Waratah
Melbourne, Australia
A well-executed, tightly-knit reality show.
After completing Single’s Inferno (2021), I could not wait for another dating show to come around, and Pink Lie did not disappoint. This show is far more personal, homing in on the triumphs and tribulations of each contestant. I could not help but draw comparison to Real(L)ove (2018), which utilised a similar concept with each contestant having a dark secret that would be revealed, creating mess of prejudice within the group. However, I think that Pink Lie has mastered the ‘dark secret’ concept, concealing the contestants’ secrets removed any prejudice they may have towards each other, allowing for genuine connections to be made. The casting is very good, with four likeable hosts to share their personal opinions and funny comments, made the show very enjoyable for the viewer.For me the soundtrack is an important component of any show that can sometimes be overlooked. Pink Lie has done an excellent job with a limited soundtrack, making the show truly memorable when compared with other reality show titles; looking at you Single’s Inferno. ‘The Moon’ by INNI gave me chills with its light, airy, and flowing piano with vocals, hinting towards the mystery of the Pink Moon. Whilst ‘Starlight’ by Shin Youme is a great piece, giving an upbeat mix when the contestants are together enjoying themselves.
Overall, I am on the edge of seat and cannot wait to see what couples are formed.
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A thought-out reality show.
This reality show has had me hooked for the last week as the cast is very likeable and quite diverse. Taking advantage of popular and proven concepts from similar competition dating titles makes this show truly unique. If I had to describe what this show is like to watch, it would be a mix of Terrace House, Love Island, and Survivor. Having four funny and likeable hosts to share their opinions and comments on how the participants interact is also quite enjoyable for the viewer. The soundtrack has not been very memorable when compared to other reality shows, however it does not immensely impact the viewer experience.There are a few improvements that I would like to see if this show returns for a second season:
1. Inferno Island Set - personally I felt that the island has been underutilised with buildings just placed at random. If this show is to return for second season, which I hope it does, I would like to see more of the island used and not just the beach.
2. Improved Challenges - the challenges given to participants have been pretty basic and all physical. I'm not sure if this is intended in-order to keep the show concise, but more diversity in challenges would be appreciated.
3. Catchy Soundtrack - personally I think this show needs a catchy soundtrack or intro song to really make it memorable and stand out amongst the crowd.
Overall, I am thoroughly enjoying this show and cannot wait to see what couples are formed.
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Good concept, but disappointing overall.
I found the concept of the 'Love Alarm' to be quite interesting, yet the character personalities were so frustrating at times that I would just stop watching. Jo Jo (Kim So Hyun) is specially troublesome as the story revolves around her not knowing who is best, and viewer is stuck watching the same questionable decisions over and over. Sun Oh (Song Kang) is equally if not more frustrating as his character is a whining child who forces his presence upon people. The saving grace of this trio is Hye Young (Jung Ga Ram) who plays the 'good guy', and is the only main character that I can relate with. The story engulfs these three main characters, with the story rarely moving to the support characters, that I wish were focused on more.For me the soundtrack makes or breaks whether I'll finish watching a drama. There are a couple of tracks that are quite good, but one especially continues to give me chills; good chills. 'In my little mind' by Hodge and its placement within scenes really sung true with me re-enforcing the characters emotions and trust within themselves. The other tracks include quirky background instrumentals and tranquil singles, pretty standard.
Would I recommend this to anyone? Probably not, it's not for everyone.
Would I watch this again? Probably not.
Would I listen to the soundtrack? Yes, there a few gems that I listen to now and again.
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Nostalgic and unforgettable.
I have waited a while before writing this review as I was never sure about what I thought about this drama. In certain ways it could be seen as terrible, specially if you only watch the first few episodes. However, around episode 10 the story just takes off, the acting improves, new soundtracks introduced, and suddenly you're up to episode 25 and finished. As a whole the characters are well rounded, they all have quirks, and they all get their time to shine. The different settings and landscapes within this drama are also quite diverse with lots of travel montages. I would say that this drama is a perfect slice of life for 2009, with a little bit of luck, and nostalgia.As always, the soundtrack is always a make or break, and this soundtrack is superb. It is a great mix of 2009 pop and upbeat background instrumentals. The placement of the tracks is sometimes a bit random and felt out of place during the first few episodes. The track placement did however improve during later episodes. Some stand outs from the soundtrack would be 'Lucky' by Ashily, 'Love Is Fire' by KARA, and of course 'Stand By Me' by SHINee which is constantly playing.
Would I recommend this to anyone? Yes, it a good allrounder, acting can be bad at times, but overall worthwhile.
Would I watch this again? Yes, the characters are very relatable, and that attachment would only grow if you were to re-watch.
Would I listen to the soundtrack? Yes, this soundtrack is great, I listen to it constantly, no criticism here.
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