This review may contain spoilers
I am well aware that Fated To Love You may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is one of my favourite KDrama, the first one I ever watched and probably the one I'm most attached to.I already watched it twice and, upon second viewing, I was surprised to find many, many funny moments I didn't remember at first.
It can be a be a bit (voluntarily) over the top sometimes, but the truth is that this show has many qualities: a solid plot, amazing acting, two perfect leads (Jang Hyuk and Jang Nara have an incredible chemistry) and comedy and drama are very well balanced.
Last but not least, the score is beautiful, especially "Destino"... it breaks my heart.
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I held of watching this drama for so long bcoz a) the taiwan version was awesome n b)I saw a small clip and was not at all impressed by the lead pair... had I gone with my superficial insticts that wud have been my biggest mistake ever!
The sign of a good drama is how it can play with ur emotions.... and this drama does it so well. Humour in Kdramas is expected by in this drama...especially the first few episode I rolled in laughter.
And this drama made me cry so much, my headphone muffs became soggy :(
Very well plotted not perfect, there were some loopholes but I loved it.
Only once they resolve their issues, the last four episodes became a bit of a drag. The only time I skipped scenes infact.
The chemistry is brilliant and the lead pair and all casting is perfect.... the lead pair share a brilliant rapport and yes...this show has some of the cutest and hottest kissing scenes!
Worth a watch :)
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This review may contain spoilers
These 20 hours and 20 episodes has been a bumpy ride. There is just a ton of emotions. I would split up this move into 2 parts, first part is before Kim Mi-young went to France and part 2 is after when she came back from France. Part 1 was Kim really "weak" and annoying because it became just too much of the "weak" Kim. Part 2 Kim she was really a b*tch, I was like "why can't you see that Gunnie loves you?" the whole time. I feel like I didn't enjoy part 2 as much as part 1. The whole story had a happy ending but I feel like that this story could had better ending than what we got. Dog poopie being born could had been the ending because we got more connection to it than the twins we saw in the final episode. Was this review helpful to you?
A drama that will stir a sense of romance in even the most hardhearted fool
I started this drama once before and dropped it after the first episode, because I thought it was just too over-the-top to ever take seriously as a real romance. Eventually, I became a fan of Jang Hyuk's from watching other dramas, so I decided to give it another shot. And I realized very quickly that I had done myself a great disservice by skipping over this wonderful love story!*Plot*
This drama is a great example of classic clichés done well. There really isn't any trope in this show that breaks new ground regarding plot. But I've been let down before by romances, and this one finally delivered everything we want from cohabitation, chaebol ML, sweet FL, and all the rest! There were a lot of silly coincidences to drive the plot along, which one could roll their eyes at, but I choose to see it as part of the overarching theme of "fated lovers." Of course they are always running into each other, it's destiny! ;)
I admit there were some plot choices that I very much disliked (the only reason I didn't rate this a nine or a ten). Yet, I can't decide whether or not, if I had a magic wand, I would change them. Nothing was throwaway, it all fit into the main story. Like most dramas I watch, it's more about how the characters execute the plot than the plot quality itself, anyway. Which brings me to the meat of this review...
*Acting*
The acting in this drama is what elevates it from a typical romcom to a must-see. Main and side characters alike are simply a delight to watch. I'm going to dwell on this for almost the entirety of this review.
Our main couple, Lee Gun and Kim Mi-Yeong, are played by Jang Hyuk and Jang Na-Ra. These two are so perfect in their roles, your heart will burst with emotion. Ah, what a corny thing for me to say. But if that's how I felt, I cannot stay silent!
Jang Hyuk plays Lee Gun, the eccentric president of a large company. And when I say eccentric, I'm not talking about the quirkiness that screenwriters often inject into MLs to try to give them personality. I am telling you that this man is straight-up weird and takes some getting used to. Strange mannerisms, at times odd vernacular, and, oh yeah, let's not forget the old "he he hE HE HAHAHAHAHAHAHA" in almost every situation. This is why, if you are a bit put off during the series premiere, you absolutely need to watch at least one more before making a decision. I promise, Gunnie is worth it. He is charming, funny, handsome, gallant, and passionate. But he is not that perfect, boringly nice ML that makes me fall asleep. He has a lot of baggage, and he doesn't always handle it properly. His growth throughout the drama feels very real and gratifying. Jang Hyuk plays this character with equal amounts of dorkiness and sexiness, and it's exactly right. Several episodes in, that maniacal laugh ceased to be disturbing and became deeply endearing. And I cannot tell a lie: it does not hurt that Jang Hyuk is one of the most good-looking men I've seen in my life. I could stare at him all day. What? We were all thinking it.
So let's talk about Kim Mi-Yeong, as played by the wonderful Jang Na-Ra. We've all seen the FL who is naive, sweet, hard-working, a pushover, bla bla bla. Is Mi-Yeong these things? Yes...but in such a way that creates a real person and does not feel contrived. She is very tender to the needs of everyone around her, and it is not annoying at all. I could easily imagine any man falling in love with her gentle ways. Her smile is loving to everyone she meets, and her lovely eyes have earnestness that never falters. Many dramas have tried to create a character like this, but few have succeeded to this level. And her growth arc is so good! I was worried that she would lose that warmhearted spirit as she gains confidence, but that never happened. She found her way into her own skin as a woman, but always held onto that grace and vulnerability. There were a lot of moments that broke my heart in this drama, but the only time I genuinely cried with tears streaming down my face was a scene that had her in it alone. Jang Na-Ra knew exactly who this person is and how she needed to convey her feelings (or hold them in at times).
And the two of them together? Fireworks! Electricity! DAEBAK!!! It may seem odd to call this romance a slow burn when it literally starts with a one night stand, but once you watch it, you'll get it. You will feel their desire for each other, which they try to stave off, on a very palpable level. You know, those kinds of moments when you have to pause the episode and go do a few chores just to keep your head on straight. I can't be the only one who does that, right? Someone please tell me I'm not alone there. So when those romantic moments happen, they feel very earned. And this is not a fish kiss drama, I will tell you that much.
Ahem. Okay, side characters. My favorite of the supporting roles was Na Young-Hee as Mi-Yeong's mom, by a mile. I thought she'd just be your typical drama ahjumma, walloping people and calling names. She does indeed wallop everyone and call them all sorts of rotten names, but her heart is pure and very full of love. The other actors played their roles well and made me smile, but this eomma was just shining.
If anyone bored me, it was the second leads, Daniel Pitt & Se Ra. But that could just be that their characters were written to not tug your heartstrings too much. They each had their own backstory that was separate from the main storyline, but I couldn't find it in my heart to care about them. I sound awful saying that. Please forgive me.
*OST*
Great music. Standout tracks would definitely be "Goodbye My Love" by Ailee and "Destiny Sonata" by Jung Dongha. Their voices are somehow both sweet and powerful, which perfectly conveys the feelings of yearning and true love.
*Rewatchability*
I think I'll stray from other fans of this show and say that I can't see myself watching FtLY again. I got so very invested in their romance that the several agonizing crises they faced were almost too much to bear. I probably will be more likely to go look up clips of the best scenes sometimes. I will be satisfied with all the happy moments in my memory.
Wow, did you read all that? Thank you, friend! If you did, my guess is that you are already a fan of this show and looking for someone who agrees. If you have not started it yet, I'm even more thankful that you took time to read my opinion. Now, I will tell you your fate: it is to watch Fated to Love You, starting today!
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you can fall in love again
honestly i have watched all the versions of this drama and yesterday i completed the k version but i dnt still know which one is the original one?i liked the story but some times i wonder is it so easy to fall in love with a person when you first sleep with him and then got pregnant
the fl acted very well and i liked her crying scenes and her strong version too
but the male lead when he is laughing omg how much he had laughed in this drama
whan he got emotional that time he laughed too
i think he was not that much expressive in most scenes which i dnt like
he acted like a baby
but their chemistry was good too
now i have to watch male leads new drama
so i can see if he is laughing really like that or not??
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Such a fun-filled drama
Actually, let's say you can watch this drama if you are in a mood for something fun. If you are someone who doesn't like a innocent and crybaby female lead then this one is not for you, but I felt like this female lead was cute eventhough sometimes her being taken advantage by others made me really frustrated, i kind of understood where she is coming from and her character felt more real. I watched Chinese version of this drama long time back and seriously it pissed me off so much, but this one was far better than that one (No offense to anyone, cause I also love Chinese dramas and they are soich special to me) but this drama in Chinese version really frustrated me too much so i was hesitant to start this one, but i watched this drama only for the female lead (cause she is so pretty and cute) and ended up actually enjoying it. Eventhough the storyline was basic, the actor's effort made it worth the watching!! So if by any chance you are hesitant to watch this one, i say...just give it a shot... it's goodWas this review helpful to you?
Weirdly wonderful
A lesson in good directing (Kim Hee Won) of how to take a somewhat obnoxious, yet romantic wealthy male lead and pair him with a mousy, people pleasing doormat style female and have you believe they are fated to be together.Jang Na Ra and Jang Hyuk turned a fairly standard plot into a very watchable drama, Their ability to act transforms what could have been 'cardboard cut-out characters' into real people that I could relate to, Each actor has added their own nuances to their roles that in another's hands could just be annoying and turned it into endearing The development of each role during this drama allows their weaknesses to become their strengths.
I laughed and cried and binge-watched my way through this drama and was cheering for them to be able to be a couple. The only let down was the wrap up at the end it felt forced and less authentic.
Well worth the investment of time,
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This review may contain spoilers
Amazing, my favorite drama. I don't think I'll be able to even do this drama justice in this review, just go watch the show.I initially only began watching this because it's one of the only dramas Hulu has. I'm not a fan of dramas with the rich guy and poor girl dynamic because, I typically find that they demean the girl the entire time, but this one was so different. Not because they didn't demean her, but because the story strengthened her.
Is the story dramatic? Yes. Unrealistic? Yes. Does it have ridiculous moments? Absolutely. But, do the actors do so well that you feel as though it's all real? YES.
This drama not only is entertaining to watch but also has life lessons and morals that may impact your real life (as it did mine).
Storyline:
This drama, as most know, was adapted from the Taiwanese version and in all honesty, I'm not trying to hate on the Taiwanese version, but I couldn't barely get through the episodes of it. In my opinion, it lacks the charisma and heart wrenching value that the Korean version has.
The storyline sounds so cliché and terrible, but this show makes it work and uses the tropes in a unique way that makes them no longer tropes. It has it's overdramatic moments, but what drama doesn't? To add to that, even the overdramatic moments are so well executed ( in my opinion) that they makes you emotional.
Acting/Cast/Characters:
Gunnie. Oh Gunnie. He truly makes the series as good as it is. He isn't a super stereotypical lead and I feel as though this is one of the reasons that despite the fact that the story has tropes, it continues to be extremely unique. After you watch this you'll probably be imitating his ridiculous laugh for days. That said, he's a character that'll make you roll laughing but also cry your heart out. His genuine heartbrokenness over some of the serie's events is so realistic that it's even more heart wrenching for the viewer to watch. There is so much I wish I could say about this character, but it'd be a spoiler and so I won't say those things. But, he is just all in all a beautiful character. The one thing I will mention from later in the series (and I won't spoil anything) is the computer videos scene (those who have watched the show know what I'm talking about), I have never ever cried so hard at a show or movie as I did watching that scene. It was so realistic and relatable and heart destroying, especially when he's talking about being in the restaurant and choking on the food (again, sounds weird, but those who've watched know what I'm talking about.) it was so relatable.
As for the female lead. Amazing as well. Being a "post-it" girl myself and seeing the character naturally form into such a strong, independent woman was amazing and gave me faith for myself. Jang Na Ra's acting skills are off the charts, I don't really cry at movies or shows. Ever. But, every time she started sobbing, so did I. And this is partially because Jang Na Ra (and Jang Hyuk as well) didn't do the whole "pretty cry." When she cried it looked so real and even though she ugly cried it was beautiful and brought out so much more emotion than when actors do the pretty, delicate cry. When Gun and Mi Yeong cried, they SOBBED. And so did I.
The "love rivals" in this were good as well. I loved Daniel and Se Ra's side story, it was heart warming and I'm so happy they got a good ending as well. Last but not least, despite the two main leads being AMAZING characters, in my heart two supporting characters may be tied with Gun and Mi Yeong as my favorite characters in this series. Those two characters are Manager Tak and Yong. Them as a duo was HILARIOUS. Yong's funny facial expressions and reactions had me on the floor laughing. Both in seriousness and in comedy view Yong was the character I related most to, where as Tak was amazing again, both comedy wise and in caring so much for Gun and Mi Yeong as well. Bottom line: even with as good and I find the storyline to be, had they not casted the actors they did I don't think this show would've been even half as good as it is. The actors and the characters they played were absolutely amazing.
Music:
I just have three words "Goodbye My Love." That song was stuck in my head for days after watching the series. As if the sad scenes weren't sad enough, this song would start playing and I'd begin tearing up already. Ailee's voice (which I actually didn't realize it was her singing it til after watching the series) is addicting and pure gold. As for the other tracks, they were fantastic and fit the scenes so well.
All and all, this series is SO worth your time. Don't write it off because of the synopsis.
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you dont want this drama to end.... and they have got an amazing looking cast..... What else do you need....
i rated the rewatch value an 8 becoz this drama makes you cry like a baby(SIT WITH A TISSUE BOX), and i dont usually like dramas that make u cry so , i cant watch this drama again....
This drama is a must watch........ if you dont like dramas that make you cry (like me) you should still try it out becoz the amazing chemistry between the lead cast and all the soft touching moments that make you skip a heart beat ,are a must watch and they make up for all the crying....
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Fated To Watch This Lovely Drama
This show is very entertaining from first to last episode. The script was done really well.Story
Imagine, not the perfect match looking on the outside. An eccentric, complicated yet so lovable and warm hearted rich man and a shy, insecure snail of a lady with a heart of gold...meet, fall in love in a long gradual process, through ups and downs. Fighting their own insecurities and confidence but eventually bond together through the deep love and respect they have for each other. Even the 3rd parties on both sides were respectable and easy to watch.
Acting
Superb. Only Jang Hyuk could have played the role of delightful and lovable Lee Gun so well and forever so sexy. Jang Na Ra is perfect for Min Young. Meek and yet eventually had such strength and determination. Choi Jin Hyuk also acted well as Daniel Pitt who also loved Min Young and became a strength for her to lean on when things do not go well between Lee Gun and Min Young. His role was tastefully done and I enjoyed all the acting in the drama. Well casted.
Music
Morning of Canon, Goodbye My Love, Destiny Sonata, My Girl.....beautiful songs and music throughout the whole drama well done.
Re-Watch Value
Again and again when you want to feel encouraged by love.
Overall
I love this drama. Lots of natural hugging and kissing in the lead's relationship which completes the entire theme of this drama.
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Cast: I cannot think of better actors to play their roles. Every person in the show completely owned their roles. Whether it was the main characters or smaller characters like Chief secretary Tak or the 'Hamo Hamo's'. It was one of the shows where you completely forgot that these people weren't Lee Gun and Mi Young shi in real life and everything on screen was not actually real. That just shows how good the acting and the transitions in the story were. And everybody physically fit their characters really well too. Hang Hyuk and his vast array of hairstyles and suits fit his colourful yet powerful personality and Jang Naras cute face which was by no means ugly fit Mi Young shi's innocense perfectly.
Story: Accidental pregnancy is a story line I love. Any kind of forced situation where the main couple develops deep love for each other is my kryptonite and a cute little baby on the way is the cherry on top! Got to admit the whole plan due to which the pregnancy happened was beyond stupid and almost made me second guess the show in the beginning it was the way the main characters had been written that sucked me in. One thing I was worried about in the beginning was the use of Se Ra in the story line but as unfair as it was to her I liked that she wasn't too much of a hurdle in the development of love between our main characters. The only complaints I have is firstly the use of 'amnesia'. I hear its a popular tool used by K drama writers but this is my first drama to have seen it and I cannot say that I'm a big fan. Though I understand why it's popular because it opens a lot if different doors in terms of the progression of the story. My only other complaint is that I really wanted Mi Young shi to show and to just be MORE pregnant. Like I wanted them to tackle cravings together, have baby showers and things that would make us connect with Gae Dong more also!
Characters: The characters were wonderfully sketched out and unique. I loved that there wasn't really any antagonist and even the step mother and the board member were just a big joke. Lee Gun to me was the most unique and interesting characters. He was warm and considerate from the very beginning. He wasn't the typical crude chaebol heir. Cant say I loved the laugh and unnecessary raising of voice but he was definitely my favourite character. Another character that stood out for me was the mom. I spent many hours pondering over her behaviour in the end and I can't say I didn't understand where she was coming from. Her fierce protectiveness and all out love was very endearing.. Especially her relationship with Gun. Gotta give the show credit for giving me a cast where I didn't really hate anyone which made it an easy show to watch and re-watch.
I need to made a shout out to the OST because i think its been my favourite so far. Almost all the songs stayed with me even after the show was over especially Ready to love and Goodbye my love.
If my gleaming review is anything to show for it I LOVED THE SHOW and 100000 % recommend you watch it
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this was a slog
not entirely sure why I sat through 20 episodes of this but the last two or three episodes were pretty good.way too long for what it was frankly torturous in much of it the male protagonist treated the female protagonist so badly for most of the time I'd say trigger warning for abuse. it was painful. I felt embarrassed for wanting them to get together clearly was not healthy it was hard to enjoy. I don't want to go on and on about it but apparently this review needs to be 500 words. there were about five to six too many episodes of them just misunderstanding each other in the most mean ways possible. yes there was redemption in the end but two episodes out of 20? also the translation was a bit off-putting.
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