Reviews

it's an 8 in family drama land.

if you're here for the romance...i don't know what to tell you. other than, prepare for disappointment. Heo Yi Jae (FL) is not a good actress. like she's crying and there is no emotion on her face bad. Hyun Soo is extremely poorly written. Ma Doo Jin (ML..maybe? it's debatable) isn't much better as a character but actor Cha Do Jin brings a better performance (but not by much)

the reason to watch is the revenge plot. that's where all the great characters and great performances are and it's really the driving force of the show. honestly with a little tweaking they could have nixed the romance altogether and had a show i probably would have given a 10. i felt it was wrapped up well, though i was worried for the last 10 eps that they were going to pull something stupid.

Shim Ji Ho is stellar in this. i wish he got more serious roles. he would slay.

if you like a daily dramas and makjang and you're willing to look past some flaws then this is worth the watch.

Read More

Nice beginning but weak story development

I love high school to college stories, even it has a lot of cliches also have a room to characters development. I love most of this drama characters but the FL doesn't growing so much as the others, so it's very annoying as the story ending, it had so much potential and the final episodes the misunderstandings are almost the same as the high school, but now they already are in their 20s. I was sad because i love the beginning of this drama, gave me reply 1988 vibes with nice slice of life plots, but i think i missed a mature development in the end as happened to the second female lead :(

Read More

Fierce heroine + stunning romance + BEST family dynamics = nice blend of comedy and drama

When I first started this drama, a couple of things felt familiar to me (the ML's cunningness, the FL's wild ways, ensuing hilarity, etc), and when I looked at the synopsis again I saw that the novel it's based on is a familiar author! While fans are still translating this particular novel by Yue Xia Die Ying, I've read her other works which have similar elements, so it's no surprise that this premise drew my attention and I ended up loving the drama (even with differences from the original novel).

PROS
❀ Powerful female lead + calculating male lead = complementary romance | Huahua takes no prisoners and goes after what she wants. She's brash, straightforward, and protective (especially when it comes to her family). I absolutely LOVED her character as a female lead as she goes against the grain of society. She can do anything (archery, sword-fighting, etc) EXCEPT the virtues of women during the time, including calligraphy and poetry. But that's all good, because the male lead Rong Xia balances her out. He's the hottest scholar of the nation, a gentleman through and through who knows poetry and calligraphy. He also has a calculating side, as he's trying to figure out the mystery behind his family's death. HH and RX worked so well together and I loved their mutual respect and admiration towards one another. They accept each other, flaws and all, and stay supportive, loyal, and protective. HH's rambunctious family takes in RX as one of their own, as well, and it's really endearing to see her protect him after all his years of solitude. Truly, a match made in heaven. While their romance starts out with mistrust and hidden motives, it progresses into a pretty honest and open relationship (for the most part, other than when they're trying to protect one another lol).
❀ MOST WONDERFUL loving family | I can't gush enough about the Ban family... from the silly dad, playful son, fierce mom, and dedicated maids, the Ban family really made this drama shine. Their family dynamics were written so well and made for some wonderful comedic scenes. And while the drama is mostly light-hearted, there's some pretty dramatic moments when it comes to the plot. It's not exceptionally intense, but it's still there.
❀ Despite being 40 episodes, I looked forward to each ep | I'm the type to struggle through anything over 30 episodes, but A Girl Like Me never dragged, and I ended up binging it in one weekend. Each plot addition was exciting and I was never bored, even when watching the leads fall in love towards the middle (in fact, those were my fave scenes hehe). I definitely applaud the drama for keeping watchers on their toes and keeping the pace going.
❀ Beautiful sets and gorgeous costumes | Wow, Huahua's outfits were always STUNNING. The lead couple looked gorgeous in every frame (in fact, the ML looks exactly how I picture a ML in Yue Xia Die Ying's books look like, lmao) and the supporting cast also looked amazing. I was impressed with some of the set choices, such as the ice skating scene and the ones that took place in a cave (both very romantic scenes). Maybe this is a translation of the show's budget, but it made for some very captivating moments.
❀ While the villains weren't the best, they made for some intriguing court politics | I don't think the antagonists were super smart but the actors conveyed their desperation (especially the female scholar) pretty well. The second prince also had some entertaining scenes, although he stayed immature and whiny until the end. But like I said, they kept the plot moving and in the end had a super satisfying comeuppance.

CONS
✕ Sometimes the editing got weird... | I feel like there were scenes that were cut out so the transitions were odd/jarring. But this happened only a handful of times so it wasn't a big deal, just something I noticed.
✕ The ML was so beautiful but also so stoic | I'm not sure if this was just a part of his character, but the acting felt a little stilted towards the first half. After the main couple's love gets solidifed, I definitely felt more emotion from him, but his stoic, expressionless face is one that I saw often. Gorgeous actor, a little questionable acting.
✕ Veers away from the original story | I'm not sure how involved the novel author was in the script, but I'm pretty sure it divulges story-wise and the ending is different. Although I'm immensely happy with the drama ending, I think the novel ending would have been more triumphant to see (lol). You can probably find the ending in the reviews for the novel in NovelUpdates.
✕ There's a bit too much back-and-forth | It seems like it's for the sake of adding drama so I was fine with it, but this back-and-forth is definitely exacerbated by the antagonists and pushing the main couple in tough positions which kept happening, lol.
✕ Misunderstanding level: 4/10 | They happen, BUT I think the writing doesn't let it drag on. The leads are both quite smart so it doesn't mar their relationship in a significant way and instead allows them to grow closer. I didn't think they were too annoying and while some of them weren't necessary, they also didn't bog down the story.

OVERALL
The refreshing and intelligent female lead made me fall in love with this drama! This hit all the right notes (and tropes) for me and I ended up loving it. Definitely recommended if you love headstrong FLs and MLs that are supportive partners.

(Note: My rewatch value is set to 5.0 always as a default as I'm not the type to rewatch dramas EVER. Thus, I do not take it into account when calculating overall score.)

Read More

ONLY FOR LJS

●This is CF for flask bottles based on 12 zodiac signs revealing some unique love stories. also giving out the personality analysis at the end of each CF followed with a piece of advice to pursue their love.
●Although it is based on zodiac signs it may not be accurate, people have different personalities so don’t take it too seriously, believe in yourself and your liking. Zodiac signs are just one way to consider a person's personality. But remember bad people have zodiacs too OK.
●In the end, CF's are only made to sell out that plastic bottles by manipulating people's thoughts even if they don't need them, they might end up purchasing them for their story and actors presenting it.
●Lee Jong Suk is really adorable in each of his characters, a school kid, a working guy, a doctor, just can't get enough of him.

1. Aquarius that is uniquely interested with the same personality as you
Don't let go of the opportunity because this is a fate

2. Pieces are romantic and friendly
Dream of love stories like in novels
Try to find you are love partner, in your surroundings

3. Aries who always dare to try their love
Don't give up
Your efforts will bring love

4. Gemini that is sensitive to emotions
Don't be sorry if u lose love
Because of your mood change
Dim your emotions with sincere love

5. Cancer that is always loyal to his love
Don't be disappointed with him who isn't expressive
Because he can feel your love

6. Leo is honest and cheerful
Don't hesitate in front of your love
Honesty is your charm

7. Virgo who wants perfection
nothing is perfect from time immemorial
fill in the shortcomings to make it perfect

8. Libra is Afraid to get hurt
Don't run and just face it
Love alone will not be enough in our lives

9. Scorpio has two sides of personality and ambitious
Express your feelings honestly
You can win his heart with your honesty

10. Sagittarius is Independent and freedom enthusiasts
Sometimes there is something one can do together
Not me and your love is ours together

11. Capricorn is passive to love
reveal If you love him
Because he can love you too

12. Taurus is always carried away the feelings don't be sad because of momentary emotions
Even if the temperature of love changes... because it is love

Read More

Good acting

I really like Park Shin Hye and Lee Jong Suk. The whole Pinocchio thing seemed to have been put on the back burner for the last half of the series -it was so front-and-center at the beginning, and then suddenly, they moved on. I think Lee Jong Suk cries better than any other Korean actor, and he did a lot of it in this series. I really liked the second male lead and how he wanted her happiness over everything. So many times the people are only interested in themselves which makes them very selfish and not someone you'd want to love anyway. Good storyline, happy ending.

Read More

SIMPLE

Drama is quite simple and decent, but for some reason it didn't strike me as outstanding probably because of family dramas. The most likeable things about this drama is the female lead, she's mature, able and really thoughtful, then An An, he's the best assistant anyone can ask for, i think Zhening must hv done smthn really good in past life to get him. Either the episode is deeply rooted on family problems, or business, so there's never a balance in there, which frustrated me quite a lot.
Also the romance between leads is mature so there's no fluffy romance or silly fights but there's a lot of understanding and thoughtfulness between them which is the key element in adult relationships but not seen much in dramas, anyways i like that.
Second leads' romance was fun in the beginning but then i ended up skipping their scenes, and I never skip scenes while watching a drama, and the plot got real draggy towards the middle, it was like there was actually nothing going on worth mentioning so they just went back and forth arguements and wtever.
Zhening was quite weak against what was going on with his sister and gf, and that was annoying but eventually it all worked out. Zhijuan was trying hard to make up for what happened but messed up everything but like they say you can never be perfect. At the end, i realized they all made for their past deeds and i didn't hate them anymore which is a huge plus.
It's a good one and quite refreshing .

Read More

It's ok sweet story

It started really good. I thought it was going to be a lot more different. Eventually it fell down to the same tropes.
I was expecting something like going against the industry and being in an open relationship, or don't know, something else.
They keep reinforcing the same stereotypes. Top/bottom, bottoming hurts. I know it's for girls, but you can at least depict real stuff. Bottoming doesn't hurt.
The end is happy but it's crap. Instead of fighting they just wait it out, and what for? There are no logical reasons, Nubsib wasn't bound by any contract. Then the Aoey dude, wasted scenes, no redemption at all.
I'd say watch it, I did like the acting, Gene and Nub felt real, but I think the story didn't do them justice.

Read More

How do you keep a viewers interest?

For somebody who literally gave this is 10 when it was starting, I'm not that surprised on my rating being down... oh and I haven't written a review since at least early August so bear with me.

Police University is about the male lead, Sun Ho. Who is going to Police University mainly because of his crush. The female lead, Kang Hee! Then he's Dong Man, another male lead that's wayy older than the rest of the students in the university. He's been a police officer since! I personally think the story is just plain, like it's not so bad that you pause every scene, but it's not so good to be so exicted for another episode now that the show's done being aired.

When I first started the show, I was excited! Most people say the first episodes were slow but I think they were fine enough to make me excited! Somewhere around episode 9 per say is when the hype died down.... Maybe because I was behind episodes a bit? But when I caught up, it just got really boring...

I just had to put the love triangle in it's own category.. I mean, what even IS this love triangle?? Min Kyu has NO personality at all! Other than just having a crush on Kang Hee,. I think Hometown Cha Cha Cha did it better than this- I know I'm comparing two different shows right now but... this whole love triangle was and is a mess! Not even feeling a teeny bit bad for Min Kyu.

The acting? Oh my gosh, Jin Young.... where do I start man... at first, I thought he was actually alright, but no.... Ever since episode 10 or 11 I started realizing how bad this acting was... this is no shade to anybody who likes him! You can like whatever actors you like, I just... don't... Other than that, the acting was average as a whole. Minus Jin Young. And I just found out he's in MFFL?! I literally watched that and he was kinda good!

The music was pretty average... I bumped the score up a bit because of that one track called "Winners." It's pretty catchy!

I'm not re watching this, there's no way...

What this show lacked mostly was viewers interest. I don't how they did it, but they did.

But in general, the show is just average. They're WORSE shows than this that I won't even get into. Like I said, it's not so bad but it's not so good either.... I feel like some people in the comment section are being too extra.... if this was released in 2019 then I don't think a lot of people would complain as much as right now. I recommend you to watch if you either have nothing to watch or you want more things on your completed list! And I would also recommend to watch in 2x speed. Maybe 1.5x

Read More

What more can I say then WOW

This kdrama is amazing, let me just start with that.

I've been watching quite a few kdrama's lately and this is by far the best romantic drama I've seen in a while.
This drama also doesn't just talk about romance and the beautiful love story between the strong female lead and the male lead.

It talks about what college life can really be like and it deals with the stereotypes of weightlifting. It shows us that, even famous people or athletes, can have mental problems and that everyone struggles. It normalizes going to a therapist and talking about your life. It shows that women don't need a strong man and that they can be strong themselves. It also shows how rough being an athlete can be and how strict diets can be. It shows us eating disorders and so much more.

I really recommend watching this show if you like a little romance, it's amazing.

Read More

When it's about love It's not matter which world's you belongs

When things come to Korean bl series one thing definitely sure that there is no awkward moment ..❤️❤️❤️ just beautiful lovely cute moment






At first I thought it's not worth to watching this series ..but when I start watching i regreting on my thoughts.......



Such a beautiful story .❤️.....


Amazing cast ❤️.....


Wonderful chemistry ❤️...
It's wonderful to watch two people with different personalities . different life style ..... belongs to different world fall in love with each other ...

Read More

A light hearted drama with some comedic elements that doesn't cross the line of overacting. I usually don't watch country style lakorns but this was part of my watchlist and I finally got to it.

As a longtime viewer of Thai drama's, finding a good light hearted drama that doesn't fall into the melodramatic extremes can be a bit of a challenge. Thai audience's have become accustomed to the slap kiss style drama's with nang'rai and p'rais. A lot of lakorns set in the country either have a very poor script, acting or substandard filming. While this wasn't a high budget lakorn; with the set being only a few locations, it was still an enjoyable watch.

STORY

A classic story about a man/boy who goes back to his hometown after heartbreak and finds love in a childhood friend and appreciation of the land and the value of hardwork. The first 6 episodes were a bit slow but it picked up pace and the cute scenes started to appear. So bear it for the first 6 episodes, while they weren't bad, they were a bit slow.

ACTING/CAST

I haven't seen Nadech act in this style of drama before so it was a change for me to see him in a light comedic role without any fantasy gimmick. He came close to being a bit overboard but didn't quite cross the line of overacting, after a few episodes he settled down and his performance became stable. He had great chemisty with all the support staff that played his family and him and the FL were a good combination.

Bow played a very convincing portrayal of a tough country girl, her accent and the comfort that she spoke the dialect made me wonder if she was really born in the Isan region. As a Australian raised Thai-Lao, the Isan dialect was something I could relate to; as it is very similar to something my relatives speak, so it was nice to understand it with only a bit of help from the subs.

Support staff did all their roles very well without any weak performers. They were given a framework, character setting and they executed it to the extent that the script allowed them to.

Both Nubtung and Danny who play Richie and Namfon need a main role in a drama. They both have the visuals and I can easily see them playing the nang'ek and p'ek. I would have loved to see their storyline developed more with better scenes.

MUSIC

I actually didn't expect the music to be so good and was happily surprised, after episode 6 they even had musical performances like a badly lipped synced MV but was still good and added to the light hearted elements of the lakorn, I wish they had more of that and started it a bit earlier as I am a sucker for musicals.

REWATCH

While I wouldn't rewatch this again like Husband In Law or My Forever Sunshine (Highly recommend),I did rewatch a few of my favourite scenes especially the cute romance scenes. I am drawn more to Bow and her performance than to Nadech.

Overall a great watch, I recommend watching this finishing something heavy to give your heart and emotions a rest.

Read More

The Hardest Person to Forgive is Yourself

This is my first morning daily drama I committed myself to when it started airing back in April. Were all 120 episodes, 60 hours, worth it? Kind of.

I enjoyed the main characters, their chemistry, and their conflict with each other. It's not easy to sit through their struggles, hardships, and bad things just happening to them, but they overcome them with the support of their friends, family, and loved ones. Eventually they learn to embrace what has happened and make the most out of it. Amor Fati. "Love of one's fate." This phrase would apply to every character in the show.

The subplots also talk about a few things that aren't portrayed very often in K-dramas, particularly child depression, homosexuality, and family abuse. They aren't easy topics to discuss, but are handled with care in the show.

My only particular issue with the show is how quickly things wrapped up near the end. Although we are given at least a week's worth of episodes for the epilogue to show how the characters are doing later, there was no build up to them. The four main characters receive a nice conclusion, but the side character stories all wrap up in the final episode, leaving me unsatisfied as they felt rushed. The side characters were just as important as the main ones as they helped carry the show to have enough content for 120 episodes.

Oh well. Amor Fati.

Read More