RST Reviews
USA
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?
Impossible Mix to Madness
This story had great promise once you realize early that the whole scope of the series is a game, and it is a high-level game of chess. The interesting revelation is trying to understand who the real players are verses the pawns. Revenge and takeover are the arcs of the pace of this drama which is palpable. Yet, the FL is a factor within the series that could have been left out completely and the storyline might have landed better. This would have been a better series if it concentrated more on the hunter and the hunted between the two MLs. Towards the end of the series, the episodes became a mess of 'just make it make sense' which missed entirely. So much build up in the beginning to end with such a sloppy 'resolution' was quite disappointing.Was this review helpful to you?
Step to Love, but Lacking
This series started off with the family issues and power trip takeover tropes. Nevertheless, the unlikely pair had very good chemistry. The friends and family element of contempt and manipulation seemed like an overreach at times. The pace was good and filled with a couple of twists that kept interest. Yet, the assistant/sister element turned sinister was an arc that felt redundant after a while. The ML and FL were both strong in their own right which made the flow to see them 'make it' to the end endearing, yet their communication seemed off a lot of times. However, the FL's parents brought a refreshing warmth and balance to the drama. This is a solid drama with romance but missed the mark a bit.Was this review helpful to you?
Decent Mini Rework
From the onset this series has good potential with good looking leads, a focus on the business of design and some sensual moments. The chemistry is quite the temptation. The backstory of events of business and relational connections were touching and weaved in well. The OST was more so background music than melodies that encapsule a scene. The ending was like a fairytale which was 'candy sweet' and loving. In fact, the ending was more of the ending that many viewers probably desired to see at the end of 'other' more solid minis that the ML has been featured and this storyline reminds us of. Yet, the editing and scene placement made the flow a little taxing and assumptive which made it fall short. Nevertheless, it is a nice mini overall.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?
Linked with Layers
The leads: Their romantic connection was more so varied layers of emotional conflict that never really felt resolved and seemed rushed in the end. The FL seemed immature, misguided and slow to 'read the room' more than cute and convincing at times. The ML seemed torn, talented and tormented but too soft at the oddest of times. The storyline dynamics has been seen before; nevertheless, the execution of script and direction left it lackluster and a bit boring. The main challenge points seemed to become a backdrop to the 'romance' which was not strong enough to bring to the forefront. Some parts seem forced to prove a point while others drag for dramatic affect. (which doesn't quite work) The last episodes started to feel more like the pace from the beginning. There was no depth of consistency in the middle. It became tiring to finish. With a tighter edit, this could have been told in 20 episodes and would have landed much better. Rewatch is questionable.Was this review helpful to you?
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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Torn Between Two Sides
This story has layers of push and pull within oneself as well as experiences and influences around others. The connection between the leads was tender and endearing. The business side of the series seemed well thought out yet disjointed at times and had a vague resolve. There were many parts that did drag and felt like fillers which made the ending seem lackluster and unfinished. Nevertheless, the series seems to gain more fullness and traction within the last 5-7 episodes. The ML was good in showing growth in his emotional intelligence as well as communication. The FL seemed to finally grasp the same growth within the ending episodes. This is a sweet series with no trauma points or dramatic evil dynamics which is nice. Just an easy ride to a hopeful end.Was this review helpful to you?
The Love Contract that Last?
This tender swoon worthy miniseries is nothing new yet has a nice pace and flow for the storyline. The twists that de-bunk typical trope pitfalls were fun to watch and consider. The turnaround reveals and warmth from the extended family gave a refreshing add to what the typical 'contract love' stories provide. The chemistry between the leads was very good and 'moments' were swoon worthy. The antagonist throughout became a bit tiring, disjointed and reaching at times. The ending seemed rushed, forced and incomplete which made the overall arc of the storyline miss the mark. It is okay to watch, but for a better landing for the appetite of 'contract love' I would stop watching @ episode 23.Was this review helpful to you?
When My Boss and Beliefs Collide
This drama brought a refreshing balance to slow burn romances. The FL was young but not weak. She might be naive in romance but not standards nor boundaries. The ML was brilliant in strength as a boss and mentor yet soft when important. The nuisances within office relations, social norms and relational hesitation were relatable and heartfelt. The SFL as an antagonist was short lived but handled awesomely by the ML and SML. The supporting cast was very good at keeping the flow of the storyline. The growth with the FL was conveyed well. Even when the leads had conflict, you could still feel the 'heart' in it all. The unveiling of the 'bad eggs' was right on time and a twist that was enjoyable. The ML continued to grow in emotional intelligence which made the ending scenes cheer worthy. This series has a slow pace but is solid and worth the watch.Was this review helpful to you?
Lethally Lackluster
This long winded mini ended lackluster. The ML and FL were okay yet the push and pull of emotions seemed too warm at times and detached in other times. The breakdown of truths seemed to build an arc of misunderstandings that weren't necessary. The disappearing act of 'lovers' only to reappear years later is an overworked trope that needs to go away. It is decent overall. Yet, there were missed opportunities within the story that could have been capitalized on in giving the drama depth and delivery in parts were it seemed like thrown together shallow lines to get to the end.Was this review helpful to you?
When Fated Love is Under Attack
Nice miniseries filled with the tropes that we have come to expect. The cheating, manipulation, obsessive 'love' interest, trauma and tragedy gives a packed whirlwind of options to consider. Yet, the ML and FLs connection felt authentic and not static. The 'villains' were the norm weaved in unique ways to keep it interesting. The dynamics of the 'talent' feature was not as prominent as expected but more so a highlight. The 'extra' at the end could have been left out. However, for a miniseries its light, paced well and a solid watch.Was this review helpful to you?
When Sacrifice is the Tie that Binds
This is a very cinematic drama. It has the thrill, romance, comedy and heartache all in one. The ML and FLs chemistry was palpable and enchanting. The second couple was amusing and capable within their roles. The villians almost brought a 'Friday the 13th' vibe to the series. Yet the pace and tension of it all kept you wanting more. It was refreshing to see both of these leads with a good script 'finally' with great delivery. The tenderness within this series was just right. The OST was perfect in capturing key moments. The concept has been done before.... Nevertheless, this was worth the ride and a must watch. Well Done, Song Kang, Kim Yoo Jung, Production, Cast and Crew!Was this review helpful to you?
Mutually Trying
The FL and ML did have a few swoon worthy moments and endearing chemistry. Yet the flashback sequence left a lot to be assumed. Did it happen? If so, did she come back? How? If not, was it a dream? So much unanswered. Very choppy scripting even for a mini. The edits were very sloppy. The connection of the leads as well as the antagonist was taxing. The overall arc of the series had to be more assumed than satisfying. The OST was more like background noise than a prominent flow of what the drama was trying to convey. . ML is pretty new and will be one to watch. Yet, this was a little all over the place even for a mini which left it being okay.Was this review helpful to you?
Strong in the Wrong Way
Sequels can be suspect especially after a very successful original. However, this series had a nice start with all the unique connections and developments and then it started to become a cheesy, bad, awkward, silly mess. The romance between the leads felt not only forced but unrealistic at times due to the quirkiness of the FL. After a while, I found myself more interested in the villain plot than any other part of the series. It started to drag even when there was action. The choppiness of trying to link everything together missed the mark. OST was forgettable. This fell flat. NOT WORTH THE WATCH!Suggestion: Watch the original IT IS WAY BETTER!
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