Reviews

cringefest

The biggest problem I have with this drama is the script. There were so many instances where I had multiple question marks thinking how can this be allowed?? ML had so many cringey forced actions and IMO did not convey the complexity of the character well. There were a few cute moments between the leads but the rest of the time, it felt really awkward. Bailu did well but zhang ling he unfortunately fell just a bit short. I watched it at 2x speed and some parts were still so draggy and unnecessary. Halfway through I realised I was just speeding through it for the sake of finishing it, the storyline became so repetitive and boring after a while. The only saving grace of this drama is the music choice, even then I sincerely do not recommend this drama.

Read More

Need a happy ending.. ㅠㅠ

I've loved this show from the start....I'm soooooooooooo into stories like this, but I fear sad/tragic endings....YoungDae did an amazing job whilst playing Han JunO...I do agree that this drama didn't have the greatest chemistry but it wasn't THAT bad....I hope the last two episodes show us more passionate side of our FL....
Overall, it was a very well written story, the present to past ratio of the scenes was also good....
Do I highly recommend watching it? Well, I can only answer that after watching the last two episodes....Hahahahahahhahahahahaha..


Loads of love for the cast...♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Read More

Everyone gets their yummy desserts

Not all makjang are made equal and I’m glad that this is a good’un in my book.

Makjang storylines, by definition, are meant to be convoluted and outrageous. While for a shortish 12 eps run, it does traipsed through many tropey plots, it is hardly a witch’s brew. I am pleasantly surprised by how well paced, coherent and logical the script is, well, once you get past the whole cancel death shenanigan.

I’ll be honest, the do-over plot device is old hat by now. Every year, there is a new crop with minor variations. This one started fairly typically. Death by misadventure and (GASP) you wake up and get another chance to get things right or in the FL’s case, exact revenge for many years of pain and suffering in the hands of her family.

There are no shortage of shenanigans, foul deeds, mental as well as physical torments. It is full on and yet it feels manageable, relatable. The A-plot needs the darker tropes to make the story work, but it doesn't take them to the extreme just to earn the torture porn badge.

Once the show established the lowest point in their lives, death will do that to you, it is a steady and engaging climb back to the top. Of course, it is never going to be easy for our leads, but they are quite a power couple. They might not be all loved up from Day 1 but their relationship is refreshingly pure and solid. While the FL thought that she is just using the ML as a stepping stone to archive her goals, the ML has other ideas.

I know that sounds bad but in fact, it is quite the opposite. While the motivation of FL’s initial actions is pure revenge, once she takes greater control of her life and learn more of the truth, their relationship changes and evolves. The show changes focus to healing and getting a second chance at life. That is so much more rewarding to watch than a show that is hellbent on Mutually Assured Destruction.

Another gratifying aspect of the show is while the antagonists knows all the dirty tricks, they are not omnipotent. Their plans are effective, even devastating at times, but our leads are not hapless punching bags. They have their wits about them and they have the measure on the evildoers. The show doesn’t jump feet first into non-sensical plots just to meter out endless pain and sufferings to our OTP.

In terms of acting, it is a definite mixed bag. The highly emotional plots and extreme situations are fertile grounds for overacting. Still, I have seen worse. They are within the realm of “normal” behaviours rather than pantomime grade performances.

In the end, I enjoyed this show very much. More because of the leads' growth and their healing journey than the revenge angle. Also, for a change, I can cheer them on without having to facepalm later because the show threw the kitchen sink at them and make them suffer for no reason other than for our “entertainment”. The last ep is purely fan service and I give thanks. It ties up all the loose ends. All key characters are given their moment in the sun (or in purgatory) so we are not left hanging. It is not award winning stuff but it is a solid production.

For some, this might be a weak example of a makjang but I will take it. There are enough troubles in the world today. I don’t usually rewatch this style of drama but I can make an exception in this case. Peace out.

Read More

Love conquers all.

'Clean with Passion for Now' is an enjoyable and funny romantic comedy.

Jang Gyeol (Yoon Kyun Sang) is the CEO of a cleaning company, and Gil Oh Sol is a young woman who is trying to do better despite odd jobs. In many ways, our leads are opposite. Jang Gyeol suffers from severe mysophobia. In many respects, the guy is truly OCD, especially in regard to germs. He is very neat and organized, as well as well dressed. However, he dislikes crowds and anything with the potential to spread germs or diseases. Consequently, he has a social awkwardness as well.

In spite of her untidiness, Oh Sol has an upbeat and charming personality. She resides with her father and brother. She's a hilarious drunk (when she drinks) who doesn't hesitate when it comes to drinking. Gil Oh Sol was very pretty, sweet, and funny to me.

In the beginning, our leads meet on a few occasions and Jang Gyeol seems to disdain her ways. I especially enjoyed the hilarious scene in which Oh Sol wore a horse mask in order to hide from her crush because she was embarrassment from her appearance and job at the time. In an attempt to retreat, Oh Sol damaged Jan Gyeol's vehicle. Oh Sol promised to compensate the damages. As a result, an effort is made to find better employment so that more money can be earned.

However, she manages to land a job with Jang Gyeol's company. Of course, this starts a chain of events that slowly bring Jang Gyeol out of his shell. The power of love cannot be underestimated. The fact that Gyeol's mother and grandfather were no help with his phobia irritated me. Overseeing him was more important to them than trying to help him, so they embraced it. Over time, his mother got better, but his grandfather CEO Cha was an idiot.

Jang Gyeol did not have much support outside of his family even when our leads were finally in love and Jang Gyeol was getting better. The chemistry between our leads was good. Oh Sol seemed to be just the person Gyeol needed. Until an old and very serious family issue involving Oh Sol's mother and CEO Cha's group is revealed. It was part of our leads' family and tore them apart.
This was the most frustrating part of the series for me. Having Oh Sol not telling Gyeol why she wants the breakup was frustrating. It was so frustrating that Oh Sol lost many points with me (temporarily).

Of course, her neighbor above her, Doctor Choi Daniel, liked our lead as well. As a result, there was a small love triangle. As the series progressed, I understood more of the Doctor's motivations and found him less annoying.
In the end, our leads find their way back and everything is once again happy. I thought the series was good and pretty funny at times. There is more to accepting someone with phobias than love. They seemed perfect for each other and were very cute together. This made the series enjoyable to watch.

As a photographer, I am interested in lighting. A similar amount of planning goes into lighting for film or television. Observing and learning is what I do all the time. It was great how the lighting was done in this series.

Read More

Just okay

The acting is fine. Everyone did their job nicely. If this was a romantic comedy, then I would probably give it a higher score. As for the mental health part of it, it is sorely lacking. I have personal experience with mental health and let me say it is a lifetime commitment of healing that isn't entirely about taking your meds. I'm not saying that taking your meds isn't important. Of course, it is. However, there is way more to healing than just taking medicine and writing in a book. There were good stories, but they simplified the healing process to the point of ridiculousness.

Anyway, there is my 2 cents worth.
I won't be rewatching this ever. Which is kind of sad considering the acting and the potential.

Read More

A low budget revenge drama with interesting story

Well, it is a low budget short drama. Keep that in mind while watching, and you'll be surprised by how good the story is.
Firstly, this is not romance, for most of the episode the male lead doesn't even show up and has little to no screen time at all. The plot is centered towards the main female lead's revenge story and how she attain her happiness by getting everything stolen from her back. You'll be surprised at how the female lead basically does everything on her own and plotted against her own family. That's what made it interesting in terms of the story and how it was told, the bad thing about this was only because it lacks budget, short, lacks logic in certain parts and how it was filmed. The acting of the main leads are pretty decent considering how low budget this was.

Read More

A MASTERPIECE

HOLY SHIT I LOVE THIS SO MUCH THIS IS SO GOOD! THE ACTING, ACTORS, MUSIC, CINEMATOGRAPHY IS THE BEST!! I CAN' WAIT FOR THE SECOND SEASON AAAA I LOVE THIS DRAMA SO MUCH! NAM JOOHYUK'S ACTING IS SO GOOD IT'S PERFECT! I NEED HIM TO START IN MORE DRAMAS LIKE THIS! I NEED MORE DRAMAS LIKE THIS

the buildup, vigilante's plan, the backstory is so good !! i love this drama so much i wish it has 20 episodes!! manifesting for the second season next year plsplspls i know this is from a webtoon so im thinking of reading this ajskjdhasj but at the same time i don't want to because i'll be spoiled

Read More

it's all about the chemistry

I believe Director Jojo has said this was inspired by 90's Lakorns and it meant to feel more like those than some kind of mafia drama. The point of the show is watching Palm and Nueng fall in love and damn if they don't look amazing while they do. Perth and Chimon are kind of wasted after episode 6 but they were good for what they were needed for. Phuwin does a wonderful job establishing Nueng as vulnerable as he is bratty. I watched FUTS and Pond had a lot of moments there of obvious "acting" and there is none of that to be seen here. He is quiet, intense, in a lot of ways he reminded me of Heath Ledger in Brokeback Mountain in that he is feeling so much but doesn't have the words or the position to say them.

Read More

Storytelling with so much strength and compassion....

Ahhhhh....I love this whole story! I'm only on episode 22 out of the 40 but I've been seriously hooked the whole time! The story and characters are so well crafted. I feel like this was the writer's "baby," and they took their time on it!

The main leads are a couple who work through things, grow, and are seriously loyal to each other(when their loyalty has been finally won❤️). ML is strong, kind and so understanding. In a way that is not weak, but makes you admire and love him like all his team do, while FL is strong in a way that doesn't just run over the other people(which I really appreciate these days❤️), while still totally owning her space and queening it! Gosh! I actually like her, which can't be said for all chinese FL.
And seriously, the fight scenes are awesome!! So much beautiful chinese action.
The music is enjoyably in the back-round, while still having moments where is really shines and highlights the greatness of the story. I like how it has a bit of modern twist to it.

The whole story is gripping and engaging, keeping me watching with so many twists and turns, but with enough moments of rest, to keep the pacing excellent.

And the side characters are such a good balance of funny, loyal and actually smart(who would have guessed??). The main couple is still def the main focus, with all the other characters having enough time to let you enjoy and love them, without taking up annoyingly large amounts of the story time.

Gripping, beautiful, healing, engaging and deep storytelling right here! Thank you to all who worked on this masterpiece!❤️❤️❤️

P.s. this is my first review ever. When I saw no one else had reviewed it I thought I must! So you wouldn't miss out on this gem. And the only reason I gave it just a 8 star rewatch value, is because I personally rarely rewatch dramas.

Read More

So REALISTIC and beautiful

I have not written a review in a long time because there wasn't really a series i desperately, I mean so desparately want to tell to people but here i got one. Happy ending romance. This is the most realistic (along with some other but you understand what I mean) series i have ever watched. It was not at all lovey-dovey, all enthusiasm, happy characters,nope. It had all the seriousness when it comes to working in industry though it be a literature industry. There were so many factors and sides were shown of Industry ; good and bad. So many sides of people were shown. So many sides of self was shown. The acting was all fine n good, not at all overly done. There were many characters and all did there roles profoundly, whether it be a small role or bad role. It had happy and sweet scenes which does not seemed forced. All in place.so good it was. So real it was . Well portrayed. I loved all the characters. Ahhhh this was so good. A new try and good try of Korean BLS.

Read More

Some things were fantastic, some made no sense

My overall impression is the writers/producers/editors knew which couples were going to end up together, but not exactly how they would get there. A LOT of the show seemed improvised, which in my opinion is where First and Khaotung shine through. As much as I genuinely love Force and Book (and I adored A Boss and A Babe, I rewatch and bought the DVD), I don't think they had as much chemistry or coherence in their pairing. As they got together it felt like a competition, then a lot of declaring "I love you" without actually showing what made them fall in love? They have cute dates and cute scenes but in the end it didn't feel believable to me.
I thought the show was trying to make Neo and Mark layered characters, but in the end I don't think Neo's character had any real growth or understanding of what he was doing that alienated people. Mark was fantastic, I am begging GMMTV to give him a lead role again.

Read More

Coming from someone who read the webtoon sweet home (No spoilers)

I have said this before, but the webtoon was one of the masterpieces and I love the other works of the author. I had a beef to pick with in the first season, but it was still leagues above what the second season is (can't even call it a season, to be fair). The whole 8 episodes could have easily been delivered in a single episode and would have been way better. Not gonna lie, I was massively excited as to how the story will progress, as it was diverging from the webtoon in the first season to begin with. However, now after completing it, the only thing I can say is the whole season felt like a dish served after it had gone bad.

The fan service of naked men was one thing, but the story was going around in circles and the bare minimum progress it had wasn't enough to keep oneself interested in keeping up with the whole darn eight episodes. The acting of the cast members was good, but too much CGI, which left a bad aftertaste for me personally, as I think it could have been done way better. Also, the individuality monsters had in the first season was gone, and the focus was more on portraying monsters as zombies than "monsters". I don't know how much budget went into the whole season but the gunfires, explosioins, fires, and such were done like poorly designed 3D warfare game. Anyways, it was a complete mess, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, but for now will see how season 3 pans out.

Read More

Pretty much what I expected

I ended up binging this when I needed something stupid (affectionate) and hilarious as a palate cleanser. It was basically exactly what I needed and what I expected.

I have the usual grievances when it comes to plot points not making sense (Tae-moo being hospitalized for a... not even broken arm?? Which he uses just fine when he leaves? Lol sure, and Sung-hoon commenting on why someone who can see just fine needs glasses when he... LITERALLY DOES THE SAME ?) and some cultural... expectations? that translate into plot points. The acting was cute and believable for the most part, except my one pet peeve - Tae-moo's hair brushing gesture, don't ask me why, just didn't feel real to me! Also Ahn Hyeo Seop is scarily thin (in this?)?? Like, not sure it's sexy to be able to see your RIBS from your BACK!? (But that is... generally speaking, that industry in that country, so.)

Anyway the plot is predictable but fun, the couples are cute, and the friendships even cuter. I enjoyed watching this but not my cup of tea for a rewatch, but for the fans of romance and fake dating trope enthusiasts, I think you'll have a good time.

Read More

Definite improvement over SIMM, easy fun watch

If you are expecting HIGH drama and complicated layered plot, this is not the show for you. What it has going for it is the undeniable appeal and chemistry of Joong and Dunk. Joong is his typical endearing, thoughtful, besotted self. He has more nuance and more moods to convey here than he did in SIMM, where mostly I think his character was a confusing asshole. Not sure why everyone is picking on Dunk, as he was notably improved here. His character starts out clueless and hostile and gradually falls for Joke in a way that feels natural and understandable, especially when a little of his relationship backstory comes in to play. Dunk does his best work reacting opposite Joong and this as true for their conflict scenes as it is for their love scenes.
The side couple feel like an afterthought, and the plot and the twists lose steam after episode 9, not gonna lie, but Joong and Dunk are what sold the show and it was still very enjoyable to watch their scenes and their little shout out to SIMM.
It was fun for what it was, it would have been better if it was a shorter series or had a tighter ending but it didn't ruin anything for me.

Read More