Reviews

Feelings rehashed

And just like the original 50 episode version, I was left saddened and unmotivated after this viewing. It's like certain dramas, when they're done, just leave this gaping hole in your life because they went on and had this huge impact on you- this drama did that to me.
This was nice to watch after completing the OG a couple months ago and still feeling a little empty inside. Of course with this story being as popular as it is, there are many ways to continue to get my LWJ and WWX fix but still, the live action was just so... *le sigh* There are just no words.
I get that they had to cut a lot of the story because this was more about the mains but unless you're seen the OG then this version is obviously really incomplete. The bright side though is a lot of added scenes that weren't in the drama can be seen here.
Obviously I highly recommend this but watch the original first.

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a pleasantly relatable watch

Kudos to this series for being straightforward when it comes to the uncomfortable but relatable topics it chose to tackle in it’s short run. Ofc more could have been explored, but I am impressed with what I saw. Korea, can we have more types of these shows with these types of characters? this was a pretty good show.
The show focuses on three teenagers experiencing different issues in life and figuring out how to get through them. My personal favorite story was Jaemin’s. The bits with the online class he was taking had me laughing. Not only was it relatable but I can totally picture a guy doing a no-fap challenge to get a girl he likes. Yu Ri’s story hit close to home with me because it’s kind of what I’m going through currently in my life. I’m sure a lot of girls out there are waiting for a genuine guy with good intentions to come their way but instead end up feeling disappointed and used. I’ve yet to see the last episode but the ending to the first two stories are satisfactory. I’m glad to have finally found a show with teens who have realistic issues that are relevant to their age because you don’t see that much in the kdrama world.
The acting is good too despite the no-name cast(except for Miyeon). All the actors involved seemed to genuinely portray teens in an approachable way, which was fantastic for the viewer. If you’re looking for something quick, lighthearted, and not too silly, then this show is for you.

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So Bad but So Good; I watch this drama not for the plot but the male lead.

"I fell in love with the most dangerous man, why can't I let go?"

The lyrics above definitely describes my feelings about the male lead in this drama. His character is indeed portrayed to be a typical "Dangerous Man" that is mysterious, dark, intense, and toxic. Ngl, if it's in a real life, he would've been canceled because he's such a red flag 😭. However in this drama, despite the toxicity, the male lead is also very charismatic, good looking, charming and intriguing that you can't help but fall in love with him. It's all thanks to the actor who has successfully delivered the character to be that attractive. His acting is top notch and is totally on point. I can say the male lead and the actor are the best part of this drama.

One more thing that I like about this drama is the romance between the male lead and female lead. They have great chemistry and there are a lot of steamy kisses. I read some comments saying they don't like the female lead character because she's clingy but I think I have different opinion about this one. Yes, the female lead is clingy and looks weak but she's not a passive person. She made the first move to pursue the male lead, confessed her feeling first, comforted the male lead and she always ensured the male lead that he wasn't alone. The female lead gave the male lead the sense of security and he could find solace in her. I think their characters complete each other.

As for the story, this drama obviously has many flaws. To be honest it has so much potential but unfortunately the writing is weak that there are many loopholes in the plot. I suggest you not to use your brain when you're watching this drama and you can ignore all the non-sense things.

Overall, I think this drama is not perfect but it's still worth to watch and I totally enjoy watching it despite all the flaws. As for rewatch value, I think there's possibility that I might rewatch it again only for the male lead (lol). However, if you're typical a so called "woke" person or if you're looking for a solid plot, this drama isn't for you.

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I picked up this drama, because I wanted something light and fluffy. My Little Lover isn't anything mind blowing but it is sooo enjoyable. I was surprised myself at how much i liked this drama, because I am super picky. I am going to briefly introduce the pros and cons of this show.

Advantages:
*The cast. Actors in this drama are very young and their acting skills aren't magnificent but they are more than good and the fact that the characters and actors ages mach which is rare makes it more realistic.
*Nakagawa Taishi's acting skills are pretty good but there were some moments where I just wanted to clap, because he expressed the emotions perfectly. Actors in KDramas are always like angels fallen from the sky, unrealistically beautiful, but Minami was like a cute classmate, still very handsome, but more relatable, more human. His character was realistic and just so close to heart.
*Horikiri is a character that actually has some personality. Only after watching this drama did I notice that in a lot of dramas the main female lead has no hobby, nothing she likes and it just feels like the girl exists so she could create a romantic relationship with the main female lead. Chiyomi Horikiri is a character that has actual hobbies, ambitions like a real human being.
*The supporting roles weren't left out. Sure they couldn't get a lot of screen time, because the show is short, but every character had at least one scene where they personality developed.
*Pleasantly surprised that I didn't hate the second girl who was trying to get Minami's heart, Nomura. Sure she was a little bit bitchy, but never did I hate her, actually I kind of liked her.
*In the aspect that the main character lead is shrunk down to a tiny person the story is pretty original.
*That one kissing scene that made my heart beat like crazy. You'll know what I am talking about when you watch this drama. That's why i love JDrama's, because the kissing scenes actually have some feelings of intimacy.
*It isn't supposed to be a comedy, but the situations the main characters got themselves into were just so ridiculous that I couldn't help but laugh. And be prepared for a lot of embarrassing moments. I can't even count how many times I had to pause an episode and do something else, because I just couldn't handle the embarrassment. Some might think that this is a flaw, but for me it was a plus. This drama made me feel with the characters.
*Some people thought that it was draggy. Well i didn't. I hate when dramas get dragged on for too log and that happens way to often but this drama was so short it had no time to get draggy.
*The opening song <3
*No unneccessary and stupid drama.
*It is so freaking relatable. Since my native language isn't English it is hard for me to express myself and I don't know if i am using the right words, but uhhh this show even with the fantasy element was more realistic than any KDrama i have ever watched. Maybe because I am in high school myself, but My Little Lover just hit the right spot in my heart for me.

Disadvantages:
*Some times the acting is kind of weird, but I feel like it's just the Japanese style.
*Besides the fact that our main lead is a tiny person, the story is not that original.
*Riku Takagi was kind of creepy. :D
*Sometimes it felt like the drama itself didn't know if the scene is supposed to be funny or serious, because I laughed a lot of times when serious music was playing in the background. Maybe I just have a weird sense of humour wich I dont think I do or it could be that the Japanese are the masters of sarcasm.

While writing the advantages the things that I liked came to my mind in a second, but when I had to write the disadvantages I really had to think for a minute so I want you to know that these "disadvantages" didn't really bother me while I was watching the show.

Overall:
I have no idea why I liked My Little Lover so much. Might be because I am a girl in her teens that just likes cheesy rom-coms. But you know I gave Full House (Thai), which is known for its cuteness, a 6, so I don't think that is the case. I don't really care if this show is cliche, because it is a really well done cliche. And If you are looking for something cute and fluffy look no further.

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Surprisingly fresh with real life characters

Okay so apart from the ML's one drama (Psychopath Diary) I haven't seen any other dramas by either of the leads. Honestly, I started watching this drama while I was waiting for the weekly episodes of Its okay to not be okay and Backstreet Rookie. Hence I began with zero expectations or idea about story, lead actors, reviews.

This is such an underrated gem of a drama. So many of the 2020 big actor dramas have been kind of disappointing or not really left a lasting impression. However, this drama and its main characters leave a mark and I was sad to have the drama end.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS DRAMA. One of my most favourite in 2020 and will also make it to my All-time favourites. The acting is so fresh, goofy yet natural. The comedy is not forced, great flow of storyline with perfect transition from one plot to another. While having the element of politics this drama is not over-the-top with confusing political sub-plots and schemes. The romance part is also great and I liked the fact that the FL takes matters in her hands most of the time while dealing with their relationship. ML is good in supporting the FL and yet not overbearing as some other K-drama ML characters. A special mention about the 'camera angles' which some people might find unsettling but you get used to it and in fact it adds an interesting storytelling facet especially in the comic scenes.

I urge everyone to watch this drama for its story, acting, comedy, romance, politics and slice of life vibe. Its a must watch of 2020.

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Perfect Movie To Start New Page

If you are looking for a simple romantic story, this is for you! The director behind this movie is famous for that genre and A Year End Medley won't disappoint you. In this cold weather, we get to watch 7 different heartwarming beautiful tales from 7 different couples on Christmas day setting.

Every character here are individually interesting and has a well written background to build their personality. I thought 2 hours movie wouldn't be enough to show every character's details, we don't have only 2-3 people to introduce, but a whole 14 characters! Despite the duration, they managed to show each of their layers, goals of the couple arc, and how they are linked to one and another.

I must mention out of all the couple, my favorite couple here goes to Yong Jin x Lee Young. Such a cute mature girl with supporting boyfriend! Beside fav couple, I love all the characters plot but if I have to choose, I will pick Kang Haneul's character as the best arc! From depression to comedy and move to breaking down, what a journey from his acting! Of course all the actor & actress also delivered the plot well, but Kang Haneul is just beyond.

I love the production team took care the clothing. They are all so pretty to look at. The cinematography in this movie also well taken. What I dislike from this movie might be the soundtrack only, they use a cliche classical music *cough* canon in d *cough* and that kinda ruin the flow for me, i just wanna laugh at that part.

Anyway, this is a nice movie to start the year, I wish there will be a sequel or maybe make it into drama series instead, all the stories are interesting to watch and they still have many to reveal.

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Gold

I love watching dramas with older cast, because they still gives me the same vibes of old romcoms I used to watch mid 00s, and I'm glad they still have the knack of it considering it's been a while since I've seen UJH and SSH in a drama.

That been said it's not a perfect drama and in some parts I got bored but I blame my busy schedule that made me watch each episode in parts, so even if I like it I definitely got distracted while watching which made me lose interest eventually ~
So this part is on me 🤦

Story is simple, young woman's mind in old woman's body all over again, but this is a case of memory loss so there is a twist to it, overall nicely done slightly illogical but good enough to entertain.

I would recommend it if you miss old 00s dramas, seeing those same old actors is a breath of fresh air now that most actors are Gen Z or younger watching some Gen X makes me reminiscence good old drama days when me and only five others in my country were watching kdramas and it wasn't as popular as now lol ~

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Before I get into my review, please keep in mind that my thoughts about this drama are based on what I understood from the raw episodes and my knowledge of the language itself is limited. Not zero, but limited. I had been waiting to watch this drama for a long time, but it was never subbed even up until now, so I ended up just watching it without them. If you're okay with that, then feel free to keep reading :)

STORY: The synopsis, although it is correct, had me confused while watching because the marriage to the leader of the rivaling country does not happen until the last portion of the drama. And I mean last. I literally watched 40 episodes and the marriage still hadn't happened yet. Everything seemed to get jumbled together in the final episodes which is something that I do not care for as a viewer, especially when I'm watching a drama that is 50 episodes long. When I read the synopsis, I was under the impression that the marriage was going to happen sometime in the beginning or the middle of the story, and maybe show how she managed to thrive as a chef and survive living amongst the enemy, all while watching her first love fight to save her, but I was very wrong (lol).

The story itself was familiar, with a royal having a birth secret and living as a commoner since childhood, as well as having a childhood sweetheart. The nice twist to this story is that Yu Die is a fantastic chef thanks to the talent of her adoptive mother and throughout the drama, she is cooking delicious food as she journeys through the country after an unfortunate event separates her from her adoptive family. Through her experiences and after spending time at the palace with the royal prince, whom she had met before, she eventually comes to learn her true identity as a royal princess. While I was interested in how/if her adoptive mother and her lover Li Ma would find her again, there was a lot of scheming both in the palace and at war between the rivaling countries that seemed to make up a good portion of the story. And of course a lot of cooking scenes which isn't helpful when you're hungry (lol). After so many episodes of the same thing, I started to lose interest and eventually stopped watching this drama for quite awhile before picking it up again. I really wanted to like this drama, especially since I loved the cast, but that was not enough to hold my interest. The way it ended was odd to me as well, I think they could've executed a better closing had they not crammed all the action to the final 10 episodes.

ACTING/CAST: I love both Zheng Shuang and Ma Tian Yu and was excited to see them together as main leads, but I can honestly say that this wasn't a stand-out drama for either of them. I believe they were in a previous drama together in the past as potential love interests, but I haven't watched it so I can't compare their performances. In this drama though, I wasn't able to get invested into the romantic relationship between their characters because most of the time they were separated. The characters would long for each other, but when they'd see each other, they would only hug and seemed a bit distant at times, which made me feel they had more a friend/sibling relationship rather than one of lovers. But they did look very cute together during their scenes. What I did like about Yu Die though is that she was persistent with her love for Li Ma, even after becoming royalty. Li Ma's character was different, in a sense that he seemed to feel unworthy of her love after learning about her birth secret even though he still loved her. Overall I did enjoy seeing how their love story played out. Steven Jiang played his part well as a royal and I liked how his character showed a different kind of love and affection for Yu Die. At times I felt like he had more chemistry with Zheng Shuang than Ma Tian Yu, but it might've also been because he had more screen time with her. This was my first time seeing him in a drama and his performance left a good impression.

MUSIC: There were only a few ost songs played and they were decent, but most of the time traditional instrumentals were used. Sometimes all you need are nice instrumentals to help carry the story of historical dramas and this was one of those cases.

REWATCH VALUE: I don't think I would sit down and watch this drama again even if it was fully subbed because I felt like it was too long . I don't think it needed to be 50 episodes, especially with the way they crammed everything together at the end. There are better historical dramas out there and I didn't feel there was anything that made this drama stand out on its own to set it apart from other dramas with similar themes. Fans of Zheng Shuang, Ma Tian Yu, and Steven Jiang might enjoy this, but they have other works that are more superior both story-wise and performance-wise. Nevertheless, it was still a decent watch and I'm still glad I decided to check it out.

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Renowned South Korean director, Kim Jee-woon returns after a 3-year hiatus in the country's Best Foreign Film entry, "The Age of Shadows". Like Woon's other films, (I Saw the Devil, A Bittersweet Life), Shadows is an action-packed cat-and-mouse thriller extravagant.

Shadows has an amazing line up: Sang Kang-ho (Memories of Murder, Thirst), Gong Yoo (Train to Busan, A Man and a Woman) and cameo appearance from Lee Byung-hun (A Bittersweet Life, Inside Men) whom Kim has worked previously and Um Tae-Goo (Coin Locker Girl, Veteran).

Pulled at the edge of your seat from start to finish, Kim doesn't disappoint tossing action sequences and twists that he carefully crafts and builds in suspense, only to laid them out with the greatest satisfaction, it leaves you hungry for more.

Just like "I Saw the Devil" and "A Bittersweet Life", Kim starts Shadows with little-to-nothing description of what's going out, only to follow it up with an action-filled chase scene, an amputated toe nail and blood splashed across the wall.

Shadows' 30 minutes train sequence is one of the best I've ever seen. This is the juice. It builds the plot as much as it shapes it and moves it, that includes the characters too. Accompanied by a more menacing version of Ravel's Bolero, the adrenaline just doesn't stop. I, for one, had to pause the film just so I could breathe. Kim brings us from compartment to compartment from character to character from discoveries to discoveries.

Cinematographer Kim Ji-Young does a fine job of transporting us to a 1920s setting of South Korea and Shanghai (the accuracy may be question but it looks beautiful nonetheless) with retro-like colors and saturated tones. Kim ravishes in extremism at times, with loud shoot outs, dialogues delivered in sinister whispers, loud slapping sounds, to torture scenes that likens to his other film, "I Saw the Devil".

Kim channels his narrative into powerful loyalty that seems like The Age of Shadows take a patriotic approach but ultimately, this thrill-filled film is entertaining as much as it is greatly crafted.

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Phenomenal

From the 7 years I have been on this site, I have written a total of 8 reviews. 8. Not that there was not other shows I absolutely enjoyed over the years...but nothing that made me stop and stare at my computer blankly after finishing just wondering what I was going to do next with my life. Trauma, death, friendship, betrayal. This contains all of it. Dreams, and growing up but never giving up. Action, brotherhood, teamwork, and discovering love. Working hard, becoming successful. Family. I don't really know what this show doesn't have. The cast was phenomenal, the soundtrack was amazing and the story was fresh. What really drew me in was the chemistry between the characters Xiao Feng and Lu Xiao Bei... Watching these characters together gave me the chills. There were things in this show I was unsatisfied with but not completely. Almost everything made up for the small things I disliked. This show is full of hope and working towards your dreams. I cried a lot of tears watching this because the emotions the characters showed were so real and raw. This show is a serious yet also feel good show that puts a huge focus on dreams, friendship and teamwork. I will be recommending this show to anyone and everyone!!

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It's a nice cliche Kdrama

It's a nice cliche kdrama.
The actor who plays Kang San Hyuk is very handsome and takes most of the attention, despite his acting skill which are not outstanding. I didn't like a lot of the directing. The effects were not well done, the medical stuff was poor, storyline at most medium. The forest was very beautiful, but from the tenth episode on, all the scenes seems to be recorded at the same spots. Sometimes it was necessary, because of the storyline, but it mostly wasn't.

Not sure if this is a SPOILER. Be aware.

It starts with a funny/curious begging. The two main characters start hating each other. Then they end up living together. More funny situations. Love happens. Dramatic stuff. Cute stuff. More dramatic stuff. Happy ending.

END SPOILER

Still I watched it all the way to the end. What can I say... I like forests. And the main actor. Definitely his face was a great incentive.

English is not my first language. Don't hate me.

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