Gripping Action with Sweet Romance
It took me two attempts to get invested in this show, but it grabbed me by the throat once it happened.❤ OMG, the romance blew me away. It had it all - pining looks, hand holding, unrequited (or not so unrequited) love, forced proximity, and marriage of convenience. While the romance isn't the driving factor of the story, it certainly builds episode by episode as Sae Bom and Yi Hyun work together to keep the residents of the apartment building safe. The chemistry between them, their absolute loyalty to one one another, and their refusal to back down on fighting for the things they loved made them one of my all time favorite couple duos.
❤ There is some shady shit going down in the apartment building prior to the lockdown, all of which comes full circle as the resident secrets begins to unravel the longer the quarantine continues. Their are certainly some memorable characters and interactions. I will admit some of the storylines for secondary characters petered out by the last episode. It would have been nice to have some clarity on whether or not the characters in peril during the end of the lockdown made it back to the real world alive and unharmed.
❤ I have been really impressed with the expansion of zombie lore over the past year! First this show and now All of Us Are Dead are giving us some interesting zombie alternatives. Honestly, this was a terrifying premise as infected individuals switched between madness and sanity.
❤ The lockdown and quarantine elements of the show certainly paralleled the real world during the Covid-19 epidemic. It explores themes of isolation, fear, and panic as the residents are moved into lockdown. If you're someone with PTSD from Covid-19, perhaps this show isn't for you (at least at this time).
Watch if you like: 💖Slow burn romance | 🧟 Zombies / Undead | 👩 Engaging female lead
Find it: Viki (12 episodes)
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Happiness is no where to be found in this
I know the drama isn't finished yet and we are half way through the episodes but I felt I have to say something about the first half of itso far the name of the drama isn't related to it's content at all despite that the female lead tried to explain that happiness is within the people's comfort zone no matter how much the world is becoming crazy and going to hell out there we have to be happy and live our happy life ,, she said that and she may be felt happy having her own apartment and marrying her high school crush in an apocalyptic world but as a viewer I don't see them happy ,, they didn't even kissed once or felt safe until now they are running around trying to survive that's it
Does survival considered Happiness now ?
Also the plot is lacking a lot of details about the characters ,, especially the main lead couple ,, we don't know anything about their families ,, the female lead's family seemed disconnected and she has issues with them that wasn't clarified enough and the male lead's family ??nothing about him at all ?? the writer is giving us punch of people trapped in Quarantine chasing each other without any further details about their own lives or backgrounds just the usual superficial irritating human greed and evilness that's it ,, the writer focused too much on showing us human evilness in crisis
I wanted to see more about the main couples' families and their background ,, I wanted to see more interactions between the lead couple delivering the happiness they meant .. I wanted more depth into the characters ,, I wanted to see the other side outside the Quarantine
I feel like the writer Quarantined us with the characters ,, we are trapped with them ,, we can't know what is happening outside the wall .... just keep watching people getting infected and chasing each other six episodes long that could have been two hour movie
I know that I'm in the minority here to say half way through this drama is becoming really boring lacking a lot
I'm wondering ,, will the writer show us what is really going on outside the next six episodes ?? will we see the main couple get their happiness they deserve ?? will we be answered on the questions the writer made us ask ? too many un answered questions needed to be answered in the next six episodes
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Talk about a Strong Comeback by both the ML and FL
Initial Review:Really, talk about a strong comeback by both Han Hyo Joo and Park Hyung Shik after so many years, around 5 years for Han Hyoo Joo and 3 years for Park Hyung Shik. So far, this has been an amazing show to watch. Lately, I haven't been really been in love with a drama, after "Mad for Each Other", where it felt really painful to wait for a drama's next episode for 6-7 days. This one, well, has really broken the slump.
The story is very good, intriguing and can divert in many directions over time. If I have to express the overall show with one word, I would use the word "Balanced". It's such a well balanced show, not too unrealistic by any means, not boring by any means, not too lovey dovey, not too dry and tasteless either. Story progression pace is, I would say, PERFECT. All the supporting characters have been portrayed so realistically, which is not often done well for this kind of drama.
Acting is great, truly justified in terms of the storyline. These 3 main characters have really played their role extremely well. Jo Woo Jin is supposedly playing part of the necessary evil, who has to make tough decisions, and even though by now his backstory has been somewhat exposed to the viewers, there is still a bit of mystery behind his character. He is playing his part, very very well.
Han Hyo Joo and Park Hyung Shik has such amazing chemistry. Although, I don't really talk about on screen chemistry too much in my review, I had to mentions this for this drama. Their chemistry is so adorable, so relatable and so subtle yet dynamic. With every episode, their relationship is evolving it seems. Their evolving chemistry, I would say, is THE HIGHLIGHT of this show.
If you read the synopsis, you will figure out what the story is about, not much for to write about that for now. My suggestion is that, give this one a go. I am pretty sure, You Will Enjoy This.
Somewhere in the middle, or after I've finished the show, I will update and make a final review of this. Take care until then.
Update 1: I've just upgraded the re-watch value to 9.5 from previous 8.5. The reason being, I can't really stress enough how charming both the ML and FL are. Their characters are so charismatic in different ways, FL with her bold cutthroat remarks alongside fighting mentality and ML with his gentleness, and eagerness to help people in this precarious situation. Both of these two have one characteristic in common: They are both very protective of each other and are very courageous. Honestly I am not really being able to express how good this show is so far, so my suggestion is that you guys watch it and confirm it yourselves.
And yes, While watching this show, I've become a fan Park-Hyun-Shik. He really is a cute cute guy. I guess I gotta watch Strong Woman Do Bong Soon. I don't know why I've still not watched this one. But, truly, in this show, he has performed extremely well and really made his character worth looking back over and over again by playing the episodes again and again.
I've always been a fan of Han Hyo joo. She has really knocked the ball outta the park with this show.
Final Review: Strong Finish and really one of the best K-drama of the year. It's really a great show by pretty much all metrics. I would highly suggest anyone who is pondering whether to give it a go or not, to GIVE IT A GO. It's seriously good.
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Fake reviews?!
I’ve decided to finally drop this show at episode 5 because of the horribly inconsistent writing, dumb characters and zero-logic plot. Some highlights:- The pill causes the illness but they’re not recalling the pill or issuing a warning to stop people from taking it
- They won’t track down pill users, instead locked everyone together, increasing the number of the infected
- FL is getting all the hate (internalized misogyny from the mostly female audience no doubt), but ML is equally stupid and tries to play hero for no reason (running outside with the people who took the money etc.)
- They can’t put the child with social services? Grandparents? She has a heart disease and they think it’s wise for her to be with a “good guardian” while being locked up?!
- The murderer/doctor and the management woman are senseless characters with illogical motivations.
- Contrary to what people say, the military man is the only one I like cause he’s rational but still trying his best
The writer really questions the intelligence of the viewers and given the unusually high rating, he’s certainly proven correct. I read all the positive reviews but now that I’ve seen the show they’re either fake, or we’re watching 2 different shows.
TLDR: Don’t watch if you can’t completely get rid of logic, common sense and the need for decent writing.
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A better second half
While I liked their spin on the zombie virus and how the look at the infected as potentially curable patients. There was way too many dumb decisions, boring moments, useless scenes to drive home that a despicable character is in fact despicable(The under the table seduction scene, been there seen that enough in any given American show).And to add insult to injury, most of the characters besides the protagonists aren't even remotely likable, so I found myself watching a bunch of unlikable characters stuck in a building and wishing they would all just die.
With that said, I've yet to watch the second half, maybe there is a twist that's going to redeem the rest.
Edit after finishing:
The second half is a thousand times better than the first, I found myself actually enjoying the story and laughing in some scenes of the last 2 episodes. Loved the ending and how it was actually treated as a virus, and they bothered actually giving a reason for the outbreak instead of being like "who cares? Just focus on the flesh eating zombies and how our heros survive!" Like most do.
I give it a higher score than I originally did, I would even recommend it.
Bonus point, the romance was well written, not overwhelming just the right amount giving the genre.
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“Very Timely Storyline”
After 4 episodes viewed it’s a rating of 7.5 for me. Production has layers of praiseworthy complexity which sums up the positive aspect of this drama series. The element that merits criticism pertains to the unrealistic handling of the fatal infectious disease by so-called professionals which made me cringe and flinch such as:•Feisty SOU officer (female lead) gets scratched during a scuffle with an infected soldier and yet she doesn’t apply basic First Aid as a preventative measure and just stares at her open wound, unworried that the blood-bourne pathogen may infiltrate her system. Personal records reveal that she has “good survival instincts and problem solving skills” yet she forgoes prompt washing of her hand wound.
•She hands over her service gun and mobile phone to a non-gloved and therefore unprotected Lieutenant Colonel of the Crisis Management Center before surrendering for her imposed quarantine.
•The same Lieutenant Colonel is always in a business attire while everyone around him is clad in full PPE in the facility that houses infected patients.
•Equally negligent police corporal (male lead) casually examines a bloodied crime scene and touches contaminated objects then answers a call on his mobile phone. He also zealously sniffs the contents of a half consumed water bottle, putting the rim at very close proximity to his nose. Afterwards, he heads home and jumps straight to his bed without washing-up and still wearing his dirty work clothes.
•A bloodied suspect is whisked away by gloveless police escorts and yet in another scene there’s a conversation about how COVID-19 has made the public more safety-conscious which is why, “We don’t shake hands anymore”.
•Huge irony in the way the characters frequently allude to the present pandemic but blatantly resort to irresponsible handling with no regard for personal health and hygiene. Perhaps the writer and director can put more focus and attention to this vital detail because it’s really uncomfortable to watch.
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Clever and Charming
Never have I ever repeating two starting episode with excitement. It is almost like an instinct to hit replay all over again. Yes all platform just to entertain curiosity on subtitles presented.Story : full hopes of exhilarating action scene. Pact with thriller storyline in light speed.
Attraction scene: adorable with a tinge of sweetness. Feels like taking a leap of faith. Hasty but neat.
Music: curated suitably.
Sae Bom our heroin is fast thinking and sometimes people find her action seemed reckless. Then again, how else would you be when facing the inevitable terror. She’s scores the highest assessment, then she must be doing well with her job as Senior Officer of anti-terrorism squad. She is the perfect avenger to fought the dreadful mayhem. Her human compass works divinely well and she will jump to saves lives. Protects will her almighty.
Yi Hyun is charming, adorable and clever. He is hopelessly attracted with Sae Bom. Although pretty good in keeping his calm and composure. Would for sure keep her save. Would for sure keep her by his side. Just like how they held each other hands with the optimist trust, is how we should get addicted with this drama 😃
There’s a lot to learn from this drama and how it relates with the world as we knows it now. That is why it is perfect.
This definitely one of the best drama in 2021.
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Why is it still underrated drama?
The story,the acting,the tension and the storyline are superb.I just can't get enough of it just one defect it has only 12 ep, I wish it had more and if so iwish to have a second season with same male and female leads.They are not giving drama banners for this show in many websites and it is not in top 10 in many websitez.
It will be awesome to see the coming episodes .
And I cant wait for how the story progress from here onwards.
And tvn I know that this year you are killing a lot of good characters but please dont kill the male and female lead.
And please tell me some news if there is a chance of
second season.
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I had high hopes
(contains spoilers)I admit I am only in 3 episodes in but I already got a feel of what this drama is about. Okay, so it’s a zombie thing but actually not.
Plot - it is interesting and the story could have been told better.
Romance - not buying it. It felt so forced. The 2 leading roles have no chemistry at all. Plus! They suddenly decided to get married all for one luxury rental apartment. I found it weird that they could move in in a day and things are smooth. Like, the guy just suddenly packed up all his things and move in a day? It just doesn’t makes sense!
Thrilling scenes - I got excited when the story picked up the pace at the second episode. Yes! Her hyung got scratched! Yes he is going to turn! So okay, this episode got me excited.
Disappointing unrealistic scene - so come this episode where her Hyung gets trapped in the refrigerated container with all the infected people and turned himself, the lead lady went in and tried pulling him out WITHOUT A SINGLE SCRATCH OR BITE! Then comes her “supposedly husband” and went in and pulled them both out! And she got out unscathed! That scene did not make any sense at all!
I am still going to continue watching it for the sake of knowing what really is going on so I hope it gets better towards the end.
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Addicting
As the title says, I think this drama is really catching! More you watch and more you want to see. In my case I've a weird reaction, because I'm watching other dramas right now, that I think are "better", but I don't wait for them as for this one. Happiness has that "I don't know what" that makes you stay with your eyes glued on the screen. But don't get me wrong, it's a really good drama, the acting is really really good I think that what works really good it's the dynamic of the characters.I don't find the story really original, but it works good, as I said in a comment I think who wrote this drama started from the idea of covid, because when I watch this drama I cannot not think it's what happened to us, just amplified to supernatural to make a tv product. And this is in my opinion what's make us love this drama, it's like they're joking us, a sad joke. The lockdown, people going crazy, people not caring, selfishness, stupidity and more..
Anyway I really like the leads and their chemestry, they work really good on screen, their characters compese eachother pretty well giving us balance. As I said the strong point in my opinion is how all the people interact with eachother once they're forced to lockdown together, the characters are so differents, and those two are practically the unwanted guardians of them, I still have to figure out some of them, because obviously, some are really shady!!
Putting all together this is a really good drama, this is just my opinion, but I really recommend this one! :)
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It's realistic but not, at the same time.
So far so great; it's really an amazing thriller. It's like zombies but make it more realistic and there's only one, single officer trying to save the world. It makes sense and follows general logic, but also doesn't in many places. What itches me most is how almost nobody in an entire building other than three police officers and a little girl understand the gravity of the issue. Now, obviously we need one of the residents to mess things up for others for the dynamics but I absolutely hate how literally everyone is so non-serious about a mad person disease, but then again I enjoy when they get in trouble and I go "See, I told ya this would happen!". If things like this don't itch you, it is the pitch perfect apocalyptic drama with, in my opinion, loads of survival skills if you take note.Was this review helpful to you?
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Happiness is Subjective
I am glad Happiness exists. A big thank you to the cast, crew and production team.I have always been a fan of Han Hyo Joo.
But a hidden gem to discover was Park Hyung Sik. The role makes the man and he was perfect as Yi Hyun.
A big shout out too to Jo Woo Jin. He oozed charisma as the antihero.
Although the drama fell short due to the ending for me.
The show managed to make itself relatable. One would think such a show would put people off as a pandemic is currently happening but it actually connected us in a way. It took elements of the current pandemic and spun it into 12 hours of entertainment I truly enjoyed.
Two things I would take out is:
a. People hearts are the scariest - we see the best and worst of people in stressful times
b. Happiness is subjective - love? wealth? prestige? What is our definition of happiness? Everyone wants it.
I will certainly re watch this show again. I hope I see then things I missed.
Now for that ending...ALERT SPOILERS (sort of)
Episode 12 should have ended with that gun shot wound. And that is why I rated it as such. Almost perfection but not quite. To be writing about a fan fiction at the end tells you how much I got invested in this show. I used to get annoyed by dramas spending 45 minutes of the episode explaining what happened with the side characters and sadly here we really needed it but did not get it.
So in my mind here is what happened, with my imaginary EPISODE 13:
The episode starts with Sae Bom on her way to a facility. She has flowers in hand. We do not quite know for whom. Her inner monologue acts as the narrator as scenes unfold.
We see a scene with Na Soo Min confirmed to have antibodies and soldiers track others like him with bites or wounds around their bodies unchanged, paving the gateway to the development of a cure as many with antibodies surface.
Han Tae Sook visits his wife. This time, the chains are gone. They mourn the loss of their child who could not be saved, but hope to try again in the future.
Detective Jeong Gook goes visit Seo Yoon who is recovering from her heart surgery. They both talk about being able to see their loved ones soon. Seo Yoon asks about Sae Bom and Yi Hyun and the scene cuts to the present.
But we hold our breaths as Sae Bom reaches the room. It is not Yi Hyun but her mother. She tells her about the man she loves. He kept her together during the ordeal. Sae Bom apologies he could not visit. We brace for the worse for the scene cuts to a graveyard. But we breathe a sigh of relief. It is not Yi Hyun but Kim Se Hoon. The fallen comrades needlessly murdered.
Sae Bom jokes about not bringing Yi Hyun since she knows Kim Se Hoon was not to fond of him.
Sae Bom finally goes home to their apartment. Yi Hyun still brusied and bandage is waiting for her. She runs into his embrace and as per their tradition they go to the rooftop to watch the sunset. Finally saying the words kept in their heart and sharing a gentle kiss.
This is how I choose to see the drama ending.
And the last 2 minutes take place after!
So goodbye Happiness. In your twisted way you made me happy. I will watch out for the writer's future works now too.
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