Interesting premise, poor script
Perfect Match isn't your usual slice of life romance. It features a family of strong, independent and cunning women who deeply support and care for each other. The strength of it lies in that every characters is flawed, and nothing is "perfect".Where it falls apart, however, is the narrative form. The plot skips from relationship to relationship and the strings that should hold the narrative together are tenuous at best. There was no character development once the match was secured, so it felt like jumping from one couple together rather than a cohesive story of the sisters and their lives. Honestly, it was a push to finish.
Acting was on-point, the music was good, but nothing outstanding. The set, costumes, etc were all typical of an idol drama.
Most of the complaints I have seen have critiqued the flawed male characters, but I found the female characters just as flawed - albeit in different ways. For example, the script weirdly justified physical abuse when it was applied by women - and the even made it a main point of humour. This subversion - that every character is flawed - is what I actually enjoyed, and is rarely seen in idol dramas.
Overall, it was a 6/10 because apart from the flawed characters and my love of strong female leads, the plot and way the story was told was just disappointing and the sets, acting, etc were all good, but nothing outstanding.
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This review may contain spoilers
Don't be put off, this show is must watch.
Lighter & Princess is unforgettable. The plot feels real, the characters have complexity and depth, and the actors make the show magical.I don't usually like so-called Red Flag male leads, but Lighter & Princess actually challenges how making binaries like green / red flag characters is deeply problematic - because being human is complex, and systems only favour the rich and privileged.
It's also great to see a powerful woman being represented in more than a nuturing role - while it would seem she is simply supporting the male lead in a passive way, she actually is herself and her character is well defined to explore that.
The acting is also perfect. Both leads were phenomenal and managed to convey their characters well - even if it felt like the male lead was a bit expressionless at the beginning - turns out that's his character! I can't wait to see more of them in their other work.
The musical score is top-notch, and works well with the plot, bringing in alternative rock that powers the emotional complexity of the narrative.
To be honest, I am really struggling to find anything to follow this show. The whole plot and production brought a rollercoaster of deep emotions - tension I could feel in my gut, tears in despair and hope, redemption arcs which made my heart feel full, and the tender warmth of actual deep love.
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