Refreshing, but not great

Overall impression: Rough start with the first two episodes but improves a little from episode 3 when plot starts to pick up. Ending is downhill again and disjointed writing. Seemed like it wanted to be poetic and "healing," but came across kind of awkward. Not the highest quality production, but still kind of cute and enjoyable if you're just looking for a short drama to waste some time.

Pros:
- Acting is pretty good, not perfect but it's mostly the writing that's the problem
- Nice setting and cinematography for the ocean. It has a calm, soothing type atmosphere which fits the "healing" description
- Lead characters are good. Han Pada is quiet and serious, but doesn't seem like a cold, emotionless character. Just shy and awkward. Tommy's character is refreshing, cute with a little sass.
- OST is pretty good. I'm not usually a fan of Holland's music, but these songs were alright for me. If you're a fan, you'll probably like them a lot.

Cons:
- First two episodes seemed rushed and awkward, but pacing improved in episode 3
- Writing is a disjointed and awkward, but not so bad it's unwatchable
- Unlikeable female character (improves a little towards the end)
- Zombie makeup
- Sometimes seems overdramatic
- Feels like nothing has really happened in the plot. Biggest plot point was skipped over vaguely.
- Chemistry isn't really there from the writing
- I don't know what the heck happened for the last episode

Read More

Silly, but Cute

Overall Impression: A cute and fun story. If you're not looking for something serious or deep and you're a fan of BL romcom, you'll probably enjoy this show. Don't take it too seriously or you might not enjoy it.

Pros:
- Funny/cute characters and story, a feel-good type of show
- Music is really catchy
- Actors have good chemistry together
- Follows pretty closely to original story, but some changes are made to fix some controversial material from the original and apply to a live action format (more serious than original)
- Scenery/sets are really beautiful
- Anda's character is still cute and somewhat innocent, but not nearly as childish and naive as the original
- The side characters are loveable
- Cute fanservice
- Anda's friends are so awesome!
- Uplifting ending

Cons:
- messy international release and subtitles (now available on AISPLAY official YouTube)
- Character and relationship development feels somewhat lacking with the leads
- Ryo's character is a bit unlikable at the beginning
- There is quite a bit of "filler"
- I wonder what happened to the side plot sometimes?
- Sometimes story seems inconsistent or repetitive
- Sometimes takes itself too seriously for a comedy

Read More

Cringey... but wait I'm still watching!

If you're hoping to be mumbling "what the heck did I just watch and why am I still watching this," this drama is for you. Seriously, this drama was so weird. So much cringe and anime-like exaggeration (as expected) but for some reason, I still couldn't stop watching. The characters were very likeable despite being so ridiculous. Even the side characters like bosuzaru were a lot of fun. And the romance was truly adorable. The leads had really good chemistry and were very cute together. Story was your typical type, but the execution made it fun to watch anyways. If you are looking for a short comedy and a "what the heck am I watching" laugh, give it a go!

Read More

If you bark like a dog, you will be a dog

It is the responsibility of those regarded as less than human to show the elite that they are truly human. If you bark like a dog, you will be a dog. Great story about how changing society does not just require a strong leader, but courage and determination of the people. Hiding from the problem does not guarantee safety but prolong the suffering.

- Cast and characters: Wonderful portrayals and development. Overall protagonists were very likeable. Antagonists also had sympathetic qualities that made you feel for them and have some understanding.
- Messaging: very insightful and not all was just spoon fed to you. You need to dig a little bit to get the most meaning.
- Romance: it captured a lot of different sides of romance... mother and father who need to prioritize their children over love for each other, mature and tragic romance, sweet puppy love
- Brotherhood and loyalty
- Plot was very entertaining. There were many fun moments and many tearful moments. A few questionable parts but overall intriguing and suspenseful.

Read More

Don't Judge a Book By its Cover

"Don't Judge a Book By its Cover"

This drama was thrilling and exhilarating. You'll be on the edge of your seat so I highly recommend for a binge watch. The plot overall was very intriguing and I really enjoyed it although it seemed as if some of the answers were just handed to the leads and the investigation wasn't even necessary. The characters were interesting. I liked that they weren't perfect people, but their character developed throughout the show. They discovered things and grew and in some cases we discovered things about them that changed our perspectives. Some things we discovered were seriously disturbing... The ending was a little disturbing. The music was fantastic. A+. Overall, it was a great little show and I would recommend it.

Read More

Refreshing

This drama was a new step for korea and that is much of the reason why it received such criticism within the country. That and the fact that many thought it resembled GOT closely. First, I understand this perspective because the overall feeling and look did seem to be very inspired. If you enjoyed GOT, I would think you would like this one, too. Overall, the plot was very refreshing and unique for a korean drama. It was exciting and suspenseful and I loved to see the incorporation of fantasy and mythology, including fantasy culture and people somewhat based on Korean history. There is a small amount of romance and possibly love triangle (not really developed), but it is mostly out of focus and the show focuses on the loyalty and belonging of people instead. There were some historical type inaccuracies that bothered some, but considering it is fictional and fantasy, I didn't think it mattered personally. Overall, it was a very interesting and enjoyable show!

Read More