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The lackluster script wasted these actors. I really was not enjoying it.
Dream is about a B-level soccer player, played by Park Seo Joon, who ends up ruining his public image upon assaulting a reporter. To redeem himself, he got a task to make a documentary where he coaches a soccer team of homeless men. IU is in charge as the director of this documentary and we quickly find out that she also doesn't want this job, which leads to some funny interactions between the two.I only watch this because these two actors have such a good track record from my drama-watching experience, but I don't get emotionally attached to any of the characters. So the homeless soccer team members were there, and trying too hard to gain my sympathy, without showing any progression of our male lead's character arc. This movie was supposed to focus on him becoming grounded by the homeless men's backstories, and I was hoping by the presence of IU as the female director there will be more productive interaction between them as the leads.
I don't even understand the purpose of IU's character. Her character is pretty useless to the story and her mannerism is annoying. Overall, I think the script needs a more refine editing and make the characters a bit more interesting :/
-Aug 2023, Yovita
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TOP production value and visuals... but I felt no emotion :'/
When Goguryeo’s monarch (Ji Chang Wook) dies mysteriously, Queen Woo (Jeon Jong Seo) must defend herself and her throne, amidst the adversaries that want her gone.Queen Woo starts with a great balance of drama, action, intrigue and mystery. It's aesthetically pleasing, great costumes, direction, vibe, cinematography, and acting. The cast have done great performances. However, it's sooo hard for me to get on board with the story. I didn't feel any attachment to anyone, nor that I care about the stake and players involved. Even after rewatching, it feels like watching a chess game without any drama, no emotion. It's hard to pinpoint why... maybe the writing, maybe the characters aren’t gripping enough. It also didn't end conclusively as there are several lose ends, creating a potential for a second season. This is not the type of endings I like, but others might find excitement from this.
Side note, I’m not bothered by the explicit intimacy scenes. Rather, they're the only memorable scenes for me. I find those scenes were hot and well-acted. The women play were powerful despite it's dubious consent. I think this drama has a great potential to be epic, but it didn't captivate me.
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Full of feel-good vibe. Not my fave story, but Kohei & Taichi friendship was delightful & memorable.
Due to his hearing impairment, Sugihara Kohei (Nakazawa Motoki) has a hard time socializing at school. One day. he meets an outspoken and direct Sagawa Taichi (Kobayashi Toranosuke), who’s enthusiastic about food. Taichi offers to help Kohei with notetaking as an exchange for lunchboxes. As they grow closer, their friendship unfolds their personal growth and aspirations.It's refreshing to see more disabled characters as leads in dramas lately... although for me, the highlight is Taichi, the cheerful and confident foodie! :) His gesture and personality is like sunshine. To some people he maybe too loud at times, but I love how direct and sincere he is to Kohei. Kohei who is a guarded and reserved person finds comfort within Taichi’s loudness. Them together make a balanced bond, which to me not really romantic, but heartwarming and supportive. They encourage each other out of their comfort zones in a positive way
I do have qualms on the storyline, especially on the second half. There are some twists from the characters around Taichi and Kohei that come off as stereotypical and frustrated me. In those parts, I just want to fast forward. I'm glad that they were resolved eventually, so it's not affecting my impression on this drama too negatively.
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An underrated gem. It's a well-written story with lovable characters.
38-year-old married couple raising a toddler were considering a divorce because they are burdened by years of their weary marriage life. But one day, Ban Do (So Ho Jun) and Jin Joo (Jang Nara) wake up to find themselves in their 20-year-old selves, the time just before they meet, with the memories of their 38-year-old. They can choose new love, but if they do their beloved son will never exist, except in their memoriesA fun and fresh second chance romance with a fun fantasy twist. Right off the bat this is a fresh, entertaining easy show to binge. The drama is really funny, but it also gets emotional in the right way. Because of their present memory when they go back to the past, it was interesting to see what they’re going to do to change or not to change their fates, and seeing them considering the consequences their decisions.
For me, Jin Joo is the best-written character among all. Jin Joo shows how lonely parenting can be without making fun of it. Her mannerisms bring a lot of depth to every scene. Her relationship with her mother is one of the most grounded representations of mom-daughter relationships.
I also enjoyed both second leads' romances for both Ban Do and Jin Joo, especially Jin Joo and Nam Gil (Jang Ki Yong) together is so swoony. Their scenes made me feel a bit nostalgic with the 2017 kdramas' camera shot style, where they show us all the angles. Second lead romances usually bring syndromes, but here, the ending for everyone is wonderful and hopeful. A very good show! It deserve a praise for the well-written characters and consistent story.
-Jan 2024, Yovita
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We can never fully understand another person but trying is what makes us human.
A high school couple, Sakura and Aoba, shared an interest in music. One day, he breaks up with her without explanation. Years later, Aoba spots Sakura, she approaches him and gets really surprised by his loss of hearing. So she starts learning sign language in an effort to understand him and their past.What a poignant and gentle slice-of-life story with a lot of attention to detail, giving it a very personal feel. The story has a very important message regarding the isolation in communication, or the feeling of being alone when you're together in a group but can't really say your thoughts. I resonate very much on this issue because it happens to me at times too.
Different than what I'm used to experience in other dramas, they only put subtitle when they’re communicating with sign language, so we don't hear their inner monologues... and I like it this way; It helps me to really pay attention and connecting with the characters. Their interactions are beautifully portrayed by the actors, with a not-frustrating love triangle. Yes, there's a love triangle but they're all very decent and respectful people. They're all just trying to be understood and connecting in their own ways. While many episodes are shrouded with sadness and slight angst, in my opinion it has an appropriate and heartfelt ending.
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Everything you need to swoon, cry, laugh, and appreciate a story
Cha Joo Hyuk (Ji Sung) was unhappy with how his wife, Woo Jin (Han Ji Min), has become after years of marriage. One day he gets a chance to go back in time to redefine his whole life, which affects everyone he has known and loved. How is he now with this new life?Familiar Wife isn't a show with a complicated plot or high stakes — it’s character-driven, and the characters were the best part of this drama. At first, Joo Hyuk might not appear as an appealing person because the choice he made was solely for his own happiness. But watching him navigating this new life, his character grew so much. He made selfless decisions, which was heartbreaking and heartwarming altogether. Woo Jin, too, wasn't perfect, but both of them for learned that it’s choice, and not fate, that makes a marriage work.
There was so much comedy here, like Woo Jin spunky, love to crack dad jokes with the guys. Everyone has a fresh fun chemistry, the quirky gang of misfits, the bank team. I like the ups and downs of Joo Hyuk & Jong Hoo's friendship. A nod to Ji Sung's acting, he always got me with his genuine emotional scenes. Overall, I enjoyed Familiar Wife. It has everything to make you swoon, cry, laugh, and appreciate a good storyline.
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it's the perfect action-romance show and the other ones are not as good! hehehe >:D
Seo Jong Hu, a nimble fighter who goes by the codename Healer, leads a solitary life working as an errand boy for various tasks. When he was asked to collect DNA from a young woman, Young Shin, he discovers her connections to his father's past. Intrigued to uncover this mystery, he disguises himself as an intern at her newspaper agency, while falling head over heels for her. However, the more he investigates, the more he put them both in danger.Healer gives me unforgettable characters, cute romance with all the butterfly feelings, fun parkour action, unexpected comedy and angsty conflicts... all presented very cohesively in this 20-episode-show. Every emotional scene hits the way it should, I enjoyed every episode equally. Even after months, I still love it as much and keep coming back to rewatch specific scenes.
I love how authentic Healer and Yeong Sin's personalities are, their quirks, their flaws, their chemistry... played to perfection by Ji Chang Wook and Park Min Young. Their romance felt fitting and never take me out of the angsty part. They respects each other and their relationship is based with consent and trust. Their hand skinships scenes are so memorable, I love every second of it. Aside from the romance, the action is full of comedy and thrills! I'm addicted seeing Healer's running sequence, it's like art! As far as ending goes... I like how 'simple' it is, there is nothing grand happened but most characters are given proper closures.
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"It's time for you to stop playing hard to get" -Jang Hyun
My Dearest is about a noblewoman who is separated from a mysterious traveler upon the Qing invasion.The pacing is great and I like that the external conflict is quickly set-up, along with Jang Hyun mysterious background. The fact that he’s a stranger coming to a new place is intriguing. The most enjoyable part in the series was the invasion, especially the one in ep 4. Regarding Gil Chae’s character, I’m a bit lukewarm to her as she’s a bit wild and too proud of herself.
Production-wise, it is stunning! Seeing as it is a miniseries, it doesn't have to worry about stretching its budget so every single shot looks like a movie. There are a lot of breathtaking scenery, everything is so wonderful. The use of color was both very artistic and engaging.
But to be honest, I was a bit struggling as I don't fall in love with the main plot which is the romance T.T
I enjoy the couple when they're together, but I was not enjoying their constant push and pull. So in most episodes I couldn't feel the emotional engagement of their scenes. Since the closure doesn't feel very "ending" as it is a two-part show, I'm curious on how the story goes; more on Jang Hyun’s story and I am anticipating for on point romance beyond all these emotional sufferings.
(SPOILER part) I think both of them need to be more honest. Gil Chae keeps in denial and does not confess her thoughts to Jang Hyun, while desperately crying for him when he's not around. However, I understand her hesitation because Jang Hyun chooses not to marry, so I agree with her final decision. Even though Jang Hyun finally shows his true feelings too, he still chooses to consistently leave, without enough explanations and believable promises.
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Yuan & Qian is each other's home
Wei Qian (Chris Chiu) was the breadwinner of himself and his sister. One day, he took a pity on a homeless boy, Zhi Yuan (Kurt Huang), and welcomed him to his home. Qian & Yuan gets united in a family-bond, but overtime Yuan starts falling for Qian. It's hard to confess their feelings but it's impossible to hide it. Will there be a chance for them be together as lovers?Although coming from a poor background, Qian didn't hesitate to embrace the homeless Yuan, that, I found interesting. Both Qian & Yuan were dealing with harsh realities and it’s heartwarming to see them find solace in their found family. I like their give & take relationship, as Yuan was not only be grateful and receiving, but he tries to contribute to the family’s income, moreover fills the loneliness in Qian's heart. Though I wish he was a bit more straightforward, I completely root for him. It was cute watching him starts crushing on Qian and clings to him.
The acting was good, especially Kurt Huang who played Yuan really shines in his performance! His emotional burst was so profound, also his gaze and weariness of his unspoken feelings makes this drama much more compelling, along with the beautiful OST. Through the beautiful lyrics of the songs I felt the leads' burden. I don't get why the premise and characters emphasize their relationships as brothers turning into forbidden love as they’re not related by blood anyway. It feels unnecessarily conflicting. What I didn't enjoy was the gangster part that felt jarring, like watching another drama. Nevertheless, the finale was great, makes it worth every moment!
April 2024,
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Well-acted but the plot is lackluster, really.
Cheon Sang Hyeok (Jang Dong Yoon) is a cupid living his 28th reincarnation to repair his wings, which were burned 500 years ago. In this life, he acts as a matchmaker for humans. Oh Baek Ryeon (Nana) is a veterinarian, whom despite of her charms, seems to be unlucky in love. Anyone who starts dating her always has a near-death experience and so they run away from her. Will there be love for them?This fantasy-mystery-romance drama has a lot of plotlines going on: from mythical creature, reincarnation, past-lives connection, murder mystery. At first, I was excited to see how it all played out together, so I keep looking forward to new episodes. Sadly, it is not cohesive. The crime and past-live connection mystery are long-winded. Plus they add boring and irrelevant characters that are not adding much value to the story; too many things going on already! Frankly, I can't stand the other cupids as well as the love triangle. I also dreaded every time pets become victims, it's painful.
The only thing that keep me around to watch until the end is our lead couple! I find their chemistry is great! Even when I am already bored and annoyed with the chaotic plot, I want to watch for the reveals. The ending is repetitive and boring, I wasn't impressed, it has been done too many times before.
-Jan 2024, Yovita
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Useless lies after useless lies - a fresh premise with a weak wrap up
Sol Hee uses her ability as a lie detector for the wealthy. However, being able to hear even the smallest lie caused a lot of trust issues within her relationships, so she doesn't have any interest in dating until a mysterious famous songwriter, Do Ha, moves in next door. She's impressed because he never lies, but little does she know about his dark secret. *Trigger warning; The plot has a darker undertone as it deals with toxic relationships, self-harm, and suicide.Off to a strong start with instantly mystery with a sprinkling of supernatural. The premise is fresh & the leads are fun! The first 4 episodes are 100% binge-worthy! The writers are dropping breadcrumbs for multiple different storylines and I enjoyed. Sadly it's quickly become a drag with no suspense, only suspicion here and there. The reveal just happened like that... Unbelievable, underwhelming and anticlimactic. Useless lies.. -.- The Korean original title described it best.
The leads acting are just fine but I’m not blown away. The other character with whom I am emotionally invested is only the ex, because he looked ambiguous, but his story was just kind of brush briefly. The show also has funny moments, some are a bit over the top.
My persistently recurring issue; so many toxic female characters; Not only hysterical mothers, but I also think our female lead is inconsiderate, i.e. Why she's so bothered with his mask? “Have you not heard of COVID?". There are many reasons that he could wear a mask, why make it a big deal? I'm also not impressed by how they handle the male lead's backstory… I was waiting for a moment when they flesh-out these issues, but seems that the message is not fully concluded.
-Sept 2023, Yovita
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The best part for me: the comedy and the chemistry
Set in the small village in 1989, Byung Tae, who was formerly bullied, transfers to a new school. He is somehow mistaken as the school's best fighter, White Tiger. He happily takes on this identity, as he is determined not to be bullied again. However, when the real White Tiger moves to this school, can he handles his daily life with him, bullies, all while he start developing crushes?It's a unique premise regarding mistaken identity. The retro set was very well designed as it looks charming and vibrant. The first half of the series is just full of ridiculous goodness, slap-sticky comical action scenes that reminds me of watching those old Jackie Chan classics. It’s a coming of age story, with many day-to-day schoolboys activities at school and after school. There is a romance subplot with a sparkling chemistry and it’s the most memorable part for me. However, it gets heavy on the bullying main story towards the ending and the twist towards that turn felt jarring and kind of nasty, personally. Although I get that it gives a decent arc for Byung Tae.
I enjoyed the fun cast interacting together. Obviously, I love Im Si Wan as Byung Tae. Not only he's excellent at being dorky, when he falls in love, his expressions are priceless. He has played a lot of different roles and always nails it.
-Dec 2023, Yovita
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great story, great lessons and great acting!
A genius profiler Lee Hyun (Seo In Guk) returns to South Korea after an anonymous email about a criminal case triggers memories of his childhood trauma. One of his team members, Detective Cha Ji An (Jang Nara) has “stalked” him since childhood and is suspicious of him as her life was also turned upside down by the same criminal. As they investigate the case, they realize that the truth is not far from the unresolved mysteries of their past.This drama is a good combination if you want a crime drama shrouded with intriguing mysteries around genius characters, without a lot of stress. It was suspenseful at times, but the romance and quirky sound effects lightens the mood. Personally, I did not like the music, but it's not a big deal as I'm invested already. The storytelling was great, as in character's backstories were established well, without revealing too much and as the story goes, it fleshes out the complexity of each character. The twists was paced equally, keeping the momentum alive to the end.
Beyond the crime-thriller aspect, I love how it covers friendships, family love and such a heartwarming brotherhood. The other highlight is Park Bo Gum's character, I've only seen him in romantic roles, and here he was very complex and his expressiveness was outstanding! Seo In Guk and Jang Nara were great too, good chemistry and good teamwork. all in all, great story and acting. Another one I recommend!
- Yovita, Mar 2024
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Despite not being a genre I'm gravitating towards, it's well-done!
Stranger / Secret Forest follows Hwang Shi Mok (Jo Seung Woo), a brilliant prosecutor who has lost the ability to empathize with others due to a surgery he had as a child and he teams up with a female police officer Han Yeo Jin (Bae Doo Na) as they investigate a seemingly simple robbery turned murder, amid political corruption.I don't gravitate towards political or corruption, things that seem to be really relevant to the show so I was apprehensive, but the show did a very good job at presenting you all of the puzzle pieces involving different characters. No one and nothing was being purposely left out to divert or keep me confused. I have to say that although it's engaging in the moment of watching, I don't feel any intrigue/addiction for the next episodes, maybe because my own tastes don't really line up with this genre.
What I want to highlight is how well the story was presented. I was surprised because of the synopsis about a prosecutor who lacks empathy would focus on human emotion and behavior. The cameras shot close-up to characters faces, to show all of the micro expressions. For a role that is supposed to be cold and emotionless, Seung Woo's acting is captivating. While his face remains blank at most times, there are slight nuances in his expression that highlight the emotional development. Then the two actresses I was happy to see here were Bae Doo Na and Shin Hae Sun. The acting of the entire cast is top-notch! I loved the Stranger Overture OST (my favorite aspect of this show, really), the cool blue tones for the color grading. I think it matches with our analytical male lead. Also loved how they showed the prosecutor's office as bleak narrow hallways. All in all, the execution is well-done!
Mar 2024
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wow, it's all good!
At 39, a salary-man Nozue (Takeda Kouhei) is dreading his stagnant daily routine - sleep, wake, work, repeat. Knowing about his frustration, his friend / subordinate, Togawa (Kimura Tatsunari) encourages him to try something different: pretending to be a pair of young girls together and eating at dessert parlours, as an anti-aging remedy. As they play along, Togawa calls out Nozue about his insecurities and keeps hanging out with him. With more time spent together, could love be what's next?What a delightful office romance! Both Nozue and Togawa are equally charming. Glad that they use the senpai-kouhai hierarchy appropriately. Their intentional flirting and fun talks felt fresh and gave me all the butterflies. Beyond a cute sweet romance, Nozue's attitude towards Togawa adds a slight angst too. While genuinely wishing for Togawa to find more joy in life, Nozue also subtly chases him, leading to exciting possibilities for them. Shout-out to their scene at the end of episode 4! It was one of the most poignant and raw moments I've seen that got me on a chokehold.
The writing is smart, with spot-on comedy that highlights their personalities, character and confidence! Although the scenes are not spicy, the dialogues are SPICY! This also include their jokes and small gestures, that I immediately re-watched it to cherish the moments, I love them all! Acting is so natural and I hope to see more of their work. Also nice performance of all the supporting cast; Those girls at their office were a lovely bunch of fujoshis, blushing over these two men. ^-^ Lastly, I love it when Togawa said "I realized that you don't have to be young or a girl to have fun." There are many more great lines, though... You can go watch it to experience for yourself. :)
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