bedofroses

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.

Lire davantage

I loved the entire concept of diary-exchanging and blossoming love

I have really liked this show for its portrayal of reality. People are flawed and that's exactly what we see here with our two leading ladies. One is overly self-centred and thinks everything revolves around her while the other is so reserved that she bottles everything up and keeps hurting the people who love her. What's endearing to see is their relationship with one another and those around them while having such contrasting personalities. As Sheng said, they are each other's true love and it absolutely showed. I loved the beautiful and supportive friendship these two women, and the five teenagers at large, share.

At first, I did not like Young at all. But the last episode brought a lot of redemption for her with it. She loves with all her heart and is always there for her friends. My favourite was Tung and it was such a delight to watch her character grow. This is the first time I've seen this actress, and she's so beautiful. Also, I found her acting to be the best. All five were quite suited to their roles.

I also quite liked the entire angle of the Martian and diary-exchanging (don't know what else to call it). However, my complaint remains that I wanted proper clarity on that towards the end. That's where I'm really unsatisfied with this show. For all the build-up towards Tung's love life (the story literally starts and ends with it), her story was poorly covered. I'm super annoyed with that absolutely awkward kiss and ending. Seems like such an afterthought. I wanted something better.

But all in all, it's a light and easy watch. Not many big plotholes. Also covers a variety of controversial issues (for some people) like the life of immigrants, coming out, poverty, divorce, etc. I liked how they handled most of them if not all.

Lire davantage

Hilarious and quite fun, love the dymanics!

I've stanned groups before and after BTS, but the concept of watching variety content for idols came to me with BTS. As someone who has always been so attached to the group, I was finding myself in a place where I seemed to be losing touch just because of lack of presence. This show, along with Run Jin, came at the perfect time, to lift me up and remind me as to how much and why I love this group.

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the two of them enjoying themselves, just relaxing after the hectic life they live, finding solace in each other's company and just being so freaking happy. Their fun antics never failed to bring a smile to my face and I'm so happy for that. It is such a fun and easy watch and so hilarious, in some instances. I've always liked the dynamics of the maknae like, as much as I enjoy the whole group together, it was fun to see them in their element. This just makes me want to travel and be at peace, so that's exactly what I'm going to do.

Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

Lire davantage

Nothing great but finally a coherent story in a Jdrama (for me)

My review will be biased because I've been so disappointed by Jdramas in the past that this seems gold, lol.
Finally, a coherent story that was also enjoyable. It is not the best story, and even the acting is not the best, but the ML really tried. And the story progression makes sense. For once I was not pulling my hair out while watching a Japanese drama.

I feel like the mother's drama was unnecessary and not needed a lot. It was pretty short to be fair, but in 9 episodes, even that seems long. Other than this one thing, I didn't really find anything to complain about per se.

For the FL to be experienced, her reactions to any sort of intimacy were quite hilarious. Nonetheless, a very easy and simple watch. :)

Lire davantage

Easy and fun :)

This show was a definite rollercoaster ride for me. There were instances I absolutely laughed my heart out and enjoyed but then there were times when I hated it so much.

What I did not like:
1. The gaslighting of the daughter's feelings. It feels like although the family and society were largely accepting of her feelings, they did overlook them under the garb of "too much pressure/responsibility" or whatever that nonsense was invalidating her feelings.
2. Too much interference in relationships - while the daughter's feelings were valid, her babying her mother so much as to interfere in her relationships was just a pain to watch.
3. How bad they did to Sanha's character. He's been so poorly written when in fact it could have been a strong storyline. We see that in the last 2-3 episodes. Way too much emphasis on the same old "how did he make the money" mystery. It gets old after a point of time.

What I liked:
They addressed most if not all the issues I have which I like. The dislikes 1 and 2 are more like character flaws, which we have to accept considering character development is the entire point of watching the drama. I like how Mi-rae grows as a person and her mother grows as an independent woman. I like how they made these characters human, who though wrong, learn from it over time and do better. I also found many instances to be funny. It was a light and easy watch for me that I thoroughly enjoyed. Also, as a Minho fan, it was so endearing to watch him in this role. He's super cute and I'm all for it. The man is fine af. Also, the acting by Jin Hee is top-notch. He's just as good as one would expect him to be. I also like how they have given equal weightage to both relationships and given so much time to a rather mature couple, which we rarely see. It's been a fun ride.

Lire davantage

Quite consistent and not that bad, tbh

I did not find this show to be as bad as I thought it would be after reading some comments. I went in with zero expectations considering I have not been introduced to the cast here before and I liked the work by most, if not all of them. It's pretty straightforward and consistent story-telling. There are not many major loopholes that take away from the viewing experience. As a short-length show, I was also quite satisfied with the time skips as it gave a holistic look at their time spent at the village without overdoing it.

What I liked was how all of them had their individual identities and came together as a neighbourhood to support life and one another. It was nice comradeship, as they call it. I can't comment on the depiction of North and South as I'm not aware of the Northern dynamics, but nothing put me off as such. I also found the dialect being used by the supposed North people to be quite fascinating. It's an easy and simple watch, maybe even cute at times. Definitely hilarious in some instances - I really like Kim Ki Hyun in his role.

What I did not like was the ending. For it to be romance-forward, I expected a better reunion of the main cast. While I absolutely loved the ending for the other two couples (quite realistic and cute, especially for our Nam Kyeong-Ho), I'm disappointed in the main couple. It was such a dull goodbye and an even more dull reunion. I was looking forward to more emotions, even a kiss or two and something more happy. But well, it is what it is.

For someone who did not like the FL at all in the first 1 or 2 episodes, the show grew on me and I quite liked it. Recommended for people looking for something super easy and light to watch. :)

Lire davantage

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.

Lire davantage

A really fun and enjoyable watch, must watch for people who enjoy this genre!

First thing first, I did come here for the trope of marriage (of convenience?) and I wanted to see them explore that relationship with their work and life. Sure, they had a nice relationship (I'm a fan) but I feel somehow misled by the synopsis and the few beginning episodes here because there is no marriage. I get it, they were practically married only but they were not. I was looking forward to something complex like say a break up (just an example), etc. Honestly, maybe that's why this is not a perfect 10 for me because this is not what I expected going in.

But facts be facts, what we do get in actuality is absolutely beautiful and amazing. This show has given me three of the healthiest relationships or approaches to a relationship (with the best friend) I've seen in Cdramas for a very very long time. Nobody is perfect and neither were our characters here. I was pissed with Xiao Ning for the blind date, I have been mad at Yu Heng for his absolutely poor communication skills and Rao Jing came off as very offensive at first. But how the show slowly unpacks all these characters, their quirks and individualities is beyond amazing. I have enjoyed watching the relationship develop between our leads and how they've constantly supported one another, resolved their issues like mature adults and maintained their work-life balance. Similarly, Rao Jing and Zhao Fang have given me some of the most hilarious moments in this show and their banter is really fun to watch. They complement each other perfectly and it's nice to see how ZF helps RJ heal her wounds. Lastly, for the best friend, I loved the mature take on the relationship. I agreed 100% that neither of them was wrong and for them to acknowledge that and face reality needs strength. Sometimes you just need to prioritise yourself and your own morals/dreams/desires. All in all, we see three healthy relationships where they tackle issues instead of running from them.

The other aspect I quite enjoy is how they've not shown women as these pseudo-intellectuals. We finally have female friendships where their advice to one another is well thought out, practical and actually helpful - instead of being super toxic. Also how none of the women overstepped their boundaries and gave the leads (in their respective stories) the decision-making power without influencing them. I liked this mature and more realistic take on friendship. No one really has the time to gossip with friends every day after a tiring day at work and no, you do not let your friends dictate every single step you take in a relationship - good on them for portraying that!

Another thing - usually shows with 32 episodes become a drag. I did not feel that way with this one. The story flew very nicely and coherently and not much felt like it was out of place. I'm someone who likes business plots, so I've enjoyed the business aspect, team bonding, and how they worked together as well.

I also think all the actors have done really well in their roles. Xiao Han made me despise her character and the parents were entertaining to watch. Everyone has worked well!

Overall, this is a really great show with a good storyline (though misleading), a nice soundtrack, brilliant acting and a good pace. I've not seen Karlina's works before and I have to say, I've become a fan. She's so stunning and good at her work. You should definitely give this one a try, it'll be worth your time!

Lire davantage

Guilty pleasure but so brainless

Okay, so I have to admit, there are way too many plot holes here for there to be any coherent story tbh. Most of the things make no sense, are quite brainless and make you lost. Half of the story is just the leads making out (hence, guilty pleasure) but the acting by Jesse and Tian Yang is top notch.

Also, it gets quite repetitive. In the sense, majority of the story entails FL doing stupid shit (one after another) and the ML saving her. There's nothing new. The suspense gets lifted early on, so you're just left wondering as to who will win this game. So many things do not make sense. So, do not watch this for the story.

However, do watch this for the chemistry. The leads are fantastic together and for people out there who seek skinship, this is it. Though, mind you, the romance is also very very toxic and abusive. If it was happening to anyone I know, in real life, I would 100% report it for harassment, lol. Have fun watching, shall you do that!

Lire davantage

A nice throwback to old-school beautiful romance

I do not watch many ongoing shows and this one reminded me why once again. It was such a pain to wait one whole week for new episodes, thank god it's a short series. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching this show and I'm sad that it's ending so soon.

First things first, as I said in a comment earlier, I'm actually someone who does not enjoy romance dramas a lot. I need a little more to the story in terms of mystery/suspense/business/friendship or just anything that would not make it just plain old romance. But these days, the South Korean entertainment scene has changed so much that there aren't really many plain old good romance dramas that this feels like such a fresh breath of air and it did not let me down in terms of the story, characters, acting or the music as well.

What I love about this show is that it broke all those usual tropes and I'm all for it. No toxic female friendship considering they share a love interest. I actually love this fresh take on the friendship between the women where they are so so supportive, so amazing. And not just them, but friendship in general. They have portrayed such a beautiful and supportive friendship between the three of them (even five, in a way) and it has been so pleasant to watch. The second trope they break is communication. The characters communicate with one another. Whether it be between parents, or between friends or lovers, they talk to each other. Sure, they might take some time, but they communicate without fear of the response. So happy to see so many healthy relationships in this drama. Third, until now, although the ML's mother does not support their relationship (for maybe selfish reasons), you do not see her causing harm to the FL. So, she does not come across as an evil villain. Fourth, the perfect balance between flashbacks and reality. They do not delve into the flashbacks so much that it becomes boring. One of the rare shows where I did not fast forward even once.

I quite like how they have a coherent story without loose ends and I'm really enjoying the great acting by this bunch of people. It's my first time seeing some of them and it's been very nice. I really like the cute chemistry between both the couples on the show. I also enjoy some comic moments a lot, it does not have unnecessary angst or melodrama - something I was expecting going into it tbh. Maybe that has something to do with the limited episode format.

I'm at crossroads with whether I like the length of the show or not. While it is perfect in the sense that had they increased the episode count, it might have lost some of its positives and maybe indulged in tropes, but I enjoyed their story so much that I just can't help wanting more.

It's a very happy, interesting and beautiful watch. Quite easygoing as well. Would definitely recommend this to my friends! :)

Lire davantage

Super boring and very repetitive

I absolutely loved watching Leo Yang, he's so good.

But that's where it ended. The FL was poor at acting, with barely any expressions throughout. The story, interesting at first, got super super repetitive and boring - so much so that I had to put on hold a show which is only like 4 hours long in total, maybe less? Only my desire to bump up my "on-hold" list had me pick it up again. Plus that ending, damn. I never did well with sad endings especially with this one being unbelievable max.

Good watch for the first half - interesting twists, good chemistry, nice story introduction. However, super boring and sleep-inducing in the second half. Extremely repetitive. You just keep seeing the FL and LY being attacked for the same reason AGAIN AND AGAIN with no innovation whatsoever. Very boring storyline.

Just skip it unless you're an LY fan, he's too fine here to miss.

Lire davantage

Interesting amalgamation of an old storyline, unique-ish fantasy element and brilliant acting

I held off watching this show because of the mystery tag as I usually do not do well with long cliffhangers and only started watching this before the Finale aired so that I could binge-watch this and finish with the final episode, and oh my god, what fun these last two days have been!

First, the story. It's nothing new. This serial killer-like genre has been quite popular with Korean dramas and as somebody who has watched way too many of such shows, I wasn't necessarily impressed with the story per se. Just like other thrillers, it has some major plot holes and things that realistically don't make sense but they are very easy to overlook because you're so hooked onto the story. It did not have anything new but still, it stood out for me because of the fantasy element. It was very nicely done, unwrapped and wrapped up again without making me go mad. Unlike a lot of people here, I wasn't getting annoyed at the late reveal (caveat: maybe that's because I saw it in two days and did not have to actually wait for long week after week). I'm not a fan of fantasy elements and I was still able to enjoy it which means it has been nicely done.

But I think the credit for that goes to one and only Lee Jung Eun. Don't get me wrong. Everyone from the male and female leads to the supporting cast (especially Jung Young Joo) has worked beautifully and done their best, but what took this show to another level for me was the stellar acting by Jung Eun. I've watched her works before, so her brilliant acting is no surprise. What a character, what amazing comic timing and such great feels. She's given her all to the show and it really shows. She brought so much light to this otherwise heavy theme and dark-ish vibe of the show. I absolutely loved the vibe her character was oozing throughout.

One thing to note (only because it rarely happens with me and I was very very surprised) was the second lead syndrome I got in this show, until the very last episode. I'm very happy for our lead couple, they really suit each other and there was never any ill-intention by any of the characters, but omg, my heart was going all out for our Ko Won. It was my first time seeing Seo Hoo and I'm so impressed with his skills, love it! I just love how supporting all the characters in this show are shown: Ko Won, Mr Ju, Ga Yeong, and the parents. Brilliant writing of the characters!

It's a nice show with lots of light-hearted scenes. I wouldn't rate this as a romance though but even that bit has been good in the show. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching it and would definitely recommend watching it.

Lire davantage

Started strong but went downhill towards the end, such a shame!

This show started really strong for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the sweet chemistry between the leads. How I see it, I don’t see a sizzling chemistry between the leads, as you do for the second couple, however, they look good together and complement one another. The acting is also really great by both of the leads and I wish to see them in more works in the future.

However, somewhere towards the middle, the show became a little drag. For a short series of 14 episodes with episodes not that long as well, I feel like it was unnecessary to include some of the tropes like a second male and female lead. It was not even executed well because it was so short that it felt like it was included just for the sake of having that drama instead of actually getting something out of it. Similarly, there were a lot of things happening without any context. Really poor writing and direction towards the middle which made me question if the writer has changed. They’re getting married out of nowhere and many other things happen like that which leave you questioning the entire plot and what exactly is happening.

For instance, Episode 13, though cute, was such a filler episode. No substance whatsoever. They're adding any random fight, argument, or misunderstanding now just to stretch it to 14 episodes. So many good subplots have been missed by their writing team like the business aspect (for the show focusing on her job so much at the start, that is barely covered anymore) or how they got married or even a better confession. As it is now, it starts feeling lame/repetitive/boring to me towards the second half. This was such a good plot, they definitely needed better scriptwriters.

The story in itself is quite simple, straight forward and sweet. I somewhat enjoyed it despite the lack of coordination because I enjoyed their scenes together quite a lot, so I kept my brain aside while watching. It’s an easy and fluffy romance that is a nice watch. Would recommend it for people who’re looking for some cute fluffy romance, no angst per se and no melodrama or toxic people per se (other than that one co-worker). Quite an easy watch (with too many plot holes).

Lire davantage

An electrifying chemistry and the sheer brilliance of Xu Kai almost makes up for everything else

I’m not gonna lie, the story here is quite poor. If you’re someone like me, who enjoys business plots and strong female leads (distinguished from pseudo-strong leads), then you’re going to be in a place where you’ll want to pull out all your hair out of frustration in many instances.

I say this here after interacting a lot in the comments and being attacked by people for voicing any opinion other than sheer love for the show. This page has been quite hostile and unlike every other show I’ve followed when it comes to voicing a less popular opinion. Still, that is not going to make me change my opinion. You’re free to disagree! :)

The writers have done pretty badly to the female lead and other female characters in the show. The show follows all the usual tropes that you notice in your Chinese dramas - so nothing new there. You have an absolutely annoying second female lead who does not take no for an answer and just wants to ruin the main leads. Then you have your average family drama, often noticed in most business dramas. For them to show such strong business rivalry, there is much less screentime given to the sister and her thoughts that you’re just not able to understand where her problem lies other than the basic point of rivalry. Now onto the main lead, they have tried their best to show her as a strong character but it falls flat in your face when you actually analyse her character without being biased and trying to separate her from Seven Tang. She is shown as an incredible engineer - but that is where it ends. She starts a business without literally any research or without consulting with people close to her (read: her boyfriend with whom she is considering a life), she has no business skills and does not take advice when given which results in one failure/problem after another - all stemming from the same cause, she is shown as considerate but often fails to understand the ML, etc. etc. All this points at a pseudo-strong character (possibly written with very basic understanding of feminism and strong females in business) that fails to interest you and makes me quite angry with just how opposite of strong she comes across as. Also, the business aspect - that does not go just for the FL, most things here do not make any logical sense when it comes to how business, management and investing take place in the real world.

So then what makes the show worth your time? It definitely was worth my time and I would watch this show again and again (barring certain aspects).
1. The sheer brilliance of Xu Kai - I have seen a few of his works before so I’m not surprised that he acts so well. But I’ve noticed a different kind of aura around him that I’ve not noticed before and it makes me very attracted to him and his character.
2. The brilliant fashion sense for most of the characters - I have really enjoyed watching some great clothes in this drama
3. The wonderful character of Lili - it is not often that you come across an actually strong female character in Chinese shows. This is one character that I’ve absolutely loved. She is not afraid of going after what she wants, knows her demons and is vulnerable like just any human, values herself to know when to tell the guy off, boldly accepts what gives her pleasure, stands her ground and does not need anyone to protect her in the business world and so much more. Is she flawless? No. But who is? She is a strong independent woman and I’m all for it
4. Last but MOST IMPORTANT, is the stunning chemistry between our two main leads. Their acting has been so natural and the two have come across as a very beautiful and mature couple. I like that they maintain their individual identities even while dating and are not afraid to call each other out. I also like how they grew in their characters after the breakup and came back even stronger - all signs of a healthy relationship (only post the break-up, the FL was VERY VERY TOXIC BEFORE THAT AND NEVER APOLOGISED FOR HER BULLSHIT AND HAD ZERO COMPREHENSION SKILLS AND I'M STILL SALTY ABOUT THAT). Nothing seems forced between the two and it has been quite a pleasure to watch their romance evolve. And not just as characters, even the actors have suited one another and have created a work that will go down with a place of its own. They have brilliant sparks flying and you just can’t help swooning over them.

I would definitely recommend this show for the stunning romance but would leave a word of caution: do not try to make sense of the business aspects - most of it does not make sense.

Edit: This show has one of the best endings I have ever seen in a Korean/Chinese drama. I am going to give this show extra marks just for the 10 minutes of absolute bliss that extra episode is. I'm not crying, you are!

Lire davantage

I love the calm, the healing and the slow-burn romance this show brings with it.

Mind you, it is a very slow romance, which I’ve realised is not everyone’s cup of tea. So, one might want to keep that in mind going into this show. But slow or not, it is a beautiful story of love, support and healing and I’m all for it. The show uncovers the demons of our two leads and also the supporting characters like the aunt and mother of our female lead and masterfully shows how they deal with them (successfully or unsuccessfully). I also quite like how they keep the show real. They don’t show some magical healing journey where the characters reach enlightenment at the end of the 16-episode journey. In fact, you don’t see many of the characters getting a proper closure in terms of healing, some of them even run from it but that’s what makes it so relatable - just how human it is. Healing is a journey and they have all started on it and that’s wonderful in itself.

I quite like the chemistry between the leads - it seems very awkward and natural at the same time - just how their characters are supposed to be. I like how they are not overpowering with their support for one another and instead give each other the space to heal and grow as they like instead of forcing them to simply move on. Also, while they respect one another, you see them having their own individualities. For instance, the FL does not forgive her ex-friend (very rightly so) but you see the ML maintain cordial relations and conversation with her instead of being mean to her just for the sake of the FL. I like how that depicts a very healthy take on relationships.

I also quite like the ending. While I acknowledge that running away was not the best move for the FL, that definitely happens in real life and it was endearing to watch her grow from it. I also liked how the ML’s feelings are vocalised about the same and how he seems to complain (rightly) yet does not seem to complain. I don’t know if I’m able to explain it, but it is beautiful.

I am not a journaling person but ML’s cute way of journaling definitely has me interested in the idea. It’s so heartwarming and beautiful. Also, random, but absolutely love the name Irene - it matches the aura of the show so well.

Everything about this show is really great and I would highly recommend this to everyone. It is very heartwarming and endearing.

Lire davantage