Reviews

Wasted Potential

This show could have been so much better if it weren't for the lazy writing and screenplay.

I was really excited about this series and had no issue for at least the 1st maybe 6 episodes even when the setting was a bit cliché (handsome rich guy falling for an ordinary girl after a casual not so great encounter). The issue I have with the drama is the cheating which is conveniently being downplayed. Sin-yu (who is of sane mind and a brilliant lawyer) is just casually cheating on his to-be wife because apparently a love spell was cast. I mean c'mon, who would believe that, let alone a well learned lawyer. Okay, let's even play the devil's advocate and assume the spell actually works- why on earth would he not just end the engagement and pursue his new love interest? Also, why do they have to try so hard to make Sin-yu's fiancé unlikeable (even giving her a man on the side too) so they can justify the cheating. What's even worse is this FML (who is also of sane mind, and an adult- and not under any spell) suddenly falls out of love with a capable, available man she has been eyeing and even confessed to (and he is also starting to like her back) and knowingly falls in love with a taken man (engaged to an old acquaintance) who is about to get married. Ridiculous and makes no rational sense for me. The plot had so much potential (or so I thought) from one Kdrama fan to another, save your time and don't watch this drama.

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For Han Dong Jun

My reason for picking this drama to watch was simple - the leading man, Han Dong Jun. He's gorgeous. I watched him in 'Siege in Fog' and charmed I was. On the whole, I enjoyed this drama.

Thumbs-Up for:
- The leading man, but of course. He is tall, handsome, very deliciously charming.
- The FL is pretty cute.
- I like that ML and FL behave in a mature manner. Once they have decided to get together, they have (in general) open conversations and behave like mature and sensible adults. They understand that the other party is a unique individual and with personal goals to achieve. They support each other and do not get in each other's climb up the corporate ladder by being petty and silly. I truly like that they behave like two mature adults who love each other and want to make their relationship work out.
- The second FL is pretty cute too.
- I like that the motivations of different people are gradually explained as the show goes on and that hatchets are buried.
- I like the relationship between the 'sisters' - FL and second FL. I like that they genuinely love and care for the other party without interfering unnecessarily.
- Happy ending though fairly cliched.
- The OST is great. I like the jazzy feel and tunes.

Thumbs-Down:
- Watching the crazily obsessed boyfriend in the form of Xi Jia Bai was extremely painful. He appeared extremely neurotic and unhinged.
- The very self-absorbed senior/ tutor of the FL who came across as totally obnoxious and egoistic. He said things that were totally out of line and that were extremely old-fashioned and inappropriate.
- Taking credit for another person's work (but it's the unfortunate 'norm' in workplaces and in life).

Overall, my verdict:
Watch this, especially if you like a mature drama in which the FL and ML are both good-looking and are both committed to each other once they have formally confessed their genuine feelings to each other. The romance between the two feels real and they have chemistry. Their relationship is an 'urban romance' in which two people try their best to make their mark at work while juggling a romantic relationship.

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Was it Dangerous though?

Dangerous Romance is a promising series, but it lacks that specific "hook" or unique element that would set it apart and truly capture its audience. When placed in the context of other concurrent GMMTV series airing during its time, it ranks itself between Only Friends and Hidden Agenda. While it may not be the peak of Perth and Chimon's acting potential, their brilliance as actors still shines through despite occasional awkward moments in their on-screen interactions. The series has its fun moments. Still, there are instances when the chemistry between Chimon and Perth seems to waver, leading to a sense of uncertainty in portraying their relationship. The inconsistencies between a BL and a bromance potentially cause a disconnect for some viewers seeking a more focused romantic narrative. Overall, Dangerous Romance is a straightforward yet intriguing series, though it's not without its storytelling flaws. The missing compelling hook or unique selling point affects its overall impact.
Nevertheless, despite its shortcomings, it's a series worth recommending to viewers interested in the genre. It receives a slightly above average rating, in this case, a 7.5, as it offers a pleasant viewing experience and showcases the talents of its lead actors. However, I believe if it had further character development and a more defined romantic narrative, it could become a noteworthy addition to the BL genre, especially for fans of Perth and Chimon.

"A windmill (Kanghan) needs wind (Sailom) to generate electricity." - Sailom.
"That means wind (Sailom) is super important to windmills (Kanghan), right?" - Kanghan.

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What I like:
+ The acting: It's not phenomenal, but especially Choo Young Woo did a great job imho. The emotional scenes were great. Won Hyung Hoon is a bit stiff sometimes, but (!) I think that's also part of the character he plays. So overall it was totally fine.
+ the music: nice to hear. Doesn't get annoying. Lyrics are beautiful and matching to the story.
+ the humour: not a lot of scenes to laugh, but here and there the little nagging is amusing.
+ short intro.
+ Some dramas repeat a lot of the previous episode in the beginning of the next episode. Here they just repeat a small bit of the scene, that's nice.

What I don't like/Room for improvement:
- the plot has a lot of room to improve. I feel like a lot of KDrama with 8 episodes around 10-15 minutes just lack good writing. The ideas are always great, but the writing is so bad. It doesn't explain the whole story and I am always left with some open questions. It wouldn't take much to just explain this few things! u.u
- the kisses were not that bad. Not totally deadfish. But could be better. Still enjoyable.

I wouldn't rewatch the show, but it's fine for watching it one time. I wasn't bored at all, although I wasn't fully invested in the story either. But if you are through almost every really good KDrama and don't have anything else top tier to watch, it's totally okay go watch this. :D

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Nothing over the top.. just wholesome.

The concept of the story is very interesting. How the Male lead was handled can be seen as positive or negative depending on the watcher. ML never used his abilities exceedingly for personal gain or kill enemies. It kinda separated him from Human nature but at the same time he had a lot of human emotions. Female lead wasn't my cup of the year initially but the character grew on me. Overall I must say that the Creators never used Alien powers to make a Super hero show , Romance was melodramatic , Main villain had good story ... nothing over the top.

overall I must say it was a good watch. Nothing unexpected happens.

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Why didn't Mango upload the special eps (eps 31) on Youtube?

+ I like this drama more than WIFTY. I really like the strong FL and also some sense of being as a school's bad boy from the ML as well.
- The music are very relaxing and calm.
- The stories are very interesting (seeing a step brother and a step sister having a good relationship together, how the group of friends help each other when s1 in the group is having a hard time, how all of the couples understand and support each other's dream (including FL and ML's Couple, He Songnan's couple, and Gu Xia's couple)
+ What I mainly dislike:
- The subtitles just flip off the entire movies
- This movies spoiled so much about ML's life and his past ( If only, they could have minimized and shorten that point )
- The second half is a bit disappointed to me, but it's acceptable
- The last eps (eps 31) isn't uploaded on Youtube which caused so many misunderstandings (for thinking that this movie ended in eps 30, and also some say that this movie ended with an unfinished ending)
+ Overall, trust me guys, It's not that bad as how it reviewed.
+ Highly recommended for those who like a strong FL, a bad boy but also a genius ML, those who doesn't like to see lots of the kissing scene from both ML and FL.

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YEY HAPPY ENDING

Like at first I thought this drama would be lighweight, but its very sad towards the end. I really love Mark Prin Covered Ost in this drama, I would never skip the song.

But I skip almost everyone part except the lead couple. The affair couple they are good looking but, I skipp most of it, and all the other couple too.

If they be focusing on the lead couple it might can cut 5 episodes hahaha.

But overall the drama is good, but if I can compare BAD MARIO is better cause I did not skip anything.

You guys should watch it cause the couple is cute, the ost is good.

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I have watched all 3 dramas on firefighters this year and I think that Bright Eyes in The Dark surpasses the other 2. Although I am a fan of Yang Yang, Fireworks of my Heart disappointed with its weak FL character, Bright Eyes in the Dark is more than a romance - it shows the dedication of a team of firefighters to their work and the conflicts it imposes on them and their families,. The camaraderie and support amongst the team members is always heart warming and the lighter moments allievate the tragic events that befall the team. But of course Bright Eyes in The Dark is also a love story - a story of a love that is selfless and not imposing. Lin Luxiao and Nanchu love with maturity, giving each other support and complete understanding. The ending is sad and not what I would have like to see but it is well executed with implied meaning instead of literal story telling. The cast performed well and Johnny Huang portrayed the role of Lin Luxiao with just the right touch, portraying a man who is knowing but who knows when to hold back. All in all - a great drama to watch but one that leaves you feeling pensive at the end.

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The Most Amusing & Entertaining Adaptation Ever

Adapted from the webtoon “A Good Day to Be a Dog” (오늘도 사랑스럽개) by Lee Hey (이혜), this is one of those shows that leaves a memorable impression in your minds. MBC’s latest fantasy romcom is a rustic mix of intriguing characters, riveting storyline and a cute dog that you can’t hate. I was actually apprehensive about watching this drama; the only reason to start this show was Cha Eun Woo. Yup, I have been his huge fan since I saw his high school romance, “True Beauty”. “Island Season One & Two” has further cemented my obsession; so here we are. The pilot episodes do a decent job of introducing the characters while neatly weaving the unbelievable yet hilarious fantasy element. Well, you don’t have many dramas where the female protagonist turns into a cutesy dog, do you? Starring alongside Cha Eun Woo is Park Gyu Young; frankly I wasn’t quite enthused about watching her. Her clingy character roles in “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” and “The Devil Judge” were lackluster. So, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to watch a drama which features her as the main lead. But Park Gyu Young manages to break out of the old mold and turns the tables to play a bubbly character who is equal parts sweet and amusing. The trio is completed by Lee Hyun Woo who recently starred in “Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area”. Now, fasten your seatbelts as I take you on this joyride!

Read the complete article here-

https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/10/13/a-good-day-to-be-a-dog-first-impressions/

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It grows on you

I actually dropped it at the first episode as it seemed to come off as mega-tropy buddy film of the annoying 'dumb' guy and the stoic 'good' guy and ok have to say this the hairline of the guys in this drama is way to high---such wide foreheads that the handsome Zhang Linghe is not is his best looking (compare to My Journey To You!). But the story gets interesting after about 5 episodes---now that said, I am watching this at 1.25 speed so as to keep my interest. This drama is a decent time filler when there is nothing better to watch and unfortunately not refreshingly new.

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One of the best BL's I've seen

The chemistry of the two ML's grabbed me by the throat right from episode one, and it didn't let go right up to the end.
The acting was fantastic!!
The NC scenes were on fire!!
The music was the perfect complement to the show.

Story:
An unsuccessful manga artist accepts a deal from his old college senior who is now a successful TV meteorologist: he'll move in with the meteorologist and be supported by him while trying to build up a manga writing career, and in exchange, he'll do whatever the meteorologist wants. His "duties" include housework, laundry, and cooking. They also "sleep" together.
The meteorologist is very brusque and somewhat autocratic, sending the manga artist text messages instructing him which meals to cook for dinner, and talking very little.
The manga artist goes along with it all. In the beginning, the sexual component of their relationship shocked him. With time, he grew to not only like it but to anticipate it. Eventually, he realizes two things: 1- the meteorologist is finicky and annoying. And 2- he's fallen for him-bad. All of which means that the poor manga artist is royally screwed.
And that's how the show opens.

Make no mistake, this is not dubious consent nor r*pe. I strongly disagree with commenters who've called it so. Or those who've called the meteorologist toxic. The manga artist is able to say "no" and any time and doesn't. Although surprised and taken aback at first, he does choose to go along with what's happening and comes to the realization that he likes it, and has from the start. He liked the meteorologist in college but didn't understand his feelings. The meteorologist liked the manga artist in college but never shared his feelings.

The crux of this show is the manga artist suffering through "unrequited love" and being very closed-off emotionally towards the meteorologist, despite always following his wishes and orders.
And the meteorologist being completely gaga over the manga artist but never clearly saying it; only showing it in ways that completely go above the poor manga artist's head. AKA two clueless idiots in love LOL.


They have a ton (and I mean A TON) of misunderstandings.
But they are both so cute and loveable. And the comedy is top tier. So you're left laughing, crying, and rooting for them all at the same time, without the frustrated feeling usually invoked when heavier dramas follow similar plotlines.
This show is very lighthearted. The comedic moments are plentiful and pulled off very, very well.

My one complaint is the ending. The actual final moments of the show. We get to see the happily ever after. But (spoiler!!!) they don't actually say it clearly. The words they say heavily imply how they feel and they say it to each other. And their actions show that they are both finally open and honest with each other. But still! I like my endings wrapped up and tied neatly with a bow. This show didn't give me that. But this show was one giant tease right from episode one, so who am I to complain that they stayed true to character right up to the end? LOL

Anyway, I loved loved loved this show. And highly recommend it. <3

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Outdid the source material

At first, I didn't expect much from an adaptation of a smutty BL with a sus plot. I thought we'll get a Tokyo in April level of acting/kissing, but wow! This drama actually outdid the manga.

The actors and directing style were the major reasons I liked this drama. There were drama original elements which expanded the story and thoughts of the characters. I kinda liked Drama!Mizuki more and his angst ?

Many people might be skeptical to watch this as they see the relationship toxic and abusive, but I think they should look deeply into the characters and their thoughts. (Yoh has some issues towards Mizuki, but I don't think he sees their relationship toxic. He considers himself a slave, but that's because he doesn't know how to name their relationship.) I'm glad the drama actually expounds on that. The manga is rather comical in that regards, since well, it's manga. (Manga!Mizuki sulks, but he doesn't have that angsty vibe drama!Mizuki gives.) The drama has a sense of reality.

TLDR; all in all, I love how the actors and the staffs gave justice to the manga ? This is my first time giving a review since this drama deserves a higher rating ?

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You won't be able to respond normally to hearing the word "sunny" ever again

Well, this was a weird but fun watch that could only come from Japan!

I really liked how, when it came down to it, this was about two kind-of-kinky people who just hadn't had a proper conversation with each other about where they're at in their relationship, with one lead being terribly dense and unwilling/anxious to fully voice his desires and concerns and the other being forward physically all the while desperately craving simple but meaningful things from his lover: quality time together outside of sex, being relied on, being greeted at the door, and verbal expressions of affection.

All in all, I would recommend this sometimes frustrating drama.

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This was bad

I’m sorry, I know some people liked this series but, for me, it was bad. it started out okay but kept getting worse. By episode 11, I was ready to pull my hair out.

Fah and Thorn were the worst couple ever. I felt bad for Thorn. He really tried to keep his promises to Fah. When things started to fall apart he tried to communicate with Fah. There was no misunderstanding. Fah was just cold or stupid. He would hardly open his mouth even knowing how much he was hurting Thorn. And the slow speech and even slow body movements were killing me!

I loved Saen and Aii the most. What a breath of fresh air after the continuing torture with Fah and Thorn.

Didn’t really care for Vee and ( I can’t even remember the other one’s name). Could have been good but they were never really together so there was no chemistry.

All in all, didn’t care for this one.

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Kind of a letdown but an easy watch

Normally if I write a review it's for shows I really enjoy, posted only in a discord of mine, and a lot better written. But because this rare drama has no review, I shall write a very basic one. ( so sorry in advance if it's not up to this website's par haha).

First I'll just say I basically lost interest at ep6, half watched half used my phone (like to write this) afterwards. The story was obviously heading nowhere and none of the main characters showed much change, and I was right, like Shintani just ended up messing around with that woman who he said would make his, Noriko suddenly became attracted to Kisa whom she was completely uninterested in an ep prior, and Aya continued to mess with that married man despite knowing it's a depressing matter, etc.
Also I felt that most of the characters were two dimensional , especially the more side ones like Nagahori but also ones like Kisa and Kana, their characters were too predictable and 'scripted' if that makes sense. Then the Kisa family was straight up one dimensional, they literally existed to be a plot device this entire show.
I have other grievances with this show but they're all too small to speak about individually so to summarise them: every side plot was just added in an effort to bring more depth to the show but all ended up just being random side events.

Being honest, the only reason I finished this and got a 7 is because of Yamaguchi's (Noriko) performance, me having a significant interest in 80-90s entertainment (music included), the occasional comedic scenes, and the fact that I downloaded it (would be a waste otherwise haha). I'll probably end up rewatching this in the future and when I do I'll be sure to rewrite this or at the very least edit this to say my opinion has remained unchanged.

Also this is a nitpick but why is it called My 29th Christmas when it hardly mentions or shows it until the final few minutes
(シ_ _)シ (not counting the music)

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