146
288
22
4
4
14
2
8
1
2
10
2
3
2
1
2
4
2
2
9
14
18
3
This review may contain spoilers
A teen drama but also a sort of heavy slice-of-life
(Spoilers at the bottom regarding a character's sexuality)Such a down-hearted and sweet ML. He's such a good-natured person that he sometimes lets things slide or doesn't stand up for himself enough when he should though. But, he is true to himself and his morals, and he does stand up in his own way later on.
The big "misunderstanding" was annoying but the payoff was perfect. The lesson was genuinely learned and the FL was apologetic and did better afterward.
This was a teen drama but also a sort of heavy slice-of-life. It's slow, but purposefully so. These are teenagers dealing with typical problems/more serious problems but also bigger things out of their control that they shouldn't have to face. It covers emotional/physical abuse, overdemanding and anxiety-inducing parental pressure, divorce, child abandonment, a form of self-harm, peer pressure, a victim choosing for themself how they handle things, bullying, etc.
It's about being more present in life, realizing what you can and can't control, and accepting what is and isn't your fault. Parental pressure and abuse is never the fault of the victim, but maliciously taking out that pain on others is. And you can understand why someone would act that way because of their horrible environment but it doesn't mean you condone or forgive the behavior. Life circumstances can get in the way of us and being with our loved ones but it doesn't mean the relationship is lost.
We do the best we can and we still struggle. But there are moments to cherish in our past and moments to look forward to in the future.
Regarding Representation: We had a Gay SML, Jung Oh Je, who had unrequited feelings for one of the MLs, Ma Hwi Young. He didn't have a lot of screen time but he was a calming presence and his character had an impact, particularly when the drama was airing.
The way they hint at his real feelings is nicely subtle in the background. Even when he doesn't have lines, if you pay attention and follow his stare you notice who he's looking at. And he has a very openly thoughtful yet guarded expression to him that speaks of someone who is figuring something out within themself that they are scared of.
I think they did a good job. Realistically the outing likely would have gone much worse but I think them toning it down helped in showing acceptance of someone's sexuality as being the right and natural thing. Even Ma Hwi Young wasn't really a jerk about it in the way he would be about anything else.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Doesn't follow the typical easy drama format
(One minor spoiler regarding the couple)I'm surprised by just how good this drama was. I thought it would be on the same level of ridiculousness as True Beauty but it's actually very real, sensible, mature, and genuine.
The ML is not like the typical cold and jerkish MLs who only later become "good" guys who are really still jackasses who don't apologize for their mistakes. He is nice to who he wants to be nice to and isn't to others. Simple. The rest of his "coldness" is just his sarcastic and dry humor he naturally has. He also doesn't fall for the traps set by the opposing FL like so many other MLs do. Not once. In fact, he catches the lies very easily and isn't fooled by crying or anything. That was so refreshing to see!
The misunderstandings between him and the FL are very few and are resolved quickly. He doesn't generally assume she had bad intentions or believe what others tell him about her outright.
Sometimes I got a bit annoyed with the FL but I understood why she still struggled with confidence issues and standing up for herself. And though she grew slowly I was proud of her journey.
The message is also incredibly well executed. We can diet to lose weight and get plastic surgery to "fix" our face but that won't necessarily make us confident or make everyone leave us alone/treat us as normal. In fact, it can bring more attention to us than before and cause new issues we never considered.
And there is nothing wrong with wanting to be skinnier or getting plastic surgery, just like there is nothing wrong with Not wanting to lose weight or Not getting plastic surgery. But understand that it won't make life perfect. It won't "fix" you. Your mindset is the biggest problem. And while you may be struggling with just being okay with yourself it isn't okay to push your insecurities onto others by rating their faces or judging them based on their looks.
Just a side note: There wasn't a kiss until the second to last episode and I didn't find myself caring one bit. I didn't even realize it until I finished the drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
There's toxicity. Nevertheless,
I started this without meaning to. I was just going to watch a couple minutes out of curiosity, probably forget about it, and move on to watch episode 8 of Romance is a Bonus Book. But, I watched the whole episode. Nine minutes somehow turned into over an hour.It intrigued me. From the artistry, great lighting and camera work, really cool creations, just enough subtly, to the right amount of flirty.
They had me. I was short on time. Nevertheless, I started this drama.
And you know what? I don't regret it. While I ended up disliking one of the main characters, Na Bi, I was still able to enjoy this by rooting for who I did like and just observing the character as a person I didn't necessarily NEED to like or understand. I could just find her interesting at the very least.
I was rooting for both Na Bi and Jae Eon in the beginning. Unlike most people though, by the end of the drama I was there for Jae Eon, not Na Bi.
While Jae Eon is declared to be manipulative and toxic, the really toxic person was Na Bi. And the ending only solidified that for me.
So what did I love about this drama? I loved that it was very out-of-the-box and didn't tell a typical K-Drama romance story. I also loved the soundtrack, the side couples, the representation I wasn't expecting to get that was incorporated into this very popular drama alongside the main couple and treated as normal all the while, the physical art, the acting, Na Bi's backstory, and the metaphors surrounding Jae Eon.
You know what upset me with the reaction to this drama? The level of absolute hatred for Jae Eon while Na Bi got little to no criticism. She was either seen as the victim, someone who was just being too easy and going with the flow, or someone who was just a bit toxic.
I have to wonder: Did we watch the same ending? Did we hear the same internal monologues?
Because I have no idea how anyone can walk away from this still viewing Jae Eon as the "evil mastermind," or "monster" who simply got his hooks in the naïve Na Bi.
Was this review helpful to you?
Reflection and Resolve
True to its title, this drama was a quiet, healing experience.I saw myself in both of the leads. Swallowing words down until you choke or, on the other side of it, smiling and spitting up easy nonsense to cope.
Unlearning years of repression of your feelings and the anxiety that comes as it fades all takes time. How nice it is to have someone by your side, willing to listen and stand up for you when it's all too much to bear on your own, and speaking feels like dying. Someone who promises to stay.
For a tender love and complex leads, it's certainly worth watching.
Was this review helpful to you?
Nothing's Right . . . With this Drama
Okay, let's make this quick!👏🎬
IT. WAS. FRUSTRATING.
😫
From the overall writing and samey expressions to the circular conflicts and overdramatic soundtrack.
And this ML had to be the most frustrating ML I've seen since God knows when! If there was an easy path in front of him, he would first sigh deeply, yell at it repeatedly, turn around only to look back at it wistfully, and then take a sharp left right off a cliff.
I don't recommend it. There's no reason for me to. If you want something kind of similar plot-wise, go watch Love Mate instead! It's not perfect, but it's WAY better!
Was this review helpful to you?
You will wuv it!
A real treat! That's what Me and Thee was. They didn't reinvent the wheel, but they knew what they were making and stayed true to their special style of humor.It goes to show you don't need to do a lot to do well. If your material is good and the actors are passionate about it and commit to each and every bit, it will show in the end result.
It was odd but loveable and more thoughtful than you'd think, just like the iconic Thee himself.
I was charmed, thrilled, and amused to no end. Every character shone, and you could practically see the steam coming out of people's ears and silly, heart-eyes popping out.
Don't underestimate or brush aside this one, just enjoy yourself already and watch it! Give joy and love a chance! Tis fun!
Was this review helpful to you?
Work-out murder mystery romance done alright
Note: .5 of my rating is me being generous for no reason. I don't know what to tell you, it just felt right.It was a bit awkward in terms of pacing/line delivery from the side characters, but when they focused on just the two leads bouncing off of each other, it was quite natural. I could buy that they were not only incredibly close friends, but so close they were edging toward the line.
And for a co-production between Thailand and Korea, it wasn't half bad. And compared to past offerings, it was leagues above them. Sure, Jay's entire circle of friends/acquaintances conveniently understood Thai perfectly while he understood Korean, so they almost never spoke the other's language, and thus, conversations were never a hassle for him. But it was honestly SO easy for him to communicate with everyone that it felt like the drama was aware of how ridiculous it was and was playing on it.
As for the "murder mystery," it was pretty ridiculous. But this drama was never meant to be some cinematic masterpiece or truly balance surprising darkness in an otherwise light story like either season of Love Class. No, it was created to be something silly and entertaining. And, you know what? I'm okay with that. Overall, I had a decent time.
I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it. But I won't yell, "You're making a mistake!" if you decide to spend your time watching this instead of something else.
Was this review helpful to you?
Holy shit this was so fucking good
What can I say about it (actually I have a lot to say)? It was a masterpiece! From the incredible acting and electrifying chemistry to the intricate and intriguing plot. I started it with the intent to finish it in about 3 weeks. Instead, I completed it in 3 days. That should tell you all you need to know.The narrative flowed well and the plot twists weren't just surprising, they also made sense in hindsight.
The first episode drops you right into the story and then proceeds to backtrack to the events leading up to the murder. And the chemistry between the ML's was already present as well. There were these wonderful intrigued stares they gave each other which created a solid connection and tension between them before they even really got to know one another.
I can't believe I waited this long to watch it! It was thrilling, shocking, horrifying, real, intense, sweet, and addictive. It reminded me a bit of Criminal Minds with it not shying away from dark topics and some gore but keeping some light-heartedness in it as well.
I especially loved how it wasn't solely a romance drama. The romance played a big role, yes, but it wasn't the main focus or the point of the plot itself. That's the kind of progress I want to see. See people, you can have a great drama with a great plot while ALSO having an LGBT+ romance in it. You can. So, make more of these please!
Us non-straight people like a cool plot that isn't just about falling in love too!
Side Note: Much as I like to see coming out scenes in dramas, provided they are done well and respectfully, I want to see more dramas where no coming out scene is even necessary. That was yet another thing I loved about this.
And also, the aspect of "I'm falling in love with another man, oh no!" wasn't a thing. And both Tan and Bun weren't mocked, ridiculed, bullied, or put down for being in love. Nor did they or their friends make "wife" jokes or anything of the sort. That was incredibly refreshing! It was treated as a legitimate and normal relationship like others.
This drama is a 10/10 in its blood. God, I hope we get more like this! Thanks to HIStory 3: Trapped for paving the way for this wonderful drama! Golden Blood couldn't do it, but (if we ever get it) KinnPorsche looks incredibly promising.
Was this review helpful to you?
Missing the Forest for the Trees
God, was this a disaster of epic proportions (and not in an entertaining way)!If I had to summarize its problems in just one sentence, I would say that they went for what was obvious and advantageous rather than what was challenging.
S1 of Only Friends was messy (intentionally), but there was more to it than that. It didn't just point the camera at its possessive, broken protagonist hitting on someone and then shove a cheeky third party in the picture. Through its leads and their problems and mistakes (romantic and not), they thoughtfully weaved a narrative about second chances. How you can't always tell whether they were deserved or not. How some people change, and some never change. Time is what reveals it.
Only Friends: Dream On seemed to look at the success of Only Friends and miss the core of it: This is about hook-ups and flirting in front of a crowd! It wanted the messiness without challenging views or casting any of its actors in a bad light as their characters. Likely because of changes in the crew and the creators wanting to make sure their fixed pairs didn't appear blurred, if you ask me. Which, if you're making a second season of Only Friends, should not be one of your priorities!
Predictable and safe. That's what it was.
Without intending to, they made one of their leads into a painfully oblivious villain, dragging others down and going back on his word, all the while bemoaning slights against him as if they were daggers to the heart. Meanwhile, viewers were meant to sympathize.
I could not find a deeper meaning here, no matter how hard I racked my brain, probably because there wasn't one from the start. If it was supposed to be "wanting someone you shouldn't," based on the conclusion, the drama seemed to disagree with its own messaging.
And what was originally a unique storytelling device: interview-like segments interspersed throughout to get a read on the characters' thoughts, became characters performing for the camera, and ended up feeling like an exaggerated, dragged-out wink and nod to the audience as if to say, "See what we did! It's just like you remember! Aren't we cool?"
Fitting for a story centered around a stage play to feel like bad theatre.
I'm disappointed and in the mood to go rewatch the original Only Friends.
Side Note: Rome and Raffy and Dean were the saving graces of this drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
Two Slow Blinks in Cat Language=Love
A feel-good drama featuring furry felines that was both laid-back and immensely heartfelt.As expected, even with as silly a premise as this, First and Khao brought their A-game! I grinned like a Cheshire cat, but also got close to tears multiple times.
And, you know, I could tell FirstKhao enjoyed acting in such a chill, soft drama. When I think back, up to this point, all of their previous works were really very challenging and dramatic! Here, they got to be a bit more playful and not take themselves as seriously with this script. Must have been a nice breath of fresh air.
In addition to how fluffy the story could be, I loved how warm the color palette was. Lots of oranges, yellows, and greens. It made the overall experience of spending time in the Cat-Cheer Café that much more inviting.
Honestly, I think they could make another season!
You may not write home about it, but I definitely believe you'll enjoy yourself watching it.
Was this review helpful to you?
Censored Corn
It wasn't "naughty" or scandalous at all. More like clumsy and trashy! Both regarding the story, pacing, and NC scenes. They had me questioning if anyone on set knew how sex works!!! Because most of the positions they were doing were not remotely believable at all (the camera angles didn't help matters either)! And for a friends with benefits situation that turns into more, quality NC scenes really do matter! The overexaggerated moaning only made me feel like I was watching a censored porno.Really, the only mildly redeeming thing here was the main ML, Kaji, being amusing to watch puff his chest out like a proud peacock and strut as though he had everything going for him and no one was on his level and then later whine like a child when things didn't go his way.
Needless to say, this wasn't a good time. Even for a so-bad-it's-good watch, I'm not sure I can say it fits the brief.
Thank goodness this was short so my suffering ended sooner!
Was this review helpful to you?
A Rose Petal Bed on Firm Land to Rest Your Weary Heart and Head
Present, embracing, and nurturing. That just about perfectly sums up this drama and the romance at the heart of it.Not only was The Earth so warm both with its earth tones and general concept, but the FLs love for each other as well.
In every word and action, stolen glance and direct stare, you could feel their tender affections for each other.
Their love was like the sun I gratefully basked in.
And the rally of support for their blossoming relationship from their close circle of people was lovely to see.
I do think conflicts between the side characters/antagonists could have been wrapped up better. Some wrongs were too quickly forgiven and forgotten. But the bad case of "love aggression" I came down with covered my eyes with a rose-petaled veil and made me forget all my objections/criticisms as quickly as they came up.
I hope you watch it and fall for this couple as hard as I did! Don't miss out!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Major SML Syndrome
Putting the romance aside, this was an excellent business drama that provided a fascinating inside look into start-ups, their complexities, and their potential. I admired the perseverance and smart decisions of the characters in their journey to run successful companies with a vision.As for the romance, to be honest, I felt like I got played.
We start the story from Ji Pyung's perspective and then later see his and Dal Mi's beginnings, how they got to know each other when they were younger and ended up where they are now. Ji Pyung lost his family and, by chance, found a new one in Dal Mi's grandmother. She took him in and encouraged him. Then, starting with a lie by using Do San's name to write a letter to Dal Mi, he formed a connection with her that ended up meaning a lot to both of them. They became a comfort and bright spot in each other's lives.
From that point, he is woven throughout the narrative and, at times, given fundamental importance. He has a strong bond with Dal Mi's grandmother, Dal Mi looks to him for encouragement, and he works behind the the scenes to push Dal Mi forward as well as advises her. They have a natural chemistry together, and without meaning to, Ji Pyung's feelings for her grow. But what happens when Dal Mi finally learns the truth that Do San was not the one who wrote her the letters, and it was actually Ji Pyung? She avoids both Do San and Ji Pyung, which makes sense. But does she sit down and talk to Ji Pyung about their past and what it all means? How much the letters meant to her? Her feelings? No. No, they barely talk about it at all. Even his confession is only touched on and isn't treated as monumental.
And for a character like Dal Mi, who is driven, independent, highly sentimental, and empathetic, I can't buy that she would disregard their history and not care to get to know Ji Pyung more deeply. I can't.
And it truly felt cruel that Start-Up introduced such a compelling ML with a tragic beginning, built him up, and almost encouraged him to put himself out there (as though he had a chance with Dal Mi), only to sideline and discard him in the end. He's always left holding the bat, afraid to swing. Or, when he does make his feelings known, he steps aside for others. Why? Because they have to make room for the real love interest? What makes Do San a more fitting love interest?
I didn't believe a word of Ji Pyung's small speech saying he was not the boy from the letters. It felt like the writers, yet again, cruelly twisting his fate, making him say things he doesn't mean because he can't get the girl; he's not meant to.
I'm left feeling heartbroken for a man who deserved more when I should have been on cloud nine.
Was this review helpful to you?
The Good Not Great Drama
The Good Bad Mother: How true to its title. The mother in this drama is portrayed as having the best intentions for her son, wanting him to have power so as not to be hurt by others like she was. But while pushing him toward this goal, she indirectly and directly tells her son his life is not his own to live; he is being raised to fulfill a dream she couldn't.Overall, I found this drama to be a genuinely healing experience. Through emotional gut punch after gut punch, this mother came to realize the full weight her abuse caused her son. When raising him, her intentional and painful choices were a gust of wind that would lead to a hurricane: The Butterfly Effect.
I am all for adults who have experienced abuse having the agency to decide how they move forward. Whether they attempt to heal that relationship with that parent (if it's even possible), keep them at arms-length, or cut them out of their life entirely. In this case, I could understand how Kang Ho found peace in maintaining a close relationship with his mother. For him, she understood what she did, and she had moments, even when he was younger, of her love getting across to him.
What ultimately held me back from rating this higher and embracing the message the drama was trying to convey was that I felt an in-depth, confrontational, and honest sit-down conversation with Kang Ho and his mother was sorely needed. Yes, she did apologize for many of her actions and express her regrets about how she raised her son, but, for me, I needed her to take 100% brutal accountability in person.
If you think humor would have no place in a story such as this, I don't think you'll enjoy watching this. I myself found many jokes out of place. Additionally, if you're not mentally in a place to handle watching scenes with parental abuse (including scenes where it is brushed aside or excused), I wouldn't recommend watching this. If you feel you can handle a topic like this and don't mind the mixing of serious with comedic, I think you'll find value in this.
Was this review helpful to you?
Perfection
This is one of only two dramas I've seen that made me feel unworthy of its greatness (the other being Stranger). That I needed to work to deserve watching it, which manifested in the form of my full rapt attention. Everyone is a mastermind, or, at least, close to a mastermind. Each main and side character is fully utilized, with not one person being forgotten or failing to play a key role at some point. The FLs aren't reduced to stereotypes, plot devices, or trophies to be won; they are portrayed as equals who are mentally strong and can fight as well as anyone. The bromance is a slow-burn epic. The dialogue is so well-written that I would not be surprised to know each scene was rewritten ten times so as to produce perfection, plant the seeds of things to come, and fill any plot hole the viewer could conceive of with their eager but small mind. This leads me to the point that I would be falling short of my duties as a reviewer not to stress: the incredible intelligence of not only the drama but each character and plot point. It is impossible not to root for everyone, if only briefly. The antagonists, protagonists, and morally grey characters are not minds you would dare imagine battling and are helpless but to admire. They point out flaws in their plans, consider each possibility with all the knowledge at their disposal, tactfully make allies, carefully plan not only their main and strongest course of action but multiple backup plans, and plot and plot some more.Nirvana in Fire is truly one of a kind. I can safely say it is the best C-Drama I have seen (and, for now, the 10th best piece of Asian media I have seen. Yes, it has skyrocketed to 10th place on my Absolute Perfection list).
NIF can keep you in the dark without upsetting you or being nonsensical. It doesn't try to be something it's not or pull you in different directions, nor does it lay all the cards on the table for the viewer resulting in its characters appearing foolish and unable to see the bigger picture. From the start, there is a hint of a goal that slowly becomes revealed and then worked toward in the light, with added revelations and events only solidifying it and enriching and adding more scope. The viewer only needs the patience required to allow it to unfold as it will, attempt to guess what may happen if you can, but simply: give it the attention and respect it deserves.
By the end of watching this, you feel as though a massive weight has fallen from your shoulders. And it is a relief but also terrifying to feel so unburdened.
I cannot recommend this drama to you enough. I thank my lucky stars it was recommended to ME. Yes, it is 54 episodes, each averaging 45 minutes. But I promise you, it is worth it. The only valid question to answer is if you are a dialogue junkie. Because if not, this is most definitely not the drama for you.
Side Note: And, let us not forget, this is the sexiest of Sexy Brain dramas.
Was this review helpful to you?
