Fortuna
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This is in the genre of 'melodrama' and it definitely is. But I can't completely hate this. There was some action, some romance, and some sad moments. The beautiful scenery and the nicely done acting pulled me in for a bit. Possibly I started watching this with the wrong mindset because after a while I started to lose interest. I was hoping for more action. With all the diabolical scheming taking place I really felt this needed at least a good battle in every episode. Especially since this is a longer drama, and historical, I really needed more sword action and less talking.
A few people have mentioned watching the extended version, but I can't see myself rewatching this so I'm basing my review on the version posted.-If you can get past the poop jokes (not that funny) which last for about the first quarter episodes this isn't bad too watch. Its kind of a fantasy world, has a Disney feel/spin on history. One thing that stands out from this compared to others is that absolutely nothing is repetitive, kept my attention. My only complaint is at about the last couple episodes. The story flowed very well up until that point taking a sharp turn that was hard to follow (referring to the love triangle). Not only was it confusing, I was a bit perturbed. The episodes followed William and Beo Jin being in love and then drops it off a cliff. Since I'm not giving this a second chance by watching the other version I will only casually emphasize that if you don't want to be confused or watch this a second time- watch the longer version, maybe it is better.
I liked this drama for a few reasons. The first thing being that this seemed like a good book, a good page turner, easy to follow. The narrating/voice over at the end, not so much the beginning but the end was like a bullet of truth about gambling. I liked the fact that even though there were a about 15, give or take a few characters to follow, I didn't feel burdened by their stories. Nor did they feel random, the storyline never strayed to far from the three leads. One thing I didn't like, I was always waiting for the segue back from when he jumped into the water. Maybe I accidentally missed a scene but that irked me and kept me waiting for the segue back. Overall, this was fun to watch, loved the way things turned out after the last game.
At about the third episode I started to cringe. First Seo Jung Eun is a pushover, then she grows half a pair, then she is a door mat, then she grows a full pair, then she... By the eighth episode I was completely disgusted. The push and pull of her trying to be a good person was not self sacrificing, it seemed more like a self esteem issue and her trying to have everyone like her. But after sticking with this, and determined to finish and not turn it off just because there were no smile factors (decided to expand my mind), Seo Jung Eun finally grows half a back bone. It's not fully developed because let's face it, most the stuff that happens in her favor are pure coincidence. The growth is merely based on her wanting to keep the good stuff once it happens. Basically good character development.
I loved the portrayl of greed here. It's malicious and dirty. I think the writers hit the truth spot on with what a large amount of money does to people while adding a twist of laughter in the mix. Albeit things weren't so funny for about the last quarter of episodes and sometimes felt like it was dragging in some places, this was very entertaining to watch. I liked the ticket blowing away, it built anticipation on who was going to find it. I have gotten used to kdramas having an open ending but I think an open ending was better suited for this drama than most because of all the poison between the characters. Sin doesn't come in a pretty package.
The main story lacks one of the main fundementals of a great story, the 'why' of it all. Let me explain, there really was no excuse for the evilness going on. I get why the one girl was sabotaging stuff but to have her mom mixed up in it... just really lacked conviction. If they stretched the story they should have added more depth to it. Especially since this didn't feel like a comedy to me. It wasn't funny to watch a grown woman struggle. There were a few places with shoddy camera work. Not sure if it was the writing or editing but in more than a couple episodes things feel left out.
It's heartbreaking to have to do this because I value most of these actors acting abilities. It was also refeshing to see some faces I haven't seen in a while. And by far one of my most favorite things in this are the sarcastic and witty lines. The mysteries of the cases are kind of fun to watch unravel. However, once the focus comes off the detective work, the story is obscure and uncohesive. Back stories of the leads are a tangled mess. Legal interactions are lousy, makes me never want to believe in the judicial system (yes I understand its just a story but this story comes off as trying to be truthful and I don't get that feeling). Side stories of the law firm associates are random, incomplete, and overbearing. And the time jump of the last 2 episodes? Warn a person next time! I was seriously confused for awhile, thinking I had missed an episode.
I can't deny that there have been a few good bromances before this drama came out, however none are as funny as this. Even the friendship between the women is something to be admired. All the characters learn to not only preserve friendships but make new ones. Although this seems to be another rich vs poor, the writing of PTB broke more than a few kdrama habits. A few examples; normal elevator scenes feel akward, here they are witty, evil mother-in-laws that go unchecked, here they are routinely harassed by even their own children, a budding romance can take forever for skinship, here they are a full contact sport, the comedic lines fizzle out about half way through, here they stay strong till the end, I could go on but do I really need to say more? Let's just say the standard for kdrama romanic comedies just got higher.
I could relate this to a cram session for finals. While utterly engrossing at the time, this is completely forgettable the next day. I finished watching this and to be honest, I really can't remember what happened. I'm having a hard time deciphering why this is forgettable. I remember Jo In Sung, Byun Jung Soo and the props more than the story line; balls being thrown at a giant sign, a tape recorder, and ........ I'm surprised PETA hasn't shown up to say something about all the pimp coats.
Undeniably I felt like something was missing from the story while watching this, I almost even stopped watching... almost. Without having any redeeming qualities, I disliked EVERY character. There were moments that I found laughable, though I don't think that's what anyone intended. Every character is forgettable with the exception of Jung Jae Min, Jo In Sung is very intriguing to watch and he was the only reason I stuck around. Without realizing it then, now when I look back, I remember thinking, 'yikes, he kind of looks like he is going crazy'. So after careful consideration and how things end, it was my own curiosity missing the morbid look into Jung Jae Min's psyche and why he was behaving the way he did. Something is missing on purpose.
I could compare this to going to the club... and staying way to long. However, there is no wait list to get in. The story comes through the doors dancing. It's exciting, fresh, and blunt. The characters are unconventional. Nothing is predetermined. The dream lady thing was an unexpected flip (not sure why I didn't catch on to that). But sometime during the fun the story starts to lose the nice buzz and in the end is left on the dance floor alone wondering what the hell just happened. MC Mong is praiseworthy as the clueless guy that has no idea that his girl of 6 yrs is sleeping with his bestfriend. Kang Kyung Joon is devine as the bestfriend/douchebag, he is rolling in playboyness. I loved to hate Park Ye Jin as the exgirlfriend/slut. Jang Hyun Sung gave a quality performance as he makes his new bride into his dead wife. Jun So Min is colorful as the trashcan for Catsby's emotions. Side note for Jun So Min, she reminds me of Zooey Deschanel.
Don't let the first episode deter you from watching this. I can sympathize with not wanting to get through it, but seriously its more than worth the effort. The four lead actors are so good in this I barely noticed the crap random characters, ridiculous sub plots, and I forgot about how confused I was with the story line. Even though you can pretty much guess who ends up with who, it's still intriguing to watch the characters and how they damage each other. You have the playboy heart breaker (just trying to make it big and realizes you shouldn't always get what you want), the annoying but naive do-gooder (thinks she knows whats best but in the end just hurts more people than she should), the spoiled heiress (thinks she is tough but in reality she is weak), and the lonely vengeful guy (thinks he needs people to love him but in the end he needs to learn to love himself first). Every lead character is at fault and no one comes out unscathed. FUBAR
Basic plot of an illegitament successor on the rise has been done numerous times, still from the start I had a good feeling with seeing some old faces from other dramas I enjoyed and was excited to see how the new faces would do. The fight scenes were mediocre at best. There really was nothing to laugh at which was disappointing. The part that Yoon Si Yoon played, I wish they would have used someone different. I can't say his acting was lacking, I just wished they had an actor with a stronger precence because the character is someone to be feared in the streets looking for this windmill tatoo guy and I didn't feel that dominating presence from him. Felt kind of like a hamster, cute, but I can step on you sort of way. Then again the character is always getting stepped on so maybe they hit it on the nose with that. But, even though this drama didn't keep me on the edge of my seat, this was emotional to watch. I usually don't stick around to cry yet I wanted absorb the emotion going on here.
The segue from adults to children and back to adults was well done. Showing them as children gives the idea that the children cared for each other and was definitely needed otherwise the drama would have felt like it was missing something or overrun with memories. Something that was actually missing though was what did the girl need surgery for? Maybe that's just my curiosity, really has no effect on the story whatsoever but still... Another problem I had was whenever Han Hyo Joo laughed it felt fake. Not sure if thats how her real laugh sounds. I never heard her laugh differently so I'm not sure, but I didn't like it. At least one smile worthy moment in each episode which is two thumbs up. The colors were brilliant shades and keeps the reminder of what spring looks and feels like, warmth. Loved the music, this drama was a reminder of what composers think about when compiling all those notes together to make beautiful pieces of art worth listening to.
Overall it was kind of boring but had some redeeming qualities. Showing the true romance of them in high school was one of the redeeming aspects, two thumbs up for that. After that though there was really nothing to smile about. Don't get me wrong this could have been a brilliant piece of work for some people but I really just wasn't into it. Sometimes I felt like I was on a movie set and other times I felt like this was literally filmed on the street. Things happening in the back ground were more interesting than the characters on screen, like a girl puking on the side walk or some guy walking around his car a few times. Kind of crazy I remember the background more than what was happening with the characters. Woops! I get the need for the story, it's sweet in an 'endless love' kind of way, but sour with mostly forgettable characters. Guy gets amnesia, girl is going crazy about her confusing feelings for the guy, guy gets his memories back, 'nuff said.
Some of the firsts I want to point out that get 2 thumbs up are: one of the side love triangle stories the girl doesn't end up with either of the guys, this drama is based more on the mystery of Choi Suk Bong's birth than an actual love story giving the leads time to develop an evolving love interest in each other (it just doesn't happen over night), characters actually have verbal dialogue about whats going on with themselves (aside from the mystery that is, I didn't find myself verbally bashing the character to 'just tell them already'), transition from the hotel to the credit card business was well done and I didn't feel like characters were left behind, and one of the main firsts for me was the second lead female stole the show. I love Lee Si Young as Boo Tae Hee. A lot of character development but she still keeps her personality. Definitely recommend to those that love a good mystery. Downside: the ending left more than a few strings untied with some of the more main characters.
Although the story line is a bit unbelievable, Song Hye Kyo and Rain looked like they had fun filming this. One of the parts I want to point out, when they were on their honeymoon, it really didn't feel like acting at all and they were honestly enjoying themselves. The 'three bears' song was cute. Oh and is it just me or the melody they play when things get sad, vaguely resembles 'Killing Me Softly' by the Fugees? Either way this was pleasant to watch.
First the rant: And this is one of my biggest pet peeves and it happened a lot in this drama- I'm not sure if the people that actually make kdramas read these reviews but I want to put this out there. Why do the people in charge of costume not think that we (or I if its just me) notice that when clothes don't fit, it looks tacky. Put a suit on a guy and if it doesn't fit right put him in something else or spend the extra money to get it fitted. When you have these chaebols or even big money characters that are wearing clothes that don't fit them it doesn't suit them at all. Now for the rave: I do agree with a lot of these reviews that there wasn't enough chemistry between the leads, but I will jump off the band wagon there. The story was fun and I laughed and thats all that counts. The quirky cat sound effects were well placed and definitely added to this.
This was a an hour and half well spent. A short film that put a smile on my face. Even though I thought some of the actors could have been better this wasn't hard to sit through. Trying not to give to much away but the time elapse detonator was genius. It's kind of weird going from long drawn out dramas to a short film though. Everything is condensed and progresses quickly. It was easy to keep up with though, I liked the story line and even though its fairly obvious after the twist what going to happen its still nice to see.
Aside from editing bloopers, like a microphone dropping into the scene or Kim Rae Won has a wet spot on his shirt but Jung Ryeo Won hasn't cried on his shoulder in that scene yet, this was enjoyable to watch. The leads have good chemistry and really who wouldn't with such attractive leads? I'm all for assertiveness in female characters but the character Kim Bok Shil came off as annoying in some parts, I couldn't help but wince occasionally. I noticed they played the song 'you belong to me' - not sure who is singing that version, probably Bob Dylon, but it fit the mood, really complimented the scene. As for the story itself, its an interesting take on how much one person can change your life. I liked the idea that there are 2 types of loving someone that is portrayed here. The all consuming love that drops you into a pit of despair when its gone, or the love that lets you love everything and even though they are gone life moves on.
Awesome. I was sucked into this within the first 10 minutes. At first I was kind of confused with the beginning scene because I wasn't sure if it was JUST a dream or foreshadowing. But it becomes apparent within the first couple episodes what was happening. Basically what this comes down to is this chick has a sixth sense and needs an exorcism. Kind of started doodling on a note pad for about the last four episodes. The second to last scene looks kind of cool. Most of the time I complain if a scene looks like I'm on a movie set, but the scene with the dead guy in the chair and the dead kid on the floor looks like a theater stage and really brought it home for me. Thespian tragedy. Yum.
This was fun pretty much all the way to the end. All the food competitions and little side stories were enjoyable to watch. At first I felt like they were throwing random characters into the story to make it longer, however as the episodes went by I felt the people that went in and out of Sung Chan's life were not only making him a better chef, but a teaching him life lessons. I wasn't bored, nor did I think that the episodes were just repeating themselves. Side note-One thing that stands out was the beef competition. A few episodes were dedicated to it. During the beef competition I cheered and also felt sad with characters. The actors did a good job in making the emotions feel real every hour of this drama. Not very much comedy in this though.
I watched this because of Byun Jung Soo. She is usually type casted into strong female roles and she plays them well. The character she plays in this becomes weak but she plays it well. Now for the bad ... "since its a new idea, it must be good". The plot of this was ok, I get that they were trying to diversify from the usual story lines but this just fell through the cracks. The filming of this was unnatural, and the acting just didn't pull me in or make this believable. I felt like I was on a movie set half the time. I won't be recommending this to anyone.
I am usually not a person for the long melodramas. If its going to be long give me lots of action but the acting and back stories in this draw you in quickly. I hate the summary they list for this drama on the first page though, I don't think Bong Woo Ri (Hwang Jung Eum) ever acted as if down playing her intelligence, or 'hiding' it as they say. I think she was always just hanging out with her 'father' the best she could. This really does have the best bromance of kdrama history. Kim Jae Won's kissing scenes are sweet.
Besides being one of the more well thought out plots of most kdramas, its a very twisted and dark story of revenge. Make no mistakes, when dealing revenge comes more revenge, and this story makes that statement true. No frilly lace ending here. Karma is a *beep*
All right, I will admit parts of this story are very interesting, suspenseful, and some parts have its comedic value. However, I think the writers put WAY to much into the story. There are so many different plots taking place and random characters, it was hard to keep up with. I can understand why this isn't rated higher. The thing with the lightning could have been a drama all on its own and then add the murders of the company people, the crazy town folk people, the detectives... the script is a nightmare. True, you never know whats going to happen next, but sometimes that can be a bad thing. As for the ending... I get it, everyone is in their respectful places but then low and behold *ahem* shows up? WTH? Ok so we don't know if he ever actually died, but even if he didn't die, wouldn't that guy be in prison?
I'm not sure why I don't like Gong Hyo Jin acting ... ok I lie I do know why. I don't like her acting because she just doesn't do it for me. Her voice is monotone, the same with her acting. Very one dimensional. Getting 4 stars because Cha Seung Won made me smile. I'm glad to see a different side of his acting skills - EDITED to add this last thing - whoever was in charge of costume design for Gong Hyo Jin needs to be fired
Some parts were funny and some parts I rolled my eyes. I think they took the "designing" aspect of the character a little over the top. One of the redeeming qualities is that the character actually evolves. At first she is by the book but she learns to grow up
This was one of the first kdramas I had ever watched and it's by far one of my favorites. I think that's how it works with kdramas and the first ones you watch. I dislike Gong Hyo Jin acting skills, whenever she says "yes chef" I cringe. Lots of eye candy in the kitchen with the boys from Italy and Lee Sun Gyun and Chu Alex. It's a great story though and very sweet. Just wish they had a different female lead.
The story was ok. I guess I can assume that they made a story to fit the 2 main leads because everyone was wanting to see more of them since "You're Beautiful". As a review this gets 4 stars because the story flowed well and the music rates an A. Why not 5? For some reason the story just didn't promote the the lead casts acting skills, it felt like they didn't act very much. Maybe because the story line was pretty soft and no really creepy horrendous plot or was it because the lead actors can't act and should just stick to their musical careers? But this wasn't too bad, just maybe for a younger generation.
Turning my resignation papers in, I can't handle it. Got to be very long and boring. Maybe I have ADD or my brain just automatically starts to turn things off at about episode 16 due to the usual length of a kdramas but this just shouldn't go on any longer. Good vs bad, rich vs poor, break a heart to mend a heart... Let it die already. In all honesty though once the last episode comes out I will watch it to see how things turn out. Good luck to all you others out there that could sit through this. Fighting!
I watched this because of Lee Sun Gyun and couldn't help but notice how little screen time he got. The story line kind of creeped me out about the girl liking her step brother (and yes I know its not that taboo) but also the age difference ... just. Ok well aside from all the creeping crawly things, this was so so.
I couldn't get into this one. Every time I start it up to watch where I left off I find something more important do... doesn't hold my attention.
This kept my attention all the way through. You get a little detective case in each episode making it so that each hour of this show could stand alone and you won't be lost. Wasn't bogged down by side stories. Just enough back info on the main characters to want to root for them whatever they do.
It's different from your average Cinderella stories... I guess this one would be more like Sleeping Beauty with a twist of lemon? lol All in all it wasn't too bad. I like to smile more so I probably won't be watching this a second time.
Not sure if it was because I was gaming earlier or what but I seriously was expecting a voice over at the end of the fights (especially the one on the truck) to say "fatality". But all in all the story line was run of the mill for a fight movie. But the acting that was done was pretty good on every ones part and this was enjoyable to watch. Only thing I was disappointed in was the muay thai fight. I really wish they would have not have edited the scene the way they did. Really took away from the fight scene. I don't know much about fighting but I do know I would have rather watched the impact of the fight than the scene getting chopped to bits because someone thought it would be nifty to mess around with it. Only getting 4 stars because I would have definitely liked to see more fight scenes.
So the first ... I would say 7, maybe 8 episodes had me ROTFLMAO and then the comedic lines started to fizzle out. As for comedic value I really wish they would have kept it going along with the rest of what was going on because I really enjoyed the shenanigans. But true to kdrama form they replace the comedy with the heavy stuff but it wasn't to heavy. I liked the fact there was no main "villain" in this, overall the characters are likable in their own way. It was a nice change. I'm glad I watched this. BTW Kang Ji Hwan's kissing scenes are very hot
Gong Yoo's performance alone was awe inspiring and authentic. I liked watching the characters evolve. The way Yoon Eun Hye acted made the story convincing that the road she took was the only road she could go. Yes I yelled at the screen a few times "just tell him" but for the character it just couldn't happen. Good job on the story writing to make that happen and not have me pissed off that she just didn't tell him in the beginning. The side stories were good and didn't distract to much from the main leads. The director of this deserves some of credit for getting the best out of the actors to portray the emotional roller coaster this would be.
The director did an excellent job with the story and all the actors. From the music to the choreography, everything fit together. This was seamless. Secret Garden even has an ending that satisfied me.
I would have really liked to give this more stars but I can't. I was really looking forward to watching this despite the bad reviews. I thought the storyline was cute and a lot could be done but... Some scenes felt like I was on a movie set, it felt unnatural. It took my attention away from what was actually going on. Music feels cartoony in some parts and really wasn't necessary. What it boils down to is that they could have done a lot with the story line but this fell flat. This drama just didn't hold my interest.
Very well done on all accounts. I'm glad LMH has diversified. I would like to see him in more action dramas.
A very engrossing drama. Everything was great. Highly recommend to those that are wanting something more than the weekend romantic comedy.
Both Ji Sung and Kim Yoo Jin's were brilliant and beautiful in this. The story was a bit slow sometimes, or maybe that was just me anticipating and waiting for Ji Sung to get back on the screen? But it didn't matter, the actors have great chemistry and I enjoyed it. Loved the song in this by Edward Chun. Can't wait for dramafever to have this.
Besides this being hilarious and very very well done on all aspects, this is a drama that I could kind of relate to. Not that it's my life but this drama is realistic enough that I could see putting myself in the actors shoes and thinking about what I would do in that situation. Love everything about this drama.
I love a good comedy as much as the next but after struggling through the first 2 episodes which were just plain confusing (and yes I know kdramas you have to wait for them to sift through the storyline for a few) I stuck around for a couple more because of the high reviews on this and I'm am just not appeased with this drama. The storyline is ok, actors are good, and the directing of the scenes was not to bad but the script... the whole thing feels slapped together. Let me explain- very few scenes are cohesive, back stories are rotten (if any at all, and yes I know that its a kdrama, stuff with be brought up later but we are basically given nothing to work with), random characters... just... I gave up. Getting 2 stars because of what I did try to watch, the lead actors did well with what they were given.
In fact its pretty good. Very enjoyable so far. The story line is well developed and the actors are easy to watch. Doesn't feel strained or over acted. Most people keep dissing the dreads but they really don't bother me. Actually Lee Yong Woo is hot and can rock any hair style. \m/
Fight scenes were some of the best I have ever seen in a drama. The actors in this did a great job. To be honest, the ending wasn't sad for me. It ended the only way it could. Daegil lived with to much pain. The writers did good by putting him out of his misery. All in all, I was happy with all aspects of this drama.
Fighting scenes were well choreographed in most parts. Loved the role of the vengeful nurse. Most drams you get the female bent on revenge, this one actually carries a rifle in one scene and shoots the guy. LMAO I loved that part. Only thing I didn't like was Song Seung Hun rushed love. I just didn't feel the chemistry between them. He was great for the rest of the drama though, could feel the love he had for his "brother". Overall this is a tormenting drama that has superb actors and actresses.
The situations of the characters are tragic but I don't feel burdened by it like most kdramas I have seen. Most kdramas have the conflict and throw in a moment or two that might make you smile. However, this kdrama is an exception to that rule. While you have the weight of the moments, the impact I guess you could call it, the scenes easily change atmosphere and it feels light. I found myself laughing at my computer throughout each episode. So far I have seen the 8 episodes posted and I don't have a single complaint. There hasn't been a single dull moment. Everyone involved with this show has done an excellent job.
Yikes
I generally love whatever Song Seung Hun is in, but this just doesn't rate 4 stars. The heart beat song really brings you in, that was the only thing that tied it together for me. At about episode 11, I started to get bored, then all of a sudden the psycho fiance can't let go of her so he basically kidnaps her and locks her up in a house. Things started to look up at that point. Got boring again at about 16 with the repetitiveness of 'I'm breaking up with you'. I think each lead said it at least twice. In all seriousness though this wasn't bad just things missing, like her own personality. Maybe it was edited for time or it was just never written in on purpose but they should have given more screen time to her 'own' personality. As a viewer I got the point of her basically acting like the ex but did she need to be an exact replica? Could SSH's character really have nothing to go off of that he liked her for her? They never show or tell the difference even after the new heart... because voila! The End.