Pure Enjoyment From Start To Finish
I'm a bit surprised at some of the negative reviews. I really found this series to be great in every way. It gives you all angles from the two main protagonists. I think the two actors in this are perfectly cast. Not only do they fit the parts so well, you can feel the chemistry building between the two as you get deeper and deeper into the drama. When Se Na has her first encounter with Laik, anyone who has idolized someone from a far, you know exactly what she's feeling. Soo Young delivers it so well.Jae Yeong is also fantastic as "The Idol". He makes you feel so much empathy for his character. Someone who had it all and in the blink of an eye, everything disappears overnight. He keeps you rooting for him throughout each episode.
I think what's a rare thing in this series, some of the antagonists in this story, that you really find hatred for early on, do a turn around and show some decency in their character, especially as you get toward the final episodes.
The one thing I always a negative in most series, is when time skips forward as you get toward a conclusion. Where you see that caption "one year later" ... right away I thought, oh boy, they just ruined it. But somehow the writing does a great job at keeping things in perspective. It doesn't turn out to be a negative after all and the final episode it truly an enjoyable sixty minutes right till the end. They keep a blend of drama with a touch of light comedy mixed in.
There's a line used at one point of the series that definitely explains a major story line of this drama ... "Sometimes people's hearts are hard to see, even when they're right beside you"
Excellently written and brilliantly performed drama!
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Strong start, but weak finish
At the very beginning of this series, it had fantastic story. An extremely entertaining plot with Ji Yeon, who was absolutely wonderful in this character, being as brilliant in this role like she was in The Tale Of Lady Ok. Her equal protagonist in this, Nam Jun gives a strong performance and it seemed to be a good match up to watch. Hae Sook is also spectacular as the aging grandmother. It's one of her best!!What also made this so watchable, was the evil antagonists spread around each episode. It also works well when there are people you have such hatred for, continually rooting against. Through all that praise, it sounds like a "10" ... but something happened 80 percent through the series. After the unbelievable shocking ending of episode 10, things started to change for me in watching it. The story began to become a bit confusing. At times, there were a lot of slow moving scenes, showing the same things that had happened, over and over again. It was still a good series to watch, but what really did me in was that final episode. To me, it was not a satisfying conclusion ... maybe the last five minutes were, but most of that final hour was not.
It was such a strong drama most of the way, so for that, I still give it high marks, I just wish it could have held that powerful story right till the end.
There was one line used late in the series that kind of sums up what these two protagonists go through ... "As you go through life, there will be torrential rains & bolts of lightning. When that happens, stand together and face the storm"
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A bit better than these harsh reviews, wow!
This series is really in a three different parts. It starts out more of a dramatic with a darker tone, but eventually goes into a blend of some drama and comedy, followed by true drama with romantic storylines.It kind of took me a while to warm up to the two protagonists, they didn't seem to have anything in the way of chemistry early on, but if you give it until the fifth episode, things do start to change for the better in all ways. The story gets more interesting, the cast begins to blend together, throw in one or two antagonists ... and from that point on, it's extremely enjoyable.
I have a feeling that some of these negative reviews were people not giving enough time to the story. In Hyuk & Jeong Eui really develop into a believable couple ... eventually. The later episodes gives the story an entirely new and fresh direction, correcting for anything you felt it was lacking early on.
The final episode is a dramatic and powerful last hour, giving you a nice conclusion to what really turns out to be a pretty good series. Things kind of go full circle, leaving you with a smile on your face at the end.
Little Woo Soo played by Yu Ho is absolutely adorable!!!
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Opposites attract ...
This is a very slow moving story at the beginning, but definitely give it a chance. It turns out to be quite entertaining with a good story line & good acting.The story is pretty basic, being attracted to and wanting someone you know it not good for you, but you can't help yourself.
Kaito Matsukura gives a great performance as a person searching for that special person that will give him what he's looking for in life, excitement and happiness. The problem with his character, Hiroto, is he becomes a bit blinded by what he thinks is love, but is really infatuation. Sone, the girl he wants, is so care free and such a wrong fit for him, but that makes him want her even more. Yuki Katayama is great at playing hard to get, showing a definite coldness throughout the series towards him. She does warm up a bit later on, but it's a long road in getting there.
I think my favorite character was in fact Ryo. Leo Matsumoto is fantastic as showing us his total disregard toward a truthful and monogamous relationship. He's such a smooth talker with the looks to back it up, so he gets away with doing or saying he wants. You want to hate him, but he makes it extremely difficult to do so.
Having been in Tokyo many times, but not actually lived there, this turned out to be spot on & very realistic for me. I think the writing, along with the entire cast was great. There's a line used toward the end of this series that applies to this drama ...
"Love makes everyone frantic. It makes them look pathetic at times"
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Money Does Buy Happiness
This is a pretty unique concept on superheroes ... each needing something to sustain their power. Money, alcohol & food is the fuel for our heroes to thrive.Jun Ho is great, as always. He gives just the right touch of humor and drama to make it work. I think if you're watching this to be a marvel comic story like series, you'll be disappointed. This is more of a "down to earth" superhero story with many complications along the way. The one big problem being money! Sang Ung needs money to give him his powers, but unfortunately he's always flat broke. So a recurring part of the drama his having him find cash just when he needs his powers the most.
As usual, you have your share of antagonists trying to stop the protagonists throughout the series. Chae Min, as the extremely evil villain, works into the story with perfection. He's so good at being so bad, you can't help but despise him as you get deeper into the episodes. There's many other people to hate, but he's definitely the strength of the supporting cast.
I think the only thing I found to be a bit much was a large chunk of the final episode. I think it went on a little too long. There was a certain point the story could have ended ... but just when you thought it was finished, it started up and began all over again. I think it was over the top. I also wish we had more of Bo Ah. She was just a flash in a few scenes, but it should have been more.
That being said, overall this was a really "good feel" drama/comedy with a very satisfying ending. Jun Ho adds another enjoyable series to his career.
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Ups & Downs Of A Family
This is a series that will grab you right away. It's kind of slow moving, but if you give it a chance, you'll definitely get hooked to keep watching. It's a bit of a complicated story with two brother in laws dealing with the loss of a wife/sister and having to rely on one another for several reasons. I think the one thing I found fault with, was that the main protagonist really wasn't such a jerk as the title leaves you to believe. Ippei has some faults, but overall you'll find him a pretty good person.Jun Shison is great in his role as the loving father of two of the most adorable kids you'll see. Every time they appear on screen, you can't help but smile, especially the little boy, Asahi. He steals every scene he's in.
The last three episodes definitely get a bit more dramatic, and it makes you kind of wonder how this will end on a positive note. It makes for a good final episode. I think the one thing I would have hoped for was a bit more of a climatic ending. It was good, but I was wishing for a bit more.
Overall, a feel good series from start to finish
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A bizarre Love Story
For me, this was such a unique, bizarre & mysterious series. I think anyone that went into this thinking it was going to be a horror or suspenseful thriller, because of the title, would be highly disappointed ...That being said, this was a drama that truly captivated me from episode 1, simple because you couldn't figure out where this story was heading. Episode after episode Dong Jin tries to explain the events surrounding Mi Jeong, but falls short to any conclusion other than she's a witch. You know that can't be the case, so you continue to watch, hoping for some reasonable explanation. It's along wait, but I didn't mind.
Early on, I think it's fantastic how they show us different points of view of the same situation. You get to see the different interpretations, depending on who is telling the story. Jin Young is so great portraying Dong Jin, a great character throughout the drama and he does such a wonderful job at showing us how not to give up on something you believe in. There are so many touching moments with him and his mom, played by Hye Jin. If you don't find yourself tearing up, there's something definitely wrong with you.
As we move through the later part of the series, so many things begin to come into focus. I think the biggest revelation comes when Mi Jeong explains how she knew of Dong Jin all along. He thought he was being so inconspicuous watching her, but she noticed all the time. Truly a great part of the story.
As you approach the final episode, the mystery continues, especially since the main protagonist is completely absent. It's taken down to the final minutes, but we finally understand most of what's happening. There's a few things left unexplained, but that's life after all.
There's a line said by Dong Jin's mom that really hit home with this entire series ... "The people we are destined to meet will surely come, as it is meant to be". ....
A very enjoyable series.
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Such a "Feel Good" Series
This series will put a smile on your face from the first few minutes, and you will not lose it right through episode 12. The story is extremely entertaining, not to mention the acting from Leo Matsumoto is brilliant in this role as a woman. I've watched him in several supporting roles over the last few years, and he was always entertaining ... but this lead role was done with perfection. I have a feeling you'll be seeing him in more main roles in the future.Haruka Fukunaga & Keisuke Kurotaki balance out the rest of the cast and both add a pure innocence to the story. They made a great trio, with a brief love triangle early on.
I guess if you want to find fault with anything, it would be there really isn't one antagonist through the entire series. You could say there's no one to root against throughout this comedy/drama. Usually there's one or two that try to ruin it for everyone else, but not here. That's what kept the feel good emotions coming in each and every episode. Had there been a negative storyline running parallel to the main story, it probably could have lengthened the series a bit more. It seemed to go too quickly from start to finish.
A great story with happy endings for all.
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Almost as good as season 2
I'm sure I'm in the minority on this, but I found season 3 an excellent season. If I rated all three, I would put season 2 the best with 3 coming in a close second. The story was great picking up were season 2 left off and the games were more "squid game like", showing a bit gruesome ... it definitely added a plus to the story.Kento Yamazaki shows a much more mature side this time around, all grown up, trying to save his wife, Tao Tsuchiya. They're a good chemistry couple, unfortunately half of the series they're trying to find each other, so they're not working too much together with the games in play.
The antagonists are another big plus in this final season. They give you several reasons to hate them, and even more reasons to want to see them dead.
I didn't find too many questions left unanswered, as people were complaining about. I mean not everything was explained, and some left to our imagination ... but I think they do a job job at wrapping everything up toward the end of episode 6.
I think it was great how everyone that survived through season 2 makes a cameo toward the end of the series in the last few minutes, just giving us a glimpse into their lives ... showing us they're still around.
"Why is life worth living?" is asked at the very end ... and they pick the perfect character, Chishiya, to respond .."Even if you don't know the answer, it's not so bad, is it?"
Sorry to see it end!!
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Comedy / Drama / Suspense rolled together
This truly was a great series from the very beginning right through the end. I'm always a fan of Kyung Ho and he did not disappoint in his unique role as Chi Yeol. He and Do Yeon make great entertainment together in this sometimes drama, sometimes comedy. I don't get the craziness everyone has for an advanced math tutor, the trillion dollar man, but once I get beyond that, this was extremely enjoyable to watch.There's much more comedic situations early on, gradually changing into a much more dramatic format blending with some definite suspense tones later. From episode 11 on, everything really takes an enormous change of direction. The shocking revelations that take place in the later part of the series makes for some fantastic entertainment.
Eui Shik & Jae Ha, seeing them in other roles, you really appreciate their performances in this drama. Truly impressive.
The rest of the supporting cast, Chae Min, Yoon Seo & Min Jae really complete the puzzle in making this a great series to rewatch a second time.
I think what stopped me from giving out a 10 as an overall rating was the final two episodes. I really didn't get the long lost mother showing up from Japan, creating a new drama story that really wasn't needed. Not only showing up, but her departure in the final episode was so casually accepted, it was hardly spoken of after her exit. We were still reeling from the shocking chain of events that occurred in the previous two episodes, it was not necessary at all to add that in.
That being said, this is definitely a series to enjoy. Great entertainment!!!
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Too Much Gore, Not Enough Story
This story seemed kind of intriguing at the beginning. I love a good horror series. It seemed to have a blend of shamanism with a touch of "The Ring" horror movie blended together. A count down of 24 hours instead of seven days ....However, there was real difficulty for me getting pulled into this story. At times it was a bit confusing and a little mixed up with the direction of the plot. It seemed to be focused on blood and gore. I mean, I get it, it's a horror theme, so naturally you need the blood and cutting flesh and all the good stuff that goes with it ... but it just seemed to be excessive, showing the same scenes over and over again.
It wasn't until episode 5 that the series started to redeem itself. I'm kind of glad I was able to stick it out that long, because there were a few times I just about gave up on it. From episode 5 through the final episode, it was a much more enjoyable watch. The characters become more in focus, as does the story, too ... all except the ending.
Not exactly sure what the ending is trying to suggest or hint at maybe a sequel?? but it really didn't work for me.
Overall, not a bad series, but could have been so much better!!!!!
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Packed With Suspense
The first episode sets the table for what you know will b e an excellent thriller ... I'm kind of surprised how many people mentioned in their reviews that there was complete predictability with this story. I found the exact opposite. You are kept guessing who the protagonists and the REAL antagonists are through most of the series. Your suspicions keep swapping back and forth through each episode. Other than Ha Joon's character, you really can't trust anyone.Jung Hyun, who I'm always a fan of, is incredible in his performance. He's kind of mysterious early on, but in later episodes he becomes dark and emotional with a disturbing tone. He was definitely a major plus with this cast.
To me, the sign of a good drama/thriller, you keep coming back for more. Having to wait each week for a new episode, it definitely tells you that the writing & acting was good enough to keep you on edge, wanting to come back for more.
The last couple of episodes there are a few things you kind of guess will happen along the way, but overall, a really enjoyable series with a very satisfying conclusion.
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Such unlikable characters
This is a story that was painful to watch. I found myself rooting against both protagonists. Neither one have any set of morals. Lying, cheating, and betrayal are their characteristics ... and yet somehow we're supposed to watch and enjoy this relationship deepen and develop through each episode. I just couldn't do it. I watched it, hoping for a different outcome, but it never happened. Nothing against the actors Hina Higuchi or Masachi Ikeda, but the people they portrayed were just awful individuals.Neither one of them felt remorse for hurting other people around them, just as long as they ended up in bed together. The character of Makoto Kusaka, played by Naoya Kusakawa, was so good in nature, making for an even more difficult watch as he was just cast aside by Mihono.
I'm glad there were only eight episodes to watch ... it was seven episodes too much.
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Dark & Brilliant
This is truly one of the most bizarre dramas you'll see, and from minute one you won't be able to stop watching it. Besides being dark, it can be a bit graphic and disturbing at times, and yet they still find a way to put some comedy into it as well.The entire five protagonists are absolutely perfect together, as well as the actors portraying these dark characters. They're a tight-knit family, and oh boy, what a family they are. Doo Na is so fantastic playing the mother, as is Seung Beom as her husband. The couple to end all couples. The kids are exactly what you would expect with parents like that. Lomon & Su Hyun complete this family circle with cold macabre acting. The perfect pair to fill these roles.
I think the only negative I have to say is that it was too short a series. Six episodes went by so fast, I wanted another six.
Thankfully I see that there will be a season 2, hopefully in 2026. Judging how it ended, you kind of had hopes they would return.
Dark entertainment at its best!!
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Good, but the story needed a bit more to sink your teeth into!
If you start watching this thinking this is going to be a deep story with twists & turns, you'll be extremely disappointed. This was a simple BL with a vampire theme thrown in to make it more interesting. The story does work and there's really no major surprises along the way.I wasn't familiar with any of the actors in this series, but they all blended well together. I'm sure we'll be seeing more of them as their careers get going.
I guess the one complaint I have, would be wanting more of an in depth history on how everyone came to be. How, where & when they were turned into vampires, what happened before and after being turned ... just the basic stuff. Nothing was ever really shared about that. I think it would have added as a big positive to the series overall.
In the end, things all work out for a nice happy ending, just as you would have expected. No stake through the heart, no dirt filled coffins. That would be for a different type of series!
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