Not so fine
J. A. Eyon | Seattle - USA | 02/24/2010
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I gave up on this short series after 6 episodes -- skipping to the last to see how it ends. Here's why:
It started out promisingly, in sunny Sydney Australia where we meet the protagonist (played by Gong Yoo), a small time hoodlum, with this adopted family that includes a step-sister who's determined to marry him -- but she has a heart problem cuz many many Korean dramas have to have someone terminally or severely ill (which otherwise doesn't seem to affect their lifestyle). However, he and the family return to Seoul when his long-lost real sister is spotted -- and there the story loses momentum.
One problem is too obvious: Sung Yu Ri as the long-lost sister. She's pretty -- but extremely bland. She's a undead actress who walks and talks -- she's convincing only to those who are taken by her looks. Same goes for the second male lead, Nam Gong Min. In scenes together, they sometimes achieve a negative presence.
Yu Ri's inadequency can be seen when she appears with the cute and vivacious Lee Yeon Hee who plays the step-sister with the heart problem.
Amiable Gong Yoo does well as the brother -- but the role isn't as demanding as the one in COFFEE PRINCE -- which is my way of saying the scriptwriting doesn't compare, either.
At least there's nice photography and location shooting.
If you're obsessed with any of the actors, you'll probably get more enjoyment out of this than I did.
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For really enjoyable, short Korean romantic comedy/drama series try: COFFEE PRINCE or MY LOVELY SAM SOON"