This story is realistic and bit sad. I don't know what else to say about it.
Was this review helpful to you?
WHY IS THIS SHOW SO CUTE I CAN’T BREATHE!!!
Duang With You is literally my emotional support chaos. It’s so stupidly CUTE and unhinged in the best way that I’ll be sitting there giggling like an idiot one second and hiding my face in a blanket the next because WHY are they like this. The embarrassing moments hit so hard I physically curl up, but somehow that just makes it even funnier and even sweeter. It’s the kind of show that grabs your bad mood, shakes it around, and yeets it out the window.If you’re ever feeling low, bored, or just need something that feels like a sugar rush to the brain, watch it. It’s silly, it’s soft, it’s chaotic, and it absolutely works as a mood‑reset button. I SOOO recommend you to watch this!!!!! IT'S SOOOO GOOD!!! EEEKK!!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I keep thinking about this story....
I’ve been a member for 8 years, and this will be my first review on MDL. That is how much this drama has affected me.I will review base on MDL’s point
1. Story. At first, it seems like a typical xianxia drama. A ruthless demon, and a goddess trying to save the world. But after the first 2 episodes, you will know that this is different. The demon is still a human, a powerless and abused human who’d suffered throughout his entire life. Has no friends, has no family, and because nobody has ever show him love and care before, he also has no feeling. Story buildup and character development are good. Unlike other xianxia, this one has no tribulation, and only one lifetime. Every character has their memory throughout the whole story (I hate memory lost trope). There is a bit of time travel involve, but nothing too complicated. The story flow is smooth and connected. Watch this story with xianxia logic, not our world logic.
2. Acting/Cast. This is my first drama for LYX and BL and I shipped them already. The chemistry is ON FIRE! And I found out that they were in another drama before this (Love is Sweet) and they are already well known for their great chemistry. In this drama, the actors has to emote a lot of different expression, especially anger and despair. I would say the star of the show is LYX, because of how complex his character TTJ is. Is he good? Is he evil? He has to be both. And he played it convincingly. As for BL’s character, thank goodness for a smart FL. I really need a sensible FL that doesn’t think and talk like a child. There is also no annoying side characters, SFL and SML were ok. I know there is a lot of hatre for YBC but a drama has no purpose if there is no good villain. CDL’s acting was passable, not great, not memorable, not bad. I don’t want to dwell too much on side characters, because the limelight is always on the ML and FL. Ohh..but Pianran is very cute.
3. Music. This is an easy score. The OST is so good. I was so happy to hear LYN’s voice in the opening theme. My favourite is 寄长月 by Bu Cai. It’s so sad and beautiful, just like this drama.
4. Rewatch Value. I am really not sure about this one. I might increase the store after I finish watching today’s last episode. If this has a BE, I don’t think I can rewatch TTJ’s suffering over and over again. That will make me a sadist to enjoy watching that.
Edit to change. At first I gave this drama a 6 for rewatch value. I love this drama too much, and I AM going to rewatch.
What I don’t like about this drama
- make up, hair accessories and blood. The make up team really went overboard with LYX’s make up. Go easy on the red lipstick. Go easy on hair accessories on YXW and the blood spitting too.
- Editing. With C-Drama, we are very used with slow burns, but this drama is too fast too furious because they need to fit in so much stories into just 40 episodes. Some scene and storyline were cut out. I need to read the webnovel and discuss in MBL drama page to understand more about the story.
Yes, this is by far the best Xianxia that I’d ever watch. In my book, this even top TMOFPB.
Was this review helpful to you?
A drama filled with so much beautiful meaning into it. A very healthy, sensible, genuine kind of story as to friendship, family, love, goal, career and priority. It is really funny especially with that "WHAAAAAT!" lol. Plus this drama is such a TROLL not everything you'd expect will happen, It will take you by surprise and you'll find yourself laughing. The edge of this drama from the one's I've watch? It's not the feels but the message it brought me, It was truly amazing.
CHARACTERS
Kim Bok Joo and Joon Hyeong is the best love story I've watch, a kind of relationship that would bring out the best in you, filled with overload cuteness, realistic a normal one. Phasing of their story is slow but slow kind of stories turned out to be awesomely perfect! They are so friendship and relationship goaaaals!!
Kim Bok Joo
This girl is totally relatable, when she's in love, to music taste, to clothes, to fangirling activities. Everything about her is suweeeeeeeeeeg!
Let's talk about the male lead. Joon Hyeong, ok I'll keep it short his character is so boyfriend material, a kind of guy you want to keep in yourself, in your life.
Ex girlfriend: OK she's the "only one cliche" here like a kind of clingy ex you'll hate but her existence didn't much affect me.
Friends: yes a very fun friends to be with
Abujji and samcheon: You'll love the father and daughter relationship, samcheon is very sweet, likeable and so kind plus funny.
Actors and Actress:
Lee Sung Kyung and Nam Joo Hyuk both are great and I know it's not related here but I just want them to date for life. lol
Edit: They are officially dating not as characters but as real life couple!!!! Confirmed by Papa YG this month of April 2017. According to dispatch they've been dating since month of January 2017
Everyone else of the cast is so good ofc!
LESSON: Every girl deserves to be treated as a girl, a woman despite of any career she's into like Police, Carpenter, Judo, Boxing, Weightlifters.... Those fields are mostly for men so they're like boys into other people's eyes but ...Hell they shouldn't! They are girls too! Who would love to wear dress, wears clip, wears lipstick and wants to be beautiful especially when they're In front of the guy they like. I think they're the coolest girl ever with a suweeeeeeeeeeg!!
(There's more into lessons, life, meaning into this drama I just give you some points about it. Kekekke)
RECOMMENDATION:
Even though I so love this drama. I would not recommend it for everyone, this is a kind of a kind of drama that targets a certain group of viewers. I'd highly recommend it to the youth like from age bracket of teenagers to 25 years or if not by age depends with your personality like if your happy go lucky one, or if you love reading my review and it keeps your interest, the genre is your style then you'll definitely love it despite of your age. This drama is slow yes. Could be an advantage or disadvantage. You just gotta be patient with it and everything will be worth it and it will perfectly fits into place.
Music:
I always enjoy the sound effects in funny scenes that's the best thing like "WHAAAAAT"!
Rewatch Value: I thought one time viewing is enough or just rewatch a certain scene would be enough but as I watch more episode I become more attached with the story and I was like I need to watch this as a whole over and over again.
Overall: one word, SWAG!
Writing a review feels like I'm saying goodbye to this drama for the second time around that it hurts so much.... *Wiped tears*
Kim Bok Joo and Joon Hyeong is so lovable, I would not mind watching another season with them or another drama from LSK and NJH..~
Warning: if you deeply love the story, the characters, once you complete this drama you'll feel incomplete, a happy one but it will make you sad.
It will always have a special place in my heart.
Ok before I end my review I have a question for you. Ummmm... Do you like Messi? Hahahaha!! Nevermind. Anyways hope my review helps!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I AM KNOCKED DOWN, HARD
Oddly satisfying and arguably one of the best last episodes in a series, BL or not.Dont hate me, i will be honest for a little bit. I watched it because all the other BL series (except one or two) being aired at the same time are mostly lackluster. It wasn't as popular as the other series from bigger companies, as a matter of fact there was hardly any mention of this series from any YT BL vloggers. The story is nothing special (on paper) and the initial pacing was a little off for me.
The first episodes, although engaging, are hard to watch. Its the story of a (slightly dumb) high school gang leader trying to bully a senior college student into doing his bidding. I find myself dumbfounded as to why someone would put himself in an awkward position by someone a lot younger than him. I wasnt buying the premise, i hate the bullying.
However, as the episodes go by, i find myself eagerly following their story and waiting for the next episodes to come. There is something about Noey's demeanor, innocense and cluelessness that keeps you hooked. The awkward acting of Thiwa is puzzling - was it because he was an amature actor or was it an intentional choice? In the end, it didnt matter because they blend well together. Auntie Tim, NidNhoi and Thiw are also good addition to the story.
By episode 8 I found myself inlove with the series.
The set and location are amazing. Above average production quality and photography. There was also a few scenes where the actors are allowed to shine, without it being too dramatic. Take note other series creators (ahemmmmmm 12% and Between us) - you dont have to make your actors cry unnecessarily just to showcae their acting skills.
Oh i have to make a special mention of the very unique end credit scenes, cause that is effin genius and I really loved it! It is unique and I specially loved it in episode 11 when Thiwa was dancing alone (after that heartbreaking cliffhanger confession) and in episode 12 when they were dancing together via videocall.
This is arguably one of the best BL series right now. And, yes i loved the last episode and the satisfying way they wrapped things up. I hope there are more projects for Tar and Bom. Definitely a good series to reccomend and rewatch - 9 stars!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Suspense-packed. Elusive. Tough - KDrama shows us a poker face in several ways
"Insider" grabbed me from the first minute. It was exciting and unpredictable, fascinating regarding the world of card gambling and convincing with a consistently top-class cast. The story is knitted around the ever topical issue of corrupt South Korean society. You will not find good and bad in the classic sense. Dark shades of gray on the gloomy side dominate the picture. The focus is on the sobering practice of substituting compromises for morale. And those who are not willing to compromise may experience violence. In this context, the KDrama is also brutal on a high level.Can one person change the predicament of a corrupt society? In recent years, the KDrama has conspicuously often asked this question. Here the son tries to do the same as the father and at least tries... because: if you don't at least try, then nothing can change. So he wants to go to court and do his part there to ensure justice. Also undercover, if it may help. The question remains: Can one person change something about corrupt social structures? Does it help when illegal activities are uncovered? Or will everything in the end remain as it was, since new characters simply fill the vacant roles?
"Insider" focuses on the networking of politics, criminal prosecution and specifically institutionalized criminal organizations. Democracy has practically no chance in the face of these almost overwhelming networks that decide in the background and create facts. It's bitter to see. In particular, the handling of the law, which appears to be swung almost like a sword in the interests of the powerful, thus relentlessly destroying any hope of justice for honest people.
In this respect, "Insider" is more of a pessimistic story. I admit that I'm ambivalent about this overall quite brutal KDrama. It's repulsive but fascinating at the same time. The story ruthlessly unfolds its impenetrably entangled threads. It tells of outrageous machinations of the powerful and infernal manners in prison. Also about being mercilessly dependent on oneself. It tells of the desperate attempt to avenge injustice.
The dramaturgical leitmotif running through all of the 16 episodes is quite concrete and also symbolic: the impenetrable poker face. Illegal gambling with cards dominates "Insider" from the first minute to the end. Especially at the beginning, the card game itself is in the foreground. As the series progresses, the viewer's perspective shifts to the meta level of casino management and what may be attached to it. But who is up to something here and who is on the side of the protagonist remains unclear until the end. Who or what should you bet on? KDrama also shows us its poker face and simply plays its cards unperturbed - one episode after the other, until the end.
In my opinion, the permanent increase in tension during the first 8-10 episodes, which are mainly focused around prison-life, is like a permanently increasing climax - and the most impressive (yet challenging) part. After that, the actual revenge campaign can only lose. Not because it is not also based on a high level of quality, but simply because this permanent increase in tension cannot be continued forever. In the meantime, the audience has so many open plot threads in their hands that they now want to be resolved before they completely lose track (and interest).
Kang Ha-neul as main lead is incredible. He embodies the difficult process of change in the personality of a highly motivated young trainee at court who involuntarily has to get to know the dark end of society up close. If he doesn't conform and play by their rule, he won't survive. However, if he survives in this dark parallel world, he can never be who he was.
But everyone else around him also keeps up the intensive field and contributes to the convincing overall performance. I was particularly drawn to Kang Young-seok, who practically excelled alongside Kang Ha-neul in the first half. It's unbelievable how he manages to embody the worst merciless willingness to use violence on the one hand and yet still somehow is able to win sympathy on the other. A strong, unforgettable performance!
Was this review helpful to you?
Intelligent suspense takes its most elegant form in The Bad Kids
My preferences in entertainment go a little something like this: sure, I’ll give it a shot. Wait. It’s scary? Yes, I’m slowly backing out of the room.The Bad Kids is not horror, nor would I—even in all of my yellow-bellied glory—consider it traditionally scary. Even so, you'll be able to tell about five minutes into the first episode that this is not to be watched on any day when you want a fun, happy time. If fully immersed in this drama’s eerie atmosphere, I can wholly believe that you may lay awake that very night, contemplating the series of fictional events that you have borne witness to. It's an addictive kind of insanity. I’m definitely not saying this out of personal experience…don’t know what’s leading you to think that…
I strongly advise potential viewers to go for a totally blind watch-through; hence, I won't be mentioning any aspects of the plot here. Even if you usually do not care about being spoiled before watching something, you absolutely should not look up anything about this show before you finish every single episode. Central to The Bad Kids is how it produces a phantom instinct within your gut as you try to figure out what is going to happen next, and that engrossment in the story evolves into a part of your own satisfaction. Let the show work its wonders and let yourself absorb it fully.
One point about the story that should be mentioned as a selling point, though, is that while The Bad Kids is about crime, it focuses on that through relatable themes like family bonds. A major plus to the watching experience is how you are forced to form and change your opinions about each character based on how they treat one another—and in what situations. I’ve rarely seen characters being depicted with this degree of care in other works. They feel genuinely human: imperfect, self-contradictory, and emotional.
I was also impressed to the extremes with the acting. Imagine the perfection that's in not needing to fall to the level of typical high-school dramas, where the lead teen is played by a dude in his twenties with clear skin. That perfection exists in The Bad Kids, where each of the three child actors—whose roles are incredibly demanding—are literal children who do not falter at all within their roles. Though I’m giving a special shoutout to the kids, I don’t want to gloss over the other actors who elevated the story. Every cast member was flawless in their depiction of their characters and how they collaborated with one another to depict intensely real relationships. Qin Hao is also someone that I will be keeping an eye on in the future; the way that he balanced the good and evil of his character so naturally gave me chills.
The Bad Kids has skyrocketed up to become one of (if not the superlative) my favorite dramas ever. Days after finishing the last episode, I couldn’t fend off the temptation to start again: and this time, I took notes so that I could keep track of every possible hint that the producers dropped. That’s right—this self-proclaimed hater of note-taking in school willingly opened a notebook and clicked a pen just so she could wrap her head around this show. And I loved every second of it. You might take this as evidence that I'm a tad cuckoo in the head (you probably wouldn’t be wrong), but you’ll understand me as soon as the credits roll on the last episode. There's so much detail to process and make sense of.
If this level of writing, acting, and production could be held as the standard for Chinese dramas, then I am impatient for what is to come. Until then, I’m going to treat my drama withdrawal with perhaps a third dive into this show.
Was this review helpful to you?
In the first half, the KMovie is actually a one-man show. And that, I think, is the strongest part
"#Alive" is a variety on hip zombie stories. First things first: it doesn't have much new to offer in this respect - zombies as a plague that spreads fear and terror, a horde that you want to shake off or destroy, like disgusting, annoying vermin. Well, that's not why I would recommend this KMovie.I also don't think that you have to overstrain the reference to the Covid pandemic and the sometimes grueling current lockdown experiences that come with it.
Even fans of the horror genre won't be really happy with "#Alive", because "horrifying" can surely be done even better.
So why am I mentioning the KMovie here? The script revolves around surviving in an almost hopeless situation. However, the focus is not mainly on the action, but rather on the quiet moments in which the protagonist is ruthlessly thrown back on himself. There he is alone with himself and his inability, facing his insufficient survival skills, his loneliness and hopelessness ... and finally the desire to leave this world.
Oh Joon-woo isn't a born hero - perhaps he was trying to be in the day-long, night-long computer games, with his joystick in hand. But then the Internet connection is gone, no water supply, no food, no one can be reached. The self-chosen isolation in his room with his virtual game world, which has shaped him to this day, is one thing. Real isolation with real threats and no virtual team is something completely different. It's about that juxtaposition and the painful process of waking up to a NOW that's so different from the gaming world. Ultimately, the impulse comes from outside, which helps him to venture out of his safe cocoon into the real and thus truely threatening world.
However, the movie isn´t anti-technology. On the contrary, in playful creativity technical gimmicks, old and new, give the story new impetus again and again.
In the first half, the KMovie is actually a one-man show. And that, I think, is the strongest part. It's never boring. Actor Yoo Ah-in once again uses the chance to show what he's made of. In this way, the viewers accompany him through his very personal Hall of Pain, and there he hardly omits any physical form of expression. For this he has meanwhile been awarded the Cine 21 Award for best actor. After almost half the distance he gets support from Park Shin-hye, who embodies a character who pursues a completely different survival strategy - namely, she has one, even if she also reaches her limits with it. As is well known, more than one person form a group and a group develops its own dynamics, which can do more than each individual on their own. Here too. Both of them grow together. Heroes are rarely born as such...
Was this review helpful to you?
It is just one of the many 'what the f' moments, and there was a lot.
First the story - a love story with a supernatural twist and that's what brought me to the series. It was slowly setting up the mistery and then midway i felt duped into watching the show - the supernatural elements was so scarce (or was intentionally dialed down) that you almost dont feel it. To add to the insult, none of that was explained, not in the tiniest bit. The writers are just taking the viewers for a ride and they think you'd be ok with it. Seriously, more on that in the end of this review. Also, the way people grieve for their dead in the series is just over the top, its as if their love ones died just recently when the fact of the matter is, both featured loved ones died at least 5 years before the present time.
Second, the characters. Runway is pretending to be an angel but a user in real life. Dream is a perverted being. Guide is a 'confused' gay guy with a mustache. Yim is, i dont know what Yim is, you take advantage of him and he will say thank you. Yaimai is a martyr pretending to be a mean girl. Good may be the only good one here. Elle is a shapeshifting homecrasher/homewrecker demon. Oh there's also a rapist and a crazy mother. Did i mention 5 of them are in a love pentagon?
I do appreciate that they tried to do a series without any real antagonists and that comflicts and complications were the result of the characters acrions rather than creating fake bitches and villains.
The pacing was so painstakingly slow where in some episodes nothing really happens and then they just insert one small moment to tease the audience. Its like they had a story in mind and then the producers had a brilliant idea that this series can go on for three seasons and instead of thingking of new twists to the plot they just decided to cut their story into three parts and stretched the middle part into these 12 very long episodes. Yes this is the middle part because apparently from the teaser there is SUPPOSED to be a next season which is going to be a prequel of some sort. Whats worst, like i mentioned earlier, is when you realize in the end that nothing will be resolved and explained after very slowly building up the events, not even a single happy ending. To add salt to the injury, it looks like there is no more second season so yeah full marks for leaving all the stories hanging and bailing on the viewers.
I finished the series screaming to the telly "what the effin f**k?"
Stay away from this one. Dont even think about trying it. I wasted my time to see it so you dont have to waste yours. You are warned.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
i absolutely loved the fact that this drama was sort of... risqué. It doesn't try to conceal the truth about relationships and talks about couples sleeping together as it is; a normal thing. This is something i have NEVER even come close to seeing in a Korean drama. The acting was really good. Also, the character's were all pretty realistic too. There wasn't any "crazy" psycho girl that you want to punch in the face, like a lot of dramas these days. I really, really loved this drama and i can't wait to watch it again. This is definitely one of my favourites.
Was this review helpful to you?
I just chose it without any thoughts. At the time, I was in "japanese dramas mood" so I watched many japanese dramas without being picky or impatient.
2) Storyline/Plot:
To start with, I am not familiar with the story since I haven't read the manga or even heard about it so this was my first time getting to know the storyline.
Positive points:
*This drama's story made me interested ever since the first 10 minutes and that's really rare to happen since I never care about first episodes because they don't make much difference yet this drama's story made me really invested in its events so waiting for the next episode was a real torture.
*Main Genres:
--->Humor: Yes, this drama was funny because it was hilarious all over, sometimes it felt like anime scenes that was funny and entertaining most of the time.
The comedy concept was present too, we get to see funny characters with funny scenes. I have to point that Nika's inside conversations were really awesome which can bring good laughter.
--->Romance: it wasn't that deep nor that light. The romance in this drama was equilibred in a way that would make you invested in the romantic development and the whole concept. The teenage love story was cool to watch since it was light enough.
--->School: The usual concept that you find in school dramas; friends, enemies, teachers, popularity, nerds and so on. I've seen many school dramas before so this wasn't something special yet Switch Girl was more enjoyable.
Negative points:
*I can't think of any, except that this drama was too damn short! They should've made it longer, it felt rushed sometimes but that didn't ruin the whole concept.
Story: 8.5/10
3) Acting/Cast:
*Nishiuchi Mariya:
I am not familiar with her as an actress, she was introduced to me through this drama and what a great introduction! I liked her acting skills and enjoyed her role in a good way. From now on, I will anticipate her new dramas.
The character was great: Nika made us sad sometimes, excited some other times and entertained most of the time.
The ON and OFF modes were really awesome, I couldn't choose since both of them were enjoyable and funny; everyone of us have that hidden side within himself yet here it was exagerated to make it look captivating and hilarious.
*Kiriyama Renn:
I only saw him in "Hana Kimi Remake" but here he was different so I didn't know what to expect yet I surprised myself by accepting his general acting and role.
The character wasn't enjoyable like Nika's but I liked it anyway. Arata's appearance was nice and great sometimes; he may sound stiff at some points but all of that was decided by the storyline so I haven't focused much on that fact.
Another point that I should mention: Arata with or without glasses didn't sound contradictory to me; it was the same character with a different look.
*Other Cast: The supporting roles were cool and well chosen even the school nerds; no complains.
*Relationships:
--->Romance : The chemistry wasn't that great because romance wasn't deep enough.
--->Nika's family: Her mother and sister were always good to look at plus their adventures as a family was always hilarious.
--->Nika's school: Friends were good and the Monkey Boss made events entertaining sometimes.
*In each episode there were new cast and that's exactly what I love about J-dramas because with different cast comes different events, there's no spinning around the same point.
Cast: 8/10
Acting: 9/10
4) The ending:
I appreciated the ending, I was glad because they haven't took it to the usual concept of hiding something yet it wasn't that special, only acceptable and cool to watch: Nice ending overall.
The ending: 8/10
5) My impression (How did it affect me):
*I realy enjoyed this drama, even the waiting for upcoming episodes was fun.
*I haven't skipped any parts and that's really rare since I am an impatient person, believe me if I don't skip parts that means there weren't any chance of getting bored (well, that could be explaned by the fact that the episode's length was only 27 minutes).
*Is this drama memorable: Yes definitely, I enjoyed it so much. Even though, I finished it weeks ago, I still remember each and every event.
My impression: 9/10
6) Overall:
*If you like funny romantic school dramas then you would like this.
*If you like girls dramas you will enjoy this.
*If you're looking for a great female lead you may actually like this.
Overall: 8.5/10.
Was this review helpful to you?
Maybe Not for Everyone, But I Really Liked It
STORY:The show has a cool, hip vibe that I really like and that I think will appeal to those who like more mature themed dramas. Like others, I was initially interested in this show because of the BL part, but I became hooked on all of the characters’ storylines from the very first episode.
What starts out as a relatively lighthearted theme quickly turns more serious and conflict-driven. Some of the conflicts are ones we don’t see a lot of, whereas others are more common, but for the most part all felt very organic and natural to the plot and characters. A good chunk of this drama focuses on the breakdown of relationships and ensuing aftermath, working through the pain to try to get back what was once had, so if you’re looking for a fairy tale romance, this might not be for you. Infidelity is another prominent theme in this show, which is an apparently a pretty divisive topic. But, in my opinion, infidelity isn’t always a black and white issue, and those who commit it aren’t necessarily nor automatically bad people; they can feel remorse and sometimes deserve second chances. It’s a complex issue, and I think the writers and actors did a really nice job portraying this, as they did for other grey areas in the show. The drama itself touches on a lot of difficult and unpleasant things that can happen in life and relationships in a way that feels authentic. The conclusion/resolution was short, taking up only one episode, and a bit glossed over, but I felt like all of the important points were hit and we were left with some level of closure. Compared to how in depth the conflicts were, though, the resolutions could have been explored a little bit further.
Heavy stuff aside, the plot was dynamic and interesting, and I was invested from beginning to end, which made for what felt like a quick journey: one minute I was watching episode 1, then I blinked and was suddenly at episode 12. A good sign in my book, as I clearly wasn’t bored; I can’t say that for every drama I’ve watched.
ACTORS/CHARACTERS:
I was really impressed with all of the actors. Major and minor roles were played very well, the acting felt very natural, and the characters were multidimensional (i.e., for the most part they didn't feel like stock characters). And despite some moments where I wanted to shake some sense into a few of the main ones, I liked all of them and thought that they kept the story interesting and thought provoking. Especially loved (1) the strong female leads (Am and Boom in particular, but I liked Boyo too, despite her flaws, and thought she had some noteworthy moments) and (2) gay characters who were comfortable in their sexuality and not stereotyped or exaggerated.
MUSIC:
I thought the music fit the show very well: again, young, hip, and fresh. Also, this is one of the few (perhaps only) shows where I actually don’t want to skip the theme song (and opening in general) because I like it so much.
REWATCH VALUE:
There aren’t too many dramas that I can truly say I’m interested in re-watching, but this is definitely one of them!
OVERALL
I don’t think this is for everyone, but I thought it was a really great release from GMM. I’d recommend, especially if you prefer dramas that are more serious and mature.
Was this review helpful to you?
The story was just ok, im just glad they didnt drag the Pha&Yo getting to know stage and just summarised it in the first few episodes. Its good that they gave the other 2 team enough time to shine too. I especially ship Forth & Beam cause that guy Forth is the goddess gift to mankind :). I could watch a whole series with Forth and Beam just being cute together.
All other stuff are just your yada yada usual trope. Yes, after watching my fair share of BL, this one doesnt offer anything new.
What i probably hate most is the cliffhanger. They were slowly building up to an ending and then suddenly new conflicts are introduced at the very last episode only to not reach a climax/closure. Thats a bit lame and a bit of an insult to fans especially if the sequel is just being planned.
Rewatch just to ogle at the cute guys. Is it enough to watch the whole series? No, not really.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Original, heartwarming, thoughtful, hilarious with quiet a few really amazing characters
I absolutely adored this saeguk. I binged it in almost 3 days. The concept is fascinatingly original, the characters and plot deliciously mature, I'd say there's almost no part of this show that was unnecessary (something very rare in Kdramas). I practically started watching bcz everyone was hating it despite the unusual plot summary (I have no idea why'd people not admire a well-made project like this). It has some veteran actors in their best forms playing some of the best developed characters. The king and the mother-in-law of the Jo family were flawless.In fact, it has one of the finest negative characters I've seen in a while. And she's a smart, wise, plotting woman who is infinitely complex as a character to simply be a villain. I loved that dialogue when she said, "Must you disappoint me till the end?" She literally savored the death of her husband! And Rowoon's character improved with every episode. I loved how frank Jung Woo is. He confessed multiple times, and with such heart! It's a beautiful, thoughtful drama. The exaggerated comedy complemented the dark assassination plots. I actually enjoyed how childlike our hero is, his innocence never undermined his courage. And Sun Duk is such a mature character, I loved how she listened to the encounter of the princess and Jung Woo, I don't think the expression of love can get any more profound. I loved how Jung Woo mentioned his remark to his father as cruel. Those are bits of life. The matchmaking of lady Yoeju too was fine in its deductive finesse, it was a display of strategy at its finest. Lady Sam Soon was a literal delight. I wasn't fond of all the pairings (I'd have liked the farmer to fall for Doo Ri, it was so predetermined I wished they'd show that people don't always fall in love with who they're supposed to be with. The 14-year-old prince and 24-year-old lady Ha Na was another daring move. I don't know if 14-year-old kids actually fall for older women like this or vice versa especially considering how grown-up Ha Na is and how mature her taste is) but at this point I'd rather not complain (and it all worked out in the end like pieces coming together in a puzzle).
Could not find a single plot hole in the drama till the end. And I have to mention the playful music and stunning visuals. The interiors were especially detailed. The pingfengs (folding screens) in every room were so pretty and distinct (I especially liked the mother-in-law's minimalist and the princess's maximalist flower-patterned screens). In a way they reflected the personality of the inhabitants. There were also indicative cinematography, pretty visuals and nice locations (probably common in every high budget saeguk, so I digress).
The ending was fitting, wise, not shocking but reassuring and very proper. I loved it. I think the last I contemplated rating a Kdrama 9 was 'Flower of Evil' and even that didn't have a perfect ending. This was a well written, well-acted and well executed drama, which managed to strike the right balance between light and dark and remained warm till the end.
Was this review helpful to you?
