Weaker than expected
No matter how you look at it, the drama was a missed opportunity for something much better. It's a very dumbed-down secondhand tacky "be careful what you wish for" type of story. Little to no dynamic between the female lead and the witch until the last episode. The introduction of the female lead and her "wish" was definitely a weak start for the drama. Poorly written and executed love interest for the female lead, it wouldn't have been an issue if they didn't give her a trashy pair up but instead something that would serve the narrative and the resolution better. None of the clients were interesting and the outcome was always lacking the x-factor other than the obvious trade off of the deal. At least the drama looked nice and the cast was good enough.Was this review helpful to you?
Where is the Witch's story?
Watching the first 2 episodes really excites me. It seems to be different from other recent k-drama releases. Refreshing new storyline. Even more excites me it's length, only 8 episodes, so i expect it to be fast paced, no filler scenes, no slow motion. But, after the 4th episode, which is half way, i start to wonder, when will the story about this mysterious witch start to unfold? Why is the story going no where? Totally lost my interest by the 5th episode. Why is this drama focusing on Jin and her bad judgement in life? Why giving this drama the title Witch's Diner, if you're not gonna focus the story on the witch? I forced my self to watch the 6th episode, yet still no development on the witch story. With only 2 episodes to go, I don't think it's worth watching anymore. Even if they start moving on the witch's story, I don't want to watch, because they're just gonna rush everything.Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
NEED...MORE!
I was OBSESSED with this series from ep 1. Yes the series is short which leaves me highly upset, but it was amazing none the less. You'll get a full course meal experience of any and all emotion you can have, at this diner. The plot would get thick as syrup making it as decadent as steak, leaving me craving for anything but the end of the episode! With all the delicious praise I'm giving, you're probably wondering why I don't give it a 10/10 right? A major flaw personally, is that it didn't give enough detail on some things, including our MCs. The cinnamon twist (food pun) of fate that brought everyone together was incredible so I'll let it slide. lolIdc what your genre of drama is... I'd recommend it to you lol
It'll leave you salivating
Enjoy...
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Enjoyable short fantasy series
Watched this drama for October Halloween month and it surprised me a bit.Overall, the storyline is pretty enjoyable and everything was fairly paced well for this short series.
To be honest, I'm not a big fan of Nam Jihyun- I just don't like her acting lol but it was tolerable.
All the other actors did a great job; a little disappointed because I felt like Chae Jonghyeop's character Gilyong kind of gives the same vibes as his character in Nevertheless but he is a new actor so hopefully he takes on other roles.
Of course Jihyo is such a vibe; gives me the same feelings as Jang Manwol in Hotel Deluna. Jihyo did an amazing job acting and I could not with the Jihyo and Ha Dogwon duo (If you watch Running Man, you know what i'm talking about). It was funny seeing them too together and I couldn't help but laugh thinking about Running Man. Also after watching this series, I now understand that one episode they had in Outrun by Running Man!
What surprised me about this series is the unexpected plot twist. It was def a bit a of bored for me before they started to unravel everything but when they did; I was like okay this is getting interesting. The plot twist is semi predictable but it def made sense and tied everything together.
All in all, the series was pretty good and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would! Perfect short watch for Halloween!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
"be careful what you wished for, for you have the price to make"
okay well even if this drama was far from reality, I guess this drama deserves more recognition because the story makes all connected to what the drama portrays the whole plot of the story.This drama was underrated, that the fact that there were lots of scenes that gives moral lessons to our personal lives. "Be careful of what you wished for, for you have the price to make".
First and foremost, i'll talk first about the plot. from the beginning, it talks about curse and pain about reality. which is more about the curse that Jung Jin received from her mother, which the witch Jo Hee Ra. The story seems very entertaining because of how each and every episodes sees the glimpse of something that I'll never expect to reveal, which is Jung Jin being the daughter of the witch, and being the next owner of the witch's diner. I like how others had their own wished that gave me heartfelt. the plot from the beginning, until the last and every bit parts of the series made me chose to give an overall 10 rating because of how bittersweet this drama was.
For the cast, they seems to portray the characters very well. I was looking forward from Chae Jong Hyeop's role. I was very proud of Nam Ji Hyun as well since my last drama with her was Suspicious Partner and made me think that she deserve so much attention because of her great acting skills! (looking forward to her new drama Little Women 2022!). Song Ji Hyo aka the witch was also very attractive from her role, her humor as well was too real!! she was too good from this drama including Ha Do Gwon the shadow or CEO which gave chemistry for me with the witch haha!
Overall, this drama gave me too much chills and emotions, lots of unexpected scenes to come in the end because of how *again* interconnected with the scenes. The cast who were involved in this drama (especially the main leads and the supporting roles) deserve attention and dramas to look forward to their next projects.
Good for binge watch, recommended for beginners, great for time-kill since it was only 8 episodes but it needs to be 10 for a good duration from the drama, rewatchable as well!
LOVE THIS DRAMA SO MUCHHH!
Was this review helpful to you?
Song Ji Hyo and Ha Do Kwon made a great team too and their characters balanced each other.
The story is a good idea and captivating.
I did, sadly, find Nam Ji Hyun's character a bit irritating, especially when she often spoke with a childish voice.
Nice twist to the tale too.
Overall not a bad watch, the stories that lead to wishes being made are varied, but often quite miserable.
The wishes come at a price, but not one that the recipients are not willing to pay. The slightly fluffy revelations around this, I found a bit disappointing to be honest. It was like a dark drama that the writer had a change of heart about.
As always, I hated the school bullying and the way in which the useless teachers seemed blind to that particular young character's suffering.
Why do K-dramas constantly portray their schools as having bullying issues, with there rarely being any recourse and with staff who don't deserve to teach; as though that's entertaining, acceptable and something to be proud of? It is actually shameful. I'm so bored and turned off by it too, now. Spoilt it for me.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Humans are always tempted
Whether it would be a little help, a revenge or someone's happiness, everyone has something to wish, but consequences might be unexpected. And you can't undo what is done once you've wished for it.Hee Ra is fabulous, there wasn't a single time I could doubt she IS a witch, and her outfits suits her well in every scene. Her character isn't very emotional, but you always feel strength in her voice and eyes give out pain she's coming through. She almost seems cold-hearted and cruel at first to reveal her true feelings later.
It's one of the few kdramas where I like last episodes more than the first ones, last two close the whole story and show development of each character. Absolutely loved the episode with Sun Mi, musical actress, cant stop thinking how fate leaded her to probably best outcome with a man who saw her passion in music and was mesmerized by it, but she chose her memories with a person she loved for a long time. I wonder where would she be, if she didn't come across the Diner?
Drama's not too much, no excessive turns of plot, simple and charming. Soundtrack adds in it too.
The only confusion to me was the sudden pull of Jin and Tom Kim toward each other, it happened as fast as it ended. Romantic side plot with Gil Yong is subtle which I liked, so the main problem would be between Jin and Hee Ra, and I like how it turned out, their relationship really progressed and gave them both a new path where they won't be ashamed of who they are.
Was this review helpful to you?
Revenge is Best Served ... at the Witch's Diner
(Originally published on my blog)If we're alive, we can't live without getting hurt.
In the world of endless streaming choices, it's easy to overlook gems hidden in plain sight. 'The Witch's Diner' is one such treasure, previously passed because it looked far too dark and scary. Plus, I'm not a fan of fantasy. But a TikTok clip bursting with praises piqued my curiosity, and here I am.
As I suspected, the show is dark. Literally. My beloved commenters on the streaming network, Viki, are unrelenting in expressing their dismay over how dimly lit the scenes are. I almost felt claustrophobic watching this distinctive visual style. However, I understood that lighting and filters created the desired atmosphere and emotional impact and decided to sally forth bravely.
Sigh. As usual, I've gotten way ahead of myself. The Witch's Diner, initially aired in 2021, serves up a delectably dark fantasy that's as tempting as it is thought-provoking. The series, set in a mysterious restaurant, offers dishes that fulfill wishes at a grave cost, serving a narrative rich in mysticism and moral dilemmas. Helmed by director So Jae-hyun, The Witch's Diner melds the mystical with the morally righteous in an intriguing drama.
Actress Song Ji-Hyo as the character Jo Hee-ra in 'The Witch's Diner.' She is wearing a striking red turtleneck blouse, with long sleeves, and elegant gold earrings. Her expression is solemn and commanding. She is holding a checkered kitchen towel, suggesting a setting within the restaurant. The background is softly focused, with hints of a sophisticated interior.
Song Ji-Hyo as the enigmatic Jo Hee-ra in 'The Witch's Diner,' embodying a blend of stoic elegance and the subtle power of a wish-granting witch.
In the 8-episode series, set against a seemingly ordinary city backdrop, the drama unfolds as we meet the enigmatic witch, Jo Hee-ra, portrayed with captivating intensity by Song Ji-Hyo. Her performance blends stoic mystique and nuanced emotion, drawing viewers into the witch's complex world. Again, Hee-Ra's restaurant offers a unique proposition: dishes that grant wishes but at a steep, often soul-crushing cost.
The narrative also ushers us into the lives of Hee-Ra's unwittingly recruited part-timer, Jung Jin, and the curious high school student Lee Gil-Yong. Each persona is etched with depth, allowing the actors, including Nam Ji-Hyun and Chae Jong-Hyeop, to explore a range of emotions as their stories intertwine with the fates of the restaurant's patrons.
What sets "Witch's Diner" apart is its bold approach to storytelling. It's less about the conventional tropes of romance or melodrama and more a study of human desires and the moral quandaries that accompany them.
It centers on the idea that every wish and desire comes with a price and sometimes unforeseen repercussions. We watch characters, often seeking revenge, make choices based on the devastation of being scammed, the sting of infidelity, the desperation from too many tough breaks, and, in one vignette, a mother's desire to launch her 50-year-old son into independence and marriage. We see the moral dilemmas, physical pain, and mental anguish that accompany their wishes.
The script sometimes veers too far toward the melodramatic, and with a heavy hand, the writers remind us to be careful about what we wish for, as it might come true. However, the writing is bolstered by thoughtful (and quotable) one-liners, tight direction, and a keen sense of pacing.
Visually, the series is a feast. It uses a lot of dark and moody aesthetics, which fits perfectly with its mystical and slightly eerie theme. As I mentioned earlier, using lighting and color creates an atmosphere that's otherworldly and intimately connected to the characters' inner turmoil.
The show's major triumph, however, lies in its ability to balance the fantastical elements of its premise and the genuine, often painful human emotions at its core. It invites viewers to ponder the cost of their deepest wishes, making it a resonant watch.
Overall, the series stands out for its unique concept and thought-provoking narrative. If you enjoy shows that combine fantasy with profound moral questions, "Witch's Diner" is worth a watch. Plus, the culinary aspect and nods to Harry Potter add an extra layer of charm, especially if you appreciate a bit of food magic in your dramas!
Have you watched this series? If so, let me know your thoughts. Will you rewatch it? I'm also curious about your favorite genres and ones you don't normally enjoy but have found occasional gems. What are the shows that have surprised you by defying your initial impressions? Let me know in the comments.
Epilogue
Bonus points for the following in the Witch's Diner:
Opening Title Sequence: The 30-second sequence promises that something wicked yet satisfying awaits. The graphics are incredible, and the musical score featuring clarinets is fun.
Kang Gi Doong: Widely known for his comedic roles, Gi-Doong left no crumbs, as the young kids say in his role as deeply troubled but achingly kind Bae Yoon Ki.
Ahn Eun Jin: This talented actress has a knack for selecting the right script and role. She brought Jin Sun Mi to life and me to my knees with her performance within a performance.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Fun and Quirky
I was drawn to this drama for the supernatural element and the aesthetic.I rather liked the world-building and was left wanting to see more of this world, so I’m glad there will be a second season.
NJH is not a favorite of mine and I think she was fairly weak here. She’s pretty bland. I also didn’t care for her character that much. Yes, the witch should tell people what the consequences will be in order for their wishes to come true, but I found the ending confirming her viewpoint that the price was too high unsatisfying. The whole point is that we all make choices and that sometimes things come with a high price. The drama basically ended with the notion that we should get something for nothing. I guess that should satisfy a previous reviewer who felt if one has the power to grant wishes, there should be no cost, but it didn’t satisfy me. I also worry about how a second season will go with a witch who is essentially a fairy godmother.
I know it was apparently controversial, but I was not put off by the age difference in the potential romance and thought Gil Young was one of the better parts of this drama. I only wished Jung Jin would have shown more interest in him. He radiates warmth and his devotion to her is swoon-worthy. On her end, she’s not exactly a high-flying career woman, so I did not feel as if they were all that far apart.
Was this review helpful to you?
Fun Watch about Desires, Revenge, and Consequenes
This is an enjoyable, short watch about a Witch who grants wishes that come at a cost, and the the people she comes across in her life. Song Ji Hyo and the set designers/costume designers kill it with the Witch aesthetic. The acting is well done and the story has a sensible beginning, middle, and end, which is excellent for an 8 episode affair. The OST fits the fantastical, eerie setting, but was nothing too big to write home about. I found the ending to be a tad contrived, but I can't really fault it too much. Overall, a great experience that doesn't require too much of a time commitment.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Quick Watch, Interesting premise, Great Acting
8/10 is my rating. This is a 2021 South Korean Supernatural Fantasy drama with 8, 44 minute episodes.Jo Hee-ra (Song Ji-Hiyo) is more than just the cook of a diner, she is a witch who bakes up special dishes designed to fulfill the wish of the desperate diners who come through the door. The price varies by customer as do the wishes but be careful what you wish for as the cost is something very dear. Jeong Jin (Nam Ji-hyun) is one such unfortunate soul whose price is to become an employee of the diner. Practically everything goes wrong in her life - her long time boyfriend dumps her and her job lets her go. So she figures, what does she have to lose? Jeong Jin befriends Lee Gil-yong (Chae Jong-hyeop) when she comes across a bullying situation. She sees herself something like an older sister but that is not how he sees her. He makes a mysterious wish himself and winds up a part time employee at the diner. The situation is just fine by him as he just wants to be by Jeong Jin.
Spoilers**I liked the premise of this and found the "cases" to be very interesting. It worked fine as a shorter series and was surprisingly able to completely tell the story. I think there was room to make it a longer series. It seems whomever is the witch is destined to not find her dream herself and it was disappointing that Jeong Jin and Gil-yong also followed the path of the witch and assistant. I always prefer a sweet romantic ending though. Still it wrapped up nicely, was an interesting storyline, and checked all the boxes otherwise. If you go into it knowing there will not be a romantic happy ending - perhaps it would not be as disappointing. I would recommend this as a quick and entertaining watch with an interesting premise.
Was this review helpful to you?
