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Well done
Great series with some plotholes(?)/frustrations but really short, so overall enjoyable.A little dissapointed with Tin's fighting skills given he's a karate instructor...but maybe that was just a touch of realism on karate being the least effec- lemme stop there.
Parts of the editing were really choppy and tonal shifts being scenes were jarring sometimes, but this was somewhat understandable since there was a lot to cram in 8 episodes.
Plot wise, I loved the way everything was handled at the end and I felt satisfied with the villain's outcome and our leads' happy ending. Episode 7 was my favorite episode in the drama. We got to watch some great acting, especially from Charn's actor, but both leads were really amazing. I was pleasantly surprised with the 2nd couple too, up to Ep 4 or 5 I was begrudginly stating my disinterest in anything concerning Thaenthai, but ended up rooting for his adorable love story with his handsome bodyguard. As for our main leads, their dynamic was wonderful. Charn being an insane, somewhat unhinged, tsundere, but pouty and naturally aegyo filled man and Tinn being the pure hearted, morally upright, sensitive, golden retriever, sunflower of a man was such a great dynamic. I loved how Tinn, while lacking dating experience, could give as much as he could take in the flirting department. It was also funny and very definition of man of him whenever he was curious about how he sized up against Charn's exes. Overall, I really liked the pairing and thought the chemistry was great. I wish we saw more physical intimacy between them, but the sexual tension, loving stares, and flirty dialogues between the two was also great!
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Romance? Passion? Chemistry? Pacing? What more could we possibly ask for?
What a great series!!! Everything we could possible want, we got in spades!I loved the story of Bai Zong Yi and Fan Ze Rui. How these two lonely people whose paths unexpectedly cross steadily form a relationship from being enemies to unwilling caretaker/pestering patient, to friends, and then lovers. The buildup of tension between the two as their feelings for each other started to develop was immaculate 🤌🏾🤌🏾. Between when they finally become lovers, are separated and reunited, the love, lust and longing they had for each other was so palpable it was almost too much to watch. Episodes 7 and 11 still have me in a chokehold. My favorite thing about BZY was his honesty and straightforward personality. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was direct with his feelings for FZR. My fave thing about FZR was his eyes. His eyes told so much and always looked at BZY so lovingly. When watching two people GAZE at each other makes you shy, you know you've found a gem.
Where BZY and FZR were intimate and loving, Ai Di and Chen Yi were explosive and intense. Both pairings were so passionate but it was expressed in completely different ways which was great to see. AD and CY's romance story was also beautiful to watch; finally seeing, AD who had been waiting over 4 years for CY to reciprocate his love, find his own happiness was for sure worthwile. For all of AD's aggressiveness, he is such a softie on the inside, especially to those he loves, a classic tsundere so his character was very fun to watch and I loved his dynamic with CY.
Overall, in terms of romance, Kiseki: Dear to Me 100% delivered. The driving gang plot itself too was also good and brought lots of angst that allowed our couples to develop their feelings even quicker. I appreciated how the story didn’t drag at all throughout the series. (Though, I did wait for the series to end before binging so the pacing seemed great to me, all the cliffhangers would have had me STRESSED had I watched this live xD). Everything was paced well and I didn't feel any relevant plotline was particularly underdeveloped. Although, I wouldn't be opposed to getting bonus episodes of BZY and CY's married life, too much to ask? 👉🏾👈🏾🥺😫🥺. Acting was also superb from the main cast. I did not feel one bit of discomfort/awkwardness in intimate scenes between any of the pairings. They all had great chemistry. The only poor acting was honestly mainly from Wayne's character lmao, and other small side characters.
Anyway, so happy with this series and I wish the best to all the actors. I had a great time watching it and I'm sure if you decide to pick this up, you will too!
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Good message but frustrating to watch.
This is another hard to rate drama for me.In terms of enjoyment, probably 6 stars. In terms of the message that I think the drama was trying to show, probably 8 stars.
Heres why:
Enjoyment - I didn’t like the FL. I found her to be a bit of a hypocritical character. She came across as pretentious, on one hand carrying herself like she's above the instagram girls and standing proud/not being ashamed of the fact that she's not rich or doesn't care about being famous (which I loved), but then on the other hand, she found her own online success by lowkey mooching off of the instagram girls' popularity and making decisions that keep putting her in that circle of "friends" despite the fact that she oh so wasn't interested in being famous 🙄. Idk, her actions just didn't align with her words and personality so she just rubbed me the wrong way. Also I just found it hard to believe the amount of hold the influencers in this drama had over the entire public. Like come on...
Message - For all the reasons above and more, I feel like this captures exactly what message the drama is trying to send. Regular people like A-Ri can all of a sudden find themselves in a similar situation and be swept away by the money, pretty clothes, popular "insider" cliques, sponsorships, fancy parties etcetera and lose themselves to chasing internet fame. I liked how it showed a normal person's fall into the internet fame ecosystem and how people can get so obsessed with seeking likes and the thin rope these influencers walk with their "fans"/followers.
So I'm a bit torn about this because I didn't enjoy the drama cos it was fruatrating to watch, but I also saw the message it was trying to send which made it easier to understand why the FL was written the way she was. And at the end, she does come back to her senses and serves her revenge well which was good to see.
The acting from FL was a bit stiff at times, and I wasn't a big fan of the couple pairing between A-Ri and JunKyung (but they looked pretty together, so my eyes were happy 😅). But if you're looking to escape and watch something that's far from the reality you might be living then you can give this a try.
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There's not one sane character in this drama
In the most endearing way, all characters in this drama were on crack. I remember saying this to myself after every episode especially in the early parts of this series. This drama has such a variety of weird, ridiculous, funny, and charming characters that makes you fall in love with them. They were all insane, it was so funny to watch their antics. The good characters were insane for the above reasons while the bad characters were literally insane.The drama has very serious moments dealing with revenge and murder and plotting and death but there's so much comedy tossed in as well that had me laughing and kept the overall tone of the drama light.
All the cast did a terrific job in their roles. Specifically Song Joong Ki, he really fit his character so well and I enjoyed watching him be this mafioso consigliere, although everytime he spoke in Italian I couldn't help but cringe. Taecyeon was also really fantastic in this.
I didn't necessarily like the ending of the drama but I appreciated that the writer did not hold back on the revenge to the bad guys. I was so sure they'd end up with some half assed comeuppance but Vincenzo really delivered at the end so I was satisfied.
My rating is somewhere between 7.5 and 8 stars. I enjoyed the drama a lot but there was so much that pulled me out of the plot that I'll detail below:
1. Although the Geumga Plaza tenants were a really funny bunch, I found them too nosy for my liking. I know that it's part of the gag that they keep being included in everything, and they really do end up being helpful to Vincenzo sometimes, but it was just too much for me. They were so involved.
2. The writing did a diservice to the bad guys. Jang Han Seok is this really ruthless, blood thirsty but also intelligent Chairman and by a certain point in the series, he (and the also very intelligent, ruthless lawyer of his) has had MULTIPLE run ins with Vincenzo and his gang of helpers (Geumga tenants). But even despite that, the bad guys haven't upped their security detail to let them know to watch our for, not just Vincenzo, but the tenants as well? There were many moments where Vincenzo's people would infiltrate the bad guy's location when realisticly, the bad guys should've already memorized their faces and known to watch out for them. So the writing sometimes was just really poor. You can tell the purpose wasn't to make it believable but to just move the plot along however the writer likes. So I didn't appreciate that. There are other situations where the writing didn’t deliver. It felt lazy to me at times.
3. Cha young's character was...annoying. The amount of times I either cringed or just stared with disbelief (?) at her very unique mannerisms was more than I can count, mainly in the earlier episodes. Again, I get that this was part of the gag but it just came off so unnatural and out of place for me at times. She would be in the courtroom acting very ridiculous and I couldn't help but think it was just unprofessional. Idk, the drama is a comedy but also has serious moments so I'm just never sure how to feel about the ridiculous aspects cos, on the one hand, it has me laughing out loud, but then it also pulls me out of the story due to how unserious the characters are being.
4. Lastly, the crazy lengths the bad guys took in this drama was a bit ridiculous to me. I know it's a drama but come on...at some point, all the murdering people left and right becomes too far fetched. Especially when it's lawyers that are making all the orders. And I know that's the whole point of the drama, that the people who should be establishing justice are corrupt and selfish, but it was just over the damn top. This probably ties back into the writing.
So yeah, those were my main issues with the drama.
Overall, it's a good drama. The romance is really low here, but you can definitely see that the main leads care for one another. If you like dramas with found families, good action, revenge plot, anti hero main characters, and wacky comedy, definitely give this drama a shot.
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Best supporting characters
My favorite thing about this drama is definitely the supporting characters. The four soldiers, the ajummas in the North Korean village, Seo Dan's mother and uncle, Se Ri's manager and the insurance advisor, Se Ri's older brother and his wife. All these people were so fun to watch. Especially, the bonds between Se Ri and the soldiers was really beautiful. These side characters were honestly the main highlight of the drama to me.As for our main leads, the romance between Se Ri and Jeong Hyeok was definitely epic, but I honestly don't see how they could work in the long-term. Will they really just meet for two weeks every year? That's terribly sad. I loved their love and how strongly they felt for each other and wanted to protect each other so it's so unfortunate they can't fully be together.
All the actors did a fantastic job, as you'd expect. I wasn't a big fan of Se Ri's character as she could come across quite spoilt and entitled, mainly in the early episodes but I'm sure this was a purposeful decision to make her character that way given her upbringing. It was all the more wothwile seeing her become more kind/understanding/humble after her experience in NK.
Jeong Hyeok was all around a great male lead. I love that mainly he was this really masculine, serious, leader character but he also had unexpectedly cute moments too where he would pout and be jealous when with Se Ri or would look like a child when with his parents.
Overall, a really good romantic comedy that also deeply hits you with the feels more often than you may have anticipated. Be prepared to cry, both sad and happy tears but also be prepared to enjoy watching the various bonds that are formed between both the main leads and supporting characters in this drama.
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Representation everywhere
Anyone watching this drama will feel represented by at least one of the characters in this series.This was a really good drama. It had mature topics, and a diverse group of characters. I loved the friendships in the series namely, our three amigos (Alex, Ew and Nim), (Army and Alex), (Kat, Liu and Rose). Really liked the romantic pairings as well. All characters/couples had their own flaws and issues but they end up working on it and eachother towards the end.
Overall, its just an all around feel good drama. I laughed a bunch of times and was emotional as well. Alex's actor did a fantastic job, along with the rest of the cast. The acting was just really natural.
Although there were somethings I didn't agree with in this drama (mainly - Jean's anger towards Alex for, imo, what didn't seem to be his fault, at least not his alone), I still enjoyed it all the same. The tone of the drama is very educative especially in the early episodes but it didn't feel too heavy, I really enjoyed those teaching moments too.
All in all, a very funny, mature and romantic drama with a variety of beautiful couples and a plot that keeps you interested.
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Age is but a number
Japan, back at it again with their calm, feel good, healing dramas.The thing I enjoyed about this drama the most is the tone - it's very warm, light, relaxing and playful. Your mood is constantly just positive throughout the drama.
We are first introduced to the leads as co-workers, then co-workers helping each other out, friends, and finally lovers. The progression was so perfectly well done considering the short duration of the episodes and length of the series.
Togawa's respect towards Nozue and his one-sided love for him was a sight to behold and Nozue's oblivious(?)/playful flirting with Togawa was so entertaining. First and foremost, I loved the characters' banter. Their dialogue felt so realistic/non cringe-worthy, there was an actual flow to their conversations that made all their interactions appear natural. They joke with each other so naturally and bounce off of eo so seamlessly that you quickly forget they're actually just boss and subordinate. They're the kind of on-screen couple that you don't just ship because they look good together but you ship because they actually fit and you can imagine them being 80 years old together still loving and respecting and learning from one another, you know? There was just such a fresh breath of natural realism between this couple that amplified the romance aspect even more for me. So every moment I spent watching their relationship progress was truly an enjoyable experience.
My only small complaint is I wish we had more intimate scenes of them together when they finally became a couple (hehe) but I know that wasn't the point of the drama so it definitely didn’t take away from my experience watching the show.
Overall, if you're looking for something really light, low-angst, playful, sweet and romantic then definitely give this a shot!
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To the Point
Really sweet and short BL drama.The romance/plot progression was straight to the point— as much as it could be without appearing to be insta-love or skimming on details; and this was necessary given how short the running time is per episode. We also have Eddie to thank for this as his character was more of a go-getter; he knew what he wanted and went for it. Love that!
Great chemistry beween our male leads. They were really adorable together and I loved watching Eddie 'chase' Ian and them being boyfriends at work.
Acting was good, not at all cringeworthy.
Overall, I would definitely re-watch this again as its really short and I'd like to revisit their cute romance in the future.
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An actual revenge stpry!
What a journey!I had so much fun watching Part 2 of The Glory. Seeing all the pieces from the last episode fall into place and actually getting a long detailed show of the villains getting their comeuppance in the last episodes was sooo satisfying.
I really love that they did not skimp on the conclusion to the revenge. No halfassing, no stupid forgiving; just completely destroying the villains and giving them what they deserve.
The actors did a phenomenal job. Honestly, even despite how toxic the villain group was, I lived for their "friendship". It was just so hilarious seeing them together and watching their dynamics/conversations. Such a crazy group of villains but so entertaining. Song Hye Kyo's acting range also really impressed me.
My only issues with the show were the romance b/w Dr. Joo and Dong-Eun and Joo's story with the serial killer guy. For the romance, I still feel it was unecessary. Honestly, the whole character/actor, I was not impressed with at all. The romance felt so awkward to me because Dr. Joo was cleary so into DE but DE always just had an impassive expression (obvs since she's just trying to focus on her revenge mission). And although there were moments where DE and Joo would be laughing together or being playful, I juat wasn't feeling the chemistry. So yeah, I would have preferred for there not be any romance. As for the serial killer plot, I just didn't like seeing that serial killer's annoying smirk all the time lmao. Also, wasn't sure what the purpose of that whole story was aside from giving Joo something else to focus on beside DE.
Anyway, overall it was a very enjoyable revenge series that makes you feel relieved and satisfied.
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Hidden gem of actors
I respect what the actors were able to accomplish with this mini drama. This was my first time seeing the ML and both female lead actors and they did such an incredible job. I'm looking forward to more from them in the future.The plot was interesting but I didnt like how gullible FL (Shi Qi) was to the 'villain' FL (Shen Qi). I understand she couldn't help wanting to believe the villain for the sake of finding her sister but I kept wishing she'd be smart and know not to trust her. So even though it was a mini drama, it felt like the drama dragged too much for me sometimes.
Overall, I enjoyed the drama. It was so funny, and had a sweet romance with an interesting plot!
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Tough out the early episodes and you'll find a gem
This drama was awesome romance wise, but the writing was atrocious and too over the top. The villains were just too insane and unhuman like for me to take them seriously.The couple was so sweet though, lots of kisses and intimacy between them. Their love reminded me of those 'throughout all the galaxies, we are fated and will meet again and love each other' type stories; it just felt really transcendental and beautiful.
The directing early on was extremely off putting tho I was getting whiplash from how the plot was moving but finally got used to it. The romance itself I would rate as 9 but the writing and directing ruined a lot for me so reduced overall to 7.5-8.
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Potential to be great, ruined by writing
7-7.5 stars.This BL reminds me of The Sign and how I felt watching it. I loved the concept and plot line as well as the chemistry between the leads, but there were just too many moments of logic being thrown out the window that dampened by enjoynment. Also I feel bad rating this low because quality was really nice but it was also highly dramatized with lots of makjang-esque moments that really cheapened the overall quality.
The romance seems like it would be one of those classic epic love stories, like in IFYLITA, that lasts through the years and shows you how time can't stop one true love (I mean, its right there in the title too); however, interestingly enough, I didn't get that feeling by the end of the show. Suffice to say, it feels like the message in this BL is more about moving on and living in the present, not holding on to what has passed but following your heart. Especially with how inconclusive the plot was about Vee and Wat, I just wasn't getting the anticipated 'Centuries of Love' vibes yk? Anyway, I don't mind it too much because the chemistry between the leads was great. Vee's actor did give me cringey moments here and there with his acting, but he was a lovable character.
Mini spoiler: TLDR rant from above is just, how can you name a series 'Century of Love' yet make me doubt at the end whether the main leads are actually the fated couple or not...
Things I liked about this show were the family dynamics between San and his descendants(?), Vee's relationship with his grandma, watching San progress from hating(?) Vee to being head over heels for him, Third's friendship with Vee and him being the voice of reason in this show (also love that they broke away from the cliche of the 2nd ML pining after the MC plot), and Chu (bestest great grand daughter ever), oh and big shoutout to Doctor Tao!
Overall, it's just an okay series. Steam level is medium but has great intimacy (Hello, neck and wrist scenting!). I hope to see San's and Third's actors in other BLs in the future as I really liked their performance in this.
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You would be pleasantly surprised by the level of intimacy in this BL
I highly enjoyed this series. Such an all around feel good, teeth achingly sweet and romantic BL!Moo is hands down one of my favorite BL characters ever. He's so adorable, annoying in a lovable way, cheeky, funny, cute, a sly fox, and has so many more traits. I just loved his character so much. He definitely brought the best and biggest energy to this show. I really like how well Moo was written. His straighforward, slightly (more like very) awkward/unskilled but sincere method of flirting with Kang was so fun to watch. I liked that his woo-ing attempts did not come across as creepy or too much, I was always happy watching his antics and seeing how Kang would react to him.
Speaking of Kang, one of the greenest flags ever. His character is a lot more toned down in terms of energy and personality but he was also a great character to watch. He's the mature and reasonable one in the relationship, he's more stoic in the beginning and is your classic tsundere who speaks in harsh ways but turns around and smiles to himself when no one's looking. As his relationship with Moo started growing, I loved seeing him open up more and flirt back with Moo and watching him be more expressive. The dynamic between Moo and Kang was refreshing. I loved that Moo, being the younger one, was the chaser constantly approaching Kang and trying to woo him,; while Kang, the older one, was shy and flustered by Moo's directness. Ugh, so fun!
The plot was very well executed, pacing was really well done (i loved the use of time skips), and the writing was great too. Acting overall was great too, most of the cast seem to be new to the industry but they all did amazing jobs. There's a fair bit of angst and emotionally heavy scenes towards the end that were so well acted, so kudos to the cast for that.
I also really loved the 2nd male lead pairing!! Classic best friends to lovers trope which was also well done.
Although the NC scenes in this series is on the mild scale, you get a lot of intimacy from both couples so i was extremely satisfied with the pairings and their romance. There's awkward kisses, but it came across as sweet to me because it felt like it was part of the plot given the lack of experience the characters had before each other.
Anyway overall, a really good series. You get a funny, feel good, perfectly paced plotline with no time wasted on unecessary scenes, two adorable, intimate and uber romantic couples with abundant chemistry, and a GREAT OST packaged in a 12 episode series. Definitely recommend!
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