Reviews

Pretty well done and very, very tragic all at the same time. This show had some of the best casting I've seen in a drama yet, and Dong Chi (Choi Jin Hyuk) and Kang Soo (Lee Tae Hwan) stole it away pretty quickly. The secondary cast was simply amazing in their roles, and they were almost more important than the leads to me. To be honest, I think of the leads, Kang Soo was the best all around actor although Dong Chi certainly did a wonderful job. But considering that Kang Soo is still a little new, he never once failed his role. They kept in character and made you feel that the emotions they displayed were real and honest. I felt like they had great chemistry, bouncing well off of one another and the rest of the cast members. The relationships between Kang Soo-Chang Gi and Dong Chi - Chief Moon were very well developed. The secondary cast also worked wonderfully with each other, and the script successfully used them as both plot developers and stress-relieving comedy at all the right places. Jang Won (Choi Woo Shik) and Gwang Mi (Jeong Hye Song) were dazzling in their roles and played their parts exceptionally. Without them, the story would have been far to dark and depressing, but with them it was the perfect mix of comedy and serious thought-proving storyline.


I didn't actually really care at all for Han Yeol Moo (Baek Jin Hee), and she took away some of the points I would have given the show. I'm not sure if it was bad acting or bad scripts, but her character just didn't really work. I'm used to the female stars being, well stubborn sure, but mostly good-hearted, solid morals, and someone who thinks of others first. But Yeol Moo has little patience for other people, actively and deliberately hurt her mom, and had no respect for the rule of law or her superiors. I mean, I understand that the point is that when bad guys are in control, you may have to work the system. But she actually was willing to sentence another girl to death or to sacrifice up evidence just to get her and her boyfriend out of trouble. Although the show never dealt with it, she was sometimes quoting basically the same thought processes as the bad guys she wanted to stop. It didn't help that her expressions were non-existent or just felt off, I never felt that her feelings (anger or love alike) were actually real.


Korean Dramas usually focus on personal relationships, with the political message in the background. However, Pride and Prejudice definitely pulled its themes forward, with the romance and friendships being largely a secondary plotline. The show questions the theory that "the ends should justify the means" with both good and bad characters trying to argue their point using this premise. Is it okay to do bad things for a good ending? Or what if you only do something wrong because it is the "lesser evil?" The show pulled in themes of Corruption, Pride, Self-Entitlement, Good v. Evil, Bad Leadership, and knowing when to draw the line. I thought one of the most interesting points the show brought up was the question of what to do when you can't defeat the evil. Most shows want to portray the bad guys as defeatable, but that isn't really true. Whenever one bad guy is defeated, another one is probably going to follow shortly. Furthermore, if the bad guy you want is only a middle-man, is it worth your career to stop him when you know the leader will walk away? We want to put everything on the line only when the person we're chasing is the ultimate evil. But what if he isn't? What if there are 50 others worse than him running around waiting to be stopped later? Will you still risk everything to stop the one? I liked this show just because it made me think, and gave us some interesting things to talk about when it was over.

The plotline was somewhat standard KDrama fare, but also threw in a bunch of unique elements. For the first time ever, there wasn't much of a triangle. This wasn't about the romances; the show wanted you to focus more on the philosophical questions of morality and good citizenship instead. The crime itself was actually well set up and had lots of new or unique little twists and elements. It wasn't the simple murder; there were about ten layers to even plot development, with each character having their own side to tell. The bad guys who weren't really bad guys, the good guys who made horrible mistakes, the bad guys who were just bad guys, and the good guys who were so good as to be little earthly good. The show pulled them all in, asking you to look at humans, our ethical systems, and the important question of when can the right go wrong.

There were of course a few plot holes (especially with the ending being so rushed), but overall, I wasn't too disappointed with it. On the one hand, the weak ending was a really, really weak ending. It went too fast, it left a lot of loose ties, it didn't finish things at all. On the other hand, t was well written and well-designed, even if it left me crying and largely unsatisfied at the end. To be honest, I think it needed an unsatisfying ending, because that's the point. The battle is never over, the next generation simply takes over the reigns and pushes on.

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What made me watch this drama in the first place was the amount of positive reviews for it. I had no idea what to expect, and I didn't bother to read the synopsis. After finishing the first episode, I honestly didn't get what the big deal was. The characters seemed ok enough, but the story seemed pretty standard (with some cute special effects thrown in). Once I started to watch the 2nd episode, all of the high reviews started to make sense.

Cha Seung Won and Gong Hyo Jin's chemistry was palpable. I loved the hilariously charming arrogance of Dokko Jin, and that Gu Ae Jung was a secure female lead. I felt my heart flutter, and break with them throughout. I guess there is nothing really new about their relationship scenario, but it still felt fresh, and was exciting to watch.

I also have to say that Yoon Kye Sang, was one of my favorite second leads ever. He was so great as Yoon Pil Joo (aka "Mr. Perfect"), that I felt myself starting to root for him [team pil-line!]. My only complaint is that Dr. Perfect started to seem a little too repetitive towards the end. It seemed like the hong sisters just didn't know what to do with him after a while.

Speaking of the Hong Sisters, I think they did a great job making this drama fun. The music played a large role in setting the mood, and the cast was great, but it's the script that played the biggest role in what worked (and what didn't). Even though I knew how things would generally turn out, there were many rewatchable moments, moments that made me swoon, moments that caught me off guard, moments that brought unexpected tears, and moments that made me laugh out loud.

I also have to mention little "Ding Dong" who was so cute. The bromance between him & Dokko Jin were some of my favorite moments.

I'll admit I didn't have much interest in the girl group backstory, though I do think It was funny watching them mask the fact that Gong Hyo Jin is not the greatest singer. The fact that such small things could cause such huge scandals for Hallyu stars felt exaggerated to me, so It was hard for me to get too invested in that part of the drama. I think that has a lot to do with my cultural differences than anything at fault with the drama itself. It still swayed my overall opinion of this drama, and made me lean more towards 8 than 9.

Although it sometimes reminded me of other dramas (and not just because of the shiny tracksuits), I think "The Greatest Love" still holds it's own. I can easily see why it is high on so many people's favorites list, and I certainly never expected to love "The Greatest Love" as much as I did. Add me to the bunch of people who highly recommend this Rom-Com. If the romance in this one doesn't get to you at all, you might want to check to see if you still have a pulse.

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I know there are so many reviews out there already and I’m about a year late, but I still felt the need to write this review, even if nobody is going to see it. I think this will be a long review, but I hope it is worth your time.

I’ve watched so many romance dramas, and I will not lie when I say that they made me have some tad bit of hope in love. But this show hit me differently. I don’t exactly know why, but I think it is because it’s realistic and based off the author’s life experience that I’m compelled to see such beauty in it, that if such a love story exists, then there’s some hope in this world. This show didn’t only change my perspective on what romance is, but also made me appreciate the relationships with my family and friends. Without them, I think life would be much harder than it already is.

I want to bring the attention to our main couple’s relationship. Some may think it’s long and draggy and that the push and pull between the leads is frustrating, but I personally felt that it was the angst and the long period of not being able to be together that made the relationship so strong in the end. I would have have long condemned this if it were real life, I would have sniggered at someone’s inability to let go of the one they like and I would have laughed, because I would have believed it was mere foolery. Truthfully, there were only three reasons why I started on the show. One is because I am a sucker for push and pull relationships - for the right reasons, not the toxic ones. The second is because of the OST ‘我只喜欢你 (I Only Like You)’ by Hu Xia - I have been listening to it non-stop for months and even sang it at every single karaoke session I’ve gone for. The third is because I thought Zhang Yujian (Yan Mo) was cute.

But so many reasons - I don’t know where to start - made me finish the show in 3 short days. I particularly really loved our female lead Qiaoyi’s character. In her, I saw youth and naivety, but I also saw strength in forgiving and letting go. She is different from her brother Guanchao. He is a big flirt who is filled with the confidence that Qiaoyi lacks, but he also struggles with holding grudges from a traumatised childhood. While he is what she isn’t, she is also what he isn’t. Both brother and sister seek to bring out the best in each other, by being their strength in hard times. And this is something that truly touches me.

Yan Mo, our male lead, is cold, aloof, and doesn’t get along with anyone. He is independent, and has great confidence in his abilities and is strict in discipline. What I particularly liked seeing is that while Qiaoyi is the complete opposite of Yan Mo, she doesn’t exactly change his personality. Yes, he begins to become affectionate towards her, and cares for her all the time, but she doesn’t take away the traits of him that makes Yan Mo who he is. He still primarily remains strict and aloof, and I think that is what makes him charming. Qiaoyi doesn’t change Yan Mo, but she brings out the warmth in him, and becomes a beacon of support in crucial times. I hope I made sense here.

Family. Something that we have, but all too often we neglect and fail to appreciate. Qiaoyi and Guanchao’s mother and step-father are perhaps the cutest pair of parents I have ever seen. I especially loved the relationship that they had with their step-father. He is the most loving and supportive father that the twins can ever have, and he brings so much happiness to their mother. I think in that household, he is the shining light - so precious, so bright and so amazing. One of my favourite scenes was when their step-father told their mother that he wants to be the one to walk Qiaoyi down the aisle on her wedding day. Truly, it brought tears to my cold rotten self. Love that guy.

Okay I’m gonna stop here. I’m so overwhelmed writing this review. I feel like crying. Dammit just watch it. You will not regret it, I promise you.

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Best Healing show ever made

This is the best thing you will see in 2023. Its so comforting and healing and beautiful and soft that you will not want it to end. Its slow.. but not slow where you want to skip to other parts or you find it boring. No its slow in a very pleasing manner. When the characters find comfort and peace you will find it too. It honest about human emotions. The Characters are flawed and human and you love them.

The love that builds up between the two is so pure and beautiful and the way they both want to sacrifice every single peace in their life to just give a little comfort to the other is sooo soothing and so pure. They will forever be my favourite.

If you have not started watching it because of any reason, stop thinking and start it. Just start and you will never want to stop watching

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Suspensefully Good

This series is finally finished and though I am not an advanced writer I just like to express thoughts of how I view a show so hopefully it can help someone else trying to decide.

Cast:
Lee Yoo Ri (EunSoo) well known from her stellar acting in Father is Strange (great family drama if you haven't seen it) is the protagonist here. Her character here is really different from other one so its kind of hard to compare. My takeaway of common tropes in kdrama is the trance look/slow moving and it bugs me when it's overdone. Other than that she delivered well as a woman that is wronged. Yeon Jung Hoon (Kang Ji Min) as a loving father and persistent journalist is a polished actor and male lead. We can't stand most antagonists and you'll hate Lee Hwa (Kim Ho Ran) as the mother in law who is infuriatingly evil but man she is good. Go Na Hee (Woo Joo) is the little girl who is adorable and the heart of the storyline. The rest of the cast are excellent though if I could make adjustments, I would of given more family support scenes to Kwon Hwa Woon (Yeon Joon), the pro golfer, (EunSoo's childhood "brother") to add substance to her role of not having any family.

Storyline:
Maybe because I'm a fairly new "adoptee" of kdramas/asian dramas, I find this plot really compelling and interesting.....framed for murder, giving birth in jail, etc. I won't give more away. The thing is, the writer and production team did an excellent job weaving the story through from present to past and then gradually connecting the dots, keeping us in suspense but hungry for next and next. After all is done with the "who done it" and "why", in the heart of it is a beautiful love story of a man and a woman and a little girl. This is a well rounded great series (in my opinion) so if you are looking for your next drama binging, this is the one.

Overall: easily a 10 for me but I'm a novice..Let me know if you liked it afterwards. It might help me as an aspiring writer. Thanks.

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yakusuke's bad luck causes him to need kyoko's help constantly and although she forgets him due to her memory that resets every day, he starts to develop a crush on her. each episode features a new case; some are serious, but still, the drama remains light and can also make one laugh. also within each episode, yakusuke and kyoko's relationship starts to develop. it's a beautiful drama about seeing more in your life and how one should treasure the little things and other great things.

besides the story, i believe the true treasure of this drama is the actors' ability to make their characters shine. this is the first drama i've seen of gakky and i don't think she was a "turn-off" at all.. she may lack superior talent, but she also isn't a horrible actress that brings everything down. okada masaki is one of my favorite actors so it may be that i carry a biased opinion of him, but he really did a great job in this one. i really felt that he let himself be "free".. his expressions were always on point and he knows how to create a mood. he can make you laugh, but he can also warm your heart.

the music was great. i'm not one that normally pays much attention to it, but it was nice and fit the drama well.

i'm also not one to rewatch dramas, but i think i would watch this again if i ever got the time.

overall, this is a good drama to watch when you need something light. i don't think it's a complete must, but i think it's a drama that will definitely make you feel something for awhile.

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"Always find myself looking back at memories"

Before I begin I just want to say I first watched this drama a year ago and the story has stayed in my heart and will remain in my heart. This drama is my favourite of all time. There are no flying leaps and swishy capes. Nor is there any magic and cheesy romance. This story is heartbreaking and I still constantly think about it.

Story:
One word sum up: Mesmerizing
Explanation: For anyone that doesn't know, this drama is based on real history so those complaining about the ending are arguing with history lol. This is definitely a sad story with a sad ending. It's basically is 84 episodes of heartbreak, betrayal, and angst. It shows us a relationship once filled with love and passion crumble apart. It was a relief from happy ending dramas but it is also a drama that can not be compared with others and destroys you inside & out. It was an honest and painful look at love. A thing I loved about this show is that they showed multiple different types of love: sisterly love, motherly love, unrequited love, and of course romantic love. I do not recommend this drama to anyone with a weak heart. Its a harem drama and one based on real events so if you cant take harem you won't be able to take Ruyi. I've seen a lot of reviews saying they stopped when Ruyi became empress because they couldn't bare to see her in any more pain which is understandable but something I never could do. You feel every emotion this show conveys.

Cast:
One word sum up: Perfect
Explanation: I wouldn't change one cast member. They all played their parts perfectly. Zhou Xun and Wallace Huo did such an amazing job. Watching you could really believe they were the people they were betraying. Zhou Xun showed how strong Ruyis character is. She always showed the perfect emotional reaction for Ruyi with each situation that came up. Even her just gazing out of a window makes your heart cry. Wallace Huo made me hate him with a passion because of this drama even now watching dramas with him in it I think back to the person he was betraying in this drama. You feel every emotion they betray.

Music:
One word sum up: Beautiful
Explanation: The main songs and the wordless musical ones were all spectacular. Lei Jia did an amazing job with the main ost. Every time I hear it the show's images flash in my mind. And of course, Mao BuYi & Zhou Shen did a fantastic job as with every drama ost they do.

Negatives:
Like I said do not watch this if you can't do harem drama or expect a fluffy sweet romance. This is a soul-crushing story. You would think with 84 episodes there would be a lot of filler but honestly, there wasn't except on the last few episodes but that was because of the wild situation at the end. There is a lot of drama and when I mean a lot I mean a lot. Lots of murders and torture. Everyone dies.

Positives:
They really put a lot of effort into this show and it comes through. From the food, clothing and decorations as the seasons change to the speaking manner and positions and placements of the cast in a scene. I could take 10 random screen recordings of this show and I would have an official-looking background for an ost song cover. They put so much detail into this show. The hairpins, hairstyles, and clothing all change helping understand the changing of times as this show goes on. They beautifully showed time passing and I have yet to find a drama that matches up to it.

Final words:
This drama is engraved in my mind like some of my most important memories I would rewatch right now but I'm mentally getting ready for it as it is very depressing but such a masterpiece. If you decide to start your Ruyi journey I wish you luck and hope you appreciate and love this drama as much as I do.

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I can't believe that I watched a bread baking drama, that was 30 episodes long, without being bored! It took a lot of persuasion from a friend to get me to watch this. The high ratings didn't even have me fully convinced, but from beginning to end this drama lived up to all the hype.

The entire cast was great. The first episodes are set in the past, and I thought the cast of younger actors were exceptional. I also thought the younger actors matched their older counterparts very well. Younger Kim Tak Goo hooked me into the story, and older Kim Tak Goo kept me hooked from the first time he smiled. I loved that the cast of "villains" had depth, and some characters walked the fine line between good and bad. I liked that Eugene strayed from the romantic lead path into her own interesting character. I thought Joo Won was really good at being very sympathetic, and equally distasteful, though I lol-ed at the look on his face as if something constantly stunk. Even the supporting characters really added to the story, so I had to give the cast a 10.

Though the show is about baking, the story centers around family betrayal, revenge, rivalry, and painful relationships between children and their parents. There are some over the top fight scenes, dramatic rescues, and heartbreaking confrontations, so don't expect to just watch a bunch of scenes about how to bake bread. There's also a good balance of sweet, and humorous moments, and the pacing is good as well. I loved that the romance in this was a bit unconventional, and was touching without being cheesy, or the central focus of the story. This drama also has something I find rare in most dramas, a great ending. They manage to give each character proper closure, and the ending felt just right.

Overall the story isn't necessarily original, but It wasn't predictable either. I laughed and cried many times while watching. There aren't many specific rewatchable scenes, and since suspense is mainly what kept me up nights watching, I'm not sure If I will watch this again. Yoon Si Yoon is so charming, that he may be enough of a reason to give this one a second look.

I definitely recommend this. The 30 episodes will fly by...

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A fun romance wrapped in a transmigration costume drama shell

Gemini is the gift that keeps on giving. I went in with typically low expectations for quality and high expectations for entertainment, as is my typical approach to costume mini-dramas. Gemini delivered on both fronts!

— The romance —

I’m all kinds of happy with the development of the main couple, which hits many of my favorite tropes, including role reversal with a self-possessed, powerful, stabby heroine and a down-bad ML. It was a little too fast-burn for my tastes, because I typically tend to lose interest after the leads get together, but not here.

— Zhou Jun Wei as our hero —

What can I say? Zhou Jun Wei delivered. His expressions, his presence, his little side-smirks… ahhhh I just love him. He absolutely killed it. It’s a crime that he hasn’t been the lead in more dramas, especially full-length dramas.

His character is a classic Wuxia hero in many ways. Badass, devoted, determined, a beast in battle. When with the people he loves, he becomes playful, earnest, and genuinely funny in some moments.

The ML’s inability to feel physical pain, due to some MacGuffin he swallowed in his childhood, makes him into a fascinating character. First off, because it turns him into something like a rabid dog in battle, willing to take hit after hit and keep moving. The villain character comments at one point that, when his sect leader (the FL) is not there to keep him in check, he is little more than a madman. Second, his lack of physical pain makes him feel emotional pain all the more acutely. Consistently, he is a man driven by grief and love, making everything else in his life secondary.

Could the writers have dug deeper into the juiciest parts of his character? Absolutely. Though this is a mini-drama, there was enough space to explore, and they didn’t always capitalize on the time they had to do proper character growth.

— Zhu Li Lan as our heroine —

It was my first time seeing her in a drama. The first few episodes, I had trouble focusing on what her character was up to because, um, she is SO beautiful. I was too busy staring at her face 🤣

She begins as the clueless wife of a villainous prince and, in a sequence of transmigration loosely reminiscent of A Familiar Stranger, becomes a duplicitous and violent woman bent on revenge. ZLL plays both roles well but I very much preferred her in the “villainess” role.

— The plot —

The plot relies on well-worn tropes such as body-switching and revenge, but not so heavily that things get boring. Crucially, when things seemed to slow down, the writers threw in a wonderful twist regarding the villain which brought me right back to full investment in the story.

— Overall —

A gem. No filler, beautiful actors, fun twisty plot, doesn’t take itself seriously except when it counts.


— TROPES —
- ML falls first (a “loved you all along” kind of arrangement)
- badass anti-heroine
- master/disciple
- childhood friends to lovers
- reincarnation, body switching, revenge plot
- medium burn (?) with several instances of spice throughout
- arranged marriage, royal family politics

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A 50 Episode Weekend Drama in Disguise: All Over the Place & Too Little Episodes

I knew not to expect much when the AWARD WINNING movie by the ML that had everyone gagged was entirely AI. I could not stop laughing at this absurd premise in the beginning and it went downhill from there. This is the strongest support for why I dislike ensemble casts for 12/16 episode dramas. Reminded me a lot of Record of Youth (but somehow worse with weaker acting). Never focusing clearly on the leads and way too much screen time for supporting characters. A lot of people say they liked the beginning while others like the 2nd half. But I honestly never had much hope for this drama. From the start, the story was operating on a flimsy foundation:

- The Weak “Love Story”

The writer relies on these ~aesthetic~ flashback montages to establish how the leads like each other instead of SHOWING us how they fell in love. I felt no connection to their love story, and had no reason to root for them when all it took in their past was her pointing a camera at him + him saying “your dream is nice” for them to like each other. Then the present day too, I really don’t get why the FL even liked ML again after all that trauma she faced in the past because of her choices involving him + the way he barges in after 15 years. The ML at least had a very messed up physiological reason to like the FL, she being the only kind person in his life when he was being abused + his crazy family situation. I understand him forming an attachment to her (even tho it’s super toxic for him), but the FL honestly had no STRONG reason to want to get back together with him imo. The way he barged into her life like he didn’t go no contact for 15 YEARS when he knew where she worked, and immediately placed himself in a position of power over her is so weird too. The writers failed to make me want them back together cause I thought the whole relationship was toxic for them both, and not important enough for the FL. If the ex-boyfriend actor guy came back earlier and wanted to get back together, I don’t see any reason the FL would’ve refused cause the main couple’s relationship don’t seem grand and special enough.

-Got Back Together Too Easily/No Tension
I don’t understand why the writer moved so fast past the “will she forgive him and will they be back together” storyline in the beginning. It was personally the most interesting part of the story, I mean this is a second chance romance and we wanna see how they make their way back to each other. But it felt like only a few eps was spent on it, she just forgave him all of a sudden and they were all lovey dovey. There was really no internal tension in their relationship after that and they were just making movies happily?? All of the other problems after this were external like toxic parents, and whatever drama was happening with birth secrets and the other couples. Their love story seemed like a side character at that point.

- Interesting ML Character
I did like what they wanted to do with the ML’s character but couldn’t because of the 2 other couples + dozens of side characters I didn’t really care about. The ML worked and achieved his dream, all he needs is love but the FL never had that chance, they fundamentally have different ambitions in life, she don't see love as the first priority.
His inexplicable attachment to her was always unhealthy imo, and he treated her quite rudely because of it, disregarding her opinions. He only really likes her because she was the only kind person in his life when his family was crazy and he was being abused. He literally thinks she's the only reason for his happiness + the only way he'll be happy is with her, which is not healthy imo. But this did make for a really interesting ML who has to learn that being so attached and doing everything for the FL (like typical drama MLs), suffocating her, is not good. Unfortunately, focusing on a bunch of characters + 12 episode format didn’t allow for much development, and I was sad to see wasted potential

- Side Characters Should be Side Characters/This is Not a 50 Episode Weekend Drama

Another unpopular opinion is I didn’t really care for the 2nd couple even though they were cute. The 3rd couple too is so unnecessary. I miss older romance dramas that didn’t have insane ensemble casts and we had to sit through everyone’s pains and sob stories tbh, just the leads. The story felt like a weekend 50 episode drama that confused on all the characters, but we only have 12 episodes so they should trim it a little. I get having a cute 2nd couple but they took way too much of the story when they’re just as cliche (tortured famous star and humble supportive love interest), then the plot about the 2nd ML’s dad just felt extra, we could’ve developed the leads’ relationship more. The random ex boyfriend cameo when the FL is obviously not gonna leave the ML, creating fake conflict, also unnecessary.

- Chemistry/Acting
No one here stood out for me with acting. The leads especially, I think are just not very strong actors. I felt like I was watching the exact same character Hyeri played in Reply 1988 with the accent and being a bit of a goofy tomboy (I kept thinking I wanna watch that drama instead lol). Hwang Inyeop is himself as usual, having to look perfect in every shot. I didn’t feel like they embodied their characters or had SIZZLING chemistry. I’m no saint and do root for super toxic drama couples IF they have great chemistry, which didn’t happen here. I do think they could’ve had better chemistry if the characters didn’t get together so fast, we could’ve seen more of their past, and there was more tension tho. The only one I liked for acting was 2nd FL and her mother. The 2nd ML was just pretty with the same wide eyed look in every scene, which is good for him.

Spoilers
Unpopular Opinion: Her Going Abroad Made Sense (But the 12 Episode Format Messed It Up)

Even as someone who thinks this drama is incredibly boring and some storylines stupid, I think the FL going abroad was planned from the start and the writers didn't pull it out of their ass as a plot device. The ML was gone for 10 years and got to grow as his own person + learn filmmaking skills. Now it's the FL's turn to do the same. She chooses to stay on the bus this time VERSUS how she got off the bus, missed her film school exam because of him (yes she made the choice, I'm not blaming him, just that this is a contrast to her choosing him vs her dream) This makes perfect sense to me and naturally where the story was heading.

BUT the way they handled the tension and reunion after 2 years was very dumb, rushed, and I think the 12 episode restriction didn’t help. I see this breaking up and going abroad thing working so much better in the 12th episode of a 16 episode drama so they can develop their relationship properly in the remaining 4 episodes with the ML having a healthier mindset + the FL having accomplished what she wanted.


TLDR:
Overall, this wasn’t really THAT horrible for me cause I never had any expectations. I had some moments I was mildly entertained like the movie filming. But I watched this with an emotional detachment from beginning to finish, and don’t think I’ll ever think about it much after.

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1) The reason I watched this:

I don't usually watch Chinese rom-coms but this one slipped away when I was watching too many romantic comedies.

2) Storyline/Plot:

The general story isn't something special or new but the way everything was mixed together made the film's story interesting somehow.

Positive points:

*The film's introduction was a good intro for what will happen next.
*There were two well-written twits that you don't usually find in romantic comedies stories: that was a nice change.
*Leads mixture was really cool even though it wasn't that intense.
*Finally and most importantly, there were several hilarious moments to make the film lighter.

Negative points:

*Although there were a respectable amount of negative points but I will only mention that the revenge plot wasn't that great, it would have been much better if it was written otherwise.

Story: 7.5/10

3) Acting/Cast:

*Zhang Ziyi: It was a surprise to see her in a rom-com film since I only saw her in Wuxia productions before. I was convinced by her acting but I can't say the same about her character.
*Other actors were good too, they knew how to make it really enjoyablespecially Fan Bing Bing she grasped the evil role perfectly but So Ji Sub was a disappointement here (mainly because I rarely like Korean actors in Chinese or Taiwanese productions).

*The chemistry was believable but not that enjoyable.

Cast: 7/10
Acting: 7.5/10

4) The ending:

Although it could have been much better but script writers chose to make it expected. It wasn't bad overall.

The ending: 7/10.

5) My impression (How did affect me):

*Although it wasn't a special film, it was entertaining and I had fun while watching it.
*Considering the fact that I don't watch Chinese romantic comedies, this was pretty good.

My impression 7/10.

6) Overall:

*If you like romantic comedies then you would like this.
*Ifyou like revenge plots then don't expect much from this.


Overall: 7/10.

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The best thing to happen in a BL industry

If I could, I would give this show 10000 stars, but MDL only allows me to give it 10. It's worth much more. Beyond more, and nothing would be enough.

I have to say, I started watching this show from the first episode just for fun, not expecting much. I expected a cute, enemies to lovers storyline, something to kill time. Instead, I got more - so, so much more. Maybe I'm still a little bit too overwhelmed to put all my feelings into words, and that is because this show is it for me. It does everything right, from head to toe. And just when you think it's going to fall under your typical BL tropes; it doesn't. Instead, it fights them, even subtly makes fun of them at some point, and it's just so, so wonderful to watch, from start to finish.

First off, the plot.

It might seem very basic at first. It might seem like you know exactly where it's going to go and where it's going to take you. But the thing with Bad Buddy is, it took a basic plot, and turned it upside down. The basic enemies to lovers trope suddenly became so much more, and oh, look! They aren't really enemies, they aren't really friends either. But they are something . Then we have their parents who absolutely despise each other. And again, we think we know the story here, thinking it's something cliché. We hate on Pran's mother, thinking she's just a crazy hysterical woman, when, in fact, there's so, so much more depth to that whole plot and her hatred towards Pat's father, it leaves you astonished. Now? I want to give that woman the world.

Second off, the characters. Because I can't write anything else without mentioning the superiority of the characters.

Pat and Pran. What a perfect, absolutely stunning match. You can say whatever you want, but those two are just a perfect couple, played by superb actors with the chemistry that's out of this world. These two... they have drama happening around them. So, so much drama, never having a moment of calmness. But them? No, they are complete opposite. They are a steady, sure thing, not letting the drama around them affect their relationship at all. If everything around them is chaos and drama, they are a calm breeze keeping everything at bay. Sure, there are times where they get shaken up a bit and their relationship goes through small trials, but they resolve it quickly, with COMMUNICATION, and understanding and care for one another.

But you know what they refuse to let it affect their relationship? It's the biggest trial - their parents, and everyone around them who don't want them to be together. Breaking up looks like a typical, logical thing to do, to make things easier for everyone. But do they do that though? No, they don't. Instead, they find a way to still be together, to ease up their parents to the idea, even when things didn't look so bright. This is exactly why I never doubted them and didn't for a second thing that they broke up. That preview was a bust and it was obvious. It wouldn't be Pat and Pran if that happened.

Another wonderful fact about them is, they've been officially together from episode 7 till the end of the series, which is RARE. It's so rare to see a BL do that, and I am SO over the moon they did because it's the least they deserve. OhmNanon delivered their characters perfectly and I honestly cannot see anyone else doing it better than them. It's so refreshing to see how genuine they are and how it looks as if they seriously enjoy acting together and have a blast. It shows, it truly shows throughout the whole series.

Ink and Pa. What can I even say? I just want to thank the director for bringing such a nice, healthy, adorable GL relationship to a BL drama. It was such a nice surprise, I was doubting they were truly going to go with it till the very end, but I'm so glad they did. They also serve as a nice contrast to Pran and Pat, in a way where it's obvious that homophobia really isn't the main conflict as to why their parents don't want them together. It shows how their relationship could've been, if they weren't from the rivaled families. Even the dinner scene in the last episode, it's something Pran has imagined happening. Pat and Pran can't have that yet, while Ink and Pa can.

Hopefully, in the future, Pat's parents will call Pran their second son as well.

Korn and Wai. Listen. I am so glad, SO GLAD, we didn't get a typical "Oh, they are together as well!" Instead, they made them become good friends and colleagues, burying their old rivalry and deciding to do something together. It's nice. Even though I still didn't and don't forgive Wai for the way he outed Pat and Pran. That was a shitty and pathetic move and I'm glad he's become a better person since then, and I hope somewhere, behind the scenes, Pat and Pran got their much needed apology. However, he still didn't apologise in front of us, viewers, so I cannot really condone his actions. That being said, the complexity of his character plays a really important role in a better part of the series and I guess it's a good message. Each one of us makes some bad decisions, each on of us has prejudices that sometimes take over us. Not everyone is a good person. But everyone can change to a better, and do better. And I guess Wai kind of did that. Korn, though, Korn is a legend. Enough said.

Such tridimensional, well-written characters is what makes this BL what it is. If it weren't for that, it wouldn't be half as good. Characters make this story not basic, it makes it for what it is. God bless all of the characters, honestly.

Third off, music.

Goddammit, if I could sell my soul for Nanon's voice, I would. Bad Buddy incorporated music so, so well within the story, there is not one moment where it's awkward. I have three of my favourite scenes which are related to music. First is the one where Pat plays the xylophone, the second one is Pran singing Our Song in ep 11. Third one is in the last episode, where Pat and Pran are playing around, playing their songs, and their parents hearing them, and finally showing some kind of acceptance. Everything around them is related to music. Music plays such a huge part in their relationship. Music is what broke them, but it is also what mended them together. Even though Pran's mum took him away when he was playing music with Pat, years later she smiles and lets them have their music. Together.

There is so much more I could write about this wonderful series. I could talk about it for days and why I think it's as impactful and downright amazing as it is. I would strongly recommend everyone to watch it, although it did ruin other BLs for me and raised my standards even higher, but we're going to ignore that.

Thank you, Bad Buddy. Thank you, PatPran for making my fridays better. It was a wonderful journey.

Leggi di Più

Just as a note, I never write reviews, but this movie touched my feelings so much that I feel like I should share why I think everyone should watch this film.

I don't think I disliked anything about this movie. It made me realise certain things, that you don't get anywhere if you don't try your hardest. I've always been someone who doesn't try their best, and I've always done the minimum possible when it comes to studying, that's why whilst watching this I could picture myself in a similar situation.

The story is in itself like a lesson everyone should learn, and I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of this movie. I don't know how much I can say without spoiling anything. Basically if you think this movie is all about laughs and a straight road to success, you've got it so wrong. It's so much more than that on many levels, it shows you the life of a student which never tried at school. It shows you the hardships of studying, hardships of life itself. Everything from the brothers story to the family problems was what made the story even more worth watching. Don't expect to watch this without shedding a tear or two, because I did, and I never cry with movies to be honest. It might have been because I'm probably too emotional at the moment since I'm going through a hard patch myself.

The acting was on point. I literally felt everything from all characters, I felt like I was being sucked into their world and right on the spot, all the tears whether of sadness or joy were there. I related to some at times with hard choices to make concerning friendships and school.

If I were to summarise this into three words I would probably just say: Watch this movie
You won't regret it, you'll probably think about it for a while after its finished, you might find some motivation in it to do something you've always wanted to do because that's what this movie has done to me, taught me to never give up.

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A story of love and pain

The second season was as good as the first one. Kim Go Eun as Kim Yu Mi did a fantastic job of portraying the real-life struggles of a woman trying to find her happy ending. The time jumps made the story feel more realistic as nothing was too rushed. Jinyoung and Ahn Bo Hyun portrayed their roles very well. Do not expect any twists and turns but you will still be entertained.

In the end, we also got a happy ending that was not as predictable for those who did not read the webtoon. I am really happy that Yu Mi did not get back together with either Ba Bi or Woong. It truly felt as if she got her own happy ending. The final episode wrapped the series nicely.

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Okay, i don't know how to begin, I was one day bored without dramas or something to see and i saw someone that said that this movie was amazing, so i began and the story it's about an earthquake and the lifes of the people after that and it seems normal but OMG it's so amazing, then we see Yuichi (Shota Sometani) a simple guy but he has really bad "parents", well, they don't deserve to be called parents, and our lead girl that she's in love with him, well...you can say it in that way LOL
The acting: It's beyond the perfection, i was so inmersed in the movie, they were perfect in their roles, all the cast was amazing, I hated the parents and it was a movie that I'll never forget (because it was perfect)
The music was fine, nothing that I'll remember forever
Rewatch value: I have seen this movie 3 times and I'm not a person who likes to rewatch dramas or movies.
Overall: if you have a good cast, little bizarre things that are typical in japanese movies, two leads with a dysfunctional family then JACKPOT! If you're looking for a good movie you must see it, you're not to wast your time

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