Good drama. Not great, but still above average. Watch if you're looking for 1) enough action to keep you sticking around, 2) a few laughs, 3) light love stories that recede to the background. Do not watch if you're 1) looking for a detailed, fully-developed love story or 2) expect lots of action (IRIS style).
THE STORY
The show has action and comedy from the beginning to suck you in and centers around the experiences of the maturing detectives, as well as the blossoming friendships and flourishing romances in the police station, which would make for a killer drama...expect that the story starts fading away towards the middle, and loses what was making it great (the focus on the relationships and the growth of the characters as detectives) in favor of what was background action in the first half. Relationships become neglected and all the fun of the initial episodes disappear. It won't make you want to give up on the show, but it's enough to make it lose charm.
THE ACTING
Good, good, good. Nothing else to say...except that I like Lee Seung Gi a lot better playing a cynical loner than the usual prick he likes to play, and it really goes to show that he can be a versatile actor. Go Ara is of course perfect in her role, and Cha Seung Won, there's nothing he doesn't do well - Action, comedy, drama, you name it, he does it - but really, the other ones were good too.
THE MUSIC
It was cool and fitted well the drama. Sometimes different from what you'd expect, but nothing I felt the urge to download afterwards.
REWATCH VALUE
Something I'd rewatch when I don't have anything else to watch. Didn't so far, but who knows.
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This review may contain spoilers
OVERALLGreat drama. Watch if 1) You're looking for a historical where the love story complements the political intrigue (usually the romance is secondary and/or disconnected from the main plot), 2) You like strong female leads, 3) You're up for something truly dramatic. Don't watch if 1) You have low tolerance for deaths, 2) You can't stand when the guy's mean to the girl, 3) You don't like when things don't go the way they should (but I won't say more).
THE STORY
From the beginning, you know the story's not going to be a comedy, because it's meant to be a Korean Romeo and Juliet. Also, if you google the part of Korean history the drama focuses on, you know it's not going to be a fun ride. Indeed, the story is sad, depressing and frustrating. But it's just SO good. The beginning focuses on the love story while the intrigue gradually grows from background to front line, then from the turning point to the end the intrigue remains constant. The love stories are either passionate or touching (or both); the characters, coherent and well-written, are the ones leading all story elements with their decisions and personality. There's a few characters you can't help but like, and not one character that you can only hate, even though I can tell you there's at least one you'll wish dead most of the time. Everything feels real and is executed flawlessly. The ending is surprisingly satisfying, at least for me it was.
THE ACTING
Fab, fab, fab. But I was expecting it. Moon Chaewon and Park Shihoo are not part of my list of favorite actors for nothing. Their chemistry was no joke. I saw Hong Soohyun here for the first time, and she left a good impression. Song Jong Ho was great too. But seriously, I think all cast did an excellent job. The selection was very well done, because not only do they play their roles perfectly well, but their interactions seem so real.
THE MUSIC
Innovative and addicting. Innovative because in addition to very nice instrumental tracks, there's two-three songs in Italian (I think), which is very uncommon in Korean dramas, and they're dramatic enough to fit perfectly well with the show. Addicting because the soundtrack stays stuck in your head, and you end up humming it at the randomest times.
REWATCH VALUE
Rewatched. Twice. But I can't give it a 10, because the drama's so heavy that a part of me never wants to rewatch it, even if it's so good. Of course, that part of me always loses against the one that is dying to watch it again, but...
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An entertaining Taiwanese rom-com that digs a little deeper than others. Watch if 1) you can watch food without eating (otherwise, you'll gain weight, trust me), 2) you've had an overdose of the typical sweet girl and douchy guy, 3) you like shows with children. Don't watch if 1) You have little patience for weird or irritating characters (you can always skip if they bore you, but...), 2) you're looking for a romance with lots of skinship (kisses sure are fine in this show, but there's little more, you're warned!), 3) you don't like when everything is just too happy (yes, there is such a thing as too much happiness).
THE STORY
After watching many many dramas, if there's one thing I'm particularly tired of, it's the cliched sweet, innocent and naive female protagonist. Granted, the main lead of this show is also a cliched character. The distrustful, cold and solitary female type. But I was pleasantly surprised (pun intended) with the character development of Kai Qi, who slowly opens up to people. It was not expected in such a light, comic romance, and that's just how to earn some points in my book. Another way is to have a male lead that slightly deviates from the norm - a patient cutie pie with a warm smile and personality, instead of the all-too-common barbie Ken - the overly-confident, masculine, smirky (or douchy) faced guy. And yet another way is to have a very cute little child actor. So this show was quite enjoyable for me. Predictable, yes, at times unbelievable or dragging too, with an ending that seems a bit too abrupt, but fun to watch and slightly different from the comedies I've seen so far. If that's where Taiwanese rom-coms are going, I'll be hopping onto their boat a lot more often in the future.
THE ACTING
Mmm...I don't know about that, and truthfully the main couple didn't have much chemistry, but I'll say the cast was selected well because they make the show visually appealing. Puff Guo looks great and makes an endearing cold girl. I had seen her before in a similar role (in Inborn Pair, though her character was more of a two-faced bully) and I also had had the I-want-to-be-your-friend feeling. Jasper Liu is cuuute. He's in my list of actors to watch out for. You just look at them and feel like watching the show. That's totally not a legitimate reason to watch a drama, but hey, all is fair in Dramaland.
THE MUSIC
Nothing that captured my attention, except maybe for the occasional instrumental track. The piano piece was cute and I wanted to play it.
REWATCH VALUE
Why not? But...in a while.
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Enjoyable, but overrated
OVERALLThis drama has an almost makjang-esque quality that makes it both old and new. Watch it if 1) you like the sassy, confident FL, 2) you're into the re-romance trope, 3) you're looking for DRAMA (with capital letters). If you have low tolerance for clichés or bipolar series, skip.
THE STORY
I enjoyed Queen of Tears. I really did. But when I hear people say it's one of the best K-dramas ever made...I'm confused. This drama is basically a melting pot of recycled clichés. Zero originality. FL is the child of Song Yi (My Love from the Stars) and Moon Young (It's Okay to Not Be Okay); ML is basically a watered down ML from It's Okay to Not Be Okay. The plot is also filled with the oldest and most annoying tropes in the drama book: misunderstandings, terminal illness, despicable mom, crazy psychopath third wheel, and more. There are definitely elements that are promising at the start of the drama. I loved the idea of seeing a relationship crisis through both perspectives (ML and FL), or watching the main couple mend wounds from the past. But the drama never really delivers what it promised. There is never a return to the breaking point of romance, the main leads never identify and resolve the issues that made their relationship fail the first time around (which is not only super important but also the most interesting part of the setup). As for the perspective aspect...after the first ep, the drama kind of gives more importance to one perspective than the other, so that too ends up being disappointing. Recycling clichés is perfectly fine when you do something new and refreshing with them. Unfortunately, I did not get that feeling from Queen of Tears.
There are entertaining things in this drama, of course. I enjoyed the growth of FL's family members and the cute romantic scenes. Some parts are fun, and the excessive, bombastic drama is enough to keep you going. But really, I found that halfway through the drama, I was no longer emotionally invested because nearly everything was predictable. I also had a hard time with the wishy-washiness of genres (but that seems to be the trend in Kdramaland these days). It's hard to combine romcom and melo in a way that feels coherent and seamless. I feel like the drama did not quite succeed on that department.
Bottom line: It's a good drama to watch with your mind off, but I expected a lot more, to be honest. Some people have said it's better than Crash Landing. Not in my world. Crash Landing was both original and superbly written. This one is none of the above.
THE ACTING
That was fab. Nothing else to say. I love Jiwon and Soohyun! They also have awesome chemistry (though nothing to make me forget the Jiwon-Jin Goo duo in Descendants of the Sun).
THE MUSIC
Not to my taste, but not annoying or ugly.
REWATCH VALUE
Rather low, I'd say.
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An okay drama to watch with low expectations. Do not let Kim Sohyun and the awesome soundtrack deceive you. It has a lacking plot and stagnating characters, and you will spend most of the time watching it with the urge to slap someone.
THE STORY
So, imagine you have the choice between the story of a girl with no self-confidence who learns to take control of her life and not be tramped on, and the story of a girl with no self-confidence who gets trampled on again and again, and gets saved by someone, again and again. Which one sounds better? Well, the writers of School 2015 think it's option B. The drama had zero character development, and gave the bitter feeling of things being uselessly repeated, over, and over, AND OVER again.
I am particularly frustrated with the production crew of School 2015 because their original premise was very promising. Different from other School dramas (I frankly think it shouldn't have been part of the School series; it's like an apple among oranges), but promising. There was intrigue, meaty characters, school drama. But they just had to completely ruined it one third into the show, sacrificing all the plot for the sake of a very bad love triangle (one couple was coherent and the other didn't make sense, and if you know anything about Kdrama geometry you can guess which one wins in the end).
THE ACTING
Why did I watch the drama until the end? For Kim Sohyun and for Go Eun Byul. The former was awesome playing two separate characters, and the latter was the best character for me (because I am a fan of characters who aren't all bad or all good but somewhere in between). Other actors played quite well as well. Jo Soohyang was amazing as the irreversible bully, but her character was one of the never-evolving ones, unfortunately. Sungjae was quite impressive as Taegwang, especially since he's a rookie actor. Well, Taegwang was impressive, period. Nam Joohyuk was the only one who didn't really strike me as good, but he wasn't bad either. Poor guy had to play a lousy character too, so I don't hold it against him.
THE MUSIC
A.MA.ZING. That's probably another reason why I watched the show until the end. To get acquainted with the soundtrack and download it. All. My favorite is Baechigi's Fly with the wind (ft. Punch).
REWATCHABLE VALUE
I want to rewatch it for its epic beginning; for the mysteries and the dramas of the beginning, for Go Eun Byul. But just thinking about the latter half of the drama...*shudders*. Probably won't rewatch unless I can't think of anything better.
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Good palace politics, Horrifying ML
OVERALLThis drama is another heaven-and-hell production. Watch it if 1) you LOVE palace politics, 2) you're looking for mature cinematography and filters, 3) you want a drama with a smart(ish) FL. If you're looking for a great ML or a heartfelt love story, I can't urge you enough, SKIP!
THE STORY
So I was looking for another good historical drama after watching Wonderland Love and saw that this one was highly rated, so I decided to give it a try. Uff, what a disappointment! But let me start with the good stuff:
- The premise of FL going back to her youth to change history is interesting (while not original) because you want to see if she'll succeed. This I really liked, and I think the drama does a good job of handling this part of the plot.
- FL is smart (when the drama wants her to be) and in a mature, age-appropriate way
- For once (in a long time), we have mature cinematography with nice, dark(ish) filters and none of that childish quirky music that always plagues Chinese historicals
- Palace politics is thrilling, with the bad guys making the good guys sweat sometimes (which is good, it's boring when the good guys are always ahead)
Now, onto the bad stuff:
- Top of the list, 200%, is ML. He is so boorish, I can't believe a C-drama came up with a character like that in 2023. It's okay to have a cold or slightly aggressive ML when there is enough backstory to make us feel bad for him AND if he redeems himself. Kunning Palace's ML has neither. The backstory is definitely not enough to make me sympathize with him, and he never, NEVER redeems himself. He's just dislikable, from beginning to end.
- Obviously, the love story then falls very short. It was extremely funny (and disturbing) how his outbursts of anger and violence towards FL were romanticized. I just can't...Also, having such nice, 2nd and 3rd ML made it all worse, because in what world would a smart girl like FL EVER choose this abusive ML over her other options? It's hilariously ridiculous.
- The fact that ML is FL's teacher adds an extra layer of weird and bad for me, because of the power dynamics. He's already boorish, then you add to it the fact that he can just boss her around and treat her like a 5 year old as her teacher? Yuk.
- A third flaw in this drama (definitely less important but still worth mentioning) is how brushed aside the story of FL's sister was. I think the character is presented as somewhat important but then we never see what happens to her after a major event, which feels like a loophole.
Overall, if you are not into romance and are indifferent to ML's terrible character, go ahead, watch this drama. The palace politics will keep you going. If you really care about character development and you were craving a good love story, do yourself a favor and skip!
THE ACTING
Good, though nothing out of this world for me. I wouldn't say there was any chemistry between FL and any of the guys in the show either.
THE MUSIC
That, I liked! I'm all for more mature vibes!
REWATCH VALUE
Absolutely null. I'd rather re-watch Yanxi Palace than this, and I used to think Yanxi Palace's emperor was the absolute worse ML hahaha
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What is wrong with Korean melos?
OVERALLThis drama is honestly such a disappointment. Skip, unless you really, REALLY love Park Min Young.
THE STORY
I don't know what is wrong with Korean melodramas. This one is basically a repeat of Now, We Are Breaking Up. It starts out with a promising Female lead, who has a distinct personality and a backstory that is sure to provide character growth. Then it moves into an unconventional relationship starter (aka high skinship/intimacy) that also promises an interesting love story, and then...nothing. NOTHING. No character growth, no relationship growth, not even a story. Just two leads who decide they're madly in love OUT OF NOWHERE and then also decide they can't be together for 16 episodes, only to suddenly decide that, by the end, maybe they can. Nothing makes sense and nothing thrilling or emotional happens either. It's just a waste, really.
There used to be a time when Korea made good melodramas. Those days are gone, it seems. So do yourself a favor and skip.
THE ACTING
Of course it's fine, Park Min Young's in here, my favorite ajumma actress is in here, and the rest of the cast isn't bad either. But they can't make up for the super crappy writing.
THE MUSIC
Now, We are Breaking Up at least had a good OST. This drama doesn't.
REWATCH VALUE
LOL.
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A sloppy drama, that somehow builds expectations with its promising message and context but doesn't deliver. Watch it if you want a mix of modern-day and historical plots and you are looking for supernatural and a refreshing way of integrating vampires into the world. If you hate clichés, unnatural dialogues and scenes that don't quite make sense, skip.
THE STORY
While the context of the drama was interesting (ie. vampires as a different race living among humans) and the message was honorable (ie. accept difference), there were many many things that were unforgivable in this show, starting with incoherent characters and ending with incoherent plot elements (especially the historical component, which serves no purpose in the drama). One thing that particularly got to me is that usually, some dramas overuse silences (when characters pause before saying something), but in this one, they were underusing them, which often gave the impression that characters were doing a 180 or being way too emotional. Oh, and also, how can people from the lower class in Joseon not bow down to the nobles? The drama has a good intention, but it's quite sloppy, sadly.
THE ACTING
Yeo Jin Goo is just as amazing here as in other dramas, but he was overqualified for the drama and that played against him. He was throwing all his emotions in his scenes, but Seolhyun was not very expressive, Jonghyun was expressive but not as much as him, and the whole show seemed so light that it just looked like his character was too much, all the time. Since his character was not very likeable, that was not helping at all. Seolhyun was ok, but pairing her with Jin Goo, who's a veteran actor, was not a good thing. I want to see her play in something else before I decide if I like her acting or not. Jonghyun has lots of potential and he's on the right track. There wasn't much chemistry between the trio, though. Secondary leads were fine.
THE MUSIC
I'm usually either happy or indifferent with soundtracks, but the OST for this drama really wasn't my style. There's only maybe one song I thought was just ok.
REWATCHABLE VALUE
Very, very low. The drama's too frustrating to want to watch again.
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THIS is romance done right!
OVERALLWatch this drama if you 1) are looking for a series that actually gives enough screentime to the love story, 2) want a FL who can think for herself and knows how to fight, 3) crave a fast-paced series, with plenty of action/adventure. If you are prone to ML bias, though, I guess you should skip. Your loss!
THE STORY
I have to say my expectations were quite low for this drama because on a cinematographic level, it's nothing great. Really basic shots, bright filters, quirky BGM, and the CGI *eyeroll* BUT BUT BUT...as it turns out, I LOVED it! Let's begin with the good stuff:
- Absolute #1 for me is the perfect balance of action/adventure and romance. 90% of Chinese dramas seriously have no clue what a romance drama is supposed to be like. They're always 85% palace (or work) drama and 10-15% love story. For once, here, we have a solid 50/50 (maybe even 60/40 sometimes) and that alone makes it an above-average drama for me!
- I loved FL because yes, she knows how to fight and she is pretty smart, but she is also a bit of a trickster. Nowadays, so many dramas give you a "strong" FL but they're all the same. At least she has something different!
- The relationship between ML and FL is cute and fun. Their arguments are sad and frustrating, but realistic and (for the most part) understandable. I really appreciated how they never really broke up due to cliché misunderstandings (or maybe just once)
- The drama is also pretty well-paced. Especially at the beginning, you always feel like the characters get out of one situation to jump right into another. It's a good change, compared to dramas that drag. At some point (starting ep 25 or 26), you have a couple of episodes that feel slower, but it doesn't last very long.
- The ending is satisfying
Now, the drama is definitely not perfect. It does have its flaws:
- While I liked the pace of the show (with lots of action/adventure), I have to say the action/adventure plot got kind of repetitive. Lots of poisoning and kidnapping. It also was pretty predictable.
- Ironically, they did well with the fresh and fun romance, but SO bad with their third wheels. You can't get more cliché, obsessed unrequited lovers than the ones in this drama. This probably was the most infuriating part.
- Finally, I appreciated the fact that the relationship drama was understandable (and not random, plot devices just to separate the main leads), okay, I did...but I have to say it was kind of tiring how, for about 6-8 eps, the main couple just goes from one argument to another. You just want the drama to end and for them to be happy together (or fighting evil together)! haha
The bad is not enough to ruin the drama, so I'd still give it a try, but it's good to keep in mind!
THE ACTING
Stellar cast, nothing else to say. Pretty good chemistry between the main leads and they both did well on their own too (Xu Kai probably a bit more, he really was great!). Some side characters sometimes stole the show (eg. Crown Princess) too. All good!
THE MUSIC
Don't remember much...I guess it was fine?
REWATCH VALUE
Very high.
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Good filler drama to watch when you have nothing else to watch or need a break from action-packed, overly-emotional or melodramatic shows. It won’t make you pull your hair out in frustration, but you won’t feel too much for it either. Just don’t watch if there’s anything better within your grasp.
THE STORY
Typical boy-meets-girl, boy-loves-girl, girl-gets-tortured-by-crazy-mother-in-law main plot that is 100% predictable, and accompanied by some of those clichéd elements that are absolutely hateful, such as the very old big-and-terrible-illness. On the other hand, this is a story with no meddling, so-annoying-that-you-could-kill-them third wheels in couples. It is light, bright and significantly more drama-free than others. The prejudiced ends up being prejudiced against, which was ironic. Also, despite all the clichés, it is a show that seems more “modern” or open-minded than most, because things that make crazy melodrama and meet controversy in other shows due to being unacceptable in Korean society (eg. marrying a single parent, dating a minor, loving a divorcee with kids, etc.) are ultimately displayed as perfectly fine in this show.
THE ACTING
This is not a show in which you’ll feel convinced by the love stories. There was zero chemistry between the main protagonists (or in other couples, for that matter); the romantic scenes could only make you smile – not because you are entertained or touched by the love of the characters, oh no, but because you feel how fake the scenes are and wonder how awkward it was for the actors to film them. I can’t say that individually, the cast did not perform well. Especially the senior actors, they were quite good. I also can't say that siblings didn't feel like siblings, or parents, like parents. But since a lot of the show is about the different love lines that develop, I need to feel something when I watch them, and that was mostly not the case in this show.
THE MUSIC
Not much for my interests. It was funny and quite cool that there were old-fashioned songs (I’m not going to say trot songs because I’m not sure it was trot) in the main soundtrack of the show – that is, because I like old-fashioned songs. It was not as funny or cool that the characters were singing one of them all the time though – joke got old, really fast.
REWATCH VALUE
Mm….I’m sure I’ll always have something better to rewatch when I get bored.
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One of these few dramas that successfully combine romance, suspense, comedy, drama, character development and social critique. Watch if 1) like me, you're a sucker for dramas that inspire you and make you think, 2) You've seen a few average dramas and you want something a little better. Don't watch if 1) You have a hard time with characters that bear flaws, 2) You nitpick about small plot mistakes.
THE STORY
Gripping tale, made of plenty of plot twists and enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat, uncertain about where the story will take you, from beginning to end. The characters evolve throughout the drama - and not just the main protagonists, almost all of them - but the best thing is, they are all relatively 'complex', which in my own speech means that they all have flaws and/or vulnerabilities, but all end up getting some kind of positive emotion from you, if not love, at least pity or understanding. The story is also one that makes you think about the world and how you've been living, with some quite deep lines and conversations. There might be a few plot elements that don't seem very realistic, and the romances might seem a little bland, but there's been a lot worst in Kdramaland, trust me.
THE ACTING
All the cast did a pretty good job in this drama. I just can't give a 10 because I thought there wasn't much chemistry between Lee Boyoung and Lee Jongsuk, and it was a shame, it would have made it perfect.
THE MUSIC
Quite good, well chosen. My personal favorite: Every Single Day, by Echo. Rock or acoustic version, the song's cool.
REWATCH VALUE
Rewatched.
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If you thought it’s impossible to find a drama that maintains good balance between action, romance and character-driven plot without giving into incoherence or common story elements and clichés, then watch this. If you already thought it’s possible, still watch it.
THE STORY
When I started watching Healer, I wasn’t that into it. I wish I could remember what it was that wasn’t getting to me back then, because right now all I can think of is how awesome the drama is! Objectively speaking, even if I put that initial feeling aside, Healer is not a perfect show. There are things that, without seeming wholly incoherent, don’t make a lot of sense; there are some windows that never really get closed or ends that don’t precisely get tied by episode 20. But it’s a drama that is superior from others because it breaks clichés and it’s character-driven. Not only do the main leads and the villain have depth, but even flashback characters have their own individuality, which makes these scenes come to life. The women are all strong, smart and capable; the story managed to avoid falling in all clichéd abysses we see again and again in dramas, and the primary couple is not only adorable, coherent and real (skinship is real too, and plentiful!), it also puts to shame other Kdramaland OTPs in which doubt, distrust and misunderstandings always get the best of the pair.
THE ACTING
I love Ji Chang Wook, okay. I really do. I always follow all his projects. But he never gave me the feeling of being an amazing actor. I think that it’s because he always seems to be playing the same role, with only slight nuances. Anyway, he was dashing as usual in here, and chemistry was bursting out between him and Park Min Young. She was great, I think I liked her more than usual in here (possibly because her character was the best she’s had). But for me, the best acting in Healer definitely came from the older cast. Do Ji Won, Yoo Ji Tae and Park Sang Won were awesome, and my favorite ajumma actress, Kim Mi Kyung, as well.
THE MUSIC
It was great. Well, it must have been great. Frankly, I can’t remember most songs, not even Chang Wook’s. I was too infatuated by Ben’s You. Was on my mp3 since episode 1. Most catchy OST I’ve heard in a while!
REWATCH VALUE
Well, the show just ended yesterday, but guess what I’m thinking of watching tonight?
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Frustrating
OVERALLNow, I might be in the minority, but this drama felt like a waste of time to me. Watch it if 1) you like the impossible love trope, 2) you like the main actors, 3) you like slow and uneventful dramas. If that doesn't sound like you, then skip.
THE STORY
So. Let me just say that when I started this drama, I was really hyped. Female Lead was not my cup of tea (she's basically a waif), but I liked the aesthetics of the drama, I LOVED how Male Lead wasn't the typical mean, arrogant and misogynistic guy, and I saw potential between the two. Unfortunately, the drama failed to deliver. To me, it felt like the series was on hold for about 10-15 episodes. It's not like nothing REALLY happens. People come and go, there are wars and conflicts, conversations, confessions. But it's pretty clear that the drama is about Male Lead and Female Lead's romance, and the thing is, after they both realize their feelings for one another, nothing DOES happen between them for episodes on end. It's just them suffering in silence and reiterating again, and again, and AGAIN, how they can't be together. I'm sure it's some people's type of plot. I prefer mine to move along and not stagnate. After episode 20, I skipped ahead to see if it was worth continuing, saw that it wasn't, and gave up.
THE ACTING
Ok.
THE MUSIC
Pretty good!
REWATCH VALUE
Null.
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Strange format, but still fun!
OVERALLThis series is basically five rom-coms in one. Watch it if you're craving something light that you can watch while turning off your mind, 2) you're looking for 60% romance, 40% comedy/other stuff. If you 1) want well-developed stories, 2) are looking for steamy romances, consider skipping. I doubt you'd like this show.
THE STORY
I came into this drama expecting a conventional format, in which we'd see all five sisters finding love in parallel love stories that would happen AT THE SAME TIME, with one or two stories (with the main and second leads) taking a bit more space. It's not at all what happens. Perfect Match essentially gives you ONE love story at the time. It focuses on one sister for about 7 eps then moves on to another and you then barely see the previous sister and her love interest ever again. It's such a weird format; it feels very jarring, you get attached to characters for 7 eps then suddenly have them disappear and have to start over. Plus, the drama makes it feel like there's no story to be had once a romance is "over" and misses out on the opportunity to show what happens next. Also, by having only 7 eps by couple, the love stories are significantly under-developed. It's just a terrible format, imo.
That being said, I don't think it completely ruined the show. The biggest strength of the drama is that the romances are all quite different (despite the fact that the sisters are basically the same person, in different levels of intensity). I felt pleasantly surprised whenever a new sister's story started because I was not expecting to enjoy it. I had a soft spot for eldest daughter's love line (Shouhua), but I think they all had memorable moments. Another plus is the relationship between the men in the show, which is the type of comic relief I LOVE. It was both hilarious and wholesome. Oh, and there were occasional mysteries, which were all interesting.
Bottom Line: A fun drama to watch, but honestly not the best one out there.
THE ACTING
Well...here's the thing. I've seen many of the actors from this drama elsewhere, and I didn't particularly mind their acting. Individually, I also didn't mind their acting here. But I personally didn't feel much chemistry between the leads - in ANY of the couples haha Chemistry is not just acting, though, it's also directing and writing. Whatever the reason, the chemistry was not giving in this drama.
THE MUSIC
No comment.
REWATCH VALUE
Might rewatch some scenes, I doubt I'd rewatch the whole thing. But who knows? It's not terrible!
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Good family drama, subpar romance
OVERALLMy opinion may be unpopular, but I find this drama a bit (just a bit) overrated. Still, it definitely feels different from other C-dramas I have seen so far, and the first half is REALLY nice. Watch it if 1) you're looking for a story with great friendship/family ties, 2) you like dramas that follow characters from childhood to adulthood, 3) you don't mind shedding a few tears. Think twice if 1) you are craving a well-developed love story, 2) you have low tolerance for annoying characters, 3) you like mature female leads.
THE STORY
It took me ages to give Go Ahead a try because I felt like it would just make me cry a lot. It didn't. It actually made me laugh a lot more. There is a lot to like about this drama:
- The first half is glorious, of the best I've seen in a C-drama; especially the first five episodes when the main leads are still very young. Serious, dark stuff happen, but it's beautiful and emotional. I just loved it. As the trio begins to age, the drama starts to feel a bit bipolar, like it doesn't know if to have melodrama vibes or comedy vibes and it bothered me sometimes, but it was still fine until about episode 20.
- The parents that take care of the main leads are fabulous. They break all stereotypes and are just so endearing. Definitely my favorite characters of the drama!
- Of course, the dynamic between the three main leads is gold, especially in the first half of the drama. They are family/friends goals!
My problem with Go Ahead is the second half, which feels so sloppy in comparison to the first half. The drama tries to tackle too many storylines at once so it doesn't go deep enough with anything and makes you feel dissatisfied with everything. The romance? Goes from zero to 100. Messed up characters? Also go from bad to good in the blink of an eye. It just doesn't make sense. I also have to say, Female lead is a bit problematic for me. She's just so childish. I'm fine with cute female characters, but mature cute. Age-appropriate cute. Jianjian acts her age like 25% of the time, and the rest feels like she's 10 years younger than the boys. It just...doesn't feel right.
Definitely a good drama, but not as great as it looked like it was going to be.
THE ACTING
Pretty good. I like Seven Tan's acting (regardless of her character) and the older actors were fab. Lil bro was impressive too, but in comparison, Big Bro kind of fell short. Still, nothing to distract you from the plot. I must say though, I felt no chemistry between the leads. Romantic scenes are nothing special too, so really, don't come into this drama for the love story.
THE MUSIC
In general, quite fine. I just like that background instrumental music wasn't super loud and cheap. It was actually fitting. The drama is really a nice production, it's only the script that could be a bit better.
REWATCH VALUE
Not very high. I think it's one of those one-timers.
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