The curse was gone, but messily and realistically. Though the journey was far from perfect!
The storytelling is in a very classic Hwang Daseul style—delicate and nuanced.The drama dives deep into the complexity of trauma, self-discovery, guilt and love through the journey of DoHoe and Ju Yeong.
DoHoe's journey is filled with pain and inner conflicts, much of it rooted in the toxic environment created by his abusive father who runs a Taekwondo gym. Several moments conveyed the inner struggles of characters with small but very significant details.
Because of his toxic upbringing,he is someone who struggles to confront his past and doesn't allow or think worthy of himself to heal. His inability to face his wounds is both heartbreaking and frustrating at the same time. As a result, his relationship with Ju Yeong is complicated by unexpressed emotions, the trauma that was never addressed and the weight of the past that neither of them can escape even after 12 years.
Ju Yeong was the emotional anchor that kept Dohoe from drowning by constantly reaching out and putting in more effort despite the hurt and confusion Dohoe threw at him. There were few brief moments of comfort amidst that frustrating yet realistic push-and-pull dynamics between them. JuYeong often compromised trying really hard to bridge the emotional gap that DoHoe can't seem to cross. The imbalance does seem unfair but at the same time, their love story is portrayed as both beautiful and painful showcasing how even when people are deeply flawed and overwhelming, sometimes the connection between them can be profound and will last.
The chemistry between the actors was undeniable and their emotional journey felt raw and authentic. It mirrors the complexity of moving past trauma and being in a relationship when both of them are carrying their own and shared emotional baggage.
While the narrative is filled with emotional highs and lows, the pacing felt rushed throughout. The rapid shifts in the character arc without addressing their actual issues in detail left me craving for more. I wanted to understand them better. It felt like there was so much more beneath the surface, a whole world which just didn’t have enough time to really explore.
While the supporting cast like Hyean Ho added a new layer to the story, I am still a bit unclear on the mysterious circumstances surrounding his and Dohoe's past. They introduced him for bigger purposes, but his character felt very undeveloped.
And my biggest gripe was the editing. It seemed choppy and confusing. There were many scenes that missed the mark and their meaning relevant to the story because of this.
Overall, while the drama isn't without flaws, it keeps you hooked with its nuanced portrayal of love and healing. It's a powerful attempt at exploration of how our pasts shape us and impact our future decisions.
Sometimes addressing those past ghosts is the first step towards healing. Definitely recommend.
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Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-kun Desires to Be Recognized
30 people found this review helpful
Unique, Humorous, and Heartfelt
This series defies the cookie-cutter feel of much of what passes for BL in some circles and instead offers fans a genuinely touching, and often hilarious, star-crossed romance driven by its well-cast characters' personal hangups and journeys of growth. Some may quibble with what's NOT there (I won't, because I just enjoyed the whole experience so much, naysayers be damned), but I'd rather highlight what IS there: namely, surprisingly diverse, positive, and humanizing representation of different LGBTQ characters as well as a really uplifting central message.In fairness, yes, it has one notable shortcoming (I'm sure others will address it), and the camerawork and production are not perfect (you can feel the limited budget in places, as happens with most BL). But, frankly, who cares? If you want pathos, laughs, a bara-within-a-BL, a BL-within-a-BL, shippable idols, stalker-y journalists, and one of the most adorable opposites-attract main couples in recent years, then give it a chance!
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another light, fun, and pretty entertaining drama!
I was so happy because Chinese drama are getting better these year, especially in this quarantine time. From the first episode, this drama is very attractive and have a different kind of story. Not like your typical CEO drama, because the character of CEO in here is very stingy but it’s not a problem because this is the most funny and laughable part.This drama is a something new for me.. because the story in here is very different. The female lead, Meng Hui is a make up artist, but suffering a PTSD and it makes her become another personality at random and she has a scar in her face (oh yes, a scar on the face is really big problems in china) that make her suffering for years. She got this because of an accident when she was a kid. Although I don’t understand anything about physiological things, but this kind of story is really interesting yet confusing because I can't imagine how the female lead going through this kind of pain for years. And the male lead, Shen Yi is the main reason because of it. He is the CEO of cosmetic company, and he tried really hard to make a liquid foundation to cover the scar for the girl who he hurt before. Both of them have their own difficulties and struggles, and when they both fall in love, you know that it will make a different kind of emotions.
So, watching this drama you will feel happy, sad, regret, and cried too. You want they are together but at the same time you will feel bad to the female lead too.
However, you should watch this drama because it has a very beautiful and amazing story, all the main leads and supporting leads are very handsome and pretty! Every character is so good and all their acting are amazing too. The doctor, her friends, his assistant, the parents and even all the coworkers are great! Love their relationship. Another plus point is the supporting lead, which is Sui An (the doctor and the male lead's best friend) is very good looking and I am looking forward to watch his drama as a male lead.
Totally recommended because this drama definitely one of my fav drama too and surely will rewatch it later!
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This review may contain spoilers
This is the first time I would actually describe a KDrama rich in makjang in terms of ´cool´.
"Cain and Abel" from 2009 presents itself in the best KDrama tradition of early 3rd Millenium makjang productions. In the background, the OST is repeatedly setting the rhythm proclaiming doom with implacable beats. The dramaturgical motifs are basically familiar: there are 2 more or less competing brothers, a wicked stepmother, a comatose father, amnesia in the meantime, two queens of the heart ... and what the hospital environment (specifically the neurosurgical department) has to offer is not just a brain tumor... It´s makjang at its finest. Eventually the scene is temporarily shifting to China, there also focusing on the unfortunate issue of North Korean refugees. It becomes action-packed and exciting. All in all, the plot doesn't seem too surprising at first glance, but as it progresses you might all of a sudden realize, how the story has long since grabbed and pulled you in.This is the first time I would actually describe a KDrama rich with makjang in terms of ´cool´.
Admittedly, here the bad guys are actually truely bad guys. Forgiveness is not a foreign word, but sometimes one may want to question this concept in principle, regarding the unscrupulousness and maliciousness of the perpetrators.
Title and story explicitly refer to the biblical motif: the first murderer case in human history told in Christian terms, where the older brother chose his younger brother as a victim. Out of envy. In the competition for recognition. Here it is the recognition as a brilliant neurosurgeon ... by the father, by the professional world, by the supervisory board (as head of a new center for neurosurgery) and as a man (by his queen of hearts). The mother wickedly helps and sows the bad seed, which grows effortlessly.
This fraternal quarrel (in which obviously not everything is and always has been quarrel) comes to live with high intensity by the performance of So Ji-sub (who appears in a quite bold manner for long stretches) and Shin Hyun-joon (who has already perfected his characteristic ´sad look´ in "Stairway to Heaven"). The two really get into their roles and take the viewers with them. The story gains as 'little Abel' covers a good distance in a parka and among refugees in China. So the story not only takes place in the elitist world of doctors, between surgical gowns and suits, but also gets more down-to-earthness in the struggle for survival of simple and non-privileged people at the opposite pole of social life. The two female leads Han Ji-min and Chae Jung-an also embody the contrast of these worlds in their own way.
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This drama got into my rewatch list
OMG!!! This drama is very excellent. There are so many things to laugh in every episode. The romance and their chemistry are good. I don't know why the rate is so low. Rate from me is 10/10. The music are easy to remember. Their acting are excellent too. The drama is packed so well, so there is no boring scenes. I think i will rewatch it again. Want to see Daddi Tang and Huang Ri Ying act together again. Their chemistry is very cute and nice. The drama is very worth to watch, it doesn't waste my timeWas this review helpful to you?
Beautiful and rare story about Humanity, Character growth and Forgiveness.......
LCR can be summed up as “The world is better because of you” This is not a fluffy romance drama and required a mature audience to unravel this beautiful story about humanity. LCR story is adapted from China Blue Sky Rescues volunteer including its rescue scenes. It portrayed different aspects of humanity through 6 main characters and their actions not always what audience wants to see…but happening around us…. It is a rare touching story of the real Hero in our world.The drama tells the growth of 6 different people, all live in their own worlds some with dark past/traumas, whom received kindness through rescue and overcoming their own pasts/struggles to become light for others through rescue….
In the Mv songs…”When the world did not give me a good start”…That’s how our Leads childhood stories begin…both are orphans victims of natural disaster….and grew up taking different paths to patch their traumas….One savvy successful cunning lawyer and one smart, cautious cold doctor who close herself to outside world….As their not so great start begin, it took many twists and turn before they got together and when they did…one big revelations during their childhood trauma is unravelled (a huge surprise) that lead to their love struggle…..one that need a huge courage to overcome….
You all start with hating LB and boy how much I love him at the end despite all many tragic events he went through for being real, brave, courageous, kind, smart and forgiving…..LB is a true warrior…
We have 2nd couple who are big sweethearts and the 3rd ones that well can do with less screen time.
LCR showed a dozen + amazing rescue scenes. My favs are the earthquake, mudslide, and cave, some channeling Hollywood production…. Finale Glacier rescue is Epic, movie texture quality and cinematography and one that I did not think C Drama is capable of making such a harrowing scenes…
Acting:
Lyx a season actor he showed all aspects of LB multi-faceted traits eloquently, vivid, delicate and detailed. His ability to deduce the state of his character is thoughtful and accurate. In the last Finale rescue, he blown me away with one of the best acting I’ve seen in C drama and I just witness the explosive growth of this talented actor. ……..Hat’s off to Lyx for performing many dangerous stunts himself.
My first WQ full drama. I like her takes as cold doctor. She is truly an underrated actress with solid acting skill. Most support actors are good, only a few weakling…
All 6 main characters are original voice and they are all good, but especially LYX....This rare in C drama....
OST: I keep looping it and how the narration really fits this story of growth….not able to FF the opening song and ending song each time....
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A very flawed drama for die-hard LYX fans with a kick-ass FL ...**BUT**...
If you are a die-hard Luo Yunxi fan, Broker might be worth it as it really showcases his talent. He gives an emotional performance as a flawed and tortured anti-hero who falls in love with a woman who changes the entire course of his life. Broker could also be for you if you love your female leads strong, brilliant, independent, and mature. Victoria Song’s portrayal will have you wishing there were more characters like her in Chinese dramas. (I was going to add sensible to the FL's list of attributes, but unfortunately I can not due to her actions and words in the final two or three episodes.)BUT. And this is a huge BUT. For everyone else? It’s kind of a toss-up. Broker is flawed and messy, and whether it’s for you or not will depend on your enjoyment or tolerance of soapy, unrealistic melodramas and other elements that some people love and others hate: the science talk, the office politics and scheming (only in the early episodes though -- it's great later), the secondary OTP, very tortured heroes/heroines/antogonists (To say Leo is put through the wringer, especially at the end, would be an understatement). As the series progresses, it also flirts increasingly with “dog’s blood (狗血)” plotlines -- until it VERY predictably goes all-in on the makjang melodrama in the final quarter. (A couple of the characters even reference “dog’s blood” dramas, which makes one think it’s a sly nod of self-recognition.)
Personally, I genuinely enjoyed nearly every ridiculous, soapy, melodramatic moment and couldn’t wait for the next episode. At the same time, I have a lot of caveats. I did park most of my usual standards aside and simply went with the flow. I tried not to think too much about details that didn’t make sense; annoying tropes; the rather ham-fisted effort at depicting anti-Asian/Chinese racism; the heavy-handed overtones of patriotism/nationalism; inconsistencies in pacing, tone, character depiction, and story arcs. Unfortunately, these last elements became very difficult to ignore at the end, especially in the final episode. While expected, the execution of the story arc was frustrating -- and almost cruel -- at times. (You can read my more spoilery views about the ending in the comments section below.)
REWATCH VALUE: If I could break it down, I'd give all of Leo’s scenes a 10 (no bias here :P) and many (but not all) of Victoria’s very high marks too.
MUSIC: Like many Chinese dramas, the instrumental background was sometimes too much, but the songs were solid. I especially adored the closing credit piece, Signature (署名) by Azora Chin (尤长靖), and Leo’s haunting theme, It’s Time To Stop (时间停止吧), by ANU.
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[This is my first 10/10 rating; though I tried to find reasons to rate it half a point less, there were none whatsoever.]
A saeguk outside the confines of the castle and a fairytale-like setting and focuses on the common-person's fight for rights and equality? I did not realize I needed that until I watched this. A drama that does not beat around the bush and jumps straight into action? I did not realize I needed that either.
The plot is well-executed; it moves forward without losing steam and stays true to its story line and characters. Since it was based on true historical events, heartbreak and tragedies were inevitable. I appreciate, however, that it was not entirely based on real people - that is, the three main leads we have, including their families and friends, are fictional in an otherwise non-fictional historical setting. (I cannot comment on the accuracy of the historical events as I am not well-versed in Korean history, yet this compelled me to search about the Donghak movement and Japanese takeover of Joseon. I can say I am more enlightened than before, however.) The lighter, funny scenes were never out-of-place as they always centered around the heartwarming friendships between the characters. Side characters had their own story which prevented their screen-time from feeling unnecessary; even those you might be least invested in underwent growth that justified the writer's choice to include them apart from the otherwise obvious reasons. It should be noted, there were some shifts in plot that made me dread that this drama would go south, that it was headed beyond what was meant to be the conclusion, but that never happened; the plot proved itself to be excellent, and the characters served to ground and consolidate the narrative.
Now, it is time to expand more on the characters: their growth and changes were interwoven with the struggle they, willingly or unwillingly, became a part of. To be able to see many characters of varying backgrounds coming to terms with their identities, or altering them at whim, was extremely gratifying. Their decisions simply made sense, in light of their circumstances and personal convictions. The writer also drew many parallels while crafting characters - the parallels between the brothers, with the titles assigned to them that they wanted to break free from; the parallel between a teacher and a student, with their attempt to rise from their ugly decisions; the parallel between two parties who wanted to save their country, with one man joining hands with the enemy and the other party firmly resisting. And then these parallels evolved beautifully into a juxtaposition. Overall, it was a thought-provoking angle the writer took.
You might think I am being too generous, but I do have a tiny complaint about flashbacks in one or two episodes, since they felt needless, but what's a k-drama without those, eh? I have learned to take them as a necessary part of a k-drama recipe, so I am not counting it in this time around. (I guess I AM being a little generous.)
And need I mention how amazing the actors were, from the support to the main? Moo Seoung Choi was an excellent casting choice for Jeon Bong Jeon; the poise and leadership that oozed out of him stunned me, not to mention the sense of humour he possessed. Han Ye Ri is a subtle actress, perfect to portray Lady Song - calm, collected, sharp. Yoon Shi Yoon has a way with expressions, and they were more than suitable for a character like Yi Hyun. Finally, Jo Jung Sok made Yi Kang a lovable character who you wanted to root for till the end.
Loved the OSTs; the one by FORESTELLA often plays in my head. The BGM was not outstanding, but it complemented a good deal of the show. I especially enjoyed the rock music whenever action scenes came in. Adds to the excitement and just how cool the characters look!
I think this has great re-watch value. For one, it never drags, and the characters are so multi-layered, you want to come back and appreciate them. Despite knowing the plot, you might want to catch up on a few details that you may have missed, and certain impressive progressions.
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This is a really great series. It reminds me of Tru Calling but in Japanese style with lots of jokes. We get to know new people and stories in every episodes. The first episode is a bit boring but don't trust it just give a try to the second one! :D I promise you won't be disappointed.
Keiko and Shosuke makes a great pairing in this drama who tries to solve cases because of Keiko's visions. They're joking around everytime. I laughed a lot.
This is an awesome series about crimes, investigations flavored with humour.
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How to Make Millions before Grandma Dies
30 people found this review helpful
Utterly Beautiful.
Watched it yesterday. It's one of the greatest films in my recent memory.Everything in this film is so relatable and is very real. I cried and I couldn't stop myself from tearing up from the first 30 minutes of the movies until the very end. The message is so strong and Bilkin, Grandma and the rest of the casts just did something we call 'Magical' in the world of the acting.
Cinematography is also on point. It looked real, but also artistic and very cinematic. This will resonate in every viewer hearts for so long and the tearing effect will stay hours after finished the film.
It's not often that the people in the whole theater cried and sobbed their hearts out like this. One of a very magical moment for the whole 2 hours.
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1The writers cleverly hid the real plot and tricked the viewers into believing it is a romantic comedy. They held our hands and pulled us toward a fantasy world that was funny and sad at times. All to ease us into the real story that is fascinating, deep, and heartwarming.
Main Themes:
- Bond between parents and their children, friends, lovers, and family members.
- Living through the hardships and enjoying each moment you have, instead of worrying about the future or regretting the past.
I am so impressed with the morals this drama carries and the amazing performance of all the actors. I am also happy that my curiosity made me complete the episodes, because I would have missed a valuable gem.
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This drama is a simple romance. Nothing more. Nothing less
Don't expect the most original of the stories, don't expect a gritty, edgy tale. The story is as simple as it can get. And cliché too. Really cliché.
We have our aloof rich dude, Ji Soo Ho, and our candy girl, Song Geu Rim. We have our controlling evil mom, Nam Joo Ha and the love rivals, Lee Kang and Jin Tae Ri. However, althought there ARE a lot of clichés, I was pleasant surprised by how most of them were desconstructed. The characters feel like they could be real people. Each has their flaws and virtues.
Yoon Doo Joon was so good as the cold Soo Ho. You could see the façade he put, you could feel how deeply he was hurting inside. And despite what many think, I didn't feel turned off by his gap with Kim So Hyun, they had a nice chemistry and it didn't really feel like I was seeing a younger girl and an older man (although both are still young in my opinion, YDJ not so much)
Talking about KSH, I really liked her acting and character as well. She was different from most candy girls, more down to earth but still being a shameless optimistic. And like many other of her works, KSH has such a natural way with acting. She feels genuine and you can't help but like her. She did great with her first "adult" role.
I also really liked Yoon Park as Lee Kang haha I'll admit that at first I didn't recognize him at all, so I was all like "hmmm I've seen him somewhere" but it wasn't until I checked the cast I recognized him fully lol Back to his acting...he's clearly the second lead. The funny part is that you can't really figure out if he's a romantic rival or just a weirdo who is very touchy feely. And that's the good in his acting: he kept me trying to guess his character even though it was so clear who he was. His actions were unpredictable, and his behaviour funny in a very twisted way.
I saw some complaints about Yura and her acting, but honestly in my opinion she was okay (?) I mean, she was so underdeveloped that for me it wouldn't make a huge difference if she was part of the drama or not. Her character could be easily removed and it wouldn't change anything. Although I have to admit I liked what they tryed but failed to do with her character.
Being an ex-journalist, I used to work with radio as well, so obviously I was at least a bit excited to see how they would portray it on TV. The result didn't deserve my hype.
The first episode had me like: "WTF?" all the way through. Seriously, and the way the drama portrays doing radio is romantized to say the least. No, there's no such thing as describing the sunset on radio. Radio is highly scripted and the DJs are supposed to talk as clearly and objectively as they can. Maybe it can vary from country to country, but I would like at least a bit of more research on how everything works. I found it really strange how they talked about how radio was so great but didn't bother to at least show some of it's story. C'mon, we are talking about one of the oldest communication devices here.
I didn't need a whole description, but some mentions would be good.
Also, would it hurt to be less cringy? Whenever I saw a slow-mo I had the urge to roll my eyes to the back of my head. The cheese was real on this one. Like I said, it's romantic to the core, actually to the point of giving you cavities. However, being a fluffy sucker like I am, I can kinda forgive haha
The pacing seemed strange sometimes too. I mean, sometimes it was too slow, then too fast. Then in the last few episodes every piece was put together but it still felt a little rushed to me. Some consistency wouldn't hurt too, because without it we really don't know where the drama is really going to. Is it purely about romance? Are they going to focus solely on radio? Is there a mystery at all? Everything ended up being confusing.
And even though the characters were quite pleasant to watch, some felt a bit too underdeveloped for me. It lacked some more story. If you're going to present a character that has depth, then show me WHY instead of only giving me glimpses of what could've been. And even if you, don't rush it like this drama did. Because I ended up liking more the idea of a certain character, the potential they had, than what I was really shown. Soo Ho's mom and Tae Ri are great examples of this, but I would love some more work on the others as well.
The music was cute. Just that, I didn't really care nor paid attention. Actually, the music that had my attention was actually the background music rather than the OSTs haha Whenever they were at an event, shop or store and I heard music like "Peek-A-Boo" or Bruno Mars' hits, I would get all excited. Which is also a negative since the OSTs are supposed to be one of the highlights of a drama. Music matters too.
Rewatch value? Hmmm, maybe yes because I'm a shameless Kim So Hyun stan haha But for those who like romance and some good moments, it's worth watching again after some time.
All in all Radio Romance was, like some said, mostly a "filler" drama. It had good acting, some good moments, emotional moments too but also plenty of flaws. In the end this is just an average drama that you watch to pass time. But being average doesn't necessarily means it's bad, it's just that this drama clearly has a target audience and it didn't get out of it's comfort zone. So if you're a fan of romance, then give this one a try, but watch knowing you won't be seeing the next great epic romance, just a cute little romance.
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GREAT!
This is a point of view of someone who doesn’t watch the anime.I think it’s such a good history and the actors are fantastic! The soundtrack was amazing, the end was a true freedom! Yes I know all the fans of the anime was mad about the hair, how the actors look, but let’s be honest ok? They are AMAZING! I’m watching the anime right now and they are so faithful, they really make a good work. When you make a panorama you can see how the series are damm good, please Japan make more live actions I NEED that.
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Follow Your Heart
Can one feel love, and love without a heart or with a mechanical heart? Though unthinkable, this story assumes a mechanical heart works just as good as a real human heart when it comes to love, maybe even better in times of trouble. As it is a fantasy, let’s just accept that people don’t need a real heart to fall in love; a mechanic heart works just fine, and can make a person fall in love just like a normal person does.This drama is narrated from the perspective of Jiang Xiao Ning (Xing Fei aka Fair Xing). 10 years ago, she got into a car accident and Gu Chuan (Ren Jialun aka Allen Ren) was there trying to save her, and got hurt himself. 10 years later, they meet again without recognizing each other initially. And they fall in love.
Gu Chuan is a very talented young architect, but he has a secret: he doesn’t have a heart, he lost it in the car accident while he tried to save Jiang Xiao Ning, and in its place, he has a mechanical heart. He knows his heart will one day expire and he will die. Imagine how difficult it is to live a life constantly reminding oneself of death, and this is what Gu Chuan has been tormented for the last 10 years; he has been preparing for his imminent death. His mood is always somber and dark as he cannot have excessive emotions with his mechanical heart. He also doesn’t want to love nor be loved because he wants to avoid any heart breaks in the event of his death. He’s like a lizard, cold and hidden. Ren Jialun has a natural sour face which I’ve come to love. Looking like an adolescent yet with an air of maturity, he is perfect as the somber Gu Chuan who doesn’t smile. Ren Jialun is natural with this role as his sour face makes him very believable and his acting is not stiff.
Gu Chuan doesn’t expect to fall in love with Jiang Xiao Ning but he does because she gives him the kind of optimism he has never experienced before. Now life has meaning, which jeopardizes all his death plans.
Jiang Xiao Ning has a totally opposite personality from Gu Chuan’s darkness. She is sunny and positive despite of her bad lucks; she always views her glass as half-full and grateful for everything she has. She considers herself like a crow which people normally associate with bad luck. Jiang Xiao Ning is smart, considerate and protective especially of Gu Chuan. When they are together, there’s a big contrast of the two characters: Gu Chuan dresses immaculately and somber, whereas Jiang Xiao Ning is sunny and active, and dresses in oversized clothing. Their chemistry may not be 100% but their romance is quiet and rather sweet. As two unlikely people come together, cold becomes warm, bad luck becomes good luck. And sorry to disappoint viewers, there are no hot kisses, as expected. Most of the presumed kisses are zoomed out and blurred. Any closeup kisses are so close that no one knows if the lips belong to the same actors. Xing Fei’s bright eyes that seem to smile forever fit her well into the role of the sunny Jiang Xiao Ning and her acting is very convincing, especially when it comes to her heart breaking scenes.
There is an over-powering second couple with overly mushy dialogues which feel overdone and banal. However, they also give viewers some hot kisses. There’s also something nefarious lurking under the sweet romance, with murders and corruption which gives some fireworks to the otherwise rather bland story.
OSTs
This drama produces some of the best sound tracks. I particularly love the beautiful song “Exchange” sung by Zhou Shen. It’s so touching and amazing that it can bring tears to the listeners’ eyes. I also love the instrumental music played by the cello when Gu Chuan is alone in his deep thinking, reflecting his torments.
My Verdict
If you like love triangles, there are plenty here. Both male and female leads have their respective secret admirers who become the antagonists and attempt to cause harm to their love competitors, but each time, their attempts are thwarted, either because our leads are smarter or plain dumb luck they have.
I love Gu Chuan’s philosophy in his designs, merging western architecture with Chinese wisdom and culture. Facing death is frightening, knowing it’s coming to take one’s life anytime soon. This drama helps us feel how it’s like for Gu Chuan.
Overall, the drama is not bad, neither is it excellent. It has some tropes, such as splitting up in a relationship for-their-own-good stuff, which can be rather annoying. The comedy can be rather stale at times. There are some minor flaws here and there but not enough to destroy the story.
Despite a rather bland story, there are some good lessons here. As Gu Chuan is teaching Jiang Xiao Ning, "It doesn't matter how others look at you, most importantly you cannot look down on yourself. Crow is the bird that most looked down by people, but they have their quality - they know how to put a nut in the middle of the road and let passing cars crush it. They are devoted to their partners and will forever remain faithful to that same partners." (I didn't know that.)
In turn, Jiang Xiao Ning teaches Gu Chuan, life is not forever. Life, no matter how hard it is, we must persevere. Be positive. Look at the positives. Take life as it comes and make the best of it.
I would have awarded this drama a 8.5/10 but the OSTs are so good that a 9/10 seems to be more appropriate. Fun watch. Must listen to the song "Exchange" by Zhou Shen.
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This review may contain spoilers
Suspenseful, colorful, cheerful and even sweet – entertaining in several ways
"Check in Hanyang" nonchalantly takes elements of the modern lifestyle and the high-end five-star hotel industry of the 2020s back to Joseon, puts up-and-coming stars of today into robes and uniforms of another time and provides them with various challenges and group dynamics as part of their apprenticeship (while making the world a better place).The competition among the aspirants is fierce. Fair play is rare. However, one or the other is eventually less concerned with employment than with their very own, secret mission. The KDrama is brought to life by the charm of these youngsters. A piquant detail, though: one of those young men is actually a woman dressed in men's robes. You may guess, there´s room for plenty of funny situations.
The female protagonist actually has a murder case to solve on her own behalf – but suddenly she finds herself (and everyone else up to the audience) in a suspenseful polit-thriller with romantic icing.
The KDrama also benefits from the sharp chemistry between the owner of the Yongcheonru and his top of the range innkeeper. Here, Kim Eui-sung and Kim Min-jung can directly tie in with their controlled, explosive cat-and-mouse relationship as father and daughter in "Mr. Sunshine" as a successful pairing. With their charismatic presence, the veterans of South Korean cinema and TV significantly contribute to intensifying the dramatic overall pattern. Thus the handful of pretty rising stars may with good-humoured esprit fully indulge into playing their way even further into the hearts of the audience.
Actually, the story is about the hunt for a golden key, of which there are two parts – a key that some are highly interested in, all the way to the king. This hunt even goes over corpses. Thus, the double life of those hunters – old and young alike – is eventually getting quite dangerous.
Suspenseful, colorful, cheerful and even sweet – “Check in Hanyang” is entertaining in several ways. Actually, the first part in particular offers quite a load of fun and games with tricky group dynamics and demanding challenges for the competing candidates. In the course of the second half, however, tension, depth and drama are gradually increasing.
The fictional story draws courageously from the rich tradition of Joseon with a wide variety of selected details. The historical setting is thus mainly inspiring as a colorful, exotic backdrop of a rather timeless political thriller. All of this quite beautifully staged.
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