This review may contain spoilers
THIS HEALED MY "UNCONTROLLABLY FOND" HEART
Okay, let's get one thing straight: I never hit the fast-forward button once. I’m happy to report that I binged Genie, Make a Wish, all 13 episodes, from start to finish without skipping a single moment.
To address the issue right off the bat: I am aware that there was some understandable controversy surrounding this drama, specifically regarding misinterpretations of character related to a particular religion. However, I watched this purely as a viewer looking for a good, enjoyable fantasy-romance ride. The show definitely nailed every aspect of a good drama.
The biggest win here, no contest, was the absolutely electric pairing of Bae Suzy and Kim Woo Bin. Their chemistry was just on fire. For those of us still scarred from Uncontrollably Fond, this was the reunion we needed, and thankfully, this time we got that sort of happy ending we'd all wanted. Their dynamic as Genie (Iblis) and Ga-young was mesmerizing. Even when Genie's character was meant to be wary of her, or when Ga-young showed zero emotion, the longing and connection were right there in their eyes. You could see the spark; it was a silent conversation of destiny.
The romance itself was perfectly paced. It wasn't one of those slow burns that drag on forever, and it wasn't a whirlwind romance that makes you shout, "Wait, when did they fall in love?" The evolution of their bond, from their initial chaotic clash to genuine, protective affection, felt earned and truly satisfying.
But the leads weren't the only heart of this story. Can we talk about Mi Ji and her Grandma? Honestly, they deserve all the love. They were the anchors for Ga-young, believing in her and loving her unconditionally when it felt like everyone else feared or misunderstood her. Their unwavering support provided the crucial warmth that made Ga-young's strange journey so compelling and human. And then also for Sade and his little canary, so cute.
I really enjoyed the potential for a bromance between Iblis and his brother, but it just wasn't 'giving' enough. That storyline felt thin, as if it needed another few episodes to develop fully and hit the emotional depth it should have.
Either way, this was a 10/10 for me.
To address the issue right off the bat: I am aware that there was some understandable controversy surrounding this drama, specifically regarding misinterpretations of character related to a particular religion. However, I watched this purely as a viewer looking for a good, enjoyable fantasy-romance ride. The show definitely nailed every aspect of a good drama.
The biggest win here, no contest, was the absolutely electric pairing of Bae Suzy and Kim Woo Bin. Their chemistry was just on fire. For those of us still scarred from Uncontrollably Fond, this was the reunion we needed, and thankfully, this time we got that sort of happy ending we'd all wanted. Their dynamic as Genie (Iblis) and Ga-young was mesmerizing. Even when Genie's character was meant to be wary of her, or when Ga-young showed zero emotion, the longing and connection were right there in their eyes. You could see the spark; it was a silent conversation of destiny.
The romance itself was perfectly paced. It wasn't one of those slow burns that drag on forever, and it wasn't a whirlwind romance that makes you shout, "Wait, when did they fall in love?" The evolution of their bond, from their initial chaotic clash to genuine, protective affection, felt earned and truly satisfying.
But the leads weren't the only heart of this story. Can we talk about Mi Ji and her Grandma? Honestly, they deserve all the love. They were the anchors for Ga-young, believing in her and loving her unconditionally when it felt like everyone else feared or misunderstood her. Their unwavering support provided the crucial warmth that made Ga-young's strange journey so compelling and human. And then also for Sade and his little canary, so cute.
I really enjoyed the potential for a bromance between Iblis and his brother, but it just wasn't 'giving' enough. That storyline felt thin, as if it needed another few episodes to develop fully and hit the emotional depth it should have.
Either way, this was a 10/10 for me.
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