Reviews

Having been a huge fan of season 1 of this show, I was extremely excited that there was going to be a season 2. I will try to avoid spoilers as much as possible.

Story:
I read the books the show was based on a long time ago and reread book one after I watched season one. I decided to reread book two while I was watching season two whenever I had the time as well, so this review will most likely be compared to season one and book two. The story is a continuation of season one, and continues telling the story of all five women. It followed the book as closely as possible imo, however they made some significant changes in regards to Xie Tong's character and Andy's storyline. Xie Tong was a police officer in the books and not a singer, and Andy actually got pregnant before marriage in the books as well. But I think because XT's police officer character in the books did some bad things, the production team was probably afraid to paint police officers in a negative light so they changed it. Same thing with Andy, having a kid out of wedlock isn't commonly accepted in China so that's probably why they changed it as well. However, some people might think that the storyline's logic got kind of confusing because they didn't reallly clean out these changes that well. Personally, the first half was really really good, but the latter half dragged a bit (however the second book also dragged a bit so I guess it followed the book pretty well). Not all the characters had happy endings, which I think is really nice because that's how real life is. I love how this show portrays life in quite a realistic way, especially coming from a Chinese background, so many things were painfully realistic and relatable. I think all the characters had character development, although some had more than others and some developed but then went back to point one and developed again. But I think that's the beauty of this show, not everyone can develop immediately and even real life people end up going back to their nature sometimes. The last episode is really nice, it feels that everyone made pretty smart decisions in regards to their future. Also I absolutely adored the friendship and support of these ladies!!!

Acting/Cast: Same cast as last season so I'd say the acting was all pretty good! :D Props to Jiang Xin though, her acting for her character was great, even though her character was annoying at certain points haha

Music: This isn't some chinese historical drama so I'm like quite sure they didn't put too much effort on the OSTs lol but it was like okay not too disracting or anything

Rewatch: I think it's rewatchable, however, it might be easier to fast forward through certain parts when rewatching.

Overall: Loved it! I followed this drama the day it aired and watched all the episodes the day they came out. It's a very precious drama in my life XD

Disclaimer: I gave it a 9.5 on my personal ratings, but for the review, I decided to give it a more objective 8.5 as a whole.

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A realistic insight into the entertainment industry

[my first time reviewing so please bare with me & also it's been a while since I last watched this]

I'm surprised that this drama isn't very popular.

The story is so realistic about how the industry of music and acting works; how people can get in just for their looks and how they change after fame and money and how stars are forced to perform because of contracts. The topics touched upon are deep and for the most part, the drama is able to get that across. It goes through a lot of ups and downs and the main characters do have a change of heart about who they're in love with which I find very unusual to see in a drama. The drama doesn't hit off properly for at least 2 or 3 eps so please bare with it. As far as music is concerned, some of the OSTs we're incredible e.g Hwan Hee.

The actors played their roles really well and the touching scenes definitely made me cry. I recommend this to anyone who's into music, light romance & someone who can watch all the episodes without pulling their hair out (since you'll want to be stabbing certain characters)!

(Oh and it's really hard to find this drama online with good quality... I mean... I bought the DVD).

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« you don’t have to be like everyone »

A beautiful drama about 4 HSP(I think) that have relationship issues. They meet each other, and heal slowly.

I could really relate with all the characters. It was as if I’ve met someone who finally understands me and feels the same way I do and think the same way.
A lot of the time I’ve been told that I am a bad person just because of my personality and how I think and I have been feeling bad a lot and hated myself for that. But this drama told me that I am not wrong, and I am not bad. Everyone is different and it is okay that way.

This drama learns you to not judge, criticise, hate someone just beause he/she is different, and has a different opinion and a different way of thinking than you. And to accept them as they are. and to not try to push your ideals to others.

The scripting really beautiful, Ubukata-san always choose the right words really carefully.
The music is perfect and fit the visuals which are so simple yet so beautiful.
There is also a lot of little details that makes this drama even more precious.

Some people might find this drama boring(because of the slow pacing but I liked it and found it peaceful) and might not understand the characters . But that’s okay as everyone is different. But I hope they will watch this all the way through because this is a the end that the message is really conveyed.

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This drama had me snagged by the end of episode one, and never let go, even at the end I was looking for just a little more!

I think like everyone else, I put off this drama for a while, but not because of the political aspect most seemed to, because I actually don't mind that as a plot-line, but because I heard from a friend the Kim Sun Ah's character was annoying and the typical stupid female lead. That was obviously very wrong, especially in later episodes. The story-line was semi-unique and new because it carried that political aspect, and was the cause for all of the main pairs trouble. While couples being separated because of their live's situation or social standing is nothing new at all, the politics made it fresh and something not quite the usual. While the beginning episodes were filled with just a little too much outlandish/slapstick humor, that didn't last long, and the humor developed into something more witty and intelligent. For the most part, the story focused really on the main couple the drama brought from Jo Gook's lies and manipulation and Shin Mi Rae's incorruptible beliefs, and their hesitancy to let themselves love each other. I loved watching Shin Mi Rae become an awesome Mayor and stand her ground and go head to head again the villain even when she knew she was out of her depth. She wasn't afraid to ask for help or admit her short comings, but she equally wasn't afraid to tell them to shut the heck up and fall in line either. Jo Gook was also so darn loveable, even when he was being a jerk, that you can't help but end up head over heels for him. He's sexy, adorable, and hilarious all at once. And when he cries...I seriously think my heart almost stopped during some of those scenes. There's just something so horribly heart wrenching about watching a man that looks so strong and confident shed tears or look so sad. There's so much good about this drama, I could go on forever, but I'm horrible when it comes to spoilers, so I'll move on.

The cast was just AWESOME! I am truly a fan of Kim Sun Ah, and have recently been watching a lot of her dramas. She's such a fantastic actress that no matter what role she plays I believe it whole heartedly and always fall in love with her characters. I was rooting for her from the get go, and I only ended up rooting more as the story progressed. And Cha Seung Won is just awesome. I first found him in The Greatest Love, and I was so surprised by just how much I ended up loving him as an actor, and my awe of him only grew in City Hall. He really played his character well, and the growth and changes he goes through are a true pleasure to watch. Just try and watch this drama and not end up wanting your own Jo Gook! He's the pure form of MAN and he projects that in just the way he walks. The supporting cast was also a blast to watch, and even if their motivations or personal stories weren't expanded on as much as they could have been, it didn't detract from the story. Even the silly side characters that granted comedic relief were well acted and believable.

The music could have been better to be honest, but I don't really think it took too much from the drama. The only thing I thought was during some of the sadder scenes, it would have been nice to have a song that matched the emotional pain that was less...upbeat sounding?

Overall, I'm really glad I watched this drama, and I'll definitely re-watching it (again XD). The chemistry and love between the leading pair was so heartwarming and the politics only added to the drama. If you're unsure if you'll like this style of drama, just give it a shot, stick in for a few episodes, and I promise you'll fall in love. If you don't, send me a strongly worded e-mail. :P

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"Insurance was the last love letter."

..is one thing that I've learned and reflect from watching this drama. This is hauntingly beautiful story that brings you to a world of dark mystery of a young woman Egi Touko. There aren't that many mystery or suspense dramas in Japan. Usually, you'll get an episodic drama with a "detective-genius-who-solve-all-case" so when a good one like this, it should deserve a good rating. Well, just because the genre is mystery doesn't mean it's always an episodic. Sometimes, it was to confuse and leaves to audience to think for themselves about the events regarding of what the conclusions will be.

The script was very well-written that gives a chilling feel and yet captivating. The actors did pretty well in portrayal especially Matsushima Nanako. She has this cold and creepy aura in this one that her acting transitions made me "never-to-be-forgotten" of her. Eiki and Touko has a very good chemistry, well.. this is not just an eye candy drama though.


Now, in this drama.. YOU are the Detective! :) I advise you to just go with flow in it or else, you may lose concentration to the story. Do not "overthink". :DD

I recommend you to watch this drama, nothing to lose if you try.. Who knows? You'll never know that you're missing. :)

ENJOY! ^_____^

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When I heard about a drama that would be coming in 2016 about the twilight youths of some life long friends I was intrigued. Then I found out it was written by No Hee-Kyung. She wrote such dramas as “It's Okay, That's Love”, “The Winter the Wind Blows”, and many more. With that kind of backing I waited patiently. The stellar cast was revealed and I knew this was going to be something powerful.

Sometimes the simple truths of life are the most riveting. I won't lie and say there weren't some drama tropes present. There were, but isn't life what these tropes are based off of? There was a story line about episode 4 that turned out to be a horribly bad joke, and that's really my only complaint. Because even that bad joke had you reflecting on life.

The power of this storyline is the view from the point of view of the parents and we also get glimpses of what the kids are thinking. The parents understand what the kids are thinking because they've live it all. They've been there. Many truths are revealed on both sides. Parents are aware their children are too busy living their lives. Children can't understand that their parents won't be there forever. Small, but powerful truths make up this story.

The age differences also kept the story fresh, though the youngest person was 40 for one of the main roles. It's not only refreshing to see this type of story on the drama scene, but to actually have older actors having such well developed roles. It can be tiring seeing older actors as nothing but one dimensional parents, or filler roles. You know where an older person is expected to be, or they have a young person play an advanced age.

The focus of the story stays on the older cast even though the 40 year old, daughter is telling it as she writes her book. It's probably why I felt like her love story could have used a little more development and time. Especially in episode 15 (where I felt the pacing was off). However, that means the other character's story lines are amazing. When we finally learn about everyone’s past and present circumstances I loved it. I don't want to spoil anything, but there's many truths that I loved seeing present in this drama. (Yeah, I'm all about truths.) The writing stays on top of all of those lead character's stories and no one is left out. It was perfect.

The cast was everything I had hoped for and more. Of course they're all seasoned veterans to acting, all to their own varying degrees. So it's no surprise that these ladies and gentleman delivered brilliant performances. The chemistry was fabulous and I could believe that these woman have been friends since preschool age. They've stayed in each others' lives.

The music was fantastic! The styles and variety of sounds all fit somehow and were brilliant. From songs for the characters, to a general feel good vibe that brought a smile to my face every time. It was very unique and I appreciated that. I loved that one song had this big bopper tune to fit the resident “playboy”. I have a niggling suspicion that he may have even sang it.

There are so many layers to this drama. It's definitely not a typical one and I hope this inspires better roles for seniors. For writers to realize that older actors are loved, and a great drama would have those characters having pivotal roles. Oh, I'd rewatch this. Just so I could see the amazing friendships and reality of these characters again. I loved how well the writing balanced the fun, humor, and warm hearted nature of the story/characters with the sad truth of age and life. It was beautiful and I thank writer No Hee-Kyung for taking me on it.

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This movie is unexpected, and that's why this movie is great!
There are so many horror movies that are lacking story, but not this one! It surprised me, kept me on my toes and I kept questioning my self. The story is very well written and not too predictable! I gave it a 9 because there were to many plot twist near the ending, and I would loved it more if it was throughout the whole movie.
You can question yourself if this is really a horror movie, but if you scare me, than to me it's horror and I jumped up one time, so that was enough for me to count this as a horror movie.

The acting was also great! I loved their emotions and some parts were really hard to act, but you can only understand this when you've watched this movie.

The music was also good, it did build up some tension but not to much.
I would rewatch this movie, because it has a good story, and that is what I like. I also recommend this to people who like horror, love plot twist and likes a good story!

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Spring turns to spring is an unexpectedly good drama. It was funny, entertaining and witty. My only concern was that the two final episodes were just there to prolong the ending, as there was no point in repeating some scenes and trops. However, the rest of the drama was really good. The whole switching bodies, although kind of cliche at first, it really worked out here. And that's because of the two leading ladies. Never have I ever watched two people switching personalities so naturally. They changed their attituded, gestures, even way of speak to match the one the other girl would have and they were just amazing. I would suggest checking out this drama only to experiance it. Other than that, the story was nice, kind of funny, and overall entertaining.

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Joe Needs To Be Slap With A Rubber Chicken

What annoys me the most is that, Ming put Joe through hell, all because he was in love with a guy who acts like he sniffs glue and sells hair nets on e-bay.

That being said. There must have been a 2-for-1 special on stupidity, cuz Joe sure bought a whole lot.

CHARACTERS:
Listen. Joe is a bummer. He makes sadness look pathetic. He’s like that friend who always ruins the mood whenever you ask them how they’re doing:

ME: Oh, hey, friend, how was your day?

Bummer Friend: Nothing much. My cat is in therapy. I wanna get a perm, but I don’t think I have the face for it. My parents threw me out so I’m living under a bridge now, and I got hit by a bus last week and died. 😑

Sure, sure, we can argue that Joe is pathetic because he couldn’t catch a break, and every time he did, it was at the expense of his self-respect, but damn… the dude just bummed me out. So much that when he died the second time, I was chewing on my popcorn like:

ME: Oh, noo, dude…you like, got shot and stuff…you rolling down the stairs dude…is you dead again?... (Side note: Did they really have to make him roll down the stairs like that? It was just sad.)

And yes, we all love/hate a no-self respecting, pathetic love-sick fool character. The only reason I watched ‘Theory Of Love’ was that bathroom scene where Gun's character got his heartbroken, and he was crying under the shower, but the water stopped, so he had to use bottled water. I laughed like there was no tomorrow, then went and made popcorn so I could binge-watch the rest of the series, and judge him through the screen.

So yeah, throughout the series whenever Joe did anything dumb, which was every time he opened his mouth. I went:

ME: Yayy, go on honey, be a dumb-ass, stay with that dude who took your virginity and can’t even remember it, and refers to you as a ‘stand in’, because he’s in love with a guy built like a Minecraft table.

Some of the things Joe did, and allowed Ming to do to him, busted my mind. And what do you mean he DIED again because of TONG! TONG!!!  I understand if it was like for a person person, but Tong? Come on son! Do-gooders should come with a ‘self-sacrificing idiot’ forehead tag or something, cuz... Bishes be crazy!

And sure, Joe was a tortured, handsome fella who needed love, But, Joe, Joe, oh Joey, Jojo, Jeremiah, Josephina. To quote Earth from Moonlight Chicken: ‘How you gonna be poor, gay and dumb at the same time, child?.’ He suffered so much because… *check notes*

1. He had no family. (His dream was for someone to turn on the lights in his house.)
2. He had (1) friend. (And that friend wanted to get into his pants, but yaay friendship, right?)
3. He was a ‘stand-in’ boyfriend(eff buddy?). (Sure Ming hit him in the head with a baseball bat, kidnapped him, chained him up, caused him to fall off a cliff and die, but hey, at least they had his-and-his mugs. So, awwww love.)

I don’t even know what to say about Joe. Do I dislike the character, I guess not, because he’s too sad to even dislike. I just couldn’t get over all the dumb decision he made… **check notes** again:

1. Gave his virginity to Ming who was drunk off his arse
2. Asked Ming to move in with him so he could turn on his lights for him.
3. Died, came back, and went straight to Ming to be his stand-in ho. He wasn't even the main ho at that point, he was like a stand-in ho, for a stand-in ho.
4. Accepted Ming’s broke arse! (Dude, you are poor, how you gonna take care of him and your sick fake mom?)
5. Got kidnapped (again) and beaten for TONG. TONG!!
6. Died again so he can protect Ming. (You know, the guy who treated him like used slippers.)

I kept screaming, ‘No, girl, no, no!’ every time he made another dumb decision. Homeboy gets a second chance, complete with a whole new face and everything. And I thought he was gonna move cities, start over, join a local church or something but, the mfer was like:

JOE: Well…the thing is…you know…Ming glued the mugs together, you know the one I broke when he mistook me for his sister’s husband, who he’s in love with? Haha… he has changed… he wears old lady blouses, and wants to keep me as his ho… in exchange for money, so… yeah, *in love noises*

ME: This dumb-ass mother… *throws chair**

For one split second I thought he'd finally learned something, because he was like : "No Ming, this second chance is mine!" (Only to immediately proceed to try and get out of a moving car.) A moving car. Like???? And after all that yelling and 'Ming forget the old Joe, this body doesn't love you', homeboy didn't even make it half way down the traffic light!

And while he was talking about 'If you loved the old Joe why did you make me your paramour.' my arse was rolling my eyes at the screen going 'dude stop using that fancy arse word, use your government name, yous is a ho. A stand-in ho.'

Joe just vexes me! Every time he gives Ming those poppy dog in-love eyes I go.
Child! Child! Stop, Run. You must be a special brand of stupid to die, get a second chance, then go straight to the person who caused your death. JUST, WHY?? ARE YOU OKAY?

At this point, I’m gonna console myself by believing that Joe is color blind, cuz there’s no rational reason as to why he returned to Ming a second time. WHY??? And in the finale he’s talking about 'I forgive you, forgive yourself, I’ll always choose you cuz I don’t know what I’ll live for if not for you?' ‘CHILD! How about your fake mom? huh? How about living a life where you are not afraid your partner will hit you upside the head with a bat??’

You know what, eff Joe! My blood pressure can’t.

But like, Poom is an amazing actor!! Most bl actors looks like they are laughing or sniffing glue whenever they cry, but Poom was different. Even his eyes could act. Beautiful talented man. But Joe though, the bummer can go hug a tree.

Okay, on a side note, are we going to ignore the fact that, that woman’s son died and she didn’t even got to mourn? Sure, Joe is a good son to her and whatnot, but damn, homeboy took over that body with zero guilt.

—
MING. oh, MING.

HAHAHA. Some people talking about, ‘Girl, Ming is such a RED FLAG. AND???!’ HAHAHA. My sister, even if na red sea, I go still take cup drink ‘em!

Cuz we love drama in this house. And Ming, oh Ming, talk about a guy you wanna punch under a mistletoe. My anger when it came to him was unhealthy. Do I wish he go bury himself in a hole at the centre of the sun and die? Sure. Is his toxic arse gonna make me add this drama to one of my favs? HECK YEAH.

Listen. Ming, like an old rag, deserves to be taking out every spring and beaten. This little guy, who acts like the world bothers him (I just remembered Joe let a collage? graduate drive him off a cliff.) mistreated our gentle soul Joe, because he saw someone’s back in a mall one time. I mean, how you gonna fall in love with Tong, your sister’s boyfriend, who looks like a dollar store bubblehead?

Ming was so toxic and for what? TONG? The guy who used his unborn child as a bargain? The guy who on so many occasions broke your heart. TONG!

And after everything Ming did, the writers gave him like two ‘redeemable’ scenes, changed one red traffic light into green, said sorry under some shooting star, made him wear those silly cute aprons, and expected me to forgive him. LMAO I’m not Joe, I’m not gonna come back and let him eff me again. One time is enough!

But they almost got me in the finale though ^^. With all the smiling, crying and shooting stars, and tiny clay pots and aprons… but I stood my ground like. ’No, you will not get me to forgive Ming, not today Satan!’ So yeah, eff the tiny pot , apron, and the shooting stars, I’mma still hold on to my hatred.

Also, how in the hell did Ming manage to stop Joe from opening that afterlife door? Mfer is next level of toxic. He was like: 'Bish, where you think you going, I'm not done with you. If you don't get your arse back in here.' Poor Joe, the devil works hard, but Ming works harder.

UP did so well with this character, because I see UP on my fyp on tiktok and I grin and coo and go, bestest boy. But the moment Ming shows up on screen I wanna throw tiny rocks into his eyes and push him off a small cliff.

TONG
Hmm. Ha. Hmhm. Haha. Hahaha. HAHAKAHBIERJWOJFWNF. AHHHHHHHHHHH. GAWDDD, sure Ming deserves to be poke in the eye with a sharp object, but TONG deserves to be slap repeatedly with a glove, then you know, kicked into that black hole at the centre of the milky way. Eff that dude!

And ,and, after all he did, he got no retribution whatsoever!! I swear, this world is not fair. And the last episode wanted me to feel happy for him, but he’s smiling and I’m rolling my eyes like:, ‘Happiness don’t even look right on him, dude out here looking like the inside of a pencil case. Arrgggg, take a long nap under that pool, please!!’

Somewhere out there in drama world, Tong is happy with his wife and chubby son, and I wish he steps on a lego every time he smiles. And he chokes every time he drinks. XDD

SOL:
Now tell me why every time this dude popped up, I went, ‘My brother, my brother, go sit somewhere, this ain’t about you!’ LMAO. Sure he was an o-kay-ish friend, but he was like a tiny red-flag with a green wrapping, so shifty, looking like that one lizard in ‘SING!’

In the finale when he took his sorry-arse bag and got into the car with the stranger, I was like: ‘Sure, dude, get kidnap and die. See if I care.’ So, yeah, I wish him all the best, I guess.

PLOT
Interesting concept, I am tempted to read the book I heard this was based on. I think the actors did what they were supposed to. I hated and liked them accordingly, so they did their job well.

THINGS THAT DIDN’T MAKE SENSE
- Joe’s fighting skills going away whenever he needed it
- Writers trying to make us forgive Ming
- Joe literally letting himself be kidnap for TONG
- TONG being a popular actor. (Like, did that dude ever shoot enough scenes to make a finish drama?)
- TONG being forgiven!! Seriously??? Nothing?

THINGS THAT MADE SENSE
**Crickets**
Edit: 07/10/24 : I found a scene that made sense. The chicken fight between Sol and Ming. SKSKSKS, it didn't make sense, but it also made sense, and Joe just being the ignored third party made it so fun to watch. Upon rewatching, my ratings have gone up, Joe's eyes deserves a whole star, like they were acting more than the actor himself XD

Anyway, I might write more later on the finale, especially on the family, but for this review I just wanted to vent my frustration with Joe.

All in all, one of the best shows this year, up there with Unknown.

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One, I hate Karou. Just had to get that out there ^^; Also, I never give 10s across the board, never. Please take that into consideration when you read this review. This got a straight 10 from me!

Ok, so the choreography was simply STUNNING! I mean, I have never seen a better use of martial arts, ever. Bourne Identity comes close but this was... the economy of movement, the sword play, it was spectacular. I am getting the DVD for no other reason than to slow down the flight scenes to half speed so I can see those fights in all their glory! The fight scenes were STUNNING! The actor was so gritty, damn. You only get a tiny idea of how amazing it is from the preview, let me tell you... I wish I could look up movies by whoever is in charge of fight scenes. Just, dman.

Ok, no one cares how wonderful the fight scenes were (you better, it was something like >50% of the movie) the music... I really liked it. It was a very powerful sound track that worked well with the movie and the era. A mix of traditional Japanese music and instrumental with some classical thrown in there, it made me feel the era. It was an era of transitions and you felt it from the music alone.

Story wise, this covered the fake Battousai and Gatling gun/Megumi arcs. If you are looking for the manga made into a movie... well, this movie was by no means pure but it did a damn good job. Watching Sano fight was comical, he was the comic relief of the movie, where Kenshin was all sex he was all humor.

After my first paycheck, if it is still in theaters, I am SO going. Just an amazing movie people! The costumes, the sets, just damn. If you want to know anything more specific, email me because I feel that if I continue, it is just going to be one large joygasm about how wonderful the sword play was.

I will comment that the ONLY point I was dissappointed in was that Kenshin did not do his 'I'm so badass with my sakabatou I can slice through concrete' thing.

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Everyone Deserve a Treat Like This Drama Once In A While

101% RECOMMENDED
This drama started with a bang and continued to be my Fav Mon/Tue drama in march 2022 though there are many other Ongoing dramas that are good, but what makes this drama special is that it's fun and easy to watch, the best choice for binge-watching you just put this show on you'll have the most fun time and would Giggling for 8 hours and 4 hours you would be swooning over the romance. it's a fast-paced romance line either it's the first lead or second lead, this drama is filled with amazingly passionate couple chemistry and makes this drama so swoon-worthy... A drama can't be any more cliche than this one, but in every scene, you will be like "ok this has been done before but never on this level". this show has a unique quality that it doesn't make u irritated with its cliche plot but makes it more interesting and enjoyable due to its comic timing. Once you put it on you'll be eager for more and more that's how good this show is...
The reason I started watching this drama was that it was the newest Kdrama on Netflix with only 1 episode out and DANG I was hooked since, just because it was easily available on Netflix and Trailer seemed so fun, that I started watching it instantly; I had to suffer 6 weeks to finally see it's ending but surely this drama made MARCH 2022 SO MUCH FUN (jeez I'm gonna miss this drama so much).
Some Like 1st lead couple and some Like 2nd lead couple and it's totally alright but no need to compare these couples, BOTH couple's chemistry makes this drama Balanced and Worth checking out as the drama shows different aspects of romance.
Young Seo & Hari Are the best best-friends ever. A perfect example of a friend in need is a friend indeed (throughout the series they are seen cheering and helping out each other )
OVERALL: This drama is very good to watch, relaxing and gives a good laugh and constantly reminded me of how single I am...lol
*HONOURABLE Mention: Kim Min-Kyu with glasses... Is so CHARISMATIC... *wanjeon jalsaeng-gyeosso* (AND its special use in episode 8 had me freaked out...FIREee)
;P
...
REASONS TO WATCH:
+Bromance and Sismance=10/10
+Grandfather and Grandsons=8/10
+Awesome chemistry Between all the character=10/10
+Fake Jin Young Seo Scenes=11/10
+friendship between the leads=10/10
+comedy scenes=9/10
+Catchy OSTs=9/10
+A Light hearted destressing story=8.7/10
+fun watch
+short
+All the DIALOGUES are Catchy, Exciting and hilarious at the same time, 10/10
BUT MY FAVOURITE:
*KANG TAEMOO: I'm quite good... at many things. (EP1)
*SHIN HARI: Makes Samantha & Rachel very sad. (EP1), Archaeopteryx (EP2)
*CHA SUNG HOON: I’ll make sure that you never forget. (EP7)
*JIN YOUNG SEO: If you don't I'm really... gonna cross the line. (EP6)
...
REASON SOME MIGHT NOT WATCH:
-Cliche (but in a most enjoyable way)
-PURE ROM/COM (THE BEST OUT THERE)
-CRINGEY (BUT Alluring)
-FAST-PACED ROMANCE (totally the reason why I watched)
-NARCISSISTIC MALE LEAD (BUT TAEMOO IS DAMN CUTE BEING THAT WAY :* )
-RICH AND POOR (who doesn't like seeing rich lead flexing ;p )
-IF YOU PREFER ACTION, THRILLER, SUSPENSE OVER ROM/COM (this is the only reason one might not wanna watch it but still TRY IT and take a break from Action/Thriller types dramas, I'm sure everyone will love it)
...
CONS FOR ME:
*are only 12 episodes... [wish it was a bit longer (maybe 16 episodes) and we could have seen them all for a little while longer...]
...
*PS: I hope you all will LOVE this drama as much as I did*... and if you don't then we can't be friends ever... lol
AGAIN= *101% RECOMMENDED

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Free The Imperfect Truth And You Will See The Potential Of This Show

First of all, I won´t go deep into the storyline in my review, since that would take me too long to explain why this show is in my opinion a good one, even though some episodes caused a lot of hate. I firstly state that I am NOT playing down the TWs such as those portrayed in this series, nor will I say that I don´t understand those offended. I can definitely see where antipathy comes from.

Their acting performances were substantial and they were embodying their roles well. (I am talking about the main cast here)


Ye Xing Si/ Fu Yong Jie:
The beginning of this show is very light and most viewers may have not expected the quick turn in the XS and YJ couple, which was truly shocking for me as well. However, I did not judge the cast or production for it, since they were just doing their job in recreating the written. Many viewers started a hate wave against them and I can not understand what the History-Production has to do with the storyline.

The storyline was not too exaggerated nor was it something casual. I agree that Yong Jie made a complete reckless move on his brother while he was drunk and you should not take advantage of drunk people, on the other hand, wasn´t it to take the blame for his brothers coming out? (I want to point out the conversation in minute 11 of episode 19) Wasn´t he willing to lose his father to enable XS an opportunity to come out? He was hiding all his life and YJ just wanted to end the suffering by taking the blame. YJ is also mentally not okay and of course, that is NOT an excuse to stalk nor to use a drunk person and this is exactly what I am trying to say here:

1. Disorders are part of our everyday life. They lead to activities or behaviours that can damage yourself and others. They portrayed it well.
2. His brother forgave him. He wasn´t forced to do so, he had the choice to hate him and even take the video to the police. He didn´t. Not because he was afraid but because he understood the intentions and also fell in love with him, unforced.

Also, the episode when the father himself, who saw the video and everything, agreed to support them. Therefore there is a lot more behind that night than just pleasing a long-standing desire.

Xiao Li Cheng/ Teng Mu Ren:
To be honest, I was kinda annoyed with the beginning of their story because I thought Xiao Li Cheng was hiding too much behind his superficiality. It only took me another episode tho to fall in love with their storyline as well. It was very contrasting to the other couple. While these two have a bubbly and messy relationship, in which two friends discovered their feelings for each other, the other couple had a dark and complicated one. I loved the build-up and how realistic the misfortunes and downsides of their discovery were. Shock. Denial. Frustration. Dedication. All of the build-ups leading to a positive outcome of their relationship.

In general, this show had me jumping with joy and down on my knees the next second. No other story had made me question the reasons, connections and similarities to real-life as this one did. Not because it was dramatic and confusing, but because it was IMPERFECT. Just like us. We are not perfect either. That´s okay. We also know that this is not an excuse to hurt others but something that makes us human. If that show had no frailty, it wouldn´t have been this catchy.

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MAME does it again.

I guess I should expect this from the creator of TharnType, but to be honest I didn’t know it was this author until I was 4 episodes in.

The actors are okay. I don’t want to say they have no ability simply because they have no reasonable script. I haven’t seen them in anything else, so maybe if they had something better to work with, they could have done well. The music is mediocre. I haven’t found anything great or terrible about the OST. As you may have gathered from the above: the plot is pretty much non existent. Outside of the relationships, there isn’t anything to be said so far. Not really a compelling plot and sometimes the storyline is nonsensical.

I can explain the whole story with some very simple dialogue:
Payu: “Let’s have sex.”
Rain: “No. I’m not gay.”
Payu: “You’re stupid.”
Rain: “I’ll make you love me so you can’t call me stupid.”
Payu: “Let’s have sex.”
Rain: “Okay.”

Pai: *Forces Sky to have sex with him.*
Sky: “What a jerk.”
Pai: “His sex was so good, I think I should make Sky my sex friend or boyfriend, as needed.”
Sky: “Go away..”
Pai: “You’re sick? Let me take care of you.”
Sky: “Okay, maybe we can have sex, but I won’t be happy about it.”

This is the gist of the show to this point (episode 10). It makes little to no sense and has very little plot. As usual for this author, imbalance of power in relationships and forced or non consensual sex that ends in loving relationships. I agree with another reviewer who asked if MAME has ever been in a relationship, cause this is not how people behave. This is soft core porn with very little story. And unfortunately the story you get isn’t worthwhile. We should expect more from our BL series.

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A kiss is just a kiss.

This drama is set in 1949 during the prelude to the Communist Party of China's descent upon Shanghai the most strategic city in China at the time; which the nationalist Kuomintang had vowed to defend. The loss of Shanghai paved the way for the CPC to sweep into power and the rest is history. Given this backdrop, it is no surprise that this drama is often mischaracterized as a spy thriller. And certainly while espionage is a prominent feature, it is not at all what this drama is really about. It is much more a slice of life drama that explores the social economic challenges and shifting political ideologies that affects friends, families and lovers at this great inflection point in modern Chinese history.
 
I normally heartily dislike dramas set in tumultuous times like this because one cannot realistically expect happy outcomes. So I put this off for the longest time even though I am a huge fan of Chen Kun. But to my surprise, I enjoyed this drama almost from start to finish. The drama deftly avoids being melodramatic or maudlin by telling the story as a witty and intelligent dark comedy; effectively masking the sad, somewhat cynical undertone. I laughed my head off at the comical antics of the flighty widow who tries to turn back time with her first true love, a married man who is clumsily both tempted and terrified by her. It was only much later that it struck me what an ironic and cruel trick fate played on them and their families. Beyond Chen Kun, this drama is well cast with actors with excellent comedic timing.
 
The newly widowed Huang Liwen (Wan Chen) encounters Qiao Zhicai by chance as they both return to Shanghai. Having just lost her husband, a communist agent, Liwen tries to stay connected to him or perhaps give meaning to her loss by embracing his cause. Qiao Zhicai on the other hand is a a street savvy rogue and a bit of the black sheep of his family who ably navigates through the hyperinflation and shortages during those chaotic times. Their antagonistic initial interactions and misunderstandings blossom into a touching friendship and they become increasingly entangled into each other's lives. Together they try to protect the work of Qiao Lijie, Zicai's identical younger twin and a brilliant nuclear physicist. Their activities invite the scrutiny of the brutal secret police, putting them and their families in harm's way.

Where this drama shines is in its satirical portrayal how the main characters respond to provocation, conflict and deprivation. On the one hand, the drama mockingly lays bare the shallower, superficial and baser human traits of many of the characters and then redeems them by actions that also reveals their capacity for good. This darkly humorous depiction of familial bonds, sibling rivalry, love and betrayal as well as loyalty and friendship is vivid, hilarious and wistful. The overarching plot however will not satisfy true spy buffs although there are some thrilling, suspenseful moments and twists. It amounts to little more than a bunch of rather amateur spies pitted against a bunch of equally incompetent villains and making huge sacrifices for a mission that is ultimately of dubious historical significance.

I cannot praise Chen Kun's stellar performance in this drama enough. He pulled off both twins with such different personalities so convincingly I really believed there were two of them. Some of my favorite moments were when the brothers switch places - when Zhicai pretends to be Lijie he gives you the barest glimpse of Zhicai's concealed personality and vice versa. That is incredibly difficult to pull off and I don't believe I have ever seen it done better. I ended up loving both brothers and to me, Qiao Zhicai has become an all time favorite drama character. On the other hand, I found Wan Chen's Huang Liwen somewhat lacking. To be fair, it is a complex, messy role - a widow who is struggling to find meaning in her loss and existence. But she never convinces that her zeal for her cause is grander than love or friendship or even life itself. And she needs saving all the time. She only has three expressions - woebegone, helpless and cold. For her, a kiss is just a kiss; a means to an end with little true passion. I find her feelings for and attitude towards Zhicai unfathomable and frustrating. I don't think that is what the writers intended. Although she almost redeems herself at the end, I still find her unworthy of the sacrifices and risks Zhicai took for her.

For me this is an 8.5 that would have been a 9.0 if a better actress played Liwen. Nonetheless, I very much enjoyed the story and dark humor - it is very rare to see it done so well in c-drama. I can highly recommended watching this even though as a consequence, I suffered a major relapse and started cyber stalking Chen Kun again.

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