What a surprising delight this show turned out to be!
Based on the trailer, you could have assumed this show was going to be a silly piece of fluff.Even though Duang, our male lead, was frequently a silly goofball, I was thoroughly surprised by the depth and soul the show incorporated into particular scenes.
I needed a few episodes to grasp Duang's character, and when he showed his serious side, I was truly impressed by Tee Tee's acting skills. He performed exceptionally well during those scenes. Watching Qin's growth from cold/aloof into a happy, smiling in love puppy was so sweet!
So, after reading the book, I was happy we got to see a lot of the important stuff between Duang and Qin.
And even though I loved every episode, it wasn't totally perfect for me.
If it were up to me, I would have omitted the Jamie/Marvis segments.
The scenes felt out of place and undeveloped, merely occupying time. I would have rather had more filler from the main characters. The Jamie/Marvis scenes would make sense if they were building towards a separate series; otherwise, the finale should have provided resolution. My opinion on this stems from my dislike of the novel Jamie; I found him even more irritating in the book.
Apart from that small nitpicky detail, wholly personal to me, don't be offended if our thoughts don't align, which really didn’t detract from my enjoyment, I loved Duang and Qin so much. They were the cutest puppies and if the execs wanted to throw a season 2 at us, I would be sat to watch. In only 12 episodes, the actors did a wonderful job of showing how their relationship blossomed.
To be loved by Duang the way he worships Qin would warm anyone’s heart!
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Lord cleanse my brain!
Whoever in Kung Thee’s green earth wrote this trash-bag needs their computer tossing into an overflowing volcano!
In all the BLs I’ve consumed, Type will go down as the character I hate the most. That tantrum throwing, bigoted abuser needed to be thrown out of a window. I lost count of the times he punched and hit Tharn – no apologies, no consequences for the domestic abuse and Tharn just smiled and took it. Since the story was about homophobia, I was ready to be open-minded and learn from the author. However, unless I blinked and missed it, there wasn't anything to learn. Type was the same prick from start to finish. Even Tharn’s ex asked, “What’s so good about him?” I was screaming EXACTLY!
Tharn was supposed to be the good guy but even he crossed boundaries in the early episodes, and then continued to be an absolute spineless drip for all his exes which irked my eyeballs.
I'm so annoyed that I made myself watch this entire show, hoping for just one good part. So, out of all the great shows, this is the one they picked for a second season? And you expect me to believe they’re still together after 7 years! Get out of here with that nonsense. There’s no way Tharn hasn’t pushed Type out of a window in all that time.
My opinion is entirely for the plot only and not towards the actors – they did their best. You can’t expect a Mona Lisa with dried out pens.
I’ll end on a good note.
Techno was the cutest dummy lol.
And Lhong’s surprise baddie plot twist was impressive, dude played the long game – though no consequences for his actions? Okay, author, trashy, trashy.
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Oof. I haven't been this boiled over a show in a while lol.
I always base my reviews on how a show has made me feel. I'm not clever enough to delve into the intricacies of the deeper meaning of plots, dialogue etc. I go on vibes only, so my review is solely that - and no other reason.The first two episodes were so lovely and cosy, I was having a great time walking the line with the two male leads - it definitely would have been a 9 star show. And then episodes 3 and 4 came along and made me hate-rage like I haven't hate-raged a show in a while. The snap decision Akira made, after spending all those years with Nishi was such a bad plot move. Whew. Akira, you're now on my hated characters list lol. (Nisha, you're a total sweetheart and deserved better - my five stars are for him and the first two eps only) This plotline was my idea of hell - I admit I'm not a fan of these kind of breakups and long separations when other people are involved, so I know I'm the wrong demographic (again, this is only my opinion) and had I read reviews before watching, I would have swerved this show.
I'm more vexed that we didn't see sweet raggedy-haired Nishi during those 8 years. How did he live? Did he achieve his goals? did he find other relationships? He forgave Akira too easily, and had the show added a fifth episode better fix what he'd broken, I might have been on board for a reconciliation instead of been left feeling empty and mad. lol.
I will end on a positive. The acting was stellar!! I loved both actors portrayal of their characters and would love to watch more of their shows.
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So cozy from beginning to end (even with the tears!).
I can't recall why I started watching this show in the first week, as it's not typically something I'd choose, but I'm very happy I did because it's become a beloved show for relaxation. It was full of tender elements along with romantic ones.The talking cats really captured my affection. It was integrated into the plot so smoothly, and thankfully, not at all cheesy.
I’m brand new to any of First and Khaotung’s shows, but it won’t be the last, I now need to watch everything they’ve been in. Their acting and chemistry was amazing. I could happily watch more episodes of Tiger and Lynx being happy in their cat-raising life. And Lynx being Tiger’s favorite cat is too adorable. All those slow blinks to each other and petting got my heart racing!
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This review may contain spoilers
I hate maths - but I loved this show!
Everyone can find something to appreciate in the feel-good, heartwarming nature of Absolute Value of Romance. Every character added to the story, and it was great to see what happened each week.Since I wrote fanfic myself when I was younger, I can totally relate. I just never wrote about teachers or anyone I actually knew, lol. I was into the plot from the get-go.
The teachers were great! Loved their differing personalities and how close they were with each other. Though we never got much backstory, they were able to convey their bond.
Eui Ju brought that sweet innocence to the show. Her emotions were always right there on the surface. She was brilliantly portrayed by the actress.
As a romanceaholic, I will always look for the romantic connections in any show like a bird seeking out seeds,
And as a dark romance reader, I’m not brand new to the teacher-student, forbidden love trope.
Though some of the viewers were hanging on for any sign that Eui Ju’s school girl crush would transpire into something real with Mr. Ga, it was obvious almost from the start, we would not be getting that.
Or even a time jump to the future where they meet as adults.
But you know what? I was not disappointed this time! I really enjoyed the connection they had as teacher and student.
His care for his students was clear.
Though, I’m with Eui Ju, I don’t get Math, either!
It was clear how he helped Eui Ju develop a passion for writing.
And, I'm always wondering what happens next with characters after a show ends, 'cause, you know, their lives don't just stop there! So, I think off screen, these characters will become great friends in the future.
If you want a sweet, low angst show to sink into, I’d absolutely recommend.
I'm clinging to a tiny bit of hope that this show will be one of the lucky ones who get a second season.
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Sometimes all you want is the fluffiest rom-com!
For a slice of life, small town, rom-com, this show had a stellar set of cast that pulled the fun storyline together.The main couple were just adorable together - ML was the greenest forest you could ever ask for. Though, I was slightly perplexed at times when he was made out to be not quite human, having super strength. He as just an averaged sized guy - totally human, and not fearsome, yet everyone was afraid of him!
I went in for the rom-com, mostly for a palette cleanser, and I've had this show on my watch list for a while, but I stayed for the lol moments, the sweet moments, the character growth, the 2ML, who had more face card than than ML (only in my opinion) the cute nephew, and the adorable doggo.
A definite watch if you want something not heavy and all fluffy. :)
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What in the ambiguity ending was that?
Since I liked A Breeze of Love, the actor's previous project, I was thrilled to see them reunited in a new drama.I enjoy shows with time travel, and I'll happily binge them. A story featuring time travel to the past to alter the present, however, requires careful pacing and a coherent storyline. And more importantly, it is crucial that you execute the landing flawlessly.
The MLs' performances and on-screen chemistry were excellent, but I believe the plot would have benefited from additional episodes. Some parts felt too fast, others were confusing because I wasn't sure when things were happening, and then some scenes seemed like they were chopped up to make it shorter.
I could overlook all of that because, honestly, I liked the story and was totally invested, but seriously, what kind of ending was that?
I can't stand it when directors make the ending confusing. I don’t want it be left up to me how I translated the ending. Show it to me categorically for a warm, satisfied feeling.
Did the two boys meet again?
Or were they on two different timelines? it was never made clear - just shot beautifully.
If only they’d touched hands at least, it would have given a definitive answer.
Finishing on a good note, I’d watch other shows with these two actors together again!
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I’ll miss Minato and Wataru.
This was the slowest of slow burn shows – but it’s what J-BL is best at and I’ve enjoyed waiting each week for the next installment. I can see it’s not to everyone’s tastes who like a faster pace plot or more NC’s and intense intimacy scenes (I love those things too, but I know to expect a different flow with a J-drama)The layered narrative from school boys to adults felt very real and my heart was aching alongside sweet Minato as he waited for Wataru to catch up to his feelings. Thank god that slow boy got there in the end lol.
The last episode was thoroughly a joy. I could have watched 6 more episodes of the boys just being in their domestic happiness.
If you’re a fan of photography, then this show would be your wet dream.
Watch it for the gorgeous scenery.
Watch it for the slow-paced plot.
Watch it for the two great friends, their connection so evident in every scene.
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I wouldn’t be mad if I woke up and found out I was married to Hajime!
Mao and Hajime made for the cutest couple navigating this new life together with their ‘oops, we got married when I was drunk!’ I loved how the storyline revealed feelings and secrets. Each episode was a satisfying watch.For his devotion to Mao, Hajime stood out as one of the most exceptional male leads I've seen in a while. Some of the most memorable moments for me were those showing their domestic life.
Oh, Mao, my sweet martyr. I grew tired of seeing her mistreated by everyone, particularly her awful ex-boyfriend, but I was pleased she eventually stood up for herself.
This show could have easily earned a perfect score for its charm and smooth pacing, but unfortunately, the plot veered sharply to the right, and the writers overloaded it with so many elements that it lost some of its original tenderness.
But it’s definitely one I will watch again and wholly recommend.
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The psychological warfare in this show was insane!
The toxicity in this drama came in so many waves, I don’t think I’ll recover lol.We all thought it was just some regular psycho fighting over a toy, but then BAM! Plot twist! Kim Su Hyeon wasn't the crazy one after all. (like he, was… but he wasn’t….) and he is the character I latched onto, and I liked him ( for the most part) I kept hoping he’d have a redeeming moment. I was rooting for this raving sociopath – but he was just too angry and violent for him to ever be the leading man who won Da On. But oh, the actor rocked this role!
After all 8 episodes, I'm still stumped about why those two super-smart but totally nuts psychos were into Da On. What made these two men latch onto him from their school days and make him into a disciple puppy, because, as cute as Da On is, sweet and unproblematic, and his doe-eyes were adorable, he had the personality of uncooked bread and butter pudding!
And you want me to believe two lunatics, plus a green flag all chased him like rabid dogs?!
Because I love dark romances, I definitely would have chosen Kim Su Hyeon. I think having all of Da On’s love would have calmed him right down – says my delululu side. LOL.
A fun show I’d recommend, if you want to be wide-eyed every episode from their psycho antics.
Also, what a little shit Jae was. I’m glad I never liked him from the start.
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I feel as though I could pilot an airplane now!
I’ll start with the good things I enjoyed with this drama.I found it really easy to watch, and I appreciated how we fast got to know the main characters, who were featured throughout.
The main lead was easy on the eyes. So was the second ML. At some points, I even rooted for him to win the romantic stakes because he was just more attentive and caring of the FL, whereas the ML was a cold fish for more than two thirds of the show.
If you’re into aviation in any way, this show would be right up your street. It was an absolute info dump at times. All I know is, being a flight attendant isn't for me. They have to be nice to everyone, even the bratty customers!
I’m going to give a mention to Mr Jiang. Although it was evident from the start that he was reluctant to have a female pilot in his company and that he would play the antagonist role, he wasn't overtly malicious. He acted so subtly, I loved how he showed he was unhappy just with his face.
Moving on to the less pleasant aspects now. These are minor annoyances that wouldn't deter others from watching.
Two of the actors were completely miscast in my opinion. The best friend of FL. To begin with, her wigs were among the most hideous I've ever witnessed. I need to question the costume department and plot creators regarding those choices. Even with ordinary hair, the actress seemed miscast, as if she were playing dress-up in her mother's shoes.
I did grow to like her by the end.
The other one who felt cast wrong was Song Song. Such a nice guy, but I never really saw him as an aircraft captain. He just didn't seem like a pilot.
I’ve seen several of Tan Song Yu’s shows now.
And even though the stories initially draw me to that show, her acting just isn't my favorite. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like she plays every role the same. (this is only my personal opinion – no need to comment why I’m wrong, lol. If you love her, yay, I am happy for you. I wish I felt the same)
The show was full of sexism and misogyny. I felt bad for the female lead having to endure it, and I kept waiting for someone to confront them about it, but it never happened! It's commendable that she's standing out in a field largely dominated by men, I continually wanted her to succeed.
This show will give you drama and then cliffhangers. We had barely resolved one crisis when another one appeared. I thought the writers' decision to add one last bit of drama to the finale was completely uncalled for. By then, the viewers have fulfilled their obligations, and a finale typically serves the fans.
Romance isn't the main focus here, which might be a dealbreaker if you feel the same way I do.
The FL is the first to develop feelings, and she's so pushy about it that I was cringing, wishing she'd just let it go.
As mentioned earlier, she would have benefited more from being with the second male lead; his deep affection and tender, considerate nature were evident.
The ML had the looks – but darn, he was like an icy robot.
We also got the dead ex as a trope for the ML.
When he caught feelings too, we still didn’t get a lot of romance, but I appreciated how much he championed the female pilot throughout.
Only one kiss! But ooof, what a kiss it was. ML definitely defrosted.
With a plot that was central and a dash of romance, the characters were the true anchors, carrying every drama-filled moment.
It's worth noting, of course, that a truly monstrous and oppressive mother was part of the picture. I wanted to toss her out of a plane; her presence grated on my nerves. The way she played on her mental health when things didn't go her way. Ooff!!
But it was so refreshing that the FL stood up to her!
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More than what I expected.
This show was super well acted by all involved, but especially our leading men.I've watched them before, so I knew they had the acting chops to take on these roles - and I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't going to the silly-eque show it looked to be.
This show had such emotional depth and dealt with a serious subject but not in the heaviest way.
It made for a great change from the regular "meet-cute" dramas of couples coming together, to have a couple that was already established on episode one. Not only that, there was no love rival! the plotline centered solely on their past traumas.
An all around good watch.
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The show I didn’t know I needed!
I came to this drama because I love Kim Go Eun’s acting.She will always be my the first Goblin wife!
And now I'm mad at myself for waiting so long to watch it, because it was the cutest thing ever!
I ADORED those little cute cells. I laughed out loud so many times at their dramatic antics. My faves are emotions cell, rational cell, hungry cell (I can relate lol) but the standout cell is naughty cell in their little undies! He just cracked me up laughing every time he was in the scene.
I never read a romance book or watch a romance show that doesn’t have a happy ever after, but this was the exception, and while Yumi’s break up was sad, vividly acted, not having a happy ending didn’t bother me, because I was enjoying the cells so much.
Even the ML's cunning female friend/colleague trying to interfere in their relationship didn't irk me as it would a regular drama, because the cells hated her too!
I’m already half-way through season 2 so I can get to the final season and the cuuuuuute Sun Rok. But more of my cells, too.
I now want all dramas to include animated cell scenes lol.
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This review may contain spoilers
It's a sweet and tender drama that's a breeze to watch.
This show was just green flags everywhere. From every character!Rarely do you find a narrative without toxic characters who act as interfering antagonists. Each person brought a profound mature attitude, especially toward the leading couple.
I’m going to talk about Xiao Dong, first. He was our second male lead.
And when we first see him, we learn he’s the female lead’s cousin, not sure if it’s by blood – but at that time, just looking at his stern face, and how he was giving instructions to female lead, I was all, ut oh – he’s about to be the love rival. HOW WRONG I WAS! I’ve never seen a more supportive second ML before. Talk about perfect, sweet, he was always rooting for the couple, paving the way for their relationship, and also trying to get back his close friendship with our ML. There was a frisson of a relationship for Xiao Dong, too, with his ex, they danced around each other, but by the end, we still don’t know if they ever got back together. I really hope so! If anyone deserves love, it’s that adorable, suited man. He’s going to be one of my favorite second MLs.
I could do a section for each supporting man – there are so many adorable ones, but I’ll group them altogether and say they were a great support for our leading man. The brotherhood, taking them back decades, was clear in every scene and I loved how they were always there for each other. Never a jealous, petty moment.
Let’s get to our yearner – Lin Yiyang. I swear, the actor has eyes made for yearning scenes. You’ll hear me say “It’s rare” in my review, because it really was rare to have a 30 episode drama and neither lead ever lost their temper – we never had one argument. Yiyang loved Guo from the first time he laid eyes on her and it clearly showed in his every action. This was an attentive man! Everything he did was for her happiness and comfort. He called himself a poor man, but he was such a hard worker and talk about spoiling!
It’s the first time I’ve watched this actor’s work, but I’m sure it won’t be the last, this was a perfect show to introduce me to him. My eyes were swooning so many times at his sweet, loving actions.
The man gave good hug!
My initial decision to give this show a watch was because of how much I adored Zhao Jin Mai in Shine on Me – she was my ideal heroine in that show. And while I really liked Guo in this one, too – she was unproblematic, never threw tantrums and worked with their long distance relationship – I wished the writer had matured her a little over time and gave her more confidence.
I'm a sucker for romance novels, and I'm super sensitive to repetition. So, I spotted this thing in the drama that kept happening, and I'm baffled as to why. Guo avoided about 90% of the kisses Yiyang went for.
Knowing she was a timid girl, not used to romance, and possibly felt self-conscious kissing in front of others – even though it was in private – I still considered all that. It's not like Yiyang was leaning on her for more.
It got me thinking why the writer gave the FL that trait. I will say though, she was a great hugger and I loved all those intimate moments. Especially the hand holder. Super heart fluttering.
And then! Toward the end, we suddenly have a pregnancy scare!
Like how? I was hardcore side-eyeing at that moment, with my eyebrows somewhere in my hairline!
This FL was avoiding even the smallest smooches, and you want to be believe they had unprotected sex?
Was it an AI baby?
Did the sperm get delivered by FEDEX?
This was just a little thing that made me chuckle at the time, but at least it tells us Yiyang got past the stiff kisses, right? LOL.
I only included the above section in my review for anyone who is like me and reads reviews to either to find things that might irk me ( cheating, etc..) or to validate any thoughts I might have had about certain scenes. This is your validation if you, too, found the avoidance of kissing to be odd, lol.
Ignoring my minor critiques, I genuinely loved this show and would readily rewatch it for a stress-free escape with its simple, drama-free content. I get why other reviews have said the slow pace didn't suit them, but for me, it's like a show to reset your nervous system!
What a stunning location! I really liked that a good chunk of it took place in another country. And honestly, since I've never watched snooker before, I figured I'd be bored, but wow, I was totally hooked on the games!
Now, I will add Yiyang to my list of ultimate yearners.
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This review may contain spoilers
A drama with a lot of family heart!
After watching Song Wei Long in another show this past week (Shine on Me) I wanted another fix, so I went back and re-watched Go Ahead. I saw this when I first got into Asian dramas, and I wanted to rewatch it to see if I still felt the same about this family story.Now I knew what to expect, the slower paced, longer episodes, I did appreciate the family dynamic a lot more a second watch. The siblings closeness was enjoyable as before. I loved their banter and tight bond.
The dads were fantastic – Mr Lin, especially. Those moments when he was cooking for the family were perfect and I loved how peaceful the family was when it was just the five of them. One of my favorite scenes was when Xiao’s dad took him to the Chinese medicine doctor, it just felt very real and his love for his son came through clearly, though he wasn’t always able to show it.
I wasn’t entirely sure I believed in the romance aspect of the show. It felt like Jian was talked into it instead of falling for Xiao naturally. I did adore how devoted to her he was. His yearning eyes gave me butterflies. And standing up to his disapproving mother had me giddy!
The girl friends were perfect additions and I really enjoyed their side stories. And I covet their cute little apartment!
What stuck with me most from the show were the moms. Oh, they made me have the biggest feelings! And most of those feelings were boiling rage!
These were fully grown adults yet the moms were pulling the strings in their lives! By the end, I could understand Tang Can’s mom maybeeee changing for the better. But there’s no way sweet Ming Yue’s shrill, overbearing mother changed. If we’d had a look into the future, she would still be the same. I was glad the dad wanted a divorce!
Now, let’s get to the vilest villain in this show. Xiao’s mother.
What a vicious piece of work she was.
She was the most insincere snake, and I never once felt she was being genuine in anything she said. She abandoned her young son, blamed him for her mistake, and yet wanted to force him to take care of her while she treated him like crap.
I was furious watching her on screen, her attempts to manipulate Xiao were infuriating.
She could see how utterly miserable she was making her son and yet she clung to him like an octopus on his face. Were we meant to feel sorry for her in the final episode with her inexcusable last ditch action? Were we supposed to feel redeemed by her “nice words” and seemingly changed attitude toward Jian? Because I felt nothing. She did exactly what a narcissistic would do and that was manipulate everyone’s emotions to turn the tides her way again. The best thing Xiao could have done was go no contact with that emotional succubus.
The parents are my biggest pet peeve with these types of characters that appear in most of the shows I watch. (sadly, it’s usually the mothers, which saddens me) Despite the parents' terrible behavior, the child is pushed to forgive and reconcile. Oh, I get steaming mad! I try to understand it’s a cultural difference, but as I see it, you don’t need to redeem every vile character by the finale. This mother was a fine example, I would have been happy if she’d fallen into a bubbling volcano.
It's a testament to all three actresses who played the mothers how great their skills are because the objective was met and I hated them all, lol.
Overall, lovely watch and I’d watch it again one day (fast forwarding through the mom!) The acting was exceptionally good, especially the emotionally heavy scenes. Those guys sure can cry so well!
(Also, I didn't intend for my review to become this long - that's how big my feelings were lollolol )
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