It grew on me
At the beginning I was getting the "how many times have I seen this before" vibes. I didn't find it too interesting, but then about halfway in, I think I just decided to enjoy the ride.It's a story about first loves, fractured relationships, budding friendships, with the obligatory corruption thrown in for good measure. It was enjoyable to get to know the people, some more than others. I thought the 3rd couple was irritating and unnecessary - lots of pouting, whining, and other very juvenile behavior.
The main couple was cute, though I saw them more as friends than anything else, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. I did like how they didn't have any misunderstandings and were there for one another at all times.
BIGGEST DRAW FOR ME - Choo Young Woo as Jung Young Joo. I've not seen this actor in anything else and he was captivating. The ultimate bad boy, but with a strong sense of family and decency. I loved the way this character was written, and Young Woo embodied the part totally. He was very serious, but when he broke into a smile, watch out. And I have to say, surprisingly, that my favorite parts were the development of the relationship between Jung Young Joo and Kang Seo Young. Trying not to be in a relationship, but falling into a relationship, their scenes in the last couple of episodes were just darling.
Disliked - the head of the school (though I was supposed to, so she did a good job). Even more than my dislike of that character was the song Dream On. I swear, they must have played the one line of that song about 250 times. Fingernails on a chalkboard!
I don't feel the need to watch it again, because I didn't love it, but it was certainly worth watching for Choo Young Woo. It's a sweet, low-angst watch.
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Oh the humanity!!
This will be a complete spoiler rant, so if you don't want to know what happens in this show, stop reading. It's been a long time since I have been so frustrated and angry while watching a drama.1) First and foremost, I hated the FL character. This woman was actually stupid. I mean, how many times are you gonna stand in the street and wait to be hit by a car?! Why would you meet up with your cheating, scumbag of an immature ex-boyfriend? Why would you let the girl that slept with your boyfriend boss you around? You're interested in a guy, and he tells you that he's approached you because he thinks you killed his brother, and you don't get mad? Not only that, you tell him over and over again that you like him, knowing that he just thinks you're a killer? You find out who one of the killers is, and you continue to hang around him? AND, you accuse him to his face?!?! You go wandering around at night, by yourself, to find information on the killing, you run into one of the killers, yet you continue to wander by yourself? Then, there is the total lack of work ethic and the fact that she seems unable to do the simplest jobs correctly.
2) I didn't particularly care for anyone in this drama. The ML, the looks he was always giving made me think that he was not the best guy in the world, either. Were we supposed to think that? Why?
3) Too many episodes. The red herrings were flying fast and furiously and there were almost complete episodes that I fast forwarded through because the flashbacks were completely repetitive, and they kept trying to make us think things that weren't true. This can work well, but in this case, I felt like the writers were writing the script on the fly and had no idea where they were going to take the characters.
4) Lack of chemistry between lead characters. They actually seemed to be uncomfortable with each other. It was painful to watch.
5) Once I finally found out what actually happened, it was such a letdown. Again, I felt like the writers boxed themselves into a corner and wrote and ending that no one would care about after all this time.
6) Time Jump - I know, it's obligatory in K-drama world. He left without speaking to her, leaving her a note. Comes back a year later like nothing had happened and she just forgave him?!?! I'm not one for playing games in relationships, but I don't think anyone in their right mind would forgive and forget that easily. Plus the fact that the chemistry was still lacking. This was the first time I've watched a drama where I would have been perfectly happy if he never came back.
The music was the highlight of this drama.
I would not watch this drama again, even if someone offered to pay me to do so.
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Short and sweet
This was a fun, and funny show and I was so pleasantly surprised! This show managed to handle a few of my dislikes in a positive way:1) I don't like historical dramas, but since this was set in modern times and the historical aspect was well-handled, I really enjoyed it.
2) I also don't care for slapstick comedy. This was found in abundance in this show, and it was well-done as well. All of the sound effects added to the fun of the production. There were many times that I laughed out loud. With all of the over-the-top special effects, sound effects and overall silliness, the show was a perfect length for it to not get tiring. *In the last episode, when they did the slow-motion nod to Goblin, I choked on my soda...so funny!!
3) Chinese dramas tend to be long and drawn out. With 18 short episodes, there was no filler.
4) The dubbing in Chinese is problematic for me. Women's voices tend to be screechy and irritating. I understand that they have to dub because of all of the dialects, but better voices would not go amiss. That said, the woman's voice worked in this one. The woman's voice is the same voice that is normally the 2FL voice - high pitched, breathy, childlike. It worked perfectly for the character of Fu Bao - she was a tiny little thing!
5) Sometimes you find a lot of overacting and yelling in Chinese dramas. Again, those things worked perfectly in this show, it added to the slapstick feel (I'm speaking mainly of the villains).
6) Fake kisses/fish kisses. Nowhere to be found here. There was abundant chemistry and good skinship in this one!
This is the perfect show to watch if you don't want to have to think too much and just want something light to watch between heavier dramas.
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Excellent acting
Acting: Kim Jung Hyun as Hyun Tae Woon was really, really good. He's got an interesting look about him. He's kind of rough around the edges and isn't the typical Asian "pretty" actor. He does serious, he does funny, and I totally believed him in this role. I also enjoyed Kim Se Jeong as Ra Eun Ho, but what I enjoyed most was their chemistry. The hate to love didn't go on too terribly long, and they had an actual healthy relationship, based on mutual respect and support, with both of them having a good sense of humor, which, let's face it, is important in a relationship!Story: The plot started out okay, but got bogged down. There were the obligatory evil teachers, administrators and parents (did we really need so many?!?!). There was the one teacher that stood up for the kids - I enjoyed his character. However, ultimately it was less about good and evil, but more about how much the school sucked. I did enjoy the friendships in this drama.
I would have to say that my favorite parts of this show were watching the main couple together.
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Nothing new here
**If you tend to always adore Chinese dramas, especially those about kids in school, pass by this review. Upon looking back at my other reviews, apparently, I don't care much for Chinese high school dramas. None of them has been a stand-out for me. I don't think I'm terribly picky, but they've all seemed pretty immature to me, and I didn't feel that this one was any different. I tend to really like the friendships that develop, but the romance never works for me.This show had a somewhat good premise with the idea of the "brains vs. brawn", but I didn't really feel that the way that they portrayed either group was very realistic. The cast was very large and quite a few people weren't used to their full potential. There were MANY places that the acting it was so bad it was cringe-worthy, and don't get me started on the voices that they use to dub the dialogue. I didn't feel the chemistry between the leads, and the development of their relationship didn't capture my interest. There was quite a bit that I fast forwarded through, because I just wanted to finish it.
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Cute story
I enjoyed this show for what it was. The Japanese dramas that I've seen tend to be simple and straightforward, which I appreciate. This show fell into that category. I rated it a little lower because this one was a little TOO simple. Add to the fact that even with a limited number of episodes, there were scenes that I felt were repetitive.STORY/WRITING: I enjoyed the dynamics between the female lead and her siblings. There was a lot of mutual love and respect between them and they were enjoyable to watch. The female lead was a little too-good-to-be-true, and the mystery of the reason for the male lead living a lonely existence didn't quite ring true. However, the emotions displayed by the male lead were very good. There was a longing there, to be able to live a normal and happy life. I also enjoyed the work scenes, though these could have been cut back some to delve more into the main characters.
CINEMATOGRAPHY: The scenes where the co-worker was in the bar and thinking, the camera work was bad. They could have done something different to show internal dialogue.
CHEMISTRY: The main couple was very cute together. There was some hand-holding, one kiss.
MUSIC: I don't remember it.
REWATCH VALUE: In order to re-watch a show, there has to be something extra (amazing chemistry, humor, believable storyline, or a show that just makes me feel good when I watch it). This show doesn't fall into that category, especially since there are a ton of shows out there to watch. I would, however, say that if you want an easy, cute watch, this one might be for you.
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Not enough meat to the story
I'm usually a fan of movies, rather than a series, if it is well-done. Chinese series, in particular, tend to be very drawn out with a lot of filler that I can do without. Unfortunately, this movie seemed to be all about the filler and no meat. We never got to really delve into the personalities and the motivations of the characters. The acting was okay, given what they had to work with, but there wasn't enough good writing to let us care about them and what happened to them. I have enjoyed the actors in other shows, but the lack of chemistry here was very disappointing. Add to that a very unsatisfactory ending and I just got the feeling that I had wasted my time in watching this.Was this review helpful to you?
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So much to love, but...
I'll start by saying that if you want a slow-paced drama, this is one that has a lot going for it. My overall impressions -OST - exquisite. The music is perfect, blending the beauty of classical piano with the sadness of a cello, and some beautiful songs that flow effortlessly throughout the show. The music was excellent at pulling emotion out when the script itself wasn't able to accomplish it.
Cinematography - I think this is the most beautifully filmed K-drama that I've seen. The camera filters that give so many scenes the filmy/artsy look. The play of light and shadow was brilliant. Some very good slow motion work, and I loved how most of the show was dressed up in pastels, nothing bright and jarring, save an occasional pop from a red sweater. Him walking through the woods near his childhood home was gorgeous, and the snow scenes were amazing. So, actually, I'd have to say that most of my love for this show vacillated between the OST and the cinematography. In my mind, while I was watching, I kept saying, "pretty!"
Costuming - nothing too attention-getting here, but I had to mention the trench coat that Jung Hae In wore in ep 11 with the leather collar and accents. It was just beautiful and it conveyed power and anger in the scene that he was doing at that time.
Acting - excellent. Jung Hae In as Ha Won was very understated and had wounds from his past, though I didn't really feel sorry for him because of the reasoning (to be discussed in storyline). Chae Soo Bin as Seo Woo - she is really lovely. She has those sad eyes but a perkiness about her that is so endearing. She ran a lot in this show, and it was so cute, her running down the alleyways from place to place. The rest of the cast was very good - I loved Lee Jung Eun as Min-Jung, the grieving mother.
Chemistry - the main couple was cute together, but no off the chart chemistry. This was a "comfortable" relationship (kind of like an old pair of shoes), they spent time together, supporting one another and learning more about one another, but I didn't feel any progression of their relationship. There was one kiss.
Storyline - Overall, this was a story of healing. Healing from loss, healing from loneliness, healing from aspirations unachieved, and healing from secrets coming out too late. Each person in the story dealt with their losses in a different way, and I really liked how the writers delved into ways of healing - opening up to friendships, being brave to put yourself out there to someone you like, turning loose of old hurts. I especially loved the scenes in the boarding house, where the boarders would sit on the floor in the kitchen and drink and talk and laugh. They were each getting something special from this bonding. Again, Lee Jung Eun was wonderful as a mom that feels guilt and despair and has closed herself off from emotional contacts. Watching her open up was a treat.
SPOILERS BELOW:
Writing - here's where my problem came in. First, I'm sure others have mentioned it, but the fact that this show was shortened from 16 to 12 episodes because of low ratings is telling. There was a subtle shift in the pacing of the last couple of episodes as they tried to tie up all loose ends. Ha Won and his 10-year unrequited love for someone that went and married someone else was just pathetic (and why did she, anyway?). A lot of the scenes between Ha won and Seo Woo didn't ring true, because he'd been in love with an ideal for a decade, and then after a few conversations with Seo Woo he's moved on? Plus, I felt that Seo Woo was kind of a doormat. I know she was supposed to be understanding of his dilemma, but really, anyone in real life would say "snap out of it!" And the AI aspect was not believable and just kind of creepy. The ending was very abrupt and unsatisfying.
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What a letdown!
This show was well-acted, and there was really a lot going on, but I didn't find the relationships believable. You've been with a guy for years, but suddenly have an interest in someone else, but then you're kind of "meh" about him as well. Maybe I was most disappointed in this show because it was more of a "discovery of who I am as a person" compared with a romance. The last episode had a tastefully and beautifully filmed scene with the main leads, but the ending was so bland I really didn't feel that they would have a future together. Or maybe they would, but by this time I just didn't care.Was this review helpful to you?
Not earthshattering, but very enjoyable
The Veronica Park character, very annoying - but she really redeemed herself and was so amusing. The storyline, initially not too interesting. Once the storyline really got started, lots of twists! The main characters? Great chemistry and they were both lovely to watch. I found myself smiling, a lot, they were just so cute together. He did a wonderful job of portraying loneliness in his life. He also had the cutest pout. And yes, I did some crying, oh, and laughing too! I don’t like when there aren’t consequences for evil (uncle). Mistaken identity went on longer than I would have liked, but overall this show gave me all the feels. Lovely happy ending.Was this review helpful to you?
What endearing characters!
This show reminded me of a rich, sweet dessert. It was so delicious, but I wanted to take small bites in order to savor it and enjoy every bit of it. This is a show about the families we are born into, and the families we create for ourselves. There were so many sweet moments when I found myself smiling like a lunatic, as well as the heartbreaking moments where I kept reaching for tissues. All of the actors did a terrific job with a wonderful script. I didn't feel that there was anything extraneous in this show, nothing that felt like filler just to have more episodes. Each character had strengths on their own merit. Woo Seo Ri has been in a coma for 13 years. There are so many ways the writers could have gone wrong with this - by turning it slapstick/silly, by making her behave in an immature way throughout - thankfully they didn't do that. She suffered, sure, but she had a strength of character that allowed her to keep forging forward. She had a lovely, positive attitude. Gong Woo Gin had a tragedy in his past that changed him - he cut himself off from human contact. Yang Se Jong, who played him, was exceptional. Watching him unfold like a flower, opening up to those around him was such a special thing to watch. And when something happened and he started to close up around himself again, my heart broke. I also loved Mr. Gong's nephew and his friends, and Jennifer? She was astounding! How someone can convey so much emotion while being emotionless is amazing. I thought they were going to use one of the standard (overused) ideas for the ending, and I was so happy when they didn't! The chemistry between all the cast was just wonderful. I feel like I don't want to move on to something else yet, and start this whole thing over again tomorrow. I put off watching this for a long time because I thought it was going to be filled with cliches, but the writers took the high road and turned this into something unique and wonderful.I also have to say that I LOVED that there wasn't the evil love rival in this. Jung Eugene as win Joo's boss was terrific, and it was a joy to see a strong woman in her own right, being friends with a man for years. They, too, had sort of a familial relationship. I felt that each relationship was so special, and because of this, I have enjoyed watching this drama numerous times.
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Serious melodrama
This review is based upon my reaction ONLY to the show. I'm a romance/happy ending kind of girl, and this was WAAAYYY on the other end of the spectrum. This is a serious melodrama.If you want to see some awesome acting by Seo In Guk, watch this. He was amazing. Here he plays completely opposite to anything we've seen him in to date. I had a hard time seeing him as anything other than the hero of a show, but he was chillingly believable.
I felt that the female lead's character was severely lacking in self esteem and came across as needy. This was a woman that should not be let to make her own choices, because she chooses wrong every time.
The music was perfect and carried the mood well.
I have to say that I was depressed after watching this show. Too much angst, too much deception, too much melodrama.
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Predictable, could have done with fewer episodes
Yoo Yeon Seok played his part well. It was fun watching all his different personas come out. I especially loved watching his brother-in-law discovering and coming to terms with what was going on - comedy gold. A couple of the stories made me cry.Unfortunately, as I was watching, I found myself thinking, "Okay, this will happen next", and I was usually right. So, for me, I couldn't be totally in the story, if that makes any sense. I was always aware that I was just watching the drama.
The romance angle was unnecessary and didn't work. Romance is my favorite genre, but it needs to make sense. Yoo Yeon Seok and Esom had no chemistry, and she seemed too old for him.
If you have nothing else that you want to watch and you need something easy, you'll probably like this one.
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Good buddy movie
Personally, I think this would have been much better as a movie or a 12-episode drama. It felt too drawn out to me, with its plethora of bad guys. However, all the bad guys were good, bad guys, if that makes any sense. None were over the top, evil for the sake of being evil. Mostly, they were morally grey, hungry for power and money.The female lead, all I could focus on was her unfortunate (extremely unfortunate!) hairstyle. Every time she was on screen, there it was.
That being said, the two MLs were amazing!
Park Hae Jin as K - Cold, stoic, observant spy. He had the perfect "blank" face for this part. So much of his emotions needed to be conveyed with his eyes, or the small quirk in his mouth. Watching him becoming more human as time went along was a joy.
Park Sung Woong as Yeo Woon - I've seen him as a bad guy a lot, so I had to adjust my thinking. I loved watching him go from self-centered "the world revolves around me" to a very caring individual.
These two together had a wonderful bromance. Yeo Woon was all in, K was reluctant but got sucked in anyway. Their interactions were fun to watch.
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Watch it for the food!
I hadn't seen the leads in other roles, and I enjoyed them both in this. I liked his goofiness. He and the FL bickered like an old married couple, which was cute. The secondary characters that helped them with the restaurant were fun to watch as well. The food was beautifully displayed and filmed.My problem with this show was that it went off the rails with the entrance of the ex-boyfriend. I always like to see Yoo Yeon Seok in anything, but this storyline departed too far from the original storyline and then we lost time trying to get it back on track.
And can we talk about the ML's mother?!? What a nightmare (as she was meant to be)! But when she cheated during the competition and the French guy knew it, she should have been called out on it.
This show was an enjoyable watch, but it failed to live up to its own expectations.
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