Esta resenha pode conter spoilers
A spoiler free, 5 star review with my opinions, likes and non-existent dislikes of this drama and it's drop-dead perfection that deserves to be seen by all and every. A Love To Kill is, Hands Down, one of the best dramas I have EVER seen. And I'm saying that with over 150 dramas under my belt. If you're in the mood for a romantic, suspenseful, tragedy, first/true-love story.. buckle your seat belts because this will break your heart and yet keep you coming back for more.
I am a huge fan of Rain, and I say that having seen almost every one of his dramas (well at least having STARTED every one of his dramas) and loving and admiring his work. So yes, I may be a tad biased towards his dramas but for good reason. He's a TERRIFIC actor!
Shin MinA startled me with her beauty, her depth, and her vulnerability in creating this character.
Despite making this drama seem really intense, tragic and heartbreaking (which it is) It's also really sweet and there is a lot of hidden depth to each and every scene, as well as every character and change in attitude and view. Although I'm not super fond of all the characters, they all have their own struggle and their own story.
I cannot begin to explain to you the excellence in the writing of this script, you will only be able to know by watching it for yourself and realizing how lovable and re-watchable (coming from someone who REALLY doesn't re-watch dramas) this one is. Going back to re-watch scenes and episodes every once in a while, it's really incredible to see how connected everything is. From episode one, something occurs that later will be either explained or somehow related to something in a later episode. It's incredible.
The music is so perfect and beautiful and heartbreaking that EVERY SINGLE TIME I hear the OST I fall in love with it all over again and even begin to tear up. It's catchy, soothing, melancholy and is played at the most perfect and fitting times.
If you pay close attention to the dialog throughout the drama, from the beginning to end, everything intertwines and means something at some point or another. In the very last scene, there is a vital part of information you'll miss if you don't pay close enough attention, which will simply crush the courage you built up to hold in the tears.
I really want to give a hand to the cast and their acting because it really was something.Consider yourself warned, this is a hard-core melodrama and if you aren't in the mood to be swept off your feet by a river of tears, don't watch A Love To Kill because it will break your heart. But It's SOOOO worth it and I want you to watch it anyway so we can rant and discuss and cry over it together! The acting, as I was saying, was simply incredible. Each cast member did a fantastic job of portraying their character and each and every thought that went through that characters head at every scene they were in. The longing in Shin MinA's eyes, the passion in Rain's, the outrage in Lee Ki-Woo's eyes. Everything was perfectly done and in the most unsuspecting way.
Now, like every older melodrama there usually seems to be a lot of lagging parts in the middle with stupid seemingly fixable problems. Although this drama has NONE and let me say that again, NONE of those draggy-boring moments. Let me assure you, every scene has meaning and some sort of depth. You may not see it right away but you shouldn't skip parts because later it will come up and you will wish you had read deeper into the moment you skipped.
There is so much more I'd like to say about this drama but there isn't anything I can add without giving examples that would be spoilers or simply repeating the words, "I LOVE THIS DRAMA SO FRIGGIN MUCH!!!" So I just won't continue. YOu should watch it. That's all I have to say. If you still aren't interested by the 3rd episode then drop it. Otherwise... You're in for a treat.
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This movie is so weirdly likable.. and I think it really is to be watched by those who are able to understand the subtleties of little things. I kinda of fell in love with this movie even though I really.. REALLY don't understand it. I started watching it and.. It's one of those movies that's just a what-the-fuck movie. You occasionally come across one of those and this is definitely a what-the-fuck kind of movie. You really don't understand what it is you're seeing but you keep watching and you are enjoying it, weirdly enough.
The lack of dialogue, the music, the slowness.. it's like some sort of foreign dance. You aren't really used to it and so you don't think it's "good" but you still enjoy it BECAUSE of it's foreignness and because of it's beauty and difference. It's difference is what makes it enjoyably.
To be able to watch and fully enjoy and understand it, I think you're going to have to be someone who can be very open-minded and also not easily get emotional. It's a very emotional movie but in so much subtlety. Subtlety is truly the other title for this movie. it touches on everything, but the touch is so light, I feel like a lot will go unnoticed and just go in one ear and out the other to those who are unable to see this movie as an art piece.
There is little-to-no dialogue in this movie but it makes for a rather melodramatic, dark plot that kind of worms it's way into your brain and sits there waiting for a reaction. I get the feeling, while watching this dark movie, that it's one of those painful and artistic movies where subtlety is everything and you really have to listen and look to understand what's happening. It's almost messed up and twisted but it's not. A purely innocent love story that leads the characters to a sort of new love and family warmth that they have (or so the story forgets to tell us) never had or have been able to receive.
This movie touches a lot on the lack of a normal, easy life these two have. It touches on domestic violence and what it does to woman both during and after they've gone through the abuse. It touches mental illness and on homelessness and.. in a way.. life "on the run."
Love, misunderstanding, intelligence, trickery, mental health, physical disability, although this movie portrays all of these things.. I feel like they do it in a way that's very difficult to understand yet so easy to pick up on once you really take a look at it.
If you can understand the pain and beauty people go through in life and see how the humans react to different types of treatment, I feel like you'll very much enjoy this movie.. very much.
It's definitely worth your time so go and watch at least 20 minutes of it before you drop it. I promise you wont be disappointed if you didn't run away after reading the summary.
"It's hard to tell that the world we live in is either a reality or a dream."
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Like any other affair movie, the story has a very dramatic feel to it once you start it but isn't actually super dramatic and .. sad, which was much to my pleasure.
The acting was pretty darn fantastic and enjoyable. For those of you who are familiar with Lee DongGun's previous works, such as his dramas and such.. I'd say this is one of his better movies, knowing he's known to be in duds that really aren't worth your time. He really shown in this drama though, his feelings being written all over his face for his leading lady and that really is something to see. Uhm JungHwa always shines in her works so I have nothing more to say about her acting. As for the other two.. well that just leads into the next factor I'd like to address about this movie.
In every drama or movie you watch there are usually four main characters in the romance department. Obviously, the same goes for this movie. It's hard to watch a movie like this and not pick favorites. As I saw it, this movie really tried hard to give equal time to each couple and express the attraction between the couples equally but I really felt more involved in JungHwa and DongGun's romance than the other two. Although both couples really felt attracted to each other I have to say these were my favorites and were fun, sad and pretty to watch their love bloom as well as the drawbacks of having an affair. That heartrending decision they both (kinda) had to face.
As for the music, most of it was quite lovely and it all, I felt, fit into the scene that was occurring, making it either more dramatic, hyped up, or melancholy.
I'd rewatch this movie a year or so after I saw it, if I felt like this type of storyline again. It wasn't super entertaining to the point where I'd call it one of my favorite movies, but it was cute and romantic and I'd recommend it to a friend, rather than re-watch it myself, I think.
This movie isn't for everyone, I'd say. Those who don't enjoy affair movies, I'd definitely not recommend it seeing as it's about betrayal to your partner as well as a deep connection with another person you barely know.
The movie is also a tad racy and there are some nudity scenes so if you're younger than 15, I don't recommend watching it without your parents permission.
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There were many aspects of this film that I loved. Although many scenes were leaning towards the more comedic side, it almost makes the movie more sad. The lives of these two men have not been lovely and they learn to lean on one another and find comfort in each other as well as being able to find themselves and do what scares them most, which of course, also happens to be what makes them happiest.
Even if you don't like melancholy films all that much, I suggest you watch it. It's a very moving and heartwarming story and the acting is just fantabulous~ ;)
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Esta resenha pode conter spoilers
Don't doubt my ability to rate dramas by looking at my rating for this one because I gave it all high numbers. This drama is seriously the best melodrama out there. And I'm quite the judgmental rater, just so you know. Alongside A Love To Kill and I'm Sorry, I Love You, this drama hits the top of my favorites list and for many reasons. I've wanted to do a review on this drama for along time but held out because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to put to words my feelings about Secret. I believe it's one of the most well-done Korean dramas you will come across. Complete with action, romance, tragedy and even a (VERY TINY) sprinkle of comedy, this drama is filled completely with a well-written plot, characters, multiple plot-twists and a ton of drama.. the kind that makes you cry so hard you think you want to stop watching but then you realize you HAVE TO CONTINUE IT.
To be able to completely cover everything about this drama that made me happy.. or should I say sad, I'm going to need to cover every bit of it in full detail. I'll do my very best not to give spoilers and if I do there will be a warning sign above it. Read at your own risk.
Music
This drama is really emotional and it's hard to reach that level of emotions purely by acting. The drama OST really covers that. There are a few of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard in this drama. Not just songs along, but the background music blend in with the scene, the feeling and the character during the scene that's happening. The music and OST were chosen perfectly and fit every moment in an epic manner.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGKPzE0UwBQ
Acting/plot/characters
The emotional level of this drama is so high up there it's impossible for me to explain in words that humans will understand. Because of the story-line and characters' development, the acting really has to be good for this story to work. And let me just say, it was. The actors covered all the emotional levels that each character went through, pain, sadness, love, hatred, rage.
The story-line follows a woman who takes the place of her lover for a crime she didn't commit and the man who lost his love due to a woman who was unrightfully put away. He practically falls for her while stalking her in hopes of making her life miserable. Now, while this plot is rather sick, it makes the story SOOOO good. The misunderstandings are dealt with quickly (unlike every other melodrama ever) which make it spectacular to enjoy. The main problem that follows the characters throughout this drama are the emotions the characters go through. It's practically a feast of emotions and it's so painful and sweet to see how each character deals with his/her feelings during the events that occur.
SQUEAL MOMENTS
Because it's a melo, I didn't expect to love this drama as much as I did. I was completely invested in every moment of it and cried, literally during every episode. However it wasn't bad crying where I was unhappy and irritated with the choices the characters made, but rather, so excited to see what would lead the main leads to each other. Our main couple, played by Ji Sung and Hwa JungEum, had so many scenes together which made me want to squeal with excitement and joy. There were also numerous moments in which I wanted to bang the screen of my computer until I saw cracks. But seeing how bad that would be, I kept my hands to myself like a good little girl.
Is this a love-hate relationship drama?
Um.. no. The term love-hate relationship usually applies to comedy dramas in which it takes over half of the drama for the characters to realize how they feel for each other. This drama sets their boundaries clear as crystal and right from the start. Because the story revolves around misunderstanding (the good type, I assure you), it is in a way a love-hate relationship because Ji Sung's characters falls for her WHILE THINKING he hates her, while trying (and succeeding) in making her life a living hell.. This is actually the most enjoyable part of their relationship (his hatred turning to love) and most of where my squeals came from.
Why should I watch this, It looks sad and too dramatic.
Secret is a drama for melodrama lovers, for sure, but you should also check it out if you aren't that into melos. It's good for so many reasons but it's hard to say what they are without giving spoilers. There are so many unexpected GOOD plot-twists in this drama and so many feels~
Whether you like or don't like melos, I'd give this drama a three-episode try and if you haven't changed your mind by then.. you're crazy ;)
I'd go on but the only words I can think of are, I LOVE THIS DRAMA!!
Give it a try and you'll see what I mean.
All in all.. definitely a 10, for the script, acting, music, theme, lighting, directing. Totally worth your time!!
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The story line is, although a little plain.. sweet and cute and although there isn't much action to keep you interested.. the characters and their over-the-top personalities really keep you watching throughout the entire drama.
Each character has their own stereotype but are also evading their stereotypes at the same time. Although the "bad boy" is stuck up, self centered, and irritable, he's also cute, silly, dumb and hilarious as he sits smack-bam in the middle of what he assumes to be his own little world. As for the female lead.. she's your typical poor wannabe someone but is too lazy to do anything. She's a little stupid but surprisingly likable for such an incoherent character.
As for this William character.. well I have a lot to say about Americans in Korean dramas but.. even going so far as to compare his Americanness to the american characters in the drama King 2 Hearts.. he's one of my least-favorite American characters out of all the American characters in all the Korean dramas I've ever seen. Yes, you get the sweet, nice, second lead but he's a little too sweet and nice and.. stupid for me to enjoy. Despite this, his character kinda sits right in the middle of the storyline and he is necessary for all the good things to happen in this drama.
Music.
Yes, oh the music. Now when I first began this drama I kinda wanted to keep it on mute the entire time for fear that horrid song would replay yet again but after a while you begin to kinda become addicted to the bad theme song and you'll find yourself humming it later in the day after watching a few episodes. That aside, there are actually two more songs in this drama that aren't terrible. In fact, they're super pretty and "Your Tears" is probably at the top of my favorite ost list.
This drama has one heck of a plot-twist. And although it's nothing like Kill Me, Heal Me (if you haven't seen it I HIGHLY suggest you do, RIGHT NOW.. after you watch this drama) it's definitely pretty close. I think the main reason I like this drama is because, unlike a lot of dramas, there are a bunch of tiny plot twists intertwined throughout the drama. Although they're not big and life changing for the main characters.. they're little things that slowly open up new ideas and stories for each character to explore and I really love how that happens. If you go back to re-watch it (which I just recently did) you'll notice how they give little hints even so far in the beginning as episode one.. to what happens later in episode 12 or further down that road. There little plot twists that are hinted at in the beginning really make up the story and it's totally fun to rewatch even though I loved it the first time around.
As a last note, I want to say that the very first episode was kind of unbelievably boring and you really should stick around to at least episode three. It gets so much better and by episode 3 you really begin to like the characters and the relationships they have to each other.
I highly suggest this drama and really hope everyone who reads this review will stick to it and watch the entire drama and finally notice that this is one of the must underrated dramas EVER!! So spread the word and have your other fellow kdrama addicts come and enjoy it, too!
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