A Cheesy Yet Charming Step in Kdrama's Evolution

Having recently finished this, it's evident that kdrama has evolved significantly, especially in terms of writing. The series demonstrates a departure from the over-the-top 80's style melodrama, although not entirely. It’s apparent that many writers have either been replaced or have learned from their past mistakes, leading to generally improved storytelling in contemporary dramas.
The show is riddled with clichés, to the point of being cringeworthy. The "poor girl meets rich boys" trope is painfully overdone, and the predictable plot twists do little to add originality. Watching the show can feel like a checklist of kdrama stereotypes: the aloof chaebol, the kind-hearted heroine, the love triangles, and the obligatory makeover scenes. The formulaic approach makes it hard to take the drama seriously.
Yet, the series has undeniable charm, largely due to its cast. "Cinderella and the Four Knights" has served as a launching pad for many actors, notably the beautiful Park So Dam. Her performance, along with the rest of the ensemble cast, brings a level of charisma that partially compensates for the lackluster script. The actors' chemistry and charm provide some genuine moments of enjoyment amidst the sea of cheese.
Speaking of cheese, this drama has more than a Quattro formaggio pizza. The excessive romantic tropes and overblown emotional scenes can be both entertaining and exhausting. It's the kind of show where you can predict the next line of dialogue or the next plot twist with uncanny accuracy, which might be endearing to some viewers but tiresome to others.
Despite its flaws, it remains watchable, even if only as background noise while doing chores. The light-hearted nature of the show makes it easy to follow without demanding much attention or emotional investment. It's the kind of drama that you can enjoy in a passive way, perfect for multitasking.
In conclusion, it’s a mixed bag. On one hand, it showcases the growth and evolution of kdrama writing. On the other, it clings stubbornly to outdated tropes and clichés. While it might not be groundbreaking or particularly memorable, its likable cast and easy-to-digest format make it a tolerable watch for K-drama enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

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Meh

"My Man Is Cupid" presents an intriguing premise with the character Cheon Sang Hyeok (Jang Dong Yoon) as a cupid on his 28th reincarnation mission to mend his wings. His matchmaking endeavors, particularly with Oh Baek Ryeon (Nana), a charming yet unlucky-in-love veterinarian, offer a unique twist. Despite its interesting mix of fantasy, mystery, and romance elements, the series falls short in its execution. The portrayal of Korean police as stupid may be resentment from writers and producers, and the abundance of plotlines, including mythical creatures, reincarnation, and murder mysteries, feels disjointed and overwhelming. The drawn-out crime and past-life mysteries, coupled with insignificant characters, detract from the overall viewing experience. Ultimately, while the show has its entertaining moments, its lack of cohesion and excessive subplots may leave viewers feeling frustrated and disconnected from the central storyline. The addition of unnecessary and uninteresting characters that contribute little to the overall plot, making an already convoluted storyline even more overwhelming. The inclusion of multiple cupids and a love triangle is deemed tiresome and unappealing. The recurring theme of pets becoming victims in the series is discomforting.

Despite these shortcomings, the main couple's chemistry is a standout feature that kept me engaged until the end. The lead actors' performances and the background music are highlighted as the show's redeeming qualities.

However, I find the ending lacking in originality and excitement, and I feel that it falls short after a promising buildup. The repetitive nature of the conclusion is noted as a drawback, leaving me unimpressed.

In summary, while "My Man is Cupid" struggles with superfluous characters and a cluttered narrative, the strong chemistry between the main leads and their performances, as well as the soundtrack, elevate the viewing experience. Despite these positive aspects, the unsatisfying and repetitive ending detracts from the overall impression of the drama.

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Ninja is a word used by the ignorant. The proper term is shinobi!

"House of Ninjas" offers an entertaining blend of action, humor, and conspiracy, wrapped in a tale of family dynamics with a secretive twist. Set in a household where three generations coexist, each member grappling with their own desires and obligations amidst a dark family secret, the narrative unfolds with a mishap from a past mission looming over their present lives. Soichi, the patriarch, strives for normalcy while managing a failing sake brewery, while Yoko, the matriarch, seeks excitement through shoplifting. Their children, Nagi and Haru, navigate their own paths amidst ninja traditions and modern desires, while Grandma Ninja keeps a watchful eye, especially on the youngest, Riku.

The film strikes a balance between humor, romance, and intense fight sequences, with well-choreographed ninja battles and amusing moments, particularly the grannie-on-grannie ninja action. However, the occasional inexplicable decisions and lack of interpersonal communication among the characters may leave viewers scratching their heads. Nevertheless, the ensemble cast delivers commendable performances, capturing the essence of their characters, from Haru's solemn demeanor to Nagi's mischievous spirit.

Notably, the soundtrack, featuring tracks like Graham Nash's "Our House" and several by The Zombies, complements the scenes effectively, enhancing the overall viewing experience. While "House of Ninjas" may not cater to those seeking a serious, blood-soaked drama or a romantic saga, it offers a refreshing take on the ninja genre, blending high stakes with light and dark humor, family drama, and a touch of romance. Despite its flaws, the series proves compelling and entertaining, earning a solid recommendation for those in search of a unique and enjoyable experience.

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A gem amidst the pebbles!

Be Melodramatic is a breath of fresh air that strays from the mainstream of kdramas and stands up on its own, but not enough to call it unique as it still has hints of the usual.
A good philosophy is to be immature when having fun, falling in love and being in love and be mature when it matters; this show is the epitome of that. Forget the plot or storylines, or even some of the mediocre acting because the dialogue is enough to carry itself and everyone else. They're clever, real, humane incisive but always honest. The script and dialogue are what define this show for me, conveying the idea that life is meaningful and unpredictable which is reflected in the dialogue and the story itself. The living room conversations and discussions vary depending on the topic, but it's mostly funny, sometimes hilarious and at times heart-rending. Each episode had me chuckling or laughing out loud, yet some still had room to draw a tear or two. Issues like grief, depression, loneliness, and relationships are dealt with in a mature way.
The show is full of experiential life lessons which can relate to anyone who's experienced them or something to look forward to or avoid if you haven't. Don't expect any extreme plot twists or extravagant scenes because this series is grounded in real life. This show is grown-up, perfectly imperfect, insightful and refreshing. This is a show I would definitely revisit in the near future.

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Beautifully written

OMGB is a tragic yet heartwarming story. It tells the story of a 10-year-old girl suffering from Niemann-Pick disease. A truly outstanding performance from Heo Jung-Eun. Geum-Bi makes adult choices of investing her time with immature and irresponsible adults, impacting their lives which leads to their transformation into "real" adults. The story illustrates the trials and tribulations of a Niemann-Pick disease sufferer and the people around them. I don't usually watch anything made further back than 2018, but seeing the trailer for this intrigued me and I'm glad I took the bait. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves tearjerkers.

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One of the worst

This started off well. The concept is good but a lot of the acting is just plain awful. Too many corny/cheesy comedy, if you can call that comedy at all. Be honest people, Seo In Guk is not a good actor...objectively and subjectively. He's just popular for being popular. Oh Yeon-Seo's and Kang Mi-Na's presence is what makes the show watchable. Perhaps their acting isn't to their usual standards either, which can only mean the director didn't execute the assignment well. Kwon Soo-hyun is type cast in villainous roles so there's no point creating a major plot twist when the audience can guess who the main villain would be. Pointless. If I were a casting director, I would've cast someone who usually plays a protagonist with an innocent look, then BAM! The big reveal at the crucial moment. Otherwise it's just pointless. I wouldn't recommend this show at all. Not even to my worst enemy.

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It's one of those..

Let's take an awesome story, spend lots of money on production, cast perfectly decent actors, add second-rate scriptwriters, and make sure the directors force the actors to be as annoying as possible on screen so we can do the opposite of entertaining viewers. We're not here to entertain, we're here to annoy.
Yes, it's one of those. Although predictable, you already know the story will be good so hope everything else will make up for its predictability. The only parts worth watching are Kokdu and his group. Is it Han Gye Jeol or Im Soo Hyang who ruins it? Or both? Didn't watch enough to determine which. Mainly because I threw everything within reach at a year-old 60-inch 4K television starting with the remote control due to being so annoyed and embarrassed for the character/actress. Please delete this show from the internet

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Emotional Rollercoaster

"Queen of Tears" is a rollercoaster of emotions led by the incredible talent of Kim Ji-won. This Kdrama showcases the evolution of storytelling in the genre, reaching new heights of entertainment and depth.

Kim Ji-won's performance is nothing short of remarkable. She effortlessly transitions between moments of laughter and tears, showcasing her acting range in every scene. The show manages to blend tragedy with humor in a way that's both clever and heartwarming. It's a rare feat to make audiences laugh until their bellies hurt one moment and then tug at their heartstrings the next.

Of course, Kim Soo-hyun's contribution to the series cannot be overlooked. His performance adds another layer of depth to the show, elevating it to the same level as beloved kdramas like "Crash Landing on You," if not surpassing it.

In "Queen of Tears," the storytelling is masterfully crafted to keep viewers hooked from start to finish. It's a testament to the evolution of K-dramas and their ability to tackle complex emotions while still providing entertaining and relatable content.

Overall, "Queen of Tears" is a must-watch for anyone looking for a captivating drama that will make them laugh, cry, and everything in between. It stands as a shining example of the best that kdramas have to offer in terms of storytelling and performance.

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