I was at high school when this TV-series was shown on TV. First I didn't have time and thought it was just another love story which has a happy ending. But after few months because of a very high demand they showed it again so I had a chance to watch and it grabbed my attention from the beginning and I watched it over and over. Last time I was watching it on the internet in original language with English subtitles. Beautiful!!! If they play it again I'll stay watch and enjoy the beauty of the love. Acting is perfect! One of the thing that caught people's attention was music. So awesome! It's no wonder the actors were found to be the best in 2002. If you haven't yet, I suggest you watch it! It's a must!
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jewel-ngo6 November 2006Very Emotional Drama, I watched the Entire Series in three days! It's got a great concept behind it, and you'll just love the "good" characters, and you'll "hate" the bad characters so much that you'd want to slap some sense into them...
However... There are a lot of LIEs... They don't ever seem to tell the truth... But maybe that's just the show... but I'd take it as a warning... Other than the Lies they tell each other... I still do recommend this series you'll sit there just wanting and craving more until you finish it! By the way You might want to open a new box of tissues before you get to the end...
Enjoy! -
chaizzilla22 February 2005what a tear-jerker! the series is very nice to look at as well; the contrast between its warm tones and the glassy blue and yellow tones & high contrast a lot of directors seem to be into now kept standing out. return to the gooey lighting and fireside ambiance of each episode of winter sonata was a treat. the theme song got to be little hard to endure after a while, possibly because it was impossible to not associate it with a lionel richie song from like twenty years ago whose video happened to call up a theme common to this series. imagine that. jun sang is of course dreamy, tho after reading about all the plastic surgery in the series, that's not so fun. by far the most likable characters are the "sidekicks" of the main dramatic couple, especially Mr. Kim.
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johnmil200023 July 2005My wife bought this on DVD and wanted me to watch it with her. I was pretty skeptical at the time because I don't care too much for love stories. After watching the first episode, I changed my mind - this is really good. It did make my wife cry through the whole show and it almost brought a tear out of me. Now, it takes a a lot to do that to me.
If you haven't watched this yet, please do. You won't be disappointed. It has everything - great acting and directing, beautiful scenery and music.
Overall rating: 10 out of 10 -
Winter Sonata is one of the best Korean dramas I have ever watched. Many will claim that the plot is trite, overused, typical, and predictable--but keeping in mind the fact that this drama came out in 2002 and that it was really what spurred the entire Korean drama craze in Asia, you've got to lend this one some credit. It begins with a cheerful girl named Yu Jin, along with her childhood guy friend Sang Hyuk, who attends Chun-Chuan High School. Sang Hyuk likes Yu Jin, but Yu Jin only thinks of him as a friend/brotherly figure. One day a strange new student arrives named Joon Sang--he's very quiet, aloof, and has this dark/intense look on his face at all times--who came to the high school in search of his biological father. Through a series of coincidences and amusing events, Yu Jin and Joon Sang become attracted to each other. On his way to meet Yu Jin for a date one night, Joon Sang is hit by a truck and he passes away. Ten years later, Yu Jin is engaged to Sang Hyuk; however, she spots someone who looks exactly like Joon Sang, and that's when the plot thickens.
I can't say too much without giving away everything, but this is really a very good drama. The scenery is extremely beautiful, and coupled with the sad piercing music, this drama can really bring out bucketfuls of tears. The actors and actresses (especially the leads) are extremely talented and can convey all the grief and pain that they feel inside and engage with the audience on a personal level. This drama is so captivating that you really will not regret watching it. It is my favorite Korean drama and if you give it half a chance, it'll be your favorite too. :) -
lgfrades26 August 2006I don't know when I've been moved so much. This is the love story between Kang Joon-Sang and Yujin, first as teenagers, and again as adults. The story all takes place with gorgeous winter scenery. Everything about this production is extraordinary, especially with Bae Yong Joon's acting. I enjoyed the other cast members as well. I don't think I've ever cried so much. The acting is so realistic that you can feel everything that's happening to the character. Be prepared for many twists and turns in this drama, however. It's unlike nothing you've ever seen. Themes such as loyalty to family, and also jealousy and envy are present around every corner. But it's the first love and pure love that are the most remarkable. Don't miss it. You will be forever changed.
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inyaespel7 August 2006I thoroughly enjoyed this series, though I won't try to say that it is one of the best series I have seen. Far from it, actually. However, the acting of both Yong-Jun Bae (who played both Jun-Sang Kang and Min-Hyung Lee) and Ji-Woo Choi (playing the part of Yoo-Jin Jung) make the series worth watching, as both can very convincingly convey the emotions that can haunt the human condition. The overall plot of the series is somewhat stereotypical of the genre, a bit thin to be honest. With that said... I hate how this series ended *lol* It's far too... perhaps proper, for me. Emphasis is placed on the 'right' thing to do for someone else, instead of the right thing to do for oneself. I think, though, that that may be a more eastern belief. And there's nothing wrong with that. I just feel that, with matters of the heart, one has to do what is right for his or her own self. I don't know. You might differ on opinions from me, but I liked it and would recommend it. And whether or not I have bad taste... well that's a matter of opinion as well.
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adelinepanwp12 January 2022The story may be old fashion and little lame, but the twist and turn with a perfect ending, still make eyes watering after 20 years!! Yes, review on 12.1.2022!!!
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***Does contain spoilers.***
The names of all of the WINTER SONATA characters are spelled very differently here on IMDb than in the English subtitled version seen in the USA on THE INTERNATIONAL CHANNEL / AZNTV, so I will not attempt to call the characters by name in this review.
WINTER SONATA is no romantic comedy. It is a Korean tear-jerker drama with emphasis on the tears. The leading lady is crying or near crying for 90+% of the series, and when she is not crying, some other character is crying. The plot and subplots of the Korean TV series WINTER SONATA are outlandish and implausible. The dialog between the characters is unrealistic and often dumb. However, the raw emotion expressed by the actors, and the amazing sincerity in which they deliver every line, is thrilling.
The Winter photography is a joy. It is disappointing watching American TV series filmed in sunny Southern California attempt to have stories set in Winter snow country. Hollywood snow is fake and the actors do not really appear to be cold. However, the outdoor photography in WINTER SONATA is captivating. The real outdoors -- not a fake indoor set. Real snow. Real Winter cold. Not only is the snow mostly real, but in the early episodes the photography is artistic and pleasing to the eye.
The series begins with boy meets girl, and this first love story is engaging and interesting. Unfortunately, the original love story is abandoned and time advances 10 years into the future. A major unrealistic plot twist is introduced and the viewer is left yearning for a more traditional story. To its credit, the first 8 or 9 episodes of WINTER SONATA end with interesting cliffhangers. But even the cliffhangers fade to nothing by the 10th or 11th episode. The 19th episode begins with a good recap of the entire series, but sadly the series ends much like ROOFTOP ROOM CAT -- there is no traditional romantic connection and there is another jarring, off-putting, advancement in time.
In fact, the plot of WINTER SONATA seems more like a mean spirited parody created by a writer who hates the romantic drama genre (for goodness sake, young adults everywhere but there is not a single moment of passion).
That being said, the acting is completely captivating. The side characters are charming. The music is wonderful.
Mention must be made of the beauty of Sol-Mi Park, who plays the challenger to the leading lady. Sol-Mi Park plays the part of a trouble maker, but there are some short bits of time when she smiles and laughs, and comes across as a real life super charming nice person. Her overwhelming attractiveness (at least from a guy's point of view) makes it difficult to imagine any guy wanting to leave her in order to be with a sullen melancholy lady.
Also, the male actor who plays the challenger to the leading man also comes across as being a charmer in real life. In fact, the Winter outfits worn by the leading man all during the 10-years-later period had a very nerdy "Dr. Who" look. While, his romantic challenger wears many sharp looking jackets throughout the series. In other words, the side characters are more attractive than the two lead characters.
The music is powerful and effectively used. The CD soundtrack is available in many countries. For example, in the Philippines the Tagalog language re-recording of the WINTER SONATA soundtrack was a leading seller.
WINTER SONATA is a drama with enough good points to keep viewers watching, but the story and dialog keep the series from achieving greatness. A more highly recommended K-drama would be ROOFTOP ROOM CAT, and the J-dramas WITH LOVE along with the great LONG VACATION.
One other note, the IMDb lists WINTER SONATA as having 60 minute episodes. But as seen on AZN here in the USA, each episode is a full 90 minutes (or 83 minutes taking away commercials). -
rafy-4683828 September 2019No dubt this is the beautiful love story that i ever seen.so much cried.actors are brilliant never forget yujin,kanjoong sang,sang heyon 😘 and hats off direction surely its a brilliant masterpiece
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rowidaelsherief26 September 2021It's a series u can't get enough of I keep watching it every now and then and every time I fall I love with it more and more.
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gorgonite18 November 2014Winter Sonata is a highly regarded popular Korean melodrama with great reviews. The series features a small cast and focuses on the love triangle between:
i) Jun-sang, a bastard, born from the embers of passion between Gollum and a village hound dog
ii) Yoo-jin, a feisty pretty young thing
iii) Sang-Hyuk, the boy next door.
Jun-sang is actually a good guy, but is hypnotised by Yoo-jin, and begins wearing big scarves and ladies mittens. Sang-Hyuk is like a brother to Yoo-jin, and rival to Jun-sang, but he has no job and is no good at fighting. Watch out for danger woman, Chae-Lin!
So the story begins with the courtship between Jun-sang and Yoo-jin at their high school. The other cast are introduced who are the school friends and also the elders. Then tragedy strikes......One of the characters headbutts a Volvo. It's OK though, the Volvo survives and is sent to the repair shop.
Fast forward 10 years later and the high school students are now working in Seoul. Coincidentally all have kept in touch and are either living, working or drinking together. Jun-sang has disappeared from the scene but has been replaced by another actor who looks very much like him and is called Min-Hyung. Min-Hyung is hypnotised by Chae-Lin and starts to quote Confucius and wear turtle neck sweaters. Everyone misses Jung Soon and hates Min-Hyung.
Next everyone start fighting with everyone else, each fall over or go to hospital one at a time, everyone bows a lot and finally Yoo- jin makes a decision.
*********************************************** The End ***********************************************
The Good - Performances, heart (first few episodes)
The Bad - Predictable, Cliché, Overlong (next 14 episodes)
Overall - Dour -
mhuynh022610 February 2004well, it is! it's roughly translated as 'Winter Sonata' and is probably the best korean drama i have seen, next to 'Endless Love' (which is directed by the same director of Winter Sonata). The scenery with the snow, and forest is just...beautiful. It's basically about two teenagers who meet, and fall in love...and then something happens. And 10 years later, they meet again, but there are a lot of obstacles in order for them to be together. You could really feel the characters' pain at what they're going through, especially the character played by Choi Ji Woo, who plays her part wonderfully. Bae Yong Jun, who plays her love, also does well, especially when he finds out about...not telling cause I don't want to spoil it! But it IS a typical love story, but it's REALLY good, so good that it became a a hit in Asia.
soo...what're you waiting for? Go watch it! -
Soft and subtle emotions growing into love,the understanding which is shown,winter clothes,acting,story,cast everything is so good.ots been 21 years it has been released and that time when not many dramas were made with so minute details of emotions,that how a calm and quiet man will fall in love and how he will gradually take his story ahead plus the bubbly girl's chemistry with the boy plus the respect which is shown without showing any harsh or bold stuffs, friendship among high school friends plus family bond and love,Korean place's beauty all can be seen and felt and mesmarized.love to the maker and the cast.
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magnoliacream11 August 2022Curiosity as to why this drama sparked a Korean wave in early 2000's not just in Asia but globally made me watch this. A few episodes in and I got hooked as well. Bae Yong-joon, who plays the male lead, is utterly charming; Choi Ji Woo, who plays the female lead, is truly one of the most beautiful Korean actresses I've seen. They, and other cast members, played their roles with passion and sincerity. The story is engrossing and the OST is stirring.
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zackary-6227230 December 2020In life's long journey there will be many person who will come and go, it does not mean you will fall in love with everyone. Just perverts are doing so. 3rd class Drama writer with 3rd class plot.
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I remember that I already wrote a comment for this drama, but I don't know why it's disappear now (may be it's IMDb's management fault, may be they erased it because they don't like my comment). Now, I'll write it once again because I like this drama and want you to know about my feeling for this drama.
This drama is really nice, the story is delighted and enjoyable (especially when it's a happy ending drama). The drama is nice, because Bae Yong Jun played as a man with just only one woman in his heart and so was Choi Ji Woo. The story go on with good scenery and good music (the soundtracks).
Like it, especially when they made it A HAPPY ENDING STORY even though Bae's character had terminal disease and made him blind, a miracle surely because usually South Korean drama making a sad ending story. -
phd_travel25 February 2020The whole story isn't that complicated and could have been told in half the time. 20 episodes is just too much. Don't know why it was such a hit and catapulted it's stars to such mega stardom in Asia! Autumn in my Heart is better. The icky incest / not incest story could have been resolved so much earlier if the idiot mother had just spat it out earlier. And the amnesia change of identity thing is just impossible.
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omelethtr10 September 2004There are so many worse Korean soaps out there--at least this one's decent. But I hate how they intentionally make you want to cry at something that really makes no sense at all. Half the time the actors are crying and the background music is some dramatic tear-jerker. Bae yong joon is GREAT! He's the only one who made an effort at this subpar script...i mean, yeah, the drama was okay, but come on...all the main girls just stare with their big round eyes (with or without surgery) and 1) cry 2) stare 3) look surprised. The director for this drama also directed the other "seasons" dramas, Autumn Story and Summer Scent. Autumn Story was good, but Summer Scent was just literally unwatchable. I don't see how the actors ever got through to saying their lines, they're so lame and cheesy. Personally, I like winter better than autumn, but I think Autumn Story was just a little bit better than Winter Sonata...for one thing it has better looking guys (LOL) and it was SHORTER, which is what the editors for Winter Sonata needed to do...they stretched out a 10 episode drama into 20 episodes and it was just soooooooo looooooooooong and booooooooooring by the end!!
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zsp-5924731 December 2021These series about the stupid people. Almost everyone has different level of imbecility and idiocy in this TV show. People act, think and talk like the complete fools without any slightest piece of sense. It is total waste of time to see this. I don't understand why this story has so high rating.
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floss-boss25 December 2005as all korean dramas go, this series drags on unnecessarily for twenty episodes. the characters remain static throughout every episode. all the situations concocted in this series could only happen through huge, unlikely coincidences. this series is interesting in the beginning, but after the fifth episode it is a waste of time. if you've seen 'autumn story' this series is practically the same plot. the creator/writer/director/whoever needs to think of a fresh plot and stop reusing his material. everything that could go wrong, goes wrong. the characters are indecisive and none of them have a backbone. this series could have been cut down to five episodes and would have made everybody's life happier. your time would be better spent watching something else.