Reviews

Cruel, Bleak...and Totally Worth It.

Honestly, I hate when reviews rave about a show like it's a life-changing experience. When someone starts throwing around terms like "masters of the craft," "tour de force," and "magnum opus," I usually just roll my eyes and scroll away. So now watch me become a hypocrite and get positively gushy about this drama (almost as gushy as all the stab wounds in this show):

If you are a fan of neo-noir film, this is absolutely a must-watch. Or, if you are simply looking for something different than the typical Kdrama tropes, give this a try. Problems do not get tied neatly with a bow, romance is intense but not the central theme, and characters are painted in shades of grey (rather than obviously good or evil). Yes, you'll have to decide for yourself if you like someone, rather than letting the plot tell you if you should.

Expect atmospheric camera shots and seductive music to frame each scene. It's easy to get drawn into this sordid but glamorous world, where heroes and villains alike will do anything at all to move their own interests forward and protect those closest to them. The characters you despise in the beginning may tug at your heartstrings later on.

Central to all this is Doctor's Son, played with hypnotic finesse by Jung Kyung Ho. I really have not seen an actor play a role quite like this one with such elegance and sex appeal. His character is defined by calculating ruthlessness, but there are glimpses into his emotions that are just as powerful. In different hands, one might wonder how such a cut-throat person is able to consistently gain loyalty and affection from the people around him, but in this performance, it's completely believable. I have seen Jung Kyung Ho in other dramas, so I already knew he's a good actor, but this one was truly captivating. I'd love to see him return to this style in the future.

The other characters are intriguing and well-cast. In my opinion, the standouts were Kim Yoo Mi as Lee Jin Suk and Choi Moo Sung as Safari, but everyone was truly wonderful to watch. The actors brought that special "something" that makes a drama feel alive. I didn't feel like I was watching actors, but rather, real people. One could easily go into a character study for almost of all of them, taking quite some time to break down their motivations and personalities. Don't worry, I won't do that here. I do encourage you, though, to do so yourself as you watch!

I'm sure you've heard other people go on about the music and how great it is. It really is that good. The ending theme gives that strangely pleasant feeling of melancholy. Yet, it's actually the instrumental pieces that give the most sizzle. I would pay good money to have that sexy guitar be the soundtrack to my life. I'm sure everything I did would look about 100x cooler.

So after all that long-winded praise, why did I only give it an 8.5? Let me briefly explain the beefs I had. You read this far, might as well see it through to the end.

Yes, there were some plot holes. I can get past them, but I recognize that the scripting isn't perfect. But seriously, where will you find a show with perfect scripting? Seriously, if you know of one, let me know, because I haven't seen it.

The character of Lee Jin Suk was the character about whom I was the most uncertain as to how I felt. She is portrayed as a loyal and intelligent woman who will fiercely protect those she loves. By the end of the show, I really did care about her and empathized with her pain. But...it was never addressed whatsoever that she was literally an attempted child groomer. In the flashbacks to Doc's childhood, she speaks to him flirtatiously, and at one point even overtly sexually. Once he is an adult, she tells people that he's her boyfriend behind his back. I might have been able to get past this if she had ever apologized to him, but that never happened. Instead, it all seemed to be written in as part of her deep love for him. What? Does no one else find that icky? The other issue I took with her character was that, after fighting tooth and nail to drag herself out of prostitution, she chose to enrich herself by becoming a madam. She even tries multiple times to dissuade Soo Min from working there, as she is fully aware of its horrors. Yet, she has no problem employing other women in that capacity. Why?

I also couldn't understand why they introduced that alcoholic reporter girl as a half-baked attempt to give Ji Hyeong Min a (living) love interest. This woman is fully aware that he is still grieving the loss of his murdered girlfriend, yet she weasels her way into his life by offering tips in his case, some of which turn out to be worthless. They don't even give closure to that relationship in the end. So, why was she included at all?

My other very important and not-at-all nitpicky gripes:
Why are the women always wearing stilettos to scenarios in which they know they'll need to fend off attackers or run for their lives? Why does everyone slam on the brakes so aggressively? And why is Doctor's Son's hair so perfect all the time? Doesn't matter if he's in a knife fight, getting beat up, or having sex, his hair stays gorgeous. Major plot hole, I tell you!

Okay, got all that out of my system. Overall, this was a truly excellent drama. I highly recommend it. Sexy, thrilling, and sometimes brutal, it's definitely for adults. If you're interested in something darker than most Kdramas that still feels human, put this at the top of your list.

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As someone that have finished the novel, throughout watching the drama. There was some changes in the plot which is rather nice to see since it can be seen as a way to hype thing to give somewhat a more realistic feel of the novel. The reason why I rate the acting/cast 8/10 is mostly because of a drastic changes of 2 characters and a few other characters. The 2 characters with the drastic changes in the drama without the doubt is Chen Guo and Bao Zi as Bao Zi isn't really a type of person that actually think before doing thing or capable of thinking alot of difficult which make it abit weird for me to see him as Bao Zi. As for Chen Guo, in novel she isn't really exactly the type that is really thoughtful or likable character since in novel, she usually justified all her wrong doings as Ye Xiu's fault and she's quite a really insensitive person as well with a judgemental view of other at times unlike in drama where she portray a person is really thoughtful and all. Overall I have to say that it was a quite nice to see the drama ver of this novel since it was one of my all time favorite.

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My expectations were so beyond reached

When I started this I didn't think it would be as good as it is.
My expectations were not high but WOW they should have been because this drama was so good!!
I love when romance dramas have a really good plot aside from the romance. All the Ice skating scenes were so epic and I really enjoyed all the competition scenes. SO GOOD.
The music was also so fantastic! Every time "One More Time" came on during one of the training montage scenes I get goosebumps and get sooo pumped up. Love all the characters' relationships. I also really appreciate that there wasn't a big breakup or fight scene between the main couple - usually there are so many of those in dramas and they get so overdone but this drama was so refreshing and didn't have those. Overall I definitely recommend giving it a watch :)

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The Synopsis does a diservice.

The synopsis does a disservice to this wonderful gem. This is a tale about two people at opposite ends of their lives coming together and finding solace through their journey together, Shota who is at the main starting point in his life and Jun-chan who is at the last part of his life both try to runaway from their realities. Shota who for the most part of his life lacked adult guidance, is mature but innocent as a neglected child of that age would be. Jun-chan who is still contemplating the passage of time and how he is at the end of his life, a frail old grandpa who has no one he knows alive anymore. At it's heart this is a coming of age story. Just because we age doesn't mean we learn to be adults. Naoki-san with his expressions and body language portrays the frailty, vulnerability and stubbornness that a young man who suddenly realizes he is an old man and life has long passed him by and the window of opportunities have long shut. While the young Kamiki, is phenomenal as Shota, I would go as far as to say this is his best and most realistic acting of that era. We see Shota at the beginning of the drama, as a mature child. He calmly leaves his home, carefully packs, even is aware enough to bring first aide and money along. However during uncertainties he breaks down and we see the innocent child trying to hide behind an adult mask, A child so desperate for adult guidance, that when he finds the reliable Jun-chan, he sticks to his side like a glue, from that point we finally see the whinny child, who wants attention, who is curious and hurt easily. His inexperience with the world is paired well with Jun-chan's life experiences. One has all the experience and the other has none, but neither of them are truly grasp the current world they live in. Jun-chan whose world has long gone and Shota whose hasn't started. They are aliens to the current world they live in. Jun-chan feels relevant while taking care of the young Shota, he feels needed. Shota on the other hand feels he is being heard and seen. In most scenes they are at conflict with each other, a battle of different generations. Not very different from arguments grandparents and grandchildren, each coming from their own life experiences while not trying to understand where the other is coming from. By the end of their journey they learn lessons from each other, forming a bond deeper than bloods. This is a very worthwhile drama to watch. The innocence and vulnerability is charming. The acting grounded and layered. The story is relevant for every generation, as most people in their lives will have been Shota and Jun-chan at different times. What happens when the end and the beginning meet. This is charming drama full of nuances and allegories. The drama is full of juxtapositions as it is both hopeful and depressing at the same time. I was watching it with my mother, who is not interest in jdramas nor dis she understand what they were saying but multiple themes of connection, negligence, childhood, and the eventual death were things she picked up right away. Honesty it is a masterpiece and more people should watch it.

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A sweet, lovely, funny, cute office romance !

I loved this drama ! I had a wonderful time watching it !
I loved every character. The relationship between Min Ik and Dae Ju is really beautiful (calling each other "wifey" is so damn cute), Gal Hee is a lovely and lively woman, and Veronica Park is undeniably one of the most memorables K-drama characters.
I will certainly miss this drama a lot.
The story in itself is very simple. It's a typical office romance but... I like that haha
There is no love triangle (thank God, I think it feels nice not to have anyone disturb the romance of the main leads).
The side characters are interesting. And there is also a part of mystery.
Well, to sum up, it is an interesting drama for people who want to enjoy a sweet romantic storyline with beautiful leads and side characters. Aaaannnnnnddd a very very very cute Do Min Ik !

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As a lot of reviewers have said before me, the drama ends up being a lot less about the couples you see in the earlier episodes, and more about the problems that the parents (and grandparents) cause. You do see the love stories of each couple progress, but the drama and misery other people cause for these couples tends to be the main focus.

This fact wouldn't be so terrible if there was any progress with these "bad" characters. The problem is that there isn't. In every episode, again and again and again, the same people cause the same problems with the same victims. It's like watching a car drive into a wall, reverse, drive into the same wall, reverse, drive into the same wall... until the drama ends.

Another thing I feel I should mention very quickly is that it is not a typical romance drama. The story eventually shifts towards another character, and their storyline is absolutely heartbreaking - genuinely painful to watch, at times. But sadly, the emotional "punch" of these parts are diluted by the boring, monotonous, and unchanging characters and plotlines we are given, which totally drown and drag out everything else.

Anyway - in conclusion. :) For story I have given 5, as despite the drama being boring overall, there are some really cute scenes and some incredible, heartbreaking moments - it's just a shame you have to search through a load of filler to find them. If the drama had been shortened to 25 episodes, this score would be much higher.

The actors I have given an 8. They aren't the ones who write the drama, and so for the scripts they were given each person acted out their part incredibly well. The music was well-written and really cute, but for something 50 episodes long you do need a little more variation, hence the 7. Finally, the re-watch value is a resounding 2. I would have dropped it to a 1, but as A Thousand Kisses was the very first drama I ever watched, I might dip in and out of it again for nostalgia's sake. However, that is very unlikely...

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This was a cute and funny movie that really got me laughing. I love almost anything that can make me laugh and this did a pretty good job at doing just that. I will say this movie was a little gross at times, but it wasn't something I couldn't endure. I think there were probably only two scenes in this whole movie that I didn't like, but there were quite a few good ones that made me like it. This is also definitely a type of weekend movie. One of those movies where, when you have a little extra time, can just sit back to watch the movie and have a happy feeling when it's all said and done. I think that more could've been done with the story but it kept my attention. It's not one of the best things I've ever seen, it's not the worst, but it's not regrettable.

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One word foodporn. This show was all about food and eating from ep 1 to 16 and sometimes 3 times an episode. I liked it because it dint have the crazy ex syndrome. It was all fun and friendly with a lil bit of spookiness. Dojoon was just eye candy and though he talked fast i just could stop staring and longed to see him. He was a liar, player and straight forward guy. My favorite has always been soo kyung. Her acting has always been a hilarious character like in "soul mate and agent oh". I liked how enthusiastic she was about food and eating it, she made us want to eat. The other hilarious characters were attoney kim and oh. They dint really have to do any practice, just their movements and acting made u laugh out loud. Funny by nature.attoney oh was just oblivious to the end just thinking that everyone wanted a piece of her
I dint give it a 10 coz they took too much time focusing on eating that it got monotonous also some hanging and cliché moments.
The theme music was actually weirdly good coz the lyrics is about food. (lets eat by k jun)

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I wasn’t too positive in my review of the first season of Kingdom (but not overly negative ether) after that season aired on Netflix last year. I thought it was a fine sageuk, but it didn’t connect with me as much as I wanted or do much to separate itself for all the other sageuks, except have zombies running around.

In preparation for season two however, I did re-watch season one about a week before the new season dropped on Netflix. I decided to take things slow this time, not binge watch it since I am not really a binge watcher.

Being able to watch that season one episode at a time made me like the more slow-paced story a lot more, and then immediately go into the next season the following day was incredibly satisfying.

Season two brought us straight back into the grim fate of the characters and the chaos that we were facing at the end of season two and it just kind of never slows down after that, as the story pulls us through some new and exciting parts of the story.

Although a lot more fast paced, with a lot more action and shorter episode, this season managed to still give itself time explore the characters a lot more, as well as the virus that is effecting the people and turning them into zombies. The story becomes deeper and richer with every passing episode.

Characters that I like become even more likable here, characters I didn’t like became more interesting as their action impacted the story more, and the motivations for all of them get explored a lot more, and the story just seems to expand a little and the storytelling felt a lot tighter.

People using the plague to further their political standing and seeing how greed and power impacted the whole thing was very fascinating to watch. Especially as you keep reading about the world news and the covid-19 outbreaks. Having that in the back of your mind as you were watching this was a bit surreal (at least for me).

For the first season I felt like I enjoyed the story more when I took things slow. It didn’t feel as fast paced as I said, or as grand as this one did. Here the stakes and the action is doubled as we go further and further into the series and I could not pull my eyes away from the screen until I had finished the whole thing (with breaks).

Also, the story there was not that complete, while this one did, while also serving us a cliffhanger. Heck, they even managed to end every episode with a mini cliffhanger, so you just wanted to keep going.

In the end the story feels like a well-crafted big action flick, no character is safe, people are betraying each other, and you can’t be sure of how it’s all going to end. Seeing the story and the action unfold before your eyes is just a joy It never stops, just like those zombies they are facing. To keep that up until the end is no easy feat.

There was a lot put into this show and it shows. The fight scenes are amazing, the costumes, the cinematography is amazing. Some of these shots were just so gorgeous to look at.

You can say that the second season of Kingdom blew all my expectations away. I was so enjoying myself. It was what I wanted season one to be, although I don’t think we could have had season two this good without the slow buildup of season one. Just a good zombie-period drama with some high stakes and actions, that still manages to make you feel things and just feel empty like some big action flick with no weight behind it.

Because when these characters slash those heads of those zombies, it feels like it matters. Not just because it’s gore and there is action and therefor it’s fun, but you feel for those characters. There is even more gore and horror in this season as there was in the previous season, but I felt like it fit with the scope of the story and where the story was at each given point. It’s just a really well made horror show. And I can’t wait to see what this show can bring us in season 3 (please, Netflix, don’t fail me now).

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As the quarantine is on-going, might as well make a review to the best Historical Chinese drama I've watched. I hardly watch chinese historical dramas as most of the time i drop it after giving it a try, but I never expected I will be so hooked watching this drama; despite it having a lot of episodes which i rarely watch unless the plot is really good. For beginners in historical genre, I think this drama is the best to watch. I'm glad that I watched this drama after lot of hesitations. No words can explain how much I love this drama. This drama influenced me in watching other historical dramas. There are a lot of characters in this drama, the character of wei wu xuan was very complex but was portrayed really well by sean xiao (xiao zhan). I also love how the character of wei wu xuan and lan wang ji was expressed in this drama. Even though some of the actors are beginners the acting of the actors in this drama was great! As for the plot, I was actually confused at first with a lot of things going on, but as I watch per episode I can't stop myself from watching as the story is very interesting having it based from a novel. 10/10 for the plot! Watching this series is actually a rollercoaster of emotions for the watchers, but I assure you that it is definitely a kind of drama that will keep you wanting for more. This drama will always have a special place in my heart, and will always be one of my favorite chinese historical dramas.

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you grow into it

It's interesting that while it looks and feels like a very fast-paced serial drama, it really is a bit of slow-burn that brings the viewer gradually into whatever is happening on the screen. A little bit of online reading up on the state of LGBTQ affairs in Thailand, this is likely one of those where we can say that, yes, it's possible that this is really how things are evolving when it comes to same-sex relationships there.

And this is a good thing - a timely drama that entertains, and also informs. This series will have a very wide audience everywhere it's shown.

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Bad Guy was sexy...but that was just it.

The first show where i thought the bad guy (SML) was really smooth and more attractive than the ML. He really did his role well and had chemistry with all his "paramours". He just had that little something extra (lol).

As for the show itself, it starts out with great momentum, but quickly gets lost somewhere along the way. Then it never really recovers. I liked/watched for the plot and was expecting a bit more of the revenge, anger, pay-back and a stronger FL who is not apologetic or too weak by the end. Instead it quickly downgraded itself to be like the rest of the other shows, with silly misunderstandings and flash backs towards the end that i thought were misplaced or did not change the story in anyway . Or even change your feelings about the characters.

Otherwise you are not missing much, its an average show that will never make it on your top list of memorable lakorns. I rated it a 7/10 and it has zero re-watch value.

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Good start but then it went downhill

Completed - 4/8/2022

The first 1/3 of the drama feels like Ancient Detective + Love and Redemption. It was fun to see our leads bickering with each other while solving crimes. However, I wouldn't say the crimes are super interesting or well-thought out. But at least the leads were fun to watch and I enjoy their characters. The drama went downhill and the lead romance becomes too cringey. Our female lead deity tries to woo our cool-headed male lead with methods that are way too cringey for my taste. Our supposedly smart ML is too hard-headed to get what FL is trying to do. Once the leads got together, the drama force-feeds us with a large dose of sugary fluffiness in one big episode. I should have known that whenever a drama does that, it means the cute romance won't last long and viewers will have to wait for a long time to see them together again.

The second half of the drama becomes a totally different drama. It feels like Ashes of Love but worse and many plot holes. Love, hate and obsession become the central story line in the middle episodes. If I am not an experienced wuxia/xianxia watcher, I might enjoy typical cliches and tropes more. But unfortunately, I watch and shake my head in boredom and frustration. I really start to lose interest in the abyss arc. I feel that should be the start of season 2.

I would recommend this drama to beginner watchers of xian xia dramas, who understand a little bit about the 3 realms but not too familiar with the tropes to be bored.

Let's see if I can summarize the tropes in bullet points:
- Love Square and persistent unrequited love
- 2ML turned evil because FL does not reciprocate his feelings, even though he has sacrificed so much for her.
- 2ML continues to blame ML because he has loved FL longer, and has been there for her. You are a newcomer who doesn't deserve her. ML gotta wait in line!
- Secondary leads who won't take "no" for an answer no matter how many times they are rejected.
- Double dose of noble idiocy = I will leave you for your sake because I love you and this is what's best for you. Who cares what you really want.
- Multiple characters believing their way is the correct way and you must do what I say. I am doing this for your own good ,even though I don't care how you feel/think

Aside from all that, the writing is quite messy and there are many plot holes.
- FL is supposed to be smart but yet she can't figure out there are demons around her. I thought she can smell demons but fails to do that many times.
- If FL can't fall in love, why break up the couple when she has ALREADY fallen in love? Isn't it too late already and worse if she's heartbroken?
- Why are the demons fighting with weapons against humans? Don't they know magic and can kill with a snap of their fingers? There's no way humans could win!
- I know our ML is smart, but is he really so smart that he knows how to re-create war weapons all by himself? He's not even a soldier but a crime investigator.

Let's end this review on a more positive note. Here's what I do enjoy:
- I like Zhang Yi Shang's acting as our female lead. I might find her character in the beginning a little too much, but she grows on me. Zhang Yi Shang is able to portray the different personalities of Duan Mu Cui well. She gives off a very different vibe when she's the General Duan Mu, compared to the happy and innocent Duan Mu Cui and depressed Duan Mu Cui. She looks absolutely stunning as well.
- Darren Chen is very pretty/handsome to look at. I like him in the first 1/3 of the drama, but not as much when he's in love and in sacrifice mode.
- Both 2ML and 2FL look great in black and evil attire. 2ML looks especially handsome, and his acting improves as his character goes darker. He's pretty meh when he's the 'good' guy in white.
- I like the BGM and the songs are not overplayed. Actually, the songs are rarely played and because of that, they are much more noticeable. Nice songs.
- Although the CGI and fight scenes aren't great, I do like the costumes, hairstyles, set designs and props of this drama. It's obviously not a high budget production but still I don't find anything too "cheap".

At this moment, I am not sure if I want to watch Season 2 or not. I don't feel a sense of urgency to know how it ends. But I might just because I like to complete my dramas. That's why I didn't drop this in the middle but somewhat force myself to continue.

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