Solid legal drama
Things I loved1 That it was a legal drama. Not only I love them but the competition theme speaks to me as I adore competition shows.
2 The actors. I won't single anyone since I found all good and while I won't check any other dramas from them, I would watch them with joy if they are part of one.
3 The characters. I loved how all of them found their purpose and decided to fight for it. I loved the relationship between them, no unnecessary angst and rivalry but rather respect and sane ambition.
4 The ending. I see many complain about the ending, but I thought it was good, realistic and not truly open.
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I was expecting much more
Things I loved1 The premise. I thought it was genius and that it would be perfect for some funny situations and maybe some deep thoughts.
Things I disliked
1 Everything else. Mostly the actors. I didn't connect with any of them and certainly not with the main leads. Something bothered me the whole time. Maybe the feeling that the ML wasn't happy or that I disliked toughly the FL actress. It felt like she thought she was some important character and she acted that way. I didn't find the cast endearing or funny. So at the end of the day it wasn't as good as I expected.
2 The ending. It should make me happy and it did in some way but I also felt depressed seeing the ML and his interactions with the rest of the team. His acting wasn't great anyway, one expression the whole time, but even his smile made me sad in the last episode.
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This review may contain spoilers
Difficult to review
Things I adored1 The 2FL. Such a beautiful actress and so talented. I wish she played the main role. I also loved her story with the 2ML. It was funny and touching and although I dislike the baby thing in any drama here it didn't bother me that much.
Things I loved
1 The premise. It was original and it had potential to be funny, interesting and moving. I think it failed more than it succeeded.
2 The 2ML. I would never imagine saying that after Love is Sweet where I hated his character more than anything. On top of that I don't find him attractive at all, but here he did a great job and I went as far as looking for his other dramas.
Things I liked
1 The sister. She was something. I liked hat she knew about the secret and that she helped the girls. I thought I'd hate her but it turned out I was wrong. I enjoyed her performance. The only thing that bothered me is the constant reminder that she is gorgeous. She's not.
2 The ML. This is my first drama with him and while at firs I didn't like him at all, little by little I found his acting fine and started to like him. I'm looking forward to watch another drama with him so I can find out if I really like his acting. I think he's also much more handsome than what he looks like here. So I give an 8 for the premise and the second couple and a little for him, otherwise it would be a 5.
Things I disliked
1 The serious aspects of the story. They weren't done well so I didn't feel much. I think the director and the screenwriter messed things up. Some things were cringe and I wanted to skip them.
2 The characters she used. I didn't care for any of them and that was the biggest flaw of the series. None of these characters was interesting or funny and none moved me.
Things I hated
1 The ML. She never made me care about her. I have felt more things in romantic comedies about characters who just have an argument. Here we are supposed to feel her pain but what I feel is indifference. I'm not familiar with the actress, apparently she is well-known and people love her but I found her bland and boring. Her delivery reminded me of school plays. Something was definitely missing. Maybe she was well cast for the supposedly less beautiful than her sister girl and I agree sometimes I found her totally unattractive but let's be real, she wasn't ugly either so it's not that the issue. It's her acting.
2 The death thing for the first character. Ridiculous is the best word I can find to avoid indult that part and the way it unraveled.
3 The abused woman. It was too dark and not well done. I didn't like the actress either so to me it was a NO again.
4 The third character was a bit better but again I don't think it was such a smart addition. I could come up with dozens more interesting characters and I could turn the story in a way that could make sense and at the same time move me and make me laugh.
5 The chemistry between the leads was nonexistent to me. I didn't see any.
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One of the best high school dramas
Things I adored1 The friendship between the three main characters. So heartwarming and natural, it felt like it was real.
2 The ML. Such a great and developed character and also the actor did a great job. He was funny and deep and reminded me of the years we all had to deal with family and friends and goals and we struggled until things became clear, well clear-ish. I will definitely check his other dramas.
3 The 2ML. What a natural and great actor. Both ML are handsome in such a natural way you want to hug them and you wish for them to be happy. His character was also well done and I will check his other dramas.
4 The last episode. I loved the old self-new self discussions. It was sad, moving and so real. I cried a lot and my heart still aches when I think about it. It reminded of my life of what we were and what we become and that there's no way to script your life. You have to accept that you may not have a choice, that you'll lose people, that you'll lose and find your way several times. So many things resurfaced when I watched this episode.
Things I loved
1 The parents. They were so believable it made me sad, happy, like they were my parents and I were an adolescent trying to make sense of family and life.
Things I liked
1 The FL. At first I loved her, but in the end it felt like she had great chemistry with both ML as a friend, but I didn't feel the chemistry as strong when it came to her relationship with the ML. Maybe it's just me, though. Her character was lovable and believable, I can't say the opposite, but maybe I missed something to make her my favorite. I won't look for other dramas from her although I won't discard one either if she plays a role.
2 The 2FL. Others didn't like her and I get why. But to me she was a complex character and she reminded me of some people I know. They aren't evil, they are great people, but they didn't have the chance to be themselves and had to fight to become their true self and while doing this they made mistakes and ruined relationships.
Things I disliked
1 The ending for the second couple. it was realistic, sure, but it was also sad in a way. I didn't want to be sad I wanted them to overcome their problems and be together.
2 The relationship of the 2ML with his new girlfriend. She wasn't the problem. The problem was that I wasn't invested in their relationship and it was like it was there to have a proper ending for all of them. It made me sad and I cried. Something fell off.
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I get why some love it and others hate it
Things I loved1 The fresh and original premise. The problem is I thought it would be a comedy and it turned out it was a mix of everything and anything and that irked me in the end.
Things I liked
1 The FL mother. I think she was a great mother even though at first I wanted to smack her.
Things I disliked
1 The FL. I thought at first I would love the actress and the character but little by little I came to dislike both. Sometimes I had the impression the actress was in a trance. Hearing her speaking put me to sleep.
Things I hated
1 The mix of genres that wasn't particularly successful. The sad vibe that was predominant put me off. I didn't expect that and it ruined it for me.
2 The ML actor. Oh God, it's not only that I find him unappealing, it's that his acting was as bad as the acting of the FL if not worse. Every time he spoke or appeared I wanted to shout at him to wake up and behave like a normal person. The "I know I'll die" stupid thing was unnecessary and made the whole series unwatchable. I wonder why I give it a 3. Probably because I think the premise was so unique it deserved it.
3 No chemistry between the leads. It's subjective, I know, but other than both make me feel depressed I didn't see anything that made my heart flutter and think they were meant to be together.
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My new favorite. 12 out of 10.
Things I adored1 The ML. I feel like his role was written for him. I can't imagine anyone else play that complex character with so much charm and talent. First time I anticipated an episode just to watch the ML. Don't get wrong there are some actors I truly love but here the ML is so fun, so charming, so playful that there's no comparison. It's like he enjoys every scene and he manages to never overdo it. I want to hug him, slap him some sense, but mostly he makes me laugh and swoon and that's what I'm looking for when I spend my time watching a drama.
2 The premise. I'm an author so anything that ahs to do with books is my absolute favorite, and here they delivered. Do I agree that an editor can make or break a book? Not really, unless the author has no idea where he's going and gives carte blanche to an editor. I hope no author does that. But do I agree that you have to find the right editor for you? Absolutely. That's when magic happens and it worked here.
3 The 2 ML. What a wonderful character. I adored everything about it and while at fist I thought I wouldn't like the actor, I fell in love with him after a few smiles and some actions that showed how good a friend, a partner and an author is.
4 The friendship between he two male leads. It's rare to see an actor play so well with another male actor, but here they did a fabulous job. What a treat. I dare say I adore more their friendship than heir love relationships. The writer did a wonderful job, so much so that I anticipated any scene between them. The humor shined, the camaraderie felt real, the whole relationship felt genuine, moving and again it was so funny. I doubt I'll find another drama with such a relationship.
5 The FL. I know she ahs her detractors and I couldn't watch her in the drivel Speed and Love, but she was great in Moonlight. I want her to succeed so much form the very first moment. She plays the genuine, smart, kindhearted girl who chases after her dream to perfection. Her best role amongst those of her dramas I've seen.
6 The chemistry between the leads. They are so fun and fit together. I admit, i find the FL has chemistry with lots of her partners but here particularly I felt like it was the best.
7 Mr. Xia. What a wonderful, adorable character. I loved every scene he appeared. I loved his character more than anything else in this series and the actor did a phenomenal job.
8 I loved A Xiang. A great friend and a remarkable character. I wish they had developed more her character.
9 The humor. I don't find often C or K dramas that make me laugh. I laugh easily but usually there are only a few scenes even in comedy that make me laugh. Here I laughed the most I've ever laughed watching a series. It was the ML and his great acting. Whether it was with the 2ML or the FL or any other character he interacted he always delivered humor wise.
10 The writing. Did it have some weak plots? Yes, absolutely. But at the end of the day, the exchanges were witty, deep, real and made me wanting more. I love the screenwriters and it's a pity they don't have many other dramas to watch.
Things I loved
1 The relationship between the ML and his father. It made me anticipated what would happen and it didn't disappoint. You could feel the love between them despite the problems. The actor who played the father did a great job.
2 The ML mother. She doesn't have a big role, but I loved her character.
3 The ML father. He wasn't without his flaws but the actor did a great job to convey the feelings of a father and a fellow author and I loved every minute of him acting.
4 The kisses. When they kissed it was great. The problem is that there weren't enough kisses.
Things I liked
1 The 2FL. A beautiful actress I was expecting to love more, but for some reason she never crossed from "liked" to "loved". I'm not sure of it was her character or the acting, but she rubbed me the wrong way quite a few times, although I wanted her to be happy. I didn't dislike her and I loved her even in some instances. I just didn't click with her as much as with the other characters.
2 The Chief Editor. I think she was great at her work, but I did feel something was missing regarding her performance as a mom. I'm on no way with her husband and I do feel she did well to keep her job, but I found her performance weak when she was with her child. She didn't make me feel anything. I also didn't like her interactions with the female author. Again her acting seemed a bit stiff compared to when she interacted with other people at her job.
3 Gu Yun Fei. I liked him enough, but never really cared what happened to him. He just was there to create conflict between the second couple.
Things I disliked
1 Suo Heng. The actress didn't appeal to me at all. Her character was okay, but the actress didn't deliver all the feelings I was expecting. Also, to some extent, her character also was disappointing. She didn't stand up for herself and I hate that. No matter who the other person is, if you feel mistreated you should speak up. She was an author, it's her job to speak with her words. I did wish for her to succeed though, so not a total disliking.
2 The other young editor. She redeemed herself, but I never warmed to her. She sided with evil and I can't forget that. She wasn't a mean and evil character per se but she wasn't a compelling character either.
3 The living together and be in love for so much time and still behaving, especially the FL, as if they were 15. I know that it's common in Cdramas, but here with such a plot it wasn't believable. it's a pity because this could be for me the most perfect rom-com. I loved that the other couple had a more mature and believable love life.
Things I hated
1 The editor Miao. What an idiotic and evil character. How on earth he ended up at this position is my question. I was happy he lost everything, and I was mad he still hadn't learned his lesson until the very end. I admit, it was entertaining to wait for his demise, but other than that, he was worse than evil, he was stupid.
2 The president Young. He appeared few times but enough to say I hate the actor and the character.
3 The relationship between the chief editor and Suo Heng. Something was amiss in this relationship. Not many things made sense. Are we supposed to believe they had feelings for each other? It felt like the writers didn't know what direction to go.
4 The main villain in my book, circulation director Liang. I hated him more and more with every episode. Much more than the editor Miao. He was a real villain and what infuriates me most is that he never paid any price. Why the hell? Condescending, rotten to the core and a puppet master. Every time he appeared I cringed and wanted him to burn in hell.
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So much shouting
Things I liked1 The premise. It's perfect for a fluffy, witty rom com. So many things could go right with such a premise and yet... I'll be honest, I thought at first that this would be a 10. I thought the shouting would stop after a few episodes. That the toxicity would turn to fluffy and humorous interactions. No chance, it stayed awful until the very end.
Things I disliked
1 The FL character. The actress is beautiful and I believe she can act, but her character is so passive and pushover I had to roll my eyes a million times. Who the hell thought it was interesting to make her so weak? Even when she rebels, it never lasts and she goes back to that stupid side of her who accepts everything from people who are there to abuse her. What the hell is wrong with the scriptwriter?
Things I hated
1 The ML. Maybe he's a good actor and a good person. I couldn't say after watching that shouting contest. I've never seen someone shout so much. I have a headache just hearing him shout, imagine having to act this way. Why the hell didn't he play the character in a more decent, believable way? No one in real life talks this way. I blame the director more of course, but still, the actor should take some responsibility for this mess.
2 The ML's family. What a toxic bunch of people and especially the grandmother. Thank God my grandma was a warm, not judging person who taught me to be myself.
3 The so-called friends. Not only they were awful finds but the actors did a lousy job. The characters were so over the top that I had to sigh a million times before watching another scene with them. But the actors made things even worse with their stupid and over the top acting. Awful people and actors.
4 The 2ML. Oh Gosh, am I supposed to like that awful person? Either that year actors didn't know how to act either the cast director did a lousy job. I think he's unattractive and untalented. He should disappear into thin air with the 2FL and never get in front of my screen again. Hated them both.
5 The FL. What an ugly character and lousy actress. Every line she said was like she auditioned in a school play for the more untalented actor. She wins hands down by the way. Her character was one of he worst over. So manipulative, dishonest, ugly.
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I wish I could rate it a 100 and it had a 100 episodes
Things I adored1 Almost everything.
2 The genre. Lighthearted romantic mysteries are my favorite series and I'm bummed I can't find enough in any language. This one was particularly good, much much better than the Australian version for sure, but also any other series I watched over the years. The atmosphere, the music, the decors, Shanghai, most of the cases. Everything was great. A true gem and a real pleasure to watch it. I even tried to slow down just to have something to wait for.
3 Wen li, the FL. I adored her character and the actress. She played her role perfectly. So beautiful, so elegant, gorgeous outfits. A witty personality, clever, generous, kind, with a sense of humor. To me she was perfect. I didn't dislike a single one of her scenes.
4 Qiu Heng, the ML. The only way I can describe how I felt about him is that I fell in love with the character and the actor. I can't imagine anyone else play this role. He was absolutely perfect. His smile, his way of looking at her, his sense of humor, his relationship with his team and all the other characters. I wish I found someone like him in real life. I couldn't find a single thing I didn't like. Not to mention his good looks and his way of dressing, Dashing.
5 The chemistry between the leads. Perfect couple. They both shone in their scenes together and my only regret is they didn't kiss more. That would be perfect.
6 Tao Zi. Such a great character and I wanted her to be happy. So brave and loyal and smart. I loved her. She was the perfect sidekick to Wen li.
7 Xiao An. Another attaching and lovable character. His romance with Tao Zi was one of the highlights of the series. So many cute and funny moments. I also loved how loyal he was and his relationship with the ML. That was one of the best work relationships I've seen in a series. Built on respect but also camaraderie and loyalty and care.
8 Song and Tan. I adored both. The way they came into the series, their relationship and their loyalty to Wen li and the other characters. They have been a big part of why I adored this series.
9 Uncle Xiang I want to mention him separately because he was perfect in his role. It was so clear he loved Wen li and he cared about everyone. His acting was truly good.
10 Su Yun. What a marvelous actress and so beautiful. I had tears in my eyes when we first met her and I loved how things evolved. She was the cutest and I wish her a great career. She shone in the series and deserves a big bravo forthe way she played her role.
11 The cars. I loved all of them. I don't even drive but these cars are so gorgeous.
12 The last scene. So fitting to the rest of the series. I won't spoilt it but it had everything: humor, romance, elegance. I wish it wasn't the ending.
Things I loved.
1 All the other characters. The aunt, the forensic doctor, Ru Qing. Each one brought something to the series.
Things I hated.
1 Hated is strong maybe but disliked isn't strong enough. I hated the way the sister story went. I didn't mind Wen li having to deal with this, it made her character more layered, but the whole script was stupid. Not their fault sine this is from a series and I think it was written by the author this way, but still. So stupid. Even with such a stupid plot they could have done something better. It didn't pay off in the end.
2 Ru Shan. Yes, we are supposed to hate him, but to me it was much more than that. It made me feel uncomfortable and it wasn't only the character but the actor. I guess we can say he managed to play his role well and maybe you are right, but still. It didn't fit with the lighthearted vie of the series. It ruined perfection for me. I can't give it less than 10 with everyone else being perfect, but if I had to rate only the sister plot, 5 would be generous.
In conclusion, one of my favorite series and I wish they'd do another season. I know they won't, but I can still dream. They created a family and I adored every member of this family.
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So sweet and addictive
Things I adored:1 The ML. I don't know how to express how great an actor I think he is. After Hidden Love I just fell in love with him and he didn't disappoint here either. He speaks with his eyes. No matter what I write I only can say that I just love him.
2 Her father. Such a great character and he reminded me of my dad when he showed how much he respected her choices and how much he cared. It made me miss my dad even more.
3 The second couple. I just adored them. So sweet and funny. I'm happy with the ending.
4 The whole high school years. It was such a great period. I felt everything they felt. The stress, the hope, the disappointment, the friendships, the joy.
5 Their relationship during these years. Just seeing him help with her backpack made my day each time.
Things I loved:
1 Their math prof. I truly though he was a great teacher and an even greater person. I had some great professors and I still miss my school days when I think of them.
2 The university years. I didn't love them as much as the high school years but I still loved them. There were some great moments, funny, sweet, heartbreaking.
3 His parents. I think both were great characters and it's good how they showed that sometimes problems arise without anyone be responsible. Just a few bad decisions and we are at the end of the precipice. I'm happy with how it turned out.
4 The ending. I loved that he went abroad, that she found her own path.
5 The FL character. I loved that she decided to stay back and follow her dream. I loved that she didn't know what she wanted, because that's how reality is for most young people at this age. That she was honest but also brave enough to say stop when it didn't work after he rejected her. I loved that she was an artist.
6 The SML. He made some mistakes that made me dislike him for a few episodes, but he redeemed himself and he was a good person for most of the series. Also he is handsome which, yes counts.
Things I liked:
1 The FL. I can't say I loved the actress. I loved the character, but the actress didn't do it for me. Maybe it was that sometimes she reminded of a ten years girl and that didn't work for me. I also founded her a bit unnatural. At the same time, I did like her enough to continue the series whilst when I dislike one of the main leads I drop the series. I just can't go as far as saying that I loved her.
2 The third couple. I didn't care enough but it was okay. I didn't dislike them, they just didn't have enough time for me to fall in love with them.
3 Her friends at the university. Again, I didn't dislike any and that's rare.
4 Her brother. I wasn't in love with him, but he was okay in small doses and he made me laugh in the last episodes so there you have it.
Things I disliked:
1 Her mother. I don't hate her like others, but I certainly won't say I liked her. Push your dreams to your child is something I loathe. same for favoring one of your children. But at the same time, there's no doubt she loved her children and wanted the best for them. Also, she ended up doing the right thing, so I can forgive her.
2 The whole thing with his father. Unnecessary drama in my opinion, and it could be better. This was too dramatic without really have the right ending. Something lacked. I wanted someone to pay in grandiose way.
To conclude. The best high school drama I've seen. I tried several but this is the only one I kept going back day after day.
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Great concept but...
Things I loved:1 The heroine at first. I liked the beginning of the story and how bold she was.
2 The hero. He was a good character and was never coldhearted or mean like in so many other series. I loved how he pursued the heroine and how he did everything he could to fulfill her dreams.
3 The main actor. He's a good actor and adorable. He played his role well.
4 The sister of the main lead. I loved her. She was adorable and a great character.
5 The parents. They were perfect.
6 The best friend of the hero. he was fun and loved how he changed in the end even though I wouldn't mind if he stayed as he was. To be honest if I wanted a relationship to be developed I'd prefer the sister with him.
7 The setting. Whatever has to do with publishing interests me.
8 The relationship between the male lead and hi sister. Their scenes were the highlight of the show for me. Both adorable and such good actors.
9 The clothes. Loved how the female lead and everyone else were dressed.
Things I liked:
1 The director. I didn't love him but he was a good SML.
2 The friendship between the three women. It was touching and felt real.
Things I disliked:
1 The relationship of the second couple. I thought she was too young and didn't need to be in a relationship at that point. The age gap was ridiculous to me to be even mentioned. There was no real age gap, so I'm not sure why this was highlighted so much.
2 The heroine. I didn't like her character after a while. I get she was upset and disheartened after his rejection, but it took so much time for her to express some feelings that when it happened it felt forced.
3 The main actress. She's beautiful and I thought she was perfect for a romantic comedy heroine, but after a while she got on my nerves. I didn't think she did a good job with the romantic scenes.
4 The lack of sizzling scenes. Maybe it was lack of chemistry or that they didn't put the effort, but it didn't fell as good as I hoped.
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Something different
Things I liked:1 That they had a one night stand. I'm a romantic at heart but I'0m fed up with heroines who behave kike children. You can be romantic, loyal, funny, smart and have a physical relationship with someone. Even one night stands. That doesn't make you less worthy of being a romantic comedy heroine.
2 The actress is very beautiful and I thought she was perfect for a romantic comedy. I'm not sure I was a hundred percent convinced about her acting skills, but I liked her anyway.
3 The main actor. He's not my favorite (Hi, Ji Chang Wook) but after having watched 12 series and more, I find that he's good in his role and I liked him enough to search for other series he played.
4 The game he played with her was amusing although sometimes I wanted to smack him.
5 The character of the secretary. Fun, quirky, adorable and I'm happy he had his happy ending.
6 The relationship of the hero with her little brother of the heroine. There were some great scenes in an episode that I loved. The ML was great in his role.
Things I disliked:
1 I didn't care about the mother. I see this actress everywhere and sometimes I like her sometimes I hate her. Here she was between the two. The whole conflict with her daughter was weak in my opinion. I'm sure there was something else they could find to create that particular point.
2 The relationship of the heroine with her little brother. It felt like the actress couldn't convey the right feelings or the character was written as cold which is even worse.
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It didn't appeal to me
Things I liked1 The ML and the FL. Both are charming actors but I didn't feel any chemistry between them. Something was lacking and their relationship never took fly for me.
Things I disliked
1 The concept and the mix of reality and fantasy. The story never managed to draw me in. It was silly and at the same time it tried to be deep. I don't know, I just didn't care. I didn't hate anything, but I didn't love anything either so to my book a failure. I think the problem was the direction, it wasn't good enough and it felt like it didn't know what it wanted to be.
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Worse than expected
Things I liked1 The premise. Interesting with much potential for a comedy and I so wanted to like it. But they dropped the ball right away with inconsistencies and a bad casting.
Things I disliked
1 Too many couples and the main couple took a back seat. Since they weren't already on top of their form this didn't help.
2 The ML. I didn't find him great as actor and I didn't feel he had chemistry with his co-star.
Things I hated
1 The FL. She was cute but not a great actress. Too childish. She was the big problem with the series.
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"Awful" can't describe how atrocious the ML's acting was
Things I liked1 The premise. It had potential that was ruined by the cast of the ML.
2 The FL. The reason is that she is beautiful and can act when the script helps her. The thing is though, that I've seen her in several other projects and I'm baffled about how different she looks. No matter how many times I watch her here I can't reconcile her image with how she is in later projects. I have no idea what happened but it's so weird. Other than a little expression sometimes it's like we watch a different person.
Things I hated
1 The ML. I'm not sure what other people watched but this was painful to watch and not only that but it felt somehow creepy to watch someone who looked like a child play a start and a romantic hero on top of that. His character was awful anyway, no development and just a yelling stupid immature person. Mean without reason and no chemistry whatsoever with the FL. You have to see the worst to appreciate what you have. He went on the top of my list of untalented ugly actors.
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Just not for me
Things I liked1 The five girls friendship. I love stories where there are several protagonists, especially when thy are studying or just start working.
2 Esther Yu. Not my favorite of her roles and I prefer her a goofball or a silly romantic character but she still was good, although I admit I barely recognized her at first.
3 The other three girls except the one with the bangs.
Things I disliked
1 The ghost thing. So unnecessary and boring.
2 The character of the girls with the bangs. Not only I found the bangs awful and the actress bad but the character itself didn't appeal to me.
3 The romance part was an aftermath and I get it, but it still bothered me. The problem with this series was that I didn't love anything. I either liked some things or disliked them and that's bad in my book.
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