This review may contain spoilers
Good chemistry
Jang Hyuk and Jang Nara had really good chemistry together. I loved how playful they were with each other. I felt that his acting was, unfortunately, over the top a lot of times, and that laugh, ugh! I also either wanted to go at his hair with a pair of clippers or loan him a barrette, his hair was ridiculous. My favorite scene with him was in ep 18 during the press conference. He was understated and you could really see his fear and hope and love shining through in his acting without all the antics. I did NOT like the drugging aspect of the show, and there was an awful long time for them to be apart, after the obligatory three-year separation. When he was pretending to be someone else and they were texting one another, that was very cleverly done, and gave us more opportunity to see them together. I also loved the storyline of him taking the female lead's mom as his mom. Very touching. Choi Jin Hyuk as the second male lead was excellent, and his deep voice...yum. The ending was very cute and you get to see a wedding and what happens in their lives after that, which I always like after spending all this time watching a showWas this review helpful to you?
A whimsical and zany watch that does a good job at pulling at the heart strings.
Fated to Love You is one of those shows that has a really high emotional IQ. Everything just felt instinctively right at all times.It was so right that there are so many favourite things to pick up from this drama. First off -its cast is its crowning glory . The pathos delivered by every component of the cast was stellar . A second has to be the themes explored . Every one of the themes was so fleshed out that there is no room for you to sit and debate. The evolution of the motifs is also remarkable . Probably the best drama motifs I have ever come across to be honest . There was the snail , the man cave , the dogs, the rings , the art , the 9 and 6 , and many more . All made entire sense and made the continuity of the show superb and really fun to watch.
The acting was pretty faultless. Some may find Jang Hyuk's Lee Geon difficult to pallet but he grows on you . Je na Ra's Kim Mi Yeong is a literal saint and kudos to the actress because that role was so nuanced and very easy to get wrong .
The format of the show is also one of it crowning moments . I found the unconventionality and eccentric execution of the script very refreshing especially for a rom com which can get rather hum drum and basic. However- Fated to Love You really does stand out in its tackling of zany , romance , comedy and melodrama. Yes, its rather sad and has tremendous melodrama however it ultimately makes Fated to Love You a generously rewarding drama for everyone.
Now why does it have an 8? Well- do you like a very well fleshed out second lead story? Where the main female lead spends so much time with them (second male lead) that they might as well get together? Where the male lead is kinda horrible and a tad bit difficult to root for but you feel bad and reconcile that ,whatever, they belong together though you are still not convinced?
I'm petty when it comes to rom coms and I prefer some succinctness and tightness to the premise. That annoyed me and I did utilise the fast forward button. However - if you are not petty like me and find it rather dimensional , adds to the story , shows expert character arching then you will like this aspect . It does actually make dramatic sense in the end. Also , noble idiocy is way too drawn out but again- it all made dramatic sense.
I also love a good and understandable ending but the ending managed to exasperate as I felt a certain trope was overused and therefore this show could not inch out a 0.5 out of me to make it 8.5. However - I reiterate ,this too made dramatic sense as it is called "fated" to love you after all.
OVERALL- Yes it’s flawed(by my standards) - but it really is a very good and fun watch ( I binge watched it and I am by no means a binge watcher) and one will know that they have watched a gem . It truly is up there in the world of rom com.
Was this review helpful to you?
This is a drama that focuses on the feelings and character development, the thoughts and emotions - and that's what I thought was refreshing. Some dramas seem a bit unbelievable but this one felt as if it could happen in real life... and so realistic that it could happen to someone. Loved the music too - I sometimes don't like dramas with too many songs but this had its faithful few and they brought on the emotions at the right time.
Nice!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Korean telenovela
I`ve finished watching this drama today, without having seen the previous, Taiwanese version, and the first thing that popped in my head, due to the scenes, most of the characters and the plot in it of itself, was Mexican telenovela. To be fair, this drama is a bit less melodramatic than most telenovelas(no one dies here), of which I became a connoisseur at just seven years old (thanks, Grandma!) so I might be at a disadvantage with this one. Many people like it for how fresh and innocently charming it was, although it was still plagued with clichés and character development inconsistencies. With me, the one thing that stood out as very positive is Jang Hyuk`s acting and his character in general. Lee Gun is too charismatic for his own good. Even when the script makes him do things that are completely out of character for him(for filler purposes) it doesn`t get as annoying or monotone. Basically, every scene with him was a joy to watch, although the enjoyment of the actual show varies. It was interesting up until episode 12, and I distinctly remember it, because that`s the first time I reached for my phone. Afterwards, the damn AMNESIA issue, coupled with again, MISCOMMUNICATION, led to me charging through this one like crazy, because it got REALLY draggy.The moment I got sucked in was episode 17, with Lee Gun`s video confession, which was such great acting that I started to care again. But not enough to score it any higher. I seriously think that people will label me as sexist, because in many Korean dramas I seem to find a problem with female leads, instead of the male ones, whom I often praise. And I don`t know what to tell you, because I love nothing more than an interesting and well written female lead. But this is, sadly not the case here. Because, it`s just, so, tragically lazy writing. I didn`t care for Mi Yeong at all, even though Jang Nara portrayed her well. The problem lies in the character. First off, I started rewriting the character in my head and came up with an intriguing, yet slight adjustment. I imagined her as an ex-delinquent, who was now trying to live her life earnestly, so she takes to being a post-it, for that reason. Yet, when her crush inevitably betrays her in that hotel room, she would wild out and pull his hair out or something. That kind of character. I think that it would be so much more interesting to watch such a dynamic. Alas, that`s not what ended up happening. Also, I`ve got a gripe with her becoming a popular artist out of the blue, when she didn`t even show much interest until the Dog Poopie cup. It all made it so easy for her and not even her second personality was that convincing, just frustrating.
While I love the relationship between Lee Gun and Mi Yeong`s mother, which is why I kept on watching, this drama is both too long and a road I know all too well, so for me, it is just another drama, when it should`ve been a sweet surprise.
Was this review helpful to you?
What was disappointing: Certain parts of the story descended into totally unnecessary classic Korean drama noble idiocy. The show definitely felt like it could have ended at 18 episodes and safely and neatly tied the story up conclusively.
That said, there are many redeeming aspects to this show. The chemistry between Jang Hyuk and Jang Nara is totally worth sitting through some of the more agonising parts. What a great reunion of early 00s greats. Jang Hyuk is so, so awesome in his role. He swings from maniacal to sincere and heartbroken, with the smallest expressions on his face revealing what a less capable would otherwise need a few minutes to express. I also enjoyed the way Jang Nara’s character was written - as a timid woman forced into a very peculiar set of circumstances, she wised up quickly and she learnt very quickly how to protect herself, all without betraying her true nature. Of course credit must also be given to Jang Nara for playing out all these nuances of her character.
I also really enjoyed the various cultural references, a few to famous Korean movies, and a few to Jang Hyuk and Jang Nara’s previous projects. There are a few moments I'll always remember and would certainly want to relive, so I believe there is some rewatch value in it.
Was this review helpful to you?
I love Lee Gun. His retarded laugh might annoy some people but it made me laugh and it also gives his character an original charm. I'm also not bothered by it cause he seems to laugh so awkwardly most of the times when he is hiding his true feelings. Jang Hyuk voice or way of talking reminded me of Yu Oh-Seong in 'Faith' which is not a bad thing cause I like his voice. Thankfully Jang Hyuk is much cuter to look at lol. I found the story and subject heart warming.
Besides 'Fated to Love you' I've never seen another movie or drama with Jang Na-Ra and I must say she played Kim Mi-Young very well I'd like to believe she is just as sweet and charming as the character she was playing. A character like her can become annoying fast but you end up loving her cause she's just too cute. Also you end up falling in love with the family and friends of both Lee Gun & Kim Mi-Young as all the tears and joys are shared on different levels but all seem to make full circle.
This is one of my favorite romantic Kdrama's and I think it fits in the same charm level as 'Master's Sun' & 'Secret Garden'. But if I'm fair I loved 'Secret Garden' & 'Master's Sun' a wee bit more cause it had that supernatural thang. Also if you have a fear for snails even the animated ones with eyeballs...you'll be fine..I am scared to death when it comes to snails so I know lol.
Also I love the music..every time Ailee came up my eyes got all teary at some point that song almost kept me awake all night =_=. Kya this drama made me laugh and cry so much again. Every time I watch kdrama my hubby is eyeballing me cause he can't tell if I'm having a bad day or if I'm watching kdrama lol.
Was this review helpful to you?
Characters:
Lee Gun- this guy is crazy! trust me. HE IS CRAZY! But with a kind a heart and delivers funny lines that will make you laugh so hard in the middle of the night. Everyone loves our Gunnie. Jang Hyuk really stand out in this drama coz his gestures and eyes gave so much emotion. And his trade mark laugh shows many emotions. Those eyes were mesmerizing..:)
Kim -Mi Young- I love her character here. She manage to maintain her good side even if she change a lot after 3 years.. Jang Nara gave life to Lee Guns noble life..
Supporting charactes- even if I mainly focused in the two main lead Daniel, Sera, and Gun and Mi Young's family definitely works out. The funny scene especially with Secretary Tak(Wow all the secretaries in dramaland was awesome), I laugh so hard. Gun and Tak made a great tandem in comedic scenes.
Story: Cliches. Full of cliches. But it was entertaining until the end. I know many viewers didnt like the dramatic scenes but I think it gave life in the story. I just wait patiently and enjoy some cute moments until they got back together.
OST- There's so many OST that was used in this drama and every song made perfectly for the scene. Even if the titanic song or inspector gadget song was so hilarious and funny. But I love the Good Bye My love coz in brings tear to my eyes,...
Overall. This one will give you a roller coaster ride.. I will definitely recommend this because it was so entertaining and because they will love GUN so much.. That when he started to laugh, you will started to laugh like him .
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
The overall feel of this drama is really amazing, not to heavy and not too light. Of course I also have to mention that it has Choi Jin-hyuk as the second male lead and while I love him more as an actor the lead played by Jang Hyuk was really a good match.
The side stories were good and it all wraps up nicely which I feel is a requirement of K dramas. I would recommend this drama if you are looking for something that is a nice twist on a romcom.
Was this review helpful to you?
I loved the cast. I am such a huge Jang Hyuk fan, and Jang Na Ra has been steadily making her way to the top of my favorite actress list. However, I found Jang Hyuk's portrayal of Lee Gun difficult to watch. When he was being serious, hearts were popping around my head, but that laugh....even though they explained it....was too much for me. I cringed every time, all twenty episodes. I am sad about that, because I could watch Jang Hyuk all day. (Let's not get started on that hair)
HOWEVER, even though I loved the Korean cast, Chen Joe in the Taiwan cast delivered such a performance that my chest hurt. Her delivery of the terrified, pleading mother was moving and touching, while the Korean version really fluffed that entire event, watering it down for the Korean audience.
I am glad I watched it, but I would not watch it again. There are other dramas that I love the two main actors in, and would willingly rewatch rather than this.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This show has many of the worst kdrama plot devices. It starts out as a somewhat fun romcom, but already in the first few episodes it's not really above average in any way. Even the chemistry between the leads is not that great. The drama has one of the absolute worst love triangles that I've seen and that's not all, we even go into full on melodrama quite quickly, but not the good kind. (perhaps the tragedy tag shouldn't be missing)To mention some positives too Nara did a great job portraying her character and at least we were given a long and a sufficiently satisfying happy ending.
Rewatching for me is absolutely out of the question. Seriously though how is this show rated at 8.3? It's one of the worst dramas that I have managed to struggle through and usually my opinion is not that far off from the average reviewer either..
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
When I watched the first episode, I knew that I was going into another Cinderella syndrome drama. Also, I had not watched the original Taiwanese version. After the early episodes I was sure it was just another Cinderella story, but a very well executed one. I have watched tons of drama, which sometimes I did not complete since sometimes it was boring, the casts had no chemistry and maybe I was too busy. But this drama was a winner over my time and attention.The casts in this drama are perfect, even the minor supporting roles. I will not give away any spoiler, but even the minor role like the lawyer, even comical was pleasant additional to the drama. The greatest cast was the main male lead, whom I had not watched before. He could really bring smile, laughter and tears. Such a great actor. This show is shining because of him, and of course the female main lead, whom I had not watched also.
The plot to the end of the drama was anti-climax, but still it is a very enjoyable show and maybe the best I have seen in 2014. Way much better compared to the popular Love from Stars which was sometimes boring, even when it had the super sassy girl.
And the OST, it made me searched the title of the song and singer. It was such a great song performed very well.
Conclusion: A must watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
