Cette critique peut contenir des spoilers
Mild Spoilers ahoy
I really do want to preface this by saying 7 isn't a *bad* score. If Crash Landing wasn't such a hyped show, I might've bumped it up by a 0.5 star, but considering how everyone and their mothers have told me its the best thing to happen to K-drama since Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye, it's exactly that: a personal opinion that some very, very strongly believe and the rest...not so much.To start of, I will say that the first few episodes of this drama? Innovative. Brilliant. Iconic. Never-been-done-before. I jest (sort of), but I truly loved the pacing and character-driven arcs of the first few episodes- yes, there was drama. Yes, it was a little unrealistic.
Scratch that, the whole drama was extremely unrealistic, as one would expect from a plot like this. Unlike many other viewers, though, I didn't really care about how...um...gentle...the writer was about North Korea and North Korean life. At the end of the day, I'm willing to suspend a bit of my disbelief because its a K-drama and I want a happy ending for everyone involved. The writer was very gentle in their portrayal of, well, everything- from North Korean politics, to military, to imprisonment, to daily village and city life, and hell, even made the South Korean NIS (National Intelligence Services) be kindly government employees who treat their North Korean inmates (special forces and probably SPY inmates) well and send them back to North Korea with a pat on the back and a lollipop to suck on. Realistic, this drama is not. But yeah, I really didn't give a rat's ass.
What I *did* give a rat's ass about, though, was how terribly they dealt with Gu Seung Jun (SML?). Can't say much or it'd be a spoiler, but my god, they NEVER gave him a goddamn break. Seo Dan, too. Though I admit, I can't say I cared much for the either of the romance lines (the main one or the secondary one), which is incredibly annoying in what is literally a romance drama first and comedy/action second, but I still became very, very reasonably pissed when the writer made very out of pocket writing decisions for the SML. I mean, to put him through all that and give him THAT ending? Damn.
Can't say I cared much about the acting either by the main leads. For some reason, I found the main actors (minus Kim Jung Hyun (SML), who I have seen and enjoyed before) really wooden in some scenes and wish they emoted more- especially Hyun Bin (ML). It's not my first drama of his, so I'm really disappointed- he can do so much better. Did he just not connect with this character? Because his chemistry with Se-Ri (FML) was so forced. Son Ye Jin did pretty okay around everyone except Hyun Bin, too, and then her acting seemed to become so monotonic I found myself skipping all the scenes where they just gaze lovingly at each other with tears in their eyes and talk about how much they care about each other (which happened a lot...).
You know, not to be crass (much), but for 30-something year olds who obviously love each other and see each other for only 2 weeks once a year, they act more G-rated around each than I did with my crush from kindergarten. You're telling me they go to damn picnics when they meet once a year? Yeah, I have two words for you: bull and shit. Also, that's such a weird HFN (happy for now) ending to me, because I'm sure its all magical for like, another 2 years, but imagine meeting your SO once a year for a few days for the rest of your life and not even getting to talk to them every now and then. They live happily ever after? 3 words. Bull, freaking, and shit.
This drama isn't without its redemption, though, because if there is one thing I never skipped and watched gleefully is the the ML's bromantic group of hilarious North Korean soldiers who singlehandedly save this drama from boredom. Watching their antics and their obvious camaraderie is such a good break from watching Mr. and Mrs. Tortured Love kill themselves (and the audience) over their mutual inability to so much as hold hands.
Also, I have a genuine question: did we EVER get any insight about Se Ri's past? It's implied and redeemed SO many times in the drama, but its literally like the author forgot to explain why Se Ri has such a terrible childhood at all. Every character has hint-hint-nudge-nudged at it to death and yet, NO ONE has bothered giving any explanation to the viewers what exactly happened. Is this a writing oversight? Or an editing mistake? Because these episodes are 1.5 hours long, so there was more than enough time to explain.
All in all, I would pass, unless you're a huge Hyun Bin or Son Ye Jin fan.
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One of my absolute favorites
This was an exceptional show. This is the only show that, while I was watching it, kept telling myself it was practically perfect in every way. I don't rate very many shows a '10' and one of the criteria for a 10 is my ability to re-watch the show. This is the one I keep going back to, especially after I've watch a disappointing drama that's full of all the Asian cliches. I have to admit I was somewhat disappointed with the ending, but even that couldn't lower my overall rating for this show.Story/writing: This show was unbelievably well-written, with a unique storyline. My emotions ran the gamut throughout the series, one minute I'd be laughing, the next I was in tears. This had SO MANY of those wonderful lines that made me think, "Boy, if a man said that to me, I'd totally fall for him!" I loved the nod to Secretly/Greatly and the cameo of Kim Soo Hyun - so clever! The director/writer must have some kind of mind meld going on, because this show was so well-executed, one scene flowed wonderfully into the next. I loved how they had the extra, different scenes at the end of each episode. My favorite was in Ep 1 when he saw her in a tree and was listening to her talk. That small smile, you could tell he was already smitten. The scenery was spectacular (especially in Switzerland) and I loved how the destiny aspect of their relationship kept being revealed, a little bit at a time
Acting/Cast: Everyone owned their role. I could not imagine any actor doing a better job in any of the roles. Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin - their chemistry was palpable! Their chemistry was so good, it's going to be hard for me to see them in shows with someone else! Hyun Bin - At the beginning, he was all about being a soldier and I liked the softening of his character once she came into the picture. Son Ye Jin - her character could have been someone completely unlikeable, but the way she played it, I could see how her family background/dynamics had colored her life and it was such a treat to watch her become more human and playful. Seo Ji Hye as Seo Dan was beautiful to watch. So cold and unapproachable, but there was something that you just had to like about her. Kim Jun Hyun did an excellent job as Alberto, another person that redeems himself as the story goes along. The soldiers in the platoon - what a treat! They each had their own personality trait and they melded so well together. I think the majority of the comic relief came from these guys and they were a hoot. The North Korean ladies - wow, between the script and their acting, they moved from being ancillary secondary characters to being pivotal to the story. Their communications with each other, their strength in adversity and their growing in closeness with each other as the show progressed was a joy to watch. I MUST give a special shout out to Jang Hye Jin, who played Seo Dan's mother - she was spectacular and brought so much humor and heart to the part.
The OST was perfect. The piano music, the songs that sometimes were just the music, sometimes with words. I've always known that music connects with our emotions, but never more so than in this show. I think we have to give a lot of credit to the music for drawing out our emotions, because without it, I don't think I would have cried nearly as much!
My only complaint about this show was that they made such a big deal about their couple rings and never taking them off, then when they found each other at the end of the show, they weren't wearing them. I realize that those scenes were shot first, but with CGI the way it is, you could have just added the rings.
I think the biggest testament to how much I liked this show, other than how many times I've watched it, is the number of times I've recommended it to others. Everyone I know is always looking for something decent to watch, and I tell them, if they are willing to read subtitles, they absolutely cannot go wrong by watching this show.
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I wanted to leave their chemistry for the end because that's what I loved the most!! The quirky, funny scenes, the angsty ones, the lovely ones..... It was all so believable and ugh I loved them together ???
Also, Ri's soldiers were so great too. From the guy who acted all tough and pretended to dislike Se-ri, to the kid who loved kdramas.....
This drama was amazing and yeah, it's my new favorite.
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Pros:
1. The leading lady is so charming and has so much presence wherever she is. So funny and capable while being vulnerable. I loved Seri more than any other FL I have seen.
2. The ML - Ri Jeong Hyuk(RJH) is the perfect man. There is no other way to say this, he is just great at everything while being the cutest, most loving man in the world.
3. The supporting characters who Seri meets in North Korea are the best and really bring the story to life.
4. Its a true romance with "love trumps all" motto.
5. The melodrama and comedy elements are both done well.
6. Mature relationship where they don't have useless misunderstandings and are capable of gauging the situation.
7. BEAUTIFUL clothes omg! Seri is so well dressed even when she is wearing ajhumma fashion from "North Korean local market". The second female lead has the amazing wardrobe. She is rich and a fashion queen.
Cons:
1. I definitely felt that the part set in North Korea was the highlight of the show. It lost the same charm once the setting was changed.
2. The couple had a very beautiful connection but it was somehow weird seeing grown adults having no physical contact when they're clearly in love.
3. The plot is not supposed to make complete sense, I was okay with FL accidentally ending up in North Korea through a typhoon but later in the story it seems the events are just crazy not to make any sense except creating angst for our pair.
The first 8 episodes were the strength of the show in my opinion.
4. The style of Seri's home in South Korea meant for a fashion forward business woman seemed off and a little too strong compared to the softness of the setting in North Korea.
Overall, I suggest you should absolutely watch this drama is you like Kdramas at all because this is one of the best. I rewatched the episodes so many times. CLOY is the show I was most emotionally attached to. I watched it as it aired and waiting each week and participating on the forums with other viewers were part of my routine. It absolutely deserves all the praise and hype that it has achieved.
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They've perfected the formula
This is the drama I will recommend to friends who have never watched a k-drama. It's the gateway drama that will get them hooked. CLOY is the embodiment of the most skilled execution of the k-drama formula: dramatic scenes + heartfelt humor + swoon worthy love story. Writer Park Ji Eun and director Lee Jeong Hyo should write a textbook on how they made this show.I have read various reviews that complain this show provides nothing new to the k-drama scene and is predictable. My response is that they are correct. CLOY is simply the formula done to perfection, and that is a hard thing to do.
My favorite characters are the crew of soldiers. Their fish-out-of-water act in the second half of the show had me laughing and loving them even more than I did in the first half. Likewise, their counterparts in the band of ahjummas were vital to the show, and they came to life under the leadership of Wol Seok. I have so much respect for actress Kim Sun Young. She seems to be in her element playing tough ahjummas with heart. And a special mention goes out to Kim Young Min for his portrayal of the anguished spy, as well as Yang Kyung Won as the first sergeant under Jung Hyuk. Both of them added dimension to characters that could have fallen too far into flat caricatures.
I have to say that Son Ye Jin is one fantastic actress. Her energy fills the screen and she's lovely to watch. Despite a bit of weak writing around her role, she carried it where it needed to go. I wasn't a fan of Hyun Bin in Secret Garden, but it seems like the character of Jung Hyuk was written just for him. He was perfect as the quiet, stoic, sometimes clueless man. Finally, I know many people agree that Kim Jung Hyun and Seo Ji Hye often stole the show as the second couple. In many ways, they were more exciting to watch than our main couple.
The rewatch value is high with this one. It's like a favourite movie that you want to watch any time you have the chance. It doesn't ask the viewer for much and rewards you with happy feelings.
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This series is a masterpiece
My reasons for seeing this series came from its writer and lead role actors (Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin) and I was sure it would be a good series.The awesome story and great acting of the actors, both the lead role and the other actors, made this series one of the best I've ever seen. It should be noted that its delicate and beautiful Ost adds to the charm of the scenes. The story line throughout the episodes was so engaging and exciting that made it difficult to wait for the next episode, and I wanted to see the next episode immediately.
To put it in a sentence, this series is so spectacular that is worth watching over and over again.
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Cette critique peut contenir des spoilers
Story: 10/10The storyline is so beautifully made and filmed that I can't give it lower than a 10. I was hooked to the storyline. Even though, I generally already love stories in which someone needs to be undercover.. this is a new look on the concept. The woman needs to hide in North Korea and adjust to the lifestyle while staying away from all the danger. Despite being so locked up, she actually finds herself and her happiness which she had lost. She learned the value of love, life and loyalty. The growth she makes throughout the drama is amazing to watch and you might actually learn something yourself too. Besides that, the innocence of the fellow soldiers were also beautifully played and just so adorable (AND FUNNY).
I really just binged this drama 'cause it got me soooo hooked.
Acting/Cast: 10/10
ALL THE ACTORS WERE SO GOOD AND CONVINCING!! The fellow soldiers had their own unique personality which were all well played. You will definitely fall in love with all of them!!! Some of the characters might fool you. You'll think that you hate them, but you'll actually grow to love them.
Music: 10/10
I loved all the OST's. It doesn't happen very often that I listen to the OST's seperately, because I watch so many dramas but these ones are just sweet and amazing.
Rewatch Value: 10/10
I've just finished the drama so for now I won't rewatch it, but I will put it on my ''to rewatch list''. So when I'm yearning for nostalgia, I will definitely rewatch this drama first.
Overall: 10/10
I would recommend this drama to everyone who loves: romantic dramas, cultural dramas, undercover dramas and action dramas. Also, if you're interested in North Korea, because even though they've romanticised some things (in my opinion) it's still a good representation of how it'd be in North Korea.
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That brings me to the one observation that is confirmed for me now since I watched Something in the Rain: Son Ye-jin is one of the best (if not the best) criers in k-drama land. Lol... I know how that sounds, but, when she cries I cry and I really feel for her characters. Props to her for choosing such multilayered characters - strong yet vulnerable women. Can't wait to see more of her!!
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This was the most controversial drama I’ve ever watched. Controversial in the sense that I went from wanting to rate this 7.5 stars, to giving it 8.5 stars, and then 9 stars and finally settling on 9.5 stars (even though I feel like I might change this to 10 stars later, depending on how I digest it). When I was on episode 4, I read a review on mydramalist that gave 7.5 stars to the drama and listed this show’s flaws (mainly when it comes to the representation of North Korea). At the time, I agreed with that review and even commented that I was afraid my review and my rating would be similar. I also thought they were making this drama way too “pretty” and unrealistic, since it took place in such a scary and mysterious place, known for public executions and complete isolation. But as I kept watching the drama and watched some videos of North Koreans talking about the show’s representation of their country, I realized they really did the best they could. They obviously wouldn’t show the worst sides of the North Korean system but they still showed how corrupt and power-driven some people are, as well as some small details about the “normal” citizens, that lived their daily lives a bit differently than what I personally am used to seeing. I came to appreciate the way they didn’t make North Korea the villain but instead showed us different facets of the country and the people living there. What I also loved is that they showed a lot of flaws in South Korean’s characters, like Seri’s family, proving that there are bad people everywhere. My perception of North Korea ended up changing thanks to this drama. It’s easy to forget the “normal” citizens of this country when the leader is that scary and the system so revolting. So I’m thankful the drama focused on giving these people a voice and a life.
I often wanted to roll my eyes at the “coincidences” in the show (or fate?) but I came to appreciate them. Even when I wasn’t loving the show (around episode 4), I couldn’t help but tear up at some scenes. I think I cried at least in 80% of the episodes hahaha. The “coincidences” were there to make your heart break even more, and I love it.
Honestly, we wouldn’t have gotten this amazing drama if they had tried to be more “cruel” in their representation of the country and hadn’t included “unrealistically good” characters that would help the female lead. Thankfully, I realized that and now I can deal with the improbability of the plot and love the story for what it is.
Now I’ll list some of the things I loved about the show:
-The women in this drama. The village ajummas? Queens! Seri? Although I didn’t really like Son Yejin’s acting in the beginning because I thought it was TOO much, I still ended up loving this character. What a badass!! Seo Dan? You can’t help but like her by the end of the show. I even liked Seri’s brothers’ wives, but that’s probably an unpopular opinion LOL (I liked them as characters, not as people).
-The variety of themes. Poverty, corruption, friendship, leadership, family issues and jealousy, the hardships of a military life etc. And, of course, how terrible the separation of the two Koreas really is! They’re very different but have a lot of history in common too. It’s sad that they live in constant rivalry.
-The production and the beautiful scenery choices. Switzerland and North Korea are completely different countries but both of them are full of nature and there’s green everywhere. I don’t know about North Korea (they filmed in South Korea, obviously) but they definitely captured the best of Switzerland (I live in Switzerland so I can confirm). They even mentioned Heidi in the show; you can’t get more realistic than THAT. So pleasant to watch. And what surprised me the most is that the show made me want to visit those places (I don’t remember ever going to those locations) and made me appreciate Switzerland a lot more, which is amazing. I’ve always wanted to study abroad and I thought I wouldn’t even miss this country but after watching this show I’m already missing it! I’m still here, why am I missing it?! Hahahaha
(THIS PART MIGHT INCLUDE MINOR SPOILERS)
-The characters. All of them. The good and the bad. I loved them all. Seri’s character development was so satisfying! She learned how to not be afraid of loving others and showing her emotions. Ri Junghyuk was simply perfect, wasn’t he? Caring, smart and... comforting (which we don’t always get from MLs). The most beautiful quote in the drama is when he says that waiting is the only way to handle loss. It’s stunning. The soldiers squad!! When they went to Seoul I couldn’t stop laughing. Our favorite scammer, Gu Seung Jun, who wasn’t black nor white. The villains actually had motives (as bad and selfish as they were) and weren’t complete idiots! No character was empty.
This drama gets 100 stars when it comes to characters, without a doubt.
(END OF SPOILERS)
-The humor. I laughed so much while watching this, I’m very thankful.
Anyways, I’m not sure if my review does justice to this drama but I write reviews for myself, so that I can remember my feelings months and years later. And I wrote about the main things I loved and felt while watching it, so I’m satisfied.
I don’t think this drama is overrated at all, and I’m very glad that it took so many risks because dramaland was needing it, wasn’t it? A lot of recent dramas have been good but forgettable, not quite epic enough. Finally an epic one, that I certainly won’t forget.
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About the plot: I think it was well thought of. Not the usual star crossed lovers' story for me. I think the people behind this great drama were very careful. They made sure that it won't seem unrealistic despite the fact that a person had crash landed somewhere. The way the conflict had been resolved, and overcoming several breathtaking moments, everything made sense. Good job! It ended beautifully also, detailed and not rushed, like every character's single line is important during the last episode, most especially in epilogue. It leaves the viewer with a great feeling after watching.
About the actors: oy! The chemistry was perfect between the main actors (seri and jeong hyeok) and between the second lead characters (seo dan and seung jun). Can't get over with how they perfectly portrayed their roles. How great it must be to find someone who's really made for you, who loves you unconditionally. In short, these couples made us believe in love. Even though some of us may have been hurt so bad in the past, we'd still believe in love AGAIN after witnessing their love stories. Captain Ri's squad was also the best! North Korean women were also good, that surprisingly brought me into tears during that part where they received Seri's customized products for them. The antagonist Cho Cheol Gang also annoyed me so much. Very effective actor! Ugh! Everyone of them.. did a perfect job!
OST is sooooooooooo goood!! Will finish it here because i think this is the longest review I've ever made already. Hehe
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Cette critique peut contenir des spoilers
Definitely not a must-watch
An OK love story or maybe a rom-com, but definitely lacking laugh-out-loud moments that most Korean rom-coms have. Its neither an emotional one as well, it could have been one if this were to be 8 or so episodes instead of 16.Seems like main leads are big names in Kdramas, so maybe the high rating must be from all their fans, otherwise it doesn't make sense to me; because the story is too predictable, cliché and forgettable for the most part.
For me the noticeably good romantic scenes came from second ML in episodes 14/15. There was nothing from main leads. No good comic reliefs. Best emotional scene I felt empathetic towards was when the village ladies coming out to help the village lady chief in her time of crisis. That is it.
Basically whole show was ML as stern/serious with no expressions coupled with his low pitch voice. FL left with playing all the emotions, more than 90% of which were mainly crying over separation anxiety. Too many episodes were wasted hashing out the same concept again and again.
I watched this one only because it was mentioned as the recommended show under "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" & "When the Camellia Blooms", both of which were awesome shows.
Overall, forgettable & not even one time watch worthy. Definitely not a must-watch. It would not be a loss if you miss out on watching this one, I wish I had not wasted time on this one.
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Putting aside the beautiful scenery, music, great actors the director made such a good job I can't find even a single part to complain I mean the story from the start looked a bit classic but they developed it in a way that it won't look classic or predictable at all. The suspension, sad moment, hilarious moments were put in the right amount nothing has been exaggerated
Obviously I was drooling like a dog every time Hyun Bin was there ha ha ha just kidding anyway his acting skills I think are great I saw some comments somewhere poeple saying he can't make crying scenes etc but believe me that's completely wrong I mean if you watch the last ep there is a scene that he looks like crying but he acts like not...and and the ending they made for the 2nd lead honestly I think that wasn't necessary to put it in that tragic
I fully give my 10/10 it fully deserves
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