This review may contain spoilers
'Yumi's Cells' review: Back for a second chance at love and dreams
Is love sweeter the second time around or more cruel?Yumi's Cells Season 2 tells the story of Yumi and Babi's relationship from her brain cells' point of view. Will she get her happy ending this time or will another heartbreak be added to her list?
For starters, Yumi's Cells illuminates Yumi's conflicted emotional life with superb storytelling, animation and performances. This k-drama is very inventive and psychologically astute, witty, imaginative, and utterly relatable.
What sticked to me the most from Season 1 was the seamless transition between the animation and the reality. However, for this new season the show hardly shed light on Babi's cells. His thoughts and true intentions remained a mystery throughout the run time. Perhaps this was a plot device to keep the audience glued to their screens and constantly wonder if Babi is her endgame.
In contrast to Season 2, Woong's cell village had a fair share of screentime. Woong and Babi's personalities are in opposite spectrum after all. Woong is an introvert and is not expressive. Babi on the other hand is a straightfoward guy and always speaks his mind to avoid confusions and misunderstandings.
Woong ponders a lot before talking that's why the cell village can discuss what tactic to take on. He doesn't even have that much cells because almost everything acts according to an program That speaks volume to how intelligent Woong is.
However, Babi is very eloquent with words (he's actually a marketing specialist) but we don't get to see enough decision making going in on at his cell village. We don't even get to see his naughty cell. All that Yumi's love cell saw in his village is that he is very romantic and sincere. Babi was at a very disadvantageous point because no one really knows what's going on in his head.
The two seasons also highlighted different concepts. Season 1 pointed out that opposites attract while season 2 condemns this by telling that same people attract each other. Woong and Yumi do not share the same interests, hobbies and group of friends. Interestingly, Yumi and Babi had a lot in common. This is what essentially draws Yumi to Babi. They both like reading books and listening to the same type of music. It seems logical that they attract each other as they think similarly. The absence of AI in Babi's village cell attests to this.
Going back to Babi's character development, I still had tons of questions about it. When the story reached its dilemmas, Babi's change of heart suddenly doesn't make sense to me.
Babi is someone who speaks his mind and it is very unlikely of him to hide secrets and get swayed by a young intern. Those were my first thoughts. However, looking back at Babi's past actions and relationships, it seems like he's not the green flag guy we all thought he is. He's actually the opposite.
If one can remember, Babi actually developed his feelings for Yumi even while they were both in a relationship. Reason and sensitivity cells tried so hard to hide this fact from Yumi. The alarming red flag about Babi is that he gets wavered easily whenever his girlfriend is not around which is a very unfaithful thing to do. I really felt defeated and saddened by this realization because who on earth can resist Babi's charming and alluring presence? He's simply irresistable and attractive.
I can't help but notice the similarities between Babi and Yijin from Twenty Five Twenty One. Everyone keeps telling that Yijin is a green flag for being a supportive and understanding boyfriend to Heedo. The same thing can be applied to Babi.
Both guys are very considerate towards their partners. However, kindness is not the foundation of being a green flag. Both main leads failed to be consistent, honest and maintain an open communication. Babi and Yijin kept secrets from their partners — the former not telling Yumi how he got affected by an intern's confession as well as when he got in an accident; while the latter not telling his SO that he is going through a rough patch and he doesn't want to share his burden, pain and sorrows.
Still, one can't help but feel that the writers did dirty on Babi by the second half of the show. The sweet and romantic moments between Babi and Yumi were actually based on Yumi and Soonrok's scenes in the webtoon. The directors and writers purposefully led us to the thinking that Babi is a wonderful and dreamy partner. We, the audience, got fooled and disappointed at the end. I personally really felt that it was hard to let go someone like Babi.
As for the performance, Kim Go Eun and Jinyoung's chemistry was insane to say the least. They portray immense love for each on-screen and it's undeniable that they would make such a great couple in real life. Their soft face features compliment each other. I hope that they can work on a project soon with a HEA.
Overall, Yumi's Cells is a lovely kdrama which transforms emotional conflict into an adventure. There's a beauty and care in every scene of this k-drama. As we tag along Yumi's self-actualization journey, we learn about the pain of growing up, heartbreaks and handling big, new emotions as they come and go.
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This review may contain spoilers
Maybe a waste of time? Maybe not...
Starts off strong, keeps you watching just to see what happens next but not necessarily in a "this is a really good drama" way. More like "wait... who is she going to end up with?" Keep in mind I did not watch the first season since the reviews weren't too great and I have not read the webtoon/comic it's based off of, but I decided to give this season a chance since I wanted to see Jinyoung and Kim Go-eun together. I was still able to understand and pick things up pretty quickly despite not having seen the first season.Positives:
- The cells were interesting and mostly fun to watch, although they can be a bit "in the way" when you just want to see what happens next to Yumi and Babi. Fun to see how they visually represent emotions and feelings mostly everyone has gone through. It does make typically short scenes drag on though.
- Acting is great, whole cast played their roles well.
- Nice to see Jinyoung and Shin Ye-eun together again, even if it wasn't the best of circumstances.
- Cute moments, heart fluttering moments, funny moments, dramatic moments
- Keeps you engaged for the most part
- The soundtrack for this show is great and fits well
Negatives:
- Some scenes drag on for a while since they have to show how the cells react to the situations
- Can obviously tell it's based on a webtoon given the way things play out. Ending is a set-up for another season?
- The show makes you go through two whole seasons with two different guys, only to have both of them discarded at the end in order to set up another love interest for the next season.
- By the end of the show, Babi and Woong are still not over Yumi, yet she's already off trying to find another guy. I wish they could've at least had Babi and/or Woong move on or find another love interest. Just seems weird to go through entire seasons with these characters and their relationships only to have them tossed to the side anyway (other than being swayed for a moment, Babi was such a great guy, and Woong seemed okay too despite being kind of stalkerish and overly-obsessed with Yumi, yet neither of them get a real happy ending).
- Some unrealistic moments that scream "webtoon plot progression" and unnecessary side plots. Woong suddenly becoming successful and rich, Ruby and Control Z's sudden relationship that I didn't really care for, editor Ahn Dae-young's plotline that was admittedly funny but not really necessary.
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Kind of a letdown
OK I watched this in about a week and I wasn't hooked until the third or fourth episode. My eyes fall out over the male leads who are already two of my faves. Why she had trouble choosing is beyond me. Take 'em both.But what puzzles me is this: what the hell was she pissed about with either guy? Does she know anything about life? I had a great long marriage with an angel and now he is one but if you think there was never a moment of jealousy or doubt you're crazy and/or stupid. And she held them to higher standards than she did herself. Unfair.
And the real question is why did either of them want her in the first place because she's not that HOT looking and she is terminally BORING!!! BORING!! Jesus put you to sleep for a month.
I expected more.
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Yumi Cells 2 was a very cute watch and I will cherish all the sweet moments :)
After moving on from her heartbreak, we see Yumi (Kim Go Eun) and her colorful cells deal with the courage to step out on her own as a writer as her new romance blossoms with Yu Babi (Park Jin Young).The arc that bridges Yumi Cells 1 and 2 felt natural. In season 1, Babi has been around as her coworker but he never was presented as another love interest option for Yumi. So after breaking up with Woong and we see her moving on, Babi’s presence just fits as someone who is there for Yumi. The flow of both relationships were just as refreshing because Woong and Babi’s personalities were very different. I also appreciate seeing a more dynamic journey of Yumi as a writer since it was always been her dream.
Although I think season 1's cells were more charming, there are still hilarious, emotional moments. Also, surprisingly naughty moments between Yumi and Babi's little cells, I love those! XD That's a testament to how vibrant Yumi and Babi's chemistry were. I love every time he convinces her in his blunt and swoony manner, and when he was so sincere when he takes care of her. What I don't understand is the annoying side characters and the conflicts that seem to stem from out-of-character decisions, which makes me upset till the ending. Other than that, Yumi Cells 2 was cute and I will cherish all the sweet moments! :)
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so disappointing it ended up NOTHING PS.I hope there is no season 3. If it still happens like this
The story was going well, but when it was ending, it was disappointing that nothing had ended in self love, it was boring, overall, it was good that they had chemistry, that's why they broke up, that's why I'm even more annoyed, why is it so irritating? with this acting, the good promise is gone, the story line is not really good, the ending is annoying, I wish it was good, but there is no ending. I wish I hadn't watched it so I wouldn't have been hurt. It's really annoying. I hate self love (this is not include lfhgfagfagfgfuygdfgkbgkfsgdsbfgjbxhudfhhvkjsghgsdbdjdkjjh iufghlugf kjjfkih kjjgkh jhgks jhgflshd jkhdfldh jhlisd jhukiflsj jhdjds jfhhdjhy hb fjhdbjl khslk h bv h h h b h bh h h hh h h h hb bb b b b b b b b b b b bb b b b b b b b b b bb b b b bb bb b b b b b b b b b b bkbjkblhsd bh jhjghvlgewv hvbnvoifbf hsppynkjv bhj gjvfj jghvlkfb jhvfjf jksbv v)Was this review helpful to you?
Good Enough
Korean Drama "Yumi's Cells" follows the same pattern as the one in the first season, however, this time, it fails to deliver.The drama does have good performances that save the show, as do the cute cells that do what they do best, they offer solid comedy when it's needed. They are also well-made and nicely inserted into the story.
On the other hand, the story was messy and boring. The love story was just okay, but it wasn't as original and realistic as the first one, especially due to the unnecessary drama that was added to the love story.
So, overall, 5 out of 10.
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This review may contain spoilers
What even is the point?The basic plot idea is simple: provide Yumi with men with two different personalities and have her choose. Major problem though: both men have paper thin backstories and personalities, and we already spent a whole season with them!
Can you drag this out over 14 episodes? No. But, they certainly were going to try. This has all the flip flops of your basic daytime soap with no emotional/psychological or logical brain reasons why it was twisting and turning. I only watched to the end to see if I hated the end: and lo and behold I did. This is the problem with multi-season series with no defined goals.
The acting was excellent, and you really got tied to the characters as it went on even with paper thin backstories and reasons for doing what they are doing.
The only thing that worked for me was the music, which was layered with meaning and nostalgia after suffering with all these characters through last season.
I grade on other criteria as well:
Complex Themes: 5.0
Everyone lets you down eventually?
Complex Characters/Character Growth: 2.0
Last season, the psychology and emotions made sense. This time, they just really didn't. Ba Bi is all surface, no depth on one hand he has all these dark hidden sides and secrets, and yet is also someone of great depth of emotional feeling who is highly responsible and meets his commitments. Which is it?? If he's putting on a mask or a face, then why are we seeing into his head and FROM HIS POINT OF VIEW he's just a really great, mature all around guy. Then it's hinted at that maybe all this romance, lovey-dovey stuff is an act, or he is someone of inconsistent shallow feeling, but we don't actually see that we see someone who is caring, cries, plans for the future, reads fiction, cares for his family, it just doesn't make sense.
On Yumi's side, she is still deeply hurt by the betrayal of many years ago, and as a result requires constant validation, and is not very trusting. She doesn't mature or change or gain new perspective over the course of the show. She just changes professions.
Wung is the same from last season, portrayed more neurodivergent than last season, he still has no EQ and heavily relies on his pride and logical fallacies to get through arguments.
Quality interactions between women: 6.0
Because Yumi switching careers is one of the plot points, it allows Yumi to discuss her career ambitions and work with other women, but it's all fairly shallow.
Production/Cinematography: 8.0
Still quite high, and there's little magical cinematic moments that will linger, but relies on a lot of what was done before.
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This review may contain spoilers
spoiler
I would keep watching it if it was not for the romance with Yumi and babi which is going to end. I was hoping that the ML would not crush her heart . In the end he does. yes she may find another guy but I was all for the babi cause of his sweet nature. It tunes out in story they him hurt her in the end. I understand the it is 14 esp and i was only on 8 but they could have made it last even after 8 just with a little help with challenges in life like any other couple. I do like the acing in this. Don't get me wrong this is a great show and i was so into it from the start and i do have my preference as to what i like. This does not end the way i would want it to. This is my personal pref at how i rate this.Was this review helpful to you?
a never ending story
my feelings after watching this drama are frustration and relieve.this drama focuses on what happens inside ones head when one needs to take decisions. through the "cells" which are not really cells, we are given the opportunity to experience what the characters feel from the inside. some cells are really cells (foot cells, hand cells, grease cells, yup!) and some are not: they are aspect of the character's personality (hunger, sensitivity, lust, ego, etc.).
inside (yumi) the main character's world, we get to see how she will manage her love life, then her career. this idea was genius, but I feel like it wasn't exploited to its full extend, and that's a shame, really. but this is entertaining, and I watched it all in 2 days. even if I didn't like the endding, I would recommend this for its uniqueness.
watch it with friends or family. there is too much frustration and reasons to argue with a lover.
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This review may contain spoilers
Aire fresco y aprendizaje sobre el amor.
Gran drama. Sentir mariposas, se puede ver la evolución de Yumi tanto a nivel personal como sentimental. Animaciones entretenidas que le dan un toque especial a la historia y que ayuda a comprender de una manera más íntima a los personajes. También destacaría el respeto entre los personajes, ha sido un poco de aire fresco ver cómo entienden los límites, el tiempo en recuperarse y sanar heridas, además del enfoque sobre el amor sano y la necesidad de tranquilidad en la vida. Recomendado!!Was this review helpful to you?
Incrível
Yumi's cells foi uma drama que me conquistou e essa temporada não foi diferente.Nessa temporada deu pra ver a evolução da Yumi tanto na vida profissional quanto em sua vida amorosa, no quanto ela pensava em si agora.
Eu admiro muito a Yumi em certas decisões, desde largar algo certo e confortável como era seu atual emprego para se jogar em algo que ainda era incerto e que de certa forma "apenas" ela acreditava em seu potencial , até a decisão de terminar um relacionamento quando viu que não estava mais fluindo.
Pra mim Yumi's cells é uma verdadeira obra da psicologia kkk , uma história de relacionamento realista porque relacionamentos terminam, paramos de amar, começamos a amar outra pessoa e tá tudo bem.
Vale muito a pena assistir .
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La reseña de esta temporada no varía mucho de la reseña de la temporada uno dado que la serie no ha cambiado mucho. Las escenas con las células me siguieron pareciendo más graciosas y más amenas que las escenas con las personas reales. Sin embargo, en esta temporada, los momentos en los que los personajes son planos fueron muchos menos y únicamente fue Yumi en ciertas situaciones, lo cual hizo que la historia fuera más entretenida y no tan pesada.
Algo que me gustó más que en la temporada pasada es que las situaciones que enfrenta Yumi son incluso más cotidianas lo que ayuda a identificarse mucho con el personaje y con la historia y también ayuda a que se haga más amena.
Sin embargo, algo que no me gustó, bueno, hubiera preferido que hubieran profundizado más en las células de Ba-bi. Sus células apenas salen y son momentos muy limitados por lo que se me quedó corto en ese sentido. También me cabreó mucho algunas situaciones y decisiones que tomó Yumi porque no era capaz de entenderla (Bueno, sí la entendía pero prefería que hubiera tomado otra decisión).
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