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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first part of the movie. It was somehow the background of the main
character and how he became his final self in the ending. However,
the second part of the movie was rushed, almost confusing, and it had
an open ending (that is a bad thing if they don't have a second movie
coming up...).
That said, the performances were good and the costumes were nice.
They did a good job with the atmosphere of the story, as it looked
epic and fairy tale like. However, the CGIs were not good and kind of
ruined the action scenes.
So, overall, 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 "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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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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Maybe I should start with those things that I didn't really like about this movie. First of all, there were some scenes were the movie was trying to be too much of an anime live action and so the performances were over the top. Also, the ending was not as magnificent as the whole movie was paving it to be. It just felt too easy, too simple. But there is still room for improvement, as the story left some things unsolved.
Overall, the movie was entertaining, nevertheless. The performances were pretty good and the action scenes well choreographed and enjoyable. The CGI were good too and the story's pace was fast and suited the mood of the movie.
So, eight out of ten.
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The first part was great, with a well constructed mystery, top notch cinematography, especially the scenes with the snow, the subtle and slow burn romance and the news broadcasting setting. The performances were pretty great from every actor and actress of the cast. The main couple, in addition, had chemistry, which helped with the odd romance.
However, the drama got out of hand towards the ending. There were a lot of cliche trops that were added into the plot and the mystery got tiring.
So, overall, six out of ten.
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For a comedy, it was solid, with many funny scenes that can actually make you laugh. And the whole story, even though rediculous, actually made sense. For a horror movie, well, it wasn't a horror movie. Even for me who can't stand the genre and can get scared easily, it wasn't scary at all. The vibes were good though and the atmosphere nicely presented.
The conclusion was good as well, although kind of cliche and cheesy. But I guess it suited the movie.
So, seven out of ten.
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