The only reason I watched this show was that it had only 10 episodes and I could finish it in one day. Did I mention that the show has an uber-cute male protagonist who also was a reason for watching this show? What? I didn’t need to because you guessed it anyway :O Gah!
I picked this show very randomly without even reading its synopsis. I went for it with zero expectations. And I am glad (and lucky) that I enjoyed the show despite its high level of predictability. The show is short so there isn’t much to analyze. But is it worth even a short while? Well, read on to know that.

Let’s weigh My Little Lover on our beam balance and see if it is worthwhile or no.

Good Weights
Simple Story: The story is simple with no twists or turns. Its medium paced and does not attempt to push the envelope in any way which may be because it must have stuck true to the original manga.

Commendable Chemistry: Building chemistry between a boy who is 1.78 m tall and a girl who is only 15 cms is a difficult task but surprisingly the two leads look good together. And what’s commendable about their chemistry is that they must have obviously shot scenes separately and still managed to convince me of their love for each other, which is what really worked for the show.


Bad Weights
Frequent Shrieking: The one thing that really got on my nerves was the little girl shrieking Minami’s name every now and then. I know she is now a Thumbelina and has to scream on top of her voice to grab his attention but it was really annoying.  

Acting: Considering Taishi Nakagawa’s (Minami) age (he is still in his teens) his acting was not that bad. But in some scenes, it was difficult to understand what he was feeling and what he was trying to show. For example, when he is confessing his true feelings for Chiyomi (Spoiler alert? What for? Didn’t I mention that it was a predictable drama?) he has a very weird expression on his face. The scene is important because Minami makes a few revelations in that scene but somehow the scene has no effect on me.  

With an equal number of good and bad weights, My Little Lover manages to balance its self on the beam balance. To sum it up, My Little Lover is a cute teenage love story with no complications or plot twists. If you enjoy innocent, pure childlike love then go for this one. It isn’t a bad choice on a day when you have absolutely nothing to do.

Originally posted on www.alphagirl.in

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Pride is considered to be one of the best Japanese sports based romantic drama. And, believe me, it really is that good to be praised so highly by dorama fans. The show feels like a 90’s Hollywood film, probably because of Freddie Mercury’s ‘I Was Born To Love You’, which is the show’s theme song. Since I have always enjoyed watching 90’s Hollywood films so for me this show was like a trip down the memory lane when life was less about text messages and chats and more about meeting people personally and spending time with them. So, let’s have a look at what makes this dorama so special and praiseworthy.

Good Weights
Plot: The plot revolves around a man’s Pride. Halu is a man who has had a tough life and has nothing but his pride to cling on. Hardships have hardened Halu so much that now he only aims for the best and despises anything that isn’t up to his standards. Throughout the show, Halu is shown to pick his pride over everything else. Even when he knows that he can stop the woman he loves from going to back to her boyfriend, he doesn’t do so because begging for love would amount to crushing his pride. He financially supports the coach’s family after his death only to keep his wife from marrying another man. He wants the coach’s wife to spend the rest of her life as a widow mourning the death of her husband since he knew how much the coach loved her.
I personally do not support such traditional thoughts. It is just that the dorama has beautifully depicted the importance of pride to a man.
 
Back-stories: Each of the important side-character has a back-story that explains his or her behaviour and choices in the show. For instance, Halu’s teammate Ikegawa Tomonori is a good-looking rich brat who lives life recklessly. He throws away money (literally too) on women and booze. People only know him as the rich playboy, who has no care in the world and will one day inherit his father’s business when in reality he is actually an illegitimate child of his father’s mistress and his father is ashamed of acknowledging his mother and him. To compensate for the lack of father’s love his mother gives him a lot of money to live a lavish life. He, however, is shattered by the reality of his birth and splurges money looking for happiness.
Every episode touches the life of one character and explains the reason why they are so passionate about ice hockey and how Halu plays an important role in their lives.
 
Bromance: Since this is a sports drama, there is plenty of bromance. You get to see the camaraderie that sportsmen share with their team. Actually, the one thing common in most sports drama is the bro code of ‘bros over hoes’. And it feels nice to watch men share such a bond with their friends.  

Romance: Halu is the man with a painful past and Aki is a sweet naive woman looking for love. He brings love like a challenge in her monotonous life while she brings warmth in his life. They complete each other and even when they do not acknowledge it, people around them can clearly see how perfect they are for each other. Takuya’s chiselled face and a muscular body make him the perfect iceman. While Takeuchi’s innocent face and soft voice make her the very lovable Aki. They effortlessly bring their characters to life. Together they share great onscreen chemistry.

 
Bad Weights
Slow Paced: The story progresses slightly slowly. Some scenes are dragged unnecessarily. But that is just a handful of them. The show is otherwise quite engaging.
The show has enough of good weights to be called a good dorama. I wanted a good romantic drama to keep me entertained over a rather boring weekend and Pride had me involved a 100%. Its soundtracks, story and cast were all put beautifully together. I enjoyed every episode of this classic Japanese dorama.

If you want to start watching Japanese drama’s do start with this one as its video quality and dubbing is much better than most other J-dramas. If you are looking for a good sports/romantic drama then Pride should be your pick as it seamlessly combines the two and brings you an almost flawless drama.

Originally posted on ww.alphagirl.in

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I like Japanese dramas. They are usually short stories with real characters dealing with unrealistic situations. Second Love is a drama about two people who fall in love in an unexpected way. They want to stay by each other’s side but their circumstances just won’t let them be. I went into this drama without reading its synopsis. At first, I was confused with what was happening in the show. In fact, by the end of the first episode, my jaw dropped to the floor seeing the speed at which things were progressing for the two drama leads. It could be because I am too used to watching conservative K-dramas, where having a kiss scene in the first episode is rare, let alone an intimate scene.
I do not mind dramas having too much of skinship as long as it is meaningful and has some significance in the story. In Second Love, our two lead characters are lonely and are looking for a breakthrough in life. The male character Taira Kei is looking for a job worthy of his talent while Nishihara Yui wants to get married and live an ordinary life with a husband and family. They both want different things from life but their unison as a couple changes them and staying together becomes challenging with each passing day.

Let’s weigh this uncomplicated love story on the show beam balance and see if it is worth your time or no.

Good Weights
Realistic Scenarios: People high on Korean dramas will know how refreshing it is to watch a show that doesn’t have a super-rich guy fighting with another rich guy for the attention of a so-so clumsy girl. (Jeez! I just gave away the plot of 80% Kdramas ;)) In Second Love, the male lead is a passionate dancer who has seen his career high and is struggling to make it out of a bad phase while the female lead is tired of a monotonous life and is desperately looking for some change in life. The pace at which the two hook-up may be a little hard to believe but considering their respective situation it isn’t impossible. Time changes and so do people. With an increase in work offers, Kei is on his way to finally achieve his dream, which makes him pay less attention to Yui. It is a true scenario where a man often neglects his woman as soon as his career starts to move forward. The fact that all the scenarios in the show are relatable makes me like the show. I have seen creative people struggle, I have seen teachers being disrespected (not the way they do in the drama…that was a shocker for me…but I have seen students behave rudely with teachers), I have seen men change in relationships, so whatever was shown in the drama was not over-the-top but very true.

Realistic Characters: There is a scene in the drama where Yui wants the light off before the two of them get close, but Yui insists on keeping the lights on. They both fight for the switch till Kei has his way. The scene may seem like just another one in a drama but there is depth to it. Yui is a woman in her early thirties who lacks confidence in herself. She probably is not confident of her body and insists on undressing only in the dark whereas, Kei is a passionate man who would like to appreciate his lover in every way, which is why he wants to see her in the most intimate way. This scene actually goes on to depict the nature of the two characters. Yui is lonely and when a man much younger to her calls her a ‘goddess’ she feels desirable and is easily tempted to give in to his request. Her heart yearning for love is the reason why she sees nothing wrong in living with a man completely unknown to her. Little details like this always impress me. I like it when the characters have a soul and portray real emotions.


Bad Weights
Stone Faced Kame: Kamenashi Kazuya is a popular Japanese idol-actor. I guess he may be popular more for his singing because acting-wise he did not look impressive at all. This is all the variation he had to offer in expressions. Contemporary dances usually have a story to be conveyed through dance movements and facial expression. But even when dancing Kazuya looked pale and inexpressive. I have seen him in Nobuta Wo Produce where he has acted decently. I don’t understand why playing a disappointed, struggling character made him do away with his expressions. Also, there is something off about his eyebrows. I was too distracted by his eyebrows most of the time.

Japanese doramas are usually 10-11 episodes long but this drama had only 7 episodes because of its poor ratings. Going by the first 5 episodes I found the drama engaging and interesting I do not understand what was so bad about it to have it cut short.

The show beam balance has more good weights because I really enjoyed watching this drama. To me, the characters were very real which is why their actions seemed justified to me. Of course, this isn’t the best romantic J-drama but it is a decent love story focusing only on the two main characters.

Second Love is a simple love story of two people driven by lust and desire. If you like romantic shows with less of complications and more of love (making) then go for this one.  

Originally posted on www.alphagirl.in

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It’s been weeks since the Japanese drama, Everyone’s Getting Married ended and I still don’t know what happened to it. What I mean to say here is that, for a show with such a good start and potential, I don’t know why it ended the way it did. I understand the show must have lacked TRP’s in Japan which is why the producers of the show must have pulled the plug sooner than expected, but as an international fan, I find it unfair to be cheated of a reasonable conclusion. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the first 6 episodes of the show so I have no major issue with it.  

Let’s weigh this to ‘marry or not to marry’ conflicted dorama on our show beam balance and see if it is worth investing your time in or no.

Good Weights
Lead Couple Chemistry: Japanese actress, Mariya Nishiuchi and lead actor Ryuta Yamamura have an age gap of 8 years, but when you watch the show, you will not notice the age difference at all because they look so good together. For a romantic drama, the lead couple chemistry makes up for 90% of the drama. If there is no chemistry between the lead actors, then no matter how good the story is, it will fall flat if they don’t look convincingly in love with each other. Ryu and Asuka’s love story was convincing because the lead actors did a fine job of breathing life into their respective characters and developing good chemistry.

Mariya Nishiuchi: Japanese actress, Mariya Nishiuchi is a cutie pie. She may not be an ace actress but her efforts are evident and worth appreciating. She looks slightly weak in emotional scenes but I am sure she will be better with time and experience. I have no complaints from her in the comedy or romantic scenes. She looked extremely sweet and lovable as Asuka. She is a very pretty and capable actress and I would love to watch more of her shows.

Ryuta Yamamura: If you have read any of my Korean drama reviews you must have noticed how much I gush over the gorgeous Korean men. Japanese actors too are good-looking but they are not pretty like the Korean actors. Japanese heroes are short while the female actresses are usually tall and thin. Actor Ryuta Yamamura may not be the conventional swoon-worthy romantic drama lead, but the guy acts well. His deep masculine voice makes up for his lack of attractiveness. His acting was decent but it was his voice that kept me watching the show.

Screenplay: Everyone’s Getting Married has a simple plot where a love hating man falls in love with a romantic girl who changes his views about marriage. There is nothing new about this story but what was refreshing was the screenplay. We all know that the hero will eventually fall for the girl and marry her but how that happens is where the charm of the show lies. Some shows exude certain natural charm and this was one of them. Despite the thin plotline, I kept going back to the show because I enjoyed the character development of Ryu and Asuka. The sweet couple moments that Ryu and Asuka shared are too adorable. The way they grow close to each, live together and learn about each other’s habits is cute and delightful.



Bad Weights
Ending: Just when I thought the show was going great and it’s going to be my most favourite J-drama, the show suddenly hit the accelerator and drove so fast that it ended before I could even wrap my head around it. The drama is great until episode 6, but from episode 7 onwards the pace of the show is fastened leading you to a hasty ending. I loved watching this show but the abrupt ending ruined its whole impression. With a start so strong, I had great expectations of it but I don’t know why the show was concluded so quickly. The rushed second-half disappointed me and I still hate the producers for depriving me of a good ending.
 
The show beam balance has more good weights because it really was a good dorama and I have no clue why it was cut short. I have no major complaints from the dorama except the rushed ending which left a sour taste in my mouth.  

The show is worth trying because it is absolutely endearing. If you can handle a poor ending but an overall pleasant drama, then go for this one. It is a decent watch for a day when you crave to watch a romantic Japanese drama.

Originally posted on www.alphagirl.in

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This is the first Asian drama I watched live. I mean did not binge watch Refresh Man but patiently waited every week for its next episode. The wait was frustrating but totally worth it so I am not complaining. The term ‘Refresh Man’ was new to me and that’s what got me intrigued. The show features Aaron Yan who had made a short appearance in my favourite Taiwanese show It Started With A Kiss. Refresh Man was very popular in Taiwan so I thought let’s see what makes it so popular.

Let’s weigh Refresh Man on our show beam balance and see if the show is ‘refreshing’ or ‘tiring’.

Good Weights
Amazing Aaron: Aaron Yan is a complete drama hero. Be it romantic scenes, comic scenes, or even emotional scenes he aces them all. He is good-looking and expresses through his eyes and that is something I admire the most in him. His emotional scenes are subtle yet you can feel his pain and clearly see the emotions he is going through as a character. Taiwanese romantic dramas thrive on the perfect kissing scenes and kissing is Aaron’s forte.  All in all, he is just the perfect romantic hero.

Lead Pair Chemistry: Joanne Tseng and Aaron Yan make a good on-screen couple. They even manage to look ten years younger in their school uniforms without causing any dilution in their chemistry. They look very comfortable and that comfort level reflects in their acting.

Magical Music: The show has some good soundtracks. The show’s theme song Partner by Claire Kuo is peppy while You’re The First to Come to Mind by William Wei is romantic and addictive.  

Fantastic Finale: I initially thought that the show has 20 episodes which is a reason why episode 17 was more of a shocker to me as I wasn’t expecting it to be the concluding one. But episode 17 is the best of all the episodes. The writers put in so much effort to tie all the loose ends and make sense of all the mysterious instances on the show. Everything that happened in the show was beautifully explained in the last episode. It was undoubtedly one of the best finale episodes I have seen of a drama.



Bad Weights
Too Good To Be True: Wen Kai is the perfect boss, perfect mentor, perfect businessman, perfect friend, and the perfect boyfriend. Now isn’t that too much of perfection? He was supposedly dumb in school but suddenly after ten years he is excellent in everything he does. What did he do in those ten years? Visit some multi-talent training camp? But he is the quintessential drama hero so you can’t even expect him to be flawed in any way.
This office romance is interesting and enjoyable. The characters were well written, the script was consistent and the actors did full justice to their roles.

Refresh Man is perfect for binge watching. If you enjoy watching swoon-worthy romances then do watch Refresh Man as it has all the ‘awwww’ moments you watch in a romantic show.

Originally posted on www.alphagirl.in

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Taiwan’s hottest property Aaron Yan’s romantic drama, Just You has him playing the role of a …guess what….BOSS! Aaron Yan has played a businessman in almost all of his dramas. But it isn’t entirely his fault. In an interview, he stated that he wishes to experiment with roles but he does not have the liberty to do so. It is mostly his agency that chooses his roles for him. Sad! But that does not hamper the show in any way. If anything, Aaron’s presence makes the show even more lovable. Just You is a show that will keep your heart warm on a cold winter night. Its subtle romance will make you want to fall in love again and again.


Let’s weigh Just You on our show beam balance and see what makes it an adorable show.

Good Weights
Aaron Yan: When I saw Refresh Man I thought that there could be something brewing between Aaron and his co-star, Joanne Tseng because their chemistry was too good to be fake. I started watching two of Aaron’s other shows to see if he shared the same chemistry with other actresses. Few episodes into both the shows and I realised that Aaron could build chemistry with even a tree. He is one helluva romantic lead. He looks so convincing in every romantic scene that I am forced to wonder if he has anything going on with his actresses behind the camera. He has been linked with most of his leading ladies but nothing has ever been confirmed. Anyway, Aaron is the main highlight of this show. He may be repetitive with his roles but he does manage to look different in each show all thanks to his styling. Aaron’s ‘aeroplane’ hairstyle (that’s what his co-star Puff Guo calls it) looks a little funny but it suits him. Even with a baby face, he effectively manages to look like a strict, neurotic, and egotistical boss.
 
Puff Guo: The first few episodes, Liang Liang may appear very irritating and irrational but as the show progresses you will start liking her. Liang Liang gradually grows on you and you understand that she is a clean hearted, naive, and honest person. She is so innocent that at times I felt like shaking her hard and screaming at her to tell her to stop being so blind to peoples’ vices. Puff Guo plays the character of Liang Liang with a lot of sincerity which is evident onscreen.

Romance/Chemistry: The show may not be high on intimate scenes like other T-dramas nonetheless it has several endearing moments. Aaron and Puff have an easy chemistry between them and they look very comfortable with each other even behind the scenes. What the show lacked story wise was more than made up for by Aaron and Puff’s fabulous chemistry.
 

Bad Weights
Annoying Antagonist: Qi Yi ex-girlfriend is the antagonist in the show who gives a tough time to Liang Liang. Every couple needs a third-party threat to help the couple grow closer. But here Ding Jia Yu was just a pain in the neck. Qi Yi is clearly disinterested in her but she still won’t give up. Neither was Jia Yu’s character well defined nor was her motives behind any of her actions. She was too weak an antagonist. She lacked the kind of effect third angles generally have in a show.

Too Looooong: Every major development of the show takes too long to happen. For instance, Qi Yi has left for an important meeting with the wrong file. Liang Liang chases after him to hand him the right file. The chase itself takes up half the episode. Similarly, there are certain petty situations that take up more time than required. The show could have been concise and shorter had there not been such unnecessarily stretched scenes.  
 
The show beam balance is heavy with good weights, which means Just You is a show to watch for sure. Its romance is what you have to look out for. Just You is a feel-good rom-com with honest and caring characters. If you fancy a disciplinarian boss and a fun loving subordinates’ love story then go for this one. If you are an Aaron Yan fan (like me) then do not dare miss this one. Watch Just You just for Aaron.  
 

Originally posted on www.alphagirl.in

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Taiwanese drama, Mars is based on the Japanese manga of the same name. Mars had been on my ‘to-watch drama’ list forever. Drama fans have been praising this drama for a long time and many drama watchers suggested I watch this drama. However, my main motivation to watch this drama was the lead couple Barbie Hsu and Vic Zhou (Zai Zai). These two actors had first featured together in the super-hit T-drama Meteor Garden (Taiwanese adaptation of Hana Yori Dango or Boys Over Flowers). Though they weren’t a couple on the show I loved their chemistry and was looking forward to seeing them together in Mars. And they did not disappoint me as it was their couple chemistry that kept me engaged for 21 long episodes.

Let’s weight this psychological romantic drama on our show beam balance and see what makes the drama so popular amongst drama addicts.
 
Good Weights
Vic Zhou: I personally love the character of Hanazawa Rui from Hana Yori Dango. And have a crush on all the actors playing that role in their respective versions i.e. I like Ji Hoo (Korean) and Hua Ze Lei (Taiwanese) as much as I like Rui. Vic Zhou (aka Zai Zai) played Hua Ze Lei and I have been his fan since then. After seeing him play the reticent Lei, it was interesting to see him play a completely opposite character in Mars.
In Mars, Ling is this enigmatic playboy who is often surrounded by girls vying for his attention. He is a fun-loving crowd pleaser who wants to live life on his own terms. However, all of this changes when he meets Qi Luo. The fearless Ling starts to feel protective of the meek Qi Luo and wishes to provide for her. He works hard to make her feel safe and happy. But Ling himself is a broken soul and battles psychological issues because of a difficult past. He camouflages his pain and struggles with a cool, reckless attitude. He is a complex character with several shades to him.
If you talk about looks then Vic Zhou was perfectly cast for the role of a lady-killer. Acting-wise however, Vic had a slow start wherein the initial episodes his acting was far from convincing. His forced laughter and awkward facial expressions made me wonder if I would be able to sit through 21 episodes. But as the show progressed Vic seemed to get into the flesh of the character and looked every bit of the troubled Ling. He isn’t a mind-blowing Ling but he sure is decent enough to have your attention.

Barbie Hsu: I am amazed at how effortlessly Barbie pulled off the character of Qi Luo which is starkly in contrast with Shan Cai in Meteor Garden. I liked her in Meteor Garden but loved her in Mars.
Qi Luo is a restrained and diffident young girl who keeps to herself and avoids any kind of interaction with people. She has suffered a traumatic experience in the past that altered her personality. Meeting Ling helps her bring out the real Qi Luo and she realises how much she wants to be her old self again.
Barbie played the reserved and quiet Qi Luo to perfection. Her body language and dialogue delivery made her a very convincing Qi Luo. She especially shines in emotional scenes which is most required for a role like this.

Couple Chemistry: Barbie and Vic’s pairing was a much-requested one by fans of Meteor Garden who shipped the couple real hard. Ling and Qi Luo’s love story follows the typical handsome, fearless, outspoken dude falling for a guarded, introverted girl concept.
Barbie and Vic have a very easy chemistry where they look extremely comfortable with each other. Mars is a dark drama with characters dealing with extremely complicated situations. Had the producers cast any other couple for Ling and Qi Luo’s role, I don’t think I would’ve been as interested in watching it, as I was knowing of the actual cast. To be able to sit through a poignant drama like Mars, you need a realistic couple to convince you of their love and for me, Barbie and Vic were perfect as the much in love couple. It was Ling and Qi Luo romance that kept me involved with the show.

Compelling Plot: Mars has three central characters, each with a dark back-story. Each of these characters has personality issues they need to address. While Ling and Qi Luo help each other overcome their personal difficulties we have the third character Tong Dao chose a completely different path to deal with his problems. The show makers have effectively justified every characters’ behaviour and choice and have done a good job in simplifying a convoluted plot.


Bad Weights
Redundant Scenes: Considering the types of characters and their lives 21 episodes seems justified as it takes some time to create a realistic image of the characters in the minds of the viewers. However, in an attempt at giving a deeper look into the characters, the show would end up stretching unnecessary angles and storylines. It was good that they dealt with the back-stories in detail which helped in understanding the characters better, but there were too many long conversations and flashbacks that hampered the pace of the show.


Mars is not a regular romantic drama. It is about how two battered lives converge and connect to lead to a better fulfilling life. It is about how certain events permanently change a person’s course of life. It is about how time heals all wounds and eventually we learn to make peace with our past to save our future. The drama is slow paced and slumps occasionally but its riveting storyline will keep you engaged.

If you like deep and moving dramas then go for this one. Moreover, Barbie Hsu’s acting and Vic Zhou’s charm (not to mention good looks) will easily pull you through most of the show.
 

Originally posted on www.alphagirl.in

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It has been ages since I last reviewed a Taiwanese drama. Though I watched In Time With You sometime between February and March, I don’t know what took me so long to review it. ‘In Time With You’ is a romantic Taiwanese drama about two childhood friends who promise to never fall in love with each other despite having deep-rooted feelings for each other. I picked this drama because it had only 13 episodes (at least on the site that I saw it on) and finding a T-drama with less than 20 episodes is a big deal. Moreover, the drama had great reviews online so I thought this is perfect for binge-watching over the weekend. However, it took me more than a week to finish the drama as each episode was 90 minutes long. So, basically, the number of episodes made no difference because the drama was loooooooooooong anyway. But it was an enjoyable drama so I am not complaining.  

Let’s weigh In Time With You on our show beam balance and see if this two friends-turned-lover are worth your time or no.

Good Weights
You Qing’s Wardrobe and Character: Every girl will know why wardrobe is counted as a good weight. You Qing works as a manager with a shoe manufacturing company. She is a smart and ambitious woman and that is clearly reflected in her dressing. Mostly dressed in smart formals, You Qing’s clothes and shoes had me frothing at the mouth. Even her sister-in-law would borrow clothes from her in the drama. I was in awe of her impeccable dressing sense. You Qing’s wardrobe is every girl’s dream. Actress Ariel Lin looked stunning in almost every outfit that helped her look her part in the drama. You Qing is a headstrong girl who knows how to perfectly balance her personal and professional life. She is stubborn, rude, and unapologetically outspoken which is what makes her character so real. She is not sweet and kind lady but a hot and nice woman. Moreover, Ariel Lin played the character to perfection which is what made me like You Qing even more.  

Chen Bolin: I have seen Ariel’s dramas before so I was aware of her acting prowess. It was the first time I was watching Chen Bolin in a drama and I think he has the cutest dimples in Asian dramaland. Li Da Ren is the quintessential romantic hero who loves the heroine unconditionally and can do anything to see her smile. He is always there to wipe her tears when she is upset. He patiently listens to all her complaints. Solves her problems for her. Protects her from harm. Fights with people who speak against her. And basically, acts like a err….drama hero. The casting director chose the best face possible to play such an endearing character. Chen Bolin’s smile can make any girl go weak in the knees. Thankfully, his pretty face is not devoid of expression and his portrayal of Li Da Ren was just perfect.

Intense Chemistry: For this, I have to applaud Ariel for being able to build an amazing chemistry with both her male leads Chen Bolin and Sunny Wang. Her chemistry with her ex-boyfriend on the show Ding Li Wei i.e. actor Sunny Wang was too hot to handle. There are plenty of sweet love scenes between You Qing and Li Wei which is a given for any romantic T-drama. Also, actor Sunny Wang is an eye candy which is why it is natural to be torn between Da Ren and Li Wei. You Qing and her bestie Da Ren do not have that many love scenes but there are several adorable scenes between the two pals that will make you fall in love with them.



Bad Weights
First Episode: I don’t know why but I found the first episode of the show extremely boring and almost decided not to watch it. Had I not read rave reviews of the show I surely would have not watched it beyond episode 1. But luckily I held my patience and gave it another try. In case you decide to watch this show do not feel very disappointed by episode 1. It is boring I agree but the show overall is not bad so let the one-episode slip.  

Draggy Episodes: The website I saw the drama on had 13 episodes but several other websites have broken down the drama into 20+ episodes. But despite the breakdown, the story does seem to drag sometimes. It does slow down a bit but doesn’t fully lose track. In spite of the slight dip in pace I eagerly waited to catch the next episode only because I liked all the characters on the drama.

 
In Time With You is charming love story that will make you want a guy best friend. It is that Taiwanese drama which should be on your ‘to-watch’ list. If you are looking for a sweet friendship-turned-romance drama then stop here and spare some time for this heart-warming drama.

Originally posted on www.alphagirl.in

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My Instagram buddy and fellow Korean drama fanatic once asked me to listen to the title track of the drama she was watching. I checked out the song on YouTube and the video was a fan-made compilation of the best scenes on the show. As soon as I finished the short video I knew I had to watch the show because not only was the song catchy but also the show looked damn interesting. The show I am talking about is the Taiwanese drama, Behind Your Smile. This is a revenge drama and also a hate-love trope wherein the guy meets the girl to seek revenge from her but eventually falls for her. The drama plot is clichéd but the show is gripping and interesting.

Let’s weigh Behind Your Smile on our show beam balance to determine if the show is worth a try or no.
 
Good Weights
OST: The show’s opening theme is what got me to watch it in the first place. ‘He Isn’t Worth It’ by Shi Shi is hauntingly enchanting and suits the revenge plot of the drama.  ‘Lost on The Way’ by Shi Shi feat. Matzka is saved for the suspenseful moments where your mouth is agape watching something you did not expect to see. My favourite ‘Don’t Panic’ by Shi Shi is a delightful song that reminds me of all the funny moments Lei Xinyu has when she is with Zhao Yiting. Here is another fan vid featuring this peppy song that instantly brings a smile to my face. This video has all the cute moments that Yiting and Xinyu share on the show.

Eugenie Liu: Actress Eugenie Liu is tailor-made for the role of Lei Xinyu. She looks and plays the part to perfection. Xinyu is naïve, overly trusting and good natured and Eugenie Liu’s innocent face will make you forget that she is actually acting and may not be like that in real life. Her cuteness is palpable and she lights up the screen with her alluring smile. Xinyu’s ability to smile even in adversity makes her a typical drama character nonetheless she is a very endearing heroine.

Marcus Chang: Actor Marcus Chang plays the quintessential ‘khadus’ (rude) boss who is stingy with his smiles. His character Zhao Yiting has seen severe hardships in life and is determined to exact revenge on the people who destroyed his family. Chang may falter in some comical moments on the show but he manages to pull off the role effortlessly. He looks great for the role and his acting is smooth and consistent. He has an attractive persona and his eyes emote so much that you cannot help notice how attractive his face is.

Lead Couple Chemistry: This drama has a lot of light and sweet moments that are brought to life by Chang and Liu. These two actors look so good together that I am shipping this couple hard to date in real life too. Chang and Liu seem to share a good rapport off-screen too which is why they look so convincing as a couple in the drama. If you are a sucker for romance like me than this drama is perfect for you as this drama has plenty of romantic ‘accidents’.



Bad Weights
Draggy Affair: I have this complaint from most Taiwanese dramas. They stretch their episodes a little too much. Behind Your Smile was a weekly drama and each episode was 75 minutes long. It gets a little draggy after a point of time and I started to lose my patience. However, the drama was quite gripping so I will not say that it was boring but it could have been shorter.  
 
Overly Far-fetched Scenes: I know several dramas show scenes that are practically impossible to even imagine in real life but most of such scenes often do not bother me. It bothers me only when some scenes are too hard to believe or even watch. For instance, Yiting runs to rescue Xinyu when she meets with an accident. When he reaches the spot, he sees a young boy bleeding in the driver’s seat but he chooses to ignore the boy and looks out for Xinyu. The boy could have died, dude. Why did you ignore him like that? That scene I felt was too stupid to believe. I understand Yiting is worried for Xinyu but C’mon he leaves the boy bleeding only to avoid being spotted by his brother. In another scene, Yiting saves Xinyu from some goons and they hide in an abandoned shelter in the jungle. She then asks him to imagine that they are in an action movie and that she is trying to save his life by almost giving him a CPR. Kyaaaaaa….Who does that? I often found myself saying ‘arre yeh to kuch bhi tha’ (This was utter rubbish).    
 
Behind Your Smile weighs heavy with good weights which indicates that it is an engaging drama. Yes, it is flawed but it is never dull. I liked the cast, the story and the soundtrack and would certainly recommend it. This Taiwanese drama has suspense, revenge, love, hatred, Eugenie Liu and Marcus Chang so it is a must watch at any cost.

Originally posted on www.alphagirl.in
 

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It’s Okay It’s Love (IOIL) (Also translated as It’s Okay, That’s Love) is the reason why I am addicted to Korean dramas. IOIL is the first Korean show I ever saw and since then six Asian TV show streaming channels have been bookmarked on my browser. When I first read the name of the show I found it difficult to believe that it is a psychological drama. In fact, I almost decided to not watch it because the title sounded so cheesy. But I’m glad I went ahead and gave it a try as it opened a completely new world of entertainment to me. This show is a complete package of drama, comedy, romance, and tragedy. By the end of the series I was left asking for more (explains my addiction to K-Drama).

Let’s weigh It’s Okay It’s Love on a beam balance and see if it is worth watching or is better missed.

Good Weights
Good Story – IOIL is a medical drama with an interesting storyline for every character on the show. The show deals with several medical cases and each case has been dealt with maturely without compromising on the entertainment value. You may not belong to the medical field but the psychiatrists in the show explain each case in a simple manner for a layman to understand. Despite dealing with a serious topic, the show still makes space for comedy and romance without straying away from the central theme.      

Amazing Soundtrack – Apart from the beautifully woven storylines, the original soundtrack of the show is what stands out. All the songs in the show are just incredible. It sets the mood for a scene especially for the non-Korean audience who may initially struggle slightly to understand the nature of a scene.
Sleepless Night by Crush (feat. Punch) is my favourite and I listen to it in a loop. Its lyrics are extremely romantic and totally suits the protagonist’s love story.

Good Acting – What’s beautiful about this show is that every character has a part to play and has a story of its own. It shows how each character deals with its own personal issues and how they manage to tackle them and go on in life. Supporting actors of the show have done an amazing job. Each of them has acted their part to perfection.

Main Lead’s Chemistry – Jang Jae Yeol and Ji Hae Soo’s chemistry is intense and enchanting. Their love-hate relationship is so engaging that you wait for them to come together on screen. Jo In Sung (Jang Jae Yeol) is not only handsome but also a good actor. He looks so vulnerable in certain scenes that you almost feel like protecting him. After a few episodes he just doesn’t look like the Casanova he was thought of being initially. He manages to shed the playboy image and comfortably fit in the role of a romantic hero.
Gong Hyo Jin (Ji Hae Soo) is exceptionally good as the independent and highly opinionated psychiatrist. At times, you might feel annoyed with the way Hae Soo deliberately pushes Jang Jae Yeol away from herself but that is what is required for the character. Hae Soo is a difficult woman because she deals with some insecurities and guilt which is why she uses her arrogance to shield herself.

Bad Weights(I found it extremely difficult to spot any flaws in the show. So the bad weights for this show are not exactly its shortcomings but a few things that bothered me slightly.)
Easy Treatments – Some of the ailments have been shown to be treated easily. An illness like schizophrenia is difficult to treat and may take years to control. But in the show, a patient is shown to contain it very easily and in a rather short period of time. I am not from a medical background but from what I have read I know that it definitely requires more time and efforts to treat it. However, since the show is only 16 hours long I cannot blame the makers for speeding up the treatment process as the audience is not really interested in seeing the detailed procedure of the treatment.

Cheesy Title – I must say that the show’s title is totally misleading. With such a strong content it should have been named differently to avoid the audience taking it to be a just a regular romantic series.

The show beam balance has way too many good weights than bad weights which clearly indicate that the show is a MUST MUST WATCH. I cannot elaborate enough why the show deserves the accolades it has been receiving online by several K-drama fans. All I can say is that had it not been for this show I wouldn’t have tried Korean dramas at all.  It’s Okay It’s Love is totally worth the 16 hours of your life.
 
Originally posted on www.alphagirl.in 

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The last time I was super duper excited to write a drama review was while writing for Scarlet Heart Ryeo. SHR was my most favourite drama of 2016. She Was Pretty came out in 2015 but for me, it has been the best drama for this year because the drama scene has been very disappointing this year as compared to the year 2016. She Was Pretty is a typical romantic comedy that you watch when you are looking for something sweet and funny to unwind and relax. I had not binged on a Korean drama series in a while so last weekend I decided to catch a fun show and finish it in two days. And I could have finished this drama on Saturday itself had my mother not scolded me for staying up late to watch a drama. This drama was funny and highly engaging. I could not wait to reach the show finale. Had I to have my way I would not have left it without finishing all 16 episodes in one sitting.

Let’s weigh She Was Pretty on our show beam balance and see what is ‘pretty’ and what is ‘ugly’ about this drama.

Good Weights
Hwang Jung Eum: Kim Hye Jin, the goofball, is the reason why this show is hilarious. Actress Hwang Jung Eum’s comic timing and natural acting are laudable.  I loved her weird expressions that flit from excited to bewildered to bemused to annoyed to God knows what not in nano seconds. Hye Jin is crazy and I mean it. She has no inhibitions whatsoever and often ends up making a fool of herself. This is the reason why I found it difficult to relate to the younger Hye Jin who looks sorted and sophisticated, unlike Hye Jin who is completely cracked in the head. Her tiffs with Seong Joon are funny while her weird encounters with Shin Hyeok are hysterical. Yes, she does tend to overact in certain comical scenes, but she does it effortlessly which is what I like the most about her.  

Park Seo Joon: I have seen Park Seo Joon in Hwarang and I wondered why he was the main lead in the drama because I wasn’t very impressed by him. In fact, I liked everybody on the show except him. However, She Was Pretty changed my opinion about him as I loved his portrayal of Seong Joon. Seong Joon is a perfectionist who believes in pushing his employees hard to get the best out of them. I felt that Park Seo Joon does not have that ‘boss’ look and he was not very convincing with the stern boss look. But he was not horrible because I genuinely liked his character and Park Seo Joon has evidently played the character with a lot of sincerity. I probably still feel that Aaron Yan is the best ‘boss’ out there and maybe in comparison to him Park Seo Joon seems to fall short. Park Seo Joon does play the ‘lover boy’ well and looks as lovable as a male lead should in a romantic drama. His chemistry with Hwang Jung Eum is good and I loved the couple’s love scenes.

Choi Si Won: If you are not aware of my love for second leads then click here and here to know of my adoration for them. Choi Si Won’s wacky character Kim Shin Hyeok made me laugh and cry. His crazy antics at pulling Hye Jin’s leg used to crack me up. I especially loved to hear him call Hye Jin ‘Jackson’. The most painful moment on the show for me was when Hye Jin talks to Shin Hyeok and receives a call from Seong Joon asking her to meet him as he now knows the truth about her. Shin Hyeok begs her not to go but she cannot help it as she has answers to give Seong Joon. He repeats ‘gajima’ (don’t go) so helplessly it pained to see him like that. It was the most heartbreaking scene I have seen of a second-lead. Actor Choi Si Won is absolutely adorable in his eccentric role. He looks the part with his dimples adding to his character. I hope I do not have to see a character like him as a second-lead ever again because I don’t think I can bear this kind of pain once more.  

Friendship: Hye Jin and Ha Ri are best friends and inseparable. They trust each other blindly which is why Hye Jin sends Ha Ri to meet her love Seong Joon without feeling any kind of insecurity. Ha Ri becomes a little selfish and tries to keep Seong Joon by her side despite knowing what Hye Jin feels for him. When Hye Jin discovers Ha Ri’s truth, she does not attack her with accusations but instead gives her a benefit of doubt. Ha Ri too feels guilty of her wrong actions and makes it up to Hye Jin. I liked the fact that the writers did not turn Ha Ri into an evil friend just to make her a villain. Ha Ri is a good character who loses her way but then regains the lost love with her repentance. I like Ha Ri and Hye Jin’s friendship and the fact that they really are loyal supporters of each other. The are several dramas showcasing bromance but very dramas promote sisterhood and I am glad that this drama did it in a very believable way. I liked the fact that the writers did not turn Ha Ri into an evil friend just to make her a villain. Ha Ri is a good character who loses her way but then regains the lost love with her repentance. I like Ha Ri and Hye Jin’s friendship and the fact that they really are loyal supporters of each other. There are several dramas celebrating bromance but seldom do they promote sisterhood and I am glad that this drama did it in a way that is relatable.

Sweet Moments: This drama is high on comedy and does not have a lot of hard-core romantic moments. However, there are enough of saccharine moments that make the drama endearing. The drama has several of those lovey-dovey moments that romance lovers savour the most. For instance, Seong Joon and Hye Jin find themselves alone on an overnight outing. On their way, they happen to eat at a restaurant but are unable to pay for the food so the restaurant owner makes them do some labour work to recover the money. Now Seong Joon is a rich guy who probably has never even seen cow dung, unlike Hye Jin who has faced a tough life. He cribs about touching manure and cries when he accidentally touches fresh cow dung with his gloves on. So, he basically strongly detests manure. While working in the cowshed, Hye Jin loses her employee ID card which she treasures a lot considering she landed her dream job. She returns to retrieve her ID card but is unable to find it. Seong Joon knows how important the ID card is for to her so he searches through the manure for her ID card and hands it over to her lying that he found it fallen on the ground. Seong Joon cringes at manure but for her sake, he does something that he dislikes the most. Similarly, there are back-hugs, piggy-back rides, soft kisses, forehead kisses and a lot of love that you would want to see in a K-drama.


Bad Weights
Faulty Details: The script has loopholes that are way too glaring to be ignored. For instance, Shin Hyeok chances upon Seong Joon’s house access card when he helps to drop an unconscious Seong Joon home. After that Seong Joon never asks him for his access card. Shin Hyeok thereafter enters Seong Joon’s house as and when he likes and Seong Joong does not question even once of how he gained access to his apartment without his permission. Also, I found it difficult connect with the young Hye Jin who is calm, civilised and nerdy which is very different than the restless, hyperactive and effervescent older Hye Jin. Yes, people do change with time but when they showed flashback scenes of Hye Jin with Seong Joon, I found it difficult to believe that it is the same girl because nothing about young Hye Jin gave a vibe of the older Hye Jin. It is quite possible that the difference in personality was deliberate so Seong Joon does not identify her easily but still, isn’t he supposed to be conflicted with what he believes and what Hye Jin wants him to believe? Also, the supposed ‘suspense’ factors in the drama were too easy to predict. I couldn’t help rolling my eyes when the suspense was finally revealed as I could bet my life on my guesswork.
 
She Was Pretty has more of good weights than bad weights which means that it is a treat to watch. Despite its gaping plot holes it never ceases to entertain so do not miss it for anything. It ends on a sugary sweet, positive note that will make you miss the drama terribly after it has concluded.

This drama has a good start and a smooth ending which left me with sweet memories of the show. If rom-com is your genre, then go for this one without thinking too much. It is highly entertaining and worth your time.  

Originally posted on www.alphagirl.in

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What do you get when you put a rich handsome lonely boy and a poor unsuccessful decent looking girl together? You get the plot for a short Korean drama series. Even though this may be the plot of almost 80% Korean romance dramas, I still love watching them because these Korean writers somehow manage to present the same old wine in a new bottle every time. And I am a sucker for romance and still jump each time I see Naoki confess his feelings for Kotoko and bawl each time I see Joon Pyo cry for Jan Di. So, I still am game for this formula. However, sometimes the cliched storyline backfires and ends up disappointing audiences the way this drama disappointed me.
Though I was high on romance dramas, I hadn’t seen an out and out mushy, corny stuff in some time. My Secret Romance came as a respite for my longing. There was ‘fireworks’ in the very first episode which generated a lot of buzz for the drama. I too would wait eagerly each week to catch up on the drama. But sadly, this drama also tumbled towards the end till it fell flat.

Let’s weigh My Secret Romance on our show beam balance and see how this romantic drama fares and if it is worth a watch or no.

Good Weights
Sung Hoon: This guy has the face and body of a Greek God. He is a rare specimen of a ‘tanned’ Korean actor. Acting-wise he may be on a weaker footing but looks-wise he was just perfect for this role. This role anyway did not require him to emote a lot so it was ok. The show was replete with kisses and sweet moments and Sung Hoon does that like an ace player so I am happy that he was in the drama. However, even this Jack could not save the Titanic from sinking as the story failed to provide enough scope for him and the drama.

Couple Chemistry: I have said this before that, for a romance drama, the lead couple chemistry is the deal maker for the drama. Actors Sung Hoon and Song Ji Eun shared an amazing chemistry. She looked like a very naïve employee while he looked every bit of an intimidating boss. Jin Wook and Yoo Mi share several sweet moments on the show and these two actors looked very comfortable with each other which made them look convincingly in love with each other.


Bad Weights
Lee Yoo Mi: Now I am only talking about the character Yoo Mi and not actress Ji Eun. I personally felt that Yoo Mi was not a well-developed character because she seemed one-dimensional. She feels a little awkward with Jin Wook initially because of their one-night stand and also because of his stern face. But even after he makes it clear that he likes her, she still looks wary of him. Why?
The most annoying thing is when she stares wide-eyed at him each time he steals a kiss. She even hiccups occasionally in his presence. I know Jin Wook is HAWT and anybody would feel nervous around him but being nervous all the time is a little too much.

Overly Cliched Storyline: Yes, I admitted at the start of this post that I don’t mind clichéd romance dramas. But trust me, this drama is toooooooooo clichéd. A one-sided lover cum best friend, a clingy girlfriend, an elitist father and almost everything you can think of was there in this drama. There are several dramas that have all of this but the script of the show makes a drama interesting. I felt that the scripting for this drama was weak and could have been better.

Too Much Love: Suspense shows thrive on the suspenseful scenes that catch viewers off guard. Similarly, romance shows thrive on romantic moments that viewers eagerly wait for. Though I am a sucker for romance, I do not enjoy shows that constantly throw romantic scenes out of nowhere. I like to wait for the story to develop and like to cheer the leads on to finally go in for the much-awaited kiss. This drama became like a trashy romance novel that has a kiss on every alternate page. Where is the wait? Where is the excitement? After a point, I would yawn at the love scene despite Sung Hoon being in the frame. I wish the writers had been more judicious about the kisses, then the kisses would not have lost their impact on me so easily.

Draggy Ending: Ugh! The last four episodes make me cringe. Why!!!! Despite the predictable story, I was liking the show because of Sung Hoon and Ji Eun but then, the last four episodes were unbearably boring. I actually jumped through most of the scenes and landed straight on the last episode because so much of misunderstanding and flashback made no sense to me. I think the writer must have run out of ideas and was forced to drag the show till 13 episodes so he must have written these four episodes on one page by simply writing ‘recall what happened in the previous episodes’.

My Secret Romance weighs down with bad weights which means that there were a lot of loopholes in the drama. For me, My Secret Romance is like a Mills and Boons story that is high on love and low on story and logic. I did enjoy the first nine episodes of the drama till it started to drag unnecessarily and spoilt the perfect climax of a predictable romance drama.


If you like dramas with a lot of lovey-dovey scenes, good-looking lead couple, and an exceptionally hot leading actor and do not mind a lame climax then do watch this drama, it won’t disappoint you. Also, if you like Sung Hoon then you have to watch this because he looks just so damn HOT!!!u like dramas with a lot of lovey-dovey scenes, good-looking lead couple, and an exceptionally hot leading actor and do not mind a lame climax then do watch this drama, it won’t disappoint you. Also, if you like Sung Hoon then you have to watch this because he looks just so damn HOT!!!

Originally posted on www.alphagirl.in

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Before you get into this review, let me warn you that I am a BIG fan of actor Ji Chang Wook and this review will contain a lot of praises for my most favourite Korean actor. So, if you don’t like him (which is impossible because how can anybody, not like Ji Chang Wook?) then do not proceed further.
I was a little surprised when Ji Chang Wook stated that Suspicious Partner is his first try at rom-com because I always saw him as a romantic hero. I later realised that his previous dramas were more of action and less of romance. His role in ‘Empress Ki’ was comical but the show was more of drama and less of comedy. So, that does make Suspicious Partner his first rom-com. And I wish I could personally tell him that he did a great job at it.
 
Let’s weigh this rom-com cum suspense drama on our show beam balance and see what makes these two unlikely partners a hit.

Good Weights
Ji Chang Wook: There is a reason why actor Ji Chang Wook is my favourite. Apart from his ridiculously handsome face, smouldering gaze, childlike smile, and HAWT body, there is one important quality in him that makes him the perfect drama hero for me. That quality is the conviction with which he does romantic scenes. The director of the show is clearly aware of Chang Wook’s forte and has used every opportunity to showcase Chang Wook’s plus points. Some scenes show Ji Wook suffering from some internal turmoil and he is unable to say it aloud so he just gazes at Bong Hee. I would kill to have Chang Wook look at me with those eyes. And not just romance, he is damn freaking good even in emotional scenes. The scene when Officer Bang is hanging between life and death and a shattered Ji Wook pounds on the door wailing for his friend gave me goosebumps. What is it that Ji Chang Wook can’t do? Well, he does need to work on his comic timing (and his dance too. He sucks at dancing but thankfully he does not really need it as an actor in Korean entertainment industry). He is like India’s Hrithik Roshan who aces emotional and romantic scenes like no other actor but is on a weaker footing when it comes to comedy. But I could see it in this show itself that Chang Wook is working hard on improving his comic timing and I am sure he will get better.

Nam Ji Hyun: Talking about comic timing, there couldn’t have been a better actress than Nam Ji Hyun to pull off amusing scenes so effortlessly. The funny scenes on the show seemed funny because of Nam Ji Hyun. Her pleasing personality and bright warm smile make me happy, very happy. Bong Hee is supposed to be a black belt champion who fights like a professional but I felt there was a lot of scope in that department for Ji Hyun. Her few fighting scenes did not look very convincing to me.  However, her expressive face made up for all her shortcomings. Several actresses turned down the role of Eun Bong Hee before Nam Ji Hyun signed up for it. And I was thrilled to know that I would be seeing two of my favourite actors together in a drama.

Lead Couple Chemistry: I am not just a regular fan girl but a crazy obsessive possessive fangirl who can’t share her Oppa with anybody else. And I will admit here that the chemistry between Ji Chang Wook and Nam Ji Hyun was so amazing that I hated to see them together. After seeing their explosive and passionate love scene I almost wanted to kill Nam Ji Hyun because I was just so envious of her. Jealousy aside, a love story can be successful only when the lead couple shares good on-screen chemistry. If you see any other show of Ji Chang Wook, you will know that he can build chemistry with even a rock. He looks at his female lead with such adoration that I am convinced of his love for them. However, if Ji Wook and Bong Hee look great together then it is not only because of Ji Chang Wook but also because Nam Ji Hyun complemented him well. Her acting skills matched with his and together they created magic on screen. Fans have been rooting for them to date in real life. I would have laughed at the fans optimism but after the Song-Song couple breaking the news of their marriage, I feel anything is possible and nobody would be happier than me to see Ji Chang Wook and Nam Ji Hyun together. (I am lying. I want Ji Chang Wook to be with ME and not anybody else.)

Eun Hyuk: Me and my obsession with second leads. Argh!!! Thankfully this second lead is not in a love triangle with the main lead so you see he is different. Eun Hyuk’s character is funny, friendly and vital to the story. I like all the supporting characters on the show, but Eun Hyuk is my favourite because through most part of the show his personality seemed hard for me to define. He seemed almost mysterious to me as I tried to figure out if he was a comical character or a serious dude. Well, he is a blend of comedy and seriousness which is why I like the character a lot. He is a friend who screwed up big time with his besties and repents it. He tries his best to win Ji Wook’s trust and helps him whenever he can. He gives Bong Hee the additional boost she needs to act upon her feelings for Ji Wook. He is that one character whose presence makes me feel rest assured that no matter how bad things go for Ji Wook and Bong Hee, Eun Hyuk will help them out of it.
Though I liked Ji Wook and Bong Hee’s love story it was Eun Hyuk and Yoo Jung’s love story that I was more interested in. It is because you know that Ji Wook and Bong Hee, like any other couple, will meet and separate and then meet again to be together forever. The same applies to Eun Hyuk and Yoo Jung too but their story development was slow paced and uncertain. In spite of the evident chemistry, I still wasn’t sure if they would eventually end up together or not and this made me root for them so bad that I couldn’t wait to see them finally admit their feelings.

Bromance: This show had a lot of bromance happening between Ji Wook and his friends Eun Hyuk, Officer Bang, CEO Byun. These men play an important role in Ji Wook’s life and they all are cool. Ji Wook’s awkward, almost rebellious, relationship with his foster father CEO Byun is cute because when you feel worried for Ji Wook’s reckless decisions you know he has CEO Byun’s backing who will take good care of him. Similarly, when Ji Wook needs an extra hand at work you know his work will be done by his right-hand Officer Bang. And lastly, the frenemy turned friend (?) Eun Hyuk and Ji Wook share and easy and interesting chemistry. I loved their banter and their minor fights. I couldn’t help clapping in glee whenever they would act friendly each other.

Direction and Sound Track: After Goblin it was Suspicious Partner that I felt was beautifully directed and edited. The cinematography was excellent. I have to mention the kiss scenes here. Whenever there is was kiss scene, the audio would suddenly go off till the song would resume after a few moments of complete silence. This lack of sound baffled me at first but then I really appreciated the idea of having no sound till the two characters grow closer in the scene.

The show’s OST includes peppy songs like ‘Eye Contact’ by Kim EZ and ‘Why You’ by Seenroot that symbolize Ji Wook and Bong Hee’s initial relationship.
Meanwhile, ‘Breathing All Day’ by Bumkey and ‘How About You’ by Cheeze is for the lovely moments that Ji Wook and Bong Hee share in the show.

Ending: I have been ranting in my last few drama reviews of how I was left disappointed and cheated of a good conclusion to several dramas. Suspicious Partner surprised me not only during its run but also with its stunning conclusion. The ending was totally shocking as I really did not expect the puzzle to solve in a way that would leave me astonished with the final picture. I did not expect such an unpredictable twist. And I would applaud the writer for unravelling the mystery so skillfully and giving me the classic ending I was starved for.


Bad Weights
Story Pacing: Though I loved the show a lot, I have to admit that it does get a little boring for a few episodes in the middle. The show was funny, romantic, and suspenseful. But I did not like it when the villain disappeared for a few episodes. In the villain’s absence, the focus turns to developing the love story between Ji Wook and Bong Hee, which was cute but for me the story went off-track for those few episodes. It was necessary to show how Ji Wook and Bong Hee are connected with an incident that occurred in the past. However, even though I loved Ji Wook and Bong Hee’s love story, I really missed the villain and awaited his return eagerly.
 
The show beam balance is overloaded with good weights. Thus implying that it is a thoroughly entertaining drama. Suspicious Partner is my bias Ji Chang Wook’s final drama before he enlists for mandatory military service and I am so happy with his impeccable performance in the show. Yes, his comic timing can be worked upon but other than that my dear Oppa rocks all departments of dramatic acting. Actress Nam Ji Hyun stuns with her immaculate performance and fills in wherever Chang Wook falls short. Her dazzling smile always manages to melt my heart and I really love watching her dramas. Chang Wook and Ji Hyun together make this show endearing and entertaining.

Suspicious Partner is a rom-com that is beautifully blended with suspense and some drama. The show does slow down a bit but manages to catch up in the end. Watch it because it should not be missed for any reason.

Originally posted on www.alphagirl.in

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I don’t mean to exaggerate but when I say that I actually felt my brain twist several times as I watched this drama I really do mean it. Ok. I did exaggerate but did you get what I was trying to say? This drama is such that it will make anybody’s brain churn in the skull because it’s so damn weird! It’s one of a kind. I had to reset my brain a hundred times just to grasp what was happening in the show. Nonetheless, all the complications in the story make the drama hatke so its all worth it.

Good Weights
Interesting Plot: The show is about a manhwa character’s life merging with the real life of an alcoholic writer. It is about how characters of a fictional world created by a writer start coming to life and messing with the life of the writer and his daughter. This distinctive plot made the show such a success in South Korea. The show survives mainly because of its unique storyline. It was because of this show that Kim Woo Bin’s Uncontrollably Fond suffered and dropped in ratings. W – Two Worlds and Uncontrollably Fond were pitted against each other by rival channels. W – Two Worlds managed to garner higher TRPs with its fast thrilling plot.
Highly Unpredictable: This is one of the few shows where you just cannot predict the next scene. No matter what you think should happen next, the writer will throw a complete googly at you and you will be left gaping wondering what just struck you. Every episode is full of twists and turns and all that you anticipate will never really happen in the show.
Good Direction: The shows’ camera work and direction sharp yet smooth. Even the computer-generated effects on the show were excellent. The director has done full justice to the suspense and thrill theme of the show.


 
Bad Weights
Too Complicated: There were some weird things happening on the show that was never explained clearly. For example, the rules of the manhwa kept changing without any reason. As a viewer, it’s too confusing to keep up or understand the twist when there is no clear reason behind it. The show is fast paced and you have to pay attention to understand how things are constantly changing in the two worlds. This is the reason why I call it a brain blasting drama.
No Explanation: Many things that occurred in the show had no logical explanation behind them. I was hoping that the last episode will answer all the questions I had, right from the starting of the show, but sadly that didn’t happen. The show ended leaving several questions unanswered and that disappointed me a lot.  

Despite its loopholes this sci-fi drama kept me on the edge of my seat throughout its run. This show is one helluva brain twisting ride. I often praise the actors of a drama that I liked but here the story is the hero of the show. The actors are good no doubt. Lee Jong Suk and Han Hyo Joo are perfect for their roles but this time, it’s the story that won me over.

If you are game for something that challenges your rational thinking then do go for this one. This thriller will make you think…… really think. If you are a romance lover, you can still go for this one as the show has plenty of romance.

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Kim Woo Bin and Suzy Bae’s romantic melodrama ‘Uncontrollably Fond’ was one of the most awaited dramas of 2016. I personally couldn’t wait to see the drama from the moment I saw its trailer with Woo Bin asking Bae Suzy out in the most quirky way possible. I must mention that the marketing team behind this show did a great job in creating all the hype around it that generated a lot of curiosity in the minds of the viewers. However, four episodes into the show and I started feeling the gradual loss of interest. And after 14 episodes I practically I gave up on the show. And it’s not even the depressing feel of the show but its slow progression. But I somehow coerced myself to come back to it only because it was listed in the ‘Upcoming Show Review’ section of AlphaGirl and I did not want to disappoint my readers who were waiting for this review. So here it is.

Good Weights
Kim Woo Bin’s Acting: Honestly, when I saw Kim Woo Bin in The Heirs, I got scared. He looks a little intimidating with those bushy eyebrows and glaring eyes. But when I saw the trailer of this show. I started to see him in a completely different light. And despite the show’s disappointing script, Woo Bin managed to carry it gracefully to its climax.  His acting was simply stupendous! He gave more than a 100% to make Joon Young convincing and managed to shine even in a dull show like this. Be it the flirty Joon Young or the sick and dying Joon Young or the jerk Joon Young he did it all with ease. I wouldn’t be wrong in saying that the show was bearable only because of him.      

Unexpected Chemistry: Joon Young and Noh Eul’s chemistry was rather bland but there was a couple that brought a smile to my face. Noh Eul’s brother, Noh Jik’s pairing with Ji Tae’s sister Ha Ru was simply adorable. Their chemistry is evident from their first scene together. And their little love story gets better and better with each episode. I used to actually look forward to seeing them on the show.  Their puppy love definitely stood out and brought some liveliness to the drama. Sadly, this cute pair hardly has any screen time. I wish the makers could give these lovebirds some more role.

Music: Whoever selected the background scores for the show must be applauded. The soundtracks suited the show’s melancholy theme and gave life to scenes.


Bad Weights
Snoozy Suzy: I have never seen any of her previous shows so I wasn’t aware of her acting skills. Sadly, she was the show killer for me. Being the show’s lead, with two men fighting for her, she looked terribly clueless as an actor. I realised her lack of acting skills in the first episode itself when Joon Young asks her if she remembers him and she says that she does and abuses him. Such a well-written scene and well performed by Woo Bin but Suzy managed to ruin the classic cliffhanger with her blank expression and shallow dialogue delivery. Actually, I should have understood from the much exciting promo itself when Joon Young asks if she was willing to date him for three months and she gives him a blank look. The show could have been much better had she put more efforts in her acting. Though she started acting better in the last 4 episodes where her character experiences major ups and downs in life and she changes as a person, but the improvement came too late. She’s cute but pales before Kim Woo Bin’s strong screen presence.

Sad Script: The show is about a dying person’s past and his last few days of life. So the general theme of the drama is ought to be sad but more than that the show was confusing for me. Joon Young was perpetually temperamental. He kept going back and forth with his love for Noh Eul each time for a different reason. One day he is flirting with her, wooing her and then the next day he treats her like trash. And it’s not even because of his sickness. His character was so capricious that I found it difficult to keep up with the story. OK! He has a plan and is working according to it but this only makes the female lead look utterly pathetic. His actions make her look too needy and weak as the main character.
Characters on the show seemed to have no other work than mess with Noh Eul’s life. Everyone seemed to be doing something that directly or indirectly affected her. It’s funny how both the sons of Assemblyman Choi were madly in love with the same girl. What’s surprising is that both the guys are super successful but are still fighting for the attention of a miserable girl who has absolutely no zeal in life. The drama was so slow-paced that only those with great patience or great love for Woo Bin could manage to follow it dedicatedly.    


Though the show’s beam balance has tilted with good weights, it’s bad weights still weigh it down on the negative side. Apart from the OST and Kim Woo Bin, there is nothing great about this show.

Uncontrollably Fond is strictly for those who love Kim Woo Bin. It is one of his best performances and he shines like the brightest star in this drama. Others can ignore this one. There are better shows to watch in 2016.

Originally posted on www.alphagirl.in

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