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sayratial

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Friendly Rivalry korean drama review
Completed
Friendly Rivalry
52 people found this review helpful
by sayratial
Mar 5, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 7
Overall 8.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

A Chaotic, Twisty Drama Where Everyone Needs Therapy or Jail

Everyone in this drama either needs therapy or jail. And honestly? I enjoyed it.
This drama is about high schoolers doing things they normally wouldn’t—crossing moral lines, making impulsive choices, and spiraling into chaos. It starts when Seulgi transfers to an all-girls school in her final year before the CSAT exam. There, she meets Je I, a rich girl who is dangerously obsessed with her.

From the start, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a simple school drama. It had an intense atmosphere, filled with mystery, psychological tension, and a sense of unpredictability that kept me hooked. I won’t pretend I fully understood everything that was going on, but the drama was undeniably entertaining. It threw in countless twists, and the characters made so many drastic U-turns that some of their actions stopped making sense. Still, I kept watching, trying to piece everything together.

➽Cinematography & Symbolism: The Art Behind the Chaos
One of my favorite parts was how each episode introduced the characters—it was so cool and stylish. The cinematography was visually stunning, and the metaphors were clever and fun to analyze. One of the best examples was the way they portrayed drug use—particularly the scene where Seulgi was studying "underwater." The imagery perfectly captured her struggle, making it one of the most memorable moments for me.
I also loved the use of water symbolism throughout the drama. It played a significant role in representing emotions, escapism, and control. Je I’s room, with its sea theme, was such an interesting detail—almost foreshadowing how water would eventually become her final escape.

➽The Storytelling: Messy But Addictive
The storytelling was good but chaotic. At times, it felt weird and rushed, as if the drama was trying to do too much at once without giving enough time for proper closure. Some plot points were hard to follow, and a few character motivations didn’t entirely make sense. But despite all of that, I couldn’t stop watching. Even when things felt confusing, the intensity and unpredictability made it gripping.

➽Relationships: Obsession, Love, and Moral Ambiguity
The dynamic between Seulgi and Je I was one of the most intriguing parts of the show. There was no clear, straightforward explanation for their relationship, but one thing is for sure: they looked at each other in “lesbian.” The tension, the obsession, the unspoken emotions—it was all there.
Then there’s Yuri and Choi Kyeong, who were a surprising but welcome addition to the story. Their relationship and interactions brought an unexpected layer to the drama, and I really liked how their storyline unfolded.

➽Acting: A Standout Cast
One thing I have no complaints about is the acting. Every single actor did an amazing job. The intensity, the emotions, the psychological depth—it all came through in their performances. Whether the characters were unhinged, desperate, or manipulative, the actors made every moment feel real.

➽ Je I’s Father: The Real Villain of the Story
If there’s one character that deserves to be called truly evil, it’s Je I’s father. He wasn’t just strict—he was a full-blown control freak who locked up his own daughter and treated her like a puppet. He was so obsessed with power and perfection that he completely broke both his daughters, pushing them to the edge of sanity.
The moment Je i finally escaped him by throwing herself and her sister into the sea was both tragic and symbolic—water became her final act of defiance, her way of taking back control.

➽I thought the ending was fine—beautiful and fitting for the drama's vibe. Honestly, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. It felt somewhat closed yet still open.


➽Final Thoughts: A Wild, Messy, Yet Engaging Ride
This drama was far from perfect. It tried to do too much, leaving some things confusing and unresolved, but despite its flaws, I enjoyed the ride. The psychological depth, the symbolism, the intense relationships, and the cinematography made it a compelling watch.
It might not be for everyone, but if you enjoy dramas with complex characters, psychological tension, and a touch of chaos, this one is worth checking out.
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