Something was missing

I liked this show enough to finish it but didn't love it. There was something missing and I cannot pinpoint it. I can, though, mention some of the things I didn't like about the show. One of the themes that ruin a show for me is too many unrealistic visits to hell's gates. I mean, c'mon!!! How many times can a person survive gunshots! I know it's the genre but still.
Another downside was the whole hidden mastermind thing. All the characters, no exceptions, are portrayed as extremely smart. Nobody doubted Director Shim with all the clues! I figured him out in the first scene which I also disliked because I lost the element of suspense.
The biggest flaw was the lack of chemistry. I love both leads and they're terrific actors. But seriously. So Ji Sub had more chemistry with Son Ho Jun and Kang Ki Young than he had in any of his scenes with Jung In Sun.
No chances of rewatching this. Got it off my plan-to-watch list and that's all.

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Came here because of Kim Min Jong, obviously.
The story is very interesting and the ideas discussed are essential and deep, but there was something lacking about the details and the presentation. The actors did a great job, especially the two male leads. Lim Won Hee was really good and Kim Min Jong was totally immersed in the character. But the plot lacked some necessary details. We know nothing of the characters and therefore find it hard to relate. The camera work and the choice of shots were not successful at all. The director tried to add a comic element through the fight and chase scenes but did not do it well.
Didn't dislike the film or find it boring at all, but you know the feeling when you're left hollow as you watch. This film is an example. Enjoyed watching serious and dedicated young Kim Min Jong of course. The last scene left me smiling which was a reason why I rated it more than I planned. I don't think I'll watch it again but I'll go through some scenes for KMJ for sure.

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You finish the film not knowing what exactly happened and what was illusionary. How much of the events were the results of false memories and how much was wishful thinking. A well-written plot full of fragmentations and soliloquies. When passion and curiosity get in the way of responsibility and morals, what would a person do? What is love? And how much of it is obsession and imagination? When life is tying one down and when the pressure of family and providing for it seems unbearable, can we really blame one if they tend to notice other fresh and lovely refuges?

Jang Hyuk looks so young and hot in the film with his fringe down and those muscles. Jo Bo Ah did wonderfully and outperformed all. I applaud her for picking such a hard role and exceeding at it.

I remember that the music fit the film well. The production and cinematography was just perfect. The camera angels added to much to the intensity and sense of loss.

Not for everyone. A contradictory and conflicted account on the human passion and inner conflicts.

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What's a dad? Even if I am the most corrupt and awful person on earth. Even if I'm vulgar, arrogant and cruel. Even if I receive bribes, aid criminals and care nothing about law. When it comes to my daughter, I'll do whatever.

The film traces an ill-fated relationship between two fathers and their actualization of their concept of dad. Dark, cruel, thrilling and heart throbbing with many twists, the film tosses a question with no answer. A question we all try to avoid but one day in our life we face. A situation where we know that whichever option we choose, we'll be compromising what left of our humanity. A point of no going back.

The usual good guy Kim Seung Woo in one helluva a jerk here. A talented egotist who is charismatically strong and looks so hot in sunglasses. While Son Byung Hong who can be a real bad guy is the nice family-oriented father in the film. With the switched roles and Kim Sae Ron as the central kid, acting is superb.

The music is fits the anticipation mood. And the director knew what he was doing.
No rewatching for me.. Too dark.. Too painful.. I'd definitely recommend it to those obsessed with thrillers AND existential questions.

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A failed attempt at renovating in the way of writing and presenting a film. The story was shattered into many pieces, loosely related and makes no sense. The pieces couldn't connect to make a puzzle. There was an idea somewhere. Over-identifying with murderers and psychopaths was interesting enough to make up the whole film. Supernatural healing power had potentials but the way both were presented had nothing. Much less the part about the gangster obsessed with his girlfriend.

Lee Byung Hun was beautiful as ever with his perfect body and flawless English. He brought as much as he could out of the character. His eyes carried the obsessiveness of it. But that was all to it.
Kimura Takyua looked so much like Kim Nam Gil at moments he stuck in my memory.

Cinematography was .. well.. awful.
Rock music was everywhere all the time. Some great songs played.
Anyhow, a total waste of time and talents.

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A LOVELY school drama tackling high schoolers' troubles in an interesting and funny way. The issues discussed are common but not presented in this mature, global and non-conformist way. While we see private education's problems, bullying, sex, abortion, suicide, part-timing and homosexuality; we see them from different points of view. Everyone is free to express their opinions. No prejudice. No judgement. Though they might not agree or accept. Though they might fight and separate. They all had the right to hold their stands. But some people would try to dissuade others. Not because they believe their own opinion is right and others' wrong. But when they see someone being unhappy because of a road they've taken they try to show them the other roads. No forcing. No imposing ideas. Just as ''humans'' must treat each other.

The young actresses did a wonderful jobs. I can see the bright future of Korean actresses. Guest actors left a mark each.

Great songs. Mystery. Suspense. Tears. Deep questions. A perfect drama in each and every way.

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Set in ancient times, the film presents the era, its traditions (if a man removes a woman's veil she becomes his!), the way people lived, dressed, talked, their advanced technology and the culture but at the same time engulfed by universal and idealistic notions.
The film centres on the silk road and the trade industry back in the 3rd century and how central that was to all nations; involving them into commercial wars even.
Through the fight over the right of commerce, the film presents a humanistic approach. All races are equal. In a world that treats the dead better than the living, we need each other to survive. Place is an imaginary space. For a common goal, there are no nations. There are only brothers. Even we you get betrayed and your comrades turn their back to you to survive, use your pain as motivation.
We see people's obsession with money and power and the consequences of that obsession, from betrayal to malicious killing. The film tosses questions at us, insolvable once again. What is destiny and what is fate? Is the unification dream even possible? And what is Home?
A film full of breathtaking fighting scenes. Jackie can't help being hilarious. Emotional music, songs and a touching bromance. A beautiful film to watch.

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I'll use one review on Asianwiki.. it's not mine but it conveys what I want to say:

luna6:

'' As an avid fan of Korean cinema couldn't help to check out "Bye June". The 1998 film features the acting debuts of Ji-tae Yu, Ha-neul Kim, an extremely brief cameo by Yeong-hie Seo as a nurse, and the directorial debut of Choi Ho (Who Are You? , Bloody Tie, & Go Go 70s). With that said the movie is a complete turd with all of the actors turning in lifeless performances and the direction being nothing more of an amateurish attempt at projecting the troubled times of disillusioned youths.

The soundtrack blares out popular alternative rock songs of its time (the main track being "Bye June" by the Smashing Pumpkins) which worked ok, but the execution of each scene felt like a poor imitation of a mock video for each song. The story never leaves first gear as it drags on for 93 minutes but feels like an eternity.

About the only reason why I can think you may want to check out this movie is to see Ji-tae Yu and Han-neul Kim at an early stage of their careers.''

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Youth is the time of dreams and at the same time the time of loss. Between adults interference and expectations, the harsh reality and the blurry future, young people tend to try to find ways of escape. The film sheds light on some of the young people out there. It's 1993 so the refuge for those young people was nightclubs and its life.

The film focuses on young people's sense of loss. Through what nightlife involves -one night stands, gang rapes and so- the film tries to show that even the escape route for those youth is blocked. There's no way out. Again emphasising the theme -though preceding the release of the book- it's painful because it's youth.

Even when young people find true love in the mid of all the superficial and meaningless turmoil, their uncertainty, scars and fear snatch it away. The ending screams out, loss!

The music is unexpectedly nice for an old film, especially Kim Min Jong's OST.

Obviously I watched the film for Kim Min Jong. He was awesome with that mysterious halo his character implied, his long hair, deep voice and those big round eyes. If he looked at me the way he looked at the female lead I would have fainted.

The film contains harsh scenes to portray the raw issues. To present a dark -if my misanthropist self would talk it'd say realistic- view on youth, sugar coating and beautifying won't help. The film is a unique portrayal of a theme so long covered. Though the ending was expected if we'd read the writer's mind, I was still shocked. I wanted at least a ray of hope at the end.

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Now this was an interesting one!! OCN you see! Of course not OCN's best drama but a totally enjoyable one. It's quick and strangely addicting.. Too bad it had only 8 episodes. It's an episodic drama where separate crimes are investigated by a 'special' team. The dramas are connected in a well-written way.

The drama present different types of crimes and the motives behind them, showing a humane and sympathetic sides when dealing with the criminals and not judging them blindly. Each episode would give away nuggets of wisdom and political advice. The most interesting part is that the crimes tackled are present day crimes handled in the Joseon era with the old ways and tools.
The topics presented in the mini drama varied. We see traumas, revenge, passion crimes, pedophiles, homosexuality, affairs, people's indifference, psychopaths, usury, theft, private loans, tax evasion, hostages, grudges, nobles tyranny, classes, gisaengs, compassion, obsession, divide and rule, poison, law vs. justice, bullying, parents covering up for their children's crimes, how evil can a person be, education purpose, violence, jealousy, drugs and many others.

It is hilarious to see them use English borrowed words as if they belonged to the era.

Acting is great by everyone. The cinematic effects and music fit perfectly. OCN after all.

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If not for the fact that Park Yong Ha is the second lead, this drama might have been an easy light journey. A typical love story with all the cliche themes; bad male lead (turns out to be good hiding his scars behind a mask. You know!), adorable and caring but disregarded second male lead, bitch second female, chronic illness, family objections (money envelops and all), misunderstanding, etc.. The drama is an old one and after all the numbers of dramas I watched, it had nothing to add to me. But the acting was great. There were many funny moments and other touching ones. Of course I got annoyed to death at all the bitching.

The difficult part is that I watched it for Park Yong Ha and broke my heart over him. Whenever he was on screen I'd start crying. So I enjoyed the drama when he wasn't on screen because I was busy sobbing when he was on. It's a hard journey for PYH's fan.

If you're still a new to dramas you may watch this and enjoy it, or if you're a fan of old dramas -which I doubt anybody is-. You can watch it while doing something else as well, that'd solve the problem.

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This drama is a hard-watch. It's great at some aspects and terrible at others. The kind of drama you can't drop but you feel frustrated watching it. The writer had an idea. That idea was great. But she messed up when she involved the over dramatic love story especially with a really bad-written and acted female lead. The sub-plots were so interesting. But at the same time the troubles the characters went through were exaggerated much. The comic scenes were amusing and hilarious. But the supposed touching scenes were cheesy and superficial. The music, songs and performances were magic. Nothing I've seen before in a drama. The drama showed all the issues happening in the behind scenes of entertainment business. That was cool. But the way they were presented made me feel like I was watching a makjang rather than a musical drama.

Themes like Brotherhood vs. Love, misunderstandings ruining lives, being human means making mistakes, mistrust, rivalry and suspicion were presented and again in a dramatic way. At moments -especially when they were singing or the supporting characters were on screen- I would gape at the screen mindblown. And at other moments I would be gritting my teeth fighting the urge to vomit.

For the music and the supporting actors, the drama is totally worth it. But at the same time there are the other issues. So..

I will and I am re-watching the songs and performances. I even wrote the titles of the songs down to keep them. As for the female lead, I'll try to avoid dramas she's in when I can.
I'll try to avoid the writer as well.

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The story is nothing special. It presents ordinary people going through troubles every one goes through at one point of life. The three stories are loosely connected.

The two episodes are fun though nothing extraordinary. We are presented with many daily human issues that trouble us ; army enlisting and how it affects relationships, being the first son and its burdens, debt, cheating, rumours, loneliness and turning points. The drama evolves around three themes; love, family and youth.

It's fun to see those many talented actors in only two hours.

If you want a break from dramas but can't pick a film, these two special episodes might provide a break.

P.S Kim Nam Gil's presence here is so adorable despite his messed up character.

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''Why does the moment women think is the beginning of their happiness turn into the start of giving up on themselves?? ''

I hesitatingly started this. Old films tend to be slightly boring for me. But I did because of Kim Min Jong. And the film was surprisingly interesting, brave and touching.

When patience and trust runs out and enough is enough, what can't women do?! The film presents a beautiful account on women bonding. When women cannot take things anymore and join hands to challenge the patriarchal world. When women accept their differences and stand as one against the world. The film presents all types of suppressed women, abused women, cheated women, prostitutes, bar hostesses, single women living alone, trans-genders and working women with unemployed husbands. All types of victimised and prejudiced women stand together for their rights.

The film is well-acted and well-written. It's novel, bold, funny, and deep. I enjoyed every single minute.

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