Unexpected humour and gets better with each episode (Perfect Rom-Com)
[Ep 1 to Ep 8 Review]It is not a typical Rom-Com kdrama. As this drama is on OTT platforms and M21, the director can portray sensitive topics in a more raw form, making it refreshing. As an Asian, I appreciate the dare to explore topics that can be taboo in my culture. They manage to talk about it in a non-serious manner, not belittling the topics, and bringing light to it in a delicate manner that would be acceptable in the Asian culture.
The story gets really interesting and funny from episode 4 onwards (It got more interesting, especially when there was more screen time given the the ML with the FL). I rewatched several parts, even the flying **** part, which some say is a cheap thrill (at least the person earlier who gave the review), but I think my humor is different, as I kept laughing so loudly, making me regret eating while watching the drama.
It is also refreshing for K-dramas to explore how looks can be superficial and not lasting, and portrayed through a pretty ML. It was nice to see how naive instead of arrogant, which most would expect from a good-looking looking popular ML. The FL is strong and intelligent, and she will be part of his character growth -- instead of the typical male saves the girl type of show. Although FL is a smart nerd, I am glad they also showed her to be like anyone else who has sexual desires. This is just so real!
The FL and ML acted so well! They were funny and yet made the characters believable. The characters of the FL and ML are flawed but have good hearts. It is nice to see characters that aren't perfect yet likable.
To me, it is one of the best Rom-com dramas (so far ... as I have watched up to ep 8). I love how the FL is so strong and how silly the ML is. I am not sure why the earlier reviewer says it is Westernised. Who makes us a judge of styles to say it is Westernised or 'Asianised'? It felt very youthful and fresh. Finally, a drama that breaks out of the box and yet funny at the same time -- a very risky script. It feels like a new Gen type of storytelling, and not because it is Westernised.
This is a drama I can rewatch when I need a good laugh. Life is already so tough ... it will be nice to just be a little less serious.
[After Completing ALL Episodes]
Wow! So many unexpected stories that break the conventions, yet are realistic. There were moments I did not expect to laugh. The acting was good. I couldn't give it a full 10 for rewatch value, as there were some parts I did not find interesting. I would rewatch but fast forward to the parts I like. The LAST FOUR episodes were really GOOD -- no parts did I want to fast forward. I am usually an impatient viewer, so I normally fast-forward almost any drama, no matter how good. However, the last 4 episodes were perfect. This is really a very good feel-good drama that is interesting and funny. My guilty pleasure is to see the many kissing scenes -- from serious to sweet ones. Also, the character growth for most of the characters was satisfying.
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When 2 Worlds Collide to Overcome All Odds : A messy coach and messy team in a messy system
STORY: It is about an underdog rugby coach and team who were in a mess until they decided to work together to overcome all odds (e.g., social and system issues). What makes this story endearing is how the script has a good balance of seriousness and humour. If you are unfamiliar with rugby, by the end of episode 2, you would have understood it a little better. It is also at the end of episode 2, the viewer will get a sense of the double or triple meaning of the drama title.The relationship between the coach and captain starts rocky, and it is interesting to see how two very different personalities and levels of maturity can finally see eye-to-eye and become a force to be reckoned with. At the end of episode 2, we begin to see such exciting possibilities of how the underdogs, though so different, and because of their differences, can get themselves out of the hole.
By the end of episode 2, it is clear that this is not just a drama, not just about rugby, but of coming of age and the meaning of life. Although I must say, the rugby scenes were shot very well -- it was very physical and exciting.
Looking at the trailer for episode 3, it seems like a surprise element will be revealed. Hopefully, the drama maintains the pace and character growth in the rest of the episodes.
ACTING: The coach (actor Yoon Kye Sang who was part of a K-pop boy band g.o.d,) is very humorous. He makes, at times, over-the-top humour funny and antics likable and endearing -- and that isn't an easy task to do. When the coach is serious, the viewers can feel the soft side of the coach.
The captain (actor Kim Yohan who is from a K-pop boy band WEi and was from X1, and the main actor for the A Love So Beautiful kdrama) is good-looking. Many of his scenes in episodes 1 and 2 require mainly facial expressions, and he was able to deliver the emotions when there were very few lines with complicated emotions. His character is supposed to be rigid, overbearing, and stubborn, and such qualities can be unlikable -- yet Yohan can make the character likable.
PRODUCTION: The team spent a lot of time making the rugby scenes authentic. The actors underwent months of training. The filming of the rugby scene (ep 2) was clear, felt authentic, and well-paced.
OST: MONSTA X: KIHYUN -- beautifully sang. It went so well at the climax of the rugby match at the end of episode 2.
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