Reviews

Beautiful Bittersweet

This one was such a beautifully heartbreaking story. The only criticism I would level at it is that with the ending reunion scene you don’t leave feeling as hopeful as you should. You can’t get away from the feeling that they lost something that they can never get back - the feeling of what might have been. The regret slightly overshadows everything and you leave feeling more bitter than sweet. It’s for this reason I cannot give it a 10/10. It’s a blemish on an otherwise magnificent bl. Like ITSAY, this series can stand up against any mainstream production. It’s another cinematic masterpiece. The young actors are able to convey so much - the angst, the fear, not knowing what you feel, not wanting to accept what you feel, the burden and expectations, the flawed thinking of youth, the unfairness of the world, and the loss of something precious that can never be re-attained. If I could sum this series up into one phrase, it would be ‘an exhaled sigh’.

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The Power of a Lingering Look.

The chemistry of the two actors/characters is palpable. It elevates the story to a height where it conveys everything that needs to be conveyed. It reinforces the script, the plot, the visuals, the framing; everything. It is the foundation and the highlight of the series. It goes to show how effective having great chemistry and deeply emotive acting can be for a series and it’s all achieved through these intense lingering looks. They say, ‘the eyes never lie’ and they speak so much truth between these characters, even when they try to deny the truth themselves. That’s how powerful the lingering looks are. This series does not get enough credit. I still think this is THE most tension filled chemistry of ANY k-bl that has ever existed. It’s so palpable, I could feel it through the screen which is quite impressive for a bl that had very few overt intimate skinship and a kiss scene only at the end. You could cut the sexual tension with a knife it was so thick.

It also has a very solid production. The visuals were crisp and polished and the acting, very strong. Especially the actor who plays the bodyguard.

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The Gold Standard of BLs

I cannot praise this bl enough. It’s an almost perfect bl. Realistically I would give it a 9.8 out of ten but MDL does not allow for that option. Everything is done to a high standard - the cinematography, the plot, the emotive acting, the soundtrack, the set design - everything.
It beautifully captures the feelings of first love, with the bittersweet heartbreak and raw emotional awakening that comes with it. I completely bought into this teenage romance. It resonated with the universal feelings of angst, uncertainty and overwhelming emotions we experience as teenagers. I would even put this series up against mainstream productions. It’s that good. It really is a cinematic masterpiece. This should be on every bl watcher’s list.

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My Thoughts on End Of the World With You:

Neither of the main characters are likeable. Ritsu is the worst but Matsumi is not much better. They are unlikeable in different ways. Ritsu is an awful person. He is the f*ck-boyest of all f*ck boys. Usually you either like a character, like to hate them or they are at least relatable. Neither of the characters are any of these things. They are just awful - to the point where you don’t care what happens to them. I’m not invested in anything they do, any hurt they feel or any hurt they do to others. This wouldn’t be a problem if the show didn’t keep trying to make you root for them. Nothing had the emotional impact needed. The only character I was rooting for was the meteor. And the fact that ‘that’ didn’t happen only makes this show that much worse.

It’s got a lot of very well executed nc scenes (probably some of the best in bl land), so you can watch it just for that and no hate to people who like it just for those. No hate either for the people who enjoyed the series. We all like different things. Each to their own and all that. I do think it does deserve an automatic 5 or 6 rating just for the production value, the plot (which is easy enough to follow) and the script (which is decent and the dialogue flows). It’s just everything else that it falls short on. They made the characters so unlikeable which affected the character development and drained all the heart and connection out of the story. Watching it feels really hollow as all I could think was, “I do not care for these people, I cannot warm to them even knowing they’re about to die. Why are you asking me to root for their survival??”

Matsumi had potential moments where I thought his character might become more likeable but as I said, he’s just awful (albeit in a different way to Ritsu). For example, there’s a scene where I guess the writers try to endear his character to the audience by making him ‘attempt’ to comfort a young boy. It was 6 parts tone deaf given the current situation and 4 parts hypocritical given how he’s been living his life. I kept thinking, “you’re in no position to be giving advice buddy, and have you looked outside lately?” As I said, it’s just hard to root for his character. There’s nothing that endears you to him.

That said, I think the worse thing about this series is that after watching everything on screen, the only take-away is that they will remain these awful people. I firmly believe that if the world was not ending or if the world didn’t end in the end they would revert to their same awful selves. I know writers can choose at the swoop of a pen, to make characters ‘live happily ever after’ but nothing onscreen suggests that these people have become better people and will stay together. I’m sure Ritsu would keep hurting Matsumi if the world doesn’t end. Case in point: Ritsu had remained the same person over the past decade and if you are inclined to believe he’s had some sort of awakening now due to the meteorite; it doesn’t explain why after meeting Matsumi again, he still manipulates him and still feels entitled to Matsumi’s time and presence. Brazen is the word that comes to mind. He is yet again using Matsumi exactly like he did ten years ago, which is to seduce Matsumi and use him for his own benefit. I sincerely believe that Ritsu likes Matsumi because Matsumi loves him. Even narcissists need love, even if they just feed off it. I’m never fully convinced that Ritsu grasps the depth of the damage he has done to Matsumi. He seems to centre himself and his feelings in every interaction with Matsumi, both in the past and even now. How can you truly be sorry if you’ve never taken the time to really self reflect on your actions, the damage you’ve caused and how the person you hurt might be feeling? It’s clear he hadn’t done so when you have scenes where a mutual friend had to point out to him that Matsumi might not want to see him. Scenes like in the library where he expected Matsumi to be ‘over it by now’. Sometimes understanding you’ve hurt someone is understanding that you shouldn’t ever show up in front of them again. Let alone force them to talk to you (even if it is the end of the world). The writers try to explain Ritsu’s shitty behaviour by adding that he’s su*cidal but even this feels self serving and like a throwaway explanation of why he is the way he is. There is no depth to this added plot point and just further establishes his selfishness (in contrast to the other character who followed through on her su*cidal ideation). His character being this way is not the issue. Not all characters are going to be decent people. I’m giving these examples to illustrate how little his character has actually changed from the start of the movie to the end. The issue is with the writers insulting the intelligence of the viewers and trying to gaslight them into accepting that Ritsu has had some sort of character development when that just doesn’t play out that way on screen.

I think the writers had a vision for these characters and their path to redemption and all that, unfortunately, they should have written better redemptive qualities into the characters for that to come across (It doesn’t). Instead they just remain awful characters that we’re supposed to pretend are the opposite and that’s what makes this series so awful.

Upon second viewing, there was something I could appreciate that I could not appreciate the first time around: the secondary characters make for a better story. Any emotional depth came from the relationship between the trans character and the young boy. The young boy was annoying at times but their characters are more aligned to what the story is telling you they are and are infinitely more interesting than the main characters. Their budding romance is endearing. I would gladly watch a series with the trans girl as the main character or watch a series that explores the ‘super’ abilities of the young boy. I thought that was really intriguing.
Also, in this second viewing I found everything more farcical. I could not take most of it seriously. Additionally, I didn’t notice it before but the main leads’ kisses are very awkward and fish-like. Matsumi always seems to be gulping for air like a fish out of water whenever he opens his mouth. Suffice to say, it held up even worse on second viewing.

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Melodramatic romance with music, occasional clichés.

"Do You Like Brahms?" might not suit everyone's taste due to its gentle and unhurried pace. While I found it enjoyable, there were moments where the plot felt a bit slow, especially with some clichéd love triangles. However, if you're a fan of melodramas, the show has a comforting and immersive narrative.

As a musical melodrama, it goes beyond just music, delving into the complexities of relationships. The OSTs play a crucial role, creating a beautifully charged atmosphere that enhances the overall viewing experience.

While the middle part of the drama may seem a bit slow with common love triangle tropes, the story picks up as the main couples' relationships evolve.

Despite a familiar storyline seen in many K-dramas, the show is skillfully executed, offering a healing narrative with challenges and resolutions. The romance between the lead couples is a highlight, featuring beautiful and sincere moments that leave a lasting impression.

In a nutshell, "Do You Like Brahms?" delivers a heartfelt story with some charming characters, even if there are occasional annoyances.

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Nine years trying to finish it

It has been nine years since I started to watch this drama and its time I'm not able to finish it, I dont know either cry or laugh.

First of all, gotta say my reviews are based on my own criteria and how many time took me to finish it's one of them and this one had took me so long.
Since the beginning, when I read the sinopsis I was a little bit reluctant about it even if Song HyeKyo, Kim Bum and Jo Insung was there (I was so in love with them in that time, even know a little bit) but the plot for me was so toxic. I don’t know how, if i was in fl's shoes, could fell in love with a man who has been lying to me all the time, know things like that could happened in real life maybe it would be like a syndrome, but since people try to feel identify with the characters and I can't feel conexion with none all of the characters here, I haven't been able to finish it, even if I try, because I don't like to let unfinished dramas (I have a lot anyways) but well, that's my opinion and this is all. Thanks for reading.

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Undoubtedly BEST DRAMA OF 2023

I've been watching dramas for so long, I've been dropping a lot of dramas too, but this drama has caught me like no one else has done this year, I hooked up to it since the first episode was aired and got me waiting for it every weekend.

As a diehard fan of Lee MinKi and Han JiMin I was expecting the drama and it surprised me how I ended up loving all the mistery around the plot, the plot was just unique, it's definately a drama that can't be seen nowadays in dramaland, the ost was excellent, the acting, everything! If you love comedy, drama and mistery all mixed up, this drama it's a must for you.

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a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of cinema.

Past Lives is a captivating tale that delves deep into the complexities of rekindling old connections and navigating the ever-evolving dynamics of life. The film's premise revolves around Nora, who articulates the essence of her journey perfectly – a childhood friend from 24 years ago reduced to a mere image on her laptop 12 years later, only to emerge as a flesh-and-blood person once again.

The narrative subtly explores Nora's magnetic pull towards this long-lost friend, accentuated by her profound yearning for her hometown, Seoul. Their separation and eventual reunion rekindle a flood of memories and emotions, making us ponder whether their different cultural backgrounds and life circumstances will allow them to be together.

Past Lives elegantly unveils the perpetual struggle of life, the ever-present dilemma of sacrificing something dear for the promise of something new. Nora is forced to confront these choices, adding layers of depth to the storyline.

What sets this film apart is its masterful use of dialogue, which feels incredibly genuine and relatable. The characters are brought to life with nuance, and the cinematography, though understated, carries an aesthetic charm that enriches every scene.

It is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of cinema. It serves as a reminder that life is a continuous journey of self-discovery, woven with the delicate threads of past connections and the decisions we make along the way. This film, with its simplicity and engaging narrative, is a gem to behold.

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If it weren’t for NamKoong Min

If it weren’t for Namkoong Min I wouldn’t have finished watching this drama.

After about the 10th episode wondered why three guys were attracted to her, she was so drab.

By the end I didn’t care why they were separated. The brother/sister then love thing was creepy from her half brother and her step brother. Renaming her Hye Won, after their dead daughter, was creepy, too.

My favorite character was Namkoong Min’s character, Kang Dong Ha.

I ended up FFing through Ha Neul’s and Geon’s scenes in the end because I saw no chemistry. In fact I ended up wanting Geon with Hyo Joo.

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It was so good, like the ending how it was.

I'm late reviewing this one, but I really wanted to share my opinion (even if has been almost 3 years since they aired the last episode,). First of all, I couldn't be more disaree with almost all the opinions here I mean, I respect them, but Im disagree and makes me think we weren't watching the same drama and I have the same fight on twt while it was airing.

To all, I'm gonna resume it, this drama has it all, good music (excellent if u ask me, GAHO, Red Velvet and others made it up so well) good acting performance, good characters and even if you don't accept it, good plot.

You gonna feel binged to it since the first episode and gonna start to feel emotional about Dal Mi's story, You gonna feel angry and gonna want to know when everything gonna be revealed and maybe, if you are objective, you gonna accept the ending.

Here we go with the spoilers, everyone was so disappointed in 2021 when Do San got the girl and even now, I can find dissapointed comments on internet about how they just found out Sr. Han didn't got the girl and thats the only reason why people give to the drama a one star review, just beacuse they didn't like the ending throwing the rest of the story.

Yes, its true the relationship between DalMi's grandmother and Sr. Han, was one of the best things in the drama. It melted my heart how she loved him as a grandson and confort him everytime as soon they met again, but for a lot of people this got mixed with Dal Mi and Sr. Han's relationship and they assumed he has to be with her just because her grandmother. For me the ending was what it has to be, even if there were things that killed my braing while watching this drama (like the relationship dalmi have with her mother, I still cant understand why she had leave her and be ok with that, i know he apologized later, but even when that happened I cant still be ok with it), so the ending its the sum of all the things that happend thorough the drama and even if Sr. Han was so sweet, he had a lot of opportunities to be with her, but he didn't dare to say anything and Do San got all the opportunities and did even a little bit more for her... and well, that's my opinion upon to this drama. That's all. ^^

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Go for it

I really don't know why I gave 10 out 10 , may be I liked the story and the direction part ,even background or the chemistry between the leads or may be introduction of small characters like the reporter who always helped them or may be her cousin brother's character .
Story was about revenge . Main male character's family killed the female lead character . However she saved . She return back to her place after so many years to take a revenge for this she used the male lead's character . The different thing I had observed in the drama that hero knew everything except the actual truth . He knew that she purposely entered into his life but he ready to use and even he told her also that he knew everything and helped her till last . This difference I had seen in the story.
Atleast give a try to this drama dear viewers.

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Dong Yi (2010) - of course another Han Hyo Joo drama that is why I watched this one. I did like this drama honestly even if she was not the female lead, still I am happy that she is the female lead. This historical drama is one of the reasons why I started liking historical dramas. Dong Yi has a good plot and transition that I came to search what really happened in history of Korea all because of this drama. I also like Jin Hee’s portrayal as king . Even though this is a historical drama, I like the fact that the first parts of the drama is not that serious, though eventually it did get serious. I like the conflicts and I was affected with how the drama unfolded. Pretty much a recommended drama.

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