This review may contain spoilers
Comedy, Romance and a Social Commentary. Just perfect.
Things I adored
1 The ML. I have no idea why anyone would thing he can't act. Same as with the FL, I can't imagine anyone play the role as well. I felt everything he felt so he must have done a good job. I never doubted his feelings for the FL and his character was a green flag from start to finish. He's handsome, sure, one of the most attractive people in the world if you ask me. That wasn't the reason I loved him. It was because he made the character alive and he loved the FL. He was always on the right side and did everything he could to protect her without hurting her. The break up was stupid, I'll give you that, but it was also logical. As the FL said, he was more miserable being alone spending his says in a foreign country at a hospital. I can't find any faults to the actor and the character. I wish I could rewatch the drama from the start and feel again everything. I will one day for sure, and I will look for other dramas with the ML.
2 The FL. She was perfection. I can't imagine anyone play the part that well, whether it was as a beautiful girl or as a less beautiful. To me she was beautiful anyway. She is a good actress. I didn't like her other dramas, not her specifically. She did a good job anyway. it's just that in this one she make me laugh and cry and care. I wanted her to be happy, I wanted her to be successful, I wanted her to have friends and be free from her burdens. I was with her from the first minute to the last. I was irritated by some romantic scenes that didn't go as far as I was expecting and wanting, but all in all she nailed every aspect of her role.
The role itself is one to stay with you. Who didn't experience some kind of bullying in their life? I consider bullying the unkind words, the snide comments, even her mother's behavior. So every time she suffered I wanted her to rebel and hit back. In some way she did and that is what I loved in her character. She was strong, she suffered, but didn't let them win. She did a great job when she cried, when she played cute, when she played innocence... I have nothing negative to say about the actress or the role. Great job and I wish she find such a good role again.
3 The relationship between the ML and the 2ML. This is how you give viewers something to love. You start at point 1 and naturally get to 10 without it feeling forced just to advance the story. I hated the 2ML at first and eagerly waited for the day the ML would fight back so I could see his fall. Then I started seeing who they really were, glimpsing their past and friendship, and my heart began to mellow.
Both boys were victims of fate, stupid decisions they had nothing to do with, and life. Still, I never expected to love their bromance so much. I was just as happy for their relationship as I was for the romance. I truly wish there had been a follow-up. Their relationship was so well done that you couldn't help wanting them to be friends again. Seeing them slowly start to trust each other again was incredibly heartwarming, not to mention all their funny moments.
The actors did a fantastic job, probably the best I've seen in a series with this kind of relationship. I have to praise the screenwriter and director again for their attention to detail and the way they conveyed all those feelings. This was one of my favorite parts of the series, along with the main couple's romance.
4 The 2ML. Where do I start? I don't have 2ML syndrome. Never. I can't remember a 2ML ever being my favorite; I'm always with the ML. Same here, I never wavered. That said, he's my favorite 2ML ever—not because of the FL alone, but because of his character and evolution.
I understood everything he went through: the dark phase with the suicide and blaming the ML, his feelings for the FL and realizing he'd never be the one, then struggling to move on and find another way to be happy. I fell for him every step of the way. Among the hundreds of characters I've watched, he's the one I'd most want to see happy.
At first, I wanted to smack him because I knew he was unfair to the ML, but little by little he became that perfect friend you just want to hug and make the pain go away. He cared for and protected the FL, stayed with her when she needed him, and pushed her toward her happiness. The staircase scene broke my heart. When he told her to run if she wanted to catch the ML before he left, my heart bled for him. Even his memories of the FL hurt. He was caring, honest, smart, and funny. He would be the perfect ML—just not here.
I loved how he stood up to the bullies and the "friend," even when the FL knew nothing about it. He handled the confession perfectly too. If the writer ever gives him a story where he finds love, I'll be the happiest. The actor did a fantastic job and deserves praise for making me fall in love with a character I hated at first.
5 The main couple. I know I've already talked about them, but after watching hundreds of dramas, I have to give their relationship a separate entry because I rank them in my top 3 without a doubt. They were perfect for each other. Even when they were at odds in the first episodes, watching them interact was a delight.
I'll be honest: the kisses didn't mesmerize me. I expected better. They weren't terrible, but they weren't up to the quality of the drama. That's my only complaint. Everything else was perfect—the little details, the way they looked at each other, smiled, held hands, got jealous, teased each other. Their chemistry was unparalleled.
I wish they'd do another drama together. My heart fluttered the most because they were the same age, so everything felt natural and rewarding. The fact that he knew about her made me feel she finally had someone in her corner. When he protected her at school, my heart exploded. This is how you create swoon-worthy moments that stay with you.
They're one of my favorite couples, along with You're My Lover Friend, The Love You Give Me, and Love Is Sweet. I loved the couple in Hidden Love, but the age issue always made it feel less perfect. Here, it was perfect from start to finish. Definitely one of my favorites.
6 The relationships. I loved each relationship in this drama. I mentioned most of them in other entries, but there are still some I need to highlight. The relationship between the three friends, the ML, the 2ML and their friend who died. It was so heartwarming to see, I loved every scene they were together. The relationship between the main couple of course, between the sisters, between the two ML, between the the 2ML and hi sister, and here I want to mention his mom as well. She was there for a few scenes but they were so well done and so real. The friendships at school and the relationship of he parents of the FL with the Ml and the teacher. The relationship between the owner of the comic book store and the FL and the ML. As I said all were done in such a good way I couldn't help loving them. Even the less prominent characters had their shining moments.
7 The humor. I didn't expect to laugh so much, but although there was a heavy topic touched the interactions between the characters were so funny sometimes that it lightened the whole heavy feeling that weighed on you seeing what was happening. There were so many moments, but randomly: the wedding, the dumplings preparation from the two ML, the friends of the ML and the 2Ml teasing them, the teacher and his difficulty to deal with his fierce girlfriend. They even managed to make cute and funny the drunk scene with the ML. I hate drinking and the culture of it, but he was so cute and the dialogue so funny.
But the humor was also in the exaggeration like when the 2Ml talked about himself, or the scene the father saw them kissing at the ML?s house, or the hospital scenes between the ML and the 2ML. Another one with the ghost story as well as the hiding of the FL at the hospital. I'm sure I forget a lot, but all on all it was a fun drama and as I said I didn't expect that.
8 The details. What made me adore this drama are the details. The screenwriter and the director don't leave anything that they don't put care in. from their past to the connection to the future, the first snow story, the scenes they chose to show how their love for the FL grew or how the FL felt, everything is quasi perfect. My heart felt everything every time. The way they ended together in bed, the way every episode ends, the way the relationships are repaired or break. Everything is meticulously done. I loved that they didn't kiss while he was drunk and they made love after a few hours had gone by.
9 The ending. I think I read that some found the ending rushed or didn't like it. I thought it was perfect. We had time to tie all loose ends and we had enough time with the main couple to be happy for them and with them. The wedding, the friendships all was there. Most of all we had the chance to see the 2MLwith the FL and with the ML and feel that everything will go well. Was it also heartbreaking for the 2ML? Of course, but it couldn't finish any other way. I loved the comic book store scenes, it was the perfect way to end it for the main couple. I also loved that we saw them, well, saw is a big word, but we imagined them making love. To me it would be unfinished if they wouldn't act this way after so many years in love. So to me it was the perfect ending. I would rank it on the top 3 of all the endings I've watched and I watched a lot.
Things I loved
1 The premise. I thought it'd be difficult to make it work, but I was so wrong. They did a fabulous job. Everyone played so well their part that it was believable and got me laugh, cry, yell. I felt everything they wanted to convey in each and every scene and to be honest I don't remember any other series that made me feel so different emotions and so deep. Kudos to the writer, the screenwriter, the director and the cast. I wish I could start over.
2 The sister. At first, she got on my nerves but little by little I loved her. The actress is beautiful and she truly embodied the character. I won't deny that some scenes irritated me, especially those that had to do with drinking, but at the end of the day, she was a good person. A good sister, a smart and dynamic career woman and she had principles. There's nothing really that could make me dislike her. I loved that she was different from all Kheroines, but also different from her sister. It was interesting to see the dynamic.
3 The brother. Another character who irritated me at first and whom I loved in the end. That's something the screenwriter needs to be praised. That all the characters show growth. He was funny and touching and it was sweet to watch him interact with the 2ML's sister. I also loved his relationship with the FL. He got me in tears a few times when she was suffering and he was there for her any way he could.
4 The school days. It was interesting and well done. From bromances to female friendships and from teacher student relationships to romantic relationships, every bit helped paint a canvas that was interesting and vibrant. I loved every interaction happening at school even when it was heartbreaking because that's what gave the series its value.
5 The sister of the 2ML. Although she didn't have many scenes, she was great in these. I loved how naturally she came to interact with the FL and of course her relationship with her brother. I also loved how she was with the FL's brother and how they left things, it was cute and logical at the same time and I loved that they didn't force any romance. We can leave it to our imagination.
6 The wedding of the sister of the FL. Oh, my god, it was over the top but so funny. I can't believe the things that happened. So ridiculous and at the same time so well done and fitted to the tone of the series and the character of the bride. The bride was also very beautiful and the kiss scene the cherry on the top.
7 That they didn't follow the novel to the letter. I never read the novel but it seems that the FL dates the 2ML when the ML is abroad. Thank goodness they didn't go there. I would have hated that. They gave us enough interactions to make us feel for the 2ML without crossing a line. I know in real life things could go otherwise, but I'm not watching dramas with romance to experience real life. Give me realistic scenes for everything except romance. I want the romance to be ideal and make my heart flutter. That's all. I loved the 2ML but if they had kissed or dated I'd be devastated, so thank you to those who decided against it.
Things I liked
1 The mother of the FL. I won't lie, for at least half the episodes I wanted to smack her. I understood her problems with her husband, but what did that have to do with the children, especially the FL? I felt so sorry for her having such an abrasive mother. But they did a great job redeeming her. She also had some funny scenes. That said, she irritated me so many times that I can't say I loved her. I liked her, though.
2 The father of the FL. Honestly, he must be one of the characters I don't know how to rate. He loved his children and was a decent person. Then again, he caused so many issues for his family, it's a miracle he could stay. I loved his interactions with the FL and his other children, and the funny moments with the ML when he stayed at his house. He was a decent person, and that counts. I wish we could have seen some success for him, but well, this stayed realistic.
3 The relationship of the sister of the FL and the teacher. It wasn't perfect, but it had its moments, and it was sweet how lost he was when he met her. I loved that he accepted her and didn't try to change her. I loved that both were ready to work on their differences, and there were many instances when this happened. Some were touching, some funny, but so good to see.
4 The friendship between the FL and Su Jin. That's a tough one because there were things I loved and things I hated, so I'll go with the middle. I wasn't happy with how their relationship evolved. I was fuming and wanted the FL to never speak to that "friend" again. But it wasn't in the FL's character to hold a grudge forever, so staying true to who she was, she had to forgive her. I wouldn't. I can't forget the pain the FL went through because of her jealousy, and even her abusive father doesn't make me forget or forgive.
That said, I was happy to see her apologize and turn a new leaf. Seeing the three friends reunite was touching, but I couldn't help thinking I'd do exactly what the FL did, and that leaves me with a bitter taste. You can't break someone's heart and expect everything to remain intact.
Things I disliked
1 The father of the ML. I was happy for him to get closer to his father, but to be honest to me it felt more like the character of the father was there to serve for the breakup and the suicide story. Did I mind? No, not really. It was well done and not so on the nose so it was good. It just wasn't rewarding that in the end he paid, but the ML also paid. Why would he have to upend his life for a father who was never the father he deserved?
Things I hated
1 The bullying. That was hard. It's such a hard topic for me I had trouble watching some scenes. But it was also good to remember what students all over the world go though. I wish the teachers had more to say about it and I wish the stupid students who perpetrated that paid one way or another. They got off unscathed other than the scolding and threatening from the 2ML. He was great, but it wasn't enough for me. These girls never learned a lesson and seeing they continued to harass the transferring student even later in the drama was frustrating to say the least. I wanted to kick their behind so badly. So sensitive topic, dealt quite well, but not deep enough.
1 The ML. I have no idea why anyone would thing he can't act. Same as with the FL, I can't imagine anyone play the role as well. I felt everything he felt so he must have done a good job. I never doubted his feelings for the FL and his character was a green flag from start to finish. He's handsome, sure, one of the most attractive people in the world if you ask me. That wasn't the reason I loved him. It was because he made the character alive and he loved the FL. He was always on the right side and did everything he could to protect her without hurting her. The break up was stupid, I'll give you that, but it was also logical. As the FL said, he was more miserable being alone spending his says in a foreign country at a hospital. I can't find any faults to the actor and the character. I wish I could rewatch the drama from the start and feel again everything. I will one day for sure, and I will look for other dramas with the ML.
2 The FL. She was perfection. I can't imagine anyone play the part that well, whether it was as a beautiful girl or as a less beautiful. To me she was beautiful anyway. She is a good actress. I didn't like her other dramas, not her specifically. She did a good job anyway. it's just that in this one she make me laugh and cry and care. I wanted her to be happy, I wanted her to be successful, I wanted her to have friends and be free from her burdens. I was with her from the first minute to the last. I was irritated by some romantic scenes that didn't go as far as I was expecting and wanting, but all in all she nailed every aspect of her role.
The role itself is one to stay with you. Who didn't experience some kind of bullying in their life? I consider bullying the unkind words, the snide comments, even her mother's behavior. So every time she suffered I wanted her to rebel and hit back. In some way she did and that is what I loved in her character. She was strong, she suffered, but didn't let them win. She did a great job when she cried, when she played cute, when she played innocence... I have nothing negative to say about the actress or the role. Great job and I wish she find such a good role again.
3 The relationship between the ML and the 2ML. This is how you give viewers something to love. You start at point 1 and naturally get to 10 without it feeling forced just to advance the story. I hated the 2ML at first and eagerly waited for the day the ML would fight back so I could see his fall. Then I started seeing who they really were, glimpsing their past and friendship, and my heart began to mellow.
Both boys were victims of fate, stupid decisions they had nothing to do with, and life. Still, I never expected to love their bromance so much. I was just as happy for their relationship as I was for the romance. I truly wish there had been a follow-up. Their relationship was so well done that you couldn't help wanting them to be friends again. Seeing them slowly start to trust each other again was incredibly heartwarming, not to mention all their funny moments.
The actors did a fantastic job, probably the best I've seen in a series with this kind of relationship. I have to praise the screenwriter and director again for their attention to detail and the way they conveyed all those feelings. This was one of my favorite parts of the series, along with the main couple's romance.
4 The 2ML. Where do I start? I don't have 2ML syndrome. Never. I can't remember a 2ML ever being my favorite; I'm always with the ML. Same here, I never wavered. That said, he's my favorite 2ML ever—not because of the FL alone, but because of his character and evolution.
I understood everything he went through: the dark phase with the suicide and blaming the ML, his feelings for the FL and realizing he'd never be the one, then struggling to move on and find another way to be happy. I fell for him every step of the way. Among the hundreds of characters I've watched, he's the one I'd most want to see happy.
At first, I wanted to smack him because I knew he was unfair to the ML, but little by little he became that perfect friend you just want to hug and make the pain go away. He cared for and protected the FL, stayed with her when she needed him, and pushed her toward her happiness. The staircase scene broke my heart. When he told her to run if she wanted to catch the ML before he left, my heart bled for him. Even his memories of the FL hurt. He was caring, honest, smart, and funny. He would be the perfect ML—just not here.
I loved how he stood up to the bullies and the "friend," even when the FL knew nothing about it. He handled the confession perfectly too. If the writer ever gives him a story where he finds love, I'll be the happiest. The actor did a fantastic job and deserves praise for making me fall in love with a character I hated at first.
5 The main couple. I know I've already talked about them, but after watching hundreds of dramas, I have to give their relationship a separate entry because I rank them in my top 3 without a doubt. They were perfect for each other. Even when they were at odds in the first episodes, watching them interact was a delight.
I'll be honest: the kisses didn't mesmerize me. I expected better. They weren't terrible, but they weren't up to the quality of the drama. That's my only complaint. Everything else was perfect—the little details, the way they looked at each other, smiled, held hands, got jealous, teased each other. Their chemistry was unparalleled.
I wish they'd do another drama together. My heart fluttered the most because they were the same age, so everything felt natural and rewarding. The fact that he knew about her made me feel she finally had someone in her corner. When he protected her at school, my heart exploded. This is how you create swoon-worthy moments that stay with you.
They're one of my favorite couples, along with You're My Lover Friend, The Love You Give Me, and Love Is Sweet. I loved the couple in Hidden Love, but the age issue always made it feel less perfect. Here, it was perfect from start to finish. Definitely one of my favorites.
6 The relationships. I loved each relationship in this drama. I mentioned most of them in other entries, but there are still some I need to highlight. The relationship between the three friends, the ML, the 2ML and their friend who died. It was so heartwarming to see, I loved every scene they were together. The relationship between the main couple of course, between the sisters, between the two ML, between the the 2ML and hi sister, and here I want to mention his mom as well. She was there for a few scenes but they were so well done and so real. The friendships at school and the relationship of he parents of the FL with the Ml and the teacher. The relationship between the owner of the comic book store and the FL and the ML. As I said all were done in such a good way I couldn't help loving them. Even the less prominent characters had their shining moments.
7 The humor. I didn't expect to laugh so much, but although there was a heavy topic touched the interactions between the characters were so funny sometimes that it lightened the whole heavy feeling that weighed on you seeing what was happening. There were so many moments, but randomly: the wedding, the dumplings preparation from the two ML, the friends of the ML and the 2Ml teasing them, the teacher and his difficulty to deal with his fierce girlfriend. They even managed to make cute and funny the drunk scene with the ML. I hate drinking and the culture of it, but he was so cute and the dialogue so funny.
But the humor was also in the exaggeration like when the 2Ml talked about himself, or the scene the father saw them kissing at the ML?s house, or the hospital scenes between the ML and the 2ML. Another one with the ghost story as well as the hiding of the FL at the hospital. I'm sure I forget a lot, but all on all it was a fun drama and as I said I didn't expect that.
8 The details. What made me adore this drama are the details. The screenwriter and the director don't leave anything that they don't put care in. from their past to the connection to the future, the first snow story, the scenes they chose to show how their love for the FL grew or how the FL felt, everything is quasi perfect. My heart felt everything every time. The way they ended together in bed, the way every episode ends, the way the relationships are repaired or break. Everything is meticulously done. I loved that they didn't kiss while he was drunk and they made love after a few hours had gone by.
9 The ending. I think I read that some found the ending rushed or didn't like it. I thought it was perfect. We had time to tie all loose ends and we had enough time with the main couple to be happy for them and with them. The wedding, the friendships all was there. Most of all we had the chance to see the 2MLwith the FL and with the ML and feel that everything will go well. Was it also heartbreaking for the 2ML? Of course, but it couldn't finish any other way. I loved the comic book store scenes, it was the perfect way to end it for the main couple. I also loved that we saw them, well, saw is a big word, but we imagined them making love. To me it would be unfinished if they wouldn't act this way after so many years in love. So to me it was the perfect ending. I would rank it on the top 3 of all the endings I've watched and I watched a lot.
Things I loved
1 The premise. I thought it'd be difficult to make it work, but I was so wrong. They did a fabulous job. Everyone played so well their part that it was believable and got me laugh, cry, yell. I felt everything they wanted to convey in each and every scene and to be honest I don't remember any other series that made me feel so different emotions and so deep. Kudos to the writer, the screenwriter, the director and the cast. I wish I could start over.
2 The sister. At first, she got on my nerves but little by little I loved her. The actress is beautiful and she truly embodied the character. I won't deny that some scenes irritated me, especially those that had to do with drinking, but at the end of the day, she was a good person. A good sister, a smart and dynamic career woman and she had principles. There's nothing really that could make me dislike her. I loved that she was different from all Kheroines, but also different from her sister. It was interesting to see the dynamic.
3 The brother. Another character who irritated me at first and whom I loved in the end. That's something the screenwriter needs to be praised. That all the characters show growth. He was funny and touching and it was sweet to watch him interact with the 2ML's sister. I also loved his relationship with the FL. He got me in tears a few times when she was suffering and he was there for her any way he could.
4 The school days. It was interesting and well done. From bromances to female friendships and from teacher student relationships to romantic relationships, every bit helped paint a canvas that was interesting and vibrant. I loved every interaction happening at school even when it was heartbreaking because that's what gave the series its value.
5 The sister of the 2ML. Although she didn't have many scenes, she was great in these. I loved how naturally she came to interact with the FL and of course her relationship with her brother. I also loved how she was with the FL's brother and how they left things, it was cute and logical at the same time and I loved that they didn't force any romance. We can leave it to our imagination.
6 The wedding of the sister of the FL. Oh, my god, it was over the top but so funny. I can't believe the things that happened. So ridiculous and at the same time so well done and fitted to the tone of the series and the character of the bride. The bride was also very beautiful and the kiss scene the cherry on the top.
7 That they didn't follow the novel to the letter. I never read the novel but it seems that the FL dates the 2ML when the ML is abroad. Thank goodness they didn't go there. I would have hated that. They gave us enough interactions to make us feel for the 2ML without crossing a line. I know in real life things could go otherwise, but I'm not watching dramas with romance to experience real life. Give me realistic scenes for everything except romance. I want the romance to be ideal and make my heart flutter. That's all. I loved the 2ML but if they had kissed or dated I'd be devastated, so thank you to those who decided against it.
Things I liked
1 The mother of the FL. I won't lie, for at least half the episodes I wanted to smack her. I understood her problems with her husband, but what did that have to do with the children, especially the FL? I felt so sorry for her having such an abrasive mother. But they did a great job redeeming her. She also had some funny scenes. That said, she irritated me so many times that I can't say I loved her. I liked her, though.
2 The father of the FL. Honestly, he must be one of the characters I don't know how to rate. He loved his children and was a decent person. Then again, he caused so many issues for his family, it's a miracle he could stay. I loved his interactions with the FL and his other children, and the funny moments with the ML when he stayed at his house. He was a decent person, and that counts. I wish we could have seen some success for him, but well, this stayed realistic.
3 The relationship of the sister of the FL and the teacher. It wasn't perfect, but it had its moments, and it was sweet how lost he was when he met her. I loved that he accepted her and didn't try to change her. I loved that both were ready to work on their differences, and there were many instances when this happened. Some were touching, some funny, but so good to see.
4 The friendship between the FL and Su Jin. That's a tough one because there were things I loved and things I hated, so I'll go with the middle. I wasn't happy with how their relationship evolved. I was fuming and wanted the FL to never speak to that "friend" again. But it wasn't in the FL's character to hold a grudge forever, so staying true to who she was, she had to forgive her. I wouldn't. I can't forget the pain the FL went through because of her jealousy, and even her abusive father doesn't make me forget or forgive.
That said, I was happy to see her apologize and turn a new leaf. Seeing the three friends reunite was touching, but I couldn't help thinking I'd do exactly what the FL did, and that leaves me with a bitter taste. You can't break someone's heart and expect everything to remain intact.
Things I disliked
1 The father of the ML. I was happy for him to get closer to his father, but to be honest to me it felt more like the character of the father was there to serve for the breakup and the suicide story. Did I mind? No, not really. It was well done and not so on the nose so it was good. It just wasn't rewarding that in the end he paid, but the ML also paid. Why would he have to upend his life for a father who was never the father he deserved?
Things I hated
1 The bullying. That was hard. It's such a hard topic for me I had trouble watching some scenes. But it was also good to remember what students all over the world go though. I wish the teachers had more to say about it and I wish the stupid students who perpetrated that paid one way or another. They got off unscathed other than the scolding and threatening from the 2ML. He was great, but it wasn't enough for me. These girls never learned a lesson and seeing they continued to harass the transferring student even later in the drama was frustrating to say the least. I wanted to kick their behind so badly. So sensitive topic, dealt quite well, but not deep enough.
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