Could've Been Great

Ditto (2022) had the main essence of the story down already. The casts were also good in portraying their roles. Especially the main lead, Yeo Jin Goo. He was able to flawlessly show the emotions needed; from falling in love, being paranoid, jealous, up to being broken. The cinematography was also brilliant. The usage of colors to differentiate timelines and create mood was perfectly executed.

The downfall of this movie was it's flow. It failed to show the relationship of the other characters to the main lead, Kim Yong. And these relationships are the backbone of the story. This is what would've make all the difference. These relationships are what'll make viewers invested to the story. Sadly, the movie focused on moving from past to present which led to very disorganized story.

As an example the past storyline:
The friendship of Kim Yong to Eun Sung. They were supposed to be best friends. But in the movie, it seemed like Eun Sung is the only one portraying best friend. Kim Yong was suddenly this overly jealous and paranoid boyfriend to Han Sol. Then his relationship with Han Sol also seemed rushed. We weren't given enough scenes to be invested in their story. We just see Kim Yong being really inlove with her, but on Han Sols part, there weren't enough scenes to staple or depict her feeling the same way. If the movie gave more light and exposure to their relationship, I think, viewers, such as I, would've felt more about their story.

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Just Okay...

This series could've been better if the episodes were shorter. Having 16 episodes seemed too much when the story development is sadly just subpar. The happy ending is seriously so lackluster that it seemed like it was written just to please everyone and give everyone a somewhat happy ending. One of the saving grace of this series was the acting. Almost all of the cast did a great portrayal of their characters. Their acting is amazing- especially since I've watched most of them act in a way different manner in other dramas.

BUT, I may be in the minority when I also say that I felt little to no spark between the leads. I think that one of the reasons I watched this is because I liked the story development of the FML Jamie and her 'tutor/nanny' more than the romance aspect itself. I also enjoyed the interactions that included the Senior Manager of Ji Ho and Gwang-name. They're hilarious!

One of the characters I was rooting for to have a great ending- because he deserves it, was Gwang-nam. He's seriously one of the best support characters I've watched! He also had a great potential storyline, but it was sadly overlooked because the story focused too much on the bland romance aspect. The ending given to him was such a downer. Every single character, minus the antagonist, got what they all wanted, except this cinnamon roll. UGH.

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Worth The Wait!

Waited for half a year to be able to watch this and I'm so glad it didn't disappoint! I devoured all available episodes in one sitting when I first streamed it; I think, it had around 20+ episodes at that time.

Anyway, this show has a great storyline that's easy to be invested in. Though I did find the mortal realm storyline a tiny bit slow... But hey, the interactions of Yang Zi and Cheng Yi are cute and hilarious there, plus there are fewer restrictions than in the heavenly realm. Yey for that! Overall, all the other characters are all easy to love and hate. The SML is easily lovable and adorable, and one of the main villains is just pure despicable that she's done the role justice. Plus, is it just me, or is this mostly a recast from Ashes of Love? Either way, It's so relieving to see characters from that show play unique and wholly different characters here. I seriously can't wait for Part 2 now!

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Healing and Growth

I think that the focus of this drama was to follow the individual growth of Song San Chuan and Liang You An. Song San Chuan getting over the multiple traumas he had endured were definitely tear inducing moments. I think that's what carried the whole show, watching him struggle, learn, and become the best version of himself.

Because if I'm going to be honest, the romance aspect of this drama was a bust. Felt more like a sensei - student kinda bond than an actual romance. It's also kinda annoying how Song San Chuan was the one bending all over the place for Liang You An. I do get that she's more mature and more experienced in the business. But honestly, the way she acted overall regarding their relationship, especially towards the beginning was just cringey and definitely a red flag in real life.

While I did finish the drama, I couldn't really say that I fully enjoyed it or recommend. It was just okay.

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Expectations Exceeded

I came in with zero expectations when I started watching this show, but it ended with me having so much love and respect to it.

Admittedly, the first two episodes seemed slow for me. But as I continued watching, I couldn't helped but be sucked in the relationship of the main leads. What started as a relationship that's only a means to an end, developed into benefactress and backer, to a suprising friendship, then blossomed as lovers, and trusting partners.

The growth of almost all the characters, especially the main leads in the story carried the show. How they trusted and believed in each other is also one of the best parts of the show. There wasn't any third party romance in the story as one of the strong qualities of the main couple is that they learned to trust each other early on- which is a relief as love triangles are already so tiring to watch.

I also loved all the supporting characters and how they're all about supporting the main leads and their love for each other, while at the same time having their separate affairs as well. It was such a well written story that even if it was enveloped in political drama, I was able to enjoy it thoroughly.

Lastly, while I honestly wasn't able to feel the electric chemistry between the leads, they acted their roles so perfectly that as a viewer I couldn't help but root for their characters to have their happy ending. This is actually a huge deal for me; as a romance and chemistry bias viewer, I'm all about that. This show changed me. It made me realize that it isn't always all about chemistry; acting and storyline done right can still make a perfect drama, regardless of it.

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Disappointing.

I may be in the minority, or not. But this show was such a huge letdown for me. They used "Family" so much in the drama, but they made it too comedic and not really something to look forward to watching. The action drama and storyline of the series could've been its saving grace, but the story had so many plot holes it was such a headache to watch and appreciate. While the plot twist with Jang Nara's history seemed like the saving grace of the drama, it wasn't enough. Not only were the first episodes very dragging, but also lacked chemistry between the leads and the family members- the interactions shown all seemed very fake and cringey. Most especially the husband and wife interactions. It's so bland. The way I see it, they portrayed it like they're just staying together for the sake of being like a family... The attitude of the male lead towards the beginning was also such a red flag.

Honestly, I was only able to finish the series with the hope that it'll turn better but it didn't. Until the end, the plotholes just thickened and nothing still made sense.

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Innocent, Heartwarming, and Definitely A Hopeless Romantics Dream

I loved everything about this series! It's honestly such a feel good one, that'll leave you smiling and giddy with butterflies until the end.

The chemistry between the leads is on fire. The story was perfect (in my opinion) as nothing was rushed and the transitions are seamless. The development of both characters individually and as one was also something I loved watching- their journey was sincerely heartwarming and heart fluttering. It's also big relief that there wasn't any real villains and angsty scenes- enjoyment was to the max! Plus, the bromance and sibling relationship in this is top notch and is honestly every little sisters dream. The circle friends of both male and female lead are also all amazing and very supportive. Honestly, this is such a sweet show that I'll probably never tire or re-watching.

Definitely a favorite of mine now!

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Could Do Better

The leads are good and are with electric chemistry. But the story flow and the assistant of the FML is the downfall of this mini series.

The story if executed properly could've been good. Sadly, story flow was all over the place and doesn't make any clear sense. The explanation they did towards the end was it's saving grace.

The FML and her assistant was written so disgustingly bad. FML was too easy to manipulate and be bossed around- even by her own assistant! The assistant who was already so sketchy from the start and was able to manipulate FML for own agenda. What annoyed me most was that she didn't even get any punishment for all the slander that he did to the MML and his female assistant. Ugh. That assistant pretended to care for FML but was only in it because she liked her brother. I really hated that character.

Anyway, MML did actually good in this mini series, considering that this was his first role. He was able to portray his role with justice. With more practice and maybe more acting classes, I believe he'll be able to also make it in the c-entertainment industry.

Overall, this mini series is a good way to past time. But it's not something I'd label as rewatch worthy.

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Heartbreakingly Beautiful

Immortal Samsara as a whole is heartbreakingly beautiful. The sacrifices both leads had to do not just for each other but for the whole realm is just pure torture to watch. Yang Zi and Cheng Yi did such marvelous jobs giving life to their characters that it's truly hard to watch them suffer. It took me days to recover from this drama. It's that good and remarkable. Plus, the chemistry of having Yang Zi and Cheng Yi in one frame is just pure fire.

The story from the very start was already giving Ashes of Love vibe, but, the way I see it, the scenes here give more pain. This drama didn't have as much romantic scenes as I would've liked, but the ones they give are just enough for me to repeat it nonstop. Plus, the growth of all the leads is a journey that's amazing to witness. They were able to portray growth and at the same time still give humorous scenes.

Overall, an amazing drama to watch and rewatch. Bingeable? Totally! Heartbreaking? Without a doubt!

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Could've Been Good

I have mixed feelings regarding this show. Initially, I loved the first 15 episodes of it. Sadly, the more it progressed, the more burdensome it became.

The writers included too many psychological traumas from the past, plus bullying and sexual harassment in the present; what started as a light and feel-good show, became too heavy to watch.

The growth and strength of both main characters are commendable. But, I have got to say that each and every character carried the show. The show won't be as compelling as it was without all the supporting characters. Even their stories and shenanigans are worth watching.

Would I rewatch the show? Sadly no. As I've mentioned the story just became too heavy and has would not be enjoyable to watch again in the future.

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DEFINITELY worth the wait and a must watch!

This series definitely started my 2022 right. I didn't expect to binge-watch all available episodes in one go, but here we are, at five in the morning, writing a review because this series has left me feeling all giddy and fuzzy all over.

While the series feels light-hearted, there are a lot of serious topics that it takes on; what makes it perfect, for me, is how the execution was done- how it is relatable and understandable. It also helps that the chemistry between the main leads is totally electrifying.

To add, I also appreciate how the show was able to decently portray how relationships undergo different kinds of hurdles through all stages, especially at the beginning, such as; age gap, personality differences, insecurities, etc. Being able to compromise and understand each other, is how a couple would be able to thrive; and I'm glad that in this series, they showed both Gu Wei and LZX growing and withstanding the trials that they faced. They're not perfect characters and that was clearly shown in the series, but how they handled and grew because of unforeseen and unfortunate events, made me appreciate and love this series so much.

In this series, expect to appreciate life more. You'll definitely laugh, cry, and feel giddy all over.

The Oath of Love is without a single doubt, worth the wait. Xiao Zhan and Yang Zi gave so much life to their characters that you won't be able to stop rooting for them.

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Heart wrenchingly gripping

Lost You Forever is a drama that is so gripping and yet heartbreaking at the same time. I think the angst aspect of this drama is what made it more interesting and gripping. It not only showcased the acting prowess of the casts, it also added dimension to the story. The story brought people to root for all the main characters in the show. It made us want to wish the best for each of them. I honestly can't wait to watch Season 2 and know what's next for all of them.

The romance aspect of this drama, while very heart wrenching, is also beautiful. All of the men in Xiao Yao's life are worth of her. They all love her in a different and yet sweet manner. Honestly, it'll be hard to choose who to root for as all of them have her best interest at heart; it's just that, most if not all is heavily burdened with their duties that choosing her above all else becomes an issue. But nonetheless, I loved how love was portrayed in this drama. It touched on all aspects of love and how love isn't always about the butterflies and giddiness. Sometimes, love is also suffering in silence for someones best interest- and I think this aspect was beautifully portrayed in this season regarding all the love interests.

The political aspect of this drama just added spice to the whole storyline. Especially since politics played a huge role on why some men just can't get their happy ending with Xiao Yao.

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Beautiful - In All Aspects

BEAUTIFUL & HEARTWARMING! The story, the acting, the production, and the visual effects- I find each of these categories as well thought of and done beautifully. The story isn't as burdensome and angst heavy as others, and that's the main reason I loved this show. Viewers will still be able to enjoy each episode even if there are some heavy scenes. Also, there's character growth, and both strong and equal male and female leads. The acting was also perfect as it was able to blend seamlessly into the story. The portrayal was done right and didn't seem too overboard or underwhelming. There are characters you'll root for until the end, characters you'll hate until the end, and characters you'll grow to either love or hate. Overall, I'm very pleased with this drama.

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