Reviews

When the second male lead is 10 times stronger than the male lead.....

Romantic K-drama that brings viewers into a world of love, deceit, and the complexities of human relationships. While the series has its strengths, it's important to acknowledge that there's room for improvement, particularly in the portrayal of the male lead, Hwan Min Hyun. However, amidst these challenges, Seo Ji Hoon shines brilliantly as the second male lead, stealing the spotlight with his exceptional acting and emotional depth.

Hwan Min Hyun, cast as the male lead, unfortunately, falls short of expectations. His acting, while possessing some charm, is found lacking in depth. One noticeable aspect is the limited range of facial expressions he brings to his character. This lack of emotional diversity makes it difficult for viewers to fully connect with his portrayal. In a romantic drama, it's crucial for the male lead to convey a wide spectrum of emotions to establish a strong connection with the audience. In this regard, Min Hyun's performance leaves much to be desired.

In stark contrast, Seo Ji Hoon's portrayal of the second male lead is nothing short of remarkable. Ji Hoon infuses his character with extraordinary depth and authenticity. He masterfully navigates the emotional complexities of his character's tragic backstory, bringing every nuance of sadness, joy, and pain to life. Ji Hoon's immersive performance draws viewers into his character's world, making it impossible not to empathize with his struggles and triumphs.

The love triangle, a common trope in K-dramas, takes on a different dimension in Useless Lies. While some dramas may fall into the trap of predictability, this series manages to breathe new life into the trope. It's true that from the outset, it's evident that the second male lead won't have a chance with the female lead. However, Seo Ji Hoon's compelling performance adds depth to the storyline. His character's endearing yet heartbreaking journey serves to tug at the heartstrings of the audience in a way that feels genuine and emotionally resonant. While the outcome may be expected, the emotional journey of the characters keeps viewers invested and emotionally engaged.

The story is its own unique strength. In a landscape of K-dramas that often rely on familiar plotlines and clichés, this drama stands out with its originality. The central narrative revolves around complex characters and the web of deceit that surrounds them. While the story maintains its originality, it's worth noting that, as with many dramas, it becomes somewhat predictable as it unfolds. To elevate the series further, introducing more unexpected twists and turns in the later episodes could have maintained the intrigue and kept viewers on their toes.

The chemistry between the main couple is a vital factor in any romantic drama's success, and the drama doesn't disappoint much. The interactions between the female lead and the male lead, despite the challenges posed by Min Hyun's acting, carry a certain charm. Their moments of vulnerability and connection are touching, making it easy for viewers to root for their relationship. While Min Hyun's facial expressions may lack diversity, the chemistry between the leads helps compensate for this, drawing viewers into their emotional journey.

The drama commences on a strong note with comedy scenes that infuse humor and levity into the story. These early moments of humor effectively hook viewers with a smile. However, it's worth noting that as the story progresses, the comedic elements become less prominent. A sustained dose of humor throughout the series, especially in the later episodes, could have enriched the overall viewing experience and provided moments of light-heartedness amidst the emotional intensity.

In conclusion this is filled with heart and potential. While it may have its shortcomings, particularly in the portrayal of the male lead, it remains a compelling series that offers a fresh and original storyline. Seo Ji Hoon's exceptional acting elevates the drama, and the love triangle, though seemingly predictable, is made more poignant by his performance. With a commitment to refining its comedic elements and introducing unexpected plot twists, could have been even more exceptional. Nonetheless, it remains an entertaining and emotionally resonant drama that captures the complexities of love and deceit in a unique way, making it worth the watch.

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Crazy Love Story Which The Ending Story Goes Downhill

The first-half story line is fine but the second-half goes down to the bottom.

FL (June) had a few boy-friends in her school day. She might like one of her school friend (Guy) but did not know what Guy thought about her. Then June grows up and meets a man (Pete) whom really loves and is very nice to her … and it seems that she does not love him as much as he does. Pete proposes and give an engagement ring to June. June accepts and decides to stay with Pete although they are not yet married. When June meets Guy in one-day, she starts to waver to him and starts to doubt about his feeling to her in the past, The written story reveals that they both might like or love each other back to their school-day. June and Guy can not hold their feelings and end up having a kiss in a photo booth.

Then June comes back home to talk with Pete that it is hard for her to stay with him and tells Pete that she is not good for him and he has done nothing wrong. Pete still does not understand why June wants to end the relationship. While they are talking, Guy shows his SELFISH character by sending a photo of his kissing with June to Pete b/c he badly wants June to be with him. This scene, IMO, obviously portrays Guy’s unforgiven behavior in insulting June, the girl whom he loves … and June’s selfish behavior in thinking about herself and NOT caring the man whom loves her so much. The kissing photo makes Pete feel upset and finally Pete and June end their relationship.

Then June decides to fly aboard to escape her guilty feeling in hurting Pete. It is so disappointing that the story does NOT show ENOUGH growth or learning for both June and Guy ….. The ending story is when June comes back and meets Guy in a party, it portrays that they both feel sad on what they had done and forgive themselves which the (opening) direction that June and Guy may start their relationship.

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Currently at episode 12 and i find the second ML very intrusive, controlling and annoying. His character doesn't serve much purpose. Half way through the show and progress is slow with the main couple, a lot if back and forth of "does he doesn't he/does she doesn't she", although it isn't overly annoying and still has cuteness to it. Throughout the show they have had moments that feels as if they're getting somewhere, there's no annoying or out of the way series of events that has caused any major misunderstandings. Although if they spoke up more to each other they would have a better understanding. Side couples are also following the same trope but they are also very entertaining and cute. Their progression is a little less slow than the main couple and I'm chalking that up to lack of annoying third party. My only problem is the second ML. Will edit as I go along

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Slow slow pacing . . .

The last few episodes were quite painful to watch as the pacing slowed down to a crawl especially during the climax when the Emperor was being forced to abdicate. Thankfully, it ended very happily for the main couple.

The overall look and feel of the drama was great with nice sets and beautiful costumes with layers of rich fabric. But it suffered mostly due to the draggy pacing. The chemistry between the leads was ok for me but I much preferred the cute romance between the FL’s servant and the ML’s assistant. Not a fan of the slow way that the ML spoke and conducted himself even in private - a bit too reserved for my liking. The FL was pleasant enough but some of her emotional scenes did not tug at my heartstrings.

Luckily I didn’t know much about the story so the twist with the princess was a nice surprise for me. But as the story progressed, I still could not understand the motivations behind her evil actions. Was she really so 2-faced from young or is there a person who can actually be so kind and evil at the same time? I could see how her early suffering could lead her to wanting revenge (which she did get) but I failed to see how it led to her ambitions to take the throne. It all felt very forced since it wasn’t properly fleshed out.

The best part of this drama for me was the first few episodes and the happy ending in the last episode.

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Best quick watch, bravo!!!

I can’t resist the pairing of Dai Gao Zheng and Chen Fang Tong after their “Maid’s Revenge” and so it excites me to see them here again. This time it was a better story with a polished plot development unlike with other mini-series that seemed to leave me with a hanging thought about the story. I was in awe of their strong screen chemistry. The intimate scenes were shot beautifully. I absolutely loved how they kissed and hugged and when they had their personal talks facing closely to each other. Superb dialogue lines indeed made their performances stand out. Chen Fang Tong looked a little plump here but as for me, it did not affect the overall visual of their pairing. This drama was compulsively watchable and looking forward to their future project together.

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The Unusual Thriller

May I dare say Moving is undoubtedly one of the best dramas of 2023!
Hands down to every single person, from the cast to the production staff...SALUTE!!
I rather started late watching the series, after 17 episodes came out in two weeks. But the show got me so glued to it that I ended watching the released 17 episodes in a few hours of matter, that how much the intriguing the show was. I generally ain't a fan of superpower or superhero genre. But yah, here I am waiting impatiently for another season.
The biggest CLAP deserves Kim Feel, the OG writer of the manga series. The cast? OUTSTANDING!! With a star-studded cast like Han Hyo Joo, Jo In Sung, Ryoo Seung Ryong, Kim Sung Kyun, Cha Tae Hyun in the parents generation and the super talented newbies cast could the drama have gone wrong? This was the BESTEST cast ever for a top-notch drama like that. Apart from the main casts, the antagonists they have given their 10000000% to indulge in the roles. The cinematography, use of proper CGI effects, the BGMs everything was so just perfect.
Also the storyline and it's flow was so DAMN GOOD! Every single character getting their individual story narrated, their entanglements showed in the most simplest way. I absolutely loved even how the antagonists had their story narrated and how they ended up where they were. Such good storytelling.
The kids and the parents relationship was the main objective right? Did they fail? NO....absolute win.
And last but not the least, the way the Northern Antagonists were represented, clap clap clap! For once they were not the bad guys and instead victims to the systems who sacrifices the innocent lives. As Park Hee Son said in the final episode, "The people are innocent. Those who force sacrifices are to blame."
So I loved the whole thing. HHJ posted the poster on her IG captioning the post "I'm truly proud of this show. Go Moving"...Even I as an admirer of the whole cast would sincerely say "I am truly proud of this show!"

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2nd part

OK let's continue our review...

Like I wrote in part 1. This drama divided into 2 part with a little twist in the end that make me feel need to made review about, especially since no one discuss or made review about this drama. The first part talk about introduction, about the game, the character & at the end of part 1, the connections between 1 and another.

The story start when Zhen Yu (ZY) want to find out the truth about his father incident years ago. One day he got a package that lead him to the game. In the game he meet several people that in the end become companion to go through the game & even friends in real life too.

In the game they become the detectives that need to solves the case. And every time they succeed the game they got clues about the incident years ago or where to check for the next clues. From that little by little they connect the dot.

This part talk about the connection they have with incident years ago, 15 years to be exact. So to be simple, every main cast, except Jia Xiao Fei, turn out to be the victim of incident 15 years ago. ZY's dad died in that incident, Xiao Han's (XH) dad also died & possibly the perpetrator who cause the explosions, Bei Chen's (BC) sister also died in that incident.

This part also disclose about the maker of the game, the connection between ZY's dad & XH's brother & XH's dad, the side job of ZY's dad & XH's brother & the reason they being invited & involve to the game.

This part also reveal the real perpetrator behind the incident, I'm talk about the black figure that talk to BC since part 1, & also the direct perpetrator behind the incident, yeah that's 2 different people. The direct perpetrator is like the student of the real perpetrator.

And last but not least, this part also make the relationship between ZY & XH more tense, yet grow... Tense cause you know, ZY think that XH's dad is the one cause the explosions & kill his dad. But at the same time ZY feeling for XH also grow toward romance... So yeah that conflicted feeling kinda make a mess at first....

Overall this really one good short drama with every episode filled with tension that make you want to keep watching. But unfortunately we have the little twist in the end that make this drama a little on the edge....

And like I promise I gonna talk about the twist in the 2nd part of this drama. So if you don't want to be spoiled don't read my review from here...

================================SPOILER ALERT================================








Here's the twist!!! This is still an open ending drama.... Ugh.... With the cliffhanger that make me want to hang the director too... And cause this such underrated drama, I hope we get update soon about the continuity of this drama....

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Taxi Driver (2021) - Watched this one on-going. Never thought I would finish it today and enjoyed mostly all the episodes. It’s not completely a new drama for me as it talks about revenge to criminals but there is something different with this drama comparing to other revenge type dramas I have seen. There are sensitive topics, from bullying, pornography and even organ trafficking and even social work alongside persons with disabilities, best part it's seen in one drama, indeed it was a good drama journey for me. I don’t think I could see a second season with this one but if there is, it's fine with me. They really did wrapped up the drama so fast, I was not aware it finished. Great drama. Recommended.

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Law School (2021) - The law is imperfect justice. But when you teach law, the law must be perfect. And when you study law, it must be synonymous with justice. Because unjust law is the most cruel violence. - Yang Jong Hoon.

The drama itself isn't something amazing but it worked out and stood out among the dramas I have watched. First time to see a drama in a law school setting, with students and all. Though the drama doesn't really revolve around the school but I like it they also showcased the pressure and hardwork of the students studying law.

Yang Jong Hoon is my favorite character. He was a fit actor for the role and I think the last time I watched him being in a strict role is from the korean drama A New Leaf, and to think that he was not totally serious throught out that drama. This drama though, he is consistent with his being strict and I really look forward to seeing him among others.

The one character that I am not so attached with is Joon Hwi, I find him awkward with the role. I don't see him as that character.

Both Sols' in the drama are new characters for me. I am not familiar with them both that is why I find them interesting as well more than the others. There are questions that have not been answered and was not seen in the drama but I felt pretty satisfied with the ending.

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Gay straight pairing ... Light BL vibes ... A good one though

As my headline suggests .. they made a gay- straight pairing. Maybe that's why there was no intimate or even a kiss scene between the leads but their chemistry was bang on!
The story moves slowly and gets interesting as it progresses.
The acting is pretty good.
The theme seems to be BL but it is light hearted comic cop story with little sadness and twist here and there.
My BL heart really wished for a different ending or atleast a final kiss between the leads to make up for the ending bcoz even though one of the lead claimed himself to be "Straight" but you can find him slowly falling for the other lead.

Anyway, overall a good movie to watch and kill time.

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Be My Boyfriend (2021) - this drama is really short so it's a good watch if you just want to have a past time.

It's quite childish, and not my type of drama since it was the timeline of high school. I hate school dramas especially if it's romance themed, it's quite unbelievable to me as a watcher. I'm not a fan.

I also am not familiar with the cast. They are I think newbie actors and actresses. As to the acting aspect, since they are relatively new, it's on the so-so side. They can act but needs more practice to be better.

This school drama maybe good to a younger audience. I just didn't like this drama.

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So I Married An Anti-Fan (2021) - I felt sad since it did not follow the flow in the webtoon though there are parts that are followed but not all.

I felt awkward with the "villain" female lead but the three main leads are great, I really like their acting.

What I didn't like in the drama is the storyline. It got dragging in the last episodes. It's also quite childlish in my eyes, maybe because I watched too many dramas already that it felt that it is not for me anymore. It's good for those who are still beginning to watch korean dramas or to a younger audience maybe.

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Mine (2021) - the cast in the drama is star studded, my eyes could not believe it.

I really the first parts of the drama but I think it got drag down in the long run. I love the characters, especially that it's female dominated with taboo topics that is also given importance in the drama. It's great.

For me though there is something lacking that I could not pinpoint what. I think I was just not convinced especially at the end. And to N, please don't accept a chaebol role next time, I love your role in Tunnel but not as a third generation chaebol. It does not suit him at all. I'm sorry. I didn't really felt the romance nor chemistry within the 3rd gen chaebol love story, but I understand since it's not really a romance drama.

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