Mr. Plankton (2024)

Dark Romance Comedy with very flawed ML.

The comedy aspect was good. Lots of hilarious scenes thru out the series.

The story was about ML who had lots of issues, parents issues, commitment issues. He met the FL when he at one of the low point at his life. They dated and even get rings together, but ML had commitment issues so as a jerk bastard he break up with FL with bunch of BS and insult the FL too.

Three years later, he find out he will had 3 months to live. By chance ( so many fate meeting in this series) he also find out that his ex (FL) will marry rich guy and she cannot carry a child.

He will.go road trip to try to find his real father (there are few candidates). So as a very selfish and narcissistic person, he go to the FL wedding, threatened her to come with him and then kidnapped her.

This when all hell loose break. They are being chased by a gang (from ML last job) and also the FL husband to be , SML.

Making it short, ML and FL deserved each other. Yes, ML is a HOT bastard . Who only thing what fun and best for him. What important for him. But even after being dumped by the ML years ago, although she had a very good fiancee, she crave the ML from head to toe. Even sometimes she beimg treated like crap again. But she willingly accepted the ML even she know he is so f-ing flaw and so selfish and will die soon. Yep, just because he is young and HOT and SML is not hot and young.

SML had to thank his lucky star he did not marry the FL. He deserved someone that truly love him and not abandoned him the very first chance she had.

The only character with real growth is SML. He was a Mama boy that obey his Mom before all this bride kidnapping happened. But because of his love for FL, he defied his Mom, runaway from home to save FL ( who does not wanted to be save in reality) At the end of the journey, he become more independent and more confident.

The story also show very long journey of ML try finding his real father with no avail. The writer should write more about the ML and the father that raise him till teenager relationship. But it never happen. They just getting back together as father and son just like that at end of ep 10.

The moral of the story: All people deserved love. Even with two flaw characters like ML and FL.

Lots of angsty and miscommunication and flaw plots. At least it was quick pace, good acting, quite funny here and there. The chemistry was good too with all actors.

Its entertaining watch because it only had 10 eps. Good but not my fav.

7 out of 10.

Lire davantage

The art of making dieing look fun...With a side of Stockholmssyndrom.

This is a pretty decent story about a bunch of people brought together by trauma and what one could call fait.

The chemistry between all the leads is really good, the acting decent and the story may not be very realistic but it did keep my attention throughout the binge.

However there are quite a few unnecessary annoying side twists , the female lead spends a lot of time yelling and crying wiht the type of voice that could make glasss explode and while the development of the story has a decent pace there are some parts that are overly done while others under-explored leaving me not completely satisfied in the end of the show.

That said Woo Do Hwan does a great job bringing this character to life, and while he makes it look a littel bit to much fun to die I cant help but fall for his charm,

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I thought we were moving past the era of male leads who are violent towards their partners

Watching how abusive he is is making me feel sick to my stomach. I don’t understand why it gets such high ratings. Is it supposed to be funny that he conks her on the head twice? I don’t blame the performers. I have no idea why the writers think we should want these people to be together. I want her to escape immediately and I’m frustrated that it’s supposed to be funny that no one will help her. I’m also frustrated that she gives up so quickly, when being around him is making my skin crawl.

The show gets such high reviews I thought he must redeem himself somehow and stuck with it until the end. I wish I had dropped it, there is no character growth. If you are like me and don’t like watching verbal, mental and emotional abuse, even from an exceptionally beautiful man, then you should skip it. Obviously, a lot of people feel differently, but I wish I had seen a review like this before I started.

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“Just let your instinct guide you. That way you won’t get lost.

The moment you throw yourself into the unknown, you’re not adrift anymore. You become a drifter. ”

Imagine you are having a truly awful day, nothing works out, you feel like crying and giving up... and then you hear a really dark joke that is like a final blow to your misery, but somehow it feels liberating - this is how this drama made me feel.

I didn’t really like much about it, but it was a strangely appreciated experience. The characters were well written, but also awful for the most part. We are left with them taking the first steps to self-improvement and it’s unsatisfying , but hopeful at the same time. And yes, that includes Eo Heung, who also had a lot of issues he had to figure out.

The romance was a mess, the characters were a mess, the plot was a mess and it perfectly captures the essence of the drama and it makes sense. Why? Because more often than not life makes no sense and we are just powering through complicated emotions pretending like we know what we are doing, making awful choices and trying to handle the consequences.

That said, I for sure liked the second half of the show more. I liked how the characters started to create one cohesive picture instead of everyone doing their own thing. Wish we’ve got more scenes between Hae Jo and Eo Heung - these were for sure some of my favorites and probably some of the more impactful ones. I guess I would love to see Eo Heung catch up to them faster - less chasing, more bonding.

A lot of plotlines were left on a truly uncomfortable end for me. Especially in terms of the leads’ parents. It did feel like a deliberate choice though, not a “we ran out of screen time” type of a deal. These endings were unsatisfying for a drama, but understandable for real life. I guess if someone watches dramas just for the pure escapism, this show would slap them in the face with reality.

For the performances - Woo Do Hwan and Oh Jung Se for sure shined the most. Both performances were rather raw when needed, but witty and uplifting when the scenes required. I am honestly amazed how Oh Jung Se could portray the character that by all means would be seen as a country pumpkin, clueless and naive idiot, but with this performance he was so much for depth, warmth and drive to him.

Funny how I was the most excited about Lee You Mi as Jo Jae Mi, but with every episode I started to lose more and more interest in her. I feel like all the characters had clear motivations except for her. Till the end Jae Mi was shown as a character put in the context of other characters, and not once as an actual individual.

I don’t think I have that much to say about the production quality - it’s your typical Netflix production that looks pretty, but nothing really stands out that much.

Overall, I feel like it is mostly a show about overcoming your fears, whatever they might be. I might need to discuss it a bit with friends to form more in depth opinions about the themes, but I have to admit, it’s a drama that invites reflection.

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The Ocean's Quiet Hero!

7.8/10
This drama left me with mixed feelings. The journey starts with Hae Jo trying to find his purpose in life and his parental lineage while grappling with a ticking time bomb in his head.

'Mr. Plankton' is such a beautiful and apt title and metaphor for the story. While plankton may seem insignificant in the vast ocean, their lives are crucial to maintaining the ecosystem much like Hae Jo, who feels overlooked yet contributes in his own ways to people around him.

At the start, Hae Jo came across as a brat but as the drama progressed I found myself sympathizing with him more and more. His flaws and initial arrogance gave way to deeper struggles and vulnerabilities, making it hard not to feel for him. The transformation from a seemingly self-centered character to someone with real pain and abandonment was gradual yet powerful. Woo Do Hwan did an excellent job portraying this character.

The road trip part was exciting and the cinematography was simply stunning. However, I wish the show had delved deeper into Jae Mi's character and her own internal conflicts which felt somewhat underexplored.

Also, I loved the bonding and sort of 'found family' dynamics overall in the drama, especially during the second half! The pacing was also better in the latter half, which made it more engaging than the first.

But the emotional weight of the drama is undeniable. Yes, it is not perfect but WDH's portrayal of Hae Jo was so raw and heartfelt. His struggle with abandonment and his illness leaves a bitter-sweet taste in the mouth that lingers.

Despite its flaws, this drama is worth a one-time watch, especially for the powerful performances and emotional depth it delivers.

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Lloré tres océanos pacíficos

Este drama definitivamente se agrega a mis favoritos del año, me encanta el trasfondo de la historia y la manera en que se desarrolla cada personaje. Lloré mucho con los últimos dos capítulos, soy el tipo de persona que se adentra demasiado en la historia y le tomo cariño a los personas, ese final me destruyó pero me gustó. Debo admitir que las escenas de la familia Eo Heung me parecieron aburridas, me hubiera gustado que en lugar de eso nos mostrarán más de los protagonistas. La banda sonora es magestuosa y en general la forma en la que me atrapó este drama hace mucho no lo sentía.

Lire davantage

good enough?

so much potential that unfortunately never came to life because of an underwritten female lead, too much focus on comedic aspects as opposed to a more serious tone, boring and insufferable 2nd ML plot that when it didn't put me to sleep, made me want to gouge my eyes out; also other fluff which could have been cut down

ultimately the show excels in its use of symbolism and exploration of philosophical concepts regarding death and life, woo do hwan's character was exceptionally flawed and some of the side characters were very enjoyable to watch as well; while the cinematography and directing were great, the production definitely started slacking as the episodes went on as it failed to capture the charm of the first few episodes. the nostalgic and evocative atmosphere that initially hooked me in just wasn't there

it was great to hear California Dreamin though

Lire davantage

It is JUST disappointing.

I read the reviews on mdl and I was like ''woahh !! It is rare to find a show with this many good reviews. It must be real gold.''

I started watching it and the first few eps were entertaining and all, then it went downhill.

First of all, How do you manage to be at the hospital at the same time as your ex- gf and get horrible news on the same day !?!?

Ok, you overheard about her pregnancy but WHYY did you Kidnap her on her wedding day , refuse to let her go, THEN, just as she starts to feel comfortable with you, you're like ''ok, now go live your life, etc '' ( the port scene ), then you carry her shoe around for DAYS, give her her shoe back, and when she comes to meet you, you abandon her and then go looking for her 10 mins later, promise her that ''you'll never let her go '' , and then the fl gets the news of his illness, takes him out of the hospital into the cold streets AT night esp when he's sick like a dog. Common sense isn't very common, for sure, so HE CAN DIE UNDERNEATH THE BLUE SKY. He miraculously wakes up instead of dying OR bleeding after hitting his head on the pavement, then the ''brave '' ml is like 'lemme go to gangwon' . HE AGAIN abandons the fl at her mother's house and then goes crying about it, like dude why tf are you crying when YOU abandoned her. You just got 3 months to live, and you still have to be a fucking jerk to her. GIve her a DAMN break. Spend those 3 months with her quietly instead of letting her go ''IN THE NAME OF LOVE ''
Heung Honestly deserves alot better than a wife who abandoned him the first chance she got !! Thank god, he realised that. He was the only one with some character development. The fl should honestly have some sense knocked into her. Instead of chasing an EX, who has got just 3 months to live, who's a fucking jerk, you should look forward to your life. Heung is out there, READY to accept you AND your menopause. He rebelled against his mom, went on a search to find you, LEFT home and you're still crazy in love with an EX. like tf are you gonna do after those 3 months !?
The way the FL was written, it's honestly hard to believe that she raised herself. She seems like daddy's little princess. The way she's so damn naive, chases hae jo when he treats her like shit, can't realise what is good or bad for her, AND falls for petty scams !!

I can go on a rant about the problems had with this drama. It was disappointing and disappointing AND disappointing.

Lire davantage

Bittersweet

Bittersweet endings hold a quiet, yet powerful beauty. They’re different from pure sadness, which settles in your heart like a weight. In stories like Uncontrollably Fond and Mr. Plankton, we know early on that joy and pain will entwine, but still, we cling to a fragile hope—that somehow love will rewrite destiny.

Mr. Plankton doesn’t just remind us of love’s power, but of life’s fragility. It nudges us to forgive, not just others but ourselves, and to embrace every moment. It teaches us to live meaningfully, without regrets, and to leave behind memories that will inspire others to live fully too. There’s a humbling reminder in these stories: at the end of our journey, the legacy we leave is a reflection of the love and peace we nurtured within ourselves.

Highly recommended.

Lire davantage

Fantastic storyline with fantastic acting

I must say this show was absolutely amazing. The actors and actresses played off the characters perfectly, and honestly you start to feel what the characters feels through the show. I don’t want to give much away about the plot so I will say it follows the synopsis very well. overall it feels like your just watching them find purpose in their own lives even if that’s with eachother. Another big thing is the chemistry between the main leads, it was on another level and you could truly feel the ex’s to lovers again trope. Even how all the cast interacted with eachother was great to watch.

Most note worthy things
-Great plot
-10/10 chemistry
-binge worthy
-stacked cast

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"The Ultimate Rollercoaster of Emotions: A Heartfelt Journey of Love, Loss, and Healing"??

Introduction

After months of anticipation, this drama has finally arrived, and the first episode did not disappoint! If you're looking for a show that tugs at your heartstrings from the get-go, you're in for a roller coaster of emotions. I found myself tearing up a good bajillion times, and it's clear I'm in for a ride filled with both joy and sorrow. The opening scene alone sets the tone for what’s to come — it's not going to be a sunshine-filled journey, and I’m already emotionally bracing myself.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. There are moments of light, like the adorable flashbacks of the leads’ happier times — they may be fleeting, but they pack an emotional punch. The clever balance of dark humor, like Hae Jo’s (Woo Do-hwan) terminal illness and Jae-mi’s (Lee Yoo-mi) struggle with conception, injects a surprising amount of levity into their otherwise heartbreaking predicaments. And let’s not forget the cameo by Lee Da Hee, which added a delightful twist to the episode!

It’s clear that this drama is channeling the vibes of independent American cinema from the late '90s to early 2000s, and I’m here for it. The closing song, "California Dreamin'" by The Mamas & the Papas, perfectly encapsulates the emotional and nostalgic atmosphere.

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Plot/Storyline

Hae Jo, feeling like an outsider due to not knowing who his real father is, learns that he is terminally ill. Faced with this harsh reality, he decides to take drastic action and kidnaps his ex-girlfriend, Jo Jae Mi, dragging her along on a journey to find the truth about his father.

Jo Jae Mi is about to marry Eo Heung, the heir to a powerful food company, in hopes of finding the family she’s always wanted. But the Eo family only accepts her because Heung claims she’s pregnant. On the day of the wedding, Hae Jo kidnaps her, and Eo Heung desperately begins searching for them.

As Hae Jo and Jae Mi spend time together, old feelings resurface. Despite the suffering and conflict they endure, they begin to fall back in love. Their journey becomes even more emotional as Hae Jo struggles with his illness, knowing he doesn’t have much time left. With their past and future uncertain, Hae Jo and Jae Mi must navigate their complicated relationship while confronting the truth that time is running out.
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Characters

Haejo (ML)
Haejo, played by Woo Dohwan, begins as a selfish, fun-loving man who drags Jaemi into his chaotic world. He seems indifferent to the people around him, consumed by his search for answers about his past. Throughout his journey, he struggles with the weight of his own flaws and a deep-seated belief that he’s destined to die alone. For much of the story, he’s resigned to this fate, thinking that happiness is fleeting and that he’ll always be alone in the end. “I just want to die alone... no one should have to suffer because of me.”

But Haejo’s story isn’t just about running from his inevitable end. It’s about learning that love, real love, isn’t something you can escape. Through the unwavering support of Bongsuk, and the presence of Jaemi, Haejo slowly begins to understand that he’s been loved all along, even if he couldn’t see it. By the end, as he faces the truth of his own mortality, Haejo lets go of his fear. Surrounded by those who truly care for him, he accepts that, while he may not have a long life, he’s lived it in a way that matters.

In his final moments, as he lies in Jaemi’s arms, surrounded by snow, he finds peace—no longer wanting to die alone, but to be with those who love him. “I never thought I’d be this lucky… to die in the arms of someone I love.” His smile isn’t one of resignation—it’s one of acceptance, knowing that even though life was short and filled with flaws, he found something beautiful in the end.

Jaemi (FL)
Jaemi, portrayed by Lee Yumi, is the classic K-drama heroine, caught between the stability of her fiancé and the chaos of Haejo’s love. Even after being abandoned by Haejo years ago, she can’t help but crave him. Despite his constant emotional turmoil, she stays, proving that sometimes love is messy, imperfect, but worth the fight. Jaemi’s growth is about learning to love herself, even while loving someone else. “You can love someone who isn’t perfect, but don’t lose yourself in the process.”

Eo Heung (SML)
Oh Jungse shines as Eo Heung, the mama's boy turned independent man. His love for Jaemi transforms him, pushing him to defy his mother and save her when she doesn’t want to be saved. His growth is about gaining confidence and becoming the man Jaemi needs—no longer just a follower, but a leader in his own right. “Love isn’t just about being there when it’s easy—it’s about showing up when it’s hard.”

Bongsuk
Bongsuk, played by Lee El, is Haejo’s rock—his mother, sister, and love all rolled into one. She represents unconditional love, always there to support Haejo no matter his flaws. She teaches him that love can heal wounds, and though he loves Jaemi, Bongsuk’s role in his life remains irreplaceable. “Unconditional love isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment; it’s about standing by someone when they’re at their worst.”

Gi Ho
Gi Ho adds depth to the story, showing loyalty, sacrifice, and the struggle between holding on and letting go. His role might seem secondary, but he plays a key part in pushing other characters toward growth and introspection.
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Pacing: The pacing flows seamlessly between high-energy moments and tender, emotional pauses, keeping you hooked while allowing deep character connections to form.

Visuals/Production: Stunning cinematography and meticulous set design create a world where every frame tells a story, enhancing the emotional depth beyond words.

Sound/Music: The carefully curated soundtrack perfectly amplifies every moment, seamlessly blending with the visuals to leave an unforgettable emotional impact.
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Emotional Impact:
This drama broke me—one moment I was laughing, the next, I was in tears. The journey teaches us that life is about letting go of destinations and embracing the unknown: “Never set a destination. Just let your instinct guide you. You become a drifter.”

Strengths:
The perfect balance of humor and heartbreak, where Haejo’s antics make you laugh and his pain leaves you shattered—an unforgettable emotional rollercoaster.
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Conclusion:

This drama is a heartfelt journey of love, trauma, and the power of found family. The final episode beautifully showcases the characters’ growth and reconciliation, particularly when they come together around the table, forming a bond stronger than blood. Haejo, reflecting on his life and the people he’s come to care for, provides a bittersweet but touching conclusion to his journey.

The show masterfully portrays the lasting effects of childhood trauma and abandonment issues. Characters, especially Haejo and Jaemi, are complex, shaped by their pasts, and show a profound depth in their relationships. The drama’s message about trust, vulnerability, and accepting love despite flaws resonates deeply.

The ending is poignant—a reminder that life is fragile, but living with love and joy is the most meaningful way to go. Haejo, who feared dying alone, finds peace in the arms of his true love, surrounded by those who care for him. It’s a beautiful, poetic ending that encapsulates the emotional core of the story.

The soundtrack, especially California Dreamin’, complements the themes of longing and belonging, adding another layer of depth to the drama. The songs were placed perfectly, enriching the emotional atmosphere. This drama stands out as one of the best, offering a rollercoaster of emotions, strong performances, and a unique, angsty romance that leaves you thinking long after the credits roll.

Recommendation:
This drama is perfect for fans of complex characters, emotional growth, and unconventional love stories. If you enjoy quirky, angsty romances and deep emotional storytelling with a touch of humor, this is a must-watch. Lee Yoo-mi's portrayal of Jaemi and the stunning chemistry between the leads elevate the drama, making it unforgettable.

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Dark Romance Açucarado

Essa história é sobre um protagonista com daddy issues que usa seu passado traumático como desculpa para justificar um monte de decisões duvidosas. Apesar de ser vendida como uma comédia romântica, a trama é um desfile de tragédias, com humor previsível e o pastelão de sempre. Os personagens até são bem construídos, com dilemas e camadas interessantes, mas o dorama foca mais em consequências do que em soluções.

O protagonista? Um típico bad boy com uma história familiar mirabolante que o leva a fugir de casa. Ele cresce, enriquece, namora uma garota fofa e simples, mas termina com ela porque não consegue lidar com seus próprios sentimentos. A cereja do bolo? Descobre que está com uma doença terminal e decide sequestrar a ex no dia do casamento dela para passar seus últimos dias ao lado dela. (Romântico? Só que não.) Depois de algumas lições de moral de personagens secundários, ele percebe o erro, mas mente para a garota, dizendo que não quer mais ficar com ela, no clássico "deixar ir porque ama demais". Só que, claro, eles acabam voltando rapidinho — nesse ponto, eu quase cochilei no sofá.

E como se não bastasse, o bônus é um triângulo amoroso: o noivo perfeito, mas completamente sem sal, que só está ali para sofrer. E, honestamente, isso fez eu sofrer junto.

Cinco anos atrás, talvez eu tivesse amado esse dorama. Mas hoje? Não consigo engolir a romantização de um sequestro. E ainda por cima, detesto quando uma comédia romântica entrega pura tragédia. Parece que os roteiristas não conseguem decidir qual gênero querem explorar, e o resultado é um tom completamente perdido.

Estou escrevendo a review antes de terminar porque não quero ter a chance de criticar mais! Já sei o final e sei que fica pior.

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