Reviews

God, why? Just why is this a thing?

I know that you're not supposed to write reviews for shows if you haven't completed them but honestly, I just couldn't contain my bewilderment with this one. I really truly don't understand why anyone in their right mind would watch this. (Especially a non-EXO fan) If you know the answer to that, please enlighten me.

I mean, this is just plain bad. Period. You've got to get high and lose a few brain cells in order to find this shit hilarious. Don't get me wrong, I've got no problem seeing Sehun, Chanyeol, D.O and Bacon do their thing but when you add one hell of a TSTL (too stupid to live) heroine in their midst, it just turns everything sour.

I couldn't handle Ji Yeon Hee's immaturity for a single second and her brother's cute awkwardness wasn't nearly enough to balance it out. She's cringey on a whole other level and it's not adorable in the least. Also, the way she talks with her mum is just awful. I swear the brat needs to sit the fuck down and check her priorities. Funny how, she's always being a snarky ass bish to her family but she can't utter a lone syllable in front of boys. And she's 22. Enough said.

Furthermore, let's not forget how they got Chan to play the brooding, cold, bad boy type. Like, I just can't at this moment. Chan out of all them? Chan, really?
He's like an adorable little puppy at his worst, m8. Why, oh, why must you do this to me?

Obviously, I watched it for plain ol' fanservice and wasn't expecting a plot, good acting or a consistent storyline and fairly enough, it did indeed lack on all those fronts. But what I also didn't expect was the human embodiment of complete and total aggravation that was our female lead.

It is amazing how I even managed to stand 4 episodes of this nightmare. It truly is a fete when a show is so horrible it makes a 15 minute episode feel like an hour. I repeatedly checked how much of it was left and when I realized that I had endured so much suffering and only 5 minutes had passed, I think I decomposed a little inside.

The only good thing that came out of this was that the guys were able to make money off of it. As far as I'm concerned, I'm sorry but I'm just not strong enough to bear this kind of agony.

I am in dire need of an efficient eyewasher and a mental detox after this. I'd try to come back after I heal and watch four more episodes to support the group but surely, recovery from this requires total mental rest for atleast more than 365 days.

For all those people who watched and enjoyed this, I envy you. Really, kudos to you. I don't know how you did it. Fighting!

(At this point this isn't even a review, more like an existential crisis.)

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This show is good, there is no doubt. It has a good cast, the cinematography is nice to watch and it has a great intro - short and with good music. The intertwining of the cases leads to a suspenseful season.

On other websites, there is a misleading blurb which advises that Jai Bi falls in love with Xu Xu but she is slow to return his feelings. I think this may be a description for the book (I haven't read the book) as it seems more like the other way around, with Jai Bi is slow to return any feelings.

However, the following is what brought down the rating for me:

-Xu Xu. I feel as if she wasn't written very well. Her conclusions were easily made and obvious which made it hard to believe that she was really needed in the major crimes division.

-Romance. I feel as if the romance wasn't very believable. I just couldn't feel much between until the real end of the series between the leads, like the real end.

-Disappearance of characters. I felt like Yao Meng and Zhao Han were written off which was a shame because I really like Zhao Han.

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Since, there are already a plethora of reviews dedicated to this show, I'm going to keep this short and simple. The best thing about Pinocchio is how unique and original its premise is. This is a show about the dark underbelly of media, how fickle public opinion is and the power that lies with the awareness of things. It shines light on the essence of being a reporter, raising your voice for the right matters and choices that can completely make or break a person.

The first time I ever saw Lee Jong Suk was in Secret Garden and I remember thinking, 'this man has the looks to make it big'. Ofcourse, at that time I wasn't aware that he had already made it pretty damn big. Seeing him in Pinocchio, there's no denying that he has a talent for acting, combine that with his heavenly looks and you get an almost perfect package.

Even though the name of the drama is based on the female lead, it's obvious that Dal Po is the star of the show. The plot revolves around him and despite the fact that the side characters bring their own charisma, they are ultimately in his orbit.

Park-Shin Hye came to be a pleasant surprise. I'm not going to lie, I disliked her in almost every show she appeared in previously and due to my bad experience with her acting, I had developed a sort of negative bias for her. However, it's always amazing when an actor or a show surprises you and surpasses your expectations. PSH somehow managed to make In Ha a sweet and likable character who the viewers constantly rooted for. The fact that she has to hiccup repeatedly came out as adorable instead of annoying and I couldn't believe myself when I started to feel affection for her.

A lot of people were even happy that she finally improved her kissing techniques. That, I think is pushing it a little bit because if you look at it closely, her movements are as non-existent as ever, but due to some skillful camera work, Lee Jong Suk's kissing prowess is incredibly highlighted which makes it somehow appear as if she's a proficient partner too. But oh well- technicalities.

However, for me the biggest flaw of the show was that the protagonists were not on equal footing. Dal Po clearly over-powers In Ha in the relationship and he comes out as far less commited and invested in the love story. Which is why the romance factor didn't do much for me. They do the right things, say the right words, their union makes complete sense and yet, there is no emotional connection whatsoever.
In Ha makes so many sacrifices for Dal Po, her affection is completely genuine and she let's him take the spotlight from her time and time again whereas Dal Po seems almost detached when it comes to her.

Ultimately, this unequality between the leads was something that started to rub me the wrong way. There were moments where I wanted In Ha to shine individually and to be given more credit for everything she does. Essentially, she's such a huge part of the show and if we ponder about it; she's the backbone behind Dal Po's success and yet, she's never valued enough. The moment she does something substantial is followed by Dal-Po countering it with something more and it always manages to downplay her importance. This is the reason why they are both outstanding and lovable personas in their own right but their co-existence is rather stiff and unnatural.

So, in my opinion the best way to watch Pinocchio is to think of romance as just a subplot and focus on the main story. I had so much love for almost every single character in the show and they are so thoroughly well-developed that I could write a lengthy character sketch on all of them. The drama is filled with small, utterly poignant moments that move you. The script is excellently written and the story flows with a smooth efficiency. The antagonists are three-dimensional and I never truly disliked any of them. Pinocchio thrives on the emotional interactions between its characters and it shows exactly how powerful familial love is.

Over-all this drama, with its brilliant acting, consistent story-line and satisfying ending, manages to bring forth a current of continous entertainment from beginning to end.

Indeed, a good watch.

Enjoy!

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I didn't finish this drama and it's a pity. I am a fan of the Orion-Origin chemistry (the leads) in Kill Me Heal Me and was expecting a lot from this drama.

Starting story is interesting and there is so much potential for the drama. However, the drama becomes really draggy at the middle/back portion and the only interesting thing left is the secret identities (no spoiler). I do appreciate the character developments but they somehow become stagnant and unimportant (again) at the back of the drama. Anyway, I was utterly disappointed by the leads and how the romance turned out to be that I just cannot continue.

The chemistry is great and all good between the actors/actresses. I especially loved how the (rare) womance is displayed by the actresses. and honorable mention to Siwon for his great acting:)

All in all, quite disappointed. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the front part of the drama. Will continue to finish the drama when I have the time or urge to do it..

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One of the best romance/suspense drama that I have ever seen. I have never had the concept of what a good drama should be but this drama really set the standards for me.

Amazing story.
1.) The main highlight of this show is definitely the different split personalities. I was pretty hesitant about the male lead (Jisung.. I am so sorry about not knowing him before the drama) having 7 split personalities but the story definitely lead well to the backstory of the 7 personalities. I am also impressed by how the writer/s included character development and growth for the personalities making the story interesting and not stagnant.

2.) Romance is beautiful. I really want to talk more about the romance but I think it is impossible to do that without spilling any beans. This is the first drama that made me had second male lead syndrome for two of the characters (I am trying my best) and bromance is simply so natural.

3.) Suspense is the one that kept me going real hard. So many WOW factors in this drama. You will be sooooooo surprised at many point in time and will really expect more and more from the drama.

4.) I will not consider this drama as a medical drama though. I am no medical-expert but I can see that this drama does not really touch on the medical side. If you are going for medical/psychological, this won't be the one (watch It's Okay It's Love instead).

5.) This drama has one of the best ending, really. A nice closure and no possibility for season 2 (which I kind of appreciate as there are many season 2s becoming really forced) I must give credits to the writer/s for the wonderful story. JJANG!

Next the acting...
Jisung handled the split personalities soooo good. He deserves the Daesung (Grand Prize) so so so so so much. There are many controversies about Hwang Jung Eum's acting (female lead) but I really don't find any problem with her acting. She may be exaggerating at times but I believe it is for the comedy effect and also she did displayed impressive emotional acting in the drama. All the casting is done really well and I have enjoyed the acting of all major/minor characters. ANOTHER JJANG!

Auditory Hallucination really gives me the suspense vibe for Kill Me Heal Me. You can feel the painful love with lots of secrets and suspense, with a hope for life and happiness. I totally don't understand the lyrics of the song but I feel it anyway. Its like a flashlight speed recap of the drama every time you listen to the song. There are other OSTs but unfortunately, is not as impactful as Auditory Hallucination.

All in all, go watch it! Because this is the drama that taught me what is a good drama in romance-comedy and suspense aspect (and I never thought that this two genre can go so well together). Heart wrenching back stories, beautiful yet painful romance, funny bromance/split personalities moments, heart warming family love, great acting and impactful music. All in one.

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One of the few starters kdrama I watched. At that point in time I thought it was a really good drama since I was young, but then as experience of kdramas grow, I gain to learn what is a good drama. Definitely is one of the classic gender blenders (along with Coffee Prince, Hana Kimi) and will recommend those who are starting out with kdramas.

The plot line of it is interesting but story fails to really intrigue people. Many minor story loopholes and illogical moments (can be ignored easily). Definitely did enjoyed it when I was 13/14 (I'm 20 now). The story flows well and can be easily understood.

Acting was awkward, or maybe its just how the characters should be.

I will recommend this drama as starters, because this is really a classic piece of drama with many typical story in one: gender blender, mean male lead with innocent female lead, gentle and all-good second male lead, mean female second lead, cohabitation, birth mysteries...

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I am in LOVE with Park Bo Young!!!!!!! The range that she is able to portray from the shy, quiet Bong Soon to the outgoing and brash ghostess is extraordinary! The female acting strength in this drama is remarkable! Kim Seul Gi's character will steal your heart away! Her energy is infectious and moving. At first, I was kinda skeptical of Je Jung Suk's as the male lead, but his performance and transformation slowly warmed my heart. His chemistry with Park Bo Young is palpable.
Not only are the main characters lovable, the supporting cast add so much to the story. The drama does an excellent job giving all of them enough air time without taking away from the main storyline. In particular the restaurant boys added non-stop laughs to this drama, keeping this drama extra fun and light! "CON-GRA-TU-LA-TIONS!!"
The story has great balance and pace. It precisely weaves romance, comedy, supernatural, and suspense together. This drama is perfection!!!! I highly recommend this drama! Please watch it!

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Wow! Simply wow! What an epic tale, not just a story! One filled with heroes and villains where you don't expect them!

What was truly amazing is the writers did their homework. The response to the disaster was on-point! The firefighters and the hospital portrays were true to real life as dramatic influence allows. You get the feeling of being there as the action happens; the raw feelings of the responses to situations! Yes, there will be flourishes of heroism, but this is drama! Not discounting the other actors, Kim Sang Ho as the fire-chief was as believable as it could get!

The story line can only get a wopping 10. The writer and conceptualises really, really researched this. The raw politics, the blame game, the cunningness were all there as one would expect from both politics and raw ambition! Even in a disaster these human traits would show!

The effects: Again, wow! There are big budget movies that do not make you feel the destruction and effect on everyday people on this scale! Perfectionists will say that you can tell when it's CGI, but come-on! A small screen production showing this level of damage to a real (yes, real: not made-up) city! in such a realistic manner! The damage to buildings, landmarks, and infrastructure all felt completely present!

We get a clearly defined hero and villain which is basically my only hang-up about this series. Not that it took anything away from the reality or grittiness of the story. There should have been some blurring of that line to make it just a tad more believable, Not everything is good and evil. There will always be shades in between. This, however does not lessen the impact of the story at all!

Also, with this many episodes a little background into the characters and institutions would have been helpful. We start getting snippets of lives lived after the actual disaster, which is very helpful to character development. The thing, however, is this could have started before the real emergency and worked its way from there.

All in all one of the best disaster series out there! Well worth the watch if you like emergency dramas, real feelings and firefighters. Who doesn't like firefighters?

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This is such a sweet and funny show that I felt compelled to write a review just so that I can persuade more people to watch this very delightful drama special.

First of all this is very short (only one episode!) but that does not mean that you are left confused and unsatisfied at the end (which happens very often in case of drama specials). Also it is a story set in high school and is all about Bromance (who needs romance when the bromance is this good!). And if you need another reason for watching then there is the amazing acting especially by the lead trio. Lee Ji Hoon was so good here as a high schooler that I was very surprised when I found out his age (how can he be 28?!). That man deserves to be a lead in a comedy(soon...please).

So I would to recommend this adorable drama special to everyone because this is a very very funny show which manages to be cute and warming at the same time.

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This show was not the first thing I watched. I found the movie by mistake and I fell in love with it that night. I watched it about 6 times before giving into Asian dramas. But then I found the show, it was really amazing going into more detail than the movie its self . But the show had a dramatic downfall after ep15, after the show didnt focus on the game that had help them get close together. that is what made me dislike it after 15, because the other episodes really didnt have any meaning after they have came together in my opinion. The movie was about the same way as well but I understand the movie had some mistakes and was moving to fast but thats what movies do. Now the cast, I feel that the original cast in the movie who where ( Jing Boran and Angela Baby ) had more of a connection than the people in the show. and I dislike asian dramas with actors with fake kissing like they are little kids. I feel in all the was the movie was the best of all compare to the show. The show did give some juicy details but the casting of the people in the movie was best to me.

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I'd like to start off by saying that this drama changed my life. Not literally, but it's made me think a lot about equality and justice in the real world, and how f*cked up it is that people in power can make the world bend at their will. Anyway, that's why I think it's so damn good, because it forces you to reflect on that... and it's hard. It's really hard, but yeah. Anyway, off to the review!!

Story:
11/10 tbh. Actually, 99/10. This story was very well-written. What I loved most about it was how it unfolded. Everything wasn't revealed at the start, each episode gave you new clues into what the "real" story was and how the minor plots that you'd been exposed to thus far related to it. Also, it keeps you guessing. You never quite know what something is going to lead to, and I don't mean in the sense of not knowing who the criminal in a case is, but more so in the sense that you don't know how a certain case ties in with another. It's one of those series that you honestly can't draw out; you have no choice but to finish it in a few days (heck, I finished it in two) because you have to know what happens next. Also, I like how the writer tied in the fantasy aspect. I'm not a fan of the fantasy genre, but it was incorporated quite well into the story I think. There are definitely questions I still have that bother me about how it all worked, but I think it really added to the overall impact of the story. Also, this story is an emotional clusterf*ck. I have never felt so much pain in my heart lol. Less to do with characters dying and more to do with what I mentioned earlier, having to face the fact that life can be so unfair.

Cast:
I actually gave the cast a high score not because I loved the protagonists, but because I'd really like to commend the antagonists for playing their roles well. There are.... so many people in this drama that you will despise, lol. Be prepared. But I think the fact that their acting is so convincing that it makes you want to cry angry tears at the fact that such a character exists... I mean, that's good acting. So, yeah, the antagonists were WAY too good at their roles haha. But I didn't hate the protagonists, I thought they were okay. It's just that I feel like even if they were replaced by other actors and actresses, I'm not sure if there would be much change, if that makes sense? THAT being said, the one character I adored was Lee Jae Han, played by Jo Jin Woong. That man's performance was... perfect. The role was made for him. There are so many scenes that I still remember crystal clear because the acting was just so on point. Like, he embodied his character and gave a damn good performance. There is a reason he is on my favourite actors list now, because he was just that great.

Music:
I thought the music wasn't bad. They picked the right tracks for the appropriate moments, i.e., suspenseful music during scenes of suspense. I don't remember anything particularly outstanding, but it wasn't a bad job.

Overall:
I actually would rewatch this, but with someone else. I would watch it 5 more times if I could watch it with someone else. It's honestly such a great drama. It captivates you from the first episode, and it really will make you reflect on what present society is like. Please do watch this if you're putting it off, because you will 100% not regret it.

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White Christmas is a psychological thriller. Mystery is important in the beginning, but that is not the focus of the drama. Instead, this drama focuses on human behavior and begs the question: "Are killers born or made?". I admit this drama is a bit boring at the start, but you really have to stick to it. I even dropped it the first time I tried watching it, but I'm so glad I made the decision to go back and finish it. The conclusion does not disappoint. I have actually watched this drama 4 times. I have only ever rewatched one other drama, and I only rewatched it once. I notice new things every time I rewatch White Christmas, and I love every minute of it. A huge bonus: The fan videos of it are great! (But I don't recommend watching fan videos until you finish it, as there are spoilers in most of them.)

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