This is not what it seems
It seems to me that everyone is rating this drama not for what it is, but for what they wanted it to be.First of all, it is not a big budget drama from a big network. It is a small budget drama created by a small network, where even the actress had to buy some of her clothes and accessories.
This drama also doesn't have an hour long of episodes so everything couldn't be fit into such a short drama.
It is also not an explicit GL series so people please do not later complain that the drama is not a GL because no one ever promised you that.
This drama is based on a webtoon and is drama with mystery and a lot of suspense.
This drama also has GL subtexts and undertones to interpret which doesn’t mean that it is queer baiting.
So if you are expecting a drama about the reality of life's hardships or a full GL series you won't get it in this drama.
But if you don't mind less realism in dramas, you're not homophobic, and you don't mind having to interpret scenes,because of shortcuts and you like dramas focusing on females then in my opinion you might like this drama.
BIg advantage of this drama is the acting. All the actors gave it their all.
Another plus is the music, in my opinion it's one of the best OST I've heard from dramas.
Visually, it's a very pleasing drama. Some scenes are very nicely staged and edited,
Of course, the story could be better. There are many shortcuts, but for me everything that wasn't clearly explained made the drama open to different interpretations. I'm still shocked at how much good they managed to fit into such a short drama.
But in my opinion, the biggest plus is that this drama is female-centric. The main characters are girls who have different experiences, different expectations, and different character traits. The characters are distinct and interesting. Not to mention for me is this is the first drama mentioning female desire. In my opinion is It's quite original and very brave drama.
I wish everyone could feel the joy I felt watching this drama. And it's been a while since I've felt this much joy watching a drama.
My only complaint is that the ending is too open and some of the storylines feel rushed. So I hope there will be another season because this drama really has greater potential. This drama probably isn't for everyone, but luckily it was perfect for me. I'm really borderline obsessive with this drama and Friendly Rivalry is in my top 10 favorite dramas of all time.
Story: 8.5/10 For me the story is original and touches on topics such as: rivalry, obsession, mental problems, sexuality, female desire, friendship, loneliness, family relationships, but the downside is that it touches on these topics only superficially without delving into them deeper. I don't know if there was not enough time or courage to develop these topics further.
Acting/Cast: 10/10 The cast is very well chosen, and the acting is also great. I didn't expect Hyeri to be such a great actress. I saw the rest of the cast for the first time, they seem to be very good actors, so I will definitely follow their further careers.
Music: 10/10 One of the best OST I've heard in a drama
Rewatch Value 10/10 I rewatch this drama 6 times and I still discover something new
Overall: 10/10 This drama it's not a masterpiece, it is not flawless and for some it may even be unwatchable and stupid but for me it is one of the best and most interesting drama which gave me a lot of joy. I haven't been this drawn into a drama in a long time. I'm very grateful that I came across this drama and I hope there will be a second season.
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