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a GEM of a drama so atypical and endearing
This drama is very different from the kdramas of the day. Unlike what the title seems to suggest, this isn't a sports drama. Run On -- It hints to keep going forward in life and to not give up. Even if you're tired, pause, slow down, but don't stop .ABOUT THE STORY
It deals with ordinary life, the difficulties one faces and fact that no matter what, life goes on and so should you.
While the characters have uncommon occupations, their lives are very relatable to all. The ML is an athlete from a dysfunctional family who has always lived for others so much so that he has lost himself. The FL is a translator who is an orphan and has lived a very tough life, has worked hard to reach where she is and therefore is fierce, independent, kind and the is best example for showing how self-love works. This story is about how they find each other, heal each other and live healthy, meaningful lives. It also portrays how healthy relationships work-- that one needs to love oneself to be able to truly love another. And this is applicable not just to romantic relationships, but all relationships. One should not sacrifice so much that one loses oneself-- it is not love then but just a parasitic toxic reliance.
The secondary characters have good storylines too. The CEO of the sports agency is a woman who has always been denied acknowledgement for her achievements and skill because of her gender. Her half-brother vying for her affections is truly heartbreaking. Their family seems to be troubled by some kind of genetic disorder. Their mogul father hence is concerned about securing his company while completely ignoring his capable and worthy daughter. He goes to the extent of registering his younger son as his first-born instead of his daughter by falsifying her birth date. Her romance with the college kid is sort of cute. I do not like noona romances so I do not find it too endearing. However the premise of how they meet and how he helps her grow emotionally is endearing. I like them individually but not as a couple.
I got the feeling of a rushed ending. I'm not sure if the relationship status of the secondary couple was left ambiguous on purpose. I liked that they had a sad break-up -- they were each other's first love and couldn't be together because of her wish to take over the family company. However, sad as it was, that ending was perfect. But they ruined it for me when the two meet again in her gallery and later hang out with others at the theatre. It is still a light-hearted good drama.
THE OST
They have A LOT of songs. And they're all BRILLIANT!! The OSTs match the mood perfectly.
THE CAST
LOVE Them!!
Siwan has done an amazing job portraying the defeated athlete and his unusual mannerisms.
Se kyung gives a cool performance as a self-made woman who is loyal, fierce and loving. Her no-nonsense vibe is awesome.
Soo young's performance as the cold, emotionally closed chaebol is excellent. She really shows the character's essence well.
The actor who plays Soo young's bodyguard/manager is awesome.
DIALOGUES
I have just 2 words for you: SWOONWORTHY and NON-CHEESY.
WHAT I LOVE THE MOST
There are no villians. There is no one who earns your eternal hatred. There are no truly despicable characters. Even the 'negative' characters redeem themselves. It felt strange and surprising that this drama left me with just good feelings, no one to hate or dislike and nothing that would leave me with sleepless nights.
OVERALL
The drama has a moderate pace. It is a feel-good, uplifting drama. There is angst but in real-life doses so you don't feel depressed while watching it. There is no nonsense so you wont feel like pulling your hair out. The pace of the drama matches the OSTs, the theme and the story really well. It will make a good feel-good comfy binge-- sort of like chicken-soup for the soul. The lovestory is very unique and fresh. There is GREAT HUMOUR-- genuine natural comedy that isn't forced, doesn't seem scripted and isn't for the sake of humour. The drama quietly energizes you to run on-- to go on with your life everyday and move forward.
If you're on the fence, just plunge! Give this drama a chance and you won't regret it!
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Cute and fluffy
It is what it is. This is a fluffy, romantic comedy sprinkled with melodrama.If the title did not make it abundantly clear, it's about a poor, mistreated, down on her luck girl and 4 good-looking, well-off men whose lives get entangled.
Be very clear about the implications of watching a fluff drama:
1. Don't expect logic.
2. Don't expect realistic portrayals.
3. Expect over-the-top stuff.
4. Expect Love triangles and love polygons.
5. Expect drama.
FYI, the FL is not a ditzy damsel in distress. Quite the contrary.
Keeping all the points mentioned above in mind, this drama is quite enjoyable. The story while predictable is engaging (I did skip through the unnecessary plot points like the step family plotting, fake dad ). The acting is good, decent. The leads are natural and have great chemistry with eachother. I loved Il Woo. Lots of cutesy scenes and pretty good kissing scenes that had me swooning. The story can get annoying ( reasons why the FL-ML break up, wrong-doers not punished, no meaningful redemption for Cinderella 's dad, etc.). But, it has a happy ending.
Good set of OST.
The romance, the fluff and all the cute stuff made it enjoyable to me despite the shortcomings in the story. If you enjoy fluffy stuff or are looking for a drama to pass time, this meets the criteria.
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I tried, I really did
Ok, I started watching this show for Jung Il Woo despite reading a few reviews. I liked Il Woo in Cinderella and 4 knights and wanted see another drama of his. Going in, I was sceptical and had low expectations because of the reviews I read. I couldn't make it past 20 minutes of the first episode. Why? Because of the FL -- oh my god, it's such bad acting! Was she trying to act cute and adorable? It came off as if she's high on something. Not even Il Woo's charisma, hotness, and the promise of display of chef skills & mouthwatering food can make me suffer through this eyesore that is the FL's acting. Maybe I am being harsh. Maybe, one day, after mustering more patience, I might give this drama another chance. But not now, not today.Was this review helpful to you?
