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Satisfies the cravings!
I went into this movie wanting an easy, funny, nostalgic high school romance with low angst and this movie delivered it perfectly. Was I expecting something along the lines of parasite or some renowned movie? Nope! The trailer promised an easy breezy nostalgia with some funny moments and this movie delivered it all.I liked the characters... i liked their friendship. I always dig whenever a movie is set in the past... 15 years or back. Before the internet boom. It always gives a melancholic feeling of the bygone era. This movie is about a high school teenager navigating her heart through a crush on a fellow high school mate and ends up following in love with someone else totally.
I was surprised by how mature she was to know what her heart wants so quickly rather than dating her crush and then realizing she was always in love with someone else.
If you are looking for a deep, twisted and dramatic ending... this is not for you! This is just a simple teenage romcom with funny moments here and there of two teenagers falling in love and being there for each other.
I really thought this would have a sad ending with how quickly these two ended up together, but the drama really did not go that route and gave us a lovey dovey ending... which I was so happy with.
The movie has its faults, sure... the secondary characters are just there as a prop... we don't get any other story about them, than they being friends of the leads or family... So ya... that is negative aspect, but this movie is all about the main characters!
All in all, I wanted a simple rom-com with a predictable ending and that's exactly what I got! So yaa I got no complaints....
Rating: 9/10
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A Perfect Guide to a Rom Com done so well and right!
I went into this drama blind... And I am coming out of this drama with so much love in my heart for it!I never thought I would give this drama a 10/10, but here I am giving this one a perfect 10 because this drama deserves it all.. the praise, the rave reviews, the mad obsession and being the talk of the time from start to the finish line.
As always, I watch the first two episodes of every drama before deciding if I want to continue or drop it. First episode went well and I thought ok, this would be a nice rom com, but then episode 2 came and that ending rolled around and there I was... seeing the twist, the yearning, the innocent love and thinking to myself, this could easily be one of my fav dramas if things go well.
I am always skeptical about dramas once they reach around ep 8, since I have seen so many dramas go downhill during the second half and there I was holding my breath and trying not to jinx this drama with my outpouring love for Sun Jae.
Oh dear Sun Jae.... If I start talking about you, then I would get distracted and sound like a broken record, confessing my unrequited love for a fictional character over and over again. The sweetest cutest greenest flag to ever grace on a silver screen. Sun Jae... setting standards miles ahead that from now on, I am gonna compare every rom com lead with my dearest Sun Jae and see if they will ever come close... which I doubt. I don't think there would be a character that could out rival this.
Ahh... he got my whole heart and I think I love this drama mainly because of Ryu Sun Jae. Ok, half bcoz of him but the other half bcoz well this drama was written and directed. There was never a dull moment. This drama made me laugh in every single episode. And episode 8 was my favorite since I laughed the most during that one.
All in all... this drama was heavy at places but then balanced it out on the next and maintained what it does best. Comedy and Romance... and a lil mix of fantasy and this one is the perfect guide for anyone who is thinking of making a rom com in the future.
Ep 16 of this drama was what I hoped Queen of Tears would have had been. This drama did the finale episode so well that it never made me feel like there was any filler scenes, like we find in other dramas especially in the last episode.
I am in a sugar coma... after the finale... and I want to profess my love to my favorite character ever... Sun Jae yah... I love you!!!!!
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The Strongest Female Lead in dramaland!
This drama has been so far the best I watched in 2023...The Queen... where to begin. She was the epitome of her title. What a strong character who was far cunning yet kind, brave yet strong . And whatever endless title she held, be it a wife, mother, stepmother, daughter in law, grandmother, etc etc. she was mesmerizing to watch in her role.
Truly an inspiring female lead. I couldn't be in awe of this character and KHS as the queen was just utter perfection.
Would strongly recommend this drama to anyone and everyone who would love a quirky strong and brave heroine. Doesn't matter if you are looking for it in a modern or historic time period., because this queen truly transcended time.
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A drama that was saved by Kim Soo Hyun - Kim Jin Won 's amazing chemistry (& their tears)
Having two of my favorite actors in a drama was enough for me to tune into this drama. This drama has a love hate relationship for me...What I LOVED:
The drama had me just from the initial episodes of how we got a couple that had already dated, married, coworkers and in a love-hate relationship. It's was rare to see a couple in a brink of divorce but still in love and denial, making you just wanting to root for them and solve their martial issues for them. When Hae In announces she is sick and Hyun Woo decides to get a divorce at the same time, there I was on the brink of my sofa watching them onscreen and worried about their marriage and life, than my own. LOL!
I wanted to smack Hyun Woo when he was initially happy about his wife's impending death. I disliked his nonchalant response. I remember writing here on MDL saying how I am team Hae In till the end and wanted Hyun Woo to cry buckets of tears non stop for this treachery. And boy did he cry or what and make me cry along with him? Hahahaha... I learned my lesson for wishing ill for him later on the episodes... But then its amazing looking back that how much his character developed and had come along to win me back over and root for him to fight for their lives together and that's what he did. He cried, fought, sulked, schemed, loved and got back into my good graces and I found myself to being Team Baek-Hong.
I loved them onscreen. The characters they were, their personalities... and And the CHEMISTRY!!!!! omg... I could write sonnets about just the chemistry. It was tuned into max since episode 1 and there was never a moment onscreen where it was toned down... not even a single screen till the end.
This drama till Episode 12 is perfection. I don't have a single complain nor irk towards a single scene that was in there. I loved it and ate all the crumbs the drama delivered... And then the unthinkable happened... The last 4 episodes... which so often in dramaland, where the writer just loses their mind and make us lose our mind along with them!!!!!
WHAT I HATED:
The last 4 episodes.... Episode 13 had me like stop halfway through towards the end and seriously question if it was the same drama I was watching... It was so frustrating mainly because I found myself guessing how this was going to turn out and I hate it when I not surprise or when it becomes so predictable. Especially with all the cliches... which is so tiring and frustrating after some time.
I took a leave of absence and waited for all the last 3 episodes to air and watch it together so my frustration and anxiety could handle it. And I am glad that I did this.
The writer had to bring in all the cliches and drama tropes and she did and delivered. It was irritating but then I think the theme of those last 4 episode was that it was going to be super melodramatic and makjang. Clearly the main aim wasn't the writing anymore. It was the rating and being dramatic. But I have to grudgingly acknowledge that, no matter what it was done in style.
I wanted more scenes between Hae In and Hyun Woo... were once everything was resolved towards the end, I hoped the last few minutes would be scenes of them together and rebuilding again... I didn't like how it was closed scenes where we assume and guess about their progress in love and doesn't get to see Hae In fall in love with Hyun Woo all over again... AND WHERE IS A KISS SCENE? I mean for a drama that delivered more kisses in one single episode than a whole kdrama combined, I was expecting to see a kiss scene towards the end.... AND WHAT DO WE GET? Nothing... Ahh.... the disappointment I felt is astonishing...
Also... that ending broke me. I never saw it coming... I mean its a happy ending but still... seeing death of your loved one is inevitable even in a fictional world just hit me in my feeling and broke me. I didn't expect that. I cried a lot over that scene. A long life of 84 years is amazing... but still it was so bittersweet. I want to live ignorance that once a characters that I love and cherish get their HEA in the end, they go on to live on forever. I don't want a reality check that they are mere mortals like us. It's like breaking the 4th wall and bringing them into the real world, where us mortals live.
IN CONCLUSION:
This drama is all about the chemistry between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won. My god, what terrific actors. The emotional scenes where they were crying... I found myself mesmerized thinking, how can they act so damn well and look so beautiful at the same time.
I have always loved Kim Soo Hyun's acting. Especially when he cried. He is the prettiest actor in kdrama land who cries so beautifully... considering the female actors too... He is always my top pick. But then Kim Ji Won came along and she delivered those scenes along with KSH and I was like, how are these two so talented and beautiful....
The writing may have gone off in the end but this drama is only saved because of KSH and KJW. They single handedly carried this drama... and kudos to the duo for such a great job.... I can't wait to see their future projects... Until then! x
Would've rated it a perfect 10 if not for the last quarter.
Rating : 7/10
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You've Got to Watch This Drama!!
Wow! Wow!I cried a bucket of tears after finishing the last episode and I still feel the reminiscence of this drama lingering even after. I loved season 1 and how it was about death and the games it played with Yi Jae. It felt like a game then and then you come into this season and you realize it was never a game for death, it was never meant to be one as I thought, but rather it was about making Yi Jae realize the worst sin he had committed. Not taking his own life, but the pain he put his loved ones, the ones left behind even after he is gone.
I wasn't expecting the last life to be his Mom. I wondered if death would give his Mom's life as the last one but then thought it would be too cruel. And then when it happened I was just flabbergasted, because yes, it was definitely the most cruel and scariest punishment he could've gotten. To feel the pain his loved one's felt by his actions. And it brought him down to his feet as he should've been. He took his own life thinking it would put all the pain to an end without a thought about what will happen to his partner or his mother. He was selfish and even after dying countless times he still didn't understand what did he do so wrong or why what he did was a selfish act. It was a humbling moment to be put in his loved ones pain and live their life feeling those pain till their end. And while in other soul's he found death easily, death never sought him while he lived as his mother. It took its sweet time, making him live it over and over again.
This drama handles a very sensitive and triggering topic. One that can't be made fun of or taken lightly and I was scared that this would make it look too insignificant. So, I loved it when this drama showed the graveness of suicide and what happens when you choose an easy way out. What happens to the ones left behind. That it is the most sinful act you could do to them, not to yourself but to the loved ones.
Lastly, the rest of the supporting cast in this drama is A++++. It's insane how the casting director casted these characters so aptly and I was just impressed with the whole cast and how I loved each character. Though I knew death was around the corner for each and every single one of them, the story telling made me want to just let them live. Let them not have this unfair ending.
I would definitely recommend this drama to every drama lover out there. I don't think I would rewatch this since it's a painful topic and it was triggering here and there, I am glad I did watch it once.
Truly an amazing story with an amazing stellar cast!
Rating: 9.5/10
P.S. I wish the director would make a variety show with all the casts in this drama so the ache would go away a bit!
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LISTEN CAREFULLY...
I LOVED THIS DRAMA! What a tight plot with brilliant direction and script.I stan every single character who was out there protecting Jeong Jian. Epsiode 2 was very triggering and heartbreaking to watch but the same episode made me want to stick around and see this drama to the end and seek justice. Jung Jian was frustrating at so many episodes that I wanted to yell into the screen to just get a grip and take action. She was brilliant in the initial episodes but towards the second half, I felt like she was second guessing and making it hard for others to protect her. But it's understandable that she would be doing the guessing work and not trusting anyone since she doesn't know what the hell is going on. Like us viewers she is also learning at the same time what all the fuss is about. And mind you, its all happening in a day. The entire 8 episode is a day's log. Though there is many flashback to support the story it never felt like we were diverted from the urgency of the present. All the flashbacks gave me answers which had me questioning in a previous scene or episode. So it was amazing to follow along where the show was taking us. I do have a question in the end, wondering why JJ faked his death!? Also, its understandable that he recovers in a day, but that one day is enough to make the whole world upside down.
Lee Dong Wook was insanely good. His cold mercenary uncle character was just captivating to watch on screen. I also have a girl crush on Minhye. Her fight and action scenes were briiliant and it was shot so well making it look so badass.
I dearly hope there is a season 2. I mean considering how Bale is still walking around freely there had to be. I hope it doesn't take long for season 2. I can't wait for the rest!
Rating: 10/10
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I went completely blind into this drama not knowing the plot or what to expect. Fellow drama lovers recommended and I had time to spare. And once I was done with this, (binged watched in 2 days) I loved loved loved this one.
I don't know how to explain. The plot is pretty normal and mundane which you have heard countless times, but there is something refreshing about this drama. Maybe because its based on the real life love story of the author. May be thats why is so realistic and makes me also feel the love and experience it through the screen.
I normally don't write reviews. But I really had to do one for this one. Also I would recommend to read the novel. And English adaptation is available on Wattpad if you search 'I Don't Like the World, I Only Like You'.
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Had a Blast...
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this drama... I didn't expect it to. I initially thought this would be yet another drama set in a hospital setting similar to Dr. Romantic with romance in the busy trauma unit (eye roll), but this drama came out to be far far better than any drama of its genre.I absolutely loved how this drama infused comic timings into the serious scenes and how the 'villains' (if thats what they can be called) was funny. It made them less threatening and lifted up the comical side of this drama.
Also, I am so glad this drama didn't have any romance in it because the lack of romance made it so much more genuine and watchable. If they had incase added romance into it, then it would have gone all south. Another interesting fact was this drama didn't dwell into any characters personal life too closely. All it showed was that these are the doctors and this is what they are supposed to do. Save lives. I think the drama showed more personal info on the patients rather than the doctors who were the lead, which made it a fresh take and interesting scenario to watch.
Though there were scenes where I laughed out loud or scoffed at the scenes depicted in the surgery/operation theater, it wasn't too cringey. JJH's character is supposed to be a pompous know it all, but he comes out as a marshmallow. A total softie. Also, the secondary characters all shined bright and stood their own in every scene they were in. No matter how small their role was. The casting was done to a T.
As for the story, 10 out of 10. I never felt a minute bored or felt like the drama dragged out. Not a single scene. It felt perfect and apt with the 8 episodes.
What I want from this drama is now another season. I really hope there is a season 2. I want to know what antics are now the HNUH Trauma Team up to. I hope this drama would be renewed for another season. Would be a total loss if it didn't. *Fingers crossed*
Rating: 9.5/10
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Banger OST with tight script & an exceptional direction this drama is one you don't want to miss!
his drama follows a storyline that has been explored countless times in dramaland—an underdog taking on school bullies with a reluctant crew who eventually grows close. I’ve devoured all the previous dramas in this genre because I adore it, but this time, I expected the usual formula. However, this drama completely shattered my expectations and set a new high standard for future dramas of this genre.Hats off to the director for such incredible direction! If someone else had been in charge, this drama could have easily ended up as just another one of those typical stories. What sets it apart from its contemporaries is its exceptional and visually striking direction, along with a gripping screenplay that immediately captures your attention the moment you hit play.
Now, onto the cast—what a stellar performance from everyone! Each actor was thoroughly convincing as the menacing teenagers they portrayed. My only complaint is that Hong Min Ki, who played Park Geon Yeop, had too little screen time. I was really hoping he would join the study group, but given his past, it makes sense that he had bigger battles to fight.
That final scene, where Park Geon Yeop gets into YB as an intern, was the perfect way to pave the path for a second season. I would love to see Season 2 with Park Geon Yeop—aka Hong Min Ki—as the main lead, watching him seek revenge and justice for everything that happened.
Also, this is one of the few dramas where I never skipped the intro music because it was such a banger! The soundtrack choices were absolutely top-tier.
Without a doubt, one of the best dramas of 2025 so far.
Rating: 9.5/10
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One of the best movies I watched recently
It's 3am and I just finished watching this movie and bawling my eyes out.I am not a fan of sad endings. Dramas and movies are an escape from reality, so I stay away from sad endings because why need them more when you see them in reality.
But this movie surprised me. I didn't mind how they ended up... the years and years of being together but still not together. I just found it all so profoundly sad, that to be with someone but still not be. I didn't mind the sad ending. I went in blind for this movie, seeing the synopsis never knowing it didn't have a HEA. But I think I wouldn't have liked this movie if it had ended up with a HEA. Because this was the perfect ending for a perfect story.
I loved the plot. Out of the box, out of the movie, into a movie, in a movie. It was perfection. The story, the cast, the music. It's been a long long while since I have loved a movie this much. I don't think I would rewatch it again because I can't go through the pain again.
I would recommend this to all, even someone who stay away from sad endings. This movie is the one where you should at least watch once.
Rating: 9.5/10
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Here we go again...
Another one with a spineless no opinion girl who just keeps her head down and nods if someone ask something to her or from her. I wish the heroine had more self esteem and knew her worth rather than needing a knight in shining armor to come and make her see sense. We are long past that plot now in 2024. It may have worked a decade ago and my teenage self might have devoured those shenanigans but this plot and characters didn't work for me.The ending epilogue was cute, I wouldn't deny that. The rest all of the movie was just meh... If anyone who likes a secret school romance with a popular guy and a mute wallflower (sort of) go for this movie. It would scratch your itch a bit.
Rating: 1/10
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Dropped after Ep 1 – Betrayal Disguised as Strategy Is Still Betrayal
I draw the line on cheating... I’m dropping this drama after just one Ep and honestly, I’m glad I trusted my instincts and went looking for spoilers. I draw a hard line when it comes to cheating... in any and every form: physical, emotional, mental, or digital. No amount of backstory, tragic circumstances or revenge plot lines can justify it. Cheating is cheating.... full stop.The fact that the FL chooses to marry someone else while being in a relationship with the ML is just something I cannot get behind. She blindsides him all while he’s planning to propose and for what? Revenge. I get that she’s hurt and has her reasons, but if revenge was her top priority, she should’ve never gotten involved with the ML in the first place. Why pull someone into your life just to emotionally destroy them?
And it doesn’t stop there. From what I’ve seen in spoilers, there are secret meetings between the FL and ML after she’s married. That’s just double cheating — now she’s betraying both men. It’s toxic on every level. Not only is she disrespecting her husband, but she’s also emotionally manipulating the man she supposedly loved. There’s no redemption in that — only damage.
What makes it even more frustrating is that the ML pines for her after everything she does. I love Park Hyung Sik... he’s a phenomenal actor and always brings emotional depth to his roles; but I really wish his character had chosen self-respect over heartache. It would’ve been so satisfying to see him cut her off emotionally, heal and eventually find someone who loves and respects him without betrayal hanging over them.
The way this storyline plays out just feels like a mockery of the love they shared. Even if the female lead divorces her husband and gets back together with the male lead, it doesn’t erase the damage. She chose revenge over love once — who’s to say she wouldn’t do it again when things get tough in the future?
And honestly, if the drama is going to be about power plays, revenge and corporate warfare, then ditch the romance entirely. I would’ve respected this story more if it had focused solely on ambition, justice and survival.... without dragging love into it and tainting it with betrayal and dishonesty.
And that’s the tragedy of this drama: love is treated like a chess piece in a revenge game. For me, that’s a no go. I don’t want to watch a story where the ML suffers for most of the show only to forgive and forget for the sake of a romantic ending. I wanted a healing arc, a fresh love and a sense of justice.
I truly hope the writers give Seo Dong-joo a happy ending with someone else... someone worthy of him. But from what I’ve read that’s not where this is headed.
PHS deserves better. So do the viewers.
Final Verdict:- Dropped.... and No regrets!
P.S. The only highlight of this drama was PHS looked SO dreamy!
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