Nothing special. Watch it if you're desperate to watch something light.
THE STORY
The impression I had while watching Fabulous 30 was that it was made by people who didn’t take the story seriously. The characters had some depth, but they chose not to dive deeper into them. The relationships had the potential to be complex and real, but they chose to leave them at a superficial level. And, to top it all, they had to make a 76-episode drama 80% about every random possible thing BUT the main couples, keeping us from really seeing any romantic scenes between the characters. A waste, no matter how I see it. I must also say that the main girl’s (I think Xu Wan Ting was the main out of the three best friends) story was quite boring. Her friends had way better love lines, but these were not explored as much.
THE ACTING
Meh. I always thought Jennifer Hong was good and Vivi Lee was not bad, but the others did not impress me. Chemistry-wise too, didn’t feel much.
THE MUSIC
Mm…there was a duet I liked. I’d say it’s okay.
REWATCH VALUE
Not watching 76 episodes again for just a few episodes that really were worthwhile, no. Unless I get desperate.
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A great drama, which only flaw is that the romance lacks a bit of passion. Watch! Just watch!
THE STORY
In my opinion, all good dramas are character-driven, which is why Ho Goo’s Love is good. There’s no storyline per say in the show. Sure, we can say it’s the story of a loser who meets with his first love and tries to win her over. But that’s not it. It’s the story of a guy who thinks he’s a loser and consciously plays the part, and the story of a girl who thinks she’s a loser but chooses to pretend she’s not, and how they come to trust in themselves and go for what really matters to them in life. Their personalities, their issues and their attempts to deal with these problems drive their relationship and the entire drama forward. That's character development at its best. That's a great drama.
All characters are fab and remain coherent from beginning to end (hence the drama also is coherent from start to finish), but what’s also great about this show is the script. Among so many great things, I thought it was amazing how everyone in the show ends up realizing, at some point, that they’re Ho Goo (fools). We’re all fools, especially in love. It’s fresh, it’s light (even when a serious, dark matter’s in play), it’s fun and relatively realistic. It's complete.
The downside to this drama is that the writers put out innovative plot possibilities, but by the end decided to play safe and give the type of closure that’s more conventional to Kdramaland. Also, I’m going to say it as it is, there could have been more skinship between Do Hee and Ho Goo, or more intensity (aka “passion”) in the relationship. While the show’s great, it’s not emotionally gripping, and I think that’s one of the reasons, especially since they put a lot of emphasis in the premise on the fact that Ho Goo had never been romantically involved. It’s a shame, but hey, the drama’s so good, I’m not even going to complain.
THE ACTING
I want Choi Woo Shik! Can’t I have him? He’s cute ok, but he’s also such a great actor! Uee’s acting has me conflicted, because I don’t think it’s bad, but it doesn’t always convince me. Anyway, it wasn’t an impediment to the show, I still loved her character the most out of all, so I’d say she did well. Seulong was awesome! But all the cast did well.
THE MUSIC
Funny, I just ended the show and I can’t think of what the OST was like…well, it wasn’t bad at least! I’d remember that!
REWATCHABLE VALUE
High. Very high.
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Average show that's enough to pass time but not enough to make it to any top list. Watch if 1) You want a show with some action/suspense, 2) You have nothing better to watch. Don't watch if 1) You like strong/mature female leads, 2) You have low tolerance for cliched evil girls who cling onto main leads with their lives and all the bad tricks they can come up with.
THE STORY
Let me warn you, the synopsis is not at all what the show is about. Or yes, it is, until around episode 5. If the entire show had centered around that plot, it probably would have been way better. But unfortunately, the writer(s) decided not to do things that way. Instead, the show centers around the struggle of the two main characters to expose the wrongdoings of a big company. At least, in theory, that's what the show is about. In reality, the show is about the main guy getting fooled, again and again, by the bad girl of the series, and the main girl running after him until she ends up getting fooled too. They sort of work to find the truth and ruin the bad guy, but then, they spend a lot more time having no idea what to do and naively falling into traps.The ending is absolutely surreal, almost cartoony. On the good side, the beginning of the show manages to suck you in; half-way through the drama you get some pretty cute scenes between the main leads, and every now and then there's a good plot element to keep you hanging.
THE ACTING
Well, so far I'm not super convinced with Joe Cheng's acting. Sometimes, yes, a lot more times, no. Amber Guo left a better impression on me, but I wasn't feeling much chemistry between him and her, even though there might have been sparks in two-three scenes.
THE MUSIC
Kind of good. I liked the main theme, and some other tracks seemed alright. I will google the soundtrack.
REWATCH VALUE
Mmmm....I don't think so. Maybe for the few couple scenes that made the show, but I was just too frustrated while watching to think of going through it again.
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Great drama that is absolutely not excellent, but no one cares. Watch if 1) You're looking for a first Korean Drama (was my first, and it's the best way to start), 2) You're looking for something hilarious, 3) You're looking for a good love story, 4) You like fairy-tale endings. Think twice if 1) You don't like fantasy elements, 2) You have low tolerance for screaming (one character only screams), 3) You don't like stories with many loopholes. I would still recommend it though.
THE STORY
Another switching-body plot? Another rich guy-poor girl story? Yeah, it's maybe not that interesting when you look at it this way. Plus, when you actually watch the show, you see that it is far from being the most coherent one out there. Lots of loopholes. But I didn't care, and I'm guessing, by how famous it got, that many didn't. The quality of the drama is not in the innovativeness or the coherence of the plot, but the absolute genius of the script. The comedy in this show is real Fun, with a capital F, each character is characterized by their own tag lines. The laughs are counterbalanced with some justified tears, and the tag lines are counterbalanced with a few pretty deep (sometimes too deep for my simple understanding) ones. The story is full of ups and downs, switching body, then back, then switch again; hate you, then not so much, then again, then like you; but what matters is that everything is so addicting that you can't possibly stop watching. The romantic scenes get really sweet and cute, the sad parts make you cry, the ending is magic. What is not to like about this drama? Sometimes imperfection is more than good enough, and that's exactly the case with Secret Garden.
THE ACTING
Fabulous acting from most actors, except Philip Lee, the action school director. The main actors are absolutely stunning. For the switching-body plot, actors bear all the responsibility; if they're not good enough it fails to work for the audience. But Hyunbin and Ha Jiwon were awesome. They had each other's roles down to the mannerisms and facial expressions. The chemistry was also pretty good between them. Yoon Sang Hyun as Oscar was pure gold, and other supportive actors did not fall short in acting.
THE MUSIC
Well, you had the odd song that just wasn't doing it for me (eg. You are my everything, Scar), but most of the rest was awsome. Half the OST ended up in my mp3, and I still listen to it every now and then. That woman, by Baek Jiyoung is probably in my list of favorite drama songs, and many instrumental tracks are quite good, including Secret Garden, My Darling Lime and Mystery Garden.
REWATCH VALUE
Rewatched. A gazillion times.
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Good leads, mature vibes - The bare minimum that is so often lacking
OVERALLThis is an oasis in the severe C-drama drought of early 2024. While not perfect, it ticks so many boxes! Watch it if 1) you like capable FL and nice (instead of the usual cold) ML, 2) you like family dramas, 3) you're looking for cute romance based on mutual support and understanding. If you 1) are looking for steamy romance, 2) get bored by business drama, 3) can't stand occasional writing flaws, reconsider.
THE STORY
In one sentence: Rich girl becomes poor and finds her way back to wealth through business ventures. Basically, Dream of Splendour, rewritten. It put me off a bit because I was disappointed by Dream of Splendour (I personally think it's a bit overrated), but still gave it a try. In some ways (though not in everything), I enjoyed this one more.
Things I liked:
- ML is nice and supportive. I can't say it enough, I'm sick and tired of the rude and entitled drama lead. Can they stop making them?
- FL is smart and capable. Some people complained that she's a Mary Sue, but honestly, she's not doing anything a ML wouldn't do in a C-drama, so if you are fine with guys having multiple talents and saving the day, you should be alright with the girl doing it too. And no worries, ML does save her from danger a couple of times too!
- The relationship between FL and ML is healthy and not toxic (yes, I'm looking at you, Kunning Palace!). It is refreshing to see characters not only support and listen to one another but give each other space and respect each other's decisions.
- There's enough danger and adventure to make up for all the business and family drama.
- The family drama was not annoying. I'm not a huge fan and often skip scenes in dramas that spend too much time on family, but I actually found a few of stories quite interesting because of how different they were (eg. sister of ML or mean girl from FL's family) or because of character development (eg. some of the aunties in FL's family).
- Almost no distasteful CGI. The visual effects (and overall cinematography) are decent and not distracting
In comparison, there are few things I disliked, but they are not insignificant:
- The romance is super promising until around eps 25-28, then gets boring. It's the typical case of a well-written "falling in love" stage and an under-developped "in love" stage we see so often in C-dramas. As if there is no plot, no growth, nothing interesting that can happen after the leads confess their feelings. The last 4-5 eps bring some drama to spice things up, but the love story never delivers what it promised, to be honest.
- The palace politics is kind of poorly written. I quite liked the character of the emperor (he is actually a complex character), but I find that most things that didn't quite make sense to me had to do with the palace politics. For one thing, it feels like there is a lack of coherence. Who is the villain of this story? It's like you had different storylines with different antagonists. It's kind of all over the place.
- Some parts of the plot are weirdly illogical (eg. towards the end, FL does something that has negative consequences but somehow blames ML for it)
I would still recommend this drama, but these are definitely points to consider!
THE ACTING
Good enough for me. I saw FL before in a drama best forgotten (haha), but for some weird reason I really wanted to see her again. I don't think she's an amazing actress but she does it for me. ML I saw for the first time but is exactly the same. They had good enough chemistry too (such a shame it's underused!). And some secondary leads were quite good (young and old). This one boy that's in every drama is truly a gem! Might become the new Wu Lei!
THE MUSIC
Not my style, to be honest. But I've seen worse.
REWATCH VALUE
I think I might watch it again, but I'm not dying to like I have been at the end of other dramas. It's better than a filler, but not a "wow, amazing" drama for me.
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It weirdly works!
OVERALLIf you 1) are looking for a FL-likes-ML-first love story, 2) are into the older-guy, younger-girl trope, 3) like when FL is "innocent", and 4) can get over the fact that ML and FL meet when she' s a minor (and played by an actress who looks like she's 10), then this drama is right up your alley. If any of the above bother you...maybe still give it a try? It worked for me!
THE STORY
So, not going to lie, the premise of this drama is everything I hate. I'm really not into stories where the FL pathetically pines for the ML for 2/3 of the drama, I don't like FLs that are "innocent" (because 9/10 times, they're just childish and immature), and I'm not particularly into the older-guy/younger-girl trope. The only reason why I decided to give this drama a try is because of the controversy (it had pretty polarized reviews on YT). I wanted to see what everyone was talking about.
The main issue people had brought up is that FL starts out looking like a literal YOUNG child (definitely younger than the 14 she is supposed to be), while ML is the main actor (so adult actor), and it feels very wrong to see any scene between then two or imagine them getting together later on. Giving these comments, I was expecting something huge. But while it was off-putting, it wasn't that bad, imo. These scenes with the child actress are just a few flashbacks, and it's just FL liking ML (not the other way around), so...I just took at as a silly girl doing her thing.
I'm not going to say this is the drama of the year. The plot is very basic (almost a non-plot, revolving entirely around FL's unrequited feelings for ML...until they stop being unrequited), and the core of the story (a girl crushing over some guy for years) remains something I'm just not a fan of. But I was truly pleasantly surprised by some aspects of this show:
- First, FL is thankfully not the childish/immature type of "innocent" girl. I think the writers did a good job of giving her a bit of character, a bit of youthfulness, a bit of maturity. She feels very 3D and likeable.
- The writers also did pretty well in cutting out the pining, so FL doesn't look that obsessed with ML and her unrequited love is easier to swallow
- While I had trouble buying that FL started loving ML as a pre-teen (just looked liked admiration to me, like when girls become fans of idols), I liked how the drama shows ML finding out he likes FL and the extent to which she loves him. Overall, the relationship between the two is also very sweet and caring, and rooted in respect. It's a bit cringey sometimes, but on the good side of cringe.
- The secondary characters are all pretty cool additions to the show (which is rare, they're usually useless and annoying). I LOVED the relationship between FL and her brother, as well as FL and her parents. ML's friends were fun too!
- The ending scene is honestly the funniest innovation of a common cliché ever. I loved it!
- Finally, the overall vibes of the show are totally my style. No childish quirks or annoying music. Feels more mature and raw.
Bottom line: I didn't expect to enjoy this drama and I did, so if you're like me, just give it a try!
THE ACTING
Good, all around. I love Zhao Lusi. Nothing else to say haha ML was also pretty impressive, and it was my first time seeing him. The child actress was great too (but she did look WAY too young for the part). On the chemistry department...it was okay. Could have been better, imo, if the writing focused a bit less on FL's age and her being young.
THE MUSIC
Alright, I guess, though nothing I'd listen to on my own!
REWATCH VALUE
Oh, it's high. I've already rewatched it once (with some skipping, I won't lie, but still)!
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Cheap writing
OVERALLI watched it all the way to the end because I was bored. Watch it if you really, REALLY don't care about quality...or you're bored. If none of the above apply, then skip. DEFINITELY skip.
THE STORY
I tried watching this drama three times before. Each time, I gave it up within the first minutes of Episode 1. The production was just really not impressive (sets and costumes looked so fake), and Female Lead was too silly. But the other day I had nothing else, so I pushed through and watched it all. My opinion about the drama has NOT improved haha
The worse thing about this drama is the writing. It's just SO bad. Things happen out of nowhere, things that would never occur in the past occur, the love story is random and unbelievable, Female Lead is not likeable, Male Lead is...like every other male lead. It's just bad. I can't think about anything that can redeem this show, except a couple of scenes here and there that managed to make me laugh. That's not enough to salvage the drama though, so I wouldn't recommend it to anybody.
THE ACTING
Not impressed. And don't expect chemistry, you won't find any.
THE MUSIC
No comment.
REWATCH VALUE
LOL.
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Plot Twist Master
OVERALLThis drama does plot twists like no other. Watch it if 1) you're looking for a new whodunit, 2) you want to see a bit of romance, 3) you like mature female leads (as opposed to the childish ones). Think twice if 1) you're craving kisses and sexy scenes, 2) too many plot twists give you a headache, or 3) you don't like crappy endings.
THE STORY
I came into this drama with low expectations and can honestly say it blew me away haha At the beginning, it looks like just another revenge drama, but it's not. It's actually a whodunit drama, spiced up with a little Rashomon effect (if you know, you know, if you don't, google). That's so cool because you literally are kept hooked and guessing what the hell happened until the very end. Now, I got to say, the final reveal sucked, but it's okay, I enjoyed the ride!
Still, I can't give this drama a super high rating because: 1) I'm really not a fan of the ending, it feels like a huge let-down, and 2) the love story between the leads was promising at the beginning but ended up being such a disappointment. For these reasons, I also feel like I'm never going to watch this drama again. It was binge material and I was definitely hooked all the way to the end, but I'm not about to re-live the experience haha
THE ACTING
Okay, but not impressive.
THE MUSIC
I LOVED it. So mature, so...normal. I especially liked the song Evening Wind (Wanfeng).
REWATCH VALUE
Low.
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Meh...
OVERALLThis is the prototypical filler. Watch it if 1) you're looking for a tame romance, and 2) you prefer stories with close to no drama, 3) you don't have anything else to watch. Avoid it if 1) clichés bother you, 2) you want chemistry and thrills, 3) you have something, ANYTHING, else to watch.
THE STORY
It's the typical "boy meets girl, they fall in love, they have zero relationship struggle or growth, and the end" that you see in many Chinese rom-coms, but what makes this drama worse than others is that it LEGIT has nothing else to it. No amazing romance, no crazy fun scenes, no thrills, NOTHING. The romance is just average, the comedy is even below that, and the plot is just one cliché after another. The only thing I actually quite liked about this drama was the fact that Male Lead starts out being the second lead (ish), which we don't see that often. But the main love story is a bit childish and unbalanced (WAY too much time spent trying to pursue one another, not enough "being together"), all secondary characters and couples are uninteresting, the parents are meant to be funny but aren't really, and the work drama is boring too. Basically, it's just not that great.
That being said, this drama is watchable until the end, so it's not THAT bad either. Just come in with low expectations, and keep it for when you're desperate.
THE ACTING
Yeah...not impressive. Do not expect chemistry between the leads, I personally didn't see any.
THE MUSIC
There.
REWATCH VALUE
Low.
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Weird, but okay...I guess?
OVERALLI'm honestly at loss for words with this drama. If you love Chinese fantasy, strong/mature female leads and a tame slow burn, you might be down, but if you're looking for a deep, well-written plot, you probably won't. Then again, I was and still kind of ended up being down...so I guess you could just give it a try and see!
THE STORY
So...I came into this drama convinced I wouldn't like it. I really don't like Chinese fantasy series, it's usually too over-the-top with unconvincing CGI and poor writing. And yet, I ended up watching this drama all the way to the end, so it definitely was better than the average xanxia drama. What I think works out with this drama is: 1) the female lead is AWESOME, the kind I can't get enough of (but unfortunately C-dramaland prefers to recycle the ditzy, childish FL all the time), 2) the fantasy is mixed up with suspense because characters are trying to figure out their past, so the mysteries keep you hooked, 3) the CGI and fantasy elements aren't over the top (at least, for 2/3 of the drama), and 4) there're some really cool shots (the sets are so pretty!).
The problem with this drama is that it has some pretty serious, and I mean SERIOUS flaws. The last 5 eps are ridiculously bad. It feels like the writers were drunk when they wrote the ending haha The romance is also too tame for my liking. The problem isn't the pace (the drama does slow burn right), it's the fact that when things are suppose to heat up, we hit that 5 last eps mark and all hell breaks loose. With such a terrible ending, there's just no time/space to give us the juicy scenes the leads deserved. Other things bothered me, but they're more personal. I really don't understand some typical Chinese fantasy tropes, like the nemesis that is always ridiculous and acts like a caricature, so I had a hard time with some of them. Also, main lead legit goes to work once in the entire drama haha The plot was so out of touch with normal life, I couldn't take it seriously.
Bottom line: If you're in need of a filler, you can give it a try, but I don't guarantee you'll like it!
THE ACTING
I really like lead actress. I first saw her in City of Streamer and I loved her in that drama too. It's the vibes she gives. So cool! Lead actor wasn't bad but didn't draw my attention as much. The rest of the cast was okay, except the villains, who were too cartoony for my taste, and the child actors, who (except for one little girl) were particularly bad haha
THE MUSIC
Honestly, the instrumental stuff was cool, the songs were HORRIBLE.
REWATCH VALUE
Null. Not worth rewatching.
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A drama with an identity crisis
OVERALLMmm...Skip, unless you're bored.
THE STORY
This drama is weirrrdddd. It's like someone wanted to produce a BL but was asked to produce a straight love story, so they decided to do something in between...and failed. The drama never really addresses the fact that Female lead basically lives like a guy, but at the same time, never addresses the fact that she's actually a girl. It's just SO weirrrrrddd. You can't make a gender-bending drama without addressing gender! What's the point? haha
On the good side, if you can not care too much about the romance, the political intrigue is interesting, enough to keep you watching until the end (even if not really hooked). On the negative side, the melodramatic, messy romance is basically 70% of the drama so it's a bit hard to ignore haha
THE ACTING
Good, I guess. Not much chemistry between the leads, from what I could tell, but it's not bad enough.
THE MUSIC
No comment.
REWATCH VALUE
Very low.
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Decent filler (if you don't take it seriously)
OVERALLYet another fake marriage plot. Watch it if 1) you dig these plots, and you dig them hard, 2) you just need fluff to be happy, 3) you're looking for cute and smexy scenes. Reconsider if 1) you can't stand clichés and plot flaws, 2) you're not a fan of too much work drama, 3) you like well-developed characters, romance and/or plot. Reconsider seriously.
THE STORY
So because life happens, I had to pause this drama for two-three weeks before watching the last 2 episodes. Two-three weeks were enough to make me completely forget what had happened. That goes to show just how ordinary the drama is; nothing stands out. No memorable scene, no amazing joke, nothing. Did I enjoy it? Kind of, in a just-watching-to-have-something-to-do manner. It's fun, when you don't think it through too much. Do I recommend it to anyone? I'm not sure...
The Good
- The "being in love" part of the OTP (once they get together) is actually cute. Sometimes (make that often) that's where romance dramas mess up, so that's cool. The drama is generous with couple scenes and they don't feel awkward or unnatural. That was definitely the best of the drama.
- No crazy annoying, disrespectful and snob in-laws. It's the third time I see this in recent dramas and I'm living for it. By all means, make that cliché die.
- Occasional real fun scene. I can't remember them now, but I do remember that there were some!
...and that's it.
The Bad
- I think China really likes the fake-marriage trope. It's EVERYWHERE. I personally like it, but I have to say, most C-dramas have absurd setups for the fake marriage, and I'm getting tired of it. Sure, fiction is fiction, but there's only so much disbelief you can suspend. The setup in this drama is BEYOND RIDICULOUS. Makes zero sense that the leads would get together for the reasons they do. I think C-dramas should learn from Korea's 'Marriage Contract' or 'Marriage, Not Dating', which had some of the best setup for fake marriages I've seen so far.
- Male lead is like every other cold CEO C-dramas just can't get rid of, and female lead is like every other cute and kind of childish Cinderella C-dramas just don't want to get rid of. She's slightly better than him because she has a bit of wit, but they're still super cliché.
- I'm not too sure I understand why/how male lead and female lead fall in love. Why does he suddenly like her? Why does she suddenly like him? The "falling in love" part isn't really well-written (though, the rest also isn't that great).
- Third wheels are SO annoying (and cliché, of course, but at this point take it for granted). I'm still confused as to why these unbearable, can't-take-no-for-an-answer second leads are still a thing.
- Secondary couple isn't all that interesting.
- The dubbing is HORRID. I heard they had to change the script post-production, so they probably didn't have the choice, but it's really frustrating to see that the audio doesn't match the video (what people are saying).
THE ACTING
Mmm...Decent, from the OTP, but subpar from others. Not that bad that it'll ruin your experience of the drama, though!
THE MUSIC
Okay, I'd say! Nothing I'd listen to now that the drama is over, but it was better than in some other dramas!
REWATCH VALUE
Eh...moderate. I won't say low because I can see myself searching for some clips of the OTP on YouTube one of those days. Sometimes you just need a dose of fluff romance. I really doubt I'll watch the whole drama again, though.
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Will make you like legal dramas!
OVERALLThis drama is one of the few (way too few!!!) ensemble Korean dramas out there and that's great! Watch if 1) you like legal dramas, 2) you're looking for a well-written show, 3) you enjoy dramas with a (mostly) serious and realistic vibe. Think twice if 1) you want fluff or lots of comedy, 2) you're craving some romance, 3) you're into suspense or you like philosophical-type shows. But I'd say still give it a try, you might be surprised by how much you still enjoy it. I know I was.
THE STORY
It took me forever to start this drama because I'm really NOT a fan of legal dramas, but I eventually got bored (*cough* desperate *cough*) and had a look. It was unexpectedly quite good! Probably the drama that does legal the best (imo)!!!
The Good
- There is an overarching plot in this drama, but since it's about an ensemble cast (students each have their own story, plus the main prof), there're also lots of smaller plotlines and they are ALL super interesting. No skipping needed in this drama at all! It's also great how the drama weaves in all these smaller plots into the main one so effortlessly. That's good writing!
- This is linked to the first point, but almost all the characters (I'd say all but some of the villains) have considerable depth. They have their backstory, they have their weaknesses, their flaws, their little something to overcome. And of course, they have their strength. It's nice to see a drama in which characters are more than plot devices!
- I say this drama does legal the best because as someone who hates legal dramas and finds them boring, it managed to actually get me to care about the trials and the clauses and laws. How it succeeds where others have fail is still a mystery to me, but I think it's because the drama made me root and care about the characters a lot. Also, the entire drama isn't spent in courtrooms. We see what happens backstage the most (the crimes, the preparation for trials, the lessons, etc.). It's pretty cool!
The Bad
- Maybe they didn't care, but there's close to zero suspense in this drama. Although it's set up as a whodunit, it's pretty clear from episode 1 who is probably responsible for the murder. The same applies for a few other crimes in the drama. So it becomes a bit irrelevant how 2/3 of the drama, if not more, tries to postpone the reveal of who is really guilty.
- The ending is very underwhelming for me. Underwhelming and just...dissatisfying. Too rushed, too shallow. Not sure why they decided to go for the choices that they made.
- Overall, I think the drama was meant to encourage thought on justice and law. That's how they set it up in the pilot. But it really sort of...doesn't? I feel like it's a bit of a let down in that department. Especially at the end; they try to wrap it up nicely but it just feels like empty words...
THE ACTING
Pretty good, I'd say. Some performances felt a bit more extra (especially villains and less important students), but nothing that ruins the experience.
THE MUSIC
Not a fan, but it was fitting. It's a shame that the BGM didn't stay as good as it is in the first episode though. The first few minutes are pretty awesome!
REWATCH VALUE
Not very high. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice watch. A really nice watch. But it doesn't have the "umph" factor that will make me want to watch it again. It lacks grip, and I typically prefer rewatching addicting shows. Still recommend though!
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Classic thriller
OVERALLFor once in a long time, a binge-worthy crime & mystery C-drama. Watch it if 1) you're craving a gripping thriller with good pace, 2) you like strong and smart FLs. Reconsider if 1) you're looking for a well-developed romance, 2) you don't like plot flaws.
THE STORY
I binged this series in two days, and that might make it seem totally amazing. I guess it kind of is, but not really haha It's definitely a worthy drama, but it's also a very flawed drama.
The Good
- In terms of crime & mystery, this drama's living up to expectations. You have fast pace, smart villains, a few action scenes, all the good's there.
- FL is cool and not for being cute and pretty (yay!) but for actually being smart, strong and capable.
- ML is also cool, though he doesn't stand out as much as FL.
- There are no annoying secondary characters, everyone is either likeable or realistic and useful.
- Cinematography is top notch thriller genre, the drama serves good quality production from beginning to end.
The Bad
- At the top of the list, there's the complete failure of a romance. It's not just bad, it's ugly. The drama starts out promising a love story, but as it goes on not only does the romance recede to the background, it becomes increasingly incoherent. Don't expect any developments or skinship on that end.
- The drama also promises character development for FL, because it starts out giving lots of backstory and showing us her struggles, but then it just...forgets about everything. Again, total failure to deliver. False advertisement.
- The ending is illogical. But actually, so are a few plot twists and events in the drama. Basically, the writing is as sloppy as the production is great.
THE ACTING
Good, all around. I think ML and FL even had a bit of chemistry at first, even though the drama makes sure by the end you don't remember it.
THE MUSIC
Typical suspenseful music, but the good kind. I liked it!
REWATCH VALUE
Eh...What hyped the series the most for me was the potential romance, but the ship got stuck at the harbor. I doubt I'll watch the drama again.
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Easy binge
OVERALLThis drama is short and thrilling, so it's an easy watch. Consider if 1) you're looking for an action-packed series, 2) you like revenge stories, 3) you don't need much more than that. Skip if 1) you want well-developed characters, 2) you're craving a good romance, 3) you don't like tragedy.
THE STORY
A pretty conventional revenge story. No major event is really unexpected, even the main plot twist. The ending is also quite predictable if you know anything about Korean action films and their unconditional love for the tragic. Where My Name shines is in the delivery. In the little details.
The Good
- The drama REALLY makes you feel and root for FL. She goes through hell and becomes strong but also so vulnerable. Her life sucks too much and you're dying to see it suck a bit less.
- Although the drama is short, they do try to squeeze in a bit of a love story and they do it successfully; it actually makes sense and is even kind of cute?
- Although nothing's out of the ordinary, the show still remains gripping enough to be binged in a day. There's the suspense surrounding FL's cover, the mystery of her dad's death, the drug cartel, so much to keep you on the edge of your seat. And there's the occasional joke too. The drama is conventional, but good conventional, definitely.
The Bad
- How unoriginal the plot is, though I guess if you only care about action this isn't a problem. The biggest let-down is the fact that the most promising aspect of the drama, FL going undercover in the police, ends up being so unimportant. So lackluster. They could have played it up and it would have made the show much better and much more original.
- The unnecessary tragedy (because trust me, it's absolutely unnecessary. A death that is unavoidable is fine, a death that is just there because the writer wanted it there is an abomination).
- The lack of depth, especially character or relationship development. Granted, this is a very short series, so there's only so much we can ask. But at the same time, there're so many fighting scenes...a few could have been replaced by deeper stuff.
THE ACTING
I LOVED her. ML was also fine though. In general, they were all great! A huge asset for the series, because acting makes an average plot ten times better.
THE MUSIC
No comment.
REWATCH VALUE
Not high for me. Don't get me wrong, this drama is a good binge. But it's a one-time binge. There's nothing there that'll make me come back to it.
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