A Modern Kdrama with a Touch of Older Kdramas that Can Be Confusing and Unpredictable at Times
“Destined with You” is a drama with a mix of light and dark genres, which starts with a light tone, then the tone shifts, darkens as it gets more serious to reveal the backstory, and make viewers realise that they’ve been given clues along the way, and they just need to connect the dots as the story is unfolding, which means……it is also the type of drama that needs you to pay full attention or you will miss out on the details left by the writer/director. Trust me, I’d been rewatching while waiting for next episodes and found details that I didn’t notice on my first watch.
The drama does not spell out every detail for you due its non-linear narrative, but gives enough hints and details along the way if you pay attention. It does not hold smooth consistent tones from start to finish, nor are the characters all perfect and more akin to flawed human beings you find irl. The characters have layers and depth that you need to understand as a whole and if you only chose to see them from the surface, then you will definitely misunderstand them and their motives, actions etc You have to be patient with both, story and characters, in order to see it all unfolding and to enjoy it.
I missed the kind of feelings I get from Kdramas that remind me of how I fell in love with Kdramaland 13 years ago. Most modern Kdramas have become more westernised, most storylines and characters have become rather… ‘forgettable’. Kdrama has been losing its essence since few years ago that I switched to Thai/C/Jdramas that feel more like home.
But this one, is some kind of refreshments for me. It’s modern, but it also contains some tropes we saw in older Kdramas.
We have leads with FLAWS, which allows space for character development. We have dramatic, confusing and exciting plots - best when we watch it ongoing, sharing theories with other viewers.
My final say:
I suggest if you’re ready to start watching this drama, go with an OPEN MIND. Just go with the flow (it has non-linear narrative, so that’s where it gets confusing sometimes), so that you won’t be questioning why this happens, why this character did what they did, etc..
Don’t be too stuck up and too strict. This way you might end up loving this drama as a whole!
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A cute story with a unrealistic female character (and i know this is a fiction)
At first glance, 'Usokon' presents itself as a heartwarming romantic comedy that reunites two childhood friends who lost touch for ten years. Takumi, the male lead, approaches her with an unconventional proposition, to be his fake wife for six months.As the story unfolds, 'Usokon' initially weaves a charming tale of cute and heartwarming moments, where you can witness how this lie gradually transforms into their truth.
However, as the plot progresses, the portrayal of the female lead character, Yae, raises some concerns. She is selfless and sweet but her naivety and unrealistic behavior can be hard to ignore. The central conflict in the story becomes ... bonkers? as it involves a girl who had a brief relationship with Takumi a decade ago suddenly resurfacing and demanding Yae to go away, so she can be with Takumi. And she does!!!! This development feels unrealistic, with the character seemingly disregarding everything Takumi did and said up until that point.
While I initially enjoyed the dorama despite some minor annoyances, the appearance of this new character marked a downturn in the plot. If a conflict was needed to drive the story, it could have been approached in an entirely different and more believable manner.
On a brighter note, I found Takumi, Shindo, and Remi's characters to be quite engaging. I look forward to seeing these actors in future doramas, hoping for a more compelling storyline that does justice to their talents. ♥
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Extraordianry game with time. Nothing and no one is the same.
My idea about this series: After the first episode, I thought it would be a pleasant relaxing series where we have footage from the present when something happened and we go back to the past and the story tells us what and why happened in the past and also in the present... Reality: I was more and more out of it with each subsequent episode, I was yelled at sometimes in the 6th episode, totally psycho... who is who and at what time it happened, because the times didn't fit at all, neither the characters nor the names. From a pleasant relaxing time, it changed into a brutal game with time, storylines, and characters. I devoured this series in about two days. Thank you for releasing it into the world with all the parts at once. If it were done gradually, I would probably snap or stop watching it. The casting was 100% successful. Acting skills were at the highest level. This was the Ahn Hyo Seop I had been waiting for for a very long time. Not the artificial, conceited, most stylish one like in Business Proposal, nor such a bunny as in Abyss, or in 30 but 17. He suited me better in Lovers of the Red Sky but here in A time called you, he was perfect here from the first moment to the last. I enjoyed every scene with him. Also, Kang Hoon surprised me even more after The Red Sleeve. The boys did a great job playing both student and adult roles. And Jeon Yeo Bin was also awesome. How action-packed and funny she was in Vincenzo, here she was incredibly emotional and cared about every detail of her characters. Anyone who has seen Memories of Alhambra will surely recognize Min Jin-Woong, who he played as Hyun Bin's assistant and good friend. In this series, however, he got a completely different character, actually several characters...each different, but refined. I recommend watching this series when you have enough time to watch it continuously. I had to rewatch a few things again to better understand the storyline.Was this review helpful to you?
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I see it two times
I really like the story and overall acting. Now, I am waiting for season 2. I am from Bangladesh, after seeing this series I really start to like Xiao Zhan. I like to see more series from xiao zhan like this. And he is so cutie. I like his acting and after seeing this series I saw the Untamed which made me so emotion. At least 2 times I saw it. Again I want to see it. The longest promise is best action, best romantic. I think I almost finish the drama from Xiao zhan, I am waiting for new drama. In traditional customs, Xiao zhan so cute. I feel like I am crush on him.Was this review helpful to you?
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love love love
I was so surprised at every twist and turn. I loved how confident the female lead was. She was strong and talented on her own which made the male lead and her love even more amazing. I am glad that the "criminal" and "bully" got what they deserved, since its always so unsatisfying when the villain gets happiness anyways, but they showed the reasons leading up to why they become what they are.All and all this series was so packed with so many twists and turns that you are so excited for every episode. I am normally very good at discerning what will happen before it does but this one really kept me on my toes, especially finding out who the main villain(s) were... (0.0)
a must see for anyone looking for an amazing series.
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Visualmente lindo e bem produzido.
visualmente lindo e bem produzido.Achei a história confusa de entender no início, meu personagem favorito sem dúvidas é Chang yi, ele é tão profundo e lindo seja amando ela incondicionalmente, seja achando que a odeia incondicionalmente. Algumas partes e personagens ficaram esquecidos e por se tratar de muitos personagens fica massante, acho que deveriam focar apenas no principal, e portanto entra minha curiosidade do que há por trás de toda a situação com mestre imortal e a história dele, e o que isso tem de importante para o enredo principal. Nesse caso só assistindo a parte 2.
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Strong beginning, disappointing end :(
Spoiler alert!I watched the series by chance and my enthusiasm grew with each episode.
It really has everything: tension, romance, a well-constructed plot with unpredictable twists, the perfect cast and a great soundtrack.
I saved the last episode specifically to postpone the end a little longer.
Spoiler alert:
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Yesterday the time had come and I sat spellbound and full of expectations before the season finale. And then? I'm so disappointed!!! What kind of unsatisfactory ending is that?!
For me that's everything but a happy ending! ☹
I've seen her as a queen at his side, but no, they're still forced to live in two different worlds for the rest of their lives - with a few weekend trips. That's awful! You can also see her aged hands from time to time, which doesn't even leave room for another thought. Let's summarize: He is king and needs a queen and an heir. If he forgoes it in his world, then he might as well go into her world. She might as well go into his world and visit her dad/friends every now and then. With so many better options, why do you choose such a sad existence when you love yourself?
Other things aren't really conclusive either. After he restores order, everything that previously had to do with the two of them disappears - except for their plant and their memories. Of all things! However, this is not explained. It's just like that. I would be interested to know why exactly that doesn't go away. That is more than crucial.
The role of the little boy playing yo-yo also leaves some question marks. At the end it is shown that he was present more often than one thought. In the scene with Luna he is a child, but at a chronologically earlier point in time he is shown as a teenager and an adult. That makes no sense. It won't be resolved either.
And another question is on my mind... if Lee Gon can travel into the past and influence it, couldn't he have prevented his father's murder? It is later shown that he can not only travel back to this day, but much further.
This series would have had so much potential and instead so many opportunities are wasted ☹ In the end I found some things to be very cheesy (e.g. the scene(s) in the timeless space), but I can handle that. 😃 However, I have to digest the ending itself first.
I know, tastes are different and some of you may have celebrated the ending with satisfaction - because at least she remembers and they can see each other every now and then, but it left me deeply disappointed and with the corners of my mouth turned down.
Actually, there should be clues as to whether there is a happy ending or not - then you can save yourself the trouble of watching. Of course, I realize that this is not possible due to spoilers. But for anyone who doesn't like "non-happy endings", this is really depressing.
To end my post on a positive note: I found Woo Do Hwan really strong in his dual role - that was an unexpected surprise for me. And Lee Jung Jin, who likes to take on the role of the villain (see e.g. The K2), also played his part really convincingly.
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Light Hearted, Feel Good Drama
I wasn’t familiar with the cast when I started watching, just gave it a go since it was recommended on YOUKU. It was a sweet and lighthearted drama. Story plot was new and refreshing so it was interesting to watch. I didnt watch the older one released in year 2010 so it felt good to watch. Mid way it got a bit draggy , too much unnecessary dialogs and too long to capture the antagonist. As an overall it was a fairly nice watch with the cast, all of them played their role well. I liked all the different couples as they all had good chemistry overall. Very rare in a drama that everyone’s scenes were nice and well done.Was this review helpful to you?
Journey worth watching.
It's one of those few shows where one won't just watch it but actually feel the direction where the creator wants to take us. You know when episode feels short then sure short show's a hit. There are some nit picks here and there but won't mind it due to the overall development of main cast and even support roles have done fab. Kudos to creators for putting such efforts as majority of the action sequences feel supernatural and at the same time natural as one would expect.❤❤BONG SEOKAAA!!
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Definitely restarting this game!
This is one of the purest, well written and well developed Korean BL's! Particularly I`m a sucker for soft and easy-watching stories, and this is one of the best.The plot itself is really simple, and some could say it lacks drama, but for me this is what makes it so enjoyable. Having a not complex story in 8 episodes with 15 minutes, makes it really well paced with enough plot for us to enjoy. It doesn`t fill in with unnecessary drama and characters. The story, in the end, is all focused on the main couple as it should be.
The cast is really good, the main couple have great chemistry and the supporting actors also do their job really well.
When I was rating, I almost gave the OST a neutral score because it`s not really memorable, but the gaming music that plays in the post credit scenes its just SO right, that I needed to give it a 10.
This one is a great comfort BL that I`ll certainly rewatch in the future.
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Minami - not JUST cute
I started this for Hamabe Minami, on the strength of finding her cute and pretty. Happily, she proved to be a competent actor in this as well. The comic elements made me think it might have been adapted from a manga, but they never overpowered the stories.I was also impressed with the final episode. Ms Hamabe showed she could really emote, and the scenes with her and the amnesiac geko even got my eyes a bit damp - well done! It was also a pleasure to watch Okada Masaki in a VERY different role from Okitegami Kyouko. I didn't even recognise him at first, which is a tribute to his disappearing into the role.
Ooverall, a short, light and satisfying tale of a quest for justive becoming a path to personal growth.
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A Breezy Time Travel Romance
Time travel romances seem to be in trend and joining the foray is tvN’s latest offering “Twinkling Watermelon”. If you are wondering about the title (as I’m), maybe it is a mere connotation to the storyline which sparkles with youthfulness and has varied tones of friendship/love. Starring Ryeoun, Choi Hyun Wook, Seol In Ah, Shin Eun Soo in the lead roles, the drama premiered to high expectations and certainly it was worth the hype. The first two episodes set up the premise decently while introducing intriguing characters as well as the time travel element which pops up randomly. The storytelling is little out of place and at times without context (when they randomly switch between two timeframes), but the chemistry between the characters is reckoning and it manages to tide over those discrepancies. For now, I’m invested in this drama simply because the storyline is interesting and I’m hoping for some solid character development in the future episodes.Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/09/27/twinkling-watermelon-first-impressions/
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best drama 2023
just AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA..............................................£,£?&.'hxylxylkydghxcbvnkgkgvllbkhgkfjfuufufyddydyhddhxhcbcncnchchhccigiggiuffufuyffufuufuffuuftdtsarearadyhfchhchvkbbllbblblvjjchxxuduudyxyxzyyzzyzysysysyWas this review helpful to you?
Moving: A Must-Watch for Fans of Fantasy and Action K-Dramas
Moving is a new K-drama on Disney+ that takes a fresh and exciting look at the superhero genre. The series follows a group of retired superheroes and their children, who are now trying to live normal lives. However, when their past comes back to haunt them, they must once again use their powers to protect the people they love.One of the things that sets Moving apart from other superhero stories is its focus on family. The series explores the complex relationships between parents and children, as well as the challenges of living with extraordinary abilities. The characters are all well-developed and relatable, and their relationships with each other are one of the highlights of the show.
Moving also features some of the best action sequences ever seen in a K-drama. The fight choreography is innovative and exciting, and the CGI is top-notch. The action scenes are also well-integrated into the story, and they never feel gratuitous.
Overall, Moving is a superb K-drama that is sure to appeal to fans of fantasy, action, and family dramas. The acting is superb, the action is extraordinary, and the story is compelling. If you're looking for a new K-drama to watch, I highly recommend Moving.
Opinion:
I completely agree with your opinion that Moving is a very good fantasy K-drama. It is one of the most exciting and well-made K-dramas I have ever seen. The story is interesting, the acting is OMG, and the action is extraordinary. I highly recommend Moving to anyone looking for a new and exciting K-drama to watch.
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My Lovely Liar: A Fresh and Original Story with Some Execution Issues
My Lovely Liar is a new K-drama that tells the story of a lie detector and a mysterious music composer who come together in bizarre circumstances. The show has a fresh and original premise, and the chemistry between the lead actors is captivating. However, the writing is sometimes weak, and the pace can be slow.One of the things that sets My Lovely Liar apart from other K-dramas is its unique premise. The idea of a lie detector who can hear people's thoughts is both intriguing and funny. The show does a good job of exploring the implications of this ability, both positive and negative.
Another highlight of the show is the chemistry between the lead actors, Kim So Hyun and Hwang Min Hyun. They have great rapport and their romance is believable and heartwarming. The supporting cast is also strong, with notable performances from Seo Ji Hoon and Yeom Hye Ran.
However, My Lovely Liar is not without its flaws. The writing is sometimes weak, and the pace can be slow. The plot can also be predictable at times, and some of the twists and turns are not as well-executed as they could have been.
Overall, My Lovely Liar is a good K-drama with some execution issues. The premise is fresh and original, the chemistry between the lead actors is great, and the supporting cast is strong. However, the writing is sometimes weak, and the pace can be slow. If you are a fan of Kim So Hyun and Hwang Min Hyun, or you are looking for a K-drama with a unique premise, then My Lovely Liar is worth checking out. Just be prepared for some flaws.
Recommendation:
I would recommend My Lovely Liar to fans of Kim So Hyun and Hwang Min Hyun, as well as fans of K-dramas with unique and original premises. However, I would also caution viewers that the writing is sometimes weak and the pace can be slow.
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