Should you? Would you? Could you?

You should watch this one (Why not! )
You would recommend this to others. (YES!)
You could watch this again. (Not really)

I watched 6 episodes then left it because it became too boring for me but came back to it after 8 months and actually enjoyed it. The female lead is just too sweet. I love the way her character doesn’t seem to get hassled by many things. Her focus is on getting her annunciator back and whatever means she can get it by. Of course, in the course of the plot she falls in love etc etc. The male lead is good in his own way. Cold at first and totally in love later on. It’s “Fluff’ to watch if you can see it that way.

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Good friendship. Good love

Should you? Would you? Could you?
You should watch this one (YES! )
You would recommend this to others. (YES!)
You could watch this again. (YES)

Ending: Happiness all around

For me, this drama highlights friendship over romance though the main focus is on romance. Every drama will leave you with one main thought and for me, it’s the fact that the strong bonds of friendship never fade over time. I loved the friendship portrayed between the FL and her friend Ding Ming. It’s the kind of strong bond most of us share with our childhood “bestie” and I love the support they give each other. Add to this friendship the character of Qi Xiau Song and this completes the perfect friend circle.
The lead pair are really good - their chemistry, the faith in their love, and the support for each other. They support each other in going after their dreams and this displays a perfect match in them. Their performances are flawless. The Fl is such a natural actress. Her goofiness is too cute. The ML too is a natural. Love his expressions and the gentleness that he portrays.
The second lead pair have a chemistry that sizzles every time they are on screen. I would actually look forward to their scenes.
All in all, it’s a good drama to watch without much of the angst that you see in the other ones. Yes, it’s a feel-good one but with a lesson to tell - Perseverance towards one's goal coupled with passion and good support will never allow you to fail.

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There is something about this that makes you watch it!

There is nothing much to this drama. The acting of the ML is average. The FL in spite of being portrayed as an intelligent mind behaves like a floozy till she takes a stance. The story is average. Then why did I wait for every episode eagerly every week?

Sometimes there is not much to the story and the acting, yet there is a pull. And this is what this drama has done for me.
I was ripping them apart yet somewhere I could sympathize with the FL. She idolized the ML and did everything she could to be like him and work with him, even if it meant disguising herself as a boy. She agrees to the marriage because she is crazy about him.
Doesn't love do that to the most intelligent of us too?
Love can literally make you do things that you would never imagine doing. Maybe that's why her character appealed to me. She was willing to take any steps just to be with him and when she realizes that her love will never get reciprocated (that's what she thinks), her self-respect makes her take a stance, and hence the separation. If you look at it from this perspective then maybe you will realize that the FL has actually done a great job.

The other leads are not worth mentioning ( i saw them in fast forward mode)
The Mother in law is too cool and needs a mention.
I know this is going to end well yet I am waiting to see it finalized in front of me.
Watch it only if you don't have any expectations.

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Should you? Would you? Could you?

You should watch this one (YES! )
You would recommend this to others. (YES!)
You could watch this again. (CAN!)

Ending: Happy

Warning: for those who like fast-paced dramas, this one is not for you. It’s start is v v slow, you want to tear your hair out wondering when the story will start or whether the pace will pick up and then wham! It hooks you in and you get involved in the characters and their pain.
It’s a story about relationships and pain and how the main protagonists overcome their pain and convert it into love for each other. The performances are very good. The lead pair are excellent in their respective roles. The dialogues are so deep. I normally don’t like such slow-paced dramas but this one hooked me and like how. It grows on you as you see it. The best thing they have done is to restrict it to 12 episodes which are appropriate to appreciate it. I would suggest giving it at least 2 episodes before you decide whether you want to watch it or no. It’s a personal choice completely. You may want to chuck it and then come back to it later depending on your mood. Sometimes one just needs to view such dramas to slow down our pace too. Give it a try. You will end up feeling good!

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A peek into Korea’s legal structure

I love the fact that the drama starts with a bang – a murder in the mock courtroom and it moves ahead from there. If you aren’t familiar with the legal terms like me then I suggest go a little slow…maybe rewind a bit to understand it. This is only for the first two episodes. Subsequently, you will get used to it and start enjoying it.
I cannot attribute the success of this drama to any one particular character. They are all important and very good in their roles. The core cast of the legal students all have stories attached to them and they all point out to the main culprit somehow.
The professors are the strength of this school. I am glad to see that they have showcased more positives than negatives as far as teachers go. We need to restore our faith in our teachers. There are good ones everywhere too.
The drama showcases the typical innocent getting charged while the actual wrongdoers go scot-free.
The strength of this drama is its cast and its amazing performances. Kim Myung Min as Yang Jong Hoon is a teacher who is revered and feared at the same time. The experience he brings to the classroom is priceless(since he was a former prosecutor). The students respect him and he becomes the main suspect for the crime much to his student’s horror. They know he is innocent. We know he is innocent but does the legal system? Obviously not. And that’s where the story begins – with a flawed legal system and the corrupt power of the rich and mighty. But Yang Jong Hoon is not deterred. He is determined to clear his name and catch the real suspect. Imagine the strength of this character.
His peer Lee Jung Eun as Kim Eun Sook is as smart in the classroom as she is in the courtroom. Her support to him and the students carry this drama forward too.
The students portrayed by Kim Bum, Ryu Hye Young, Lee Soo Kyung, David Lee, Ko Yoon Jung, Hyun Woo , Lee Kang Ji and Kim Min Seok each probably represent students in real-time law school with their real problems. Here each of them have their own demons to deal with and they are beautifully incorporated into the flow of the plot. There is a subtle undertone of romance but its really not the focus of this drama.
The character of Lee Man Ho played by Jo Jae Ryong has to have a special mention as the plot rests on his side of the story. He is creepy to the core and that’s brilliant acting if he manages to evoke those emotions. His character apparently has been coined on the lines of a real time offender (Jo Doo Soon).
Jin Hyung Woo played by Park Hyuk Kwon is this sleezy know it all prosecutor whose aim is to bring Yang Jung down no matter what. He teams up with the corrupt Assemblyman Ko Hyeong So in all his evil doings. Both these characters are well played by their respective actors.

This was a refreshing change for me. Well tackled and kept the thread of interest alive throughout.

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One which can be re-watched with delight

Should you? Would you? Could you?
You should watch this one (YES! )
You would recommend this to others. (YES!)
You could watch this again. (YES!)
Ending: Happy

To me, Itaewon Class is all about the dominance of the character of Jo Yi Seo portrayed by Kim Da Mi. She is brazen. She is impulsive. She is loyal. She is emotional. Her unwavering faith and support for the main lead Park Sae Ro Yi is something you don’t get to see in real life. Once she has made up her mind to do something, then nothing can deter her. That’s the strength of her character. I love the way she has no qualms in telling everyone that she is a sociopath. Now which character does that and gets away with it? We see her character showing no empathy or sympathy at all even with her team but under the guidance of the protagonist’s sense of values, she learns to realize her mistakes and forms a great bond with the same team, eventually. I absolutely love her confidence that she will make sure Park Sae Ro Yi falls in love with her.

While the story is all about the main lead’s journey and his determination to make it big to extract revenge, it’s the support that he gets from his team that really binds his journey together and makes it a worthwhile watch. Park Seo Joon is brilliant as the protagonist. His deep sense of justice and morals is what defines his character. His unwavering faith in his people makes him a leader for whom his people will do anything. When the antagonist tries to poach people from his team, we see their loyalty to the fullest. His entire character is based on his principles which his father instilled in him that does lead to his downfall initially but it's that very faith that makes him a winner in the end. I’m not sure there is even a person alive like this anywhere. He brings hope.

The one character I really didn’t take to is Soo Ah whose actions just don’t seem to justify any end. I don’t understand why she had to accept that scholarship and work for the enemy. If she loved the protagonist, shouldn’t she be by his side come what may?
The crew that makes up DamBam are equally endearing. Each one has their story which is interweaved in the plot and revealed when required.

Chairman Jang is the perfect villain of this piece. You know he is willing to do anything for his company, Jangga Co…even sacrifice his son for it. So then why would he spare the protagonist? For him, it's all about ego and powerplay. The fact that Park Sae Ro Yi refuses to bend on his knees and ask for forgiveness is the catalyst of the whole plot. Its consequences are fatal to the protagonist which in turn becomes the reason for the whole revenge angle. Chairman Jang never acknowledges that Sae Ro Yi is a real threat to Jangga Co but at the back of his mind he knows that only Park Sae Ro Yi has the capability to oust him. His character is cruel and has been played impressively by Yoo Jae Myung.

His two sons - Geun Won and Geun Soo ultimately show traits that reflect their dad. Geun Woo more so as he is the rightful heir and hence is cold, cruel, and heartless. He is responsible for bullying, killing, and kidnapping. Geun Soo starts off as being more sympathetic and loving when he is an outcast but when he decides to join his father, we see a dark side to him which is a reflection of his dad. He betrays the very friend who accepts him and shows little remorse. But he does manage to get a little redemption in the end as the good people around him realized that it was temporary madness that overcame him.

It’s a good show to watch and re-watch. Re-affirms our faith in sticking to values.

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Amazing acting! Amazing chemistry!

Should you? Would you? Could you?

You should watch this one (YES! )
You would recommend this to others. (YES!)
You could watch this again. (YES, in parts)

Ending: Love is in the air!

This drama has clearly been divided into 2 Acts. The first half portrays the romance and the ups and downs of the lead pair and their lives as the outcome of their insecurities and angst. The second half shows the rise of the character development on the FL’s part. The courage she takes to change herself from the meek submissive woman to a person with self-confidence is an amazing character graph written by the writer and brilliantly portrayed by the FL.

The first half: These episodes show the immense love the lead pair both grow to have eventually towards each other. They fall in love slowly bound by the child they created. His illness creates a rift. He sacrifices for her good but doesn’t realize that she is his strength. The loss of their child adds to the angst and that is the final nail in the coffin. She leaves with her hope shattered and heads towards a newer pasture.
Second half: These episodes show her transformation! The meek “post-it” girl is no longer that but a confident young woman with a mind of her own but infused with the same gentleness as before. Lots of enjoyable banter between the two ultimately leading to a happy end.

The main leads are phenomenal in their roles. His eccentricity (that laugh) and her insecurity and gentleness are a perfect foil to each other. Their chemistry is amazing! I like the way we can literally see it built up along the story. And their angst!!!! Oh, the angst....... it ropes you in and makes you sympathize and empathize with them. It makes you shed a tear or two because you realize where it is coming from. This is probably the first drama where the angst is so brilliantly portrayed by the characters of the main lead. These are 2 amazing actors. The story while could be just another story but I don’t think could come live without these two.
And this is perfectly complemented by the brilliant acting of “the neighborhood oppa” as played by Choi Jin Hyuk as Daniel. His support to the FL is just what one would seek in life if one is needing a best friend and mentor. He falls in love with the FL but is mature enough to realize that her affection for the ML will never wane. He accepts being her friend for life even when she sweetly rejects him.

The OTP is haunting and doesn’t stop you from humming it throughout the day.

The character of Gun is given a wealth of dimension by Jang Hyuk’s madness (that laugh, the pitches of tone he uses, and the quirky hairstyle in the first half). His expressions are flawless. I love the way they have portrayed the character of Gun as a cold character but as you ride along with the drama, you get exposed to his gentleness, his love, his calm. His interactions with Mi Young show his response to her gentleness. It’s not possible for anyone to react to a person who is so sweet in looks and nature. It's just not possible to be mean to her. I don’t think anyone else could have played the character of Mi Young so effortlessly other than Jang Na Ra. The character of Mi Young is so simple and sweet without any complexities. She is just a nice sensitive soul who can do harm to no one. Her gentleness comes across in the way she speaks, her eyes, her entire demeanor. I have never liked a character so much. When you see the Lead pair together, there is such magic and chemistry between them. Their banter is just electric. While certain scenes try to portray her as a doormat, she is essentially a woman with a sense of pride and can hold her own when the need arises.

The drama wouldn’t be complete without a special mention of Mi Young’s mother. Her character is so well defined too. A strong woman whose soft side is shown when the ML frequents her diner every day for the three years that the lead pair is apart.

Just see this one for great acting and super chemistry between the lead pair. You won’t regret it.

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Amazing acting! Amazing Story!

Should you? Would you? Could you?

You should watch this one (YES! )
You would recommend this to others. (YES!)
You could watch this again. (NOT REALLY)

Ending: Justice served for the moment

I must commend the writers of this show. They have taken the story to another level with their in-depth analysis of politics within the judicial framework.
While the cast is simply brilliant, it’s the story with its twists and turns that keeps you on your toes.
The start is slow and then it gradually climbs to a height that seems unattainable.
The cast is excellent each in their respective roles. I can’t think of anyone who hasn’t done a great job. So so impressive. What I also liked are the subtle undercurrents of a possible romance that keep you hooked in anticipation of one and yet doesn’t take us away from the severity of the main plot. And yes l loved the background score. In a drama that is steeped in mystery, the background score adds a lot to the entire effect. The perfect beat, a good rhythm & haunting tunes are needed which is in sync in this drama.
Watch it with patience ( because there will be times that you will be tempted to fast forward just to know who the mastermind is behind all the mystery.... I know I was tempted....but just don’t succumb to it)

Enjoy it. About to start season 2 and hoping it will be equally good ( I think it will).

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Slow poison!

Should you? Would you? Could you?

You should watch this one (MAYBE! )
You would recommend this to others. (MAYBE!)
You could watch this again. (NO!)

Ending: Happy

It is like slow poison - it seeps into your veins and slowly consumes you with its intensity. This is not a drama for everyone. This is not a drama for the weak hearted because believe me you will end up crying a lot thanks to it’s setting which is in a hospice.
This is a drama that you will start enjoying only after the third or the fourth episode. There is something that pulls you into this but I repeat it is not everyone’s cup of tea. It is slow and it is intense. It has a lot of sad moments which will make you shed a tear but it is worth a watch definitely.

The creators have very cleverly drawn parallels between two emotions: happiness and sadness. Happiness always comes from eating good food and sadness always arises out of weakness, sickness and death. So they have taken these two emotions and exposed the audience to doses of both in equal proportion. They take you where you know that you are going to meet terminally ill patients and there you are exposed to this amazing array of food which is given to these amazing people and then you slowly watch them die that leads to intense sadness on our part.

The romance is gradual and that’s perfect for this story line. I didn’t really find too much chemistry between the lead pair but that also didn’t seem to take away from the effectiveness of the story.

The cast: the lead pair are good in their respective roles. Not much chemistry between them. But Jang Seung Jo ( lead actor’s cousin brother),Min Jin Woong (lead actresses brother), Kim Won Hae (director of hospice) & Kim Ho Jung ( director’s ex wife) deserve a special mention as they have brought their roles alive with fabulous performances.

Watch it if you have the patience. It’s meant for those who are willing to shed a tear and not expect a fast paced drama.

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Cute one to watch!

Should you? Would you? Could you?

You should watch this one (YES! )
You would recommend this to others. (Maybe!)
You could watch this again. (Not Really!)
Ending: Happy

There is something so sweet about this lead pair. I won't say they have amazing chemistry or anything but they are CUTE! The drama is a no brainer - a total fluff. No stress, No emotional upheaval. Just an overdose of simple cuteness. The story is nothing great yet I could sit through it and finished it in 2 days with a bit of fast-forwarding, The second lead pair has more chemistry more than the main lead.
It's not the best-made drama but just a sweet one to watch. Watch it if you want to de-stress.

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Great Chemistry and story line

Should you? Would you? Could you?

You should watch this one (YES! )
You would recommend this to others. (YES!)
You could watch this again. (In Parts!)
Ending: Happy

I liked it a lot. It’s got the right emotional roller coaster that we want from a serial. The hate, the love, the mystery, the stress are all balanced well. The chemistry between the lead is amazing. They are 2 very fine actors. The only negative for me was the abrupt ending of many scenes. The editing could have been better. There are some episodes that start without any connect to the ending of the last one and that baffled me. The female lead’s character also showed shades of ridiculous at times which is in contrast to her “hidden talent” ( don’t want to reveal any spoilers). But all in all a good drama to watch. I loved the way she disguises her intelligence under the guise of foolishness but reveals it during the need of the hour. What a beautiful refreshing end to the negative female lead character. Her transformation of self-realization is so beautifully portrayed.
The only negative for me is the last 3 episodes which take a sudden dramatic turn which could have been avoided. But all in all, it’s a very enjoyable series.

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Should you? Would you? Could you?

You should watch this one (YES! )
You would recommend this to others. (YES!)
You could watch this again. (NOT REALLY!)

ENDING: Happy :)

I gave it an extra star only for the male protagonist, Yeon Woo Jin. He’s brilliant in the role of the shy boss. The shifting of the eyes, the hesitant style of talking, the silent caring - all enveloped into a great characterization by him, evoking the sympathy of the viewer. The supporting actors are very good too in their respective roles. The story does drag a bit but the fast forward button comes to the rescue there. They could have wrapped it up in 12 episodes. It’s a one-time watch.

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Should you? Would you? Could you?

You should watch this one (YES! )
You would recommend this to others. (YES!)
You could watch this again. (NOT REALLY!)

ENDING: Happy

What a super series! I loved the female lead. I loved the fact that she is so strong and yet there was scope for improvement in her character. I loved the chemistry between the lead pair. Every time you think the case has been solved another twist is thrown in and episode 14 is the turning point for me. What a twist. I loved the pace. I loved the background score. And loved the fact that the episodes and short but focused. The title though foretells of an outright romance, is more of a crime thriller with romance weaved in. The romance is so subtle that it hooks you in. I highly recommend watching it.

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Should you? Would you? Could you?

You should watch this one (YES! )
You would recommend this to others. (YES!)
You could watch this again. (UPTO YOU)

There are some stories that impact you and leave an impression on your mind for a very long time. I would rate this drama as one of them. It leaves you thinking about pain and suffering and makes you pause and look around you to observe those who are suffering amongst you. It gives you an insight.
The topic of Euthanasia is tackled logically. There are so many theories expounded. Some we will accept. Some we won’t. The writers have done some good research on the topic. There are some rare form of illnesses which we are exposed to in each episode.
The thread of romance is beautiful and deep. The way the lead characters understand each other is beautifully portrayed. The supporting cast of doctors are very impressive in their roles. The anti-heroes are aptly placed and make you want to shake them up for not understanding. It makes you cry, it makes you laugh, It makes you empathize. The last 5 episodes take you on a roller coaster ride of emotional upheavals. It is definitely one of the finer dramas which you will watch and never regret. It does get a tear or two out of you (actually more than that). It’s worth watching.

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Should you? Would you? Could you?

You should watch this one (YES! )
You would recommend this to others. (YES!)
You could watch this again. (NOT REALLY)

Amazing Plot! Amazing acting! It started off as a fast-paced drama (the kind I really like), loads of action happening, things moving along nicely and then 8th episode onwards it starts to get slow and drags a bit then picks up again from episode 12. The curse, the ghost(who is really cute) and the chemistry between the lead pair is what makes this drama worth watching. Yang Jin Sung, take a bow! What an amazing actress! She carried off both the roles brilliantly as the naïve and spontaneous Na Doo Rim and the crafty and cold Jang Yi Kyung. Overall, its an interesting watch and much better than many dramas out there.

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