Reviews

Worst Korean Drama script of all time

I cannot even imagine how the same scriptwriter who gave us Crash Landing on You somehow managed to come up with this steaming pile of excrement. Colleges and universities should use this as a case study in bad writing. It constantly insults the viewers intelligence to the point that one is left completely exasperated and confused at how it could even exist. This viewer only managed to reach the end it all through a combination of hate watching and intrigue at how such a high end, expensive major studio production with top class actors and soundtrack could come to this. One completely idiotic, unrealistic, completely unbelievable plot twist after another with every conceivable k-drama trope after another used and then reused until the viewer feels brutalized by the stupidity of it all. This show is dog ____.

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One of the most exciting dramas I've come across till date. It kept me glued from the very first moment, making me wonder who the k-guy was. Background music gave me goosebumps.

But frankly I felt Jin Gook and Hye Mi looked so much better together. I didn't even CONSIDER the possibility of Sam Dong and her together until the second last episode or something. Ending was sweet, but incomplete.

Nevertheless, one show I want to go watch again and again (last time that happened with You're Beautiful).
Pil Sook and Jason were adorable together.

special credits to Teacher Kang's noona's drinking habits, the english teacher's dancing skills, The loan shark's creepy, sudden appearances that beats the shit out of anyone and everyone and the american teacher's hairclips. LOL. Super special credits to Taecyeon and his cute, dorky ears. I can't wait to see him in a drama where he finally gets the girl ^^

This one is a classic you guys. A must watch!

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I really enjoyed Legend of the Blue Sea very much. I was prepared to give this a higher rating than I did, but there were a few things that kept this from being perfect. The story was very good, I enjoyed the reincarnation/past lives aspect and the flashback scenes to the Joseon counterparts. I wish those parts had been able to continue further into the story. The writer really set up her myth very well. I've heard some say that it was too reminiscent of My Love From Another Star, and I can see where the set up was very similar in style. I enjoyed all the characters, though, and the writer did put in some good twists to the story. There were a few inconsistencies, but nothing that distracted too much from my enjoyment. And although the ending was good, I felt like it still could have been better. They did a good job at wrapping up, but I didn't feel like they spent enough time with our main couple for the last episode. This drama was actually my first experience watching Lee Min Ho. I thought I finally got why he was such a "big deal" a few years back. (No, I have never watched BOF and probably won't!) I liked him enough to find another drama of his to watch while waiting for new episodes. While he impressed me fairly well in the first part, I found that he lacked emotional punch in some scenes toward the end which lowered my acting score a bit. Jun Ji Hyun, though, has become one of the actresses that I enjoy very much. She has a great comedic sense and stands out from a lot of the Korean actresses I see. She did an excellent job in this show as well. I thought all the side characters were interesting and well-acted for their roles. Especially all the actors doing double duty as past and present characters. The music was pretty good, but nothing that was extraordinary. The theme song was cheesy but still somewhat catchy. It's not something I would like or enjoy listening to outside of being the theme song for this show, though. So, it was good for its purpose. I think this has good rewatch value, even if I myself may not rewatch it. Overall, I gave this an 7.5. It was a fairly solid drama and I would recommend it to anyone that likes romance and fantasy elements. I think this show airing during the same time frame as Goblin may hurt its ratings a bit, but it was still a great show and I don't have any major criticisms for it.

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Started for the romance, stayed for the friendship.

When I start any BL, I am in for romance. I am not expecting an amazing plot, complex characters and any meaningful, well built relations between all the characters. So imagine my surprise, when half way through the show, I cared more about all the friendships, than the main romance.

Does it mean the romance was bad? No. For me, it was just really basic. It got me with “aww, that’s cute” a few times, but overall, I was not that invested. Maybe because there were no real stakes, and all the problems and conflicts were similar to each other, but I barely felt anything.

On the other hand, I adored every scene between Aoki and Hashimoto. I wish the focus of the show was on them building their friendship that started from a misunderstanding, and the romance was more of a side plot. Watching them support each other was delightful. That duo is probably the best thing that happened in BLs in a long time.

I even cared more about Hashimoto and Aida more than the main couple, thanks to Hashimoto’s bubbly, but also brave personality, which made their scenes that much more interesting.

The cast did an amazing job portraying the characters. Michieda Shunsuke aced the over the top, but still somehow realistic reactions Aoki had. Meguro Ren portrayed the gradual change in Ida’s feelings, and initial unsureness in an excellent manner. Fukumoto Riko made Hashimoto the fun real life version of “looks like cinnamon roll, is a cinnamon roll, but could still kill you” character and Suzuki Jin made Aida fun, even if at times frustrating character to watch.

Overall, it was a fun watch. I do believe it would be more entertaining as a binge watch type of deal, since it did not have the plot that made me anticipate each new episode every week. It’s just a fun, cute high school romance that will make you feel happy, but might not amaze you.

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I love everything about this drama!

It's been a while since I've seen a good drama. Usually, every drama I've seen is pretty much the same storyline and plot. I'm glad I've found this drama. It maybe a slow burn type but it has its own style to it that makes it a masterpiece. Male lead is a really handsome man, he's not pretty flower boy type that I've seen in most chinese dramas. I seen the bts clips this man has pour his heart out to bring his character to life. I seen so many dramas in the past years and I'm very impressed with this actor work. I love everything about this drama, the actors, actresses, and crew team. They all poured their hearts out to make such a wonderful series.

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So Bad It's Good!!!

Overall: I don't even know how to rate this series. If you watch it at double speed and think of it as a cheesy soap opera, it is wildly entertaining. However, it is not a serious or realistic bdsm or mafia romance. Aired on Gagaoolala & YouTube (YouTube has some of the (few) steamy scenes shortened/cut))

Content Warnings: murders, gore/blood, kidnapping, slaps/beaten up/violence, manipulation, dub con bdsm (in the first instance), non con touching (sleeping), manhandling, maybe under 18 (in the book Baiboon is 15 but they don't say his age in the series)/age gap side relationship

What I Liked
- this has so much nonsense (pirouette lap sits, shots of running water, zero research into bdsm, Kim making the stupidest decisions). I put this stuff as Room For Improvement as well because it's either awesome or terrible depending on how you watch this series. I laughed so hard every episode.  
- appreciated the multiple consent check ins in the initial "bdsm" scene
- the bodyguard shower scene was totally random but hot

Room For Improvement
- random long shots of faucets running, shoes on the bed, awful tattoo
- nonsensical actions and dialogue, Kamol couldn't find another partner in a large city??? Why is Kim so appealing? Why refuse to do something and then instantly gives in? A sample line, Kamol says to Kim "don't worry I'm not involved in drugs or human trafficking"
- the other side couples were not well developed
- awful kissing (but apparently that first scene had zero workshops and the two leads had never worked with each other so that's the production's fault)
- not just 1 but three annoying wannabe girlfriend/boyfriend characters
- zero research into bdsm, also wounds that don't match and look like they were drawn on with lipstick
- slow pacing (watched most on double speed)
- didn't like the overhead camera shots in the beginning and there were some really odd transition shots (like the faucet running water)
- English subs on top of the Thai subs when they were speaking Korean was difficult to read
- they should have cut out the bobblehead commercial breaks

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Most Frustrating and Infuriating Love Triangle

The storyline of massacring concubines when an emperor dies, the absolute power of the eunuchs, the heinous schemes of the various factions in the palace power struggle for the throne, and most of all, a forbidden love that the lovers go underground and the yearning look for each other from afar – all these, while cruel, are intriguing and make a great tragic and somber drama. The trailer looked so good and this was what I had expected. Instead, I was caught off-guard by what I saw -- a slapstick comedy, especially at the beginning.

The opening scene is a disaster. I was utterly confused and flabbergasted - is it supposed to be a serious and heart-wrenching drama with pains and deaths, or is it a comedy where deaths are being treated as jokes? Some viewers said this is meant to be a dark comedy. I was not alone; many other viewers were aghast.

Many viewers have come to watch Unchained Love for Wang Hedi after his bombshell acting in Love Between Angel and Devil, and this is exactly what its marketing team is counting on – an exploitation of his fame after his last aired drama. As much as I love Wang Hedi's acting in the previous drama, it doesn't mean I need to blindly extol him regardless of the story telling, actor selection and many other aspects of this drama. My review here is going to be blunt and unforgiving which may not augur well with many fans.

Story: Is there a future for a eunuch and an emperor's woman to share an illicit love, and to elope to live a happily-ever-after life? Xiao Duo (Wang Hedi) and Bu Yinlou (Chen Yuqi) think there is. However, there are many treacherous obstacles they must cross, and heartaches to bear before they can finally find safety. If caught, both are doomed, and will die of horrid deaths. The sense of danger spurs the story on.

The first half of the drama is chaotic, in its writing, editing, and acting, with a supposedly horrendous hanging scene made into a slapstick comedy. As the drama progresses, the whole story becomes a rom-com with the couple going about their romantic activities, while all the other plots become insignificant side stories. Editing is terrible, making an already incoherent script even more confusing and the relationship unconvincing. The actual plot picks up at around episode 23 when the actions thicken and danger looms, and the whole story becomes more captivating.

Acting: Many viewers have given high rating here because of Wang Hedi, regardless of whether the drama deserves it. Others find Chen Yuqi's acting lackluster; most complain about her lack of facial expressions and her unnatural wide-eyed stares. For me, I only have issues with her acting in the beginning. As she gets more into her role, she seems to have improved. However, her expressions and actions don’t seem to synchronize with the situations of the scenes from time to time. The Bu Yinlou character has two personalities: she is very smart, but she acts silly in front of people to fool them. For this, Chen Yuqi appears to capture the essence of the character albeit inconsistently, but she lacks the charisma that makes this character lovable. As for Wang Hedi, his acting is convincing, and his styling is cool. However, how the camera captures his face at times has given him a rather unflattering impression.

Romance: The romance is not a love at first sight, but its lack of emotional development in the initial episodes, probably due to scene deletion, makes the rocket-speed romantic relationship feel weird and uncalled for. Despite their later treacherous encounters, their romance doesn’t capture my heart.

My Verdict
Disappointing, unnatural acting, poor writing, flabbergasted storytelling, dog blood.

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I was a nice drama. But the plot wasn't really fresh and a bit predictable. This story is common in crime thriller dramas in SK (I cannot tell more because it's a major spoiler). And I was bored a biiiit. The second thing that was a bit unsettling is Ha Jun Won's character. I didn't understood his motives. Why he did alll these? Why he is so obssesed with this case? They never explained it. For the other part, Lee Dong Sik or Park Jung Je's characters was really well written with great depth.

The good thing, the really amazing acting from the whole cast. Everyone was really great, especially Shin Ha Kyun (he gave me the chills sometimes. )

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Blaming rainy days causing me to watch this drama.
Story - emotionally abused family and young girl with talent tossed around work & life
Acting - fair to fair. Female lead could really cry. The male lead is young and had some swagger just not enough to convince me he was not a singer whose trying to act.. Rest of the cast was okay. Of course the gratuitous annoying assistant-friend whose voice & dialog makes cartoons sound good.
Music: jeez folks
RW: NO. not even for snow days
Overall: after watching several strong female - male leads in cdrama this dragged. This is 33ep too long! Yes, skipping is needed. If you want a storyline that seems to drag with an overabundance of wicked-evil women screen time + limp. victim played lead - give this a go. Be warned there are better acted and story's out there!

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A MASTERPIECE WORTH WATCHING

The journey of almost 7 months with AOS has been truly memorable. Now that it has come to an end, it feels so empty.
As I had mentioned in my review for season 1, this drama is just PERFECT and even this season didn't disappoint me with its excellent story line, cinematography, cast, music, EVERYTHING!
Go Yoon Jung portrayed her role as Jin Bu-yeon and Yeong so beautifully and I was all in for it. The dark side of Jang uk with the little mixture of softness was something to look forward to! Their chemistry is INSANE, TRUST ME! After soo long I could feel that the love that the leads share onscreen is BEAUTIFUL, just beautiful nothing else! My heart fluttered in all of their scenes together. Literally no one beats this couple and I was (will always be) all in for it! Kim DoJu, my favourite character throughout! Even though her role wasn't that much, I really really loved her little love story with Park Jin! They have to be my favourites<3. Seo Yul, Dangu, Cho Yeon, Seja Joha, Mama Jin, Master Lee (and ofc uri kkobugi the turtle!).. ALL OF THEM, they have my entire heart! Sad that it has ended and wouldn't get to see them, but happy that they were a part of this fantastic series!
About the story, I'M FULLY SATISFIED WITH IT. I truly think these 10 extended episodes did full justice to the series and I really want to thank the writers and the production team for this! People did criticise it a lot (still do) but for me, it was EXCELLENT! For me, the ending was PERFECT and it couldn't have been any better! After all the ups and downs, all the longing, all the heartbreaks, all the characters finally got what they deserved.
The OSTs! What a song Blue Flower is! I remember getting goosebumps while listening to it for the very first time. I loved how Lia's voice perfectly suited the song(she should get the attention she deserves). I even cried while listening to 'I'm sorry' by Ailee. True that I didn't understand the meaning of the song first but the emotions with which it is sung is MARVELOUS. All the other Osts too were exceptionally amazing!
Now that I've completed watching AOS2, I'm left with mixed emotions. I was rooting for this drama since it's announcement. The journey with it has been thrilling. Right from the first episode of the season one, till the last episode of season two, this series has ruled my heart and I know it will continue to do so for a very long time. From waiting for the premiere of season one to waiting for the finale of season two, this series has not once disappointed me. Hong sisters wrote the greatest love story to ever exist! They showed the world the meaning of true love! True love is not only about loving the body, but falling in love with the soul! It is loving the person inside out. They didn't disappoint us with the ending and I will thank them again and again for this!
All the praises for this drama will fall short. Every word will fail to describe the beauty of it. Alchemy of Souls is that drama which will remain in my heart FOREVER. Nothing could ever describe my love for this. For me, it was not just a drama, it was an emotion. Gonna miss it so so so muchh :(((
All I want to say is that don't miss out on this masterpiece. It's one of a kind and won't disappoint you.
Now i'll go and rewatch it right from the season one♡

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Mellow but underwhelming

I know this one is getting glowing reviews but it really felt underwhelming to me. Objectively I think everything is well-written, but I just didn't really feel the spark in it.

To start with the good things, it's definitely a mellow, down-to-earth drama. No conflicts feel overblown, there aren't any purely evil villain characters, and misunderstandings are understandable and realistic. I also think the age gap was handled really respectfully; they talk about it explicitly and emphasize that it began one-sided (that it would be weird otherwise). By the time feelings are revealed, the characters are older and wiser, and the romance is mature and communicative.

Ironically, I think this is one of the few dramas that would've benefitted from having a little more drama so that I would feel more stakes. I don't know if the story with the ML's backstory got as much closure as I would've wanted, considering it was the most interesting part since aside from the romance, SZ unfortunately doesn't feel that well-rounded.

Another thing is that the side characters feel lacking. The best one was Sang Zhi's older brother; the sibling relationship was perfectly depicted and hilarious, but I do wish we knew more about him outside of it. Similarly, we get hints of the friends, roommates, and coworkers of our two leads, but they're not really fleshed beyond the cookie-cutter roles of side characters in dramas (the boy-crazy one, the smart one, the tomboy, etc.), and they definitely felt sidelined in favor of the leads. It's understandable — after all, they are leads — but it made scenes where the leads weren't together feel bland.

I really do think this would be enjoyable to viewers who like romance dramas that are low-stress, mellow, and mature, like You Are My Glory. For me, I think there's an element of liveliness that I really missed, whether it was between the leads or the other people around them.

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Spoilers ahead

I watch tons of dramas; Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese, I mean tons of them. This was a league of its own for me.
I ended up dropping this drama three episodes from the finish line because I just couldn’t be bothered to keep watching. I realized I was skipping 80-90% of each episode but also having no problem keeping the story together.

Story: This was the weirdest/ longest storyline that just wouldn’t wrap up. Everything felt like it was just going on for far too long.
Ex:
FL not being able to tell ML the truth about the chip she needed back because she’s an alien but also showing off all her powers all the time.
ML believing that all the magic she was doing was part of his hallucinations.
The ex girlfriend being able to constantly manipulate countless people which is a running drama theme but this just wouldn’t end.
FL not telling anyone that she was an alien, 25 episodes down and the ML still had no clue about her true identity.
Second Male Lead just completely giving up on his music even though it was so important to him in the beginning and he returned to painting just after a little speech even though he was being forcibly locked away to paint all the time.

Acting: Both leads were good FL was strong and independent and the ML wasn’t a complete self absorbed dirt bag for the most part. He cared about her when he remembered her more than she did in return. The chemistry was definitely there sans the kissing which was frequent but so poor on the FL’s part- worse than Love 020 (which if you’ve seen the show you’ll understand). My biggest gripe with the leads was that up until episode 23 or so it still completely felt like she was only interested because of the chip in his heart but really didn’t care about him much beyond that.

Music: I don’t really remember any of it so it wasn’t remarkable or awful so background mostly.

Rewatch: I doubt I’ll rewatch this or finish it for that matter, nothing interested me enough to even go back and watch episode clips.

Overall: I’d say I’m disappointed by this show and I don’t understand where all the good reviews are coming from. The drama was too drawn out and the chemistry was hindered by the terrible kissing and the unsure feelings by the FL until the very end.

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What is going on with this drama?

Hoenstly this drama started out really strong with an amazing set up to the plot, and strong characters;

Liu Shuo being a very strong, independent woman who is capable of making decisions on her own, as well as handling herself. She isn’t as naive as some other female leads, and actually uses her intellect to try and solve the issue.

Lu Li is a cheeky, yet charming man who primarily just wants to enjoy life whilst serving his master and he ends up falling for the main lead which is a complete and utter opposite of Luo Ge the counterpart to Lu Li, whom originally is very cold, reserved and does not want to waste time in useless situations.

The story starts off in the mortal realm, when Liu Shao meets Liu Li and their stories become intertwined as they attend an academy together essentially to become immortals. Afterwards, the setting of the story changes to the Immortal Palace, where a situation arises resulting in Liu Shao and Luo Ge meeting, and continuing on the story.

Throughout the drama we meet many side characters like Demon King, He Na whom befriended Liu Shao, Li Lu and Luo Ge throughout their journeys.
His brother Fu, whom has evil intentions to try and free his people whom are imprisoned by a curse brought upon the actions of their ancestors.

Luo Ning, the little sister of Luo Ge and eventual lover of Fu. Whom gives off the personality of a “naive” young girl, when in reality she’s merely a sweet, sheltered, girl whom enjoys discovering new things and learning about the world.

As the story developed throughout the episodes, the plot began to drag and showed repitition. Whether it was the constant mentioning of “power clashes” between the cultivation levels of the main leads, the unstable three realms of the world, the constant back and forth of the main leads romance and even the side romance which resulted constant moments of each party hurting each other without proper communication, and thought as they constantly repeated actions over and over again.

It got to the point I was getting frustrated and yelling at the characters through the screen, or running scenes forward.

With such strong actors, characters and even a storyline and they let it all go to constantly repeat tropes to try and make it as dramatic as possible. In all honesty, the story could be completed in 16-26 episodes at most, without the unnecessary need to drag the plot on, stretching it to the point it loses its original creative intent.

Six more episodes to go and I already want the drama to end. I am unsure as to how they are going to end it, but we shall see how my review changes after the drama is completed.

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