What you get out of this story is a relatively light weight romance, I thought the two leads had great chemistry and I always enjoyed seeing them on screen together. There are scenes where they're playfully teasing each other which were delightful such as when he asks her if she's hungry, she replies that she is, thinking he's inviting her to dinner, and then he suggests that she should eat well with her family then as that's what he's going to do. It's a simple back and forth but in the context of where their relationship is (or isn't) at the time I thought it was a great example of the little teasing they're doing on a number of occasions as they try and figure out what they mean to each other.
There's some mild threat throughout but it's paper thin and generally resolved without too much going on, the threat(s) create the backbone for the start of the story and then serve to advance elements of the romance part of the story, rather than really being much in their own right.
One really interesting question that this drama poses that should cause some debate is about the age of a person who is frozen. If you are 20 when you are frozen, frozen for 20 years and thawed - how old are you? - In a country where age is so important it's no surprise such a question is posed. If you were sunbae when you went in, are you hoobae now?
You will still in your mind and body be a 20 year old, but your birth date says you're 40. Your knowledge of the world is in no way current, your mind set matches that of someone closer to 40 than 20. They don't answer the question (which is good, this is the wrong place to answer the question, but a perfectly good place to ask it) but they do explore some interesting situations such as potential romantic interest with her best friends son (because her friend matches her natural age, and the son matches her "frozen" age). There's other bits that come up, and it's interesting to consider the options.
I was really frustrated towards the start because of the over the top reactions from a couple of the characters, one of them could barely stay upright half the time and both looked like they were having some kind of coronary. I thought it was over the top and in the early stages of the show made me start to think this was trying to be a farce comedy - which it really isn't - and since I really don't like farce I was getting ready to drop it (I really don't drop dramas either, that's how much it was annoying me). I'm glad I didn't, it settles down and the total nuts characters balance out a bit letting the rest of the story develop, some times funny, sometimes upsetting, but I found it always interesting.
Ending was good, but it almost looks like it's going to trip and fall - however it doesn't. Though, seriously, the old-man-cardigan in one of the final scenes, that was a bit over the top :)
This was my first drama with Won Jin-Ah and I am absolutely going to be looking up more of her work, she has such a unique voice and presence and i'm really interested to see how she delivers different types of characters as she certainly seems to have the range.
Ji Chang Wook was good as always, nothing too taxing for his first drama outing since returning from the Army but one that lets him show a sensitive side where previously he's perhaps been doing more of the action-type roles.
It's about as deep as a puddle, but it's light, fun, no stupid breakups, cute scenes with a cute couple as they find their way to romance. Mild threat causes some bumps along the way, more so towards the conclusion, leading to a reasonable ending.
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This review may contain spoilers
"And then comes one Japanese slice of life and completely erases all the other movies she has seen in last couple of years..." Pretty much the first thought that came to my mind after watching this movie. It has blown me away. With every single thing in it. I had some idea about the plot and I knew it was gonna be some tragedy and illness thing but definitely haven't thought that it'd be such a gem, such a rare thing to watch, such phenomenal piece of art. Yes I think this movie is art. Poetic, artistic, so imaginative, full of parallels and metaphors, visually stunning, with excellent music and brilliant acting and writing. I seriously feel so weird now, I can not explain, I'm sad, I cried near the end like crazy, I'm devastated, I'm strong, I'm grateful and thankful and above all I am happy that I am alive. Description of the movie is already given on movie page so this won't be a spoiler for what I'm gonna say. Just imagine that you find that you're sick and that you're gonna die and suddenly you can extend your life in exchange for some things to disappear each day. I mean the sole idea is very original and interesting and from the first moment it caught my attention but with this pace and this excellent writing it really hit me hard. With each of those things that were disappearing, also memories with a certain person important in his life disappeared as well. With each day it was a new struggle, a new shock, a new fight in his mind and heart, terrifying knowledge that if you want to gain something, you must lose something, and when that biggest attack came, the most difficult thing he could ever lose, then it comes the final acceptance of his fate and his sickness. It was pretty hard to watch those scenes as they were very emotional and with pure rawness. I can't give enough credit to Sato's performance as he was simply incredible, his eyes, his smile, his way of talking, crying, yelling and dealing with everything, all of it was beautiful to watch. He really showed with this role that now there isn't anything he can't do and I'm glad cause of him. As most of the time he was the only one on the screen, I can't say that the others were in the same spot as he was but Miyazaki Aoi and Harada Mieko were amazing in their portrayals too, which was expected from such huge talents like they are. What amazed me the most is that by each encounter, by each of his choices we learn something new, new life lesson, new meaning of choices we make and consequences of that, we experience everything together with him and so easily imagine ourselves in his place, it was so easy to do that. And in the end what this movie really wants to say to us is what really counts -love, bonds and relationships we achieve in our lives. That even if you come to the most difficult and terrible point in your life, there will be always something, someone to make you feel good. To make you feel alive and realize why you're alive in the first place. That nothing can compare to the people you love and care about. That it is better to be loved, to love your family, friends, children and partners to the fullest even if it means that you'll live shorter, all that is better than being alone in the world without anyone to call to, to watch a movie with, to travel with but live a long life. I finally understand what 'If Cats Disappeared From the World" means. And it is something the most powerful. Go and watch this movie, either you're a slice of life fan or not, you won't be indifferent to this one. p.s. And watch movie till the very end so that you could hear the ending song and read the lyrics, it has such a deep meaning and perfectly goes with the whole movie progress. Was this review helpful to you?
This drama is WORTH to watch!!!! Don't judge it by 1st ep
It's just a great one in the genre it includes anything!!! Full emotions , lessons , science, interesting stories and good casting with lovely chemistry also I couldn't have any imaginations about anything till the end!!I don't know what do people want from a drama .... I just know if you don't watch it or drop in first episodes you don't have this right to share unrelated comments and give a shit ..... This drama is an on growing one
Abt the bromance it was something special among all bromance I mean it's really bromance like two brothers they came to each other like a healer and it was heart melting during all . I Loved all information about our brain all said had attracts and made you fall in love with learning also the fun side was something besssssst something like Waikiki the ideas were new and amazing
Whole the drama is very valuable and make everyone on a good mood you can enjoy it just don't judge it soon or by bad comments some of the (most of them) didn't watch at all . Start it I promise you like
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This review may contain spoilers
Let's just say, one of the best shows I've watched. There's no exaggeration in that statement. It is what it is. I wanted to talk about this show because is something I needed.I'm gonna talk first about Kim Dong Hee. I'm very happy because it's his first main role, one of my favourite actors on the rise. He became popular through his participation in A-Teen, Sky Castle or Itaeweon Class. He's done a great job. I love his acting. The other actors done a great job too. I only knew Nam Yoon-soo. I've never seen any work of the main girls. But I love their acting. Really. All of them were great.
The other thing I wanna talk is about Jisoo. Everyone is debating whether is a victim and in a way he is but he's definitely not. Like sir, this whole sex trafficking side hustle you have is legit the not smartest thing you could do but considering his background and the struggles he's going trough, made me realize, people will do anything for some quick money. Especially if they are motivated to achieve a dream.
Dreams are expensive like Jisoo highlighted and made me think about how money hungry human beings actually are. Even the rich (Gyuri) can't get enough.
I don't wanna talk about Gyuri because oh my god... (SOMETIMES I HATE HER). Gyuri got Jisoo in some deeper things then anticipated and it's also bad on Jisoo's part because he listened to her. Which was because of him liking her a lot (ANOTHER THING I HATE BECAUSE REALLY JISOO IS TOO SUBMISSIVE).
Overall, I thought the drama was good. Every episode had me on the edge of my seat.
10/10 would recommend :)
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WOW, what a journey! I dont get why it got such a low rating...
Its a family melo drama, which also included elements like friendship, success, violence, crime.
Its hard to tell, what the story is exactly about, because if I tried to explain the story, I would have to spoil you. Its so complicated, but in such a good way. I was really surpised, the story was so new, not like one of the 100 plots we´ve already seen. It was such (to me at least) new concept...
I loved that you never knew what was going to happen next. Unless like many other dramas, you can never tell how this episode or drama is going to end. Whenever you think you know, youll be surprised & shocked. Almost every episode has a cliffhanger, that will make you go crazy.
I started this drama crying and ended it crying. Im not lying, there was hardly an episode where I didnt have to cry. So be prepared...if you think youre mentally not strong enough to go through all this hardship, dont even start it! lol
But there will also be cute funny moments, especially between BaekWon&DoYoung;
Childhood episodes will go till episode 11. Im usually the kind of drama-watcher who gets bothered by childhoo eps and just want to skip to the adult-episodes.
But I dont know how the producer made it to completely got me hooked from the first episode, from now on I will never judge childhood-episodes of a drama. lol
Acting/Cast
Uee:
She was actually the reason I started this drama. After finishing Ojakgyo Brothers I thought I wouldnt love her more...but damn, she was even better in this one. Cant believe what a great actress she is! Whenever she cried (and she cried a lot! lol) it was so hard to believe that she was just acting. Her crying will tear your heart apart and make you cry, too.
Baek Woon is such a good hearted girl, who would do everything for her family and for those who need help. But still she manage it not to be that kind of puppy-main leads, we know from other dramas.
Jung Ill Woo:
Thats the first Ill Woo drama Ive ever watched. And I immediately fell in love with this guy. He made it to potray Do Young perfectly, who is a nice and cute guy, but going through hell because of some family matters. I cant imagine someone better than JIW for this role.
(Now i gotta marathone all his dramas!)
Kim Sang Joong:
WOW! That ahjussi is really daebak! I know him from City Hunter, where he played a kinda cold hearted father...but in this drama, he is the nicest and most warm-hearted dad youve ever seen in dramas. This will make you fall in love with him.
Jo Min Ki:
And that ahjussi is just a perfect villain. lol If you already know him from Two weeks and know how crazy and mad he was...youll be completly surpised. In this drama he is even worser...I mean of cours not the actor, but his role Jin Ki. He wouldnt be such a great actor, if he didnt scare me every episode.
Music
I didnt notec many songs in this drama...but there is one song, that got me goosebumps: The Vow by ALI.
This song was just played at the right moments and made you cry even more while the situation/scene was already so heartbroken.
Rewatch Value
Im not giging it 10/10 only because its so long to rewatch the whole drama...but Im 100% sure I will rewatch some of my favourit episodes. Im already missing it so much...(with 41 episodes you grow a lot with the main leads)
Overall
PERFECT DRAMA! GIVE IT A TRY! ITS WORTH!
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Scrumptious - the word I would describe this drama
I'm rating this drama high mainly because I have fond memories of it lolFrom the posters, I could already tell this drama was going to have something special & I was not wrong.
PROS
1. THE MAIN LEADS
Yes the age gap is huge but somehow Jerry Yan and Xu Ruo Han was the main saving grace of this drama. Both of them did such a great job portraying their characters. XRH definitely surprised me here bc the character looked so natural on her. So proud to see her acting chops evolve every projects she does. She was able to keep up acting alongside an actor like Jerry Yan, imagine the pressure! Speaking of, Xiao Han IS Jerry Yan - so glad he chose this project as it definitely confirmed that yes he STILL got it. He still got the acting chops to make me cry & feel the sincerity of the character. Idk but I really support the guy & I'm glad this drama worked out for him. I can see this being one of his underrated classic works.
2. THE CHEMISTRY OF THE MAIN LEADS
I don't even know where to start because this casting seem to have come out of nowhere but it worked out SO WELL?? The chemistry was sizzling from the first few eps. Idk what magic they put in this but I sincerely believe if they changed any of the two leads, this wouldn't have worked out as well as it did. But I think it all boils down to their acting chops & love for their craft. Xu Ruohan's braveness to just go for it every scene & Jerry Yan's classic ability to look at his FL's eyes with such love & desire all at the same time. This was a pairing I never thought I'd see but I'm so glad I did. Pure magic.
3. THE CINEMATOGRAPHY
Every shot was worth paying for. This was the 2nd best thing from this drama. Enough said. You can tell they out so much effort in getting the best shot of EVERY SCENE. And with flowers involved (chinese drama name is summer flower)?? OH what a combination. Please, if you're gonna try watching this, watch it for the cinematography at the very least. I'm so glad to see these directors still exist in cdramas. I can only imagine how exciting it must be for them to be given the chance to create such magic in a modern cdrama series.
4. THE OST
The songs in this gave me the same feeling as the drama did. The sense of falling in love & just living the moment. So good.
5. THE SETTING
We are at the beach! We are at the house near the beach! We are in a mansion! We are in the flower shop! We are in the mountains! Summer and then snow! We are everywhere! It felt like we were really living in a world following these characters live their everyday lives. The locations never felt empty. It never felt like we were just jumping from one studio set to another. It felt so real and very immersive.
THE ONE AND ONLY CON
THE EDITING
Ah yes, the cuts. So awkward and definitely ruined the vibe of the whole show. I can't even say anything because I'm sure everyone share the same sentiments. I know the production hated it too but they have to do it for censorship. (I'm not even talking about the sexy scenes, ik they had to edit dialogues too to cater to the cut scenes and all that... just sucks.) I can only forgive them if they release a DVD or something. IM BEGGING.
God, how perfect it would've been if this was shown on Netflix. Let adults be adults and just love damn!!!
I wished this was a bigger success but considering the qualms about the age gap, this was pretty successful to me. So proud of my girl xu ruohan & happy for jerry yan for making a comeback. Everyone has put 100% of their efforts in this and you can tell. This was definitely a passion project for everyone involved & I'm a happy drama watcher as my eyes, ears and brain had a feast.
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Acting/Cast: My favourite character besides Wu Xin is Lord Gu. The interactions between the two of them (aka Bromance) is downright funny. Lord Gu is a loveable character and I am sure many who had watched this drama would remember his character well above others. My least favourite character is ironically, the female lead, Yue Ya. This is purely personal preference as I don't quite like Yue Ya's practical, no nonsense, bickering, bossy and some what annoying character. Although I like dominant female characters, for reasons unknown, I dislike Yue Ya's character. I feel Yue Ya has a rather boring, flat and one-dimensional character and to build an epic romance story around such a character does not make sense nor did it appeal to me. Granted, she and Wu Xin do share some touching scenes together and some of their interaction is quite entertaining, the chemistry that I get from them is more of a long-time good friend rather than the passionate and hot attraction of lovers. In fact, the evil Yue Qi Ruo exhibits more passion and chemistry towards Wu Xin than Yue Ya. Too bad she's evil and suck people's spirits to maintain her youth and beauty or I'll be in camp Qi Ruo and Wu Xin. And to those of you who got suckered in by Mike D'Angelo's beautiful pose in the poster, Mike has a very small and minimal role in this drama - only appearing occasionally at the last 2.5 episodes of the drama. His appearance is so sudden that one could even call his character as an afterthought to prepare for the abrupt ending.
Music: Some people might like the slow and poignant music. I am impartial to it. As far as I'm concerned, it suited the feel of the drama.
Rewatch value: No hurry to re-watch. No unforgettable romantic scenes to re-wind to. Although the demon and monster fighting parts are nice, I do not know anyone who would re-wind back to those scenes unless they get their kicks out of watching supernatural beings running amok and people getting murdered?
Overall: Despite the weak ending and the lack of lovers' chemistry between Wu Xin and Yue Ya, I did enjoy this drama for the monster killing, the mystery and the investigative parts. And although the mystery of Wu Xin hangs in the air like an unsolved mystery even to the end, I liked the character Wu Xin and the potential for a Season 2 (if they want to continue with it). Otherwise, this is the end and life just continues to go on (forever) for our monster killing hero, Wu Xin.
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a pleasant surprise
Overall: I enjoyed the duality of one of the leads, the aerial silks and more. 8 episodes about 45 minutes each. Aired on iQIYI. Approximately 3 months after the series finished airing on iQIYI, it was re-released on Deep Night The Series YouTube channel https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIh-ltO6DKlWlabCf7nTiWyyE_CcWnMdH&si=y-Xw77mcKFaLOrIJContent Warnings: manhandling, blackmail/coercion, past death, non con kissing, non con video recording/sharing
What I Liked
- clear premise
- sweet moments
- intimate scenes, mutual affection
- something I really wanted actually happened in the final episode, wish we could have seen a bit more of the relationship developments (maybe a special episode will happen???)
- Wela was smart and already knew something, he had agency
- aerial silks/pole
- the idea that people can act very different in different circumstances
- that Khem didn't want to do stuff when Wela was drunk (but drunk people will frequently say they are not drunk so I would have preferred they altered the scene slightly)
- GL representation
- a realistic point of tension with the main relationship
- mesh shirts
- apologizing and pretty good communication
- supportive parents
- (neutral) comedy sound effects (didn't seem to have as many or maybe I tuned them out)
- (neutral) there were a lot of characters introduced but the name tags many of them wore were helpful before I figured everyone out
Room For Improvement
- not a fan of, 'I won't tell your secret if I get to kiss you' type of stuff, luckily Wela held his own
- the shrieking in the first episode
- continuity error towards the end of ep 1, they were wearing different outfits when eating, perhaps they changed but it wasn't mentioned or shown
- nonsense stuff/convenient writing: 2 characters happened to have each others' phone numbers, drinking 1 shot wouldn't make a person so drunk that they wouldn't wake up and if it did they should go to the hospital, showing someone super drunk then not drunk and then not remembering things well the next morning (which a person would need to have been extremely drunk to have happen), the mom being worried about telling her son something
- the subtitles had several errors but I didn't take off points for it
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Is There A “Trace” Of Hope With Actually Trying To Watch ‘ Tracer’?
Procedural dramas, particularly ones revolving around mundane subject areas such as tax evasion or bureaucracy, can be a bore for viewers. However whilst ‘ Tracer’ is still not unable to evade its more tedious moments, under the directing reigns of Lee Seung Young ( ‘ Voice 2’, ‘ Missing Noir M’) and the writing tutorage of Kim Hyun Jung ( ‘ Who Are You: School 2015’), MBC’s ‘ Tracer’ possessed a surprisingly rigid plot motive from beginning to end.
The drama focused primarily upon male lead Hwang Dong-Joo ( Im Shi-wan). Formerly a disreputable accountant with his own personal vendetta , Dong-Joo ends up working as an investigator for the National Tax Service (NTS). However instead of ending up in a reputable and prestigious department of the NTS, Dong-Joo ends up being sent to division five; a dumping ground for undesirable and difficult cases by other departments.
Alongside the help of team investigator Seo Hye Young ( Go Ah-Sung), Chief Oh Young (Park Yong-woo) and his extensive knowledge into the field from his past , Dong-Joo is determined to stop at nothing in order to enact his own personal justice.
Kim Hyun Jung’s screenplay is notably dark in parts as well as primarily fixed upon the objective of the storyline. Whilst there are admittedly moments where certain overblown dialogue exchanges , Hyun Jung’s personal touch towards the series’ notably heartfelt plot moments and subject areas was surprisingly subtle, yet effective.
Arguably one of the star attractions of ‘ Tracer’ came through the casting choices. Im Si-Wan ( ‘ Misaeng: Incomplete Life’, ‘ Hell Is Other People’, ‘ Run On’) is particularly brilliant onscreen as main lead Hwang Dong-Joo;adding a surprising touch of charisma towards his role as the antiheroic main lead.
Costarring alongside Si-Wan was Go Ah-Sung ( ‘ The Host’, ‘ Snowpiercer’ and ‘ Samjin Company English Class’ ); a hesitant yet virtuous individual in the NTS, Park Young Woo (‘ Ditto’, ‘ My Scary Girl’ , ‘ Hwayi: A Monster Boy’ and ‘ Late Spring’) took on the part as the ridiculed yet talented Chief Oh Young, whilst Son Hyun-joo ( ‘ Tazza’, ‘ Secretly, Greatly’ and ‘ Empire Of Gold’) played antagonist and director of the Central Regional Tax Office, In Tae-Joon. All of the main cast were brilliant as our main leads; helping to flesh out and add a dynamic charm towards their onscreen personas.
However within the execution of ‘ Tracer’, the pacing could notably present a pitfall also. The drama’s attempt to stimulate the storyline’s narrative could often leads to the motives of characters, or the roles of key players rarely feeling elucidated. Perhaps this was also a consequence of a nonlinear narrative; rarely allowing certain moments for viewers to sit back and take in in the events of the storyline.
However perhaps one of the saving graces for ‘Tracer’ came through screenwriter Kim Hyun-jung’s ability to intertwine niche and predictable setups against moments which allowed opportunities to explore the wider scope of Dong-Joo. Whilst Hyun Jung could sometimes fall into a slightly cyclical pattern of a “ new dilemma” forcing Hyun Joo to keep on his toes, this did highlight diverging writing niches of characters being merely plot devices. Instead Hyun Joo and the supporting characters of the series were involved and attached towards the events and processes of the storyline; allowing opportunities in order to explore certain elements of character depth.
The dialogue is admittedly overblown in parts. However Hyun Jung did include some surprisingly witty and sardonic responses for Dong Joo, helping to personify his unpredictable nature to audiences throughout the series. The comic relief present in ‘ Tracer’ is notably an odd mixture between ferocious insults and name calling, as well as lighthearted and somewhat benign exchanges also.
‘ Tracer’ isn’t a series that will suit everyone’s personal tastes. However whilst ‘ Tracer’ focuses upon a notably mundane and simplistic formula, the execution of the narrative is surprisingly tactful. The acting performances are brilliant and solid throughout and whilst the finale helped to setup events for season two, ‘ Tracer’ is notably not without its more evident writing flaws here and there. Overall the first part of ‘ Tracer’ is notably a dynamic mixture of revenge, angst and wit in order to create a surprisingly entertaining drama along the way.
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The not a BL continues...
I have no clue why MDL says it's the "Side Story" when it clearly is not. This is chapter 2 of the series and it continues from the last series. https://mydramalist.com/profile/11366851/review/475568The premise is different this time... There is a new young man seeking out the tutor, but he has an ulterior motive which gets revealed in the end, but the story is not finished when this series ends. So I hope there will be another three or six episodes to complete the whole story.
While it's not a a side story, this also turns it up a notch. More story, better NC scenes and much better chemistry between the two actors imho. It did not feel akward in the least and both actors did a great job. So, if you have not much experience, you should watch it regardless, because you may learn some things. Otherwise it may be too much for the fangirls, because it's pure and raw without fluff.
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Once you read this you'd think that it's a gloomy depressing drama...but it isn't!
As the name says "A Bittersweet Life" this drama might have a bitter sad moments but it's full of sweet moments too!
The main lead is a mysterious man...he could be sweet and cute as a little puppy in one sec...then he turns to a crazy maniac the following sec just as the other title indicates "Demons Living In My Body"....I think LDW did his best in this role...
his character is what ties the 3 other leads together!
the drama gives equal time to all the 4 characters to tell their story...
All the actors did great in portraying their characters!
The OST is amazing...all the parts are touching and fit with the drama!
I'll definitely re-watch my favorite scenes from time to time!
Finally: this is an unusual drama in all aspects...I highly recommend it for those bored with the normal cliches!
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This review may contain spoilers
It is worth watching for the comedy and cute romance. Chemistry was great with the leads. Plus, no Face Tune blur of the faces that leave actors looking like they are wearing smeared masks. Imagine seeing a pimple, a few or chicken pox marks in a new Chinese drama! The actors look natural. Their makeup actually matched the skin tones which is rare to find these days! Budget was low, but, it did not detract from the story or the comedy. You will notice the costumes are not custom made to each actor or may be a bit wrinkled from multiple uses. There are fewer extras, soldiers and court nobles. These do not detract from the entertainment value.
Story
The base story is the standard palace drama where power struggles and back hall machinations take place daily. The young emperor has to establish his leadership against the typical power hungry competitors. He is supported by a girl dressed as a eunuch. This is no earth shattering epic drama. The story is light hearted and very funny at times. There are enough dramatic episodes to add variation and closure. No frustrating cliff hangers in a drama that is half the length of typical dramas and succeeds in bringing the drama to a satisfying end.
Acting/Cast
I was pleasantly surprised the male lead was ruggedly handsome and not a typical idol. He played his character well. He was a good match for the female lead. They had very good chemistry. Their comedic timing was also good. The emperor was straight faced and stoic but isolated from the real world. The girl was bubbly and streetwise. Their interactions seemed natural. I would like to see these actors paired in a modern romantic comedy.
The supporting characters were good. They enhanced the entertainment value of the drama.
Music
The music is not bad at all. This is a rom-com and not a documentary or historical heavy drama. The popular music that is the introduction to every episode has a touch of rock. It shows up again when the king makes a big entrance. It was the first sign this drama is more comedy than drama and viewers should not take it too seriously. Most of these palace dramas get boring when they try too hard to be authentic and overly dramatic.
Rewatch
I would not rewatch from start to finish. But, I will definitely rewatch the cute parts between the leads and the funny parts of the supporting casts.
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Sweet boy love office romance
I really enjoyed this twosome. I loved their chemistry and the support and care shown by the junior office worker for the team leader, especially at the end. I just wish it were longer, but that's the problem with most underfunded Korean BL drams like this one. I don't fault the series for not having more time to pursue their relationship in more depth. It's a little overly dramatic at times, but not so much that it got in the way of me enjoying their cutesy "date mate" relationship.I loved the photobox scene where they start far apart but are quickly side by side. Plus, the photoshoot and fainting scene were pretty cute too. I liked the scared penguin and relentless polar bear analogy, where normally, those two animals would never meet, one being in the Arctic and the other being in Antarctica.
I just found this series to be an enjoyable, if not at times mindless, couple of hours well spent.
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1A rollercoaster of emotions
This is by far, my favoutite bl series of all time.To My Shore is a series that really stuck with me like no other bl series ever did. Not because it made me feel good by watching it, but because it showed me something you don’t see very often. I saw two people who are so different, yet somehow share so much. And their common ground isn’t pretty, it’s pain, scars, and the walls they’ve built to survive.
What hit me the most is that both of them carry really heavy pasts. Each in their own way, but both have learned to live with their pain. One tries to control things so he won’t lose, the other endures so he won’t fall apart. And somewhere in the middle, they meet.
The love in this series isn’t healthy, and it doesn’t pretend to be. It’s twisted, suffocating, full of dependence and fear. It’s a romance nothing like I’ve seen before, it’s not safe, not balanced. But it’s intense and real. And that’s what makes it so powerful.
I never felt like the series was telling me “this is right.” Instead, it showed me what happens when two wounded people try to love each other without having healed themselves first. Sometimes I felt uncomfortable, sometimes angry, sometimes just sad to the bone. But I couldn’t stop watching.
To My Shore isn’t for everyone. It’s for those who can handle seeing love without filters, without sugarcoating. For those who understand that love isn’t always salvation, sometimes it’s a mirror. And this mirror, in this series, shows things that stick with you long after it’s over.
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The main couple is cute, but that's it. The initial progression between the couple was nice and I enjoyed the (slow) pace the story set. But this show has one major flaw: There is no depth to this pair. They are just cute. So the story beats got repetitive very quickly and my frustration level rose, because even the actors didn't have chemestry which is a big problem for a romance drama. Besides the characters didn't really change beyond the ML in the beginning of the story opening up to the FL. After that it was just... the same. I don't really have more to say on this part of the show.
Initially I watched this because the story promised to show some E-Sports-Drama.
And the players are all great but ultimately not fleshed out characters. They are there just too squee when the main couple is together.
My favourite charcter is the team captain Wu Bai. He has few scenes and is overall silent which gives him an air of mystery. I wouldn't have minded more scenes with him, but this mysteriousness is probalby why he is so interesting so showing more of him would probably destroy that.
Boyond him all the other team members are all the same charcter. I mean that. Which annoyed me more than almost anything else on this show, because when these actors are given more to do I could tell that they can deliver, but there simply wasn't anything destinguishable in their characters.
For some reason I had the feeling they cut out all of the competition scenes in the later episodes and in hindsight probably in the beginning aswell although it is not as noticable there. I mean the players go on stage, start playing and then a winner is announced. All in less than a minute.
Leaving this aspect of the show severly lacking. Because the ML interest lies with his team and we never really get to 'see' the pay-off. This lead to me skipping most of this plotline (almost half is dedicated to this) even though it was what initially drew me to this drama. It left me rather unsatisfied with the whole drama.
Also too many flashbacks... seriously way too many. And to boot with little to no payoff. The ML backstory is 'explored' in these flashbacks but we never see anything beyond what we have been told or could tell from the character interacions in the present themselves. Thus making these very skippable aswell.
All in all I finished this drama because I wanted to know how all the plot points get resolved and the drama manages that, but it wasn't particularly unforseeable. All the actors are easy on the eye so that certailnly helped.
Whoever is short on time should watch roughly the first part of the show and know that this has a happy ending in all plots and then call it quits.
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