I jukilnomui sarang (2005) User Reviews

Disappointed in story but not acting

[scarletaka · 6/10 · 2 May 2012]

I won't give away the story most of the reviewers have told you the basic storyline. However, my spoiler is revolving around Bok-ku (Rain's character) and Da-jung (Sa-rang Kim) the reviewers are right this story is about Bokku wanting to get revenge on actress Cha Eun-suk for his brother's tragedy.

However, as the story progressed I grew to dislike Bok-ku more and more. He moved between Da-jung who he claimed to love and his obsessed love of Cha Eun-suk. Da-Jung had been in a fire and I am not sure who saved who but she fell in love with Bok-ku. Throughout the story he continues to lead her on a path that suggests the two will be together that he will not be like his brother overwhelmed by Cha Eun-suk. There is nothing to hate about Cha Eun-suk her character isn't evil in any real way she just throws love around very easily. First with Bok-ku's brother (who she doesn't know why he disappeared on her) then suddenly to Bok-ku and when he asks about her previously love she answers it's been so long she can't remember.

All the while Da-Jung has done the unspeakable for Bok-ku by using the photos they discovered of the real live relationship of his brother and Cha Eun-suk to blackmail the actress to pay for his brother's hospital care.

I understand a lot of Asian movies, dramas, etc don't like to have neat clean happy endings but this one was just wrong.

Da-Jung I felt sorry for although a close friend of theirs Mi-Suk is in love with her she never leads him on she tells him upfront she wants Bok-ku and no other. In the end she gives up to Cha Eun-suk because she knows Bok-ku will never look at her as anything he promised to. That part made me cry. After the two had gone out together and he called her his Da-Jung and how she was perfect for him and they together to be betrayed was just the wrong way to go with the story.

I am writing this only because it truly bothered me. I know it's melodrama but geez have a bit of sympathy for the girl who has saw you through some of the worst times instead of rushing off with the same obsession your brother had.

Had very high hopes and it never disappointed me. Was absolutely blown away

[garboyau · 9/10 · 18 January 2007]

I had extremely high hopes for this series as it's Rain's newest work and since I have seen "Full House" and "Sang Doo! Let's Go To School" which I thought were outstanding, I didn't expect anything less - in fact I expected it to be a life changing thing! Haha. I was worried that I was going to be disappointed because I had such high hopes but it amazed me and managed to blow me away.

Using non-verbal communication, you can tell from the cover that it's very serious, Rain's character is going to be very cold, and just from the title you know that the story is going to be exciting and epic.

Even though it's not the first time this kind of story has been done, it still seems so original because it seemed so fresh.

The thing I enjoyed the most was seeing a completely different side of Rain. If you're a Rain fan from such series as "Full House", don't expect to see the sweet and gentle Young-Jae you saw. Rain's character, Bok-Gu, is cold, UNBELIEVABLY smooth and has the attractive 'bad boy' attitude. After watching this, I was convinced that Rain can act any role because he just nailed this character. There is nothing worse than when you're watching a film or series and you don't care about the characters. You won't find that in this – you will genuinely care about the characters, pity them, hate them, understand them, be frustrated with them and fall in love with them.

You also cannot ignore the incredible music used in this. The music alone touched me and broke my heart - it was so effective. A superb soundtrack.

Girls must watch this series for the excitement of the development of the 2 lovers' relationship and see what ending will come out of this completely against fate scenario. And most importantly, in all seriousness, no joke, Rain's handsomeness. The shots used for all the characters were done so unbelievably well – I melted every time Rain came on screen.

Guys – get ready for a new role model. There is also so much action in this – it's more than a drama. Also, follow all the courting steps in this series and you will melt any girl's heart you desire.

All the cast's acting skills were generally extremely good but hands down to Rain who once again holds nothing back and always gives it his all.

The ending is beautiful and at first you may find it very unsatisfying because you needed more closure but I was thinking about this series for days (along with tears – yes it was also very sad, heartbreaking and really touching) after I finished watching it and I found that I loved it more and more. It turns out to be such a brilliant story and it's a must see. Definitely another brilliant piece with Rain.

Heartbreaking

[Alfinx · 9/10 · 15 January 2007]

Its been two days since I watched the ending and I still can't stop thinking about the it and being sad.

Damn ending was really depressing. Especially after the excellent acting and character development made me really care and worry about the two lovers. Its quite rare that I actually care about the characters in these sort of dramas, but this one did the job. Never thought Rain was such a great actor.

Story line was very engaging, even though not very original. I like the fact that none of the characters are "evil", rather they are all driven by their own sense of love, friendship, guilt or loyalty. Yet, the course of events and misunderstandings forced them into confrontation and emotional conflict. The road to ruin is paved with good intentions.

Easily the best drama I've watched in years, but extremely heartbreaking. :(

Simply Outstanding Drama

[tippitytap44 · 10/10 · 5 January 2007]

*WARNING* spoilers. To avoid them, but still read this otherwise un-spoiling review, skip down past the fourth paragraph down that begins with "on the scale of originality" and enjoy this review :)

There are a few things to be said about this drama: First off - I won't lie, I only began watching this because I knew Rain was in it. And come on, lets face it - what girl isn't in love with Rain? lol. But after watching the first few episodes I realized just how incredibly deep and touching this drama really was.

Aside from being good-looking, one has to give MAJOR credit to Bi - his acting is amazing in this drama, as it was in Sangdoo-ya Hakyo Kaja. It is hard to believe that this is only his third drama - he acts like a pro. His sad scenes moved me to tears, his romantic ones made me go "awwww" and be even more in love with him than I was (which is saying something) and his funny scenes (which were scarce in this drama, i have to admit, but still effective) had me burst out laughing. He displays many complex emotions throughout this drama - from violently angry to determined, stoic, grief-ridden, genuinely happy, and confused - all of which he shows with remarkable skill. All in all, Bi's acting as a lead truly helped this drama be amazing. One thing I was particularly impressed with is that he doesn't overact his sad scenes or force emotions that aren't there, as many novice actors tend to do (i.e. the fake, tearless cry) but rather pulls from memories of his own painful past to recreate the emotions the character should be feeling, giving way to a very genuine, touching performance of grief.

The same can be said for Shin Min-Ah, whose innocence and smile light up this otherwise fairly depressing drama. The supporting cast does a very good job as well, and particular emphasis should be noted for Lee Ki Woo, who skillfully managed to turn his truly detestable character into a likable one in just 16 episodes.

On the scale of originality it could definitely be higher. Anyone who is familiar with the writing of Lee Kyun Hee (who also wrote "Sorry, I Love You" and "Let's Go, Sangdoo,") knows that she generally follows the pattern of portraying a tragic love that is too strong to endure on this earth - Ijuksa, for the most part, is no different in that sense. And many typical Kdrama clichés are implemented in this show, it's true. But different scenarios between characters and more complex relationships between them make a very tangled web of love that I, for one, have not ever seen the likes of yet. In short: you'll recognize some elements from other dramas, but you definitely won't be bored.

Finally - the music. To put it simply, this drama's music is outstanding. Full of piano and vocal tracks whose melodies will embed themselves in your mind for days and not leave even if you want them to, and others that will make you tear up after the first chord, the soundtrack to Ijuksa is heartfelt and will bring back many memories while listening to it.

All in all this drama is truly worth a watch. It's touching, romantic, and lovable.If you are looking for a cheery, light, fluffy drama, I wouldn't recommend this one, simply because it is very deep and tugs at ones heartstrings quite often. But by the end of this drama, I can guarantee that you will be sad to part with these characters, all of whom you undoubtedly will grow to love.

Two thumbs up for Ijuksa. :D

Overwrought but Enjoyable

[Xiayu · 23 April 2006]

You have to hand it to the makers of Korean TV programs. They make so many, there's something to please (or disgust) everyone.

You have your choice of standards - for example, HIGH - Green Rose (Geu-rin Ro-jeu) and My Name is Kim Samsoon (Nae Il-eum-eun Kim Sam-soon); MEDIUM - Full House (Poolha Wooseu), and Only You (On-li Yoo); and UTTER RUBBISH - like Princess Lulu (Loo-loo Gong-joo) and Sorry, I love you (Mianhada, Saranghanda). This 20 episode series swings between all three categories.

The main plot is simple: a young man (Jung Ji-hoon aka Rain) is reunited with his older brother (Kim Yeong-jae) after a long separation. The older brother is so obsessed with a famous actress (Sin Min-ah), that he comes to serious grief over it. The younger brother blames her and swears to exact revenge. The problem is - and there is always a problem, or there'd be no drama - once he gets close enough to her to be in a position to hurt her, he too becomes obsessed with her.

There is nothing really new in the plot, but the series works for two main reasons. Firstly, the three lead actors are outstanding, as indeed are most of the supporting cast, particularly Lee Ki-woo in a really unsympathetic and gormless role of suitor to Sin Min-ah's character.

Secondly, there is the clever and interesting use of partial flashback. This means that only part of each event is told at any one time, and several flashbacks to the same event, told from different perspectives and with additional details, are required to give the full story - the past of each character is slowly fleshed out and secrets are revealed. What is the reason behind the panic attacks the actress often suffers on-set? Why is the older brother so obsessed with her that he throws his life away? Why is the younger brother so reckless and violent?

There are several sub-plots, and character complexities are explored at length. Because the series is unusually long, you'll you need to pay a bit of attention to details for the story to make sense. This makes a very welcome and unexpected challenge from a series of this nature.

It's also the biggest problem. Suspension of disbelief is a necessary part of any drama because (gasp) it's not real. By watching it, you partly agree to buy into the world that's being created for you. The difficulty is; can you do it over 20 episodes? When the twists and turns are stretched to maximum elasticity as they are here, and when there are inconsistencies and even a couple of errors of logic in the working out of plot points, you may stop caring who did what to whom and why, or what finally becomes of them all.

But if you can stick it out for the long haul, there's a lot to be savoured and enjoyed, and maybe just a little to be tolerated.

A Love To Kill

[millionthstar · 9/10 · 25 November 2012]

So. Here's a short analysis of the 'love attraction' that results from admiring a performer with incredibly strong appeal. What is it? Master writers, that's what I think. OK masters of each task. Writers, performers, producers, everyone.

I watch Korean dramas for their absence of sexual activity. Helpful to express and process my romantic emotions. In fact, I'm really grateful to the 'moral police agency' of Korea. I never thought I'd say that of any such entity, but this time, such a rules-enforcer has been good for me.

I've watched several K-dramas; usually difficult to realize as conceivable, but that is beside the point. Go with the plot and soon, watcher, you are drawn in, hook line sinker. I believe it is the show's ability and willingness to articulate feelings. Something this Irish German American was not taught. Thank you.

So, again, I decide to watch another Bi Rain-featured show. I click on A Love To Kill. Figure some edgy/grittiness would wash away the romantic cuteness of Full House. Well all that was going well --fun! Our anti?hero is so self-centered, self-destructive. No matter that he absolutely has no skills to prevent this. I relish to indulge the self- fantasy. Not to mention the to-die-for cinematography of our man kick boxing in the ring. wwwwwow.

Our Bokgu-la and his writers took me down a path that kicked me in the soul clear to kingdom come. At what point did I develop feelings for this character/real person? How is that possible? Ah social/ entertainment engineering. At what expense? What benefit? The pain of withdrawal is agony; no less than from a real person in real life. Attributed to this young man's meteoric success born from his real life circumstances, subsequent drive, and resulting skill? Yes, the Michael Jordan of Korean entertainment indeed. One must applaud him.

The pain and sorrow of losing my vibrant, strong young hero is as totally unexpected as the path of the movie all along. Brilliance by the writers for not giving things away until the end. Or are the writers Rain too? No doubt.

Very good Korean drama

[AngelofMusic1998 · 9/10 · 10 December 2021]

A young man named Bok Gu becomes a bodyguard to an actress named Eun Seung Cha who he thinks is responsible for his brother's suicide attempt. He wants to get revenge .He later finds out that his brother and an actress were in love,but he broke up with her in order to not stop her carrier. That young man later falls in love with his brother's ex. The final scene where the lovers lie dead ,frozen in the snow, is sad and chilling. There is chemistry between the actors Rain and Shin Min Ah . Overall,very good Korean drama.9/10 A.

Interesting Premise...Disappointing Results!

[cremea · 5/10 · 25 November 2012]

A Love to Kill is a 2005 Korean melodrama that starts off with a poorly directed and convoluted 1st episode, and that's just the beginning of its problems. I don't want to bash this show too hard, as I want to try to be objective, and the series does have a few good things going for it; It's an interesting premise to base a show on, and I appreciated its attempt to try to convey a more darkly themed love story compared to the norm for KTV melodramas. There are several solid romantic and dramatic moments, and many sad ones, throughout, but you'll have to wade through a considerable amount of filler and nonsense to get to them. Ultimately, there are just too many issues that affect this show for it to be considered one of the better Korean melodramas.

SPOILERS AHEAD!

So, where did it go wrong?...I'll tell you: The primary problem with this show is that it simply can't sustain its 20 episode length. I frequently complain about Asian productions being way lengthier than they need be, but this series might be the most egregious offender of this issue that I've ever seen. As a result, its pacing is often incredibly sloooowwww! This is a constant and reoccurring problem that effects this show on every level; several episodes don't progress the story at all, plot lines seem to drag along indefinitely, etc. This issue even manifests itself in many individual scenes; someone will say or do something and a good 10 seconds or so will go by before the other party responds, characters frequently reminisce or stare off into the distance for an interminable amount of time, etc. This all becomes excruciating to bear with as the series plays out, and I frequently found myself begging for something/anything to happen, or for someone to do or say something, in order to get this show moving along at a more expedient pace. I understand this is supposed to be a "slow burn" dramatic tale, but that's no excuse for it to be a tedious and boring watch (which it often is).

The premise of this revenge/love story is intriguing, but could they not think of a better way to implement it?...Essentially, this story involves a male lead character who wants to get revenge for his older brother's suicide (which he blames on the actress his older brother was in love with). Let's set aside the fact that any reasonable person would realize that this is not the fault of the actress, and just assume that the younger brother is filled with blind compassion and rage for his beloved brother. The only problem with this is that he hasn't seen his brother in over a decade, and he barely seems to know or care about him at all, so, it's rather unbelievable that he would be completely consumed with avenging him all of a sudden (despite how this show tries to explain to you why he is, via flashbacks to when they were younger).

In order to exact his revenge, the lead character decides to get close to the actress by becoming her personal bodyguard. Why not just walk up to her and say "Hi, I'm the younger brother of the guy you loved, and he's had a very bad accident, can we discuss the situation?" He could have easily gotten close to her that way, instead of using this absurdly contrived bodyguard plot. Nevertheless, he somehow manages to become her bodyguard; I guess background checks were not a requirement, since the people who hired him have no problem with the fact that he has no experience, don't bother to make a simple inquiry to discover he was the brother of the guy they were trying to keep away from the actress, and don't seem to care that he's a violent and unstable psychopath who shakes down people on the street for money when he's not busy losing club fights on purpose. What, was Hannibal Lecter unavailable for the position?...Jeesh!

There are a couple of secondary stories as well, the most prominent of which involves an heir of a major company wanting to marry the actress. This story line is absurd and unnecessary; the sole reason as to why these 2 characters should/must be married is essentially based on a single innocuous misunderstanding that could easily be rectified by reasonable adults...sadly, the writers are children and thought otherwise!

As for your actors; there's basically only 2 main roles: Shin Min A plays the part of the actress. She's usually does pretty solid work, and she does what's asked of her here well enough, but this is not a role that does her any favors. Rain plays the lead here; he has legions of fans, but at the risk of being beaten to death by a bunch of fan-girls, I'm just going to say it: He's not that great of an actor, and I've been less than impressed with many of the roles I've seen him in. His range primarily consists of being angry, sad, distant, or goofy (with, seemingly, very little room in between). He's certainly good looking, athletic, likable, and, he can do a wide variety of things, but IMO, he's lacking the nuances and subtleties needed at this stage of his career (now 2012), in order to be considered the preeminent new wave actor that so many people once claimed him to be.

This show wants to be an epic sad love tale meets revenge story, but it's not! Instead, it's an overwrought and underwhelming melodrama that features an unlikeable main lead and some badly contrived story lines. If it were 12-16 episodes long, and helmed by a more solid writing team, it could have been a lot better. Ultimately though, it never rises above the level of being just a mediocre soap opera at best.

Bottom line: 5 out of 10 stars. If you are looking for a Korean melodrama of a similar vein, there are many other shows to choose from that are far better than this one.

Unusual and worth a watch but ultimately unsatisfying.

[imdb-19548 · 5/10 · 18 September 2010]

This is a strange story with some very dark themes. It starts of with the plot looking a little like Dangerous Liaisons but moves into different territory as it progresses.

There are a few surprises as we go a long, there is a little humour and the lead actress is very beautiful.

The acting is mostly good especially from the two leads, the actress playing Dajung is the weakest cast member and is often unconvincing.

Unfortunately it does move into more melodrama as it progresses and becomes a bit to much like soap opera at times.

They also should have ended it one episode earlier, everything was tied up and resolved and then they added an extra episode of very confused plot that tries to inject some pathos but instead comes across as very contrived.

It was worth watching once but I can't imagine wanting to re-watch it.

Love by The Dozens

[Park_Min · 5/10 · 9 April 2024]

I thought the first 20 minutes of the drama were teasers but they were more like an irrelevant montage or a pseudo trailer. The opening scene gave a good sample of what to expect going forward. The entire drama was structured like an extremely cliche melodrama montage. The type of montage you see other dramas reference when showing a melodrama broadcasting on TV. That's why it's necessary to suspend your disbelief and abandon any sense of logic or common sense. Hat's also why we got whatever ending that even was. It's one of the most extreme melo cliches that it can just be labeled as a parody. During its earlier episodes, the drama had too many of these loosey camera angles from the 2000s which were entertaining to watch combined with its ridiculous moments.