1
4
Friendship is enough, is there a need for romance?
"My smile is not fake anymore, what took my mask away?"Disclaimer: I haven't read the webtoon yet so this review is solely based on drama.
In the first few episodes... you'll encounter a lot of tension between 2 male leads that definitely gives you the feeling and vibe, 'is this BL?' so let me clear this question: No it isn't. It's not typical youth drama, it tries to be different in many aspects adding some twists that are usually not seen in this type of drama, making you wonder about many things.
As of the first impression of Joon, I didn't like him at all (really at all lol). Loved his character development throughout the drama.. it wasn't out of nowhere or abrupt it was slow and natural. He got friends and love from them that he deserves. And not to forget he found his 'real smile.' Soo Hyun.. haha he acts oblivious and clueless many times, but he is adorable at the same time. I liked the change in his personality too, how he becomes comfortable around friends, having conversations even okay with getting help when it's needed. It's pleasant to see.
What I enjoyed most in the drama was the interactions, tension in the initial stage between Joon and Soo Hyun, the development in their friendship how they start to rely on each other, trust each other... the most pleasant time! Seeing Na In Woo was a surprise for me (I don't really check many things before starting drama lol)... ah I wanted his more interaction and relationship development with Jun maybe I would prefer it more than his time with So Bin :')
Romance ah the most uninteresting part of the drama, it has already many other things to handle lol (no offense it's my opinion) it is out of nowhere, it's like someone slams the door on the face as says yeah now leads like each other apparently for no good reason, you have to find why they like each other? Okay, so I get it about Joon as he is someone who is in need who hasn't been loved by anyone... so it's kinda acceptable for him to bit hungry for love. But what about So Bin, why the heck she likes him? Plus she is like one of the most important characters (Apparently one of the leads having poorly written) who gets really big screentime is the most uninteresting (or boring) character, yeah she has her backstory and all but still, she doesn't have her own identity or even personality, at the end of the day her role in the show becomes only as of the love interest for Jun. Maybe they had shown big character development in her or she even made some less stupid mistakes.
And this isn't only about Joon or So Bin why everyone should have their own love line, coz it's drama. Ah, I would have liked it more if it has shown friendship more other than bombarding too many love stories (Not to forget that love triangle lol).. other than triangle the trio of leads (only as friends) would have been the best scenario.
I don't have a problem with casting, not a very superficial level but we are getting decent acting. Everyone did an okay job portraying the characters. Especially I'm impressed by Park Ji Hoon's acting (It's my first time seeing him) especially with crying scenes he did a great job.
The soundtrack is really good.. our main lead is the singer, of course, we are getting ost sing by him 'Talk to me' (말만 해). 'Bom Bom Bom' (봄봄봄) by Punch is really refreshing. Bom/Boom '봄' means 'Spring.' And not to forget the duet of Rothy and Han Seung Yun 'Hug' (품) it's a soothing match with the drama's main concept. I liked the color palate specifically as it fit the theme of the drama.. spring! with really good cinematography.
I liked the fact it tries to show some social problems, sensitive topics without being over the top.. how they solve their problems overcome the traumas, but it tries to show many things in a short amount of time, it doesn't get draggy but a bit overcrowded I'll say. Drama isn't really like what the poster says it has different shades with being a bit dark also mysterious not losing its refreshing touch.
I don't rewatch so it's just a random number lol
In the conclusion, character development in some characters (not all), how they overcome their problems is my most favorite aspect of the show... it does have many problems if we ignore some poorly written parts and characters, it can count as an enjoyable show for sure!
Was this review helpful to you?
It's rom-com till it's not,
There are a total of 5 basic tastes.. "sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and savory." Other than these our taste buds can't detect anything, each taste has its importance, own value. Now just think: You are eating the same kind of food every day with the same taste, that is sweet. On the first day you'll end up loving it, the second time you will think it's good... but after some time it won't be as good as it was before, you'll be annoyed maybe also end up hating how it tastes, coz you need all tastes to satisfy your taste buds only one is not enough, bitterness might be the worst flavor before but it also is in need with sweetness, to balance out everything perfectly.No, I'm not writing a cookbook. I just couldn't find the best metaphor to describe the drama, but it seems I do now. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is the combination of all these flavors. It's sweet for romance, bitter for its darkness... it's salty, sour, savory with the combination of quirky humor, heartwarming/breaking backstories. Yet not only the story offers all flavors so do the characters.
Disclaimer: This is going to be super long review.
I didn't know before I would be enlightened just by shoe scene or either found doing laundry together can be a most romantic date. Drenching in rain can brighten up my mood enough for me to smile like an idiot. We don't need majestic or grand proposals and gestures... just little moments are enough to make your heart flutter and put a smile on your face.
A slice of life, healing, it's a mystery too, then it has also a bit of melodrama, it is a tragedy. It's a lot in disguise of rom-com. Being character-driven, cliches-predictableness-troupes: do these things matter? the story is enough to get hooked till the last episode with its flow, execution, and of course those cliffhangers. Rather than having a straight solid story, it's the combination of characters-their life-their backstories while we're experiencing leads journey together... and this is like solving a puzzle, not every piece is the same but when they come together it fits perfectly. Backstories of side roles don't affect the narrative of the main plotline, it ends up enhancing it in a better way: Coz these are refreshing, even heartbreaking.. and tragic too while this sure explains having all flavors in characters.
Thinking of cons. The first thing that comes to my mind is coincidences, a lot of freaking coincidences, not just it implies how 'fated and destined' leads are together but it sure makes it to unrealities of their past encounters. And how come just everyone ends up in Gongjin... it's a bit too much in the scenario of realistic development of the story. The labour was handled terribly, the stalker part was hella unnecessary. Sometimes it lacks in flow and balancing out things, having great first half. It starts to lose its charm and the flow a bit by bit, offering 2 cringy, a bit cheesy, you'll-get-diabetic-like-sweetness episodes that don't really add anything to the story almost feeling like filers, and later it becomes dark a heavy emotional ride.. and this transaction from too much sweetness to the darker side is not very ideal, it could have been better.
The pacing of it doesn't make it bingeable, it's good for the slow watch.. bits by bits, you can't take huge chunks together then no fun as it's not amusing either surprising. But having a lot of heart-fluttering moments, a good laugh, even some pearls of wisdom without going overboard.
Let's talk about characters, the most important part.
Du Shik... overcoming the past, accepting himself, and start living with a real smile. This is his story more than anyone else. He's charming, caring, hardworking, talented almost without any flaws, maybe 'perfection' it's the flaw of his characterization (okay this is me, who prefer flawed characters more). He's just so picture-perfect to the point he doesn't feel real. He seems so approachable yet distant as a character. Someone who can be only a fictional character. He's the dream guy anyone would want in their life. Though I'm no fan of the ideal characters I do find Hongbanjag as an interesting character, it was fun to discover every side of him... actually even after making him unflawed still his character never felt 1-D. I have a lot to talk about his trauma but without spoiling it here.. I'll post it as a spoiler comment below.
I don't think anyone can have chemistry with Halmonies as Kim Seon Ho can, not only Halmonies but almost with every character he encounters... you can even debate on if he had more spark with Lee Sang Yi than Shin Min Ah lol, as Dong Shik is perfect as a character KSH is perfect at portraying him. With his charming smile that's highly contagious, I've to admit I spent a lot of time just smiling like an idiot while watching him and this isn't only abt looks or dimples lol. The same goes for emotional scenes, you can feel pain just by seeing his face.. even his fake-smile-pretending-to-be-okay is detectable in one glance. I don't think he could have been better than this.
I found Hye Jin's character relatable, she sure seems more than just being fictional leaning towards reality. She's straightforward and practical. Her development is pleasing to watch but I don't think she was any bad from the start or in need of 180-degree change. Just think of a scenario from her side: Her childhood wasn't the best, she struggled in her college days, she made herself where she's now facing all problems on her own, so her being a little stiff or insensitive towards some topics is acceptable. Having moved to the countryside as a city girl you can't adapt to the environment out of blue... growing up in a broken family you just can't accept having all people around with comfort, it takes time... that's why I enjoyed her journey of finding comfort in Gongjin. But then again it went backward where I loved seeing improvement in Hye Jin's, I was annoyed by insensitivity and lack of empathy from in some of the last episodes. I would call it rather inconsistent writing of her character.
Shin Min Ah she's stunning and very pretty. The best casting as Hye Jin seems tailor-made for her. Though I still feel her performance was a bit underwhelming in some parts.. she was great at the start, but I won't deny her being a bit over the top in almost cringe-worthy scenes. I wouldn't blame only her for it coz many times KSH ends up overshadowing everyone lol.. but apart from she did a good job. Plus they have sizzling chemistry together well what do we need more?
This one fits in the love triangle done right! it was handled with maturity. Sung Hyun is lovable and most mature... its funny to watch with being smart how oblivious he can be. I pitied him a bit but Du Shik has more priority lol so it was like for a microsecond. Other than the big coincidence of Sung Hyun ending up in Gongjin, his contribution in the story wasn't for forced or annoying... I enjoyed seeing Donk Shik getting jealous and showing his insecurities, it kinda worked as a catalyst.
The second couple is just sooo adorable, their awkward cuteness is fun to watch. The special thing about the drama is you don't only enjoy seeing leads on screen but you also enjoy seeing supporting roles... and they do have a lot of screen time but it's enjoyable. The relationship dynamics of everyone are just so amazing. There's complete family, a broken family, three best friends Halmonies, two little stars of the show... and the bonds stronger than blood relations. Together they form a family... a very happy family.
I ended up skipping Hwa Jeong's scenes with Yeong Guk they are the only ones I wasn't rooting for, I strongly believe Hwa Jeong deserves better.. a lot better, maybe just an apology from Yeong Guk would have been more than enough.... but then thinking from I-Jun's perspective I wasn't mad at the end.
I-Jun is a show stealer for me, He's such a sweetheart, more mature than half of the characters. I-Jun's character shows the details of production, why? throughout the drama, we see how considerate and amazing mom Hwa Jeong is so I-Jun's being like her this in his mom's presence is quite relatable... Hat's off to Ki Eun Yoo this kid is just 8 yrs old, but the acting he did was remarkable, I shed tears while watching him crying it broke my heart.
Hye Jin and Mi Seon's relationship is friendship goals! I also love I-Jun, Bo Ra's friendship with Oh Yoon, and Ju Ri's father-daughter dynamics. Gam Ri is my favorite character of all time. She's so lovely.. and stubbornness kinda reminds me of my grandma, maybe that's why I love her more how can I forget she have the neatest handwriting. I trio of Halmoies was one of the best things.
The poster doesn't serve justice to drama lol. It's not important but I wanted to say xD
It is simply beautiful, the aesthetics, the cinematography is amazing one of the most beautiful shows I've ever seen and yeah my storage is filled with a lot of snaps lol. I admire using the real place for shooting than sets coz it adds up more details... if you observe you'll notice scratches on wooden floors and withering of houses, it indicated people do live here.
Music is awesome.. after each episode going to Spotify and playing ost doesn't happen to me everyday lol, songs need to be addictive and no one can deny 'Romantic Sunday' is not addictive with its La-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la. These days even my 8 yr old brother has learned to sing with me sha-la-la-la-la and la-la-la-la xD
It's a feel-good drama, it's tear-jerker at the same time. More like a well-made cocktail. But don't confuse this with just a romantic comedy. Objectively 9.5 is a lot but I enjoyed it with my full heart, and my guess of the third mystery was correct so what's more important?
Was this review helpful to you?
Must Watch!
Ah, I just can't explain my feelings just finished watching it and wanted to write down everything what I felt about this masterpiece but the thing is I'm not great at writing but anyways I'm trying to convey my true feelings....This movie is definitely gonna among the my most favorite that's for sure, it has every genre, It started with comedy but ended with tragedy. I laughed a lot, a lot but then I cried a lot. It's something that you should definitely not miss. The acting was great, the story was well executed and you could feel the emotions of every characters, backstories of characters were strong. But this is something that softhearted person should not watch it will broke your heart.
Ending was heartbreaking but I won't say it was sad ending, it was real ending but they definitely gave us hope in the very last scene that somewhat different might have happened so it was open ending. It was very interesting, funny and also sad movie to watch. I have never given such high rating for re watch value but it's definitely worth it cause I'll watch it again and cry harder for sure.
It's must watch movie, trust me you won't regret it! it's memorable watch....
Was this review helpful to you?
It's vacation with lots of love!
Okay I'll be honest with you if your are looking for heavy romance in which leads will get much screen time or a typical modern Chinese rom com drama so let me tell you it's not the right place to find cause there are even some episodes that you don't get to see leads together sometimes just glimpse of them so they don't have much screen time. Though even I got to see them very less but really liked there chemistry and the pairing.The plot is whole a mess and very confusing cause writer added to many stories and characters in it so many times it's really irritating and frustrating to get what's happening. It should have been better if they add more episodes so excluded some characters. But even it was all mess I did enjoyed it, I guess it's good to try something different than usual and surely it's different indeed.
It's family drama which involves around from a teenager to grandma also it's like full package that we can watch with our family, basically we get to explore different peoples, families on there vacation. Actually not all the stories are interrelated to each other the only thing is common in them is all are vacation finding love (or there true selves). Everyone has it's own reason for the vacation but at end we can see everyone is happy and satisfied even if they didn't everything that they had desired, I guess I liked that.
It's not really something great or extraordinary but it's entertaining and different also.
Was this review helpful to you?
A great experience!
I have never been into political dramas before so it's my first political drama, actually I don't like politics it's pretty much that I hate but it's really amusing that even it was political drama I loved it.It's a thriller drama and if you are looking for something fresh, light, romance it's not the right place for you, but if want to try something different it's definitely worth watching. When first I watched the trailer I wasn't sure if I should give it a try but I trusted my intuitions and thank god I did that because it was great journey for me I enjoyed a lot. I hooked in just episodes, I also liked the cliffhangers in the end of every episode. I loved the character development and the way of representation of story. Yeah there are many plot holes and many unanswered question in the end but despite that it's a great watch. You will be thrilled in the end that's what I'm sure of.
I don't re watch stuff so I have given low rating, the acting was convincing, the story was good and it can definitely hold you up to 16 episodes.
I won't say it's the best but it's indeed a good watch so I definitely recommend you, trust me if you not sucker for romance you will like it.
Was this review helpful to you?
Thrilling experience!
It started with a bang! literally, its 1st episode was amazing that hooked me to watch even I don't usually prefer ongoing dramas. So it had a great starting with a satisfactory ending. The story is a bit complicated you will take to time to understand what is happening but then it will be a thrill to watch.It has a lot of twists and turns every episode ends with a cliffhanger, I was dumbfounded by some unexpected twists. The story is a bit complicated with great details I mean you get every answer of what you are curious about, so it doesn't have many plotholes. It's a thriller, action-suspense drama which totally follows genre thrill. The acting is amazing I cried in the very first episode that much you can feel characters' emotions, it's like you will love characters or hate them.
If you want to try something different sci-fi then it's a must-watch it's a great experience although it was kind of draggy in the middle I think it was necessary for the story. I gave re-watch value fewer ratings cause I think suspense mystery dramas are not for re-watching.
I like the fact it has a satisfactory ending but if you are looking for romance you won't found it here. Totally worth watching!!
Was this review helpful to you?
Sorry for the unconventional start of the review, I know we aren't in maths class now let's talk abt drama lol.
It's beautiful, the cinematography with the snowy setting... the color grading, and yeah the casting everything is just so pretty. As expected from the title and being part of 'Sweet On' it definitely contains a lot of sugar with some heart-fluttering moments. But the tale is primeval... nothing new, cliches, tropes, and filled with coincidences that are impossible to happen in real life. There are many parts of the story, that felt fully unnecessary (yes even though it's short as just 22 ep), and every stereotyping.
I truly enjoyed the friendship in the all-girl group, but the characterization wasn't taking any consideration of their age... I mean 26-year-old behaving and taking some decisions like teens (maybe worse than teens). And I was absolutely annoyed by Ma Yi Yi. I wonder how can she be so unlikeable? being very important role.
Acting-wise, it's on the ground level don't expect too much... at some points, it feels unbearable. I was particularly annoyed by the camera work... I mean why show close-up shots with really weird expressions, just to create the comic effect? ah, it didn't work for me :')
Bi Wen Jun seems to have improved from his last 3 roles. His acting was subtle, calm, and per his character not much expressive. Dr. Ai isn't our icy cold ML, he's just shy and likes to keep things to himself. It's my first time seeing Betty Wu, tbh I'm mostly bothered by her acting.. well yeah this has 'Funny Female Lead' tag but other than making me laugh her expressions were giving me second-hand embarrassment.
Seeing Xiao Wen as Yu Cheng was quite surprised for me... well I would call it a pleasant one. His voice is just so cute (and not just voice lol). Glad to see Terry Liu, not as CEO, Hao Ran was quite fun and charming.
Having 3 love storylines in the plot.. the main comes off a bit bland, comparing to the other two. It's slow... and takes a looot of to reach the conclusion we want. With many moments why-don't-you-just-talk-face-to-face. But leads are very adorable together.
Not something out of the box or unique. Apart from all the cons, this is quite enjoyable.. and at the end of the day, it matters most.
Was this review helpful to you?
Having read the novel and seen the sequel before it was hard to not compare it with it, so I ended up writing this review in 3 parts... you may skip the novel and prequel parts.
Forever and Ever as stand-alone:
First I wanna say... you can watch 'Forever and Ever' as stand-alone. Apart from slight references and small clues, it's not fully related or continuation for One and Only. (But still, I would recommend One and Only for the best experience)
Being part of the 'Sweet-On' series it is not fully sweet, I would call it all flavor treat, sweet-spicy-tangy-salty sometimes even bitter. Many subplots are very unrealistic and unpredictable as you can't guess what's gonna happen next, where's the story leading you. In terms of story progression, it's quite fast-paced but it's the polar opposite when it comes to some romantic development between our leads... coz it's snail slow, that might lean it towards being a bit boring... they even can get the award for being a most awkward couple despite being married. As for the fact, few twists are quite surprising.. but not pleasant all the time.
Talking about characters, both leads are quite likable but not perfect or flawless, surreal... they have their shortcomings and weaknesses. Shi Yi is bright, gentle, caring, straightforward, energetic she has her charm. Where Zhousheng Chen is nerdy, taciturn, not very good at expressing himself well you can say both of their personalities don't match with each other that's why they complement each other very well.
To be honest, other than leads and a couple of supporting characters... Among them, Uncle Lin was the only person whom I enjoyed seeing on screen. Mei Xing has charisma with his aura.. and sometimes it even outshined more than Zhousheng Chen for me. I also liked Ren's character it added a bit of playfulness. But the thing is I wasn't invested in anyone's side stories or whatever they do. None of the support roles were appealing or even interesting... furthermost some very annoying and frustrating.
In terms of acting this sure has the upper hand, as both Bai Lu and Allen Ren did a splendid job as usual, and their chemistry rocks. For the first time, I've seen Allen as a flustered character, his expressions were spot on.
This is aesthetically beautiful and pleasing for the eyes, loved cinematography and color grading which wasn't too bright or too gloomy. And the wardrobe for Shi Yi was great, I'm very satisfied with the styling.
The music and soundtrack are amazing.
"Continued" 续写 - Shan Yichun
“Heart Beats” 心动 - Bai Lu
"Time Froze" 定格 - Yan Ren Zhong
~One and Only:
The most common thing between both dramas would be opening sequence music.. that kinda made me emotional bringing back all memories. But other than that there's nothing.
If I start to see this drama from point of One and Only then this is going to be my biased opinion as I loved One and Only very much. And it doesn't live up to the expectations of One and Only... which was memorable and painfully beautiful. This feeling and emotions or even the story feels superficial and not very special here.
Apart from having the same names and faces Shi Yi and Zhousheng Chen from past and present are different. That's why you can't relate to them. Zhousheng Chen with an intimidating persona... an upright, brave general you can't simply think a nerdy researcher with low self-esteem is the reincarnation of him if their face weren't the same. Though it's not this extreme with Shi Yi.. in some aspects we can relate her to Eleven, but at the same time, we can't really. I can understand the situation.. the time, the environment they grew up in is very different. Just the thing is the characters are changed drastically.
Another shortcoming of Forever and Ever is the supporting roles and their stories... having great support characters with strong and interesting stories, where I was invested and felt something for them. Support characters are weak with side stories. As I found myself skipping their parts most of the time.
Without One and Only, Forever and Ever is mediocre, but after suffering from OnO it can give you... ease for pain. As it's not as painful and OnO
~One Life, One Incarnation – Beautiful Bones:
First major change... Zhousheng Chen isn't tall like the novel (just kidding lol xD). If you are expecting some intimate scenes from the novel.. sorry to disappoint you, you get nothing more than just a kiss (which is almost a peck) and such choppy edited, and weirdly angled supposedly intimate scenes.
It's not exactly like the novel at the same time... it's not fully different. Maybe a little less exaggerated. As the novel was insane and illogical at some parts.. with some WHAT? HOW? moments. Though they decided to keep some almost makjang-feel parts but again not very exaggerated.
Again same happens as what happened with One and Only characters aren't what they are.. but different, sometimes very different. Shi Yi in the novel wasn't favorite as she felt last century girl always.. not modern girl living in 21st, though her character isn't 180- degree turned but she somewhat feels real and likable. Zhousheng Chen from the novel is quite unlike... his character was almost changed in the novel as they wanted for the flow of the story, he's nerdy, a very scientist like... then he is confident dominant CEO type.. well it's like he doesn't have specific personality in the novel it changes so drastically which isn't case with the drama. So drama is more appealing, realistic.. likable, and relatable in these things.
But then when it comes to the past story.. as they can't show reincarnation directly. But only with some small references... that includes Shi Yi's skills, her fear of height... a liking of pomegranates, they even mentioned her dreams and psychologist. Nothing really indicates or links to their past story now if you think again, from Zhousheng Chen there aren't any other references other than the name. So in that case, 'Love-at-first-thing' is quite illogical.. as they followed a novel where his appearance is average, not appealing or attractive. And you just don't ask any stranger his phone number just coz his name is familiar with your work lol... as for Shi Yi in the novel had a strong reason where she remembers everything.
Honestly even having some unique things 'Forever and Ever' isn't very extraordinary or gives you an outstanding experience.. but sure very enjoyable.
Was this review helpful to you?
It's not for EVERYONE.
[As I said in the title it's not a drama that everyone would love cause there is too much blood, violence, monsters, deaths, and many other things so if you are not into horror shows then don't watch it, it will be a nightmare for you.]It was just a warning for soft-hearted people, so now let's talk about my opinion about this drama. I would say it was freaking, hella awesome it just blew my mind, I'm in still shock now what I have watched. The cast was amazing, their acting was brilliant, felt the emotions and I loved the fact that they showed us even side character's side stories in the short period of 10 episodes, the character development was amazing they literally showed us every character journey and personality development. Many people think that the title of the show is irrelevant but in my opinion, it's not at all because after surviving together they become like a family that's what you call family. The ML seemed to be shady in the first but after knowing his backstory we can understand him. The special effects were awesome it's kind of obvious being the most expensive show, loved the sound effects they give you chills, actually, I liked every aspect of the drama.
This drama can be the definition of a thriller and it's not just a thriller it's emotional too it makes you cry also so it's also exploded with lots of emotions.
I would never have watched this drama cause it's not my usual genre but I'm glad I watched it, it was indeed a great experience to try something new, different out of your comfort zone that's how you explore. So this drama was full package for me I literally watched it in one go cause it's worth it, I gave less re-watch valuelessly because it's not the show that you can re-watch again, I never give high ratings but it made me do it. It would have been 10 if there were fewer cliffhangers in the end but I still think it was kind of obvious for this kind of drama.
Basically, it doesn't reveal many secrets I think we will have to wait for season 2, but still, the fact that story wasn't complete, I loved it! if you are a sucker for a good plot, good acting, thriller, action, horror then it's definitely piece of cake.
Waiting for season 2!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
Time to wake up from dreams
Don't watch it for Peking Opera. It is merely a subplot rather than a central theme, to be honest disappointing in many regards. They managed to do more justice towards play than it.I do have a major problem with the pacing of the story, it's a whole freaking mess. I don't know what was the purpose... they added too much. When you watch the very first episodes to expect a huge chunk of drama will revolve around the stage (clearly doesn't), in later episodes, it becomes a hopeless romantic comedy, in the middle English class(?), and towards the end melodrama (that arc is more frustrating and entertaining lol). So I've literally no idea what it was trying to claim, as other than romance nothing is consistent. They failed miserably in the execution, in some episodes nothing happens, regarding the progress of the story... and then the last episodes are stuffed with too much happening, soo many unnecessary incidents, the thing is due to having so much to explain, almost everything doesn't have a proper closure, even many important things.
It's beautiful... aesthetically pleasing to watch, the cinematography and color grading is done very well, some of few strong points of the drama lol. Visuals are great, you can just watch for eye candy and Yao Chi's long hair (That he looks so fine). OST is also pleasant, it was refreshing and going well with the theme.
Romance is one of few things I enjoyed in the drama, first, they look really good together, their interactions were cute-sweet-funny-entertaining. Also enjoyed development in the romance part. But the characterization is a bit off... FL isn't likable, she's rash, reckless.. it took me an eternity to warm up with her. On the opposite ML comes out to be very considerate, sometimes polar opposite to her. Though it's a bit better than the icy cold-stupid bubbly combo.
I fully enjoyed screentime of second couple... both were adorable and fun to watch. The last play was mesmerizing my most loved part of the whole drama. It would been lot better if story had some more parts like, then it won't be as mess as it has been.
I expected it to be something different, unusual and unique.. on contrary it was nothing but a love story... with everything as side plot, I'll recommend it, if you're finding something mediocre romance as if doesn't really offer much in the end.
I freaking love the poster, the first thing that made me to put this in my ptw... alas it doesn't serve justice to the poster (for me)
On side note... don't watch last 5 minutes of last episode if you don't want to wake up from dream.
Was this review helpful to you?
The Perfect Definition of 'Thriller'
A drama that never fails to surprise you, giving you unexpected twists and turns, to the extent that the unpredictableness of the plot becomes predictable. This would be a perfect explanation for this masterpiece. Suspense, thriller, and mystery keep you at the edge of your seat wanting more and never be satisfied with one episode. I loved it for sure! For me, it's the perfect definition of the thriller genre. The twists and surprises we get at the end of every episode were really brilliant, the ending of every episode to be a cliffhanger leaving many unanswered questions behind I guess it is its specialty.Story: It's very well written and well-executed, nothing here is draggy or unnecessary. I was hooked from the very 1st episode. Kudos to the writer for doing really great job as we don't get big loopholes in the plot and also its execution. The leads aren't perfect have their flaws but that's the strong point here. Both have a shady character which makes us suspicious about them. 'Never Trust Anyone' its motto. Having every character be suspicious, you wonder every time who might be the killer and what could be the reason. At one point you thought you are going in the right direction... but you never know what can happen next. So I guess keeping us in the dark till the moment of truth is really big astonishment as we can never predict what really happened.
Acting/Cast: Okay let the remaining cast aside coz I was just focused on our leads Lee Dong Shik (Shin Ha Kyun) and Han Joo Won (Yeo Jin Goo) they were phenomenal, I didn't even bother to look elsewhere whenever this pair was on screen. Specially Shin Ha Kyun's acting impressed me I never noticed him before but this time he truly nailed it. The acting, the emotions portrayed by both of them made this show more perfect. The chemistry and tension between them is the key point of the show. Haha, both remind me of Tom and Jerry. ;D
Cinematography: It was indeed great and beautiful, every shot was kind of perfection also the camera angle's light effect made it look shadier and perfect thriller vibes from the looks. So for me, there was nothing wrong with cinematography I also got some beautiful screenshots through some episodes.
Soundtrack: Well it does have some beautiful OSTs which makes it more perfect. I loved The Night especially, it's my favorite among these. Not just the OSTs but the background sound effects are great. Though sometimes you feel like wait... what? This is an intense/emotional scene and the background music is totally different?! But that's one of the special things about this drama!
So it nailed it in Story, Acting, Cinematography, Soundtrack there's nothing here that wasn't perfect for this show, one of the best thrillers so far. Definitely, a must-watch, give it try sure you won't regret it.
It'll make Eager to know the mystery - What happened? And why?
Was this review helpful to you?
It's not just sooo cliche and tropey but also hella boring. There's nothing as plot or story, things characters are just thrown to you without any context, and everything is scattered. With hella unnecessary arcs and setbacks. It starts with chemistry eventually goes into biology.. then becomes medical, with a typical, stereotyped way to show how scientific research word.
How can I forget some there are quite a bit of very non-nonsensical scenes.. the 'gun' scene in the first episode, I wasn't sure if I should be laughing or crying at writers for taking viewers stupid.
I just checked genres apparently it's rom-com, wait.. comedy? is it there? I don't remember laughing even once :')
Now you may think when romance starts you'll at least have a bit of chemistry.. that you totally deserve from leads but it's opposite, there wasn't any, to begin with, but then it goes negative... the most cringy-est and uncomfortable scene, when you want to skip romantic scenes in rom-com.. is it any less than disaster?
So you've been in contact for 6 years apparently in 'love' and you don't know that person's any information even name? does it make any sense lol...
Our FL Bai Ling Ling what to say about her, she has no work ethic. She doesn't know what she wants... so if your goal is getting the job to make money, then you would hard work for that, right? at least won't screw up your thesis that your graduation depends on it. She's just so unbearable as her mood swings, or should I say personality swings. Girl, don't you value yourself a little bit? I mean who just forgive someone who was literally deceiving you all the time as if nothing happened, oof.
I don't think Zhou Yu Tong is any fit for this role lol... I just can't see her as a university student, specifically in this type of role.. she just doesn't fit. Plus her character is pretty bland almost no range in acting, so a waste of everything.
Oh gosh, Yang Lan Hang, I need to know what writers think when they create such 'High-IQ-but-No-EQ' characters, I mean intelligent people should at least have common sense, or be smart enough to figure out things.. even if they are socially awkward. I bet I've never encountered a confused character than him lol.. bruh what do you want? so you also want to have an online relationship with her but you also want her to like real you? and yet you get jealous of yourself.
The casting choice is wrong totally, Yu Tong and Jasper don't look a couple or compatible but they don't have on-screen chemistry too.
Almost all support roles are poorly written and pretty much useless. They don't even clear twin-thing for quite a while... which may lead you to have assumptions of DID (dissociative identity disorder). Side couples are pretty much uninteresting as their characters.
The first few episodes have choppy editing as if they didn't bother to put in any effort. Flashbacks, scene transitions are all over the place. Styling is just
so weird, I don't know what era suits Jasper is wearing but they look old.
In conclusion, I'll say. Don't watch it!
Whoa I'm writing the conclusion, when my whole review is screaming not to watch it xD
Was this review helpful to you?
Was a good watch for me.
It's not a typical rom com cause it have some suspense also but definitely not a thriller type. It's just 10 episode short drama so it don't take that time so it's definitely worth to watch if you want to try something different.I was very confused in the start because of the synopsis cuase I didn't got anything from that... but when I started to watch it it was quite fun. I did enjoyed it even though I didn't liked some parts of it and there were also hilarious moments.
The FL was quite annoying for me sometimes but wasn't that bad character it's just that ML's character was very great indeed so it overshadow it. I also enjoyed the stories of both secondary couples.
Overall it was a good drama with romance, comedy and mystery so I'll recommend it give a chance guys....
Was this review helpful to you?
Definitely Watch it Today
One of its kind... and breath in fresh air would be perfect description for it. While exploring c-dramaland you may notice... it hardly tries for out of the box, and this one is out-out-of-the-box, a bit of darkness, humor sprinkled with unusual romance definitely worth trying out. And this couple it worth it all!Suicide being very sensitive subject, it was carefully handled, the couple dynamics and their journey together is unique. In the start the characters might be not likable but with time being, you warm up with them, they feel so real maybe coz of their flaws or three dimensional characterization.
It's dark-comedy, and very consistent. There are even some comedic peak moments, but then it's not just a rom-com, it's much more than that. Direction is amazing, tbh beyond my expectations... there are so many creative ideas, sometimes they create humor or add a bit more in story, even the color grading fits the vibe. Even ost was awesome... with great acting, what we need more?
It offers you a heartwarming story... when you'll cry, laugh and feel every emotion.
Was this review helpful to you?
It's not bad but it's also not great.
I will say it was good movie, if you are not expecting something extraordinary then give it a try but I'm not sure if you'll like it, it was okay for me in all aspect. To be honest I'm not satisfied with it there are many things that would have been better the story, it's execution. I really didn't liked the pairing I usually don't have problem in age gap but I didn't felt this in here I mean it was too much, literally he was looked like he was her father's age so I was bit uncomfortable with it, rather than this fact it was okay okay...I'll not really suggest it watch it if you don't have anything to watch and want to watch something random...
Was this review helpful to you?
