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bedofroses

Saturn

bedofroses

Saturn
Completed
Business Kon: Suki ni Nattara Rikonshimasu
1 people found this review helpful
Aug 26, 2024
9 of 9 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 5.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 5.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

A big miss, would not recommend

At this point, I really don't know if it's the show or the whole genre of Jdrama that is not working for me. This one was another miss for me.

The story is not coherent. It's like putting together some random scenes one after the other that make sense chronologically but there's no real sense story-wise. Out of nowhere their work scenes come and out of nowhere they are trying to explore their relationship. The story in itself is not very impressive. It is basically founded on the theme of miscommunication (maybe even lack of communication) - a trope which seems to be used in all the limited Jdramas I've seen. There is literally nothing to this story - no depth to either of the characters. There is some sentiment behind the ML (1%) but the FL's character falls flat in your face with no background or substance whatsoever which happens because of poor writing wherein they have not explored anything personal about the characters whatsoever. It is literally just a show about two people getting married, living together, falling in love and not confessing and then misunderstanding with an eventual happy ending. Add to that the arc of a second male love interest - super frustrating. I CAN'T RECALL ANY OTHER SHOW THAT MADE ME THIS FRUSTRATED, lol.

Also, I did not like Yuuka at all. She seemed super expressionless to me.

It'll be best to skip this one. If you've already started, all the best trying to finish it. The only thing that kept me going was maybe she will get out of this stupid arrangement, lol.

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Completed
Run On
1 people found this review helpful
Jul 2, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.5

Just one word to describe it all, beautiful!

I really really really like this show. Words are not enough for me to explain how much I love this show. Some aspects I love are listed below, just because I can’t mention all

1. I like the character arcs for all the people involved. All of them show incredible growth, and great backstories that are well-explored, explained and enacted. There is a sense of depth to the characters, even if it is someone like Myung Min whom you just don’t like.
2. I also quite like how they end up covering all their bases. All of the characters see an ending, whether good bad happy or sad, but an ending of sorts. Nothing is up in the air that you’re left wondering at the end as to what happened to them. So, it’s a well-scripted show that both starts and ends strong.
3. I quite liked the story. It was something refreshing and new for me and I’m glad I gave this a chance. I absolutely love mellow and slice-of-life shows with a little romance and this one gave me both of the first along with lots of romance (slow burn or not) and I’m all for it. I also enjoyed all the couples quite a lot and did not skip any parts.
4. My SONE heart was so full watching Soo Young excel at that role. All the actors have done really well, especially Choi Jae Hyun - absolutely loved his character.

The only place where I struggled was with the movie references. As someone who’s not into movies, I was not able to relate to many of the movie-talk. But it was not a bummer or anything. This part might be even more fun for people who like to watch movies.

A must-watch show that I hope brings you as much happiness, joy and feels as it did to me. A very easy, emotional and engaging watch! 💜

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Completed
Marriage Contract
1 people found this review helpful
Jun 27, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

Extremely sad but beautiful show, nothing prepared me for this

I was not ready for this because none of the comments or reviews here prepared me for this. This has impacted my mental health and while this is a very well-done show and beautifully narrated and enacted, it is WAY TOO sad, like EXTREMELY sad. So I feel it is important for me to say that out because every good show is not meant for you like this was clearly not meant for me. and it's not even like it's just a sad end, because technically it's not, it's just that it's sad throughout. I can't recall one episode where I'm not crying or one whole episode that is just happiness and all smiles. The show is INTRINSICALLY sad and it is okay to accept that it is not meant for you. Like I acknowledge it was not meant for me.

Having said that, I do agree that it's a wonderful storyline with top-class acting by Seo Jin and Rin Ah. For me, Uee did not shine and I felt like she had no expressions most of the time but I had no time to focus on her with the spectacular skills shown by Seo Jin. I'm so so surprised because I was not expecting much of him going into the show. The story, though sad, is well-written and equally well-portrayed. The actors have done justice to the role and the story and delivered it so well.

I also like how they show the reality. They do not find some magic cure out of the blue making it an unnecessarily happy ending. And how spectacularly they have portrayed some semblance of happiness even with that open ending, it's amazing. Absolutely loved these aspects of the show. It's just how heavy it is, that is does not sit well with me. I was not in the correct mental space to take on this show right now. And hence, it leaves me with more sadness than happiness.

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Completed
Mr. Bad
1 people found this review helpful
Jun 10, 2024
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
This review may contain spoilers

Good acting, okay plot and bad ending.

It is not a bad show. The acting is good, the plot is not bad and the music is also fine. But I liked the second couple way more and I guess that's saying something about the show.

I mean, to be fair, I am not a fan of fantasy. This time travel or fairy and other stuff just does not appeal to me. So, I was constantly overwhelmed by the plot itself. If you enjoy such elements, this might be a perfect show for you because it doesn't have other unnecessary drama like evil second leads or drama or angst in that sense. But if you get overwhelmed by such elements like me, 90% of the angst for me was that he is going to disappear and this is going to be a sad af ending. So do consider that when you decide to watch this show.

The acting is good by the actors. I wouldn't call it a sizzling chemistry, it's rather cute but chemistry is there nonetheless. It's a very childlike love story, pretty straightforward with lots of cute and funny elements.

However, the highlight for me was the mature love story, support and business understanding between the second leads. I feel like they made a really good pair and acted really well. I was very happy for them throughout.

Another letdown for me was the ending. It MAKES ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE TO HAVE HIM BE Mao Xiao Jun when you've associated him with this brother-like character throughout. I wanted him to the the Xiao Wudi in real life as well. Like, I have no issues with the book trope but come on, don't change the essence of the entire chemistry for me. Such a horrible end, straight away -2 for me.

Other than that, it's an easy watch. Not very captivating but not overly underwhelming as well. I can't binge-watch this show. I actually put it on hold once. But, you can watch it once! :)

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Completed
The Love You Give Me
1 people found this review helpful
May 28, 2024
28 of 28 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

A show that made me mad and happy at the same time

I'll be honest, I dropped this show three times while watching. It took me more than 3 months to finish this show even though I'm on a career break and have lots of free time. All this because it gets too annoying and trope-y for me at points to just ignore and power through.

Having said that, there are some things that I like.
- First, the child actor and Cindy. Some really great acting by both their characters that had me wishing for more screen time constantly. They make you grow fond of the characters which are simply fun and easy going. It's characters like these that make the show an easy watch.
- I also enjoyed the way they handled the topic of sexual harassment at workplace. By their initial ignorance to the issue from Min Hui's perspective, I was mad. It was just another East Asian show where this was going to be a given and nobody does anything about it. But they way she pivots when here junior is affected, take actions, counsels her and makes sure the perpetrator suffers for her makes me so proud and so happy. They have aptly covered all aspects of this issue - how the survivor is conflicted, how they feel, how they can overcome it, their options, and the best the support provided when they voice out their story. Absolutely proud that this was handled so sensitively and nicely. Though a little trigger warning before the episode with her junior would've been nice considering how it was depicted in detail.
- As a Li Chuan fan, might I add that I loved his character and acting. I think he was the one with the most character development and I'm all for it. The way he improved as a person/lover for Zi Zhu is amazing. Though it still blows my mind how easily they've shown him recover from a love of four years. I do not believe in bullshit like you can't unlove someone so easily. People fall out of love just like that. There are all kinds of people. But some story development would've been nice to make it seem more realistic to many people.
- Lastly, both the leads were fantastic in their acting. I just have so many problems with their characters that I can't just overlook that and appreciate the actors more. Plus their chemistry did not seem natural to me at all and seemed very forced for the most part. Like, I can't believe I was skipping kissing scenes. Come on, I live for those!

Now the things I absolutely hate:
- Lack of consent, privacy and the glorification of stalking. The male lead quite literally did not take no for an answer when Min Hui told him she's not interested in taking whatever they have forward. It's like the same argument harassers give that she did not mean it. No one cares if she meant it or not, it's for her to decide whether she meant it or not. Not for you to test it out. He literally acts like a stalker by crashing her dates, using their son and also lying to get her attention. This blatant ignorance of consent has made me very very angry.
- Min hui dragging out the entire denial for so long. After a point it just feels useless and just a torture for the ML which she seems to be enjoying quite clearly. Like, you love him, just admit. Why make him suffer unnecessarily? It's not always cute acting too hard to get. You have a kid together, you're not some 16 year old teenager to pull off nonsense like this. It makes me so angry at the unnecessary plot.
- The drag that this show is. This show did not need 28 episodes. It could have been very nicely wrapped up under 20. Just every little plot/trope was so dragged out in this story with lots of filler content. Like the last two episodes are literally so extra.
- The unrealistic expectation of majority people here to demonise Min Hui for not telling him about his kid, Just donating your sperm (in a way, just giving an analogy) does not make you a father. The guy literally was angry with her (I'm not saying that his anger was not justified but at the end of the day he was beyond pissed), refused to talk to her or hear her out and then vanished. The woman learns of her pregnancy. What do you expect? She should travel 7 continents to find him? What load of crap! She gave birth to the child alone, faced the pregnancy alone and was taking care of a sick child alone. She deserves the right to decide if she then wants to involve the father in his life or not. It is very easy to sit on the other side and say she should've told him but do you even realise how difficult it is to do so? She was scared he would take away her only family, the child was already sick and was clearly very dependant on her as his mother - she had to consider everything before she simply revealed to him who the child is once they met again.

All in all, the good overshadowed the bad for me. I went through the entire show more for the secondary couples than our lead couple here because that just got way too boring for me. Also, the business storyline in itself was pretty addictive for me to just ignore. If you can overlook some red flags, the show is an easy watch with lots of cute moments between different couples and an intriguing business plot. Would recommend watching this with your brain kept aside to not question every single thing. Happy watching!

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Completed
Falling Into You
1 people found this review helpful
May 8, 2024
26 of 26 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers

An end that brings shame to an otherwise well developed plot!

The show starts strong with a well thought out story, beautiful acting and character development by the artists and some amazing aesthetics. This show has given me some of the best aesthetics and I've surely taken notes on some home decorations that I would like to implement. What a beautiful use of plants throughout!

I like how all the characters have been given importance and have their own story-line. What the bond between the players and how they support one another even in their individual sports. The relationship between the coaches and players is also beautifully exemplified through the sprint team and high jump team.

Another thing worth admiring is the portrayal of immense dedication and hardwork it takes for athletes. Nothing comes easy and we can see that. Love how they have depicted the vigour behind sports and the life of athletes.

However, sadly that is where it ends.
1. The end has to be one of the most absurd ends I've ever seen. The guy wants to do high jump but he is forced into sprinting and then suddenly he goes to do decathlons (still fine) but out of nowhere there is some random absurd rumour (baseless) which is not even investigated or refuted and just like that he goes back to high jump???? Out of nowhere? Do the writers think doing sports is a joke and it is easy to change sports just like that? What absolute nonsense! My two problems with this storyline are that a) it is completely unnecessary in an otherwise well progressing show. Their was absolutely no need of this rumour, conflict and the team not even standing up for their otherwise "very promising" talent. They didn't even try to help him once. Where do you see that in real life, what nonsense!!!! and b) like i said before, that is not how it happens. today you do long jump, tomorrow high jump and then suddenly you're back at long jump!

2. For this to be tagged as sports, there was very poor division between sport and romance. This seems more like a university rom-com than sports drama to me. Sports were taken so lightly throughout.

3. We see great character development for DYC as the show progresses from a childish and overbearing pursuer to a more understanding and sensible partner, but there has been 0 character development for LN. She basically makes DYC feel like she has given up on her own student (which is a shitty af feeling), never apologises for it and then fails to recognise her two roles as a coach and girlfriend. There were instances where she supported him as the girl friend but those were rare. Usually she was walking all over him as the coach. Not appreciated. His outbursts (both in the beginning and end) were very valid.

4. What was this surprise out of nowhere, not planned or executed proposal/marriage? I still can't get over the stupidity of it all?

As I finished the show, I'm left with more questions than answers, and I'm not saying that in a good way. But if we ignore the last 3 episodes, it is a solid watch with some good acting and a childish romance. Must watch for people who're into youth dramas. Not so much for people who look for substance and stories in their shows, because believe me, this one makes no sense.

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Completed
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
1 people found this review helpful
May 4, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

What a masterpiece: a brilliantly acted out and feel-good piece of work!

Every recommendation list I ever saw, I always saw this show. Now I know why.


I actually started this once, saw the first 2 episodes (not completely) and as soon as I saw her walking towards the weight loss clinic, I gave up thinking it’s the same old fat-shaming crap. Two years later, I dedice to give this show another chance as it still keeps popping up on every single list I see. Started it from the very start once again, and oh my god, I binge watch the whole thing over two all-nighters. It’s safe to say, I absolutely loved it. Every single aspect of this show.

I usually don’t leave comments/reviews. Where I have, they’re usually pretty long and detailed. But when I sit down to jot down my review for this, I’m lost. What do I ever say? I can’t find faults. The acting by ALL the actors is supreme. I love the friendships this show focuses on, whether it be between the girls or the leads. I absolutely love the romance, NJH and LSK have such a great chemistry, cannot even beging to describe without swooning. I love the team spirit between the weightlifting team and how they celebrate together and are there for one another. I also love the family bonds that they depict in this show. I mean, can we find anything not to love in this show? And it’s safe to say, I also love the character who one might even come off as evil at some point. Every body has given their absolute best to this show and I’m all for it.

One thing I would like to touch upon is the aspect of body positivity that this show promotes, which hilariously having misunderstood was my reason for dropping the show. I love how the weight loss clinic does not play into the otherwise usual unhealthy trope and focuses on healthy ways of losing weight. We often forget the kind of impact pop culture and media has on youngsters, so it’s good that the show did not propogate bad eating habits or anything of that sort. Yes, the gymnastic team scenes were hard, but hey, I’m not one to comment on the requirements of a sport. Even when we see Bok Joo bothered by her appearance, she never once dehumanises it and explains the ask of the sport well so that there are no misunderstandings. That is one aspect I appreciate about this show. Also love Joon Hyeong for loving Bok Joo for who she is, how she is. They spread so much positivity around and how he lifts her up when she feels down about her own self, love it!!!!

Just one thing I didn’t like (not dislike but just didn’t like as much) was the OST. It just didn’t stand out for me. Like, usually a song holds to much importance for me. I am a fan of some shows just because of the OST. However, in this show, I can’t recall a single tune. They acting, the story and everything was so fun and engaging that I just never caught the OST which goes to show it wasn’t very engaging for me. For me personally, that’s a let down because I’m a total OST person and hence that’s one place where I can’t give marks.

A definite recommendation from my side, all you rom-com fans (and others) should definitely give this a try. The show is very light-hearted and feel good even though it touches upon few deep issues. A must watch for all k-drama lovers (or not) for sure!

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Completed
Youn's Stay
1 people found this review helpful
Jul 23, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

Quite enjoyed this one.

The highlight of this show was Choi Woo Shik for me. I've seen him before in shows and have always enjoyed his acting, but this was something else. I never knew he was this hilarious a human being and has such amazing comic timing. He made me laugh time and again so effortlessly. What a comic relief this show has been! While I absolutely love his chemistry with PSJ, it was so heartwarming to watch his chemistry with the other cast members, especially Ms Youn and Yu-mi. Love it!

I quite like the concept of the show and enjoyed it very much. It was refreshing to watch and made me want to get a chance to be hosted by this team. My only problem with this was that it was too idealistic. Like, it felt like the entire thing was so scripted that even the comments of the guests seemed pre-decided. So much overacting and over-hyping has been done here. But that doesn't make the show any less fun to watch. It was still an amazing journey of 12 episodes.

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Completed
Avengers Social Club
1 people found this review helpful
Jun 12, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

ABSOLUTELY PERFECT WATCH

This is a hilarious, engaging and amazing piece of work and so highly underrated. I can't believe I'm coming across this gem after so so long. I actually don't dislike anything in this show so I'm just going to keep it short by focusing on the things I like:

1. First show where I see such strong female friendship and bonding irrespective of the strata of society the women come from. I absolutely love how these are three women from absolutely different backgrounds having almost nothing in common other than their interconnected male counterparts (whether husbands or school principals) and they come together and support one another. I absolutely love how throughout the show they try to teach you the value of human relationships irrespective of the money, great!

2. The strong female companionship. I like how these women support one another, and create such great friendships which leads them to having a fantastic time together. Not only for the sake of revenge, but it provides them with a safe space in their regular lives where they can just be in the comfort of loved ones and ENJOY. Drink endlessly. have a good laugh, have quality almost-family time (without the older men) and create a community amongst themselves that will always be there for one another. As is rightly said by Jung Hye, this show depicts bonds closer than family so nicely, you'll love it!

3. Good division of time across the episodes on all four characters and their revenge stories. It does not seem like one story is more important than the other and they give equal time to all the characters to build a better story.

4. A coherent story with great characters that are not shallow. Even if it's the villain, there's some sort of story to back up the entire plot.

5. The perfect number of episodes. I'm so glad they did not stretch this unnecessarily for 16 episodes or more. 12 was perfect, they've aptly covered the different storylines and depicted the revenge masterfully without any second of the show being dull or a skippable moment.

6. THE STELLAR ACTING BY ALL THE CHARACTERS. Like I don't even need to say anything more. Their work speaks for itself. All of them have worked brilliantly and truthfully in their roles. Jung Hye has become one of my favourite characters. Such character development we see for most of the characters. I'm all for it.

7. I am quite happy with the end. Sometimes you have to let it go to be at peace, which is why I understand why Soo Gyum is not averse to a more positive relationship with his parents. We get enough sense towards the middle of the show that he is going to stay with the grandfather. So, it's not surprising that he tries to at least act civil with both his birth parents. So, for me, even the end is quite amazing. Plus, I'm all for Jung Hye rediscovering herself and Do Hee's relationship. So, that's great as well!

Now, something I think is important to highlight after looking at quite a few comments here. I saw a couple of comments saying this is not revenge-y enough. But how do we determine what is enough? We’ve been so accustomed to those over-the-top masculine revenge plots that are in your face that we don’t even give this a chance. I absolutely love the feminine aspect of everything they do here. This is just like my international law and relations class where we study feminist approaches. We just assume revenge to be revenge when it pains and has a dramatic outcome. Don’t let those comments stop you at all. This is a beautifully written and brilliantly acted-out plot and the revenge while subdued (in terms of achieving it and not the final result) is quite impactful, very hilarious and fun to watch!

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Completed
You Are My Lover Friend
0 people found this review helpful
Oct 7, 2024
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers

An actual rollercoaster ride.

I've been mad at and in love with this show at the same time. First thing first, if you wanna skip 11-20, go ahead. It was such a waste of my time. But oh my god, Episode 22ish and beyond is fantastic. The story which was otherwise monotonous and stuck, finally starts moving - and I'm not talking only about the romance. Even otherwise, we finally see movement in various plots. Episode 22 onwards is a big redemption curve and I have loved this show for that.

For the show to be so heavily involved in work, I'm rather disappointed with how the mystery ends. It is so abrupt and out of nowhere. They could've come to the point a little earlier and started this plot earlier instead of wasting some 15 episodes on utter nonsense and 'over the top bro-zone'. The story was solid around the work aspect, but the execution was pretty bad.

I also liked the unconventional approach taken on the two relationships. I liked the sweet story for Cheng Hui and Sheng Nina and I loved how different the wedding and relationship (as a whole) was for our leads. It's very well-written once they actually get together. I'm not even going to bother wasting my precious words on the before because it's just so ridiculous. My problem is not with the wait but with the fact that while we're waiting there's no progression in the story. It's so so so repetitive with nothing new happening for at least 15 episodes. BORING!

Lastly, this relationship shows two contrasts: a healthy relationship at its peak (our leads) and toxic as well, lol. Unlike many people here, I found the friends' relationship to be very toxic. The guy had literally no say in anything and looked like he was just following whatever she said. I also feel they had poor communication skills (considering they were literally forced to resolve their issue). I don't feel kicking someone out of their own house just because of a fight is healthy as well. Or making major financial decisions without discussion is healthy. Plus, they were being a nuisance to literally everyone around them (including their minor child) because of their personal issues. While people would say all relationships have problems, I feel like these are very big issues to be taken so lightly. But then it's just a drama, so who cares, lol. Other than the fact that by some miracle they suddenly made up (literally out of nowhere after a random talk that we didn't see in full so we don't really know), I didn't find anything healthy about their relationship whatsoever. It genuinely seemed to me like they were only in love because they don't talk about anything important, lol. I don't like the screen time given to them tbh. It could've easily gone to Nina and Cheng Hui. They deserved more!

I liked the bond between the friends, it was hilarious. Wish to be with my friends just like this till the end. Overall, it's only a decent watch. So, proceed with caution.

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Completed
Time and Him Are Just Right
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 22, 2024
25 of 25 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

Cute Highschool Love Story; overused concept but nice acting and not very draggy

Okay, so the start of this show was pretty confusing and also put me off just because of how forceful the FL came across. However, it was her impactful acting that actually led me to believe that there is some catch involving her brother right from the beginning.

But the FL's character had such major redemption that I can't even begin to explain. I'm talking solely about her character and not the plot overall. The plot is nothing new tbh, just your average high school Chinese drama with a couple of couples including the support roles. I love how the FL grows to value and respect herself. I love how she does not back away from her friendship with the SML just because of his feelings, they grow as friends together and support one another. I have really liked her growth.

It is quite an easy and enjoyable watch. No unnecessary drama, a few cliches are there but they are not stretched which makes it easy to watch instead of the need to go on a skipping spree. The acting is quite well done by everyone. The music is quite average but not bad.

All in all it's worth a one-time watch. It's a cute story between two childhood sweethearts and very heartwarming to watch. Nothing spectacular or over and above but interesting and cute nonetheless.

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Thirty-Nine
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 11, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Great chemistry between all the actors, nice story with few not needed subplots.

I quite like this drama because of the amazing storyline, good pace and brilliant chemistry between all the characters.

First thing first, there is unequal screen time shared by the characters and as much as I dislike that notion, I can't fault it much because you know that when you're getting into the show. This is essentially Mi Joo's story about her life, her struggle with her identity as an adopted child, and her friendships and relationships with different people in her life. And I'm not just saying that, it is quite literally her character narrating everything so it's kinda obvious that it is from her perspective which means more focus on her. Therefore, once I acknowledge that fact, I'm unable to understand the inequity between the presence of the characters.

My favourite aspect of the show is the friendship between the three leads and how they tackle the various curveballs life throws at them. These are three vulnerable women who have stood together through thick and thin and we can see that in the bond they share. I also quite appreciate how we see a very "woke" bond in the sense that the women call each other out when one messes it up. For instance, they call out Chan Young's affair for what it is instead of the stupidity we see where friends would support each other's disasters as well. I love when your friends keep you in check and this show is a beautiful amalgamation of that. I also like how they share such a good bond with each other's families and significant others. This is the kind of friendship I aspire for and so I'm really happy to see that on screen.

The show gets quite emotional with its main storyline revolving around the loss of a near one and I like how they show people coping with it in different mechanisms. I've seen another show with a similar trope and cried buckets there. While I did shed a tear or two in this one, I like how it was not overly emotional and sad. Like obviously death is sad, but they handled it well and portrayed it less depressingly. They showed the struggle of people connected in a real sense and that was nice to watch.

Lastly, I also quite liked the way they handled the other tropes like the whole idea behind adoption, however, I feel like that subplot is a little overdone and not very well handled. Like it was fine till it was Mi Joo mentoring Seon Woo's sister but it got too much with the whole involvement of the father and all of that crazy politics. It got a little boring, annoying and unwanted at that point. I also did not quite enjoy the entire idea behind the new subplot of the birth mother and her horrible attitude. The story was strong enough without these tropes and would've done better without such unnecessary subplots.

Overall, I absolutely loved the acting and it is the great chemistry between the three women that make this show super close to my heart. Definitely recommended!

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Completed
Like Flowers in Sand
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 5, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Such a simple, heartfelt and beautiful story

I love this! A perfect slice-of-life watch.

The story is perfect. The perfect amount of flashbacks, a good balance of romance, the mystery is not dragged unnecessarily, that small town vibe and family bonding, a unique friendship between the five cute leads and discovering yourself. It is such an easy, pleasurable and happy watch with the perfect amount of comedy and feelings within.

The acting is fantastic by all the people. I've seen other small town-based shows but none of them had an accent quite like this one where everyone was speaking so well that you could tell it's a different place. I did get a little cultural shock by just how loud the ML came across tbh, but it did not put me off. All of them have taken all their roles quite nicely and delivered them well. Lee Joo Seung never disappoints in any role he takes on tbh, and he was great here as well. I have not seen many of the main leads and was very satisfied with their roles as well!

The way this show has understood and depicted the meaning of one's dreams and how achieving them brings a sense of fulfilment is quite nice but my favourite part has been the kind of relationships they show throughout, whether it be between family, neighbours or friends. I like how there exists a support system of sorts and how it helps the individuals march forward. Equally nice is how they tackle the concept of rumours widely prevalent in such small towns. I really really liked it.

I think it is very underrated and the rating here should be above 9, for sure! Do not hesitate before giving this a chance, this is a beautiful piece of work that will not let you down.

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Completed
Konin Todoke ni Han wo Oshita dake desu ga
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 5, 2024
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 4.0
This review may contain spoilers

Good start but a let down in the second half; seemed forced romance

This is only my third or fourth ever Japanese drama and maybe that's why my rating is affected but I'm just not able to get into Jdramas.

The entire drama felt rushed to me, but I don't know how to explain it because, at the same time, it also felt quite repetitive to me. Both of these are opposite ends which is what confuses me. I felt the FL's job scenes were so overdone, extra and not needed in that frequency given the length of the show which is why I call it repetitive. The show could've easily done without them. But at the same time, the story between them was so rushed as if they just had to somehow wrap it up and end it because they have a limit on episodes.

I actually quite enjoyed the beginning where the story was building and the FL's transition to love was quite smooth. But the ML's transition to leave seemed rather forced to me. I also did not enjoy the entire sequence with the SIL look-alike.

Safe to say my favourite character has been Yuito. He's been a good friend to Akiha throughout and also somewhat to Momose. He was a hilarious and well-thought-out character. Other than him, I did not see depth in any character, not even the leads to that extent.

As good as the first half was (probably an 8), the second half was just a letdown. The entire relationship seemed forced and then suddenly the remarriage to which she was so opposed, I don't know, does not make any sense to me.

Maybe I just don't understand the format of Jdramas or maybe this was just not a good one. I don't know. I would say this is easily skippable.

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Completed
Moment at Eighteen
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 2, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

Started strong but what an annoying and stupid ending, can't even

This was a show that was going pretty strong for me - both in terms of the story and the acting and then suddenly the story did a whole 180-degree turn in the last 30 minutes and fucked the entire thing up.

1. The story while nice and engaging, did have many loopholes. However, the engaging aspects of it were good enough to keep me fascinated throughout that I could easily overlook the irregularities. There were many issues of consistency like Hwi’s brother often mentioned but nobody really knows what happened to him and then you suddenly see him for like 2 minutes without any context whatsoever. Similarly, in the entire arc of Hwi’s parents, god knows what happened to them.

2. I quite enjoyed the acting of everyone. Have always liked Ong Seong Wu and he totally did not disappoint. I have not seen the FL much and hence was not expecting much going into it, but even she was good. But my favourite people have to be Kang Ki Young, Moon Bin (miss him so much, so many feelings while watching this show, I definitely cried watching him) and Lee Seung Min. This show has some stellar acting and the actors have done justice to the script. What is lacking is the story, not the acting.

3. What I did like was that other than the last episode, we saw stories for all the characters and it was fun. There were lots of cliches, just like you would expect from a school romance, but the overarching subplot of cheating and the teacher was enthralling. I have to say that Oh has been my favourite character in the entire show and I absolutely loved Kang Ki Young’s acting. He is absolutely brilliant and that seems to be a theme for most of his work. He is such a stellar actor.

4. I loved the bond between Oh and Jun Woo but come on, I was expecting him to be more involved with the other students too. In that sense, when he supported Hwi in his own way, that was some redemption for me, which is why this is one character I loved to absolute bits.

5. My frustration lies with just how SHITTY OF AN ENDING the show has. First of all, however emotional the character arc of Jun Woo’s mother is, it was unnecessary, the move was not needed and the ending does not make any sense whatsoever. Did he not take the bus? Did he eventually leave? Did he stay? Do the leads end up together? Like, you need to give me some sense of closure. There are open endings, but this seemed incomplete to me, not even open. In open endings, there is still some closure where things are clear but here all I’m left with is confusion. It is all imagination, which is where I have major issues. This has affected most of my viewing experience greatly.

Good one-time watch, though!

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