Reviews

Brings me back to 2000s drama vibes

Here are just some of the tropes you'll see: overbearing CEO, determined and upbeat female lead, business politics/change of control, serious hospital scenes, disapproving parent, light-hearted second couple, misunderstandings and revenge, betrayal, and incredibly annoying/clingy second leads. Combined with the relatively long 45 eps for a modern drama, the dragginess accentuates the full experience of watching a drama that feels like it was written in 2007.

Not a pro nor a con but this drama really does feel like those "stereotypical" Chinese dramas from the 2000s - when a drama is overloaded with tropes. Although the plot is filled with it, it's still enjoyable with great acting, solid chemistry between leads, and an intriguing plot. I wouldn't write home about it but it combines the 2000s drama plot atmosphere with a 2020s polish. I'll start with the pros.

Pros: Acting is on point. The leads were great and very limited dubbing which is great. Although there's very serious parts, the couple's relationship is never really in turmoil which is always refreshing to see (no dumb breakups!!!). OST is solid and I particularly liked the more traditional music influence. The business side is about fashion which is a breath of fresh air as well.

Cons: A bit too typical and predictable. Although it was great that the couple's relationship was healthy for once (in a CEO drama!!), the rest of the plot isn't anything to write home about. Although at times, it hooks viewers to see how the leads are going to pull something off with satisfying gratification moments sprinkled throughout, it's still too draggy. 45 episodes is a tad too long -- cutting 10-15 episodes would have helped.

The biggest complaint (other than being too predictable) are the second leads. The second leads are too madly in love with the leads, and their behavior spans essentially 40 of the 45 episodes. This adds to the predictability, drag, and angst. It makes even less sense considering the main couple is such a healthy one; having such obsessive second leads was hard to bear. The second male lead had it worst - stalkerish, doesn't take no for an answer, stubborn.

The parts of the plot that are more character-driven were great. But the parts with external plot points were bad. The villains and second leads were very disappointing.

Overall, not a bad watch. I thoroughly enjoyed it but it's not without flaws. Too long and tropey are my main concerns, with one dimensional second leads. If you watch it for the main couple, fashion, or if you want a show with a little bit of "every type of plot", you won't be disappointed.

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Interesting concept, though nothing groundbreaking

Was interested in the concept of the game when I decided to watch even though I'm more of a rom-com guy. Definitely an entertaining watch. The cast did a fantastic job portraying their roles. Lee Jung-jae did a great job playing his character, although it took a little getting used to his character given his personality at the beginning of the show. Heo Sung-tae did a great job as the thug guy as I wanted him to die a very gruesome death very early on. Jung Ho-yeon as Kang Sae-byeok was definitely my favorite out of all of them. Her character was intriguing and I found myself rooting for her the most.

The show focuses on the greed of individuals and the power money can have over a person. The motivations behind the creation of the game and the leaders who control it didn't really stick with me, and there really isn't any clear punishment for those running the game by the end of the show (probably setting up for a season two). A lot of gruesome deaths, annoying people making stupid choices, and some heartfelt moments where I actually teared up a few times. The game itself is rather straightforward and isn't anything particularly interesting or thrilling to watch, although it is enough to make you continue watching to see what happens next. The main "game" is really the relationships between the characters and their greed versus morality.

Overall, an fun and exciting show that's worth a watch. You may need to look past the absurdity of the game itself, as it could never happen in real life, but the show still provides entertaining situations and characters who you'll be rooting for.

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A wonderful balm for the soul

During these rough times, what a joy it is to have a sweet, wholesome show like Hospital Playlist. Where Season 1 introduced us to the lovable main cast and their charming sidekicks, Season 2 builds on those relationships to complete a thoughtful and engaging portrayal of hospital daily life. While the main cast's group chemistry and antics continue to anchor the show, some of the more episodic subplots also captured my attention this time around. I liked how this season featured more multi-episode patient arcs, as opposed to one-offs. And I loved getting to know more of the key supporting players, especially Chu Min-ha, Do Jae-hak, Jang Gyeo-ul, and Rosa.

As a slice-of-life drama, HP does have its fair share of slow-burn romances and plotlines, but they never feel dragged-out thanks to the captivating on-screen action and chemistry. Additionally, Season 2 adds many first-rate tunes to its "playlist" by effectively showing off its main cast's impressive vocal talents.

My only main criticism is that the season (and I'm assuming series) finale felt a little unsatisfying. While the main couples had all more or less gotten together, I would've liked to see a more concrete send-off to some of their stories. For instance, there were hints of a showdown between Seok-Hyung's mom and Chu Min-ha that never materialized (possibly for the better--goodness knows the disapproving mother-in-law is a tired K-drama trope) But seeing Seok-Hyung confront his mom in-person would've been nice. And after Jeong-won's incomplete first proposal attempt, I kept waiting for him to propose again, but it never happened; instead the show abruptly sent him and Gyeo-ul to America. (Well, at least they stayed together). Like many lesser shows, when it came to the newer pairings, even HP fell prey to the old pattern of killing a couple's screentime once they get together and hardly showing them actually be a couple.

Oh and this season had entirely too little screentime for U-ju. Where did he go? What a missed opportunity for cuteness.

Nevertheless, overall, Hospital Playlist is excellently executed by the actors, screenwriters, and directors. Not only is HP one of the best K-dramas out there, but watching it is definitely a form of self-care.

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A slow-paced romance that gives us the happy ending we needed

9/25/2021

Just like many, I have been waiting for the happy ending after watching "One and Only". O&O is a beautiful, tragic romance where no one got a happy ending. I am eagerly waiting for Zhou Sheng Chen and Shi Yi's happily every after. This drama is not a romantic comedy and one should not expect cute and fluffy romance and lots of kisses. Instead, I feel that it has a very similar vibe to O&O. It's mellow and romantic in its own way. The romance is developed very slowly, even though they are engaged early on in the drama. Some might find the pace too slow because of ZZC's character and his awkward dorkiness. One need to be patient for the romance to develop and it's the central part of this whole drama. I do think that the drama could have been a little shorter.

What I like:

1. Zhou Sheng Chen/Allen Ren - One of the main reasons I enjoy this drama is because I enjoy a male lead like ZSC. I have a soft spot for a ML who is a little reserved, loyal, a little dorky, and shows his affections through quiet actions and not cheesy lines. I like how ZSC could only manage to utter a few words in the beginning of the romance. Then you slowly see that he speaks in phrases, then in complete sentences and then able to joke and tease. The way he talks shows the progression of their relationship. I am a fan of Allen Ren, but I never find him super attractive unless he's in uniform. But I find him VERY attractive in this drama. He looks good in a sweatshirt, in PJs and in suits, well, and topless. He looks especially good with his wet hair :)

2. *Spoiler* Ep 23 Bathtub scene - This is the most intimate, heartbreaking and romantic scene. It breaks my heart that ZSC was devastated from his grief. I felt Shu Yi's helplessness in not knowing how to comfort him. The washing of his hair feels so intimate and comforting. I love that ZSC asks Shu Yi to hug him and she immediately climbs inside the tub and give him a big, tender, loving hug. We don't need a passionate kiss here. All we need is that quietness and understanding of each other. This scene gives me the same vibe as my favorite nose-touching scene in One and Only.

3. Main Romance - I love how Shu Yi complements ZSC so well. They are both quiet people but Shu Yi is honest and straightforward, very similar to Shu Yi in One and Only. She's the one that always initiates and shows affection first, and that's what ZSC needs. I like how inexperienced our male lead is and the way he's always trying to ask Shu Yi to teach him. I agree with Shu Yi, he is absolutely adorable in his dorky self. The romance is mature and healthy. They trust each other and there isn't any silly misunderstanding between them. I also like their subtle color-matching outfits, esp. the yellow/tan sweater that Shu Yi wears and the yellow/tan jacket that ZSC wears (he looks so good in that outfit!).

4. Acting - Of course Bai Lu and Allen Ren are amazing and have great chemistry. I enjoy the supporting cast as well, e.g. Grandma, Uncle Lin, FL's parents and Little Ren.

4. Costumes - Everyone in this drama dresses very well. Our leads have a wonderful wardrobe of casual wear, formal wear and evening wear. It's hard to find a C-drama that I agree with the costume choices, as I've seen too many oversized clothing. Bai Lu looks absolutely beautiful in everything she wears. And of course, Allen Ren, who I gushes so much about already.

5. The Sites/Cinematography - What a beautiful traditional-style big house we have in this drama. The shots of the view of the lotus pond is especially beautiful when the red lanterns were up. I love all the rooms, all the yards and especially the library. I am also glad that we get to see sights in Shanghai and Xi'An as well.

What I don't Like:

1. Reincarnation Ban - I read that China bans dramas of reincarnation and I think it affects the story-telling of this drama. For fans of One & Only, Forever and Ever lacks the connection between the two. As much as I like the dream sequences and the voice dubbing, they are not enough to provide viewers to feel the emotional connection and the leads past lives. That's why I find it hard to believe that Shu Yi would fall in love with Zhou Shen Chen at the airport because of a name.

2. Plot holes - Did ML tell FL the real reason for his proposal, that he needs to get married to inherit everything? Did I miss that part? How can a boatman not know how to swim? Didn't the crabs stay with FL's parents house and the cute dad was fanning the crabs? How come the little girl brought the crabs back to ML?

3. Lack of kisses - I did not feel that One & Only needs any kiss scene. But, I do feel that we need at least one or two more in Forever and Ever. We only get one in the car and it was going so well until it was interrupted. There were quite a few moments when I felt that a kiss will enhance the scene, e.g. when they were both soaked in the rain and got back to the hotel before their first night together. Or when they're in the snow on top of the tower before or after they whisper the "I love you"?

4. Family Drama at the end - I am not sure how I feel about the family drama in the last few episodes. It feels a little out of place.

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Full of sh*t

OMG telling one’s baby as someone’s and she is silently accepting the situation, sh*t.
Only in Chinese dramas we can see this kind of sh*tty stories and scripts. Starting I felt different and interesting but later on came back to like same sh*tty old dramas and in this drama you can see some more sh*t. The whole plot, story and characters everything is unrealistic and difficult to digest. I can say it is impossible to make worst than this. It is really unbelievable, in this 2021 still Chinese dramas are following this kind of sh*tty stories.
ML agrees with his best friend that he believes he don’t do anything bad behind his back yet he questions his wife FL what is the relationship between them. When others comforting to FL saying ML respects you very much, you are a very special to him like that she felt his feeling for her and in the next scene again misunderstanding and finally applied for divorce.
Only in Chinese dramas we can see workplace as a comedy place, she submitted resignation letter before processing and relieving she got and reported to another job.
When she asked for divorce he got totally blank till she go out from the apartment and picked up the cab(unfortunately friends car which came on time) and then he came to his consciousness and starts to chase her.
What I felt most illogical is, When ML searching for her nobody realized that he has feelings for her that’s why he is searching and there might be some miss understanding, instead everyone used to scold him and drive him away. It is common sense If he wants his ex back why he opposed to give diverse when FL is willing to and why he is searching for her.
Most blunder characters are FL’s parents, when FL told that she has applied for divorce they took it like returning the clothes to store without any deeper discussion, as for FL age of course we can accept she has lack of experience or thinking capacity but as her parents without knowing complete story either from FL or ML they decided that ML is deceiving FL even after knowing he is desperately searching for her.
The whole drama is complete cliche except starting few episodes.

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In love with work

Watching this Drama was a conflicting experience for me. It was very well-written and well-acted, but I just couldn't like or sympathise with the lead character, the eponymous "Hataraki Man".

The reason I didn't like her or sympathise with her was not because the only two things she loved were work and herself, in that very specific order. I have no problem with characters who absolutely LIVE for their work, making it not just the central element of their lives but the ONLY element, as she did.

My problem was that she spent 8 of the 11 episodes trying to have it both ways. She had a long-term boyfriend of four years but EVERY SINGLE TIME there was a choice between him and work, work won - every time, no matter the time of day or night. Then when the inevitable happened, she felt aggrieved. Copious tears and emotional anguish but to me it was simple the inevitable reality that actions have consequences. Had she been more honest about her priorities, she might not have suffered as much.

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Pancake is perhaps tad old and tad gaunt to be convincing as an undercover agent chopping each bad guy with one arm.

As for Hunz Ysariy, I'm sorry, but I find 48-year old Big Sarut still more an eye candy, than him (or than "Dream" Kandanai). On the other hand, he makes rather convincing blonde woman, which only proves he is not an attractive MAN.

As for the plot, we have, er... amnesia? Shouldn't it be like banned by now? LOL. Or, shouldn't the writers WANT to write something else, by now?

But, never mind all that... I started zoning out during 2nd episode already. I am dropping this for the complete lack of INTEREST, not for bad cinematography, ..., etc.

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The Truth about Coming Out

Out of all the BL’s I’ve watched this past year, this is the first Filipino drama I’ve watched and it’s been the best thing. Over a short course of 8 episodes, you can see the characters really develop. Unlike some Thai dramas, there is no fetishisation or dark humour of the LGBTQIA+ community. The story seeks to contend with reality and really explain how coming out for many people can be hard. And while some can be brave, others can’t but both these things are ok. This series really touched me as a closeted person, myself and I found myself relating to both Vlad & Karl. I found the acting to be effortless and amazing, the characters to be relatable and real. Overall, I would definitely recommend watching this series!!

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When People allowed Greed to rule over them, this is what will happen.

"The evil world is in people's hearts. You can eradicate the Ghost Valley, but can you eradicate the greed and filth in their hearts?" - Zhuo Zi Shu to Ye Bai Yi


I was surprised that I enjoyed watching this series, I thought it was another hyped series and wouldn't lived up with it's "reputation" but then again, I realized it is worth the time, and tears to watched it. I loved it!

It was easy to watched it, amidst with all the side characters which most of them I forgot their names, and I just describe them to remind myself who they are, unless they're important., I remember them.

I love ZZS's moral yardstick in life, how he knew that what he did was wrong, and tried to correct it. As well as I valued how they give importance to brotherhood, camaraderie and just simply if you love and support a person, you understand and accept about him /her in spite of what he/she did in the past or present time.

I also love Gu Xiang, I didn't find her annoying and I am entertained with her character and how she and WKX loves and support each other, like a father/daughter, older brother/younger sister tandem.

I also enjoy and loved ZZS and WKX's bantering on screen and how they simply flirt with each other. The subtle hints, which shows they're noticing that they act as husband and wife in the long run.

Overall, this is worthy of your time, watching it. You'll have many take away from this drama, from showing how greed affects one's life, how wrong to be self-righteous without putting one's self from the shoes of other people, how important it is to be non-judgmental, whether that person did wrong things/acts without knowing what drives him to do it. And that revenge is a never ending circle if you don't know how to break it. It'll just lead you to a life full of pain, struggle and bitterness.

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Great start and mediocre ending

The ending of the kdrama kind of felt meh compared to the rest of the episodes. Rushed explanations that were unsatisfying (regarding the old man) and the delayed help that GiHun should've given to the family members. There are a lot of plot lines to still develop, the police story line and GiHun trying to take down the operation. It's clear that they wanted to make a season 2 with this show. But that may have affected the quality of the ending for this season.

Nevertheless, it's an interesting dive into the morality and extremes that humans are willing to go for their own survival and desires. At what point do crossing those lines become too much? It had compelling side characters as well, SaeByeok was my absolute favorite with her backstory and characterization. I'm sad about what happened to her. The subplot with the police story line was most intriguing and I look forward to that development in the next season the most.

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Finally!

Like most others who watched this, I'm only here cause Zee, Boun, Prem etc. lol Very successful BL actors all on one screen? Sign Me Up!... is what I once thought.
This was on my PTWL for awhile and I think it was on my Currently Watching List for even longer. I just couldn't get into it. Every ep estimating almost an hour basically made me waste 12 HOURS OF MY LIFE! I am whole heartedly frustrated in this show. I wouldn't recommend and definitely won't re-watch. The guy can't eat alone. There. That's It. That's all that happens. I wouldn't even call that a spoiler cause it's in the title of the show. I gave it a higher rating than the Rating Recommendation suggested (if that gives you an example of the s*** show you're about to experience) LMAO
Good Luck...

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Worth to watch

I love this drama. It made me cry and fell in love. Especially, with the characters portrayed by Xu Kai, who was the main reason why i watched the drama. Anyway, watching this drama will made you fall in love the characters of Xu Kai. The story have lots of twisted part which i found very interesting. From the songs that have been played in the background which i kept on singing everyday because, it made me cry of some parts. Overall, i want to recommend this drama, it is totally worth to watch. Great actors and actresses, intimidating characters and story. Definitely, one of my favorite c-dramas. ???

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Couldnt Stay On~Unfortunately

Why I started it and Why Peeps May Like this:
- if you're a fan of ZLS and wanted to see more of her works
- if you like school in historical setting
- if you enjoy a FL who has a strong character
- if you like comedic dramas

> My take is ZLS is very suited as Sang Qi. Infact I personally thk theres many resemblance to her real life character - chill, can hang with the boys, focus, frank character.

Here's why I dropped it like a hot potato
- ML's characterization is bad in my books. I cant understand how he is defined in the script. He's supposed to be worldly, refined and maybe dignified based on his knowledge, rank and position in school. Yet he comes off as immature and lacking? Is it a script thing? I felt disappointed in the ML and cant help whining about the scriptwriter- if she could take a page or just a para out of Zhou Shen Chen (of One and only), Hou Chi (from Dear Brother) or even Pei Zhao (of Maiden Holmes);
- Styling below par. If you think of Xu Kai Cheng, his good looks from Well Intended Love pops up in your mind. But he just looks odd and ill fitted in the historical setting. Given his appearance and built you would think he would give a commanding presence right? But there isnt any.
- Acting. Because the direction of the drama and comedic tones you cant exactly compare it to a lot of other dramas. But the overall feel is it seems superficial in many areas. Particularly ML, i couldnt buy into whatever he's trying to sell
- SML. Ren Hao's character started well. But if only they din screw it up as early as Ep2. It would be awesome if the tight friendship stays as friendship between FL and SML.
- The plot isnt the best. There's a problem with the execution and flow. The mystery part is poorly meshed too. I have stayed for worst honestly but I stayed for ML-FL. In this case I dont feel anything for this pairing. The feels for ML-FL here is not good. IMO the pairing here is the worst out of all ZLS dramas and you do know she has a long record of great chemistry with her costars. So i thk the script, character and plot hindered it. There dont seem to be much reason to stay on.

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