So I'm almost halfway, and is it just me, or does anyone notice that the ONLY thing Ah Ro thinks/talks about is her "brother"? Like, 9 whole episodes, and I cannot remember a single scene of Ah Ro's that does not involve Sun Woo (minus the few with the second lead guy, that is).
Quite possibly one of my top female leads. Kang Eun Joo is awesome--she's got the typical kdrama female bubbliness, but with more class and less over-over-the-top. Plus, she's actually employed.
Lol I kinda feel like the directors/producers or whoever realized the ratings would plummet if they kept going down the typical-fighting-family plot and tried to wrap it up asap. I dunno, I'm glad it's over, but I felt like all the strings were tied so well that the drama could have just ended here. To me, the tone in ep 19 took such a dramatic shift it almost felt like they made up some new conflict to find something to fill the last ep with...
Wahh, I really liked this. I wasn't sure about this one cos I didn't like age gap. If everyone was bit older, I woudn't care so much (i.e. 19 and 29), but 17 was a bit much. And he looks much older than her in that poster above. However, these 2 things made it worth watching:
1. Kim So Hyun: if an actress can make me like a character despite not liking their character type (the kind that uses a lot of aegyo to get their way), then she must be good. Let's just say, if it wasn't Kim So Hyun, I might have dropped it.
2: the pairing: not only were they super cute (I completely forgot about the age gap once they were on screen together), I felt like they were on equal ground. I really liked how she was just as good as him when it came to fighting the ghosts and figuring stuff out. I dunno, I feel like in most dramas where, once any non-romance plot starts moving, the male lead starts to take over. It irritates me to no end, so the fact that this drama didn't go down that path made it really stand out from the rest for me.
After trying to watch a few dramas around that time (and dropping), I finally realize what the big deal Coffee Prince is. When I first watched it last year, I thought it was good, but overhyped. Now, I get that how was such a drastic leap from dramas of its time.
It's funny, because the majority of the actors are the same, I never realized how much dramas have changed over the years
There's a line In Hee says about Gae In, "You pretend to be so nice and caring, but in the end, you only see what you want to see." Honestly, even though the line was purely there to show how mean In Hee is, as the series progressed, I felt like that's exactly the way Gae In is.
Okay, extended rant time. And, uh, MAJOR SPOILERS.
Okay, first: I felt really disconnected when I saw JJ crying his eyes because of his father's death at the end of ep 17. As vindictive as it sounds, out of all of the characters (yes, including the evil stepmom and Nam Joo!), I couldn't stand the father the most. Maybe because it's my tolerance level for the dads-that-are-horrible-to-their-wife-and/or-kids-but-secretly-love-them trope has surpassed it's limit, but I could not muster an ounce of sympathy for him. To me, the guy screwed up on both ends. Yeah, it's horrible what he did to his ex-wife and JJ, but that scene where Chi Hyeon is asking the dad if he’s alright, and it’s okay, I’m here, and all the dad can say is “Joon Jae”, ouch. It made me go to the dark side with CH, just a bit. It was kind of like, ah, this is how betrayal works. It’s like those cases when a sibling dies and the parents are so busy mourning over him, they forget that the other kid exists.
Really, toward the end, he’s just soooo frustrating. He hurts the fake son by loving the real son more, he hurts the real son by choosing to believe the fake son and stepmom over him, and he hurts the stepmom by trying to give everything he has to his real son (not that she doesn’t deserve it, but at that time, he didn’t know that). Like, honestly, what’s the point in defending someone’s character when you’re the one trying to leave her penniless and give everything to someone else?
And Second: this is so minor, but it kinds of bugs me how JJ hides stuff from SC. I know its nothing harmful, if anything, it’s him trying to protect her, but it feels like they are not at the same level. He demands to know where she is going, but balks at being asked the same. I felt it so clearly when she tells him he can hear everything that is going through her head, but she can’t access anything. And that scene where she finds out the past-life happy ending was a lie, I was kind of bothered that his first response was, “how did you find out?” Like, isn’t that what guilty people always say? I know, I know, it IS sweet and romantic that he’s so protective and all but, ugh, I can’t help being a teeny tinny bit annoyed too.
I haven't watched no. 3 yet, but I would rank them in the same order. Absolutely loved Who are You and Arang was such a breath of fresh air to me! I liked Master's Sun, but it wasn't one of my favs. My problem was the opposite of yours, actually--I thought GHJ and her character were fun, but the arrogance of SJS's guy got on my nerves. Especially when he pulled her hair.
I started this awhile ago then dropped after the first 2-3 episodes cause I just didn't like the female leads lovesick behavior. Now, I'm considering starting it again because I heard it was similar to Scarlet Heart Ryeo. So my question is: does the female character get more independent (I can't think of the right word to use cos it's nother like she's not smart, just too lovesick for my taste) or does she behave the same way throughout the show?
I dunno, I heard ratings and/or viewership dropped for this and wondering why. I actually started this cos I recently started this weird habit of losing interest in shows halfway (yes, gasp, even the just finished Moonlight in the Clouds!). I thought I would change it up by watching something currently airing (since I seemed to be losing interest midway anyway). Big mistake. I have no idea what it is about this show, but I gulped it down in one setting and crazy for more. Oh, the irony
So here are a few points that came to mind when watching this:
1. As the summary states, it's a slice-of-life. Come in expecting a slower plot, a chill vibe (as opposed to a super intense or dramatic tone) and mostly realistic settngs. If you're not in the mood for something low-key, you could end up falsely labeling this as "boring."
2. Hana is a cheerful, optimistic and naive heroine. In a way, her character matches the flow of the story. Personally, I found her likable enough. I thought her passive traits were something I could see in myself and my friends, so they came off as realistic (to me). On the other hand, Jung Suk was a pretty typical arrogant lead, but his arrogance was protrayed in a such a silly way that it came off as funny rather than annoying.
3. I felt like this was the drama of inside jokes. It's smile-and-maybe-chuckle funny on the surface, but doesn't become omg-hahaha-that's-gold humor unless you know where it's coming from (to me).
For example, I laughed harder at Jin Woong's impersinations when I could recognize where they were from. The fact that Hwang Jin Yi a famous giseng brings an extra sense of humor to Jin Yi's lessons.
And then there's Key. Oh Key. While Key is a great actor all by himself, especially for this being his debut, knowing that Key himself is a real-life fashionista and a bit of the personality he displays in videos and shows, I sit there giggling wondering how much of his real personality is peeking through. And being a SHINee fan is pretty much a must to fully appreciate the humor in ep 5.
Finally, the students are so much funnier to anyone who has procrastinated studying. It's become a joke among friends the things we do the night before exams just because we are so, so fed up with studying and yes, cleaning ranks pretty high up there.
Like I said, it's all about the inside jokes.
4. This is pretty similar to #3, but whether you enjoy this drama depends on your type of humor. Hmm, I guess I would describe it as people-keep-messing-with-each-other type of humor?
5. Do not watch this drama on an empty stomach. Just don't.
6. Finally, the soundtrack is just pure awesome. I love how zippy and catcy it is. It's def 11/10 for me.
All in all, watch for a light drama with funny-yet-relatable characters, good food and even better music.
Ok, so this drama is such a mixed bag me for. I'm about ep 7-8 and I like EVERYTHING but the main point--as in, OHY liking Do Kyung.
I mean, I love (our) OHY. As others stated, the actor does a great job making her so realistic (**in fact, let's just let this out of the way--there are no bad actors/bad characters here. Everyone does a great job and everyone had great chemistry with everyone. No lie**). She's nice, honest, caring, tough but also vunerable and a little broken. In short, she could be a real person, and I love that.
The thing about (our) OHY is that when he is with Do Kyung, she is open, honest and gives it her all. Which I love. But also hate.
Ugh, it's like being careful what you wished for! I always wished that dramaland would, for once, make a perceptive, rational female and that's exactly what OHY is. She can see thru Do Kyung's front and shes doesn't play games with him. She can tell this isn't a one-sided thing and she is, for the most part, treating their relationship like, well, an actual relationship.
Which is awesome, except he's not.
Which is understandable too. I get it--he's carrying a pretty damaging secret and his guilty conscious (not to mention his BFF) is telling him not to go there. Not to mention the fact that he still has unfinished business with his ex, and who is ex even is to boot. In short, his reasons to not pursue this are very, very valid.
But I dunno, it still hurts to see her put her heart into it, and him be so wishy-washy about it. It feels like he's stringing her along, and it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Like, so bad I'm having a hard time watching the series.
Or maybe I'm reading into things wrong.
Or maybe this show is too mature for the like of me.
Woah. I'm suprised by the low rating. I thought it was excellent: well written, good pacing for the plot, great leads with good chemistry and laugh out loud humor. I'd take points off for Jang Nara's bad haircut, but nothing else.
1. Kim So Hyun: if an actress can make me like a character despite not liking their character type (the kind that uses a lot of aegyo to get their way), then she must be good. Let's just say, if it wasn't Kim So Hyun, I might have dropped it.
2: the pairing: not only were they super cute (I completely forgot about the age gap once they were on screen together), I felt like they were on equal ground. I really liked how she was just as good as him when it came to fighting the ghosts and figuring stuff out. I dunno, I feel like in most dramas where, once any non-romance plot starts moving, the male lead starts to take over. It irritates me to no end, so the fact that this drama didn't go down that path made it really stand out from the rest for me.
Go for it, you won't be disapointed.
It's funny, because the majority of the actors are the same, I never realized how much dramas have changed over the years
Okay, first: I felt really disconnected when I saw JJ crying his eyes because of his father's death at the end of ep 17. As vindictive as it sounds, out of all of the characters (yes, including the evil stepmom and Nam Joo!), I couldn't stand the father the most. Maybe because it's my tolerance level for the dads-that-are-horrible-to-their-wife-and/or-kids-but-secretly-love-them trope has surpassed it's limit, but I could not muster an ounce of sympathy for him. To me, the guy screwed up on both ends. Yeah, it's horrible what he did to his ex-wife and JJ, but that scene where Chi Hyeon is asking the dad if he’s alright, and it’s okay, I’m here, and all the dad can say is “Joon Jae”, ouch. It made me go to the dark side with CH, just a bit. It was kind of like, ah, this is how betrayal works. It’s like those cases when a sibling dies and the parents are so busy mourning over him, they forget that the other kid exists.
Really, toward the end, he’s just soooo frustrating. He hurts the fake son by loving the real son more, he hurts the real son by choosing to believe the fake son and stepmom over him, and he hurts the stepmom by trying to give everything he has to his real son (not that she doesn’t deserve it, but at that time, he didn’t know that). Like, honestly, what’s the point in defending someone’s character when you’re the one trying to leave her penniless and give everything to someone else?
And Second: this is so minor, but it kinds of bugs me how JJ hides stuff from SC. I know its nothing harmful, if anything, it’s him trying to protect her, but it feels like they are not at the same level. He demands to know where she is going, but balks at being asked the same. I felt it so clearly when she tells him he can hear everything that is going through her head, but she can’t access anything. And that scene where she finds out the past-life happy ending was a lie, I was kind of bothered that his first response was, “how did you find out?” Like, isn’t that what guilty people always say? I know, I know, it IS sweet and romantic that he’s so protective and all but, ugh, I can’t help being a teeny tinny bit annoyed too.
1. As the summary states, it's a slice-of-life. Come in expecting a slower plot, a chill vibe (as opposed to a super intense or dramatic tone) and mostly realistic settngs. If you're not in the mood for something low-key, you could end up falsely labeling this as "boring."
2. Hana is a cheerful, optimistic and naive heroine. In a way, her character matches the flow of the story. Personally, I found her likable enough. I thought her passive traits were something I could see in myself and my friends, so they came off as realistic (to me). On the other hand, Jung Suk was a pretty typical arrogant lead, but his arrogance was protrayed in a such a silly way that it came off as funny rather than annoying.
3. I felt like this was the drama of inside jokes. It's smile-and-maybe-chuckle funny on the surface, but doesn't become omg-hahaha-that's-gold humor unless you know where it's coming from (to me).
For example, I laughed harder at Jin Woong's impersinations when I could recognize where they were from. The fact that Hwang Jin Yi a famous giseng brings an extra sense of humor to Jin Yi's lessons.
And then there's Key. Oh Key. While Key is a great actor all by himself, especially for this being his debut, knowing that Key himself is a real-life fashionista and a bit of the personality he displays in videos and shows, I sit there giggling wondering how much of his real personality is peeking through. And being a SHINee fan is pretty much a must to fully appreciate the humor in ep 5.
Finally, the students are so much funnier to anyone who has procrastinated studying. It's become a joke among friends the things we do the night before exams just because we are so, so fed up with studying and yes, cleaning ranks pretty high up there.
Like I said, it's all about the inside jokes.
4. This is pretty similar to #3, but whether you enjoy this drama depends on your type of humor. Hmm, I guess I would describe it as people-keep-messing-with-each-other type of humor?
5. Do not watch this drama on an empty stomach. Just don't.
6. Finally, the soundtrack is just pure awesome. I love how zippy and catcy it is. It's def 11/10 for me.
All in all, watch for a light drama with funny-yet-relatable characters, good food and even better music.
I mean, I love (our) OHY. As others stated, the actor does a great job making her so realistic (**in fact, let's just let this out of the way--there are no bad actors/bad characters here. Everyone does a great job and everyone had great chemistry with everyone. No lie**). She's nice, honest, caring, tough but also vunerable and a little broken. In short, she could be a real person, and I love that.
The thing about (our) OHY is that when he is with Do Kyung, she is open, honest and gives it her all. Which I love. But also hate.
Ugh, it's like being careful what you wished for! I always wished that dramaland would, for once, make a perceptive, rational female and that's exactly what OHY is. She can see thru Do Kyung's front and shes doesn't play games with him. She can tell this isn't a one-sided thing and she is, for the most part, treating their relationship like, well, an actual relationship.
Which is awesome, except he's not.
Which is understandable too. I get it--he's carrying a pretty damaging secret and his guilty conscious (not to mention his BFF) is telling him not to go there. Not to mention the fact that he still has unfinished business with his ex, and who is ex even is to boot. In short, his reasons to not pursue this are very, very valid.
But I dunno, it still hurts to see her put her heart into it, and him be so wishy-washy about it. It feels like he's stringing her along, and it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Like, so bad I'm having a hard time watching the series.
Or maybe I'm reading into things wrong.
Or maybe this show is too mature for the like of me.