It is not a slow burner. Normally, I am ok with this kind of pacing. But here is the pace is really slow of the kind that the actors take five minuets looking at each other without a word and the antagonist takes scenes and scenes before he could strike, not to mention some plot holes and some stupid acts by the police. In the last episodes, the pace lift up and the episodes became more intense, which made the rating process kinda perplexing for me.
Acting-wise, the child actors did a better job than the adult ones. Nam Da Reum and Ryu Han Bi really impressed me. Heo Joon Ho (father) managed to make me cringe every time he is on screen. For the protagonists, Jang Ki Yong (Na Moo) was really good in the dramatic and when-he-is-angry scenes, but failed -unfortunatley- is the romantic moments, which was a big let down as I had seen him in Go Back Couple and made me develop second lead syndrome. ?His looks to Nak Won felt mannered and artificial, trying hard to look endearing and fluffy. Other than that he did a good job especially in the aforementioned scenes.
For Jin Ki Joo (Nak Won), I hope there was another actress instead. I won't lie, I skipped a lot of her (romantic) scenes.
Seo Jung Yeon (mother) overacted while acting angry but she was ok on the overall level. Kim Seo Hyung's (reporter) character was very annoying and was depicted evil for a reporter.
Music was soothing and lovable.
Overall, it wasn't a bad journey, but it could be much more better if it was shorter. I don't regret my time, but I don't think I'll be able to watch it again.
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The story was kinda refreshing for melodrama lovers. The tone and the ambiance of the drama were relaxing and the scenery was stunning. But near the end, I found unnecessary fillers just intended to make the audience cry and feel desperate.
Acting-wise; Lee Jun Ho was great. You can feel his emotions through his facial expressions. Won Jin Ah also did a good job, and all the cast too. But Jun Ho was the scene stealer.
OSTs were mainly ballads and melodious. But when the show ends, nothing is memorable, except maybe I Open My Eyes.
For melodrama and romance lovers, they can watch it again, but I am sure they have more valuable dramas to spend time for.
Overall, it was a nice journey that I enjoyed most of it but for the last four episodes.
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What makes this movie special-at least for me- is:
-so realistic battle scenes and emotions showing horrors of war and not glorifying it like other movies.
-dealt not only with war crimes, but also with the government crimes towards its own people.
-asking what is patriotism and which bond is stronger; to one's family or to his country?
-great cast and smooth, yet powerful background score.
Some Westerns may think of it as being kinda over-dramatic, but I see it's a part of their Eastern tradition in general, and actually it is justifiable here; the movie is more than some graphics which are very realistic.
NOTE: "The Korean War is an obvious example that there is no winner and loser in wars, only losers. There was no peace treaty, only a cease fire"
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For the story, the cases weren't that solid. But as I aforementioned, the episodes were quick and you won't be frustrated. This was not meant to be a long tight story that goes on through the whole episodes and make you think of the world. Some stories weren't that convincing, but c'mon it is just a time-pass drama.
The cast was very good. I can't say it was great, as it needn't master scenes to show their capacities. One of the fun elements; the chemistry among the actors. They were really one team.
I found the music sweet and goes in line with the fast pace of the drama.
One last thing, I can rewatch it easily.
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First, the story isn't something unique or different, rather it is simple, but its execution is what makes it gripping.
The plot could have been meatier especially when it comes to some characters like Yuri's or the old inmate's ones, but I think the drama can become longer then.
I knew that there were two episodes extension, but I had never felt it dragging (comparing to other dramas).
Acting..everyone is talking about the acting which is the highlight of this show. I don't know if it weren't Ji Sung and Uhm Ki Joon, this drama would have been that great. Both acted deliberately; never overacting nor underacting for even once.The chemistry between the characters is another highlight and the comic timing comes as a relief from all that tension.
The music fits well and and it helps build up the tension and drag you into the mood. "I Love You Baby" was a sweet gesture and reflects the aim of the show and the motive behind our hero's journey.
Rewatch value: I often don't find thrillers have high rewatch value as all clues unfold in the first time, but I can watch this once again just for the performances.
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The 1st episode is a copycat of Go Back Couple's. But from 2nd episode onwards, you'll realize the difference.
The plot itself is very real and depicts marriage life and personal flawed traits within a fantasy frame. The time travel theme is here just to serve the thought of "what if". Everyone face a debacle/s in his own life and wishes to reverse things back, but going to the past is not always the best thing.
The characters are flawed and not so likeable, especially at earlier episodes, but they soon grow mature and that's what makes it relateable. The protagonists needn't always to be angels and saints. The characters' behaviors are consistent from the beginning till the end. I love it when the writer knows what to do and doesn't drive me to wonder why.
All actors here are excellent at their job without exception. Ji Sung never fails, especially at emotional scenes, but Han Ji Min here is the show stealer. She managed to move from one mode to another easily, keeping her charm and electrifying chemistry with Ji Sung.
OSTs and BGM are melodious and fit the scenes well. My fav is Let Me Show You. It's real fun.
I'm glad a lot of current dramas care about cinematography, and FW is no exception.
My only complaint is about the fillers. There are two needless cameos and a lot of office scenes that I had to skip.
One last thing, This show kept surprising me. I never knew where it was heading to and had some good cliffhangers.
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Kim Ah Jung-in her first role-fits the role of the cute Hanna and the beautiful Jenny perfectly. She did all the songs by herself, despite not being a singer.
I like all the songs. my favourite is Maria, which is originally by Blondie. Actually the songs topped the Korean charts at that year.
"200 pounds beauty" was a super hit and won many awards and nominations including best actress and best film, so watch it. it is really a sweet one.
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