POTENTIAL WASTED.
So, initially I was super excited and even enjoyed watching it thinking there's alot more to come ahead. But nothing come ahead except dissapointment. It started off pretty decent and nice like two adorable nice guys having same interest(cooking) falling in love. Sounds good right? But it isn't. I think the ones who watched it while airing still managed to watch it because one snail speed episode is still manageable. But for those planning to binge watch, it will be really not worth. Leave worth it won't even be your average show because you are probably going to find it boring. I was really liking that well plated food, organic colours, constant staring but that is literally what they kept on showing in all those 11 episodes. The actors were nice and this show even had the potential but the plot literally just went all bland. No spice, no flavours just plain.Was this review helpful to you?
What I did like: The male leads were awesome. Yes Choi Daniel is annoying at first, but then you love him, then you hate him again. Ryu Jin was the perfect second male lead. Although you know how its gonna end, he puts up a good fight and backs out at the right time. I really liked the premise this drama started with episodes 1-8, I also loved how skilled the female lead was.
What I didn’t like: (there is a lot more of this) Idk if watching too many of her Cdramas turned me but it was so hard watching Jang NaRa with that blank stare on her face in a romantically charged Kdrama. I think she was trying to look naive but it wasn’t working, and her chemistry with all the male leads seemed more suited for a sister. (I bet kissing scenes were painful) I blame the writers for a lot of the problems with the drama and not Jang NaRa. The story began great: she’s struggling supporting her family, they have no father and a bratty little sister, but then the tragedy begins. After ep 6 I couldn’t stand watching because of how tragic the character’s life was becoming. It was almost as if the writers needed to beat the point into the watcher that Lee SoYoung was someone to pity. Despite her age, Lee SoYoung was so naive it was like the character was introduced to the real world when we started watching. I took it as SoYoung knew nothing about human relationships before the drama began and that made it more bearable for me. Beware of the romance it has all the sugary sweetness of two middle schoolers falling in love. (making me want to hurl a few times) I have no idea how this went on for 20 episodes! the love interests were set up in episode 2 and the enemies were on the move in around episode 3 or 4.
Every character aside for the main leads, was out for themselves (including the cute kid) making you not want to care about anyone. Its really hard to watch a drama where the sister, mother, father, and all the coworkers are evil. I can only root for characters when I can see hope for them, and I didn’t see hope for SoYoung. Lucky for us the writers took the focus off of her having a baby face despite her age and turned this into a family drama about halfway through. So watch at your own risk, or if you like to see the same situation over and over and over and over again.
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However, towards the end it lost a lot of its identity and took a turn most run-of-the-mill k-dramas do. The writing took a lot of hits as it floundered confused about what direction to take.
Out of the blue kidnappings, dramatic fight scenes, near death experiences and other ridiculousness that was so unlike what the show stood for. It started as a very bearing drama with a constant melancholic but hopeful vibe as it documented the journey of various characters with different paths in life who came together to build a dream with tenacity and determination. Never knew it would turn into fucking "The K2" towards the end. Lol
Speaking of characters, Park Sae Joon did a brilliant job bringing forward a hero unlike many others. He was the definition of silent strength, a brilliant mind and perseverence. A man who got up again and again even with the odds stacked against him. Someone who managed to retain his composure, compassion and child like purity despite all the shit life handed to him.
Kim Da Mi, surely the breakout artist of the year was a delight to watch. Yi Soo was a tiny ball of vicious energy. She was driven and determined to the core, with a sharp young mind and someone who never gave up no matter what you did to her.
At the same time however, she was also incredibly rude, selfish and did downright horrible things. I'm all up for that as it added to her complexity and made her sweet moments all the more impactful but I hated that her backstory was not explored at all. What made her that way? I would really like to know but nopes.
Some people didn't buy the romance but I did. I think the drama pulled this aspect fairly well. Both of them played a significant part in the other's life. For Yi Soo, her quest for love gave her genius but idle mind a purpose, it grounded her and made her a better person and for Saeroyi, Yi Soo was his backbone. The true kingmaker and the force behind his success. When everyone told him his dreams were impossible she not only stood by them, she made them happen.
They were good for each other which is why the romance rang true for me. Sure, Yi Soo was a bit obsessive and took it to another level but that was her character from the start. Love or success, she'd take everything to the extreme. (Again, I'm annoyed at the fact why that was so. We are just supposed to accept her personality as it is though without any insight.)
All the characters had their amazing moments in the show however some did not develop as nicely as they could have cause of bad writing 101. The second FL came through at times but mostly her victim-is-me mentality annoyed me to no end. The villains were okay-ish, none too exceptional but they did the job.
Over-all, the drama delivered a lot of important messages and did a good effort at being woke. That said, it also had a lot of corny, overly sappy and unrealistic moments where I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
In the end, I'll say that while this drama was definitely not exceptionally good in terms of writing and later on even the execution, it was a fun ride for sure. I binged it in 2 days straight and never found an episode that made me yawn.
So while I do reccomend it, I would advise not to have sky high expectations going in, because of the hype surrounding it.
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So ... (Sorry for my english)
For the Story --> All stories are very great ! We laugh, we cry, we are angry, we are happy, we are excited ... (Yess, alll of these feelings) with the characters !
For Acting/cast --> The casting is a good choice ! (Kim Ha Neul is one of my favorite actress)They play very well their characters and we can see they enjoy this job !!
One Except : I Hated the character of MeAhRi (1 to 17 episodes) ! She annoyed me !!!
For the Music --> WOW ! This Music ! She make me cry ! Really ! And she make me laugh, with the "Fighting" song ! Ahah !
Rewatch Value and Overall --> A gentleman's dignity is one of the best drama I ever watched ! I fnished it in a very short time because we're quickly addicted !
It's better if I stop now, otherwise I risk to spoil !!
You MUST Watch this drama ! You Miss something if not !
For Me ---> A BIG 10/10 !
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The plot is pretty much okay with the usual girl chasing the guy but this time around the guy is more colder than the usual ones.Zhi Shu is not the type of a hero like other drama guys are who change their obnoxious personality just after they meet and later fall in love with our kind hearted and loving heroine.He's cold and indifferent to everything that goes around him and nothing disturbs his little world till the day an obsessed girl in love with him comes to his house to live with him.Now all the house is topsy turvy and he can't even have a moment's peace knowing that this little girl-child has the ability to surprise and amuse him.He changes from a emotionless guy to someone who feels tiny jealousy and actually loves bullying her around the house.I can understand where he's coming from and most of the times i was left wondering just because he's smart,intelligent and handsome doesnt mean Xiang Qin has to fall in love with him.So before i over analysed it i stopped thinking about it.Don't keep your brains with you while watching it.You'll suffer a lot because frankly just because of One sweeet thing the other mean things Zhi Shu does to Xiang Qin cannot be balanced out.A woman having any kind of pride or self respect will not suffer through so much toil as Xang Qin does and continues to suffer thrughout the drama.
I relate her obsession and child like devotion to the fact that she stopped growing after few years into her teen and remains frozen here and that is why its so cute seeing her doing dumb things and Zhi Shu smiling and smirking in the background.. ;)
Xiang Qin is pretty much a child who has a crush on this guy who's a genius in all of Taiwan and gets a perfect score each time.She's the most persistent of all and i love how much hardwork she puts into everything.Ariel Lin as Xiang Qin is so adorable and cute.She actually looks like she is 15 year old instead of being 18.The way she talks,walks,the pout,the running its all cute and that is why she shines much above than Zhi Shu can ever be.Even though she's dumb and stupid she has a heart made of Gold and thats why i feel its Zhi Shu who doesnt deserve her and not the other way around as she thinks.Both of them are flawed in their own way and its good to see that hard work actually gets you somewhere..:D
The Romance nevertheless has light moments and the not so light ones because Zhi Shu has a long road to travel before he can stop being so self centered and indifferent to others feelings and emotions. Ariel lin and Joe Cheng share one of the best chemistry onscreen because at the end of it Zhi Shu does love Xiang Qin in his own robotic and weird way.
The secondary characters served their purpose well and special mention goes to Xiang Qin's two best buddies and Jiro Wang as Ah Jin was cute though his love for Xiang Qin is the same as Xiang Qin's love for Zhi Shu.The same madness and the same obsession..:D
ISWAK gives you the feeling of having that first crush and then knowing you won't get him but nevertheless hoping that you will.The heartbreak that ensues and the other things that happen so that we can grow up and fall in love again.Maybe with the same one or a different person.Its a simple fluff comedy filled with light moments and mixed with romance to keep one fully entertained.Treat it like Cotton Candy.Eat it and savour it. . :)
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Acting was very good just like the music , the only big down side is that it is too short and the story seems really rushed , would be good if it was something like 10 1 hour episodes ...
I recommend everyone to watch since it is so short , and if you don't like , it isn't like you lost a lot of time ...
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Finally a drama that lives up to its hype!
I’ve watched tons of dramas including Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, Japanese, etc. I like all types of dramas. But I prefer a drama that has it all; romance, unique storyline, character growth, comedy, and suspense. It’s rare that I find a drama that has all of the things I’m looking for but this is one of them.Story:
The story is quite unique. What would happen if a South Korean accidentally landed in North Korea? Not only do we get a look into what it might be like to live in North Korea, we also get to see some really gorgeous men in uniform. The story has lots of twists and turns so there’s never a dull moment. All of the scenarios are quite realistic and believable which helps the audience to really immerse themselves into the drama. And the romance moves at a normal pace. It doesn’t overwhelm the drama or become overly cheesy but it’s always there as a driving force behind the main leads actions. The drama is quite funny at times too. I loved the balance of romance, comedy, political intrigue, and suspense.
Cinematography:
We get lots of breathtaking scenery. I really enjoyed the rolling hills, the lush foliage of the forest, the quaint little villages, the scenic train rides, the campfires, and the picnics. They put a lot into the production of this drama. And when the FL is flying through the air paragliding, they did a great job of making you feel like you were right there with her. The cinematography was top notch.
Acting:
This was one of those rare dramas where I don’t have a complaint about one of the actors. Usually someone is a little wooden and stiff or they overdo it, but not in this drama. They all did a great job, especially the main leads. I rarely cry at movies or dramas but the acting was so good in this one I cried twice. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a sad drama, but the few sad parts they have really got to me.
Overall:
My overall opinion is that this drama is excellent. It’s right up there with Goblin and the other really good dramas. It’s already breaking viewership ratings and will definitely get lots of awards. Don’t miss this drama.
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This show was basically designed for me and I am very appreciative of this fact. There's a lot to enjoy about it and it's pretty fast paced. It basically keeps ramping up the stakes and the pressure throughout the series and I thought that it really worked. Yeah, there's a few things that I probably would have changed or done differently (I know people were upset about some of the deaths), but overall I thought that it was really great. I'd say that rewatch value is high since I've already been going back and rewatching episodes and finding connections/foreshadowing.
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This review may contain spoilers
So far the worst I've seen
This MIGHT contain spoilers which is why I labelled it as a spoiler (all opinion based)OKAY, for starters, I wasn't always a hater, I gave this show a chance, the cast was gorgeous and I really thought episode 0 gave a great image to the entire series
There was no OST which killed most of my momentum of watching this and the music that was actually chosen really gave me a headache, the first few episodes were really enjoyable but the last few became really hard to watch. There seemed to have been more chemistry between the "side couples" (Boat and Candy, [P'Tee and Ice?]) than the main couple, Nine and Daonuea, I feel like they only got together because they met previously at that holiday resort or to make P'Tee "see what he's been missing" (some bullshit like that).
This whole series just felt like an advertisement and not even a good one, (like GMM TV does with their dramas) there was no meaning to it and each episode was going everywhere BUT the plot. I don't usually drop series so I just had to keep torturing myself each saturday watching this, like it's so bad they couldn't even get a proper pregnant belly and had to use a table cloth or sum.
I really thought this show had potential, but I was wrong, I found myself skipping that awkward making out part on episode 11, (I promise I'm not homophobic!! I found it too painful to continue watching) WHICH IS SOMETHING I NEVER DO WITH A BL!! Please don't waste your time on this series, if you want to keep your sanity, don't watch it 🥲🫶
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This review may contain spoilers
I’m glad I stumbled upon this hidden gem. An underrated drama. Production doesn’t look expensive and the actors don’t look polished, you can actually see their pores, pimples and other imperfections. But then that’s because it tells the stories of ordinary people, this is the drama’s charm. Romance between the main couple was slow but that’s what made it exciting. Be warned of a bit of a heartbreak in the middle but everything will be ok. The side stories of supporting actors were quite interesting too. My favourite friend was the cute and funny Bai Lin. I really enjoyed this drama even when I had to watch the main couple separate for a while. This made me laugh, giggle, cry and sad, everything a good story should do. Well written, actors were amazing. A must-watch if you want a drama you can actually relate to. I’d definitely watch it again, especially the first half of the series, just to see how the main couple fell in love. Was this review helpful to you?
Innocent until proven guilty taken to the extreme
I know this is a remake of the original story from the UK. I haven't seen it yet and refrained myself from getting spoilers or try to compare both for their details or any mismatched storylines.Perhaps, the Korean version is darker. The cinematography draws us into the abyss of a presumed innocent young man accused and most likely framed of a hideous and hate crime that took a woman's life. We see and witness his confusion, his pain and his struggles through it all. And at the same time when everyone is turning their back on him, we can see his transformation in survival mode, hence that being the name of this episode...
'When in doubt, in favor of the defendant. No one is presumed to be guilty.'
However, it's with these cliffhangers and the mysterious aura this drama portrays, that they leave us wavering between the lengths of innocence and misconduct. I like this type of scrip that messes with the viewers perceptions and beliefs, it makes us analyze the evidence alongside the characters and hope for the best result. We have been following his journey and believing him to be framed, and that the criminal is most likely out there. By each and every episode the story gets bleak and the light at the end of the tunnel keeps getting dim. To mess this way with the perception of everything presented so far is a bold move.
What is the truth behind the case? Will there be a plot twist? Or have we been right all along?
The investigation was poorly done, it sounded like a fanfic.
It was based on mere speculations and not any solid evidence.
They just needed someone to blame. And he was an easy target.
Could this be his mind being manipulated to believe he is who everyone is making him out to be?
How will he prove his innocence and live with the consequences of his life's decisions?
There's the thing about all of this. The stigma of being imprisoned, the scars it leaves on a person who has seen and felt under his skin how quick people can drop someone in desperate times. Sometimes, those being the people closer than you think. Next of keen even. It brands someone, who will have to try and return to society knowing life itself is not the same or ordinary.
The cinematography is well matched with the OST, alluring, dark and mysterious. The same goes with our many characters here, some shady, others with a hidden agenda, and some with good intentions. Too bad that in this drama those are counted by a single hand at most. The rest reveals itself as the story unfolds.
Kim Hyun Soo, Shin Joong Han and Do Ji Tae, are those characters that pull you in the minute they appear on screen. The actors really got immersed into their roles that every interaction, scene and conversation was worth to watch. I really like the brotherhood formed between Ji Tae and Hyun Soo. There was something in Hyun Soo, that both Joong Han and Ji Tae - who are from opposite sides, and yet with the law as a common interest as we can see by one's profession and the other's hobby - saw at first glance. They were both his pillars through the nightmare that his life had become. A balance of justice if I may say.
Unfortunate events can be turned into life lessons. There are people who come into someone's life to teach something. Ji Tae's worth was more than a guardian and a Hyung in times of need. He was a teacher, and a counselor. One who contributed towards Hyun Soo's transformation and probably smoke addiction. Well, no one said he was a good influence. They were inmates and locked inside for a reason. Although they shared more in common than one could think.
We can say Ji Tae could be a representation of what Hyun Soo's future looked like if he had no one who believed in him.
And Hyun Soo was a reminder to Ji Tae of what he used to look like in the past, before losing his freedom and himself.
Not only Kim Soo Hyun did a remarkable job on his role, but the whole cast did too - in fact - it's both the actors and production who are the true core of this drama and not only the protagonist alone. Still, we can't deny how powerful Soo Hyun's deep and silent stares in many scenes truly are. Or even turn a blind eye his desperate cries and raw emotions through this journey.
Cha Seung Won delivered a rugged image of a third-rate attorney - Shin Joong Han - with his life upside down, but with a sense of Justice within him to not give up on the most complicated case of his life.
And am sure no one was left indifferent whenever Kim Sung Gyu appeared as Do Ji Tae, with his powerful and yet calm aura. He truly embodied someone who ruled the yard and whose presence alone was somewhat respected. He yearned that given his years. In the end he was the life and soul of that prison, so that final scene with him in his cell, and the last glance Hyun Soo gives as if everything is as it was, although far from the truth given the emptiness that it is felt was symbolic.
Corruption and cases like such can happen when one least expects. There is a thin line to prove someone's innocence. This was focused on that alone and the difficulties on both parties. The accusers and the defendants. The system is despicable, seen with this point of view and with how they handled now only the case but the aftermath alone. Some win, some loose.
The prize in cases like this is not with merits and credits for something they had not part of... -The victory would be more personal, - to those who truly yearned it, who really worked hard for it, those who never gave up despite the ordeals presented, and to the victim who midway resigned with fate, not seeing a shred of hope with the outcomes, - even if it's baffled and not for the world to know, it does not lose it's worth in the end.
Because there will always be more cases out there in need of a helping hand of Justice as this end foretells...
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The drama starts with the narration of Dal Hyang as we follow him to the big city, a country bumpkin with big dreams and a sense of justice, and he meets our titular characters. I loved their introduction in the first episode, and kept being amused by So Hyeon's character as he makes fun of Dal Hyang's innocence. The choice of making one of the musketeers the prince is a curious one, and I do wonder how the drama would've turned out if they had chosen to make them all into royal guards. I do have a complaint that the two other musketeers, Seung Po and Min Seo, were always used as companions so we don't get much development from their characters. On the upside we get plenty of growth from both Dal Hyang and the prince. Other characters that I appreciated are the two female leads here. They are presented differently here as in not much of first and second lead, but more one that represents the light and the other the shadow. Whats most curious is how each envies the other for what she longs but they recognize each other's pain. I love what they did to Mi Ryeong's character she is filled with Milady's viciousness. I also loved Yong Gol Dae's character and wished to see his bromancery with our leads but time didn't permit much.
I did also enjoy many of the dramas dialogs. I loved the confrontations between Prince So Hyeon and Yoon Seo. Many complain about her being weak but I never saw her this way. We have to acknowledge women status at that time but even with that, she did exude enough courage to keep So Hyeon from taking her lightly. Other dialogs I enjoyed is those involving King Injo. That and Kim Myung Soo's acting were perfect in displaying King Injo's inner struggles and fears resulting in his indecisiveness.
On the acting side, Lee Jin Wook was perfect for the role, as if it was tailored to him. Yang Dong Geun was a joy to have on screen at all time. Jung Hae In as Min Seo did not blow me away but neither did it bother me. Jung Yong Hwa, who everyone had doubt about him did not disappoint. At the introduction, it wasn't a role hard to play but as the story went on and we start seeing changes in his character, you finally get to feel Yong Hwa comfortable playing it and even enjoying it. The most shining light here though was Yoo In Young. Her presence on screen amazes me and her eyes convey all the right emotions. I cannot imagine any other actress doing a better job, and her beauty does Milady justice when usually described.
I did say more than I expected but I just had to mention that some of the songs used were spot on here. I especially loved the one used as theme for So Hyeon and Yoon Seo's relationship. The one used when the three musketeers were in action, though not my type of music, but matches the fun and action happening.
Overall, I cannot say if you're an avid history fan if you'll enjoy this drama, but I assure you as a fan of the original novel and a fan of Alexandre Dumas, I wasn't disappointed at all.
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Given its factual back story, the entire dramatization was elegantly made without incorporating exaggeration of any sort. For the whole three hours my heart was drenched with intense emotions, establishing deeper connections with the main protagonists. The screen writers and directors basically ameliorated the somber mood of the drama including various features such as correctly choosing the filter, season, particular day for every scene, especially when both the protagonists meet which enunciated the feel accentuated from the story profoundly.
The scintillating sound of raindrops when Kim Woo Jin was immersed into his melancholic thoughts, the rustling sound of leaves into the bamboo forest while the lovers were gradually approaching towards each other are some extraordinary effects combined with perfect acting skills of the ensembles.
Although a forbidden love but the aestheticism of the romance between the couple was pure resplendence to enjoy. Both of them from different social status and having different occupation and dreams were gradually becoming susceptible due to their finicky surroundings. Inured by their circumstances, the misfortune was creeping in where they left with an only indelible option.
Exudation of such poignancy through a dramatization of a saturnine historical fact takes a lot of creative intelligence. The makers should be lauded and awarded for this. Both Lee Jong Suk and Shin Hye Sun left us with no tears in our tear gland with their riveting chemistry and effusive emotional interaction. Their gesture, posture, every facial expressions and dialogue delivery were unbearably doleful yet enamoured and submerged me deeper into their romance.
Moreover, the wonderful piano and flute music as background score aligned with right kind of OSTs seeped out all the pain I could possible feel from my heart and mind. I was enchanted and fell in love with such grandeur; even their chic style and appearance drawn out the sufficient essence of the romance. This is the perfect depiction of a tragic romance.
In one word this drama is ethereal. I am still at awe. I can’t do justice eulogizing this paean of death.
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Dissapointing
It started funny and enjoyable. Acting was great from both FL and ML. But somehow as the story progressed the fl lost her tenacity. I have watched this twice because i really want to like it... the first time was okay, but then the second one was hard to finish.... maybe because the first time i watched i was skipping alot on my phone. And the second time i watched on netflix without skipping and found it boring.Maybe it is better to watch from the phone where you can skip the unbearable scenes.
The ending was dissapointing...
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With a more mature side, the story could be a very good. But they lost their way so many times.
No trustworthiness ...
Some characters were interesting. Overall they were well pictured.
I don't really remember the soundtrack even if that makes only two days I finished it. Not very good but not too cringy either I will suppose.
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