Reviews

kind of boring - one of my most anticipated series was a a bummer

kind of boring - one of my most anticipated series was a a bummer ...
This is like Under the microscope tv show ... Better than the feminine heroes based tv shows recently though
why my rating is lower?
1. This is the second season of one of the top tv shows - so there is no urgency to finish anything
2. Took over 4 years to get the second season but messed up on the storyline
3. Death of Main hero in first season tweak in second season is not great - I would have preferred a much better twist - kind of lame deal in this season
4. im tired of honest man going through politics ... esp with all the knowledge of today in ancient world and he still is not able to deliver it - kind of super ordinary hero

Read More

Thank you, this is the worst series I've ever watched

I will be extremely honest (And I will try my best not to give spoilers, I promise):

To begin with, this series presents us with 2 different stories. This series is actually a story that is being told by a man in the square. From episode 1 to 16 it is a story about a spy who is the princess's look-alike and switches places with her to spy on the palace.
For some reason in episode 17, the people who are listening to the story get angry, and say that the story "didn't end well!", so the man who is telling the story decides to start all over again, and tell a new story TOTALLY changing the story. origin and personality of the characters. It's no joke, LITERALLY THIS happens.
They completely ignore the story of episodes 1 to 16. There were people who died, there were moments when we felt distressed, but they simply said "That didn't happen, forget it, let's start over" and excluded these characters. In the new story they only kept about 4 characters (along with the protagonists), and the rest they threw away and changed the cast.

Now let’s get to the specific points:
* The main couple is only a couple out of pure convenience, as there is practically no romantic development for them.

*All the other couples in the series are better than the protagonists! It's no joke, any other romantic story within the series is better. Actress Bai Lu plays 2 characters with 2 romantic stories, and the 2 romances are better than the main romance. Actress Zhao Lu Si's romance story is also better, and the emperor's lover's romance story is also better... Anyway, even the TRAGIC romantic stories that happen in the series are more beautiful than the main couple's romance.

*The female protagonist is only intelligent when it suits her, she is completely stupid for most of the series, acting like a child, then when something goes wrong she becomes the reincarnation of Sherlock Holmes.

*Everyone in the series hates her and wants her to die or go back to her palace, even the protagonist acts as if "it doesn't matter" to him.

* The secondary plots are attractive, but the main plot is this nonsense from the protagonists and it's very boring. If the story were about General Feifang's story, I believe it would be incredible, but it's not. I only felt relieved when these other characters appeared on the scene. I might have been angry with them (since some of them were bad), but at least I felt something.

*GOOD SIDE OF WATCHING Untouchable Lovers:

- I managed to watch Zhao Lu Si playing the villain;
- Now I have a series to put on the podium as "Worst series I've ever watched". So, whenever I watch something bad, I can say: "This show may be bad, but nothing beats the HORROR that was Untouchable Lovers."

Read More

My head is under water - as this is not a binge

Definitely not your typical kdrama.

It gave grief and sadness a large podium, almost sufficient. The way characters dealt with their tragedies felt unrushed, sincere and perhaps haunting.

The chemistry between Soo-hyun and Seon-yul was palpable. It never went the romantic route but I could sense the alignment between two characters that obviously found solace in their similar experience with loss. I wish it was further developed because the progression of their relationship seemed genuine and intriguing. But then the genre would probably change.

It reminded me a bit of My Mister in its attempt for two people to process pain together.

But this is not sad, slice of life piece. This took tragedy and packed a punch with some action, and quite a few plot twists. Last episode was rushed and was a downer, as it closed on not a meaningful note but just predictable and boring note.

No particular standouts in good or bad way among actors except the female lead and Kim Joon the main antagonist. Also I did not see Cha Eun Woo laugh once. Do with that info what you want.

(Also, nice to see the lead of the Eight Sense getting his footing into kdrama industry. Little time, but step by step.)

Overall, I do not take this one as a binge. The main characters are complex and I believe the viewer should be a bit more invested to understand their perspective in order to enjoy this one. I would need to rewatch to understand better, but intrigue kind of dissipated.

Not for everyone.

Read More

Nice costumes, impressive performances

For me, it's a bit hard to rate a TV show but anyway I gave it a 8.5/10 which is normally good.
It's just sometimes, maybe it's their culture or their know-how but they really like to ask some very personal matter to the contestant that makes me feel uneasy / uncomfortable. I know they are quite opened about it but still it's a show you know lol

And there's also some "fights" (verbally but sometimes I know it's fake but for example DJ Nui was getting hit by the other judge (Sena Hoi) because he said something useless or something like that).

But overall, what I like the most it's of course the performances, some are really memorable and also the costumes. However, for the group Jungle War, I expected a bit of variety. There was only the wild rabbit and the three others, all were crows (although they changed it with Water crow, Rainbown crow and if I'm not mistaken, Little crow.. Still it was just different kind of crow LOL
But it was really nice to see 3 different themes (Jungle War, Sky War and Marine War).

So, at the end, that was quite entertaining. It might be pity that isn't subbed for international viewers but if it's about performances I don't think there's the need to translate because music is universal and that I'm sure, everyone could feel the emotions.

Read More

Beautiful fantasy drama

**Story:**
"Hotel Del Luna" weaves a mesmerizing tale set in a mystical hotel where ghosts reside while waiting to move on to the afterlife. The hotel's enigmatic owner, Jang Man-wol, is cursed to run the hotel for eternity due to her past sins. Each episode unravels the poignant stories of the hotel's guests and staff, intertwining their pasts with the present.

**Characters:**
The characters in "Hotel Del Luna" are richly developed and layered, each with their own compelling backstory and motivations. From the fierce yet vulnerable Jang Man-wol to the earnest and loyal Goo Chan-sung, the ensemble cast brings depth and authenticity to their roles, making viewers empathize with their struggles and triumphs.

**Music/Cinematography:**
The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack and stunning cinematography transport viewers to the ethereal world of "Hotel Del Luna." From the enchanting visuals of the hotel to the emotive melodies that underscore pivotal moments, every aspect of the music and cinematography elevates the viewing experience, adding to the drama's allure.

**Plot:**
"Hotel Del Luna" expertly balances supernatural elements with human drama, keeping viewers engrossed with its intricate plot twists and heartfelt storytelling. As the mysteries surrounding the hotel and its inhabitants unfold, the narrative delves into themes of redemption, love, and the inevitability of fate, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

**Critique:**
While "Hotel Del Luna" captivates with its enchanting premise and stellar performances, some viewers may find certain plot developments predictable or pacing issues in certain episodes. Additionally, the drama's reliance on supernatural elements may not appeal to everyone, but those who appreciate the genre will find it a captivating and rewarding watch.

**Conclusion:**
In conclusion, "Hotel Del Luna" is a captivating drama that enchants viewers with its spellbinding story, memorable characters, and breathtaking visuals. Despite minor flaws, its compelling narrative and emotional depth make it a must-watch for fans of supernatural dramas.

Rating: 8.5/10

Read More

Still close to perfect!

Epic continues 4.5 years later.... Everyone's been waiting and I am so happy most of the main and supportive cast returned. Must be a tremendous effort to coordinate all the schedules. However, having rewatched S1 to prepare for S2, the absence of Xiao Zhan was felt immediately. I get it, he's a big star now but sometimes a small part in an epic drama beats ML in a mediocre drama. Actor Wu Xing Jian did not deliver the intense stare Xiao Zhan had for Yan Bing Yun's character. Not that I expected him to, but I was hoping for more? The entire character felt flat.

Story started a bit slow with some OTP crying but by ep 4, the humor really kicked in when the faceoff between the Crown Prince, 2nd prince & Fan Xian happened. It's living up to the hype and definitely will be the best drama of the year!

Sure, there are minor things I am not liking:
like dubbing for Liu Ru Yu (Madam Fan) is different and not in a good way.
The yodeler music for silly funny scenes is a bit overdone.
But there are also improvements:
Lighting (S1 was olive... browns... yeah not flattering)
S2 lighting is much better. No heavy makeup, you can see people's skin textures

A must watch for anyone who loves beyond idol dramas.

Read More

A Riveting Tale of Justice, Redemption, and Mafia Intrigue

Introduction: "Vincenzo" isn't just a drama; it's a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations that kept me eagerly anticipating each new episode. From its intriguing premise to its stellar cast, "Vincenzo" captured my attention from the very beginning and held it until the very end.

Characters: One of the highlights of "Vincenzo" is its richly developed characters, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations. Vincenzo Cassano, portrayed by Song Joong-ki, is a character shrouded in mystery and complexity, making him a fascinating protagonist to follow. Jeon Yeo-bin's portrayal of Hong Cha-young added depth and dynamism to the series, with her unwavering determination and quick wit making her a standout character in her own right. The supporting cast members also delivered memorable performances, further enriching the world of "Vincenzo" with their diverse range of personalities and backgrounds.

Plot: The plot of "Vincenzo" is a masterclass in storytelling, expertly weaving together elements of crime, legal drama, and dark comedy to create a narrative that is as compelling as it is unpredictable. From Vincenzo's initial quest for revenge to the intricate power struggles within the Babel Group, every twist and turn kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly awaiting the next revelation. While there were moments when the pacing slowed down, particularly in the middle of the series, the overall momentum of the plot never faltered, ensuring that my interest never waned.

Music/Cinematography: The music and cinematography in "Vincenzo" deserve special mention for their contribution to the overall atmosphere of the series. The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack perfectly captured the mood of each scene, enhancing the emotional impact of key moments and adding depth to the storytelling. Likewise, the cinematography was visually stunning, capturing the beauty of both Italy and Korea with breathtaking precision. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the picturesque landscapes of the Italian countryside, every shot was a feast for the eyes, further immersing me in the world of "Vincenzo."

Themes and Messages: At its core, "Vincenzo" is a story about justice, revenge, and redemption, exploring complex themes of morality and the nature of power. Through its thought-provoking narrative, the series prompted me to reflect on my own beliefs and values, sparking discussions and contemplation long after the final credits rolled. Whether grappling with questions of right and wrong or the corrupting influence of greed and ambition, "Vincenzo" offered a nuanced portrayal of the human condition, leaving a lasting impact on me as a viewer.

Critique: While "Vincenzo" is undeniably a masterpiece in many respects, it's not without its flaws. There were moments when certain plot points felt rushed or underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more depth and exploration. Additionally, some of the character motivations seemed inconsistent, particularly in the latter half of the series, which occasionally took me out of the story. However, these shortcomings were minor in comparison to the overall strength of the series, and did little to detract from my enjoyment of "Vincenzo" as a whole.

Conclusion: In conclusion, "Vincenzo" is a triumph of storytelling, with its gripping plot, memorable characters, and stunning production values setting a new standard for Korean dramas. It's a series that left a lasting impression on me as a viewer, captivating me with its compelling narrative and thought-provoking themes. Whether you're a fan of crime thrillers, legal dramas, or dark comedies, "Vincenzo" is a must-watch that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

Rating: 8.5/10

Read More