sharreb
The Strength:
Plot: A solid story telling of a young athlete returning to try to compete on dream stage (swimming competition). That journey of finding himself, finding answers that caused his bottleneck. The recipe for success was not an easy or straightforward one. The drama took time to display the effort, hardship, long hours, sweat and pain that comes with the training that athletes put up to have improve themselves and be good enough for competitive stage.
The male lead: Tang Yi Bai is a very sunshine character. Far from tsundere, he is calm, nice and quick to smile. In spite of a yet to be explained happening 4 years ago that caused him to be suspended from swimming, he is hopeful, determined and works hard for his dream. Hes that blend of person you cant help but admire.
The female lead: Yuin Duo. Again a sunny character who is kind and has bright and warm aura around her. Shes also one to gives people strength and comfort. At work, shes a intern reporter with strong principles. On the other hand shes kultzy and even at times forgetful. All in all, super adorable.
The romance: The beautiful thing that for a slow burn romance it was worth the wait and was a nice ease from a beautiful friendship. I adore how they feel a kinship, and find each other able to communicate, share worries and concerns and give each other support and ideas. Before long, shes his no.1 fan and he made her his lucky charm/mascot. Their interactions were sweet, cute and heart warming
The second couple: QQ and Yang yang. I dont wanna say more to spoil but they add a nice contrast of personality and was so cute.
The friendship: The friendship and team spirit is strong in this drama. It makes it really stand out from other sports drama. The people around them that gives them strength, reason and drive to push through obstacles. The people who believe in them amd waited for them. Really no man is an island. Everyone got that far not on their own. That difficult journey was made possible from all the people in their lives who believes in them.
Other notable characters: ML mum and dad, the 2 coaches, the other 2 swim buddies, Ou Yang Heng.
The sports: Writer demonstrated her love for the sport. It displayed the brauty of the swimming sport. Endless months of long hour training for a 1minute duration competition but the rewarding triumph that comes with it. They even got world renowned Sun Yang to cameo.
The messages: I love the positivity in the story. There were many instance of inspirational messages and quotes. One includes Times makes everthing better. Pain passes, injury can heal but regret persists.
The acting: Tang Song Yun was plays the female lead is a very good actress. I heard good things about her potrayal in other dramas like Whirlwind Girl and With you. Shes very natural and able to bring out the best in character. Dylan xiong is a newbie to me and while theres room for improvement, hes mostly effective and lit up the screen with his character's personality. I wanted to mention Huang Sheng Chi who potrayed QQ was adroable and make his character memorable.
The weakness:
Antagonist: Lin Zi. Initially i pity him but that was short live. By the middle of it, i was fed up with him and just wanted to skip his scenes. Later his sisters's scene was even more annoying and in my opinion affected the pace and feels of the show.
Female swimmers: While we get female trainers on the team, we never saw them practising, swimming, competiting. Sad they were left out of the show.
Music/Ost: Sooooo good. The ending theme that opens with "Its beautiful.." calls to your attention. The melody was that blend of moving, inspirational and catchy. 2 other songs used were also wonderful. I didnt knw Dylan Xiong was a singer until later when i read comments, he sang opening theme. The vocals and composition of songs used was spot on.
Heres a list of the songs
1. "Scream like this" (title song) Xiong Yuqi (???)
2. The Impulse of Dare to Love ( End theme ) ??????? Xu Yunwei
3. "Love your good weather" (interlude) Tan Songyun , Xiong Yuqi (???????)
4. "Inferior" (interlude) Xu Yunwei
5. Say Love (Interlude) Xu Fei
6. Crossing the Pacific (Interlude) Xu Geyang
7. Super Hero ( Promotion Song) Xiong Yuqi
In a nutshell, its a beautiful story of sports, youth, love and friendship that was written and directed in just the right blend. Sports and youth drama sometimes gets into the sticky end of being too simple or even shallow but it was never the case here. The writer weaved a story that has a heart and backbone. For most part it didnt drag, only Lin mei and his sister's story arc and their scenes that kept me from rating a 10.
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The plot: Heres the tricky part, for those watching without having seen other versions, they watch with fresh eyes and many have pointed plotholes, and/or discomfort with some scenes. Personally, I felt this adaptation tried to follow the manga closely but also changed the mood of it. This version is actually lighter, perhaps more palatable and digestable with reduced bullying. Even villanous characters were dialed down, case in point the person who spread the picture of San Chai..that among others were toned down. That said, its a pro and con at the same time because it isnt as intense.
The characters- F4 in this version is more approachable. They are your rich good looking guys but also worked hard for their academics and/or have their talents.
Male otp: Dao Ming Tse is the tough looking kid- that really resembled a porcupine with a soft belly. He's also with steadfast once (and it didnt take long) when he realised his feelings. On most parts he has a very direct approach in pursuing the girl who caught his attention and never much bat an eye at other girls. His character grew from likable to lovable as the drama progresses. His greatest attribute is how he supports Sanchai and encourages her. And you also see his growth towards the end, how even unspoken he reads, understand and provides understanding and security when Sanchai needs it.
Female otp: Dong San Chai is that petite firecracker. She seems that average girl but when push comes to shove and she stands up for her friends, she shines.. and caught the attention of our male lead. In many circumstances, shes slow in romance department and tends to be passive. She took her time in processing the changes in her feelings from hatred to friendly to something more when in comes to Ah Si.
Rest of F4: Like mention this bunch of F4 are more likable. Hua Ze Lei is the flower boy in terms of look, gaze and speech. Who became the realible rock and soulmate to SanChai. Mei Zuo and Xi men also get their arc in the drama. Personally i did not enjoy Mei Zuo's arc and the story of his love interest. Xi men and Xiao Yuo was likable and i did look forward to their part.
Others: SanChai's parents are nice loving parents. They are also less theatrical then J version. I also like Dao ming tse's housekeeper too.
Acting- This is the mix bag.
Dylan Wang He Di- a complete rookie with his first work was a surprise. I thk perhaps his own real life behaviour transcends into his character. He brings the playful and energy to Dao Ming Tse. There's obviously room for improvement but he sells the character well and you could overlook it.
Shen Yue- having seen her previous work in A love so beautiful, i did come in with expectations and she was adequate. She excelled in poignant scenes but her performance was also patchy. Playful and sweet scenes was dealt well between her and Dylan. 90% of their kiss scenes were stiff and at times awkward (perhaps they were shy or it was too cold during filming?) Darren was a bit stiff and sometimes too expressionless. I cant help remembering Hanazawa Rui and found him lacking. Connor was the worst of the bunch in my opinion, he was cringey and he made me skipped his parts. Caeser Wu fared slightly better but also patchy performance.
OST:
Ost can really lift up the drama. Some of the ost esp the old ones were really good and nostalgic. But some of the ones resang by F4, unfortunately i didnt enjoy their vocals. I thk J-version who had Utada Hikaru and the original TW version were a level better.
THE VERDICT:
The plot like mention above is diluted. As a breezy summer watch and as a sometimes fluffy and sometimes innocent youthful love story (if you dont take it too seriously) it was thoroughly enjoyable. They did give us fanservice scenes, happy moments between otp, their coutship, dating, breaking up and getting back together. There was friendship and there was family and there was a love that survived obstacles. It did drag a bit in parts but wanting to see DaoMingTse and DongSanChai get together was still a worth-watching journey. This version replaced the intensity with youthfulness and thats a tradeoff that can tip the scale depending on personal taste..
For all these reasons its still a solid 8.5 for me. Cause this version of Ah Si and SanChai was still cute and lovable as a pair.
Note: My review is influenced by my memory of the other adaptations, how i feel about the story, the characters, the acting, whether it was memorable and my feelings right after i finish the last episode.
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THE GOOD AND THE AVERAGE:
Plot falls on usual trope of arranged marriage between two individuals that have never met (except they did). A young girl who has a motive to enter the Long family on the decreed of the royal family. A Qin 4th prince who poses a threat to the reigning emperor. Yet one couldnt choose who you fall in love with. It was fate who brought them together and its the heart that decides where it goes from there. On the political aspects theres secrets, multi parties and alot of chess playing.
The characters- Rather intelligent otps who have their own charms but also made some questionable decisions that you may or may not like but it does make them flawed yet human.
Male otp: Long Fei Ye as a man in position of power that comes with great responsibility. He is both revered and feared by many. Outwardly cold and reserved and man of few words. Described as a deep pool of water. A strategist, intelligent, shrewd and observant. He had a plethora of good traits that obviously drew Yun Xi to him.
Female otp: Han Yun Xi the first daughter of Han family who grew up without her father's attention and in search of her mother. Shes an optimist at her and tends to take life full frontal. She doesnt let things bring her down and while her words may have bite, shes a softie at heart. Her knowledge and skill of poison and their cures sets her apart. As does her vibrant personality and intelligence. She however does not hold a high self defence when it comes to people she accepted and trust. This is both a virtue and a flaw.
The other character i liked was the dependable Xi Feng, the prince's right hand man who was also an early supporter of the couple.
Acting- Ju Jing Yi as our heroine was fitting. Petite, pretty and energetic she brings out the sweet charms of Yun Xi. The actress was previously memorable in her supporting role in Novoland. Zhang Zhe Han looked the part of Long Fei Ye but i do have complains with some of his eye expressions. But together they do have great rapport and i was greatly entertained to watch them drift together.
THE WEAKNESS:
The plot itself has good parts as stated earlier but also typical in C dramas that middle part that lost some traction. The device plot to wedge between our otp came in the form of Bai Li Ming Xiang, the prince Childhood friend. While shes isnt as villainy as many other characters in the drama, i just didnt want to watch her scenes.
The other major person affecting otp was 2nd male lead Qu Qi Shao who although interesting at start but my interest waned over time and safe to say no Second lead syndrome for me
Many parties with their own ambition, plot and war over in palace politics. Some that i dont care that much about. Lots of self centred, power hungry people that when it comes to their decline i felt neither triumph or pity, just ambivalent.
For all these reasons its a solid 8.5 for me. It was entertaining to watch especially watching Yun xi able to thaw the ice and earned the prince attention and love. When the prince is attentive, acceptive of her and trust in her capabilities, he was really swoony. Those are the parts i would rewatch.
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THE GOOD:
Plot was strong- One thats tightly woven the present and past selves of the otp and the event that bounds them.
The characters- Multiple characters that shine,who incite fear, incite warmth, incite hatred, incite admiration and a few that are truly memorable
Acting- Heo Joon Ho - cant get anyone who can be so effective in his role. A stare, a smirk, his silhoute screams his presence. He delivers a grippling performance. Kim Kyung Nam delivered arguably the most difficult role and personally i thought he was a scene stealer. He was just so good and his well written character almost made me yearn for him to be a maincast, more scenes, just more.. Seo Jung Yeon delivered in so many scenes, her portrayal moves me and was wonderfully cast.
The message: Belief, understanding and selflessness sows the seeds of love. They gave the environment for the best self to persevere through darkness and evil. And of course, sometimes all we need is someone standing at your corner and there to give a reassuring hug.
The sort of bromance: without spoiling too much lets just say some of my favorite scenes are between the hyungs.
THE WEAKNESS:
Unfortunate loopholes in the plot including useless policemen or lack of as a plot device just so that it set up a following scene or forced a tense situation.
Jang Ki Yong really expanded his repertoire with this drama. Unfortunately he's found lacking when potraying certain emotions. The difference in performance is especially stark when they put side by side young Na Moo and present Na Moo. Nam Da Reum (young Na moo) delivered more on point with soft gaze, sorrow, broken hearted, or touched. The plays of emotions are easily picked up on his face while i struggled sometimes to read Jang Ki Yong's. I also felt that although otp had good chemistry, they never reach a point of total abandonment and immersion of that kind of love (a supposingly deep soul-grippling childhood to adulthood over a decade span of love. )
If this was a jtbc or ocn drama it could have been 12 episodes (or 24 episodes of 30mins) and it would have elevated the drama without overdoing flasbacks, cut out needless dilly-dally scenes. It could have been a tight plot with no fillers at all.
For all these reasons its a 9.0 for me. Its a good thriller with a warm message. Please do give it a chance if you havnt watched it.
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I. All the things i like:
1. Characters that are not one dimensional and actually has development and growth as the drama proceeds
2. Female lead thats direct, bold, somtimes outrageous and flirty too without being obnoxious (great departure fr d usual).
3. Male lead that is strong but not invicible, smart, serious at times but also approachable amd charming (i like rather than typical stoic type)
4. Some supporting leads that have tbeir own story, depth and well crafted character that you get to know and have an afinity to
5. If you like time travel. This one is pretty solid. You actually see how the present her properly enter the ancient timeline. I like its tied to the blood moon (This phenomena actually happened 12hrs before i wrote)
6. Double identity secrecy for both leads gives double the story and intrigue
7. No useless damsel. But a female who is a survival and utilise her cooking skills
8. Hightlight gender inequality. And that females can have guy friends.
9. Some very quirky scenes, some that makes you smike and laughed aloud. Ofcourse some sweet, some tender and moving scenes that are memorable to me
9. Finally on the love line. She was initially charmed by his good looks, lol salivate over his bod. While she intriques him and fall for her over time. But its a love thats tested by circumstances, secrecy, lies, half truths, and people around them
10. Villains that arent villains. Some antiheroes that i form an attachment to.
II. Things i dont care
1. Some characters that are total plot device and a few evil women that i dislike way too much that i fastforwarded their scenes
2. Really quite a bit of misunderstanding of which a few took awhile to be resolved
3. Some evil peeps took way too long for their downfall
4. Female lead's costume, a few especially first half that wasnt tasteful and bit distracting
5. Ost was alright but nothing to write home about
6. Plot dragged a little before we hit the middle of the drama before regaining traction and then again slowed before finale
Overall this drama was a notch above quite a few historical C dramas and im glad to have randomly chose it to watch and end my drama drought.
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I connected with the story.. it potrayed the very human side of every layman. It potrayed the changes of a relationship.. from first spark, dating, wedding, the marriage to parenthood. There's the beautiful memories and then there's the ugly fights. What we choose to remember is influenced by things we perceive. Sometimes what we perceive are also assumptions which could be wrong. I enjoy how the writer and pd takes the time to slowly unfold what happened in between until the otp reaches their breaking point.
After watching this, it reminds me to value the now. Value the good of my partner. Value my parents. Value every moment spent with my child. But mostly is the importance of communication. By the time i finish the drama i felt like I walked away with a lot. It's rare a drama makes me both pensive and appreciative. And that's why while it isnt perfect, i've decided to change the score from 9.5 to 10.
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Recapping by characther:
-Jin Myung):Season 1 i felt the most affected by Senior Yoon (Jin Myung) and by Season 2 i really felt shes come a long way and grown. Love it when i see her chef bf- wish we had more scenes of them together)
-Ye Eun had the most drama by the end of season 1. Season 2 shows a realistic and sometimes painful road to recovery. It's not easy being a survival and a victim of violence.
- Ji Won - the most animated housemate. We mostly saw her antics in Season1. Finally in Season 2 theres more on her story, And dont get me started on Sung Min. Both of them are adorbs and the chemistry together is really off the charts. (Praying drama Gods let them reunite in a drama again)
- Eun Jae - same character but recasted - in my opinion they should have written out EunJae and let the actress Ji Woo inhabit a new character. Its too confusing to see her as EunJae when you still have Park Hye Soo's face in mind. Further EunJae' story arc here is also the least impressive
- Jo Eun - new gal played by Choi Ah Ra - refreshing character and her backstory and her story arc with Jang Hoon (played by DOTS actor Kim Min Suk) was cute
The writer and pd maintains the mystery n intrigue vibe throughout the drama. Hwa Young also guest role in her sassy character of Kang Yi Na.
Keeping the episode capped at 14 was great. Story, flow and pacing was spot on. It was a lovely ride to check back in with the girls of Belle Époque.
* Fans wanted a Season 3 and i think chances are slim. I'm quite satisfied with how we were left off and hints of what's in the girls' future.
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This fantasy drama i know isnt perfect and its story takes on a reflective stand, sometimes choosing to dwell on moments. It may feel slow to some but i find it poetic and gave time to appreciate the people the place and their lives. Almost all scenes were so beautifully shot, the scenery is breathtaking and film like. The opening theme to the first ost Stay with me already tells you the music for this drama is equally daebak
I would never have imagined Gong Yoo and Lee Dong Wook in the same drama. But there must be drama gods hearing the people's prayers and hopes. The bromance of Goblin and Grim is so spot on, friendship, laughters and more. The main cast all pull their weight from Kim Go Eun whose natural beauty and calibre was suited as bright Eun Tak to Yook Sung Jae and Yoo In Na. Even its supporting cast (Samshin, Director yoo, Secretary kim, Park Joong Won) were all superb and each had commanding screenpresence and brought so much to the narration of the story.
Towards the end i love the message that humans though seemingly small and frail compared to deities and the almighty, but we can surprise you with our will that can change the course of fate. And lastly to live and love like its your last day. Its so simple but often forgotten. I'll cherish this drama. And for now there isnt a drama i can recommend that quite captures the gist, the tone, and the feels like Goblin does. Thats how unique it is.
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I wouldnt ask for a longer drama because the major plus of this special drama was its snappy pace and the plot rolling along very well from start to end. The plot itself was very engaging, with mystery and thriller nicely packaged and i read everyone enjoyed guessing who the culprit/killer/arsonist is. Made my day when i found out i guessed correctly.
Lee Joon Hyuk is so fitting for the role. He brought this macho and yet boyish vibe to the role. He made Chul Soo a hero but still a human and average guy. Jung In Sung as Jin Ah was good too. They made a striking duo on screen. I wish i can see both of them in a full length drama and if possible paired up again.
Fantastic supporting roles from veteran Lee Won Jong and also Jo Hee Bong and Park Hoon.
Minor qualms that there was some inserted melo drama bits within an action scene that isnt quite believable ina real life and death situation. But overall thoroughly entertained.
PS: is this the first firefighter korean drama? I didnt watch any feat firefighters (korean ones), none came to mind to be a recommendation. I wish we will have a full length drama of one soon. The action and bromance of firefighters (and their hotness lol) would make an awesome watch
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Male: Handsome, Proactive, Supportive, A tease, Tall, Sweet, A listener, Values family, A swimmer
Female: Strong, Tall, Pretty, Charming, Values family and friends, Vibrant attitude, straight shooter, Weightlifter
Story: Friends to couple, first love, college life, sports life, family and strong friendships
Bokjoo and Joon hyung seriously the sweetest couple in K history. It is very refreshing when a guy is proactive, means what he says and acts on it when he realises his feelings. What worked to make this drama awesome is the amazingly natural chemistry of our leads who are comfortable and playful on and off screen. Couple that with the writer whose previous works includes Oh my ghost, you know its a winner. The charm of this drama is that its not heavy but its not your usual fluff. It has winsome characters, and male female leads you come to love and a sweet journey watching this two support each other through the challenges they faced in school or at home and fall in love. The drama doesnt dwell too long on one issue and never draggy. It highlights the wonderful time in college with the first blooms of love and the amazing girlfriends we have.
Ive never more convinced of two people more suited for each other, as jeon joon hyung and kim bok joo complements each other. Long after this show ends i will always remember our bokjoo and joonhyung.
Watch and you will know what i mean. This underdog show captured my heart in surprise. It has so much heart warming scenes not just the romance but also father-daughter and mother-son relationship. Really a gem
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Also the poster is misleading. This drama is vibrant and so beautifully shot. The colors, backdrop and scenery and down to female lead's hanbok is vibrant. With just a touch of fantasy on the immortality issue but overall its quite slice of life of a musician, Joon Woo who is a little reclusive but opens up to the mysterious but smart mouthed lady, Mi Jo living downstairs.
Also the drama has awesome secondary leads in Yeon Ji and Jason. No bitchiness or suffocating love. They are so good that you wished their arc is a happy and fulfilling one too. The characters and story backdrop is sufficiently thick that it could easily be a longer drama and infact i kind of wished it was longer so that there would be more character development and progress of relationship which i felt i needed more after the credits rolled on the final episode.
The music was nice which was a given since its a YG production.i love the R&B track sang by the male lead titled You.
The acting was good and no noticeable cringeness. I find Kang Seung Yoon and Jang Ki Yong shine as their character of Joon Woo and Jason. The only minor blip was Mi jo's makeup and the vivid pores which was distracting and a little unexpected. Plus cant they give us an otp kiss?. Enjoyed the entirety while it lasted.
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This review may contain spoilers
If you watch the previous lanling, its completely diff with the exception of character names. This is more a love story of the females past self with lanling and her new romance as her present amnesiac self with Yu wen yong. This adaptation only inserts more of fantasy elements and looking for 2 magical items linked to Qing Shuo.
I first started watching due to many who praise the chemistry between Qing Shuo and Yu Wen Yong with the later wonderfully potrayed by Peng Guan Ying. His character seems to fill the screen more than Lanlingwang.
I find the title of this drama misleading. Thats the greatest hint/spoiler i can give you.
I would have dropped the rating to 7/10 because i did not like the ending. But for all the sweet moments of the show i maintained a 7.5. Also i fastforwarded many scene of other characters that i do not like. I always do that with long C dramas- this too doesnt escape from the need to be self edited.
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The greatest weakness are one dimensional characters so i really didnt care for HaNi's prince aka Chef. They never explores his character further from his face blindness to his stern nature that dissolved to nothing aft a few encounters with our mermaid.
Some other characters fare better. Hyun Myung was a thoroughly good guy, sweet and does all the heroic things without saying a peep. Hye Yeong potrayed by the awesome Seul Hi was exceptional and fun. She has her own loveline with Big. Hani the mermaid literally brought out tje bubbles from the sea, shes bubbly, outgoin, childish but adorable. And her fairy godmother is veteran actor Ahn Kil Kang currently playing Kim Bokju's father in weightlifting fairy.
The first two episodes takes some getting use to as the comedic side was lashed out outrageously n a bit out of the norm for K dramas. They do dial that down lateron. The show also suffers from pacing. Cause by end of ep 9 you can literally hear the pd shouts Wrap it up hence ep 10 feels rushed. You have just gotten use to the surplus house and its inhabitants and suddenly they chased you out. Thats the result of 4 episodes being cut off.
Regardless its enjoyable for being an oddball, being alittle kooky and also its potrayal of how love isnt like what naive Hani imagined it to be. Additional .5 marks cause im happy a real couple is born from this drama and happy to report they are still dating.
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Can finish in 1 seating. Want to finish in 1 seating. Both statement is true for this drama.
I find Sung Hoon quite a charismatic actor and has that intense gaze. The show make sure to sell u his abs and good physique. The lead actress was unfamiliar to me. I find her pleasing to look at and sometimes reminds me of another japanese actress in a gd way. They have good chemistry as they spar spark but mostly the guy wins. Fun times when hes jealous or possessive. I do hav to overlook that zealous possesive and manipulate her to a corner so that no options left but him. That in real life is actually scary and not romantic. But very early we were shown she is attracted to him. Interested in him.
For a short drama means the focus is on out otp so the meddling mum doesnt appear til ep19.. thankfully.
Dont thk too much or expect too much then its really an enjoyable watch.
My last qualms i hav to state was i wish the kisses were done better.many dramas hav set the par quite high. A lil bit of overacting on the girl's part in the last scene which was a tad off-putting. Else i nearly gave a 8.5.
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