Reviews

A fancy, unusual treat for crime thriller fans

"Longing for You" offers crime and more at its best. Nice to have along the way: a bit of salt in the fresh air of the coastal town where two of the protagonists grew up in.

The public prosecutor's office and the police form a special investigation unit in the case of a serial killer. Solving the case is one thing - an that is overrun by further victims. The internal dynamics within the team as well as emotional complications between further characters are another. Both crime case and complex personal dynamics being jointly combined within a splendidly explosive mixture make “Longing for You” a fancy, unusual treat for crime thriller fans.

We abruptly stumble into an opaque spider's web. The KDrama thrives on its bizarre, strangely interwoven relationships. Abyssal. A bit chilly at times. Mostly harsh and brusque. But sensitive and touching in well-placed spots, too. Suspenseful until the end. Whenever you think you have a clue, the story takes a new, unexpected turn. As I said, a fancy, unusual treat for crime thriller fans.

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Subtle yet deep romance with a thrilling plot

This drama has something very subtle yet beautiful about it. There has been a few dramas like that that I can think of. For example, Doctor John, Goblin, Nine: Nine Times Time Travel - that underlaying melancholy and pain of the characters, the steadily growing plot and the subtle but deep connection between the two leads.

The story started out in a rather subtle way. We got hints of the plot elements there and there but the context wasn't fully there. With time, the drama goes deeper and deeper and all the connections between people hold so much more weight. The leads' romance was a slow burn but they're adorable together. Life is really tough for them, somehow there are a lot of enemies surrounding them, but their connection is genuine and beautiful. It is equal amounts of cute, fluffy and mature, deep. Thinking about our reserved yet polite and kind male lead, Jeong Hoon, and his sweet, tender smiles that just lights up the whole screen, makes me giggle and roll in the sheets. I love him. He deserves all the best things and more.

It's a SLOW BURN, okay, but oh how delightful it is to be the witness of that. If you're into that.

It surprised me how much...mystery/thriller elements this drama has, but somehow it has a perfect balance with the surrounding smaller plotlines and the main romance. Also, despite hating a great amount of characters, we also get to love even a greater amount. What's even better is that the characters are not one-dimensional, they actually have complex sides to them. We actually get to KNOW a variety of characters. Basically there are little to no characters that are thrown just for the sake of filling up space.

Doesn't mean this drama has no flaws at all, though. More than flaws, it's the use of kdrama cliches. It doesn't make the drama bad, we love kdramas despite seeing a repetition of things over and over again, it's just a bit frustrating to see this otherwise fascinating drama take on a kdrama cliche approach. It felt original in its strong execution, cast and plot but sadly it still got stuck in some of the 'kdrama rules' that this wonderful story could have lived without.

Has this drama used its full potential? Well, no. Does it have some superb, never seen before ending? No again. But at the end of the day I don't regret the time spent watching it and am still helplessly in love with its characters.

I guess my advice for the future viewers would be to watch it for the tone (melancholy, slow burn, melodrama) and cute romance while enjoying the surrounding thrilling mystery, but not get too deep into thinking everything has to makes sense in the drama. Best way to dive into this is by toning down your expectations a liiiittle bit to not be disappointed.

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Good Efort Making the Fighting Choreography, but Lazy Writing

1. At the back of my mind, I always thought this entire show could have been avoided easily if someone talked to her about her dad or took care of her. Instead, she had a crap childhood and was bullied because of her dad's job and was even harassed by cops. Why was she not put under witness protection or something of similar nature? Several parts of the stort felt like it happened just for the plot. Such as: how the crime boss is supposed to be smart and out manoeuvred the police many times, but didn't predict the guy whose face he disfigured would come back for revenge. He let him go instead of killing him by following the chinese saying: "to cut weeds and eliminate the roots."
2. It was shown he easily killed people that betrayed him. Why was the female lead's dad so memorable that he got all sentimental at the end, just because he was an early member, who fought with him and was nice to him? His character is kind of all over the place, both psychopathic and willing to murder people in cold blood; willing to use anyone and everything to stay out of jail and continue his drug business which he cares about. But he is also sentimental and seems to care about the female lead? In the end, he was basically willing to die for her, taking bullets out of his gun. Or maybe he went full on Johan Liebert, in order to see if she would become like him and kill him and become a monster? If he really wanted the female lead to become someone who would never betray him, he should have just went after the police himself and provided her with full on fabricated evidence that the police chief did it instead of using her and risk being found out. That would have been the biggest revenge against her dad's betrayal , having his daughter view her her father's murderer as a friend or guardian, instead of using her as a mole and easily risking her finding out the truth.
3. The female lead is perfect at fighting, and never looses a single fight. I like a strong female lead, but when it's shown she is hardly buff or muscular at all, very pretty and feminine looking, and wrestles and takes down hallways of well trained men armed with swords while not wearing any sort of protective gear is rather unrealistic. Her acting is very good, and the action scenes are very detailed if not very realistic. I felt as if many parts of the plots happened just for the fight scenes and action and final climax, instead of the other way around. Like, the director wanted as many exciting fight scenes as possible.

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For revenge I sold my soul to the Demon

Song Hye Kyo is back. And she brought a wrath and Lucifer with her this time along. I personally hated her last drama 'Now we are breaking up'. But this time she has compensated for that miserable drama and made me fall in love with her again.
As one can guess from the synopsis, that this drama revolves around Song Hye Kyo's character's revenge towards those that made her life more miserable than hell. After waiting 18 years for the perfect timing to take her revenge. Nothing can budge her from her goal Im Ji Yeon (and others). She will use every card for her advantage.
Song Hye Kyo just stole the show here. One could feel the pain she felt and the anger that was hiding behind that beautiful face of her's.
A special shoutout to Jung Ji So and Shin Ye Eun's acting. Man they were too good in their display of emotions. And ofcourse Im Ji Yeon and other cast were just pinpoint perfect in there portrayal of their character.
The storyline and the production were also great. Loved each and every second of the show. And it kept me tied to my seat. I binge watched the drama in a sitting. This season had me waiting for the second season already.

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Oh, this show. It was some type of addictive drug with terrible side effects. I always hated it, I never loved it, but I couldn't let it go for anything. I've learned a lesson, though. I won't fall for this cruel and mean trick ever again. Next time they stuff a show to the gills with so many extremely attractive faces, I'll know what's up. I'll know it's deceitful lure tactic and to stay away.

What started off as just your normal cliche' filled K-drama, appeared to be a pretty decent story. It seemed it could possibly surprise you a bit, and then you set yourself up with great expectations. Then, out of nowhere, the storyline starts to fall apart at the seams. It's like the writer wrote themselves into a corner just after the first five episodes. All this talent from actors... wasted on pathetic dialogue and pointless scenes. But worst of all, it went from just your usual amount of cliches to being riddled with cliches. Could they possibly get anymore in? Was there a contest for Drama With Most Cliches happening somewhere????

You remember in Dragonball Z how there would be almost like 5 minutes of the characters doing nothing but standing around staring at one another? Yea, that sucks. You know how 1 song plays on the radio 7 times in one day? Yea, but imagine that 1 song playing 7 times within just an hour... every... episode. A horrible, horrible song. No wait, a horrible, horrible chorus of a song THAT DOESN'T EVEN MAKE SENSE. A chorus of a song that will haunt you in your dreams and make you want to punch your computer screen as soon at you hear its impending arrival. Love cannot be the "moment" of anything!!! It's an emotion, damn you!

Something strange happened, though, and it's that I came to completely root for the bad character. This had nothing to do with how the story went, but with how well Kim Woo Bin played his character. If there would be any reason I'd have to recommend to you, dear reader, to watch this, It would be him. The chemistry between the two main characters was non-existent, and Park Shin Hye proved herself (at least to me) to have been a very poor casting selection for the role as she was dull and brought nothing to it. Lee Min Ho seemed to do much better in scenes with every other cast member besides her. Actually, most of the other actors showed fairly good effort in trying to work with what they were given. However, none of it can quite come together for the supporting roles if the main ones are so bad off.

Outside of Kim Woo Bin, other unexpected thefts of the spotlight for this show were: Krystal Jung as Lee Bo Na; the wonderful dynamics between Kim Sung Ryung as Han Ki Ae and Kim Mi Kyung as Park Hui Nam; and Choi Jin Hyuk as the crown bearer Kim Won.

If you decide to watch this, go in with no expectations at all and understanding it will be hard to quit even if you find yourself hating it. It is, indeed, an addictive drug with bad side effects. You've been warned

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and we cheered for mystery case solving dramas

So the premise is that our leading actress li landi plays Shen Wan, who is a young prodigy that has the excellent skills of a physician and a coroner. After her father is wrongfully accused of corruption, both her father and mother are killed by assassins, and while attempting to help Shen Wan escape, their friend Qin Liang also dies at the hand of these assassins, leaving only Shen Wan alive. She takes on the identity of Qin Liang's daughter, an old patient of hers, Qin Wan, who actually already passed a year ago, but news of her death had not yet reached her family. She returns as Qin Wan, and quickly forms good connections with noble families with her physician skills. After a murder case occurs, she is eventually able to showcase her coroner skills as well, that were taught to her by her father. Hoping to make a name for herself as a coroner, her goal is to eventually travel to the capital to investigate her father's case and restore his title as an upright official. She continues using her forensic + coroner skills to solve multiple murder cases that happen in her town. I'm seeing some people say that FL is too OP at the moment and how everything's going the way she needs it to. Well, idk what to say people, sorry she's intelligent and skilled, and maybe I don't want to see her trying to prove her identity for 10+ episodes like in the Double—we're saving time for the murders and eventual romance!

One of her connections include mr. ao rui peng who plays Yan Chi, nephew to the emperor, one of the youngest generals to lead Shunxi army, good at martial arts and also good at detective work, etc. you get the idea. This is my first time watching him and while I didn't find him very handsome in moonlight mystique, I think he looks great here! Someone said something about a fan perpetually facing towards him and they're not wrong - somehow faint wind is blowing on him in almost every scene, even indoors (hilarious). I quite like his acting so far, and I especially love li landi's acting. I thought she was great in our starry love but couldn't finish that because of the story + male lead. She's so pretty in this drama, I absolutely love her outfits and she looks stunning in purple + her line delivery is as natural as usual. She carries herself with a calm demeanour, but that doesn't cover up her fierceness within.

Regarding the romance (YEA IK MOST OF YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE ROMANCE) it was kind of love at first sight for Yan Chi. In the early episodes, they have many moments where you can see him falling for her deeper, it's very endearing. I've been watching mostly slowburn and enemies to lovers dramas like the princess's gambit, so this was kind of a breath of fresh air? It's not like their romance is given that much time to develop that early though cause they're too busy kicking ass and taking names. It's looking like possibly 6 episodes ish per murder case? So nothing is going too fast, you just see these small cute moments they share! Hes probably held her wrist in almost every episode so far and that little moment of contact always makes me smile. Shes proven herself as a smart and upright individual who cares a lot about bringing justice to the dead and the wronged, you can't blame the guy (and lowkey a lot of other dudes) for falling for her that quick. He respects her, protects her, and supports her—and is one of the only people around that can stomach autopsies (guys he already wiped her sweat in episode 2 during an autopsy, are they moving too fast?). He's also one of the only people that are suspicious about her identity, and he's also hoping to investigate her father's case as it involves someone who was close to him. I don't think Shen Wan will accept him that quickly since he still doesn't know her true identity until who knows when, but until then, we're just gonna see her stuck with him regardless while they solve cases alongside each other. Now, upon finishing this drama, even though they do get together a little earlier than expected, their interactions aren't cringy or too much, nor do they take away from the serious plot lines. Their support for one another helps them grow as individuals (as if getting even more good is possible for these two) and them being together just MAKES SENSE.

About the cases, they're actually pretty interesting. I don't find the murders/autopsies gory or gross or anything, but maybe that's just me. Everything's kinda fake enough for me to not care. I like the way they find clues along the way and actually manage to piece everything together. They are truly doing detective work—there are calculations, logic, they take the right steps to figure out the motives and intent of everyone involved. You're kind of aware and also kind of not on who to suspect, (first case was obvious, the next one.. not so much), so it's like you're solving cases with them. It lowkey reminded me of Scooby doo and the mystery gang (and I would've gotten away with it if it weren't for you meddling kids!!). But also this is my first time watching a case solving drama so I can't compare it to anything. Editing of the scenes is a little weird at times, they seem to like tilting shots at certain serious scenes, but I don't pay that much attention to it. Overall, I really like the costumes, settings, and plot so far. edit: YUPPP THE ROMANCE IS ROMANCING. Also, be prepared for the last mystery case as that was genuinely the biggest mystery of all! Trust me, you'll want to go into it blind.

finale edit: absolutely loved the way they tied up this drama. now THIS is how a drama should end. no loose ends, no plot holes, no unnecessary deaths, (albeit quite a few necessary ones), and yes, if it wasn't obvious enough, its a beautifully well done HAPPY ENDING!!!

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Proof that even good acting can't revive a lackluster script

The first 15 episodes were so good. Really kept me engaged and every time I finished an episode, I was left wanting for more. But it somehow went downhill from there. Just cliche after cliche after cliche. Mind you, all those cliches weren't even executed properly. I haven't read the novel but from the spoilers I've seen, it seems like the scriptwriters didn't either. The plot's a mess, the characters are boring, their actions are predictable, ACTUAL interesting characters aren't utilised properly and the pacing is absolutely terrible. The acting's the only redeeming quality of this drama.

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We Are: Entwined Hearts & Uncharted Paths

Should you watch "We Are"? Honestly, it's a bit of a mixed answer. The storyline is quite simple, without much depth or intense drama. But if you're looking for a show that emphasizes healthy friendships and relationships, "We Are" does a great job of that. This was something I was really hoping for, and it delivered well in that aspect. The genuine connections and positive interactions between the characters are refreshing and heartwarming.

While there are some enjoyable moments, the pacing really becomes an issue, particularly between Episodes 9 and 13. This section felt especially slow and could have been condensed, making the whole series tighter and more engaging, probably fitting better into 12 episodes.

So, while it might not be the most thrilling series out there, its charm comes from its simplicity and the heartfelt bonds it shows. If that sounds appealing to you, it’s definitely worth a watch.

"In this group of friends, even though university life is tough, life's ups and downs, plus love's twists, keep things always stirring.
We are... friends who argue but care so much about each other that sometimes, we end up flirting."

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I wasnt expecting much because it was tagged as a thriller (which I dont watch many) and it wasn't labeled as supernatural or vampire (which I LOVE). But after the first 20 minutes, I was SO happy! The story is original and I didn't see that plot twist coming in the end. The story isn't really confusing but it is weird and at times makes you feel awkward because of the light sex scenes and strange behaviors.

The acting... OMG!! The cast was amazing but the acting was more than I expected of a movie like this. Night is like my new bias. I also love the subtle hints of vampirism that they used with Night like the Dracula haircut and the red eyes which signifies eye dryness (they are not human) or exposure to too much sunlight. Wine was so creepy and psycho it was scary how good he was.

The music was amazing. I really want the soundtrack. One minute there was beautiful, opera-like music and then 5 minutes later, it was eerie, dark and creepy music that made the atmosphere which is what music in movies is supposed to do.

I recommend this SO MUCH if you like vampires, revenge, psychotic behavior, and amnesia in the story (it has it all!). I certainly will watch it in the future when I remember it as being an mind-blowing movie.

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If you're looking for an action-filled drama of hide-and-seek with a murderer, then this is not the drama for you.

But if you're looking for a thought provoking drama where you can spend half the time guessing whom the murderer is, and the rest of the time studying the abilities of the human mind; then this is the one for you.

This drama is based on the question "Are monsters born or made?" and focuses on the psychologic part the story. Now before you back away (I know I usually back farfar away from movies that have a psychologic theme) this one is really worth the watch!

There were frustrating parts and questions that weren't fully answered. I also wish that there had been more shown about each characters background. I rated the rewatch value low only because of the fact that once you have watched it, you will already know how it will end and who the murderer is.

Over all, a very interesting and thought provoking story that pulls you in and allows you to ponder about one of life's greatest questions; "Are monsters born or made?"

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Cute and Charming

I am writing this after watching all of the episodes of Mr. Bad. I have been enjoying this light and sweet romcom. This is meant to be a fairy tale . i wasn'tt expecting it to be anything else. I think it will appeal to the young at heart the most . I have seen enough heavy dramas with scheming second female and males trying to break up the main lead couple .. ENOUGH! So this sweet enemies to friends to lovers trope is a breath of fresh air. The hateful reviews tell me they don't watch or read romantic comedies. This story is effervescent with making a wish to fall in love.
Mr. Bad ( CZY)is charming and Shen Yue is delightful as the female lead. Is her character clumsy and silly ? Yes, but it is cute and that is what this actress does so well. She is relatable , not perfect. The male lead is suave, handsome and cunning. Hes a villain with a bit of a kind heart. That is how the author wrote his character in her story. I think they have a Tom and Jerry type banter and thats what makes it fun.
Not everything is meant to be so so serious and HEAVY. If you're looking for a sweet escape and just something to make you smile.. watch this light and fluffy romcom.
Don't try to take it apart scene by scene . It is meant to be a fairy tale ..enchanting..
Don't tell others to stay away from this series. Let them watch it and make their own decision. Would i watch it with my husband ? Not a chance. He would have rolled his eyes too much. Mr. Bad is not for him. But then again he doesn't like romcoms. So you see what i mean. here. I grew up loving fairy tales and this charming little show hits the sweet spot. At least for me.

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Couldn’t stop watching till I finished all episodes.

Couldn’t stop watching till I finished all episodes.”Cheer up” one of the best Korean dramas of this year in my opinion. The acting, storyline and of course music and performances was so great! I swear I will definitely rewatch this show again and again. I know that some people were disappointed with love triangle but I really like both male leads equally despite annoying love of the second male lead. Despite that he has interesting plot about his family and their relationship. Also, I’m in love with FL 😍 she portrayed her heroine so well, and I like how she could be dead serious and so funny and playful too. I was really impressed by her acting. Really recommend everyone to watch this show if you like good story and also amazing music and shows.

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This is a Rant...BUT

I went into this with zero expectations. I tried watching the first 2 episodes because AvenueX mentioned that the cgi was beautiful. I thought it would be just another 'xianxia' trope, and truly wasn't expecting to like it. But then, right from the very beginning, the visuals were so f****ing beautiful. Qin Lie's fight with the beast was okay, what I stayed for...was the visuals of Yushi. Her trekking through the heavy snow in the dark,... It was like a scene straight out of some high-quality hollywood production (Think Snow white and the Huntsman or Witcher) . And the intermittent shots of Du Shao Yang being asked to marry a woman, who we know from the way it's shot...is Yushi. And that was it,...the rest as they say is history. I couldn't stop myself from immediately bingeing through all the released episodes. Though I have to admit, that I basically fast forwarded all scenes of Qin Lie and Song Ting Yu. The visuals were truly the best part of the show. The different realms, particularly Ling Burrough, the Frost land, Purple Mist Sea, and the Netherlands. And of course the ost. The song that plays every time Qin Lie is in a fight with the odds stacked against him, and yet he manages to come out just fine, and grows even stronger in fact....I loved that song. Trying to figure out Qin Lie's feelings for Yushi, and the Gao Yu -Yushi- Qin Lie triangle was also pretty interesting. I was even considering to let Yushi and Gao Yu get married, before the scriptwriters forcibly blackened him. I honestly couldn't understand why Yushi was so set on QL, that she completely ignored the other man who basically worshipped her- Gao Yu.
The story was okay, but they could have done so much more with it, there were so many possibilities....I'd been soo looking forward to Wu Chun and Gong Mu Lie's story and yet they turned it into this completely meaningless nonsense, They basically stalked each other for a long time, and thus automatically fell in love...like seriously? Did the scriptwriter suddenly lose his brain? And I hate the ending. It was like going back to square one after 36 episodes. It felt so meaningless. The least they could have done, was provide an epilogue at the very least. The acting was okay I suppose, but yes Cheng Xiao could have done so much better. I know that the character of Yushi is supposed to be cool and calm at all times, but she just seemed wooden to me. And I know Cheng Xiao could have done better, because Wu Chun seemed so much more alive and real.
I suppose this is turning into a rant now, but I'm seriously disappointed at what they did with the script...I had soooo much expectations...Even so, I'll definitely watch this again, because the visuals are truly breathtaking, and you should watch this drama, if for nothing else but that.
There are so many negatives points about this drama, and logically speaking it's merely an average one. And yet as I'm writing this review, I realize that despite its many flaws, I still love the show.

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