I was very curious about this drama, I wanted to see the real life story about one of the most famous women in Chinese history, about a woman who while she lived was called smart and virtuous, kind and modest, about a woman who was helpful in maintaining the piece in whole palace and harem, I also liked the trailer-it looked awesome plus I am a sucker for any Chinese historical drama 100%, especially when it's about one of the most interesting period in history, personally one of my favourite periods is Han Dynasty. ;)

But in the end I was expecting more, not from the angle of acting, that was really great, but from the angle of characters development and palace intrigues.

This drama has the weakest Emperor ever, he made me cringe so many times, I really didn't like him at all. even when he was smart, he was stupid. Cause he believed everyone and every time he questioned the trust in people whom he should trust, every time it was with some evidences, with so many talks, I was so tired from all that.
Although I'm not that much knowledgeable about Emperor Wu of Han, I know that he was one of the most important and greatest rulers and in this drama his portrayal was too weak and it seemed like he achieved everything most of the times with the help of Empress, Wei Qing or Duan Hong, either the truth or not, I didn't like him in this drama.
On the other hand his sister the Princess was the best and she is for sure the best side character ever, so brave, intelligent, always speaks her mind, good, loyal and at the same scary and kind, a true woman who would survive anything and she did suffer and experienced many sad things but still she was standing so proudly and confident until the end. I have only full admiration for woman like that.
Empress was at times too unrealistic, I mean I know that she was modest and always wanting to keep piece in her clan but it's really impossible for someone to be that kind and good, putting others in front of her and always willing to sacrifice herself, too much in the palace where everyone just waiting to stab you in the back, especially all those concubines. But she was in one thing worthy of full respect, how she protected her brother and childhood friend, how she easily was willing to give up her own life to help them and protect them, she was too kind and naive sometimes but when they were in question, she was a lioness.
The best characters in this drama beside the princess were Empress's brother who was the best general I've seen, the guy was so smart, courageous, brave, skilled in fights, the best warrior and a real soldier but his love for the Empress was something the most powerful, I always fall for siblings and bond between them and this one has to be one of the strongest and most wonderful ones, they made me smile and sad so many times.; and their childhood friend Duan Hong- if you ask me, I would kick that Emperor and run away with Duan, he was such a perfect guy for her and although too much in love, he never insisted or revealed his feeling, he was loyal to the Emperor like his most trustworthy man.
What has really bothered me were the very first episodes, they rushed so much, how they even could fall in love with each other only after one look and I'm sorry for the spoiler but not one single kiss in historical drama with romance in the middle all of it?! Just too illogical and stupid, so I simply couldn't feel the main couple at all.

All in all, this drama would be great if only they didn't rush with so many things and if Empress was little more realistic and more like a woman with real feelings. As for the costumes- stunning, one of the best costumes dramas, the production was very good, it looks like an expensive drama with high budget and sceneries were astonishing. I've enjoyed in music, many beautiful sounds through the whole drama and those melodies fitted just fine.
There are a lot worse dramas than this one and lot better ones but as from my point of view I did like it cause there were some characters who really have won me over and made me fall for them plus I would like to see more high budget dramas like this one, everything looked so real. If you love Chinese history, great costumes, good acting than I think this drama is for you.

Leia Mais

I've actually finished this drama 10 days ago but somehow I wasn't able to let it go, I wanted it to stay longer in my currently watching list. And that's because I completely loved it. Yes I did. With all its holes, stupid, unnecessary and illogically evil Guo family, with less screen time of the Yin's who were the most important folks in this drama, with some rushed moments that looked like they were cut and with very uninteresting villains. And still it was an amazing journey. Because of those details I couldn't give more but I seriously fell in love with this drama.

The plot seemed very intriguing and engaging right from the start and we follow Liu Xiu's and Lihua's journey through the whole drama, from the moment they find each other after long time through many fights together against the current Emperor and for the people till he finally became an Emperor himself and then with classic palace intrigues, we live the life in palace with them. I wanted to learn and find more about this part of Chinese history as I was interested to hear more about her, about that woman who was a true companion for her man and who became an Empress with humble and pure heart. And it did live up to my expectations.



Let me tell you something about the leads and characters they played. Honestly you don't get to see such fantastic leads often in some drama, who carried the heaviest roles, who acted so believable to the point I literally wanted to wipe off their tears, kiss their foreheads, hug them tightly and smile with them when they were happy, they really engraved in my heart for a lifetime. Lihua and Liu Xiu deserve the title of the best couple ever in whole historical dramaland. I simply couldn't take my eyes off of them. Their relationship that is built on ultimate trust and honesty above all, so strong that nothing could destroy it. I really appreciate that between the couples. I became to feel respect for Liu Xiu cause he treated Lihua with such love and care, with such relaxing and positive attitude, he didn't care when she pretended to be a guy as he didn't care when she stopped pretending because for him she was one and only Lihua who he loved since he was a kid, he loved his men all equally and he trusted them, he wasn't jealous when Lihua was alone with them, the only woman between men and still he had real trust in all of them. For me that was the biggest strength of this drama, one big comradeship, men who fight for one cause and who built such powerful friendship along the way. Really worth seeing and experiencing that.

Not to mention chemistry between our leads, it was electrifying, you could feel it in your bones from their every move and I came to wonder how it's possible that Ruby and Justin are only friends? Amazing actors indeed. Justin has been my favourite Chinese actor since Scarlet Heart but Ruby, I didn't think she was this good, the woman is outstanding actress, that's for sure. Her gracious figure when she was a Lady Yin in the palace, her coldness and calmness when it was needed, her passion and courage in battles, her endless love for her family, she was the actual hero of this drama and she carried all of it. I don't think I've seen till now female character like hers, that much educated, smart, brave, loyal, tomboyish yet feminine, strong yet fragile, lovable yet very strict and someone who was selfless when it came to her family and closest people she loved. The one woman I'll admire forever. Yes in some scenes she exaggerated, all of the sudden she acted weird and not like before, that's when I thought that this drama has some flaws but most of the time I could totally relate to her and understand her.



This drama is also very good cause of the females, you get to see many intelligent and strong women who were most of the times more brave and smart than men which is a rare thing to experience in dramaland. Hu Po, Ding Rou I completely loved, those two girls were such support to our heroine and the ones who were beside her all the time never abandoning her. They are supporting characters but they mean so much, without them this drama wouldn't be the same. I enjoyed in their love stories too, one with Lihua's brother who was such adorable and wonderful guy, and the other one with Gongsun, Liu Xiu's best friend and most loyal general.



What was one of the biggest strength of SaA is family. Bonding between members of a family, between Liu Xui and his brothers, sister and mother, between Lihua and her brothers and mother, between them and Deng's, it was such wonderful sight, watching so many family members being so close and taking care of each other. For me Lihua and her family were the ones that captured me, they gave me feelings of warmness, coziness, feeling of home, I really fell in love with them and their relationship, every one of them had important role and each one of them simply crawls under your skin. I cried so hard when some of them died, I felt like my heart was ripping apart when some events happened and the way they happened, I really think that my heart died a few times during this drama and that's when I knew that this drama will become one of my all time favourite.



Many scenes were so real, battles were done in very good way, effects pretty realistic, sceneries breathtaking with beautiful usage of colours-red, blue and green, astonishing costumes, I wanted so much to try at least one of those dresses, everything seemed really on high level with high budget. For that part I don't have complaints.

Also music, opening and ending songs are so beautiful, the lyrics are among the most powerful I've heard and they have such deep meaning, every time I listened to them I get goosebumps. They fit perfectly with the drama and its plot.



I think I said everything I wanted to say, I think SaA is definitely a drama worth watching cause you don't get to see lead characters like that every day. And you don't get to see relationship building like that every day nor such comradeship and brotherhood. Those things are for sure the ones that will win you and keep you interested to watch it till the end. Despite all the plot holes and some really stupid characters and happenings. I would love for more dramas like this one, please.

Leia Mais

First of all, I give a big 10 for the chemistry and the passion, lust and love between the leads. It felt so so real like it wasn't the act at all and that is something we don't get to see every day. This is a dark romance drama with that depressed atmosphere like in old Japanese dramas which is something I really love and enjoy in dramas like that.

Suzuki was gorgeous and I get now when men write and say she's a MILF. :P Yup, no doubt she is. :P She is a fantastic actress and I love her from before in other dramas but in this one she simply shined with her personality, looks and sex appeal. Rui is one strong, confident, smart woman who didn't let emotions got in her way but of course everything fell apart and her guard was put down when Ko appeared. She is a woman who loved for her work, she is divorced and she experienced a married life, she even got a child from that married life (on top of that her child is played by amazing Ayano Go who was such a plus in this drama with his wild, rebel personality and his unique, weird sense of style and fashion, a young man who simply didn't do anything in his life aside from playing in some band for fun and taking money from his mother). But she chose career as something most important in her life at that time and she haven't felt regretful about that. Anyway from that angle her character is a very respectful and admirable one.

As for Hasegawa Hiroki, he was HOT and ATTRACTIVE LIKE CRAZY, I don't know how to put into words his expressions when he was with her, his glances, his stares, look in his eyes, his gestures, it was a mind blowing, seriously I literally felt his eyes on me. ;) Naughty naughty but yeah the main genre of this drama is romance so from that angle it was a successful one. The sparkles between them were flying all over the place, in every scene when they were together it was so impossible not to feel all those emotions and attraction, so rare to see that nowdays. And you have to take in consideration that age gap between the actors is 11 years which is also a plus more in here, you didn't feel that not for a second.
Both of the leads are a respectful people In their work and their respective jobs of publishing and stock trading play an important role in the story and contribute to the tension besides the usual plot devices for affair dramas. I like that part about their professional career, the whole show was so real with problems on their work, on solving them and although this drama is a romance one with affair going on, that wasn't the only thing and that's why I enjoyed in watching, you get to see every day problems and their daily life at work. And dialogs were written very good, whole screenplay was an intelligent one which is something very very important in dramas.

What I didn't like is his wife Marie, she was one big evil bitch, manipulative one with many complex in her life, she was a typical housewife who didn't do anything in her life except of satisfying her husband and depending on him about every little thing, soooo boring and stupid, I mean where is your life, your hobbies, your time and freedom?! Anyway she was the most awful person in this drama and a main culprit for everything. In the last episode maybe someone would or could somehow understand her but I simply didn't want that because she didn't deserve nor pity nor understanding. At least in my opinion.
Also I find the pacing really fast and just when you think a plot device is too cliched, it quickly moves on. But I didn't like that, I do love more slow pace in these kind of dramas with details, much more story and character development, somehow in historical dramas a fast pace is much more logical but in this one a big no for me. It's like I almost got to use to particular happening, dialog and scene and in the next moment it's one year later. That doesn't work for me.

Oh and the music was fantastic with such a beautiful melody, some tones reminded me of Secret Garden's music and the main song sang by Koda Kumi "Anata dake ga" graved in my heart and I'm still playing a song in my mind.
Overall I liked this drama a lot with its darkness and that old J drama feel, I liked the screenplay, the acting was brilliant from the two main leads, as for the characters I didn't like any of them cause all of them were hungry for power, money or some other things, too much selfishness and emotionless but that is why I found this drama to be different and not an ordinary one. I do recommend it to people who love mature, dark, serious plot and story with great chemistry and some real passion and who don't mind not happy and fluffy endings.
With all its flaws and this show does have them pretty much, I've enjoyed and it was my guilty pleasure.

Leia Mais

I have to admit I started this drama because of the mister tall guy Toyokawa Etsushi. ;-) He is for me one of the few actors that capture you right away with their brilliant acting. I saw him in some movies and in drama Aishiteiru to Ittekure where he won me in a second. I fell in love with his acting skills, his amazing power to literally stop to be an actor and become the character he plays and since then I'm stalking him. And I'm in the mood for old J-dramas so finally got to see this one.

First I have to say that music was awesome, that opening song was one of the best video interpretations I have ever seen. Fits so perfectly in the whole story.

Then the story itself was good, nothing too much but different from the other dramas. Scenery was so beautiful, I would have to say I was literally stunned by the beauty of the various scenes. It seemed like the majority of the scenes were directly outside or where you could see outside. I would say this is one of the best shot outdoor scenes I have ever seen.
Characters were fantastic, from him as a main lead to the little girl played by Suzuki Anne, the girl was just so brilliant, she was the light and the sun of the whole drama, I was mesmerized by her acting. Shibata Yoshimori has to be one of my favourite characters of all time. I don't know how Toyokawa Etsushi did it, but I'm in love. Tall and gentle, but strong... and silent. He moved and walked in a quiet space and it was so peaceful to watch him. He had such powerful chemistry with Suzuki Anne, who was serious a child prodigy; the way she drew you in and made you forget you were watching an actress and not a real person...I also liked the character of Kahori, she was like a bird, craving for freedom and wanted to love and to be loved as the purpose of her living. And she succeed in that. You could easily see how she was unhappy in that marriage and how she wasn't in love with her husband, he was more like her savior who helped her and her daughter in a tough time of their lives. I wouldn't say that she was bad because she seduced Shibata and made him to escape with them, she was only very lonely and suffering, you could see that through the end, especially in that most important scene in episode 7, and yet she showed her love for him. I don't agree with that kind of choice especially if you have a child who you love but she was too weak and her love was too strong to continue and accept to get back with her husband, that was something the worst for her and that's why she chose that kind of ending for her, in some way that was her freedom and in the same time she saved Shibata from being killed.
Dramas has two parts, the first part until the episode 7 where Shiori was a little kid, and the second part, after the episode 7 where she was a grown up young woman. First part was so touching, the three of them running and hiding, living a life like a real family, they had such an amazing chemistry. I was hypnotized by the first part of the drama. Also the first part was a true pure romance and the chemistry that Kahori and Shibata had was incredible, I would have to say that those kissing scenes between them went right on the top of my favourite and most passionate kisses. ;-)
And then some tragic happens, everything gets a different sadder, darker tone and you could see exactly all the struggle and emotions of the main characters in that times. I felt tormented and so emotional at the end of the show but I wouldn't have in any other way because that was it, the ending scene which shows you that there are real love that exist on this world and that there are freedom and happiness.
At that same time at the end of the drama, quite suddenly, you realize that the love story wasn't between Yoshimori and Kahori at all...

I would definitely recommend this for any person loving pure human dramas and not afraid of touching moments.

Leia Mais

Mars. Was he the coward, who the Greeks say was bloodthirsty and belligerent, and yet was afraid of failure? Isn't he supposed to look mean and ferocious?; Indeed he is the God of War, but I heard that the Romans described him differently. ; Really? ;They said...Mars...wore shining armor, look dignified. He was a dark hero who helped people overcome tragedy.

This is how it starts. This drama has won me right after the first episode. It has been on my list since a long time ago but finally I decided to watch a few days ago. And then everything changed. I have never watched anything similar to this, maybe there are a little few Asian dramas in the whole world like this one but it's honestly really rare. Different from everything else, in so much more deeper and darker psychological level that every second I was truly in a state like the main characters, I felt every single emotion they felt, I smiled, cried, yelled, was so angry and crazy at times they I could kill like Chen Ling thought he could, I was in love, I felt so much passion, desire and true meaning of a strong real love, exactly like that I have never felt while watching any drama in my entire life.
What is it that makes this drama so different from others and that makes me to write and feel like this? Well, when you start to watch you see that there are some guy who is a popular playboy and very handsome, and you see some girl who is very shy, artistic and doesn't talk to anyone. So at first you think this is going to be some cliche romance drama with the plot you have seen so many times. But you're wrong. Sooo wrong. Because already in the second part of the first episode you see that it's different, that you've got some strange feeling inside your body which tells you this is going to be something amazing. There is no some twisted mystery plot, no birth secrets, no rich handsome boss and poor cute girl, no love triangles, no annoying people and yelling all the time. The attraction between the characters begins right away, and they are what make this drama.
And the story begins.
Of course I'm not going to tell the story 'cause you have that already in the description of the drama, but what I'm going to tell is that this is the most beautiful and the strongest love story ever. Literally. I mean two young people trying to face and struggle with their pasts, their fears, their tragic and sad experiences and finding solace in one another. And they succeed in that. Because they simply fell in love. Honestly. Truly. They helped one another to face with all difficulties and overcome everything with the strength and power of real love. Vic and Barbie have done amazing job,they had amazing intense chemistry all the time, I really admire them, they are really very talented and fantastic actors. I think it is very hard to play a role where your character is psychological damaged and where the character is in some hand a little bit crazy with many problems and issues in the head and in the heart. I don't need to say that Vic became my favourite actor, actually in my top 5. ;-) And his character is the best ever, I fell in love with his hair, his style, his bike, his attitude, I like it very much that he is not perfect, he has so many flaws and that's why he became my favourite character in the whole dramaland.
Also, the character of Tong Dao is such an amazing addition to the already dark, depressed and psycho feeling. Oh my God, do you know how I love his character? Not in some positive way, it's just I think that he perfectly fits in here with his twisted and creepy behavior and you'll see why. An Jun Can was a genius in this drama, I was so scared of him in some scenes, great really.
Music- no words, just listen. I still shiver and tremble and still in my mind are the songs from MARS. Especially the opening song, MASTERPIECE.
So, in the end only to say that YOU HAVE TO WATCH MARS, IT'S A MUST WATCH DRAMA and you'll definitely won't be the same after watching. At least you gonna fall in love with Vic (or Barbie) and you gonna enjoy in beautiful music if you don't like the drama. But honestly there's no way you not gonna like it.
All I know that I became a little obsessed with characters from MARS and literally played some scenes more times than once because the conversations between them are so precious and intelligent, I enjoyed in every detail. DRAMA MASTERPIECE. Oh yeah did I say that kiss scenes are so hot, sexy and so natural and real? I felt like I was with them in drama in their intimate moments and kissing them all the way. ;-)

Leia Mais

For me, this drama was a very pleasant journey. Generally I love these kind of dramas so the story was enough to get my attention. The acting was really mind blowing from the male leads, especially the character of Ryu Tae Oh. Lee Joon has portrayed the mad, twisted and crazy guy so perfectly, honestly I was freezing to death when I saw his expressions, that look in his eyes and his so creepy smile, that moment when he from totally serious face slowly begins to smile, uuf, it gave me a chills every time. I would give a ten only for his acting. There are flaws in this drama of course, the main flaw was how the female leads were annoying in trying to understand a psycho killer without emotions or humanity, I mean I would kill them or torture them or any other way I would think to do except that one, to understand them or help them in some way. I get it, Maria was a doctor so she had that side naturally in her, the other one was just a high school kid, so naive and good, but either way it was crazy to try to be on the side of the lunatic killers. Also, I liked the character of Sung Dong Il, one of my favourite older actors, he truly knows how to act, I enjoy every time I see him.
What I liked the most is how they made comparisons to the movie Silence of the lambs and Hannibal Lector (which is one my favourite movies) and to the book "Crime and punishment'" which is one of my favourite books, it was such a great idea for all that, it fitted perfectly in the whole concept of the story and characters.
Overall I liked the drama really and in some weird and sick way I was sad at the end and I really loved Ryu Tae Oh's character, not that I felt sympathy or something like that, it's just that I was fascinated by the sickness and craziness of his brilliant mind. Gap Dong as the main culprit became really like a myth, exactly like Jack the Reaper and the actor who played him was great. Music was so good, I liked the main song, it was full of action and emotions, it didn't bother me at all since it was played many times in drama.
Who loves dramas with thriller and obsessed concept with many twisted characters and lot of excitement, this one is definitely not to miss. Although the story is slow and they could easily finish everything with 16 episodes, I was satisfied at the end.

Leia Mais

I think that in reviews for this drama everything is already said in a great way so I won't be writing a long one but still I have to say a few things. ;)
First of all, it is a different drama with different touch and original story. It's not some epic or extraordinary unique one but still it is a different drama than other historical ones. Simply cause we're used to watch all historical dramas from the point of the nobles, kings and princes but in this drama the main focus is on the maids which is very cool. We do see also a nobles and their stories but all that goes through the eyes of the maids and servants.
There are no boring moments at all, drama has 20 episodes but still you don't feel it's dragging at all. Yes, a couple of last episodes were too slow and they could have shortened it to16 episodes but still it was good this way too.
I quite enjoyed in this drama, the script is very intelligent, witty, with so many emotional and heartbreaking sentences, it really got me, I admit. ;)
Costumes were so wonderful and painted with so many beautiful and vivid colors, from the dresses to the clothes for men, it was such a nice sight for the eyes and the music was heavenly-those instrumentals perfectly fitted to the scenes between certain people and when I think of it I couldn't imagine any other music except those astonishing sounds that were floating through the whole drama.
In the end about acting I would like to say a few words. It was brilliant. All the actor have done really great job in portraying their characters but there are a few of them I have to point out as the best ones. Jung Yoo-mi was just outstanding, the girl just freaking nailed it and showed what the word "ACTING'" really means. She demonstrated the way of a noble girl who falls into the mud and bottom and rises again proudly and strongly in such a marvelous way, I cried, I smiled, I cheered and rooted for her the whole time, simply I loved her. The other one who definitely stole the show was Kim Dong-wook, the guy was brilliant and incredible, his acting was the most believable from all of them and his character has graved in my heart forever. The most pitiful one, Eun-gi was the guy who only wanted to marry the girl he loved and lead an ordinary life of a scholar but he couldn't do that. Because he had to carry the scars from the tragic past events in his famil and all that troubles, worries and happenings were put on Eun-gi shoulders and he had to take everything in his own hands. But why he did that was only because of the girl he loved. Every move, every word, every detail was for her, for her own good. He broke my heart many too many times with his sentences, with his words and deeds. His love for her was something we all crave to feel and have, his undeniable desire and wish that she stays alive and healthy was so powerful that I was wondering too many times how someone could love that much and be so selfless? Why I liked him that much was because he's not typical good guy who was stupid and second male lead always being a shadow for the girl, he was fighting for her until the end and he went against everyone, even the King to protect her, he didn't care about money, power, status (there are some powerful sentences about that at the end when he talks to her, I won't be saying which ones), he cared only for her. Of course he has done some unforgivable things but still I loved him more than most of the characters in this drama. Oh Ji-ho was fine in acting, I think he portrayed his character in a appropriate way and with exact amount of emotions. He was a cold guy who was raised without proper education, only learning how to fight and use weapons, and at the first glance you could say that he is a emotionless, cold blooded ruthless man but when you dig a little you could see how he was caring, good and ready to give his own life to the people he loves. And my fav. girl Sa-wol, the most loyal character I've seen, she was so firm and determined in her loyalty and love for In-yeob, so protective and fearless, positive and kind and I truly adored scenes with her and how she showed a few badass scenes towards the rest oft he maids and servants. :P
One character I hated the most and she definitely goes on my list the most hateful characters ever and that would be Heo Yoon-ok, the most despicable creature ever, I really despised her from the bottom of my heart. The one who is your friend, the one who should be with you in your worst moments and tragic ones, that one stabs you in the back and in the most awful way humiliate and insult you with not single sign of respect. I've never seen such a truly bad character and I do love and respect more those who openly don't like you and hate you than those who do that secretly at first and then in front of everyone intentionally torture you, humiliate and offend you in the most detestable way, that kind of person I would gladly punch, hit and torture myself really hard. ;)
To sum up, this is a drama worth watching and definitely every person could and should see, I don't think that after watching anyone could say it is a bad drama, it has just right amount of everything and the acting plus the script are done without some real flaws. Although it shows a real cruelty and injustice in the world and it'll bring you some real tears, at the same time it will show you how to never give up, how to fight even if you have to fail, fall and crawl a few times, in the end you'll succeed. Cause yeah, that is a life, we fall and we rise, we fail and then we succeed, we cry and the we smile, the never ending circle called life.

Leia Mais

That was some drama. Exactly the way I love it, every part of it. Acting was brilliant, especially Yutaka- the most perfect guy ever, and Nanako, they were really great. The rest of the cast was also very good, I didn't watched anywhere else the actress who played detective's wife, she was such a pleasant surprise at the end with her acting, really great. I have enjoyed and was so thrilled about that constant suspense, suspicion and questioning about who is the villain? My guess was right, maybe because I have watched to many movies in the world so I'm good at guessing. ;-) I was doubting in two persons the most and I was right but anyway it was so perfectly packed that you would the least doubt in that person. These kind of dramas when you question all the time, when you're always filled with such a suspense what's going to happen next and you can't wait for the next episode, oh I love that feeling. Not to mention that a very big plus is a romance part which is a huge one in this drama but so well packed and put in there. The chemistry between Yutaka and Nanako was amazing in such a dangerous, not safe, passionate way and their conversations so many times filled with so many various emotions, definitely the main reason for this drama to be that great for me. Of course I mustn't forget the part about kissing scene, one of the best ever made, got under my skin in a second and will stay there for a long time for sure. ;-) Music was certainly very good and in the right scenes where it should be, appears and starts to play.
Although it's not a light romance drama, for me this is one of the most beautiful and strongest love stories and romances ever because it seemed so real and natural and the characters literally loved one each other to the point they would give up their lives for that love which is something worth dying and living for. Mystery, murders, suspense, love, romance, all of it put in this great show with a great performances of the actors. Worth watching.

Leia Mais

Mahoro Ekimae Bangaichi is an ultra freaking brilliant drama. If it were to be classified according to genre, it's going to be slice-of-life plus chill wave, dead pan humor plus satire and even more satire drenched in some sort of crude humor. In the absence of chic overly polished elements with its unnervingly mundane settings and characters, and no over-promising story lines, this drama just lived up beyond what it describes itself and left viewers expecting. From a Shion Miura novel to a tv series, this probably is one of those film and serial adaptations that brought a book to life and gave a in-depth study of the characters. Since there is a limited amount of time (short length of episodes), Mahoro must create a simple and succinct yet moving story arc for each episode. There is an attention to details and brevity that makes Mahoro a pleasure to watch. In other words there is no nonsense scenes that you just want to skip because every minute counts.

Most people will probably want to watch this for the Eita + Matsuda Ryuhei combination, but the humor and the way the drama is filmed is like the cherry on top. I also love the two main characters who are anything but your typical male leads in jdramas.
Lines reflect minimalism. Words are mostly minimal and normal to very dumb sounding conversations that are kept to simple tiny bits of phrases then later on becomes philosophical thoughts and rhetoric questions thrust into the end or in between these seemingly mundane and meaningless conversations and BAM that’s when it hits you hard on the head and in the heart. This also the point where you as a viewer have something similar to a character and then you start to review your life choices and principles in life. In addition, It contains an exploration of the micro socio-economic structures as a work of fiction that highly reflects reality but is never cliched like telenovela but more relevant to real life moral issues and the cause and effects of society.
Mahoro is a very laid-back, simple story of two guys–Gyoten and Tada–who do various odd-jobs around their city. I love the ‘lazy’ feel that Mahoro has. This might sound weird but yeah, Mahoro has this lazy atmosphere which is also quite reflective of Gyoten and Tada’s way of life.

Anyway, the first thing you may notice in Mahoro is the BROMANCE. Yes, it is awesome. And not just because it is Eita and Matsuda Ryuhei together. The thing I love about the bromance is that it is not forced into the drama. It is not there just for some obligatory swoony bromance. Instead Tada and Gyoten feel very natural when they are together and it goes unsaid that they have a really deep companionship and bond. Also the main selling point of the drama is NOT just that there is always eye candy with Eita and Matsuda Ryuhei on the screen. Instead the characters of Tada and Gyoten are very ordinary yet charming at the same time.
At some point in Mahoro, I think you’ll begin to realize that it is way more than just bromance and humor. Mahoro is not only about shipping Tada and Gyoten, it’s not about the weird odd-jobs they do, but it's also about the people that Gyoten and Tada encounter. I guess what I’m trying to say is, Mahoro is not scared to show you things as they are. It’s not scared to go places that might even make you feel a bit uncomfortable. I like that the drama doesn’t sugarcoat anything and simply shows people as they are–flawed human beings. It exposes the dark sides of the characters but also makes sure to show their good sides. Pretty much none of the people that Tada and Gyoten encounter are people you would consider to be ‘admirable’ or ‘respectable’ but the drama always counters this by showing their redeeming quality and vulnerability.

The main leads are brilliant, they were at their best in this drama, they simply shine. Both Eita and Matsuda. How they portrayed their characters, there isn't anyone else who could take the role. Although I'm Eita's fan since forever and love him the most, here Matsuda stole the show with his character of Gyoten, instantly became one of my favourite and dearest charactes ever.
In the show, both Tada and Gyoten are quite similar because they both have a really mellow and laidback personality. They are just chilling and drifting through life. Probably the main difference is that Tada is the one that’s “in charge” and is more conscious about social graces whereas Gyoten is irresponsible and blunt, he is also a lot of fun to watch, not exactly impulsive but he is the kind of guy who doesn’t care about boundaries and is willing to take the initiative to do something. His straight-forwardness can come off as being outspoken in certain situations, but earnest in others. Gyoten is a really good balance with Tada because he can help Tada make quick decisions, and Tada can help keep him out of trouble. He can always turn a seemingly boring situation into a funny one. He still has this running joke of telling all his customers that he and Tada are a couple. The funny part is that he looks completely serious whenever he ‘jokes’ about it and the customers end up believing it. Simply he is outstanding and the most interesting nutty character ever.

I liked all the content of this drama, it was refreshing not just because of the script and of the acting but as a whole cinematic masterpiece. The set were utilized as some sort of subliminal advert placement ala spot the hidden brand sponsor. It was not an annoying ad placement or corporate whoring but was more enjoyable to the viewers at the very least. Things like the clever foreshadowing, timing, and the proper use of mature content with props and all dignified the desperation and tensions in the story in a way never done before in Japanese TV. Even the tracks of the OST were superb pieces of music with lyrics drenched in pain and satire though presented in a funky or chill arrangements. The irony is fine in this one.

Watch this drama if :
- you want to see bromance, bromance, and more bromance between Gyoten (Matsuda Ryuhei) and Tada (Eita).
- you're a fan of Eita & Matsuda Ryuhei (WHO WOULDN’T BE?)
- you like quirky, eccentric dramas
- you are ok with the bromance not being everything in the drama.
For those of you who don’t quite like dramas that are too slow and serious, but still want quality without the sappiness, Mahoro might be for you. You may like this drama more if you like a sort of offbeat, quirky drama.

Leia Mais

"War is not just a game where you slaughter your enemies. It's a struggle to remain human despite carrying a gun in your hand."
While these words has graved in a deepest chamber of my heart, I'll try to tell you about this magnificent piece, about the best drama ever made in history of television although I don't think it can be described with words. Seriously, it’s impossible to describe Comrades the way it should be described. I do not have that kind of vocabulary that could tell a story about such a beautiful work. But I'll try it anyway..
Stunning. Simply stunning. Comrades has grabbed my heart, mind and soul and captured me, possessed me. When I finished whole drama last night, I couldn't fall asleep, I was laying on bed for hours just starring in the ceiling and trying to revive my broken heart.

I don't have any special love and interest for war theme but I do appreciate when movies and dramas in that genre are well done with believable and realistic story and development of events. Which is the case with this drama. Comrades doesn't tell you the story nor the characters tell you what are they doing, whole drama SHOWS you all that through their actions, through the look in their eyes, so naturally and brutally realistic. And doesn’t sugar-coat anything, I didn't feel not for a moment that it's trying to impress me or manipulate me, it was like it was trying to take me in the true inside story. Sometimes that story got so unbearable (the hopelessness, the senselessness of it all) that I had to stop the video and simply walk away. And after a while come back again fully prepared for more feelings than previous time and I wondered whether in those moments show started to become manipulative, taking me to hell and getting last drop of tears from me. I cried like I don’t think I have ever cried watching TV. I bawled. I sobbed loudly and messily, I cried out as my heart broke and I felt grief and despair.

The whole story is about soldiers who fought in Korean War and it shows you their stories, both from South and North Korea, you get to see ordinary people who willingly or not found themselves in that chaos and cruelty, you see that there aren't good or bad guys, both countries show you that people everywhere are the same; they just want to live peacefully, care for their families, and make a living., it's not a story about winning or losing, it is a story about human beings getting involved with each other and bonding as long as they live.

I got attached too much for the characters and I got a feeling as if I met them face to face. Every one of them felt so real, tangible. The more episodes I watched, the more invested I became in their lives. I was constantly longing to be able to reach into the screen and give each character a big hug. I was overwhelmed by the warmth and the love that I felt for these soldiers, these young men who wanted nothing more than to live. I laughed and cried and breathed with every single one of them. They are now as real to me as the people I know in my everyday life. And thanks to that, I was able to understand, if only just a little bit, some of the horror of war. It was the first time I’ve loved so many characters in one drama, and not just loved them, but feared so much for their well-being. I watched every episode with one hand over my mouth and the other over my chest. “Survive, survive, please survive.” I wanted everyone to live.
If I have to pick some of the characters I love the most, I couldn't do it cause all of them I love to the fullest. But there are some of them who fascinated me and captured me the most. First is sergeant Lee. He is the sole heart of the Squad and the actor Choi Soo-jong was more than perfect, he was outstanding to the point I was questioning whether he was in real war or just acting. His character is a true leader, his courage, compassion, commitment we fell to the core. He knows what needs to be done, and he simply does it. He commands, he protects, he encourages, he teaches, and most importantly, he loves. His men are his family, his children, his responsibility. He values their lives far more than he does his own. If Lee Hyun-joong has a flaw, it’s his tendency to care too much. As a result, the men under his command forge a bond stronger than steel. They fight, whine, nag, and complain, but when faced with a choice to save themselves by leaving someone behind, or to stay together no matter the cost, then there really isn’t a choice. “All for one and one for all” might as well be tattooed on their foreheads. Second private Jung Taek-soo, he was my favourite boy and my heart ached for him like never before, he was so brave, loyal to the bones to his mates and I loved his on the surface emotionless but actually very soft in his heart, and third character I fell the most for was Park Il-kwon, that ahjussi was a real badass, how much he sacrificed and how much he did bear only to help his friends, he was called by many names and insulted and tortured but he survive all that until the end, I felt sorry for him too many times. Also a medic boy Park so sweet, caring, brave at every moment but very sensitive, then on North Korean side Chun Yong-taek, a true idealistic man who fought fair and who stood up side by side with Lee Soo-kyung, who was such a kick ass woman, I admired her so much to the middle of the show and then I literally wanted to rip her apart and strangle her, her transformation was truly magnificent, the actress was incredible. As you could see, I got attached to all of them.

Comrades has a fabulous soundtrack. One of the best in entire world, I don't know which song or instrumental left me speechless more, maybe that opening song "20 october 1950' or "Patriot's Way" or "I will come back" from Insooni or "Kyrie" which played every time something too shocking happened. I think that music from this drama tells more than words could ever do simply cause words are not enough nor they could ever show those feelings that music can give you. That song 'Friends' I'll remember for the rest of my life and it'll stay as a song which will always remind me of this brilliant drama and her marvelous friendship in it.

Comrades gets everything right. Faultless acting, script, story-telling, editing, pacing, special effects and stunts, splendid soundtrack, sets and locations, historical faithfulness, top notch battle scenes, interesting and believable characters, an intelligent sensibility, maturity…

In the end, after all those powerful feelings and after my heart has calmed a bit, the thing I will remember forever is Squad One. That brotherhood, that bond deeper than friendship and stronger than death, between men who side by side with each other strive to keep body and soul together in hell. That affection and commitment. Because Comrades isn’t just about a war, it’s about people, people whom I’ve come to care too much about and who will make me cry every time I think about them.
I promise you, you will never be the same after watching this drama. And one thing is sure, Comrades will rip your beating heart right out, throw it on the floor and step on it, then leave you all alone to pick up that poor heart if it's not already destroyed from all those bruises. Either you're a crier or not you’re gonna cry anyway, I guarantee that and if you’re masochistic like I am you’ll probably even like it.

“Wish we could just go back to our 1st Squad days.”

“Uh?! What was so great about those days? We risked freezing to death, not to mention what happened in the caves. Oh…the concentration camp. Was it really that good?”

“Except all that drama, of course. Anyway, back then… there were nine of us.”

Leia Mais

At first I was thinking this was going to be another typical tragic sad drama (although I didn't doubt in quality I didn't want to watch something seen too many times) so I wasn't so excited when I started it. But I found myself fall in love step by step in the way story was told, in the way how male lead narrated all his feelings, happenings, doubts, fears, happiness, sadness in every episode, that was the main reason I fell for this drama, that was what has won me and engraved in my soul. Yes it was so freaking hard and sad to watch it, at moments I felt my heart was ripped apart but somehow in the air there was always something hopeful and beautiful, it wasn't dark and depressed at all.

I really LOVED the sceneries, Japan is certainly the country with most wonderful nature and hidden places to be seen, I loved the colours very much, so bright and light, the flowers, the beach, water, all the scenes they shared, cinematography was awesome indeed.

The cast was very good and the acting so realistic and natural, Yamada was just brilliant, you could really feel his raw emotion emanating from the screen and I must say I loove how that man cries, he's doing it so good and so freaking believable. ;)
Ayase was at her best, I'm not some vivid fan of hers but in this drama she shined and was wonderfully convincing and truly accomplished an honest portrayal of a person in her position.

Their chemistry, relationship, so strong and powerful, going beyond everything, so many sweet moments, so much fun, enjoyment, tears, love, they broke my heart and then they mended it every time. Their relationship was so pure... just being together brings joy and happiness. This drama shows the development of the love between them. It shows how Saku, even from the beginning was drawn to her, where, somehow, without knowing it, goes to where she is, and for Aki, she knew that when she died, he was going to be by her side. Through powerful imagery like this, you grow to care for the characters.
Music was very appealing, those melodies were just astonishing and filled with so much melancholy and longing, I found myself attached even more with the whole story and characters.

All in all, I find this drama to be very originally told, it kept me interested to the very end, I loved the parallel in the present and past, I liked everything cause although a tragic one and dealt with cancer patient, this drama concentrates more on their love, friendship, many interesting happenings and somehow you don't feel all that sadness. It will bring you tears though cause you can't stay cold when you see devastated Yamada.
What Sekachu shows us is the futility of eternity, the acceptance of lost, and the meaning of living.
A full recommendation from me. I loved it. And I know you will.

Leia Mais

These days I'm really into old Japanese dramas, and I have enjoyed in almost most of them. The actors were pretty amazing back in the day, they still are only they're not young anymore. Anyway I started to watch this one, I liked the story very much, the actors, I loved Takako in Long love letter (one of my favourite dramas) and in Beautiful life, and Toyokawa Etsushi, well about him I think that the words are unnecessary, he is one of the best actors ever and when he was younger he was a real stud. ;-)
So, this drama has won me from the start. With such a strong chemistry between them and from the first second (reminded me of MARS and the chemistry between the main couple from there) I was hypnotized. The story was really great and Toyokawa has done the job like a real pro, how he portrayed the deaf, emotional artistic painter, it was fascinating, he has captured my heart and my mind right away. Not to mention his great looking and his tallness, just for the record he was smoking hot. Of course that is just a plus to the story.
And somewhere until the episode 9 it was fantastic drama but then everything was ruined. I would easily give it a strong 9.5 or even a 10 but I was very very mad about the last three episodes, it was completely unnecessary, stupid and wrong way of writing. I mean I hated the female lead, she was annoying all the time with her screaming, yelling and overly dramatic scenes, this time I hated Takako's character. Somehow I managed through the whole drama to be cool with her character because she loved him and their chemistry was worth watching even just for their kissing and love scenes, all those scenes were simply beautiful, so passionate, sweet, full of lust and real things with very natural relationship but that moment in drama when she did what she did was enough for me to lose my interest in a happy and beautiful ending, even more I would be more happy if the drama took different kind of event at the end. At least I know how I would act in that situation.
No, really, this female character became one of the most hated characters ever in my dramaland and I am truly sorry because of that 'cause this drama had such a potential with a great story, brilliant acting, especially from Toyokawa , you could feel everything that he felt without saying a word and you could just be carried away with his expression of emotions through the sign language, simply magnificent, and it didn't work out at the end. They ruined it with a betrayal in the worst kind of way and at the most important moment.
I gave it this score because of everything that I have already pointed out what was good and the biggest part of this score is because of the most natural, real expressions of love and attractiveness which was abnormally strong and high. Also this drama is indeed a Japanese classic so it should be on everyone's list, it is a real romance drama with a very great actors and storyline regardless of a few mistakes in it.
I think that it's never enough to see a great love story that it seems so real to the core.

Leia Mais

It was so hard to give rating to this drama, I had a difficult time indeed. Why? Because I've never seen so far combination and mix of horrible effects, awful colours, low budget, terrible production and fantastic, cool and awesome female characters, amazing chemistry one of the best I've seen between all three side couples, the last two were so passionate, I loved that. So in the end I think this is maximum from me.
Main couple- Kevin was actually pretty good, I liked his character and Su Yu was the only male character here who fought and protected the girl selflessly even with the price of losing his own life but the main girl was really bad in acting and I couldn't feel a bit of chemistry between them, they seemed too fake.
Some of the supporting characters who were there I don't know why, too much of idiocy and stupid acting from them, actually drama could be better without them.
Three main couples in each part of the story- I liked all of them, I felt sorry for most of them and I felt love between all of them.
First couple Shen An and Song Ning I loved the most, what angst, passion, what extremely proud people, how they destroyed one each other only cause of misunderstandings, cowardly attitude and pride. Shen An the biggest coward ever and such a stupid man but still how much he loved her, we could see that and feel that. Song Ning- the best female character in here and one of the best I've met, definitely goes on my list dearest characters. It's so rare to see a woman like her, so intelligent, smart, brave, strong with golden heart, unselfish, simply admirable. Jiang Xin and Justin had freaking sizzling chemistry, I have to see them in some other drama together, such talented actors.
Second couple- they were the most realistic, so full of understanding, so cute and sweet while doing some trivial ordinary things which couples do, Ying Ge was such a tormented soul, I pitied her the most in whole drama and still she succeeded to fall in love and be happy even for a short while, Rong Yuan was my fav. male character here cause the man is just too great, he didn't want to hear anything, he believed in her actions, her eyes, her feelings, he didn't listen to anyone and that's why there wasn't some stupid misunderstanding coming from his side, amount of love he had for her was without limit, what a loyal and gran man he was, a real king. Also the actor is very beautiful. ;)
Third couple- personally I was too subjective cause I love the actor, he is so attractive and I love his acting, always full of passion, his character Su Heng and Murong An had the most beautiful scenes together, I loved their scenes in forest, their kisses, their conversations, he was so ambitious, ruthless and selfish cause he wanted to be a king yes but in the end he never loved anyone else beside her and he protected her no matter what. Npt that I approve his actions, I don't and I would run away sooner from him but still I could understand him sometimes.She was a goddess, how beautiful, how gracious, how graceful, a real forest goddess, i was staring at her all the time plus she was so unselfish and powerful in her mind and heart.
All these couples were destructive and in all of them male characters were most guilty for tragic ends and with less love towards their loved ones, women were giving more love, their own lives, more understanding and they were much more powerful and stronger than them.
That's why I loved this drama. And with wonderful OST, the ending song became my favourite song from Chinese dramas, it fits perfectly here with words, characters and their actions, I'm still listening song at least once in a day. Whole ost is really great with many capturing melodies, I enjoyed even more.

I wouldn't recommend this drama to anyone who appreciate the most high budget production, decent effects and good acting from main characters but I'd still recommend to those who look for original idea, great chemistry and more interesting and important side couples with good acting coming from them.
In some way I did enjoy although I really couldn't stand what I already pointed out as bad, these side couples and amazing music managed to keep me going all the way till the end.

Leia Mais

What I'm thinking right now is WHAT THE HELL I'VE JUST WATCHED? Why there's no any other drama like this one?! The most psychological mind game control drama ever. And what's all with that music? This drama climbed to my first place of the best OST's ever in the whole dramaland. Until this moment it was Soulmate with best music but WC definitely surpassed it. I don't know about the others but music is for me like the air I breathe and I'm never without it so I always pay every little attention to the music in dramas and in life generally. And when I heard in this drama my favourite group Massive Attack, then Alice in Chains, DJ Krush, AC/DC, Suede and many other bands that I adore, I was so excited and happy and it made me love this drama even more. Especially with Yoon Su's theme, DJ Krush's "Song 2", a true masterpiece. I could write all day about the music in this show but this should be enough.

As for the acting, I knew all of them from other dramas and honestly loved the most of them and respected them as actors. Although you could see that in this drama they were young and for many of them it was a beginning into the world of famous people and the whole Korean cinematography, also you could see after the watching this drama that they were fantastic. Literally. All of them. I mean, they are idol boys, they are models, I was fascinated that in only one drama I get to see the guys who were tall, all of them and all of them were, well and still are, pretty much a great looking young men. And despite that they deliberated us amazing performance of the all characters and showed us that they know how to play and act. If I have to pick my favourite character, well that would be Choi Chi Hoon- he was the smartest one no doubt, always with a cool head and cold thinking but very good friend, he was brilliant and also Sung Joon is my favourite amongst them, I just adore that actor. Of course Kang Mi Reu was my second one favourite, he was a true hero and a bad ass man! As for the rest of the characters, everyone was great and had their own role and purpose, everyone was important equally.
Twisted, dark, psycho, mystery, thriller drama with a perfect cast and the story about young people with many problems in their minds who were in some hand abandoned by the others and put in the biggest psychological test with a serial killer crazy man. Oh, I loved this show so much, I just feel empty now. ;-)
The only part I find a little bit predictable is that you can easily see after the episode 4 who were the main culprits and the part about that 7 strong men couldn't bring down one man with a gun. But it was well done after that so that little mistake wasn't important in the end.
And about the end, definitely THE MOST MEMORABLE ENDING EVER, it became my favourite ending part in some drama, I was so thrilled and satisfied in the end and for sure the ending scene had a big part in it why this show has such a high score, no doubt that it wouldn't be the same without that perfect end.
I will stop now and go to listen the whole ost and all of the songs in this show which is with a reason one of the strongest, greatly done dramas ever in the history of dramas. They should really make more dramas like this one, it's a pity for the rest of us who truly enjoy more in this kind of plot and story.

Leia Mais

" It's difficult to express the beauty of mathematics."
Personally I don't think so cause I'm dealing, studying and exploring maths all my life therefore I love it but I do understand that there are many people who simply don't like nor understand it and find it hard to express anything which deals with mathematics.

Either way, after this movie you may end up loving maths, you may end up feel the magic of numbers and you don't need to be a math student in order to get enthusiastic about number games and about the wonderful world of numbers. Cause the way mathematics is presented in this movie, the method in which was written into the script, into the characters, is really interesting and it keeps you intriguing to the end. There are terms like prime numbers, amicable numbers, perfect numbers, pi, the imaginary number, and Euler's identity also known as Euler's equation. Even if you're clueless and unknowing about the concepts of these terms, the movie will introduce them and show to you in such interesting and enjoyable way.

Based on the novel by Yoko Ogawa, The Professor’s Beloved Formula tells the story of a housekeeper played by gorgeous Eri Fukatsu who is hired by an aloof heiress to look after her brother-in-law who, ever since a car accident periodically has his memory reset every eighty minutes. Before the accident he was a celebrated Math’s professor, and it is through his love of numbers and the housekeeper’s willingness to learn anything new that the two form a strong unique friendship. Soon the Professor meets the housekeeper’s young son and nicknames him Root on account of the top of his head being flat like a square root symbol. Together the trio manage to form a powerful, strange family despite all the challenges.

I enjoyed in simplicity of this movie, in wonderful development of that strange friendship between professor and housekeeper, she had patience, willingness and eagerness to listen to him, to be the part of numbers and mathematics and to keep him always busy with his work; and he accepted her and her son like his own family (although a platonic one) where they were strangely and deeply happy while watching baseball, playing games with numbers or solving maths problems. I found all 3 characters so lovable, both in character and presentation and I'll never forget Eri Fukatsu's smile and Professor's character.
Refreshing thing in this movie is that there are no unnecessary tearjerker moments around the professor's illness, although there are some a bit more dramatic and touching ones but without melodramatic scenes and with just right amount of warmness which manages to strike the right notes all the time.

The story is pretty simple and slow paced but at the same time enchanting and full of warmth. With many touching moments and with most of the things revolving around mathematics, baseball and cooking, whole movie will give you clear messages about maths itself using concepts and applying it to real life, to living life.

Cinematography is very nice, showing the beauty of landscapes and the town they lived in, the great actors really make you fell so good and cozy, whole movie just has this feel good factor and in the end you feel wonderful, poetic and comfortable. Charming, no manipulative movie, a slice of life that will make you feel joy and wanting to meet all three characters in person and playing number games with them.

"To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour"

-William Blake-

Leia Mais