The skinship is adorable between our OTP and they were not stingy with it. (sigh!) The confession scene, as I was promised, was one of the best I've ever seen. And the moments leading up to it were heart-fluttering.
I loved the Eternal Love song which I think was their theme; however, without the backdrop of the story, the song is a little cheesy sounding. The acting was top notch, though. I'm now a fan of both lead actors and hope to see them both in something as awesome as this drama was. They both have the most expressive eyes and cute smiles for days. There are moments that you yell at your tv, but not in a bad way. I just had to warn them! *wink*
The story and characters are very layered and it all unfolds the way it should. I have no criticisms for this drama (unless it's to say that I want MORE. LOL) I will definitely be re-watching this one, as it goes into my top favorite dramas I've watched to date.
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On the downside, I do wish the antagonists in the show were as multi-dimensional as the protagonists. The shadowy gang of leering oligarchs plotting EEEEVIL in back rooms felt preordered from central casting, with master plans that were too over-the-top to be really believable. I kept expecting them to start stroking Persian cats or feeding their piranhas. If you’re watching for the action thriller/romance elements, you probably won’t mind, but their cartoonish-ness undermines the credibility of the crusading journalists out to take down corruption strand of the story. It doesn’t diminish the fun, but it does make the show less socially relevant than it would like to be. There is also an odd casualness in the way that all of the characters, both good and bad, roam in and out of each others' lives and lairs with impunity. I guess courage is virtue, but I’m not sure I’d curl up and take a nap in the heart of enemy territory.
This is a show though where the emotional through-lines not the plot mechanics are the real draw, and those deliver with a vengeance. You’ll laugh and cry and smile and fall in love. In an entertainment world full of lots of explosions but few real sparks, that's reason to rejoice.
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First of all.. it was sooo hard to wait, because i wanted to watch episode 19 when the ep 20 was out.
This was one of the first dramas that i watched with only a few breaks. It was always so thrilling and exciting. There was never a moment when i thought,"screw it i'm gonna make a break and watch another time" in the middle of the series (because i watch at viki it remembers the scene where you stopped if you didn't knew^^). I was always surprised that the episode was already over , because i was so stucked in the story.
This was one of the best dramas i have ever watched, because it was so .. i don't know how to describe it... but it was different. It didn't have a annoying second lead, because i didn't count Moon Ho as a potential love rival. Also it didn't have many drama clichees like piggyback rides or something. It wasn't really cheesy, neither was it overly sad or something. It was full of action scenes, which i really enjoyed.
When i thought "no you don't..." or "don't go that way...", it managed to surprise me. And I'm really glad that it didn't have the terrible ending like city hunter that I thought it would have.
The soundtrack of Healer was awesome. I enjoyed every song that was in it. But my two favourites where probably "I will protect you" sung by Ji Chang Wook himself and "Because of you" by Just.
This will possibly be one of my top 3 dramas of all time. And i would really really recommend it to those , who haven't watched or consider to watch it.
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The plot of Healer itself was not that original. However, from watching many dramas we've probably all learned that there's not always a need to reinvent the wheel in order to make an exciting drama. What made Healer such a refreshing watch for me is that things weren't dragged out needlessly. The drama had a slow but steady pace, with pieces of the mysterious past being revealed just at the right time. Add to that characters with consistent development who don't suddenly lose the ability to count 1+1 together and don't go around misunderstanding everyone and everything and you get a drama that doesn't leave you feeling frustrated.
I'll admit freely that I had my doubts when Park Min Young was announced as the female lead, but I take all of that back, because she really proved me wrong. I loved her take on Young Shin and think she really grew into the role. Ji Chang Wook stole most people's hearts with good reason; I'm honestly impressed how much he has improved over the years. Yoo Ji Tae was amazing as Moon Ho, despite not getting as much of the spotlight. He nailed his character from the first episode on, you could just see that he was hiding so many emotions beneath the surface even if we as the viewers had no idea yet what his character was really thinking.
Going into the drama I actually didn't expect to care about the romance part that much, but I totally fell in love with this couple. Their moments together were cute, often touching and never felt to me like pure fanservice. Every kiss or other gestures showcased so well what the characters were feeling in that moment and I don't think I've ever watched a drama before where simply holding hands made me feel that much.
Now one (small) complaint to balance out all of my praise for Healer: The ending should have been 5 to 10 minutes longer to wrap things up properly. Only the most important points were explained, but I would have appreciated more details on that and getting to know what exactly happened to all of the awesome supporting characters.
All in all, watching Healer was an exciting ride that had me sitting in front of my computer as soon as the next episode was uploaded and made me wait impatiently for the next Monday to come around. I can't explain just what exactly it was, but all of its parts just fit so well together that it turned out to be an unforgettable drama for me!
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I will start with the acting. I initially was reluctant with watching this drama because of PMY. She is not a particularly great actress, but she wasn't bad at all in this drama and she has improved quite a bit since her City Hunter days. Still not anything exceptional but passable.
Ji Chang Wook is a whole different ball park. He is the prime example of inconsistent. When he was good he was so good. There were moments where I was amazed by his ability to transition through his multiple characters in seconds. Although some of his typical reactions, that the main three characters seemed to be victim too, of ridiculously widening their eyes to express shock just had me cringing. JCW biggest failing was his dramatic scenes. He has a tendency to overact and it completely pulled me out of the diegetic space due to the sheer ridiculousness of it.
That being said the supporting actors were amazing in this drama. So damn good. Ajumma, Kim Moon Shik, Myeong Hee, Secretary Oh. Perhaps the best performance for me was the young Moon Shik. Both actors managed to portray the nuances of such a multifaceted character so well.
The storyline was decent but at times unengaging, confusing and boring. It wasn't until the link between Jung Hoo's and the 1981'ers was made that I become truly interested in the overarching plot. I spent a lot of the drama confused about what was actually happening. Why Jung Hoo after a lifetime of not caring about anyone suddenly become interested in his father's past and clearing his name and some sense of newly found moral code because of some girl just didn't cut it. He had been dormant for too long. There was no natural progression. It was arbitrary and random it was much later on in the drama after him and CYS actually getting into a relationship that made it make sense. Heck I didn't even know Kim Moon Shik was part of the broadcast crew until reading the dramabeans review. Perhaps it was my own inattentiveness but there were too many instances where things were glossed over. The focus of the first half of the story just disappeared to never make a reappearance, albeit being linked to the latter half. One minute were talking about red lead the next about live bacteria. We never got a full explanation of what happened with Moon Shik, Omega Holdings. There was too much form- links-in-our-own-mind rather than explicitly showing, that I did not like about this story.
The romance tonally was inconsistent. I expected a lot more maturity for a action drama but sometimes it felt really immature. Especially initial chase of the relationship. Jung Hoo widening his eyes and being shocked because CYS grabbed his hand. I just don't get it. I agree with one part the lack of petty love triangles made this romance all the more enjoyable. Their understanding and trust for each other really made them a great couple (plus the cuddling /dies/). Ep 15 was amazing, rewatch worthy. Overall the romance was good, but could have been executed much better.
Finally the one thing that was consistent and amazing throughout the drama, was the action. The missions Healer went on, his action scenes, his lithe ability to navigate himself in any situation. It had me captivated throughout the drama. The action aspect of this drama was the highlight of it easily. The small subplots were much more interesting than the overall one.
Overall, a good drama, but definitely not worth the hype. Did not have me awed like City Hunter but worth a watch.
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The first episode already had me. I just had to keep watching this drama.
I loved the main actors and their chemistry, it was so cute and the kisses , you will absolutely love them. You will love the whole love story between these two, I'm sure.
Moreover I really liked the actions scenes , sometimes I had goosebumps.
And the stories about their past was really touching.
So if you like to watch a drama with great actor , a good chemistry between the main actors and with lots of romance and action, you really should watch Healer.
You won't regret it. I promise.
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STORY: The story overall wasn't bad. I did find it a little confusing in the beginning. I think because there were so many names and faces to follow, especially with the flashbacks. I also got some of the flashback actors mixed up because I thought they looked alike so I was getting people's names mixed up as well. I did like all the fight scenes and Healer's missions that he had to do. I thought that was interesting. I wanted more fight scenes though...I thought the middle of the drama lacked the fight scenes. I also thought the romance part of the story was cute. It was touching that they both sort of healed each other or got them to be brave for each other. I thought that was cute. I don't think the drama needed to be 20 episodes long...I think 16 would have been fine cuz I think it dragged a bit in the middle and I think that was because it was 20 episodes and not 16. The ending I had an issue with as well. I think we could have used another episode to see how everyone ended up...I think it just ended rather abruptly.
ACTING/CAST: The cast and acting overall was good. Wasn't stiff and had emotion. The story definitely had enough stuff in it to invoke strong emotions from the cast/characters. So I am not mad at the acting or casting. My favorite character definitely is Ahjumma. I loved her and how badass she is! I had a minor issue with the main female lead's character. The story made her out to be this survivor and strong woman which I loved (yes with some flaws but it made her more human) but in the middle of the drama, I thought the writers made her into a damsel in distress for a couple of episodes who was confused about a lot of stuff, which made her cry a lot and I didn't like that change in her character...I didn't see a reason for it. I do have a thing for strong female leads. Ji Chang Wook was of course AMAZING!
MUSIC: You know it is funny, at first I HATED the OSTs...LIKE HATED THEM! I didn't think they fit the drama at all but slowly they grew on me. Are they the best OSTs I ever heard...no but I like them now
REWATCH VALUE: I probably will not be watching this drama again
OVERALL: It is a solid drama. I liked it, I just think I walked into this drama with such high expectations that I don't think could be met. Maybe because it was an older drama and I am comparing it to other dramas that are newer or I just had too high of expectations...You should still watch the drama. It is solid and a must see if you are a Ji Chang Wook fan/drama watcher. It is basically a classic at this point...again I did have some small issues with it.
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This review may contain spoilers
*wipes tears away, tries to breathe*I cannot, for the life of me remember the last drama that made me feel so many emotions! This drama was PERFECT. I had purposely started the drama a few days before episode 16 was aired, hoping that id definitely not catch up....but i managed to watch re-watch it all before episode 19 aired T_T the waiting was ever so painful! I'm glad I didnt watch this the day that episode 1 aired, I probably would have lost it by now.
The drama has kept me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning, literal nail-biting plot lines and twist and turns that I couldnt predict! With comedic parts, fluffy romance, amazing action sequences and a tragic but fulfilling storyline. In the sense that everything came together really nicely, the script was well written, there were no stupid plot lines or misunderstandings between the leads and the other characters which you mightve expected due to our experiences of other kdramas that were dragged out with repeated flashbacks. Instead the Misunderstandings were cleared up well and quickly, therefore the storyline was able to move in a steady pace without dragging anything out unneccesarily.
The fluff, romance and chemistry between the leads was amazing and FELT SO REAL. i couldnt help replaying their scenes as it made me teary eyed and excited to see them together each time! Their chemistry is great, you really feel the love and trust Chae Jin has for Healer and the non-stop full on love he has for her..ahhh it's all just so great. Also the love and relationships you see between all the characters is great, the family interactions, the friendships..just ahhh. i cant put it all into words!
I'm really happy to see that Park Min Young's acting has greatly improved in Healer compared to her previous dramas, and I loved that she took on a different role, one that we hadnt seen her as before.
Ji Chang Wook was, as per usual adorable and so fitting for Healer! I'm so glad he was casted as Healer as I can't honestly imagine anyone else who would fit the job better! I ship these two so HAARRDDD and yes, how i wish they are a real couple too because their characters love felt so real i wonder if there was ever an inkling of realness between them ;)
I loved that there wasn't any boring characters, they were all so unique and you loved each and everyone of them for the way they were...even the villains ;) you'll see what i mean when you see how the good ones annoy the hell out of the villains, if anything thats where some of the comedic moments come in ;)
I think that as with all dramas, don't give up on this on the first episode. It's not exactly slow but you're just getting the feel of the storyline and characters then so watch the full episode and the preview and you will be hooked! Words cannot describe how addicting this drama is! and honestly I'm not sure what to do with myself now...! or what to watch as NOTHING COMPARES. I dont think i'll be anywhere near as obsessed and nothing will live upto it...making me lose interests in the other dramas out there T_T
The OST is so fitting to everything, I liked how they had full english songs and of course Ji Chang Wook released a single too for it! The lyrics in the songs are fitting and no doubt this will be on repeat for me! Even the instrumentals are beautiful, they bring back so many memories!! ahhhh I cant believe its all over!
For me the drama was just flawless, it may be compared to being like the 'superman' storyline but its much much better..!! ahh i cant believe this has finished!!
I would definitely rewatch this, I technically already have whilst waiting for the final 2 episodes to come out...! And even the second time round it was still exciting, even missed the tiny bits every now and then. but watching it the second time felt no different to the first, even though i knew what was going to happen...!
(I rated story as 9.5 as although it was perfect, there were a couple of things I didnt think i got answers to, didnt affect the overall story, shan't spoil it here, I put it in the normal comments section in a spoiler comment if anyone has any ideas!)
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Fair warning you need to pay attention to the first two episodes! The story moves so fast you need to keep an eye out for names. There's two storylines going on. The present, and the past. Which are interwoven throughout the drama.The first two episodes do this cool overlay affect so that the younger versions of the older present day characters can be recognized. It's just a bit rough at first but the rest is masterfully done. Healer moves at an incredible pace and never leaves any room for slow episodes. No fillers here!
I found out that Healer was written by the same person who wrote Faith! Song Ji-Na is her name, and the lists of dramas is long. I've only watched Faith, so I don't know what her past writing is like. However, this is definitely cleaner and even better than Faith. (Judging from the ratings on MDL Healer is one of her top rated shows.)
The best part is that Healer is huge on characters and their developments. It balanced the present day characters so well. Seeing everyone's backstories revealed each time was awesome. Everything isn't revealed at once. Letting you truly get to know the characters and personalities. The slow reveal of the past was perfect and the flashbacks never bogged down the storyline. I wanted to know what happened in the past, and for the first time I was actually bummed when the snippet of the past was over. It was all written in such away to give Healer an excellent mystery. Not to mention that side characters--whether villains, comedic reliefs, henchman, and good guys--weren't just left to being stereotypes. Sometimes they only got small backstories or character development, but it always worked. Some key characters I loved were Min Ja an amazing, Kpop fan who happened to be Healer's hacker and boss. Oh, and the "Lackey" girl who helps Healer out. Yeong Shin's father and "Uncle". There are so many more, but this is already getting long.
The plot was great. Everyone had a role to play. Moon Shik was an excellent villain. He wasn't fully black and white. He was delusional about the things he did, and would do. The whole cast of villains are that way. It was refreshing to see how everyone could be a puppet if they let it happen. To see the mystery play out and see this elaborate game being played between the Elder and Healer. Bravo. I'm being very vague, but I think that's important going into this show. Just know that it's an action, comedy, thriller, romance, and mystery! (Plenty of mysteries.)
Healer was great. At times he made questionable decisions, but that happens in dramas. The important part was I could see why he did it. Ji Chang Wook as Jung Hoo, AKA Healer, was perfection. He donned the role so well. From playing the professional Healer, to himself as Jung Hoo, quirky Bong Soo, and whom ever he needed to be. The Night Courierr concept was so much fun! I loved that he decided he needed to discover himself when he "woke up". He wasn't just some brooding male love interest. In fact, he made me smile a lot. He was polite and thoughtful. Treated his leading lady right.
Speaking of Yeong Shin the leading lady! I actually got a lot of warnings about needing to give her about 2 episodes before I'd like her. Not in my case. I loved Yeong Shin immediately! She was a fun, confident, and perky character. Sure she gets to be a damsel, but that happens with dramas. What I could believe was the situations. Yeong Shin is a fighter and she's strong. It could have been annoying that violence makes her have panic attacks, leaving her unable to breath. But with her background it fit perfectly. Even with the lightness of the show Yeong Shin's past in the foster care system was tragic and heart wrenching. I enjoyed seeing how all of these things made her into such an amazing person. If something stresses/scares her she thinks about it and dances it off. I mean she goes out and gets it done! Whether it's a news big story that the "Man" will try to punish her for. Or going out and getting her man. I mean she says this to the man she loves:
"If you send me away . . . you'll cry forever."
Jung Hoo and Yeong Shin have the best chemistry ever! Not only that but they're believable. The whole romance. What I love is there unwavering faith in each other once they get to know each other. Jung Hoo wants Yeong Shin to ask questions, to know him. Most importantly they don't let things go unsaid. Jung Hoo and Yeong Shin are one of my all time favorite couples. Not to mention that they get real, sexy kisses. Oh, and some skinship. (Which I will not spoil. Just know that it is there.) These two had the most amazing morning after and I rewatched it so many times. These two are so comfortable with each other, everything feels natural. There's this scene where Jung Hoo talks about what will happen when he reveals himself to Yeong Shin. He knows how she will react, and never doubts that she will accept him. It was amazing, and they both know each other so well that they can do that. But they're still getting to know each other. Watching them originally fall in love is beautiful. Watching them learn more about each other and fall in love just ruined me.
On to other things now.
Was the music good? Heck yeah! I bought the soundtrack at episode 8. Without even listening to the album previews!! Or finishing the drama.
I didn't really address it but everyone's acting was on point. One of the villains, the butler who smirks, was a little anime at times. Smirking and cover his slyness with a hand! Between this amazing script and the talent of the cast everything packed a punch.
Healer should be a dark story, but the writing creates this perfect balance. Dramatic dirty politics and secret organizations! The shocking murder of a friend, suicide, lost children, and plenty of lies! A moving romance! Plenty of laughs and great humor. There's so much going on and it amazes me how well it's all balanced. Don't be nervous about this being dark. I spent most of my time riding adrenaline rushes from the amazing action scenes, romance, and humorous moments to ever feel bogged down. Don't get me wrong Healer will also wrench your heart and put you through the ringer. When this drama is over you'll be going "Again! Again!" (No really I flirted with the idea of starting it up right after the last episode.)
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THE MOST OVERHYPED & BULLS**T DRAMA
This could be the most controversial and honest review of the most over hyped and overrated K dramaI can't seems to find a single reason why Healer has such a high rating . I mean this whole drama is flawed and inconsistent , it's knowingly stretched to keep it mysterious . I found it uninteresting . Even suspicious partner is better than this .
The direction and screenplay are not upto the mark . Pretty much terrible
It's inconsistent and f**ks logic .
I have been watching K dramas for a long time and the only reason is that they live upto their name and have a subtle quality but this one didn't .
The only good thing about this is the acting and yeah it sure has interesting characters .
Healer had all the potential , a kinda superhero plot like Superman , actually it has many similarities with superman superficially .
This is the drama where the plot is ordinary but instead the characters create a charm still I think people left their brains behind while watching this and gave it such a high rating .
This also isn't JCW's best drama , K2 was much much better than this .
I will keep it simple , watch healer only and only if you have nothing to do . It should be your last choice .
P.S : I can expect people jumping onto me for this review but I'll be honest that's it . You people are brainwashing others that it's a best drama out there .
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Although initially i thought of City Hunter but the plot is different and I actually prefer Healer. Park M Y character here is better too. Love our female lead isnt just a damsel in distress. She has spunk, kind and bravery despite her pitiful childhood. The same characteristics mentioned that drawn the interest of our hero.
Both the leads acted really well and brought the jist of their character and has good chemistry too.
Romance story ( thats my main priority in a drama) =D : Love how initially he wasnt receptive , she was just the subject his client requested. Love how it evolved. I wont spoil it but have to mention their first date was different but romantic and she really put herself out there for someone she hasnt met upfront but trusted her feelings. Their first kiss was really swoon worthy and among my top 10 memorable drama kisses.
No idea why it took me so long to click and watch. I marathon and finish in 2days.
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