Interesting read, I've written my Master thesis on the portrayal of women in Asian films, and the truth is that…
Thank you for this insight as it helps explain many female characters in Asian films and dramas. As a female viewer it can be frustrating to watch at times.
In too many American films and tv shows women are still under-represented and poorly written. There are exceptions but often even when a film or show stars a woman or women they are written about women and not for women.
I guess we all still have a long way to go for equity and diversity.
Ugh. White savior movie. I watched it for Mark Chao and Ni Ni. I wish MC had more opportunities to star in English speaking movies. Unfortunately, opportunities are rare.
This is just my opinion and apologies to those who loved this romcom and/or it was part of their childhood memories. I watched this on Netflix and for me I kept wishing for an editor’s or producer’s wand. I would have cut the 39 episodes in half. It started out promising but I found the acting and story lacking. The lighting, sound, and music were painful at times. Most troubling for me was when they were separated and he was supposed to be pining for the FL but still banging the ballerina and planning to marry her. And the FL wasn’t even allowed to kiss the hot and considerate Dylan. Ultimately, I decided the ML and FL were right for each other. He was as they kept saying a childish jerk and she wasn’t very bright. I’ve been watching this off and on for awhile but am relieved to have finally finished it and pleased that everyone got their HEA (well, except for Dylan, but he’s a rich, handsome dude so he won’t be on the market for long!).
Wow! Abzzski! You put in an incredible amount of work on this article and the upcoming Fall Korean shows article. Thank you for keeping us up-to-date. : )
i had to drop it like 5 times then i realized it was Them not Me. very few people have said how disgusting this…
I didn’t find his behavior cute or romantic either. I have never watched a drama where the ML grabbed and dragged a FL lead so much. And she was supposed to be plucky and strong willed!
I dropped after seven episodes. For me the ML went beyond the stereotypical cold, aloof male to one that seemed to be barely breathing. Made it impossible for me to connect with the story.
I’m a little late to the party and fairly new to Asian dramas and wanted to thank you for this list! Because of your article I found Lee Joon Gi. I loved his performances in Moon Lovers and Lawless Attorney. I sought out Mad Dog and discovered why you were enchanted with Woo Do Hwan. Watching Between Lovers I kept thinking of your kitten analogy for Lee Jun Ho, but I decided he was so secretly kind that he let kittens sleep in his bed and that’s how he got the mussed-up hair and scratches. TMHLYE wasn’t my cup of tea so I sought out other Seo In Guk roles. Still working on finding the other performances on your list. Thanks again!
I made it through 4 episodes and had to drop it. I didn’t mind that the FL wasn’t a classic beauty, I just could not take how annoying she was written and acted. She felt more like a support player that is thrown in to mix things up rather than the romantic lead.
I would've added Weiyoung from the Princess Weiyoung, she was so badass!!!
Yes! Total badass! At first I thought she didn’t get her HEA but then it dawned on me she did. Everyone who betrayed her and her family were taken down and she ended up on top.
I think you make a really good point! It really does depend on the drama. To be fair, I wrote this article months…
Don’t feel bad about your strong emotional reaction to the AOL 2ML. We all have characters that tick us off. I have another very, very, unpopular opinion regarding AOL and just that, opinion- I disliked the FL and had no problem with her and the 2ML. Only time I can remember siding with an evil empress. I finished that drama on my fourth try because it’s so popular and beloved at MDL and I thought I must be missing something. Nope, not for me. Hate watched it to the bitter end. But to be clear I am happy others enjoyed the story. Just not my cup of tea.
After perusing several super negative reviews I almost didn’t watch this drama. Not usually a fan of teenage dramas but have watched my share. I haven’t seen most of the actors in many things so they were all fairly new to me. I’m not afraid of ratings under 8.0 as I’ve found several dramas I liked in the mid 7 range. I decided to give it a shot.
I found it entertaining, not awe-inspiring but entertaining. As with all things, different strokes for different folks. The actors probably helped make up for a cliche
Most of my drinking game tropes have been mentioned. I would add the close up of a clenched fist. The slow-mo umbrella scene. Or the FL yelling into the sky. Touching a sleeping person’s eyelashes and that person doesn’t wake up. And finally, why do all these grown women have so many stuffed animals?
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In too many American films and tv shows women are still under-represented and poorly written. There are exceptions but often even when a film or show stars a woman or women they are written about women and not for women.
I guess we all still have a long way to go for equity and diversity.
Thanks again!
I watched this on Netflix and for me I kept wishing for an editor’s or producer’s wand. I would have cut the 39 episodes in half. It started out promising but I found the acting and story lacking. The lighting, sound, and music were painful at times. Most troubling for me was when they were separated and he was supposed to be pining for the FL but still banging the ballerina and planning to marry her. And the FL wasn’t even allowed to kiss the hot and considerate Dylan. Ultimately, I decided the ML and FL were right for each other. He was as they kept saying a childish jerk and she wasn’t very bright. I’ve been watching this off and on for awhile but am relieved to have finally finished it and pleased that everyone got their HEA (well, except for Dylan, but he’s a rich, handsome dude so he won’t be on the market for long!).
Looking forward to Leverage, My Country, When the Camellia Blooms, Vagabond, & Melting Me Softly. Thanks for the article and previews!
I agree about Hwang Jung Eum. She nearly ruined KMHM for me.
And when a second male lead is sweet and helpful, always there for the FL and she chooses the possessive, egotistical dude my heart dies a little.
I found it entertaining, not awe-inspiring but entertaining. As with all things, different strokes for different folks. The actors probably helped make up for a cliche