Reviews

Quantity over quality!

People say: Less is more. Now, Vincenzo is THE prime example of that! First, the ONLY thing that saved this show from being boring hot garbage is the acting and Inzaghi. He was the best character on the show.? Jokes aside, I love mafia stories and Vincenzo had a huge potential to be a fantastic show, but it isn't! Why? Well, 20 episodes are too much, especially if every episode was just as long as a whole movie. If every episode had been 40 minute long, now that would make the show much better. Also, I really liked the action, and most of the drama parts of the story. The chemistry between the characters, not just the two main lead, were great. Some comedic scenes were funny, but most of them were over the top and totally unnecessary. Sometimes it felt like the show is more of a mafia genre parody. Where this show really shines is the action and the couple of dramatic scenes, like the stories with the parents. Song Joong Ki as Vincenzo is absolutely perfect, he was really charismatic, badass, funny, and he was great in the dramatic scenes too. Jeon Yeo Been as Cha Young was almost as good as Joong Ki, their chemistry was great, but because of the lazy writing her character felt too much sometimes. I liked the side characters too in the house, but like I said, they were the comedic side of the story and sadly, it was too much most of the time.

What irritates me the most is that they had more than 25 hours to wrap up the story, but they still managed to include like 3 or more different stories in one episode. I don't mind if they want to include the love story, I liked them together, but if you want them to be together, why do it in the last 5 minute? Makes zero sense. I could mention like 10+ plot holes, but it would take a day to write everything down. Honestly, sometimes I felt, they just wanted a show with cool action scenes, but they forgot to do something with the characters. Disappointing, really. This show is what I call OVERRATED!

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Everything about this Drama is average

Average!!

I had huge expectation from this drama but end up being dissappointed.Everything about this Drama is average.

I dont have any issue with story line or ending for that matter. But acting from both leads are so below average , i cant even root for characters.

I was expecting some good direction . This drama tries too hard, end up achieving average product.

Story on paper sounds good but that didn't translate onscreen screen properly.

*Sigh* Wasted opportunity to create Nice healing drama.

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Don't Watch this if you have read the Webtoon, If Not You are good to go.

As someone who has read the Doona Webtoon I can clearly say this is nowhere near the Original work. The whole freakin story has been changed.

But if you watch this as a independent story this is quite good till the last episode.

The Drama is hugely dependent on Suzy and Yang Sejong who did their part of the job brilliantly. You can just watch this drama solely for their chemistry.

Another good Thing about the drama is the Visuals they left no frame incomplete, every frame was like an artwork.

But if you really want to know about Doona and Won Jun just read the Webtoon it's just on an another level of storytelling and characters just make sense.

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Annoying privilege

I'm late to the BL world and keep discovering actors I've never heard of and then have a list of dramas I need to find. This is no exception. Chimon (Sailom) is great. The expressions he has and the sincerity (it seems to me) with which he is portraying his clever, struggling, dignified character has pulled me into this story. In some scenes I hardly notice Perth (Kang) (sorry!). I'm not saying he can't act, just that his on-screen partner is really good.

The first few episodes made me feel so uncomfortable that I wasn't sure I wanted to continue. The bullying was nasty (obviously) and borderline sexual. The bully wanted power and worship, but deep down (as is sometimes the case) wanted to be noticed and cared for by someone...anyone.... It got better as it progressed.

The stark difference between a life of privilege and one of struggle made me angry. I know it happens in reality, but I was still angry!

As the drama progressed, I still wasn't sure if I would finish it, as Kang annoyed me so much (Perth's acting continued to be great).

What I liked: the grandmother - she's a smart cookie. Chimon's acting and his character, Sailom. The chemistry between Chimon and Perth was clear and there were a few scenes where they seemed to be having fun and there was real laughter. Loved Auto. Loved the side couple: Nawa and Guy - I didn't see that coming until it happened....

What I didn't like: the bullying

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Fallen star done right

This is another one of those dramas that just draws you in and before you know it it is over...

To be honest we have seen this type of story before in several dramas, all rated highly by me, and all loved in their own little way. This drama does not have a lot to add to the lot of dramas of this type story wise even if it does have a slightly different angle and has the star fall a bit deeper than most other dramas do.

HOWEVER it does have Suzys amazing acting, singing and all round awesomeness.

It also has really beautiful cinematography a bunch of lovely friendships and extreamly few moments of annoying.

The biggest downside of this drama is it leaving me wanting more, as well as the high age of the actors supposed to play 21 yearolds (not very believable, sorry). However the acting, chemistry, kissing, emotions are all spot on and I loved pretty much every second of watching the interactions between the leads and the second female lead.

Definitely a drama worth watching for all those who can appreciate watching falling star dramas and can handle some darkness and spunk.

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Drama that stirred dialogue and shed light to important issues

D.P. has managed to capture a great balance in portraying the battle of wrongdoing and righteousness of a dysfunctioning system. We peek at the cruelty of humanity and find the goodness of the human heart on the other side of it. D.P. has been one of the top 10 dramas of the year in South Korea, and for a reason. Even though the scenes are dramatized (a bit too much for my taste during the climax), the issues raised are very real and partly also based on the real-life events. The story also sheds light to the human's natural tendencies to build hierarchies, we vs. them mentality and to ostracize those who we deem different. Going against the current not only calls for strength and courage, but the right resources as well. Sometimes we find ourselves helpless against the greater forces. When we witness unkindness and unfairness, even cruelty, we can feel small and frightened in the front of it all. Quilt follows us for not noticing, not speaking, not acting.

How much can one person do to change the system? How many victims are needed for someone to care enough to act?

From a society to the system, all the way to a one individual, D.P. looks at all the layers of our world. "What makes a monster and what makes a man?" is pondered throughout the 6 episodes. Is violent rage justified if you have been drove to it? Is abuse okay as long as no one intervenes?

D.P. tackles big issues skillfully, both those of more concrete and visible, to the deeper philosophical questions. The raw and beautiful cinematography greatly complements the themes and offers the cast a perfect stage for splendid performances. Humour is dark and witty, action is there when called for, and a pause on a perfect moment lets the message sink into the viewer's heart. Very graphic, dark and even brutal at times, it wants to shake the viewers from their utopias: sorrow, abuse, and cruelty exists in those nooks and corners we choose not to notice.

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This drama was such a Massive Let Down

in all honesty, i can't believe i gave up sleep for this drama, eagerly waiting for the characters to develop some sense eventually, but that never happened, and according to other reviews, it never will.

I thought that by watching this, I'd get a better understanding about marriage dynamics, and it would start an important discussion amongst viewers, but this drama was as shallow as a kiddie pool for people that don't even know how to swim. Can't emphasize my disappointment enough, its like this drama was created by a couple of woke college seniors, and after watching a couple trash tv shows, they all banded together to create a senior class project with the delusion that now they have life all figured out; too bad trash begets trash.
This show pretty much follows two main couples around: Michi and yo, and Kaede and Makoto. Michi & Makoto work at the same job, which is how they were able to develop a comradery outside the workplace. In the beginning, and all through watching, I supported their friendship, because who else can they talk to? so much potential in this budding friendship was lost, as i completely expected in depth conversations about marriage as a whole, but my expectations were too high for this drama.

I could tell how much Makoto craved connection, like a loyal dog that anxiously awaits his master's return. Not that Makoto is innocent in all this, but he was pushed towards it. He had been neglected for so many years, that in the one moment that he gets a chance to relieve himself of all the sadness(referring to the scene of Makoto and Michi at the spa), he can't help himself. Pushing someone out of their comfort zone and inadvertently almost cheating, almost justifies Kaede lecturing Michi later on.

Kaede was out of line when she lectured Michi at that cafe, and I could tell that she only got upset because as much as Michi confessed to her, she realized that she had caused the exact same pain to Makoto, and I could sense that she understood that in that chapter of their lives, Michi understood and saw the pain in Makoto when Kaede refused to see it herself. I get that Kaede is hurt, but also self-righteous and deprecating. No, its not right to kiss married men, but Kaede acted like she had been in a loving relationship this whole time, as if everything wrong in her life was Michi's fault. This was extremely hypocritical.

I think its completely understandable to seek someone to talk to when you're going through a hard time, & that's exactly what Michi did, so the fact that other viewers are bashing her is beyond me. This is an extremely serious matter, that deserved to be handled with delicacy and understanding, so I really wish Michi would stop confiding in her coworkers who would constantly give her bad advice, when really they just gave the impression that they enjoyed good gossip. This would irk me the most, because she would always take their advice like a sheep that can't think for herself, and yet, she really deserved better.
She especially deserved a life partner that was honest, caring, and loyal.

By far, yo was the most selfish character in this entire drama. He would constantly make up excuses so he wouldn't have to have any conversations with Michi that made him uncomfortable, because that would be inconvenient for him. He reminds me of a child that only starts to change his behaviour when someone points out to him that his behaviour is wrong. If there was ever an better representation of someone that shouldn't have gotten married, yo would be it, as the entire time, he is always thinking about himself, and only starts reconsidering how he treats Michi only after cheating on her.

My overall consensus is that this drama absolutely did Not need to be made. Every character in this show is shallow and self-serving(save for Michi), none of the characters have any redeemable qualities, and it was such an utter disappointment. I really really don't recommend this to anyone.

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very romantic tender story

This drama really cool and I liked it so much ! All ! Haha the scenes, music, acting... acting is an other things ! Actors played very good on high level! I felt so huge romantic while watching this series )) so much love and tenderness!..
But personally found only few moments I don't like ... about them later ,but at all, the series is pretty cool and warm ! I advice to watch it ! Also well added music which very harmoniously convey the feelings thro ...
Nothing wana say bad , the story is good and Shin Yu with Hong Jo have a real chemistry while playing together )) ( very good acted Rowoon ))) but ...why always good guy falls in a dumb girl ? Lol , she made many mistakes , she too loyal and naive and ain't that smart , she easily believes to anyone and getting in trouble then but Shin Yu falls in her ! This drive me crazy! Why dirictors always made that main lead smart character falls into a dumb girl ?! Or it's a trend in Korea ...? This is sucks , I think this is only one thing is sucks in that drama ! ..
Ps I understand that if a girl were there a smart maybe will not some kinda interesting to watch it bc will b so "ideal " but in same time I think that they can play with scenario to make it too cool with a smart female lead role ..
Also when Shin Yu got stambed a lil, Hong Jo jus looked at him and cried...while she can jus call for doctors quickly ! ..no logic here guys , u can cry when he die but while he didn't u must to save him first!.. this was stupid ...
Didn't like the scenes where Shin Yu jus played with Hong Jo's heart bc of his ideas about Na Yeon and Hong Jo jus .. easily accepted that ...idk what kind girl u should to be but .. normal girl will never "wait " untill the guy were there finish his games with one and comes to u ..no games guys , if u break up u break up ...if u can't handle with one why u looking for another ? That's unrespectable male behavior for a women and females dumbness.. ain't good at all ...
And Kwon Jae ..acted like she's a thing ..."if he didn't marry u, call me "... For me it's disrespectful also , it's like u choose a fruit in the market and if somebody will not buy it u gonna buy it then , ofcoz without really give a choice to the fruit bc the fruit is no soul ...
I understand his feeling too, he gave up but in same time he is not and still waiting for opportunity.. but for him better to forgot her ..like no chance there at all he must understand it ..
This Kdrama has for sure high rewatch ! Enjoy it guys !

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All time favourite boys over flowers adaptation

I think of all the BOF adaptations, a majority of the community will fall into either the Taiwanese adaptation or the Japanese one. I consider both of them the OG's, before being really popularized by the Korean adaptation.

I will preface, there are some heinous things that were done in the series (the extreme bullying, SA, blackmail etc...), and if this were to come out today, I'd bet my money it would have has some pretty bad backlash. A impoverished student falling for her abuser? No thanks. But, I do give it leeway given it is an adaptation from a manga from 1992.

Despite all of these remakes over the years, (I've watched all of them), I always find myself comparing it to this Japanese version, and also find myself coming back to it time and time again. This one will always hold an incredibly special place in my heart. I found that the casting was perfect, and the acting was incredible. Mao Inoue and Jun Matsumoto are literally living forms of the manga, and their facial expressions are legendary.

It's so easy to fall in love with the leads here, and the chemistry they have on screen is palpable. They make you laugh, they make you cry, and they stay with you forever.

To tie everything together, the OST contains 2 of my all time favourite songs. Legends Ai Otsuka singing Planetarium and Hikaru Utada singing flavour of life which are absolutely beautiful and gut punching songs that continue to remind me of this drama every time I hear them.

Even as we continue to introduce future adaptations to BOF, and as video quality gets better, I think I will still always come back to this version, and live out the love story between them here. At the end of the day, it's a timeless classic, and I don't think that will ever change.

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Good, Not Great

There's so much that I could say about this series, but to sum up the majority of my feelings, this wasn't that bad. But it wasn't remarkable either. The romances were kind of all wacky, with rushed endings with barely any of their conflict resolved or developed. But again, it was cute, it was entertaining enough, and Lee Ye Hwan, including Park Chang Hoon were a sight for sore eyes, so that's always a plus.

Let's Dive In.

Okay, so I honestly wouldn't call this a remake cause it doesn't feel like one at all. I would say it's loosely inspired by the original Thai version with the same name, but if comparing it to the original, then a lot of things were taken out, added in, and just completely forgotten about. There were more than a few times that I was confused about who was interpreting Safiah/Zon and Fighter/Tutor. Finally got it by like episode 3/4, but that's why I say this isn't necessarily a remake because they changed up quite a few things that made the original couples who they were. For example, Fighter and Tutor were the ones with the script reading make-out session, except in this one, the pairing impersonating Safiah/Zon's storyline were the ones who had that similar scene. So I was confused for a while. Now if you haven't watched the original, then it's fine, because this shows its own story without the need to watch anything beforehand, however, for me, it's hard trying not to compare what's the same and what's different.

Leewon and Ji-Oh's relationship was probably my favorite. I liked the way everything was playing out until the end when we got conflict for the sake of conflict for it then to have no resolution and the characters are just okay again. And like in the original, Leewon's sister writing a bl novel for her brother is so weird, I just can't comprehend why a sister would want to write about her brother in that way.

Sunwoo and Yookyeom's relationship was really cute, but again, really all over the place with its conflict. Like them having a fight at the bus stop and then Sunwoo showing up at his house unannounced and kissing him. Huh? Okay. But that's alright because but leads are handsome, with Changhoon catching my attention almost immediately.

Ratings:

Story: 7/10 - Good, but not great. A bit rushed and some plot points don't make a whole lot of sense.

Acting: 8.5/10 - great! If not better than that! I think they all played their roles neatly and with little problems.

Music: 6/10 - Didn't pay attention to it which means it's not distracting.

Recommendation value: 7/10 - Eh, it's okay. But it's cute and didn't take that long to watch so go for it. Also, they have so very more-than-decent kissing scenes, which is always a plus.

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Could have been much better at only 12 episodes

I'll start this review by saying this is only my personal opinion, so I would appreciate if people would refrain from being ugly. This review is also full of spoilers, so if you don't want to know them, don't read past the portion about what I liked about the show.

What I liked:
1) Rowoon - visually and professionally. I felt that his portrayal of Shin Yu was very understated, yet he put his emotions out there when it mattered. The episode where they FINALLY explain the back story fully (maybe episode 12?) was wonderful. You could feel his love and despair. When he was uptight and self-centered, he was funny in a non-over the top way. Once he and the FL got together, I loved their chemistry and the cuteness factor. And the costumers did an awesome job with his wardrobe.
2) Bromance between ML and 2ML - they were antagonistic, but their encounters with one another were always amusing.
3) Chemistry between ML and FL - yup.
4) The CONCEPT of the script. The idea felt original and interesting when reading the synopsis and watching the trailers.
5) I like how they resolved the "curse".
6) The fireworks scenes, just beautiful. The costuming in the historical part of the drama. The cinematography in the snow (the spreading of the blood) in the historical part was beautiful.

SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS!

What I didn't like:
1) The EXECUTION of the script. The whole thing felt very repetitive. The storylines ran on too long. Especially the stalker storyline. How many different scenarios did they come up with for him to get away, be on the loose, and terrorize her? I mean, how many times did she really need to break up with him "for his own good"? This would have been more compelling if the script had been tightened up.
2) FL's character. I love Bo Ah as an actress. This character was working my last nerve. So many drunk scenes, and that was the only time she spoke up. She was just a pitiful doormat of a person, letting everyone walk all over her. Her trying to be cute when she was around someone she liked, changing her voice and her mannerisms. Then she moved WAY into stupid territory - which ended up making me angry, like yelling at the tv angry. There is a stalker out to kill her, yet she's alone in the park, alone at the hospital, alone in the neighborhood. He's tried numerous times to kill her, but by all means, open the door when he rings the doorbell! Then, when she finds Shin Yu bleeding in the stairway, she just spends an inordinate amount of time saying his name. Maybe you should call EMS? There was another time that she managed to drag his dead weight to the car (when she's half his size) to drive him to the hospital - wow, that's strong. Then the bleeding in the stairwell scene - not a character problem, but he'd have been dead if he'd lost that much blood.
Her constantly saying that she wasn't going to see him anymore for "his own good". Then, who drags someone all the way to the snow to break up with them??!?! That would have been an amazingly uncomfortable ride back to town.
3) Crazy gf, and I mean crazy!! I know that, for him, it was an arranged relationship, but she apparently didn't get the memo. That her behaviors were allowed to continue on through all 16 episodes was painful to watch.
4) Her coworkers. Oh my gosh!! They were awful! They were mean, loud, and entirely too over the top. Eventually I skipped their scenes, they were so intolerable. Also, there was no need to use up as much time as they did with the office romance of the bosses - no one cares.
5) His family - his mom was portrayed as an airhead, and his dad was just downright verbally abusive. In fact, there were an inordinate number of unlikeable characters in this show.
6) Costuming for the women - what is with the short shorts as work outfits? Then, add boots. Just not a good look.
7) The character of Shin Yu at times. I really didn't like how he kept breaking up with the GF but then kept meeting with her. He didn't say anything when a wedding date was sent. He knows that the gf is pretty much terrorizing Hong Jo, but doesn't really address it. Also, the way he allowed everyone, including his family, treat Hong Jo. I know that respect is valued in Asian cultures, but, to me, respect needs to go both ways. There were so many times that I was waiting for him to "man up", but he never did.
8) The relationship between the leads was very messy, I thought. Was he affected by the potion, was he not? Her becoming attracted to him - that didn't totally make sense either. Then they went from push and pull to not being able to be without one another and crazy in love. It didn't really flow well, I didn't think. That said, I loved their chemistry was lovely.

Should you watch it? Again, it's personal taste, but I found a lot to be lacking. But if you are all about Rowoon and can put up with a frustrating script, go for it!

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I really didn't like this

Okay. I've seen people justify the relationship portrayed in this series by linking it to BDSM practices and dom/sub roleplay. Right off the bat, I'm going to say I know very little about BDSM. But, as I understand it, it has very clear rules and sets firm boundaries in order to guarantee that both parties involved feel in control of their body and their autonomy. It uses safe words, and always respects consent.
This was not present in this series. There was no consent. Segasaki was grabbing Yoh and throwing him on the bed whenever he felt like it, without asking him if he even wanted to do that at that moment. He even ties Yoh up at one point, without consulting it first.
I'm confused about how they wanted me to feel about this couple. Should I ship them (I don't)? Should I be concerned for Yoh's safety (I was)? Should I find Segasaki's attitude attractive (I don't)?
Honestly, this was just incredibly hard to watch.
Yoh had no development at all. He's a very meek character, very soft-spoken, lets others walk all over him, and is easily influenced (or rather manipulated). He doesn't question Segasaki's possessiveness of him. He doesn't fight back when he's forbidden from seeing any other person that isn't Segasaki, be it a man or a woman, a friend or an acquaintance. He cooks for Segasaki (whatever food the latter asks for), and sleeps with him when the other feels like it. He doesn't even KNOW Segasaki likes him until the last episode or so - when Segasaki tells him directly (and Yoh thinks 'I thought I was worthless'). I'm just- this is so bad? Someone please save this man??
Yoh also never emotes. He has no emotions other than surprise, submission and slight joy (let's mention that the happiest I've seen him was when he was hanging out with his friend's husband). There's nothing else.
Segasaki is just despicable. Maybe it was intended, maybe it wasn't, but I just can't stand him. I've already said that, but he's so possessive and controlling and kind of uses Yoh like he's his personal toy. He's all over him when he's jealous of the 'editor' (which doesn't even exist), then ditches him and ignores him after a misunderstanding (and doesn't let Yoh explain anything). He tells Yoh his life is 'his', warns him not to 'run away' while on top of him and tying him up, and ends up blaming the misunderstandings they've had on Yoh (apparently he does things on purpose to confuse Segasaki and make him jealous. ...Okay).

So. I guess I didn't like this series. I actually kind of hated it. If its intention was to portray a toxic relationship, I don't think it was made clear enough. And if it was meant to represent BDSM, I think (again, not an expert) it was done poorly.

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What a messy drama

This drama’s only saving grace is Pakho Chau. The handsome owner of a cafe who is charismatic and friendly and awesome. Even when he goes into his vigilante mode to kill what he sees as bad people or “bad bugs”, I kinda found myself rooting for him. He already made the drama a 8/10, but then oh boy… the problems mount up like wtf.

The female lead is played by Venus Wong and her story is pretty sad, but I find her heighten senses and how she controlled them a little unbelievable. To dampen her powers she eats a ton of sweets, and to awaken them she drinks a lemon and salted water concoction. How in earth can she do this for years without suffering from diabetes or high blood pressure is beyond me, but the most ridiculous part is how - with her powers - she can walk into a room where a crime had happened and *feel* what happened there with the residual emotions left behind. She can get into the role of the victim or the perpetrator and deduce the perpetrator with said emotions. I kept on thinking: come on yo, if we wanted a superhero drama we would watch one, what is this? And of course, to force the tension, TVB had her paired with vigilante Pakho so he was constantly having to do this “hide emotions” thing or else she would sense his “evil” side and expose him. A predictable move and I saw it coming a mile away. The only other interesting characters for me was Jinny Ng as this really manipulative and vindictive bitch of a woman who tried to play with the people around her to see how far she could push people to do her bidding, and Mark Ma as this misunderstood working class loudmouth who actually had a heart of gold and was almost a victim of Pakho.

The writing I found was quite messy and the stories do not meld together well enough to form a cohesive whole. It just feels like lumps of stories thrown together at a wall and the screenwriters were hoping the main actors would keep the whole thing together, but it just doesn’t really work.

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I’m Only On Episode 10

I felt the need to write down my thoughts on Kiseki: Dear to Me, before Ep. 11 Drops.

I really look forward to the new episodes, each, and every week. The story is so good, the actors are superb, the characters and story are rich, full, and well-written.

This is one of those series that I wish would never end.

Kudos to all, who were involved with the making of this series, from the author to the director, and from the production company to the cast & crew.

I don’t think I’ll change my mind in the final episodes, I think my feelings and opinions will only be confirmed even more.

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