Spoiler, please.Yes, JQF inserted herself into their relationship. But could she have done so if not for Rebecca…
Please use the spoiler tag when replying.
I don't mean that Rebecca should have stayed in that toxic environment or even married him. What I meant was that she did not even try to talk it out with the mum and HRZ. I definitely believe in self-love and that one should not stay in relationships where they are not respected. Having said that, it doesn't mean one should immediately run at the first obstacle without even determining if that obstacle can be overcome. Maybe had she communicated earnestly with the mum and with HRZ, things might be better? We never know 100%.
And by the dog-eat-dog world, I meant grabbing on to opportunities and I do think it applies to love as well. You can have an unrequited love all your life if you choose to stay quiet. But when you speak up and let the other person know, you either have a chance at love, or you get rejected and eventually find closure.
Rebecca continued to pine because (a) she loved him and also because of (b) she never received closure. And she never got that closure because she knows she did not give the relationship her all. She did not take his hand, she did not communicate how much she loved him and how much she cared. It doesn't matter if they would break up eventually (most probably they would).. it's like a 'Zeigarnik effect' where unfinished tasks (in this case the relationship) create a strong impact on your mind and remain memorable than tasks / relationships that you finished and had closure.
I completely understand what you mean when you talk about her death being an end to everything and that it is a cop-out. I do wish the writer chose a different way. But at the same time, what made it work me in this case is because of how real it is. A lot of suicidal people have some of the traits that Rebecca had, and what makes them stay in their misery so long because they are unable to come out of this web they weaved.. and it's the same with Rebecca. She needed help, but she didn't even understand that she needed it and so didn't even know how to seek it. She would have gone on in this cycle of hurt and misery if not for the cancer. The cancer helped her realise the fleetingness of life and made her open to have that conversation with JFQ.. it made her realise that she didn't have to be stuck in the past. It is sad but the thought of death being near changes people. Its fascinating because we are not immortal and technically we are one day closer to death each day. But somehow we live our lives each day, thinking we have tons of time and that our issues can be pushed to the back and we can just go on the way we are.. it's the same with Rebecca. I don't think its a case of the writer not loving Rebecca more. Rather, the writer merely presented the reality of some women like Rebecca, and I say this especially so because I lost a friend to suicide. And Rebecca reminded me a lot of her. Everybody deserves love, but look at the stats of suicides and people depressed in the world today - the numbers are in millions. Rebecca is just one of them. I would have loved to see her move on, be happy in life and thriving. But I appreciate the show for daring to show a heartbreaking reality that some people just don't find the happiness they deserve. And by showing that, it doesn't mean the writer is endorsing this view of such people not finding happiness.
RE: JFQ finding happiness at the end - I don't think we can say that 100%. If you look at their relationship, the guy constantly neglected her and didn't truly care about her opinion. We see her going towards him, but they don't actually meet. I doubt their relationship would work in the long run. It wasn't just about her over-analyzing micro-signs. But yes, JFQ is someone who would move on in life, and continue to live. Just like HRZ. And that is very real. People who are ruthless, people who are mentally strong do thrive unfortunately. People who are mentally weak don't unless they are lucky enough to find the help they need.
I wanted to watch something wacky and light after all the heavy stuff I've been watching but damn 15 mins in, I didn't expect it to be this chaotic HAHAHAHAHA I miss T-dramas like this one..
I just came here to say that if you liked this drama, then give these dramas a try- Karakai Jozu no Takagi-san (a FL who loves to tease + great banter) Date - Koi to wa Donna Mono Kashira (witty leads + great banter)
If you're talking about feel-good high school / teenage romance dramas then you can try these: Horimiya When I Fly Towards You Minami-kun no Koibito - My Little Lover (2015) Tsuiraku JK to Haijin Kyoshi Asuko March Black Cinderella Hana Yori Dango Kieta Hatsukoi
If you're looking for J drama recommendations, you can check out my list for dramas from different genres to try: https://kisskh.at/list/LQJEl7R3
probably what I should have done, too. This is a BINGE type of drama for sure. One episode a week is brutal.
I hate to admit but I gave in and started watching And I don't know how I'm gonna wait 3 more weeks for this to finish THEY ARE SO FREAKING CUTEEEEEEEEEEEEE
I was waiting for this to finish.. but after 2 months I just couldn't take it anymore and started this. The casting is so damn perfect. I absolutely adore the way she disarms him with her wit and enjoys teasing him while he gets all awkward and shy. Too precious. They are seriously so adorable and wholesome.. I could watch them all day. This is just the feel good drama I needed after all the heavy stuff I have been watching.
They could've wrapped it up nicely without cancer bullshit but no that would've been against the taste of sadistic…
I can't believe I am saying this but I didn't hate the cancer subplot. I definitely wish the writer chose another way, but I don't think it was inserted in a way that altered the story.
Regardless of the cancer, it was all building up to Rebecca and QF reconciling, and letting go. Also, I think it was somewhat realistic in showing that life doesn't quite go the way we plan.. just when you think you got it all, you lose it and vice versa. Just when we thought QF / HRZ are over, there came a curve ball thrown by Rebecca. Rebecca got her closure at the cost of her life. Yep that sucks because she is the character we all rooted for.. but I wonder would she have if not for the cancer? She would have continued breeding in her misery. Sometimes we need these curveballs thrown at us to snap us out of the web we have entwined. When life-changing events happen, that is when it forces people to look at a different perspective and 'externalize' their problems. The cancer helped Rebecca find her peace and closure, which she very much needed. Also cancer is no longer seen as some tragedy. It is very common and happens to people all over the world. It hurts because Rebecca is a character we all wanted to see thriving at the end.. but isn't life fleeting? All of us are gonna die someday, she died at a young age, and that's sad. But she didn't die in pain. I don't see her end as a tragedy at all. Her end was liberating, just like QF's and HRZ's.
It is an unfortunate reality that fragile people always get the rougher end of the stick because it's a dog-eat-dog world. People like QF will continue to survive because they fight for what they want and are mentally stronger, while people like Rebecca withdraw and wilt, until they are able to find the strength to rise again. It sucks, but that's what life is today. It's not an inclusive world that is fair for one and all, and waits to hand out opportunities. If you don't grab on to what you want, it will slip away or someone else will take it.
Imperfect, indeed. Sigh.An immersive, compelling, and thought-provoking psychological drama featuring a realistic…
I can't believe I am saying this but I didn't hate the cancer subplot. I definitely wish the writer chose another way, but I don't think it was inserted in a way that altered the story.
Regardless of the cancer, it was all building up to Rebecca and QF reconciling, and letting go. Also, I think it was somewhat realistic in showing that life doesn't quite go the way we plan.. just when you think you got it all, you lose it and vice versa. Just when we thought QF / HRZ are over, there came a curve ball thrown by Rebecca. Rebecca got her closure at the cost of her life. Yep that sucks because she is the character we all rooted for.. but I wonder would she have if not for the cancer? She would have continued breeding in her misery. Sometimes we need these curveballs thrown at us to snap us out of the web we have entwined. When life-changing events happen, that is when it forces people to look at a different perspective and 'externalize' their problems. The cancer helped Rebecca find her peace and closure, which she very much needed. Also cancer is no longer seen as some tragedy. It is very common and happens to people all over the world. It hurts because Rebecca is a character we all wanted to see thriving at the end.. but isn't life fleeting? All of us are gonna die someday, she died at a young age, and that's sad. But she didn't die in pain. I don't see her end as a tragedy at all. Her end was liberating, just like QF's and HRZ's.
It is an unfortunate reality that fragile people always get the rougher end of the stick because it's a dog-eat-dog world. People like QF will continue to survive because they fight for what they want and are mentally stronger, while people like Rebecca withdraw and wilt, until they are able to find the strength to rise again. It sucks, but that's what life is today. It's not an inclusive world that is fair for one and all, and waits to hand out opportunities. If you don't grab on to what you want, it will slip away or someone else will take it.
We live in an imperfect world, and are imperfect. This was a really heartbreaking drama.
I have skimmed through the finale episode but it made me so mad I can't bring myself to fully watch it. I feel…
Spoiler, please. I don't think Rebecca was a plot device for QF at all.
I can't believe I am saying this but I didn't hate the cancer subplot. I definitely wish the writer chose another way, but I don't think it was inserted in a way that altered the story.
Regardless of the cancer, it was all building up to Rebecca and QF reconciling, and letting go. I think it was somewhat realistic in showing that life doesn't quite go the way we plan.. just when you think you got it all, you lose it and vice versa. Just when we thought QF / HRZ are over, there came a curve ball thrown by Rebecca. Rebecca got her closure at the cost of her life. Yep that sucks because she is the character we all rooted for.. but I wonder would she have if not for the cancer? She would have continued breeding in her misery. Sometimes we need these curveballs thrown at us to snap us out of the web we have entwined. When life-changing events happen, that is when it forces people to look at a different perspective and 'externalize' their problems. The cancer helped Rebecca find her peace and closure, which she very much needed. All of us are gonna die someday, she died at a young age, and that's sad. But she didn't die in pain. I don't see her end as a tragic. Her end was liberating, just like QF's and HRZ's.
It is an unfortunate reality that fragile people always get the rougher end of the stick because it's a dog-eat-dog world. People like QF will continue to survive because they fight for what they want and are mentally stronger, while people like Rebecca withdraw and wilt, until they are able to find the strength to rise again. It sucks, but that's what life is today. It's not an inclusive world that is fair for one and all, and waits to hand out opportunities. If you don't grab on to what you want, it will slip away or someone else will take it.
We live in an imperfect world, and are imperfect. This was a really heartbreaking drama.
I’ve been deeming the story and I realised apart from the good dialogue that seems deep, the message of the…
Spoiler, please. Yes, JQF inserted herself into their relationship. But could she have done so if not for Rebecca and HRZ allowing it? HRZ never stopped JQF, and neither was he sensitive to the fact that it would hurt Rebecca. He didn't fight for her.Rebecca, too, did not fight for her love. She did not just step back because of the mum. She also stepped back because she was scared. From the get go, she was not expressive and shrugged the ML away. She did not once tell the ML that she wanted to truly be with him and that she wanted to try to persuade his mum. Rebecca did not choose herself. She forfeited, and ran away. If she really did choose herself, she would be living confidently, and not just drowning herself in work and misery. I don't blame Rebecca though because one can see she had traumas that were never addressed, and unfortunately HRZ never tried to encourage her to step out of her shell. He just wanted to have her, while keeping her in her own shell.
And like it or not, it is a fact that if you do not fight for what you want, it will slip away / be snatched away. Isn't that what the world is today? Nobody is irreplaceable. Everything is an opportunity. You don't want to work, no issue, someone else will happily take over and might even be willing to be underpaid. You don't want to commit or have sex with someone, they move on and find another to fulfill that need.
I don't think the drama was trying to send a message that it's ok to insert yourself in another's relationship. Rather, quite the opposite. It made JQF miserable and obsess over little micro details and over-analysing if everything was meant for her or Rebecca. In the end, that tainted her relationship with HRZ.
This drama merely presented the reality of modern relationships and the way people navigate through life these days. It's a dog-eat-dog world and we must fight for what we want. It takes two to tango, and it's the same with relationships. We got to keep putting in the effort to make it work. Love itself does not solve anything or equate to a fairytale life / ending. Also luck plays a role; its a variable we can never see (in this point : Rebecca's cancer) no matter how well we do.
Rebecca found her peace and closure at the end. It came at the cost of her life and that sucks because she is the one character all of us rooted strongly for. But I wonder if she would have ever snapped out of her misery and traumas if not for the cancer.. I do think the writer used it as a way for Rebecca to find her peace, while at the same time, pointing out how fragile people always get the rougher end of the stick. I don't see Rebecca's end as tragic. Her end was as liberating, as QF's and HRZ's (though different).
Imperfect, indeed. Sigh. An immersive, compelling, and thought-provoking psychological drama featuring a realistic journey of two flawed, complex and lonely women entangled in a circle of love (ZYJ), jealousy (JQF), and misery. Tiffany Hsu, as always, played the character your heart broke for, and Ariel Lin, the character you were prepared to hate but ended up empathizing with. Mike He and Kai Ko were great additions as well, though this was Tiffany and Ariel's drama all the way. Special mention for the fantastic editing, and engaging screenplay. It's great to see Mag Hsu back in full form as a screenwriter/director after MARS and In Time With You. Highly recommended for a mature audience because this is no fairytale.
My thoughts on the ending, which I felt was liberating for both FLs, in spoiler below.
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I don't mean that Rebecca should have stayed in that toxic environment or even married him. What I meant was that she did not even try to talk it out with the mum and HRZ. I definitely believe in self-love and that one should not stay in relationships where they are not respected. Having said that, it doesn't mean one should immediately run at the first obstacle without even determining if that obstacle can be overcome. Maybe had she communicated earnestly with the mum and with HRZ, things might be better? We never know 100%.
And by the dog-eat-dog world, I meant grabbing on to opportunities and I do think it applies to love as well. You can have an unrequited love all your life if you choose to stay quiet. But when you speak up and let the other person know, you either have a chance at love, or you get rejected and eventually find closure.
Rebecca continued to pine because (a) she loved him and also because of (b) she never received closure. And she never got that closure because she knows she did not give the relationship her all. She did not take his hand, she did not communicate how much she loved him and how much she cared. It doesn't matter if they would break up eventually (most probably they would).. it's like a 'Zeigarnik effect' where unfinished tasks (in this case the relationship) create a strong impact on your mind and remain memorable than tasks / relationships that you finished and had closure.
I completely understand what you mean when you talk about her death being an end to everything and that it is a cop-out. I do wish the writer chose a different way. But at the same time, what made it work me in this case is because of how real it is. A lot of suicidal people have some of the traits that Rebecca had, and what makes them stay in their misery so long because they are unable to come out of this web they weaved.. and it's the same with Rebecca. She needed help, but she didn't even understand that she needed it and so didn't even know how to seek it. She would have gone on in this cycle of hurt and misery if not for the cancer. The cancer helped her realise the fleetingness of life and made her open to have that conversation with JFQ.. it made her realise that she didn't have to be stuck in the past. It is sad but the thought of death being near changes people. Its fascinating because we are not immortal and technically we are one day closer to death each day. But somehow we live our lives each day, thinking we have tons of time and that our issues can be pushed to the back and we can just go on the way we are.. it's the same with Rebecca.
I don't think its a case of the writer not loving Rebecca more. Rather, the writer merely presented the reality of some women like Rebecca, and I say this especially so because I lost a friend to suicide. And Rebecca reminded me a lot of her. Everybody deserves love, but look at the stats of suicides and people depressed in the world today - the numbers are in millions. Rebecca is just one of them.
I would have loved to see her move on, be happy in life and thriving. But I appreciate the show for daring to show a heartbreaking reality that some people just don't find the happiness they deserve. And by showing that, it doesn't mean the writer is endorsing this view of such people not finding happiness.
RE: JFQ finding happiness at the end - I don't think we can say that 100%. If you look at their relationship, the guy constantly neglected her and didn't truly care about her opinion. We see her going towards him, but they don't actually meet. I doubt their relationship would work in the long run. It wasn't just about her over-analyzing micro-signs. But yes, JFQ is someone who would move on in life, and continue to live. Just like HRZ. And that is very real. People who are ruthless, people who are mentally strong do thrive unfortunately. People who are mentally weak don't unless they are lucky enough to find the help they need.
but damn 15 mins in, I didn't expect it to be this chaotic
HAHAHAHAHA
I miss T-dramas like this one..
P.S Can't stand that maid's voice though
Karakai Jozu no Takagi-san (a FL who loves to tease + great banter)
Date - Koi to wa Donna Mono Kashira (witty leads + great banter)
Horimiya
When I Fly Towards You
Minami-kun no Koibito - My Little Lover (2015)
Tsuiraku JK to Haijin Kyoshi
Asuko March
Black Cinderella
Hana Yori Dango
Kieta Hatsukoi
If you're looking for J drama recommendations, you can check out my list for dramas from different genres to try:
https://kisskh.at/list/LQJEl7R3
but I gave in and started watching
And I don't know how I'm gonna wait 3 more weeks for this to finish
THEY ARE SO FREAKING CUTEEEEEEEEEEEEE
The casting is so damn perfect. I absolutely adore the way she disarms him with her wit and enjoys teasing him while he gets all awkward and shy. Too precious. They are seriously so adorable and wholesome.. I could watch them all day.
This is just the feel good drama I needed after all the heavy stuff I have been watching.
Regardless of the cancer, it was all building up to Rebecca and QF reconciling, and letting go. Also, I think it was somewhat realistic in showing that life doesn't quite go the way we plan.. just when you think you got it all, you lose it and vice versa. Just when we thought QF / HRZ are over, there came a curve ball thrown by Rebecca. Rebecca got her closure at the cost of her life. Yep that sucks because she is the character we all rooted for.. but I wonder would she have if not for the cancer? She would have continued breeding in her misery. Sometimes we need these curveballs thrown at us to snap us out of the web we have entwined. When life-changing events happen, that is when it forces people to look at a different perspective and 'externalize' their problems. The cancer helped Rebecca find her peace and closure, which she very much needed. Also cancer is no longer seen as some tragedy. It is very common and happens to people all over the world. It hurts because Rebecca is a character we all wanted to see thriving at the end.. but isn't life fleeting? All of us are gonna die someday, she died at a young age, and that's sad. But she didn't die in pain. I don't see her end as a tragedy at all. Her end was liberating, just like QF's and HRZ's.
It is an unfortunate reality that fragile people always get the rougher end of the stick because it's a dog-eat-dog world. People like QF will continue to survive because they fight for what they want and are mentally stronger, while people like Rebecca withdraw and wilt, until they are able to find the strength to rise again. It sucks, but that's what life is today. It's not an inclusive world that is fair for one and all, and waits to hand out opportunities. If you don't grab on to what you want, it will slip away or someone else will take it.
Regardless of the cancer, it was all building up to Rebecca and QF reconciling, and letting go. Also, I think it was somewhat realistic in showing that life doesn't quite go the way we plan.. just when you think you got it all, you lose it and vice versa. Just when we thought QF / HRZ are over, there came a curve ball thrown by Rebecca. Rebecca got her closure at the cost of her life. Yep that sucks because she is the character we all rooted for.. but I wonder would she have if not for the cancer? She would have continued breeding in her misery. Sometimes we need these curveballs thrown at us to snap us out of the web we have entwined. When life-changing events happen, that is when it forces people to look at a different perspective and 'externalize' their problems. The cancer helped Rebecca find her peace and closure, which she very much needed. Also cancer is no longer seen as some tragedy. It is very common and happens to people all over the world. It hurts because Rebecca is a character we all wanted to see thriving at the end.. but isn't life fleeting? All of us are gonna die someday, she died at a young age, and that's sad. But she didn't die in pain. I don't see her end as a tragedy at all. Her end was liberating, just like QF's and HRZ's.
It is an unfortunate reality that fragile people always get the rougher end of the stick because it's a dog-eat-dog world. People like QF will continue to survive because they fight for what they want and are mentally stronger, while people like Rebecca withdraw and wilt, until they are able to find the strength to rise again. It sucks, but that's what life is today. It's not an inclusive world that is fair for one and all, and waits to hand out opportunities. If you don't grab on to what you want, it will slip away or someone else will take it.
We live in an imperfect world, and are imperfect. This was a really heartbreaking drama.
I don't think Rebecca was a plot device for QF at all.
I can't believe I am saying this but I didn't hate the cancer subplot. I definitely wish the writer chose another way, but I don't think it was inserted in a way that altered the story.
Regardless of the cancer, it was all building up to Rebecca and QF reconciling, and letting go. I think it was somewhat realistic in showing that life doesn't quite go the way we plan.. just when you think you got it all, you lose it and vice versa. Just when we thought QF / HRZ are over, there came a curve ball thrown by Rebecca. Rebecca got her closure at the cost of her life. Yep that sucks because she is the character we all rooted for.. but I wonder would she have if not for the cancer? She would have continued breeding in her misery. Sometimes we need these curveballs thrown at us to snap us out of the web we have entwined. When life-changing events happen, that is when it forces people to look at a different perspective and 'externalize' their problems. The cancer helped Rebecca find her peace and closure, which she very much needed. All of us are gonna die someday, she died at a young age, and that's sad. But she didn't die in pain. I don't see her end as a tragic. Her end was liberating, just like QF's and HRZ's.
It is an unfortunate reality that fragile people always get the rougher end of the stick because it's a dog-eat-dog world. People like QF will continue to survive because they fight for what they want and are mentally stronger, while people like Rebecca withdraw and wilt, until they are able to find the strength to rise again. It sucks, but that's what life is today. It's not an inclusive world that is fair for one and all, and waits to hand out opportunities. If you don't grab on to what you want, it will slip away or someone else will take it.
We live in an imperfect world, and are imperfect. This was a really heartbreaking drama.
Yes, JQF inserted herself into their relationship. But could she have done so if not for Rebecca and HRZ allowing it? HRZ never stopped JQF, and neither was he sensitive to the fact that it would hurt Rebecca. He didn't fight for her.Rebecca, too, did not fight for her love. She did not just step back because of the mum. She also stepped back because she was scared. From the get go, she was not expressive and shrugged the ML away. She did not once tell the ML that she wanted to truly be with him and that she wanted to try to persuade his mum. Rebecca did not choose herself. She forfeited, and ran away. If she really did choose herself, she would be living confidently, and not just drowning herself in work and misery. I don't blame Rebecca though because one can see she had traumas that were never addressed, and unfortunately HRZ never tried to encourage her to step out of her shell. He just wanted to have her, while keeping her in her own shell.
And like it or not, it is a fact that if you do not fight for what you want, it will slip away / be snatched away. Isn't that what the world is today? Nobody is irreplaceable. Everything is an opportunity. You don't want to work, no issue, someone else will happily take over and might even be willing to be underpaid. You don't want to commit or have sex with someone, they move on and find another to fulfill that need.
I don't think the drama was trying to send a message that it's ok to insert yourself in another's relationship. Rather, quite the opposite. It made JQF miserable and obsess over little micro details and over-analysing if everything was meant for her or Rebecca. In the end, that tainted her relationship with HRZ.
This drama merely presented the reality of modern relationships and the way people navigate through life these days. It's a dog-eat-dog world and we must fight for what we want. It takes two to tango, and it's the same with relationships. We got to keep putting in the effort to make it work. Love itself does not solve anything or equate to a fairytale life / ending. Also luck plays a role; its a variable we can never see (in this point : Rebecca's cancer) no matter how well we do.
Rebecca found her peace and closure at the end. It came at the cost of her life and that sucks because she is the one character all of us rooted strongly for. But I wonder if she would have ever snapped out of her misery and traumas if not for the cancer.. I do think the writer used it as a way for Rebecca to find her peace, while at the same time, pointing out how fragile people always get the rougher end of the stick. I don't see Rebecca's end as tragic. Her end was as liberating, as QF's and HRZ's (though different).
An immersive, compelling, and thought-provoking psychological drama featuring a realistic journey of two flawed, complex and lonely women entangled in a circle of love (ZYJ), jealousy (JQF), and misery. Tiffany Hsu, as always, played the character your heart broke for, and Ariel Lin, the character you were prepared to hate but ended up empathizing with. Mike He and Kai Ko were great additions as well, though this was Tiffany and Ariel's drama all the way. Special mention for the fantastic editing, and engaging screenplay. It's great to see Mag Hsu back in full form as a screenwriter/director after MARS and In Time With You.
Highly recommended for a mature audience because this is no fairytale.
My thoughts on the ending, which I felt was liberating for both FLs, in spoiler below.
https://dramanice.la/drama/four-gifts-detail