Let’s weigh Cinderella and Four Knights on our show beam balance and see how well this rom-com fares.
Good Weights
Ah Jae Hyun: I liked him from his first scene itself. His chemistry with the Park So Dam was far more electric than that with Jung Il Woo. I was rooting for Hyun Min (Ah Jae Hyun) for the longest time despite knowing the fact that Ha Won will eventually end up with Kang Woo. I was actually hoping for the show makers to surprise the audience and let her go with Hyun Min. His chemistry with Hye Ji (Son Na Eun) was just meh… maybe because Hye Ji herself was so meh on the show. Couldn’t they have given him more screen time? He was so good!
Park So Dam: This new age Cinderella is smart strong, brave, and indomitable. So Dam may not be an exceptional Korean beauty but her tomboy looks helped her look convincing in the show. She isn’t the perfect Cinderella but most certainly was the perfect Ha Won. She acts well and shares good chemistry with all the three Kang cousins.
Melodious OST: I give the show’s OST a big giant humongous thumbs up! Ji Woon and Ha Won’s love song ‘For You’ (the ballad version) gives you the feels. Its beautiful lyrics ‘…you’re the only one for me….I’m the only one for you’ perfectly captures what Ji Woon feels for Ha Won. ‘My Romeo’ by Jessi always reminds me of the first few episodes that were dominated by Hyun Min. It is a fun and peppy song that suits all the amusing and mischievous instances on the show. Finally, the song played mostly when someone (read Hye Ji) was brooding on the show, Apink’s ‘Without You’ is a song that will stick in your memory even when you do not really get the lyrics.
Bad Weights
Too Farfetched: Now tell me why will a chaebol (extremely rich businessman) grandfather hire a young girl to change or reform his young grandsons? Why would a grandfather keep a young girl in a house full of testosterones ooops…. I mean young good-looking boys and not expect her to fall for even one of them? He is aware of how rebellious those boys are, so what made him think that a lame ‘dating’ ban will stop the girl from falling in love with any of the boys. Had Grandpa threatened them with disownment; they would have all come wagging their tails behind him and he would have to neither spend money on Ha Won nor face the threat of one of his grandsons falling in love with a poor helpless girl.
Too Clichéd: Actually, rom-com’s like these are always heavily clichéd. The hero is always there to help the girl under every circumstance. He always reaches her wearing a jacket so he can offer it to her. He will always be around her when she is lonely and upset. He will always offer a shoulder to cry on when she is sobbing. This show had it all. It is a typical romantic drama and is nothing out of the box.
Though the show beam balance tilts with good weights, Cinderella and Four Knights is not a perfect drama. It is not even an ideal drama. It is a typical clichéd drama where you know what will happen next. However, despite the predictability people watch such dramas only for the ‘aww’ moments. And this show has plenty of them. Its good-looking cast is the cherry on the cake. I liked this show because it was funny and sweet. There was nothing complicated was entertaining for me.
If you like predictable stories with lots of lovely moments to swoon over then go for this one. Binge watch it over the weekend. Trust me you will not regret it.
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This review may contain spoilers
DEMOREI 5 ANOS PRA TERMINAR ISSO
te promete um conto de fadas moderno… e te entrega um surto psicologico, uma protagonista que parece ter escolhido o par romântico groguea história gira em torno de uma menina pobrinha, sofredora, explorada pela madrasta e ignorada pelo pai, que dorme num sótão e leva a vida como um verdadeiro saco de pancadas da família. até que o ceozão milionário resolve colocá-la numa mansão com três netos ricos, problemáticos e cheios de drama. o contrato diz, nada de namoro e a missao é que tornar eles seres humanos decentes. claro que tudo dá errado.
os três cavaleiros são:
• o idol, que nunca viveu o amor e se apaixona pela protagonista como se fosse fanfic feita por uma estudante;
• o filho oficial, mulherengo e mimado, que finge namoro com a protagonista pra esquecer a garota que ele realmente ama;
• o bastardo, que trata a protagonista como se ela fosse um tolete do bosta. e adivinha qm ela escolheu? 😍😍
o quarto “cavaleiro”, que nem devia estar no título, é o secretário do avô, que não tem NENHUMA interação romantica com a protagonista. ele só existe porque alguém achou que quatro cavaleiros soava melhor no marketing
aí aparece a vilã aleatória, que chega no meio do drama dizendo que é mãe do secretário (mãe sumida há anos, do nada reaparece). no começo, o plano dela era amar o ceo, mas do nada resolve que precisa arrumar dinheiro pro filho, ele nem pediu nada (?) cara tinha um trabalho foda, secretario do presidente e ela nessa. ela arma pra ferrar o ceo, e no fim, se arrepende e… vira casal com ele de novo. pois é. e todo mundo aceita como se fosse fofo. não achei
o secretário, coitado, finge que tá ajudando a mãe pra depois virar o jogo e proteger o ceo, mas msm assim é demitido coitado. os três netos vão atrás dele depois pra dizer que ele faz parte da família, porque no fundo ele sempre esteve ali, cuidando deles. isso foi fofo
já a protagonista, fez tudo errado... na minha opinião claro. ate aceito ela ignorar o idol fofo, mas o filho oficial???? ele era do tipo engraçadinho que flertava provocando e estava disposto a abandonar a costureira pela prota 😭😭 mas isso é mais pq eu sou facinada por um engraçadinho fofo, e entao a prota foi la e se jogou de cabeça no bastardo que só faltou esfregar merda nela. parabéns! palmas pros dois mongóis 👏👏👏
teve o casal secundário: o filho oficial e a costureira que ele realmente amava. enrolaram TANTO pra ficar juntos que quando finalmente rolou, eu já tava cansada. e a costureira ainda teve a ousadia de dar em cima do bastardo (o mesmo que a protagonista escolheu), causando treta emocional. no fim, até que ficaram fofinhos juntos, mas não compensou o tédio que foi assistir esse chove-não-molha 😤
o idol, depois de perder a protagonista, fica com a melhor amiga dela. não chega a oficializar isso no drama, mas é meio óbvio que ficaram juntos, e sinceramente? o único casal que não me deu vontade de bater a cabeça na parede
no geral? um dorama que tinha potencial, mas foi sabotado pelo roteiro, pelas escolhas da protagonista e pelos casais que não sabiam o que queriam. eu só terminei porque n dropo nada viu
eu podia ate falar da ost q realmente era boazinha mas toda a irritacao q eu senti n me permite dissertar sobre isso e tambem reclamarei aqui da qualidade de merda que eu assisti esse drama fazendo com q eu n pudesse dar atencao a cinematografia e ambientacao
ps: apesar do dorama ser de 2016, ou seja, nem é tão antigo assim, a qualidade da imagem tava bem sofrida. mas isso foi culpa do arquivo que eu assisti pelo telegram, que parecia ter sido gravado com uma batata. normalmente o telegram entrega uns vídeos bons, mas esse aí veio todo pôdi, 20 pixels. então o problema visual foi mais da fonte do que da época.
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A Cheesy Yet Charming Step in Kdrama's Evolution
Having recently finished this, it's evident that kdrama has evolved significantly, especially in terms of writing. The series demonstrates a departure from the over-the-top 80's style melodrama, although not entirely. It’s apparent that many writers have either been replaced or have learned from their past mistakes, leading to generally improved storytelling in contemporary dramas.The show is riddled with clichés, to the point of being cringeworthy. The "poor girl meets rich boys" trope is painfully overdone, and the predictable plot twists do little to add originality. Watching the show can feel like a checklist of kdrama stereotypes: the aloof chaebol, the kind-hearted heroine, the love triangles, and the obligatory makeover scenes. The formulaic approach makes it hard to take the drama seriously.
Yet, the series has undeniable charm, largely due to its cast. "Cinderella and the Four Knights" has served as a launching pad for many actors, notably the beautiful Park So Dam. Her performance, along with the rest of the ensemble cast, brings a level of charisma that partially compensates for the lackluster script. The actors' chemistry and charm provide some genuine moments of enjoyment amidst the sea of cheese.
Speaking of cheese, this drama has more than a Quattro formaggio pizza. The excessive romantic tropes and overblown emotional scenes can be both entertaining and exhausting. It's the kind of show where you can predict the next line of dialogue or the next plot twist with uncanny accuracy, which might be endearing to some viewers but tiresome to others.
Despite its flaws, it remains watchable, even if only as background noise while doing chores. The light-hearted nature of the show makes it easy to follow without demanding much attention or emotional investment. It's the kind of drama that you can enjoy in a passive way, perfect for multitasking.
In conclusion, it’s a mixed bag. On one hand, it showcases the growth and evolution of kdrama writing. On the other, it clings stubbornly to outdated tropes and clichés. While it might not be groundbreaking or particularly memorable, its likable cast and easy-to-digest format make it a tolerable watch for K-drama enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.
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This review may contain spoilers
I'll start off by saying I am not a professional critic just a girl saying what's on my mind so do with that what you will. Let's goooo.
Listen this was great but how are they gonna do my music man so dirty like damn she really brother zoned him like that. JUSTICE FOR KANG SEO-WOO!!!!! Don't get me started on that annoying fashion girl please she cries in every damn scene I quite literally always skipped her parts talk about a pick me, girl. Anyways it made me laugh enough that I completed it so if you like the enemies to friends to lovers vibe then great. And I love the female lead played by actress Park So-dam. Each to their own though.
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What a let Down!
What a shit show! Cast were reasonable and they did a pretty good job.I know making a tv show is not easy, it take time, hard work, money and lot of effort. So I am not always too critical about a show knowing that so many people worked so hard to bring it to their audience. The story was horrible, the story writer could not figure out what the show is about. There was no consistency and continuity. No Creativity.
I am not sure how this was released it in the first place. The Director, what was he doing/thinking directing this kind of show. Is he not ashamed of himself? The story writer, how does he put this on the film to show all of his incompetence for everyone?
I am embarrassed for everyone who made this show.
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Literally watch any other show.
This is one of the worst k drama to become popular in recent years. Defiantly the worst K drama in Netflix (US). Editing is very bad. It has weird transition and cut scenes. Its like the creators thought that if nothing cool happens every few minute the audience will lose interest. Characters are all cartoon. You can tell who is good or bad immediately. May be this show was meant for kids. All the actors seems trying their best with the crappy writing. But lead female didn't seem to fit the bill. Her character is supposed to be smart, strong, respects elderly, beats up grown adults in fight, does multiple job to save up for college.....typical strong female lead things convincingly. But she didn't seem to be able portray those thing. Literally watch any other show instead you'll have a better time.Was this review helpful to you?
a simple story with a romance
I like to see Park so-dam. she's really beautiful.the story is simple but refreshing. try it and you must agree with me.
The others actors are good to bur for me Park so-dam is up of them.
good watching...
I like to see Park so-dam. she's really beautiful.
the story is simple but refreshing. try it and you must agree with me.
The others actors are good to bur for me Park so-dam is up of them.
good watching...
I like to see Park so-dam. she's really beautiful.
the story is simple but refreshing. try it and you must agree with me.
The others actors are good to bur for me Park so-dam is up of them.
good watching...
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This review may contain spoilers
Messy, Inconsistent, and Frustrating
I went into this drama expecting something like a reverse harem setup, but it really doesn't play out that way. It kind of sets that expectation early on, especially with Kang Hyeon Min showing interest in Eun Ha Won in the first few episodes, but then he just drops it and acts like it never mattered. I thought he was genuine too, but nope.Kang Hyeon Min’s whole dynamic with Park Hye Ji was honestly one of the most frustrating parts. He is clearly written as someone who has feelings for her, but he's extremely mean and dismissive toward her. It gets repetitive too. After a while I was just thinking how many times will you let this man mistreat you before it becomes obvious this is not going anywhere? Their scenes together never really built believable tension or romance either, so instead of being angsty it just came off as awkward and cringe.
Then there's Kang Ji Un, who is supposed to be the quiet, emotionally guarded type who ends up liking Eun Ha Won. But even that storyline feels like it keeps getting tangled with the other pairings in a way that doesn't really make sense. At times, the way Kang Ji Un acts and positions himself makes it seem like he has feelings for Park Hye Ji, but it turns out he was just being a good friend. Let me tell you, the things he did, no friend would do that for a platonic friend. For example, when Kang Ji Un saw how hurt Park Hye Ji was due to Kang Hyeon Min's cold and harsh words, he approached Eun Ha Won saying, "Does it make you happy that Kang Hyeon Min bought you expensive clothes and brought you to eat at a place like this? I can do that much for you, too." Uh… what? Or when he tells Park Hye Ji, "Do you remember when I told you I'd protect you? I wasn't just saying that. Even though I can't do anything about all the hurt Kang Hyeon Min has given you, I'll protect you from being hurt by him from this point on." Then he inserts himself between Eun Ha Won and Kang Hyeon Min and says, "I'm going to try to steal your fiancée." It just ends up reinforcing the idea that Kang Ji Un had feelings for Park Hye Ji.
Overall, the romantic dynamics feel scattered and underdeveloped. Instead of a solid love triangle or reverse harem setup, it comes off like mismatched ideas that never quite settle into something satisfying. I honestly felt like the writers had no idea what they were writing, but just threw in every cliché they could think of for the drama.
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Did my best … finally DROPPED - You’ve been Warned!
What started as a cute, cheeky rom/com… eventually showed as (another) rich, dominant (multi-)male, typical drama series, with a dumb/ignorant, cute FL.. who is pushed around, cornered, bullied, etc..At ep 9 now… intermittent draggy scenes has me skipping the multi-flashbacks/cutesy etc scenes. Storyline has apparently left the room.. as there isn’t any concrete (or even flimsy) reason as to why she’s still at the complex… as her weekly ‘missions’ were complete..without any new ‘mission assignments’ for the last few episodes… also-> lots and lots of casual invasion of personal space, and spaces all around.
The Director’s lazy(?) lack of attention to many details have become irksome.. ie: 1. Why is hair damp/dry, after being soaked in the rain, or full body swimming. #eyeroll 2. Civilians are NOT casually allowed in construction sites. Etc etc!!
Debating whether to Drop this series…..
Ep 10 ~ can’t tolerate this limited budget, poorly executed drama series anymore! DROPPED!
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This drama is well directed but Ahn Jae Hyeon's acting is still weak.
Other actors and actress are ok but no one's acting in here is oustanding.
Male and female lead have good chemistry. They are so cute together.
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