I need a moment. I need to get my mind together because this drama just blew me away! This is the 1st time I wrote a drama review because this drama is just the best thing ever! So please go easy on me! ^^
Anyways.. I did not just finish the drama now! I watched the last episode on the day it came out but I needed time to write the review..
First things first, why I like this drama:
1. It is so original. It's different all the typical dramas of rich guy, poor girl and all that not-so-sad sadness. When you watch this drama, the emotions all seem real. There's a reason for fear, for sadness, for pain, and for happiness. There are great losses in this drama, which is why there's sadness among the characters. It's not like the characters are sad because their "love" forgot about them (as seen in typical dramas, which I don't dislike at all).
2. Most things are unexpected. This goes back to the originality of the drama. The scenes don't have a similarity or parallel to another popular drama, which is why you get all excited for every moment. :D
So all those categories that I rated....
Story- The story is essential! It's what made things interesting! Usually historical dramas have boring parts but this historical drama is modern enough that you could relate to it. It also teaches a lot about history and gives an insight on how cruel the Japanese were towards Koreans and other Asians. The plot shows great development. There's many rising and falling points so the drama doesnt excite you all at once or bore you all at once. Makes you want to watch more. Really, I did not get bored in any episode because every episode had an exciting and somewhat calm moment. This drama is meant for wide range of people. There's action, history, and romance. What else do you want?
Acting/Cast- Truthfully, I did not know who Joo Won was before watching Bridal Mask. I didn't know any of the actors except for the guys who played the count and Kimura Taro. As I watched this drama, I was sooo impressed with Joo Won and Park Ki Woong's acting! Both of them showed so much character change and development! In fact, all the main actors and actresses and supporting roles were great! They didn't just act as the character. They were the character. The characters all brought out their best acting that you feel love, sympathy, or hatred towards the characters.
Music- The music is very dramatic and emotional. Whenever there's a heartbreaking scene, I hear the song Goodbye Day and I become even more sad that I could cry. When I hear Judgement Day, I know something dramatic and action-packed is coming up. That's how much the music influenced a scene and pretty much the entire drama.
Rewatch Value- Really I don't rewatch dramas entire (I havent yet). But when I get a break from school, I'm gonna totally rewatch the drama while I force my friends to watch it for the 1st time! Like I said, I never got bored in any of the episodes in Bridal Mask! I finished the first 20 episodes in 2 days and I was thirsty for more of this drama!
Overall- YOU MUST WATCH THIS DRAMA! IT IS TOO GOOD TO PUT ASIDE FOR SOME OTHER DRAMA! THIS IS THE BEST DRAMA EVER!
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Wang He Di and Chen Yu Qi the best couple in this drama !
I started watching this drama because of the lead actor Dylan Wang, whose films I've been watching recently. And it turned out that this drama is one of the best I've watched in recent times, despite the many cuts they had to make due to censorship!Nice plot, although the beginning and the first episodes in the palace are too long ... it's good that then they moved the main characters outside the city and they could continue the development of the relationship.
The main couple is incredibly cute! They both had very good chemistry, it was felt as their love developed. Dylan Wang as Xiao Duo, at the beginning as stiff, unavailable, but with humorous moments, gradually under the influence of Bu Yin Lou, he turns into a sweet, in love man who wants to protect his beloved with all his might. He can joke, flirt and those beautiful scenes when he stares at his beloved BYL with his beautiful unusual eyes, something fantastic, I love this couple! I really regret that the censorship cut out so many nice, romantic scenes with them! And there was so much positive emotional charge in these scenes!
Chen Yu Qi also played very well, she was intelligent, clever and cheerful. Her relationship with the lead lead was fantastic. They supported each other. I didn't know this actress before, but I really liked her. I hope they will play together in another drama someday.
The secondary characters also did very well. Fans that the plot also had a lot of funny elements, it did the whole drama well.
I lost the most nerves because of the character of Murong Gao Gong, the one who was initially undervalued, unsuccessful and fixated on memories of a girl who once helped him in his childhood, a prince, and then a cynical, psychopathic emperor fixated on an imaginary unrequited feeling for his childhood savior WAS. Ruthless if anyone opposed him. Peter Ho played it so well I wanted to strangle him. It's a pity that he took revenge on the main characters until the very end.
I didn't like that the solution was rushed and in the last episode. Fortunately, it worked out well for the main leads. But there are no scenes between the two main leads after they split up and the final scene ends with the main leads running out of town, but it's unclear if they ran out or not because the episode ends here. I know there was a scene of the main leads out of town on a hill in a beautiful romantic setting, and I don't know why they cut it. This scene would have ended the whole thing beautifully. So I am sorry about that. I recommend it for shaving.
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Jung Woo-Sung is a must-watch actor. His versatile performances are hard to come by these days.
So if the storyline seems intriguing AND I get a chance to watch him deliver, I'll take that as a nod to dive into the fresh pool. Jung Woo-Sung always has something special to offer to his audience/fans.
Storyline:
Padam Padam has to be one of the most original scripts up-to-date (at least from all the Korean dramas that I've watched thus far). I love how the series does not look down on its' viewers. In other words, the plot doesn't go around in a continuous loop. Most, if not everything, gets resolved and there's no hiding/bickering between characters for too long. Hence, it doesn't make the viewers angry. The main character is very straightforward/honest, so perhaps that explains why the plot doesn't stall also.
The pacing of Padam Padam was just a tiny bit slow for me. However, I don't know exactly what they could have left out, since I believe most of it was necessary. Perhaps, it's just me who finds it a tad slow paced for my taste (especially near the end).
So what does this series have to offer?
a) Pathos driven. It will pull at your heartstrings whether you like it or not. I didn't cry, but I know people who did.
b) Sense of humor/comedy. The comedy nicely contrasts with the emotional/seriousness. There's quite a lot and it's incorporated together really well. It doesn't feel forced. I actually even laughed out loud at some parts (especially the bantering between Gook Soo and Kang Chil).
c) Family Relationships. There are a lot of heart-tugging/tender relationships (especially b/w a father and son, and son and mother).
d) Friendship. I absolutely loved the bromance between Kang Chil and Gook Soo. Those two are my favorite 'pairing' from this drama.
e) Very Romantic. Our two leading stars are not afraid to express their emotions on-screen. They looked sublimely natural together. Love the small/big romantic gestures. It doesn't feel cheesy either.
f) Strong dialogues/writing. This obviously enhances the series' quality.
g) Originality. Like, I've mentioned above.
h) Unpredictable. It's actually quite unpredictable, since there's an element of fantasy involved.
j) Fantasy. There's a touch of supernatural which I was hesitant at first, but it worked nicely. I wish they would have delved more into the 'chicken mutant'.
i) Crime drama. Not your typical gangsters. Phewww!
k) Realistic. One of the most realistic Korean dramas out there, despite it being marketed as a melodrama. The poor characters actually wear the same clothes multiple times. No characters are super 'evil'. Many themes (hope, will, and miracle) relate to our modern society/life. Even the locations and reactions from the characters are realistic. In fact, realism is probably the series' strongest point (aside from the great casts).
Each episode doesn't feel like a separate episode. It rather feels like a whole storybook told from the POV of the protagonist, Yang Kang Chil. And thankfully, he's a well-rounded/flawed character.
Acting/Characters:
I enjoyed most of the characters. I wasn't on the edge of my seat rooting for them, but I am glad that I went on such a wonderful/heart-warming experience with them.
My favorite characters are: Kang Chil, Gook Soo, Mi Ja (Kang Chil's mother) and Min Hyo-sook.
You grow to love these characters as you understand their motives/reverse-psychology tactics. Their reactions are very realistic and each character has distinct qualities which makes them unique. I despise when characters are just written to support the main characters’ existence. Padam Padam is definitely not one of those cases.
Without a doubt, Kang Chil’s character stood out the most. He’s such a heart-warming character. He has lots of flaws, thus many ranges of emotions. Probably every emotion that exists can be seen in his character. The reason why Kang Chil is such an expressive character is largely thanks to Jung Woo-Sung. His face contortions and smiles don’t require words to back up his character’s (Kang Chil) unique thoughts. I can’t remember the last time I saw a character with such huge range of complex emotion. Jung Woo-Sung has never failed to amaze me (perhaps in Athena, but that wasn’t the actors’ faults). He really understands his character well and it shows A LOT.
Gook Soo is also an amazing character (too bad Kang Chil is hard to beat). I love his innocence / contemplation of what is a miracle or not. He’s like the archetype of Kang Chil. In a way, they both bring out the best in each other and it is indeed rare to come across such a strong bromance. They truly stick to each other through thick and thin. Kim Bum has improved A LOT from the last time I saw him in Boys Over Flowers. When I first saw him in BOF, I never thought of him as manly, but he has definitely changed my mind. He’s also a very versatile actor. I can’t wait to see him in another project that will do him justice like this one. He’s a young actor that should be used to the fullest potential (like Kim Soo Hyun).
Mi Ja is the epitome of a caring mother. She often uses reverse psychology because she doesn’t want to show her weakness. And I love how she’s so brave / strong even though she’s a single mother. Definitely love the relationship b/w her and Kang Chil. It’s also rare to see a bonding mother-son relationship in K-dramas. The closest one that I’ve come across is Will it Snow on Christmas?
I don’t know why, but I just love Hyo-Sook’s presence. I admit that I wasn’t too fond of their countryside accents at first (shallow me!), but I grew to like hers. Her conversations with Gook Soo were also tender / cute. She really brightens the mood whenever she appears, which is nice for a change.
On a side note, since Ha Ji Min plays a huge role as well, why not talk about her? I personally thought her character, Ji Na, felt unoriginal for me. She's your typical Korean drama girl. I was hoping for a more in-depth characterization b/w her and her father. It wasn't a huge deal in the end though.
Nonetheless, Ha Ji Min played her character beautifully. If a less experienced actress played her role, I think it would have been hard to watch, since Ji Na isn’t a very interesting character to start. The thing that stood out for me the most is how Ji Min reciprocates Woo-Sung’s actions/love. They felt so natural together that it was hard not to believe that they aren't more than just friends in real life. Ji Min and Woo-Sung are probably one of the best/most natural on-screen couples I’ve seen. I’ve already mentioned in my review of The Princess’s Man how I like it how couples give the same amount of effort in the relationship (HATE when the man does everything). And they did just that, or they even went beyond it! One look/one touch, sparks were flying all over the place.
Music:
Originally, the songs didn’t peak my interest, but as the drama and its’ characters pulled me in, I started to take notice.
My two favorite songs are “You’re a Fool” by Brown Eyed Girls (JeA) and “In Order to Live” by Noel.
“You’re a Fool” matches so well with Ji Na’s perspective. The melody pulls at my heartstrings.
On the other hand, “In Order to Live” fits the mood and it makes me palpitate whenever it comes at the end of the episodes.
These two songs make you feel like you’re living a part of these characters’ lives.
The other songs were nice, but they didn’t stand out.
Bonus:
It took me awhile to get into the way it was filmed. First of all, it was shot like an actual film.
The backgrounds/scenes look rather gloomy for my taste. Though, it gave it darker/grittier atmosphere which complemented the tone of the drama. Hence, I slowly came to appreciate the cinematography. It added realism to the storyline.
Did I mention that Woo-Sung and Ji Min look beautiful here? Honestly, beautiful, beautiful couple! Not just in the looks department, but the way they cared for each other.
Love the addition of Tengie!! I'm an animal lover, so maybe that's why.
Overall:
Loved it! Padam Padam is a well-rounded drama if you’re looking for a melodrama that’s realistic (does that make sense?). Not only is it realistic, but the characters are thoroughly fleshed out (with a few minor missing). I loved the concept and the twist of fantasy.
If you’re a sensitive person, you might want to carry a box of Kleenex with you while watching this. Padam Padam excels at bringing one moment of sadness followed by a moment of happiness. The mood transition happens quite quickly, but it’s plausible (can’t really explain it until you’ve seen it). My mom actually cried while laughing at some point (no, she’s not crazy).
It’s quite uplifting and inspirational too. So if you’re looking for a change/originality in K-dramas, be sure to give this a chance. You won’t regret it.
It's not the type of drama that I would watch over right away, since some parts were kind of slow (for me at least).
Overall rating for review: 9.5/10
Purely for entertainment: 9/10 (Why not 10 instead? Padam Padam is a spectacular drama, but I did not obsess over it)
My Dramalist rating (avg): 9.25/10
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WORST ENDING EVER
After watching the 1st episode i thought they might abolish whole spheres and go military basement or something i thought may be some of them may die and i might cry after seeing those moments. actually don't feel a thing even after watching the whole class die .After knowing that CSAT got cancelled the 1st person who got into my mind is yeong soo and after he gone crazy i thought I feel really ba- ,then this assault happened . I thought he may die because of this and their friends may remember him in good way and feel bad for him. but he f**king killed the whole class. I feel bad for those two who left alone .but they should have shown more fighting scenes and more adventurous things than emotional scenes because 90% of part 2 is all about emotions even though this is action drama.lol.I think if the radio didn't break they might've known that CSAT didn't cancelled because those science students already left there group so they didn't know what happened later . 😮💨 I shouldn't have given 10/10 for part 1.
And that ending credit scene 😮💨😮💨 why that song 😮💨 after that shit .
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The idea is better than the execution
This series is a hot mess, to be honest. I was looking forward to it for a while before it aired. I like the cast in other things and I really was excited to see a bit more frankness and reflection on the toxic aspects of the BL industry. I have been watching BL dramas intermittently for years and I really hate the romanticisation of assault and rape as well as toxic fan behaviour in response to fan service. I so wanted this to be an intelligent exploration of the importance of respecting boundaries and consent both on- and off-screen and how taking fan service seriously can really objectify the actors in a way that hurts. This series sort of gets a third of the way there I think.The plot is a bit messy and fragmented at times. The focus is generally on the lead couple and their relationship. However, their relationship evolves at an odd pace. Nubsib being in love from the beginning was kind of annoying to me, I prefer a bit more evolution personally. Although the first scene with them both is genuinely well-performed. Gene seemed to be attracted but unsure and that never fully went away or evolved into something more secure. Consent was really well-explored with them and a constant communication in their relationship which is rare in BL and I really did like. But, to be very frank, there was often little else to their relationship. There was mutual attraction and respect, but minimal evolution and growth. Although the child actors performances were genuinely excellent, the history of the characters and their shared childhood is an overused trope and was executed poorly, in a very ‘info dump’ kind of way.
The acting was inconsistent and I think some of that is about the script itself. The script had minimal meaningful dialogue and the character development is poor. There were several times where Nubsib is asking Gene to listen to him and then proceeds to say nothing. It’s stupid and impossible to act properly. The dialogue was not character-driven and was often more about saying something about the industry which made it feel fake and preachy, rather than raw and relevant/human.
The villain of the story should have been the industry with toxic production staff being controlling and manipulative for money and fans crossing the line over and over, hurting their faves in the process. We do have some of that, particularly towards the end. However, there is also Aoey, who is clearly unwell and is extremely toxic. His character is necessary, his characterisation is not. It feels like cowardice to create a villain out of him because it means fans can see his character and call him the villain, rather than see the villainy of the fans in the series and reflect on themselves and their fandoms. There are too many villains. It dilutes the message of the toxicity in the industry and is a much weaker plot device that is overused throughout the story and makes it unnecessarily melodramatic.
The sound design and soundtrack was often irritating and distracting. There are times when sound effects and music are not only unnecessary but also damaging to the scene. If it adds nothing to the tone or mood, or if it distracts from the tone or mood intended, don’t use it. Loads of post-production sound and music does not make a bad story, script or scene better, it can only do that to a good scene, it can always make it worse.
This series really is variable. The final episode is really good. But a lot of it is unnecessary, draggy or distracting.
If you watch BLs it is definitely worth a watch, there are enjoyable parts and it is somewhat educational. You might skip or speed through parts, to be honest, but I still think it has some valuable stuff to say, even if it could have been said better from a storytelling point-of-view. However, if you don’t I think you could safely give this a miss.
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Potatoes might save the world but they couldn't save this drama !
I’ve been hyping this show like it’s the second coming of comedy gold - raving about how a drama set in a potato research lab turned into my weekly dose of chaotic fun. But as they say, don’t count your damn potatoes before they sprout.Turns out, all that initial charm? Just a smokescreen for a half-baked storyline. The strong character sketches we were promised early on quickly dissolved, leaving behind personalities so watered down, they twisted themselves out of shape just to drag the plot along.
The writing has been inconsistent for ages - barely throwing us crumbs of actual plot while drowning in slapstick. And I let it slide because hey, at least I was laughing... until I wasn’t. When the humor dried up, all that was left was a messy script and characters who lost their spark faster than a firework in the rain.
Mikyung? Sis gets mad at Baek Ho but barely flinches when her ex - the walking red flag who trashed her life - shows up. Like, why are we reserving all the cold shoulders for the guy who’s actually on your side, and giving your villain-era ex a free pass? Where’s the wrath? The fire? The “watch me burn your memory to ash” energy?
And the side characters? They were elite as chaotic roommates - a comic relief dream team. But instead of letting them thrive in their lane, the writers decided to toss them into emotional subplots no one asked for. For what? To fill 20 more minutes of runtime? Peak mismanagement. They deserved better. We deserved better!!
As viewers, we got roped into a subplot that actually had depth - convincing, well-executed, promising. Only for it to get tossed aside with the most lazy, nonsensical exit imaginable. It’s like the writers got bored halfway through and hit “wrap it up” with zero remorse.
The ending? Don’t even get me started. It disappointed me in ways I don't have the energy - or desire - to unpack. Just know it felt like betrayal with a smile. And I am mad like very mad !!
In the end, it wasn’t the plot holes or the slapstick that ruined this show - it was the forced friendships and unnecessary reunions that nobody asked for. You had the perfect romcom recipe, and you still managed to burn it. Bravo.
I barely have anything else to say, so I’ll just wrap it up like this:
Watch it for the laughs, the chaos, the absurdity - whatever floats your boat. But don’t make the mistake of hoping for a satisfying payoff. Drop it whenever you feel like it, guilt-free. That’s that.
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“Can people eat cat food?”
I've been waiting for this drama for a long time and I was worried it wouldn't hold up to my own hype. Well, I worried for nothing because this drama is delivering on so many levels. It was a mistake to watch this while it's still airing because I simply could not get enough.
The story isn't necessarily original, warm FL & domineering CEO ML, but the chemistry between the cast is perfect. Each character plays their part perfectly as if written for them personally. The main couple is so good that when they're apart it's almost painful waiting for them to share the screen again.
What I Love:
- Heart Flutters! This drama is delivering on all the heart flutters you want out of a rom-com. The chemistry is off the charts. It's as if the 2 leads are magnets! I can't get enough of them being together. Not only is the romantic chemistry there but the comedy between them is there too. I'm having so much fun watching their relationship and characters develop. (Also, they kiss quite a bit. Lots of steam here)
- The ML seems cold but you find out pretty earlier on that he's actually pretty silly. Unlike a lot of dramas, it's not the FL that brings this out in him, he's already silly on his own just in private. We see this early on when he's with his uncle/best friend. He's serious and cold about his business but not in his personal life. It's more that he's a bit shy and protective of himself when it comes to his personal life.
- The FL is very sweet and warm but don't let that fool you. She is smart, capable, and often the hero. Even though she's quiet, that doesn't mean she's at all stupid. Bullying her doesn't work. But because she's warm and sweet as a viewer I keep worrying for her, as if someone is going to tear her down and break her spirit but she proves over and over that she's not that type of FL. I find myself constantly cheering her on.
- The FL's best friend is the friend we all deserve and more. I love how supportive and fierce she is about the FL. She will literally fight someone's mom for her friend and I love to see it.
- The ML's best friend/uncle is also a favorable character. He protects and loves his nephew dearly. Everything about their bromance is fun and supportive and I enjoy watching them interact.
What I Don't Love:
- There are 2 semi-annoying characters who don't want the leads to be together but they're not unrealistically evil. I think this is good because it shows them as real people. They are jealous like real people are but not devilishly jealous. They try to gain favor the way real people would but they don't go around trying to ruin lives to get what they want. I do feel like they use these two as fillers towards the backend of this drama which did impact my rating slightly. It's just frustrating to watch the SML not getting the hint that Ke Lan just isn't into him. He's quite dense when it comes to women. Even though I find these 2 characters annoying I don't have hate for them. More of an annoyance with them than anything else.
- There's something that happens with the main couple that I really dislike because the FL's reason is frustrating and frankly so is her mom for letting her daughter make the decision she did. These episodes really upset my feelings for this drama. When the leads are together there's so much magic. When they are apart this drama feels quite slow and sad but that's because the leads are just so so good together.
- There are a few slower episodes. Some are "build" episodes and I don't mind these but there are a couple of episodes towards the end where I would have preferred seeing more of the MC together. Although what happens between the MC is necessary for them to be together long-term (mostly on the ML's side of things), I wish the issue didn't take up so much time. I wish we would have seen the main couple together more in the end, after everything was resolved.
Note-worthy:
There's also the ML's ex who obviously wants to get Yu Hao back but she's also not an evil character, just a regretful ex trying to win him back. There's really nothing outlandish about her actions other than trying to separate the MC. The MC handles her really well. As a couple, they are mature about her. Also, the way Yu Hao goes about dealing with his ex is mature, compassionate, and respectful of the relationship they once had.
Would Recommend
Would Re-watch (with some skipping)
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Short and sweet!
Aww it was such a pleasant and heartwarming story that there's a still on my face as I just finished it and here to write review so I can convey my emotions properly. It was short in time but not in content, in just 8 episodes of mare 16-20 minutes give you a lot pleasure it's short but properly executed, the cinematography, acting and the music is topnotch.You explore a lot, in every episode you see a different story, different emotion and it's very interesting and fun too watch, I won't spoil you anything but I can definitely assure you that you'll enjoy every minute because of it's uniqueness . So it's great watch I had great time, you won't regret it watching....
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This turned out to be a big dissapointment. I have to say that I really love the idea of the Joalert. Before it was aired, when I read the plot I thought that it was indeed a cool idea and that it would be a great drama. I was thinking that the love alert would have many paths to take( you could make a romantic story or go from romantic to something really fucked up). Indeed, they do throw in some protests or mass suicide or a rapist but they were just a few seconds from a long time of basically nohing.I see no sense in Jo Jo s family story and trauma. It s true that I haven t seen until now in a drama a kid that survived that kind of a thing but, again, it had almost no connection with the story. Scenes must mesh together but in Love Alarm they are like different stories put blindly together. The evil cousin and aunt, her difficulties and how the cousin kept saying that she killed her parents were ABSURD.
How Sun Oh stole, really stole his best friend s crush was a really bad move, it s hard to love him after he did that as a character. He s lucky that he is better looking so it makes you forget how childish and unacceptable his actions are. I understand a love triangle but that usually happens after each guy crushes on the girl but kinda not knowing about the other or they are enemies. In the end only they fight over her. Here? As soon as he hears about Hye Young s crush, Sun Oh goes immediately and kisses her because??? On what basis did he fall for her? He didn t for fuck s sake. It s something that leaves you stupid. Like what the hell did just happen?
What s the purpose of the scene where after the accident she couldn t contact him and went to his house and everything? I found it useless. Just time lost that could ve been replaced with some full of sense scenes. And after that the breakup. Why? Why?? Jesus.
I really liked Deok Goo though.
Another thing is the 8 episode release. Again. Why? Can t we have it the old kdrama way with 16/ 20 or whatever? I really hate the Netflix involvement here.
In conclusion this is bad. Really bad. I m not sure if I ll watch the sequel (if there will be one). God, I m so upset over it
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Hunger Games vibe
I rarely watch Japanese drama, the last japanese drama that i watch is Hitazura Na Kiss, yeah its completely different genre from this drama, I usually enjoy korean and chinese drama and they rarely have this kind genre of drama, so if you like drama that similar to Hunger Games then this is recommended for you !There’s somehow a lot of expected and unexpected moment from this drama, this drama is good but i just think that there’s some irrelevant scenes that make me bored.
Overall i’m enjoying this drama, hope the season 2 will be release soon.
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I absolutely adore this show! In the beginning it felt very much like the stereotypical Asian young-love-drama (e.g. how the two protagonists meet), however, it's done in such an over-the-top way that it's ironic and funny again.
The story is very light-hearted with almost no drama, and definitely no melodrama. The characters are well designed and wonderfully flawed - all of them. Even the male lead (who often is portrayed as flawlessly perfect in dramas) has a number of weaknesses that are believable. Sure, some of those are a bit cliché (the anti-social science genius with an 187 IQ but no idea who the Four Heavenly Kings are; neither in mythology nor pop-culture), but it's still done in a fun and adorable way. A great part of the show is actually about Gu Weiyi trying to eradicate his weaknesses in secret in order to appear cooler and more appealing to Situ Mo. These are often shown in little extra scenes at the end of (almost) each episode and are absolutely fun to watch.
I had a few miniscule issues with the show though, the biggest one being the portrayal of the rigid and overall nasty "Haigui" (=Chin. slang for people who return to China after studying abroad). According to most C-dramas, Haiguis are usually arrogant and aloof. Since I've seen this so often I guess there must be an iota of truth behind this stereotype, though I believe if you're an arrogant Haigui you probably were arrogant before going abroad ... The level of rigidness the Haigui in this drama displays tops even the infamous German rigidness - take it from a GBC ;)
Oh, and lights ... I've seen way worse, but still: PLEASE TURN OFF THE LIGHTS WHEN YOU LEAVE A ROOM! And if you're working at a laptop, and all the overhead lights are on already, do you really need to turn on another desk lamp? #SaveTheEnviroment
Sorry, I got side-tracked ... Here are my top 3 reasons why I recommend this show:
3. All characters are well-crafted and have their individual flaws that they try to overcome, which makes them all the more loveable and relatable. And like in real-life, there are no cartoonish evil people.
2. Since I am horrible at detecting on-screen chemistries, I'll say this instead: the two lead actors work very well together and are visually a cute couple. What's also great is the way they used some of these actors' features like the immense difference in height between the two for comic relief.
1. It has one of the funniest love-confessions I've seen so far, although you'll have to wait till EP 11.
Wow, I wrote way more than I intended ... if you made it this far, THANK YOU very much for reading! Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get a Roomba and name it Yuanyuan (find out in EP 7).
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This review may contain spoilers
A Strange Love Story?
What a morose show of human frailties in relationships. This show started and was promoted, as the story of Ji Ho and Se Hee. The beginning was interesting, and I looked forward to watching how they would break through the walls and become a real couple. The contract marriage concept is not new, but I’ve never seen it before with two completely dysfunctional people.I really liked this show, but the storyline drove me crazy. The Bok Nam scenario was a disaster, just embarrassing and maybe even sickening. It takes up half the show and means nothing. Ji Ho, a college graduate at the top of her class falls into the trap of an obviously creepy younger guy? She tells him about her marriage arrangement and doesn’t even think twice about it. She has little self-control, except with her fake husband. Even though she has already given thought to something being strange about Bok Nam, she sits there on a park bench and drinks beer with him. She marvels over his ability to woo the girls with his cheesy lines. It makes me think she would fall for any guy that has a good line. She’s impulsive and reckless but strong of character? It just doesn’t work that way. They have made her look easy and that’s not attractive on her. It was just as easy to see where this was headed. But, then came the fake husband to the rescue. So, what does this normal sane woman do? She goes back to work at the same place. Sits on the couch with her husband in a conciliatory position and listens to Bok Nam’s dribble. Bok Nam even goes through his stalking and manipulative thoughts, but still, they sit there and listen to him calling them names. But suddenly, Bok Nam is a nice guy again and Ji Ho is apologizing to him. Really? YOLO? Demeans her husband, calls her stupid for being with him, and stalks her, and he is a nice guy again? Wait, he is even giving her love advice? Why in the world would she care what Bok Nam thinks? It makes her look even more clueless and less attractive. Bok Nam spends all his time hitting on Ji Ho and telling her how much he likes her. She knows it, her husband knows it, but she still goes back to work with him on a one-on-one basis. This says all you need to know about Ji Ho’s character. To say a 30-year-old top college graduate can’t find any other job is just not workable. It’s not a matter of whether she has any love for her husband or what he thinks about her seeing Bok Nam, it’s a matter of pride and self-worth. Just come back and let him talk smack to her non-stop? No wait, bring the contract to Bok Nam for him to review. This really makes sense. Everything Bok Nam says she thinks about like it was wisdom from the Dalai Lama. If this wisdom were coming from one of her girlfriends it would have made more sense. But 24-year-old Bok Nam has a special spot in her life? He seems to be wealthy, why not just stay with him and void the marriage contract? Just go the whole way into the abyss. I take so much time talking about the Bok Nam issue because it is a springboard into what follows. All the Bok Nam scenario means is she has no redeeming values.
She meets the female CEO of a new production company (Se Hee’s Ex but we aren’t supposed to know it yet) and spills all her thoughts and dreams on the first night of drinking soju. Jumping around drunk and having a good time was a little strange with somebody you were expecting to work for. Without even being told we know who the female CEO is. Ji Ho is strangely happy just being around this woman. Acting happier than she ever has before. Gay? Straight? Who knows, but it doesn’t make her look more appealing.
I tried so hard to like the female lead character Ji Ho, but she doesn’t feel like a genuine person to me. She develops a head-down mumbling approach to Se Hee that drives me crazy. By episode 14 I can already tell how this will turn out, not well. Their relationship will just keep getting worse, slowly makes the story fall apart. The story started with these two and the story was even promoted with these two. They have no chemistry, and she seems miserable. What’s the point if it just falls apart? She liked Bok Nam well enough until he moved on, which by the way, she seemed disappointed.
Episodes 14 through 16 are just grueling. Watching her stare at the walls in her Room #19 mumbling to herself like the world is against her. She seems to expect something from him that she can’t give herself, unable to tell him she likes him while he sits in Room #19 unable to even comprehend the world much less express his feelings. With every minute I watch the show becomes less appealing. She asks Se Hee’s ex to go on a date with her. Now that’s not too strange, is it? Is it the subtitles making it appear this way? Did she really ask this woman on a date? She is never happy. I’ll be honest I don’t even understand all her mumblings. Ji Ho told everybody else except Se Hee that she loved her husband. I’m beginning to believe there is something wrong with the subtitles. She talks about how deep her love was for Se Hee to her father-in-law and her mother-in-law. Ji Ho never told Se Hee she liked him or loved him. She decided to sleep with him one night then fell asleep on him. The next time he asked, she rejected him. Granted he was a strange individual, but all she did for him was mess with his head, and leave when he started to have feelings for her.
As you would expect, the ending was just as weird. After a year or so in a hospice, or whatever that place was, she goes to his old place to make her move with a day one cake. Has she run out of girls and guys to woo her? She only looks halfway disappointed that he no longer lives there. But finally, the nicest part of the show. A chance meeting at the house on the roof. The chance meeting is nice, and she tells him she loves him, but he’s asleep. Couldn’t they even make him awake for that? Run Se Hee, she could change her mind tomorrow.
Subtitles: I hate to beat a dead horse, but I really think the translation may be off on this one. I think this was one of those shows that were difficult to translate. Nothing she mumbled made any sense.
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This review may contain spoilers
This is a makjang drama featuring all the possible common kdrama cliches you can think off, the main offenders being: amnesia, a bitchy ex gf, a second male lead trying to get the female lead, a time skip, and the worst case of noble idiocy I've ever seen in my kdrama watching journey of some years.The drama starts well, the humor although over the top, is hilarious at times and the story and characters seem to be a good enough reason to continue watching, that is until the male lead's hereditary disease manifests and he loses his memories of the last 3 months as a symptom, those months are conveniently the ones he spent with the female lead of course.
As if that event wasn't dramatic enough, right after the male lead gets his memories back, he decides to go on the noble idiocy route and break up with the female lead apparently to protect her from the sadness of knowing about his disease instead of discussing it with her. But no, that's still not all, right after they break up, she turns around to go back to him but gets hit by a car on the way and loses their baby. That was when I simply couldn't handle anymore ridiculousness.
What comes after is a time skip and after that a bunch of frustrating episodes filled with misunderstandings caused by the male lead's noble idiocy that is still going strong after 3 years. Oh my God.
The only good things about this drama are the acting, some funny scenes and the ost.
This could have been a 16 or 18 episodes drama had they not dragged the noble idiocy plot device for so many episodes, and that could have perhaps, saved the drama from being so hopelessly frustrating in the second half.
Still I powered through those difficult episodes because of the male lead's heartwarming relationship with the female lead's mother and because, despite everything, I grew fond of the characters.
Side note: also the ending was so cheesy, and childish lol
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Fabulous drama ?♥️❤️
I would suggest everyone to watch this drama because it's soooooooooo good and the couple are 🔥🔥 I'm in love with Hu yitian and xing fei,they look so good together,and some are saying that drama is boring or draggy,I wanna tell them that you have different or bad taste,what made you think draggy,or you all like those drama which are boring please don't take it to heart,but it's true.I would suggest everyone to watch it(give it a try) because everyone got different tatse,❤️🥰♥️
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a well made Korean Noir film in current generation... Song Joong-ki's new side ⭐
-- Korean Neo Noir genre is one of the best genre in South Korea, it's proved again --➠ Reminder :- Hopeless ( Hwaran) does not allow laughter or hope for a single moment. The dark and cruel scenery of the small town shown in " Hopeless" (Hwaran) and the shameful life of the human group make the audience will feel realistic story. Even the small possibility of the ending is good, so it is even more painful and refreshing.
➠ Theme :- Movies are noir in terms of genre, but the framework of the narrative is close to the story of growth.It is through irresponsible adults, young people who have become monsters themselves to escape danger, and the existence of helpers who cannot lead them to the full sun but sympathize with the pain.
➠ Intro :- " Hopeless" (Hwaran), leaves us deep afterimage in the hearts of the audience with its overwhelming immersion and stellar performance by actors, proved once again the intense ensemble of the two actors, Hong Sabin and Song Joong-ki. Hwaran", which proved to be the best movie in 2023, is a deep and intense noir drama that depicts the stories of characters living in a hopeless world in different ways with solid characterizations.
➠ the story analysis :-
" Hopeless " ( Hwaran), is a movie about shadows symbolizing darkness in art.When the light is strong, the shadow becomes longer behind it, so there is hurt in glory, sadness in joy, and pain in growth.It captures portraits of those born under shadows where light cannot be seen from birth, while at the same time implying that those living in the dark will go toward light and find their image.Rather than the grand meaning of salvation, the power of the two men who dream of rescue in a disaster-like reality is impressive...
➠ direction - cast :-
The powerful direction of the new dire"The film emphasizes that affection and loyalty between people can be the last bastion to overcome even the unbearable pain through characters living in a world without hope in different ways." the energy of the new Hong Sa-bin, who expressed it well, and Song Joong-ki's acting transformation come fresh. Attention is focusing on whether the film, which received great attention in Busan, will create a new wave in the theater district.
✰ Will SONG JOONG-KI got sucess with his transition from Protagonist to Antagonist ???
- Yes, Not all actors can effectively make the on-screen transition from hero to antagonist, so when they do,it’s truly a triumph to appreciate. Song Joong-ki who provide an intimidating, menacing, downright horrifying performance helped elevate Hwaran to the next level " Hopeless " (Hwaran)
brought by - Shinnosuk_Lee
( Personal Review )
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