This review may contain spoilers
If you can look beyond the slapstick portions, this is a great romance
9/10 is my rating. This is a 2024 South Korean romantic comedy series with 10, 45 minute episodes.First I provide a Unique Synopsis then Review
Synopsis
Shin Jae-rim (Pyo Ye-jin) lives in the typical Cinderella type household with a stepmom and two step-sisters and a father who unfortunately dies. But that is where they fairy tale similarities end. In fact, her stepmom is very kind to the point that “Cinderella” feels she has another mouth to feed. Her father was a worthless bum who did not leave any of them anything but debt. And her two step-sisters aren’t all that bad. In fact, as expensive as the world is she needs them as roommates. One piece of crazy advice her father left her was to not struggle in life but find someone wealthy and marry them. At first she chalks it up to just more worthless advice from her do no good parent but as life continues to kick her down she decides what would be the harm in exploring that option. Which is what leads her to seeking a job at Cheongdam Heaven, a social club for the wealthy. She figures if she positions herself to interact with wealthy people she might wind up with a wealthy husband. Which is what puts her in Moon Cha-min’s (Lee Jun-young) line of site. An unlikely Prince if there ever was one, he is the head of Cheongdam Heaven who experiences dislike at first site with Jae-rim. But the spunky, tells him how she really feels, Jae-rim is intriguing to the born with a silver spoon Chaebol. Most people “kiss up” to him so her take me or leave me attitude has him intrigued. He doesn’t like most people and any woman with the Cinderella complex in particular. Will the untraditional “Cinderella” and the grouchy “Prince” find their own happily ever after?
Review
It has its slapstick moments but that does not detract overly from what is a heart warming romance. There is good chemistry between the leads and their romance is believable. Their banter in the beginning just builds the friendship aspect of what seems it would develop into a very healthy and lasting relationship. I liked the play on Cinderalla where none of the traditional roles were as you would expect. I loved this. Would readily watch it again. And highly recommend it for its pure romance.
Spoilers
I know a lot of people wonder about the ending and this ended very happy. He produced a ring and it was very clear they were on the path to permanence. You could tell she had really brought joy into his life and filled all the lonely corners for him by bringing his mom back to him and providing him with new people (her family) who were already showing signs that they would pull him into the fold.
There is quite a bit of cartoonish level slapstick that you have to wade through. Some may lie it but I don’t prefer it because it breaks the 4th wall for me.
An added bonus was Cha Min’s martial arts abilities. It was enjoyable to watch the fight scenes where he used his trusty umbrella to clobber the bad guy.
I liked that his mom came back. And she explained why she left in the first place. The fact she was pushed into it made her actions less egregious. And I could see where that family would be able to heal so it was a happy story with them.
There was that underlying deeper message on what constitutes a family. I loved the the “evil” step mother wasn’t at all evil she was in fact very kind. The dad wasn’t some wonderful person that passed he was sort of a bum. And the sisters were just your regular pick on the younger sister family type sisters. It was a fun spin on the story.
Some reviewers did not like it this at all and I think it was largely due to that super slapstick element. But, if you can see past that, you will definitely love this one.
#DreamingOfAFreakingFairyTale #PyoYeJin #LeeJunYoun
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This review may contain spoilers
Silly plot but at the same time funny!
This modern version of the fairy tale stays true to the new arc. Cinderella doesn't have a cruel stepmother, but rather someone who is more busy living a peaceful life. Stepsisters don't invest energy in ruining their lives; they are crafting their own stories in the process. Since Prince Charming isn't looking for Cinderella with shoes, a second snobbish but solace-seeking hero enters the scene. The director and screenwriter make the story logical and solid, given that it is 2024. People no longer fall in love blindly, but look for those who feel them and make them feel better as humans. Cha Min and Jae Rim were destroyed by life's challenges. It is peace and comfort that your heart has been seeking. They look for the person in front of whom they can be real.Was this review helpful to you?
Intersection
I'm giving it a 6 only because it introduced me to Intersection by Charlie Bean Works I'm now listening to in loop.It was very formulaic and very predictable. A little bit funny with a good overall message. It's a good palate cleanser, if you may.
It doesn't add much. It's not particularly moving or interesting. Not everything has to be. I was expecting it to be funnier, it would have been more interesting if it were. It was overall meh but with a good soundtrack. Well done, music team.
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This review may contain spoilers
Promising Plot and start, didn't maintain it.
I had high hopes for this drama since i like both the main leads. I have watched a few of their dramas and none were as confusing (and mediocre) as this one.When i first read the synopsis,it was promising,and there was a great chance to execute the story well. But that unfortunately didn't happen.
The Start of the show was good,it was fun and made me continue watching, but it all fell off after that. Maybe it was around the time the second ML was introduced? but since then it was very hard to continue this show because of different reasons.
1-The characters (especially the main leads) stopped being what they initially were shown us to be. I'm not sure how to describe it properly,but they just felt flat after they kissed for the first time.
2-There were many plot holes.
3-Many characters didn't have a reason to be there. They felt like props to make the show look grander than it was.
4- There was never enough explanation given.
a) Why were the Second FL and ML even engaged in the first place for business when she's so clearly in love with him? But she also doesn't want to marry him?? Very confusing.
b)what even was the purpose for the umbrella? Also, I don't think giving up on emotional support items you've kept with you for years is as easy as it's shown in the show.
c)I still don't know what was the purpose of the Sister and her boyfriend's plot? Was it just to show the FL finally "bursting or breaking down"? Because if it was,it was very anticlimatic, especially considering they never treated her wrong.
The comedy of the show fell flat and was too over the top(considering I've laughed to way too many "bad" and "cringy" dramas according to people). The characters were shallow in my opinion. The actors didn't have much to work with,so i didn't even feel the chemistry between them. Overall a miss for me.
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Good Enough
Korean Drama '' Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale '' is a romantic comedy with an emphasis on the comedy.The drama feels and looks like one of those older Korean rom coms, with the over the top scenes and the over the top acting. And yet, it worked, as it was nostalgic and fun to boot.
The story was entertaining as well. Yes, it was predictable and the love triangle was boring, but the love story was well paced and there were a lot of funny and sweet moments between the couple.
In addition, the settings and the costumes were all pretty.
Finally, the performances were all enjoyable.
So, overall, seven out of ten.
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Juat a common plot drama
Watched first 5 episodes made me laugh a lot but after that i got a big drama slump. I complete this drama after 2 weeks and i skipped a lot part. Just a common dramamplot, hate how the ml doesn't straightforward about his feeling and act like the most pathetic person, i knownhe never fall in love but its made the story a bit boringWas this review helpful to you?
É UM DRAMA BEM LEVE E LEGALZINHO DE ACOMPANHAR
Conseguiu conquistar meu coração com uma trama bem desenvolvida, personagens carismáticos e um equilíbrio perfeito entre momentos de tensão e leveza. A química entre os personagens e os toques sutis de sofrimento adicionaram camadas interessantes à história, tornando-a ainda mais envolvente. As declarações emocionantes e o final que deixou um gostinho de quero mais demonstram o cuidado na construção dos episódios. Estou feliz por ter apreciado tanto essa trama que mescla romance e comédia de forma encantadora. Com certeza, ficarei com saudades de acompanhar mais desses personagens cativantes.Was this review helpful to you?
Strictly for female audiences
The synopsis which introduces the male character before the female character will lead you to believe the is equal focus between the male and female character. But the title should give you an idea that this is not for everyone and is strictly for female audiences.The premise will remind you of those M&B and BC pocket books your mother used to read on her free time. Poor female pining for a change in her circumstances and an aloof rich male trying to make his mark.
FL characters and their situation in those old novels is probably what birthed the present term "strong independent woman".
FLs goal for working is not to earn money to survive but to meet a rich male she can marry who can turn the tide of her life whether that's what it means to be a strong independent woman I'll leave it to someone else to figure out.
I'm dropping the series because I have no room despairing over someone else's miserable life - I watch dramas in order to get a respite from the realities of life not to see other people suffering more than I am.
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Light Rom-Com with all the feels!~
If you are a dreamer who loves happily ever after fairytale like endings, then this romantic comedy might just be up your alley! There is some depth to the character development (with some angst thrown in) and a refreshing storyline . Just remember that this is a light romantic comedy and don't hold it to ridiculously high and critical standards. Great job to the cast for their wonderful acting!Was this review helpful to you?
From Conflict to Connection: A Romance with Depth
The story was fresh and captivating, standing out from others I've seen. It features a classic enemies-to-lovers trope intertwined with an office romance that brought butterflies to my stomach. The narrative also delves into various aspects of life, adding layers to the plot. While I enjoyed every episode, there were moments that felt a bit bland. Despite this, the side characters shone brightly, contributing significantly to the overall charm of the show.While the main plot had its charming moments, there were times when it felt predictable. The chemistry between the leads was palpable, yet the pacing sometimes dragged, making it hard to stay fully engaged. However, the strong performances of the side characters added depth and humor, often stealing the scene and providing a much-needed balance to the storyline.
One thing I particularly appreciated was the way the show tackled real-life issues. It wasn’t just about romance, but also about personal growth, career challenges, and navigating complicated relationships. These elements gave the show a sense of authenticity, making the characters more relatable and their journeys more compelling.
Overall, it was an enjoyable watch with memorable moments and a solid cast. Even though some parts felt a bit slow, the charm of the characters and the underlying themes of the story made it worth sticking through to the end.
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This review may contain spoilers
Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale!? has been -obviously- a lot of fun, despite that I don't think this is all that unique or anything, though admittedly the whole wanting to be a Cinderella openly and aboveboard concept is pretty cool. I think the biggest contributor to success is the short format. A regular kdrama mini series is 16 hours long, as we all know the kiss happens at 8 & then after some fluff complications lead to a breakup & a 2 year separation happening in episodes 13 to 15 followed by a usually rather poorly written happy ending that can be either 1 or 100 minutes long. Opposed to what I just outlined this show is about 7 hours long (40 minutes x 10eps) & almost all of the things that normal kdramas have are there (love square, breakup, gangsters, almost marrying someone else etc etc), however the quick pace makes all these very palatable & since the comedy and main romance are both very strong, I don't have it in me to give a score any less than 8.5. The ending is rather satisfying too and not that short considering the format..Pyo Ye Jin always had been amazing, but it fills me with joy to see her shine so much in a main role, while also having wonderful chemistry with her rather amazing partner. ^ I really wish for this to be a financial success, selfishly just so I could see her in more high profile romcoms :-P
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IF YOU LIKE FUNNY CLICHES THIS IS FOR YOU!!
I love love love clichés when they’re done right and not cringey. This drama had me smiling like a fool especially because the ML was very shy. I’m a sucker for shy male leads. The FL did an amazing job she’s extremely funny. The story flowed nicely and the amount of episodes were PERFECT!!! If you want a short, sweet, fluffy, funny, rom com with an ounce of drama. This is the show for you!!Was this review helpful to you?
