A character’s story
This has some of the best character development ever written. Each character starts out with deep seated and earn prejudices. Through mature dialogue the characters begin to see things from a different point of view.The writers pull out all of the stops to bring forward a story that not embroiled with jealousy, backstabbing, and petty behavior. The main couple overcome adversity with maturity and humor.
The story is simple and basically unoriginal (but what story hasn’t been told a hundred times already). What sets this one apart is really understanding how an individual character comes together with another to create a true companionship with someone they were originally closed off from. Their relationships are refreshing and delightful.
This one will show you that with open and honest communication relationships can stand against any storm. Misunderstandings can destroy happiness, therefore communication is essential. That is what this drama brings that most purposefully avoid.
It is was incredibly fun to watch.
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Valuable lessons for both men and women
Refreshing take on the romance between stars and regular people, in the way there is nothing ordinary about the leading lady. She is beautiful and fearless, needing no rescue from any knight. Both however are brutal toward the opposite sex, which is the only thing - beside the violence that was so exaggerated and unnecessary, not in the slightest way funny! - that bothered me here. I have learnt that the way people behave with other people shows their character and how they might behave towards you once the spark leaves the relationship - and that's why I didn't really find that amusing. However the characters in the story did change their ways and became better people, and their relationship really was sweet and mature. I liked also that they weren't shying away from the steamy kiss scenes too, that made their relationship more believable.The bromance between Won-Joon and Kang-Ho was great and quite hot, so if you are into LGBT, you might like it.
I wasn't impressed by supporting roles though. Na-Eun seemed to me too girly and weak, and I couldn't figure out Won-Joon's character. It might be the script's fault, because he was just the same toward everyone. For what I've seen he could have been in love with Ms Choi, Grace, Kang-Ho and Na-Eun equally, his emotions were everywhere.
Overall, if you can get past the gratuitous violence, you may like this story. It is not only because of sweet love-hate romance. The message here is strong that people are not objects to be played with, both women and men, and reputation is just an euphemism for slavery to fickle and generally vicious public opinion. That's what makes these kinds of stories hard to believe to, because we know in today's world it's impossible to maintain healthy relationships under the constant scrutiny of the public eye. This series tried to show us how cruel and inconsiderate public can be, and maybe somebody watching this can learn something from it.
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Girl crush
I enjoyed this drama very much.Mi Ran was definitely my favorite character. She was so strong, independent, smart, multi-talented. I loved how she exceeded at everything she did, her job, her side gigs - she was so funny and I loved watching her. I was thinking of a headline and 'girl crush' is really the only thing that comes to mind for my overall review of this drama. When I watched episode 1, that's the word I kept repeating over and over again whenever Mi Ran came on screen. Kim Ok Bin acted really well with this character.
Kang Ho was a funny character too and very adorable/relatable at times. He was so full of himself in the beginning but it was cute/funny to watch.
I loved all the side characters too - the company CEO was such a funny character, loved his bromance with Kang Ho. Even the Gilum Law firm employees were actually really fun to watch too. I was thinking they'd be misogynistic twats because it's an all-male law firm but everyone was pretty cool and unserious so they were fun to watch as well.
The only thing that fell short a bit for me was 1) - the chemistry in some of the playful sex scenes the leads had and 2) - the last episode.
For 1): Both Ok Bin and Yoo Tae definitely had chemistry, no doubt about that. But there were some scenes (really just one or two scenes, I think) where they were being playful with each other that just looked a bit..awkward (?) to me. Like, it just felt more like they were playing a couple that was being playful and less like a natural thing that they were doing. I only felt this way in a few scenes between them. For the most part, the chemistry between the two leads was HOT AF so it's not like I got that awkward feeling throughout the drama. So this point is very very miniscule but still just wanted to mention it.
For 2): I already gave a short review of my feelings on episode 10, but to expand on it - I'm just a bit dissapointed at the direction they decided to go with how Mi Ran reacted to the public's opinion of her. For all 9 episodes, we've come to know Mi Ran as this strong woman who stands up for her ideals and doesn't cower in the face of opression, but then when the public comes at her for her past history, she decides to break up with Kang Ho (the second time!) - even though Kang Ho was ready to give up everything for her at the moment. Like honestly, realistically, I know breaking up makes sense, because most of us have seen how knetz/public opinion has ruined lives of people through canceling and whatnot...but 1) this is a drama not reality and 2) in the context of this drama, more specifically, in the context of Mi Ran's personality, I was hoping for a change not another cliché where the couple breaks up because they cannot handle the negative press. I just wish the writing was different and the public didn't make a big deal out of her past in the first place when it was revealed or at the very least, since we know public opinion will always be bad in those kinds of circumstances, I was hoping at least they would show us a refreshing character that decides to say "F- you" to the public instead of giving in to them. I'll give them credit, there was one scene where Mi Ran did stand up for herself but they still had to break up so I was just fed up. If even a character like Mi Ran cannot handle public opinion, who can? Sigh.
I look forward to watching a drama where the couple continues to stand strong in their love despite the circumstances until the stupid public realises that they are the problem. Or until we reach a point where writers don't need to use public opinion as a trope to create drama and drive a wedge between couples in the first place.
Thanks for coming to my TED Talk.
Anyway, don't take my above rant to mean I didn't like this drama. I really did enjoy it. All 9 episodes were so fun to watch and my mood was only dampened for a few minutes of the last episode so that's not a bad ratio. It all can't be great, I guess.
If you're in the mood to laugh and watch a strong female character that makes you feel refreshed and you want to watch a sweet romance blossom between a beautiful couple, then look no further!
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Whatkeep youhooked themost are thecharismatic charactersthat you'll findyourself loving very quickly
This drama made my principals waver and I defended an ex-sexist guy. Jokes apart this show is great quality in my opinion, even the scenes with some cringy comics editing that aren't my thing managed to fit the overall vibe and be funny. Both of the main characters have many aspects you can love and hate, and the fact that you will end up developing affection towards their flaws is insane and shows how charismatic they're, especially the female lead. The main couple's chemistry is great and their ralationship is everything. This kdrama excells in comedy, romance, rationship developement, etc. Very enjoyable watch. I don't remember the music so I gave a high rating.Was this review helpful to you?
Strong female lead and great chemistry
Love this drama have watched it three times already since it was released.No sappy, crying, or cute female here. no damsel in distress needing a white knight to pull her out of drudgery.
This drama will make you feel like life is worth living on your own terms. definitely not your regular k drama. this is one reason why I am glad Netflix has been producing k drama. the sad cliche romances in K dramas are getting annoying. I am even starting to enjoy the Chinese dramas better as the female leads are so much more interesting and mature.
ML was also very good. A bit arrogant and aloof at the start but ready to acknowledge that sometimes a woman can compete with a man on a level playing field. Loved how many of her male colleagues came to support this unique woman at the time of crisis. despite their misogyny they were green flags for me as they stood up for her character and values.
The supporting actors were also fantastic.
stunt scenes were great and overall I laughed and enjoyed this drama every time I watched it.
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Classic Romcom done right... with some flaws
I binge-watched this show in one sitting, which is something I hadn't done in a long while (due to lack of time or engagement with a show/some shows I watched while airing, etc.), so it's needless to say that I loved 'Love to Hate You' to bits and was hooked since the very first ep.I really liked the whole idea and concept, I'm personally a huge fan of the fake dating & enemies to lovers trope, and I am a feminist who advocates for women's rights and speaks up against gender discrimination, and all topics related to it. So you can definitely say that this show catered to me quite well. I don't really have many issues with it because I think the characters were well-built and the plot, although uncomplicated, advanced smoothly and didn't leave any loose ends.
However, there are some things that bothered me throughout the show and I haven't seen anyone mention them. The whole show is built around feminism, gender discrimination, and misogyny presented in different environments and situations, and I think they did a pretty good job at it, but at some points, it felt like the show was trying to give a "not all men" type of narrative. It's very subtle, so it doesn't surprise me that people haven't mentioned it or even noticed it, but there were some dialogues and actions that felt contradictory considering what the drama is essentially about. An example of this is when Miran tells Naeun not to judge handsome men anymore based on her past experiences because some handsome men are actually alright. I'm not saying this is wrong, but it gives this "not all men" vibe that I don't think matches the theme of the show. Wonjun also said something like that at some point and it rubbed me the wrong way as well.
The other thing that bothered me about this show is that the entire plot is based around the concept of "I'm not like other girls." We have a sexist male lead who was attracted to this very odd and particular woman, which is completely fine and I absolutely loved her character, but even after they got together and were already lovey-dovey, he kept saying things like, "you're not like other women, all the women I knew were like this or that, women are usually this or that," etc, etc. Of course, this was his own personal experience with the women that threw themselves at him, but I thought that would be dropped at some point in the show, or that maybe Miran would say something like, "just because I'm not like that doesn't mean I'm better than them, or that they're bad women," or something along those lines. They made Kangoh a victim of the evil women and after a while, it was very overused. Actually, the only women in the show that aren't evil or airheads or gold-diggers, or similar, are the female lead and the actress. Even Miran's friend was first "too soft for her own good," but this is a trait attributed to "weak" or "dumb" women. That Grace girl was shown as only being Wonjun's friend because she wanted to be something more one day. The ex-girlfriend was, well, the main evil. And I could go on and on about the supporting female characters. I just think that pretending to make a show about feminism and anti-sexism, but adding so many stereotypically flawed female characters is, once again, contradictory to what the show attempts to speak against.
Still, I think this is one of those rare romcoms done right that are very scarce today, unfortunately, even despite my criticism. I really loved it and enjoyed every second of it (I literally watched this all night long back to back and I'm writing this review in the morning at a time when I should've already slept and woken up, but alas).
So if you're a sucker for simple shows that will give you butterflies, and make your heart flutter, this is definitely for you. The characters are good-looking, they have great chemistry, and the plot advances fast and doesn't drag out anything. I personally enjoyed it a lot despite my little complaints.
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Speed version Rom Com
Rom Com with all the classic moments but in a less cheesy wayRefreshing Rom Com:
1. FL is a bad ass that apparently can do anything and everything
2. FL runs like an athlete. Fight stunts well choreographed. I laughed so hard they were exaggerating the running awkwardly part.
3. ML speaks English fluently, adds to his sexiness
4. Manager guy reminds me of a Korean Judd Nelson (hair & vibe not actual features of course) <--- Anyone else think so?
5. There's still the classic piggy back ride but not cheesy: She's legit was injured and not like "opps I fell because I didn't know how to tie my shoes right so ML needs to tie shoe lace & carry her"
6. There's still the fish lip kissing scene but at least characters not a middle age still experiencing her 1st kiss story line
7. The shooting of a movie scene was a throw back to 80s Asian Gangster movie. They even got familiar Cantonese Song in the background. Reminds me of "A Better Tomorrow" movie with Leslie Cheung song?
8. The non talking director. His facial expressions cracked me up
What could've been better:
It's only 10 episodes so everything had to be sped up so you if you like more character development then just watch at .5 speed..... Like kissing usually is in ep 7 of your standard 16 ep dramas but got to speed that up.
Her Bestie, I am not sure her character worked for me at all. A good supporting side story had zero time to really develop.
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molto bello , cast bravissimo splendida caratterizzazione dei due personaggii principali
Questo drama mi è piaciuto veramente tanto, per tutto dal cast alla , sceneggiatura la regia, fotografia.i personaggi principali bravissimi, splendida caratterizzazione , ottima chimica fra loro,ne è risultata una serie mai noiosa. senza punti morti scorrevole. frizzante. divertente e romantica trattando anche temi importanti come quello della discriminazione delle donne sul lavoro, gli sforzi per affermarsi e poter competere con i colleghi maschi. Che dire poi delle splendide OST meravigliose.
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Started with no expectations, Finished with higher standards
Yes, this is a romance-comedy, but not your typical rom-com.I started watching this drama because I was in the mood to watch something short and lighthearted on Netflix. To tell you the truth, I have hovered over the drama on Netflix many times in the past and never was able to start it because the synopsis did not entice me. I was completely wrong.
This drama is focused on the female lead who is led by a strong sense of justice against men especially ones that are disrespectful to women. A strong female lead is always a pleasure to watch, but what's different about Yeo Mi Ran (female lead ) is that if she is wrong, she is reasonable and is able to admit that she made a mistake which is what leads to the romance of the main leads. She is not your typical strong woman lead where everything goes her way and is cocky. Her personality is what kept me watching the drama.
The drama also has a slight enemies-to-lover trope even though it is based on a misunderstanding between the two. The chemistry between the two main leads is strong, and the romance is very realistic. As you can see, I rated the drama with an 8.5, but I only have great things to say about it. Why, you may ask.
I felt like the drama could have two more episodes and made it a 12 episodes drama because I thought the ending was kinda rushed with the second couple story, and I wouldn't have minded more moments between the leads either. I also did not really care about the second couple's storyline because I was indifferent to the lead's friend, especially with her personality. But it was not enough to make me stop watching the drama since it showed the opposite personalities between the two.
I can't promise you that this drama will become your favorite drama of all time, but I can say that you won't regret watching it. Overall, it was very worth watching and the only thing I regret is not clicking on the drama every time I hovered over it. Even though it was not anything spectacular, I felt very comfortable watching it and hope future dramas can also show us more mature and non-toxic relationships like those shown in this drama.
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Story/ Plot/ Script: 6
Acting/ casting: 7
Character development: 6
Production quality/ budget management: 8
Enjoyment/ impact: 5
10=perfection 9=exceptional 8=really good 7=solid 6=it's fine 5=meh, forgettable 4=simply bad 3=waste of time 2=brain-rot 1=garbage
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i love this kdrama so much.
I love this kdrama so much. Not gonna lie. At first, it was bored a little bit. But it was fun in the middle and at the end of the story. Im begging any producers please make a kdrama for second lead couple. I swear i already having a second lead syndrome right now. I want to watch their own kdrama so much. And please make sure it is a happy ending story just like this one. They are so sweet in this kdrama. Please make it possible. I love them so much and the main lead too! The main lead also play such a good role in this drama. Hoping new kdramas coming for them. Thank youWas this review helpful to you?
The romcom is romcoming
Tuned in to this drama blindly but ended watching it in one sitting. This drama is such a breath of fresh air for me, since it has been a long time since I watched a pure romantic comedy drama with no other subplots. Chemistry between the leads is off the chart and the story is concise and executed properly. Some scenes really made me twirling and giggling with the perfect amount of cringiness. I like how it also brought up patriarchy issue and how women are suffering because of it by showing a strong and brave female lead. Teo Yoo is so handsome!Was this review helpful to you?
