Reviews

Story fell through as episodes went by

Honestly speaking when I 1st heard of this show, I was excited bcuz it looked like a really good show with actors I liked. But sadly what I was met with was a huge disappointment. It started ok and I was heavily invested but somehow it got progressively worse as episodes went by. I was struggling to finish episodes and at some point dropped it but later on continued bcuz it was abt to end.
The main problem of the show was the really sh*tty writing. The characters had barely any depth to them. Their background was around one or two scenes long and I felt like they could've gone deeper bcuz they barely scratched the surface with them. And the plot was inconsistent. Some parts they gave us too much and other parts too little
I swear to God, the director has some sort of piss kink bcuz why were they peeing on things so much. I know it was only three times but tbh one is already too many times.
The only good thing abt this show was the acting. U can tell that they tried to give life to their characters but with what they were given, they couldn't do much.
This show was kinda like Only Friends but worse than whatever that mess was. imo this is not worth the watch. Save ur time and watch sth else. Just bcuz ur favourite are gonna be in ti doesnt mean its gonna be good.

Read More

Entertaining but too cliche

You name it and this drama has every cliche of daily soap makjangn such as amnesia,birth secret,hidden identity.but script does it in such an entertaining way so that one gets addicted. Drama has two villainesses.some things which i hated abt this dramas 2nd ML took too much screen time that at one point i started rooting for 2nd ML .i hate this type of feeling while watching drama.2nd ML had more chemistry with FL than ML..they gave 2nd ML very bad ending .why did writers treat 2nd ML in whole drama good if they had to give such crapy ending .abt FL hyun kung ,i am becoming fan of her after watching 2nd husband. She did very good acting of a mother whos son sucuumbs to death.i never watched FL turning to 2nd ML like shown in 2nd half of drama

Read More

A show that seamlessly balances of what you're currently experiencing in your watchlist.

Perfect Marriage Revenge is a wild rollercoaster of family drama, betrayal, and second chances that serves up a tantalizing blend of familial intrigue, heartbreak, and a dash of romance that had me hooked from the get-go.

The drama unfolds with intense emotions, unexpected turns, and a hint of romance. It's a captivating series that keeps you hooked with its intriguing mix of family secrets, love triangles, and the quest for justice. Plus, the cast is sizzling hot, adding an extra layer of spice to the already gripping narrative.

I could say a binge-worthy watch, blending the complexities of relationships with a touch of glamour, making it a must-watch for anyone craving a mix of emotional depth and plot twists.

Read More

Story line interesting

This is not a heavy drama but the story is very interesting the first few episodes it's quiet ok but after I watch another episodes I realized that the main plot it's getting exciting and interesting . On how their Love conquers all inspite of their different belief and misunderstanding.

This is the first time I've watch xencia because I don't like it, but I'll get curious on how many people got reservation to this drama, male lead is annoying on the first few episodes but as I continue I understand his character and I'm having trill to watch the upcoming episodes. I suggest to watch it till the end to understand the story well.

Read More

The Last Immortal

Feng Yin is a female spirit who has reincarnated into a difficult predicament. She learns that she may be the incarnation of a powerful goddess – or she may be a lowly spirit who has actually displeased the most powerful deity of them all. The only way to find out is to collect the pieces of her immortal essence. Fortunately, perhaps, she is not alone in her quest. Also searching for the essence is Gu Jin, the son of the “true” god.

Gu Jin has problems of his own to resolve, and his relationship with Feng Yin is complicated. The duo once had a master-servant relationship, but this has since been broken. Since then, he appears to have developed feelings for Feng Yin, who also admires and trusts him. Could love help them find a way to stay together – and solve the mystery of Feng Yin’s true identity?

Read More

Amazingly Absurd/Strangely Realistic

This project is helped by experienced actors and competent technical staff, but weakened by being a story with excellent setups but too little time to pay them off.

Among the things to appreciate in the story is the character interactions, the comedy which I found to be cringe and still ended up amused. Talented actors playing their roles pretty well and since it's a comedy you can expect more of the absurd to slap you on the face.

The strongest elements of the story came in the initial part, taking the form of a slice of life and the struggles of a father, in an unconventional job he can't speak much about, unable to balance both his home and work life. This is creating great strain to him and his family even though it's a family full of love.

The plot is weakened by an overarching thread that doesn't have the details and development that worked well with the slice of life elements. This I think for some will be a turn off. The mystery elements in the story didn't quite support the overall plot.

Thematically what I appreciate the most in this work is it's treatment of family life and marriage. In particular a modern marriage with all the flaws that make divorce almost inevitable without some extreme measures; and how meeting the needs of both involves lots of negotiation and sacrifices on the part of both; and the extent both the man and woman must push for each other to protect the relationship, even if it entails putting trust at risk. This is paralleled with the interactions with the extended family. Contrasting family as tied together by blood, friendship and/or marriage.

How many lies do we tell our loved ones? How do they affect our friendships and relationships with each other? What effect does it have in our relationships with each other? What does it take to stay together despite the many mistakes that we make?

As for it's examination of marriage and what it takes to make it work is quite poignant, considering drama explorations of marriage tend to be quite simplistic. For the marriage to survive and work out it involves making serious choices. Same is to be said when it comes to being a parent. Being a sibling. Being a child. Be it we are orphans who suffered exploitation and abuse at the hands of the authorities in our lives affecting how we have relationships with others; or grown up in a loving close knit family forced to take employment than traumatizes and warps your personality.

It is why I praise the actors while lamenting the overarching plot. The setup for too long for the type of climax we were being given, that I wonder if it would have been better to sacrifice it and have it as more episodic stories with the family's absurd shenanigans. True such a thing would get old real quick but it would be tempered by the growth each of the characters learning their lessons and overcoming their weaknesses as they suffer through the consequences of their actions.

Music and cinema work is excellent. Competent action and stunts. Music that works excellently with the story. Themes that explore the most important relationships we have in life. So the only things that hurt the show is plot and re-watch ability.

I'd give it an 8. Settings and Characters are not cliche though might seem to be at first. Explores a wide variety of themes really important to explore given the social issues of our age due to the breakdown of social institutions and public trust and it's impact on family and work life. Great visuals and costumes. Competent Action, drama and Comedy. Which would have benefited more from more time and care given to the characters and their development.

The set up should have been shorter or the story made longer with less repetition. Not bad story for a family to set up discussions about these issues, and the things we sweep under the rug. That element I think counts in favor.

This show is not for binging. It's more useful for family members to have honest conversations about the choices they are making and how they affect each other.

Read More

Hilarious rom-com

'Beautiful Gong Shim' was a perfectly balanced drama, blending romantic comedy with suspenseful twists. However, the last two episodes left me with mixed feelings. The one-year separation with zero contact and their swift reconciliation felt like a somewhat abrupt twist. Additionally, the absence of an apology from Gong Shim's sister, in contrast to the apologies she extended to Joon Soo, and the quick absolution of Joon's mother left me puzzled. Despite these moments, 18 episodes delivered pure entertainment, making 'Beautiful Gong Shim' a worthwhile viewing experience. Really cute and funny acting

Read More

This is the woman-centered character drama I expect.

The music, the visuals, and the acting of the cast are all perfect and fascinating. Every character has their own story and shines in their role, especially, the FL she's just shining in every scene and every time she appears on the screen, her charisma is on the next level.

The story focuses mainly on the career and life of the FL, she is a conductor of an orchestra, and she's a bold & straightforward person who always cruelly solves problems to achieve her purpose, and of course, a leader should do to leading a team.

Lee Young Ae is fr*aking beautiful, this is the first time I have watched her drama and the first thing that came to mind is SHE's GORGEOUS and her ACTING is incredible, there is no doubt that she's a veteran actress.

Read More

had my hopes up but ...ugh

Thank goodness this is over....I only stuck this out because of
Nani, Ohm and Phuwin.
The story could've been better and there are parts that were unnecessary like
the whole deal with Mink and her husband. If they had to have a story with the Nani's
character sibling it could've been done better. I found myself rolling my eyes and hitting
mute whenever the Mink character was on screen and her husband as well. Was not a fan of
the Tam character from start to finish. The character of Mac could've been written better because
I just found him annoying. I think the show would've been good maybe if it had
a writer with some imagination. Overall this show really wasn't a show about a group of college kids that are middle children in their families. That seemed to have been lost after the first ep. ?Unfortunately this is not a show that I'd rewatch even if its got Nani, Ohm and Phuwin in it.

Read More

Great Title But Nothing Else

I really, really wanted to like this series. With every fiber of my being, I was hoping it would come through at the end with something to make me like it; but it just did not. This manifests more like an ‘afternoon school special’ or a Hallmark movie. Seemingly sweet, cute, and feels adorable and you think has a point, but it really does not. It is all so superficial. It started out much like a light romantic BL with catchy music to draw you in, assuming this will be cheery, light-hearted, and charming. Unfortunately, this series is self-absorbed, unromantic, and honestly, irritating.
If you want to read my full review, pleas go to BLBliss.com.

Read More

Maybe I'm jaded?

For me, this was one of the worst shows ever. One of those dramas that at the end I'm mad at, because I'll never get the time I wasted back. Perhaps I might have felt differently if I had watched it when it was first released, and I was new to K-dramas. However, after having seen dramas done very well, this was hard for me to watch. I have to cut it a little slack because it is old - the production value was seriously lacking, and I think there have been developments in film value, etc.

I thought this drama was extremely slow and drawn out. The overused "misunderstanding" trope went on entirely too long. Romance was lacking, seriously. And can someone please slap whoever was in charge of the costuming? The worst.

I'll give my usual disclaimer, since I appear to seriously be in the minority. These opinions are just mine and you might enjoy it, but you will really have to get past the fact that it hasn't aged well.

Read More

A Classic that has left an indelible mark on the genre.

I am very late to the Goong party . Goong is far from being my gateway drama like it is for others , in fact I come in watching Goong with more than 50 dramas under my belt and it has been A WHILE , since one has kindled the warmth and love within me as Goong has. It's not just claiming a spot in my top rankings but is actively dethroning other contenders. A word of advice: savor it with top-notch subtitles, a point I'll delve into later.

Now , lets get into the review.

Story- Goong, undeniably, crafts a compelling narrative. I go beyond calling it good; it's exceptionally well-woven. Rich in elements and diversity, it fearlessly ventures into risky territories, setting a benchmark for dramaland. As a seasoned drama aficionado, spotting nods to the Goong playbook in other dramas was also an added delight.

The story navigates light plot points and dramatic turns .The drama's turns can be so dramatic that it might lead to frustration, and I see why others even dropped . The story, at first glance is a bit hampered by a continual repetition of conflicts but the characters explain why because it really is a loop of an evil fate being displayed and our younger protagonists need to rise to the occasion of defeating the generational trauma . These are 19 years olds forced to play a role that is nothing of their choosing or hearts desires . The messy road becomes coherent when one realizes the extreme weight placed on the shoulders of these youngsters forced into roles against their will.

Another point on the story - many things happen off screen and are inferred by the characters on screen in a highly nuanced dialogue that if you are not paying full attention or don't have good subs- you will miss it and call the drama illogical and wonder "how did we get here? Why are we still here???" but the intricacy is intentional. Goong, with all its pomp, is ironically subtle and understated, drawing from Joseon-era conventions. Recognizing these nuances in hindsight enhances the viewing experience, turning seemingly ordinary moments into beautiful revelations.
( i.e- some "first" realisations shown on screen are not happening for the first time and perhaps some "first" moments are not actually happening for the first time too. A lot is inferred but the viewer is sneakily given easter eggs to see this.)

As for the characters - they are wonderfully developed, capturing the realism of their young age. Immature inclinations, stubbornness, warmth, and empathy are seamlessly woven into their personalities, a commendable feat for the writers. The adults truly were dolls trapped in the palace and truly did not know any better and the inference of that makes their actions understandable.

Now for the acting - Its crazy that this is the debut of Ju Ji Hoon and Yoon Eun Hye .They really owned and bodied their roles especially Yoon Eun Hye.She is such a breeze to watch and the unrefined edges of her acting added to the charm of Chaekyung wonderfully . She did great justice to her role . As for Ju Ji Hoon- very good and his portrayal is the gold standard for the cold , mean male lead with a lot bubbling under the surface. The chemistry between the pair was very easy , not forced and quite pleasant . Dare I say - it was their ease that helped the sad conflicts be less burdensome. The supporting cast exceptionally excels, leaving no room for complaints.

Music/ Costumes- ahhh CHEFS KISS. One of the best OSTs in dramaland , one of the best insertions of it too that emotionally heightened scenes . Perhaps Love is so amazing and crazy that all this was released almost 20 years ago . The costume choices, though campy, contribute to the drama's charm.

Rewatch - A definite yes. This drama brought me so much happiness and truly crept into my heart . I really went in with low expectations but was beautifully rewarded .It will be fun trying to pin point when Shin fell in love , what really happened off screen and look at the beautiful quotes they all say with the benefit of hindsight . Plus ,there are some iconic scenes that are worthy of a hundred rewatches.

Observations- While the length is justified given the character development and moral exploration, 24 episodes might be excessive. Trimming it down to 20 could have improved the pacing, but it doesn't detract significantly from the overall score. For that it misses getting a full 10 marks from me though its a 10 in my heart .

Overall- as evident , I really recommend . Goong has that THING that makes K Dramas especially special .It is so sweet, and quietly understated and has more than meets the eye. Ideal for those who relish slow-burn romances, appreciate moral dilemmas, and enjoy the dynamics of push-and-pull coupled with character growth.

I also encourage viewers interested in the historical legacy of K-Dramas to dive into Goong. It serves as a dramatic screen playbook from which subsequent works, including those of Hong Sisters and Kim Eun Sook and others, seem to have drawn inspiration. Avid K-Drama enthusiasts will likely find these connections intriguing and enriching.

It is a classic that has left an indelible mark on the genre.

If you have read this far - thank you so much .

Read More