Recuerdos de la Alhambra (2018)

This drama has so much potential. It has a unique concept and a great storyline. It shows cinematic views, amazing soundtrack and talented set of actors. This is one of the most intense drama that I've watched. I remember looking forward to weekends so I can watch this. I cried, laughed and feel for the characters. Hyun Bin as ML was exeptional. You can see that he's one hell of an actor. His character has one of the best development and Hyun Bin as an actor was given a great opportunity to show different emotions. However, Park Shin Ye suffered from a poorly written character. I don't think it's the actress fault, it's not because she lacks the skill in acting. It's just how her character was written.

Memories of Alhambra ended with many questions left unanswered. This has the kind of ending that would like the viewers to think and conclude on their own. But it's impossible to do that with the many plot holes subjected for the sake of keeping the story interesting. There was no conclusion at all. No closure. It's like you're riding a fast car with a breathtaking view, but you never reach your destination. You go round and round (so many flashbacks and repetitive scenes) but the car just broke down, and left you stranded. That's how it feels. I'm not expecting an over the top happy ending. I know from the way it started, it might not end well. But atleast a decent ending that the characters and the viewers deserved should have been considered.

So if you're looking for a unique storyline with great cinematography and superb acting, you may give this a try.

But if you're looking for romance and happy endings, this one isn't for you.

Leer más

Girl leadership literally just cries. It is no exaggeration. The character of the game (Emma) is more useful than her. I hoped she would join the game but it never happened. Waste from ShinHye Park. Why hire such an expensive actress to cry and play the guitar?
Worst line of romance ever. It's unnatural and it seems like they got together just because they are protagonists and dramas happen like that. The male lead was an unpleasant character who should not have romance with anyone. I hated him in romantic pair. If it were interpreted by an ugly man, he would be unpleasant but as the actor is beautiful say he is "cool and sexy". Agh
The plot was very good. If you delete the girl leader and the romance line. But as always many important things have not been explained. The end is bad.
I recommend this drama if you want action and adventure. And do not care about bad explanations things.

Leer más

Every single week I've been looking forward for this drama. Episode 1 was spectacular! The writer truly captivated the audience attention into making it addictive for viewers as myself.
Leaving you on a cliff hanger so its obvious that you will be anxious to know what's happening next.

Each episode was thrilling, it got me all excited and what not, but it was episode 14 that really 'hit' me. Seeing how Jin-woo Interacted with Hee-joo, the level of intamcy had me shook, happy, sad and bothered at the same time because I had a feeling that things would have ended baldy and for some reason its like Jin-Woo Was saying goodbye.
PLUS, seeing Se-joo coming back to be reunited with the family I just knew the outcome of Jin-woo would be devastating. Knowing what he had to and went through to get See-Joo back, ugh I was sad.

Now fast forward to the last episode, episode 16. All the other previous episodes were great, wonderful continuations but the 16th episode got me like
WTF, LIKE WTF. I knew the outcome of Jin-Woo Would not have turned out to be the best, but THIS BULLSHIT the writers gave me was not and will not be accepted. I thought that the last episode for crying out loud would have been EPIC, BUT its not, its pure crap. This is not the ending I was looking for. Why did he have to "die" why leave Hee-Joo In so much misery? At least they should have let him say goodbye to Hee-joo And finnaly part ways witheach other if needs be. Now that could have at least been a "good" ending and partially acceptable but him just shooting Bullets at the NPCs to save game users life does not make sense.

Why did the writer have an open ending? Is there hope for a second season? Because I think that many things were left unanswered and I need closure. If not, they should have a synoptic episode to explain what really happened to Jin-woo Because I know he's not dead, NPCs cannot attack each other so I know definitely that he's not dead. Also, the fact that Hee-joo was running towards the church and putting on her lens, will she be able to actually meet Jin-woo, see and feel him? So much need to be answered. Nevertheless its a wonderful drama and I recommend it to everyone.

WHAT I LIKED
The plot, the cinematography was on point, and the graphics of course was all good. The actors delivered their roles beautifully especially Hyun-Bin. The emotions he portrayed had me thinking that it was actually real. I always say that if an actor makes me feel what he's feeling, the ability to picture myself in the same scene is a phenomenal actor and Hyun-Bin did just that.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
The ending, I think that the writers should have done a better job. There needs to be closure. Since Jin-woo had the key to heaven and he deleted the bugs but what about Marco, wasn't he a bug as well knowing to the fact that the error started with him? What I want to know is if he's bug is deleted then who deleted it.
Seeing that the last episode had an open ending maybe there might be a second season or a synoptic episode. All for now I don't know and I need answers.

Memories of the Alhambra is a wonderful drama with spectacular acting by each cast, if you have not seen it or are planning to I Trish Mish highly recommend it.

Leer más

Memories of the Alhambra is an ambitious drama. It creates interest right from the start, with the mysterious disappearance of the creator of a live action game in Spain. Actually, the first two episodes were really good. As the viewer is trying to figure out what is going on and to understand the new technology and new drama genre that this drama introduces, the tension builts up and the action scenes become more and more. So, the good parts about this drama were : A) the game plot, B) the ending, C) the performances, D) SGI and action scenes. However, there were major wrongs about this one. First of all, the romance was weak and just wrong. They got together out of the blue and it is hard to believe that they developed feelings so strong to the point that they would worry so much for each other that it made them desperate. Also, the leading lady was really annoying. Not that the actress didn't play her role well. However, the script just killed the character. She ended up being this weak character who the only thing that did was worry about everyone and cry. And then there were the plot holes. Like, they just left their brother to another country, moved to Korea and a year later they remembered that he was missing (?!!). Finally, the plot was so slow paced that it felt like I was watching still the first episodes when the drama was halfway finished.
So, 5.5 out of 10, because this one had so much potential but the romance and the weak leading lady ruined it.

Leer más

So I was really hyped about this drama. I couldn't wait for it to start airing. What a letdown..
It started out a bit interesting, but as the plot progressed the entire story turned into a mess. (not that virtual-real interactions were realistic from ep1 onward) Almost nothing makes sense in any way. It reminds me a bit of the disappointment I felt, when I watched The Matrix Revolutions, it has similar, but more pronounced problems. To summarize the script is just bad. People criticize Park Shin Hye for bad acting, but honestly I think she was fine here, it's not her fault that the writer made her character a 2d persona with very little substance, sure I admit that she isn't the best when it comes to crying in kdramaland, but come on .. Technically this is a tragedy/melodrama, but it's difficult to take it seriously, so the melodramatic moments lack impact for that reason. As I said the story is a jumbled mess and I cannot take it seriously despite me being rather tolerant for nonsense, I loved SaO season1 for example.

Leer más

Im going to be honest I watched this drama because of Chanyeol but just finished this drama last night and really enjoyed it.
the plot is different and unique and each episode was thrilling (with some fillers) making you wonder what would happen next,
the visuals are amazing from CGI to the landscape, but not everything is perfect the only thing Im not a fan off was the romance I think they added it just because they can it felt a bit forced. And I wish Jung Hee Joo of done Less of the crying her tears alone could fill up the river themes.

the actors & actress did an amazing job Esp chanyeol it really bought the drama to life (:

Leer más

I only decided to watch this drama because I'm from Spain and it was set in Granada. I'm not a fan of Hyun Bin, and even if I've seen Park Shin Hye more than four times already, I can't get to like her acting (and my opinion unluckily does not improve in this one).
First of all, it was strange to see a Korean drama in the streets, trains, buildings that are so common for me. On the other hand there were some incoherences for a Spanish watcher (as to see the train lines in Catalan language when they are in the South of Spain, or that many of the Spanish extras in the drama had latin american accent). I'm aware that Korean people would never know all this, but I think the production could have done a better work.
I liked the story very much, all the action around the game and the augmented reality. It was really good. I didn't like at all the pseudo romance, it was completely unnecessary.
About the acting, Hyun Bin was really good. The drama is about him, and he does what he should do. On the other hand, Park Shin Hye’s role was unnecessary too. She does not add anything to the story nor she helps the male lead in any way. And, moreover, they could have chosen somebody who could speak Spanish (as Seo Ye Ji who at least studied at the university in Spain). Nobody could believe that someone who had been in a different country for 12 years could speak the language so bad. Even her brother Se Jo was much much better when he spoke in Spanish.
I didn't expect anything else from the ending, so I can't say I'm disappointed. I don't think either that the male and female lead happy ending would be a good ending… but I understand the bad reviews about this though.
If you want to watch something slightly different, with a new sci-fi story, a lot of action and different settings, go for it. But don't expect too much from it.

Leer más

Alhambra, our love is mr Yoo

This drama has one of the strongest first episodes in all of dramaland. Confusing (in a good way), packed with action and even a bit of humour. A good priview of what is to come as the time line in this is pretty messed upp just like the characters in it.

I have seen Hyun Bin in several dramas (Crash Landing on You was my first (K- drama). But I didn't really understand the hype ablut this guy until it finally hit me during this re-watch that this guy can deliver both action, kisses, voulnarabilaty and toast in a flawless manour. Seriously is there anything hotter than a guy who one moment fights ogmff terrorists, the next stands in a kitchen making toast?

His character is cold, raw, bad ass, a complete mess, honest to the point of laughter and just all round lovely.

Park Shin Hye masters the art of crying in this drama as she sheds every single type of tear possible. Loud, quiet, emotional mess, composed. Her character is also caring and has great chemistry with mr Yoo too. The romance lover within me would have wanted to see more moments between the two, but you that would probably come at the coast of the action and twists, which would have been a shame. So even if this indeed is a romance drama with great kisses and chemistry. It is not a drama you watch for the romance even if the OST keeps singing " My Love is Yoooooooo".

The villain*s in this are pure evil, well written and will indeed make you hope they get what they deserve.

The side characters will sometimes annoy you, other times they will break your heart. Each character has a purpose, so stay alert! Also, keep your eye out for Lee Jae Wook who has a tiney but important role in this.

Deffenetly a drama I recommend, to most.

Leer más

Did not intend to watch this due to Park Shin Hye being one of the cast, she has spoiled many almost great kdramas for me so has become quite a turn-off. Decided to give this a go after seeing reviews for the drama. Personally, I felt that the synopsis for this drama did not give it justice, synopsis simply wasn't interesting enough for a click. Thank goodness for viewer reviews. Surprisingly, this was a very captivating and exhilarating ride, especially if you like playing RPG games. Each episode was a great hook. This drama would be perfect and better received with a different lead actress, in my personal opinion. But still, I give this a 10, kudos.

Leer más

i watched this in 2021...somehow i don't really feel the urge to watch this sooner. after subscribe on netflix, and searching for a drama, i found this and i think i'll give it a try....

STORY
the story itself is promising, in some parts, for example about the AR game, and everything about the AR, but...there's a huge hole about how they ended the drama.
1. the drama has an open end, and...i don't really like open end drama
2. all the problem is solved, but...without proper explanation. they should explain it in detail, and cutting some reminiscent scene.
3. i really really love the AR part...fighting and the grand idea about it. the execution towards the end is depressing.
4. i really love hyun bin storyline, really hate park shin hye part.

ACTING
i agree with some other review with hyun bin amazing acting, but park shin hye make me depressed. as i watch this, i think :
1. maybe the drama will be better without Female Lead as i feel that her presence more like supporting female and sometime she just being a burden.
2. there's no spark and chemistry between FL and ML...mostly because FL i think. cause...when it comes to acted solo, the ML do his job perfectly.
3. i can blame the story for making the FL so depressing...but...on the screen, all she do is shock, look dumb, clueless, crying...maybe, just maybe...another actress can make the oh so frustrating female character better.
4. as i watch the FL, i remember seeing her in Pinocchio and the Heir, and i think her acting look exactly the same...maybe it's just my subjective opinion.

MUSIC
not much i remember, the memories of the alhambra play multiple time it feels like i can still hear it as i write this. LOL
but, adding music as a sign/reminder is a smart little detail.

REWATCH
me myself, have a lot of drama list to watch, so no...i really can't stand seeing FL in here. but maybe, just maybe i'll watch it again for the action and the AR, skipping the parts with FL.
i'm sorry, the FL just doesn't add any value in here. i think this dramas succeeded more because ML hard work and superb acting, story idea, amazing cinematography and CGI.
like i said, i even thinking this drama will still be amazing even without FL in it.

Leer más

I was rooting for you, we were ALL rooting for you

Well, this is what I get for choosing to watch a drama based only on kpop boys..

Actually, that's not entirely fair. This drama had a lot of promise, but unfortunately it missed on a couple notes. From the beginning, the plot is quite fun and engaging, especially with those beautiful Spanish backdrops. But once we leave the European setting, things start to go downhill.

One of my biggest problems with this drama lies with the romance story. While the main couple are obviously not the main part of this show, their relationship is a strong driving force for the plot and the drama is marketed as a fantasy romance thriller so I will treat it as such.

I would say what's wrong with the couple but I think that saying what's right with them would be quicker.. From the start there is no spark between the two characters. But this continues right through the relationship. There's almost no connection between the two, and the way they end up 'dating' is so casual that I didn't even realise it was a confession scene. This wouldn't be such a huge problem, as at the end of the day, this is mainly a fantasy thriller, IF the ending didn't rely so heavily on the romance. Which leads me to my biggest gripe with this show.

The ending. Honestly this last episode completely baffled me, I have no idea what was happening. The worst part of this show is without a doubt the last five minutes. By this point, we have already accepted that Jin Woo has died, but this has no effect, the death of the main character has no impact on the viewer. Honestly, if the show just ended like that with a sad ending I maybe wouldn't even be writing this review but instead they chose to shove an quick explanation for how he could have survived and shoe horn in a sequel bait ending scene of the female lead running to meet him. I just don't understand why this would be left to so far at the end, its just confusing and even more unsatisfying than the already unsatisfying conclusion we would have without this last five minutes.

I was so rooting for this show too, but unfortunately I was disappointed.

Leer más