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Slowburn to a Turtle Race but we arrived
Overall: Finally finished this and while I think it would have been better as a 24ep drama because they would have had less unnecessarily focus on irrelevant subplots and side characters, I enjoyed the ending when we finally arrived. The writing felt like it had to keep causing obstacles for our main leads and it got redundant. I always prefer it when our leads overcome obstacles vs. being separated by them, and once they got together, that didn't break them up at least. But the obstacles began to feel like filler, and it diluted the overall story.First Impression from Ep 1 - 23.
Ep 1 - 6 were so good, I literally couldn't stop. I was kicking my feet!! I love Miles Wei so bad, I love him as a green flag & I was excited that this is the first GREAT pure romance of 2026. I had been in POJ haze with it ending this week and this is exactly what I had been missing from my drama palate!!! I was cracking up and covering my face from second hand embarrassment all through these first episodes.
Ep 7 - 10 I remained invested but I am I craving some progress, even if it is small.
Ep 10 - 13 we had some flirting that resulted in NO PROGRESS.
Ep 14 By now I am more invested in the best friend's story than our leading couple, and I am bored with our leads.
Ep 15 -21 I am so tired of the second main lead getting all this screen time, especially when his feelings are clearly one sided and he feels more like a nuisance than an obstacle. It is just delaying the progress of our leads who are doing a good enough job on their own at turning a slow burn into a turtle race. I am disappointed, at this rate this drama definitely should have been 24 eps vs 30. Because they wouldn't be butchering the pacing this much if they had less time to drag this out. I am at a point that I am ready to put it down so I can watch the ending later because I don't have the patience for this pacing.
EP 22: PROGRESS FINALLY but of course it is the babiest of baby steps. At least by the end of ep 22 we are on the heels of a reveal for his sister writing the other story.
The plot continued to get diluted by misunderstandings and miscommunications from here and it took way too long to overcome them. It felt like they were trying to fill space to allow our second lead couple room to bloom when they could have just moved that storyline up sooner.
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I can’t with MDL
Sometimes I just go here to support my theory that most ppl in MDL is gonna dislike a good drama. For some odd reasons, the viewers here, 90% of the time, never gets in line with my thoughts. But that’s just probably me. 😅 Often times I wonder if I even watched the same drama as everyone else. But enough of that…I’d like to start with the general theme of the drama, coming from its title itself “Royal Feast”, obviously it’s gonna be about food. For the scriptwriters to incorporate that in all issue throughout the drama is already amazing. It introduced us to Chinese cuisines and their way of cooking from back then and showed us the importance of the food department in every kingdom (as opposed to the less attention it gets in most historical dramas Chinese or Korean). And it’s true that they can be so easily implicated just by what they serve on the table as those food goes in the body of the royalties.
Zhu Zhanjin - calm, collected and wise character even from the time he was the Grand Imperial Grandson, he was more like his grandfather than his father was (hence he was the favorite). He posed as a threat to his own father after he took over the throne and it was perfectly portrayed and set by the earlier scenes. He knows his duties as an heir and duties to his wives. He sincerely wanted to create a good relationship with his consort but she didn’t want it hence his heart drifted away and found comfort in the presence of Zijin. Xu Kai did well in this character and he portrayed the three stages that he went thru from grandson to the emperor. However, if I may say so myself (someone who watched everything he had done), this is one of his easiest role. 😂 But Xu kai is Xu kai and I’m proud of him.
Yao Zijin - classy, wise, talented and just the perfect Empress material. Her character has always been composed and just (maybe except for herself, too selfless). Her love for Zhanjin is real but she’s been brought up as an Empress would be and thus how she acts. She knows he duties first as a concubine and then a noble consort, she doe what she can in her power but never goes beyond what the preceding authority before her. She knows the limitations that entails her title and have never asked for more. And when she was given power, she knows when to push through and when to fall back. She’s not frustrating, she’s wise and calculating; just like the Empress Dowager had always been beside Zhanjin’s father. She speaks forward for his sake, for the sake of others but not for her own sake for she does not want to abuse the attention she’s receiving (however, it’s one of her flaws for she has taken it quite far before she lost her voice). In this case neither her nor Zhanjin were free from blame; they both were in the wrong. Nothing to say but perfect Empress material. The actress was perfect for the role, even her facial structure is fit for the role.
There’s so many characters that I can talk about but my willpower to write about each one of them is not enough so I’ll just pass on that.
I enjoyed it a lot and is the only Chinese historical drama ever that I didn’t skip through. Tbh I started this expecting to skip around Episode 17 as I usually do but I actually watched through the whole thing.
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The Lost Art of the Sitcom!
As someone who grew up watching classic American sitcoms, Rak Diao is a like a favorite warm blanket, or a comfortable old chair. Three years ago if you'd told me I would be addicted to a sitcom from Thailand, I would have looked at you like you were crazy, but here I am singing the praises of a show that has become a weekly treat for me.I was three episodes in when I found out it was a "Y" or "BL" sitcom, and was impressed at how cleverly the bromance and "BL" aspects were woven into a classic sitcom format. This show provides a lighthearted and whimsical break from a lot of the heavier BL dramas that seem to be everywhere right now.
The show may initially turn folks off due to it having a laughtrack instead of a live studio audience, but don't forget it was filmed during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many shows had to either shutdown, or enact sweeping restrictions to keep in production. This show gets big props for being able to do this.
The cast is very lovable, especially the two titular characters Rak (played by Earth Thanakrit) and Diao (played by Win Songsin). These two are relatively new to the entertainment industry, but man do they have a ton of chemistry on screen, as well as presence! For BL fans, both are absolutely handsome for sure, but their real appeal is their awesome performances. To be so young, they are doing some fantastic dramatic and comedy work!
Ask any soap actor or sketch comedy actor and they will tell you that comedy is HARD, mostly because you need to not only be a great actor, but you also have to have great timing. All the cast has great comedic timing and chemistry with each other, even the supporting cast.
Week to week, hilarity ensues as the two main characters rivalry kicks into high gear. Though this is not a typical BL, it does contain several tropes found in BL, but they are so expertly embedded into the sitcom format that they feel natural. Don't worry, there is no accidental "dead fish kiss", lol! (EDIT: Sorry, spoke too soon...there is one).
-Enemies to lovers/bros
-Dutiful brother/son
-Meddlesome sister/mother
-Flirty same sex innuendo/situations
As I mentioned before, I was a fan of classic American sitcoms. This show hits all the marks of one with absolutely funny moments, some somber and thoughtful moments, and some dramatic moments. The cast and crew handles them beautifully. In terms of a BL, it seems to be a 'slow burn' between the two main characters, where each week, they get closer and closer and do not realize that they are falling for one another.
Those expecting realistic sex scenes or anything like that may be disappointed, but the show does have many little romantic and sexy moments that will make your heart race and you will be rooting for the two characters to get together. All of this is still done perfectly in the context of a sitcom...just masterful.
So I would recommend BL fans who are looking for a whimsical break from the heavy stuff to check this out. Don't let the laugh track turn out off...it becomes a non-issue by the third episode. Grab some snacks on your favorite comfy spot and just relax and laugh! The music is also fantastic! You will find yourself humming or singing the themesong, and even the show's background music is beautiful and fits every scene.
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A Charming, Low-Stress Watch
A classic "long-term, secret, mutual crush" story that provides comfort and nostalgiaPlot and Premise:
The story follows Ruan Yu (Zheng He Hui Zi), who leaves her stable job to become a full-time author. When her novel is accused of plagiarism she crosses paths with her high school crush, Xu Huaisong (Miles Wei Zheming), who is now a brilliant intellectual property lawyer. The drama follows them as they defend her work, reconnect, and navigate their long-buried feelings.
What's Great:
• The Chemistry: Miles Wei and Zheng He Hui Zi's chemistry is naturally attractive with sweet interactions.
• The Vibe: It has an "old CDrama" feel; easy to watch. Comfortable, and not overly angsty.
• Light-Hearted Comedy: It is genuinely funny, particularly in the banter between the leads and the supporting cast.
• Main Couple Dynamic: Both leads are appealing, and the "slow burn" approach allows their relationship to feel earned.
• Cinematography: High quality production with a visual style that highlights a sweet, romantic, and "fairy-tale-like" ambience. The camera frequently employs close-ups to capture their emotional expressions during moments of vulnerability and romantic tension. Care and attention have been paid to framing and lighting.
• Music: A variety of romantic and emotional tracks performed by popular artists to emphasize the developing bond between the leads.The background music in the drama often utilizes instrumental versions of the main themes to highlight specific moods. The sound effects for humorous scenes have been fantastic.
What Could Be Better
• Pacing: Is slow, particularly around the middle, often relying on fillers rather than advancing the plot.
• Plot Familiarity: The story is somewhat predictable, relying on familiar tropes rather than introducing high-stakes originality.
Overall Experience:
"You Are My Fateful Love" is a solid 8.5-9/10 for lovers of romance. While it may not break new ground, it succeeds in providing a heartwarming "slow-burn" love story. It's perfect for a weekend binge if you don't mind a slower, character-driven story over high-octane plot developments.
Recommended for those seeking a cozy, low-melodrama watch, but perhaps not for those seeking tight plot progression or intense conflict.
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Romance was good and I thought the main couple had great chemistry. Lot of the times their love and care was shown beneath their banters. When Sixian is stressed or defensive, Mingyu matches her wit rather than coddling her, which gives her the space to process her emotions without feeling weak. Mingyu regularly integrates himself into her everyday life under the excuse of "official business" or casual teasing- whether it is teaching her archery with deliberate closeness, waiting out a rainstorm together in the car, or quietly ensuring her comfort, there are many such sweet moments. I also like the fact that they don't keep their relationship secret. Sixian is more conflicted when it comes to relationship. She wants to accept love but is also scared to and easily becomes defensive. She lowers her guard down gradually.
Secondary couple were ok not too annoying. The complexity in Yue and Jiang Ziyue's relationship was handled well. There was plenty of humour and banter between the couples, friends and family. The interactions between Mingyu and his assistant and the secretary were hilarious!
Mingyu's side family is pretty positive while Sixian has a difficult childhood due to family estrangement. Though I didn't like the reconciliation between mother and daughter I understand that has to be done to pass censorship.
Apart from slight editing errors and an unwarranted brief breakup in episode 20 I didn't think there were any major flaws. Definitely positives outweigh.
The scene where Sixian gives a talk about her career journey at the university, followed by the Q&A session was awesome! Very relevant to the plot and an open public proclamation of her love for Mingyu.
The ending was absolutely fantastic and unique! As Sixian pilots the plane herself to her wedding destination, a beautiful island, fireworks explode in the sky below. After landing the aircraft, Sixian appears at the plane door wearing her wedding dress. Fu Ming Yu waits for her down on the tarmac. Beautiful and perfect ending!
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A late-blooming joy is still a joy
This story is about unrequited high school mutual crush which is getting an unique opportunity to explore a bond that was previously untapped. It requires balancing the nostalgia of the past with the reality of the present. It is but natural and sensible to gradually reacquaint with each other with active boundary setting. They gauge each other safely and are slowly rebuild their relationship through shared experiences and head towards having more stability in their relationship through honest and open communication. The crux of the story is when the FL comes to know that it had always been a two way crush.The focus of the story is not about quick love, confession and dealing with other things like career, friendships, family dynamics. They happen along the way.
Their shared journey IS the focus of the story.
As written in synopsis " The feelings that had accumulated over the years fermented under the memories and became stronger in the test of reality"
Pros:
Acting- All round good- I love Miles Wei acting. He always delivers. This is no exception. We get to see great comedy between him and lawyer Liu which I thoroughly enjoyed and many signature Miles expressions, geatures and moves which were a thorough entertainer
Dialogues
Cinematography
Comedy
Cons:
The second male lead plot dragged
Editing pace could have been faster
In my opinion this show could have been completed in 24-26 episodes.
Final review: The ending is beautiful and gives a perfect closure to the series and all characters.
It's even more satisfying to see that every women in this drama is empowered in her own way.
1) Ruan Yu, progresses from a successful author to a screenwriter. Of course her secret crush and love story is a success.
2)The female editor-in-chief, Chen, gets promoted to headquarters and even recommends 👇
3) Shen Mingying - who always challenged her - to take over as the new editor-in-chief. Shen Mingying gets her true love too.
4) The girl who's crushing on Li Shican realizes her mistakes and decides to move forward.
5) Lyu Shenglan, who waited for years for Xu Huaisong, who was even prepared for a marriage of convenience, steps back at the right moment as if realizing they were not meant to be and focused on her career and achieved greater heights.
6) Even the younger sister, Xu Huaishi, who was still playful, into celebrity fan culture back in high school, gets into a top university. Hopefully she will get her true love too.
7) Tao Rong, Xu Huaisong’s mom, also reunites with her husband and makes peace with herself and the past.
8) Sun Miaohan, who didn't compromise on her self-respect and dignity, successfully auditioned for the role of female lead in Ruan Yu’s book adaptation
RIP Yao Xin
Perfect closure to the series.
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This review may contain spoilers
what... a MASTERPIECE... just BRAVO!
“There’s a saying, ‘A mother can replace anything in this world. But nothing can replace a mother.'” – Mr. SonIn general, you know that a drama will be one of your all-time favorites as soon as you watch the first episode. I had this feeling with this drama. The pace is exactly what I love. In two episodes only, we already had a grasp of the situation. There wasn't one episode that was boring, and it's really hard to make an episode as thrilling as possible especially when it exceeds 1 hour.
First and foremost, let's talk about the story itself. It's mainly revolving around the utterly complicated relationship between a mother and her son. What I liked about this drama is that as the episodes go by, we felt like we grew up with them. We see Kangho's birth, his first steps, his traumas, his love-life, his true passion (drawing), his coldness, his cuteness, his kindness. It's really rare to have such a complete character. We basically know everything about him and it helps us understand him more and be more invested in the story. We also have a grasp of Youngsoon's story and her reasons behind her abusive behavior towards her son (I do not condone this type of behavior whatsoever and whatever the reasons may be) . Besides her bad acts, I still like her as a human being. She suffered way too much in her life. From losing her parents and brother, her husband, her pig farm, and almost losing her son, I'm really wondering how she was able to maintain a kind soul. She is a bad mother indeed, but she isn't the type to do it willingly and without any emotions. Kangho's accident was a way for her to redeem herself. "Please let me be a bad mother once again, Kangho", she said while teaching him how to eat after his accident. She is fully aware of her doings and isn't proud of it. When she hit Kangho's calves, she healed it while he was sleeping, when she ripped his drawing, she sticked it back. Kangho is fully aware of this and this is why he doesn't hate her this much.
“What I really wanted to avenge was your life they utterly destroyed, and the pain you felt living as a bad mother to your most beloved son.” – KangHo
However, what gives life to this drama are the supporting characters, especially the Jouri village. I really got a "Reply 1988" vibe from this, and funny thing is that the trio "Kangho-Mijoo-Samshik" is born in 1988! We had different families reunited in a tiny village growing together, bickering, laughing, crying, they truly rely on each other and love each other. Each character had its time to shine, even Tiger the dog and Lion the pig had their time to shine! I really like the fact that they put up the tiny-village-family-looking trope in this drama, it lower our heart rate and makes us laugh for a tiny while. I'm personally a big fan of dramas with a variety of genres, I don't remember liking many dramas sticking to a single genre. Hence, if you're like me, you will absolutely love this show. Thriller, mystery, family, life, romance, comedy, law, and i'm sure that I forgot other genres.
Let's get into the acting. Wow... just wow. Ra Miran, Lee Dohyun, Ahn Eunjin, Choi Moosung, Jung Woongin, Yoo Insoo... and the list goes on and on. The cast was perfectly chosen. Every single actor nailed their role, every single actor was able to depict the role and give life to it. A little thing I want to add, THE TWINS ARE SO CUTE. I wish them the best in their upcoming endeavours and hope they will become amazing actors in the far future! I hope this drama will get a lot of Baeksang nominations!
A good bad mother may not be perfect, but she does her best and sacrifices everything that she has just to see her child succeed in life. Taking a step back, Youngsoon loved Kangho to death and could do everything for him, her approach to show her love was wrong. I'm just glad that during that dark time for both Youngsoon and Kangho, Mijoo was able to be his ray of sunshine that made him believe that life wasn't that bad. Love can do wonders.
“One day, when everything ends and I can return to your side, I wish to lie in your arms and eat mung bean pancakes just as I did when I was a little boy.” – KangHo
"I wanted to become the best mom for you, but you only get one life and it was my first time being a mom, so I'm sorry that I wasnt good enough. I prayed that I'd become your mom once again, and if that ever happens I promised I'll do better" - Youngsoon
I hope that Kangho and Youngsoon will reunite one day and do as Kangho and Youngsoon wished, to eat his mom's pancakes and be pampered by her. After all, we will all always be little children to our parents.
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Unfortunately, like an emotion, it has to be felt to be understood. Just like words frequently falter at expressing our feelings so they also falter at describing this beautiful drama.
With dismal ratings in Korea, the show even ended up being cut to 12 episodes. But even though the loss of those four is a tragedy and the show was forced to speed up its storytelling to compensate, it is still an almost-perfect study of grief, loss and how we grapple with the hole people leave in the world when they pass.
Jung Hae-in always gives lovely understated performances and his portrayal of the inventor Moon Ha-won is no exception. Ha-won has loved and lost but always from afar as he observes life but fails to live it. He is an inventor in the world of artificial intelligence working on recreating the personalities of lost loved ones for therapeutic purposes. He is driven by the need to understand both the sudden death of his mother when he was 18 and the loss of his childhood friend, Kim Ji-soo (Park Joo-hyun), whose husband insisted she break ties with him after their marriage.
While working on the project he acquires a recording studio to lay down voices and meets orphaned sound engineer, Han Seo-woo. Chae Soo-bin is wonderful here as the warm but still grief-stricken Seo-woo. These two embark on a healing relationship of mutuality and reciprocity. This couple's ability to understand and accept the other's losses and to each give and take to an equal extent is heartwarming to watch unfold.
At one point in the drama, Ha-won suggests Banbogi: a meeting between two people who love each other at a midway point between the two. Bangobi encapsulates the reciprocity and mutuality between the two. One does not go to the other, whether physically or emotionally. They always meet in the middle.
Our core couple orbit the black hole that is the loss of Ji-soo. But around them swirl a host of other damaged characters. Ha-won's niece , Moon Soon-ho (Lee Ha Na) who has taken nine years to get over a bad breakup. Jis-oo's controlling and almost-abusive husband, Gang In-wook (Kim Sung-gyu). And the found family of guests living in the boarding house that Seo-woo took shelter in after the death of her family.
While the show examines grief in all its iterations - whether through the death of a loved one, a relationship, or even the person you used to be - it's also about the way in which we grapple with the hole a person leaves in the world when they're gone. How we want just a piece of them to hold onto and how we struggle with the realisation that we will never know what they were thinking because we can never speak to them again.
The Ji-soo AI that Ha-won creates becomes that piece. But it's through Ha-won and In-wook's reactions to that piece that we see most clearly what this drama is trying to say. People are not pieces or object to possess, control or dominate. We will never own them, just as we will never know truly what they think and feel. But that isn't necessary to gain comfort and strength from them and to give that comfort and strength in return.
Grief is overcome by connection and community but most of all through true mutuality. And that's the most heartwarming message of all.
I can only hope that now it's over, people can finally realise what a gem this show was. And maybe, just maybe, next time Korea produces something as finely-written and beautiful as this, people will watch it.
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The premises is simple - an intellectually disabled father is found guilty for a murder that he didn't commit and throughout it all his daughter, Ye Seung stuck by him. He is sentence to prison and placed in Cell no. 7 with inmates. He is treated badly at first because of the fact that he was charged with the murder and rape of a child. Though as the story progresses people begin to realise that a guy like this couldn't have possibly done something atrocious as that!
What I see and feel in this movies is just love in the purest kind. Their father and daughter bond was for me the driving force of the story.
There were times when I felt so much anger for the injustice.
Times when I laughed my ass off because it was so damn hilarious!
Times when I cried my heart out because of the beauty of the story, the characters and the unbelievably heart warming relationship.
My sister and I watched it together and we literally used up the entire box of tissue! I recommend everyone to watch it because it is just such an amazing story and the feels are OVER THE ROOF!
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Let me tell you why you shouldn't shelf this drama aside as 'yet another time traveling drama'
- The series focuses on our main leads, who have been married for 14 years and are getting divorced. It stresses on the fact that marriage is not simply the happy ending, as it's normally shown in dramas. Throughout the whole show, little by little, we get to see what it was that went wrong with our OTP in the first place. The drama portrays the painful reality of marriage.
- Going back in time to change one's past mistake might not appear to be a fresh idea for a drama. But believe me when I say this, that the execution is simply top-notch. This drama hits all the right notes for the viewers. This drama explores the question of If you could go back, back to the time before it all started, what would you do? Would you make the same decisions you made before? Or would you do something you didn't get to do before?
- This drama is just so beautifully realistic in it's approach. Whether it's the flashback scenes or back to the time 1999 scenes, every struggle, every problem, every situation that our leads face is handled in such a realistic way, that it's hard not to appreciate that.
- This drama is going to play with your emotions. And I mean this in the best way. One second, it'll make you laugh out loud. And the next, it'll have you tearing up. Specially the scenes of Seo Jin and Jin Joo with her mom will have you crying out loud. So better prepare some tissues, 'cause you're going to bawl your eyes out in every episode.
- The second lead syndrome is really strong in this one, there's no denying this. The first few episodes, (or in some cases, maybe throughout the whole drama) you're going to ship the leads with the second leads. Specially Nam Gil sunbae. He's simply...perfect. He's cute, kind, funny and well, always there for our lead girl. It's impossible not to fall for this guy.
- One of the best things about this drama, and one that I really loved is the narration by Ban Do & Jin Joo at the opening and ending scenes of every episode. I love how they start with something painfully honest, and end with something hopeful.
- Instead of asking yourself what does this drama has to offer you, question what doesn't it has to offer you. My answer- Nothing! Yup. Might sound unbelievable, but it's true. And you'll realize it too. This drama has everything from comedy, romance, friendship to slice-of-life and nostalgia. Every genre is balanced enough to give viewers an unforgettable watch.
- The OST is just beautiful and melodious. I have had plenty of dramas where I liked or even loved the OST, but this is one of the few rare dramas where I was moved by the songs. They are just so good and so fitting. My personal favorites being 'Dream' by Lucia & 'Wind Song' by Sohyang.
After reading my review, you might think I overused the word 'beautiful', but honestly, that's the only word I can describe this drama with. It's beautiful. It's heartwarminlgly and hearwrenchingly beautiful. So I sincerely hope that you give this drama a chance.Happy Watching!!
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want to know about the couples? you've got:
secretly very sweet ceo + charming employee who started the company together and have been together for so long any kind of attraction they could have had is destroyed by habit
the single mom with the cutest little kid ever + boyfriend with opposing mother (who has lots of character development)
And the cutest playboy who's world turns upside down when he falls for his bestfriend (who's watched him and his playing-the-field BS for years)
NOW TO ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS YOU ARE ASKING IN YOUR BRAIN:
Yes, there are a number of kiss scenes. Yes, the girl actually responds to them. yes, the ceo is still swoonworthy without being a jerk. No, their colleauges are not bitchy and jerks, they're very cute and like a family. No, the parents are not seceretly satan: ready to bitch-slap or money-envelope-slap the FL. No, the ML doesn't have a very cliche tragic backstory, but it's still a backstory to make him look very lonesome-heroesque, don't worry (because is a swoonworthy ceo really a swoonworthy ceo without the #darkpast? i. think. not.)
well, it's also short to binge in a day if you really try hard (24 eps, baby, the best number to see on a cdrama profile) . just trust me, you'll love it if you're looking for this kind of cute love story.
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But back in 2001, it was bold and different and unlike any other series that came out in Asia. It was fresh and really hip. The F4 was cool and trendy with their hair and outfits. It was the usual Cinderella storyline, but it was done in a funny and heartwarming way that managed to endear most of my friends and family and literally, it stopped time back in the days. It was a phenomenal series. It literally stopped traffic and launched a "Meteor Fever". We had to go home in the afternoon early just to watch this show on television. Streaming wasn't available then. A lot of people fell in love with Shan Cai and Dao Ming Xi's love story, and how they fought against all odds to be together! The F4 characters alongside Shan Cai's friends were a good supporting cast and Dao Ming Xi's mother was convincing with her portrayal as the villain to the relationship. Dao Ming Xi's transformation from a spoiled, rich brat to a caring boyfriend was something to watch for, and gave us all the "feels"! Buckets of tears were shed.
Looking back, I was watching old clips of this series, and yes it felt like a trip back to nostalgia lane! Yes, I agree that Meteor Garden looks dated, fashion-wise and production wise. It paled in comparison to the drama series of the current. But, nothing can take back the memories! This series has spawned two popular remakes which had become huge hits as well. Lee Min Ho's Jong Pyo was made to look like Jerry Yan's character too, I've noticed and now he is such a popular star. I might be biased with this one, but this first and original version is always the best! :)
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I find more fault with the whole "Drama Producing Machine" rather than with the writers, actors or director. I think if this show would have been able to stay on course and end at 16 episodes it would have been beyond great. The extra filler did it no favors. Having said all that...
This drama had such a different and fresh feel to it! Yes, it was quirky and had clichés but there was also a charming departure in the way they used those clichés. It seemed the familiar drama tropes were thrown in for fun here and there but not used as a fall back due to lack of writing skills. The relationships were written differently. All across the board; whether it be the family dynamics [which was particularly refreshing and endearing], how the love square was treated throughout and of course the main couple's budding love. There were a lot of genuinely funny moments. And again, the romance was portrayed slightly off from the normal..."Couple meets, don't like each other, they fight, there is sexual tension, love, trouble, noble idiocy, true love!" trajectory that most dramas follow.
A standout part of the plot for me: The friendship of the three women. I am speaking of how this drama decided to take a different tact with the female second lead, Na Yoon. They curled her into the already established friendship of the Myung Ran and Eun Seol and made her a part of them. And oddly, comically and rightly..she fit! It was charming. Rather than turn her into a clingy, clueless one dimensional bitch, they gave her character development. She had her own endearing quirks and she ended up being one of my favorites to watch. Show, I heart you for her! Thank you.
Don't let those few slower episodes in the latter half turn you off. This Drama has a lot of wonderful moments, great plot, story momentum, refreshing writing and acting to recommend it. Funny, Quirky, Sweet! Check it out!
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It's comedic, suspenseful, romantic (wonderfully), full of action (and awesome fight scenes), character development, and deep/heavy/intricate plot lines.
I usually write a review by covering each of the topics I am to rate (e.g. Story, Acting/Cast, Music, etc.), but I feel this drama deserves something more unique. A list of the first things that come to mind when I think of Healer or recommending it to others.
1. Whatever you do don't let this be your first drama.
It can be your second or forty fifth, but don't ruin every other drama by making it your first. It would be like listening to your favorite song for the first time and then only being allowed to listen to "It's a small world" for the rest of your life. (Okay thats a bit of an exaggeration but think of it this way): You won't be able to truly appreciate how wonderful this drama unless you have something to compare it to, and any drama you watch afterwards will fall short of expectations.
2. Whatever you do watch it.
If you have to wait, wait. It's completely worth it. It's ratings are proof of its beauty. I mean its the first drama to break the 9.0, "1 liter of tears" since probably 2006, and the only drama currently in the top 5 (while being surrounded by movies).
3. Relationship goals.
It will become a desire, envy, need, and dream to find a love as wonderful as theirs.
Every time I find a relationship I fall in love with or adore I find certain aspects of that relationship that I want or aspire to, it's kinda like piecing together your dream significant other, but the relationship part instead of the person and what color eyes they'll have.
Healer's aspects: The way they subconsciously recognized each other. The way they looked at each other. How they craved the others' touch. The way they acted like a real couple when they hugged, kissed, and touched each other. The way they spoke to each other. The way you could see how they felt and treasured each other. The reassurance and peace they had when they were together. These are the aspects I personally dream of in a relationship. ( I apologize for gushing, but you'll understand after you watch it).
AKA: the chemistry and acting are A+
4. Plot.
Besides extremely lovable characters, the interconnected relationship and plot lines made me obsess over watching the next episode. I woke up early to get an episode in before school... it was too good to watch while sleep deprived, which brings up point 5..
5. Don't marathon it over night.
The story is basically a drug, it will infest your mind and make you want to marathon the show in 24 hours. Don't let it. Take your time, savor every episode, because it will be over way too quickly.
Imagine your on a diet and your not allowed to eat your favorite food of all time. Now imagine your allowed to eat that food only once (for the last time), don't ruin it by shoveling huge bites into your mouth. Relish every spoonful, forkful, (heck, chopstick-ful) while watching your favorite show, or looking out at a beautiful (your favorite) view. Eat at a leisurely pace: not finishing it in seconds and not putting half into the fridge to save it while slowly letting it go old.
Start, don't rush, savor, enjoy, (possibly cry here or there), finish, and then cry (probably again) because there's nothing left to watch, (then pray your hardest that a drama just as wonderful will air soon), and then (probably) watch it again.
6. There are flaws.
There are probably a ton of flaws in this show, but they are so insignificant that you can't pinpoint them, or they just don't matter to you, because you love even Healer's flaws.
One thing to note: I take rating and reviewing very seriously, because I rely on ratings very heavily as an avid drama fan/watcher. Please don't see my 10/10 rating and just think, "oh it's one of those people who just rate anything they like a 10/10", because that is not the case. My 10 just shows how high I treasure and enjoyed this drama, and I hope you will too.
P.S. sorry for the length, I hope it was helpful :)
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