protoninhibited

This is an updated review after rewatching the drama. I still think it could have been a lot better than it was but compared to the earlier review, I feel the scores here are more accurate. I felt that I'd given it a higher score than deserved but that was largely due to me watching it at a bad time. I think I can recommend the show to other now just don't expect a typical romcom.

First, The Good:

The actors were good, especially the FL. I think they all played off each other really well, both the leads as well as the supporting cast.

The story sticks to the concept of "can this love be translated" right to the end and does a decent job of answering that question. I found the pacing to be good enough as well, especially in the first half.

The OST was beautiful. Typically, I find English heavy OST to be terrible, but this one was good. The score was beautiful as well, nothing felt out of place at all.

The story had a lot of unique beats, so it stays engaging enough to get you interested in the fate of the characters here.

Weakpoints:

The story progression felt rushed especially given the mental health theme. I'm not really a fan of the whole love healing every trauma since it always cheapens such issues. So that's my biggest issue with the plot in the drama. I think the mental health aspect of it could have been handle a lot better (how exactly? I'm not sure), but the condition portrayed in the drama is often hard to nail and I think that's where it failed to convince viewers. I would have loved a more show don't tell when it comes to the main theme of understanding each other's language. While the theme exploration was satisfactory in a sense, I feel they dropped the ball still. A better developed plot here would have been really beneficial, especially to the ML.

While the actors were good, I think the writing for most characters wasn't up to par. Only the FL and the uncle stood out in terms of performances (The uncle's is always great). Let's start with the ML. Of the roles I've seen him in, this was one of the weakest. I think the ML's character could have used more development. The character was bland and I think it shows in the performance as well. To be fair I do find a lot of lead roles to not really take advantage of or showcase an actor's range, especially ML, and that's why I really like the FL's role here.

Hiro's actor was also not given much to work with acting wise. I've seen him in other roles as well which have also not been as well written, so I don't know much of his capability to judge his acting, but the character did have interesting aspects. Perhaps my only qualm would be him not having more moments with the FL (and not using translation apps 😂)

I won't really mention the rest of the actors/characters

Character wise, the show could have done a lot better. I think FL was almost close to being one had that mental health reveal been handled better. But like a mentioned, a lot of the other characters seemed lacking. I think this is where the show suffers most (outside of a few issues with the main plot progression). To me, shows often stand out based on how strong the characters are, both supporting roles as well as the main.

I'll probably rewatch this in the future, because despite my ramblings, I liked it a lot more after the rewatch. So this is something I'd recommend, just don't expect too much like I did the first time.


THE EARLIER REVIEW (Spoilers)

These are just my random thoughts after finishing the show. I may update it later (or not)

The production and the OST are the highlights. I read a few comments about a lack of chemistry between the main actors and went in expecting that. It was true to a point but largely due to the writing decisions, but the moments they were allowed to just be, I think it was just fine if not great, including in the first episode.

I loved the cast; everyone played their parts perfectly. My favorite character is definitely the uncle. I'd have loved to see more of his interactions with the main lead.

Now, I enjoyed the show but there were quite a few issues. First, the conflict between the main leads wasn't executed well at all. Even the use of dissociative identity felt like a cop out. I disliked the sometimes-callous nature of the male lead. I don't think it was necessary for him to be written like that at all. Just easing his dialogue at points could have made for better moments overall. It created conflict to drag the show on, but I think the male lead (and the show) suffered for it. It will probably be a sticking point for many who watch the show. I guess that's my biggest gripe with the show.

Like most dramas, most elements were there for it to be truly brilliant, but it ultimately fell short due to a combination of editing choices, dialogue (I know the English subtitles were poor here as well) and repetition. I think the drama could have had the characters fall for each other later rather than having it happen early then introducing all the misunderstandings to fill out the runtime. This drama could have been shorter than it was given the route they chose.

I did like it enough to not regret watching it but not enough to be sure about recommending it. Weirdly, these are the kind of shows I like rewatching (Abyss and Extraordinary You are the other ones) despite finding them so frustrating in terms of lost potential.