bojojoti

Light, Funny, and Sweet

I needed a short, funny drama, and this fit the bill. Was it silly and nonsensical? Absolutely. And I enjoyed nearly every minute of it. I realize my rating is too high, but I derived that much pleasure from it, so judge away (or wait to judge me further, because I'm going to discuss Bruce as one of my cats again).

Bruce Hung played the merman, and his performance was delectable. I'd seen him as a sweet, adorable romantic figure in Hello Again! As a merman, he was fierce, irritable, and clueless. Excuse me, while my brain goes wacky here, and I reveal I think he's the embodiment of my cats. My review for Hello Again! stated he reminded me of my most beautiful cat. As a merman, he evoked memories of my most simple-minded cat, S. He, too, didn't understand human actions or interactions. He didn't understand personal space or respectable behavior. He'd walk across the back of the sofa and decide my head looked like a good spot to land, or he'd jump up next to me and stick his butt an inch from my face (my cat, not the merman). So when the merman climbed on the back of the ML while he was at his computer, I had flashbacks of my cat S doing the same. I could never stay annoyed with S, because, like the merman, he was so adorable. The scene where the merman was eating hotpot in the bathtub with the anticipation and enjoyment of each bite was exactly like my S looking forward to his treats.

Besides the merman's dimples and attractive torso, watch for the wonderful chemistry between the MLs. The story arc had them both growing and learning, and the bond they forged was pleasurable to watch. The supporting cast was warm and supportive. All in all, a life-affirming drama.

I've added a half star for the sweet memories Bruce evoked of my ridiculous cat.

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Obsessive Detective and Mysterious Woman Carry the Show

A maverick detective and a mysterious woman with an organized crime background joined together to take on cold cases. The detective was haunted by the brutal death of his junior partner; the woman was working towards an unknown goal, which maintained tension, as no one was sure whose side she was really on.

The leads were exceptional in their parts. I'll look for more of their dramas. The criminals were over the top, like comic book villains. The poor police force seemed inept and perpetually late. But it was a well-paced paced show, and I was never bored.

Added a half star for Takahashi Issei and Shibasaki Ko's acting.

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Bad Wigs, Worse CGI, and Icky Ending

For the most part, it's a lighthearted romcom with a cold man and lively girl: perfectly fine for a mindless romp. Both leads were enjoyable to watch, especially their interactions with one another.

The wigs were bad—think Halloween costume quality. I would buy that when a person gets a shot of magic that her hair could turn silver, but I find it hard to believe her bangs would grow six inches into a really bad wig where I can see the cap beneath the thin tresses.

The cat in the story was cute but, obviously, not a compliant actor, so much CGI was needed. Such bad CGI. I'm usually not one to complain about sets being really phony (like that ridiculous peach tree that had "fruit" year 'round), but, even I couldn't overlook such cartoonish CGI.

The ending? It nearly sucked all the joy out of the show for me. I've rewritten it in my head as two adults reuniting for a happily ever after. I suggest skipping the last minute of the show as it makes no sense and is unnecessarily stupid. If time travel makes sense, we can choose at which point in time we want to arrive, can't we?

I'd subtract an entire star off for that ending, but I like cats and the leads, so I'm letting it slide.

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Smart Women Face Their Fears

A modern story about women and their relationships isn't my usual fare, but Viki showed this as a "leaving soon,"; it had high ratings and was short, so I gave it a try after a long, heavy drama. I used it as a palate cleanser of sorts, and I was pleasantly surprised.

In a limited amount of time, the drama introduced characters, set up the story, and came to a satisfying end with a healing journey taken by both FLs. The leads were attractive and intelligent (and dimples galore) and played their roles well. The shots of the cocktails were enticing; I wanted to try them all! It also had an OST that suited the vibe. Can't ask for more than that in such a short offering.

As I said, this isn't generally my cup of tea, so let me give an extra half star for enjoying something outside of my comfort zone (I generally avoid anything tagged with "infidelity").

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Striking Cinematography, Perfect Leads, and Powerful OST

Sometimes I just want an story with an elegant vampire, don't you? Even better if it was set in the Republican Era—dramas I've just recently discovered. I love so much the look of them: the clothes, hair, cities, interiors, and cars (oh, those cars!). Such style and class.

I can't say enough good things about the FL. She was charming, sweet, brave, and such a nice change from the silly, ineffectual girls that are often portrayed in Chinese dramas. The actress did an amazing job depicting an abused girl slowly being transformed by love. The ML was mesmerizing as he transformed from cold and aloof to cautiously looking forward to a future filled with happiness.

There were some cheesy moments and exasperation that some people refused to die and stay dead, but I overlooked all that because the main leads were so charismatic, the visuals were stunning, and the music was fitting. It's worth watching just for those alone.

The drama was hampered by censorship. The word "vampire" was never uttered, no fangs were shown, and no direct feeding was depicted. The romance was greatly hampered. I realize there was a theoretical age gap of 82 years between the two leads, which could be problematic for some. It didn't bother me and I was rooting for them (they both deserved love and happiness in their lives and were optimally suited to one another due to their damaged psyches), but the censors downplayed the romance due to the age difference. Even so, the chemistry was deep and strong. I'm left to wonder how amazing this drama could have been without censorship.

The last episode was rushed and unsatisfying. I wasn't happy with the ending, but it made sense, and I've made peace with it. I wasn't the only one displeased: after the drama ended, there was so much vitriol directed at the production team that the director had to disable his Weibo, and the screenwriter posted a happy ending epilogue on hers to placate the viewers.

An extra half star was awarded for beautiful images and lovely music.

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=kHrHfFAqfpc&list=PL_cn955nlB8Tsq16mP_RBZIYoOLvHqbkM

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Odd But Entertaining

I was immediately drawn in by two scenes shown in the intro: a beautifully dark, rainy night with the lovely FL bending down to "shake hands" with a young man sitting on the concrete and a dynamic, dancing shot of ML in a suit. Sadly, neither one of those featured in the drama! Maybe that's par for the odd drama I just watched.

The concept was having a young man as a pet. I totally bought the ML as a dog! He had puppy dog eyes and shaggy hair. He was pretty adorable. Also appealing was the way ML and FL filled in the empty spots of each other's lives. There were warm moments between the two that were a joy to watch.

This could have been a very sweet, fluffy romcom, but it made me uncomfortable that the FL kept having sex with her boyfriend, the 2ML, when it was evident she wasn't that into him and felt closer to the ML. Too much time was spent on FL/2ML's relationship to the detriment of the drama. Judicious editing could have eliminated at least two episodes of FL's endless waffling between the two men. Also, the 2FL was a horrible person. I can't see an accomplished man falling for her, but love is blind, as they say. If she'd been edited out, the drama would have probably lost another two episodes. Twelve episodes would have made a tighter, better story.

ML's dance scenes were awesome and worth an extra half star.

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Fun RomCom

Cliches done right! Rich, cold guy/poor, warm girl, love triangles (at least five?), misunderstandings, amnesia, comas (both leads!), falling into a kiss, obligatory fan service male torso shower scene, etc. It was entertaining to watch a gentle satire of Asian dramas.

The editor of romance novels found herself inside one of her novels, and her knowledge of their inner workings helped her leverage out of the second female role into the lead female's place to capture the heart of the cold CEO.

The romance was sweet once things were straightened out from misunderstandings. This is only my second drama from Taiwan, and I'm going to have to check out more, as I'm impressed! I realize I'm looking at a tiny data point, but if other Taiwanese dramas are done this well, they've made me a fan. The two dramas I've watched have known how to make a happy ending. I was given that dopamine hit that Korean dramas often fail to produce in the last episode (they are killer up to that point, but I've often been bitterly disappointed by the ending).

I've awarded an extra half star to the ML for his quizzical looks as he read FL's romance novels. I found his bewilderment amusing. "Cheetah, again?"

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If You're Going to Bubble Wrap Your Daughter, Make it into a Princess Dress

I expected this to be a silly piece of fluff, and the addlebrained expressions of the FL in the beginning seemed to confirm this (seriously great performance by the lead actress; we have a tendency to admire dramatic performances but rarely realize the talent needed to play a comedic role). However, as the drama went on, I was treated to a slice of life with flawed humans who struggled and learned to overcome through the help of family. FL's development from an overprotected, coddled child to a competent adult was satisfying. Much more than fluff.

I loved the bubble wrap princess dress at the beginning of each episode!

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Sweet Slow Burn

A young woman entered a marriage arranged by her parents with a man she'd never met. He was asea for their wedding ceremony; a photograph took his place. The drama detailed their slow adaptation to one another and the deep connection that gradually developed.

This was a very sweet story about two people with tall walls who overthink internally. There were no villains except for that treacherous inner voice many of us have that comes to rob our peace.

The romance between the second leads was just as compelling, if not more. I didn't begrudge their time onscreen as I often do with secondary romances.

MDL doesn't have this listed under the "Comedy" genre. The over-reactions may seem out of place if the viewer isn't expecting a romcom, but this is firmly in that category.

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Being a Genius Doesn't Bring Happiness

The Kidnapping Day showcased many of the reasons I find K-dramas appealing: an intriguing story, warm human elements, and emotional impact. The suspense was balanced with surprisingly comedic moments (I was giddy with amusement during the hamburger eating scene). Best of all was the growing relationship between the kidnapper and his "victim." The child actress did an amazing job.

As much as I enjoyed the drama, there were plot holes and unanswered questions. Evil doesn't stop just because circumstances change. Those holes left ample opportunity for a continuation of the story. With Ro Hee's intelligence, would she be tempted to continue her parents' plans? Or could she look for vengeance? I'd love to see more of Ro Hee.

Note: It's important to watch the post-credit scene of the last episode. Holy open ending!

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Friendships Save Lives

It seems I've watched mostly light, quirky Japanese dramas, so I was unprepared for the beauty and suspense of Erased. The visuals were stunning: starry night skies, snowy fields, barren trees, and a little girl in a red coat at the center of it. The story kept me at rapt attention, jostling me from sweet interactions with a rag-tag group of school children to gut-gripping dread that one of them will become the next victim. Kudos to the child actors; they were all exemplary. And, amazingly, they resembled the adult actors they were to become.

When first introduced to Satoru, he wasn't in a good place. He lived estranged from his mother, was a sullen loner, and his career as a manga artist wasn't going anywhere, so he worked as a pizza delivery guy. Even so, when he had his "revival" spells, he still tried to help people anonymously. He was afflicted with a five-minute reset of time whenever something bad was about to happen. He saw the issue in real time and worked to remedy it during the reset.

Every reset was about five minutes previous until something dramatic happened, and Satoru was sent 18 years back into the past to his younger self. He realized he was reset to prevent the murders of three school children that occurred when he was a child. In order to do that, he had to break out of his shell, stop being a loner, and reach out to his classmates. The ensuing friendships changed Satoru. He wasn't just trying to solve the mysteries in order to return to his timeline; he began to genuinely care for his classmates, and they loved him in return. He started to see his mother in a new light and began to appreciate her. His character development was rewarding to watch.

There's also a psychopathic killer on the loose if personal growth arcs and adorable children don't hit your sweet spot.

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Fan Zhi Xin is Mesmerizing as a Lethal Man

Ridiculous writing and nonsensical decisions are partially forgiven due to a captivating performance by Fan Zhi Xin. He singlehandedly saved the drama with his charisma. I kept thinking I recognized him and realized, with a shock, that he'd played the part of a manipulative, gaslighting man in a short length series, Dear Liar. It was a low-budget affair unworthy of note except for Fan Zhi Xin's portrayal of a psychopath. He seriously gave me shivers in that one. I should probably note here that he gives shivers in this one, too, but for a far different reason: this is a very kissy drama!

ML had schemed and planned for 17 years to take over the family business and find his family's murderer. He had two accomplices; one was very tech savvy, and the other was the muscle. The trio had strategies, but the drama had plot holes galore, like:

1. Unknown vendors showing up in the lobby of a major corporation and setting up a drink stand without any security checking them out, especially in the turbulent times they were experiencing.
2. Uninvited guest crashing the engagement party and blurting out FL's real name. Knowing their lives were in danger, security should have been tight.
3. FL opening a biometric lock with the dead girl's iris, when all she had received in the surgery were her corneas. Irises aren't transplanted successfully yet. Never mind that the dead girl hadn't been in the country for years, so how did her irises get scanned?
4. When encountering a drowned person deep in the water, trying to shake them to consciousness is counterproductive. And once on land, screaming their name repeatedly won't be as effective as CPR.
5. When 2FL barges into the corporate office and insists FL sign a contract, any Business 101 student knows that it needs to be taken to legal first to be read, amended, and approved. Before any of that is done, there is NO WAY an outsider is taken into the super-secret vault.
6. FL's father let everyone think the worst when all he had to do was explain, "I didn't cause the accident." If I'm ever accused of murder, the first words out of my mouth are going to be, "I didn't do it!" I won't hang my head and look sad.
7. It was imperative to keep FL's real identity a secret, so why did ML have her listed in his phone with her real name? Why did her always call out to her with her real name?
8. When it's discovered XXX is the killer, there is a touching scene with tears and hugging that person. HOLY MOLY, GUACAMOLE!!! That person tried to kill at least 6 people (maybe more, I lost count), successfully ended 3, and inflicted trauma and disability to the others. The kicker is someone knew 17 years ago who the killer was and hoped that person would get over murderous tendencies and live a sweet life afterwards. Bonkers.
9. What are golf clubs sitting in the ultra-formal living room of the mansion? They were necessary for the dramatic slashing of the water scene artwork. Jeeves, fire the maids!
10. FL is kidnapped in the back of a taxi. She repeatedly tries to open the door but never tries making a phone call.
11. FL knows her life is in danger. She's been kidnapped and sedated before, but she pursues a similar guy (the typical bad guy with a black cap, mask, and jacket) and climbs into a trailer into which he threw something. Of course, she is locked in.
12. It's IMPERATIVE the ML finds his mother's seal if he is going to complete his mission. It's likely FL has it, but he won't ask her for it, because he wants to "protect" her.
13. When FL learns ML needs the seal, she tells him it's at her house and he can come over the next day. No sense of urgency! This is just something that will solve his 17-year dilemma, and if his enemies get it, it's game over. Let's not mention her house and his office has been ransacked before in an attempt for the enemies to locate it.
14. ML didn't follow through in screening the FL, her past, and her family and associates before installing her as the double. The fact ML's henchmen didn't tell him FL's best friend worked at the same company was beyond idiotic; they owed their allegiance to him, and years of planning had gone into the operation.

TL/DR: Drama suffered from a split personality: intelligent, lethal man fighting a imbecilic, unrealistic script.

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Cuteness Overload

The ML was puppy dog cute and worth watching the drama for; the actor owned the role of a narcissist who dealt with the world relying on his looks. When ML was confronted with his future, ugly self, he was first horrified and in denial. As time went on, and he began a romantic relationship based on caring rather than looks, he began to change. I love character growth in dramas; it gives me hope for some people I know.

I was wishing for a better ending, but it fell flat, just like old beer. Who wants a rom-com to end with a stiff, off-putting romance? Who wants the adorable ML to become an ugly, old man? It's a downer ending to a cute drama. I waffled on how many stars to rate after my disappointment. I considered 6.5, but the lead was engaging. I decided to award 7 stars, but I gave another half star because of the lead's cuteness factor. I'm allowed; don't judge me.

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