This review may contain spoilers
No bullshit BL...
I don't know if we can describe this mini-series as BL. It's more in the realm of a queer mini series. Besides that, MDL says it has only three episodes and say's the second part is a side-story - which it's not! It is a continuation of this series.A young man has a breakup because his girl friend just tells him, he's "bad" in bed and does all the things wrong. She recommands that he should take lessons. He made a post somewhere to search for a tutor and he found one. But he does not know that his tutor is also male - that's the story in this three episodes.
This is not fluff, this is not a love story (not yet, anyways), but the teacher does just teach. This is a really unique concept to take all the bullshit of any BL out and just make it about learning how to respond to your sex partner, how to make him hot and how to do "stuff".
While this mini-series has not much story (yet), the actors are really naked, no BL make-out under the blanket or just the foreplay. It's also about penetration and how to do it right and you may think it's p0rn but it's not. I find this concept refreshing and something completly different to nearly every other show. The next three episodes will get more story and I can only hope they will continue the story because the story itself has potential. And I bet some people could learn from it!
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From now on, when I hear, that most of the best things are discovered accidentally (I should raise a glass for you, Rita~), but on the best right time, I am going to smile knowingly and relive the feelings I had during the 3 days I watched Q10.
This little drama has neither the mind blowing novelty, eye catching effects, heart throbbing romance, head spinning mysteries, tear jerking dramas... none... it even does not have the best script... but my mind is blown because of the beautiful lines every character delivered, my eyes never left the screen because every word the characters said engraved deep into my heart, my heart throbbed every second of the drama because all the things they said are so known, but so welcome to my ears, my head was spinning from the realization that I know all the words delivered, but I need to hear them so much more often as they are so warm, so true, so sweet and so-so right, my tears were running so calmly and sweetly, I did not even realize I was crying until I sobbed at the last moment of the last episode~
In the beginning Q10's character was so confusing, that I did not know how I could rate her for myself, at first it seems she has no facial expressions (she's a robot, for crying out loud), she delivers her lines in a monotone, tilts her head, does not blink, how... how? I was watching the 2nd episode when I realized, gosh, she is gorgeous! I can see her smiling, even when she is not, I can see her thinking, even when she can't! I was caught in this so quickly...
A little later I discovered why I had the oh-so-familiar feeling about this drama, well, you see, I have a all time favourite drama, and it is Nobuta wo Produce, if you had watched it as much as I have, you would definitely recognize the same 'signature' of the director, as both dramas are directed by the same one... the beautiful shots of the sky, the rook of the school, the friendship of the characters, absence of an antagonist, characters revealing both positive and negative traits, not being perfect, but themselves...oh and so many more things...
I will repeat myself, and say, that the most beautiful thing in this drama are the delivered lines - oh-so-familiar and known, and ought to be said more often.
As for me, am contemplating on rewatching it right now (it has been 10 minutes since I finished it), I am sure this will become one of my favourite additions to my collection and one of the most rewatched ones on my list.
Absolutely recommended~! Paffun~
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Great promise with bad execuation
The idea of this film was very promising and attention-grabbing, especially for lovers of action films and thrillers (for me!). However, the execution and direction of this film just weren't satisfying enough.In the beginning of the story, I was already doubtful after seeing the sauna scene - "Carter", a single man with no memory, manages to kill over 20 (probably 30+) men, all with knives and other kinds of weapons, basically single-handedly and without a scratch. Even the best-trained killers wouldn't be that capable. The opening already tells you how the story will go. The action scenes are way too unrealistic, almost fantasy-like. For a film that's classified as an action thriller, that's not so good.
The one-scene one-cut technique used during the camera work was nice and refreshing at the beginning but later on became frustrating. A lot of "empty" scenes showing empty rooms, the underneath of a car etc...just absolutely unnecessary scenes.
The non-Korean actors ruined the show for me. Their acting was simply bad, very amateur-like and mediocre.
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when I watch a zombie story it's all the same, and I'll be honest, it's not scary.. it's like step 1-an experiment gone wrong. 2- one mutated/infected zombie bites everyone. 3- a group of people try to survive...
like why did no one try to remove a zombies teeth before? that was hilarious.. and it has such a 180 concept of how people changed that was another hilarious part.. overall the movie didn't take itself seriously, I think that's the best part, it's a silly lighthearted new twist to the zombie story that's been told a million times..
I never rewatch stuff, but this was silly enough that might make me rewatch it ;)
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Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy
40 people found this review helpful
This series has it all for me... Action, Magic and Intrigue with stunning scenery. The beginning did not 'hook' me in at first, but once the plot starts to develop intricacies it began to captivate me. The slow movement and stillness of the scenes provokes emotion and suspense coupled often with ethereal music that lends a timeless quality to understanding the character's motives and actions based on the causal events of the past. I find the series masterful and engaging.
Episode 40 & 41 - I love the alchemical use of the natural elements in the soundtrack, instead of background music episode 40 uses Rain and episode 41 uses Wind and of course there is the crackling of fire in the camp. So much majesty has been put into this drama, it is a work of Art, Frame by Frame.
Episode 47 - the soundtrack is amazing, the music itself takes you on a journey - it's an acoustical odyssey. Cherchez La Femme - it's interesting that they are using women each time as catalysts to ignite a reaction that triggers a turn of events or should it be Cherchez Le Sorcier? The cinematography throughout this drama is pure visual poetry, enchanting the viewer with the connection to nature; even in Ep. 66 the background noise of crickets chirping adds a layer of subtlety.
Ep. 71-74: There are a lot of fragmented flashbacks that seemed like a Bohemian Rhapsody: 'Is this the Real Life or is this just Fantasy, caught in a landslide, no escape from Reality. Open your eyes look up to the skies and See...' The costume, set designs and use of colour were also aesthetically pleasing. This should be the Flagship model that will hopefully lead the industry as an example for new dramas in the future. It's refreshing to view a mature series with such depth instead of the shallow young adult dramas with sappy dialogue and dysfunctional relationships that we have been over-saturated with for years. I will wait in anticipation for the next season to see what the artists conjure up next!
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This review may contain spoilers
This drama was consistent throughout as a light-hearted watch that never took itself seriously. The production quality wasn't great due to the low budget, the CGI was poor and the story was practically non-existent. However, the main couple CH and QY made up for everything, especially QY.This drama is mainly about a love triangle between a girl and two guys that are polar opposites of each other - Qiu Yue from the Demonic Sect and Xiao Bai from the Feng Ming Manor who claims to uphold the righteous side.
For me, Qiu Yue was the star of the drama. He is an anti-hero, scheming and cunning with no morals but below his cold and ruthless exterior was a vulnerable and lonely person that had an abandonment complex. Li Hong Yi did very well portraying such a complex character and the chemistry between Chun Hua and Qiu Yue was really sizzling. I loved all the kisses between them. Chun Hua was a more typical character, but she showed maturity as the drama progressed and I didn't blame her for leaving Qiu Yue in the latter half of the drama.
Xiao Bai was clearly the weakest link in the main cast. The actor portraying him had too wooden expressions and I couldn't really buy his character or his 'love' for Chun Hua. Though to be honest, his character is a very conflicted/contradictory one that didn't do him any favours either in terms of likability.
A special shout out to Feng Cai Cai who I initially disliked but became such a wonderful, understanding and intelligent character by the end of the drama.
Overall, the drama probably doesn't deserve the 8.0 rating that I gave it since it really isn't a good drama but I enjoyed the scenes between CH and QY so much that I really recommend it if you like xian xia and romance.
On a side note, the ending was actually very faithful to the book although they could have included the side stories that mentioned their child which would have made the ending more satisfying.
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1Authentic, Moving, A True Treasure of 夫妻一唱一和
"Destined" is like a breath of fresh air in the world of historical dramas, breaking free from traditional norms with its liberal ideas. Forget about bloodlines determining the monarch or sticking to one family name, this story embraces diversity and challenges the importance of lineage. Gu Jiusi toys with the idea of giving his children different last names, mixing it up like a name buffet! Talk about breaking the rules!Our leading lady is a timid girl who finds her groove and inspires others to do the same, even that "bad" boy who transforms into a remarkable person. And of course, we have the ultimate villain who's the result of a dysfunctional family. That's one twisted family reunion!
Let's talk about Gu Jiusi, the lovable slacker from the wealthiest family. Sure, he has a reputation which is not so flattering, but deep down, he's got a heart of gold. Bai Jingting nails the role, bringing a playful charm and an unexpected sincerity to the flamboyant Gu Jiusi. He's like a lovable troublemaker with a heartwarming twist!
Now, Liu Yuru, our girl-next-door. She starts off powerless, a puppet of fate. But as life throws her curveballs, she discovers her inner strength and uses it to help her family and support her husband's journey to greatness. Song Yi portrays her beautifully, capturing the delicate yet strong essence of Liu Yuru.
And let's not forget the rest of the cast! From the one-dimensional characters like General Zhou Gaolang to the weak and insecure Fan Yu, everyone brings their A-game. Bravo, folks!
My Verdict
The underlying theme of "Destined" is all about harmony, and they drive that point home! Forgiveness, unity, and letting go of hatred are recurring motifs throughout the story. It's all about finding inner peace and spreading good vibes. Gu Jiusi sums it up perfectly when he says, "Nothing is bad or evil in this world. Stay true to your heart, live happily, and leave no regrets behind." Wise words.
This drama is like a sweet duet, with every note harmonizing perfectly. Sure, there are ups and downs, but in the end, you're left with a blissful feeling. It may take its time to unfold, but hey, good things come to those who wait! So, grab some popcorn and dive into this world of good triumphing over evil, light conquering darkness. It may be slow at times, but trust me, it's worth the watch. Don't miss out on the "Destined" magic!
Bravo!
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The acting here was one of a kind. The actors appeared to have great chemistry and Park Bo Young delivers another great role as the shy/timid Na Bong Sung and my favorite loud/pervy Soon Ae! I found her actions to be very alike to Kim Seul Gi's (Soon Ae) acting style which was very impressive! Another great performance was of Jo Jung Suk (Chef Seon Woo) and Im Joo Hwan who plays Officer Choi!
If I were to re watch this show, I'd only spend it on the moments of romance. This drama delivers in the Romance department and also talks about a certain topic that isn't really talked about in drama land. These 16 episodes went by really quickly for me. I have to say I was really fond of episode 15, which really redeemed the entire series (in my opinion of course). Depending on whose team you're supporting, you'll find yourself wrapped into the love triangle. Overall, I give this drama an 8 based solely on the acting.
If you ever see a 10 for acting, then you know it's a must watch!
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All you need is love
Sisyphus: The Myth is an intriguing drama. The thrilling teaser that was released late last year stoked the flames of excitement for many avid K-drama viewers. Coupled with a cast that’s headlined by bankable stars the likes of Cho Seung Woo and Park Shin Hye, it became one of the most talked about and highly anticipated shows for 2021. When it finally aired, however, it polarised opinions here in MDL and left a number of viewers’ expectations somewhat unfulfilled, to the extent that the ratings steadily declined to the current score hovering at around 8.There are those who continued to enjoy the show, for various reasons, and I happen to be one of them. Allow me to share my (spoiler-free) thoughts and then you can make your own decision on whether or not to embark on what has largely been a fun-filled escapist roller coaster ride.
What is it about?
In a nutshell, a woman from the dystopian future of South Korea travels back in time in the hopes of altering the course of history by preventing the seemingly inevitable fate that befell the country, the looming catastrophe of nuclear war. Central to this mission is the man who invented the time travelling machine. These two characters are played by Park Shin Hye and Cho Seung Woo respectively.
The drama contains a mix of science fiction, action, drama, and romance genres imbued with themes of revenge, redemption, remorse, love, friendship and familial bond. The director is Jin Hyeok, who notably helmed The Legend of the Blue Sea,The Master’s Sun and City Hunter, among others. The screenplay is written by the husband and wife team of Jeon Chan Ho and Lee Je In, for only their third production.
This show is jointly produced by Drama House and JTBC, and has been publicized as the network’s 10th anniversary special drama. Its title is derived from the ancient character from Greek mythology, King Sisyphus of Corinth, and is completely pre-produced with principal photography having taken place toward the end of 2020.
What’s great about it?
The Production Values
As expected of a JTBC production, this drama is very well made. I love the cinematography (in particular the indoor lighting), the many gorgeous scenic views of both Seoul in the present time and the vast landscape of the dystopian future. The set designs for various settings are quite exemplary while the special effects (CGIs, firefights, and pyrotechnics) are considerably top tier for a show of this nature.
The Acting and Cast
In my humble opinion, the leads are fantastic and I have absolutely no complaints. While Cho Seung Woo fully embodies the character of Han Tae Sul, the same goes for Park Shin Hye’s Kang Seo Hae. They deliver very strong performances in their portrayal of deeply flawed and emotionally scarred individuals. These are the types of roles that perhaps mature actors with adequate professional and life experiences are better-equipped to articulate and convey convincingly, which is very much the case here.
It’s interesting to note that unlike Cho Seung Woo’s other more serious roles, especially that of Hwang Shi Mok in Stranger, here his Han Tae Sul is much more comedic and mischievous with a copious dose of flamboyance and swagger. Despite possessing similar social awkwardness, this character is remarkably more fun while his ingenuity in getting out of tricky situations bears an uncanny resemblance to the MacGyver persona.
Such nuanced characterization is depicted by the other veteran supporting cast as well, notably Sung Dong Il, Kim Byung Chul, and Kim Jong Tae. Kim Byung Chul in particular surprised me with his depiction of Seo Won Ju. Despite being slightly OTT, I suspect he had the time of his life being “unleashed” from his usual more understated roles. Here he plays “dual characters” where his versatility is quite commendable.
Special mention goes to the young actor Lee Joo Won, who plays the young version of Seo Won Ju. This kid truly gave me goose bumps with his chilling portrayal.
The Action
For the most part, the choreography has been outstanding. From the numerous unarmed combat sequences to the firefights involving some pretty impressive military hardware. It’s not often that we see plenty of intense (and at times, logic-defying) gun battles in a non-military drama so this aspect of the production is indeed praiseworthy. Other forms of action include a lot of hard running in chasing (and being chased by) a multitude of characters.
The Romance
This particular theme is so beautifully and convincingly conveyed. It helps immensely that Cho Seung Woo and Park Shin Hye abundantly possess such wonderful chemistry which is poignantly manifested amidst the ensuing intrigue and mayhem. The pairing of Han Tae Sul and Kang Seo Hae, in many ways, makes a lot of sense. They are each plagued by a traumatic past and rendered seriously flawed, emotionally damaged, and are now fighting against the odds to change their fate.
What could’ve been better?
The Science
I love the concept here about time travelling to the past in order to change the future which gives me vibes of The Twelve Monkeys where the premise is quite similar. However, I do feel that the science as depicted in the show is super messy. Many technical aspects are open to interpretation and left to the viewers to fill in the blanks, as the story progresses. It’s a process of trial and error where we discover new things during every episode. The finale is quite possibly the most mind-blowing of all.
The Screenplay
A parallel narrative and converging plot format is used to tell the story, which includes numerous flashbacks and flashforwards by various major characters in multiple timelines - the past, present and future. Sometimes title cards are used to indicate the date, but not when the scene is obvious. It can get a little disorienting unless viewers pay close attention to the details.
How and why certain events transpire are quite convoluted and require too much deductive reasoning to derive a sense of what the answers could be. The credibility of certain characters is questionable while quite a number of the sequences appear utterly ridiculous and fantastical, despite the sci-fi tag. The seemingly lack of logic in certain respects of the overarching plot has led me to strongly suspect the screenwriters were high on recreational psychoactive substances as they were writing this.
Overall
The sooner viewers suspend disbelief and forgo questioning how the technology works by accepting the science as it is, the less confusing the show would appear to be. Regardless of the perceived weaknesses resulting from the flawed execution of the concept, I found myself enjoying the wild and, at times, exhilarating ride once I shut down my cerebral process and went instinctive. I would advise you to do the same for this is the only way to truly appreciate Sisyphus: The Myth. And if you do decide to watch this, be rest assured - the ending is very much a happy one, for everyone (kind of).
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3
1
1This review may contain spoilers
I hadn’t planned to start watching this yet.. Really, I hadn’t.. But somehow, I fell straight into its trap... I thought I would just take a quick peek at the first ep and before I knew it, it was six in the morning five episodes down and no way to stop.. It’s that good, no wonder the ratings are so high..Whenever I watch an enemies to lovers kind of story, I never get tired of that slow shift when they slowly grow into each other.. They begin to learn things about one another.. Their deepest secrets, the softest parts that were never spoken about, the little facts and even their weaknesses.. The enemies to lovers trope here is done exceptionally well.. It’s neither rushed nor slow.. I would say it’s perfectly executed.. After what happened in the first two episodes, I was curious to see how they would ever go from enemies to lovers.. Seriously, they hated each other so much and he really did torture her pretty badly..
FYX and FSG’s love feels incredibly strong and almost beyond ordinary, something that truly left me amazed.. There are so many small, subtle moments that quietly scream how deeply they love each other.. Their love is the anchor that holds the story together through all the tumbles it takes.. Fu Yi Xiao’s emotional and moral journey, from someone bound by loyalty to a woman willing to risk her place, her safety and even her heart for the truth and for her supposed enemy is deeply compelling.. Her transformation mirrors that of our ML Feng Sui Ge, the prince shaped by vengeance and duty who slowly learns that power without compassion is just another kind of cage.. Their love is forged through loss and courage and through the painful realization that sometimes, love itself is the most defiant act of all..
Something that really stood out for me in this drama is the couple and their relationship.. I know I am writing too much about them, but bear with me.. Their relationship isn’t like the cliche ones you see in most dramas.. Their relationship is completely and sensibly balanced.. They respect each other’s strengths and weaknesses.. Both are capable, confident and competent individuals who don’t lose sight of who they are just because they are in love.. This is what I love about the writing, they are intentionally kept as equals.. Neither is portrayed as weak or dependent and she never becomes someone who needs the ML to protect her.. Even the ML understands her strength and intelligence, he lets her take risks when she has to, never forcing her to hide behind him or stop her out of overprotectiveness.. That’s what I hate in most dramas, when they fall in love and suddenly all that ruthlessness or individuality disappears and they just turn into fools in love.. But here it’s not like that at all, and I absolutely loved it..
Visually, this drama is undeniably beautiful.. They have done wonders with the cinematography, framing and color work.. The direction isn’t flamboyant, it’s careful and deliberate as if the story itself is afraid of revealing too much too soon.. I do agree, though, at times, the pacing falters as if the director momentarily loses sight of which emotion to frame, grief or resolve, tenderness or deceit..
The supporting characters were good as well.. I really liked the ML's team.. They were utterly loyal till the end.. But I feel the show spent too much time on the other side characters who didn’t really deserve that focus.. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but personally I didn’t enjoy it.. Nothing about those parts felt worth the time and none of the characters made me want to keep watching.. There was hardly any real character development, maybe with the exception of the Emperor of Jinxia.. But again, that’s just my opinion..
Talking about character development, one character was a complete disaster from start to finish, the Princess of Susha.. She was frustrating to watch, constantly making poor choices and falling for the wrong man.. What she needed was a knock on the head, not sympathy.. In the end, she literally got a sword to her stomach from the very man she loved and sacrificed everything for.. She never had any clear motive and kept walking straight into her own downfall.. Even her revenge felt so shallow, what was she even avenging?? The story tried to frame it as if the SML wronged her, but he was honest from the beginning that he would never love her.. Then she went on to team up with another terrible man in the name of revenge.. The Emperor and the princess were just two broken people making things worse for each other.. He was an awful person, much like the SML.. His last minute redemption does count as character development, but it doesn’t make him a good person nor does it turn their story into some tragic love worth mourning..
The ML at least had one sibling who had some sense and did the right thing, the Second Prince of Susha.. Despite being raised on lies and manipulation, despite having every reason to protect his mother and hold on to power, he still chose what was right.. He stood by his brother when it mattered most.. He has my absolute respect..
All the other characters had fitting endings and every arc was wrapped up really well.. Feng Sui Ge got his revenge on everyone who wronged him and his family, every backstabber met their fate and it was incredibly satisfying to watch.. And through it all, Fu Yi Xiao stood by him, protecting and fighting alongside him, just as she promised she would..
I wanted to mention a few other things..
There was one thing I think they overdid, the face filter.. It was just a bit too much.. They really could have eased up on it.. At some points, CZH looked like he might melt if the sun hit him..
These Chinese historical weddings are just so beautiful.. The attire, the colors, the whole aesthetic, it’s pure bliss to watch..
I have to mention the torture scene, when she tortured him, he seemed to enjoy it a bit too much for it to be called torture.. The man was out there thriving in pain..
There have been quite a few female general characters this year and a lot of talk about who did it best.. But now, we finally have a clear winner.. Hands down, the title goes to Li Qin and her character Fu Yi Xiao.. She was absolutely perfect, fierce, graceful and beautiful.. The way she carried herself was simply sublime..
Overall, this drama was an absolute feast to watch.. I would have rated it a solid 9.5 but all that beautiful buildup led to what felt like a small firework.. Don’t get me wrong, I still liked that firework and thought it was beautiful but deep down, I was hoping for a grand finale of explosions, a huge, epic scale war to end it all.. And also, putting a character who didn’t do a single right thing throughout the entire drama in charge of a country was just plain ridiculous.. She never once showed intelligence, responsibility or even basic morality.. There was no real character development that could justify giving her the responsibility of ruling Susha, that was a huge misstep on Feng Sui Ge’s part.. Chengyang on the other hand, showed far more potential and leadership qualities.. For these two major reasons, I couldn’t bring myself to rate it any higher than a nine.. As much as I wish I could give it a perfect score, these two glaring flaws held it back for me..
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This review may contain spoilers
I'm just disappointed at this point
The way this drama pissed me off so much I'm writing a review to save innocent souls from wasting their free will on this mess. Consider this your warning: Penthouse 3 is pure chaos. High-level spoiler alert ahead, but honestly? I don’t even care. Maybe you need to witness the madness yourself to truly understand.That ending made the least sense in all the nonsense of this season. One, Logan's dead was defo tacked on for no reason, if his cancer came back, Seok Hyung could have donated her stem cell just like Seol A did before since they are twin so she would be a match. But I get that he might not have wanted to keep living cause Sim Su Ryeon was dead, but according to his character, he would have tried to survive to take care of the Seok 'twins' and Bae Ro Na or something.
Sim Su Ryeon basically killing herself is so unlike her character, I get that she lost a lot but she had a lot to live for, mainly her children, especially after finding out that Seok Hyun was her biological daughter, and her 'fake' other daughter in USA (that was forgotten about), also Seok Hoon and Logan and Bae Rona. Stupid death in my opinion.
Also I fully believed that the wedding/engagement was purposely planned to catch Ju Dan Tae, it didn't make sense that they would have such a big event and not expect him to show up and sabotage it. Logan even saw him before he went up to see Su Ryeon but then he magically forgot about him and was shocked when he was there. What kind of trash security did they have! And who picks up a call on their wedding/engagement walking down the aisle.
To even talk about Oh Yoon Hee's death, makes my brain hurt, excuse me but when did Penthouse turn to a Marvel movie, Yoon Hee was pushing back her car at the edge of a cliff while another car with a brick on the accelerator is pushing on her car, how? What kinda Super solider serum, Hulk ass power does she have? Before she got to the back of the car, she opened the door where Eun Byeol was unconscious and was shouting at her to wake up, instead of dragging her out like Seo Jin did later on. It was just so dumb.
Lastly, Ju Dan Tae, his man, for the amount of stress and hatred I felt in my body for his guy, his death was not it. It did not satisfy me at all, the amount of evil he's done and gotten away with it, he should have dead way worse, a bullet to the head and falling from the Penthouse onto the statue. DEAD. I wanted Vincenzo level of torture and death, he deserved that. Remember how he tried to kill Bae Ro Na by stabbing her in the brain, ruthlessly and returning like he did nothing. No, that man is truly evil and he deserved more pain in his death. Same goes for Cheon Seo Jin, she did too much to end up killing herself, I get that she's remorseful after what her daughter said in the court room and her ex told Su Ryeon to not kill her but NO, she should have lived a long life in prison, paying for her punishment.
Also, I agree with people who said that this season shouldn't have happened if they were just gonna kill the main 2 good guys, Su Ryeon and Logan, cause in season 1, it was Su Ryeon that 'died' then season 2, it was Logan. Might as well have finished it at season 2 cause Logan coming back was not needed. Lowkey, Su Ryeon could have done all of this by herself with the help of the other people.
I feel like the writers were very inconsistent about the characters, one minute, Su Ryeon and Logan are super smart and they thought of every possibility and planned for it. Other times, they are super dumb and fall for everything. Same with Ju Dan Tae, to be honest, Ju Dan Tae's character, he would have survived season 3 (not the part where he was shot but before that when people were coming to him to ask for money for the copy of him/Seo Jin killing Oh Yoon Hee. He would have just planned to kill them like he normally does, but this time he folds and gives them money til he was broke? Just feel like his character got really dumb at the end just so they can kill him and end it all. So to me it's unsatisfying.
Also what happened to Alex and his black bodyguards?
What happened to Sim Su Ryeon's fake daughter?
What happened to Jennie's Dad?
And the real Ju Dan Tae?
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ACTION: There are few plot holes but regardless, the drama is pretty decent. The action scenes are not that powerful like any other sageuk drama but still good. I love the turning kick, flying kick, the punches. The fact that Kim Myungsoo trained for weeks to do the stunts alone without having a double, I’m giving him that credit. Good job.
ROMANCE: There was no Romance tag before the promotion of this drama. To those who keep asking if there will be romance or not, the first episode will give you hints (so better watch it).
CHEMISTRY: Some says that ML and FL has no chemistry, and that Kwon Nara looks older for him. Let me give you a fact. They were both born on March 13 but Kwon Nara was born in 1991 and Kim Myungsoo is a ’92 liner. So Yes, Kwon Nara is 1 year older. And maybe, you still can’t move on with Danyeon Couple – know what I mean (I’m one of them). I’m telling you, Yi-gyeom and Da-in chemistry (ship) is smoothly sailing. The way they give concerns to each other, then later on bickers, will give you butterflies. Also, Yi-Gyeom and Chunsam’s chemistry is so funny.
PRODUCTION: If you think that the drama is a low budget because their wardrobe is not as fancy as other saguek drama, well for me, it’s a No. The story is not about the Royal Family. The ML is not a KING or a PRINCE. He’s just an ordinary man working at the palace with a pretty good position so don’t expect him to wear that fancy thing. Their attire fits perfectly for each character and for every situation they are in. Though sometimes Da-in’s lipstick is kinda flashy when she’s wearing man’s clothes. The cinematography is not dull as what others think. Check your phone and laptop or tv. They have different vibrance, lol. :-D
ACTING: Though I still have hang-over with Kim Myungsoo’s character as KIM DAN, I’m loving his character now as Sung Yi-gyeom. He delivers the character well. His facial expression is like emojis. Kwon Nara on the other side is also doing a good job portraying as Hong Dain. Though I say, in the last scene of episode 4, it’s kinda awkward. Lee Yi-Kyung, as always… he makes me laugh in every scene that he has.
OST: So far, we only have 1 OST for the 5 episodes. They haven’t released the full version yet but N.Flying’s OST I’ll Find You is such a bop. KBS please released it soon.
So, for those who are having doubts whether to watch or not, give it a try. It’s a pretty good drama. See for yourself. We do have our own taste buds you know.
I’ll update my review soon
NOTE: Comparing this to MR. QUEEN is lame because they are of different genre and plot. Also, if you think the drama is underrated, well it’s not. The fact that the ratings for each episode is in 5% range despite having a strong contender (I know you know it) even before the drama airs, I must say it’s not underrated. So far, I'm enjoying this drama.
UPDATE: I won't say much. But I just want to tell you all that the story of this drama keeps getting better and exciting. Every episode is a must watch -- The blossoming romance between FL and ML, the complicated relationship between ML and his half brother. The problems that they have to deal with - corruption, murder and more.
UPDATE: I'm only giving this a 9.5 rating as I badly want season 2 for this drama. This drama ended with 14% for the last episode (such an achievement for KBS because it has been long (2018) since they achieved a double digit rating in Mon-tues drama timeslot. Too bad many viewers are sleeping on this masterpiece. It deserves recognition and hype too.
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Those who seek revenge dig two graves.
This is a heartbreaking and sobering revenge drama about an ancient Me Too movenment by nine commoners seeking justice. The two main protagonists, Rulan and Meng Wan are apprentices at Yanyu Tower, whose exquisite embroidery are prized by the imperial palace. Underneath his polished and elegant facade, Yanyu Tower's proprietor and master embroiderer Wu Lian is the worst kind of predator; one who uses his power and privilege to repeatedly manipulate and abuse the young women working for him. When Rulan has the audacity and tenacity to seek legal redress, most including her bestie Meng Wan hesitate to help her; knowing how stacked the system is against them. Ultimately her plight and her conviction inspires nine people to devote their entire reason for existence to taking Wu Lian down and obtaining justice for Rulan and in some cases themselves. There are no fairytales in this drama; their stories are utterly devastating; alternately moving me to tears and making my teeth clench and my blood boil.This drama is not for the faint hearted and comes with a ton of trigger warnings. It is ruthless and brutal in terms of its scathing depiction of the unbalanced power dynamics between the powerful and the powerless. It convincingly articulates why regardless of consequences, Rulan, Meng Wan and their friends decide to take a stand against a clever, powerful and ruthless opponent. Their efforts are stymied at almost every turn and many of them pay the dear cost of justice. Wu Lian is almost too smart a villain and too well resourced. It is dismaying to see these nine avengers fall for the same traps over and over. In desperation, some of them take unnecessary risks and make terrible sacrifices with scant payoff in their attempt to gather enough evidence to indict him.
This is a large cast with consequential roles that deliver all around strong performances. Hu Yixuan's portrayal of Rulan's disillusionment, agony, bravery and forlorn quest for justice is harrowing, piteous and ultimately tragic. Wu Qian also impresses as the icily soft spoken, resolute avenging angel and mastermind of the revenge plot. As for Wu Lian, it is rare to encounter such an intelligent and downright despicable villain, masterfully acted by Qiao Zhenyu. All of the support roles come together well to paint a picture of common people from all walks of life with dreams and goals that get disrupted as they come together to get justice. The thief Li Chunfeng and the embroideress Jue Ming charmed and moved me into rooting for them most.
This kind of drama that tackles such a difficult subject matter is unlikely to appeal broad audiences. It is well executed for the most part but tends to be unnecessarily melodramatic in the later arcs. The villain origin backstory left me unmoved and is not convincing. I would expect Wu Lian's father's concubine to have impacted him in a more positive way. While this story ends in a realistic way, I am not satisfied. Wu Lian's enablers who covered for him repeatedly get off way too lightly. Finally the way this wraps up sends too strong a message that those who seek revenge dig two graves. Revenge becomes their sole purpose and end game to the extent that I wonder - did they really win? There is just too much collateral damage and sacrifice even though Humpty Dumpty can not be put together again. Maybe it would have been better to just live well. I needed to see at least one of the victims recover from this and go on to have a good life. The final What If episode 25 made me feel worse not better. I struggle with how to rate this. As much as I applaud the topic, the acting and how emotionally invested I got in the story, it left me with a hollow feeling after the ending arcs. It is still a good, thought provoking watch but I can only rate this a 7.5/10.0.
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Well, first of all, you have to consider the time when it was released and the intention.
Because of my many reasons this movie will remain as my favorite one. Let me explain why:
1.The topics
Even though this movie's main target group might be young people, it also deals with very "mature"/serious topics.
The first time I watched this movie ( as a teenager) I didn't realize that this movie was kind of revolutionary or daring comparing to other Korean movies.
On the one hand, serious topics like AIDS and prejudices were shown. And on the other hand, it is also about a teenager's problems and everyday/love life.
For me, it was interesting to see how those "serious" and "ordinary topics" ( I can't think of a more appropriate word) were connected.
Apart from that, this movie was some kind of a roller-coaster ride: It was funny, sometimes sad and then it was funny again.
2. The characters
Apart from the great mix of the topics, the main characters were really...well, it is hard to describe each of them with one word.
The male lead did a great job as an actor considering the fact that it was one of his earliest work. Moreover, his character wasn't presented in a superficial way. As a viewer you could see and feel all his feelings and the changes he went through during the movie:
For instance the shyness when it comes to showing affection or even accepting it.
Actually, the movie helps one to understand his personality that seems to be a bit weird in the beginning: Sometimes he is nice to the female lead and sometimes he isn't nice. In many ways he is a immature young male and but in some ways he is more mature than his friends.
Even though the relationship between the main leads was one the weirdest one I've seen, I could feel/see the romance. You might wonder, why it was weird: The whole relationship between them was rather forced than planned at the beginning. But you could tell that it changed after some time.
For me it was kind of amusing to watch those two arguing,making up and once again arguing. It somehow reminded me of the young boys in the kindergarten who prefer to annoy the girls they like instead being nice to them.
The female lead: She acted pretty well. Even though she played the role of a rather immature student, she was able to show various emotions. I think, I will never forget certain scenes she played with all her heart like jumping up and down with weird clothes on in front of the school jard. Just the thought of it makes me laugh.
3. The plot
Movies aren't dramas with 16 eps or more. So, I guess, as a viewer I will always have the feeling that everything was a bit too rushed and ended too quickly.
Nevertheless, I liked the way everything progressed. It wasn't dragging or something like that.
Even now, I am able to divide the movie in different chapters.
To sum it up:
This movie is great! It might be a bit weird at first but you will like it the more you watch! Apart from that, a movie's intention should count as well. And this movies proves that you can make use of serious topics in a way that you don't even realize that you are learning something new.
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I didn't watch the Japanese version, but I felt that this drama with its storyline alone was good enough. The plot was spot on, it didn't go too makjang overly dramatic, nor too bland and therefore Love Affairs in the Afternoon was just the way I liked it! The little sweet/ romantic moments thrown into this drama made it even more worth the watch!
The first episode alone was very precise with the introduction of characters of Son Jieun as a quiet and average woman who felt trapped and lonely with her routinary life, and Choi Soo-ah a woman who never felt love but is constantly seeking for it through meeting other men. The cinematography, setting, and even the OST's used also added to why this drama is worth the watch. It helped give us a vivid view of the mood and theme of the drama which is light and romantic however sad.
In addition, what drew me in the most with this drama is the bittersweet storyline of the lead characters.
Jungwoo and Ji Eun were both quiet and seemingly honest characters. They knew being in an affair is not the right thing to do, especially Ji Eun so she tried her best to avoid him but when they are with each other, it seems like their world has fallen into place. Together they were able to express themselves better, were happy, and was able to experience that heart shattering love that they couldn't with their partners. Jung Woo and Ji Eun, because they were too kind to others to be selfish they got married to their other halves too hastly, leading to their pitful lives. So if you like star-crossed lovers type of drama this one might also be for you!
I also love the chemistry and acting of Park Ha Sun and Lee Sang Yeob here! Whoever casting director you are, you deserve a raise. They seem to both fit the introvert type of role, they were able to deliver their characters well, and both are hella good looking! They make a good couple. ^^
Overall, Love Affairs in the Afternoon was worth the watch! The love shown in this drama was so romantic it made me wish I could find a sweet and nice guy like Jungwoo. It also made my big fat crush on Lee Sangyeob even fatter. T_T It was a good deviation from all the murder-mystery Korean dramas that are being released nowadays. The good conclusion or ending is an even added bonus!
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