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Wow. Like, legit.
This show was good. Really good. I knew in the first 3 minutes I was in for a treat. GREAT acting, plot, music. Great cast all around. Such a vivid and believable setting.Loved Jet and Charn. LOVED those two together. I really wish we saw them married but gah, they were actually my favorite. Tle and FirstOne are AMAZING.
Now Peem and Khem. Interesting relationship. I wanted to love it but I was kinda confused. Can they not be intimate? Even at the end they were kind of awkward together. I felt like these two deserved a bit more in the end. Keng and Namping, however, NAILED the roles. God, these guys were gorgeous.
All the cast was gorgeous. I love how quirky and lively Thai culture is. I can't wait to see more from these guys.
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The writing is what actually hooked me because anyone who has the mind to think up those twisty games and work out the puzzle of solving them is pretty clever...and then place those different game solving methods into the minds and mouths of their characters. Sometimes I was sitting back thinking...Who thinks up this stuff? 1 + 1 = 2...that's all I know! Crazy smart.
The other thing that is great about Liar game? It is a twisty, mind bendy fun ride. The set up of the games and the way the characters not only puzzle them out but the way personalities are revealed is highly entertaining to watch; especially the subtle growth in trust and dependency of the two main leads.
There is a certain quality to the way Nao and Akiyama relate to each other; the way his attraction to the true honesty in her manifests itself in his own personality. That is all I'm going to say about those two...When you watch you will understand and if you decide to move on to Liar Game 2 and finish with the movie...this element becomes even clearer.
The side characters are over the top and almost cartoonish in their portrayals. I do not use the word 'cartoonish' as a negative word. They are important to the plot and are very entertaining in their own ways.
To simplify...Liar Game is fun! Fun Fun Fun! I did not expect that when it was over, I would be so eager to watch Liar Game 2...but I was and before I knew it I was finished with the movie. Watch and Puzzle and Enjoy.
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This review may contain spoilers
Give it a Try—There’s more to this show than you think
I think that some people struggled watching this show because there were some links to Devil Punisher being a lot like Goblin.But let me just tell you that it’s not really the case. The show had a lot of layers to it that all lead to one major tipping point by the end.
And while romance/love is a strong, consistent piece of the story as a whole, The Devil Punisher is a combination mystery, karma/fate, revenge and supernatural/ ghosts.
In fact the whole things kicks off due to a 1,000 vendetta against the Ghost King but the signs of another character at play were even clear in the first episode and that mystery element is what hooked me right away.
But like I said there’s a lot of mention of karma and a trial meant for the main lead character, Chong Kui, that only he can indoor by the end. To me this was probably the most annoying thing to find out because he was surrounded by gods and he couldn’t really do anything at times.
At the same time, this brought humility to the show and his character because as an ordinary person when face obstacles in our lives we can’t just make them go away with powers. (And obviously, I could relate to seeing him mopping around.)
And this linked/faded battle between the villain, Lu Chi, in the center of the story brought to light even more barriers within the story’s construction of the “three realms” that give pause to some (American) viewers which I understand.
There’s a lot of instances where we were like “why can’t they do this?; why can’t this happen?” but just based on the rules that show up in the world of the show that the “gods” can’t really interfere with the whole ordeal as a while actually starts to make sense as you continue to watch.
Is it annoying? ABSOLUTELY!!!!! Did I find Chong Kui’s determination to face all of it on his own without considering Meng Po’s perspective ridiculous?
Absolutely!!!! But that was just something his character seemed to even more aggressively by the end because he knew Meng Po wouldn’t sit back and do nothing when she felt so responsible for Lu Chi’s actions.
But, as an American viewer, there where themes and details I had to wrap my head around while watching this as it seemed to reveal a lot of cultural and mythology elements that I wasn’t familiar with.
By the end of the show, I realized why we got so much time in the “mortal world” between the two leads and why there was so much buildup and (at times) what felt like “filler” leading up to that last few episodes.
Moreover, because of the way the ending is and really how things started in their past lives those scenes were basically there to show us and to give the main characters time together because it becomes clear that it wasn’t something they had before.
The ending made me cry but I am so glad I watched it till the end because there is a resolution to everything.
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That being said, I do admit I had dropped it at first after two episodes, as many other people seem to have done - I can't recall what those first two episodes were like since I watched them months ago, but if you are looking for a drama without clichés and with a poignant romance, give this drama another chance! I know how common the give-this-drama-a two-episode-chance-you'll-see-it's-worth-it rule is, but it seems to me that it is more true for Protect The Boss than any other drama I have ever watched.
Perhaps this drama is more suited for experienced drama watchers, which I wasn't when I started it. Every typical cliché you find in a rom-com drama is cleverly used and turned around, which makes it a refreshing experience. Many of the main characters are "knock-off" stereotypes, and therefore end up being both comical and very relatable. For example, I have never seen a chaebol father/son relationship depicted quite this way: the father loves his son deeply, which, sadly enough, is a rare thing in dramas. Or else, the second female lead that turns out to be more than the typical spoiled, petty, beautiful rich girl.
Maybe another reason people often give this drama up is because of the female lead - I remember finding her loud, ugly, stupid and a bit too old for me to relate with. She ended up being one of my all-time favorite female characters though, not only because she's strong and talks back and blablabla, but because she's a normal, nice person with a lot of common sense - which is much is easier to like than the usual excessively nice, blindly self-sacrificing female protagonist... And I found her pretty too, in the end :)
It's so agreeable to watch... nice people for a change. Sure, this drama is light, but that doesn't mean it's stupid: on the contrary, I felt like for once the writers didn't just feed the viewers over-used drama formulas, as if they weren't aware of these tropes. It felt like all the main characters were carefully developed. And there were barely any misunderstandings, for once (a few towards the end, but they weren't completely absurd...) The drama was intelligent not because it gives some lesson, but because it was intelligently written.
I decided to give this drama another chance because I had posted a forum question looking for dramas where the male lead was obsessed with the female lead. Even though I love that plot, I also felt that kind of drama often winds up bad, because the girl ends up being too passive, and the guy too... stupid (in my opinion, Boys Over Flowers or The Heirs are examples of that). However, in this drama, I was able to watch my favorite kind of obsessed protagonist without grinding my teeth - the romance was the kind that made my heart flutter without it being unrealistic or silly, but on the contrary, very down to earth.
The major flaw may be the last episodes - I liked them, but they're probably the weakest compared to how strong the rest of the drama was. Oh well, I'll take 14 excellent episodes for 2 mediocre beginning ones and 2 nice ending episodes anytime.
Try this drama if you're looking for characters that you can truly like! The friendships and love stories that develop are sweet and unexpected :)
p.s: ah yes and the guys are handsome ;)
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Great story and great acting!
One of the best vertical drama's I've watched. The main leads are attractive and also good actors. They delivered their roles really well that I cried a few times. There's a lot of misunderstanding and typical tropes but also a lot of growth from the main leads. Some of the misunderstandings really are hard to forgive and only time can really heal the heavy wounds inflicted which is why I appreciate the ambiguous ending. I'd love to think that over time they've healed, forgiven, and got back together stronger.Was this review helpful to you?
A family that stays together...
It is loud, chaotic, rowdy and uproarious ... Just for laughs... Keep your brain aside and enjoy the ride... Hilarious interactions between all characters is often laughter inducing but underneath their escapades the emotions are unfeigned and genuine.This drama seems to be heavily inspired by classic women literature.... It reminds me of many Jane Austen's works and also 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott.
Another noteworthy feature of the series is not emphasizing on Pei Lan's(Jackie Li) little healthy physique.... Most similar series make a big deal of it.... Here Pei Lan is considered to be the most desirable match in the marriage market due to her good nature and hard working attitude. 👍
The series starts with this family relocating to Jianglin in order to facilitate widowed Du Ru Yu (Lin Lin) to find suitable matches for her four unmarried daughters. Ru Yu may appear to be a strict matriarch of the family but it would have been difficult for her to take care of four little girls while being the breadwinner......We get a peek into her expert handling of the family. Aware of everyone's weaknesses and strengths, she keeps them in 'checks and balances'.
Guo Zhen Sheng(Yang Hao Yu) a benevolent doctor and an old acquaintance of this family follows them to Jianglin. He secretly loves Ru Yu and has taken these girls under his wing, providing nurturing care like a father.
Being brought up by a single mother all the daughters have strong independent personalities. Like all human beings these sisters are slaves of their genes, conditioned by their upbringing and shaped by circumstances. Although their personalities are very different from each other, instead of clashing all daughters complement each other. Like any other siblings they are not above petty blackmailing and manipulation. True test of relationship is during times of tribulation......Only people who stay by our side, protecting us during most difficult period are the people who truly love us.... This family may appear to have minor disagreements but they 'close ranks' and are fiercely protective of each other in face of external threats.
The rooftop of their house seems to be a place where most of the heart to heart conversation takes place, some sincere mother-daughter moments are set there. Other emotional tête-à-tête between the sisters and their suitors are also picturised on the rooftop. Chun residence's rooftop was a safe haven to hide, cry, pout and air out grievances, getting soothing response from other family members.
This family is considerate of peoples' misfortune, Mrs. Chun often ends up providing a helping hand to others even if her daughters sometimes think she is being gullible. All daughters have inherited from their mother tendency to be helpful, upright and bold in face of adversity. Truly, A Remarkable Family!!!!
Soon after their relocation each girl finds herself a suitable match...
Eldest daughter, Chun Jin Rong(Han Yun Yun) who has turned 30 years, is the best manipulator. We also get a glimpse at Jin Rong's childhood... At an early age she had become a caretaker of her younger siblings Ke Ling and Ban Xia as their mother went out to earn money... Her desire to marry a rich man stems from those difficulties, Jin Rong wishes to give her sisters a good life from her dowry after marrying a rich man. She falls in love with Young Lord Ling, Shi Zi. Lord Ling is not ready to accept Jing Rong as his daughter-in-law due to their class difference. However it doesn't deter Jing Rong from pursing her path, she will persist and maybe later would be successful in winning Lord Ling's approval.
Second daughter, Chun Pei Lan (Jackie Li) the quintessential frugal hardworking daughter, is the glue that keeps the family together. Tirelessly she completes her chores with a smile on her face. Often overlooked due to hubbub of daily life, her family truly appreciates her contribution. Being extremely loyal she hesitates to find a good match for herself as she worries her family will fall apart without her. She deserves to be loved by Lu Buping as she is the most selfless out of all sisters. Even though Lu Buping entered Chun residence due to a misunderstanding and spent major part of series as a servant, he had built a strong relationship with Pei Lan, understanding her reluctance to marry in the beginning. He was a pillar of support and strength for her. Lu Buping and Pei Lan get married at the end of the series and ride happily into the sunset.
Third daughter, Chun Ban Xia(Wu Jia Yi) tolerate no nonsense kinda person, wants everyone to be just and equitable, wouldn't hesitate to toe the line even for her beloved family. She is competitive to the extreme. The only family member who dares to challenge Ru Yu's authority by questioning her tactics in house management. She has high self-esteem. Ban Xia has a cat and mouse relationship with the enigmatic, unfathomable Shen Wang Yan. He manages to engage Ban Xia's interest by his continuous unpredictable and questionable behaviour. There is possibility that in future a romantic relationship may develop between them.
Fourth daughter, Chun Ke Ling(Li Jia Qi) the toughest fearless girl in the family, a good street fighter who would rather use swords and knife than cook and sew. She is often out on the streets along with her two friends. She is quite unrestrained and vivacious. Being the baby of this family her sisters and mother often indulge her, overlooking her faults. She is highly energetic. Gu Zi Cheng(A-Si) , the 4th prince falls in love with Ke Ling's carefree flamboyant attitude. However path to their ever-after would be most difficult to achieve because being a royal he has to fulfill his family obligations and Ke Ling has a lot of growing up to do before she can be good wife, companion or a princess.
At the end of this series only Pei Lan and Lu Buping tie the knot and move on with their life of marital bliss. Other relationships have miles to go before they achieve their own romantic happiness. However where there is life, there is hope and Hope is Eternal... With the support of Ru Yu and Guo Zhen Sheng other three sisters have nothing to worry. They are accepted and loved for who they are by their family.
Exasperated reaction of the painter sketching their family portrait in episode 24 says everything about this family they are lively, messy and boisterous.
Some other wonderful characters in the series are,
*The sarcastic female vegetable vendor, Wang Xi Shi who has funny encounters with Pei Lan.
*The swindler astrologer, Li Teng Yu who often gets caught in the cross fire of this family's dynamics.
*The Steward, Mr. Xin who is ever efficient but too expensive.
*The auctioneer at The product appraisal, Qi Jiali who convinces the patron to purchase ridiculously expensive items even though they aren't desirable.
* The perfect society butterfly and Chun Jin Rong's bestie, Dong Xiao Xiao. She tries very hard to fit in the high class society.
*The wanna be femme fatale, Hu Nana who visits Guo Zhen Sheng and tries all her womanly wiles to extort a marriage proposal from him.
These characters brought with them their own brand of giggles and guffaws.
Overall, a good show to watch for some stress relief and laughter.
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This show is funny. It is a complete parody or 'send up' of every whodunit caper; whether the origin be book, television or specific character. Everyone needs to "know their place" in the framework of a detective story and act accordingly. It's so weird! But funny!
Matsuda Shota plays "The Great Detective". Only he's a hilarious, spoiled, eccentric mess. He pouts and sulks when things don't go his way or when the Captain doesn't playcate him. Matsuda Shota is great. His knack for physical comedy and his rubberlike facial expressions cracked me up.
The blatent and kitchy way they spoke about the viewers, ratings and audience expectation was original to say the least. This show was entertaining but I'm not quite sure how to catagorize it. I came away laughing for the most part. It isn't a perfect show but if you are a fan of Shota, you'll like this because he's a natural scene stealer.
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The chemistry between the leads was what really sold me on this show. Those two had sparks for days. I enjoyed how they remained the focus of the series and, although there were many other characters, we never forgot the show was about the central pair.
The rest of the cast was a nice comedic addition and the range of the subplots and mysteries were intriguing enough to keep me invested in the story.
The series did drag a bit in the final few hours and my tear ducts were drained, but it was a solid ending.
If you get through the first two episodes and you're smiling at that point, then you'll really enjoy this drama.
NOTE: on netflix you get a short and cute music vid at the end of each episode (34 eps at approx 43 mins each) and on Hulu/DramaFever you get the cute intro and song at the start of each episode (21 eps).
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STORY
If i could place this show under a genre i would say it is a psychological thriller, while i was expecting it to be a drama about adultery. Yes, you are right, it is obvious from the description, the concept here is infidelity. Hot and young babysitter works at a prestigious and rich house, apparently she will seduce her master, possibly she came there on purpose, all those thoughts all everyone made before watching this and the first episode will confirm all your assumptions. The drama starts ominously, focusing on the wife in the aftermath of the adultery talking to a journalist about what she's done (oh yes it will get dark fast!)
However the drama -fortunately- has way more to give than just a usual adultery story. Firstly let me talk about that. Adultery, possibly the most hated concept in kdramaland, and my favourite one. I have watched quite a few kdramas that deal with it, all of them had something in common: they tried to give the adulterer reasons that semi-excused their actions, and/or made us pitty/like/feel sorry for them. I was shocked that here this isn't the case. I doubt i have ever seen such a sly, cunning, borderline scary lady, dead set on seducing a married man, having no qualms about her actions. But is she really just a slut that she wants the rich married man? Or is there more to her story?
Secondly, i have to praise the fact that the show featured a lot more than just the cheating. It focuses more on the implications this action had on the wife, and how she coped with everything. Not it isn't dramatic at all, but it is surprising. It featured public humiliation, and went as far as mental illness and more. Thankfully everything clicked by the end, giving a very satisfying, plot-twisty and unpredictable ending! Everything that happens is highly unrealistic of course, completely makjang. One could call the whole drama 'trashy', and i can't argue with that, i agree, but it is definitely entertaining.
The show never gets dragged, and is never boring. People might find the first episode boring since it focuses on the adultery, i love that concept and i found the way it was presented here refreshing. The last episode and the plot twists are worth getting through the first episode though, this is just 4 episodes in total anyway.
The only drawbacks i can point out is that the show closed with some questions left unanswered and some minor plot holes. However, none of them bother me enough to give this a lower score.
ACTING
The two female leads have the most significant roles and they were both good enough but not mindblowing.
Jo Yeo Jung came a long way since her I need romance days. This says tons about how a role can make you or break you. She presented her character greatly, she was indeed scary and borderline crazy throughout the whole thing. My only complain would be her angry scenes, i didn't feel them at all.
Shin Yoon Joo was ok. What i loved were her scary facial expressions and evil smirks. I loved the way she smiled, totally ominous and dark. However on some of her important speech scenes her face was blunt and deadpan. This was her first acting work and she good an ok job imo.
Kim Min Joon was great at what he was placed there to be, the apple of discord. He was totally hot in every scene he was in, and acting-wise he was impeccable as well. Same goes for Lee Seung Chan as the two of the played the middle-aged playboys, he wasn't as good-looking as KMJ but still charming in his own way.
RECOMMEND/REWATCH
I wouldn't recommend this to everyone at first as i thought it was an adultery drama/melo. Since this ended being more on the thriller side, and since its just 4 episodes long, i do believe it is essential for watching. I would definately rewatch this with someone else, but not alone again, once is enough.
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Amazing acting, terrible script
I'm really sad while writing this because I waited since september to watch Oh My Ladylord and it turn out to be a really so so drama. The problem with this show is totally and only the script. It is a really bad written drama, the story is all over the place and the characters suffer a bunch of changes during the episodes and in the end, everything is a mess.The writer created a lot of plots, but he couldn't hadle them. Every story needs a beginning, development and ending, but in OML, there are a lot of beginnings but no development. And a lot of stories don't have ending (hello, Bisoo's dad and his revenge...). And yes, a lot of plots are completely useless. There are countless tropes too; they are a problem because it makes the show super cliché.
Beyond that, the scriptwriter, Jo Jin Kook, decided to makes us hate the leads. First, we hate SL in the first seconds of his appearence because he's a creepy dude and his only personality is giving presents to Jooin. Then, the author made us hate Jooin for being indecisive for liking both - the ML and SL - when it was more than obvious that she didn't have romantic feelings for Yujin. Later, Jo Jin Kook transformed Han Bisoo into the jerkiest human being. WHY? WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO YOUR OWN SHOW?! Jooin and Bisoo were so well written in the begining, why it had to change so much? I don't understand.
The positive things:
- Acting. All the actors worked really hard for this show and the acting was the only thing that made me continue watching.
- Chemistry between the leads: they have a huge chemistry and really convince being a couple in love. Their skinship scenes were very natural and warm, and the kissing scenes are the best kissing scenes I ever watched in a kdrama. Well done Nana and LMK, good job.
- Chemistry between the leads and their moms: it was cute. Their moments were really precious and I loved every second of it.
- Bisoo's old friend: oh, he's so adorable. I loved his scenes.
- The OST: I really liked the OST.
The problem with OML that makes me so sad is: the first 6 episodes were really great. They were a little bit slow, but were really enjoyable to watch. So is sad seeing this potential amazing show turning into a mediocre story because of the poor and lazy writing.
*
If you are interested in watching OML, I suggest you to watch the episodes 1-6, 9-11, 15-16. Episodes 7, 8, 12, 13 and 14 were just too stressful.
Ps: please my dear and adorable cast, choose a good script for your next project. You guys are amazing! Stay away from Jo Jin Kook (I wish him the best, but please, he needs to study more before writing a show).
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'Yumi's Cells' review: Back for a second chance at love and dreams
Is love sweeter the second time around or more cruel?Yumi's Cells Season 2 tells the story of Yumi and Babi's relationship from her brain cells' point of view. Will she get her happy ending this time or will another heartbreak be added to her list?
For starters, Yumi's Cells illuminates Yumi's conflicted emotional life with superb storytelling, animation and performances. This k-drama is very inventive and psychologically astute, witty, imaginative, and utterly relatable.
What sticked to me the most from Season 1 was the seamless transition between the animation and the reality. However, for this new season the show hardly shed light on Babi's cells. His thoughts and true intentions remained a mystery throughout the run time. Perhaps this was a plot device to keep the audience glued to their screens and constantly wonder if Babi is her endgame.
In contrast to Season 2, Woong's cell village had a fair share of screentime. Woong and Babi's personalities are in opposite spectrum after all. Woong is an introvert and is not expressive. Babi on the other hand is a straightfoward guy and always speaks his mind to avoid confusions and misunderstandings.
Woong ponders a lot before talking that's why the cell village can discuss what tactic to take on. He doesn't even have that much cells because almost everything acts according to a program. That speaks volume to how intelligent Woong is.
However, Babi is very eloquent with words (he's actually a marketing specialist) but we don't get to see enough decision making going in on at his cell village. We don't even get to see his naughty cell. All that Yumi's love cell saw in his village is that he is very romantic and sincere. Babi was at a very disadvantageous point because no one really knows what's going on in his head.
The two seasons also highlighted different concepts. Season 1 pointed out that opposites attract while season 2 condemns this by telling that same people attract each other. Woong and Yumi do not share the same interests, hobbies and group of friends. Interestingly, Yumi and Babi had a lot in common. This is what essentially draws Yumi to Babi. They both like reading books and listening to the same type of music. It seems logical that they attract each other as they think similarly. The absence of AI in Babi's village cell attests to this.
Going back to Babi's character development, I still had tons of questions about it. When the story reached its dilemmas, Babi's change of heart suddenly doesn't make sense to me.
Babi is someone who speaks his mind and it is very unlikely of him to hide secrets and get swayed by a young intern. Those were my first thoughts. However, looking back at Babi's past actions and relationships, it seems like he's not the green flag guy we all thought he is. He's actually the opposite.
If one can remember, Babi actually developed his feelings for Yumi even while they were both in a relationship. Reason and sensitivity cells tried so hard to hide this fact from Yumi. The alarming red flag about Babi is that he gets wavered easily whenever his girlfriend is not around which is a very unfaithful thing to do. I really felt defeated and saddened by this realization because who on earth can resist Babi's charming and alluring presence? He's simply irresistable and attractive.
I can't help but notice the similarities between Babi and Yijin from Twenty Five Twenty One. Everyone keeps telling that Yijin is a green flag for being a supportive and understanding boyfriend to Heedo. The same thing can be applied to Babi.
Both guys are very considerate towards their partners. However, kindness is not the foundation of being a green flag. Both main leads failed to be consistent, honest and maintain an open communication. Babi and Yijin kept secrets from their partners — the former not telling Yumi how he got affected by an intern's confession as well as when he got in an accident; while the latter not telling his SO that he is going through a rough patch and he doesn't want to share his burden, pain and sorrows.
Still, one can't help but feel that the writers did dirty on Babi by the second half of the show. The sweet and romantic moments between Babi and Yumi were actually based on Yumi and Soonrok's scenes in the webtoon. The directors and writers purposefully led us to the thinking that Babi is a wonderful and dreamy partner. We, the audience, got fooled and disappointed at the end. I personally really felt that it was hard to let go someone like Babi.
As for the performance, Kim Go Eun and Jinyoung's chemistry was insane to say the least. They portray immense love for each on-screen and it's undeniable that they would make such a great couple in real life. Their soft face features compliment each other. I hope that they can work on a project soon with a HEA.
Overall, Yumi's Cells is a lovely kdrama which transforms emotional conflict into an adventure. There's a beauty and care in every scene of this k-drama. As we tag along Yumi's self-actualization journey, we learn about the pain of growing up, heartbreaks and handling big, new emotions as they come and go.
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Short but better then some full length BL
So I am being brutally honest I didn't have much of interest, because I was like another love triangle. And they don't have time so they are going to rush, but when I watched the first episode omg like our main leads chemistry Haewon and Eun Kyu was so strong and even JiSoo and HaeWon chemistry was so good, and even though it's love at first sight. But it didn't look unrealistic. Like they are able to serves a better story then Bite Me. Like it's thousand times better then Bite Me. Like they are able to show a love Triangle and give it a proper ending then Bite Me who have 12 episode but still can't able to show a good confession. Like let's talk about the acting they were so good in terms of chemistry to dialogue delivering everything is better,Music Oh La La Oh La La welcome to my Florida, like one of my all time favourite Osts
Re-watch I am gonna re-watch this right now
It's deserves your time and efforts
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It's a shame that even GL fans are sleeping on this series.
As a horror and GL fan, I found this series to be a breath of fresh air, offering a perfect blend of suspense, romance, and captivating storytelling. Unlike other book adaptations in the GL genre, Runaway stays true to the source material, effectively capturing the story's essence and characters in a way that is both engaging and satisfying. The series does a great job of honoring the original work, bringing the story to life on screen in a captivating way.A praiseworthy feature is the performance. The actors give strong performances, really bringing their characters to life with depth and authenticity and pulling viewers into the emotional journey of both the protagonists and the antagonist. Moreover, the story is well-paced, with each episode unraveling new twists and turns that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The series manages to maintain a perfect balance between horror and romance. While the series primarily focuses on horror, the inclusion of romance in the story is done tastefully, never veering off track or losing sight of its key plot points. The slow-burn romance between the leads adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative. Even without love scenes, the chemistry between the protagonists shines through. The slow-burn is slowburning.
Another aspect that stands out is the top-notch production values. The meticulous attention to detail in set design, props, and even makeup and wardrobe is commendable. Under Oat Vatanyu's direction, the series creates a visually stunning yet darker world that feels immersive and atmospheric. The seamless editing, especially the transition between the past and present, really helps build emotional rhythm throughout the series. On top of that, the excellent audio mixing and color grading further enhance the scary mood and tone of the show.
While Runaway excels in many aspects, there are some areas that could use some improvements. Some of the CGI in the series looks a bit rough, and the ghosts are very typically portrayed. They come off funny rather than scary. Plus, the level of horror is rather tame, with very minimal and predictable jump scares. So it's suitable for scaredy-cats and those who prefer a more subtle approach to horror entertainment. But for a hardcore horror fan like me, the scary parts feel a bit underwhelming.
In conclusion, Runaway simply shines on its own and manages to carve its own niche in the world of GL dramas, offering something new that is sure to captivate audiences. Plus, it proves that even without love scenes, it's still possible to make a series an excellent one. It's a shame that this series doesn't get the recognition it deserves even from GL fans.
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