Expect Chemistry & Lots of Ruckus and Laughter
A light and fluffy drama that'll surely give viewers the feels.Definitely enjoyed the banter, the hate - love relationship between the CP and the ML with his advisor, the chemistry between the main leads, Yu Chang Ya's chemistry with the FL, and the interactions of the whole palace gang. I also appreciate how until the end the advisor chose the best interest of the country and the emperor even though most thought he was the villain, and how the story tied up everything in the end.
I also got really attached to the story of the advisor and FLs Mom. I wish we saw them get married in the end. But overall, this was such a feel good drama to watch, there was absolutely little to no stress, and just pure enjoyment.
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This review may contain spoilers
Great Series and Storyline
The plot kinda reminded me of Hotel del Luna. But can I just say that... The chemistry is insane!It's also amazing how all the people Dong Joo helped is somehow related to her birth story. I love how they tied it all up creatively in the end. It's actually a surprising and genius move! So heartwarming!
If you guys thought all the episodes are tearjerkers, the last one will definitely break your heart so bad. Though, I did kinda forsee it, it was still so painful to watch. The actors did such a great job at portraying the characters that they were able to built viewer attachment.
I feel that the only thing the story felt short on, especially around the ending, is the romance aspect. Tae Hee and Dong Joo's ending could've been written and portrayed so much better after all the build up they did. Don't get me wrong, I love how mature their relationship is and how they are each others rock; as seen when both of them encountered very difficult moments in their lives. I love how their presence is silent and yet very unwavering. But towards the end, I just truly wished they showed more scenes of the two of them being together more (?), whether it be just silently bonding or what. I just feel robbed of that moment wherein it's just them. But that's just me.
The murder mystery part was also humanely written. The choices Hae Ahn did was always because he wanted a good life, a life far from his childhood. Sadly, he was too blinded by it that it changed him. But I'm glad he showed remorse towards the end and did the right thing.
Lastly, can we give props to Vincent and Uncle Priest. Their interactions and screentime were always pleasurable to watch and also helped carry the show. They're humorous and yet also full of love. Ahhh~ such amazing people to have in one's life.
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Healing Journey w/ Comedic Value
Bo Ra! Deborah is a drama that focused on the different stages of relationships. While it is not perfect, people got hooked on it because it actually makes a lot of sense.The storyline is ingenious, to be honest. It focused on the personal growth of not just one character but almost all of them.
I most especially appreciated the growth of Bo Ra, initially, she tried too hard to cloak her real self to fill the mold of what her previous partner preferred. It was maddening because it seemed like she had no real personality and was living in a Barbie world. The breakup while it wrecked her, also helped her in the end to be the best version of herself or try to be. Plus, while the portrayal of her wreckage was very cringe-worthy it was still part of the healing journey and was very real- I mean, let's be honest, most people really do insane things when brokenhearted, it's just that her actions seemed over the top.
I also appreciate the moment Soo Hyuk entered Bo Ra's life. They helped each other in more ways than one. They became each other's pillar and at the same time, they learned more about each other in the realest way than the other couples. I really appreciate how they saw each other in their lowest stage and became friends and each other's support system. I also liked how Bo Ra didn't push Soo Hyuk to be the person he isn't, she helped him overcome his difficulties in communication by meeting him halfway and allowing him to digest his feelings without rushing him. I also loved the part wherein Soo Hyuk said that "Whatever you do, nothing can make me stop liking you." Because from the very start that's what Bo Ra needed, someone to accept her as she is. And that admission is also what Soo Hyuk needed, a person who'll make him finally break the dam that prevents him from accepting his feelings.
My only qualm is that while we saw both Soo Hyuk and Bo Ra grow and get over their previous failed relationships, the drama lacked in showing how they are outside of that bubble. Like what will Bo Ra and Soo Hyuk be into now that they're together? How is their dynamic as a couple? What are the things they do together that they both enjoy? I think those little things would make so much more impact on their storyline. Either way, they still gave them an impactful story.
As for the other couples, I think that their storyline is done in a way that's a middle point between acceptable and needs to be improved or fixed.
San Jin's storyline. I actually appreciated the first part of his story a lot more than I realized. The story about his divorce and how they both failed as partners was perfectly portrayed. It highlighted how failing to communicate as partners will eventually lead to the failure of the relationship. But sadly, the appreciation of his story ends there. Sang Jin's new love interest is a mess, not only do they have nothing in common and have no chemistry at all, the progression of their storyline also makes zero sense. I'm left wondering if he gave in because she gave him exactly what he was looking for; whether it be attention or the youthful and innocent portrayal of her admiration. I really don't know or understand.
Then there's Yu Jung and Jin Woo. The married couple seemed like they were only roommates. I honestly don't understand this couple or the resolution they gave about their marriage problems in the end. It's clear that Yu Jung would always need validation regarding Jin Woo's love, which might be because she was the one who proposed to him, and there'll always be a lingering insecurity there. I think that Jin Woo on his part really needs to show value to Yu Jung. I'm not looking for over-the-top showering of attention and all, just any small action on his part just to show his love and appreciation for her would be nice. Them meeting halfway on each other's interest would be nice too. The ending they gave, which is to dive into foreplay is not actually a real solution to their problems but just a patch to the hole.
Lastly, the young love of Bo Mi and Jin Ho. Oh my. I think that the ending they gave this couple is the weakest one in the whole series, and their storyline had such great potential! This couple needed to learn more about themselves and their place in society at first, and they know and have discussed this. Seeing them grow into the people they're meant to be while still choosing each other would've been great. Instead, they shocked us by impregnating Bo Mi early on giving them no chance to grow at all. Bo Mi just became dependent on both Bo Ra and Jin Ho without having the chance to know what she wants for herself. Also, can we also note the fact that we know little to nothing about Jin Ho other than him being instantly in love and attracted to Bo Mi. What is he going to do to support Bo Mi and their twins in the end? Oh well... I guess this part of the story refers to the youth today and how unstable things are in this generation.
Overall, Bo Ra! Deborah is such a great drama to watch with healing and growth as its main point. The romance between the main leads while lacking airtime is still something to look forward to on every episode.
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The butterflies love and young love give.
A great salute to ones teenage to adult years. A great story that's embedded in friendship and love.To say that I fell in love with this series is an understatement. It gave me all the feels. I enjoyed the friendships and relationships that took place. I enjoyed the growth and the portrayal of men showing feelings more than just being stoic.
While to story was mainly centered on the two childhoold friends, Ling Chao and Xiao Tu, the development and character growth of Jiang Juan Juan and Jia Sia Wen was the perfect icing on the cake. From total opposites, to uncanny friendship and camaraderie, to long distance relationships, to break up, and back to growth and being back together. The sacrifices and growth in that journey was the main highlight of the show to me. It was only in the last three episodes that they were given proper highlight, but the way their story was written was so beautiful and heartbreaking. The quiet sacrifices they both did for each other, especially the story of Jia Si Wen made me bawl my eyes. The insecurities of Jiang Juan Juan also hit home and made me bawl some more. It was beautiful and it honestly portrayed youth. While they aren't the main leads in this show, their story had more pinch to it. It resonated with me more.
Definitely won't tire rewatching this show!
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Butterflies, Good Vibes and Giddy Feelings All Over
Saying I love this drama is an understatement. It's just so beautiful.I love how admiration, love, maturity, friendship, and relationships were portrayed here. I love how there's no big drama to ruin the relationship. It's just so beautiful. And I'm truly at loss for words on how much to share how this drama just made me overall so happy. The good vibes it gives is just enough to tell people to watch this masterpiece.
The story transported me back to the days wherein high school was truly a mix of fun, studies, and just giddying interactions with crushes and all that. Although not all high school love stories end up everlasting, the way the story was portrayed it was enough to just root for these couples.
The way she calls him Rang Rang will always be something that giddies me up. While it may be annoying if others do it, the way she portrayed her love and admiration through calling his name was just so sweet. Ahhhh~ this show gave me so much butterflies and love. I wish they made more shows like this.
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Wasted Potential
The initial story started out cute. The leads never failed with their tried and tested chemistry. While there were some scenes that seemed a bit cheesy and over the top, it was still fun to watch. But... towards the latter episodes it became dragging. There seemed little to no growth with the main characters and the antagonist was so obvious from the beginning that the whole story just ended up cringey. Honestly, this series had so much potential. Honestly, I think 'Starlight' was the only saving grace of this drama. His role portrayal was top notch.Was this review helpful to you?
Light & Fun to Watch
Minus the street fighter style of fighting which was really cringe worthy. This drama is such a light and fun one to watch. The chemistry between the leads is there, the drama has an actual storyline albeit a light one, and there is even growth for all the characters. It also doesn't hurt that both MCs are good looking and very easy on the eyes.Maybe just another point for improvement is the acting. It seems like the leads are all just newbies. Other than that, this is a great show to watch to past time and still feel good.
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Enjoyable but could be better.
Oh My Lord got it down already with the chemistry of its leads. They're phenomenally electric! I just wish that their relationship will get stronger and more mature if a second season does happen. Their story could be so much better than what we currently have...The storyline of this season, while cliche was enjoyable, until they started adding more angst. The angst could've been okay if it was inline with the story and if it would give the characters more growth. But the angst started a little bit too early and was resolved a little bit nonchalantly, thus not making the growth possible. Also, the politics aspect of the series, while made as a leverage at first to start their relationship, just became disregarded then suddenly on the last episode they made that the main point of the cliffhanger...
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Heart Fluttering, Youthful, and Fun
Definitely didn't expect to fall in love with this show and it's characters. The storyline may seem very common, but what set this apart is the flow of the story, the portrayal of the actors, and the growth of the characters.The character growth of almost everyone in the series is such a journey. It was a rollercoaster to watch the leads mature and slowly change for their betterment through the trials they've faced.
The challenges that the leads faced- together with the support of good friends, made this series so much better. It highlighted the phrase, no man is an island. It showed that with the right people in your life, even difficult situations become bearable, and passing through these difficulties with someone makes it less lonely and burdensome.
I also loved the growth in the aspect of love and relationships. I loved seeing the characters grow and slowly show maturity and more trust in their respective relationships. It highlighted that in all relationships trials do come, but what's important is to not give up on each other and to also not sacrifice yourself in the process of love. Growth should come from both ends.
Overall, a great drama that'll definitely make watchers feel good and giddy with the romance and discoveries of youth.
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Out of this world.
The concept of this drama is already out of this world. So to be able to enjoy it thoroughly, logic should be thrown out.This was an enjoyable drama nonetheless. Though it had some issues in it that are sensitive and should've been reviewed before published (ie. drugging, miscarriage, attempted sexual harassement, attempted murder, and kidnapping).
Character growth in this series is also very confusing. While some characters are already written pretty nicely (second female lead / stepsister), the female lead's character seemed lacking. Her character attitude and personality just seemed totally unstable. How she was written amongst all other things disrupted the flow of the story- which became another downfall of this drama. Maybe if the story focused less on some of the diabolical schemes and more on the story cohesiveness, even if this was an out of the world series, it would've been a more put together.
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Could've Been Better
The story is bearable but could've been improved. It's basically a light take on trials married couples go through. I like the acting the two leads showed, they somewhat gave justice to how married life is in a cute way- mostly during the first half...What didn't seat right to me was the cheating and how the other woman even had the audacity to lecture the wife and act all wife material during a certain event. I'm also annoyed at how the husband didn't even seem guilty for doing what he did. That major part of the story was just shoved under the rug when it seemed like one of the most important aspects of the movie.
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A very fitting title!
I rarely watch time travel dramas, but from the trailer of this alone, I already got so hooked. I couldn't stop that I binged all episodes in one sitting. Plus, I really love how mature it is. I like how the script and the actions that the drama had isn't the typical play-safe ones in K-Drama.While there are lapses in the story, I guess that's something that can't be helped given the nature of the drama. I just wished that they learned more toward the end and kinda limited or stopped time traveling altogether... I felt that it was already too risky given what happened during the last episodes and that doing it again mostly for material wants is just too shallow of a reason. Admittedly, the last few minutes of the ending were the weak point of the story. It could've been better if the future they had was even a tad more mature than how they initially started. I think the growth part kinda dwindled here. But trust me when I say that character growth is very prevalent in this story, just minus the last three minutes of the drama. Viewers will definitely see growth unfold through each episode.
Overall, I loved this drama. I would definitely rewatch this when I want the feels. Because this definitely gave the feels when it comes to the different types of love and friendship. It's realistically refreshing and heartbreaking. You'll definitely get what I mean when you start watching.
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Camaraderie, Growth, and Fun!
I can't believe I waited so long to watch this! This is such a light and fun drama to watch with lots of camaraderie amongst boys turning into men. The journey was light but with impact. It didn't skimp on showing that while these men were roughened, they also had fun in the process and learned to build camaraderie. I truly didn't expect to be so immersed into something with politics involved. But a story written rightly can really change a persons mind and perspective. So kudos to the writers!I also appreciated that the romance wasn't the central point of the show. Yes, it did serve it's purpose, but it wasn't the main point of the show. It focused on the transformation of elite boys to toughened men, and of them learning to care, protect, and love their people and country. Of them coming out of their protective shells and being true men. It's also growth of almost all characters that was rightly done that made the story even more amazing!
Honestly, this is such a great drama to watch, a true gem!
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Saving Grace: The Chemistry
Honestly, while the story seemed all over the place, it was still surprisingly engrossing to watch. I just wish the writers were able to fix the continuity of the story; it would have made such a difference and could have helped in making this web drama amazing.The chemistry between the main leads is already there. Their sweet interactions just have a certain spark that can't be faked. I just hoped that the growth of the male lead was explained more clearly, it would have made their story much more engrossing.
Also, I find the ending quite confusing... While I understand this may have been a low budget web drama, I truly believe that some editing on the storyline, would have made everything way better.
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Sweet and Binge Worthy
I started this drama with no expectation at all, surprisingly, it actually captured my interest, and soon enough I was hooked and was binged watching it until 4 AM.Props to this drama, as I truly admired and respect how it didn't just focus on a singular kind of love. It's not just about the romance between two people; it also showed the love between and for family members, love for friends, and love for the masses/people around.
While the story isn't perfect and there is quite a big plot hole towards the end, the main essence and message of the story still wasn't lost and still gave an acceptable cap to the story.
Other Reasons to Love the drama:
The main leads Hou Chi and Shi Xia are just too adorable! The growth in their characters as the episodes progress is truly worth looking forward to and watching. What started as an awkward relationship turned into such a sweet cotton candy kind of relationship. I can't just stop rooting for them. Plus, can we just give some props to how great the acting of Hou Chi was. The way he was able to carry that poker and innocent face just helped in making the story so much more gripping.
The sibling relationship of Shi Xia and Shi Dong was also given great justice. I loved how they were able to resolve something that has traumatized Shi Xia for such a long time. I also loved how until the end, it was proven that even if Shi Dong is a bit weird in showing it, he truly loves and cares for his sister.
The relationship between Sect Leader/Owner and his Children. While I kinda fast-forwarded this part, this is actually one of the main storylines in the drama, and I must say, it was embedded quite ingeniously. What I appreciate the most in this aspect of the story is how it highlighted a parent's love for their children more than anything else.
What I Find Lacking:
The Ending... The continuation of everyone's life from the xianxia world to the modern world is quite confusing and abrupt. How did Hou Chi survive and how was he able to send Shi Xia and Shi Dong back to the modern world, at the same time transporting himself as well? What is his life in the modern world like? Why is it that only he and Shi Xia remember the other world, but Shi Dong doesn't? There isn't a whole lot of explanation, I think that adding one more episode to clear this up would have made the drama perfect.
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