ColourMePurple

Terrible in more ways than 1

It's highly unusual that a drama would rile me up as much as Longing For You has. I had such high expectations after the first episode but it was a let down very soon into the show.

The Good:
The idea behind the plot was good and it started off as an interesting mystery with the serial killings.
The OST is great. I love the intro theme song.
Some of the beginning and later episodes are good but not enough to make up for places it lacks.
Some of the loose ends are tied.

The Awful:
Predictable - by the 4th episode, you will know exactly what has happened. The rest of the episodes is just the rest of the characters being oblivious and not able to guess anything and it is beyond frustrating to watch them run around like headless chickens.
Poor acting - Usually I can blame the writing for ruining a show. But not here. The actors have done such an unconvincing job at every stage. I felt like not a single person cared for Jin Woo. Not his brother, not his mother, not his adoptive mother, not his friend, Young Joo. He had no one! Even towards the end, I didn't feel like anyone cared in the courtroom. Nor when they were first watching the videos. A normal mother or family member would cry and scream in such types of situations. They would be out of control. Nope. Not this family. They, at best, could muster a teary-eyed shocked look on their face. That was the most heart-breaking thing. I've seen extras in other dramas react more than this group. I, in fact, was feeling more emotions than those family members.
Humanizing the villains - This was beyond annoying. Making killers and psychopaths "look" remorseful. People can't just take lives without a thought if they were humane to begin with. It's not like they were acting in self-defense. The writers should have let those characters stay villains. You made them look pathetic by the end. And some were doing comedy. Really? And Dr. Choo gets no punishment after what he did? How can the family even trust this man, let alone be normal with him?
Romance - well, there is no romance. Also, there is no chemistry between the two people who apparently like each other. When they confess their feelings, I went, "huh? what?". I couldn't believe it. This is a very minor point though. I don't care if there was romance or not. But if you are writing it into the plot, at least make it believable.
Convenient evidence and confessions - again, this is a minor point since most shows that want to take down villains end up finding all the evidence necessary. It was just the brazenly tight-lipped murderers all decided to confess one by one. The evidence that was supposedly non-admissible was suddenly allowed in the courtroom. At least stay consistent with your own arguments or explain why they were allowed in court.

One should usually be satisfied when things are wrapped up but looking at everyone joking around and happy till the end, I felt like beating those characters up for never once fully mourning when they should have. They frustrated me throughout the series.

I would like to forget I ever saw this show with how disappointed I feel.

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Left Me Confused And Annoyed

I have been waiting for this movie and didn't expect it to be disappointing. Usually disaster movies are quite entertaining even if they are run of the mill stories but trying to create a twist to the story ended up backfiring for the writer/director.

The initial plot revolves around a mother waking up to discover massive flooding around their apartment complex. The water is rising at great speeds and she starts to rush her young son to get them out of the house. The son, like a typical child, doesn't comprehend the danger and adds to the mother's anxiety and the audience's annoyance levels. This whole section is quite good. The mother doing her best in order to survive and finds help from man who is sent to extract her to safety for her research.

HEAVY SPOILERS IN ORDER TO EXPLAIN MY DISLIKE
The problem with the plot starts when they finally reveal that the child is AI and created to develop emotions into an AI as the future of humans (bizarre).
Once the mother gets to the roof, the team not only shoots the man who helped her (important) but also remove a chip from the child's head that holds it's memories/data. They then show a series of rockets jetting off into space just as floods are coming in. This is odd since every place has already been flooded so where are they lifting off from? Not explained. While in space, the rocket carrying the mother is damaged and she is injured from the debris so she also extracts her memories and transfers herself into an AI mother. They then replay the scenes of the flood with slight variations each times. In most scenarios the son is missing and she has to find him and the scenarios keep repeating which is not depicted well.
Some charcaters retain their memory like the man remembered getting shot and works against the extraction team. However, the man is not real but in this game like setting or training runs should be an NPC. There are few more characters like this. So haven't they already achieved AI with human emotions?

The end goal appears to be to return to Earth with AI. With human emotions. What about saving actual humans? What are other countries doing? Is every country sending rockets with AI? No millionaires and billionaires fighting to get a seat? All rockets look the same, no other country designed a different rocket with a different mission?

SPOILERS OVER

There are too many plot holes, too many things happening that you don't quite understand and it made me womder what I watched when it was finally over. I had to read other comments to fill in some gaps and the more I read, the worse this movie became.

The movie doesn't really deserve even a 6 but have to give them points for effort for the VFX and the setting. It did keep me interested even though I was lost at the end. The plot was just too ridiculous which feels like they didn't develop the story well or ask questions like WHY and just gave it their all on the special effects aspect.

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Entertaining

Trigger warning - rape trope

The story overall is good - FL is raised as a son because the family is obsessed with continuing the family line. ML gets entangled with the FL because he is drugged on his wedding day and ends up raping the FL. Next day he starts searching for the woman but doesn't recognise her in her man's getup. FL chooses to help him to delay and cancel his wedding to her step-sister.

There is a lot happening, and even though the backstory of the FL is sad, she is not portraying a completely helpless woman. The ML is obnoxious but also somewhat decent (besides being a rapist - wish they did have this pathetic trope). The side characters are interesting like the FL's cousin, the ML's mother, etc. There are a lot of funny scenes - some intended some not. They even mock a certain drama trope of paying off the girl. You certainly won't be bored.

If they didn't introduce the leads through rape, I might have give this show a slightly better rating. They glossed over this and it's effects on the FL but at least she somewhat got revenge for it which I quite enjoyed. The FL focuses more on her own backstory and family revenge. Comedy is the main reason the show is entertaining but again it might not be everyone's cup of tea which is why I wanted to highlight the trope so those who need to can avoid this drama all together.

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Disappointing and frustrating ending

It really started strong. I loved Baek Ah Jin as a sociopath and how she only harmed those who harmed her (except 1 person). She did her best in getting back at people determined to harm her. But the ending really ruined everything for me. All she wanted was to get to a position where no one can harm her.

At first I was envious of her being able to have 3 men who love her so much but Jun Seo was so disappointing. The only 2 people who loved her were Jae O and In Kang but sadly In Kang was weak. I wish his grandmother hadn't passed away. I wish Ah Jin wasn't being pressured into breaking up with him. I feel horrible for Ah Jin's life. She just couldn't catch a break. My heart breaks for her.

I just hated the way Jun Seo behaved at the end. Undid everything Jae O went through for Ah Jin. Made his sacrifice a waste. Meanwhile Moon Do Hyeok got away scot-free. Really frustrating.

Just left a bad taste in my mouth.

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Full joy, laughter and epic nature scenes

It was far better than I expected! Lee Je Hoon, Kwak Dong Yeon, Cha Eun Woo and Dong Hwi worked really well together and made this series a truly entertaining watch with a lot of moments that make you laugh.

Kwak Dong Yeon is a total perfectionist and I loved the way he cooks. Cha Eun Woo also surprised me with his skills. He is also bubbling with naughtiness. Lee Je Hoon is as sweet as expected and his willingness to try and work hard is cute. Dong Hwi is serious but also manages to make the others crack up with his straight faced lines.

It is quite insightful into how people of Lapland live. It is certainly not an easy lifestyle but seems peaceful in a way. Unfortunately it didn't make me want to stay in a place like Lapland because I need my convenience electricity, water and proper toilets. The show is a good way to live vicariously through these 4 men's experiences. It also made me want to try cooking some of the Korean dishes.

I love that the series had a wonderful collection of songs especially English ones. And you also find the 4 cast members singing and enjoying themselves frequently.

It is hard to say much without giving away the best moments but it will certainly make you belly laugh at multiple instances. So do give it a watch!

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Greed leads to Evil

Although the plot is not unique, it is certainly interesting and a fun journey. It makes you want to keep coming back for more. I started Evilive for Shin Ha Kyun who I enjoyed seeing in Beyond Evil. However, Kim Young Kwang is a total treat to watch and is perfect as a gangster that keeps you guessing.

Don't let the 18+ rating turn you away from this. Although there is some gore, it doesn't drag into the series once it starts going and it is more to do with the journey of the two leads and how they impact each other. Although, Shin Jae Ha doesn't have a huge role, you will find yourself concerned for him and feel connected with his character within this complicated situation. His brother plays an exceptionally smart character that has a knack for quick thinking in difficult and dangerous situations.

This series doesn't represent the fight between good versus evil but rather how one defines greed and whether there is room for an acceptable evil.

All actors have done a remarkable job. Bae Na Ra is another eye candy and I will be looking out for him in future projects.

The opening theme for Evilive, In the Darkest Night, is lovely and the other OST, Prayer, is quite soothing.

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Very Slow and Doesn't Achieve Its Goal

The first episode started off fine but in between Heartbeat started to drag a lot. I disliked watching the struggle of the teokbokki restaurant owning vampire and the tarot card reading vampire. Man Hwi and Rose were the most interesting support characters and I liked them the best. I enjoyed scenes with them in it the most as well.

The show was about a vampire who wanted to experience his heart beating for love which is why he wanted to become human. I am not sure if we really got that. It seems the writers wrote themselves into a corner and decided the viewers will be satisfied with that. They could have done this same ending in fewer episodes and it would be less disappointing. It just made me glad that I binged a lot of the episodes together instead of watching weekly as it was not worth watching something this slow moving only for a semi-satisfying ending.

The main leads didn't even get enough romantic moments together. Too many distractions and running around. Second male lead and second female lead were also all right. I'd say most of the characters are very muted.

One can keep guessing if the ending was real or imagined. I thought it was just okay. Not what I had hoped for at least.

The comedy tag doesn't suit this show either. I can't remember one moment that I felt was funny.

If you like the leads, you might enjoy this series otherwise, it's best to pass. It's average.

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Series fans should watch for the ending

For those that enjoyed the original series, this is going to bring back memories but the movie also serves something brand new.

The Downsides:
1. The movie expects that you understand the relationship between the characters from watching the series and some of the scenes will only make sense if you have already watched the series.
2. Everything is condensed and a bit complex. The series gave you enough time to understand what was happening in a very detailed way. This is where the movie lacks. But when you do understand, it's enjoyable!
3. Mo Jun Jie doesn't have much of a role.

The Upsides:
1. Because it's explores new timelines, it won't feel like a summation of the series but builds upon the original concepts and is exciting.
2. The movie ending is what most fans needed to see with the original series. And it genuinely made me smile. It makes up for what the series lacked.

Although on it's own, it will feel incomplete and disconnected but after the series, it will be a trip down memory lane.

Some new songs were added to the original tracks but tbh, nothing beats the original.

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Sweet couple with lots of family politics

Since I found the English subs, I thought I should add a review. The drama is cute. I enjoy dramas where the female lead is strong, intelligent and capable. The chemistry between the male and female leads is sweet. Although the story is not ground-breaking but it is still enjoyable to watch. There are many twists and turns due to family politics. The male lead has remarkably expressive eyes. I enjoyed his character quite a bit. The female lead has also done a wonderful job.

The drama also has a few flaws. Both the husband and wife are hiding a secret. The female lead gets very angry with the male lead for his secret. That aspect didn't make any sense to me considering she has her own. There is also something both are investigating but nothing comes out of it. I don't know why that segment was added in the show and then forgotten about. It is not dealt with in the second season either.

These are the only reasons why I have deducted from my total score. Overall, it's an enjoyable watch. Very engrossing.

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Equal parts enjoyable and frustrating

Probably the biggest drawback for The Atypical Family is that the FL is unlikeable at first and then the ML starts becoming more and more unlikeable so I was never excited for them to get together. I was getting frustrated first with the FL's character and then annoyed with the ML because of his callous behaviour towards his daughter. For that reason, I could not properly enjoy the series as a romance.

On the plus side, I enjoyed many of the side characters especially the daughter. What an amazing potential she has. I am glad she got a good chunk of the storyline. Else the main plot would have been more boring. I also loved the sister Dong Hee and Grace's back and forth. They livened up the series.

The plot itself was good. Pacing is slow but 12 episodes were good for it.

Personally, the ending was a bit over the top. There was no need for that but if you like fluff then you might enjoy it because if you want logic, it leaves you with many questions. You will just have to accept it at face value. Let's just say I didn't hate it.

Till the end, I wasn't super thrilled with the ML. I find him quite clueless, stubborn having a one-track mind who did just the bare minimum.

The OST is nice. Nothing exceptional that stood out for me.

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Good not great

The initial episodes were a bit too slow for me but I started to enjoy Love Scout around episode 6. But it lost me again towards the end.

Let's start with what I enjoyed:
- The mature romance between the majn leads. It is very sweet and fortunately they don't waste a lot of time with misunderstandings and such. But I hope to see more which I didn't get. I am not sure why.
- The male lead character is a wonderful dad as well as a mild mannered, caring, soft man and a bit too perfect. It was nice to see that actually. Raising the bar among green flags as well.
- Development of the relationship was pretty good and natural.
- I also liked the second couple. They were cute.
- I enjoyed the OST especially the theme song Test Me.

What I didn't enjoy:
- Pacing of the show itself. A bit slow for my taste.
- Not enough romance.
- Childhood connection + past trauma. I don't really care for it.
- The main plot. The way they wrapped it up felt weird. If I find out I missed something I'll update my review but it feels like everything can repeat because people who want to harm you don't exactly change or give up.
- There was nothing really special related to the couples in the flash forward.

I had hoped it would end differently or rather have a more complete ending. I didn't vibe with it like the other viewers.

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Boring

Usually I manage to binge short cdramas but not this one. It took me a long time to complete and there were several times when I fell asleep or just stopped paying attention. The premise was ok but too confusing. Too many characters which isn't unusual for cdramas but the characters didn't have any special traits to make them memorable. I won't even be able to relay the plot to someone because I don't know what exactly were the positions of several of those characters.

Besides the story being terrible, there was no chemistry between the leads. There is very little romance. There is a cliched scene where they MUST be together. Lol. Why do cdramas use this so often? Are you incapable of developing romance between your characters?

The music (both intro and outro) is very slow and depressing and I got a bit tired listening fo it.

Other than the leads being looking and there being some decent action, nothing really hooked me. There was just brief moments towards the end that made me a little excited but that sizzled out fast.

There are better mini dramas, just skip this one.

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Good but not much of a thriller

I did like the movie though I wasn't aware of it being adapted from a game. But as a horror or psychological thriller, it wasn't at par with other movies. There are moments when it was creepy and weird but that's about it. So if you scare easily it won't be hard watching this.

I liked the acting of the cast and it certainly made me curious to try and figure out what was happening. I'm not sure if I would recommend it to thriller lovers though.

The simplicity of the set was great and also how many things were done differently in each loop. They followed the game's design to a T!

Spoilers below.
I'm not sure if many viewers got the same understanding from the movie as I did because it seemed to be lost on a few YT reviewers that I saw. The ML is told by his ex that she is pregnant. She is at the hospital waiting for him to making a decision. And then everything that happened before or after is related to the baby. Him seeing a mother on the subway getting harassed because her baby is crying. Blood dripping from the walls and ceiling of the looped subway station as if to suggest death/murder/abortion. Baby in the locker. Him wondering if he'll be a good father and then seeing a small boy and trying to rescue him. The loop was designed so that he tells his ex to keep the baby and raise it with her. Japan has a big problem with their low birth rates and an aging population. From my perspective, this was pretty obviously baby propoganda And that is what I didn't like about it. Though I did like this one line criticising the work culture and monotonous lives the Japanese live but people are helpless unless the government actively makes changes. I thought the concept was good but it's an average film for its genre.

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Enjoyable But Could Have Been Better

I quite enjoyed the series overall though I wouldn't call it a favourite in the transmigration genre. But there is a lot to love about it.

Firstly, the leads are incredible! The FL is stunning and she is a strong, graceful, charming woman with a good head on her shoulders. She is the brains behind the collaboration of the leads. ML is the executioner. He is strong yet gentle, brave and understanding and trusts the FL which is what makes their dynamic work so well. He trusts her even before she trusts him. More than their romance, I enjoyed their chemistry and banter.

Secondly, the other characters. I loved the SFL and Mr Bai the most. The scholars were nice too. It's always great when secondary and supporting characters bring life to the drama. I also liked the physician but sadly his role was small.

Third, the plot. No drama can succeed on acting alone. If the plot is weak, it all falls apart. The story of How Dare You has a good flow and never gets boring. There is also mystery about certain characters which helped kept me interested in the story. Fortunately we don't really have a misunderstanding and breakup trope or at least not really. Whatever happens is resolved almost immediately.

Fourth, I got emotional in certain parts and I feel the ML conveyed them really well.

I enjoyed the drama OST too. It suited the scenes a lot.

Where it failed to hit the mark:
I expected this to be more comedic than it is. The title also makes you think it will be more funny than serious. It starts off funny but gets a bit more dramatic and serious 7 - 10 episodes in. There is light comedy here and there to make you smile but no laughs from my end.

The action sequences. Usually the leads are involved in the fighting and action scenes as much as the side characters but that's not the case in this drama. Though I didn't mind the leads not fighting at alll, I felt the action scenes itself were kind of average or overly dramatic. And I'm a sucker for a good action sequence so this mattered to me.

The SML was okay. I don't feel much for him which isn't a good thing.

The ending. It was quite abrupt and tbh I didn't understand what happened at all until I read some explanations. I don't really like when directors expect you to fall back on the source to fill in your gaps. But I also understand why they did it that way. Since it involves censorship, I can't call it bad storytelling. Still... they could have compensated in other ways so it was disappoiinting.

Introducing a character late and then the twist. I'm not sure the twist was needed.

Romance. Though the leads' chemistry is great, the romance is okay. You won't find much of it since there is a lot of planning and scheming going on. Since everything was good, I didn't care too much so I'm mentioning this last. As romance can be huge for some viewers, I thought I would point this out.

To sum up, How Dare You is quite enjoyable but it also leaves you wanting a bit more.

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