sparklybearsy_143

What a surprising delight this show turned out to be!

Based on the trailer, you could have assumed this show was going to be a silly piece of fluff.
Even though Duang, our male lead, was frequently a silly goofball, I was thoroughly surprised by the depth and soul the show incorporated into particular scenes.
I needed a few episodes to grasp Duang's character, and when he showed his serious side, I was truly impressed by Tee Tee's acting skills. He performed exceptionally well during those scenes. Watching Qin's growth from cold/aloof into a happy, smiling in love puppy was so sweet!

So, after reading the book, I was happy we got to see a lot of the important stuff between Duang and Qin.
And even though I loved every episode, it wasn't totally perfect for me.
If it were up to me, I would have omitted the Jamie/Marvis segments.
The scenes felt out of place and undeveloped, merely occupying time. I would have rather had more filler from the main characters. The Jamie/Marvis scenes would make sense if they were building towards a separate series; otherwise, the finale should have provided resolution. My opinion on this stems from my dislike of the novel Jamie; I found him even more irritating in the book.
Apart from that small nitpicky detail, wholly personal to me, don't be offended if our thoughts don't align, which really didn’t detract from my enjoyment, I loved Duang and Qin so much. They were the cutest puppies and if the execs wanted to throw a season 2 at us, I would be sat to watch. In only 12 episodes, the actors did a wonderful job of showing how their relationship blossomed.

To be loved by Duang the way he worships Qin would warm anyone’s heart!

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I'll remember it for the beautiful aesthetics.

I’m going to bullet-point my review of the notes I took while I watched.
I’ll preface it by saying this is my opinion only – there’s no need for fangirls to comment and disagree, okay? Okay! Lol. I’m so happy if you loved it.
I wanted to like it more than I did, but after watching several of Esther’s shows, I have the same complaint about all of them.

• So, right off the bat – male lead (for me… my opinion only) outshone female lead. His acting was sublime; his intensity was super engaging in every scene, especially in the action or crying moments.
• The male lead was a yearner, very affectionate, and I was here for it! I also loved those long coats he wore. Costumes can make or break a scene.
• Speaking of clothes – the female lead wore a different outfit in EVERY SCENE! The clothing budget must have been astronomical. And she only brought a regular-sized suitcase with her. Where did she fit all those clothes? Lol.
• Sorry, but I can’t stand the baby voice. Or the “cutesy” acting, which I now know is a trait Esther uses in her acting. And to give her her due, when she was in those serious scenes toward the end of the show, I thought she was incredibly good, so she can do it.
• I’ll use my inside voice when I say I think the second female lead would have done a better job as lead.
• Oof. Of course, there is a dominant mom – but the turnaround was actually well done. I don’t usually buy into last-minute redemption.
• The location's aesthetic was gorgeous – it made every scene pop.
• My favorite part of the show was how both leads bettered themselves throughout the time apart.

I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it as much as I hoped to.

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Lord cleanse my brain!

Whoever in Kung Thee’s green earth wrote this trash-bag needs their computer tossing into an overflowing volcano!
In all the BLs I’ve consumed, Type will go down as the character I hate the most. That tantrum throwing, bigoted abuser needed to be thrown out of a window. I lost count of the times he punched and hit Tharn – no apologies, no consequences for the domestic abuse and Tharn just smiled and took it. Since the story was about homophobia, I was ready to be open-minded and learn from the author. However, unless I blinked and missed it, there wasn't anything to learn. Type was the same prick from start to finish. Even Tharn’s ex asked, “What’s so good about him?” I was screaming EXACTLY!
Tharn was supposed to be the good guy but even he crossed boundaries in the early episodes, and then continued to be an absolute spineless drip for all his exes which irked my eyeballs.
I'm so annoyed that I made myself watch this entire show, hoping for just one good part. So, out of all the great shows, this is the one they picked for a second season? And you expect me to believe they’re still together after 7 years! Get out of here with that nonsense. There’s no way Tharn hasn’t pushed Type out of a window in all that time.
My opinion is entirely for the plot only and not towards the actors – they did their best. You can’t expect a Mona Lisa with dried out pens.
I’ll end on a good note.
Techno was the cutest dummy lol.
And Lhong’s surprise baddie plot twist was impressive, dude played the long game – though no consequences for his actions? Okay, author, trashy, trashy.

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I hate maths - but I loved this show!

Everyone can find something to appreciate in the feel-good, heartwarming nature of Absolute Value of Romance. Every character added to the story, and it was great to see what happened each week.
Since I wrote fanfic myself when I was younger, I can totally relate. I just never wrote about teachers or anyone I actually knew, lol. I was into the plot from the get-go.

The teachers were great! Loved their differing personalities and how close they were with each other. Though we never got much backstory, they were able to convey their bond.
Eui Ju brought that sweet innocence to the show. Her emotions were always right there on the surface. She was brilliantly portrayed by the actress.

As a romanceaholic, I will always look for the romantic connections in any show like a bird seeking out seeds,
And as a dark romance reader, I’m not brand new to the teacher-student, forbidden love trope.
Though some of the viewers were hanging on for any sign that Eui Ju’s school girl crush would transpire into something real with Mr. Ga, it was obvious almost from the start, we would not be getting that.
Or even a time jump to the future where they meet as adults.

But you know what? I was not disappointed this time! I really enjoyed the connection they had as teacher and student.
His care for his students was clear.
Though, I’m with Eui Ju, I don’t get Math, either!
It was clear how he helped Eui Ju develop a passion for writing.

And, I'm always wondering what happens next with characters after a show ends, 'cause, you know, their lives don't just stop there! So, I think off screen, these characters will become great friends in the future.

If you want a sweet, low angst show to sink into, I’d absolutely recommend.
I'm clinging to a tiny bit of hope that this show will be one of the lucky ones who get a second season.

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Oof. I haven't been this boiled over a show in a while lol.

I always base my reviews on how a show has made me feel. I'm not clever enough to delve into the intricacies of the deeper meaning of plots, dialogue etc. I go on vibes only, so my review is solely that - and no other reason.

The first two episodes were so lovely and cosy, I was having a great time walking the line with the two male leads - it definitely would have been a 9 star show. And then episodes 3 and 4 came along and made me hate-rage like I haven't hate-raged a show in a while. The snap decision Akira made, after spending all those years with Nishi was such a bad plot move. Whew. Akira, you're now on my hated characters list lol. (Nisha, you're a total sweetheart and deserved better - my five stars are for him and the first two eps only) This plotline was my idea of hell - I admit I'm not a fan of these kind of breakups and long separations when other people are involved, so I know I'm the wrong demographic (again, this is only my opinion) and had I read reviews before watching, I would have swerved this show.

I'm more vexed that we didn't see sweet raggedy-haired Nishi during those 8 years. How did he live? Did he achieve his goals? did he find other relationships? He forgave Akira too easily, and had the show added a fifth episode better fix what he'd broken, I might have been on board for a reconciliation instead of been left feeling empty and mad. lol.

I will end on a positive. The acting was stellar!! I loved both actors portrayal of their characters and would love to watch more of their shows.

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So cozy from beginning to end (even with the tears!).

I can't recall why I started watching this show in the first week, as it's not typically something I'd choose, but I'm very happy I did because it's become a beloved show for relaxation. It was full of tender elements along with romantic ones.
The talking cats really captured my affection. It was integrated into the plot so smoothly, and thankfully, not at all cheesy.

I’m brand new to any of First and Khaotung’s shows, but it won’t be the last, I now need to watch everything they’ve been in. Their acting and chemistry was amazing. I could happily watch more episodes of Tiger and Lynx being happy in their cat-raising life. And Lynx being Tiger’s favorite cat is too adorable. All those slow blinks to each other and petting got my heart racing!

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I came for the popularity and I stayed for the yearner!

Contract marriage is some of my catnip favorite trope in romance, so I was all over this show, excited!

I take notes while I watch my shows, for if ever I want to go back and re-watch, so I’ll just bullet point my views.

• The MMC was so flipping dreamy. I want that exact character in another drama! He was a YEARNER!
• FMC was so chaotically disastrous. Every scene was another calamity. It’s a personal pet peeve, so won’t bother most. The show would have absolutely been rated 10 if not for this.
• Acting from the entire cast was so good.
• The grandfather was so dramatic – adored him lol.
• Oh, that second couple. They almost overtook the first couple.
• The theme song was a great earworm. It’s now part of my playlist.

I know this is considered one of the best older shows, and so, still being new to watching Korean shows, I had to put this one on my to watch list – and I have zero regrets!

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Sometimes all you want is the fluffiest rom-com!

For a slice of life, small town, rom-com, this show had a stellar set of cast that pulled the fun storyline together.
The main couple were just adorable together - ML was the greenest forest you could ever ask for. Though, I was slightly perplexed at times when he was made out to be not quite human, having super strength. He as just an averaged sized guy - totally human, and not fearsome, yet everyone was afraid of him!

I went in for the rom-com, mostly for a palette cleanser, and I've had this show on my watch list for a while, but I stayed for the lol moments, the sweet moments, the character growth, the 2ML, who had more face card than than ML (only in my opinion) the cute nephew, and the adorable doggo.

A definite watch if you want something not heavy and all fluffy. :)

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What in the ambiguity ending was that?

Since I liked A Breeze of Love, the actor's previous project, I was thrilled to see them reunited in a new drama.
I enjoy shows with time travel, and I'll happily binge them. A story featuring time travel to the past to alter the present, however, requires careful pacing and a coherent storyline. And more importantly, it is crucial that you execute the landing flawlessly.
The MLs' performances and on-screen chemistry were excellent, but I believe the plot would have benefited from additional episodes. Some parts felt too fast, others were confusing because I wasn't sure when things were happening, and then some scenes seemed like they were chopped up to make it shorter.
I could overlook all of that because, honestly, I liked the story and was totally invested, but seriously, what kind of ending was that?
I can't stand it when directors make the ending confusing. I don’t want it be left up to me how I translated the ending. Show it to me categorically for a warm, satisfied feeling.

Did the two boys meet again?
Or were they on two different timelines? it was never made clear - just shot beautifully.
If only they’d touched hands at least, it would have given a definitive answer.

Finishing on a good note, I’d watch other shows with these two actors together again!

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I’ll miss Minato and Wataru.

This was the slowest of slow burn shows – but it’s what J-BL is best at and I’ve enjoyed waiting each week for the next installment. I can see it’s not to everyone’s tastes who like a faster pace plot or more NC’s and intense intimacy scenes (I love those things too, but I know to expect a different flow with a J-drama)
The layered narrative from school boys to adults felt very real and my heart was aching alongside sweet Minato as he waited for Wataru to catch up to his feelings. Thank god that slow boy got there in the end lol.
The last episode was thoroughly a joy. I could have watched 6 more episodes of the boys just being in their domestic happiness.

If you’re a fan of photography, then this show would be your wet dream.
Watch it for the gorgeous scenery.
Watch it for the slow-paced plot.
Watch it for the two great friends, their connection so evident in every scene.

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I wouldn’t be mad if I woke up and found out I was married to Hajime!

Mao and Hajime made for the cutest couple navigating this new life together with their ‘oops, we got married when I was drunk!’ I loved how the storyline revealed feelings and secrets. Each episode was a satisfying watch.
For his devotion to Mao, Hajime stood out as one of the most exceptional male leads I've seen in a while. Some of the most memorable moments for me were those showing their domestic life.
Oh, Mao, my sweet martyr. I grew tired of seeing her mistreated by everyone, particularly her awful ex-boyfriend, but I was pleased she eventually stood up for herself.

This show could have easily earned a perfect score for its charm and smooth pacing, but unfortunately, the plot veered sharply to the right, and the writers overloaded it with so many elements that it lost some of its original tenderness.

But it’s definitely one I will watch again and wholly recommend.

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The psychological warfare in this show was insane!

The toxicity in this drama came in so many waves, I don’t think I’ll recover lol.

We all thought it was just some regular psycho fighting over a toy, but then BAM! Plot twist! Kim Su Hyeon wasn't the crazy one after all. (like he, was… but he wasn’t….) and he is the character I latched onto, and I liked him ( for the most part) I kept hoping he’d have a redeeming moment. I was rooting for this raving sociopath – but he was just too angry and violent for him to ever be the leading man who won Da On. But oh, the actor rocked this role!

After all 8 episodes, I'm still stumped about why those two super-smart but totally nuts psychos were into Da On. What made these two men latch onto him from their school days and make him into a disciple puppy, because, as cute as Da On is, sweet and unproblematic, and his doe-eyes were adorable, he had the personality of uncooked bread and butter pudding!
And you want me to believe two lunatics, plus a green flag all chased him like rabid dogs?!

Because I love dark romances, I definitely would have chosen Kim Su Hyeon. I think having all of Da On’s love would have calmed him right down – says my delululu side. LOL.

A fun show I’d recommend, if you want to be wide-eyed every episode from their psycho antics.
Also, what a little shit Jae was. I’m glad I never liked him from the start.

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Worth it for the great actors!

Two of my favorite actors, but I felt like the affection was so awkward. I don’t know if it was because of their height difference and Rowoon had to kind of hunch over Jo Boah.

I was still fixed to the storyline, though. Past lovers are always a good plotline in my opinion.
Mostly because I was flabbergasted the MMC would have a girlfriend for soooo many episodes, right up until ep 11! I know this differed from an actual cheating trope because he didn’t have feelings for the girl, but she got on my last nerve, always interfering and just being there! Like one conversation, dude and she would have been rid of. The MMC was super passive throughout, especially with his father.

I liked the second male lead, but even he had his moments of just getting in the way. It’s lazy plot bunnies and this story didn't need that many cliffhangers.

(Notable mention to the work colleagues' sideline relationship! So cute.)

Overall, I enjoyed it, would watch it again, and would recommend it.
If only to see the bloody hand which was oddly erotic lol.

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