Reviews written by Aryf
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Sandglass (SBS TV Series)(US Version)
Sandglass (SBS TV Series)(US Version) DVD Region 1
(7)Our Price: US$79.99List: US$99.99Save: US$20.00 (20%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:February 6, 2009 Why?Despite the acclaim and loyal fans, I myself found this quite uninteresting (I can almost hear the 'boos' from fans of this...) and I really wanted to like it; I really tried to like it. I think many Korean people have an attachment to this as they themselves may have lived through that time in history or certainly every Korean knows people who have. Also, it may be a nostalgic thing going back to when this drama was first broadcast. Or - for its time maybe this drama was good but the writing has generally gotten so much better for almost all dramas.
The plot is so 'all over the place' and jumps back and forth before really investing any real time in character development. Sometimes I found myself wondering exactly who the main characters were (if it weren't for their pictures on the box, who knows?) and what the real, 'main' plot was.
There's a lot going on here as far as a big cast, many sub-plots, lots of flashbacks and 'time-skipping'. After a while it almost gets to be like the latest three Star Wars films (i.e. episodes 1, 2 and 3) in that there's such a huge cast it's hard to keep track of who's who and lots of them have no bearing on the main story anyway.
Plus the tone is often rather miserable. This was obviously a dark, shameful part of recent Korean history and is reflected well in this drama. Still, not particularly inspiring to watch as entertainment.
I had no attachment to the characters and just wanted it to be over after a while (maybe around episode 13 or so). I did force myself to finish it two months ago and can't even remember (nor do I care) how it ended.
So...sorry to the fans of Sandglass; I am sure there are other things we may agree on.....Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Save the Last Dance for Me (SBS TV Series)(US Version)
Save the Last Dance for Me (SBS TV Series)(US Version) DVD Region 1
(51)Our Price: US$74.99List: US$99.99Save: US$25.00 (25%)Related promotions:December 24, 2008 Well-made, emotionally connectedWell made melodrama. Good performances, generally. An interesting storyline with the usual plot-twists and surprises here and there. Lots of anticipation for crucial moments (no spoilers) when certain people find out things that were kept from them and so on. I did connect with this one as I was cheering for our heroes and hating the ones we 'love to hate'. Beautiful ending. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
What Planet Are You From? (MBC TV Series)(US Version)
What Planet Are You From? (MBC TV Series)(US Version) DVD Region 1
(21)Our Price: US$69.99List: US$99.99Save: US$30.00 (30%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
December 24, 2008 Not my cup of teaSadly, this drama did not 'do it' for me. I did not feel connected with the characters. I just found the story and premise to be somewhat standard and unimaginative. I know others reviewed it positively so if you agree with them on their other reviews you may want to give this a spin. I just found it to be a pedestrian K-Drama with nothing new, exceptional, fresh nor unique. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Spring Waltz (KBS TV Series) (US Version)
Spring Waltz (KBS TV Series) (US Version) DVD Region 1
(30)Our Price: US$49.99List: US$99.99Save: US$50.00 (50%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:December 24, 2008 RefreshingThis drama was a little different from most formulaic K-Dramas. There is no 'bad girl' until quite late in the story. There was no 'we can't get married because my family doesn't like you' element. And it was different to see the characters speaking English and German plus the shooting locales in Europe. I felt this story-arc stayed interesting throughout, without losing momentum as happens in other dramas sometimes. Except Daniel Henney, the leads are fresh, new talents, so it wasn't a case of 'Oh, I've seen him in a hundred and one other things.' This one and Summer Scent are my two favorite 'seasons' (sorry, Winter Sonata fanatics...). The flashbacks are beautifully filmed, acted and edited. The story stays in the past for quite some time in the beginning. This gives the viewer a solid background and understanding of why the main characters are where they are presently. Smooth transitions between the present and the past. Many times, in other dramas, this becomes jumpy and confusing but in this it's done very well. Satisfying ending. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Stained Glass (SBS TV Series)(US Version)
Stained Glass (SBS TV Series)(US Version) DVD Region 1
(10)Our Price: US$24.99List: US$99.99Save: US$75.00 (75%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
December 24, 2008 Good, not amazingThis one starts off with a great premise and pulls you in immediately.
Despite that I love Kim HaNeul, I feel this drama is good, not great. The pacing lags a little in the latter half and the typical K-Drama 'back-and-forth' (will she marry Mr.A or Mr. B or Mr. A or Mr. B or Mr. A........?) is a little repetitive. Still, for fans of the actors/resses, it's an enjoyable drama to watch.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Happy Together (DVD) (English Subtitled) (SBS TV Series)(US version)
Happy Together (DVD) (English Subtitled) (SBS TV Series)(US version) DVD Region 1
(7)Our Price: US$19.99List: US$99.99Save: US$80.00 (80%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
November 28, 2008 Wonderful journey.I thoroughly enjoyed this drama. I watched all sixteen episodes in four days. Initially, I had reservations about buying it as some reviews here were not very good. I decided to take a chance, as not everyone has the same opinion and as it had such an incredible 'all-star' ensemble. I think this is one of the dramas that was a forerunner and set the tone for most K dramas to follow. I liked the performances and the story was wrapped up nicely without any 'loose ends'. Good character development plus some elements of humor. One can definitely see the chemistry between 전진현 (Jeon JiHyeon) and 차태현 (Cha TaeHyeon) (of 엽기적인 그녀 - aka 'My Sassy Girl' - fame). 송승헌 (Song Seun-Heon) is great as the tortured prosecuting DA. He has proven to be a versatile actor ranging from a sweetheart (Summer Scent) to a high school tough guy (The Guy Was Cool) and beyond. 이병헌 (Lee Byeong-Heon) initially comes across as pathetic but proves to have a heart of gold. And of course 김하늘 (Kim HanNeul) is perfect in her devotion to her fiance; one can see her every emotion dance across her face, even if she does not say a word.
Anyway, without further ado, I recommend you see this. I think it's a good to gauge to check out more reviews by the same person. For the people that reviewed this negatively, please read their other reviews on things you already have seen. And please read my other reviews for the same reason to get a better idea of how and if your tastes are similar to the reviewers. In any case, for fans of the cast, it is also nice to see them in their 'early days' (this is from 1999).Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Glass Slipper Vol. 1 (To Be Continued)(SBS TV Series)(US Version)
Glass Slipper Vol. 1 (To Be Continued)(SBS TV Series)(US Version) DVD Region 1
(16)Our Price: US$24.99List: US$99.99Save: US$75.00 (75%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:August 30, 2007 Will pull you inThis one started out very strong and mostly stayed that way. I felt it lost a little momentum toward the end and the ending itself felt a little anti-climactic. Not a bad ending, but it just didn't 'end with a bang', as the saying goes. Good performances with likeable characters and of course the villains, whom you just want to punch in the face each time they appear. I really got into this story, especially anticipating when the bad people got their 'just desserts'. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Mr. Duke (MBC TV Series)(US Version)
Mr. Duke (MBC TV Series)(US Version) DVD Region 1
(16)Our Price: US$19.99List: US$99.99Save: US$80.00 (80%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:July 20, 2007 A RompLighthearted drama. Not as gripping as others, but fun to watch. Some other reviewers wrote the acting was unconvincing and I'm wondering if they missed the point. It's supposed to be campy and a caricature of itself, not serious. Interesting ending leaves you wondering exactly what happened. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Secret (MBC TV Series)(US Version)
Secret (MBC TV Series)(US Version) DVD Region 1, 4
(26)Our Price: US$24.99List: US$99.99Save: US$75.00 (75%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:July 20, 2007 Thoroughly Entertaining.A great, if somewhat formulaic drama. What makes this one is the acting and interaction between the main characters, not least of all the two main leads. Ha Ji-Won is so good at playing anything and her role of the lying, conniving, insecure sister is great. When things are going her way, she's great and when her character gets into trouble, you can see the fear and immaturity in her face. Kim Ha-Neul's character tries her best to be patient with her but eventually gets fed up and 'the gloves come off'. As the blurb says, you'll be yelling, cussing and cheering at the screen. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Rooftop Room Cat, aka: Attic Cat (MBC TV Series) (US Version)
Rooftop Room Cat, aka: Attic Cat (MBC TV Series) (US Version) DVD Region All
(153)Our Price: US$69.99List: US$99.99Save: US$30.00 (30%)Related promotions:July 8, 2007 You still live, Da-Bin!A cute story based on an internet novel. The chemistry between Da-Bin and Rae-Won is fantastic - perfect casting. Interesting story and music with some strong performances. Although I was not 100% crazy about the ending, everything else still lifts 'Oktapbang' high above most other dramas. Jung Da-Bin completely 'makes' this drama. We will greatly miss her. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Four Sisters (MBC TV Series)(US Version)
Four Sisters (MBC TV Series)(US Version) DVD Region All
(21)Our Price: US$64.99List: US$99.99Save: US$35.00 (35%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:July 8, 2007 Beautiful StoryAlthough this was not as strong as 'Eve', which it of course gets compared to often, this one was good in its own right. Not quite as dramatic and fast-paced as 'Eve', this one still had many memorable moments that made it worthwhile and to also watch again. The dynamic between the four sisters and the men in their lives seemed to be ever-changing and evolving. The writing and plot is the strength of this one. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Hotelier (MBC TV Series) (US Version)
Hotelier (MBC TV Series) (US Version) DVD Region All
(200)Our Price: US$29.99List: US$99.99Save: US$70.00 (70%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:July 8, 2007 First LoveThis is the K-Drama that started my addiction.(coincidentally it is also the first one Tom Larsen of YA Entertainment acquired). An involved story with lots of characters and of course a few 'shockers' in the storyline. Although this one has the star-power of 'Yon-sama' and Song Hye-Kyo, I think 'Hotelier' is about an ensemble cast, where everyone's lives are very much interrelated. Serious 'cliffhangers'; each episode will keep you guessing (and not being able to wait to find out) till the very end. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Dae Jang Geum aka : Jewel in the Palace Volume 1 (MBC TV Series) (US Version)
Dae Jang Geum aka : Jewel in the Palace Volume 1 (MBC TV Series) (US Version) DVD Region All
(17)Our Price: US$54.99List: US$99.99Save: US$45.00 (45%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
July 8, 2007 Epic Perfection!Yet another kudos for this truly amazing, epic series. The storyline is full of important events that will determine the course of the characters' lives; plot twists and surprises. Although the director humbly, in typical Korean self-effacing fashion said he'd make a better drama next time, there are few (and only very minor) things, if any, that could improve this. Great attention to detail in sets, cinematography and such. The acting makes it easy to forget that there is actually a camera rolling behind the scenes and the highly acclaimed music is a great blend of traditional and modern. The chemistry between Lee Young-Ae and Ji Jin-Hee positively shines and the rest of the cast is great, too. Strong comic relief from Im Hyeon-Sik. Viewing this journey is an experience that will stay with you long after the final scene. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
My Lovely Sam-Soon (English Subtitled)(MBC TV Series)(US Version)
My Lovely Sam-Soon (English Subtitled)(MBC TV Series)(US Version) DVD Region 1
(70)Our Price: US$74.99List: US$99.99Save: US$25.00 (25%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:July 8, 2007 Worth The HypeEasy to see why this one was the highest rated K-Drama of its year. Strongly cast, with a refreshing departure. 'Sam-Soon' is somewhat 'formula' and predictable in plot, but the execution and production of this tale makes it shine. Snappy dialogue plus more of a slapstick element than most dramas. This may be the most appealing drama for non-Koreans and people just starting to explore Korean dramas. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
All About Eve (MBC TV Series) (US Version)
All About Eve (MBC TV Series) (US Version) DVD Region All
(109)Our Price: US$74.99List: US$99.99Save: US$25.00 (25%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
July 4, 2007 Simply Flawless!Possibly my favorite K-Drama. Strong acting, pacing and a brilliant ending! I couldn't stop watching this and finally after watching episodes 1-8 non-stop had to put it down. This one does not drag one bit, all the characters are interesting. Perhaps one unrealistic part is that the two leads are so clearly black-and-white 'good vs. evil', but it makes for great entertainment. 'Eve' has serious parts, emotional parts plus a few laughs. Perfect! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Stairway To Heaven (SBS TV Series) (US Version)
Stairway To Heaven (SBS TV Series) (US Version) DVD Region 1
(212)Our Price: US$39.99List: US$105.99Save: US$66.00 (62%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
July 4, 2007 SEE IT!If this drama does not move you, you must be dead. A beautifully heartbreaking story with some of the best performances by Choi Ji-Woo and Kwon Sang-Woo. It makes you feel as if you're with these people, right in the middle of the action. Great soundtrack. It's impossible not to 'yell-at-the-TV' during certain parts. Really gratifying to see the 'bad people' get what's coming to them. Make sure you have a box of tissues before you start this one. This one was so powerful, I felt like I had been through an emotional wringer and had to wait a full year before I could watch it again. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Shoot for the Stars (SBS TV Series)(US Version)
Shoot for the Stars (SBS TV Series)(US Version) DVD Region 1
(11)Our Price: US$49.99List: US$99.99Save: US$50.00 (50%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
July 4, 2007 Good One!One of the more interesting dramas, this has some plot-twists and is slightly predictable but despite that turns in some great performances and you really care about the characters. Of course this was no stretch for a talented, versatile actress like Jeon Do-Yeon, but she still shines in it. Good pacing, moves along at a good tempo. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Ruler of Your Own World, aka: As You Wish (MBC TV Series) (US Version)
Ruler of Your Own World, aka: As You Wish (MBC TV Series) (US Version) DVD Region All
(14)Our Price: US$69.99List: US$99.99Save: US$30.00 (30%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:July 4, 2007 I Don't Get It (??)A mediocre K-drama. After all the hype and good press this received, I found it very average, un-engaging and a bit unfocused. I didn't connect with the characters and therefore have not 'invested' anything emotionally into what happens to them. If it's 'brilliant' or 'groundbreaking', I have yet to discover why. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Freeze Limited Edition (English Subtitled) (CGV TV Series)
Freeze Limited Edition (English Subtitled) (CGV TV Series) DVD Region 3
(4)Our Price: US$52.99List: US$69.99Save: US$17.00 (24%)Related promotions:2 people found the following helpful
May 2, 2007 EISSHH!!Wow, this is so flat. A very slow-moving, boring drama. Not much of the vampire element. I had to watch 'Interview with the Vampire' just to get a taste of the vampire thing again. Jumpy editing, it's not downright 'bad', just so dull that you don't care what happens to the characters (and I know Lee SeoJin and Park HanBuyl have done much better stuff). Myself, I tried to get through the first two episodes, but twenty minutes into the third one couldn't waste my time any longer. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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