Reviews

Repetitive, dragged and not funny

I feel the need to write this review to offer a bit of an alternative opinion to what seems to be the general consensus that this is a great drama.

I'm not sure what this was trying to be or what message is trying to convey. I didn't find it very entertaining either.
It started with an interesting premise but it went downhill very quickly.

One of my main problems with this drama are the plotholes. There is really no explanation on how things work, the main character is the one deciding what things are to be left or changed and we have to take it at face value. Who knows, maybe her friend Fuku-chan was actually not supposed to have a child, we'll never know. But that's the main problem, who decides what has to happen and what not, who decides what is good and what is bad. Maybe she saved her annoying teacher from being wrongly accused in the train situation but maybe later he killed his wife. We don't know, we just have to accept FL is somehow omnipotent and her choices are the best course of action. Somehow she also knows what to do or not to get shiny points for her next life.

It was generally passable until the friend Mari is also introduced as being in a repetition of her life, at that point I started to question if most people going by that logic are repeating lives or what are the rules on who is allowed and who isn't. Everything was already hold by a very fine thread but when the story line with the plane is introduced it was made so much worse. For starters why did they have to save all that people? They just decided so. Again, there is never an explanation on fate, morality or anything. One could argue that by them focusing all their energy and time to be pilots they missed making so many memories with the friends and enjoying life to the fullest, or that that plane crashing was meant to happen, or, and here it comes the biggest of them all, if the friends died in the plane, shouldn't they also be in their lives repetition or maybe they would have crossed the other door and reincarnated into something else in which case their deaths in the "repetition" timeline of the FL and Mari would be set to die no matter what since they wouldn't exist as humans or as themselves anymore. It's just never explained and it makes no sense.
The writers basically decided some people where allowed to be main characters, meaning people that could repeat their lives and the rest are just the puppets that follow a specific pattern.

If you have watched Groundhog Day (1993) and you enjoyed it you might like this, if you don't like a plot that pretty much repeats over and over I would say avoid this, it gets annoying, especially since the only repeated events in the life of the FL are the same ones EVERY single life with minor differences in general and a different career. It's a chore and the story is not so worth it. There are so many details in her career progression in each of her lives and what is the point? Especially the one where she's a producer.

I found it kind of stupid to go for the capitalistic stereotype of what is considered success when the FL only changes her career in each repetition and that somehow gives her different outcomes of what animal the guy in the desk tells her she's going to be in the next life. I guess we all should be doctors apparently. Equally stupid that something as silly as that guy disrupting the coming of age ceremony was full of comments about how he was going to be a microorganism in his next life. And it's not even the disrupting, is the fact of his aesthetics as well, it was very on the face of "if you don't dress society approved and behave how japanese society dictates you'll loose points at reincarnation", same kind of sentiment was shown when Mari says in her first life she was a gyaru for a while. Excuse me? If it had been done in a very funny way I could have taken this afterlife based on capitalistic success and japanese morals entertaining enough, but it falls way short of that.

It was also convenient that the four of them lived single their whole lives, I guess because the writers knew they wouldn't be able to handle the story if there were partners and children involved, so only the background characters were allowed that kind of progression.

I'm assuming part of the comedy in this show is supposed to be the way they accentuate the roundabouts of Japanese communication, I get it really, but I just simply didn't find it funny, I found it as frustrating as it is in real life.
This also brings me to the fact the FL was not really a very likeable person and there is not much of a change in her all throughout. Sure, she says at one point she started doing the things to be nice not for the points but it doesn't change the fact she's doing exactly the same things and we're not really being shown anything new.

Overall I can't recommend this drama, watching too much repetition already felt such a waste of time, it's only a comedy in the sense it's not a melodrama and the story isn't that engaging. Some might say it's ultimately a story of friendship and while yes partially it is, it's questionable when in most of the FL's repeated lives she didn't spent that much time with the friends (she even complains to them in one of them because they visit her too much) and it's not shown like she misses them that much in the timelines she chose to not have a relationship with them. For this reason as well, I really didn't care much for that ending and it didn't make sense either how they managed all to be reincarnated into the same thing considering they were only given one option every time? Works for cute effect I guess.

Music is fine, they clearly played with the nostalgia trip in that aspect a lot. But it felt like they wanted to precisely get some easy points for doing that. I recognised many of the songs and brought me back in time, but sorry, it's not enough to make this show good, I'll rather just go and listen to the music without watching this.

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Deserves More Love!

Week after week, I would check the rating here on MDL to see if other people were seeing what I was seeing, yet the rating remains consistently poor. If you've come down to the review section out of curiosity, please don't let the low average rating scare you away! This is a beautiful show that gets better the more you engage with it as a viewer.

I think the thing that might be throwing many people is actually the thing I also like most: namely, that this series is more like a stage play than a TV show. There are a limited number of sets, a relatively small cast of characters, and high dialogue to action ratio. This ties in with the main character's profession as a play actor and also serves in a metacontextual way of engaging with the act of storytelling in a rather novel way. Not only does this show have a main plot and a few subplots, but everything about it is also a love letter to the very notion of storytelling itself. Characters serve as stand-ins for the audience, the chorus, and even the storyteller in turns. It's a fun device that really adds to the depth of each and every shot, line of dialogue, and character choice made along the way.

I also have to applaud the way that this show handles religion and spirituality and the supernatural. It's also a deep dive into grief and loss. Honestly, there's so much to this show! Also, Jared is adorable and it's worth watching for each of his appearances onscreen alone.

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only nostalgic and happy feelings..

i started this show without knowing what its about and i absolutely dont regret it!
dramas about youth are definitly my favorite.
they did something thats not easy - converted a whole story into 4 twenty minutes episodes, that's really impresive. what's also fascinating, they managed to indroduce as to two wolderfull main characters and show us their personality and emotions just on that short time!!
it was also possible thanks to both actors, they were amazing (i need to watch their other dramas as well..).
the nostalgic feelings were very strong.. it was both realistic and cheesy at the same time, i really loved that!!!!
definitly worth watching especially if you like youth dramas

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made it work

starting of drama is slightly wonky but i get why it was needed, but I believe that with the collaboration of a few more writers the storyline would be a little less problematic(?) like the synopsis makes it’s obvious that this is a story worth making but the storyline itself is questionable yet intriguing enough to want to watch the show till the end.

otherwise, the series excels in its scenes, cinematography, and music. The actors truly brought depth to their roles, which played a pivotal role in keeping me engaged despite some morally questionable moments. The authenticity of their performances, from subtle eyebrow raises to genuine smiles, was captivating. Unlike many dramas, the crying scenes didn't come off as contrived or forced.

Additionally, the cast, including the leads, are undeniably attractive, which added to the overall appeal of the series.

holy also the last two episodes are so heartwarming i loved them. all of actors brought immense justice to the character they played

cute yes
heart string tugged: defo i dont write reviews unless every heart string is pulled to the point i need to profess it every possible where

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Friendship

In my opinion, it was a very emotional and entertaining series. It was a series that included friendship, brotherhood, confidant, camaraderie, helpfulness, sacrifice, respect, affection, love, emotion, family, many things all together. I like it a lot. For me, it is a series that has been covered up no matter how many flaws it has. I liked the actors too. Management too. The feeling that was intended to be given to me was reflected. There were even parts that brought tears to my eyes. He felt like that too. Our leads, Chen Ze Yuan and Ju Jing Yi, make a good duo. Jing Yi was very cheerful and active in the drama. It was as if his cheerful attitude and active play were reflected in the others, and they played so well. Ze Yuan has recently performed both good dramas and very good plays, and has become a popular actor. He showed his quality here too. He's a very sweet kid. He portrayed an innocent, pure, clean, emotional, affectionate, obedient image that attaches great importance to friendship and longs for his family. But he is also a very powerful personality. But it's never obvious. He gave this in spades. Mao Zi Jun and Mau Xao Hui also put their talents into the drama, they performed well, I liked it very much. The male actors were very handsome, our girls were very beautiful. Our veteran players also added color with their experience, everyone played really well, including those who played less. I also congratulate our director. I recommend everyone who likes fantasy series to watch it.

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Unveiling Shadows: Deciphering the Intrigues of 'A Shop for Killers

A Shop for Killers," a gripping Korean drama released on Disney+ on January 17, 2024, emerges as a noteworthy addition to the platform's original content in South Korea. Adapted from Kang Ji-Young's acclaimed novel, the series is directed by Lee Kwon and No Kyu-Yeob, with a screenplay crafted by Lee Kwon and Ji Ho-Jin. At its core, the narrative revolves around college student Jeong Ji-An, portrayed by the talented Kim Hye-Jun, thrust into a perilous world of assassins and secrets following her uncle's mysterious demise.

Episode 1-2: A Prelude to Intrigue

The inaugural episodes lay the groundwork for the series, introducing viewers to Jeong Ji-An's tumultuous journey. We witness her abrupt confrontation with skilled assassins, propelling her into a realm of danger and uncertainty. However, the decision to curtail action sequences raises questions, potentially hindering the immersive experience for some viewers. Moreover, the narrative's sporadic editing may disrupt the flow, necessitating further observation as the story unfolds. Despite these minor setbacks, the portrayal of advanced drone technology adds a layer of authenticity to the storyline, enhancing its allure.

Episode 3-4: Escalating Tensions

As the plot thickens, Ji-An finds herself embroiled in a labyrinth of deceit and treachery. The narrative delves deeper into her uncle's enigmatic past, unraveling layers of intrigue and suspense. However, the erratic editing persists, occasionally detracting from the episode's impact. Nevertheless, the series maintains its grip on the audience, delivering captivating performances and pulse-pounding action sequences.

Episode 5-6: The Battle Intensifies

In the midst of escalating conflict, Ji-An confronts formidable adversaries, testing her resolve and resilience. The episodes offer a glimpse into the character's growth and development, culminating in riveting showdowns and unexpected revelations. Despite occasional lapses in coherence, the series captivates with its intense narrative and compelling character dynamics.

Episode 7-8: The Final Confrontation

As the series reaches its climax, Ji-An's fate hangs in the balance, her courage tested like never before. The concluding episodes deliver a satisfying resolution to the central conflict, albeit with lingering questions and unresolved plot threads. While the series falls short of perfection, it succeeds in delivering a thrilling and emotionally resonant narrative that leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

Analyzing the Military Aspects

Throughout the series, the portrayal of military equipment and tactics adds depth to the storyline, lending an air of authenticity to the action sequences. However, certain discrepancies, such as the portrayal of drone technology and firearm handling, may raise eyebrows among more discerning viewers. Despite these minor inconsistencies, the series effectively integrates military elements into its narrative, enhancing its overall realism and impact.

Exploring Character Dynamics

Central to the series' success are its well-developed characters and their intricate relationships. Ji-An's journey of self-discovery and resilience forms the heart of the narrative, complemented by compelling supporting characters like Jeong Jin-Man and Min-Hui. Each character brings a unique perspective to the story, enriching the viewing experience and elevating the series beyond mere action-thriller tropes.

Conclusion: A Compelling Thriller

In conclusion, "A Shop for Killers" emerges as a captivating and enthralling drama that combines elements of mystery, suspense, and action with compelling character dynamics. While not without its flaws, the series succeeds in delivering a riveting narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. As the credits roll on the first season, viewers are left eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for Ji-An and her allies in Season 2.

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Review up to episode 5

This review isn’t final as the full series hasn’t come out yet, but of the episodes that have been released, I’m really loving it. Although the story starts off quite predictable, as it develops, you really are counting down the days until next Monday to see what will happen next. Yuuka and Yurika have done an excellent job portraying Fuyu and Itsuki and their complexities. They are very multidimensional characters which is refreshing to see. The music for the show doesn’t overshadow the actual scene, and the theme song by imase is very catchy. I know that Japan is very conservative with queer media, so a show like this must very important to the Japanese audience, as over here in the West, we have much more openminded media. Sadly it is only 8 episodes, but the show overall is very entertaining to watch and I’m very excited for the next 3 episodes.

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A refreshing, dynamic and modern romantic comedy with cute, bickering characters.

"Always Have, Always Will" is one of my favorite Chinese dramas and unexpectedly one of my actual favorites. I'm not very much of a romantic comedy lover and each of my attempts in the school genre for cdramas have been failures despite the success. However, I found this one very gripping and different.

Full of life, full of color, intriguing, with a fair amount of drama and depth that surprised me, and I got very attached to the characters. It's cute, it's fun, yes, but it's also a beautiful love story. I loved the way the story unfolds bit by bit until the very end, and how the title really comes into its own.

In conclusion, it's an underrated drama that's worth giving a try. The story is full of clichés and conflicts, but it's not done in a way that's annoying at all I think, so rather than saying the drama is cliché I'd say it's unique in its genre. I also liked the fact that the resolution of the memory loss wasn't as clichéd as usual and more realistic. It wasn't just used as a plot twist either, but as a base for the plot.

(https://mydramalist.com/49135-always-have-always-will#comment-14205439) from my friend Kelekat in the comments -> 'Dynamic' is by far the most accurate word to describe this drama! The writing, cinematography, styling, all of it. Very well said. The application, usage and execution of the flashbacks are so well done. They aren't just thrown in there. They help us understand our characters actions and behaviors along the way. So much of what's happening in the present would seem petty and trivial without them. Yes, there are cliches left and right in this but how they are applied is extremely original and I'm saying this after watching several hundred dramas since coming back to this one now. I'm enjoying it so much.

After all, this is just my opinion and I admit that I prefer when there's a lot of complications rather than a calm story but I sincerely think it's a refreshing drama overall, thanks to its colorful characters and production in particular.

Seeing the feedbacks, it didn't appeal to everyone, but I'd still recommend it openly. You might not enjoy it as much, but this drama was a bliss for me.

P.S: please don't skip the opening and the ending~ they're not gonna ruin your watch, just watch them because they're a delight. I don't think I ever skipped them once.

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Chemistry between the leads is good, worth the time spent watching it!

I usually tend to avoid mini-dramas like these because they lack flow and are not very coherent. This one flowed smoothly, was easy to follow and the chemistry between the leads was so damn good. It was also the light drama that I needed to watch to get rid of the C-Trauma I watched before this.

The acting was good. The story was nice. All is on a good drama.

The only thing amiss was the ending. It is an happy ending, but it would have felt nice, if the ML would have acknowledged that he remembered the past times. But the way it ended, we aren't sure if he remembers. Other than that, this has made me want to give mini-dramas another try.

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It wasn't for me at all
Know there are a few characters I enjoyed which made me stick with it hoping to pick up but it never did, it plummeted down. Hyun us has saved me a couple of times. The story of being an orphaned teenager that don't interact with others, made me wonder how he would cope. Then turning into a monster making everyone fearful of him but he was way too submissive
Eun Yoo is the one that changed the most from a ballet girl to a leader I found it hard to understand the dramatic transformation at times
The brother that I got confused with the doctor or was it priest? Either way, his leadership saved all their lives. You want to stick with him when the world ends.

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NOT ENTIRELY DISAPPOINTING!

If you want to watch this series, please be prepare to be traumatised and your image of your favourite ship will be ruin. This series portrays real life situation in entertainment industry especially when the actors are in BL series that involves shipped couple. At first, I find it difficult to watch this series maybe because I have this mind set that all shipped couple is real but this series really shows me that the shipped couple is just doing fanservice and not real.

Overall, the first and second story is damn good and boy, what can I say about Billy Seng couple? They are DAMN GOOD. Boy, their acting skills definitely overpower the other couple. Sad that they broken up though. The 3rd story is the most BORING STORY EVER!!! Like… what the shit is this?

Fourth story is WAYYY TOO REALISTIC so I have already got the idea that this story happened in real life, real actor but I am not sure who. At the end, they did ask the audience a question; “Would you believe it if we say War Of Y series is based on real story?” And I immediately say YES. Because I can see it. CLEARLY. This series is an eye opener so if you are not ready to have a change of pov for your favourite shipped couple, please don’t watch it.


Sex scenes are damn mad broo ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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ah I cried at almost every ep

ah I cried at almost every ep (not cuz of sad things but cuz it was so relatable, it's a good kind of cry ) The amount of kindness was so touching. I grew so found of them. Also honestly who wouldn't fall for Ruji-kun he is diligent, kind and understandings. I loved both mains first cuz I could relate with Amane so much but also Ruji's kindness melted my heart. I got attached to them in just 5 Ep I honestly wish this was like 30ep long and that we could follow more along their journey.

The story is very well done, it's rlly refreshing and heartwarming I was rlly touched. They made the story so intresting without using any clichés or toxic shit. I liked how honest they were and that they communicated clearly. The scenery was beautiful. Def will rewatch this in the futire when I feel down or need some comfort.

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