Solid Story
The CEO (ML) in this one is more realistic to me than most dramas surprisingly. Not everyone can speak in front of people, yet his mind behind the scenes was extraordinary which I loved. The FL was a bit much, but you start to warm up to her after a while. The trauma element was layered, and I feel that the writers went overboard with it. The twists made you want to cringe and yell 'really', but the turnaround was nice. Seeing the ML start to open up was refreshing. I enjoyed the dynamic the ML brought with his nonverbal communication. The chemistry was sweet and believable. This is a solid series.Was this review helpful to you?
Could have done a lot more with less
WHY is this series 46 episodes? This would have been done way better at 20-24 episodes.This is a perfect example of over doing subplots and the building of secondary situations while dragging out the main storyline. The ML was tiring in playing over-the-top mean and then within his thoughts being tender. The FL was tiring in not speaking up for herself and allowing a lot of mistreatments to fester. They both (ML and FL) were going through an unnatural traumatic event. For the ML to go completely cruel to the FL when it was proven time and time again that she was clueless to everything was a bit much. The audience didn't even get relief from the on again off again mean/half-good ML until almost episode 30 and it was still a bit off. The drama length would have made more sense if it was broken up into about 3 seasons (15 episodes first 2 seasons ending with 16 final season) It probably would have landed a bit better instead of feeling like a Groundhog Day of mixed emotions, hurt and misunderstandings. ML and FL acting was okay. At times the chemistry seemed forced or off due to the off-putting character that was placed on ML. Probably will not rewatch...no need. OST was nice for the drama. I cannot stress enough that it would have been so much better 20 episodes less.
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Very Nice! Worth the Watch.
I enjoyed this series. ML and FL were both strong and the storyline was nice in how it weaved both work and personal dynamics together. The war between companies reminded me of the old Google/Yahoo/AOL days :) which made it not only relatable but even more interesting. The behind-the-scenes deals trying to skew the big picture seemed more plausible than forced. I can understand the hesitation of the FL towards the ML to a point however the lack of communication skills towards the ML was lacking which caused conflict with the character balance of the FL. The support cast was solid. Showing the female relationship dynamic of smart and capable women was nice. The OST was very good. This is worth the watch.Was this review helpful to you?
So Cute then drags to finish
UGH! I was really enjoying where this story was trying to take us and midway it did this slow limp towards the finish. When there are scenes and situations that seem unnecessary to the main point of view, it takes the interest away. The actors were okay. Yet some of the cheesiness seemed thrown in and felt unnatural. I liked the dynamic of story and backstory, yet the character development with the FL was a bit trying at times. It has promise. This could have been a solid 20 episodes with better editing for the storyline flowthrough.Was this review helpful to you?
A Mature Lead Couple that Communicates! Bravo!
Enjoyed the maturity of both ML and FL. Especially when dealing with the ex's foolishness from both sides, both leads held their own. Can we just appreciate communication within the lead couple? Thank you, writers, for both passive and verbal communication between the leads that spoke volumes. It is nice to see a c-drama that did not dumb down the FL where she is strong at work and clueless in personal matters. It was also refreshing to see a ML who was not only strong at work but did not waver when it came to his standards in love. The affection and the conflicts that both the leads had to endure felt genuine and relatable. It was odd that the secondary relationship received more screen time than the leads. If you were to cut some the 'extra' scenes from the secondary relationship, the episode count could have been a solid 24 instead of 30. Very good character balance. Must watch!Was this review helpful to you?
Cute Romance
I like this drama. However, it starts to drag midway towards the end. The end feels rushed. The bonus episode cannot be viewed on many platforms, but even that episode misses the mark a bit. Some scenes seemed 'extra' and unnecessary. I feel that the writers' started to go another route midway and it didn't fit so they tried to correct it by the end. I have a problem when you write a person who is smart, astute and compassionate yet when trouble comes, they have no logic, common sense or communication skills. The ML was consistent throughout. The FL was written well until midway it felt like a different character that you start not to root for. The issues throughout were okay and felt realistic. How the FL handled the ML throughout his illness along with her mother makes you question the 'love factor'. A few unnecessary conversations and clips that could have been deleted and the drama would have been better. Overall, it is cute. Kissing scenes leave you warm and fuzzy. But I feel the writers fell short with the character balance and consistency. Rewatch value is debatable.Was this review helpful to you?
Started off decent and tripped up along the way
This could have been a lot stronger if the acting wasn't so subpar. It felt like the director called people who had the 'look' he wanted and said show up and act like yourself. The ML and FL both beautiful looking. You would think with all the kissing scenes, the chemistry would be better. But the pressed lip smudge kisses totally don't work. The FL started to work a nerve mid-way because acting super naive in one area and courageously bold in another showed no balance in character development. Also, everyone does not need to be in a coma or have amnesia in some way. Throwing that in during the last few episodes took away from the main storyline. The SML obsession of a 1000-year promise was lacking in the story and gave no real weight to the importance of it all. I think the writers realized that in the end and tried to make it all make sense in the last few episodes which fell short. Abusive mother and mastermind behind bad things happening in the story didn't hit the mark either. You could have cut all of her scenes and the story would have remained the same and/or probably better because (the bad things) could have been placed on the SML which would have made more sense in the competition over the FL and power struggle. The OST was forgettable Yet, all in all it was okay.Was this review helpful to you?
Now, I'm Irritated
This could have been a really good drama. The basic outline of the look, feel and backstory were good. However, the delivery was so over the top with the support cast that I had to yell, WHY!!!! Did the writer's promise the 'mothers' in this script that they would get ample screen time? UGH!!! There were so many scenes with them and the ex-fiancé of the dead brother that needed to be left on the cutting room floor. Beautiful ML. He worked with what he was given. The FL, I have seen her in other dramas, but I need for her to understand that starring like a deer in headlights is not a constant emotion.BIG PROBLEM in the Storyline!
1. It is explained that his brother died 10 years ago and was engaged at the time.; and this deceased brother was in a possible affair with the FL while engaged.
2. It is known that the ex-fiancé' caused the accident that killed the deceased bother.
3. The ML is not the actual son of the mother of the brother that is deceased.
4. The ex-fiancé' runs a high-end mall that houses the fashion of the FL and has had them as a client for years. So, you have already known this woman (FL) since she is head designer. So why now all of a sudden there is a problem with her because she is dating the 'brother' of your deceased ex-fiancé who you accidently killed?
5. Why do we need 6 scenes of the mother in the deceased son's old room. Why did we have about 5 extra scenes of both mothers saying the same thing in different ways to the ML and FL. (overkill and totally took away from the drama)
If the 'mother mayhem' wasn't so obnoxious throughout the rest of the series could have been saved as a solid drama. The secondary couple became more interesting since the first couple's story became a runaway train. The way it ended was off. This is not a book report. You do not have to repeat the title. Both ML and FL previously stated that if they were to cross paths again then they would accept it as fate and be together. So, why did the writers have him lean that way while walking towards her... but she says while walking towards him, 'Now we are breaking up'.
If you were to watch it, watch only one scene with the mothers giving their opinion and fast forward through the rest. It becomes exhausting. The only rewatch would be to catch certain scenes that capture certain actors truthfully. The only reason I give it a 6 is for the styling, OST and actors trying to pull off something more from a script with too many holes to mention.
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Tenderness, Determination and Longing = Love
This drama displays emotional growth, career aspirations and inspirational longing that leads to lasting love. The ML gave an enriching performance of ego, humility, patience and compassion. The FL was wonderful in her display of innocence within first love experiences while striving to accomplish her career goals. The chemistry! Warmth, tension, attraction, and tenderness were all swoon worthy. The depth of emotion with the supporting cast was noteworthy and rich. The sensitivities of friend family relations were heart tugging reminders that tomorrow is not promised to anyone. The backdrop, scenery and production truly pull you into each changing scene. This is a beautifully written, cast and performed drama paced to make your heart ebb and flow with the understanding that we all have our faults, growth needed and strengths. But with love and understanding, the other side of progress can be beautiful.A MUST WATCH!!!
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It's a Family Affair
The ML and FL were great in showing depth of emotions from business and personal conflict. The FL's mother was superb in showing how a parent within their capabilities can learn, grow and impact all that they touch. The grandmother was a heartwarming reminder on how to focus on what's truly important and not get lost in throws of life or business expectations. The focus within this series was more family relations and situational than romance. The endearing quality of this drama is that it shows how connections endure throughout different circumstances and come out stronger in the end. A very heartwarming drama that is worth watching.Was this review helpful to you?
Restored Balance through a Renewed Fate
This revenge romance thrill ride hinges moreso on awareness in creating a fair balance against those who have manipulative and distructive schemes. The leads and supporting cast were wonderful in conveying such a layered ebb and flow of tension and emotional impact. Soo Mins character was noteworthy and memorable. Ji Wons character was iconic. The performances were not assumptive or tropie. The chemistry between the leads felt destined which was heartfelt and compassionate. The edge that the writers brought in through subtle twists made every minute and the redemption end satisfying. It was cinematically brilliant at points that mattered most. Well Done, cast, crew and production!!! THIS IS A MUST WATCH!Was this review helpful to you?
Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow
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MUST WATCH! JUST WOW!
I enjoyed the first season. But this second season with 10 episodes, just WOW!ML (Lee Jae Wook) & FL (Go Youn Jung) BRAVO!
The supporting cast, OST, production... This is how you finish off a series with a bang! The funniest part to me was that they kept the villain from the 1st season all through the 2nd season. I'm sure that it was to drive the fans crazy. I found myself yelling at the screen for someone to 'take him out'. I love verbal and nonverbal acting. The ML gave it to us in spades! The ML was so impressive in showing strength, torment and even growing love which draws you in. The chemistry between the leads YES!!! The way so many things were weaved together to come to the ending, I must say that the writers got it right. Beautifully done.
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Crushed that it wasn't better
This series had potential, but the random and constant flashbacks killed it for me. Once you feel like there is a grasp at where the series is going a random flashback happens that has nothing to do with the current state of affairs. This story was a perfect example of loving someone more than they love you and hoping for better. The ML's acting was static, and the FL acting was desperate. Then the writers chose to throw a child in the mix (SMH) It all worked out in the end. However, it didn't fit the character makeup of the ML for that to even be a realistic possibility. By the time the romantic scenes happen, it felt more like a relief than an experience.Was this review helpful to you?