ManishaSingh
India
Acting/Cast- The cast of this drama is relatively new, so I've not seen any of them before. However, each one of them left a remarkable mark on my memory. As a fan of the book, I admit I fantasized the leads to be more good looking as per the description of the characters. I was also disappointed with the cast before watching the drama, but boy did they change my perception. Both main actors were very good at their parts, played with such subtle chemistry and understanding and I totally bought their version of Luo Zhi and Sheng Huainan. Special mention to the guy who played Zheng Mingrui. He was so amazing at his role that I really felt for his character. Soo good. All other actors pretty much played their part really well.
Music- LOVED the music of this drama. Both the beginning and ending theme was amazing, especially the end song was really cute and captured the essence of youth so well.
Re-watch value- Definately gonna watch this drama again.
Overall- I might be biased because i already read the book few years ago but this drama is worth the shot and i hope more people watch it.
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Okay, so this is one of those drama which could be thoroughly enjoyed when you're binge watching it. As it was aired only once a week, the story may seem a little dragy if you were following it from start. But as a binge watcher I immensely enjoyed the straight 15 hours of this little slow placed but a fairly written drama. The setting was lovable, story was good enough to keep the interest on, character developments were good and man do i love the inner monologue of the main female protagonist? The way she expressed the growth of her first love through her thoughts with such subtlety was nicely written. The story may seem to go around the circle when it comes to male protagonist, but you would forgive the writers by the end for it. Over all i think it was surprisingly well written drama, given I was not planning to watch it at all in the beginning.
Acting/Cast:
I personally think that all the main characters except for few minor ones did a very good job with their roles. Kudos to Joanne Tang and Prince Chiu for amazing performance. I really enjoyed Shao Xi's character. She calmed down alot in the later part of the drama, her expressions were on point, initially I thought that I would be annoyed by her but then I really ended up rooting for her love for Yen Li Zheng. Li Zheng on the other hand killed it at his role. His trauma, insecurity, confusion, jealousy and acceptance- everything was portrayed well by Prince Chiu. One could really see his struggle for the quest of love and the pain of not being able to accept his own feelings. He also turned into Yoo Jung from 'Cheese in thr Trap" from time to time. I swear he gives me such chilly Yoo Jung vibes. The second leads were really nice too. I found the second lead guy very annoying at first but the curse got me at the end and i even shed a tear or two for him. On the other habd Angelina or the second lead girl was a gem. She might annoy the hell out of you at first but then you would grow to love her character. She was the real QUEEN!
Music:
I loved the music. All the songs were really really nice specially the intro and the ending themes. And ofcourse the special mention goes to the song "Close to you". It was soo catchy and pleasing to hear.
Re-watch value:
I would really like to see it again in future when i am bored or if i am missing few characters. This drama was really the character's show.
Ovwrall:
Overall I think it was a really nice drama. I never expected to watch it. I only started watching it because there was nothing else to watch and soon I was on episode 10. It literally took me only one and a half day to fish it. Go watch it guys, you won't regret it!
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Story-
Only side by side with you is relatively a good drama. Obviously the first negetive mark for this drama starts with the unnecessary 40 episodes but I guess once you get the kick out of it, you won't mind it anymore. However, one thing that really iritated me in this drama was flashbacks. Brace yourself people coz there are innumerable same flashbacks in every episode. Story was kind of a cliche but they didn't leave any plot-holes in it so I am giving an extra point to the story for that. Chinese dramas are master at leaving plot-holes and Only side by side with you wraps up every story quite well.
Acting-
I discovered William Chan people. My greatest discovery in C-dramas ever! It is going to be difficult to get over him for a while coz he's such a good actor! The drama was nothing great but the acting was superb by everyone especially the two leads. Main girl is a strong independent and quite a cool woman. I liked her character alot. Actually I enjoyed all the women characters of this drama. I even enjoyed watching the obsessive An Ning too, maybe because she was not THAT cruel or messed up as other evil second female leads. All the other characters, their development with the story and their acting was on point except for the few minor ones which could be ignored.
Music-
Love love loved the music. The opening theme, the ending theme by William Chan himself and all the other OST's were good. Anyone would enjoy the music of this drama.
Re-watch value-
I don't usually re-watch Chinese drama coz they're super long like this one, but I might re-watch some episodes of this again to see all the muscle and dimple of William Chan. I swear people just watch this show for the fabulous him.
Overall-
On the side note I actually kinda liked this drama. It was nothing extraordinary but you would enjoy it. I certainly didn't get bored of watching it atleast. 40 episodes are big commitment but once you are into the drama, I don't think it would itch you any more. Go watch it.
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There are few shows that you start watching because of certain cast members and end up loving it so hard that you start feeling withdrawal symptoms as soon as it finishes. Father is strange was one of those dramas for me. I have always been a great fan of the writer of the show as she have written one of the best family and my all time favorite drama "Ojakgyo Brothers". I would say that Father is strange was even better and cleanly written than the Ojakgyo Brothers. The story was fast paced, characters were well developed, the romance of the central characters started a bit late but they made up with their sweet moments at the end. I loved the family bonding they had. The relationship between the parents, siblings, lovers, even the once snooty sister-in-law's character was also very well developed. I would say it is hands down one of the best written family drama if all time.
Acting/Cast:
Okay so I started this drama because of my love for Lee Joon and Jung So min and was not even slightly disappointed with their acting. Jung SO min needs to get more lead roles as she's a great actress and Lee Joon needs to get more recognition for his talents. This man is a gem tell you! The actors who played parents were just off the roof good, especially the father. His emotions were on point in every frame of the drama. Ryu Hwa Young and Min Jin Woong as the other two siblings were also really good, I am eagerly waiting for their next projects soon. But the person who really took away the cake was Lee Yoo Ri. Her portrayal as a sassy, confident, straightforward lawyer was beyond good. I have never seen any of her dramas before, but am soon going to stalk this women's drama history. Lee Yoo Ri and Lee Joon really needs to win award for this drama.
Music:
I am not to keen about the OST's of the drama unless they are very good. Father is Strange as some good melodies but not very memorable. I would still hum few while watching the drama but don't care much about them after the drama gets over.
Re-watch Value:
Definitely going to re-watch Father is Strange in few months or years. Maybe skip some parts, but definitely it is a worth a re-watch!
Overall:
Just go and enjoy this drama, Don't be scared of the 52 episode mark and try watching first 2 episodes. 2 episodes into this drama is enough to keep you hooked to your computer screens for next couple of days.
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Writing of this drama could have been even more strong. I think the makers couldn't create what they wanted to. But nevertheless, the comedy and bromance part of the drama was the highlight point. The bromance between K and Yeo Un Gwang & K and Prosecutor Lee Dong Hyun were the best. He seemed so much more comfortable with them than Do Ha.
I really liked the music of this drama. They were catchy enough to be hummed while watching the drama.
The best part of the drama was how it ended. Everyone got their closure and there were no unwanted answers left, making it one of those rare dramas with the satisfactory ending- especially with Park Hae Jin in it. I may have only discovered him on Cheese in the trap, but in Man to Man, he really did blow me away with his acting skill. I will definitely re-watch this drama after some time.
Special mention- Park Hae Jin's eyebrow flicks are LIFEEE
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The drama itself is a treat to watch. It has a little slow starting but do stick through it cos it turns out to be very cute and hilarious later on. I really like the chemistry between the main couple and the story itself was quite engaging. It was funny how you would not care about the second leads at all after a while, so you are free to skip through their scenes. The supporting characters were really nice in this drama too.
I loved the music too. It was quite catchy as i found myself humming the songs with broken lyrics for a while. Watch it watch it watch it and i know you won't regret it!
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Story: This is the drama i keep coming back to. Having watched it around 4 years back, I can still connect with the story and its emotions every damn time. This is not your typical melodrama or a tragic love story. It is much more dark and deep for every character's perspective. Very rarely do i get to see a drama where every story angle is fully nourished bu the author. I also happened to read the manga few months back and realized they have kept the core feeling alive with this adaptations. Be a little patient as it is an old drama but watch it and you won't regret to your life.
Acting/Cast: What a bang on casting it would have been at that time when the makers roled in Vic Zou and Barbie Hsu! Fresh out of Meteore Garden fandon, they both nailed it in as Ahn Qi Lu and Chen Ling. Viz was marvelous in his character but it was Barbie that stole the show for me. Every time she is haunted by her past and her suffering as a victim is portrayed with a top notch acting. I also happened to love every other character and actor of this drama. Even Tong Dao nailed it in his performance.
Music: I am a kind of a person who doesn't really remember much about the music but OST's of this drama was great. It has such a happy yet melancholic feel to it.
Re-watch: I am writing this review right after watching the whole drama for the third time in 4 years. I just felt that everybody should know about this gem.
Overall: WATCH IT. Don't miss the chance to experience this beautiful love story. You won't regret it. I can guarantee on that :)
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Story:
The story of the drama was nothing special. Even though the synopsis of it might seem intriguing and you would want to go watch, but beware, its a trap! As the drama progresses the story become utterly nonsensical and supremely boring and illogical. The production cost of this drama was the lowest and one could totally understand while watching it. The action scenes were badly choreographed and the whole Japanese v/s Chinese angle was highly underutilized.
Acting/Cast:
I was only familiar with the main characters of the drama as I've seen few drama on Joe Chen in the past and one movie of Xiao Ming. To be honest the weakest point of this drama was not the story but the acting. All the actors in the drama seemed to have given the worst performance ever. Joe Chen was still acceptable but Huang Xiao Ming was totally off the wall bad. His angsty performance seemed more like over acting and his over all get didn't help me to like his character at all. The only actor i really like in the drama Kimi. He seemed genuinely immersed in his character as a rich spoiled brat who still cannot forget his first love and can't seem to move on. Rest of the actors were equally bad on par with each other. I guess one the reason was that story and their characters were poorly written.
Music:
The opening theme was quite nice but the ending one was a bit lousy.
Re-watch:
NEVER. WATCHING. IT. AGAIN.
ATLEAST. NOT. IN. MY. RIGHT. MIND.
Overall:
It was bad people. It was really bad.
P.s. This is my own personal views about this drama. I hope i don't hurt anyone's sentiments with my harsh review. It is just my honest thoughts about this drama. No hate please. Peace.
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Story:
My Huckleberry Friend's had everything you would want in a youth drama. It was so refreshing to watch something as real as an ordinary school or life story. Every character had their own part of story where they were the main leads. What I especially like about My Huckleberry Friend's was how it ended. By the end all the loose ends were jotted and we seek a full glimpse of every important character of this drama. It was brilliant how they went from one character to other and flow of the story seemed so aesthetically beautiful. I won't say much, but watch this drama till the end just to enjoy how beautifully it was wrapped up.
Acting/cast:
All cast members were amazing, be it major or minor. They all fitted their role and had a very youthful aura around them. I specifically loved the main female lead who played Yu Zhou Zhou. She will became an amazing actress in the future. Also when it comes to character arch, I loved Mi Qiao and Ben ben's story. It was so heartbreaking but at the same time so realistic. Lin Yang was so playful and cute at time that you won't help but fall in love with him. In short acting and character arch wise- this drama deserves another thumbs up!
Music:
Music was the BEST aspect of My Huckleberry Friend's. I loved loved loved the music and specially the ending theme of this drama. Its been a long time since I've obsessively enjoyed the OST of any C-drama. I have been looking to download the OST ever since i started watching it.
Re-watch:
Definitely going to re-watch it sometime, maybe not in near future, but this is the kind of drama which can be re-watched without any skipping.
Overall:
Overall its a really really good drama. My Huckleberry Friend's deserves more audience and their appreciation. This drama i available with full subtitles, so go and enjoy this amazing piece of work.
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Story
Out of all the category, probably story was the weakest point of RR but it was nothing down right boring. It had its ups and down with lousy beginning, great development in the middle and really strong ending. Radio Romance is a heavily character driven drama I guess ,where main focus is on Ji So Hoo and Song Geu Rim. The whole story revolved around these two main leads and nothing much happens outside their circles. The drama was full of cliches which made me think that probably it was written by some armature or new writer. However, what I really liked about the story was there was almost no angst in the drama. No unnecessary break up, misunderstanding or family feuds. Radio Romance was true to it genre being a cute romantic comedy, though to me it seams more like a romantic healing drama.
Acting
Acting was the strongest part of this drama. All the characters i came across portrayed their parts really well along with the minor ones. The ones who stole the show were of course Yoon Doo Joon as Ji So Hoo and Yoon Park as Lee Gang. I've seen Doo Joon before in Lets eat series with his comic chops and on Splash splash love, but with this drama i guess he established himself as a main stream melo actor i guess? I loved how he portrayed the character Ji So Hoo who is suffering from insomnia and borderline depression without any over the top facial expression and subtle voice. I think I've become a fan for life now. Yoon Park on the other hand portrays the character of Lee Gang with both eccentricity and maturity. This could have been his break out role if this drama has gotten better rating. All other actors did well be it Kim So Hyun, Yura, Kwak Dong Yeon or Ha joon as handsome manager or Nam Joo Ha as Ji So Hoo's mother. I particularly like the young Ji So Hoo portrayed by Nam Da Reum. He has long and bright future ahead.
Music
I LOVED LOVED LOVED the music of this drama. It just fit so much to the surrounding of the drama and has great melody and hummable lyrics. The song STORY is playing on loop on my phone, laptop and iPod.
Re-watch Value
I think I am gonna re-watch this show at some point of time. Maybe when I am bored or some time has passed, I would definitely like to watch this drama again, probably all for the sake of my new found love for Yoon Doo Joon. He was just that great in Radio Romance.
Overall
As I've stated above in the beginning I really hope that people should just chill and take this drama as a light romantic comedy/healing drama. Don't expect anything and just go with the flow. It is maybe the drama which should be binge watched to get the whole essence of it. I would definitely recommend people to binge watch this drama once. I am sure you'll be able to get away with the whole drama in just one sitting only.
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Story:
The story was the strongest point of this drama. It was REALLY a well written and executed drama. One needs to watch it till the end to get every facts correct. Also you should pay attention to every little detail of the drama to be up to date with the story. I loved the suspense, the thrill, the romance- damn it was just sooo great! The romantic angle of the story didn't seem to forced and jelled well with the story. Unlike many so-called suspense drama where the romance takes a front seat and thrill takes a back seat- this drama is a perfect example of how it should be made. It was great!
Acting:
This was my first Wallace Huo drama and I am well prepared to stalk him for next few months. His expressions, awkwardness, dilemma, confusion, love, hate- everything was on point. He portrayed a complex character of Bo Jin Yan with such ease that you would trust in every word he speaks, it was as if he was living this character. I am a fan for life now. Ma Sandra was also great as Jian Yao. I think she did great with emotional scenes. Her presence in Jin Yan's life seemed so effortless that you start shipping them instantly. Also I loved her character, it was good to see a smart and sensible women in dramaland after a long time. That said Fu Zhi Yu was my favorite character. I loved his chemistry with Jin yan. They were friendship goals seriously. He was like a substitute wife/mother for Jin Yan and it was ADORABLE to watch them together. All the other actors were great too. Not even a single actor seemed miscast or did bad at his role. I did wish Wang Kai's character could have been more than it was, but nevertheless all was well.
Music:
Apart from the ending theme which was absolutely great, this drama had an excellent choice of background music. It has such a Gothic feeling to it and helped the audience to build up the suspense.
Re-watch value:
I hardly re-watch any suspense drama 'cos I already know the ending but I would love to watch the romance scenes from this one. It was so cute and awkward that you would fell in love with them immediately.
Overall:
Go watch it today. Or NOW! I swear you won't regret it.
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