Cykodramaqueen

Not a 10/10 for me

It’s just a tad boring;) many are loving it so much, and can’t seem to move on. But I’m loving Love Between Lines much much more;)

First 6 episodes gave me angst. Showing the storyline in university with her friends, I’m wondering if they were really ever her friends. One accusation from someone, and none of them defended or believed her; except for one friend who was not there during the accusation period. My thoughts were, Ditch these so called friends gurl! And ya, the guy who supposedly liked her was such a coward and misleading her all the way. His character was too manipulative and cowardice, and condescending towards her.

Song wei long is sooo dreamy in this drama! He appears mainly after ep7, and initially there’s a misunderstanding on his side, but eventually still falls in love with her all over again. Their relationship development is very very sweet; up till the point they get together, had a few first kisses and holding hands, THEN it just gets boring. Like too green a flag imo lol. Too perfect and too understanding. They have one big misunderstanding, which is not really either’s fault. Honestly their chemistry was so-so only. Some very romantic scenes especially during the snow and skiing scenes , but there was no real sizzling moments.

Apart from that, there’s all this business talk which was SO BORING. I just skipped all of it, basically promoting China and showing how advanced they are in their sustainability efforts bla bla… Then her annoying father and his mistress and daughter. Sheesh… I’m glad both mothers of NXG and LYS were very intelligent and beautiful. I loved their dynamics.

Ending was predictable. All in all the whole drama felt quite flat and dull. Still worth the watch though :)

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Fashion parade for ZLS;)

Yes, it was a display of over 240 different looks for her character Xu Yan, making it a fashion spectacle with many designer items, including over 60 bags, showcasing her character's journey from humble beginnings to luxury or vice versa;)

First half was very interesting- I couldn’t really tell if she did marry him for money, but yes she truly loved him. The story did not emphasise on how they fell in love, it was rather quick and focused more on the after marriage part and the deception she had to struggle to conceal.

Second half would be where her secret was revealed, and she divorced and started all over again from the bottom and worked her way to build her business with her sister and friends. This part was a tad boring for me, just too typical on trying to portray being hard working, and women empowerment. Tbh I can’t even remember the ending now cos I’m writing this review a few weeks later lol. That’s how much this drama did not leave a fantastic imprint in my memory.

Awarded best drama of the year?? No, definitely not. I think it was just the hype and support for ZLS that made it necessary for it to be chosen (I’m guessing). Those that love this drama will love and defend it. For me, it was just alright ;)

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A little dull but overall good

The first few episodes I found a little slow. Some parts were meant to be funny but i didn’t find it humorous.

What I liked was that all 4 main leads had a distinct history and character. They all came together by staying at the same guesthouse. I also liked the history between Dan O and Kang San, how they met as kids, and how he remembered her but she didn’t until later.

I liked the character of Si Yeol- a carefree scholar by day and a dark watchman sworn to protect the deposed / future heir to the throne by night. I would have preferred more of his “dark side” with more sword fights scenes.

The King was annoyingly spoiled. If he had been wiser, I think he could have killed all those who opposed him much sooner lol.

The romance was not too bad. One kiss scene only, and we didn’t even get a wedding scene of the main couple, but of the 2nd couple. It’s like a PG-13 historical drama, so nothing too gory or raunchy haha.

A pleasant watch. I did ff here and there but overall it was good.

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Gripping and disturbing

Gripping? YES!! It’s one of those where you have to binge watch. I waited for quite awhile to watch both seasons at one go. Also, you have to be in the right frame of mind (ready to watch a revenge drama) to fully appreciate it.

Disturbing because the scenes are quite graphic. It’s rated 18+ and has lots of vulgar language, sex scenes, and multiple violent scenes including using hot curling iron and domestic abuse. Most of these scenes I had to fast forward, because I myself couldn’t stand to watch. I couldn’t understand why and how those bullies could get away with it; plus the home room teacher who just slaps the victim multiple times in the staff room! I read that this drama was based on a true story. I’m not sure how justice was carried out, but if it was not, the police and education system in Korea need to buck up!!

The two actors that stole the show imo were Lee Do Hyun and Shin Ye Eun. LDH played the ML, a young doctor who lost his father in a very tragic way. Haunted by the perpetrator, he was living in hell and wanted to help the FL (song Hye kyo) with her revenge plan. He managed to pull off a variety of personalities in this drama- the professional doc, the caring and protective man and (this is the best part!) the devil in him who will seek revenge and dreams of killing the murderer. His acting was top notch!

Shin Ye Eun played the teenage Park Yeonjin, who is the ring leader of the 5 person bully gang. I read that the director chose this actress because of her smile, and man was he spot on! Her eyes and smile in the most eerie and condescending manner gave me the chills just watching her! Her acting was just right, unlike Lim Yi Jeon who played the adult Yeonjin, whom I felt overacted wayyy too much. In fact the 5 gang bullies were quite ridiculous and overacting most of the time imo. Too much cursing, shouting and throwing rich kid/ can’t get my way tantrums.

Another character I liked was Ha do Yeong, the husband of Yeonjin. He in all his sophistication did everything right- gave her many chances to repent, and be remorseful of her past actions- but all he saw was the devil in his wife. I’m glad he had a happy ending.

The production and music background was just fantastic! Very modern and updated, chic and sophisticated. The music is like those you will find in US dramas, extremely compelling and draws you in. There were times where the plot became quite predictable, whereby the good guys “always win” and even when it seems they were losing, they were somehow one step ahead. Haha..

It’s a very good recommended watch. Again, be in the right frame of mind when you start this. The first episode is the most difficult as it has 90% of the bullying school scenes. :)

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Annoying FL but good storyline

I just finished this.. I would say second half is definitely better than the first half. Many opinions did not like the mystery/ crime aspect, but I actually found that more interesting and engaging.

The biggest issue I had with this drama was the FL. Had to have 3 pauses, could not binge watch in one sitting as I found her character too annoying. It’s not the actress’s fault.. it’s the writers. They tried to make her look like a late thirties woman? With comments like “she looks too young to be Hae-Ee’s mother” DID NOT HELP at all. I understand many productions use actors and try to write them younger or older… but in this case it backfired. Also- her character was TOO DARN annoying!! She talked wayyy too much, was too nosy trying to butt in and control every situation. The first half of the drama was just intolerable to watch… I only continued because I DID LIKE the storyline and found it engaging!

Some reviewers also commented on the FL’s dressing and hair- also not her fault but the writers and producers. I did not like her hair, and even though she is a working mum per say, having a tough life juggling the business, raising a daughter and taking care of her brother.. she could have been dressed better overall.

Everything else I quite enjoyed. The superstar teacher, the crazy mums pressuring their kids to study hard, the romance etc.. although there was this one scene where the FL came out of the door, and the ML was looking completely smitten by her ( I went ewww.. not likely! I’m ashamed to say but that was my first thought) The chemistry between the leads were mediocre, just couldn’t jive with it. The romance between the teens could have been explored more- did hae Ee really make Sun Jae wait for TWO years before giving her answer? That’s tough man!

Anyhow.. give this a try. It does get better after episode 9 ish.. The last episode was good, found myself tearing quite a bit. Just have a few pauses in between if you’re getting annoyed ;)

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More about friendship and life struggles

If you’re looking for romance, it’s not really prevalent in this drama. This one is more about friendship, life as a young adult with work struggles, and the side story of siblings in secondary school. The ML is a champion on the Shooting Team but there’s not much about the sport or the training aspect of it.

The romance was very slow burn. Both leads knew each other when they were kids, he moved away and met each other again 10 years later. First few episodes seemed like he was very attracted to her, but the dynamic changed to more brother-sister vibe. [Spoiler]Then it dragged all the way till Ep 18 where they only got together then ::):) [End spoiler] I’ve liked He Yu since My Fated Boy (which was great!) In this he acted well, according to script which made him rather childish. The FL was quite good too and quite pretty. There were two other “potential” couples, but no real romance progression per say.

Music OST wasn’t that fantastic for me.

Give this one a go.. at least it’s short and the storyline is good. Not much angst nor ridiculous plots lol :)

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Korean Fashion Drama :)

This is not your typical revenge drama. It aired roughly the same time as “Why Her?” which is way better than this one.

The main plot and underlying storyline is quite interesting- young 15yo girl’s dad was murdered in front of her, she was sexually assaulted, her mother went missing; she lived abroad many years and came back with her ultimate revenge. First half had a really good build up. However after awhile it became more of a parade of who wears it better.. which brand clothing, who had the better body etc.. thus why I said Korean Fashion Drama! And at one point Seo Yea Ji was wearing hats as if she was going for a British Royal wedding! And all Han So Ra does is scream and vent and throw tantrums. It must have been so exhausting playing that role.

The ending was not your typical ending, sort of like an open ending. It is true the first few episodes are quite seductive and steamy, which is why apparently it was banned in Korea. Only watch this if you’re looking for a really angst drama. ;)

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Everyone hated Yin Nan ke ;)

A light, easy-to-watch romance office drama, from enemies to lovers theme. It’s good and short, so the pace was quite fast.

I honestly did not really like the FL Song Qing Chun.. yes she has some moral principles of yes means yes and no means no. But how does she go for a business dealing to see a client, in short torn shorts, with two huge whole on her thighs, and wearing an off shoulder low cut top? Yes women are free to wear what they want, but there has to be some level or professionalism and decency when working. And how can you close a business deal if you beat your client in a snooker game? So shady... is this how they do business in China?

Also, she clearly liked the ML already, but still flirting with other men and insulting and being mean to ML. Their romance and love development does eventually get better towards the second half. ML has been in love with her for many years, so he’s consistent and does many many romantic things for her, including saving her life on a number of occasions.

Of course I’m sure everyone hated Qin Yin Nan, which was FL first love. He lies, two-times, does shady business to get ahead. Tang Yuan his gf (also FL best friend) was such a pity. No back bone, doesn’t stand up for her own dignity and pride. She clearly knew QYN liked SQC but still wanted to be his gf, and when all the lies came to light, still wanted to stay with him and not break off. PLEASE WOMAN... have some self worth!! Couldn’t take all their scenes.. gave me lots of angst haha.

The last episode was a bit of a confusion... [SPOILER]: They led us to believe he died- surgery failed. But the wife never claimed the body? No funeral? Already suspected he’s kept alive somewhere. Four years later true enough, he wakes up and she was expecting him finally.. I’m like what?? She knew he didn’t die? Sigh.. [END SPOILER]

Anyhow, it was quite emotional during the last 6 episodes... I cried here and there. All the usual tropes, very predictable, a little angst here and there, the good guys always win, and the romance and PDA are pretty good ;) A good watch for a romance Chinese drama.

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Defying logic ;)

First half of the drama did not sit well with me. There were many scenarios which did not make sense and there’s no logic to it. For example: how can a parent leave a 6-year old son at home alone?! And how can that 6-year old travel from his home to Dr Qin’s house all by himself when he’s only been there once?? And one parent scolding the other kid when her own son was the one who snatched the toy away? Yeeesh, and then the hospital fires Rouwei for accidentally spilling coffee?

You can find all the typical tropes and cliches in this drama:
1) Break up for your own good✔️
2) Bitchy ex-bf new gf✔️
3) Nasty Aunt (replacing MIL)✔️
4) Contract Marriage✔️
5) Love rival ✔️
6) Ex- girlfriend enters the scene halfway ✔️
etc etc ....

Second half was better as it got more interesting. However, the love story development of ML and FL was excruciating to watch. It was push and pull, and again back & forth. Even after getting together (which was like at episode 17 or 18?) then break up... then together... then bye I’m leaving to pursue my dream. As I said... defying logic.

If you can ignore all these, plus how the other side couples got together(??) then you can enjoy the cuteness of the family and Xiao Bai, plus the visuals of Miles Wei :):):) I’ll admit- some of his suits are a bit outrageous, but damn he looks good!! :P

Check out my Instagram page (with the same profile name) for video clips and behind the scenes ;)

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Friendship and Growing up

This drama is quite refreshing, at least the voices are not dubbed and the acting is good! Kudos to all the young actors.

The storyline is focused on senior high school students in their final year before entering college. It’s about their struggles on friendship, balancing studies with activities; relationships with teachers and parents; and exploring their options on their dreams, life choices and future careers. It’s a good drama that infuses good moral principles- excellent for those in their teens and young adults.

As for me (who is older and working;)) I found it a little slow. There isn’t any romance going on, but the development of friendship to a budding romance between the leads was certain but slow ;) I’m just wondering why he didn’t tell her he liked her when he had so many opportunities :P

Anyhow, a good watch but won’t be rewatching.

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Watch with an open mind- It’s SOO GOOD!

Some ppl are criticising the Africa storyline, where the ML went to Africa for one year to help the poor communities get clean water etc.. honestly ppl in general nowadays love to overreact. So many dramas / tv/ movies are criticised over the smallest little issue. How are writers able to tell a story then if they are so limited? It didn’t bother me, yes they depicted the poorer part of Africa (which is a continent, shld they have said Nigeria or Botswana?) so let’s just leave it at that.

I loved the chemistry between Gong Tae Sung and Oh Han Byeol ;) From the very start it was evident that he liked her.. A LOT! But he just couldn’t express himself properly and instead teased and mocked her constantly, which I found childish and immature. And this went on for almost ten years :3 sigh... Thus the first half was a little dry, back and forth, push and pull. There were some very funny moments, jealousy moments, and in epi7-9 some screaming (happy) moments! Lol.. The ML and FL are very very cute together :)

The second half is more interesting with some darker plots and characters being revealed. The romance development between GTS and OHB is a very good one- they communicated very well with each other whenever they had questions or uncertainties. Very cute antics and some passionate skinship :):):) There are a total of 5 couples in this drama ;) which makes the storyline quite unique.

The OST is the best!! Three of its songs are in my current liked songs playlist;) The cute music background effects were well matched with the flow of the storyline which really enhances the mood. Some parts were quite hilarious!

The ending was extremely satisfactory !! A very good open ending with a feeling of hope and positive vibes. (I only wished Business Proposal had a better final episode in comparison) It also had a beautiful montage of the actors and behind the scenes. I literally teared watching it.

Follow me on Instagram (Cykodramaqueen) to see video clips of this drama. Well worth the watch :)

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Contrary to popular opinion

Yep I dropped it. Why? Well, it became kind of dull, same ol same ol concept of greed, betrayal, lies and murder.

The concept of playing games for money, being manipulated by a bunch of rich dudes with nothing better to do is nothing new. Sort of like a rich man’s sport. Some reviewers found the background stories of each character interesting, but I was just skipping through to get to the good stuff :)

I liked the Tug Of War game, at least it had a good strategy and concept instead of the normal thinking of Big and Strong is better. The deaths, killing and piles of bodies were just a bit too disturbing for me. Just a tad lol.

At least it’s not your typical Kdrama with crying and slapstick humour. :) Quite similar to Hunger Games if you can stomach it.

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Was hopeful, but instead sorely disappointed

I hope Chinese drama writers and producers read our reviews- 40 episodes is way toooooo long!! Nothing more than 30 please! This one had too many side plots/ characters, too much information and too draggy.

First few episodes already I skipped a lot. After episode 5 it got better and more interesting. I enjoyed the storyline between Liang Muze and Xia Chu- bickering acquaintances, to housemates to a romance relationship. They only had their first kiss in Epi 22, and officially got together in Epi 30. So you can imagine how long drawn the storyline is. He is a special brigade officer, she is a military cardiac resident doctor. (You might be also thinking it’s very similar to You Are My Hero). After Epi 23 i skipped a lot a lot, so by the time I got to 30, I just gave up.

I normally enjoy crime/ investigation/ conspiracy theory kind of tv series. The American series 24 is my favourite. So this one fell short to deliver any sort of interest in that area.

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Great acting, storyline doesn’t make sense

Then again, most things in drama land doesn’t make sense ;);)

It’s the kind of drama where the bad guy will win win win all the way to the last episode, then he will fall or get justice in just 10mins! Yeah, I hate dramas like this. There’s so much more could be done, build and focus on, but unfortunately the writing did not support the hype it’s receiving.

First 3 episodes I found annoying; 4-12 were riveting, interesting and intense; last 4 episodes were a bummer. This is mostly where a lot of scenes didn’t make sense. Both lead actors did a great job though! And the ending was wrapped up quite nicely. I didn’t really care for the other side couples and other storylines. Found them redundant and boring.

Watch if you must, just don’t get your expectations too high.

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