Reviews

Gripping, solid, a little rough around the edges

I loved the pace, length, a visceral quality of this series. At just eight episodes, the story starts at a sprint and never really slows down. The weakest section is definitely the middle, but it doesn't last long, and I think the ending is solid. What a joy to watch something completely engrossing over eight episodes and then be DONE.

Yoon Ji Woo is well played, although a bit challenging to connect with at times. She is so broken and inhuman sometimes that you're not sure if you're watching a human or an animal. I know that this is a major part of the plot (what price would you pay for revenge?) but it does create some barriers between her and me as an audience member. I do think that her intense emotional lows and her pain are really viscerally acted here, every grunt of pain and scream of horror and sob comes across so realistically. I think that her fighting was also believable.

I really enjoyed the rest of the cast. Park Hee Soon was magnetic as the powerful crime ring leader Choi Moo Jin, and I enjoyed the solid presence of Ahn Bo Hyun as Jeon Pil Do. I felt like the cast overall had really strong chemistry and played off each other really well.

The production quality is high and the cinematography is very good. There were some really memorable still shots, as well as very kinetic fight sequences. The direction and production really sold me on the world, but the opulence and griminess of it.

Overall, would definitely recommend. It's a little more fast and loose than some other trillers I've seen recently, but it's energetic, nasty, propulsive and QUICK. A real gut punch of a show. I binged the whole thing in a day because I just couldn't stop watching, I was so in suspense and invested.

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WHAT A FUN RIDE!!!!!

Can i just say that compared to all the e-games drama that i've watched that this one really digged deep?
The character development was really something that i did not expect. That goes for everyone, including the supporting roles in this amazing drama.

First of all, as a gamer i was so amazed on how the action scenes within the game are something that i would actually see (most of it, atleast) inside the game. They stayed true to that and i can see that they really payed attention to each and every detail. I loooooved loved loved that factor.

Second, almost all the characters were flawed w/ means they were very easy to relate to. I can especially relate to what Su Jia Yi's line on their last game where she knows she has to put more effort given that she is a woman and we all know there is a prejudice towards women in gaming up to this date. She was really likeable. I loved her.


Lastly, This is longer and deeper in storyline compared to other egames genre but to those who are wondering if they should watch it. You should!! It's soooooo damn goooood ??

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Just a toxic drama with weak leads

This is my first time to rate a series this very low. I hate how the storyline goes, but here are my comments:

- Both character of the leads were weak. The FL is a pushover, pitiful and just frown on the side. Like come on, why would you push yourself to live in the guy's home at the very least. She's so troublesome and her acting was really off.
- There's no chemistry for both leads. I don't feel the care from ML towards the FL and vice versa.
- Nothing but a toxic storyline, focused on the love of the ML to his past lover.

I really tried to bear watching this series but I came to understand why other stations did not accept this to air way back 2018.

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Yeah i admit it, i fell in love with this teleserya.Although i am more into the old-school soap opera tropes i do appreaciate cheesiness when its done right.In this case the story line was done perfectly in just 10 episodes with the perfect cast to deliver it. Donny and Belle had the CHEMISTRY to make us feel kilig (romantic thrill) in their every scene together. I love how their characters went from enemies-to friends-to lovers. Donny`s character Dieb Enrile really grew on the viewers,he fell much early in love with Belle`s character Maxpein.God how much he courts,chases and loves her throughout this story,near the end he also tells her with tears in his eyes how much it hurts.His character reminds me of another badboy character from a filipino teleserya with the name Gino.Although Gino was more selfish and wicked in character from the start,he grows to become his female leads most ardent, relentless and humble lover. Maxpein herself wasn`t a bad heroine,i almost crushed on her myself since she is such a badass who stood up against Dieb with dignity when he bullied her...while also stealing his heart.

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Loved it!

I love this drama! again this in my favourites rewatch list. I found this to be a very deep drama with a very slow romantic storyline. There's no witty comedy in this drama but you will find the odd joke to break the ice.

This was my first drama watching Wallace Chung (Xu Ling Yi) and Seven Tan
(Luo Shi Yi Niang) their acting in this drama was really good the chemistry really bounced off on another. I really hope I get to see them in another historical drama together.

This is a story about a young woman who is forced into being a concubine. We watch from start to finish on her trying to maintain role within the family.

This drama can come across being slow but it is one definitely to carry on watching. Every actor played their role really well superb acting. Each one played there part to keep this great story going..

Ionly had one issue with this drama I felt that the ending was rushed! I'd like to of found out what happened more within the family.

Like I said at the beginning this drama is in my top rewatch list so I definitely recommend it

PS
If you love some drama soundtracks you will love this one...

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Weak writing and surface-level characterizations

I enjoy deep, meaningful slice of life interactions such as those in When The Camellia Blooms, Hospital Playlist, and Because This Is My First Life. In comparison, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha was a failed attempt. The script was written without the use of metaphors or stories, only direct, curt lines that are delivered as if spoken by an immature teen. There is zero wit, description, or complexity, which is the whole point of character-driven dramas. The only breath of fresh air was the backdrop of the beautiful seaside town of Pohang, which provided a light, airy feeling to each camera shot.

The directing and writing suffers from flawed execution. Either the cheese factor is overdone and cringey, or an unnatural indifference washes over the characters. For instance, when someone is in tears and pain, the other character just watches them in silence for five seconds before any kind of touch happens and even then, it's the type of pat you give someone who dropped their ice cream, not when there is actual trauma. Characters respond with trivial lines that sound something like, "It will be OK," and that's it. There are no further connections, words of wisdom, or stories shared in those meaningful moments. Characters are robbed of the chance to show how they are feeling, how they have grown, or how they are affected by what is going on. We are left to wonder what else they are thinking in their heads.

The lack of characterization also affects the story itself. The plot challenges in the first 3/4 of the show feel trivial because of the lack of follow-through on character growth and reflection. Even serious issues are glossed over and cut short. It isn't until the last few episodes that the writer suddenly decides to explore dramatic back stories and character development. The time in the first part of the show is wasted.

The actors try hard, but I bet even they were cringing at the script. Shin Min Ah plays Hye Jin as your classic cool-but-conceited woman, which could have worked had we actually been shown her inner thoughts and transformations. However, I like that in this role and others, she plays a smart person as opposed to a damsel in distress. Kim Seon Ho as Doo Shik comes across as overly breezy, hollow, and idealistic for far too much of the story, until the end bits. When we finally learn about his past, the weak script and characterization lets us down once again with more meaningless, "It will be OK,"*pat*pat* lines. I enjoyed Lee Sang Yi as the TV producer. He brought charisma and energy to his flat character. I liked that both male leads were good people. Finally, a shout-out goes to supporting actors In Gyo Jin as the bumbling District Head, and his strong, kind ex-wife played by Lee Bong Ryun. Of all the characters, they had the greatest number of heartfelt, meaningful interactions. The rest of the townspeople were one dimensional or just plain annoying. What a shame that this was the case.

In the end, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha paints with hollow, cringey, sepia-sweet colors to create nothing more than a postcard with no message. Although the actors tried to deliver, the writing, directing, and lack of characterization ruined its potential.

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At last something different

I got curious about this series when I saw the poster, showing middle-aged and elderly people, something unusual for Chinese dramas these days. I had not watched Chinese series in quite some time, really tired of the twenty-something surgeons, CEO's, lawyers, hardened police detectives, etc....Ridiculous. The ageism in Chinese shows really got bad these last years. That's also the reason why my friends in China, all above 45, usually don't watch Chinese series anymore. But here we have something fresh and to a certain degree, realistic. It portrays the struggle of a quite capable woman employed at a Construction company and her struggle to achieve success, and respect as well, in a male-dominated industry. Making matters worse is her treatment by some elderly managers solely because they are older than her. There is no usual "rags to riches" story where by the 6th episode she starts climbing the corporate ladder only to end as CEO or just rich by the last episode. No, this shows the daily work, frustrations, backstabbings and gossip in a big corporation. Almost no situation gets resolved in the "usual Chinese Drama" way, that alone makes it much more interesting to watch, and more life like. Example would be her love life. Add to it the gorgeous views of Shanghai periodically sprinkled through the episodes and you have a worthwhile show to watch.

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A Hot Mess

This is what happens when screenwriters use outlines to put together a script as opposed to a fully flushed out plot with character development and cohesion. This was a huge mess. I understand 24 episodes but they were all over the place. No proper introduction to them and on top of that what was originally believed to be 3 fictional characters out of a diary, ended up being crossed over from Babylonian/Akkadian history. The only reason I didn't drop this like the majority of people I spoke with was because WRC or Richards Wang's character essentially carried the entire show on his shoulders plus the historical and international locations were beautiful. He was the only not over the top personality that honestly played his character without screeching, squeaking, and not making sense. I liked him in The Long Ballad as King of Mobei and he was able to do the same here and believably. Wish he had more screen time in both and I look forward to better roles from him in the future. For all of the insanity during, only one couple had a semblance of a happy ending while the others just matured but had to be heartbroken and separated by thousands of years and a different dimension; a real let down if there wasn't enough. Truly wish I hadn't started watching it. This series is only good for people who like chaos and insanity without a straightforward plot. Otherwise, please avoid.

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Great acting and Fighting scenes

Story: The storyline is a very familiar action type of storyline and is predictable. Like almost every strong female character in an action drama. Most of the time I don't like to predict the drama or story, but this one was to easy to predict. Maybe because it's a very short action drama. The screenwriters, directors, producers really took all the good elements out of an action story that can be find in any action drama and put it in the 8 episodes. The downside for me in this storyline was the love story between FL and ML character. The focus was a lot on the female lead and Pildo's (the female lead's lover ) story was to short or 'weak' to feel his ROLE's importance in this story. It's like a last-minute added LOVE story for the plot and a bit sweetness for this dark/heavy life the female lead had. In my opinion they could have make a LOVE- HATE TO DEAD relationship for the female lead and Choi Mu Jin or Do Gang Jae. The role Jung Tae Ju aka Lee Hak Joo (the right hand of Choi Mu Jin) was very good and loyal.

There was to many parts that got me very confused:
1. Why did Choi Mu Jin the Gang's Leader treats Oh Hye Jin SO..... well, even though she betrayed him? Aren't she supposed to die immediately according to Mu Jin's personality (hate and kill everyone that betrayed him, no matter who it is)?! Somehow I thought he likes her. Why would you motivate and help someone to kill you. At the beginning maybe Choi Mu Jin thought of her father saved him and Oh Hye Jin discipline and determination, but later on it turns weird. Like why didn't he kill the girl and killed Pildo instead, so he could wait for her to come to kill ??
2. The love between Oh Hye Jin and Pildo was not very clear at least FEMALE LEAD didn't so much love towards him, is more like loving someone that understand or have been trough what you've experience. But it could also be a bestfriend type of relationship.
3. The last fight scene: Female Lead shoot so many times, but didn't load her gun at all. How is it possible?

I must say I STAYED till the END of this drama, because of the ACTING!

Acting: THE ACTING WAS ON POINT. First I thought why did they choose an actor that don't look like a gangster, more like a good, happy guy to act the father of the female lead. Then the first thing that catch my eye was the acting of Chang Ryul/ Jang Yool aka DO GANG JAE............ Man this guy is a kind guy but VERY GREEDY FOR POWER that made him so BAD and his CHOICES in life only to climb higher. He was too ambitious, but make so much bad choices. His acting was ON FIRE, one of the best in the drama. I couldn't believe he was a Support Role instead of a Main Character. Wish to see more of this character. First time wanting a "bad" guy/ villain to not die in the serie to continue to look at his AMAZING acting. DO GANG JAE' s look and charisma reminds me of Shin Se Gi (from Kill Me Heal Me).

Everyone praises the female lead. For me personally Han So Hee did a great job, acting the FL character's feeling and life. The only thing that bothers me alot was her cute, baby, delicate female look and face. She doesn't look strong or tough enough for me and reminds me a lot of Song Hye Kyo (in Descendants of the sun). A Strong Female character but just the look is not sharp enough. Actress Lee Si Young would have been a good choice for this role, but consider the age differences it's not very realistic to cast her. Park Hee Soon aka the Leader of Dongcheon was also very good. I felt like Ahn Bo Hyun's role could have been played by anyone since the role it's not that special.

Rewatch Value: I would definitely watch it again. In fact when I finished the serie, I immediately rewatched the first 5 episodes. In particular the acting of Do Gang Jae and Choi Min Ju.

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about disability as a masterpiece

My first impression of this drama was quite skeptical. It wasn't thought of as it would appear that it might have acted intentionally, but fortunately the worries weren't right. The drama presents in a very nice way how people with difficulties, such as Asperger, can live and act normally as people. It was beautiful.

According to the story, which was interestingly interesting, the concept of how it works in Korea was not retained ... I mean - cleaning and funerals on the other hand. Getting to know something they don't really know. It shows the attitude of Korean culture. For the first time, I saw a masterpiece in which imaginary love is not in the foreground. I want more...!

But the plot also has some disadvantages ... an episode about the relationship between the lady and her uncle quite incomprehensible, as if a few episodes were missing. I don't understand why - will it be season 2? I hope there is something that goes with the house and the lady ... Yet the main reader that is still a trace from the family, although from the episode on the channel after death this channel is that he has to be with himself and be for society .

Can I play - I can't say anything - because it was just nice. The same thing about music - it was a pleasure, but I don't remember the song.

All in all, it is one of the best dramas of 2021, based on a story worth winding and missing in sweet dramas.

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Amazing drama!

To sum up this drama in one word, extraordinary! This is far and away the absolute best Chinese drama I have ever seen. I'll go a step further and say that this drama ranks among the best I have ever seen from any country. First, let me say that I don't watch period dramas and only made this exception after reading the glowing reviews. My tastes run more to romantic dramas, both light hearted and the more serious types. I am so glad that I decided to give this drama a chance to expand into the period/historical drama realm.
The story is riveting! The multitude of characters in this drama are so well written. The acting is phenomenal! It's rare to see such high quality cinematography, along with countless elaborate settings. This is no doubt a high budget production. By all means, treat yourself to this emotion and action packed gem.

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Comparing the Drama and the Movie

I watched the movie first and then the drama.
Things I liked about the DRAMA:
- A very detailed depiction of life with paraplegia. Writers presented all the different complications that come with the condition, without making it too sad or pitiful.
- ML Matsuzaka Tori. Wonderful actor. The vulnerability in his big eyes never failed to make me cry. He faced the world with a smile and the stubborn determination to succeed.
- FL Yamamoto Mizuki. Drama FL is a way better actor than the movie one. She displayed a good range of emotions, convincing the audience of her love, her perseverance, her respect for him, and her simple happiness whenever she was with him.
- The father-in-law/son-in-law(ML) relationship. They fleshed it out well. I cried happy tears watching the growth of their relationship.
- There were two main characters who had leg problems. ML was paraplegic and the other guy was an amputee. I liked how both faced their problems in very different ways. While ML was more mature and reserved about it, the other guy was young and hot-blooded, shouting out his frustrations, fighting back, and trying to pretend to be as normal as possible. It was nice to see two perspectives of one story.

Things that the movie did better:
- ML. I can't decide who's a better actor, but the movie ML made me fall head over heels in love with him at first sight. I loved his captivating, beautifully blinding smile. Both MLs were amazing and believable in their portrayal of a paraplegia, inspiring everyone around them with their brilliant, resilient personalities. These men were fighters. They did what they set out to do. They didn't give up or let anyone pity them. It was very easy to fall in love with them.
- Didn't have unnecessary dragging around. The drama drags around in the middle. I didn't really like the way the main leads tried to move on from each other by encouraging the SML/SFL. I found their separation infuriating at times.
- The overall message. I thought the movie portrayed it better. But the drama did quite well, too.

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Every time I think of the soundtrack, a calmness washes over me

I’m not being poetic, that’s how I feel about the drama
It felt calm, healing, and warm.

I loooove them I love them. And I cannot take my eyes off when I see the way they look at each other. Both leads are so beautiful, and more dazzling when they smile.
And I rooted for them with all my heart.

It was a very enjoyable drama.
I can never hate the mother in law; I adore the actress and she’s so cute and funny.
I have respect for all the elder actors, they were amazing.

The way the main couple look at each other with warm eyes...
Ah my heart. The smile is so beautiful. It is all just so beautiful.
I loved the maturity of the leads
they are so healing, reliable to each other and a like a safe place to put your head on
I felt so happy and giddy watching it.

The main song feels smooth and soothing… I see loving eyes when I think of it

I almost gave it 8.5 because I skipped some parts of the side stories,
but the main story was SO heartfelt, and I couldn't .
It doesn’t mean the side stories were bad, most were fun, and I was too impatient to know what happens next with the main story.
Almost everything about the drama is amazing.
I loved it more because it was a beautifully narrated story.

The drama kept its pacing till the end, but I feel (like many said) that the highlight of the show was very brief and cut short. It needed more drama and more lingering shown. Many times dramas need to be shorter, but I wish this was a few episodes longer. That’s why I tried convincing myself to not give it a higher score. But no drama is perfect. It is special in its own way.
(I actually zipped my way to the end because I was too impatient, I am planning to go back and watch the side parts that I missed later)

Me and this drama were love at first sight. I loved the beautiful poster, but it was still airing. I finally watched it! And it wasn’t a disappointment.

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I wanted to like this....

Honestly, I really wanted to like this series. The actors are stunningly handsome and are very good actors, really. But this story had so man logical flaws in it, that it was hard to really like. Also, I never bought their relationship as I did not see much chemistry between the two main actors. If you are going to have young guys supposedly in love, show us. Give us something relatable and understandable so we can see they are is something related to romance. There is also no need for side-stories that frankly go nowhere and are meant to pull at heartstrings. The premise of this story is good; it is just executed with too much meandering with no clear focus.

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Huge fan of the main cast -holy hotness Kim Jae-Wook!

I avoided this series for a long time because I kept reading how "bubbly" and "fluffy" it was, but I warmed up to it realllllly quickly. It was interesting watching Kim Jae-Wook in a romantic comedy because he has such a dark countenance (broody and handsome!) and I just came from watching him in the horror series, The Guest. Still, he did wonderfully and I was 2nd hand embarrassed for him in the physical acting he had to do (but not in a cringy bad way).

The real stand-out for me in the entire series though was DEFINITELY Kim Sun-Young.
She was *so hysterical* and stole every single scene she was in. I just watched her play a gruff, sarcastic, hard-working police detective in The Guardians, so it was a huge change in her role that left me gasping with laughter.

If you have doubts about watching this show, I'd definitely recommend giving it a chance. There are a lot of hysterical scenes that play out, but there is also a healthy romance between two mature adults (which is very refreshing to watch), and a back-story with Jae-Wook's character that squeezes the heart.

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