Season 2 is as good as Season 1
I've read some of the reviews and I was quite shocked that some of them gave this drama a terrible review/rate when in fact it was a great drama. First, I was a fan of Romantic Doctor that I've watch that first season a lot, and I think watching it again before starting this second season was not a bad move since the charm of medical drama is still there, as well as,the tension, and the romance. I was still amazed on the cases that they've brought every week and how Dr. Kim (along with Dr. Woo Jin and Dr. Eun Jae with the help of Doldam staff) overcome them. It was also good that they still mention the characters of Dr. Kang Dong Joo and Dr. Yoon Seo Jung in some scenes and even have Dr. Do In Bum a cameo that really hype up those last episodes.Second, I also want to praise the new characters for giving a new spice in the drama as they introduce their stories and backgrounds to the viewers. Lastly, I also want to compliment the OST as it gives life to the scenes that makes it more interesting and exciting to watch.
Overall, it is true that it is somehow different to the first season that some of us said that it already lost it charm when they started a new season with different leads. But for me, I think this drama has a different charisma that it captivates the viewers to watch it weekly which is obviously true as it passes a 20 percent viewership rating on its first airing and it breaks it record as a new episode comes. Still, I can say that when it comes to medical-romance drama, "Romantic Doctor" series will be on the number one of my list.
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2A new Xanxia approach and excellent acting
A fresh and new human perspective brought to Xanxia Genre. Story of two people that fought their way against fate and managed to be together. The series allows you to flow with it and gets better with each episode in. The Priest and Princess might be each other's nemesis, but we saw the relation starting from scratch and developing to a lifetime of love.Moral, character, scenery, music, costumes, art , excellent CGI and top class acting of the leads - this series had them all at highest level.
Shi Ying you will be missed !
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Hilarious
I don't understand how can people hate on this drama..!!!???? I find it hilarious(swimming on tableㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ) I absolutely love silly adorable dramas with no complicated stories....I'm literally livin' for both of those cuties......♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
I suggest, watch this if you want something little and funny...A story that will make you feel warm in these cold days.........
p.s: Hot men alert......RoWoon along with SooDuk's hwatttt oraboni(sorry, can't remember his name rn)....😌🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
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Let me get this out of the way first. Nobody growing up in Korea would think that a marriage of convenience would ever be the simple answer to life’s problems. With all these family obligations, societal expectations and unspoken rules, it’s ridiculous to imagine so. There are so many great things about this drama that are so different. No one pays attention to the CEO. The feminine representations are the best. The chirpy office girl is so sardonic. The women treat each other with respect.
Ji Ho – female lead
Ji Ho is a wonderful Kdrama heroine. She has this beautiful inner strength and the ability to laugh at herself and own up to her crazy actions. She actually runs very hot and cold like a Korean male hero. Towards the end of the drama she really has gender role reversals and is totally tough.
Se Hee
“Do you know how much stress people like you give me?”
Se Hee’s honesty is beautiful. I also love the way his preserves Ji Ho’s autonomy.
The cat is a major focus in Se Hee’s life. It’s so adorable. Yes, Se Hee is introverted, but he still is highly aware of other people’s perspectives and feelings.
Romance
“Something that’s not simple just started.”
It’s such a great start to a relationship that Se Hee likes everything about Ji Ho. He’s not looking down on her for those usual reasons of messiness, clumsiness, chattiness, etc. He’s not annoyed by her at all.
“If you have some time, would you marry me?”
“I noticed you washed the instant noodle bowl.”
“Yes, it’s a habit.”
“You have a really good habit.”
These two are an amazing couple. They are so normal. I love the way the pair meet through a series of texts and notes. I was concerned about what would happen when the truth came out, but they both dealt with it maturely without the ridiculous high drama that I predicted would ensue.
I appreciated the approach that they first found themselves to be so compatible and the relationship developed from there instead of this opposites attract sort of premise that is so rampant.
They have a great positivity in their relationship. Se Hee is so polite to Ji Ho.
Se Hee’s way of falling in love is too cute. He is such a reserved character, but the drama shows all the little ways that he is falling in love. Actually, when he talks to other people about Ji Ho, you can really see how much he cares about her and how much he notices about her.
I love the way they start really looking at each other. For me, that was the sweetest moment when they’d bump into each other somewhere, do an awkward bow and just look at each other as if they’re savouring the happiness and looking at their love’s face.
I thought the ending would go the standard route of miscommunication and missed opportunities. But the drama does well to surprise us with what each character actually knows.
While normally I wouldn’t encourage emotional whiplash from either gender, I feel a bit satisfied seeing the heroine get to play the strategic hero when it comes to romance while the hero flops around helplessly. It’s a bit of a different angle too, that throughout the show the hero is flawlessly considerate and he needs to pull out some selfish sentences so the heroine understands he actually has feelings.
Work
“We are not family. Let’s get paid properly.” I love this slogan haha.
The drama portrays different work environments from Ho Rang’s restaurant to Soo Ji’s corporate world.
Family
Ji Ho’s mother is really a great dynamic to the show. I enjoyed her unpredictable interactions with people and she has a most meaningful conversation with Se Hee. Considering her relationship with her husband, it was wonderful to hear Se Hee’s point of view of how he won’t be lording over his wife.
Ji Ho’s sister in law is quite nice. I was glad she was also normal, wanting to be on good terms with Ji Ho.
Friends
Ji Ho’s friends are great. They are both actresses that I’m familiar with from shows that made a big impact on me. They are multi-dimensional women. I always feel so happy to see a cheery slightly ditzy character in a managerial position.
Ho Rang
She’s a pretty average girl. Who knew a sofa could be the cause of so much drama and miscommunication.
Soo Ji
I first saw Esom in White Christmas where obviously she seemed so small next to all the male models that starred in that show. She is an amazing character in this show with so many hidden layers. She’s snarky, but also motherly. She has an active sex life but doesn’t flaunt it and yet continually gets discriminated and harassed at work for her gender. The drama demonstrates this so strongly but not in an in your face harsh manner. I liked seeing Soo Ji still living life despite being so submissive at work. I wasn’t sure if I would like her love line but really Mr. Ma is so cute with her. I agree with his assessment of her.
“You look like a baby when you smile. But you look scary in general.”
Mr. Ma
“I’m a bit scared to be scolded by you twice in one day. Gosh, Soo Ji is the scariest in the world!”
Mr. Ma has a unique way of using his voice in different scenarios that makes his character really come alive.
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3Potential wasted due failure in execution and lazy script writing
Reasons to watch this drama✅ Hot Oppa with cute expressions
✅ Shower Scene which showcases his abs
Error 404, no other reasons found
just like how you were dumbfounded by my reasons to watch this drama, I WAS BY THIS DRAMA.
The writer of this show is like my college professor, trying all possible ways to get over finishing, the syallabus (script) asap meanwhile the students (audience) has no clue about what is going on.
Now let's get the review more likely the rant, started →_→
My initial view on the female lead was that I admired how she wasn't damsel in her distress and wasn't portrayed as a pushover or a crybaby. She embodied independence despite not having a job, maintaining strong morals, but the lack of communication between her and SML OH MY GOSH, like girl you have fake marriage with SML not the ML, it was awfully weird that she never told anything to the SML when they literally called each other bestfriends. Despite that, her subtle expression and acting, she's a great actress, you can watch her movie The Call, tremendous job there.
On the other hand, one major drawback of the drama was the male character. Excuse my bluntness, but while I adore Ji Han, his character had flaws. His opinions and views about certain individual often regressed, returning to square one inconsistently. He was too obsessive towards his brothers life, for idk what reason 😭
SML stood out as the most clueless and unaware character throughout the drama when in fact the story revolves around him. IMO he should've been the highlight of the show, but he was treated nothing less than a side character. He consistently lagged behind by at least 2-3 episodes in understanding what was happening, even when it concerned his own marriage. Unfortunately, his queer character arc wasn't sufficiently explored, representing a significant waste of potential.
Chae Woon was the most unproblematic SFL, they tried to portray in bad light but she was the only sane and realistic person here, sadly her screen time was not less than of a cameo despite being SFL
When watching a romantic comedy, the romance aspect is crucial for it to truly shine for me. However, in this drama, while the romantic element is touched upon, it lacks full development, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. To illustrate this feeling, consider the analogy of being served instant coffee instead of filtered coffee at a café, "you'd be upset, won't you?" Just as instant coffee represents a diluted or say incomplete experience, the romance here feels incomplete, lacking the depth of connection, affection, and chemistry expected in a romantic comedy. When key aspects like romance are only partially explored, it leaves me feeling as though I've only glimpsed a fraction of what could have been a more fulfilling experience.
Like instant coffee, it can be hit or miss; for me, it was a miss. Definitely the premises of the drama, was intriguing and new twist to contractual marriages, but the lack of plot, character growth, confrontation, communication and meaningful storylines, along with underdeveloped romance, made it a huge miss. While the characters had potential as the writing miserably falls in the other half of the show, making everything remained undiscovered and underdeveloped.
I personally lost interest by episodes 5 and 6. My attention span is short, so if a show isn't good, it doesn't hold my attention but as I start a drama I never drop it. There are many better romantic comedies out there, so it's not worth wasting your precious time on this one.
So skip this , you ain't missing anything (+_+)
Thank you for reading my review^^
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Short review
So, I'm just gonna say that this drama is so fresh and hilarious. Miaoyi and Jun's chemistry is on par and at the same time, it's so cute. I've never laughed like this. I've also loved the kids who acted as Chao Chao and Tutu. 😭 They're so cute. Every episode is funny af.lmao. I couldn't forget that part where XiaoTu was literally thrown out of their house, and yet she's so happy af.
indeed, it's worth the wait. I just don't like the way they just throw all the episodes in one day, now it's spoiled. But carats are hilarious thought. Their edits are epic.
Now, gimme Wen Junhui in costume drama.
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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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Also, what I like about this series is they make storyline in the original season to be put in only first 3 episodes in this series. It's super effective way to make a remake and not wasting your old viewer time. But then, for new viewer can also follow the story and not getting confused. I'm just so happy that I give this series a chance because now I can't wait for the next episodes<3
*edit
I have finished watching all episodes, can't wait for season 3 because the ending is such a CLIFFHANGER
Bruh i just hope they don't change the casts anymore, i really like the way they act as the roles :(
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1
1This review may contain spoilers
I hadn’t planned to start watching this yet.. Really, I hadn’t.. But somehow, I fell straight into its trap... I thought I would just take a quick peek at the first ep and before I knew it, it was six in the morning five episodes down and no way to stop.. It’s that good, no wonder the ratings are so high..Whenever I watch an enemies to lovers kind of story, I never get tired of that slow shift when they slowly grow into each other.. They begin to learn things about one another.. Their deepest secrets, the softest parts that were never spoken about, the little facts and even their weaknesses.. The enemies to lovers trope here is done exceptionally well.. It’s neither rushed nor slow.. I would say it’s perfectly executed.. After what happened in the first two episodes, I was curious to see how they would ever go from enemies to lovers.. Seriously, they hated each other so much and he really did torture her pretty badly..
FYX and FSG’s love feels incredibly strong and almost beyond ordinary, something that truly left me amazed.. There are so many small, subtle moments that quietly scream how deeply they love each other.. Their love is the anchor that holds the story together through all the tumbles it takes.. Fu Yi Xiao’s emotional and moral journey, from someone bound by loyalty to a woman willing to risk her place, her safety and even her heart for the truth and for her supposed enemy is deeply compelling.. Her transformation mirrors that of our ML Feng Sui Ge, the prince shaped by vengeance and duty who slowly learns that power without compassion is just another kind of cage.. Their love is forged through loss and courage and through the painful realization that sometimes, love itself is the most defiant act of all..
Something that really stood out for me in this drama is the couple and their relationship.. I know I am writing too much about them, but bear with me.. Their relationship isn’t like the cliche ones you see in most dramas.. Their relationship is completely and sensibly balanced.. They respect each other’s strengths and weaknesses.. Both are capable, confident and competent individuals who don’t lose sight of who they are just because they are in love.. This is what I love about the writing, they are intentionally kept as equals.. Neither is portrayed as weak or dependent and she never becomes someone who needs the ML to protect her.. Even the ML understands her strength and intelligence, he lets her take risks when she has to, never forcing her to hide behind him or stop her out of overprotectiveness.. That’s what I hate in most dramas, when they fall in love and suddenly all that ruthlessness or individuality disappears and they just turn into fools in love.. But here it’s not like that at all, and I absolutely loved it..
Visually, this drama is undeniably beautiful.. They have done wonders with the cinematography, framing and color work.. The direction isn’t flamboyant, it’s careful and deliberate as if the story itself is afraid of revealing too much too soon.. I do agree, though, at times, the pacing falters as if the director momentarily loses sight of which emotion to frame, grief or resolve, tenderness or deceit..
The supporting characters were good as well.. I really liked the ML's team.. They were utterly loyal till the end.. But I feel the show spent too much time on the other side characters who didn’t really deserve that focus.. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but personally I didn’t enjoy it.. Nothing about those parts felt worth the time and none of the characters made me want to keep watching.. There was hardly any real character development, maybe with the exception of the Emperor of Jinxia.. But again, that’s just my opinion..
Talking about character development, one character was a complete disaster from start to finish, the Princess of Susha.. She was frustrating to watch, constantly making poor choices and falling for the wrong man.. What she needed was a knock on the head, not sympathy.. In the end, she literally got a sword to her stomach from the very man she loved and sacrificed everything for.. She never had any clear motive and kept walking straight into her own downfall.. Even her revenge felt so shallow, what was she even avenging?? The story tried to frame it as if the SML wronged her, but he was honest from the beginning that he would never love her.. Then she went on to team up with another terrible man in the name of revenge.. The Emperor and the princess were just two broken people making things worse for each other.. He was an awful person, much like the SML.. His last minute redemption does count as character development, but it doesn’t make him a good person nor does it turn their story into some tragic love worth mourning..
The ML at least had one sibling who had some sense and did the right thing, the Second Prince of Susha.. Despite being raised on lies and manipulation, despite having every reason to protect his mother and hold on to power, he still chose what was right.. He stood by his brother when it mattered most.. He has my absolute respect..
All the other characters had fitting endings and every arc was wrapped up really well.. Feng Sui Ge got his revenge on everyone who wronged him and his family, every backstabber met their fate and it was incredibly satisfying to watch.. And through it all, Fu Yi Xiao stood by him, protecting and fighting alongside him, just as she promised she would..
I wanted to mention a few other things..
There was one thing I think they overdid, the face filter.. It was just a bit too much.. They really could have eased up on it.. At some points, CZH looked like he might melt if the sun hit him..
These Chinese historical weddings are just so beautiful.. The attire, the colors, the whole aesthetic, it’s pure bliss to watch..
I have to mention the torture scene, when she tortured him, he seemed to enjoy it a bit too much for it to be called torture.. The man was out there thriving in pain..
There have been quite a few female general characters this year and a lot of talk about who did it best.. But now, we finally have a clear winner.. Hands down, the title goes to Li Qin and her character Fu Yi Xiao.. She was absolutely perfect, fierce, graceful and beautiful.. The way she carried herself was simply sublime..
Overall, this drama was an absolute feast to watch.. I would have rated it a solid 9.5 but all that beautiful buildup led to what felt like a small firework.. Don’t get me wrong, I still liked that firework and thought it was beautiful but deep down, I was hoping for a grand finale of explosions, a huge, epic scale war to end it all.. And also, putting a character who didn’t do a single right thing throughout the entire drama in charge of a country was just plain ridiculous.. She never once showed intelligence, responsibility or even basic morality.. There was no real character development that could justify giving her the responsibility of ruling Susha, that was a huge misstep on Feng Sui Ge’s part.. Chengyang on the other hand, showed far more potential and leadership qualities.. For these two major reasons, I couldn’t bring myself to rate it any higher than a nine.. As much as I wish I could give it a perfect score, these two glaring flaws held it back for me..
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Good start, poor finish!
To be honest, I didn't know from the start that we would get this series. I found about it in a random way, but when I saw that Gun had the main lead, I was super excited. When I watched the first episode, I felt that they would provide us with the sth different that the rest typical Thai BLs. Boy was I wrong....
Quick summary: A good start that led to a crappy finish.
CHARACTERS
Our main lead couple is Sun and Sky. Sky, who is portrayed by Gun, is the rich son of a ethical mafia boss. I know that "ethical" can't describe a mafia boss, but bear with me. On the other hand, Sun (Boat) is an orphan man that was put under Sky's father guidance since he was young, for a weird reason. After some incidents and as Sky's life is in danger, Sun is appointed as his bodyguard and follow him 24/7.
Our second lead couple is Pitch and Bank. Bank (Tenon), is the goofy childhood friend of Sky, and is familiar with Sky's background, and he attends the same university as SunSky. On the other hand, Pitch (Sugus), is a senior of the three boys. On an unrelated topic, Sugus has a powerful eyebrow game. That dude can do anything with his eyebrows.
Lastly, we have our two females in the series, Juno (Apple) and Toktang (Jane). Both of them are classmates with our trio and friends with Pitch. Toktang is a shy and down to earth girl and at first she seemed to be the love interest of Sky, as he seemed interested in her; while, Juno, is an honest girl who was openly interested in Sun.
PLOT
I am sure that most of us when we read the description for the series we already had an idea of what the plot is going to be like. Honestly, what I thought about the series was true. Every assumption and stereotype that I predicted was true. Bodyguard and young master are falling in love, their statuses won't allow this relationship, they fight, they reunite, happy ending. That's it. Okay, sure, for once the real villain in the series isn't another love interest, but it is an unethical mafia boss that wants to sell drugs on Sky's father territory, but he refused. So, the bad mafia boss tries to kill the son of the good mafia boss.
Though, I have to admit that the first episodes were exciting and I thought that finally we found a thai series that won't have stupid clichés. Well, as I said earlier, I was wrong. One cliché after the other, people falling in love with the other person in a spam of a second, fights between the couples for the silliest things, unwanted jealousy, and happy ending.
ACTING
Well... I might be an asshole... but... the acting... was bad....
First of all, let me say about the role of Gun. I was glad that in this series they didn't make Gun's role as the typical non-good-looking character (e.g. LBC in which everyone pointed out how plain and ugly he was); and instead he played for once a confident role. Even though I liked Gun's role, I didn't like his acting that much. I believe that he is better of with a comedy role. In the series, there were many scenes that required him to either cry or be sad; and for me it just didn't work. That being said, in my personal opinion, I feel that Gun's acting is getting better as the time goes by.
Moving on to Boat's performance, I have to admit that this was the first that I watched with him in the cast. I found that his expressionless face was kind of fun in many cases, but again I don't think that I liked his acting. One of the main reasons, is due to the script. I believe that as an actor he has many things to give, but he needs the right script and plot.
As for Tenon, I found him a little awkward in many scenes and I thought that his expressions could be improved. Taking into account his age, I think that in the future we would see more of him. Last but not least, we have Sugus. That dude he was a master in controlling his eyebrows. What the hell? I found his flow and personality better than the rest of the cast. However, he also had some awkward scenes.
I may point out the negative parts, but as an overall, I believe that the four actors could give us more, if they had better script on their hands.
MY OPINION
I know that nobody cares about my opinion, but whatever! To be honest, the description was pretty descriptive so I do not know why I am so disappointed with what I watched. The thing is that this series seemed to be different from the rest. We didn't have any cringe/stereotypical scenes in the first two episodes, we had a manly main lead, and a story that could give us many things. But then the third episode happened.
WHAT THE FUCK? It was the cringiest and the worst episode that I have ever watched. We have two people, that in the beginning Sky doesn't like Sun, but when he learned that he never relaxed or went to a nice place, he would take him. LIKE A DATE... DUDE!!!! Sky who doesn't like Sun, I REPEAT, takes Sun for a date, and they share their drinks, their food, they wear matching funny hats, take pictures, and Sky buys them a matching heart necklace, that each of them has one part of the heart. DO YOU HEAR ME SCREAMING? Dude, that was so cringy to watch. wtf? I haven't read the novel of the series, so I'm not sure when they were supposed to develop feelings for each other, but that was so tough to watch.
That leads me to my next point. As someone who was only watching the series, I wasn't able to understand when our main leads developed feelings for each other. It was like some scenes didn't make it to the final cut, and we were left with half the story. We don't get to know why Sky's and Sun's blood was so important till the last two episodes. Why? Moreover, if Sky's life was in danger, and many assassinations happened against him, why did he still attend the university and the university activities? Lastly, where is the police in those type of series? Sky was almost killed in the university's bathroom but nothing happened after that? WHAT IS GOING ON? I think that the screenwriters wanted to create more tension for the couple and just used everything they thought.
Also, I want to touch the topic of product placements. As you may have noticed, in the first episodes, there is no product placement. As someone who hates how the products are being showed in the thai series, I was happy with the absence of them. Until that fucking episode came. You know what I am talking about, the one in which they leave for the camping. DUDE! DONT! DO! THAT!
Anyway, that's it. It's a shame that it didn't work out in the end, but I didn't have any kind of expectations for this series.
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This review may contain spoilers
Wasted potential
I was absolutely whipped for this drama when it first started. The chemistry between the FL and ML was terrific. I used to look forward to new episodes. However, I wasn't a fan when the ML and FL started dating and their personalities changed a lot. ML, who was known for his cold gaze and strict behavior suddenly acted like a schoolboy. I would've been happier if their dating was written differently...more subtle changes rather than throwing it all the at viewer's face.Another thing I don't understand is the recent trend of inserting murder mystery and/or crime into a storyline. It felt out of place and absolutely unnecessary, especially for episodes 11 and 12. The story would've be so good if it was 'just' an office romance with a sparkle of supernatural. The last two episodes made me feel like I was watching a completely different drama.
I still liked the drama as a whole but the more episodes I watched, the more my interest decreased. The writing had a lot of potential in the early stages but somewhere around episode 7, it started to go downhill. Overall, I hate to say it's an okay drama. The ending felt rushed and could've been executed better.
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Thoughts left the room, all that is left is me simping for the oppa.
Not gonna lie, this show made me feel pathetic - reminded of my young teen self getting obsessed over the rich entitled oppas. It’s been ages since an oppa oppaing so hard evoked so many emotions in me. He served us nothing, but served so much. The never changing face, monotone line delivery, 2-dimensional writing spiced up with all the possible cliches - all that to deliver the truest oppa ever. How shallow of me to open the review with that statement.Surprisingly enough, no matter how ridiculous, unrealistic and over the top the drama might have been (which, by the way, were all the reasons I loved it so much), it actually had some thought-provoking scenes and moments. Social commentary dressed as fancy makjang? That might be an overstatement, but I’d be lying if I said it did not present even one aspect worth reflecting on. Basing your worth on your popularity, addiction to attention, seeing people around you as tools to be used and discarded when they stop being useful, how far can one go to achieve success, differences in how people perceive reality depending on their socioeconomic status and more. Bits and pieces of potential, all overshadowed by the entertainment.
And I’m not even mad about it. This is such a stress-reliever brainless entertainment I’m actually grateful it exists. Once you start watching, it’s hard to stop. There are awful and selfish characters to bitch about, a female lead that’s worth rooting for, a few characters you end up loving (even if the reasons are painfully shallow), twists and turns that come out of nowhere and make you question the reality that already makes no sense. And then there is the glamor and fashion that’s just so pretty you can’t turn your eyes away from it.
How’s the acting? On average mediocre. Some performances were good (looking at you Lee Chung Ah), some were fine (I love you Park Gyu Young, but not all of your scenes were to my liking), some were either barely existing or yet again typecasted (Kang Min Hyuk serving nothing but hot looks and Lee Dong Jeon playing the same character he did for the past few projects). Did it bother me? No. I have no idea why. I have no idea why all the things that usually make my blood boil just did not bother me here at all.
Overall, I finished the online exam in 15 minutes just so I can continue watching this drama as soon as possible - that will tell you how addicting it is. The pacing was fast, there was no time for chill and breaks, the characters were either unrealistically great or comically awful. Han Joon Kyung was the most oppa of all oppas. Whoever the casting director was - they need a raise.
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OhmLeng Deserved Better
I was genuinely hyped for this show. With Ohm in the lead, there is always a promise of natural chemistry, especially with a new face like Leng. The trailer painted a picture of darker themes in my head, I mean, a kidnapping subplot? Intriguing, right? It seemed like this could be one of GMMTV’s more serious or emotionally grounded series, maybe even a hidden gem but I was wrong.➬ Plot and Execution
To put it as nicely as I can, it's a dumpster fire. It feels like they pulled random ideas out of a hat and slapped them together without any thought lmao. I think they cater to a 12-year-old audience while simultaneously throwing in themes that should never be anywhere near a show for kids. A kidnapping subplot? Really? How do you take that and mix it with juvenile humor? It’s embarrassing and that's not to say a show can't be dark and funny at the same time but it has to be well done which isn't the case here. The storyline is not only predictable but it’s also shallow as fuck, there is no substance whatsoever.
➬Tone and Pacing
This is where things went completely off the rails. The tone oscillates wildly from (attempted) intense drama to cringeworthy + over-the-top humor which makes it nearly impossible to get emotionally invested. One moment, I was watching a serious “kidnap” scenario that should be thrilling or tense and the next it’s as if the characters are filming a skit lmao. This back and forth annoyed me a lot. I’m not sure what they were aiming for but whatever it was, they didn’t reach it and the pacing is equally disjointed which makes the show feel like a mishmash of scenes rather than a cohesive story. Important moments are rushed while trivial scenes drag on smh.
➬ Character and Performance Analysis
Ohm → is as talented as ever but even he struggles to shine under this weak script. I can see he is trying his best but with stilted dialogue and poor plot development, there is only so much he can do. It’s disappointing to see an actor with his range stuck in a story that doesn’t even let him showcase half his potential.
Leng → For a first-time lead, Leng isn’t doing a bad job but he does need improvement. He has potential, his charm comes through and he has an innate sweetness that works well for his character but again the plot leaves him stranded. Even with great chemistry with Ohm, the weakass dialogue makes it difficult for him to deliver anything memorable.
➬ Chemistry and Romance
Ohm and Leng have a good on-screen chemistry which is honestly the only reason to keep watching. But even that suffers due to the poor writing. Romantic scenes that should feel sincere instead feel forced and hollow and this is mainly because of the misplaced humor. With a better script, these two could have delivered a very good romance.
➬ Overall Production Quality
While the show looks pretty decent, the direction is inconsistent with no clear vision guiding it and don't even get me started on those damn cakes they keep shoving on my screen, I know sponsorship isn't new to GMMTV and this is something that has always pissed me off because there are show's that make the Ads very subtle and then there are other's who shove it in my face, like this one.
➬ Final Thoughts
Watching this has been frustrating because GMMTV has access to talented actors but instead of capitalizing on that talent and creating good stories, they are more focused on quantity over quality. This series feels like a product made for the sake of staying in the game, rather than any real effort to push BL forward.
Why I am watching? → Out of respect for Ohm and Leng because they deserve so much better. I hope GMMTV takes note of the show’s shortcomings and reconsiders their approach in the future but I have no hopes lmao.
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