After watching Hong Kong and
Taiwanese series and movies for nearly two decades, I think my standards
for television shows are becoming too high. For the past couple of years,
I have been extremely disappointed with the many crappy and sub-par series
TVB, ATV, and TCS spit out to viewers. Don’t get me wrong, I think
there are still great series made, just not in large quantities like during
TVB’s Golden 80’s Era. Luckily, God took pity on me. I have
just recently been introduced to Korean series and so far, I love it!
After hearing and reading so many wonderful comments from fans and friends
about All About Eve, I decided to try something new. Even though AAE is
a good series and I have enjoyed it, I wasn’t too emotionally affected
by the storyline or the cast. I have to agree that the two leading actresses
are attractive looking, but I can’t say the same for the men. No
offence to anyone, but I do not find Jang Dong Gun good looking at all.
His face looks kind of bloated and his eyes, although large, are eerie
looking to me. I was somewhat disappointed after watching the show and
believed that AAE has been overrated.
As I was bored one day and was surfing the Internet, I came across a wonderful
review on HOTELIER. I forgot the site where I read that review, but it
prompted me to give HOTELIER a try because I was in desperate need of
good entertainment. Feeling somewhat sceptical on my second Korean series,
I watched the first couple of episodes, but they were not too interesting.
However, the appearance of Bae Yong Jun as Shin Dong Xian in the jail
cell scene had totally changed my attitude towards the story. I was hooked
to the show like a starving fish to a tasty worm. Needless to say, HOTELIER
changed my perspective on Korean series and opened my world to such brilliant
works. I love this series!
The endearing relationship between Dong Xian and Zhen Yin was so refreshing
and romantic that it kept me glued to the television screen. The only
other onscreen couple that has affected me as deeply as Dong Xian and
Zhen Yin’s relationship is Andy Lau and Idy Chan’s version of
Yang Guo and Xiao Long Nu in "Return of the Condor Heroes".
It has been years since I am so moved by any onscreen romance that I have
almost given up hope. In HOTELIER, the scenery, directing, background
music, and script all worked together perfectly to create an amazing story.
The cast also did a marvellous job in portraying the moving story line
that allowed me to clearly understand the characters’ motives and
actions. I was overjoyed to see that HOTELIER was actually filmed in Las
Vegas (I live a couple hours away from LV) and I really enjoyed seeing
the many different locations used as the setback. The dialogues were so
meaningful and not too wordy either.
I have to admit that Bae Yong Jun’s outstanding performance is the
number one reason I love HOTELIER so much. BYJ blended into his role so
well that it is hard for me not to think of him as Shin Dong Xian. I usually
don’t like men with small eyes, but he is an exception. Of course,
his well-toned physique is also a plus ^_^. This guy has sex appeal oozing
out of him. What woman in her right mind would not fall head over heels
for him? Just add me to BYJ’s long list of adoring fans. Yes, I wholeheartedly
admit that I have fallen under his enchanting spell. Not many actors are
able to portray a character in the way that make me want to hold and comfort
them. I think another quality of Dong Xian that fascinates me is that,
although he is a ruthless, cold-hearted businessman; he can become such
a caring and devoted lover to Zhen Yin. Unfortunately, in the real world,
there may never be someone as charming, charismatic, suave, good looking,
self-confident, intelligent, and romantic as Shin Dong Xian, but I could
be wrong. He is the ultimate dream man and I can go on forever on complimenting
this character. My heart continues to melt as I re-watch the series just
to hear Bae Yong Jun utter those captivating one liners and smile in that
mesmerizing way that sends my heart fluttering. Yes, it’s true that
I am a hopeless romantic O_o. Hopefully, I will be able to find my own
prince charming in the near future (wishful thinking).
When Dong Xian asked Zhen Yin to go to Las Vegas with him at the pool
scene, I wanted to jump on his back and scream, “Take me with you!”
Hey, it’s not something I’m proud of and I really hope my love
for Shin Dong Xian will somewhat dwindle with time. I mean it’s so
tiring to smile every time I think about him. I swear, my cheeks are ready
to crack.
When Song Yun Ah first appeared in the series as Xu Zhen Yin, she didn’t
catch my attention in the way Dong Xian did. She’s the ordinary,
yet cheerful next-door-neighbour sort of gal that people want to befriend
and I’m not usually drawn to such heroines in stories. I like her
temper and clumsy ways, but she would be the last type of girl that I
would want to see Dong Xian fall in love with. However, this simple character
grew on me and by the end of the series, I can’t imagine anyone more
suited to be with Dong Xian. She is one lucky lady! Song Yun Ah may not
have the looks of a sultry beauty, but I find her cute, especially with
her hair down. She acted very well as the innocent and lovable hotel manager
and her scenes with Bae Yong Jun were so sweet.
Kim Seung Woo also displayed great acting skills as the indecisive Han
Tai Jun. Often times, I wanted to slap him upside the head with a stick
just to knock some sense into him. He was so passive about his personal
life. He gave up the chance to be with Zhen Yin. While Dong Xian portrayed
the Napoleon way of life (ie “I come, I see, I conquer”), Tai
Jun displayed the meek qualities of people that I can definitely relate
to. I wanted him to find some happiness with Kim Yun Hee, but too bad
the script didn’t allow it. I would love to have a supportive friend
like Tai Jun, who would be there to listen to your problems and help you
out.
The supporting cast members all did a fantastic job and the most memorable
supporting character is Manager Lee Soon Jung. Scenes with that woman
were hilarious. I love her pitiful cries when she found out that Tai Jun
forgot to pick her up to attend Zhen Yin’s birthday party. Another
aspect of the series that I found interesting is the lack of a true villain.
I also noticed that the parents in this series tend to neglect their children
to focus on work. It really showed what society nowadays has become and
it really depresses me. I know that they love their children and want
to provide them with everything money can buy, but spending time with
their kids and understanding them are so much more important. I love the
fact that viewers are able to see the perspectives of all characters and
relate with them through the various kinds of relationships in the show.
I have heard certain people
claiming that this series is boring, lame, too long, not that good, etc.
Even my father thinks I’m crazy for watching Korean series and my
sisters couldn’t understand why I am so enthralled with this particular
series. Oh well, people have different opinions. I know that I will forever
treasure this story and hope that I will encounter another series as good
as this in the future.
I am so enthralled by HOTELIER that I browsed through discussion forums,
hoping to find more information on the show. Then, I came across the address
for this website. You guys really should give yourselves a pat on the
back for doing a terrific job on compiling so much information! It feels
great to find other people sharing my love for HOTELIER and this place
is really a HOTELIER haven. Although you have probably heard many people
expressing their appreciation on your work here, I still like to express
my extreme appreciation to you guys for working so hard to create and
manage this website; as well as sharing that with fans like us. Okay,
I think I’ve practically bored you guys to death with this long message,
so I will shut up now.
Just need to say one more thing, HOTELIER RULES!!!