4
16
1
Fantastic story, butchered ending.
TL;DR: Extremely well-executed and heartfelt minidrama that's ruined by an unnecessary time skip and butchered finale.
Whump meter: ▲▲◭△△
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SHORT VERSION:
┊┊The Good:
► Great characters that feel like actual people.
► Strong leads that remain strong despite great adversity.
► A story that's not about royalty but rather about common people and their struggle to survive.
► Amazing cinematography and visuals.
► Great attention to detail, showing what most dramas don't.
► Heartfelt and melancholic story.
► Healthy relationship with mature leads.
► Compelling and endearing side characters with depth.
► Few cliches or very well executed cliches.
► Feminist themes.
► Prominent child supporting character AND parents!
► Good acting across the board (SFL and the child were a highlight).
► Compelling villain with depth.
► Role reversal themes (check out my RR list for more details).
► Good music.
┊┊The Bad:
► Skipped scenes throughout.
► An overall slightly rushed pacing with too much story crammed in.
► A 7-episode early climax and finale.
► A time skip that ruins all the characters, changes everyone's personality, fills the episodes with cringeworthy cliches, and crams a lot of aimless filler.
── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅
LONG VERSION:
┊┊CHARACTERS:
The point of view *main* main character is clearly FL with ML being more of a secondary protagonist, a refreshing change of pace from the usual reverse. FL is an unfortunate but strong-willed young woman who won't let anything stand in her way and will carry on no matter the hardship. ML is a nobleman whose family falls from grace, and he ends up in a terrible position, enduring hardship every day. Two kind souls beaten down by the world around them come together and blossom into a mature, heartfelt, and melancholic romance. Neither is particularly the freshest character ever written, but they have enough complexity to make it entertaining and rewarding to follow their story.
As for the romance itself, it's the mellow and mature kind. There's minimal toxicity between the leads, and most of their romance is founded on mutual understanding and acceptance. Because of that, though, it's not very skinship-heavy, but their moments together are very rewarding. The chemistry was also very good; they felt effortless around each other.
The supporting characters are also all endearing or, at the very least, compelling. Sure, they don't get a whole lot of development, but they do feel like they could actually be living people. Even the villain is interesting, making a formidable foe for our main characters to deal with (or rather, put up with).
┊┊ACTING:
Honestly, I have no issues here. Everyone in the cast did very well, even characters that only show up briefly. Even extras in the background look like they've actually been on a filming set before. Especially for minidrama standards, the acting was incredible!
The leads were very solid, though both had some slight details that felt off. I noticed in FL this was the case in happy/light scenes, as for ML, I'm still wondering. This is mostly a nitpick, though; it doesn't really take away from the experience.
Then there's my standouts. SFL as the princess. Deliciously viscous, complex, and carrying herself with the grace of a royal. I have no notes; she absolutely killed it. Another standout would be ML's little sister, who is one of the most natural young actresses I've ever seen! Very well done!
┊┊STORY:
The story follows two atypical protagonists as they navigate their terrible circumstances, growing closer whilst striving for a better life. It's very well-crafted early on, with the only real issue being that certain scenes seem to be missing. Some arcs also move surprisingly fast, but I blame minidrama limitations for that. The story is heartfelt and sincere, depicting a not often seen in cdramas story about people that aren't filthy rich or outright royalty.
Unfortunately, the story takes a turn for the worse after the climax in episode 17. Yes, that early on. I can't even begin to understand why this decision was made, but the drama suffered tremendously for it. The two episodes that directly follow it are passable but already tainted by the disaster that's to come. Like the unsettling calm before a storm. After episode 19 is when the drama hits rock bottom, hitting its viewers with a random time skip that came out of nowhere and was completely unnecessary. The arc, if you can even call it that, that plays out during these episodes completely undermines the story previously set up, changing the characters so drastically that it's frankly insulting.
Riddled with clichés seen in every mediocre idol drama or minidrama and a disaster of random events happening for seemingly no reason, the finale is not just bad, it's outright infuriating to watch. They add insult to injury by showing flashbacks from earlier in the drama, back when it was actually good, as if that can function as the world's strongest glue and somehow connect the beginning to the end (it does not). To say it's a disappointing turn of events would be a gross understatement. How a drama can go from being one-of-a-kind to an uninspiring cliché mess, I cannot begin to understand.
After watching this finale, I now understand the slight issues I had with the story prior to that. In order to leave room for the post-time skip arc, they trimmed and outright omitted certain scenes throughout the drama, leaving it feeling slightly incomplete when it really shouldn't. Especially not with how much attention to detail there was in everything else.
Really, the story ends in episode 19, but for me it ended in episode 17. The rest is not worth watching.
┊┊PRODUCTION:
For minisdrama standards... 10/10. For full-length drama standards 9/10. This drama is honestly so well-crafted. A lot is filmed in real locations, and the bustling city feels like it could actually somewhat exist. The cinematography stood out the most to me; not only was it beautiful, but it also helped tell the story. I also really appreciate that the city the story takes place in actually looks different from other cities they go to; this is a rare detail. Though the budget becomes more noticeable in props, it's still passable, even when not good. Clothes were particularly stunning with beautiful embroidery on real fabric.
┊┊MUSIC:
Enjoyable and suitable! The songs used do get a bit repetitive if binged, but they're lovely (though I wasn't a big fan of the female singer, her voice sounded a bit unrefined)! As for background music, it was very fitting and well-used. No complaints from me.
┊┊OTHER:
For those that care there is role reversal present as is implied in the synopsis. There's two "romantic" dynamics ML has, one with FL and one with SFL but only 1 is truly romantic. His dynamic with SFL is very taboo but also very role reversal while his dynamic with FL is more egalitarian but role reversal too by proxy. For more spoiler-y notes, check my custom Role Reversal Recommendation List.
── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅
Ignoring the last 5-7 episodes...
◇ Was it what I was expecting? No, way better than I could've ever expected.
◆ Did it live up to its potential? Pretty much yes.
◇ Would I watch it again? Yes!
◆ Would I recommend it to others? Yes!
Whump meter: ▲▲◭△△
── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅
SHORT VERSION:
┊┊The Good:
► Great characters that feel like actual people.
► Strong leads that remain strong despite great adversity.
► A story that's not about royalty but rather about common people and their struggle to survive.
► Amazing cinematography and visuals.
► Great attention to detail, showing what most dramas don't.
► Heartfelt and melancholic story.
► Healthy relationship with mature leads.
► Compelling and endearing side characters with depth.
► Few cliches or very well executed cliches.
► Feminist themes.
► Prominent child supporting character AND parents!
► Good acting across the board (SFL and the child were a highlight).
► Compelling villain with depth.
► Role reversal themes (check out my RR list for more details).
► Good music.
┊┊The Bad:
► Skipped scenes throughout.
► An overall slightly rushed pacing with too much story crammed in.
► A 7-episode early climax and finale.
► A time skip that ruins all the characters, changes everyone's personality, fills the episodes with cringeworthy cliches, and crams a lot of aimless filler.
── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅
LONG VERSION:
┊┊CHARACTERS:
The point of view *main* main character is clearly FL with ML being more of a secondary protagonist, a refreshing change of pace from the usual reverse. FL is an unfortunate but strong-willed young woman who won't let anything stand in her way and will carry on no matter the hardship. ML is a nobleman whose family falls from grace, and he ends up in a terrible position, enduring hardship every day. Two kind souls beaten down by the world around them come together and blossom into a mature, heartfelt, and melancholic romance. Neither is particularly the freshest character ever written, but they have enough complexity to make it entertaining and rewarding to follow their story.
As for the romance itself, it's the mellow and mature kind. There's minimal toxicity between the leads, and most of their romance is founded on mutual understanding and acceptance. Because of that, though, it's not very skinship-heavy, but their moments together are very rewarding. The chemistry was also very good; they felt effortless around each other.
The supporting characters are also all endearing or, at the very least, compelling. Sure, they don't get a whole lot of development, but they do feel like they could actually be living people. Even the villain is interesting, making a formidable foe for our main characters to deal with (or rather, put up with).
┊┊ACTING:
Honestly, I have no issues here. Everyone in the cast did very well, even characters that only show up briefly. Even extras in the background look like they've actually been on a filming set before. Especially for minidrama standards, the acting was incredible!
The leads were very solid, though both had some slight details that felt off. I noticed in FL this was the case in happy/light scenes, as for ML, I'm still wondering. This is mostly a nitpick, though; it doesn't really take away from the experience.
Then there's my standouts. SFL as the princess. Deliciously viscous, complex, and carrying herself with the grace of a royal. I have no notes; she absolutely killed it. Another standout would be ML's little sister, who is one of the most natural young actresses I've ever seen! Very well done!
┊┊STORY:
The story follows two atypical protagonists as they navigate their terrible circumstances, growing closer whilst striving for a better life. It's very well-crafted early on, with the only real issue being that certain scenes seem to be missing. Some arcs also move surprisingly fast, but I blame minidrama limitations for that. The story is heartfelt and sincere, depicting a not often seen in cdramas story about people that aren't filthy rich or outright royalty.
Unfortunately, the story takes a turn for the worse after the climax in episode 17. Yes, that early on. I can't even begin to understand why this decision was made, but the drama suffered tremendously for it. The two episodes that directly follow it are passable but already tainted by the disaster that's to come. Like the unsettling calm before a storm. After episode 19 is when the drama hits rock bottom, hitting its viewers with a random time skip that came out of nowhere and was completely unnecessary. The arc, if you can even call it that, that plays out during these episodes completely undermines the story previously set up, changing the characters so drastically that it's frankly insulting.
Riddled with clichés seen in every mediocre idol drama or minidrama and a disaster of random events happening for seemingly no reason, the finale is not just bad, it's outright infuriating to watch. They add insult to injury by showing flashbacks from earlier in the drama, back when it was actually good, as if that can function as the world's strongest glue and somehow connect the beginning to the end (it does not). To say it's a disappointing turn of events would be a gross understatement. How a drama can go from being one-of-a-kind to an uninspiring cliché mess, I cannot begin to understand.
After watching this finale, I now understand the slight issues I had with the story prior to that. In order to leave room for the post-time skip arc, they trimmed and outright omitted certain scenes throughout the drama, leaving it feeling slightly incomplete when it really shouldn't. Especially not with how much attention to detail there was in everything else.
Really, the story ends in episode 19, but for me it ended in episode 17. The rest is not worth watching.
┊┊PRODUCTION:
For minisdrama standards... 10/10. For full-length drama standards 9/10. This drama is honestly so well-crafted. A lot is filmed in real locations, and the bustling city feels like it could actually somewhat exist. The cinematography stood out the most to me; not only was it beautiful, but it also helped tell the story. I also really appreciate that the city the story takes place in actually looks different from other cities they go to; this is a rare detail. Though the budget becomes more noticeable in props, it's still passable, even when not good. Clothes were particularly stunning with beautiful embroidery on real fabric.
┊┊MUSIC:
Enjoyable and suitable! The songs used do get a bit repetitive if binged, but they're lovely (though I wasn't a big fan of the female singer, her voice sounded a bit unrefined)! As for background music, it was very fitting and well-used. No complaints from me.
┊┊OTHER:
For those that care there is role reversal present as is implied in the synopsis. There's two "romantic" dynamics ML has, one with FL and one with SFL but only 1 is truly romantic. His dynamic with SFL is very taboo but also very role reversal while his dynamic with FL is more egalitarian but role reversal too by proxy. For more spoiler-y notes, check my custom Role Reversal Recommendation List.
── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅
Ignoring the last 5-7 episodes...
◇ Was it what I was expecting? No, way better than I could've ever expected.
◆ Did it live up to its potential? Pretty much yes.
◇ Would I watch it again? Yes!
◆ Would I recommend it to others? Yes!
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