Reviews

Do you want cheese with that rice and raw eggs?!! Yuck! But getting past that, this had to be the cheesiest drama I've ever watched! But I must say, get past the unbelievable story, it was really fun to watch. First time seeing either of the leads. What was surprising in this JDrama comedy was I actually got the humor. This is something that I have a problem with KDrama comedies is understanding the humor. Granted, get past the unbelievable story of a super rich girl falling for a super dirt poor guy....with 3 kids! Yeah, probably may not happen in real life. But to watch what Taro was willing to do for his famiiy and friends but also seeing the slow growth in Alice's character was probably worth watching. I can't help it. It was fun to watch.

Leia Mais

I've finally finished watching this one, and although I've managed to watch the whole thing in just a few days I still want to use the term "finally" coz for me it felt a bit long.
As every one knows this is a drama-remake of a very popular and high grossing Korean Movie of the same title, of course the story is a whole lot different than the original movie's of course because we're talking about a 20-episodes-long drama compared to a 2-hour-movie.

This Drama had potential, the story's layout is quite interesting by most standards, bit of a "Mr & Mr's Smith" with all the spy Vs Spy missions and the romantic line involved causing the dilemma. But despite all that it would be fair to say that this drama didn't make the utmost use of all these weapons it had at hand, and sent most of them down the drain.

The first few episodes (to be specific until they got assigned to the NIS) weren't interesting enough to keep me hooked, but as an old K-Drama fan I know how most Korean dramas are a bit hard to warm up to at the beginning. To be honest with you, one of the main reasons why I couldn't get myself to warm up to the show quickly was my annoyance at the female lead's choice. I don't want to keep talking about how old she looks comparing to Joo Won (he should just call her "Noona" lol)coz I guess many people must have already killed this issue discussing, but also her acting wasn't that great and to add insult to injury the character she played had so many nasty points to it, in a nutshell it was mostly hard to sympathize with anything she said or did.

The romance developed quite fast, too fast that it made the watcher go all anticipating as to just how much we'll be getting busy through out the rest of the drama, and no argue we REALLY did get busy!! but not with the romantic or comedy plot, but rather with the plot that the writer just simply sucked at; "The Spy Game"

If this drama was a spoof for spy movies it would have made sense, I mean why the hell did nothing those NIS agents did that made any sense whatsoever. Let's say that this is a Rom-Com in the first place and that it shouldn't be judged on the whole spy line. OK even if I manage to agree with that, let's be honest, the whole idea behind the drama is that they are both agents who fall in love but have to keep hiding their identities from each other, so ultimately the two lines; romance and spy, have to end up getting tangled. And this is where it all felt so frustrating.

I enjoyed the first half of the drama, to say before the Baddies made their first appearance. I enjoyed it because it was full of cuteness and funny silliness not the type that frustrates you though. At the beginning I could to a certain extent feel empathy towards Seo-Won's character and even sometimes feel bad for her, but later the more the plot developed and all cards got revealed, her insistence on not sharing everything with him and acting all mighty made me just hate her and wish he would just do the same.

I know I said the plot evolving around the NIS' missions and spy work should not be my main point in reviewing this drama but I still can't hold back some of my comments concerning that one.
The whole baddie guys' revenge was stupid and badly written so I on purpose tried my best to ignore it so even if some parts didn't make any sense i wouldn't linger and wonder a lot.

The NIS itself and all of it's agents felt like a bunch of dummies playing 007 and not even managing to make it close. The mere idea that they get to cover such missions after only one year of training (which I bet involved basically drinking and dancing and gambling classes) felt so unbelievable. But I must congratulate the writer on one thing, the agents did seem like a bunch of rookies who just didn't have any idea what they were supposed to be doing.
Starting with the supposedly strongest and most experienced of them all; Do-Ha with all his spilling and tripping and pink-panther-sneaking during a mission! to Sun-Mi who fires a gun at headquarters by mistake, and instead of feeling any remorse just goes butterfly on her crush covering her!! (she should have been told to hand her resignation just there) To Seo-Won who can't even drive properly but can still snowboard and use a sniper even while shaking and sobbing!!!
Even the baddies most of the time seemed they just had no idea what they were doing, going around in circles not even reaching an agreement on the meaning of taking revenge.

Let all these plot-holes aside and concentrate on the romantic story line and you might enjoy the drama more (like I can say I managed to).

Putting the action aside and concentrating on the characters and their relations, you will still notice some irritating flaws with the characters:
(as I previously mentioned) Seo-Won with her meaningless wish that Gil-Ro believes her although she does absolutely nothing to gain his trust but rather act all the more suspicious.
Do-Ha, who says that he can even do bad things if it's for the good of his country but later on with the drama ends up conniving a crime that of course has nothing to do with anyone's good.
Sun-Mi, was by far the most childish character and should have never been an agent in the first place. So although I really liked her tomboyish character at the beginning I ended up hating her bad-loser clinging puppy personality.
The big guys (Won-Suk and Director Oh) with all their "if anyone finds about what we did we will be dead" bullshi*
(Needless to say) the Bad guys!!!!!!!!!!!! GO TO HELL!!!

So the writer nearly sucked badly at the spy parts which covered most of the drama, but somehow I still managed to enjoy this one, but only for the laughs. So the serious emotional parts I watched with one eye closed, and the action spy parts I watched looking elsewhere. lol
So why did I give it 7 and not less? it's because I loved the silly/funny/cute comedy scenes a lot, and also found some heartwarming plots to cling to (like Gil-Ro and father conflict).
one last advice, if you're going to watch this one through, better skip seo-won's parents' scenes, these are simply a waste of time and energy.

Leia Mais

I cannot tell you guys how much I loved this drama. This was so well done. It made me cry, laugh and angry at the same time.

Story::

I've always loved revenge plots and this one was written and executed so well its at the top of my list now. The twists, turns and curve ball this drama throws is very nicely done. Always a surprise, always keeps you on the edge. I don't want to say too much. But the main guy is a genius.

Characters/Acting::

Marvellous. Stunning. Fantastic. The chemistry between actors is fantastic. Oh the relationships are astounding, based on a very crumbly base that can either break under the pressure or lock together. The characters play their part so well. I was worried that the main lead actress wouldn't be acting very well (like in The moon embraces the sun) but it turned out to be alright!

Overall: Definitely worth the watch.

Leia Mais

I have to admit, I was already super excited for this special simply because I loved the original show. A lot of other jdrama specials tend to be kind of useless, so I was really glad that they attempted to fit this one into the plot of the original show, rather than just "recap" everything that happened.

I would say the story isn't quite as in depth as the series, but there is something that Next Innovation is shooting for, and that carries most of the special pretty well. The cast all returns flawlessly, and they've got even more chemistry now. Ishihara Satomi and Oguri Shun are squee-worthy and adorable, but also emotionally matched. When they argue, you feel it in your gut. When they smile at each other, you're heart's about to explode with happiness.

The music I down-graded because they re-use stuff from the show, when I kind of wished it had been all new music. miwa does a new tune, I believe, but it doesn't have a second version or anything fun like that.

I wouldn't say it's as re-watchable on its own, either, but if you watch it as another episode in the series it works great!

Basically I loved it for its pandering to fans of the original drama, but not necessarily as a stand alone piece. It's certainly cute, but definitely not as hard-hitting as the source. Worth watching after the fact, and as another episode, but as a special it doesn't feel very... special?

Leia Mais

I finished this drama just yesterday and gave myself some time to figure everything out.

Story::

The story was alright. Nothing special. I noticed that the main actor was supposed to be shown 'doing the right thing' but the things that she 'did' ruined the lives of other characters. And by doing so the viewer, you and I, began to think 'The hell is this woman doing?'. Even though she was 'doing' the right thing, it felt like she was being selfish. The writing for this drama didn't make much sense to me. Reactions by the characters did not at all match their situation. When they needed to be angry there weren't as angry as they should've been. The romance in the drama also felt kind of forced. There was always another love interest for the main female lead, and it never left the back of my mind that she had moved on. Even till the last episode.

Acting::

Very well done, except for what I mentioned earlier. The anger just wasn't there.

Overall, this is a fun drama to watch. You'll pull your hair out (granted you have any hair left from pulling your hair out during other dramas...you addict) and you'll laugh and cry. Definitely take this in light doses. Watching this in one go, is not what I'd recommend.

Leia Mais

This drama was so much better than I ever expected it to be. It made me cry, angry and on rare occasions, laugh, and definitely had those "pull your hair out" and "bang my head against a concrete wall" moments, but to be honest it's all worth it in the end. Although I feel like since we were viewing the whole background story thing, almost every event that took place (like Da Hae threats, or even Ha Ryu's (I don't want to give specific details out without spoiling it, but those of you who watched it should know what I mean)) you sorta knew how they were going to turn out because of the beginning. How she had already gotten to that high place she hoped for, but Ha Ryu's story took a bit of a twist, so it wasn't all predictable. I hope some of you don't consider that a spoiler, I'm trying to be as discreet as possible...

Like the others have stated before me, this was so hard to keep up with. I can't even tell you how many times I wanted to drop this drama because things were turning out so bad and it always felt like the good people were being wronged, but I think in the end that's what I loved most about this drama. It wasn't your typical "cookie-cutter" drama. Bad things WILL happen. Everyone doesn't just miraculously kiss and make-up, and go on with life. You will become so frustrated with this drama it's not even funny. But in my opinion, that's what make dramas so good to me.

And it possibly even showed some meaningful life lessons you can take with you into reality. How people can change, and betray you, and how some aren't all that they seem to be. It may even show the dirty side of our government, and how money is always involved to get one's way. But despite all that, I'll honestly probably never watch this again... Unless I want to cause myself more emotional trauma. The amount of tears that fell from my eyes.... Well, that's a different story. I hope you have a box of tissues lying around somewhere because *warning* you WILL use them.. all.

I hope all of you take a chance with this. This drama won't make you happy whatsoever, but it's so beautifully written you really have to see it for yourself.

Leia Mais

The storyline had great potential but was ruined due to the dull romance. For a musical drama, barely had any music at all. The main couple were god-damn annoying; the main guy could not act for his life and his character was actually kinda creepy (overly possessive in scenes) and I don't know how many times asian dramas are going to re-use the whole overly innocent girl who everyone loves cliche. Oh doo ri plus professor storyline could have been better but she became borderline creepy/stalkerish (the drama kinda romanticized stalking). The best parts were probably Byung hun and Do sung parts as their storylines were great as well as their singing. This drama needed more "pizazz" to be a good musical drama.

Leia Mais

Ok alot of you have drop this drama and I can see why. The quility was bad but the story was pretty ok.
I love watching dramas so even if you have more boring parts then fun parts I try to give you a chance. This drama is werid and very old.

The acting could be way better. The music was very different. I wouldnt watch this again ounce is plety. I like the main actors so I stay with it, I recommand you to watch it if you are bored or what somthing old and odd to watch.
This drama had its good parts but I think that up to you because where all different when it comes to drama. Well I hope this helped you enjoy.~Miya24

Leia Mais

Spoilers for S1 finale

The special picks up where we left off in the Season 1 finale. Toru is reinstated as President & CEO of Next Innovation; Asahina is paroled and living a simple life as a software engineer; and Makoto is a world away in Brazil, pursuing her dream of becoming a research scientist.

For one week she returns to Japan to be with Toru, who can't seem to make up his mind about what exactly she is to him.

I thought these two were already officially dating, albeit long distance, but turns out this is not the case. In the special they're given a chance to develop their relationship from a question mark to a period. Their journey is, of course, fraught with professional obstacles, miscommunications & Toru's eccentricities. Like with every new relationship having another person share your life, your personal space is an adjustment for both parties. But Makoto learns to ask for what she needs & Toru learns to compromise.

Sometimes I watch TV couples and think if they were real they'd never make it beyond TV land. But I feel good about this couple. I love their bicker and banter. They already seem like an old married duo.

Along the way there were moments when I wanted to slap the sh.. out of Toru. I mean how obtuse, stubborn & cantankerous can one man get? Everything worked out for the best though.

The ending was nice. Left a huge grin on my face. I even started to hate Asahina a little less. I didn't take notice of the OST before, but here it was very fitting. The theme song is actually quite beautiful.

Overall, this was a nice addition to the series. I enjoyed it more than the drama because there was more focus on the development of Toru & Makoto's relationship. Hence the 9 scoring. Not everything was as I had hoped for, but I still really, really liked it. Now I just hope they produce a season 2 because even though we got some closure on the couple's relationship, their story still feels incomplete.

I'd love to see them again, juggling life, career and love, and preferably living under the same roof. But this is a Japanese series we're talking about. I won't hold my breath on that happening even if they do make a S2.

Anyway, give this a go. You can watch it without having seen S1. You'll still be able to follow. Would I re-watch? Yes. I don't know exactly when it happened, but these characters have really grown on me. I'll never get tired of seeing them together.

Leia Mais

How do I even begin to explain how much I loved and hated this drama...

I think I will begin with good points.

First of all this drama held me on the corner of my chair all the time. As the drama is about deception, and the liar is the main character, and none other than the handsome and unbelievably hot Jo In-Sung, I felt conflicted all the time, from one point I wanted Young to believe him, I wanted him to win over her, so that he can get the money and love on, but from another, I was against her falling for his lies, as I liked Young's cold and calculative logic about his behavior, and every time she caught him on his act, I checked points in her favor.

Another good point: the most mature male lead character ever seen by me in a Korean drama. Can you believe it? A mature Korean drama character... I was shocked myself... The moment I came to really adore Soo's character is when he got the bracelet from Young and was thinking that for the first time he was thinking, how much pain HE is going to live through after his farce was over. He, of course, knew how much pain he would inflict into Young, but I liked him more as a human being as he knew, he was in that lie deeper that he ever wanted to be.

I can't say say all the nice things I was thinking about Young in the beginning of the drama, as they all got erased from my brain because of her zombie acting during all 4 last episodes...

The character that does not leave my mind is MooChul... damn... that man's charisma was just oozing from him, though of course, everybody will hate him from the start, but after knowing him more and after his character's development... I think everybody must come to like the man!

Now the bad point! The ENDING! The director and the writers can give lessons "How to ruin a perfect drama with the last 4 episodes"... What the hell was wrong? How could this drama end like that? I was so shocked, I couldn't believe my eyes. Nothing made sense... everything just happened... and then one year later... and then again... some thins happening... the end... Oh My God... I was going to give this drama a 10, but damn, they ruined it so badly...

Not end my review with a negative note, I am saying, this drama is great, I honestly love it, no, really, despite the ruined ending it gave me a lot of breathless moments and beautiful (a little strange, yes) romance and friendship (?)... The music was great, both the score and OSTs. The cinematography is awesome, so clear and so vivid, I definitely like the HD camera SBS has gotten its hands on.

Try it, for sure, I know I will come back for it too...

Leia Mais

I just marathon rewatched Secret Garden. I looked at my rating for this drama when I watched it back in 2011 and was not sure why I gave it an 8. I have watched a lot of drama since then. I would say this ranks as an outstanding drama. Sure Joo Won is a total jerk at the beginning of this drama, but he more than redeems himself by the end. Some may feel like Ra Im lets him walk all over her. I think she stands up for herself and finally can tell the difference between him being an ass and just stating facts in his own direct (sometimes harsh) way. I prefer harsh truth to kind lies...those lies would have hurt her worse. Plus this drama has one of the best endings ever.

The acting is, of course, off the chain. Hyun Bin and Ha Ji Won had great chemistry and they both played the body switch to perfection. I usually hate body switch stories, but because of the great acting, I really enjoyed it. Yoon Sang Hyun as Oska and Yoo In Na as Ah Young were also good and I loved their story. Lee Philip as Jong Soo is just too manly. I liked the other side characters also. I had forgotten just what kind of evil mom Park Joon Geum played as Joo Won's mom. Total crazy.

The music is good.

It is rewatchable. Obviously, since I just rewatched it.

I think every one should watch it.

Leia Mais

If you enjoy triangular love stories and specially the ones where the main leads get completely crazy about each others then you should definitely watch this drama !

When I watch new dramas I try to give it a fair chance - I watch around 5 episodes, and i was right to do it for this drama, as I didn't really like the first episodes... The music at the beginning was just horrible (no real main theme, some old stuff from 2003 radio etc.) but then it improved a lot! The story is quite typical, nothing exciting on this side, but it s this kind of good old script that we always enjoy.

I would say the most negative aspect of the drama was the main leads .... style. I don't know who was in charged of the clothes but they were quite awful (and it s not because it`s a relatively old show...I saw other dramas from 2003/2004 and they were better dressed...) Second thing was the music as I said before, even if they found later on a ''main theme'' that gets into your heart quite fast... and also the main leads cry, cry, cry....

But well, overall it's a good drama with good acting, attaching main leads (I was so sorry for the poor girl, it makes you cry with her). There are many touching scenes (almost no funny - make you smile scenes...) And well, the ending is unexpected as well.

Re-watch value is poor - but if you didn't yet see it, I would give it a try !

Leia Mais

First of all, who needs romance when we've got bromance? lol. School 2013 is absolutely the best bromance I've ever watched. And this is coming from a person who's already watched Shut Up Flower Boy Band and Can You Hear My Heart. I started it and frankly the first two episodes were a little boring for me. But once Heung Soo transferred to their school it just became awesome. And ironically, Heung Soo didn't even do much. He just sat on his desk smirking from time to time in Go Nam Soo's direction. They made such a cute couple! Seriously their cuteness made me wish they were gay and they'd get married or something. But on the other hand I don't want them to be gay at all because they're just so cool and I have a huge crush on both of them. lol. Ok, now I'll stop with the fangirling :P

I also liked Park Se Young as a gloomy, quiet, oozing-with-confidence class topper. I also loved Min Ki the angel, Chang Hwan the sweet sweet boy, Jung Ho the gangster, Jung Ho's friends, Kang Joo the bubbly bestfriend and others that I can't really recall right now.

And, you know, the thing is that romance is great to watch and all that but watching these friendship dramas once in a while leaves us with a warm, fuzzy feeling which we feel in life when we hang out with our friends at school or wherever. Friends and schoolmates - we make unforgettable and probably the best memories with them. And dramas that portray that - we can personally relate to them. What I'm basically trying to say through this mini-speech is that even though there's no romance in this drama, don't let it stop you from watching it. It's a gem.

Leia Mais