Enchanting & Entertaining
A must-watch:✅️ sizzling chemistry for MC
✅️ perfectly balanced 12 episodes
✅️ amazing cast, compeling characters
✅️ horror/romance/comedy: unexpected blend
✅️ horror parts done right
✅️ enchantingly sweet 1st love
✅️ plot twists
1st of all, koreans do horror very well and this is no exception. The cgis were good.
The screenwriter is the hero, how they manage to craft a story that is equal parts sad and moving and beautiful and peppered with hilariously funny bits.
Choo and Cho exceled in their roles and together they have a formidable chemistry. Its the dark horse this spring-summer and my fav kdrama of this year.
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Not bad but poor directorial choices
Pluses in my book✅️ 2 generals
✅️ Some memorable scenes
✅️ Well choreographed fighting scenes
✅️ Star studded cameos n supporting cast
✅️Women empowerment theme
Major issues
❌️ Unbelievable FL as general
❌️ Plot holes for convenience
❌️ Poor adaptation of novel
❌️ Poor acting of 2ML (Chu Zao)
❌️ FL too cutesy at times
❌️ Unnecessary drama
The world building was actually good and those who enjoyed Mulan like I do, couldnt wait to dive into this drama.
Yet, from the first scene of ZY as General He, I felt the casting director made a poor judgement and whoever dresses her up needs to be sacked. Theres no effort in trying to buff her up, or moderate her tone of voice. To make her believable not just as a soldier but as a general and supposedly an amazing one. We are suppose to eat that up?
2nd suspension of disbelief. How does one not see the difference between her and her step brother. From physique and stature to voice, they are so different. Again I have an issue with the director. Can i pass this off as lazy? We are suppose to roll with it?
Then comes the 3rd one. How does ML who is wise, observant and even shrewd, not notice? When he is the one who paid close attention to her back in their academy days. Her eyes and her brother's are different. Surely that mask doesnt cause a blur effect.
If one can brush off these 3 major issues, at heart it did have a good story to tell. A female not able to live as one from young. Assuming a male identity, learn to fight and became a strong general. Fell to betrayal. Rise again to seek retribution and regain her honour.
I also love some of the lines. The moon references that followed thruout the story. The brothers in arms that became her friends (though imo underutilised in the 3rd arc). And there's an actual current between CL and ZY's character.
So despite my many grumblings, I made it to the end and do think there were good bits, memorable bits. Albeit poor directorial choices that makes this a missed chance for what could have been a great drama.
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Warm and refreshing
Late to the party but this was so good to binge-watch!This is a story you never knew you needed to see. There's so many new perspectives I took away after the last credits roll. It's a new combination: deafness, a child of deaf parents without the disability and time travelling to the past. This unexpected mix is thoroughly refreshing and unexpected.
More than just the mystery behind who and why while fulfiling the true mission of travelling back in time, the heart of the story is actually family. Yi Chan and his grandma. Eun Gyeol and young Yi Chan. Eun Gyeol and his parents in the present. Cheong Ah and her dad (even though we didnt get as much of him as I would like).
Eun Gyeol's story was very heartwrenching and moving at the same time. Who would have thought that the one who hears and speaks in a family where everyone else is deaf, is lonely and felt left out? At the same time he puts a lot of pressure on himself, taking every burden himself and not really sharing his thoughts and feeling. His POV tugs at your heartstrings but its the opposite side of it thats really eyeopening. I wont divulge further to not spoil it.
Choi Hyun Wook's Yi Chan really stole the show. He has this vivacious charm and boundless energy. He draws you in to his character and makes you cheer for him, his dreams and his youth.
If you havnt watch it back while it was airing, like me, its not too late. Put aside 16h for a wonderful story.
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Comedic. Intelligent plot. Loyalty. Fated love. Bromance
ADVISORY: Be Patient & You Will Be Rewarded* * *
Honestly, i initially had a hard time immersing into the drama. I didnt like ML's attitude. Considered dropping but comments on MDL made me give it a 2nd thought, 2nd chance. Fastforward few episodes, i'm glad I stayed.
Wonderful things to enjoy:
- FL is intelligent with a happy demeanor, selfless, loyal and giving
- FL and ML have a special friendship, i regarded as the best foundation
- Identity swap and realisation does not drive a wedge in his trust and feelings for FL
- Uniquely ML acts coquettishly with FL aft he realises his feelings
- SML was funny with straight face and earnest expression delivering cheesy lines.
- Very comedic. Funny lines plentiful
- Love Love Love Father-son relationship. Vy diff from the norm
- Unique role reversals. FL use intelligence to help and even save ML
- ML and SML had a bickering rivalry turn bromance
- The ladies here are gems. FL and SFL both are the type to take initiatives.
- Love triangles. At diff times, diff sets of ppl but overall done well and considered important for both characthers and plot development
- Very intelligent plot.. mostly well thought out with elements of surprise and plottwist
- ML have a very good characther development. By ep 20 I was both very proud of the kind of man he has become and very moved by his actions. So be patient, you will fall in love with him if you havnt at the start.. like me.
Acting wise Im surprise to find another crop of young talented actors. All new to me but all left good impressions. Esther, Liu YiChang and the actors for SML and SFL all have great comedic timings. LYC was also very good at impactful scenes.
Intially i would rate it at 7.5 to 8 for the first arc..but then I didnt expect a light comedic drama to be able to hand out impactful and touching scenes which bumped it to 8.5. The last arc with such intelligent writing, the surprise and also the wrap up that was nicely paced..sealed this at 9.0. I really appreciated Ep 23 alot (the night before) which was so well thought out, answerimg all the emotional elements and was much needed ..so different from the usual rush ending we have in C dramas.
If you are unsure, i urge you to try.
If 1 episode couldnt rope you in, try a few more.
The story turns out to be like sands rubbing in an oyster turning into a pearl. And your time spent watching will be rewarded.
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Can finish in 1 seating. Want to finish in 1 seating. Both statement is true for this drama.
I find Sung Hoon quite a charismatic actor and has that intense gaze. The show make sure to sell u his abs and good physique. The lead actress was unfamiliar to me. I find her pleasing to look at and sometimes reminds me of another japanese actress in a gd way. They have good chemistry as they spar spark but mostly the guy wins. Fun times when hes jealous or possessive. I do hav to overlook that zealous possesive and manipulate her to a corner so that no options left but him. That in real life is actually scary and not romantic. But very early we were shown she is attracted to him. Interested in him.
For a short drama means the focus is on out otp so the meddling mum doesnt appear til ep19.. thankfully.
Dont thk too much or expect too much then its really an enjoyable watch.
My last qualms i hav to state was i wish the kisses were done better.many dramas hav set the par quite high. A lil bit of overacting on the girl's part in the last scene which was a tad off-putting. Else i nearly gave a 8.5.
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That should suffice to hint what is the strengths and weaknesses of this drama.
Tong tong is really cute and adorable both in appearance and the sweet things he says to the mum. It is testimonial that a child brought up with love even though they lack in material wealth blossoms to a lovable person.
Wu Tong character is quite pitiful. I really cry during the first mom-child separation. Too often in real life the kid is given to a parent who seems more capable.
Jerry Yan's character is cold calculating, cynical and does not know how to love thanks to his mother. Wu Tong shows him the bettee side of humanity and also digs out the warmth inside him and his capability to care. So far this plotline looks good. But then theres the annoying famous girlfriend, the horrible mother and step brother who is also a love rival. I dont even know when the brother became Wu tong boyfriend. The flow of the story is a bit off.
Jerry yan has improved alot since him Meteor Garden days but in scenes where he is sad or about to cry he twist his mouth, seems to pout like a petulant child so i dont always feel him. You can actually see scenes where he's good and scenes where the acting is unnatural. Chemistry wise with Wu Tong is there. But i didnt like how they write the characters behaviour the last third of the drama.
I love all father and child, mother and child bits. I also like the Secretary. Focus on these bits and the drama is quite good. But theres also a lot of tedious scenes to skip.
Ive finished watching this over a week ago and instead of reviewing straight away like i usually do.. Hmm i guess this drama is quite forgettable. And definitely not rewatching.
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The characters are on the extreme end. A rich successful and prideful Lee Gun and poor normal office worker with big heart but pushover Kim Mi young. Lee Gun character is supoose to push the limits of theatrical and over the top n hence the trademark laugh which you either love or hate. What really works is casting Jang Hyuk and Jang Na ra. I almost couldnt imagine anyone else. They reunite and showcased brilliant chemistry and ooze feelings both spoken and unspoken. In fact Jang Hyuk said his character was hard to potray and it wouldnt have worked if he didnt stare opposite to Na Ra.
Back to the story the middle parts meander into melodrama territory. Again i never really like the noble high roads male otps take to spare their heroine and ended up giving more heartache and noone is happy. Ep 17 to 20 picks back up and gives me all the good feels.
I really love the press conference scene. It is my favorite. It also showcased how much growth Mi young have to be brave and speak in front of the world. If you watch it you will know what i mean.
Again i pity the second male lead. But i also love when they are not selfish. I dont care about the second female lead and am thankful her scenes arebt too much like the Taiwanese version.
Song wise the ost of the taiwanese one is actually better. Here the korean one is ok. But not as addictive or emotional.
When i have time i may rewatch the good bits but not high on my list.
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The cast was ok overall with Kingone being the most experience of the lot. Hes d second male lead and started off well before his chacracters faults and choices made it downhill journey. Our lead actor is fresh faced Park Jung min. Hes cute alright but his character is immature and even after i cross 2/3 of the drama his character didnt grow on me. Still cutesy most of the time and lacking in substance. Its either the fault of the actor being one dimensional or the script and directing or both. The main actress Man Su acting as Mi En is equally cute and visually looks a good pairinh with Jung Min. But again the script and plot layering too deep on cliche sweetness, i didny even enjoy their interaction and relationship much. So in the end im not sold on their romance and find myself waddling in muddy paddyfield. Each episode feels longer and hard to get by.
I saw some people enjoyed this drama. So i have to say its really a matter of taste. Im a dark chocolate lover but being forced-fed with overly sweet white chocolate. Thats how it felt. So if you dont like the overly cute fluffy without substance drama then this drama isnt cut out for you. As in my case.
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What works well with this drama is a good cast. No one single actor carries the weight of the show. All the main and supporting cast were elemental is bringing the story to life. Jong Suk and Shin Hye are very suited for their roles and most importantly they have good chemistry. In fact Shin Hye was very natural starring opposite Jong suk. Her best so far and they also haf better kiss scenes compared to her previous costars. They were cute and adorkable. Big props for the writing on In Ha's character. Her Pinocchio trait means that she couldn't lie to Dal mo or even herself. If she did her hiccups would give her away. I was pleasantly surprise when she calmly and maturely stated her feelings. Even Dal mo did not see that coming. I like how the script was consistent that in spite of the past or working for rival broadcast stations, In ha's mum's role in Dal mo's childhood tragedy, In ha always prioritise him first. Their relationship although the young love type was steadfast and beautiful in its honesty. Back to the cast, they were great actors all round from Lee pil mo as the sunbae in reporting to Gyun Sang as Dal mo's brother to Young Kwang as Seo Bum Jo who also had interest in In ha. Bum Jo's character grows on you. He had one of the greatest growth in character and was never selfish in his love (or like?) for In Ha. The baddies which are the mothers were really good in their roles too. And i love grandpa and papa In ha who provided all the homey love to balance the negativity
My qualms with the drama, perhaps a matter of personal taste it wasnt engaging enough sometimes. I did not marathon it even though the episodes were available. I watched a few episodes , on hold and came back a few days later. So clearly something is missing for me. Theres no big bones to pick or faults with the drama. Perhaps the pace and writing wasnt exactly suited to my style but i must mention i appreciate the light shed on world of reporting and broadcast. It was an eye opener and if you are a fan of Shin Hye this is her best work so far. Definitely showed improvement in refining her acting. I also think Jong Suk seems smitten and attracted to Shin Hye in real life.He was that transparent at times. (watch behind the scenes of their final shot in wedding attire and you will know what i mean)
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Big kudos to Wallace Chung who really brought his character to par and pull me in as a keen observer to the romance between him and mo sheng. I dont dislike Tiffany but they are some scenes she seem flat or come off as one dimensional.
the major fault is too long too draggy. A better editor would have seen that it needs serious editing and removing redundant scenes and too much flashbaks. i also find alot of time wasted on characters i dont care about or worse, characters we all love to hate.
Im still happy i finished but seeing as its too draggy and im too impatient for this type of drama, rewatch value is really low for me
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Right blend of J and K drama. Intrique & romance
"First you need to help yourself, before anyone can help you"Watch for these reasons:
✅️ Perfect casting for FL & ML
✅️ 2nd chance at life
✅️ Guardian-angel sort of romance
✅️ Spot-on, tightly written plot
Additionally spme endearing secondary characters too.
Lovely message that one needs to love oneself in the right way. We need to learn to stand up for ourself rather than wait for people to step in to save us. Watching Misa-shi learn this was empowering.
If you've watched the Korean version, do watch this. This is less makjang, more romantic and concise version. If you havent watch d K drama version, still give this a try. It has the right blend of Jdrama and Kdrama flavor.
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There but not quite there
If this was a dish..It smelled appetizing, looks attractive, first taste was tantalising.
But then midway the flavors get lost. You cant say its a failure but you cant deny you are disappointed.
That in a nutshell captures how I feel about this drama.
What I did like. ML with strong presence/aura and line up to cheer if you like me, appreciates a grey antagonist kind of ML. FL has a job, has ambition and rather knowledgeable in her field. Together there's a draw, a charge in the air between him and her. That was quite entertaining first few episodes.
What the writers should have worked harder on:
- the plot that wasnt much of a plot. The antagonists were clear as light of the day. And clearly the plot didnt req 40 episodes.
- the cases werent written thoroughly and it didnt really highlight the FL's supposed ability
- the FL much as i respect a brave young woman. Theres no excuse for recklessness. In many scenes having been just rescued, cried, she dives into another danger head on. The writing here is a bit senseless. It dumbs down the FL's character.
- By mid arc the ML was written like a tiger who lost its front tooth. No bite. Suddenly the opposing figure we see in episode 1 is nothing but a distant memory.
Literally this drama survived on the strength of its actors. DYX and DEX both delivers. Both have beautiful eyes and deliver the pathos and feels. I stayed for them but cant help cursing a tad at the writers who imo werent up to par.
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Successfully Woo-ed me
This was a drama that when watching really grabbed me by offering sth different to most of other Kdramas on offer. Woo Young Woo reminded me of Han Geu Roo (of Moving) in many different ways. Gifted, poorly understood by masses, loved by their dads, fixated on things, socially awkward but have so much to give.I was a champion of WYW even when I don't always agree with her decision and thought making process. I come to love her for who she is, faults and all, I attributed to Park Eun Bin's ability to make the awkward WYW so adorkable.
Society and its trials are present for every working person but more so for those special ones like WYW. They dont get the same opportunity and are expected to proof themselves even more. It's rather unfair but also the sad truth. We get that in the Good doctor too. I love that it's shown realistically in this aspect in the drama. Then there's Kang Ki Young's Jung Myung Seok, a fairy like character for WYW. He was more than just a comedic character, I love all the times he supported her and give her the leeway even when the stakes were against them. He was my 2nd fav character, on par with the ML.
ML, Lee Joon Ho, is characterised as a green flag character. He's so smitten and interested with WYW. He has a very open, and unjudgmental personality. Their scenes were all so fluttering, cute and romantic. And this is actually rather difficult, given that WYW is so awkward and clueless and has alot of restrictions. Case in point, girl hates hand holding. So she's not the easiest person to date.
The friendships were beautiful. WYW and her bestie and also the unexpected friendship with colleague Choi Soo Yeon. The episodic nature is nice, different cases based on different clients and their trials. We have a lot of range in their clients which was nice.
Lastly if I had rated and reviewed this earlier like immediately after watching, the rating probably would have been higher (but also more bias). Now in hindsight, this rating is more fitting. There are some issues with the plot. I dislike Kwon Min Woo's character and felt the last arc of him and Choi Soo Yeon was not believable nor acceptable. I also find WYW's mum hard to digest. There were just a lot of bits and pieces in the last quarter of the drama that didnt seem as good as the first three quarters.
I'm happy we have dramas like this. And I'm happy too for the recognition for Park Eun Bin, it was very well deserved.
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Vanilla
Perfectly palatable romance drama missing some zest.ML is nice and cordial. He falls first bt is a more passive personality with some hidden black belly character. But overall if you are to define him as a flavor: Hes mild.
FL is one track mind and comes off as a lil clumsy. Overall she gives off a cutesy vibe. But theres something missing and I had a hard time forming a rapport with her.
The nephew/ god son: hes the gem. Truly adorable similar to his other drama. His cheekiness translates through the screen. Hes the one adding fuel to main couple's engine
Other loveline: sister's story was nice, good juxtapose to MC and also written to be linked to ML's backstory.
Overall plot and flow: Mixed reviews
The good: Started well. Desserts are beautiful and created with story and meaning. ML finally lead his own drama, he has this gentle boy next door vibe and his acting never came off obstentacious. FL is new to me, she did fine, some minor overacting.
The Hmmm: The way its written wasnt engaging. Meanin I watch a few episodes, didnt felt the need to bingewatch, watch something else and after awhile pick up when i remember. Acting wise, FL also not reciprocating enough onscreen so the im-deeply-in-love with you vibe is missing. Hence the chemistry does not come off as that strong. After you finish you realise theres nothing that memorable about this drama. Its jus vanilla, nice, kinda sweet but lacks any punch.
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Reap Real Friendship
This season was markedly different from previous seasons. For one it gave a more steady environment and time for the house members. There werent too much upheaval or drastic last minute introduction.Then coming to the people. Suffice to say dont judge a book by its cover. My initial perception of some of them were not accurate. Evyone had more sides and layers to them. Some took time to warm up. Some are so straight forward, they came off as pushy. But again only a small part of them. Everyone had lots of good points yet to be slowly seen.
The most beautiful and heartfelt are the friendships. I like how everyone is more cordial and some are extra considerate and thoughtful. Very confrontational character stresses me out and Im glad it wasnt too bad here.
The promise of romance more or less delivered. But this time around theres 1pair that I wished were more impulsive and less logical. Theres peeps who loves the feeling of falling in love. And love seeing other people find love. I count myself and Annie Yi among them. Il be back for the next season and hope the selection of cast and house members would be as awesome as this season's.
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