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Fun to Watch and Even More Fun to Listen To
This is the perfect gateway introduction to K-pop/K-dramas for the uninitiated. I'm not a devotee of animation, but I had a watching party for KPDH, and the viewers were enthusiastic, especially about the OST.As an avid K-drama fan, I laughed when "Love, Maybe" played when Jinu met Rumi, knowing that Jinu was voiced by Ahn Hyo Seop, who played the ML in Business Proposal, where the song featured heavily. What a lovely Easter egg for fans!
I awarded an extra star for the soundtrack. "Free" has beautiful lyrics; "Takedown" and "How It's Done" are great for working out; and "Golden" is powerful. "Soda Pop" may be pure sugar, but if I'm dragging on my daily walk, I play it and get instant energy.
I'm looking forward to a sequel, as the story felt rushed and unfinished at the end.
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Love Triangles Squared? A Geometric Nightmare of Relationships
MDLers loved this more than I did. The drama featured Lu Bai, whom I've enjoyed in other dramas. ML was relatively tall, which I always appreciate, but he had the face of a little boy. The recurring theme of the drama was that he was super attractive, which I'm willing to be convinced of, but he still had the face of a child; although as the drama went on and I began to like his character, I didn't mind so much that he had a baby face. So, I should have been more enthusiastic, but the characters, nearly all of them, were extremely unlikeable in the beginning.ML was cold and mean; FL was childish and petty; 2nd ML was willing to destroy his friend's happiness and business out of selfishness; 3rd ML was willing to destroy a young girl's life out of selfishness; and the supporting characters lied, stole, coerced, cheated, and carried out personal vendettas. Later episodes improved, but there wasn't enough happiness and cute moments to make up for all the unpleasantness.
If you're allergic to love triangles, this is a geometric nightmare. FL dated three men, and, in EVERY ONE of those relationships, there was a triangle. Or square. Or tetrahedron.
Subtracting a half star for being tedious and exhausting with all the misunderstandings and love triangles.
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You Will Read This Review and Wake Up Refreshed (and no longer want to kill anyone)
I was tired of silly romcoms, and this was a nice change. It did have the tropes of cold man/warm woman, noble idiocy (but, thankfully, that was brief, not drawn out, and understandable), revenge, time skip, and accidental kisses (why have I NEVER been accidentally kissed when I trip fairly often?), and a ridiculous amount of dropped, lost, or out-of-battery phones when needed most. Seriously, how many times can a person lose a phone or run out of battery at the worst time? That's LAZY writing!!!I did enjoy the psychology angle; it gave a freshness to the dilemmas portrayed, and I appreciated how each was resolved.
The supporting cast was pleasurable, especially the psych boss. His interactions and gentle teasing of the ML were a highlight.
Kudos for a C-drama that told an entertaining story in only 16 episodes. Unfortunately, there were loose ends: how was the person in the trunk saved? Whatever happened to Luo Luo's family? Where did ML's mother go? A better use of time would have been to cut the multitudinous flashbacks and overly-long recaps in order to tie up those loose ends. The revenge arc could have been completely eliminated, as it wasn't developed well, didn't really make sense, and it wasn't needed.
I've added a half star for the cute interactions between psych boss and ML.
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Unfortunately, this drama focused on one of my personal taboos: a person who feels entitled to the love of another. After FL's confession to the clueless object of her affection, ML merely said he thought they were unsuited to one another. He didn't say he hated her or she was repulsive; he wasn't angry, mean, or disgusted—he was taken unaware and was confused and perplexed. After all, she was the girl who had tried to fix him up with another woman. How was he to know she'd had a one-sided love affair with him for four years? After the unsuccessful confession, FL sexually assaulted the ML, forcibly kissing him and holding him in an armlock. I don't condone this action when done by males; why is it permissible for females? When this didn't change the ML's mind, FL turned into the classic scorned woman, full of anger and bitterness. All the love she'd previously held for the ML turned into loathing.
She should have been fired from the company. Instead, the ML discovered he loved her and began to pursue her. I guess that sullen face grew on him. FL was manipulative, deceitful, childish, and mean-spirited. She continued to be spiteful, contrary, difficult, and disagreeable. ML forfeited his dignity and became her pitiful doormat.
I hate-watched the rest of the drama simply for Miles Wei and Yang Shi Ze's sakes. I realize I'm not the typical romance viewer, so your experience may differ greatly. I'm of the opinion that romance/marriage should be of a balanced nature with respect and power on both sides. No one is entitled to own someone else's heart, and a rejection of a confession (especially when it comes unexpectedly) should be accepted gracefully.
I added an extra star for the MLs.
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So Many Questions!
What happened to Wei Qing's mother? She doted on Ning Fei, but she didn't make an appearance in the entire show. Why did the sweet, kind, effervescent FL become an angry, sullen difficult woman? I admit she had due cause to be angry at the circumstances, and I wouldn't have blamed her for breaking off a relationship that was toxic, but there are better ways than ghosting a person and still wanting to be a part of his life afterwards. I began to detest a character I'd cheered on in the first season. How could she let her best friend live in limbo when she knew her loved one was alive? Worse yet, when directly asked by the friend, she lied and said she didn't know anything.The manufactured drama and ridiculous nature of this season made me cringe. Did amnesia really need to make an appearance? Worse yet, all the villains were left unscathed and even had their hideous actions glossed over. I guess attempted murder, corporate espionage, blackmail, slander, libel, and theft aren't that big a deal; invite the black-hearted psychopaths to our wedding!
The first season had a light-hearted aspect that the angst-ridden second season lacked. I suggest stopping at the first season unless you are addicted to the ML's torso (it makes a frequent appearance, so there's that).
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A Lonely Fairytale
I'd seen Encounter on many lists, but I avoided it because I don't care for melodrama, and I generally steer clear of romance unless it's mixed with mirth, murder, mayhem, or mystery. The drama sat, disregarded, on my "to watch" list until I saw it was about to leave the service I use. I half-heartedly clicked "play," not expecting too much.I would not have dreamed I'd derive so much pleasure from this drama. The casting was perfect, especially Song Hye Kyo as the Ice Princess and Park Bo Gum as her Bright Knight. The cinematography was stunning, especially the Havana scenes. The director did an amazing job showing emotions without speech by the subtle turn of a foot, the motion of a hand, or the glance of an eye. I'm not generally a fan of hokey camera angles, but the split screen was effective, as it was used sparingly.
It's as if the creators of the drama took notes of my favorite things and lovingly showcased them: art, photography, music, bookstores, prose, poetry, plants (I want a lemon cypress!), and beautiful landscapes. The anime in each episode was charming, and the OST was magnificent.
I could complain about the angst going on too long, but Park Bo Gum's radiant smile and sweet expressions make me forget any negative remarks I might have had. I have to award an extra half star for that smile.
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The Wrong Character's Teeth Were Fixed
Sweet Teeth has a high MDL rating, but it just didn't hit right for me. There were appealing moments, but it fell short. Initially, I was all in for the FL: she was a librarian with a love of books and she had close friends. Unfortunately, she over-reacted like a spoiled child which made me cringe, and she had the unsettling habit of lying constantly and irresponsibly (avoiding her boyfriend, when he'd made a special trip to the airport, just because her hair hadn't been washed that day).Some nitpicks:
The dentist worked on FL's mouth, when it didn't seem to need it, as far as I could tell, but NOTHING was said about his mentee who had problematic teeth. Personally, I thought the mentee was adorable, as was his smile, but I can't imagine a mentor dentist overlooking those teeth.
It also rubbed me the wrong way when the ML told the FL he'd always apologize first, even if she was in the wrong. Hell's bells! That's not the way a healthy relationship works. How is the other person ever supposed to grow and learn if all their mistakes are upheld? I love that my significant other and I stand our ground and hash out our differences. That's what a real relationship built on truth and respect is all about.
In a fluffy romcom, it was out of place to insert the topic of abortion. I especially hated the idea proffered that the young man would support his girlfriend no matter what she did. A person shouldn't support everything in a misguided notion that that means love. Sometimes, love means saying, "no, you're wrong, and I love you enough to tell you."
Finally, the last scene with ML and FL left me disgruntled. I know it was supposed to be romantic, but all I could think of were the books they were destroying: all those broken spines, torn pages, and messed up covers.
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Exceptional Female Lead Versus the Toxic Emperor
The FL became one of my favorite leading characters: the actress exuded quiet strength and nobility of character. She was brave, intelligent, kind, and adventurous. I practically cheered when she told the ML that she'd read many instances in romance novels where the couple had silly misunderstandings, but she wanted to eliminate that with communication. How nice to avoid a ditzy FL and nonsensical misunderstandings!FL's relationship with the ML was built on mutual respect and trust. Their chemistry was so sweet and strong. There was a break-up, but it made sense and wasn't used clumsily to rachet emotion. FL was saddened, but she got on with life. I respect the writer for not trying to wring excess heartache from the situation; restraint was more effective.
The drama highlighted many issues women would have encountered in that era (and even now): abuse, infidelity, lack of free will, etc. It dealt with bullying, poverty, and political oppression. It featured numerous murders and torture scenes. And yet, I'm thinking about putting Blossoms in Adversity in my Fluffy or Low Angst list, because it's so life-affirming and comforting.
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From Trauma to Love?
I quite liked the ensemble cast. Each person brought something to the drama. I especially appreciated the brainiac friends; they kept things interesting. The noona romance of the model and stray cat boyfriend was my least favorite coupling (she was verbally and physically abusive to him), but I still liked the characters. The FL and ML were, naturally, the most compelling. She was immature, gauche, and had an explosive temper, but she was also brave, emotionally strong, kind, and had a strong set of personal values that made her likable. ML was a psychological mess, but I personally enjoy the overcoming trauma trope.This should have been wrapped up in one season instead of stringing the viewers along for an angst-filled nonsensical second season. Just one more episode, and the drama could have concluded happily and well.
An extra half star was awarded for the nice friendship scenes.
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It's Deja Vu All Over Again
The romance didn't hit right with me. I didn't understand why the leads were attracted to one another (guilt turned to love?). The only chemistry between them was in the test tubes in the lab. The drama would have been fine without romance, maybe even sharper and crisper. I appreciated the intelligence of the characters, but the loops did start to drag a bit. The ending was jumbled; I wondered if they'd been hoping for a second season, and that's why there were loose ends. Even so, the drama was entertaining, smart, and thought-provoking, and Bai Jing Ting was a joy to watch.Subtract a half star for that undeveloped romance, but add a star for the cast.
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Abuse is Never Right, No Matter the Victim
I've watched Bai Jing Ting and Tian Xi Wei in other dramas and enjoyed them. I liked them in this drama, too (their relationship was sweet), but my pleasure was tempered by two unfortunate premises.I understand the desire to rewrite history in an heroic manner, but the sort of feminist retrofitting of rigid history undermines the actual hardships women had to endure in those times. That a handful of concubines would be allowed to undermine a society without dire consequences to themselves and their families is unreasonable.
I could accept the wish-fulfillment fantasy of sisterhood easily changing society; this isn't a documentary, after all. However, I couldn't stomach the spousal abuse. Third Prince was despised, and rightly so, for his womanizing and treating his wife and concubines as property. Yet, when he realized the error of his ways and tried to make amends, he was still treated with disrespect. It was understandable that Shang Guan Jing was resentful at her forced marriage to the 5th Prince. He was dim-witted and his mouth said things his brain didn't always mean, but that was no excuse for Shang Guan's physical and mental abuse of him. Why is it acceptable to beat a man and leave huge, horrific bruises on him? He'd grown up abused, and he accepted it gratefully from his wife. I found that extremely sad and distasteful. As much as I liked the character of the tough, feisty Shang Guan, there is never an excuse for a stronger person to beat on a weaker one, no matter the sex.
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Revenge is a Dish Best Served by Two Attractive, Intelligent People
It's blissful to view a drama with two intelligent, loving leads. It took them awhile to get to that point, but that was understandable considering they seemed to be on opposing sides in the beginning. And they did have a rather violent introduction to one another. Their slow journey toward each another was rewarding to watch. Great chemistry between the leads.During their romance, there was revenge and political court intrigue all about them, which gave many opportunities for individual stories of love and betrayal. Dou Ming's story arc gutted me; Miao An Su's surprised me; and Wang Ge's infuriated, then pleased me.
Fun fact: both leads had twin guards. ML had two males; the actors are twin brothers in real life. FL had two females; the actresses are twin sisters in real life.
Thanks to no 1 dou zhao defender for the recommendation! I truly enjoyed this.
An extra half star is awarded for bright characters, a refreshing change from the insipid FLs I've endured lately.
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The Confusion Starts with the Title—Why is There a Comma?
I watched this mini-drama (about 8 hours long) solely because of Fan Zhi Xin. He can play a charming scoundrel or a psychopath with disarming ease. There's a scene where he was heartbroken with tears in his eyes, but when he turned, his expression changed immediately to one of scorn. Great acting.I was relieved the FL was a mature, intelligent, self-assured woman (I'm tired of 30-year-olds who act like teens). She had great chemistry with the ML.
As for the bad, there were loopholes the size of hippos. The viewers were told the rules of the time phone, but the rules were bent or ignored repeatedly. And, dang, if I have two minutes to call someone to warn them of impending death, I'm not going to natter away about inconsequentials. It's like the perpetual fatally stabbed character in dramas who knows the killer's identity but grandstands to the final moment, saying, "I know who the murderer is! You'll all be surprised. You need to be wary. Watch out! The killer is..." And then the stabbed guy gasps and dies, and no one knows anything. Yes, the phone calls were exactly like that.
As with many time-altering situations, this drama was confusing. More so, because it didn't adhere to the rules. I doubt there are many viewers who can explain clearly what happened when and to whom. Add the dislike of time travel sequences by the Chinese censors, and the drama had its work cut out for it to make everyone happy (which is, of course, an impossibility); so, the entire drama could be construed to have been a bad dream.
I came for Fan Zhi Xin and time travel. I got Fan Zhi Xin and a bewildering romance instead.
I'm awarding an extra half star for Fan Zhi Xin's acting and the surprisingly nice OST that accompanied this short drama.
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Great Cast
Lee Seung Gi and Cha Seung Won are always watchable for me. The rest of the cast did an admirable job, too.I'd expected a police procedural, but there were relatively few cases; the emphasis was on the camaraderie of the detectives and their battle against corruption. Although violent crime and trauma were depicted, there was always comic relief, sweet friendship interactions, and slight romance to brighten the darkness.
One question the drama provoked was: how much evil is permissible if it serves a greater purpose in the end? Can a few innocent be sacrificed for the greater good of many? I stand firmly on the precept that tolerating evil begets evil: "The wicked become even worse when they are tolerated." - Leo Tolstoy
The drama introduced many characters and plotlines, but it didn't tie everything up at the end. I was left with questions, which I won't discuss to remain spoiler-free. For that, I'm subtracting a half star. I loved the chemistry between the detectives, especially the growing relationship between Dae Gu and Seo Pan Seok. That, alone, was worth adding an entire star.
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A Rebellion was Promised
The good: The actors were wonderful, and their characters were compelling. I find the journey of personal growth of characters intriguing, and this drama was rich with experiences for the leads; they grew from bright, naive young people to mature, resilient ones.The annoying: Operational security was absolutely nonexistent. Wanted ML marched through the marketplace all in black with a mask and no one noticed him, even though he was heavily sought. He showed up everywhere something was going on, and nobody recognized him, even though his friends were continually yelling out his actual name. Princess' husband had a secret document fomenting treason he stuck up his sleeve. Foreshadowing disaster, his friend asked why he didn't burn them, and he said he wanted to show it to his wife. 2S2L! Here's a pro tip: if there is an inept blabbermouth in one's group, it would be wise not to tell them everything that should remain secret. If anyone competent had been after the ML and FL, they would have been captured/eliminated in short time, but it appeared that no one in power had the idea to watch their residences or follow them and their servants.
The bad: From the start, the viewer was told Su Yang was evilly ambitious, and, true to form, he murdered indiscriminately to take the throne. The entire point of the drama was the struggle to defeat Su Yang and remove him from that throne. Kim Seung Yoo's whole purpose in living was to seek revenge on those who killed his father, and that included Su Yang. The drama didn't deliver on that promise. Only one of the evil ministers paid with his life; Su Yang retained the throne. All the noble families whose innocent fathers were murdered remained as servants to the men who had killed them. The ML was left disabled and no longer able to fight against Su Yang. He was thought dead so had no identity. The FL was categorized as a servant. In reality, a runaway slave and a disabled, unidentifiable man would find it hard to survive in ancient China. I have to remind myself that Korean dramas are more about enduring rather than winning, but it's hard for my American sensibilities to accept that as a happy ending. I wanted Su Yang dethroned, Jong's baby made king, and Seung Yoo made regent until the child came of age. I wanted the evil ministers removed from office and all their innocent servants who had been nobility restored to their stations. I especially wanted that weaselly little minister who thought everyone needed to be killed to have a taste of his own medicine, but he got a happy ending as far as I know. The rebellion just fizzled out. So unsatisfying!
And yet, the acting was enjoyable, the characters were memorable, and I don't begrudge the time spent watching. No extra stars awarded, because I'm too annoyed by the ending.
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