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There were moments where i could feel my heart break. Even now, 20 minutes after i ended this movie, i can still feel tears in my eyes. I have never ever cried like this while watching a movie. At the end, there was this moment where i cried so much i thought i was going to break down.
I'd love to watch it again but i don't think i can. I already have a headache because of crying so much.
10 points out of 10.
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This review may contain spoilers
Drama about dreams and youth
When I first watched the trailer of this drama, I didn't expect that this drama would be so different than what they promised, but in a good wayThe trailer only show us that this drama is about esports with a little bit of time travel element in it. But what this drama never tell you is that it has a mystery element, strong friendship element, even with a bit a dash of romance which is so satisfying
You started the drama by meeting the two male leads, Xiao Feng and Lu Xiaobei, who seemed to live in different timeline. But you soon enough realize that they're connected through the game called Cross Fire, where it allows them to sort of communicate with each other. Their story started to unravel from there, which reveal the story about chasing dreams, being youths, and also about friendship
Good things about this drama:
1. Strong characters. There are many times I get mad at the drama because they just don't treat their characters right. But for Cross Fire, all the characters are strong in their own way. Xiao Feng's team and Xiaobei's team both have their own shortcomings and also their own problems, but you will definitely come to love them. I was prepared to roll my eyes if they treated their female characters like a trash, like many dramas usually do, but in this drama the female leads are very headstrong. They're capable of standing on their own two feet without having the support of the male leads. I fell in love with the 3 powerful female leads who are strong and capable in their own way. Even Xiaobei's mother is also very good
2. Mystery plotline. Like I said, this drama is not only about esports and time travel. There's also a mystery that's hinted since the beginning of the drama until the end. There's this one bad guy and you are led to hate him, but at the end, I felt some sympathy to him because his life ended in a way that's just so pathetic. And the mystery is actually very intriguing, even though a little predictable, and it will keep you on edge each episode
3. Engaging storyline and clever editing. The plot of this drama is very tight, very good, and also very engaging. Believe me that chasing this drama one episode per day almost make me go insane because my fragile heart can't handle all the cliffhanger they throw us. It feels like they're playing with our hearts with each episode and you would end up screaming in frustration because the drama is just so good that way
4. Realistic gaming sequence. This might be one of the things that make me stay watching this drama. It's so good that it prompted me to actually watch CF championship (it's so fun!) and wanted to try the game myself. But my laptop is too slow and not designed for gaming, so I have to forget this desire
Bad things about this drama:
1. This drama has the time travel element, so somehow, this part itself is not really realistic. I think there are many times when we have to fill in the blank ourselves since it's not explicitly being explained. The VR part is a bit ridiculous as well, and even though it brings the plot moving forward, I still think that it's a bit weird and a little bit of a stretch
2. Episode count. Of course, being 36eps, there are some parts that could be considered as filler, especially the love triangle that come out of nowhere. You might be confused with some of the storyline as it didn't even make sense (like how XIaobei could get better)
Overall, I think that this drama is worth to be watched and worth you wasting your time for it. I wish everyone would have the courage to actually pick it up and sit through it, and I'm sure you'll love the drama as much as I do. This drama will be my favorite in 2020. Even though the drama is not too logical and there are some parts that make you just feel that it's silly, I'm sure you'll end up loving all the characters and would cheer for their success at the end
Score: 8.5/10
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What did I do with the past? You did something right, Kawi!
I think this is one of the hidden gems of 2023. It has been getting a lot less attention than some other series, but it was a great watch. It’s a GMMTV series, meaning my expectations were fairly high as they are well-established, well-known company that produces tens of series each year. And they did not disappoint. I think the cinematography was amazing, I loved how the scenes were filmed, the lightning, the transitions… The OST was beautiful as well. Both Krist and Gawin are good singers and that definitely shows.Pisaeng & Kawi: Kawi is living his best baby girl life. I find him adorable. He can be so awkward and weird at times but dares to be outgoing when he thinks he is dreaming. Or is not sober. Hiding under his covers whenever things are not going his way is a total mood! And Pisaeng being a very reluctant babysitter to a drunk Kawi was cute! I really like his character; he is both serious but also very down to earth. He can easily read the room and seems to be quite good at understanding what is going on most of the time. I think we have seen a lot of character growth from both characters, but especially Kawi when he realized that there are things that cannot be fixed. Gawin and Krist were brilliant. I really loved their chemistry, and how Gawin portrayed so much through his eyes.
Kawi tries so hard to change the future and even ends up hurting the person that cares about him the most, but I can understand where he is coming from. He knows what the future holds, Pisaeng doesn’t, and he thinks that is not the future he wants or is willing to accept. He is stuck on the idea of loving Pear that he doesn’t think about anything else. He is trying to be closer to Pear and keep his distance from Pisaeng, but at the same time, it is obvious that he cares about him. A lot. Whenever he hurts him, he ends up chasing after Pisaeng. He wouldn’t do that if he didn’t care.
Speaking of Pear, she took me on a rollercoaster. I went from finding her cute, to pitying her, to hating her and to loving her. Her character is incredibly well written, it has a lot of dimension. Aye did really well portraying her, showing emotions and reacting to what was happening. The way her story unfolded, in both the past and present and possible present, showed a lot of character growth. Even if she technically didn’t know about the (potential) future. She wasn’t just a jealous ex or wanna-be-girlfriend which was really refreshing to see.
I believe that Kawi has never been truly in love with Pear. I think he was in love with the idea of being in love with her and what that represented to him. Pear for him represented a good life, a good future, something better than the life he had.
Max. He might be my favorite. I absolutely loved the way his character was written, how he was always there to support his friends, to give advice and to talk some sense into them. I found his presence very calming. He was realistic and did his best to lead his friends down the right path, but he was never pushy about it. He simply spoke what others were afraid to admit to themselves, to say it out loud.
I think we can all agree that Not is the most unlikeable character in the series. And I am not mad about it. It showed that not everyone is a good person, no matter how many chances they get, some people never better themselves. It really drove home the idea that we are responsible for making the right choices, for being honest and good. That is not up to others, even if their actions can affect us to some extent. Just compare how he never changed and how much growth Pear showed.
The series also addressed a few important issues and I think they took a very mature and appropriate approach to it. They talked about the pros and cons of drinking, of what happens when it becomes too much. They let us peak into what it means to not have your relationship be recognized by the country. The confusion one faces when they realize they might be attracted to someone of the same sex. Coming out to parents. And more. But it was also incorporated into the story, it made sense to be discussed, to be shown.
I do think that they mostly incorporated the humor nicely, especially at the beginning of the series when Kawi went to the past for the first time. I do think that it got a bit strange at some parts later in the series, but it wasn’t too bothersome.
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2026 Most creative Drama
Refreshing story line meets perfect casting = me binging through 18 episodes in 2 days.This drama is the perfect way to "decompress from the real world" especially if you've ever lived through a 9‑9‑6 type of grind.
The characters are all great, even the minor ones, each with their own distinct personality.
Beyond the quirky humor, the show delivers real emotional depth and sheds light on the everyday struggles of modern salaried workers.
Casting is perfect. There are so many seasoned comedic actors.
I can't say the ending was truly satisfying. I wished for more happiness but overall a great watch!
Mikah's song "Shadows Dancing" as ending song is just icing on the cake!
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1Short but impactfull, best Korean BL of 2022
Eventhough it is a short series / web drama but this Korean BL did a justice for viewers. Good story, awesome cinematography, heart whelming music and proper acting. The actors did a great job to portray the characters. I can feel their chemistry and emotion especially between Jungwoo and Choco.The themes about being left by someone you love is common in drama. But the story about unconditional love from someone used to be your pet who have died years ago and suddenly appear as human at your front door is uncommon in drama.
Overall I really enjoy this short series. I want to thanks and appreciate all the actors and crews who did great job. I hope many more people watch this series becuse it is so good.
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Birds of a feather.
The second part of Love Like the Galaxy 月升沧海 (The Moon Rises over the Ocean) is shades darker as Cheng Shaoshang struggles to open her heart and mind while Ling Buyi's secrets and inner demons are revealed. Their romance plays out in the bosom of the royal family, where Shaoshang blossoms under Empress Xuan's affection and tutelage. This subjects our golden couple to much envy and political intrigue.Shaoshang of Part 1 is disappointingly over empathetic and likeable. Shaoshang of Part 2 is immature and frustrating to the point of being dislikeable, This is exactly how she is meant to be depicted and the portrayal I was waiting for. So I must applaud Zhao Lusi for so daringly rendering Shaoshang as a difficult, often petty, unforgiving, vengeful child woman who wallows most unbecomingly in self pity. As an unloved child, Shaoshang is terrified of love. While she tries to figure out what she wants in a partner, she puts up all kinds of walls and clings to any excuse to not allow Ling Buyi in. She is her own worst enemy, fighting happiness every step of the way. Ling Buyi's infinite patience and indulgence of her is so hot anyone else would have succumbed to raging hormones in short order. Not Shaoshang though. She knows her worth and digs in her heels to demand to be an equal partner in every sense and meaning of that term. While highly usual for a woman of that time, it resonates with modern audiences for obvious reasons.
There aren't really good villains in this drama. That is because Ling Buyi is such a chilling character that he is already as close to a villain as can be. He is a man with a secret, one whose entire raison détre is to uncover the master mind behind the Gu City massacre and to avenge the Huo clan. He did not expect to fall for anyone and certainly not Shaoshang. He meant it when he said they were on different paths. On many occasions he merely eases her way with the intent of letting her go but never quite succeeds. He loves her selflessly and indulges her worst instincts, especially her vengefulness. Hence Yuan Shen's blinding epiphany that Buyi and Shaoshang are birds of a feather. They are rebellious and vengeful eye for an eye kind of people who can't tell the difference between a chicken and a duck. They are also at surface cold, unforgiving even selfish but in truth feel deeply. I find Wu Lei's acting in Part 2 more natural and compelling. He is such a patient, warm and tender person but only for Shaoshang. This is utterly different from the cold-hearted, calculating general who is a borderline psychopathic killer to his enemies. Wu Lei's combat scenes are simply the best. The aesthetic camera angles and gorgeous choreography brilliantly captures his stunning athleticism and graphic, muscular, ferocity that is capable of mowing down an entire battalion.
For me, Empress Xuan is the true hero of this story. As much as I enjoyed Buyi and Shaoshang's journey, it is her story and that of Wen-di and Consort Yue that I find so much more complex and moving. Told with epigrammatic dark humor that dulls the edges of their pain and sacrifice, they are nonetheless imprisoned by values that are bigger than themselves. While Consort Yue lashes out with wit and acerbity, Empress Xuan suffers in dignified silence. Do not be angry with Shaoshang for finding it so difficult to forgive Buyi. Although his cause is just and the outcome serves the greater good, it cost Empress Xuan everything. Shaoshang's first unselfish, grown up act is to accompany her, to atone for what Buyi did and for how she unknowingly helped him. That is what devastates her as much as Buyi reneging on his promise to her. Buyi knows and understands this. Without Empress Xuan's forgiveness and generosity of spirit, they may not have found a way to forgive themselves and each other. Her love is truly like the galaxy in its vastness and selflessness. The galaxy owes it to her to make sure she and Wen-di do not meet again.
In terms of storytelling, very much like Part 1, Part 2 wastes too much time on too many delusional love sick women who conspire against the lovers. This comes at the cost of the storytelling. which towards the end suffers from heavy cuts and sloppy editing. As a result, characters like Lou Ben and Tian Shuo are not properly fleshed out and I did not feel that invested in either the Peng Kun or Guo Village arcs, which feel rushed. When they could have simply omitted both the Fifth Princess and Luo Ji Tong's arcs which were superfluous to the plot. It also underscores how nasty, dumb and divorced from reality the vast majority of the women in this drama are. I really do not like this type of misogynistic and cynical depiction of womenkind. Even though the ending is very satisfying, especially when it comes to the character stories, the unfolding of the plot which we waited way too long for is not well done. Considering the stunning production values, it is a shame if they do not go back and re-edit it with some of the cut footage into a Director's Cut.
All things considered, I enjoyed this beautifully written drama immensely. I find Part 2 slightly better than Part 1 and am pleased to rate the drama in its entirety and Part 2 on a standalone basis a 9.0, better than my 8.5 rating for Part 1 by itself.
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John Wick female version with cool cinematography
It was John Wick female version.....There was nothing much to the plot nor a lots of dialogues... Just simple revenge story with cool fighting scenes. The acting was not bad either. Tbh there was nothing much to act except the scenes wth the friend....
What I loved the most abt this is the cinematography and the use of colours...it was all shades of orange.. A lot like Wong Kar Wai movie....
The cinematography alone was enough to keep me watching this to the end..
It was a fun watch for one time watching. Not sure about the re-watch value
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I need to watch a cute rom com after this...
slowly the writers turned this into a "how can we drag the hostage situation and make every character miserable as the episodes continue?" the first two episodes were my favorite you got to see the different dynamics between the characters and their banter with each other. they were having fun and it was a treat to watch them interact, laugh, cry, be shy, etc. the beginning of the hostage play was intense and cool but to drag it out till the end got tiring. now at this point i have seen episode after episode with the characters portraying the same emotions of sadness, anger, betrayal and repeat that i as a viewer have become frustrated and it got to a point where the dramas tone was centered on these emotions and the writers refused to make the characters feel anything else, which in my opinion desensitized the story. I have seen many unsatisfactory tragic endings in kdramas (god's gift, cruel city, etc) but this one has by far left a bitter taste in my mouth. perhaps maybe it's because of the script that caused the dynamic range of emotions to remain far from balanced 95% of the show was a stagnant sad fest simply put, that being said, i do hope to see jisoo and haein act together in another drama their chemistry deserves justice.Was this review helpful to you?
An “ Extraordinary” Waste of Time..
It’s fair to say that sometimes certain dramas can be incredibly overrated.Although this isn’t an entirely groundbreaking commentary upon dramas, it’s important to remember that sometimes a lot of these shows are “glorified “ by fans in favour of the “casting” or “ chemistry” between the leading actors or chosen cast of the drama, and Extraordinary You is no exception.
Naturally it is of course wrong to truly say that the actual show didn’t have any good features; it played satirically upon the youth romantic comedy genre with its own parody of the F4 ( “ A3”) from Hana Yori Dango/ Boys Over Flowers, the concept itself of a teenage girl ( Kim Hye Yoon) coming to find her own sense of freedom and control where she is written as an extra in a webtoon ( not an entirely “ brand new” concept when compared to older dramas such as “ W; Two Worlds”) was intriguing and the mystery behind Ha-ru ( Ro Woon) for at least the first couple of episodes added to some early advantages of the show as well.
Yet when taking a greater step back by comparing the overall storyline , character performance and characterisation of the drama, there’s no sugarcoating that Extraordinary You was quite simply a “hot mess” .
Whilst Hye Yoon must be praised for several heartfelt moments through her performance , the irony is not lost that for a show playing upon romantic cliches by screenwriters In Ji Hye and Song Ha Young, Eun Da Oh was the epitome of a “ stock” and restricted female lead with little actual character depth, interests outside of her obsession with “ Ha-ru” or actual intrigue for viewers at all over the whole of the drama. Whilst of course there’s nothing wrong with a female lead making a decision over her own love interest ( in particular with the concept of the show), her apparent declaration to defy fate and become independent through actual character progression apart from obsessions and boys, was tossed out the window after this scene early on in the drama.
Additionally whilst Ro Woon brought a mysterious air of composure to his portrayal as the leading man, Ha-ru, his performance sometimes felt a little lacklustre and wooden at times within the show. Naturally this also partially the fault of the screenwriters as well from transitioning Ha-ru as an actual figure of intrigue and an individual early on in the drama ( parallel to Lee Jae Wook’s character, Baek Gyung) to an overrused plot device. It seemed evident that not even before the halfway point of the drama Extraordinary You became too obsessed with its own cliches and repeating the same cliches over and over not as a statement or joke against romance mangas/ manwhas, but ironically as actual plot line.
This consequently lead the show down a really slippery slope of gradually worse characterisation even with fairly intriguing and comical characters such as “ Dry Squid Fairy” ( Lee Tae Ri) to reverted plot devices and lacking originality by the ending of the drama. Overall whilst Extraordinary You isn’t an unbearable or dire drama to watch, however, after the halfway point, the actual intrigue and devotion towards the drama becomes minimal and by the ending of the drama, there’s that awful lingering relief that it has ended your suffering by finishing it. Certainly a waste of time if you’re looking for something with genuine originality and intrigue .
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An Ode to Mount Jiri and the forest rangers.
In a world of vast oceans and far-reaching land, it is important to not just remain a mere spectator and record the history, rather to penetrate the depth of it and capture the mystery confined within. Again, the possession of knowledge doesn't kill the the curiosity and mystery, instead creates more.Jirisan is a drama that started in mystery and ended in mystery, but what a savage and beautiful truth lies in between. The great production value plus the extraordinarily amazing cast, are what made us look forward to the drama. By the end of it I can say that, I thoroughly enjoyed and engulfed those 2 elements though the entire thing couldn't totally lived up to my expectations of becoming something excellent.
"Jirisan" is set up in the premise of majestic Mount Jiri, the tallest mountain of the mainland Korea present in the Sobaek mountain ranges, on the southern regions of the country. It was made into Jirisan National Park in the year 1967 and has been serving as a major tourist spot ever since.
Jirisan, the drama, is a story of a group of rangers who have dedicated themselves to prorect and preserve the mountain as well the people associated with it. The major plot about the drama is the horrifying deaths caused by accidents that happen back to back in the premise, leading to investigation by the rangers who can't help but worry. Along with it what we see are, realistic events that takes place on mountain ranges at different timelines of a year. That includes, natural disasters affecting the mountain, maintenance of law & order on the mountain, life of people living or relying on the mountain, etc. They have also portrayed the legends & myths related to Mount Jiri,
special attractions of the nature, different religious as well as memorial spots and mysteries of the montain.
Note: Jirisan is semi-supernatural and also involves mystery, investigative thriller, violence a lil amount of dystopia. It has in fact lived upto the mystery genre and I am very much impressed with how they kept the mystery buried till the finale week. Actually, the writer throws enormous hints since 10th ep so that we can pinpoint the real culprit behind the entire tragedy but it also keeps diverting from one to other, a lot, thereby confusing the audience a great deal. Although one person becomes the primary focus, attracting all the suspicions towards themselves but not until the finale week you are answered the questions. So the writer has done a very good job in that regard, no wonder she's a legend.
One of the main elements used in Jirisan is immense time shuffling. Not that they're spontaneously continuous, but there are chances you might get irritated by it. Personally I wasn't bcs It didn't confuse me at all. So to explain you briefly, the present timeline in the drama is the early Summer in 2020, which is about 40% of the drama's runtime. The major scenario with a share of about 50% takes place from late summer of 2017 till the mid winter or the end of 2019. The rest 10% goes to the backstory of the characters, involving unfortunate events, that takes place in different timelines between 1991- 2010.
Seo Yi Gang (Jun Ji Hyun) is the best amont the Jirisan rangers and capable of everything to a extent that she's considered a legend. She has always wanted to run away from the mountain but always found her back. Kang Hyun Joo (Joo Ji Hoon), is an ex-Lieutenant at military who left the army after a sad incident on the mountain and decided to protect the mountain. Now he's a rookie ranger. Yi Gang and Hyun Joo are partners and with their abilities they brings the best out of their job.
Captain Jo De Jin (Sung Dong Il) is the chief of Haedong Branch Office who has been working there since his rookie days. Jung Gu Young (Oh Jung Se) is also a ranger at Haedong and a close friend to Yi Gang. Park Il Hae (Jo Han Chul) is the team leader of rangers and recruited at Bidam shelter. Lee Yang Sun (Joo Min Kyung) is the office control room head. Kim Woong Soon (Jung Suk Ho) is the in-charge at Jirisan sub-police station. The major cast consists of these characters who are the parts of all the above mentioned timelines. Another major character is Lee Da Won (Go Min Si) who is only there in 2020 as a rookie ranger.
Some good actors in other minor characters are: Lee Moon Ok (Kim Young Ok) as Yi Gang's grandmother, Kim Sol (Lee Ga Sub) as the Culture Centre researcher, Lee Sae Wook (Yoon Ji On) as Yang Sun's cousin, Kim Kye Hee (Joo Jin Moo) as the National Chief of Mountain Rangers and Dr. Yoon Su Jin (Kim Gook Hee) as the conservation centre researcher.
The production value of Jirisan is on another level and that's obviously because the PD-Jakka duo are highly skilled. Not just because they're the makers of several highly acclaimed dramas, the quality of this drama in terms of the technical aspects speaks very loud of it, I can assure you that. Kim Eun Hee jakkanim with her experience in the field of both dystopian supernaturals and investigative mystery thrillers, has done an amazing job in writing the entire script as well as incorporating several essentially intriguing elements into the story. The plot development was quite pleasing, if not something wow-ish. Lee Eung Bok PDnim is a very familiar name and has experiences of working in all kinds of dramas, so that clearly shows here. I'm sure the extensive time shuffling would have been difficult for the screenplay but he has managed it well.
Cinematography is an area which was stupendously managed in the drama. In fact, the immensely beautiful premise of Mount Jiri provided the team enormous scope to work on and bring the best out of it. Loved the different Kind of habitats, waterfalls, major cliffs of Mt. Jiri., the hiking routes, dense forests as well as meadows and also the frictional manmade visiting spots. The colour palettes were also well executed. For a matter of fact, they've also used both CGI and VFX in many scenes, because obviously it's not that easy to shoot thr entire thing on mountain. The VFX is literally a brownie point to the dramas quality, whereas, the CGI is a bit shabby which is quite visible, but I won't say it's that bad to cut points from the drama, so yeah!
Despite everything, I somehow find myself a bit disappointed with the music of the drama; not that they're bad but the OSTs must be able to match with the moods & vibes of a drama, which didn't happen in this case, ngl. I, however, like them as individual tracks but 60% of the entire album didn't feel like they were composed for this drama. Gaemi is a master composer and known to be one of the best music director of Korea but his skills didn't work somehow. (Note: this entire paragraph is a personal opinion so can't really say whether someone else thinks the otherwise.)
Anyways, my favs are
"Always with You" by Paul Kim
"Destiny" by Kim Feel
"Yours" by Jin (BTS)
"Stay" by O3ohn
"Little Garden| by Taeyeon (SNSD)
The sound production for the screenplay, however, is accurately done to give off the proper vibes at respective scenarios; especially for the thrilling suspense scenes plus the scenes showing Mt. Jiri's beautiful premise.
What I loved the most about Jirisan is the portrayal of the life of rangers through picturization. Their dedication towards the well-being of the mountain, while helping the people who visit the mountain for different purposes as well as preserving the natural resources that belong to it. They have accurately addressed all kinds of problems that the rangers face during work. One of those is forest fire and the ways to tackle it as well as the after effects. Another one is flood induced by heavy rain, rescue work during it and the destruction is also shown. I loved how these 2 things were thoroughly studied and picturized well by giving them appropriate runtimes
Overally, Jirisan is a good drama though it had some flaws (that is why 7.5). It was anticipated to becone one of the best because of the star-studded cast and the makers, which it couldn't be. Despite that, it's wrong it say that it's a failure. Given the production value, acting and cinematograph y, this is a fair one time watch.
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The opening (ikenai taiyou - orange range) and ending (peach - otsuka ai) songs are really catchy as well, and if you hear those songs for the first time while watching this show, then here either song afterwards...you'll think back and feel like watching an episode.
Overall it's a great watch, it was my first and still favourite drama and really raised the bars for others IMAO. ENJOY. :)
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What a gripping movie
Now I saw that someone had given this a rating of 5 and all that I can say is that they must have watched the entire movie through a blindfold. There is no way this could have deserved such an insulting rating especially when I spent so much of my time on the edge of my seat because I knew something was going to happen but I didn’t know just how bad the next few minutes were going to be. Just a word of warning at this point. This is not one for the faint hearted but then again within minutes you realise that this is going to be one bumpy ride. In saying that though don’t be put off because it’s one of the best movies that I’ve seen for quite some time and I have a lot of respect for all those who managed to craft such an amazing tale where not one iota of the story could have been left out without damaging the integrity of the movie.Excellent work and I have to commend the cast and crew for creating such a fascinating tale. Anyone whose hesitating about watching this just do yourself a favour and do it. You won’t be sorry.
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The story is fairly simple but was executed wonderfully. One of the things that made Oh My Venus stand out to me compared to other dramas was the lack of cliches. I loved how the show could still be dramatic and intense at times but it avoided nearly all of the typical K-drama cliches. Even when they used cliches they were handled differently and didn't go down the path that they usually do. It was so wonderful! The story was super cute and had a really good message about health and beauty.
The acting was superb. So Ji Sub and Shin Min Ah had wonderful chemistry and I loved their characters' personalities. I loved that there was no drama between the main couple. It was really nice to see a k-drama couple being straightforward and honest with each other. They worked through their problems together rather than creating more. It was a pleasure to watch a drama with such a healthy (both mentally and physically) romantic relationship in it. Drama between couples can get old really fast and this was really refreshing.
I loved the side characters as well! Henry and Sung Hoon were the perfect side characters and I loved the chemistry they had with So Ji Sub. They're probably my favorite drama trio! The other cast members played their parts very well too. For once I didn't absolutely despise the 2nd female and male leads. They made mistakes, yes. But it was nice that they didn't constantly try to interfere with the main couple's relationship. Instead we got to see them work through their own problems and I grew to kind of like them.
The music in Oh My Venus was super catchy and cute. I already have some of the songs in my iPod and they're so fun to listen to. I liked the use of upbeat and catchy songs. There were fewer dramatic songs and more fun and happy songs. All of the songs on the OST balance each other out and come together to make a wonderful soundtrack.
Overall I absolutely adored Oh My Venus. I was very pleased with the final episode as well (though I didn't think there needed to be as many flashbacks as there were). This is one of the best dramas I've watched in a while. The whole message of the show is just so positive and everything was so unproblematic. It was a really nice change of pace.
My video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpaVFl_Bq6c
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A Beautifully Haunting Love Story
Love Beyond the Grave opens with a striking and immersive introduction. The first few episodes immediately establish its mystique, fantasy, and emotional depth in a way that engages and draws viewers in. The storytelling unfolds smoothly, steadily building toward a larger, more intricate narrative.At the heart of the drama are He Simu, the powerful yet emotionally restrained Sovereign of the Spirits, and Duan Xu, an admirable and skilled general with secrets of his own. Their connection—through the sharing of senses—adds a unique dimension to the story. Simu, who has never truly experienced the world, and Duan Xu, who becomes her bridge to it, are written with a level of nuance that makes their relationship especially compelling. It isn’t driven by grand declarations, but by unspoken understanding—Mòqì (默契). The way he instinctively senses her presence, the way she always knows when he needs her, the quiet gestures between them, and their sacrifices for each other—these moments carry a surprising emotional weight.
What makes their bond so captivating, for me, is the subtle undercurrent of sadness running through it. Even in their happiest moments, there’s a lingering sense that something is just out of reach, that their time together is fragile.
The pacing stays remarkably consistent throughout. Rather than slowing down, the story steadily builds momentum, layering in tension and emotion as it moves toward a rewarding final stretch.
Visually, the drama is a standout. The cinematography, costumes, and settings are beautiful, with thoughtful composition and color tones that enhance the ethereal quality of the spiritual world. The special effects support the fantasy elements well, and the action scenes are well done. The OST is another highlight—it blends seamlessly into the narrative and elevates many of the key emotional scenes. Many of the songs will remain on my playlist.
The performances are what really bring everything together. The leads share a chemistry that feels both natural and intense at the same time. Dilraba and Arthur Chen fully embody their roles, to the point where it’s easy to forget you’re watching actors—they are Simu and Duan Xu.
As a couple, they’re incredibly endearing. I find myself rooting for them from the very beginning, holding onto every small moment they share because of how fragile their happiness feels. Their connection is built on strong, unwavering devotion, which makes their relationship all the more affecting. At the same time, as individual characters, both are likable, with their own strengths and vulnerabilities that make me invested in their journeys beyond just the romance.
What impressed me most is how well both actors emote. They don’t rely on dramatic lines to convey feeling—so much is expressed through their eyes, their facial expressions, and even the smallest shifts in body language. Whether it’s longing, gratitude for the time they share, or heartbreak, they make me feel it without overplaying it. It’s their excellent and emotionally rich performances that make the story resonate as deeply as it does.
The supporting cast also leaves a strong impression. Zhang Li and Miles Wei, in particular, stand out—especially Miles Wei, whose character is layered enough to be both evocative and deeply frustrating in the way a well-written antagonist should be.
Characters like Chen Ying, Feng Yi bring a welcome sense of warmth and humor, helping to balance the heavier emotional moments of the story. And beyond Simu and Duan Xu, there’s another tragic relationship that I found myself unexpectedly invested in.
By the final episodes, the emotional weight fully settles in. The drama leans into themes of obsession, love, sacrifice, and fate, and for the most part, it delivers. The ending strikes a balance between bittersweet and satisfying. Even without the special episode, the original conclusion felt complete to me, offering a sense of closure for our lead couple. The special episode simply gives a little extra for the romantic in me who wants something more complete and definitive.
Despite a few loose ends, Love Beyond the Grave succeeds in what it sets out to do. It’s a story carried by strong performances, a gripping love story, and a blend of worlds that feels both beautiful and melancholic.
This is a drama that will remain on my rewatch list.
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A realistic and modern approach to love and healing.
This drama ain't your fluffy romantic love story full of cliche tropes but a modern and realistic one where both the leads have their own career, goals and views towards life. One is a town's boy who wants to live a slow and peaceful life while the other is a city girl with high ambitions and dreams.Both are different from each other and have their own baggage they carry within them while one is physically affected, the other is mentally. The leads have good chemistry and is shown through their teasing and lowkey flirting with each other. Things are kept at a good pace and aren't draggy.
One thing about this drama is that not everyone will like FL's character as some will find her selfish and annoying which she is too some extent and that she keeps on hurting ML's feelings which she does but then again this was never a drama with two perfect people. It has been more about two people, each having their own baggage and different way of living end up liking each other and seeing whether things work out or not. It is quite realistic and modern approach to love.
It is a good watch if you are looking something different and relatable type of a drama.
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