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The good and the bad
Why do we cry when watching dramas? One, we get caught up in the moment of something significant that deeply identifies to our feelings. Two, it’s connection to something relatable to our own lives, good or bad. Three, not always but we can be so frustrated at something we see that crying is a release. In saying these, there are those times you will cry in this drama.Why are we frustrated when watching dramas? Well heaps of reasons but I’ll try to stay relevant to this? One, bratty kids you feel should be put over the knees and given a good whooping. Two, if you say something as a promise, honor it even in the worst of circumstances. Three, when you hide significant things that causes misunderstandings, reevaluate your reasons and think that maybe openness is better.
Why do we enjoy a drama? When the central theme remains consistent. Friendships, bonds, family is strong here. When it gives good slice of life lessons that are relatable to audiences to use in our own lives. When it keeps you engaged.
Overall, though long, I think this drama about family and friendships made its good mark. I especially love the adults friendships that I wish I had in my own life.
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I think everyone did their parts. This drama is 90% veteran casts and I like it. I can appreciate their art. Though I started because of Lin Yu Shen, he actually doesn’t have a lot of screen time and didn’t really become involved til around episode ten or so. By then I was already invested as I wanted to see the development of the plot.
I’m not talking bad about this actress but it was so hard to adjust to the character JYiDi. Credits to the cameraman because in her parts it pans so long on her reactions it gets frustrating. It would have been tolerable if she had some great profound script after staring at her face that is pondering, looking like about to say something. Yes she does have some meaningful lines but in comparison to not, had to skip over. Maybe it’s because I’m not familiar with her and her acting but yeah, that character was pretty bland. In fact, very minor significant character though it may seem she has a major role.
Overall I enjoyed it. Definitely could have been done in ten less episodes because plot of same business schemes became repetitive. Lost its gist towards middle in parts. Lots of loose ends with characters of female leads sister, parents, etc. Would have wanted to see them again but they just disappeared. Too bad because I think this could have been so much better.
So, if you like a business story with a smart and honest female lead this is good. Romance is a fading hint but missing if that matters. Give it a shot for the veteran actors.
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Just Lovely
This is probably the first lakorn I’ve enjoyed tremendously. I have watched all the versions and they’re good…until this version which is great! I think the tweaks made from the first I watched “Fated to Love You..kdrama” is so much better. The leads here are so good. Their expressions in major lines as well as heartbreaks are so good. I’ve cried quite a bit with them. There was hardly any silly tropes but just straight on great acting. I thought the transition of FL after the breakup was gorgeous. Esther as Wanida is a beautiful actress. Love her crying scenes as they seem so natural in those circumstances. Bie as Pawut was a better characterization in this writing. I also like the depiction of the mom here. She was caring and wise. The storytelling and enactment is really good. If you like sappy loving without a whole lot of frustration (yes there but not in a way you’re gnashing your teeth), you should try this version. It’s really very good.Was this review helpful to you?
The word idiot never sounded so adorable
The leads are so cute i keep going back to this drama when finding myself in drama slouch. No one can criticize this drama to me. I like the type of stories that are creative, with characters full of charm to carry the story. Sakura, the leading character has a contagious big smile backed up by a big heart to support her career as a nurse. Tendo, the male doctor character is cold, to the point, never smiles, yet totally smitten by the baka (idiot) nurse who is Sakura. The development of their story from beginning is one of those, one in a million likely to happen, that is just too adorable from the stance that it probably wouldn’t happen in real life. That’s its appeal to me. When taken out of scope of reality, it’s a treat. Now and then fantasy based reality is welcoming. These two have such an appeal to their relationship, not so much enemy to lover, but happenstance? When he calls her baka and she lights up, it’s because she’s accustomed to it as being his language of approval. They are just too cute not to adore. Aside from that, there’s lots of substance to take away as well. It’s truly an incurable case of love.Was this review helpful to you?
Appreciation
Honestly, thanks to this show I got a glimpse into the world of talented people who plays music in an orchestra. I thought i wouldn’t like it simply because I’m not particularly interested in this type of genre. However, Lee Young Ae impressed me with her seriousness about her trade, her steely cold demeanor, and of course, her conducting. She’s mesmerizing to watch, and I appreciate the work put into the role (i read) so definitely deserves the watch. Supporting cast were great too. Overall it’s a great watch and I’m glad i did. Other reviews have great intakes on the story.Was this review helpful to you?
An underrated GEM
I see reviews from 2014 so I want a today one 2023 because it’s one not to scroll over if you come by it.I just want to say why I loved it and rated it highly according to me, and me.
I’ve watched so many kdramas in only a span of two years so by now, I know what I hope to see and what has become redundant as I find so many familiar strengths and weaknesses in these series.
This is @ family drama. What I love about it is that it fully develops what actually happens in a family. As synopsis says, it’s about an abandoned divorced woman with three daughters. It’s cute how the lead girl (2nd daughter) gets entangled with two brothers that begins the connection that will tie two families to become a dynamic big big family. Each character has their own story and writer does such a nice job developing it. Leads are just fine to me. As it is 2014, hugs and kisses are….you know. BUT, the family dynamics makes up for everything. The mother of the girls could very well be the lead. Wise and strong, her story is just as sweet. The grandparents? Oh my gosh, they are great. In this story is the the epic depiction of what endurance is in marriage commitment not only to themselves but their role as patriarchs of the family. So many beautiful moments in this series and lines to inspire and keepsake.
Another thing I liked is that there were no hangovers on problems, or antagonists to mar the storyline. Yes, decision making, obstacles that naturally comes in situations of developing relationships may seem to drag the story but it didn’t prolong. The series smoothed things over so that obstacles were resolved, with touching moments as it went along. There’s lots to like and little to overlook because it’s good.
I heard this was cut from its 60 intended episodes and I was sad as it was wrapping up. I don’t get why it wasn’t liked a lot at the time but to me it’s such well produced/written drama. Kudos to the cast. Support them and give this a watch. You won’t regret.
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Ratings Disappointing for a GEM
This is actually my second time watching from two years ago via Covid. I only noticed the low ratings here so I want to give a review to add my support.We probably have our own lists of complaints about long dramas. Most common is that it got draggy, script, or producers went off skinny dipping along the way, etc. This one isn’t perfect and it has its share of eye rolling scenes (not lots). Here though is why, if it’s your first or you’re looking for a long drama.
I’m not a writer by anything close. However, based on what I would like in a story, this one is pretty good so credit heartedly to writer. It presents the background enough to entice your wanting to know the why and what. Then it slowly peels the layer to answer them. Each episode (104) packs it’s own power so that you are eager to know what happens in next. Each episode connects to what happens next. (Some dramas seems disconnected and leaves you frustrated). You’re absorbed with the characters either with heart flutter or boxing gloves. Leads faces almost the impossibility of ever getting together but theirs is one to cheer for. Children are involved that adds flavor to the story. I have yet to see a korean child actor that disappoints. The two here delivers. Warning though. There’s galore of adults that makes you question the sanity of humanity. Disappointing? Yes, but yeah they’re significant to the story. Villainess delivers to the tee I gotta give you that. In all, it’s a very well weaved connected story that all comes together for everyone to be put in its proper place.
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To the point
What I liked a lot about this is that there wasn’t wasted episodes on clarifying pasts, nor present. The present (relationship) came into play for leads and it progressed beautifully. We didn’t have to worry about it happening fast then the doom to come. There’s a hiccup but resolved quickly and favorably in such a way to strengthen the leads love.Cast are great. Kim Ok Bin, I was not familiar with, but I’m a fan. Her character is great, straightforward, and bad ass, literally. Yoo Teo, main guy is the matured actor in the act that is honest and kind. His bromance with his manager and best friend played by Kim Ji Woon is the kind of friendship we crave for.
I don’t want to make this long because so many have greatly reviewed this. I’m just adding on that is a great watch. Don’t let this one pass you by. You’ll miss out.
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It’s not the beginning….
I rate this very high because as I think about it, the story plot is not bad. Three different families, their struggles, their connection, brings a dynamic portrayal of life. In these families, it brings to light what is right and not in parents, and parenting. While it has the most frustrating and despicable side characters, it really opens the mind of some culture and how these things are acceptable. Thus, it helps some to draw the line and say, nope not in my life.Cast do a really good job. You hate them, their acting is very good. You love them, they’re doing a good job. That’s how you’re feelings fluctuate throughout. Throughout the story, as the families connect, disconnect, and bond, the build up to beautiful relationships is established. Leads are great. Their chemistry is real stuff, thus, no shyness in passionate kissing. It really is a big difference when actors are mature.
Here’s the best part. They wrap up everything beautifully. Don’t we all want that after investing so much time? The last episodes were so well done you forget you had wanted to throw your device so many times because of some people. The ending is well worth it. I only say I wouldn’t rewatch because there’s too many to watch. The leads scenes though after watching wide eyed stare females with closed lips dramas are definitely a must go back to. Great series.
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Underrated Please watch!
People have their own ways of watching a film thank goodness! I must keep this in mind while reading low reviews for this drama. I loved it on the whole though leaving some reservations for some minor disappointments.I liked the story. College art major couple meet, many tugs for him to open up to her very open adoration, cute moments, and then parting with misunderstanding. Seven years later, they meet again, etc. There’s a lot of complications they go through, the road to their happy ending (oops spoiler, sorry) not smooth. That is the bad part..those complications. It is overly, ridiculous, and bad timing. Timing because you get to a point where you think it’s wrapping up, boom here comes a twist, and another, and another.
The lead couple fits their role. George Hu really played his role well. He was cold when needed and warm when suited. This is his film where I feel he really portrays his maturity as an actor. Adi Kan is new to me but when she looks at someone and smiles, her warmth touches even the wicked (well it didn’t remotely for the antagonists) would melt. She was awesome as a student and then later year role. The side love interests of Hong Yao and Sharon Kwon was major in story but some twists to making her jealous of her best friend was irritating.
The chemistry was mature. Kisses of Hu and Kan were sweet and plenty enough as cdramas go. Their struggles to finally be a couple made this drama good. Without the said unnecessary twists, it’s really a unique love story so enjoy it for that. It’s one of the best endings I feel as well so it’s worth it if you’re looking for a beautiful love story. Music is music so if it moves you good. It’s there and it moved me, adding to feels of what’s happening.
I’d definitely rewatch it again as I loved the coming together of this couple. They are unforgettable!
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Wild and crazy stuff
This was so wild just caution to watch while you let your brain play. The villain in this story was everywhere. There was practically no scenes she wasn’t in. The leads took two days off to spend in a beach town, she went after them. An example. She was everywhere. Magically appeared in all crucial parts of others lives. Writer had a wild but nonsensical creativity that was quite pathetic it just doesn’t make sense. The crucial characters knew she was responsible for all the crimes (nearly killing, attempted kidnapping to harm, etc). They were totally helpless to do anything. Imagine if that’s how in true society that would be. We’d be cooked worse than what is happening even with laws in place. Sorry but I think this is the story where the writer was entertaining that fantasy. I mean the ending solidifies that. Crazzzzzy.This almost makes me hate Korean culture. The part where parents are so controlling of their kids, knowingly lie to advance a child and themselves , screaming. I mean everyone screams and cries practically it’s an ear and eye sore. The problem with this is that it’s meaningless. They go right back to doing what they cried about. Ughhh.
I liked the female leads brother character. With his disability, he was quite adorable.😊 I hope lead actor gets other lead roles. First time seeing him but I think he did well. Actually, everyone did well with the script given. Just a horrible script. Period!!!
I watched at three minute speed midway for each episode to get to end. I think the long dramas are ridiculously long as obviously writers get tired and come up with unrealistic fillers that start to repeat and swerve everywhere. Save yourself on this one. Not worth it.
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I for one just really hate stories about infidelity. Yes I have watched numerous, it can’t be helped because I’d have few choices as infidelity is a favorite component of storytelling for some reason. As long as there’s a good redemption arc, I’m happy. So this story here, the key takeaway is how not to lose yourself in your marriage. That is my only advice after watching this. A Healthy marriage is never losing sight of what hooked you to each other. The foundation is set, added various discoveries, sharing everything, lows and highs, should be the continuing roots that binds a solid relationship.At least this is short and the main couple were able to sustain their relationship.
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I liked this a lot so I’m going to start with my irritations. Longer than needed to be. They really could have wrapped it up nicely a few episodes shorter. Too much time on some secondary characters. While they add to the story, it’s just too messy of continuance of whirlwind repeats for several episodes.What I did like was the acting, especially the male lead (Puen). His smile is so big it brightens the screen. He definitely carried the story with the cuteness of (Ofah) his screen Son. Female lead is fine but writers tend to make characters more stubborn than necessary. Main couple had good moments but could have been more. I love that it didn’t dwell on regular push and pull. This is one lakorn that is pretty good.
Many characters were so shady it’s sad. I mean in real life perspective, that’s quite awful. While I feel the actress who played Pin did well in her portrayal, it doesn’t negate that she was overly too much on the screen. Writer was trying to make up their mind of her characterization. Delusional? Psychological imbalanced? She became so annoying I had to fwd her, no more pity. Kong, fl’s sister was another character I hope no sister ever has. Trust me, so many characters here are pure scums.
On the overall though, i still think it’s one of the better lakorns I’ve seen. Strong leads, bearable romance, and good ending.
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Delightful and Painful
Delightful: Roy Chiu! Though this was out many years ago, it is nevertheless a very fun light watch because of his ability to be comedic. He is very good at being funny it made this drama really entertaining. Two female leads, Alice Ke and Joane Tseng also were great (and irritating I must admit at times but is there ever a drama that doesn’t happen) adding to the intrigue. On top of the cast, the story highlighted young love trying to sort out feelings and uncertainties in relationships. Older love too have problems to be ironed out. Ordinary story with perfect casting to keep you rooting.Painful: got messy towards middle where writer tried too hard to create content to keep the amount of episodes. There were some very positive narratives but got buried in the resolution that went everywhere. It dragged a bit that it lost its cuteness when it should have climbed to crescendo.
Overall: it ended cute with kind of a weird finale that led to the proposal. Happy ending.
Noteworthy to mention that this drama has the most realistic sweet kisses and lots of it. In case you wanted to know^^~^^
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A Winner
Admittedly, I haven’t watched too many over hundred episode dramas. However, I have tried a few and did lots of forwarding. With this one, with minimal forwards, I think it’s worthy of its length.Pros:
*It’s a pretty good family oriented story. A family with complications in relationships, personal as well as within. I thought the writer did a good job giving us a story that isn’t the first of its kind, however, it was moving. If a scene that is supposed to move you to tears doesn’t, it’s not well written or acted? This one has lots of moving themes that bring you to tears and afterthoughts.
*The elderly fathers/grandpas that become in-laws. Their acting was so good and pretty much stole the show. They were vital in the story and their acting was impeccable. The rich one of course is obnoxious and it takes the poor one to change him. You can get so mad at the character but smile at the person who is the character. I imagine the effort and laughter in pulling it through while filming.
*It’s like dividing the story in parts. For instance, first part was the romance of leads. Then came the part of opposers (his ex, her admirer) trying to break them up. Then it’s the sister in law and her true nature creating friction. Then it’s one of the dads and his struggle. It transitions well to keep story moving and flowing.
*Family. Many dramas pit brothers against each other. This one has brothers who truly care for each other. We see dramas with evil or let’s say screaming annoying parents. Besides the father of lead male who’s very grumpy and mean, others are kind and make efforts to bring unity. This was so refreshing and I like that a lot in this drama.
*Antagonists did their part to wreak havoc (his ex, her admirer). What’s good though is that their chapters ended pretty early instead of dragging us through their dirty to the end.
Cons:
*I felt that the FL acting was lacking. She was a boring character is maybe more accurate. She’s meek, mousey voice, and just plain boring. In beginning when she kicked out her leg to react at ML attitude, I thought she was gonna be bad**s. As it is, once she got the guy she was more or less insignificant. Lol. She’s kind, humble, gets talked over, etc. You know the kind too familiar (I’m poor so yeah, do as you will rich ones).
*The chapter on dad dragged a bit so I skipped a few episodes.
*It ended well, happy but if I was a producer I would have closed it in another direction. For its focus on the ending portion, even if it’s sad in a way, it would be most realistic. As it is, they opted to give us what we hope to see in dramas, ever ending happiness.
It’s tough to rewatch long dramas and there’s too many to catch up on anyways. If you’re looking though for a long one, this one delivers pretty good and I believe you’ll be satisfied.
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