Reviews

couldn't praise this show enough.

100% positive review coming up.

this show resonated with me so much. the characters were so likeable and I felt anger, sadness and happiness all with these characters.
the show explores many different factors, from teenage love, teenagers struggles, to world struggles and world tragedies.

i love how the characters are so well written that i couldn't help but feel what they was feeling at the time, and the acting from the cast were impeccable.

na heedo and beak yijin. lets get into it,

1. na heedo, were introduced as this ambitions, independent and headstrong late-teens girl. heedos character is defo not one of the smartest people out there, but this created many laughable moments within the show. we get to grow with her, and see her teenage problems adapt into adult problems. I enjoyed getting to see her character mature but not lose her personality.
2. beak yijin, were introduced to this humble, mature and hard working character that has a really sad backstory, who's trying to rebuild his life. yijins character is nothing but loveable and we get to watch how he grows himself and his career, although he faces a lot of different issues ( one being heedo lol ) we still get to watch him become more financially stable.

the acting from the whole cast was commendable and the story was also amazing, id do anything to be able to watch this for the first time again.

the side characters
1. the side characters as a whole create a perfect balance of enjoyable and not so enjoyable moments. they create many happy, sad and even angry moments. I think ko yurims character development was really good, and the development of her and heedos relationship was really special.

overall... ( mega spoilers )
the story line of this kdrama was quite different, by making the two leads not end up together in the end. although I did shed a good few tears, I think there decision to not have them end together was amazing, it made the show different and memorable. I liked how this show explores a relationship that was just not meant to be. in my opinion, the idea of these two people sharing something so special that can't be categorised into any specific type of relationship is more beautiful than any romantic relationship out there.
this show demonstrated all different types of love, from friendship, relationships, siblings and the special bond between heedo and yijin. I liked the realness of this show, everything down from the relationship goods and bads to the affects of 911, the show really demonstrated all them issues really well. and
overall
if I could give this show a 100/100 I would

OMG the ost was also so good, a lot of the ost songs are still in my Spotify playlist.

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Soft & sweet rom-com with slice of life vibes

The drama tells the story of the female lead who moves to a new place and the male lead who is her neighbour. She hires him as a voice actor at her start-up company called "sweet games" (hence the title) for her game project. What she doesn't know is that the male lead (who is six years younger than her) has had a secret crush on her five years prior to their meeting.

The beginning of the drama didn’t grab me but after a few episodes I began to be invested in the story and really enjoy it. However around episode 18, a break-up happens and afterwards it got boring for me as there was no particular plot aside from work related issues. So the beginning and end of the drama are weak but the middle is super enjoyable to watch.

Overall, the drama is a mix of rom-com with slice of life. The male lead is adorable and for him and the cute interactions he has with the female lead, it's worth watching. The story follows a typical plot line so there is nothing extraordinary about it. Lots of parts are quite predictable but if you are looking for a soft and sweet rom-com with somewhat realistic work/life situations, you’d enjoy this drama.

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Ehh

So, this was on my plan-to-watch list for some time now, and seeing as I have plenty of that, I decided to finally give it a watch. Final conclusion: ehh. The plot involving Yuma was more fun than the actual leads of the show, but Ritsu is very beautiful, so I'll forgive it. The end of The World With You that SPOILER!! doesn't actually end. And I think the part that I'm most upset about is that it doesn't end and we're given a happily ever-after ending when I honestly wish it could been the opposite.

Let's Dive In.

So Yuma's plot was fun, the leads weren't bad, it's just their relationship was very toxic, so for me, not so fun to watch. Of course, people can change in a decade, so maybe Ritsu will turn out to be a better person, and I can kind of see the growth at the end, but still, dealing with that type of trauma in Matsumi's perspective must've been hard. Good thing he's not stubborn like I am.

Hmm, no wonder this show got good hype, didn't realize I was going to be watching PORN. But on a more serious note, the NC scenes were good, albeit maybe a little much for this series in particular. I also liked that they didn't play music in the background during their intimate moments, and we actually got to hear the ecstasy and all that jazz.

Ratings:

Story: 7.5/10 - Like I said, would've liked for the world to actually end, but that's a personal preference. I loved Yuma and I loved his story. I've read most of the theories on his character, and I believe all of them. Semi-god coming down to protect the earth, supernatural miracle boy -- all of it. And obviously, the NC scenes were good, again a little much, but good.

Acting: 9/10 - Great acting, especially from Toshiki (Matsumi) who did a fabulous job. Great growth between both leads and Sousyo (Yuma) was a freaking cutie.

Music: 7.5/10 - I liked the music that played at the end of each episode.

Recommendation Value: 5/10 - Didn't play out how I would've liked it to, so maybe not the first thing I'd recommend. Does have some pretty good NC scenes, so for someone looking to be horny, I'll recommend them this one.

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A boss, an employee, and a whole lot of feelings

I wanted to love this one, I really did. I'm a sucker for a good office romance, but something about this just didn't hit quite right.
There isn't really any specific thing that's done wrong or any story-telling choices that I found offensive. Hell, I even quite liked the characters, especially Seo Ji Yeon. But despite it all, I just couldn't get into it.
Maybe it was the drunken kiss between the two leads (which I'd go so far as to call dub-con, despite how wholly consensual and reciprocal their relationship is afterwards) that put me off, or maybe it was Kim Jong Chan's somewhat exaggerated innocence.
Whatever the case, it simply didn't work for me.
If you're looking for a simple office romance with a happy (and admittedly very sweet) ending, you might find this an enjoyable way to spend 120 minutes. If you want something more complex then I'd give this one a miss.

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Triple-Faceted 'Mask Girl': A Riveting Tapestry of Stellar Performances

Mask Girl' is a testimony to the art of storytelling that quickly captures our attention and has us demanding what's next. Three portrayals of Kim Mo Mi weave a rich mosaic of character depth. Newcomer Lee Han Byeol is stellar as the original Mo Mi, with a multifaceted portrayal of a character battling inner demons, masked confidence on the internet, and vulnerabilities in the real world, setting a high bar. Her poignant interactions with the veteran Ahn Jae Hong - who himself delivers a transformative performance - create moments of palpable tension.

The always impressive Go Hyun Jung further solidifies Mo Mi's persona, delivering those tender moments with Kim Chun-Ae that pierce through the story's eerie ambiance. In Go Hyun Jung, we see a tougher yet happier Mo Mi. And Nana's rendition as the final Kim Mo Mi demands applause. Tackling physical and emotional transformation with finesse, she brings a heightened intensity to the role, as we're never quite sure what she's thinking. Her commitment to the physical demands of the character and the believable emotional metamorphosis she undergoes stand out, proving her versatility as an actress.

Speaking of Ahn Jae Hong, while his commitment to his role is evident, there are fleeting moments where he briefly surfaces from the depths of his character — a minor nuance in an otherwise captivating performance.

One cannot discuss 'Mask Girl' without hailing Yeom Hye Ram. Not just a special mention but an indomitable force, her portrayal of Joo Oh Nam's mother is breathtaking. Her sheer range, from fiery rage to moments of delicate vulnerability, showcases her exceptional talent.

The drama does a commendable job of interweaving humor amidst its dark themes. Little Mi Mo's enactments - be it as Mask Girl in various scenarios, reporters, or victims - add a touch of unexpected hilarity, a testament to the drama's brilliant writing.
The seven-episode arc maintains a good pace, even though certain time jumps might disorient a few. It smartly distances itself from mainstream prison portrayals, focusing more on individual character arcs than systemic rot, ensuring a unique viewing experience.

Conclusively, 'Mask Girl' isn't your feel-good K-Drama. It delves into the macabre, the gruesome, and the unsettling. But this is a must-watch for those seeking a show that isn't about candy-floss romance or visual spectacles (both of which I adore!) and is more about a thrilling, raw, emotional rollercoaster.

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A decent remake, yet incomplete

This remake has some similarities with the original but switched out most of the testosterone, impulse, lack of consent and lust with a whole lot of found family, slices of life, fluff and dare I say romance.

Do not get me wrong there is still the need to own the other person and signs of addiction towards each other, just not as hard core and where there once was pinning down, and more or less kidnapping we now have playful games and kisses on the cheek.

How this made it though the notorious hands of Chinese censorship is beyond me but I thank who ever let the obvious gayness slide and called it "bromance" instead. there are som pretty decent friendships, an odd use of crossdressing, and whole lot of meals. The star of this show is however the boys little sister.

The things that drag down the score are the over use of flash backs and never ending montages, the uneven pacing and odd ending leaving me with a feeling of incomplete, which is a bit to bad.

All an all a decent watch but just a little bit incomplete...

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We are kindred spirits, you and I

A sweet and genuine high-school romance with a refreshing twist.
This show picks up where most other romances end - at the beginning of our main characters' relationship. Instead of exploring the typical highs and lows of falling in love for the first time, this story shows us two kids trying their hands at being in a relationship for the first time and their earnest and consistent efforts to navigate this bewildering maze together, ideally while holding hands.

You will find no villains in this story, no big evil to overcome, no dramatic separations, no tragic incidents to tear our leads apart. What you will find, however, are a cast of charming and lovable characters, a well-written well-paced and often genuinely hilarious script, and standout performances from both leads and several supporting characters (here's to you Katori, here's to you). The characters all feel solid and real and the dialogues are both fun and true to life, so much so that I found myself reminded of conversations I used to have with my high school friends, which was genuinely delightful.

All in all this show serves as a welcome change of pace for the high-school romance genre. If you are looking for a quick and easy show to watch on a cozy weekend on the couch or if you are someone who likes romantic comedies that are grounded in realism without getting to dramatic, then this one is for you.

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Confused Bisexual Everywhere - And I Love It!

Watching this show made my cold dead heart grow several sizes.
As I've gotten older I've found it more and more difficult to truly connect with the characters in many high-school stories. I very much did not have that problem here.
Rarely have I seen such a profoundly meaningful story with such deeply lovable and realistic characters which weaves together humour and charm with genuine emotion so seamlessly.
I have truly and irreversibly fallen for each and every one of these characters. They are real kids with real flaws who try their absolute hardest to learn and grow and make things better no matter how hard it gets and after watching this show I would not hesitate to defend each of them with my life.

The story also tackles big questions such as - What does it mean to love someone? What makes us who we are? When we fall for someone, do we fall for their body or their soul or both at the same time?
It does this with great care and sensitivity and specifically uses the body-swap trope to emphasise that we are more than just our bodies, but that we are intrinsically linked to them at the same time. That loving someone no matter what shape they may take and loving someone for exactly who they are in the exact body they're in, are both important and valid and are not mutually exclusive. Having these topics addressed in such an open and compassionate way is important and meaningful not only for kids trying to find their place in the world, but also for trans people such as myself.

In short: This is a story about friendship, about learning what it means to be true to yourself, to be who you are unapologetically, and about being unafraid to change either yourself or the world or both at the same time.
A true triumph of a show that will appeal to anyone who has ever known what it feels like to grow and change and experience feelings that seem to big and vast for their body to contain. Go watch it.

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Healing comfort drama

2nd greenest couple to watch out for 2023, i love a strong fl not so hyper and a very mature ml,the characters are all well written the relationship and bond itself is so comforting that you can't help watching how they grow their love for each other,i will definitely rewatch this again, i thank god that mdl recommended this to me lin yu jing is the fl i am looking for in every youth drama i've watched so far. The storyline between her parents are realistic as that really happens in real life, i love how the show emphasize that yu jing and shen juan are each other's comfort whatever happens they will face it head on together. Thet have such an open minded and healthy relationship, I can't say anymore but this is really a must watch!!

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Shin Hye Sun did it again! BUT not a great storyline/ending

Imma keep this short and simple.
As an avid drama fan, a great drama includes multiple factors. With modern production companies and high quality VFX renderings, the cinematography is great; however, for a fantasy drama as 19th life, the storyline felt incomplete. I haven't read the webtoon so I am only judging based on the storyline of the drama.

The storyline started out great, entailing the details and explicit things that a viewer should know while keeping us guessing for more. I was genuinely excited. The flirting and butterflies within the drama--hands down to Shin Hye Sun for her AMAZING ACTING! Arguably one of the best actresses, and hands down to every moment of her, laughing, crying, FLIRTING, SCREAMING, ugh, just unbelievable performance. Have always loved her ever since Angel's last mission.

HOWEVER, there are things that got me so confused as to why it was even important or relevant, which sucked because the drama started out SO GOOD, and just crashed within a matter of minutes.

**MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD [read at your own discretion]**





My main questions have to do with why the uncle even got involved in such a thing as the car crash, and his excuse was because he loved the mother??? I'm sorry but why are we supposed to care? Either the writer didn't flesh his character out enough or there's something I'm missing?

Another thing is why did the guy in the first life help FL to that extent? I get that they wanted to paint a twist and act as if he was bad or something, but tbh there wasn't really a real villain, nothing exciting about the villain. Usually, I would salute an antagonist for portraying something morbid or wicked, but this dude really didn't have any of that. He was just there watching the people around him, then giving hints to the FL and didn't explain anything else. And all of a sudden the FL feels like she has so much to do with him, which she did, but it was so short lived, I really didn't get the point of him at all.

---

Anywho, I loved the cast and the acting, the character developments for the main leads were excellent. Just there were quite a few things that I felt could have definitely been better executed/elaborated. It just didn't feel complete and suddenly, which is quite sad, I felt like became a waste of time. :(

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Made my heart dance

What an utter joy this one was to watch.
Breathtaking visuals and lovely music underscore and enhance this beautiful, incredibly well-acted story. The writing is excellent, from the realistic and oftentimes genuinely hilarious dialogue, to the cleverly-utilised symbolism. The "red thread of fate" theme is woven into the story seamlessly and effectively and even made me tear up over a simple pinkie promise.
I also didn't think I'd ever feel particularly emotional about hard-boiled eggs, but here we are.
This is a deeply charming story about two people who utterly and completely fail to be normal about anything ever (in the best way possible, I promise) and still manage to find and hold onto each other in spite of every obstacle in their path.

If you're looking for a quick and easy watch with solid writing and gorgeous visuals, about two people and a love that all feel deeply real, then I cannot recommend this show more highly.

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BURN TWIN SWAPS!

I absolutely HATE twin swap. It's a horrible plot, tricks and hurts so many people, and is so weird when the ML meets the twin.

The ML is terrible, and the excuse for the cohabiting was poor (most of them are, but idk why this one bothered me). I don't know, I think that if I watched this 2 years ago I would've loved it, but since then there have been so many good clichés but well-written dramas that I can't overlook how awful their development was.

I wouldn't recommend watching it. But if you, like me, have apparently watched every single Chinese drama on earth, then this is a good almost last choice.

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Again, Miao Yi is incredibly funny. If you want a funny, smart, and kind character that doesn't feel forced or even stupid, she's the right fit.

And the male lead, oof, I've been obsessed with Zhou Yiran since FIYS for absolutely no reason. His acting skills are amazing and his character here is so cool and serious that is heart-melting when he starts falling for Su Zaizai. I'm looking forward to his next work.

The storytelling in this drama is great, the writers were able to capture their growth through time very subtly, it's just like watching them grow and mature in front of our eyes, especially romantically.

The second leads have some amazing stories. Normally, I find it very hard to get involved in SLs stories, but not in this drama. The writers didn't only give them a relationship out of nowhere just to say they did it (something like this happened in Exclusive Fairytale, Miao Yi's new drama), all of the supporting characters have depth and we get to know them well.

Honestly, Friends to Lovers isn't my trope, but this C-drama flew fast to my top 3 favorites of all time.

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