summerfancy

Beautifully romantic

Absolutely LOVED this drama. It was so romantic, and the music was outstanding, from the melancholy cello instrumental to ‘Forever Shine’ sung by ML, Evan Lin. I highly recommend. You won’t be disappointed. It just has a wonderfully dreamy, romantic feel to it.

In every drama that I’ve seen Wan Peng (FL), I’ve liked her immensely. The characters she plays aren’t too cutesy (so they don’t get on your nerves after 24+ episodes), and they behave in a mature, straight-forward fashion – just like an ordinary girl/woman. In Crush, her character was certainly persistent as she pursed ML in the 1st half of the drama but not annoyingly pushy. She simply didn’t let his cold attitude deter her, and her persistence paid off as he finally, as he says later, ‘allowed’ himself to fall in love with her. Even when she was acting emotionally/irrationally during their break-up, she was still likeable. Her reaction was a ‘real’ reaction – you could imagine a real woman making the same decisions she made under the circumstances.

As for ML (Evan Lin), I’ve found a new Chinese actor to fan-girl…even though I’m far past the age of being a ‘girl’. He’s not handsome; he’s beautiful, and he does a good job of looking ‘other worldly’ when he’s playing the blind portion of this character. He looks like he belongs in a serene, ethereal garden. Sort of untouchable. He looks even hotter in those glasses. It’s so romantic when he’s carrying FL down the stairs even though he’s blind! And he manages to get her all the way to the hospital too! Yes, his character is insecure and needy (especially when he finally allows himself to ‘need’ FL), and he does morph into the domineering, somewhat obsessive CEO during the 2nd half of the drama, but his behavior is still believable. Honestly, he sort of has to become the obsessive CEO since FL freezes him out when they meet again. His character certainly has its flaws, but you love him anyway. At least, I did.

The break-up. This, too, was believable, and to me, both characters were to blame. Both were dealing with sick fathers and external pressures so there was a lot of emotion flying around and they made rash decisions and statements. There shouldn’t have been a break-up because they loved each other, but circumstances and overcharged emotions sort of forced it upon them. Once everyone calmed down, they should have gotten back together again, but it took three years for that to happen. I do think FL didn’t need to treat ML so coolly when they met again, but I suppose it was a defense mechanism. I’m glad ML took the initiative to pursue her; I guess it was a reversal of their first meeting where she pursued him despite his coolness. I loved how, to him, they’d been engaged for three years despite their separation.

The parents. ML had a complicated family, but they really didn’t factor into his romance with FL – other than his dad’s illness adding to the emotional break up and how his mother’s death shaped his worldview In other words, they didn’t actively interfere. FL’s dad was the typical kind Chinese dad but ends up dying. FL’s mom, however, played a large role in ML’s insecurities. First half of the drama, mom was the typical control freak Chinese parent – trying to direct FL’s career choices and basically, telling ML he was a burden to FL because of his disability. So unkind and insensitive and really discriminatory. By 2nd half, mom had mellowed and was all for their relationship. Mom’s initial opinion of ML is one of the reasons he went through with eye surgery and accepted the role of CEO; he wanted to prove that he wasn’t a burden.

I did think it odd that ML's 'aunt' was counseling FL on why ML responded or act as he did - I thought FL was the psychologist. Shouldn't she have been able to figure that out herself? Also, shouldn't she (or someone) have realized that she needed counseling in regards to her dead roommate? Until ML showed up, it seemed like everyone was fine with her hallucinations - at least, no one was actively urged her to get counseling. The hallucination thing was sort of creepy, and I really don't know why it was added.

The second couple – I wasn’t interested in them or their band (although their song was pretty cool!). I really wish C-dramas would stop spending so much time on second or third couples. It distracts from the MC, and for me, I’m usually bored with the relationship and fast forward through it. There’s nothing wrong with having other couples but spend less time on them. K-dramas have figured out how to do this; C-dramas haven’t…although ‘Poisoned Love’ does a fairly decent job of balancing MC & 2nd couple.

The music was wonderful! Loved this soundtrack. I love it when MLs sing some of the music.

Like I said before, I loved this drama because of its romance, its music and its characters. I highly recommend it.

Read More

Cute and amusing yet serious as well

My favorite C-drama blogger dropped this drama because she couldn’t keep track of what was going on with the cases, but I didn’t experience that problem. It lagged a little prior to episode 20 due to the writer focusing on establishing the romance/relationship between ML/FL, but once attention was turned back to solving the mystery of Master Shi Bo Yin, it progressed nicely and in a logical fashion. Most loose ends were tied up by the final episode. There weren’t any unexpected twists like in a K-drama, but at least, things made sense. We also got all three Long brothers married off as well as cleaning house at court by at least two corrupt families being wiped out. There’s concubines, but they’re all limited to the emperor. Fortunately, the parents of the brothers are dead so they’re not being pressured into a political marriage. Only older brother’s love interest, Shu Ruo Chen, is being forced to become a concubine to the emperor…but of course, she gets out of it.

I suspect the drama is called ‘Marry Me’ because ML/FL get married to each other a total of THREE times…although it takes a few episodes before they get around to the first marriage. A large part of the first half involves ML refusing to admit he’s in love with FL although it’s obvious to everyone else (except himself & FL) that their ‘fake’ marriage is actually a real marriage in terms of how they feel about each other. I think ML knows that he's in love; he's just too pompous to admit it.

As far as the other brothers/couples: I liked older brother because he was what you’d expect from an older sibling – steady, mature and cautious. He doesn’t say a lot and he doesn’t rush into things. I didn’t care for the girl he was paired with. Although she displayed spunk at times, and she was likeable enough, she seemed too young and childish for him. I think the third brother’s girl, Feng Wu, would have been better for Long Teng. It was sweet, however, when near the end, LT gave RC a puppy to replace the one her dad killed. Awwwww! I liked the third couple although nothing really memorable sticks out in my mind concerning them. I will say, however, that they interested me more than the third couples in a lot of modern C-dramas.

To be honest, my favorite character was the villainous mastermind, Lord Yun. I just couldn’t hate him. His one-sided love for FL made him sympathetic - at least to me. I had no trouble hating Shu Bo (older brother’s girl’s dad), but I just couldn’t hate Yun, even though he was the mastermind behind most of the intrigue. He single-handedly wiped out the entire Ding family except for the youngest sister. Bravo! Dad Ding was corrupt, and I disliked Yun’s wife, Xiang Ding. Yeah, she was supposed to be this kind, sweet girl, but to me, she came across as too sweet. I was always waiting for her to drop the mask and become a harpy like her sister. What kind of woman goes and proposes marriage for her husband? Yeah, I’m going to go out and get my husband the woman he’s obsessed with, and yeah, FL is going to agree to that. Her love for her husband was pathetic, especially when he was hung up on someone else. I was glad when she finally kicked the bucket. I guess I liked Yun because he played the role normally reserved for female love rivals – he was obsessed with FL & schemed to get her. So refreshing to see a psycho dude instead of a psycho chick.

My second favorite character was FL’s dad. He was good-natured and funny (especially at the end when ML is attempting to marry FL for the third time). Loved how the dowager empress declared that Long Yue was footing the bill for the weddings. HAHA. I wonder if the guests were thinking to themselves - What? We have to attend ANOTHER Long wedding?

About mid-way, the drama turned more serious as the writer began focusing more on unraveling the mystery. We see a lot of power struggles among families – first Family Ding is on top and then Family Shu. Family Long gets involved because of FL trying to clear her master’s name and Yun’s schemes. And ultimately, all this intrigue is centered upon the emperor securing an heir to the throne. I was really quite amazed that the plot held together so well, and most lose ends were tied up at the end.

By the time I reached mid-point, the drama became amusing just because of how ridiculous some things were. Here’s a few examples: what’s with the white ribbons of cloth that Lin Yue Yao unfurled from her wrists? All I could think of was Spiderman! And then that flying blade that Feng Wu used that could take out a whole pack of assassins like a deadly boomerang. I especially liked how Lin Yue Yao and Hua Yi Bai died together – she throws herself in front of him and they both get speared by the sword. How romantic! I mean, if you’ve got to go, why not go with your lover, right? Hua, however, never got to be her lover while alive. Poor guy. Also, how did Big Ears (Shi Bo Yin) manage to secure the obsessive devotion of three women? Really, I got a little sick and tired of hearing FL wailing about her precious master. I did enjoy the Fuxi Score being played on the qin – it sounded really cool!

Overall, I liked this drama and found it entertaining. It was worth the 33-35 hours of time spent watching it. Maybe the chemistry between the leads could be better, but at least, the plot managed to stick together with a logical progression although it did seem to get bogged down a bit as the writer focused on developing the relationships/romances, and everyone managed to find a love interest, even ML’s servant and the younger Ding sister. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed if you invest the time like I did watching it.

Read More

One of my favorite Rom-Coms!

This Rom-Com really struck a note with me because I'm a writer. I don't write professionally, just as a hobby, and I really found the relationship between writer/editor/publishing house interesting. I learned a lot about editors/publishing. So, first off, the subject matter really struck a chord, and then the lead characters kept my interest.

At first, I really found FL's voice/mannerism annoying, but I ended up really liking her as the drama progressed. She seems like a dingbat, but she was really quite smart, easily manipulating those around her with her charm and sincerity. The chemistry between her and ML was a delight to watch as they bickered and bantered with each other. They were one of those couples that just seemed 'fated'. For me, not all drama couples seem like they're meant to be, but this couple did. Even though I loved SML (so mature, so sweet, so sensitive), I was always on Team Mr. Fox/Zhou Chuan.

Now to my favorite character - Zhou Chuan or The Disappearing Mr. Fox. I simply adored this character! He is my 2nd favorite C-drama ML, just below the ML on 'Arsenal Military Academy'. I loved his grumpy obtuseness. I just found him so cute even though he had the unfortunate tendency to be childish and bad-tempered and completely clueless when it came to romance/relationships. I loved how FL could so easily control (or manipulate) this uncontrollable, demanding, prickly author. I loved how they were online 'best friends' before they became a real couple. I loved how ML was always calling SML for advice and then grumpily rejected the advice he got. The chemistry between ML and SML was nearly as good as the chemistry between ML/FL. It's probably not intentional, but ML's voice inflections reminded me of the puppet Reynardo on the old Leslie Caron movie 'Lili'. And oddly enough, Reynardo was a fox.

I didn't have much interest in the second couple's romance and fast forwarded through much of it. I just didn't care for SFL. I adored SML (too bad FL can't have both men!) but found SFL too chic. I just wanted SML to have someone better. But tell me, why does the second couple always seem to sleep together first and have hotter kisses in C-dramas?

I was pleased to see that both sets of parents were likeable although ML's dad was as bad-tempered, uncompromising and demanding as his son. BUT it was a lovely moment when dad presented the award to ML at the end. It brought tears to my eyes. So glad that neither set of parents were opposed to ML/FL's relationship.

The two scheming male bosses in the publisher house were super annoying - I guess this time the men got to be the villains. Usually, it's the women in C-dramas. But FL outcame both. We did have a psycho chick after ML few a few episodes, but she was more pathetic than threatening. ML was on to her antics way before FL and made sure he didn't spend any time alone with her - such a conscientious and shrewd ML (which was amazing considering how clueless he was concerning other matters). As I've said before - men, be careful with your random acts of kindness - you may end up with the a psycho chick obsessing on you.

Overall, I loved this drama, especially the relationship between ML/FL. There was not a lot of angst (which I prefer). The only time ML/FL was separated was when FL found out about ML's online identity and was rightly angry, but their separation didn't last long. There was no bouts of noble idiocy or the 'I love you but I've got to chase my dreams' thing. No serious, scheming love rivals or past loves that suddenly come back from the dead to haunt the future. It was a simple story about an editor's sincere desire to help her writers succeed and the romance she has with one of those writers. Nice ending too! Everything wrapped up nicely.

Read More

So, so bad in so many ways!

The plot idea itself could have had merit if it had been executed properly. I like the idea of a husband trying to get his ex-wife back, and the ex-wife giving him the cold shoulder. However, this drama was pack full of bitches - his mom, his sister and his - well, I don't know what she is - wannabe girlfriend? It's very confusing, especially at the beginning with two women dressed up as brides and one bride stabbing the other. Did this happen or was it some sort of dream? Why are both dressed as brides? So confusing and poorly executed. ML is an absolute asshole, and he doesn't improve much even when he comes to his senses and realizes what he's lost. He pulls her around like a rag doll and punches her male friend when he no longer has the right to do so. I will grudgingly report that he does improve somewhat once she comes back, and there is one bright spot with MLs like this - they treat the obsessed (a.k.a. bat crap crazy & psychotically delusional) love rival like crap as well. But, most importantly, the acting was bad, bad, bad, especially ML's sister and mother. Honestly, the best acting came from the 5 year old kid! HAHA! Loved when she sprayed the psycho chick in the face with a water gun! At least she knows how to take care of vermin! This drama is what we call a B-rate in the US. It might even be worse than a B-rate in terms of acting. Thankfully, it's short. That's all I can say about it.

I raised the music score 1 point since they used a song from 'Strong Woman Do Bong Soon.' Apparently, someone on their crew had good taste.

UPDATE: it's amazing how quickly FL forgives this asshole. I guess because he saves her from being run over by his bat crap crazy sister? But hey, it's a short drama so I guess we can't have her lingering over hurt feelings. The scene where the sister tries to run FL over is so bad it's funny. Two questions: 1) why is FL wandering down a deserted street in the middle of the night when she has a kid at home; and 2) why the hell is she walking down the middle of the road instead of a sidewalk? Why does she want to run over FL? Well, the delusional love rival puts her up to it, saying that if FL was gone sister could have SML (Yiran) and crazy love rival could have ML. Yeah, love that logic. It never occurred to these two egotistical twits that both men wouldn't want either of them even if they were the last women on the planet. But I will give this drama credit - it's 10 times better than the other short series called 'If I Never Loved You'. At least, FL knows when to get out of a toxic relationship, and ML is smart enough not to fall for psycho chick's tricks and delusions.

So, why do I keep watching? Well, there comes a point when a movie/TV series is so bad that it becomes funny. It's like Mystery Science Theater 3000. You watch to make fun of it.

Read More

Started at good, hit a speed bump but ended well

It started out well. I loved a country setting because nearly all C-dramas are set in the city. I liked ML finally joining in and helping out on the farm instead of sitting around like a snooty prick. But like most C-dramas, the scriptwriter managed to kill the good feelings in the middle thanks to - you guessed it - a mean chick who was supposedly FL's 'friend'. Then ML gets on his high horse. I recommend skipping 20-23 to the ending, which is happy. Thankfully, these episodes are brief so the angst ought to go quickly if you chose to watch it. I don't recommend it because I can't stand petty men (or women); it particularly looks bad on a man, but ML has that type of personality.

Read More

Typical short WeTV C-drama

This drama is typical of the short, low budget, badly acted C-dramas on WeTV. The storyline had promise if the FL's character had been more likeable; she sort of remains in the snooty rich girl persona, and I could never really sympathize with her dilemma. As for the actress playing the part, she's fairly common in both looks and acting ability. As for looks, she just doesn't stand out - she looks like a hundred other Chinese actresses. There's nothing about her that you'd say 'oh, hey, that's so-so. I like her dramas.' She's not a Tang Seven, Bai Lu, Zhao Lusi or Yuan Qian. In other words, there's nothing recognizable about her. Her acting ability is below average. I don't expect her to ever land a leading role in a major C-drama unless she plays the part of obsessed love rival.

Now ML is a different story altogether and is really the only bright spot in this drama. The viewer immediately sympathizes with him because FL, as bitchy rich girl, dumps him for no good reason other than she's rich and he isn't. Why he wants this chick is beyond me. As she tells him in episode 11, he could do a lot better than her. Ditto! But he's obsessed with her so she's going to remain our FL, unfortunately. His acting ability is above average - his demeanor is more natural and he delivers his lines in a more believable fashion (like he was actually the a character rather than just reading lines). He's wasn't as stiff as a lot of these B-rate MLs are. He has potential of moving up the ladder to a supporting role in a higher budget drama. With better direction, he might even land a leading role some day. The 6.5 stars for acting is based solely on FL and the other characters, not ML. I would have given him an 8.

Overall, the drama was slightly better than other short C-dramas I've seen thanks mainly to storyline and ML.

Read More

Thankfully short

Cute but packed full of typical C-drama tropes/clichés. I really don’t know why the Chinese viewing audience wants to see the same ole plot (and tropes/clichés) over and over again. Isn't there anything else that's romantic other than accidental kisses and slipping females who need to be caught? Come on – FL has TWO rich guys (heirs, of course) pursuing her? What makes her so special as to attract two rich guys? (oh, oh, now I sound like a female love rival!) And how many average girls attend college and run into two heirs? It’s amazing how these dramas insult capitalism over and over but yet ML is almost always from a rich family, and mom/dad always wants their prospective son in law to be successful, i.e. wealthy. And can I just say I’m sick and tired of all this feminine bullying? Just because ML likes FL, the bitchy love rival and her minions have to harass and torment FL…like that’s going to change his mind about who he likes? You’re in college – it’s time to grow up. What’s worse is that the teacher (supposedly the adult) just let’s this kind of behavior slide or believes what the crazy love rival and her minions claim. So, ML has to come to the rescue when the adults in the college ought to crack down on this kind of behavior in their classrooms. And in this case, the perpetrators receive no punishment for their acts (destroying everyone’s project). They show crocodile tears and teacher says ‘ok, there's nothing more to see'. I'm not going to bother watching the rest even though it's short because I can probably guess what the other 16 episodes contain - nothing new, just more tropes/clichés and love rival bullying that goes unpunished. I'm sure at some point the love rival bitch will say to ML - 'I've loved you forever (translation: so I deserve your love because I'm like dog poop stuck to your shoe - you'll never get rid of me. And never mind that I'm a spoiled brat and have the personality of a viper- force yourself to love me, damn it!). Why her and not me? I'm so much better than her (translation: my ego is to the point of being delusional, and I ought to be in a straight jacket but this drama needs, well, drama, so I'm free to torment both you and your love interest until I suddenly come to my senses and then, hey, we're all good, right?)' Been there, done that, I'm not interested in listening to it again...and again...and again. Oh, and another thing that's typical - the costuming of the females. FL designs and wears some really ugly outfits. Can't believe that thing she designs and dresses ML in at the end actually won 1st place! Honestly, he looked like a male figure skater getting ready to compete in that get-up and the tennis shoes really finished the look {eye roll}. And let's not forget the perquisite control freak rich parent that refuses to accept ML's choice because they've got his partner already picked out - the bitchy love rival, of course. Yep, this drama has that too. At least, ML tells Mom to shove it and continues living as a pauper rather than give into his parent's plans for his life. If you can stand all these tropes/drama devices/clichés, it's one of the better template romances - probably because it's thankfully short.

Read More

One of the better 'shorts'

I found this drama, which I call a 'short' because of it's short length, quite enjoyable to watch. The comedy bordered on what's called slapstick, especially the villain and his minion. The Second Prince (SML) could be annoying at times with his wailing, but I found the main couple quite likeable, and both were a decent actor/actress, whom I could see eventually landing a supporting role in a bigger budget film. ML was more beautiful than handsome (his lips, delicate nose, even eyes reminded me more of a female than a male), and I wish I could see him without the long Dynasty hair (I guess I'll have to look up the actor to get a picture of him with a modern hairstyle). FL was one of those rare actresses that actually look better with her hair long than up in a bun - I think because her ears protruded slightly. Her character was spunky and just a tad too cutesy for me - unlike Chinese men, I find nothing attractive about pouty women or baby talk. I prefer the personality of the SFL, but FL was likeable enough since she didn't overdue the 'cute'. Unlike a lot of these 'shorts', the supporting cast were decent actors/actresses as well, and if some gestures seemed overdone, I think it was intentional to emphasize the slapstick comedy. The only thing I couldn't figure out was why they called FL the 'second wife or concubine' in the beginning since ML wasn't married. I suppose it means that the first wife position is still open. Also, he was supposed to be the demon emperor and yet he's living with his emperor uncle...I guess because he didn't have this demon emperor powers yet. Just a little confusing but it didn't distract from the overall drama.

I don't think it's worth re-watching, but it's definitely something worth watching if you want something you can watch quickly that's light and amusing.

Read More

Worth the Watch if You Can Tolerate the Exes

This is basically a drama about first loves vs. new loves so be prepared for far too much time spent on ML/FL’s exes. I would have enjoyed this drama more if we’d had more time watching the sweet and emotionally mature romance between ML/FL rather than watching their annoying (ML’s ex) and psychotic (FL’s ex) exes trying to win these two back. The audacity of these two exes is breathtaking, especially the female ex. So, let’s start with the bad first.

The bad – the exes. ML’s ex is No-uel. I call her the Christmas cupcake since her name looks like ‘Noel’ and she’s got the personality of a cupcake – nauseating sweet and fluffy, a typical ‘damsel in distress’ who thinks men have to roll over and do her bidding because she’s pretty. What ML (Hae-Kyong) ever saw in this woman in beyond me other than the script told his character that he had to love her in the past. She has absolutely no personality or uniqueness that warrants this man’s devotion. She a selfish, spoiled, narcissistic, immature, entitled brat of a woman. All she’s got going for her is her body and her looks. I wouldn’t expect a man of ML’s depth to be in love with such a shallow, superficial character. Her character is totally useless to this whole drama other than ML had to have a ‘first love’ to correspond with FL having a ‘first love’ who comes back out of the blue. It makes absolutely no sense why ML would still be confused about his feelings for this woman because she doesn’t deserve his love. I never once believed that No-uel ever truly loved ML. It was always all about her, and it's still all about her. Now, FL’s ex. Jae-Hyuk is a first-class psycho, but at least, his character is interesting, and I did feel some sympathy for him because of his emotional torment and mental illness. I didn’t doubt his love for FL although it was an obsessive, unhealthy love. The actor, Lee Ji Hoon, does a terrific job portraying this character. Unlike No-uel, Jae-Hyuk was an actual danger to this couple & himself. But around episode 10, I had had enough of these two exes and simply wanted them to GO AWAY, especially No-uel. I didn’t mind Jae-Hyuk sticking around a bit longer since I wanted to know the real reason he left FL and his background with Keanu. Jae-Hyuk mattered to the plot; No-uel didn’t. Way too much time was spent on the exes and the leads’ continuing relationship with them. Honestly, ML shouldn’t have had as much trouble as he did turning the cupcake down flat, considering how she treated him during their relationship (she admits cheating on him). However, I could understand FL’s struggle since Jae-Hyuk treated her well before their break-up.

Now, the good. ML was WONDERFUL! This man is a saint! A true gem! How any woman could treat him like No-uel or even FL (she was always pushing him away; I wanted to shake some sense into her several times) is beyond me. He was perfect…other than being a tad too cautious and reserved. And he was just too nice. He needed to be firmer with No-uel and tell the woman ‘there’s no way in hell I’m getting back together with you so keep your tears and your hands to yourself, especially in front of my new woman.’ Don’t just look uncomfortable – take action and push her hands away, buddy. In this instance, he needed to be more like a Chinese ML who is flat-out rude to the female love rival. Other than his lingering feelings for that cupcake – which was completely illogical in my opinion - he was everything a woman would want – handsome, successful, gentle, understanding, etc. Why FL took so long to see that is purely a contrivance of the script to drag out the drama – a real woman would have pounced on this man and never let go! I do like how his character does become bolder, more willing to display emotion and take risks - the very things cupcake wanted, Do-Hee, without any conscious effort on her part, manages to pull out of him.

I liked FL (Do-Hee) a lot. She had spunk but she was mature, especially in her relationship with ML. They both trusted and respected each other so there wasn’t a lot of jumping to conclusions or misunderstandings. They felt like one of those couples that are just ‘meant to be’ since they managed to stick together despite the clingy exes that circled them like flies. At about episode 10, if I were either of the two leads, I would have gone off on my ex since they were starting to behave like dog poop you can’t get off your shoe. Stop harassing me already! I don’t love you anymore! It was frustrating how it took Do-Hee so long to commit to Hae-Kyong, but I suppose it's reasonable for her to hold back after the two ex-boyfriends she'd had, but it made so sense to me how she felt her past was an obstacle to her relationship with ML. He knew all the ugly bits and still loved her so what's the problem? She played the noble idiot 1-2 times, but at least, it was brief! But, boy, it was heart-breaking for the viewer to watch Hae-Kyong's confusion and misery.

My biggest complaint: the scriptwriter/director really needed to give us more sweet romance between the leads – they were so darn cute together. It was so adorable when they both were imagining romantic scenes with each other. And boy, it was a long wait for their first kiss! Fortunately, as we near the end and the problem of Jae-Hyuk is resolved, we get more cuteness as they settle into their relationship. The final episode is like a sigh of relief after the tension/angst of the proceeding 2-3 episodes.

The supporting cast was good as they are with nearly all K-Dramas. I don’t know how the Koreans do it, but they have a wonderful knack for creating interesting side characters. The side romance between Ah-Yeong and Keanu was cute as well and was well balanced so it didn’t distract from MC’s romance. It was a little odd how Geun knew everybody in the love square individually – what’s the probability of that in real life? He was like a spoke that they all revolved around. I absolutely loved how he finally scolded No-uel for her selfish behavior. My advice to her - look, honey, there are consequences to the decisions you make so now you have to live with them. You can't have back the toy you threw away.

Overall, I enjoyed this drama, although I fast forwarded through most of No-uel because she was just an irritant (although her character does improve once she stops harassing Hae-Kyong). If you can put up with exes that just won’t go away and a slow burn romance that makes you want to shake the leads at times, then watch this drama. The sweet moments between ML/FL are worth it…not to mention Song Seung-heon’s (ML) smile. If they ever made the webtoon/comic ‘The Office Blind Date’ into a drama, I think Song Seung-Heon just might be handsome enough to play the lead role of Kang Tae-Mu. The only reason I marked the re-watch value low is because there's too many scenes with the exes and not enough of the leads being romantic.

Read More

Surprisingly Solid

When it comes to J-Dramas, I don't expect much, however, this drama was one of the better ones due to its pace. Everything moved very quickly with no long drawn out angst or misunderstandings. That being said, you get a good dose of the ole tyrannical parent drama device. ML's mother is a piece of work. What a controlling harpy! Thankfully, ML's stepfather put the old hag in her place and supported ML's choice of marriage partner even though he was not ML's biological father and he was basically the CEO of the company. Bravo, stepdad! For some reason, mom thought she had to make an advantageous marriage for ML without even consulting whether her husband felt the same way. FL's mom wasn't the greastest either, but ML's mom is the villianess of the piece. Just a personal preference: I really don't like the actress that plays FL. She always looks pained and gloomy, and geesh, do something with her hair, ok? Part it at the side or cut it so it has more body instead of laying on her forehead like a drowned rat.

Read More

Don't bother...

It's compose of mostly flashbacks of Season 1. We get some drama with the emergency in flight and a partially deaf baseball player at the hospital, but the rest is flashbacks that aren't worth re-watching.

Honestly, I find it hard to believe that radiographers are this involved in diagnosing and treating patients. When I go to the hospital for a test, they take the picture, and that's it. If you ask them about what they saw, they say they don't interpret - that's the radiologist's job. Maybe it's different in Japan or maybe I just don't know what goes on behind the scenes.

Read More

I've only got one question to ask...

How does a woman completely forget a little boy from her childhood with whom she spent a lot of quality time and even made a promise with said boy? Ok, I can understand not recognizing him because he used to be chubby, but cripes sake, she apparently forgot the entire interaction with this little boy. How does one do that? Does she have a brain tumor? I can say with confidence that I remember all of my childhood friends, even the ones that came and went. I even remember kids that weren't my friends; they were just classmates or acquaintances and I remember a lot of my interactions with them. It just blows my mind that someone could completely forget a friend you spent time with and made a promise with. FL doesn't deserve Iori, and I sure as heck wouldn't have made any more promises with her because she doesn't know how to remember them or keep them.

Read More

Well done but depressing

I'll be honest, I could not binge watch this drama because I found it depressing or a downer. FL went around looking morose and ML went around looking emotionally tortured. Thank goodness for the 2nd couple that gave us some relief. Unfortunately - for once - the writer/director did not over focus on the 2nd couple. Figures! The moment you actually want to see more of the 2nd couple, and you don't get it. Sorry of life, eh?

I understand that FL has trauma from her crappy family and every loser man she runs into wants to sexually assault her. She's pretty, yes, but I don't understand how this girl has an invisible magnet connected to her, which draws every loser within a 10 mile radius. I mean what are the odds that you get assaulted this many times in your life? It just seems farfetched to me. But she clearly needs to see a psychiatrist to heal from this trauma...or at least open up to ML - the only person in your life that's treated you well since your dad died - or her best friend. Rather she deliberately hurts ML to drive him away, and she continues hurting him over and over again when he's been nothing but caring and supportive. Instead she spends nearly the entire drama looking morose and depressed, showing signs of mental stress via sleepwalking, etc. and does nothing to heal herself via professional help or if that's too expensive, confiding in her friends who are willing to help. And just an aside to this actress, please cut your hair or wear it down your back. She tends to wear is down her front, which makes her look like a cocker spaniel. At least, they added bangs to her current self, which helps.

ML is unbelievable. Where do you find men like this is real life? He's been sold out to her since they met, never wavering, never dating another girl. Yet she treats him like crap, hurting him over and over again and refusing to confide in him when he's proven his loyalty and dedication over and over again. As a result, he spends the drama looking tortured. Don't get me wrong, the actor does a fantastic job with the role, but I feel so sorry for him. He DOES deserve a girl that will love him passionately, and I don't know that FL is ever convincing enough to make me believe that she loves him as much as he loves her. Poor guy.

Honestly, I liked SFL better because she had spunk and she didn't go around looking like a Bassett Hound. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know FL has trauma, but GET HELP, girl! I also liked SML and SFL's relationship and wish we'd seen more of it. The first time I've EVER wanted more of the 2nd couple and darned if I didn't get it. So frustrating.

Overall, I gave this a 9 because it was well done and well acted, but it was such a depressant. I would have liked to see FL realizing she needs help and actually reaching out to those around her to get it instead of pushing them away. It's not healthy to internalize everything. Yes, ultimately, you're the one that has to claw your way into a healthy mental health, but there's people around you that can help shoulder some of the burden.

Read More

Meh! She chose the wrong guy, IMO

I haven't much to say about this drama. It was okay but not memorable. In my opinion, she chose the wrong guy. I preferred Bai Bing to ML. I didn't have anything against ML - he was alright - but for me, he was blah. Just a little too stiff, a little to unemotional. Kind of like a plank of wood. I mean, come on, what kind of sculptor wears a suit while sculpting? Of course, that's the costume designer's fault, but I'm sorry, I just couldn't take him seriously as a sculptor when he's sitting at a desk in a tie. I expect a sculptor to be in a studio with his hands dirty. Bai Bing wasn't the most expressive dude, but at least I got a sense of quiet longing from him. The other couples weren't memorable either. So, all I can say about this drama is 'meh'. It manages to avoid some of those really annoying C-drama plot devices like delusional women and tyrannical parents, but the romance just wasn't there to make up for it. The MC's chemistry was zero.

Read More

Meh

As far as acting and plot, it's one of the better 'shorts'. My only complaint - the ML is a coward, as he himself says at the end. He allows guy after a guy to walk away with FL without lifting a finger to stop it. So, to me, he's sort of a milk toast character, unworthy of being the ML. He gets ready to confess in episode 23, but once again, let's another guy walk off with FL, and then he just up and leaves for the company's overseas branch without even telling her or saying goodbye. And, as far as I can tell, they don't communicate with each other while he's overseas...like you don't have each other's number and can't text??? Sorry, it just wasn't satisfying. I'd rather her have ended up with the best friend - at least, he made an effort. Still, as mentioned, it's one of the better shorts in terms of acting and filming so you won't be too disappointed if you watch.

Read More