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Frustrating and Predicatable
Television screens are delicate things. I tend not to throw things at them. I cam close with this KDrama. This series started well but you could see the inevitable frustrating ending looming early. The premise is fun and probably a bit of a boys-own fantasy. Ordinary lad finds himself living with a celebrity K-Pop idol. No spoiler it it is in the official description. He can't avoid her and she really makes it difficult to do so. It's not remotely realistic but it is at the same time.Doo-na is damaged. Won-jun, the 'ordinary lad' has the repair kit though he doesn't seem have the whole instruction manual. Intuition isn't not his forte. Won-Jun bumbles on like a Ron Weasley. Doo-na is no shrinking violet. She is presented as a femme fatale but she is actually quite straightforward and honest. She craves love. Won-Jun falls in love but he is also a coward. He plays it safe. He has already botched one relationship due to projecting his own insecurities onto he situation instead of getting his facts right.
The process by which Won-Jun tackles this relationship in his predictably annoying way is morbidly fascinating, and achingly frustrating, and I eventually jumped from episode 7 to halfway through episode 9 to satisfy my pessimism. I was disappointingly right. I hoped to be wrong but I wasn't.
It is well acted and the romance between the two main characters has all the ups and downs and miscommunication of any good relationship worth having but the Director bottled it. The ending is open only because it is lazy and as cowardly as the male character.
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Looks Beautiful, Feels Hollow
My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.After I had binge-watched this drama in 1 day, I was left with mixed feelings. I spent some time reflecting on it to better understand what I liked and didn't like about it. By the way, I have not read the webtoon that it is adapted from.
Acting/Cast: I literally only wanted to watch this because it had been a while since I've seen Suzy in a drama. Don't let that fool you though - I actually don't think she's a good actress. Everything I've seen her in, her acting is subpar. However, she's one of the few actors that I still enjoy watching despite their acting ability. Instead, I like to watch her for the sake of nostalgia (Uncontrollably Fond -- my 1st K-Drama, Dream High). This drama was no different for Suzy; her acting was still lacking. But even so, I was glad to see her. On the other hand, Yang Se Jong (양세종) is a good actor. I've only seen him in one other drama (Thirty but Seventeen -- one of my top 10 K-Dramas) and I loved him in that one, so I was relieved to see that he would be playing the male lead in Doona! I knew Suzy would need the help and I was right - he was great. They worked well together and I felt their chemistry. The side characters were interesting too. I thought I wouldn't like them and I didn't at first, but they ended up being a fun addition. I actually wanted to see more of them. 5/10
Writing: This is the difficult part...this is the part that left me with this hollow feeling. It's as though I walked into a building that was still under construction. The foundation is set, the support beams have been erected, the walls are starting to be built up, and I can see signs of some great craftsmanship and beautiful architecture. But, the construction was left abandoned...I guess because the architect thought it looked more meaningful this way. I can't say that more episodes would have fixed this problem, because it seems to be an artistic choice. I felt as if the writing was skirting around the issues, afraid to really delve deep. I saw the potential for the drama to get into more of the psychology of Doona -- to really understand not only her, but others in the entertainment industry that may be facing similar problems, but it just didn't happen. This hollowness was even felt with the side characters. It seemed like they were just thrown in without much character development, which is a shame because I actually ended up liking them. The chemistry between the 2 leads helped to sell the romance in K-Drama world, but it didn't feel like a real-life romance to me. Observing it realistically, Doona would be the type of girl you'd expect to be (to put it nicely) a serial dater. She would have eaten that sweet guy alive in reality -- completely crush his heart with no remorse. So, while I was watching, I was very scared for him...I mean, she's just one giant red flag. But anyway, I'll stop here so I don't give any spoilers. 1.5/10
Direction/SFX/Music: Easily the best thing about this drama. It is very pretty, very aesthetically pleasing. Great ASMR mic quality. Great cinematography all around. I even like some of the music. My favorite songs on the OST are The Universe by Kwon Jin Ah and Still by DVWN. I think this is why it was so easy for me to binge this drama - it was just so nice to look and and listen to. 9.5/10
Entertainment Value: I found myself hanging on the every word while watching this drama. Even rewinding if I missed a sentence. I only do that when I'm genuinely enjoying a drama. However, by the end, I was left dissatisfied and wanting so much more. Maybe a bit confused, too. Towards the end it became somewhat frustrating to watch. I myself wasn't even sure of Doona's feelings... 4.5/10
Overall, I gave this drama a 5/10. It was difficult to put a number on it since my feelings about it are all over the place. Would I recommend this drama? Probably not... unless you're a fan of one of the leads.
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Everything about this Drama is average
Average!!
I had huge expectation from this drama but end up being dissappointed.Everything about this Drama is average.
I dont have any issue with story line or ending for that matter. But acting from both leads are so below average , i cant even root for characters.
I was expecting some good direction . This drama tries too hard, end up achieving average product.
Story on paper sounds good but that didn't translate onscreen screen properly.
*Sigh* Wasted opportunity to create Nice healing drama.
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I don’t know what to say
So I usually love a story with a glittering beautiful heroine with issues and her love story with someone who is a commoner or not the same level as her. Some of my most iconic ones are Roman Holiday (Audrey Hepburn), Notting Hill (Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant), Indian Woh Lamhe (she is a damaged star just like Doona and this is a tragedy). To summarise many of these stories do not have a happy ending but for Notting Hill, and I like in this genre, tragedies, comedies and melodramas too.If I compare this to woh lamhe, that was so raw, the heroine in that was so damaged and did so many things but the male lead also equally matched her.
Here in this drama, it was just showcasing the female lead and if you read MDL comments, you realise many just watched this drama because she looks great. That’s exactly what should not have happened, this should have shown the damage. Also the male lead is such an amazing actor usually but here he was so flat. Even if you compare with queens gambit for instance and Anya Taylor is very beautiful in real life, in none of the scenes was her looks highlights so much as her emotional trauma and her love for chess.
I just fast forwarded this drama. Again woh lamhe I watched first in 2007 I think and I still remember it shot by shot. This is not memorable to me, and bogged down with poor acting (male lead), poor direction too since the director chose to focus on the female lead without brining out the best in everyone else.
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The BEST BOYFRIEND award goes to Won Jun!!!
First of all I would like to talk about the amazing cast and their wonderful acting. So, I would like to say that the first point that few people check for in a drama is satisfied. I felt that only an idol IRL can perform the character of Doona perfectly and Bae Suzy just nailed it.The story is nothing new. But I just enjoyed this story so much, even thought the story is nothing new the characters and the way story progressed made it up for me. The character portrayal is obviously the heart of the story. Especially Yang Se Jong's character felt so refreshing to me.
Also the visuals in this drama are really good. Especially Doona, won jun, Jin-Ju, I-ra are really really good looking in the drama. I have no complaints regarding acting. This is my first time watching Yang Se Jong's acting and I really can't wait to watch more his dramas in the future.
If only they have an award under the category of best boyfriend, then definitely Won jun will get that award. He is such a caring boyfriend and understands Doona very well more than anyone else. Doona deserves the best as well, even though at first she irritated Won Jun, she is just misunderstood. Won Jun and Doona deserve each other as they deserve the best!!!
In the first episode, when they tried to portray the scenes that happened in the past, I felt that there is a bit of confusion while trying to figure out whether the scenes are happening in the past or the present. But in the upcoming episodes it was alright. But the last few episodes are really painful. Because I really couldn't stand them being sad even though they are doing pretty great in their daily life.
This is the first drama where I felt that opening song suited the drama the most and it felt really good listening to that song. I am not a big fan of these kind of climaxes. I watch dramas for pleasure and to feel happy, but the climax made me a bit sad. Only if they just given us a hint about their relationship instead of just vaguely defining it. But overall I enjoyed watching this drama. The chemistry b/w the leads is off the charts.
Then again this is a kind of drama where the director wants us to guess everything and have not explained few things in detailed. Like for example I-ra's dating phase, Jin-Ju's trip and occupation, also Won-Jun's job whereabouts. I am curious to know what job did Won Jun get and how is his family doing. Considering all these things, I wish they go for a season 2, cause I want to see more about Doona and Won Jun's story!!
PS - Great Acting! Usually Unusual Story LOL! Worth Your Time!!
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Phenomenal cast but…
I was extremely surprised when I started watching; I did know Bae Suzy and Yang Se Jong were starring in this drama (as a Temperature of Love fan, ecstatic), but when I saw Kim Do Wan? I was awestruck and then later on Park Se Wan.This drama is filled with amazing actors and I saw many people comparing it to Nevertheless and granted, I know why. This drama is very different, but doesn’t stray far from the toxic couple trope, that ashamedly I have started to appreciate because some angst is needed in between all the romantic dramas.
I gave it a lower rating especially because of the length of it, I think it missed a lot of depth in the story, especially of secondary characters that were introduced with haste and basically never touched on again, other than existing for the main couple.
To be honest I think I might have given this drama a lower rating if I had not looked into the actual manhwa, after comparing the teo stories, I commend the choices made by the crew to change things like the original ending and the character Ira. I loved her character and her romance with Jeong hoon, it was very short but by far one of the two most interesting characters.
The decision to end it as it did also was kind of, lazy. I don’t really know, I like to believe that directors and writers have a plan to tell a story, and they tell it, and they end it. I believe too many seasons can hurt a good premise but this ending felt, rushed (maybe by the quantity of episodes) but it did feel like the story was told and that there really won’t be a second season (I don’t really think they even could milk anything worth a whole new season from the story).
To add to the rushed aspect, scenes felt short, like they were cut and things would be mentioned and never adressed again.
Overall, a good watch but I definetely don’t see myself tuning in for a rewatch any time in the future.
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To say I am disappointed is an understatement
I want to start this review by clarifying that I adore Suzy and Yang Se Jong is my beloved bias. I have anticipated the "comeback" of both actors with bated breath and when Doona! was pushed back, I started to worry.Finally Netflix dropped all episodes and I didnt have to pace myself. Although I'm not a fan of idol storylines, the visuals of Suzy and YSJ alone made it a breath taking first few episodes.
I think Suzy did a good job playing the damaged character as best as she could, there seemed to be a lack of true backstory. If the writers were going for mysterious, they failed miserably as it just seemed disjointed and incomplete.
Yang Se Jong who is normally know for his ability to express his complex characters with such nuance, was pretty flat. I again do not blame him for this. The writers gave his character only a perfunctory role (almost zero backstory, lines, growth or function outside of her storyline).
Yes, they had a sizzling kiss scene or two, but there was not any true chemistry (written) between the two and that is heartbreaking.
To say I am disappointed is an understatement
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Love story of celebrity Doona. Toxic. Hot. Engaging.
Imagine a book you had fun reading and the writer gives you a blank page to decide their fate... I think most people synced well with the starting story but what's debatable is... the ENDING. It depends all on how much linked you were to the story and which kind of decision you would've taken if you stood in their shoes. with how much I understood the complexity of these characters I kinda liked the ending."Doona!" is a melodramatic beautifully written story of a fallen star, Lee Doona who was having a hard time for multiple reasons and hence somehow messed up her career and ended up living in a rented house in Seoul which led to her encounter with Won Jun, a university student. They shared the house with few other people hence taking us on a journey of awesome friendships, compelling romances and much melodrama.
Although that description sounds like a cute, healing, delightful story. Its kind of the opposite with immense angst, as you witness these messy characters taking up messy choices. They'll wreck your mind but as complicated and toxic as it gets, you'll be more addicted to this and excited to know the end.
with amazing emotional build up and acting, the leads have sizzling chemistry even though they're poles apart. She needed someone to heal her loneliness and the male lead who has never made a risky move realising that he could actually go head over heels for someone like this.
I love the realistic approach of this drama and how no character looked perfect. Even the ML who looks superficially perfect had some minor flaws if you notice. so they had flaws, enough depression inside them that they expressed at different scenes, they made mistakes, regretted them and none went by smiling "okay I'm good"... If you're sad and hurt, cry, move out, don't act up, like this ain't a fairytale.
What levels up the spice of this drama is the melancholic OSTs, crazy visuals, you can't help but stare at Suzy (like damn Bae Suzy and her overall presence is aesthetically a treat to watch) and I'm surprised that I was not disappointed by anyone's acting. They were all wonderful infact especially Bae Suzy (its basically her drama, you'll see the plot revolving around her too)
Overall this was an amazing entertainer, high quality production, visually satisfying intense drama which is both binge watchable and frustrating if you don't sync with the characters. With many viewers this is either a hit or a miss. Some would love it enough to scream and others would hate this enough to scream. Scream-worthy either ways.
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Good Enough
Korean Drama '' Doona! '' is a romantic melodrama about a troubled celebrity who meets an ordinary man who seems to not know who she is.The drama starts off pretty great, with the story being intriguing enough to make the audience want to know more about Doona and her past as she struggles with her relationship with her ex agend, her family, her career, and her current loneliness, as she is only now starting to get to know who she is really as a person and not as an idol persona. So, her story was interesting and nicely presented, as it shows the dark side of showbiz.
On the other hand, the romance was boring. The pace of the love story was all over the place, the story too basic, and the ending more or less predictable. However, it was interesting to watch how the couple help each other grow and change.
Finally, the performances were all great by everyone in the cast, especially the main leads. The cinematography was impressive as well.
So, overall, five out of ten.
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An Open Ended Mess of a Story that Disappoints
I was looking forward to watching this drama from all the trailers and teasers I had seen plus it also staring Suzy who is one of my all time favorite idols so I was instantly drawn into it. The drama started off so strong with excellent character introductions and development, the characters felt real and relatable with each conversation and scene feeling natural. The development between the relationships felt perfectly timed and with roadblocks being resolved quickly. All of this was up until Episode 7, that was when the writing and the characters became a complete mess. Each decision the leads made felt like a slap to the face in everything that was established in the first six episodes. Everything the writers were building up to that point they just tossed into the garbage and forgot about it from there. In some instances, the characters felt completely different from the ones the drama started off with initially.Open Ended endings when done correctly are a fantastic however this one was not done correctly, it was done so poor that it requires the viewer to go back and watch the drama or look up on the internet about what actually happened. Having invested time into these characters and their story only for it to end on the most flat open ended endings I have ever seen out of any media I have ever watched or played. To put it plainly, it was like buying a scratch off lottery ticket and instead of it saying "You Win or You Lose" it instead told you "You maybe won or You maybe lost". This drama's story required a defined and resolute ending to its story, this was not a science fiction drama that could have questions left unanswered nor some cop drama which left an investigation's potential culprit a mystery. I could have overlooked all of the mistakes and mess that was made during Episodes 7, 8, and 9 if the ending was not some vague nonsensical mess that required a re-watch of previous scenes or a web search to have it be resolved.
One of the best thing about the drama is the cast it had. Suzy knocked it out of the park with her performance as the titular character Doona. she played the role of the fallen out of grace idol that was a complete mess perfectly. Yang Se Jong as Won Jun was great as well, his problems of having to help Doona put the pieces of herself back together throughout their relationship and having to bare the burden of giving up everything for her felt very relatable. Ha Young as Jin Ju was a great secondary love interest that in my honest opinion, was the much better choice for Won Jun in all honestly. The rest of the supporting cast was great as well, they really did a great job in contributing to the story. One minor disappointing thing was that the drama never revealed the relationship of Doona and Won Jun to Won Jun's bestfriend Su Jin who was Doona's biggest fan. It was a missed opportunity, which the drama had several of those unfortunately.
The soundtrack itself was solid with it being an all around great OST, there isn't really any stand out tracks other than Ordinary Days which itself was performed by Suzy and Daylight by BIG Naughty. The cinematography was perfect, everything about the drama's production was high quality. Also excellent job in being able to show the emotions of the characters through camera shot styles, its rare seeing a drama being able to do that.
All around, I wish this drama didn't throw away all the great work in started with in the first six episodes. Had they continued with that pace, this drama had the potentials to be one of the greatest drama's of all time but unfortunately the drama self sabotaged itself leaving myself and many more viewers disappointed and unfulfilled.
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I hated the ending! :(
I watched the whole drama in two days and I really liked the characters. The story was quite lovely. In the last episodes things start to go wrong but it is something you would have expected. However, I really expected a happy ending and hated the way they closed the story!!!! Really!!! What is the need of leaving the story like that??? The truth is it dissapointed me and left me with a sad feeling :( I hope they would consider adding an extra episode where they show us them together!!! Or a second season!!!Was this review helpful to you?
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I dont get it
I feel like i was way too hyped because of the first two episodes and expected way too much from this drama. I dont even know what i was expecting but it delivered absolutely nothing. Did it make me happy? No. Did it make me sad? No. Did it make me emotional? No. It made me frustrated.The scenes just felt like they were thrown there in a rush, sometimes is hard to follow what is even happening. Important stuff that woild add so much to the plot are brought up and "solved" in 5 seconds. Like Jinju family situation, it had so much potential because honestly it semmed like a terrible and traumatic household, but its just brushed up in a minute of flashback. Doonas manager or whatever that man was, i was totally up for doona going back on stage and being happy but i didnt want it to be with that guy, he clearly didnt treat her well as well as her agency didnt treat her or the other members of her group well, that becomes clear when her member meets up with her and says that if doona hadnt stopped singing she would and even with all that happening - and alot more stuff that we have no idea about because the script is way too ambigous - doona still goes back to the same place.
I wanted character development and what i got was absolutely nothing. The whole drama i didnt feel doonas feelings for wonjun at all. Most of the time it just felt like she was going after him cause she was lonely and that its brought up a couple of times but they dont ever really talk it out. I wanted confrortation. Conversation. Development. And it just didnt happened, the only time i felt like she had a little bit of feelings for him was in the last episode when she cried and went to confront him about it but even when i thought we were finally going to have a good conversation abiut their relationships and feelings the said two words for each other and hugged. TALK ABOUT YOUR FEELING FOR THE LOVE OF GOD. Explain to each other why you did what you did. I dont know if the confusing and ambigous feelings are the concept of the drama but it didnt match with me.
The secondary characters had potential and it was just thrown away. If youre gonna show me a second couple then show me a second couple. I dont need them to become the main characters or anything but i feel like they dont even have full five minutes of sceen time together and they look like they would had such good couple shenanigans. I didnt feel like i would like them as a couple cause when ira first came i found her a little annoying but she grew into me and she clearly had a good couple dynamic with her boyfriend which we see for two minutes of them getting ready to go to work together in the last episode and just that made me want more from them. I wanted to see them grow into a couple and to go from like to love. It could be quick scenes but i just wanted SOMETHING.
I feel like such good casting was wasted. Their acting was good but the script was a let down. In my opinion it didnt have enough depth. It feels like the wanted to do so many good things but it all ended unflavored.
Also that ending sucked ass
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