michelleoc

Cute story

I enjoyed this show for what it was. The Japanese dramas that I've seen tend to be simple and straightforward, which I appreciate. This show fell into that category. I rated it a little lower because this one was a little TOO simple. Add to the fact that even with a limited number of episodes, there were scenes that I felt were repetitive.
STORY/WRITING: I enjoyed the dynamics between the female lead and her siblings. There was a lot of mutual love and respect between them and they were enjoyable to watch. The female lead was a little too-good-to-be-true, and the mystery of the reason for the male lead living a lonely existence didn't quite ring true. However, the emotions displayed by the male lead were very good. There was a longing there, to be able to live a normal and happy life. I also enjoyed the work scenes, though these could have been cut back some to delve more into the main characters.
CINEMATOGRAPHY: The scenes where the co-worker was in the bar and thinking, the camera work was bad. They could have done something different to show internal dialogue.
CHEMISTRY: The main couple was very cute together. There was some hand-holding, one kiss.
MUSIC: I don't remember it.
REWATCH VALUE: In order to re-watch a show, there has to be something extra (amazing chemistry, humor, believable storyline, or a show that just makes me feel good when I watch it). This show doesn't fall into that category, especially since there are a ton of shows out there to watch. I would, however, say that if you want an easy, cute watch, this one might be for you.

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Not enough meat to the story

I'm usually a fan of movies, rather than a series, if it is well-done. Chinese series, in particular, tend to be very drawn out with a lot of filler that I can do without. Unfortunately, this movie seemed to be all about the filler and no meat. We never got to really delve into the personalities and the motivations of the characters. The acting was okay, given what they had to work with, but there wasn't enough good writing to let us care about them and what happened to them. I have enjoyed the actors in other shows, but the lack of chemistry here was very disappointing. Add to that a very unsatisfactory ending and I just got the feeling that I had wasted my time in watching this.

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So much to love, but...

I'll start by saying that if you want a slow-paced drama, this is one that has a lot going for it. My overall impressions -
OST - exquisite. The music is perfect, blending the beauty of classical piano with the sadness of a cello, and some beautiful songs that flow effortlessly throughout the show. The music was excellent at pulling emotion out when the script itself wasn't able to accomplish it.
Cinematography - I think this is the most beautifully filmed K-drama that I've seen. The camera filters that give so many scenes the filmy/artsy look. The play of light and shadow was brilliant. Some very good slow motion work, and I loved how most of the show was dressed up in pastels, nothing bright and jarring, save an occasional pop from a red sweater. Him walking through the woods near his childhood home was gorgeous, and the snow scenes were amazing. So, actually, I'd have to say that most of my love for this show vacillated between the OST and the cinematography. In my mind, while I was watching, I kept saying, "pretty!"
Costuming - nothing too attention-getting here, but I had to mention the trench coat that Jung Hae In wore in ep 11 with the leather collar and accents. It was just beautiful and it conveyed power and anger in the scene that he was doing at that time.
Acting - excellent. Jung Hae In as Ha Won was very understated and had wounds from his past, though I didn't really feel sorry for him because of the reasoning (to be discussed in storyline). Chae Soo Bin as Seo Woo - she is really lovely. She has those sad eyes but a perkiness about her that is so endearing. She ran a lot in this show, and it was so cute, her running down the alleyways from place to place. The rest of the cast was very good - I loved Lee Jung Eun as Min-Jung, the grieving mother.
Chemistry - the main couple was cute together, but no off the chart chemistry. This was a "comfortable" relationship (kind of like an old pair of shoes), they spent time together, supporting one another and learning more about one another, but I didn't feel any progression of their relationship. There was one kiss.
Storyline - Overall, this was a story of healing. Healing from loss, healing from loneliness, healing from aspirations unachieved, and healing from secrets coming out too late. Each person in the story dealt with their losses in a different way, and I really liked how the writers delved into ways of healing - opening up to friendships, being brave to put yourself out there to someone you like, turning loose of old hurts. I especially loved the scenes in the boarding house, where the boarders would sit on the floor in the kitchen and drink and talk and laugh. They were each getting something special from this bonding. Again, Lee Jung Eun was wonderful as a mom that feels guilt and despair and has closed herself off from emotional contacts. Watching her open up was a treat.
SPOILERS BELOW:
Writing - here's where my problem came in. First, I'm sure others have mentioned it, but the fact that this show was shortened from 16 to 12 episodes because of low ratings is telling. There was a subtle shift in the pacing of the last couple of episodes as they tried to tie up all loose ends. Ha Won and his 10-year unrequited love for someone that went and married someone else was just pathetic (and why did she, anyway?). A lot of the scenes between Ha won and Seo Woo didn't ring true, because he'd been in love with an ideal for a decade, and then after a few conversations with Seo Woo he's moved on? Plus, I felt that Seo Woo was kind of a doormat. I know she was supposed to be understanding of his dilemma, but really, anyone in real life would say "snap out of it!" And the AI aspect was not believable and just kind of creepy. The ending was very abrupt and unsatisfying.

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What a letdown!

This show was well-acted, and there was really a lot going on, but I didn't find the relationships believable. You've been with a guy for years, but suddenly have an interest in someone else, but then you're kind of "meh" about him as well. Maybe I was most disappointed in this show because it was more of a "discovery of who I am as a person" compared with a romance. The last episode had a tastefully and beautifully filmed scene with the main leads, but the ending was so bland I really didn't feel that they would have a future together. Or maybe they would, but by this time I just didn't care.

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Not earthshattering, but very enjoyable

The Veronica Park character, very annoying - but she really redeemed herself and was so amusing. The storyline, initially not too interesting. Once the storyline really got started, lots of twists! The main characters? Great chemistry and they were both lovely to watch. I found myself smiling, a lot, they were just so cute together. He did a wonderful job of portraying loneliness in his life. He also had the cutest pout. And yes, I did some crying, oh, and laughing too! I don’t like when there aren’t consequences for evil (uncle). Mistaken identity went on longer than I would have liked, but overall this show gave me all the feels. Lovely happy ending.

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What endearing characters!

This show reminded me of a rich, sweet dessert. It was so delicious, but I wanted to take small bites in order to savor it and enjoy every bit of it. This is a show about the families we are born into, and the families we create for ourselves. There were so many sweet moments when I found myself smiling like a lunatic, as well as the heartbreaking moments where I kept reaching for tissues. All of the actors did a terrific job with a wonderful script. I didn't feel that there was anything extraneous in this show, nothing that felt like filler just to have more episodes. Each character had strengths on their own merit. Woo Seo Ri has been in a coma for 13 years. There are so many ways the writers could have gone wrong with this - by turning it slapstick/silly, by making her behave in an immature way throughout - thankfully they didn't do that. She suffered, sure, but she had a strength of character that allowed her to keep forging forward. She had a lovely, positive attitude. Gong Woo Gin had a tragedy in his past that changed him - he cut himself off from human contact. Yang Se Jong, who played him, was exceptional. Watching him unfold like a flower, opening up to those around him was such a special thing to watch. And when something happened and he started to close up around himself again, my heart broke. I also loved Mr. Gong's nephew and his friends, and Jennifer? She was astounding! How someone can convey so much emotion while being emotionless is amazing. I thought they were going to use one of the standard (overused) ideas for the ending, and I was so happy when they didn't! The chemistry between all the cast was just wonderful. I feel like I don't want to move on to something else yet, and start this whole thing over again tomorrow. I put off watching this for a long time because I thought it was going to be filled with cliches, but the writers took the high road and turned this into something unique and wonderful.

I also have to say that I LOVED that there wasn't the evil love rival in this. Jung Eugene as win Joo's boss was terrific, and it was a joy to see a strong woman in her own right, being friends with a man for years. They, too, had sort of a familial relationship. I felt that each relationship was so special, and because of this, I have enjoyed watching this drama numerous times.

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Serious melodrama

This review is based upon my reaction ONLY to the show. I'm a romance/happy ending kind of girl, and this was WAAAYYY on the other end of the spectrum. This is a serious melodrama.

If you want to see some awesome acting by Seo In Guk, watch this. He was amazing. Here he plays completely opposite to anything we've seen him in to date. I had a hard time seeing him as anything other than the hero of a show, but he was chillingly believable.

I felt that the female lead's character was severely lacking in self esteem and came across as needy. This was a woman that should not be let to make her own choices, because she chooses wrong every time.

The music was perfect and carried the mood well.

I have to say that I was depressed after watching this show. Too much angst, too much deception, too much melodrama.

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fun, yet somewhat confusing, show

I only say confusing in the context of there being so many names to keep straight, plus the fact that a few of them had two names. That being said, this was a fun watch. Not laugh-out-loud funny, but there were oh so many cute scenes. I enjoyed trying to figure out who the true villains were.

The standout story lines were the ones involving the roommates of Room 301. Hang Geum Bo (Park Shin Hye) is a 36-year-old that goes undercover at a company, pretending to be 20. This was made more interesting by the fact that she was not a nice person. She was hard to get along with, had no filter for things she would say, and would not suffer fools gladly. Yet the four women (and the darling daughter of one of the women) eventually became fast friends and learned to lean on and protect one another. I loved the found friendship/family trope, so I was all in for this.

The only one I didn't like in this was Go Kyung Pyo (Sin Jeong U). To me, he seemed too stiff and monotone.

This is not a romance. Geum Bo and Jeong U were in a relationship years ago. Then he stabbed her in the back when they worked together. I think part of her plan was to get revenge on him. Cho Han Gyeol as Albert O was wonderful as the young man that gets a crush on her, but it doesn't go anywhere.

The ending shows her moving on to another undercover case, leaving the door open for a season 2, but I don't think it's necessary, and I would miss the rest of the cast and their interactions.

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What even WAS that?!?

These are just my opinion, please don't come at me. This review might be all over the place, because that's the way the show was.
The good:
-The baby. ABSOLUTELY the high point of the entire show. He was precious. I need to go find behind the scenes footage of how they worked with him.
-The ending was so cute with all the scenes of the baby.
The bad:
-I love Bae In Hyuk, but to me it felt like he was struggling to get through this drama.
-I don't like love triangles to begin with, but this one went on entirely too long. Plus, the FL had more scenes and chemistry with the 2ML than ML. It's not right when they spend more time on that relationship than the main relationship. Plus, the FL acted like she liked the 2ML more, until she suddenly decided to like the ML. Did the writers realize they were running out of episodes and scramble to get them back on track? Because the ML/FL relationship certainly seemed like an afterthought. NOW, I understand why people ask about triangles before watching something.
-FL acting. Bad. It felt like they filmed a bunch of reaction shots of her and then edited them in. I often felt like her scenes were her the only one there, the rest was green screened.
-Tone of the show. So many wonderful opportunities for sweetness lost. They should have focused on trying to figure out how to co-exist and raise a baby, but the baby often seemed like just a prop.
-Unnecessary drama. When the ML's dad showed up, that was a waste.
-To me, the biggest problem was FL's actions. She was trying to become a permanent employee, stayed late all the time, not giving the baby a thought. She didn't supervise him well at all. She lost him, he got injured because she wasn't watching him, she was always pawning him off on someone else to watch him. When he got taken away, I couldn't even get emotional, because that was completely justified. Plus, her extreme reaction was painful to watch because it was so poorly acted.
-They continued to call each other "in-law" even after they were a couple. Granted, the subtitles said their names, but they were definitely saying in-law. That in itself showed the lack in their relationship.

The only reason I even gave it a rating of 4 was because of the baby.

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I'm late to the party!

Goodness, the music was excellent in this! I wish Jinu didn't die, but I'm all about the romance, so there you are. There is a terrific message in this film. We need to be careful of the voices that we listen to, especially in this age of influencers and social media. It's easy to think we aren't good enough, aren't thin enough, aren't smart enough, etc. And once those voices get in our heads, it's hard to tune them out.

This movie spoke to the importance of being truthful, no matter how afraid you are. The friendship aspect was really special. They, rightfully, felt betrayed when they found out about her marks, but they became stronger together. It also addressed sacrifice and what one is willing to do for a friend/loved one.

I think that anyone that didn't know about K-Pop would be interested after watching this.

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It felt like two separate writers each wrote half of the drama

This one started out really fun, and I hoped that I would be in for some light comedy, which is so hard for Koreans to do, apparently. Suspending disbelief had to be suspended early on, and opportunities were missed. When the FL goes into the comic, there were SO many opportunities for laughs, except that she adapted to Joseon life without any apparent problems. It was cute though.

I have to admit that I don't find Ok Taec Yeon very attractive (maybe it's the ears), but I have to give him props for being very charismatic. He's intense, but not emotionless, if that makes any sense. I enjoyed watching him.

I felt that the 2ML and the villain looked too much alike, and the 2nd and 3rd FL looked too much alike, so I spent a lot of time trying to figure out who was who.

About halfway through the show, the tone changed 180 degrees. It became dark, serious, tons of flashbacks, lots of fighting.
I felt that the ending was pretty anticlimactic.

I thought the chemistry between the leads was cute. Some good kisses. It was a nice change to have the ML be the virgin and the FL to be forward. I just wish it didn't always have to be because she was drunk.

I think if you go into this with very little expectation, you might enjoy it.

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What happens if you are given a second chance at life?

I loved the concept of the ML getting a second chance AND retaining all his memories. Some have said that by doing that it took out any drama. I don't agree. For me, the intrigue came by his thoughts and showing how he was going to manipulate what was supposed to happen. We were given the ML's voice over, explaining what had happened in the future. This whole thing reminded me of a game of chess - the strategy, the attack/counterattack.

The acting was excellent. Ji Sung never disappoints (Why did they spell his name Ji Seong in the credits?). The rest of the cast, as well. I love the actors that played his parents, they were so comforting to watch.

What stood out most to me was the concept of "found family". He finally appreciates his parents. He reconnects with a friend that he lost in his old life. He got to know the prosecutors and the reporter. When that group was together, they were the Scooby Gang! However, once they became friends, I spend the rest of the drama hoping that one of them wouldn't get killed off. I was especially drawn to his old friend. He works in gray areas but has a heart of gold. He and the ML taking the teenager under their wings and employing her and keeping her safe was a joy to watch. I was sad to see the outcome with wife, especially since they spent so much time leading us to believe that their story could change.

The only reason I didn't rate it higher was due to the plethora of bad guys. If he was a middle-aged man in a suit, he was a bad guy. It was so hard to keep the names and faces straight.

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So much to enjoy in the dramedy

SPOILERS!!!!!

I'll start by saying that I think you have to leave your expectations as the door. This isn't Shakespeare. The plot sometimes has holes so big you could drive a bus through them. But, even with that, I really enjoyed this one, for numerous reasons:

1) Seo Kang Jun - I find him very attractive, and not in a "pretty" way, if that makes sense. His intermittent smiles were wonderful. The last scene in the last episode - gold! When he gets emotional, it's very well restrained and not over the top. My heart broke when he found his father.

Also, I love how they included his father and that he had conversations with him. That was a chapter for him that wasn't closed yet.

2) Jin Ki Joo - She is fascinating to me. She has a different look about her and I find her beautiful. She always portrays characters that you want to be friends with. I wish they would have delved deeper into a back story for her.

3) The comedy was comedy-ing! There were so many laugh out loud moments, and I was impressed by Seo Kang Jun's comedic timing.

4) At the beginning, I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to stick with it because of the bullying (of students AND teachers), but I LOVED how he developed friendships with the other students. When he went to say goodbye to the students and was leaving the building, the paper airplanes made me cry.

5) The ML and FL were cute together, but the romance was definitely secondary. I loved watching them together.

6) Happy ending, though a five-year time jump seemed excessive.

7) Finally, Kim Shin Rok. Wow!! Watching her progress from a run-of-the-mill baddie to seriously unhinged was so compelling to watch. Does she always play a villain? I'm going to have to check out her filmography.

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