Romance, Realisations and Surviving Adulting!

Love Next Door was a whole different journey for me. The premise was pretty basic and nothing groundbreaking. Yes, the friends-to-lovers trope is familiar, but this drama brings a fresh perspective giving each character a unique identity and engaging journey.

Choi Seung Hyo - Initially the embodiment of the perfect architect - very talented and handsome (HaeIn in black and in those formal shirts hits on another level). Yet as we move forward in the drama, beneath his polished exterior, we see him grappling with insecurities tied to his past.
Bae Seok Ryu - Once a top-performing project manager in the US faces burnout and unexpected challenges and eventually returns home unemployed with the weight of unfulfilled expectations of her parents.

The evolution of their relationship from friendship to lovers was heartwarming. The pacing of the drama was excellent with seamless transitions between the past and the present and vice versa.
The romance was a slow burn but in the journey from friends to lovers, they rediscovered themselves first before jumping into a relationship plus the way they bickered with each other but still were there in tough moments offering unconditional support and care. Both of them were far from perfect, sometimes you would question their decision but somehow their motivations became clear as the drama progressed.

I am also glad that they didn’t stretch out a few clichéd plotlines. Once their issues were resolved, it became one of the best dating eras I’ve seen so freakin' romantic that it might just give me a sugar rush!

Our second couple - DanHo and MoEum. As individual characters, they were the best second leads. DanHo is such a good samaritan. Whenever he was on screen it made me happy. MoEum is the best friend I want in real life. However, their love story felt a bit underdeveloped and rushed, especially toward the end. I’m a bit frustrated that they had the chance to give us a perfect story but ultimately it fell short.
Also would like to point out, how instead of being against each other, all the leads were one team. It was nice to see the friendship between the 4 of them.

It happens very rarely that I get intrigued by the stories of supporting characters but here I was totally invested in them, especially Sseung's parent's love story. I see where Sueng Hyo gets his loser-ism from. xD
Another entertaining aspect was the friendship between the lavender ladies. They animated chats about their adult children, each of them boasting about accomplishments with a mix of pride and playful competition. Yet amid the light-hearted bragging, there was a sense of support. However, I wish they had written Mi-suk's (FL's Mother) character better so that she would understand how to treat her "adult daughter" as an "Adult". Though she eventually came around but it was pretty frustrating.

The Dad duo weren't behind. Their bonding drinking sessions were among the funniest things about this show.
I didn't particularly care about DongJin but he had no character development. The story would still be the same without him. He was just there to show how parents treated both their children differently. Thats it.

Overall, for me, this was more than a romcom. It was a nuanced story of personal growth, love and healing. The drama resonated long even after each episode ended somehow reminding me that understanding ourselves and the people around us is both complex and sometimes profoundly beautiful. It also reminded me that life can be pretty overwhelming and filled with challenges, but hope can emerge from the messiness of it and guide us towards the light.

I may have delved deeper than necessary into the drama but the 8 weeks journey was a treat. The real-life parallels made this extra special for me. I know it has FLAWS but I am willing to overlook them for the sheer enjoyment it has given me.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this. <3

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Familiar tropes with unexpected depths : A cliche done well!

The drama is a good example of all the familiar tropes done right, steering clear of "almost" all the pitfalls. The story revolves around Tu Xuaoning and Ji Yuheng, two childhood classmates /acquaintances who reconnect again during a match-making event leading to an unexpected marriage of convenience.

While initially, I assumed it would rely on all the cliches of contract marriage and childhood connection, it breaks new ground by focusing on good character development, mature dynamics between the couples and an ML who is not "stoic "
Instead of relying on melodrama and misunderstandings, it beautifully portrays how Xiaoning and Yuheng navigate their life, both personally and professionally. I loved how their relationship was not built on grand gestures, it was just about those small, everyday moments of support and understanding.The leads shared an undeniable chemistry and their kissing scenes were so tastefully done. I liked how both the leads didn't lose their individuality and focused on their dreams and careers.

Miles Wei as Yuheng was perfect. The way he balanced both his professional responsibilities with his feelings for XioaNing was portrayed with sensitivity. (And he looked exceptional in those suits if it matters for research purposes xD)
Xiaoning started as this ambitious but uncertain FL trying to establish herself in a cut-throat corporate culture. She gradually became confident, voiced her ideas and learned to assert her opinions. While her decisions especially to hide the relationship may sometimes come off as illogical and rude but the way she struggled for her job, it just came across as a precaution and realistic.

The second couple, Rao Jing and Zhao Fanggang storyline provided an entertaining enemy-to-lovers trope to the story counterbalancing the sweet MC romance. Their banters were hilarious and their chemistry was electric. It was filled with both tension and comic relief here & there. As the plot progresses, it leads to unexpected vulnerability amidst the snarks. Their journey from disdain to affection feels believable. I was rooting for them from the start (even more than the main couple).

The supporting cast gives more reason to make this a worthy watch. I enjoyed the female friendship between all the 3 FLs. Xiaoning's bond with her best friend Wei Yi felt so genuine and supportive. Also, Ning's bond with the manager Rao Jing as mentor-mentee was refreshing to watch. Female supporting females is one of my favorite troupes.
Also, I appreciated how FL's parents treated their adult daughter as an actual "adult" for a change. They were fun, supportive and nosey but always respecting boundaries. Both their families provided such a warm and positive atmosphere.

But this wasn't without the flaws. Foremost, the third couple - Dai Yun Fan and Ling Wei Yi felt completely underdeveloped and I felt certain conflicts between them detracted from the strong storyline. To me, they felt very unnatural and chemistry was lacking.
Additionally, the character of Tang Yuhui while starting as intriguing falls into the cliche territory of obsessive character. If delusion were a person, she would have been the poster child. I wish they didn't stretch her part and use her as a positive catalyst.
Also, I felt they focused too much on Yuheng's long-standing affection and revealed it to the FL a bit late. This is where I felt the pace lagged occasionally.

Overall, this drama is a delightful and entertaining blend of romance and humor balancing personal and professional growth. While it does have cliched elements, the execution is done well. Recommended if you are looking for light and fluffy drama with good character development with no less to no drama and enjoy contract marriage & cohabitation tropes.

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Misfits But Perfect Together!

This was thoroughly enjoyable with hilarious mix-ups and heartwarming moments causing the most unlikely couple to fall in love. 
The main leads provided comedic sparkle and delightful chaos to the story with their quirky personalities and adorable chemistry. 
Despite typically encountering pacing problems in short run-time BLs, this was perfectly balanced. 
The final 2 episodes are guaranteed to leave you smiling! *_*

The struggles faced by the second couple were highly relatable and handled with sensitivity. The angst was nothing new but their ending felt authentic, and not abrupt- out of a fairytale! 

Overall, it is a refreshing take on clichéd tropes, executed almost flawlessly. I would recommend this if you are looking for a light-hearted drama.

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Cosmetic Chemistry: An Almost Perfect Blend

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this series! Despite being only eight episodes long, it delivers an engaging story.

The tone of the series is warm and the premise is refreshingly new to me- two men working as cosmetic consultants. Sahashi and Natsume are what you call 'The polar opposites'. Sahashi with his cold demeanour and apparent nonchalance is actually very observant and sensitive while Natsume, the cheerful "sunshine" character is accommodating to everyone while fighting his own internal battle. What I really liked about their story was how both were committed to excelling and performing well in their careers and Natsume, as Sahashi's senior did such a good , selfless job and guided him. Their interactions in the last two episodes felt absolutely honest and organic. Their "boyfriend" era was the sweetest with hugs and kisses.
The pace is rather fast for a J-BL considering the run time is short but somehow the story doesn't feel rushed! Special mention to the ending, it was beautiful.

Both actors did an excellent job portraying their complex characters to life. The side characters also did a good job although some seemed unnecessary or didn’t add much to the story.

While the chemistry between the leads and the quality of the camera work were highlights for me, I found Natsume's constant self-doubt a bit frustrating. Although he manages to overcome these doubts quickly and the realization comes eventually, the repetitive nature of his internal struggles was something that made the story feel repetitive and monotonous.

Overall, if you're looking for something with solid chemistry and a good storyline with decent execution, I’d recommend this.

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Disappointment should be another synonym for this drama!!

Well I watched this drama with alot of expectations and it was holding on to that untill the last few episodes!
Pros:

The chemistry between the leads was refreshing and entertaining to watch despite the age gap!
The side character's story were good and their friendship also worked in favor for this drama.

Cons:

This is one of the few dramas where I would prefer sad ending over this called "happy ending" that we got.
I kept replaying the last episode to see if I missed any episodes inbetween because everything looked out of place and directionless.

Him returning back after years and FL being so calm and understanding baffled me.
It looked like writers were onto something at the start of the drama and guess what "IT WAS DISASTER."

The acting from both the leads just couldn't save the story!

I am trying not to sound rude but it gave me "11 year old wrote her first Wattpad story !" vibe. I would literally sign petition for Netflix to remove the last episode of this drama.

I would recommend this drama till episode 12 or 13 and then I would suggest to imagine a better ending ( I bet - If the multiverse exists, most of imagined endings would be better than what we got) and then drop the drama!

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Promising, light hearted premise that drifts in the second half!

The series unfolds the evolving journey of the childhood friends Ai and Yu, from rivalry to affection while incorporating supernatural elements.

The chemistry between Ai and Yu was undeniable, especially in their initial playful banter and eventual support for each other. As the drama progressed, their bond grew strong although the miscommunications led to unnecessary tension that could have resolved more easily.
Yo and Ing's story added an entertaining layer to the overall drama. Their romantic struggles with humour and relatability were executed well in the short screen time that they had. The supporting family brought a certain comforting warmth to the story. Yu and Yo's interactions with Ai's parents was heartwarming to see.

However, what started as an interesting supernatural romance fizzled out in the second half. The pacing felt uneven, especially in the second half. It started feeling dragged repeating the same scenarios without much progression. The slow-burn romance was sort of appealing but then considering the long history of them together, it was frustrating at times as to how the characters reacted particularly when the love-rival subplot was introduced (multiple times -_-).

The supernatural element introduced initially felt very anti-climatic. The supernatural was used as a catalyst for Ai to Yu in romantic light , but it lacked the necessary development to evoke curiosity or tension. I wish they focused a bit more on that rather than on the common tropes.

Overall, An interesting premise that started strong but falters in its execution during the second half. Recommended if you are for something light and entertaining to watch that doesn't delve into profound themes.

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From Mobsters to Meatballs : A story of change and found family!

My Sweet Mobster is a story of two childhood friends whose lives diverge dramatically: one becomes a 'charismatic' mobster, while the other becomes a content creator for kids.
The series begins with exaggerated comedy that might be off-putting to some . Still, if you manage to stick with it for a few episodes, it slowly evolves into this heartwarming and sweet story about a criminal gang trying to reform their lives and fit into the society. It's both endearing and surprisingly touching.
The drama raises the question: "Can people really change?" However, as we witness the efforts, I want to believe it. I cheered for their every success - big or small.

The characters are nearly well-written with their own quirks and flaws adding a unique entertainment value. The romance between the leads was enjoyable but the camaraderie between the ML and Thirsty Deer employees was the highlight for me! Also, the bond between FL and the employees was so natural, healthy and funny! I loved it. The concept of found family is beautifully portrayed! <3 A special mention must be made of the ML’s voice, which is absolutely delightful to my ears.
I enjoyed the second couple's limited interactions. The pace of their story was a bit fast but considering the less screen time they had it makes sense.

But the show stumbles towards the end. Like always, K-dramas can't be just romcoms. They will introduce an unnecessary thriller /murder as subplot. I would have appreciated it if it added intrigue or mystery, but it felt a bit forced. The whole 'my dad is a gangster and I can't do anything about it' was such a drag for me.

Another thing that detracted me from the story was Mr. Prosecutor! Did he not get the memo of him playing the second male lead and not the father or guardian of FL who decides everything right for her? His heart might be in the right place but Man doesn't know boundaries AT ALL and he is a person of law!
While the ML was endearing at most times, when it came to sad scenes or portraying being vulnerable, he felt a bit flat. I couldn't connect to him in those scenes. And I would have loved it if they delved into the backstories of all the members. Their backstories would have added a deeper layer to their characters rather than just being silly.

Overall, what started as a slapstick comedy quickly escalates to an engaging plot with somewhat of a unique premise. The story attempts to tackle deeper themes but only scratches the surface amidst the laughs.

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A story of longing and yearning from the Days of Disapproval !

Though this movie was released in 2020, it's reminiscent of a classic 1900s film, portraying the struggles of a queer relationship amidst societal repression and how homosexuality was not to be accepted by family and the society in the social unrest period.

The story follows the intricate relationship between Birdy and Jia Han.
 It was complex and intriguing at the same time. The depth and vulnerability of both the characters were heartwrenching and was portrayed beautifully.

The story is set up in an 'All boy's school' with Jia-Han and Birdy meeting and bonding immediately. There are subtle hints of their intimacy at the start. Even with the obvious hints, I liked how the romance was not rushed delivering a believable chemistry.

Ji-Han's struggle in trying to come out in a homophobic society contrasts with Birdy's attempt to suppress his feelings and be accepted into societal norms. (The famous star-crossed romance).
The acting was phenomenal by both the leads. The craving, the yearning, the constant push and pull for each other. Holding each other and crying during the shower and the telephone conversation scene were the peak for me.
The editing of this drama is also noteworthy. I like how the narration is done by Jia Han and how the scene seamlessly goes into flashbacks so effortlessly to tell us the story.

The story felt more of Ji Han's point of view and I would have liked more context of Birdy's thoughts. I felt his character was bit under developed. His decisions here and there defied reasoning.

However,  the ending was too abrupt for me. Abrupt won't be the correct word- Unsettling maybe. It serves as a realistic, sad and overpowered portrayal of lingering feelings and effects of societal repression. You can feel the tension, suffocation and smell the regret.

It could be considered a sort of a happy ending in the grand scheme of things.  It does show and give a glimmer of hope for the future generations.

This movie is like a harsh reminder of all the struggles faced by queer community and I do recommend this despite its minor flaws

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Uncomplicated and Light watch!

I'm pleasantly surprised with this mini-drama and its quality.
Despite being a two-episode drama, it isn't flawless, with some logical inconsistencies (like her bottomless pit bag) and plot holes here and there. But the inclusion of historical references, humorous moments and fun chemistry between the leads made it a delightful watch.

Both ML and FL did a fantastic job, with FL stealing the show for me!
- I loved how the FL thought jumping in the puddle was better than writing exams!
- All the math and science learning moments between the leads were easy on the eyes and fun!
- A special mention of the female lead's reluctance to not leave her damn world for the male lead. (You go girl! Come back, suffer and learn Maths and Science). I really liked how ML was also a rational being.
- Oh, and the final Kiss! It was perfect and a bit heartbreaking!

Overall, the simplicity was refreshing, although I wished it was longer.
Recommended if you are looking for an uncomplicated and light watch!

My actual rating was 8.8/10. Honestly, 9 felt too high and 8.5 felt too low. But with all the rounding system Math that I have learnt - 9 it is here.

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A Pleasant Surprise !!

I went into the series with no expectations, and I was surprised by how good it turned out to be!
It was such an easy, binge-worthy watch! The slow burn and tender moments hit differently, like finding a cozy corner in a bustling city - understated yet incredibly warm.

The heart of the series for me was Cake. Portrayed by Santa, he was nothing short of remarkable.
His outstretched arm to Eiw for hugs remains one of my favorite moments! <3 And when he spoke English- I shamelessly replayed that scene multiple times before reluctantly moving to the next episode.

The execution of the time skip was done well. Initially, I was a bit wary, but it was seamless, following the organic character development evident in Eiw's growth. I liked how Eiw considered Cake's advice and gradually came out of his shell.
Additionally, Cake's jealous phase adds depth to his character with those piercing glares and angry expressions. (LOVED IT!!)

While the series had my high points, the final few episodes felt a bit rushed, and the "cinematic death" scene was totally out of place and unnecessary.

Despite minor flaws, I would highly recommend this for its cute storyline, amazing chemistry, and standout performances, particularly from Santa.

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Mixed feelings!

Well honestly I am not sure how I feel about this. When I read the synopsis and went to the drama I was expecting mystery and that amnesia plot but both of it lasted for few episodes.
The story kinda felt dragged to me like it could have ended 5-10 episodes before making it an interesting watch. The character of female lead went from independent strong headed individual to dependant and it did mess up the story for me.

The acting both of the leads are good. The romance is there , the kind of you expect from Luo Yunxi ( love is sweet , TTEOTM) was missing. Again their love story was sweet but it felt disconnecting at times when female lead decided to be ignorant most of the times.
I liked their past mountain experience and how they connected that to when she was buying the painting. A small moment but it did make me smile.

Antagonists were the suprise element for me in this story as to how FL'S sister and best friend were framed and it felt suprising but rushed and unnecessary.

I went into the drama with alot of expectations but was slightly disappointed.

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Amazing script and execution!!

This drama had ticked all the right boxes for me.

Story - I think this is the strongest point of this drama. It is well written and it isn't a cliche. The depth in each character just uncovers episode by episode and keeps you hooked as to what will happen next.

Acting - All the actors portrayed their part beautifully. You will go from hating FL's mother to admiring her. You will realise how one action's affects the life of all the others around.
The chemistry between ML and FL was comforting to watch.

But the main catch of this drama is it's title. You kind of have to watch it to understand it.

Honestly, this drama's uniqueness makes me it stand out!

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Was hoping for a full course feast, was only served starters!

Sugar Dog Life feels like a comforting bowl of porridge - light, stress-free and easy to digest. However, like porridge, it lacks depth and excitement, leaving you wanting something more flavorful. The story was enjoyable but it only skimmed through the surface without exploring the characters.

To me, this felt more like a one-sided love story. While Isumi clearly carries romantic feelings for Amasawa, we don't get Amasawa's POV till the very end. It felt like he treated Isumi as a friend rather than a lover or a partner. Their interactions felt very platonic. I am all here for a good slow burn but feelings should simmer on both the sides. It was frustrating at times.

I wanted a full-course meal to know more about the characters and their intentions but instead, I was served starters which left me craving for more. Both Isumi and Amasawa's characters hinted at complex flavours with fragmented glimpses of their backstories but ultimately couldn't make it to the table.

Despite this, it skips all the heavy drama to keep the narrative light and feel-good. The lead actor's performances are what carried the drama. It felt very authentic. Isumi's friends as supporting characters were such a delight. I enjoyed their warm camaraderie.

Overall, the pacing was a bit uneven here and there, and the romance felt undercooked, but I would still recommend this if you are looking for something simple and full of gentle moments and of course food.

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A mixed bag!

Okay so I did read the negative reviews before watching this but honestly I don't think it is as bad as people claim it to be.

The story is pretty cliche and weak but kinda realistic ( atleast for me). The first half started very strong with romance and hesitation but towards the end it was just same old jealous ML drama all together.

I wish we could got more depth into ML character. His connection to butterflies was poetically portrayed but the depth in his character development was missing.

The acting by both the leads were phenomenal. The frustration, the romance ,the pain of loosing someone was portrayed by both of them exceptionally.

The OST was amazing ! Like it just enhanced the watching experience.

Overall a mixed bag for me. I definitely don't dislike it though.

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