Girl's family is such a mess lol. Glad she's smart and ready to stand her ground with them. Fun watch so far. I'm glad they made this into a dramedy. Otherwise, this would have been too heavy for me.
A: Your family is nuts. If they were my family, I'd gone crazy since I was 5. P: I've been crazy since I was 3 and still taking medications for it.
I was kinda meh with the teaser. While I really enjoyed the trailer, I still went in not expecting much. One, I’ve been disappointed with GLs way too many times. Two, this is a beauty pageant organization making a GL. And one should not judge something without getting to know it first. I’m sorry Grand, I was wrong. Thank you so much for creating such an amazing story. I’ve been smiling so much that my cheeks still hurt, and the last episode was days ago.
Meena-Cherine are sweet, supportive and encouraging of each other. They were very open with each other from the very beginning, and neither of them judged the other. There's always that line of open communication between them. They are one of the most sweetest and healthiest relationships I’ve seen develop on screen.
When people say the side characters aren't necessary, oh no, they are VERY necessary. We actually have a story about a couple who aren't just a bubble onto themselves. They are also about their family and friends, and that is why the side characters and their screentime are so important here. I'm glad that we have a GL series that's more well-rounded and is about love, family, friendship, values and goals.
The cons I’d say in terms of story alone is the songs they chose for the intimate scenes. Even Engfa was baffled and said “why this song?” during her reaction to one lol.
Cons not related to the story include knowing they can sing and yet not having any original songs to sing in the series. The music is good, but it definitely would have been better with some original songs. Another and I feel is the most important is that the series ran concurrently with MGT 2023 which Engfa was heavily involved in as mentor, judge and host for the various events. Grand scheduled very little time for the cast to promote the series. It also put fans in a tough spot, because they had to balance their time between SML and MGT. Judging from my feed, many chose to put more time into MGT, because Engfa and Charlotte were bidding farewell to their positions -- understandable. So again, little time to promote SML. All this I feel is unfortunate for SML with it being such a great series.
Other than that, I absolutely love and adore the story and Meena-Cherine. They are one of the most wholesome and sweetest couples. And again, thank you Grand and the SML team. You guys did amazing.
I guess GLs have come a long way when we have fanwars the likes of Kpop fanwars. Everywhere I turn, it’s hiss, hiss, RAWR.
We actually have a sweet and healthy main GL couple in a nice storyline, and people are putting them down over fanwars and biases. You know how I know most of the negative comments are bias? Because there is actually a comment about them not having any chemistry. And to have absolutely nothing positive to say about the show at all? That’s some next level of people having their eyes and heart closed that I’ve ever seen.
I thought we were about getting more positive representation on screen. Guess not, and I'm honestly deeply disappointed with the community. More disheartened and disappointed than I’ve ever been with any of the straightwashed, negative and especially lack of sapphic representation we’ve had in the past and may continue to have at this rate. Someone said it best when they said “how can we ask others to understand us, when we even put each other down?”
I’m sure most will choose to continue with the fanwars and disregard this, but I hope it at least resonates with one person.
Dramas about socioeconomic disparity and corruption with strong female leads are my thing. Love the respect and friendship between the two female leads. Also liked how their dynamic reminded me of the trolley problem. How one wouldn't sacrifice one life to save many while the other would do the opposite. And how despite that, they both trusted and respected each other enough to understand where the other stood and overcome the various obstacles together as a unit.
This was an ok watch for me. I feel like there could have been more suspense. The bad guys were kinda lame in that they were dumb and ultimately had one solution to everything. Hwang Do Hee was basically their brain that they cut off. So it was like watching two intelligent people go up against a bunch of dumb people with a lot of money and power. If they were more menacing and an actual intellectual challenge to the MCs, this would have been an edge of your seat kind of watch.
I hate the dad. It's so hard for him to take responsibility for his own failures that he has to blame it on luck. No kid should have to grow up like Korn. It's amazing he's still a good person.
There's a lot of obvious foreshadowing in the early episodes and not a fan of sibling love triangle. I hope it goes in a different direction than other dramas that deal with brothers standing on opposite sides of the law, i.e. "Tawan Tat Burapha" which is a really good drama btw. Just if they don't add anything significantly new to the storyline, it'll be too predictable for those of us who have watched the dramas in the recommendations list. If you've never watched any of them, this will be good and novel for you.
Will continue to see how the main four characters evolve and hope the writers significantly changed the story up some.
GDH requires 100% commitment to their characters. Whatever physical changes the characters go through, the people playing the role will need to go through as well. Due to this, PP isn’t confident about him being able to do the role, and filming has been delayed. His character sounds really intense. Engfa said that whoever could do the role, could pretty much do any role.
This story always ends up getting the best actress for the FL. Zhou Dong Yu (Better Days) and now Kim Da Mi for this one. Not a fan of the premise but might give this a whirl. It can't be that bad, if they are in it.
My weekly watch schedule is basically SML and MGT at this point. It's like you go in, and you can't come back out lol.
Not sure why people are lost with the storyline. I'm following it just fine. There's not a moment where I feel lost or there being a disconnect between scenes.
Their acting is actually surprisingly good given their busy schedules and what little time they had to workshop this. I don't see them as Engfa and Charlotte. I actually see them as Meena and Cherine. The only time where I feel Engfa drops being Meena is when she fashion walks. Not pointing it out as a bad thing. I just think it's endearing and funny that it's the one thing she can't hide from being herself.
Meena-Cherine are super sweet and cute. I like that they're very open with each other, supportive, encouraging and caring. I like that there is focus on their family, friends and the pageant. It shows that their life doesn't just revolve around romantic love which most often in GLs, it's just that, and I just don't find that healthy nor aspiring. It shows how they balance being in a relationship with each other while maintaining their other relationships that are just as important. It shows them overcoming obstacles together and helping each other grow.
I do wish the season was longer though. They could definitely go on for more episodes with more of everyone's backstories and the pageant. Other than that, this is basically everything I've been hoping and waiting for in a GL.
I never would have imagined it would come from a beauty pageant company, but here we are. Thank you, Boss and Miss Grand, for being a visionary for change.
The only thing missing from my GL wish list now is the genre as I'm into suspense/thrillers. So I just need a good suspense/thriller GL, and I'm set lol.
I learned my lesson from The Glory. Now I know to check whether a drama has two parts before watching it lol. You kinda lose that feel from the first part waiting months for the second one.
“People show their true colors, when they’re hungry.” – Chef Paul
It’s a treat seeing Aokbab in a role like this again. She owned it. I knew Aokbab and Peter could act, but they were just on some next level here. It was so amazing between them that I could feel the tension through my screen.
This is a pretty good watch. Not as good as I expected it to be but good and enjoyable nevertheless.
The romance along with the guy was unnecessary. (He’s a good actor though) Instead of it, they could have spent more time on either showing more of Aoy’s training, Chef Paul or more interactions between the two.
There were some parts where they did a lot of telling instead of showing. Like how characters were sitting around talking about the woes of being poor. In the scene where they showed various working poor eating, now that scene was perfect given the scene preceding it.
Then there was Chef Paul’s meek staff. For a staff to work under him for years, you’d expect them to be a little more emotionally hardened. But they were really submissive. So I felt a disconnect there.
After Aoy's first cook for the guests, the story was weak to me in the rest of the first half, and then really pops off in the second half. Again, the romance was the most boring and unnecessary part of this film that took away time building up the good parts.
In the climatic scene, they could have used more music to add tension to it. Other than that, that scene was everything and the highlight of this film. So much unspoken meaning and symbolism in that scene.
Overall, this is a nice combo of The Chef and Whiplash.
One of my seniors rarely ever posts about anyone. Until one day, girl was posting Englot videos. This was pre-MGI era. I saw them, but I didn't really look into them because I'm not into ships and was busy at the time.
Fast forward a couple months, I see an Engfa video in my Youtube feed. Watched it and just felt like she was like every other idol riding the LGBT train. Note: I feel like a lot of idols will claim that they are bi or wouldn't be opposed to a same-gender relationship, because you wouldn't be able to really fact check that. Looking back, I realize the show she was on sucks for every idol who goes on it. They just don't steer the conversation towards anything meaningful. If you weren't already a fan of whoever was on it, you'd just be "meh".
Then I saw her interview with Woody, and that's when things started to change. Note: If you are new to Engfa, you should definitely watch that video. Saw her confidence and fighting spirit during MGI, anddd here we are. I'm now gradually going through 200+ Engfa videos. As of this comment, I'm on video #28. Please send help lol.
But for real, I think she is a really great person who does her best to make those around her laugh and smile. Sia Berm anyone? She's constantly uplifting and defending her nongs and peers, when she doesn't have to go to the extent that she does.
Japanese food dramas are my guilty pleasure. This being a GL just made it even better lol.
In their life, they experience various ways in which people try to fit them in a box. In the past, it may have been malicious but in the present, it's more out of habit and societal expectations. So I'm glad that the story shows that times are changing, and people are gradually becoming more open-minded like the shop owner/workers.
I abolutely love the way they were nonjudgemental of each from the very beginning and how open and comfortable they are around each other. And the more time they spent together, the more they were able to embrace themselves for who they are and not feel so different from everyone else.
There is probably just one thing I would have wanted to happen by the end. But given the story, it makes sense that it didn't happen. So I'm ok with it.
Heartwarming story that I've definitely added to my rewatch rotation.
The main thing about this short is figuring out who her secret admirer is. Problem is, as of this writing, the answer is already in the thumbnail. Netflix did the same thing with a serial killer drama I was watching. 😭😭😭
If you haven't watched this yet, consider hiding the part of your screen where you see the thumbnails, and then adding the eps to your playlist or find an already made one.
It’s pretty cute, and the acting was good. The only thing I’m not a fan of is love triangles especially among friends, but that seems to be popular in webtoons/Kdramas like True Beauty and all that, so I am the minority here lol.
So cute and wholesome. Last story is my fav. And when I get the chance, I’m gonna watch it 20 more times uwu. I feel like it’s what FutaMo could have been T__T. I still love it though.
Also, I’m still in shock that we actually got a GL Asian film anthology. This is a first, isn’t it?
Genuinely enjoyed the series and look forward to the next season. Interesting and diverse cases, compelling and endearing characters. Well-paced. Overall a super cute and wholesome drama.
Does have romance, but it isn't the focal point. I think it's just the right amount for those who like a little romance in their dramas and those who don't like too much of it.
The cast did an amazing job, and the story execution is pretty good.
It's great seeing actors and actresses working with people outside of one channel (usually due to being under contract) and in more diverse storylines. I've always found Alek to be interesting from what I've seen of him in interviews and variety shows, but I've never watched any of his dramas because they're not my type. So I'm glad I finally got to watch him in something. He owned his role as the charismatic and caring CEO of Return Man.
Pat is an amazing actress who's often working with different cast and storylines, so I've gotten to see many of her work. Pat and Alek together is absolutely amazing here.
Definitely keeping an eye out for more Viu Originals. Thank you Viu for such a fun and entertaining drama!
1
2
A: Your family is nuts. If they were my family, I'd gone crazy since I was 5.
P: I've been crazy since I was 3 and still taking medications for it.
Meena-Cherine are sweet, supportive and encouraging of each other. They were very open with each other from the very beginning, and neither of them judged the other. There's always that line of open communication between them. They are one of the most sweetest and healthiest relationships I’ve seen develop on screen.
When people say the side characters aren't necessary, oh no, they are VERY necessary. We actually have a story about a couple who aren't just a bubble onto themselves. They are also about their family and friends, and that is why the side characters and their screentime are so important here. I'm glad that we have a GL series that's more well-rounded and is about love, family, friendship, values and goals.
The cons I’d say in terms of story alone is the songs they chose for the intimate scenes. Even Engfa was baffled and said “why this song?” during her reaction to one lol.
Cons not related to the story include knowing they can sing and yet not having any original songs to sing in the series. The music is good, but it definitely would have been better with some original songs. Another and I feel is the most important is that the series ran concurrently with MGT 2023 which Engfa was heavily involved in as mentor, judge and host for the various events. Grand scheduled very little time for the cast to promote the series. It also put fans in a tough spot, because they had to balance their time between SML and MGT. Judging from my feed, many chose to put more time into MGT, because Engfa and Charlotte were bidding farewell to their positions -- understandable. So again, little time to promote SML. All this I feel is unfortunate for SML with it being such a great series.
Other than that, I absolutely love and adore the story and Meena-Cherine. They are one of the most wholesome and sweetest couples. And again, thank you Grand and the SML team. You guys did amazing.
We actually have a sweet and healthy main GL couple in a nice storyline, and people are putting them down over fanwars and biases. You know how I know most of the negative comments are bias? Because there is actually a comment about them not having any chemistry. And to have absolutely nothing positive to say about the show at all? That’s some next level of people having their eyes and heart closed that I’ve ever seen.
I thought we were about getting more positive representation on screen. Guess not, and I'm honestly deeply disappointed with the community. More disheartened and disappointed than I’ve ever been with any of the straightwashed, negative and especially lack of sapphic representation we’ve had in the past and may continue to have at this rate. Someone said it best when they said “how can we ask others to understand us, when we even put each other down?”
I’m sure most will choose to continue with the fanwars and disregard this, but I hope it at least resonates with one person.
This was an ok watch for me. I feel like there could have been more suspense. The bad guys were kinda lame in that they were dumb and ultimately had one solution to everything. Hwang Do Hee was basically their brain that they cut off. So it was like watching two intelligent people go up against a bunch of dumb people with a lot of money and power. If they were more menacing and an actual intellectual challenge to the MCs, this would have been an edge of your seat kind of watch.
8.5/10
There's a lot of obvious foreshadowing in the early episodes and not a fan of sibling love triangle. I hope it goes in a different direction than other dramas that deal with brothers standing on opposite sides of the law, i.e. "Tawan Tat Burapha" which is a really good drama btw. Just if they don't add anything significantly new to the storyline, it'll be too predictable for those of us who have watched the dramas in the recommendations list. If you've never watched any of them, this will be good and novel for you.
Will continue to see how the main four characters evolve and hope the writers significantly changed the story up some.
Also due to the weather at the filming location.
Not sure why people are lost with the storyline. I'm following it just fine. There's not a moment where I feel lost or there being a disconnect between scenes.
Their acting is actually surprisingly good given their busy schedules and what little time they had to workshop this. I don't see them as Engfa and Charlotte. I actually see them as Meena and Cherine. The only time where I feel Engfa drops being Meena is when she fashion walks. Not pointing it out as a bad thing. I just think it's endearing and funny that it's the one thing she can't hide from being herself.
Meena-Cherine are super sweet and cute. I like that they're very open with each other, supportive, encouraging and caring. I like that there is focus on their family, friends and the pageant. It shows that their life doesn't just revolve around romantic love which most often in GLs, it's just that, and I just don't find that healthy nor aspiring. It shows how they balance being in a relationship with each other while maintaining their other relationships that are just as important. It shows them overcoming obstacles together and helping each other grow.
I do wish the season was longer though. They could definitely go on for more episodes with more of everyone's backstories and the pageant. Other than that, this is basically everything I've been hoping and waiting for in a GL.
I never would have imagined it would come from a beauty pageant company, but here we are. Thank you, Boss and Miss Grand, for being a visionary for change.
The only thing missing from my GL wish list now is the genre as I'm into suspense/thrillers. So I just need a good suspense/thriller GL, and I'm set lol.
It’s a treat seeing Aokbab in a role like this again. She owned it. I knew Aokbab and Peter could act, but they were just on some next level here. It was so amazing between them that I could feel the tension through my screen.
This is a pretty good watch. Not as good as I expected it to be but good and enjoyable nevertheless.
The romance along with the guy was unnecessary. (He’s a good actor though) Instead of it, they could have spent more time on either showing more of Aoy’s training, Chef Paul or more interactions between the two.
There were some parts where they did a lot of telling instead of showing. Like how characters were sitting around talking about the woes of being poor. In the scene where they showed various working poor eating, now that scene was perfect given the scene preceding it.
Then there was Chef Paul’s meek staff. For a staff to work under him for years, you’d expect them to be a little more emotionally hardened. But they were really submissive. So I felt a disconnect there.
After Aoy's first cook for the guests, the story was weak to me in the rest of the first half, and then really pops off in the second half. Again, the romance was the most boring and unnecessary part of this film that took away time building up the good parts.
In the climatic scene, they could have used more music to add tension to it. Other than that, that scene was everything and the highlight of this film. So much unspoken meaning and symbolism in that scene.
Overall, this is a nice combo of The Chef and Whiplash.
Fast forward a couple months, I see an Engfa video in my Youtube feed. Watched it and just felt like she was like every other idol riding the LGBT train. Note: I feel like a lot of idols will claim that they are bi or wouldn't be opposed to a same-gender relationship, because you wouldn't be able to really fact check that. Looking back, I realize the show she was on sucks for every idol who goes on it. They just don't steer the conversation towards anything meaningful. If you weren't already a fan of whoever was on it, you'd just be "meh".
Then I saw her interview with Woody, and that's when things started to change. Note: If you are new to Engfa, you should definitely watch that video. Saw her confidence and fighting spirit during MGI, anddd here we are. I'm now gradually going through 200+ Engfa videos. As of this comment, I'm on video #28. Please send help lol.
But for real, I think she is a really great person who does her best to make those around her laugh and smile. Sia Berm anyone? She's constantly uplifting and defending her nongs and peers, when she doesn't have to go to the extent that she does.
Engfa interview with Woody: https://youtu.be/Zf6nwhDqm80
In their life, they experience various ways in which people try to fit them in a box. In the past, it may have been malicious but in the present, it's more out of habit and societal expectations. So I'm glad that the story shows that times are changing, and people are gradually becoming more open-minded like the shop owner/workers.
I abolutely love the way they were nonjudgemental of each from the very beginning and how open and comfortable they are around each other. And the more time they spent together, the more they were able to embrace themselves for who they are and not feel so different from everyone else.
There is probably just one thing I would have wanted to happen by the end. But given the story, it makes sense that it didn't happen. So I'm ok with it.
Heartwarming story that I've definitely added to my rewatch rotation.
If you haven't watched this yet, consider hiding the part of your screen where you see the thumbnails, and then adding the eps to your playlist or find an already made one.
It’s pretty cute, and the acting was good. The only thing I’m not a fan of is love triangles especially among friends, but that seems to be popular in webtoons/Kdramas like True Beauty and all that, so I am the minority here lol.
Also, I’m still in shock that we actually got a GL Asian film anthology. This is a first, isn’t it?
Genuinely enjoyed the series and look forward to the next season. Interesting and diverse cases, compelling and endearing characters. Well-paced. Overall a super cute and wholesome drama.
Does have romance, but it isn't the focal point. I think it's just the right amount for those who like a little romance in their dramas and those who don't like too much of it.
The cast did an amazing job, and the story execution is pretty good.
It's great seeing actors and actresses working with people outside of one channel (usually due to being under contract) and in more diverse storylines. I've always found Alek to be interesting from what I've seen of him in interviews and variety shows, but I've never watched any of his dramas because they're not my type. So I'm glad I finally got to watch him in something. He owned his role as the charismatic and caring CEO of Return Man.
Pat is an amazing actress who's often working with different cast and storylines, so I've gotten to see many of her work. Pat and Alek together is absolutely amazing here.
Definitely keeping an eye out for more Viu Originals. Thank you Viu for such a fun and entertaining drama!