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Friday, May 27, 2016

Spoiler-free K-Drama Review: Descendants of the Sun

Annyeong haseyo!

Photo Credit: Initial drawing by Karlo G./ Spoiler-free K-Drama Review: Descendants of the Sun (http://www.TheGracefulMist.com)
Photo Credit: Initial drawing by Karlo G./ Spoiler-free K-Drama Review: Descendants of the Sun (http://www.TheGracefulMist.com)

If you haven`t been reached by the craze fan girls(and boys) all over the world are experiencing, "Descendants of the Sun" is a hit Korean drama which just finished airing last month. It has gained popularity not only in South Korea but also here in the Philippines. According to some online reports, the production cost was 13 billion or approximately US$ 11,047,010.00/Php 515,514,245.16. With such high budget, the whole team of "Descendants of the Sun" must have really worked hard to give the viewers the best TV series they possibly can. And with the widespread enthusiasm and passion surrounding this drama, I think they`ve gotten a flattering response from people around the world.

Descendants of the Sun: Preview - Version 1:

Genre: Action and romance
Episodes: 16 excluding 3 special episodes
Time: Approximately 1 hour/regular episode
Location/s: South Korea and Greece

Main Cast:

  • Song Joong-ki - Captain Yoo Si-jin (Call sign: "Big Boss")
  • Song Hye-kyo - Doctor Kang Mo-yeon (Call sign: "Beauty")
  • Jin Goo - Sergeant Major Seo Dae-young (Call sign: "Wolf")
  • Kim Ji-won - Army doctor First Lieutenant Yoon Myeong-joo 

Descendants of the Sun: Preview - Version 2 - "Her Story":


Brief Summary:

Descendants of the Sun is a love story between a soldier (Captain Yoo Si-jin) and a doctor (Kang Mo Yeon). As they cross each other`s paths, they were met with an instant attraction towards each other. However, as Dr. Kang Mo Yeon got to know the realities and difficulties of being with a soldier, she faces the dilemma of figuring out the path for their blossoming relationship. Through the circumstances that both of them must face, they find themselves often bumping into each other`s paths giving opportunities for Dr. Kang Mo Yeon to figure out her true feelings and intentions.

Descendants of the Sun: Preview - Version 3 - "His Story":


Reviews


Story

Descendants of the Sun has fulfilled a great imagination of a beautiful love story for its viewers. I really like that both Captain Yoo Si-jin and Dr. Kang Mo Yeon have different jobs yet both admirable professions which they do with compassion and integrity. Captain Yoo Si-jin has what some may mark as part of a military man`s characteristics such as being a ladies` man, charming, loyal, protective and strong while Dr. Kang Mo Yeon possesses not only a pretty face but also genuine empathy for other people, pleasant and sweet personality, dedication to her profession and concept of morality. Both of their ideals in life and in their chosen career paths were admirable.

The story was through and through well-thought-out. From beginning to end, I felt like everything was flowing really well. The more serious action scenes were very fascinating as they added really important touches to make the drama`s theme more realistic. On the other hand, the cheesy lines being thrown suddenly were the little scenes that highlighted the fun and lighthearted part of Captain Yoo Si-jin and Dr. Kang Mo Yeon`s relationship.

Actors and Scenes

Song Hye-kyo and Song Joong-ki really did well. I saw the romantic connection they exhibited. I think one of the main factors which made the drama so popular was the professional closeness of both actors in real life which helped them exude a comfortable association on-screen. This really helped boost the "kilig" (Filipino term for giving/getting the feeling of having butterflies in the stomach) factor for the viewers. They did so well on-screen so it`s not a question why admirers of the drama want them to be a real-life couple.

Song Joong-ki has a refreshing and young yet manly look which made his role quite appropriate for him since Yoo Si-jin`s personality has a very masculine and heroic yet likable and charismatic attributes. On the other hand, Song Hye-kyo is very pretty and elegant which also coincides with Dr. Kang Mo Yeon`s personality whose call sign is "Beauty".

As for the rest of the actors, I believe that they played their characters well as their roles proved to have supported the boost of romantic appeal of the main characters. I believe each and everyone of them performed necessary roles which helped create a great drama.

I felt the right emotions as I watched the drama. From feelings of having butterflies and admiration to anticipation and thrill. I thought that the actors have played their part so well that I suspect they might have premeditated the exact emotions the viewers must feel in every scene.

Considering they had spent so much producing the drama, I think they did good with the scenes. I`m glad they didn`t computerize some of the more disastrous scenes. I really liked the beautiful aerial shots they took for the beautiful places in Greece. The acting, location, props and timing of everything contributed to having almost every scene on point.

Rating: 


(5/5 flowers)

Overall, Descendants of the Sun is a great Korean drama which highlights the good and the bad of not only a soldier and doctor`s relationship but the romantic difficulties that many people who work in the military faces. It is a lighthearted drama despite the thrilling action scenes. It was good  in most aspects because almost every scene was exactly what I could`ve expected. This is now one of my top favorite Korean dramas of all time.


Have you seen this drama already? If you have, what did you think of it? If not, are you planning on watching it soon? Let me know in the comments` section below! I hope you will all have a wonderful weekend.

I would like to thank my younger brother, Karlo, for doing the initial drawing of the first photo/Descendants of the Sun fan art.









If you have any comments, suggestions, requests, and/or questions, please leave them in the comments` section of this blog post. Thank you.

45 comments:

  1. This sounds interesting, I've never seen a Korean Drama before. I love the picture that your brother drew!

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  2. Interesting post! I'm not sure if we have this here in the uk, I've never heard of it before. It does sound like an interesting watch, could maybe stream it online?

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  3. I haven't seen this series before but I think it looks really interesting! I liked how you told us a little of the story and your ratings! It makes me want to watch it!

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    1. I`m glad you liked the review. Thank you for reading!

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  4. Well, that looks interesting. I am not a fan of these kind of things but I can give it a try at least, one think I need to say is that for some reason I love the Korean language, thanks for sharing :)

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  5. I have not heard of this show, but it sounds really entertaining. If I ever find it available in the United States, I will check it out.

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  6. This looks like a pretty good story line. Thanks for sharing

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  7. Omg one omg omg ....XD song joon li is Bae.i haven't seen the drama yett because of school but I've heard so many good thing about it .i really love song Jong ki he was so good in "innocent man " and that one movie he did about the werewolf boy 😍

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    1. Let me know what you think once you`ve seen the drama already! I haven`t seen "Innocent Man", I`ll check it out. Thank you for reading!

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  8. We don't have this show in the UK but it sounds like an interesting watch. I really like military dramas.

    Rosie | www.rosieromance.com

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  9. I love korean dramas, I used to watch them quite a lot, now I haven't watched one in a while, so thanks for the review and the suggestion. I will definitely check this one further.

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    1. No problem. Let me know what you think once you`ve seen the drama already.

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  10. I haven't heard of this or need it. Is it on Netflix?

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  11. My sister loves K-Dramas, so I might recommend Descendants of the Sun to her. Thanks for the post.

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  12. Oooooo haven't seen or heard of this drama but it definitely sounds interesting. Must watch!

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  13. I have never heard about any Korean drama! Though I liked your review and it sounds interesting!

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  14. Never heard of this before or watched any Korean drama. Infact, I don't even watch TV or movies because my son wants me to play with him rather than doing my stuff. You have reviewed it so well. I will share it with my Korean friends.

    Fatima

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  15. I'm not much into movies and series and I haven't heard of this before, at least not over here in the UK, but could give it a go after reading your post :)

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  16. This sounds interesting. I've never heard of this, but sounds like something different than what I normally watch. Might have to give it a chance.

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  17. Sounds quite interesting , haven't heard about before but I consider giving it a try. Great review

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  18. I love Korean telenovelas! When I moved though I stopped getting them. I think the last I kind of watched was Boys Over Flowers which was a century ago. They certainly appeal to Filipino viewers don't they? :)

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  19. I have never heard of this before. Very interesting. I do love Anime shows though! lol

    Love,

    Ivelisse | CarnationDreams.com

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  20. This looks like a good story line! Never heard of this before! It seems to be very interesting!

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  21. This sounds like a really nice romance story. It's really cool that K-dramas are gaining popularity all over.

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  22. I have never heard of this film but it sounds very interesting.

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  23. Perfect come back for Soong Joo Ki indeed. Finished this drama and I am so in love with it. Song Hye has been may favorite K actress since Full House. Yay!

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  24. I think I've seen an advertisment about this a couple of days ago. Korean dramas are just so great because the plot is not really predictable or cliche. Great show described here!

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  25. I've never watched any Korean film. I might just start watching this one as long as I can find English subtitles.

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  26. Sounds like a very interesting series - might have to look it up! Thanks for sharing.

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  27. I've never heard about this drama but it sounds entertaining. If ever I'll find in Florida, will definitely check it out!

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  28. I'm interested in seeing films from all over the world, and this one sounds like a perfect choice! I've been visiting a film festival taking place in Lapland in the midsummer (it's on right now, but this year I didn't have a chance to go there due to my financial situation...) anyway, in this festival they are always showing great and interesting but not so well known films.

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  29. I used to love soaps growing up. This one sounds like it would be a good and addictive one too. You brother has mad skills :-). I wonder if they would stream this on Netflix?

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    1. Thank you. I`ll let my younger brother know about your kind comment! It is a good show! I`m not sure if it`s on Netflix but you can watch it online.

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  30. I have heard about this since it is all over my timeline. Might as well give it a try. May I ask if you're Filipino? Because I am!! Haha

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  31. I love korean dramas but for some reason I just couldn't get into this one. It has everything to make it great but for some reason I just love a good rom-com I think. But I will definitely be giving this another good try because I love the cast.

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  32. Interesting post! I've never watched a Korean drama but visited Sth Korea when I was 13 and loved it. I remember all of the amazing super cool tv shows!

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    1. Thank you. South Korea is one of the top places I hope to visit. Thank you for reading.

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  33. Hi, I am aware of the fact that the Korean Film industry is huge and very successful. Although I havnt really seen any movies. But I liked this review and would want to see it sometime soon.

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  34. This sounds quite interesting actually. Do you think it can be watched online?

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    1. Yes, "Descendants of the Sun" can be watched online.

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  35. I watched the trailer already and I immediately got hooked. I mean, I haven't even watched a single episode yet but it's really interesting. I believe this will be shown locally on GMA7. Do you happen to have a link where we can watch the entire series with english subs? Thanks!!

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    1. Yes, I`ve also heard that it`ll be shown at GMA7. You may try at KissAsian.com or Viki.com. I tried at KissAsian.com and it played fine.

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