Maritza

Memories are not puzzle pieces,they are a feeling

Life unexpectedly creeps up on you without realization.It shapes your perception quietly and slowly,making you think you`re one in charge.This drama weaves a story of longing and necessity so well,you might not even realize what type of message it actually had in store.Like a good tale should,it leaves breadcrumbs with each new episode,and you become Hansel or Gretel,following pieces of tasty treat in order to get to a fervent goal.And it`s a tearjerking one at that.

To start off this review,I`d like to that the actors,writers,producers and the rest of the staff involved with this show,as I`m well aware of the risks and hoops one has to forego in order to create a drama.

To be completely honest,I still don`t know which direction this review will take.Because during my time with this drama,I kept lowering then changing my score.Other than one specific episode(or rather fifty minutes of it),it was a smooth ride.The pacing is probably one of the best I`ve seen when we`re talking about slower,more deliberate approaches.And,with the exception of one or two larger than life characters,everyone seems...grounded in reality.Which is kind of purposefully juxtaposed with time traveling MacGuffin because...everything in this drama is a stand in for something else.Even if you are of the twist this one goes for,you won`t be able to guess how they`ll go about it until it happens.The writing is actually clever.The writer(who I can delightfully report also wrote "Beyond Evil",a great crime thriller)really thrives in surroundings that seem fake.And she really got better at it with time.
And this is not the case with the writer either.The director did a wonderful job of setting up scenes and angles,that at times I was really wondering if what I was watching wasn`t a western show,rather than a Korean drama.And some answers were carefully tucked away in the background,thus,if you weren`t paying attention,this twist might seem to come out of left field.But it is not the case.

As this is a spoiler free review(since I don`t want to spoil an actual worthy twist,something that comes once in a blue moon),I`ll have to keep all points of interest at bay.But I still wanted to shed light on it by saying that you know something has a good twist when stories(both pre twist and post twist) could work on their own.So many dramas like to put in any twist just for pure shock value and because it`s simply popular.So what ends up happening is in worst case scenario it can ruin a perfectly good story,or in best case scenario earn a small chuckle out of you.As my headline suggests,it is rather hard to describe what makes this drama fun(albeit painfully) because it is entirely based on a feeling.You feel happy,sad,enraged,melancholic...all at once.The ending to this drama and the last episode in general is one of the most beautifully complex,yet maniacally emotional episodes I`ve seen of anything really.It`s partially why my rating shot up so high.It comes bearing so many lessons and experiences from young and old people alike.Everything that happens in this drama(bar fantastical elements) happened to multitude of persons,but it`s rarely talked about.That`s one more thing in favor of this show.It makes some excellent points on how young oriented society treats people who are deemed as unserviceable because they are elderly.And that sometimes happens in front of your very eyes.Some scenes reminded me of my childhood even and resentment accumulated in these characters is more than understandable when one gets the full picture.The acting is great across the board but Nam Joo Hyuk and Han Ji Min have really outdone themselves.I`ve yet to see a bad Han Ji Min project.And Nam Joo Hyuk FINALLY has something to work with,as his character is one full of moral faults,regrets and duality.This is his best role to date point blank,PERIOD.I honestly don`t think there`s one bad performance here and that speaks volumes.

Now,for drawbacks.Well,as I mentioned,fifty minutes of Episode 10 are incredibly weak,clunky and equipped with some clumsy introduction to a great twist.For a moment,I felt like I was watching a subpar drama and feared what was to come if they`re taking things in this direction.Thankfully,my fears were put to rest very quickly with exceptional episodes that followed.Another issue I`ve had though,is that some actions characters take can and are sometimes overly slapsticky and cartoony.Other than these though,it`s a drama I`m glad I gave a chance to.

It exceeded my expectations and if you need a takeaway from this,remember:Happiness is not shaped by events you go through,but by feelings you had whilst facing them.Thank You.

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A Korean telenovela

I`ve finished watching this drama today, without having seen the previous, Taiwanese version, and the first thing that popped in my head, due to the scenes, most of the characters and the plot in it of itself, was Mexican telenovela. To be fair, this drama is a bit less melodramatic than most telenovelas(no one dies here), of which I became a connoisseur at just seven years old (thanks, Grandma!) so I might be at a disadvantage with this one. Many people like it for how fresh and innocently charming it was, although it was still plagued with clichés and character development inconsistencies. With me, the one thing that stood out as very positive is Jang Hyuk`s acting and his character in general. Lee Gun is too charismatic for his own good. Even when the script makes him do things that are completely out of character for him(for filler purposes) it doesn`t get as annoying or monotone. Basically, every scene with him was a joy to watch, although the enjoyment of the actual show varies. It was interesting up until episode 12, and I distinctly remember it, because that`s the first time I reached for my phone. Afterwards, the damn AMNESIA issue, coupled with again, MISCOMMUNICATION, led to me charging through this one like crazy, because it got REALLY draggy.

The moment I got sucked in was episode 17, with Lee Gun`s video confession, which was such great acting that I started to care again. But not enough to score it any higher. I seriously think that people will label me as sexist, because in many Korean dramas I seem to find a problem with female leads, instead of the male ones, whom I often praise. And I don`t know what to tell you, because I love nothing more than an interesting and well written female lead. But this is, sadly not the case here. Because, it`s just, so, tragically lazy writing. I didn`t care for Mi Yeong at all, even though Jang Nara portrayed her well. The problem lies in the character. First off, I started rewriting the character in my head and came up with an intriguing, yet slight adjustment. I imagined her as an ex-delinquent, who was now trying to live her life earnestly, so she takes to being a post-it, for that reason. Yet, when her crush inevitably betrays her in that hotel room, she would wild out and pull his hair out or something. That kind of character. I think that it would be so much more interesting to watch such a dynamic. Alas, that`s not what ended up happening. Also, I`ve got a gripe with her becoming a popular artist out of the blue, when she didn`t even show much interest until the Dog Poopie cup. It all made it so easy for her and not even her second personality was that convincing, just frustrating.

While I love the relationship between Lee Gun and Mi Yeong`s mother, which is why I kept on watching, this drama is both too long and a road I know all too well, so for me, it is just another drama, when it should`ve been a sweet surprise.

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THE BEST ADAPTATION OF A MANGA

Let me just say this: Be it the blindness caused by nostalgia, be it my appreciation for Matsumoto Jun and Inoue Mao as actors or something else... If this isn`t your favorite, or at least your second favorite adaptation of this material, then I cannot trust your judgement. It might seem harsh to a bystander, so let me elaborate on my strong opinion.

This version of the well-known shoujo manga classic "Hana Yori Dango"(or Boys Over Flowers) should`ve just been a way to cash in on the popularity of its material, which is probably why they only made 9 episodes at first. Even the cast seems picked at random to a careless overseer. What I`m sure both the producers, as well as directors didn`t expect, is that they`ll end up creating one of, if not the most influential manga adaptation of all time. That is, for a lack of a better word, Hana Yori Dango has become the golden standard for me, of how a rather vapid and clichéd material should be improved upon and handled.

Let me make something very clear: Hana Yori Dango, the drama adaptation, is significantly better than both the manga and the anime. Yes, I`m perfectly aware that what I`m saying is almost unheard of, but that doesn`t make it any less true. Is the story clichéd and at times, nonsensical?Sure, it is based off of a shoujo dramatic manga, after all. However, it is miles better than its source material and the reason for that is both the IMMACULATE cast, their chemistry AND most importantly, what the director chose to shoot and present to the audience as such. The fact that most important characters are shaped by this, and thus different than their later counterparts, coupled with the way they are acted, makes this a show that improves upon the manga and the anime indefinitely.
Now for the cast that I keep praising to high heavens. Another fact that you should know: Each actor embodies his character PERFECTLY. As in the characters become the actors themselves. Many praise the Korean version of this, AKA Boys Over Flowers, and especially Lee Min-ho`s portrayal of the despotic, ruthless and chaotic Gu Jun-Pyo(Doumyouji Tsukasa) but after being treated to the layered portrayal done by Matsumoto Jun, (who`s just about one of the most talented people I`ve ever seen working in Japanese entertainment industry today), any other will seem one note or even unsatisfactory. Same goes for Inoue Mao, Oguri Shun etc. You would think that in 9 episodes, the timing would be off and the episodes would be rushed but that also, couldn`t be further than the truth. Everything flows remarkably well with no boring parts in between. To put it really simply, I think that this version, at first, was supposed to be done just for financial benefit and that`s it. But, along the way, the actors, the writers, the directors, chose to instead offer something bursting with effort, feelings and talent. At first glance, physically, none of the actors other than Mao Inoue, fit the characters that they are playing. Matsumoto Jun is not tall, buff or aggressive-looking. Oguri Shun is not extremely delicate, pale nor that elegant. But due to their talent, the characters that were supposed to embody the actors, ended up being embodied by the actors instead. There`s a reason why, to this day there is talk about Mao and Jun still being together. It`s the overwhelming chemistry that`s to blame.

As for the cons of this classic, I would say that they either harken back to the original material(love triangles, misunderstandings) or the acting of one villain in particular, which seemed overwhelmingly cheesy, so I have to be objective on that. However!If you`re unsure of which adaptation of this manga you should watch, I warmly suggest this one, because it excels in every way and will stand any test of time.

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Oh boy who said this was a classic?

I would say that this drama is the perfect contender for explaining just how much nostalgia can blind us to the quality of our entertainment. And I`m extremely glad that I didn`t get to watch this in my childhood because now I might be one of those people who herald this drama as a classic. It`s not. A drama I can consider a true classic is "Coffee Prince" for example. A classic for me is supposed to signify something that will never get old, whose message will always beat the concept of time and won`t fall victim to changing tides. This on the other hand... yikes.

I think, again, that this would have no chance with me, in retrospect, even if it wasn`t held up at such a high standard. I just hate every trope this drama decides to utilize. From immature leads who cannot stand each other to the point of acting like actual five year olds (at times I felt like I was in charge of kindergarteners), a douchey second lead who only looks out for his own benefit, a male lead who can`t get over a girl from his past...Yup, it`s all here. And, in this concept, you need your main characters to be likeable. They are NOT. And this is rare, but I would say that they both got on my nerves in the same amount. And it`s a shame because chemistry is there. The soundtrack is crazy good. But you need some kind of meat on the bones of your plot OR interesting characters who mature and change over time. Unfortunately, neither was achieved here.

When both of the characters had the opportunity of a turning point on the porch, they just reverted to their old selves and it was all for naught. All that time, all that dragging, only to wrap it up quickly and nonsensically. It`s a real shame that this pairing ended up in this project because I feel like they could`ve done something. But this ain`t it.

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A good drama, albeit a bit overhyped

This is a well crafted, well written and above all, rightfully applauded drama for all the right reasons. Most of the characters are layered, have intriguing personalities and goals and are acted well, to boot. The flow of the story is mostly consistent, with a few weird choices which were pulled off adequately. Like others said, the synopsis for this drama definitely makes it out a rather boring slice-of-life show, when it`s so much more. Despite this, it didn`t wow me as it did other users on here. My issue with this drama lies in my own taste however, which have eventually led me to not be as invested in the whole presentation, nor connect with the characters. First off, I have to critique the title a bit from the get-go. While interesting and eye-catching, In-ha`s Pinocchio Syndrome definitely has the least to do with the story, despite being the selling point of the show. I wish they showed a lot more of In-ha and Dal-po when they were growing up, as that would let us see their relationship and connect with them in that period a little more. It would surely add weight to Dal-po`s emotions and torment of ending it for good with her. Although semi-romantic, I hesitate to categorize this drama under romance as well, as it definitely takes a big backseat over the reporting aspect of the story.

Another issue I had was with the second villain of the story. Bum-jo`s mom is an...interesting choice for a villain. While In-ha`s mom had a whole story arc where I genuinely felt for her(it also helped that she was acted by one of the best actresses of the Korean drama world) and was obviously thought out meticulously, I feel like the Chairwoman was an alternative rather than a planned out villain. She felt rather cartoonish at times and I just didn`t feel anything when she finally did confess in that final scene. I would say this drama was at its best when exploring relationships between In-ha and her mother and Dal-po and his brother. Everything afterwards honestly felt like filler. And I have to reiterate, the characters were written really well. The situations they were put in however...eh, give or take. At times I felt like they couldn`t find a way to correctly develop someone like In-ha, for example so they put her and Dal-po in these rather stereotypical situations where I could already predict why they would break up, how and that`s purely my fault. While I didn`t fall head over heels for this drama, I admit it`s technically very, very good, it just needs to strike the chord with the right person. With me, it was half right.

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Walk a Mile in My Shoes

It is a truth universally acknowledged amongst drama viewers(at least from what I`ve seen) that mundane depictions of real life work struggles are a boring watch. I did not expect much. But `Midnight Romance in Hagwon` was a lovely surprise.

Before starting all my reviews, I make it a point to thank everyone involved with making a drama happen. From directors, writers, cast, staff, words of thanks go out to you for your hard work.

I will say this outright - I am a fan of Ahn Pan Seok, the director of this drama. He directed some of my favorite dramas of all time(Secret Love Affair, One Spring Night) and his lens once again did wonders on this project. Firstly, I like watching his dramas in the wintertime, as they often feel like a cushy blanket enveloping you, comforting and warm. Add to that a scolding cup of hot chocolate and that is - to me - the perfect way to describe most, if not all, of his projects. This time around though, terrific actors Jung Ryeo Won and Wi Ha Joon join this combo, and well...I cannot escape my bias.

I really liked this drama. It isn`t perfect, but then again, if you`re going into a Ahn Pan Seok project expecting your usual fare of dramatics...you`re going into it with a wrong mindset.

Here`s the thing. I totally understand when people say they find this flavor of dramas boring. I GET IT. The way these dramas are shot is very rudimentary, the conversations can be meandering and most of the time, they are. There`s not one specific character that you don`t feel conflicted over. The soundtracks are so repetitive and they are always of the same genre. See, I do get it. And yet...all of these things somehow work for me. Thing is, you truly do rarely see slice of life dramas that ACTUALLY feel like real life. And that`s usually their charm. I call it LIFE - KDRAMA EDITION. But when it comes to this drama, and dramas by the same director...we as viewers are aware it is a drama, but at the same time, it does feel like we are observing real people living their lives. We are afforded a glimpse into their day to day as we get passing shots of people going to a station, sleeping etc. and it still feels purposeful, important to the narrative itself. Even though, in truth, I don`t know that those shots would do anything for a casual viewer. It`s the definition of director`s indulgence. And I truly respect it. These days it`s very rare to look at a drama and be able to figure out a specific style. And he almost always manages to involve talented actors who get to, in turn, practice and flex their acting chops with roles that are too seldom found. The acting here is no exception. It is natural, effortless and engaging. I`ve seen many complaints from people saying Wi Ha Joon and Jung Ryeo Won have no chemistry but I vehemently disagree. I do think the romance could have been more pronounced(it is one of my critiques) but as for the chemistry itself, it was absolutely present. But besides them, I find other characters(such as the director, White Haired Witch, as well as other teachers in DC academy) just as fascinating. They all do have layers and issues ascribed to them and not one of them is entirely terrible. It is a workplace drama through and through, so be aware of this fact. I personally found it relatable as someone who worked in educational spaces, but for those who don`t care much about this flavor of workplace romance, I would stay away. This is where things get spotty. And that is due to the writing.

Speaking of, though I`ve just praised the writing for great characterization, the actual conflict of the story in the last few episodes does land a bit...flat. It is quite realistic in its portrayal of educational systems in Korea, from what I`ve seen, but in terms of actually serving the purpose a conflict should serve, it is rather..meh. Wish I could have picked a better word for it but it is the definition of `meh`. Especially since another conflict with far more weight, is present and could have been deepened for better effect, but that would be going into spoilers. I do wonder if the conflict I mention was meant to be the main one, but halfway through script revisions it was scrapped or minimized. Regardless, due to this, the writing does range from great to somewhat confusing. And the soundtrack... I know some find it annoying, downright torturous, that this is one of the main signs you are watching a Ahn Pan Seok`s drama, but...I`m sorry, I do love it. They are always cozy, indie reminiscent soundtracks that carry a feeling of passing sweetness and add to the actual mood of the drama. And because we are often relegated to a few tracks, they are used with a purpose too.

Perhaps this review was all over the place, yet I do feel compelled to go easier on dramas I think deserve a higher rating, and this is one of them. Truth be told, I understand why people are hesitant/unaware/not keen on this drama. But, as one of the seven people who really seem to like it, if what I wrote so far piques your interest or you are a fan of dramas such as `One Spring Night` and `Something in the Rain`, this is a good contender for those melancholic winter days full of unspoken nostalgia.

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The right amount of tears to flood my soul

To start this review off,I`d like to mention a quote from Aya Kitou`s diary(the person without whom this drama wouldn`t exist at all) which probably struck me the hardest:

- "School ends in 4 days. Everyone`s making 1000 wish paper cranes for me. The prayers they`re putting their hearts into are burned into my memory so that no matter how distant we grow,I`ll never forget. But...what I really wanted was to hear them say
[ Aya,please don`t go ]"

As always,I`d like to thank the writers,producers,actors and every staff member on the work they put in,because creating a drama is hard.

Candidly speaking,whenever I saw this one on any list regarding dramas,it always pulled me in. However,as a person who`s strangely sensitive to tragedy put on screen,coupled with the fact this is based on a real person and a real disease,I tried to put it away from my mind. Hidden in a faraway compartment in my brain,designed to keep such information. Then months passed by and I was in a slump. With nothing being satisfying enough to get me out of the rut,I turned to this drama,knowing full well what awaits me.

This title is scarily accurate. You will cry. This is a fact and it`s deserved(unlike Move to Heaven,where you crying didn`t feel organic but rather a consequence of set up manipulations). You might cry during different parts of the story than me,but you will cry. Ikeuchi Aya is probably one of the best tragic characters I`ve seen in a drama in some time. She`s a bright,zealous,optimistic 15 year old girl,excited to leave her trace in this world. Her family,made up of a tofu store owner dad,mother Shioka,sisters Rika and Ako and a younger brother Hiroki. And once you realize what a huge impact they have on her,it`s completely understandable how admirable of a person she became by their side. It is a healthy environment. Which makes it both worse and better,seeing as her journey unfolds. Accompanied by friends,young doctor,a small crush and an irritable sidekick Asou,Aya learns to grapple with her condition: spinocerebellar degeneration.

It`s probably a good moment to mention that I too,have a mild condition where one side of my body is,by all accounts,less respondent than the other. I was born with it and it is nowhere near as serious. But me bringing it to light is meant to highlight just one thing:I could understand Aya`s feelings of isolation and guilt. Not wanting to be a burden. Trying everything for herself in order to minimize having to rely on anyone. Because of that,there is this sense of kinship almost,as some of the things I went through in my teen years flooded back,mixing with tears running down my face. That is not to say I understand EVERYTHING she went through,as that`d probably take me...well,a whole `nother life,at least. What I will tell you is:Following Ikeuchi Aya,despite knowing where this`ll end,is still one of the best drama experiences. I am SO glad I decided to bite the bullet and give a chance to this show.

This drama completely deserves its place on every list,unlike most dramas found there. And it deserves to stay there...forever,pretty much. Because it`s a drama you`ll learn something from. Be it surface level or personal,one is for sure:You won`t complete this drama without having learnt something about you or Aya or...the world. When it comes to acting,even though everyone`s pretty good,I`ll say Riko Narumi as Ako and Erika Sawajiri as Aya stole the show for me.

What works for this drama,however,is definitely the writing,most of it taken directly from Aya`s diary and her excerpts. Even as young as she was,with as many talents,one of her greatest is what she used to cope with this tragedy:her writing. And this,in turn,made the drama so much deeper and has given it a sense of utmost importance. If it seems like I`m putting off the inevitable,that`s because I am. I don`t want to talk about Aya`s disease because she was so much more. Aya accomplished what many people won`t,even though amount of time allotted to them is three times what she was given. She saw the world for the good and positive it has to offer. And that`ll forever be more important than the level of her disability or how long she had left.

Which`d probably take me to one of my small nitpicks. While I love the "1 Litre no Namida" title,especially within the context of the story itself,what I`m not crazy about is the amount of posters showcasing Aya in pain or crying,as if she was a simple moppet,there to be sad and nothing more. Especially since so many pictures of real life Aya depict her as someone with spirit and fight. I understand the purpose,but I`m not crazy about it.

I`d say this isn`t so much a proper review,as it is an ode to a strong individual whose story both helped and educated many. It goes without saying,but this is an essential watch for all viewers who are looking for an experience whilst watching dramas. A true classic. One whose existence can`t be touched by a slump.

And for Aya: Dear Aya,no matter where you are,I hope you`re smiling. Creating little miracles everywhere you go. Hope you can see how much you`ve inspired your siblings,their offspring and people around the world. I`d be silly to say this,but if reincarnation exists,I hope you got reincarnated. You deserve it. And Aya? I hope tears I`ve shed and tissues I`ve used up help create a path for you,so you can advance confidently...as you always did.

Thank you.

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A cheesy MESS- But worthy of love!

I must presume that only people who will agree with my review of "Mei-chan no Shitsuji" will be those of you who, much like me, grew up on Japanese dramas. If that`s so, then this little cringy gem was surely a part of your childhood. "Hana Yori Dango", "Hana Kimi" and this drama could very well be referred to as the Holy Trinity of early 2000s Japanese drama world. And if you`ve followed me this far, then you must realize why my rating is so high. And you would be right on the money. Pure, unadulterated NOSTALGIA.

Is "Mei-chan no Shitsuji" a collection of over-the-top scenes that amount to slapstick jokes and overdramatic revelations most of the time?Well yeah, it`s based on a shoujo manga by an artist whose scope of world building and character development is very, very flawed. Most of the characters, excluding the main ones, are positively one dimensional. And stereotypical at that. A womanizer, a rich heiress, a rich girl who won`t stop eating, macabre couple of misfits...check,check,check! And despite all that, there IS this sense of overall earnestness that made this drama so popular in dark, private Japanese drama circles(just kidding). And the majority of that likeability falls on our lead pair and most importantly, on the character of Mei. Her story is completely clichéd, `fish out of the water` type that became worn out even back in 2009. However, much like "Hana Yori Dango"`s Makino(a less developed version for sure), Mei is a character who was extremely amplified by the actress playing her, to the point of where she`s miles ahead of her manga counterpart. The actress Hana Eikura decided to be on her A game while shooting this drama, and brought us a character that`s sarcastic, everyman and for the most part, relatable(except for the whole falling in love with an S rank butler of a prestigious academy part). Her love interest Rihito, played by the ever so charming Hiro Mizushima, is also one most Jdrama watchers remember due to his charisma and dare I say, appropriate chemistry. Don`t be fooled by my review, it`s nothing like the chemistry level of Makino and Tsukasa(Mao Inoue and Jun Matsumoto) but it is there. Now, if I were to dive deep into the many, many flaws of "Mei-chan no Shitsuji) this review would take a nosedive into those dreadful 4s, so I`m not going to do that.

Yes, the plot is exasperatedly overdone and obvious. Yes, the situations are cringy and villains cartoonish and...Well, hm.
About that "cartoonish villains" part. Unlike vast majority of dramas dealing with this subject matter, the actual villains in the form of Shinobu, Shiori, Tami and Kanda are better than what you would expect. I remember the 12 year old me being shocked that Tami and Kanda were that blood thirsty and ready to execute their plan of getting rid of Mei when they were with her at the bottom of the ladder for such a long time. That reveal alone, albeit a bit predictable, made me appreciate the show that much more.

Be it for uncontrollable amount of love and unwarranted protection I`ve got for this blast from the past, be it for something having possession over me, I have to give this show an 8 because I still genuinely rewatch it from time to time and still have the fun of my life doing so. I`m not saying you`ll like it(in fact I`m sure you won`t) but maybe give it a try for when you just want to watch something outlandish but still fun as hell.

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A charming drama - except when it falls apart

This is one of the most atmospheric dramas I`ve seen thus far, and if I had to guess, I`d say that it`s thanks to its amazing OST, which I`ll be downloading in a few moments` time. Whoever was responsible for it, they did a great job. It`s catchy, nostalgic and not at all bland. Another point this drama has going for it is the acting of Chun Jung-myung, who really sells the chemistry and his role of a chaotic doctor pushed too far. And he also has great chemistry with the lead actress. However, I don`t particularly think that chemistry was explored enough, or rather, it was explored, but it seemed like it was only peppered through, resulting in a relationship that, though not shallow, seemed so. Up to the episode 12, it was a cute drama about a couple of misfits trying to find themselves. The psychological aspect is extremely watered down, so if you`re looking for some apt representation, skip this. From episode 12, however, it almost seemed like writers decided to throw their initial main plot lines to the wind and exchange it for a very cliché and over-the-top drama plot, leading to this drama just taking the biggest nosedive and becoming boring in a matter of minutes.

Everything they`ve been working on collapsed due to a bad writing decision. From then on, it just became a chore to watch and I almost wanted to skip through most of the scenes. This is an advice from an aspiring writer whose strengths come from characterisation derived from trauma and real life situations- don't ruin your characters by forcing in a tragic past and then, even worse, try to make it a relevant point, when you know that these kinds of dramatic storylines aren`t your forte. It was messy, unnecessary and ruined the whole mood in the process. In the end this drama is a victim of nonsensical writing decisions and I would recommend it as a pastime, and don`t try to analyse it, as it will fall apart completely then.

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THE PERFECT WAY TO END A JOURNEY

Would you believe me if I told you that this is the only movie derived from any drama that I`ve ever watched?Sure, I`ve watched tens of dramas, but I was never really invested to see any special footage and/or extra material. I`ve always felt that it was unnecessary or better said, a drag. This one, however, I have downloaded on my PC in highest quality, despite not being the biggest fan of the whole searching for tiara and going through troubles and tribulations plot. As to why that is, the answer is simple: I just love seeing our F4 gang on screen, no matter what situation they might find themselves in. Again, the story of this movie makes absolutely no sense, which is why the grade for that part is so low. It`s ridiculous, campy, over-the-top and a big departure from the usual format.

That being said, it is still a BLAST to watch for the cast, the chemistry and THAT ENDING. Oh, 12-year-old me cried so much over that damn ending and pregnancy reveal, it`s not even funny. I`m so glad that they didn`t stick to the original ending of the anime nor the manga, because what they came up with is so, so much better. Once again, Mao Inoue and Matsumoto Jun own their roles of Makino Tsukushi and Doumyouji Tsukasa, fighting and making up, which, for people who are still complaining about this - at this point, it`s that couple dynamic that made this whole series popular in the first place. Plus, Tsukasa in this drama, including the movie, is heck of a lot less abusive and irritating than in both the manga and the anime, so I don`t know what to tell you. Just as a warning, don`t apply LOGIC to this movie nor to the rest of this story because, you`ll just be spoiling it for yourself. Let go of your perceived notions and enjoy the ride this movie has in store for you. I`m sure that you`ll be having a blast!

Oh, and for drama producers in the Japanese entertainment industry:Please cast Jun and Mao in another drama or movie, because they are literally the best Japanese drama couple I`ve ever seen. Don`t be dumb, thanks.

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A run of the mill romantic fantasy

If you are looking for something cute that’ll make your teeth hurt with little character development but sweet romance, then this drama is for you. Whatever you thought of after reading that synopsis you are probably right. This is a shoujoesque webtoon coming alive. It’s a collection of cliches, but I have nothing against them if they suit my taste. Unfortunately, this drama is really mediocre for me. But it’s not the fault of the show, but mine because I’ve seen so many stories like this. I do like the chemistry between our leads. It’s not overwhelming, but it’s there, kind of. I just wish they had a better script to work with.

I am grateful that the episodes averaged around 40 minutes, since it’s all very bare bones. If I had to guess the average rating for this one, I never would’ve guessed that it would sit in the 8s and I do think that’s an overestimation. I mean this has the same rating average as “Coffee Prince” and... I guess I find it weird. But who am I to judge other people’s tastes? Even I have some shows that I like that are in the 7s,so. Anyway, my main complaint with this drama would be paper-thin characters and just how everything and everyone seem to exist for the sake of either doing something for them or being a convenient plot device. The best example of this is the ex-girlfriend. The only thing that we knew is that she was rich and obsessed with our main male lead.

As someone else has already said, I also had to suspend my belief for quite a big portion of this show. From DaDa only appearing at her job when the plot calls for it, to the way the whole breakup happened, even though there was no reason for it, as the Chairman was for the marriage and our leads as well. So the whole montage of them suffering was done well but without any reason. It just felt nonsensical.

Overall, I would suggest this drama to someone who just needs to let their brain go for a few hours and enjoy this like the mindless fluff that it is. Enjoy!

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A SEQUEL WORTH WATCHING

Let me preface this by saying that the first season will almost always be better than the second: That`s also the case here. Does that, then mean that this is not worth watching?ABSOLUTELY NOT. This remains as one of the best sequels of any body of work to this day. The acting is consistently excellent, the soundtrack is as great as it was the first time around and the drama is keeping true to the feel of its original material. Like I have mentioned in my review of the first season, "Hana Yori Dango" the drama is better than both the manga and the anime version and I stand by my words. It`s also better than any other adaptation of this material and I have a feeling that it`ll stay that way. This time around we have two more extra episodes, rounding up to 20 and a movie, which I`ll also review.

Now regarding this season, I had to give it a 8.5 instead of 9.0 even though it contains some of my favorite moments of this drama, like the fig talk between Tsukasa and Makino(which remains one of the most romantic scenes my eyes have ever seen). The reason for that being, sadly, the AMNESIA plot point. Ugh, I hate it so much when shows do this, I can`t even explain it. We`re lucky that it is done by such good actors like Matsumoto Jun and Mao Inoue, otherwise it would be a sure skip. Now, everything stays consistently good, but what also happens is the definite moment where you`re made sure of the actors` talent when compared to other adaptations and I would like to insert that one scene here. For comparisons` sake, the scene I`m talking about and am pitting against each other, is the moment Tsukasa/Jun-Pyo sees Makino`s/Jan-di`s magazine shoot in New York. This one right here is the best scene where I can confidently say that Matsumoto Jun can out-act Lee Min-ho easily. First off, the atmosphere is completely different for both scenes. Lee Min-ho`s is well lit, filmed from a direct point where you can clearly see his facial expression being that of simple jealousy. Yes, that`s fine that`s what the original material calls for as well. HOWEVER. Matsumoto Jun`s scene is dim, with him looking over New York and his back is turned to us. We see him looking at something and then, with a dose of disdain, he throws it on the bed:The magazine cover. His face is then shown to be completely blank, yet his eyes are full of pain. He doesn`t say anything, just keeps looking over the skyline pensively. With this scene, you`re not communicated if he`s only jealous. Because he isn`t. He`s restrained by the guilt he feels towards his friend for a reason I won`t reveal here, but he is also pained by jealousy AND another layer of guilt for having such a petty emotion in that moment. Truly, Doumyouji Tsukasa BECOMES Matsumoto Jun. And I`ve never seen that happen. Same is true for Makino and Mao. And Shun and Rui. And I`ve never realized this before, though I`ve seen this drama a million times, but Tsukasa and Makino only ever kiss three times in both seasons and I was shocked by that. Because what they transmit through looks and caresses, some actors can`t with even the steamiest of scenes.

This time around we also get a worthy villain who has been lurking from the start in the form of Tsukasa`s mother, and though stereotypical, the actress chosen for this role fits it like a glove and I really felt an array of bad emotions towards her character because of her presence. Still, this is a more than worthy successor of one of the most famous Japanese dramas ever created and it has my glowing recommendation.

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What were they thinking?

I`ve watched this drama only once - and that was a chore all on its own. I feel like this drama was honestly helmed by amateur writers - in every sense of the word.
This drama is supposed to show two character developments happening at the same time and in the same place. Lee Mih-ho`s character is meant to put up a charade for a rather selfish reason, however he`s supposed to change along the way. Not the most creative plot line, but it`s honestly the best part of this mess. Lee Mih-ho`s acting can really be one-dimensional and hit-or-miss, but he`s without a doubt the best actor here, along with Ryoo Seung-Ryong. It`s just that he has no chemistry with Son Ye-jin. And it doesn`t help that her character is a complete doormat and above all, that she`s not convincing in this role. Her character`s development is supposed to be centered around letting go, taking your life by the horns and changing. Only that is presented so muddily, made even worse by her portrayal. I don`t get it. When I watch her act in this, it`s almost like she`s on the cusp of getting it, but is to afraid to put in more effort. The way her mother died also really cemented for me the level that this drama`s writers seem to be on. And I`m fully aware that sounded snobbish and underhanded but it still is true.

Which is made even more obvious when Yoon Eun-Hye makes a short cameo. Like, I`m not kidding when I say that this drama was my background noise and a chore to finish until I saw her for like ten minutes. She brought fresh air into this thing and I`m so sad that she`s not getting more roles.

Alas, that`s my personal preference. Cinematography is fine, like someone else mentioned, the wardrobe is REALLY questionable. Also, the sets got on my nerves really quick. I hate that I`m a stickler for these things, but I cannot stress enough how fake EACH SET LOOKED. It didn`t look perfect, it was downright jarring to look at. Even this is a really high score average for something this subpar.

I`m positive that this should`ve stayed in the vault, as I doubt that it`s anybody's personal taste at all.

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A twisted fantasy - One we rarely get

Before starting any review, I do like to thank the writers, producers, actors and the rest of the cast as well as people involved with this drama in any capacity, for their hard work. Thank you.

As I have finished this drama mere minutes ago, my thoughts might seem jumbled and out of place in some parts, but please bear with me as I do have a lot to say.

Let us start off with the good. I have been one of the most fervent advocates for more morally grey/villanous FEMALE leads in dramas for years now. Some of my favorite dramas and movies("Hyena", "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance") sport this exact type of lead and I am always glad to see a representation of this type of character, when done well. And in "Dear X", it was done exceptionally well. I do genuinely find the character of Baek Ahjin intriguing, beguiling, eerie and frustrating at times. And I want MORE. Kim Yoo Jung, an actress I, admittedly, dismissed for most of my KDrama watcher timeline, proved me wrong and came back swinging. Whether that was a pun or not, you decide. Her abilities shine here in ways most other of her projects don`t warrant. She should really consider building a core audience in this genre, for it does test her limitations and plays around with her talent. And what we get as a result is a brilliant depiction of a broken person, a survivor and a sociopath. Almost everyone`s acting across the board is great, they do really bring their A game to this project and the direction, especially in the first four episodes, is tight, fast paced and exceptional.

Kim Young Dae has been getting flack for his lackluster acting for years now and, in a general sense, I would agree with the sentiment. He is also often typecast. In some ways, his character of Jun Seo follows his well practiced lines of stoic behavior, often dry delivery and all that. And yet...his interpretation of a deeply flawed person with a savior complex, twisted enough to follow Ahjin, no matter the level of toxicity their relationship entails...is absolutely awesome to watch. With very small tweaks to his formula, the male lead of this drama becomes someone emotionally stunted with good intentions and a flawed way of implementing them.

As for Kim Do, he has his usual shtick of charisma and it is always a joy to see him on my screen. His character, Jae Oh, a good guy coming from a broken family, yearning to protect his younger brother, and thus ending up a convict, is a tragic one. But a lovely addition all the same.

Technically, this whole drama feels like a character study of its lead character Baek Ahjin, a commentary on the state of the entertainment industry as a whole, and a SOMEWHAT soapy intepretation of a problematic lead. Baek Ahjin is the Sun. And depending on who you are in this story, you either breathe for her or get burned beyond recognition. Honestly, I could write a dissertation about damn near every relationship Ahjin has with one character or the other, and how at times, it reminded me of Junji Ito`s Tomio in the way people revered or hated her. Ahjin can become an obsession, your own personal monster or a goddess you serve. And that`s the tumultuous beauty of this project. The directing, as I`ve mentioned before, is on point for about 80% of this drama and this is something I don`t often comment on. But here it should be commended. As for the OST, it is aptly dark, dripping with a sense of unease and ferocity, thus setting itself apart from the other contenders in its genre. I will be listening to several songs long after I forget about this drama. Some of the visuals present are absolutely haunting in the best way. First few minutes of Episode 1 prove that beyond doubt. This is one of those dramas I`m confident about being one of my favorites of 2025. This doesn`t free it from some of my criticism, so let`s get into it:

For one, I do absolutely dislike the presence, and the lackluster exploration of Baek Ahjin`s husband, CEO Moon Doo Hyuk. I find his addition waning and flat and the arc surrounding him beyond forgettable. Which is strange, once you take into account how much time we actually spend on him and his relationship with Ahjin. He needed backstory, as he lacked charisma to rely on mystery and enigma alone. I understand what they were going for with him. It just didn`t pan out.
Secondly, the last few episodes do lose the magic first...eight hold? Some plotlines feel rushed, some feel unnecessary and drawn out(Jun Seo`s mom) and some are downright left hanging. That is to say, this drama should have had 16 episodes. And this is my first time saying this. There are some moments of overacting I didn`t find believable, mostly coming from Kim Ji Kyung, who plays Seong Hee, one of Ahjin`s high school frenemies?bullies? Who`s to know. There are also some instances of overly convenient timing and convenience, but all that falls into shadow if you buy into the premise of the Baek Ahjin`s world. And I did.

For my closing thoughts, I find this drama utterly entertaining throughout. Carnal and fastidious, yet electric. Despite its flaws, it`s one of the few that kept my attention and repaid the time I invested. I would recommend it to everyone looking for something different, especially if you like your leads just a tad...twisted.

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A winner in subverting expectations- and taking your heart

"You will lose. Even so, I want to go all in with you."

This drama deserves every bit of praise it has gotten so far. If you're wondering why, and more importantly whether you should watch it, then let me elaborate.
It does not matter whether you`re a fairly new drama fan(like me), or you have been watching Korean dramas for as long as you can remember, it is an undeniable fact that the time travelling and soul/body switching(though in this case it isn't really switching) plots have started to become a bit of a trend in recent years. Hell, in the last two, I can name at least half a dozen of such dramas. What I'm trying to say is, the world of two periods or personalities isn`t as fresh as it once was due to oversaturation, coupled with some other factors. Keeping this in mind, "Mr.Queen" also had to face the status of the Korean remake, expecting some possible negative attention of the Chinese original`s fans. But despite these problems, this historical drama managed to reinvigorate and change its genre, by creating some of the most relatable, endearing and down-to-earth characters in recent memory. I LOVE them. All across the board, I adore the level of attention that was paid to character building. Due to the obvious talent and effort of the whole cast, I know by heart, all of the characters` names and their temperaments. Their quirks and motivations. From the Royal Chef Man Bok to Court Lady Choi, I even love Kim Jwa-Geum and Kim Byeong-In(for whose sake I`ve cried like four tissues worth of tears). They are so engaging that I`m more than willing to overlook some plot holes in an otherwise tight story. There is such a feeling of life jumping from each and every scene of this drama. The sets are lively and beautiful(albeit at times a bit empty), the OST, while probably being the weakest link here, is by no means bad. It`s good, appropriate, but is there for a purpose and nothing more.(except for that NORAZO track. I laugh dearly every time it comes on)

And now, we get to the heart and soul of our drama: The Queen and the King. Oh, how I love these two. I`ll start off with King Cheoljong and his spectacular actor Kim Jung-Hyun. Much like Shin Hye-Sun, he gives me hope with his talent. In a sea of pretty faces and average acting, both he and SHS have established themselves as acting forces to be reckoned with and I`m so, so, so glad that they were given a chance of working together, because they fit just right. Kim Jung-Hyun plays the role of a seemingly carefree, breezy and somewhat dim King Cheoljong, whose secret agenda is actually what separates his arc and turns it into something notable in its own right. He`s at his funniest when he`s clueless, unsure of his own surroundings. Without spoiling it too much, just like almost everything in this drama, his character subverts expectations. Not only is he the type of character you`d find to be a supporting character in most other dramas, he`s a lead because these kind of characters deserve the spotlight now. His emotions are palpable, raw and he delivers his lines with much security. He`s the perfect jin to So-Young`s/Bong-Hwan`s jang. Ah, the Queen. The reason why, unlike many reviewers, I`m not addressing So-Young/Bong-Hwan as such but as simply Queen is:a) I can`t be bothered but b)because by the end, she just becomes a Frankenstein of both So-Young and Bong-Hwan where it just seems wrong to opt for one option. And I`m pretty sure that was the goal of this story. While I understand many have gripes with the story`s portrayal of Bong-Hwan and Cheoljong`s relationship and really, the ending, I would like to offer my own interpretation, backed by some research and knowledge about the Chinese version. I`d like to ask new watchers or those considering becoming one, to see Bong-Hwan in a form of a narrator, or how Cheoljong describes him subconsciously: a spiritual guide. Once again, your expectations will be thwarted, but for me, much like the rest, I like the ending, when compared to the alternatives. I don`t LOVE it as much, but I contextually understand it. As for the Queen herself, she`s a blast. *insert that Lady Gaga gif here. You know the one.* The comedy mostly stems from her and what is happening in her vicinity, however, as a character, she`s layered just enough to stop it from being one-dimensional

For those who`d like to understand why and don`t mind being spoiled, in the original story it is mentioned that Bong-Hwan`s and So-Young`s souls were coexisting in her body and what`s more, Bong-Hwan`s soul was always meant to be born in Joseon era, only it didn`t happen for some reason(I didn`t get too much into it). With this knowledge, I started seeing the presented story in a new light. While I wish they at least mentioned this somewhere, or hinted at it, I`m also glad they didn`t get into the whole mechanics of it, because so many other stories like this do. Even though I`d like for Bong-Hwan and Cheoljong to at least meet in the present day and even be together, I can`t deny that I liked the ending more than most because I well understood that Bong-Hwan was never meant to stay. For the lack of better words, I like how they decided to stay consistent and not fulfill our wishes. Whilst it`s bittersweet, it`s by miles better than having them die or be killed. Yes, those were the alternatives in the original. In my mind, best ending would either be:Cheoljong and Bong-Hwan meeting each other in present day and being together, which would tie well with the themes of rebirth, while Cheoljong is with So-Young in the past OR that the Queen would live as a mix of both characters(that`s my selfish wish, because it wouldn`t be right for either Bong-Hwan or So-Young). Finally the comedy in this is top notch. Many jokes land on the back of their punchlines which are very clever sometimes too. You need to make sure that you`re doing slapstick right, otherwise it is grading and almost surreal, so it can take you out of the experience("Strong Woman Do Bong Soon"). And here, it was done just right.

Finally, I don`t want to make this review too long, but this drama warrants your attention and keeps it throughout. You`ll laugh, get mad, cry but most of all, you might get the feeling I got when I was done with it and its spin off "Mr.Queen: The Bamboo Forest", which I urge the watchers to see after this, as it might answer some of your questions. The feeling of satisfaction you get when you walk out of the theatre after seeing a good play and the actors bow. You were invested, interested in the lives of the characters you saw and that is the biggest compliment this type of entertainment can get. So do yourself a favor, watch it and don`t be deterred!

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