encourage his passions. His father chose to turn away from his son and his wife went along with it.

Lee Jong Suk was wonderful, his performance was moving and even when he was not speaking, his eyes told us everything you need to know about Woo Jin. You could tell the exact moment he fell in love with Shim Deok and likewise with Shin Hye Sun. Their chemistry was amazing and they gave off the intimate feeling without it ever being explicitly stated. You can buy into the innocent love, that it can be pure and untouched even when so many things are happening that try to disrupt it. They were completely their characters which only added to the story. The secondary characters left an impression as well, especially her sister, Seong Deok. Their last scene together really throws a knife in your heart as you can see the inner turmoil in Shim Deok's heart, but she won't turn back to a life full of nothing. The fiancé played by Sang Yeob made you swoon. He was caring and dashing and he was so sweet even when she left. The cast fit everything perfectly and I loved how I could recognized them from other projects. It was sweet and short and lovely.

The music was phenomenal. I pay much better attention to the music now and I loved how they decided to use the instrumental of Hymn of Death instead of the vocal version. It made the 'movie' more bitter-sweet and I can't wait to download the OST.

I'll probably rewatch it, honestly. I love Lee Jong Suk and Lee Sang Yeob, not to mention the first jilted man, Lee Ji Hoon. The show made my heart race, especially at the end where I wished for it to keep going. It's hard when something ends, yet the watcher isn't ready to say goodbye just yet but there's also nowhere else to go so you create fan-vids and stories and endless Tumblr posts... which it probably where I'll end up.

I hope this helps and that you all can feel the love for the drama, the actors, and the history.

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I didn’t really go into this movie expecting anything because of all the comments I read and I pushed off watching it because I didn’t want to know if it was bad or good. But I finally sat down and watched it and while it isn’t the best movie, it’s far from the worst. In movies, I don’t mind if they’re fast paced, some have to be. No one wants to sit through a 4 hour movie- I’ve done it. I got bored. So when changing a story or a fifty episode drama to a movie, things are going to get cut, you’ll miss half the story but let me tell you- this movie is not bad- it’s good! It’s not going to get tons of praise from a lot of people but I was smiling so much at the end and it left me feeling so happy. Not only leaving me with good feelings, but the actors delivered their parts which were probably challenging and they did it so well that (Personal Opinion) I would honestly choose to watch this over the drama. I’m not shaming the drama- I love it too! It’s listed in my favorites but this movie earned a spot as well. This movie gave me the giddy-feels and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.

***MINOR SPOILERS FROM THIS POINT ON***
Story: Though I can see why people say the things they do about the movie, I really didn’t see any problems with the movie as a whole. It is rushed and if you go in without watching the drama or reading the story, you might be confused because of the missing, finer details. This movie does deviate from the drama. I can’t say anything about the novel as I have yet to read it. Also, the ending was rushed because a lot of the time is spent building up to the first meeting and mapping out the characters, leaving the rest of the movie with about 40~ minutes.

When it comes to the cinematography, I love this film. It couldn’t be more toward my taste of films. The indie vibe it brings and how everything seems real, like it’s not some set of stage... It gives the genuine feel of a college campus and habitat. I love the way the cameras capture certain scenes and the places they used. It fit my taste perfectly.

Cast/Acting: I loved the chemistry between the two leads. When I first watched it, I felt something was lacking but in my re-watches, I don’t think I would change either one out. They fit their roles perfectly and I loved their chemistry; I think I was still in the head-space for the drama on my first watch with so many reservations that I spent it mostly comparing and seeing it through comment’s eyes. Upon re-watching, it was a whole new world and I was so much more open to it. The New Year's scene was really what did me in for the couple the first time around. Everything just melted together and you could see them as a couple. If it didn’t hit you before, this scene will get you.

I like Angelababy’s Bei Wei Wei. I like how more “real” she seemed. She wasn’t so shy and quiet but a little more out there, more confident with who she is and what she likes. I like how they did a spot light when we are hearing her inner thoughts instead of a simple voice over, which adds more to her character than one would think. I also really like her reactions as Bei Wei Wei. She’s not as stone-faced here. I feel like these kind of roles were made for her.

This is my first drama with Jing Boran! I don’t know much about him or who he acts, what roles he seems more comfortable with but I love him in this role. Xiao Nai is probably an incredibly hard role to pull off: a talented guy who is very reserved but strong minded, great at everything, super smart with good family relations and close-knit friend groups. It must be daunting but he did it and I loved him in this role.

Music: There are two types of music: scores and lyrical. In this movie, the director makes use of both to influence and help the watcher and guide emotions. The music fits with the movie so well and it’s more than background noise, it literally pulls you into the lead's head and you feel the uplifting happiness or the soul-crushing weight... Oh... this movie slayed me.

Re-watch? A thousand times yes. Positively would re-watch! The whole thing left me with butterflies! I love how their aspirations were combined and how they all started the company, how she rushed to his side, and UGHHH this movie... I love it- I love it to bits. Please watch it without comparing it. Go into it with an open mind and I'm sure you will love it as well!!!

****COMPARISONS TO THE DRAMA****
This movie didn’t feel fake, like a set with strict areas to film and always having to watch where the camera goes because you don’t want to accidentally revel too much. It didn’t feel like that, like it did in Love O2O or like in a lot of CDrama’s- I know it’s usually because of budget and they’re set in old times, or college campuses, but it gave a very real vibe, like “We live here. This is our comfy zone.” Like when Bei Wei Wei is in the Computer Room or Xiao Nai is in his office. Same feelings.

I didn’t realize this until I saw the movie, but in the drama, probably around mid-point, it stops featuring the game and it made me sad because the game is what brought them together and I loved that element of the show, so I'm happy that in the movie, it didn't really disappear.

When it comes to the acting, as much as I love Yang Yang, I preferred movie couple more. I think both pairs lacked in spot-on chemistry, but I also think as both programs progressed, all the actors found their footing. In some moments, the Yang-Zheng relation felt forced and a bit awkward (stiff doll kisses) but I didn't get any of that from Angela-Boran's kiss. Yang Yang gave it his all while I think Zheng Shuang pulled back too much to be convincingly in love. I can tell why people would also criticizes Angelababy’s Wei Wei as she is more out there than Zheng Shuang’s Wei Wei, but Angelababy’s sat more comfortably with me and I felt more emotion from her. Yang Yang fits this role incredibly well but Jing Boran doesn’t seem to be lacking either- but I’m not that good at judging. Xaio Nai, as I stated before, is a very challenging character to pin down and if not done well he could come off as snobbish… so I have to say they both didn’t disappoint on the whole.

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WAhhhhhh! I love it! Hands down, the best addition so far(still subject to change as I make my way through them one by one) but ahhh, i love it

Story:
Well, nothing new.. same story we all know and love. Girl falls in love with smart, handsome guy, he says no, the chase begins. Though I will say, I found a lot of similarities in this one as I saw in Playful Kiss (Korean version).

Acting/Cast:
The lead is so cute! Oh, she had me crying when she cried, which happened frequently... but mostly towards the end, you could literally feel what she was feeling. Her acting was really good and I liked that the more you saw of her, she wasn't as 2-D as other versions. I love them chemistry between the two. Dino was pretty good, though I felt like some of his lines fell flat.. if you watch, you'll see, but on the whole cast was great. The mom was a bit too pushy for me. I prefer the mom in Kiss Me, like a guide more than an instructor. The second lead in this one wasn't up my alley. I'm usually fine with them because I know he has to be there to serve and the lead's foil but I didn't like that he didn't listen to her. Even in the Korean Version when he was at his absolute worst, I still didn't dislike him as much as this version- but plot, I know...

Music:
I don't remember... I think it was good, it didn't bother me.

Rewatch:
YES!! haha, I just finished it, but yes, I will probably go back and rewatch it in my free time when I'm not watching other dramas.

Overall:
One thing that really stuck out to me is that in this version, he isn't as cold. You can't really tell what he is thinking like most of the adaptations but unlike in Playful Kiss and etc., Dino gives you hints as to his feelings and isn't stone faced- he smiles a lot when she isn't looking. If you pay attention to him, his actions speak a lot. Thought he is still a bit confusing, like he'll do something, she'll misunderstand, he'll try and clear it up, she becomes happy, and then he does something that negates it all and your just like "what?????" so yea, but I definitely like this version of him best as of the moment. Dino really stood out to me... might watch more of him in the future.

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I loved it. It was cute and fluffy with a little bit of angst mixed in. It's a good drama for when a drama drought, haha!

Story: The story is one that I didn't want to watch because I didn't understand the story line, I thought it was going to be a little messed up, but then with I saw the cast, I didn't want to not watch it, so I gave it a try.

Cast: I really liked the cast, for me they fit their roles perfectly. Momo was so good at switching his faces between bright and dark. The main lead, while not very good at controlling her face, I think it played into making the character more, because she was such an innocent character who just wanted to have true acceptance. The other part of the cast, I think they did well- it was definitely interesting to see their arc.

Music: it fit, haha. I liked it!

Rewatch: I'll rewatch scenes probably, but not the whole drama...  I liked the scenes between the main match, so I'll probably watch them.

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I watched this because I'm in a drama slump and it was a recommended watch, so I dove in, with not knowing anything.

The story was good. I hadn't ever seen a drama like this- like in this era, with these problems going on around them. I didn't really mind the story, I thought it was very interesting, the Independence movement, a small country girl coming to the big city and falling into something on accident, and the girl's friendship- you don't seen girl friendships a lot in k-dramas for some reason.
I didn't have any problems with the casting but the main lead would throw me at times because of how she delivered some lines. She would tilt her head back and open her eyes super wide and look down and it just didn't flow. It took me out of the story. Why I agree that she fits the role because she has the youth and innocence, I think she could have done better.

I will leave off with that it's short, sweet and easy to watch.

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Okay, so my goal of Dramaland, currently, is to watch EVERY version of this story and this was my second. I don't know how long it's been since I watched this one, but I remember that it left an impression. The story sucks. It's guilty pleasure, but I love it. I love it so much but I know that if the actors can't pull off the characters, it will be completely awful.


Story: What I like about this version is that they change up the story, it's not the same as the others. It has it's similarities, but I feel like this is the most original out of the one's I've seen. Looking back on watching this now.. I really think this one takes the story further than the rest. It really fills in the characters and what they are thinking. Mike's character isn't as much of mystery in this one and he doesn't "tease" her a lot like the other boys in their respective versions. And their separation really lets you in on their thoughts and King and Aom's character actually get understood more than just thrown together for the sake of plot. Another thing about this story is you truly love her in the end because she learns. She doesn't make the same mistake 3 times. She doesn't do things blindly just because it's what her heart tells her. I feel like this is her smartest representation and I wish that the rest had followed suit... not gonna lie.

Acting/Cast: Oh geez, these two are amazing together- if you haven't seen Full house-Thai, go watch it. Drop whatever you're doing and watch it. I like how they kept the original girl, completely in love and deaf to the bad, pure and happy but so easily hurt. But the guy's character got changes. I don't think he is as cold in this one. When I watched this, I had only seen Playful Kiss, the Korean version, so I didn't know much about the characters. Also, the leads seemed to be a lot closer in this version. When focusing on Aom, you really can't help but love her. She is this role, like honestly, everything about her fits.

Music: I don't even remember...

Rewatch: Yes, I have. I love going back and rewatching episode or scenes, even youtube-ing them when I'm bored. I will rewatch it no doubt.

Overall: I gave it a 10, because that is what I rated it, honestly. Looking at the scores, it should probably have an 8 or 8.5 but I watched it all in one sitting, unable to stop because I had to know what was going to happen. Also, I didn't even realize it was a Itazura na Kiss remake until the end when I came on to rate it.. though looking back, I should've known, haha.

Looking back on the versions I've seen.... I would rate this one second best. The first being Miss in Kiss.

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So I've seen this movie once and yet it still lingers in my mind. The comparisons between the movie and Alice go along way. I really like Jung So Min, like I'm pretty sure it was her who captured me into the K-Drama world, so obviously it's her works that I comeback too- even Mischievous Kiss.  This movie blurs the lines between dreams and reality, which can make the story confusing, but if you pay attention, truly, it is easy to follow. The scene changes abruptly can get a bit disorienting but I'll say, just don't think to much about it.I watched it the first time, only knowing that Jung So Min was the lead, so do be aware that this is a psychological thriller that does have blood and ghost, and can possibly trigger.
Jung So Min and Hong Jong Hyun have really good chemistry and it's cute how awkward he is because it just shows he's good at adapting to his character. I like how they made him evolve and how you learn more as you pay attention not necessarily through being told.
For how creepy this movie can get, it also if a heartwarming story of first love, family and then its a bit sad because it's also about the misery that family and love can bring about.

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Okay so starting I actually dropped this drama halfway through the first episode. Hye Ri was so annoying that I couldn’t do it. She was a shrieking, spoiled mess- but, like 5 months later, I was on YT and watching some fan vids when one of this show popped up and color me intrigued. It took a while because Mad Dog came first and left me in a drama rut, so then I watched Return of Superman and then I finally began again and I’m actually hooked on it.

Also, I have the “Goodbye! Goodbyyyyye my princess,” stuck in my head. I don’t usually pay attention to music, usually it’s there and if I really like it, I go find it. But this tune- it’s not annoying and I don’t exactly want to go find it but I can’t help but like it at the same time.

All characters go through major growth that make you fall in love with them, bringing out empathy from the watchers.

The story line, the main story line, is intriguing as hell. I love this anti-hero character on Park Shi Hoo and how he isn’t the classic second lead or the normal main lead. He isn’t there to get revenge entirely but to set a wrong right. He’s dark and bright and in love but has to keep on down the road he’s made for himself. Park Shi Hoo's character leans more to the anti-hero side then the hero side, straddling the line between dark and light.

The law/court setting isn’t overwhelming and leads you into the main plot seamlessly, because you have to watch her grow before she’s ready to tackle what she must. Hye Ri was such a deep character past the first couple of episodes where you actually learn about why she acts that way and how she changes from the influence of the people around her.

I like Je Ni, Je Ni was pretty great. I like how when it came to her relationship with In Woo, the writers didn’t complicate it with feelings- they’re just friends who have been there for each other and are super close. I also like how she’s protective of In Woo when it comes to Hye Ri. More like a sibling than a girlfriend vibe. With the second lead girl, I like how she handles Hye Ri and Sunbae- she doesn’t cling on when he moves toward Hye Ri but starts to separate herself. The second lead girls of this drama. Let me praise you because you deserve it. Please write more like this, writers.

These types of dramas don’t come around often and half of them are butchered in the middle or at end and you leave hating everything about like you just ate spoiled cake and can’t get rid of the taste, but this drama is one that did it right.

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I didn't really know what to expect going into this, but the bad ratings kind made me put it off for a while and I'm so sad that I let them! While it's not a romantic, tear-jerker, it is a fast-paced, hilarity-ensues movie that has a bit of romance, action and craziness thrown in. I have no prior experience with any actors except for Song Ji Hyo. There are some R rated scenes or at least mature scenes, so do beware and it does kind of end open ended (I'm pretty sure I'm not spoiling anything) so if you like movies that give you a clear ending, keep that in mind.

Story-
I enjoyed it. I laughed and I was left shocked and while it did get repetitive, it wasn't awful because of the way the lead male played it, made it funny instead of eye-roll inducing. I really want to watch it again and I just finished it.

Acting/Cast-
Ji Hyo and Jae Joong are a match made in heaven. They were hilarious throughout the whole film and really sold both of their parts. Their antics kept me laughing just because it was out there. It also doesn't hurt that they are both eye candy. The supporting cast didn't lack in laughs either with the cop-bromance and the sex jokes that weren't awful to hear.

Music-
I actually don't really remember any music... the story didn't need it to keep the viewer watching so if it did play (I'm sure it did) I never notice because I was to into the story.

Rewatch Value-
Yes. I will rewatch this. When you see some of the scenes, they are just so awesome that you have to watch it again!

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Intial thoughts before watching were pretty basic: I wanted to know what the hype was. I was familiar with the leads and the story seemed quite interesting.

Story (TINY SPOILERS BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW HOW TO TALK ABOUT THIS STORY WITHOUT POINTING OUT SOME THINGS SO BE FAIRLY WARNED): I can't say I enjoyed the beginning because (SPOILER) it became a flashback story and for some reason I don't like those. I don't like episodes of dramas that start at the end and then rewind and I don't like movies that do it either. I enjoyed the middle, I loved the story but I didn't like the ending because (SPOILER) I didn't like him being alone. I really wanted Chul Soo to get his family and the ending goes with hating the flashback type stories.. it's just not my cup of tea. I will say the the story between the two leads left me wanting more- I wanted them together and I think that might have to do with how great Park Bo Young and Song Joong Ki sold their roles. I think the story would have been better if the ending and beginning were cut out.. sorry (not sorry).

Cast: With Park Bo Young and Song Joong Ki in it why not give it chance, right? I wasn't that impressed with Oh My Ghostess or Descendants but I did enjoy Hot Young Bloods, Strong Woman, and Running Man so I decided why not. Song Joong Ki can act, like wow- barely any lines at all but prefect deliverance. Park Bo Young really shined, too. Their chemistry was dead on, you can really buy into what they are selling. I also like seeing her as the spunky girl, it fits her "image", I guess haha. It was funny seeing Yoo Yeon Seok as the "villain" because i have only ever seen him as the good guy in Romantic Doctor and Eighteen and Nineteen.

Music:... I have no idea.. it never bothered me so I'll say it fit well.

Rewatch: Most likely- I'll probably skip the beginning or watch certain scenes but I would recommend this to my friends and anyone else who is still debating watching or not.

Overall (any last comments): I would honestly love a remake or something without the flashbacks or for these two to star together again..

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