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trying to please people with happy ending isn't always a good thing
when i started watching this series, i thought that they would make their break up make sense, and they would properly solve their issues. it didn't happen. instead, we got two episodes of fluff, and three episodes of present. i feel like the writer was just pushing CH and AJ's differences aside until the final scene was taking place for the viewers. CH felt random quilt over the break up in last episode for some reason. AJ neglected her until she packed her bags and left. It makes you wonder if they're going to fall into the same rabbit hole.despite the writing flaws, this drama has definitely an excellent cast, and cinematography.
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bitter hell
this drama really had many loop holes, draggy plots, very dumb main characters despite their degrees, a villain from comic books (can't believe that writer let her get away without punishment for so long). two things that kept me watching were the two leading ladies: kim hee sun (also, her character was the one i was rooting for this whole series) and lee hyeyeong for their masterclass acting despite this horrendous script and cinematography which was so breathtaking. what made me extra bitter was the ending of NYW. i can't believe that writers made NYW give up her career for a suicidal psycho.for people who are considering watching this please threw logic out of the window.
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Good Enough for a Sequel
I’d like to start this review by saying that my expectations were low. It wasn't caused specifically by this drama, but because second seasons (especially with long waiting period) have been a mess lately. If I had to describe this season in a few words, it would be muscle over poetry. The writing is much more fast-paced compared to the first season, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, it becomes an issue when you can’t emotionally connect with the characters (especially new ones), which happened to me. Thankfully, that aspect of the story is saved by the skillful acting. Regardless of how this season performs, it raises some red flags for me heading into (the possible) season three.Was this review helpful to you?
Too cliche
It’s an easy and certainly boring watch, but for some odd reason I just couldn’t drop this drama. In all honesty, this should’ve been a nice limited series with 6 episodes, but instead we got 12 which mostly focused on the second male lead and female lead story line which lead to nowhere. Watching this series felt more like a chore than entertainment. Both main characters also fell into tired J-drama stereotypes: the woman with low self-esteem and the man who hides himself behind a cold exterior/ has a weird personality. If you’re thinking of watching this, don’t.Was this review helpful to you?
the chemistry was chemistrying ... but
let me start by saying that alice ko and jasper liu are both fantastic actors. they delivered solid performances and did nothing wrong. in fact, their chemistry was the glue that held this series together. unfortunately, the writing was the show's biggest flaw. the decision to focus on emotional cheating, a messy marriage, and a pushy mother-in-law as central themes had potential, but the execution fell flat. additionally, the "plot twist" was underwhelming, and the characters showed little to no growth until the very last scene, which left me disappointed. however, i hope alice ko and jasper liu won't be discouraged to on make another drama together.Was this review helpful to you?
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Strong Cast, Weak Character Writing
My initial reaction to this drama was positive. It had everything you could ask for: three female leads portrayed by incredibly talented actresses and a court centered premise. What fell apart, in my opinion, were the characters’ individual storylines. It was as if the screenwriter didn’t see them as separate individuals, but only as a friend group. As the series went on, this became even more noticeable. Overall, the soundtrack was okay, nothing outstanding.I wasn’t going to mention it, but why are we still doing open endings in 2026? They rarely work especially for this type of series. This drama clearly has a specific audience. If you’re not into law dramas with female leads, it simply isn’t for you.
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could've should've ending ruined the last episodes of the series
i had to narrow down my ratings after seeing the last few episodes but overall it was an enjoyable watch. let me start with the strong suits of the drama that kept me watching:- good acting by everyone from the main cast
- great cinematography
- interesting plot
- lovely support characters (i really liked that all characters had their own ambitions in this story . we even got flashbacks of their past which added a lot to the story)
- chemistry is out of this world
- moral of the story: don't trust men
- women were portrayed as smart people, especially XFF
now the things i didn't like that much:
- at some parts downplaying SA
- promoting it as an angsty romance (there was no angst since the beginning, only yearning)
- cheap cgi effects (but it's slowly becoming a trademark of a popular drama)
the biggest mistake writers ever made the messy ending of the show. they were trying to please core audience the book lovers and viewers at the same time. it ended up blowing up to their face
- SYR just offing himself after writers portrayed him as the obstacle
- WN's forced ab*rtion
- don't get me started on the battle scene where everyone got offed followed by peaceful epilogue of the leads
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might be triggering...
My Broken Mariko is a visually stunning Japanese film that explores complex themes like mental health, grief, and redemption. The story follows Tomoyo as she travels across Japan to deliver the ashes of her best friend, Mariko, amidst the struggles of her painful past.Through the visually striking imagery and outstanding performances, the audience is transported into Tomoyo's emotionally-charged world.
The music is thoughtfully composed and helps to create a vivid atmosphere, heightening the emotional impact of each scene.
Overall, My Broken Mariko is a journey of self-discovery and redemption that serves as a reminder of the human capacity for resilience and the importance of accepting help from others. The main reason why I can't give it a higher rating is because it has a low rewatch value because of triggering themes.
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Simple, but It Works
This series’ greatest strength is its simplicity. A lot of anti-hero-centered kdramas have small moments where I genuinely start wondering if they’re successful money-laundering schemes. Regardless, this drama handles superpowers surprisingly well as a plot device. Unlike most series in this genre it doesn't struggle balancing the powers with the storytelling.However, the writing lacks in other ways. There are quite few "IJBOL" scenes that viewers would’ve found funny ten years ago (where everyone claim kdramas had peaked). Also, I dislike when a huge amount of screen time is given to antagonists (it’s a general kdrama writing issue). I would have prefered learning villains’ motivations through main characters’ povs.
Now, the cast did a decent job with the material they were given. CEW somehow becomes even more stone-faced than he usually is. Meanwhile, PEB’s comedic acting took me some getting used to, but overall she carried the drama alongside the supporting cast. Special kudos to whoever was in charge of the soundtrack selection. One of the highlights of the series was the scene featuring Creep.
I'm recommending this drama to people like me who hardly watch superhero-oriented series.
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Still Processing How Bad It Is
From the first two episodes alone, I knew this drama was going to be a form of viewer torture—I just didn’t realize how bad it would get. It felt like everyone, from the writer to director to the actors, forgot how to do their jobs.If you value your time, do yourself a favor and skip this drama.
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Minor Flaws, Strong Overall
I went into this series with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised. Not only was the pacing solid, but the overall cast delivered strong performances. Special kudos to all the leading actors. Elvira Cai is slowly becoming one of my favorite “underground” Chinese actresses. There’s something special about her performances and script choices. Also, I didn't think Jing Bo Ran had it in him to play such a complicated character. Another highlight was the strong on-screen chemistry between all three leads. The writing had a few minor plot holes, which I can overlook. What I can’t overlook, however, is the way the lead couple was written. Their relationship needed better development.Overall, it’s a good crime drama by Chinese drama standards
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Solid Premise, Mid Writing
It started out promising, but in the end it turned into a mess. JS was the main reason I tuned in. I prepared myself mentally, knowing it wouldn’t be as good as The Devil Judge. It’s hard for him to top that drama unless he tries another genre. The most noticeable weakness was the the supporting female lead's acting. Also, I didn’t appreciate the overall slice of life meets law drama approach this series took. This would have worked much better if it had been trimmed down to about 10 episodes.Was this review helpful to you?
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Warm as a hug
I saw insanely negative reviews and knew I had to step up my game. This drama was never meant for romance lovers. The romance was a subplot which blew out of proportion because of edits. The leads had barely five minutes of screen time together in the early episodes. What made this drama one of my favorites of the year was the overall vibe. It became my companion during one of the most stressful periods of my life. The real highlight was the ensemble cast. There were no weak links. The chemistry among the entire cast was amazing, and no one felt like the odd one out. I have a secret soft spot for 90s nostalgia bite Asian dramas, so this made me tune in. However, there were clear issues with the writing. I didn’t have the same problem others did with the story going in circles with Kang Tae Pung getting scammed seven days a week. That carefree behavior was in character. For me, the real stumbling block was O Mi Seon. Around the midpoint of the drama, her character became somewhat useless. It's as if her sole purpose was to be the love interest. Until almost the final episode, she never stepped out of her comfort zone neither in her professional ambitions nor in her personal relationships. This situation frustrated me, because she had so much potential early on, and Kim Min Ha is a great actress who deserved more than what the writing gave her work on.In conclusion, if you’re into slice of life in the 90s with a touch of romance, this drama is meant for you.
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can music carry the series?
this drama is carried by two things: the acting, and the music. unlike other people, i personally see music part is more of a weakness. the heavy reliance on music makes the dialogue between characters feel a bit monotone, especially since the story itself is quite straightforward and easy to follow. the performances especially by the lead actors are strong and give the story emotional weight in slice of life genre, making the characters believable and easy to connect with. also, their on screen chemistry is another highlight in this series. i'd recommend this drama to anyone who likes music centered stories with a tip of slice of life.Was this review helpful to you?
what about my mental health?
this is a story that revolves around the complicated relationship between a father and daughter. the drama's plot is simple, yet effective. i had a few crying sessions over the course of series, so writer better pay for my therapy bill. overall, acting was outstanding, and song choices complemented the emotional tone of the show.Was this review helpful to you?
