A Captivating Blend of Passion, Pain, and Powerful Storytelling
From its very first moments, Broken (Of) Love proves itself to be far more than just another romance drama! It’s a beautifully crafted story driven by emotion, tension, and depth.The cinematography is absolutely stunning, with carefully composed shots that elevate every scene and give the series a cinematic quality. Each frame feels intentional, drawing the viewer deeper into Alisa’s complex world of revenge, vulnerability, and unexpected love.
Faye Peraya delivers a truly captivating performance as Alisa. She portrays every layer of the character with remarkable precision, from quiet pain to fierce determination, making it impossible not to feel every emotion alongside her. Atom Pariya is equally impressive, bringing a natural charm and sincerity that perfectly complements Faye’s intensity. Together, their chemistry feels organic and compelling, adding authenticity to a relationship that is both tender and complicated.
The supporting cast also deserves recognition, contributing strong and believable performances that enrich the story rather than simply supporting it. Every character feels purposeful, helping to build a world that is both immersive and emotionally engaging.
What truly sets this series apart is its intriguing and addictive storyline. The blend of revenge, romance, and moral conflict creates a narrative that constantly keeps you invested. The tension between past trauma and the possibility of healing adds depth, making it all feel meaningful and layered rather than predictable.
The soundtrack further enhances the experience, perfectly complementing the emotional tone of the series and amplifying key moments with subtle but impactful choices.
Overall, Broken (Of) Love is a visually striking and emotionally engaging series that stands out for its performances, storytelling, and atmosphere. It’s a compelling watch that draws you in and keeps you wanting more with every episode.
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Love and Redemption for the Beauty and the Beast
This is a long awaited drama. Many viewers have come to watch Xiao Zhan's other dramas after his phenomenal acting in The Untamed. The storyline for The Wolf is intriguing. Perhaps more so for the original story, but in the drama adaptation, the supernatural elements have almost disappeared; there are no "werewolf" nor "interspecies" as tagged. The "wolf" here is a real human raised by wolves, without any human's social skills but with some traits of a wolf and extraordinary capabilities,This is an amazing story that should not be judged prematurely; viewers must be patient with the beginning CGI wolf scenes (they are not of their best but they don't really bother me), and also not be put off by what happens to the Ma family. Persisting in continuing viewing, you'd be rewarded as the drama gets better and amazing in later episodes. The story turns and twists with plots within plots.
The Story
This is the love story of a wolf boy and a daughter of a general. Their odyssey for finding each other and reuniting takes them through a lot of pains and sacrifices; their devotion for each other finally wins.
Langzai (wolf boy, played by Wang Dalu) and Xing'er (Ma Zhaixing, played by Li Qin) have grown up together, each day accompanying each other and playing in the wolves mountain (where the boy lives). They care and love each other deeply. She teaches him human skills and he teaches her about nature. Something happens and they are separated for years. Both grow up and the wolf boy is adopted by the Emperor and becomes a prince. They meet again and she is to become his consort. Due to some misunderstanding in the past when they were first separated, he has mixed feelings for her but falls back in love with her when he realizes his mistake, and for her, she still misses and loves her wolf boy. Unbeknownst to her, he is involved in the killing of her family. When she finds out his involvement, she is devastated. Despair and revenge overwhelm her. And for him, he is buried in remorse. They become enemies - one searches for revenge, the other searches for redemption. Their rift is irreconcilable and they part ways. When she eventually finds out that he has not directly killed her family and has been trying to make amends to redeem himself, she comes back to him, only to find him dying. She knows she cannot live without him. With uncompleted missions he needs to carry out before his death, she helps him and perishes. As with wolves that mate for life, he follows her in death soon after.
The Plot
A ruthless, suspicious, manipulative and power crazy Emperor creates a war machine from the Wolf Boy and makes him one of his sons to conquer lands around his kingdom. To bring peace to the world, Wolf Boy eventually restores his youngest and compassionate brother to the throne.
One amazing viewer pointed out that some of the characters did exist during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdom periods. I was so shocked to learn that Bo Wang (Prince of Bo) was actually a real person, and how the events happen in the palace are actually based on some of the real historical events.
The Romance
Unmistakably, the romance is one of the best and the selling point of this drama. The heartaches, sacrifices, agonies, remorse, separations make this such an unforgettable watch. There are various reasons for Prince Bo (Wang Dalu aka Darren Wang) to sever ties with Ma Zhaixing (Li Qin) and push her as far away as possible despite how much he loves her. Firstly, he's involved in the killings of her family (though he hasn't given the order) and secondly, he is trying to protect her, because he knows she is his Achilles' heel and she would be hurt by others to hurt him. But on the other hand, he loves her so much that it's painful to hurt her in order to push her away, hence creating the push and pull romance that I love so much here; my heart hurts seeing his agony and her misery. Despite himself hurting her with his words, he would not permit anyone else doing it; the outcome of any disrespect towards his love is pretty serious, like losing all one's fortune or demoting from a city mayor to a standing city gate guard. He's remorseful for the killings of her family. To redeem, he helps her take her revenge on himself; he teaches her how to hit himself hardest and deadliest. However, he also knows for her to go against him, it means she's also going against the Emperor whom he is still loyal to. He needs to make her hate him so much that she's strong enough to stand up for herself and fight him. He figures, if she can fight him, that means she is strong enough and will not be hurt by the devious Emperor. He uses hurting words to make her hate him and motivate her to stand up to fend for herself. What he says (the nasty words) and how he acts (the seemingly despicable actions) are not how he feels inside. As much as I love Xiao Zhan, the chemistry between Li Qin and Wang Dalu is so incredible that Xiao Zhan stands no chance at all in overtaking it; Ma Zhaixing and Wolf Boy make a perfect pair with contrasting visuals and yet beautiful chemistry -- they are the Beauty and the Beast.
From Episode 38 onwards, I cry in almost every episode thereafter. Seeing how the characters suffer and continue to be devoted and determined really makes one tear up.
The Characters and The Acting
The acting by the whole cast is fabulous, in particular the main leads. They all have made the story come alive, some with inner animal traits, adding more intrigues into the story, mesmerizing the viewers.
- Wolf Boy (Prince Bo/Chu Youwen) and Wang Dalu
Wolf Boy (Wang Dalu aka Darren Wang) is an orphan raised by the wolves. He is kind and compassionate. Having grown up with the wolves, Wolf Boy has extra ordinary power – he's agile (he can survive jumping into the abyss), he has sensitive senses (he can see winds, hear the flapping wings of the butterflies, smell and see in the dark), and his powerful physical strength is unmatchable by any humans (he can single handedly kill two attacking tigers). It is this incredible ability that the Emperor takes him in and makes him a prince, only to use him as a killing weapon. Since then, he becomes heartless and cruel. He is sent out to fight all the wars; he is an unbeatable war machine. He rehumanizes when he meets up with Ma Zhaixing (Li Qin) again. She is given to him to be his future consort. Prince Bo does not have a beautiful face, but he has a beautiful heart. Despite being a wolf boy or a cold hearted war machine, he is always gentle and loving towards Ma Zhaixing. He loves his subordinates and his adoptive brothers, and always willing to die for them. He is loyal to the manipulative cruel Emperor because he wants to repay the kindness that his adoptive family has given him, in particular to the Emperor who has saved his life. Though he kills but he doesn't hurt innocents. When he refuses to kill for the Emperor, it becomes a predicament because to disobey means to be ungrateful to the one who has given him a second life, and to obey means he has to numb his own feelings. This predicament is central to his character development and the decisions he makes later. Despite losing his innocence as a wolf boy, I would have loved to see more scenes of Prince Bo retaining his prowess as a wolf, powerful and unbeatable; I wish he were as ferocious as he looks at the beginning.
Wang Dalu is the perfect actor for this character. With natural tan skin and a well built body, he really looks like a man who has lived in the wild and exposed to the elements. It is exactly this look that makes him a convincing ferocious wolf king. Carrying a sly hideous smile that tilts at the corner of his lips, Wang Dalu projects a fearsome and chilling image. As I get more familiar with the actor, oh boy, he grows on me. By the end of the drama, I find him so attractive, charismatic and irresistible. As I re-watched some of the episodes, I come to realize how difficult his role is. On one hand, he has to show he is a cold, war machine with no emotions, but on the other hand, he has to let the viewers see his agony, turmoil and most of all his love for the woman of his life. Despite some viewers criticize him for not emoting very well, I feel Wang Dalu has done exactly what he is supposed to do - his expressions should be subtle and cannot be easily understood by others. He has to hide his emotions, and with any feelings that he may show, it's always fleeting. I can definitely feel him when he is in turmoil and agonizing over his love and loyalty. Wang Dalu's acting is perfect!
- Ma Zhaixing and Li Qin
Ma Zhaixing (Li Qin) is the daughter of a general who controls the Armies of Ma. She is beautiful, kind, intelligent and delightful like a butterfly. She loves Wolf Boy whole heartedly and doesn’t care how he looks and what he is; she just loves him as he is and his kind heart. As the story unfolds, Ma Zhaixing’s experiences are painful and heart wrenching, hurting over and over again by the man she loves. She’s forced to become strong and take charge to avenge for those she’s lost.
Li Qin is beautiful and adorable as Ma Zhaixing as a young girl (about 10 years old, it's a long stretch but well... ) or later as an adult. She has that gentle and delightful demeanor, and has played her role so well and convincing, bringing out the pains and agonies Ma Zhaixing is going through and making the viewers empathize and sympathize with her.
- Ji Chong (Prince Chuan/Li Juyao) and Xiao Zhan
Ji Chong is a wandering prince disguised as a mercenary. He can communicate with the eagle and has excellent martial art skills. He falls in love with Ma Zhaixing who takes him as a good friend. Despite not reciprocating his love, he continues to help Ma Zhaixing getting through her most painful moments. Like an eagle roaming the sky, Ji Chong is free-spirited and resourceful, and a very well-loved character.
Xiao Zhan has an untamed aura that fits perfectly into the Ji Chong character here as a flamboyant and yet compassionate person. However, Xiao Zhan doesn't come on screen until Episode 11. Once on screen, his character is colorful and mesmerizing, and his performance is natural and believable. He compliments the character of Prince Bo who has a more serious and solid personality.
- Other Cast
Other cast members are equally impressive. As the Emperor of Yang, Chu Kui (Ding Yongdai) is ruthless, suspicious, manipulative and power crazy. Ding Yongdai’s acting is simply amazing, capturing all these elements of the character, making the viewers hate and yet fear him. All acting is just fabulous and immaculate.
The Official Sound Tracks (OSTs)
This drama produces some amazing OSTs. As a lover of classical music, I wasn't into the rapping parts in the song Who Am I initially. However, as the drama grows on me, the song sinks deep into me; I come to love it. Another song I love is the OST Heavenly Wolf Star. The instrumental Bo Wang's Heartache is another of my favorites. Each song digs deep into the listeners, helping the viewers feel the resignation and helplessness of the fate of our characters. The instrumental tunes are sad, mysterious and heart pounding, capturing everything in the story. Must listen!
My verdict
This drama has attracted a lot of attention because of Xiao Zhan after The Untamed. The Wolf was made before he became a superstar, therefore there is dissatisfaction with his fans for him playing a second male lead. Despite being a fan of Xiao Zhan myself, Wang Dalu has made a more convincing wolf king than Xiao Zhan would have; Wang Dalu has the look, physique and charisma for the role. The production team has made a perfect selection.
This is a rather heavy drama, with few dark jokes, such as the mantis analogy (the Khitan princess Bao Na [Guo Shuyao] depicts the relationship between Ma Zhaixing and Prince Bo as if they were the mantises, one eating the other after copulation, and Prince Bo rebuffs that it's the male mantis that gets eaten - I've laughed for days over this joke).
The storyline is intriguing and the characters are well developed and acted. There are no indications of any interspecies nor werewolf as suggested by the tags though there is supernatural power exhibited by The Wolf. The overall cinematography is fantastic despite some poor wolf CGIs in the beginning (actually they're not too bad), but others are pretty decent, especially the CGI tiger scenes (those are epic together with the acting of Wang Dalu). By looking at the cast that have not appeared and some disjointed editing, it is pretty obvious that some interesting scenes may have been cut abruptly to shorten the length of the drama (or due to censorship?). Whatever it is, this is still an amazing and enjoyable drama that depicts love and redemption, loyalty and betrayal, sincerity and deception, remission and revenge, humanity and atrocity, harmony and warfare, with amazing fighting scenes, and most of all, a beautiful love story of a beauty and a beast.
The ending may not be placatable for some viewers, but it is beautiful at the same time, regretful. For me, a good drama should not depend on whether it is a happy or sad ending; it is about the overall story and acting.
This drama is one of my all-time favorites and deserves a rare 10/10. Don't miss it!
TWO THUMBS UP!
Want more about the actual historical story? Read this:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhu_Wen
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There is the central theme of the Gil Dong legend running through out, a series long plot to restore a displaced king and lots of love triangles all around. (love quadrangles?) In the mix, there are several short plot stories and baddies for Gil Dong to fight as he gathers his "band of merry men", rights the wrongs he sees, tries to protect those he loves and begins to suss out the worthiness (or lack thereof) of a future king.
The fusion sauguk element is fun. I wish I was even a little adept at Korean language and culture so I could truly appreciate the popculture and slang built into the language of the characters.
It's swashbuckling, over the top and a lot of fun. The writing is clever with some twists you just don't see coming and game changers that keep you moving along with the 24 episode tale.
I recommend it very highly.
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Okay that's enough time wasted on my preferences in male characters, now for the actual review.
When I first clicked in to rate this show, I gave the drama a 9. But then I did what every normal person does after watching an insanely good show - went to spazz to my mom about it - and I realized that I used the word "masterpiece" to describe this drama so many times that I had to come back and change it to a full 10. It was that good.
Plot vise this drama really is a masterpiece. I was sitting on the edge of my chair the whole time while watching and I bet you'll do the same. Just when you think you've caught on to the plot and know how the scenario is going to play out, something new and unexpected is thrown in your face. I was confused for the most part and you will be too, but don't worry, cause in the end, everything will click into place and you're gonna be left with your mouth gaping open, thinking that how on earth does such a complicated story come down to such a simple trigger. But I'll say no more, I don't want to spoil anything.
One of the things that I really liked about this drama was that after I was finished, I was left with a sort of full feeling. This is one of the few dramas where there is an actual message in the plot; something that says something really important about the world. It's a theme that becomes evident already in the plot and is carried out throughout the entire drama: a real mother will do anything to protect her child. I definitely liked how the theme was portrayed in the drama via various characters.
Cast and acting was top class. I've always respected Lee Bo Young but I was still amazed how spot-on her interpretation of Kim Soo Hyun was. She was a very convincing devastated mother but somehow also managed to incorporate a tough woman image into the character. She also had great chemistry with her co-actor, Cho Seung Woo who plays Ki Dong Chan. Now, I already talked about him but if it didn't become clear yet, I'll spell it out for you. I'm in love with this man. He is not just an amazing actor but also a great singer (and insanely dreamy). Search up his musicals, they're great.
I'm also going to take a moment to mention Kim Yoo Bin who plays the role of Soo Hyun's daughter, Han Saet Byul. Her acting is what it is, I won't comment much on that but considering her age, she is pretty great. She is one of the most promising child actors right now and I'm sure we're going to be seeing her a lot in the future.
And then, last but not least, I want to talk about one of the two idols who acted in this drama, Baro. I was really surprised and even a bit worried when I heard what kind of a role he'd be taking on, just because playing a character with an intellectual disability can be very difficult and also very emotional (doesn't sound exactly right but I hope you get the point). Turns out I worried for nothing. Baro was great in his role and following his character, Yong Gyu, and his friendship with Saet Byul was very heartwarming.
There isn't really much that I want to say about the music for this drama. It was good and suited the scenes and there was a nice range of songs from emotional pieces to more intense and dark ones that went well with the action. I have nothing to complain about so full ten it is.
One last thing that I want to mention is that this drama could be considered horror as a genre. There isn't any real massacre or slaughtering (well there's a bit) but the psychological war that goes on in this drama is really terrifying. I had a hard time watching some bits alone in my room, late at night, so just take a little caution on that.
Rewatchability is definitely also very high because the plot is very confusing until the very end and I think it would be fun to watch the drama again, just to see how different the events look when you know exactly what is going on. However, I had to dock one mark because there are certain events in the drama that I do not wish to see twice. In the end, the plot does revolve very closely around the theme of murder so that shouldn't come as a surprise.
I tried to make this review short, I really did, and look at what happened XD Anyways, my final verdict is that "God's Gift - 14 Days" is absolutely a show worth watching. Even if you're not into thriller-suspense kind of themes, give it a go because, come on, there's Ki Dong Chan in it.
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So why did I give it an 7 overall (instead of a 5 or a 6)? Well, even though the couple was frustrating, they were pretty sweet together. And I liked the acting and the chemistry. And I admit, some stuff was really cute.
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This review may contain spoilers
Great start, but idk what happened...
If you watched 2moons you will recognize the actors Kimmon, Copter and Bas.Though I personally liked them more in Gen Y the series where the mains are not Pha and Wayu as in 2moons but instead it focuses on Mark and Kit, who appeared in 2moons as Ming and kit, and as the support couple.
Story: I think the story is fine, nothing amazing or extraordinary but just fine. Mark is the best friend of Wayu who is dating Pha, who’s best friend is Kit. Mark catches an interest in Kit as soon as he lays eyes on him and decides to approach him. Kit at first, doesn’t seem interested at all but more annoyed.
Yet, as time goes, the change and growing trust for each other is visible and interesting to watch. Their relationship has a good dynamic and it will become clear that they somehow go well togther despite being so different. As they bicker and argue a lot, their sincerity and care for each other is there.
Acting: Their acting is pretty well performed. Kimmon and Copter are both actors from earlier and no beginners. I can also see they really improved a lot. They capture their characters well as the handsome and charming, yet deep caring Mark and the tough and clever Dr Kit. Their characters are very different but if you're open for it, you will grow to understand them both. Coming to their chemistry, it's there and have improved a lot as well.
Extra:
I think one of the best things about this serie is the fact how being “something else than straight” is seen as something so normal. And yes, it is very unrealistic I know, and I do think it's important to reflect reality in dramas but to be honest, that part was still realistically performed. I know that it would never happen in reality but wishing is free right? And I do wish it was like this in real life too. Even if it is far from reality "being not straght" is something that should’ve been normalized long ago. There are no struggles with the thought of being gay or even about sexuality at all. They just like someone, a person, and isn't that enough? Mark and Kit doesn’t seem effected by liking a guy at all and none around them seems to look at it as something unusual either.
EDIT (finished it):
So I finished the serie now and first of all I wanna say, this serie started off really well but what actually happened towards the ending? Despite that I can say now that I will watch season 2.
After Markkit got together they had some happy moments that gave me a happy feeling as well. Towards the end their story sort of ended and they became a support couple while the main focus started focusing on the love triangle for Thanu, Wayu and Phai. For me it was hard to decide who to ship with who because the dize did not get thrown for a while, some of them were just lacking personality and it all could feel very dragged out sometimes. Their story got boring sometimes because it just moved too slowly or felt too dragged out from time to time. Some of their scenes were too slow or just straight up unnecessary. Despite their love triangle drama they were all kind people and deserved good (especially Phai, such an angel honestly). I hope this gets clearer in season 2.
We also get to follow two other boys, this was a sort of "hate-yet attracted to each other" relationship with some real serious tension. Two of Sansab's friends, Pok and Tong. At first I wasn't that interested in their story because their story literally came from nowhere. But it did get a bit more interesting later on. It was too toxic for me sometimes though which I didn't like but in the end, what got me stuck was probably the excitment in their tension. It was on a surprisingly high level and I could feel their insanely strong hate yet desire for each other if that makes sense? I really hope this gets cleared up in season 2 as well.
About Pha... I understand why they hid his face in the beginning. At first I thought it was because they could not include Pha's original actor God, but it doesn't seem like that now when Big has the role. Pha's sudden return though... no. I don't like that, it's the least they need now tbh.
The end of this season 1 left me with a lot of questions. Now all I can do is wait for next season.
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Now, before you get all judgey judgey with me and skip this review because I gave it all 10's, you should finish reading my review :) I don't just toss out 10's whenever a drama slightly moves me. Although I may not be that much of an experienced watcher, my personality in general is just very picky. Therefore, no I did not just randomly decide to be nice and give all 10's on a whim. This drama is truly amazing. KBS, you deserve a pat on the back. I think just by looking at the ranking of this drama, it's safe to say it's one of the best dramas of the past decade. Hell, it even broke the 9.0 mark. Kudos to all the writers, actors, PD, etc etc who made this amazing drama happen.
I actually found the story to be quite intriguing. It starts off as just a story about a night courier and people he's somehow connected to, but it branches out. You would think that the entire drama would just be about Healer and his love life with the female lead, but no. The supporting cast got just as good of a story. There was the main storyline, and then there was the story about the previous generation that was slowly unveiled throughout the series. The one fatal weakness of writers these days, is one way or another there are always parts that drag on. But not with this one. This drama always keeps you on your toes, and problems are never left open and unsolved. I find that a lot of writers tend to forget about the problems they created early on, and then towards the end of the drama they go "Oh right! Better write that one back in. Darn, should've used that for the middle episodes." Thus, the dragging middles and the rushed endings. So, if you're worried about it dragging, don't even fret my friend. KBS got yo back.
The cast was PER. FECT. EVERYONE was amazing, not even joking. A good writer can't create a great drama without great actors, and that's exactly what this drama had. First let's start off with Park Min Young. She's actually been getting a lot of hate lately because of how she looked in the drama, but let's just take a moment to let that sink in. How she looked. How she looked?! Yo, just because someone does not look like a Victoria's Secret model does not make them a bad actress. I don't see Behati Prinsloo getting Oscars. Why? Because she's not. an. actress. The character of Chae (Choi?) Young Shin is an anti-social girl who is not the least bit concerned about her appearance. Her only friends are her father and ex-convicts. You think she would be buying Naked palettes and Coach bags? I really hate how people automatically start judging actresses and actors based on their looks. Like hello? What's their job again? Oh right. TO ACT. If their job was to look pretty they would be models but guess what? They're actors. So stop judging Park Min Young just because her character wore loose clothing and applied minimal makeup. She wasn't even ugly in the drama. Honestly, I think she's a great actress and beautiful one at that. Now onto Ji Chang Wook (swoon). I might be just a liiiiittle biased but he really is an exceptional actor, one of my favorites. He's portrayed both hero and villain, and I think that really helped him improve his acting. I've never watched any of Yoo Ji Tae's dramas, but now I'm definitely a fan. I absolutely LOVE Park Mi Kyung. Like LOVE. By far the best ahjumma actress ever. She's played elegant and rich, poor and mute, and now hacker and essential hobo. I love her so much, she's just so dynamic. It also seems as though she's never embarrassed, because some of her outfits in this drama....WHEW. Ji Won To did a really great job too, I bet seizures are hard to fake haha.
Nothing really stood out to me music wise, but the reason I'm giving it a 10 is because the music was just so appropriate. Whoever did music selection and editing really has taste, because the music came right on time, and fit perfectly. It made you feel happy when needed, made you feel sad when needed, and most of all gave you so much feels you feel like your heart is going to explode.
Overall, watch watch watch watch watch make SURE to watch this drama. I don't care what lengths you have to go to, but this is a must. One cannot call oneself a dedicated watcher if you have not watched this. However, like many people have previously stated, don't let this be your first drama. As a first drama, it's exceptional and great and amazing...but other dramas can't compare. After finishing this, many dramas will fall short of your expectations. Therefore, you have to watch something that's inferior so you can both appreciate this drama and later dramas. I know, I know, my amazing review has you on your toes wanting to watch this drama, but endure it. If you're just starting out, I recommend My Lovely Girl, Monstar, and Heirs. Not that these dramas were necessarily bad, they just started out good and got slaughtered by the writers. Oh and one more word of advice, if you're just starting out don't watch a melodrama. There will be too much crying and angst for you to handle. Plus since you're just starting out you'll most likely be too confused to even be emotionally impacted. Happy watching!
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A fail romance story, that's way too unbelievable technically
Fantasy romantic dramas are a dime a dozen in the Korean TV landscape, and while Netflix’s latest love story, Doona!, isn’t in the least bit supernatural, the story is every bit as fantastical as the time-travel or superpowered romantic sagas we’ve grown accustomed to. As we’ve come to expect from Netflix dramas, which benefit from the streaming platform’s deeper pockets, Doona! looks the business, with hazy visuals and atmospheric lighting blanketing each frame, but it’s superficial to a fault. The leads were shabbily written and it was hard to root for them, albeit the ending was anyways not pleasing as well.Supporting characters don’t get much of a look-in – not that they are a particularly exciting bunch. I have seen better romance dramas of this year, period.My Rating : 5/10
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This drama has everything you'll love.⭐
From beginning to end, this drama truly delivered. Fresh concepts, great synergy among the cast, amazing music, and just the right amount of comedy without any cringe—plus some of the best actors in recent years. Liu Yu Ning was outstanding and consistently excels in roles like this. I hope we continue to see him in more historical or fantasy dramas.It’s definitely a rewatch-worthy series because you’ll enjoy yourself from start to finish. The overall concept stands out—just when you think you can predict what’s coming next, the show proves you wrong every time. I’d 100% recommend it to anyone who enjoys a perfect blend of historical romance and comedy.
A 10/10 banger! This one’s officially going on my “never forget” list.
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This review may contain spoilers
Lucifier? Batman? Whatever, Ahn Bo Hyun is a star of his own.
Not every show needs to be a masterpiece. Every now and then, there are dramas like this that don’t try to be groundbreaking. They just focus on doing what they’re meant to do–entertain. Do you remember those cartoons you used to enjoy as a kid? The kind where each episode had its own little adventure, wrapped up neatly by the end? Flex X Cop feels exactly like that– simple, straightforward, but oddly satisfying. It’s the kind of show that keeps you coming back, episode after episode, just because it’s fun to watch. It was a genuinely enjoyable journey following this chaebol-turned-cop as he searched for his purpose in life, and from episode one, it had my full attention.I’ve got to start with the dynamic between the two leads, because that’s really what carries the show for me. The relationship between Jin Yi Soo (Flex Cop) and Lee Kang Hyun (Lady Cop) was surprisingly well-written and genuinely well-crafted. It just felt... natural. Nothing about their interactions came off as forced or overly scripted, which is impressive considering how cliche the overall drama can be at times. Watching them slowly get to know each other, episode by episode, felt like watching two real people grow closer, organically and without any unnecessary drama. I’m a huge fan of that slow, subtle development that blossoms over time. There’s something undeniably addictive about their back-and-forth dynamic; it’s got a kind of Tom and Jerry charm that keeps me coming back. Huge kudos to the writers for not shoving a romance subplot down our throats. Honestly, I think they work better as frenemies than lovers. Camaraderie over romance, any day.
I know this is a detective-mystery-crime-themed show, but I’d urge you not to go into it with that as your main focus. It plays out more like a series of mini-cases that gradually build toward the overarching mysteries surrounding both leads' parents. As for the crime-solving and case-related mysteries, they’re pretty basic, nothing groundbreaking, but still engaging enough to keep you watching. I wouldn’t call the cases boring, but they definitely don’t feel like the main course. The villains aren’t genius masterminds, the cases lack depth or complexity, and the twists aren’t particularly hard to predict. Honestly, it felt more like an extended version of the Mafia Game—nothing too intricate, but fun in a “just play along” kind of way. The murderer is usually right there in plain sight, so don’t overthink it and just enjoy the ride. Most of the cases will seem tailored to make JYS shine, thanks to his inherent advantages as a rich, influential online celebrity and chaebol heir as his unfair advantage. While that does feel a bit like cheating, I actually didn’t mind it. It was genuinely entertaining watching him pull it off, and more than anything, I found myself rooting for him.
I also appreciate how the show doesn’t waste time with unnecessary fluff or try too hard to be overly emotional or complex. Instead, it trusts the story to unfold naturally, revealing answers at just the right moments. The pacing and development here are honestly some of the better ones I’ve seen. It’s consistent, steady, and never drags. It’s the simple, fundamental things like this that the show really gets right. Flex X Cop maintains its momentum in a straightforward, unpretentious way, and to its credit, it actually gets better as it goes.
That said, like I mentioned from the start, this is far from a masterpiece and the flaws are pretty glaring. Even though I didn’t go into it expecting much, there were still moments so absurd they felt like outright lazy writing, making them hard to overlook. I mean, I was supposed to believe JYS could hypnotise a doctor who specialises in hypnosis? Or that he could crash a helicopter into the back of a car without injuring a single person? And then there’s the invisible drone. Seriously? Some of the events that helped solve cases left a bitter aftertaste because of how ridiculous they were. He also somehow becomes the only person capable of magically pulling clues out of thin air, despite being the rookie play-cop on the team. On top of that, any scene without the two leads together took a noticeable dip in quality for me; those parts just felt flat and uneventful. By the later episodes, even the chemistry that initially hooked me started to lose its spark, and I found myself less invested. The hype definitely fizzles out toward the end, probably because there’s just not enough substance at the core of the drama. I’m no longer rushing to watch new episodes as soon as they drop—but it’s also not bad enough for me to completely drop it either.
Amidst the influx of shows with amazing casts in recent weeks, Flex x Cop was a really pleasant surprise. It was something light that I do not feel compelled to follow tightly weekly but good enough for me to pick it back up sometime in the week for a decent time. It does have a little bit of everything you want in a drama. Would I recommend it? Not really. Will you enjoy it if you still decide to watch it? I think very likely so.
**My favourite scene in the show that lives rent-free in my head till today: Jin Yi Soo whipping out a gold crafted handcuffs because he was not allowed to carry a gun…and Kyunjin playing along with him by getting arrested…also that slap might be one of the most satisfying slaps in I have seen in K-drama...I replayed that whiplash of a slap many many times...
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Could have a much better ending…
watched the whole episode….the More i watched the more i have to force myself to finish. Things are moving Too slow. The slow and lingering gaze between the main leads becomes monotonous and loosing its magic. The longings are too cruel. Then it’s just tragedy after tragedy after tragedy.This movie is a tragedy.
I saw the high ratings and expectations were high. There few who has similar views on how bad this drama, thank you for being honest and took the time to share with everyone.
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set up to be spicy but then not spicy (watch suggestions)
Overall: something didn't quite work for me, but I'd love to see the actors in a new series. This is based on a manga which I read though I tried to review it on its own merits (the manga has a lot of NSFW scenes). 8 episodes about 24 minutes each. Aired on GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/4647/cosmetic-playlover-2024Content Warnings: (there were a few, check this review's comments for them)
Watch Suggestions (removes work drama, love triangles)
- watch episode 1
- watch episode 2 beginning to 8 minutes and then 21:30-the end
- skip episode 3
- watch all of episode 4 or 4-5:10, 7:40-10:40, 15:20-the end
- watch episode 5 beginning to 4:17 and then 17:20-the end
- stop episode 6 at 20:45
- watch episode 7 11:50-13:25, 20:15 to the end
- watch episode 8 beginning to 5 minutes and then 18:15 to the end
What I Liked
- a character was honest in episode 1
- clear premise
- several characters introduced but I wasn't confused
- sweet moments
- supportive family & coworker
- had some good communication
Room For Improvement
- a tsundere character tells the other guy to "prepare himself" and then basically does nothing, they eat spaghetti, there's a hug, the intensity is missing in their relationship and then we have a blushing virgin trope
- work drama was uninteresting
- why did multiple characters find another character so irresistible?
- episode 5 was too late to give the other character's perspective/explain his motivation
- the voice overs
- that Natsume trusted a total stranger over his boyfriend and repeatedly ignored boundaries
- that stupid contest in episode 8 with a no physical affection clause
- I ended up being worried about Natsume's low self esteem and didn't have faith that they would stay together
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WATCH IT NOW
I’ve watched a lot of dramas I would say and honestly it’s been awhile since a drama hooked like hidden love did. I would murder someone just to re watch the drama for the first time. The chemistry between the main leads is sooo cute. Like most drama there are quite a few cringe moments but I just took a 5 second break AND WENT BACK IN. I swear you will not regret this watching this. The only iffy thing about this drama is the age gap but it’s not that big it’s just she was a minor but they handled so well.Was this review helpful to you?
Sing when you can not dance.
Uncertainties of life that should help us come out of our shells, often end up holding us back, and what life demands us to do is, put some efforts and liberate ourselves out of the incertitudes. After all, we do not notice that we are chained until and unless we move. What we are repeatedly reminded throughout our difficulties is that, real liberation is not achieved by burnishing and covering the painful memories, rather by experiencing it to the entirety. The drama is a reflection of numerous paths of liberating yourself, on your way to eternity and fulfilment.Jointly produced by 'Studio Phoenix', 'Chorokbaem Media' and SLL, "My Liberation Notes (나의 해방일지) [2022]" is a 8 billion won budgeted slice-of-life Kdrama. Reuniting writer Park Hae Young and director Kim Seok Yoon after 11 years, the show was broadcasted on JTBC and internationally distributed by Netflix.
The show takes place between the contrasting vistas of a quiet countryside, namely Sanpo of South Korea's South Gyeongsang Province and busy metropolis of Seoul. The show follows the life of three 'Yeom' siblings who are enervated of the sameness of adult life and their mysterious neighbour 'Gu' who is always by himself. As life happens to these people and the ones surrounding them, they set out on a prolonged and endless road, seeking liberation and eternity.
Yeom Gi Jung (Lee El), the oldest of the siblings, is huffy & short-tempered who always complains about everything, making silly judgements; yet wishes to find love and fulfill her life. Yeom Chang Hee (Kim Min Ki), the middle sibling, is awfully outspoken who despite of his crave for better life doesn't really have a goal and spends his leisure meaninglessly. Yeom Mi Jung (Kim Ji Won), the youngest, is faint-hearted and introverted who feels unfulfilled in her boring life, coveting to escape from all her worries. Mr. Gu (Son Suk Ku) is the closest next-door ahjussi who has recently moved to the neighbourhood and a drunkard who talks less and prefers to remain by himself.
Chun Ho Jin (Yeom Jae Ho) is the siblings' father while Lee Kyung Sung plays their mother Kwak Hye Suk. Ji Hyeon Ah (Jun Hye Jin), Oh Du Hwan (Hang Sang Jo) and Suk Jung Hoon (Jo Min Kook) are closest neighbourhood as well as childhood besties of the siblings. Cho Tae Hun (Lee Ki Woo) and Park Soo You (Park Sang Min) are Mi Jung's colleagues. Other familiar faces in the supporting roles are: Choi Hee Jin, Yang So Min, Kim Ro Sa, Jung Soo Young, Kang Joo Ha, Choi Min Chul and Kim Min Song.
Plot development is not a thing when you talk about slice-of-life genre and the show had the same case, for it doesn't indicate a particular direction or destination, that the characters must reach in order to imply an ending. Well, MLN is not feature obvious, with a gripping conflict or larger-than-life charactes. But them, their everyday desires, their disappointments, their emotions and their actions & reactions to what's (not) happening around them has been beautiful sketched and well developed. The show is quite for most of it's parts but still interesting, engaging and most importantly eternally healing, which makes it worth the time invested. The major characters go through a slow burn process, i.e. they don't change over the course of time, some, nor by the end of the show, but it affects us, the viewers, and that's the miracle of MLN as well as other slice-of-life shows.
There are times, when the conversations are very deep; people in duo or group talk about things that is deep-rooted in their souls, affecting their lives in ways that they didn't expect it to, and then the next moment, it turns into a talk about utter bullsh*t, about some stranger narcissistically screaming on the street or some chocolate teapot or a sack full of hammers (metaphorical). To put in simple words, sometimes it moves your heart but the next moment it's stupid and doesn't make sense. But all of these boils down to the very fact that you enjoy, relate and relive it and don't you think that's only "life" ? About the ending, it's pretty sorted and greatly satisfactory. Letting aside my personal feelings and rationalizing have the same results. I can't call it an open ending since it's a slice-of-life show and the ending of such always implies that our lives are continuous and life goes on even when the show comes to an end. You can pretty much draw your own conclusion, very easily.
Park Hae Young PDnim is one of the most respected names, who, with her relatively less created pieces, have been able to win hearts through her skills of storytelling in slice-of-life vignette. MLN has been a transporting story, with the ability of transcending into both beauty and disaster at the same time. Utilizing realism, jakkanim has attempted to examine small & ordinary yet powerful narratives of daily life. Mr. Gu's part of sure is a bit wilder for such genre, but you know, what? There is no such rule that a devil and it's tale can't be a part of a coming-of-age story (He ain't an evil man, if you're guessing so from the statement. It's generalized.). In an overall sense, jakkanim brings out the best possible characters, with their compelling environments or spaces they tend to, by drawing scenarios that allows us to relate the pieces with our very own experience.
Director Kim Suk Yoon PDnim with the fair share of experience of working in both thriller and softcore genres, including MLN, have been able to evince his skills through various dramas over the last 'half the decade'. The primary motto of the drama, i. e. the emphasis on the very moment, with the intent of focusing the audience on that moment rather than using that moment as part of a narrative, has been accurately executed, with lots of sense. The incorporation of touchy monologue notes and the flashbacks of foregone days, are of great interest with their ability to stir up both joy and misery, at the same time. The screenplay attempts to triumph over emotions by means of creating a still, tranquil and taciturn mood, and I must mention that this makes the show unique.
The framework of the drama is not set up in a colourful and fascinating setting yet something about the characters' environment will make you feel riveting & compelling throughout, hence proving once again, how it's a perfect example of living upto it's genre's essence. The pieces & elements of the drama offer insight into the small, common moments that might go unnoticed in bigger stories. Indeed, it has many conversations, actions and reactions that might feel unavailing, but it's a matter of time, you realize that you're living the moment, seeing yourself in the characters and have been a part of such discussions. The contrasting features of Seoul and Sanpo will often change thd vibes it radiate, while allowing you to capture the beauty of different realms.
The cinematography is beyond pleasing, I can't be lying. The art of storytelling through stills and visuals of this kind is definitely not new in Kdramas, however, MLN chalks up to recreating a narrative of idiosyncratic judgements. The makers attempt to enable the audience to live the essence and the way the presentation is drafted through vehemence is praiseworthy. Witnessing characters through refractive lenses (of the audience) by fetching and fluctuating camera angles, often from one's face, to a nearby glass frame were both palliating and allaying. The obliquely focusing camera, often alters into unorthodox minds of ingenious thoughts.
The two words the drama emphasizes on are: liberation (해방: haebang) and worship (추앙: chuang). Mi Jung's greatest force for personal liberation was her decision to widen her periphery of compassion as well as leniency, moving from focus on service to focus on self, which might seem contrary to what life demands, however, self-care has been of greatest value over years and we should be admiring the way she disenthrals herself throughout. Her portrayal constantly reminded me words from Paulo Coelho, "The beauty of truth: whether it is bad or good, it is liberating." Humble heart is the true contribution to worship, and to worship someone is powerful device that is able to dismantle every shackle and its able to breakdown every wall, of own and of the one you put at centre of your heart. Mr. Gu proved himself to be a good worshiper by enabling Mi Jung's life to be found settling within his soul. Robert Webber rightfully quotes, "Worship is an it-is-well-with-my-soul experience.”
Yeom Chang Hee and his life hacks; his agressive and loudmouth talks which can come off as rude and annoyance, is always contextualized, no matter where you see him. This guy, that guy, the talkative guy who always tries to shove knowledge into others, ends up making them realize that he actually makes sense. His facial expressions always imply that he's good intentions and that he really means what he's saying. Even with these, the way he strives do better in his job is commendable. His failures to achieve something might have let him down, but he immediately finding relief in little & meaningless things, have comforted me each time. Coping up with results in way that brightens your spirit, is what you must learn from him.
Yeom Gi Jung and her love interest; the one who might be picky and hasn't been able to find anyone to be able to love despite her age, ends up crying at the end of the day for being so miserable. With the guilt of committing wordily mistakes, she constantly tiptoes around people. To her surprise, when she falls in love with someone unexpected, she finds herself in a complicated situation where she has no path to chose, but remain at the same point. However, the way her life takes a turn, bringing immense happiness to her feet, it is alleviating to witness her tears of joy. Sticking to your persona and being patient can result in fruitfulness is what you can take home from her.
Yeom Mi Jung and her misplaced emotions; not like she hasn't tried, but then, not like everyone succeeds even after multiple and constant attempts. Time doesn't heal all wounds. In a family where emotions are not transparent, in a workplace that doesn't appreciate and in a friend circle that doesn't understand, she must have feel suffocated and wronged. So, it's actually coherent & lucid, why she wishes to break free from everything and run away as far as the road takes her. The constant urge to become liberated from all her worries has made him into a cold-hearted woman. Consistency, straightforwardness, know-how and maturity are what you should be able to receive from her.
Mr. Gu and his mysteries; aahhh! What a personality and what a development. The way he walks, carelessly and as if it's tiresome to even move, the way he stretches his entire body & neck in order to avoid what's happening around him, and staring up the sky aimlessly, and his facial expressions, that includes reactions to what he's told; I am mesmerized how all of these transcend into a feeling of admiration and respect to this character. He was indeed full of mystery; talking less, remaining by himself and drinking all the day, it was crystal clear that he bears something heavy in his heart. Yet, stupefyingly, he inspires others, makes others think mighty of him and uses no effort in allowing everyone fall for his aura. Take as much as he offers. And on that note, Mr. Gu is the new crush of millions" including myself; I had seen him before, but the difference persona and his character are what aroused my heart.
"My Liberation Notes" in many ways establishes and emphasizes various forms of friendship. The very fact that we vibe differently with different people at the same time, even within the same group, has been beautifully demonstrated. ''The things we share with our friend A, we can't spill that to friend B' " sorta feelings. From neighborhood buddies to workplace collegues and from school classmates to long lost acquaintances, MLN throws light upon both the importance and complications of each.
One of the many silliest means of liberating yourself, that has been portrayed through the acts of the characters, throughout the drama is "moving your feet"; be it a tiresome walk or a simple strolling or a breathless running. As you walk/run and think at the same time, the worries and burdens might evaporate away little by little, if not entirely, and that actually helps. As you watch the drama, you will realize that there are actually plenty of scenes where the characters are only moving forward with monologue notes accompanying them, and those were actually gratifying and alleviating, or in the words of the writer, "liberating".
Chang Hee's admiration for Mr. Gu, the way he looked upto him, him calling 'hyung' and was able to extract out inspiration from Gu's life, was quite an intrigue. Even with no definite bromance, MLN showcased a meaningful non-romantic bonding between two men, who despite of their personal conflicts, were able to unbar the ways to relief & salvation. I can go on about how I felt looking at Chang Hee's eyes & emotions for Gu-shi multiple times.
Composed by Kim Tae Sung PDnim, there are 12 OSTs in total, including one which has both male & female versions. Most of the songs are soothing and assuaging, which depicts the slowburn theme and realistic essence of the show. I can't say the entire album is my favourite but sure, I like all of them.
# "A Kind of Confession" is my most favourite track which has both female and male versions, sung by HEN & Kwak Jineon respectively. It reflects a realistic love that is unpredictable and full of uncertainties.
# "I Think I Know" by Isaac Hong accompanied Gi Jung's love story as an appreciation to souls that heal each other.
# "Here We Are" by Kim Feel is a song about the wary of life delineating melancholy and I believe it was dedicated to Mr. Gu.
# "Deeply" by HEN, as it's title says, is about deep assessments of the events of our life.
# "To be together" by Lee Jung Hyung reflects the warmness from the embrace of love. The prelude theme of the track is used as the intro of the show.
# "Laggard" by Shin You Me is a track meant for Mi Jung and her introverted spirit that urge to come out of the shell.
# "That Day" by The Orchad is a mildly jolly song about the brightful days of expressing and experiencing love. It was for Gi Jung.
# "Be My Birthday" by Ha Hyunsang was a soulful rendition about all the first time that you get to live after falling for someone.
# "We Sink" by SWAY is an upbeat composition about the thick & thins of life, that bring forward variable opportunities, which in ways, emphasizes on Chang Hee.
# "My Spring" by Lee Soo Hyun is a softcore track about the feelings of times spent with your soulmate.
# "Diamond" by 9duck is another jolly track which radiates admiration for the one you love.
One of the many moving elements in the drama was Mi Jung's desire to be able to reminisce about past where she herself is be-seated by her younger self's side, enjoying the views she really loved and Mr. Gu suggests her to remember the very moment and remind it when she turns old, because by then, the present time would be her younger version. Similarly, I would like to mention few of short yet relatable and favourite dialogues which aren't actually spoilers...
# "I feel scared of being honest."
# "Suddenly, I feel lovable."
# "You should know who you are."
# "Now we can say, we have watched stars together."
Before I sign off, I would have loved to talk about "my liberation diary" and the "haebang (liberation) club", the most motivating idea of the drama that puts Mi Jung at the centre, but I truly want all of you, reading this, to witness and experience it by your own.
Final Remarks... Ahhhh! That's how you express yourself with drama that could imply to a plentitude range of emotions and thoughts, throughout. Coming to the last part of my review, I am not sure whether or not I was worthy of writing this piece, for it is so beautifully contented which not only took the characters in the journey of liberation, but also helped the viewrs learn how to liberate themselves. With great production values, fascinating script, fabulous execution and beautiful outcomes, this is one of the best slice-of-life Kdramas ever produced even so it didn't have a noteworthy viewership record as it aired. I wish it could reach a lot more people but I also believe, good things always find their ways to those who deserve. With this, I must not forget to express my gratitude to the cast and crew and everyone plus everything that's involved in bringing out "My Liberation Notes" to me. Thank you, so very much!
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CHARACTERS
While the writer had a clear idea for both male lead characters, Dong Sik and In Woo, and both of their stories were quite well developed and concluded, Shim Bo Kyung was left to do what usually side characters do - react the right way to progress the plot.
Dong Sik, the definition of a loser, because of a quite humorous and coincidental string of accidents takes the persona of a serial killer. Having an amnesia and being faced with the reality of either being a pushover or a serial killer, he thinks of the former being more painful and scary and he accepts the possibility of being a psychopath, rationalizing all of his humane and empathetic behaviors for them to fit his new identity.
Seo In Woo, a serial killer who thinks he found his soulmate and killing partner in Dong Sik. His growing obsession over Dong Sik leads him to also credit the main lead with more wits, smarts and planning skills than he is capable of. Never being cared for by people in his environment, he hopes for a place of understanding in Dong Sik.
Shim Bo Kyung, who wished to be a detective until her father's accident. Since that time she kept having hallucinations of her father at the prime time of his career. The hallucinations were nothing more than her repressed hopes and wishes to follow his footsteps in the crime department. Sadly, her character in most cases was just used to forward the plot, the idea of hallucinations was not addressed enough. Not to mention her character was extremely inconsistent in terms of her skills. At times she had amazing intuition and deductive skills, but at the same time she failed to notice and connect many, quite obvious clues.
The combination of these three characters made quite an interesting and entertaining story and the ever changing interactions between them made me question who at the moment has the upper hand.
ENDING (no spoilers)
The fact that the ending was quite predictable from the get go was not a problem, since this drama focuses more on the journey not the destination.
PROS
Good acting of all the main and supporting actors, a variety of different characters that make it easier to find someone we can relate to, extremely good chemistry between Dong Sik and In Woo and the shifts in the dynamics between them.
CONS
Too much comedy took away from the serious aspect of the drama and made the villain less scary and impactful (he is a serial killer after all), unrealistic portrayal of police work to the point of it being ridiculous at times, less entertaining second half of the drama, not a strong first episode.
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