Reviews

I didn’t want it to end.

I enjoyed Five Enough so much I didn’t want it to end. What I liked the most was that their differences was all about family. I found it so refreshing that there was no angling for inheritance.

I found the merging of the three families so heartwarming. Sang Tae’s former in laws and their maid ended up being some of my favorite characters. They made me laugh so much.


I also just loved the pairing of Yeontae and Sangmin. At first I hoped that Taemin and Yeontae would get together until Sangmin showed up.


The most useless couple was the cheating couple. I fast forwarded through most of their scenes because the dialogue was always so selfishly stupid. How anyone would think that that guy was a catch is beside me. They were a waste of airspace.


I couldn’t wait for Sangmin and Yeontae to get together; loved how Mi Jeong won SangMin’s former in laws over; Min ho turned out to be the sweetest grandpa. In other words, I binged watched because it was like a good book that I couldn’t put down.


I will probably watch it again because it was such a feel good drama.

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YOU WILL GET INVESTED!!

Okay i’m not exactly sure why it says 36 episodes when everywhere I searched there’s only 18 episodes available 😓😓 BUT, I loved this kdrama!

The concept was sketchy at first, I was curious how they could possibly make a romance show between a human and a robot, like I get these dystopian concepts but when you think about it, how could that possibly happen when robots are easily controlled by humans? I was very scared this show would turn into her sorta manipulating him into being with her but they made their story beautiful!

So much development between Sobong and the robot, their romantic scenes were honestly swoon worthy but that might just be me cus I have a crush on the actor hehe…

There were some admittedly stupid scenes in the show, like how most of the characters reactions to something shocking happening being like 3 days late, like I get it’s shocking but, stop gawking like a statue!!! It was honestly annoying a bit but i digress!

I was a little confused why the villain was shown so mysteriously in the jail looking off into the sun whilst his secretary talked to him, it just feels like there were still some plot holes left in the final episode, also about how they fixed up the robot after being practically killed like…yeah just so much happened. Somehow in the last few minutes of the final episode, everything was magically in its right place , it was satisfying but from a plot hole point of view it was just a big …eeeehhh…

Overall though I thoroughly enjoyed this show, I wasn’t bored at all and looked forward to every episode. I wish we got to see the ML and FL intimate a lil more often— granted he IS a robot so maybe that was always out of the script but whateverrr the actors had so much chemistry with each other, I needed more smh!!!

It’s a good show especially for it being in 2016, I guess that year was a prime year for K-Dramas. Really good !

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Starting off so good only to end with lackluster

Tonari no Otoko wa Yoku Taberu/ The Man Next Door Eats Well starts of great with a good theme of the main leads being neighbours who start to share meals. It's definitely not a "food"-centered drama in the way that some other series I've seen, instead, the food is just a means for the couple to get to know each other.

One of the best things about this drama is that it is fairly short given the 20 min episodes. The short episodes start to be a blessing in disguise since the story turns into a lackluster struggle of the main couples relationship. The biggest flaw in the drama is in fact the relationship between the main leads and their personalities. I got so disappointed in the story and the fact that the writers dragged out the conflict with lack of communication, insecurities and trust in their relationship for so long. Add (various) people wanting romantic relationships with both female lead and male lead (aka "romantic competition") and mix it up with the main leads being disappointed in each other whilst not talking it out and that is the latter part of the drama.

The OST music is nice and every episode ends with a cute montage of the two apartments where you progressively see them get closer and further away depending on the episode. I actually enjoyed the ending montages alot and found them to be a good reflection on how their relationship is going as you watch each episode. The main actors do a good job in their roles given the fact that the writers fail to flesh out their respective characters and if you are a fan of the actors you will probably be happy watching nonetheless.

In conclusion: the drama started off GREAT but as they actually develop a relationship, it gradually starts to sink and at the end its just frustrating. The ending is very rushed and lacked the spark that the drama had in the beginning. It's conclusion does have a happy ending! If you are in the mood for a shorter japanese drama about an age-gap relationship with some struggles this could very much be it.

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DOONA! - A Satisfying Yet Not Exceptional Drama

DOONA! is a series that undoubtedly has its charms and qualities, making it an enjoyable watch. The well-written characters and a fantastic cast contribute significantly to its appeal. However, it's clear that while DOONA! has its strengths, it falls short in certain areas, particularly when it comes to the plot.

The characters in DOONA! are undoubtedly one of the series' standout features. Each character is well-crafted, multifaceted, and brought to life by a talented ensemble of actors. The cast's performances are outstanding, and they manage to create a genuine connection with the audience. The characters' development and interactions throughout the series are truly engaging, drawing viewers into their lives and making them care about their fates.

Unfortunately, where DOONA! stumbles is in its plot. While the story is serviceable and keeps the audience engaged to a certain extent, it lacks that extra layer of depth and complexity that could elevate it from being merely enjoyable to being truly exceptional. The plot feels somewhat predictable and falls into the realm of familiar storytelling tropes. It doesn't take as many risks as one might hope, and this can leave viewers wanting more.

That said, the plot is not without its merits. It manages to hold the series together and provides a platform for the characters to shine. It's clear that the creators have put thought into the story, but it doesn't take as many innovative and unexpected turns as some other dramas might. The potential for greatness is present, but it doesn't fully realize it.

In conclusion, DOONA! is a series that, while thoroughly enjoyable, falls short of being exceptional due to its somewhat lacking plot. The characters and the cast are undoubtedly the series' strengths, making it worth a watch for fans of character-driven drama. However, if you're seeking a truly groundbreaking storyline that breaks away from traditional narrative conventions, you may find DOONA! somewhat disappointing in that regard. Nevertheless, it's still a good series, but it might leave you wanting a bit more in terms of plot complexity and originality.

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Best fight scenes with perfect OST

From the first to the last episode, the series doesn’t have a dull moment. I was impressed by stunning fight scenes accompanied by perfect music. It was complete harmony.
The fact JCW did his own stunts makes it even better. Story is interesting, keeps you guessing till the end.

Besides stunning Kim Jeha and Yoo Jin, I also loved Se Joon. Not sure why people keep complaining about Anna- she was traumatised girl, being imprisoned her whole life- I am not sure how people expect she should behave or how different Yoona should have portrayed her. To me, it was good enough. The fact that she chose to be good despite all that has happened to her speaks volume.

Would Yoo Jin became same if she had her “Je Ha” besides her? Probably not because her father’s influence was too great.

Besides all this, I absolutely loved the moral story behind, and how Yoo Jin and Se Joon came to realisation of their own faults and accepted the consequences. Along with poetic justice to the main villains- that was great to see.

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Slow Burning Love

This drama is the same genre as Go Ahead. I might say it's somehow much better because it deals with more adult matters, and how the relationship of the main leads are very respectful and mature.

The main leads have a very strong chemistry. Li Xian is so adorable, the way he looks at the FL, you can really see love! I wasn't really his fan before, even though I liked Go Go Squid, I watched it mainly because of Yang Zi. But this drama made me his fan!

Crystal Liu, she's so beautiful and so calming. I also wasn't her fan before, I watched her in Once Upon a Time (with Yang Yang). That movie made me cringe even though I love Ten Miles of Peach Blossom. Anyway, I love her in this drama.

The reason for not giving a 10 is because the side characters storyline. Some of them are okay, but some I really don't care about (like the singer, the guy who meditated a lot, the spoiled girl who's Dad has a supermarket, the novelist, the waitress - wait aren't they all of them hahaha). I understand the side characters storyline are important to bring the drama to intertwine together. And I did watch them all (fast forwarding the singer and the meditate guy).

They have lots of very catchy beautiful songs, some which I put in my Spotify playlist.

Overall a beautiful drama to watch and I will wholeheartedly recommend this (and recommend you to just fast forward the sideline stories you're not interested on haha).

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Here for Softie Won Jun

Doona, an idol, is escaping reality and meeting an ordinary uni student, Won Jun who happens to live next door.

Won Jun, a male lead i wanna protect at all costs. Innocent, cute, reluctant but straightforward at the same time. When he cried, i also cried with him :')

I love his character development. I wish Kdrama writers write more male lead like him just like Ji Ho from One Spring Night (2019).

People debating the ending, it's happy ending for me. Just like we all know, idol is dating in private.

There are several drawback from the story

First, the transition was too fast from lovey dovey to their separation. I wanna see Won Jun happy and smile, not overwork.

Second, Doona got caught had jjangmyeon with Won Jun was not portrayed as "scandalous", i want something being exaggerated just like in real life when we find idol is dating someone.

Third, they don't have scene when Won Jun tells Kooksu that he has been dating Doona. Throughout the episode i wanna know his reaction, tho.

Overall, 8.5 from me. It was because Won Jun i stayed :D

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A great drama!

It's a really good show overall, it's sometimes fun, poignant, and romantic. Just at the start i was a bit confused i was wondering where it was leading, but then kdrama magic happens and we're swirled with all the characters and this pretty seaside village! I wish there were more series with such a setting. There are few bad things about this show, like other viewers i thought the ending was a bit out of tune, but then the last episode is back to the mood of the show and the conclusion is satisfying. I think they went too dark for no reason, the show was great as light hearted.
Anyway, i'm totally down for more series of this type: cosy romcom in a seaside village, Korea is so beautiful and there are plenty different landscapes to discover.

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Bizarre Script and Editing Suppress Excellent Performances

Doona really missed the mark.

Like many Kdramas, the beginning is interesting and draws you in. This is a story about two unlikely lovers: the male lead, a struggling, earnest student/tutor working hard to secure his future who happens to cohabitate in the same house as the female lead, a former Kpop idol who acts brash but hides her vulnerability . For the veteran watcher, this appears to be a healing-love story that you've seen before, but smart, ethereal cinematography and powerful performances by Suzy, Yang Se Je Jong, and the supporting cast make it a special experience.

But unfortunately, a truly bizarre final episode manages to subvert all of the hard work put into Episodes 1-8. I won't spoil it for the curious reader who wants to experience the Kdrama for themselves, but for me, the ending was not earned by the story's progression: characters acted in ways that weren't true to their personalities, and for me, it seemed like the showrunners were trying to put into a double twist-of-fate, but for me, it backfired and just became weird.

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Just give it a try, don't read other people's review

This is my first C-Drama in the friendship genre. Honestly, I watched it only for Zhang Ling He & Wang Yu Wen.

The story was good. I liked it. I don't know why people keep saying that the main plot started in the last few episodes, in fact, it started from the very beginning. The main plot was not highlighted enough at the very beginning, but it was there. There were many sub-plots which were unnecessary, like Wang Yu Qian plot with the State Preceptor & Zhao Xin Tong kidnapping.

Acting of all the cast was good. This is my 3rd drama of Zhang Ling He. First time seeing Jiang Long, he is good. He Lan Dou was a surprise for me. I hadn't seen her acting before, but when I saw her picture on the casting list I didn't expect her to play Yi Mei a kind of character. I thought she would play a carefree, happy kind of girl. She did great. I even thought she would be the love interest of Wang Yu Qian.

Qi Xiao Xuan is a cold hearted, expressionless, clean freak, though they didn't show it, it was only mentioned. It would have been great if they had shown Qi Xiao Xuan freak out of cleanness. Girls going gaga over Qi Xiao Xuan. Yan & Qian story, true brothers. Hu Zi is a free sprite person, always speaking for the right, fighting against injustice, bullying and helping & saving people. He is great at naming people by their personality like Ice Cube & Brick. Zhao Xin Tong is a girl who wants to prove to everyone that she can make her own name in a sorcerer's world. Wang Yu Qian is a person who wants to roam around the world.

My biggest complaint is why the fuck did they dubbed Zhang Ling He voice.

I love Eldest Master, he is so funny, Granny is love. She is the biggest support of Qi Xiao Xuan.

Hated Qi Yan Ran in the beginning but, in the end, she remedied herself. Didn't like Yi Mei also. Cheng Ji Nian is annoying at the beginning. Hated the Elder Council. My Journey To You Elder Council was the best.

Hu Zi, Zhao Xin Tong & Wang Yu Qian expressions whenever they see Mu Dan & Qi Xiao Xuan together.

Hu Zi scenes with the puppet were cute & sweet . Wang Yu Qian & his father scene is heart touching.

It's not a high budget drama, so the cinematography is not that good. Some places are similar to other dramas. The fighting scenes are good but not as great as My Journey To You.

If anyone wants to watch both My Journey To You & Tiger & Crane, 1st watch Tiger & Crane, then My Journey To You.

Some characters are introduced only to kill them. Some characters' deaths were heartbreaking.

If you are thinking of watching this drama give it a try, ignore the reviews.

I gave the story 9.5 because of the the plot twist in last few episode & also from beginning it kept me hook to know why Yi Mei doing all these things to Qi family when they're descendant of her beloved master.

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Food & Travel

Drama titles and posters. It just sometimes drives me mad that the producers of dramas do not put in a better effort into naming and illustrating their creation. I do not know haw many times I was so pleasantly surprised at a drama with an ugly poster(Tsuiraku JK) or un incomprehensible title (Hot Stove League). This one is another example. It should have been called Our Food Journey To Love or something like that

This drama should not have been named Naked Dining because it evoked in viewers concepts and ideas that were nowhere to be found here! The ratings are low here because the majority of watchers were expecting a lot of naked frollicking but there is not even a kiss in this romcom! Naked dining is just a quirky habit the ML has to release the stress: it has no incidence on the plot other than that it is the source behind the first misunderstanding which starts the ball rolling. Immediately afterwards, cooking takes the stage and stays in the center!

ML, Sota, is an intelligent, competent, overworked civil servant who likes eating ramen et midnight, after work, naked. One day he receives a letter from his recently deceased grandmother and goes finally to visit her house. There he meets the local fruit&veg store owner, Mahiro who was close to his grandmother. Sota found the grandmother's notebook with recipes from all over the world (she could not travel due to illness and decided to travel through cooking) and decides to try them all out as a tribute to her. Mahiro helps him cook and they fall in love.

The drama deals with a lot of themes: workplace induced stress, family relationships and the lack thereof, and finally sexual orientation. Sota works too much and the weekend trips to his grandmother's house for cooking lessons are making him realize that there is more to life than just work. He has always worked too much, so much so he had never been in love so when he starts developing feelings for Mahiro, he does not understand them. On the other hand, Mahiro has had a crush on Sota since high school but thinks that Sota is straight so does nothing which confuses poor Sota even more. There are a lot of misunderstandings but when you look at the path that both characters needed to go over it is understandable that they are afraid to say anything in order not to lose the fragile friendly relationship they developed! Slowly, with the accidental help from friends and coworkers, they eventually really talk to each other are meet in the middle of the path.

There are some great support characters in this drama: coworkers and villagers and as per usual in a japanese drama, not an evil character in sight! Even those who might have been turn out to be nice and misunderstood!

The actors were fine and had a correct chemistry. Even though I am not a fan of height difference, it was not too bad since there was no skinship at all involved so it was not too blatant! The cinematography was classical and since it was filmed in autumn or winter, everything was gray and rather depressing: the colour was definitely missing. Hair styling leaves a lot to be desired: practically the complete cast has bad hair!

The drama reminded me a lot of the korean BL Love Tractor but as a much more interesting version especially since the adults were behaving as adults here and not like immature kids in adult bodies as in korean bl! Actually, this is what the korean bl should have been like and it was not!

I enjoyed very much this drama about self discovery and realisation of one's dreams! A lovely drama featuring some mouthwatering dishes!

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Its Rowoon watchable for that alone. But it is also an interesting premise with a nice romance.

9/10 is my rating. This is a 2023 South Korean romantic fantasy drama with 16, ~60 minute episodes.

First I provide a unique synopsis then reviewyj

Lee Hong-jo (Jo Bo-ah) is a lonely civil servant who does not realize her life is about to get a whole lot more complicated. Jang Shin-yu (Rowoon) is a rich chaebol but also a very talented attorney. The two hVe very little reaskn to cross paths if fate was not at play in their destiny. Hing-jo finds that she must get a property demolished that Shin-yu owns and when she goes to discuss the matter with him itis dislike at first site. As the situation unfolds they discover they are linked through a 300 year old forbidden book that was sealed in a wooden box awaiting Hong-joo. The book seems to be some silly compilation of spells but Shin-yu knows too well the curse filled darker side of the book. Can the two lift the curse and unravel the mysteries of the past? Are they destined to be together?

Review

I started this immediately following having watched Rowoon in “She Will Never Know”. In that role, he was super sweet and very demonstrative with his affection. In this series he is serious, cold and aloof. The two roles are night and day and yet Rowoon plays them equally well showing he has exceptional acting talent. It is hard to rate anything he is in very low because he is a very handsome and talented actor.

The paranormal, quasi magical back story adds a very interesting element.

Overall I liked it and it ends happy with major plot elements resolved. I recommend it for those that like reincarnation, cold male lead who falls hard for the girl, revenge in bullies and heart warming romance. I might rewatch it some time in the future.

Spoilers*
They seemed to build a lot around the spells and spell book early in the story but then it had no great validity later on. Did the spells work or not? It was like they were going to go that direction then changed their mind.

There were several people that existed in their past life that reappeared in this one with no clear reason why they were around her in the current life. Like her psycho stalker, he was in her past life. Did that have anything to do with his obsession with her in the present? Like Kwon Jae-kyung (Ha Jun) her downstairs neighbor, he drove the incident leading to her death in the past life, in this life he is a romantic interest. Why?

The bloody red hand he had a lot of episodes with that happening early on then he just did not. Even before the curse was broken he quit having the red hand episodes. It would have been better if the characters had talked about it.

He was so dopily in love with her in the beginning supposedly because of the spell. Later when it seemed it was not a spell at all there was no real explanation then for his earlier behavior. It was out of character for him.

I liked when Hong jo finally stood up to her bully Yoon Na-yeon (Yura). I wish though Shin yu discovered more how his ex girlfriend had treated Hing jo back n their younger days. He broke up with her for cheating but I felt like he never fully understood just how awful she was. He stayed in that relationship way longer than it seemed he should almost as if he was reluctant to let go. And never stood up to his dad to say look you are being harsh with my current girlfriend but look who you picked.

For some reason there was this focus on a second couple’s romance to the extent they showed their wedding near the end of the series. Which would not have been odd except they did not show a wedding with the lead couple.

#DestinedWithYou
#Rowoon
#JoBoAh
#Yura
#HaJun

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All is well

Do you want happy after ending please stop the drama in [40 minutes 46 seconds]in 24 episode,
Drama start slowly
But the Flow increases in gradually,
Tang Yi Xin-[Ding Yi Ke] acting
Changing Emotions, cute reactions are awesome,
Peng Gao Chang-[Zhou Tian Na] - naild same as before
Li Yuan--[Lei Ou/ Leo] Her attitude, Unbeatable,
Iam relay angry on scriptwriter for her ,Yang Xin Ying----[Jiang Wen Wen]////////////////////////////////////
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