I so liked Song Geon-hee in this, playing the King/Princess's brother; I'd not watched him in anything since Missing: The Other Side (S1 ~ I've yet to watch S2) ~ he's Thomas.
The plot is quite fresh ~ a common man who's an attorney, motivated by money, also seeking vengeance, who 'finds himself', a conscience and love ~ though the latter creeps up on him and comes complete with several surprises and a fair bit of angst.
As with many historical dramas, there is, of course, plenty of corruption, power crazy officials, a puppet king struggling to regain the monarchy's power and intrigue by the bucket full.
Being something of a rom-com with a modern feel, kept it light, although there were more than a few scenes that were sad, tragic and with a touch of action thrown in.
The pace was pretty good overall and I was kept engaged. Occasionally, the story did ramble a little, with overly long pauses and the usual irritation of characters acting on their own, not divulging crucial info and thinking they know what's best for everyone. It's forgivable and doesn't spoil things too much. It gets a little cheesy at times though.
I found the ending one that succeeds in leaving the drama's audience satisfied, but after the build-up to it in the penultimate episode, it also felt like a means to that end.
One character's reasons for staying hidden, were never even remotely discussed with the main person affected by their decision ~ if that's not being included as part of the story, leave that kind of reasoning out, rather than have the issue ignored, because there isn't room to address it.
Honestly though, it's not a huge deal, but is something that poked at me!
The music was varied with some quite rocky pieces, but they fit OK for the most part. Even if I didn't think the choices were always appropriate, the music in itself was very good, with some nice ballads too.
A little bit of reality is also included, with the rewritten laws, protecting all, that's focussed on at the end.
Nice drama to welcome Woo Do-hwan back after his military service.
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aka: The End of the World With You ~ A surprising and very good watch
Done in typically Japanese fashion; a little quirky, gently paced, complex characters and mature content that never felt gratuitous, as can sometimes be the case in both gay and straight dramas/film.There's nothing like the end of days to make one evaluate the past and face up to stuff. If not for that, I doubt Masumi's previous deception, youthful arrogance and cruelty would have been forgiven at all. I choose to think he changed and learnt from his past, and lonely present. I was rooting for them to have a happily ever after.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought Yuma was a delight... the bit where he blows at something, was genius. Very amusing, yet it fit right in.
I thought the Kagami brother/sister characters were excellently played by Idegami Baku and quite moving.
It might not be award winning, but it suited me and my mood perfectly!
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Refreshing, touching and funny!
From the cast, to the humour, to the odd cringey bit, to the empathy, to the sadness... I loved this drama.There were times I pre-empted what would happen, but just didn't care... the delivery was spot on.
It was darkly funny at times and a bit eye brow raising at others.
Our FL has seen most of the women in her life trodden down. She doesn't hate men, but hates marriage, love and relationships, the things she sees as their downfall.
Instead she hooks up with men solely for one-night stands; or friends with benefits, nothing more permitted. She is hugely independent, stands up for women that are bullied by men and can take care of herself via sreet fighting style martial arts.
Our ML is a squeaky clean, handsome, polite, top romance actor, loved by everyone. Everyone except our FL, who hates him after overhearing him having a rant, when his views almost melted her ears.
Humorous events lead to them having to interact more and more, with comical and sometimes touching consequences.
The supporting characters are diverse, from the FL's parents (of a generation where women are subservient, not meant to have any, let alone strong, views), to her best friend who has a knack for falling for the wrong men; to the ML's bestie and manager (wonderfully played by scrummy Kim Ji-hoon), who is so free and easy with both men and women (he behaves in a way rarely seen in K-dramas), that I honestly think the writers wanted people to question... is he gay?.... Is he?... I'm not saying!
The actresses surrounding our ML and colleagues surrounding our FL, are sometimes stereotypical, but never dull (I loved the older actress embroiled in a bitter divorce).
We get action too, with some great (if not always very believable), fight scenes.
I really liked how this drama doesn't get too heavy, kept things mostly light-hearted, yet still manages to convey the imbalance in both the attitudes and consequences to, men v. women 'behaving badly' in the eyes of society; and that 'fans' of celebrities have far too high an opinion of themselves and their 'rights' in the lives of their celebrity crushes, which needs addressing, but never really is.
Also, that taking words and actions out of context, can cause unnecessary conflict and hurt.
With a great cast to boot, it ticked all my boxes and was far more enjoyable and funny than I ever expected.
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A truly vile conglomerate family!
Loved the acting, actors and characters. Really a great cast. I also thought this an original take on the usual underhanded, vulgar and megalomaniacal super rich corporate dramas that get churned out. The switch in time, very intelligent protagonist and the clever, manipulative ways in which he exacted revenge were all very watchable.I couldn't give a 10 because, for me, it was just too much high-powered, super rich wheeling and dealing. There was no let up at all, which I found a struggle at times.
I got that Do-Joon/Hyun-woo's primary goal was obtaining Soonyang, but some kind of breather from the constant business, corporate scheming and jargon, would have made it more enjoyable for me.
Definitely worth watching though and besides my few gripes, the pace suited the story and I thought the ending was excellent.
Shout out for the great young actor, Kim Kang-hoon, who I think we'll be watching for a long time. He's played many diverse kid characters in some great dramas.
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Stereotypes
Overall I enjoyed this drama, which had several plots intertwined and made for an interesting watch.With the cast involved, the level of acting was never going to be in question and none let the drama down.
I liked the threat element of the shady character who targeted people around Choi Chi-yeol (Jung Kyung-ho), which balanced the fluffy romance side quite nicely.
Whilst it made a change for the attractive, well off, successful lead male character, to end up attracted to and falling for, the older, quite dowdy, financially struggling (even though her traditional food business seemed to be thriving) lead female character (LFC), I found it a little uncomfortable to begin with ~ like neither were completely relaxed inthat element of their roles. However it did settle down and they ended up a believable couple.
What really stood in the way for me, was how they styled a beautiful actress, to look SO frumpy... why? She didn't have to be glamorous with a ton of makeup, too short/inappropriate clothes and ridiculous heels, but also not dressed like a granny.
Just because she'd been sporty, worked, brought up a child and looked after her brother, shouldn't mean she has no sense of style, especially when going out on a date. It really aged her too. That is stereotyping.
Same with the autistic brother... fine acting, which said it all and did not need trousers that were way too short and a look that could have been stolen from 1980s Rain Man! Just because a person is autistic, does not mean they have to dress like an overgrown child!
Lazy, lazy styling and woefully prejudiced to my mind.
Yet, on the other hand, what they did with that character's storyline, was a breath of fresh air! Infuriating!
I really liked the interactions and relationships between all the characters, although I do roll my eyes up when the nasty, rich, influential mothers abuse their positions to push their kids and usurp the out-of-place nobody.
1 in particular was not fit to be a mother at all, and how her story ended was not what she deserved... saccharin instead of poison.
A lot was forgiven of low-life characters in the skins of privileged, but not refined by any means, disguises. As usual, no consequences fitting their actions.
One part of the storyline that was completely superfluous to requirements, was the appearance of the LFC's sister. What was the point in that? It added nothing to the story, she was rude, selfish and looked down on everyone, including the daughter she'd abandoned and left to her sister to raise. She came, went and made no difference to the story at all.
I wasn't surpised at all by who the murderer was, but still enjoyed the twists and turns.
An enjoyable watch and whilst I personally wouldn't watch it again, I would still recommend it.
As a footnote, I wonder what all the nUtizens who always make rude and offensive comments about older male leads starring with younger female leads, feel about this main couple, with her being 11 years older than him! No doubt they'll still complain.
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Great FL / Character
I did feel that aspects of this drama were too drawn out (for example, the prescription, death of the previous Crown Prince, some of the lessons), which took away from the feelings of anxiety and threat a little. Old ground was covered once too often, instead of enlarging on other parts of the story, like the shocking (for the time) revelation about one of the princes.At odd times, I also felt the Queen's decisions were out of character and naive, when she wasn't at all (like being too trusting and leaving things too open to opportunity for their enemies).
If not for that, I'd have given a 10/10.
Everything else I loved. Kim Hye-soo as Queen Im Hwa-ryung was brilliant. Certainly not a typical Queen, she was very intelligent, opinionated, witty, feisty and compassionate. Even if she felt it, she never showed jealousy or was unnecessarily bitchy to the King's concubines, but did exert her authority when needed.
The concubines were a proper mixed bunch too.
I loved that whilst tough, the Queen was warm as a mother and didn't push her sons for her own benefit, but for their survival.
The other characters were really mixed and some of the ministers, whilst involved with plots and schemes, were taking sides to protect more than themselves and were not all power crazy; that gave this sageuk a different edge.
Kim Hae-sook (a favourite actress) as the Queen Dowager, with her poker face and fake laughs, was brilliant... the first time I've absolutely loathed her! 😄
One character I felt so sorry for, but they ultimately became their own worst enemy, so full of hate and revenge.
The plot twists, humour, shocks, moving scenes and ending, all combined to make this a really good watch. One I'd happily see again.
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Enjoyable watch
Whilst this drama has a feel-good factor, which rises above the entitled, bitchy, bullying, arrogant character-loaded scenes, it lacks a certain direction.From ep1, viewers are thrown into the action, with no lead-in or concept.
What follows are the struggles, aspirations, fears and realisations of 4 close friends; 3 in the fashion industry and 1 who is constantly dragged into it.
The industry is portrayed as it often is; full of mean, bitchy, cruel, ego-inflated nobodies, who think they are somebodies. Rumours that become fact and a very spoilt celebrity.
The worst, for me, were the "influencers". My goodness, if there are people with that much arrogance, I hope they watch this and see how pathetic their repulsive personalities are.
Stylists who are treated like poop by their 'stars', that in turn do the same to others.
Then, however, there is the camaraderie, honesty (for the most part) and support each of the 4 key characters have for each other.
There's a low-key (for 1/3 of it) love triangle, which tbh, never really felt that important. The weak element of the three's previous behaviour and reasonings were so ridiculous I felt no sympathy or otherwise.
This is a very superficial drama. I feel like the writers and director relied on glitz, sparkle and beauty (like Choi Min-ho with his shirt off), clichés and OTT gay characters, to divert from the non-existant plot and incomplete sub-stories.
So why did I enjoy it nevertheless?... because of the happy ending, the feel good factor and a cast that carried it all off as though it were... Fabulous! Glad I watched it.
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"Don't Call It Mystery" ~ call it quirky!
Loved it. Quirky, compelling, with mixed and intriguing characters that were so well cast. Masaki Suda was SO good. His character portrayal was my favourite and I feel he really made this drama go from "not bad" to "great".It isn't perfect, but so very enjoyable and gripping; I loved the dry wit too.
Kept me engaged all the way through and I binged the whole series very quickly.
I really hope there is a S2, as there were a number of loose ends and unanswered questions 🤞🤞
Really annoying that the minimum review characters is so high... I've written all I feel I need to, but can't post 😕 Try again...
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Sweet
It won't win awards, wasn't thrilling or outstanding, but, if you want a sweet, gentle, easy to watch romance, you cannot go wrong with this.Nicely acted, the usual mix of small countryside village characters, with the city lover who somewhat looks down his nose at their lifestyle. Until, of course, he meets a woman who changes his view.
With the ML being a vet who's thrown from treating pampered pets to large livestock, there are some witty moments and one particularly heart wrenching scene.
There's a bit of a love 🔼 but no nastiness.
Overall a decent, relatively short (at 12 eps), feel-good series. Worth a watch to pass the time.
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Refreshing
I was captivated from the get-go and became thoroughly engrossed in this series.Out of 16 eps, only one made me cringe a bit and that's probably more about my own discomfort over certain situations than the story!
An excellent cast, especially Park Eun-bin; without her extraordinary acting, which made Attorney Woo just that, this series could have failed.
However, this is a drama. It is not a reality programme centring around an actual lawyer who lives with autism, going about her daily life and work representing those that can afford it, at a high end legal firm.
S.Korea seem to be introducing characters with disabilities more (I thought the character in Our Blues, actually played by an actress with Downs Syndrome, was really ground breaking, yet rarely got mentioned). I hope it educates people (shocking they are so far behind), that treating those who are different to the 'norm' badly and dismissing members of society with any form of disability, or looking down on them, is unacceptable and shows poor and ignorant behaviour.
I think it is highly unlikely one would see many of the scenarios in real life, however, the way in which the programme brought to the fore Young Woo's different (often enlightening) perspective on things, was a joy. It showed that whilst she struggles with understanding human emotion, that didn't mean the character has none, and also felt hurt or concerned for others, just in a different way.
There are autistic savants (I have a cousin-once-removed that is, but he is more severely affected by it at the same time), so her amazing memory is not a step too far. Her obsessions, OCD and discomfort with human contact, I thought were well represented. I also applauded the episode showing the fact not all people with same disorder will be identical ~ there are different levels and the more severe cases are nothing like Young-woo.
Incorporating a romantic element for the character was good to see as well ~ why shouldn't or can't people care about and date someone with autism, if it works? However, whilst it touched on the fact Joon Ho was going to have to work harder at the relationship, would experience discrimination toward her (and their relationship) and would definitely feel lonely and frustrated at times, that aspect was rather romanticized. I think the reality would be more difficult, but equally, if it can work, hugely rewarding for both.
Issues of abandonment were upsetting, I thought and one character was/is irredeemable and not fit to parent. Young-woo definitely gets used, very coldly.
Sometimes aspects went a step too far out of what would be possible and the legal cases did at times feel like their authenticity was secondary, but overall it is a compelling series and I look forward to the developments in S2, even though we'll be waiting for some time.
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Enjoyable but haphazard plot
Enjoyable and gripping; love the cast and acting, the idea, OST and pace.All the usual sageuk plotting, scheming, jealousy, nasty characters and intrigue, peppered with humour, warmth and romance.
Cheon-ki was pretty capable and bubbly with a can-do attitude. Loved the supporting characters at the art school.
Ha Ram was quite melancholic and gentle, but with a darker side too ~ so well portrayed by Ahn Hyo-seop. His personal servant, Man Soo, was a favourite character (even though a small part), so well played by Kim Hyun-Mok ~ I just loved him 😁
Icing on the cake, is the dark fantasy element, which is a genre I really like and some interesting deities.
The leads worked well together and both are favourites of mine. AHS's voice is something else too, with a unique depth to it.
The reason I couldn't give 10/10, was because of a few holes in the plot.
Fantasy is one thing, but I got irritated by how easily a supposedly blind character could navigate stuff from walking freely to asking for written documents.
Also by how stupid Cheon-ki could be at times, in relation to getting when a character was possessed or themselves (black smoke and clawed hands should be a give away, surely?!)
Some of the scenes between her and her father I found a bit too melodramatic and the number of times she shrieked "abeoji, abeoji" made me want to scream!
I also found it hard to follow why Mawang only appeared at certain times when 2 characters touched and not others.
Finally, the reviewed second version of ep.1, put right after ep.1, totally ruined the flow of the programme for me (I watched on Viki). It duplicated so much of the drama and if I'd realised, I would have left viewing it until after I'd finished. It just did not fit there and would not have ruined the drama watching it later. Bizarre really.
Glad I watched it though.
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Both witty and touching.
A gentle, reflective and quite tender story of opposites attracting and squabbling their way to romance.It is pretty slow paced; some might find it dull, but personally, I didn't. It is realistic, based on their lifestyles. Some very funny and touching parts.
Great casting. Maybe it's me, but perhaps having worked together on The Witch Pt1: The Subversion, made a difference, because Choi Woo-shik (Woong) and Kim Da Mi (Yeon-soo) just clicked. It felt like a real relationship ~ very believable.
Her character could be intense and irritating, but the foundations of her personality become clearer with each episode and I went from not being keen, to really liking her. Dry, assertive and great expressions.
He was a perfect fit for the talented, humble, simple and uncomplicated loner, Woong.
Woong's parents were a delight, their relationship is definitely a couple goal!
Lots of nice supporting characters (and cast), with no real nasties, but some sad circumstances that lead to irrevocable hurt that's carried into later life.
There is a love triangle, but it doesn't exactly take centre stage and, again, is quite realistic. It doesn't make the person mean or vindictive. Friendship remains both important and intact.
Allowing others to make their own decisions, without assuming our own valuations of self-worth are shared, comes over strongly in this too.
If we are satisfied and happy personally, that is enough and should not be benchmarked by the aspirations or desires of others (peers, family or anyone).
I liked that both MCs had struggled to reach their more successful adult selves. Slowly opening up and becoming honest with one another and themselves.
The final episode was my favourite. Everything really came together and several moments had me reaching for tissues. It amusingly came full circle in many ways.
Lovely.
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Youth not being what it's cracked up to be...
The realities of life on a university campus, where the main characters struggle with their individual issues, misconceptions, relationships and futures.Well acted and a strong cast. There are some very abusive and parasitic 'friends' of character Yeo Joon and I have to say, apart from their personalities, the look of them really added to the level of disgust I felt at times.
However, in some ways, that is stereotypical, as people who use and bully others do not always look the part.
Park Ji Hoon perfectly portrays his role as Yeo Joon; a wealthy background, good looks, a bright personality and model student. However, unbeknown to others, he is estranged from his family and lonely.
This character was really brought to life by PJH ~ his mannerisms and ability to shine brighter than the sun one minute and have the saddest eyes in the most hurt face, the next, was captivating.
The relationship between Yeo Joon and the anxious, unsure Kim So Bin (another worthyy performance, from Kang Min Ah) was very sweet and the actors made it believable. They take a lot of strength from each other, which was so nice to see. I also liked that even though she is a couple of years older, she is happy to be lead as well as lead, and listens to Yeo Joon.
The relationship with his polar opposite, Nam Soo Hyun, was one of my favourite things, as Joon seemed able to relate to his frostiness more easily and I felt was drawn to the fact that his cheerful exterior and money could not buy Soo Hyun's friendship.
There is one sided love, with some friendships bordering on more, but the fear of loss preventing the move forward.
Adult responsibilities having to be taken on too soon, with the onus of providing for family whilst juggling studies, also features.
Jealousy, resentment and low self esteem are in some way part of several characters, with each reacting to these unpleasant traits in different ways and affecting how they perceive and interact with others.
There are some unpleasant and painful scenes in Yeo Joon's childhood and adult life, with the problem of violence in the home being tackled and pretty well, at that.
There are some laugh out loud moments too and some very warm moments, as barriers get dismantled and characters open up.
I also like that abusers didn't always get away with stuff and had to deal with the consequences of their actions.
The title eludes to the fact that youth is supposed to be bright, fun, carefree and happy, but up close, for too many, it is anything but.
When the young are betrayed by those who are supposed to nurture them, or forced to take on far more than they are mentally capable of dealing with, youth is in fact hell.
The drama also highlighted how wealth does not necessarily equal happiness.
The only aspect I found irritating, was how slllllllowly So Bin walks in it! Honestly it drove me nuts and once noticed, I couldn't un-see it, almost every time; and, whilst I liked the pop music score, I didn't like the mismatched violin and harmonica pieces. I love both instruments, but I felt that the pieces picked were too old fashioned sounding, for a drama of this era.
All in all worth watching.
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Song Ji Hyo and Ha Do Kwon made a great team too and their characters balanced each other.
The story is a good idea and captivating.
I did, sadly, find Nam Ji Hyun's character a bit irritating, especially when she often spoke with a childish voice.
Nice twist to the tale too.
Overall not a bad watch, the stories that lead to wishes being made are varied, but often quite miserable.
The wishes come at a price, but not one that the recipients are not willing to pay. The slightly fluffy revelations around this, I found a bit disappointing to be honest. It was like a dark drama that the writer had a change of heart about.
As always, I hated the school bullying and the way in which the useless teachers seemed blind to that particular young character's suffering.
Why do K-dramas constantly portray their schools as having bullying issues, with there rarely being any recourse and with staff who don't deserve to teach; as though that's entertaining, acceptable and something to be proud of? It is actually shameful. I'm so bored and turned off by it too, now. Spoilt it for me.
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Traces of reality
A drama of peaks and troughs, in that there was a slower pace during scenes of plotting and vulgar celebrations while ordinary people suffered. The pace accelerated quickly during trials and action scenes. Excellent portrayal of threat, corruption and suffering in a dystopian world.There were actually references to the realities of the inconsistent S.Korean laws and punishment for crimes, where, for example, sentences for GBH and sexual assault, are vastly different when they involve alcohol. Someone abusing, or causing grievous bodily harm to another person, whilst under the influence, is not deemed to be in their right mind and so gets a lesser sentence. Yet someone using drugs, who doesn't affect anyone else by doing so, gets a hugely inconsistent sentence in comparison. Drunks even get away with murder. It is farcical and sickening.
The dystopian society setting for this story is multi layered. There are the filthy rich and country's most powerful, who abuse the poor, their position and are covered in bribery and greed; the ordinary, blue collar, working, middle class who are largely unaware of, or unaffected by, the abuse of power (apathy); and the poor, who bear the brunt, as usual.
There are horrendous examples of what it might be like if the wealthy ended up with total control.
The ex-actor President figure, with his OTT cheap rhetoric, greed, nationalist diatribe against foreigners and zero conscience, was like a cross between Trump and Hitler. The types in society who latch on to that and use it as an excuse to maim and murder, are portrayed excellently. Cowards and thugs.
An excellent, amoral, mentally unhinged, inferiority complex ridden and purely evil female character, who is a great puppet master, is portrayed really well by Kim Min Jung. The times I wanted to climb into my TV and punch her!...
The whole cast were great, with neither Ji Sung nor Jin-young overacting, although there were times scenes of grief were stretched out too far, for me personally ~ but that's down to direction, not acting.
The pivotal story of a fire years before, is always in the background. Ji Sung's cold, menacing and detached character of Kang Yo Han is really good.
I honestly wasn't sure about him until a lot further into the drama.
The dynamic between Ji Sung and Jin-young's characters was brought to life by the actors, who I thought worked really well together.
There's a little romance, but I never felt sparks between Jin-young and Park Gyu-young ~ a kiss was decidedly mediocre, considering it was between 2 people that had avoided their attraction to one another for years, over fears of wrecking their friendship, and were no longer teenagers. Their chemistry as the closest of friends, however, was really good.
There was a scene where Elijah was alone with Soo-hyun on Ga-on's rooftop apartment terrace and when they left, I immediately wondered how the hell they got up there (never mind down again), with a wheelchair (no lift). That to me is lazy directing. There were several occasions the story veered a little too far away from what would actually be possible.
Overall I enjoyed this drama a lot though. It felt great when Yo-han found loop holes to exact punishment on criminals, that those he was ultimately after, were trying to protect.
The power of the media (but also the need for it to be independent), of spin and of how it is more than possible to frame someone by manipulating facts, should be watched with a huge dose of caution about the realities of such things, which are prevalent in today's societies throughout the world.
Dictatorships brainwash and control their citizens. Those of us lucky enough to live in democracies, should fight to ensure life stays that way and be thankful for it.
It also spotlights the realities of baying for blood, when it's others who will carry out and have responsibility for taking that person's life ~ regardless of why.
Some scenes are difficult to watch, but fit perfectly, are not done purely for effect and carry a heavy message, if looked at as more than just another action/thriller drama.
The OST is near perfect too.... Huckleberry Finn and more, were a genius choice.
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