Reviews

I had to think long and hard before writing this review. This was my first daily drama! And to add the element of revenge to it was gold! The child acting in the first few episodes was superb! When I first started the drama, I could only watch a few episodes at a time because it was a story line hard to watch because of the sheer meanness of some of the characters towards the lead Kang Yi Kyung played by Seo Woo. The things that her family did and allowed was amazing. I have to say that the writing did a wonderful job the first 100 episodes; however, the last 20 episodes were either unnecessary or just plain filler; leading us to an ending that was rushed beyond belief!.

Acting: I have to give high props to both Seo Woo (Kang Yi Kyung) and Kim Yeo Seo (Kang Seo Yeon). These two women did an excellent job in making you love and hate them. The things Seo Yeon did to her sister, wow! I cannot give anything else away on that.

The two male leads, Lee Ji Hoon (who I love) and Park Jin Woo were at best decent. It was my first experience with Park Jin Woo, such a handsome guy and I look forward to see more of him in the future.

Overall, unless you have hours and hours to invest, these short 30 minutes will sweep you into a story of family, revenge, and murder unlike any you have seen before (okay, Yellow Boots is next)!!

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This drama was quite refreshing and beautiful. I'm not really talking about the story. I mean, it was a typical love story, predictable at most points (although there were some shockers thrown in too). What I'm actually talking about is the amazing cinematography and the beautiful locales where this was shot. Everything was simply breath-taking from the wardrobe to the snowy mountains. Another plus point was the way Oh Soo's character was played out. I liked all the characters and everyone acted well but it was Oh Soo who made me cry and relieved and sad and sympathetic and at times, even gave me goosebumps. It was nice seeing Song Hye Kyo after the long gap and she was here usual best. Eun Ji and Kim Bum made a very cute couple. Kim Bum has become one of my all time favorite side-kicks. As for Eun ji, I really want to see her in another center role now. I mean, she was great in this but she deserves more lead roles. I guess she's my forever-bias after Reply 1997 :)

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A great story told well. The premise is simple- the trials and hardships a man faces living in a prejudiced world, and yet he faces the world with his most infectious heartiest smile..

The characters are great..the actors are great. Matsumoto Jun does a brilliant job as the kind hearted Vito. The lawyer and the girl are both central to the drama as well, and their roles and smiles are beautiful. Oguri Shun plays Hayashi, the dark shaded character, with great impact in the drama.

The story is uplifting in the end; ends on a happy note, has a great message throughout and is about facing life's difficulties with a big smile.

So, why was it so difficult for me to smile through the drama? Despite what the ending is, this drama was really difficult for me to watch happily. I had a heavy heart through all of it. There was so much injustice and the good people were too unlucky. Every victory they gained was only to be followed by more heartbreaking troubles.

The characters showed great spirit through it all, but I really couldn't share it. I was heavyhearted and sad throughout, and I was thankful when it finally ended, happy or not. In fact I don't think a different ending would have affected me anymore, I was already feeling so blue.
I definitely wouldn't re-watch it, though I assure you- this is a good drama.

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So what can I say about TWTWB. First of all, the cinematography is absolutely out of this world. The scenery shots are all beautiful, pastel, blended and even the costumes are pretty much a perfect fit. It's like the drama is a painting. Getting that out of the way, the story is pretty much your standard melodrama. It's full angst, deep love, bromance, and unwavering loyalty of all kinds. Even some of the would be villains are redeemed. For me, 5/6 of the drama was amazing. BUT, the last few episodes were a bit rushed and full of loop holes in my opinion. There are some characters, mainly Moo Chul, that I would have been glad to see get more screen time especially at the end. He was jipped and glossed over! Plus, the whole happy ending seems almost farcical to me on one level. Perhaps its because I've seen the movie version first, Love Me Not, that it has biased me against the drama. The ending really seems unrealistic. I did hear rumors that netizens pleaded with the writer for a happy ending. I understand why his best friend did what he did at the end, but HOW did he survive it? EH? Just thinking back to how Maru in Nice Guy almost was a goner reminds me of this. Why would Boss Man let him go too? Hmmm? Anyways, overall, it is a great drama, plus or minus the ending, depending on what you prefer. For me, I could have cut it off at any section before the last 6 min and have been satisfied. To end on a happy note, I believe this is one of Jo In Sung's greatest performances. His sorrow and self-torture was portrayed deeply and every gesture spoke of his feelings. As for Young, it is one of the only roles I ever liked her in. If I didn't know she could see, I really would have thought she was blind! Jin Sung and Hee Sun were lovely secondary characters and surprisingly fleshed out. Overall, this drama is worth your time!

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The drama started out really well, the story was interesting, a mix of suspence, romance and action.
During the middle the story kind of became stagnant and nothing much was happening, but even then it was not a bad watch, and was addictive enough to carry on.
During the end it again started to pick up and had a nice complete ending.
The second lead couple was really cute and I liked their story a lot.
Now the thing I didnt like....Many might think me wrong but the choice of the female lead was totally a disaster. I think she did not suit Joo Won at all, even though they make her out to be younger and him older, it just did not look convincing. Even though both acted well in their own rights, their chemistry looked quite forced. Although I liked Gil Ro's parents parts, Kyung Ja's parents scenes were quite boring and mostly I ff those parts.
As for the rewatch value, probably not as nothing was that good that I would want to watch it again.
Overall, it was an entertaining drama with some cute moments especially Joo Wons parts. The story was mildly addicting but not that you would want to drop it.

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This drama has exceptionally enacted the oppressive nature of those colonizers and how one lone hero could give hope to those oppressed people (maybe like Zoro? kidding... ^_^)

Bridal Mask is a beautiful depiction of the time during the colonization period. This drama is a compelling story of love, brotherhood, patriotism and vengeance filled with action, suspense and drama. It has intense emotions of love, hate, anger and revenge. The plot has a lot of twist and turns so a lot of surprises are in stored in it. It has a wonderful transition of characters from good to evil otherwise from evil to good. It also has strong and enthralling characters with excellent and believable acting skills. One can actually feel the anger, fear, sadness, hatred and bitterness they are trying to portray. Though I feel that there is a little bit lack of chemistry between the main leads, lee kangto and oh mok dan, because of some awkward moments but it was compensated by the dialogue and interactions between the two male leads which were superbly done. My favourite part in this drama was when Lee Kangto was singing (he has surprisingly good voice and looked hot ^_^ ) and the mind games between Lee Kangto and Kimura Shunji. The battle of the wits between these two characters is what makes this drama so exciting and keeps you at the edge of your seat. The fighting scenes were also good and well directed. A lot of lessons can be learned from this drama. Overall, the drama is one of the most memorable drama I’ve ever watched.

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Per-fe-ction
From start to end.
An amazing, hair-pulling story of revenge like many others and yet unique, because you take part in it.
You live the background story, the moment when things change, all the steps that have been taken towards the collapse and of course you live the end and it just plays with your own mind.
It's like you are the wronged one, you the one who's seeking revenge. This drama was one of a kind on all levels.
I have to admit it was hard to keep watching at the beginning because like i said, they show you the moment when everything was good so it can seem a bit boring, nothing really happens except for this couple building a family together. But you would regret it if you couldn't hold on through that phase.
Also, it delivers a meaningful message without ever mentioning: that sometimes bad things happen to good people and the culprits get away with it and there's nothing we can do. But also that revenge - whether it comes immediately or years of pain later - might not heal you after all. Clichè but somehow enlightening.
It was beautiful and mature and addictive. Literally painfully perfect.

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I know my review won't be received well by other viewers, but I have to be honest. My sister says I'm never happy with a melodrama unless everyone dies at the end. That isn't all together true. I like happily ever afters if they make since with the story. I guess I just don't understand dramas that have 14 episodes of lead up to a tragedy, then everything changes.

I also dislike a story when the writers have the characters do something that is totally out of character. I felt like in episode 15 and 16 that the writers did that with Young and Jin Sung. Honestly, after episode 15 I could care less what happened to Young. I hate wishy washy characters...Is she strong? Is she weak? The writers should have just picked something. It is like they thought they needed to add something to make it more interesting. I felt more deeply for Moo Cheol than Young and that is sad considering I saw a heck of a lot less of him in this drama than her. Beyond that, I think most of this drama is well paced and the cinematography is out of this world. I enjoy the basic story line. There are just so many things that I would change. I just felt disappointment as I ended this drama.

As far as the acting is concerned, it is excellent. Jo In Sung as Oh Soo is by far the best acting that I have seen in a long time. His facial expressions, the use of his hands, and the way he speaks just brings the character to life and I feel deeply for Oh Soo. Song Hye Kyo does an excellent job playing a blind person. I have seen her in other dramas and I think her acting improves with each role that she takes. If I didn't know better, then I would have thought she was blind. Of course, it is good to see Kim Bum again and I hope he gets a main lead soon so I can see more of him. I loved Kim Tae Woo as Moo Cheul and his character is by far one of my favorites in the drama.

I think the music was beautiful.

I won't rewatch this.

If you like melodrama, then this is one you should watch. Most people like it, so don't make a decision to watch it or not based on my review.

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First, I wish there were more writers like this one willing to take chances and evoke every emotion out of the audience they can...

Story: Twisty, Unpredictable, fast paced, melo melo melo! I loved that there were so many time jumps and the writer just kept changing the story but in a way that flowed so the viewer could keep up. Be ready for a dark plot all the way to the end filled with tragic romance, obsession, betrayal, revenge, lies, murder, and multiple deaths. The ending is bittersweet but everyone gets a closing fitting to their story.

Acting/Cast: Soo Ae and KSW as the OTP were perfect. They had chemistry which made their unhealthy relationship so painful to watch. Their acting was what you'd expect from A list stars. Just be warned that Soo Ae's character has no redeeming qualities, so you might want to feel like stabbing her in EVERY episode. The other female lead played by Kim Sung Ryung was sympathetic and I kind of wished she got a better ending. Yunho was the weakest link out of the 4 main leads. He was okay but he had zero chemistry with Soo Ae which made their relationship pointless and boring. The supporting cast were amazing and made their characters stand out. Oh yeah and Go Joon Hee really should be getting lead roles soon!

Music: The OST was powerful and fitting of the dark themes. I loved Ice Flower by Ailee and plan on downloading just that song from the OST.

Rewatch: It is a bit long and so dark but just exciting enough to watch again just not for a bit.

Final Thoughts: Queen of Ambition is a dark drama that is not for the light hearted fare lovers. You gotta truly be into melos to enjoy this one like I did!

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The best drama ever with Superb acting of Jo In Sung and Song Hye Kyo. Body language, movements of the lips, fingers and mouth are observed in the portrayal of their characters. Very passionate and they are admirable as couples.

I could never get tired looking at them on screen. They are so good together especially when their faces are so near each other when they sleep together. And the beautiful scenes of nature does count to the beautiful love story.

The ending was perfect which I will never forget.
Indeed, fate is not created but as the wind still blows the bells will ring to it.

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OK, I know it's too early for review but I cant help myself and I know I may be overreacting 'cause I'm Itazura na kiss fan, so please, forgive me.
first of all I'm happy to see Japanese adaptation of manga/anime. I've watched both Taiwanese and Korean version and I liked them (thought Taiwanese was more exiting). When I heard about Japanese remake I got worried, because You're beautiful's Jap version was disappointing for me. But wait! Did actors say that they know they'll be compared to Itazura na kiss's Taiwanese and Korean adaptation? Good! knowing problem will lead to solving it.
OK, than. First ep was difinitely good. Espacially I liked lead actress's reactions. (I replayed some scenes over and over again)
Acting is good, story- I know is good, music- ok, re-watch value- potentially highest possible and overall the best drama ever!!!
I know I a bit subjective, no, a lot subjective but maybe it's 'cause ISWAK was the first drama that lead me to dramaland.
SO EVERYONE WATCH IT!!

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