It is better than my expectation for a romcom
Just completed this on xmas 2023, and it is better than my expectations for a romcom.Consider this if you are looking for a drama to watch this year end - easy watch that has happy endings!
While the FL's disease/spell is far-fetched (the fantasy part), the cameos of her new identities convey meaningful messages on loving someone beyond outer appearance, dealing with unexpected happenings/ lemons in life, and embracing new identities to help others. There are heart-felt reflective moments in this romcom with a dash of fantasy.
Love the FL's performance and the exceptional friendship she have with her two buddies, and the romance of the second couple is predictably good - I kinda know and hope the second couple will get together and indeed they did.
Actually watched this drama for the ML Lee Min Ki, but was kinda disappointed. His deadpan look from Because This is My First Life (2017) seemed to have followed him in this drama. He was funny with that deadpan look in Behind Your Touch (2023), and while it was still convincing in First Life, it backfired in this drama, even though he is suffering from Prosopagnosia.
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Itaewon, we need to cook
Itaewon, we need to cook.As a show about revenge, pride it was pretty entertaining and engaging.
There were some points where nothing was really happening or when they bait you into thinking someone will betray someone at the end of the episode. Which was kinda pointless since it would just mean the ending of the plot. The ending is abit unsatisfying, but the lack of compelling subplots, next to a much more engaging main story makes this abit easier to digest.
The development of some of the characters was quite good and made sense most of the time.
The main character is likeable and has a really nice personality, as well as understandable flaws. The acting is quite good, especially from the president of Jangga. The main female character was very iritating to watch because she reminded me of someone I knew. Toni is the best character.
The music is pretty good but not as dramatic or iconic as something like Descendants of the Sun.
The title drop, despite being somewhat organic, was abit lacking and didnt feel as satisfying as some other titledrops.
Overall, an enjoyable watch, which I supplemented with a bag of nongshim shrimp crackers.
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It was good!
To begin with, even though the plot might appear cliché, I have to mention that the way it was done was outstanding! The show was enjoyable. The performance of Gemini and Fourth shocked me; their chemistry brought intrigue to the series.Their on-screen chemistry was so real and sincere that I couldn't help but cheer for them right away. Their slow-burning romance was expertly shown, letting their bond grow organically and elevating each moment they shared.
Let's also discuss the OST! The music was incredibly captivating. The OST gave the show a whole new level of complexity, from the memorable theme songs that I couldn't stop listening to for days especially the songs, You've Got Ma Back and Smile Please. I felt even closer to the plot and the characters as a result.
Even if the plot of My School President is common, what really sets it apart is how it was executed. I strongly advise watching this series if you want sweet romances with well-rounded characters and an engrossing OST. This is a pleasant tour that will make you feel good on the inside.
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Filled with fillers!
Main reason I dropped the show isn't because of the story per se, but I just don't feel that attracted by ML, FL or both of them. Nothing specifically charismatic here, despite the ML being actually cute as a person, but the character here just doesn't quite cut it.As for the show, It's unnecessarily draggy and gets boring over time. It started out funny and somewhat exciting for first few episodes, and it just gets boring. It's actually quite nice and funny, but it's not something that needs 16 episodes. well, it's a typical long-winded Kdrama style lol... Honestly, its not that bad, its just too much fillers for me, so i ended up skipping parts.
But, if you like something easy to watch, and just relax, give it a try.
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Toys with my Emotions - Makes me Smile one minute and Cries like a baby the next minute.
So much praise has already been showered on “Twinkling Watermelon”, so I came in with high expectations because everyone seems to love it and it has an impressive 9.2 rating right now. I am glad I wasn’t disappointed. I knew it’s about going back to the past but I wasn’t expecting to be smiling one minute and then crying like a baby the next. I thought the drama would be full of funny moments of a bunch of teenagers messing around and forming a band, and then cute and fluffy moments of teenage love. Little did I know that this drama is so much more.I don’t think any Korean teen dramas have impressed me this much, that honor usually goes to C-dramas. So, I am really happy to have waited for the right time, the right mood to watch this. “Twinkling Watermelon” does an excellent job in combining different elements of family, friendship, first loves, healing, hardships, mystery, and finding yourselves. A drama can easily lose its identity when it tries to do too much, not this drama.
I enjoy many of the songs in this OST. I love the band's performances and wanted to see more. Everyone on stage, present and past, is charismatic and a joy to watch. Ha Yi Chan is full of sunshine and energy. He’s the perfect frontman. He exudes joy. Ha Eun Gyeol is the cool and good-looking guitarist with crazy charisma. The supporting bandmates also seemed to have a lot of fun performing.
My eyes can’t stop following Ryeoun. I didn’t find him this attractive when I watched him in “The Secret Romantic Guesthouse”. In fact, in my review I said he’s pretty but acting is not that great and lacked charisma. What a change in “Twinkling Watermelon”. I might have developed a little crush on him. His acting has improved so much. Choi Hyun Wook has a similar energy that I got from “Racket Boys”. He’s such a sweet and his character really grows on me throughout the drama. His friendship with Ha Eun Gyeol, and relationship with his grandmother are beautiful to watch. Actually, everyone’s acting is great in this drama - the young ones and the veterans. I love that sign language is used throughout the drama, and many different actors and actresses use it. I applaud them for learning a new language and I am sure it’s not easy.
When it comes to romance, I want to put young Ha Yi Chan and Yoon Cheong Ah in a tiny little box and protect them from all harm. They are so sweet, so cute and so precious!!! I am especially touched by Cheong Ah’s story and love how their romance is developed. The present day parent-couple is just as precious. They live so passionately and so freely even with a disability. No wonder they raised such a Mr. Green Flag in Ha Eun Gyeol. I don’t feel as strongly for Eun Gyeol and Cho Se Kyeong’s romance but I like how they supported each other in the last few episodes.
If I have to pick on this drama, it’s that bullying is everywhere in all K-drama genres. I know it’s hard to avoid that when we have a central plot around people who are hearing impaired. But I still wish there are other ways to tell the story without such a focus on bullying. I also find Choi Se Kyong/On Eun Yu a little too loud and annoying. I didn’t really care for her character much when she came back from the US. I also would like a little more explanation on why the Master is who he is, and how this all happened.
I strongly recommend this drama if you are looking for something fun yet heartwarming and touching. This drama toys with my emotions! It also has great acting and music and a good-looking cast.
Completed: 12/25/2023 - Review #386
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Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow
1 people found this review helpful
surreal
"Ele é a luz que protege o mundo e ela é a sombra que o protege e absorve a escuridão em volta dele" te amei muito alquimia das almas ?❤️?.Em luto porque a Coreia provavelmente nunca conseguirá reproduzir uma obra tão grandiosa como essa.
tudo sobre essa história é completamente avassalador, os personagens, os dilemas, as tramas e a construção de todo o enredo em si, muito inteligente. Enquanto a primeira temporada foi melhor, a segunda também não me deixou de surpreender.
Alchemy of Souls é um dorama pra se apaixonar, chorar e sofrer porque nunca serei um mago poderoso de Songrim ou uma sacerdotisa com poderes divinos de Jiwowyn.
Sou apaixonada por romances e esse foi avassalador e devastador da melhor forma possível, é muito visível o quanto eles se amam e necessitam um do outro. Desde o primeiro episódio eles se cuidam e mantém um ao outro vivos e eu acho isso muito especial, esse sentimento é surreal e de outras vidas. Me apaixonei pela Cho yeong e Jang Uk, me cativaram de verdade. Já estou com saudades painhos amo demais voceeeess meu jovem mestre preguiçoso e minha mestra impiedosa.
Realmente, é melhor morrer do que não fazer nada minha rainha Mu-deok! ❤️?.
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if you come for the title...
you'll probably will satisfied.The sexual scenes in the story are intense and captivating, and the kiss scenes are particularly well-written. However, the overall plot and character development are lacking. The story feels dull and predictable, with no significant changes or growth in the characters. While the story was enjoyable, it didn't have a lasting impact or evoke strong emotions. It didn't leave a lasting impression or move me in any meaningful way. the movie may not have a mature or sophisticated storyline, but it contains content that is not safe for work (NSFW). This could mean that the film includes explicit or inappropriate material that may not be suitable for viewing in a professional or public setting. It's possible that the movie may focus more on sensational or explicit content rather than a complex or thought-provoking narrative.
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Charles Perrault should sue
This show looked promising early on but ultimately it is a let down.What is bothersome is that this is not a bad show. It is watchable and mostly harmless, but it is surprisingly ordinary and has little substance.
Noona romance is hardly new to the drama-verse but this show has such a pedestrian script which is not aided by the large ensemble cast of one dimensional characters.
Don't get me wrong. There is a lot happening but the A-plot and sundry subplots are mostly inane and tropey. I won’t even mind if the show is super fluffy, but it ended up trying too hard to be funny, edgy and poignant. It is not a winning combo.
We are presented with an klutzy and naive FL right from the start. There is a strong hint of the Cinderella trope. You’d rightly expect her character to grow and transform over time into something special. To the contrary, her character stays gruffy and annoying for the bulk of the run. She acts like a 39 yo virgin but in the most cringey and awkward manner.
I also find it hard to ship the love triangle. It is just not convincing for me. To wit, ML1 is a hunk 15 years her junior with his pick of beautiful girls. Yes, he said that he loves her because she is kind, sweet and cute, really? Am I watching the same show? It is a hard sell.
Ditto, ML2 has a crush on her for years. Of course, they are the worse frenemies until it is too late. Once again, ML2 is mature, talented and handsome. He also has his pick of superior female admirers, but he is loyal to the FL to a fault. Go figure.
The stories related to her two besties are meant to be saucier, but it is so predictable. Plot by plot, they have a home in this genre, but the sum is definitely less than the parts in this case.
There is a mini breakthrough in ep.9 but the good times never last and we ended up with another about face before the episode is over.
In the end, this type of drama can work and there are fine examples out there. However, this show never really engaged me and I find it hard to ship the OTP. This is a kiss of death in my book. I felt detached for much of its run. I hung in there hoping it would get better. . .
OST is functional but I find it repetitive. Rewatch? You jest.
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It's a good day when you forget this is a C-drama ...
It's a GOOD ASS DAY when you forget that this is a C-Drama, so you breathe a sigh of relief. What do I mean by that? I'm talking about the friendship between Li Xun and Ren Di. From the first episode, you could tell they had a connection. I was terrified that they might've had a thing, but once I remembered this was a C-Drama, I knew I could relax. This strong connection was friendship. Low key most underrated friendship in this whole drama.What this drama does well is tell the story of growth. University is a false reality. I know since I'm in it. A lot of things happen here that don't carry on, whether that is success or relationships. Their university journey starts with finding their first love and that going to total shit. We see our FL evolve from a timid good girl to launching into a grenade to protect her man. We see our ML evolve from a self-involved brat know-it-all to a man who knows he is no longer only responsible for himself, but the people in his life.
I love Chinese dramas. Why in particular I say it about this drama? Because they know what we want. They give us that romance build up. They give us that happy ending. They give us that wedding. They give us that baby. Sure, 2/4 of the things are implied (never showed a "real" wedding or the baby) but it happened.
Why only an 8.0/10? ML was such an asshole! Like too much! There's asshole, and then there's Li Xun. He was really a bully, but like I mentioned earlier... University man... But she likes that shit, clearly. I mean, sometimes I too imagine... wait, sorry, this is Goodreads. Anyway...
Final note: HER MOM IS THE FUCKING DEVIL. OH, AND I LOVE THE DAMN SOUNDTRACK.
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Deeply Engaging Story, sizzling chemistry between Lusi and Anyu and Wowza! Special Effects!
I am addicted to this show. On days it is not telecast, I watch reruns of the episodes or youtube clips of spoilers.I started with a noncommitted approach but by the end of Episode 2- I was hooked - line and sinker.
This Chinese drama is an epic rollercoaster ride filled with mind-bending mysteries and heart-melting romance that will have you hooked.
The storyline is straight out of the cosmic universe, blending ancient legends with futuristic vibes that will leave you saying, "Whoa, that was lit!" ? Imagine a world where immortality is within reach, but at what cost? "The Last Immortal" delves deep into this concept, offering a fresh twist on the age-old quest for eternal life.
The characters in this show are like squad goals incarnate. Gu Jin played by the ridiculously talented Wang Anyu brings a boyish charm to his character. You'll find yourself shipping Feng Yin / A Yin ( a brilliant Zhao Lusi) with both the leads (no spoilers here!), and trust me, the chemistry between them is off the charts!
Now, let's talk about the visuals. The cinematography in "The Last Immortal" is straight-up dope! ? From breathtaking landscapes to stunning CGI effects, every frame is Instagram-worthy. You'll want to screenshot every scene and set it as your wallpaper, no cap! ??.
And the soundtrack? Major bops all around! ? The music choices in this drama perfectly capture the feels of each moment, whether it's an intense action sequence or a heartwarming romantic encounter. You'll definitely be adding these tracks to your playlist ASAP! ??
But it's not just about the visuals and music; "The Last Immortal" tackles deep themes like love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a higher purpose. That's some real woke content right there! ??
"The Last Immortal" is a must-watch for anyone who craves a thrilling blend of mystery, romance, and futuristic vibes.
Get ready to be shooketh, fam! ?? #TheLastImmortal
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A goblin, grip reaper, fox, alien, vampire, and now a demon!
It's like collecting Pokemon, and now there's another piece that fits into the puzzle.If you looking for something incredibly new and mindblowing, then this is NOT it; if you looking for something light-hearted that has beautiful visuals, comedy, and romance, and to just pass the time ~ this is it!
The story takes the typical cliche and mixes it to make something unique using;
- A female CEO who is rich and strong ✅
- A demon who becomes a bodyguard ✅
- A contract marriage of convenience✅
- A murder mystery surrounding a chaebol conflict ✅
- Past life lovers (?)✅
The humor and the chemistry are captivating in many scenes; the love between the leads can be felt through their eyes and actions. The annoying and creepy characters (especially the family of the FL) keep you on your toes. And some of the characters (cough second FL & ML) make your blood boil.
The story was consistent in delivering and keeping up with the pacings, chemistry, and romance through! Honestly, give it a shot and it will have you hooked on the first episode!
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An All Time Classic with the perfect mix of Action, Fun, and Drama!
Where do I even start with this amazing K-Drama? I may be slightly biased with this K-Drama because of the obviously heavy focus on Catholicism but this k-drama instantly hooked me in the very first minutes of it. The character introduction of Father Kim was instantly iconic, the presentation of how he moves and his fiery personality made him larger than life. Kim Nam Gil does a perfect and flawless job in his portrayal of Father Kim, nobody else in Korea could have done what he did with the role. Right from the start The Fiery Priest does a wonderful job in establishing the tone of the entire K-Drama showing both a comedic side and a more serious side while adding in some actually pretty amazing action scenes with some fantastic choreography which is always a crucial thing for me when it comes to watching a K-Drama. It never strays away from the set tone once throughout the entire series. It expertly mixes it all together allowing for the viewer to laugh and enjoy the really fun and happy moments while feeling the emotion of the serious scenes.One of the biggest motifs of the Fiery Priest is redemption focusing around Father Kim redeeming his two main partners in taking on the corrupt council that runs Gudam. It handles redemption in a perfect pace allowing for a proper pay off of Father Kim's two main partners. His first partner, Goo Dae Young, starts off as a foolish unlikeable corrupt goofball and turns into a brave passionate police officer who wants to protect the innocence at all costs while still being a goofball. Kim Sung Kyun does a great job in showing the duality of both forms of his character and acts as a great counterpart to Father Kim. Father Kim's second partner, Prosecutor Park Kyung Sun starts off as a crazy dirty backstabber who wants to get promoted at all costs and becomes a cunning brave, smart, and bold upholder of the law even if it makes her lose her job. Lee Ha Nee does such a perfect job with the role, really owning the craziness of the character. All of this is done through Father Kim's influence over them. Another person Father Kim influences in a good direction is Goo Dae Young's rookie partner, Seo Seung Ah, while she starts off already good and wanting to take on the corrupt Gudam gang, Father Kim makes he really brave and even stronger in her pursuit of doing good, I loved how Geum Sae Rok made her such a loveable character right from the start.
One of my favorite things the Fiery Priest did was it gave every main character a proper backstory on why they do the things they do which allows for a more in-depth look into the psyche of the character giving even more life and a feeling of natural connection to the characters. It's truly amazing how many character's got a proper backstory. The Fiery Priest held consistent to this all throughout the series which showed the screenwriter and director really knew their characters.
The supporting cast was fantastic with Father Kim's fellow clergy to his friends around Gudam especially Ssongsak, his growth as a character was amazing throughout the series, becoming a character I couldn't wait for the next scene he was in. Hwang Cheol Bum and his gang especially Jang Ryong were great fodder to Father Kim's fiery path of justice. Everything about this cast from the top to the very bottom was pure perfection, I wouldn't even change a single casting nor remove or add any single character.
The pacing of the Fiery Priest was perfect, it never once dragged on for even a single second. Every single scene had quality and entertainment which kept my eyes glued to my tv at all times watching this perfect K-Drama. The one slight disappointment I had was the quality of the filming which isn't the fault of anyone really, it's what SBS had given to the director but he did a wonderful job as is with it. The soundtrack from the OST to the background music is amazing, especially Hero by Norazo, it's such an energetic track that matches the fire and passion that Father Kim has.
This is my second K-Drama I have watched that was directed by Lee Myung Woo, the first I watched of his was Backstreet Rookie which was my first ever perfectly scored K-Drama, this man really knows how to put together a perfect cohesive and consistent K-Drama. Seeing Eum Moon Suk and Ahn Chang Hwan who both appeared and interacted with each other in Backstreet Rookie again in the Fiery Priest made me so happy, especially how they both developed a friendship toward the very end.
One final thing, I really loved how The Fiery Priest respected and treated Catholicism with honor and due diligence. Never once did I find anything disrespectful or offensive to my faith. Father Kim has become one of my all time favorite Catholic non-fiction heroes, he might even be in my Top 3 now next to Daredevil and Robocop!
I really really really love The Fiery Priest, I can't wait for the rumored second season! I'd recommend this K-Drama to absolutely everyone!
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