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Filmmaker Bong Joon Ho once again surprised us with another masterpiece named Parasite. Where powerful social satire meets tragedy. The director did a great job portraying South Korea's current views on society exposing the underprivileged slums of most modern cities and it's citizens living in completely different worlds despite staying in close proximity. You are likely to find it relatable as the themes of this story are not just localized to Korea, but all over the world. Having its fair share of global capitalism and universal materialism, Meritocracy being the biggest trope of this movie.
Now, the best way to enjoy this film is to cluelessly get into it, its charm is to watch it progress and unfold in many satisfying, unexpected ways.
You can definitely see a unique directorial vision as Parasite welcomes the audience into multi-genres and tonal shifts that mix and take its turn after every act. Pure comedy, dark comedy to heavy drama, horror, thriller, mystery, you name it. It is one of the hardest things to pull off but the director converts them smoothly without letting the audience feel indifferent to the transformation. It manages to elicit the full range of responses, making the viewer react with uneasy laughter to unexpected situations that eventually lead to disturbing events full of horror.
Now, who are the real parasites? The poor who attach themselves to the rich or the rich who suck the marrow of the poor?
Satirically, it managed to portray how we may live under the same skies, but have different views regarding life.
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"You know what kind of plan never fails? No plan. No plan at all. You know why? Because life cannot be planned."
Success and fortune are reserved for those who deserve it, those who develop solid plans according to their talents and abilities and who execute those plans through hard work and determination. Anyone can rise to the top, but for those who cannot escape their sad reality will ultimately turn for the worse and thus start to justify their immoral backstabbing, deceit, and callousness for reasoning that can be only explained by growing up poor without support from others.
The characters all have different aspects to them that will be received and viewed differently due to the viewers own biases and world views. This isn't a bad thing as the movies main point is to deliver a provocative social commentary in various metaphors. And the best way to do so is to create morally questionable characters that will resemble at least one familiar person known to you.
,,Greed is inside each one of us, but the question is, how much are you willing to sacrifice for an idea of life in comfort?''
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All in all, Parasite is a fantastic case of hard-hitting yet entertaining cinema.
And one of the best movies recently made in Korea.
Thus I will rate it 9.5/10
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I was attracted by the synopsis so I decided to give it a try.
2) Storyline/Plot:
The general story isn't complicated nor original; I saw this type of story in "Sweet 18" before yet this film's storyline was really appealing.
Positive points:
*The story was romantic but not too romantic since it focused on family too.
*It had a great combination since it was funny, cute while being a little serious
*The story's developement was amazing to follow.
*The whole adult-child love story was somehow innocent even when they lived toghether: I liked that concept.
Negative points:
There isn't, I just wished that they made this into a drama instead; it would have been perfect that way.
Story: 8.5/10
3)Acting/Cast:
It couldn't been any better even though I am not too familiar with the leads.
*The chemistry between them was somehow captivating even though it wasn't that present.
*Moon Geun Young did a great job in portraying the innocent 15 years old girl with all its sides; whether it was with her husband, her family, her school and everything else.
*I loved how Park Sang Min reacted with his little bride by trying to be the responsible adult but that didn't cut out the funny side of his character.
Cast: 7.75/10
Acting: 8/10
4)The ending:
The type of ending that anyone would like to see even though it was typical but that doesn't deny that it was fluffy.
The ending: 8/10
5) My Impression (How did it affect me):
*I was intrested in the whole concept ever since the film began, I had fun while watching it and it wasn't boring, not even the slightest bit.
*This is is a great memorable film.
My Impression: 9/10
6) Overall :
*If you like rom-coms then you must watch this.
*If you like old-young relationships then this is for you.
*If you like innocent love stories then you may like this.
Overall: 8.5/10.
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Story. Well, the storyline of this drama may not be the most original one - the concept of two old friends falling for each other is used frequently so it's kind of hard to squeeze something new from this idea. This drama couldn't avoid some of cliches - jealousy, the return of cheating ex-boyfriend, crying in the rain, ignoring your own feelings etc., but even if those things did appear, they didn't spoil the fun of watching. Everything was happening at the right moment - nothing seemed rushed or too slow, every episode had its own charm and I didn't feel like fast forwarding even once, I enjoyed every minute of the drama. It was a bit painful watching the sufferings of poor Li Da Ren but this had its purpose and made the story more realistic.
Acting. Well, here I have to admit that I completely changed my mind about Taiwanese actors. In those few dramas I've seen up to now the acting was a bit bad - it seemed fake, exaggerated and naive but in ITWY it was the exact opposite. Every single actor played his/her part natural, like they were real characters and not just the actors. Now I can't imagine Chen Berlin playing the guy who is, let's say, cheating ex-boyfriend - he was so natural playing a sensitive, supporting best friend that I really believed he has to be like that in his pirvate life too. The same can be said about Lin Ariel - she was really convincing in her role of a strong and independent woman who knows what she wants and aims for that.
Music. I have to say that music was the first thing I noticed about this drama - it's really fitting. And the song that Da Ren wrote for You Qing? Yeah, it was perfect!
Rewatch value. That is a hard one - I loved the drama, it was really good and all, but like somebody said before, I don't know if I would bear seeing the sufferings of Li Da Ren once again. But, on the other side, the last episode was so awesomely epic that it redeemed it all; finally, we saw some of the hapily ever after and not just the happy ending!
Overall, I gave it an 8 because this was the best written, acted and executed Taiwanese drama I've ever seen and finally I saw a a female lead who was worth my liking - not some whiny, wimpy girl, but a true woman.
And a cherry on top: nearly all the clothes (and especially shoes!) of You Qing were to die for!
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If you want an endearing romcom with explosive chemistry, then I highly recommend this!!
The main characters are truly the star of this show! I really can't be more in love with the main couple, they are the absolute cutest. Yes, the story isn't anything special or new, but the execution and acting of the cast, especially our MCs, makes this drama so much fun and endearing to watch.The main couple does not disappoint at all; they were charming and adorable from the very beginning until the last second. Their moments do get cringy at certain points, but it's also the kind of cringy that just makes you want to smile. Aside from that, I think the characters as individuals were also very lovable; Jin Bei is so cute & Shi Yun couldn't be any sweeter. I like Jin Bei's boldness, it's quite refreshing, and I love the fact that although Shi Yun is "cold", he's also very caring & isn't afraid to express how he feels. Their relationship was mature, organic, and very engaging. Kudos Ryan Ding and Zhang Yuxi for their amazing chemistry because it was so natural, straightforward, and just absolute fire! I think the actors did a great job and played their parts very well (their kiss scenes were also plentiful & truly a *chef's kiss*).
Although I'm not nearly as invested in them, the side couples were also cute. At the end of the day, I was happy for all of them so I think that's the important thing.
I definitely think that what is lacking in the story is totally made up for by the acting and chemistry. I highly recommend this drama to everyone, even if you think you don't like super fluffy shows (because that was me & I absolutely love it). Will 100% be rewatching this in the near future when I need a cute little pick-me-up.
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FILTER : A PERFECT BLEND OF FUN AND DEPTH!
Filter is a humorous yet profound drama that tells the story of a woman grappling with insecurities about her appearance. When she unexpectedly encounters her high school first love, their reunion leaves her feeling disheartened after he makes an offhand comment about her looks. Feeling dejected, she crosses paths with an elderly woman who gifts her a mysterious bracelet. This bracelet turns out to be a filter that allows her to alter her appearance, shapeshift into different forms, and enhance her beauty, much like a beautification app.As she navigates her newfound abilities, she becomes re-involved with her crush, who is drawn to one of her personas. I won’t delve deeper to avoid spoilers, but this overview captures the essence of the story. Filter excels at tackling sensitive topics such as body image, self-discovery, and self-love. It feels both original and refreshing, striking a perfect balance between depth and humor. The comedy is skillfully executed and feels natural rather than forced, making it genuinely enjoyable.
The characters are vibrant and fully embrace the chaos of their situations, leading to plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Yet, amidst the comedy, Filter maintains an emotional core that resonates deeply, ensuring that viewers experience a rich blend of laughter and reflection
The pacing is excellent, with events unfolding in a way that feels neither dragged out nor slow. As I mentioned earlier, the characters are intriguing, and it's refreshing to find that most of them are genuinely likable. Their impeccable comic timing significantly enhances the humor throughout the series, making the comedic moments all the more enjoyable.
The female lead, played by Landi Li, is a joy to watch. Despite her initial insecurities about her appearance, she exudes a vibrant and energetic personality that is truly endearing. Her ability to stand up for herself, combined with her humor, adds depth to her character. She’s wonderfully flawed and imperfect, which only enriches the narrative.
On the other hand, the male lead, portrayed by Tian Jianci, may initially come off as a jerk, but there’s a deeper explanation for his behavior. He is a quirky, nerdy, and fun-loving character who makes unreasonable assessments and decisions, which makes him relatable and human—quite a departure from the flawless male leads we often see. His refreshing personality adds a unique charm to the story.
SCC and Tang Qi are perfect examples of characters who embody the beauty of imperfection. I appreciate narratives that present characters in shades of grey rather than stark black and white, allowing for a deeper understanding of their humanity. These are characters whose actions resonate with me, as they make mistakes and grow from them, making it easier to empathize and put myself in their shoes.
SCC ( The female lead ) is a girl who has long struggled with insecurities about her appearance, even facing indirect mockery from her crush during a reunion. Just when she feels at her lowest, she receives a magical bracelet that grants her newfound power. Initially, she uses this power for her own benefit, but as her journey unfolds, she begins to use it to help others, showcasing her growth and evolving perspective. On the other hand, Tang Qi starts off as a misunderstood jerk, but as the story progresses, we see deeper layers to his character. He candidly reflects on his feelings for different people, revealing that he has never considered himself the type to fall in love easily. Both characters are victims of their circumstances, acting out of emotion and the situations they find themselves in.
Their growth stems from the mistakes they make and the unreasonable decisions they encounter along the way. This complexity makes them relatable and human, enriching the narrative with depth and authenticity. Their journey is a testament to the fact that growth often arises from our struggles and missteps, making their story all the more compelling.
Even the side characters are well-developed and interesting. The female lead's best friend is naive yet cute, funny, and loyal, while her sister, with her cold exterior, shows a caring side. The male lead's coworker and best friend brings an unintentional humor and maturity that further enriches the ensemble. All these characters contribute to the series' charm.
Now, let's delve into the growth and development of the leads' relationship. As I mentioned earlier, the female lead possesses a unique bracelet that allows her to take on different forms and personalities—yes, even a broom or an alpaca! Throughout the series, we see these various personas interact with the male lead, who finds himself falling for each of them. He literally embraces the "will you love me if I turned into..." concept, showing that his attraction stems from the charm of the female lead, regardless of her form.
Their relationship starts off on rocky ground, rooted in their shared history from high school. The female lead had a crush on him and made efforts to connect, but he misinterpreted her proactive attempts as bullying. This misunderstanding created very different perspectives of each other. When they meet again years later, another layer of misunderstanding emerges. She views him as a superficial jerk who only values appearances, while he sees her as the same girl who bullied him and is now lazy at work since they both work in the same office.
This initial misconception lays the groundwork for their gradual journey of getting to know one another. The development of their relationship is beautifully illustrated not only through his interactions with her various filtered personas but also through their genuine connection as individuals. This dynamic allows both characters to peel back the layers and discover who they truly are, ultimately deepening their bond.
Their relationship is infused with a palpable angst that adds depth to the narrative. Watching him fall for her in various forms, only to face the heart-wrenching reality of losing her and having to say goodbye, creates a powerful emotional impact. Tian Jianci excels in portraying this complexity, capturing the nuances of love and loss with remarkable skill. His performance brings a raw authenticity to the story, making the audience truly feel the weight of their connection. This bittersweet dynamic kept me engaged and Ofcourse they do this while still keeping the Serie overall experience lighter heartened.
The romance between the leads unfolds at just the right moment, neither too late nor too soon, creating a perfect timing that feels organic to the story. In this drama, their romantic connection develops later in the series, allowing viewers to witness the male lead's attraction to various versions of Scc, unaware that they are all her. Despite the different personas, he is drawn to her character and charm, which adds depth to his feelings.
As the story progresses, we see him gradually dispel his misconceptions about her, and the same goes for Scc. The buildup of their relationship is handled with a gentle and delicate touch, making it all the more impactful. Once he realizes that Scc is the one behind all those different identities, he begins to associate his feelings with her true self, which creates a beautiful moment of clarity for both characters. They work through their misunderstandings and miscommunications, starting their relationship on a clean slate.
Their chemistry shines brighter than ever as they engage in cute interactions that highlight how well their personalities complement each other. The romance evolves into a cute yet mature relationship, and I love how they emphasize that this is a first for both of them. During their first kiss, he admits it's his first, and the palpable awkwardness and fear of making mistakes make the scene all the more relatable. They manage to pull off the most adorable yet awkward kiss, perfectly capturing the essence of their budding romance. So yes, while the romance happens later in the series, it is beautifully crafted and completely earned.
The second lead couple is equally charming, bringing their own unique storyline that runs parallel to the main plot. While they don't directly impact the leads, their dynamic is so endearing that it adds another layer to the series. We affectionately refer to them as the "lucky and unlucky CP," where she seems to bring him good luck through their interactions, while he inadvertently brings her bad luck. It’s a fun twist that makes their relationship a cute addition to the overall narrative.
The acting in this drama is absolutely phenomenal. Tan Jianci deserves an award for his incredible performance. He navigates a wide range of emotions with such finesse, effortlessly shifting from laughter to tears, and showcasing moments of silliness and cuteness, as well as intense rage and anger. His ability to embody these diverse feelings is nothing short of brilliant.
Li Landi is equally impressive, delivering a performance that feels completely natural. She has a remarkable talent for acting without appearing to try too hard, which enhances her authenticity on screen. Together, their performances elevate the drama, making it a standout in the acting department.
Conclusively,This drama truly excels in numerous aspects. The storytelling is deep and thoughtful, raising awareness about self-love and self-discovery. It empowers women and tackles the sensitive issue of insecurity related to appearance, ultimately conveying that there is beauty in everyone and that it can manifest in various forms. Beauty is subjective, and the drama emphasizes that we shouldn't limit our discussions about it to just physical appearance.
Moreover, the blend of comedy throughout the series is masterfully done. It incorporates all types of humor—intentional, unintentional, and even dark—providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that feel organic and serve as a great stress relief, all while maintaining the show's core message.
Characterization is another area where this drama shines. Each character is flawed, relatable, and intriguing, with distinct personalities that stand out without overshadowing one another. They are well-developed individuals, each with their own beliefs and charms. The dialogue is rich and thought-provoking, filled with lines that encourage reflection on personal views. The pacing and consistency are also commendable; nothing feels dragged out or rushed, allowing for a smooth unfolding of the story. Lastly, the romance, which develops later in the series, is incredibly rewarding, leaving viewers feeling warm and fulfilled with the adorable chemistry between the leads...This drama excels in so many ways, culminating in a beautiful ending that leaves no dull moments from start to finish. "Filter" is truly a remarkable show and stands out as one of the best series of the year. It offers a unique and enjoyable viewing experience, making it a perfect recommendation for anyone seeking something different and fun to watch. The blend of deep storytelling, relatable characters, and a perfect mix of humor ensures that it captivates and entertains throughout. Don't miss out on this gem!
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M2F began with the right pitch; it was extremely funny yet preserved its characters' emotional depth. It wasn't empty comedy and handled serious issues like broken families, society's shallowness, and people's materialism.
I was excited for every new M2F episode more than I was for "Man of Honor", but in the end I was surprised that MBC decided not to do the last episode because MBC Broadcast Entertainers Awards was set at the same time the last episode was supposed to air. That's frickin' brutal.
Another thing which I didn't understand is why a lot of people made a big issue out of Yoon Si Yoon looking really boyish/young for his role and how Kim Jae Won would've been more convincing. OMG, are you sure we're watching the same show? I can't imagine anybody else but Si Yoon as Jae Hee. He didn't feel like an actor playing a character, he *was* the character. Love the guy.
The writer threw me off at the end though, why all the fantasy thrown in at the end when the drama was so realistic all along? That's another thing which made me feel it was because of the last episode being cancelled.
I'm really sad because this drama, as awesome as it is, could've been so much better.
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1The tale of involuntary naps and ass whopping.
So, I’m not gonna lie, Midnight Museum is a complete mess - from how the characters are written, through the countless plot holes and underdeveloped plotlines, up till the rushed ending. It’s entertaining though. I think it is… I honestly cannot be sure how much of my enjoyment came from all the chats, comments, posts and discussions with other mdl users. This is a perfect show to hype each other up about. (psst... I do love the show though. I sold my soul to it).While the idea behind the plot is brilliant, the execution left a lot to desire. From the start it was an episodic type of a deal, which seemed to exist more as a promo for all the GMMTV actors and less as a means to tell a cohesive story. Not to mention the mix of supernatural, fantasy and even sci-fi theories - nothing to be explained or explored. It’s just a big bag of everything, that ends up being nothing.
I understand where they were going with the plot, but I honestly think they lacked a writer and director with experience in that genre. Midnight Museum is just not a smooth viewing experience. They did not highlight important details in the scenes, lines that were explaining connections between plotlines, hints that would make it easier for viewers to understand the whole picture. When you watch the episode, it’s hard to tell what you should focus on and what info might be useful later on.
You know what it feels like? Like watching just a middle season of a tv show - you don’t get a proper setup for the characters nor a well explained conclusion. It just felt like there should be more at the beginning and the end. All that said, the second half of the last episode was just phenomenal. Added 0.5 to my rating just because of these last 40 minutes. But it also made me truly see how much potential to be a masterpiece this drama had.
While I love Khatha and Dome for their interactions (local straight boys acting gay, if you know what I mean), and Khatha was quite a “mood” on many occasions, I don’t think I have ever seen weaker main characters than them. Dome was forced to take a few too many involuntary naps and Khatha got his ass whooped by almost every bad character. That said, this was a bromance on the level of Chinese censored gay romance and for that I am grateful.
Then we have all the supporting characters: Anthika served looks, Triphop and Bam got the “kind of competent, but not really” presentation with a 0.5% fling going on, June was there to make Khatha accept his feelings for Dome and Boon… barely existed. That’s more or less what the characters brought to the table. I think it’s kind of an achievement to have 10 episodes and not one character actually developed.
What saved all of these characters? Amazing acting. Tor and Gun did a great job and their on screen chemistry was to die for. It’s nice to see two competent actors together, because too often we watch one person carry the whole show on their backs.
Supporting cast did a great job too. Yes, I would appreciate Saiparn going one step further and exaggerating the character just a little bit more and Tay giving me a little bit more expression during some scenes, but overall, I don’t really have many complaints. I’m especially content with all the guest appearances and the quality of acting there.
The MVP award goes to Nanon though. This guy delivered probably his best performance up to date.
For the production value - it fluctuated. I was not exactly on board with the set designs. The museum felt painfully empty and not grand enough. I think the majority of the costume budget went to dress Tor, so the rest was underwhelming (especially June - the design for the dress was great, but the quality of it seemed cheap). Some special effects were nice, some were rather questionable. There is also the case of actors not being used to acting with nothing, which made the CGI elements stand out more and not feel like they were part of the picture.
Overall, entertaining mess. It had a lot of potential, but most of it was not used. They tried to pack too much into these 10 episodes so we ended up with a diluted story with little details and world building. I would highly recommend it as a group watch, because it benefits greatly from exchanging theories and hyping each other up as you watch. It’s a great memes and joke source.
That ending though. I don't think I could be more happy with all that crazy shit at the end. Exactly my type of a deal.
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The 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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1Hilarious, Heartfelt and H*rny. So be it.
LOVED this show. MS is now hands down one of my favorite BLs of all time; SornJun one of my fav BL couples. BoatOat acted their a**es off 👏 The dynamics they communicated both in & out of the NC scenes were so on point. I really think the writers messed up not giving us the BACKSTORY of Sorn, Tai, Champ, Win & Jun from the source material; It makes everything else make sense. & we miss out on so much b/c of side characters I didn’t care about. But if was so much fun. I miss them already. 🫶Was this review helpful to you?
The story is like Secret (kdrama), if anyone ever watched it, and although Secret has been one of my favorite dramas when it comes to revenge/hate turning into love and obsession, this lakorn has beaten it out of the water due to the main characters but more so to Yaya's potrayal of Jeerawat or Jee.
Story:
Very Simple, Jee is a major nangek/celebrity who despite all the fame and status lives her life constantly in the rumor mill potrayed as a whore and slut who snatches up people husbands. In reality, she is anything but and instead is just a woman or rather a girl who just wants love, mainly from her mother that she continuously protects at the cost of her own self-respect. While Satit is a young lawyer who is deeply in love with his fiance Tiw, all for justice and the fight for the underdog and the little man. Unlike in the synopsis, Jee is NOT an alcoholic and instead is lusted after by her stepfather and is heavily drugged (IM style in the arm) and in her pursuit to run away from her eventual rape innocently hit and run over Satit's fiance Tiw. Instead of actually running, Jee tries to express her apologies and own up to her mistake, however, the people around her refuses for her to do so and instead her assistant takes the fall while she lives her life in a constant cycle of regret, guilt, remorse, and horror for the fact she cannot pay for the crime that she caused.
Satit, however, doesn't believe what is released to the public and is in hot pursuit to punish Jee for his fiance's death which leads to his obsession. Eventually constant interactions, fighting/arguments, and slowly seeing the inner truth of who Jee really is makes him falls in love with her. But at the same time, he struggles with the reality that he might be falling for the very woman who killed the love of his life and is constantly struggling to battle his own feelings.
Of course there are two other couples but in reality it became such a nuisance (really in Piak and Chaiyan's case) but they only at times help the main draw closer and own up to their feelings.
Acting/Cast:
If I didn't state it earlier, this show was amazing not from the story itself alone, but from the flawless potrayal from the main characters and the amazing chemistry between Jee and Satit. Although Prin was amazing showing Satit as someone obsessed, I have to give the full recognition to Yaya for such an amazing job as Jee.
Yaya: have never seen her before, never knew her before, or etc...but my GODDDD!!!!! She was simply amazing as Jeerawat. She potrayed the hard as nails, aloof, bitch that everyone saw her but at the same time show the vulnerabilities of a young woman (more so girl in my opinion) that just wanted love. Love from her mother and those around her that were actually genuine. At times female leads that just cry nonstop would be annoying and ridiculous but you knew Jee was crying was because she built such a icy facade for the world that when it came to herself, her manager Suki, and her best friend Dao, that was the only time she could really be herself and let it out. Each time, each time, Yaya did such an amazing job showing the emotions of someone lost, tired, hopeful, yearning, and just wanting someone to just love her for herself. Although as the audience battled with the decisions she made at times Yaya did such a seamless job in showing someone fighting with herself and inner desires, wants, and needs. She was not a Candy female lead or someone so darn evil you wonder if she was REALLY a lead female. Rather she was human. She was realistic. She came from a broken home, her mother and her struggled and suffered for everything they got, and even then she wouldn't show others her true self. she was tough as nails and at the same time vulnerable. She was as real as you are gonna get if you want a realistic female lead that is not sugarcoated but is not always wearing a smile despite all the crap life hands to her.
Piak: a insecure housewife now producer/director who constantly suspects her husband Chaiyan is sleeping with his female actresses (nangek) and more specifically, thinks he is sleeping with Jee. Her (adopted) brother is Satit.
Chaiyan: is best friends with Jee, rather shares a brother/sister relationship to Jee that is constantly misconstrued to his wife and the media as an affair.
Dao: Jee's best friend with Jee and is in love with Jate
Jate: confused and playing both fields. In love with Jee but attracted to Dao.
Rewatch Value, Overall:
I would watch this show again at least a few months from now to completely forget the story-line (which i doubt) as this show is just so darn intriguing, and not so predictable compared to most dramas. As i stated before this show has two other couples and to me were either annoying at times or just so unbelievable, but they don't ruin the story. This lakorn is sooooooo enjoyable, intriguing, and unpredictable. Highly recommend to watch, and watch, watch, and then watch some more.
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This review may contain spoilers
Every cliche under the sun
I’m not sure if I watched the same show as a lot of these other reviewers, but I ended up watching the final episodes because I had already spent the time with the earlier episodes. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a series where they tried to cram every overly dramatic themes into one show. What *can’t* the FL do? She’s apparently an expert at everything all the rescue firefighters, who train constantly, and do it all without gloves, protective gear, or sense. She is the ultimate dog trainer, AND she is the investigative reporter who digs in and uncovers ALL the corruption under the sun. Don’t even get me started on the annoying and pathetic second ML (can we even call him that?) He’s apparently a 25 year old CEO of a major financial powerhouse who rides around in Bentleys and Range Rovers who also hitches rides with random truckers and has time to personally carry a girl in his back all night long, with a sprained ankle…. Oh my god I could go on and on, but I’ll leave it here and just say painful!!Was this review helpful to you?
Mnet at its finest, delivering some manipulative editing.
I’m not gonna lie, this was a fascinating watch. Trying to see all the shady business and tactics Mnet delivered, seeing viewers' different reactions depending on their knowledge of the industry and how Mnet works. What a ride it was. And behind all that mess was a bunch of talented trainees who could not breathe in the wrong direction, or they will be evil edited till their elimination.This is probably the worst survival show I have seen from the production standpoint. The editing was atrocious - they gave us 10 takes of the same 2 moments from different angles and different speeds, while completely cutting out most of the performances. How can we judge the stages and trainees skills when we see the same smile or wink just repeated countless times?
Then there is the issue of evil editing. I’m not saying just exaggerating existing issues, I’m saying complete lies, like using footage from two different interviews and making it seem like they were both filmed about the same situation. Translating what foreign trainees say in a vague and misleading way to frame it as them being disrespectful. Making it seem as if teams had massive disagreements in the episode, when we could see them work just fine during the practice lives.
And I don’t even want to talk about the G versus K trainees concept - that was dumb, since the plan was to debut a mixed group. Mnet framed it as rivalry so hard, I’m not surprised Koreans went so strongly voting for Korean trainees - it seemed like a matter of pride for them with how it was presented in the initial episodes. Showing G trainees in a bad light, only “promoting” G trainees that are either Koreans just living in different countries, or been in Korea for years…
What’s more? The legal rigging votes. they knew exactly what info should be released when to make people mass vote for specific trainees out of fear of them not debuting. Just naming the 2 or 3 k-trainees’ ranks that went down - panic voting from the audience. Only showing the 3 trainees ranks based on ONLY G votes - panic voting.
All that said, I loved the kids so much. While I am sad we did not get many strong rappers, and literally barely any in the finale, I’m still more than happy with overall skills presented. Yes, some got into the show as a joke to make the public laugh, but in their case, I could see they truly put in the effort and tried to grow from this experience. The level of talent was high and honestly, one could randomly pick 9 trainees from top 18 to make a team, and every variation of it would make a strong debut.
The trainees had amazing friendships and I loved to see them support and encourage each other. We could see the most honest versions of them in the additional behind the clips mnet uploaded on youtube, and for these I am grateful.
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A Short Drama Full of Surprises and Fun
Although I was unsure of what to expect from this drama when I first started watching it, it really surprised me for such a short drama. There were no drags in the story and the actors did a good job with their roles. Also, the main leads had good chemistry.In this drama, the pace was fast, the humor was light, and the story wasn't boring. In three episodes, this drama managed to include interesting character development, beautiful costumes, and sweet moments between the main leads. If you are looking for a short and funny drama, I recommend this drama.
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