On the technical side, the drama is extremely well-shot. Many beautiful panoramic shots of the Greek filming locations, impressive large-scale sets created for certain parts of the story, and great colouring that made the complexions of all the cast members really pretty.
As for story, honestly this was slightly iffy for me. The story moves swiftly from one mini plot/event to another, with little consequence on our characters, save for some character growth, I suppose. As it is with many Korean legal and medical dramas, a liberal amount of suspension of disbelief is required. The drama poses some moral and ethical questions to the viewer but doesn’t have the time to invest and dig deeper into them, and very quickly swings its focus back to the romances. I suppose it’s not fair to expect this drama to do that. The show does have many funny moments which are appreciated given the subject matter which was heavy at times.
For the characters, I was pleasantly surprised by the show. This writer is not well-known for writing interesting or compelling characters. See Heirs for example. This was an exception. The characters were for the most part, fully formed and pretty mature. Though I found myself greatly annoyed at times by some of the characters, our characters, romances and relationships were not overridden with unnecessary angst and indecisiveness, and I’m extremely grateful for that. Though it doesn't totally redeems the show from its flaws for me.
Music-wise, the soundtrack sometimes threatened to overpower the show, as it did in Heirs. But this show has pumped out the OST songs to keep it fresh so it wasn’t bad.
The show had the opportunity to end on a compelling note, but wasn’t brave enough to go along with it, and resulted in a pretty bland ending.
Overall, my opinion is, well, meh. It is definitely an enjoyable drama for the romance, just that for all the hype and fanaticism around it, it remains a forgettable drama in my list.
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The story was alright. I usually love slice of life romances, so I had no real problem with the plot (unlike many people, who complain that the drama doesn't have a plot at all). The thing is that the story was VERY fun and entertaining, even if at many points it was too over the top. I must admit there were a few episodes that I felt were too unbelievable (especially episodes 11 and 12), but they were still fun. And well, the 'villain', was ridiculous.
The cast was mostly brilliant. Song Joong-ki absolutely steals the show. He's extremely charismatic, and I 'm sure he could have chemistry even with a wall. Many people don't like Song Hye Kyo, but I think she did the best with what she was given. Jin Goo and Kim Ji Won (especially her) were great as the second lead, although I didn't found their story that interesting. From the supporting cast I must praise Seo Jeong Yeon and Lee Seung Jun, because their characters were one of my favorite things in this drama. On the other hand, I felt Onew was incredibly over the top, especially in the earthquake episodes.
The soundtrack was brilliant. I'm used to watching mostly j-dramas, where there is only 1 insert song, or 2 at most. But here there were a lot, and I think I loved every single one.
Another thing that must be pointed out are the production values. The show lookes GREAT, it really shows that it had a very big budget, and it even felt like a blockbuster at times.
Like I said, the story is very fun and entertaining, so I'm pretty sure this has a fantastic rewatch value.
To sum up, I think DOTS is a very entertaining drama, even if at times it's too over the top or unbelievable. And honestly, it's worth watching just for the cast and the production values.
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I really enjoyed watching DotS after waiting two months for it and I cried, laughed and felt with the characers in the Drama.
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Definitely worth watching though.
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Je n'arrive pas à accrocher à ce drama. Il lui manque quelque chose qui me pousse à vouloir continuer de le regarder. Habituellement j'ai du mal à décrocher d'un drama, c'est d'ailleurs pour cela que j'attend qu'ils soient finis pour les regarder. Mais là, je peine vraiment. J'en suis à l'épisode 11 et depuis que je l'ai commencé, j'ai regardé 5 autres dramas (vu d'une traite ceux là) et quelques films. Je crois que je vais finir par l’abandonner.
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I watched this second time so it's time to write a review. I rarely rate any drama this high.If you are looking for a story that has action, humour, witty characters and of course, romance then you are going to love this. Now, I usually don't go for military themed dramas or in fact medical dramas either. I just hate to watch political scenes and "we have to explain this medical procedure with a 10-minute scene" kind of dramas so that's why I rarely start any drama with those themes even if it is highly recommended.
So why did I decided to start Descendants of the Sun? When it aired it popped up literally everywhere; in drama sites, discussions, forums etc. I was slowly getting interested because the hype was huge. What finally drew me to watch DotS was a scene where Kang Mo Yeon drives a car, gets into accident and makes calls babbling about how she feels towards everyone. I accidentally saw this scene when it was shown on a variety show and I was like well, that looked somewhat interesting. Next thing I knew, I was watching first episode of DotS.
Don't let first minutes fool you because this show is full of humour, funny moments and romance. Even if story deals with serious issues it takes a bit lighter approach to them than most of military/medical themed dramas. I was hooked after only one episode which happens veeeery rarely. It's difficult to get my attention in just one episode but DotS did it. It was mainly because main couple's chemistry was so good!
Characters are likeable and you can find at least one character you will cheer on. Our main leads are charismatic and shine like no other. There's instant attraction and I like that about drama instead of watching hours and hours of bickering before they slowly come to like each other.
Song Joong Ki does amazing job portraying Captain Yoo Si Jin; he is handsome but adorable at the same time and has pretty good sense of humour as well as he's responsible leader who does not fear to take action. Song Hye Kyo likewise does great job presenting Kang Mo Yeon, a headstrong doctor who is kind at heart.
I loved watching our main couple and their witty dialoque with each other. I have to say I didn't like Song Hye Kyo as an actor before and that was one of the main reasons I was relunctant to watch this drama. But man, I wish I had started this earlier. Now everytime I try to judge and skip a drama based on theme or actor/actress I tell myself "look what happened with Descendants of the sun. It ended up being your favorite drama ever."
Other side characters were important to story, there was no "extra" character filling up some plotline. This was propably one of the hardest dramas to pick which couple you like the best; main or secondary. I instantly took liking to Seo Dae Young and how he can make jokes with that poker face. He has cute serious personality (can I even say it like that :D ). Yoon Myung Ju shines beside Seo Dae Young, I think this is Kim Ji Won's best role so far portraying no nonsense, I get what I want kind of a woman.
From other actors, Onew did pretty amazing job too. Yet again I was surprised by an idol actor. Only thing I didn't like though that his character was too wimpy in one point :/
Ok, the bad guys. They were pointed out pretty much from the start and I think David McInnis was right choice to play the part of ex-soldier turned gangster. He had this dark moody look and when he smirked it just gives chills.
And minor bad guy Jin Yeong Soo played by Jo Jae Yun made me hate him so he did a good job.
Something I didn't like about this drama is hard to find. But if I specifically have to point something out then it's events in episode 15. Hard to explain without spoilers but let's say that writers did one pretty typical korean drama plot twist. Otherwise this drama was really unique, had equal amount of seriousness to it as funny moments and romance. I liked how whole drama was filmed in advance so no viewers or whatsoever could affect how story would progress.
Music was good, especially main theme song stays in your head after you watch episode or two :P
So overall I'd say that give this a chance even if you don't like military or medical dramas. If you for example loved City Hunter drama, I think DotS is kind of similar but even hundred times better. (just my opinion).
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YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY WATCH IT YOU WON'T REGRET IT TRUST ME :D
( By the way half scenes of this drama were filmed in Greece :'3)
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It isn't a really unique story that no one could ever think of. But the entire flow of the drama was perfect. Instead of the entire skeleton of the story, it was the little details that made this a success. The script was just great. The scrabbles and conversation with all the different characters was done so well, it really brought out the personality of each character in DOTS. I love how each character have a story behind them, and how they show the developments in the characters. Furthermore the relationship developments were also done incredibly well. Not just the leads but also the bromance between the guys and also the friendship with the girls, and all were all done so well, you just can't help but fall in love with each and everyone of them. So all in all, the writers were INTRICATE. Its not something out of the world, but the story will really tug your heartstrings with the little minor details that help bring this story to life.
Another factor that brought it to life were the actors. Song Joong Ki was fantastic. (And I'm not just referring about his looks) It was obvious he put lots of thought into his character throughout the entire show. There were countless of times I am awed by his facial expressions in the scenes. He portrayed YSJ so well I really can't think of another actor to play this role. He was able to perfectly bring out the manly, fearless side of YSJ, the boyish side and the thoughtful and meticulous side of him which was amazing. At one point you will swoon in his manliness and right after you will just giggle at the cute side of him which I think is what YSJ is about. Song Hye Kyo was amazing too. Her crying scenes were so well done that I really could put myself in her shoes and dilemmas and also, cry with her. She was able to portray the empathetic side of KMY, yet she is brave and witty unlike other drama leads. She was able to show us her goofy side and also her worries which I thought was also a huge feat.
The second couple was also unique in their own way. Jin Goo really managed the 'rigid' soldier image really well, yet also show his feelings with his eyes and slight body movements that you can't help but feel for him. Kim Ji Won was great with her emotional scenes while MyungJu was like a little porcupine, you could see that little sweet girl in her.
Nothing to complain about the music as well. It's just incredible.
So to sum it up, SJK's looks might be why everyone first knew about the show, but DOTS have so much more to offer. The script, the relationships and the acting were all done so superbly well that its just a show everyone should watch. Not only focusing on the love lines, but this drama also shows how serious the characters are at their jobs, their determination and also their principles which I think sets this drama different from others. AND LASTLY, THE SCENES ARE ALL SO BEAUTIFUL, THANKYOU CREW FOR SHOWING ME 16 HOURS OF BEAUTIFUL STUFF.
HEHEH. And thanks for taking your time to read this :)
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Overhyped and overrated
As read on the title of this review, overhyped and overrated are the words I would use to describe this drama as.Although the storyline is more or less interesting, the cheesy scenes made it hard to finish watching until the end and I lost count of the many times I cringed throughout the episodes.
The acting of some actors also wasn't the best, with a lot of awkward trying to speak in english scenes to top it off.
The main couple annoyed me because of their personalities, the secondary couple was better in my opinion.
So no I don't recommend this drama or do I think it's rewatch worthy.
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:)
Descendants of the Sun has always been a drama I wanted to watch because of the positive reviews, but when I eventually got around to watching it, I was utterly dissatisfied. I'm sure others agree that this drama has been overhyped. This is because the drama was overall difficult to watch.The ML: much to my surprise, this character was quite intriguing. The actor was able to successfully portray two of the character's characteristics (the vulnerable and serious trait). But the cheesiness was overpowering, and there were instances when his persona was intended to be cool but did the opposite.
The FL: The FL: The idea of this character being an outspoken female doctor who cares deeply about her patients, coworkers, and boyfriend was fantastic, but the actor's performance was not convincing. Rather than all of the positive aspects of her character that I mentioned, this actress's performance made the character come across as petulant in a way. And it was difficult to empathize with her since she constantly came off as pathetic.
The main couple: Because I knew the actors who played these roles were dating at the time, I had high hopes for their chemistry, but I was disappointed yet again. Maybe it's because I'm not a huge believer in love at first sight, but their relationship growth was quite complicated, and I believe it was due to a lot of going back and forth in the relationship. And there was a scene (or maybe more) in the drama where the ML kissed the FL but she didn't kiss back. She basically stands there like a statue, without moving a muscle, and the fact that the ML continued kissing was honestly disturbing.
The second couple: I would usually skip over the first lead couple to the second lead since they were so cute and really spared some of the drama for me, but they had a lot of misconceptions and hurdles in their relationship that I felt were repetitious, so I'll give them a 7/10.
The overall story had a lot of potentials, but the romance was more of a detriment than a positive for me. So that's that.
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What I didn't like:
- the push and pull between the main leads, after some time it got a little annoying
- too few kisses :(
What I liked:
- the characters (especially the main couple ;)) were all great, not too flat, and I could unterstand their decisions
- the acting was really good, too
- the chemistry between the main leads!
- the story as such was a nice change to all the other dramas out there
Overall it's a great drama, I got addicted to it quite fast, and I can understand why it was such a success. Still, there are some flaws and there are even better dramas out there :)
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