Details

  • Last Online: 9 days ago
  • Gender: Female
  • Location: USA
  • Contribution Points: 0 LV0
  • Birthday: November 30
  • Roles:
  • Join Date: September 27, 2013
Completed
Lovers
28 people found this review helpful
Apr 9, 2014
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
Lovers is not a rom com but a more serious venue. The title suggests another corny romance but it is not. The story is about a gangster who learns love through a mature woman and tries to "go good." The plot involves a lot of personal complications and roadblocks.

Here's what is great about the drama. 1. The lead couple is very dynamic. Lee Seo Jin plays a tough mobster who looks and acts the part with perfection. Kim Jun Eun plays a no-nonsense physician who is both gentle and strong. The chemistry between these two is perfect. 2. There are no boring moments, a lot of good fight scenes, and no silly side story fillers with cartoon characters. 3. There is a great climax-ending the last 2 episodes with fight scenes and a well-defined ending. (I hate it when things are left up in the air.)

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Material Queen
20 people found this review helpful
May 9, 2014
22 of 22 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
No one ever said drama shows were reality and this is no exception. The plot is highly contrived. It is a rom com at its best. It is not the typical Cinderella story where a poor woman finds an arrogant rich guy and turns him sweet. Rather, the theme is that money doesn't buy you love and happiness.

Lynn Hung pretty much steals the show. She plays a gorgeous model who is out to net a wealthy tycoon. She is the discerning buyer who is out for the best deal. For sale is her beauty and charm and she can sweet talk her way into any man's heart. She is friendless: women hate her because of her beauty and success, men hate her because they can't keep her. She's off to a better conquest. The best parts are her manipulation of men. Her rejects are out for revenge. I never laughed so hard at her scheming.

Enter Vaness Wu as the poor, babbling, lovelorn guy whom she falls for. I would have liked him better without the punk rock hair, but he is romantic. Some of his rescue scenes are a bit slapstick with silly suspense music accompaniment. At times it seems the drama is a romance spoof with some of the silly melodrmatic scenes, especially at the end.

But even if you don't like the story, you will feel like you are watching a runway fashion show. In every scene Lynn Hung has a gorgeous wardrobe and unique hairdo. She is possibly the most beautiful actress out there. In real life she is a Chinese supermodel. I wish there were more shows with her devouring men. This watch was delicious!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
All In
23 people found this review helpful
Jul 13, 2014
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10
One of the best Korean dramas produced, it is a Korean mafia Godfather show. There is plenty of action: fighting, shooting, stabbing, killing. The suspense with all the revenge, mafia hits, betting, and takeover moves will keep you guessing until the very last scene. My favorite part was the intense love story between two of Korea's hottest stars, Lee Byung Hun and Song Hye Kyo which weaves through the entire drama. Add to that Ji Sung and a huge exceptional cast.

This drama feels very real and scary at times. There are no silly cartoon characters or fill in empty stretches. Don't let 24 episodes deter you. I didn't want it to end. Also, the loyalty between childhood friends, which extends into teen years and adulthood, is very heartwarming.

Most people just watch new shows, so All In no longer gets attention. But it was a big scale production in 2003 with breathtaking scenes from Jeju Island all the way to the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas. It was extremely well done and is not dated at all. If you are a fan of Lee Byung Hun, you will find his acting, karate skills, and lovemaking exceptional here. All In has it all!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Midas
22 people found this review helpful
Mar 13, 2014
21 of 21 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This would have been a perfect 10 if the second half of the story had been shorter. The intrigue in the first half was unrelenting. The crosses and double crosses were great. You had to figure out who was siding with who in the family and the business.

The romance was just a small part of the story, but it was essential for the storyine. There was one smoking hot scene in the motel between Jan Hyuk and Lee Ming Jung that should not be missed.

The goofy scenes with the father and stepbrother should have been left out entirely. The comedy aspect totally detracted from the serious wheeling and dealing.

This is Jang Hyuk's best acting, in my opinion, and made me really respect him as an actor. Of course he is superb in everything he's been in. There's a little quirky part to his personality that he brings to his characters that is unique.

The acting was fantastic by all the characters, especially No Min Woo and Kim Hee Ae.

My husband hates Kdramas, but he watched this and loved it. A lot of drama viewers, like myself, veer towards the romantic themes and totally miss great serious dramas. This one should not be bypassed. The suspense will keep you in the game.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Hirugao
25 people found this review helpful
Nov 8, 2015
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
If you are willing to go outside your comfort zone, this is a unique drama that gives a lot of room for contemplation. Infidelity is not the usual hum drum romance. These 2 parallel affairs have something is common that keeps you from entirely sympathizing with the jilted spouses: empty, loveless marriages. At times I felt that the affairs were well warranted because the jilted spouses were so incapable of showing love and appreciation that they drove their spouses to seek love elsewhere. It was both tragic and extremely realistic.
The acting is exceptional and the plots twists will keep you on edge. I was quite shocked at how severe Japanese culture is towards divorce. This story would not play out the same way in the US.
In the end, truthfulness is the only way to conduct one's life. And if a woman chooses to have children, her only choice should be a life of sacrifice for her children. In conclusion, this drama is worthy of watching if you are in a relationship or are contemplating marriage. It will make you give pause to showing more appreciation to loved ones. I

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Chunhyang
16 people found this review helpful
Apr 14, 2014
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10
Chunhyang is a movie that can be rewatched and with each viewing there is a deeper appreciation. The love is so genuine between the nobleman and the courtesan's daughter that you feel heartbreak at their separation. When their love is put to the test, you will be moved by their devotion to one another.
Much of the narrative is sung. but do not be put off by this presentation. It will grow on you. The ending is superb and worth the wait.
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Never Forever
14 people found this review helpful
Aug 25, 2014
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Never Forever came highly recommended and it was ever better than I had anticipated. In fact, it is now on my favorite movie list. It is extremely passionate, intense, emotional, and full of pain, as well. This poor woman finds herself in such a dilemna: when you care for a person, how do you give in to loving another. The story is beautifully and realistically played out with a resolution and ending that is unforgettable. I loved this movie so much that I will be watching it again shortly.

Do not watch this if you are an old fashioned conservative. There are several sexually explicit scenes and it is not the typical Korean one love fate. Since it is an Inde movie, I had to rent it from Amazon for $2.99, but it is free on you tube with multiple clips under avi (start with clip 0).

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Star in My Heart
13 people found this review helpful
Apr 1, 2015
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
If you like romance, this is the drama for you. Love conquers all is the main theme. The main characters are gorgeous. I was not familiar with Ahn Jae Wook, but he blew me away with his passion! Of course, as with all dramas, there are the annoying antagonists that you want to strangle.

The story was not unique, however, I like some of these older dramas because they have more realistic love scenes. No chicken peck kisses. I actually enjoyed when they replayed the love scenes to the beautiful, haunting music. My only complaint is that the writer didn't tie up all the complications at the end, although the ending was beautiful and memorable.

This is a "feel good" romance drama that you will want to rewatch.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Stairway to Heaven
12 people found this review helpful
Oct 1, 2013
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This is one of the old, classic "slow burn" love stories that is so memorable for its intense love, mesmerizing music, and unforgettable pain. At times the story is corny, impossible, repetitive; however the love between Kwan Sang Woo and Choi Ji Woo make it all believable. It is a copy of the hugely successful Winter Sonata that started my K drama obsession.
STH is my favorite drama, after my "happy fix" Autumn's Concerto. The characters were superb. At first I thought Shin Hyun Joon was too old to be cast as the stepbrother, but his acting won me over.
Every minute of this drama is romance, not a lot of silly fillers. So if you like Romance, you won't be disappointed. Warning: you won't be able to get the music or love story out of your head afterwards!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Ice World
9 people found this review helpful
Mar 16, 2014
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0
This is a timeless thriller with all the ingredients for a great suspense: a beautiful enigmatic female, her 3 murdered fiancés, several jealous vengeful women, 2 handsome investigators, and plenty of possible suspects. The director did a fantastic job creating a mood that layers a cloud of suspicion over just about everyone. The scenes are dark, the phone calls eerie and menacing, and the continuing murders keep you on edge.
Here heartthrob Takenouchi Yutaka is in the prime of his career. Playing the investigating insurance detective, he believes in his love and stakes his life on it. The romance is hot between Takenouchi and Matsushima, especially the apartment scene.
The rating would have been a 10 had the writer not butchered the ending. I won't reveal anything except to say that the last scenes are ridiculous, in my view. The writer painstakingly has the whole scenario recapped by the murderer to tie everything together for the audience.
Regardless, the drama is so engaging that it wouldn't have mattered much who murdered who. The beautiful music, entrancing romance, and unending suspense will not disappoint.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
More Beautiful Than a Flower
11 people found this review helpful
Jul 19, 2015
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This is a saga of a family headed by a single mom. The story revolves around her children, their loves, heartbreaks, and tragedies. The story is very realistic and the acting is superb.
Although there are many relationships going on at once, the love affair between Kim Myung Min and the breathtakingly beautiful Han Go Eun was especially touching.
I never, ever watch dramas over 20 episodes and this was an exception. I really did not want it to end, I got so attached to the characters. The mother made so many sacrifices raising her children, that, in the end, they were grateful to do the same for her. In my opinion this is a "must watch" classic.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Under the Hawthorn Tree
8 people found this review helpful
Aug 8, 2014
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
You should watch this movie if your like melodrama. I do and I did not care that it was slow moving. It is reminiscent of the older Chinese movies that are both sad and hauntingly beautiful. Although the story is not unique, what is outstanding about it is the realism of living during the Cultural Revolution with all the stringent rules and regulations. The lack of freedom to choose one's path in life, one's partner, and one's love sets the tone and mood for this movie. The risks this couple made to be together is what defines their love and makes this movie special. It will stay with you for awhile.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Phoenix
8 people found this review helpful
May 3, 2014
26 of 26 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0
What's not to like about this drama! You have 2 handsome men sparring over a gorgeous ex wife and a beautiful fiance who will do anything, ANYTHING to keep her man. It is really entertaining to watch Eric Mun and Lee Seo Jin as rivals in love and business. And whenever the drama slows down a bit, MI Ran, the fiance, wil do something else outrageous.
If you want to watch this for the romance, it all happens in the first steamy, passionate episode. This is more of a revenge drama, which makes it rather unique. Mi Ran is reminiscent of Glen Close in the American classic, Fatal Attraction. Yes, it's not a relaxing watch, but it is definitely entertaining. The acting is exceptional and the music has some of the best pieces in any drama.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Tokyo Love Story
7 people found this review helpful
Aug 5, 2015
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
TLS is one of the best of the romance genre. Unlike others, it is more realistic of relationships. From beginning to the last scene you have no idea how it will all play out. I had to stay up half the night to find resolution.

The character portrayals are what makes this drama fantastic: from the handsome player,, the shy classmate whom t the guys adore, the lovely med student who blindly follows parent's orders, the popular coworker, to the perky girl who falls for her coworker. What's a girl to do when she loves a guy whose heart yearns for his old schoolmate? Rika will win your heart and maybe break it. I rarely have found a character that I adore so much. How can someone smile amid so much pain? I wish we all could. And that is why this is such a worthwhile watch.

Music was great, The clothes, hair styles, and phones were all outdated. So what! This one is a classic!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Lavender
7 people found this review helpful
Jun 9, 2014
15 of 15 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 5.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 5.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 3.0
Lavender is quite dated and the subtitles are a mess. Ambrose Hsu's acting skills are primitive here at the onset of his career. Sometimes he speaks in English and sometimes in Chinese. It's rather bizarre.

However, the real downfall is the juvenile story line. Two children fall in love and agree to meet at age 20. Their reunion lacks credence and the double love triangles are very contrived. The best romance is the second leads, the older sister and her boyfriend. They have more chemistry. Unfortunately, their story ends in the middle of the drama. The viewer is then forced to watch episode after episode of misunderstandings with the lead romance and their other partners.

The relationship is best in the last two episodes, but by then I was too bored to care. I felt little angst at the ending. If you haven't started, don't waste your time. My Lucky Star, Fated to Love You, and Autumn's Concerto are much more memorable.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?