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Zero Plot, Just Cooking and Singing
Let’s be honest, there is no plot to this 32 episode series. Guy meets girl. They fall in love. They SLOWLY get to their first kiss. Everyone stares at them with adoration. They stare at each other. The end.This is more of a - let’s just show a lot of good Chinese culture. Chinese dishes, Chinese clothes, Chinese music, Chinese tourist attractions. Bring in some good looking people, have them eat together and make it 32 hours.
This huge cast of actors did absolutely NOTHING. How much teasing can they give the main couple? How long must the FL act 12 and shy every single time she’s with her boyfriend? What about the side couples? They literally moved slower than a grandpa with broken hips. All the side couples got together in the last 15 mins. They have the main couple way way way too much screen time doing nothing but act cute. I wouldn’t mind if they actually showed some sort of character growth or storyline. If they made it just 12-16 episodes, it would’ve been short and sweet. But y’all.. 32 episodes?! What’s crazier is that I actually made it to the end. I mostly skipped by episode 25.
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Something different, but not thought out all the way...
When the Director of "Not Me" is doing a new series with OffGun, it is not the normal stuff we expect from a BL. I can't even call this a BL, there is nothing fluffy in it, so I would categorize it more as a gay story. We have a red flag named Koh who uses humans as tools to get all what he desires but without achieving happyness at all. We have Jira, who is also more a red flag than not, while he is not bad per se, he is very self-centered. Then we have Pheem which is also a red flag, not because he is bad, because he let Koh control him and he has to clean up all the shit Koh is leaving in his wake for more money. The only positive persons are Mawin (or should it be Marvin, I never know with Thai nick names) Pheem's friend and Ing, not only a close friend to Jira but also his curator and confidant. There is also the "Burnout Bar" which had a nice atmosphere but is not that prominent and only plays a "role" in the beginning and the ending...One of the questions the show is asking if AI is doing any good for humanity, but it does not answer the question. AI can do good for humanity, I'm sure of, but it can also be very bad for humanity and it's going this direction more visible. Voice-actors for Netflix in Germany are on strike because Netflix demanded to use their voices for AI which would cost them their jobs. AI can't create art, as AI does not understand language most of the time. Because language is not only about the spoken words, it's also about the intention of how you say something. An AI will never grasp that. So the meaning can be something completely different compared to the sentence alone. Social Networks are flooded with AI art (pictures, music even paintings), AI messages and so on and that can't be good for anyone. But the show does not have a discourse in depth. Maybe that's something the viewer should think about.
The finale: We all could say, they should not have got together in the end - but of course it's GMMTV and they always want an happy end. But I watched the finale two times and it's not that happy anyways. maybe you did not get the subtle hints... it begins with the flowers in Koh's home which are a similar to the painting... you missed that Pheem let Jira go.... and he is the first to have a redemption arc... so he changed in the end not going even more bitter than he was, but he is now more balanced with a new job and a new goal. Koh can't escape Jira that's why he slept 277 times infront of Jira's house (taking Ing's advice of being close to him but not crossing the line) and Jira can't paint without his muse even if his muse is not a human which he really likes, but as he said his heart refuses to have any other inspiration. And when they come together it's their desire and lust speaking out of them - they are dependent on each other, regaradless of all their flaws because both work only if they have each other. When Jira asks "Can we work out?", Koh says "I don't know" - so it does make sense for me. They still have their baggage to carry. Koh did not get his humanity he has lost due to his past and Jira is still as uncompromising as ever. And because we have only 10 episodes we don't see their future. Koh's home mirrors Jira painting with all the flowers.
What impresses most of this show is the very good acting of all the cast. Off went on diet to be as skinny as possible and it shows and because they are veteran actors they all can bring their character to life and you still don't like them in the end. I have more symphaties with Pheem then with the couple. But that is also something not often seen especially in thai productions. Camera, lighting, music were all perfect.
Because this is something different, something not seen often in thai productions, I rate it that high. Yes, they could have made the couple be seperated for all eternity, but overall it does make sense how it played out. The show had his flaws and flow, it's artsy, it kept me interested and it was mature without any cringe or childish parts. The best of all, the actors showed us what they can do after the last two shows which I did not like at all :)
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I Hope the Original Author Sued the Production Team.
Story: This drama starts from what I thought was a mainstream RPR (Regression, Possession, Reincarnation) drama that will focus on a justice-obsessed main character. I'm proven wrong, as Jin Do Jun will use any means necessary to further his revenge, even if it means besmirching his late Grandfather's reputation. The schemes, the backstabbing, and the battle of wits are epic. As far as the story goes, if the production team decided to just follow the original ending like in the novel, it would be a perfect drama. BUT NO! The production team decided on their own ending for the drama, which ruined its whole point. For the production team, I respectfully give you all of my available middle fingers. Just like what Yoon Hyun Woo said to his father in Episode 14, you just have to stay f*cking still to be a help, so why don't you? The rating for this part for me is 9 out of 10 before the finale. After that, it went downhill to just 1.Acting & Music: I'm new to Korean drama and their culture, but even I could see that the dynamic between Do Jun and his Grandfather is gold. On the one hand, you have a clever, witty, and daredevil grandson; on the other, you have the most badass grandfather you could have in your entire life. The clash between the two is the most awaited scene for me. The music for this drama is beautifully done. 10 out of 10 for this part.
Rewatch Value: Yeah, no. This drama was supposed to be an adaptation of the webnovel so that the series could be more popular and widely known. But with this kind of ending, I doubt this drama has a rewatch value. Unless you just watch the first 15 episodes and make your own ending, Do Jun beat the bad guys and live happily after with his loved ones.
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Not bad, but why bother?
This film wasn’t bad if taken on its own. But it hewed so closely to the very good Japanese original that it was impossible to avoid making comparisons and that is where it falls far short. In particular:• The pacing was off. This remake was too slow in places where it should have moved faster and too fast in places where it should have slowed down. The net result was to rest emotional resonance (not that it wasn’t plenty emotional, just not nearly as much as the original).
• That acting (particularly the leads) was noticeably inferior.
• We got a very washed-out version of one of my favorite characters (the FL's best friend).
• The original benefited greatly from being told primarily from the point of view of the FL. In switching much of the attention to the ML, they miss out on some of the best parts of the story,.
• Neither the overall production nor the OST were as good.
But despite all these criticisms, I did enjoy watching this remake as a way to pass the time.
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It could be so much better
We all know this could be so much better.It was messy and boring at times. The acting is the only reason I'm giving it a high score. The actors were all amazing.
I don't like the beauty ideal message sent by the drama. I wish we could stop feeding the plastic surgery industry. It makes me think they have a drama lobby.
Somehow all the dramas that deal with looks different than the ideal all try to change the person instead of working for acceptance. You see that with beauty and weight (oh my venus, gangnam beauty, coffee do me a favor).
Even the drama weightlifting fairy kim bok joo has that problem, calling perfectly normal women overwheight and recommending skin whitening creams (that one didn't escape me and I hate that drama for that.)
It's 2020. Let's start accepting people come in all shapes and sizes. More diversity and true acceptance lead to a better and kinder society. Stop brainwashing young girls and young women into thinking they need to change their looks to be accepted or valuable. They don't.
I also have a thing with the main song! YOU HAVE SOME NERVE SINGING I'M SO LONELY WHILE WE'RE WATCHING THE LEADS KISS!!! hahaha
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I don't know how I feel about this drama
It was an ok drama with a weird set up...I LOVED the editing and cinematography of this drama. Every shot and scene was something worth studying. My favorite scene from this drama was how Hae Jo met his lil sister, who was looking for her brother. I didn't expect that and it was such a bittersweet surprise that the drama threw. I wish there was a scene where they met later...
Everything else was meh... It felt like at times the drama was going to hit the high that it was seeking and just shine brilliantly but then it just flares off and then just meh... I don't know how else to put it... I felt like this drama was unfinished.
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Bullying and parental abuse
I hardly know where to start reviewing this comedy, romance drama. I don’t think it fits in either genre. I watched this series, then waited a year and watched all 25 episodes again. I watched it again because I was so polarized, and I wanted to see if I missed something before I wrote a review. I understand this show was a stepping stone to stardom for some of the actors. Lee Min Ho stood out from the rest even though his character was blah and really strange. The rest were average at best. Gu Hye Seon’s portrayal of Jan Di was almost unbearable. She had zero chemistry with the ML and should never ever play another romantic role.The story, however, was one of the most horrendous depictions of bullying and parental abuse I’ve ever seen. I watched 24.9 episodes of misery; all piled on one young woman. Misery is not drama. The horror genre would have been a better fit for this one. None of the male characters in this show had any redeeming value. The story was unbelievable and even the ending was weird without any direction. Where was the romance? Was that ending supposed to make us feel good? Some of the bullying bordered on life and death. How can the word comedy be added anywhere in this series? When I review dramas, I like to add a misery index to my reviews when it’s needed. This one receives a misery index of 10. I don’t know how many times I have to say it. Three minutes of sunshine at the end of a show full of misery does not leave you with a good feeling. All you remember is the misery and hate.
Looking back, I can’t believe I watched it twice. I would never recommend this series to a friend.
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I'll be honest and say that the whole drama contains all the elements of the typical romantic K-drama. But we shouldn't focus only on the story and forget the cast. I think that the cast is the best thing in this drama. Ji Chang Wook is -as ever- perfect at conveying his emotions and feelings. I also discovered Won Jin Ah for the first time in Melting Me Softly. Her acting is really good and the two protagonists had and incredible chemistry.
At some points, I found some scenes really sappy and even noticed some plot holes. But overall, this drama is suitable for everyone who is looking for a typical romance with a very handsome male lead and a beautiful female lead.
I think that Ji Chang Wook could have done better for a comeback drama in comparison with his previous projects. I really like him for being able to demonstrate the feelings of his character with incredible sincerity. In Melting Me Softly, I felt like crying during some scenes and especially the last episode. Concerning his acting skills, he's never disappointed me.
To resume, I would say to everyone thinking about watching MLS don't get your expectations very high concerning the story. It's a typical romantic drama. However, if you're looking for wonderful chemistry and a happy ending then go for it. After all, it has Ji Chang Wook as the male lead !!!
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IT WAS A MESS
DISCLAIMER: this review contains my thoughts and feelings. You don’t have to agree with me I’m just giving my opinion.Season 1 >>> Season 2
Everyone felt super performative at first. Especially Seo Eun and Seul Ki. Like you could tell they were conscious of the cameras watching them trying to appear sweet and innocent etc. Over time some got better, some got worse so let’s get into it:
Singles inferno could’ve done so much more to improve this season and entertain the contestants. There isn’t enough to do in the inferno and quite frankly paradise should only be for deepening a connection that has already been established. They act like age and career is so pivotal in getting to know someone when to me that is the least. I’m sure the contestants can find other things to talk about and be more engaged and have an interesting conversation without feeling like they have to tiptoe around everything they’re saying in fear that they might give away their age or career. Imo everyone should have an opportunity to go at least once and the show should force people out of their comfort zones and allow everyone to truly get to know everyone. For example, a person shouldn’t be able to pick the same person twice or 2 days in a row and the dates / challenges should be more inclusive. They could also throw in a wild card like if the contestant is not enjoying time with the person they chose then they have the opportunity to switch out partners or something like that.
A major issue I had with the show and the men was how obsessed they were with Seul Ki. She is a positively bland person and I can’t even begin to fathom how she had all three men chasing after her. It’s obvious they only liked her because of her looks (ideal in Korean beauty standards) and because she is rich. Nothing else! It was very sad watching Dong Woo still choose her even after being rejected. And it was insane seeing her develop feelings for Jong Woo overnight just because he gave her the attention Jin Young was unable to express. I still believe Jong Woo is just a replacement for Jin Young. The way she phrased her choosing him as finally choosing the guy who chooses her first instead of going after the guy she likes??? Lmao if I was Jong Woo I would feel so hurt watching that back because I literally cringed. Anyways, I hear they’re still together now so I can only hope it worked out for the best, though I’m sure it’s just for PR and followers so they will break up.
The back and forth with Seul Ki and her feelings which she was unsure about until the night before was so unattractive to me. In my opinion, she is way too grown to be acting so immature and being so indecisive. I wish she and Jin Young didn’t take up the screen time but that’s exactly what happened and what the producers wanted.
Out of all the men the one I hated the most was Yoong Jae… he gave me cocky / narcissistic vibes with the way he treated So E and even Han Bin. Obviously the girl I hated the most was Seul Ki… she filled up the screen time and it wasn’t like she was interesting or had much to say. I’m sure she’s a great person deep down but I do not think dating shows are for her. The second person I found insufferable was Min Su because she stayed choosing Jin Young even though she knew Nadine liked him. Ugh it’s the way Jin young upset me with choosing Seul Ki even though he had the best connection and best vibes with Nadine. Platonic or not they were great and he would’ve been better off choosing her. But no he had to come with his bullsh*t talking about how he knows he likes a girl in 3 seconds and if he feels sparks or what not.
My favorite contestant by far was Nadine. I don’t care if people want to keep saying that she was only there for her Thesis and how she spoke English to try and "flex" on the others. If you watch her YouTube channel you can see what kind of person she really is. I appreciated her genuineness because even though she was nervous and shy at first (especially because she had to speak Korean) you could tell she was a really down to earth person. And even though she didn’t end up with anyone I feel like she grew from the experience and learned to be more vulnerable and stop being afraid of approaching guys first. I love her and I will be rooting for her beyond paradise because she made the show enjoyable and made me want to stick around.
With that said, another person I think deserved so much better was Se Jeong. You could feel the colorism dripping from the screen with each episode lmao. Because she was not paper white like the rest she did not have a chance to go to paradise, make it make sense! She was gorgeous and all of the men overlooked and forgot about her just because she didn’t fit their “ideal” type. I had to ask myself “are they blind?” more the a few times. I got even angry when Jin Young said she was only “girl crush” material indicating that she wasn’t even potential girlfriend or wife material. That comment was so insulting and you’d think that the world was becoming more open and progressive but no. People still judge others by their skin color first calling it preference or “ideal” type. I don’t think Se Jeong had a real chance in the inferno and it was sad to watch her day after day be lonely. I know people are gonna say she doesn’t have a personality and is bland but that isn’t true. People should be blaming the producers and editors for not showing her scenes and overlooking her like the rest. In small moments you could see her efforts in trying to get to know the guys but they just weren’t interested in her the same way. Some of them claim to have picked her on day 1 for ideal type and changed their minds but we don’t know how true that is. I say Se Jeong just had bad luck and was around the wrong group of men.
The only couple I truly enjoyed was Se Jun and So E. So E definitely came a long way since the initial episodes… at first I did not like her and thought she was fake and willing to steal other peoples men. But that wasn’t the case… she was naive and it was upsetting when you’d hear her say stuff like how she’d keep trying for Yoon Jae no matter how many times he rejected her. That in itself infuriated and annoyed me so badly because we were finally seeing her true determined nature however it was like she couldn’t recognize that she deserved better and should stop settling for less. I felt so bad seeing her put herself through all that even though Yoon Jae refused to acknowledge her or give her the time of day. He even tried to let her down easy / reject her but she refused to take a hint.
I was so happy when Se Jun arrived in paradise and finally saw So E. He truly saw her and accepted her for who she was and didn’t even care about her previous connections with any of the other guys before he arrived. He really put her first and took such good care of her. His kindness and compassion towards her warmed my heart. You could really see that he just wanted her to be happy and make the most of the experience. He didn’t want her to feel obligated or pressured into choosing him, he wanted her to explore her options and make decisions of her own free will. In my humble opinion Se Jun was the best guy in paradise.
I’ve watched the reunion episode with them reacting to their clips and I have to say I’m glad the cast members have remained in contact with each other and seem friendly / like friends. That was the only outcome of the show anyways because it’s just so unrealistic for people to “fall in love” in nine (9) days. Plus in eastern culture it takes so much longer for them to trust and have a connection or even get physical. Watching this show is such a let down in comparison to other shows. If I didn’t have anything better to do I probably wouldn’t have watched. The show needs more spice but lmao this is coming from a western viewer — I like shows like too hot to handle, the bachelor / bachelor in paradise, love island etc.
I just feel like the people the show casted are all adults and should be more forthcoming with their feelings especially if they choose to sign up for a dating show that only lasts for 9 days. They’re all grown so it’s so annoying watching them keep up the innocent childish act to preserve their reputation or what not. Like cut the bs. It’s why I have to give the show a 5.5 /10. I literally feel like I wasted my life and those are hours I’ll never get back. My own fault, obviously but I’m glad I got to see persons like Nadine, Se Jun and So E. Watching them made it worth it somehow 😂🤍
Overall, I felt like the show was predictable. If you’ve watched season 1 it’s the same exact thing to expect in season 2. There’s no difference except for the cast and I presume as the seasons go along it will only become more boring because persons want to appear a certain way to the audience watching and don’t really know how to be their true authentic selves. Also parts of the show are scripted like you can’t tell me each season there will be a girl who has 3 men choosing her??? Be fucking fr
Would I recommend this to others? Probably not. Not unless you want to purposely drive yourself insane for 8 out of 10 episodes or you want to stick around for the rare gem of a couple (So E and Se Jun)
Anyway, thanks for reading!
❤️
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This review may contain spoilers
SPOILERS ALERT. Please do not continue reading if you don't want to know the story line.Synopsis:
Jie You (Zhang Xin Yi) is a young, lively and enthusiastic girl who traveled with her group of friends and her teacher as a performance group. Jie You was an orphan and was picked up by her teacher. When she was picked up, she had a piece of jade around her neck. During their travels in the desert, she sets off on her own to look for water sources and meets Weng Gui (Yuan Hong) who was fighting with xiong nu soldiers.
The second time they meet was when she was performing a magic trick and Weng Gui was hiding from the xiong nu soldiers in her performance box. He had been badly injured and Jie You chose to let him stick with them. After she had treated him, Weng Gui lied that he was just a merchant from WuSun. After a series of events, they got closer and together they tried to help Jie You find out about her parents. Weng Gui however was actually on a mission to visit the Han Emperor to raise a marriage between the Han and WuSun for the sake of alliance. He left his dagger with Jie You and told her that no matter where she went, he would find her as long as she kept the dagger close to her. By then they had fallen deeply in love with one another.
However, Jie You discovers that she is actually related to the imperial family. In a twist of fate, she ends up being chosen as the he qin gong zhu of Han and will thus marry the king of Wu Sun, who also happens to be Weng Gui's brother. Throughout the show, many times Jie You has to choose between being the princess of Han to doing what is right for the citizens of WuSun, against her will to be with the love of her life, Weng Gui. Because Jie You helps Kun Mi (King of WuSun) share the burden of managing the country, Kun Mi gradually falls for Jie You.
During her stay in WuSun, Jie You faces many obstacles put infront of her by the princess of Xiong Nu, Hu Gu, out of jealousy for Kun Mi's liking. Jie You sacrifices being with the person she loves for the people of Han and WuSun while Weng Gui sacrifices everything for her, always coming to her rescue when she is in trouble.The plot develops along the lines of 2 people deeply in love who are so close yet so far, and the sacrifices they make for each other.
Acting:
The casts are extremely good as the chemistry between Zhang Xin Yi and Yuan Hong is out of this world! And yes they are dating in real life after acting together in this drama. In this show Yuan Hong is able to pull of the character as one who is a child at heart but becomes a mature man when it comes to the woman he loves. Zhang Xin Yi also portrays the character of Jie You extremely well, being able to show that Jie You is weak at times but able to put up a strong front when it is needed of her. The scenes in which she struggles to make decisions are always well put up, reflecting her psychological torment.
Music:
I love the opening theme song and can't stop listening to it.
Overall:
I would totally watch this drama again. I somehow feel that the romance scenes had a lot of potential to be improved because of the story line. A lot of romance scenes which I saw in the trailers of this show did not seem to have made it to the actual 45 episodes of the show. I hope that there is actually a 46 episode version that includes those scenes. Strongly recommend this drama as I think it is underrated.
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oh....my.
wow...I know I am not alone in feeling incredibly disappointed in how this drama turned out. what started out as a hopeful coming of age story about growing up and finding your place in the world...ended with an hour of "your friendships of youth are meant to be kept in the past...deal with it :)"Twenty-Five, Twenty-One started out (and, honestly, continued to be until about episode 14) as one of the most genuine, engaging, and hopeful dramas I had seen in a long time. the characters were charming, but also human, with flaws and development that really made you feel like you were growing up with them. their friendships were the kind that had struggles, but as they grew up, they learned how to navigate these conflicts. it showed the realities of growing up, young love, and finding your place in the world.
and then it totally crashed and burned.
here's the thing, I actually am all for bittersweet, or even sad, endings. I just did not feel like this one did the story justice. it was such a...non-ending, that it felt like a cheap cop-out to get an emotional reaction, which was in stark contrast to the rest of the drama, where each of the emotional moments was in the story for an obvious developmental reason. I knew from the start that this drama would probably not have a "happy" ending, but nonetheless, I was very disappointed in this.
the ending, which provided no true closure for anyone but Hee-Do (kind of), felt like it was communicating a message that any friendship that happens in your childhood is...intended to be left there? that none of the youthful love or hope you have can follow you into adulthood... this, paired with how melancholy adult Hee-Do seems to feel about her life, was incredibly strange in contrast to the other 14 episodes of character development and hopeful storytelling.
all in all, it left a bad taste in my mouth. I feel like this drama was designed to be watched while it aired, and it created great engagement in the audience due to this fact...and maybe this is why the ending felt short. they kept the "mystery" going for too long, in a way that did not leave them time to truly flesh out the ending. I am not sure. I feel like they could have kept the "open ending" concept, and just tweaked it a bit... showing us that some of the friendship group were still in touch, or something...the fact the drama went to such great lengths to keep all the side couples together, and then threw out not only the main couple's romance but also their very long friendship so abruptly... hm. it just felt incredibly out of place and incredibly disappointing.
perhaps this is all a testament to how lovely the first chunk of the drama was! I highly recommend the first 14 or so episodes...but save yourself and do not watch the finale. it is not worth it.
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Fantastic throughout but slipped in the finale
There could have been no better project than this for Lee Jong Suk to make a comeback through. I wanted to anticipate a lot but I had also in my mind that this could be another regular thriller drama with typical elements and development. However, by the interval (better late than never), I came to realize that this is way above the standard and is actually unique of a script. It might not be a masterpiece but it is admittedly is an excellent piece of thriller.Developed by ‘Studio Dragon’ and Produced by ‘AStory’ & ‘A-Man Project’, “Big Mouth (빅마우스)” is a hardboiled crime cum legal drama. Directed by Oh Choong Hwan and broadcasted on MBC, the drama was written by debutant writer Kim Ha Ram under the guidance of ace scriptwriters Jang Young Chul and Jung Kyung Soon. Made with 30bn won budget, it was also distributed by Disney+.
The drama keeps at center, Park Chang Ho (Lee Jung Suk), an infamous attorney with low success rate, who is known to distribute huge & empty promises, but fails to do anything, hence being named, ‘Big Mouth’ from his school days. Despite being an orphan, he has been lucky enough to have Ko Mi Ho (Im Yoon Ah) in his life, who is a skilled nurse at a famous hospital. One day, he gets a proposal from the Gucheon city mayor Choi Do Ha (Kim Joo Hun) to handle a mysterious murder case, solely because of his incompetence.
However, during his attempt to unveil the truth, he finds himself being framed as the notorious conman ‘Big Mouth’ who has been uncaught after scamming thousands of billion won sum. As every wind turns against him and his life changes overnight, he prepares himself within the Gucheon Penitentiary to fight his best to get out of it, while Miho too pulls strings to help solve the mystery surrounding the case and get to the root of it.
Other familiar actors in the drama playing major roles are: Lee Gi Young, Kwak Dong Yeon, Oh Ui Shik, Yang Kyung Won, Jeon Guk Hwan, Yang Hyung Wook, Ok Ja Yeon, Kim Jung Hyun, Jung Jae Sung, Jang Hyuk Jin, Kim Sun Hwa, Lee Yoo Joon, Oh Ryoong, Yoon Suk Hyun, Park Hoon, Kim Dong Won, Hong Ji Hee, Song Kyung Chul and Yoo Tae Joo.
Plot development is top-notch and the progression is definitely untypical of what ypu usually see in Kdrama thrillers. The pilot episode did a good job in establishing a background of both the story and the protagonist’s history, describing as to why he was called ‘big mouth’. The follow-up was steady and smooth showing how the protagonist tries to convince a mass of people as a part of his grand plan. Introduction of various elements and untwisting many knots further develops and builds immense interest of the show and I guess the ratings and popularity were hiked. There are several twists and peaks in each episode to hold the suspense and there was not a single sequence of events that lost its way. More than once, the show has such turning events that changes the entire dimension of the then situation of the show. The finale sequence would have been a pleasure and if you see it’s not really messed up but there were things that could have been avoided and there were things that could have been done better.
The two creators are pro-gamers in the industry and undoubtedly their tips have worked but in spite, it amazes me to discover that the main writer is a debutant, and this is not even an adaptation from where one can refer to for screenwriting. In short, the new jakka-nim has hit the spot proving their skills. From setting the stage, to enabling smooth and well-paced flow and from nurturing the characters to producing exciting outcomes, the show was thoroughly entertaining. Different plot elements served as a great deal of engagement. The dialogues and the momentary monologue narrations, particularly for the male protagonist, were very striking.
Making his comeback after 2 years, the maker of many popular modern dramas, Oh Choong Hwan PDnim has again been successful in implanting the entertainment factor within the audience. Owing to his directorial talent, this drama was excellent from every aspect. The very execution of screenplay has done wonders in a way that this will definitely be something the Kdrama stans will remember for long. The scenario of the Gucheon Penitentiary was well-planned and the setup meant to give off noir and shady vibes with a sense of darkness suited very well. The screen-editing with different types of sequence organization plus the sound production, made the experience even more thrilling and exhilarating.
Composed by Park Se Joon and written & sung by Justhis, “Brand New” is the one and only OST in this drama which is a rap song that was introduced at the end of the 8th episode, i. e. exactly at the interval, where a major twist takes place. I swear the vibes of the scene with the initial rap-lines were so gripping and rip-roaring that it instantly gave me goosebumps.
A case of mistaken identity escalating to a fight for survival is not new for Kdramas but what makes the drama to stand out is a unique storyline and stupendous execution. To be very honest, the theme and the overall mood of the drama are not that shabby and dark for the noir genre, instead the script is also decorated with lighter elements, which comes as a must for Korean dramas, that includes the individual arcs as well as various relationships between two and among two. I was particularly touched by the bonding between Chang Ho and his father-in law Ko Ki Kwang (Lee Ki Young), who were also co-worker at Changho’s own law firm. We can say that among all the chaos and misery he had to experience inside the prison, those moments worked like strength for him to prepare the road ahead.
Lee Jong Suk has taken up this chance of playing a character than his usual taste to challenge, learn and nurture his skills and he has visibly aced it. The range of dynamics he covers actually takes a lot to carry out: from a witless lawyer and fulsome family-man to a savage leader and wise survivor, who has to choose between life and death. Whereas the drama serves as a vehicle prepared for his comeback and he was not really exceptional, it was still appealing as a whole.
Contrastingly, Miho is lovingly yet perceptive lady who knows her strength and limits and acts with a calculative mind. Yoona is already a splendid actress and she carried out Miho very well. The medical conspiracy subplot that was portrayed through illegal and inhumane research projects done in secret and indulging Miho as the key-rider in unveiling it, was surely interesting but it somehow felt like the medium of giving Yoona more screentime, when it didn’t really relate with the main plot at times and lacked plausibility.
Kim Joo Heon as a main character is an exciting news for me, he has been a favorite actor and once again, he’s proved how fantastic skills he possesses. His firm facial expressions are the best aspect about him and the way he has utilized it throughout the show was compelling.
Yang Kyung Won’s performance as an antagonist was entertaining for sure though I had issues with accepting and adjusting with it in the initial episodes, but he improved quickly. I guess we have been so used to seeing him in the comic roles that it resulted in the awkwardness albeit his fierce negative role in a recent drama.
Romance is limited so expect the least if some of the initial sequences give you the idea that there is a lot of it in the drama. In a way, this fact serves as a strength for the overall development and quality. The love between the leads is limitless though, for the way they communicate and exchange emotions even though they don’t share much time onscreen together.
The antagonist side unlike others is very strong in the sense that, they are not very radical and know their limits and how to work with that. The hierarchy among them has been portrayed accurately with a prey-predator concept, as they are constantly pushed to pursue the leases of one another. The order of unveiling the evil was likable ngl, and then, the shift in influence was quite interesting.
The makers should be applauded for the plot elements, development and execution; all these resulted in building up a good amount of suspense. Given the usual trend in such thriller dramas, the chapter by chapter progression has been sketched in a way that, it was not at all easy to guess few things even by throwing stones into the dark. The kind of myriad twists and turn of events in the latter half of the show, especially the last four episodes, had me at awe; there were times it gave me goosebumps and had my eyes opened.
It was interesting how the drama has adapted innovative approaches in order to tackle simple subjects, by completely turning it around for which the outcomes always look much refined. A lot happened in the first episode, in the finale and in between, as well. The story and the premises entirely grip you before you realize it and the slow & steady transformation in Changho, i. e. his character development is beguiling for sure.
I am particularly upset with the ending because I was manifesting a lot. The elements there were actually caused and rooted in previous episode so we were assuming something like that might happen but when it actually did, I think it did feel a little off. the sequence of events felt rushed for sure and then the huge blow I was expecting didn’t happen at all and the manner in which things took turn were a little underwhelming. I am sure the writer must have thought it through before adding this particular event for a major character but I wish it didn’t happen.
Final Remarks… Big Mouth offers a wide range of ingredients of entertainment ad enjoyment and is actually a good thriller that should be tagged in the must watch list. With high production values and amazing performance, it results into appealing and satisfying outcomes even though there were aspects that could have been avoided from a critical pov. Please go ahead and watch it and you will realize that it has everything that pulls you in and holds you back. It was a easy 9.0 until the finale happened, so yeah!
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It's not your typical drama with a "Candy" female lead(which the drama was never ashamed of pointing out). Instead we finally get a realistic girl who does not love a man only for himself but also for his money. I know, right? Finally! Yes, those "Candy" girls are amazing creatures, but do they exist? Nope. Of course, there was some disadvantages to this along the way. Such as there was always this risk of disliking the female lead, which is definitely not a good sign. There were moments, when I wanted to throw my angry bunnies at her (which I can't, since apparently, they don't sell it *raises sad bunny*. Heads' up producers!). It's constantly at risk of turning to hate, but every time, the character manages to impress me. Whether from not running away as expected, or turning her boss to school. It was a love-hate thing. But I definitely loved her more times than hate though.
I like that this couple balances each other out. The drama's plot would lead us to believe that he's saving the girl with his money but really, she's helping him differentiate what's real and not. Also, she's helping him mend his broken relationship with his dad.
I considered giving this drama a 9 because of the ending, but when I look at back at some moments, I just scratched my head, so that's what kept me. I disliked how throughout the series, we're basically just waiting for the ball to drop. We know it's gonna happen, and hate that it's going to. It would've been great if they got that out of the way earlier. That way, I wouldn't have to brace for the impact throughout the drama, cowering down in fear of seeing poor Seung Jo hurt. This drama was far from unpredictable. But I do have to commend that there was really no villains, when there was, the conflict created by that villain didn't really drag for long.
There was tons of heartfelt moments, and I think it all added up to the "goods" of the drama, the reason why it far outweighs the "bad". The relationship of Daddy Cha and Seung Jo was just so awkwardly cute. It's the first time I've like an this much in-law in a while. I was actually surprised to care sooo much about the other characters besides the main couple. Despite characters that you could so easily hate, you understand their decisions, that they're just in the wrong path, and want them to come out of that tunnel.
Acting: If we're talking about acting and this drama, Park Shi Hoo should be the first name mentioned. He was all over this drama, all with his dorky self and his "kamsa" (gratitude). Really, I was just wishing for the girl to just throw him a bone here and give him tons of those. He carried most of the comedy by himself. I'm kinda worried for my next drama now, since having a Siwon and a Park Shi Hoo acting all goofy in my last two dramas would set the bar high. Next k-drama hero, you have a huge expectation to up-hold!
I was a bit disappointed with Moon Geun Young. She was good and she made me cry (as usual), but I was expecting a lot more. Throughout her performance, I was seeing shades of the awesome to come or the awesome she did in Cinderella's Sister, but instead I just kept thinking, "MOAR please". Maybe I set the bar too high, since she's that awesome since CS, but, she is capable of better. I was thinking if it was the character. Which, admittedly, was a bit dull, doesn't quite match up to Seung Jo's quirky self. That when they're in a scene together, you literally can see the light coming out of Seung Jo while on Se Kyung's side, it's all gloom. Or whether it's her acting, I can't figure it out. Those loving looks Moon Geun Young gives though, makes me swoon a bit. In this drama, she still didn't fail to bring in the chemistry despite the age gap (which never really occurred to me). Yeah, I'm bettin' it was the role. Maybe I'm biased, but turn around and, "SHHHHH".
I was pleasantly surprised by So Yi Hyun's performance. From watching Heartstrings, she was just 'downer ballerina' to me, who I wanted off my screen ASAP. But here, I totally believe her. When her world was in the midst of crushing down, her fear when realization hit, everything about it, made me root for her. I sincerely wanted her to get her own happy ending. Kim Ji Suk... MY GOD. I didn't like him in PT (didn't really find him that handsome), but wow... he's smart and sexy here. You've made a fan. Now, where's your own drama?
What kept me from giving the acting a ten, was Kim Yoo Ri. She wasn't good, not even near serviceable. She tries to too act cool, and fails, which kept her from giving the character any depth, with 'jealousy' tattooed all over her face. It doesn't help that her character was the epitome of predictable and every other villain we see in dramaland.
Music: I thought it fit the scenes. I gave it a 9 probably because of my bias for the song "Daddy Long Legs" by Baek Ah Yeon. Every single time it plays, I just swoon. And pair that up with a romantic scene, I'm a goner. The fact that the lyrics are subbed as well helps, it's just lovely.
Rewatch Value: There was a lot of cute couple scenes, so maybe rewatching snippets of those would be nice. But I don't really see the point of rewatching the whole thing. With this drama, you just want to know what would happen next, how would the characters turn out, but if you already know those, it would probably be boring.
Overall: Stand-out acting by (most of) the cast. Very surprising lesson at the end, with tons of heartwarming scenes by characters you care about and coupled with an amazing OST, I dearly recommend this drama. Yes, it can be predictable, but that's not really the strength of this drama. It relies on its characters, their reactions, and the acting. I'd gladly raise a happy bunny for this drama. And... PARK SHI HOO PARK SHI HOO PARK SHI HOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
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The romance may have been the main part in the previous two installments but this drama overall outdoes everything on every level for me(opinions may differ for all). I can only call this drama a masterpiece because NEVER have I ever seen or read or heard of such a story in my life before. This drama made me think about the beauty of relations and what kind of love is love. It is a story about remembering the past and being grateful for what you possess.
The OST happens to consist of old songs remade and it is another beauty that only enhances the drama. Every single song is jjang and goes with the mood of the drama perfectly.
When it comes to the cast, the casting was perfect. Hyeri was given such hatred in the beginning but I knew she'd be good. But she really exceeded my expectations too. All other cast members were also cute and Jin Joo will always be my favorite kid. <3
The story in spite of being so beautiful, was flawed. Towards the last quarter of the drama the characterizations went bad and some plots drug out too much. Trying not to focus on the romance at all in the drama kind of ruined it in some ways. The romance was cute but the love triangle wasn't executed properly. I think it's okay because whatever the writer wanted was accomplished. I found myself changing ships midway and Deok Sun indeed ended up with the one I wanted her to be.
This drama was a real charm and gave me 10 memorable weeks which I shall never forget. I'll always rewatch this drama and watching it in one go would be a treat, because it was a torture waiting for every week for the subs to come out.
You may or may not like this better than the "best" Reply 1997 but it's surely an improvement over 1994 and leagues apart from the other two combined for me. But- PLEASE do WATCH it.
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