Reviews

The Cast Really Saved this Series

I placed spoilers at the end of this review.

Overall, I enjoyed this series. This is a good example of why picking the right actors makes a big difference. I usually don’t start my reviews about this, but the entire cast are the VIP’s that really saved this series. No, I’m not just saying this because we get to see most of them shirtless and occasionally in their underwear. A big shout out for Frame. Considering this is his first series, he did a great job creating unique personalities for Sprite and Zee. The rest of the actors also did an outstanding job with the script. You would not know that many of them are relatively new actors. At first, I was really worried about the amount of side characters they introduced. However, I was pleasantly surprised that they did a very good job making all of them interesting. I actually remember who they were and cared about their side stories. Why were the actors the VIP of this series. It’s because there were two main culprits that prevented this series from receiving a 10 rating, from me at least.

The first culprit was the script. For the positive aspect of the script, most of the storylines are actually interesting and did a decent job laying out the major plot points. As for the negative aspects, it failed on giving us a proper follow through. Best way to describe the script is it’s like a bleary picture. You can almost see everything but just can’t make out the finer details. For me, the main storyline of the twins trading places became very frustrating towards the end. What is weird is they introduce some very interesting side storylines, but once again we don’t get the full picture about most of them. Instead of introducing even more story plots towards the end, they should have just focused more on the side storylines they already established in the beginning of the series. I appreciate a good plot twist, but they could have incorporated some with the other storylines. It does have a happy ending, but everything felt very rushed.

The editing was the second culprit. It didn’t do a really good job at indicating the passing of time throughout the series. For example, the first episode came across like it all is happening in one day. If it was not for some of the lines, I would have not known this was happening in a few days (weeks?). They also have scenes that seemed out of placed which caused information inconsistency.

Random Notes:

As always, I’m fascinated by seeing familiar location used in different series. The location for Sprite and Zee’s childhood/father’s house is the same one used in the series “Something in My Room”. What is really bothering me is I know I’ve seen the café used in another series, but I can’t figure it out. Yes, this is annoying me.

Maybe this was intentional, but the actors were actually wearing the “Twins” logo promotional uniforms in the practice scenes in the first episode.

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

Despite my long rant in this section, I did enjoy watching this series and would rewatch it.

They did a decent job explaining some of the past events, but it could have been better. There is no explanation why Sprite and Zee’s parents separated or why the twins were split up. We also don’t get a real explanation as to why Sprite and Zee’s relationship is tense or what happen to make Zee become such an arrogant A-hole. What is really weird is we get a better explanation of why First and Zee hate each other.

The twins trading places made sense in the beginning, but gets really annoying towards the end. Once again, the editing did not do a good job indicating when Sprite and Zee were switching places. There is also no explanation why they are switch off different days. Why not just let Sprite continue in Zee’s spot and vice versa full time? Another thing that became frustrating was there were so many opportunities where Sprite could have explained everting to First about what was going on.

Instead of introducing more unnecessary storylines towards the last few episodes, they should have focused on the ones they started off with. For example, the storyline between Jack and Mike. They should have also focused more on showing Zee trying to expose his attackers instead of completely forgetting this storyline and then rushing it in the last episode. They should have also kept it a secret from the audience and let us see the mystery unfold as Zee looked for clues/evidence.

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Breathtaking drama with bittersweet ending

The K-drama period that I just finished watching is, without a doubt, one of the best ones I have ever seen. I was completely sold on it and couldn't help but be captivated by the cast's performances, the chemistry between the characters, and the intricacies of the plot.

While I was hoping for a happy ending, I couldn't give it a perfect score because of the bittersweet conclusion. However, there was an open-door possibility that the main lead would find a way to be with her lover. The mysterious voices she heard and the paintings she saw, as well as the appearance of a man who looked like the 8th Prince in modern clothes, all suggest that there is a chance for a resolution to their love story. Sadly season 2 never been produced.

I must say that I watched the entire series in a marathon, unable to let go of the story. The multiple love stories that were intertwined The scriptwriters finally got it right this time - they respected the timeline and nothing was rushed. They took their time to allow her to truly fall in love with her first love, and then to gradually unlove him. It wasn't until much later that she fell in love with someone else. The years apart were the perfect choice, and the scriptwriters nailed it. were all beautiful yet tragic.

The scriptwriters finally got it right this time - they respected the timeline and nothing was rushed. They took their time to allow her to truly fall in love with her first love, and then to gradually unlove him. It wasn't until much later that she fell in love with someone else. The years apart were the perfect choice, and the scriptwriters nailed it.

The love stories portrayed in the production were truly believable and heartfelt. Each storyline had a timeless quality to it that made it resonate with the audience on a deep emotional level. The themes of love, loyalty, betrayal, mistrust, jealousy, pain, despair, and even hatred were all perfectly executed by the talented cast. Every actor brought their A-game, immersing themselves in their respective roles and delivering performances that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. Overall, the production was a masterful display of storytelling that left the audience feeling captivated and emotionally moved.

As much as I loved the drama, I must say that I have a deep dislike for time travel dramas in general. The same old sad ending of the main lead leaving her lover behind and returning to modern times is something that I find predictable and cringe-worthy. It would be great if the lead could live in the past, or if she were given a real choice, rather than being forced into an unhappy ending.

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When the Characters are Worse than the Acting

13 episodes in, I was still mildly curious about the FL's story and her past. I liked her character a lot. No shallow, silly behavior. She's confident, smart, and strong. She's good to her friends and those who work with and for her. No entitled bitchy attitude. I liked the FL's friends and their relationships with her. I would have liked to see her story through to the end.

I don't despise the ML's character although he's pretty full of himself. Unfortunately, he wasn't enough to keep me invested in him or their relationship. His character didn't seem worthy of this strong woman. And whoever was responsible for his wardrobe choices needs to be fired. Some of them were pretty awful.

So why did I drop this like a hot rock?

1) Most of all, the little sister - this actress looks like she's 12 years old, and always manages to behave like a petulant, spoiled child who just needs to leave the room. I was fast-forwarding through all her scenes from the first episode she appeared in.
2) The ML's assistant - who is just a useless lackey who couldn't care less about his job or his boss. In the real world who would keep such a moron by his side anyway?
3) The housekeeper - who got away with everything and who nobody made accountable.

Sometimes the good outweighs the bad, especially with so many episodes but there was not much good in this one. As mildly interesting as this started out to be, there just wasn't enough tolerance to put up with some of these characters (especially the little sister!) I hope the FL will get some better scripts and roles that will showcase her talent.

ZERO re-watch value.

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Rewatching because it’s so good

ML & FL have strong beautiful chemistry. They should do a modern drama together as a couple. This drama gives you so many emotions. I love how their relationship develops and how ML is over protective of FL. ML is faithful to his friend, the Emperor. However, he is over protective of FL, Yang Mi. I am rewatching for the third time. I love that the ML is clear about his feelings for only her even when he tries to fight his feelings but gets jealous of her easily. Especially, when others pay attention to her. He is attracted to her especially when she dresses as the female she is instead of his student. All characters are good in their roles though some are hard to like because of the things they do.

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A Top Kdrama of 2023

This kdrama has become probably one of my favourites of all time! I was a bit unsure when I first began watching, but as a fan of Woo Dohwan, I figured I'd see if I liked it.

The storyline throws you right into the mess in the first episode which was a bit of a shocker, but it worked well with the production of the show. I really enjoyed seeing a drama where it focused on friendship without having side-plot romance. Gunwoo and Woojin's friendship and as people on tiktok say "bromance" was really comforting to watch develop and strengthen throughout. I also really liked how Gunwoo's character wasn't your typical "mafia-esque" male lead; I liked how he was kind-hearted even to those on Myeongil's side, and that he never became this rugged criminal that's happened in many other shows I've watched. It was nice to see a balance with Gunwoo and Woojin, where Gunwoo is more reserved and soft-spoken, Woojin is more extroverted and sarcastic.

Overall this series was amazing and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys revenge dramas. There is a decent amount of gore so watch at your own discretion, but my rating is a 9.5/10

Ps. Du-yeong's death broke me

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Unbelievably real and hardworking drama... Love was put in this project and I wholeheartedly felt it

A true ode to psychiatric professions with imo perfect execution... that gives brightness and dignity to heavy topics.

How needed was it...I did not even realize. not just for Korea but the rest of the international audience. It is just strange execution. Very careful, I would say.

Viewers are constantly made to be switching perspectives. First you are a sufferer, then caregiver, and then parent or a loved one, and then friend of a sufferer. Too many! And regardless, each perspective was never superficial, exaggerated or careless take on the topic.

About lessons...
In one memorable episode, in bouts of frustration, a depressed patient expressed their rejection of diagnosis to their bipolar neighbour. And in response, the bipolar patient said how "when our ear hurts we trust ENT doctor to know what to do. When we get stabbed we trust surgeon to know what to do. Why don't we trust psychiatrist to know what to do when our mind is sick. We are not objective about ourselves. That is why we trust them." -- Something along these lines -- I absolutely loved these peaks of non pretentious wisdom.

I am proud of the director.
Also the male lead was absolutely refreshing and charming in his quirky ways. (i might have changed my husband preferences)
Want S2 for relationship development.

Do not miss. Despite heavy topic, you leave with important lessons and light spirit.

--How privileged is to be a neurotypical and how much more empathy we can offer!

Thanks for reading!

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Worth the trip

Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong was a short, sweet romantic stroll through scenic Hong Kong. If Before Sunrise (1995) was made by the Hong Kong Board of Tourism this is what you might get.

Ruby is a Chinese American visiting Hong Kong on business who needs help finding her friends one evening in the bustling city. Josh, an American ex-pat, overhears her problem and offers to show her the way. He’s in finance but wants to be a novelist and she designs popular talking toys but wants to own a boutique for designer clothes. The two click as they walk and talk, the only problem being he has a girlfriend. A year later, they unexpectedly meet again on a ferry. Once again, they spend an evening walking and talking. This time she’s attached to someone else as well.

Josh’s girlfriend doesn’t understand his American pop culture comments while Ruby’s sassy comments go right over her boyfriend’s head. Free spirit Ruby is in a highly structured relationship while Josh’s girlfriend is too afraid to tell her parents that she’s been dating a white guy for two years. The evening walks cause each to reevaluate their current relationships. Josh and Ruby are attracted to each other on physical and intellectual levels. This doesn’t mean they are perfectly made for each other. He loves Hong Kong, exploring and learning about his surroundings and the people while Ruby tolerates it and can’t wait to go home.

Bryan Greenberg was perfect as laidback Josh who enjoyed the beauty and entertainment of Hong Kong. Jamie Chung radiated energy as Ruby cut through the subterfuge with her lightning wit. I did not envy her walking around the city in her high heels though. Richard Ng made a brief appearance as a fortune teller whose bird did most of the work. The real star of the film was Hong Kong’s nightlife with colorful lights and streets filled with people. The couple traveled on foot, by bus, cab, ferry, and escalator. The two were drenched in the hues of golden lamplight and the technicolor of neon lights, spurred on by the verve of the city and their burgeoning feelings for each other.

"When are you ever 100% sure about anything?"
Unlike Before Sunrise, I enjoyed the casual conversations Josh and Ruby engaged in. Flirty and honest (ultimately), they sounded like two people getting to know each other and finding the familiar rhythm of a kindred soul. They weren’t callous adulterers, they were two people walking and talking who over the course of two evenings, set a year apart, began to understand that their conversations were leading to deeper feelings for each other. More importantly, their time together shed light on serious issues in their current relationships. What did they want to do?

For people unfamiliar with Hong Kong, like myself, the strength of this movie was the gorgeous tour of the city. Josh and Ruby may have decided to be together tomorrow in Hong Kong or for her to return to yesterday in Los Angeles. Either way we’ll have the memory of two beautiful nights in a fascinating place.

19 January 2024

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Yep it was worth the hype

Finally got to watch this and while I admit it had a slow start (like a lot of Asian cinema) once it gained speed it kept me plastered to the screen making me understand that this indeed is a movie worthy of its hype, awards and so on and so on.

This is not a character driven story as no one except for maybe the bad ass sister is actually interesting or lovable for that matter. This is more of a what is going to happen next, this is absurd type of movie making you wonder how much more absurd it can get. While still staying kind of casual... Though the ending is a bit predictable in some ways... other ways not... the main selling point of this drama is in the contrast between rich-poor, dark-light, basement- room with natural light... funny dark humour without those over the top annoying characters we sometimes get. As well as the words not spoken...

Or something like that I actually have no idea what I am trying to say here but I was bored in the beginning got drawn in to this mess, and once it got messy I loved every moment of it.

Acting was top, cinematography and story got better and better...

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annoying

dropped on episode 6. like a lot of viewers as I read later. it was difficult to continue watching, and after episode 4 I just watched in order to finish it, but it was too annoying. it's very frustrating because the synopsis was good and the ideas were so unique. but, they failed to deliver to same level of content after episode 4.

I realized watching this that I really appreciate story about people who can see (guess) the future. it could have been a very good drama, but they just stick to one scenario: she is kind and naive, and the bad guys are powerful and heartless, and the poor little thing just get out of this mess by the grace of gods (and a little bit with her ability).

for the story to exist she must lie and conceal everything she knows, and this is more and more artificial over time.

when to watch? if you have nothing more interesting to watch
audience: family friendly

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Going down the hill

It started very promising. The first few episodes up to like the sixth episode were truly entertaining. I especially enjoyed that playful bond between team players and Sam and Tom's friendship—absolutely the cutest thing ever and a reminder for the BL industry that two people can be very close and touchy while staying friends and not developing any romantic feelings. Honorable mention for characters having consistent personalities, which is rare in Thai industry. Now the couples, during those six episodes, we've got to see a very original story of Sprite and Zee. I absolutely loved the acting of these two. It's actually admirable to play two people at the same time and still make them very recognizable and visibly different. About Jack and Mike: great chemistry, finally we're starting a relationship from a mutual attraction instead of hate or random mutual love at first sight. Sam and Tan—overall, they were pretty cute.I know many people thought they were awkward, but personally, I think it just added to their charm. New relationships tend to be awkward and imperfect sometimes.
Then we got past the sixth episode, and the downfall had begun. Truly random, unnecessary problems; chaotic scenes that didn't really make sense chronologically. I feel like I've watched them, but I didn't—the director just poured whatever to fill up the space between the 6th and 12th episode. I could let this go if the 12th episode was really worth all the bs, but I'm afraid it wasn't. I mean, I like how they mentioned some issues and resolved them, but bro, they had 6 random episodes that gave nothing just to overfill the 12th episode with every possible plot point they found. They could've further developed Tan and Sam's storyline, shown us more about Jack's family, and, in general, more about Mike and Jack's dynamics (during those 6 episodes they appeared maybe like 4 times are you fr). They could've shown us more about the relationship between Zee and Sprite getting better, it seemed like they suddenly just let all the bitter feelings that we've learned about in the summary go. There were many, many possibilities, all wasted now. I set the rewatch value as 5, because I'm definitely watching those six episodes again, but I'll act like whatever comes next never happened. I suggest y'all just come up with your own ending; I bet it'll be more interesting.

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Just A Typical RomCom

First things first, do NOT go into this show thinking this is anything resembling a revenge drama. It's not! No, I didn't see any trailers nor did I have any prior knowledge of this series before I watched it, so maybe it's my fault for assuming that. Either way, this is definitely nothing of the sort. It's a nice, cheesy, typical romantic comedy. Truly. As long as you watch it with that little tidbit in mind, you should be fine going into this story. (Also, I've decided that I'm actually going to remember the character names from now on to make these reviews more seamless.)

Now. The one thing I will say is that this was another show that I felt had amazing potential but it fell flat for me in some aspects. While I understand that expecting the female lead to hit us with a complete 180 was unrealistic to begin with, I still expected her to have more of a backbone than she did. After watching the first episode, you would be under the impression that she's going to be a tough, femme fatale getting back at her family and ensuring that she doesn't waste her life again. Wrong! You would be dead wrong if you allowed yourself to believe that? What's wrong with you? (I'm joking about that, friends. That was just a little bit of sarcasm.) But seriously, I fully expected Yi Joo to go toe-to-toe with her stepmother and stepsister and never miss a single step. In fact, I expected her to always be three, maybe four, steps ahead of literally everyone else. She has the advantage here! She's the only one (that we know of at this point) that has literally traveled back through time. She knows what most of her opponents and enemies don't know. So, why isn't she beating them at their own game? Why wasn't she able to do that?

Granted, I understand that she couldn't possibly be three steps ahead of her brother-in-law because he was running circles around his own family for years. She couldn't possibly beat him, but HER family? Yes, she should have been able to neutralize them very very early on in this show. She simply didn't, and I don't understand why the writers wrote it that way either. Which brings me to another issue I had - there were far too many players in this game. There were far too many moving parts in this machine and that bogged the show down tremendously. There was no reason for this show to have this many villains at once. Absolutely none. In my opinion, they should have picked one - if it was going to be Jung Wook, then let it be him. If it was going to be Yi Joo's family, then let it be them and only them. It didn't need to be both sides of the family causing a ruckus here.

Back to my original point though - there were times when Yi Joo allowed people to chew her out and she stood there and said nothing! When her pathetic ex-fiancé chewed her out in the bridal shop, I wanted to scream! Why are you letting him, of all people, chew you out and humiliate you in front of all of these people? Especially when YOU didn't do anything wrong. Se Hyeok only married you to get closer to your sister, who he was truly in love with. In knowing that, that man could NEVER raise his voice to me out of indignance. It wouldn't have happened. Yi Joo should have shut that down immediately! I understand her needing to get stronger to fight back against her stepmother, but that shouldn't apply to everyone else. Everyone else should be fair game. These people abused, isolated, alienated, and treated you like a stranger in your own home since you were a child. Where's your anger? Where's your fire? Where is it?! Your own father allowed his wife to do all of those things to you and he said nothing. Now that I'm thinking about it - maybe that makes more sense to the story. Maybe the reason Yi Joo didn't know how to stand up for herself is because her own biological father didn't know how to either. Like father, like daughter.

I have no notes on her husband. Do Guk was fine. I had no issues with him. I did, however, have some issues with his story though. Let me explain - yes, I know that he traveled through time like she did. However, there were some things he'd say that made no sense. He mentioned the fact that Yi Joo spoke casually to him first and that's why he felt so comfortable doing that when they met in the future. However, we NEVER saw anything like that. In fact, Yi Joo questioned whether he even knew her before she got married when they met in the current timeline (that's technically in the past, weirdly enough). So, when did they have this conversation? During the big reveal, that was something that was still left unexplained. They went back to the events of the first episode but not any further than that. I think the writers wanted to fully sell the idea that they knew each other but they failed at doing so. They wanted to create this intimacy that never actually existed between the two leads. The point is that the writers should have incorporated some scenes prior to the first episode that explained why Do Guk was so enamored with Yi Joo. Do Guk was in love with Yi Joo like Se Hyeok was in love with Yoo Ra. Which actually means that both of them were in love with a fantasy because neither of them knew these women enough to be in love with them. We all saw what happened when Se Hyeok finally saw the real Yoo Ra. It wasn't pretty! It simply worked out well for Do Guk when it didn't for Se Hyeok. Go figure!

All in all, I wouldn't rewatch it. It was okay. It was nothing absolutely amazing, but it's something to watch when you're bored and you don't want to watch anything too dark and heavy. This is a lighthearted show that makes no sense at all when you truly examine it, but that's fine.

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