Reviews

Deeply disappointing drama

This drama was fun enough at first, when dealing with the curse and getting to a point where our leads fall for each other, but the second half was a slog.
The only saving grace of this show is that closet kiss. I was absolutely not expecting Cha Eun Woo to kiss like that! One of the best kisses I’ve ever seen in a kdrama. Though I need to point out that Park Gyu Young was phoning it in for her kisses in this drama. She had our ML do all the work, which is disappointing if you’ve seen her work in Dali And Cocky Prince.

Anyway, the major problem for me with this drama is that both leads aren’t that interesting. By the second half I had a hard time caring about them despite how much drama was thrown their way. The past life stuff was not interesting to me. The antagonist’s plan felt half-baked.
Part of this is frankly due to the nature of the source material. A lot of webtoons imo feature these idealized, wish-fulfillment romances that don’t make for great television. They also often get heavy-handed with a certain progressive bent so as to have characters that are completely “unproblematic”. It’s boring. And while I enjoy a sweet romance, these stories tend to have the substance of cotton candy. The leads are two nice people who only have eyes for each other. That’s nice, but it doesn’t make for very compelling TV, particularly if you’ve watched a bunch of other kdramas with similarly inoffensive characters. They get together and proceed to have the standard by-the-numbers fluffy kdrama romance where two adults act like teenagers who are scandalized simply by the thought of spending time alone with the person they’re with.

Maybe I’m over fluffy romcoms for a bit, but I was watching The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract and while that drama had its problems with some characterization issues and plot, in the end I found it far more enjoyable despite also being a fairly fluffy watch purely on the strength of the leads, who were simply more dynamic.

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The female lead was a bad choice and the time-travel storyline was the same old with no happy ending

I must say that casting the wrong female lead can completely ruin a potentially good drama.

In my opinion, this drama failed miserably in mixing comedy and thriller. Casting this actress as the female lead, was a terrible choice. She lacked the physical appeal and failed to inspire any passion. It was difficult to imagine male leads falling for her, given the lack of chemistry between them. Her petite and average looks may work well in contemporary comedies but not in period dramas where the clothes have to look good on the actors. It is frustrating to see such casting decisions, especially when male actors cast alongside them are noticeably more handsome. Such imbalanced casting affects the credibility of the entire performance, in my opinion.

The observation that I have made about Chinese comedy dramas is that they seem to have a very distinct type of actresses. These actresses are usually petite, have a cute appearance, and speak and act in a childish voice. They often portray the roles of a damsel in distress, appearing as a doormat to the male lead. Unfortunately, I cannot recall a single Chinese comedy drama that I have enjoyed. For me, these dramas often come off as cringeworthy, with a weak script, no on-screen chemistry between the main couple, and the presence of ridiculous villains. Overall, my experience with Chinese comedy dramas has been nothing short of a disaster. This drama is no exception.

Furthermore, the villains created by scriptwriters in this drama were not at all compatible with comedy. It can be quite challenging to take a dramatic story seriously when the main character is portrayed as being funny or clumsy. It makes it a predictable and one-dimensional storyline. Eliminate the feeble attempt, and what you have left is a time of intense political intrigue. Take away the intrigue, and you're left with a stale comedy filled with recycled jokes often found in time travel stories.

This is why I am not a fan of time travel dramas. The character's obsession with going back to the present made it quite boring. In the end, when she finally falls in love, she is sent back abruptly, only for the reincarnation of her lost lover to show up miraculously. I feel that the storylines in question lack originality and intrigue, as they seem to follow a predictable pattern that often leads to a bittersweet ending. I don't enjoy this particular type of storyline or the ending as I find it unfulfilling and unsatisfying.

Although I strongly believe that everyone has the potential to showcase their talent, I also firmly believe that not every actor or actress is suitable for every role. I understand the appeal of certain actors and actresses, where their physical attributes resonate with some fans. However, I do not fall into this category. I have a deep appreciation for talented performers, but I also have a preference for gorgeous actors and actresses versus cute looking. In all honesty, if production fails to deliver chemistry between its actors, or if the script lacks direction and is just a confusing mess, or even worse, if it's just another overdone time travel plot with the same jokes, then I won't waste my time watching it.

From my perspective, the script of this drama was poorly written and the cast failed to deliver convincing performances. If the drama had cast a different female lead, I would probably have been much more interested in watching it. The script is confusing, the casting is wrong, and there's no chemistry between the actors. It was painfully cringeworthy.

I gave this drama a fair chance and watched six episodes, The content lacked the ability to maintain my interest or motivate me to continue watching. To sum it up, this drama is a no-go for me.

**

Just a quick note. It is both disappointing and concerning to witness the level of intolerance and immaturity displayed by some users of this site. Treating others with respect, even when we disagree with them, is a sign of maturity and decency. On the other hand, leaving petty and unconstructive comments is indicative of the true character of the person. I have no tolerance for such behavior, but if you insist on exposing yourself in such a manner, be my guest. Thankfully, the block option has always been my favorite tool for dealing with such individuals.

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started off well but cliched plot elements led it astray (watch suggestions)

Overall: I initially gave this a 9.5 because it was a peak Japanese romcom. However, cliched writing really let this series down. 10 episodes about 20 minutes each. The series is based on a manga which I haven't read and I'm reviewing the series based on its own merits. Aired on GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/3947/although-i-love-you-and-you-2024-e01

Content Warnings: manipulation

Watch Suggestions
- watch episodes 1-3
- end episode 4 at 22 minutes
- start episode 5 at 19:20
- watch episode 6 30 seconds to 1:30
- watch episode 7 11:02-11:40 and 17:30 to 21:55
- watch episode 8
- watch episode 9 until 15:50
- start episode 10 at 18 minutes

What I Liked
- funny parts
- sweet moments
- Sakae's friend
- restaurant regulars
- Soga's non cliched female coworker
- worked on their communication in episode 8 and Soga said what he wanted at the end of that episode

Room For Improvement
- confusing start, wasn't sure if that was a flash forward or flashback until they explained a little more later in the episode
- very cliched writing, spent way too much time on the ex, Sakae is shown as knowing what he wants until he suddenly doesn't, poor communication trope
- the comedy music was funny at first but it was overused
- thin plot stretched out over 10 episodes (needed to be 6 episodes instead), way too much time spent on side characters instead of developing the main couple
- what they pretended to do in episode 9 was stupid, the train ride is less than 3 hours, it wasn't as big of a deal as they made it seem
- 2nd couple came out of nowhere in episode 10, rather they had developed this couple instead of all the love rival nonsense

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It all went downhill

just couldn't understand the fact that jojo has to throw sun-oh out the window after all of that, it's not because of the ending.

Not even in season 1 that they made jojo and hye-hyeong build a good connection, but no, there's no spark at all, not even that uplifting feeling. But still, i would've accepted that Sun-Oh isn't the guy who's gonna end up with jojo in the end if Sun-Oh was actually the one who did wrong, if he cheated or even hurt jojo. BUT NO, he dearly loved jojo, but she left him hanging with no proper answers. Sun-Oh keeps knocking on her everytime. He keeps tearing because of the pain in return. and that pain for almost FIVE YEARS. Now i can channel the anger sun-oh felt when said "Do you know what she did to me?" that is such a valid reaction. Jojo was such a coward even as an adult.

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Unexpectedly very bingeworthy

Started this without much pre-knowledge, except than for the little preview. I pretty much went in with nothing, but I have seen Takahashi Fumiya's acting and in my opinion he striked again. But I also got swept away by Shison Jun's acting skills and visuals. But idem for the other actors. They all delivered, especially when they had to express how delicious the food was. ^^

The story got me interested. I do like dramas with a cooking aspect so for me it was a joy to watch. Maybe it's not for everyone. I loved how they added Gaku's ability in this drama. And in my opinion a lot of lessons to learn. I recently wondered about one a lot. In this world there is a lot of competition. With us being connected worldwide at all times.. Everyone showing off their talents or jobs, it can turn both ways for people who thought they were talented. Or they get the strength to improve or they will think they aren't more special than they thought. They will lose their purpose in life. Which is what happened with Gaku. It was beautifully expressed. Luckily Gaku meets Kai who gives him a new goal he could aim to and use his talent for another purpose. It's one lesson I picked up from this drama. But there are way more to experience. But no need to spoil the whole drama here hehe ..

Also don't know if the math Gaku used though is really trustworthy. Sometimes it seemed a bit too exaggerated. Nevertheless it was a nice story concept.

About the music? Well, Re方程式 by 10-FEET is just a pearl. I can't stop listening to it. I could listen to this song on repeat, no joke. Do check it out and I bet you'll drop it in your favourites playlist.

************** Might be a spoiler, as in do you want to know if there was a lgbtq-factor? See below.



spoilers below

*** I mean there was really something in my eyes, but it was more brotherly. But the ending ... I liked the ending. ***

*************BIG SPOILER ENDING ***

The one thing that I found a bit weird and is actually also one of the reasons why I kept being intrigued to watch this show.. Gaku's personality changed totally. I couldn't believe what would have caused this and I can find myself in the reason, but not entirely. I can accept that he could lose himself but turning in someone so rude because of him wanting to be a divine creature, a leader that accepts no help and can't explain things more clearly to his staff? Also I don't get how Kai's sickness could really be okay for him to cook. At the end he kinda almost fainted. How can he then be cooking with Gaku? Although it did seem like a small restaurant. But still.. Nevertheless I do liked that ending obviously. ************************

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a total mess

I can see how the director wanted to make this deep and layered and whatever, but it ended up a total mess! Not to mention that these - many - chinese names can be difficult to remember for us non-asian viewers. I found myself lost not just once either with the action, or with the names, and the PACE is not to blame, since it's QUITE SLOW for an action movie...
The ML is handsome and a fine actor, BUT the plot doesnt favour him. Past and Present ML are hard to tell, since the modern ML wears such 80's outfits! Besides, as said, the action is a total mess, you never know who is gonna die next or who plots what. The few women around - all seem to like our ML, but he acts coy, while all men want to fight the ML!! Besides, the director ABUSES THE FLASHBACK TECHNIQUE, to the point we get TWO MOVIES, one in the open, one in the dark. Tsk tsk! Can you just let us immerse in the action without any interruption?
Sadly i consider dropping this, though i really wanted to enjoy some good action drama!

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Love saves the world

Omg how beautiful 😍😍😍. When i started this i had my doubts, specially with the FL. Her personality was a little to naive for me and when she change her soul with him the second time without thinking how that could get him into big trouble it was pissing me off.

But talk about character development. The moment she save him on episode 13 was the clear change of her character and also when she started to loving him.

I will never get over that scene in episode 26 when Changheng is offering Orchid everything she wanted (Going to Shuiyuntian again, being with her plants and friends) and she said all this:

"I miss the flowers and plants in Siming Hall, the nagging of aunt Sansheng, the loud voice of Fairy Danyin. IF I HAND'T MET HIM, how wonderful it would be, i could be leaving at peace in Yujing, gradually turning into and old fairy. I'm sorry, Lord Chagheng"

After this she protects Dongfang with her own body agains all that army of inmortals. Of course, lets not forget, when she is decided to go to fuju cave to prove she deserved to be Donfang Quingcang's wife. What a queen tbh.

From his part, the most epic scene will be when he defend her before all his people:

"If i had never meet Orchid, no one will teach me how to forgive. If you irritate me, this is how you would have end up (dead). I love her. I will not only meet her on mountain and moon festival, but also prepare the grandest wedding within the three realms for her. You said since she is from the fairy realm, she must be wicked. But you don't know she is nice and gentle. You said she is a jinx, but you don't know she saved my life. She looks weak and delicate, but you don't know how brave she is. She is the bravest woman within the three realms. Only she deserved to be the moon queen of the people in Cangyan sea"

lets not forget the powerful Moon Supreme lord taking care of the Orchid plant so she will be back and then acting like her servant when she is back at the goddess. It was super cute ♥♥♥

I didn't expected this to have a happy ending so i'm pretty please with it. I will miss them and this world 🥲🥲🥲

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Lovely romantic, musical, culinary and tourist trip

Very cute series, with the slow evolution of the relationship between a famous but anonymous voice actor (also a cardiologist), and a young FL, student, composer and singer online. The context essentially revolves around a dubbing studio and its team.
The story tells this very slow-burn romance (1st kiss episode 19 :), in a poetic, gentle and sensitive way.

PROS:
+ I love ML. He's the BEST boyfriend, attentive, respectful, handsome, talented. Green flag !!!
+ The voices are important and well highlighted.
+ Particular care is given to the images, the costumes (very beautiful, particularly the FL's dresses), the landscapes, the framing.
+ The OSTs are awesome
+ The storyline is gentle: no twist, no villain or love triangle, no break-up.

CONS:
- I don't think there is such a perfect boyfriend in real life :( :(: respectful, super devoted, ultimate caring,... and with the patience of an angel!
- The FL is a little bland. She's shy, OK. But her character doesn't "shine", doesn't evolve.
- some characters are excessive: the cousins' hyper-protection, the shyness of the undeclared lovers,...

=> Series which allowed me to rediscover Tan Jian Ci, whom I would like to see again in contemporary romantic series.

************************************************************************************
Joli voyage romantique, musical, culinaire et touristique

Série très mignonne, avec la lente évolution de la relation entre un voice actor star mais anonyme (cardiologue aussi), et une jeune FL, étudiante, compositrice et chanteuse en ligne. Le contexte tourne essentiellement autour d'un studio de doublage et de sa team.
La story retrace cette très slow-burn romance (1st kiss épisode 19 :), de façon poétique, douce et sensible.

PROS:
+ J'adore le ML. C'est le TOP des boyfriends, attentionné, respectueux, handsome, talentueux.
+ Les voix sont importantes et bien mises en valeur.
+ Un soin tout particulier est accordé aux images, aux costumes (très beaux, particulièrement les robes de la FL), aux paysages, aux cadrages.
+ Les OST sont géniales
+ La storyline est douce : pas de twist, pas de villain ni de triangle amoureux, pas de break-up.

CONS:
- je doute qu'il existe un boyfriend aussi parfait dans la réalité :( :( : respectueux, super dévoué, attentionné ultime,... et d'une patience d'ange !
- La FL fait un peu fade. Elle est timide, OK. Mais son personnage ne "brille" pas, n'évolue pas.
- certains personnages sont excessifs : l'hyperprotection des cousins, la timidité des lovers non déclarés,

=> Série qui m'a permis de redécouvrir Tan Jian Ci, que j'aimerai revoir dans des séries romantiques contemporaines.

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It hurt my soul to write this review.

I am an avid Song Kang fan. I have been keeping up with his shows for God knows how long and I honestly can’t find an expression to describe how disappointed I am in this drama.

I was majorly excited just like the rest of us. But as the show went on, I found that I was only watching to just to finish it and not enjoy it. As of the current, I can’t say that I’m watching it. I’m just skipping through and occasionally stopping at any interesting occurrences. Onto the rating.

Story- 7.0
The story had some major potential and they really could have took a lot more impressive routes that would be long lasting in the audience’s minds far beyond the current plot. The story lacks essence. At first glance you are reminded of ‘Doom at your Service’ and maybe ‘Goblin’, but what sets these drama’s apart from this one is the essence and originality they carried. All we are given is the surface of the characters. We never really get to know, love, and appreciate them outside the fact they are the main characters. Most of the reason why half the people love the leads is because of the visuals. I did too, but that’s not enough for me to look at fl and feel sorry for her about the fact that her adopted family hates her. I don’t know y they hate her so I can’t make any assumptions. we don’t KNOW her as well as we know the fl in let’s say DAYS(doom at your service). relationships or even her life outside the main lead box r never properly established.

acting- 6.5
As for the cast, I have nothing to say. I too have fallen prey to Song Kang’s tantalizingly visuals. But what I do have to deconstruct is the acting. The veteran actors absolutely ate this drama up and made it enjoyable outside of the main lead scene. The leads however…did not deliver as much as they normally would. Both are amazing actors. Jve watched both of their previous dramas and their performances actually moved me. I don’t know what happened in this drama, although I do think the script was to blame, some of the scenes felt forced and awkward. Forget the scenes where ml is sparkling and fl has a halo above her head. I’m talking about how Guwon transitions from serious to cute. Where he’s on fire. I can name a lot. Something about some those scenes felt like needles in my brain because it was awkwardly painful and the switch was too sudden and made me feel uncomfortable watching. The scenes would have been cute if they were appropriate for the time section. I think the random sprinkles of him watching attention or just being cute in general was the writer’s way of distracting the audience from the plot holes and major offs of the drama.

I could go off and write an even longer critique of why this show just wasn’t as it as I expected it to be but this isn’t a college essay so I’ll stop. However I do have to say that if the main leads were different…this show would not have had this much of a chance in the spotlight. It may have just been a show we use as a filler for time. But since we have the leads, I guess soaking up some eye candy isn’t so bad.

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Buckle up and get ready for a binge-worthy adventure!

"Animals" is a delightful J-drama that transcends the typical romantic comedy genre. In this eight-episode series, we follow the story of Shikamori Umi, a relatable character played by Suzuki Airi, who finds herself trapped in a toxic work culture as an overworked assistant director on a popular TV talk show.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Umi is offered a new job at Animal Beauty, a startup in the beauty industry. The contrast between Umi's chaotic past and the refreshing work culture at Animal Beauty becomes a central theme, highlighting the societal shift needed for a healthier work-life balance.

The drama explores Umi's personal growth, with a focus on her relationships, especially the one with Kazao, a photographer. The love triangle aspect is subtlety handled, emphasizing Umi's journey of self-discovery rather than conventional romantic entanglements.

Kawamitsu Sawako's writing skillfully avoids unnecessary drama, and the dialogue feels authentic, making the characters relatable and the storyline engaging. Despite its title potentially leading to misconceptions, "Animals" surprises with its gentle and heartwarming nature, offering life lessons without being overly didactic.

In conclusion, "Animals" is a feel-good series that goes beyond the surface, exploring themes of personal growth, workplace dynamics, and romance. With its well-crafted storyline, strong cast, and unexpected twists, it's a delightful watch that leaves a lasting impression. So, if you're in the mood for a heartwarming journey of self-discovery, "Animals" is the perfect companion.

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Lighthearted comedy about serious issues

At first hand, Rikokatsu comes across as a lighthearted comedy but I would think it twice before writing it off as just that. Personally, I think this drama presents itself as a easy to watch rom-com but it is full of social commentary about Japan's current situation in relation to their low marriage rates and high divorce rates among older people.

Saki, our leading lady, is a competent fashion magazine editor who comes from a progressive family. Because of this, she's not only committed to her work but values her independence and looks a partner who will respect these attributes. On the opposite side we have Koichi, leading man, who comes from a military family with traditional japanese values. Love triumphs over their differences, at the beginning, but cohabitation makes it impossible to look past some blaring problems in their every day life.

The drama never makes Saki say it out loud but she's clearly a feminist, this is one of the main reasons that catapults the problems in their marriage. Koichi expects from her what his mother did for his father: follow the man's rhythm of life, make all the meals, cleaning, etc. I want to make point out that Koichi it's not misogynist because he does respect Saki and sees her as an equal, in fact, when she calls him out on things he changes his behaviour but it's clear that it never occurred to him that a marriage could look different than the one his parents had. On the other hand, Saki doesn't know how to adapt to some of Koichi needs or behaviour that are absolutely normal as a couple because she's used to her parent's marriage where each person had their own thing to the point of not having family meals together once at home.

I found their situation as a mirror of Japan's society as a whole. Cosmopolitan, interesting, independent but also with a deep rich ancient tradition. These two characteristics seem to complement each other well, at surface level, but the social issues in the country it is proof of the imbalance between the two.

I mentioned that Japan currently has a high divorce rate among older people. Marriages of decades that "suddenly" crumble. Well, both leads' find themselves in the situation of having to deal with their parents' divorces because of all the reasons I wrote about before.

Most of the drama it's about a couple finding a balance and accepting there's not one way to be a family. That marriage can look very different according to the needs of the two people involved in the relationship.

Technically speaking Rikokatsu it's really good. The cinematography really beautiful and camera work a mix of traditional and more dynamic. The performances are really good from all the cast. The leads, Kitagawa and Eita, are full of charm and fleshed out their characters in a compelling way. There are no bad guys, just two people trying to figure out life.

For all of these, I fully recommend Rikokatsu.

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Down-to-earth but with introspective tones

The cases as they are, are not that complicated, it is much more about the characters themselves, their story, their motivations and how they deal with grief and danger. There a quite a few scenes where it seems as if "nothing" is happening -- those scenes show the characters, what they think, how they (re)act. Sometimes theyare there for the atmosphere, to allow for some introspection.

As such, the pacing can feel slow at times, but in my opinion, there is not one scene that's superfluous ar dragged out. Everything has its time.

This, and the fact that nothing is glittering or modern in this drama, make it exceptional. The main character is linving in a small neighbourhood in a house that doesn't even have an indoor toilet; the police in Shangta have their quarters in an old cinema, where there's no heating and the walls are crumbling. The whole town looks more or less run-down -- as do the actors. There are no airbrushed, beautiful people in colourful clothing here. Everything feels real (and very, very cold).

I love how down-to-earth the police are in this drama. While I certainly don't expect any real criticism of the system, the way the police officers make the best out of their limited ressources, how they grumble a bit about them but basically take them with a bit of humour; how they plod along and try to find the girl, but as humans, fail again and again -- this also makes the characters relatable.
And after the cases are closed, they all return to their daily lives; they live on as before, but something in them has changed.

Another point that I loved were the female characters, few of them as there were:
* The girl, of course. What a great actress! And what a strong and resourceful character! This is not a pitiable and helpless victim.
* The karaoke bar owner. She lost her family at an early age, is clearly jaded -- and still finds humanity and love in herself.
* And last but not least, the fire watcher ("bear lady"): She was beautiful in her love for the forest and the creatures living there, but was very realistic in her approach to life and death. She lived alone and was happy with that. She felt very solid and grounded.

One last mention goes to the music -- both the songs for the opening and closing credits are beautiful and fitting for the rest of the series.

[Cross-posted to Viki]

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First OCN romance that I didn't find boring

One thing that I like about Asian shows, particularly Korean dramas, is the vast variety of shows about different sports, jobs, and genres. This drama is one of them, as it revolves around skating. This is my first time watching a show about skaters, so the storyline is new and fresh to me.

As this is a minidrama with only 4 episodes, I won't rate it heavily. Their acting skills are all fine, and the arguments of Kang Hoyoung (Kang Tae Oh) and Park Eunho (Yeo Hoi-Hyeon) are fun to watch. Usually, I don't find the main leads in short dramas entertaining, but both of them did a great job. The plot is nice, and if you are looking for a short, fun minidrama, then I recommend this for you. Surprisingly, even though this is a short drama, the ending is not rushed, and the flow of the story is enjoyable. Yes, this is the first OCN romance that I liked, but the romance here is not that much since it only has 4 episodes. A 7/10.

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