Reviews

Great Acting But w/a Too Busy Script & Unnecessary Characters

Watched this for XZ and yet a new storyline that was in the slice of life section. I've only seen two other actors before in different series and genres as support; otherwise I'm new to most of these people. I strongly feel that after reading the article the screenwriter wrote about the characters, she meant well, but it just didn't translate on screen as it was way too busy though the acting was for the most part appropriate and the situations were somewhat realistic.

Pros: I like slice of life stories and favorite characters included the ML or SY and FL or JB. I liked his stubbornness and bright attitude. I also liked how XZ could use his previous life experiences in design as well as film in his hometown. JB was mature but she was able to evolve out of her divorce to accept SY into her heart. The only thing I would change about her is that, I would have loved to see her actually take a stand for herself and not just listen while people spoke condescendingly to her and about her. Other awesome characters were dad and mom (though there was a moment there where I thought mom was a bit harsh, but she came around), SC and PR, who made the right kind of sense together and apart and I liked that they got together at the end. LSS was great but where the heck did she go for most of the second half of the series? The OSTs were nice and the fact that they essentially filmed in a city made sense too.

Cons: Busy script, way too busy. Three plus unnecessary characters were the hockey twins aka JB's sister and her crush/later boyfriend and his obnoxious uncle. I fast-forwarded them for most of the show. What was their purpose? JB's sister; I couldn't take at all. She was a college student but couldn't speak normally to save her life. She was either irritated or yelling or just acting like a 12 year old constantly. Then throw in their father in the last like 5 episodes just to show why they're so dysfunctional when it could have been explained in maybe a 10 minute scene and it still didn't explain why the sister was so ridiculous. JB's ex hubby deserved to be hit with a brick for his possessive, condescending attitude but though I can understand he was in there, his then disappearance and reappearance much like LSS was disjointed and jarring.

While I understand there were life lessons in there, if you got rid of at least three of those characters, this show would have had been better flushed out and given the main characters a more realistic portrayal and screen time.

Would I recommend it? If you like slice of life dramas, then yes I would. Overall it was a good watch, just make sure you know how to use the ffw button.

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Weather forecast: love triangles with a chance of loose ends

Although 24 episodes may seem like a chore, this drama manages to make all of them worthwhile.
I risked dropping it after the first episode, though, when not just one but three love triangles became apparent from the get go. I put my trust in the very strong cast and was not disappointed. In fact, this rom-com has unexpected depths that make it interesting for the reluctantly romantic too . Despite starting with a cancer diagnosis and character death, the tone is always light and even the more dramatic scenes cleverly keep an undercurrent sense of humor that is aided by the excellent comedic skills of the actors.
Of course, we get our romantic tropes, yet the author has the ability to steer away from clichés and keep the narrative fresh and gripping.
In the first half of the show we are exposed to an ambitious number of themes, situations and characters, a bunch of them will not survive to the end (Wok of Love, by the same writer, is similar in this aspect. The loose ends might be a sort of irritating stylistic choice...)whereas those that progress toward their resolution are consistent enough to grant general coherence and, most of all, viewer's satisfaction.

The main characters are well written and come to life in the expert hands of Gong Yo Jin and Jo Jung Suk. I won't speak about chemistry because it would be like minimizing their acting skills since I am a firm believer in the fact that great actors can conjure passion with a rock if they need to. So, I'm going to say that, whether they're bickering (like an old married couple) or kissing, they are fire. Very hot.
Go Kyung Pyo is up to the standard (and up there in my personal Korean Hotties' Olympus), of course, but his character is doomed to a blander taste. Nonetheless, this is one of those rare dramas where the second male lead gets a decent exposition and at a certain point I wasn't so sure about the outcome of the triangle (honestly, if I were Na Ri, I would've picked him. He was sweet, well mannered, dependable, had a beautiful house, knew how to make marvelous dresses to compliment her figure and all this in addition to being HOT and RICH. He was even capable of respectfully battling his mother!).

I am not too fond of the triangle resolution. I mean, I don't believe that one can discern love based on the presence or lack of jealousy.
In my experience, jealousy stems from insecurity. I read Na Ri's jealousy as the result of intermittent and deficient emotional availability on Hwa Shin's part. He is sweltering hot but also inherently problematic.
The sad truth is that the majority of us can't help but fall for self-assured (and self-centered), competent (know-it-all), determined (bull-headed), manly assholes.

Hwa Shin makes great use of grammar and communication skills when reporting news but is ridiculously unable to express his innermost feelings and thoughts. Therefore he gets jealous, he pushes and pulls his beloved in a power game fit for kindergarteners, all in the attempt to keep her love. A love he didn't know how to respond to in the beginning and that became precious to him only when threatened.
On the other hand, we have Na Ri, a character that could have easily become a candy girl (for which the very basic requirements are : being1) hardworking, 2) cheerful, 3) innocent and 4)catching the eye of a wealthy chaebol), but manages, in her utter inexperience, to express her love fearlessly (despite the mocking and the indifference), honestly deal with her vulnerability, grow beyond it, save her beloved, teach him, make him human.
In short, an everyday woman.
I love the creative solution she comes up with to test her suitors by living together (I would have continued living with both and being pampered indefinitely). Her only true shortcoming is having a crush on someone as difficult as Hwa Shin.

The bromance was very strong in the beginning, but lost consistency along the way. I would've liked a little more backstory. The glimpse we get on the shared girlfriend doesn't shed any light on the bromance origins. It does, however, cast a doubt on the sincerity of Hwa Shin and Jeong Won's feelings toward Na Ri: are they in love or just competing?
I approved of them resolving their issues and going back to being friends, albeit I'm not really sure on the dynamics of the reconciliation (apparently, it is proper etiquette in Kdramas for the losing suitor to graciously admit defeat and stay friends with the main couple).

I deeply appreciated the idea of talking about breast cancer as a male experience. It gave the story a unique spin and is effective in underlining the social stigma and isolation of cancer patients.
I was sold on the scene in which Hwa Shin undergoes mammography. It is something the audience had to experience through his eyes. Also, the dialogues that refer to the surgeries, both Hwa Shin's an Na Ri's, where they express their concerns on the aesthetic outcome and the lopsided chest, definitely won me over.

I would've liked a stronger focus on the life of a Korean newsroom (I am a fan of The Newsroom with Jeff Daniels), although the little glimpses we get are enough to enrich the story as well as convey a little bit of the author commentary on social issues.

As for the things I didn't like instead, first and foremost the loose ends and the almost complete eclipse of the side characters storylines. Na Ri, for example, is, in the beginning, an affectionate sister who makes sacrifices in order to provide for her teenage brother. Later on, she will practically abandon him to his own devices for the majority of the series (she even misses the career counseling meeting!). And what about Chef's asexuality, a brilliant prompt that is rashly and uninspiringly resolved in the end (although I liked the ending of the triangle between the 2 moms and Gang Pal). There are many other subplots that frame the main narrative that are carelessly managed and just disturb my OCD. I won't put them here now but I'll keep them listed in my heart. For sure.

Female Empowerment Score 4/5 Na Ri is a resilient woman with a dream. She reports the weather and is held in contempt for trying to meet the chauvinistic requests of her employer. She dreams of being dignified and recognized for the effort she puts in gaining competence. But her workplace is a rat-race of women trying to win in a rigged game (it is clear how different the work experience is for Na Ri and Hwa Shin). Despite it all, these amazing women (Seong Sook, Ja Yeong, Hye Won) will learn to support each other. Also, Na Ri is very independent, she knows when to accept other people help but is resourceful and has the capacity to defend herself (from sleazy Anchor Park) and overcome any hardship . She could very well go on living on her own and be successful, however she chooses to adopt this complete mess of a man that would have definitely perished without her. She loses one point though for choosing Hwa Shin in place of Jeong Won...

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Poor attempt

I don't even feel like typing much for this one. The drama was increasingly unreasonably frustrating to watch with each passing minute out of the 1440 minutes runtime. It's a shame that the talent and the budget had went into this drama.

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Inferior than SOOD but still worth a watch

I was so excited when they announced this adaptation of Someday or One day because I truly loved the OG.

I kept asking myself if I hadn't loved SOOD so much, would I have watched this? Sadly, the answer is no. This didn't hook me from the first episode like SOOD did. ATCY muted the grief that future girl felt when she lost her fiancee which was what got me. The OST for time travel also wasn't as memorable. The leads didn't feel like high school students. The homeless man look of old Nam Siyeon was unnecessary. Still, I am glad they didn't ruin the story.

If you just want to watch something to pass the time or just know the story, I would still recommend this. But for a rewatch, I would still return to the OG.

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solo quiero saber!!

It is one of the dramas that I couldn't stop watching it, because It is very interesting and for me, it is relaxing . I get into the story deeply. So i don't care if reh final is happy or not... i want more... the quality in each category of this drama is awesome and high... i just want to know: HOW IS THE FINAL?
SOMEONE DESCRIBE, EXPLAIN AND GIVE DETAILS , PLEASE... THEY STAY TOGETHER? I DONT CARE .. PLEASE SAY ANYTHING...
WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

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I had a blast ?

I put this off for so long because of the bad reviews and I'm mad I did. Yet another BL tanked with bad reviews that I don't understand. I love messy and toxic BL's, they're entertaining. I've seen WAY messier and more toxic, I was expecting the worst show ever.

I genuinely had so much fun watching this. It was funny to watch them slowly melt the ice around their hearts and fall in love. The show isn't perfect, but it was funny and adorable.

I really didn't see what the fuss was about. Love Syndrome III (also entertaining) was way worse in terms of toxicity. 😂 I was expecting lying and cheating and got none of that. Once the MCs linked up there was no one else. Only resistance to accepting their romantic feelings, which if you've had a commitmentphobe FWB you get it. 💀

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Yet another BL with less plot more NC scenes

The plot ? Did we have any , this series was all about "they met, they slept".
Do makers think love making scenes are all that bl fans need, What fans truly need is a plot that makes sense, great chemistry, cute love story , proper communication, ofcourse good amount of NC scenes are like icing on the cake. Wait, am i asking for more😜

What i hated and just could'nt get over was Punn's screen presence, he is sooo immature, creepy and non sensical. And Ashi , ok he is a superstar who lacked love but what he lacked the most was human communication.
I am not doubting the actors acting skills ,but at places the leads acting felt out of place especially Ja , felt like he is not for younger roles.

We could see great chemistry between Ja & first in NC scenes and the rest was filled with just some series in a series scenes , manager's quarrelling and unnecessary not so worthy scenes

And ya almost missed this, second couple? Nahhh , they were just 2 people who liked sleeping with each other, Show me one scene where they tried to get to know more about each other. None !!!

If you ship JaFirst, watch it . You'll get to see great NC scenes between them , but dont expect any logical scenes or plot . Only then, you'll like this for sure.

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I placed a spoiler alert at the end of this review.

Overall, this series was ok. I like the story concept, but it was not executed very well.

The positive: The series does have many cute/sweet moments. I enjoyed the show within the show aspect by seeing behind the scenes of the fake lakorn (Prince of Love). I also thought the opening scene in the first episode was very smart. It was nice how supportive Mueng and Mrs. Wan was with Ashi. I also like how Ashi and Punn’s relationship progressed. It also had a great theme song.

The negative: The main problem is the script was not the greatest. It is surprisingly bland considering the multiple conflict scenarios that it had. I also need more than a bunch of random soft porn scenes incorporated into a series to make it interesting. I was not a fan of how the character Punn was portrayed. This character appeared very childlike for someone that is about to graduate college. It was not too bad, but it did get annoying at times. I’m going out on a limb and say this is not the actor’s fault. I feel this was either how the character was written, how the actor was told to play him, or a combination of both. This may be an unpopular opinion, but I didn’t like the secondary couple storyline. It started off interesting, but took a wrong turn in episode 6 for me. After this, I was not fully invested in their storyline.

The in-between: It has a great cast. I give them credit for doing a great job considering the weak script that they were given. I originally did not like the fighting mangers aspect, but it started to make sense as the series continued. Although it became over the top at times, it at least created some interest. As for the main couple storyline, it was not fully developed in some areas. They also get a very weak story conflict in the last two episodes. There is a lot of misuse of screen time and filler scenes which I skipped. The ending of the whole series was ok, but at least it was a happy one.

Random Notes:

Overall, the series was not horrible and had enough stuff to maintain my attention. I just don’t see myself ever wanting to rewatching it.

Punn’s bedroom is the same one used for Jaya’s bedroom in the series 55:15 Never Too Late.



******Spoiler Alert******

It would have been better if they just kept the scheming manager scenario up to the end instead of introducing the half-baked story conflict for the main leads in episode 11. It was ridiculously weak and made no sense. The resolution, although happy, was just as weak.

Punn and Ashi’s relationship progressed at a nice pace. Their dating relationship did not happen too quickly or too long. However, we don’t get a lot of detail with their backstory. We learn from a few random flashback that they knew each other in high school, but we received no real details about it.

My main criticism with the secondary couple is what happened in Episode 6. Muang slept with Naming knowing that Naming was very drunk. For me, this was not ok. Muang was sober and knew what he was doing. At least Naming was rightfully pissed off and told Muang that he took advantage of him. Another problem is this had a very weak resolution which leads to them dating out of nowhere.

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Starts slow but gets pretty good

Before I get into the cons of this drama, I'll lead with the pros.

One - both lead and supporting actors did brilliant jobs. In that department at least there was nothing lacking, especially the three leads.

I went in blind without reading any reviews, so I don't know if this is a popular or unpopular opinion, but in mine, at least, SSR stole the show. Might be a bit biased - I've always had a thing for slightly unhinged, jaded anti-hero types who go just far enough that they're still toeing the moral line without outright crossing it, and he played the Jayden role to a T, making him my favourite character in the show. All the more so because of SSR's amazing acting. So forgive me for going into a bit of a character study here.

I'm not a very ends-justify-means person, but he was just righteous enough, although underhanded and manipulative, that it made him all the more appealing as a character, with the hidden truths and character development that made me love him all the more, right up to the very last scene with him in it. I was a bit dissatisfied by his (rightly deserved) ending simply because I found myself rooting for him despite my best instincts. But again, that bit of righteousness in his choices brought him his deserved ending so who am I to complain?

I also really loved Yoona as a character (though the acting felt a bit lacking). A competent, independent woman who refused to be defined by and lean on the powerful men in her life, who didn't allow her ambition to take shortcuts with her job or interfere with the ethics of her decisions as a medical researcher - I wish she'd gotten more screen time, and a happy ending withthe person she loved.

Two - the remarkable attention to detail. While I personally have neither medical knowledge nor knowledge regarding Korean law, it seemed to me that the research was well done with respect to both. Especially since they went so much in depth with all the on screen surgeries. If anyone here has medical knowledge to correct me, then feel free, I'm quite curious how accurate it actually was. But that isn't the extent of attention to detail - when you pay attention, you end up noticing a lot of small details regarding behaviours and situations that add a certain realistic depth to the plot that is easy to overlook, and easier not bother usually because people don't pay that much attention. I wouldn't be able to give examples without spoilerizing so I won't.

Three - revenge. I've not come across a satisfyingly done revenge plot that I didn't end up loving, though I have come across those that left me completely dissatisfied with their open (admittedly more realistic) endings where things aren't quite resolved and the revenge didn't quite manage to come through after "The End". In that aspect this one was as satisfying as could be, cathartic in a way only a truly good revenge plot can be, with all the moments of truth spectacularly dealt.

Now cons - holy shit, was this show was a slow starter. And by that I mean slow enough that it took me about five months - seriously - to get through the first two episodes. Considering the one-third-episode-long surgical scenes that wouldn't make much sense to me anyway since I have no medical knowledge to appreciate his (projected) genius, all of that should have been completely skippable, but I couldn't even skip them because of how important they were plot-wise. That and that time spent (probably another third of the episode) on character development for a character who, you know from the premise, is going to die within the next twenty minutes. Especially considering that one-third-episode-long surgery was on the very same character, who, minor spoiler, will be dead about five short minutes later real-time (and a day later inside the show?). Knowing that from the premise, it took me a lot of patience to get through the tragedy, so I kept getting distracted by other things whenever I tried to start watching this show - about five months, maybe a bit more.

The second issue (sort of a continuation of the first, really) - the number of on-screen surgeries going on throughout the entirety of the show, and the amount of time spent witnessing them. As I said earlier, without medical knowledge to understand the importance of what was happening, all it did was bore me and make me lose patience.

Third was the makjang-level of dramatics from some of the plot - so ridiculous that I found it a little hard to believe it could possibly happen in real life, starting from the premise itself. While it was interesting to watch regardless, and was good if I could shelve the logical side of my brain, I found it rather hard to believe that anyone would be able to get away with digging out a live person's heart and killing people left, right, and centre. Also, I understand that Koreans are obsessed with appearances, but is it so bad that a mother would make her five-year-old daughter undergo painful plastic surgery? I'm not Korean, so I don't know what the extent of possibility is for that, but as an outsider at least, it seems horribly outlandish to me.

All in all, I loved it despite all the things I found annoying, and I definitely do think it was worth watching.

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This season is even better than the first. It's delving deeper into the concepts introduced in the first season and tying up loose ends. The themes of heartbreak and loneliness are explored in a more mature way, and the roles people play in a relationship are examined. And let's not forget the added bonus of some domestic fanservice.

Each episode leaves me feeling a mix of joy and anxiety as I watch the back and forth between Ji Woo and Seo Joon. The character development is on point, and I find myself loving the series even more. If you were a fan of the first season, you won't be disappointed with this one.

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This drama is an absolute gem and, in my opinion, the best of 2023 without a doubt. It's an adult, mature, and intriguing Chinese historical xianxia drama that will leave you on the edge of your seat. However, if you're only looking for sweetness or healthy things, this may not be the show for you.

The relationship portrayed in this drama is totally unhealthy, toxic, and abusive, but it evolves and grows until it becomes pure, true, and sincere. It's a human story, full of mistakes, feelings, betrayals, joy, and pain. What sets this drama apart is the concrete representation of the various characters. There's no clear distinction between good and evil, or good or bad deeds. Overall, this drama is a must-watch for anyone who loves complex characters and a gripping storyline. Don't miss out on this masterpiece!

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Characters:

The characters in this show are anything but one-dimensional. They are complex, nuanced, and often grey, with reasons for their actions that are consistent from start to finish. While there are a couple of exceptions, the main and background characters are all shades of grey. The male-dominated cast is balanced out by a few standout female characters who are truly great.

The MCs are well-established and have distinct personalities. Wei WuXian is a perfect MC, with a carefree and fun personality combined with great skills and a will to do what he believes is right. Lan WangJi, the second young master of the Gusu Lan clan, is his perfect foil, with an uptight, expressionless demeanor and a loyalty to his principles that often puts him at odds with WWX.

JiangCheng, WWX's younger brother and heir of the Jiang clan, is prone to anger but loves his family in his own way. Jiang YanLi, the older sister of WWX and JC, may seem plain at first but her sweetness and hidden strength will win you over. WenQing, a skilled doctor from the Wen clan, is tough and has a life goal to protect her weak little brother WenNing, who has a really tough time in this show.

The show directors deserve big praise for their ability to juggle so many great characters. While the cast may be male-dominated, the women are few but truly great.

Romance:

Despite being subject to BL censorship, the two male leads deliver a compelling performance that will leave you wanting more. Based on a BL novel, the TV adaptation had to change the storyline to pass censorship, but the chemistry between the two actors is undeniable. Although they never explicitly say or do anything to indicate their love for each other, their relationship is so endearing that you can't help but fall for it. The production team has put in a lot of effort to make this show a success, and it shows. The two leads are soulmates, and their relationship is so captivating that you'll see what you want to see in it. If you're a fan of romantic shows, then this duo is a must-see.

Music:

The soundtrack of this show is an absolute standout. It's no surprise, considering the main characters often use musical instruments as weapons (yes, you read that right). But the music truly delivers, with standout tracks like the emotional Wuji/Wangxian and the heartwarming family theme. Some of the songs are so powerful, they'll bring you to tears. And the ending song, sung by both leads, is simply beautiful.

Acting:

The cast of this show is simply outstanding! From the level of talent to the stunning visuals, everything is top-notch. The casting director deserves a round of applause for assembling such an impressive group of actors. At first glance, it seemed like a case of pretty-face-idol syndrome, but the majority of the cast proved to be much more than just a pretty face. The leads, XiaoZhan and WangYiBo, are particularly noteworthy. XiaoZhan delivers a vibrant and emotional performance that will make you laugh and cry with him. He truly is the heart of the show and deserves all the superstardom he has received. WangYiBo, on the other hand, is a natural talent. Despite having minimal dialogue, he emotes through subtle facial and body changes, bringing his character to life in a fascinating way. The rest of the cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from Xuan Lu as YanLi, Meng ZiYi as WenQing, and YuBin as WenNing. Even the dubbing, which is often a weak point in Chinese dramas, is flawless in this show. Overall, the casting and performances in this show are truly exceptional and make it a must-watch for any fan of the genre.

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A convoluted drama that fails to establish itself

It is honestly quite a shame, I had high hopes for this drama from both the trailers and some of the casting. But did it disappoint so much early on that it made me drop the drama completely. Normally I would hold on for hope that it would get better but the drama failed to even give the slightest bit of hope. The concept itself is very convoluted and disorients quickly, having had the entire show spoiled on the decision to drop it all but confirmed my decision to drop the drama. The lackadaisical and nonsensical concept which could work if it was outlined better.

The only saving grace with the casting was Jeon Yeo-been, her ability to play both roles of Jun Hee and Min Ju with both of their different personality types was fantastic. But it's a shame the world built around them and the story they are in completely is the opposite. Ahn Hyo-seop unfortunately bores me as a main male lead, his presentation of both roles of Yeon Jun and Si Heon are completely unremarkable and stale. The drama itself doesn't even bother to build up initially the emotional attachment to Yeon Jun, only living small flashbacks here and there which are only a minute or two long.

The only thing truly outstanding about the drama was the production quality, the cinematography and the accompanying music was great. I wished this drama did a better job in drawing the viewer in within the first few episodes and had a better flushed out timeline and concept. Will I return to it? Probably not especially knowing the entire story already from reading the entire story.

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