My first K-drama, first 6 episodes were arguably the strongest but it managed to hold my hold my attention for the rest 10 pretty well. But boy did that ending suck as hell. I mean, what were the writers thinking?! So, disappointed had to take off a star off my rating. Overall, an entertaining but flawed show.
129 Reviews
Memories of the Alhambra is A Must Watch drama
shimosrkian21 January 2019
Firstly, i want to admit that i watched this drama because i love Park Shin-Hye . but when i watched the first Ep, my first reaction was :" OMG, this so creative, i wanna watch more of this". but this time i didn't said so because of her only, but also because of the story itself. i was so attracted to this drama for the whole time i watched it that i couldn't sleep. Thinking what will happen with these charters. It's the first time i watch such an outstanding drama which effect me that much. i laughed with it, cried for it, and thought of it even in the shower lol but it's true :) ... Also enjoyed watching Hyun Bin and Park Shin-hye together, they are so beautiful couple. i rate it 9 of 10 because i wanted more of this story, i hope there will be season 2.
Great story but disappointing ending
mutessshotsneakers28 January 2019
I was so in love with this show since I first saw the trailer. I knew this was for me because I'm so down for Sci-fi series. Usually, there's not much sci-fi in Korean dramas but this one is outstanding. The beginning of the show is so attracting. It hooked me from the first ep.
The idea of bringing AR game to real life is brilliant. So creative, you could hardly imagine. Movie pace is pretty slow for viewers to catch things up easily. (I wish it was faster like US shows). They did an overwhelming great job on VFX!! The casts in this drama are good as well (they are famous for their great acting). I'm especially impressed by Chanyeol's acting (plays SeJu).
But from Ep.13 til the end, it's full of "flashbacks". They put together cutscenes from previous episodes, which is a waste of screen time. It shows they lack of storyline for the ending. And that's why the ending is very disappointing.
Could've rated 6/10 but because I love the idea, the VFX, and how they film is really cinematic, so 7/10.
The idea of bringing AR game to real life is brilliant. So creative, you could hardly imagine. Movie pace is pretty slow for viewers to catch things up easily. (I wish it was faster like US shows). They did an overwhelming great job on VFX!! The casts in this drama are good as well (they are famous for their great acting). I'm especially impressed by Chanyeol's acting (plays SeJu).
But from Ep.13 til the end, it's full of "flashbacks". They put together cutscenes from previous episodes, which is a waste of screen time. It shows they lack of storyline for the ending. And that's why the ending is very disappointing.
Could've rated 6/10 but because I love the idea, the VFX, and how they film is really cinematic, so 7/10.
quality
dimitraktz24 December 2018
This kdrama is halfway airing and I couldn't wait to write my review. That's such a quality series, it's been such a long time ever since i watched a good kdrama. From the 5 first minutes of the 1st episode i got chills! Im hooked on it. There are a lot of unanswered questions, yes. But thats what it gets you hooked on this drama.
Pls give us Season 2!
pchalodhorn4 March 2020
I dont understand those who didnt like the ending. This series is one of the Korean masterpieces. It's not a romance type of show, so for those who want feel swoony, you come to the wrong place but it's such a joy to watch. Having said that, i need season 2. Kinda feel like it's not over yet!
I love this show
Aglaonik7 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Ive been seeing this show on netflix for a while, but the promo pic didnt quite cought my attention. It just looked like another asian love drama. Then one night I was bored and decided to watch the show to see la alhambra and basicaly seightseeing. Oh surprise, it is a sci-fi kdrama. I love the premise, the suspense, the very light love story, the characters.... i cant wait for the new episodes to come out!! 100% recomenden if u r a sci-fi fan.
Incredible Story, Imaginative, Suspense, Romance, Good Act
prasookjain31 December 2018
The representation of place 'Granada' with such an imaginative scene. The mind blowing story telling, every episode reminds you of past plot, and give chills about what's going to happen. If you don't find any of the above what I mentioned, then it will be at a point where it's dwells into emotions(story) of romance and relationship. So much different aspects/genre in one series, Glad I didn't miss this experience.
Terrible ending
saradastoum-3960320 January 2019
Enjoyable with less expectations
pavankrishna7113 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This is my first K drama and I have to say it did blow my mind at a few occasions, however the hype just petered out as the show progressed. What impressed me the most was the plot development at the beginning, how well the whole story was kicking in and grooving me into it, but the amount of plot holes there were in the story ruined my interest as it went on. The non linear style of direction was certainly eye catching but the repeated use of this for every episode made my it too boring. After the surreal idea of a story, the next best thing about this show would be the actors. Both the leads absolutely nailed their roles. The side characters were also portrayed very well by their actors. And then comes the music of the show. The background music added the perfect amount of intensity and emotion to the scenes, especially the scenes with plot twists and tension. The first part of the show was really worthy of praise. However this was the extent of the positives in this show. One of the biggest problems with the show is the lazy writing of the plot (ironic since the idea of the plot was the best part of the show). At times the plot devices used felt too convenient, like how the male lead just had to be the bug in the game while every other bug in the game, were the characters who diedplaying the game. And nobody knows what happened to the bug of the character Marco. How the male lead had to complete the quest in order to free the creator of the game who put himself in that 'dungeon' while its unexplained as to how the male lead freed himself out of the dungeon when no one else completed the quest to save him. Also how the game was affecting certain characters who played it directly, in real life. It's never told 'convincingly' why certain characters like the main lead and his allies, Dr. cha, Marco and Se ju were having real life injuries and deaths due to the consequences of the game while others users were not. Why only they were able to see the NPCs even after logging out (basically how they were the only ones getting affected by the bug of the game). Why Only few users were killed by the game while many other users still lived even after being defeated (the ones from Seoul). These are only a of the few mistakes I found that were either completely unexplained or were too conveniently told. The other big issue I had with the show were the characters. The female characters felt too one dimensional, lacking any depth in their character. And the female lead's character was confined to an overly worrisome and crying woman. The first ex wife's personality and past were too shallow to form an understanding. And the second ex wife's character felt like her presence was just to spice up the male lead's distraught life, as she was only represented as a meanie and nothing more. The humour in the show was well timed in certain occasions and at the same time, felt too forced in other occasions. The romance felt completely out of the blue and didn't really fit in well in this story(not to mention the repeated use of that same song whenever the female lead was crying in agony). But at the same time, they represented many emotions nicely. So in conclusion, I can say that this show has issues but is still an enjoyable experience if watched with low expectations.
I can't get enough of this...
roelisabetibarra4 January 2019
Wow, I can't even remember when was the last time I was this obsessed with a program. I'll admit I was a little afraid of how this experience would turn out since it's the first Korean drama I'm watching. I have nothing bad to say about the drama. Plot is great, actors are wonderful. Every episode answer my questions but fills me up with new ones to be answered in the following episodes. Basically, if you're reading this and asking yourself "should I watch it?", the answer is yes, you should.
A rollercoaster ride that keeps you hooked!
yashicasharma4 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Firstly I started this series for hyun bin! And he didn't disappoint either. The use of VFX technology is brilliant.. concept is really good. I am not a gaming person but still enjoyed a lot watching. The lanes of Granada , Spain were beautifully captured.
The initial episodes keeps you hooked. The narration was craftly done. By 10th episode the story seemed to be stretched a lot.
There were many loop holes thoughout the series. Repeated storyline made it a little boring. The death of CEO of a company in mysterious circumstances is not properly investigated. There was no relevance given to ex and current wife of main protagonist.
Professor cha's character could have been given better depth.
The connection between lead couple wasn't working for me. The girl seemed to be very lost.
The ending was no relief. For over an year the CEO of company has been missing and no body tries to find the whereabouts.
Every one has assumed him to be dead but without any traces. No body was found. He could have died in virtual world but what about reality since all the bugs were deleted and game was reset.
Sea ju apprears very dumb.
At first he convinced all that mr. Yoo must have died.
And in the end he is heard disscussing that mr.yoo may have been survived.
Please if he is so genius why didn't he try to get him out of game then. Although he himself got missing for an year.
Stupid ending with appearance of silhouette resembling mr. Yoo. Ending could have been little better.
The initial episodes keeps you hooked. The narration was craftly done. By 10th episode the story seemed to be stretched a lot.
There were many loop holes thoughout the series. Repeated storyline made it a little boring. The death of CEO of a company in mysterious circumstances is not properly investigated. There was no relevance given to ex and current wife of main protagonist.
Professor cha's character could have been given better depth.
The connection between lead couple wasn't working for me. The girl seemed to be very lost.
The ending was no relief. For over an year the CEO of company has been missing and no body tries to find the whereabouts.
Every one has assumed him to be dead but without any traces. No body was found. He could have died in virtual world but what about reality since all the bugs were deleted and game was reset.
Sea ju apprears very dumb.
At first he convinced all that mr. Yoo must have died.
And in the end he is heard disscussing that mr.yoo may have been survived.
Please if he is so genius why didn't he try to get him out of game then. Although he himself got missing for an year.
Stupid ending with appearance of silhouette resembling mr. Yoo. Ending could have been little better.
More than just a love story
demon-623 January 2019
From the previews I thought this was just another sappy K drama love story, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was a whole lot more than just a love story. There's a sci-fi element that makes this series worth watching. The concept is so original and even the love story is compelling. After each episode I couldn't wait to see where the story was going next so of course I ended up binge watching it over the weekend.
The acting is great, the production values are top notch, and the characters are very likeable. Even when they do something questionable, you still want to root for them. The main character does some very shady things but that never seems to make him less likeable. The writers deserve a lot of credit because that's not an easy thing to do. I hope they'll do a second season soon because I want more.
The acting is great, the production values are top notch, and the characters are very likeable. Even when they do something questionable, you still want to root for them. The main character does some very shady things but that never seems to make him less likeable. The writers deserve a lot of credit because that's not an easy thing to do. I hope they'll do a second season soon because I want more.
Loads of potential but so many things missing
hanalisss10 June 2020
Slowest drama I have watched. The idea is great and has loads of potential the acting is good and I believe the action scenes have quality , but unfortunately the characters are poorly developed and if I talk about the female lead ( although her performance is great) her character is completely useless and lacks personality, such a shame. The ending also leaves you so unsatisfied.
How to ruin a promising series
Snootz16 June 2020
Viewers should first be cautioned there is a heavy, heavy body count and no shortage of bloody scenes in this. Yes, this takes place in a "game environment", but the film doesn't spare any detail in the representation of PVP or PV-NPC violence. Personally I'd have rather seen a bit less red gelatin strewn around and a bit more logical story-telling.
This is a Kdrama 8-episode story done in 16 episodes. The last 4 episodes weren't a total loss, but they were excessively drawn out, using numerous and excessive flashbacks. One flashbackwas severely inconsistent with an earlier episode (the return home. Those who have seen this know what I refer to). The entire series could have probably been done in 8 to 10 episodes and held up better. Seriously, how many massive battle scenes does one need to establish the point of the plot? How many subplots, minor unimportant characters, how many flashbacks on flashbacks?
How many times will they play that annoying "My heart is You" love song (get the pun? Huh? Huh?) .
Get on with the story! Sixteeeeen long episodes...
Add to that the annoying habit of the director building to a huge climax and suddenly cutting away to another scene (repeatedly throughout the series). I frankly felt like hunting down the director and practicing a bit of PVP myself.
This series has a highly interesting (but not unique) premise: a virtual world that becomes all too real. But it's excessively drawn out; they could have made this leaner and wound up with a far better story.
The American subtitle translation once again includes gratuitous language not in the original story. (Did they have nothing more intelligent to write?). This growing habit betrays integrity to the original writing.
One aspect of the story really jumped the shark: the concept that a virtual game and a pair of contact lenses could actually create a dimensional rift and alter reality itself. Agreed they did mention that in the story telling, but it was still pretty difficult to swallow. That way-too-fictional plot element caused quite a bit of user comment and concern, and rightfully so.
As far as the system being able to wound and even kill a player, that's not so difficult to believe. The lenses already tapped into the human psyche. There have been actual real-life cases of people dying because they *thought* they had been shot or otherwise wounded... and apparently their mind just gave up on being alive. That concept was intrinsic to the plot and not difficult to accept. However, the system continuing to work and even tying in to game data when the lenses were removed? That made no logical sense, and no effort was taken to explain why.
THE ENDING sucked swamp water. Sixteen episodes and then they drop that unpolished turd of an ending in the audiences lap. What happened, did the writers run out of the oh-so-product-placement coffee packets? All of the complaints about the lousy ending are warranted and well-founded.
Regarding their use of female lead Shin-Hye Park: whatever chops she showed during the first several episodes was quickly smothered as they directed her into a continually weepy emo-figure who was oh so woefully sad and upset all the time. Yes, there were times she was strong, and loyal, and romantic, and she certainly was lovely (especially when playing Emma), but I'm not sure which required more water on set: the thunderstorms or the continual flow of tears. Creds though to the actress for doing her very best. She worked well with what they gave her. Would she have done better as a double-blade wielding Samurai rather than a guitar-maker? We will never know.
Creds also to the costuming and makeup staff for Emma. A total vision of loveliness in multiple beautiful dresses, each presentation perfectly executed.
The grandmother was a chuckle, and the young sister was a hoot. Her presentation of total honesty was well-portrayed. She played off perfectly against Yoo, who was continually amazed at her audacity. An enjoyable character.
I could say more about the characters, about parts I enjoyed, about things they got right. It is certainly a memorable series and story... and made me a big fan of the titular song (Memories of the Alhambra), but sadly the series could have been done so much better. I'd have liked to seen it with fewer episodes, far fewer flashbacks, with less emo and more pro-active, leaner and yes, a far more satisfying ending than what they dropped on us after 16 episodes.
This is a Kdrama 8-episode story done in 16 episodes. The last 4 episodes weren't a total loss, but they were excessively drawn out, using numerous and excessive flashbacks. One flashbackwas severely inconsistent with an earlier episode (the return home. Those who have seen this know what I refer to). The entire series could have probably been done in 8 to 10 episodes and held up better. Seriously, how many massive battle scenes does one need to establish the point of the plot? How many subplots, minor unimportant characters, how many flashbacks on flashbacks?
How many times will they play that annoying "My heart is You" love song (get the pun? Huh? Huh?) .
Get on with the story! Sixteeeeen long episodes...
Add to that the annoying habit of the director building to a huge climax and suddenly cutting away to another scene (repeatedly throughout the series). I frankly felt like hunting down the director and practicing a bit of PVP myself.
This series has a highly interesting (but not unique) premise: a virtual world that becomes all too real. But it's excessively drawn out; they could have made this leaner and wound up with a far better story.
The American subtitle translation once again includes gratuitous language not in the original story. (Did they have nothing more intelligent to write?). This growing habit betrays integrity to the original writing.
One aspect of the story really jumped the shark: the concept that a virtual game and a pair of contact lenses could actually create a dimensional rift and alter reality itself. Agreed they did mention that in the story telling, but it was still pretty difficult to swallow. That way-too-fictional plot element caused quite a bit of user comment and concern, and rightfully so.
As far as the system being able to wound and even kill a player, that's not so difficult to believe. The lenses already tapped into the human psyche. There have been actual real-life cases of people dying because they *thought* they had been shot or otherwise wounded... and apparently their mind just gave up on being alive. That concept was intrinsic to the plot and not difficult to accept. However, the system continuing to work and even tying in to game data when the lenses were removed? That made no logical sense, and no effort was taken to explain why.
THE ENDING sucked swamp water. Sixteen episodes and then they drop that unpolished turd of an ending in the audiences lap. What happened, did the writers run out of the oh-so-product-placement coffee packets? All of the complaints about the lousy ending are warranted and well-founded.
Regarding their use of female lead Shin-Hye Park: whatever chops she showed during the first several episodes was quickly smothered as they directed her into a continually weepy emo-figure who was oh so woefully sad and upset all the time. Yes, there were times she was strong, and loyal, and romantic, and she certainly was lovely (especially when playing Emma), but I'm not sure which required more water on set: the thunderstorms or the continual flow of tears. Creds though to the actress for doing her very best. She worked well with what they gave her. Would she have done better as a double-blade wielding Samurai rather than a guitar-maker? We will never know.
Creds also to the costuming and makeup staff for Emma. A total vision of loveliness in multiple beautiful dresses, each presentation perfectly executed.
The grandmother was a chuckle, and the young sister was a hoot. Her presentation of total honesty was well-portrayed. She played off perfectly against Yoo, who was continually amazed at her audacity. An enjoyable character.
I could say more about the characters, about parts I enjoyed, about things they got right. It is certainly a memorable series and story... and made me a big fan of the titular song (Memories of the Alhambra), but sadly the series could have been done so much better. I'd have liked to seen it with fewer episodes, far fewer flashbacks, with less emo and more pro-active, leaner and yes, a far more satisfying ending than what they dropped on us after 16 episodes.
Mind blowing piece of art
dvjmishka17 December 2020
I can't say much and speak my mind about this amazing series without spoiling key events, but i can tell you from a lifetime experience in watching all kinds of series and movies of all languages and all genres that this is one TV that you would never forget, a must watch!
It's not lazy for me like orther korea drama series
kaungkhantkyaw-790977 December 2018
First if my english spelling wrong,I am sorry for this.
I really don't understand about this story.But I admit that this series cociliate me to watch next episode and cannot wait it.And I think this series is not lazy for me and don't like korea drama series that lazy for me.Also,Park Shin Hye is the actress that I like.I knowed her in the Doctor drama series.She is excellent in the acting and I was attributed that she make her work very well.
The ending spoiled it
leahcubed26 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This digs deep in intertwining virtual gaming and reality. A major investment company is going to invest in software that is the next level in the gaming world. The CEO gets a call from a young man who actually developed the game and wants to meet him In Granada. When the CEO gets there it seems the young man has disappeared. The CEO starts to play the game to find out what happened to the developer. Early on the CEO has an opportunity to get revenge through the game on his former co-founder and best friend. His former friend had stolen his wife. However something goes horribly wrong during their virtual battle and while he thought he killed him in the game it seems he died in reality. This cast suspicion on the CEO as having been the last one to see his former friend. Under suspicion, the CEO continues to play the game not only to test it but try to find out what happened to the developer as well as discover if it's dangerous and should not be released. He meets the young developer's sister and they begin to have feelings for each other. This movie really had it all a compelling mystery, lots of action, and what if about the future as well as a very believable romance. It also had a bit of a Cinderella element in that the lead character goes from rags to riches thanks to the money the family is given for the virtual game. I liked it and stayed entertained the whole way through and actually would've rated this much much higher if the ending was not left so up in the air. This one in particular seems like it was set up for second season. I would've much preferred if they had wrapped it up and left it up to viewers whether or not to watch subsequent seasons. The next season could have had some elements or even been a different storyline related to the game. One thing I've always liked about Asian dramas they typically only run one season. I also thought it was sad towards the ending when it really didn't need to be. I'm just someone that really likes happily ever after and I thought there was a perfect opportunity for that to happen. There were some really sad happenings along the route and I was willing to accept that but I really do not like it when things are not happy with the main characters. It is the first I have watched where I really did not like the second guy. Second guy did things that were really uncalled for and the female lead did not take him to task as much as she should. I really wanted to see the main male lead character happy because he had such a tragic life according to what he shared with the female lead. The female lead's sister had a cute personality and I loved all her interactions with the male lead. Great characters, great story, just not a very good ending. Still well worth the watch.
Excellent
saradastoum-396035 January 2019
The end has dusted all the tension!
nazmul39927 June 2021
I fell in love with the story within the first 3 episodes. Luckily I didn't have to be disappointed. But in the end the director disappointed me. After watching a few episodes, I was wondering why the rating of this drama is less than 8 despite having such a beautiful story. Even at the last minute I was so excited that there was going to be a great ending. But in the end I had to be disappointed. It feels really bad to accept the consequences of such a wonderful story.
Reminds me of black mirror playtest
nanidwilarasati22 December 2018
Good series but finale was a disaster
bburcubilgin1 February 2019
This series began very interesting. Good characters, actors. A fantastic and unusual show. But when it goes to end I felt something is wrong. Again and again same things happened. Then last 3 episodes were really really dull. Finale episode was the worst one. That unsolved ending. I am really disappointed.
A Game and Then Some
nicnik69 January 2021
Memories of the Alhambra is a fascinating, totally engrossing TV series, whose main character is at times confused or even lost (as is the viewer) in his pursuit, because the boundaries between reality and augmented reality are often blurred in the film. The world of state-of-the-art technology blends with that of ancient warriors and primitive weapons in a way that constantly keeps the watcher's attention on the edge. What is truly intriguing is that the plot is not predictable: when you think you can anticipate the next move, something goes amiss and you are again trapped in the labyrinth of the story, just like in a video game.
The continuous overlapping of the two realities is an interesting concept in that it proposes a brand new future to video-gaming. Although I could not identify myself with the hero because I am not a gamer, I can instead imagine that players will be able to do it. Also, to help a little, there's a fine line between the world of people and that of sci-fi, and this threshold is created in terms of atmosphere. The colorful streets of Granada, the girl's house, the guitar shop, are all so lively and hopeful, while the realm of the game is always preceded by thunder and storm, or even light rain, anyway things that cloud not only the eye, but the mind as well, trapping the users into a deceitfully similar, but actually completely different place.
As for the ending, it is quite powerful. While it does leave room for season 2, I personally do not think there will be one, nor does it need to be. I cannot decide whether, as the last message of the film clearly states, " faith is the magic that changes the world, not technology -"which is obviously the clue for Jin Woo's fate - or, especially because the game goes on, it is actually the other way round...
The continuous overlapping of the two realities is an interesting concept in that it proposes a brand new future to video-gaming. Although I could not identify myself with the hero because I am not a gamer, I can instead imagine that players will be able to do it. Also, to help a little, there's a fine line between the world of people and that of sci-fi, and this threshold is created in terms of atmosphere. The colorful streets of Granada, the girl's house, the guitar shop, are all so lively and hopeful, while the realm of the game is always preceded by thunder and storm, or even light rain, anyway things that cloud not only the eye, but the mind as well, trapping the users into a deceitfully similar, but actually completely different place.
As for the ending, it is quite powerful. While it does leave room for season 2, I personally do not think there will be one, nor does it need to be. I cannot decide whether, as the last message of the film clearly states, " faith is the magic that changes the world, not technology -"which is obviously the clue for Jin Woo's fate - or, especially because the game goes on, it is actually the other way round...
Its alright
bayanedaissi14 November 2020
The story at core is great; the cinematography, the visuals, special effects, CGI, acting, outfits, scenery, and soundtrack are all great. However, the script is lacking. It could have been written better. The dialogues are plain and boring. The story feels dragged out. The action scenes are repetitive, they keep fast-forwarding in the future and
then going back to the past, I get its for dramatic effects, but it gets confusing and frustrating at some point. Its very slow paced and nothing much happens.Park shin hye doesnt get much screen time, she acts like a supporting character for Hyun Bin. To top that it has a disappointing ending. Feels like all the characters efforts have been for nothing
Terrible ending
s_liu_tw20 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
We all know that a drama don't always end as we expected, but this one is a disaster.
This Korea drama have a such great materials and actors, The first half and the middle of this series are so beautiful, so I always recommend it with my friends.But the ending is really rotten.Obviously it would be a good ending or a bad ending but it gave the audience an unresolved ending. I was really disappointed.
Human Mind is a wonder and this series is a proof
deanadeva24 April 2020
I read so much about this drama over articles and much watch list, but the overview of the plot was so vague I kept it in my watchlist for a while. But man I am like mind blown now. I would not nit-pick or criticize even one scene of the series, cause that is how strong the story is and explaining technology in words is not easy at all. The characters had such strong tight roles and they did absolute justice. This is one of those series you would watch and say, no one could have done it better than this couple. The animation and cinematography were an absolute delight. And that story is just so fresh and new. The thought that went into the tiny details are a wonder. the final salutations of the season still makes me smile "Trust is where is magic is not in technology". I am not a person to hope and wait for a sequel. But for this i would wait woth fingers crossed. xOxO
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