What makes this rom-com THE BEST of its genre (I included this in my review) This rom-com is a MUST watch. I think it's as good as Crash Landing on You. Queen of Tears is also good, but it has too much vengeful conflicts and repetitions. This is a true nostalgic rom-com ... This couple is natural - doesn't feel forced like the acting as shown in the QofTears' couple.
1) The main leads have chemistry. The way they look at each other ... the way they enhance each others' appealing qualities. Everything just works for them. Regardless of budget, famous actors, plot, etc ... if the actors don't have chemistry, the drama fails. This couple - not the most handsome and beautiful - has the best chemistry - they have charms. And they bring out the best in each other. The director gives enough time for the couple to develop chemistry.
2) The plot - ok typical time travel plot - but it's so nostalgic and the filming of the past looks so retro and pretty. The director knows how to make the audience feel nostalgic. The filming of the rainbow scene, for example. So beautiful and cute to watch! And the use of colors in the retro scenes - so perfect ... her yellow umbrella and his blue umbrella - so beautiful and symbolic.
3) The humor - classic irony and just typical humor that makes you laugh - it's old but whatever works! The humor just has its classic charms. I can't help but laugh out loud ... Humor doesn't have to be sophisticated, it just has to fit the situation.
4) The suspense - you really root for the couple because they are so believable. The key is the director and chemistry make you care for them. This is what makes a good crime drama ... not showing everything ... physical abuse and violence are so trendy right now. In a rom-com, it would be too much to mix in physical violence. I think this was executed perfectly by the director.
5) The poetic justice - the resolution at the end just ties everything up nicely. He got what he would have given his victims.
The combination of the lead actor and actress is a winner. I think I read somewhere that she brings out the charming quality in him. This is totally right ... the contrast in height, size, and personalities adds charm to his personality. Very believable couple.
I haven't seen a rom-com where the entire 16 episodes were worth watching ... even to the last few scenes! So entertaining and funny! The FL actress is so versatile. You can see her eyes can be shy, gentle, and funny ... but when she glares, she can also be a toughie!
I don't like JofLife:-( so it's going to be a long wait. Don't like the Fox Spirit Matchmaker 1: Red-Moon Pact…
Oh no... Hope you can return to K drama soon. This year, I also refused to watch K drama because I was getting bored with the same old stuff like abusive relationships ... but these 2 dramas were just amazing and got me to return. QofTears even broke the Crash Landing record. And this LR is even better the QofTears .
I don't like JofLife:-( so it's going to be a long wait. Don't like the Fox Spirit Matchmaker 1: Red-Moon Pact either. Luckily, K drama has been amazing the past few months: Queen of Tears and Lovely Runner...
"Lovely Runner" IS the best K-drama of the year! Even better than Queen of Tears! And both are very good ... finally, K-drama came back to originality!
I think I finally understand the plot and figured out the mystery ... why they both have a watch in ep 13-14 and why the grandma seems to know things ... I added the analysis in my review. The ending will be related to this mystery.
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https://theubj.com/uae/korea/156210/kim-hye-yoon-refutes-romance-speculations-with-co-star-byun-woo-seok-hes-merely-a-protective-figure/
1) The main leads have chemistry. The way they look at each other ... the way they enhance each others' appealing qualities. Everything just works for them. Regardless of budget, famous actors, plot, etc ... if the actors don't have chemistry, the drama fails. This couple - not the most handsome and beautiful - has the best chemistry - they have charms. And they bring out the best in each other. The director gives enough time for the couple to develop chemistry.
2) The plot - ok typical time travel plot - but it's so nostalgic and the filming of the past looks so retro and pretty. The director knows how to make the audience feel nostalgic. The filming of the rainbow scene, for example. So beautiful and cute to watch! And the use of colors in the retro scenes - so perfect ... her yellow umbrella and his blue umbrella - so beautiful and symbolic.
3) The humor - classic irony and just typical humor that makes you laugh - it's old but whatever works! The humor just has its classic charms. I can't help but laugh out loud ... Humor doesn't have to be sophisticated, it just has to fit the situation.
4) The suspense - you really root for the couple because they are so believable. The key is the director and chemistry make you care for them. This is what makes a good crime drama ... not showing everything ... physical abuse and violence are so trendy right now. In a rom-com, it would be too much to mix in physical violence. I think this was executed perfectly by the director.
5) The poetic justice - the resolution at the end just ties everything up nicely. He got what he would have given his victims.
I think the ending is open so there is a chance.
The ending was filmed in a dreamy sequence with soft focus filter ...
Luckily, K drama has been amazing the past few months: Queen of Tears and Lovely Runner...
Wu Jin Yan plays 2 roles:
Xue Li / Xue Fang Fei
The duke also has double identity in the book.