This review may contain spoilers
Sisterhood in a man´s world. Let yourself get both annoyed & inspired by politics behind the scenes
What a wonderful power show inside out politics. Yes, it's ugly and you might want to smash right into it. Often enough and plentifully. But it also has its heart in the right place. Repeatedly. Dealing with politics may make you doubt the meaning and purpose of democracy. But it doesn't get any better without those intrepid heroes willing to stand up for a better world. One may sometimes lose faith in something like a democratic gene in people. But one can always hope and fear. The game is only over when it is over. The election is not over until the votes have all been counted.Stupendous women. On both sides of the front. And the men? Oh well. So and so. (And if many people complain about Lee Geung-young because of his scandal, he at least prefers to choose the role of the challenging guy, where one can wholeheartedly consider him disgusting...)
Well, I consider the sisterhood thing being the crucial message for me in this story. Yes, there are strong, competent women, who, against better female instincts, cling to old structures and customs - in the wake of the Jaebeol clan. Yet there are those competent, motivated, witty, loyal to higher ideals women, too, who are sharing those ideals with others and walking side by side. Even if tempted and seduced they still sense what is right and wrong and act on that when in doubt. Using and abusing (interchangeable lackeys) for personal gain vs. appreciation and recognition (of brothers and sisters) are very sensitively compared here as common HR strategies and management styles.
With 11 episodes (only), Netflix slips through the story fairly quickly - only the most necessary input about the protagonists are given. However, especially the actresses don't let the story rush past you. Kudos to (in this case in particular) the heart and soul of the Ahjummas and a storytelling that, while strikingly handling the political landscape for its stringency, nevertheless spreads the complex mixture of motives, hopes and fears in a well-sorted manner.
Does the end justify the means? This age-old question apparently never ages. "Queenmaker" makes you think, but also often leaves you terribly annoyed about the way things are. The KDrama makes you angry, demoralizes, and yet: at the same time it gives hope. Strong women, a strong story, an often enough an ugly world in which, however, once again each individual contributes to the fact that it could be one way or another...
Obviously I would recommend it - if you´re in the mood for something like that. And: obviously there are no Idols and no Love Story involved. People may die, but it is no crime story. It isn´t funny, either. Nevertheless, I would say, you should check it out and let yourself get both annoyed and inspired by politics behind the scenes.
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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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Cheeky, cheerful and heartfelt, drops of suspense included
“Knight Flower” is set in Joseon days, yet it is no epic, historical KDrama in a classical sense. It has endearing comedy to offer, the touch of a romance and even a touch of crime thriller, while the setting back then in Joseon is accounted for predominant neo-Cunfucian social ethics in those days. In particular, back then being widowed was bad news for women, whatsoever. (See side note). This circumstance is providing the hook for a cheeky and fresh-minded KDrama plot.In "Knight Flower", the widow simply cannot get herself to merely spending the rest of her long life in honorable, virtuous seclusion, mostly invisible to the rest of the world, trying not to be too much of a burden to her in-laws, and otherwise mourning the deceased husband (whom she never actually met) in the afterlife.
No, this widow does her own thing. She is not interested in being reduced to the virtue of mourning. During daytime, her everyday life is that of a honorable widow and decent daughter-in-law. Yet, at night she is dressed in black, wearing pants and a mask, climbing over walls, jumping over roofs and helping the poor – as "Midam", a kind of Robin Hood of Joseon. Such is her double life. All goes well, until one day...
While the plot is drawing its dynamic appeal from the actually rather sad background of a dubious tradition of treating widows (not only practiced in old Joseon, and not only back then…), the good news is: "Knight Flower", as a production broadcast in 2024, is built on intelligent emancipation, too. What is called for is not compliant bowing, but rather self-confident, creative solutions in dealing with life. Obviously South Koreans are craving for such a role model these days. The show was quite a success. People there apparently enjoyed it. So did I.
"Knight Flower" is cheeky, cheerful, and heartfelt, drops of suspense included, thus with alluring wit offering an enjoyably entertaining genre-mix.
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SIDE NOTE: --- Yeolnyeo or Yeolbu, the virtuous woman of Joseon ---
A loyal subject can only serve ONE king and a virtuous woman can only serve ONE husband. This perhaps briefly summarizes the core of the moral teachings of the period between the 14th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Practically speaking, this implied a widowed woman could face death penalty, if she ever wanted to marry again.
Women had to be obedient to their parents and in-laws. They had to honor their husband. And after his death the eldest son had the say... The greatest asset of a woman, besides bearing children, was her virtue. And that was eventually all that was left, if her husband might have died before herself. There was even granted an official award for valuing outstandingly honorable virtuous widows with the reputation of being a Yeolnyeo or Yeolbu. Thus they had to be particularly determined with living as a commendable model wife even after their husband´s death – according to all the rules regarding morals and daily routines as set out in detail in the book about good conduct for virtuous women…
However, the pressure on widows to be respected as Yeolnyeo became excessive over time. At some point it was even common for widows to consequently take their own lives, too, thus expressing their praiseworthy being loyal to the husband until the bitter end. In this way, they could posthumously provide their family (or that of their deceased husband) an honorable glory of virtue in which all family members could bask. Eventually, suicide was even expected of a widow – especially if she became a widow at a young age...
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INTENSITY WILL HAVE YOU DYING!!!!!!!!!
WTF happened 28 years ago? this show will make you ask that every episode. Why the hell is every character so fucking SMART, the male lead could MANIPULATE ANYONE like he was PLAYING CHESS. Reminds me of DEATH NOTE with all the high IQ characters. Being intelligently advanced is one thing but being physically capable of doing anything a human body can is insane and OVERPOWERED.The SECRET MYSTERY will make you binge watch the hell out of this drama until you finally find it out but then another mystery will pull you in. Also its NAM GOONG MIN like do you even need a reason why? Watch this drama and you'll end up having trust issues with every character and end up staying up until 4 am watching this. BE WARNED!!!
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Lead chemistry saved this show
The good:The song "Ikuokukonen" by Omoinotake is an absolute banger. I've been following this band since they made the ost for the "Twittering Birds Never Fly" movie, and I'm glad they got their break with "Ikuokukonen".
Acting:
Chae Jong Hyeop's acting is seriously great! He exudes that golden retriever energy without being cringy, and his subtle acting with his eyes when the tone gets serious makes me emotional. I've been following the producers for the show and Jong Hyeop contributed to some of my favorite scenes!
The Cast:
I've been following the show's Instagram/Twitter/TikTok accounts, and the chemistry between Chae Jong Hyeop and fumi nikaido and with the staff heals me lol.
The Bad:
The story needs a lot of work. I read on the producer's Twitter account that he worked on this story since 2021 and it still needs work. The added drama with Min Ha Na and the book was unnecessary and contrived. They added some lore that had something to do with Ainu people that looks like went nowhere. IDK, the plot is a bit of a mess after episode 5/6.
I see people criticizing the people criticizing the FL's acting, but even Japanese people have been saying it's bad on filmarks.com (which is like the Japanese version of IMDB). I kinda agree, but I feel like it's the fault of the director and how they characterized her character.
Anyways I love Chae Jong Hyeop and he really carried this show for me. Overall I like the show, and its a comfort show for me. Something easy to watch and makes me feel all warm inside lol. I watched episodes 1-3 three times already and Tae-Oh still gives me butterflies in my stomach lol. He smile is to die for.
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A short but soft flame that stayed lit!
It honestly feels like China has cracked the cheat code on how to deliver BLs and they have been quietly doing a good job at it.Trapped in Osaka is a bite-sized series, just four episodes, each around 10 minutes. Super short but very digestible.
The plot is as straightforward as it gets: a debt collector ends up falling for the guy he is collecting from and somehow, they end up living together. It hints at a lot of backstories and possible subplots, but never dives deep considering the run time. Strangely enough though, it still works. You just get what is happening, both on screen and between the lines.
It sure does lean into cliches but I don’t mind a cliché when it’s done well. And this one is.
The two leads were a total visual treat.
Their acting felt really natural, nothing over-the-top, just smooth and very believable. The chemistry between them was from the get go. It did all the heavy lighting when plot ran thin.
There was this constant lingering tension in the air like something was always about to happen...Even when they were just standing, it felt like something is gonna snap but somehow it does and doesn't at the same time! No dramatic or big moments, just this lowkey connection that kept building.
It works without making a big deal out of itself and honestly, that is what makes this good.
The production is clearly low-budget, but it never really feels lacking. In fact, some of the beach shots were genuinely pretty.
I know giving it an 8.5 might seem kinda generous, but it earned it. It's not at all flawless and there are number of things that could have been fleshed out more. But for something so short and low-budget, it had a surprising amount of heart. You can tell they really tried and honestly, that effort landed. It didn’t need to be perfect to be good.
Definitely worth checking out. And it’s so short, even if you end up not liking it, it’s really not much of a loss.
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An Anti-Romance in the Best Possible Way
The Red Sleeve does something I never thought I’d see in a K-drama - it dares to suggest that love may not conquer all. Most “romantic” sageuks start with the premise that every commoner or court lady dreams of being swept off her feet by a handsome prince, but few look closely at the power dynamics of such relationships, especially in the Joseon era where the patriarchy was so rigid that even the most powerful woman in the kingdom, the Queen Dowager, was essentially under house arrest. To its credit, The Red Sleeve centers this fundamental inequality, suggesting that consenting relationships are impossible if one person is the master and the other, functionally, a slave. It’s also smart enough to feature one of Joseon’s “best” kings as its male lead, emphasizing that the issue is systemic, not individual, and that no ruler, no matter how just, upright and swoony can be an ideal partner as long as they view their love interest as a possession. And when a woman must obey, the line between rape and mutual affection quickly blurs, even if the man is doing it “for her own good.” The discomfort the show induces is magnified by the fact that it includes no easy villains. Everyone has an agenda, but everyone is also trying to do their best in a world where protocol and order take precedence over human feeling. But when human feelings must be excised in the name of duty, the drama reminds us that it’s often women who take the fall. It asks us to reconsider whose lives matter, and argues that agency, even the agency to choose heartbreak, may be preferable to even the dreamiest of suitors.Was this review helpful to you?
I consider the acting performance in "Room No. 9" as it´s true highlight
Another KDrama about revenge? Not quite. Ok, it´s about injustice done in the past. Yet, it´s rather about the desire for official recognition of innocence, let alone the unjust verdict - as reconciliation with fate. Revenge is secondary. I would say, that is good news. The protagonist is more concerned with her own peace of mind than primarily with new suffering that she in turn has to inflict on her perpetrator. She doesn't want to keep turning the wheel of fate, she wants to stop it.Yet once again, being stuck in the past is a driving force: in this case, the protagonist sits in prison awaiting execution - for decades. ----- SIDE NOTE: South Korea has in practice stopped using the death penalty, but all legislative initiatives to officially abolish the death penalty (most recently in 2019) have so far failed.
Dramaturgic maneuver with magical components: a body swap. The motif is not new to KDrama. Although the personalities in the body are now different, the bodies themselves still have their cellular memories plus the environment inevitably remembers the person originally owning this body. So there is lots of room for funny situations - although they are always solved humorously, they are not slipping into farce. The story is serious and touching, but also playfully told. Laughter is allowed. A teardrop here and there, too.
I consider the acting performance in "Room No. 9" as it´s true highlight: Kim Hee-sun and Kim Hae-sook manage brilliantly to unite the characteristic aura of the other and thus perfectly embody the switch. They are marvelous to watch. And it's a pleasure to see the experience in the body of the other person has a transforming effect becoming a new (cellular) memory...
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A new kind of Cantabile!
If you are expecting that it factor from the original Nodame Cantabile (japanese drama) or the craziness that was Tomorrow’s Cantabile (korean version), this isn’t it. This drama is not a remake but an adaptation. There are elements from the original story that are waaaay tone down and this makes Symphony’s Romance break away, distinguish itself, and become a drama on its own but still be that familiar tale you know so well. As a result I could enjoy the drama without constantly comparing it to the other versions.The relationship between Xiao Wo and Zhen Yan develops naturally, from a mutual admiration of the talent each holds to a professional and personal partnership among equals. This makes the romance feel more grounded and mature. A welcome change since it makes leading man more affectionate and open to the leading lady’s proactive and flirty ways and, in return, he becomes the person she can rely on when her genius overwhelms her. They support each other’s dreams and ambitions, based on the knowledge not only of themselves as individuals but as a couple. They keep choosing each other through hardships and insecurities. Xiao Wo and Zhen Yan work out things together like the dream team they choose to be.
The same can be said about the secondary characters. For once we see what happens when some of them make it in the world of classical music and others don’t. What happens among friends, lovers and rivals, whom so far have been following the same path, when they go out into the stage of the world. Do they follow their vocation? Was music just daydreaming? Do they decide to follow society’s expectations of what kind of job they should have?
I appreciate this more realistic take on the story. It’s not a youth drama, it’s a drama about young adults trying to find their place in the world and that’s definitely Symphony’s Romance strongest point.
The only weak point, for me, it’s the musical performances. In a drama about musicians and the need to stand on the stage as the best version of yourself, the performances were lacking for my taste. I am not sure if it was the music selection or the editing but, at times, it felt like there was no emotion behind the music that was playing. It should have been since it was supposed to be the culmination of trials the characters had gone through. In very few performances I can truly say that it felt like these passionate musicians left everything on the stage. However, this does not take away from the drama or the character development.
Overall, I had a really great time with this drama and enjoyed every episode. I have no complains about this drama, it gave me exactly what I wanted and needed from it. Symphony’s Romance is the perfect drama to relax and enjoy as the story evolves and its characters grow. With a super cute romance on top. I recommend it!
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What I most enjoyed? Kim Rae Won's character, Sang Min, is probably first place. Afterwards, Moon Geun Young. It's funny, because at first I hated Bo Eun for the way she treated Sang Min. But at the end, you can really see she regrets what she did, and manned up to it. Also, her acting is really genuine. I haven't seen many dramas or movies, but I can still say that her portrayal has been my favorite. No exaggerated facial expressions, thank God!
And finally, the story itself. I didn't see any over-the-top "comedy" scenes, or those crazy dramatic scenes you see in most dramas or movies. This was the light-hearted story I've been looking for ever since I started watching dramas. Seriously, if you're doubting about watching this, then don't. I recommend this to anyone!
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Romantic and Inspirational
Story:It's nothing new, but it's told in a way that feels so fresh! It deals with the relatable struggles of work life, going with the flow vs. challenging yourself and following your dreams. It seems obvious, but it's actually really hard to take the first step into living a life for yourself instead of living it to fulfill other's expectations.
At the starting point, Umi is overworked and unhappy and doesn't like the person she's become. After meeting Kazao by chance, she begins to want to change herself, and she starts a journey into becoming a person she loves, growing up in the process. There's actually real growth for all characters involved. The story and the dialogues are so well written that the drama progresses very naturally. And, even though the theme may be serious, it has a lot of funny and warm moments.
A few of the most memorable scenes for me were the reccurent after work ramen, gyoza and beer scenes, that created an intimate environment where the main characters were allowed to unwind - these scenes were truly precious and cathartic (and the ramen shop owner was sublime even with almost zero lines haha).
Side note: Don't be fooled by the drama poster into thinking this is another superficial and silly sexyromcom, this is a drama about adults being adults, it has a meaningful message and is filled with the nutritious kind of sweetness. The poster is actually the only thing I didn't like about the drama, because it doesn't fit at all.
Acting/Cast:
This is my first time seeing Suzuki Airi and Honda Kyoya and I loved them as Umi and Kazao, they really became their characters. Suzuki Airi's range was particularly impressive, acing the comedy and making us feel the pain along with her. Honda Kyoya is incredibly charming in a nonchalant way and made me fall head over heels in love with Kazao, breaking all ML stereotypes out there.
I also need to mention Shirasu Jin and Izuka Kenta and their entertaining and heartwarming bromance, as Keisuke and Satoru. I hadn't seen them in this kind of role before and they delivered. Kudos to them.
Music:
There is silence when there needs to be, and there's also music beautifully woven into the scenes, making them even more impactful and emotional. It's really done right.
I have "Gloomy Day" by Lozareena playing on a loop for weeks, now. It's a really great song, and it really fits with the drama.
"Just face forward, run, run until I can run
That's what I thought I should do
I kept fooling myself and losing my confidence
Even though I'm the hero of my own story
I got my mind made up
Run, run and run"
Rewatch Value:
I've already rewatched it, so... ^^
Definitely a drama to (re)watch when you're losing confidence in yourself, when you're feeling hopeless or when you just want to watch the sweetest romance. It will lift your spirits, give you courage and warm your heart.
Overall:
10/10 for me.
On a very personal note, this drama came just at the right time! I finally mustered up the courage to leave my job of 11 years... Oof. On the morning I finally made the decision, I was walking to work screaming inside my head the lyrics to "Gloomy Day" ("HASHIRE HASHIRE HASHIRE!").
I don't know what the future holds, but you only live once, and only you have the power to try to change yourself and chase after your dreams. Ganbatte!
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They tried to make a new kind of drama, where women have power, where they cand dress how they want, put makeup, accessories and date whoever they want in whatever manner they desire. I really liked that. It had a F*ing strong start.
The first few episodes are my favs and I would rewatch those but not the full drama. Ok so onto what bothers me:
The love story: Starts in a refreshing way for a kdrama, I mean, it s not the usual korean drama couple. But as you go into the story, her not wanting to get married, him wanting to, the endless and pointless drama between them bored me very much. The ending was as boring as their couple story. I must say that his acting and way of being (the resting bitch face and voice and everything) was more suited for Kill It (where I really liked him) or the other drama with the serial killer (come and hug me- I think). Not here.
What kept me going? SCARLETT. GODDAM Scarlett was everything, I swear. She ended up being the only one I cared about, her style, personality, everything.
***IMPORTANT: if this was a drama focused on Cha Hyun(scarlett) I would have given it a 10 (so you can watch it based on this little detail)
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Possibility in the impossible
This drama is such a rare gem. A very interesting story about second chances, hope, courage and compromises. It's been a while since I reviewed something, and this piece deserved my recognition as one of the best modern cdrama rom-com with a slight dose of realism. It's been a while since a show made me anxiously glue to the screen while waiting for its release; this show is one of them. I wish I could erase my memory and experience it all over again.
Story
It started pretty warm; as it stirred your emphatic feelings and drew your curiosity; How a poor 19 year old orphan desperate attempt to change his life; and how a pampered 'princess' copes with sudden changes in her almost perfect life; dealing with miscarriage, divorce and betrayal. The whole premise is filled with typical cliches; Age gap, abandonment, second chances, reconciliation; to name a few; however its craft and direction felt fresh and I can't help myself rooting for the main characters to beat all odds and eventually find their happiness. I'm seated; smiling, screaming and sometimes throwing fit witnessing their journey as it unfolds. Although the story was told in a few separate timelines, surprisingly it doesn't confuse me. The jump between the past and the present helps to amplify my curiosity and boost my understanding.
Cast
Daniel Zhou as Li Wu is just brilliant. He really captured that innocence as this pure soul who wants to change his life and achieve something for a better future. He made me root for him to succeed in everything that he does. LW's emotions are raw, natural and convincing. His childlike behaviour is addictive and the contrast as he grows into adulthood is done immaculately. His journey is fleshed out beautifully and I could not help but to adore and take his side even when he acts irrational (*yes, I would defend him every time). His growth is even better as we could see his struggle to balance his future goal while managing his inevitable feelings for Chen Jin and face it bravely. He is not perfect; foolishly naive yet his pureness and sincerity will move mountains and melt your stone-cold heart. He is fictional, yet somehow I could feel that there is 'possibility in the impossible' that he exists out there. He made me believe that true love does exist.
A tiny setback for me is the female lead character. Although Michele Chen looks phenomenal and portrays Chen Jin beautifully, the growth in CJ felt a little short. It just scrapes the surface without delving deep further. We get a little glimpse of why she is built that way; A princess who suddenly has her glass castle shattered. How she copes with the struggles of her divorce and betrayal. After her first failure in love, her actions speak as this skeptical and overthinking person, to the point that she thinks she probably destined to be alone. It boggles me how CJ would suddenly turn around in both timelines and casually decides to be with LW; it felt a little jarring, but still it delivers a good outcome of reconciliation. I wish for a dramatic approach I guess. The big plus is that she has her cute besties who keep reminding her to just follow her heart.
The chemistry between the main couple is off the chart; fuel with the contradictory dynamic between them, makes the pull and push effects work. Yes, I am often frustrated at how CJ is clueless or when she pushes/ ignores LW and continue to lie to herself; and I will cheer every time LW would scheme his way in and shamelessly just cave in to her relentlessly. It's so good and addictive; and when they do get together, my teeth are drying from sweetness overload.
Secondary Couple / Third Couple
I love both of them. Although I wish that they have more screen times.
Other Supporting Casts
All are convincing and play their part really well; even the ex-husband, I just love to hate a character without depth. The parents is commendable. I love the father and daughter relationship.
Favourite Scenes
1) Reconciliation in episode 24. LW is amazing in this scene. It felt natural, his awkward reaction and profound realization that no matter what, he will run to her whenever she calls; like a beacon. It's a calm and mature approach, as the two finally break their barrier. I love how LW would pause, try to sink in his mind how surreal it is and how much he yearns for her.
2) First kiss in episode 20. The awkwardness scene after their first kiss felt natural and convincing. I love how CJ managed to tame the silly boy who is hype and overly excited.
3) The breakup scene in episode 23. It's gut-wrenching to watch two people who love each other but can't agree about their future. I could understand from both points of view; LW's fear of being abandoned and CJ fear of future resentment. Their separation at that time is inevitable.
4) The first moment they met in episode 1. It cemented the theme 'age gap' early on and I was hooked.
5) The ending scene; where it all begin. It came full circle and I like how they emphasize that love didn't require much grand gesture; just a simple and sincere act from the heart.
Music
I love all the soundtracks. I could hum it all day long. It really amplify the storytelling.
Do I like to watch it again?
To infinity and beyond. I lost count already.
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