Loved the cast! The actresses/actors were all cast well and they fit their characters perfectly. I especially loved Wang Da Lu. Wow, he's such a versatile actor, I feel heartbroken when he's crying and impressed by his fighting scenes. Of course, Vivian Sung portrayed the clumsy albeit a little awkward teenager very well. Dino Lee is cute too but his character was just kind of one-dimensional in my opinion. If you read my other reviews, you'll know I love Jerry Yan and I was elated to find out that he played the grown up Wang Da Lu. His scene with Joe Chen, although too short, was adorable and I wished it was longer! I admit I also screamed like a fan girl when I heard Andy Lau was playing a small role as a guest in this movie. He hasn't acted in a Taiwanese movie in ages! The star power of the three of them added to this movie too.
Music was fantastic and contributed to my roller coaster of emotions. My favorite song was of course the theme song, A Little Happiness, by Hebe Tien. I've been playing that song on repeat ever since.
Re-watch value is high! Once they come to the USA, I'm going to try and buy a HD quality version. Movies like this always give me a warm and fuzzy feeling, so if you guys are looking for that don't miss this! (10/9)
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This drama.. Where do I begin? Phenomenal acting aside (which, I mean, look at that cast, they did fantastic), the story was amazing. I saw so many people saying that they knew nothing about baseball but were still enjoying the show. Why is that? Because the show isn't actually about the sport, it's about the people. What made this drama so great was that it was heavily character driven. You don't have to understand the mechanics behind baseball management because you understand the basics: if the characters get what they want, you're happy for them, and if something bad happens, you hurt for them. Each one of these characters were so special, and the writers--round of applause to the writers, folks--were able to take characters that you didn't care about or that you actually disliked and made you root for them. That is skill right there. The bond between the staff and the bond between the baseball team were addicting. And the twists and turns, and watching them build up this team from nothing was so thrilling! And to top it all off, there were some really great messages woven throughout the drama.
I'm going to miss these characters so much. I know it's a hopeless dream (pun intended lol), but I would love for them to make a season two.
10/10 would recommend.
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This review may contain spoilers
OH MY GOD PLEASE WATCH THIS DRAMA!!! IT’S SO SO GOOD THAT I’M HAVING A HARD TIME PUTTING INTO WORDS!!!Let me just start off with the fact that two of the first dramas I watched were I Really Really Like You and Playful Kiss, so seeing Lee Min Ki and Jung So Min in a drama again was exciting and nostalgic. I had high expectations for this show since the writer of this show also wrote Ho Goo’s Love (which, by the way, is a MUST watch) and I worried that the bar I’d set for the show would not be met, which would probably ruin my love for the actors and the writer. However, my worries were unnecessary, because THIS SHOW IS IN MY TOP FIVE NOW! I can’t even begin to tell you how much I adored this show (though I must, since this is a review after all)! My expectations weren’t just met, they were exceeded! The plot, the actors, the music, the CHARACTERS! Everything was just so, so perfect and genuine!
Story/Plot: Oh my god, where do I even begin? This show was just so layered and wonderful! It wasn’t a melodrama by any means, but contained so much depth. The plot contained three simple plotlines: cohabitation/contract marriage, rich man and poor woman, and a struggling long term relationship. Often, when stories try to cram too many plotlines into one show, there are too many loose bits and ends. But in this drama, every character was purposeful and important, adding texture and depth to the story and the themes, and there were no loose ends. Speaking of themes, this drama was very progressive and dealt with issues that usually aren’t dealt with in Korean dramas. It challenged traditional gender stereotypes, sexual harassment in the work place, and the traditional meaning of marriage, but all in a very thoughtful and eloquent way. Perhaps I’m making this show sound boring, like a class at school, but it’s difficult to explain how such a simple idea was so revolutionized through some VERY skilled writing. The whole show seemed deliberate, and not cliche at all, despite how the storyline seems on the surface. You’ll just have to see it for yourself! I promise that you’ll love every moment of it!
Characters/Cast: As I was saying earlier, the surface level plotline is very simple, but what really enhanced the story and made it so enjoyable were the ABSOLUTELY PERFECT characters! All of them were so realistic, and their thoughts were clear and coherent, and they weren’t there just to waste screentime. Starting with the main couple, Ji Ho and Se Hee were just so nice to watch. They had great chemistry and by this point, I just want LMK and JSM to date in real life! Ji Ho was really the star, because seeing such an intelligent main character in dramas is rare. She knew what she wanted and she approached it wholeheartedly, and overall, she was a very relatable character. Se Hee, on the other hand, encompasses a person’s more weary and cautious side, because he was afraid to be hurt and even more afraid of hurting others. The show focused on them and their character development rather than adding useless love triangles. On the topic of triangles, there were technically two, but both were short lived and ESSENTIAL to the story, because they brought out new sides in the main characters. What really stood out to me was how realistic the rivals were (if you could even call them that). I’d say that one of my favorite characters was the ex girlfriend, and I can’t say more without spoiling the story, but her arch was one that was worth watching. She was a realistic and admirable character, unlike the conniving ex girlfriends you usually see in dramas. The other two couples in the story were equally important, and their stories were full of substance and lessons worth watching. Soo Ji teaches us to follow our dreams and stand up for what’s right, against the face of adversity. Ho Rang and Won Seok teach us that there’s a difference between love and marriage, and that the bad things that happen are often unavoidable and we must move forward. I won’t go into the details, but the character development in all three couples is worth watching and then rewatching a couple more times! Every wonderful character in this story was played by a wonderful actor that truly did the characters justice, and I have no complaints at all with the perfect casting or the extremely convincing acting. (I might be a bit biased since I love Lee Min Ki, but the difference for someone who doesn’t love him already might be the difference between an 11/10 vs a 10/10 rating. Either way, it’s PERFECT!)
Music: This review is already long enough, so I’ll be brief. I downloaded the whole soundtrack! So cute and perfectly suited for this drama! >v<
Rewatch Value: Usually I don’t even mention the rewatch value since I rarely rewatch dramas regardless of how good they are, but I have to mention it this time! I finished episode 14 two days before episode 15 came out, and I started to rewatch my favorite episodes while I waited! I just wanted to relive all the cute moments, and I can’t wait to finish the show so that I can rewatch and relive everything a few months from now! The show is really refreshing and light, despite the heavy progressive reform oriented subplots, and it seems to be very timeless. It’s worth watching at any age, but I feel like it gets better and better as you get older and experience dilemmas faced by the characters. The value for me is a solid 10/10, since I’m already itching to rewatch it!
Overall: As you’re probably aware by now, because of all the gushing I’ve been doing, I LOVE THIS SHOW! I can’t recommend it highly enough! Everything was flawless, and I don’t say that very often. Please give this beautiful show a chance, because I know you won’t regret it! <3 In fact, you’ll be missing out if you don’t!
Maybe this show will be part of your room 19 ;))
Edit (Contains a hint of a soft spoiler): I've been reading a lot of comments saying that Ji Ho was selfish in the last two episodes, and I just wanted to say that I completely disagree - Ji Ho was trying to understand her own feelings and see whether or not her feelings were long lasting, and she gave Se Hee a chance to do so as well. While this might have hurt Se Hee in the short term, it let both of them be sure about whether or not they want to be together for the long term, so that they aren't hurt once they're in a truly serious and committed relationship.
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Easy to follow
Easy to follow. The story line is very simple. Watched it because I’m so intrigued of xing feis acting skills. I’ve watched kdramas & cdrama and a lot of story are repetitive with no eye catching acting skills but not xing fei. She does knows to cry, laugh, smile, sad, angry, scared frustrated in natural ways, that’s why I’m pulled in to watch more of her work. She doesn’t disappoint. This story is to how to overcome psychological difficulties. And she really can pull the “I’m in love with you” character no matter whom she’s paired with in non cheesy way.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I wanted to love this drama. My friend got me to watch and told me it was cute and adorable and a lot of fun. I believed her. The first 10 episodes were great and I was honestly enjoying it. Then the big plot twist happened in episode 11 and from that point on, the drama was honestly ruined for me.***SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER****
STORY:
This was really the only problem I had with this drama because I actually liked the acting and the chemistry between characters was great.
It started off fairly cliche - ???? - Cruel, harsh boss and the ??? cute, young, innocent girl are thrown together. Contract marriage, eventually fall in love for real. All great. I actually really appreciated that this time around, the male lead wasn't an ass to her the whole time before he realized his feelings, but he was very respectful of her, treated her well, was super cute to her. Great start!
The first episode I thought it was gonna be super melodramatic what with the boyfriend cheating, the sickness diagnosis, etc. It seemed like this was gonna be a downer drama. I was wrong. It was bubbly and romantic and cute. Everything continued on - relationship was cute, they kept getting closer, they finally fall in love.
AND THEN THE BIG PLOT TWIST. and this is where it went downhill for me.
***SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER****
***SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER****
***SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER****
***SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER****
You find out that NOT ONLY was the female lead NEVER sick with Leukemia, but that the male lead knew about it from the beginning. What could be worse than that? THE MALE LEAD WAS BEHIND THE WHOLE THING. From day one, he was the one who manipulated the female lead, the doctors, down to keeping her holed up in some private facility for two months while she "recovers" (which they conveniently skipped over in the drama and they go straight from getting married to her being fully recovered in under 2 mins). It was ALL a ploy by the male lead to get the female lead to fall in love with him.
The drama continues to try and make it seem like he did it all for a noble cause - cause he really fell in love with her over the past two years when he was at his worst and she was the bright star that made him happy to live and whatnot. That's all great and that's a great love story. BUT THE FACT THAT HE ESSENTIALLY STALKED HER FOR TWO YEARS, FAKED HER ILLNESS AND FRAUDED HER INTO MARRIAGE MAKES ALL OF THIS JUST CREEPY AND NOT OK.
I know that the drama was trying to make it seem innocent, and she of course forgives him for all of this, but honestly I couldn't get over that plot point. It was too creepy and too stalkerish. If this was real life, there was no shot in hell that she would forgive him and continue their relationship.
Legit if they had kept everything the same - him falling for her prior to really meeting her, but actually had her be sick and have him donate his bone marrow, and all the subsequent story points - MINUS THE PART WHERE HE FRAUDED HER - I would be perfectly fine and I would have been able to enjoy the second half of this drama. But honestly, I can't believe they romanticized a legit stalker and manipulator and tried to make him seem noble. I can't.
Ugh.
ACTING:
I think the actors were all really good. I loved the leads (at first) and thought their relationship was surprisingly refreshing for a Chinese drama (where most of the time it ends up being the same plot lines). I was super into the male lead and thought he had a good suave personality, as well as being caring and thoughtful.
REWATCH:
Absolutely not. Knowing that one plot twist really I just can't with this drama. They try to make it cute and relatable, but it's just not for me. It's creepy and stalkerish.
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This review may contain spoilers
An uncommonly, almost tenderly told revenge story
"Call it Love" begins with a quote from a writer about love, followed by a voiceover radio announcer's summary: "To understand the loneliness of others, for me, that's the beginning of love." Beautiful, sensitive words... and at the same time: the grounding of this KDrama.There are so many lonely people out there (even if that doesn't necessarily mean they're alone). There are also those who recognize the other in their loneliness. Love in different facets swings back and forth between each episode - quietly, tenderly, unspoken, then also outspoken, sometimes here, sometimes there. In the case of Shim Woo-joo and Han Dong-jin, despite barriers love like determined water finds its way.
The KDrama offers no ´boom-squish´, no spectacle, yet slow food for the heart. So slow, that it almost touches the edge of the bearable at times. Watching the two protagonists moving through scenes is almost like in slow motion. The facial features are minimal, too. However, it´s nevertheless expressive and intense. Tender emotions are held back, an the next moment some razor-sharp thoughts are communicated without hesitation – Woo-joo is good at that. She embodies a sharp mix of disinterest and impulsiveness. Dong-jin, for his part, is the master of outward indifference and equanimity, enduring life´s challenges quietly and good-naturedly – almost stoically. But both are basically victims of their learned helplessness and of being overwhelmed with their extremely ambivalent feelings towards their own parents. ´She´ is still bitter because of her cheating father, who left the family for another woman. His burden is his exalted mother, who notoriously charms other people's husbands and lives a ´good life´ at their expense, with her son being in the way and left with the father.
A web of loving people are surrounding both Woo-joo and Dong-jin. So, even if they may feel alone with their feelings, they really aren't. Woo-joo's friend, the pharmacist Yoon-jun, feels a lot more for Woo-joo. Dong-jin's school friend and business partner knows his buddy like the back of his hand. Then there's Woo-joo's sister, who for her part is struggling with dating and finally just discovers her feelings for Yoon-jun. And suddenly Dong-jin's ex-fiancé is back, who left him without a word a year ago, went to the USA and is now suddenly back, being ready for the next step. ... Somehow everyone seems a bit lost and sometimes awkward in their emotional life, as well as in their (traditional) family liabilities. They might feel lonely. But they are actually not alone.
Technically speaking, the plot aims for something completely different than romantic love: revenge is the driving force of the story. There's Woo-joo on her vendetta against the woman who stole her father and secured the house as an inheritance – with the vendetta actually targeting the son, Dong-jin. Then there is Dong-jin's former boss, who wants revenge for Dong-jin resigning along with his childhood friend from school to start a rival business. And there's the age-old dynamic between Woo-joo's mother and her rival who stole her husband years ago...
Somehow like balm: here the revenge motive can't prevail in the end. Rather, a gentle template of compassion and forgiveness settles over resentment and bitterness. Like a silk scarf, this compassion covers the wounds and thus changes, rather widens, the perspective. "To understand the loneliness of others, for me that is the beginning of love." In the end the truth of these words is revolving about much more than 'just' romantic love – the heart empathically banging on another one´s wall, makes the wall come down and healing become possible.
Gaze, movement as well as camera angles are chosen with care. Like that more than once time is frozen, sort of. Often enough, this KDrama is deliberately so slow that you might want to give the protagonists a nudge here and there. Paradoxically, this perceived standstill envelops the actually quite dynamic story, which gains its drive from the revenge motive and knows very well how to come up with tension, too. This idiosyncratic mixture of dramatic events and moments of standstill, of revenge and honest love, results in a very unique, ambivalent, subtly burned-in dynamic and elusive fascination for this KDrama. Cupid interjects encouragingly and does it well. Actors and actresses also successfully correspond with authentic emotion.
Ultimately, an uncommonly, almost tenderly told revenge story.
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1
1It’s more than just a romance drama…
And that can be either a selling point or a red flag, depending on what you are looking for. Personally, I loved it.The Eight Sense starts as a story mostly focused on Ji Hyun, a student that moved from the countryside to Seoul to attend a university. Trying to fit into a larger and fast paced environment, working part time and taking classes - having just one friend from the same town. And then he comes across Jae Won. And that’s when the romance starts, Ji Hyun slowly starts to get out of his comfort zone and the plot starts to shift more towards Jae Won.
For me, Jae Won is the star of the drama. His character just resonates with me more. Initially presented as this popular guy who just got back from the military. Guy that has it all: friends, girls liking him, rich and influential parents and an extroverted personality that makes his daily life so much easier. But there is so much more to this character and we slowly see the unhealed wounds as the plot starts to focus on his side more and more.
Both characters went through enormous change throughout this short drama. Both matured and learned more about themselves. While the romance was amazing, organic, well paced and perfectly delivered, the individual stories were the aspect that made me love the drama more. Creating your characters as more than just a pair, making sure they are presented as individuals with their own stories, social circles. Not locking them inside the romance bubble where they are never seen interacting with other people in a context that is detached from their relationship - that’s when you know there was some proper effort put into writing.
I cannot compliment The Eighth Sense enough on how they presented and dealt with mental health issues. This might be one of the best representations in k-bls we have seen so far. It showcases how complex of an issue it might be. How at times we don’t even know how much people around us are struggling, because they learned how to mask it. How the healing takes more than just occasional visits to a specialist. How the system of social support and having people you trust around you is also a vital aspect of recovery. How there is no one solution, magic pill that can fix it all - it’s a long process that needs many elements working together to have a positive and long lasting effect. But also, how it’s obtainable, how it’s not impossible to get out of that dark place, no matter how hopeless it might feel at the moment.
As for the acting - no complaints. Both Im Ji Sub and Oh Jun Taek did justice to their characters and delivered a realistic and believable performance. The Eighth Sense also has an amazing cast of vibrant supporting characters. I adored the female-male friendships thanks to Yoon Won’s and Ae Ri’s fun personalities and great delivery by Lee Mi Ra and Seo Ji An. I hated Eun Ji and Tae Hyung with all my passion and it was also possible only because of how well acted the roles were - props to Park Hae In and Jang Young Joon. It also made me think how we all have flaws, some just have a bit more than others… But we still need to learn how to coexist with them, otherwise it will just make our lives harder.
All that said, here comes issues I had. The editing was at times truly painful. I understand that in some cases it was probably a stylistic choice that visually represented the state the characters were in, but it did not really feel like it. It just felt like a messy and jumpy editing. In most cases the directing and editing was okay. first two episodes had an amazing indie feel to it and I fell in love with it right away, but the middle part of the story just felt a bit sloppy. Some scenes felt on the nose, but I don’t think it was the issue of the scenes alone, but rather the fact they were played one after another.
Overall, highly recommended, but not to people who just want a romance driven story with little to no distraction from that aspect. This show does not even have that many scenes of leads together, compared to other dramas in that genre. It’s more of the characters walking next to each other rather than characters walking together. Sometimes one person stops for a moment. Sometimes one person picks up the pace leaving the other behind. There are individual detours before they can both reach the destination.
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Most Beautiful Drama of All Time
I’ve done a review for the full version of this drama Chenqing Ling (The Untamed) - it’s long with details (my review). In this review, I don’t want to reiterate what I’ve written before. I just want to do a "short" one for the new viewers.Many viewers who have not watched the drama wonder if they should watch the special version or the full version. Many viewers are also uncertain why this drama has such high rating and if they are missing out anything, and if they should start watching it themselves. Some viewers also say they are disappointed and the drama doesn’t live up to their expectation.
I have read both extreme ends of the comments. Some viewers have watched this drama for umpteen times, read the novel, watched the donghua (anime), read the manhua (manga), watched all the BTS’s, read all the fanfics, fanvids, etc. (I must admit I’ve done likewise.) On the other extreme, many viewers cannot even get passed the first few episodes and cannot understand what the hype is all about. When they come to this platform (kisskh) to question, instead of getting answers, they get clobbered.
This drama is based on a very popular BL novel. To pass censorship in China, the BL part is suppressed if not totally eliminated. But, the production team has cleverly disguised the BL elements into thousands of little moments inserted throughout the series, including within the music, and these little moments are open to interpretation: BL fans see romance right away whereas others see only platonic friendship (that was my first impression in my first viewing). Either way, the story portrays chivalry, selflessness, and magnanimity. It provides many life lessons for all viewers.
This special edition is basically a shorter version of the drama. The original series has a slow start. Many viewers who have not read the novel get pretty confused, myself included. Many even drop the series because of it. In this special edition, the beginning 2 episodes of the original version are cut off; it goes straight to the very beginning of the timeline – 16 years ago. It also includes some scenes (very few) that are not in the original version. It cuts off many peripheral characters and scenes, and focuses more on the two main leads and their relationship. Like it or not, it is this relationship (among others) that has created the largest deluge for viewers who have watched and love this drama. It is also one of the main reasons that propels Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo, the two main leads, into stardom. Currently the duo are the most popular actors in China, receiving countless awards.
For viewers who just want to test the water, the special edition may be a good start. However, the original full version provides better explanation and overall plot of the story. A lot of the questions of this drama have been addressed here: https://kisskh.at/discussions/the-untamed.
This drama means very different things to different people. For many fans, this is the best drama of ALL TIME. For me, this is true also because it touches certain parts of my heart. It stirs up all kinds of emotions in me which I’ve never experienced before in other dramas – happiness, sadness, light-heartedness, agony, hopefulness, hopelessness, among others. It brings me through a lot of painful experiences, and yet gives me a lot of sweetness in between and in the end.
Yes, I’d say this is a MUST-WATCH drama. It really doesn’t matter which gender and what sexual orientation you are. It doesn’t matter which culture you’ve come from. After all, we all live on the same planet, go through similar injustices in life, and most of all, can relate to the characters one way or another.
Two thumbs up!
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I have a psychiatrist friend who insisted on watching this film. She already knows that I don't mind any sort of special story no matter how horrific it is; I was fully prepared to any type of scenes and so I watched it.
2) Storyline/Plot:
They weren't kidding when they said "This movie contains EXTREMELY graphic child abuse! Do not watch if you are easily disturbed.", I intentionally repeated it because this film isn't directed to all types of audience, even if you are an adult you can easily be disturbed.
Positive points:
*It's a true story that focus on a world wide issue: a great topic.
*The producer wasn't afraid of showing the horrible fact to the audience.
*The script writers did a great job by delievering a masterpiece.
Negative points:
For me there isn't.
*Some people would feel sick or shocked that's why I said it's not directed to everyone but if those scenes were absent then it couldn't be fun to watch considering its theme; it was realistic and special in a great way.
Story: 9.75/10
3) Acting/Cast:
I really loved each and everyone of them here.
*It was different yet cool to see Gong Yoo in a serious role.
*The three children have done a great job because their roles were mainly sentimental and they were skilled to portray that aspect.
*The actors knew how to deliever feelings and leave us affected with their issues.
Cast: 8.5/10
Acting: 9.5/10
4)The ending:
It wasn't what anyone wanted but it was great because it was realistic.
The ending: 8/10
5) My impression (How did it affect me):
*As I said earlier I don't mind any sort of special stories, this film was interesting enough to keep me hooked up for two hours.
*The grafic child abuse is what gave this film its taste no matter how horrible it was.
*I got the conclusion that this world is full of bad people but they only need one courageous person to change the whole thing.
*Protecting children's innocence is our responsibility as adults.
My impression: 9.5/10
6) Overall:
I repeat this film has shocking abuse scenes therefore, if you're a sensitive person don't even think about watching this.
*If you like special stories and don't mind the abusive scenes then you would like this.
*Human rights lovers may want to check this out.
*Don't be fooled about the fact that Gong Yoo is the main lead, it's nothing like his previous Dramas/Films.
*If you're looking for a romantic story then you shouldn't be reading this in the first place.
*I repeat for the last time sensitive people KEEP OUT!
Overall: 9.5/10
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An Endearing, Funny, Sweet, Healing, Uplifting, Beautiful Story with a Bunch of Lovable Characters
I love this show so much for the positive, warm-hearted, funny, quirky vibe it gives every episode. Yet it's not an empty calorie show at all. It manages to balance hilarious comedy with touching, deep moments and inspirational life lessons. This show will make you laugh and cry - sometimes at the same time. Though there are sad, heartbreaking moments, this show always seems to exude a sense of optimism underneath it all. In this stressful world with so much violence and inhumanity; it's nice to be able to have this oasis of a show to turn to where you can watch lovable, quirky, well written and acted characters who warm your heart and tickle your funny bone every week. I am never bored by this show, and the hour always goes by so fast for me. I've re-watched each episode too many times already and still love it.This is a love story between two emotionally stunted 30-year-olds with the emotional maturity of 17-year-olds who help each to grow and mature into their chronological age of 30. The plot and the heart of this story is the emotional growth that each of the main characters has to go through to become who they were meant to be if not for the traumatic accident that essentially froze them emotionally in time. The life lessons from how to treat others who are struggling to how to overcome your fears, tragedies, and regrets to find the courage to live and love again are beautifully written and acted. I love that this story doesn't show this journey in a maudlin, boring fashion but does it with so much humor and heart.
Though there may seem like a few parts where things are not moving as fast as we the audience would like or then moving too fast because this show was scheduled to be 40 episodes, but SBS inexplicably cut it to 32 at the last minute out of nowhere despite it being the number one rated weekday prime time show and a hit internationally all through its run. Please trust that the writer and actors will make your journey with them worth it if you stick with this heartwarming and beautiful show to the end. Just enjoy the funny heartwarming moments for what they are. I gave this show a 10 not because it's perfect, SBS abruptly cutting the successful show caused some loose ends that would have been tied up if they had the time they were originally promised, but because it's the closest to the most perfect show I have ever watched in terms of all the elements I mention above and below. It's the only show were I have no major complaints about anything and I enjoy watching every character and every episode, even in re-watch. Plus the ending is one of the best and most satisfying endings I have ever seen. There are so few heartwarming, interesting shows where after you watch it, it restores your faith in humanity instead of making you question it.
The OTP's relationships take time to build, but once it "crescendo," their chemistry is in full bloom amazing mode. This will become one of the most beautiful love stories you'll ever see and I'm not just talking about the leads, but the entire cast. Both Shin Hye Sun and Yang Se Jong have amazing comic as well as emotional timing on top of being first rate, award-winning actors. They both have the ability to make the audience feel what their characters feel and elicit great empathy for their characters. Both can make you clutch your stomach in laughter and your heart in tears, and their love story will make you feel like butterflies live in your chest. They're such great actors that they can have an amazing love story with a broom much less with each other. The rest of the cast is also amazing; there isn't one weak link in this cast. Even the dog is a better actor than half of the human actors out there.
Very rarely can I say with certainty that you'll love a show because so rarely is there a magical coming together of great writing, acting, plot, comedic timing, directing, lovable main to supporting characters, location (even their house is full of character), and music in one show. Even if you like nothing else, the dog is worth the watch alone. I've never seen a show where I love each episode and don't forward through any part. The only disappointment I feel is when it ends. Of course we are all human and all will have different opinions on everything, but I think the majority of the people who give this show a try will find that they don't just like it, but will love it and it will become one of their favorite shows of all time or at the very least of 2018. It's one of the best feel good shows I've ever seen. You'll want to tell everyone you know about it and watch this show again and again.
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I think almost everybody who is familiar with this story knows that there are several adaptations for it. It all started with the manga, then the anime, then the 1995 movie and then 4 drama adaptions from China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea. This version, the JDrama one is my favorite. Reasons? Here I go.
Story:
The story isn't your typical Cinderella. Yes, there's a poor girl and a rich guy and yes, he falls in love with her, but this Cinderella definitely doesn't want the charming prince to return her glass slipper. For me this story is a master piece not because of the love story, but because of its crudeness. It deals bluntly with heavy issues (even more forbidden in Japan) like bullying, rape, tolerance, corruption, class differences and the general injustice that is high school. I think this a story that every teenage girl should know of, because it says that you don't have to be anything to please a guy.Instead, you should worry about the things surrounding you and how you can make a change.
The love story is pretty good and addictive too. You have a strong female character who deals with a LOT of things throughout the story. She isn't searching for love, she has her hands already full with school and her family. She isn't pretty OR nice. Neither is she elegant or flirty. BUT, she is loyal to her friends and always defends people against injustice. She is honourable and honest, she always speaks her mind, even if it will get her in huge trouble afterwards. She's also fearless and does what most people are afraid to. Watching this now, I realize that Makino has been my role model throughout my teenage years and has helped me morph into the person I am today. I am still very far from being like her, but she's a truly inspirational character who makes me always push myself harder.
Then there's Domyouji, who is far from your perfect prince charming. To put it mildly, he's a total jerk and a bully. He's used to getting his way and everybody is afraid of him. He's a really rotten human being, if that can even be called human. But, when Makino confronts him instead of running away from him, he falls instantly in love with her. For me one of the greatest thing about HYD is seeing Domyouji slowly changing from being the monster that he was at first to a truly beautiful human being. His love for Makino makes him grow as a person, become someone kind and adorable, and he learns a little more about life, and accepts that he can't always have his way.
Acting:
All the cast does a perfect job. They made the characters from the manga come alive completely, instead of changing them. The chemistry between Inoue Mao and Matsumoto Jun is so real that I often wish they were a couple in real life while watching them, and the chemistry between the F4 is great too. They really came together as a group of friends who always have their back for each other.
The thing about this story is that you don't say: wow this person is a great actor/actress. It is the kind of awesome acting that makes you forget they're acting. It's simply natural and perfect.
Music:
The OST is really good. It's not mad good, but it's the kind of music that gets stucked in your head for several days in a row. It has been on my iPod for several years, and I sometimes use it as a ringtone from my phone.
Rewatch:
I've watched this several times and I will keep rewatching it, because I learn something new about it every time I watch it.
Overall:
This is one of those dramas that for ME, is really a must. If you haven't watched it, I recommend it greatly. I don't know if you'll think of it as high as I do, but I seriously think you'll like it, what are you waiting for? :)
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Redemption
You can't talk about One Spring Night without mentioning Something in The Rain.Because OSN is the result of what SITR could've been. It's about growth to both the drama and especially to the writer. One Spring Night is a take on modern Korea where the youth have to face the older generation, but not with guns or lawsuits, it's all about dialogue.
The first two episodes give the viewer an amazing introduction to the story, something most kdramas really fails to do, and the supporting cast is probably the best of the year. Every single person here has a story, no matter how much screentime they got. I dare to say that at least 3 or 4 supporting characters could easily have a drama to call their own, even if they just appear for a few minutes each episode. The music is soft and the editing makes the transitions between conflicts fit in nicely with the narrative.
Remember when I said this drama is about growth especially to the writer? Well, this drama is not perfect. It has its problems but that's what growth is. It's not a straight line to success. Don't come to this thinking all the missing points from SITR were fixed and that you won't get annoying sometimes. But the acting, damn, the acting.
I don't like to compare performances because I like to believe that actors can't only do so much if the script isn't good. But what an amazing performance by everyone.
One Spring Night is (once again) about growth, and I believe that the best score you can give to a drama is "I want to watch whatever this writer and director are doing next".
For the first time in a while, I feel bad that I can't see a drama on my 'currently watching' list anymore. There's no "I want to finish this quickly so I can watch another one" with One Spring Night. In a world where people consume so much media, not seeing a piece of content as a simple checklist is one of the best adjectives it can get. That's what happens with OSN.
Binge watch it, watch two episodes a week, whatever works for you. If possible, watch it on a Spring Night.
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Of course, the romantic comedy elements are all there. The love triangle is killer. You will definitely have a second lead syndrome, even if it's only for a few fleeting seconds. But at the same time, you will never stop loving the male lead. The story also makes you laugh plenty. I haven't laughed like this while watching a drama in a long time. The writers didn't take even a minute for granted and the whole thing is an absolute joyride.
Another awesome thing about the story is how they covered a whole range of issues in a lighthearted and optimistic manner. We have the issues of male breast cancer, asexuality, live-in, two-timing, workforce rat-race, not-so-typical families explored beautifully in a way that only a Korean drama can pull off. The romance is top-notch. I love the chemistry between the two leads and between all characters in general. The comic timing is great.
Among the characters, I was absolutely invested in Hwa Shin's character. He is not perfect but the kind of growth the character showed from the very first episode all the way till the end, and the way Jo Jung Suk portrayed Hwa Shin's struggle in love and life, it was amazing. He absolutely killed it! I have watched everything Jo Jung Suk has starred in and this is my favorite of his works (so far). Gong Hyo Jin was her usual best. I love her in these naive roles that she plays. Both second leads were great. Jung Won was more perfect but Hwa Shin was more interesting.
Pal Gang's moms were hilarious and their interactions were something I always looked forward to. The company had an interesting setting. I loved Pinocchio and this time, it was nice to see a drama from an anchor's perspective instead of reporters. Pyo Na Ri's struggle to switch from a forecaster to an anchor was inspiring and something that was relate-able.
I am definitely rewatching this. Some scenes are so memorable and the chemistry is unforgettable. The music is great. My favorite song from the OST is "Yes! Love". I waited for it to release for a long time. Overall, it is going down as one of my favorites. And Jo Jung Suk has almost made it to my favorite actors list. Highly highly recommended for all kinds of moods!
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The only valid explanation I see for Ex-Girlfriend Club's low ratings is that it doesn't have any "epic love" nor any "bad-to-the-bone villain". It is simply a heartfelt story with a generous sprinkle of fluff and hilarity, as its OST can corroborate. Although the story is unpretentious, the characters are all layered. Flawed yet lovable, the characters are more than just love interests and whatnot; each of them is his/her own person. The genuineness the characters give off is enhanced by the great acting. The cast did a flawless job, Bun Yo Han was especially shining in this drama. The ones behind the cast wouldn't have been able to find a more perfect fit for Myung Soo, even if they had tried. Not to mention how believable Song Ji Hyo and him were at acting as a couple, they were simply the cutest.
This drama, free of the usual draggy angst, can be watched over and over without losing much of its charm. To put it in a nutshell, Ex-Girlfriend Club is the perfect drama to watch if you want to uplift your current mood.
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This review may contain spoilers
A joy that came late
Reviewed after Episode 19A beautiful story of mutual unrequited high school crush which gets another opportunity a decade after
Its a slow burn romance
Requires patience and a calm mindset to appreciate all the details
There is a SML arc which some viewers may find annoying in the middle episodes (he doesn't even count as a proper obstacle) but he becomes a likeable character later on in the show
There are extra clips at the end of episodes (not all) which are missing pieces to the story. Don't miss them!
The story goes back to flashbacks every now and then which can disrupt the pace and momentum and cause confusion for some viewers
Entertaining and funny without much angst like melodrama, misunderstandings, break-ups
A very grand proposal and wedding for a deserving conclusion to the title and series
Main leads story:
This story is told in a realistic way.
Secret crush:
Firstly we understand why it remained a secret crush 10 years ago- because the fl thought it was one sided and although she made preparations (gift) to confess, as a last resort before they leave school, it failed as the ML didn't show up on that day when the final year students were going on a graduation trip.
The ML also thought it was one-sided, yet he too prepared a gift to confess to her on new years eve. In the meantime, due to his parents divorce, and as his sister didn't want to go to US he had to compromise and leave with his dad. At this point he made a decision not to confess.
The Gap years:
The FL becomes a successful writer
The ML becomes an accomplished lawyer settled in the US
During these years they have grown from adolescents into adults each shaped by their own experiences
Catalyst:
When fl runs out of inspiration, she goes back to her hometown where while rummaging through her old stuff she finds her personal diary with all the notes about the ML (teen stuff like she saw him on that day feeding the orange cat, another day playing the piano etc). She decides to write this into a novel hoping to give her unrequited love a happy ending. She makes up a version for the ml and includes some fantasies in that. The book gets published, becomes successful. Then she gets accused of plagiarism. This is a crucial part of the story. Around this same time, the ML's sister, while going through some old boxes in her house finds an old phone (her brothers). She discovers some unsent drafts and after reading gets excited that her bro actually had a crush on someone and decides to make it into a story and publish it. This happens before FL's story gets published. Then people compare the two and accuse the FL of plagiarism. Then another character (fl's career rival) comes into picture, and she provokes the ML sister to sue fl legally. Sister and her classmate sue fl but somehow end up in a soup which forces them to find out the identity of the author and through some twists and turns they find out that the author was actually her brother's secret crush. Because of the trouble she was in and because she also thought maybe this was a godsend opportunity for their unrequited crush, she reveals all this to the ML and that's how he ends up in China as her lawyer.
Initial phase:
Imagine meeting your secret crush after 10years and coming to know that they are going to assist your case. The book is about him and she has included some very personal thoughts and fantasies in it. Her first reaction is to not acknowledge him. Then he plays along. This goes on for a while. In every interaction they have they discover slowly that the other knows fully well they are from the same school. She still doesn't doubt whether he knows if the story is about him.
At episode 12, when the plagiarism case ends, she notices a 'change' in his demeanor to a more caring and gentle one especially when she gets sick.
She even thinks if he is "possessed"
Whenever he tried to reveal himself , she seemed to cover it up not wanting to do it.
So the crux of the story is that they first need to reveal and accept that they are from the same school, which in turn would mean he knows that her story is about him. This happens around episode 14/15 finally. Once she discovers that, she feels exposed and embarrassed. All this while he had known her innermost thoughts and secrets about him yet played. She feels disturbed, embarrassed, and in a situation where she feels she can't face him anymore. She goes away on a holiday.
The Re-discovery:
A phase where the tension comes from the friction between who they were and who they are now. Their interactions as lawyer and client help put each other on a pedestal. They learned about each other. They need to know more. Another opportunity for the ML to go to the same town on work is 'created'. The adult romance starts when they realize the other person is flawed and human, not just the "golden" version from their memories.
This is the part of the story which drags with the SML arc and some other fillers.
Confession:
Hopefully this will happen when she finally comes to know that their secret crush was mutual, with a happy ending.
Why is it taking so long for them to confess?
So how realistic will it be if he suddenly arrives back in China and reveals/explains everything. Will she fall for him then? How can she even trust him? Besides, it is shown that ML is not very good with expressing his feelings and hence outwardly he is seen as cold and aloof. Why would she even accept him when she could see through his schemes? How long does it take for someone to "know" the other?
It is not about a single 'confession' or an 'apology' or an 'explanation' that will sort out the issues between them. It has to go through a process and hence the time.
Side stories-
ML's colleague and friend and his interactions with ML and FL's bestie are some of the brightest moments in the show
SML's track- serves as a competitor for the ML. At episode 19 we understand that he doesn't plan to confess anymore as he finds the FL accidentally fall and caught by the ML while watching fireworks 😀
Now I have to mention here that the sml arc took a U turn when it was explained that he faced his own challenges in career too alongside his personal life. But Lawyer Xu helps him restore his reputation when he is scandalized and he actually is now a friend and a guy to depend on for the main couple.
ML's sister and her classmate are an adorable fun pair to watch
Family dynamics-Ruan family were a pleasure to watch. That's exactly how parents support their children. On the other hand, Xu family have it tough. Not because one is wrong, but because it is one's principles vs one's choice. The family reunion did come after a decade. A bit too late for Xu dad but atleast it came.
The elaborate proposal scene and the grand wedding gave a befitting end to our leads love story.
Cast/acting -10
Visuals -Stunning10
BGM/OST - excellent 10
Story 9
Rewatch value 7
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