sharreb
Short, Sweet & Buoyed by the cast
"You're the most beautiful when you're doing the things you love and enjoy every moment of it"Love the message it ultimately delivers.
The story itself between Sato Ai and Hasebe Sosuke is truly romantic. They have feelings for each other as children. He came back only to slowly fall back in love with her without knowing her real identity. Despite a rough start, he remains attracted to all the wonderful personality and traits of Ai. While to Ai, Sosuke turns out to be the same cute clumsy and sweet guy that she knows. Its nice to see a ML who although initially misunderstood FL and comes off as rude but doesnt take forever to realise it. Gotta give him credit for being humble enough to admit and apologize.
This production is buoyed by casting the right people for the leads. Both ML and FL were so good in their roles. ML can switch between cool and cold to clumsily adorable to sexy and flirty. FL is so expressive without goin over the top. She makes Ai so much more beautiful and special. Both of them are top notch at emoting. They deliver so well attraction, shyness and sexual tension.
Lastly the plot and production is good. A longer drama like K or C versions would have made it draggy or annoying. 10 episodes is just right in fleshing out character, plot that continuously moves and wrapping up nicely. Do watch, its easily one of the best version.
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Tangible, Poetic Piece
When the screenwriter is the original author, you already know what you sign up for.The opening 5 minutes already set the tone: the picturesque setting, the weather, the bgm, the FL's expression. Character and world building all set up in the first episode.
FL is refined, unblemished, almost goody two-shoe and whole heartedly faces the ML whom she fell in love with at first sight.
ML is a gentle warrior. In war, he is accomplish and incites loyalty in his army. Off it, he is kind, gentlemanly and humble. He does not carry nobility arrogantly. He seem to have all the good traits a man can have.
I think the atmosphere is really tangible. There is a lot of things not spoken but expressed. There is a lot of meaning behind a glance, a smile, a gesture.
I think this piece is a challenge to both ML and FL, who both rose to the occassion. Allen Ren is already known for his expressiveness that earn him alot of praises since Under the Power. FL have a lot of renowned works, both in modern and historical setting. And I felt she manage to carve out a Shi Yi who is very diff from her other previous characters.
I want to mention the crown prince. From the moment he grace the screen, he eminated charisma. So much i went to check and boy hes so young but does so well and had so much presence.
Like the book, there is a poetic feel to the drama that I cant help appreciating.Im glad Mo Bao Fei Bao and PD manage to translate it here to the screen. Im not exactly a fan of her works, it tends to be tinge with melancholy melo tones. The story and setting reminds me not everyone have the ability to love and be with the one they love.. especiallly not in ancient China and the position they both hold. This is so sad.
The decision to split the past life from the present was suprising for me. It was woven seamlessly in the novel. I wonder are we gonna have flashbacks in the sequel since modern day Shi Yi has memories of her past life?
Like everyone else Im waiting for Sep 9. For all the heartache and pain they went through, we want nothing more than the two to be given another chance. Perhaps second time aroud fate would be kinder.
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Autumn kind of love
The feels. A little melancholy. A little warm. Depends on your mood. A falling leaf can be soothing, can be sad. And the drama seesaws between the two quite seamlessly.If you watch ML moving in the darkness in his house. Thats cause the blind does not need the light at night. Then next scene its in the bright joyful setting of the FL and her roommate. The first quarter of the drama shows the two extremes of our CP. I dont know i find that very moving.
As she gets into his world and move him bit by bit, his house too becomes enveloped with light. I find the picture of him and his heart to be parallel and symbolic.
Moving on to the characterization. Male lead has a more extreme personality. He doesnt like, he doesnt do, he doesnt care and he wont spare a thought or a look. He is extrememly quiet and stays in his world due to the unpleasant childhood and his lack of sight. Like he put in words later, a person like him doesnt love easily. And to forget the person he love, is even more impossible. So this explains and may let you condone some of his extreme actions and reactions.
Female lead is again those courageous girl that puts on a wonderwoman suit and fights to enter the guy's realm after she fell in love at first sight and the same person whose songwriting she admires. She sometimes fumbles or gets into sticky embarrasing moments. But shes always honest and makes a lot of effort to understand him.
The biggest gem is the songs and ost. As I Believe is my favorite. Its the type at first verse, im totally suck in. Fall was another winner. And ML's song sang by Lin Yanjun himself. They blend into the drama, and make the scenes more impactful.
There is some change in tone as the drama progresses, which i know peeps complained about. I wouldnt say its perfect. But it did reflect how the leads are the same and yet different as time progresses. The jealous fiance husband could be toned down but i suppose grown man can be childish too. Some couples like a lot of couquetishness so as long as they are happy, thats all that matters.
Lastly the chemistry is what makes it really work. You just only need to see the comfortable body language and feel the ML and FL are so right for this pairing. They have the best hugs, forehead touches and eskimo kiss! Do watch.
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CUTE
Cute guys. Cute FL. Cute cats. Cute story.Controversies aside, the dramas works because its a complete package. As shallow as it is, its a casting of a lot of good looking people and make esports arena a place of idols looking peeps. Theres a lot of witty dialogue that makes you laugh aloud. Theres team spirit and camaderie among the esports team. Theres nice animation for the game fights. Theres good progress in the romance department between the ML and FL. Theres a lot of cute edits from the editor, point in case they gave a HP bar above FL when she was unwell/suffering from mestrual cramps. I thought that was really cute. And theres the cute cats that totally steal my heart.
Worthy mentions: FL's bestfriend is such a nice character, i love her sass and confidence. Little Fatty is a really cute character, i love him in d novel, i love him the same in the drama.
Kudos to the production team that did great post-production work here. Ive seen C dramas with good cast and story marred by poor editing which makes it hard to watch and follow. Not the case here, episode to episode flows very well, very easy to binge.
If theres things to criticize it might be the FL's acting range. Clueless, nonchalance or adorable those were fine but more emotional scenes need a lot of work still. But they make it up with good chemistry cause Xu Kai prpbably is her best onscreen partner thus far. While i was watching my husband kept pointing out how over their makeup was and how everyone is too white ^^ lol. Still this was a fun watch.
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Good dose of Romance, Slight Mystery
Original chinese title is Fall In Love Shi Meng! reflects the drama better.. breakdown of the contents would be:5% plot setup.
30% cohabitation hijinks.
20% developing affection & attachment.
20% sweet start of romance.
20% 2nd ML interactions with ML, FL
5% Mystery & wrap up
Fate or destiny is considered part of the theme but in the end is also dependent on the person's action. Shi Meng and Fang Yuan can be considered "Interested at First Sight" but truly "Develop Affection and Love" as they cohabitate as the idiom says "Familiarity Breeds Fondness".
Shi Meng only focuses on work, has a rift with his brother and generally has an unapproachable air and gets annoyed easily. Fang Yuan can be considered duped into staying with Shi Meng as a 'caretaker'. They stayed together with Shi Meng installing a set of rules but Fang Yuan hilariously pushes his limits in silly ways. Fang Yuan is quite a lovely character, not stupid, positive disposition although sometimes her illness dampens her mood.
Theres some role reversal where FL takes the initiative and so things, small action to grand gesture to make the ML happy. Then theres the ML thats seemingly cool and reluctant would end up doing gentle things for FL like teaching her to skate or helping her wash her hair. So trust me, theres quite alot of lovely moments.
Ep 1 was not really interesting until the last 3mins. Ep2 to 4 I was distracted and turned to other dramas. Ep 5 onwards finally hooked me. Ep 6 onwards was binge worthy.
The plot isnt super original and the start wasnt without issues. But overall its a very good watch. The ML and FL makes a beautiful couple and their acting is quite natural.
Ps Theres really alot of tall goodlooking actors popping out in C dramaland everywhere. This year alone have com across quite a number of average to good dramas starring new actors. Truly spoilt with choice. You may have overlooked this drama due to lesser known actors and little promotion but its a show thats mostly light and sweet with a touch of mystery and good dose of romantic moments between leads
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The positives:
Plot
Each episode but one delivers a new cold case that needs solving. Unwavering each episode starts moments before a crime took place. The writing dives straight into the task force gathering clues, gathering info, meeting potential suspects. Unlike C or even K dramas that take time (or too much time) developing individual characters of main cast, this drama lets you observe their characters as they so the job. And through each case, we saw how it may connect to the main cast member. How it effected them and drop hints of the ghosts in their closet. Simple interactions as they meet at work or after work allows you to peek into their lives. Its something to pick up on your own, yet its purposeful and never as afterthought.
Character
Captain Ishikawa is like that woman you admire. Who is proficient, efficient and sometimes blunt. Who seems to be steadfast yet rigid in her stance. Who looks calm on the surface but like a deep pool of water, you are attracted to find more about her and indeed theres much in her past that made her the way she is now.
Takagi, the new guy who quickly found his groove with the rest of the team. He seem to see thing on the surface but you come to find out his many strengths, not just as a member of the taskforce but as a person. I find his nature sometimes sweet, sometkmes gullible. But he forms a fascinating contrast to Ishikawa
Motoki, the vice and moat senior from appearance to demeanor was always in control, dependable and conducts his team in a soft leader manner. We also saw a bit of how his work ate away on his personal life and family.
Tachikawa and Kaneko rounds up the team and both are very likable. Tachikawa exudes a sometime male egoism and biasness but hes a good cop that gains your favor as the drama progresses. I look forward to knowing more of them as character and their own background story in Season2.
Acting
The actors playing the main casts were all spot on and effective in their roles. Yoshida You is new to me and she amazes me with her own screen charisma. Shes the type of actress that draws you in from both performance and appearance. Not just attractive appeal but her portrayal of Ishikawa was multi facet, sometimes strong and tough, sometimes calm and sharp, sometimes bias and emotional and when she cracked, vulnerable and even broken. Exceptional is the only word i can sum up for both the actress and her character.
Music
Opening theme and songs used were very nice. A lot of nostalgic english songs used too.
Crime and story range
Almost every theme, with different victims in different background, decade, was explored. Suspects, motives and culprits were variable too. Cases involving kids were particularly emotional for me. Most of the cases gets you emotiobally invested and a few makes you put not just your detectice hat on but criminalpsychology too.
The negatives
I wish the season is longer. 10 episodes wasnt enough for me. The other was tje development in Cap Ishikawa's sister while i dont hate it, i didnt particularly like it either.
Verdict
If you enjoy the genre of crime, investigation,detective and mystery, this drama tick all the boxes. Theres not much frills and diversion, a major plus in my book. Im amazed that even though each episode isnt long and total episode count isnt alot, it manages to develop the main cast with the limited screentime on their personal lives. Season 2 will be out in less than a week at the time of writing this review. My suggestion is binge watch this drama's season 1, you wont be disappointed.
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The greatest weakness are one dimensional characters so i really didnt care for HaNi's prince aka Chef. They never explores his character further from his face blindness to his stern nature that dissolved to nothing aft a few encounters with our mermaid.
Some other characters fare better. Hyun Myung was a thoroughly good guy, sweet and does all the heroic things without saying a peep. Hye Yeong potrayed by the awesome Seul Hi was exceptional and fun. She has her own loveline with Big. Hani the mermaid literally brought out tje bubbles from the sea, shes bubbly, outgoin, childish but adorable. And her fairy godmother is veteran actor Ahn Kil Kang currently playing Kim Bokju's father in weightlifting fairy.
The first two episodes takes some getting use to as the comedic side was lashed out outrageously n a bit out of the norm for K dramas. They do dial that down lateron. The show also suffers from pacing. Cause by end of ep 9 you can literally hear the pd shouts Wrap it up hence ep 10 feels rushed. You have just gotten use to the surplus house and its inhabitants and suddenly they chased you out. Thats the result of 4 episodes being cut off.
Regardless its enjoyable for being an oddball, being alittle kooky and also its potrayal of how love isnt like what naive Hani imagined it to be. Additional .5 marks cause im happy a real couple is born from this drama and happy to report they are still dating.
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Of Ghost and Curse and unfinished business in an unremarkable manner
Ghost/horror genre and ability of a human to see them is not new. ML has a fulltime job as a photographer of the dead prior to crossing over to afterlife. It's a cursed ability handed through generation in his family. His sidekicks are 2 ghosts (ex deskworker and ex cop) both with reasons of unfinished business and had stayed in the land of the living.The main selling point were the episodic telling of the stories of each ghost visitor. From child to elderlies, each with their final request. ML's role, often challenging but rewarding to see the visitors have a proper closing before sending off to the other realm. This worked well in the beginning.. I cried on episodes of grandma, the child, abd the courier deliveryman. Those were stories that were touching and memorable.
Enter my criticism. Later on its fixated on the overall big baddie ghost. And sidetracked by cop ghost's story about his wife (very skippable). That enjoyable nature of diff ghost diff story was abandoned.
Next the romance between our ML and FL. In the beginning I enjoyed how ML seem a lil antihero and FL was kind of bubbly and goofy. ML was just trying to survive the curse and escape the looming death. I felt their relationship never reached the height it should. If hot is 100C, theirs is like lukewarm. Cause of this I never felt the intensity of a love thats connected to life and death.
From execution of plot to casting of the leads, it never truly fulfilled what it was supposed to. Nothing truly disastrous, but isnt remarkable either.
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Subtly sweet, Better than expected
I lowered to not much expectation for this drama but was curious after watching YT clips.It started off on a note telling you not to take it seriously. FL has an inner drama queen, furnished with monologues and an active imagination that comes with the territory as a part time writer. Then slowly it evolves.
Before I knew it the characters have back story and become more than an idol drama. Both FL and ML are not exactly the proactive type. ML has a strict routine but when FL makes an impression to him, it was very evident the steps he take and the changes he make so as to interact with her more. Some people call this a slow burn romance. Which i agree partially. FL has postive feelings but is a type who isnt terribly confident in herself and inexperience in relationships. But the many episodes of them spending time together and enjoying each others company in that blurry line of doctor-patient, friend or more than friend was nice.
The love triangle was nicely written too, with a plotline that links back to the past. It didnt drag as well. So what could have been annoying only help to unravel the knot and make it. clear to FL what her heart feels.
Switch to the secondary lovestories, both besties of FL. I like Wu Ying's story better. I did skip on Ma Yi Yi's part. But i have to say FL's bro was pretty cute in the way that he is protective in a sweet way.
I skimmed the novel. There are many shared scenes and dialogue with the drama. But they have dial down ML's character. The drama version was much more mild. Lastly, although I did enjoy the drama on most parts, I still find the acting lacking. Betty Wu was still better than what Ive seen in her previous drama. Alot of her expressions reminsicent to her persona in reality shows. For ML he had som good scenes and some not so. When the dualogue says he looks at FL with stars in his eyes, i cant help eyerolling. Because i didnt feel it. I am jus so aware he is acting and you dont feel hes as atrracted to her as the script calls for.
Honestly we had alot of C dramas in this category and you cant help comparing. We've been treated to idol-actor CPs who had better chemistry (eg Our secret imo). I keep thinking the delivery could have been different with different actors. And that affects the depth of the drama to me. All in all, its still a breezy watch.
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THE GOOD:
Plot was strong- One thats tightly woven the present and past selves of the otp and the event that bounds them.
The characters- Multiple characters that shine,who incite fear, incite warmth, incite hatred, incite admiration and a few that are truly memorable
Acting- Heo Joon Ho - cant get anyone who can be so effective in his role. A stare, a smirk, his silhoute screams his presence. He delivers a grippling performance. Kim Kyung Nam delivered arguably the most difficult role and personally i thought he was a scene stealer. He was just so good and his well written character almost made me yearn for him to be a maincast, more scenes, just more.. Seo Jung Yeon delivered in so many scenes, her portrayal moves me and was wonderfully cast.
The message: Belief, understanding and selflessness sows the seeds of love. They gave the environment for the best self to persevere through darkness and evil. And of course, sometimes all we need is someone standing at your corner and there to give a reassuring hug.
The sort of bromance: without spoiling too much lets just say some of my favorite scenes are between the hyungs.
THE WEAKNESS:
Unfortunate loopholes in the plot including useless policemen or lack of as a plot device just so that it set up a following scene or forced a tense situation.
Jang Ki Yong really expanded his repertoire with this drama. Unfortunately he's found lacking when potraying certain emotions. The difference in performance is especially stark when they put side by side young Na Moo and present Na Moo. Nam Da Reum (young Na moo) delivered more on point with soft gaze, sorrow, broken hearted, or touched. The plays of emotions are easily picked up on his face while i struggled sometimes to read Jang Ki Yong's. I also felt that although otp had good chemistry, they never reach a point of total abandonment and immersion of that kind of love (a supposingly deep soul-grippling childhood to adulthood over a decade span of love. )
If this was a jtbc or ocn drama it could have been 12 episodes (or 24 episodes of 30mins) and it would have elevated the drama without overdoing flasbacks, cut out needless dilly-dally scenes. It could have been a tight plot with no fillers at all.
For all these reasons its a 9.0 for me. Its a good thriller with a warm message. Please do give it a chance if you havnt watched it.
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There isnt quite a guy like Fang Zhan Chen, the male lead. Someone like him is super rare in both dramaland and reality. Hes the ultimate boyfriend. Hes gentle, caring, attentive and his actions speaks louder than words.
What is beautiful in this drama are Fang boss and his caretaker Yue xi's interaction when he was blind. Lots of romantic scenes (although some are quite cliche scenarios); among my favourite was guiding her in the dark when she was afraid, dancing together, piggyback on barefoot and her singing for him.
Its also rare to come across two leads who are very balance in love. By that i mean actually both Fang boss and Yue Xi are the types who when loves somebody puts that person as top priority. They value their loved ones and would go beyond to make that person happy. Yue xi is also a very warm person and once she cares for a person she does it whole heartedly.
Back to the storyline although my favorite bits are when hes still blind ( ep 2 to 11); i appreciate the scriptwriters didnt leave until the end tl give Fang boss his sight.
Other pluses include no evil meddlesome parents (their parents are cute and wonderful) and Fang boss sister initially annoying slowly changes and has her own cute romance with the priest.
Bo yan, our main antagonist also have a very good wrapup towards the end in my opinion. Interesting to compare Bo yan and Fang boss love. For Bo yan, once he acquired Yue xi's love already he assume thats something he dont have to waste more effort and time in her. For Fang boss, for someone you love you will always make time for them.
I have to say i love alot of the sceneries (fields, green hills, meteor shower, sky lit with wishing lantern) in this drama as well as the cablecar, come across as very fresh and unique.
I also love the songs used in this drama including the one Lorene sing in her character.
Drawbacks would probably be ep17 (watch and you will know) and maybe Fang boss was a tad too perfect?
Another comment is probably i would have wished his dead wife isnt identical twin. Fraternal would have been better. Cause seriously same face , how could that not have marred judgement of his feelings initially.
Regardless this was a very warm and sweet drama
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This is a super short drama that captures how the fates of 3people become intertwined and help each other to find themselves. That in the end one needs to enjoy what you do in order to do it well and happily. Without a doubt Ji Soo's character Cha Sik shines the brightest. i really enjoyed watchin him in Sassy Go Go. Here he is both funny on the dorky side and determined in learning to play.
I just checked and am suprise Kim So Hyun who plays the young prodigy Yoo Sul who turned blind is only 16. what a great actress. Here's hoping she will be casted in more dramas. Her character initially takes some warming up to due to arrogance and aloofness. This changes after her accident and subsequenly meets Cha Sik. As she opens up so did my heart open up for her too.
Jin Mok her archrival was another character that took some time to warm up to. He was petty to begin with. Turns out what he needed most was confidence in himself and to play it freely to enjoy piano.
Music i rated perfect 10 for the piano piece which was syphony and soothing balm to listen to.
My only complain is i wish it was longer. I have become invested in all 3 of the characters by the end of episode 3 and there's nothing to go on from there. I did like to think and hope Cha Sik gets to romance YooSul.. any hopes for a Special or part 2?
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This fantasy drama i know isnt perfect and its story takes on a reflective stand, sometimes choosing to dwell on moments. It may feel slow to some but i find it poetic and gave time to appreciate the people the place and their lives. Almost all scenes were so beautifully shot, the scenery is breathtaking and film like. The opening theme to the first ost Stay with me already tells you the music for this drama is equally daebak
I would never have imagined Gong Yoo and Lee Dong Wook in the same drama. But there must be drama gods hearing the people's prayers and hopes. The bromance of Goblin and Grim is so spot on, friendship, laughters and more. The main cast all pull their weight from Kim Go Eun whose natural beauty and calibre was suited as bright Eun Tak to Yook Sung Jae and Yoo In Na. Even its supporting cast (Samshin, Director yoo, Secretary kim, Park Joong Won) were all superb and each had commanding screenpresence and brought so much to the narration of the story.
Towards the end i love the message that humans though seemingly small and frail compared to deities and the almighty, but we can surprise you with our will that can change the course of fate. And lastly to live and love like its your last day. Its so simple but often forgotten. I'll cherish this drama. And for now there isnt a drama i can recommend that quite captures the gist, the tone, and the feels like Goblin does. Thats how unique it is.
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Male: Handsome, Proactive, Supportive, A tease, Tall, Sweet, A listener, Values family, A swimmer
Female: Strong, Tall, Pretty, Charming, Values family and friends, Vibrant attitude, straight shooter, Weightlifter
Story: Friends to couple, first love, college life, sports life, family and strong friendships
Bokjoo and Joon hyung seriously the sweetest couple in K history. It is very refreshing when a guy is proactive, means what he says and acts on it when he realises his feelings. What worked to make this drama awesome is the amazingly natural chemistry of our leads who are comfortable and playful on and off screen. Couple that with the writer whose previous works includes Oh my ghost, you know its a winner. The charm of this drama is that its not heavy but its not your usual fluff. It has winsome characters, and male female leads you come to love and a sweet journey watching this two support each other through the challenges they faced in school or at home and fall in love. The drama doesnt dwell too long on one issue and never draggy. It highlights the wonderful time in college with the first blooms of love and the amazing girlfriends we have.
Ive never more convinced of two people more suited for each other, as jeon joon hyung and kim bok joo complements each other. Long after this show ends i will always remember our bokjoo and joonhyung.
Watch and you will know what i mean. This underdog show captured my heart in surprise. It has so much heart warming scenes not just the romance but also father-daughter and mother-son relationship. Really a gem
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