Reviews

A drama with no saint, please bring your brain here

Someone said to me, "Sometimes you need to leave your brain to enjoy a kdrama, just watch and enjoy bro!" That 'sometimes' is NOT this drama. Please bring your brain, you need that. Also bring your empathy. You will enjoy this more with both.

It's a drama with a very well written plot. It makes you guessing, make theories, broke your theories, give surprise, bring you to a journey of storytelling that is so refreshing and trilling. You can shrink the story of this drama into a sentence that describe a common fated love story, but it really more than that. It tackled the emotional side of you, also the brainy nerdy side of you.

The characters are lovable, but not in the way it usually are. If you're searching for 'green flag', 'rainforest' kind of characters, you'll find none here. What we have are complex flawed human that bring their own painful past. No heroes, no saint, no Gandalf. But if you watch it with caution and empathy, you'll get attached to all of them at the end. One reason why all of them are lovable, because every single of them get a trope that somehow disregarded by a lot of kdrama watchers these days: 'character development'. And like every part of this drama. The development written so well. Sometimes it written subtly, but never sudden flip.

This is a drama with no filler. The plot is packed, quite fast paced, but not rushed. No characters is forgotten, even until the end. It is that well planned.

The visual from setting, costume, make up, camera works, colouring, cinematography in general are top notch. I know Sky Castle is director's highest rated works. But I believe this is his masterpiece. And the soundtracks... award worthy! It consist of generally 3 songs. But all of them bring this drama alive and emotional. The magic they have... that can change emotions with every scenes. The composer you are Jung Jae Hyung...

And I'm forever thankful for director Jo Hyun Taek to bring me to Chun Woo Hee. The greatest actress of her generation. All actors in this drama act so good. Jang Ki Yong expression is no joke, he becomes better and better in his art. Whole Bok family and scammer family are full of great actors, both senior and junior actors. But among them, Park So Yi shining here. This girl has bright future in acting industry. Ten years from now we will see this drama again and reminiscing it as one of her great work among many.

And the whole comment section of this drama is MVP. It's so fun reading theories, making theories, debunked, get trivia. It's so fun. It's really really fun watch it on going. I'll never experience that again but I'll rewatch this drama again and again. You always can get new things after every rewatch. 💯

Btw, my first 10/10 kdrama, welcome to the club kiddo.

Read More

Unfortunately a failed gambit

Having not read the original novel that the drama is based on, I can judge based only on what I saw in watching this - and boy, was it a frustrating watch. There are elements of the story that could have been developed to become a truly trilling story, but the script decides to jump from plot to plot without respecting the characters, especially in the second half of the story. The best story line was between male lead Shen Zaiye, with a secret backstory and identity, and Mu Wuxia, the noble and upright 4th prince. If Mu Wuyin and Empress Lv's story were fleshed out more and the structure moved around a little, it probably would made for a more thrilling and compelling climax. But as it is presented, I feel nothing for Empress Lv, and Mu Wuyin is reduced to a strange, psychotic small-minded man.

The cast is certainly capable of better, and Liu Xueyi certainly does his best to make Shen Zaiye a living, breathing character. Unfortunately, there is not much to work with, and Meng Ziyi probably suffers more because the characterization of Jiang Taohua is very poorly done. The direction is also somewhat uninspired - lackluster action pieces and discordant music make this an overall unpalatable watch for those wanting a truly exciting political and romantic period piece. Still, the first half makes for a fun light watch, so if you are a fan of the any of the cast, it may still have something worth checking out.

Read More

This drama caught my attention after watching Sweet 18. I remember myself sitting in front of the TV laughing out loud because of the convoluted situation a husband and wife was put through.

Yoon Hye Chan is a 29 year old woman who wants to divorce her husband, due to an accident she lost all her memories and reverted to her old self as an 18 year old. This is where all hell was let loose and where her husband’s real trouble began. Kang Sang-Young is an actor who’s trying to mend his relationship with his wife Hye Chan but was unable to when she was in her 29 year old self. Now that his wife had amnesia, he had to go all through those silly high school details so their love with each other would be rekindled… but wait! There’s more! He has to toughen himself up because his competitor this time is a young lad who is 18 years old and very much willing to help out the 29 year old Hye Chan in her 18 year old mind.

What I liked about this drama was the humor, the silliness the characters had to go through and the flashbacks. I loved the flashbacks because that’s where the main details are. It shows what happened in the past that depicts what exactly was happening in the present and as to why it was taking place. Another bonus to the flashbacks is the young actors who were portraying Hye Chan and Sang Young 18 year old self, both were really cute and an eye candy to watch.

Music wise, there nothing note worthy about it, basically it's just there to give emphasis on what's happening but other than that it just zips right through your brain. Though all in all this is still a drama I would definitely recommend.

Read More

To maintain a 'watch-life balance', even thriller-suspense lover audience needs to watch light, refreshing drama like this one. I have seen several dramas on life of idols but this one felt different. This is because, even though the main story is the struggle of an idol group to regain their popularity after they face bashing for plagiarism, here the manager was in the focus, not the idols. Seo Eun Soo has pulled the role of a bit clumsy but determined manager perfectly. I liked different songs they have come up with in this drama also. As they have announced it would have another season, I don't have any complaint about the open ending. I felt the chemistry between the main leads is a bit clumsy but I think this might be intentional as this drama will have another season and the main leads probably will have more scope to show their chemistry. In a nutshell, enjoyed this drama thoroughly and will be waiting for the next season.

Read More

"A Royal Romance, A Timeless Classic - Feels Just Like First Love

Watching Goong (Princess Hours) felt like stepping into a modern-day fairytale,,,,but with a twist of reality and a whole lot of heart. From the very first episode, I was hooked by the unique idea of an ordinary high school girl suddenly becoming a crown princess. That simple girl, Shin Chae-kyeong, (My favourite ☺️) captured my heart with her innocence, goofy charm, and unshakable spirit. Her journey from confusion to courage inside the palace walls felt so real to me.

The story beautifully explores how two strangers ""Chae-kyeong ""and the cold, distant "Crown Prince Lee Shin" learn to understand each other after being forced into marriage. Their chemistry is slow-burning and heart fluttering but so worth the wait. Every stolen glance, every tiny moment of care between them made my heart flutter. I especially loved how their relationship shifted from annoyance to affection, full of emotional tension and tenderness.

Yoon Eun-hye whom I like very much was perfect as Chae-kyeong! Her emotions felt natural and relatable. And Joo Ji-hoon, as Lee Shin, carried that royal aura so well, but also showed vulnerability underneath his serious expression. Their performances made the love story believable and beautiful.

The cinematography was stunning the palace scenes were shot like paintings. Every frame felt elegant and dreamy, from the candle-lit corridors to the royal ceremonies. It honestly made me wish I could walk through those palace gardens myself.

And oh, the OST,,,,,it still plays in my head! The soft piano melodies and those emotional ballads added so much depth to the scenes. I could feel the sadness, the longing, the love... all through the music. It's one of the best parts of the drama.

Now... let’s talk about the second lead syndrome. Yes, I had it badly🥺! Yul (the second prince) was so sweet kind, caring, and supportive always looking out for Chae-kyeong. Sometimes I even wanted her to choose him. His eyes were full of silent pain, and I couldn’t help but feel for him😔

But nothing’s perfect ,,,,,there were moments I hated too. Some palace politics felt slow, and certain misunderstandings dragged for too long. Also, the Queen and the elders were so frustrating! I just wanted to scream, “Let them be happy!”

What I loved most was the emotional growth of the characters. They didn’t just fall in love,,,they earned it. Through misunderstandings, heartbreaks, and personal changes, their bond became strong and unshakable.

I’ve already watched Goong more than twice and I’m still not tired of it! Every time I re-watch, it feels just as magical and emotional as the first time. The characters, the love story, the palace setting… everything pulls me back in. It’s my most favorite drama, and no matter how many new ones I watch, Goong will always have a special place in my heart. I just don’t get bored of it,,,it’s like comfort food for my soul.


"" A fairytale that stays in your heart long after the credits roll"'

Read More

It’s worse than I expected

I unfortunately completed this drama but with the help of the fast forward ⏩. When you have to fast forward a drama with 15min run time then you already know it’s a terrible drama,
Funny enough it really could have been a decent enough drama even with the run time but I don’t even know how much a better developed plot could have saved this especially with how bad the acting from Mew was, I wanted to give the acting 1/10 but I ended up giving it 4/10 because the SML did a really decent enough job and shouldn’t be punished for the bad job the more experienced actor did.
If you haven’t watched this drama and thinking should I go for it just to see for myself, I sincerely employ you to not do it.
A lot of people in the comments accusing people of hating on the drama because of Gulf, do you think everyone is a delusional hormonal teenager without a brain like you?, if majority of people say something is bad, then there should be some modicum of truth in it?
There is no ifs and buts about this drama though, it’s really bad, a no plot drama with horrible acting. It was so painful to watch actually.
I obviously do not recommend

Read More

I have finished this drama today and I think it is necessary to write about it immediately.

This drama brings about a lot of emotions.

Crazy, angry, and boring sometimes and I do not know why I can finish this drama. Maybe because this drama is too crazy and it makes me want to know its ending.

This drama has potentials in the beginning, but go down rapidly, all characters in this drama can challenge audience's patience.

I do not know why the writer can write horrible story like this. Some people said that this story is meaningful and this drama helps us not to make mistakes like people in this drama.

However, I do not think so. The characters in this drama were not well-developed. These couples in this drama are unhealthy. Perhaps, this drama teaches us to live in unhealthy relationship and accept that.

Read More

IF YOU HAVE NOT WATCHED THIS DRAMA YET, THEN GO. WATCH IT. I promise you, you won't be disappointed with it. And you definitely won't regret watching it.

I could not watch another drama for quite a long time after watching City Hunter, simply for the fact that I felt no drama could live upto it. City Hunter gave me everything that I wanted- action, intrigue, suspense, romance, humour, great music (the theme song 'Sad Run' is AMAZING!). The cast and acting is great (honestly,the fact that Lee Min Ho is the lead was enough for me), the plot has its twists and turns and is very intriguing, some amazing stunts/actions and amazing chemistry amongst the cast.

The drama is not perfect; it could have done better in terms of either developing the romance further or no showing it at all and also, they could have had a better concluding scene. Yet, no drama is ever perfect and this show was very close to perfection.

The only reason why I haven't rewatched the entire drama is because the suspense has already been spoiled for me and without it, I won't have as much fun as I had when watching it for the first time.

Watch this drama for some amazing acting, an intriguing plot and for Lee Min Ho.

Read More

One of the best Fantasy K-Dramas: A Reassurance

This was my second ever kdrama; it pulled me into the world of dramas, and I've been hooked since then.
Do not listen to the mixed reviews; take it from someone who has seen a ton of fantasy dramas (around 45); this is one of the best.

This isn't a review of sorts; I don't remember the scenes well enough to do so.
But I recall the stellar acting and plot. You'll love it if you appreciate fantasy, romance, mystery, drama, and a sci-fi parallel worlds scenario. Give this drama some time; don't drop it after the first two episodes.

(I was obsessed after the first episode, but I know how different people can be; if you have any second thoughts, take my word and watch it.)

Read More

A homage to Boy's Love

BL has exploded in popularity over the past few years but I'm grateful for this series when it took me back to its origins as a genre (and not just because its from Japan). Kakeru and Yamato embodied the feelings, uncertainty, clumsiness and beauty of young love. They casted these two perfectly and its almost like they jumped out from the pages of the manga . There are no antagonists, no side couples; just the slow burn of trying to cross the bridge from being friends to lovers. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this series and could not find any flaws. It was made by people who have a deep understanding of the story they wanted to share and executed beautifully. The title "I Cannot Reach You" is spot on the plot but it definitely reached my heart.

Read More

An affair tells the story of a married woman in her late thirties drowning in a gray world of mediocrity and what happens when she is confronted by passion and desire.

Seo Hyeon’s reserved life is comfortable but devoid of color and dreams. She is married to a man she has never been in love with. Her uninspired life is reflected by the traffic report station her car radio is set on.

U-in returns to Korea to start a new job and prepare for his marriage to Seo Hyeon’s sister. He is a young man bound by his father’s expectations. He falls in love with Seo Hyeon at first sight despite their age difference. Slowly and deliberately he pursues her. She tries to take refuge in familial duty but succumbs to his advances.

Seo Hyeon’s time with him is awash in colors, feelings, and dreams. He exchanges her traffic station for romantic guitar music and her predictable existence for one of excitement. For the first time in her life she falls deeply in love.

Ultimately she has three choices:
Choose to destroy her family and leave for a new life with U-in.
Maintain her duty to her family and stay with a man she has never loved.
Take a chance on herself and leave the gray world that has enveloped her.

Each choice has consequences involving loss. The question is which choice can she best live with?

The loves scenes are sensual in this movie and a bit of a shock after watching the guppy kisses of Kdramas. There is a sense of intimacy even in the scenes where they don’t touch as well.

The movie never seeks to excuse their relationship, more to understand her need for a lifeline out of the dark ok-ness she has settled for.

Lee Mi Sook and Lee Jung Jae bring these characters to life, their passion, love, and guilt.

The musical was okay, but not particularly memorable.

As far as rewatch value goes-just like U-in’s love for Seo Hyeon, An Affair is highly addictive.

Read More