serving nostalgia, seasoned lightly with confusion
thinking back, when i started this drama, all i really hoped for was to re-enter the k-drama world—a world that had felt shut to me ever since i learned more about the darker side of the korean entertainment industry (and gained trust issues for free). naturally, my moral compass did what it had to do and i took months off, withdrawing from the fanbase and putting every k-drama on hold. out of sentimentality and maybe a teeny tiny bit of desperation to rekindle this passion of mine, i decided to choose my next watch and 'bon appétit, your majesty' felt like a breath of fresh air that somehow didn't seem entirely unfamiliar.
and now, after finishing it, i actually feel like being back on track.
the drama itself isn't groundbreaking, but it transported me straight back to the 2016 k-drama renaissance. the aesthetic was so reminiscent of that era, yet blended with contemporary storytelling in a way that created this lovely, fragile, almost comforting sense of nostalgia.
what stands out the most is the sincerity of acting and the way cooking is woven into the narrative—not just as a gimmick, but as a genuine driving force. the dishes aren't just props. their preparation and significance shaped the plot, deepened emotional connections and honestly made me want to learn every recipe one by one. cooking became both a visual treat and a narrative technique that kept me captivated... and hungry.
the acting is the truly impeccable aspect. friendships were blossoming, animosity was made believable. the romance, however... let's pause there for a moment. circling back to the inconsistency in plot development, iam afraid it also translated into the relationship between ji young and yi heon as well. they often felt more like siblings—she offered this grounded, mature guidance, while his "maturity" was mostly cemented by the way he spoke, definitely not in the way he thought (some moments of brilliance were there, though). minus the epilogue, that's where they seemed the most compatible, which is strange considering the rest of their relationship arc. his feelings felt genuine; hers… not so much. and no, it's not about the age gap (both actors are consenting adults); it's the script tbh. maybe next time, writer‑nim, a little more depth and a bit better pacing, okay? we need more nuanced relationship development in k-dramaland (and less quirky visual effects).
and now, after finishing it, i actually feel like being back on track.
the drama itself isn't groundbreaking, but it transported me straight back to the 2016 k-drama renaissance. the aesthetic was so reminiscent of that era, yet blended with contemporary storytelling in a way that created this lovely, fragile, almost comforting sense of nostalgia.
what stands out the most is the sincerity of acting and the way cooking is woven into the narrative—not just as a gimmick, but as a genuine driving force. the dishes aren't just props. their preparation and significance shaped the plot, deepened emotional connections and honestly made me want to learn every recipe one by one. cooking became both a visual treat and a narrative technique that kept me captivated... and hungry.
the acting is the truly impeccable aspect. friendships were blossoming, animosity was made believable. the romance, however... let's pause there for a moment. circling back to the inconsistency in plot development, iam afraid it also translated into the relationship between ji young and yi heon as well. they often felt more like siblings—she offered this grounded, mature guidance, while his "maturity" was mostly cemented by the way he spoke, definitely not in the way he thought (some moments of brilliance were there, though). minus the epilogue, that's where they seemed the most compatible, which is strange considering the rest of their relationship arc. his feelings felt genuine; hers… not so much. and no, it's not about the age gap (both actors are consenting adults); it's the script tbh. maybe next time, writer‑nim, a little more depth and a bit better pacing, okay? we need more nuanced relationship development in k-dramaland (and less quirky visual effects).
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