Reviews

Controversial drama with disappointing ending

This drama has stellar cast and production quality is superb, but the plot and message behind it are very controversial, to say the least.

The first 4 episodes were a solid 9, though heavy-handed, insensitive religious patronizing can be clearly seen from the very beginning. But after episode 5 it rapidly went downhill. Episode 6 was like those countless crime dramas about exaggerated corruption and untouchable chaebols with over the top acting and resolutions. Very meh.
And the last two episodes were drilling on the same message - suicide is a selfish act, it's not about you, you should keep on suffering for the sake of others. The only insightful part was about a suicidal salary man, who basically started the chain of events that lead ML to his own suicide - it showed ML the ugly reality of that dream he so desperately wanted to have, the one the government and society kept on brainwashing him to strive for since he went to school. But they never delved anywhere further with that. Instead of guilt shaming ML with his mother for the whole episode they should have explored what ML really wanted in life, how can he be true to himself like he said he wanted to. Is being a cog in an uncaring corporate machine what people really should strive for in life? Just such a waste of potential here narrative wise.

But as it is, this drama didn't try looking into the cause, didn't try to resolve any of the problems SK's society has that leads people to commit a staggering amount of suicides every year, like poverty and unemployment, it just tried to guilt shame suiciders through religious and societal dogmas. Makes one think that it was sponsored by SK's government, who seems to be impotent in solving this serious country wide issue and now just resorts to such cheap shots like this drama. Maybe it will work better on Asian audience with their traditionally communal mentality, but it's a very hard sell for individualistic West.

The suicide topic here is viewed from such narrow perspective, it really started to piss me off by the end. No exploration of mental health state of suicidal people or various circumstances that lead to this hard decision. Yeah, in ML's case perhaps he was too rash in attempting suicide since he had a caring mother and a girlfriend (though seeing how lonely he was with his problems at the beginning, these people have shown him lack of moral support when he really needed it, and his mother was later shown hoarding money for him, which she should have given him years ago to help cover his education debts he was paying off for many years). But what about people who have no such people in their lives? What about terminally ill/severely crippled/mentally unwell people who see themselves as burden to their relatives and society? What about kids being beaten by their own drunkard parents and nobody cares? What about people who are living in miserable poverty with no hope for a better future? They should also keep on suffering for the sake of others and their country or go to hell? So many unique lives with unique problems, but this drama had no compassion or desire to explore any of that. It's like that cartoon meme: Nope, stop talking, go to hell.

As for the ending, well, ML got a second chance in life and that's a win (?). But consequently it also invalidated everything ML did in other people’s bodies and all those who were supposed to die will die, including his girlfriend, and all the bad guys, including two serial killer psychos, will still be walking scott free.
So all in all, this drama just left me kinda perplexed as to how to score it, because, on the one hand, the quality and cast were superb, but controversial message and disappointing ending made me feel like I've wasted my time watching this.
I guess I'll score episodes 1-5 with 8.5 and 6-8 with 7.0.

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Just the most fun you will have watching a kdrama

Maybe at some point I'll come back and write a proper review of this hilarious comic action parody about a vigilante named Skunk who steals back Korea's artefacts from dastardly villains.

For now, I'll just say - it's the most fun thing I've watched in years. With a perfect mashup of comedy, action movie parodies, well-directed fight scenes and a boat load of tongue-in-cheek humour (and okay possibly a smidge too much patriotism), Stealer is a ride that you won't regret taking.

The longer review will probably note the second half is maybe not as strong as the first. But who cares, really. It's a hoot.

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Do you have faith in destiny and love that defies time?

This is the tale of a Confucian woman from the Joseon era thrust into the year 2023 after her husband's sudden passing. Determined to uncover the truth behind his tragic demise, she encounters someone who bears a striking resemblance to her late husband and shares his name. Is he truly the same person as her beloved spouse?

Beyond being a love story, it delves into themes of family dynamics and camaraderie. Moreover, it highlights the constraints faced by Joseon-era women, juxtaposed with the modern era where women experience greater freedom and opportunities to pursue their dreams.

Despite its short episode and some episodes with a hasty narrative, "The Story Of Parks Marriage Contract" stands as a beautifully crafted love story. It skillfully portrays the transcendent love journey between Yeonwoo and Taeha across time and space, leaving me filled with immense joy and happiness.

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One of the better Josean era dramas, even pokes fun at some of the over used tropes

9.5/10 is my rating. This is a 2023 South Korean Romantic comedy drama with 16, 60 minute episodes

First I provide a unique synopsis then review

Synopsis

Shim Jung-woo (Rowoon) is still salty about being “sold” into marriage into the royal family. To make things worse his new wife, the Princess, died from poison on the eve of their wedding. Which locks him into celibate bachelorhood and makes it so he has way too much time on his hands. He is known as the grouchy Prince (resentful man) as he uses his exceptional intellect to ensure no one else is having fun either (in the guise of upholding strict Josean law). Jung Soon-deok (Cho Yi-hyun) loved her husband but is a young widow locked in the role of little madam as the second daughter-in-law of the Left State Councilor. She prefers to use her skills as a matchmaker to playing lady of the house. Fate lands these two unlikely accomplices in league to get three old maidens married in order to manipulate the politics to allow the young crown prince to marry. Neither should be interested in anyone romantically as social tradition ties them to their deceased spouses. Will the two succeed in their unlikely task of getting all three old maids wed? Will their hearts abide by the dictates of society?

Review

One of the better Josean dramas I have seen. It even pokes fun at some of the tropes such as the “I love You So I am Going To Leave You” trope. Rowoon is always a joy to watch, he can play such a diversity of characters well. Multiple romances in this, as would be expected given the topic, and they all end well. It is entertaining throughout and ends happy. I recommend to fans of either of the main leads, Josean drama fans, those that like a little action, and a little mystery and not an overwhelming amount of politics. If it was on, I would watch it again and I recommend it as an excellent drama.

Spoilers

I liked the “resentful” man angle and was a little disappointed to find he was not coerced into the marriage. It was less appealing to me that he actually loved the Princess. I thought him being forced made his intractable nature more understandable.

The character growth in this was amazing. The King, for example, I did not think I would like him but he turned out to be one of the best characters. The way he saved both Jung-woo and Sein-dook in the end was heart warming. It was clear he grew to love and appreciate Jung-woo as not only a close trusted advisor but like another son. The queen was also an awesome character in the way she lived her son and how kind she was to others. The young Crown Prince was bright, wise and kind. The royal family in this series is one of few royal families, in Josean dramas, I have liked.

Soon-deok’s mother-in-law (MIL) was purely evil and I know it was supposed to be her punishment was being alone but I would have liked to have seen her seriously punished. Or for her to come around, accept her daughter’s choice, and allow her daughter-in-law to have a life. I was disappointed Soon-deok did not see her MIL’s tweet true character sooner. She admired her through most of the series even when many of the things she was doing were underhanded and evil. I got she was being filial but there were points when I wish she had stood up to her or turned away from her more.

It ending with Jung-woo and Soon-deok just having a magical romance, a courtship, prior to marriage was a little unsatisfying. After all they had gone through to be able to be together, ending in their marriage would have felt more “happily ever after” than we are just going to essentially date and marry later.

#KimSeokWoo

#Rowoon

#TheMatchmakers

#ChoYiHyun

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Delightful!

I am so sad that it’s over ?. This show was so delightful to watch! With every new episode that was released, I enjoyed it more and more. It was the perfect mix of mystery, fun, romance and heartbreak, and I think they used up the 12 episodes they had very nicely.

Se Young’s and In Hyuk’s chemistry was so nice, I loved their characters together so much! And the second couple matched each other’s unhinged energy so perfectly, both couples were a delight to watch.

The music also delivered amazingly. The instrumental was so great, building up the scenes so well that it got me at the edge of my seat!

The styling was also so beautiful. Everyone looked exquisite and I really enjoyed the fashion show in the middle part of the series. Usually, when there is such an event teased in a show, the hype within the story is too big and the final scene ends up being super underwhelming, but not here. The designs looked fresh and pretty and definitely matched with how we got to see Yeon Woo up to that point.

The last episode was really nice as well, and wrapped up both stories quite nicely. Overall, a great show to finish as the first of the new year?

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Only For Bai Lu

The story is nothing new same cold CEO & bubbly FL. The drama became popular because of Leads. I wouldn't have watched it if it wasn't for Bai Lu. I honestly skipped a lot of scenes.

Zheng Shu Yi is a beautiful financial journalist. She is talented, smart & confident. Liked how she used to flirt with Shi Yan

Shi Yan is the CEO of Yunchuang Capital. He left his family business & started his own business. He is a cold, reserved & private person. He values talent over private relationships. He being jealous every now & then was unnecessary.

Bai Lu as always did her best. In the trailer I find Dylan Wang acting bland, but after watching the drama, he did well.

I liked Qin Shi Yue. & also Tang Yi I also need a supporting boss like her.

I liked the way Zheng Shu Yi said to Shi Yun that she will pursue him. It was cute.

Business aspect of the drama was unimportant, not like Rising With the Wind. I mean why would an investment company give so much importance to a bankrupt company which isn't doing well even if they have potential.

Ost was good.

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Draggy love story, immature characters, meandering plot, saving grace is humor and scenery

The love story is uninteresting and the only thing that is drawing the audience from watching is whether the ML and FL will get together, and the reason why they broke up. Other plots serves as fillers most of the time. Otherwise, most of the time the ML and FL are hanging around having conversations like teenagers and the FL is always acting like an immature teenager girl. The drama keeps having flashbacks of them as teenagers, and although the drama also tells of stories of friendship, the other supporting characters do not quite have good character development.

The upside of the drama really is the depiction of the relationship of the FL’s mother and her family, and the scenery around Jeju.

I cannot find myself being engrossed with the ML or the FL. The ML is too passive, and only took action in episode 11. The FL is too incongruent, whiny, behaved like a teenager and awkward to be very likeable. I understand it is a character setup but for kdramas to always setup female leads that way, and have relationships only work out towards the last few episodes does not work well for me.

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10/10 recommend

I don't often leave a review but this drama was definitely worth leaving a review. For someone like me who could sometimes be pretty picky with the characters and how the storyline leads to I have to say the storyline was perfectly written from beginning to ending. I'm the type to watch a drama and get bored and just skip to the end but this I enjoyed this drama from start to finish and I wish there were more drama written like this where it was more realistic and mutual with no break ups.
ML was a green flag throughout the whole drama he's literally the whole green forest!! He was the whole package. He's a doctor everyone loved, a good cook, voice actor, and loyal plus mature. He never hid his feelings from the FL and was always considerate towards the FL and making sure she was never uncomfortable. It didn't take him long to tell the FL he likes her so it wasn't those typical drama that drags 10+ episodes till they confess their feelings.
FL she's too soft spoken for me but that's how her character is which she did an amazing job with, and her character was really cute even when she's drunk she's even more cute.
There was no love triangle, no break up, no jealousy. They had a healthy relationship throughout the whole drama. There was also no annoying character in this drama so you'll love every single one of them.
They both respect each other a lot and I'm just so obsessed by how thoughtful the ML is towards her.
As of kissing scenes it does take a long while I believe starting ep. 20 or something but once they have their first kiss they start to get even more comfortable with each other and there'll be a lot more later throughout the drama.

Definitely recommend!!!! Give it a chance and watch it.

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Prophetic love

I'm not sure I've ever seen anything like this: it's a thriller, prophecy, love story, comedy. I didn't expect all of this in one drama. This is a mature story about mature people - this isn't about high school kids or university students. There's a serious and disturbing story in the first half of this drama, which is well handled.

I've never heard of the Naga, but now know that lots of cultures have similar folklore.

The action scenes are good and some appear more realistic than some scenes in 'real' action films. The slow burn and tension of the love story is exquisite. The comedy is sometimes a bit cringey, but sometimes really funny.

Only one thing was irritating: Tharn's woodenness. Initially, I thought it was Babe's acting but realised it was his character's fear and self-protection. He became less wooden as he relaxed and opened up.

That scene (you will know it when you get there) when they first stay in Babe's condo....phew...

What I liked: the acting - the pain and loss on Phaya's face was so well communicated. The distraught look on Tharn's face, and his behaviour as a result, was obvious and realistic.

What I didn't like: the female characters weren't great - apart from the grandmas, who I loved (particularly Phaya's as she pulled herself together to accept the revelations she was being told).

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Trying to Like It, But Nope: 'Bitch X Rich' Review

I really wanted to enjoy this show, but it's just not happening. The acting is way too over-the-top, and some of the actors are just not cutting it. I won't call anyone out, but there's this one actress who's just not convincing – it feels like she's reading from a script on autopilot.

I get that it's fiction, but some of the character choices are just plain dumb. And can we talk about that scene where Kim Hye In jumps off the first floor to escape bullies and magically gets caught by a guy? Seriously? It's too much, even for a make-believe story. Come on, let's aim for some realism here!

Overall, the show falls short, and the weird moments make it hard to get into. It's a letdown, and I wish it lived up to the hype, but it's just not working for me.

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Amazing chemistry between leads

It is a joy to watch leads interact with each other no matter what they are doing.

Watched all three seasons, season 1 and season 3 are comparatively better than the 2nd season. 2nd season was a bit boring for me.

The story would have been much more riveting had the flashback scenes played out simultaneously, because those scenes were really interesting compared to the whole criminal syndicate story.

All the characters are pretty great, it is the story that doesn't do justice to them. But it is certainly better written and quite memorable compared to lot of others dramas out there.

If you are into both crime and romance it might be your cup of tea. I just couldn't get into the crime part of this story.

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Worth watching? YES!

Worth watching? YES! This drama was far from perfect, but the good far outweighs the bad, in my opinion.

Themes -
Making mistakes is part of life, you must learn to forgive others and (harder still) you must learn to forgive yourself.
Coincidence vs. fate “Fate is not all that, as you would like to believe. It’s a question of will power. If you dodge it, it’s a coincidence. If you accept it, it’s fate.”
Meaning of Love: In a lot of instances, characters are acting out of “love” - but oftentimes that love is really serving their own interests.

Social Issues: suicide, bullying, infidelity - I think some of the low ratings for this drama are due to the tough issues it tackles. No one in this drama is perfect. If you are looking for a clear cut story of good vs evil, this is not for you. A lot of characters in this drama are somewhere in between.

General Comments:
* There are two time hops in this drama. Episode 9 jumps 9 years ahead, and another year passes between episodes 32 and 33.
* There are so many hidden identities and secret relationships that it is difficult to keep track of who knows what when.
* There are 5 main characters: Kim Cheung Ah (Seol In Ah ), Goo Joon Hwi (Kim Jae Young ), Kim Seol Ah (Jo Yoon Hee ), Do Jin Woo (Oh Min Suk ) and Moon Tae Rang (Yoon Park)
* Music and Cinematography:: The OST cinematography and were nothing special, but that is true of almost any long form drama.
* Acting / Cast: Stellar. I loved Seol In Ah in Business Proposal and Mr Queen. One of my favorite actresses. Both she and Kim Jae Young did so well with their characters. You really feel their pain. You could see the emotional side of Kim Jae Young’s character, even when he was being rude and antisocial.

The storyline between Cheung Ah and Joon Hwi grabbed my heart. You will spend a lot of time crying over them. Both are gravely affected by major events in the plot. Their responses to trauma are very different. Cheung Ah is overcompensating; she's on a mission to set things right with the world. She is selfless to a fault, desperate to help others, but unable to help herself. Joon Hwi is frozen - taciturn and withdrawn, but is looking for resolution.

The development of their relationship is beautifully written and is the highlight of this show. She advances; he retreats. Slowly, she coaxes him out of his shell and he provides a safe haven for her. The bond they develop deepens into love.

A scene in episode 19 establishes this advance/retreat dynamic:
Cheung Ae: "Let's eat together. It's not just food. It's my heart "
Joon Hwi: "First of all. I don't want to eat. Also, I don't eat with other people. Especially food that has heart in it"

But Joon Hwi finds himself drawn in, and slowly connects with her. In an early scene, Joon Hwi visits her in her student dorm room, where he sees hints of her mental state. The room, her inner sanctum, is a total wreck, except for a row of plaques displayed neatly on a shelf - awards for heroic acts. It's a jarring comparison of her private struggles versus her public behavior.

Some bits of dialogue between them show that he sees through her cheery exterior.

In episode 21, he accidentally spills ramen on her clothes, and is sincerely apologetic. Her response is predictably self-denying:
CA: "It's okay. It's nothing. I can wash it. I haven't done laundry in awhile, I was going to do it today. It works out....... I'm really fine. Really. Really, really fine. Even so, nothing spilled on the floor - nice!"
And he calls her out for it.
JH: "Are you always like this? "It's okay. I'm fine, I'm really fine." Usually people say Nice when they are okay, not when the other person is okay, or the floor is okay. It's not a good thing."

It's the second time in this episode that she is shaken by his words. Earlier on, she expresses gratitude towards him, and his response provides her with an epiphany:

CA: "Thank you for listening to me and for being on my side."
JH: "I wish you wouldn't fool yourself. Why am I on your side? I've never been on anyone's side. If I must take a side, let's say I'm on the side of truth. When the truth is warped, life becomes warped as well. I don't like that."
Cheung Ae reflects: "Why didn't I realize that sooner? If only I had known before."

He makes her recognize that her defense mechanisms won't allow her to move on. Meanwhile, she continues to chip away at his boundaries, and she slowly makes some cracks in his surly exterior. In episode 26, they meet up, and as she takes her leave, they have this conversation:
CA: Then, see you next time.
JH: Oh. Yeah, sure.
CA: huh?
JH: what?
CA: You responded when I said "see you next time". I can't put my finger on it, but you've changed a little, Koo Joon Hwi.

The other three main characters are in a love triangle, and their storyline was a bit drawn out, without much progress until the last few episodes. Jin Woo is wealthy, spoiled and oblivious, but has a good heart. Seol Ah is out for herself, and seeks fame and fortune, sees love as pointless. Tae Rang is a solid stand-up guy, but a bit boring. Honestly, I skimmed over a lot of his scenes. I have six episodes left to watch, and am 99% sure which way the triangle ends; so it has left me guessing. There is some personal growth for both Seol Ah and Jin Woo, but it is a long time coming,


Does it include any of the things I hate?
Wrist grabbing yes, but minimal
shared childhood memories: no
Manic pixie girl histrionic girl: no
Excessive gore / violence? None

Humor: some laughs, but some comedic bits that were just awkward

Favorite character: Jin Woo’s mother. She is a complete narcissist and totally irredeemable. But she had some of the best lines, here are a couple:
“what a waste of employees identification cards” (dissing the sports marketing team).
“anything money can't solve is because it's not enough money”


Literary references

episode 25-26
Poem Wildflower
"She is pretty only when you look carefully...."
I found this analysis of the poem and it is really on the nose for this show:
https://smileyelim.wordpress.com/2014/10/17/my-favorite-korean-poem-wildflower-by-na-tae-joo/

A translation:
You have to look closely
to see that it is pretty
You have to look for a long time
to see that it is lovely
You are the same.


Books
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Quotes from this book are sprinkled throughout the drama, about forgiving mistakes, and finding joy in the small things. Both Cheung Ah and Joon Hwi have a copy of this book.

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A Zhao Lu Si Classic

It was a good series that I enjoyed watching. It has become a more watchable series with the difference of Zhao Lu Si. Because the player has a lot of influence. Let me say so, it has increased the quality and watchability of the series even more. Otherwise it would be a more ordinary series. It's a series that we can't say anything like because it's fantastic. There were minor mistakes and places where I thought it would have been better if it wasn't like this. There were places I found wrong. But overall, it was a good series. Other players were good too. Unfortunately, Wang An Yu appeared in ninety percent of the drama with the same face, a resentful, sad, tearful face. I do not know the reason. Maybe the director wanted it that way. However, it suited his role. The two leads were compatible. Besides them, I liked Li Yun Rui, CAo Fei Ran, He Kai Lang, Jia Nai. Cao Fei Ran was especially successful in the role of the evil woman. I liked it as a game. The management and shooting were very good. I recommend it to fantasy series lovers.

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See this on the feed. Wow... Wang Yi Bo & Dilireba.... Of course I have to watch this... Luckily for us this available on YouTube with eng sub. Here the link for you who want to watch this... https://youtu.be/VhGLnkTzEes?si=UKPbTsCIE7f5GsCq

Like Sidhika Trisha wrote this is definitely long advertisement, especially for Oppo & they obviously already said that from the beginning. This adv very creatively highlights a few features about the phone, especially the camera function. But that's doesn’t mean this only about advertising, this adv have story to tell that's really enjoyable to watch...

Well like Sidhika Trisha also already wrote, 'this is about a guy who loves dancing and would do anything to continue learning dance.' One day that guy, Lin Jin (LJ), meet interesting girl, Xiao Zi (XZ), that's promise to help LJ find his core dance if LJ do several task that XZ gave for him. And like karate kid story, every thing that XZ ask LJ did, eventually to help him with his dancing... And in the end LJ learn to include every little thing that his do in his daily life to his dancing moves....

And yes see Yi Bo & Dilireba together for this short duration make us want to scream: "GIVE US DRAMA WITH THEM AS MAIN COUPLE!!!!!" Haha....

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