Reviews

A disappointing remake of the original story "My Dear Boy"

I understand why a couple of people rated a high score on this series, it might be that people didn't know that this was a remake of the original Taiwanese series My Dear Boy. I am basing my review here because I have watched the original version and couldn't help but be frustrated with how a beautiful plot was butchered in this remake. From the production to the added storyline is a big disappointment.
PLOT - This is a noona romance and slice-of-life drama. The ML chasing the FL, divorcee FL, annoying side characters that don't fit the bill,36 episodes with a lot of nonsense conversations, VERY SLOW BURN, and ended very casually with no romantic sizzle.
PRODUCTION - The ML was depicted as a poor character guy however, it doesn't make sense as to why his wardrobe throughout the series is just the same. He has a job and is not a beggar but his clothes are the same throughout. The FL character is a director and has her own company however her clothes aren't classy enough to depict a famous director. Her hairstyle was tied up throughout the series prolly because she looks young if her hair is put down. At the end of the series, both of them went to attend an awarding ceremony however both of them were wearing casual jeans when all the others were in formal wear. This can be overlooked but is annoying since again it is a 36-episode series .
CHEMISTRY - People say they have good chemistry and I also felt the same during the first episodes. I realized there was no real chemistry after several episodes. Prolly the chemistry is because both actors are good-looking. It felt like both of them were in a mentor-business-partner relationship and no real romantic spark even though there were hugs and eye connections.
PACING - The story was butchered from the original version as they added annoying side characters that did not build the
main plot. The sister-boyfriend hockey player was added to the story but did not provide any slice-of-life storyline or build the connection between the ML and FL. The father of the FL probably provided a lesson to the story about forgiveness but still did not build any relation to the plot. This is 36 episode series but the FL and ML just became a couple at episode 30. There was very little screen time for romance and even when there was love between the characters they are shown as just dating and not deep love. The original story depicted that the ML became a successful and famous director however in this remake the FL received an award rather than depicting that the ML was the one who became successful. The ending was a bluff, a very blunt acceptance speech of both of them on stage and just a hug. The end.

If you are looking for noona romance and some comedic feels, please watch my dear boy and pass this one!

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"No pain no gain"

This drama starts with a childhood story, but the journey is there too. The mental of a CEO should be strong from the beginning. The path won't be flat, there would be obstacles, and also failures. This drama has it all, when the FL (Seo Dalmi) wants to build a start-up company. I learned a lot about some management methods here. And the nation's favourite.. Han Jipyeong the good boy. All of his scenes with the halmeoni is really emotional and heartwarming for me. Well, Dosan also has a part in my heart (since Joohyuk is my favourite actor) because he also works hard. I'm very emotional while the Samsans came back from the States and visit their first ever office for the last time. They had gone through lots of things from that small office, until they can work in the States. The "no pain no gain" phrase is the best phrase to describe this drama. In my opinion, this drama isn't only about Dalmi's first love, this is also about self improvement, responsibility, and "good things take time".

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Bold, epic with a slight stumble to the end

There is a lot to love about this drama - it is epic in scope and dares to tell a complicated tale not only of love but also of friendship, duty to one's country and respect for your fellow man (or woman). Above all, it features many complex characters that develop throughout, notably several strong female characters including our fearless female lead, Ren Ruyi (played by Liu Shi Shi).

Ren Xin, a former deputy leader of the Scarlet Guards of the State of An, is framed for the death of Empress Zhaojie and forced to reinvent her identity as Ren Ruyi. While on her own quest to avenge the Empress, Ruyi comes across Ning Yuanzhou (Liu Yuning), himself also the former deputy leader of the State of Wu's Liudao Pavilion (a sort of spy organization not dissimilar to An's Scarlet Guards), who is busy trying to leave the world of court politics behind. They find themselves working together and join the diplomatic entourage bearing special envoy Prince Li (who is actually Princess Yang Ying in disguise) to An to rescue the Emperor of Wu.

While the story may sound complicated on paper, it is actually quite easy to follow and watch, a testament to the strength of the show's writing and performances. Particularly in the first half of the drama, with the entourage's long journey as the framework for the show, we get a terrific balance of adventure, exciting fight sequences and character development. Under Ruyi and Yuan Zhou's guidance, Yang Ying (He Lan Dou) transforms from cowardly princess to steely prince in what is to me the most satisfying and interesting arc of the entire show. Along the way, we also get to know NYZ's gang: the pretty playboy Yu Shi Shan (a hilarious Alen Fang), kind and cheerful Yuan Lu (Chen You Wei), stoic and loyal Qian Zhao (Wang Yi Zhe), and lover of all furry things Sun Lang (Li Huan).

At midway, the drama sags a bit when Li Tong Guang (relative newcomer Chang Hua Sen) meets up with the rest of the cast as his character devolves into an injured puppy in what is probably the least desirable arc of the show - his obsession over his former master Ren Xin. I would not have minded a few episodes of this, as I understand what the writer was probably going for. Having suffered a difficult childhood and losing his mother and master during his youth, I can see why he would latch onto his master at their reunion, but 10 episodes of this is overwrought and threatens to undermine his character's development from boy to man and from general to de facto leader of a nation. Fortunately, LTG's scenes with Yang Ying towards the end of the drama somewhat salvage things for me. But it is a bit too little too late.

Then we have the final 6 episodes or so, which zoom by at a more frenzied pace, making one wish perhaps less time spent on obsessive LTG would have translated to a smoother build to the climax and a more satisfying conclusion. And while I enjoy Chu Yue's (and Chen Hao Yu's performance) scenes with Yu Shi Shan, from a writing standpoint the story did not really need her character in there to work. Personally, I would have liked the ending scene to have included YY and LTG instead. Looking at the narrative and characters, these two are the most affected by our main leads, and lacking a conclusion (or at least some kind of denouement) to their story is a disappointment.

Ultimately, however, the many merits of this drama outweigh the downsides, and this is one you do not want to miss for this year if only for the truly great creation of many strong, multifaceted female characters (including villains). If I had watched this before Story of Kunning Palace (to which I gave a 9), I probably would have rated Kunning lower, as this is by far the superior of the two recent costume dramas in terms of story, characters, performances and music.

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twists, angst,separation,bravery,and somewhat happy conclusion

I am glad that the main couple got a happy end but I felt really bad for Ryan eum, its sad how they left him in that cell still wondering what happened to lee jang hyun.it was so unfair to leave him there without closure.
Also I would not have minded if nam yeon committed sucide, he ended becoming such a useless and irritating character, Gil Chae should be grateful he never chose her.
I do think she has poor taste in men because both nam neon and that her ex-husband were such sorry excuse for men. That's why I felt it was stupid choice to choose him over LJH, it didn't come as a shock to see that he abandoned her when she needed him most he always saw as a beautiful possession and not an actual human being.
I felt sad for the crown prince and crown princess and how they met such a terrible end without even getting justice, worse her son didn't even inherit the throne and the evil concubine just got away with everything's terrible.
I didn't like the unnecessary double amnesia plot and to me it didn't add anything relevant to the storyline.
Also I loved the acting of nam koong min, His ability to make his eyes and face convey so much emotions without even uttering any words was so brilliant.
I felt like part 1 was much stronger than part 2 but overall this was interesting, heartbreaking ,emotional and beautiful story to watch and It was totally worth the journey.

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wholesome and pure the whole way thru q(≧▽≦q)

What I liked:

- For the 1st 3 eps the main couple's relationship seemed a lil unbalanced like their interactions seemed slightly one-sided (bc he barely talked lol hes a quiet boi uvu), but 4th ep onwards after we got to see a bit more of the main lead's perspective and home life i started to fall in love with them as a duo, hes so starved of positive interactions at home and shes so kind and supportive and wholesome towards him, i was like I SEE THE VISION hahaha 🥰🥰🥰
- The main friend group dynamics are amazing, wholesome and cute and funny af
- 2nd couple dynamics were super cute, bickering tease-ey friends to sloooowly something more😊
- Both of the main leads are equally down bad for each other, obv from the female lead's side bc she's so blatant about her simping hahah but as the show goes on we get more and more evidence he cares just as much it's rly cute. also they go on soooo many unofficial dates before theyve even gotten together it's fabulous haha
- 3rd male lead is a delight, v dorky v outgoing v good boi, he doesnt get a full time romantic partner (which the show pokes fun at in the final ep when his 2 pairs of friends are handholding on either side of him and hes like tf have i gotten myself into hahaha) but we do get a v touching backstory with him and his grandma which was so insanely wholesome man 😭😭😭everytime they wre on screen tgt i was just🥺🥺
- The show sidestepped a lot of annoying cliches which I wanna give it credit for - e.g., zero love triangles!!! one ep introduced a female primary school friend but she turned out to be super sweet and supportive of the main couple it was so cute lol. Overall, after getting together officially, both leads so quickly and efficiently shut down any potential suitors it's awesome and kinda hilarious in a meta way lol i love them sm (theyre just like miss me with that miscommunication angst😤😤). Mind you there was a short stretch in eps 15-16 where they werent talking to each for dumb reasons but it was the only time it happened and they are still obv high schoolers so i forgave em HAHA
- OST is insanely good. v chill, v poppy, fit the scenes so well. there were also some familiar soundbites from weightlifting fairy kim bok joo too hahaha which i adored (including the iconic "WHAT" lmaoo)



Nitpicks:

- Male lead's acting was a bit TOO reserved occasionally, obv it's his personality but yea could've used a few more words outta him at times lol, it's why i LOVED the final ep so much, showing him vlogging and sharing his thoughts it was so frickin wholesmoe i died😭😭 mind you as the show goes on esp as an adult he gets more spontaneous and open with his feelings which is perfectly believable so again it's just a minor nitpick
- 2nd couple could've used more screentime development together bc they were sooooooo cute tgt (esp showing the audience how her feelings towards him slowly changed like the show implied it mainly but just a few more lines of her thoughts would've done wonders imo - they did a great job on his end!)
- My girl gotta use her hands more when smooching 🤣



What I didn't like:

- Male lead's mom, legit wanted to slap her every time she came on screen 😭😭😭 EASILY the worst thing about the show. thankfully maybe the showrunners guessed how much the audience was gonna dislike her character as she straight up disappeared from the show after episode 15 LMAO good riddance 🥰🥰
- That's it honestly XD



Overall:

Super likeable show. Sweet af. Diabetes. Eps 19-20 and 23-24 were my favourites😊 8.5/10 for me. Def rewatching some eps when i need a pick-me-up and hunting down the OST on spotify☆*: .｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆

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Their flag is so green that it can stop global warming

30 year old virgin, Adachi is having a panic attack because suddenly he can hear other people mind. that's how he find out that his co-worker Kurosawa has a crush on him.

The story is captivating. I appreciate how it deviates from the typical "office-affair" narrative, featuring two contrasting individuals with mutual attraction. The infusion of the "30-year-old virgin magic" adds an imaginative element, enriching the story with vibrant hues. However, the fictional aspect does not overshadow the realistic portrayal of relationships. Both characters evolve in tandem, and the "magic" serves to amplify their realization that true enchantment lies within their feelings for each other.

Both actors deliver exceptional performances in their respective roles. Machida Keita, portraying the character Kurosawa Yuichi, embodies the good-looking, capable, and kind-hearted nature of his character with perfection. Similarly, Akaso Eiji, in the role of Adachi Kiyoshi, effectively portrays a shy and low self-esteem character, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Eiji's emotional performance, particularly in one of the episodes where he cried, moved me to tears and left a profound impact with his heartfelt portrayal that words cannot fully describe.

In terms of production, I appreciate the diverse range of settings utilized in the show. It's evident that the production team put considerable thought into this aspect. The framing also effectively complements the overall atmosphere of the story. However, I do wish there was an editing technique that could more explicitly convey to the audience when Adachi is reading other people's minds, as I occasionally missed these moments and had to rewatch certain scenes.

as for the OST i have a very selfish opinion. it's good but it doesn't make me go instantly to spotify to look for it and add the song to my favorite list. However the music in the background that accompanying the scenes is good. very contributing in the feeling of the scenes.

Rewatch value 10, even the thought of rewatching this makes me giddy :)

Overall this drama is very good BL and i really support it

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I CANT DESCRIBE THE PERFECTION

There are some times when I don't want to think alot while watching a drama, thinking about theories, watching dramatic conflict, or the puzzles we have to solve in a drama. This drama is an option for people who are in this phase. Located in a very beautiful place with ocean scenery, this drama really refresh my eyes and the warmth of Hong Dusik. This serial also has moral and life values through the sayings of the elderlies who also take part in the story. Romance and comedy blended so well in this. This would be a good option to watch and I won't be bored to rewatch this.

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boring

I'm really tired of these FLs with inadequate brain cells. For a person who lived for 3000 years, she's as stupid as a rock. Having to lived for so long, how can she's not able to have a bit of wisdom? just a tiny bit would suffice. Why does Chinese writer love these dumb FL? To made it worse, they cast YCY, she's never been good in acting, just pouting most of the time, and open her eyes as big as possible. She does this in this one too. Aiyaa... I feel so bad for Ryan Ding, his performance is good, but an actor can't carry the whole drama by him self. I hope he can get better project in the future, with better script and better partner.

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Stress free drama but a little boring

I like the ML and FL but it gets a little dragged. 24 episodes would have been great. I like the other couples as well especially Feng and doudou. The entire perfect voice studio cast are funny and interesting. The OST is one of the amazing things about this drama. ML is too perfect for my liking he doesn’t even have a single flaw it makes it a Lucile too unrealistic.FL is too sweet and this is my first time watching her and I will watch more of her work. Talks really well about voice actors too.

Overall a nice stress free drama for binge watching with not much story line

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It was cute

This was cute but very low budget. The story was confusing, the editing was bad, and I had no idea who was related to whom. They called each other mom, dad, darling, etc. I had no idea about some of them.

The actors were cute and they made it worth the watch. There were some pretty decent love making scenes. But plainly showing the boxers in the bathtub killed the imagination. I’d say there was good chemistry.

What happened to Pao that he missed the entire concert? If he had diarrhea the entire concert and dinner afterwards, he should have been taken to the hospital.

Not much else to say. Quick watch and I enjoyed it even though it had no substance.

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Refreshing, and really adorable

Yul was a bit of a hard character to like, but he has good character development by the end. Yechan is the cutest golden retriever fluffball I've ever seen; not that Yul is terrible for Yechan, but I just sorta think Yechan deserves someone that's utterly in love with him as he is with Yul. Or at least more expressive? Idk, the chemistry (both acting wise and character wise) was there and okay, but it also felt awkward a bit and the dynamic was a bit off for me. Yul and Yechan were cute but I just loved Yechan's character more so I can't help but want more than the best for him. Honestly, I've been laying here trying to think of another BL character that I'd prefer to match up with Yechan, but I can't decide — so maybe I'm just a selfish bish that wants to pocket Yechan for myself xD.

I really liked the setting of this drama with all the calm and healing aesthetics that come with country side living, so that was refreshing to watch. The main plot is really light hearted (country boy falling in love with a city boy) so there isn't a lot going on with the plot. Most of the drama comes from side characters having to do with Yul's life back in the city.

Some specific things I really liked:
1) HIGHLY appreciated how little of an "issue" was made about two guys being in love. I noted that not once did anyone have to explain that they were gay. There was no conversation like "oh you're into guys?" Neither was there any denial of feelings like, "oh you like men? Well I'm 'normal'" You know what I mean? There are these small remarks/comments that people make in shows whether its the characters themselves or the side characters around them that highlight the fact that being gay is "different". So it was truly refreshing how normal it was for Yul and Yechan to like each other. No hesitations and no explanations necessary, loved that.

2) Small point, but I love how Yul stood up for himself to his dad. Instead of continuing to go with what his dad wanted or hide away from him forever without expressing himself, I love that Yul took the reigns on his own life.

Overall, it's a good drama if you're looking for something uber light but filled with a ton of sweetness. It's not making my list of greatest BL of the year, but the story and execution was satisfactory and there are unique tidbits in this drama that differentiate it from other BL. Also, at the very least, I promise Yechan will have you smiling like an idiot whenever he is on screen and that in itself was good enough for me lol.

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Mother and Daughter Dynamic Duo.

I really enjoyed this drama. I watched this for Sooyoung but I became a fan of everyone! I appreciated that all the romance majorly took a backseat to the core plot and motivations of the drama, which mostly was about chosen family. A lot of people found the mom annoying, but I think Eun Mi is meant to be frustrating as someone who lives for her inner child — something she didn’t get to experience due to life circumstances. I appreciated her free-spiritedness and how much she challenged her daughter and social norms. Jin Hee, on the other hand, is very straight-laced and strict (especially towards her mom) as someone who had to grow up pretty quickly too and also wanted to be a source of strength and support for her mom. Their chosen family — a first love/estranged father, a chosen sister/aunt, and an adoptive mother/grandmother — round out the spirit of the drama, which is to challenge the typical tropes and cliches. I wish we got to experience more of the grandmother but I appreciated how much we got to see the aunt; and even the other aunt made an impression on me with proving how characters/people can grow in the right circumstances. I was surprised that Ahn Jae-wook was in this with a pretty significant role; I hadn’t looked at the cast list beforehand but thought he did a great job as someone who was dorky and lovable. I liked that his character was satisfied with as much as he was given and he prioritized the women’s needs since their relationship came first. I also wish we got to see just a little more of Jin Hee’s romance subplot, but maybe that’s because I am so conditioned to watching romcom dramas. For instance, the ending was a little weird and confusing to me, but the more I think about it the more I believe it fits the show well, and I can’t really imagine another ending that would be satisfying. Maybe I would’ve liked a little more explanation on why Jin Hee decided that trip specifically (as well as Eun Mi), but I actually enjoyed the fact that they just up and decided to leave and do their own thing without any worry for people (especially the men) in their lives. Over the course of the drama, you’re always rooting for them and realizing how many times they’ve been knocked down, but you come to love how much joy and persistence they have against all odds.

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Started off great but wth happened towards the end

This series started well with a lot of potential but I didn't know why I suddenly felt disappointed.

The casts are so cute together. It's not the best chemistry out there but there's definitely a chemistry among this group. The character development is a bit off putting though. During the first half, I kept being intrigued about Doona, who she is and why she ended up where she's at but then as her story unfolds, it didn't make sense at all.

Overall, there's 2 types of ending for me. 1) the ending that is so satisfying or mind boggling that I have to search more for it; 2) the ending that makes me go 'what the hell' and despite explanation, it still don't make sense. Unfortunately, this series falls on the latter.

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Now this is what I like to call, a remake done right

The original movie is iconic and forever engraved herein in the hearts of those who saw it. I recommend watching it for those you haven't yet. However, this remake certainly hits differently. It's a bit sadder, more poignant and yet it retains a certain beauty to it with the message it delivers. I think it's mostly because of Jing Hua's ability to portray emotions like he does in his roles, and in here is no different. Or the way they made this storyline become even more symbolic with every single detail.

Honestly, I really enjoyed the pace of how this remake was made.

The changes into the plot were nicely done, the most important details and essence of the original movie from 2010 was kept and replayed with the same lines and meaning and even improved in some ways in this version of 2023. They balanced out the comedy breaks with the blue vibes and sensible theme this story already has quite evenly. The flow of the whole composition as well as the connection between the two main characters made more sense in here. I even have to praise that the dynamics of the four ghosts felt more in unity too, oh and let's not forget that the new integrated elements, the changes of characters, their professions or life troubles, and overall moral messages turned all of this remake into a great symbolic masterpiece.

A word of advice I can give, is to try and read between the lines. Since, every sentence has a deep meaning.

Praise to whoever thought of using Tamagotchi toys in this remake. For example, in the original it uses Bopki also known as Dalgona candy which is no less iconic in providing some sweetness to such a bittersweet life. The value of both elements varies from Korea to Taiwan and the contribution to the plot. However, it's the sole part of raising the Tamagotchi pet, caring for it's basic needs, making all kind of efforts to prevent it from dying, or just the meaning of a new start that is beyond thoughtful. :')

Incredible how the noise they make can resemble heartbeats. :')

There are parts that will make you laugh and question when the sadness will start. Truth be told it hits more than once, but it's all worthy until the end. The cinematography is great and the effects are good enough too. This movie really makes you value the little things that we often take for granted and revaluate life and death priorities, or the importance of second chances in forgiveness and the will to try again. Although it deals with sensitive topics... the message it tries to convey is more of a beacon of hope to those of us who have been or are still lost for quite sometime now and on the brink of giving up... No one is truly born and living "alone" in this world, there is always a connection with anyone we meet in our lives, and that leaves a mark. A mark we chose to neglect or to remember, to cherish or to hate it, to embrace or to surrender. After all, amid all the laughter there can be some hidden pain, amid endless tears there can be a strong painful motive, amid any troublesome addiction there can be a guilty conscious, amid every heart aching loneliness there can be a strong desire of a loving bond or dream of a family.

For all that and more I actually recommend both movies. The original and this remake are worth watching.
Take your personal pick on which one you manage to like best. I liked the original, and yet loved the remake. ;)

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