1Short, spicy, and unique
The one thing I like about Jdrama’s is how different they are from all the other Asian dramas out there. I’m getting a little burned out on kdramas because they’re all starting to look the same. I’m so tired of waiting 10 plus episodes for the first kiss, seeing jealous second leads sabotaging the main leads, getting frustrated over silly misunderstandings that would never happen in real life, and enduring unnecessary angst. This drama was the total opposite of that. The main leads kiss on the first episode, and boy was it a kiss! There are no jealous obsessed second leads, no unnecessary angst, and the main couple actually talk to each other about their problems. It was so refreshing!Kei (the male lead) is called the phantom because he never seems to leave work and can be seen all over the building both during the daytime and nighttime, almost like a ghost. He seems to be drifting through life without much purpose or concern for his health, often forgetting to eat and sleep. He tells Momo (the female lead) that he pushes himself like that because it’s the only way he knows how to keep himself going. He’s very lonely and no one seems to notice or care that he’s not taking care of himself. But Momo’s concern for his welfare touches him. And he’s instantly drawn to her kind sweet personality. He’s a very bold take charge type of guy that becomes very loving and protective of Momo.
Momo is a very simple sweet girl with a heart of gold. She is probably one of the most shy naive characters I've ever seen, especially with the opposite sex. But her genuine concern for others touches everyone around her. She’s hardworking and quite loyal too.
The romance in this drama was done really well. The kissing scenes are quite steamy and numerous. And if you’re easily offended at bed scenes then you should skip this drama because they spend a lot of time kissing, cuddling, and doing other stuff (ahem, cough cough) in the bedroom. He’s very straightforward and aggressive and even though she’s a shy virgin she makes it clear that she’s fallen for him. They are a super sweet couple with amazing chemistry.
The storyline doesn’t have much to it. There’s a mysterious aura about the male lead and his past that I found interesting, but other than that it didn’t really have much depth. But what made me give it such high marks was because it was so unique. Even though the male lead sees the female lead, who is now his girlfriend, embrace another man and even feed him a bite of cake, he doesn’t flip out with jealousy or misunderstand the situation. He actually understands her naive actions and trusts her. And the female lead trusts the male lead too. Imagine that! They actually trust each other without jumping to conclusions and misunderstanding things. It was refreshing to see a drama where the main leads had a healthy relationship.
Okay so let’s talk about what I didn’t like. I took off a full point because most of the other characters were just there to move the story along. There were no other couples and we really didn’t get to know any of the side characters or their stories. The entire dramas focus was on the main leads and no one else. I would have loved to get to know the male leads best friend Fukami a little better. I also took a half point off because we never got to see the female leads backstory. There were no family or friends or info on her past. The only people in her life were her coworkers and they didn’t seem super close to her. It would have been nice if she had a best friend she was super close to that could have filled us in on her past.
Overall I’d say this is one of the better Jdrama’s I’ve watched. It’s short, super sweet, spicy, and refreshingly unique. I loved how a good deal of the drama was filmed in low lighting that set this dark shadowy mysterious mood. It wasn’t a masterpiece by any means, but I enjoyed how light sweet and refreshing it was. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem.
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Too much of everything except the romance
I initially watched this because I'm a fan of both Janice and Tao, and while they both performed excellently here, I just couldn't bring myself to love this drama. Here's a little rundown on why:1. There's so much going on all the time. The main pairing honestly only gets 20% of air time. The rest of it is boring business issues, love triangle things with other characters who aren't even the leads, etc.
2. The side characters were hopelessly boring. Zhenzhen's best friend, in particular, grated on my nerves. The second male lead was okay at first, but then his character suddenly shifts mid-drama, which was really off-putting.
3. I only really started feeling for the main characters at around 35 episodes in. Don't get me wrong, the're adorable!!! We just don't get enough of them prior to that.
Overall, not really a drama I'd recommend. I prefer Janice's other dramas (Le Coup de Foudre, Skate Into Love), and will definitely be trying out Tao's other dramas instead.
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The FL is patient and understanding, she isn't overdramatic. The ML, even though he's younger, he doesn't act immaturely. Btw the little twist at the end was perfect (^‿^). I also love the second leads, even with little screen time their story was told thoroughly.
Every roles acted out perfectly. The couples chemistry was good too. Music and cinematography was nicely done.
"Destined To Meet You" is full of adorable moments. It's sweet but not overly sweet.
The whole 20 episodes combined is ± 3 hours long, so it's perfect for binge watching. I'd definitely rewatching this.
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It's not bad as most the reviews out here, but certainly has its flaws
Well looking at the trailer and the title, I wasn't exactly expecting anything way too serious and dramatic and anticipated it too be all the way fluff for the mainstream female BL watchers out there. But I was wrong! The progression of the two guys slowly getting close and intimate with each other, until one of them gave in and braced his inner desires, felt very natural and realistic to me (Me being a gay guy myself). The situations is somehow believable and something which may happen in real life.Well most of the watchers out there may disagree with me, but as for the mainstream BL watchers out there, whom I know are mostly female fangirls and not actual LGBTQ people out there, I sincerely request you guys to take know how most real gay relationships work by perhaps asking any gay friend or colleague you may know, before you go ahead and start ranting about your expectations from the show. Most gay relationships, at least the major 90%, evolve from lust, sexual explorations and curiosity, and hardly from just mere emotions and conversations, and your cutesy falls and cheesy gestures. The gay world won't really fit into your typical stereotypical straight world.
The show had its fare share of BL tropes, but were not as much evident and cringey like say Light On Me or Tasty Florida, which I felt had mostly plasticky 2D characters with no sense of realism at all.
The show gave somewhat indie vibes, paired with good amount of OSTs made it a very pleasant and refreshing watch. The show doesn't go hardcore into the gay world like the small production houses like strongberry and matchbox go, but doesn't go too BLish either. It was a subtle watch. The chemistry between the leads felt intimate enough, though i expected more of a proper passionate kiss from them.
Now coming to the bad parts. The script had very lousy writing. The writer just made sure to fit in every cliché BL trope into the time slot, enemies to lovers, evil female villain, drama, happy ending. The female character is not exactly a villain here in the story, for it is her restaurant and the shortfall of profit gives her every right to replace the head chef, but just to maybe have a more diplomatic approach as to not come off as extremely materialistic, made her first employee go through a self test (not so plausible justification of her actions, but yeah :/). The story did have hell number of plotholes. Everything was going on smoothly until we reach the final two episodes
The ending was the worst part of the show. Without giving any sort of justification by Jung Woo for his actions, Do Gun was so quick to forgive Jung Woo for his inexplicable actions which stopped his source of livelihood, just for the pure sake of a Happy Ending. The concepts for the names of the dishes were too lousy and just felt like a freshman winding up his last minute assignment. The colleagues who spend more time with Do Gun, instead of feeling bad for their star chef, started cheering for Jung Woo instead. Why would any sensible colleague do that?
Not the worst show to be watched, but rather a laid back and relaxed watch. Best to be enjoyed in your free time and preferably binge watch as it's short enough. Not to keep too many expectations.
*I AM MOSTLY LENIENT WITH THE KOREAN BL RATINGS AS THEY HAVEN'T YET FULLY EVOLVED INTO A PROPER MARKET YET, BUT I CERTAINLY WOULDN'T LIKE IT DELVING INTO A CRINGEY UNREALISTIC FANSERVICE WHICH MAJORITY OF THAI BLS DO*
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This show is just like a Disney production, spectacularly set and lavishly comely to the eyes. But this one just keeps us reminding about the impermanence of such beauty. It establishes promptly that throughout its run, the theme which is gonna be addressed is ‘to learn to let go and move forward’ .
While the stories of different guests were interestingly written while being emotionally deep, it is the main story of the leading couple which suffers from blatant inconsistencies and unnecessarily dragged to diminish the effect of goodbyes.
It sets the show and settings really well in the first few episodes. The comedy works out well here and there. The romance of various couples other than the main one were not sidelined and were actually more interesting when viewed with their backstories and connections to the main plot than the main couple.
As the show progresses the different guests and their issues which sometimes get infused with the main story keeps the show going rather the romance of the two leads.
Still it manages to make us give a little attention to the main story with its flashback sequences with classic viewer deceiving tactics.
The deception works because it keeps us reminding that despite all this extravagant and pleasing looks, there is so much tragedy and sadness within the main character.
It has comically yet interestingly depicted the concepts of God, Heaven and Afterlife, It has meddled with those concepts to create serious and comedic dilemmas for the characters which was interesting to watch.
Even though the side stories were thematically same, each of them had its uniqueness a sort of fresh wholesomeness to them. It was sad yet prepared us for the impermanence of life itself with unexpected variety of stories based on all living beings.
While all the different stories of various ghosts prepare both the viewer and the main characters for the inevitable separation, some bad writing choices greatly falters in closing the show well. It subverts the effect of that inevitable separation just to prepare one of the characters to accept that split well.It also remains irritatingly vague after that particular decision in writing which actually disrupts the core theme of moving on. Thus it stretches out the main arc and also postpones some closure for characters to the frustration of the viewer.
The most alluring aspects of this show is its music, OST, grandeur in sets and visuals.The inside of the hotel, costumes of the lead and depiction of different eras were splendid.
The music and original songs were adding to the mood of the scene, comic and tragic. It really brought out the emotions which were hidden in the visual grandeur.
A dreamy series filled with visual opulence driving home great message necessary for everyone who is alive faltered along the way to decrease the effect towards the end.
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Perfect
This is the first time I'm writing a review so bare with me, I have been a fan of Chinese drama for almost 2 years now and it has been much entertaining in my part. But Love Like Galaxy, I was blown away, that I actually watched it over and over since it has been shown. Thank goodness for my subscription. It has been a fantastic journey for the past 6 weeks. I love Zhao Lu Si and Wu Lei as an actor , the first time I've seen them in the same series was the Long Ballad, I also love that show. But this one Love Like Galaxy is like the top of my list and surely will be my favourite to come for a long time. The potrayal of the actors and actresses was just awesome, i can put all the superlative but that's too much. I've laughed, cried get angry in every series. I've felt every emotion that can possibly be experienced by human watching this series. You know the feeling of opening a present, this is how i felt when there is a new series coming up, so much so that Ive subscribe for the express series, that i cant wait for Tuesday, anyway it has come to an end , now I want to read the book unfortunately it only comes in Chinese, I know there's few online that's been translated to English, but I actually want to have a paper back, it will be a fanstactic read and read it over and over again.The director has done a marvelous job, Kudos to you Sir. The cinematography was fantastic. It has taken my imagination on watching a tv series to a new level. Congratulation to all! It has been fun.
Xiexie ni
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This review may contain spoilers
This is my 2nd dorama! I watched it this year in January during my winter vacation. Prior to watching it, I had read the story in Wikipedia so I knew how it was going to end up as I have seen and heard several such stories. Yet I was curious to watch it because it seemed to be inspiring. I had lost inspiration to do my work and was in urgent need of it. And needless to say, this drama did inspire me a lot. I love the entire cast. Whether the main leads or the supporting characters, all of them act brilliantly. There are many things about this drama that I love. Seeing the happy moments that Aya-chan (Sawajiri Erika) and her family have are a treat. Those moments made me smile. Not to mention, Nishikido Ryo has done an awesome job. In the beginning, I kinda didn't like him because he didn't show any emotions at all but later on, I just fell for him. The romance between Sawajiri Erika and Nishikido Ryo is simple and sweet. Romance doesn't need to be portrayed by hugs and kisses always. This drama also brings forth the low mentality of some people in our society, and how physically disabled people are looked down upon.
I gave this story a 9 because I was not satisfied with the ending. The last few minutes, I feel, were rushed. Also there is another fact about the ending which I dislike but I don't think it is correct to mention it here as it maybe considered as a spoiler.
The music is a full 10/10. I love the OST and whenever I listen to it, I become emotional.
I'd re-watch it someday but probably not now because every episode is fresh and vivid in my mind. I'll probably watch it again a year or two later when I'm in need of some inspiration.
Overall, this is a great drama series and it certainly should be in your list. Even if you hate tragic stories, you should give it a try.
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This review may contain spoilers
Blood: A memorable masterpiece in the vampire genre. ~ Ending explained.
I wrote this a long time ago. I tried to make it as insightful as possible. Thank you for reading in advance!Blood is not your typical vampire story from the get-go because of its take on vampires and the medical setting. It's philosophical and even artsy. It really is a matter of being hooked by the storyline and atmosphere. The music is a mix of old school techno, violon and harpsichord to evoke the atmosphere of Victorian vampires. The main cast and many other characters are kind of edgy from the vibe they give off but it is perfectly fitting to the style of the drama. They were unique and unforgettable. If you cannot handle anything spiritual, you might want to stay away from Blood.
Look back at the whole drama to understand the ending. Blood is actual genius.
Copy-pasted a part of Maryena's review (the one on the top) which I wanted to include here : "The plot was very unpredictable. That's why I liked its story. Also the story was full of moral, humanity and most importantly, Blood is brimming with life philosophies. Add to this the other invaluable life lessons that may be culled from the drama. To name a few, faith in God during adversity, compassion or empathy for the sick and dying; fleeting nature of life and vain things like power and money; moral science or the upholding of the ethics and standards of one's profession."
I really like the synopsis, so I will also copy it here in case some of you didn't read it : "Park Ji Sang is a doctor specializing in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery in the best cancer research hospital in the country. He is also a vampire. Despite seeming cold and unfeeling, Ji Sang masks his soft heart and inner pain and yearns for closeness with people. He believes very strongly in the sanctity of human life and suppresses his thirst for blood to treat terminally ill patients and save lives. (his internal conflict >>>)
Among his colleagues is Yoo Ri Ta, a hotshot physician who entered medical school at the age of 17 and is also the niece of the chaebol group chairman who owns the hospital. Ri Ta is highly capable but snooty and prideful, yet Ji Sang finds himself falling for her. He also gets drawn into a conflict between good and evil as he encounters Lee Jae Wook, a two-faced hospital chief who gains everyone's trust with his gentle demeanor, but inwardly harbors a dangerous ambition for power and a talent for cruelty."
Side note: The romance was sweet and the support between the characters was very refreshing, as there was no useless toxicity between them. Finally, a real team with real teamwork.
Special effects: You must keep in mind that this is a 2015 supernatural drama from KBS2. However, the fights were so well choreographed and I LOVED it when they transformed. It was so cool and original.
Acting: All the cast is commendable, truly. Ji Jin Hee's Lee Jae Wook is one of the best villains I have ever witnessed. Ahn Jae Hyun's Park Ji Sang is by far my favorite vampire and his little smirk was everything (also like the tone of his voice and his facial expressions were so captivating to me?). Moreover I appreciate how stoic he is because when he cracks, it accentuates the shift and gives a real intensity. On the other hand, Rita is a fun character. People blaming Ahn Jae Hyun and Goo Hye Sun must have a personal problem with them or their characters. As AJH's first main role, it must have been very hard first of all. Please watch the press conference to have an idea of what they went through. I couldn't bear GHS in BOF because I couldn't bear anything at all in this drama, it was way too cringe for me. But here I loved her (I mean she's not the most likeable in the first few eps tho but she did a great job at that lol). Please pay attention to their emotional changes all throughout. If the drama is not for you, just drop it and get a life.
For more details on GHS's acting in the first episodes :
https://www.soompi.com/article/704949wpp/blood-team-voices-their-concern-regarding-criticisms-of-goo-hye-suns-acting
Teasers I felt the need to share as well as a press conference :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWCjhD3BqTI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MogMyyGLhY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyVMYcYEAOE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkpcA9AgtZs
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Remember the last episodes when Park Ji Sang was talking to Chief Jung and the conversation between Dr. Choi and Dr. Jung about him. That he could live without a heart and he has to die to cultivate the cure for 20-30mins. And because his blood is auto-genesis, he can live again. Because this is a theory and not been proven that's why everyone is concerned that it might fail. He is not that affected much with the sunrise because they could have injected the decomposed blood already and it won't react anymore to a dead infected and because he is of pure blood he can heal faster. Him being alive at the end means the antibody worked, and it was successful making him stronger than ever even as a human. So Yoo Ri Ta is all in to the experiment and when Park Ji Sang died of course they have to revive his body and observe him. It can take longer before his body will be totally cured and by the time he woke up Yoo Ri Ta is gone to Kochenia already as planned. So when she saw Park Ji Sang there it is as if she already knew that it was him but was too amazed to react or in a dreamy state when she realized that the cure was real. The end.
So, this is the logical explanation. But if you don't mind me sharing more of my thoughts :
By the end, he is human. His heart stopped beating, but he transcended humanity. His blood is enough for him to live and that's what saved him. He'll die as a human. The writer certainly knew that only a few people would understand and love the drama for what it really is "beyond the surface". They could have shown everything that happened in between to give the viewers clear explanations, but it would then ruin the atmosphere, all the build up, and the theme of the drama would become meaningless. Blood stayed true to itself. It was supposed to feel like a miracle.
From the beginning, they try to find a cure (Ji Sang's mother). This is how it ends. Ji Sang and his mother's dream to make him human became a reality.
The drama started in Kochenia (note that the very first scene is important), and ended in Kochenia.
Remember the dialogue between Rita and Ji Sang on the rooftop, it also fits perfectly.
The reference to Beauty and the Beast.
The vampires came from Kochenia originally. But them appearing at the same place, at the same time where Rita is... strange right? Now remember Jae Wook's monologue before he died. He represents the devils (the painting at his home is quite self-explanatory already) whereas Ji Sang represents the angels. Blood is a battle between light and shadow. Look at the main poster now. Ji Sang's sudden appearance as Rita's savior was brilliant (just like in the past!).
All in all, this is like 10 parallels in one scene. One (and most) may say that it's a stupid ending and that it doesn't make any sense, but it really does. I found it really beautiful. Not to mention the scenery was gorgeous and Ji Sang became even more handsome?? I really love Rita too... she made me cry hard before this scene came - Ji Sang's reaction to Hyun Woo's death was also heartbreaking. Both had an awesome character development throughout the drama and suffered so much.
Vincenzo was written by the same person, and it only confirmed my thoughts about Blood with biblical references being placed here and there. I clearly don't love it as much as I love Blood but it was really good. Vincenzo is definitely not as serious, but it gave me good laughs. I still find the robot in Blood to be one of the funniest things I have ever seen in a drama though.
Honestly, it couldn't be more obvious with all the religious things in the drama, even in the poster you can notice crosses. When I first saw the ending, I wasn't even confused. It was a surprise yes, but somehow, it immediately made sense for me. By always seeking too much rationality in fiction, you lose yourself and miss a lot. Blood is the best take on vampires to this day, and it is not only a vampire series for teenagers like Twilight.
Yet, even though I said it is obvious, it is all very subtle.
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Very insightful analysis from a Korean philosopher : https://m.post.naver.com/viewer/postView.nhn?memberNo=134246&volumeNo=1335670&vType=VERTICAL
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This drama revolves around Endo Keita, a man in his 30s who is transferred from head office to Narita Airport. Most of the staff are women, one of them being Morio Haruko who is completely hostile towards him and Baba Hanae seems to be the only one of the entire female staff who shows him any kindness.
Imaizumi Toshio is Endo's wacky manager who seems completely useless from the start, but he ends up helping Endo slowly learn to be passionate about his job, which is through helping all the customers resolve their troubles prior to their departure!
something completely original from most other dramas that probably isnt everyones cup of tea, but i would defiantly recommend it to anyone who is in the mood for a lighthearted drama about a bunch of people working at an airport with a tone of comady and a little bit of romance thrown in!
oh, and for all you other Yamamoto Yusuke fans out there, this role as the bubbly Edamoto Hisao will not disappoint you!
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1 Litre of Tears really is one of the most inspiring stories I've ever seen and here it is told beautifully. The story explores the meaning of living life to the fullest in a way which isn't trite or melodramatic, but heartwarming and inspiring. Aya's strength throughout her illness is simply amazing, as is watching the bond with her family strengthen and friendships develop.
The story is told well with the help of group of very talented actors, none of which can be given enough praise. Of course Erika Sawajiri as Aya is excellent, but every other actor does such a good job. I'd like to mention Hiroko Yakushimaru, who plays Shioka Ikeuchi (Aya's mother) who brings out a mother's strength so well, but also her vulnerability. The OST is excellent, featuring some moving songs and a beautiful theme. It is a relief when the soundtrack accompanies the story, visuals and performances so well.
I left this drama feeling uplifted, even after the litre of tears I cried (probably more to be honest). Watching the family bond was beyond moving, and Aya's selflessness inspiring. I feel now like I need to live life to the fullest not just because I am healthy, but to live for those who can't do so. Cherish the day, the blue skies, my family and friends and remember to always look forward to the future.
Aya, your story appears to have inspired many people on this site and around the world, wherever you are I'm sure you are walking happily. People who are reading this and have not seen this drama, do yourself a favour and do so, just keep a few boxes of tissues handy.
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This review may contain spoilers
Reaper x Sunny and the bromance overshadowed the actual plot of this story.
Full disclosure: I watched this drama because I needed to see more of Lee Dong Wook and Yoo In Na in leading roles after watching (and loving!) Touch Your Heart. I was always hesitant to watch Goblin because I've heard just how heartbreaking it was. I came in fully prepared knowing that I would cry my eyes out.And I did... but not for the main couple. I cried for the bromance of Goblin and Reaper. I cried for the romance between Reaper and Sunny. I even cried for the souls that Reaper led to the afterlife! But, I did not cry for Goblin and his bride and even skipped some of their scenes. The main reason for that was because I could NOT relate at all with the female lead. She acted like such a child for most of the drama... which is understandable since her character was a nineteen-year-old high-schooler!!
My biggest gripe was that there was such a big difference in station between the male lead Kim Shin and the female lead Eun Tak. The ML was a powerful figure even in present-day; he literally can use magic, owns a mansion, has many people doing his bidding, and is incredibly rich. He also looks like he's in his mid-30s (no shade against Gong Yoo, just stating facts). Meanwhile, the FL was a poor, penniless high-schooler. She's 19 for most of the drama. There was SUCH an imbalance of power - in their experiences, because he's so much older than she, and in their social statuses as well. It was very disconcerting to see a romantic relationship develop between them.
On the flip side, the bromance between Goblin and Reaper was great. Their interactions with each other were one of my favourites to see. The reveal later on in the drama broke my heart.
What outshined everything was Reaper and Sunny's relationship. You knew from the moment they met that they were doomed in this lifetime. But the WHY was hidden until later and the reveal, again, was heartbreaking. But they pushed through, they accepted their fates... and they had their happy ending.
So, to summarize:
Story: It was ok. I did not care for the female lead and even the main plot of Goblin needing his bride to pull the sword from his chest was overshadowed later on by Reaper's past.
Acting/Cast: Everyone played their parts well. As much as I disliked the female lead, Go Eun did a great job playing a high schooler in my opinion. My favourite was Dong Wook. He had me laughing with his hilarious outbursts and made me cry for his conversations with the souls and his expressive eyes.
Music: They didn't have a lot of variety. The same music was played over and over again for the dramatic scenes. It wasn't my taste either.
Rewatch Value: I wouldn't watch this drama in full. Can I just get a cut of the Reaper/Sunny moments and the bromances? Lol.
Overall: An OK drama. If they had aged up the female lead, or aged down the male lead, then this drama wouldn't feel so... icky in some parts. Watch it for Reaper/Sunny, and then watch Touch Your Heart afterwards!
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Chemistry is really MEANT TO BE!!
Really loved this cute drama. The couple has one of the best chemistry in Thai dramas.It feels like they really love each other. LOTS OF HOT KISSES!!! @_@ And LOADS OF SKINSHIP!!
It is a story about lovers who separated in the past and run into each other again after 4 yrs.After meeting, both of them realise they still have feelings for each other and fall in love again.
In most lakorns, you bound to hate male lead at first as he's a jerk and then he changes. For a change I saw a very supportive male lead in Mint which is rare in lakorn. He loves Bebe so much but never forced on her to do anything. (though he very charmingly seduces her many times *v*) He respected her decision 4 yrs ago and respects her decision now too. It's my first time watching Krist (I didn't' watch SOTUS) but I loved him here. Many people won't like him in this role as it's a change from BL.
On the other hand, Bebe is hated by many viewers as she is mean, selfish and indecisive. She even did two-timing. But if you see the whole drama, you can see her as a real person who is not perfect, not sure what she wants in real life but has a difficult dream which most of girls nowadays dream of. She has conflicts among old bf and new bf. She gave in to Mint many times even when she had bf, because you can feel she still loves Mint and haven't forgotten about him. At first, she comes off shallow and weak person who cares only about her appearance and likes glamorous life. Later she changes for better coz of Mint.
Side characters/couples are entertaining but they are really SIDE characters/couple. Main couple keeps you engaged throughout.
Music feels good and suitable for every scene.
I can't really say it would have been better. But with this story and cast they did pretty well job.
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A strong plot with impeccable performances from the leads make it worth the watch
Li Changge originally, or The Long Ballad was one drama I wasn't sure about upon watching the trailer the very first time. It seemed like battles and bloodshed and I wasn't too sure about wanting to watch something like that. I literally went in with 0 expectations and knowledge about the manhua and yet, it managed to impress me and keep me hooked. I have to say the credit mostly goes to Dilraba and Leo Wu for making this such an enjoyable ride.PLOT:
Honestly, this drama was quite bloody and at times melodramatic for me. The story moved about very quickly and remained engaging for the most part. The revenge aspect and the slow burn romance were the best things about it. The main pull throughout the plot are the intelligent leads, especially Li Changge and Ashile Sun. I loved the battle talk, scheming until it became slightly dragged and dull towards the end. A lot of people called it a masterpiece, but I think it's just an amazing drama with flaws.
CHARACTERS:
Li Changge is a great heroine, but also a bit frustrating at times. She was cunning but also headstrong at times which let her make mistakes, which was okay for most part. Ashile Sun seemed conniving but he had a heart of gold. Le Yan's journey was also great as she falls and picks herself over and over. Hao Du was also fun for me as he we see his softer side over time- he made me go from hate to genuinely finding him cute (although flawed). I couldn't care that much about rest of the characters but there were a lot of cool supporting ones.
CAST & ROMANNCE:
No surprise here but of course Dilraba and Leo steal the show. The others did a good job as well but let's be honest that people loved this dram due to their visuals and acting. Both are extremely good-looking and had amazing chemistry. I really didn't know about their age gap at all but they played it very respectfully without any cringey skinship between the two. I personally wouldn't have minded it, but maybe the actors wanted it that way. The same goes for Zhao Lu Si and the guys who played her love interests. The chemistry was cute with long stares and warm hugs. For once I am not complaining due to the lack of kisses.
OTHER ASPECTS + ENDING :
After ep 30-something the focus on revenge sort of waned. There were some subplots with the Great Khan, his wife, Sher, the plague, etc. that I didn't care about and skipped a few scenes. I wanted more romance but it was mostly through dialogues. I'm glad we got what we got else they could have just made it a boring war drama too. The ending was sort of unsatisfactory and I thought that they could have had 2-3 more to wrap it up nicely. It's fine I guess as I heard the manhua itself isn't finished yet? Lot of people complained about the animated battle scenes and Dilraba's hair and none of that bothered me. Any more bloodshed and I would have been out.
OVERALL:
A very nice drama and definitely one of the best historical ones I've watched till now. It had its flaws but the journey was great and I will definitely consider the lead pairing as one of the best I've seen till date. It's amazing how Dilraba has great chemistry with all of her male co-stars and just improves every time. She was so convincing as a boy and looked like she worked very hard for this role.
Lowkey excited to check out You Are My Glory after this as I definitely want to watch more of Dilraba. She just improves and surprises me every time.
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Should've been 24 ep.
There's nothing special about this series so the fact that they stretched out to 42 is pretty tiring. I do like easy watch cliche dramas but it has to be executed well with cute dialogue and a fun cast.1. FL - insanely gorgeous but her personality wasn't consistently likeable . The start was rough with her randomly accusing the ML of stealing. They should've wrote some believable encounter.
2. ML - Over controlling passed the likeable stage. He's bi - polar through out most of the series: sometimes nice, most times unbearable.
3. 2nd ML - Very cute, this character was executed well. This is your standard non existent human like supportive male character who just want the FL's happiness
Side characters:
Too many nasty characters all targeting the FL
It was a struggle to finish the series with all the crappy side characters
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This review may contain spoilers
Loved it!
I stumbled upon Secret Crush on You quite by accident, and I'm so happy I did. Here are my pros and cons:PROS
ATTENTION TO IMPORTANT ISSUES. Bullying, transgender identity, fat shaming, homophobia (and more) were addressed satisfactorily in this series.
LIKEABLE CHARACTERS. I found myself liking every single one of the characters, other than the bullies.
CONS
TOH'S MEMENTOS. Nothing says "I love you" like cutting the entire head off of a roast pig to save as a keepsake... in a Ziploc bag.
WRAPPING UP STORY LINES. Not dealbreakers, but I would have liked to see more of Daisy/Touch, Jao actually meeting Sky's mother, and Prao/Peach getting publicly shamed.
I had fun watching this series and looked forward to it each week.
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