Zirae

Finally something refreshing and original comes along and surprisingly, it’s actually also really good. There’s a lot of social commentary about societal expectations and double standards for men and women conveyed here in a story that is humorous in being the mirror world to ours (literally as roles and prejudices between men and women reverse). We really see how perverse (and ridiculous) our society is when the tables are turned in this imaginary world where men have the lower status with women having the power and control over men. The relationship dynamics between the fm&ml grow in surprising and beautiful ways as they adapt and learn from each each other and their respective worlds. Their chemistry is also spot-on. This is no ordinary run of the mill drama. It’s refreshing, creative, has a point of view and is not afraid to make a social commentary on the female and male imbalances in the world. Everything seems like a funny joke until you realize that what seems ridiculous when imposed on men is actually the norm for women in most parts of the world. Two more episodes to go, but so far it’s far surpassed my expectations as I’ve been seeing so many over-censored and dummed-down Cdramas lately that it’s nice to finally have one with substance.

For those thinking, should I waste my precious time and eyeballs watching another long Chinese historical drama, the answer is yes, yes, yes! It’s one of the few great shows out there that does not deplete brain cells, drag on just to take up more episodes, or make you question your sanity because you’re constantly upset by the stupidity of the characters and their ridiculous actions. It’s a great drama with bad a** and intelligent female characters, topped off with a happy ending.

It seems he picks really good scripts, or maybe he’s just really good in his roles because all of the dramas he’s been in have high ratings on here. I’ve seen three of his shows so far and he’s been good in all of them.

Everything is cliche and predictable. The only thing that’s really different is the mother in law is really lovely, unlike the stereotypical plots. You’re not really missing much if you skip all the way to the end, but even that is predictable. It’s ok, but I didn’t find myself really getting into the story since all the women were so stereotypically catty toward the lead. I liked her best friend a lot and felt so empathetic towards her. That second fm lead is so gorgeous and a great character that I wished she was the lead instead. Otherwise the fm and ml were a let down somewhat. Same cookie cutter type characters.

Generally finishing up what you start is a good trait :)

*FL

Yeah I stopped at around epi 13. I couldn’t get why the FM acted like she was a naive kid who still thought her parents were together despite them not living together for years. They’re supposed to be in college, yet they act like they’re 2 years old. Another over-rated drama. Rather not waste any more time on this when there are better shows to watch. Skipping is an option only if you care enough about the outcome, which I stopped doing.

I know, I don’t get it either. The ML, Gala, is very cute and a great actor, but his character here completely annoys me along with the FM. Gala was great in “When we were young” and that drama was way better than this one. I was annoyed by the immature characters so much, I had to drop it. It was unwatchable for me.

He’s literally one of the hottest & most attractive actors from China. Does he make you feel things too? Haha!

Yes, that could be the case, but I notice great actors and actresses can still convey that unease, disturbed emotion under the facade of the smiles. There’s great conflict here due to the complexity of the relationship between her and the perpetrator, so I think she missed a great opportunity to demonstrate these complex and conflicting emotions. Again, I think she’s doing ok, but this is a very weird and almost unrealistic portrayal of her response, unless she’s someone who’s desensitized to violence, I don’t understand why she doesn’t seem that affected by it after it happened.

Such a great drama so far, but y’all gave it a 7 while other mediocre ones get 8’s and 9’s. Acting is great by the two male leads. Don’t understand why some people are irritated by the female lead, but her acting is ok. I would’ve expected her to be traumatized after witnessing a grizzly murder, but no, she’s smiling and happy shortly after the incident. That’s the biggest disconnect for me so far. Otherwise, it’s heart-breaking, visceral, cruel and emotionally draining, which makes it a very engaging & captivating series so far.

Didn’t Like/Waste of My Time:
I have been annoyed at how overrated most Kim Eun-Sook dramas are. I didn’t like Goblin (on the list), Descendants of the Sun, or The Heirs (which I think is one of the worst dramas I’ve ever watched). Her female protagonists are almost always weak, pathetic cry babies that let people walk all over them, with the exception of DOTS, with the female lead doctor, in my opinion, being unlikeable, cold, and unrelatable.
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim to me is unwatchable (dropped). If you’re ok with sexist shows like Madmen, then you wouldn’t mind how overbearing, sexist, chauvinistic, and overbearing the ML CEO is, but I couldn’t stomach it (I know, there’s a reason for his behavior, but he’s so unlikeable, that I simply couldn’t care less about his reasons).
I’m Not a Robot (finished, but completely forgettable). Besides the memorable heart lamp invention, I can’t recall much else, which means I wish I had skipped this.
Chicago Typewriter - Didn’t like ML. Story was too unbelievable and disjointed. Unwatchable & Dropped

Recommended:
The Secret Garden - I’m really into bad as* strong female leads, and while the FL situation is pitiful (typical of most female protagonists by writer Kim Eun-Sook), this particular female lead had incredible fortitude, strength and passion for her work and her life despite her sad back story. This is the only drama I’ve ever liked by Kim Eun-Sook.
Strong woman Do Bong Soon - Love both actors Park Hyung Shik and Park Bo Young. Their chemistry and the ML’s love for the FL was amazing. The FL lead was strong, but cute and lovely. The story was engaging with romance, comedy, and action. One of my favorite dramas of all time.

Neutral
Kill Me Heal Me - I believe most people would like this drama, especially if they like psychological thrillers. Just not my cup of tea even though I tried to like it.

Have not watched the others on the list, but I’d highly recommend Master’s Sun, though not on the list, it’s one of the best dramas I’ve ever watched in that rich guy/CEO and poor girl genre. Also has supernatural elements if you’re into that type of genre.

BTW, whoever made this list seems to be a huge fan of Park Min Young (Healer, City Hunter, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim).