chalbarczyk
Poland
There is no first love and young romance, childhood friends, even no simple motive of revenge.
This is a political drama with strong characters who carry the entire show.
Motivations of people's acting, a desire of the power, dreams of perfect society and state are portrayed excellent.
The main question of this story is that: does the end justify the means? Is this a true what Machiavelli said that everyone is evil and you must do anything to gain a political power?
Surprisingly, although there are some corruption motives, this drama isn’t about corruption, but rather about what politics do and what it looks like.
Director’s job is splendid! The director (Kwak Jeong Hwan) is also an author of Miss Hammurabi, and if you like Miss Hammurabi, you will like Chief of staff too.
The acting is brilliant, because:
Kim Dong Jun acting is better and better.
Elliya Lee, after her odd and makjang appearance in The Last Empress, has a real character to play here and I like her.
Lee Jung Jae and Shin Min Ah (the leads) are amazing. They present serious relationship involved in job and moral dilemmas.
Kim Gab Soo (the true lead!) is AWESOME. Try this drama to watch his impressive performance! I hope he will receive an award.
We all know that dividing drama into two parts has no sense, but in this case it breaks in a perfect time.
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We are not used to uncertainty and hesitation about who is the good and who is the bad guy. It’s easier to watch something simple, black and white. That’s why probably some people think that something is missing in the drama. But complicated plot, labyrinth of possibilities and mysteries characters are strong point in this show and build a good crime story.
We get to know characters slowly. They hide more than we can read from their words. Truly I was fascinated of actors’ skills and how they portrayed subtle differences and nuances in characters’ mind and soul: the fear of lawyer Han Tae Joo, the rage of young policeman Kim Young Goon, Do Chi Kwang belief in his omnipotence.
I like this drama very much, although the plot is really complicated. The director is consequent and he created the show with the same pace and the same quality in all episodes. Actors are great. The emotions are great. The gray colours of filming are great. Sometimes the good script is enough for handsome Seo Kang Joon to shine.
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We read in the synopsis that the heroines change their bodies. This idea doesn’t immediately have to inspire our trust, but really there is nothing cheesy here. This is the only beginning of discovering secrets and facing the truth. A greatly played and constructed thriller for all who like good written characters and an absorbing, unexpected story.
On the one hand, we have a thriller with a motive of betrayal and revenge and on the other, some lighter humorous scenes (with assistants), and even a completely unexpected announcement of a romance. The plot is entangled, the story turns back every moment, and the script doesn’t give any hint to what will happen next, really not a clue! And, of course, our hearts are broken many times of the betrayal. And Hae Yi says: All people dream of “always”, but only shards of memory exist in each moment. In regards to love there is no “always”.
An original scenario requires extraordinary skills from actors, and everyone did great job here. So we watch famous actors in unconventional roles. The two main actresses must both play cold witch Eulji Hae Yi and passive and naive Jang Hwa Sa. Kim Young Kwang (as fiancee) and Oh Dae Hwan (as detective) have probably never played such serious and mature characters before. This was a great opportunity to show their skills and also charm. And I have to say that I even prefer charming detective.
Even Lee Kyoung Young, who always plays morally corrupt chairman, here as Ki San is multidimensional and deep and he is fascinating!, his love to his son (played by Jung Jae Won) touches my heart.
Maybe there is no great song in the drama, but an instrumental music is really good.
It is a great adventure for everyone who loves thrillers, revenge drama with a bit funny moments. Sometimes a dark, criminal drama has no hope for humor, romance, warm and friendly relationship but not this one. We can be surprised and frightened of the story, but also consoled by the warm friendship and love.
Maybe someone doesn’t like the complicated plot or the idea of body changing – but still it has to be said: actors play very well and it is pleasure to watch their characters. Drama is strong and captivating from the start to the end. If you want to watch something good – try this, you will be not disappointed.
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A plot is very simple: the vampire girl Ran (played by Jung Yeon Joo) met the boy (played by Song Kang), the boy’s scent wakes up Ran's thirst for blood, which she has suppressed for 500 years. Will she be able to love him? Will he fill her loneliness?
The movie is very minimalistic, only a few characters appear on the screen, nevertheless in this simple framework the director managed to present the subtlety of the emotional life of Ran, ridiculous greed of landlord, sweet romance and kiss, old friendship of vampire and butcher, and sophisticated humor which makes me laugh.
Cinematography is excellent! Colours, lights and music are so beautiful!
It’s unique, sensitive, easy and naive. I loved it! I give 10/10 although someone may find the movie odd. I think I didn’t watch anything like that, and there’s a satisfying and amusing point to this story: the vampire lived for 500 years but still she doesn’t know everything.
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It’s a bitter-sweet saguek comedy with a big show of Junho, because his performance is brilliant. The rest of the cast did a good job too, especially Kim Dong Young, who deserves a lead role in the next film of director Nam De Joong.
The script is just impressively elaborated and the dialogues are intelligent. The story picks up social problems located in the past, but universal about life of women and scars in the human hearts.
It isn't a classic romcom, not at all. It isn't a trivial and banal light entertainment. It’s a touching love story with a very special taste of humor and Junho was able to create this unique spirit.
I highly recommend, the scenario and acting are top notch. But you must be ready to cry.
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The tense, the murder case, the characters, specially students in the school – were interesting and captivating. But solving the case, the detective work, the prosecutor work - were weak. The teachers keep finding clues by chance, without meticulous investigation, and there is no a strong turning point in the story or the moment of suspense. The pace is slow, I mean, the pace of investigation. Surprisingly the most coherent and fine parts of drama were school scenes with young actors.
The motive of temporary teacher (played by Yoon Gyun Sang) was important in the beginning, but later the writer didn’t have the concept of this any more. Unfortunately some of great and interesting characters in the drama were dead (I hope it isn’t a spoiler:) and protagonists who were alive – they were somehow flat. And I'm even not going to mention about the ending...
And my biggest problem with this crime drama: I feel the characters are created in a wrong way. Their actions don’t seem real. The psychology of characters is simple and unconvincing. And the actors acting is proportional to the script: average, average, average.
But the music was good.
So, there are some great scenes, with genius directing and filming (if you have seen the scene in the high-rise building, you know what I'm talking about), but it is not enough to enjoy this crime drama.
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I’m glad I went through all the episodes and saw the ending. It wasn’t a light journey but it was worth it.
Drama is about crime and corruption in prosecutors, politics and business. But for me the crime plot is an excuse to present the story of touching relationship between friends who had to become enemies. The character of Song Woo Yong (the older friend), brilliant played by Son Hyun Joo, is so well written. He’s intriguing and ambiguous. Is he hardhearted, ambitious man or devoted father?Good or bad? We don’t know for sure.
And, of course, there is no romance, we only got the recollection of romance, but it’s enough.
The stories of the father and son, the prosecutor lady (Nana) and lawyer (Choi Jin Hyuk) are extremely interesting. As well as the story of psychopath villain and his victim. The cinematography is outstanding, the music is sad. The script is perfect.
The ending is satisfying.
If you want to watch something beautiful and melancholic and tender like autumn in the North – watch Justice.
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Drama Special Season 9: So Close, Yet So Far
7 people found this review helpful
Youn Joo is always angry and we don’t know why. Her frustration and anger escalates, and she can’t escape from emotions of the past. The relationship of the main leads could develop smoothly, but it doesn't. The problem of the guilt and redemption, dealing with conflicting feelings, avoiding confrontation with that what happened, make this drama to be something deeper.
It’s a good drama and acting of Park Yoo Na and Kim Min Seok is very natural and convincing, but what is interesting in this is the director’s job. If you like a bit artistic and minimalist drama special, you may like this one too.
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It's light, artistic, summery and psychological real and true. I was surprised how the director tells the story of one love, in the beginning falling in love, disappointment, growing up, knowing each other, ambicious, affection. And all in 4 min episodes!
The characteres (of him and her) are presented a bit ironically and this is a perfect way for portraying the process of growing up and understaning the life. In their comments I found some true and wise notes and I realized I liked this drama very much.
If you want to taste slow life, you can watch "Flat" and enjoy the true love story.
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No, no, no
It was the worst action film ever.My feelings after watching it: frustration, anger, depression and foolish laugh.
Reliable and solid story? - forget it
Interesting characters? - forget it
Decent director’s job? - forget it
It was awful, ridiculous and the level of stupidity was really high. The game style of filming does not help. Who was the main lead? I don’t care and obviously, the writer does not care either. It’s all about killing and vehicle catastrophe.
And the actors' faces were yellow. Why? Why?
Why I did watch this masterpiece - I do not know. I have no idea why anyone would watch it.
To kill time?
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The visual side is extremely sophisticated. On the wall in judges` room there is a painting of Goya and some variation on the theme of "Dance" by Henri Matisse. The script is outstanding and dialogues are intelligent. Anyone who is looking for a wise story and a wise commentary on life will find it here.
Thanks to the fact that drama is based on the novel of Moon Yoo Seok, it has a depth of character and thoughtful problems. It asks the question of what a justice is, what is the power of public opinion and money? And a very important one: is always a poor the victim?
Judges:
Judge Park, played by Go Ara – she could have played uncompromising heroine better.
Judge Im, played by Kim Myung Soo – his acting is really good. He plays the character who is straightforward, confident, and in control of the feelings, but at the same time seeking the truth about himself, about his true motivations.
Young judges have a great chemistry, I can even say that drama is full of electrifying romance, although they barely talking to each other and keep the distance between themselves almost all the time.
Sung Dong Il is my favorite actor. His judge Han is so warm and family man, but on the other hand very emotional, who instantly fights for justice.
Go Ara is holding back from hysterical sobbing, (perhaps the director prohibited it and he even jokes about her constant crying, when he recommends her to take eye drops). I may only hope that Kim Myung Soo will not learn bad acting from her.
The mood of “Miss Hammurabi”:
The characters are very natural and this is a big advantage of the drama. The ajummas in the market are portrayed very well, thanks to a few scenes we can feel their loneliness, moving warmth and straight humor. Filming is natural, full of bright and bland sepia and I like the soundtrack.
I give 8 for acting because of the only one expression of Go Ara`s face (who always looks like she is about to cry in a moment), but 10 for the whole, because it's a very good drama!
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This review may contain spoilers
Review contains spoilers about impersonatings of the boss!Yummy drama!
I love everything in this amazing drama and I must write a review, because you can’t miss watching it! It is funny, amusing, positive and sweet.
This is drama about cooking with detailed recipes for good food, and I stopped the episode to write them down. But also we have lovable characters here: three siblings Han with “superpowers of cooking”, the girl (Bok Seung A) with another “superpower” and coworkers in the company, and Min Hyuk (who plays Min Hyuk). Interactions between characters are funny and enjoyable, everyone loves eating and everyone is slightly unconventional. There is a lot of romance, but I think none of them is stright stereotypical.
One of the best part of the drama are “stolen scenes”. Their ridiculous chief (played by Jung Yi Rang) in every episode plays the role of famous heroine whom we know from the world cinematography. She has a full costume and characterization and that idea is amazing! I laugh my head off!
She plays Kim Tae Ri from Mr Sunshine when she talk about “love” (I’m dying…)
Also she plays Sharone Stone from “Basic Instinct”, with long legs, when she is smoking a cigarette (I can’t stop myself from laughing)
Also she plays Audrey Hepburn from “Roman Holiday” and Marilyn Monroe (do you imagine this?)
In 8 episode she plays the nation's first love whose name begins with "S"... ha, ha! Of course, she must be also one of anime heroine (she is Usagi!)
I don't know why I enjoy this drama so much. Everything in it is absolutely optimistic! This is a relaxing, light and pleasant entertainment. If you do not expect anything serious or deep or elaborate – you will enjoy it more.
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First of all the lead lady isn’t the lead any more. Jung Yoo Mi has a minor role here and she does almost nothing. As a prosecutor she has nothing to do.
The funny relationship between the lady prosecutor and Sally is not shown.
The interesting, ambiguous relationship between the lady prosecutor and Baek Beom is not shown.
The promising relationship between prosecutors is not shown.
Well, now I wonder if anything is shown in this drama?
There are three good things:
1. Forensic doctor rude Baek Beom and his investigation
2. Mysterious doctor Jang Chul good played by No Min Woo
3. The return of Lee Yi Kyung with his charisma in the last episode.
It’s watchable. But for me sometimes it was boring and not exciting as the first season.
The end was good, I must admit.
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Brilliant role of Lee Sung Min!
If you like 'Miseng' or 'My Ajusshi' - you won't be disappointed. 'Memory' has the same touch of real life, brilliant script and amazing actors' performances!The biggest advantage of the drama is the acting role of the main character. Lee Sung Min portrayed 40 years old ajusshi who has to review his life and has to deal with the past. It's a crime-lawyer drama and it has a dark, intense and sad side.
Lee Sung Min brings a film impression to the drama because we watch a deep character shown in a natural way, his everyday life that slowly goes far away with his memory.
I have to mention young actors who nowadays are big stars already. Junho and Yoon So Hee create a sweet and light story together, and Nam Da Reum - perfect with acting as always.
I recommend 'Memory' - it's a well-made drama and has one of the best actors' performances of the main leads I've ever seen.
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The scenario (of Kim Yoon Seok) is superb. I was surprised how this simple story could show such an important and relevant matter as life, soul, death and love. After watching it we remain convinced that despite betrayals and affairs the world is rational and it’s a good place to live, because human relationships make us vulnerable, but at the same time strong.
It’s a rather simple, touching but a little uncomfortable for you story about women. It has a lot of drama aesthetic: low budget, focus on emotional development of characters, school and home environment, likable protagonists and good pace and ending, and this characteristic of Koreans deeply human understanding of life.
Everyone who love dramas will find something absorbing and satisfying here.
I highly recommend because it’s very comforting and warm to watch the girls' love for their little brother.
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