misterbombastic
Recently Watched
Reviews
It was heartbreaking watching this tortured soul sink deeper and deeper into the abyss while seeing him teeter on the edge of sanity reaching for that lifeline, the love for Yoon Hye Jin to keep him afloat. My heart went out to the character Yoon Hye Jin who desperately searched for that tangible link to her happiness. This link, although short lived proved to be the strength she needed to take back control of her life. She in essence experienced a rebirth, an awakening which enabled her to take back that control she relinquished. I really loved this character played by the oh so beautiful and talented Oh Yun Soo. There is a lot of angst, sorrow and pain throughout this series, so prepare yourself. Although this drama could be considered a tragedy, the love generated between the two lead characters made for a VERY INTENSE realationship. For this unconventional drama, it proved to be a very unforgetable experience.
What a mosaic of form and function bursting with feelings of love, loss and wonderment. Not since watching 'A Love To Kill' which hooked me on kdramas has a show mesmerized me so completely. Genius in its conception, the fluidity of the story line kept in step like a well timed orchestra. The family dynamic deep rooted in tradition and custom gave purpose to a proud history passed down from generation to generation. Contrast this with Chaebol dynasties of today lost in the pursuit of power and capital gain. This best describes the two opposing families at the core of this drama. The complex relationships existing among all the family members on both sides peeked my interest from episode to episode. The deep connection between the two leads made me feel wanting (who in their life would not want to experience a love like this). A love that is pure, selfless and all encompassing. This drama will touch the heart, mind and soul not to be rivaled. For me, a new bar has been set for future dramas watched.
This high octane, quick paced historical saga will leave you on the edge of your seat. I watched it years ago when it debuted on television, and it seized my attention each week. Empress Cheonchu's rise to power was laden with hardship and many trials which emboldened her on to become Goryeo's premier empress. Her devotion to the two loves of her life showed a softer side to her otherwise brusque persona. Her obsession to build a strong Goryeo through military might and terrtitory expansion strengthened her position and resolve by keeping her enemies at bay. Her accomplishments were vast, as well as the pain and loss she endured to see her vision become reality. This saga has all the elements you look for in a historical drama; suspense, love, passion, intrigue, treachery, and betrayl. So sit back and relax and enjoy this cornucopia of excitement.
It is not often you come across a drama that holds your attention while keeping you begging for more. Everything meshes together from a well thought out storyline, to wonderful actors, to good pacing. This drama takes the best elements from "'Who are You?' and My Girlfriend is A Nine-Tailed Fox" and blends them together to make a convincing tale about the supernatural and the afterlife. I was intrigued by the moniker used for the reaper and the time allotted to us on this plain of existence. The depiction of the trial endured by the character Ji Hyun will make you wonder about those people in your life who truly cherish you. I was also moved by the anguish felt by the supporting character Yi Kyung and the prison she locked herself in to deal with it. On the other hand, the antagonists justification for causing pain in others made them look pitiful and pathetic. The message that one is in control of ones destiny and not defined by his or her circumstance summed up the essence of this drama.
Finally, I get to watch a Korean melodrama with adult themes that's worth viewing. I applaud Drama Fever for mixing it up and providing the viewers with something classy to watch. Kim Sun Ah gave a stellar performance as an overweight, indecisive, moody, foul mouthed independent woman whose desire to love and be loved made the character real. Although being in a relationship is hard work, and at times may look like a battle of the sexes, this drama never sugar coated the reality of being in love. Love can be described as a sickness, no doubt, and I did empathize with her. Love it or not, you be the judge, however for me it's been a pleasant distraction.
This Kdrama had me captivated from beginning to end. The emotional range of the lead actress gave me goose bumps. Never have I seen such heartfelt emotion pouring of the screen. She is someone definitely to watch in the future. Personally, I can see her paired with anyone in this drama and still I would come away from it breathless. Taking nothing away from the supporting cast, who also did a wonderful job making this drama by far one of my favorites
This term suits the very talented Kim Sun Ah whom I enjoyed watching in this very outlandishly quirky drama series. As with everything I've seen her star in, this one also comes out golden. With the help from a very funny cast of characters this drama did not dissapoint. Sulky, brooding, critical yet good at her job, it was interesting to see who would step in as a good match for her. The character Kim Bum Sang did a good job reining her in. From nemesis to lover, the change was nothing short of miraculous. This accompanied with a storyline about a subject matter not widely talked about made for a very interesting series.
Let's break it down, this drama centers around an emotionally stumped architect who's ambiguous when it comes to the truth and a gullible, fearful furniture designer who wears her feelings on her sleeve finding love in the most peculiar of circumstances. Adding to this confusion, one schools the other to be brave and indifferent to love while the other teaches what it means to love. Huh! exactly my thoughts when I first started watching this drama. Better put, it's like the Wizard of Oz meets Sex in the City. Here you have Park Kae In who lacks courage and Jeon Ji Ho who lacks a heart. What it boils down to really is a drama that gives us an infusion of laughter, romance and sexual high jinks. Needless to say I enjoyed every minute.
What do you get when you combine an action star, who is full of himself, with a former pop idol who thinks only of others? You get a drama that is quirky, fun and a delight to watch. Not to be taken too seriously, this drama brings you into a world where notoriety and fame walk hand in hand. It is wonderful to witness the sacrafices that these two undergo to be together in a culture where one's popularity is at the mercy of the rumor mill. Love is blind, 'really', and this "odd couple" made a beautiful connection in spite of their differing backgrounds. This is a feel good drama that warms the heart. I recommend watching it with someone close.
The fated relationship between Tae Woong and Bo Ra draws you to a place where destiny and fate collide. Soul mates separated by tragedy come together again in spite of everything. The journey these two take is analogous to that which makes us persevere when faced with adversity, and how that brings us together. Not even death can come between the love these two have for each other. The math aspect of this dramatiztion served as a couterbalance for the feelings between the two leads. Love cannot be measured nor quantified. I really enjoyed watching this drama. A must see.
I watched this HKS late last year with anticpation on KBSWord tv. This historical saga chronicles Baekje at its most powerful time in history. King Geunchogo's quest to continue his fathers legacy and make Baekje strong didn't come without a lot of sacrifices. The love he had for the daughter of his mortal enemy came at odds with the love of his country. His choice forever changed the fate of a nation. My only concern with the main protagonist was his lack of emotion. I would have appreciated him more if showed more tenderness towards the two loves of his life. I did however enjoy the twist on the Romeo and Juliet aspect of the storyline. The love, estrangement and then reconciliation after years of misunderstanding and turmoil indeed was masterful storytelling. This HKS is definitely worth the time. I recommend you watch the HKS Gye Baek after this since it wraps up nicely Baekje's 678 year history.
This series stands alone among historical sagas in dominating the imagination, overwhelming the senses, taking you back in time where cunning and intellect ruled the day. A time when power and might was achieved through winning the hearts and minds of the people. This is what it took to rule and two powerful women who possessed these qualities in abundance fought to win a kingdom. Lady Mishil whose sphere of influence dominated Shilla and who ruled by proxy made for a formidable villian. By using just cause and principle, she was able to achieve the impossible. Only to be succeeded by Queen Seon Duk who wrestled this power away from her to become Korea's first female monarch. It is said that fear is the offspring of the unknown which creates mistrust and Seon Duk through her cunning made good use of this strategy to thwart her enemies. Turmoil, romance, intrigue and suspense come to a head in this one of a kind drama series which will definitely captivate you from beginning to end.
This drama truly spoke to the heart, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, till death do us part. The meaning behind these words could not have been better represented over the course of watching this drama. I am humbled, that a love like this exists and if put to the test would I have the courage to step up and sacrifice everything for love. This drama sheds a light on a disease that for most considered to only afflict the elderly and showed that no one is immune regardless of age. The actors did a remarkable job showing the affects this disease has on family, friends and love ones. Like with all dramas, you have that side story that initially draws the viewers in, however when you look past that, you come to appreciate the deeper meaning this drama tries to convey.
Dark, tragic and at times disturbing. This Kdrama is not for the weak of heart. A masterfully written storyline with an array of talented actors. I was especially drawn in by the relationship between Gun Wook and Tae Rae. Her love for Gun Wook although shaky in the beginning stood uwavering to the end. I strongly recommend watching this drama.
I've lived with this drama for many weeks now and I am sad to see it come to a close. Apart from the beautiful love story and memorable music score, it has embodied for me the Joseon experience. Of all the HKdrama's that I have watched none have been this detailed in showing the customs and traditions of Palace life let alone the political science practiced during these times. King Jeongjo "Yi San" was a visionary, reformist and innovator whose goal was to end hunger, discrimination and worry amongst his people. Dong Yi would have been proud to know that her great grandson turned out so enlightened. It is also not surprising that the SungKyunKwan Scandel took place during Yi Sans reign. Most prominently, he drew his strength from a woman who not only protected him but gave his life meaning. Choooonah, I am in your debt. I will definitely be watching this again.
This phrase used in the drama describes how I felt during the battle scenes between the female leads. These women are scaaaaaarrry 'no doubt'. This drama plunges you into a family of vipers where the matriarch made it clear that to go against the family was bad for your health. They should rename this drama the Godmother. This drama takes the term dysfunctional family to a whoooole new level. There were moments where you feel sympathy for the charactes but that quickly evaporates. From beginning to end this drama didn't disappoint. Although I was taken aback by some scenes, I still found myself thoroughly entertained.
This drama's to blame for my addiction, It was my first and by which I compare all Kdrama's. It stirred in me emotions I did not know were there, and for a guy that's saying a lot. The intensity and complexity of emotions exhibited between the two leads was profound. The character Kang Bok Gu was the personification of good and evil. To watch him evolve from a vengeful, self destructive itinerant to someone who was willing to sacrafice himself for the love of a woman was astounding. Eun Seok's all encompassing love for him knew no bounds. From beginning to end, this drama had me mesmerized. Five stars doesn't do it justice. It's in a league of its own.
I was really moved after watching this drama. It evoked in me memories of my first love. The actors who portrayed Joo Won and Ra Im made a beautiful connection. The tension, hostility, jealousy, guilt and love exibited between these two was woven throughout this series like a masterfully done tapestry. This drama split into three parts: "The accidental meeting and getting to know each other; the intimacy brought upon by the sharing of souls; and the shared trajedy that made their coming toghether a fated one." I most definitely will include this kdrama among one of my favorites.
Finally a Kdrama worth viewing from beginning to end. The lead characters were engaging and dynamic. Most important, the ending, 'loved it'. One of only a few Kdrama's I've seen that I can say that about.
King Sejong's father saw all of what was to come and tried to shield his son from his enemies. However Korea would not be what it is today if it was not for the genius and free thinking of Dae Wang Sejong. To really appreciate this drama it would be helpful to have some insight into King Sejong's reign. I watched the drama "The Great King Sejong" a few years ago which educated me on a few things. First, he is known as the father of Korea's modern alphabet; the first to map the human anatomy and established the first modern Korean astrological chart. He did all of this amongst the opposition of the nobility who believed that by doing such would erode society. They did not want to lose their power and prestige by giving up the chinese alphabet. They also followed China's calender/clock and considered surgical autopsy both an abomination and a defilement. After all Joseon is the country of Confucius which gave birth to this fictional underground society called Hidden Root. Very exciting indeed.
I got to admit, I had my doubts when I committed myself to watching this series. Most dramas this long usually start off entertaining then dissapoint you as you near the end. Not this, the Queen mothers from both kingdoms made this story come alive. I've never seen so much scheming underhanded methods to stay in power, all committed by women. You will find that the prince's cold, calculating and souless nature was born from a sociopathic step mother and psychotic father. His attempt at any meaningful relationship with either princesses was doomed from the start. This drama did well to show that loving such a person would only end in heartache and disaster as evidenced by the collapse of a Kingdom. This drama will make you anxious, sad, fustrated and mad all culminating in one of the best endings I've seen in a HKsaga. A must see.
Revenge is a dish best served cold; Cry havoc and unleash the dogs of war; Know thy enemy and know thy self; Do a little evil for the greater good; Shoot first and ask questions later; Trust and love no one. This was the legacy left for Lee Yoon Sung by his surrogate father. This drama delves into the dilemma he is faced with when trying to uphold his father's edict yet determined to walk on the side of justice. Hero or villian, you be the judge. This drama makes you think, putting yourself in his shoes what would you do? Tight plot, good pacing, lots of action, need I say more.
From start to finish ths HKS had me rapt in awe and quite honestly I could not watch anything else. This historical saga undoubtedly ranks number one for me in this genre. The theme of this saga focused on different apects of love, family, loyalty, humanity, sorrow, pain and forgiveness. At the core of this, we have the chief protagonist Kim Cheo Seon who rises to the occasion and becomes the mainstay symbolizing all these aspects throughout this series. After watching this HKS, you will have a whole new perspective on palace life as it existed during this period. From members of the royal family, court ministers, court ladies and eunuchs all had intricate parts to play in the political scheme of running a nation. Love is a powerful emotion, it can either be used for comfort and self sacrifice; example Queen Yoon, or for vengance and destruction, her son Prince Yonsan. Needless to say, this saga will entertain you like no other. So prepare yourself, you just might fall prey to my addiction.
I first viewed this drama on television a few years back and needless to say, I was enthralled. It boasts a stellar cast with a storyline that is gripping and memorable. The characters played by Choi Soo Jong and Song II Kuk were like day and night. It would seem one could not exist without the other. This is evidenced by the struggle for the love of Jung Hwa and the inevitable crossed paths that shaped their destiny. In the beginning, both form a bond and are inherently good, however, one takes the path of righteousness while the other travels the road towards destruction. This drama embodies all the elements you look for in an historical epic, from the intense struggle for survival to the love and camaraderie that shaped a legend. This drama will captivate you and have you on the edge of your seat. It is definitely worth the time.
I became a fan of Lee Soo Kyung after watching this drama on television "KBS WORLD". She did a remarkable job portraying a fashion professional/daugther in law of a disfunctional family. Her comedic scenes left me in stitches. The idea of two Korean families with nothing in common, being forced to join together due to their inept, mischievous, coniving and bumbling children makes this a must see.
What a crazy house of zany characters mixing it up in this one part murder mystery, two part love triangle, three part book of deadly secretes. Combine all these ingredients together and you create a concoction that will enrich the senses giving this drama that extra oomph of excitement. You will be laughing, going stir crazy, scratching your head, and getting whiplash all at the same time. Saengchori reminds me of a town shown on an episode of the twilight zone. The senior town folk are nothing like the seniors portrayed in cocoon but rather seniors of the corn. As for the securtities firm, 'Wall Street it isn't', but more like Mad House with a financial twist. It was fun watching the events unfold bringing the two lead characters together, like mixing gasoline and fire. As for the 'who done it' murder mystery, you will be scratching your head up until the very end. This sanctuary of fun will definitely keep you entertained throughout. Well done.N
Things are not quite what they seem and this short film did a great job making the deception believable. The story line was well thought out making you sympathize with one character while condeming the other just to find out there is a fine line between hero and villian, it all comes down to perception. You will be questioning 'does the ends justify the means' just to make a case, I on the one hand enjoyed the outcome. I either like a drama a lot or I don't, there is no in between for me. That being said, I'm sure you'll get a kick out of watching this like I did.
Not surprisingly this drama's lived up to my expectations. It would seem my origional review was right on with the events unraveling on the side of the sensational and somewhat tragic. As star crossed lovers, these two had a lot to overcome to be together. The uncompromising love between these two saw them through the many hurdles stacked against them and revealed their true heart. In my book, this is truly a classic love story.
LOVE CONQUERS ALL
The actor Jung Bo Suk who plays the retarded father of Bong Woo Ri gave a stellar performance. This character is so far different from the loathsome man he plays in La Dolce Vita. It was fun watching the switch. There were also quite a few pivotal moments in this drama. The stigma linked to persons with disabilities in Korean society was brought to the surface. The writers aim to show that apart from those handicaps they are no different than any contributing member of society. There were also lessons to be learned here in family unity, love and forgiveness. Love conquers all, and that bond shared between Dong Joo and Woo Ri triumphed over their ill fated histories. This was an intelligent, insightful, inspirational drama squashing those negative stereotypes and uplifting the human condition. It really spoke to the heart.