1Story:
The other day, I had finished reading the manga source during the series airing. In terms of story structure, I believe screenwriter, Kitagawa did a brilliant job refining the manga source to develop a more dimensional layer to the series character's including Kagura and Rin. While it changes the characters' arc, it does not deviate too much from its original story.
What makes the series stand out from previous body swaps is that it puts us in the perspective of these characters. Most of the time characters are portrayed to be sure about their attraction toward another. However, in this series, everyone is questioning themselves. The common saying “In any shape or form, I will always love you.” Is an ideal thought which is challenged by the complexity of attraction and self-identity. The series explores questions such as “Can we still love the same person regardless of appearance?" or “Can we only love the person because it is their body and soul alone?." The series scenario becomes intriguing as the impulsive requests of Yashiro and Kagura impact not only themselves but everyone around them.
Usually, Japanese dramas tend to have a maximum of twenty to thirty-minute duration; however, this series has over forty minutes. Therefore, it helped the story pacing and created more room for additional scenes, especially with supporting characters (e.g. parents). The series does little to spend on fillers and unnecessary drama, which increased my interest. However, a minor rushed pacing in the last one-hour episode. While it tried to stay true to the manga chapters' order, it could have been a little more refined in the editing process.
Acting/Cast:
The majority of the main cast are aged close to their respective characters bringing an authentic touch to the series. In terms of character casting, Fujiwara fits the cheerful and lively energy of Yashiro. Kubozuka added the outspoken personality and charisma of Kenta. Arai gave the confident and assuring nature of Rin. While Sakurada’s character, Kagura is one dimensional in the manga, she conveyed the troubled mind of Kagura very well.
Both Fujiwara and Sakurada had a convincing performance playing their body swap personalities. I noticed in casual conversation scenes their mannerism from the way they sit and carry themselves plays an interestingly fun touch to their portrayal. There are moments when the actors do perform in an over-the-top manner, especially the voice changes. However, the actors nailed the emotional scenes.
The chemistry of all the characters was fantastic. I believe the portrayal and direction of Yashiro and Kenta’s bond were more impactful in the series. The backstory scenes build a stronger image of friendship which made me root for the two characters compared to the manga. Without adding spoilers, Kubozuka’s performance strongly shined in one specific episode. Arai as Rin did a brilliant job expressing conflicting emotions of yearning masked by her supportive nature of Kagura. Sakurada and Arai's brilliant chemistry helped build the unrequited/friendship bond between Rin and Kagura fairly quickly in the series.
The portrayal of Kami-sama by Furukawa is slightly toned down compared to his cartoonish personality in the manga. I believe it's a great writing decision as adapting a manga character to live-action can come with challenges to seeing the character in a serious light. The series added some dialogue in later episodes which can spark inspiration in the audience. Shida had a believable performance as Ukon, and I appreciated how the series gave her more involvement than her manga character.
Music:
Warner Bros Japan and Koyama conveyed a soothing track that compliments the natural green scenery and brings a hint of the traditional Japanese period. Innocent by Keina Suda gives an energetically modern vibe to the opening sequence.
Rewatch Value:
I believe it's a nice binge that carefully explores sensitive topics of coming of age in a fun yet somewhat realistic light. As mentioned before, it’s refreshing to see a rom-com supernatural drama where characters lift each other rather than having them be each other's obstacles. This could apply to most love triangle related dramas. From the popularity, it has received on Tik Tok and other social media platforms, I believe the series would have been reacted to and widely enjoyed by overseas audiences.
Overall, the series focus on the character's search for self-acceptance can be applied to any audience. We may sometimes desire to be someone else, to gain approval from others or ourselves. Kami-sama no ekohiiki shows that we can overcome our struggles and learn to accept ourselves moving forward.
If you are looking for a short body swap series with a twist, I would recommend this drama series. It's also not explicit as the manga, which can be watchable for an audience who may not usually be a fan of LGBT or BL related films/series.
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I had watched anime last year and when I found out about the movie I couldn't wait. I had fallen in love with the story and how they go about it. The movie is not fast paced since the story itself isn't. It is somewhat slow, but the almost two hours went by fairly fast all the same.
The two main actors, Matsuyama Kenichi and Ashida Mana, do such a great job acting that even without obvious caring words, they pull off showing how much their bond and relationship has grown as time passes. I also liked the acting of the rest of the cast.
The music leaves something to be desired, but for me, it doesn't hinder the story at all.
This is the first movie adaptation I've been happy with in a while, so I'll definitely re-watch it sometime.
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The first time I ever saw Lee Jong Suk was in Secret Garden and I remember thinking, 'this man has the looks to make it big'. Ofcourse, at that time I wasn't aware that he had already made it pretty damn big. Seeing him in Pinocchio, there's no denying that he has a talent for acting, combine that with his heavenly looks and you get an almost perfect package.
Even though the name of the drama is based on the female lead, it's obvious that Dal Po is the star of the show. The plot revolves around him and despite the fact that the side characters bring their own charisma, they are ultimately in his orbit.
Park-Shin Hye came to be a pleasant surprise. I'm not going to lie, I disliked her in almost every show she appeared in previously and due to my bad experience with her acting, I had developed a sort of negative bias for her. However, it's always amazing when an actor or a show surprises you and surpasses your expectations. PSH somehow managed to make In Ha a sweet and likable character who the viewers constantly rooted for. The fact that she has to hiccup repeatedly came out as adorable instead of annoying and I couldn't believe myself when I started to feel affection for her.
A lot of people were even happy that she finally improved her kissing techniques. That, I think is pushing it a little bit because if you look at it closely, her movements are as non-existent as ever, but due to some skillful camera work, Lee Jong Suk's kissing prowess is incredibly highlighted which makes it somehow appear as if she's a proficient partner too. But oh well- technicalities.
However, for me the biggest flaw of the show was that the protagonists were not on equal footing. Dal Po clearly over-powers In Ha in the relationship and he comes out as far less commited and invested in the love story. Which is why the romance factor didn't do much for me. They do the right things, say the right words, their union makes complete sense and yet, there is no emotional connection whatsoever.
In Ha makes so many sacrifices for Dal Po, her affection is completely genuine and she let's him take the spotlight from her time and time again whereas Dal Po seems almost detached when it comes to her.
Ultimately, this unequality between the leads was something that started to rub me the wrong way. There were moments where I wanted In Ha to shine individually and to be given more credit for everything she does. Essentially, she's such a huge part of the show and if we ponder about it; she's the backbone behind Dal Po's success and yet, she's never valued enough. The moment she does something substantial is followed by Dal-Po countering it with something more and it always manages to downplay her importance. This is the reason why they are both outstanding and lovable personas in their own right but their co-existence is rather stiff and unnatural.
So, in my opinion the best way to watch Pinocchio is to think of romance as just a subplot and focus on the main story. I had so much love for almost every single character in the show and they are so thoroughly well-developed that I could write a lengthy character sketch on all of them. The drama is filled with small, utterly poignant moments that move you. The script is excellently written and the story flows with a smooth efficiency. The antagonists are three-dimensional and I never truly disliked any of them. Pinocchio thrives on the emotional interactions between its characters and it shows exactly how powerful familial love is.
Over-all this drama, with its brilliant acting, consistent story-line and satisfying ending, manages to bring forth a current of continous entertainment from beginning to end.
Indeed, a good watch.
Enjoy!
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It's adorable, Lee Seok and Min Soo are the sweetest thing on this planet since chocolate, and even though Hyo-jin and her partner didn't get the same amount of screen time, they were still a joy to see.
Some people have said it, but there was some overacting especially with G-Voice (because I doubt that some, if any, of those actors are actually gay...), but somehow I didn't seem to mind. They were a bunch of friends who felt comfortable with each other, not just because of their shared sexuality, and the bond between them is strong. I really envied their friendship, which made the climax that much harder to watch.
"Two Weddings and a Funeral." You know going in that someone is going to die, and I won't say who, but I did not expect to cry that hard. The character's loss is astounding, and the events leading up to it really hit home; the struggles Min Soo faces as a closet homosexual in a homophobic environment are mind-opening, and the struggles he faces are true, in Korea and in many parts of America as well. The film carries a powerful message, and manages to balance the scale with a healthy dose of fun, fluff, and hot kisses. <3
I definitely recommend this movie to a viewer who enjoys LGBT-themed movies, and to someone who... screw it, everyone should watch this movie!
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This review may contain spoilers
A Great Blend Of Politics, Romance And Women Empowerment
I just finished watching Dominion and Devotion, and I have to say, it was an incredible series. The short length worked well, and everything from the directing to the costumes, set, acting, and even the music was good. On top of that, the story was solid and engaging – definitely time well spent.The series is filled with political intrigue, which can get complex, but I appreciate how everything was explained. There weren’t any major plot holes, which is always a win in my book.
Story Overview:
The main plot revolves around Pei Shen Zhi, the son of the last ruler who fell, and now working as a eunuch with his foster father, Bai Hai Tao. Pei Shen Zhi manipulates the political turmoil surrounding the last emperor to install a puppet ruler, who ends up being Ning Jing Yi, the fifth "prince" of the Great Ning. However, Ning Jing Yi is actually a woman, hiding her identity. She tries to escape the palace with her aunt, but after being caught and facing the threat of her aunt’s life, she reluctantly accepts the role of the "puppet" emperor.
Both lead characters were smart and politically savvy, which I really appreciated. Their dynamic was full of tension, and the romance between them was done so well – from enemies to lovers, forbidden love, and a slow burn. The tension was palpable. I kind of wish Pei Shen Zhi had discovered her true identity a bit later (like after episode 4), but it wasn’t a big deal. His brief "gay panic" moment was fun. When they finally admitted their love for each other, it felt meaningful – not just a small, fleeting thing. The idea of a female emperor and a eunuch as a pair was quite intriguing and unique.
I also loved the antagonist, not because he was likable, but because he was well-written. He was ambitious, smart, and definitely a challenge to deal with, which made him an interesting character.
The supporting cast was fantastic too. Li Jing Xian, Ning Jing Yi’s aunt, was a great character. She was always there for the female lead and cared for her like no one else. While she wasn’t physically strong, she was incredibly brave when it came to protecting Ning Jing Yi. Huo Zheng, a court officer, had a strong sense of justice that I respected. Luo Wen Jing, a woman who had to disguise herself as a man to survive, was another character I admired.
What stood out to me in this show was how it validated women’s rights without downplaying men’s importance. It was refreshing to see women portrayed in such a powerful, empowering way.
Memorable Scenes:
The first kiss between the leads was perfect, and the wedding scene was beautiful too. The series did a great job building up their relationship, and when they finally came together, it was so satisfying.
One of my favorite arcs was the widow village. The women there were hardworking and managed to survive without the help of men. But of course, a man had to come along and destroy everything, and I was so mad at him. It really drove home the message of female strength.
Ending:
As for the ending, while it wasn’t the typical happily-ever-after with the leads living a peaceful married life, I still loved it. Pei Shen Zhi sacrificed for a greater cause, and his absence didn’t diminish their love. The final moments were powerful, showing Ning Jing Yi embracing her power as a female emperor. Her costume was stunning, and I loved how the show didn’t make her rise to power a quick, one-night transformation. The gradual change felt real and meaningful.
Overall, Dominion and Devotion is a fantastic series that balances politics, romance, and strong female representation. It’s definitely worth watching.
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Really Enjoyable but Also Trope-y with a Side of Flaws
If I rated this purely on my emotional enjoyment, I would give it a 10 out of 10: this is a fun college drama chock full of romantic feelings and character-made drama. Its premise reminded me of a toned-down version of Gossip Girl: all the characters are initially connected by a mysterious blogger who falls in love at first sight and makes them all re-evaluate their own crushes, loves, and relationships as they speculate as to the identify of this person. I had known nothing about the parent story for which this show is based on, Love Playlist, but had been drawn to early descriptions of this drama and the trailer that eventually came out.That said, when I take emotion out of it, I find story and characters that are a bit limited by traditional romance story tropes that are unashamedly invoked: you have CLEAR "nice guys/good girls" and CLEAR "a-hole [male] players/manipulative [female] witches." Their backstories can get a little cliche too with clearly-sympathetic tragedies and traditional parental issues/ambitions to succeed. I would argue that seasoned romance series/Kdrama watchers will be able to completely predict almost all, if not all of the story progression, from beginning to end, just within the first few episodes. Is this necessarily a bad thing? No, I don't think so - enjoyable is enjoyable. However, I think if you are considering watching this, you should know exactly what it is and what it is not: it's a simple, cute story about college kids' falling in love and having challenges with their relationships while going through college. It's not a grandiose, unique story with fantastical mind-bending twists or deep meaning.
There are some clear continuity errors and contrived plot points in the story - they aren't horrendous, but they are very noticeable. For a non-spoiler example, at one point a character loses their phone. By the next episode, they mysteriously have recovered it/might have bought a new one - how exactly did they get this back/buy a new one and input all their old, same contacts in? As for the contrived plot points, I don't want to spoil anything for you, so I will vaguely say that sometimes, things that happen or motivations that the characters have are way too "on the nose" and I personally would have preferred that the show be a little more subtle about it.
The acting is sufficient for a Kdrama, but notably decreased a notch from other big budget performances: for example, I found some of the crying scenes so forced and unbelievable that those momentarily took me out of the drama. However, if you put those weaknesses aside, I think you find a cast that is very believable and does a good job: this is apparently Jeong Jae Hyun's acting debut, and I honestly never would have known that if I didn't read it in an article. I wasn't a Park Hye Soo fan to begin with, but her performance will make me check out some of other works, as I loved the sincerity with which she played Ma Joo Ah. For other characters, many will recognize Roh Jeong Eui from her prior performance as NJ in Our Beloved Summer and I think you will find her performance refreshing as she definitely sells her performance as a different type of person. I also found Lee Jin Hyuk particularly hilarious as the clearly-comic-relief character who gets crapped on just for our benefit, and particularly enjoyed the straight-forward, independent person played by Woo Da Vi. Hwang Bo Reum Byeol and Lee Jung Sic round out the rest of the notables by playing appropriately hateable characters. Overall, I really enjoyed the ensemble cast.
As of writing, the OST seems to be unreleased/still coming out, but I think they did a good job. Park Hye Soo originally wanted to be a singer (she is from Kpop star) and Jeong Jae Hyun is part of NCT, so they naturally do an excellent job with the song covers featured in this Kdrama. I don't think there are any bangers that will be sung for the ages, but don't let you stop enjoying the songs that do exist.
Overall, I think this is a light, easy watch to pick up. You won't find anything groundbreaking, but don't let that stop you from giving this a try - I can't say it's an absolute work of art, but I think if lighthearted romances are your cup of tea, you'll enjoy this.
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Kento is in this but no, this is not your typical shoujo manga movie, sorry.
This movie does not shy away from showing you the toxicities and struggles of being in an unhealthy relationship. This kind of film is one of the many reasons why I've always liked jdramas. It's the lack of fear of tackling serious and heavy subjects.The couple has its up and down moments and has you questioning whether these two are suited to stay together or not. They could be having a joyful time walking together or playing games together but also get into uncomfortable quarrells at any second. Nagata's character is written to look pathetic as he is extremely insecure, egoistic and short-tempered and seemingly is merely using Saki. Him being with the vigorous and kind Saki starts to change her life for the worst as she seemingly changes as a person, her aspirations and pretty much everything. The movie then does makes you care and sympathize for these two. The chemistry between the two and the story is great and realistic.
Yamazaki Kento's character here is very much different from the usual roles he takes. He should leave the shoujo manga roles to the idols because him taking these more mature roles have really showcased his talents as an actor. I'm not even the biggest fan of him and I'm impressed by his great acting here. He also looks different and mature with the long messy hair and facial hair that he has in this movie. Mayu is no exception, she played the kind and strong Saki really well.
I can't recall if I ever heard any music here but I don't think it's the kind of movie that needs music anyway, the tone of the movie and the story was that appealing and intriguing that it didn't need any music tbh. Rewatch value is low for me, not to say that it wasn't good, I just think I've seen everything already and don't think I need to watch it again.
The ending was nothing short of spectacular.
Highly recommended.
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This review may contain spoilers
Revenge, corruption and longing
Compelled to write my first review because I wanted something to counterbalance some of the low reviews this drama has been getting… Melancholia is seemingly a forbidden romance between a teacher and a high school math prodigy, but the romance is actually more of a one sided longing, the teacher has no reciprocal feelings until many years pass and they reunite. The romance is there but in the background to their fight to reveal the corruption behind the elite school where they become the targets of a scandal to shield the higher ups who are behind all sorts of shady dealings. The scandal is eerily similar to the college admissions scandal from the US - wealthy (but not ultra rich) professionals obsessed with finding a back door to an Ivy for their entitled spoiled teens. Whereas the ultra rich can legally buy their kids spot anywhere (ie donate a building), these just “regular” rich strivers need to spend their money on ways to cheat the system.If you liked Secret Love Affair, consider watching this one - SLA had more steamy scenes whereas Melancholia is mostly emotional longing. Though there is a very sweet (satisfying though small) payoff at the very end. The chaebol villains in SLA bored me but the villain in Melancholia is EXCELLENT. She is awful but so charismatic - Jin Kyung is perfect. Lee Do Hyun is totally believable as a lonely teen who gravitates towards his teacher, the only person who actually makes an effort to help him find his passion for math/life again after a tragedy. The physicality of him as a teen vs. him as a man is on point - there is no mistaking him as a boy after the time skip. I am sad that it seems underrated - it’s definitely worth watching
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m I want to say born to be Alive drama is really. really so good drama
"Born to Be Alive" is not just another drama; it is a profound journey of resilience, love, and the human spirit. From the very first episode to Episode 28, the series has consistently delivered a high-quality cinematic experience that keeps the audience emotionally invested.The Brilliance of Yang Zi's Performance
Once again, Yang Zi proves why she is one of the most respected actresses of her generation. Her portrayal is nuanced and deeply moving. In the early episodes, we see her character’s vulnerability and struggles, but as the story progresses toward Episode 28, her growth is remarkable. Yang Zi has this unique ability to convey complex emotions through just her eyes. Whether it is a moment of silent grief or a burst of joyful hope, she makes the audience feel every heartbeat of her character. Her dedication to the role is evident in every frame, making the character feel like a real person we want to protect and root for.
Compelling Storytelling and Pacing
The plot of "Born to Be Alive" is meticulously crafted. It doesn’t rely on cheap tropes; instead, it builds tension and emotional depth naturally. The transition from the introductory episodes to the climax of the current arc in Episode 28 has been seamless. Each episode serves a purpose, peeling back layers of the characters’ pasts and their motivations. The themes of overcoming adversity and finding light in the darkest of times are explored with great sensitivity. It is a story that resonates with anyone who has ever faced challenges in life.
High Production Value
The cinematography and art direction deserve immense praise. Each scene is beautifully shot, with a color palette that perfectly complements the mood of the story. The soundtrack is also hauntingly beautiful, elevating the emotional stakes of the drama. The attention to detail in the costumes and set designs shows the high production value that went into making this series a visual treat.
Addressing the Unfair Criticism
It is disheartening to see targeted 1-star reviews and malicious comments aimed at bringing down such a high-quality production. True viewers who have followed the journey from Episode 1 to Episode 28 can attest to the excellence of this drama. The negative "review bombing" does not reflect the reality of the show's brilliance. "Born to Be Alive" stands as a testament to the hard work of the entire cast and crew.
Conclusion
As we reach Episode 28, the drama has only gotten stronger. It is a powerful, inspiring, and beautifully acted series that deserves all the accolades it receives. If you are looking for a story that touches your heart and showcases world-class acting, this is it. Don't let the noise of the detractors distract you from this masterpiece. Highly recommended! 10/10.
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I found this drama as I was looking for a teacher-student love story. I quite liked it. The beginning was very funny and romantic, and as usual in this kind of plot the middle part was really heart-breaking. (I'll let you discover the end by yourself :p) I would have rated it higher than that (maybe even 9/10) if their teacher-student relationship was their only obstacle. In my opinion, adding family issues was a mistake as it could have been a plot for an altogether different drama about impossible love. Nonetheless, it's still a pretty good show and I enjoyed it.
Edit : I rased my rating to 8 in my personal watch-list (7 before) since this drama grew onto me after a few rewatches, mainly the beginning of the drama.
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This review may contain spoilers
TL;dr: I started this show and dropped it after like 2 minutes, because I was so annoyed by the style and biased by the negative opinions of others. But then I saw an edit and wanted to give the show another try... and I fell in love! We really need to care less about other's opinions when it comes to shows, because I watched so many shows that a lot of people dislike, while I enjoyed them. What a pity, if I would have missed all those gems!My Love Letter to Bed Friend, lmao:
I'm a huge huge huge fan of expressed consent, because this topic is really important to me. I also don't like to be touched without permission, so shows which tackle this topic are kinda special to me, because it's not often addressed. I just feel seen when this topic comes up, and I really really LOVE it. Furthermore, I giggle and smile like an idiot whenever this topic comes up in a show.
King absolutely respects Ueas boundaries with no doubt. He asks for permission and takes him serious. He isn't frustrated or annoyed by Uea stating his boundaries and saying "No". Not only that, but he gives Uea the time Uea needs to open up. That made me so happy and I smiled every time. But King also doesn't shy away to vocalize very clearly what he wants and needs. But he also makes clear, that he doesn't want to pressure Uea and respects any decision Uea would make, he is endlessly caring, patient and understanding. Nonetheless: It's not like King is only simping for Uea. But he gives him safety, and that's what Uea needs after all he went through. At the first look, it seems like King puts more effort in it, but he is just the more (talk)active part, who takes the initiative, because Uea is really careful and cautious, what is totally understandable.
The respect they have for each other is just so nice to see, especially since consent is still a topic that many people don't take seriously and belittle it/laugh about. So seeing a show portraying it that way made me really excited, glad and happy, because I can relate so much to Uea.
Good communication: Both leads reflect and apologize! Not one-sided attraction or love. That's often missing in other shows, but here it's stated as mutual in so many scenes, and I love it. They both see when they made mistakes and both take responsibility for it and don't expect the other one to apologize or take the blame. You can absolutely see that they BOTH want to be together and how they put effort into it, to make things work, to understand each other, listen to each other and support each other. It's healthy, mutual, full of respect, dignity and effort and I. Am. Whipped.
King literally devours Uea with his looks in every scene, and I love it. He looks so proud, attracted and whipped for Uea in every shot and I. Am. Melting. Get yourself someone who looks at you the same way King looks at Uea. That's so heartwarming. Overall, Nets acting is just really impressive to me. There are scenes where he only breathes in a specific way, and I'm like "Damn, he expresses so much right now" I could totally see and feel every emotion that both of them wanted to convey.
The acting could be a tiny little bit better here and there, because sometimes it felt a little bit off/stiff. That's also because the pauses between the lines, when they talk to each other, are sometimes unnecessarily long…but that's so little, that it didn't take away from my excitement and love for this show.
Also: Important topics get addressed, just as safer sex, STDs and testing, boundaries. Overall, their communication is just really wholesome, like I explained already.
Ultimate Plus point: No "love fixes all" trope. Yeah, King supports Uea all the way, but Uea puts work in it himself in order to get better! He works for the processing and healing of his trauma! Again: wholesome. He doesn't rely only on King. He doesn't think, just because King accepts and likes him the way he is, he doesn't have to change anything anymore. Furthermore, he works constantly on different things, he grows and he opens up, step by step. The development is great to see!
Likeable support characters: Jade and Gun are great friends, especially Jade. What a cutie patootie! I know…a lot of people dislike characters like him and I can totally understand this, but I love Yim (I fell for him in Cutie Pie) and maybe that's why I have a soft spot for Jade too. I knew that Tutor will appear in the last episode, and I still smiled from ear to ear when he was finally there, because I am just abnormally whipped for them, and I am really excited to watch their story in Middleman's Love, even though I heard a lot of negative things about the show. The other people in the office are also funny and entertaining, and I laughed multiple times when Faii and Muay appeared. You really have to like characters like them to find them funny, and I am surprised by myself that I wasn't annoyed by them.
Funfact; I started Bed Friend a while ago, to get a quick look how the vibe is, and I didn't even make it through the introduction, because I was so annoyed, LOL. And now, I am absolutely in love with the show, the cast and everything. x)
Low angst: Obstacles get solved pretty quickly. It's not dragged, it's not getting boring. I love that! The pacing is absolutely to my taste. Every time when I watched a preview that shows some drama/obstacles, I was afraid. "Okay, that's the moment, where the show will f*ck it up. Now there's drama incoming, and they will drag it :(" but nope, every episode I got surprised again. The problems were solved quickly and nicely. Maybe for other people, too fast and unproblematic, but I absolutely loved this.
Lovely Soundtrack: The lyrics for the OSTs are very fitting, what I also like. It's great to think back to a show, when I listen to the OSTs afterward and the lyrics tell the story again.
Relatable characters: The characters make sense. Their behavior is understandable. Uea is absolutely not annoying! If you understand trauma, you also understand him. People who say he's annoying just don't understand what trauma does to someone. I can absolutely relate to him, and he is probably my favorite character ever. I love how he teases King and how King loves every second of it. But I also see the little moments, where Uea steps over his shadow and pushes himself out of his comfort zone, to open up to King and give him something back. To show him that he trusts King and wants this thing between them just as much as King wants it. They also share some lovey-dovey moments, where Uea doesn't joke around, just to tease King, but gives him serious the confirmation King asks for. It's a great balance of teasing, but making clear that he wants him too. Bratty characters are often written in a frustrating way, because either they never admit that they like the other person, or they take too long to admit it. So it can get annoying pretty easily. Characters like this have a high chance to frustrate me, because I want to see a relationship that shows me a mutual love story. I'm not interested in one-sided love, but shows with bratty characters have a high tendency to fail to deliver this, because it's easy to miss the chance to turn the characters' behavior just slightly, so they don't fail to sell me their love. But yeah, like I said, Uea nails this balance and his teasing always comes off as very loveable, without the intention to hurt King or make fun of him in a disrespectful way and the serious moments always come off as very sincere and lovely.
The Ending: Usually I don't like time skips at the end, because I feel disconnected from the story. It is just not connected to the rest and the smooth flow is lost. But in Bed Friend, I didn't mind them much. Maybe because they happen on a casual basis, so it was kind of part of the whole vibe. I also don't like it much when they pack the last episode full of sudden happy events. Like wedding, Pregnancy (well, more in straight dramas, but if you know, you know) etc. It just feels kinda off. I know that dramas don't need to be realistic, and I don't have this standard either, but somehow it often feels like too much and not fitting to the rest of the story. It feels like the writers try to use everything to push the happiness to the maximum level. But here again, I didn't mind it at all. I am so in love with KingUea, that it really made me happy, that they got the full package of a happy ever after in the end, because - especially Uea - they went through so much shit, that they just deserve every inch of happiness they can get.
Bed friend became an absolute comfort show for me. I enjoyed every second and I love love love it. I felt so relaxed, watching the show. KingUea are both freaking attractive, cute, adorable and sweet characters. The show gave me so many tropes that I just LOVE and adore (and don't find often in other shows, so I was even more excited). I was glued to my screen, devouring the show just like King devoured Uea and I definitely don't regret it.
Kudos to everyone who actually read all of this. I don't even know how this could have happen. That's for sure my longest review ever. :'D
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Another Satisfying Youth Drama
Story reminds me of "Go Ahead" (which is one of my favorite dramas by the way). The main plots are similar wherein two people have that non-blood related sibling relationship. But this is lighter and shorter than Go Ahead, and also has less heartbreaking issues/stories so if you liked Go Ahead, When We Were Young, With You, then this would also be a satisfying watch. Transitions of the characters emotions was well planned, and nothing seemed hasted, or dragged.Since it's a lighter drama, and I personally like re-watching heart wrenching ones, then this has a lower rewatch value than the similar dramas I previously mentioned.
Hope to see more of the actors, they were good even if they are newbies
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I only wish it never had to end
Despite there only being four episodes, the pacing was always perfect. Each episode makes sure a lot is accomplished without giving the feeling of progress being rushed. We're given enough time to understand Err at the start while also being given room to understand him more as he lets down his walls around Mawin. At the same time, we get to learn about Mawin at a reasonable pace throughout the show. We are given hints from early on that there is more to him than what Err sees, without exposing it all at once so that we as viewers can get to know him alongside Err.While the stakes seem high for the characters, there's no shortage of comedy. We're obviously not given as much time to learn about all of the supporting characters as we get with the leads, but they don't lack depth for the most part. We get to see them being kids and having fun. We see they have their own flaws, motivations, and goals. They aren't just there to be forgotten.
As for the lead actors, I think these roles really suited them. Sea's acting in previous work was on the weaker side; however, playing a socially awkward character in this series worked in his favour. It didn't feel like watching a charismatic actor pretending to be shy. It felt like watching a socially awkward teenager opening up, which is what you want. You don't want to watch a show and just see the actor. The best acting is when it's as though we are watching the lives of real people. And of course, his acting has improved as well. Keen also did a great job. He can believably portray both the fun-loving side of Err and the studious, anxious Err without making either one seem forced. Both leads clearly put effort into their portrayals and it carries the show.
There isn't a single scene that feels wasted or without purpose, and there aren't any visual plot holes aside from typical changes in position between takes. You can go back to rewatch episodes to look in the background or at smaller details, and they line up with later parts of the story. There's a good balance in the use of music, where it's not constantly crammed in and we are left to listen to the ambiance during certain scenes. Conflict in the show is reasonable and not drawn out for the viewers at least. I think with just one more episode, it would be the perfect show for me.
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The movie is about Kang Do, a brutal being works for the loan sharks and a middle aged woman claim to be his mother. Most of the movie takes place in Myeongdong district in Seul, the poorest one. Apparently if you expect a korean to film outside Gangnam, it's mainly Kim Ki duk or, Park Chan Wok. The movie itself a painful journey, a journey you are glad that you take and you wont take again. Don't take me wrong, i love everything about the movie, from Michelangelo inspired poster to grusome mutilation, but I am quite sure I wont re watch it.
There's nothing much to say about it anyway. It is the first Korean film to win the top prize at three major international film festivals — Venice, Cannes and Berlin. If it suits your taste watch it, if don't, stay the heck away from it.
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