Soula
I would have really liked to see more of Dal Po/Ha Myung's brother toward the ending (how his trial turned out, where he is in life now, etc). Personally, and many might not agree with this, but I really understood why Jae Myung did what he did. Yes, it was wrong and it definitely wouldn't have change the past, but when you think of EVERYTHING he and his brother went through because of those people, you can't entirely blame him or want to punish him for making the choice he did. Which is why I really really REALLY wanted to see how his trial turned out because a jury might consider those things, impacting his sentence.
I would have also loved to see more screen time for Yoo Ra and Gyo Dong because I think they were really nice together.
Altogether, a very well thought-out plot and wonderful casting! My mother even got sucked in about halfway through and watched it with me!
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BUT on an overall scale, the Hwarang (literally, the soldiers/guards) were SOOOOOO AMAZING that I was enthralled in their antics from the very beginning. I found myself laughing alllllll the time at their silliness and spiteful acts toward each other. I loved the prince's character and I reallllly loved watching the change in relationship between Soo Ho Rang and Ban Ryu Rang (plus, Ban Ryu Rang's romance :} tee-hee). ALSO, OST was really good!
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This was one of those dramas that was nearly perfect. It had it's flaws that I don't really feel are worth mentioning because inevitably, they will deter you from watching this. Let me tell you why you should watch it.
Uncontrollably Fond proves that you can still love, even if you are going to die soon. It reminds you that it's never too late to remedy relationships that need fixing. It shows us that while we all have our flaws, we are all loved by others in different ways. And we will all be missed. And we all die some day.
I watched this drama with my mother who got sucked in about half way through the drama. Yes, parts of this drama can be a bit slow and some of the decisions our MC's make can be viewed as particularly frustrating, but those things didn't bother me. I loved watching them relive memories that gave us more details to their past. I loved watching the MC's fall in love again. I loved the love our main girl had for her little brother. I loved the love demonstrated between mother and son. I loved watching the bad guys get crushed. I loved seeing karma finally dishing out what was due.
Yes, I chocked up many times and SOBBED (literally, wailed in my living room along with my poor mother who had to take a nap afterwards because she was so tired from crying), but it was all because of love. Because of the mother's and son's love. Because of the little brother's love. Because of the main character's love for each other.
Uncontrollably Fond is similar to A Walk to Remember. We know that the main character is going to die in the end. There's no miracle or magic or experimental cure. It's life. And it was shown in such a delicate way that I couldn't help but appreciate this drama. The ending wraps up everything so well. I would have been happier with a baby in the end, but to see that everyone had grieved and remembered him, but moved on to live their lives sat well with me. Just like in the beginning of A Walk to Remember, our MC was in troublesome circumstances and the other MC came in and helped change their lives around for the better.
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One negative to this drama that kinda bothered me was the second leads. When I went back and watched the drama for a second time, I found myself skipping all of the second lead's romance scenes with the artist because I just really didn't like her as a character. I feel like, if her character was just a little less selfish and maybe approached others in a different manner, I would like her a whole bunch more.
Anyways, if you can get over an artsy-fartsy female second lead who is the exact opposite from the main female lead who is sweet, slightly immature, but in a funny innocent way, and kind-hearted, I think you'll enjoy this.
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I think this tragic love story could have been so much more without the silly over-the-top plot twists that came along with the way the story was being wrapped up. I read a re-cap of the ending and I was so glad I didn't waste my time in watching the remaining episodes because the last "twist" ending would have infuriated me if I watched it all happen.
Overall, this melodrama reminded me of those Latino over-the-top tele-novelas my mother forced me to watch as a kid growing up. The same type of drama that I would roll my eyes after the 2 MC's screamed at each other and then kissed each other passionately at least once an episode. I guess what I'm trying to say is that this drama lacked depth, where the poor execution of plot took away from the things that should have actually mattered for the story to progress.
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My biggest gripe with this plot is how unrealistically marriage (or simply being dedicated to a significant other) is being portrayed here. A marriage does not simply crumble due to 1 nasty thing said, especially not when OBVIOUSLY inebriated and upset. Especially not a couple who have been together for nearly 20 years. At this point in your relationship, you know each other. Situationally, you would know that your spouse is upset AND drunk and therefore, while they might be embarrassing the crap out of you both and saying something hurtful, after things settle down, you would be able to process and address the root of the cause.
18 Again uses the reasoning that the main couple don't *communicate* and that's why their marriage fell apart, but let's be honest - if you didn't communicate as a couple, you would have broken up many many MANY years ago, with or without kids, so making it seem like they broke up over the 1 situation is just ridiculous (and while the writers allude that there were other things that contributed to their break up, it's weak and lacks substantial elaboration). *SIGH*
Further, I have real issue with everything being Hong Dae Young's fault. What about the fact that he gave up his dreams to make his wife and twins his new future? Yes, he made that choice, but it doesn't seem to matter to anyone that he lost his dream career and source of income as a professional athlete and just had to figure out how he would support his family (which would obviously leave him feeling unfulfilled, bitter, and depressed, which is ALSO ignored *huff*). So what, Jung Da Jung is allowed to keep her dreams, but Dae Young has to suck it up because...?
Additionally, to solely blame one individual in the relationship is to neglect the fact that there are indeed two factors the relationship depends on. I see this flawed perspective over and over again in entertainment and I find it infuriating. We all play a part in our relationships and dynamics. We are not perfect. Painting Da Jung as flawless and the *perfect* wife is so unrealistic and frustrating. It implies that only one partner needs to take responsibility for the outcomes of a relationship.
Also, what was with the creepy side-character plots? (The sinister teacher and the stalker) Bleh.
What made this drama worth watching was seeing Dae Young's beautiful memories with his children. I think the drama should have spent less time on Da Jung's career and Dae Young's flaws and more time on the dynamics between this family. What could have Da Jung done to support Dae Young's dreams and/or career? How could Dae Young be more involved with his high school children and be a better support at home? And the root issues of the arguments between Da Jung and Dae Young really needed to be addressed, not just the 1 moment Da Jung was embarrassed and hurt. *sigh*
I would also like to note that the OST for 18 Again is really beautiful. Very pretty, melodic music.
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Besides the unsatisfactory ending to "season 1" of Vagabond...
I actually ate up this drama! I like the plot, the actors, and the OST! OST was beautiful and well orchestrated. The actors were well selected and portrayed their characters well. The plot was quick paced, action packed, and interesting. While I wasn't expecting the HUGE plot twist in the end of season 1, it *did* make sense (they play enough flashbacks to justify that it *was* planned).
Something I would like to mention though - I didn't find myself tearing up with the actors. The OST really helped build the scenes, but I don't think that the grief-stricken scenes were filmed in the best fashion. Not to say that they weren't sad, but I honestly don't think they were filmed in a way to extract the most emotion from the audience and get us choked up, which I would have really liked.
I think my impression of season 1 will significantly improve if a season 2 releases that effectively ties up all loose ends. Until then, I will caution viewers against watching this drama simply for the lack of conclusion. I look forward to a season 2!
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Misleading trailer...AGAIN
The Asian drama world is notorious for creating trailers that are completely and totally misleading, as seen here yet again. The trailer makes this movie look like a rom-com, but in reality, it's just meh - it's not fun or comical, more of a melo. The ending is a true twist that I 100% did not see coming, which was cool, but at the same time, by the end of the movie I was kind of like, "ugh, what a messed up relationship."To be completely transparent: I am really not the intended audience for this kind of movie. It's about adultery, which I just don't find entertaining at all. And while my best friend told me it likely wasn't my speed, I wanted to watch it because... THE TRAILER...ugh you K-drama useless trailers. >.<
I wouldn't recommend Sweet & Sour to really anyone.
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The characters and their stories are very endearing and heartwarming. Overall, the story plays out very much like a family sitcom: a group of boys who don't really know anything about responsibility endure real life struggles through the support of their new quirky neighbors in a rural town. There's implied romance, but nothing gushy.
My favorite thing about watching Modern Farmer was how the boys mature and grow through their experience together in the rural town and gaining responsibilities and recognize their impact on others through their own hardships.
I wasn't crazy about the love triangle nor the side-character love stories, though I understand why they were used to add a layer to the story. I also found that the final 10 minutes of the final episode (epilogue) were lacking a bit. I would have really liked to see a much more matured ending with the 4 city boys becoming successful, if not together, than in their own right. It kind of bummed me out that they each kind of became good-for-nothings in the epilogue even though I know that was supposed to be part of the humor. >.<
But OVERALL, I would like to remember the silly antics and fun sitcom-like humor the rural town residents brought when engaged with the 4 city boys. Each boy really did face their own real struggles that were easy to empathize with, which made watching (while getting teared up) and continuing to watch easy! The story isn't complicated and the love triangle does not get nasty or messy, which I really appreciated. The overall message I got from Modern Farmer is be kind and supportive of others, even strangers; when others are feeling down, support and encourage them so we can get through it together. A heartwarming message.
Would I recommend Modern Farmer? Hmmm... I probably won't go out of my way to recommend it. Not because it's not good, but just because I don't think many people would necessarily appreciate the casual comedic watch it is. Honestly, there are far superior brotherly/friendship themed dramas to watch. But what makes Modern Farmers enjoyable is that it doesn't take itself too seriously, even if the story and ending themselves are not flawless - the journey is enjoyable all the same. :)
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This story is cliche and we all know how it ends. Many people actually hate this story because the female MC is treated so poorly by the male MC, but I just can't help but love it. I don't really feel that the male MC treated her in mean ways, I just don't think he was receptive to her advances. His behavior toward her and tenderness eventually show through in positive ways. And that's good enough for me.
If you wanna talk about mean dudes, please watch She Was Pretty and then we can chat. I couldn't stomach how mean the male MC (in She Was Pretty) was toward the female MC, knowing that they would inevitably fall in love in the end, because he was just THAT mean to her. My heart would hurt for her and I just would not be happy for her when they got together in the end. If he could treat her that badly before he likes her, but then changes his attitude toward her so severely after they get together, it's just wrong. Especially if you think about how he treats others in that manner.
For me, the male MC in Playful Kiss isn't anywhere near this severe in his treatment toward the female MC and so I'm not bothered or hurt and I'm actually happy for them in the end.
I think Playful Kiss and the story of Itazura Na Kiss is something to take with a grain of salt and recognize that you might not be looking for a relationship like their's, but you can still appreciate their story.
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After watching: UPDATE----- LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!! SO GOOD AND OST WAS AHHHHMAZZZZZING!
Honestly, I was pretty hesitant to start watching this show because it looked really cliched, but it was actually really really REALLY good! I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did and I'm so glad I ended up watching it. It still stands as one of the best drama OST's EVER (for me personally), with each song sucking you in, feeling how the main characters are feeling.
The plot is pretty straight forward being a Cinderella story, but you shouldn't pick up this show thinking it will be unique, because, really, it's not. It's the same ol' story told in a fun, sweet, happily-ever-after, modern style way. The ending has all the loose ends wrapped up nicely and leaving you feeling super happy. I still watch the music videos on Youtube just to see the hilarity of the character dynamics and how the story inevitably unfolds.
I am not a fan of Cinderella stories traditionally, but this show is something I would gladly rewatch, force others to watch with me, and sing along the whole way through!
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A good casual family drama - perfect to have on while multitasking
I got into Never Twice because of the clips I saw of some well dressed guy crying when a baby he was holding was getting his vaccination shots; this was just so authentic and adorable that I had to understand the context. Unfortunately, I'm a bit disappointed that the baby wasn't more of a character in this drama...I'm a sucker for babies/kids playing a vital role in the overall plot of the story.I stayed invested in this story because I wanted to know how the bad guys got karma handed to them and how the good guys prevailed. Things got tangled between the characters, which I didn't mind at all.
I was most interested in the main characters, Na Hae Jun and Geum Bak Ha. I also had an odd gravitation toward the chef, Choi Man Ho and his wife, Yang Geum Hee - their story was so bittersweet. And while initially I didn't care much either way for the other side characters (I especially didn't care for the gold digger, Bang Eun Ji, and the golfer, Gam Poong Ki), by the end of the drama, I came to appreciate that they too found their happiness in the end. In particular, the romance between Bok Mak Rye and Choi Geo Bok was really sweet...seeing second chance love stories between elderly couples are kind of adorable.
I liked that the 2 very spoiled, twisted, self-centered daughter-in-laws got what was coming for them finally. And their character development was nice in the end.
The ending was very nicely wrapped up - I personally felt myself getting a little sentimental at the end.
Would I watch Never Twice again? No, probably not. But it was one of those dramas where you didn't have to catch every word. I very easily followed along while multitasking (only towards the end of the drama did I tune in more). This is a pretty predictable family drama, but there's not over-the-top acting or drama, just what you've come to expect from corporate politics K-dramas.
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