User reviews

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

When I saw who wrote this serial was the same person who wrote W, I was basically sure that this one also is very bad. But I wanted to give Netflix a chance and the concept was pretty similar to W but this serial is way better then W. But still with no surprise, scenario is confusing, has goofs and mistakes and makes no sense at some parts but director made a good job keeping you enjoy it anyway. Granada was marvelous and I liked the lead actor. Cinematography was pretty good. And I gotta say the song "memories of Alhambra" is fabulous so it took this serial to another level.

This series has so many genres: action, thriller, romance. I like the idea of using virtual game as the main story. If you're a fan of black mirror, you will like this drama.

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.

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...

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.

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

This is a series where they show you something amazing and explain its mystery little by little. It's about a super realistic Augmented Reality game. It's fun, but there is a problem. I'm a technical person myself and I understand they want to keep it mysterious and interesting, but throughout the series I was continually making comments like: A programmer wouldn't do this, this isn't correct, why don't you check the servers, debug your program, ... But the worst part is that the series often violates the logic they created themselves. The first season ended with an open ending leaving many questions unanswered. I wouldn't want to go through a whole second season just to see the unanswered questions answered, since I feel they messed up the "mystery logic" too much. I would want to see a satisfying ending in the form of a movie tho.

Wow! This show is suspenseful and addicting. The story is well organized. For all the gamer's out there, this is a MUST watch!