Mitta
Excellent Character Driven Story - Career, Marriage, Family?
If you are a woman, you will appreciate this show. Here's a show that tells your life story whether you are already a mother or a single woman contemplating marriage and motherhood or one that cherishes freedom from neither. If you are a man, you will come away with a better appreciation of the choices women have to make and the sacrifices and trade-offs they are faced with. Career, children, family - which one gives? Through the lens of Xiao Yan, Chen Jiao Rui and You Ya, we experience these life choices.Ultimately, this is a show about character development. There's no perfect heroine or villain. Everyone goes through his or her evolution of change, some more subtle than others. The romance is low key and serves more as a backdrop.
The plots are not new but unlike many 40+ episodes cdramas, this show succeeded in not dragging out the cliff hangers and give viewers quick conclusion to each plot within a few episodes whether it is redemption for the characters or providing them with stepping stones to a future resolution.
Whether you are rooting for the stubborn but strong work ethics Xiao Yan, happy-go-lucky but naive You Ya or the conflicted and manipulative Chen Jiao Rui, you will appreciate the choices and decisions these women have to make in their daily lives as they navigate corporate politics, traditions and self-beliefs to achieve their dreams.
The entire cast are perfect for their roles but a shout out to Tamia Liu. She did not disappoint. Happy to report that this show does not suffer from cringe-worthy, over the top acting. So there you have it. If you enjoy slice of life dramas such as Ode to Joy or Nothing But Thirty where women are the centrepiece, this will be worth every minute of your time.
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Missed Opportunities
This drama started out with the promise of another strong female-led character based story reminiscent of Nothing But Thirty. But half way through this drama the plotlines just keep going downhill. Not sure what the writer was thinking to alienate its viewers and putting them through hell in the second half of this show with not much to cheer for all its characters.As for the three female leads, Zhi Zhi is the only one that showed some character development throughout the show. Xiao Ling for the most part is super annoying and self-centred. Siyu is the strong career woman type but her drive to succeed at all costs compromises her own happiness and well-being.
All male leads are flawed and weak. Period.
This is definitely not worth a watch unless you want to put yourself through agony or you can remain completely unattached to its characters.
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A cdrama gem that is relatable and inspirational
For a third generation immigrant of chinese descent who grew up in South East Asia but practically lived most of her life in North America, I loved everything about this cdrama. Though kdramas are my mainstream entertainment there’s something about slice of life cdramas that resonate with me. Nothing but Thirty simply tops it all and rivals some of the best kdramas out there.The story of three women, neither of them perfect but over the course of the forty-three episodes we see each character blossomed in such a natural way that never once I questioned it as unrealistic or rushed. There is none of the make belief fairy-tale ending but each woman emerged a stronger, happier, and wiser version of herself.
In the beginning we saw an ambitious supermom Gu Jia currying favours from the wealthy so her son can get into the prestigious kindergarten and to improve her family connections. But what made Gu Jia different from other idle trophy moms was her integrity. She stopped short of selling her soul. She maintained her dignity throughout the show whether it was to fight back against the moms who mistreated her son or against opportunistic women leeching off her husband.
Man Ni overcame hardships in her career and relationships and there were moments where I questioned her motives or actions but ultimately she showed me she had a backbone and she was not going to let men or traditions, well-intended or not, define her.
Xiao Qin’s character might have been the most simple-minded of the three but her story was also one of self-discovery, owning up to her flaws and taking responsibilities.
All the love interests in this show were well-matched, from Gu Jia’s shitty husband Xu Huan Shan, to Xiao Qin’s introvert hubby Chen Yu and man-child boyfriend Zhong Xiao Yang to Man Ni’s playboy boyfriend Liang Zheng Xian, kindhearted barista Jiang Chen and smug hometown hero Zhang Zhi. These men complemented the story perfectly. They made you hate them, love them, pity them but ultimately their characters propped up the three women and provided the backstory for Gu Jia, Man Ni and Xiao Qin to shine.
The other supporting characters were fabulous and did their parts to make this a successful drama. I hated Lin You You to the bones. She reminded me of Glenn Close’s character in Fatal Attraction. My favourites got to be Gu Jia’s dad and Uncle Yu. Both were wise and giving in their quiet ways. I especially loved the advice Gu Jia’s dad gave to his friend, ‘Children are debts we owe from our previous life…..’ So profound and insightful.
Kudos go to the writer, director and production team for putting together a masterpiece that is relatable but also inspirational. This is truly a show about the sum of the parts. It does not rely on the good looks of its leads, fairy-tale romances, over the top acting or heart-pumping thrillers. It simply works.
If you haven’t given cdramas a try, this is one that won’t disappoint. As for me, I will be waiting patiently for the next chapter of Gu Jia, Man Ni and Xiao Qin’s stories.
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Unexpected Masterpiece
I love watching medical dramas and this one delivers all the feels without any of the angst. Never expected a medical genre with a team of highly qualified surgeons playing in a band, with no discernible plot lines would be a recipe for success. But the pure simplicity of it all made it an unforgettable masterpiece centred on the lives of:Ik Jun, the carefree, funny man, lead singer, doting father, matchmaker and guardian angel
Song Hwa, the only female of the quintet, cool, personable, professional, perfect role model
Jun Wan, the sensible, arrogant but caring surgeon with a sexy side
Suk Hyung, mama boy but with deep empathy for his patients
Jung Won, generous, loving paediatrics surgeon conflicted between wanting to save lives, serving God and his growing attraction to Gyeo Wool
Each character in Hospital Playlist is done just right. Hard to pick one favourite over another. Love them all but the fellow romantic in me with a penchant for unrequited underdog love stories, Gyeo Wool's story tops it among the supporting characters. Despite being highly sought-after as the only GS resident, she remains humble, steadfast and hardworking even after being rejected by Jung Won. She reminds me of Jang Geu Rae's character in Misaeng.
This one is for keeps! Can't wait for Season 2.
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This is a family drama full of touching relationships and matters of the heart, transforming human connections from foes to friends, from lovers to enemies and vice versa. It centres around the lives and tribulations of one family which includes the protective and loyal Grandma Qi and her grand-daughter Ting Ting. Pan Hong in the role of Grandma Qi is exceptional and steals the show with her relentless pursuit of family unity and her unconditional love for Ting Ting. Tong Lei as the fiesty, clueless and impetuous wife is fitting. A classic case of opposites attract but it is the story of Guang Ming and Ding Xue's journey that will bring tears to your eyes. It may be a touch melancholic but it doesn't drown you in sadness. Yes, there are villains and antagonists but you come to understand their actions and for the most part, you forgive them.
I started the show because of Jin Dong and left with an appreciation for the veteran actors in the show. The acting was superb and will leave you wanting more. Keep your tissue box around for this one.
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The writing is smart and super funny. I love the banter between Su Mang and Zheng Chu, alternately playful and frustrated. The mad chemistry between these two leads leave you wanting more.
This is an easy watch (mostly). No maddening hateful characters that take over the entire show and leave you drained. The last third of the drama starts to get heavy and melo-like but overall it is a very well done romantic comedy with sprinkles of melo. Supporting characters and secondary OTPs complement the show well without overtaking the importance of the primary leads.
The show does have its share of scratch your head moments. For example, where's the baby bump Su Mang? And the ending to one of the characters is questionable but these are but minor quibbles.
Overall, very entertaining. And the OST is super catchy. Loved it.
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First and foremost, this production is well-made, well-cast and well-acted. The leads are capable and play their roles with class and conviction. The villains, oh my, they made me grit my teeth and ball my fists throughout three-quarters of the show but it’s all thanks to the brilliance of Wu You as the contemptible Wu Xin and her dorky, shameless mother, Wang Ai Yu. The duo gets away with witchery, spinning lies over the course of 17 years.
Amidst this human sorcery, life goes on blissfully for Zhang Guo Guo, growing up not knowing her fate as the heiress to an esteemed embroidery powerhouse. But truth and destiny will prevail as the power of the plot and amazing acting tie every event together in a journey worth our patience.
Very much a melodrama, with all the angst and tears you’d expect from this genre, Guo Guo and Yun Kai’s sweet and uncomplicated love for each other is secondary only to the main storyline— Guo Guo returning to her roots. Also entwined in all the sub-plots is the enduring message of maternal and paternal love - biological or adoptive, it can be likewise powerful or destructive.
Stellar, stellar cast including little Le Tong. What an ensemble of perfection. Well worth the angst!
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Wang Kai is sizzling hot playing a romantic lead, a genre that is somewhat new for him and I have to say he does not disappoint. Joe Chen’s already a proven actress and gotta give it to her pulling off a character that on some less capable actresses may come off as annoying and silly. But in the hands of Joe Chen, she gives Wei Wei an edge and a backbone but at the same time gives us the comic relief that is part and parcel of this character. Their natural chemistry is one of the highlight of this show.
The draw of Wang Kai may have enticed me to watch this drama and it did have enough content to keep me glued. I almost wanted to drop it at 30+ episodes when our lovely OTP keeps going back and forth breaking up and making up - one too many times. Characters don’t seem to have a constancy about them, changing colors too frequently - forgiving and forgetting seem to be the mantra of the day. The second and third OTPs are decent and deserve the screen time, giving the show an added notch of flair. But the uncle and sidekick pair got under my skin. I find these two serving very little purpose other than screen fillers and agitating the heck out of everyone.
The production set is very chic and modern. Whether it is the offices, the residences, restaurants or even the hospital, you see a very rich and slick Shanghai. Granted, it is about high fashion and the characters are all wealthy. Something I’ve noticed lately with many of the contemporary cdramas. Product placement is also front and center. Quite blatant and after 30+ episodes it can get a bit in your face.
The OST is catchy and worth downloading.
Leave your brains at home, just soak it in for pure entertainment and enjoy this perfectly imperfect show.
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And yet, Loving, Never Forgetting managed to do just that.
A story of a one-night stand that changed the lives of the Li and Xiang families.
A tale of custody fights, gripping parent-child relationships, sibling rivalry and power struggles. The pacing is excellent. Show offers a nice blend of introspective moments between mothers and sons. Similarly, underneath the surface, we see simmering bondings between the fathers and the sons, foreign and yet familiar — quiet, scary but endearing.
Jerry Yan is superb playing the aloof and tough businessman Zhong Mou but his skillful acting makes me empathizes with him despite the cold facade he puts up in the custody battle, yanking his son away from the only mother he knows and loves. The tenderness he shows towards Tong Tong in the moment of need is pure magic.
Even though Zhong Mou grew up without experiencing maternal or paternal warmth, he is innately capable of seeking deep within himself to shower love for a son that is suddenly thrust into his otherwise lonely life. Sworn never to fall in love and marry, his impenetrable wall of bachelorhood gets melted brick by brick by the generous, loving, and open-minded Wu Tong. Initially skeptical of her motives, he keeps her at arm’s length but finds himself increasingly drawn to the woman whom, despite not remembering their moment of intimacy, bore him a son.
Tong Liya is perfect in the role of Wu Tong. She’s strong-willed but in a feminine way. Her maternal instincts are powerful: protective, unselfish but realistic. Some viewers feel she’s feeble which is somewhat true given that she's naive to a fault but her flaws are understandable and do not detract from the overall story arc. She makes me feel her pain and I cried alongside her when she has to part with Tong Tong, struggling to balance her own needs against what’s best for Tong Tong.
As a family melodrama with its angelic female character, Wu Tong is someone that believes in the good of everyone and naively thinks she has the power to effect change. Despite being told time and time again, that 30 years of hate and bitterness just doesn’t go away overnight, she continues to march on inside her own cocoon thinking somehow she can be the catalyst that will propel family unity.
The chemistry between Zhong Mou and Wu Tong is off the charts earth shattering. I don’t know how many times I re-watched the scene where Zhong Mou broach the elusive subject that he is falling for her. This OTP is undeniably a match made in heaven.
Tong Tong is adorable and just perfect for this role, maybe too perfect (said some) but then again, I didn’t mind that at all. His delightful interactions with Wu Tong and Zhong Mou warm my heart and put a smile on my face.
As for the supporting casts, I must say this is one of those few rare times when I’m hard pressed to complain about any character. Each has his/her own honest story to tell. Kudos goes to Personal Assistant, sidekick extraordinaire, Lin Jian Dong whose loyalty and affable demeanor gives the show light-hearted moments. His dorky affection for Liang Yue Qi is subtle, like a tree-lined vista, providing much needed shades to its oblivious passersby. The most villainous of the characters, Xiang Jun, sent shivers down my spine for a few episodes, making me feel the hate for him brewing but the hate slowly withers away as the show winds down towards redemption. There isn’t a moment where I felt like fast forwarding. Instead show kept me up late and made me waste away whole weekends drooling for what’s next.
If I had one complaint, it would be the ending episodes which felt like scene fillers. I could easily do without these last few “dramas” — my heart did not pound as much as it did in the beginning as Zhong Mou overcomes one crisis after another. The ending could have been wrapped up a few episodes earlier.
Loved the OST especially the one by Jerry Yan.
A heartfelt melodrama that touches two generations and the bad blood that binds the Li and Xiang families, and ultimately a woman who wants to unite them all. One that moved my soul. A must-watch.
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Breathtaking. The one adjective I would use to describe this movie. Why don’t they make romantic movies like this anymore? This was produced in 2011 and here I am in 2016 and it doesn’t feel old or outdated. Because emotion is timeless.
The entire production evokes all kinds of emotions from me: anguish, pain, sense of loss, despair, wonder, regret, hope, trepidation, and ultimate joy.
The story, the pace, the acting, the direction, the set up, the chemistry… I could go on and on. It simply works. What can I say about So Ji Sub and Han Hyo Joo? I cannot picture any other actors as Chul Min and Jung Hwa. Their acting brilliance made this love story so believable. It is all about the little things, the effortless portrayal of every nuance of emotional range without having to over-act or being over-dramatic.
I was invested in their love story from the moment she walked into his small parking lot booth. Two souls with a sad past. The beginning of something special. Yes, the story is not original, but then what is? If the quest for originality loses sight of the overarching goal of making us care, then it defeats the reason for making this story. I would rather have a story that makes me care about the characters, touch at the core of my emotions, pull at my heartstrings and ultimately bring tears to my eyes than one that is original but leaves me emotionless and with apathy.
This is a romantic movie with a touch of melo for those that cherish a well done heart-wrenching love story.
And it is a definite re-watch. It is one of those treasured love stories that I will be coming back to for years to come.
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Central to this story is a love quadrangle involving the lives of four people. Except for Baek Seok who is the penultimate goody two shoes who can do no wrong, the other three (Hae Gang, Jin Eon and Seol Ri) are flawed characters, all dealing with their own personal struggles. This love quadrangle is sure to take you on an emotional tailspin.
What made me stick around is the performance of Kim Hyun Joo. She’s the star of this show hands down. She’s such a great character actress, playing three entirely different characters in one show: the high and mighty, win at all cost Hae Gang, the amnesiac confident Mother Theresa Hae Gang, and her unsophisticated, simple-minded identical twin, Yong Gi. Her performance is breathtaking that one keeps forgetting she’s in these multiple roles. Her ability to emote a variety of emotions, love, sadness, anger, indifference through her facial expression and eyes is simply unbelievable,
The second reason I keep watching is the amazing on screen chemistry between Kim Hyun Joo and Ji Jin Hee. It is impossible to deny the effortless chemistry and deep sexual tension between Hae Gang and Jin Eon. The sparks just fly when the two are together. The eyes say it all making it so hard for me not to root for a reunion.
Running parallel to the love conflict is the saga of Hae Gang’s twin. In hiding to save herself and her child, she’s quirky, naive and almost comical. Mother and daughter find refuge in the unlikely brother of her enemy. This is a heartwarming part of the show. Kim Hyun Joo having conversations with herself in the two roles is nothing short of perfection. Throw in little Woo Joo. She’s got to be the cutest kid on k-ent. Sweet and endearing like no other, she’s unassumingly charming as Hae Gang’s niece and Yong Gi’s daughter.
And there’s always the trusty sidekick. Hyun Woo as Jin Eon’s best friend, confidante, matchmaker and errand boy, he gives us the candid humour and lighthearted moments.
Unlike other melodramas, the casting of the antagonists were a tad soft in my opinion. Jin Eon’s father doesn’t come across as evil or sinister. Min Tae Seok, the serial murderer is mild compared to other villains in kdramas. I thought the role of Seol Ri was appropriately cast. Park Han Byul is very credible as the beautiful and young seducer. She succeeded in making me hate her for most of the show.
For the most part the characters are all well written, multidimensional with many layers which make this show realistic and unconventional.
This is mainly a story about human relationships and the bonds between husband and wife, between brother and sister, between parent and child and between friends. The other storylines are secondary and only serve to complement the love quadrangle theme.
My only gripe is that at the end, the show tries to tie everything up too neatly for each of its leads which takes away some of the edge. Other than that it is an engaging show well worth my time.
The OST is excellent and very memorable. As for rewatch, not likely at 50 episodes.
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A university graduate who fell on hard times and accepted the “perfect proposal” with a catch. The over-analytical in me questions the plausibility of Ji Yeon even considering such a proposal. She doesn’t come across as the silly, money grabbing airhead with a killer bod or pretty face. She’s rather ordinary but this is where the show departs from the usual stock character of a femme fatale. She’s smart but vulnerable. She is charming and attractive without being seductive, the exact qualities the antagonist Lee Seong Yeol sought her for; the winning combination to carry out his carefully designed plan against his father,
Overall, the story, unlike its namesake, is not a perfect movie but it is entertaining and offers sufficient twists and subplots to keep me guessing. When I thought I’d it figured out, it still manages to surprise me almost all the way to the end. I like the use of the cinderella concept in this context, but with its own interpretation and outcome.
The three big names, Yoo Yeon Seok, Im Soo Jung and Lee Kyeong Yeong’s acting is rock solid, giving us powerful emotions with their eyes and facial expressions. Soo Jung as Ji Yeon is fragile in front of Seong Yeol but controlled and restrained when she has to be in front of Seok Goo. Rising star Yeon Seok is perfect as the ambitious and confident bad boy Seong Yeol while Kyeong Yeong is more than convincing as the foul tempered, terrorizing father and boss, Seok Goo.
Sexual tension without the sex. Even the kiss is subtle. Yeon Seok and Soo Jung burn our screen with enough chemistry to spark the romantic in all of us.
The rest of the multi-ethnic cast fit right in but not too memorable except maybe for Do Hee and the adorable chihuahua.
The ending is expected and yet also unexpected. A nice mix of creepy moments, a twist of the forbidden love, and some unexpected turns. Overall a nice filler if you are looking for a thought provoking thriller but not over the top angst.
Don't recall the music and is it a re-watch? A Maybe for me.
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But his life goes topsy turvy when he meets his new neighbour, 26 year old Yoo Jin and her pet dog Sang Ja, and Doctor Jang Moon Jung, a 40 year old spinster. Unlike Jae Hee, Moon Jung wants to be married but was previously jilted. She is holding out for her ultimate soulmate amid protests from her dear father who wants to marry her off to the next living, breathing man of acceptable scruples and standing.
Jae Hee’s character parallels the Academy award winning role played by Jack Nicholson in As Good As It Gets. He is frankly quite annoying and unlovable. As the show progresses we get glimpses of his kindness and empathy for his fellow human beings especially towards Moon Jung.
Despite the show’s quirkiness I did enjoy it for what it is, my expectations neither here nor there. The cast is stellar; the ladies especially are all outstanding; the friendship between Moon Jung and Yoo Jin despite the age gap is refreshingly real. Delightfully no evil, OTT antagonist if we exclude the creepy stalker. The meddling mother and father are understated in the realm of kdrama demanding parent trope.
Perhaps it is also a tad unbelievable that three equally successful and beautiful women could fall for an oddity of a character like Jae Hee. His mystic certainly adds to his charm. A twist on the all girls want bad boys trope.
Overall it is a decent show with sprinkles of hilarious moments like Jae Hee's first encounter with Dr. Jang. It lacks the "it" moments (at least for me). If you simply want something to fill the void this may do the trick for rom-com lovers.
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This review may contain spoilers
Wow! What a ride! After a lacklustre summer of kdrama watching I finally finished Oh My Ghostess and I absolutely enjoyed it! It is a wonderful conglomeration of fine acting, funky storytelling, tasteful use of popular kdrama tropes, a touch of mystery suspense, wrapped into a unique love story.STORY
This is a love story after all, the genre says it is a romantic comedy but one that is uniquely its own. It is sweet, captivating, different and ultimately spellbinding.
First you have the one sided, unrequited love of the kitchen help for her good looking celebrity boss. And you also have the classic friends secretly pining for each other love line. And then lo and behold you have a virgin ghostess love story, masquerading in the body of her host and successful in stealing the heart of the leading man. And finally the new Bong Sun emerges from her shell. Lots of tender loving moments, tantalizing kisses and amazing chemistry.
It is also a show about friendships. True friendships never waver and this show has plenty of them including one that surpasses what the eye can see, trusting your body and memories to none other than a ghost.
This is also a show with attention paid to familial love. A daughter’s love cut short by her untimely death and a father’s regrets. A brother’s maturing journey from irresponsible son to a young adult ready to take on the man of the house role. It is rare in kdrama where we have the absence of a dysfunctional family and this show is one of those.
This is a tissue worthy show. I depleted half a box watching the goodbye scenes but that's me. I do cry easily. :)
ACTING/CAST
I am hard pressed to find a single character that did not belong in the show. Everyone has his/her purpose from beginning to end. Well-crafted characters do not come to life unless they are well casted. Excellent acting coupled with amazing chemistry simply made this production comes to life and utterly believable. Among the three leads, they were equal and perfect complement of each other, be it, looks, acting calibre, or fan attention.
Our delightful Ghostess, was consistent in mannerisms, tone, voice, and personality whether it was Kim Seung Gi or Park Bo Young acting the part. There are other shows where the transformation from child to adult characters fell short for me. So the very fact that I was a believer in Park Bo Young’s Soon Ae is a testament to her superb acting. Yes, there is plenty of aegyo throughout the show but it is not the cringe worthy variety. The cuteness serves to showcase the virgin ghostess story beautifully.
The suave and slightly arrogant chef played by Jo Jung Suk is spot on. He’s got enough charms and nice guy good looks that makes it believable that two women and a female ghost would fall for him. His chemistry with Park Bo Young is one to die for.
The Shaman. She reminds me of Ajumma in the Healer. An idiosyncratic but lovable, and fun character. She first comes across as the brash, no nonsense type that is out to catch all the stray souls left on earth but she shows us compassion and heart. The bond between her and Soon Ae rivals a mother-daughter’s. Her friendship with Seon Woo’s mom starts off business-like, a Shaman looking to milk a naive rich woman but her conscience wins over and their relationship turns into one of companionship and respect.
Seon Woo’s mother, Hye Yeong. When she first shows up on screen, I was like “Huh?” She looks so young and it is hard to believe she would be cast as the mother but as the story unfolds it becomes believable and it makes total sense. A highly educated woman with a modern view but one that believes in Shamans and the supernatural.
Not saying a lot about the antagonist since it will give away spoilers but it is nicely done and gives the show the right amount of suspense/twists.
The kitchen crew is a tight knit, hilarious bunch, led by the vain and colourful sous chef, Min Soo. The group’s banter is playful and endearing and definitely not wasted air time.
MUSIC
I have to admit I did not pay much attention to it since I was too engrossed in the show.
REWATCH VALUE
Definitely a yes. I do see myself picking this off the re-watch list someday.
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Orange Marmalade embodies all of the above and some.
So how did I end up watching Orange Marmalade and stuck with it through to the end? Because there was enough intrigue to this madness and it was sufficient to keep me tuned in each week.
I was fascinated by the boldness (or some may say craziness) of the production team to take on a challenge that is such a departure from the normal formula of kdrama success. It is supposedly an adaptation of a popular webtoon but it is nothing like its predecessor. It is but a myriad of cliche tropes, creatively brave screenwriting, mix in some non conventional programming, good looking casts, and there you go - Voila! Orange Marmalade!
At first I was intrigued by the mini teasers which did a fantastic job of marketing the show. I was sold by the mystique of the elusive vampire girl and the puppy eyed, longing stares of Jae Min.
Yeo Jin Gu’s superb acting won me over in those few seconds. I am already a fan of CNBlue’s Lee Jong Hyun therefore having him as the second lead was a bonus.
Two episodes in, I was ecstatic! The Show exceeded my expectations. It started out really well in introducing the storyline depicting the struggles of the vampires trying to live incognito among humans; reminiscing of real life discrimination faced by many in our society today. And throw in a few light-hearted hilarious moments, I was sold! My reaction...Wow! They did that on prime time public television?
Episode 4 was the turning point for me. The pace was suddenly so fast it was like watching a completely different drama. Suddenly the Show introduced all kinds of loopholes, sub-plots and question marks. And then the big reveal - flashbacks to the Joseon era. At this point I was close to dropping the show but curiosity kept me reeled in.
It turned out I actually liked the Joseon episodes the best even though I was cringing when I first heard about it. I really enjoyed Shi Hoo’s story in the Joseon era. His character had more depth and layers than the other two leads. The bromance between Shi Hoo and Jae Min was cute and touching. The love story between Jae Min and Ma Ri was endearing but a tad ordinary and predictable. I actually felt more for Shi Hoo’s restraint love for Ma Ri. It was respectful but heart rending. The secondary characters were interesting and their stories closed the gaps in understanding the relationships of these characters in the present day.
I also enjoyed the story development surrounding the human-vampire conflict and how the pact was reached that carried to the modern era. I was mostly invested in Shi Hoo’s story though how the show dealt with him in the present day was a tad too convenient for my taste.
The chemistry between the second leads was excellent but in typical kdrama fashion it was a bit rushed in the end.
Overall, Orange Marmalade had its moments but lost a lot of fans from the misleading advertising, inconsistent storytelling/pacing and the modern to historical jumps. But I am glad it didn’t suck and it definitely wasn’t a complete waste of my time.
The music was catchy and melodic but to be honest the exact tunes have totally escaped me so it must not be that memorable.
Is it a rewatch? No, it is one of those unique shows that will certainly divide but even for the faithful, a rewatch is probably not likely.
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