linxminx

Exceptional at First, Horrible in the Middle, Kind of Redeeming at the End

The final review-
This drama was a wild ride. I started my review halfway through and focused mainly on its strengths. Now that I've finished, I'll go back to discussing the overall strengths, and also include the weaknesses because there are some big ones.
Strengths-
The cast - The cast carried this drama, especially during parts that were poorly written. The ML and FL were perfect in their roles, seemed to have a good vibe and connection during the story that made their love for each other believable. It wouldn't surprise me to hear that these two actors enjoyed working together. I really loved the actors playing Soo Cheol and Da Hye and were my favorite secondary actors.

The production value - whether it was sets, lighting, film angles, costumes, or the soundtrack, the production value was high. There were many moments during the drama that were just beautifully filmed.

The storylines/writing - The main plot and subplots were good overall. I'll discuss where the writing went off the rails later, but in general the storyline was interesting and made for a good drama. While there were problems with the writing in certain episodes, the final episode brought everything to full circle and wrapped up all the storylines well. The ending showing Hyun Woo as an older man putting flowers on Hae In's grave was especially beautiful and touching. I like the final scene with Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won facing the camera with their heads together and smiling. I just thought that was one of the sweetest endings I've seen. It was so easy to like these two characters, and this was just a perfect way to have an ending with these two.

Weaknesses-
The storylines/writing - Episodes 12-15 were especially hard to watch. I really believe that this story didn't have enough to stretch it to 16 episodes. But in order to do that the writing became repetitive, unbelievable, and stupid. There is already a certain level of unbelievability built into the typical Kdrama love story, but this took it way, way too far. Real human beings would never do what some of the actors did, the actors had to be overly dramatic and over act in certain scenes that bordered on comical because the writing itself was so poor, scenes in slow motion that stretched out exhausting and frustrating the viewer. It was a chore to watch certain parts of this drama. You can read more about my impressions below.

I think a missed opportunity that would have tickled the viewing audience would have been if Hyun Woo woke up from his hospitalization, looked at Hye In and said, "Who are you?" Now that would have been priceless. Overall, the writing in the first episodes was good, then it was just horrible, but came back to better in the final episode to wrap up the story.

After 14 episodes-
I was going to wait until I watched the final episodes next week, but decided to add to the initial impressions. I'm in the middle of episode 14, and I have to say I'm getting frustrated and bored. After Man Dae's death (Hae In's grandfather) the storyline goes downhill. Really good subplots kept this story going, but at some point, some of the subplots wrapped up, others plodded along slowly, and others seemed to fizzle. Attention came back to the main plot, Hae In's brain tumors and her inevitable death unless she receives a surgery that will destroy her long term memory. Here is where Queen of Tears becomes stupid, and I have to say, the writer missed an opportunity to show the realities of a terminally ill patient when faced with hard options. Instead we get to see a really selfish Hae In who refuses to get the surgery even as her husband and family dissolve in grief and sadness in front of her. Nope, she doesn't care in the least. She only changes her mind when faced with other womens' interest in Hyun Woo. Really?? Jealousy is what motivated you?? What a supremely shallow, selfish and controlling take on wanting to fight a terminal illness to live. Hi Darling, I've decided to live, not because I love you and want a future with you, but because even if I can't remember you, I'll be damned if anyone else can have you!!! Hyun Woo run away!!! Run as far from this woman as you can get!!! This borders on controlling and possessive behavior, and I'm disappointed in the writing. Most likely it is due to trying to extend the story to 16 episodes when really it could have been finished by 12 episodes.

The fakeness of her terminal illness really bothers me too. In the beginning it wasn't as fake as she first found out how serious the diagnosis was, but it certainly got to the point of unbelievability. I've known people who have had cancer and tumors. I've known people who have had major surgeries to remove tumors. I've known people who have had brain surgery. It's really an injustice to gloss over that part, keeping her healthy, looking perfect, and she comes out of brain surgery with a full head of hair and wearing only an oxygen mask. Queen of Tears has dissolved into scene after scene of overly-dramatic overacting that doesn't do the true storyline any favor. It's really a huge disappointment right now.

After 8 episodes -
I'll add to the review once I've finished this drama. Netflix is dropping only 2 per week. Let's start with the strengths:

The cast - The ML and FL are perfectly cast. I especially like Kim Ji Won. Talk about the Queen of Stoic! She is a master at keeping everything inside so as to remain cool, calm, and in control which is just what this part called for. Well done Ji Won!! Kim Soo Hyun balancing heartbroken, corporate, and comedic parts all at once, without missing a beat. The storyline of a couple getting into a marriage and it not being what they thought is not that riveting, but add the element of losing a child, a loveless marriage Hyun Woo's wants to end, and Hae In's medical diagnosis and you have a super-charged, "stick-to-the-screen" viewing plot that sucks you in. I'm loving it!

The Surprises - Vincenzo??! VINCENZO???!!!! OMG!!!

The sub-plots - How to take down a Chaebol family 101. Disintegrate from within. This sub-plot really keeps you coming back for more. Why? They keep revealing that those who want to take down this family are well-intrenched inside the main family. This took years! It's pretty impressive. This sub-cast of characters are amazing, starting with Park Sung Hoon, who plays dastardly so well! Kudos to the casting director for getting Park Sung Hoon, and kudos to the screenwriter Park Ji Eun for this impressive main plot and subplot intrigue. I'm glued....literally glued to the storyline.

The cinematography - There are many, many good shots, but one in particular was in episode 8 when Hyun Woo and Hae In are standing in the rain and he is helping her remember---the blending of tears, rain, camera angles, and the slow down of the rain drops with music was poetic in its dramatic value. Cinematography, editing, the music score, it all came together for so many moments in this drama. I'm looking forward to the remaining episodes.

The soundtrack - The music is really adding to the emotional highs and lows this drama takes you on. I haven't enjoyed a soundtrack this much since Our Beloved Summer.

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If We Could Only Rewrite History

After Completing this Drama
You can read my initial review upon watching 8 episodes below. But today, my review is after completing the entire series. Like a well-planned dish, today's review is layered with flavor.

First Layer. What country with a troubled past doesn't want to rewrite history? I read this drama was based on a real Josean king, so I explored the history. During one of the most amazing periods of a country's imperial rule, this king and this period was a stain on Korean history. This is where I love the creativity of screenwriters. Start with the historical but put a spin on it. This drama said "what if?" What if the Josean tyrant king had met the love of his life who kept him from much of his tyrannical behavior, how would history unfold? That's the main plot of this drama. But how to do this. A time travel narrative connected the present to the past. So the heroine travels back in time to sooth the tyrant and change, at least some, of the history.

Second Layer. What if this portrayal has some truth to it? If you read about the reign of Yeonsangun, it is not positive. He is known for purges where many were slaughtered, even royalty. Also, he kidnapped hundreds of girls across the country and forced them to be his personal sexual entertainers and "comfort women." Quite a contrast to the king's portrayal in this drama. However, the plotting of others in this drama is a part of the historical record, and one wonders if this plotting, along with finding out his birth mother and her death was hidden from him, led to such anxiety and paranoia in him it resulted in violence, indulgences, and death. It is a possibility during a time when there was little knowledge or resources for those suffering from mental health issues. I want to take this chance to say that in my research on this king, led me to another Korean production. I watched the movie The Treacherous on Amazon Prime. If you care to see a different portrayal of this king then watch this movie. I will warn you that this is not innocent, nor sanitized like Kdramas are. It's raw, it's reality, it's R-rated, and this king is surely mad. It was good, and the actors portrayal of their characters were amazing!!

Third Layer. The food and the love story. The food was the star throughout almost the entirety of the drama. It was amazing, comical, magical, and I gained 5 pounds just watching it. The two main characters showed chemistry in their attraction to each other which made the viewer glued to their relationship as it progressed. This is the 2nd drama I have watched with Lim Yoon A. The first was King the Land. She had such chemistry with Lee Jun Ho that I'm in awe of her acting skills and have become a true fan. She completely commits to a role, and the results speak for themself. I've seen a couple different dramas with Lee Chae Min as a supporting role. They were superbly acted enough that I knew of his work before his starring role in this drama. His main role as King Yi Heon has surely cemented him as a leading man, I am a fan and look forward to viewing his future roles.

Fourth Layer. The production value of this drama. With the spread of Korean entertainment I have seen dramas go from 36 to 24 to 16 to 12 episodes. Sometimes the compromise destroys the story. Koreans are amazing and superb story tellers when they have the room to develop the story. The proof are the amazing dramas over the last 10-15 years. With the increase in demand, I have seen stories compromised by shortening them for an audience plagued by shortened attention spans, and demanding western streaming services (Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Hulu). I'm saddened by this result. All of this to say that the production value of this drama stayed relatively high. The storyline was superb, my thanks to the screenwriter. The casting director got amazing actors in the right roles. The sets, the scenery, the costumes, the music, the cinematography was all superb. Thank you to the entire production crew. My only complaint, and its minor was the ending was rushed. It would have been nice to add substance to the king's appearance in modern times and exactly how he got there.

Well there you have it. A 4-course serving to a wonderful Kdrama. You will enjoy this production. I promise it is a delicacy worth watching.

It's Food Porn with a Side of Tasteful Fantasy - a review after watching 8 episodes
I'm only up to the 8th episode, but I just had to leave a review to say this is definitely worth watching. The time travel angle and the romance of the story take a back seat to the food. The food is definitely the leading character in this drama. The viewer is taken on a sexy, sultry, yet enchanting trip every time someone puts a bite in their mouth.

First, we get an up close view of the food passing over King Ye Heon's lips and into his mouth. Lee Chae Min's lips should receive their own star on the walk of fame....they are that luscious and enjoyable to watch. Once he begins to chew, he takes the viewer into a fantasy trip of his taste buds and mind. I laugh out loud each time it occurs as it gets more and more outrageous but delightful.

Watching these amazing dishes being prepared and eaten, especially by Lee Chae Min, is truly addictive.

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A Romance with a Watch that has a Leading Role

If living your life and falling in love resulted in the loss of life for the one you love but you could go back in time, would you do this to change the life of the lost loved one? Most would say yes. The series is about this scenario. Kim Hye Yoon's Im Sol tries over and over to save her love from death, but always fails. A nondescript watch is the time machine. The series details and narrates her attempts to save his life time and time again but always fails until she changes the narrative to where they never meet. All this in order to save his life. It's the tale of a GREAT love between two people.

I read some reviews before I started the series, and they were not flattering. While I can understand the weaknesses these reviews highlighted, my take is different. This series is a modern day Romeo and Juliet without the family anguish. Two people with such a great love for each other it withstood the test of time, space, death, and time travel.

The weaknesses that I saw were in the editing and somewhat in the writing. There is a lot of detail built into the time travel that can easily confuse the viewer. Im Sol goes back in time 3 times. Sometimes I wasn't sure if I was in the future or past. It didn't help that random scenes were thrown in periodically. In one regard I can understand as it helped to establish the strong connection between the two main characters and it also relieved the sadness and anguish (through comic relief and supporting character subplots) this storyline would inflict on the viewer. After all how much sadness can a viewer take before switching off? Some of the chaotic-ness of the storyline helps to bring the viewer along in the story. At least it did this for me as I never wanted to stop viewing.

If you're going to watch this, see it for what it is. A great love story of two people trying desperately to be together but fate just keeps interfering, yet they keep trying. I have to say kudos to the two main actors, Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon for their tremendous leading roles....nice!! This series had an amazing supporting cast as well. Song Geon Hee (smooth-like- butter, this actor is amazing!! I'm looking forward to future dramas with him), Jung Young Joo, Seo Hey Won, Kim Won Hye (three of my favorites from previous dramas, they did not disappoint), Baek In Hyun and Song Ji Ho added so much to the story and their loyalty to the main leads, and Heo Hyung Kyo was so so very evil. Well done to this amazing cast!!

I hope you give this series a chance. It does wander around a bit, and that is frustrating for the viewer. However, what it boils down to is the story of a great, GREAT love between two people. And who doesn't love a story like this?

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Is it Love, Is it Witchery, Is it Logic, Is it Stalking? Tune in to Find Out

My review after completing this series--it is not your typical love and romance Kdrama. For this reason I liked it. It was a compelling story with the theme of the FL possibly being a witch, and the ML being a statistician trying to find a logical way to be with her despite how all the other men who loved her were injured or died. In the end the theme was about committing to your feelings toward the person that you love, and staying with that person always. It's really a story about commitment. It was at times fantastical with mythical themes that gave the story the mystery and suspense to keep the viewer tuning in. At other times, its was logical, statistical, and mathematical. It was two antithetical worlds coming together to explore the nature of love.

One of things I most enjoyed about this series was the interaction I had with other MDLers. It did get us discussing. One (from oppa_) you can read about in the comments to this review who observed the extreme stalking behavior from the ML and how dangerous it is to normalize that under the guise of love. I completely agree and truthfully Dong Jin's behavior toward FL was extreme stalking. I noticed in the last episode Jung Hyoek tells Mi Jeong if she would like to press charges of stalking to let him know. I think the writer had put this in to address the stalking. It had to be addressed. It would have been negligent not to address this extreme behavior by the ML. Another theme not explored are the years-long negative affects of bullying. I do think stalking and bullying were brushed aside for the more fantasy-type narrative. The other MDLer (Mary Nanna) I interacted with took a perspective of mythology in the story of the Siren call. The Siren a mythological half-woman half-bird whose beautiful voice lured sailors to their doom. I took the perspective that this series theme was about how stupid humans become when saturated with the "love cocktail"--the chemicals in our body that are released when we fall in love. It makes us do stupid things, display risky behavior, and make poor decisions that (in the case of this series) can lead to death. There are many layers to this series which to me means it was well written, and I enjoyed the other perspectives and discussions it brought.

Well done to the cast and crew. I especially enjoyed the storyline between Lim Jae Hyeok and Jang Hee Kyung. I just love a drama that has a really good storyline between the supporting actors. Well done you two!!

I wrote this after watching 6 of 10 episodes--A recipe for a really unusual, yet interesting love story. This is not your stereotypical Kdrama romcom.

Take one beautiful yet mysterious female...
Add in numerous besotted males who become so distracted with said female they accidentally injure themselves (sometimes fatally) in or near her presence...
Combine this with some jealous females who start a rumor she is a witch....
Mix in a nerdy statistician, data miner, number cruncher who happens to be good looking, is also in love, but wants to find out a logical explanation for all the injuries (and even death) surrounding this woman....

And you get a strangely different but compelling story.

It's subtly suspenseful which has kept me tuned in. It moves slowly but that adds to the mystery. It's delightfully different, and I'm enjoying watching it.

I think in the end, all of his data collection will render the verdict that when humans fall in love they don't think clearly and it causes them to be at risk for getting hurt. However, I'm staying tuned in to see if there is an other worldly twist to the story of her actually being a witch. I've watched up to the 6th episode, so I'll post again once when finished with the series.

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A Kdrama That Takes On the Korean Drinking Culture

Overall I enjoyed this drama, yet there were some of the usual Kdrama quirks that had me rolling my eyes. The main theme was the story of how drinking can ruin health, reputation, relationships, and even your life. Within this main theme were the myriad of sub-themes on how torn up people's lives were related to alcohol and alcoholism.

It started out with the FL calling off her wedding and her mother finding her with a severe hangover. Carting her home for a break, she guilts her into quitting drinking stating that the drinking must have caused her to lose her fiancé'. Along the way, her husband and other daughter have to quit drinking as well. This sub-theme shows the struggle in getting over an addiction. All three eventually prevail and begin living their lives alcohol free.

The main theme of alcoholism and the sub-theme of managing an addiction is soon forgotten for other sub-themes that come into the storyline. Some are good, others have me rolling my eyes. Here is one eyeroller---The secondary couple is Hyeon Ju (the FL's sister) and Seon Uk. Seon Uk is desperately in love with Hyeon Ju. Hyeon Ju rebuffs his advances because he is the brother of her best friend Seon Hwa. Seon Hwa states one day that her brother should be with only the best of women and Hyeon Ju overhears this. She is divorced raising two kids on her own. Hyeon Ju is afraid if she started dating Seon Uk, her friendship with Seon Hwa would end because she disapproves of her. I thought the sister's disapproval was very unbelievable. I mean who would have a person as a best friend, but simultaneously they would not be good enough as your brother's girlfriend? It did not make sense. This couple is cute, and the pursuit from Seon Uk to win over Hyeon Ju was sweet. The whole keeping it a secret from the sister was stupid.

Here is another one---even though there are 3 alcoholics in one family, Geum Ju, Hyeon Ju, and the father (who are all trying to quit drinking), their mother who doesn't drink ends up with liver failure. I'm not sure why this storyline was put into the story. I thought it was unnecessary drama and really didn't make sense.

A good sub-theme was the mystery thriller related to the ML Ui Jun. He has flashbacks of a death occurring in the Seoul hospital he worked in. His estranged alcoholic father came to the hospital to kill him but in the struggle a nurse is pushed then falls, hits her head, and dies. He feels responsible, quits, and moves back home where he becomes a country doctor. A loyal nurse follows him and works with him in taking care of those in the community. This storyline played out slowly, has some different twists and turns, but helped to keep me tuning in each week. He also sees his first love, Geum Ju, who is now trying to quit drinking. He helps her and in the process they fall in love again. I thought the mystery/thriller sub-theme was the best, however it ended abruptly without any real resolution with Ui Jun's relationship with his father. Like, for instance, we never find out why his father wanted to kill him.

All in all, the story was good enough, but not great. I really like the romance between Geum Ju and Ui Jun. It was adult and I appreciated that from the writer. The OST kept the drama going when needed, and would often help a particular scene bring a tear to my eye. I have to applaud the production crew for their heartiness in filming during what looked like a very cold winter. There were several scenes where I said "those actors must be freezing" and if the actors are, the crew is too.

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A Tale of Three Boys All On Their Own

The commonality of the 3 main characters were their school and personal lives. All were growing up on their own and having to watch out for themselves. In school they all were the targets of bullies but handled it in different ways. Their paths collided in Weak Hero: Class 1 and ignited a poignant tale of survival, betrayal, and loss.

Si Eun - the ML. He is an exceptionally quiet loner focusing on his studying. He has a routine he sticks with day in and day out. He has parents but they are busy with their careers and frequently out of the picture so he is alone most of the time. In the first couple of episodes, he becomes the target of a gang of bullies in his class. Two things help him. His intense stare along with the clicking of his pen (which acts as a threat), and another classmate, Su ho, who is an expert fighter and takes on these class hoodlums.

Su ho - the class sleeper who uses a cute pink pillow. He is not interested in school at all and not planning on going to college. Outside of school he works 3 jobs and takes care of his grandmother. He does not have parents. Along the way he has trained in fighting so can defend himself when necessary, and uses it to defend others. In this storyline, he defends Si Eun and they become friends.

Beom Seok - a transfer student who also gets targeted by the class bullies. Su ho defends him and all three become a tight friend group. Of the three, I believe Beom Seok had the hardest life which made him different from the other two. The writer did not develop his storyline too well, but this is the jist of what I got. He is the adopted son of a high up politician who works all the time and needs a perfect image. He has a family, but not really. There is a picture of Beom Seok, his political father, a "wife" and a "sister" in their expensive, luxurious apartment. Beom Seok tells Si Eun and Su ho that he was adopted, the others were stand-ins to give the appearance of a family. His father treats him horribly and regularly beats him in cruel and demeaning ways. So Beom Seok is abused by bullies at school, and abused at home by his father. He has no where that is safe nor secure, or loving nor nurturing. His life day and night is surviving the abuse. The damage to him emotionally and mentally shows up in the latter part of the story.

All three boys support each other first in school by getting the main bully kicked out and the others leave them alone. They are also targeted by the head of a gang who extorts kids for money and lures them in for a life of crime whom they lead the police to and get him arrested. This part of Weak Hero Class 1 is the best. After this the 3 are best friends and hang out everyday together.

Then the story changes, mainly because of a girl. When Yeongi comes into the picture, Beom Seok feels left out and abandoned by his other two friends. He hardens his heart and turns against them, especially Su ho. The story becomes really dark as Beom Seok sinks into maddening urges to get even and destroy.

The drama is sprinkled through with a variety of fights complete with blood, broken bones, bruises, and even some hospital stays. It does not end well for any of the 3 main characters, and the preview for season 2 appears to keep the darkness and fighting going. What made this drama great were the actors in all of the 3 lead parts. Their characters and their acting was superb. What makes this drama not so great is the darkness of bullying, constant fighting, and the emotional cost is takes on a person's mental stability. We are being taken on a journey of the main character, how he just keeps to himself trying to study, but there are those who keep messing with him, so he does what he has to in order to survive. His survival includes others joining in to help him survive but (though no fault of his) end up paying serious consequences for it. The story also shows Si Eun sinking more and more into darkness and emotional instability. It's a push and pull of your senses and emotions as you cheer him on in defending himself, but you cringe at the lengths he is willing to go to hurt others in that defensive moment.

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A Feel Good Story With A Great Cast

I just loved this Kdrama! I'm trying to think if there were any moments that I thought it lagged, or if something was not realistic, or if the adults in the story were made to act too juvenile, and I really can't think of any. The two main leads carried the story and really did such a good job. They were both career adults who carried responsibilities on their shoulders that they took very seriously which shaped their personalities. Finding each other, and working together softened and balanced each other out. The storyline was not overly romantic, and definitely did not have the weird juvenile, awkward moments that some dramas have, but allowed these two adults to develop feelings for each other and play this out in an adult fashion. Although there was one awkward scene where the ML was sleeping but erect like a statue which was unrealistic, but it passed quickly and I forgot about it as the storyline progressed. The secondary couple was cute (I was cheering them on), I loved the office staff, the two main children were adorable, the secondary characters were sublime (I really want a bookstore like that to hang out in), and everyone needs an Omoni like Lee Jeong Sun. The OST was wonderful. I will be downloading many of these songs. This is the type of drama that I will come back to again and again because it leaves the viewer with such a wonderful feeling. Well done to all who were part of this production!!

PS--I have to be honest that a little of the draw for me were the filming locations. I visited Seoul last year and stayed in the Insadong area. Several parts of this drama were filmed in and around Insadong. I dunno---it just made me connect to this drama more so than I have with other dramas. Loved it.....just loved it!!!

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Food Is Definitely a Love Language

I came to this drama for Go Min Si. I watched her in the reality show Jinny's Kitchen 2 last year and just thought she was delightful. And who doesn't love a show about food?! What I found was even more.

First, many of my favorite actors were a part of this drama. Kim Shin Rok, Yoo Soo Bin, Bae Na Ra, and Yoon Byung Hee. It was a delightful surprise to enjoy Yoo Yeon Soek and Park Ji Hoon in guest roles (I'll comment more about this later). Discovering other amazing actors that I heard of but I don't think I have seen in any dramas, Kang HaNeul and Oh Min Ae was very enjoyable.

Second, the storyline was good. For me it was very balanced. There was enough tension and anticipation built into the plot to keep me tuning in. But there were some slower areas where I could just relax and enjoy the characters. I enjoyed Mo Yeon Ju's calm and steady presence that carried her through stressful and chaotic situations. Her center was cooking, and that was written into the story well, and translated beautifully in the acting. To me, her character was the heart and soul of the story. Well done Go Min Si!!

Third, I loved how cooking, food, relationships, and focusing on the culinary enjoyment of others served as a healing salve for troubled souls. Beom U, Myeong Suk, and Chun Seung were all at odds with themselves and their lives until they came together at Jeon Ju and found that building a place focusing on good food for others fed their soul and they found their purpose in working together. And what a beautiful setting, the Hanok village, that
was chosen for filming!!

Fourth----my favorite moment in the entire drama came in the final episode when Park Ji Hoon (playing a celebrity actor) came to Jeon Ju to eat. He sat down and Chun Seung waited on him, then suddenly asked, "Where did you go to high school?" Their eyes narrowed and suddenly the viewer was transported into Weak Hero Class. I screamed and yelled at that moment because I got the nuance of the scene having watched Weak Hero Class 1 and 2 just weeks before. I loved how they brought that into this drama! The only thing that could have been better is if Seon U would have entered the restaurant right then and become a part of this gem of a scene. Priceless, absolutely priceless!! It also tells me how addicted I am to Kdramas.

The romance between the FL and the ML was really downplayed. I didn't mind as I feel the story focused more on where it needed to be, the food and characters finding their purpose. Early on the two main characters realized they liked each other, and that was it. It didn't need to be any more than it was. The story really didn't build to a big romantic ending, so I 'm not disappointed that there wasn't one. The feelings the two main leads had for each other were expressed in a very adult manner and I appreciated that. I don't like it when adults are turned into cringey middle-school aged children who can only show their feelings by awkward behavior. 30-something adults don't act this way.

I appreciated the ending with the Chaebol mother and sons. I'm not a fan of these heartless, work-alcoholic grandmother/mother CEOs that are super selfish and mean right up to the end, then suddenly have a change of heart and become loving. Nope, I don't think that is realistic. This story showed a subtle change of heart with reality built in and it was refreshing. I loved the scene with Yeo UI and Seon U at the funeral home where she is giving fake tears honoring her mother. When the cameras switch off and she complains how hard it is to fake cry, Seon U mumbles she is still the same, but then Yeo UI looks at her mother's picture and says to not get tired of her visiting. It's funny and heartwarming at the same time showing that people change in slow, small ways that can still be significant.

This drama is not flashy, intense, over-the-top, nor boring. It's just the right mix of entertainment that leaves you, like a really good meal and a nice glass of wine.....satisfied.

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A Beautiful Love is born within a tale of Torturous Depravity and Revenge

At first the story and its main plot is hard to follow. It weaves in and out giving us details to set the stage of what climaxes in the last 4 episodes. I have to be honest and say there were times where I didn't stick with it. Mainly because the writing and this "weaving" in and out the main plot to establish the cast of horrible villains was confusing. Scenes would change suddenly without much transition. Certain characters were meant to throw us off. This provided twists and turns, but it also made staying with the main plot frustrating. Luckily I came to kisskh and read a couple of reviews that said to stick with it to the end. I have to say, although this started somewhat slow, it ended with a bang. You won't regret watching it to the end.

What did I like most? The acting was amazing. The actors were put into the right roles, and really brought their characters to life. The ML and the FL had amazing chemistry. The production was top notch, especially the lighting and music which added drama when it was needed. I loved, loved, loved the costumes!! For a period piece, it was nice not to have to see the usual palace apparel. This was still set in the Josean era, but the series was about a wealthy merchant family. Most of the actors were servants to this family, merchant trades people or guards. There was a lot of white and cream colored garments, that looked to be made of cotton or linen which was more true to that period (as opposed to the polyester palace garments that are suppose to be silk). The hats and head pieces were amazing. After seeing so many Kdramas set within the palace, it was nice to see a period piece set outside the palace walls.

As slow as this started out, by episode 8, I was glued to the story. The last 4 episodes reveal what everything was leading up to, all the pieces fell into place, and I was on the edge of my seat until I was crying at the end.

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For me, this drama was a massive fail and very offensive

I couldn't watch it to the end, so if anyone who has seen the last episodes wants to comment so I can muster a tad of redemption towards this drama, please do so.

I'm angry right now...just angry. At the casual and indifferent manner in which Korean entertainment treats mental illness. This story is about a woman with a serious mental disorder. One which needs serious help from a highly qualified mental health specialist. The writers use this disorder for entertainment and comedy in this drama and I think it's unbearably offensive.

I'm sure I'll come back as a fan, but right now, I need a break from Kdramas.

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Are We Getting the Main Point of this Thriller Wrong?

In the few pieces I've read about this thriller, the main plot seems to focus on a woman trying to save her child when confronted with an apocalyptic event. Granted, that is what we see on the screen.

But could we be getting the main plot wrong? I believe so. This is some really narly creative writing.

Not a day goes by that I don't read an article or headline, or hear a podcast about the upcoming world we live in with AI. We definitely are living in the age of the AI dominance race. There seem to be two messages. One, that AI will dominate the human landscape when it comes to jobs. Second, that AI can't replace humans because of our emotional intelligence and ability to connect.

But what if AI could be taught emotional intelligence and the ability to connect at a human level?

I think what we're seeing on the screen in this movie is an AI simulation performed over and over again so AI can learn and develop a strong emotional connection. I say this as we kept seeing scenes done over and over again, and notice how they kept focusing on her shirt with the number increasing. What a brilliant storyline and commentary on the question as to whether AI can truly replace human beings.

Loved the special effects, and loved Kim Da Mi. What a grueling role she had to play, but as usual, she was superb.

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Welcome to Kdramal-ri--stay awhile, you will enjoy this!

This is what good Kdramas are all about. A well-written story full of delightful characters, all with their own stories to tell who take the viewer on an amazing experience. The main word I would use to describe it is heartwarming. As the main character returns to her hometown due to a scandal, she must confront a past tragedy and grief that influenced her decision to walk away from her one and only love. He too has to confront the past, the pain of losing her, and the influence his father's grief has had on his life. The two main leads did an exceptional job portraying the simultaneous emotions of heartache with attraction, and walking on eggshells with their parents. I don't think they could've gotten better actors than these two. They were so genuine with their roles and characters, with each other, and with family and friends. It was like two best friends who actually grew up together said to each other one day, "Hey let's make a movie!" Well done Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun!! And who could not help but fall in love with the Haenyeos?!! Set and filmed in both Seoul and Jeju Island, the cinematography will stir the traveler in you to get on a plane and visit these beautiful areas of South Korea. All of this wrapped in a good soundtrack and you've got the makings of viewer nirvana, which is actually what it was. Great story, good subplots, great acting, great locations, music, and a good ending. All that's left is to grab the popcorn, curl up on the couch, and watch!

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Season 4 is a good one....You Should Watch It

Added note after viewer feedback on social media sites--Apparently SI4 has not been well received. There are viewer complaints that it was too boring, that Sian dominated and got all the viewing time, that the contestants were already celebrities so it was just staged to give them more publicity, that the "roughing it" element has been lost and Inferno is too cushy now, and there are complaints even about the panelists. So after reading some of the viewer feedback, here are my thoughts:
--if the producers are going to use only celebrity contestants (aka actors), we will all have to get use to an element of fake built in
--the panel brought the funny much more than the contestants....don't change the panelists!
--bring back the kitchen/cooking activity; the contestants were able to interact and even do some flirting AND it was entertaining
--I do agree that Sian dominated the show and I did get tired of her in every scene; some viewers have renamed this season to Sian Inferno 4, and I can see why
--I did not miss the cringey, awkward, floral tub bathing scenes between the couples. If the producers never do that again, it would be fine by me!!

Finished--just completed this season. First I want to say that I really enjoyed this season. All of the contestants were great. A lot less drama than season 3, but I didn't find it any less entertaining. Paradise was much, much better this season with the couples actually getting to do some fun stuff together. As far as the couplings, I admit I was wrong about Sian and Jun Seo. I honestly didn't think they would end up together. I like each of them, I just didn't think their personalities went together.

Dong Ho and Arin were absolutely my favorite couple. I'm glad they ended together. Arin was my favorite female contestant. I just loved her confidence (even when Dong Ho was with other girls) in herself, and her positive and energetic personality.

At the end I was worried about Jeong Su. He looked like he lost weight and just didn't feel well. Although he didn't end with Sian, I'm sure he'll find a nice girl as he is certainly a great catch. I don't know why more of the girls didn't see that. Unless there was editing and just some things we didn't get to see. He did seem conservative and traditional, and maybe today's modern Korean females don't want traditional. It's hard to say.

There is still some cringey with Single Inferno 4, but I think this is just a matter of different cultures. The two bed scenes (with Sian and Jun Seo, then with Sian and Jeong Su) were a little cringey. Not to the same degree as the floral tub scenes in earlier seasons. Sian and Jun Seo's bed scene did not seem romantic to me. It just seemed like it was a drunk guy getting into bed with a drunk girl, trying to make something happen, but too drunk to and she was passed out. I don't know....I didn't find it romantic like the panelists did. The bed scene with Jeong Su seemed a little too forced. He seemed really awkward, and I just get the feeling that in real life he is not that awkward, so it just felt too staged.

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Couldn't watch it to the end

This had a really good cast, but a really poor storyline. Surprisingly, as one of the strengths for Korean dramas is the ability of the writers to really develop the characters. This fell very short of that strength. The first couple of episodes were strong, but after that it just went downhill. For me, the weakness was in the believability of the characters to handle their lives. They seemed exaggerated, rather than human. Park Seo Joon's SaeRoy just wasn't believable. To go through what he did and endure such injustice, then behave so apathetic and stoic just wasn't believable. The same with Yoo Jae Myung and Ahn Bo Hyun's characters. To kill someone's father then go after that father's son, unjustly sending him to prison, then once released going after him again for even more vengeance just seems unbelievable. This was a revenge trope theme, and there are a lot of these type of dramas coming out (i.e. Reborn Rich, The Glory) that have stuck with the main plot, yet allowed the characters to show some humaneness even as they are enacting their revenge. I think where this drama failed was the main characters were way, way too exaggerated in their roles, and the supporting characters were way, way too subdued and neither were ever fully developed.

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