Reviews

messy plot, messy story and a messier editing.

while a cheating storyline seems to be an entertaining plot for this series, i couldn't force myself to continue watching this drama for more than 5 episodes, not saying the plot it's bad; but there's something about how they're telling the story that makes this drama impossible to keep watching after a few minutes into the episode.

i couldn't even recognize when they were showing me a flashback. the editing felt like i was time-traveling back and forth; i even kept messing up two of the male leads because of this.

this drama falls into the ones that aren't worth watching because of bad editing and directing rather than bad acting or even storytelling

also, i would've liked if they made it seems like the reason for the divorces weren't all for their spouses cheating, like... get a little more creative there.

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Nothing Campus

Before anything else, I'll just say I don't want anyone who doesn't tell me that my eyes sparkle like a bus stand. I just won't have it.

Aside from that, there isn't much to say.

I've come to expect a certain quality from Strongberry, and even if it wasn't Strongberry, it all just felt.. very bland? Nothing really happened, they met, they fell in love with nothing else happening. Not saying that that's a bad thing, but here it was done in a very amateurish way that it felt bad. Theoretically, they could have done this story with just the leads, and they almost did because there are only four other characters and all of them had no feasible part to play. A second lead who stood no chance, a professor, a boss and a senior and that's as descriptive as one can get. Every aspect felt low in quality and I'm just not very impressed.

The only real thing to say anything about is the cute moments between the leads that were few amidst unnecessary drama and misunderstandings. It just all felt.. meh.

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Love transcends all restrictions.

This is my first time writing a review for a show I watched, so you can assume CLOY was a swoonworthy watch for me. I'd say I have been in a kdrama slump before I discovered this masterpiece, and I'm still not over it. I already tried rewatching my favorite moments. I usually would mind rewatching films, but I have no problem with rewatching this a million times. This is a kdrama OG that everyone should check out. It deserves the hype. I became queen of tears while watching. The tropes are found-family, romcom, and forbidden love. And touch her & you die. While I do agree that the portrayal is not entirely accurate and that life in the North, in reality, is much more brutal with less leniency toward a traitor, CLOY still is an excellent execution for me. It broke my heart when the comrades were so wow away by Seri's house: an endless amount of electricity, running water, and warmth. But I had an enjoyable time watching. I was kept on the edge of my seat as the show progressed. I even got scolded by my mom because I was staying up late, unable to resist continuing the next episode.
Se Ri is a girl boss. She's a heiress with a charming personality--funny, chatty, and open; she's the opposite of what I would expect rich businesswomen whose fate ended up in NK to act like. She was self-sufficient until she had nothing in the North. But she still made something out of nothing and enjoyed the small moments of life. No wonder she not only captivated the village ladies but also the man whose face was her ideal type. She's very sweet to the comrades. I found comfort in those moments when they surrounded her. It's fortunate she had parents who supported her. Especially her dad who did not root for her death. Her mom also loves her dearly, it just took Se Ri time to realize how big that love is.
If Jeong Hyeok wasn't a captain, he would have shone way brighter and sexier in Switzerland. I live for his pout. His protective instinct always proves useful in dangerous situations; his quick-to-act personality and intelligent mind have come in handy in protecting Seri and his comrades from the bad guys. Se Ri was a perfect addition to his life; she made it more colorful. He thought he could've continued a life without dreams until Se Ri transformed it in the best way possible and he was able to resume his piano pursuits. His brother's incident definitely made him repress himself, until he met Se Ri. At first, it was just physical attraction like during his Switzerland trip with Dan witnessing her ridiculousness. Until later fate reconnected them after Se Ri paraglided into NK. It wasn't until the Pyongyang trip that he realized he was drawn to her. They both saw each other's vulnerability multiple times and comforted each other. I'm no chemist but their relationship speaks so much chemistry, that it's enough to light up NK. Can't forget about them caring for their plants!!!
I love the squad so much!! Including Man Bok. I'm glad he decided to be on their team, overcoming his obedience to Cheol Gang. I'm still not over how they'll never see Se Ri again or know how she's doing. I love all the fried chicken dining, gaming, and basically team bonding moments. I still can't believe what happened to Seung Jun. He and Dan were going to be end games. She isn't an open character, but he understood her so well.

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Magical cocktail therapy...

Taste of Cat has a great concept, incredible cats and my favourite genre: fantasy. So why only four short episodes?

The cats take over their owner's bar late at night and help out strangers who stumble upon it. The drama covers two cases: a girl who finds out her ex is badmouthing her and a man who bumps unexpectedly on his ex and is ridden with regrets. The cats through drinks and more (fantasy element: body swap and time travel!) help them see more clear and sort it out!

Does anyone know what happened to these three actors? They are by far the most convincing. (and the cutest) cats I have ever seen! I could watch them play with a ball of yarn and throwing steamy glances to each other for hours: plot is not needed! So why did they sink into oblivion, doing bit parts, if any? What a waste! I looked them up while watching this short drama and the fact that their careers never took off as they rightfully deserved, made me incredibly sad .

The production is the usual for a korean web drama: some bad acting, some empty sets, some bad cinematography, though not all (the date was filmed soft like a dream...), I loved the original idea of the plot: the bartender listens to the customer's story in exchange for a shiny toy (bracelet, tie) and offers a corresponding magical cocktail!

Cute but too short! I know there is a sequel....still this concept deserves a better production and a longer drama!

review 100

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The Ultimate Romance Kdrama

This kdrama was the best kdrama I ever watched and it’s absolutely perfect ahhh ?. If you like romance kdramas, you must watch this. The plot was really exciting, unexpected, well-paced and I never felt bored watching this show. The actors were so talented and attractive and had great chemistry together. Ryu Sun Jae was especially dreamy and soulful… he’s really the ultimate lover. The production and writing was top tier and every episode left me wanting for more. The sets were so scenic and the music was amazing too. I really can’t think of anything I hated about this show.

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PERFORMANCES AND CHEMISTRY

Kim soo hyun and Kim Ji Won - both leads deliver powerful performances. Baek hyun woo - bringing warmth & emotion role and Hong Hae in - balancing vulnerability & strength. Their chemistry is one of the drama's strongest points, evoking both heartbreak & warmth as their relationship evolves.

Particularly in portraying the realistic struggles of a marriage.

Kim Ji Won has proven her versatility as an actress through various roles in her career, and Queen of Tears is no exception. Her ability to adapt to different characters & genres. Her portrayal of Hong Hae in not only elevates the drama but also solidifies her status as one of the top actresses in the industry.

Kim Ji Won is a strong contender for the highest awards in television acting.

Congratulations to the entire team and cast of Queen of Tears! Their amazing acting and dedication have resulted in one of the top-tier Korean dramas. The show's portrayal of complex relationships and personal struggles has resonated with audiences, cementing its place as a must-watch drama.

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I just wanna cry. So disappointed

After finishing the last episode of Season 2, I can't help but feel a mix of surprise and disappointment. While I did enjoy some moments, overall, I found myself questioning some of the creative choices and missing the magic of the first season.

Season 1 holds a special place in my heart. It's at the top of my list. I was so invested in it that I ended up reading the novel, which spans 746 chapters and over 5501 pages. To my delight, I discovered that Season 1 stayed true to the novel, accurately portraying the characters and the story. The martial arts scenes were executed well, although not as detailed as the novel, and every character was perfectly cast. Season 1 truly stands out as a masterpiece.

Season 2 sadly did not reach my expectations. Everything was rushed. The arcs completely changed. They were mixed. I did not recognize the main characters like a second prince or the crown prince. The villainess character of the story, the eldest princess, appears only in the last part of the season when she is THE main villain of the story. I am trying to think of one character who did not change, and I found one, Fan Jian, his father. Okay, let's make two, his father in law, the prime minister.

Fan Xian character went from being an arrogant mastermind to a submissive, almost tearful figure in the first part of the season. His actions, such as begging and kneeling in front of the emperor, were a far cry from the Fan Xian in the novel. I missed the strategic genius who could outmaneuver his opponents and exploit their weaknesses. Despite the change, he remained lovable, thanks to the acting skills of the ML and his personality returned to the Fan Xian of the first season in the second half of Season 2. But the unnecessary comedic elements introduced by the screenwriter detracted from the season's enjoyment. It was too much change, too much difference in personalities.

The last 2 episodes were rushed. And where was the grand apotheosis expected in the last minutes of season 2? Those special moments that ended and left us all on our toes? He got back his zhenqi. So what?

I am SO SO disappointed.

It was all talk, unnecessary talk, but no action. Where was the tyrannical zhenqi that took a considerable place in the novel? Yes, he touched here and there with his fist to show that his meridians were messing with his body, but no cultivation, no practice, and no fight except the big one in the season, which was very well choreographed. But only one? Did the production cut the budget in half? Because that's precisely what I'm thinking after the end of season 2. The teasers/previews were so good though… *sigh*

Yes, the story is quite extensive, spanning 746 chapters filled with numerous events, making it challenging to condense into just 3 seasons. I'm perplexed why the first season was a success, but the second season fell short. What could have gone wrong? Did the screenwriter lose his touch or encounter some personal issues? I ensured that it was the same screenwriter for both seasons, but I'm uncertain about the involvement of the art producer and other staff members.

Don't get me wrong, the actors and actresses were equally good in both seasons. It's the material they were given that made season 2 chaotic.

The screenwriter made too many changes to the stories and arcs, which was the main problem. Events that were supposed to happen at the end of the novel were added in the middle of season 2, such as revealing that the emperor was a grandmaster. I understand that a TV drama differs from a novel and that not everything can be included. I also understand that some characters may be missing, such as Sisi the concubine. However, it felt like the show was all over the place.

I'm grateful I only had to wait 3 months, not 5 years, to watch season 2. I also found a fantastic novel and discovered several talented Chinese actors I now follow. However, I'm disappointed that season 2 didn't have the same "wow" factor for me as season 1.

I didn't notice much effort put into the soundtrack. There wasn't much difference in the original soundtrack (OST) except for the generic and epilogue. I even recognized some of the music from season 1. However, one piece of music that I hope to never hear again is the Swiss yodeling. It was used, reused, and overused. One or two good jokes is funny, but several become clownish. I definitely can't forget how the screenwriter mocked Jing Ge, the general of the black guards.

In the drama, there were many inconsistencies and changes in characters' personalities. For example, Wan’er, who wanted to kill WuZhu, the most powerful character, and Cheng Ping Ping, a strong supporter of Fan Xian, became a suspicious foe, even though they are actually two genius soul mates in the story. Additionally, the second prince turned evil without really taking any action. Many characters needed more screen time for proper understanding. Sweet relationships never developed, such as the first prince, the alcoholic empress, and the undeveloped boring and useless Ming episodes. WuZhu acting like a crazy robot and demanding assistance from his sister were also confusing. Every single scene was full of confusing moments for me. I wanted to recognize the big moments in the novel, not a poorly executed remake with no depth and no logic. Production should have spent less on the flowers eldest princess and more on martial arts choreography! Where was the magic of the 300 poems? Where was the tension and puzzle who was a friend and who was a foe? Gone. All gone.

The drama made quite a few changes to the original events. I constantly compared the show to the novel, trying to understand why the screenwriter made such extensive alterations. Some plotlines were easy to follow, while others left me very perplexed. I'm thinking about re-watching this season soon, hoping to gain a new perspective. I'm not entirely convinced, but I'm open to the possibility of seeing it in a different light.

After reading various reviews and comments, it seems that this season is not universally liked. However, there are also many outstanding reviews. I will check the reviews in a few months when the dust has settled. That will give me a better idea of whether this drama is a success or a failure. Considering there is a season 3, I hope they will make the necessary adjustments!

Until season 3...

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A NOT SO HIDDEN HIDDENGEM

Honestly, I started this cuz i had nothin to watch while waiting for LR lol. But this was surprisingly reallyyy good.
The main reason i loved this is the cinematography and the bgm (im a sucker for good production).
The actors were all really great (especially the little girl) and i loved how they focused on each person's background/ lifestory so perfectly.
There wasn't a single moment of boredom tbh and i loved that.
The story is a bit different from what we generally see and this one showed how two families can come together even if they hate each other.
All in all i would say a great one time watch!!

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Can't get over the show

It have been a long time since I felt so attached to a show like this. This show me feel all kinds of butterflies. The cast chemistry is out of this world. I know it's shallow. But i am lowkey shipping the actors as well. I have watched all of hyeyoons dramas. And I am always amazed by her passion and hardwork.i thought she was a topstar.. but I was disappointed to know that she still struggled getting projects. I really hope she achieves whatever she pursues. I don't think I have ever rooted for an actor like this before(except for ikon , seventeen and BI). I know k actors don't repeat being seen together.but i really can't wait to see them together again. Wooseok really shined as sunjae. I really hope they work together again. Wooseok must be an outstanding actor of he isn't in love with Hye toon.
I mean those eyes chiko... They don't lie.

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Needless to say one of the most clean and refreshing drama of 2024!

I highly recommend this show. The filming, acting, osts, plot lines are all tied so well together making it extremely interesting to watch. You may think it is a simple time travel story like all the other dramas with a similar plot, but there are actually many hidden details and twists that make the story much more engaging and interesting.

The drama focuses more on romance and comedy but also has a bit of crime. The one thing im most grateful for is that the writer did not over emphasise the crime portion but instead naturally incorporated it into the plot twists and character developments.

The writing was good and the plot is easy to follow, the comedy scenes are quite funny as well. All the actors did a wonderful job bringing their characters to life. Her best friend and her brother were so funny to watch.

Hyeyoon's acting was insane, she had to cry almost every episode but the way she could immediately go from tearing to bawling wowww. I loved her character as well!

Wooseok was really good as well he was head over heels for her and his expressions while acting were so good.

Their chemistry really showed 2 dynamics, innocent romance when they were in high school and college and a more mature relationship when they became working adults.

Really good watch and i'm glad this drama managed to go on air after being kept away for 3 years :(

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Formidable ML & Feisty FL

I am a (small) fan of both the ML and FL after seeing their outstanding performances in other dramas. Thus, I was more than happy to give this drama a go and boy, it did not disappoint and I am truly delighted about this!

What I Loved:
- ML was so tall, so handsome, so cute, so goddamn powerful and strong. I loved that he wielded such authority and yet, he did not abuse his power (in general). The fight scene where he walloped the previous Commander of the Security Bureau was extremely cathartic as well as both jaw-dropping and mind-blowing. Wow! That punch punch punch punch punch!!! Loved it!
- I loved that ML was also devoted and sincere to his lady love.
- Good chemistry between ML and FL. I loved seeing ML as well as both of the love birds on screen.
- I always love a feisty and intelligent FL and FL in this drama did not disappoint. (Of course, I suggest gently to suspend all disbelief and just enjoy the drama and the powers of what a FL can do.) She was supremely capable and plucky. She was highly intelligent and modern in her thinking. She was confident and yet, human.
- Acting was great from everyone in the drama. The supporting cast of four women acted by veterans was awesome. They definitely understood their assignment and was beyond great. Everyone else in the show like the lackeys from the Security Bureau, FL's grandmother, Shen Huan, Shen Qi, the maids, the children and so on delivered great performances. Thumbs-up!
- I liked that everything was paced very well. There was nothing draggy and there was nothing that was too quick that it was, to me, considered not properly explained or accounted for.
- Riveting and intriguing plot which made me want to watch on and on. So many interesting and suspenseful things were happening. There were elements of cute too. Great plot! Well directed!
- The music sounded very modern and catchy. I liked the tunes.
- Happy ending!

What I Didn't Like:
- The king was all sorts of crazy and had his own selfish agenda. He was also so paranoid about losing his throne and was so very bloodthirsty.
- Hua Jing was absolute nutcase number 1. She should have leveraged on herself and not constantly blamed others and desire for things out of her control.
- All the bad people such as all the abusive husbands.
(I mean I get the memo from the script writer. I'm just saying.)

Overall, Blossoms in Adversity is a superbly wonderful drama and I highly recommend it! <3
It is well-made and the cast is all great! There is also a bit of a moral in place too that we should all blossom in adversity. Adversities abound in life. How we respond/ react to adversities and how we overcome them are more important. Problem-solve and continue to blossom and grow in adversity and despite adversity. <3

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The last remnants of the school genre

This drama doesn't compare, but it carries some faint hints from Blue Spring (2001). There's a desperate need for more raw and scuffed school themed dramas rather than the over-saturated soft boys trying to act tough kind of ones, even the highest rated school themed ones fall under the latter. The school genre in Korean drama is practically dead and had been so for the longest time, with the excessive use of bullying, hierarchy play, school pressure and fluffy kids' romance. Extracurricular (2020) is probably the only exception from the recent 10 years, along with this drama. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem they're planning a sequel for this one after a decade already passed.

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