Reviews

A Chinese drama away from the white company interiors

I love simplicity. I love Everyman characters. I also love romance that is grounded and is a source of support rather than anxiety. I got all those traits here.
Yet again I found a drama that is set away from the cities and I loved it. There is something about those little town communities that strikes very close to your heart. The added bonus here is that the characters match the grounded setting and they too strike very close to your heart.
I am a fan of Jimmy Stewart and Tom Hanks. One thing they have common is their ability to portray Everyman hero. The male lead Gao Zhi Ting has that ability which is so rare in Asian actors. There is a simple charm about him that makes you like both him and the female lead Jerry Lin almost instantly. Then you have his group of friends, each with their individual struggles. But the biggest win are the parents. The way they are characterized is heartwarming.
If you like slice of life, if you are tired of the same old plastic suited stones, if you like to keep your family close you will love this drama. If nothing else watch this for the setting and the two leads. They are the real hook in this story.

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Fantastic Cast with a Subpar Script

Let’s be honest, the cast is the only thing that made this show watchable in the least. Many are praising Frame and Ryan for their chemistry, which they rightfully deserve, but I haven’t seen anyone praising the other cast members. Every single actor who played a member of the volleyball team, as well as Tan’s actor, did really well. They gave us really likable characters we could be invested in even though the writing failed both them and us. They all deserve SO MUCH better than they got. I really hope we can see some of them working together on projects in the future. Preferably ones that deserve them.

***Spoilers Below***

The writing…oof. I’d like to think they at least tried, I really would. But I’m not sure how much they did.
- The entire basis for the switch was thin at best to begin with and made no sense as the story went on.
- We never get to see anything that explains why Zee goes from wanting nothing to do with volleyball to seemingly wanting to play again. Maybe even liking it? There could have been some interesting storytelling if they explored his dislike of volleyball (I think we all understood why) and actually had him quit or showed him caving to the pressure to go back. But there’s nothing. At most we can presume he missed it once it was gone when he saw Sprite training that one time.
- It would have been a lot more interesting if someone on the volleyball side found them out. Eapecially since Sprite was SO BAD at volleyball to start. They made it seem like Tom might catch them bc his mom was also in the hospital but that went nowhere. Those brothers met IN PUBLIC several times but no one every stumbled upon them.
- Sprite needed to confess to First, if to no one else, waaaaaaay sooner. First gave him every possible opportunity to tell him that he wasn’t Zee and Sprite constantly chose to lie to him.
- Sleeping with someone then letting your twin, who is a complete asshole to begin with, interact with that person while being (surprise!) a total dick then wondering why he’s upset at you?! At this point I wanted First to tell Sprite to fuck off and never give him another chance. That was HORRIBLE. (And kind of SA-y to let him think he was sleeping with someone he wasn’t, imo)
- Many characters were made way dumber than they should have been for the sake of the plot.
- First’s sister and her friends at the end? And for that to be it, just left hanging? Was that necessary?
- The rest of the team never finds out about the switch. Not even Sam who is dating Sprite’s best friend?
- No consequences for mom forcing Zee to play this sport all his life even though he clearly didn’t want to.
- No character development for Zee even though he was so vocal about not wanting Sprite to be him, not wanting to play or go back to his life anymore, etc. Basically all gets brushed under the rug.
- Zero awareness or consideration by Zee or Salmon for the fact that the team has had Sprite around for months, that Sprite and First have been velcroed to one another or for the fact they KNOW Sprite likes First and First doesn’t know about the switch. Sure, Zee is a dick but what is Salmon’s excuse?
- The spy storyline fell flat. We never found out what he gave Zee or what it did to him that apparently resulted in Sprite playing that match. This didn’t feel necessary at all.
- The Tom storyline was set up waaaay too in advance for when we finally got answers and that also fell flat.

The last episode wasn’t as bad and disappointing as I expected it to be, but it wasn’t that good. It certainly wasn’t good enough to make up for the outright anger the last like five episodes gave me over the stupidity of Sprite and the story/plot.

In the end: I loved First. I loved Sprite when he wasn’t being so stupid and lying to the guy he liked so much. I loved a lot of the guys on the team.

I would set rewatch value to zero if I could.

I’m only giving this a 6.5 for the actors.

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drama carino... ma...

La storia ha una bella trama, ci sono tutti i presupposti per un drama di successo (trama avvincente, plot twist. triangolo amoroso, personaggi pucciosi e personaggi odiosi).
L'idea è anche innovativa: non credo, e chiedo scusa qualora sbagliassi, che ci sia mai stato un drama su CUPIDO.
Vorrei dire che è tutto splendido, ma in realtà delle pecche ce la ha:
1. La protagonista femminile è vuota, priva di personalità, o forse ha delle personalità un "po' troppo confuse". L'eccesso non sempre è un bene.
2. La figura della protagonista è a tratti inutile.
3. La protagonista ha uno sviluppo del personaggio pessimo: inizia con la scampagnata e poi...? potevano farla camminare un altro po' a questo punto, era meglio.
4. TROPPI personaggi per nulla e per niente approfonditi. A partire dagli amici cupidi di cupido, all'assassino.
5. Una serie di eventi di cui si può fare felicemente a meno sono stati sparsi lungo la serie.
6. Il second lead è qualcuno che mai ci saremmo sognate e va bene, apprezzo la scelta dell'attore, ma dategli almeno una scena degna dell'intelletto umano. Mi dispiace per la second lead che praticamente si è vista pochissimo e che meritava un degno spazio nella serie.
7. La protagonista non è in grado di difendersi. Per sviluppare questo triangolo amoroso sembrerebbe che abbiano deciso che la protagonista aveva sempre bisogno di due possenti uomini a proteggerla.
8. In un certo senso, non ho apprezzato il fatto che la protagonista dimostrasse un attaccamento quasi morboso al protagonista, con scenate di gelosia che potevano essere risparmiate.
9. La parte thriller non è preponderante e va bene tenendo presente il genere, ma appare un po' raffazzonata.


La storia è interessante però.
Dove stanno le ost???

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The Cast Really Saved this Series

I placed spoilers at the end of this review.

Overall, I enjoyed this series. This is a good example of why picking the right actors makes a big difference. I usually don’t start my reviews about this, but the entire cast are the VIP’s that really saved this series. No, I’m not just saying this because we get to see most of them shirtless and occasionally in their underwear. A big shout out for Frame. Considering this is his first series, he did a great job creating unique personalities for Sprite and Zee. The rest of the actors also did an outstanding job with the script. You would not know that many of them are relatively new actors. At first, I was really worried about the amount of side characters they introduced. However, I was pleasantly surprised that they did a very good job making all of them interesting. I actually remember who they were and cared about their side stories. Why were the actors the VIP of this series. It’s because there were two main culprits that prevented this series from receiving a 10 rating, from me at least.

The first culprit was the script. For the positive aspect of the script, most of the storylines are actually interesting and did a decent job laying out the major plot points. As for the negative aspects, it failed on giving us a proper follow through. Best way to describe the script is it’s like a bleary picture. You can almost see everything but just can’t make out the finer details. For me, the main storyline of the twins trading places became very frustrating towards the end. What is weird is they introduce some very interesting side storylines, but once again we don’t get the full picture about most of them. Instead of introducing even more story plots towards the end, they should have just focused more on the side storylines they already established in the beginning of the series. I appreciate a good plot twist, but they could have incorporated some with the other storylines. It does have a happy ending, but everything felt very rushed.

The editing was the second culprit. It didn’t do a really good job at indicating the passing of time throughout the series. For example, the first episode came across like it all is happening in one day. If it was not for some of the lines, I would have not known this was happening in a few days (weeks?). They also have scenes that seemed out of placed which caused information inconsistency.

Random Notes:

As always, I’m fascinated by seeing familiar location used in different series. The location for Sprite and Zee’s childhood/father’s house is the same one used in the series “Something in My Room”. What is really bothering me is I know I’ve seen the café used in another series, but I can’t figure it out. Yes, this is annoying me.

Maybe this was intentional, but the actors were actually wearing the “Twins” logo promotional uniforms in the practice scenes in the first episode.

******Spoiler Alert******

Despite my long rant in this section, I did enjoy watching this series and would rewatch it.

They did a decent job explaining some of the past events, but it could have been better. There is no explanation why Sprite and Zee’s parents separated or why the twins were split up. We also don’t get a real explanation as to why Sprite and Zee’s relationship is tense or what happen to make Zee become such an arrogant A-hole. What is really weird is we get a better explanation of why First and Zee hate each other.

The twins trading places made sense in the beginning, but gets really annoying towards the end. Once again, the editing did not do a good job indicating when Sprite and Zee were switching places. There is also no explanation why they are switch off different days. Why not just let Sprite continue in Zee’s spot and vice versa full time? Another thing that became frustrating was there were so many opportunities where Sprite could have explained everting to First about what was going on.

Instead of introducing more unnecessary storylines towards the last few episodes, they should have focused on the ones they started off with. For example, the storyline between Jack and Mike. They should have also focused more on showing Zee trying to expose his attackers instead of completely forgetting this storyline and then rushing it in the last episode. They should have also kept it a secret from the audience and let us see the mystery unfold as Zee looked for clues/evidence.

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Breathtaking drama with bittersweet ending

The K-drama period that I just finished watching is, without a doubt, one of the best ones I have ever seen. I was completely sold on it and couldn't help but be captivated by the cast's performances, the chemistry between the characters, and the intricacies of the plot.

While I was hoping for a happy ending, I couldn't give it a perfect score because of the bittersweet conclusion. However, there was an open-door possibility that the main lead would find a way to be with her lover. The mysterious voices she heard and the paintings she saw, as well as the appearance of a man who looked like the 8th Prince in modern clothes, all suggest that there is a chance for a resolution to their love story. Sadly season 2 never been produced.

I must say that I watched the entire series in a marathon, unable to let go of the story. The multiple love stories that were intertwined The scriptwriters finally got it right this time - they respected the timeline and nothing was rushed. They took their time to allow her to truly fall in love with her first love, and then to gradually unlove him. It wasn't until much later that she fell in love with someone else. The years apart were the perfect choice, and the scriptwriters nailed it. were all beautiful yet tragic.

The scriptwriters finally got it right this time - they respected the timeline and nothing was rushed. They took their time to allow her to truly fall in love with her first love, and then to gradually unlove him. It wasn't until much later that she fell in love with someone else. The years apart were the perfect choice, and the scriptwriters nailed it.

The love stories portrayed in the production were truly believable and heartfelt. Each storyline had a timeless quality to it that made it resonate with the audience on a deep emotional level. The themes of love, loyalty, betrayal, mistrust, jealousy, pain, despair, and even hatred were all perfectly executed by the talented cast. Every actor brought their A-game, immersing themselves in their respective roles and delivering performances that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. Overall, the production was a masterful display of storytelling that left the audience feeling captivated and emotionally moved.

As much as I loved the drama, I must say that I have a deep dislike for time travel dramas in general. The same old sad ending of the main lead leaving her lover behind and returning to modern times is something that I find predictable and cringe-worthy. It would be great if the lead could live in the past, or if she were given a real choice, rather than being forced into an unhappy ending.

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When the Characters are Worse than the Acting

13 episodes in, I was still mildly curious about the FL's story and her past. I liked her character a lot. No shallow, silly behavior. She's confident, smart, and strong. She's good to her friends and those who work with and for her. No entitled bitchy attitude. I liked the FL's friends and their relationships with her. I would have liked to see her story through to the end.

I don't despise the ML's character although he's pretty full of himself. Unfortunately, he wasn't enough to keep me invested in him or their relationship. His character didn't seem worthy of this strong woman. And whoever was responsible for his wardrobe choices needs to be fired. Some of them were pretty awful.

So why did I drop this like a hot rock?

1) Most of all, the little sister - this actress looks like she's 12 years old, and always manages to behave like a petulant, spoiled child who just needs to leave the room. I was fast-forwarding through all her scenes from the first episode she appeared in.
2) The ML's assistant - who is just a useless lackey who couldn't care less about his job or his boss. In the real world who would keep such a moron by his side anyway?
3) The housekeeper - who got away with everything and who nobody made accountable.

Sometimes the good outweighs the bad, especially with so many episodes but there was not much good in this one. As mildly interesting as this started out to be, there just wasn't enough tolerance to put up with some of these characters (especially the little sister!) I hope the FL will get some better scripts and roles that will showcase her talent.

ZERO re-watch value.

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Rewatching because it’s so good

ML & FL have strong beautiful chemistry. They should do a modern drama together as a couple. This drama gives you so many emotions. I love how their relationship develops and how ML is over protective of FL. ML is faithful to his friend, the Emperor. However, he is over protective of FL, Yang Mi. I am rewatching for the third time. I love that the ML is clear about his feelings for only her even when he tries to fight his feelings but gets jealous of her easily. Especially, when others pay attention to her. He is attracted to her especially when she dresses as the female she is instead of his student. All characters are good in their roles though some are hard to like because of the things they do.

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A Top Kdrama of 2023

This kdrama has become probably one of my favourites of all time! I was a bit unsure when I first began watching, but as a fan of Woo Dohwan, I figured I'd see if I liked it.

The storyline throws you right into the mess in the first episode which was a bit of a shocker, but it worked well with the production of the show. I really enjoyed seeing a drama where it focused on friendship without having side-plot romance. Gunwoo and Woojin's friendship and as people on tiktok say "bromance" was really comforting to watch develop and strengthen throughout. I also really liked how Gunwoo's character wasn't your typical "mafia-esque" male lead; I liked how he was kind-hearted even to those on Myeongil's side, and that he never became this rugged criminal that's happened in many other shows I've watched. It was nice to see a balance with Gunwoo and Woojin, where Gunwoo is more reserved and soft-spoken, Woojin is more extroverted and sarcastic.

Overall this series was amazing and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys revenge dramas. There is a decent amount of gore so watch at your own discretion, but my rating is a 9.5/10

Ps. Du-yeong's death broke me

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Unbelievably real and hardworking drama... Love was put in this project and I wholeheartedly felt it

A true ode to psychiatric professions with imo perfect execution... that gives brightness and dignity to heavy topics.

How needed was it...I did not even realize. not just for Korea but the rest of the international audience. It is just strange execution. Very careful, I would say.

Viewers are constantly made to be switching perspectives. First you are a sufferer, then caregiver, and then parent or a loved one, and then friend of a sufferer. Too many! And regardless, each perspective was never superficial, exaggerated or careless take on the topic.

About lessons...
In one memorable episode, in bouts of frustration, a depressed patient expressed their rejection of diagnosis to their bipolar neighbour. And in response, the bipolar patient said how "when our ear hurts we trust ENT doctor to know what to do. When we get stabbed we trust surgeon to know what to do. Why don't we trust psychiatrist to know what to do when our mind is sick. We are not objective about ourselves. That is why we trust them." -- Something along these lines -- I absolutely loved these peaks of non pretentious wisdom.

I am proud of the director.
Also the male lead was absolutely refreshing and charming in his quirky ways. (i might have changed my husband preferences)
Want S2 for relationship development.

Do not miss. Despite heavy topic, you leave with important lessons and light spirit.

--How privileged is to be a neurotypical and how much more empathy we can offer!

Thanks for reading!

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annoying

dropped on episode 6. like a lot of viewers as I read later. it was difficult to continue watching, and after episode 4 I just watched in order to finish it, but it was too annoying. it's very frustrating because the synopsis was good and the ideas were so unique. but, they failed to deliver to same level of content after episode 4.

I realized watching this that I really appreciate story about people who can see (guess) the future. it could have been a very good drama, but they just stick to one scenario: she is kind and naive, and the bad guys are powerful and heartless, and the poor little thing just get out of this mess by the grace of gods (and a little bit with her ability).

for the story to exist she must lie and conceal everything she knows, and this is more and more artificial over time.

when to watch? if you have nothing more interesting to watch
audience: family friendly

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