I don't know if I will finish this??
I just don't know if I can continue watching this drama. It was so good at the beginning, but then it kind of fell off.The beginning had such a strong story, and the main couple had really strong interactions. It made me sad because I really thought it was going somewhere great.
I also felt so sorry for the ML—he deserved so much better. That’s part of why the FL started to annoy me. I understood some of her actions, but in a lot of moments, the way she treated him was frustrating to watch.
I find all the characters annoying because they refuse to communicate or talk things through. It feels like the story will stay stuck, then suddenly blow up for no reason. That made the show really frustrating for me.
The FL never seems to want to talk or communicate, and the same goes for the ML. I just don't know if I can continue watching, and honestly I'm not sure if I will finish it.
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A decade late is still better than never
I'm sure there are doctoral thesis based on this drama. Not to mention thousands of reviews online so let's not go down that well trodden path.I'll just share some thoughts with readers who managed to miss this 11 years old gem. Yes, 🫵🏻!
Let's start with the easy bit. JUST GO WATCH IT!
Now the tough bit. This show is full of triggers. Child abuse, abandonment, mental illness, extreme violence, suicide, etc, etc. It really is not for everyone. You have been warned.
Still reading? Good. This is an amazing story, made with love by some of the best actors of our generation. Sure, some of them were just starting their careers, but there is no hiding their talents. As I told a chingu, it is like trainspotting for drama tragics. :)
The story is complicated and might even shock you. When all are revealed, it makes perfect sense. Until then, there are quite a bit of flashbacks to a certain event and from different perspectives. There are misunderstandings and red herrings so don't assume you got it and switch off.
The FL is personality+. Loud and fast talking. This is sort of her signature style. Think of this role as the prototype. However, she is more than that, much more. You will laugh and cry with her in time.
One thing that is front and centre is the ML's acting. This is his show. He played 7 different roles. They are all radically different from each other. He is all in with his commitment.
I thought Yoo Yeon-seok did well when he played multiple roles in Phantom Lawyer, but this is next level. Heck, next, next level. The ML is in different characters for many scenes, some lasting almost an entire ep. You will grow to love (or hate) some of them.
Team Do Hyeon and Team Se Gi is a thing even after a decade. It will hit you hard when we have to say goodbye to them.
Speaking of tears, this show is sort of a tear jerker. Not in the traditional dam bursting sense though. The clever writing will ambush you. Little touches and fragments of dialogue will hit you in the feels when you are least expected.
Finally, don't binge it, chingu. It is tempting, I know. It is a tough watch, both in terms of emotional weight and the amount of details you need to absorb. Pace yourself. This is a marathon, not a race. ;)
So, what are you waiting for? Go forth and immerse yourself in this masterpiece. A decade late is still better than never. 👍🏻 Peace.
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This review may contain spoilers
Disliked Yan Yin An's acting but the plot has substance
I was in the mood for mermaid / merman short dramas so I picked My Dear Mermaid. I have heard of Alpha because he acted with Han Jia Hui but Yan Yin An was unfamiliar to me. This drama was an OK watch.What I liked:
1. Plot - For a short mini drama, the storyline has substance. ML and antagonisthad good arcs. Enough drama for lighthearted drama.
2. Visuals - Alpha and Fu Xue Yan's visuals certainly grabbed my attention.
3. Fantasy - I liked the fantasy elements especially the alter ego.
4. Duration - Fast-paced drama probably just outside of 1 hour running time.
5. Characters - ML was ok but the green prime minister was funny.
What I disliked:
1. Acting - I didn't enjoy this drama because of Yan Yin An's acting. She didn't have the main character aura and not because of her plain visuals. I felt she was more suited playing supporting characters. There was zero chemistry between her and Alpha. They were awkward with no ice broken between them.
2. FL characterisation - I felt her character had the least impact out of three. She seemed ditzy & immature.
3. Romance - Lacklustre. They never seemed to be genuinely attracted to each other. It felt more like they were together because fate has told them so.
Favourite scene
How they defeated the antagonist
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Very enjoyable light rom-com
This show is exactly what it's supposed to be: A very enjoyable romantic story with some light fun comedy. Most of the 'drama' is lightweight and resolved fairly quickly. The only things that are dragged out are the initial plot premise deceptions between the ML & FL - that's dragged out past it's usefulness but at least when the big reveals happen the show doesn't endlessly drag out the subsequent resolution of the trauma that results. So while this is a very, very slow developing romance - slight spoiler: the first kiss doesn't happen until well past the halfway mark of the show - otherwise the show moves at a fairly brisk pace. Things do happen in each episode and until the final couple of episode long time-wasting montage scenes are minimized.The two leads , Zheng He Hui Zi and Miles Wei, have very good chemistry and look great together. Both carried their roles beautifully and somehow managed to sell the idea that two characters could act like stalkers of each other and it not be creepy - indeed it's cute and romantic!. And the second couple is just fantastic. I really would love to see Chen Hao Lan and Li Jun Xian get lead roles - together or separately - because both actors feel like they can carry a lead role. I especially was impressed with Chen Hao Lan. She plays a very dynamic role as the FL's bestie with her own dramatic story arc of ups & downs. And Li Jun Xian is simultaneously handsome and charming and yet a total goofball when necessary, in hilarious fashion.
The production values of this show are solid, with lots of great wardrobe, settings artwork and really nice soundtrack. A few prop quibbles and oversights but nothing worth crying about.
My only real complaint is just my common complaint I have about how for some reason c-drama writers so often feel obligated to include some sort of 'love triangle', which in this show is in the form of the annoyingly pathetic Li Shi Can character. He plays the part of the stereotypical 'unrequited love interest' who pines pathetically for the FL, but is doomed to be forever friend-zoned. His character was just so pathetic and selfish and boring to watch. Just a pointless waste of screen time and take my advice and just skip rapidly through any scenes with him in it - even some that include the leads. You really won't be missing anything good in this show by skipping his scenes. The writers could easily have left him out completely.
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A Drama I Can Rewatch Again and Again
This drama is pure comfort and laughter! It's one of those shows I can rewatch anytime I need something fun and light-hearted. The side characters are hilarious—especially Chubby. He cracked me up in every scene!I also LOVED Lu Sicheng's flirty personality. The main couple's chemistry was adorable! I love a drama with good side couples, and this show did not disappoint. They were so cute too.
Easily one of my favorite shows!!!!!
I can see how this drama might not be everyone's favorite because it can be a little cringe at times, but I found it really funny. I also thought the storyline was interesting because I had never watched a show like this before, so it felt fresh and unique to me.
Overall, I found this drama entertaining, heartwarming, and incredibly fun to watch.
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Watched this after spotted Girls Rule
After watched Girls Rule and found out the Main Lead's pair got acted on another GL series, I invested my time to watch Pluto, and it was worth it.It brought different vibe and style compared to Girls Rule and so far, compared to other Thai GL's series I think their act are the most natural, not over exaggerated, and blended with the characters.
Thumb up for GMMTV
Looking forward to more of their works ahead.
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This review may contain spoilers
I LOVE YAN ZHENG. I LOVE XIE ZHENG. I LOVE ZHANG LING HE.
Well, this drama is definitely a 10/10 for me. Well, if I can, I'll happily rate it as 11/10 on this site. I love it this much.What I Loved:
- The ML, but of course. He was the absolute star of the drama. He looked so suave and dashing and behaved so charmingly. It was such a joy seeing him light up my TV screen. Every scene with him in it was breathtaking and some scenes were even more so. For example, the scenes of him protecting Chang Yu's home while she was away. He told the villains to "shi shi" (try) and it made me swoon. The way he looked tenderly at Chang Yu each time made me melt. I loved how he stared down at Song Yan and showed how powerful he was. I love the pent up emotions he displayed and how he longed for and even lusted for Chang Yu. He made me swoon and melt like ice cream in heat.
- The plot was absolutely intriguing and exciting to me. I also liked how the ending was properly done and it even gave us viewers an alternate ending which was very sweet too. Well, Chang Yu and Xie Zheng were fated to be together no matter what.
- I liked the fight scenes and how Chang Yu showed how she had a good heart and very strong physique. She used her strength to help others.
- The side characters, like the villains turned good, Gongsun Yin, the old teacher, Chang Ning, Mr and Mrs Zhao, were also brilliant and made the show even better. Having watched Mr Zhao as an awful villain in other dramas, I was delighted that he was a good fellow through and through in this drama. I liked how he was so nice throughout. Gongsun Yin turned out to be really funny too. Chang Ning was adorable throughout the show.
- The OST was extremely suitable for the show other than the song by JJ Lin because I'm not a fan of his vocals. "Jing Jing Ru Wo" was one of the nicest songs. Many others were excellent too.
- The costumes and setting were very nice too.
Now, I want to go into the Main Reason why I love this drama. This drama is written for women by a female writer who knows exactly what women want in a man and she delivered our dream male lover. As I watched the drama, I thought to myself, "This drama is written for the female gaze." I went to look things up and viola! Yes, the author of the novel is a female. I also believe that she is heterosexual. LOL :o)
** "Pursuit of Jade" is written for the female gaze/ the female viewer. **
First, women want a man who loves us and a man who protects us. The fact that the ML is two people in one person gives this to us women. Yan Zheng loves Chang Yu. This side of him is the one who loves her and even marries into her family. He is not a chauvinist. He does not have male ego. He gives in to her and marries into her family and promises to listen to his wife as she is the head of the family and not him. In this patriarchal society where countless women are put down and where countless women have unreasonable demands placed on them, this is a relief. Women want to be loved by lovers who have no frustrating male ego that we women have to stroke. Yan Zheng had no unreasonable male ego. He yielded to Chang Yu and agreed to her terms and her words. He often said "hao" (good) to her. He hardly argued. To her, everything went her way. She led and he willingly followed. Women want this. Please do not question us women. We do know what we want and we want support and loving treatment. Additionally, the ML remains manly and suave. He is clearly a fully grown and handsome man through and through. He is not a sad wimp. This is also what women want. We want a true manly man without the inflated male ego. We want a true man who loves his woman dearly and truly. Moving forward, I will talk about the ML being a man who protects his woman at all costs. He loves deeply and he loves hard. For instance, the ML, despite being injured, goes all out to protect Chang Yu from corrupt officials. Moreover, throughout the drama, he saves her many times and he protects her throughout. He loves her so much that he wants her safe and sound. We women want this. We want a man who loves and cares only for us. We want a man, who will sacrifice for us, without airs and ego. We want a protector. We want to be able to fully rely on our man and to know that he has got our back no matter what. Xie Zheng gives this to us. He is completely able to protect his woman and we feel safe with such a man.
Second, women want a very handsome man. I mean, who does not want a good-looking lover? A good-looking lover who only has eyes for his one and only... this is a complete win as many good-looking men are players. It is, indisputable, that the ML is exceedingly good-looking. Mirrors love him and so do I.
Third, women want a very strong man. Women want a man who is physically very strong. Seeing all the muscles in the right places and seeing the armour on that fit and taut body makes us swoon. After all, women are looking for the best possible father for our potential offspring and the best person to protect us. Being very physically fit is something that women desire in our ideal man. The ML is 190 cm tall and so toned that we cannot help but swoon and fall in love with this very fine specimen of a man. He is a very manly man indeed.
Fourth, women also desire a very capable man. Women want a man who is highly competent and who can take good care of us with his capabilities. The ML is a high-ranking official and he is an extremely good fighter. Women go head over heels for such a man. Xie Zheng is the character which gives this to us. He is a fighter and so good at it. He is powerful and he uses his powers.
Fifth, women want a man who listens to us. We want a man to be tough on the world but soft with us. The ML does just this. He is very harsh and tough to everyone else. He fears no one and everyone seems to fear him. However, when it comes to his lady love, he is soft and acquiesces to her words and her demands. Yan Zheng is this side of the character of the ML. He is soft and gentle with Chang Yu and he supports her and helps her without making her feel that she has lost her pride and dignity. What is important to Chang Yu is important to Yan Zheng. We women want a man who will support us through thick and thin and even through our nonsense. We want someone who listens properly to us and the ML does this well.
Sixth, women want a man who is loyal and who looks only at us with such loving gazes each time. The ML is a faithful lover. He stays true to Chang Yu and loves only her. He gazes at her with such deep love and tenderness. We women want a man who does just this. We want to be viewed in a glowing and positive light. We want to be the FL in our man's life. Chang Yu is Yan Zheng's/ Xie Zheng's one and only lady and this is what we want as women. We want a handsome, capable and fit man who loves us fully.
Seventh and last, women want a man with a healthy desire for his woman. It is clear that while the ML loves Chang Yu, he also lusts after her. However, he is a gentleman until everything is all serious in their relationship and until she gives her approval to move further along the bases. We women want an "interested in us" man but we want to be respected and valued. Women are not just objects to satisfy male lust. Women desire to be loved right and to be treated right.
All in all, "Pursuit of Jade" works so well because women are given our fantasy lover/ man/ husband in the very delicious and good-looking form of ZLH. He is the epitome of Yan Zheng/ Xie Zheng and I will love him forever as Wu An Hou in Zhu Yu.
<3 <3 <3
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This review may contain spoilers
This was so Good!!
This was my first historical drama, and I absolutely loved it!!!!!The ML and FL are so good! Their chemistry is beautiful, and I love how both of them are strong and able to hold their own. The FL is also hilarious and adorable, especially when it comes to her love of food and wine. The ML is incredibly cool as well.
Though I have to mention the Empress. The actress did such an amazing job that she made me hate the character so much. The Empress was incredibly annoying and evil, which just shows how well the role was played.
The Gentleman was also horrible. The way he acted at the beginning had me completely fooled. The fact that he cared more about himself than everyone else was just plain evil. In my opinion, there is no excuse for what he did. Only a coward would make the choices he made.
Overall, I loved this drama and would highly recommend it. The characters, chemistry, and story made it a fantastic first historical drama for me.
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In the meantime, you can watch the drama in https://www.viki.com/tv/41357c-marry-him-in-her-place#episodes
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This review may contain spoilers
Feels like an old kdrama formula (in a good way) and very fun and light to watch
I honestly don't get the hate that people are spewing about this drama. It is very fun and easy to watch, not to mention very very heartwarming. Exactly delivered the genre itself of being a healing romcom. It reminds me of back when i used to watch kdramas in my high school years. Nothing too overly complicated, abit of a predictable plot but still very engaging and fun. I had a great time watching it on-going. Except for Ep 1 and Ep 2 which was abit of a struggle for me to watch, the rest of the episodes were very fun. Although, I won't lie the comedy and plot slowed down abit near Ep8. It was still fun to watch just for the lead's chemistry and story. I loved their humor code and the comedy, with the main couple but also the villagers side.The main thing that made me really love this drama is probably the FL. I have so much praises for her. She is so charming as a character and also as an actress. I loved every bit of her acting, from the comedy to the sad bits she delivered them all so good. She has a new fan. I loved the sleep walking part of the plot compared to alot of people who found it corny and hated it. It's abit sad and dramatic lol but it's just my type of thing. But a part that slightly bothered me is I wish they made it more realistic. The part of her recognizing Matthew and talking to him almost too 'consciously' kind of threw me off sometimes lol.
ML is funny in a nonchalant way. He is also a huge tsundere. Sometimes i did wondered if his slight 'stiffness' is because of the role itself or his acting. But it's not too bothersome because his comedy acting is actually really good and he delivers most of his scenes quite decent and very well. He is good with romantic scenes. Both him and fl were very natural in carrying that romantic, in-a- relationship vibe.
Though in the earlier episodes, I feel like his personality may have made people not buy the chemistry between the leads. It made their whole relationship feel off. But after Ep 6 (kiss scene) i can honestly say their chemistry grew ALOT on me. The part of him caring about her behind the scenes sold me. I love how he cares for her by paying attention to the slightest and the smallest things for her. ML is so specific which I LOVE SM, his love language! Their relationship grew naturally which i really enjoyed and I find myself loving their chemistry onwards. I also absolutely love how very supportive they both are to each other. It was nice how at the end of the show, Dam Yejin even healed her insomnia because of the Matthew's influence. They were both healing each other from their own scars. Loved how their scars are both entangled to each other somehow?
-SPOILER ALERT-
About the plot and character behaviors, i do have some complaints which is the cause of my lower rating. There were a few plot holes or flaws which DID bothered me. I can actually ignore some just because of this brains off sort of thing that does come with this genre but these are ones that really bothered me lol
1. How did Matthew knew Dam Yejin's address when he first saved her?? (first sleepwalking)
2. Why was Jinyi more hateful to Dam Yejin than Matthew (creator of product)
3. Kim Beom's character is too fake smiley 24/7 it lowkey annoyed me. I wish he had more depth
4. They let Changho off way too easily though what he did is so evil. also Yoonji
5. I hated how they made ML abit spiteful to FL in their breakup era just to push her away (huge kdrama cliche that i hate)
Positive things about this drama that I like
1. Dam Yejin's character and her story
2. Chemistry between leads are good and grown naturally
3. Comedy and humor
4. Ost and music choices are very good. I love how the music is muted in their romance scenes which made it more immersive
5. Kang Muwon and Kwang Mo gag comedy scenes
6. The bits of heartwarming plot in this drama (somyi and grandma)
7. Deokpung Villagers
OVERALL:
I love this drama so much contrary to the hate reviews people are giving it. It left me with a warm lingering feeling . I think i'll rewatch it from time to time when i need something funny, cute and warm to watch . Ending outro made me wanna cry lol
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Love the cast and most of the plot but…
But it fell off for me on the last episode, mainly because I feel that wasn’t a great ending. I think they were still doing alright around episode 37/38, but leading up to 40 I was just like😲. Something’s you can expect after years and many dramas later, but I don’t know how to feel.On to characters and cast, love love LOVED the cast. Not their fault it the plot went they way it did, they killedt it🥰. Ren Min, Ci Sha, and WinWin. Honorable mention , Zuo Ye (loved how he acted his character out in the beginning, but he made me so mad at the end sigh).
Loved Chen Yanyun as a character and Ci Sha did him justice! Loved that he had his own experiences being the older one in the relationship and how they meshed well together. The way he started becoming aware of Gu Jinzhao, it was already done for, I loved their plot line, and I seen some say they wish for more scenes, but to me, and while I do love scenes filled with romance and interaction, I do love the pacing of their relationship and that the directors had them do it slow and steady, cuz ya know, slow and steady wins the race(some times, don’t quote me). Loved that it was a she fell, but he fell harder and we love it!!!! Give. Me. More! Would love to see him in a mature modern drama hehe🤭 (same character type PUHLEASE!!! Saying for everyone with a sensible attitude🙇🏾♀️)
Gu Jingzhao, loveddd her character tooo. Loved that they made her take no bull from no one. She was strong headed, but she was still usual a girl in the end☺️. So wish the director, producer, whoever, would’ve did a time lapse. Lost potential I say. I have to say she isn’t the only MFL that I’ve been watching who isn’t afraid and I love to see it! That being said, when her and Jiuheung got close, I lost it 😆. I need this modernized HELLOO👋🏾!
Sigh…. Ye Xian, Ye Xi. An! I instantly loved him because as I’m watching and see that he looks familiar, I make a comment saying he looks like WinWin, and uh guess what? It is! Ayeee! I am unfortunately a kpop fan and as I soft launched my interest into NCT when they came out because the concept blew my mind but I’m here for the music. So my love for WinWin stems from a different place but it’s all the same because I suppose him in whatever he wants😀. Ok so moving on, his portrayal of Ye Xian is 10 out of 10. No bias included, because soon after, while I was cool on Ye Xian (liked him but the way he was so rough, I was side eyeing him). I do like Ye Xian as his character was doing better but the way they had to tiptoe around him with certain stuff and how he reacted in the beginning/middle, whew I can’t be around. At the end, I was sad with how they did him. While you first watch, you can see how, yeah I guess that would happen, you’re still like, why did the plot go there?
Ok to clean this up, love the character portrayal , love the family ties (gives us more family drama too!!). If you couldn’t tell or didn’t read that, I LOVED THE ROMANCE ASPECT, GIVE ME MORE OF THAT🙇🏾♀️🙇🏾♀️🙇🏾♀️. Cast muy bien. Watch it if you care , watch it if you don’t. Or don’t watch at all, who am I to tell you.
💋☮️✌🏾
Ok back after watching 41, and I tell you I will be forgetting the plot over the next 2/3 years, but I will be coming back to that episode just because I can.
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Give prosecutor Do his own drama
Well, based on how first review went you can guess how this one will go.First, let's get rid of the missteps of this season -- Stella and Suho are gone and so is any source of side entertainment. The actress they brought to replace Stella was charming but her English was atrocious, and for the role of an English speaking quirky girl? Ridiculous, and obviously ripping off Abby of Navy CIS.
Now for the goods, I would say that the overall cast did a decent job in this season, of course all supporting characters. Prosecutor Eun and NFS' Baek were underwhelming as main characters. We get more introduction to prosecutor Do and the doctor Jang Chul. Both did a great job with their roles. I was especially impressed with Do as his expressions made his intentions so ambiguous that they could have given him any plot twist and it would've worked. Also for the antagonists and unlikeable characters, OMG they did a great job I hated them all -- although sometimes comedy here was too much.
They also keep going this ridiculous pattern of crime happening to their own teammates which ...cmon...what is the likelihood. It seems like really "the recognisable" thing of this drama.
The ending really shook me -- and I need to know what happens next, so kind of unsatisfying that S3 has not been discussed. Altho for me is questionable that this show even has S2.
But ok.
Would actually skip altogether this drama. I think other original dramas which inspired this one do much better job.
Thank you for reading,
RXP
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Songs were good according to story.
all actors did great job
And about vfx,it was little poor, let me blame it to editor .
The best fight scene was given by mark , his fighting skills were really good.
And Bonding and chemistry between Bb and Pp were really good.
And about ending it was good enough because one is human and one is vampire so it's understandable that they choose to live somewhere where time never change.
Overall it was good story
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This review may contain spoilers
Warmth in an Icy Place
I had enjoyed the previous Jinny's kitchen and hoping that this location is much better than Mexico. And it was!I think having Choi Woo Shik here gave much flavor into the team chemistry because it was not a boring watch. His funny moments gave much relief to the very busy and chaotic service.
I am amazed by how Min Si was so good working with all three chefs. She was able to adapt and be organized, keeping the kitchen like a well-oiled machine.
I should say among the 3 chefs, Seo Jun did the best! He is focused and consistent though there are many orders. Yumi sometimes become flustered and Woo Shik panics when orders come in fast. It is good that Seo Jin was able to keep the front desk at bay, but he did make one mistake that he did not even admit to Woo Shik that it was his error.
Overall, their stint in Iceland was really well-received. To have a line of people waiting for the resto was really surprising for them, since their previous stint in Mexico was unlike it. And the food they delivered was really homey. I am so glad to see how they were able to figure the number of diners to come in with scheduling as well as manage the dining window time properly.
I am glad that they were able to enjoy a bit of Iceland - The Aurora, the shopping, the visit to nearby geysers.
I hope they will have another venture like this with a bit longer time frame. I know it will take many resources and determination among the members; I love to see their true selves as they interact with one another and with the customers. There is no air of superiority among them and gave their best to serve well. Kudos to the produces and director also who extended their help even in dishwashing. It was really a team effort. Can we have another Jinny's Kitchen?
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mostly Mates and then some Soul (wrenching plot)
There was something genuine in here, which drew so much emotion out of me. The last two episodes, I was crying without stopping.However, I cannot say that this show was good. Why? Their relationship was not well developed. Chemistry where. While I could see Ryu trying for a bit of chemistry to surface, Johan is like a board; almost too immersed into his character that he forgets that the character exists because of Ryu. I understand no overt bl or whatever the script said, but I felt I see kdrama roles and kpop members acting more touchy feely than these two. They really could have umped it up for at least a notch with platonic touches. Just to see some closeness between the leads cos I did not get any via dialogue. Ryu literally hugs Johan the same way he hugs Sumiko, cmon. They could have brought Arata back to show the jealousy subplot but nah, they put like 100th random disaster.
Their characters were not well developed. Ryo's interest in hockey dissipated almost as quickly as Arata from the plot. And then all those random plot twists for the shock effect? hmm, not impressed because they are obviously a lazy filler.
Idk, I would say that acting was relatively good but chemistry was zero. Is that an oxymoron? well maybe but I feel it is true. Maybe the genre caused some insecurity in the leads or we can blame it as always on the lack of quality script.
I would still recommend this one.
Thanks for reading,
RPX
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