Slow but captivating
Amazing casting for well-written characters! It’s been a while since I’ve watched a drama where all of the main and side characters are so well-written and have interesting individual stories. Each character had a good, equal amount of screen time exploring their trope and message to the viewer. Every single character was played wonderfully, including the younger cast. I especially liked the character of Ina. Her slow yet steady character development, the actress’s ability to express Ina’s emotions, her romance trope, the conveyance of her outlook, etc… everything was explained so perfectly. I’d have to say she’s my favourite character.The OST ‘I See You’ by Lee Sora made each scene more enchanting and really added a supernatural vibe to the drama. ‘Walking With You’ by So Soobin went very well with the father-daughter relationship and the ML’s hardships.
The only thing I wasn’t too fond of was the slow line-deliverance. If the characters spoke faster, the episodes could be shortened by at least 15 minutes.
Feel good. Sweet ending. Lots to learn from everyone’s experiences.
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A mesmerising romance with a gripping storyline
CHEMISTRY CHEMISTRY CHEMISTRY!!!!! How can two people have such amazing chemistry?!! They’re officially my no.1 for best chemistry, bypassing the Strong Woman DBS couple. Apart from the fact that Sol and Sunjae have good compatibility as they were written to be so, Hyeyoon and Wooseok naturally look great together. Even when just standing and doing nothing, chemistry is pouring through the screen! Whoever casted them needs a raise.Onto the drama itself: good cinematography (camera angles/movements), great songs (especially ‘Sudden Shower’😜)
First of all, the beginning of this drama did make me wonder what wheelchair users think when watching this as it’s evident that Sol despised being one. Although I would feel the same as Sol, I felt it was a little disheartening to wheelchair users who obviously can’t go back in time and change their condition.
Some parts didn’t make sense: I understand why Sol’s initial appearance was changed (scenes were reshot in her new, modern appearance) but I also don’t think it makes sense. If those were her bangs back then, it wouldn’t suddenly grow to the new Sol’s length. Her whole wardrobe was also suddenly cute although she should’ve had granny clothes- there’s no scene showing that she bought a new wardrobe. Something else that didn’t make sense is why she left the house on the day of her accident (typical kdrama fl behaviour). Also, how could she say she’s from the future but not say things that happen in the future? It’s almost like the last few episodes (scene when she was talking to Taeseong abojt being from the future) almost forgot that she couldn’t mention stuff like that.
Having watched A Time Called You, I did feel quite sorry for 19 year old Sol. Although Sol(30s) went back in time for a valid reason, she completely changed Sol(19)’s actions which seems… unfair. Sol(19) didn’t get the chance to experience her puppy love for Taeseong, etc. Sol(30) pretty much took over Sol(19)’s freedom of choice, ruining her chance to grow and experience life at her age.
Comedic timing was perfect! So cringy but so loveable😂 Gosh, the writer lives messing with us- joseon scene, bathtub scene. Also, that sexy tune was PERFECTTTT!!! I couldn’t help but laugh every time I heard it.
Finally, I just want to appreciate how the final episode was dedicated purely to Sol and Sunjae as a couple so it didn’t feel rushed as most of the drama was based on the process of them getting together. It was refreshing to see them together at peace.
LOVELY drama! I loved each and every episode. Super bingeable! It was so good that I took a break from it so it wouldn’t finish so quickly. Hoping to see this couple again!!!💛💛
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I’m leaving a review after re-watching 8-10 years later…
I’m leaving a review after re-watching the drama approximately 8-10 years later after watching it for the first time, having heard of the unfortunate death of Barbie Hsu: Dong Shancai.This drama aired before I was even born, yet having come across it because of Boys Over Flowers was an absolute blessing. Although watching it as an adult has made me realise little flaws in characters like Shancai, I could never dislike her. As a child, I adored Shancai’s willpower and resilience, along with that of many other well-written female leads from Asian dramas. They helped me grow more than they’d ever know and I’ll never forget them for that. I was afraid that I’d never be able to watch Meteor Garden as a comfort drama again after the death of Barbie, but as soon as the episode started, I felt like I stepped into a different world. I both reminisced and enjoyed the drama I loved so much when I was younger. Thank you for this masterpiece.
Although this is a review, it’s more like a personal note to myself and also an appreciation post after Barbie’s death so I haven’t mentioned anything else except for Shancai. In no way does that mean I didn’t like anything else about the drama- both younger me and current me deeply love and cherish every bit of this drama. You guys will forever be in my heart: F4, Shancai.
I will always appreciate and adore Barbie Hsu for playing such a memorable character so perfectly. Rest in peace, Shancai🕊️
I’ve decided to extend this review and comment on the plot. When I was younger, I was team Huaze Lei, but I was leaning towards team Daoming Si, only in this version. Although Si started off cocky and obnoxious, he had the biggest character development. The writers kept his childishness, while showing his willingness to adapt to a lifestyle he’s never had to experience- the only letdown was his abusive scenes that almost put me off. Nevertheless, the reason I now choose Si is because of his and Shancai’s amazing chemistry. Jerry Yan performed exceptionally well when showing the cute, playful, lovesick side of Si.
To conclude, I am definitely biased when rating this drama because it’s special to me and this is a personal review rather than a general one.
PS. I’ve rewatched this drama MANY times. It’s a comfort drama for me😊
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A good continuation with memorable characters.
It was very nice to see a good continuation of Class 1. All of the new characters were very well-written and interesting (both the ‘heroes’ and the ‘villains’).(1)Baku was probably the most interesting- don’t fight, but if it happens, don’t lose. I saw a close similarity between Baku and Suho throughout the drama which I liked because it was almost a constant reminder that Suho was still around.
(2) Baekjin… so flawed but so pitiful. I couldn’t bring myself to hate him because of his history with Baku but I’m also disappointed there was no explanation as to how or why he ended up joining The Union.
(3)Seongje pissed me off sm. He was such a bitch so well done Junyoung for your great acting.
(4) Sieun. Jihoom is a DISGUSTING talented actor! I cannot fathom how he portrays each and every teeny tiny emoji so so well. I’m definitely going to watch all of his dramas.
Also, that final fight scene- a cinematic masterpiece. That scene was filmed and coloured so perfectly. It’s probably my favourite scene.
Thank you, Weak Hero Class Team. It was a stressful but interesting experience.
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How can a drama be so funny yet so heartbreaking at the same time?
The plot was something new, yet simple and refreshing. It wasn't too complex like 'A Time Called You' (another time travel masterpiece) which I liked because I was never confused about what was going on or who was who. The drama was so beautifully-written that it was a great experience and it really felt like I was in the drama myself, experiencing what the characters were. As for the hearing loss part, the ending was perfect. As heartbreaking as I was during the climax portions, it was bittersweet to see how the writer wrapped up Ha Yi-Chan's story.The casting was absolutely perfect, especially the younger cast who I was immensely attached to during the whole drama. The friendship between the band members and the girls was so natural, realistic and flowed so well. Of course the bromance or father-son bond is something I have to mention because it had me laughing so much- "I like girls!" lmaoooo. The character development of Cheong-Ah was a perfect pace- I loved seeing her character slowly break out of the shell both society and her family made for her. Seeing her accept and love herself, embracing who she is and learning that being deaf is not a flaw, was so lovely to watch that I genuinely cried at multiple points in the drama (also because of Ryeoun's amazing portrayal of a lonely and struggling son).
The only issue in my opinion is that I believe Eun-Gyeol and Eun-Yu recognised that they're both from 2023 too late for my liking. I think it would've been great if they'd had a least one or two episodes where Eun-Yu was just Eun-Yu and not Se-Kyeong. I was expecting them to "recognise" each other and help each other with their personal missions but it seemed more like an individual fight instead- which is in no way a negative but just not the route I was expecting.
Overall, this drama has everything you could want for in a drama: plot, acting, music, casting, ending. EVERYTHING was perfect.
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Depressing slob.
Unnecessarily long. Complete personality change for Si. Dragged out storyline. Depressing if you like SixShancai.This arc was supposed to be small but they dragged it out for a whole season and made a melodramatic mess.
The only way to tolerate this drama is if you completely disregard its relation to S1. In my mind, after S1, this season never happened.
I watched it back in the day and rewatched it recently after rewatching S1 but I skipped almost everything. So unenjoyable and boring. Don’t watch expecting a S1 continuation because it’s pretty much a whole new drama.
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A typical Japanese high school romance
A typical Japanese high school romance but I love them so idc.ML was an ass in the beginning and that image of him sorta stuck to me until the end. Although he had sort of redemption, knowing his heart was ugly was a little disappointing.
FL was likeable but spending 12 years sulking over a rude asshole and trying to woo him again is crazy work, girlie- have some self respect pls. Her slow character development was nice to watch and I liked how her personality towards the end was- someone who appreciated all that she had and acknowledged all her hard work.
Plot was nothing new but was executed well so I enjoyed watching. Bingeable- I binged in 2 days.
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Clean ending/beginning to a game of Go
I don’t really understand why the drama was split into 2 seasons as S2 is an immediate continuation of S1- it was a little unnecessary to split the drama, in my opinion. However, I’ll ignore that when rating.I really enjoyed how the drama ended- everyone got the punishment they deserved. The best punishment, I believe, was Park Yeonjin’s. Her biggest fear (being a failure of a mother) happened. Her one and only daughter claimed she no longer looked up to or felt comfortable with her mother. The best part about it? Dong-Eun had nothing to do with it! Yeonjin simply set herself up for the worst.
The ending to Yeojeong’s (Dohyun) story seemed a little fast but I think it was suitable because it just meant a new game was beginning. It was almost a reminder that everyone is playing a game of Go- Ha Doyeong, Yoon Sohee, Kang Hyeongnam. It was a simple yet fitting ending.
Thank you to everyone who worked on this drama. It’s a good watch but definitely not for the faint hearted!
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The Glory- A game of Go
The Glory- A game of GoFrom episode 1-8, I have been so hooked on the plot of this drama. I think it’s my first time seeing a school violence kdrama where the victim retaliates in such an interesting and well-planned way ad I’m enjoying this new take.
Although some of the line deliverance is slow (like most kdramas), the plot itself moves at a steady speed so it isn’t at all boring.
Song Hyekyo: I haven’t seen her play such a calm yet devious character and I am definitely impressed. She’s done a great job so far. As for her character, Dongeun, I am highly impressed with how the writers developed her- she changed in an fascinating yet comprehensible way which I liked.
Lim Ji-Yeon: WOW WOW WOW. I first saw her in High Society years ago and thought, ‘Aw, they should give this cutie more roles!’ CUTIE?!! I hated her character so much that I can’t look at her without associating her to Yeonjin- what a fantastic job she’s done. I’m looking forward to more great acting from her. As for Yeonjin herself, I really don’t understand how she thought she’d get away with lying to her daughter. Sooner or later, the kid would grow up and ask questions so what was her plan..?
Shin Yeeun: Sometimes I feel like I hate young Yeonjin more than the older version. Her expressions send me into literal RAGE! I can’t believe how impactful her acting was even though he has very little screen time compared to older Yeonjin.
Park Sunghoon: I loved him in Squid Game S2; I hated him here. Brilliant acting, mister.
Lee Dohyun: I refuse to believe someone who looks like him waited for the same unresponsive girl for 8 years- it just didn’t work for me. However, the way he was a mere loser in the beginning but had a lot more to his personal story later on, was very surprising.
The casting is PERFECT.
There are so many things that really caught my eye and held great significance which added to the plot: the significance of Go, the green shoes (and its painting), the ‘mememto mori’ tattoo and the tape covering it, the garden of devil’s trumpets… Whoever came up with all of this: hats off for the little details because I’m someone who loves little details.
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Not the kind of story I was expecting from a kdrama
I haven’t seen a kdrama this raw in a while. Some scenes are very disturbing so don’t watch this if you’re expecting a True Beauty vibe just because it’s about an ugly girl who wants to be pretty- FAR FROM IT.The turn of events from a psychological thriller to a literal thriller did seem a little sudden to me, but since this drama is the story of one specific character and her specific story, I suppose it makes sense. Regardless, there were some parts that didn’t fit into the storyline and made me think ‘why did she do that??’, ‘why wouldn’t she do this?’, etc.
Kim Kyung-Ja was a horrible character- perfectly written. I hated her character so much because she portrays the perfect ‘boy mum’ that irks you to the core!
The drama is good for a one-time watch and has a captivating storyline to keep you hooked but beware: there are uncomfortable scenes and touchy topics. Very heartbreaking.
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A cute and simple high school love story.
Although I have been watching NE Asian dramas for a long time, and therefore have seen this exact theme many times before, I will forever eat it up in jmovies. Idc if it's overused or whatnot- it's fun to watch and a great time pass. I could see this movie being a good comfort movie because it's nothing too complex, yet not boring or badly written either.I must mention Takahashi Fumiya's acting was better than I expected. He's very capable of expressing Setoyama's subtle emotions like the little smirks or the hints of worry which was very impressive, especially after finding out he's only 23 years old. I'd love to see him in more romance movies or dramas.
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A beautiful adaptation of a wonderful webtoon
So glad they stuck to the plot of the webtoon instead of making a more audience-appealing and romanticised version.The casting was amazing- everyone fit the webtoon characters perfectly. I liked how they made Ri-Eul more childish and cuter than the webtoon to counter Ah-Yi’s unbearable victimisation. Yes, the poor, helpless FL was a little overdone- it’s not this exaggerated in the webtoon.
I’m not so sure about making it a musical because the only song that I thought was relevant is the asphalt road song.
I do wish they showed the parrot as much as it was shown in the webtoon because the webtoon showed her as his family whereas she was more of a prop here.
Nevertheless, a great watch 🎩🪄🦋
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Better than I expected
I watched this drama thinking it was a typical school love kdrama (which I was intending to watch so no hate) so my expectations weren’t very high for it anyway. When I realised what the plot was about, I thought it was cool and so, the drama would remain a romcom but the minute the historical manhwa plot twist came to be, things got more interesting. The way both manhwas’ plots fit together (the shadow in Secret being the stage in Trumpet Creeper) was actually pretty well thought out and actually made sense.However, I must admit there were times where I felt like the story was getting a little repetitive (Dano constantly being on the brink of death) but it’s bearable. Also, justice for Baek-kyung because the shadow characters literally always treated him for the character he was written to be. Maybe if they were nicer, he would get away from who he was in the stage.
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Whoever came up with this plot is a genius
The plot is quite complex so it’s not the type of show you can just have playing in the back while you fold your laundry or something, but I can guarantee it’s interesting enough that you won’t want to pause and go off to do something else. However, I must say, if you’re someone who gets headaches easily, this isn’t for you.The way the mystery aspect comes together and slowly makes sense was so perfectly done.
The amount of episodes is just right too. I’m glad it wasn’t dragged on to 16+ episodes.
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Just watch with no expectations.
I think way too many people are watching this drama and comparing it to Strong Woman Do Bong-Soon which is AMAZING, and so, people are getting disappointed. My only advice is that you start watching with no expectations and you might be able to enjoy the drama the way I did.I personally enjoyed the plot: the drug-case. I think without Pavel, Ryu Si-Oh, and the police force, the drama would've been a flop. That main storyline was the main thing holding the drama together, but I have to admit, it was quite dragged- I think a 12 episode drama would've been sufficient but I don't understand kdrama productions' obsession with 16 episode dramas.
Like everyone else, I loved the character of Si-Oh (the way he was written, his backstory, and how well Byeon Woo-Seok played the character) . What I don't understand is why Gang Hee-Sik was the BLANDEST character in the drama even though he is the ML. Namsoon, Si-Oh, Geum-Ju, the grandma, Nam-In, Hwa-Ja, and even the homeless people all had a side-story or backstory that made viewers feel attached to them but the ML didn't. I don't understand the writers' intentions. Moreover, I think Hee-Sik was a knock-off Ahn Minhyuk: Ong Seong-Woo both resembles him, has a similar voice as him, and the same mannerisms as him. I think he was casted purely because of his resemblance to Park Hyung-Sik. The drama didn't do justice to Ong Seong-Woo's potential acting skills. Also, the chemistry between the ML and FL was crap compared to the FL and SML.
Absolutely adored Hwang Geum-Ju and thought she was badass as hell! Strong, motorbike rider, rich, cool mum. What more could I ask for?
To summarise, I enjoyed the drama but found it too dragged and was disappointed with how the ML was written. Good time pass drama though. Looking forward to seeing more Byeon Woo-Seok in future dramas.
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