Peak Time is what every idol show should be!

I have never watched a survival show because they all seemed really "reality-ish" and toxic which I hate and I only decided to give this a chance because I really like many of the judges and I have to say I love this. From the concept to the way the participants treat each other and how the production and judges seemed to treat them is all really amazing.

The K-pop scene is a very cutthroat business and with so many idols debuting is really hard to make an impact, so what this show does is really amazing. Giving all these idols a second chance or a chance to be recognized is really amazing.

The first elimination was really heartbreaking but what the production did for the teams that did not make it is amazing! Giving them the songs/ choreography & clothes that they did not get to perform in is such a thoughtful gesture! Given that many of them come form really small agencies with little to no support, all those lessons they received can go a long way. I also noticed that they gave them the opportunity to showcase some of their talents and skills either by having to play some games, allowing some participants to MC something or participate in some outside segments. This will allow them to be noticed by some producers and maybe get casted in a variety show or maybe secure an MC position in a show further increasing their exposure in the future.

Peak Time really is what every idol show should be. It should put the idols first and give them all the necessary tools they need to succeed and make it!

Leggi di Più

*sigh* Oh the wasted potential!!

*I tried to write down my thoughts in an orderly way but I think it all came out as an incoherent rant so I apologize!! *

WOW! Just WOW! This writer is just amazing and deserves to teach a class on how to create and cast the perfect ML (AJH was so perfect for this role), a FL that was strong and fisty and between the two develop one of the best and most healthy relationships , and as a new day/age Nero set it all in flames and watch it burn to the ground as the viewers watched and screamed in horror!!

In the first episodes I was amazed as to how much I was enjoying a weekend drama!

I was so happy to see two mature people grow organically and get closer, have distinct personalities and for almost 30 episodes have the best communication! Since the basis of their relationship was a contract, both were so open with each other and communicated well. They always seemed to be one step ahead of everyone else, especially the villains, and that as a viewer was so satisfying to watch! But around episode 30 the show changed completely! It seemed like the writer only had material for 30 episodes and after that he was grasping at straws so much so that the show and the characters personalities did a 180 and changed completely. He took a loving mother-in-law and turned her into this screaming shrew, he turned what was once a fisty, strong independent FL and reduced her to nothing more than a weak, unopinionated pawn having two men fighting for something she should have total say in and made Haneul feel like a prize for two men to be won!!

There were so many storylines to be explored:
• How YD met JH
• How JH met SJ
• YD going back to work
• TK and SJ history
• TK and Gramma bonding time – I mean during the unnecessary time jump they could have kept in touch and maybe continued the Hangul lessons!
• SJ & CW road to parenthood (writer gave up on this mid-way). They could adopt, they gave up on that at the beginning based on how Granny treated TK but at the end I think they could revisit the option! I HATED that they did not baby at the end!
• Granny’s history with SJ and her family
• SK and DM and her birth mother

But instead, we got JH’s bloodline ark!! I mean towards the final 3rd of the drama it felt that we were watching The Joon-Ha Show and everyone else was a supporting character to his story, including the 2 main leads.

Another thing this writer does not know how to execute is redemption and story arks in general!! The two main antagonists deserved no redemption, but they were given one none the less! And not just that but at the end they were collecting apologies and thanks for just doing the bare minimum to fix what was their fault to begin with instead being at their knees asking for forgiveness!!!
JH is probably one of the most toxic drama land characters out there. That sad excuse of a human never apologized for anything but still we were supposed to feel sorry for him because the writer loved him!

He was probably redeemable at around episode 30 but after that he was just the worst, but somehow they threw him a pity party and Ohh no, poor him, he is crying, lets forgive him,.. but thankfully (most) viewers didn’t buy that! And get pity for what??

At first we were led to believe that he is an orphan and he grew up alone and was self-made, only to find out that he was actually adopted (and he didn’t even know that) into a loving family, loved more than the actual biological daughter of the family and he was orphaned at what.. age 16?? If anything, TK went through everything the writer wanted us to believe JH did! Raised poor by a single mother, adopted at age 16 by a family that hated and bullied him and worked hard to become a doctor and he never relied on that family for money!

I kind of see where the writer was headed towards the end but you cannot just have someone going around cheating, bullying, threatening and harassing everyone and then just with a scene or two expect everything to be ok! That was some lame ass excuse of a redemption!

The only character that had steady development and good character ark was Yeon Soo Jong, the sister-in-law of TK. She went from an “antagonist” to one of the main couple’s most loyal supporters than never wavered! With the exception of the two Main leads, she was the only one I cared for and wished for her to get what she most desperately wanted and I was so annoyed that they did not! I mean I would have loved for her and her husband to at least be Haneul’s godparents, but I could not expect from that horrible writer to have thought of that! Other than that, no other character had a clear development (not even the Male and Female lead) nor any story ark was completely and clearly explored, leaving viewers with a sour taste in their mouth!

I also never saw a writer that hated his 2 main leads that much! He seemed to actively want to put distance between them. I mean they always spoke to each other using honorifics and their names. Not one single Yobo, chagia.. nothing!! HW and JM were a couple that at the beginning was going through a divorce, at some point decided that it would be ok to see other people but still called each other yobo and chagia! At first, I got it they didn’t know each other and had an “expiration date” so they used it to put some distance between them, but after they got back together, and they got married it made absolutely no sense!! We got almost zero scenes with them being a happy, in-love and affectionate couple. It was like he thought that if they spent more than 5 minutes being happy or affectionate the world was going to come to an end.

I would have rated this lower but at least the acting was good and consistent throughout the drama no matter how horrible the writing got and I honestly really did enjoyed and loved the first 30 episodes, before the writer had a mental breakdown and people around him didn’t stop him from writing.

As mentioned above AJH was the perfect choice for this. I loved watching him in NJTTW and the variety show with Na PD in Na PD’s YouTube channel, but I was never blown away with his acting. Here he proved me wrong. He ate the role of TK up and left no crumbs! He also looked heathier than ever, and it made me so happy to see! I really hope he is back for good! Another plus for me was how comfortable the baby was when he was holding her. I have been around many babies to know that that is not a given!

Drama MVP YD’s uncle. The only consistent and logical character in this mess of a show!

Leggi di Più

2nd ML was the MVP

There is second lead syndrome and then there is whatever I got with this show! Honestly for me the 2nd lead stole the show, he was the show! He could have easily come across as childish, irritating and annoying (and sometimes he did) but most of the time he was instead charming, fun and sweet, all these thanks to the actor. The FM had practically the same characteristics as the 2nd ML and was supposed to come off as quirky and likeable, but in reality, she was just annoying and childish. I think although the actress is a really good one, she just couldn’t pull out this kind of character.
I won’t say I have second lead syndrome because:1)Honestly for me the 2nd ML was the main character for this show and 2) I don’t think I wanted him to end up with the FL, she just doesn’t deserve him.
Also, it kind of bugged me that they tried to tell us the the FM was ugly because of the hair and the red spots! She was just not!
All in all is not that I did not enjoy the show, I did and the chemistry between the characters is there but there were some things that kind off took me out of it and didn’t really allow me to fully embrace it!

Leggi di Più

Good drama, just too long!!

So, apparently this review turned out to be an essay so I apologize in advance…!
--------
I kept reading of how amazing this drama is but I always put it off due to its length, but I finally decided to give it a chance since I had a week off work and a lot of time to spare! I have to say that I was disappointed. (I am going to put this in the list of high rated/acclaimed dramas that didn’t live up to the hype for me).

For me this show's downfall is its length. Too many characters, too many side stories that take more time than they should, that kept making me lose interest and pay no attention to my screen. I mean there were episodes where I looked at the screen for a total of 10 minutes out of 45 and honestly did not miss any part of the plot (I don’t speak nor understand Chinese, so it was just background noise). From some point on I think we also saw more of the supporting characters than the main cast. At the second half of the show Ru Yan (2nd ML) had more airtime and character development than the main couple combined and at some point, the main couple became side characters in their own story!

To a more positive note, the acting was really good, it made you interested in the characters and really care for them. The main couple has chemistry and it’s what keeps you interested and invested in the drama. Also, the acting was exceptional from all 3 Main Leads.

I had seen the FL on Go Go Squid before this, but she really blew me away here! What a performance. She portrayed all the variation of her character so convincingly, from innocent & carefree, to wise and calm , to broken and dark!
The ML was Incredible as well. Usually Chinese Male leads have a hard time portraying sweet/caring and cold and stern at the same time. It’s either one or the other, but he managed to do so effortlessly. You could also feel his sadness every time. As for the 2nd ML his acting was on point he went from gentle, sweet and calm , to broken, to buts**t crazy seamlessly and he portrayed all of those brilliantly. He also had a scene where he got to act silly (when another character pretended to be him) and you could immediately tell he was supposed to be someone else!! He really is a brilliant actor I am goanna search for another drama of his to watch! Ohh and the soundtrack amazing!

The best part of the show - story wise- for me was their time at the mortal realm, which should have been the shows primary focus. It had the perfect balance of humour, romance and drama. At the first part of the drama it was too much comedy and after the mortal realm just too heavy and dramatic.
The CGI was surprisingly good if we take into consideration that this is a TV production and no matter how high the budget it is never going to be enough for mind blowing CGI.
Also shout-out to the demon princess the best character in this show! Strong, level-headed, rational!

If this were a 40- 45-episode drama it would have been excellent. I mean the last episodes where brilliant. Do not even get me started on the wedding episodes, Game of Thrones who, but if half of your episodes need to be boring fillers with flashbacks in order to fill in 60/63 episodes (depending on the version you are watching), then maybe you don’t have enough story or material for a 60-episode drama! I mean it’s not great when you are on episode 55 and your reaction is “Thank God, there are only 5 episodes left”!

The first 20 episodes could have been summed up in 15, maybe even 12, then we spend 3-4 episodes on Run Yu’s back story which was too much. 1 would suffice. Then after the return from the mortal realm we have 10 episodes that all could be summed up to 5. In general, all those filler episodes made this drama frustrating for me. Episodes 33-44 basically useless and could have been summed up into 2 or 3 episodes!!

Due to this, some amazing episodes such as ep 45 lost impact and momentum! This is the closest I’ve come to dropping a drama, since I got frustrated by all those unnecessary filler episodes, but I never drop since I think you should always have a full picture if you are to complain or praise a drama.

At the end of the day I’m glad I didn’t because it was a good drama and worth the watch but boy the road there was rocky and I don’t think I have enough patience to ever rewatch!!

Leggi di Più

Straight from rom-com heaven

Love Unexpected was unexpectedly good! I can’t really explain as to why I enjoyed it as much as I did but for me it really worked! Is it cliché? -Yes. Is is cheesy?? YES!! But maybe that’s why it draws you in!
Yes, it’s not the most ground-breaking drama or unique, and sometimes the plot does not make sense, but somehow the characters make you come back for more.

For me Love Unexpected came straight from rom-com heaven. It’s light and fluffy without lucking substance or getting too heavy (although towards the end it gets a little bit angsty), something that many Cdramas that start funny do- and I hate!!. Also, one more thing that really annoys me in dramas is the use of sound effects but somehow here they really worked and added to the comedy.

Is Xu Nuo the best ML in all Dramaland or at least CDramaland! Yes, well, at least in my book, he is! If any ML had ever any reason to be mad at the FL and break up with her it was this guy! But no, he was really smart to actually figure out or at least suspect what she was doing, but also understand her reasoning without blaming her, and actually never doubting if she ever loved him or not. Not only he forgives her, but he didn’t break up with her because he was angry that he betrayed him but in order to protect her (although maybe this was for nothing). It was really refreshing to see, especially when in Dramas they break up for absolutely no reason and for stupid things. My only issue with it is that the breakup lasted too long. I mean it never really gets resolved. If we take ep 24 as the last episode, then it’s definitely not a satisfying ending. Thank God they have that special 2 episodes that gives us the fluffy, cheese ending we deserve!

Usually when actors play this type of emotionless characters they come across as untalented and as that they cannot act but, in this case, the actor did an amazing job at being emotionless and having a straight face. Even though he had no expressions you could kind of see what he was feeling and once he got his feelings back, he was the most adorable character ever. I have never seen any of his dramas before but he is definitely in my radar now!

As for the FL I really hope the writer had done a better job developing her character. Yes, she was strong and kind of independent, but she was also naïve, irrational and kind of irritating when it came to her decisions. I really think the actress really did save her character and did a really good job into making her likeable and adorable although her actions many times did not make any sense.

Also, shout out the best friend lawyer who was the voice of reason in the two leads relationship! Also, his expressions were everything!!Oh and his friendship with the ML is amazing!

Τhe couple is probably the most realistic and natural relationship I have ever seen. You could see their affection for each other kind of grow day by day. At last, two leads that are not afraid to touch and kiss each other and look like an adorable young couple!!! They were so natural with each other that I could definitely believe if you told me they are a real couple.

Another plus for me was that this drama was not dubbed, or if it were it did not feel like it!

Plot wise, they did a better job at displaying the fact that he feels her pain than her feeling his emotions! Although as it was explained it was sometimes hard for her to differentiate if it was her feeling or his still at sometimes you could wonder as to why she could not understand him. I have to admit that sometimes they seemed to forget that he could feel her pain or that he can’t feel or show any emotions but for the most part they kept it consistent.

My main issue was the main ‘misunderstanding’ between the couple. I mean it wasn’t really a misunderstanding because the Fl really did what she did, but the way the writers went about it, it made it hard to see as to why the ML will forgive her. She was not threatened into doing it and after she fell for him or after they started dating, she still continued doing it. Had they gone with either of the two options mentioned above (threat or stopped once she got to know him and fell for him) it would have been easier to believe that the ML forgave her or understood her actions!

All in all, I think Love Unexpected in one of the best modern dramas out there. Does it have his flaws? Yes. But they are easy to overlook since the Main Leads and side characters really do make you invested in their story!

P.S the 24th episode is not really the ending. The epilogue of the drama is the 2-special episodes!

Leggi di Più

Noting Bad, Nothing Exceptional, Just OK

Was "Wedding Impossible" enjoyable? Yes.
Was it an easy watch? Yes.

But that’s about it. The script was not developed well enough, and things happened because they had to happen. I still don’t know when, how, or why the two leads fell for each other, but at some point, we were supposed to believe that they were madly in love. In my eyes, nothing justified the heartbreak they felt in the penultimate episode. This could work or they could manage to cheat the viewers if the two leads had sizzling chemistry, which the leads did not have. It wasn’t the worst, but nothing exceptional. I mean, it’s not great when a cameo appearance from Kim Bum as a love interest for the 2nd FL steals the show, and their interactions, in less than 5 minutes, make you more giddy and excited than 12 episodes of the main leads. I mean where is their k-drama!! I need to watch that!

Another issue that didn't help with me believing their relationship is that they did not really look good together, which brings me to one of the weakest parts of the drama: the Male Lead. His acting left a lot to be desired, with some brief moments of good acting. I don’t think he was ready for a lead role, or at least this type of role. The other problem with him lies more with the casting director, but he looked too young. Every time they did a close-up, it just took me out of the drama, he barely could pass as 18! This made the Female Lead (both of them actually) look old in comparison, something that they are not.

But it’s not just the leads. All the characters felt underdeveloped, underutilized. They just did things without any motivation or reasons, and then suddenly they didn’t because... plot?

All in all, I would suggest watching it if you want a mindless easy watch.

Leggi di Più

Honestly, I entered this drama with caution and not having high expectations because I have been burned from high rated and/or highly acclaimed dramas before! And unfortunately, I got burned again!
There were a few moments when the show was good, mainly the body swap episodes (those were hilarious and the acting from both parties was on point) and some that were great (when we find out what happened to the ML) but most of the times the story falls flat and drags on.
I mean this is not a bad drama it is just boring for the most part. The two main actors are brilliant in their roles, but something did not click for me. Also some times I found their chemistry lacking.

My main issues with the show are:
1. The show could have done with at least 5 less episodes because from some point on the story just dragged on. At least 2-3 episodes could have been merged into 1. Also, each episode lasted an hour but sometimes it felt like 3 which is never o good feeling to have when watching a drama! The show started of good, then got real boring in the middle(episode 11 onwards), then picked up again towards the end(episodes 16-17) and then meh…
2. Why did the FL fall for the ML, is it because he is Hyun Bin, because other than that he has nothing else going for him. He is a jerk, a stalker, obsessive and borderline rapey at times, that kind off redeems his self only towards the end and then with the whole amnesia thing reverts back to his annoying self, and for some reason the FL finds it charming and likes it? . I mean yes he likes the FL and he (sometimes) is good to her, but not all the time and he is a jerk and rude to everyone else..
I think the only reason the ML was likable at times is because the FL made him one when they switched bodies.
3. When did the FM lead fall for the ML. I mean we know that for the ML it was Instant love, and although not fan of this trope, we knew when he started to like/obsess over her, but when it come to the FL I never really understood when it happened. One moment she couldn’t stand him and the next she was in love?? It didn’t make any sense to me. There was more development between the FM and Oska relationship, that for me it would have made more sense if they were end game or even her and the Director.

Leggi di Più

Perfect balance of comedy, romance and drama (without too munch angst)

Every holiday season I try to avoid heavy themed dramas and go for pure fluffy, romantic comedies and this hit just the spot. Honestly, I was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did but here we are. It has the perfect balance of comedy, romance and drama (without ever really getting too dramatic and angsty). I don’t think I have ever started a drama a lost the sense of time. One hour went by like it was nothing and without realizing it I was on episode 10. Had I started this on a weekend I am pretty sure I would finish it in one sitting.

I really love how the writers took the drama clichés and turned them on their heads. From what they did with the time jump at the end, (I mean they really had us) to the characters.

First of all, Dali, although she is the rich, spoiled princess that loses all her money and nothing ever goes her way after that, she is never a naïve damsel in distress waiting for a man to come and save her. She has her dignity and integrity even after facing all the obstacles. She never takes any man’s money to fix her problems, she never blamed all her difficulties at her fate/luck and she never victimized and pitied herself like many other characters would do. Also no matter what others said she always thought highly of Moo Hak and never gave up on him.

On the other hand, we have Moo Hak, not your usual rich male lead. He is not a cold emotionless perfect robot. He is expressive, intelligent although not knowledgeable and so but SO adorable. Dare I say one of the healthiest male leads out there. Although many found him annoying and obnoxious at first, I never did. It was clear that he was intrigued by Dali from their first meeting and money were never an issue when it came to her. The only reason he acted the way he did it was because he himself was not sure how and what he was feeling and that was the excuse he was giving himself as the reason that he cared and wanted to be with her. But once he knew and understood what he was feeling he never hid away from them and he was always straightforward.

Additionally this might be one of the only, if not the only, Male leads that is not afraid of his father but on the contrary sometimes his father seems to be afraid of him!

Although on a first look they both seem childish, naïve and immature, together they probably make one of the best, healthiest and most mature couples in dramaland. They always find a way to communicate and that's why any problem that comes along gets resolved quickly never giving the viewer any angst. Their chemistry is no joke and are probably one of the cutest couples out there.

And we cannot forget about Won Tak, the best friend of the FL who is close to her as a brother. And that’s exactly what he is. Someone who grew up with her and they are close as siblings and nothing more! He is does not realize mid-way through that he is in-love with her and tries to win her heart! He is just there for her and wants to protect her like any older brother will do! How refreshing!

I would recommend this in a heartbeat not only to drama lovers but to newbies and people that have never watched a K-drama before.

Leggi di Più

Korean Odyssey had all the ingredients to be this epic fantasy adventure but instead is boring

My Korean Odyssey had all the ingredients to be this epic fantasy adventure, supernatural beings, ill fated lovers, bromance and interesting side characters but surprisingly it was incredibly boring. I am going to be honest it just felt like a cheap copy of Goblin (although I now that this is based on an a classic Chinese story). A supernatural being falling in love with the person who will “kill” him and a bromance between to bickering supernatural beings.

I am not sure what went wrong here but this show failed to grab my attention from the very beginning.
First of all I had an issue with the FL. Not sure if it was the actress or the way the character was written but I had a huge problem connecting with her. She was just soulless, absolutely no emotions or expressions. Even when she tried to act cute or funny, she came off as cringy and there was no chemistry between her and the ML, which is hard to do, taking in to account that the ML is Lee Seung Gi who up until now has proven that he is capable to have chemistry even if paired against a rock!

But even him in this drama felt like he was phoning it in! There was no spark or passion in his character. It was like he didn’t want to play this role or lost his interest half way through. Having said that, even an average Lee Seung Gi is better than most.
The couple had small to no development and the bracelet thing just went for too long making it so hard to root for them. Additionally, the lack of chemistry did not help make you swoon over them and anticipate their next scene. I mean the ending was supposed to be heart wrenching and impactful but in contrast it was just meh, thank God this drama is over, on to the next one, type of ending!

The bromance also did not work. With the exception of few moments between the 2 Male Leads that actually made me laugh and like them, everything else just felt flat!

The only characters I liked and cared for in this drama and kept my attention and wanted to see where their arc will go, were the PK, the zombie girl and the Frost General/Summer fairy and somehow the writers managed to completely ruin them as characters by the end which really made it hard for me to not drop this!!

Also, this drama was WAY to long! 20 episodes, with an average of 1h and 10min running time each, with this kind of writing, Oh no!! Even 16 episodes, would have been a stretch if you ask me! I mean I barely paid any attention after the first 5 episodes and when a few scenes/episodes came along that grabbed my attention , I could still follow the story with only a few questions that always got answered along the way. This means that there was no story direction or proper character development here and most of it was filler.

One good thing about this drama is the OST. Let me out is quite the ear worm and found myself hamming it multiple times!

Leggi di Più

Not your average drama

Mr.Sunshine is not your average drama in many aspects. The cinematography and photography were out of this world, maybe the best I’ve seen in a drama.

In terms of story again this is so much more than your usual romance heavy or oriented drama. The drama explores the road toward the Korean independence and the struggle of the people around that time. Although according to some articles I have read not very accurate, it gives you an idea of how Korea was at that time.

Before starting the show, I’ve read in another review that this is not a bingeable drama and I thought to my self “Challenge accepted” but I soon realized that they were right. Mr. Sunshine has many characters and many plots going on that each episode is very information heavy. If you try to watch more that two episodes in a row you start to drift apart and you are unable to follow the characters and their story. And trust me their stories are worth following.
All the characters, main and supporting, have a purpose and a role to play, none of them feels out of place or as a filler. The two Female leads were strong, independent, smart, brave and everything you would like every female character in a drama to be. The actresses were great and did an amazing job.

The 3 main male leads are amazing and their chemistry and interactions incredible. Three characters that love the same woman but can’t seem to hate each other and understand that there is a purpose bigger than them and the girl! Although I really hate this trope to the bone, like there are no other women in that place!!

I have to admit that, when it comes to the Male leads, I have a soft spot for my future husband and love of my life, Dong-Mae. The actor did a great job taking such a complex character and bring him to life and portray every emotion incredibly.

Having said all that ,there were two things that prevented me from giving this show a perfect score. One was that although the story was amazing, 24 episodes were a bit much since I felt that at some point in the middle the story got a bit druggy.

Now to the second part that might be a little controversial, but my main issue to this drama was the 2 main leads. As I said above both are BRILLIANT in their roles and their chemistry was good. My problem with the Male Lead was that out of the 3 males leads to me he was the most indifferent, I just didn’t feel for him the same way as the others. Kim Hui Sung brought a much-needed levity, cuteness and fun to the drama that you couldn’t help but fall in love with him. As for Dong-Mae, I think I made my feelings clear! He was such a complex character and far from the good guy/hero, but the actor did an incredible job. He portrayed all the emotions of the character perfectly with every inch of his face and he could really make you feel everything he was feeling, while being incredibly hot. So, the Male Lead really failed in comparison to me.

As for the Female Lead my main issue with her is really subjective and not really her fault, but she looks too young, especially next to the Male Lead. I know she was a 30-year-old actress playing a 30-year-old woman, but she looked 16 and it got even worse when she was in the suit, because she looked like a 12-year-old boy! So, every time she was in a scene with the ML all I could she was a 16 year old girl next to a 40 year old man and it made it icky for me taking me out of the drama!

All in all, for me Mr. Sunshine is a must watch drama that will bring all kind of emotions out of you!

Leggi di Più

Starts strong, Falls flat in the end

Ok, so I am convinced that this drama was written by someone with severe mommy issues. Seriously every mum on this show was a piece of work!!

The dads on the other hand (the 2 main ones) are everything a Drama parent should be! Especially the Female Leads dad: Parent Goals!!

If I were to score this show based on the episodes 1-11 then it would have been a perfect 10. Never I have I ever fell for characters so quickly or understood their actions more than here. Unfortunately for this drama there were 29 episodes after that… Once we came to present day and everyone returned from abroad, the story started to drag, the love triangles, rectangles, pentagons showed up and the show lost its spark and uniqueness.
Although in all fairness they tried to resolve everything quickly and without much angst. The story dragged so much at some point that it took me over a week to finish the last 5 episodes and on the last 3 the show was on mute playing in the background!

For me the weakest part of the story was the ML. From the actor, whose acting left a lot to be desired (I am sorry but all I saw was a pretty face and nothing more) to the character himself whose feelings towards the Fl were those of obsession and not love. Also there was no romantic chemistry between him and the FL and their interactions were just awkward!

Apart from him, everyone else’s acting was exceptional, very raw and realistic. The side characters were likable and relatable.
Another thing I din not like was that they gave “closure” to characters the audience did not really care for and kind of left us wondering as to what happened to our favourites.

All in all this is certainly one of the best modern day dramas out there that for the most part touches on issues that many young people might go through.

Leggi di Più

Unexpectedly good

When I went into this drama I never really expected much. I just wanted a funny, sweet drama and I though I should give this a shot and it turned out unexpectedly good. Is ground-breaking? -No. Does the story have plot holes and it’s not realistic? – Yes. But the actors did such a great job that they draw you in and made you invested in them and their story. I am going to be honest the show is angsty, I think in every episode there is some sort of mis-communication-misunderstanding. Maybe the longest they went without something going wrong was about 15 minutes, but the couples’ chemistry makes it up for it and their interactions make you melt and then stick all over! The only thing that took you out was the first kissing scenes that were so uncomfortable to watch but it did make sense because at the time the couple did not really know or like each other or one of them was drugged or wanted to get away from something. Thankfully they get better as the drama moves on and the Main Leads fall in love. The writers did a great job showing their story and gradually having them fall in love!

The only time the angst got to much to the point that it made you want to go into your computer and punch everyone was around the episodes 29-31, when the 3rd Female showed up! I think if the couple wasn’t so adorable this story would not work!

The show gave us two 2nd leads that were loveable and likeable. Although the both liked the FL and ML respectively, they were mature enough to understand that it was going no-where and instead stayed by their side as their friends and “brother”. Honestly the SFL was sooo adorable and her friendship with the FL was everything!

The FL was also adorable. She is smart, cute and clumsy but not weak and her chemistry with the ML really amazing. At first she seemed really stubborn and always wanting to run away but if you really look at the story she really had a point for wanting to do so. My only issue with her is that she was too trusty and gullible to the point that sometimes it didn’t even make sense! The actress did a brilliant job ,she really is amazing! Definitely gonna watch more of her work.

And now to the ML. He was not your average historical drama ML / general, who are usually cold, emotionless and rough/rude to the FL. Rather than cold I would say he was an introvert and closed himself up after his brother’s death. In flash backs we got to see that he was more open and made jokes with his brother. Additionally, he was not rude or rough (maybe with the exception of when he found out what happened to his brother) but rather his awkward behaviour around the FL came from not being comfortable around women and did not knowing how to really behave around one. But even then he was sweet and caring towards her (most of the time). His reaction every time the FL was sweet and touchy-touchy was adorable. I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the actor. I had only seen him before in LOVE O2O and although I loved him in that drama, I honestly did not believe he could pull this type of role off, but I was wrong. He really is a great actor, I am a fan! He makes you care and fall for him. I was also impressed that that is his real voice.

All in all, I really suggest watching this show, although it literally ends in a cliffhanger (Thank God for the special/alternative ending that it’s pure fun and fluff and gives us closure)!! I really hope that the leads get to start again in another drama (maybe with little less angst and more “mature” characters that know how to communicate)

Leggi di Più

Although not really blown away, I understand the hype

First of all, I want to say thank you to the one brave and open-minded employee in the Chinese Censorship Authority who greenlighted this drama! Knowing about the censorship process tv shows must go through in China I expected to watch as show about two very good and close friends but surprisingly the undertones of the relationship are there, without the hug and the kisses of course. I mean at some point I think someone mentions an inappropriate or intimate relationship between the two (or something along those lines)

Now as far as critically acclaimed and hyped-up dramas go, this kind of lived up to the hype. I also really like the ending credits song.

I would say that 50 episodes did not feel long, and the story had a good pace, but the story was at some points confusing and the fact that there are so many characters with at least 3 name each did not help! Sometimes I found myself lost and not paying attention. Although there were some amazing parts, the show just failed to completely draw me in and make me completely invested to the characters.

Wen Ning my good, zombie -ghost-possessed little soldier was by far my favourite character and the only one I really cared for getting a happy ending!

As far as the acting goes the two main leads along with a couple of other cast members, did a great job although it took a while for me to feel and see their chemistry (maybe around episode 14).

All in all this is a good show and I get my is loved and considered a must watch by many.

Leggi di Più

A good binge-worthy drama

The Tail of the Nine-tailed was a good drama! Nothing special or complex in terms of plot, but good non-the less. The writers seemed to have a well though out plot and they stuck with it (for the most part). Sometimes writers get carried away with the reception of a show or a character and seem to deviate from their original plan, thus ruining the show. This show was going great up to episode 12-13. After that the writers seamed a bit lost and didn’t quite knew how to stick the landing. Especially the last episode felt a bit rushed. I felt like they wanted to surprise the audience who were speculating who was going to die and kind of tried to do it all. I also feel that the writers also did a great job balancing all the genres of the drama (horror, romance, comedy, thriller, action) without one overtaking the other.

In Terms of characters the writers did a good job in developing them.
When it comes to the ML there is nothing really to say. He is not an overly complex or ground-breaking character but Lee Don Wook played him to perfection bringing his charisma and ability to this role making you fall for him! The FL as a character was great. She was smart, mature and acted her age and not as a spoiled irritating child. At first, I wasn’t sure if I liked the actress. She seamed to be missing a spark and seemed kind of lifeless, but then it hit me! She was not under acting she was just acting normal. No over-exaggerated, too cute or animated reactions. Just a normal person acting her age and that made me love her even more. Sometimes characters in Kdramas feel like they came out of an anime, and I like that don’t get me wrong, but it was refreshing to see someone acting normal for a change. The two of leads together had good chemistry and one of the best developed and mature relationships I have seen in a drama.

But when it comes to characters Kim Bum’s Lee Rang stole the show. What a great actor. This is the first time I saw him in a drama and he simply blew me away. He is introduced as the villain and you were supposed to hate him, but something kind of made you like him and root for him and later on you get to see all the layers behind his character. Is he the good guy? No, not by a long shot but you can help but fall for him! Kim Bum really played him to perfection from second 1!

The supporting cast was also brilliant and each one of them had a purpose and a role to help move the story forward!

Oh, and the real villain goes under the category: Bure Evil but Hot as hell :P

All in all, I really have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this drama and it did not disappoint me!

Leggi di Più

Better than Love O2O,A love so beautiful and Go Go squid that are way to overhyped.

This drama was funny, charming, light and fluffy (for the most part). All of the characters were likeable (well all besides one but it’s a Cdrama what do you expect)
FL: has more personality and charisma than the FLs in Love O2O and is much more less annoying than the one in Go Go squid and Love so Beautiful (don’t get me wrong there are some moments when she is super annoying) but you can help but fall in love for her. The actress did an amazing job making her quirky and fun, and what I appreciated the most is that she wasn't boy crazy as other FLs in similar high school or collage dramas. She had her own goals and aspirations and she would stop at nothing to achieve them

ML: He is more charming and has more emotional range than your usual serious and emotionless ML. My biggest issue with him is that some time he got too stalkerish to the point that it wasn’t cute or romantic.

All in all I enjoyed this more that other shows that are considered a must watch and I would recommend this instead.

Leggi di Più