Great but slightly over-hyped

Squid Game is like the BTS of K-Dramas - very good, definitely up there in the top league but not really justified to be so much more hyped than others.

Sometimes we can't really explain why a piece of pop culture gets such attention from the masses - probably a mix of good timing and sheer luck. Because objectively, there isn't really any novelty about Squid Game. Don't get me wrong, it's a good drama. But the plot isn't all that shocking and surprising, if you've seen works like "The Hunger Games" and "Alice in Borderland". The cinematography is good but doesn't stand out like it does in other popular dramas, such as "Goblin", "Crash-landing on you" and "Kingdom". The OST is forgettable - the only songs I remember are classical music pieces and not original compositions. The acting is great, but again, not any more outstanding than in other dramas.
But let's look into it in some more detail.

Plot
The story is exciting, no doubt. It is fast-paced for the most part and when it slows down, we are given background stories that help us understand and sympathize with the characters. The pacing is generally done well. I have seen many people talk about how shocking this show was, but maybe I have seen too many violent movies and series, but nothing about Squid Game really shocked me - except maybe the sex scene, which was more risque than in your usual K-Drama.

Acting
The cast did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. To be fair, Jung Ho Yeon did not have to show that much range, since her character usually wore the same closed-off expression. But I'm sure she will further impress us in future roles. My favorite discovery from Squid Game was Anupam Tripathi. His Ali was simply adorable and pretty much everyone's favorite character. I also really enjoyed Kim Joo Ryeong's performance. She really knows how to do crazy.

Writing
I really liked the villains. There are the obvious villains but there are also one or two that will take you a bit longer to spot.

What I liked least about the drama though, were the "VIP"s. First of all, I know we all like to fall back on stereotypes. And God knows there is plenty of Western media with Asian characters being stereotypical caricatures. But did they really have to paint the only white characters as brainless, sex-crazed geezers? (Not to mention they even pulled out the predatory gay trope.) Don't even get me started on how abysmally bad these American actors were. This being a Netflix production, did they really not have the means to fly in some decent actors who won't over-enunciate every single word?
The revelation of who these VIPs are was also quite underwhelming. I got excited when they were first mentioned. Who could it be? Politicians? Celebrities? Maybe even someone one of the characters would know? Surprise, it's just a bunch of depraved foreigners.
And then there's the issue that their extensive screentime seriously messed with the pace of the plot. During the last two episodes these foreign VIPs were constantly explaining and commenting on what was happening in the game, which took the thrill out of the otherwise high-paced plot and also raised all kinds of "show don't tell" red flags for me. The fact that they were such bad actors made the experience even more jarring.

In conclusion, it was a really good drama up until the last two episodes, where the VIPs kinda ruined it for me.

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An up and down

Hmm...well i don't really know how to rate this. I loved the first few episodes, then the plot was kind of all over the place, then it got better again and then the ending was kind of a letdown again. Honestly, the last episode was too much fanservice for me. There was no suspense anymore and only fluff - kinda pointless.

Obviously, the cast is amazing! They had great chemistry and did a really good job with the script they were given. But the dialogues seemed repetitive and the plot was confusing and at times didn't move forward.

I really loved the second leads and was completely in love with Na Ji Na's apartment. I might have taken some inspiration for my own writing desk.

Despite having its weaknesses, I was always looking forward to the release of the next episode because I really liked the atmosphere of the drama. This was partly because of the cast and their chemistry but also because of the amazing OST - I mean if you got Ailee AND Baekhyun on your OST, it's gonna be a masterpiece.

So, to sum it up, it wasn't great but I enjoyed it.

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The perfect laugh-out-loud entertainment

Looking for a light and cute watch that will have you laugh out loud? You have come to the right place!

I really don't understand what so many people's issue with this drama is. I think with lots of intricate and complicated dramas around, people have forgotten how to have fun. Not every piece of media is meant to shake the world and have you contemplate the meaning of life. Sometimes, a story is written simply for you to have a good time and forget about the hardships of reality for a while. That is exactly what this drama is for.

I’ve seen some weird comments, such as people claiming the female lead having character flaws is „bad writing“ because we are supposed to root for her. Obviously, bad writing would be if the female lead was flawless. Nothing more boring than one-dimensional characters.

Anyway, this is great entertainment. Sure, the plot is predictable. But boy did I have fun, watching it unfold.

Both Sooyoung and Choi Tae Joon are very cute and fitting for their roles and I always love seeing Chansung as a bad guy - he just does it so well. Kim Min Kyu is always cute to watch and this is my first time seeing Han Ji An, but I enjoyed her performance, too.

The main couple actually developped a surprisingly mature relationship without your typical miscommunication issues, which was refreshing to see. My only criticism is that I didn't like the route the writers went for the second leads. After having been very toxic people throughout most of the drama, I would've liked them to settle their issues in a different way. It kind of robbed them of the opportunity to ACTUALLY grow as people.

I laughed out loud a lot, was always looking forward to the release date of the next episode and will definitely rewatch this. Ignore the fun-hating reviewers and give it a chance.

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Seo Kang Joon + Books = Perfection

Truthfully, I may not be the best person to rate this drama, cause you could show me 16 hours of nothing but Seo Kang Joon walking around in comfy knitwear, drinking coffee and reading books, and I would rate it 10/10.
The role of Eun Sub seems truly perfect for him, as he is shy in real life, as well. It felt like we got to see glimpses of the real him.

"When the Weather is Nice" is definitely a slow drama. It might not be everyone's cup of tea (or coffee in this case). However, the pace is actually very well done and never feels like it is dragging on. Watching this is a very special experience - it is very atmospheric and calming and somewhat intimate. One night, I had trouble falling asleep, so I replayed some previous episodes and I ended up having the best sleep that night.

While it feels like a warm hug most of the time, it also has a very intriguing plot and even some surprising twists in the second half of the drama. At one point I actually sat in front of the screen with bulging eyes and my mouth covered in shock.
As a screenwriter, I felt really inspired by this story and they way it was told. So much so, that I kept writing down a bunch of ideas for a screenplay. I was particularly intrigued by the way all these characters are never able to say what they feel. Not just Eun Sub, but also Hae Won, her mother, her aunt, Bo Young...

The calming, cozy countryside world they created, is brought to life by a cast of precious side-characters, which will steal your heart. While I obviously loved the main couple (I'm a fan of both actors), I was equally intrigued by Hae Won's aunt. The further the drama progressed, the more she became my favorite character.

But it isn't just the screenplay and the nuanced acting, that make this drama such a piece of art, it is also the beautiful cinematography and color grading, as well as the mesmerizing OST - both bringing out the calm and coziness even more. Especially with the cello that is part of most of the OST's instrumentals, which even has additional meaning in connection to the story. "I See You" by Giryeon is my favorite vocal OST - it is THE song of the drama for me and I immediately get transported back into the story when I listen to it.

So, the important question: Should you watch it? Yes! Seo Kang Joon runs a book store! What more do you need to be convinced?

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Hilarious and weirdly relatable

Most people probably think this plot is very silly and unrealistic, but for some of us it is pretty real.

I have very bad skin and for years I wouldn’t even go to the grocery store without a full face of make-up. I look very different with make-up on and I have actually had people laugh at me, when they saw my bare face for the first time. So my point is, Ju Gyeong’s story might be more relatable to viewers than you think.

Up until episode 13, I might have given this a score of 9. I loved everything about it: I screamed laughing several times, I loved both Cha Eun Woo and Hwang In Yeop, I could relate to Ju Gyeong and I adored her sister’s side plot.

But then the drama fell victim to the „too many episodes“ curse. I do not know the webtoon, so I can only review the plot of the drama, which would’ve found the perfect ending at the end of episode 13. I seriously thought that was the end of the drama cause the ending scene was perfect. But then I realized that there are three more episodes. Which is why I paused the drama at that point and only forced myself to watch those last three episodes many weeks later. They ended up not being as bad as expected - but still, some unnecessary added drama.

However, I definitely still recommend watching this. It is absolutely hilarious. Seriously, I laughed so loudly, I’m pretty sure you could hear me down the whole street.

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Deeply moving and inspiring

"Did you soar?"

I would say „Navillera“ is no light watch. Of course, there are some funny scenes and happy episodes, but as the drama progresses, it becomes increasingly somber and in the last few episodes I cried my eyes out. You should go into this drama with the right expectations - don’t expect romance or a comedy.
But if you are ready for a story about dreams, friendship, family and finding happiness, it will touch you deeply.

I am not sure what kind of action-packed dramas people who think this is „boring“ or „slow“ are used to, because I thought the pacing was perfect. There was never a dull moment or a filler episode and the drama had the perfect amount of episodes. I wish more dramas would cap at 12 episodes, because after episode 12 is often when they become dragged out and the writers add unnecessary drama.
The ending scene was absolutely perfect!! Everything about it: The cinematography, the dialogue, even the styling! I cried like a baby!

The performances of Song Kang and Park In Hwan are incredible. On top of their acting, I have so much respect for them for learning ballet for this drama, when they have never done it before. I know that they used body doubles for the more challenging scenes, but you can tell that the actors put a ton of hard work into credibly portraying ballet dancers.

Stories about friendship between someone young and old are always very touching and inspiring, and „Navillera“ is no different. The impact Chae Rok and Deok Chul have on each others’ lives and how it transforms not only them but the people around them, is beautiful and heart-warming.

Initially, I thought this was about an old man fulfilling his dream. But it is so much more than that. Every character is a little lost and looking for their happiness and they all eventually have to make a decision - to continue living life they way they are used to or take a chance and do what makes them happy. Coming from a country that is very much about corporate careers and performance, this drama feels very important.

All the characters go through credible character development and enrich the story with their own personal journeys to happiness. I really enjoyed Chae Rok’s relationship with Eun Ho as well. They mostly bond because of Deok Chul and there is no forced romance but they are important to each other. In the end, it is up to the viewer to decide whether they might find love in the future. I personally like the thought that they will fall in love at some point and Chae Rok will become a forever member of the family.

Like I said, it is no light entertainment. It made me think a lot about my own life, about the transience of all things, my aging parents and unfulfilled dreams. But it ends on a very hopeful note and leaves you inspired to find the thing that makes you happy and soar yourself.

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It's Okay To Be An Emotional Mess After Watching This

It’s Okay To Not Be Okay has everything I love and seek out in dramas and in stories generally: Deeply flawed characters, a cold, fashionable female character, who pretends to have no feelings, a slow-burn enemies to lovers storyline, complex, lovable side-characters, a beautiful, emotional OST, a magnificent, mysterious cursed house, gorgeous costumes, emotional slo-mo scenes and deep meaning.
And it gave me something else I didn’t expect: A main character that I could relate to and that made me think about the way I’m living my own life.

My older sister is not autistic. But she has a lot of issues. She doesn’t work, is plagued with depression and panic attacks and when she’s upset, she acts like a child, throwing a fit, locking herself in, screaming and crying. It’s very hard to calm her down.

My parents never told me that the reason they had me, was so I could take care of her. But sometimes I think that is kind of what it has turned into. I live with my sister now and have to deal with her fits. Sometimes, I feel like I will have to live with her for the rest of my life because she will be lost without me. And it’s burdening. But she is also safe for me because as long as I have to live with her, I don’t have to go out into the scary world. In a way, we are both holding each other back, just like Sang Tae and Gang Tae.
It’s Okay To Not Be Okay left me feeling ready to spread my wings and find my own happiness.

I loved the way this drama deals with mental illness, trauma and disability. It was very tasteful and hopeful. At first, I thought the residents of the hospital would only have very minor roles. I was pleasantly surprised when we learned about each of their stories. Despite touching upon some dark subjects and being at parts gloomy, the drama never drags you down. I never felt bad by the end of an episode, because it somehow manages to always maintain a positive atmosphere - even when there's a sad or tense cliffhanger.
The way different fairytales are woven into the story is a wonderful idea and very well executed. I also really enjoyed the non-linear storytelling. Of course the fairytale theme is also reflected in the production design - which is nothing short of marvelous, the cursed castle being my favorite set. Ko Moon Young standing on her balcony in her white nightgown, walking down the big staircase or writing in the huge gloomy study... every scene in the Cursed Castle is so aesthetically pleasing, underlined by the hauntingly beautiful OST.

The acting of the whole cast is outstanding. Especially Kim Soo Hyun ‘s and Seo Ye Ji’s portrayal of their characters deeply touched me. I watched this after Seo Ye Ji’s scandals came to light but it didn’t influence my enjoyment of the drama and her role at all. I absolutely adore her in this role. Whether or not the scandals are true, she is a brilliant actress and the perfect fit for the role of Ko Moon Young.

I think one of the things that touched me most – and I imagine will touch most people, is that Gang Tae loves Moon Young for who she really is – with all her flaws, cruel sides and unreasonable outbursts. I think we all have some darker sides and mean streaks, and we feel like we cannot show these if we want to be loved. Seeing this incredibly flawed character being accepted and loved the way she is, made me very emotional.

Up to episode 13, I would’ve given this a perfect 10/10 score. But then I found the plot twist with the true identity of Ko Moon Young’s mother a bit much. To be honest, I would’ve preferred it if her mother had been dead and truly haunting them. The scenes where Ko Moon Young has sleep paralysis and sees her mother’s corpse, are absolutely genius in a “The Haunting of Hill House” kind of way and I would've loved to see the drama go a bit further down that lane. Her mother was also written as too evil, in my opinion. She is the only character that is completely black and white with no humanity to her, which was a bit of a disappointment after 12 episodes full of very three-dimensional and complex characters. I'm not a big fan of pure evil villains - I find them way more interesting when we see some reasons why they became like this.
Nevertheless, this will go on the list of my all-time favorite dramas. And I knew it would be so by the end of the first episode.

It was absolutely brilliant and touched me deeply. I enjoyed every moment of these wounded, lost characters finding their way to each other and finding their happiness. During the montage of their trip with the camping van I cried like a baby.

PS: Moon Gang Tae showing up for the photoshoot with his hair gelled back had me literally scream out-loud. What a gorgeous man.

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To put it in Mi-ho's words, I liked this very very very very very much.

This drama has been on my watchlist for ten years but somehow I never got around to it. Watching it now, ten years later, made me realize how far K-dramas have come production-wise but it was also super nostalgic in the best way.

Story
I really liked the plot. I've never watched or read a Gumiho story before, so it was very interesting to learn about the folklore. The pacing of the story was really good and never had any dull moments. Only the ending felt kinda sudden - I would have loved to see a bit more into the future and see Mi-ho's other dreams come true.
I also really enjoyed the side-story of the aunt and the director. I cried laughing at some of their scenes.

Acting
Lee Seung Gi and Shin Min Ah have really great chemistry. Shin Min Ah's interpretation of a clueless, innocent Gumiho who is excited about the human world was really well done and adorable. And Park Soo Jin and Noh Min Woo were amazing antagonists, to the point where they made my skin crawl. The acting was outstanding all over, really.

I don't really know what else to say right now, cause I just finished it - I feel happy and content.

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A hopeful gore-fest about monsters and monsters within us

WOW. I just finished this.

Let me start by saying it is definitely very gorey. If you can't stomach that, you should stay away from this drama.
But it is so much more than just gore: The monsters are, at least in the beginning, incredibly fun to watch. It has a certain comic/anime feel to it. The acting is incredibly good and the music fitting, both in action-loaded an emotional scenes.

I loved the setting of this run-down house with all these characters that have somewhat lost their way in life but are rediscovering what it means to be human and alive.

In the end, the real monsters are not always those that have transformed, but those within us. The season finale was epic. I cannot wait for more. I also really really love Song Kang in this role - amazing acting with adorable monster eyes.

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Kim Soo Hyun is out of this world

First of all, this is very well casted because Kim Soo Hyun is out of this world. Not only is he gorgeous, his acting is amazing. There are so many nuances just in his eyes alone. Absolutely mind-blowing.

If you have read my love rant about "Are You Human, Too", it will come as no surprise to you, that I love "You Who Came From The Stars" as well. Honestly, is there anything better than chivalrous asexual aliens / robots / mythical creatures?
Since finishing this drama I've actually been thinking about this: In my experience...
- Men like the idea of female aliens or robots because they think they are exotic and will let you screw them
- Women like the idea of male aliens or robots because they think they are chivalrous and protective
Take from that what you want.

Anyway, back to the drama.

Cast & Characters
It took me a while to warm up to Cheon Song Yi. She will never be my favorite drama character because her clinginess and lack of pride were honestly a bit much. But I warmed up to her well enough to root for her and enjoy the drama. The main reason I'm not sure I'll rewatch the drama is her, though.

One could say Do Min Joon is a bit too stoic, but Kim Soo Hyun's portrayal of him is so nuanced (and adorable) that you can't help but fall for him in the very first episode.

I've loved Yoo In Na since "Secret Garden" but I definitely prefer seeing her in a nice girl role.

The moms' feud was rather annoying, to be honest. However, one of the things "You Who Came from The Stars" executed best, is the villain. Sure, it was very black and white and there were no good sides to him. But I honestly haven't hated a villain that much in a long time.

STEP AWAY FROM THE PUPPY!!

Plot
While predictable, the plot was still very enthralling and had me binge the drama within two days. I laughed out loud a few times and cried once or twice. There was definitely some squealing, too. What more do I need from a Kdrama?

Music
The OST was nice but did not blow me away.

My rating is mostly this high because of Kim Soo Hyun and the concept of this particular alien, let's be honest. But it is also a perfectly good a bingeable drama.

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