Subtly sweet, Better than expected
I lowered to not much expectation for this drama but was curious after watching YT clips.It started off on a note telling you not to take it seriously. FL has an inner drama queen, furnished with monologues and an active imagination that comes with the territory as a part time writer. Then slowly it evolves.
Before I knew it the characters have back story and become more than an idol drama. Both FL and ML are not exactly the proactive type. ML has a strict routine but when FL makes an impression to him, it was very evident the steps he take and the changes he make so as to interact with her more. Some people call this a slow burn romance. Which i agree partially. FL has postive feelings but is a type who isnt terribly confident in herself and inexperience in relationships. But the many episodes of them spending time together and enjoying each others company in that blurry line of doctor-patient, friend or more than friend was nice.
The love triangle was nicely written too, with a plotline that links back to the past. It didnt drag as well. So what could have been annoying only help to unravel the knot and make it. clear to FL what her heart feels.
Switch to the secondary lovestories, both besties of FL. I like Wu Ying's story better. I did skip on Ma Yi Yi's part. But i have to say FL's bro was pretty cute in the way that he is protective in a sweet way.
I skimmed the novel. There are many shared scenes and dialogue with the drama. But they have dial down ML's character. The drama version was much more mild. Lastly, although I did enjoy the drama on most parts, I still find the acting lacking. Betty Wu was still better than what Ive seen in her previous drama. Alot of her expressions reminsicent to her persona in reality shows. For ML he had som good scenes and some not so. When the dualogue says he looks at FL with stars in his eyes, i cant help eyerolling. Because i didnt feel it. I am jus so aware he is acting and you dont feel hes as atrracted to her as the script calls for.
Honestly we had alot of C dramas in this category and you cant help comparing. We've been treated to idol-actor CPs who had better chemistry (eg Our secret imo). I keep thinking the delivery could have been different with different actors. And that affects the depth of the drama to me. All in all, its still a breezy watch.
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THE GOOD:
Plot was strong- One thats tightly woven the present and past selves of the otp and the event that bounds them.
The characters- Multiple characters that shine,who incite fear, incite warmth, incite hatred, incite admiration and a few that are truly memorable
Acting- Heo Joon Ho - cant get anyone who can be so effective in his role. A stare, a smirk, his silhoute screams his presence. He delivers a grippling performance. Kim Kyung Nam delivered arguably the most difficult role and personally i thought he was a scene stealer. He was just so good and his well written character almost made me yearn for him to be a maincast, more scenes, just more.. Seo Jung Yeon delivered in so many scenes, her portrayal moves me and was wonderfully cast.
The message: Belief, understanding and selflessness sows the seeds of love. They gave the environment for the best self to persevere through darkness and evil. And of course, sometimes all we need is someone standing at your corner and there to give a reassuring hug.
The sort of bromance: without spoiling too much lets just say some of my favorite scenes are between the hyungs.
THE WEAKNESS:
Unfortunate loopholes in the plot including useless policemen or lack of as a plot device just so that it set up a following scene or forced a tense situation.
Jang Ki Yong really expanded his repertoire with this drama. Unfortunately he's found lacking when potraying certain emotions. The difference in performance is especially stark when they put side by side young Na Moo and present Na Moo. Nam Da Reum (young Na moo) delivered more on point with soft gaze, sorrow, broken hearted, or touched. The plays of emotions are easily picked up on his face while i struggled sometimes to read Jang Ki Yong's. I also felt that although otp had good chemistry, they never reach a point of total abandonment and immersion of that kind of love (a supposingly deep soul-grippling childhood to adulthood over a decade span of love. )
If this was a jtbc or ocn drama it could have been 12 episodes (or 24 episodes of 30mins) and it would have elevated the drama without overdoing flasbacks, cut out needless dilly-dally scenes. It could have been a tight plot with no fillers at all.
For all these reasons its a 9.0 for me. Its a good thriller with a warm message. Please do give it a chance if you havnt watched it.
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There isnt quite a guy like Fang Zhan Chen, the male lead. Someone like him is super rare in both dramaland and reality. Hes the ultimate boyfriend. Hes gentle, caring, attentive and his actions speaks louder than words.
What is beautiful in this drama are Fang boss and his caretaker Yue xi's interaction when he was blind. Lots of romantic scenes (although some are quite cliche scenarios); among my favourite was guiding her in the dark when she was afraid, dancing together, piggyback on barefoot and her singing for him.
Its also rare to come across two leads who are very balance in love. By that i mean actually both Fang boss and Yue Xi are the types who when loves somebody puts that person as top priority. They value their loved ones and would go beyond to make that person happy. Yue xi is also a very warm person and once she cares for a person she does it whole heartedly.
Back to the storyline although my favorite bits are when hes still blind ( ep 2 to 11); i appreciate the scriptwriters didnt leave until the end tl give Fang boss his sight.
Other pluses include no evil meddlesome parents (their parents are cute and wonderful) and Fang boss sister initially annoying slowly changes and has her own cute romance with the priest.
Bo yan, our main antagonist also have a very good wrapup towards the end in my opinion. Interesting to compare Bo yan and Fang boss love. For Bo yan, once he acquired Yue xi's love already he assume thats something he dont have to waste more effort and time in her. For Fang boss, for someone you love you will always make time for them.
I have to say i love alot of the sceneries (fields, green hills, meteor shower, sky lit with wishing lantern) in this drama as well as the cablecar, come across as very fresh and unique.
I also love the songs used in this drama including the one Lorene sing in her character.
Drawbacks would probably be ep17 (watch and you will know) and maybe Fang boss was a tad too perfect?
Another comment is probably i would have wished his dead wife isnt identical twin. Fraternal would have been better. Cause seriously same face , how could that not have marred judgement of his feelings initially.
Regardless this was a very warm and sweet drama
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This is a super short drama that captures how the fates of 3people become intertwined and help each other to find themselves. That in the end one needs to enjoy what you do in order to do it well and happily. Without a doubt Ji Soo's character Cha Sik shines the brightest. i really enjoyed watchin him in Sassy Go Go. Here he is both funny on the dorky side and determined in learning to play.
I just checked and am suprise Kim So Hyun who plays the young prodigy Yoo Sul who turned blind is only 16. what a great actress. Here's hoping she will be casted in more dramas. Her character initially takes some warming up to due to arrogance and aloofness. This changes after her accident and subsequenly meets Cha Sik. As she opens up so did my heart open up for her too.
Jin Mok her archrival was another character that took some time to warm up to. He was petty to begin with. Turns out what he needed most was confidence in himself and to play it freely to enjoy piano.
Music i rated perfect 10 for the piano piece which was syphony and soothing balm to listen to.
My only complain is i wish it was longer. I have become invested in all 3 of the characters by the end of episode 3 and there's nothing to go on from there. I did like to think and hope Cha Sik gets to romance YooSul.. any hopes for a Special or part 2?
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Male: Handsome, Proactive, Supportive, A tease, Tall, Sweet, A listener, Values family, A swimmer
Female: Strong, Tall, Pretty, Charming, Values family and friends, Vibrant attitude, straight shooter, Weightlifter
Story: Friends to couple, first love, college life, sports life, family and strong friendships
Bokjoo and Joon hyung seriously the sweetest couple in K history. It is very refreshing when a guy is proactive, means what he says and acts on it when he realises his feelings. What worked to make this drama awesome is the amazingly natural chemistry of our leads who are comfortable and playful on and off screen. Couple that with the writer whose previous works includes Oh my ghost, you know its a winner. The charm of this drama is that its not heavy but its not your usual fluff. It has winsome characters, and male female leads you come to love and a sweet journey watching this two support each other through the challenges they faced in school or at home and fall in love. The drama doesnt dwell too long on one issue and never draggy. It highlights the wonderful time in college with the first blooms of love and the amazing girlfriends we have.
Ive never more convinced of two people more suited for each other, as jeon joon hyung and kim bok joo complements each other. Long after this show ends i will always remember our bokjoo and joonhyung.
Watch and you will know what i mean. This underdog show captured my heart in surprise. It has so much heart warming scenes not just the romance but also father-daughter and mother-son relationship. Really a gem
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Dragged in a loop
The premise was interesting. A shared space for past and present at a fixed time.It started fine but after the initial both parties found out about it, the plot stagnates. It could not sustain the whole intrique of what happen to the female star was jus too slow. Seriously draggy. I start and stop so many times, it was a chore getting to the finishin line. And dont get me started on the syspect so obvious, i was jus waiting for the story to call him out.
As with time fantasy, loopholes often becomes an issue in the plot. How FL for over half the drama never question abt her present self especially since she knew in the present the ML lives in her apartment. I also find it odd that when the past is changed the memories go to the present male, but all the other characters who are in the present arent affected.
The actors for ML and FL i like them both and enjoyed their previous work. I kind of blame the plot and direction of the drama that affected me enjoying their romance. I jus dont quite buy how they went from enemies to being in love. It felt so "written on paper" and not something that should have been tangible and torrid. I guess this is me feeling maybe expecting too much cause I enjoyed W. And this is a far cry from W.
Watch only if you are a fan of both leads. But as a fantasy/time riff drama, it lacks in proper plot execution and intrique. As a romance drama, it lacked intensity and soulfulness.
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A trip filled with mixed emotions
A graduation trip for boys and girls who started off as strangers, but went on to 2 diff stops living under the same roof.They hit off initially by first impressions, and by pairing off to various dates. Some days girls have the say, other days guys make the decision. Some members entered late into the picture. All these are quite similar to other such shows; especially the part where one member leaves a message for another member of the opposite sex.
Now comes the differences.
This started off on a laid-back, chilled and spontaneous vibe much like the youthful members. Before long, its filled with a lot of dramatic incidences. I attribute it to their age. All of them are in their early 20s; most having just recently graduated. With youth, comes a lot of impulsive actions and less than ideal decisions. One member made an erroneous judgement and live to regret the harm done on his budding relationship with another female. And you do feel for them. Often times, you watch and get roped into their feelings of hurt, despair, and even guilt.
Some came with a lot of expectations and even some bursting with confidence. And along the way they got lost and even lose sense of self. I really did not expect this but found it to be very realistic. Most of them in real life are surrounded by people who likes them, and who are pretty and charming and had pursuers. Throw into this reality show, with a limited number of guys and girls and suddenly you found that the person you feel positive above does not feel the same. Here most of them are very candid with little filter. Their body language and even their lack of attention tells them they are simply not interested.
My biggest pet peeve is a certain male member who comes off as very fake and who often talk in a emotionally manipulative way. He isnt that interested in the girl but he knows she likes him, he strings her own while telling her how distraught he is and at the same time he doesnt want her to have any development with another male (deemed competitor). He is textbook type a parents wants to warn their daughter to be wary of.
The rewarding bits to me are the friendships and kinship formed in this show. And the rest of the members were a great mix of different personalities with individual charm. Most may not get their happy chapter on this show but will surely do in their real lives beyond this show. It's an interesting show that warrant a second season with new members.
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The Strength:
Plot: A solid story telling of a young athlete returning to try to compete on dream stage (swimming competition). That journey of finding himself, finding answers that caused his bottleneck. The recipe for success was not an easy or straightforward one. The drama took time to display the effort, hardship, long hours, sweat and pain that comes with the training that athletes put up to have improve themselves and be good enough for competitive stage.
The male lead: Tang Yi Bai is a very sunshine character. Far from tsundere, he is calm, nice and quick to smile. In spite of a yet to be explained happening 4 years ago that caused him to be suspended from swimming, he is hopeful, determined and works hard for his dream. Hes that blend of person you cant help but admire.
The female lead: Yuin Duo. Again a sunny character who is kind and has bright and warm aura around her. Shes also one to gives people strength and comfort. At work, shes a intern reporter with strong principles. On the other hand shes kultzy and even at times forgetful. All in all, super adorable.
The romance: The beautiful thing that for a slow burn romance it was worth the wait and was a nice ease from a beautiful friendship. I adore how they feel a kinship, and find each other able to communicate, share worries and concerns and give each other support and ideas. Before long, shes his no.1 fan and he made her his lucky charm/mascot. Their interactions were sweet, cute and heart warming
The second couple: QQ and Yang yang. I dont wanna say more to spoil but they add a nice contrast of personality and was so cute.
The friendship: The friendship and team spirit is strong in this drama. It makes it really stand out from other sports drama. The people around them that gives them strength, reason and drive to push through obstacles. The people who believe in them amd waited for them. Really no man is an island. Everyone got that far not on their own. That difficult journey was made possible from all the people in their lives who believes in them.
Other notable characters: ML mum and dad, the 2 coaches, the other 2 swim buddies, Ou Yang Heng.
The sports: Writer demonstrated her love for the sport. It displayed the brauty of the swimming sport. Endless months of long hour training for a 1minute duration competition but the rewarding triumph that comes with it. They even got world renowned Sun Yang to cameo.
The messages: I love the positivity in the story. There were many instance of inspirational messages and quotes. One includes Times makes everthing better. Pain passes, injury can heal but regret persists.
The acting: Tang Song Yun was plays the female lead is a very good actress. I heard good things about her potrayal in other dramas like Whirlwind Girl and With you. Shes very natural and able to bring out the best in character. Dylan xiong is a newbie to me and while theres room for improvement, hes mostly effective and lit up the screen with his character's personality. I wanted to mention Huang Sheng Chi who potrayed QQ was adroable and make his character memorable.
The weakness:
Antagonist: Lin Zi. Initially i pity him but that was short live. By the middle of it, i was fed up with him and just wanted to skip his scenes. Later his sisters's scene was even more annoying and in my opinion affected the pace and feels of the show.
Female swimmers: While we get female trainers on the team, we never saw them practising, swimming, competiting. Sad they were left out of the show.
Music/Ost: Sooooo good. The ending theme that opens with "Its beautiful.." calls to your attention. The melody was that blend of moving, inspirational and catchy. 2 other songs used were also wonderful. I didnt knw Dylan Xiong was a singer until later when i read comments, he sang opening theme. The vocals and composition of songs used was spot on.
Heres a list of the songs
1. "Scream like this" (title song) Xiong Yuqi (???)
2. The Impulse of Dare to Love ( End theme ) ??????? Xu Yunwei
3. "Love your good weather" (interlude) Tan Songyun , Xiong Yuqi (???????)
4. "Inferior" (interlude) Xu Yunwei
5. Say Love (Interlude) Xu Fei
6. Crossing the Pacific (Interlude) Xu Geyang
7. Super Hero ( Promotion Song) Xiong Yuqi
In a nutshell, its a beautiful story of sports, youth, love and friendship that was written and directed in just the right blend. Sports and youth drama sometimes gets into the sticky end of being too simple or even shallow but it was never the case here. The writer weaved a story that has a heart and backbone. For most part it didnt drag, only Lin mei and his sister's story arc and their scenes that kept me from rating a 10.
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I connected with the story.. it potrayed the very human side of every layman. It potrayed the changes of a relationship.. from first spark, dating, wedding, the marriage to parenthood. There's the beautiful memories and then there's the ugly fights. What we choose to remember is influenced by things we perceive. Sometimes what we perceive are also assumptions which could be wrong. I enjoy how the writer and pd takes the time to slowly unfold what happened in between until the otp reaches their breaking point.
After watching this, it reminds me to value the now. Value the good of my partner. Value my parents. Value every moment spent with my child. But mostly is the importance of communication. By the time i finish the drama i felt like I walked away with a lot. It's rare a drama makes me both pensive and appreciative. And that's why while it isnt perfect, i've decided to change the score from 9.5 to 10.
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The drama to me is more on the bromance/brotherhood. The remember me/you part is not really for the romance arc, rather it's the mystery part.
Its not a perfect thriller romantic drama because I did find myself skipping some parts. The acting is on par. I've always love J Na Ra. She's usually doing cutesy character so her character here as a detective is refreshing. And I have to say I love her hair here. So pretty. And as a detective she wears really sensible shoes (sneakers) unlike a previous HK drama where the detective wears fancy stiletto boots. And hello Chun Hee nice to see him on the small screen. I also enjoy Min character, he was both cute and creepy.
What I did not enjoy. Sometimes the flow seems disjointed. Not sure if it was the editing or what. And I get they try to focus on the cases and the mystery of what happen 20 years ago so didn't have as much Ji An and Lee Hyun moments as I wanted. Lee Hyun character needs some warming up to. He starts off as a smart Aleck, know it all, rude and indifferent person. But as he Butts against Ji An and his story unfolds you do warm up to him. I also have to mention poor Ji An she's been attacked so many times I almost lost count. It's interesting to watch and find out the truth but not typical enjoyment cause it's slightly dark. I won't be rewatchin for sure
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Why this is preferable: TenTen's character here has higher EQ compared to other versions that although initially he was aloof, he wasn't cold and you catch many glimpses of him smiling because of Thaliw. And it was better scripted in terms of tying back to their history of being childhood friends and his first love. Thaliw's character was written in a way that shows although she is slow, but she isn't an airhead or blindly clingy. So it was more acceptable than other versions although I generally and usually don't like my heroine like this. Then there's the love that was simple and like they say it's not about compatibility or thinking with your head. It's all about the heart. The folded stars really threw me back a decade ago when I folded them for my boyfriend. Sweet reminders. Then there's the romantic settings. The scene under the willow tree with sparkling lights was my favorite. Very picturesque and beautiful.
Why only 8/10: unlike full house there's a lil too much screetime on unimportant charactwrs like NamKang who I didn't care to know. Then later on we have Nana. again wasting precious screetime. Episode 15,16,17,18 were forgettable, wallowing and I dislike ten tem immensely to the point I wanted to walk into my screen and shake some sense into him. Episode 19 was mostly sad. It wasnt until episode 20 when it redeemed itself. So in all about 5episodes that spoiled what could have been much better if they didn't show TenTen uncertain for so long.
Acting was a full marks. Like my review on Full House. Chemistry on Aom Mike always top notch. The character of King was great too and nicely acted. I'll miss seeing Aom and Mike since I watched their 2 dramas back to back. Here's hoping they will start filming season 2 soon.
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They did almost every thing right. The 2 main ingredients for a good romantic drama in my book was done so well. First the two leads were so correctly cast. They have chemistry and there was an ease in their interactions. I truly see when Mike looks at Aom there's interest sometimes tenderness in his gaze. Either he's a great actor immersed in the character or he's quite taken with her in real life. Secondly the storyline puts focus on them. The entire series reserved most of the screen time for them. That means we see them interact a lot. They spend a lot of time communicating fighting quarreling doing mundane things to sight seeing and also cycling. In the process you witness how they got closer starts to understand each other and fall in love. So 2 beautiful ingredients brewed to a very enjoyable drama
So plotwise I do like how it deviated from the Korean version. We also get a lot of Korea in this drama . almost like selling Korea as tourist destination. Lol
Min was quite an annoying character but thankfully overall she wasn't overly featured compare to other versions. But be advised episode 16 to 18 were my least favorite. Meanwhile episode 19 is mostly flashback. If you've missed some of the cute and romantic scenes between Aom and Mike, you most likely will catch it in episode 19.
Of course not everything makes perfect sense, some clichés too but it didn't affect my viewing or enjoy a nice love story. I have to !mention I much prefer Mike's outfit here to Rain's . and Mike's character is better too. Cause early on wr already see he demonstrated a soft side to Aom. And they were on friendlier terms faster too. Their bickerings were mostly cute instead of hurtful. Aom's character is also a nice balance of cute and naivety but she's not clueless. In fact I found it admirable that once she realised her feelings she admitted it instead of lying to herself. So refreshing to see.
This review is getting lengthy but really there's lots to love in this drama for its simple take that's right up !y alley. So after this I'm jumping on to Kiss Me drama staring the same leads..
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This review may contain spoilers
"Marriage might not be eternal but i still want to love you forever". That line makes an impression for me and il remember it along with this dramaThe guy wants to be alone while the girl is afraid of being alone. Surely match made in heaven
There's alot of things to like in this drama
You have a typical rich guy poor girl but this girl is vocal, loves to drink, stands up against injustice and kind
You have typical pretend couple turn to real emotions, along the way its both cute fun with some emotional twist
You have strong family theme too on both the male and female side, and how their parents marriage shaped their thoughts on marriage or fear of (this is something quite realistic)
It also cements that although love is between two people but marriage is really between two families.
This drama is a very good balance of rom com, some absurdities and silliness meets realistic family plot.
The cast is good and love Han Groo as Jang mi.
Its been a fun ride of 16episodes but i do thk episode 11 to 15 feels a bit slow. Do give this a watch if you come across it
-- SPOiler --
The wedding scene was atypical and somehow appropriate for our couple
The proposal speech wise was romantic but lacking in action...and feels cheated on behalf of jangmi ( you know what i mean when you watch it)
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Top marks for acting. Our 3 leads are seldom seen on the small screen as the actor is usually in a musical and actress PBY mostly in movies. Fantastic chemistry too.
Park Bo Young stars as Na Bong Su- a timid girl living in a shell due to her ability to see ghost. Complication and comedy ensues after a ghost inhabit her body and her character undergoes complete changes. And the ghost antics in trying to seduce Chef, owner of the restaurant that Bong Su works as a trainee..
The kiss scenes were good too. I hav to be honest as a romance drama addict, pretend and lukewarm kisses are an eyesore to watch. Too man Korean y dramas have poorly acted kiss scenes with hands lying limp at their sides and awkward head angle. Thank goodness none in Oh my ghost. Their scenes are comedic, romantic and sweet.
I wish Park Bo Young will accept some more dramas to star in. She's a natural actress and very easy on the eyes
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Qian bao bao is perhaps one of the better drama heroines. Shes beautiful, quick witted, brave, treasures friendships and strong sense of chivalry making her a unique and special female and its no wonder both male leads. Xiang hao and Shen Wen Tao both falls in love with hee. The good thing of the plot is that although its a love triangle, their love mostly was honest, no wishy washy and most of the time selfless, particularly Wen Tao. He really gives you second lead syndrome from supporting Baobao when she needs it and relegated to being good friends. Furthermore even though the two males are rivals on field and in love, there was never any malicious actions between them.
Most C dramas suffers mid series stump of draggy plotlines and over inflated drama. Suprisingly here although present it was still tolerable. Ep 26 to 35 were the less fav episodes due to reemergence of the second female lead who caused all the angst.
I appreciate Baobao's character being quite consistent. She has principles and although initially try to run off without telling Xiang Hao, she reliasd that was selfish of her and chose to stay at the risk of being found out and subjected to death. Xiang Hao's character has the most growth because he started off very immature and arrogant. His childish antics and really over action and expression sometimes makes it hard to stomach. In stark contrast with the cool and serious Wen Tao.
Theres also friendships and bromance. I appreciate the brother in arms take.
Acting wise. Ive alwayd love Joe Chen. Her eyes speaks when she acts. Its my first time seeing Jia Nai Liang. I find him abit forced and over the top in some scenes but his onscreen character quite similar to his off screen personality that i see on his reality show. Bosco ive seen alot of his HK drama n hes good but chemistry worse for him is a hit and miss depending on who hes paired with. In this case he has good chemistry with Joe.
If not for the ending, i would have given this a 9/10. I watch about 70% or more of total running time and thats vert high considering its a C drama of more than 30 episodes.
Im glad i didnt give up aft watchin the first episode.
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