Deep inside I knew this wasn't my cup of tea. But I was going to give it a try anyway. And then I came across a short clip... cringe and vintage situation + FL with a stupid look on her face (please! that's not vulnerability. Just a grown woman being and idiot) + wrist grabbing. So that was it for me.
That’s what makes it a kdrama. The over-the-topness. The unreal, next-level prettiness of the ML, a prettiness…
That's a good question : what makes a kdrama a kdrama? I don't know the exact answer but I don't think it's physical "perfection". I was thinking of some dramas in which I didn't see that plastic appearance: "Just between lovers", "Fight for my way". "Because this is my first life". But, again, maybe it's all about the theme.
That’s what makes it a kdrama. The over-the-topness. The unreal, next-level prettiness of the ML, a prettiness…
I'm aware of all of what you said at the beginning because I've been watching dramas for a while now. And I don't agree with some of it. For instance, I don't think perfection or "too good to be true" are always a main characteristic of a kdrama. If anything, cringe situations and toxic relationship are more common sometimes haha. Anyways, regarding what I meant with my comment before, maybe I didn't explain myself well enough or maybe it has to do with the fact that, in my opinion, the trend to make the ML look like this has increased too much and I just think it's quite annoying. And the thing is that it's totally possible to tell the same story and present the same character, even the tsundere type, without making it so extreme. There's lot of examples. Anyway, just a opinion. (Also, I'm yet to watch "Strong woman bong soon". ML is not my type but anyway I'm curious about what you said so I'll give it a try to see what I think).
This drama is REALLY GOOD but it has nothing to do with the romance (because it's toxic and not really based on something real or healthy). It's great because it's really about the female lead's personality and her way of seeing life. And how she changed throughout the story. Her struggles, her dreams, how she dealt with everything life threw at her. The way Hwang Jung Eum portrays all of these feelings... resilience, innocence, anger, grief, hope and makes you FEEL them with her... It's amazing.
I think what I don't like about dramas like this or Business Proposal (or even What's wrong with secretary Kim?) is the main lead's aesthetic. They seem plastic, too unreal. Extremely pretty. Sometimes you can't tell them apart. But I'm not saying all of the actors look alike, I'm saying their characters look the same. And even behave the same, have the same manners... I don't know. It seems too much sometimes. I don't find it attractive.
So the drama is about: - A super bad villain wanting to monopolize all the power and money even at the expense of killing innocents. - An awesome heroe fighting to make a better, inclusive society. - A lovable rookie that represents the innocence and the courage. - Loyal family and friends that prove those bonds are the strongest. Yes. All the clichés in the war between good and evil.
BUT... it works! Absolutely and without a doubt. Because they kept it simple and focused on those other aspects that can sink a show like this if not done right: great casting, really good effects (CGI or whatever it is, it's espectacular), right amount of action scenes and a good balance in the characters' storylines.
I don't have any relevant comments about the drama yet (ep2). BUT I have to say I've realized Kim Woo Bin is f**king hot and the character of the serious, tough (yet sensitive on the inside) guy is perfect for him. I've always wondered what was all the fuss about him... Now I'm having a hard time forgetting that deep voice and those penetrating eyes haha.
I didn't think I'd like this so much and now I'm so hitched! Also, AHS's acting improved a lot since the first time I watched him in a drama that I'm really enjoying his character. About LSK... I watched her for the first time in "Call it love" and like her very much. She's talented and really beautiful.
I really like Lee Jun Ho but the female lead it's just too bland. Plus, it's seems the clichés are going to be extremely over the top on this one. Or maybe I'm just not in the mood for another drama like this.
Thank you for saying it. She has a wealth of talent which is not recognized enough. I love her in Goblin and Snowdrop,…
Exactly! Not recognized enough. I watched a recent interview in which she was so humble saying that after this drama she will not be able to make more rom coms because of her age and so on (I don't agree but I know that's how it works in the business). I hope she is able to play more dramatic roles. She's proved she's amazing over and over.
I don't think the last two eps where about going around her ex. Ep 13 was about making the main lead confront his feelings and realize he needed to express his love and be brave etc, etc. And that realization was mixed with the resource of the ex being a threat again (a cliché, I know). But the female lead was never confusing... As a matter of fact, she chose to act: she confessed her love despite not knowing for sure what he felt. And in the end, the main lead learned he was not hesitating because of the ex or anything... It was his own insecurities and fears which he could finally overcome because he really loved Bora. Anyway, just my opinion.
I was thinking of some dramas in which I didn't see that plastic appearance: "Just between lovers", "Fight for my way". "Because this is my first life". But, again, maybe it's all about the theme.
- A super bad villain wanting to monopolize all the power and money even at the expense of killing innocents.
- An awesome heroe fighting to make a better, inclusive society.
- A lovable rookie that represents the innocence and the courage.
- Loyal family and friends that prove those bonds are the strongest.
Yes. All the clichés in the war between good and evil.
BUT... it works! Absolutely and without a doubt. Because they kept it simple and focused on those other aspects that can sink a show like this if not done right: great casting, really good effects (CGI or whatever it is, it's espectacular), right amount of action scenes and a good balance in the characters' storylines.
I enjoyed it A LOT ♥