Mr and Mrs SMITH - Not the average : "travel into the world of the VR game " trope.
The story: FL & ML are 2 badasses rival business investors In Real Life. They got trapped in a Virtual Reality Game. And their mission is to eliminate each other basically. FL is team SML , she must eliminate ML and ML goes against SML. How is it going to end up?Like for Mr and Mrs SMITH, the leads have a strong opposition. And good news, this is not the average : "travel into the world of the VR game " trope.
Well... Bravo to the writers of this mini drama and also to all the cast and crew because they never seize to surprise me throughout the whole show. Of course, there were some clichés and tropes but some of them were criticized and ridiculed by the Leads themself. Make it a fun and caricatural watch and frankly I never got borred. Sometimes I guessed were the story was heading but there was always some surprising elements that kept me hoocked. This drama was the only salvation from a drama slump, and I am grateful for that.
Although the Leads are surrounded BY NPC (Non Player Characters). They still treat them as real humain beings who struggle in their mission and build their life choices after choices ; actions after actions. I liked this existensialist approach of what human beings are. This is also why I loved the way ML and FL respected the NPC's lifes and decisions. At some point we viewers forget that those NPC are just lines of codes because the heroes treat them as equals. It was beautiful.
Pros :
- Ruthless and badass FL .
- Smart and cunning ML.
- FL is like an anti heroine, and ML is also an anti hero.
- Good side characters and good side stories as well. That's a plus.
- Good CGI.
- No stupid Breakup.
- Multi dimensional characters and this is delightful to watch. All the characters have a back story that can explain why they are the way they are. Positive or negative, This adds a human touch and makes their struggles more real.
- Character development for almost all the characters. A breath of fresh air. Everybody finds his purpose and everybody find solace in something they value in this drama. So this is another good point that makes it more enjoyable.
- The OST is really gorgeous.
- Good morals.
- Cinematography, acting, costumes, makeup, hairstyle... Everything was well crafted.
Cons:
- The grand mother's wig looks so fake. *Laughing*
- In the middle of the drama, the pacing was slower. But this is not really a flaw, considering that it was the psychological war between ML and FL in accepting that they love each other. It was totally normal to slow down the pacing.
- The business talks could have been better. But I am nitpicking. This show was so well crafted. I have difficulties finding flaws.
- Kisses are not so great, although chemistry is fine.
Overall:
This is one of the best mini dramas I watched to date. It was very entertaining and I was addicted to it as it aired.
The two heroes are equally strong and their battles of wits were the most enjoyable to me.
So, if you like strong characters and enemies to loves tropes with a sprinkle of thought provoking questions like : what is really a humain being ? Is he the sum of his actions or is he defined by his pre-existing essence ?
You might like this drama as much as I did.
Happy watching. (>_^)
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I really hope there's a season 2 but even if there isn't this was still pretty much the most perfect short drama I've ever seen.
10/10
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The Real Ending We Needed. Soft, Sweet & Satisfying
Don’t miss Episode 7 of Business as Usual, the 20-minute special that picks up right where the finale left off, and honestly? This felt like the real ending.This ep delivers everything the official finale skimmed over: sweet closure, couple moments, and emotional satisfaction. The tone is light, warm, and heart-fluttering, a perfect balance of domestic fluff and unspoken affection.
Seeing Min Jun and Jin Hwan just be together, in sync and at peace, made this short episode incredibly rewarding. Their natural chemistry shines in the small gestures, sharing a cute one-year anniversary cake, exchanging fond smiles, and enjoying each other's quiet company. It was intimate and healing in the most gentle way.
My favorite part? When they both said “I love you” to each other, my heart absolutely melted 🥺❤️. After all the misunderstandings and emotional distance, hearing those words felt so sincere and long overdue.
If this had aired as the official final episode, the series would’ve easily gotten a ratings boost. It wraps things up with the heart and nuance fans were craving.
Verdict: A must-watch for anyone who loved the main series. This is the emotional payoff we were waiting for.
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Watered Down Sex & The City w/Lukewarm Romance Centered Around a TV Station & Some Debt
Watched only for LYN's first foray into an ML role in a modern drama and he made me proud. The story itself was a bit trying too hard to fit a lot of things into itself at once. It worked in the parts of being female centric and cultivating the friendship between the three women but I felt it could have easily been a 30 episode series and covered everything as with even 40, it still left many unanswered questions. It was pretty much a watered down Sex & The City w/lukewarm romance centered around a TV station & some debt.Pros: Though he was the ML and did a great job at it, his role wasn't as substantial as the three women whose plot this really was and their lives. That said I'm still incredibly proud of LYN for tackling this new challenge and his slow but steady growth as a leading character.
I liked the fact that all 3 women were very flawed in their characters and even stabbed each other in the back at work before realizing it really wasn't worth it. Their evolutions came from both the necessity and the fact that they had no other choice like in the case of HH and her runaway husband. In the first episodes she took hit after hit; the disappearing hubby, the mountain of debt, her show's cancellation, her mom's illness and becoming a single mom. Many of us wondered how she would handle it as it was just insane. But out of the three despite all of that, she was the first one to realize how quickly she had to change her outlook and mindset in order to survive and though they weren't yet as close as they became, the other two were very encouraging of her. The tv station was the main base for the entire series.
Looking at it from another perspective, JJH was like a male version of her, starting with being in so much debt thanks to her husband and owning nothing, to slowly building himself and her up as well. HH's new business became very successful because of him. I also liked how they incorporated LYN's real qualities and both former and current jobs as a chef, livestreamer, and singer into the show. It made his character more realistic.
BY and YY both were extreme opposites of each other; one would do anything to get what she wanted even if it was quite shady, while the other was the epitome of Joan of Arc with her righteousness and stubbornness. They butted heads often but only when they really started to stand in each others shoes did they understand where the evolution must happen.
Other great characters were Zimo, the two directors of the tv station, plus main boss, RJ, LL, and HH's parents. The antagonists, I believe there were 4 of them grand total, honestly were an after thought to the rest of the plot. Costumes, OSTs, locations, were on point.
Cons: The show could have just been 30 episodes because there were so many things that weren't properly done or finished. Like did the 3 doofuses who lost money to OKG ever get that money back? Yes HH and him got divorced and the 4 buffoons were arrested for whatever insane illegal activities they did but even that wasn't properly explained. I've got a business background and all of my degrees are in that and I have absolutely no idea what exactly they did, why OKG had to run, why he blackmailed them for 100 million RMB, why he swindled those poor folks out of whatever he owed them. It had to do with stocks and finance but it was so muddled and rushed, that I still don't know. That could have been explained so much better and written into the series.
Also some characters were shoved into the spotlight to make things really uncomfortable for our female leads which I felt quite unnecessary like that Zhang Ke guy who was a borderline stalker of YY and was willing to do whatever it took (like ruining her reputation and nearly getting her fired) for her to date him when it was obvious she didn't like him. And the chick who looked up to HH but did some shady things herself and acted about 12. These were just two of several characters that really just didn't make sense of why they required so much screen time.
The character of OKG wasted a solid 2 episodes trying to get HH to go on the run with him. They could have used those same episodes to fortify her relationship with JJH and the other two couples. The romance portion of this drama was almost like an afterthought. I felt like HH turned robotic towards JJH once she found he had developed feelings for her. She treated him better when they were "enemies". And the sudden turnaround when he'd done so much to grow her business and helped with her mom's health and death, could have been a lot smoother. It felt like a whiplash. There definitely were a few plot holes in this series that could have been better explained. It was also quite obvious that many scenes were cut because they appeared in the opening or closing credits but never in the show itself.
Would I recommend it? I would for the female bonding primarily. If you're able to look past the cons, you will enjoy this show.
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but this one was great. i absolutely loved it. It's more than just a baseball drama. it's about coming together as a team again after all hell breaks loose. It has it's real serious moments but it also has a lot of comedic moments so it balances out well.
I love the cast. they all work well with each other and all play yankees i guess well lol
love the music. GReeeeN always has great songs and kiseki is just simply an amazing song.
would easily recommend this drama to people
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Forget everything you know about "toxic romance."
Don't worry, there's a way to save the series: JUST MAKE FLINT THE VILLAIN, AND HAVE SUN END UP WITH SOMEONE ELSE OR BE ALONE.Why does Flint keep clinging to Sun all the time? I know that kind of scene is meant to create tension and give us butterflies, but when it happens 5 times in the first few episodes, and it's implied that the protagonists didn't have a history of flirting before, it feels strange. They know each other from the past, when Sun was still in high school and Flint still saw her as a little girl, so it doesn't make sense for her to just start attacking the girl every time she has the chance. It even seems like Flint made some kind of bet or something, because she goes after Sun every time she has a chance, even though there's NO atmosphere for it. And why does Sun always seem to be on the verge of tears? Does she have some past trauma or something? If so, fine, but if it's just to show how fragile the character is around Flint, I didn't like it. In 2 episodes she almost cries about 4 times. Enough already!
Another point I didn't like was Sun explaining herself by saying, "Do you really think I'm that kind of girl?", referring to the fake news that she was seen entering a hotel with a guy. What would be the problem? Couldn't she be dating a guy and go out with him on a date? Please! It's ridiculous for her to say that to Flint as if it were "absurd" for her to go out with a guy. Flint's justification is "You can't tarnish the company's image," so Sun can't be seen going out with a guy, but it's okay if she's seen going home with Flint? It doesn't make sense.
And when Flint keeps interfering in Sun's work? What was that? Please, there's no way to ruin an artist's career more than always having someone behind them, demanding scene changes, script alterations, etc. And the worst part is that Flint believes everyone except Sun. It doesn't matter if the girl says 20 times that she's not dating a guy, Flint always believes others, discredits Sun, and even demands behavior from her that Flint herself doesn't have... Flint is like: "Don't flirt with guys, don't date anyone, don't act in on-screen kisses, don't even let your photographer touch you... but I can do all that with you, even though we're nothing to each other"... But Flint, she already said she's not having a romance with that actor! - "But the actor said he is, and I believe him more than Sun." But Flint, even if she were dating the actor, that's none of your business; it would even be good for boosting ratings for their show! "It doesn't matter! I act as if I'm dating Sun, as if she were mine, so she must obey me, submit to my interference and not talk back... and anyone's word is more important than hers."
And the worst part is that she makes up that she slept with the girl because she was annoyed with Nope! SERIOUSLY? Who's more awful, Nope or Flint? I'm honestly starting to think Nope is a "better" option. How can the show criticize Nope for inventing a romance when the protagonist herself does the same thing?
The only good thing about this show, and what saves it, is the secondary couple!
I wasn't going to say anything, but since it's a sensitive subject, I decided to elaborate: Regarding the "problematic scene," all I have to say is:
* She was crying;
* Pushing the person away with all her might;
* Afraid;
* Asking to stop several times;
* And she says "Yes" at the end because she saw that if she gave in, it would end faster, because there was no way to escape, because Flint wouldn't "hurt her as much," and because she would come out looking "right" in the end.
This is not consent, it's instinct for self-preservation: When we give in to something we know we don't want and that will be painful, but we know that if we don't give in, it will be worse. It doesn't matter if she has feelings for Flint or not, and whoever uses that as an excuse is normalizing marital rape, be careful! Loving doesn't mean having a duty to give in even if you don't want to. If this scene were between a man and a woman, we wouldn't even be discussing it.
And before you say "but that's how it is in real life," "but that's a problematic relationship that will get better later": 1) In what life is this "normal"? In the life of a victim! Because in a RELATIONSHIP this is not normal, and if it is for you, I advise you to see a psychologist urgently. Yes, in real life this happens, and when it does, we call the police, report it, and separate the victim from the abuser. We don't leave the abuser with the victim and say, "calm down, he will improve in the future! Your relationship can still work out." 2) This is not a problematic relationship. A problematic relationship doesn't include a victim and a criminal; it includes two people who have PROBLEMS that can be solved with conversation, therapy, etc. Problems, not crimes. Understand?
It's crazy that in "Call Me By No Name" exactly what's happening now is happening. A woman abuses another woman, but when she reports it to the police, nothing happens because people claim that "this doesn't happen" between women, people don't see it as a "crime" because it's illogical to think that a woman could abuse another out of "malice." It must just be a misunderstanding... So you who are defending this scene are exactly the same as the people who didn't defend the protagonist of "Call Me By No Name"... I never thought I'd see this happening.
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the story is touching as i said so you will cry during the movie and smile.
the cast and the acting is perfect the kids did a great job, they will move your heart.
the music and the songs that the kids sang is so wonderful and it will make you smile.
overall if you want to watch a movie that will make you smile and cry and that based in a true story, i recommend you to watch this.
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the story is refereshing where for the first time i see the heroine who's blind and lives her life simply but happily..and our hero is a brooding young man of 30..no playboy or owner of a big conglomerate.breaking away from stereotypes this movie shows the dark side of human nature and how some people rise from the shadows like phoenix rises out of its own ashes.a perfect score for the story.it has such moving scenes and so many sweet moments one could almost die with all this love in the air..:D
So Ji Sub literally breathes life into the character of Cheol min..He knows how to act and delivers a stunning performance throughout
Han hyo jo as jeong hwa is simply superb.earlier in Heaven's postman she was good but here she proved that she's a brilliant actress.this movie is the kind where after watching it,it leaves you with a happy feeling where in happiness you could almost fly.
the music is heartbreaking and simply fits in all the right places
this movie should be watched by anybody who likes beautiful cinematography,brillaint acting and strong plot..it's just such a gem of a movie not to be looked over..its one of those rare movies which will appeal even to a person who's not a romantic at heart at all.
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It had suspense to it, and it was very attracting and realistic, people wise I mean, like the development of a character and the psychological part, especially for the lead actor, not the red eyes and blue eyes part, it got the same feeling I got after finishing flower boy series.
best thing is that it's not very time consuming at all, 7 to 11 minutes each episode!! :D
I don't usually put high re-watch value.
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I’ll try to keep this review objective with all the biases temporarily put aside because you don’t have to be a Bigbang fan to enjoy this. You don’t even have to me a K-Pop fan. All you have to be is someone who appreciates music and all the hard work that’s invested in it.
The thing that is so attractive about this film is the sheer honesty it comes with. It doesn’t take you on a sappy journey of how these boys grew into men together or stories about their early hardships, no, instead it shows the real world where these grown men continue to strive forward holding on to each other and struggling even when they’ve reached the top.
There are a lot of things that most artists don’t want you to know. You see a supposedly candid moment on stage between members and you write a billion fanfictions inspired by it. You read into it, you make your own conclusions but what you don’t know is that “candid” moment is probably practiced a billion times off-stage. You think your idols are perfect and faultless but when nobody's looking, they swear, they throw tantrums, they get angry, they hurt and they are wholly human. That’s what this documentary shows you. This is what this group says: This is who we are and we’re unapologetic about it.
It starts with the group in a retro film setting, wearing suave suits and looking oh so polished but slowly proceeds to peel back layers and lets you see a raw glimpse in the life of superstars who are at core ordinary human beings. While there are goofy, no-makeup, almost cringeworthy moments where these artists let go of the facade and bask in a childlike glee, the highlight of the film is the portrayal of Bigbang’s biggest strength: Their work ethic. You get to see the nitty gritty of music production and all the factors that go into bringing a fabulous concert stage to life. Every single member participates in every single detail of the process tweaking it into something closest to perfection.
Five billionaires in the room and nobody wants to spend out of their own pockets. Stingy, you say. But isn’t it also somewhat relatable? These men didn’t grow into wealth, there was no small loan of a million dollars to help them through, they build their empire from the bottom ladder and climbed to top with many a missteps.
You know the true essence of a person when you hear the views of people working under them and here, Bigbang takes the backseat and lets the team who played a huge part in making them who they are do the talking. It’s emotional, heartfelt and sincere.
Then there are the lows that you don’t see on camera. The sweat, the bruises, the pain that we never take into account. Bigbang doesn’t boast those things or throws a pity party, they just straightforwardly put everything in front of you like they’ve done with everything else as of yet:
This is how it is. Make of it what you will.
If you’re a hard boiled, bitter cynic like me with “Don’t believe everything you see on T.V” stamped on your forehead, you’ll probably doubt the authenticity of emotion here too but the thing is, somethings just can’t be faked and even if 1% of this film rings true to you, that’s already hugely impactful.
It makes you laugh out loud, tear up and most importantly it makes you “feel”, the ability of which we’re slowly losing as the time goes by.
The brotherhood between these men is almost tangible. They’re tied together, completely in sync with each other's mannerisms and weaknesses and it shows without trying.
The film has great cinematography and direction, seamlessly transitioning between real life videos and on-stage song performances all the while bringing out the best in everything. There’s style, love friendship and nostalgia all mingled together in this 2 hour worth masterpiece.
Finally as a fan, I’d like to say that this is the perfect gift for the fandom. It’s an everlasting piece of them that stays relatable and true no matter what changes time brings. Re-watching this after such a long time, with an entirely different perspective, I felt so many different emotions but one thing that stayed the same was my rating because even if you don’t like it, you can’t help but appreciate the high quality of it. After so many things that have happened- both fortunate and unfortunate- and finally as they all go and have gone into military, coming back to this movie; a harbinger of hope and resilience, really does feel like coming full-circle.
As far as I am concerned when Youngbae looked straight ahead and asked the fans “We don’t know what the future holds for us but will you wait for us to see it together?” all I could do was scream “Yes” along with the million of others on the screen.
As far as your idols are concerned, don’t drown them under your expectations. As Jiyong said,
“For you, it’ll be sad that you won’t see us five people anymore but for us we might never see 1.5 million of you. We are losing much more, it’s much harder.”
And as far as Bigbang themselves are concerned, love them or hate them, you can’t ignore them. Their mark on Korean music and our lives is made and it’s there to stay.
Enjoy!
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"Once upon a time, in a Faraway land.. There was once a Sleeping Beauty whose 'herself' remain asleep for a very very long time in the hauntingly beautiful forest.."This drama is a modern 'Sleeping Beauty' dark fairy-tale mystery and romance. Again, it's a deep-rooted Mystery. 'Sleeping' is not literal here rather it gives a psychological explanation and I will leave it to find out yourself. It can be an enchanted or haunted place where a dream/memories remain long-forgotten.
The storyline is more than a labyrinthine with so many nail-biting twist and full of surprises though it's a bit slow. Seeing a cliffhanger makes me want to re-trace everything from the beginning as I start collecting clues that was dropped along the way while watching this. Ooppss.. I can't discuss anything here that may gives spoiler.
Anyway, just to tell you all the while watching this, the more I'm going further with the story, the more my head messed up with all those endless clues. It will throws you some red herrings to make you doubt about your assumptions earlier. Brilliant, isn't? *wiping my bleeding nose* :D
This is a downgraded version of 'Ice World (1999)' and they were from the same writer so you could feel that they are in the same atmosphere though this one is not that enjoyable but it's more tragic because everyone is involved with the 'Sleeping Beauty'. I couldn't hold back my emotions as I wept at the cruelty of life. Well, that's the 'Twist of Fate', they say.
The ending will.. Ooopps!! I will leave it to find out yourself. And.. one more thing is, you may have to be attentive with the "Camouflage" opening song. I like it, by the way. Haha. :)
I like this drama even you'll have to cast out Takuya Kimura, the story will be the same. So it's highly recommended, don't be discourage just because this is an old drama. Just ride in an enchanted rollercoaster as you begin your journey to watch this. There's a mystery awaits you in the secret place. Enjoy! :)
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Fabulous choice of leading men. Really. The contrast between them was perfect. I personally wish for them to both have long successful careers.
The supporting actors were wonderful. The humor in this movie is great, and mostly carried by the supporting actors.
You MUST like gears to enjoy this movie. They are everywhere. Along with chains.
You must also not really care about which time period the movie is set in, as laptops & abacuses, Gattling guns & drones, digital cameras & puttees co-exist.
My favorite thing in this movie was a coffin that unfolded into a desk/office suite, along with a book case that I will lust after for the rest of my life.
Will I re-watch this? Absolutely. I am sure there are things I missed.
I strongly feel there will be a video game.
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Yes, I'll Be Your Blood Wife
This drama caught my attention not only by the poster but because it was dealing with a demon which turns out to be a vampire. Who doesn't like to see a sexy man who is a vampire. And there was no failing on that part by Guan Ye aka Xuan Ming and his female lead Tu Zhi Ying aka He Yi Huan who was his perfect match.With an interactive VR game as the backdrop, He Yi Huan enters the game as an interactive game player to do a movie evaluation. The purpose of the game is that you have to survive numerous levels to leave the game.
The system prompts that players must eliminate devils, destroy the five devil hearts, to save the Celestial Master Grandfather, calm the disaster and then pass the game. (Aging, sickness and death, love parting attachment, hatred meeting, unfulfilled desires). But all players before He Yi Huan have died due to system errors. Xuan Ming, who should have protected the players, turned evil and killed them with his own hands. Players died in the game became vegetables in reality. So, He Yi Huan could only correct this error by going into the game herself.
Upon entering the game, it is a world where humans and devils coexist, devils wreak havoc in the human realm. To solve this problem only a female disciples of the Immortal Sect can save humanity from impending disaster.
He Yi Huan, Immortal Sect, Shrine Maiden was to form a blood marriage with the devil due to her grandfather (Celestial Master). Her grandfather warned her that if he did not return on the night of the full moon, she was to immediately change into the bridal attire and enter the forbidden chamber to awaken the one sleeping in the coffin. She didn't know who was in the coffin. She only knew the ancient saying, "Night Clan's marriage uses blood as sacrifice. The mutual protection lasts for this whole life."
Enter Xuan Ming, Young Master of the Bloodsucking Night Clan. Yeah, he is fine. He immediately snatches her up and says, "So you are my blood wife?" Then he bites her. Whew. That is the opening of the VR game in which He Yi Huan is watching.
After sucking her blood, she thought she was doomed but Xuan Ming told her since the Celestial Master showed him kindness by awakening him, from now on she was his. Members of the Night Clan were born to protect their blood wives. whatever it takes and he was going to handle all of her matters. He Yi Huan was excited because the system gave her a loyal husband.
We do learn that he doesn't have to bite her all the time because the Night Clan has a sleeping acupoint in the lips. Biting it can suppress the desire for blood. So, if he would lose control, she can do that. Which you will find out she does do several times. The kisses for that are intense.
She was aided by her only helper, which was her older brother, He Ziyan. He was a Daoist marital fanatic. He learned about Xuan Ming's origin; he sees him as the benefactor who can save his whole family.
He Yi Huan, Xuan Ming and He Ziyan all go on the various task according to the game all the while as He Yi Huan gradually fell in love with Xuan Ming.
The biggest misunderstanding was when Xuan Ming finds out that He Yi Huan is not from his world but reality. He is upset that she lied to him. He felt she never wanted to be with him, and he will be alone. Using this opportunity, the Celestial Master (who was taken over) turns him to the dark side. He Yi Huan after readdressing her feelings finds Xuan Ming and explains to him that she didn't know how she felt but wants to only be with him now and forever because she truly loves him.
Xuan Ming also has his nemesis which is his brother, Feng Que. He wants Xuan Ming's power for his own so he can be more powerful than him. He has put a heart binding seal on his heart.
In order to go back to her world, Xuan Ming tells her that she has to kill him. But He Yi Huan tells him that there has to be another way because she won't do it. She is so upset that Xuan Ming changes the subject and tells her in her world, the proposal ceremony involves kneeling on one knee.
He gets on one knee and says, "He Yi Huan, my blood wife, and I, Xuan Ming, have wandered for a hundred years. Today, I'm willing to bind our lives with the blood from my heart. With the moon as our witness, this heart is our pledge (a wooden craved ring). If this blood covenant is made, from now on, we'll support and rely on each other until our hair turns gray. Will you marry me? "
He Yi Huan responds, " Yes, I will. Now it's my turn. Mr. Xuan Ming do you genuinely wish to take Miss He Yi Huan as your wife, to be together through life and death, through joy and sorrow, to love, tolerate, and protect her, and never deceive her?
Of course, he says yes. They share one of the many passionate kisses and he not only puts up a barrier but has flowers begin to rain down and they spend a loving night together.
But Xuan Ming did lie to her because he went to handle matters with the Celestial Master. She does get out of the barrier with the help of her brother. Xuan Ming is fighting the corrupt Celestial Master. Knowing that his brother, Feng Que has been sealed inside of the master, he finally gets his brother released from him.
After his brother is out, he asks for his brothers help to take down the Celestial Master, but he will only agree if he gives him his heart. He tells him by the blood oath he will because the heart binding seal he has destroyed his meridians in order to not be controlled by the master and he now only has less than 16 hours to live.
They do handle the corrupt Celestial Master and Feng Que does take Xuan Ming's heart only to find out that he now has his personality and kindness towards others.
Xuan Ming was dying and the only way to save him was to take him back to the coffin and see if he could be saved. But after kissing her he does die. He Yi Huan completes the interactive movie evaluation and, in the story, what she heard and experienced are all warnings and lessons. They hoped that she cherished the emotions and relationships and treasured them when she encountered fate.
But just when you thought it was over...it's not...
As she goes into a cafe the news comes on about a new concept interactive movie called "Vampire Falls in Love with Little Priestess" which now has become explosively popular after its release.
Taking out of her purse is a copy of the game, "Xuan Ming Interactive Movie" and looking at it, she thinks about the promise she made to him to live a good life with his love. She says she has now fulfilled that promise and begins to wonder how he is doing on the other side. Caught up in her thoughts, her cell phone rings. It is about the movie. They are evaluating for a second season. But there is a bit of a problem. She tells them that she is not interested. But just as she is getting ready to hang up, they tell her the computer caught a virus, and the male lead, Xuan Ming, went out of control and started calling her name...He Yi Huan!
Yes, he is alive and is looking for his blood wife. Will he now come into reality to get her? Let's wait and see.
All and all an enjoyable drama to watch. The ML and FL are just such a cute couple. Definitely would have loved to see more time with those two because of the great chemistry. They both look like they were enjoying those kisses. The parts with the Celestial Master didn't add anything. I felt those could have been watered down. I wish Feng Que; the brother of Xuan Ming would have had more screen time and been the initial bad guy. Again, this is one that is quick only 12-minutes and with 25 episodes, it is a good watch with a decent storyline.
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Story: Starts off with the two leads randomly bumping into each other on a set of a commercial. The first 2 episodes are hilarious as the male lead starts to fall in love with the female lead ( who was his past love) but he hasnt seen what she looks like in the present (shes changed for the worst). Although this drama is a predictable romcom, the writers did a solid job with making it entertaining but also writing a story with substance. It has one of the best endings Ive ever seen.
Acting/Cast: Jung Joon Ho (Iris, Queen of Reversals) brings IT in this one. His jealousy makes the show. His character is too hilarious. All his expressions are priceless! The lead actress did a great job portraying her ahjumma character. It was nice to see her transform from an ugly duckling to a pretty woman. Loved the makeover scene!
I did find the way the writers wrote her character a little off-putting at times because at first she comes off as naive/too obsessed with her first husband and it takes most of the drama before she convinces herself its okay to love Jae Bin. The rest of the supporting cast is great too!
Music: Kind of chessy but didnt take away from the enjoyment of the drama itself.
Rewatch: Quick pacing makes this something i can watch over and over again if i had the time.
Overall: This is geared to an older audience but if a 22 year old girl (me) is raving about it then it has to be really good right? Watch it!
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Most of the complaints it gets is about Sato's Kotoko being too loud, over the top, and "annoying", but that's what Kotoko is all about. Whether it be this adaption or another, you're probably not gonna like this story if you don't like the Kotoko character because Kotoko's the complete point of Itazura Na Kiss! She's famous for being a unique protagonist and no way would this manga/drama be so well known and beloved if she was as terrible as people like to believe. I just don't understand why anyone wouldn't love her.
Since this drama was filmed in the mid-90s, it's very charming and kinda simple, straight to the point. It's not ridiculously flashy and drawn out, with a big budget, which makes it one of my favorite comfort dramas. Compared to the other adaptions, the family/business issues are extremely cut down which I like because I always find family drama plots tiresome.
Kassy's Naoki is sooo subtle, you have to watch his facial expressions closely or you'll miss some of the best parts of the drama and the moments where he's obviously falling for Kotoko.
I really love the soundtrack. The romantic instrumentals in 90s fashion, contrast perfectly with the amazingly upbeat "Steady" by SPEED.
Overall, the humor LARGELY depends on exaggerating characters and circumstances. If you're looking for something realistic, simply don't watch it! If you can't handle shouting, quick scene cuts, camera zooms, or basic classic comedy, don't watch it. It's not suppose to be taken too seriously.
The only downside is it never got a season 2. The character development was so great, but we don't get to see that development pursued because of the quick ending.
Regardless if people like this version or not, it will always be special for being the first live adaption of Itazura Na Kiss and the only live adaption that INK's creator Kaoru Tada got to see before she died. I don't know if she advised during the production, but I'm sure if she hadn't liked how Kotoko was portrayed, she would've said something.
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