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Tear-jerker
I've watched Zhou Yu Tong in Nothing But You and didn't realize that it's also her in this drama until I Googled her name. She looks so much prettier with long hair and she portrayed Zhuang Jie so well. Her acting was so natural. Li Xian also did really well. Their chemistry is 10/10!Lots of lessons about love, life and death in this drama. There's not a single annoying character or negative vibes. But because it touches on death and some characters ended up dying, you'll need a box of tissues for this one.
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Proof that time changes no one deep down ...
It's a classic set up story early on, showing us how much of our present day life is shaped by our past. Two friends early on, one a bully and one being bullied for various reasons. Thirty years of a duration in this series and nothing really changes between the two of them. Once a bully, always a bully.Hae Soo & Hee Joon are the perfect pair that continually go head to head with each other, unfortunately the antagonist, Si Yeong, always seems to get the best of the situation , over and over and over again. It makes for a decent story, but it started to lose points with me as you get deep into the series. After episode 4, which is truly the pinnacle episode of the drama, you start to think things might go the protagonists' way for a change ... but no such luck. Tae Ju continues to fall on the sword. I realize you need the "bad guys" to win early on, or the story would end pretty quick ... but so many people are genuinely horrible throughout this series, with very few facing retribution by the end. The last two episodes prove this. In fact, it really shows the rewards people received for being wicked & evil people.
The first half of the drama is so strong and entertaining, that even with the last couple of episodes lacking a good story or outcome, the series still maintains high marks. It's just a bit disappointing, cause had I rated it through the first six or so episodes, I would have given it 10's across.
The acting is brilliant throughout. That never changes. A truly great cast. I just wish the writing toward the end would have matched the acting, and given a better conclusion.
Overall, an entertaining series, but it could have been so much better.
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another master piece from the genius that is Park Hae Young
I am genuinely glad I didn't skip on this one, and glad I know who Park Hae young and chose to watch this one specifically because of her.she is a masterclass in and of herself in slice of life dramas.
she manages to create a world of everyday normal characters that you can encounter anywhere, and still manages to make every moment count. she draws these moments and writes these lines, that turn the most mundane of everyday moments in a heart-felt and profound scene. her dramas and this one is no exception will manage to bring a smile, a laugh, a tear to you constantly and sometimes all at once. her multi-layered deeply flawed characters are not just written with care and dedication that they feel relatable and believable, they actually breathe and live through her script. you will find yourself loving and hating a character at the same time, wanting to go through the screen and hug or slap a character at the same time, you will watch two chracters clash on screen and feel like you relate with both and understand where each is coming from. she is a masterclass in conveying emotion through her script, and this drama specifically helped this part, because the deeply emotional and intelectually profound lines felt all the more believable coming out of film production staff such as: writers, producers, poets, actors and directors; which makes up almost all of the characters.
the story is written in a way that allows one to take a peak into the life of characters that are struggling with feelings of depression and questionign their purpose and self-worh. You will be amazed at how you will start almost hating the main ML's character (I personally reached a point where I also thinking to myself how am I going to watch this obnoxious protagonist till the end) but just hold on, cause she will make you not just sympathize and feel for him, but above all relate and cheer for him the more the story progresses. hwang dong-man was a magnificent protagonist and Koo Kyo Hwan was the perfect actor to play the role (it was my first time watching him, visually he stands out in many ways but his charisma and perfect acting will drag you in and leave you attracted to the crazy eccentric genius aura that he exudes) Go Young Jun did a marvelous job here as well and I commend her performance. all the other main and supporting actors delivered a superb performance that's why acting takes a perfect score from me.
the pacing of the story was perfectly balanced IMHO, and the drama never felt draggy. some scenes might feel unnecessarily long but then you will find that it served a purpose (like watching a bunch of drunk individuals dancing and goofing at the beach at night, only to cut to the short and sarcastic line that the only sober individual looking at them from afar says, and then cut to their melancholic ride back in the car, where some are deep in sleep other deep in thought). each and every character and its story arc served a purpose in the grand scheme of things, it gave meaning or taught a lesson to another character, it helped with the growth and the journey of other characters.
All In all, even if it will be the first time for you to try a drama by this screenwriter, and you are not attracted to the premise written here or offput by the low ratings, I would like to tell you to forget all of that and give it a try, and keep watching because it only gets better the more it progresses.
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Lim Ji-yeon plays her role so convincingly, completely transforming from one character to the next. Here, she's clumsy, uncomfortable in her own skin, yet unstoppable,a fighter for justice. And Lee Jung-jae is hilarious as an actor who can’t handle his fame, which he feels he never deserved. He's the kind of guy who’s nice to everyone but doesn't want anyone to know it.
Their romance works surprisingly well. People who hate each other in real life but adore each other online. The rice cooker idea... incredible, so good. Even if it leads to a situation we'd call somewhat questionable. They make it into something funny, but it’s really a bit of emotional manipulation…
Anyway, we can't say it enough : there are two things that are essential in this world. Rice cookers and umbrellas.
On the other hand, an 18-year age gap… and diametrically opposed levels of income and fame. Just pretend I didn't say anything.
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I kept watching
I didn't think I liked it, but I kept watching anyway, so I guess that means I like it?In general, it's a very chill show to watch and very smooth.
It has some very special/unique characters that make it a bit more strange than necessary.
I definitely liked Neo (Na) in this show. He was one of the most respectful characters.
I am a big fan of Pod, but I started to doubt it, because he plays his role as a homophobic guy way too realistically!
Advantage: It’s a great show to learn Thai!
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A sequel with a personality of its own
The finale was great, maybe not completely flawless, but the wrap-up for every couple hit the right notes.JackDean: Their reunion left me feeling conflicted, particularly regarding Jack’s reaction to Great, but that tension is exactly what made their ending stand out. You can interpret it in two different ways: either Jack has finally matured and will fiercely defend his relationship with Dean against any future threats, OR the two of them are tragically trapped in an endless, repetitive cycle of breaking up and making up.
ArnoldTua: A tiny part of me craved more drama from their storyline, but ultimately, I adored their gentle and mutually respectful dynamic. They were easily the most balanced pair of the bunch, despite the economic status differences. Even during their worst arguments, neither ever talked down to the other, something I can’t say for the other two couples.
RomeRaffy: This fiery duo started off with a bang but eventually fell into a push and pull routine. Their storyline was a mixed bag for me because I’m still not convinced Rome views Raffy as a true equal. Even after Raffy's personal growth, it feels like Rome’s judgment is always lingering over him. I really wanted to see Raffy fully step into his confidence by the end, but it never quite materialized the way I wished.
Ultimately, all three couples have their flaws, but they are incredibly endearing and easy to cheer for. Honestly, I found their dynamics much more grounded and relatable than the pairings we got in the first season. As for non-couple moments, I adored the friendship between Dean and Tua and I needed more.
Honorable Mentions: A massive shoutout to Timmy for surviving all the chaos. I also really appreciated the brief, beautifully bittersweet moment between Boston and Nick 🥲
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Loved the show
Loved this showNever a dull moment , chemistry for all was thru the roof. Going to watch more movies from these leads but already a fan of miles
Please watch you will enjoy it.
Some parts could have moved a little faster. But I just kept watching even took off work to finish it
Great scenery and not those meddling parents or in laws as much as in other shows ,hurray for that
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I finally watched it
I have started this drama so many times. I just couldn't get into it. Chinese dramas are a breed unto there own and I have watched quite a few but this one took me forever and many false starts to get through. Maybe it was because of how much it was hyped up.Don't get me wrong it wasn't awful, I just didn't get all the hype and to be honest I still don't.
There were some very parts, some very sad parts, some very mediocre parts, some very awful parts and some parts that were just there.
The music choices for some scenes were quite baffling and other choices were beautiful.
I'm not saying don't watch it because overall it was an enjoyable experience. Sometimes the writing though did make me want to throw my tablet across the room!
All in all I am proud I finally watching it after 4 years of trying!
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Even knowing, it still hurts
I watched this mostly because of Cha Hakyeon, and honestly I’m glad I did. Although the movie has some flaws, it’s still such a sweet and simple love story. The chemistry between the characters feels natural and warm, which makes the emotional moments hit even harder. What stayed with me the most is the message underneath everything: even when life is unfair and painful, you still keep loving, dreaming, and moving forward without giving up. The music adds so much emotion to the story, and by the end I was completely destroyed. The ending is incredibly sad and emotional… and even when you know it’s coming, it still hurts.Was this review helpful to you?
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Tears flow as i write this...
WHAT A DRAMA! I mean, WHAAAT A DRAAAMAAA!!!It's been so long since I've felt so overwhelmed & happy & satisfied after watching a drama series. But it was so very totally totally TOTALLY worth it! T.T
As for context, I've never been a fan of Chinese historical dramas, so I was quite unsure about whether or not I should give it a go. Of course, good reviews led me there & now I just don't wanna let it go! It's the type of drama that lingers in your heart & your mind for a long, long time because of the astonishing charm it leaves on you. Everything else feels sour because you just finished watching one of the greatest dramas out there! T.T
To leave a review for this, I don't actually know how to express my feelings about it verbally, but I can at least try! For the story, the fact that plot makers portrayed a woman as a brave hero of that ancient time- truly so freaking amazing! The chemistry among the characters- *chef's kiss*! About the cast- OMGEEEEEEEEE, I WANNA EAT THE MALE LEAD SO BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How can a person be SO FUCKING HOT & HANDSOME & BEAUTIFULLY IN CHARACTER at the same time?! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 The female lead is so cute as well, even the second and third lead couples- *chef's kiss*! It can be said without a doubt that this drama has one of the few BESTEST c-drama casts so far. For the music, so soothing, so heart-touching!!! *immediately changes ringtone to "I tread carefully with fate" T.T*
At this moment, idk how long it will take me to get over the lingering feeling this drama left on me, but I wanna keep going back again & again & again T.T T.T T.T !!! THANKS to everyone who made this drama possible. Forever grateful to you guys for this! T.T 💘
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Everything I like but it’s not love
This drama has everything. Bisexual man in a uniform that protects a small tight knit village and a protagonist that loves to lie. I love it when the protagonist keeps a secret that causes drama later and this drama has drama with cliffhangers that kept me watching again and again. I love when the lead characters hate eachother at the beginning, I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers. My only issues is that scenes are played out of order (flashbacks give important context that should’ve been there at the start) and that the run time sometimes drags (especially with the 1h30 episode).Was this review helpful to you?
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Meh
Rating the whole series here. I love the way he dodges attempts and I love the world of bl he’s in. I especially love his brother and his boyfriend, it’s sweet. The main plot is barely a romance and should’ve just stuck to the manga instead of this half baked attempt to make it bl… I despise the rewrite of the kiss but the manga creator character, I don’t like retcons. I also hate the minor gets introduced as the new love interest and the old one gets pushed to the side. So disappointing because I can see the potential.Was this review helpful to you?
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Yumi Deserved a Happy Ending. Instead, She Became a Stereotype.
It absolutely destroys my heart to share this review, because the first two seasons of Yumi's Cells were some of the best K dramas I've ever seen. As a longtime fan of Sex and the City, and a writer myself, this show tugged at my heartstrings in all the ways. (It's basically Sex and the City, without the sex, both shows of which center around a female writer as their protagonists.) However, this season turned Yumi into a version of a woman that I struggled greatly to relate to.In season three, we meet Yumi as a more mature woman, someone who's becoming more established in her career and is grateful to leave the ups and downs of emotional romances behind her. However, the love interest that the writers of the show positioned for Yumi is, not just another co-worker as with Yu Ba Bi, but a subordinate. He's someone she has power over, which is very important to remember. So, for the first six episodes, Yumi realizes she has a crush on Shin Soon Rok and continually puts him in situations where he has to be around her purely for her own desires to see if he catches on to her attraction to him. Unfortunately, he displays absolutely zero interest in Yumi. Even when he finally has his eyes opened in episode seven (too long to wait, especially for an eight-episode season!), none of it is believable. There were no subtle signs that he was struggling with his emotions, no small gestures, just a lot of younger male indifference. The danger with this is that it makes Yumi inadvertently appear as a predator, with the power to move him off her team if he doesn't behave warmly towards her (and she does!).
The love was entirely unbelievable, nor was I, as a viewer, rooting for it. I was not invested, and mostly turned off and saddened that this is what Yumi had been reduced to: a mature woman pining after a much younger man who is showing no interest in her and can't relate to her in the way a love interest should, regardless of age. And when he finally does come around, neither of them still can't communicate their affection clearly. They are literally from two different generations, and that's never more apparent than when they try share their feelings for each other. It's awkward, uncomfortable, and disappointing. They just don't behave in the way the other expects, and yet they still wind up together?
I'm so heartbrokenly disappointed with the direction the writers chose to take this season and how they chose to give Yumi her happily ever after. She, we, and her beloved cells, all deserved better.
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A queer story for queer people
Do NOT let the people telling you that this is a bromance dissuade you from watching.As a lot of people have stated before me, this series isn’t and will never be the bromance people depict it to be.
It is a raw story about realistic life experiences from a queer perspective.
To be clear, if you’re looking for your typical queer utopian bl where the romance is the focal point and they end up living happily ever after, this is not for you.
Because yes, god forbids we’re literally anything besides being gay and in love apparently.
It feels kind of surreal to me that some people on here were expecting them to just get together and be done with it when they’ve both struggled in life and with their identities.
“They could have made it more clear” but has anyone ever considered it wasn’t even clear to the characters themselves ???
They both went through traumatic experiences and somehow all people seem to think about is watching two men kiss.
Let me tell you in case you haven’t stepped foot outside in 10 years, this is not how relationships work.
Sometimes you have to lose someone to realize the real depth of your feelings, sometimes putting a label on a relationship is not a priority and it is all completely fine.
What matters is that they could rely on each other, trust each other and love each other in their own way.
Not every relationship looks the same, and this is a great reminder to everyone watching.
And if you still think this is queerbaiting somehow, yes they did confess their feelings to each other. No it wasn’t ambiguous. And yes you will remember this series for the rest of your life.
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Overall it's a nice found-family drama..
Something I appreciate about japanese dramas like this one, is the focus on found family or just family themes.I binged this drama in one night. The music is good and is fitting. The cast is good. Risa's brother was sleezy and looked lifeless at times, it would've been nice to have seen more of Risa's backstory, to explain their sibling relationship more. Her brother will annoy you whenever he's on screen, but I was also thinking that no matter what he is still her brother, I guess maybe she pitied him in the end.
The main focus of this story was on Maria (Kengo's sister). I liked her bittersweet youthful romance with Ryota.
Now, this drama does say it's a romance, so does it live up to it?
The actors playing Kengo and Risa have a good chemistry. I only wish they had had more sweet scenes together. Like the scene where he teaches her to ride a bike. Just more scenes to make me really believe that they are meant for each other. The show ended up focusing more on building their emotional intimacy. The ending is happy. (Their romance felt more realistic and so did this drama in general)
This drama left more to be desired in the romance aspect, but I'm glad we got some scenes of them together.
The doctor character is played by the actor who plays sojiro in hana yori dango, so I just called him sojiro in this drama too haha.
I saw a comment on mydramalist asking if it really matters what her job was, or if it was just a plot device?
The ending was a bit rushed with the one year time skip and all.. jdramas typically are shorter than kdramas with 45 min episodes, for this drama I wouldn't have minded seeing 10 one hour episodes though.
Overall it was pretty good. I just watched it today so I'll let my feelings towards it marinate more.
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