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Action-packed and Exciting, except for the unsatisfying romances and Gong Jun
**edited to increase rating from 8.5 to 8.75 after watching Dashing Youth. Blood River is so much better**Subjective Gut Rating: 8.75
The title of this review sums up how I feel about “Blood River”. Going into this, I really have low/no expectations. This drama aired while a few other costume dramas were airing, and it didn’t seem to have a lot of buzz. But the plot sounded interesting and different, and I didn’t hear too many complaints. I ended up really liking it. You can watch “Blood River” as a standalone drama, even if you haven’t seen “Blood of Youth” or “Dashing Youth”. I dropped “Dashing Youth” and even though I watched “Blood of Youth”, I forgot everything except for a funny and bald monk.
Plot/Pacing
The introduction of the assassin organization and its hierarchy could be confusing at first. It introduces many characters, fighting moves, sects and specialties right from the start. But as we’ve seen in similar drama setups, most of these characters are unimportant and will disappear soon. So, if you can’t remember them all, it’s all good as the ones that you should remember will show up again and again. “Blood River” could be divided into 3 big arcs. I enjoyed the first 2 tremendously, as they really focus on the fall of the old and the rise of the new Dark River (the assassins). It’s full of exciting events, interesting twists and excellent action scenes. The last arc is more political and the pacing is slower comparatively, but not draggy slow. The drama really kept my attention for all 38 episodes. The pacing was great and I kept on saying to myself how much I am enjoying this and that it’s such a pleasant surprise. Because it has a huge cast, I feel that the drama is unable to fully develop each supporting character’s personal stories to make me love them. Therefore, I am not as invested in their stories as much as I have wanted to be.
Acting
Oh, Gong Jun. Where do I start? He’s just not good. I haven’t seen him since “Word of Honor” because none of his dramas after that hit were interesting to me. I finally get to see him again and it’s such a disappointment. His character is stoic and a little standoff-ish, and Gong Jun gives me a blank face. I look at his big unexpressive eyes, and they are dead. What's worse was his voice. I applaud him for dubbing, but he seems to be intentionally lowering his voice for this ‘serious’ character, and he sounded like a monotone robot. With poor acting and poor voice dubbing, he was the weakest link. The other disappointment was Peng Xiao Ran. She’s so underutilized in this drama and she should NOT be listed as a main character. Not only was her acting so average, her voice acting/dubbing was just as bad as Gong Jun’s (ok, maybe a little better). She’s not monotone, luckily, but her voice and her character don’t match well. Chang Hua Sen (which so many viewers are in love with) did fine, though not excellent. But I think his character gives him more to play with compared to Gong Jun’s. My favorite acting in this drama goes to Bai Shu (Prince Langya) and Li Dai Kun (madman Mu Ci Ling). Bai Shu’s voice matches his character’s charisma. He doesn’t have too many scenes but he has screen presence. He definitely shows up to be THE Prince, not like the First Prince and the laughable young-looking emperor with a beard. Li Dai Kun is such a scene stealer as the madman. His looks, overdramatic hysterics and crazy laughs are all so fun to watch. Each time he shows up, I wonder what kind of chaos he is going to bring.
Romance
Ahhh.. another disappointment. I don’t mind the slow burn romance between Su Yu Yu and Doc Bai He Huai. I actually like that they started off as acquaintances, then friends and then something more. Unfortunately, the development is lacking. There’s no spark and no chemistry between the two. The drama just did not spend any time on this romance. On the other hand, Mu Yu Mo and Tan Liang Yuen had such excellent chemistry in episode 1 during their first encounter. A flirty girl trying to lure, seduce and trick a stoic guy. What a great setup! Unfortunately, after a couple episodes with very few scenes, they disappear for another 20+ episodes. Also barely any development of this romance. The beginning and the ending conversation are memorable, but due to the lack of development, it couldn’t deliver an emotional impact on me. What a wasted opportunity! I really wonder if this is due to the screenwriter's inability to adapt the novel well, or if the novelist is incapable of writing a decent romance storyline.
Production
I already complained about Gong Jun and Peng Xiao Ran’s voices and dubbing above. The dubbing in this drama is only average as a whole. The costumes, sets, accessories, hairstyling are all good enough for me to enjoy the drama. You can tell this is not a big budget S+ production. I think the money goes into all the action scenes. I LOVE this about “Blood River”. It not only relies on CGI fighting, but also actual sword fighting scenes that WOW me. I was so pleasantly surprised! There are also many fight scenes throughout the drama. So, if you don’t like fights, this is not the drama for you. Most of these fights are exciting and fast-paced. In fact, I think they intentionally sped up the fights in the first episode, but they slowed down later on. The last big fight with the eunuch might be my least favorite, because there’s a lot of talking and preaching during the fights.
Despite some of my complaints, I have a really good time watching “Blood River”. I like it so much that I am tempted to pick back up the dropped “Dashing Youth” and watch that again. I would definitely recommend this drama, especially because I think some of my complaints are pretty personal and subjective. The journey of the rise of the new Dark River is well-written and exciting. But if you are watching this for romance, then you better skip this one.
Series Watch Order
1) Dashing Youth
2) Blood River
3) The Blood of Youth
Completed: 11/12/2025 Review #641
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Flawed and Unlikeable Characters brought us Amazing Stories and Moments
*update*. I have a little time to process and am lowering the rating down to 9.0 instead of 9.5.Completed - 5/23/2022 - my love for Mr. Gu bumped the rating to 9.5
I am really surprised that I like this drama so much. I am never one to root for annoying and unlovable characters, and they never bring me joy. Slice-of-life dramas are a hit-or-miss to me as I often find them very slow. However, “My Liberation Notes” excels in telling amazing and touching stories of very flawed characters, and in the end, you grow to care for them. You should know what you are getting yourself into, in order to enjoy this drama. You either love it, or hate it. I can’t say I relate to the characters on a personal level or that they are ‘realistic’, but their stories touch me nonetheless. Thus, a rare high rating for me for a slow-paced, mature slice-of-life drama.
A few things to know before delving into the drama:
- This drama is not a happy drama, but has unforgettable comedic moments.
- Does not give you warm and fluffy romantic feelings - but has moments that make you smile.
- You will find the characters annoying in the beginning, or maybe throughout the drama.
- The drama uses a lot of silence - gives viewers the time to feel and breathe.
- Dialogues and Monologues can provoke deep thoughts (even during silly, comedic moments).
“My Liberation Notes” focuses on the three Yeong siblings and their family.
Yeom Ki Jung - The eldest of the three siblings, Ki Jung is probably my least favorite sibling. I find her annoying and that feeling subsides a little in the middle of the drama, but in the end, I still dislike her the most. As someone who is 40 years old, she acts very immaturely. However, you can say that she portrays a hopeless romantic beautifully, as there are many people out there who are just like her - want to be crazily in love with the most perfect person. But after you reach a certain point, you become desperate enough to want to just be with anyone. She wears her heart on her sleeves, displays all her emotions outwardly and uncontrollably. Her story has a strong focus on romance and her relationship with Jo Tae Hoon. In the end, I still am not sure they are the right fit for each other, and if Tae Hoon can really give Ki Jung what she wants.
Yeom Chang Hee - the brother who I am most annoyed with in the beginning. But he’s also the one that has grown the most and I root for him in the end. Chang Hee is loud and can’t help but criticize everyone and everything. He gives off a lot of negative energy. However, his crazy outbursts also have a lot of insightful truths. You realize he actually is really smart, although life hasn’t gone his way. His casual and funny conversations with his buddies often enlighten us with important life lessons. He also provides a lot of comic relief, especially when it comes to his relationship with Mr. Gu. The way he looks up to Mr. Gu, even though technically they are not close at all, is quite fascinating and hilarious. Chang Hee’s story focuses more on his career than the other two siblings. He might not seem dependable, but as he said, he’s psychic. He’s always somewhere at the right place and the right time, up until the last scene for him in the drama. I am happy for him.
Yeom Mi Jung - the youngest of the siblings and the one that probably has the most screen time due to his relationship with Mr. Gu. Mi Jung is just one weird, lonely, depressed and dysfunctional human being. I am not sure if such a person really exists in real life (one that has ALL of her traits). The drama does get into stories about her family, career and relationships. Although I do not relate to her at any level, her story is fascinating to me, maybe because we are just so different. We barely hear her talk in the first few episodes. But once she starts to open up to Mr. Gu, WOW, fascinating and weird stuff comes out of her mouth, unfiltered. Her conversations with Mr. Gu are to die for. They are just so unique and profound in a way. I am glad she met Mr. Gu.
Gu Ja Gyeong - the mysterious Mr. Gu is so attractive and ruggedly sexy that I can’t take my eyes off him. There’s just something about him or how Son Seok Koo plays this character. His aloofness, smirks, and endearing glances at Mi Jung totally melt my heart. This manly man has to be one of my favorite K-drama characters of all time. He’s so quiet for most of the dramas, but the microexpressions on his face speak volumes. His silence with different characters does not seem awkward at all, but just how things are supposed to be this quiet with him. Mr. Gu is the perfect soulmate for Mi Jung. They are on the same wavelength and just understand each other so well, even though they come from very different backgrounds. In the last episode, I wish for a happy ending for him and Mi Jung, but I can’t help expecting he’s going to die either because of his work or alcoholism.
This review is getting long. But let me just say that the acting is top notch here for all actors. I’ve seen Lee Min Ki and Kim Ji Won in many of their previous works, but they are so different here. Big props to them for branching and doing such a great job. Everything feels so real in this drama - no fancy clothes, makeup, or beautiful smooth skin. Commuting to work and worrying about missing the last train is hard. There are many great dynamics between different characters, especially the Liberation Club.
Other Random Observations:
1. The word “Worship” has a whole new meaning.
2. Mr. Gu looks hot in fancy suits and dirty clothes - I kept on waiting to see him topless. LOL
3. Weird stories such as pick-up girl and frogs are highlights of the show.
4. The depressed and serious vibes can change all of a sudden due to very memorable comedic moments.
5. Mr. Gu and his club scenes are probably my least favorite moments of this drama.
6. Did I mention I ❤️ Mr. Gu? 😍
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OVERRATED Hype but is worth a watch only to support Chinese BL actors and productions.
+0.5 rating to support Chinese BL productionsI wish I liked “Revenged Love” as much as many. The hype of this drama was crazy and maybe that’s why my expectations were high. I wanted to support Chinese BL and wanted to see more uncensored production, but I can’t deny the fact that I was bored in the last quarter of the drama and there are some annoying factors that really bugged me.
What I Liked:
1. Seeing where Wu Suo Wei and Chi Cheng started in episode 1 and following their romance all the way until episode 24. I might not like everything during this journey, but the leads have great chemistry and their story was interesting.
2. Bromance between Chi Cheng and Guo Cheng Yu. For most of the drama, they are frennemies and their friendly rivalry was fun. However, once the misunderstanding was clear, I loved their bromance even more. They not only know each other well, but support each other in ways that only best childhood friends can. I wish we could see this side of their bromance sooner.
3. Bromance between Wu Suo Wei and Jing Xiao Shuai. Their friendship feels a lot ‘younger’ but nonetheless supportive and fun. It was most fun during the earlier episodes when they were scheming and Jiang Xiao Shuai acted like a gay love expert. But when he’s actually in a relationship, his inexperience shows.
4. OST. There are a few very lovely songs, and they complement the drama scenes very well.
5. Tian Xu Ning as Chi Cheng. I felt that Tian Xu Ning’s acting is the strongest out of the 4 main actors. Apparently I saw him a few months ago in “Wanna Be”, but I have no recollection at all. Chi Cheng is my favorite character here. Seeing him transform from this super red flag to a petty and jealous green flag (at least to Wu Suo Wei) is fun. I do miss his ruthlessness.
What I have Mixed Feelings or Don’t Like:
1. Wu Suo Wei. As much as I enjoy seeing him with Chi Cheng and their romance, I don’t like Wu Suo Wei much as a character, especially when he’s acting like a spoiled child. I also can’t stand his (or the actor’s) whiny and fake crying voice. He was first introduced as a somewhat innocent guy who couldn’t see through his ex’s shallowness. Yet, all of a sudden, he miraculously becomes this creative and business-minded genius with a successful company? Wu Suo Wei is also not a very honest communicator. Chi Cheng is straightforward and honest. Wu Suo Wei could have easily asked him questions instead of assuming and assuming wrong.
2. Dubbing. Zi Yu/Wu Suo Wei seems to be the only one using his voice. All others are dubbed and they pick the most annoying voices. I especially dislike whoever is dubbing for Liu Xuan Cheng/Jiang Xiao Shuai.
3. The return of the Ex. That plot lasted wayyyyy too long. Misunderstanding is OK and I understand it’s a part of the plot. But having that arc drags on for so many episodes really tested my patience. It’s especially worse when the misunderstanding could be easily resolved if the leads would just speak to each other (see the above point about Wu Suo Wei).
4. The final arc with the tax stuff bored me, and at this point in the drama, we really don’t need that. There has to be a better way to write about the parents’ disapproval instead of adding that last tax bit.
5. Secondary romance was OK. They have their moments but I felt that the writing could have been better and make their romance a lot more interesting.
6. The acting isn’t that great. The emotional scenes are hard to watch with the fake crying. Comparatively, the cheesy, fluffy scenes are easier to stomach.
7. Kisses are below-average. Because of the hype, I thought there would be amazing kisses and sexy scenes in “Revenged Love”. Let’s just say I am greatly disappointed.
I am not sure if I would recommend “Revenged Love”, unless, like me, you want to check it out and see what all the fuss is about this drama. Or, check this out to support Chinese BL productions and the actors who are willing to risk their careers to take on this project. The first half of the drama is so much more interesting than the second half. I am a binge-watcher who stays up late in the early morning to finish a drama, even on a work day. But with “Revenged Love” last night, I only had 1.5 episodes left, and I never had the urge to binge it all the way to the end. That’s a strong indicator that this is not a drama I can rate an 8 or above.
Completed: 8/14/2025 Review #613
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A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days with You
4 people found this review helpful
Adorkable yet clumsy couple finding their bearings as a new married couple.
“A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days with You” aka “Nami Uraraka ni, Meoto Biyori” is a sweet and cute Japanese period drama about a young married couple. This is a great stress relief drama with a fun opening theme song (I like the piano version, too), and complemented with a beautiful soundtrack of background music that matches the historical setting very well.Our young couple are both innocent and naive, adorable yet clumsy, straightforward and honest. Their initial awkward and careful interaction was fun to watch. It’s really an enjoyable journey to see how they grow to care for each other despite tough times. What’s unique about this drama is that it’s not just about a young couple, but a Navy couple. It’s already hard to marry someone you don’t know, but adding to that is the extended time being away from each other because ML is in the Navy. You never know when he’s called away, and if he ever lived to come back home. Despite this black cloud of war looming above their heads, our leads make the best of the time they have together.
I am a sucker for awkward yet adorable characters, and in “A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days with You”, we have two adorkable leads. I had a lot of fun witnessing their growth, shy yet honest expression of feelings, even though the plot is nothing exciting but of their everyday lives. There are many memorable and heartwarming scenes as they navigate and find their bearings in a new relationship. They are supported by a lovely cast who are fun and caring.
The secondary couple is totally different. They are more experienced and worldly, mature and independent. I enjoy their bickering and outsmarting each other. I would have loved to see them a little more, but they have just enough screentime to make me fall in love with them.
If I have to pick on this drama, I would like FL’s over-the-top expression to tone it down a little. I am fully aware that this is very subjective and since this is an adaptation from a manga, actors often exaggerate. I do think that there are times when Yoshine Kyoko’s facial expression appears fake and disgenuine. But for the most part, she has great chemistry with Honda Kyoya. But given the historical setting, Yoshine Kyoko looks a little too mature to pass for a young and innocent girl, especially when Honda Kyoya has a more youthful look. Another minor complaint I have is I can’t tell which house they are in. One scene they could be at the parents’ house and then the next they are at the lead's own home. The living room looks very similar and there’s no mention of where they are.
I have to say, Honda Kyoya and Koseki Yuta both look very handsome in this drama, so much better looking than in the previous dramas I’ve seen. Honda Kyoya looks great in his white uniform yet in more casual wear, he looks adorable and clueless at the same time. The beautiful Yamamoto Maiko who exuberates classiness and cuteness.
“A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days with You” is a lovely historical slice-of-life drama. I wish there were more Japanese period dramas like this in a beautiful small town setting. It’s just a simple drama about two lovely characters living their everyday life.
Completed: 7/9/2025 Review #601
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The last 15 episodes put me to sleep....so...slow....
Subjective Gut Rating; 7.75How should I rate and review this drama when I kept on falling asleep in the last 15 episodes? It wasn’t all The Blossoming Love’s fault. I was tired from work and sleep-deprived from staying up late watching this drama (what a catch 22!). However, it is rare that I would fall asleep watching the same drama 3 nights in a row. And that says something about the second half of The Blossoming Love.
Let’s start with the negative. Despite finding it interesting that the story of the origin from 10,000 years ago is great, the execution puts me to sleep. There are so many dialogs, and some are quite slow. After an exciting first half, the second half drags on and on. It shouldn’t take so many episodes to tell us what happened 10,000 years ago. It also shouldn’t take that long for the present-day timeline to spring into action. For a xianxia drama with power leads and fighters, there’s just too much talking and not enough action.
Other areas I don’t like would be the makeup and some acting performances. Everyone is white as snow and some with uneven makeup. I was hoping for better acting performance for everyone, but what I got was average - from the main leads to the supporting cast. Wang Duo is definitely a scene stealer but even I got a little bored of him in the second half when the pace is slow. Sun Zhen Ni is probably the stand-out for me. I am not sure if the actors are dubbed, I really dislike FL’s voice. It’s too young for such a badass woman. But if it’s her real voice, then I’ll accept it.
There are still areas I like about this drama. Visually, everyone looks great. Despite ugly makeup, the costume department wins! Beautiful and elaborate hairstyles, clothing with layers, patterns, beads, and other accessories to make the costumes amazing for both the male and female main leads.
I actually also really like the first half of the drama. Initially, I did think that the plot of the different sects vying for the ‘throne’ and the demon villain is somewhat common in xianxia dramas. However, the pacing is great. The introduction of the characters, how they met and developed their friendships and romances are nicely written. It was really a very easy binge and the leads are likable and attractive in their own ways. The chemistry of the leads is decent. Who doesn’t like an outgoing, sassy and kickass female lead or the 2ML who is mysterious and a little cunning, yet falls for the FL. I also really like how us viewers found out about the older brother that FL cares about deeply. It all makes sense and it’s a creative way to show us that.
There’s so much to like in the first half. That’s why it was so disappointing when the drama cannot hold my attention in the second half. Unfortunately, from a very subjective point of view, I can’t rate this drama higher than a 7.75 (and not a solid 8).
Completed: 1/31/2025 - Review #538
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Sweet, Fluffy, No-stress watch
Completed 12/31/2021Normally, I would not pick this drama to watch. However, I want to end 2021 on a sweet and stress-free note. Therefore, I intentionally choose "Sparkle Love" because I know it's going to be cute and sweet and fluffy. The premise seems interesting enough.
I would recommend this drama to those who like:
1. Super sweet and cute romance
2. Cliches - slow motion glances, accidental kisses, accidental hugs, accidental falling into someone
3. Pikachu!
4. Hot guys with nice bodies with a decent number of topless scenes
5. Decent amount of decent kisses
6. Male chases Female romances
Most of the characters in this drama are pretty likable. There isn't anyone annoying or frustrating. The acting is not bad either. I've seen Zhang Ling He (ML) previously in "Maiden Holmes" and "Love Crossed" and also Ling Mei Shi (FL) in "Love by Hypnotic". I would say their acting are on par to those previous roles. They are cute together and I root for their little romance. If you like kisses, these two leads do kiss quite a bit in this drama, before and after they get together. However, having seen their previous dramas, I am slightly disappointed in the kisses. I know they can do better than that! LOL.
For a quick 24-episode drama, the pacing is not bad. If you cut away the intro and ending themes, each episode is only about 30 mins long. It's a easy binge-watch to kill time. I would say most plot lines are pretty predictable. There are multiple couples/romances in the drama, and I don't think there's enough time to spend on each to make them great. I also question the fashion choices of our female lead. She's the one that dresses the worst out of everyone.
Overall, if you want something a simple, cute, and sweet, and doesn't mind cliches and a predictable plot...then go for it! Sometimes, we all need to watch one of these dramas to make us feel good and loved.
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"Love like the Galaxy" is a highly anticipated historical drama in 2022 (my second most anticipated after "Who Rules the World") since we have two very popular young actors, Wu Lei and Zhao LuSi. Personally, I think Wu Lei and Zhao LuSi are a much better match than Zhao LuSi + Yang Yang or Wu Lei + Dilraba. Probably because they are of similar age and give off a young love vibe (instead of siblings). This family drama also reminded me a little of "The Story of Ming Lan" but a less serious version. I like the fact that the drama focuses on different relationships and not just romantic relationships.
However, as a romance lover, I was looking forward to the main couple's romantic journey. I am a little disappointed as it took them a very long time to meet and for us to see any sort of romantic development. In Part 1, our female lead, Cheng Shao Shang (CSS) attracted the attention of three young men. We see the sweet, young, puppy love between CSS and Lou Yao. Lou Yao is cute and all, but really just seems like a good buddy to hang out with. He will never be on equal footing with CSS. CSS picks him probably because she can walk all over him and can do whatever she wants (aka freedom!). Yuan Shen is the petty high school kid who likes to pester the girl that he likes. I also don't feel any real chemistry between CSS and Yuan Shen. I usually enjoy bickering between leads but not much here (well, he's technically not the male lead). We finally see CSS and Ling Bu Yi (LBY) together after about 10 episodes. That is one sloooww start of a romance. Unfortunately, scenes with the two of them together are far and between. For me, there isn't enough to justify LBY's love for CSS and the pacing of their story seems off. However, I expect to feel very differently in Part 2 and I am anticipating a lot of heartaches, longing and chemistry *fingers crossed*
A big part of the drama focuses on CSS's relationship with her mother. Although I understand where her mother is coming from, and the guilt she's feeling inside, it's really hard to see CSS not getting the affection from her mother. Mom is supposedly very smart. Why can't she see that the way she's treating CSS is not the right way to go? She's seen the relationship between CSS and her aunt, and should know that CSS is smart and sweet. Why is mom being so dumb here? I think we all know that being constantly compared to someone else hurts ones pride and self-confidence, esp. when your mother is the culprit. There are a few other annoying characters in this drama. Luckily, to me, they have not reached my boiling point yet, and I still find them to be tolerable since they also provide comedic relief, e.g. all those bitchy women and princesses.
My favorite character is Qi Qi, played by Zhang Yue. Qi Qi is so fun and cool, and I like her style. She doesn't care what you think of her nor take BS from anyone. She's the perfect BFF for CSS. I love it whenever she's there for CSS and protecting her from the other petty and bitchy ladies. There are many comedic moments throughout the drama. They are funny and yet not over-the-top. The humor doesn't distract from the main story or the feel of the drama. I hope this type of humor continues in Part 2 and it doesn't turn into a melodrama.
Zhao Lu Si does shine in "Love like the Galaxy", and she looks beautiful. Her character is smart and scheming and provided enough material to showcase her acting skills. On the other hand, Wu Lei has a little less to work with in Part 1. He looks great as the general but I wanted to see more of him, not just the stoic side. I do see glimpses of a different LBY towards the end. I love the awkward adorableness in the last couple episodes and look forward to seeing more in Part 2. One of my favorite parts of this drama is the confrontation between the leads in ep 27. I've been waiting for this. I want them to talk, to argue, to openly tell each other how they feel.
The production value seems pretty good. I believe this is a S+ production from Tencent. I don't remember any of the songs. That could mean they are not memorable or they are not overplayed, or both. Although the cinematography did not "wow" me, I do like the costumes, hairstyles, accessories, sets and props. Nothing looks flimsy or cheap, except for those big rocks they used for training in the Shang household. Those rocks look fake!
Part 1 is a good start to setup for the rest of the drama. I look forward to Part 2 and expect to like it even more.
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More than about First Love Reunited.
Completed - 2/26/2022 - 9.25 ratingThis review is my very subjective interpretation of the drama and how it speaks to me. “Our Beloved Summer” moves me so much that my gut tells me it’s deserving of such a high rating. This is more than a love story about first love and second chances. It is about self-discovery, finding your own paths and living your chosen life.
When I binge-watched the first 7 episodes, I immediately knew that this was going to be a special drama. I could not exactly pinpoint why I like it so much. I am usually not a big fan of slice-of-life dramas as I find the pacing to be slow. Not with this drama. I can’t wait to tell Netflix to go to the next episode and skip that intro. I want to know what’s next.
I really enjoy the storytelling of this drama. Though it’s full of flashbacks, they are done in such a way that I do not find the flashbacks annoying. I enjoy the parallel storytelling of how the documentary was filmed 10 years ago, compared to the present. The high school bickering and sarcastic remarks are fun to watch. Even though our leads act like they dislike each other, you can’t deny the strong chemistry there.
When we are brought back to the present, you can feel all the suffering, longing and hurtful emotions the leads are feeling. The attraction is obviously there, yet it took them a long time to find a way to be honest with themselves and with each other. When Choi Woong and Yeon Soo are finally together, I was so happy for them. The audience is rewarded with really cute, sweet and loving moments. I am glad to see skinship with decent kissing as well. The initial breakup might be painful. But Choi Woong and Yeon Soo need the right timing and have to grow up to be a better version of themselves, before they become the match made-in-heaven.
Initially, I find the storyline about Kim Ji Woong and his mother to be out-of-place. It seems like I am watching a whole different drama that has nothing to do with our leads. Then I realized, this drama is not just about Choi Woong and Kook Yeon Soo. We also have a third character, the observer from 10 years ago and the observer again for this documentary. This is also Kim Ji Woong’s story.
We actually have three successful adults who seem to have conquered past challenges and grow up to be mature professionals. But deep down, they are lonely and broken. We have Yeon Soo who has to shoulder her family’s financial burden and suffers from an inferiority complex. We have Choi Woong who feels lonely and abandoned, and continues to struggle with these emotions, and also feeling unworthy of his parents' love. He’s trapped inside his own little world and unable to break out of it. Lastly, we have Ji Woong who is desperate for his mother’s love and attention, and continues to have a missing piece in his heart.
If I have to find one thing to criticize, it would be the continuous playing of songs. I actually really like the OST and all the songs. I just found them overplayed. I think I counted one episode where 3-4 songs were played almost back-to-back. Sometimes, I don’t need the music to tell me how to feel. It’s ok to have some silence when our leads are contemplating.
Other Observations:
1. I have seen Choi Wook Shik in other dramas before but I never found him that attractive. But he’s so adorkable in this drama. I really love his character and his cute and shy smile. What a sweet boyfriend!
2. I also enjoy seeing a more mature Kim Sung Cheol.
3. No annoying characters in this drama!
4. The color palette of the drama seems to be a little washed out or has a yellow tone. Is it me imagining it?
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Cute and Fluffy romance with great kisses and a super green flag ML - Perfect stress reliever
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25Writing this review after watching the Easter Egg and BTS clips of Zhang Ling He might have affected the rating. LOL. He’s quite adorable and personable in all those clips and he puts a big smile on my face. But for real, he did a really good job here. I am looking for a drama to relieve stress, and this is the perfect drama at the moment, though “The Best Thing” is not a perfect drama objectively.
What I Like:
1. Zhang Ling He - After his recent success in all the non-modern drama, it’s so refreshing to see him in “The Best Thing”. He’s so well-casted here. He has a young face, and is playing the role of Dr. He, who is serious at work but innocent in love. This is perfect for Zhang Ling He. He wears a mask during many of his scenes, yet you can tell from his eyes what he wants to convey. His eyes can smile! It’s hard to not fall in love with his character and him.
2. Romance - This is the sweet, adorable, flirty and fluffy romance that I need at the moment. The leads have a lot of chemistry and their scenes together are fun and flirty. Who knew you could flirt with Traditional Chinese medicine and names of herbs. There’s no angst and they understand each other so well. Su Ye (ML) always has Xi Fan (FL)’s best interest. He is patient and supportive, and gives her time to make her decisions, and waits for her to be ready to share. But I also like that Xi Fan doesn’t hesitate to take the initiative, though she’s not the first to fall in love and to court. There are many ‘first’ moments in the drama that she is the one that took the first step.
3. Kisses - We know Zhang Ling He and Xu Ruo Han are great kissers from other dramas, so it’s a pleasure to see them here. There is an abundance of good kisses and they all happen naturally. It doesn’t feel like they’re kissing for fan service, but really kiss when it’s the right moment.
4. Traditional Chinese Medicine - For some, this might be too much. But I love learning about TCM and its usage throughout the drama. I also like how ML tries to use the names of the medicine to express his romantic feelings, and flirt with FL. Since I am reading Chinese subtitles, I am not sure if other subtitles could convey the same message or if it's all lost in translation.
5. Cinematography, Flowers, Wedding - There are many pretty scenes in this drama and I’ve seen many screenshots that many MDLers posted. There are beautiful flowers in many scenes for different reasons and conveying different messages. The wedding takes place at a gorgeous location and beautifully decorated with flowers as well. This wedding also makes me smile and grin. I feel truly happy to see the leads getting married.
What I have Mixed Feelings and Dislike:
1. Drama Length - This drama could be shortened to 24 episodes instead of 28. There’s really not a whole lot going on once the leads got together. I think we can forget the mother’s arc at the end and just focus on FL’s future plans.
2. Music + Slow motion- The songs are lovely (except I don’t quite like the English ones). However, they are played ALL the time. I don’t need a song when a romantic moment happens. I don’t need a song when the leads are looking at each other. I don’t need a song when I am trying to listen to the dialogs. On top of the repetitive music, I also don’t need every single romantic moment to be in slow motion to tell me this is a romantic moment.
3. Red lips - Zhang Ling He has such pale skin and they put red lipstick on him. HIs lips are as red, if not redder, than Xu Ruo Han’s lips. I looked at his handsome face and I got distracted by his lips and not in a good way.
4. Too Homey? - Aside from walking, cooking, eating and hanging out, the leads really didn’t do much for fun. It works for ML’s personality, but maybe a little boring for the viewers.
5. Unprofessional? - OK, this is a romance drama and courting has to be done during those medical appointments. But when you think about it, it’s a little unethical and unprofessional, right?
Lastly, I would recommend "The Best Thing" if you:
- Are looking for a cute and fluffy romance with a super green flag ML (who can be too perfect for you).
- Are looking to relieve stress and not think too much about anything.
- Are a fan of Zhang Ling He and Xu Ruo Han
- Are interested in learning about Chinese Traditional medicine
I am all of the above, therefore I am rating this an 8,25 (rounding up to 8.5 because of Zhang Ling He)
Completed: 3/14/2025 - Review #554
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Excellent Friends-to-Lovers transition with a slow burn romance that's worth the wait in the end.
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.75“You Are My Lover Friend” is one of the few dramas that did the friends-to-lovers trope right. The transition is awkward, uncertain and slower than others I’ve seen. This gives a more realistic approach to this romance. Zhang Xin Cheng and Wang Yu Wen are perfect in their roles, and they have such great chemistry as friends and as lovers. On another note, I am a little surprised that business takes up quite a bit of screen time. I was expecting it to be more like “The Love You Give Me”. Some might find the plot draggy due to the slow romance and the business talk.
What I Like:
1. Friends-to-Lovers Transition/Main Romance
Instead of jumping from realizing one’s feelings -> a minute of uncertainty -> confession -> being lovers, “You Are My Lover Friend” took a more natural and slower approach. The realization of feelings took a while for both characters. Of course, there’s the more traditional approach of uncertainty, worrying that 13 years of friendship will go to waste if the romantic relationship doesn’t work out. This drama has those worries as well, but additionally, there’s the uncertainty after the confession, which is not quite an outward confession. Everything is so murky, as it should be. Did they really agree to be together, or not? Are they looking for the same kind of relationship, or not? From beginning to the end, it takes the leads a long time to finally be together. I think this slow burn romance is worth the wait. Once they are together, they are cute and fluffy, yet mature and supportive. They understand each other so well that they don’t need to say a word, the other will know something is not right. They communicate, they support unconditionally and they trust in their partners to not interfere with their work and decisions. They are the perfect dynamic duo in a relationship.
2. Friendship + Flashbacks
I love how the flashbacks are used in the epilogues. They don’t disrupt the flow of the present-day time but show us exactly how great these 4 friends were in high school. The flashbacks also correspond with what happened in the episode. Dramas like these usually show flashbacks over and over again, which could be annoying and repetitive. Instead, I look forward to them at the end of each episode. It’s actually quite lovely to see the main focus of their friendship is in the present-day timeline, and how they continue to be the best of friends. You can see how Jiang Shi Yan and Feng Wei Ran’s tight bond extends to their business partnerships. They might have different points of view, but when a company decision is made by Jiang Shi Yan, Feng Wei Ran does not question and just trusts his decision. Tang Yang and Jiang Yan An have the more typical sisterhood going on, though not as much of a focus than the friendship of the 4 of them.
3. Cheng Hui + Sheng Ni Na (2nd romance)
They are so cute together! I’m a big fan of Cheng Hui and it’s great to see him in this quirky role, a different kind of quirkiness than his role in “Will Love in Spring”. I love that he’s a man of few words and is blunt and sarcastic. It’s a nice contrast to Sheng Ni Na, whose profession as an actress shows that she’s more well-rounded and socially capable. I am actually very happy to see her not depicted as a spoiled actress, but a sensible and mature one. I love how Cheng Hui and Sheng Ni Na grow close together from a few initial pleasantries, to a few words, and quick texts, to cooking and bonding over food and stars. I wanted to see more of them together, but also thought this is just enough for me to be interested and intrigued by their story. OK, I take that back, I want a little bit more of them!
3. Tang Yang (FL)
Tang Yan is an example of how an independent, strong, mature woman can act without being mean and bossy. Tang Yang shows that she’s competent without being petty. She does not need to be saved by a man, and can stand on her own and fight with grace at work. She is righteous and will stand up for those who are mistreated.
4. Jiang Shi Yan (ML)
What a perfect boyfriend and a total green flag, who is not boring! I’ve seen enough boring green flags and he’s perfect yet interesting. Even in the first episode, there’s no way you can’t tell he’s in love with Tang Yang by how considerate and thoughtful he is. He always puts Yang Yang in the first place and does all he can so that he can be with her, without compromising his work. It is possible to have a male lead fall head over heels without losing his cool and losing himself. I also like his jealous pettiness.
5. Zhou Mo
There’s something about the character Zhou Mo, played by Wu Hao Chen, that I find very interesting and mysterious. He’s painted in a bad light, but I always thought there’s more to him than meets the eye. It’s not that I find Wu Hao Chen handsome, but there’s something about how he portrays this character that mesmerizes me, especially the fake smile and mask he put on.
6. Original Soundtrack
There are only a few songs in the OST and I like all of them. I am also glad the music is not overplayed and each song is played at the right time in the right mood. I couldn’t locate the songs on Spotify, if you find them, let me know!
What I Have Mixed Feelings:
1. Slow Burn romance
I think the drama could have been better if it was only about 24 episodes. The romance does take a long time to happen. It could have sped things up in the first 10 episodes, and started the transition a few episodes earlier. Luckily, the recognizing/questioning of feelings happens in the earlier episodes, otherwise, this will feel even more slow burn. There are also way too many near-kisses. Such a tease when you know both Zhang Xin Cheng and Wang Yu Wen are great kissers!
2.Business Plot
I wasn’t anticipating such a focus on the business. The lack of suspense and excitement makes the business side of things less interesting. There aren’t enough ups and downs to keep me interested throughout the whole drama. Coupled with a slower romance build up, 30 episodes seem too long for this drama. I also wanted to see the bad guys taken down in a more humiliating fashion. It’s not epic enough!
3. Jiang Yan An + Reng Wei Ran
Their married life is really fun to watch. This couple brings in a different kind of chaotic energy that is very hilarious in small doses. Unfortunately, their marriage problem came in like a whirlwind from the left field. That was not a fun side plot to watch and I wish the time was spent on the other couples, or cut to make the drama shorter.
Overall, I had a great time watching this drama. There are many likable characters (including the two fun moms!), good all around acting and chemistry between all characters. If you don’t mind a business plot and a slow burn romance, this is a good watch. Although I want the villains to end painfully, the drama does tie up the romances nicely with a fun wedding and dance to end on a positive note. My gut didn’t tell me to give this a 9+ rating, but because I like the friends-to-lovers trope and transition so much, I’m giving this a 0.25 bump to 8.75.
Completed: 10/13/2024 - Review #498
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Great acting, beautiful cinematography, great OST but with plot holes and inconsistent pacing
10/26/2021 - 7.75 rounding up to 8.0This is a very interesting drama to write a review about. The expectations were so high when it's first announced but it might not have lived up to the expectations. I was happy to watch a fantasy, sageuk as we don't see them often. It has a great cast and a lovely OST. Maybe because I've been watching many long, historical/fantasy C-dramas, I am fine with the pacing of the show.
Plot: The general plot is interesting with different elements of Korean folklore, fantasy, good vs evil, and of course, romance. However, the drama seems to have forgotten some of the side storylines that they introduced and never go back to tell us more. For example, how did ML become the richest man as an astrologer with no family support? It doesn't quite make sense. I would like to know how ML's bodyguard came to follow him, and what's the backstory of the gisaeng who wanted the king and the royal family dead. Although I like the happy ending for the leads, it does seem a little anti-climatic. Do we really need to end it with the palace power struggle and give us an open ending? Why waste the last few minutes on those bad guys still hunting down FL?
Art/Painting: I thoroughly enjoy learning and watching the painting contests. The paintings are all beautiful and it's interesting to see how each painter interprets the poems. Even with FL painting the royal portrait, it's amazing to see the amount of details needed - each stroke needed to paint the hair, beard, wrinkles, and patterns on the robe. Big props to the artists who were hired to do all the work.
Romance: We all know that our main leads are the destined pair, so 2ML doesn't stand a chance. I do enjoy the chemistry between the leads. However, I would love to see the romance focused more of their initial attraction and romance as adults before they realized their childhood connection. They had such great chemistry then when they're still getting to know each other. I don't believe that one-time childhood encounter is strong enough to be the foundation of their romance, even if they're destined to be together. There's also quite a bit of back-and-forth from ML whether he should leave FL alone or not. I guess love is hard and it's easy to sway. I also don't quite appreciate the many slow mo romantic scenes, or slow mo scenes in general. I think that's why the pacing seems somewhat off.
Acting: The biggest strengths of this drama is the cast and their great acting. It's no surprise that the veteran actors are great. Our young leads also did a very respectable job and I believe in their joy and heartaches. I am a fan of Kim Yoo Jung when she played the younger FL in "Moon Embracing the Sun". I am happy to see that she's grown up to be such a fine actress and I've enjoyed her acting here. I haven't seen any of her modern dramas though. I've seen Ahn Hyo Seop in "13 but 17" and also "Dr. Romantic 2". He has definitely grown as an actor as well, and this might be his best performance I've seen him. I've seen Gong Mjung in "Be Melodramatic" and honestly, I don't remember him at all. I also like his acting here, though he's not used well in the second half of the drama. However, I am especially impressed with our villain second prince, Kwak Shi Yang. What a great performance by him that I feel bad for his suffering because of Ma Wang.
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Uncut = Too long. Could have been so much better if edited out fillers
Who will enjoy “Duang With You”? This drama is probably not for everyone but a pretty selected audience. Here’s what I think. “Duang With You” is best enjoyed if:1. Are a lover of fluffy and cute romance and don’t mind sound effects to add on the cheese.
2. A fan of love-at-first sight
3. A fan of persistent, almost stalkerish type behavior to pursue a love interest
4. Looking for a stress-free drama to not think about the craziness in the real world
Honestly, I don’t quite hit all these categories myself but I was in search in the #4 category and I knew what I was getting myself into. So, with expectations calibrated, I dive into Duang’s world.
Plot/Pacing:
As the title of my review suggests, this drama could have been so much better if it’s edited to be shorter and tighter. A drama that relies on the romance between Duang and Qin and nothing much, having 12 long episodes is just too much. Some of these episodes are 1 hour and 20 minutes long. We’re not watching a Thai lakorn with twists and turns, or birth secrets. There is just not enough to fill all those hours. I was under the impression that the uncut version means steamy scenes not being edited for public TV broadcast. But in this drama, I think uncut simply means the director includes everything and nothing is edited out, steamy scenes or not. There are actually some very meaningful conversations between the leads that are important to the character development. Yet, those don’t come often and are overshadowed by filler scenes of friends fighting for snacks, leads nose kissing each other, banter about doggy jealousy, or minor characters having too much screen time. I wish time was better spent, esp with Qin’s family drama and the secondary romance.
Acting:
Acting is a mixed bag here. I personally think TeeTee is the best of the bunch. He is Duang! Cute and charismatic and you just can’t not like him. Unfortunately, Por needs a little more practice. I distinctly remember a scene where Por/Qin sat next to young Qin and both of them were crying. The contrast in that crying scene was so evident that the young child actor did way better than Por. The rest of the cast did fine. None is exceptional and also none is a disaster.
Characters:
Duang is cute, no doubt about it. TeeTee is a better actor as Duang, than Por as Qin. TeeTee is already such an adorable actor that I don’t think the drama needed to add extra cheesiness and sound effects. They should let TeeTee shine on his own. Duang is the greenest flag and I am fine with him having Qin as the center of his universe, since he’s young and this is a rom-com. However, I am not a fan of his stalkerish and persistent behavior (not a fan of this in general). But that’s his charm in this drama and I’ll look past that as well. I wish Qin would just give us a little more instead of a nonchalant bitchy look. I think this might have to do with Por’s acting as he’s quite new to the industry. I am glad to see him slowly open up and really grow. Qin has the biggest character growth, and I do enjoy that part of him. I also really like Duang’s friends, Jamie and Pae. They are fun, chaotic and true friends of Duang. They stuck by him during his stalkerish pursuit (and explain when he could cross the line) and call him out when he’s out of line. Although they weren’t hopeful that Duang will win Qin’s heart, they accept his ‘unique stupidity’ and cheer him on. One of the best scenes of this friend group was when they were singing “Do Do Re Mi” when they sneaked into the Music Department. I actually laughed out loud at their silliness! Duang’s family is also hilarious. We can totally see where he got his personality.
Main Romance:
Even though I might not agree 100% on the persistent pursuit, I do think it takes a Duang to break down the walls that Qin put up. This is a classic case of opposites attracting and complementing each other. I would have loved to see more scenes of Qin being jealous and pouty, instead of bitchy and indifferent. This is actually quite a slow burn romance. It took them forever to get to the ‘talking stage’. I’m an old lady, and I have no idea what a ‘talking stage’ is. At first, I thought it’s like flirting and seeing each other, but not actually dating. Kinda like the some some relationship in K-dramas. But Qin and Duang did more than talking and flirting, and it got intimate and also calling each other partners (not lovers or boyfriends). I guess that’s how young people define relationships these days and I have a lot to learn! Although I love their real kiss scenes, I got beef with those supposed cheek kisses. The lips never touch the cheek. It’s a nose kiss! Many might love the intimate scenes, I am in the minority. I am glad that the drama doesn’t shy away from telling us Duang and Qin are not virgins and are horny young men. But the director doesn’t seem to be able to pick between sweet and sensual intimate scenes, or sexual and horny. In the end, the actors did their best, but the intimate scenes feel confusing and indecisive. But to end on a positive note, I really love the last scene at Freshy Night when Qin was on stage at Freshy Night. The lyrics of the song, paired with flashbacks, brought tears down my cheeks. That was a great ending to recap everything that happened in the last year.
Secondary Romance:
Jamie and Marvis could have been such an interesting and contrasting romance to Duang and Qin’s. They are sexier, flirtier and have such sizzling chemistry. Yet, not enough time is dedicated to their sexy beginning, and how they might be falling for each other. Their interaction lacks depth, even though they make such a good-looking couple. I wish they were given more time instead of all the fillers we get.
Production:
The drama does look pretty. With nice big apartments and houses, some interesting and unique clothing choices for Qin and Marvis. They also have money to go to Japan! I’m glad the characters are not always in their university white shirts, but also have some cool casual wear. Since it’s a Thai drama, there are product placements, too much lipstick (though thank goodness not bright pink). Lastly, I want to applaud the OST. This drama has really great and lovely songs, sung by the cast. I got the OST playing while I’m writing this review.
Do I recommend “Duang With You”? Only if you fit what I listed in those 4 categories above. This is a young romantic-comedy with a lot of cheesiness and fluffiness. It’s not for everyone. But if you can get past that, it’s a story of how two opposites attract and complement each other is the best possible way. I just wish the drama is a lot shorter, and edited in a way to tighten the storylines and give more screen time to others that are not the leads.
Completed: 4/18/2026 Review #683
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Innocent and Sweet. A perfect Happy December drama to de-stress.
“School Trip: Joined a Group I’m Not Close To” is the perfect stress-relief and happy drama to watch in December. It’s cozy, charming, adorable and a breath of fresh air.It’s easy to get into the cliche “Four Heavenly Kings” trope and have these guys be stand-offish and full of themselves. Yet, we have four guys who are friendly dorks who are just like any normal teenagers. They just so happen to be very handsome.
It’s also easy to have a drama about first love with shy, naive characters who don't utter a word and always look like they’re the victim. But no, Hioki might be a little shy and starstruck, but he’s open with his feelings and is not afraid to ask questions, or answer Watarai’s questions.
Although nothing earth-shattering and out-of-the-ordinary happened here, this drama captures first love very shyly and sweetly. We have the guessing of feelings, a little insecurity, but with large doses of sweet caring actions, shy but smitten looks and most importantly, honest communication.
If you are looking for a fluffy and relaxing watch, “School Trip: Joined a Group I’m Not Close To” is the perfect choice. But if you are looking for something unique and exciting, this is not it. You might be bored to death with the slow pace. For me, I am in need of happiness, so it fits the bill.
Completed: 12/20/2025 Review #653
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Complex characters, good acting but very slow-paced without much happening
My expectations of “The On1y One” were quite high due to the comments and reviews I’ve heard. Unfortunately, it might not have met what I was hoping for. It was still a pretty good drama, especially the acting of the cast. But if I have to compare it to my recent favorite, ‘The Time of Fever’, it’s not up to that level of enjoyment for me.What I Like:
1. Main Acting
I will complain about the ages of the main leads, but maybe a younger cast might not be able to deliver such nuanced acting. Liu Dong Qin is an experienced actor, and even though he looks way too old to be 18 (he’s 30 in real life), he was able to portray Sheng Wang really well. Benjamin Tsang was a surprise since he’s quite new to the industry. He only started acting in 2023 but his Jiang Tian is so believable. The perceptive, contemplative and longing looks he has for Sheng Wang really deliver all the emotions with few words.
2. Sheng Wang + Jiang Tian
Two very different teenagers who have nothing alike are able to find comfort in each other. Sheng Wang is a lonely boy, who wants to be surrounded by friends, but is afraid to owe a favor. He’s rich, spoiled and picky but has a good heart. Jiang Tian, on the other hand, had a tough upbringing, never had a place to truly call home. Knowing he never unpacked his suitcase pains me. He’s used to being left behind and has built a tall wall around him, so he will never be abandoned again. Both of these characterizations and how they become close to each other is beautifully written. This is also the strength of the drama. Romance is secondary, but how these two individuals grow is central.
3. The Moments
I love all of Jiang Tian’s moments. He’s a man of few words, and these moments give us an inside look of how he really feels. I might complain about the flashback, but the first moment when Sheng Wang called out his name, is significant and symbolic of their relationship. Jiang Tian is my favorite character. He appears tough, but he can never truly say “no” to Sheng Wang.
What I have Mixed Feelings or Don’t Like:
1. Age
First look at Liu Dong Qin, and I thought he’s way too old to play the part. I don’t think I was ever able to get past these feelings, even though he was acting young and pouty.
2. Pacing + Flashbacks
12 episodes are way too long for this drama without much going on. The pacing is already slow and when you add on the constant flashbacks, it feels even slower. Though I enjoy the writing of the main leads character development and their relationship, nothing much really happened. The drama could have spent more time on the other side stories. Season 2 was not even announced or may not be in the works when season 1 was written. But it’s written as if it’s dragging its feet and hoping for a second season.
3. Side Plots/Characters
While the banter between Pepper and Gao Tian Yang is cute and fun, the crush Pepper has on one of the main leads could be more obvious and developed better. The love triangle between the teachers happened towards the latter half of the drama, and could use more screen time and a stronger focus. I want to know and see more of the two teachers’ background stories (one is not enough), instead of just telling me they were close. Is the kidnapping really necessary? The only NC scene of the drama felt out of place. All of the kisses in the drama are very G-rated, described as “4 lips touching together.” The NC scene feels like fan service because this is considered a BL, so we need some sex? It’s longer than necessary to tell the story.
There’s a lot to love about this drama, it just didn’t meet my expectations. I will recommend this if you enjoy a slow burn relationship (not necessary romance) with complex characters. The drama is an easy watch and very character-driven. But if you enjoy a more plot-driven drama, this might not be it for you.
Completed: 10/21/2024 - Review #500
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Only for those looking for romance and nothing else.
Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75If you are looking for a pure romantic comedy, then “Cinderella at 2 AM” is for you. The whole drama focuses on the relationship between Yun Seo (FL) and Ju Wong (ML). There’s a little bit about family relationships but for the most part, it’s romance all the way. Is that a good thing or not? Well, it depends what you are looking for. I am a romance lover, but I find the drama lacking in plot. I was more invested in the first half of the drama and loving the romance. But towards the second half, I was looking for more than what the drama could give me.
Having said that, Moon Sang Min is just too adorable. I am actually watching this for him (and because I am looking for a stress-free fluffy romance). Moon Sang Min pouts like an adorable (but very clingy) puppy. But when he stands tall with his 3-piece suit on, he’s a lovely sight. His visuals deserve a solid 8.0 rating. Can you tell I might have a tiny crush on him? LOL.
I am glad “Cinderella at 2 AM” doesn’t focus on the age gap, since I am not a big fan of noona romance. However, visually, you can see Moon Sang Min is younger than Shin Hyun Been. Their chemistry is good though. Their cute scenes make me giggle, and their struggles to stay away from each other hurt me as well. I love that ML is happy just from watching FL being happy, and that he’s willing to try things he doesn’t like because of her, and end up finding new hobbies and likes. The acting is decent and their story is fun….up until I found it a little repetitive with the back-and-forth. I understand it’s not easy to break up when you still love each other. The wishy-washy behavior is totally understandable, it just doesn’t give me a fun watching experience.
The secondary couple is odd yet interesting and lovable at the same time. It’s quite interesting seeing how Seo Si Won and Lee Min Jin fall in love. It provides some more comedic moments.
The two sets of siblings have very different dynamics, and I love them both. The work colleagues though, are borderline annoying and over-the-top.
“Cinderella at 2 AM” is a decent rom-com if you are in the mood for it. It doesn’t take itself seriously and oftentimes makes fun of drama cliches and tropes. But if you are looking for something with substance, then this is not it.
Completed: 9/27/2024 - Review #491
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