City Hunter (2011)

Compelling.. Highly Gripping.. I AM AMAZED!.. Hands down.:)

Story: Fast-paced., Episode 1 will give what the story is all about so don't you dare miss it! I love how the story builds problems and conflicts but it will be solved in a way that you will be satisfied, surprised and will keep you at the edge of your seat. The revenge theme was there till the end, no loose ends,it's good. This was really action packed- for me, I was not even bored, I want to finish it at one seat-- only if I have all the time..The romance was enveloped in way that it helped develop the main story and the characters as well. I also loved how most of the characters had their own stories to tell, giving more depth on the story. I was satisfied in the ending because there was a feeling that everything perfectly went on their place.

Acting/Cast: For me, I felt their suffering, happiness, love, hate, sadness, revenge, the mother's longing, everything they want to convey, I felt all of them. Lee Min Ho is so good in his role, I love him! His acting was incredibly superb! The chemistry between the couple was evident,though I wish there was more on them after everything was resolved. I love all the supporting cast and how their portrayals all seemed important in the overall story. I want to hate the main antagonist but I can't,I felt pathetic for him. Indeed, no one can really fully understand someone unless the exactly same thing happened to him/her.


Music: The music was created in such a way that it enhances the atmosphere of the episode! So fitting! I found myself humming the songs even after I had finished this.

Rewatch value: I finished this 2 months ago and had an idea of giving it a review after rewatching it 3 times. So far this was the only drama that I rewatched since I was bored recently. Still it gave me the same feeling.

Overall: I guess I said all I want to convey only for you to be convinced to watch this! I absolutely loved this, no doubt it's my all time- favorite :)) Kudos to the authors, directors and City Hunter family.

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Cute, entertaining, addictive.

I finished watching this drama quite a long time ago (roughly 2 years?)but I still remember, well, most of it. Since I re-watched bit of it yesterday, I figure I should write a review.

I absolutely love the idea of the plot. This type silent hero who seeks for revenge just kills me. My first impression of the drama was: "Oh, something like the modern version Iljimae?!" so when I watch first episode I was not impressed. In many ways, the drama could have done better. While I appreciated that it was necessary as the foundation of the story, I found it hard to swallow and lengthy. The story did get better when the revenge and romance kicked in later in the middle of the drama. It focused more on love line than the actual substance of the revenge so that was probably why it was not THAT THRILLING given the plot idea. Well by not that thrilling I meant the story gave the hero so many easy wins and the detective couldn't have any real impact to the hero's revenge plan, not till the very end. As I was watching I kept wondering how can it be so easy in Korea to kidnap a high ranking politician, too easy that it was frightening. Well, staffs in the Blue House was a mess. Compare to a very similar drama in same genre: Galsitak which came out later in 2012, Galsitak was definitely more thrilling in terms of keeping our hero on his tip toe. BUT, I did have a lot of fun watching it, as it was very edible and entertaining. The characters were not that hard to read and probably why it was very addictive, suitable for entertaining. I love the twist at the end however I think the ending could have been more momentum. I do love the action in the drama. I think the drama was very cute despite its suggested route of a melo-drama. So while Galsitak, Iljimae and City Hunter have the same feel, the way they presented it was not the same.

The cast. I have seen several dramas starring Lee Minho as well as Park Min Young and I personally don't think they have great acting ability. For Lee Minho, probably because he hasn't yet chosen many different types of characters for his works but I think he suits this kind of mysterious hero well. The chemistry between two actors was actually great. They suit each other perfectly and it was why the love line was very vivid and cute.

The music, probably worst music I have seen in a drama. Most of the time because it was misplace and the choice of song was not suitable as well. Normally I wouldn't care less about the music, but the music in City Hunter sometimes really kills the mood.

Re-watch value? I like to rewatch City Hunter many times. Although the drama itself was not exceptional but and even after I was aware of its bad points I still want to re-watch its bits and bits. I love the idea very much and its very entertaining even when you rewatch it. Its very addictive, I would say.

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Why is this considered a classic?

Lee Min Ho is flat and uninspiring yet again, and Park Min Young is dragged down by a bad script and bad character. The plot is somewhat interesting initially, but it quickly falls apart once Lee Min Ho starts meting out justice. The whole framework of the show is a joke, really, and a weak vehicle for the lacklustre romance between the leads. They have no chemistry, are constantly making annoying and illogical decisions and just get worse as the story goes on. Worst of all, it takes itself seriously! This show believes itself to be the most badass thing, and I can't even stand to watch it ironically.

This drama gives me a headache. If you loved Healer and want something from a similar era, give it a go. But it is not good. Lee Min Ho, how did you get so famous?

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Overall: 8/10
Characters: 8/10
Plot: 9/10
Feels Factor: 7/10

Wait, before we start we all need to take a second to appreciate how funny it was when they said "City Hunter." In the Korean language, they have a hard time getting that hard "s" out there, so the "s" in "city" came out sounding like a "sh" sound. Say it to yourself. Okay, good, I got that out of my system. It was funny.

Moving past that, this drama was great, everyone! Action, suspense, romance, facemasks...

Where do Korean up-to-no-good-ers find these things? Anyway, besides Lee Min Ho looking great in a mask, this drama had a lot of high points for me. Here's the good and the bad.

The Bad: I am a sappy romance kind of person, and while this drama did have a fair amount of romance in it (enough to appease even me), it wasn't as focused as I would have liked it to be. There was only one kiss in this drama, and at the very end they weren't exactly running into each other's arms. Granted, a lot of sad and heavy things happened, so I'd imagine neither of them were exactly feeling it. But a *touch* more would have made me happier.

The other negative thing I might say about this drama was that it was kind of slow to start. For me, anyway, having an entire first episode of set up was a bit draggy. It took me a while to get into it. And although the plot is very gripping, I actually left this one to watch other things in between. So it wasn't a "can't put it down" kind of drama for me.

The Good: Pretty much everything else you can think of, this drama nailed it. Music? Gripping. Plot? Entrancing. Chemistry? Totally hot. It's an action drama with a great romance weaved into it, and I think it would appeal to a wide audience. This is the drama where I fell in love with Lee Min Ho, because his performance was just spot on. Kim Na Na, the main girl, was very cute, and she played her role perfectly. I already loved her from the first drama I had watched ("Sungkyunkwan Scandal"), and her feminine but capable character in this drama suited her well. Lee Min Ho's character Lee Yoon Sung also fit him nicely, and the acting all around was--from my limited knowledge--pretty flawless.

The whole drama was just different enough to feel a bit refreshing, but still familiar enough that you know you're watching a classic Kdrama. To make it even better, there's a satisfying ending, and the bad people end up where they ought to, and the good people come out on top. But they throw you enough curve balls that you don't feel like its too predictable or stagnant. And that's why I had to give this an 8, even if its not up there in my "grand romances" list, it's up there in my high production value, high rewatch value list.

Your ahjumma friend's verdict: Watch this when you're in the mood for a thriller.

Read this and other drama reviews at http://theahjummas.blogspot.com

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1.) Why I watched this
- Honestly I didn't watch this for the longest time the synopsis sounded really stupid and sounded just like a romance between workers , however about a year ago I was looking for something to watch and I finally watched this , BEST DECISION I EVER MADE

2.) Why you should watch it
- This has such an amazing story line that the synopsis does not do justice, the acting was amazing and there's a strong female lead ( even though shes stupid at times i"ll let it off this time) also there are so many great and important details that the first time around i didn't see ( all in all i have watched it 6 times and find something new every time) They also mix SOME humor in to it, there's romance and there's just so much suspense, you will be on the edge of your seat i promise you

3.) The music
- This soundtrack couldn't get any better i promise after your done watching it you'll be going - Oh its alrightt~~~~~ so so so many great songs i mean there's jonghyun and girls day and just so many many many great songs

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I really enjoyed this drama as it covers nearly everything: "spy" work, action, fighting, romance, friendship, teamwork, family, forgiveness.

The only thing I didn't like was that I felt so bad for the prosecutor and when Nana was having a hard time because of the City Hunter (am I terrible with names, I just finished this drama and I already forgot the main characters' name). There were a few other minor annoyances here and there, but otherwise the plot flowed really well. I do have to admit though that it took a bit to get me truly hooked into this drama and by that point I was watching this in marathon mode.

Great acting by all parties, but especially Lee Min Ho. I have to admit it other dramas I didn't exactly "love" Lee Min Ho's acting, but in this one he just steals the cake. Also I really liked the main actress too -she did such a good job with the range of emotions and just her overall personality.

Music soundtrack was great, and I am going to make myself learn some of the songs on the piano. :)

Rewatch value for this drama is really good, because once you finish it you just want to go back for more! I think a sequal to this drama would be really awesome, however unfortunately I feel that a sequal wouldn't end up being nearly as good as the original. :(

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If I had to describe how City Hunter made me feel, there would be a lot of incoherent and hysterical sounds coming out of my mouth . That’s how good it was . But I’ll try to stay sane and really talk about that oh-so-wonderful drama !

When I heard about the korean adaptation of City Hunter, I must say, I was quite excited. The main character is an amazing cop with a cheap casanova personality. But in that drama, there is some cop action (more bodyguard for the president action) but the cheap casanova is nowhere to be seen… I know, they had to change the plot because of the similarities with Plan B (which was pretty bleh.) but they could AT LEAST keep that “cheesy pervert” vibe… Or change the name of the drama.

It was what I thought first… GOD I WAS WRONG. After a few episodes, I totally forgot about the original City Hunter.

This is probably one of the best drama I’ve ever seen .It wasn’t as funny as I thought it would be, but definitely not a bad drama. And for some various reasons:

- Some REALLY GOOD actors. Lee Min Ho kicked some serious ass. Boy, that guy can act !!!
- a REALLY GOOD plot . The all revenge plan was oh-so-good.
- Some REALLY GOOD eye candies. Lee Min Ho and that sexy prosecutor for the ladies and Park Min Young who is too pretty for her own good.
- Some REALLY GOOD kick ass fight scenes . Seriously, mind blowing. *___* Did you ever seen a cool fight scene with a bottle of water ? Well, City Hunter did it.
- Some REALLY GOOD close up on Lee Min Ho’s ass . And Dat ass is a masterpiece.
- some REALLY GOOD close up on Sexy Prosecutor. That sauna scene… I will never forget it .

I think most of drama’s writers don’t know how to finish their story. But not this one. I was, for the first time in my life I think, pleasant by how all the story ended.

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