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I'm struggling with this review! I can't say I hate this drama, the concept is interesting and for the most part it is entertaining because of the unpredictable story. However, as a drama that is supposed to be set in a manga universe with manga characters it truly fails hardcore! I never once felt like anyone was in a two dimensional comic world. The overly subtle stage to shadow transitions, the weird (poorly explained) sound effects, the very manga looking comic characters in the comic book, the very dramaesque situations make the manga world too real world to be emersive. It really just makes the story feel like its set in a high quality web drama! So instead of focusing on the mystery of why the characters were becoming self aware and actual character development I was more curious about who the author of the manga was, why the shadow area existed and the purpose of the books in the drama at all! None of these things are supposed to be important nor were they intended to be answered I suppose. Because in this story's native medium of webtoon we wouldn't really question those things. As readers we know they are comics, the situation is presented and unfolds with in those deminsional constructs. But in a live action adaptation none of that is obvious. So there is a lot of technical exposition about how things work which makes it even more obvious you are not seeing a manga world.
Without the manga related aspects the actual storyline is poorly developed, very cliched and drags mercilessly at times. I found myself wanting to skip most of the main romantic storylines and mystery of the characters relationships hoping to find out why they are characters and why the writer created them. Since that never happens I was really left feeling disappointed and a little angry!
Aside from the drama not living up to my expectations of what an emersive manga world would be like my biggest issue is with the pointlessness of it all. There were no real life inspirations to take from this! As a slice of life school drama all growth is actually unrealistic and supported mainly toxic cliches. As a fantasy drama nothing is explained as to why the fantasy elements even began or exist. As a fluffly romantic comedy it has very little actual romantic development aside from the predetermined ill fated love scenarios. Probably the worst part is that by the end none of what happens even mattered because that world disappears. Suddenly you are starting over in a new world surrounded by cliches and all the same issues to be faced as in the previous story. Except the recognized each other early on but so what? We know the author does what they will and changing a stage causes pain and suffering. They are faced with an eternity of being manipulated by a writer's whims. Which considering the "dried squid fairy" aspect of being a non character is heartbreaking. It makes you wonder if those who vanish completely are not the winners in this tale?! (Not a good life metaphor tbh)
So many disturbing revelation left as loose ends makes the drama conclusion feel pointless for the amount of toil and troubles! In the end they are litterally back at square one but knowing their purpose is supposed to be the reward?! Lmbo could of been my imagination, but the primary source of nearly all suicidal level emotions was being aware of their purpose! More than once by almost every character it's implied how much happier they would be as ignorantly unhappy puppets than self aware ones? I mean I understand what they are trying to represent overall but it's just so poorly done!
I honestly can't comment on the acting because it was such a mess of a story. The way the characters flipped from stage to shadow personalities in exaggeration was obnoxious for the most part. The internal dialogue during stage moment with those hazy real emotion moments were confusing and it was hard to really develop any emotional attachment to what was happening because the chaos made nothing feel real. As such I found very little material for most of the actors to give much emotional depth in performances. The same with music it was just so repetitively predictable or absurdly disjointed to what you would expect.
Overall there wasn't anything that would prompt me to rewatch even on fast forward. If I wasn't fueled by curiosity and the need for closure I would have most likely dropped this mid drama. If you are bored and are looking for a quick binge drama with some fantasy, romance and mystery it's ok. But if you dislike loose ends, canyon sized plot holes and lack luster character/plot development you might want to skip this one!
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This is one of the best drama I've seen so far <3 The actors portrayed the characters so well. They become the part of my life for these 2 months my wed & thu were all about watching Extraordinary You. it's so sad to say goodbye to Haru & Dan oh ???? Tbh some people say they like the Manhwa more than the drama but for me i liked the drama more. The manhwa is also dark & sorrow. The third last epi i was so scared to watch when i saw the art room become all dark & black. The moment when Haru disappeared really i was hoping some way or other they might be able to make it to the last page together, which didn't happen. :( But the good thing is they met again ????
I personally and Highly recommend this drama it's funny, it's sad, it'll give you butterflies watching the moment between Haru & Eun dan oh. I hope to see more of their works in future. Goodbye.
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The story itself did something very original to me as well as at all times I had you trapped in it. Every time a new episode came out I would be running to hit the button play and I couldn't wait for the next one.
I really liked the main couple Haru and Dan Oh I found their relationship so cute and tender. I would be jumping and screaming like crazy every time they had an interaction together. I loved how Haru would get jelous and overprotective over Dan Oh, also the aegyos that would do Dan Oh it maked my heart flutter.
In the case of Do Hwa I felt like he was one of the bestest characters if not the best. He was the most likeable of all and it make me so sad his one-sided love during the story and I would have liked that he had more time in the drama since he had a lot more to offer.
As for other characters like Baek Kyung and Squishy (sorry Mi Chae my friend and I call him like that) I had a weird relationship with them since it could say that they are like the bad guys of the story but at the same time you could understand their why of their action but still it was not reason to be such an IDIOTS!!!! (sorry I got excited, lol) but yeah I felt sorry and anger towards their characters.
Although I loved the drama there are still loose ends that never get to respond. But apart from that I feel that is a great drama and it is really worth it to give it a try.
I loved the scenarios also the great acting of the cast and the music of the OST it is really good, this drama is one of the best things that I have seen so far this year.
So yeah if I were you I would give it a try an if you do, you just have to know one little thing... Haru is mine ;P
Byeee
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Music ; perfect
Acting ; absolutely PERFECT !
Recommended to watch
Best school drama 2019
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Ahhh. "Extraordinary You." I gotta be honest but I only started watching this show like a month after the show started ending. Thank you to my YouTube recommendations for recommending a clip of this kdrama, Probably the best thing YouTube has ever recommended me.
When I first got into this show, the only thing I knew what that it's a highschool drama and it's a comic book type of drama. Now if you know me personally, W-Two Worlds is my favorite kdrama of all time and I enjoy reading webtoons and manga on my free time.
The way the show was presented was well done. If I have to describe it, it's your basic cliche story, but behind the scenes. I won't get into to much incase you haven't watched it yet, but it's cliche but not cliche at the same time.
The whole show has made me feel like I'm on a rollarcoster and that I was always on suspense. My friend from school even saw me watching "Extraordinary You" and I got her into it. Now we both cry together hehe.
The actors and actresses did a phenomenal job on portraying the characters. I could really feel the emotion and I could also feel the happiness and joy. Oh, and the trio with Haru, Danoh, and Dohwa always makes me feel so warm and their shenanigans always make me die of laughter.
I don't want to make this long but if your still questioning if you should watch this, then I feel you. I didn't know if I should watch this or not because I thought it was going to be boring and unoriginal, but nope, I was wrong. The music went well, the actors and actresses portrayed the characters in the best way, and just the pacing of the drama was perfect. It didn't feel too long or too short.
If you just want to relax, maybe chill for a bit, this is the perfect drama for you, well, you might get emotional, but overall, it portrays the feeling of "first love" very well. This was my friend's first ever kdrama, and I believe that it was a good decision for her to start with this one.
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Ok I was hooked from the start with this drama. It was like love at first sight for me and that seldom happens for me. I am not into the school romance type of drama I am more into mystery,fantasy, thriller short of drama with romance mixed in. The reason I started and liked this drama was because this was a unique story with the idea of a comic world. I was hyped about everything and enjoyed it till the middle of the story. It went down from there. From there it was just another high school romance drama. The concept of comic world was just not so much needed anymore since the story mostly continued on off stage. Also the ending just did not explain anything. I was hoping for a solid ending but the ending I got throughly disappointed me. Specially since I was watching it for the mystery of the comic world. But he'll the comic world theory just took the last bench in the ending and just seemed so unrelated . I AM ANGRY AND DISSATISFIED WITH THID ENDING.
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I have a lot to say and justify so this might get long please bare with me
The first 3-4 episodes of the show are just too good and really make the viewers excited for what is to come, and this rise in expectation can be a problem. I had already read enough reviews of this drama to know that it does not live up to the potential it has, and yes I agree to this. However, the show has many other reasons to stick to it and personally it did not fail me (for most parts).There are a few things I personally feel most viewers should keep in mind:
-The characters are from a comic book- so even after they realize they are playing a role, there is still only an extent to which they can be developed as the writer of the book has limited their backstories and developing traits (differs from character to character).
-It might seem like Baek Kyung's character is more interesting and developed than most and that is due his complex feelings portrayed in the comic as well so it makes sense as to why he would go through an emotional battle in the shadow too. It helps that Lee Jae Wook portrays him with perfection.
-Haru may seem unfinished in terms of character writing but that perfectly made sense to me as he his fate was always inter-linked to Dan Oh. There are scenes , where he gets to portray overwhelming emotions (memory loss and flashbacks of the previous comic) and Rowoon plays his part so well! This is a character that could easily have been bland but he adds life and charm to Haru.
Now getting to the things that worked well for me:
-Do-Hwa's character, seriously the guy was too good.
-The chemistry between the leads and the entire cast as a whole was amazing. A weird note here- Lee Jae Wook and Rowoon seemed to have the best chemistry, scenes where they look at each other with passion made me think of things they did not intend to lol.
-Haru and Dan Oh were just too cute and I found it super easy to root for them.
-The concept as a whole is extremely fresh and the gorgeous cinematography helps its execution.
-Acting by each character from the main to the support roles is excellent.
-OST and background score was used to enhance the scene instead of making the scene.
-No character was boring as such, those that I was lesser interested in got lesser screen time as well.
-Inner monologues of the character when they realize the nonsensical scenarios that go on in the stage.
-This might be controversial but in spite of the unanswered questions I was pretty satisfied with the ending .
Things that did not work for me:
-As I mentioned, with the strong start, one's expectations rise but the drama does not do all that it could. It has more potential then it lives up to.
-Certain episodes between maybe 11-14 have multiple repeated scenarios.
-Dan Oh starts off strong but starts fitting into conventional tropes as the story follows. She does not do much to change her fate its more of Haru, Do Hwa or even Baek Kyung working for it.
- The drama allows more clichés then necessary, the problem is they have enough elements to avoid those but they do not make use of it as the drama progresses.
-Baek Kyung was interesting but in no way likable for most of the drama. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed watching his scenes but Dan Oh made her disinterest pretty clear but he just did not get her. Troubled childhood does not justify his violent and harsh behavior even in the shadow.
-I did not appreciate them giving Nam Joo the illegitimate son storyline towards the end to justify why Joo Da goes with him considering there was a lot of development for Do Hwa and Joo Da and I really think they wasted the potential of making the second lead end up with the girl considering the scenario they built.
I have mixed feelings towards one thing, lack of involvement of the writer. This SERIOUSLY BOTHERED me at first as I thought the dry squid guy was the writer and later I assumed it was BK's brother but then I realized this revelation could have added more convolutions to the story then necessary and thus it worked for me.
Whoever stuck to this till the end thank you for reading! This might be my longest review lol I just had a lot to say. I would recommend watching this show if you are in a mood for romance and a genuinely interesting concept! Just try not to raise your expectations too high and you'll like it more than you think.
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Imperfect Perfection / Get´s better the more you watch and understand it
Even though I agree with some of your negative reviews, I also have to disagree with the bad description of Haru´s background in "Secret". As you may know, he was chosen to only be a side character in the story, which we all know from mangas, manhwas etc., and in those, there was never an explained background about a simple side character either.That´s what it is about. Main Characters portraying Side Characters.
The writer never intended to make a big story about him, that´s why he also has no home. He is that guy who just fills the background scenes. He just lives for the protagonists. Nothing more. (At first)
If you talk about after he came back as Baek Kyung´s friend, then I agree. At that point, he should have had at least a bit of background because he became an extra there. Someone who could influence an important character.
Also, I can explain myself the open ending:
Haru disappeared, they finished the "Secret" Comic and went to the next. But she kept her memories, at least got them back when she saw the drawing, and then they found each other again. Under the Tree. Where they wanted to meet again.
The reason the writer wasn´t mentioned, he/she/them don´t know anything about the changes, because he/she/they maybe don´t even know his characters have an ego nor that the shadow exists. So Haru and Dan-Oh will find themselves always, in secret. Since they are somewhat connected, they can´t ignore the connection they build during their last comics.
To me, it made sense that they had an open-end since creativity has no end too and maybe there will be even more comics after. We don´t know. But it was never questioned before with other side-characters who really were JUST those.
Okay, so the point I tried to make clear was:
They are side-characters - main characters in the series - who try to change someone's fate. Still, they always continued being "only extras", and most of the time, extras don´t get their own end.
I hope you could follow up on my thoughts, at least a little bit...
Also, I recommend you to rewatch it, once you know the whole plot, then you will see Haru a lot more often in the beginning, since he had his ego all along.
xoxo Lin
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Dislikes: The chaste kisses (Come on, you call that a kiss?!) Oh and I didn’t care one bit about the “main couple” (Nam joo/Joo da couple), but that’s the point, right?
I thought perhaps this kdrama would be a bit too juvenile for me, but I was so wrong. The story was so fresh and unique that I was hooked right away. Kim Hye Yoon is adorable as the spunky Eun Dan Oh who will never give up trying to change her fate and Rowoon is just dreamy as the taciturn classmate who will try to help her. They have a sweet chemistry that will have you reminiscing about your first crush. The butterflies, the awkwardness, the slow build to a blossoming relationship. Just so cute!
Be sure to check out the Behind the Scenes as well on youtube. The teasing that goes on between the cast is fun to watch!
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The first half is, as they said, is the highlight in terms of plot flow. It's because you're getting used to the unpredictability of the drama and the quirkiness of the setup. It makes fun of regular rom com / romance manga tropes while presenting a very real conflict for the main characters: Dan Oh wants her own life, apart from what the writer set up for her. She doesn't want to die. Yes, Dan Oh is a bit stupid and naive, and her voice and actions are very stereotypical of rom com female leads, but that's the only character setup that really bugged me. I mean, yes, the lines are cheesy sometimes, but again -- take it as satire.
As the story goes on, you'll realize all the surrounding characters undergo amazing character development and are not who you originally thought they were -- but the change doesn't come suddenly, you'll be able to pick up hints from the way they look at other characters, the way they say their lines, the way they react, etc. So watching this show quickly became a detective game of "guess what happens next" -- and the results will surprise you. The plot twists and turns into something much more interesting than you could imagine, with a very logical resolution phase at the end. I don't know what people are talking about re: plot holes -- I thought the open questions presented throughout were answered just fine.
Anyway, quite highly recommend for the cute plot line and the uniqueness of the setup. The actors are also incredibly good-looking, if that motivates you :)
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The story was so good, so different. I saw many people compare it to W, but it’s not the same thing just because they happened to be in a comic book. Like, the characters are not gonna jump into the real world, they are just characters in a comic book and they have to accept it. Also, the writer is not gonna show up! It’s a fantasy INSIDE the comic book, not outside. The characters:
Dan Oh: she was so refreshing! Some people found her annoying, but I don’t agree at all!! She was cute and determined. Okay, she had the help of a male lead, but it didn’t change de fact that she chose to love him, despite of the autor’s decisions, and she always knew what she wanted, which was to chance her fate. And the actress did a great job! I got to feel everything Dan Oh was feeling.
Haru: people found him boring??? What???? Why??? It was so good to see a main lead that respects the girl and who is willing to do everything for her, even if he has to sacrifice his own life. Everything around Haru’s life in both comics was based on saving Dan Oh. He was cute and an excellent boyfriend. Rowoon did an amazing job, every time Haru looked at Dan Oh in the episode that she lost her memory, I felt so bad and cried so much.
Baek Kyung: some people loved him despite of all the bad things he did, which I don’t understand and also explains why so many male leads are just despicable. He was a horrible person throughout the entire show, incredibly selfish. But the actor was really good, and I got to feel Baek Kyung’s pain. And in episode 30 I was crying with him!
Do Hwa: he was the best! I loved him so much! Such a good friend! And every time he and Dan Oh were together I laughed so hard! The Three Musketeers were and amazing group and I’ll never forget them.
The OST, instrumental or not, was really good! Sometimes I cried because of the music!
The cinematography was beautiful! There were some scenes that amazed me because they were incredibly well done. Such as Baek Kyung scene at the ending!
The ending: it had to be an open ending! They are characters in a world they can’t control, we just have to hope for the best and appreciate the amount of love Dan Oh and Haru share. I was sad because we couldn’t see more of Do Hwa, Squid Fairy and the girl he loved, but it didn’t ruin the ending for me. Baek Kyung’s ending was really emotional, I loved his last scene. And Nam Joo was perfect! Strawberry man!
Really loved this drama and I’ll really miss it.
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this drama is not for every one this is for specific age group (adolescents)
so that's why it's not my cup of tea
although it was somehow cute and has it's nice heartwarming moments
but it was boring, repetitive and childish
i liked most of the main leads except the two whom supposed to be the main two at the novel
(kim young dae & lee na eun) their role was so trivial and shallow
i saw (lee na eun's) situation towards jung gun joo so fluid & vague and i felt her so Exploitative
i dislike her character so much
and i dislike the FL (kim hye yoon) when she tried to be fluffy and cute, she was so silly and annoying
although the writer bothered us many many times with such worthless details but the end wasn't clear and rush
how (ro woon) get back to her ??
and why all the characters at the end didn't remember each other at college inspite of being at same school
is that their life out of the stage ??
and why lee jae wook was absent from the scene
and the other story from jeoson age it gave me the feeling that the writer just wanted to fill the 16 eps.
this is for me, just one time watchable drama
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