Reviews

Wonderful watch

I really enjoyed this series. It's a very interesting plot that makes you contemplate what it means to be human and at what point would you start seeing/treating AI as such. Also what place they could possibly hold in society.

Thsi was also my first introduction into Seo Kang Joon. He played Nam Shin 3 with such innocense and heart that you really start to feel for him, even though he is 'just' an AI robot.

First I was worried for the ending, because K-drama's usually have 'realistic' ending where regular westerns shows mostly have a romantic ending. It was realistic, but still enough to satisfy the romantic in me. Absolutely worth a (re)watch.

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2nd lead syndrome

I absolutely LOVE period series. the clothing and landscape/style just captures me and keeps me engaged. Unfortunately in the beginning the main male lead (played by Kim Young Dae, whom I adore) is less than likable and in contrast the 2nd lead (played by Kim Woo Seok) is absolutely delightful and wonderful. He made me fall for Lee Shin Won and in later episodes, though Lee Heon does make a turn around, there was no possible way to switch my allegiance.

Because you know that she's meant to end up with Lee Heon I stopped watching, because at that point in my mind she was going to end up with the 'wrong' guy. Not since True Beauty have I seen a series that suffers from 2nd lead syndrome this hard.

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Nothing Much to say, perfect and beautiful

I already read the novel twice, and I love the novel so much. One of my favs novels.

How come Jing Boran can capture the 'presence' of the Lu Chen novel version perfectly?

First and foremost, I was kinda bit disappointed when I saw Jing Boran cause I never watched his drama or movies, and I kinda avoided watching his drama but was surprised!

Do not judge before watch it!

I remember when I watched Lu Chen (Jing Boran), got the feeling the way back when I read the novel.

Kudos to him, he's such a great actor.
He's make me think that
"Oh, Lu Chen is real, there's someone who like him"

The character itself, not so much "drama version".
Like So perfect, and got no flaw, whatever..bla but he's character is like down to earth. he's also feels insecure, have family problems.
I mean, he's real.
The one of drama that portrays male character perfectly. So much humane.
Not focusing 'oh he's so handsome or whatever'.
If you guys watch some Cdramas, sometimes the male characters like "fake". Like a....human robot but not Lu Chen.

The Chemistry is noch top.
Their scene so much warm.

Because of Lu Chen, have i been falling in love with Lu Chen itself
And...

And I want to give a hug to Lu Chen and Gui Xiao.

They deserve each other.
They deserve their own world and happiness.

I can feel, their love is so strong.
I love when Lu Chen always soften his expression when they together.

I also want to say thank you for Lu Chen and Gui Xiao, cause it's keep remind and soften my heart when think about love and relationship.

Lu Chen-
He's characters remind of someone,
Someone's who not good at talked but he's showing you through action.

Gui Xiao-
I always think Seven Tan is one actress who can portray any role this is given to her.

The story is satisfying cause read the novel itself,
So not much different.
Maybe ia m bit biased cause I love the novel so when it comes to the adaptation version, should not be a problem for me.

The story reminds of beautiful story.
I think beautiful is the perfect word to this story.
I can't think other words than this.
Oh, maybe you think it might be cliche but trust me, it's beautiful.

Beautiful in.....warm way.

Will come back again.
If you want to judge whether the drama is the best or not, you will only have two feelings after watched it:

You feel regret cause why you not watching the drama earlier
Or
You feel regret cause you already watched it cause the first time feelings that gives to you when you pick up the drama, its wont be the same anymore.

So, its highly recommend and i satisfied.
The novel and the drama.
Kudos to Director, actor to make this drama feel like a real 'road home'.

One of the successful adaptations version from novel to the drama.

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Amazing

Fantastic action and acting. This series makes you feel things and absolutely LOVE the characters. I've already re-watched it once because it's just that good. It's a group of people that goes around helping individuals when regular law enforcement can't (or won't) help them.

Hard action sprinkled with some comedy and heartfelt stories. Lee Je Hoon is absolutely amazing in this series. Every episode can be viewed as a stand-alone story but there is also a storyline that connects them all to culminate in the last few eps, both for season 1 and two. But why would you only want to watch one ep? Both seasons have a somewhat closed ending, so you will not be left hanging.

Supposedly a season 3 is in the works and I will definately watch it!

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This show follows wuzetian’s life albeit with several fictional touches

The warehouse administrator of the Tianhai Museum, Dagang, is honest and honest, with a plain appearance. He has always had a crush on Li Binghe, a beautiful and charming beauty and museum researcher in the same museum. Despite the strong backing of Li Binghe's twin brother Li Yufan, the various ways of confession prepared by Dagang in advance were still useless. But the real identity of this rich and handsome noble man is actually a thief who specializes in stealing antiques. The purpose of his approach to Binghe is to steal the precious Tang Dynasty cultural relics Tang figurines! Yuan and Binghe were involved in a car accident in the process of robbing Tang figurines, and both passed out...
In his sleep, Yuan saw the thrilling scene that Wu Zetian was about to be convicted by Emperor Taizong Li Shimin.
After waking up, he saw that although his sister was still awake, she had obvious signs of perception. After searching the books and asking the doctor, Yufan decided to sneak into the dream again, weaving stories and awakening his sister, so a bloody, shocking journey in the palace began quietly...

Here the historical antagonist prime minister zhangsun wuji has been substituted by famed alchemist yuantiangang (who bears resemblance to the antique thief); Empress wang (shuxiao) is no longer the prime minister’s niece but madam Wei’s adopted daughter; the title madam Wei is no longer held by wumeiniang’s sister but by the wang family; her sister in this version is a kind individual that does not want favor with the emperor (is killed by xiaoshu consort instead of wuchen consort) and her children never come to the palace to take wrongful revenge against their aunt; the significant role of king of nanchang; the appearance of the empress’ half sister (biological daughter of the wang family wangshuxian) who she pushed off a cliff but has resurfaced at court with a new face, and much more.

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One of the best korean dramas release this year 2023. The whole historical romance story of the main leads are really well portrayed. It's a really a heart aching drama. I cried a lot watching this one. I liked that I watch this one ongoing, because my emotions can't take it if I watch this in one go.

Aside from the love story, I really liked the side characters in the drama. Even with all the flaws shown by the characters, I can't help but accept them as what they are. I really am so convinced with the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess, they are also one of the characters that made an impact for me as a watcher.

Though the drama is political in it's aspect, which is usual in a historical drama, I like that it shows the perspective of the common people, though the monarchy is seen, it's not really the main plot of the story which is really a plus for me as a watcher.

The lines/script of the drama is well written, I am in awe. I would not rewatch this for sure since I don't want to cry again.

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Confusing, from beginning to end

This has got to be one of the most confusing miniseries' I've ever watched, because you can see what they tried to say with the story and at the same time, you can't. I have so many doubts about episode 1 but I can't remember them because they've been replaced by equally confusing doubts about episode 2!

The actual premise they wanted to execute is quite interesting, ghost of the lead's ex - boyfriend takes over the body of someone the lead detests, but ex - boyfriend can't let anyone know it's him in the body of the casanova, simple enough. They screwed up the execution though, and boy how! The thoughts and actions of the characters rarely line together, the dialogue and narration is so messy that it's impossible to distinguish between the flashbacks and the present, and there are so many plot holes. More often than not, it's like the ex - boyfriend cannot remember that he mustn't reveal his identity because he's dropping clues everywhere. There's a weird love square between the lead, the ex - boyfriend, the casanova and the lead's sister, I mean, you have to see it to believe it.

You can tell what they wanted to do though, they wanted to create something sad and angsty, but with the runtime and the way they bungled the story, there's only so much they can present. Interesting premise that just faltered.

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Inspirational! Exciting! Great cast! But...dragged on after ep13

"This show was a visual feast with its vibrant cinematography and skilled direction. The ensemble cast delivered outstanding performances, evoking a powerful sense of nostalgia for the 80s. Despite not being born in that era, the series sparked in me a desire to travel back in time and take up fencing myself.

Initially, I intended to have it play in the background, but Na-Hee Do's character captivated me with her persistence, fighting spirit, and personal growth. Moon Ji-woong injected humor into the narrative, while Ko Yu Rim and the remaining cast members offered average performances. However, there were several storylines that felt completely unnecessary. The series could have reached a satisfying conclusion by the 12th episode; the extension only diluted its impact.

Two specific narratives left me questioning their significance. Ji Seung-wan dropping out of school to raise awareness about corporal punishment seemed weakly executed. By the series' end, it became evident that this arc had minimal influence on the overall storyline. It felt like a two-episode tangent that lacked substantial relevance.

Similarly, Ko Yu-Rim's family struggles initially provided depth to her character, emphasizing how backgrounds can both motivate and burden individuals. However, the exaggerated portrayal of her father's car accident and the subsequent financial strain felt unnecessary. The lack of development for the injured character and the exaggerated circumstances made this arc feel drawn-out and tiresome.

Moreover, the sudden shift in Baek Yi-jin's behavior towards Na Hee-Do after her confession of love seemed jarring and poorly executed. The ensuing two episodes seemed misplaced and could have been omitted without affecting the storyline. His decision to change departments later on raised questions about why he didn't make that choice earlier.

Overall, I'd rate this series a 7/10. It had the potential for an 8, but the inclusion of unnecessary subplots that extended the show to 16 episodes detracted from its quality."

Hopefully, this captures your thoughts and organizes them in a clearer and more polished manner!

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Exclusive Fairytale

So this drama started as a masterpiece!! Very addictive. So cute. I personally don’t like love stories started as siblings but because of Jun I forced myself to watch it and I don’t regret it. I like the female lead too. She is so cute and I love her almost every drama. However, there’s something that made me lose interest in this drama. The second lead couple.!!! It’s okay if you don’t agree with me, this is my opinion. The second lead couple cringed the hell out of me. Super cringe and I ended up skipping their parts!! Some might found that cute and adorable but for me it’s not cute at all!! It’s not normal!!! It’s cringy af!! Before this drama I watched when I fly towards you and its second lead couple was the best and unintentionally exclusive fairytale second lead couple was compared to wifty second lead couple and exclusive fairytale second lead couple is a huge no for me!! Overall, a good drama,,, soooo cute but because of the second lead couple it took some more days to finish it than usual!!

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VERY SUBJECTIVE ABOUT THIS PIECE OF ART

I promised myself I will write subjective review about my first, and probably last romance.

I was foolishly seduced by the visuals and fell in love with the drama in first episode. It is BEAUTIFUL and UGLY and RAW and POLISHED, all at the same time. I am not joking it is really ART.

I loved everything about this drama except the ending. No matter how you define it I just could not see the option for the „happy (or bittersweet ending)“.

--- I need to point out that this is solemnly based on my personal preferences, so please avoid the hate if possible. ---

STORY/ENDING:
In my book happy endings tend to water down the story. Not all the time, but mostly. Overall if the script is so well written, and well made like really well made, I want to be happy with whole product. I expect more than I would expect from average dramas that I watch to kill time or to just escape the daily worries.

I really needed the balance.

The story was heavy but not unbearable so that final heartbreak would make me suffer in a manner I want to suffer. Like heavy, raw and unforgettable emotion. And that would make me sad and unexplainable happy and my Dearest would be probably one of my favs of all times. (I am in therapy no worries).

If the story was even sadder, more brutal and heartbreaking, happy ending might balance it out. I am not sure, this is just me...

SPOILER:
I do accept amnesia even though it can be explained, God that man was hit in the head like billion times... I just cannot deal with memory loss it is so unoriginal and it just does not fit. It is like a cheap patch on luxurious dress.

Of course my heart breaks for Ryang Eum but this scenario is realistic. I really loved that he was not just a loyal companion and childhood friend, his love was not mistaken for anything else. Ryang Eum loved Lee Jang Hyun, maybe all the wrong reasons were involved and maybe there is a pathological or toxic connection but at least it is acknowledged. Good one k-drama, good one.

WOMEN:
I loved, loved, loved female characters, all of them. The way they all managed to live in the world fill with misogyny, the way their lives were seen as less worthy but they carried the whole world on their shoulders. I really loved WOMEN in this drama. I want to say something deep but I just have pure love for characters, their differences and developments. So complex, so satisfying.

CONCLUSION:
There are so many happy endings drama, why couldn’t I just have this one?

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EXCELLENT BL DRAMA !

lets talk about the Cast first, OMG they are both cute, the chemistry is giving and is serving , I have nothing wrong to say about them, I love the cute short Secretary and a tall manager. I liked Parker here , it was my first time watching him, he really fits the boss character and Yao Shun Yu is so cute here so light in the eyes .. I like his exaggerated acting it was so cute Iove the both leads interactions it was so lovely
I loved also the group of , is that a group of secretaries ? they are so cute and they really shipped the main leads and the Vice president , I love him ! like everyone here I liked !
About the story, as we all know it was common, but something is different here , Taiwan office romance drama has something in it that even the fact that the plot is common , I can never really moved on easily ! a predictable story but so beautiful, specially the part where Shun Yu fell in love with The General Manager and then he ran away because he might be hindrance to the reputation of the General Manager or the company .. but I love it , I can feel every emotions it was light but it was also deep, it was common but it was memorable really really good for me, easy to understand and on point and love the progress
Let me just say that Taiwanese BL kisses are so so natural ! like OMG .. There is no awkward thing on their kissing scene ! this is what makes Taiwan BL are so special that even on fan services, they just kiss as easy as that ! like how come ! ? well I am not a fan of steamy kisses and bed scenes on BL's like I promise I would make it on fast forward ! but the kisses here is just right , it is natural I loved it it is so romantic ! ♥
Every scene has a song in it that really made me feel every scene , the chemistry is OMG I even shout whenever there are parts where they hold each other, funny at the same time , the couples are not too touchy , not too steamy just right , I love the songs so much !
All in all a very good one ! Taiwan indeed have something extra when it comes to BL , even it is cliche" plot you can never go wrong watching it ! Taiwanese BL is really remarkable and this added to my all time favorites ! .. I would definitely re watch this one again and again !
Parker is really handsome and the secretary boy is so cute hope to see them in other dramas again !

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Twisty Turny Plot

This was a fantastic story with lots of interesting twists and turns within the plot. I thought that all the actors performances were really great, considering what a deeply emotional story this is. Both sets of lead actors did an amazing job.
I found the plot to be a bit confusing at first but the I just kept watching until it all made sense. My only gripe is, it was a bit drawn out, and I think they could have cut back the flash-back scenes quite a lot. Also I didn't like all the loud violin music all the time. Overall it was a great show with a very satisfying ending.
... :~)

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A very childish and unrealistic drama!! ML is the most childish person in the whole drama.

The drama is popular just because of its mediocre story and a good FL. Pacing of the story is good for the 36 episodes, I looked forward to every next episode up to the finale. Cinematography was awesome, everything and everyone looked good! Part of the story was shot in Shaoxing, a lovely water town, it's interesting to see all these different cities in China from an outsider's point of view. The supporting characters provided a nice side story. The main characters have strong and willful personalities at the opposite extremes but in the end they grow up, so the rollercoaster of emotions as the story moved along is all worth it in the end. The soundtrack is also good.

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The road to the Top of the mountain is a very lonely journey

First of all, “Stand by Me” is not a typical, cute and fluffy high school romance drama. It gives off a vibe similar to that of “The Bond”. The drama talks of life as a high schooler back in the 90s and how they endure hardships and challenges. All the main characters come from broken families and most have lower socio-economic status. There are definitely some fun and lighter moments, but for the most part, this is not a very happy drama. But it’s a great drama nonetheless, if you know what you are getting yourself into.

There are many references to classic Chinese wuxia novels, Hong Kong dramas, movies, music and stars. If you are unfamiliar, you don’t miss much of the important plot. But if you are familiar (which I am), it feels very nostalgic in a good way. It’s similar to watching the very popular K-drama Reply 1988.

“Stand By Me” focuses on the journey of female lead Luo Qi Qi. We follow her from when she was an adorable and super smart young girl, living with her grandfather in the village. As she moved to the city to live with her parents, she was forced to grow up and it’s heartbreaking to see the outgoing and innocent young girl disappear. The drama spends the rest of the time telling the story of Qi Qi’s learning and discovering herself, identifying her goals and her dedication to achieving her dreams. Along the way, she met friends who supported her and encouraged her. But the road to the top of the mountain is a very lonely journey. Is she able to achieve her dreams with her friends?

A few quick bullet points on what I like:
1. Zhang Xi Wei who played the young Luo Qi Qi is fantastic.
2. I love the scenes of young Qi Qi and her grandfather. I wish I could see more flashbacks of them together.
3. Top notch acting by Zhao Jin Mai. She carries the show on her shoulder and runs with it.
4. The rest of the cast is just as good. I initially thought Wu Jia Kai (who played Zhang Jun) might be the weaker of the cast. But he grew on me and I think his acting improved throughout the drama.
5. I don’t question Bai Yu Fan’s acting, but I do question him playing a high schooler. He looks a little too older to be an 18 year old.
6. Love that the actors use their own voice. Big plus with live recording. This really adds to my viewing pleasure as there are many emotional scenes.
7. It’s nice to see a drama where the main characters are not geniuses or Mary Sues. They are all flawed and interesting.
8. It’s nice to see teachers who are decent and act like teachers.
9. It’s also nice to see parents who are real and not overly-bearing (just a little) or overly protective. They are not perfect, but the female lead’s mother actually communicates and wants to have honest conversations, after fiery emotions died down.
10. This drama is so real.

A few quick bullet points on what I have mixed feelings of:
1. This drama is so real. At times it was very difficult to watch, especially to binge. I do not recommend binge-watching this straight.
2. 30 episodes focusing primarily in high school is a little much. I lost focus and felt the pace slow down in the middle.
3. If Luo Qi Qi and Zhang Jun actually communicate honestly and openly, they would not have that many arguments. They make up and break up quite a bit (as friends).
4. I do hate Qi Qi a little bit sometimes for her stubborn and prideful personality. It’s OK to back down once a while and be considerate of others’ feelings. She’s an interesting character. I love her and I hate her.
5. The drama can seem a little preachy.
6. Romance is light, even for a high school drama. So, don't go in looking for romance.


Overall, this is a great drama. I can see why it has a high Douban rating (currently at 8.3,) as the local Chinese audience can definitely relate to what the characters are going through. But I am not sure the international audience will feel the same way, esp. if they are looking for typical teen high school C-dramas. I recommend this drama to all for its excellent acting and realistic portrayal of life in the 90s as a Chinese high schooler. I definitely do not recommend binge-watching this in 3 days. I tried and was watching this along with “My Dearest” (K-drama), and the cruelty of reality and life's challenges really got to me and I was very stressed out.



Completed: 11/20/2023 - Review #378

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its actually kind of good

i actually really liked it... despite the propaganda feels it had, it was pretty good. although the characters didnt have enough time to develop actual relationships, i think thats also reasonable considering the BAGGAGE they had. the two main leads had a lot of things to deal with from their past so they didnt have the ideal conditions to form a relationship really fast. they also both had their own goals in life, that bc of their past, they were extremely set on achieving. however, they also couldnt deny their feelings which is why their romance was a really slow burn one. i think it was pretty realistic, so if youre going for a typical romance drama this isnt it, this is real.

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