This review may contain spoilers
A Good Drama that with some flaws
Start-Up is a a really interest drama that across the board that plays well into the concept of start up tech companies and the different troubles and trials that they face, that special unique concept was enough for me to start up this drama. It starts off pretty well with the drama moving along the story pretty well at a good pace but quite a few issues arise in the middle of the drama which really hamper the overall story of the drama.The very first episode does a great job in establishing the entire drama's main cast backstories like Dal Mi, In Jae, Do San, and Ji Pyung which allows you to get to know each character's personally. The following first few episodes do a great job in building upon those characters while introducing new characters. However the drama suffers from a really bad midseason slump where some episodes seem to drag on and some characters make some quite annoying decisions. However the show is able to regain its focus in the last two episodes which help put things back together which finish off the drama in a good way.
The two main characters, Dal Mi and Do San were portrayed perfectly by Suzy and Nam Joo Hyuk, with Nam Joo Hyuk putting on an absolutely fantastic performance, probably one of the best performances I have seen from a male lead ever. However Ji Pyung's character despite how much the drama tries to make the viewer sympathize with him, all the actions and the way he acts comes off completely sociopathic some times. Han Na plays a perfect ice cold business woman with her character In Jae, with her character growing immensely at the end, its a shame the drama didn't have more scenes with In Jae. The rest of the cast was great with the Samsan Tech crew all being portrayed perfectly. Also I very special mention for Kim Hae Sook, she did a perfect job with her portrayal of her character's disability, as someone who also has a grandmother who has lost a good portion of her eyesight, the portrayal was spot on.
The cinematography was great, the production did really fantastic job all around with the presentation of the drama. The locations were perfect and felt just right for the story. The soundtrack itself was great with the theme song being easily one of the best drama theme songs ever in my opinion. Future by Red Velvet was a fantastic song and the rest of the OST was great as well.
Overall, a good drama that I would recommend people to watch but warn about the midseason slump.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Amazing Acting
This was short and sweet! I got a little annoyed towards the end where Jea Yoon decided they needed to end things instead of just telling Ji Ho that he found out he was the son of the chairman. However, the scene where they makeup is quite cute and the ending kiss scene is to die for. This is the only korean bl that I felt there was no resistance between the two actors.Overall I really live this show and you should definitely watch it if you are looking for a short but adorable bl to watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
Mature and beautiful and so very relaxing
My favorite dramas are the ones I can watch with minimal eye-rolling and this one definitely fit the bill. Here’s why:—I think this is one of the few dramas I’ve watched where the characters feel real and the adults behave like they’re actual adults.
—The drama tropes are kept to a minimum and the interpersonal drama is realistic and never lasts more than an episode.
—A’Yao and Hongdou are such beautiful people with their respective struggles and strengths and their journey of coming together is so fun to watch. The attraction, the teasing, the PINING. The complete comfort these two have around each other really sells the relationship and the slightest expression had me grinning like a fool. Definitely a solid slow-burn
—The villagers could very easily get lost in the shuffle of side characters. But the aunties and the grannies and uncles and kids were so memorable and though there were moments I would get confused, it was pretty easy to keep them straight. A’Yao’s A’Nai was my favorite and a particular scene with her towards the end made me laugh so very hard.
—Yunnan province’s scenery is so beautiful. The “product” placement definitely did its job. Every scene was gorgeous to watch and the cinematography that made Yunnan look so bright and calming and gentle was such a perfect contrast to Beijing’s dim lighting and dark shadows.
—THE MUSIC oh my gosh. Most, if not all, of the OST immediately joined my spotify playlists and i’ve been listening to 日日 on repeat.
To recap. This is a great palate cleanser drama, a relaxer drama, a drama to watch with a cup of tea and a blanket, a break from the excessive tropes and over the top acting that gets old after a few episodes. I’ve never watched a drama like this before, but I hope more are made like it. This one shot to my favorites list and I hope to rewatch it again in the future.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Trapped...yes they trapped my heart
I must say that a few first eps i was skeptical because of obsessing over chasing that mafia guy. But i was so wrong.The story is great its well written the characters are written so well there is so much chemistry and tension and the plot is kinda predicteble but still not.
I must say i fall in love with side couple... they were incredible here i wish they would have their own series cuz so good.
The main couple started off a bit awkward but lazer their became smth great.
The OST was good.
I liked this HIstory sm that i wish there would be so2.
I really recommend watching it.
Rewatching it is makes me so emotional and happy.
Was this review helpful to you?
A soild good drama
When i started watching i put the drama on hold for like a year than i came back and i wished i watched it sooner.The reason why i didnt watch it sooner is because of unrealistic and not very good quality of the fight where FL beats gangsters.
So yes the reason is boring.
Anyways i really like the story cuz its uniqe and its good from start to end.
I must say the cast was picked so well. They had this good energy and the chemistry between them was amazing.
FL and ML gave me butterflies many many times the acting was so good. Also i am happy they are (were idk) dating in real life cuz their personalities match so well.
Also there was a second lead sydrome of police officer he did a really good job too.
Talking about the OST the music was great too. If i listen to it now i recall all those funny sad moments.
Talking about sad scenes they are a few and they brought my tears out.
The ending is also very nice.
I recommend the drama and i really liked it.
Was this review helpful to you?
Magnum Opus!
Sheer perfection. Without exception, this is one of the best acted and most talented ensembled cast of actors/actresses I have seen in a long time, perhaps ever. This is a love story between two young men. I know it comes from mainland China and it is not supported to be a love story let alone a BL, but it is, and they know it is. It is way too obvious to be otherwise. It is a story of love from the beginning. Sure, it ebbs and flows like a river, but the one constant is, like any river, it flows in one direction. And that direction is always towards a deeper and more profound love not only for each other but for life in general. You cannot possibly summarize this series that would not equal the length of this series. All you can do is try, inadequately, to capture its impact on you. But surprisingly, it is not so easy to do. Yes, it is pure artistry, but it also has a magical quality about it in the sense that it makes these characters come to life. Every single one of them. You feel them. You sense them. You ARE them.To read my full review, pleas go to BLBliss.com.
Was this review helpful to you?
The chemistry between the leads is unreal. I knew the actor who plays Su Yu, but I never really paid attention to him, in this drama he shines, same with Wu Bi.
The story is soft and cute, and I loved everything about it, I just felt like they could've kissed I KNOW WHY IT DIDN'T HAPPEN, but I was just rooting for it every single moment. But even though it was disappointing, didn't affect the story or how I viewed their romantic relationship.
I'm happy to know that there's gonna be a season 2, can't wait.
Was this review helpful to you?
this drama makes u feel happy,joyful with a beautiful love stry like we dream about our love life
some people really acted like silly and giving bad comment ...when this dramas plot r made for love and fun...all things are their is fictional...so we don't have to be serious bt enjoy it and get entertainment...tbh...I loved it very much...lee jun hui and I'm Yoon ah companionship is very beautiful...they were so natural that's make me feel it's real...all comedy scenes specially Arab prince scene was horrible..I laughed so much...and other scene were amazing ?...and this drama s ost also good to listen...over all it's the best romcom drama of 2k23 that gave us the vibe of 2016..Was this review helpful to you?
A soap opera
This is soapy and ridiculous right from the off but damn it’s a good watch. It basically hits all the tropes of a soap opera but it does it in such a compelling way. It’s also just worth watching for the crazy good acting from Nanon & Krist, who are so perfectly cast in this that I can fully believe the parts were written specifically for them.The female characters are really strong in this too. Everyone cast can actually act and this does deliver on emotion and storylines for them too.
Was this review helpful to you?
Must Watch
First and foremost, let's get one thing straight: "Stay With Me" is in a league of its own and should not be compared to "Addicted." If you insist on drawing parallels, know that "Stay With Me" far surpasses "Addicted" in every aspect. The series masterfully strikes a balance between heart-wrenching drama and tender moments, making it a must-watch.What sets this show apart is its portrayal of genuinely healthy relationships, a refreshing departure if you've been disheartened by the toxic dynamics in "Addicted." This series had me riveted, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout its entire run.
The announcement of a confirmed second season moved me to tears, a reaction I've never had for any show's renewal. Yes, you read that right—the contract for season two is signed and sealed.
To add to the excitement, there's buzz about an uncensored version being released in the near future. I'm eagerly awaiting that, fingers crossed.
Lastly, let's dispel the notion that this is a mere "bromance." The romantic undertones are far from subtle; this is a love story, plain and simple.
If you have even a passing interest in boyslove, "Stay With Me" is an absolute must-watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
Give it a try!!!
I must say, I didn't have high expectations for this web drama, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it! It's a refreshing modern romance with a well-written plot and compelling characters. The acting was also top-notch, which made the viewing experience all the more pleasurable.I also like the fact that you also enjoyed the second lead couple and pretty much everyone played their part and made this drama entertaining.
Overall, I highly recommend giving this drama a watch!
Was this review helpful to you?
Exciting and sweet
This drama is so exciting, I can't stand it anymore, always these breaks in between, 5 days off, you should really binge watch it. I'm so curious......I find so many suspicious there (the mother, she never shows, that she loves her son and does everything for her politician career / the CEO and his brother / the brother of
the ex-girlfriend who is aggressive and violent)
But I really like how great the FL + ML are. The act with each other so honestly. This is so different from all these other K-Dramas where one misunderstanding follows the next.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
super cute j-drama
this was such a good j-drama! it's a new favorite and I'll be re watching in the future <3- the humor in this is just spot on and the to main leads did amazing with the script. this is 100% my kind of humor but I think anyone would like it
- FL and ML visuals were spot
- really handled the topic of suicide and death well. they give a good perspective I think people can relate to. it's not super dark.
- the love story didn't feel creepy. you could tell they both care for each other.
Was this review helpful to you?
I am Sorry
After reading those Review,I watched the 3 first Episodes and the last two.I didn´t understand why the Main Lead "fall" for this Kind of Woman?
Ha is a CEO and falls for a Girl who didn´t grow up?
The Story had so many Potencial but the Crew waste it.
Why should I say more about it.
I am a Fan of Luo Zheng and I feel sorry for Ji Mei Han,that she has played such a "Girlie".
And after I watched the 3 Episode.I had enough and switcched to the End.But is was not better.
Love to watch Asien Dramas and there are not many of them ,who disapoint me.But this one is one of them.
Was this review helpful to you?
Recent Discussions
-
small town romance drama recs2 minutes ago
-
Last NON Asian Movie you watched? #216 minutes ago
-
Last Rock/Metal Asian song that u listened to?20 minutes ago
-
!! Thoughts For the Day !!28 minutes ago