Reviews

First and foremost, there are some amazing performances in Kataomoi, particularly from the two leads. I'd say it's the best I've seen both Nakatani Miki and Kiritani Kenta. The nuances of the relationships here are not always verbal, but both of them contain all the ambiguities and paradoxes, similar to one of the themes of the story, which is that relationships and identity isn't always black-and-white.

While the story is based on a Higashino Keigo mystery novel (for those who don't know, he's one of Japan's most popular writers), the tone of this series is not that of a detective/crime/investigation drama (although there are elements of investigation), but rahther, a thoughtful relationship-focused friendship drama with a cloudy murder mystery plot that weaves together those relationships. It's relatively slow-paced compared to another kind of genre you normally see mysteries filmed as, but it's extremely compelling and could really be marathoned in one go if you had the time!

It's rather artfully filmed at points, including the end sequence of the first episode, as someone mentioned. I almost feel this could have been a better feature film with a higher budget, but it's really well-made and was the perfect length of the story at six episodes. The casting is great, as all the team members featured in past and future are totally believable at age 20 and their mid-30s, even though some of them are pushing 40 or over.

And for all the hand-wringing about how they'd handle transgender identity issues, it's done in a sensitive and compassionate way without being maudlin or overkill like you might expect from Hollywood. Honestly, I wasn't surprised at that at all, but I found it refreshing and insightful without being preachy or telling audience members how to think. While it's a huge part of the story and is discussed at length, it isn't The story. There is the mystery, but the story is ultimately about friendship.

What some viewers may take more issue with is the ending, but in context I found it satisfying. It's certainly very Japanese in its embracing the ambiguity of many technically explosive moral situations, and recognizing sacrifice as part of love. Okay, I just made some sweeping generalizations there, and it may come off as a judgment/rationalization of those situations, but it's not, at all. I just wanted to mention these things, as I sometimes feel like certain elements of many J-dramas get a bad rap because they're seen through a different cultural lens...

I'm not an avid rewatcher at all, especially when it comes to a story with a mystery plot. However, I think the value is high as you'd be able to appreciate some of the great little symbolic touches, as well as the psychological aspects of what characters are going through at various times. Most of all, probably Kenta's role as it's a subtle emotional character arc that only becomes more meaningful later in the story. Music was on-point as usual, with a great theme and emotive score. I feel like the end song has been used before...anyone remember what drama? It's evocative and a perfect fit.

One more note, for those wondering about the sex scene in the first episode, it isn't graphic/realistic but more atmospheric, is short and serves a purpose. It's not jarring and you can see why it happens. But mature is still a valid tag because the themes in this may not resonate for perhaps younger teens as the characters are nearing midlife and dealing with many of the emotional, relational, and identity issues of that age.

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This drama is the must-watch of your life.
I stumbled upon this one by chance and I am so so so so sad that it's so underrated.
The story was such a bandage on my little heart. I felt healed just by watching five minutes of it.
This drama depicts ordinary people who just try to get on with their life as best as they can with what it gives them. All the characters are relatable and you will find a part of yourself in every of their stories. The cast was amazing as well. I personally didn't know any actors in this and they ALL did a wonderful job. I also like that we didn't know who the male lead is. This gives a little excitement as you go along and root for your baby.
The music was amazing as well. Not too much lyrics, just melodies that go amazingly well with the mood of the episodes.
It's a slow, fluffy, smoothing ride so so worth your time. Truly.
As a writer and artist myself, I just felt the poesy so much... and I used to dislike poetry and just not get it, but this drama made me change my point of view on this art.
I don't know what else to say, I just finished it five minutes ago and I am still not over it. Will I ever be ? I doubt that. It was too beautiful to be a forgotten drama on my completed list.

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This is the first time for me to give such high ratings to a drama. This drama captivates me in many ways. The story is heartwarming and realistic which rarely seen in Chinese dramas. I love the way it keeps the story's consistency. Honestly, i'm a little doubt about this drama but it turn out to be a mistake. A wide range characters is completed with such balance story of each character. There's nothing which is being exaggerated. The point of illegitimate child is relatable, especially in Asia. Many people are being sensitive when it comes to illegitimate children. The story is a win for me. For sure. The only thing that i'm a little confused is the time skip when the characters were still in high school. The time slip is done abruptly. But it doesn't ruin the story though. The plot from the beginning until the ending is consistent. There's only a very few iddle scene.

I'm impressed with each casts who have done such great job. They potray each character well. There's no exaggerations in their acting.

The music is good. It stuck in my head


I highly recommend this drama for you. Just give it a shot!!!

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This was a beautiful drama. Creative souls out there, this is for you (writers and artists). Someone who is not creative may find this boring but If you are an artist or writer you will definitely love this to heart. It's beautiful, all the characters are really beautiful and well made. All of them have their own story. Something I disliked about this drama is the lack of going deeper into every character's story. The end was inconclusive and there's a lot of things we wanted to know. The story is great and I loved it, but theres certain points that were not made the right way because this show had more potential than that. The main couple has really good chemistry and is a lovely couple. The love triangle in here is good too. Even though the second lead was that type of main lead (rich, stupid and childish), he was able to grow up and thats something I really appreciated, I did love them both for her though. But Doctor ye was always the first one to stole my heart, you may be wondering why? He was a different kind of main guy, he was mature, beautiful, respectful and handsome. He was not that kind of main lead we always see in korean dramas (rich and childish, mistreating the girl). He never mistreated her and he always treated her with respect , thats one of the things I love about this drama. Finally, a mature main lead who is not childish. This drama is perfect for me, great poems about life and situations, deep. I just wanted them to go more into detail with every person in this drama but it didnt happen and thats okay . Overall is worth watching and beautiful, Lee Yoo BI is far good and more talented than other over rated korean females actress out there, not gonna mention names. SHE WAS JUST GREAT.

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Started watching this drama with no expectation, thinking it is just another slice of life drama. I have to say at the beginning like at least 5 episodes it did somehow feel as such, a drama that totally people in general able to relate to and even a bit slow, boring with the many conversations in between characters and with the focus on office politics. However if you stay on and immerse yourself into any of these characters as they move along with the story plot, I guarantee you will feel rewarded on the experience of what relationships between humans really are and how we are all just surviving and thriving (or failing) in the act of being in relationships with one another. This drama stays true to its theme on exploring and unfolding human relationships - love (also self love and care), belongingness, betrayal, forgiveness, acceptance, letting go, and I can go on and on because I'm amazed by the writer nim's ability to pack so many things in 16 episodes and yet it all fits accordingly and not overwhelming the story plot at all!

The existence of the male MC, Park Dong Hoon in this story and the way it is being written really carried all the other characters so well throughout the plot - he is really just an ordinary genuine ahjussi, at some point in your life, you wish you get to meet in real life or perhaps you have even met such a person before. He has his own shares of life frustration but always chose to do things that would determine the outcome of what already happened (staying in control) and not wallow in what already happened (e.g., blame or accept his 'destiny'). His attitude of if you see it as nothing then it will become nothing and life goes on, is really a good learning point in life. Try putting yourself in the shoes of the female MC, Lee Ji An, and experience the tough life she had to go through (someone who accepted her 'destiny') and understanding her reactions and actions as well as what made her blurred the line between gratitude and romance because in the end how do we, as human beings express of our love to someone whom we see as angel sent to us and telling us life is what we made of, instead of destiny.

This drama not only developed strongly anchoring on these two characters but also the entire characters in the neighborhood detailed in the drama. I see it as every single characters revealed in this drama are as equally important to showcase how we all influence one another when we gather together in our lives. From relationships among family members (siblings, mother-sons, grandparent-grandchild) to brotherhoods who stay in same neighborhood (the extended society family) to the 'family' at work and to the point that even a monk character speak volume in this drama - all depicting the sense of belongingness in human beings that is so reflective of reality world. Their interactions in this drama are gems, teaching you the many perspectives of life.

I am just so grateful and satisfied with this drama that lived up to its title and for the writer nim who preserve the beauty of the relationship between the two MCs without tainting it with the usual reciprocating romance theme. The most memorable thing from this drama for me, apart from the awesome casts' performances, is to slowly decipher and digest the meaningful conversations between the MCs especially with the constant illustration using metaphors. Oh and the music and bgm throughout the drama are like, prefect to the core. The whole wire tapping and listening to the audio along with Lee Ji An - every single sound was crisp clear and really made it feel as if the audience is transported into it. Also up until now there are still various vivid scenes from the drama that keep appearing to me visually, such as the walk home at the neighborhood between the MCs and the subway train ride.

This is definitely one drama that will leave a big impact to you if you take a chance to watch it. It hurts a lot at certain point to come to terms with reality of life but it hurts so good because that's how you grow to be a better person.

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NON SPOILER REVIEW :
If you ever ask me about how people take revenge , I will do nothing but tell you to watch this drama and this is how you do it but in the end just remember revenge is self destruction and nothing else which was the message of this drama .

This was the best revenge drama one could come across . By far the best .
The execution was dumbfounding .
Each and everything was planned .
Zero plot holes . The way Kim Nam gil manipulates , moreover seduces is dumbfounding .
Ep 1-14 were excellent .
After that it turn into sorry to say to kinda disappointing pathetic melodrama , like a shit of the plot made till now but I think that was to make up for the ending episode .
Ep 17 was good .
It has an ironical ending .
There's a big hint about the ending in this drama . ???? Try to catch it if you can.
Also Kim Nam Gil went to the military perhaps that's why a scrappy ending but still nice one .

Thus ,
Final rating 9/10
I enjoyed each and every moment of it till episode 14 .

P.S : Not so many female leads make me waver or feel something , First time i felt this way was with Song Yoon Ah in the K2 , this time it was Oh Yun Soo in this drama . She's totally mesmerizing . The way she looks and acts . I admire her . ^^

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This is the first Victoria drama that I actually not just like but LOVE. As much as I love Victoria, and her acting is good, because of the story, chemistry between the leads and other things, I didn't like any of her previous dramas. This one though, I didn't expect much when I started but WOW. This drama surprised me. I actually LOVE it a lot. And The male lead, I don't even know what to say except that I LOVE HIM. The story is great. The pacing of the drama is nice. Even the side romance between the fox brothers and the friend at cafe is interesting. The acting is solid. And the OSTs are so beautiful and fits the scenes perfectly. I'm currently on episode 16 so 9 episodes left. I'm actually sad that it's gonna end soon. I hope the drama will continue to be this good till the end.

I would love to see Victoria and Johnny together as leads in other dramas in the future. Their chemistry is explosive and so natural. First time feeling this kind of chemistry with Victoria and her male lead.

(I know this drama isn't finished airing yet but I wanted to write a review anyway. I'll probably edit this later.)

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I liked this drama because it's straight forward, I mean like it doesn't have any unnecessary scenes in the beginning like other dramas do. As per the story, it's great it does have a unique plot, although it's a little bit similar to MASTER'S SUN. This seems to be like Black which are same that can fortell a persons' death but do have difference in seeking death time. The acting is so-so. Lee Sung kyung nailed it! And so her partner do. I'm telling you this, Lee Sung Kyung is incredibly a goddess! The time thingy made me think that it's going to have a 'tragedy' tag. But so far, I recommend it.

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The pace of the drama was great which made the drama fun to watch. For a 16 episode drama the characters were developed enough to get to know who they are without it dragging on or being rushed. I would call this a perfect example of a "Bubble Gum" drama which is light, funny, and with a great cast.

Hwang Jung-eum is of course known for her comedic roles, and her character "Kim Hye Jin" is no exception. Her character is contrasted by her boss
Ji Seong Jun (Park Seo Joon) who honestly is kinda flat, but the actor makes it work. To off-set Seong Jun's character is Kim Shin Hyeok (Choi Shi-Won) who is the comedic relief when things get too "serious". Plus he helps all the characters break out of their insecurities one by one through jokes and funny antics.

The drama is great for flights, road trips, or killing time before your next awaited drama comes due to its funny nature and "rewachability". It has even been dubbed into Spanish and has aired in some Latin American channels.

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If you want to get into Crime Dramas then this is where to start. The actors and actresses are great and the pace of the drama is just right. It's a shame that they had to recast the character of Choi Ja-hye (main prosecutor) in the middle of the series since you do get accustomed to her acting and dry humor.

Characters that stood out was of course Choi Ja-hye (Go Hyun-jung ---> Park Jin-hee) for her dry humor and sarcasm, but Kim Hak-Beom (Bong Tae-gyu) was on a new level of asshole that really made you hate the character; in a good way. In addition, Geum Na-ra (Jung Eun-chae) might seem like a meek housewife at first, however she gets better as the episodes progress that you end up cheering for her later on. The story is definitely violent so make sure to keep that in mind, but other than that it's a 100% recommended series of "who killed who". Watching the characters dig themselves deeper into their own graves as they try to cover up past crimes and current accusations makes "Return" the more enjoyable.

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Going into this drama, I was unsure of how good it would be, as I generally am not a fan of child acting. All the acting was fantastic however, and every episode never failed to tug at my heart. I was so emotional watching this drama, and I could not wait for each episode to come out. Very binge-worthy, all around a great drama. I would 100% recommend this to people, especially if you like something that will stay with you for a long time. It was a drama that didn't require romance, as the deep connection between the mother and child was enough to bring tears. Such an amazing piece of filmogrpahy...

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This is an honest review of just the drama itself without comparison the novel because I haven't read it.

For me, Love O2O is a light, fluttering, college romance drama. I liked how mature the relationship between Xiao Nai and Bei Wei Wei despite having almost everyone around them against it. They never fought and they were so cute. The story is as predicted, prettiest girl + hottest guy, it is more realistic than the cliche: hottest guy and the ordinary one. I liked the friendships they had with their dormmates, the interactions and the funny scenes they had. Storywise, I'm giving it a 10/10 because I liked how simple and realistic it is, I liked seeing them in love (though they never exchanged ???), I liked the simple complications, the friendships and everything that happened in the story.

For the acting, I liked how Yang Yang portrayed the perfect character Xiao Nai, perfectly. A fictional character set the bar too high again. I'm pretty sure Xiao Nai is everyone's ideal guy. Let's just say the looks and skills are just plus points, the main reason why I really liked him is he is mature, soft, kind, understanding and gentle. Yes he is cold, but it's only to the girls who liked him and that's another plus points! It just shows that he will never look at anyone. Notice how he was to his friends, to his family and even to Beng Wei Wei's friends. He is really perfect!

As for Zhen Shuang, she is really pretty but I don't find it to that extent where everyone is almost drooling at you. She's really beautiful but everyone seems overreacting as if she was an angel that fell. She's also a little stiff and awkward. Plus everyone calls her sexy but I find her really thin? No hate, I love her and I loved how she portrayed the character. I'm just saying the flaw I've noticed. I don't know if it's the actress or the character Bei Wei Wei that didn't win me over.

The music was catchy but it was nice. I kept on remembering Love O2O whenever I insert my USB in the laptop because of the music it made. There was one OST that caught me but it was played in near the end part.

I would definitely rewatch it over and over again. But maybe I'll be skipping the part inside the online game. It was like a story inside a story. There were also a lot of side characters, not that I complain of, but I find it hard to remember that I kept on searching who's who. Until now that I finished all the episodes the only people I can remember are Xiao Nai, Bei Wei Wei, Erxi and KO.

For overall, I was satisfied with the drama. Well there may be few flaws but spending 3 days was worth it.

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I have rewatched this drama for about 3 times already. I need extra commitment to finish this drama at first but it got better after 10+ episodes. The bgm is not for my ears, I need to adjust my speaker several times throughout one episode bcs it is so loud. Not to mention how the support actors are really good at screaming.

As for the story, I feel like watching superhero story in historical version. Enemies come and go, our main lead is there to beat them.

I like how the main lead is potrayed as someone upright, brave, decisive and tactically smart but has soft heart and loves his people. Someone you need to become your leader nowadays. He has all the qualities to become leader, tho it is way too good to be true in reality.

Some people would find this drama is boring, especially if you love thriller. No, this drama is not for you. I, in the other hand, am not someone who like that intense feeling, I would rather find out the spoiler to the end than to withstand my curiosity. Most of this drama is about war, so don't ask for deep romance.

I love the conversation the most, no bluffing and very inspirational.

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All About My Mom, is truly about the mom, how much love and care she puts into her family even if she didn't always show it. It shows us viewers that there really is no place quite like home. You may get mad, throw fits of anger, scream or lash out at those you love when something gets to you but all in all it's b/c it's your home and you know you'll be forgiven. That doesn't mean it doesn't end up leaving you with regrets for the actions you've taken in the past or present, guilt for what you've done or said ladles you down but the love of your family embraces you for everything you are, both your good and bad sides, though it may hurt, the love sees through the harshness and sees the soul. Family is the one we hurt the most, but they are also the ones we love the most. Our worst sides and our best sides are shown to them.

Characters (My personal thoughts on them, my likes and dislikes):
----- Jin Ae: A daughter who grew up without receiving the desired attention and love that her brother received, felt alone and rejected. I've been a fan of Eugene since 'Loving You', she in my eyes is an astounding actress (will always be one of my favorites). I loved her character and I could easily sympathize with her. She loved her mom and just wanted to be loved by her (or shown it in a more affectionate way) and when she was given the short end of the stick seemingly every time she'd get angry and when her mom acted like a mom she'd get embarrassed b/c it was awkward for her. She admires her boss. Finds love in a "handy-man" lol - I personally really loved their story :)
----- Hoon Jae: Raised by a single mom in a rich home, he finds Jin Ae seeping into his heart and pursues her wholeheartedly ^_^ I loved this big lovable dork, a totally different side to Sang Woo then I have seen before - I especially liked those looks he'd give to his otherwise "rival" seriously so adorable, every-time he'd give that boyish look of competing to him I'd roll with laughter b/c of how funny it was and how adorable he looked. ^_^
----- Hyeong Gyu: I know this character received a lot of hate from the vast majority of the people who watched this drama but I honestly liked him for the most part, in the beginning he was stuck up and was only trying to reach one goal (riches) but when he settles down and starts to help Hye Joo, I really really liked his screen time and his character, he as his mom put it opened up his hardened heart. He does get on my nerves again soon after though and I almost started to dislike him a bit, but I was more disappointed with his actions than anything. His moments with those he cared for when he wasn't being rude was so precious in my eyes - especially in the last few episodes. So he was a favorite of mine.
-----San Ok Eomoeni: I loved her, I thought she was kind of mean in the beginning and not fair to her children, always favoring Hyeong Gyu and neglecting Jin Ae but as the drama unfolded my love for her character just kept growing, she was so precious and loved her children so much, and such a nice woman to all those who started to come into her family. The deepest character in the drama is her. She could make me cry with the things she said so quickly that at times I didn't even know I was being affected until my eyes started to burn and the tears started to fall. Such a powerful performance by this great actress. (she's become one of my favorite "mom" actors since I first saw her in 'Legendary Witch').
----- Chae Ri: Such a wild bright and engaging girl, I loved her sweetness and her rude charm lol, she knew what she wanted and she charged at it like no one else - easily slipping on shoes to fit her new environments without a care. Most of the drama I liked her alot - there were a couple scenes with her and Hyeong Soo that I thought were way too dramatic and all I could do was back up and laugh it off ( I honestly think the drama could have cut those overly dramatic scenes out of the drama and it would have made it better). She easily loved and cared for those in her life. A++
----- Hyeong Soo: For the most part he is a a sweet and kind guy but he had one major flaw that made me really dislike him for several episodes in the latter half of the drama - a HUGE inferiority complex - big self-pity. It really really got on my nerves and I couldn't help but call him pathetic and even a looser at times b/c of that attitude. But when he wasn't in that complex outfit he was a really great guy and I enjoyed every other scene with him.
----- Hye Joo: I liked her when she worked at the law office but she started to get on my nerves later on too, with her wimpy attitude of being such a fragile woman who cries at every turn and breaks with a little hard work (radish wrist -_-), she also had no discipline in her family with her son and her mother, she didn't set proper boundaries and rarely ever spoke her mind, she'd just tear up and whimper instead and that really got on my nerves, especially since her closed mouth ended up making Hyeong Gyu throw angry fits where it wasn't deserved. She was nice, but too meek. Her son was so sweet in the earlier episodes as well, but he also became a bit of a brat in the later ones (albeit his mom let him get away with it). Oh and I couldn't believe her and her mom wanted people to eat their very bad tasting food.
----- Dong Chool: I really did not like this character at all. He was such a flirt, always lost money, and even down to the way he moved, talked, laughed and dressed annoyed me lol (I've seen this actor in other shows so I was surprised with the character he portrayed in this drama - his acting was great but I hated his character). I don't think I could respect such a "father" or such a "husband". He was such a mama's boy that his wife struggled all her life - even after his mom had died. And who in their right mind would put up such a huge picture of their mother in their bedroom?!! So creepy! That did not belong in there at all.
----- Yeong Seon: Hoon Jae's mom, I really liked her in the beginning, but later on she gets SO jealous, at first I was amused at her jealousy, but then she started to act so childish b/c of it that I got annoyed at her attitude toward Jin Ae. I never hated her though and I still found her amusing with her jealously at times. I'm just glad this didn't go on for the whole drama b/c that would have been terrible lol - Overall she's a very nice person who just happened to be jealous when it came to her son.

Music was nice, I knew a lot of the background songs and the theme songs were nice as well.

I might re-watch this sometime in the future. I definitely recommend it to those who love family dramas.

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I know this is too fast to write a review. But i can't hold it. Even i've only watch the first 4 episodes but i know it would be a masterpiece. Damn, when i watch this drama my heart beats faster (*the last time i felt like this is when i watch 'Voice'). I don't know why, i think i just can feel what the victims felt when they met the murder. But my heart beats faster not only when they show the 'murder' it also when the main leads is looking each other. This drama is absolutely my type. The point is YOU ALL HAVE TO WATCH IT, I swear you won't regret to watch it, if you like a Romance-thriller-action drama!

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