Reviews

I really do not get the hype

Look I know I gave it 5 stars but that was just because I ADORE the main couple I think they're genuinely so cute and Park Boyoung and Park Hyungsik knock it out of the park with their characters and acting. Park Hyungsik really proves himself as one of the best idol actors and he brings so much life to a character who could easily be just this obnoxious, male lead prick. And ofc Park Boyoung is just so much fun to watch on screen and kills it. I love Bongsoon and Minhyuk as characters and I do think they work so together as a duo, and later as a couple, but idk. That's the only thing I like about the show but since I do love that aspect so much I had to give it credit. That being said, this is not a good show. The tone bounces all over the place and it has no idea what it wants to be. The concept is superfun and almost comic book like and sometimes it feels like thats the vibe it wants to go for, but then it introduces a weirdly really creepy thriller aspect? And then the moment later some really gross joke will happen that just makes you so uncomfortable like huhhh??? Also the second male lead was such a pain I hated that guy how was Bongsoon ever attracted to him I do not understand. Idk overall it just felt very uneven and I just really did not care for the plot. And yeah... theres a lot of just... weird humor in it. Idk I'm sure a lot of people found it funny but it's really just not for me I found it really out of place and bemusingly unfunny. It's kind of sad, like I love this couple and their characters so much they deserved such a better show.

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Ok let's get the negatives out of the way first, this show is not for everybody. The acting is pretty bad- you can so tell most of them are idol actors- and yes, it can be cheesy. I'd say the bad acting is the biggest flaw of the show and also, warning, it does have JYP in it and he's basically playing himself but like less creepy. But idk guys the vibes in this show are SO FUN I ADORE IT. I love it when a lovable band of the most annoying losers you've ever met have to group together in order to realize their dreams its so cheesy but idk it gets me. I love their little group so much and them all living together and taking care of each other like the most loser family ever i love them I LOVE THESE SILLY KPOP IDOLS FOUND FAMILY. And honestly its the teacher who really pulls it together like youve got this underdog, complete loser of a teacher but he believes in these sillies despite what he has to work with is the most emotionless complete prick (go hyemi my beloved <33), this country bumpkin, taecyeon doing his best attempt at a bad boy character, and IU playing an absolute sweetheart with perfect pitch. I love this group of misfits so much and it's so easy to root for them despite Hyemi putting up her uncaring front all the time. And speaking of Hyemi, I adore her. Like yeah, okay, Suzy is not a great actress but I think it's clear Hyemi's really guarded and prickly not because she's an uncaring sociopath but because she has to be to survive cause her dad is the worst and she has a family to take care of. Idk she's kind of a girlboss and I love how as the show goes on its so obvious how much she cares and how she looks out for the rest of the group despite everything. She's such a fun protagonist and such an interesting one for a 2010s character like shes not this wide-eyed, flighty, candy girl, she's snarky and rude and does not hold back. I ADORE HER. That being said I also love Baekhee, I cant help it, I love a good loserwoman. She's your typical 'was treated poorly by the rude, egotistical popular girl and now wants to take her place' character and yes she's really desperate but idk i do feel bad for her. And I am kind of surprised she didn't end up with Taecyeons character- which I actually really loved their bond. Taecyeon still looking out for her despite being in love with Hyemi was actually so sweet he's such a good guy and I think that's what works about his character. He's not this bad boy stereotype, he has an actual soul and heart and just like Hyemi is just a bit guarded on the outside. And that's the shows biggest positive- it's so incredibly heartfelt. It's goofy and can be cliche, but wow is it just so full of heart. Ugh I just really adore this show, the characters just all fit so well together and I love how they ultimately came together to form one big group like i just love them so dearly. Like Kim Soohyun's country bumpkin character is just so earnest you cant help but root for the guy- although he does get a bit emo during the second half but I do like how he and Hyemi work through that and his hearing issues. Which, yeah, the drama in this show is insane but I adore it it's so ridiculous <33 And then ofc theres Pilsuk and Jason and Jason is just so well named like that guy is just such a Jason. Those two were actually so cute together, and honestly... For a 2010 Kdrama I was actually surprised with how they dealt with Pilsuk's character and her weight loss. I do think that she ultimately did it for herself, which I appreciated, and I also how appreciated how Jason didn't want her to lose weight because he thought she was ugly, but because he hated seeing her getting bullied and looked down upon in the school because of it. It's def a touchy subject - esp with Korean beauty standards- and for the most part I do think they handled it pretty well. I also found it interesting that they didn't try to glamourize the weight loss, like they showed the reality of it and the side effects of weight loss. I just found it interesting how they handled the plot considering the beauty standards there. But other than that Pilsuk was SUCH a sweetie i loved her so much and I loved her dynamic with the rest of the group they just had a realy fun group dynamic idk guys I just really love this show. The music is peak 2010s kpop and I love it too. It's just such a sweet show and I acknowlegde that it's def not for everyone- I just love shows about people going to arts schools idk what it is. But this really is just a heartfelt show that makes you root for this stupid losers and their little group <3

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It was good

First of all, I would like to say that I love these two actors, they are both in dramas that I really love.

So, okay: I discovered this drama on Instagram, and decided to watch. I started the drama before all episodes air, so, when I finally got to watch the last two remaining episodes, I was so excited to see how things would end.

Secret Playlist is a delicate drama, with a simple script, but a complex approach to psychological issues, grief and family relationships. Not forgetting, of course, the criticism of the kpop industry, which I think was very strong.

The first six episodes gave me a young romantic comedy feeling that I miss in kdramas. The type of university romance that also brings deeper psychological issues, but without leaving the slice of life part aside. There's the idol and anonymous trope that I personally really like. And the actors' chemistry was ok, I liked it; I just think the kisses were bad, but I didn't expect much from a series that doesn't seem to have an approach focused on more physical love.

Anyway, I really liked Secret Playlist, I think it's a good series about young people, dreams and personal growth, but some elements in the last two episodes made it - a little - superficial.

Maybe I expected a little more from this drama, but I wish the issue of the their album hadn't been resolved in such a superficial way or, at least, that the FL had a chance to develop musically.

In my opinion, we had a great start and a warm ending.

And, yes, i really liked the drama's soundtrack

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fun and silly first half, angsty second half, with a happy ending

I have been putting off starting this drama because I find the airing schedule off-putting. I am the type to prefer to binge a series so waiting months with only one episode a week (maybe) does not make it on my list of enjoyable waits. But after seeing enough random shorts of this show I ended up giving it a try and boy has it left an impression. At least the first half has.

Lets start with the premise of this which is not something I have seen yet and is actually captured in such a fun and entertaining way. The main female lead and her whole family has a curse that when they kiss someone for the first time they will turn into a dog within a minute and every night after they will be a dog from midnight to 6am unless they are kissed by that same person in dog form to break the curse. Unfortunately for Hea Na her first kiss accidentally went to someone that is terrified of dogs. I thoroughly enjoy Hea Na's character; she is acted so well with her thoughtful silliness. The family closeness and support is also one of my favorite things about this drama. The side characters have been just as much fun to watch as the main couple.

Along with the main couple you have another teacher that as a viewer you can't quite figure out if he is friend or foe which leaves this air of mystery around him.The main plot surrounds the family secret but that secret is also presented in yet another reincarnated lovers tale. This has become quite popular lately and I can't say that I particularly enjoy it here. There are several other drama's in the last few months alone with the same side plot so it does not feel new or exciting in this drama. This side plot does add levity to the drama which in a way feels like it drags it down a bit from the buoyant hilarity that has carried the drama to its half way point.

The broadcasting schedule also really detracts from this drama. Once released in its entirety it will probably have a good rating but at this rate it is easy to get annoyed and fatigued with the wait. It has also has a tonal shift now as we approach the last 5 episodes and the show tackles the big conflict surrounding the drama. I will come back to find out what happens.

Update: now that the drama is fully released I think it worth a watch. The chemistry between the leads is great, the story mostly is a fun ride. I do not love the angsty section toward the end mostly because I do not feel like the villian was pulled off well. His character was great in the beginning but honestly felt creepy toward the end and the reasoning for the whole thing felt underwhelming. Still the main couple keeps you interested in wanting to see what happens. The last 5 episodes are so boring though and I had a harder time getting through those than the first half.

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Highly recommended!!!! deserves more attention!!!

« Everyone is born with desires. Only true love can let them flow. “
That once sentence from the show resumes perfectly the story and how beautiful it was.

I felt every possible emotions watching it.

All the characters were extremely interesting and appealing.
And the best part about this the drama is the relationship between the sisters. The writing was exceptional. It's refreshing to see them behave without jealousy and comprehend each other's emotions.

Also, the ending really satisfied me.

Highly recommended! The cinematography was absolutely outstanding too. (I love the pink & purple aesthetic)
+ incredible OST sung by Sa Dingding

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NOT PERFECT, BUT STILL A FAVORITE

Like with the drama, the special failed on some things that nowadays would be deemed as very problematic, specially from my pov of knowing there are a lot of hafu/black & asian actors, but besides that, I do have to say I loved the special.

Maybe it's because I love the drama, maybe because I like the story or maybe the cast, but I genuinely enjoyed watching this so much! The humour was peak anime humour, which I can understand it's not for everyone, but it is for me, and I love every beat of it, to the point of choking due to laughing because of it. The romance with it was still as good as the show had been with it, or even better, just like the OST. Overall, a very fun and entertaining special to watch, which I'd say you can watch even without having watched the show prior to it, all in all, I think you can enjoy it more having watch it though.

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better than the series...

Overall: these are slightly better than the series but maybe because it's just 2 episodes instead of 8. Each episode is about 45 minutes. Aired on iQIYI.

Watch Advice: final story 1, skip to 10 minutes and then 21 minutes; final story 2, skip to 8 minutes and then 39 minutes

Content Warnings: stalking, punch, non con video recording

What I Liked
- at least there is lip movement in the kisses
- a few sweet moments

Room For Improvement
- the first final story starts with Dino being manipulative and insecure and then later there is a random/not needed stalker plot, the second final story has a large chunk of the side characters talking about their own love stories and we never see their faces
- constant comedy sound effects

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some problems with womens?

there are no mothers, no wifes, 1 is a sociopathic, 1 is a selfish who waits to be saved, a granma is a loan shark and a manager single is searching power… and last… the only lovely, sweet and comprehensive “girl” is a transgender REALLY??? SORRY? some problems ??? and MEN… the good one became a traitorous shit, the bastard only worst, the big boss another bastard and the leader… I know very true with his principles but why “virgin and pure” till 35??? next time do Saint Francesco … the only moment i felt joy was when appeared PARK BO GUM, Thank you!

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Cannot recommend enough

At first I didn't take this drama seriously bcs it was so silly and funny, so much fun to fill the time but whoever involved in making this. MARVELLOUS
Maybe I'll give it ten stars the next time I rewatch. Yes you read that right.

You just need to enjoy this drama with zero expectation and I promise you will be entertained and they will suck you in!!! Bcs it started so unserious and progressed into something serious but still fun, fills with intrigues and plot twists.

Male Lead, Li Hongbin is a quiet, strict and serious person but when he falls in love, he fell hard. He devoted his life for his one true love and you will be amazed at his patience (seriously I'm impressed, his restraint with how the FL was if you get it, you get it) and how he just so trusting of her.

The Female Lead, Xiong Xirou, started as carefree silly girl and hv no qualms or shameless in getting her way or way out of things. You just didn't expect her to be that silly but she was. Bear with her. (Edit: she had her wall up so high so you feel a bit frustrated with her) It was worth it for me. She's also a kind person and caring.

The casts were amazing and I love how in the drama, the ost acoustic-like duet really sounds amazing.

I'm sad it ended but really reminiscing how much fun it was the first time I watched this drama.

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As Interesting and Beautiful as it is Overlong and Sleep-Inducing

This is a weird duck. And so bullets --

1. The production quality is really movie like, especially in the flashback sequences set around the Red Coast. The only time it strangely looks like Cheesy TV is during the International Board Room meetings

2. This is post modern Arthur C. Clarke/Issac Asimov stuff, where the science is science fiction is meant to be your only entertainment. As a kid in the mid-70s, I read this type of SCIENCE fiction a lot but in no time backed off of it because they were slow lifeless reads. All good stories are about the human condition. THREE BODY had the perfect opportunity to explore this very topic because a character within makes a major decision about humanity -- yet -- it barely touched upon it.

(There's a funny irony here. Okay, when I was a kid I was reading a monthly Sci-Fi magazine called ANALOG. There was a story once about a really cool concept but the story itself was dull beyond imagination. It was simply an excuse to share a hard science idea and make anyone go WOW.

The idea was that if man could manufacture a strong enough material that was also very lightweight -- we could build an elevator shaft from Earth and attach it to a satellite in space, hence eliminating rockets. Imagine -- you could have a giant bar in space that people would travel up to for the wildest cocktails ever. And imagine the damn view of Earth and Space!

I forget most of what I read in that magazine over the decades -- except for this. And the same exact concept is mentioned inside of THREE BODY in one episode. And so... I was either reading this Chinese author all those years ago... OR... he was reading Analog magazine, lol.)

3. So many characters just... stood there. It was like COVID all over again where no one was allowed to touch anybody, social distancing, you know? Yes, of course, it's trite to create a love story just to make it like any other Chinese drama -- but this one really needed it. BADLY. If it doesn't matter later in the series, I would have made the ML a FL scientist -- so that -- there would have been some sexual tension between the lead and our favorite cop ever, Shi Qiang (Yu He Wei). That said --

4. -- if it wasn't for this cast I would have walked after six episodes. I knew two of them from other dramas (Yu He Wei, REBEL PRINCESS and he was even better here) and (Johnny Zhang who was better in THE GREAT CRAFTSMAN). I loved being introduced to Chen Jin and Wang Zi Wen, two ladies who masterfully played Ye Wen Jie in two different eras.

5. In general this show literally induces sleep. I'm not kidding but there were about 12 nights I had to fight from sleeping to finish it. Perfect for early day viewing but it's Ambien after 9PM. I'm not being mean, this is the truth. The characters rarely clash with each other, they're often shown in shadows in dim rooms, and there's this droning song at the end of most episodes which could best be described as a Trisolorian Lullably.

6. Okay so our lead dude with the glasses has a special clock that ticks and ticks downward. Was I asleep when it got 'turned off' or did they simply forget to show us where the clock was by the end of his part of the series. I thought our Trisolorians were going to arrive just as his clock reached zero.

I'm happy I saw this and somehow I want to see the 2nd Season of this but I can't recommend it with any enthusiasm. Oh, and I don't give a damn about how good the books are -- because I'm not reading the book. I'm watching a series. If the series puts me to sleep, they either picked the wrong series of books or they've made the series way too long.

A third of THREE BODY should have been clicked and erased to make the rest of this stronger.

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Looking back on this show now that my life doesn't actually depend on it

Some minor spoilers, mostly pondering on character aspects.

So I watched 2gether as it was being released and I can say with confidence that I'm not the only person who depended on this and a few other early pandemic releases to keep me going. This show has had so many profoundly positive impacts on me, especially in introducing me to Scrubb which has become a precious part of my musical support. That said, I think we may have jumped the gun on this one, my friends.

It wasn't bad. I see accusations of it being a bromance rather than a romance which I disagree with. In fact, one of my favorite parts of the show is that the relationship goes at its own pace, even if that is slower than others. I felt the lack of, shall we say, "intense" romantic scenes was to the show's benefit both story wise and for the actors themselves. Tine is not a character that is overly physically affectionate; him immediately jumping into an intense physical relationship isn't in his character. Not to mention Wat's never being in a relationship. If they did go fast, it would have felt forced. It might be the Ace in me, but I love when shows don't feel the need to insert those more explicit scenes. Not all relationships look the same and after this full rewatch I still felt the romance there, felt the love.

That said, it wasn't bad but it also wasn't a masterpiece. There are times when the acting or line delivery is awkward, times with messy audio, times when the characters do dumb things and fight over even dumber things. Like most dramas, 99% of the problems would be solved if the characters would just take a moment and discuss things. Eventually, they usually manage to do just that after a stressful amount of unnecessary antics.

2gether wasn't bad and it wasn't a masterpiece, but it was still alright. It was fine, above average even. I think if you like the fake dating trope it's a good choice for you. The music theming is also a high point. Even if you've never heard of Scrubb, they have a sound that immediately brings a feeling of tenderness and nostalgia and that is the feeling that Tine and Sarawat also conjure when they're together.

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impressive, worth the watch!

The acting was really top notch, like Yoo Ji Tae actually builded up for this role, i'm really impressed , like wow , what a transformation!!
All the protagonists did a really good job, i really appreciated Nam joo hyuk 's acting here, he did improved throughout the years.
Since he is enlisting soon or maybe he has already enlisted, we may not had a second season that soon.
I enjoyed the watch, it wasn't boring.
I was rooting for the "vigilante" lol. I get where he came from, and yes at the end of the day it actually seems like the bad guys win.
9/10 because it was an easy watch, and yes i want to boost the ratings on this one lol!

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Mixed feelings

My expectations for "Strong Girl Namsoon" were high, but the plot attempting to address too many stories across three generations of strong women turned out to be chaotic. From romantic aspects to personal growth and justice, the narrative felt scattered, leading me to moments of boredom where I contemplated abandoning the series. Despite a strong cast, the script had issues with numerous unresolved storylines involving antagonists, which seemed more intriguing than the main plot. I did finish it, but I wouldn't recommend it. I anticipated a more enjoyable experience akin to "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon," and while there were amusing scenes, it fell short of my expectations.

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POETRY, INTELLIGENCE, LOVE AND HUMOR : J'adoooooore !

I loved so much this drama.
What a beautiful story, full of poetry, intelligence, love and humor. Thank you for this wonderful achievement and, of course, thank you to Ni Ni for her radiant interpretation and to the entire team of actors.
All the actors are excellent. They are often in the 2nd degree, which gives a lot of dynamism to the story.
Of course, Ni Ni is perfect for this role. She dominates the story, the fight scenes and the sense of seduction of this woman from a parallel world.
I discovered Bae Yu... and I inevitably fell in love with him. What an actor !

All is very strong !

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Excellent romance, great production, completely let down by mediocre plot . . .

Frustratingly, the political plot is full of flaws: tedious, goes around in circles, cartoon villains, and full of nonsensical story. Just lots of evil, greedy one note characters that pop up again and again. But, the romance plot is so good, that I finished this drama anyways. In some ways, the political plot is so clearly bad that it's easy to skip through the political parts and just watch the romantic scenes.

This has everything you could want in a romance: a Romeo and Juliet forbidden romance, a man head over heals for a woman who is his equal, tons of rescuing and protectiveness, and putting each other first. It will go down as one of my favorite romantic couples, and this drama reminded me of Xu Kai's excellent acting and romance in Story of Yanxi Palace.

The production values and direction are also extremely good. The costumes are very original and beautifully designed. There's a lot of excellent choices with camera angles, and music. The action scenes are thrilling and don't use much CGI.

This drama is so uneven it's hard to recommend. But, I must say I was deeply touched, and the romance will stick with me. It may be worth a try to see if this love story sticks with you.

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