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Not Good Enough
Korean Drama " Love in Contract " has a good story in theory, but the execution was weak.The dynamics between a strong, independant and girly woman and a moody, closed up man were spot on, for starters. However, the love story lacked pace, had few romantic moments that were added awkwardly into the story and, overall, it lost its enjoyament since it felt parcial.
The love triangle, moreover, was boring and the two leads had zero chemistry, which did not aid at all.
Also, the main character was annoying and acting immature most of the time, though the actress did a good job with her performance.
Finally, the drama got boring after the first episodes and messy when it came to its plot.
So, overall, two out of ten.
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The main problem with the drama was the pace. The skipping forward years in the future prevented the characters from having any character development and it just didn't help the romance at all. Especially the 14th episode was just bad, as it felt like they were trying to present the current situation of the characters in a fast and furious way, editing scene after scene and just blurting out that the main character now loves this girl, out of the blue, but that's that. No explanation was provided for their actions, no background and those four years in the future seemed like they four empty years (I mean even the flashbacks that the male lead was experiencing were from four years ago or of the same day, like nothing happened in those four years). Another factor that didn't really help with the love story was that the couple didn't have chemistry. They didn't have any solid heart-racing moment either. So, them getting together was just too random and forceful.
Finally, the characters remained the same as they were presented at the beginning of the drama. We knew the bad guys were bad and that didn't really change, although, the son did have some potential to demonstrate why he was the monster he turned out to be, a potential that was never really properly explored. The big boss and enemy of the male lead felt also more like a promise of a bad character after all. He sure was mean to the main character and seriously unlikable, but, in the end, his actions were left in the behind the scenes grey area. The main character, in addition, showed zero development. He even got a bit boring after a while and felt a bit too bland in others.
Now, for the good part of the drama. The beginning was just perfect. If you like melodrama, like I do, where the main character hits bottom and gets unfairly treated in order to stand up to his own two feet again and take matters into his own hands, then you are going to love the first half of the drama. The revenge plot was very satisfying as well, with a solid ending that was nicely presented. Though, it would have been nice if they showed how they actually managed to succeed, as the first part of the drama had focused on the struggles of them setting off. Another part of the drama that was pretty good was the characters. The members of the crew were unique and the drama didn't shy off from issues like racism and gender identity. So, it was refreshing to see those elements added in the plot. The female leads were delightful too. They were strong women, the one beautiful but a tragic character, and the other young, fearless, reckless and somehow, likable. Sure, she did some questionable things, but she was young and just too full of herself, so it was nice to see how the others helped her realize that her attitude wasn't always right and to grow up. I've also seen some other viewers not really liking her looks. Sure, she isn't the classic beauty, but, for her character, who was cool and interesting, I think she was just perfect. Finally, the OST was solid.
So, overall, six out of ten.
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First of all, the retro one, when the characters were young, was almost made to perfection. From the poetic cinematography, to the nostalgic feeling, to the presentation of that era, everything was perfect. The timeline did get a bit confusing at times, but that was mainly due to the focus on the present story. Still, the chemistry was over the moon, the love story was sweet, dramatic and moving, and the whole college life along with the family drama were all interesting and nicely managed.
However, the present story was a bit boring. There was a spark between the couple at the beginning, but that kind of died out, as they kept repeating scenes and events, the drama of the business and family matters took over, and the characters were thrown into stereotypical types that had nothing to do with their old selves. I mean, sure they were bound to change, but they still would have kept some traits of themselves, wouldn't they?
Finally, the performances were really good from everyone, but there has to be given a special shout out to the younger actors and the kids of the cast.
So, overall, 6.5 out of 10, because the past story was really enjoyable but the present was boring and predictable.
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The first part had an interesting story. Although the first episodes were a bit of a let down and probably could have pushed people away, the idea of the selection was entertaining and full of intrigues between the women (hence the girls war alternative title). The mean characters were plenty, and some of them were even playing friendly when they were in reality the worse. Some others had tragic endings, so the tragedy genre was plenty in this one. So, the girl's adventures and how she managed to survive the twists and traps that the other contestants set for her were entertaining and spiced up the story.
The chemistry of the couple was amazing, too, and they had a nice romance. Their romantic scenes were pretty intense and they had plenty of kissing scenes, which is often rare in historical dramas. Though, the love triangle they wanted to present was not as good and it was underdeveloped.
However, the second part was predictable. It was pretty much what happens to all historical dramas, the bad old aristocrats want power, the girl wants to protect the king, the king wants to protect her, and so on. The ending was okay, but boring.
Finally, the main character was good, but she got annoying from time to time, especially in the end, even though she started as a strong, sassy character. The male lead was pretty swoon worthy and he was a nice romantic lead.
So, overall, seven out of ten.
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HOWEVER the romance was weak, at least most of it. The story was okay, but they didn't explain what happened to the other characters from the first season. Especially how Joon Ki ended up with the guest house or what happened to his girlfriend. Plus, the side stories were a bit so so and sometimes, boring. Finally, the story at the end was rushed.
So, six out of ten.
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Other than that, the story was cute and I enjoyed the love story, although it was predictable. As for Jaemin, I wasn't really expecting him to be good, but his performance was decent, although he didn't give me the cold male lead vibes. Rather, he was cute and the kind you wanted to protect.
So, 6 out of 10 for this short drama.
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Good Enough
Korean Drama '' Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born '' is a historical drama full of music and stage performances.The drama has strong performances, which are the key feature of the drama and its strong suit.
Also, the music and the songs were all great, along with the costumes and the settings, which were perfect for the period and to create the perfect atmosphere for the story.
In addition, the characters were interesting, though the main one was tiring to keep up with and got annoying at times, but the rest of them were endearing, and everyone had strong chemistry between them.
However, the story was rushed and it didn't have an organic progress. The ending was open as well.
So, overall, six out of ten.
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Good Enough
Korean Drama "Run On" is a healing slow-paced drama with a realistic view when it came to the romantic relationships. However, the drama's story other than the romance was weak. They didn't really expand on it, the family drama was rushly resolved, the sports theme that was pretty interesting at first with the scandal, was lukewarm and the side characters were added here and there to provide coverage of the gaps between the love stories.The drama also lost its charm in the final episodes, with some boring scenes and a pretty slow pace. The product placement in this one was also ridiculous, with actual scenes being created for the sole purpose of the placement. Another minus of this drama was the fact that, except for the leading lady, the other characters felt pretentious at times, like they were trying hard to fit in the description of their personalities.
Other than that, the drama had a nice atmosphere, with a slow tempo and some nice aesthetics. The female lead was an interesting character and the performances from everyone in the cast were pretty good. The love stories had a realistic aspect to them, as well, which was refreshing and unique.
So, overall, 6.5 out of 10.
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The story was sweet and the romance was adorable and well paced. The couple had chemistry too and that helped a lot with the story. The idea about the do - it - yourself ideas and tips to help us redecorate our rooms and appartments was pretty clever and intresting. The main lady, although, at first, was a bit annoying, had a nice character development and she became more adorable. The performances were good too from all the actors and actresses of the cast, even the side characters.
So, overall, seven out of ten.
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In addition to the story and the well execution of it, the performances were really good. Especially from the girl, who was amazing. She played the coma state perfectly without overdoing it and she also potrayed her rehabilitation process really well.
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