bojojoti

Loopholes, We've Got Your Loopholes of All Sizes Here!

Nothing was explained or made sense: why was a modern woman outrageously, belligerently fearless in an isolated area when a man repeatedly tried to kill her (with arrows, sword, and knife!); if she was from the future and had foreknowledge, why didn't she make better choices or give out warnings; why would cooks well-known for their knife skills choose wooden spoons as weapons to save their lives; and why was the king's mother killed? The ending is equally nonsensical, and the writers even admitted in a sideways fashion that they couldn't come up with a viable explanation. As for loose ends, the whole drama garment was frayed! If you don't need logic or explanations, this is the drama for you.

Even so, I enjoyed myself. The leads and supporting cast were fun. I enjoy food dramas, and I could happily watch the ML eat in slow motion for an entire drama. Which is, basically, the main reason to watch this show. I've added an entire star for the ML's acting skills in relishing each bite.

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Every Trope Known to Drama Lovers!

This is a satire written for drama lovers, as only they can fully appreciate the many tropes. There are also puns and references that only those who know Chinese culture and language will comprehend. Even without those understandings, anyone can enjoy the drama even though they will miss some humor and foreshadowing. A Dream Within a Dream is so rich in music, art, poetry, philosophy, lush cinematography, Easter eggs, and tropes that missing a few allusions won't matter, as the story holds together without needing total awareness.

The cast was exceptional, from the charismatic leads to the wonderful supporting characters.

If I had to quibble about anything, it's that a character with foreknowledge should use it to her advantage. If something horrible is going to happen in the forest at night, don't decide to travel through it at that time. It was frustrating to experience the FL floundering and making foolish choices. She took excruciatingly long to wise up to those around her, and it wasn't until late in the game that she tried to use the script to her advantage.

I found ADwaD to be fresh and innovative while using old, tired tropes. I generally don't enjoy slapstick or overt silliness, but they fit well in this parody.

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I Think I'm Fated to Watch All The Versions of This Story

I didn't expect to like this rendition as much as the Korean one (Jang Na Ra, Jang Hyuk, and Choi Jin Hyuk were wonderful in their roles and set the bar high), but I was pleasantly surprised by the Taiwanese leads. The ML was appropriately alternately angry and tortured, the FL was a long-suffering sacrificial lamb, 2ML was sweet and supportive, and 2FL was a horrific excuse of a human being.

The story was much the same, but there was more slapstick comedy to angst ratio, and I didn't mind that too much, as the Korean version was emotionally painful to endure. I could have done without the FL's family, though. They were so loud and annoying! And Anson. The best thing about him was when the ML would zip his lips! I never wanted him to unzip them. Some of their scenes could have easily been cut to tighten up the drama; 24 episodes weren't necessary.

The OST was mostly lighthearted; the Korean OST was heart-wrenching ("Goodbye, My Love" by Ailee is one of my favorite songs from a drama: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=UEVjA5CdkPk).

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You'll Laugh, Cringe, and Fan Yourself

This was the equivalent of Cheetos, dipped in chocolate sauce, topped with whipped cream, and garnished with pickles. It didn't make sense, and it wasn't good for me, but I enjoyed it anyway.

Passionate groping and steamy kisses were interspersed with nonsense. I obviously watched it in the right frame of mind; generally, I would have looked askance at a drama that was so silly (when it wasn't trying to be campy), but it made me laugh (rather unintentionally, I'm sure).

I snickered when the ML tore off his shirt, and his torso glistened with oil. Well, with a torso like that, a guy should oil up on the off chance he's going to rip off his clothing. My eyebrows rose when the bride-to-be made out with a stranger at her fiancé's funeral--on top of his coffin, no less. The FL had to have hemorrhoid surgery, something I've not encountered in a romance before. The FL was forced to marry the psycho because he put a bomb in her bridal bouquet. ML was viciously knifed and in a coma for days. When the FL walked into his room, he was standing and fully dressed right after awakening. Those are some killer genes that provide instant healing! And kudos to the ML. That actor approached every kiss like an Olympic event in which he was going to set a record. The man was enthusiastic!

I laughed, I cringed, and I fanned myself. It wasn't a cinematic masterpiece, but I had fun.

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A Drama About Nothing That Touches Everything

When teacher Park Ha Kyung needed an escape from her life, she'd take a day trip. She didn't pack for overnight, as that would be too much trouble, and, ironically, she didn't enjoy traveling. The drama revolved around her walking and eating in different locales, and that could have been extremely boring, but Park Ha Kyung had the gift of observation and appreciation for the small things. A quotation attributed to Albert Einstein states: "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." Park Ha Kyung doesn't look for large miracles; she is content with the tiny, healing ones that come from simple acts such as sincerely apologizing, sharing a meal with a stranger, or attempting something new. Definitely not a drama for thrill seekers or romantics, but I relished how different, subdued, yet rich, it was.

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Successful Story Telling, Just Not the Story I Wanted Told

I watched this after Moving because it was set in a shared universe. The connection was not apparent to me until the last minute or so of the drama. Whereas, Moving had warmth amidst violence, Light Shop offered despair amidst darkness. Moving had loving relationships; Light Shop had people afflicted with despair, prejudice, guilt, and loss. Moving had its moments of humor; Light Shop was unremittingly bleak—it was always night, and it was often raining.

The more than half-dozen stories began about a third of the way through, with the background supplied in alternating flashbacks. It was confusing, but viewers and characters alike were bewildered, so it worked in a fashion. The writer trusted his audience to grasp the situation, and he filled in the important issues later. This may have caused some viewers to quit early, but the payoff started in about the fourth episode and built steadily from there.

The drama started as a horror, macabre and eerie. Horror isn't my cup of tea, but as the drama progressed, the pieces came together, and, as it began to make sense and progress, terror turned to understanding.

The Good:
• Park Bo Young's character was the one calm, reassuring touchstone in the drama. I inevitably enjoy her acting.
• The dog was a good boy.
• The drama managed to take all the dark, broken pieces and fit them together in a pleasing way. There was a rhythm and pattern to the stories that was satisfying.

The Bad:
• Moving had buckets of blood; Light Shop was adrift in tears. If there was a character with any screen time who didn't cry, I'm unaware of it.
• There were many unanswered questions which made me wonder if the story was to be continued in a sequel or if it would be shuttled into the second season of Moving.

Not recommended for the depressed. Recommended for those who appreciate seeing bits of a smashed vase being spun into a whirlwind and miraculously made whole, more or less.

My rating reflects my appreciation for a convergence of stories melded together successfully and less on my enjoyment of the drama. The characters were memorable, and the cast did an admirable job. I can recognize the drama is a dark gem without particularly liking it. I will say that, although I rarely rewatch a drama, this easily could be rewatched, because there are so many aspects potentially missed in the first viewing.

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I Want a 16-Episode Drama That Compares to This Aesthetically

The sets were exquisite, the leads were gorgeous, the clothing was attractive, and the music was surprisingly good for such a small drama. Everything was attractive right down to Lee Soo Hyuk's deep, dark voice. He really needs more leading roles; he's so often a supporting character, and he doesn't get to use that marvelous voice often enough.

My rating was for the visual feast and LSH's voice, as there wasn't much story; to be fair, it would be hard to do much more in such a mini drama. Even so, it left me with a dopamine hit of happiness. This was an aesthetically pleasing mini perfect to watch between heavy dramas.

I didn't list my usual Good/Bad, because I didn't find anything objectionable. I accepted it for what it was: a tiny, pretty drama that solved relationship dilemmas with warmth and understanding.

Note: this drama was an advertisement for Handsome Inc., which explained the attractive clothing, accessories, and home furnishings. I didn't mind that a bit as it enhanced the drama rather than interrupt it Kopiko/Subway style.

With English subs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6D-_S0FMAA&list=PLRXdsS5E_8i3FJ_o7VF0TFb9SUdWk54iW&index=3

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Conquering Cities and Hearts

A fun romp that didn't take itself seriously, a love triangle done right, some truly funny moments (especially male jealousy), and a charismatic cast made for a pleasant experience.

The Good
• The romance between the leads felt natural, and their interactions were charming. I got the feeling the actors enjoyed making this drama. It may have been due to their acting skills, but when actors convey that enjoyment to their audience, everyone has a good time.
• The comedic timing was delectable, and I say that as someone who generally doesn't enjoy over-the-top slapstick.
• The FL played the role of a man better than most actresses.
• I so appreciated the FL was intelligent and not easily deceived. The IQ of most of the leads was appreciably higher than in most comedies.

The Bad
• There is a bit too much bathroom humor, but I've dealt with plenty of children, so I'm probably jaded in that area.
• Logic wasn't the point, so little was explained and not everything made sense. Cut to a kissing scene and the viewer won't notice.

Extra half star for the inventive way each episode was introduced. I appreciate originality.

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This is NOT Go Go Squid!

I had higher expectations. I enjoyed Go Go Squid! It was sweet to watch a girl break down the walls of a cold, angry man. Squid 2 had some good things going for it. I enjoy Hu Yi Tian and Wang An Yu on screen. The group blind date was original and had me laughing out loud. The family and friends' relationships were warm. The OST was enjoyable and featured some of Go Go Squid's music; listening felt like meeting an old friend, and it made me smile.

But that's pretty much where the good stuff ended. There was little conflict or growth. The drama was basically two people soulfully staring at one another, interspersed with a few scenes of battle robots. Seriously! If you'd edited down the cringy eye contact between the ML and FL, the drama would have been cut in half and not dragged as hard.

For being so sugary, Squid 2 left a bad taste in my mouth. The ML was the greenest flag of all time—to the point of not having a personality. The FL took advantage of him in numerous ways. The one that was unforgiveable to me was that she willingly became his opponent. When a couple is dedicated to one another, they're loyal. They support one another. They don't join the enemy (which was the company of her ex!). They don't undermine one another. They build a life together.

I admit I probably have defective romance genes. If you like romance, this may be your cup of tea. Just don't expect anything much other than insipid romance. I took lots of breaks in the last episodes, as the romance was painfully dull to me.

I awarded an extra half star for the blind date scene, the music, and Wang An Yu's portrayal of an immature Shen Zhe.

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Ming Lan Has Become One of My Favorite Heroines

Delightful! I adored Ming Lan from her difficult childhood through her tortured teens and into a blossoming adult. I'd hesitated starting the drama because 78 episodes is a commitment, but time flew faster with Ming Lan than with some 16 episode dramas.

The writers did a commendable job juggling a large cast; each character was distinct and had purpose. The acting was as good as the script.

Children who live with abuse, neglect, or bullying learn to observe their surroundings and the people around them closely. As a survival device, they become invisible, but they're always assessing danger and planning how best to extricate themselves. Ming Lan learned strategy at an early age, and she hid her intelligence behind a quiet, inoffensive smile.

It was pure pleasure to see her outthink and outmaneuver her siblings, parents, and other adults during her childhood. She willingly took abuse and blame and quietly accepted punishment. She seemingly had little desire to protect herself, but when it came to those she cared about being hurt, she'd assume that quiet smile and plot retribution in scary fashion.

The romantic scenes were relatable with teasing, laughter, and faux umbrage. The chemistry was sweet. The interactions between Ming Lan and her grandmother were warm and touching.

All in all, a wonderful slice of life/coming of age drama featuring intelligent, decent people fighting against adversity and evil people.

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Starts with Promise, Then Flails and Falls

It's a comedy, so I'm supposed to ignore all the silly misunderstandings, nonsensical insta-love, and noble idiocy. As charming as the ML was, he couldn't overcome my flagging interest in the drama as it limped along.

Adults—people in their 30s—who act like preteens when it comes to romance... Why is this a drama thing? And talk about fantasy: three men, all handsome and talented, with two of them much younger, fall in love at the same time with a boring, older woman whose only outstanding merit is that she's a good salesperson.

I know I complain about over-the-top characters, but maybe the FL's insipidness balanced that out, and I really enjoyed ML's mother-in-law-ish brother, his flamboyant brother, and the exuberant 2FL. Akamine (2FL) was off-the-charts wacky and somehow made that endearing! I'd much rather deal with someone who is honest, speaks her mind, and has definite opinions than deal with the FL who denied her feelings, allowed herself to be manipulated, and lied continually.

Story should have been half as long, eliminated the love triangles, and focused on the aspects of a male taking on the traditional role of a wife. It should also have had a satisfying conclusion. Bah, humbug!

I added a star, because I'm grumpy and probably rated too low. Also, the supporting cast deserved it. And Takasugi Mahiro has puppy dog eyes.

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Love is... Putting Another's Needs before Your Own

Quirky drama with May-December, sisterhood, friendship, and coworkers' relationships. It began with the FL being bizarrely crude, dirty, and old-manly; she did improve over the episodes. I still wanted to comb her hair most scenes; she was a hair stylist, for heaven's sakes!

I wasn't sure how it would end for certain, and I always appreciate when the writers keep me in suspense, even when it doesn't end the way I wish.

There were lies, manipulation, and infidelity galore, but most was handled with a light hand, and I, angst-adverse to the core, was able to handle them. I had a harder time handling the kiss-the-scar scene; that was pure cringe. It's also sad to know actor Miura Haruma committed suicide seven years later due to depression. I wonder if Covid isolation was a factor. Such a hard time for most.

I've added a half-star for the warm relationship between Sakura and Rintaro. Well written, Nakatani Mayumi!

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It's Not the Years that Count—It's the Connection and Commitment

The large age gap between husband and wife was explored with the various issues they encountered: societal gossip, family disapproval, former lovers becoming obstacles, worry about the age gap bothering the other partner (one feeling old; the other feeling childish), and the pressing need to communicate the insecurities each felt. As a person with a May-October (not quite December!) romance, I can testify that each one of those issues rang true (down to the difference in music). The reviews complained about the addition of an intrusive ex, friend, and relative as annoying tropes, but I swear those happened in my life. Tropes come about because they repeatedly occur.

The more Japanese fare I indulge in, the more I appreciate the ability to tell a full story in an abbreviated time. Someone once said that K-dramas are about feelings, and J-dramas are about learning, and there's a bit of truth to that.

Add a half star for the drama getting so much right.

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ML's Dimples Made it Bearable

The FL was hard for me to watch. Her face was either angry, sad, or had the expression of smelling something bad. I know this was due to the character, because the actress showed she could be charismatic and appealing in the introductory dance scenes, but all that vitality and joy was stripped out in the drama. How at least THREE people fell madly in love with that sour-faced, petulant toddler in an adult's body is beyond fiction's ability to make me believe. Her character was tedious. I've known many people with far more trauma and deprivation in life, and they manage to live well and happily.

But, stick around for the ML. He reminded me so much of a beloved cat of mine. For nearly 17 years, every time I saw my cat, my heart would melt at how very beautiful he was: big blue eyes, pink nose, and lynx stripes on his silver body. ML was the same. Not the blues eyes or pink nose, but adorable dimples, sweet smile, and a chiseled jaw. Yes, the character was childish, but even that reminded me of my mischievous cat. When he wanted attention, he was impossible to rebuff (both ML and my cat)! His facial expressions were delicious: that quirked eyebrow, those pursed lips contemplating a prank, and his jealous pouts.

I generally despise obsessively in love characters, but ML showed he truly loved FL by being willing to die for her, saving her from poverty, and by supporting her dreams—not that she appreciated him for any of it. I thought I couldn't despise FL more, but the writers made that possible in the last episode.

The OST was fitting and enjoyable.

This should be a 7 star rating (or even less, considering how I suffered through the FL's scenes), but ML's dimples and torso deserved an extra half star.

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