Reviews

I don't know how to say it but it took me until I watched half of the drama to become really interested. However, I think it was because I followed the previews and waited until it was nearly done airing before watching it. And thus, I recommend you to not watch/see/hear about ANY spoilers. That way, I think you'll be much more interested in this drama since the plot is pretty unpredictable.

That said, there are dramas that are still like crack even when I know what happens. So there is something that is missing, a spark, an attraction in this drama for me. Set in 1989, I liked the retro vibe; the production did a good job at making sure everything was authentic-from the bb caller things to the attire. The drama also explored some delicate issues and in my opinion, it was done very well. This is my first time traveling drama and yeah, it's surprisingly kind of believably done, not extremely far-fetched.

Most of the actors are pretty new or have only been in a few dramas. Marcus Chang is cute but his acting is fresh. It makes it hard for me to become extremely invested in his character's dilemma when I feel like he is trying really hard to show his anguish. And frankly, Ivy Shao's character, Zhen Zhen got on my nerves quite a lot. She is very, very naive but at least through it all she has a lot of heart. Her character did contrast well with Chen Che so it was cutely done, just not the most innovative one out there in dramaland. There are quite a bit 'Romeo and Juliet' love line aspects so I guess that was another one of the reasons I didn't just love this show.

Negatives aside, I did like the family love shown throughout this drama more than anything. It was raw, shown especially well through the hardships the families had to face together. The drama also demonstrates that the simplest choices can result in something drastically different, which forces us- as viewers- to really think about the choices we make in our own lives and if we're making the correct choices-for both ourselves and our loved ones.

OST is nice, catchy, but not my favorite.

I don't think I would re-watch. It was a decent one-time watch but ultimately, I didn't fall in love with it. Would I recommend it though? Yeah, sure if
-you like retro vibes (the clothing, the music, the atmosphere)
-you like 'forbidden'/denial from family love lines

(7.5, 8.5)

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This drama was a crime thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout of the show. And I was so captivated by scenes and events that where showed.

Story:
For me this detective story was surprising and entertaining. It was something completely new and different. The way how past and present evens were connected only by an old walky-talky was brilliant. Story has many questions left to answer and is kept for the audience to decipher on what they want to happen is very intriguing. The ending was unexpected but expected at the same time. I am satisfied with the ending.

Acting/ Cast/Characters:
At first in my eyes Kentaro Sakaguchi was that actor whom I can’t imagine playing dark themed dramas or movies but this drama proved me wrong. The way how he deals and delivers his character emotions and thoughts was amazing.
Also Kichise Michiko, in my eyes, did a very good job showing her characters soft side while still being this strong independent woman who has sealed her heart from the outside world.
The chemistry between characters was good too. I liked how Saegusa Kento and Sakurai Misaki coming into each others lives did show trust build up towards each other and some character development. But I did see some lack in character build up but I couldn’t wrap my finger around it.

Music:
For opening and ending scene is used BTS – Don’t Let Go. Starting this drama, I thought that songs part was chosen weirdly or randomly even. But as I continued the drama, I got used to it and at one point I caught myself thinking that the part of the song might be chosen for a reason.

Notes
I hope we will be able see more of these type of dramas/ movies from Kentaro.

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I watched this drama when all the episodes came out and I’m glad I did. Otherwise, I would’ve dropped it on the first couple episodes.

At first when you watch it, the first couple episodes are really. Really. Annoying. Some characters introduced are overbearing/really unrealistic - but the most overbearing thing about this drama was the female lead. It’s 2018, and she was relatively stupid, weak and honestly unrealistic. I guess the writers wanted to make her seem cute/ relatable - but most of her actions was either cringe or infuriating. I was really disappointed since I LOVED the actress who played her chatacter. However - her character DOES get explained and there is a reason why she is written like that. But it isn’t immediately explained or shown.

The story is also written quite badly. But I guess their motif of “nothing is a coincidence” and their themes surrounding fate could be a reason for the story being written like the way it was.

Overall - the show had great potential. The actors/actresses picked for this drama was great, but the story, the writing and direction of this drama... it could’ve been better.

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I admit that at first I watched this just because Wu Chun was in it, but despite the fact that he was supporting character, the movie was rather good. It is the typical chinese kung fu movie, but because it has a historical background the layout of the film is slightly different to fit that time. Since it was in the Ming Dynasty, the invention of metal contraptions were present, so it is not the traditional Chinese kung fu movies like crouching tiger and house of flying daggers kind of thing. The plot line goes rather fast, so paying attention in the beginning is very crucial because it lays a foundation for the rest of the movie. Overall, it was a good action movie with very interesting sound effects. If you like chinese action movies then you might also enjoy this film as well. Also the complex plot is very intriguing.

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A very heartwarming and relatable watch

This drama is PHENOMENAL! Went into this expecting nothing since I don't know the actors or anything about the drama. It just popped up in my YT recommendation while I was watching another cdrama. I definitely did not expect this to become one of my all time favorite Chinese dramas (and I've watched quite a lot already). The poster was quite uninviting and the general description of the drama did not really help. But I still gave it a try cos why not, I'll just drop it after watching 1 or 2 episodes if I don't like it, like manyyyyyy other c-dramas lmao.

BUT after just the first episode I was sold. The story is so interesting. I have not seen any other drama like this. It realistically portrayed how people come and go in our life, especially the different people in each stage of our life. Sometimes in order to move forward with our lives, we don't get to spend much time with our close friends and we get to have new friends in that new stage of our life. But still, we don't forget that relationship and connection we have with our friends from the past and the present. I just love how this was portrayed in the different stages of Shi Guang's journey.

The acting of Lu Siyu (young Shi Guang) was what really prompted me to continue watching this drama. And the cast after they grew up, Hu Xuan Xu and Hao Fu Shen, made me even more crazy for the drama. Each of the actors played their parts well, and none of them disappointed me. Each character also has their own side story which is very realistic in a way that each of us experiences different things and reacts differently to situations. I never knew Zhang Chao before this drama, I only knew that his face is familiar as I've seen him in other dramas but that's it. But after this drama, I will definitely look forward to his future projects since I love his acting in this drama. Same goes for the other actors who really amazed me (aherm Hu Xuan Xu).

The cast, the script, the production, everything is really done super well. JUST WATCH IT! You will not regret it.

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A Sad Story But Remarkably Real

This is a great case study of unrequited love on both sides with neither one having the courage to say what they really mean. It is profoundly sad and so much time was wasted on misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and LACK of communication. But oh the tenacity to right the wrong is beautifully portrayed and full of sentimentally. The acting is well done, more so in Phupha episode with the Nanfah seemingly a bit belabored. Yet, it has such profoundly moving scenes in it that I was profoundly moved. These two are very sort but accomplish a lot of emotions in a very short period of time. Just a remarkable human story. Sometimes told with subtly; and sometimes with symbolism. But all so meaningful.

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I decided watching this movie because of Lee Min Ki and Shin Min Ah...they were the only ones I knew from the cast list.I wasn't expecting much.

The STORY isn't something new...some unbeliveble survival contest with 8 people who love money or need it desperately.I really didn't think much of it...just a movie so I an make time move faster.
This is were The CAST enters.The acting was great in my opinion.Park Hee Soon was amazing....he made me tremble for 55 minutes.The actors did a great thing in entering their characters feelings and emotions and I was really caught in Lee Min Ki and Jung Yu Mi relethionship.It was so twisted and heartbreaking...once again you discover how important your own life is.
The MUSIC was nothing special...I barely remember it...but this kind of film doesn't need movie because the scenes are strange and complicated enough.So I really didn't need any kind of music to enjoy it.
I would totally REWATCH this movie!It was so interesting and emotional that I'm sure I won't get bored from it.

This movie tells a story that uncoveres the fact that anyone, I mean ANYONE, can turn crazy because of things that happened in his life.
I can't say that this is one of my favorite movies but I can assure you that is worth watching...if you want something phisological and action packed.

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One of the best Korean dramas I've seen in a long time!

The best thing about part 2 is that the pace is much faster than in part 1 which makes total sense in a way because there had to be a character buildup. In this second part there is no time to breathe, you have so many things happening that I cannot actually write about since I would spoil the drama so I'm going to leave it at that. But I will say one more thing, the cinematography is absolutely gorgeous!

The acting is excellent and of course, Nam Goong Min nailed it. Proof that he won the Daesang award. The acting overall was so good, great job to all the cast!

Beautiful OST, especially the song sang by Kai.

It's totally worth to watch this, the ending was one of the most beautiful endings ever!

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First of all, I didn't plan to watch the drama, because I am not a fan of Jang Nara (and before I watched this I wasn't a fan from Seo In Guk either). After I watched the first Episode I dropped it, but then I read a lot positive things about the drama and about Park Bogum. So I decided to watch it at this weekend. And I don''t regret it!

Story: The Story sounds good, but it wasn't the main reason I decided to watch it. Usually, I don't like criminal Dramas. The story have to be very good and interesting so I watch them. But how I said, the story wasn't my main reason for watching this drama.

Acting: Hm, with who should I start? I think I begin with the Actor who surprised me a lot. Seo In Guk. I watched him in Reply 1997, but I wasn't a fan of his acting skills. So after Reply 1997 I didn't watch dramas in which he acted. But he suprised me in the role of 'Lee Hyun' who searches for his long lost brother and a killer. I know SIG as a singer and I like his voice, but in this drama, it were the emotions and his acting with his eyes, which made me to a fan of him. Jang Nara was okay. I didn't expect too much because I don't like her very much. I don't know why, but I watched her in School 2013 and there I didn't like her, too. So her Acting was okay.
My lovely Park Bogum (I am in love with him since his Acting in this drama) was excellent. I don't know why I love his character (I shouldn't like him, I know...). But his acting is so...real. I didn't have high expectations, because I didn't know him very well before this drama. So it was Love at first sight and I am so excited too see him in Reply 1988.
Choi Wonyoung surprised me a lot. I saw him in 'The Heirs' and 'Kill me, heal me', but in a role like this, I didn't see him before. His acting was wonderful and sometimes I was afraid of him.
Fazit of the Actors: Seo In Guk was a big Surprise, Jang Nara was okay, Park Bogum was excellent and Choi Wonyoung was wonderful in his role.

Music: The Music was good, but not excellent. Sometimes I wanted to cry because of the Music, but all in all it was okay. It suits the theme and most of the time the music suited the scenes.

Rewatch Value: I will watch it Again, when I have more time and when *SPOILER* I get over the ending *SPOILER ENDING*

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WHAT A SHOW.

It was just one of the all round best shows I have ever seen. There is not one one thing I can pick out that I would have wanted to be different. The acting, the development, the twists and turns were just perfect. I have a habit of reading many reviews before watching the show and I read many mixed reviews but decided to give the show a shot anyway. Thank god I did. After watching the show I just can't understand and relate to any of those faults they found. I genuinely found the show just amazing.

Story: The main complaint in the negative reviews was the lack of story. I am not one for melodrama's so a story like this that is light but intense of the romantic side and extremely focused on main couple is something I am very content with. I don't believe you need major second lead jealousy, manipulative parents and all the crazy K drama go to cliches for the story to be interesting. I quite enjoyed this break from the typical angst. Something I was personally worried about before watching was the 'health' concept. I really didn't want it to be too preachy and to make you feel really pathetic for not being motivated like her but that god they approached it in a light enough matter.

Characters: This show made me realise the importance of chemistry. Honestly there could be nothing else and just the main couples interaction and the show wouldn't be boring because the chemistry was electric. It was like nothing i've seen in any drama or movie before. I didn't for a second feel like they were two actors playing a part.. I recently watched and dropped 'My lovable girl'.. A show that also showed me the importance of chemistry but in the opposite way.. This has lead me to make the hypothesis that chemistry between the main couple is what can make or break a show. Can we now mention the eye candy? How hot were all 3 of Kang joo eun's men? Cutie pie ji woong, Mouth water-ingly hot Joon sung and of course our flawless coach-inim

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A modern tale of a modern woman navigating life in fast-paced Shanghai

This drama feels like a birds-eye view of Luo Haiyan's life. We see her transform from a naive university graduate to a successful career woman. By the end, I felt like I hadn't fully grasped her motivations for doing what she does, but it was a great story nonetheless. After all, many of us go through life without any clear reasons for doing what we do.

Shanghai is a place where many waidi ren (people from outside regions) come to make their dreams come true. It's a hub of activity where the locals are wary of outsiders. People in Shanghai have their own customs and prefer to build relationships with other Shanghainese people.

It's as much a story about Luo Haiyan as it is about the place of women in Shanghainese society. The drama raises some big questions. Should a woman own her own property before marriage? Should a woman rely on a man to provide for her, or should she seek independence? Is it lonely as a woman at the top of the corporate ladder? Should we marry for love, or should we marry because it's about time?

This drama is full of women who seek fulfilment and make their own choices in spite of and in agreement with society's recommendations. I like that some characters chose to be happy housewives, while others chose to pursue their careers. Other chose both options. Every option is a good option, as long as it is what you truly want. Luo Haiyan's relationships with her friends, mentors and workmates were enjoyable to watch. Her friends and workmates aren't afraid to tell her the truth and force her to grow.

And of course, it's impossible to talk about this drama and not discuss the men in Luo Haiyan's life. To some extent, I think her love interests reflect her values at the specific time in her life. As she becomes more career-orientated and materialistic, she encounters men that are more wealthy and powerful. But just as you begin to fear that she has become too cynical, she surprises you. Without spoiling anything, I'll say that I 100% approve of her final choice. It was the right one.

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This doesn't have basic spoiler

At first it was good and there was a mystery that happened decades ago that was the cause of the brothers conflict. Young Joon was treating her like shit and putting her into much stress for the past 9 years and when she snapped he realizes then that she was worth and fall for her. Let's say that is okay but after she first found out that Young Joon's brother was the one with her when she was kidnapped she was supposed to stop searching at that point even tho he couldn't remember anything from that time - yes he couldn't remember because it was painful for "him",so she should stop pressuring him to remember and just move on, start dating Young Joon, instead she keeps digging in because she wants young Joon to be the one there with her and that's because the director said so. After the truth was revealed the nightmare and trauma stuff just disappeared it's like "now that the the truth is revealed let's forget about it" like a phase and for the last 3-4 episodes I REALLY wanted to finish it fast so bad those episodes were unnecessarily long. The supporting characters' story, interaction was better in my opinion. That's what keeps me to finish it even tho I hate.

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Powerful statement

I am writing this review because nobody else has, this is a short but powerful drama about the power of ignorance combined with miss representation in media for fueling prejudice among children as well as how easy it is to plant negative ideas and fear in a child about himself.

The movie has one child that stands ous as the voice of reason and education without being to obvious about it, acting as the small shred of hope in an otherwise pretty awful environment.

The movie it self is actually nothing new, maybe not talked or shown enough, but colored children in a white environment are subjected to a whole lot of obstacles. It reminded me of the time I worked with kids in the country side when I got the question when the child was adopted when we got a child from an ethnic minority as well as well as the three year old child I worked with who once counted the white people on the tram and then said she wished she was white. So the way this child thought about himself as well as related to his surroundings was no surprise to me.

The way it is filmed is pretty powerful and it does make a strong statement, without sugarcoating the least bit this kid is thrown out in to the world to fight his own battle. I wish he would not have to fight his own battle, seeing it is a battle the grown ups and our society should be in charge of but I guess knowing how the world works the kid will be forced to do this and it should infuriate us all.

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The Drama Is Strong With This One

This was a series that pleasantly surprised me! Was it overly dramatic to be overly dramatic sometimes? Yes, yes it was but it was a fun train wreck to watch. Before I start the review part, yes I also liked the "straight" couples in this series. So we can move on from that, though I will say my favorite couple happened to be Earth and Sam whom happened to be a gay couple.

Right off the bat the show felt more realistic than a lot of other Thai dramas I've watched. We see very real money problems, struggling relationships, trying to find your niche in life, etc etc. The characters each have their own set of problems and it was interesting to see how they dealt with them (or didn't deal with them). My favorite characters ended up being Earth (duh), Boom and Good. They were the characters that pissed me off the least amount of times lol and were all good people throughout the show. Though every character was interesting, even if they frustrated the hell out of me. I gotta say too, Boom is gorgeous though, mad crushing on her for real!

I didn't care for Amm and Bern's story, Amm was fine, Bern's ass I would beat so far into the ground though I swear. But their collective story didn't interest me much. Also Tor needed to go, holy crap that guy doesn't deserve a rock let alone Boom! Stud was a ticking time bomb from the start, he had some development as the story progressed like admitting he shouldn't of hurt people he loved (ie. Earth) but even with the development he's kind of a character you love to hate. Which is totally fine and totally worked for me watching his scenes!

I gotta also say, Earth and Boom's friendship yaaaasss. It was so solid and I was here for it. And thank you Earth for not putting up with Sam's BS and trying to spin it around on you. You are enough and he effed up big time, he starts making up for it in the end but we don't forgive that easily. Something that bugged me in this show though was the constant digs at Boom's profession. Modeling is indeed a PROFESSION. It doesn't mean people can take pics without consent from you, you also cannot be grabbed without consent. Wear what you want and don't quit a job for a man (looking at you Tor!)

Watch this show if you want some drama, some of it pretty shallow but entertaining!

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