A new kind of Cantabile!

If you are expecting that it factor from the original Nodame Cantabile (japanese drama) or the craziness that was Tomorrow’s Cantabile (korean version), this isn’t it. This drama is not a remake but an adaptation. There are elements from the original story that are waaaay tone down and this makes Symphony’s Romance break away, distinguish itself, and become a drama on its own but still be that familiar tale you know so well. As a result I could enjoy the drama without constantly comparing it to the other versions.

The relationship between Xiao Wo and Zhen Yan develops naturally, from a mutual admiration of the talent each holds to a professional and personal partnership among equals. This makes the romance feel more grounded and mature. A welcome change since it makes leading man more affectionate and open to the leading lady’s proactive and flirty ways and, in return, he becomes the person she can rely on when her genius overwhelms her. They support each other’s dreams and ambitions, based on the knowledge not only of themselves as individuals but as a couple. They keep choosing each other through hardships and insecurities. Xiao Wo and Zhen Yan work out things together like the dream team they choose to be.

The same can be said about the secondary characters. For once we see what happens when some of them make it in the world of classical music and others don’t. What happens among friends, lovers and rivals, whom so far have been following the same path, when they go out into the stage of the world. Do they follow their vocation? Was music just daydreaming? Do they decide to follow society’s expectations of what kind of job they should have?

I appreciate this more realistic take on the story. It’s not a youth drama, it’s a drama about young adults trying to find their place in the world and that’s definitely Symphony’s Romance strongest point.

The only weak point, for me, it’s the musical performances. In a drama about musicians and the need to stand on the stage as the best version of yourself, the performances were lacking for my taste. I am not sure if it was the music selection or the editing but, at times, it felt like there was no emotion behind the music that was playing. It should have been since it was supposed to be the culmination of trials the characters had gone through. In very few performances I can truly say that it felt like these passionate musicians left everything on the stage. However, this does not take away from the drama or the character development.

Overall, I had a really great time with this drama and enjoyed every episode. I have no complains about this drama, it gave me exactly what I wanted and needed from it. Symphony’s Romance is the perfect drama to relax and enjoy as the story evolves and its characters grow. With a super cute romance on top. I recommend it!

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"It's not that I've fallen in love again. I've never stopped loving you."

All These Years is a beautiful film about two young people finding the very best version of love and helping each other grow through life's hardships, family's expectations, distance and time.

The script is tight, coherent. Beautifully sad and hopeful at the same time. The characters well rounded with very real problems based on actual contemporary issues, such as social classes and expectations based on gender, which makes it even more heartbreaking. You understand the decisions they are making are the best option for each other, even if it means being apart. Still, their love always makes them cheer for the other to become the best version of themselves.

Sun Qian and Zhang Xin Cheng's chemistry in INSANE. Like, DAMN! Not once I didn't believe in their performances or the story they were telling me. They carried the entire film flawlessly. Bravo.

I enjoyed every single minute of this film right up to the end, which left me with a chuckle and the biggest smile.

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A wasted opportunity

This drama started strong, with an interesting premise, and solid performances from the lead actors. In another life, a young couple is torn apart by tragedy and after 1500 years, many lives later, they reunite in the present time to find answers in order to have closure. The initial mystery reminded a lot of Goblin's Sunny and Grim Reaper, so I was excited to see this type of story unfold.

Sadly, I don't know what happened behind the scenes of this production because the script it's a hot mess. Each week it was like a new type of narrative being told, too many voices not being able to properly tell the main story. The drama doesn't seem to take advantage of its strong points nor develops properly the main conflict, and it stretches the mystery of the past live way too long. I even dare say they wasted the good chemistry between the lead actors. The dialogue it's unnatural, full of badly built riddles.

The music selected feels generic, it doesn't complement the characters well nor the situations and overall story.

Truly a wasted opportunity to make a really good story.

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A must watch cdrama!

Adding a 40 episodes long cdrama to my cw list wasn’t on my plans, but the promos of Wonderland of Love seemed really interesting. I also fully blame XuKai and his undeniable charm. I am glad I watched this drama because it's definitely a must if you enjoy historical romances interconnected with war and court politics.

This drama knows what it’s doing. Half of it was about defeating the throne usurper. The next 10 episodes about court chess play to decide who will be the next Crown Prince and Princess. The final 10 episodes are all about trying to gain political stability and finishing off old enemies.

The development of each arc, with its respective main conflict, was amazing. I am content with how they handled every storyline. There are no victories without risks and some loses. Both leads’s journey is really well done, cohesive, grounded and coherent to their respective personalities and wishes. Even a bigger bathtub... iyyk.

On this note, I have to thank whoever decided to cast Xu Kai and Jing Tian together because their chemistry is electrifying. There was never a doubt of my mind that their characters were meant for each other and would get their way. I also love to see a happy and affectionate couple that’s not shy to show their love… or how hot they are for each other!

This is how I like my leads: two equals working together and communicating properly in order to achieve a common goal, while also learning from each other and growing as people together. They are also badass military savants, masters of the art of war, fearless and kind leaders. They have my loyalty and respect.

The secondary characters were equally endearing and interesting. I particularly appreciate the nuance of the former Crown Princess, forever torn between duty and what her heart wants. A wonderful performance by Zeng Li. The comedic timing and cool presence of performances from Jiang Kai, He Feng Tian and Zhu Hong Jia were a breath of fresh air.

I truly enjoyed this drama from beginning to end. I can't recommend it enough.

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Not worth your time

True To Love’s story is mediocre at best and its script problematic AF.

I swear the writer of this drama never hold a proper conversation with a woman before, and further more seems to want to constantly humiliate the female lead. I understand wanting to bring a know it all character down so she can grow to become a better person but that’s not what the writer does.

The relationships per se are not bad and there’s development, except for the married couple which I detested with passion. Especially the husband since it made it look like what the wife was asking for was insane when in fact he has grown lazy and makes her feel unwanted and not loved.

The acting is not bad, these are all really talented artist, but I simply can’t recommend this drama.

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Disappointing

Considering all the hype surrounding this film, I was expecting to find a top notch romantic comedy about a couple getting a second chance at love. Instead what I got was the most generic and predictable story that was at times funny but mostly plain boring. I had a really hard time connecting with the characters and, worse, understanding why they should get back together at all. Yes, relationships are difficult, love it's not enough, and those involved need to put the work but this was never properly developed through the excruciating two hours film.

The acting is okay, mostly coming from supporting characters because it can't be from the leads. I am baffled as people seems to think Jung So Min and Kang Ha Neul give great performances when I have seen them do 100 times better, in the same genre, than what they delivered in this film. Personally, I don't think they are the problem. The cast was perfectly selected for each role, I would argue this film suffers from its director or scriptwriter. Maybe both.

It makes me sad to say this but Love Reset was not worth it.

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Dumbfounding…

The way this kdrama’s potential and momentum was wasted leaves me dumbfounded.

They got Rowoon perfectly cast and yet didn’t properly use his comedic timing, nor the comedy of errors narrative. That’s when The Matchmakers shined. Sadly, it took another route.

The stories between the couples the leads were interesting enough but so underwhelming, underdeveloped and unfinished, I can’t help but feel we didn’t spend enough time with them to engage or care.

The wildest part was when, somehow, the scriptwriter thought it a good idea to match a literal underage child with a grown woman. I don’t care how historically accurate this is, ew. They marry and we don’t see anything happen but she’s literal a older sister/mother figure.

And the resolution for the leads… I can’t. Just, wow.

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Making time for the important.

Nowadays the urgent doesn't leave time for the important and that's Summer Strike's entire premise. A young woman deciding to make time for what is important for her own mental health and happiness. This is not a perfect drama but it's something I would recommend for its message.

I think any warning should be that this drama is not a fun romance but a slice of life portraying sensitive issues as mental, emotional and physical pain and health. I found some of these characters so annoying because of the accuracy in which sexism, ignorance, selfishness and closed-mindedness is portrayed in the show. We all want this world to be different, but most of the time Summer Strike shows it like it is. Changes are gradual and slow. Trust the healing process because it's very satisfying. Thankfully the frustrating characters and moments are well balanced with wholesome scenes, which will have to squealing and laughing with excitement.

All these characters, who were alienated, abused and depressed were able to find each other and create a family. It's not a perfect family but it fills the house with laughter, kindness and warmth. That's what matters and I love it.

I have read comments about how Yeo-reum didn't get any development because she never "stood up for herself". I would say that she didn't need to: she was perfectly fine as she was and if anything her softness was actually the catalyst for change in others. Yeo-reum's "development", in my opinion, was about accepting herself for who she is, wants and needs; not changing and becoming tougher. I would even go as far as to argue, her softness are what makes her strong. Because she keeps putting herself out there and living her life the best she can, knowing full well she might get hurt but that there's also the chance for something magical happening. She has a rich inner life and at the end it's reflected on the outside as well. If anything, Yeo-reum "stood up for herself" in the very first episodes when she quitted her job and moved away. That decision wasn't about her running away, but about her running towards something. She just didn't know what yet.

Another important message in Summer Strike is that being soft is not a bad thing. Leaving toxic environments and relationships, it's okay. You don't have to be an ambitious person just because society expects you to be due to your intellect, gender or any other reason they come up with. Learn to know what is it that you need.

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Dropping it and for good reason

After watching the first three episodes, I have some thoughts on this drama that give me pause.

Right off the bat, I don't like how the storyline is basically based on leading man drugging leading lady to make her lose her memory and taking advantage of it in order to make her believe she is "his woman". MAJOR ICK.

When it comes to the plot of the drama, I can already tell how it's going to develop and kinda guessed the ending.

Performance wise, I am dumbfounded. Hwang Hee is the strongest link. Everyone else is overcompensating for a bad storyline. I have seen members of this cast in different roles before and I know exactly how good they can be. My guess it's that they are being told to lean on the original webtoon material, which it's fine, but not so heavy.

Look, Park Ji-Hoon was amazing in Weak Hero Class 1 but I'm frankly deeply upset he accepted this incredibly ill thought out project. Even he can't carry the crap dialogue, weirdly disjointed jumps, and underlying creepy premise for his connection to the female lead. It's just bad.

Lee Jung-sub, the director of this drama has worked in some very fun projects and scriptwriter Yoon Kyung-ah was responsible for stories like At Eighteen, so... Iike I said I am dumbfounded.

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It's good.

I think fans who have been watching kdramas for a while will be able to find familiar elements in what makes Destined with You: Candy female lead, Chaebol male lead, aloof but cool second lead, unhinged girlfriend, past lives and spells. It honestly feels like describing a kdrama from the 2010s, like My Girlfriend is a Gumiho.

My issue is the script. The way the story is structured makes the situations feel repetitive, with no proper development in some of the gaps within the logic of the kdrama.

The kdrama mostly works because of the undeniable chemistry between Jo Bo Ah and Rowoon. They both give really good performances, full of charm and heartfelt moments. I have been following both actors since the star of their respective careers and I am delighted to see them grow in their craft.

The secondary characters were entertaining enough but, honestly, forgetful. Yura and Ha Joon being the standouts, along side some veteran actors that overstayed their welcome in my opinion.

The production quality of Destined with You is solid, and it really shows when it "flashbacks" to the Joseon period, the transitions between dream, reality and memory it's amazing and so pretty to look at.

Overall, I think this is an entertaining watch with some issues that can be ignored if you are looking to have a good time with a fantasy rom-com.

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Nicely done

Shoutout to My Hot Sexless Lover!

This drama follows a group of young adults in contemporary Japan. Each are in a different stage of their lives as they try to figure out their relationships with other people and themselves. But what I really liked about this drama is that it's mostly for a sweet love letter about embracing your needs in a healthy and responsible way in order to love yourself and others.

The story overall is kinda generic, so it's really the acting that carries this drama and the actors deliver with their performances.

Overall, I enjoyed this drama for what it is: an easygoing drama about love, sex and friendship.

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Well done, but...

Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim 3 is probably the weakest season and yet it manages to deliver great performances, character development and music. It ends the main story perfectly and even leaves the opportunity for another season open. Well done.

I particularly liked how Nurse Eun-tak and Dr. Jung had a chance to shine this season, with their own storylines, and not as supportive characters only. I also appreciate the full circle moment of having former cast members comeback for important guest roles. This story is no longer about Kim Sabu teaching his younger colleagues, but those former students teaching others now. Wonderful.

Full disclosure: it was difficult for me to watch this season without having to fast forward scenes featuring an actor who I know is a piece of 💩 IRL. I find contradictory this person was cast on a tv show where ethic behaviour serves at the backbone for Kim Sabu's teachings, personality and other characters's arc. Do better, show. Stay away from that one actor in the future.

You might be wondering, why comment on this? Because as a viewer it changed my experience of this drama. A drama I have been following since it aired its first season in 2016. On this season, when this particular actor was on the screen, I found it nauseating and annoying. Once he was gone, a little over midway in the season, things got far more interesting and the story even better. The show ended strong because he was not there.

If producers and writers are making plans for a fourth season, they should consider not hiring this man again. It distroys everything he touches.

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Entertaining and fun drama!

A historical drama with a twist: it imagines ancient China as a matriarchal society. The Romance of Tiger and Rose is set in the fictional city of Huayuan, where women rule, command armies and hold public office. They even pass their family names on to their children. On the other hand, male characters aren’t allowed to pursue their studies or careers; instead, they’re to be obedient and virtuous, and dream of meeting a woman who will sweep them off their feet and into a life of domestic bliss.

Meanwhile, the neighbor and rival city, remains a patriarchal society where women are to study decorum, stay silent, do what husband’s tell them, take care of the house, children and parents. As a result, the problems that arise in this city sound familiar: young people prefer to stay single or ask for a divorce within a year after getting married, and birth rates drop. Their government even debates, at on point, a marriage law and if citizens don’t comply then they would get fined or even go to jail.

The drama is clearly trying to get through a point and it’s not surprise that gender issues, which are being largely talked about and challenged in contemporary China, are showing up in Dramaland.

An interesting premise but the drama does not analyze this matters, preferring exposition and gender bender hilarity to make a point about equality between men and women. Still, the issue is right there staring at you and impossible to ignore since it makes all the difference about the lives and interactions of the leads, which are -of course- each from one of these cities.

Since this is about a screenwriter getting trapped in the drama she wrote, the story also gets meta at times. Right down with leading lady calling the most prestigious storytellers of the city to a “writer’s room” where they talk about how to change the story and they end up debating all the usual drama troupes, ship wars and more. It was definitely my favorite running joke in the show.

Still, I had a great time with this absolutely charming and lighthearted drama. Kudos to Zhao Lu Si and Ding Yu Xi for their work as leads, their chemistry was fun, sweet and off the charts. The secondary cast does an amazing job, particularly Wu Yijian and Liu Shuyuan, who played the respective loyal right hands of each lead and were hilarious at it.

I recommend it!

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Letting go of expectations and embracing flexibility

Do you know Ashtanga is a hit with me. It delivers everything you want from a young adult story: it's funny, sexy and has some really well done classic rom-com moments.

Nara, our leading lady, is best described as a complainer. She's at a point of her life where things seem to have stuck: her personal and work life are not good, she compares herself to others and and even judges them.

I really appreciate a drama special centering around a young woman, in her thirties, still trying to figure out things. After quitting a well paid job and following her passion, Nara is not even close to have an answers about life and has to deal with her own insecurities, which are mostly what's holding her back, and that feels true to life. Nara goes through a journey of accepting life as it is and learning to change what she doesn't like about it. Letting go of her expectations might be the hardest part, especially when society has programmed you to be a certain way and have certain things, at certain age.

To say she's at a low point emotionally it's an understatement. That's when she experiences an adorable meet-cute with Tae-joon, the son of the wealthy family from whom Nara rents the studio where she teaches yoga.

Tae-joon likes Nara immediately, thinking of her as the perfect combination of cute and cool. He is polite, nerdy, eager to help and respectful. His attraction to Nara is based on the fact he likes how she holds herself trough life... he might be one of the greenest flags I have seen in Dramaland.

He also deals with his own insecurities about his economic status, being self-conscious about people seeing him as a spoiled rich guy having grown up with a family that it's rather snobby and not a fan of his views on life. For example, his mother berates him for collecting items to donate for the needy and insist for him to start wearing luxury brands instead of buying clothes at the smaller shops at the neighbourhood. It's clear people have misjudged him before because of his money.

The story might be full of tropes but is in the performances where this story shines. Both leads deliver their lines with such an easy chemistry, dry humor and comedic timing that's impossible not to smile at every interaction they share. The story is so well written that it feels well rounded and the world lived in, the characters full of colour.

I absolutely recommend this sweet and fun rom-com that might give you some food for thought.

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