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Anushka
Winden
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.
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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.
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Why waste PMY in such a way? Why 'romance' is listed as the main genre? Who the heck wants to watch that cheating couple overcoming their problems given a heck of screen time? (sometimes I even felt they got more scenes together than the main cp did) and the most important: Why does this drama even exist?
When the whole romance, getting into relationship part was in bullet speed, I tried to understand. Fine they going differently, elsewhere first there's good development then leads get together but it's okay if here it's vice versa, but no lol, that development never existed so the chemistry.. first their relationship was bombarded then they 'love' each other onto us, why they do? I think the writer left that question to viewers... other than the addition of boredom there's no purpose so we have some questions to solve, right?
When I was bored more than enough from their bland and tasteless love story, it wasn't enough as we have a whole weather forecasting plot... that does give vibes is this a thriller drama? I never knew weather forecasting has that impact on common people's lives... okay I get it there are some fields where it's important, but I'm talking about common folks from my personal experience no one gives a damn to weather forecast here... some even say proudly that their predictions are always opposite to outcome. Or is this is thing is SK? or as usual glorifying every profession, it seems later case to me
It's a Netflix drama so, with their usual production quality and cinematography, I didn't give attention to osts, see if a dish is a disaster you don't care whether the parsley used for garnishing is of top quality or not.
What writer was trying to tell... I never got to know till the end, was it noona romance? (would be most bland ever), Thrilling experiences while forecasting, How to keep bitchy attitude even though you cheated... maybe it's another example of putting all random stories, most uninteresting characters (including leads), with most boring scenario.. together to form a thing called drama.. and yeah garnished with annoying... unbearable characters. Voila!
I actually have a lot to rant about but I really don't want to waste more words for ranting.. so I'll stop here, definitely not recommended. Maybe if you need to watch something that'll bore you to death then you should.
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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.
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Good one but not the best.
As I said in the title it's a good drama but not the best, it's kind of light, sweet, fluffy rom com that you can watch just for fun nothing more and if you are big fan of Lee Jong Suk. It's a good story at least you won't feel you wasted your time.Cons:
1. The FL I didn't like her character that much I mean if you are showing that the FL is clever she has great educational background and acadamics and she used to work in a big company as a independent woman than why her decisions about her life are not relevent to this that's what I don't get it.
2. I don't like acting I mean Lee Jong Suk is cute, very handsome but I just don't like his acting I don't feel the emotions I guess.
3. The chemistry was bad from my opinion I didn't feel that passion between the main leads or the spark.
Pros:
1. I really liked many dialogues as a booklover I love the metaphors they used.
2. The side couples were great I really enjoyed story of each side character.
3. I really like that there was no "Villan" or shady, dark character.
4. Story wasn't unrealistic.
So yeah that was it, it was a good watch.
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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!!
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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!!!
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I'll just go unconventionally.. and talk about the points I mentioned above.
Mild makjang- Yes it's over the top... in many ways, unbelievable things happening here and there. But why mild, coz it's not frustrating or blood boiling, though having many annoying, hatable characters I wasn't desperate to slap or punch anyone. It's more like, 'Oh I hate this character, he/she's just so insane.' but that's it no overflowing emotions.
Intense comedy- The worth only thing is a comedy, though it doesn't offer the peak comedy moments, a good laugh, and quality humor. It's not consistent till the end... as you know how 'revenge' dramas turn in the last episodes, even if it's comedy.
Slight romance- Honestly the most boring part of the show and unnecessary, firstly I don't feel the romantic chemistry between leads, they are good as friends but nothing more than that. She has more chemistry with Yoo Jun. Romance feels forced and out of context... and some part is just sooo cliche.
Slight action- I just love when FLs can fight... and here she definitely can, as I said it's slight action so there aren't many action scenes but I did enjoy little action, and seeing FL kicking the ass of everyone.
Coincidences: Why I felt to make a different section of it... This is just too much. Coincidences start from the very first episode till the end... as if everything is in the circle. 1,2,3,4,5... okay fine I can endure that but when it's way beyond it's annoying.
Lee Ha Nee was just awesome, she did a splendid job... But I would have loved it if Cho Yeon Joo's character was consistent till the end, Cho Yeon Joo kinda lost her charm later. Han Seung Wook is bland.. he's lead but I just can't see him as ML maybe I end up comparing him with Yeon Joo which ends up Seung Wook having no spice, is Lee Sang Yoon aging backward? he looks so young than last time I saw him. Yoo Jun I love this guy yes more than Seung Wook... he's just so adorable and such a sweetheart. Though it's not SLS as I wasn't rooting for any romance. Our Ahjusshi aka HG's legal head.. has his charm, he comes 2nd after Ha Nee of whom I enjoyed screentime most. Villains are just so stereotyped... even their motives are the same.
Being revenge drama.. it revolves around comedy more, it's not surprising at all... as all the 'twists' I saw coming miles away, so nothing gonna blow up your mind. And it's forgettable... I even forget I was even watching this... I stumbled upon a review and learned oh it ended, I've to catch up with the last episodes lol.
'One the Woman' is watchable but not out of the box just have... watch it for entertainment and Lee He Nee.
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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.
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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....
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Good Watch!
It's perfect chill drama, I mean light, sweet, without so much dragging it's good watch. There's huge age gap between main lead but I like their screen chemistry, I also liked the part that their misunderstandings resolved in less time comparing to other dramas, if you want a light rom com without so many twist or headache it's good for you.I loved food haha.. it was one of the things I liked in the drama to see main leads cooking she was definitely immersed in the character so I was enjoying to see her cook.
Overall it was good drama!
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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?
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