This review may contain spoilers
Balancing genius, intuition & healthy grounding in an elite jungle of an addictive financial world
How far can you go? The focus of these KDramas is greed for BIG money, which has long since lost any reasonable connection to life and people. It's about stock deals by the super-rich, insider trading, short selling, mergers and acquisitions.Hiding behind the title "Midas" is the legendary story of the ancient King Midas. It is said that as a child, ants would put grains of wheat in his mouth while he was sleeping. He was later granted a wish by Dionysus, wishing that everything he touched would turn to gold. The consequences though were life-threatening, because actually everything he came into contact with turned to gold, including food and drinks... The story of the KDrama operates both with the dictum "to have a golden hand", which is inspired by this legend, and with the psychoanalytic concept "Midas complex", which has proven itself in connection with pathological greed.
The protagonists in "Midas" have an offensive urge, almost addictive, to make even more profit with daring investment strategies, sometimes risking to lose the ground under their feet and maneuver themself into existential situations. This KDrama is about the challenge of balancing genius, intuition and a healthy grounding within the elite jungle of an addictive financial world. Thrilling story, complex character studies and emotional rollercoaster are guaranteed. In this world where money, intelligence and high speed set the tone, the intuitive feeling for the right timing prevails. "Midas" broadens the horizon from the (rather usual) Jaebeol family intrigues and inheritance disputes, which also have their place here, to - without regard to losses - partly illegal machinations in the financial world.
"Midas" is sketching a world of high risk and high numbers - abstract, fast pace, fashionable, cold. Yet it is an emotionally intense in-depth study about temptation, including space and time for morals. However, a spot here and there, where the warm and tender wind blows, is given, too. Some call it love...
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Here the heroes individually are insignificant, helpless. Together they can make a difference.
"Falsify" (also "Distorted") tells an exciting story about the business with official truth. I think this works particularly well as the KDrama offers a critical examination of the rather difficult concept of 'truth', which can be bent and manipulated depending on the eye of the viewer. Is the rule of law just a pretty farce? Rather an eloquent backdrop for the mighty who operate in the shadow? Does actually anything like justice exist? What truth are we hearing? Which one do we want to hear? Which preferably not? Is it always so good to bring the truth to light?Regarding the recently common term 'lying media', used as an accusations from all different directions, "Falsify" offers a burning issue. Also a bit of an 'Watergate Affair' in South Korean garb (as the underlying case resembles some real South Korean one). Sophisticated journalism and sensation-hungry tabloids, public prosecutors and lawyers as law enforcement officers, so called respectable (yet cheating) businessmen as well as gangs are all frighteningly close together. Against this background, seldom has sich wide range of positions, attitudes and motivations been thus successfully intertwined and presented close to touch on the basis of individual fates, altogether mixed up in an exciting story. Abysses open up in view of social ideals and their illusions. And yet hope is not lost in the face of (quite deadly) superiority.
This is definitely not a ´Marvel´-like (super)hero story. Here the 'heroes' individually are insignificant, inconspicuous, fallible, and to some extend helpless puppets in a complex mechanism that is controlled by opaque forces. However, together they can make a difference in co-creation - by bundling their potentials, throwing their prejudices overboard, getting involved with each other, learning to trust each other (despite initial contempt), and no longer reflecting on what separates them. The key is a unifying idea that is bigger than each individual (with their physical, emotional or social needs). They want to give this idea shape, body, weight and charisma with all imaginable creative means. This cross-personal idea is what gives them strength (even in the face of massive personal threats) and overcomes fear. Here it is the idea of a democratic constitutional state in which there is justice for ALL; in which ALL are equal before the law; in which every citizen can/must bear responsibility for his/her actions - the price for the freedom of responsible citizens: a minimum consensus of laws, rights and obligations that are binding and binding for everyone.
This idea sounds nicer and more promising than it really is, because it usually stays with the idea that is trampled on behind the scenes. Yet, it is (real) people who fill this (abstract) idea with life. But where there are people, there are also their corruptibility, their greed, their vulnerability to blackmail and their cowardice, as well as the fitting people to unscrupulously exploit such weak points. South Korea's young democracy and long history of corruption and mighty ones operating in the shadow offers a realistic, scandal-ridden environment to process this exciting and at the same time outrageous KDrama - thus offering a wide range of gray tones, emotionally differentiated and authentic.
By following various protagonists from the press and the courts, the story begins with individual threads of action that are at best loosely connected to one another, but which become entangled over the course of the story and together form a strong strand that everyone can pull on together. So a bit of patience is required from the audience, but it pays off! The differently motivated characters come to life in a tangible way, become comprehensible in good and bad and reveal a reality about the business with truth that makes you shudder. We as the audience are ourselves cleverly integrated as part of the story - as representatives of public opinion and thus as perpetrators and victims at the same time.
Wow!
Good job. Ambitous. Thought-provoking.
P.S.:
Also ideally suited for repeated series enjoyment due to the differentiated, complex story.
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It has beautiful scenery, costumes and mis-en-scene. It was so colourful and pretty to watch!
It was also entertaining to see the different tribes (where the lived and what they wore). The sets were fantastic, I loved all of the clans palaces (so well thought-out and designed).
The characters were so loveable! I just wanted them to all be happy ugh. Their entwining story lines were fantastic and sometimes heart breaking. The scores throughout the show were very well written. I personally like Ka Suo and Li Luo's theme.
This show doesn't follow the expectations of the audience and is often quite unpredictable. This is a great quality because after each episode your always left wanting to know what happens next.
I couldn't praise this show enough. It had me hooked from the first episode, and by the last I was wanting more.
I recommend watching this series with an open mind, it can have "tacky" or "cheesy" moments, but if you look past that you'll find a great show with an awesome story.
I cannot wait until season 2!
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My Rating: 9.0
In Short: I really liked the premise of this, It's simple, but original and effective, and gives off a "slice of life" vibe that I enjoyed. I also liked the cast, particularly our "lock and key" couple.
Pros: A realistic view of relationships in four different age groups, with a refreshing cast, great music and lots of charm. I also really liked the 14-episode format. For me, even 16 episodes can sometimes be way too long.
Cons: I would have liked to see even more interactions between the boys, not just their lives outside of home. I feel like the great scenes in the last episode really show us the potential in this. After all, five people who live together are bound to interact and influence each other a lot.
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Firstly, I did NOT expect for this movie to impact me this way. From the beginning I was thoroughly creeped out by the stalkerish antics of the male lead, but as the story progressed I slowly came to realize he had his issues and reasons behind the unusual choices he made. I found myself so intrigued by the actions and thought processes of this assassin that it was enough of a pull for me to continue on with the story. I'm still a bit startled at the fact that I can connect with the feelings of an odd assassin but eh, at least I'm not afraid to admit it. :P The female lead was as equally strange but understandably so. I mean, who can actually call themselves "normal" when they are in love? Is there really a "normal" love story? And who would've thought her innocent love would turn out to be so dangerous?
Secondly, what great acting of ALL the characters! Jung Woo Sung did an excellent job in portraying both an awkward/sketchy loner and a dangerous assassin. Because of this, every action, every emotion felt real and I found myself totally convinced by the love and the danger it entailed. Nothing was ever overly exaggerated or over emphasized. The mood was so subtle and yet so haunting. Really. I find myself thinking about the "what if" scenarios constantly. However, with that being said, if he wasn't such an attractive fellow, I doubt I would be so easily forgiving of his "stalker-like" nature. What a shallow thing to say, I know! I hate saying it, but it's true. >.<
The music was also fantastic. Call me crazy, but I felt as though half of the story was told through the music itself. It was pleasantly in sync with the storyline and I found that to be the most appealing aspect behind this movie.
Overall, I thought this was such a strangely fascinating and suspenseful story about a love lost then found. It makes one question what it is that we truly value the most in this life and I'd definitely recommend it to those who are looking for something much more dark and serious than your average rom-com flick.
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This review may contain spoilers
The truth disappears with love
This headline, "the truth disappears with love", is the series' catchphrase and after watching all 10 episodes, it encapsulates the whole theme of the drama.TLDR: Saiai is an original suspense love story work made by producer Arai Junko and helmed by director Tsukahara Ayuko. Well-acted, with a tight pacing, enagaging story, and gorgeous music, this proved to be another masterpiece from the Arai/Tsukahara combi.
✦ STORY ✦
The story is original but draws the familiar themes of suspense/mystery and forbidden love. What would happen if after 15 years, you reunite with your first love, not as simple colleagues or friends but as a detective and a person under suspicion of murder? The premise is tempting and would catch the eye of lovers of drama. Add in the mystery/suspense part - of the unsolved case 15 years back and more unresolved murders in the present - and you have a neat, interesting package. The pacing of the story is tight, with revelations and clues unfolding in each episode, but the strongest episodes are those of the first half and the last. The 6th and 7th episodes are more subdued and might seem draggy since they deal more with character relationships. Despite this, the plot continued to develop and move forward. There were also some characters that I wished we have seen more on the screen, but I'm glad that at least they were used quite well in the story.
✦ ACTING/CAST ✦
The cast delivered in their roles, playing each character wonderfully, I'm so satisfied with each actor's performance. There were two in the supporting team who were quite shaky at first, but gave more nuanced performances as the episodes went on. What I also like about the characters is that they're all so capable in their jobs, from our main three to the supporting cast. It's so inspiring and so amazing to see.
Our main three actors were impressive. Yoshitaka Yuriko gave so much life to Sanada Rio, I often find myself taking too many screenshots of her expressions in each episode because she's just so captivating to watch as the character. She mentioned in an interview before the final episode that she felt that Rio's living somewhere out there, and I fully agree. Like what I have mentioned in the comments below, Sanada Rio's character may be someone that can draw annoyance due to how people always protect her, but the writing and Yuriko's charm and performance made her someone you would want to protect, someone lovable.
Matsushita Kouhei's Miyazaki Daiki is so freaking cool. I noticed that Kouhei always gives off a different vibe for each of his roles and it's no different to what he did for Daiki. What I like is that his performance and the writing made Daiki not just that "cool and capable detective", he's also very much human, he's someone who truly cares for his beloved people. He is very capable in his job, but he also has his flaws, and he is - at the core - just someone who lives to help other people, especially Rio and Yuu.
Iura Arata's Kase Kenichiro is a big cinnamon roll, he's probably my favorite character in the series. Kase Kenichiro is a strong, reasurring presence in the Sanada family's lives, and he's there for Rio every step of the way. Iura Arata's acting solidifed Kase's warmth and sharpened the edges that the character also possesses. Kase on paper is Sanada Wellness' watchdog with all the teeth and warmth,Kase on the screen is all that, magnified even more with the presence that Iura Arata gave him.
✦ MUSIC ✦
The music is so beautiful!! It actually really helped in the whole experience, especially in the first episode. Speaking of the first episode, the first two minutes of the pilot ep is a very good hook, and the accompanying music elevated it. The soundtrack was able to give off the feel of "15 years ago in Shirakawa-go", and "today, in Tokyo", and served as good backgrounds to key moments so kudos to Yokoyama Masaru! Aside from their use, the absence of music in some key scenes (!!) is also very tasteful. In these particular scenes, it leads viewers in on the suspense, waiting with baited breath along with the characters on the screen.
(Here's the whole OST on Spotify btw! : https://open.spotify.com/album/7qv1By236WWMlwMWEg9772?si=jOOeq8EvSB60gea8BYKFLg)
✦ REWATCH VALUE ✦
After watching the last episode, you'd want to watch the first episode all over again to catch all the clues and hints that you missed. The character relationships and plot progression would be better appreciated if you binged it, so yes a rewatch is in order haha. The series is very binge-worthy, the pacing of the episodes and the bite-sized clues and hints in each one makes each episode interesting.
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All in all, Saiai - literally "beloved" or "dearest" - was a satisfying drama from start to finish. I was a bit apprehensive of their pacing in the last two episodes in terms of the big reveal, but I'm very glad that they wrapped everything up nicely. There were just two plot threads that I think were not fully explained, but overall, it was a very good last episode. The theme of the drama was also drawn out very well, I can't think of a better title than Saiai, and indeed, the catchphrase "the truth disappears with love" holds true.
What a ride. Saiai is now under my 2021 favorites and my all-time favorites list, and it's all thanks to each part of the series from the production, to the story, acting, music, and rewatch value. Despite my love for this series, I won't erase the truth - and that is that it is a satisfying, well-produced drama that deserves to be watched. So if you haven't yet, this is your sign to watch it now.
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And in one day its love
I started this show by accident, I had no plans to actually watch it. It was the BEST accident that has ever happened. Although, this review will be ongoing and is subject to change. I would say this is fast becoming one of my TOP 5 favorites of all time. I have not been disappointed by anything, the development of the story, or the lessons along the way. I always want more, I cannot wait for the next episode and sometimes it leaves me thinking of positive things I could consider within my own life. Can't ask for much more, except please hurry and show the next episode. :) So far I am in love!Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
High-end KDrama story-telling/performance quality - emotionally complex, captivating, touching.
Society in trouble. "Angry Mom" confronts viewers with some unloved topics. Bullying comes first and keeps the door open for one more... and one more... and one more... and one more... It's about the attitude of the parents when it comes to education and school, about prejudice, discrimination against women, male-dominated hierarchies, pedophilia, the power of the powerful...If it weren't for the comedy (even just the fact that the mother, in her mid-30s, puts on a school uniform again and goes to school), it would all be hard to bear. Also, the protagonist's former school friend was deliberately portrayed in an exaggerated manner. She and the gang of men she leads often look like they're straight out of a cartoon - she herself is sometimes reminiscent of the Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland. Her scenes always provide a breather with a little exaggerated fun, even if the bitter seriousness does not fall by the wayside.
The comedy has nothing to do with a charming blinking. It only serves as a channel for anger and dismay (of the viewers). The story itself isnt´t all too easily digestible. The daughter is being bullied, but no help can be expected from the official authorities. The mother does the work herself (absolutely marvelous: Kim Hee-sun!). Without frills, she stumbles right into a male-dominated snake nest in the high school environment. The further she courageously advances, the more unexpected help she gets. However, no one else would dare for themselves, although many do not like what is going on. ... If she would not be a mother with her child being affected, she would probably have given up too...
This is once again high-end KDrama story-telling/performance quality - emotionally complex, captivating, touching.
Don´t miss it.
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This review may contain spoilers
Dynamite is lurking everywhere that could bring the Empire down... but who dares to set it on fire?
First of all: should you watch "The Empire"? In any case. Yes! But: The KDrama isn't funny or soul food at any point... Rather, it provokes by intelligently and multi-layeredly confronting the ugly sides of the glamorous world as well as the almost hopeless rebellion against it."The Empire" stylizes the world of that top 1-10 percent, that outrageously wealthy and influential elite of society who can afford a lifestyle that the rest of society dreams of. At the same time, this elite presents itself as mendacious, bigoted, moral scum. Dynamite is lurking everywhere and could explode at any moment. The KDrama paints a dull, tired, bored, vile, quarreling picture of the rich - not a radiantly beautiful one brimming with vitality. Wealth is displayed in a feudal manner, but it seems a bit pietistic, even from the outside it's rather cold, empty, stale and sad. The color saturation has been reduced accordingly. Some clichés are tickled. Privileged decadence is predominant. Elitist arrogance rules the luxurious, isolated orbit of a calculating, selfish family dynasty. Everything here is expensive, bare, distant, decadent, and nothing is welcoming, warm, beautiful, or friendly. With all that wealth and success, no one is free or happy. ´Trust´ is a foreign word in this family. This makes the KDrama hard to bear in places.
The conservative elite in "The Empire" feigns progressiveness by throwing snippets of English into their conversations. However, this seems artificial (dramaturgically quite effective) and (yet) not very convincing, rather quite strange, because their arrogant fantasies of exclusivity are nothing more than mendacious, feudally inspired traditions, old energy full of cobwebs. When the young, life-disappointed but highly talented student brazenly appears in front of the self-proclaimed aristocrats on her vendetta, it is downright unheard of. But basically it is exactly that and much more of it, what it takes to push the dusty elitist behavior to its limits and ultimately really abolish it. There is no awe in this young woman. It may be that she has the courage of the desperate. Never mind After all! The modern system is already stumbling through her presumptuous impertinence. Interesting that this brave young woman is actually introduced as the bad guy - because we as viewers see the story (initially) through the indignant eyes of the self-ennobled nouveau riche - those who want to represent a class of their own and who are used to directing fortunes behind closed doors according to their interests. To a certain extent, the dramaturgy identifies 'us' with those who govern the "Empire". 'We' are identified with order being maintained and respected. And yet it is difficult for 'us' to side with them. This elitist world presents itself as too lost, too sick, too decadent. ... This collision of two worlds is highly explosive and wonderfully depicts the inner turmoil and contradictions within society.
In between, the journalist seems a bit helpless as a plaything for those who provide her with information for her interests. Despite all the bite she has, she is first on the hunt for her own professional success. The 'thing', what needs to be researched and uncovered, becomes a means to a personal end. Journalism, with its democratic mission, is thus also floating on the edge of decadence and gives little hope. (Yet, hope there is...)
And then there is the protagonist Han Hye-ryul: herself a child of that problematic, ambivalent elite, third generation of the empire full of influential lawyers founded by her grandfather. At the same time bearer of hope for a modern democratic society. She takes her responsibility seriously and uses the opportunities that her origins gave her in the cradle constructively in the service of the community - she does NOT bend the law according to her personal discretion, but her truly innovative credo is: she sticks to it for ALL binding law. She tries to follow her professional path with true integrity. Such genuine integrity gives hope to the masses. On the other hand, they frighten the elite, because this robs them of the foundation of their shadow power.
However, the torchbearer of legal integrity is, beyond her professional ethics, also a person who grew up in a world full of privileges. As a child of the elite, she not only automatically inherits money, fame and influence, but also old guilt, and when in doubt she is pilloried. As a woman, she has feelings like everyone else. As a wife, or rather a betrayed wife, too. As a daughter. And as a mother too. She is therefore challenged on several fronts at the same time.
"The Empire" tells the story of a woman who, out of deep conviction and belief in a legal system, wants to undermine the autocratic, arrogant elite coalition. However, she is the child of a family that is involved in such things whether she wants to or not. And yet it is precisely this family tradition that makes her the full-blooded prosecutor that she is. By tradition, she wants to do her work excellently and in an exemplary manner. And for her personally, that means cleaning up the mess of backroom deals and exclusive privileges. Finally someone who believes the rule of law is above ALL? And not only that: the protagonist is one with an ego that (luckily in this case?) is strong enough to actually take on the powerful enemies. So is there perhaps still hope for a better, fairer world? "The Empire" works intelligently on this question. There is no easy answer to that. The crushing moral swamp to traverse is overwhelming...
... And then there is the fourth generation in the family clan... the son of Han Hye-ryul. He actually ticks quite differently ... for his part, he is the bearer of hope for a new dimension. He wants to swim his way out of the swamp of tradition, and yet he is torn between his feelings for his parents and grandparents and his own needs and desires. He doesn't dare, and yet...
------------------ Side note: --- Inflation of KDrama productions, in which the rich and powerful take center stage in the context of law and order---
The corrupt networks, which want to reach the top circles and the blue house, have become an almost inflationary context for KDramas and movies. A trend that has already been observed in recent years. But 2022 will surpass everything that has been produced so far. "The Empire" is one of many 2022 productions that settle accounts with the discrepancy between free democracy, responsible citizens and equal rights for all on the one hand and class society, strict traditions, hierarchies and autocracy on the other. "The Empire" unashamedly and unequivocally, without any ribbons or icing on the cake, unveils how difficult and long the road still is - to a society in which citizens are actually all treated equally before the law. There is obviously still one instance of power that in 2022 in South Korea is firmly convinced that it is above the law...
Why is the profusion of KDrama productions, in which the rich and powerful take center stage in connection with law and order, so inflated at the moment? So that it maybe/hopefully slowly really sinks into mass consciousness and from there it gets to each individual that this must/want/can come to an end! So sledgehammer: monarchical Joseon is history! Aristocracy and class society are history! Dictatorship is history. Let's go South Korea! Stand tall, walk tall! Don't be blinded. Don't be tempted to join in with this old class thinking and to feel a little more valuable if you have someone you can trample on...
No more reverence and respect. No more feudal lords and serfs. Actually, this is presented every week in KDrama, in the cinema and in the news: that the venerable elite is actually morally rather underground and such a life is neither honorable nor desirable. But as long as the viewer's gaze continues to be dazzled by arrogant behavior and luxury items and prefers to look past the lazy core, there will (have to) be endless KDrama variations with sometimes bigger or sometimes smaller sledgehammers. But that's not surprising either, because the centuries, even millennia-old, tradition teaches something completely different... it has been class-thinking all along...
Nonetheless. South Korea counts the year 2022. It is official: We (even in KDrama Land) ALL have a value and worth regardless of origin, past or future - not just a few percent wearing particularly expensive clothes. Wealth or poverty or anything in between and beyond is independent of a person's worth before the law. If we, who apply the law, still act according to ´other´ laws, allow ourselves to be seduced and bought and used, secretly hoping to be able to take such a quick shortcut further up, then it is our own fault. No one has the right to beat us, use and exploit us and throw us away after use like garbage! No one.
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What a disappointment....
Can a good actor save a bad script? NO.But can a good actor make the drama bearable to watch? YES.
But does this drama have good actors? HELL NO.
Before starting the review, I just wanna say it’s more like a rant than a review.
Let’s start with the title first. It’s “Now, We Are Breaking Up,” but more like “Fate”? I’ve been watching K-dramas for a long time now—literally, every drama has the fate/destiny aspect in it, which is not exactly my problem. But for this drama, the plot is built on fate/destiny/coincidences. Everything is so connected, which feels like nothing but forced.
This is supposedly a “Melodrama” (Melodrama: A genre that focuses on a dramatic plot, which is typically sensational and designed to appeal strongly to emotions). Is the plot dramatic? YES. But can I feel the emotions of the main characters (HYE & JK)? Freaking NO. They have no expressions throughout the whole drama. They just had cold, wooden faces and robotic dialogue deliveries. It felt so boring to even look at them that I genuinely fell asleep.
They are the main characters, so they have the largest screen time, but imagine their story being the most boring of all? Can you possibly sit through it? At least I couldn’t. I’m gonna be really honest—I watched this at 2x speed because the pace of the show is as slow as a snail. As I said, the plot was dramatic but also somewhat problematic. The writer screwed up the main leads’ story, and their bland expressions made it even worse.
Since this was Song Hye Kyo’s comeback and Jang Ki Yong’s last drama before his military enlistment, I gave it a shot. But I’m utterly disappointed with both of them. There was literally no heart-fluttering chemistry between them; they just endlessly kept staring at each other.
I mainly watched this for the SL couple, and yeah, they could act, so they had more chemistry than the lead couple. Some supporting characters are unreasonably crazy and wicked. My only favorite supporting character was Jeon Mi Seok.
As a fashion-based drama, neither the FL’s clothes nor the ones she designed impressed me. Hotel Del Luna or It’s Okay to Not Be Okay had way better-styled clothes, and those dramas aren’t even about fashion. :/
The OST doesn’t suit the vibe of the drama. It’s something sophisticated, which the drama is definitely not.
Re-watch: Never in my whole life am I gonna re-watch this show. I had to give a rating of 1 because there’s no option for 0.
The drama is basically a dud—no chemistry, bad acting, and problematic af main leads. I personally recommend skipping this one. The premise of the story was interesting, but the execution and main characters failed to portray emotions badly, which made this show really shallow.
END
Thank you for reading my review ^^
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This review may contain spoilers
What we should ALL be talking about
I want to talk about this drama with someone so badly!When I saw the trailer I wasn't sure if I would like or watch this drama, but I'm so glad I am. The sex scenes are so well placed and tastefully done. The last scene in episode 4 is a MASTER class in the female gaze. I felt like I was watching a truly intimate and life changing moment instead of just a sex scene, if that makes any sense.
The story follows two women, one (Hee Jae) who is waking up from a five year loveless relationship and another (Min Na) who is not chasing love but sex. The two women are charged with hosting a podcast on sex in which they share topics and views with thier audience.
I love the premise, I believe you have to be a person coming out of a long term relationship or a person who has been in a long term relationship to truly empathize and understand how Hee Jae feels when she realizes her relationship has been one-sided and how selfish her partner was. For Min Na, I love the portrayal of a woman taking charge of her sex life and going after what and who she wants in a safe manner. I also like how the author, In Chan, talks about sex in the age of social distancing and how as human beings we long for touch.
As of this writing, I've only watched up to episode 4 but I'm hoping they continue to push the subject of healthy sex between couples and partners and to show that sex isn't anything to be ashamed of.
Update as of Episode 5 & 6:
Ok, I love this drama! The male leads are walking green flags.
Hee Jae chasing In Chan to be FWB (Friends with Benefits) is so adorably cringy. I like the role reversal where the man wants to fall in love and not just have sex. In Chan is genuinely showing Hee Jae that he wants to date her and fall in love not just have sex with her.
Min Na falling for Dr. Cha is unexpectedly cute. Her backstory was heartbreaking.
I dare say this drama is turning into a healing drama.
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An amazing journey of self-discovery
I know there are at least a few people who are on the fence about starting this drama since it's heavy on politics and it's not everyone's cup of tea. It sure is not mine. Yet, here I am, loving this drama and recommending it to everyone. And here's why...STORY
Would I call it realistic? Not really. Did it bother me that it was unrealistic? No. Why? Because it was cohesive and consistent. I know that political dramas can be boring for people who are just not interested in the topic, and that's why adding some unrealistic, but definitely grabbing the attention plot points made this drama more approachable for a wider audience.
The main point of the drama was the development and growth of the characters. It's a story of believing in yourself and what you stand for, fighting for the right. Discovering that just because there are winners, does not necessarily mean there must be losers. How to play the game that will make not only you achieve your goals, but also make everyone around you content. It's about slowly realizing your strengths and ways to use them. Figuring out that wanting something does not necessarily make you a bad person who is only led by greed. Many interesting lessons to learn with our main character. An amazing journey of self-discovery.
CHARACTERS & CAST
I was not sold on the idea of Ji Jin Hee being the lead of the whole drama. Especially after watching the first two episodes. Him being surrounded by all the strong and captivating side characters made me worried, if he can truly lead the whole show. And oh boy, I was wrong. Now I would say he was born for this role and he aced the character. Seeing Park Moo Jin slowly grow without giving up on his principles and beliefs was an amazing journey. It was refreshing to see a really smart main character that was also empathetic and, to put it simply, a good person.
It's also worth mentioning other characters that won my heart: Cha Young Jin, whom I loved to hate at the beginning and then just simply loved. Han Na Kyung who was the MVP of the badass team. Oh Young Seok, who made the drama even more thrilling to watch. Yoon Chan Kyung who was the true politician - I never knew where she was standing and what her motives were. Is she good? Is she bad? I guess you will find out for yourself, if you decide to watch it.
OTHER
The show also talks about some serious issues in a realistic and not patronizing way. It helps with understanding the reasoning for specific choices characters make. The cinematography and the way it was shot was beautiful. Definitely a high quality production. The music was good; it was not exactly grabbing my attention, but it's a political drama, the ost is not the main focus here. The ending was perfect, and everything I could wish for.
Overall, I did not expect to like this drama as much as I did, but it will probably stay as one of my favorites.
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JUST " ONE &ONLY " U , ZHOU SHENG CHEN ~ BEAUTIFUL BONES [A MUST WATCH]
I have never doubted and never disappointed with ALLEN REN's acting, in any drama he is always very successful in carrying out his role well... this is his fifth drama that i watched in a row from UTP, i started to be his BIG FANS after UTP and continue to pursue all his works..and after this drama released the trailer, i'm really interested to watch it..no doubt again... his handsome and authoritative appearance, accompanied by the beautiful artist BaiLu, adds to my desire to watch it..... and after watching it...this drama is far from my mind....because....THIS DRAMA IS TOO GOOD AND PERFECT...in terms of story, acting, costumes, bgm to cinematography is very beautiful and perfect, like you are watching on the big screen... I was amazed when I started watching this drama and felt like I was watching a big screen cinema....
this drama has a very good storyline, developing and extensive, you will find every point of the episode is never boring and once you start, you will be drawn into the story and continue it until the end...even though the ending of this drama is very tragic and makes you will cry bitterly watching it but I am very satisfied with the ending, because the cursed Villains also get punished for what they have done...
This drama has many sweet moments between the two main leads " Zhou Sheng Chen and Cui Shi Yi although there are no very romantic scenes but their every gaze, smile, hug and concern for each other is able to melt and thrill your heart when watching it ... Their love are so sweet, sincere strong and pure....
the acting between the two mainleads is very very amazing and perfect in this drama....
Allen Ren brought ZhouShengChen's character very perfectly and amazing,he is a manly, handsome, strong, wise and highly adored character by his people...he is a character who not only has good skin but good bones too and deserves the called "BEAUTIFUL BONES" , people who have good skin, don't necessarily have good bones and vice versa...only ZSC has both...he doesn't chase wealth, doesn't chase thrones and isn't infatuated with beautiful women...only CuiShiYi who is able to melt his heart.... he is a patriot who is willing to sacrifice himself for the peace of the kingdom and the welfare of his people.... truly a hero whose name will always be engraved in the hearts of his people...
CuiShiYi played by BaiLu is very lively and perfect...she is a very beautiful, elegant, gentle and intelligent woman, she is the only female figure who can melt ZSC's heart, CSY's love is the MOST GREATEST I have ever seen in a drama, she is willing to sacrifice her whole body and soul just for the man she loves ZSC, willing to sacrifice herself forever not to marry just to be with him, the greatest happiness for her is to be by his side forever...
"CUISHIYI IS A WOMAN CHARACTER IN THE DRAMA I LIKE THE MOST BECAUSE OF HER LOVE IS SO STRONG, SINCERE AND GREAT..."
THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THE BOTH MAINLEADS IS REALLY AWESOME AND VERY POWERFUL...
not only the two mainleads, even the supporting cast also acted very very well which also helped make this drama so success...
besides that I also really admire the relationship between teachers and students, or with military advisors and between their brothers and sisters which is very deep, harmonious and strong, they look at each other like brothers and their own family, love each other, take care of each other and that makes me very touched, loved and admired their excellent relationship.
beautiful soundtrack song and suitable for every scene add perfect points to this drama, I love all soundtrack songs in this drama too.
this drama is not only worthy of 10/10 if possible i will give a rating of 1000/1000 for this drama 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I also want to thank our two main roles, of course Allen Ren and Bai Lu for their amazing acting for this drama, besides that also our support roles, especially those who play CuiFeng, General Hong, XiaoYan, General Feng, General Zhou,XieYun, YangShao , Advisor Xie , Huan Yu and 3rd madam cui and Prince PinQin) and others, as well as the director and the rest of the crew for making this drama so lively and perfect
I re-watch this drama from the first episode and I might find it difficult to move on from this drama for the next few months after watching the sequel "forever and ever"... this is what I'm most looking forward to...
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1The chemistry between the leads is really there though and the story didn't get unnecessarily draggy at different parts
Like some side characters make me angry but they don't cause 5-episode-long misunderstandings if that makes sense?
so I would highly recommend anyone who is looking to consume some high-sugar drama XD
The two side couples' stories weren't as interested in my opinion but, you know, the main couple is enough to keep you watching.
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STORY
The story revolves around a restaurant that's only open from 12 midnight to 7 in the morning. He doesn't really have a menu, if he has the ingredients, he'll make you whatever you want. The whole show is about the people that come and go through the restaurant. In all the times that he's been the proprietor of the restaurant, Master (that's what his customers call him), has met interesting people. His regular customers get their story told too. Some episodes are not as memorable as the rest.
ACTING/CAST
I actually watched this drama for Nam Taehyun. I really think he's not that bad of an actor. He acts the way he's supposed to act, I think. But the other actors are great too.
Kim Seung Woo as Master, I think did a good job to appear the friendly restaurant owner.
I love the regular customers who pop up from time to time.
Nam Taehyun plays Minwoo, a student who has so many part time jobs.
Choi Jae Sung who plays Ryu, the mysterious gangster with a heart of gold.
Jung Han Hun (Mr. Kim, the fisherman) & Joo Won Sung (quack doctor), I love their friendly banter.
Jin Seo Yun as Cherry, she works at the bar close by
Park Jun Myun as the manga writer
Ban Min Jung, Song Hwa Ryeong & Jang Hee Jung as the Noodle sisters. Compared to their Japanese counterparts, I like them better.
Son Sang Gyeong as Deongchi, Ryu's scary looking but kinda like a big teddy bear bodyguard.
At the end of most episodes, there's like scenes of his customers going home. I cried seeing the very last one because the show made me like the camaraderie between all of them.
There were a lot of the well known actors as guests like Ji Jin Hee, Oh Ji Ho, Seo Woo, Ahn Jae Wook, Lee Ki Woo etc.
MUSIC
There's not really that much of a music. But I love the opening song "Till the Morning Comes" by Younha.
REWATCH VALUE
Definitely! The episodes are only 30 minutes and like I said, I really like the cast. They made me laugh, they made me cry.
OVERALL
Compared to the original version, I'd rather watch this than that one. I maybe k-drama biased but I really think the original was more boring.
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