Reviews

It looks pretty, has solid fluffy romance and goes awry towards the latter part

First of all, the drama has a great budget and has spent alot of time making sure that the scenes look nice. There isn't alot that you can point out to be "ugly" in the drama (except for the whole aspect of murder) on the visual part. I was kinda excited to watch this since it was a LONG time since I had seen Kim So Hyun in a drama. Both Kim So Hyun and Hwang Min Hyun as the leads look (on paper) as a great pair and I had big expectations since the romance surrounded heavy topics of murder and lies.

The biggest thing that failed the drama was unfortunately the writers.
Both main leads lack to have great chemistry because the characters themselves are SO BLAND. You could argue that the ML is the greenest flag in the whole drama, but it just felt like he wasn't a real person and lacked any personality. Nothing he every did was wrong, but during all the accusations and threats thrown his way, he let people treat him like a villain and as the murderer even if he never was to fault. Hwang Min Hyun played the "perfect guy" and it felt like it was more about how handsome the character is rather than his personality or talent.

I stopped watching the drama when I got around the halfway mark since I was SO frustrated with the way the murder mystery-plot was being handled. It was messy and ridiculous. When I finally got through to finish the drama, with everybody got their happy ending and with the true murderer behind bars, I felt mostly annoyed by the choices that the writers took with the story. Alot of the characters just felt annoying throughout the drama.

DO watch this drama if you are looking for something that deals with a murder mystery in a mostly unserious comedic (in a k-drama comedy) kinda way with romance and if you like the actors.

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The story imitates real life. Friendship turns into romance. Basic very straightforward story. It's one of the better realistic dramas. very refreshing actually.

The acting is very natural by everyone. You believe the large group of friends have been friends for a while. They make you want to be a part of their group. The leads had a good romantic chemistry that made you frustrated that they didn't get together sooner.

I'll probably rewatch this a while from now just because the story wasn't too out of the ordinary.

Overall this offers a piece of real life that you will also take a way something from.

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Got me out of my kdrama slump

Book Hangover - the feeling when a reader finishes a book—usually fiction—and they can't stop thinking about the fictional world that has run out of pages. Never had this feeling for a drama before, and I'm still reeling from the effect this drama has had on me.
Call it love, is a show I didn't know I was looking for the past year. I've been in a kdrama slump and have dropped multiple shows this year, Call it love was one of them. I watched the first episode and everything about the show just felt very depressing (the sad faces of the ML and FL, the colour effects). But something made me pick it back up recently and I'm so glad I did.

This show is what I felt was missing from the recent kdrama world, the reason I fell in love with kdramas - passionate, undying love stories; just stories about two people and how they fall in love. A love that in this current world that almost seems impossible to have.

Call it love was heartfelt and intense. All the emotions felt by two people just expressed through their eyes. I felt their love and their pain. They way their relationship progressed was so seamless and natural.
The ML and FL did a great job show casing their flawed characters. At times they felt like the most boring people in the world but you are still rooting for them. The FL did a great acting job showing her attraction to the ML at the same time the pain of being attracted to him and not being able to tell him who she is. My first show of the the ML and now i'm going to watch more of his shows.

On a lighter note, I just wish the ML put his hair up :), annoyed me a lot.

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I came to watch this web drama because I knew Irene will be playing as lead role named Ahreum-ssi (and just discovered that Kyungsoo was offered to play the man lead but bc tight schedule, he didn't make it). So I feel excited because it's Irene's first time to play in drama.

The plot is very unique. Plot tells a lot about a woman employeers in game company which is very good. But sometimes they make jump this and that so when I got focus on one scene, they already make it to different scene and just leave it.

The acting is so-so but it's not that good or bad. Since in this drama Irene has to act innocent and shy so she didn't speak much but I think the role is great for her because she's so cute in that glasses. And Lee Min Ji is good too. Same goes to other cast.

The opening sound is cute and the ending backsound is cute too. Oh and they add Red Velvet song too and Boa's Who Are You (my favorite!).

I don't think I'll rewatch this drama but I'll look forward to season 2 because... You will know when you watch!! :D

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A historical, emotional journey

This isn't my first time watching this drama and probably won't be my last simply for the acting of Zhou Xun and Wallace Huo. Don't get me wrong, the supporting cast is outstanding but the two main leads embody their characters; it's like watching the real emperor and empress alive in an unfolding story.

The hardest part of this drama is to observe the cruelty of a king and husband in middle age. He goes from youthful hope to bored tolerance and it is Wallace Huo's very nuanced portrayal that leads to a viewer understanding the heart of a king. In mid life, he rebels against the idea of not being allowed a choice of behavior. The empress calls him out on his callous indifference to a privileged life and the ensuing clash of dialogue is one I could watch daily. Masterfully written, directed and acted, it is a true to life scene between an exhausted wife and bored husband with the concluding split resulting in a husband and ruler slowly facing his flaws.

As a female viewer, it's hard for me to watch the history of harems. To love your husband and observe his pleasure with another woman is something I cannot imagine but, the history was real (pretty much in all cultures) and the emotional damage is displayed. This drama takes an unflinching approach in writing to their family dynamic and I would recommend it for anyone wishing to see a palace drama. It truly is a masterpiece.

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The team behind Shitamachi Rocket is the team who made the huge success drama Hanzawa Naoki: the novel which is the base of the drama has the same author, Ikeido Jun, the same scenarist, producer and director. And of course, even if the story is completely different, we can see a lot of common points between the two, especially the nice little guys vs. the bad powerful ones. The drama is overflowing with good feelings, and that's too bad, because otherwise it would have been perfect. Furthermore, it's hard not to compare it with Hanzawa Naoki, which was, in my opinion, a perfect drama. In Shitamachi Rocket, I couldn’t find the suspense that got me hooked in Hanzawa Naoki, maybe because I knew the tricks of such a drama.
I was sometimes bored during the first part of the drama (the rocket story), because of many complex and technical terms. Furthermore, I didn’t find the bad guys bad enough in this part of the drama. However, I really enjoyed the second part. The medical theme was more enjoyable, and this time the bad guys were rotten to the core. Regarding the acting, I really liked how Koizumi K?tar? personified the bad guy. He’s one of the reason I liked the second part so much.
I think this drama is for people who would like to know more about work in Japan (even if this is exaggerated) or people who are interested in small companies.

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Good start but went downhill

Okay I was so excited to watch this because all the high reviews seemed to praise it for the things that I like in a drama - great characters (bonus for great female characters because they are uncommon), great fight scenes, solid storyline and great cinematography.

It started off pretty good - the pace, aesthetic and the characters were really good. But around the 17-20 episode mark I just really started to lose my patience. Su Yun Luo was so good at the start - capable, calm and charismatic. But it was like once she removed her thief persona, she regressed into this completely irrational and irritating typical female character. All of a sudden she starts fainting and getting defeated by one hit. She keep harping on and on about saving her teacher to the point where she doesn't even listen. The moment he gets mentioned she brandishes her sword, even at the guy she's supposedly in love with. And don't even get me started on the martyr-like personality. Oh I don't want anyone's help but ok I'm going to endanger myself and put everyone else at risk to save me.

The plot also started getting draggy and the arcs started to feel pointless. I kept forgetting about what was supposedly happening politics-wise because of all these hidden identity arcs. It's like all of the characters have some hidden identity.

Maybe I just had too high expectations for this which is why the disappointment is so big. There's definitely some positives in the drama which have been mentioned in other more positive reviews. I'd say worth watching once but don't expect it to be Holy Grail drama level.

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Careful where you watched the last few episodes.

Firstly, a warning... of course due to the fact that I've watched the entire series from improper channel, the last few episodes were voice recorded of playtime and the last few minutes of the ending was cut off. The actors are wonderful, all have great chemistry together. no annoying voices, characters, background music or endless repeated flashbacks. A sweet story made up of parts from other dramas put together. I've found similar situations and scenes that made me think I've seen the drama before but no, it's just a conglomeration of other sweet dramas. Many moments of hilarity that had my stomach straining from laughter. An enjoyable drama worthy of binging and re-watch (although I'll wait awhile.) I usually don't enjoy English songs sang by Asian artists but surprisingly, I like the opening and ending theme songs for this drama. The two main leads were such wonderful actors and I also like the cousin uncle's acting which he didn't go overboard with it. My comment on the age difference between the ML and FL... they worked it together natural that I do not notice the gap; both acted their age and their personality work together very well.

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AN AFTERSCHOOL SPECIAL

Let me start off this review by saying that I`m a HUGE fan of teacher/student relationships and all the tropes that follow. Yes I`m aware that sounded quite weird, but what I mean is like how some are attracted to sparkly vampires and others are attracted to shallow sadists, I am hugely attracted to relationships with big age gaps, since their clichés are usually still somewhat bearable and the problems that arise in such a relationship are interesting to discuss. Now, I`m NOT condoning grooming, manipulations nor other machinations of ill taste. But there is something special about these kind of stories.

I`ve seen this drama three times now and I love it, for all the fluff and innocence it holds. Kyoko Fukada is a GREAT choice for this role, not only for her grand talent, as after this drama I took a look at some of her catalogue and was pleasantly surprised by the versatility I found, which I didn`t expect, but also for novelties she injects in her character. I love her as a clueless, innocent cram school teacher Junko, who reached her early thirties without ever experiencing love and believe it or not, especially in Japan, her case is pretty common, in regards to romantic experience. She still lives with her parents, and her mother is genuinely overbearing because her child couldn`t`ve fulfilled her dreams of being accepted to Todai and thus somehow, helping her mother become more accepted. It is an antiquated way of thinking which still plagues many cultures, so that is also relatable, even to me and I`m barely hitting my early twenties. Yes, she`s airheaded, bordering on completely clueless and that`s exactly why this couple is plausible. Yuri-Yuri( I love that nickname) is effectively more emotionally mature and he`s the one who largely pursues their relationship. My second favorite is Yamashita, an old childhood flame, who has grown up to become a reformed delinquent teacher and is admittedly, mostly my type. This may be an unpopular opinion, but as much as I enjoy Masashi`s character, waiting for 20 years on something you haven`t even questioned is such a dumb thing to do as an adult and the pairing of Junko and Masashi would quite literally be the most frustrating dynamic to watch, ever. They are equally as confusing, so that would be awful. As much as this drama is sweet, cheesy, simple, it is also heartwarming, hopeful and fresh, in a way. Typically, most student/teacher relationships are dramatic, dower and for the lack of a better word, heavy to stomach. So, in that way, this drama IS original.

Also, I like the heavy juxtaposition between Miwa and Junko, if anything, just to drive the point home of how not in control Junko`s life is. Like Miwa said in the first episode:"At least I married. I married someone whom I loved. And then I got divorced."I would`ve been so mad if Miwa didn`t get her happy ending. Also, chemistry between Junko and Yuri is top-notch. It is seriously overflowing. Ryusei Yokohama did such a good job with this role that now I can`t see his other dramas(yes, it`s a personal problem, it happens sometimes). He`s also a juxtaposition to both Masashi and Yamashita. He is much more decisive and emotionally intelligent than Masashi, but is also more innocent and childish than Yamashita and is the best option for Junko(on an unrelated note, can I just have everything Junko is wearing in this drama?It`s all stunning). Their relationship develops naturally, without rush and/or immediate sexual gratification. Which brings me to my issue with the drama. I wish we saw more skinship from both of them. I understand this was done because Yuri was still underage and it`s icky, but I just can`t believe that a hormonal 18-year old can control himself that much, it`s funny. At least some caresses or kisses would`ve been fine.
Also, this drama IS still a romcom and is not exempt from clichés, but here it doesn`t bother me.

So, if you are looking for an excellent Japanese drama, this is the one as 2019. and 2020. have proven to be amazing years for Japanese dramas altogether.

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heartbreaking, yet beautiful

This has to be one of the most underrated films of 2022.

The director, Tanada Yuki, did a fantastic job portraying the ups and downs of life through gorgeous scenery and profound dialogue. At times, the pacing felt a bit slow, and some of the scenes seemed to drag slightly, but it did an effective job of creating an emotional experience for the viewer. This film touches on issues of mental illness, various forms of familial and relationship abuse, and toxic work culture. Certain scenes contained heart-wrenching and quite graphic depictions of self-harm and abuse, so be forewarned. The slower paced scenes ultimately allowed the viewer to reflect on the serious issues presented in this film. This movie is relatively short, and the plot isn't that complicated, but everything about it is impactful.

What makes this film amazing is the acting. Nagano Mei truly become the character of Shiino Tomoyo. I could feel her anguish, frustration, and helplessness through the screen. Her character felt like an anchor for the viewer to hold onto. Her reactions felt very real, in the face of tremendous heartbreak and anger. All the characters had fantastic line delivery, but Nagano definitely owned this movie.

Even though this film is incredibly sad, there are elements of humor sprinkled throughout. It felt very real, as life is filled with beauty, tragedy, and comedy. I can't emphasize enough how gorgeous this film is. It's definitely an emotional roller coaster, so prepare tissues!

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I appreciate this movie

The film is very similar in theme to another Korean film, Suddenly Last Summer, which is repulsion and attraction. But here, the director of such excellent and award-winning films as Night Flight and No Regret, this theme is upgraded almost to the maximum. Two young men have an intimate relationship during their military service and release their sexual energy. Youn Young has now left the army and is not so sure of his orientation and no longer wants to be in the presence of Gi Tae-ho, who has to stay in the army and is very uneasy about losing Young-a. A psychological drama ensues, the plot of which I will not describe, but I want to highlight above all the good work of both actors, they reached almost to the bottom, not only by being naked, but also by rolling in disgusting mud. Life is often cruel and when we lose someone, how often does it make us act desperate, and for that I appreciate the film.

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I was searching for new drama to watch and decided to give this a try. I never actually heard of this drama so no expectation at all.

First, I actually like how they potray the storyline and how they actually divert the focus on the second couple later half of the story.

The beginning of the story is too fast paced for the main couple, Da Shu and Zhi He. I dont feel their love at all. Not to be said that I'm disappointed at Mike He character in this drama. I just hate it. I actually root for Zhi He all the way. I basically skip most of their part after half of the drama.

The only reason I'm watching this is for the second couple, Qin Hao and Fen Ni. Their story is much more interesting and well developed. They deserves more part but still its enough to get you indulge in their story.

A bit info, its NOT a melo (imo it wasnt dark enough to be a melo, more like romance with a bit of emotional ride ) and NO animal involved.

Should you watch this? If you are a fan of slice of life genre, reunion plot, long -time separated couple and secret child. Well, I would say give it a try. It was a pleasant watch and not too draggy.

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Heart Killers it iss!!

I wanna start by saying Joong and dunk slayed in their acting!! Especially Dunk , cos many of them say his acting isn't that good, but for me he just proved everyone wrong in this drama! So the storyline of this drama was not cliche and felt original for me and the name of the drama suits it very well! Omgg the nc scenes were soo good that I was almost melting. xd.. The chemistry between the actors were almost as real.. It was quiet a rollercoaster at times while watching this but it all was worth it!!

I did not pay much attention to the music cos the drama plot kept me on a hook. Although there were some cringe scenes that I think you shouldnt pay much attention to.. In conclusion the drama was great and one of joongdunks' best series so far!!

Sorry for not mentioning first and khaotong , they did a great job too! But for me I was more impressed with Joong and dunk in this series..Thank youuu <3

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