Did we watch a different drama? Special premise and that is all

I am wondering what am I missing. Can someone enlighten me please. What was 'the best drama I ever watched' about this?

Myeong-ha was definitely a great character and props to the actor behind him. Caring. Responsible. His writing was interesting. I liked Sangwon too, I thought his position was very unusual and appealing for a BL, but also underdeveloped. He had a lot of potential.

As for Yeo-woon, I did not believe the character one sec. The chemistry between the leads was lacking left and right. I cannot with that really. He was very one dimensional for me.

Perhaps it is about somewhat misplaced casting, too few episodes for the meaning to prevail or not great writing.

Sometimes cute, sometimes engaging most times left me quite unmoved - meh. It is 8 x 40min, so not too long. The story is unique and Tae Myung-ha is crush worthy so up for you to decide.

Thanks for reading.

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Well... nothing happened really... except some fluff

What was great about this one is that it told three different stories.

And Kim An's back story seemed interesting and complex. But writers quickly abandoned his development.

However, despite moving on quickly the show dragged its short 10 episodes.

It was hard to invest oneself into any of three relationship because these were superficially covered. I though the actor who was Hyun did a great job. Him and Kim An sort of had some development and backstory. However Minwoo and Maru, who put them together? Also Minwoo's behavior strongly suggested something was not exactly right with him and since it did not get revealed I just get a strange vibe altogether.

Acting really was not strong in this one.

It is 10x20min episodes but it is a pass from me.

There are much better fluffy options with great plot, acting, chemistry. if interested check out my fluff playlist as I cannot remember exact names of dramas.

If you decide to watch it, enjoy...
And Thanks for reading!

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Efficient and throws a meaningful punch at quite a few topics

There was not a single thing unnecessary in this drama.

No dragging. No ridiculous subplots. Zero useless characters. Each one was developed.

Superb chemistry. Real emotion. Believable progression.

You can see where I am going with this. One word is efficient in all of its goals which were hefty for this drama.

The topics treated in this drama went beyond relationship and sexuality. They touched upon power structures (they even inserted Orwell in there), revenge, love across ages, depression... what touched me the most: the unconditional friendship. The prefect trio were really perfect friends to each other, admirable in the consistency of their support.

Soundtrack gives me Troye Sivan vibes and it is memorable. Not many hot scenes. More on the character development typa bl. I was not emotionally moved by cinematography or story but I cannot see any minuses really.

If it was not obvious..An absolute recommend.

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deceitful with incomplete execution...or...perhaps because of it

What is this? Tension replacing chemistry?

I was underwhelmed by this drama. Let me get it straight, the reviewers, you guys, I trust you and you really sold this one to me. ? I was ready to give money that's how well this drama was hyped. ?

It was a slow drama that hardly kept my attention. Son and a father and a friend of a father and mother. It is very messy and in my understanding, ultimately none of it feels real. Or healthy.

Love? Hell, they are traumatized, all trying to heal themselves in another.

How do I feel about that? Not well. I cannot but feel some ick when heavy topics are badly executed to seem real and genuine for the sake of entertainment. It did not even feel real. I mean how did Wang fell in love so quickly with Inthawut? Trauma, I tell you, he said himself that In fills the gap in him.

And do not think I did not notice all the attempts to simulate Call Me By Your Name. From the music to characterization to scenery to way their bond is portrayed. Really? Wang has my props as an actor, despite bad writing of his character. Wait, let me go give him some flowers...

Ok, I am back. Wang did quite well, mother was not bad either. Inthawut was lacking for me, he was like a shell.

The chemistry between the leads is only in intense staring. Their convos held zero chemistry despite heavy topics I was bored out of hell. And what is In falling in love with, again? Immature and impulsive emotionally neglected son of his friend. Why would he though? Unresolved trauma.

You may say, JXP, this one is not about love but healing. But honestly I do not know these characters. And I never got to know them. This was irrational punch that was supposed to be intense but ended up boring. Again props to Pond, he did a wonderful job as a young actor.

Ah.. perhaps it was well intentioned project but for me...deceitful with incomplete execution...or...perhaps deceitful because of incomplete execution.

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Unbelievably real and hardworking drama... Love was put in this project and I wholeheartedly felt it

A true ode to psychiatric professions with imo perfect execution... that gives brightness and dignity to heavy topics.

How needed was it...I did not even realize. not just for Korea but the rest of the international audience. It is just strange execution. Very careful, I would say.

Viewers are constantly made to be switching perspectives. First you are a sufferer, then caregiver, and then parent or a loved one, and then friend of a sufferer. Too many! And regardless, each perspective was never superficial, exaggerated or careless take on the topic.

About lessons...
In one memorable episode, in bouts of frustration, a depressed patient expressed their rejection of diagnosis to their bipolar neighbour. And in response, the bipolar patient said how "when our ear hurts we trust ENT doctor to know what to do. When we get stabbed we trust surgeon to know what to do. Why don't we trust psychiatrist to know what to do when our mind is sick. We are not objective about ourselves. That is why we trust them." -- Something along these lines -- I absolutely loved these peaks of non pretentious wisdom.

I am proud of the director.
Also the male lead was absolutely refreshing and charming in his quirky ways. (i might have changed my husband preferences)
Want S2 for relationship development.

Do not miss. Despite heavy topic, you leave with important lessons and light spirit.

--How privileged is to be a neurotypical and how much more empathy we can offer!

Thanks for reading!

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This show motivates to-- Get off your bed--and kick some a**!

I love this drama.

It is kind of oldish and the story has some cringy moments but the core, that the bad girl goes to become neurosurgeon is there.

This backbone is so inspiring.

How the Hye-jung was not stubborn and convinced in her teenage delusion but when she saw better opportunity for her life she took it and embraced it.

What a character. Persistent and loyal. Knows how to fight, is the most promising female neurosurgeon and gets the cocky doctor/teacher as a partner. Decade long friendship with a quirky friend who is her total opposite. Wow. My cozy drama for sure. Rewatched 3x. It is easy to digest.

Now to think about him. They had solid chemistry and his character had a playful writing. But meh I feel some other actor would have been fine in this role. Also teacher-student relationship was not a thing despite audience having a feeling that they are into each other in high school. Tad bit strange cos he really looks older than her. The main actress was the heart and soul of this drama. The antagonist, actress Biblee, phenomenal as usual.

Story is nice, sometimes cringe but always ultimately uplifting. I loved how honestly the main lead fell in love with medicine and how she repurposed her strength and anger with her upbringing.

If you like medical tv shows, after Hospital Playlist go for this one.

Funny, badass and sometimes even meaningful. But uplifting. Always uplifting.

Thanks for reading.

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Innocent and even carrying some lessons

One of the regular sport drama premises: there is a psychological wall that keeps the lead from progressing in their performance. Then another lead shows up and instigates the change.

Thank God this drama fulfilled the premise. The shorter lead, the instigator really gave this drama memorable quality despite the plot being short and having holes. He was cast well.

Also, I liked how naturally their relationship developed. I trusted their relationship which speaks to the skill of actors.

I do miss something, not sure what. Nothing explicit in here, but it was not as missed. As some other reviewers mentioned it was obvious that something was brewing. Spice could have been added but it is fine like this too. I wished they developed more the backstory but then I am not sure how it would have added anything.

Simply said, they chose a specific sized and shaped glass and filled it to its brim. Whether it is the best glass for the beverage ?‍♀️

Continuing my inability to remember their names the taller lead showcased maturity in his behavior and decisions. The shorter lead was very charming, expressive and charismatic. Even though the taller one is more my type physically the shorter one really mesmerized me with his performance. Showcase how masculine and feminine qualities are not reserved for particular physical characteristics.

All in all -- Wonderful acting. Both leads had different personalities that helped each other to change and grow. And the thing uniting them was shooting.

I am happily ending my day, satisfied that I cleansed my eyes from the disaster that another show caused.

Oh well, life.

A quick watch, nothing complex or tiring but will leave you with a feeling of lightness. I watched it while studying. Not a regret because it is one of the feel good typa drama. Also picked up a wonderful lesson:

You can endure your hardship by focusing on the end-goal, simply imagine something that makes you happy in your head.

Very true (and needed reminder).

Thanks for reading.

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Suspenseful, never boring and...great cinematography

Overall: I loved this one. It's visual quality and production is superb, with the gory and the scary, on par with Strangers From Hell. OST contributed so well to the overall atmosphere and is def worth your playlist. Which reminds me of myriads of emotions this drama made me go through. I was freaking scared (and I watch horrors w no problems), but also I connected to the characters so much that I found myself getting emotional at certain points. This drama does not get boring or monotonous from 1st to last episode, which says a lot on a drama that is based on a single, repeatable purpose, of catching a spirit. This makes it definitely is a worth watch. However, I do not find it rewatchable; while entertaining I did not take the message of the drama, which arguably could be familial love and loyalty as motivation for difficult steps (or revenge?), I did not find drama's message as something clear or meaningful enough for a rewatch. Just meh in that portion.

Detailed Breakdown:
Actors: 8/10
Actors were great, especially main lead, the taxi driver. I forgot their names already but that does not take away from overall exceptional performance. This drama really stretched the characters across spectra of morality, preoccupation, emotions and relationships and I have to say that I trusted the characters 100%, they comfortably switched between one extreme to another.

Storyline: 7/10
The storyline was very refreshing. I thought that three main leads coming together against the spirit, that has ruined their families (and lives), was executed superbly. I did believe each character in their actions which means, for me, that characters were developed well, and they make the storyline.

Entertainment:9/10
I don't know why for so many people mention this drama was not scary. I was freaked out throughout. I find myself recently not finishing most of the dramas I start, I wane off around ep. 12. However, the writers of the Guest knew how to build up tension and make it every time feel different. It definitely kept me in my seat.

Graphic and Aesthetic Quality: 9/10
This show did not hold back on presenting murders in the most graphic way possible. Also the whole demonic-exorcist procedures going on were in intense, and they really used the names of real figures in Catholicism while performing exorcism. This is 2018, but it's gory quality reminded me a bit of Strangers From Hell.

OST: 10/10
The main OST really contributed to the experience of the drama. I absolutely loved how they used their music.

Rewatch: 5/10I am certain that I will go back to the OST, but while it is entertaining and a great experience, I don't feel the need to rewatch it.
----

Thanks for reading!
Have a good one,

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A loved premise but feeding nothing than toxic fetish... for those with an inkling for it

A well loved premise on how the least popular boy (1st lead) becomes the love interest of the most beautiful and popular student in school (2nd lead). But this premise gone wrong wrong.

The depiction of the popular guy as the god and the king in the eyes of the muttering mess of a first lead... like why god?

First of all, how could anyone fall in love with the 1sr lead? I mean the guy has zero interest in anything except the 2nd lead. What is the appeal? And he goes into servitude (I am not exaggerating) mode after being called disgusting so many times, willingly. Socially inept, stuttering, depressed, quasi autistic. Is he supposed to be disabled without knowing? if this is how a person with disabilities depicted, bish I am offended. What in the weird fetish is all of this? And not really entertained cos everything boiled down to the damn 2nd lead, so if the 2nd lead is causing all of those characteristics above, I find my watching time even more pointless. Cos that is really not it.

Which brings me to the 2nd lead, Kiyoi. I mean dude you may be beautiful or whatever but his behavior is absolute shit. Excuse my muse. Like I can see a glimpse of an attempt at portraying him as abandoned child and therefore having his inner child calmed by an obsessive 1st lead.

I love a bit of push and pull between characters in a drama and the fact there is a person behind every "untouchable" character but I have seen none here. I know it is entertainment and does not have to serve meaning but I do feel it serves

propaganda for toxic relationship based in each of them feeding their traumas by using that relationship as a coping mechanism.

And that is me interpreting. Not like the drama said anything of depth.

Ah.

I've said what I said.

Not gonna entertain S2.

Unfortunately I did not see the brilliance other reviewers have. Myb it is something in the air over here.

Thanks for reading.

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Quick watch with interesting premise

I came into this one from Secret Love Affair, hoping to find something similar. I have watched quite a few dramas but none with this premise that Kenja no Ai had. Really interesting ideas and use of literature in the plot, also interesting psychological profile of different characters with ambiguous lives and motives. I was not disappointed with the way this was executed.

I was shocked at times and there were loopholes in the story, despite so many flashbacks. Also, Ryu was flat as heck as a character, and I still do not understand where Mayu's loyalty lies. It's all just, one big sad story.
After watching it, the departing is the feeling of being unsettled by it. Mostly because I am still uncertain of Naomi. I do not think that that young man, no matter how functional he seems, is mentally well.

The drama is four episodes long, and I think it is a worthy watch because of beautiful cinematography, decent acting and interesting storyline.

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So fresh. Wait, I meant refresh.

Went into this with high expectation. Was familiar with the main antagonist who did a fairly good job albeit I felt he was not captivating enough (as for instance the main antagonist of the Flower of Evil was). Always thought Wooshik would kill a villain role, but whether it is the script or his execution, I just did not believe him as a main lead. The detective and his story also felt unnecessary. Also Roh bin's connection to everyone but low quality script/screen time?

All felt underwhelming.

The first few episodes were interesting. Random comedic elements and the element surprise was there to give drama a fresh feel. But the further we went from the mid of show, more the plot has lost its direction... everything became a random mess, useless killing of random characters and honestly as if they tried to just filler even those 8 episodes.

All seems to be indicating for S2. Because what is Lee Tang's gift? And what is the meaning of all characters gaps? Questions fly above my head.

Extremely underwhelming. Save yourself time and go watch Strangers from Hell.

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A disappearing snapshot ...of that unyielding force...to shape the world to one's own conviction

Before we get serious, am I falling hardcore for First? I think so. Someone save me because I need to study.

...

You will find many issues and topics to latch onto beyond bl and romance:
- The enemy being the one who knowing better than a friend.
- A group protecting your life because your life is an ideological statement.
- Doing something (art, protest, attack) to express the anger with the state world is in.
- Forgiveness and change come in no order. And lastly... the one I will latch onto...

Existing in a world by working for more than yourself:

While I wish the world worked out in this manner the ROT and their mob, humans are rather more complicated, their interests conflicting and therefore less united.

When I tell you I got the chills when the mob united to save the group.

This is many things. Idealistic. Non-sensical. Pessimistic about the world. Hopeful for a change. Angry. Rebellious. Everything what youth is and represents. I kind of love this cloud of delusion that gives one the sense of being alive. But of course in a 14 episode time frame. And then back to reality.

I mean, I will go on a rant but adults like Gumpa who continue fighting in such manner can do so if they have their own garage, resources and no family of their own who financially depend on. Throw in a child and Gumpa would've acted like the policeman. A lot of adults need to either shut down the fire or find other ways to do channel it. Even White abandons his identity to join the gang eventually. but why White? Didn't you like diplomacy? What do you do like? Until when you will act like Black? I mean, the difference between two is larger than outfits and composure. (But the drama did take a large bite, so I do not expect it to deal with every unclosed circle.)

But this also tells us why many do not...Many do not care about social issues, not because of ignorance necessarily but other priorities, like Yok's mother. And honestly, I do not blame them. This, full-on-100% deliberation is only reserved for the kind of privileged ones we forget - the youth.

But I did feel a sting of becoming an adult and wondering am I going to lose it? Am I losing the sensitivity for social issues because life gets in the way?

We need an uprising in our hearts. A continued reminder. To not allow ourselves not to be mistreated as individuals in our lives by anyone. Ignite the spark, and wake up.

This drama reminded me of it. Which makes it a necessary watch for anyone.

...

Also Dan, you bi***, I ain't forgiving you... so it seems I have some adulting left to do.

Eh, life.

10/10.


Thanks for reading.

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I am crushing on Kang, but in all honesty everything was average at best

My impressions:

1) BANTER SCENES ARE HIGHLIGHT, THE ONLY HIGHLIGHT
Dangerous Romance execution had a slice of life drama appeal to it rather than some dangerous vibes like KinnPorche or Not me...which I personally like as well because there is always something raw and honest about the formet. Even the better performances such as those of Kang, Max and Nava felt average for a bl. Highlights are mostly from Kang and Sailom banter, then Nava and Guy banter. The plot was not believable, had little consistency (Pimfah lady, wtf you fell in love with whom? how did we get there please enlighten me!!!) and that graduation scene - I am still laughing at the speech. I feel slightly offended when I think that GMMTV made Eclipse and Only Friends and then have this as what? a drama for second tier citizens? But eh I will just forget about it and...

2) ....ALLOW THE FANGIRL TO OVERTAKE:
because the way Kang was written vibes with me 100%. Writers seemed to put all of their creative jumble into him. Aside the bully phase, he was a great man and a boyfriend imo. I low key think he is boyfie goals. He stood up at all the right times, manly and attractive but vulnerable and sweet when necessary. Open with his emotions towards Sailom. Quite sincere and childlike in his honesty. Direct and deliberate in what he wants. Attractive character overall. Also his metaphor about Sailom moving Kanghan (wind and windmill) was chef's kiss. Kang was indeed my only impetus to continue watching. He was just good at this role even though sometimes he slipped from the scene he was in. Immense potential.

3) THE PLOT WAS NOT MATCHED TO APPROPRIATELY TO THE CAST
Truth be told, to answer the question of one of the other reviewers -- it was not dangerous really, in fact, the opposite imo. It seems as if someone took the title of another drama and pasted it by accident. The plot seems more mature than the actors themselves. It had potential to be dangerous. It did not get there. 'Not me' had fairly young cast but still did well so idk. Do not hate me but I thought casting for Sailom was not appropriate. The actor did not feel matched to the character and his expressions could be numbered on fingers of one hand, like three at most. Chemistry was also, well not bad per say but not vibrant if you know what I mean. I could feel more chemistry from Nava and Guy, and I did not vibe with Guy's performance so that says it all. Kang and Nava ate and lead their scenes.

THE VERDICT:
Surprisingly I could see this being of a fair rewatch value for me, despite it having all of the ingredients that would predict otherwise. I really liked the build up episodes, loving and teasing banter, deliberate expressions of cuteness. If you do not watch this drama you will not miss much, really. If you watch it, you will have a nice time, some of your brain cells may die but scrolling through insta kills more. Here at least your eyes will be blessed by cute actors.

Thanks for reading.

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I think a very good study in human behavior. Funnily enough.

Explicit. Characters are of all shades of gray. When I say explicit it is definitely on higher end of explicit for a BL. And when I say I overall liked this watch, you may think it was those scenes but not really.

It was simply upredictable and exciting to see characters respond to plot demands. So dramatic! So fun! With burlesque quality to it. Cannot pinpoint it but I feel like I have been thrown into the OG Gossip Girl first watch. Does anyone get what I mean?

I was easily invested in the story of each of the characters, so much that I remember all of their names. And I do not have to say leave your morality at the front because these are not good people and they do not pretend to be.

At the beginning, everything and everyone seems superficial and thin like paper but throughout the show they flunctuate as people and do so in an honest and raw way.

The characters were developed with solid back stories that justified their actions in the drama, but were still unexpected when they struck you as audience. Ray was multi-layered character from the get go and fit Khao's emotional and vulnerable performance excellently. Even the lack of chemistry with Mew exemplified that his match was elsewhere. Sand was an absolute favorite in the way he was written, his sass was very well portrayed and his wimpy attitude was toned down but his cool and confident disposition. The chemistry was on point between the main leads.

Ton was consistent as hell in his immorality. He made me think so much. Even though I would condemn some actions in real life, the drama made me consider the angles of forgiveness and contempt and change ...and all in all, letting go. Nuncheon, I thought was useless in the plot. If judging from this as my first time seeing his performance, Force seems better person than he is an actor. In behind the scenes he was funny and charming, seems like a great guy to have around in any team --but his acting I just did not think was complex enough for the role of Top. Book was solid, nothing much to complain about. Mark Pakin the same case as with Force, this is my first time to see him acting and he did not impress, seems like a great guy perhaps the role did not fit. Also strange because his chemistry with Neo was not really lacking in the interviews and behind the scenes so I am not sure why I was not vibing with them. I am throwing all unpopular opinions here, sorry.

In all, a few things carried this drama: complex and unpredictable plot, refreshing mature script that matched perfectly with the scenography and Khao, First and Neo.

I know many people here rate it as trash, even tho I understand I would disagree. depends what you are looking for (or finding). With all those salacious scenes you expect to be kind of at the brink of oversaturation but characters were simply well written so you may end up caring more about what happens to them. Like me.

I think I liked Only Friends more than Eclipse, even though I think Akk fit better First than Sand did, and Ray suited better Khao than Ayan did... And well, I am First's fan girl first, and an objective reviewer (caring about your viewing experience) second, hihi.

Go for it. It's unexpected surprise. And 12eps only.

Thanks for reading.

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Go get yourself a glass of wine. Watch as sequel to some drama that fails you cos this one won't

This drama is unique in its structure. The first half of the drama you are following Payu and Rain, and the second half follows Pai and Sky's relationship. I did not think it possible but I was equally invested in both couples.

Starting with the positives, the actors did better than your average bl actors. Also more hot scenes than your average bl that were somehow appropriately distributed. Everyone seemed very invested in those hot scenes and it shows. Cringe was minimal. And the drama worked to develop characters individually, which I greatly appreciated, to understand them better.

I could see how Pai improved in his acting throughout the show, that at some moments he brought tears to my eyes really. From smiles that became his go-to expression (and low key annoying), he be getting cuter tho from ep to ep not gonna lie..

Also, isn't Payu somehow green flagy? Like my man conditioned his partner to focus on his school prior to him. Gotta love man with his priorities straight. Pai was not that at all, but he had his moments.

...and now on weak points. There were really no major disappointments. Despite a lot of turbulence it dragged a bit. Major question mark is I did not understand why would both Payu and Pai fall for Rain and Sky respectively. I mean physical attraction I understand but they did not explain at all what was special about them so those handsome, mysterious, rich, bad boy and smart loners would find in them the love of their life them.

Soundtrack I actually noticed so I gave above average score.

Do not miss this one. This one is for cleansing eyes from you previous failures.

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