So,about MIU 404...

...this drama might be the FIRST one to finally capture the true essence of what BUDDY COP trope means. So let`s talk about it.

First of all,I like to start every review of mine by thanking everyone involved in the making of this drama. As an aspiring writer,I`m well aware of exertions one must undergo in every production. Therefore,thank you,actors,producers,writers and the rest of the staff people do not usually mention,for giving us such a great project.

With that out of the way,shall we dive into what sets `MIU 404` apart from many dramas whose backbone lies in unity between the characters? I`ll be the first one to say,I didn`t have high expectations for this drama. Although I generally prefer Japanese dramas over dramas from other countries(though hypocritically two of my absolute favorite dramas are from South Korea,alas),that cover really didn`t inspire much. To be completely honest,I was so put off by this drama`s cover,I had to set it aside for MONTHS. Despite the fact Gen Hoshino(of `Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu` fame,amongst MANY other projects and ventures) was in this,I still had to think about whether to give this a try or not just because of that damn poster. But,only 48 hours after I started this journey,I`m here to say it was WELL worth it. Because,what a great drama this was. Seriously.

In my circle of friends,I`m known as an S class,thorough SCEPTIC. And that title is not for naught. Because I`ve written,seen and read so much,there aren`t a lot of projects,especially referring to dramas,that can really move me nowadays. I`ll find good,even great dramas. And whilst I can recognize their objective value to the medium as it is,many of them fail to move me in any significant manner. I am happy to report `MIU 404` is not one of those dramas. This one has a quality that is rarely seen today. And that `something` cannot be explained rationally for it`s something based on an completely irrational concept: soul. The type of chemistry this drama sports is often tried,yet rarely executed well. Even though the premise is quite so simple.

Two members of unit `MIU 404`,department of Metropolitan Tokyo police force,Ibuki Ai(a rough around the edges outlier whose seemingly only redeeming quality is his running ability) and Shima Kazumi(your good to Ibaki`s bad cop trope if you will) are grouped together,hoping to make a difference in the world...by running after high school pranksters,finding a little girl`s toy,uncovering a body covered in cat`s litter and the like. You know,the usually stuff. Yeah,this drama couldn`t`ve been made by any other country than Japan.

On paper,this is a true and tried formula Hollywood in particular,does good with. Get a character who wants to do good,by the book deeds,and one who`s so volatile and funny,together. Boom,magic. However,the way they went about showing this unlikely friendship form is so understated,yet easy,that I can`t,for the life of me,understand why some dramas INSIST on making everything so complicated. On Captain Kikyo`s orders,this odd pair is shoved in a melon bread van(figuratively of course...) and sent on their way to catch the baddies of Tokyo`s society. What we get,in reality,are two completely different people with the same goal clashing,discussing,philosophising and talking over each other,with everything being filmed in an almost documentary type of style. It is GREAT. It is quite exhilarating seeing one of my favorite types of characterization explored in a buddy cop drama. This is,quite probably,one of the quickest ways you,as a writer,can employ,to get me to care about your characters. People like to rave about D.P. and the like(which,there is a lot to like there,no doubt),but the first buddy cop drama duo that really got me to care was this one. I can genuinely see these actors as their characters,which should attest to the level of pretty much everyone here. Which brings me to my next point. Most of the performances here are so great in their heartwarming oddity. I`ve already mentioned Ibuki,Shima,Kikyo,but Jinba and Kokonoe also have my heart. In fact,the whole MIU 404 gang has it. Even Kuzumi(though his is a character that holds my biggest critique incidentally). Heck,even Shima`s previous partner Kosaka(played incredibly by Murakami Nijiro) in his brief cameo had me caring. One thing you`ll learn quite quickly with this drama is that you`ll come to care.

Another point to its advantage is just how bingeable it is. Seeing as this drama(for the most part) relies on the `new case per episode` approach,whilst many discoveries and dramatic turns(which many dramas would MILK and make it as overly dramatic as they could) happen in the background,it is quite understandable why I mention this. You`d be able to watch one episode of this drama per week,and due to it having such memorable characters,I`d wager you`d still remember what is crucial. I won`t reveal much about our antagonist,but just know,he`s charismatic,dramatic,takes over your screen entirely and played with such ease by none other than our veteran at this point,Masakik Suda. Yes,I was pleasantly surprised too,don`t worry.

Subsequently,the comedy used for many of the scenes is, drumroll please...ACTUALLY FUNNY. And NOT readily based on slapstick. The laughs aren`t derived from someone simply farting,or hitting a wall,or a misunderstanding. A large portion of that fun comes from Ibuki,Shima and the rest of the crew just eating udon,spewing cute burns and enjoying the banter that ensues. And it all feels so NATURAL. For example,one`d start talking seriously about something and the other(usually Ibuki with his intrusive thoughts) would join in and take it to another direction,while the first one didn`t even finish talking. Can you tell how desperate I am for another season of this yet?Huh?HUH?

This type of drama lends itself to possible great subsequent seasons,that`s all I`ll say.

The OST,as well,is understandably awesome. Penned by Kenshi Yonezu,it is expectedly JPOP-y and exhilarating at points. Even the cases themselves,being as insignificant as they are,paint a more realistic picture of police duty and,like Shima says,when topic of guns and arms came up:`Most number of cops don`t even reach for their gun in their whole entire career. I`m talking about firing one,forget about that. They don`t even REACH for one.`

After all of these accolades,I wouldn`t be myself if I didn`t mention SOME drawbacks. They mainly concern the latter batch of this show,especially the actual antagonist. Or rather,how they spliced the great tension about him with some questionable editing choices. There is a specific confrontation between him and Ibuki that is just magnificent. It`s not played up to be dramatic,but you can feel something brewing. Dialogue is pretty surface level,yet body language discerns irritability. And when it comes to a boiling point,it`s quite...underwhelmingly cut down. I won`t reveal more than this,but it does make for some immersion breaking moments I wasn`t a fan of. Some anime level immersion breaking moments.

However,whether this drama put me in a forgiving mood or there`s something else at play,is no concern of mine. What is,though,is me urging people to give this one a watch when they`re in an explorative,fun yet not one for dramatics state of mind. It`ll be worth it,I can vouch for this one. I just know it will.

Also,Hokada udon IS too soft. Only the real ones know.

Read More

The Price of Beauty

...Can I just say,before delving into this review head first...What a good KDrama. Honestly. It`s been A WHILE since I saw something this controversially twisted yet...beautiful.

As always,if this is your first time coming across my reviews,I like to thank the crew,staff,actors and everyone involved in making this(and any other)drama. As an aspiring writer myself,I`m well aware of trials and tribulations one must go through to deliver dramas,movies and many other forms of art. Thank you.

To start this particular review off,I`ll probably be leaning more towards my own feelings towards this drama`s message,as someone who doesn`t fit in ANY beauty standard,be it of my own country and/or foreign. I mean,I do like to begin by listing off the positives,after all.

With Kim Mo Mi being played by a wonderful array of actresses,from striking rookie actress Lee Han Byeol,wildly impressionable Nana to seasoned competitor Ko Hyun Jung,you can really get the feeling of Mask Girl growing and changing. With every hand that handles her differently. But what is so thought-provoking about this drama,that`d warrant a lengthy review from yours truly?Well,let`s take a looksie at the plot itself. More than your straightforward affair,much of this character study(both of one character and one GENERATION of characters) relies heavily on both utmost stylization(purposefully) and female experience. You see,if I had to compare this drama(based on a webtoon by the same name,which ran from 2015 to 2018.) to any piece of media,it reminds me so much of a gem that should definitely be reevaluated today,a movie by the name of `Helter Skelter`(2012). `Mask Girl`s insistence on weaponization of male gaze(helped by the fact that all female characters of this drama suffer because of the labels superimposed on them by society they want so desperately to please) makes it feel like `Helter Skelter`s more adult cousin. Hammering in even more just how much damage one can cause to self and others by simply wanting to be accepted into the mold,yet stand out all the same.

Across the board,every actor did great with their respective roles,with Lee Han Byeol and Yeom Hye Ran being my personal standouts. Despite it covering about two decades(with 80s being referenced slightly,yet shaping a lot of Mo Mi`s perception),`Mask Girl` feels very modern in its execution. And it also doesn`t feel much like a KDrama at all. And in this context,that`s a good thing,you see. Much like Mask Girl,an entity the whole country of South Korea seemingly became obsessed with(with men chasing and tailing her even after what she does,while women almost exclusively seem to hate and want to bring her down),many KDramas discussing infamous Korean beauty standard,undergo a certain level of...performative shallowness(dramas like `She Was Pretty`,`True Beauty` and `Oh My Venus` come to mind). These are noticeable in their wish to `have their cake and eat it too`. Ergo,these specific examples are ready to discuss how damaging these severe expectations in the form of a beauty standard are...as long as they`re still adhered to and ultimately make the protagonist happy and fulfilled. At best patronizing,at worst damaging to many people,this form of storytelling communicates that the one writing it never questioned the existence of the standard itself.

Whilst `Mask Girl` has other conflicts to pad out the runtime(some of which work, others not so much),it is without a doubt,Mo Mi`s necessity to be loved by everyone,that catapults her into a whirlpool of trauma,crime and a new life.

Another aspect of this drama that isn`t all KDrama like,is how not one character here is GOOD. You could make a strong case against any of them and I`d agree. Mo Mi is not a good person,but you,as a viewer,can clearly see why and how,her twisted nature came to be. Many of her decisions bear weighty consequences. At some points,I COULDN`T anticipate her next move. But not in a ready to shock only for exploitation way. More in a,oh this character is layers and layers way. Do not be mistaken,there ARE some exploitative aspects. But they do service a bigger picture,almost like exploitation movies of the 70s. I prefer this. I`d rather have hard hitting scenes with a purpose,than unnecessary fan service to warrant that Netflix +18 rating. I`d go as far as to say that this drama`s payoffs are seriously punishing,something Korean dramas in particular have a hard time balancing(most recently,dramas like `Flower of Evil` have this issue).

Storytelling,though jumpy for most of the runtime(may turn people off),feels fluid too,mostly because Mask Girl very much could serve as a concept,rather than a character outright. The ending is both heartbreaking and positive,depending on which side of the justice spectrum you fall on.

As for drawbacks,there aren`t many but they are noticeable. For one,I would have preferred this as a 12 episode KDrama(asking for more episodes is not something I expected to want at this point in my KDrama journey). There are some story elements and key plot points left unanswered and put to the wayside for some other storytelling devices.

Secondly,this drama does something I`m not very fond of and that`s relying on coincidence to push the story along,something glaringly obvious like that happens in the last two episodes.

Finally,while it`s not a drawback for me at all(in fact I WANT KDramas to get more experimental,even at their own detriment because God knows they could use a challenge),`Mask Girl` might be too much for an average KDrama enjoyer used to tried and true tropes and bland thrillers. I`d gauge your readiness for this drama by how well you know and enjoy JDramas,because much of `Mask Girl` is reminiscent of more mature crime JDramas.

And that`s about it. Truthfullly,I didn`t expect to like this drama as much as I did,especially given the rating it holds on here. What I found,however,is that unlike a well polished veneer hiding hollow space,`Mask Girl` is more akin to a dark,macabre fantasy. You`ll either love it or hate it. At least it`s not empty. It`s ugly,and yet...so beautiful. And incidentally,it wears no mask.

Read More

The right amount of tears to flood my soul

To start this review off,I`d like to mention a quote from Aya Kitou`s diary(the person without whom this drama wouldn`t exist at all) which probably struck me the hardest:

- "School ends in 4 days. Everyone`s making 1000 wish paper cranes for me. The prayers they`re putting their hearts into are burned into my memory so that no matter how distant we grow,I`ll never forget. But...what I really wanted was to hear them say
[ Aya,please don`t go ]"

As always,I`d like to thank the writers,producers,actors and every staff member on the work they put in,because creating a drama is hard.

Candidly speaking,whenever I saw this one on any list regarding dramas,it always pulled me in. However,as a person who`s strangely sensitive to tragedy put on screen,coupled with the fact this is based on a real person and a real disease,I tried to put it away from my mind. Hidden in a faraway compartment in my brain,designed to keep such information. Then months passed by and I was in a slump. With nothing being satisfying enough to get me out of the rut,I turned to this drama,knowing full well what awaits me.

This title is scarily accurate. You will cry. This is a fact and it`s deserved(unlike Move to Heaven,where you crying didn`t feel organic but rather a consequence of set up manipulations). You might cry during different parts of the story than me,but you will cry. Ikeuchi Aya is probably one of the best tragic characters I`ve seen in a drama in some time. She`s a bright,zealous,optimistic 15 year old girl,excited to leave her trace in this world. Her family,made up of a tofu store owner dad,mother Shioka,sisters Rika and Ako and a younger brother Hiroki. And once you realize what a huge impact they have on her,it`s completely understandable how admirable of a person she became by their side. It is a healthy environment. Which makes it both worse and better,seeing as her journey unfolds. Accompanied by friends,young doctor,a small crush and an irritable sidekick Asou,Aya learns to grapple with her condition: spinocerebellar degeneration.

It`s probably a good moment to mention that I too,have a mild condition where one side of my body is,by all accounts,less respondent than the other. I was born with it and it is nowhere near as serious. But me bringing it to light is meant to highlight just one thing:I could understand Aya`s feelings of isolation and guilt. Not wanting to be a burden. Trying everything for herself in order to minimize having to rely on anyone. Because of that,there is this sense of kinship almost,as some of the things I went through in my teen years flooded back,mixing with tears running down my face. That is not to say I understand EVERYTHING she went through,as that`d probably take me...well,a whole `nother life,at least. What I will tell you is:Following Ikeuchi Aya,despite knowing where this`ll end,is still one of the best drama experiences. I am SO glad I decided to bite the bullet and give a chance to this show.

This drama completely deserves its place on every list,unlike most dramas found there. And it deserves to stay there...forever,pretty much. Because it`s a drama you`ll learn something from. Be it surface level or personal,one is for sure:You won`t complete this drama without having learnt something about you or Aya or...the world. When it comes to acting,even though everyone`s pretty good,I`ll say Riko Narumi as Ako and Erika Sawajiri as Aya stole the show for me.

What works for this drama,however,is definitely the writing,most of it taken directly from Aya`s diary and her excerpts. Even as young as she was,with as many talents,one of her greatest is what she used to cope with this tragedy:her writing. And this,in turn,made the drama so much deeper and has given it a sense of utmost importance. If it seems like I`m putting off the inevitable,that`s because I am. I don`t want to talk about Aya`s disease because she was so much more. Aya accomplished what many people won`t,even though amount of time allotted to them is three times what she was given. She saw the world for the good and positive it has to offer. And that`ll forever be more important than the level of her disability or how long she had left.

Which`d probably take me to one of my small nitpicks. While I love the "1 Litre no Namida" title,especially within the context of the story itself,what I`m not crazy about is the amount of posters showcasing Aya in pain or crying,as if she was a simple moppet,there to be sad and nothing more. Especially since so many pictures of real life Aya depict her as someone with spirit and fight. I understand the purpose,but I`m not crazy about it.

I`d say this isn`t so much a proper review,as it is an ode to a strong individual whose story both helped and educated many. It goes without saying,but this is an essential watch for all viewers who are looking for an experience whilst watching dramas. A true classic. One whose existence can`t be touched by a slump.

And for Aya: Dear Aya,no matter where you are,I hope you`re smiling. Creating little miracles everywhere you go. Hope you can see how much you`ve inspired your siblings,their offspring and people around the world. I`d be silly to say this,but if reincarnation exists,I hope you got reincarnated. You deserve it. And Aya? I hope tears I`ve shed and tissues I`ve used up help create a path for you,so you can advance confidently...as you always did.

Thank you.

Read More

A worthy successor

I`d like to pose a cautionary reference/grade if you will:

I have obviously seen "The Glory: Part One" and rated it a 7,5.My rating hasn`t changed since then,but I haven`t written a dedicated review for it.
Secondly,as I do with all my reviews,I`d like to congratulate every actor,director,writer,down to every staff member for participating in the making of this drama.Creating a drama is hard and the effort should be recognized accordingly.

With that out of the way,I can begin my review properly.

I`m starting off my review of "The Glory: Part Two" by listing what I did like in this revenge fueled,mean spirited but fun journey.The villains:Park Yeon Jin,Jeon Jae Joon,Choi Hye Jeong,Song Myeong Oh and Lee Sa Ra,played by Lim Ji Yeon,Park Sung Hoon,Cha Joo Young,Kim Gun Woo and Kim Hi Oera,respectively.I don`t know if it`s wrong to like this bully bunch,but if it is,I don`t wanna be right.I absolutely believe "The Glory" would be nothing without its antagonists.Despite some overdramatic mishaps and holes in writing(later on that),every one of them never cuts corners.They decided to work for that paycheck and it shows.Absolute delight and I hope to see more of them in future projects,especially Cha Joo Young,my personal favorite.
Not to mention,Jung Sung Il as Ha Do Yeong.The best acting job,besides Yeom Hye Ran as Kang Hyeon Nam,positive,albeit somewhat tragic assistant of our protagonist.When I think about who most naturally adapted to their character,it`d definitely be these two.In fact,I wanted even more of them.A lot more that we got.

Another point would be in regards to cinematography.As with most Netflix backed projects,it looks great.The colors pop when they need to and it`s appropriately somber at times.As it should be.The tones were conveyed competently,including the OST,which never felt out of place.Also,the ending was actually satisfying and in today`s KDrama climate,that`s something to applaud.Not only that,but this drama has some very memorable scenes,courtesy of its antagonists mostly.

What the first part probably has over the sequel(which,one thing:This drama should NOT have been separated into two seasons.I get why it was done ahem,but there`s no actual benefit for the viewer in this separation) is the novelty and writing.Despite this having a lot more action,it FELT a lot slower and in parts,the pacing suffered greatly.Like some stated before,some important characterization and logic were sacrificed in favor of a very subpar romance.Also,as I praised the villains,I did praise their actors.The way they dumbed them down in the script,however,I`d have to mention here.Yeon Jin in particular is greatly wounded by the `convenience over logic` trope.I won`t spoil it for you,but on more than one occasion,she made choices her character wouldn`t commit in that way.And the excuse of `she panicked` very much feels like a cop out in this case.While I mentioned how the ending was good,and it was,make no mistake,I don`t feel like it was achieved thanks to our glorious revenge,as much as luck and having the right connections,so to speak.Like I also noted,Ha Do Yeong should`ve had a bigger role and impact.I`d take his character over Lee Do Hyun`s any day,and I,like many,have a soft spot for Lee Do Hyun.

Guess this is as good of a segue as any:What I can observe as a viewer who enjoyed this drama well enough,is that both Moon Dong Eun,our beautiful,tortured and determined lead and Joo Yeo Jeong,a sweet albeit,distanced plastic surgeon,her headsman and love interest,are played...adequately.Here`s the thing:Besides her beauty and "Full House",it always seemed to me Song Hye Kyo was holding back.Her expressions,intonations,body language...like in previous projects,it`s also felt here.In a smaller measure,to be quite honest,there are moments I thought she was legitimately good.But it always seems to me like she`s afraid to unleash her potential in full capacity.Yeom Hye Ran is a great example of what I mean.That woman can ACT and she does that.I always get immersed in her characters.

As for Lee Do Hyun,he`s been,unfortunately typecast once again,as a somewhat inoffensive,warm hearted younger male lead to a colder,more intellectually driven older female lead.He`s never really TRIED to get lost in a character he plays,but their romance here is very,very underwhelming and kind of even one note,and a fair chunk of the runtime is given to it.So that`s why it`s even more of a surprise.

Finally,I have to repeat myself:I do think this is a GOOD drama.I`m a sucker for revenge themes in my media,in general.It`s just now,to me,more obvious what can be improved upon whereas the First Part was able to hide those cracks just a bit better.

A story that can,at times,leaving you wanting more,still was an entertaining ride. I`d recommend this drama,just manage your expectations,based on generous reviews left by others.

Read More

This sequel was not made with AOS fans in mind

Disclaimer:This review might get more personal than most of my reviews,but I`ll still try to keep it objective as much as I can.

In thinking how I should begin reviewing such an anticipated sequel on my part,to a drama I gave my second 10/10 to,realisation dawned upon me.The perfect way I`d describe it is stunning...ly mediocre.But it`s not only that.Seeing how much enthusiasm and love I had for this universe Hong Sisters created,what this installment did for me instead,is not something I expected.It made me decide to turn my back on Hong Sisters.And it also led me to conclude this:Hong Sisters,in large measure,do not understand their own characters.So let`s talk about it.

First I`d like to thank every person involved with this drama,as I`m well aware of how tough it must be to create,write and produce a drama,even if it results in such a bland show.This is my way of giving respect to everyone.And it also serves as a good enough segue way into my thoughts going forward.

"So...what went wrong?" - that`s a perfect question I`d like to pose to the writers of this sequel.As I`m writing this,my mind swirls with any and every problem present in this drama.Yet,I`d firstly list off the positives(scarce as they might be) and then dive into the problems plaguing this meddling sequel.

To start,the cinematography is expectedly beautiful.Daeho looks as inviting as ever,and,in the hands of more ambitious writers,I`d love to see other stories being told with it serving as the background.I see so much potential within its walls.Another point goes to Crown Prince,who is absolutely,without a doubt,the only persistently unchanging (and funny) character in this story.His turtle and him are more engaging than everything else this has to offer.
Finally,the music is beautiful.Every OST is delicate,appropriate and at times fun.

There.Now let`s get into what grinds my gears with Alchemy of Souls and why Hong Sisters should really consider bringing in new talent,or brushing up on their writing skills.They probably won`t.A girl can dream,though.

I like to think of myself as an AOS fan.In fact,I loved how the first installment made me feel.It reminded me of older isekai animes like Inuyasha and Fushigi Yuugi,old childhood favorites.All of this wonder,possibility and chance for exploration.The characters were memorable,the leads witty and full of charisma, and villains camp,over the top,yet ruthless.We got a lot of information about Daeho,its inhabitants and alchemy of souls as such.The romance,while chaste and an undeniable subplot,was lovely,layered and interesting.I didn't even mind the ending as much as others did.Hell,even the love triangle was resolved quite maturely.

None of these attributes are present in Light and Shadow.Truth be told,I`m not sure where I should start.From some small details I`d be nitpicking(like how most characters generally have nothing to do) to more serious issues(like the unnecessary,cluttered mess the story ends up being due to unneeded justifications).Still,if I had to choose,nothing else perfectly encapsulates how inconsistent,flawed and underwhelming "Alchemy of Souls Season 2:Light and Shadow" is,quite like the relationship between its leads:Jang Uk and Naksu.I loved these two.I loved their story,chemistry and relationship.Naksu was a female lead we don`t often get in dramas:She was physically weak,yet mentally tough.A scheming assassin turned tutor who was willing to push her student to the brink,see him succeed and find herself.Where is she here?I was one of those people fervently defending and rooting for Go Yoon Jung as I knew her to be talented and her voice overs,as well as the first fight we meet her in,greatly depicted what she`s capable of.And then...they stripped every ounce of capability.Directed her in ways that make Song Hye Kyo`s acting seem expressive by comparison.I wouldn`t be exaggerating if I said I didn`t believe her struggles for a second.And then,while Lee Jae Wook`s character and his shift to a darker persona are believable,what isn`t is how quick and jarring the transition between strangers to long lost lovers occurs between our couple.Why?Because,putting aside everything else that happens with Naksu and her memory,knowing Jang Uk is realizing he`d never act the way he does in the first two episodes towards Bu Yeon.It is plot convenience,no doubts about it.In fact,their romance,brought to you by fate(that thing Hong Sisters love using when they can`t be bothered with a proper buildup) is as interesting and thrilling as watching paint dry.It is no longer the story OF TWO characters doing their best to prevail,it is a story of one overpowered individual feat his love who does something...sometimes.I deem Naksu a strong female character,even when she`s relegated to a role of a tutor to a spoiled brat.I don`t see this Naksu as strong.What sets them apart?Intent.No matter what you go through,if you`ve got a reason(Crown Prince shows that well),characters like Naksu set their mind in motion.What they don`t do is cling and wait on others.


And at what moment did I figure out where this drama was leading,you may ask?From the moment they decided to prolong Naksu`s memory loss and clumsily justify it once again.This decision undermined every,and I do mean every connection between her and other characters(not to mention using memory loss of all things,in a soul shifting show,is quite redundant,but whatever).

The alchemy,also.Where is it,bar last 2 episodes?Where`s the joie de vivre of our antagonist,Jin Mu?He`s barely in this,thanks to paper thin plot that feels more tacked on than your average Naruto filler episode.The biggest sin this sequel commits,is making me go from caring about all these people,to feeling indifferent to their death.What a feat to overcome.Characters that were once complex and rich,now read as flat and soulless.When it`s obvious the writers didn`t know what to do with them,they were unceremoniously killed off.

Just to clarify,I also think Season 1 has some plot conveniences and cracks.But it is nowhere as visible as it is here.

In conclusion,no amount of episodes,timing or changes in schedule can vindicate a sequel written with not much care or respect for your characters in mind.And while,of course,everyone can have their own taste (everyone`s different),the defiant side of me can`t help but scoff at this sequel`s success.I know it is petty,but seeing such an outcome in turn,tells Hong Sisters and the writing room that this is okay.You don`t have to try harder.We`re fine with this quality.

I love you Alchemy of Souls,but I see no light in this overwhelmingly muddy and dark sequel.You deserved better.

Read More

Misleading poster,yet...

A little pre-fact for you:This drama compelled me to get back to writing these reviews after a seven month long hiatus.So,let`s get into it.

Before starting any of my reviews,it is my habit to thank everyone involved in a drama for making it.I know how tough it must be,yet they prevailed and here we are.Not only that,but this drama was written by a first time drama writer.Setting aside her controversies,the fact that someone`s first drama is this well written...well,let`s say some big names in the industry fade by comparison.

Now,let`s focus on this drama.And what a pleasure that will turn out to be for me.Because this series is a joy to watch.

For starters,everyone`s acting is absolutely phenomenal.From Meguro Ren giving (undoubtedly) one of the best male performances of this year as sweet,yet understated male lead Sakura Sou.To Suzuka Ouji just genuinely being a great addition in the form of his former best friend and boyfriend of Sakura`s ex-girlfriend Tsumugi.This trio beautifully explored a whole new world one wouldn`t often think about unless they find themselves in an unescapable situation.The silent world.Because,as my headline says,don`t let this drama fool you into thinking it`s a romantic story of sacrifice and abnegation.It`s so much more than that.Its focus(almost entirely) IS on how deaf people interact,build relationships,destroy them and are perceived by hearing people,as well as how they(hearing people) are perceived by them,in return.The `meat` of this story is not found through usual,linear storytelling where boy meets girl,they fall in love,evil second lead threatens their happiness etc.It is,instead,neatly woven through characters` eyes,sign language and thought processes.Some viewers might find characters` decisions brash and illogical,with many telling me so whilst watching this show.On the other hand,I find them more than understandable,because it was easy to get into the mindset of each and every character.And that falls on good writing.Many conclusions are gotten through careful tracking of their body language,movements and,in lesser measure,words.I didn`t find anyone complementing how much is said in this drama,without the need to use words at all.Whole stretches of thought processes shown wonderfully,without a single letter being uttered.That is some serious talent and a hurdle destroyed.Another point for this drama goes to the portrayal of a healthy breakup once a person realizes they aren`t in it for the same reasons anymore.

So often do we have a chance to see toxic breakups in dramas.They exist,sure,but the way they are executed usually leaves a bad taste in my mouth.Here,it`s one of the most amicable and admirable types I`ve seen and it`s not like it`s for no reason either.It all circles back to me being in awe of the writer and her abilities.It`s not even only reflected in situations either.Sakura Sou is such a rare type of male lead you can`t help but root for.He`s the definition of someone minding their own business and trying their best in the face of adversity.He`s got his own demons,moments of vanity and weakness,but he`s never portrayed at this drama`s brownie point(ahem Move to Heaven).You get a feeling a person like this might just exist.Same goes for Tsumugi and Minato,though they do have a significantly smaller amount of time to be as fleshed out as I wanted them to be.Nevertheless,they`ve all got their issues and troubles,but it never feels out of place or forced.Plus,the character of Nana,Sou`s guide through this new challenge he`s conquering,is also a great person with cons and insecurities,as someone who grew up deaf and thus,carries a certain type of prejudice one might not see often.I rooted for all of them to succeed in their aspirations.

This drama really isn`t about one thing in particular.It`s not very sad(though I did cry almost every episode),not very romantic or crazy/out of the box.It really is a character study,or rather,a world study,on the type of things most of us take for granted.How quickly they can disappear and we have to adapt again.And again.One fun fact - I actually picked up quite a bit of sign language whilst watching this drama.There`s an unexpected pro I`ve personally,never had the chance to pick up for a drama.Even if you`re not interested in learning sign language,you`ll probably get it subconsciously.There are so many good things found in this show one might simply not expect.

Even the romance,which is very scarce,so be warned,is quite...sweet.Nice.But not clichéd.Tsumugi and Sou`s interactions feel very intimate in a quite real way.Them holding hands on the street made me feel more than characters going at it in other dramas this year.There`s a beautiful sense of respect and love,especially in the last episode,that I don`t think many dramas get right nowadays.In fact,I want a whole `nother season dedicated to their relationship and life as a couple.

Also,the OST to this drama by OfficialHigedism,is appropriately fabulous.Truly,they can`t make a bad song even if they tried.Now,as for drawbacks...

There aren`t many really.As I mentioned before,I would like MORE of Tsumugi and Sou.They`ve got such an intriguing dynamic and past,plus their chemistry is great.Another 5-6 episodes of this drama would`ve made it a perfect 10,but I get why they didn`t want to focus as much on romance as they could`ve.That`s not the point.

Another con is,I wanted more characterisation when it came to Tsumugi and Minato.I think they deserved just a bit more consideration.Which Sou and Nana got.But these are nitpicks really,as I do think this drama very significant and a huge win for many communities.

Finally,we do not appreciate what we`ve got until we lose it.Even then,we can start again.As loudly or as silently as we wish to,we can always start again.

Read More

Not with a BANG,but with a...whimper?

...Is what many people seem to think of a much awaited Seo Yea Ji comeback drama "EVE".Not too out there to be considered a spiritual successor to "Penthouse",but not out there ENOUGH to be considered a credible revenge drama.Because those are...typically in good faith?

To start off every review,I like to thank the writers,producers,cast and the staff for their effort on this project,as creating a drama is no joke.Now onto the review.

Truth be told,even I at times couldn`t figure out what this drama was going for.Thought it started off as a steamy revenge story,where sex is to La El(Seo Yea Ji)what fists were to Ji Woo in "My Name".And there were no issues to be found on my part because of that.In revenge,many options are fair game and I`ll say this for people who considered this drama to be `too sexual`:If violence is fine if it`s in the name of revenge,but sex isn`t,does that mean...sex is worse that violence?Anyway,had to get that off my chest,it was REALLY bothering me.

Now,as can be seen from my grade,I liked this drama a FAIR bit more than most folks on here.And for that I have to thank grimey Japanese dramas about revenge.Which "EVE" basically is,only it`s...well,Korean.Seriously,I had to check twice to make sure this wasn`t written by a middle aged Japanese man,who wanted to `tone it down` after "Kenja no Ai".And this might also be where most viewers have the issue of pinpointing this drama.It`s not a makjang,but it`s also not a SERIOUS drama full of fury.No,my friends,it isn`t.It`s your scandal JDrama,masquerading as a KDrama.And when I got that somewhere in Episode 2,I knew the opinions are going to be wild.And I also knew I was going to like it.And I did.For many reasons.Let`s start with positives.

First off,something this team did RIGHT off the bat is casting Seo Yea Ji as a femme fatale.That`s basically half of your work done right there.If anyone can be sensual,sexy enough to make me believe men would FIGHT over her,it`s Seo Yea Ji.And it`s not necessarily her looks either.For a femme fatale character,you have to know how to carry yourself,how to speak and when.You have to charm,but also bring fear into submission.And that`s something most drama actresses don`t know how to do.Whether it`s because being a femme fatale still seems like a scary undertaking or because most writers don`t dare approach such an idea for a character in a drama,I don`t know.But don`t be mistaken,this was Seo Yea Ji`s show through and through.Even I felt like she was touching my soul in earlier episodes.And if Mr.Kang was even important for that I`ll discuss later on.For all her controversies(which in this case seem to help this role quite a bit) and speculations that this was the only script she was offered,Seo Yea Ji as Lee La El can act.And I actually think she had fun with this role.They even had her speak in Spanish,which she does fluently(even better than me and I also can speak it on a fluent level).She`s mild when need be,going from cold to heartbreaking in a matter of seconds.There were so many of her micro expressions I`ve learnt to appreciate throughout the years.I love when I can tell what a character is feeling by only looking into their eyes.And yes,part of that is because I feel like Seo Yea Ji is too talented an actress to become expendable.Even her crazier scenes(very camp) I enjoyed because she brought layers to her performance.Which,many didn`t get that message,it seems...Even during some less interesting bits,if she was on my screen I was invested.And this also has something to do with writing and the symbolism of EVE bumbling under the surface.But it`s more fun to speculate,right?There were quite a few comments about how she(Seo Yea Ji) is far above this material,but after watching six of her projects,I have to ask:Is she?When an actress is wasted on a subpar project,I usually think of a lukewarm romcom or a drama where she can`t show her acting skills because it`d compromise her character.But here she does it all.And does it well,too.Seo Yea Ji never was one to pick an uninteresting doormat of a character.Even when she played a mostly passive character("Save Me"),she injected life and fight into them.

Another positive for me is how they decided to go about the demise of the big bad.In revenge dramas,the stand off is always a SPECTACLE,something to look forward to.But in a surprising twist of that good old Japanese drama realism,the way they meet their end is as insignificant as it would be,because time waits for no one.Revenge can be fulfilled,but YOU won`t be satisfied with it,at the end of the day.And I loved that message.I always prefer that bite of nihilism in my revenge media.Oh,and this drama?It`s FUN.It sticks in your mind.At least for me it did,and after a slew of generic `deep dramas` with a message you SURELY haven`t seen before done better,I like it for every side it has to show me.It`s not sluggish!In fact,I had so much fun with it,I didn`t care if the end was going to be happy,sad or ambiguous,because I was there for the ride.And it gave me everything I wanted.

Of course,it wouldn`t be me if I didn`t offer some negatives as well.These,however were mostly mentioned by previous reviewers already.The romance is probably the biggest con with this drama.It`s...there?Unlike many viewers,I can admit I have a soft spot for Park Byung-eun playing Mr.Kang,La El`s lover and a cold conglomerate.He`s not a risky actor,but what he does,he does okay and I`m glad he found his niche.There were some parts of this I didn`t expect them to go where they did with his character,and I applaud that.But as for the romance,I actually prefer these two leads on their own,because it`s much more fun to explore them individually.Mr.Kang honestly has more to him I wish was explored deeper and with some nuance.He`s already more than just a typical cheating husband pawn I expected to get.As for the romance itself,it served as a plot device for further development and nothing more.There were also some inconsistencies in both cinematography and some characters.These some people found glaring,for me they could be overlooked but they are there.The cinematography is at times great,but overall it`s dated in terms of Korean dramas.I still prefer it over pre 2014 KDrama cinematography.That was glaring if you ask me.There were some cringy moments and the ending was appropriate,albeit a bit abrupt.

But my biggest negative,which for most was a positive it seems,was Yoo Sun`s acting.She acted like she was in a makjang.Thing is,she was the only one.Where most baddies were at the "Save Me" level of theatrics(at times twisted,at times cartoony,but there were layers as well),she was that "Penthouse" level(didn`t see her in anything before this-Edit:I did see her in "Move to Heaven" but I don`t remember her in that at all; but I skimmed over her theater resume and yeah,I can see where she got it from) where she only had two modes:insane and even more insane.I did feel bad for her in some sense,but her overacting really threw me off for most of the runtime.I`d even argue it was her acting that made people think this was going to be that makjang,not the story perse.I buy she`s a spoiled brat and an unfeeling mother,but everything else besides that really falls on her not understanding that this...well,wasn`t "Penthouse".That being said,her scenes with Seo Yea Ji were my favorite,because it was as if she got the hint that she should take a chill pill and give in a more compelling performance.But even that fits in my theory that this is,in fact,a revenge JDrama in disguise.Even there,it`s always that one person that goes over the top.

Finally,whether this project was SYJ`s pity party or not,I liked it a lot.It was cruel,nonsensical at times,sexy,somewhat different yet somewhat familiar,and it was just the type of drama I was missing.I`m well aware this is the kind of drama only a specific niche of watchers would truly appreciate,but I am one of them.And this was an insane journey,"EVE".

Read More

Memories are not puzzle pieces,they are a feeling

Life unexpectedly creeps up on you without realization.It shapes your perception quietly and slowly,making you think you`re one in charge.This drama weaves a story of longing and necessity so well,you might not even realize what type of message it actually had in store.Like a good tale should,it leaves breadcrumbs with each new episode,and you become Hansel or Gretel,following pieces of tasty treat in order to get to a fervent goal.And it`s a tearjerking one at that.

To start off this review,I`d like to that the actors,writers,producers and the rest of the staff involved with this show,as I`m well aware of the risks and hoops one has to forego in order to create a drama.

To be completely honest,I still don`t know which direction this review will take.Because during my time with this drama,I kept lowering then changing my score.Other than one specific episode(or rather fifty minutes of it),it was a smooth ride.The pacing is probably one of the best I`ve seen when we`re talking about slower,more deliberate approaches.And,with the exception of one or two larger than life characters,everyone seems...grounded in reality.Which is kind of purposefully juxtaposed with time traveling MacGuffin because...everything in this drama is a stand in for something else.Even if you are of the twist this one goes for,you won`t be able to guess how they`ll go about it until it happens.The writing is actually clever.The writer(who I can delightfully report also wrote "Beyond Evil",a great crime thriller)really thrives in surroundings that seem fake.And she really got better at it with time.
And this is not the case with the writer either.The director did a wonderful job of setting up scenes and angles,that at times I was really wondering if what I was watching wasn`t a western show,rather than a Korean drama.And some answers were carefully tucked away in the background,thus,if you weren`t paying attention,this twist might seem to come out of left field.But it is not the case.

As this is a spoiler free review(since I don`t want to spoil an actual worthy twist,something that comes once in a blue moon),I`ll have to keep all points of interest at bay.But I still wanted to shed light on it by saying that you know something has a good twist when stories(both pre twist and post twist) could work on their own.So many dramas like to put in any twist just for pure shock value and because it`s simply popular.So what ends up happening is in worst case scenario it can ruin a perfectly good story,or in best case scenario earn a small chuckle out of you.As my headline suggests,it is rather hard to describe what makes this drama fun(albeit painfully) because it is entirely based on a feeling.You feel happy,sad,enraged,melancholic...all at once.The ending to this drama and the last episode in general is one of the most beautifully complex,yet maniacally emotional episodes I`ve seen of anything really.It`s partially why my rating shot up so high.It comes bearing so many lessons and experiences from young and old people alike.Everything that happens in this drama(bar fantastical elements) happened to multitude of persons,but it`s rarely talked about.That`s one more thing in favor of this show.It makes some excellent points on how young oriented society treats people who are deemed as unserviceable because they are elderly.And that sometimes happens in front of your very eyes.Some scenes reminded me of my childhood even and resentment accumulated in these characters is more than understandable when one gets the full picture.The acting is great across the board but Nam Joo Hyuk and Han Ji Min have really outdone themselves.I`ve yet to see a bad Han Ji Min project.And Nam Joo Hyuk FINALLY has something to work with,as his character is one full of moral faults,regrets and duality.This is his best role to date point blank,PERIOD.I honestly don`t think there`s one bad performance here and that speaks volumes.

Now,for drawbacks.Well,as I mentioned,fifty minutes of Episode 10 are incredibly weak,clunky and equipped with some clumsy introduction to a great twist.For a moment,I felt like I was watching a subpar drama and feared what was to come if they`re taking things in this direction.Thankfully,my fears were put to rest very quickly with exceptional episodes that followed.Another issue I`ve had though,is that some actions characters take can and are sometimes overly slapsticky and cartoony.Other than these though,it`s a drama I`m glad I gave a chance to.

It exceeded my expectations and if you need a takeaway from this,remember:Happiness is not shaped by events you go through,but by feelings you had whilst facing them.Thank You.

Read More

How to do a family heartwarming drama RIGHT

In recent months,it hasn`t escaped my attention that many dramas are cashing in on "nostalgic setting and simple relationships" in order to raise viewership as we comfortably sit in our homey cages.And the world around us all but collapses,with one bad situation happening after another in a frenzied sequence.Thus,it is not too farfetched to call dramas dealing with issues "Tonari no Kazoku wa Aoku Mieru" presents a welcome change of pace.And what a welcoming change it is!

This drama is so...simple.But not in the mundane repetition repackaged every few weeks for massive consumption simple."Tonari no Kazoku wa Aoki Mieru" is simple in its earnestness to showcase and shed light on important topics while presenting interesting characters with their own issues and dilemmas outside of the primary storytelling perspective.Simply put,this drama throws us in the shoes of four different families inhabiting the conjoined living facility "Puzzeal".And those are:Igarashi family(made up of a husband Daiki and wife Nana,whose infertility issues and subsequent treatment are threatening to put a neverending damper on their healthy marriage),Komiyama family(made up of incessant wife Miyuki,mousey yet good hearted husband Shinichiro and their two daughters Yuka and Moeka,with the former wanting to decide her own future and wishing for a freedom she could do that with),Kawamura family(made up of lovers Chihiro and Ryouji,and a new,welcomed(?) addition,Ryouji`s son Ryota) and Hirose family(made up of lovers Wataru(n) and Saku,the only gay relationship in this drama).

With such a peculiar set of characters,one would think at least some parts of the free flowing storyline would suffer.And while I do have minor complaints(as I often do) this is a group character study I was invested in from start to finish.As previously promised,I will not be diving into spoilers regarding the actual story,but I will touch on these precious relationships that have painted a huge picture for me to delightfully dissect and gawk at.First off,our main protagonists(if we can call them that) Nana and Daiki are an amazingly healthy couple,in terms of their interactions,all things considered.For the most part,they communicate very well,whether outwardly or in non communicational ways,feeding a certain dose of realism to their little family.They have to go through a lot and be ready to learn and educate themselves about things they seldom thought about before.And this experience is not only educational for them,it is very much educational for us,the viewers,as well.With each new obstacle becoming grander and harder to tackle,we also manage to learn something new about this clumsy,but well-meaning couple.So we root for them to suceed.And mostly,I love their story.And while I`m in no way spoiling the conclusion to their fight,I`ll say it`s heartwarming in a realistic way.It`s beautiful and it feels just right. I had no problems relating to their struggles,even when I haven`t experienced them myself.They are both their own people,with wishes and goals separate from their relationship,but a sense of togetherness never fails to follow them through every twist and turn they face.

On the other hand,as a complete opposite to our lovely pair,Komiyama family just feels and looks like a nuclear family gone wrong without adapting to current times.It is flawed,ugly and superficial in the worst of ways.And yet,it is a family that could exist somewhere right as we speak.Miyuki and Shinichiro are a weird mismatch of propriety and hidden ambition that just isn`t working and I`ve got most of my bones to pick with their storyline and how it concluded,but I`ll still say they`re incredibly compelling.Every messy decision they make directly affects their two adorable daughters,who each have their own ideas and goals and for that,the writers are to comended.I didn`t feel like either of the daughters felt like mere plot devices to move the story along(nudge nudge "Hometown Cha Cha Cha").At times,they were even more mature than their parents and that can be perceived as rather realistic as well.We do have this inane perception of kids being utterly hopeless and childish,but children can,if there`s a chance presented,be wiser than most adults I`ve met.To sum it up,Komiyama family is the detonator to most issues that follow this small commune.But they still somehow didn`t get on my nerves as much as they should have(except for Miyuki,she can eat grass).

Kawamura family is perhaps the most modern take on an actual family in this drama,since it`s made up of an engaged couple Chihiro and Ryouji,who have both decided against having kids,as metropolitans who`d simply rather enjoy each other`s company.And at first,this arrangement worked.But then Ryouji`s tucked away son Ryouta appears and this attractive pair are suddenly faced with a huge change in their lifestyle.And while Maryjun Takahashi is probably the least equipped,acting wise,I did sympathize a lot with her character Chihiro,as someone who also lacks that motherly instict so many women supposedly ought to have.Despite this though,due to her past,she is in my eyes,ironically best equipped to parent Ryouta,something she realizes rather late as well.It`s a beautiful secondary plotline I found very satisfying and fun to witness,especially when it comes to Ryouta`s and Chihiro`s bickering.

And finally,we come to the most progressive couple(who are again ironically,quite traditional in their approach to love)Aoki Saku and Wataru Hirose,the Hirose family. Their relationship is most likely,very controversial for their loved ones(for whatever reason,equality for all) which is very much depicted by the older partner Wataru,being ashamed of his sexuality and how it might affect other people`s perception of him.As a successful architect,coming from a good family and as a good looking man,Wataru`s grapple with whom he actually loves creates a great deal of rift between him and his adorable,bubbly younger partner Saku,an orphaned young adult who,unlike Wataru,is very conscious of his sexuality and proud of it,while still being aware of the issues it might create for Wataru.Even though he is younger,Saku is incidentally more mature and understanding than perhaps any character in this drama.And after the main couple Hirose household turned out to be my favorite as well,and their romance is quite sweet and unassuming.

After so many accolades and praises,I do have a few minor inconveniences when it comes to this drama and those are mainly regarding the way they decided to present changes of heart of some characters and the lack of variety when it comes to music.As some might know already I`m a huge fan of JDramas understated cinematography,so I had no issues in that matter.

Finally,this drama`s way of posing questions leading to discussions regarding infertility,acceptance,LGBTQ+ rights,the idea of a healthy family,prejudices etc.while still being light and amazingly easy to relate to,made it one of my favorites when you simply want to watch people deal with life in a rather realistic way and a fun approach.It feels very universal and I`d recommend it to most friends.Let`s all open our hearts a little bit more today,everyone!

Read More

Drama in which money speaks - and characters answer

Living in a capitalist society while simultaneously juggling work,relationships,family(life in general) will inevitably lead to people changing or showing their true colors.Sooner of later.But it`s the way we,as humans, decide to paint with those true colors that determines how the actual painting will turn out.And with "Super Rich",it`s a jumbled,chaotic,overblown,but FUN - mess.

I like to start off my reviews by saying a word of thanks to directors,writers,actors and anyone else involved in this drama,as I know how stressful and tough it can be to complete a project like this.However,unlike my other reviews,I`ll start this one off by listing the negatives first,as this seems like a better option for what I have in mind.

The actual construction of the plot is,well nonexistent.And for those reading this,I`d recommend you not hope for some strong,emotionally investing story in that sense.This drama is very much about motive and theme of MONEY.Debts,embezzlement,living conditions,takeovers...they are all linked to money.We follow how characters` relationships are torn and put together again because of it.Another point I`d like to make is,this drama isn`t void of clichés that show up in most dramas(stabbing,plot contrivances and convenience for lead and side characters alike).It is not original in regards to the plot or scenes shown.DON`T expect that from this drama.I`d caution you for repetitive plot devices as well.This drama is quite literally,a one trick pony.What I mean by this,contrary to popular belief,is that it repeats one conflict with different characters over and over again.In fact,if you`re not enamored with these characters,you won`t find many things to like,except for slivers of genius thoughts from time to time.

Another thing is the romance.It`s um,so lackluster.I`d even say it`d been better if they made both leads be married from the start and then flashback to their past.No serious damage would`ve been made and it`d have the same effect.So,this drama is not a satisfying romance,if you`re looking for that.I saw some people hold that fact against this drama,but while watching it,I`ve learnt to not regard this drama as a romantic contender,but rather as a collection of layers tied by money,romance being just one of those layers.

It`s also not particularly aesthetically pleasing,nor thought provoking.So why do I like it,despite all of this flaws?Well,the characters are a joy to watch.And whats more,the main character Mamoru, has become one of my favorites this year,if not ever.These are the aspects of this drama I immensely liked.

First off,the length.Coming here from a slew of convoluted KDramas that have to stretch their conflicts because of 16 episodes they are confined to,watching "Super Rich" was refreshing.It doesn`t overstay it`s welcome with 11 episodes of 45 minutes,something Japanese dramas seem to understand far better than Korean ones,even if the latter is starting to catch wind of this tactic.Despite drama suffering from some dip in quality in the last three episodes,as a fluffy piece of entertainment,it succeeds in everything that the makers wanted to achieve,I reckon.

Second off,most of these characters latched onto my heartstrings and refused to let go.Mamoru,Yuu,Miyamura,Kitabeppu,Shoji etc. I remember all of them and their philosophies to life.And that`s a real compliment to the writers of this show,as most drama characters in my mind coagulate and disappear quickly,leaving not even their name in my brain.This is not the case here.I`d especially like to single out Hyoga Mamoru,the female lead of this drama,as a highlight.She is AMAZING.

You know how,when you`re playing games or watching a horror movie,you wish for a character who thinks and voices his/her/their thoughts that are in line with yours?You know,rational in the moment of conflict?Well,in dramas,that for me is Mamoru.She just seems to have such appropriate reactions(most of the time) to what is happening around her.Not dramatic,not slow,not jumbled,just...right.When a brewing love triangle rears its ugly head,she cuts it down in less than five minutes of viewing time.When she`s proposed marriage to in a rush,her underwhelming response is exactly the one I`d make.Bit by bit,Mamoru made me fall for her.And I completely understood why others did as well.She`s delightfully knowledgeable,reliable,silently strong and adorably clueless all at once.And that`s without me mentioning her unconventionally attractive appearance and it being a net positive to her as a lead.I always say this:Even if Japanese dramas go through a rough patch more often than any other country,you can at least be comforted in the fact that you`ll always be able to see relatable looking characters within their dramas.This is what most others struggle with,as beauty standards are rigorous and play a big role in whether one will be chosen for a drama or not.And that`s not how dramas should be made.Mamoru is a great proof of that.Without her,this drama would fall in 6s for me,but with her,it transforms and gains credibility.I always want to see more of Mamoru and leads like her.Make introverted,yet easygoing and smart leads popular,drama viewers.Because they have a lot to offer.

And thirdly,the set design,way of filming and OST used for this drama are great.These aspects are competent in their goal and evoke feelings of unity and sense.They`re the method to the madness.I just personally adore the way Japanese dramas are filmed.Because they don`t have the highest of budgets,many would consider it dated,but in my eyes,the fluidity of characters` movements,the lighting...All of these add to the realism they tend to excel in accidentally.

In conclusion,"Super Rich" is a drama whose ingredients are less than compatible with today`s standards of drama viewing,but they manage to create something heartwarming,fluffy and fun to watch.I`m looking forward to more dramas like this and this one is immediate proof that you don`t have to have luxurious sets,blingy wardrobe,amazing camera work-as long as it`s got soul.After all,there are more important things than money.

Read More

We can all agree this drama is dated

Shin Ha Eun:"Can you please put away the script under "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha"'s folder so that I can later edit it and send it to final proofreading before it goes into preproduction?" She asked of her intern before getting up, and leaving the office until the next day.
Before her intern could even answer appropriately, the writer was gone.She grabbed numerous papers and headed for the indicated office. Before she could reach out however, a life-changing call came in, during which she completely forgot about her responsibility.Instead she crumbled to the floor and cried her eyes out. Important papers were left in the corner, all but completely forgotten. After a brief cheering up session, the aforementioned intern picked up the papers that belonged to the "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" script and in all of her chaos, instead of placing them in a folder, she decidedly left them on the table of a proofreader, who in turn sent it to preproduction next week.

This is how I feel a warm albeit surface level drama came about.

I always like to start off all my reviews by being thankful to all the writers, producers and everyone else involved in making drama. I have the upmost respect for fellow creative people in this field as I know that making a drama is anything but easy. As they say “Good news come first!” In that spirit I'll now list all of the positives I found while watching this show.

First off, the overall ambiance and mood of a small seaside village called Gongjin is stunning. It feels alive. The way they decided to shoot this fictional location as well as the way they decided to frame it makes for a very rich experience. It's fun to look at and discover new things and it almost feels like a character all on its own. Not only that but I am so glad that more dramas are being filmed and set in rural areas as opposed to urban ones. Not only does it make for a more original setting, but it also feels fresh and interesting. I'm glad smaller places are getting the hype they rightfully deserve. Because locations like Seoul have been used so many times before, now they feel uninspired and uninteresting. That's not to say that urban areas cannot be rich in content.Of course not, however it's nice to see villages and small towns get some limelight as well.The music felt appropriate though at times repetitive too.And that’s coming from me, who loved the OSTs to”One Spring Night”.
With that being said, another strong suit of this drama are its side characters. They are full of life. Almost cartoonishly so, But they are believable and layered. Geum-ri,a sweet but often pitiful matriarchal figure of Gongjin, will stay in my memory for a long time to come. Village and zone chiefs who are divorced and thus create a certain rift between the villagers are also stand outs. Not only that but they are probably the most realistic romantic relationship In this drama. I can confidently say that I've seen couples like this before.Oh Yoon,a washed up singer who is trying to take care of his daughter, run an eclectic Café, while shoving autographs down peoples throats,is yet another worthy addition and,to a degree,a wasted potential.Coupled with an gossipy owner of a Korean Chinese fusion restaurant(who also comes across as realistic when placed in village backdrop,I`ve known people like this),they all have presence and a way to pry into the hearts of the viewers of this drama.Do you see where I'm going with this? No? Then let me break it down even further.

Everyone's character and relationship is more interesting than the main leads.

In fact this aspect of the show made me so inspired that I wanted to come up with a suitable analogy to the way their relationship was written. What I've come up with is this: If you're familiar with the way jewelry was sold in 19th and 20th century, then this should come as no surprise to you. Word of mouth was everything. If you were to be told by numerous people about this rare emerald jewel, which can only be found in one specific area, over and over, you'd be more than intrigued to check it out. You’d hear about how precisely it is cut,how clear and vibrant the color is,not at all cloudy…So you’d prepare your boat or pay for a ticket to board one, go on an arduous journey and finally come across one such product. However instead of feeling incredible and relieved, you'd feel cheated because this gem resembles nothing original. Instead it’d remind you of those cheap trinkets you can buy a dime a dozen in the nearby market. This is exactly what I thought of the "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha"'s principal romantic relationship.

From the very first episode, we follow a (materialistic? )female dentist called Yoon Hye jin(played masterfully by Shin Min Ah.Everyone`s acting was great across the board) and her inevitable move to this seaside village. I really liked her in the first episode. She was honest, cut to the chase, and resistant to the idea of sacrificing her own morals for monetary gain. And then she moved to Gongjin. And she became one of the most annoying female leads I`ve seen in SOME TIME. She was unnecessarily condescending and reminded me of an elitist. And basically did completely change her goal. Thankfully, the writers almost completely dropped this trait in favor of a brat trapped in the body of an adult, mature woman. Or was that truly some thing to be thankful for? Her reactions and even her subsequent relationship with Chief Hong were childish, shallow and nothing I haven't seen before. I would especially like to highlight the unneeded slaps and beatings he had to go through because of this completely normal occurrence of being in a relationship(followed by some light gossip coming from a group of people who have overall been a net positive in their lives) because it was too much for her to bear. This was played off as funny however in my eyes it was anything but.In fact it was chock-full of clichés. I was surprised there was no amnesia storyline. And that's not to say that clichés are never useful.If you use them sparingly and with a purpose they can be one of your biggest weapons when it comes to writing. Unfortunately here they were used clumsily and just because they worked before. I can honestly see some deeming this a future classic, I fail to see that touch of magic that made drama classics such as “Coffee Prince” what they are. What's more, both of these actors have great chemistry, which almost feels wasted in favor of repetitive checkpoints they have to adhere to.I`d honestly love to see both of them in a drama with a well-made script.What I'd also like to mention as many may have stated before,Chief Hong’s storyline seems tacked on with no real idea besides having a male lead with a bitter past. Just like so many dramas that came before.Trauma isn`t addressed and what is,is due to incessant and frankly insensitive pushing by the female lead.Seriously,she was walking a fine line between cracking his shell and berating him altogether.

Finally, many applaud this relationship as extremely realistic, when in reality to me it just feels like another romcom relationship put to the screen. Not great, not bad, just average. Or at times, below average.What works for me in this slice of life show, are the side characters who seem larger than life, and they are what ultimately saved it from dipping below fives.So what the end up with is a beautiful scenic village with interesting bits of information and funny dialogue from time to time, serving as a backdrop to a less than stimulating love story between beautiful people with mindsets that range from infantile to half baked.

In conclusion I love cheesy, sweet romcoms that can make me feel like love is worth something and can lead to victory. I've watched so many crinhy romantic Japanese dramas and loved almost every bit of them,bar some really outlandish scenes. So in theory I should've been the perfect demographic for "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha". Not only did I enjoy romcoms in the past but I came from a dozen of horror, thriller dramas that have turned out to be just a tad much for the moment.

And still it didn’t manage to charm enough for me to give it a higher grade. At least we’ll always have surfing Kim Seon Ho to look at. At least that counts for somethingI think?

Read More

I`m not a mother,but I feel suffocated

This drama has changed some viewpoints I thought were snuggly cemented in my brain. It made sure to skillfully poke,pry and lay groundwork for each and every misconception I might`ve garnered in my 24 years of existence when it comes to psychosis,parenting and mothers` roles in today`s society.And it never let up,giving me room to breathe and think.It`s an amazing work of art.

To be completely frank,even 36 hours after finishing this mind changing programme,I still do not know where I stand on questions it poses regarding relationships,dependence and children in general.But,I always say this whenever someone asks me why Japanese dramas don`t garner as much success as Korean dramas:For every ten great Korean dramas,there is one metamorphic Japanese drama whose premise cannot be replicated or bettered.This is that one Japanese drama.I cannot,for the life of me,think of one other country who`d try and nail this plotline.It made me feel sad,angry,stressed out,disgusted,hopeful and wary of human condition.There were no monsters in this title and yet I had the most adverse reaction to those whom I`m supposed to feel closest to.Humans.What's more interesting,I myself started remembering incidents from my childhood which could be seen as eerily similar,especially when it comes to my father.Thus,that feeling of captivity within your own home amplified with each passing second.

Not only has it nailed the atmosphere,the acting was just as appropriately uncanny and slimy,when need be.Sometimes I didn`t agree with Risako,most times I`ve recognized the gaslighting patterns of her husband and,due to extremely clever editing,sympathized with other mothers,recognizing their agony along the way.This does not mean my views were broken down when it comes to crime and punishment,however,they were adjusted in order to accept the story I was presented with.

As usual,whenever I start listing off the positives,I always like to thank the producers,the writers and overall staff whose help led to us being able to watch and discuss this drama.And I am especially thankful that they were able to make something like this.Because for some,this means the world and beyond.Aside from adroit mood,acting and plot I`ve mentioned,throughout this drama,there is a slim thread of realistic understanding of different mental ailments such as overbearing coddling and helicopter parents,to small aggressions that permeate with each new generation.That is the face of patriarchal society some would like to keep and this drama questions that validity as well.In a system where frail minds are pitted against those who eat at them,is it that much of a surprise when psychotic behavior appears?It does not outwardly offers a viable answer,but it`s important enough that it asks.It sheds light on a topic few are brave enough to mention.THIS is courageous and risky,but in my opinion,it pays off.And boy,does it shed light on the reasons leading to unimaginable tragedies. As a person with next to no experience in the field this show tackles,I feel more informed than if I was to opt for a more desensitised form of learning.When it comes to this,at least.

Finally,the name itself "Saka no Tochu no Ie" - which translates to "A House on the Slope" is a perfect amalgamation for the scope of trials each of these characters have to face.And it`s a great,picturesque title to go along with the themes this drama presents.The reason why I decided against including spoilers in my review(when otherwise I`d done that) is rather simple.Because this drama is an experience.While I don`t think knowing the full story would in any way spoil your fun,or demystify the intrigue it unanimously holds.I would still go into this drama as blindly as I can,because it deserves it.It truly does.

A tough,masterful watch that`ll keep your mind occupied for days is how I would simply describe this drama to literally anyone.So go watch it MINDFULLY,take breaks if you need to and I`m also sure you would learn something about yourself you haven`t before.

Read More

A great drama - except when it self-sabotages

"The Devil Judge" is a mind bending,law questioning spectacle everyone should experience at least once.Or the first half anyway.This 2021 drama presents dystopian corruption(because good things never die) and a small live court in the middle of this pandemonium.Led by one of the most charismatic characters I`ve seen in a drama recently,Judge Kang Yo Han.If you know about Geum Ja from "Hyena", Yo Han would be the male version of her.And despite these refined elements,why then,am I not giving this drama a higher grade?Well,let`s talk about it.

LIKES

First,in all of my reviews I like to name the good things about a drama as I firmly believe it is hard to create,write,direct and edit a drama.Or any form of media for that matter.With that being said,this drama started off with a bang.The minute our main character(Yo Han is the main character GODDAMN IT)drives past the slums bathed in red,on his way to witness his inauguration,so to speak,really intrigued me from the getgo. Ji Sung is an amazing actor(save for a few seconds of overacting in final episode) and he managed to breathe life into this mammoth of pride,arrogance and hidden motivations clouded by elegant masculine fragrance. Yo Han never disappointed me and his goals,though not the most noble,had a consistent and understandable quality and thought process behind them.Honestly,I loved the way he maneuvered each hearing and what they did with his character,as what he stands for is not lost on me(after all,they weren`t THE most subtle about it). The way this drama was shot is also very commendable and at times even artistic,despite questionable CGI.Some set pieces and numerous instances made me feel for every resident in the slums the rich were using(and most of you will know about the scene I`m talking about).

The concept of a live court is intriguing in it of itself and the process of voting lending itself to the conversation of what democracy is in its purest form is also amazingly put together.The idea of Politicisation of a virus is a novel one as well,and takes guts to talk about,especially in this social climate. Not only that,but we actually got worthy antagonists ranging from the foundation to psychotic,yet charming Jung Sun Ah. Some`d say they took an absurdist route,but me,living where I live,could totally believe people in power would be as despicable as the ones we`re presented with in this drama.And that`s the fact of the matter.If you`ve lived or are living in corrupt society,you understand and agree with most,if not all Yo Han`s notions,because you know how bad it can get. When looking at it only shallowly,many would deem his decisions as extreme and rather on the nose.When in fact,Yo Han deserved more respect and reverence from people around him for being an absolute saint by withstanding their nonsense. But the pillar of necessary evil he embodies would,in reality,be necessary. They had it all.The writing was solid,the production adequate,the acting was ranging from good to masterful and then...the makers of this drama shot themselves in the foot.Because they introduced GA ON.The crux of an otherwise epic drama.

DISLIKES

To those who follow me, me dedicating a whole paragraph to one of the most annoying good guy characters I`ve seen in recent times should come as no surprise.I was very vocal about it. Kim Ga On should`ve NEVER been the main character of this drama.What`s more,his progression and story arcs are the most glaringly repetitive and that makes me even less forgiving.Unlike many,who,while admitting that Ga On is extremely dislikeable,still had the ability to overlook him and laud this drama,I can`t do that because,well,I`ve spent almost fifteen hours with this character.And when push comes to shove and there was a tinge of a chance he`ll die,I didn`t care.And that`s BAD.Kim Ga On being the central character of this drama pushes my gears in more ways than one. Not only was he inconsistently written(much like his love interest),but he was also the least interesting character to follow.Where Yo Han had to face himself,his beliefs and loner traits,Sun Ah had to deal with her wretched love and greed,Judge Oh with choosing between corruption and speaking out,Ga On`s story arc would seemingly complete...and then start all over again.His bias against Yo Han would subside and flare up and this would repeat and grow,like a sore on your back. THERE`S NO RESOLUTION. The first time it happened,I was on board,the second I was cautiously curious...but the third just made me hate this character. In fact,when I think back on it,Ga On could easily be perceived as an antagonist had they just changed how to interpret his actions. His holier than thou attitude being rewarded and fishing for emotional reaction made me cringe. His dilemma was uninteresting and frankly speaking,disrespectful to Yo Han who received him into his home,nursed him to health,showed him what precious law he wanted to abide by really amounted to and just who was responsible for the horrific end of his parents. Yo Han was more than patient with him and deserved a better sidekick. Maybe not even that,as I think that this drama would be a solid 9 without Ga On in it. Or if he had just been a minor character. But with his backstory, it`s almost impossible to see where all this faith in the broken justice system comes from with him. It`s insulting,from a writer`s standpoint. And I really wish they reconsidered his influence and inclusion in this drama. I have no problem in particular with the actor(though he didn`t have a lot to go off) nor the chemistry between Yo Han and Ga On, but he simply wasn`t deserving of this role. Point blank period.

Other than his character,the drama suffers a bit from pacing issues,and I think they could`ve done away with tens of minutes per episode. But I always think that. Finally I wish they worked on the story frame for the way characters act towards Yo Han,as this man deserves all the best and I`m walking away from this drama with the conviction that he`s become one of my favorite male drama characters.

In the end, "The Devil Judge" had a winning formula which they couldn`t complete just yet.But for what it`s worth it`s still a formidable entry in the world of law dramas. And if for nothing else,I`d watch it for Kang Yo Han.

#KangYoHanSupremacy

Read More

Beyond Expectations

To start off this review with anything other than honesty would be a disservice to this drama - at first,I had no intentions of watching "Beyond Evil",despite being a huge fan of mysteries and true crime.But that all changed with the few shots of the first episode.

Again,I like to begin this review by listing the positives first,as I strongly believe it takes a lot to write,direct and film any drama,whether good or bad.That goes for movies,shows and almost every form of media.It`s hard.But,with that being said,I finished this drama feeling bittersweet,since I was saying goodbye to characters I really connected with and cared for.

What this drama does right,off the bat,is setting the atmosphere and mood reminiscent of old noir fiction,right down to our main characters and their characteristics.Paying homage almost,to one of my favorite faucets of crime fiction with morally ambiguous protagonists is a huge plus in my books.Even by the end of this drama,it was cemented in my mind that all characters meant to be on the good side,still DID one or more questionable things.Simultaneously all characters meant to be on the wrong side still DID one or more positive things.Because humans are like that.So what happens when we are faced with the consequences of our own actions?

True highlights of this show are Shin Ha-kyun as Dong Sik and Lee Gyu-Hoe as Kang Jin-Mook.They just are.As much as I was a big fan of excellent bromance between Dong Sik and Han Ju Won(played by seasoned actor Yeo Jin-Goo),there were a handful of times when the latter wasn`t as convincing as I wanted him to be,so that`s the only reason why I`m not naming BOTH principal actors as creams of the crop.That said,all actors across the board did an amazing job.Still,these two are my favorites.I was amazed at the fact that I could tell by his smile when Dong Sik was truly jubilant and when he was playing a part,despite it being the same smile in almost every way visually. It was a rush and a pleasure getting to watch such an outstanding performance.Even the way his character was written kept me on my toes and it`s so seldom I see character`s motivations displayed without any holes or contradictions in drama world. I can`t shower him with praises enough and can`t wait to see what else he does in the future.On the other hand,Kang Jin-Mook was slimy,underhanded,calculated and the complete opposite,yet he kept me invested.And that`s something,considering I knew about the twist before starting this drama.And that`s another fact:I absolutely LOVED how this case had layers to it and how it wasn`t just one person carrying the brunt of the whole act.Because in that sense,it`s so much more realistic.Not everything about this show works in terms of crime building,but this does to almost every extent. And I also liked all employees of Munju Police Station,especially Oh Ji-Hwa and Nam Sang-Bae.I actually shed a few tears during his death,but I was,in the same way,pleased with how everyone chose to honor his legacy.Through clever character placement and world building,it wasn`t hard seeing how and why all these characters cared about each other,despite their poor decision making.It was a complete,yet broken family whose members might all have something against each other,but when push comes to shove,they`re there to defend their own.And it was beautiful. Not to be forgotten,Heo Sung-Tae`s acting in this(as flamboyant and short fused Lee Chang-Jin)was exceptional and I was genuinely pleased they didn`t kill him off.Man`s clumsy,but he really won me over.

I liked the uncertainty of pinpointing character`s motivations.It was fun trying to put all these pieces together,along with our `heroes`.The OST was a masterpiece in its own right and,as I`m listening to it,not only is it different,but I note influences from shows like "Jessica Jones" and "Daredevil" weirdly enough.And I love every second of it.It`s understatedly powerful and poignant in more ways than one.

Set designs also range from good to amazing,with managing to evoke that silently dangerous charm of villages and counties.I hadn`t seen anyone commenting on it so I had to mention it regardless.

And now we have to get a bit nitpicky.And mention the shortcomings of this drama,which aren`t plenty,but are a bit more glaring when they`re placed against all these positives.And now,I fancy myself as John Wolfe of dramas(if you don`t know about him,check out his YT channel,he`s great)in that we both have to catch some inconsistencies and/or issues,even when no one else clocks them.And in this case,it`s the final few stages of case building,coupled with some smaller plot holes or deus ex machinas,if you will.I have to admit,I really wasn`t a fan of what ended up happening to Dong Sik`s sister in the end.And I was vocal about it whilst watching the show.It was just a very roundabout and clumsy way of including everyone(namely Han Ju Won`s father) in this crime scene.It was cluttered and considering the rest of this awesome drama, lackluster.It should`ve been sat on more in the writing room.Basically,the victim stumbled across a killing after a small fight with her boyfriend(Dong Sik`s best friend),had her fingers chopped off,in Jin-Mook`s signature style,managed to escape,only to be hit once and then again,after Chang-Jin couldn`t be bothered to be a real gangster and do his job.After this,she was snatched away by Jin-Mook and shoved in the wall of Dong Sik`s house.That last part was done great and the realization of your dead sister being near you all these years was also top-notch.Anything related to Jin-Mook`s part of the case I had no issue with.But they were really pushing it with involving everyone else in this one instance.Not only that,but they managed to create a big plot hole in the process.Yung-Je mentioned that he hit a deer and we are shown a shot of him hitting the victim while she was standing up.This is from his perspective,mind you.He later states that he hit her while she was laying down,which was the way they managed to crack the case.However,this understanding then negates all Yung-Je`s deer drawings as he was reminded of deers whilst looking into her eyes before hitting her.Another thing I wasn`t really a fan of is how Chang-Jin was called to the scene to clean it up TWICE,where he was just walking to and back from the road...it was a mess,that whole creative decision.Another character I wasn`t really sold on in terms of criminal acts tied to this case was Ju Won`s father.I didn`t really care about him outside the relationship with his son.And this is a small nitpick but,since the whole case swept up police stations basically,we see not one case outside of it.I can understand for Munju,as it`s a small substation and not much happens.But outside of it,I`m not so sure.

Overall,"Beyond Evil" is a gem in its genre,and even outside of it.Despite some bumps in the road(no pun intended) it`s by far the best crime drama I`ve seen so far.And I`m so glad I was given the opportunity to experience it in full. I`d recommend it to anyone except hardcore romance watchers(if they have such expectations going in). It`s a drama that deserves more hype and deserves every bit of praise and mention coming its way.

Read More

CLASSIC STORY FILLED WITH EARNESTNESS

"Going through this life is the first for all of us anyway."

Unlike my other drama reviews, I have to first preface this one by saying that this drama could very well be universal, one size fits all type of drama. Because through three interwoven stories, everyone and anyone can find themselves reflected in at least one character.

Now back to my usual form of writing.

To start off, the good sides of this drama are heartfelt, true and educational(strangely enough), but it doesn`t mutually exclude the fact that they aren`t, at the same time, fluffy, somewhat funny and easy to watch. Every actor does a phenomenal job of living in their role, as their character. I thoroughly believed in these people, their struggles and way of living. No one here knows exactly what they`re doing or if what they are doing is right by default. But that doesn`t mean they don`t try. The absurdist comedy and lessons presented throughout are much of the time spot on in helping us see each person for what they stand and how. Because we do the same thing. We all have our quirks, routines and principles some might not agree with. Yet we press on. In the midst of relatable scenes that hit harder than most love confessions, my two favorites are:
1.When Ji-ho is walking through a dark tunnel in her pajamas aimlessly, after enduring sexual abuse and barely avoiding ra*e, talking about how your family could, at times, be the biggest strangers to you. How she was ready to take on every toil due to the fact that she chose to be a drama writer. She knew her path would be lonely and dark, like the tunnel she was perusing at that moment, but she still didn`t know the extent of it all. For personal reasons, that spoke to me in this exact moment of time. It was effective, clear and loud without being preachy or coming off as compensating.
2. When Se Hee was subconsciously consoling Ji-ho at that bus stop, which is probably the most well-known scene of this drama and what probably drew YOU to check it out and find out more about it. By watching this scene, I was also consoled on a deeper level not any drama could even touch, let alone soothe.
And this is where the magic of this show is contained. In its earnestness and good understanding of adult life as such. We all love admiring capable, ambitious and focused individuals(like Woo Soo Ji) without realizing that this is life...is a first for all of us. Such a simple truth is sadly almost never relayed in media. Despite being one, if not THE MOST depressed generation of our lifetime, you would never guess it by most pieces of the media we consume. And that`s such a missed opportunity this show tries to highlight. We shame others for being at crossroads, for not knowing what to do or where to turn to. And as this show so clearly expresses...we shouldn`t. Like that poem Ji-ho finds(which became my favorite as well), people are fragile, chipped away by time and situations they had to face by this point. Instead of accepting that and letting them heal, we berate them, rejecting what they can be in the process. It`s such a fruitless cycle. I get this review might be regarded as somewhat of an ode to life crisis, but it`s just an observation of young life and what awaits us as society. The fact that a show got me to think about these ideas and concepts is, in my opinion, an accomplishment on its own. It helps that it`s coupled with some visual cues movie buffs like myself appreciate even more. The OST is also subtle, but appropriate, boosting the atmosphere and letting scenes breathe on their own time. This isn`t a drama which needs emotional songs to relay its message, but when they are put in, it doesn`t hinder the feeling either.

After these compliments, like any drama, there are some drawbacks that got me thinking. First one is the pacing of it, though most Korean dramas suffer in this regard. It can at parts be too long. Especially if you`re not invested in the story, which admittedly, isn`t all that original. It`s the way they decide to present it what defines it. Without it, this is just another cohabitation story between a cold ML and a ditzy FL. To be honest, I can`t fault it for anything else, because it`s a great slice of life drama. One of those I like the most. Unassuming, changing and memorable. Kind of like life itself.

Read More