J-atty

Ok I guess

Straight off the bat, it's an okay watch. It's like a calm stroll down a no name street where you observe no name people doing no name things. Where was the eccentric romance? It could have been a suspense drama with an electric romance, sadly it wasn't. I watched to the end just to see who the murderer was and the reason behind it. It was great until it wasn't.

I really don't like people who don't know if they like someone or not. Jay has know and been a friend to SH for far too long for him not to know if he has feelings for him or not. After the reveal, it was a bit disappointed by his response. Jay's behaviour is childish at times but you get through it. Leading up to this point the series was nice. After this the eccentric romance had no zing to it. I'm reminded of Dangerous Romance where the only danger was the script and 'someone's' inability to act like they were in a romance.

The plot of the murder was a nice addition. JU as the suspect and their mapping of his actions brought some humorous moments which added to the okayness of the story. This I liked. What was a deterrent, the music did nothing to enhance the suspence. Even at the end with the revelation, it really felt a little flat. Where was the shock factor.

JW was another good addition but with a limited script, she was not utilized more. SJ and his ally, made the series tags a reality. The unrealistic final end of their plot made the comedy part true. Filming it to put out for likes. Seriously? Yes, heavy on the comedy.

As I stated it was an okay watch and I will recommend it. Even if it's just to see Jay's lips and SH declaration to protect him. But who's going to protect him? Go watch. Re-watch, maybe.

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Nice

This was a funny, cute and very comfortable series. On a very limited budget it does go a long way. Hoping they move away from that club scene. Screams really broke and doesn't deliver what they hope it would. Both storylines were completed nicely and Jung Myeong Choi redeems himself a little after whatever Tide Of Love was. He seems very comfortable and natural in the role.

This took it's time to develop over four eps. Woo Jin punches in the code to the wrong apt and catches the owner coming out of the bath. This sets of a series of meetings as Jae Hyun, the owner, finds the entire scenario funny and for the first time feels strange emotions he wants to explore. It's a first for both of them.

Han Jisu is in love with his senior who also reciprocates his feelings. It is in the above mentioned club scene that the senior takes the initiative and confesses. Clumsily, Han Jisu admits what he feels.

The acting felt realistic as among friends with no unnecessary misunderstandings. It has a simple formula and it works. Never over reaching its scope. I liked that it fits well with the sequel Love Reset which shows the aging of their relationship. Sometimes a gentle relaxing watch is needed.

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Escapades of a man-child and his student Jun

My stubborn doesn't pretend to be what it's not. It's blunt. It's crude. It's raw. It's definitely for adults. Sorn's entry into the series clearly defined the direction this was going to take. Your sensibilities may be shocked for a few moments, but the guile he uses to trap Jun should be studied. Sorn being the 'kind' person that he his proceeds to provide tutelage to a naive and clueless Jun.

Jun, previously identifying as straight, has shown to have since changed his desire with their meeting. The thing is, Sorn uses every trick possible to get a rise out of Jun, in both senses of the word. The tricks seemed to have worked on Sorn himself as he fell for Jun. Inexperienced Jun begins to question his intent and the contents of his heart. It is within this chaos that fun begins.

Sorn is a very polarizing character. Either you love him or you don't. He feels protective of Jun but also his chief adversary. It is only later that it's revealed that his tactics hid the feelings that grew for him. Twisted in the past hurt of being accused of 'being with a minor', he desires Jun but is afraid of being caught up in another situation that will be painful to him. Sorn is a master at sex but terrible with relationships. Platonic and intimate share the same fate. He will not entertain anyone who does not serve his purpose. He stayed true to himself and, in the process, hurt Jun time and time again.

The series was entertaining for the most part, but there were times it wasn't. Jun's curiosity and lack of respect for himself placed him in positions he should not have been. Sorn's caustic tongue was too abrasive at times. The bathroom tap-out was not a pleasant watch. The fml with no questions asked, just pounced and ate. Then the cliché hurt gf that was allowed to behave like a banshee in an office environment. HR was on 'vacation' from ep 1, it seems. In fact, the entire office would have had to be written up by HR.

There is no real plot to this series, just a hodge podge of scenarios stitched together with every excuse to insert nc. A few characters were not necessary, and this could have been wrapped up in 8 episodes. A very and I do mean very poor script with disconnected breaks that had no fluidity. Truthfully, I was humorously entertained throughout. Each week, I tuned in just to see how far Sorn would go and how fragile he truly was. He kept seeking approval from Jun, someone he didn't 'love'. They picked the perfect couple for these roles. BoatOat did not fail in their delivery. Oat is easily believable as the precocious impulsive Jun who is now trying to find himself. Boat as the closed off selfish demanding Sorn. Together, they made this nonsense work. The usual misunderstanding occurred, and I reveled in seeing Sorn lost, repentent, and afraid to let go. The beard deserves a worthy mention. On and off the screen, they work well together.

Penny's office relationship was as dry as biscuit and unnecessary to the plot other than her being Sorn's fwb. Tai's seemed oddly off kilter as he was the one lecturing Sorn on his unwillingness to be true to his own feelings. Now, near the end, he adopts the same attitude and causes Champ pain. Again, with proper writing and planning, this could have been dealt with earlier on and not like an afterthought. Script, poor. Tedious, repetitive, contrived conversations. Production and direction, poor. Again, how can one forget the beard? It will be remembered for eternity. Acting was on the lower end but served a purpose for enjoyment. Sorn and Jun together, entertaining.

The ending was rewarding for all, with Sorn's explosive desire capturing Jun once more. Sorn's maturity is still not fully complete as he bluntly speaks his mind irrelevant on how he affects those around him. Win's jibes at his bro Sorn, meant that Sorn was not untouchable. Tai and Champ's tender moment was the most comforting throughout the series. Yoon and Punpun made their relationship believable. I can't wait to see BoatOat in a better script as they've proven to be a fun couple.

View this at least once. If you go back for seconds, the why is understood.

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When it's no longer fun being alone

There is good. There is bad. Then there is this. It just is. The only name that this wears is called life. It's the conversations too difficult to have but must be done to move forward. To feel as close to whole as you think you can be. The thing is, both Min Jun and Jin Hwan couldn't have those conversations in university. They were both inexperienced at it. Rather than find the truth in what was between them, the both took the hard way out. Misconceptions abound, they retreated and disappeared into their safe worlds.

Min Jun is stuck in a holding pattern as life moves on around him. He has changed with the passing of years but he hasn't lived either. Jin Hwan assertiveness has grown and in this he resolves to make Min Jun his. Unfortunately there are three obstacles to face. Min Jun's truth. Jin Hwan's truth. Which one is the truth. In the past, each in their safe cocoon, they deconstructed the events that separated them and their views were sadly very different.

Min Jun assumed that Jin Hwan was playing a game with him and held onto the hurt. Jin Hwan believing Min Jun to be an indecisive coward, never made the situation clear. Now working together, their daily interactions unavoidable, they have the difficult conversations. Ultimately one thing between them is true, they still have great love for the other.

This is life. No one is right or wrong. They're just two people dealing with their emotions, expectations and pain. They have to decide if it's worth it. They do.

As much as I loved the lessons taught it was not as engaging as it could have been. There were moments of good writing but the majority were just words to keep the vehicle mooving. Min Jun's depressive state from university to present weighed too heavy at times. Jin Hwan attitude seems a bit too bright in his fight to get through to him. A homophobic father and depressive ex lover, he had to be. The biggest drawback was the monotone through out. A flat line running straight through with no real spark of emotion to make the drama between them life effecting. Each episode a repeat of the other.

What's to like: It's a realistic take on two people with contrasting personalities, vowing to stick together. It's shows what can happen when lack of communication is left to it's own device. Lost years. It's two people ensuring that the past will not repeat itself. What's not to like: It can be sleep inducing. Don't raise you expectations too high and you won't be disappointed.
At other times a nice surprise.

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China: Truth Unknown

China does it again. The suprise of this beautiful gem was unexpected but very welcomed. After Blue Canvas of Youthful Days, I was hoping for something just as beautiful. It has arrived and surpasses anything else currently.

It took me a while to write this as I felt any words used here would not do justice to how beautifully perfect this is. The warm conflicts of that summer transmit effortlessly through the screen and envelop your psyche. This is as good as it gets, and it's evident by my immediate desire to watch again until every scene, every nugget of wisdom is locked in memory.

It feels wildly free and deliciously innocent. The entire flow of this piece was refreshing in the current sea of mundane and uninspiring. Their meeting is boyishly relaxed and instantly bonding through proximity. Playfully engaging, their responses are as it should be. Conversations between them seem innocent in nature but bear the weight of maturity beyond Xiao Zhi years. The younger of the two is very self-aware. Chen Li carries the audience through the painful dance of acceptance. He acknowledges within himself that his behaviors are to prevent the unwanted judgement that Xiao Zhi tosses aside without care. The pain Xiao Zhi feels strikes at the heart of this story. No one else knows the full insertion of Chen Li in Xiao Zhi's life. His brother included. It is through dreams, memories, and half truths the audience is given one revealing moment at a time. Xiao Zhi's breakdown at the reunion seems overdramatic for a one-sided crush. Or was it? Only Xiao Zhi and Chen Li knew, but they both kept the secrets.

A wonderful treat to enjoy. The length of each episode captures the important aspects of their interactions. Smartly written and enticing. The support cast doesn't feel like an intrusion or filler but is used expertly to propel the story in a natural flow of young love coming to fulfillment. There are no flaws or anything to remove or add. The production and the acting of the entire cast are without question the best I've seen from China. Everything appears unrehearsed and a natural ease amongst all. As the characters aged, so did the mannerisms of the mls, adding authenticity to the passage of time. My only regret is that seven episodes left me wanting more of this and much less of what else is currently being offered.

The perfect depiction of youthful love and expression beautifully captured in time. I won't urge you to go see it. I will say it will be a great loss if you don't. It's really good.

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Penguin Only

If you are inclined to watch this do not go into it with any expectations and you won't be disappointed. Yes it was scattered, poorly written and unbelievably stupid. I fully supported releasing the last 3 episodes together. Why stretch the unbearable? A better script might have them becoming shape shifters, exploring the world by night but living their animal form by day. Then a catalyst happens forcing them to make a choice. Their choice would include being adopted by Ton and Nam with Jeng and Jod as friends in their escapades. No, what we got was a whole lot of nonsense, with irritating side characters and with outlandish plot twists. Eliminate the rest of supporting cast and the money saved could have gone into more cgi to enhance the plot.

Then I remember Penguin and I'm okay with some aspects. He is innocent, naive, sassy with a big heart. He was the only reason that would excuse wasting 8 hrs of mind blowing nonsensical. Sun, rubbing his face against Junior aka Penguin and resting his head on Junior's shoulder while telling him how much he loved him, made for a very sweet moment. Junior crying in ep 10 undid me. His process of deduction and internal conversations are humerous. That is all.

Take Junior and Sun out and you can burn the rest. For relative newbies they were okay, especially Jay. I do hope they get better scripts because they are cute together. I can not recommend watching this. No, I really can not. Go to a real zoo instead.

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Worth every second

Very rarely have I a seen a drama that pulls the water works out. Every story within the main story was brought to an expected end. None were rushed or left open ended. Which I loved.

Nut and Plan brought out their best work without relying on nc scenes to make their story believable and complete. Phob and Phat's timely meeting set the tone and pace of the series. Every nuanced expression and emotion was felt. The ending was expected because a love like that just isn't forgotten.

The imagery, costuming and ghostly effects were great without going over the top. The three main shooting locations did become tedious to see but budgets to consider was acceptable. Only peeve, Phat's mother seemed invisible until needed. It seemed days would pass without seeing each other.

I would recommend watching over a period of days to truly enjoy the story and everyone's performance. In a era where fast food is easily accessible this was like a nice meal.

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Sorn The Whipped

Let's face it. The only reason to watch this was to see how far they would go. You'd think there wasn't anything that was omitted in My Stubborn, they proved me wrong. If the plot was how well Jun absorbed all of Sorn's teaching. They succeeded. The script was like an improv piece. Just responses with little to no real direction.

I did like seeing that Jun received the advice given by Win in the right vein. Sorn appreciated the extra love shown to him. I didn't like seeing him a bit insecure because of it. In the end, Sorn adoring Jun was beautiful to see. The ending on the yacht, perfect.

BoatOat will be missed. Put aside the nc. They interract well together. With a better script, I'll be there again watching them.

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Not Needed At All

From the previous review, I will still state that they have struck gold with these two actors. What I will say now is that it is wasted. These 4 episodes were not needed at all to enhance the previous story. It led nowhere and the natural chemistry between them is wasted. Why expound on the past that was already explained? The ending of the previous showed that they had reconciled but with baggage - Dae Yeong's cheating and Jeong Ha's dependency on him. This would have been a better story for them to deal with day to day conflicts because of the tainted relationship. A crying DY would have stretched his acting skills to pull in the audience more. An independent JH would show him asserting himself and not be clinging to DY for support with a final reconciliation. Choi and Jeong appeared lazy in their roles with no real meat to chew on. It was disheartening to see a poorly written script passed off as content. This is Sukfilm's weakness and it is hampering their growth. Their are other stories to tell and I hope they do. Choi and Jeong have "it", please don't waste it. Watching this before the previous episodes might make a better experience.

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