Overrated; fast forwardable (if there’s such a word)
Plot: weak, mostly focused on the male lead’s talent and work, slow-paced romance is okay with me but there are too many unnecessary scenes like gaming and aerospace; they should have made a movie out of this than a drama. Finished this in one day because i pressed the fast forward button a lot; no deep character development just passion for their job and each other; humor is okayActing: I like reba but her acting here is just the same in fashion designer — bland and restrained. She’s better in TLB. I like yangyang too, compared to love o2o, his acting is better here. His eyes are more expressive. Both actors definitely have chemistry together, if there’s one thing I love about this drama, it’s their romance. Normal conflicts of couples that get resolved easily; to compromise; more on slice of life
Music: forgettable
Rewatch value: only all the kissing scenes and their banter
Overall: it was okay. Or maybe I expected too much and it didn’t reach my expectations. Just overhyped and full of visual attacks from these two good~looking actors. I wish they collaborate again but not with this kind of plot.
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Story.
The plot overall is light. There is no real super mystery/silly plot twist/revenge plan as per the usually Korean dramas. There was a few lost plots in the middle. such as any of the characters actually being athletes.
Cast & Characters.
I really struggled with the female lead. As a character, Kim Bok Joo was really disjointed; it's as if the writers tried to fit her into every female mold there is without any consideration. This, as a character, made her really annoying. She was immature, and very self-centred as a character. Even when she was trying to do something for someone else, it was usually for her own agenda. She really didn't deserve Jung Joon Hyeong. Also, the crying scenes. Good lord, I had to fast forward because they were so bad. Lee Sung Kyung's acting left a lot to be desired with the two facial expressions she had.
Also, why did everyone feel the need to shout all the time? I am still trying to find the value in Jung Nan Hee's character as all she did was shout and cry about how hard things were without her friend. I felt like the show was trying to overall the female friendship aspect with such a character.
Although Jung Joon Hyeong's character didn't have too much depth, he was a very enjoyable male lead and overall had a very precious personality.
Music.
There was quite a few nice songs, especially Dream.
Rewatch Value.
Not much to be honest. There was a few good scenes that you could rewatch but not a series as a whole.
Overall: I think the show is highly overrated. I get why people like it but to me it was a massive letdown.
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This review may contain spoilers
my beloved time... wasted.
FULL REVIEW, SOME SPOILERSi have never been as disappointed in a drama as i was with this one. because truly, i wanted to love it. it started off well, with beautiful cinematography and osts, with a fun plot and good actors, but thats where it all ends. after the first few episodes it all felt monotonous and repetitive. i expected fun bickering, lovey dovey moments, thought out characters, an unexpected twist with the documentary, DEPTH. the initial trailers seemed fun, fresh, nuanced and promised all of this, which the first few episodes somewhat delivered. afterwards, everything was a dull filler. let me explain.
my biggest issue was this: despite all the love professions and cute moments, i didnt care for the couple very much. after showing us how yeonsu constantly broke up with him whenever she wanted, the immature miscommunications, the imbalances in the relationship, i just didnt want to see them together. your first love is not often the person you stay with forever, and thats okay. this wouldve been a great healing drama, where the leads heal individually and learn to love themselves without the other. instead i felt the opposite, like they were codependent: ung could only sleep with yeonsu by his side, yeonsu felt empty without him.
therefore I think the drama should’ve gone in a different direction- a story of forgiveness, growing up and growing apart, getting closure. i wanted them to meet again, learn more about each other now that they were broken up, heal separately and stay separated. that would sent a better message, and it also wouldve worked better given the set up. if they were to end up together, there shouldve been a different backstory. all we saw initially was them bickering, which was cute in highschool, but we never really saw them grow to like each other. more specifically WHY they liked each other.
they were complete opposites and the drama never went deeper with their relationship past superficial conversations and longing gazes. this lack of depth made it hard to imagine how this was a love strong enough to last YEARS. they had so many problems, i mean, yeonsu’s “if i leave you just come back to me” what? how is this in any way cute or goals?
speaking of, i felt that the characters werent created equally. yeonsu was given so many flaws while ung… wasnt (especially in the beginning) and it made yeonsu look like the bad guy. i wish he had been more stubborn, or complacent in the misunderstandings so i wouldnt have to “pick a side”. especially when ung was defending yeonsu to us, saying he saw a different side of her: her ripping notes just to give it to ung, her refusing to see the flowers then bringing ung petals, etc. this whole “mean to everyone but me” trope is outdated. if the ending had to be them together, then the backstory should’ve been more “right person wrong time” and less “pointless couple break up for dramatic effect”.
and yes, they matured in the present day relationship, and there were cute moments. but yeonsu and ung were kinda boring , both in and out of the relationship. i didnt ever feel that they had that strong of a connection, and i never even got why they kept breaking up and getting back together in the first place. overall their relationship just didn’t work for me. and yes they were cute during the end, but it doesnt make up for everything else.
everything outside of their relationship was also undercooked. yeonsu went to work every few episodes (to not do work), ung barely drew. and these were their main traits. rather than being fully developed it felt like they got a traumatic little backstory which led to them having ONE issue: yeonsus pride and ungs attachment. what happened to the first few episodes, to the driven yeonsu? why didnt they explore more of how she burnt herself out from working too hard? or what jobs she had before landing the one we barely see her go to now? why not delve more into ungs wishes to live a peaceful relaxed life? how he even got famous considering it’s the complete opposite of his life goals? these questions are all unanswered because all the drama cares about depicting was their relationship.
lack of depth affected the other characters as well, with them being mere stepping stones for the main relationship. producer ji for example, giving him mommy issues and a never ending crush doesnt make up for the lack of personality. and am i supposed to believe he hung onto his crush with the girl he barely talked to… for YEARS? why not go more in depth to his relationship with ung and ungs parents instead, or even his won parents? in the present day he didnt seem like a very good friend, so depth is much needed. his documentary thing wasnt developed at all, even though the documentary aspect was initially what made this drama so unique. it felt like filler instead of its own character, and didnt connect with jiungs arc at all.
yeonsus best friend- aka the only character with some pizazz- was not on screen nearly enough. all we know about her is that she had a lot of boyfriends and has a strict family. ungs manager just fangirls over nj, i found him unbearable. couldnt he have been given ONE personality trait? nj pops in and out when we need some drama when she couldve been such a GREAT character. we had her tiny subplot with online bullies, and that was it. why not showcase the pressures of being an idol, or maybe even ONE scene of her singing or dancing or modeling or acting or SOMETHING?? mr jang, who i assumed would be the SML, never showed up after the first few episodes after he said he liked yeonsu?? what even was that ?? yeonsus coworkers are only there to gossip about her love life and their boss- i dont even know why hes there. i just wish the other characters were more delved into, like in hometown cha cha cha. its been proven that this CAN be done and still leave enough time for the main couple. and they certainly couldve spared some screen time. i know this is a romance drama, but there is such a thing as too much romance.
overall,
this drama felt undercooked. it could’ve been fantastic, really. highschool romances, bickering couples, cold leads, this has all been done well before. look at fight for my way, hometown cha cha cha, its okay thats love, etc etc etc. this drama shouldve taken notes from those that did it well. instead, they created a perfectly average drama that relied on cute moments and filler to make up for poor writing and direction. no slice of life, just romance. a poorly written, average romance.
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But just as I started it for LJK and stayed for LJK, LJK (with some help from Lee Soo Hyuk and even, gasp, Changmin) saved this one for me. If at any point LJK and LSH, and most of the other actors too, hadn't sold this to the hilt, it could have been the utterly crappy hot mess that Night Watchman was. But somehow their commitment to the roles, even when they got stupid, saved this drama.
But what also saved it was the last 4 episodes. The quality of those episodes clearly showed the writer DID have a plan. The writer just had trouble filling in the bits between A and B. The first 2 episodes were wonderful. The last 4 episodes were also very good. I could probably find 4 episodes in the middle that were not totally terrible. So if this drama had been 10 episodes it actually would have been pretty awesome. As it is, it's only okay, but brought to the level of better than okay because of the acting. If you love Lee Jun Ki as much as I do, you will still find something to love in this drama despite its MANY flaws.
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Have Lotus House Will Travel
The enchanting tale of "The Lotus House," also known as Lianhua Lou (莲花楼), paints a picture akin to a mobile haven, much like an RV, that has been Li Lianhua's (portrayed by Cheng Yi) cherished abode and means of travel for an entire decade. Amidst the harmonious simplicity of his desires, Li Lianhua seeks solitude and a modest existence. His days are devoted to cultivating sustenance, preparing his own meals, and embodying the role of a wandering country healer, a role that has earned him the moniker of the "miracle doctor" for his rumored power to resurrect the departed. Accompanying him is his faithful canine companion, Húlíjīng (Vixen). This captivating drama is a delightful adaptation of Teng Ping's novel, "The Lotus House with Auspicious Patterns."Each character in this story possesses a clear and unassuming life goal. As Li Xiangyi a decade ago, Li Lianhua harbored ambitions of becoming the world's preeminent swordsman and achieving fame. His aspirations were intertwined with a pursuit of justice and a mission to safeguard the realm. Fang Duobing (Joseph Zeng) embodies the spirited zeal of youth, aspiring to be a valiant hero championing noble causes. On the contrary, Di Feisheng (Xiao Shunyao), a former adversary, remains fixated on challenging Li Xiangyi to a fateful swordfight, unable to reconcile being second-best.
Though Li Lianhua and Di Feisheng initially shunned the complexities of the "jianghu," their apathy is rekindled by the fervor of the youthful Fang Duobing, whose fervent commitment to the world's safety becomes their shared responsibility. Despite disparate backgrounds and personalities, an unlikely bond unites the trio, propelling them on a journey marked by cryptic clues, unraveling mysteries, and unmasking murderers. The threads of destiny interweave, leading to the revelation of a grand conspiracy, ultimately restoring equilibrium and justice to the realm. Amidst the challenges, lighthearted banter and camaraderie flourish, infusing the narrative with both humor and heartfelt moments.
Li Lianhua's character is multifaceted and deeply intriguing. His choice of the name "Lianhua," meaning lotus, initially piqued my curiosity. Once known as Li Xiangyi, he attained early acclaim as a martial prodigy, establishing the Sigu Men sect while still in his adolescence. His dominance in the martial world was unmistakable, yet it bred envy and resentment, straining relationships and leading to his isolation. This path ultimately culminated in solitude and abandonment, prompting Li Lianhua's poignant rebirth as the lotus, emblematic of purity amid adversity. In an atypical narrative arc, the main character's trajectory descends from the zenith, and Li Lianhua's journey captivates through graceful withdrawal rather than audacious ascent.
Li Lianhua's sagacity shines through as he contemplates his imminent departure from this mortal realm. His patient and earnest method of untying emotional knots and offering solemn farewells to those entwined in his life evokes both contemplation and reverence. The poignancy of bidding adieu with grace and tranquility emerges as a poignant motif, enriching the depth of Li Lianhua's character portrayal.
Cheng Yi's portrayal of Li Lianhua is captivating and well within his artistic range. The actor masterfully encapsulates the essence of a character marked by vulnerability and profound sentiment. His synergy with the endearing Fang Duobing and Di Feisheng characters is noteworthy, preventing his character from being overshadowed while complementing the ensemble.
My Verdict
While the drama's pace is brisk and features multiple layers, I had hoped for a more in-depth exploration of the intricate investigative cases, as well as a heightened suspense element. Despite this, the narrative retains a charm that delves into introspection and personal transformation. The story poignantly underscores the capacity for individuals to undergo profound inner change, revealing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
While the drama's tone embraces gravity through themes of murder and mortality, its dialogues are skillfully peppered with humor, and poignant yet brief romantic interludes leave a touching impression. The intricate dynamics between Li Lianhua and Qiao Wanmian (Chen Duling) illuminate diverse facets of love, revealing nuances of affection, sacrifice, and perception.
The characters' nomenclature carries an element of playful irony, reflecting the author's wit and ingenuity. The story exudes a delicate charm, its narrative craftsmanship interwoven with themes of transformation, forgiveness, and the fragility of life.
A captivating gem, "The Lotus House" is a worthy addition to your viewing repertoire—indeed, a delightful and enriching watch that should not be missed.
Bravo!
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They wish to have a different outcome.
I've been in the BL world for a long long time, and I have watched a huge amount of BL stories from many countries in many different settings. More Than Words (MTW) is a good BL series but nothing much for offering something new. Mieko is a character that is rare to see in most contemporary BLs. She is an ally, the main lead, with her fate going south. Makio is a boy, innocent young boy who gets crushed before entering adulthood. These two develop a friendship while getting to know Eiji. It takes more than 70% of the series to explore Eiji's intersection with Makio and Mieko before introducing Asato. Asato comes to enter Makio's shaky world, staying there where I, as an audience, see it too late, because I seal my faith to the first guy.I recommend MTW to BL fans, even though I know, some maybe are disappointed with how the story goes. But, it's a very dedicated BL product with committed production outcome, set, and soundtracks.
Finally, I am with the trio of Eiji, Makio, and Mieko. They seem to wish to have a different outcome, so do I.
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Awkward and Poor Script
If not because of Zeng Shun Xi (aka Joseph Zeng), I don’t think I would have continued with this drama. The writing is weird, the dialogues are weird, the logic is weird, Liang Jie’s acting and character are weird, and the English title is even more weird. The only saving grace is Zeng Shun Xi’s acting and his character which I really like a lot. This drama is set in the Song Dynasty when often the emperors had no heirs of their own and were forced to adopt their nephews as their successors.Zhao Xiao Qian (Zeng Shun Xi) is the adopted son of the Emperor. He and his older brother were brought into the palace to be groomed as the heir to the throne. Then the Empress conceived, and the two brothers lost favor. When the Empress had a still-born, Zhao Xiao Qian’s brother died and Zhao Xiao Qian was banished to Wu Jiang Fu, a city far away from the palace. He is happy living his quiet life, until Xie Xiao Man (Liang Jie) shows up and he falls in love with her. Zhao Xiao Qian cannot marry her because of their difference in their social statuses – he’s a noble and she’s a commoner from the countryside.
Fundamentally, Zhao Xiao Qian is a good person. He's kind and caring, generous and protective towards all the people he cares about. However, he is also hot tempered, entitled, unreasonable, demanding, authoritative and abusive, all an act to cover his pain and anger. Zeng Shun Xi's acting as the explosive Zhao Xiao Qian with a lot of pend up anger is very convincing, and I empathize with this character, despite his initial verbally abusive behavior towards Xie Xiao Man, which I feel she totally deserves. For some reason, Liang Jie’s acting of the Xie Xiao Man character here is not very impressive; she feels awkward and unnatural. I don’t know if her voice is dubbed, but she sure sounds cringey.
This is a story about class struggle and the oligarchy system which imposes injustices in the society with rampant corruption and abuse of power. The writing seems childish, written for young viewers. The characters are very immature with very simple dialogues and logic. Though they later grow to become more responsible and to achieving their dreams, they remain naïve because their thinking is still simplistic. More than 80% of the drama is spent in an academic setting where the characters are acquiring their education. Initially, the theme of equality emerges - one mustn’t judge another by their birth, in particular in gender equality when girls are inspired to nourish themselves with education and contribute to the society. Then this theme fizzles out with nothing much to show.
The writer seems to be flip-flopping with the characters, in particular with the Xie Xiao Man character. On one hand, she is smart, but at the same time, her actions are pretty dumb. She is supposed to be strong and brave, and yet she is so muddle and girly, causing misunderstanding again and again, that she is frustrating to watch.
Overall
This is a youth school drama in a historical setting with a theme that says, “Education is the most powerful weapon” when the characters, boys and girls, are encouraged to value education. Then enters gender equality when girls are inspired to perform as well as the boys and contribute to society. All these fizzle out; the world is still unjust with birth statuses still being the determinant of what one can and cannot do with one's life though Zhao Xiao Qian manages to upgrade Xie Xiao Man’s status so that he could marry her; girls are still being treated as the belongings of men and cannot make their own decisions for their own lives though an independent female businesswoman is being highlighted here; the rich and powerful still rule the world though Zhao Xiao Qian manages to take down some. Flaws and plot holes everywhere, the dialogues are boring and bad. Many viewers find the OTP’s relationship toxic, and they grit their teeth watching the romance development and continuous misunderstandings one after another, and the annoying behavior of Xie Xiao Man that always angers Zhao Xiao Qian. For me, he loves and wants her, and the feelings are mutual (though she also feels insecure), that is good enough for me (boy! I have such low expectation).
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The story is not a complicated one to follow: Seo In Guk plays an orphaned teenager who once was a competitive swimmer but who quit after experiencing a trauma. This trauma left him unwilling, and perhaps unable, to enter the water. Lee Jong Suk, on the other hand, plays an Olympic-bound swimmer with the typical rich, overbearing, and distant father. Rounding out the main cast is SNSD's Kwon Yuri who doubles as the boy's mutual childhood friend and current "love interest" (in scare quotes because the romance was hollow and weak). The soundtrack of the film is most provided by Yuri, whose character is a hopeful on a Superstar K-like show, meaning that the music is bland pop-rock carried by Yuri's weak vocals. For someone in such a renowned pop group, Yuri's music moments were extremely awkward.
Acting-wise, the cast did their job well. Yuri did her best to pretend to be an actress. Lee Jong Suk was his typical angst-ridden teenager (is there a single role this kid has where he isn't moodily listening to music through oversized headphones?). Who really blew me away was Seo In Guk. Yes, his character was a little over the top, but he committed to every moment, making for a hilarious and lovable portrayal of Won Il.
As we were walking out of the theater, my friends and I all agreed that this is one movie we would watch again when released with subtitles. It was fun, a dollop of drama to add the right amount weight to the story without bogging it down, and a bit unpredictable, which is a rare thing in the wold of formulaic Korean dramas and light films. A definite watch, with or without subs.
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Now, lets dissect. Shall we?
1) General:
In my opinion, this is one of the best dramas to date.
It is Unique.
It is Structured.
It is Fresh.
Doctor Stranger was able to infuse different genres and intricately flow them together as to not seem forced or rushed.
2) The Plot:
The originality. That is what it is. The plot was so perfectly structured that I used it as a premise for my English final (English teacher loved it-to say the least). With the time allotted for this drama, Doctor Stranger's plot was understandable, intriguing, and sufficient. Now, if we nitpick every little detail, and fuss over every thing it is inevitable to find faults; however, generally the plot was tres bein.
3) The characters/actors:
Park Hoon: Possibly one of the strongest characters I have seen. Lee Jong Suk was able to portray the troubled, dedicated, loyal, loving, light and strong character that Park Hoon is. His character was not a One-side kind of character, but one that embodies a well rounded person. He is not too lax, too romantic, too silly, or too cold. He is a young man who is happy and funny, but at the same time he is scarred and at times cold.
Park Hae Jin: A great character, with a great messed up, sad back story. The way he treats Park hoon and Soo Hyun probably makes people dislike him, but towards the end we see how that contributes to his personality.
Oh Soo Hyun: ....Ok...In all honesty I don't see what the huge hype about her is-in terms of character at least. kang So Ra was perfectly able to play her characters role- the quirky,and hardworking chick that Oh Soo Hyun is. Yet, I don't find Oh Soo Hyun to be that "phenomenal" character people are making her seem to be. Maybe its because shes cute and all, and she acted all school-girl crushy when it came to Hoon. Nevertheless, I recognize her importance in the show and her distinct personality.
Song Jae Hee: *DRUMROLL* SURPRISE! She was my favorite character (besides Hoon and Hae Jin). She is a greatly structured character. She is not the average main girl character in a normal k-drama. She's not loved automatically (by the audience), and she does not possess the average cute/sassy/spunky/cold attitude that a lot of female main leads do. She's complex.COMPLEX.
She also represents an actual, real girl who exists in our real world with that kind of personality and mentality [Yay. Finally some people in the real world can relate!]. Shes strong, assertive, smart, cunning, loving, and brave. Holy Crap. People (the viewers) underestimate her, or write her off simply because she rubbed them off the wrong way in the beginning, or she pissed them off at some point. Don't get me wrong, she pissed me off at times as well, but at the end. *All the Awards to Jae Hee. Seriously Bro.**
Quick Note: I BEG TO DIFFER JIN SE YEON WAS GREAT IN THIS. You might not have liked her acting simply because you don't think she acted the way you think Jae Hee should have. Yet, in terms of JAE HEE and her personality and who she is, I feel like JSY nailed it.
***If you want more details on my feelings on this, message me***
IM SORRY. I have rambled.
3) The Music:
It was great. Five Star. Gold Star. The music suited the situations it was used for. Pretty catchy too.
4) The Romance:
GOSHDAMNIT.
Park Hoon x Jae Hee: A love that has withstood and persevered through every obstacle to reach the happiness they seriously and honestly both deserved.
Soo Hyun x Hae JIn: A love based on forgiveness and understanding or the other.
*If you want clarifications for this as well, I love and welcome anyone's message*
Wrap Up: I basically loved it and found it a source of not just drama perfection but a practical masterpiece [if it had ever been a book].
MUAH <3 To whoever read till the end. Come visit me sometime, you're worth it.
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2Secrets we keep, hearts we break!!
Some stories thrive on a well-crafted plot and others are driven by the complexity of their imperfect characters. This is one of those stories that fit the second category. The characters aren’t flawless heroes or simple villains - they are messy, flawed and deeply humane. Their struggles aren’t always clear-cut and their growth isn’t easy or linear. In fact, it’s their imperfections, their emotional baggage and their internal conflicts that make the story stand out. These kinds of characters don’t always give you the answers you want, but they challenge you to think deeper and understand that growth isn’t always pretty.Characters & Analysis :
Jung Daon, our tragic hero: Daon’s journey is far from perfect. He has been battling this constant feeling of being worthless for as long as he can remember. He is emotionally distant, always believing he’s “good for no one” and his past experiences have only reinforced this idea. His choices along the way aren’t always the best and sometimes they left me questioning his decisions. His growth isn’t linear or clean, it’s messy, real, and sometimes even frustrating. Yet, there’s something so human about it. As Daon begins to open up, he starts realizing his worth and how much of an impact he actually has on the people around him. Watching him go through it, even when he’s stumbling is what makes his journey so heartwarming.
Kim Su Hyeon, the toxic oppa: He is a complete emotional wreck defined by chaos, obsession and serious anger issues. The guy just can’t tell the difference between love and possession, constantly crossing boundaries and trying to control everyone around him. Instead of being caring or respectful, he’s driven by this constant need to manipulate and control.
At the start, I honestly couldn’t help but feel some sympathy for him. It was pretty obvious that his anger and possessiveness came from a place of deep hurt. But here’s the thing - his past doesn’t give him the right to act however he wants and hurt the people around him. His anger issues are a huge red flag and no matter how messy his past might be, it doesn’t justify how toxic he is.
By the end, it’s clear that Su Hyeon needs help. He was/is drowning in his emotions and has no clue how to deal with them in a healthy way. He is definitely a character who’s deeply flawed, but that doesn’t make it okay for him to manipulate or hurt others.
Ju Seong Hyeon, The sunflower oppa: He is just so sweet and caring. He is always putting others first and trying to make everyone happy, even if it means sacrificing himself in the process sometimes. It’s honestly hard not to like him because he genuinely wants to help. He’s selfless, empathetic, and really tries to be there for people when they need him. But the thing is, he gets so caught up in pleasing everyone that he loses himself along the way.
But what I really appreciate about his journey is that he does eventually learn. Over time, he starts realizing that it’s okay to put himself first once in a while. He figures out that his worth isn’t based on how much he can do for others and learns to set healthier boundaries.
Jaemin, the master manipulator: His character arc is one of the hardest and most complicated to pin down. He is the ultimate manipulator, playing the game like a pro, at least tries to and somehow succeeds. He knows exactly how to control people's emotions to get what he wants and he doesn't actually care about the fallout. His arrogance and total lack of empathy make him one of the most unsettling characters in the show. He doesn’t just use manipulation for love or affection, it's all about power for him. When he's caught in a lie, his complete lack of remorse shows just how emotionally detached he really is. His character shows just how dangerous emotional detachment and manipulation can be and it makes you question if someone like him could ever break free from those toxic patterns.
The casting? Honestly, it was a chef's kiss. Every actor nailed their role, like they were those characters. You could feel their emotions so real and raw. Yes, It’s not perfect but sometimes it’s the impact that matters more than perfection.
I am not going to talk about romance and chemistry because that is the heart of the drama and the fun lies in figuring it out as you go but rest assured, you won't be disappointed.
Even though this story might not be a perfect 10/10, the way it had me fully invested for 4 weeks and got me thinking so much about the characters totally makes it an almost 10/10 in my book. Though I have rated this 9.5 , but it's 10 in my heart.
In just 25 minutes, they managed to show everything so well. Nothing felt rushed and the pacing was spot on.
At the end of the day, I would definitely recommend it and let you decide if it’s your vibe because it definitely serves up some tea in the most messed-up but oddly satisfying way.
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1. Enrique Geum. He was really funny, sweet, and perfect! You'll really enjoy his carefree personality.
2. None of Go Dok Mi's heart's contenders were arrogant jerks, as you usually see in dramas.
3. The secondary characters like Watanabe, the girl with the under eye bags, Dong Hoon, etc. They're all really unique and so funny. There was also a secondary couple that I really liked. Don't want to spoil it, but I'll just say it involved Dong Hoon.
4. The hilarious scenes. I've never laughed out loud so much for a drama! You've got falsetto battles, "mafia" scenes, really bad spanish accents, etc.
5. The OST was perfect. It had J Rabbit, one of my favorite singers, and so many cute songs. Plus, the sound effects were really good!
And here is why you might doubt watching it:
1. Go Dok Mi. She was okay for the first few episodes, but then she began to get annoying. She was a Mary Sue: a character that's a perfect flower that bends with the wind, and that does no harm, but is attacked by everyone. I only really liked Dok Mi in the last episode.
2. The unnecessary, annoying drama that begun around episode 9 (I think). I wish the plot could've developed better, because it started out SO good. Those episodes made me feel as if the writers were dragging out this drama too much.
The wonderful last episode and the pros of this drama are what made me give it a 10. If you want to watch FBND, don't begin with such high expectations, that's my only advice :)
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This review may contain spoilers
Too many stunning and lingering visuals...
Mr Sunshine is one of the most visually stunning drama series on TV. The colours, sweeping landscapes and battle scenes in the early episodes are Oscar worthy and viewers continue to be mesmerised by beautiful images throughout the series. I think the writer and director wanted to contrast the tragedy as it unfolds with the beauty of the country caught in a political storm. However, towards the end of the series as the story moved towards its climax, the lovely scenes often got in the way of the story-telling as the action and drama slowed to linger on one beautiful shot after another, or scenes were reprised in slow-motion from different camera angles. Without the lingering shots, the makers could have kept the story tight at 70-minute/episode (28-hours in total) instead of the over-indulgent and ever-lengthening episodes as the series progressed (totalling 30-plus hours).(Spoiler alert!) Since the drama was set in a particularly turbulent time in Korea’s history, the story was never going to have a happy ending. The cast was excellent. The huge cast, main and support, each played a part in moving the story forward and their characters evolved and grew as they were affected by events. Of the three male leads, Captain Eugene Choi’s (Lee Byung Hun) character changed the least, maybe because Eugene was already nearly forty years-old when the story began. I liked how Kim Hui Sung’s (Byun Yo Han) character evolved from that of a rich playboy and cad to the quiet observer and then to a man who learnt, in his own way, to do the right thing. I also liked how viewers were gradually drawn into the inner turmoil of King Go Jong (Lee Seung Jun) as the political situation in his beloved country escalated. But I felt sorry for Kim Min Jun’s character, Hina Kudo/Lee Yang Hwa who did as much for the Korea as Lady Go Ae Shin (Kim Tae Ri) but was overlooked and overshadowed by Lady Go.
I didn’t mind the music initially but there was too much of it and the use was too heavy-handed. I felt my emotional reaction was being coached and manipulated as each scene was audibly cued before the story unfolded on-screen. While this might be okay for a 2-hour film, it is very exhausting for the viewer in a 30-plus hour drama.
I won’t be re-watching it or looking to recommend it to friends unless they’re fans of historical dramas and melodramas.
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A lot of words that start with the letter P, and perfect for me...
What do you get if you combine the best parts of Who are you, school 2015 with My Name and add some political fight the power stuff and make it in Thailand instead of South Korea?
Nothing perfect, but definitely something for me... This drama just ticked so many boxes with things I loved taking me on an exciting journey with a powerful political statement in-bedded in a nail-biting plot with just the perfect amount of bromance, romance, and everything in-between...
A drama where the plot is so good that all the "ohh they are so cute" just feel like an added bonus, do not get me wrong there is plenty of fan service such as oil wrestling, dimples and what not... but it does not take over and feels true to the plot. So to say that I loved this is an understatement...
The cinematography the directing, the styling, the writing everything was all well done, there is one point where the clothes more or less match the colors in the abandoned building. Fine there where where a few plot holes here and there, like running around and leaving fingers prints all over the place... and some plot twists were pretty predictable... but as a whole this was really high quality and highly entertaining at the same time (a more rare combination than one might think) . And what can I say even the PPL was noticeable but not over the top. And the so called sex-scenes where very tastefully made.
The relationships are for the most part pretty consensual, though they do seem to punch each other a lot, fight till the brink of death and may just have a Punch and make up kind of take to the classic kiss and make upp... but once you look past that most of the characters are actually rather nice , not so very toxic and definitely likeable.
There is some pretty powerful art and da3nce and the take on identical twins is very interesting.
To conclude definitely a good highly bingable drama for anyone one who enjoys a bit of fight the power, with a side of romance.
P.S After watching Theory of love I was already very impressed by Guns acting while not as impressed by Offs acting however this drama only strengthened my adoration for Gun and gave me a new found one for Off... Their chemistry is phenomenal so I am starting to get the whole OffGun Hype if there is one.
Also, this is one of those dramas where time flies, you start watching it and poof you are half way thru it without noticing the time...
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for those who have a second male lead syndrome and want some unique story with a likeable heroine
Have you ever had a filling that a heroine and a second lead are meant to be together? They have great chemistry, understanding of one another and generally bring the best in each other? Yet for a reason as old as kdramas, they won't ever end up together?So what if these characters were given the mind of their own? How would story unfold then? Well, thats basically what this whole kdrama is about and you know what? It is genious.
The writer/director very successfuly captures the basic criterias for usual cliched love triangles.
Now, we have two love triangles:
1.
Kyung - the typical jerk male lead who is cold towards heroine yet is excussed because he has a tragic past
Dan oh - clingy heroine who loves ml no matter what and has health cindition
Haru - second lead who is mature and caring and has kind of bromance with ml.
2.
Namjoo - popular and rich ml
Jooda - poor and submissive fl
Dohwa - cheerful and charming sl
This drama perfectly portrays everything wrong with such triangles. It shows how fls are often owershadowed and consumed by ego of mls. You could say that whenever they have scenes together, its always about mls and their wishes. Drama does a great job exposing how in these typical relationships, a female leads wrong being benefits male lead since heroine becomes dependant on him and stuck with him.
Things are completly different when fls are with second leads. They are equal with them. Yet it is never meant to be. I especially liked how well the story is packed in a way that it was able to convice me as a viewer that Haru is not what is meant to be a ml.
Extraordinary you is first and foremost a romance story. I do enjoy this genre but im very critical of it since i rarely encounter a story which is both engaging and believeable without being sexist. I ended up being very satisfied with romance in this drama. It is hands down, one of the most beautiful and tragic romances in unconventional way.
The theme is not the old and tried amnesia. Its more about author/character relation which takes inspiration from absurdist literature. It is quite tricky subject and i was surprised how well it was explored.
Along with criticizing traditional kdrama pairings, this drama also criticizes repetitiveness and unwillingness to chance even if story itself requires it. So, constant memory loss serves the purpose of showing us how author takes the freedom away from their creations by putting them in cliched positions.
In the end tho, (spoiler) Dan Oh and Haru won. Since they are nameless in new manhwa and can be free.
Acting is great. Really natural and without exggeration. I was surprised that Haru is played by an idol. Actress who plays Dan oh managed portraying bigger than life, cheerful, stubborn and determined heroine without comic exaggeration and it didnt feel forced at all.
As for characters, they are definitely the higlight of the series. Especially Dan oh which is rare because usually in kdramas fls dont get much character with complexity ( its changing now tho ). Dan oh is funny and extra yet she is not annoying or naive. She deals with existential crisis throughout this drama.
As for Haru, he is everything we love about second leads. He is caring and kind towards Dan oh and their relationship is based on trust and understanding. Their scenes together were so heartwarming and chemistry was just electrifying.
Kyung, he is the ml out of the triangle in the comics world and supposedly second lead of this drama but it doesnt feel this way at all. In this Dan oh centered story, Haru and Baek seem to have role of similar importance. It is good decision on the writers part for two reasons: first, this way sl isnt there just to create mild obstecle for ml. He and Dan oh have a special bond. Second, this way we still have feeling that he is the one who is supposed to be a ml.
Soundtrack is very balanced. I usually dont like how overly dramatic and always present the soundtrack is in kdramas but this one had a very good choice of songs that captured the mood of the drama.
This drama had great potential and it exceeded expectations like no other drama i have seen. It started with good quality and remained such throughout the drama. And believe me, as a experienced series viewer, from star trek tos to westworld, i know thing or two about good quality series.
In short, it is one of the best kdramas out there even in non-kdrama standards with a very original and kind of philosophical themes such as free will/determinism and the dilemma of whether or not being awarne of your fate is worth it if you cant do anything about it.
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Started Strong, Ended Wrong – A Shamanic Misfire
→ Recommend to Watch: Unfortunately, NoThis is going to be a short review—because honestly, the disappointment was so real, I don’t even feel like writing a long one. Which is saying something, because I’m usually pretty verbose.
→ What went Wrong:
I started this show for Choo Young Woo, having absolutely loved his performances in *The Trauma Code* and *No Mercy*. His acting is consistently solid, and I was excited to see him in something lighter. To my surprise, I actually enjoyed the cringe romance and comedy—even though high school tropes aren’t really my thing anymore. The “shaman high schooler” concept was quirky and fresh, and the visuals, music, and early mystery had me hooked.
I paused after Episode 10 for as I had to go for a 2-week vacation, hoping to return to a strong, satisfying finale. But wow, as Shikamaru from *Naruto* would say: *“What a drag.”* The last4 episodes—especially the final 2—were a complete mess. I was literally pulling my hair out watching Episode 11. The story could’ve wrapped up neatly around Episode 8 or 10, but instead it dragged on with repetitive, emotionally hollow plot loops. One character sacrifices themselves, the other saves them, rinse and repeat. It was exhausting and boring!
→ Best Thing:
The silver lining? Discovering more of Choo Young Woo’s work, and being introduced to the FL actress and Ji Ho’s actor—both of whom I’m seeing for the first time and will definitely follow in future projects. They were bright spots in an otherwise uneven ride.
→ Overall:
I came back from vacation hoping for an epic finale and a reason to recommend this drama. Instead, I got a narrative nosedive. It started with promise—especially with the intriguing shaman twist—but ended in chaos. Disappointing.
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