By Far The Most Beautiful Yet Underrated Drama Of All Time
This drama had so much depth and rawness to it that you can’t help wishing it would never end.The two female leads who started on the wrong foot turned out to be each other’s comfort and strength - what a beautiful friendship they had with so much love and respect for each other.
I applaud how Lee Sang Yeob and Park Ha Sun used their eyes and facial expressions more than dialogues to convey a wide spectrum of emotions - undeniably they are artists in the truest meaning of the word. Bravo to them and to the director and scriptwriters who brought out the best in them.
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Promising series cut short due to tragedy
My First Thoughts:Being Miura Haruma's final work before his sudden and tragic passing, it was hard to watch without thinking that we have lost such a kind soul and great talent... but at the same time, I wanted to honor him by watching this through the end. And I think those in charge of the drama may have similar sentiment when deciding to air the series, albeit a shortened run and necessary changes/editing needed in light of the circumstances.
Thoughts on the drama itself:
Watching the drama for what is, I thought this was totally the type of drama I usually enjoy. Fairly light-hearted, great cast, an uplifting soundtrack and theme song, and the development/interactions among the characters. What stood out to me was how the drama addressed our relationship with money. While the main leads have different philosophies in how to spend money, we also see that other characters' relationship with money ranges from hatred of money, pressure due to money, sacrifices made for money, etc. It was an interesting theme that I was looking forward to the drama to explore, along with character relationships that had seeds of development.
The full potential of this drama will be lost due to the circumstances, but at least I got to know of it. And the loss of this drama pales in comparison to the loss of Miura... rest in peace, and thank you.
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Easily the emotional warming series of this decade to date ?
When episode 10 ended, it felt like saying goodbye to dear friends. The Hot Spot grabs you in a very subtle fashion and before you realise, you are completely enveloped in a warm, funny, quirky, friendly hug. If you love slice of life, ordinary characters, unusual plot lines and ... and a regular view of Fuji-San, then you're gonna LOVE this! So many laughs, and towards the end, it will totally hit you in the feels. Bakarhythm has written a superb script and every actor plays their role so well. Kudos to the director and entire cast and crew for creating this very special gem. ENJOY 😃🙏Was this review helpful to you?
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drama for hornballs
if you wanna watch a drama that merely focusing on making out every 10 minutes, then sure this is for you. the story has potential only it was very rushed, badly executed and the actors made it painful to watch. the ML & FL were okay but i couldn’t properly enjoy their relationship as everything moved at the light of speed. also he was an asshole to her i don’t get why she even chose him in the end, prob bc of looks. she could’ve had better with the ceo guy but whatever. disappointing because it had potentialWas this review helpful to you?
This drama takes you on an emotional roller coaster. It is simply magnificent.
Plot: When I first stumbled upon this drama I thought that it was going to be fluffy and light but it wasn't. All most all episodes are filled with angst. They made my heart really heavy. I liked that it did not focus on romance (not including BROMANCE). This show made me laugh one moment and cry another.
Cast: 10 out of 10. The teachers were incredible. The students were incredible even the desks were incredible . Im gonna keep an eye for Lee Jong Suk and Kim Woo Bin in the future. They made me go all mushy at the BROMANCE moments :)
Ending: Super neat. All the conflicts were neatly solved and pocketed away yet it left me a bit unsatisfied as there were question running through my head about the future. I wont go on because if I do I may ramble on and spoil it.
Rewatch: Definitely.
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The plot itself is intriguing but I feel like it wasn't laid out as well as it could have been. It felt like there were so many things going on at once and so sometimes it felt like the focus wasn't on the main couple. Although there was always a lot happening in each episode, it still felt like the drama had a really slow pace. It didn't feel like there was enough romance between the main couple. Usually, I will watch a drama and be rooting for the main couple to be together. In this drama, although I did like the actors and their characters, I wasn't dying for them to be together. Some characters that I didn't like were redeemed in the storyline but it felt too forced. I think this is rather unfair since there was a really good cast and plot idea.
I am a big fan of drama OSTs. I will listen to the soundtracks of dramas and even add them to my playlists. Something about the music of Abyss felt off. There wasn't a special song linked to particular moments that stood out to me. When I think of certain dramas, I automatically remember certain songs that made me feel for a character. I didn't feel this with the music of Abyss. Usually, you can find me crying alongside the characters at their most pivotal moments and the music has a big part to play in that most of the time. I knew that Abyss had made that much of an impact on me when I didn't cry once for the characters.
I think overall this drama just didn't reach its full potential, which is a shame considering the cast involved. I am pretty disappointed that I have to give this drama a low score and negative review, but I just don't think this drama is worth the hype. As a big fan of Park Bo Young, I feel so bad that I am saying this but I look forward to her next work. I don't think I would rewatch this drama. I think the trailer and the plot summary were a bit misleading. There isn't much emphasis on romance in Abyss (even though there are many romance scenes, it felt forced). This is more of a thriller/mystery drama so if that is your thing, then maybe you should check it out.
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A Nice Easy Watch
Mute is a short drama that will take about an hour of your time. I found the drama charming and I liked the leads. Though the limited time limits the development of the leads, I felt it was enough to properly tell the story. The story itself is both original and derivative. What I mean by that, the premise itself is original but how it was executed will seemed similar to other Kdramas. If you are looking for a short drama to enjoy, I recommend this one. I may even rewatch this one in the future.Was this review helpful to you?
Here Is My Exclusive Indulge Season 2
14 people found this review helpful
Not really a season 2 but definitely worth watching
If you liked season 1, you should watch season 2. It's not a continuation but another version of the same story.It has the same lead actress and same locations of the first season. The lead actor is different but he plays the character really well. And they changed so much the hair and wardrobe of the female lead that I almost didn't recognize her.
The plot is light, funny and sweet. I have to say I liked the second season more than the first. I think this second version of the story is more cohesive than the first one.
Because it's such a short drama, you will probably want to watch it all in only one day like I did.
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What a cracker!
I wasn't expecting much from this shorter C-Drama. I went into it expecting light entertainment and not much else. But what I got? Holy crap! It was a masterpiece.I don't think I have ever actually been so invested in a milk money theft plot. I have seen them in so many dramas, but the way Yin Rui played it, her acting was phenomenal. I actually cried with her, I felt her pain, her anguish, through all of the drama. She is an amazing actress. I hope she gets more roles where she can showcase this.
The plot was confusing at times near the beginning. I couldn't understand why he wasn't able to find out what happened to her. Like, surely there were news articles, etc. But I soon forgot about that and got completely swept into the mystery.
I feel like this show will get underrated because of it being a little bit different from the norms of these types of dramas. But if people give it a chance, it's a real gem of a show. The only reason I didn't vote it 10/10 (I voted 9.5) was because I would have liked at least one more episode to spend time with the leads at the end. But, apart from that, I love everything about it.
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This review may contain spoilers
I am a fan of Makjang and revenge dramas, but this one has something lacking. I can't put my finger on it exactly. I wasn't emotionally invested in any of the characters except the little girl and Kang Il Ran and the drama wasn't about them. The main characters were just too boring. After a while I didn't care that much about anything except Kang Il Joo getting what she deserves. I can't post spoilers, but the ending left a lot to be desired. The characters were complex and there was pretty good development. The plot wasn't too convoluted considering the genre, but it felt like it went round and round over the same thing. I finished it because there is also something intriguing about it. I don't know if this review will be helpful because even I feel wishy washy about it. LOL The acting is fine. Nothing to get excited over though. I'm learning to hate Cha Ye Ryeon as this is not the first crazy woman she has played as Il Joo. She is really good at it. :-)
The music is appropriate and doesn't suck.
I will never rewatch this.
There are some better Makjang/Revenge dramas out there, but this one is an okay watch.
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This is a once in a lifetime drama.
I never write reviews so bear with me but I am struggling to put into words just how beautiful this show is. Before this show I never got when people would say 'my lifes drama' but I think I get it now. When I started I was scared because 100 episodes is quite a lot and figured I would drop it halfway or I would find it boring the way I did with father is strange and makjangs ive tried. I was completely wrong. this drama was perfect in every sense of the word; casting, pacing, dialogue its hard for me to find things to hate about this drama after completing it its genuinely perfect.STORY
While the story looks really simple and boring the way its written is so incredibly well done, there's a great blend of romance, comedy and drama that get you to become emotionally attached to every character down to the two episode cameos. The main plot focuses on the song family which includes the mother and father and their four children who each have trouble within their love lives. This is a really simplistic breakdown but the writing is extraordinary, its very deft in the way that it helps you empathize with characters, even when they're in the wrong you want to root for them and for their happiness. The truly annoying 'makjang' bits never go on very long and are always resolved amazingly. The characters see genuine growth which is very rare.. by the end of the show each and every character feels like a real person you can relate to and love. Characters in Once Again all seem human, they focus in on each and every person you see and give them real motivations and traits, the writer is extremely talented and im so thankful to her for this show. It tackles a lot of issues that you wouldn't expect at first glance and it teaches you to never be stuck in your assumptions on people (or even on the characters in the show) because everyone is capable of change for the better. At times I found myself jumping around like an 8 yr old and in others I was crying out of genuine heartache for these characters. Yang HeeSeung took a simple premise and made a masterpiece out of it.
ACTING
Stellar. literally perfect casting to the point its almost funny like I genuinely cannot imagine anyone else having played these roles. Lee Minjung and Lee Sangyeob absolutely nailed their roles and nahee has become my favourite kdrama character of all time. Lee Chohee and Lee Sangyi won everyones hearts in this show. Oh Yoonah showed amazing skill as a divorced single mother taking care of her kid while trying to find a way back onto her own feet. Oh Daehwan played his role beautifully and nailed the big brother vibe to a T... I could go on and on because everyones performances here was truly astounding it felt like watching real people and how they live their lives. Some of the older actors overacted (because this IS a weekend drama after all) but it just added to the charm because it was almost a physical generation gap and only highlighted everything beautiful about the show. the side characters were all acted PERFECTLY my personal favourites being hyosin and seoyoung~
MUSIC & REWATCH VALUE
These two aren't as important imo but nevertheless the music was so cute and all the osts make your heart feel like its about to burst with sunshine plus I just finished this show a few days ago and im already rewatching. It makes u happy seeing this family (that while I watched almost felt like my family) grow and become their best selves.
CONCLUSION
This is a really special show, Ive forced like 10 people to watch it and every single person has loved it to no end. It makes you happy and it comforts you, its the ray of sun on a cloudy day. if you're wondering if you should watch I say go right for it!! its a must watch in my books and probably one of my favorites, if not my number one kdrama of all time. The 100 episodes will fly past and by the end you'll be wondering where on earth you'll find another show as great as this one.
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1
1"Look at the trees and grass on the grassland…
They are called useful if people eat and use them. But if no one uses them, it's perfectly fine for them to simply exist in the grassland. They are free, aren't they?"To the Wonder is the type of drama that will not really leave you with many thoughts, but rather many feelings. There is no deep and complex plot that will mess up your brain as you try to figure it out. There are no intense conflicts that will make your blood boil. It’s just life - with ups and downs, but steadily flowing no matter what, like a river stream.
What amazes me the most is how even the supporting characters that showed up for a few minutes here and there felt like real people. While the synopsis highlights the romance between Wen Xiu and Batay, the actual story is far more equal in representation of different arcs. Rather than a love story, it’s a community journey that also includes a love story. But it’s so much more.
It’s a story of learning how to move on from loss, how to take risks in starting anew and accept if we make a mistake. A story of finding new ways to chase your dreams, to experience life and understand that there is a beauty in the simplicity of existence. We get to witness the fear of losing what you found to be the comforting lifestyle, the anger that comes with it and the slow acceptance of change. We experience the clash of old and new traditions. We get to know people who understand how to appreciate what they have, and those who are never satisfied.
As a person who loves the comforts the city life gives, even I was moved by the stunning scenery shown in To the Wonder. It evokes in me this want to explore, to experience and to appreciate nature, the harmony in which some communities live with it. Just 8 episodes and yet over 500 screenshots in my folder. Every second was visually breathtaking. The vibrant colors of nature and the cultural heritage.
Then we have the performances. There was one scene in the last episode that especially emotionally touched me (everyone who saw the show knows exactly what scene I am talking about) - the emotions were just so real and raw. But the whole drama was filled with moving dialogues, subtle expressions of rich emotions, variety of personalities and motivations delivered by a skilled cast.
Overall, it’s a small story that feels larger than life, because it encapsulates all that’s important in human existence. It shows that keeping the community requires work and care, but it’s worth the effort you put in. It teaches you how to balance individualistic motivations and needs, while respecting the traditions and understanding the hopes of the community. I was getting more and more frustrated as I watched the episodes, because I did not want it to end.
This is one of the dramas I could write a review for a week, tweak it, rewrite it and I will not be happy with it because it's impossible to describe the beauty of this show, you just gotta experience it.
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This drama is based on a novel and portrays the things happening in a cardiovascular department.
If you are a fan of heroes, you will love this drama as we have a super human doctor who can save any patient by his demonic surgery skills, which seems almost impossible in reality. So, if you expect more of a realistic medical drama, you may not like it, but however, except for the portrayal of a god like doctor who is impossible to exist , all the other things in this drama are realistic as they are happening in reality in the medical field of Japan. Also, I have to say that Nino's ad libs in this drama are awesome. If you are a fan of Nino, you will definitely love this drama and will fall in love with him again and again. His portrayal of Dr. Tokai is really awesome and I wouldn't have enjoyed the drama this crazily if another actor played Dr. Tokai's role. All the actors in this drama are awesome and even the doctor who gave advices for this drama have praised them in his medical commentaries for the drama. I really love the innocent Dr. Sera, bratty nurse Nekota, enigmatic medical coordinator Kinoshita and all the other characters who are either hilarious or annoying.
I have watched all the episodes that have aired so far multiple times. I am drawn to arrogant and cool Tokai sensei who is great in using both scalpel and newest technology in operations and stops at nothing to save lives. The other thing I love is his smirk which really kills me every time he appears on screen.
I am curious about the mystery going on in this drama which has also been able to add depth to it. One can really enjoy this drama except for the hospital politics going on.
Black Pean is so dramatic, and also a bit mysterious as it will let you keep guessing on what will happen next, specially during the surgeries. I also have to say that this is not every one's cup of tea and more like a medical drama combined with mystery and a fantasy doctor. Well, that's my opinion.
Highly recommend this drama for Nino's fans and also for those who love to enjoy watching operations and of course for those who enjoy dramas with a super hero.
This is a drama that I really enjoy these days and hoping for a season 2. So, I would give 10/10 for this.
Edit- Watched the last episode too, even though I am not 100% satisfied with the ending , I loved the drama a lot and the cast too. I will really miss Tokai sensei
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I find this drama very original and beautiful
I only write long reviews for shows that really touched me.First off id like to start off by saying i’ve been keeping up w this drama since it came out and it definitely peaked my interest from the beginning.
Starting, this drama it has this very “mysterious” indie vibe to it which personally i enjoy so much. The synopsis is very VERY vague and that almost made it better. It definitely started out on the slower side and they did progress the story a little too fast at times i will admit but even through all of that i consider this a top tier drama IN MY OPINION. I won’t spoil anything here but i’d like to say this drama is ART. I have cried many times while watching this series, and no it wasn’t like the oh someone died type of cry. To put it into words i have no idea why i cried it just felt very authentic, pure, and well beautiful.
I’ll end it here by saying check out this drama regardless of ratings, form an opinion of your own, and well enjoy (i know i did and i’m sad to be writing this review because it means the series has come to an end) TO WRAP IT UP AMAZING 🥹🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
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