A Simple and Slow Life Drama
My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.I’ve been wanting to watch this drama for a while now. I went in blind. For some reason I thought it would be a bit more exciting than it was.
Acting/Cast: The cast is good as well as the acting. I guess my big issue here is just that the main character played by Bae Suzy [배수지] is a stoic character. I usually don’t like those types of leads. It’s rare that an actor can pull off a stoic character well, as it’s difficult to play it in a way that keeps the stoicism from boring me. I would say that this stoicism was more on the boring side for my taste. I had a hard time connecting with her character; she felt distant and robotic. I watched this drama after watching Genie, Make A Wish (another drama in which Bae Suzy plays a stoic character). I much more preferred her performance in Genie, Make A Wish. 5.5/10
Writing: The message behind this drama seems to be about the problems regarding nepotism and classism in South Korean society. Although I understand that, the story itself isn’t very interesting. Nothing really crazy happens except maybe at the end, but even that wasn’t too dramatic. Whenever I thought the drama was going to go in an interesting direction, it didn’t. It’s just a story about a girl’s life...a really depressing life where nothing ever goes her way. The side characters weren’t fleshed out, especially the real Anna. I was surprised by how little she actually appeared in the drama. The main villain of the drama arrived a little late to the party. I didn’t feel as though I knew him well enough to fully appreciate his ultimate fate. 2.5/10
Direction/SFX/Music: Something exciting was finally happening at the end of the drama. It was as though the build up throughout the entire drama was about to explode. But my anticipation was met with bad CGI. Even worse, it was completely unnecessary CGI. Why? Why was The Hunchback of Notre Dame suddenly being used as an allegory for the drama? It seemed to come out of nowhere. From what I understand, The Hunchback of Notre Dame has more religious connotations—gypsies and witchcraft versus a corrupt government/church. This drama has no religious connotations or even lust towards the female lead (aside from the very beginning). The story seems pretty simple to me, so trying to attach a deep meaning felt futile. 5/10
Entertainment Value: This drama had a hard time holding my attention. I was hoping for a twist or a dramatic climax, but the drama just kind of fizzled out. 1.5/10
Overall, I gave this drama a 3.5/10 which puts it in the “Probably a waste of time” category on my scale. It’s a very simple story of an unfortunate woman’s life. Even though the drama centers around her, I still felt like I wasn’t able to really get to know her. Also, the ending wasn’t cathartic enough for the long build up.
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Interesting Characters but Plot Ended Up Losing Me
My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.I didn’t do this on purpose, but right before watching this drama, I watched The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion (a Korean movie). This drama is literally the same thing except better in every way. Although the bar is low, as that movie was so bad that I have no desire to watch the sequel.
Acting/Cast: I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the cast, but I really liked it. Everyone did great. I especially liked the two teens played by Lee Su Hyun (이수현) and Park Solomon (로몬). The female lead is a stoic character, but she is a well-acted stoic character, which is rare. 9.5/10
Writing: This drama has an eccentric vibe to it – it’s comedic at times but extremely dark the rest of the time. It’s so dark that I’m not even comfortable calling it a dark comedy. The balance was a little off for me. I’m also not into gore and adult content and this drama is very adult. The gore didn’t bother me so much though (it wasn’t as bad as the gore in Moving). I liked the character writing and the initial plot. However, I felt that the story became more and more ridiculous as it went...as in everyone being psychopathic murderers. And this is supposedly set in a regular town (the family is in hiding). So, it’s either set in an unrealistic world that is more like something from a comic book or just that specific town isn’t actually a normal town. However, initially, I did find this drama to be a really satisfying revenge drama—something that I wish I had gotten when watching The Judge From Hell. I say “initially” because it’s not the actual point of the drama and it ends up going in a different direction. The ending lost me. It’s confusing and I can’t say why because it’d be a spoiler. I kind of wish this was just a revenge drama because it really did that part well. I also would have liked to see more character development with the two teens and even with the grandpa. Towards the end, it seemed like the teen girl’s character development jumped ahead suddenly. I thought I had missed something. Something similar happened with the teen boy as well, but it wasn’t as much of an issue. 6/10
Direction/SFX/Music: This drama has a high production value reminiscent of Moving or Death’s Game. Interesting music, but I don't know if the OST has been released. 7/10
Entertainment Value: This drama is too short. It doesn’t spend enough time fleshing out the family members. It was entertaining in the beginning, but when I noticed character development being skipped over, it bummed me out and I wasn’t as into it anymore. The characters are really cool, so I wanted to learn more about them. I wasn’t into the ending either, which caused the drama to not have a lasting impact on me. However, I think if they did a second season, it would do well. 4/10
Overall, I gave this drama a 6.5/10. A 6 or higher is in my ‘would recommend’ zone. I liked this drama more than Moving and much more than The Judge From Hell. However, it was a little too far on the ‘adult’ side for me and I wish the story writing felt more full. I guess I kind of had an idea of what direction I wanted the story to take and it just didn’t go that way. But I really liked the characters and the acting. Also, just a warning, there is animal abuse in this drama. There is also sexual content.
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I Wish This Was A Healing Drama
My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.I decided to watch this because I was feeling a cozy town romance. I was surprised when I got something different.
Acting/Cast: This drama is well cast. I’m not too familiar with Kim Seol Hyun (김설현), who plays the female lead, but she was good. I am a fan of Yim Sin Wan (임시완), however. I know he can act. I don’t think this was a role that required a lot from him, acting-wise, but he fit the role nicely. I like Shin Eun Soo (신은수) as well, as I always enjoy her acting. The cast had good chemistry together. 7.5/10
Writing: Um…this is weird for me to say but...the murder mystery stuff wasn’t necessary. I felt like it took away from the story. I was really vibing with this drama, too. It had a My Liberation Notes feel to it at first. The female lead is really dumb in the beginning. People are telling her straight to her face how they feel about her and she’s somehow still surprised by their actions towards her. It’s frustrating, but that just means there’s room to grow...or maybe that was just a directing issue… Because I don’t think she really changes from being a doormat. She instead finds a place where people appreciate her. So, there is no real character growth. There's also a weird story arc about an abusive alcoholic father, who, for some reason, gets a free pass. This young girl is miserable, and everyone rather protect the alcoholic. It was really strange and seemed to go against the female lead's quest for freedom from assholes (since she doesn't actually become stronger, she just finds a chill place where she doesn't need to grow). Shin Eun Soo's acting was on point though. She has no protection at school, she has no protection at home, but SHE'S the problem? I could feel her frustration and desperation. Although, it made the other characters reactions to her situation even more strange. Anyway, the female lead’s revelation early on in the drama was inspiring to me. The idea that she has worked for years for terrible people, saved up some money, and now she can just go do nothing in a new place with no pressures. That’s awesome. It actually helped me a lot to stop stressing about my job (of course this only works for people who are good at saving money and budgeting). That’s why I wish this drama was just of the healing and romance genre. It has really good vibes. I feel like the murder mystery stuff just rained on my parade. The romance aspect was too light, as well. This isn't a slow burn romance...it's a no burn romance. The story with the high school kids is more romantic. There’s more of a focus on past trauma due to murders...you know, the usual. It was nice to see her build bonds with the people in the town...until the murder of course. Don’t you just hate it when random murderers are running around some nice, peaceful town? If I had a nickel… Don’t mind me. I’m just annoyed that this drama harshed my mellow. Anyway, the ending is alright. 3.5/10
Direction/SFX/Music: I like the tone or aesthetics of the film style. It has a relaxing, calm feel to it. The OST is alright. It has a feminine or girly feel to it, which isn’t exactly my style. I still liked some of the songs though. 6.5/10
Entertainment Value: This was a nice watch for the most part. It feels comfy. Since it deals with a problem that everyone encounters in life, it’s relatable and inspiring. I was interested to see how the female lead’s revelation and big life change worked out for her. I wish it was a bit more easy-going for her. I mean, the murderer stuff isn’t very realistic or applicable to most people. There was a disconnect for me because of that. The treatment of Shin Eun Soo's character was disappointing, as well. 5/10
Overall, I gave this drama a 5.5/10. I keep comparing it to My Liberation Notes, which is much better written. I really like the cinematography and the overall feel of this drama, but there was a lot about the story that disappointed me. However, it was easy to get through and didn't drag.
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Not Perfect But Super Cute and Super Fun
My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.I really like Kim Hye Yoon (김혜윤). She stars in the drama Extraordinary You (which is in my top 10) so I was excited to watch another drama with her as the female lead. I was also interested in seeing Byeon Woo Seok (변우석) as a male lead. I had only seen him a bit in Strong Girl Nam Soon before I ended up dropping it. I heard he was the only good thing about that drama.
Acting/Cast: I really love the three leads. They’re perfect and they have great chemistry together. This was such a funny drama. I was smiling and laughing throughout each episode. Byeon Woo Seok (변우석) in particular -- his comedy was on point. The biggest issue I had with this drama, however, lies in this category: I hated the female lead’s brother and best friend with a passion. They were so irritating that I literally wanted to deck them both in the face…repeatedly (which was a wish that was partially granted). Their acting was so incredibly obnoxious (and their characters in general) to a point that I didn’t even think was humanly possible. The annoying side characters in My Demon paled in comparison to these two. Even the handicap brother in The Third Charm is likeable when compared with these two and even the obnoxious political figures in Snowdrop can’t hold a candle to these two. It was so bad, in my experience, that they are the sole reason as to why this drama didn’t make it into my top 10. A drama hasn’t earned a place in my top 10 since Extraordinary You. I thought this drama would be the one to break the curse. I’m so disappointed… I don’t know who in their right mind told those two actors to act like that (I did notice that Seo Hye Won [서혜원] is actually just playing her annoying character from Nevertheless,…ugh). 7/10
Writing: I really enjoyed the plot. It kept me guessing, kept me on the edge of my seat, and gave me a lot of good laughs. It’s actually a pretty emotional story, too. I think they did a good job balancing the darker aspects of the plot with the lighter, comedic aspects. Although I worried for the main characters, at no point did I feel like the situation was hopeless, which was nice. However, there is a pretty big plot hole that I think could have been easily prevented. It has to do with the time-freezing ability she gains but never uses. She doesn’t use it to escape the villain. She doesn’t even use it to prove that she’s from the future. My solution for this would be for her to not even have that ability in the first place. Whenever she tells someone something about the future, instead of having time freeze, the person should hear it and react to it, but then after their reaction, time should reverse back to the moment right before she told them. I think this method could have resulted in some funny interactions, as well. I think the two obnoxious side characters’ stories weren’t entertaining at all or important to the drama and should have just been cut out completely. I will say that the resolution to the main conflict at the end was a bit underwhelming. However, the ending in general is pretty good. I love how the grandma character was utilized throughout the drama, too; It was really sweet. 8/10
Direction/SFX/Music: The pacing, the production value, and the OST are well done. The music fits the vibe of the drama. No complaints here. 10/10
Entertainment Value: This drama was so fun and cute and funny the whole way through. It’s not easy for a drama to genuinely make me laugh, but this one succeeded. I loved watching the three leads interact with each other and I liked their sweet, innocent vibes. This one had crack drama vibes for me. I watched this as it was airing and I was excited for Mondays because of it. 10/10
Overall, I gave this drama a 9/10. It would have been a 9.5 if it weren’t for those two side characters. There is so much nostalgia with this drama, similar to how I felt watching Extraordinary You. These dramas feel like a callback to the classics (without the toxicity). I would definitely recommend this drama if you're in the mood to watch a fun comedy with green flag male leads.
I made a short music video for this drama featuring the main couple's antics. It’s on YouTube and it’s called “Lovely Runner | Sucker For You” and my channel name is The Enablers (@theenablers3846).
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More Fun Than Season 1
My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.I actually wasn’t a fan of the first season. I had rated it a 5 out of 10. Which, for me is average – good enough for a watch. This season, though, I felt like they avoided the problems I had with the first. By the way, I have not read the webtoon.
Acting/Cast: Holy crap...everyone did amazing. I’m so impressed. Ryeo Woon (려운) played the perfect role for him apparently. I didn’t like his acting so much in Twinkling Watermelon, but in Weak Hero Class 2, he’s perfect for the type of role he’s playing. He’s my favorite character for this season. He reminds me of Wakka from Final Fantasy X (one of my all-time favorite video games). Also, Lee Jun Young (이준영) impressed me. I’ve been keeping an eye on him since his debut in Avengers Social Club (which is a favorite of mine). He’s been ok in everything I’ve seen him in, with Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale being one of his stronger roles. However, his role in Weak Hero Class 2 blows everything else he’s done out of the water. I really enjoyed his character; he’s another favorite of mine this season. I also have to give a shout out to Bae Na Ra (배나라). He hasn’t been in many K-dramas, but he needs to be in more. He especially needs more main roles. 10/10
Writing: I really like the overall writing this season more than the previous. I feel like this season flows a lot better and makes more sense. I love the characters in this season. The chemistry between the characters in the first season, however, was probably better. I liked the introduction and growth of Choi Min Yeong’s (최민영) character a lot. On the other hand, Lee Min Jae’s character (이민재), although a good character, didn’t get enough development. The point of Weak Hero is that the main character is not a fighter, but just crazy and smart. He uses his intelligence to win in fights. I think that aspect was lost at times (especially towards the end). I would have preferred that concept to be leaned into even more. I’m afraid if they make a third season, this concept will become even more lost. 7.5/10
Direction/SFX/Music: I LOVE watching Si Eun fight. His fighting style is so satisfying to me (using anything in the environment as something to stab someone with); I could watch him fight all day. The choreography was well done. The production value is very high; it seems they went all in for this season. The pacing does feel rushed at times, but overall the flow is pretty tight and streamlined. Pacing was a big issue that I had with the first season and this season did so much better. The music isn’t my style, but it’s not bad. I preferred season 1’s soundtrack. 9/10
Entertainment Value: I binged this the day it came out with no breaks and I only started to slightly lose interest at the very end. That’s saying a lot. It was able to hold my full attention for about 5 hours straight (the drama is around 5 ½ hours total). There’s a lot of action this season, a lot of fight scenes, and a lot of fun characters. 9.5/10
Overall, I gave this drama an 8.5/10. I didn’t expect that I’d enjoy it more than the 1st season. I am very impressed. I’m most impressed by the acting. If a 3rd season happens, I hope they stick to the original idea of the series, because that’s what really makes it entertaining.
파이팅!
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Surprisingly Charming, Self-Sabotaged in 2nd Half
My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.I was planning to watch this simply because of the casting of the leads. I expected it to be bad, though. I was pleasantly surprised, especially since I haven't been having much luck with finding good K-dramas lately.
Acting/Cast: I am impressed by Seo Kang Joon (서강준). He really carried this drama. This was a perfect role for him. His acting performance heavily depends on the script and directing. So, you can tell when he's really liking a role (such as Cheese in the Trap) and when he's hating it (such as The Third Charm). He seemed to really enjoy this role, which is especially evident in his well-done action scenes. Jin Gi Joo (진기주) did great with her character as well. She felt like a unique and realistic person. A problem that K-dramas often have is when the main characters' distinctive personalities fall apart in the second half of the drama. Thankfully, this drama does not have that problem. This drama has pretty good side characters that are well-acted. I've seen that some people didn't like the villain, but I thought she was fine. I like a good over-the-top villain sometimes. It was appropriate for the vibe of the drama. 8/10
Writing: The first half of the drama has a very zany, comic bookish style. I don't normally like that type of style, but it was really working. I say "was" because this style was lost in the second half of the drama. For instance, in the beginning of the drama, there's a car crash scene with the male lead and he miraculously and humorously escapes unscathed. In the second half of the drama, there's another car crash scene with the male lead, but this time it's much more realistic. It was like I was watching a completely different drama. There's another major difference between the two halves of the drama that also plays a part in creating a huge disconnect for me. This issue involves the plot in general. The plot of the first half revolves more around the students in the school and the dynamics between them. This aspect was really interesting to me. The character growth of the various students was going really well. Then, the male lead's cover was blown and he has to leave the school. It's as if the entire first half of the drama was a complete waste. The side characters and all of their growth no longer matter; they have no impact on the story going forward. The main storyline becomes the focus. This is when I started to lose interest, as the main storyline is actually pretty lame (looking for gold hidden in a school). Another reason I started to lose interest is because of the extreme lack of romance. I thought the reason that the male lead was outed as not actually being a teenager was so that they could develop the love story between the leads more without it being weird. Well...don’t hold your breath... 3.5/10
Direction/SFX/Music: This drama has a high production quality as well as a fun OST. There's this music that kept playing that sounded exactly like The Incredibles and I loved hearing it. It’s called City Outlaw (by 김영성 and 박세준) if you’re wondering.
6.5/10
Entertainment Value: I was surprised by this drama's start. It was by far the most entertaining drama that I was watching during the time. Even when the drama fell apart, it was still more entertaining than the others. It sucks, though, when a drama has such a strong foundation and they still fumble it so badly. 4.5/10
Overall, I gave this drama a 5.5/10. A rating of 6 and above would be my recommendation zone. This drama didn't quite make it there and it's all because of the disappointing second half. It's like the writers forgot what they had built up in the first half and decided to try something new. I can say though, that this is one of the best Seo Kang Joon (서강준) roles that I've seen. Maybe even the second best (after Baek In Ho in Cheese in the Trap).
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