It starts off with a girl that has a traumatic past that goes through something mentally and it sucks because she doesn't know what she needs to do or how to help it in any way. You have a business man that really just minds his own, has a funny assistant, has a strained relationship with his brother and all in all, this show is like What's Wrong With Secretary Kim but like...not as dramatic honestly. Lol. The two cross each other because of fate really and the rest is kind of history. The perks of this show is the female lead is sweet and adorable, hard working and understanding. The male lead tries to be aggressive and mean but he's really sweet, has a soft spot for the FL and even when he's trying to be tough, he cares for her and I love that for them. LMAO. At first things are a little put off because of misunderstanding and your average bickering but the chemistry they had and evolved into was wonderful and the kisses were...*chefs kiss*; also the side stories, not even bad. I also LOVE that the girl that had a crush on the ML didn't come and try to be a home wrecker lol love when it's not toxic.
The acting was great! I personally have never seen the main leads in any shows but they did fantastic and I like that they clicked together. I liked the brother a lot more in Girlfriend because he wasn't a jerk but he played a good actor because you couldn't tell who he was actually helping. I also liked the best friend, she was great in Go Go Squid, great in this show too. So all in all, I liked everyone and everything.
The music was sooo nice. Like so nice. I really liked that they timed the instrumentals perfectly; it's a rare occurrence for that.
You know what? I rarely rewatch shows, but I think I just might. They were honestly so sweet together, had great kisses, were not toxic at all and they really were just trying to do what they need to do for each other and I dig that. So overall, a great show. A fluffy kind of show with a cliche storyline but you know what I say, old but gold in my book.
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The plot was well thought out for a web drama. Usually, web dramas don't have much meaning behind events that occur and viewers get confused but this drama had all of them carefully thought out. A lot happened at the end but I didn't feel rush at all which is also another good thing. In summary, the story and characters assigned all matched well with one another.
Acting/Cast
This was the first drama I have watched from both the main leads and the acting was better than expected. Not many idols could pull of acting very well and Suho did a decent job - although he was a tad stiff.
Music
The OST for this drama is also another great element. It's a bit catchy, slow and relives the memories I had when watching it. So it was good, but I prefer other OSTs. However, the music and soundtracks played throughout the drama were all at the right timing so I really felt as though I was right there in the moment.
Rewatch value
I hardly rewatch dramas but seeing as this is a web drama and is fairly short, I would definitely rewatch it in the future when I have time x
Overall
If you're wondering whether to give this drama a shot, I definitely say yes! It's a short drama with a lot of meaning and potential to give you a variety of different feels and who knows, maybe it'll be one of your favourite web dramas of all time (like me!).
Happy watching & hope my quick review helped some of you struggling whether to watch it (: xo
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STORY:
The story is same. THE INNOCENT DULL UNPOPULAR GIRL + THE HIGHLY DESIRABLE, INTELLIGENT AND 'most important, should be there traits' POPULAR AND CONCEITED GUY( type of guy which makes a girl squeal and fall head over heals for him) reminds you of something, eh?
The drama is full of cliches but it is still enjoyable and hilarious, the type of drama you don't need to think hard, you just watch it. actually if you think and question the stuff, you will never gonna enjoy the drama. Just sit, watch, enjoy its hilarity, cliches and bubbly and light atmosphere and relieve your stress.
Its boring sometimes though and one thing is missing here. a little bit of skinship and real kisses( c'mon who doesn't love real kisses,the barely-touching-lips IS NOT KISSING)!
ACTING; I loved the girl. She is sweet, bubbly cute with her manga like reactions and over the top imaginations. i had a problem with the main lead. HE LOOKED SO INDIFFERENT, i know you are supposed to be cold but atleast show some emotions, a little bit of jealousy(we understand you are jealous but we can't feel it). the second lead actors were better. Issei was cool and i felt so bad for daichi. He is too hot to be made the second lead. In my opinion this actor should be given the role of the main lead.
Music; nothing i can remember. Though it gave a happy vibe
Rewatch: I don't rewatch dramas unless i super like it, so no no for me.
So, you can watch it as a filler show. Or as a break after super intense stuff or drama. Cause this is perfect for easy watch. DON'T WATCH IT ID YOU ARE A FAN OR INTENSE INTERESTING INNOVATIVE DRAMA, cause this is definitely not one.
p.s THIS SO REMINDS OF ITAZURA NA KISS AND L.DK
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Aged to perfection.
Since Love and Destiny was produced by the same team and resides in the same world, comparisons to TMOPB are inevitable. Pleasingly, the only connection is that it takes place earlier in the same 3L3W universe. This is efficient as less time is wasted on world building and explaining the tribes, hierarchies, time and other conventions. The story-line sticks to the 3L3W formula of an unforgettable love story that spans three lives and three realms. While TMOPB was an intensely passionate love story, this has more of a romantic comedy flavor. This is the story of a pure heart-ed young fairy who falls in love with the powerful and much older God of War. This relationship dynamic sets up for a different love story that again succeeds in delighting and captivating in a way that is now becoming a 3L3W brand.The plot is common for this genre (save the world or save the girl) and is this drama's biggest weakness. Those familiar with the director may observe the backstory of some leading characters (Jiu Chen, Ling Xi and Jing Xiu) were inspired by Journey of Flower - (Bai Zhihua, Hua Qiangu and Dongfang). That said, L&D is neither another TMOPB, nor JOF but a delightful story that stands on its own, albeit with a few cliche tropes. The three main arcs could have been better balanced - the first two took too long and did not leave much time for the final, most satisfying arc. There were too many (well executed) comedic fillers in this drama. This made it feel like "nothing's happening" or the relationship progressed too slowly.
The weak plot was compensated for by superb acting by the main leads. Veteran actors Chang Chen (Jiu Chen) and Ni Ni (Ling Xi) were perfectly matched. They are both gorgeous actors whose emotions and facial expressions transform and make them compelling in their appeal. The role of Jiu Chen was made for a Chang Chen that is aged to perfection - his sculpted bone structure and fierce expression exudes the aura of a stoic, mature and powerful God of War. Any suggestion that some young idol actor could have pulled this off is ridiculous. Jiu Chen is a formidable character that wears the lonely responsibility of keeping the realms safe. He moves mountains to force a win-win in his terrible conflict between duty and love. His instinct is to protect Ling Xi, to the fault of hiding the truth from her. He is alternately stern and helplessly indulgent with her. His impassive expression softens, he even smiles and becomes open and vulnerable only with Ling Xi. He is touchingly candid and unguarded when he confesses his feelings to her. With insight beyond her youth, Ling Xi recognizes the loneliness and burden inherent in Jiu Chen's role. She captivates him with her spell-blinding smile and mischievous antics; he is touched by her devotion and inept attempts to aid him. As their feelings grow, you can feel the invisible bond of their awareness and affection for each other. Ling Xi's best, most courageous moments are when she makes unbelievable sacrifices in order not to add to Jiu Chen's burdens. Each loves the other more than they love themselves.
In the first arc (20+ episodes), the Ling Xi wakes up Jiu Chen, who had been frozen for 50,000 years after sealing the Demon King. He is suspicious that such a weak fairy could have awakened him and takes her in, ostensibly to care for his health. The guileless and infatuated Ling Xi is delighted and disrupts his household with her comical attempts to entice him. She loses her senses over him and fires up his stone cold heart with her devotion. However, as God of War it is his duty to execute the young fairy with the ability to release the Demon King. Initially I found Ling Xi too subservient; a bird immortal with a bit of a bird brain. Yet Ni Ni's portrayal of Ling Xi was never annoying, indeed I was charmed despite my preference for stronger characters. She won me over when she bravely steps up to protect Jiu Chen and takes responsibility for her own life.
In the second arc (up to episode 50), Ling Xi is reincarnated as a mortal Lin Mo who has to go through three trials. She overcomes many challenges and becomes independent along the way. This is where Jing Xiu emerges as a manipulative, petty and sinister love rival to Jiu Chen. Episodes 30-40 can be skipped - this part was draggy and I struggled to empathize with Jing Xiu. This actor overacted the villain when he is actually supposed to be a grey character - he was so selfish, manipulative and creepy I was irritated at Ling Xi for not being wary of him. There were many unnecessary side characters in this arc that lingers too long on Ling Xi's coming of age. The best moments are between episodes 40-50 where Jiu Chen and Lin Mo fall touchingly in love (again). The final arc was the shortest and the sweetest. Ling Xi becomes a powerful high goddess who forces Jiu Chen to let her share his burdens and they face their enemy together.
The supporting cast was strong and there is a lovely secondary love story between Yun Fung and Qing Yao that is nicely intertwined with the primary. The villains did a decent job being evil and hateful but their motivators were typical: revenge, envy and obsessive unrequited love. The OST is very good but the CGI is quite dreadful. Overall a quality and enjoyable drama with a big budget. The bottom line remains as a love story, it boils down to the main leads. In this, they delivered - virtually all of their scenes brought a silly, lovesick and goofy smile to my face. You will enjoy this immensely if you appreciate leading actors and a love story that is truly aged to perfection.
PS - got a number of PMs re: comparison to TMOPB. I avoided directly comparing them but I also reviewed TMOPB and if you read that, what I think the differences are is obvious and reflected in the rating.
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Yangxi, main female character, is actually quite smart when she puts her mind to it. Although she seems to not have enough confidence or believe in herself, she is still able to do it with motivation from those around her. She is typically very positive and energetic. The usual happy-go-lucky female lead. I really like her personality. She initially wanted to depend on cross country running to help with her exam points but that changed so the drama focused on her in class with her friends - studying, reading, etc. She is obsessed with wuxia romance novels and dramas its her way of de-stressing or happiness. Its also a distraction so she gets in trouble for it. Don't worry though because her tutor is quite strict yet charming.
New transfer and intelligent student, Hua Biao, is usually her tutor and very strict. Its adorable watching those two together! They have such great chemistry; I just couldn't stop smiling when they stare at each other, care about each other or have subtle movements with one another. Hua Biao tends to do things on his own or prefers to not bother anyone until his friends figure it out. However, Hua Biao is also friendly with others like Yangxi so he's quite loved by his peers. His personality is typically very nonchalant but in reality he has his troubles. I was very heartbroken for him in episode 23. I felt his pain, Hou Ming Hao (actor) did a great job portraying the character.
Liyu is Yangxi's neighbor and childhood friend, he is also smart and cares deeply for Yangxi. He tends to do things for Yangxi because he likes her, however, Yangxi is quite clueless and thinks its just part of his personality. He is able to do a lot of things on his own and he cooks very well according to Yangxi. He is usually alone, like Hua Biao who only has his grandma. Liyu only has his dad while his mother is living in another country. He is a mama's boy and wishes to see her and be with her. There was one time when he was upset with her, and that's the episode I disliked the most because he was very stubborn. Other than that, I do like his relationship with Yangxi, its very precious!
The drama focuses on other supporting characters' stories as well and it's not boring at all! I can resonate with a few of them. You may end up being heartbroken, or sad but not mad or anything. Although there are some parents I wanted to slap because they were quite selfish. At the end of the day, this drama has almost every issue families deal with in reality.
I love the editing of the drama especially when someone does something for another without their knowledge, it transitions back to show us how that person did it. The last episode was one of my favorite edits because it shows when Hua Biao took notice of Yangxi, quite earlier than we thought haha.
The ending wasn't exactly how I wanted to happen but I'm satisfied. Its not a bad ending. It was, in a way, sad but I'm happy that everyone were able to do something they dreamed of or hope to do. I wish for a season 2 of the same cast but I doubt it will happen. :( IT NEEDS A SEASON 2!!!
Overall this drama was very sweet, cute, refreshing and a must watch! It deals with typical school stress, teenage crush/romance, dementia awareness, depression, families issues such as divorced parents, expectations from parents, job lost, etc. I could re-watch it all over again! I kept re-watching the episodes as I waited for new episodes to come out each week, it is very good!
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I like drama where the story is good, the conflict not annoying, not too heavy with layers of conflict, and of course ROMANCE in it.
Romance of Hua Rong,
I like the story. Its light, entertaining as it is tag as comedy, it is very funny. Refreshing.
But also very romantic with many romantic scene.
It is addictive and makes you want to hope that the leading male and female is real couple.
Yuan Hao and Zhao Zhao Yi chemistry is the highlight of the drama.
They are both very handsome and beautiful and i also like their chemistry off screen.
So looovee this couple.
I am glad i found this drama! Will definitely rewatch again!
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A story of a cat and a cornered mouse
Note: This character-driven movie has explicit sexual content and nudity.STORY (No spoilers)
What happens when a cat who fell in love with a promiscuous mouse long ago decides to back it into a corner? Both are from different worlds and both come with their own personal baggages. Can they make it work?
I've read the manga on which the movie was based - it's one of my favourites because the main characters in it were incredibly flawed and insecure people but their insecurities and issues were just so relatable and understandable, I found myself immersed in their characters and in their story. Now, as an adaptation of the manga itself, I'd give this movie a 65% score in terms of its closeness to the original work i.e. it was generally faithful in broad strokes and in some detailed places, but there were still fairly noticeable differences, especially in terms of character vibe and personality and in some event modifications. Hence, I can understand why fans of the manga might feel disappointed or dissatisfied with this adaptation.
However, I'm going out on a limb here to say that I actually still appreciated this work despite the changes made to it. The movie had none of the internal monologues of the original but through the way scenes were presented and acted, we could still understand the internal turmoil and struggles of the characters and their changing perspectives/ feelings and that was a personal testament that both the acting and the direction of the movie was excellent.
There were also quite a few things about this movie that really fascinated me - some of the dialogue, the choice and arrangement of certain scenes, the camerawork, the use of imagery, lighting and sound, etc. The way it was filmed and presented gave off a gritty, moody, sometimes lonely and desolate vibe, and there was something about the whole combination that made me come away from this movie feeling this interesting mix of unsettled yet at peace, curious yet satisfied, sad yet happy. It's a movie that somehow struck certain chords with me and resonated in a curious way.
The best analogy I can give for my experience of this movie was like listening to a piece of music being played in minor key - the melody has certain notes and chords which give the piece a sort of asymmetrical form or disharmonic sound, but the overall tune still flows as a cohesive melodic piece which somehow evokes a myriad of feelings for the listener after it's all finished. It was beautifully haunting to me.
ACTING/ CAST
OKURA TADAYOSHI as Ootomo Kyouichi. He played a rather different Ootomo vis-a-vis the manga.
Manga!Ootomo was sort of your weak-willed-straight-guy - too accommodating, too eager to please and too easily seduced by women. Movie!Ootomo was a lot more reserved and inscrutable, more introverted and quiet, hiding a lot of thoughts underneath a silent facade. Viewers who don't know about Ootomo's background, habits and tendencies will probably find this movie!Ootomo to be very difficult to read or understand, and sometimes, even I had to pause a scene or rewatch it to try and figure out what was going on inside movie!Ootomo's head.
But, to be fair, if one takes the time to observe a little closely and to put his actions into the movie context, I found that movie!Ootomo was a very interesting and enigmatic character whose inner thoughts can actually be perceived through his actions (or non-actions, as it were). It's like, you can almost see the wheels in his head turning as he observes the situation and the people around him, especially Imagase, and internally forming his own conclusions and decisions. I liked this very subtle and nuanced portrayal.
NARITA RYO as Imagase Wataru. Again, another different portrayal from the manga counterpart.
Manga!Imagase was a very cold, aloof and well-dressed man who, only in Ootomo's presence, would become hysterical and paranoid due to his insecurities and fears. Movie!Imagase had a more laid-back and Bohemian vibe but I liked how you could so totally see his constant desperation and insecurities over Ootomo which he tries so hard to hide beneath a lackadaisical and nonchalant facade. His constant questioning and inquiring, his constant snooping and monitoring, totally expose his paranoia and his fear, and personally for me, some of Imagase's scenes were particularly beautifully directed and shot to show just how lonely and forlorn and pained he felt at times. I liked how the actor Narita Ryo was able to give off this fragile feeling during the key moments of the movie.
MUSIC
Honestly, this was the least memorable part for me. Very subtle soundtrack and score which is probably very suitable for the subdued and muted mood of the film.
RE-WATCH VALUE
If you're not too put off by the disappointing adaptation or by the fickleness and weirdness of the characters, I'd like to encourage you to consider rewatching because I personally found that I understood a lot of the hidden and subtle messages and scenes better upon a rewatch, and that made the movie even more fascinating and interesting to me.
The movie might feel a bit abrupt and truncated vis-a-vis the manga but it still a complete cohesive piece and I found the choice of certain scenes and the way the whole thing was directed gave this movie a very different style, tone and story from its original work, and I personally appreciated its almost indie-like feel.
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The first half of this show, I was utterly in love with it. I re-watched episodes as I waited for new ones to air. But I made the fatal mistake of falling for the second male lead, knowing that the writers would break my heart and his. The show starts off by throwing a huge cast of characters at us, and their relations seem a little confusing at first. But, eventually, all is sorted, and we have ourselves with 3 main love triangles. Pyo Na Ri, who has been in a 3 year one-sided love with Lee Hwa Shin, and then meets and falls for his best friend and ultimate chaebol gentleman, Go Jung Won. This is our main triangle and love story. The others are played up at first but slowly get pushed to the background....just like our 2nd lead. I blame the writers for making Jung Won such a perfect catch (and Go Kyung Pyo for making Jung Won seriously swoony) that he was hard to get over. Whereas, in contrast Hwa Shin could be a perfect donkey's behind...yet somehow you couldn't hate him because he also showed that he cared about everyone in his life as well. He was definitely tortured by his own inner self.
The story had some serious moments that the writers cut with humorous moments, so the weightier matters didn't drag the show into melodrama territory. There were strong characters and great chemistry with ALL the cast members. The writers did a fantastic job with the casting, and it could not have been more perfect. Up until around episode 14, I was sure that this might be the best drama I had ever watched and I fully expected to see it on my list of favorites. But the writers started to make some missteps in the story from my point of view. And I know that the majority of viewers may disagree with me. I did not feel that way simply because my 2nd lead wasn't getting the girl. Hwa Shin was not a bad choice for Pyo Na Ri. They did have some great chemistry together and I could see where the Hwa Shin "shippers" could be all on board with him. But I wasn't as swayed as I could have been and the actions of the characters didn't seem honorable to me in that mid-point. It dampened my love for the show somewhat, and that never fully recovered. Jealousy Incarnate was still a good show and I looked forward to it every week. I think they wrapped up the story well and completely for our main couple. However, they left a lot of loose ends when they backburnered the side characters that were prominent in the first several episodes.
My favorite side characters may have been the doctor and her nurse. Nurse Oh stole every scene she was in, and the doctor was both funny and full of heart.
The music was great - seriously stand out. I'm not normally into the music so much, but there were several songs that I had to hunt down and play for my own enjoyment of them.
Please, do give this show a chance (and push through past the first couple of episodes if it's hard - it's worth it!). You'll have lots of laughter and emotions.
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1st half: So realistic, it makes you queasy — 2nd half: so clichéd, it makes you yawn (loudly)
This series is definitely for a more mature audience, now I get the 19+ rating. It's not your typical fluffy rom-com with a lighthearted tone, sweet more caricatural than real characters and heart fluttering moments.Well, this series does make your heart flutter, but for other reasons, namely, a) the sexual tension between the leads and b) the anxiety and unease that comes along with it. It initially is a realistic depiction of what dating nowadays looks like, of trust issues, fear of commitment, the struggle to really open up and the stress when you can't read your crushes' mind and intentions. When to call yourselves exclusive? Is there even such a thing? Nowadays, is there really the option of falling in love and staying in a monogamous relationship when there might always be 'a better option' out there? You might be one swipe away from an exciting rendezvous, the acknowledgement you lack from your partner, the distraction and escape you need (from yourself). The earlier episodes of the show really makes you ponder on all these things.
Also, you can really see that women are working on this show as they've captured the essence of what concerns and bothers women (in their twenties) so well. Be it the excitement, obsession and fear of rejection when having a huge crush on someone, the dejection when you try hard at university or work and are still left-behind, the urge to fit in and still feel disconnected with everyone. Really well-done.
The cinematography, pace, dialogues and background score also enhance the emotions and mood to a great extent.
As for the romance, the main theme of the plot, I think a lot of people might actually drop this series, because the story seems so relatable and doomed to be painful, too relatable even, for those who have experienced something similar and just can't cope with it anymore. And even if you might not agree with all of the female lead's actions and at times find her annoying and irritatingly irrational, she is still absolutely relatable, as you can literally grasp the train of thoughts that leads to these actions and decisions of hers. I further believe we've all either been in such a situation, were tempted enough or 'have this one friend' to/who despite seeing the red flags can't help overlooking them, knowing this might eventually crush us/them. Cudos to the cast for making our anxieties come alive.
Sadly, the earlier episode are by far better than the latter ones. At some point the story starts to feel repetitive and drained; there is no real progress and the authenticity and originality up until then slowly but gradually devolves into a clichéd run-on-the-mill romance, —outdated even — in which the heroine is (seemingly) stuck b/w two boys; although her final choice is blatantly obvious. Curious if there'll be an unexpected turn in the end. Also, there were some personal issues with an actor, wherefore his screen time was reduced drastically; reasonable, but unfortunately it took a toll on the quality of the drama.
All in all, this show had great potential — until the makers felt obliged to follow the 101 k-drama formula. Watchable only for the chemistry of the leads and the side stories, even though the ending is unfit imo and Song Kang's lack of emotions (blame the character) even make his pretty face boring.
And I urge you all to listen to the soundtrack, even if you don't want to watch the show: so fresh and SO good!
*EDIT*
If you've already seen the show (or do not plan on watching it) and would like to know why I felt the ending wasn't really fitting, see the comment section below this review. It's marked as a spoiler.
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This drama have it all; the story was nice, i loved the gender bender story, the cast couldn't been any better and all characters were simply awesome.
I also loved the hilarious events, there were episodes where i couldn't stop laughing, there were also moments of sadness, i remember being extremly sad when it ended. Hana Kimi is one of the dramas that need to be watched, it's one of the dramas that i would never forget about.
The best version out there !
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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?
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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The story involves longing, betrayal, revenge, secrets, family ties, and ill-fated love. The cast does a good job of balancing really heavy scenes with funny, and sweeter scenes.
Im Su Jung was so good as naive Eun Chae, that she made some of the more over the top moments completely believable. The same can be said for the rest of the cast, including Lee Hye Young's character who I loved to hate, and showed unexpected depth.
My absolute favorite was So Ji Sub. He really played his character brilliantly. He did so much more than just cry, yell, and laugh on cue. As Moo Hyuk, he showed so many complicated emotions, and I could never predict how Moo Hyuk would react. During moments in the drama that started to feel a little repetitive, he always pulled me back in. The fact that he is visually appealing didn't hurt either.
The plot does have the privileged vs the poor, and love triangles/squares, which is expected in most dramas, without following the same path. Every time I felt the story becoming predictable, a new revelation would catch me by surprise. I also could not predict how it would all end, which was refreshing.
Some of the down sides to this drama, to me, was the laughably bad english (so distracting), Yoon's terrible singing (also distracting, since he was supposed to be a pop idol), and showing way too many flashbacks. Later episodes seemed to rely on flashbacks to fill up the time. Some scenes were repeated so often that I no longer needed subtitles to understand them. Still, I never felt like dropping this drama after becoming so invested in the characters, and what would happen to them.
I think the positives heavily outweigh the negatives. So Ji Sub alone would make me recommend it. The soundtrack was good, and included some random songs like Billy Joel's "The Stranger" (which was a perfect fit). I don't know if I can stand emotionally to rewatch the entire drama, but It's so good that I might.
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This review may contain spoilers
A complex story with many more deep-seated conflicts and emotional drama than it initially reveals
Prologue:"Motel California" piles up drama in reverse, so to speak. The more we learn about the past, the more we understand of the tragedy...
Dramatic. Grievous, too, yet rounded in itself. Not joyful, yet the ambivalent emotions subtly creating a strange kind of warmth, because it's about human beings. Deeply hurt, insecure, imperfect and even embittered human beings who try to put aside their suffering, even suppress it, and still live their lives as best as they can.
Demanding, because as audience we might initially be somewhat reluctant to open our hearts to these people in "Motel California". (But we should, it´s worth it.)
A bitter, moving, and yet beautiful story about despite their defect nevertheless lovable people.
"Motel California" is a healing story amidst a structurally sickening, toxic work and living environment. It's primarily about the 'good, true and proper' origin, the outer impression, the 'right' educational institution, the 'right' gender (male). Additionally it is as well about exploitation, discrimination and bullying. It is also a story about love. Primarily between a boy and a girl. The girl ultimately struggles through life as a deeply sad lone fighter after having to leave behind the only much loved, loyal companion – the only one who, in her eyes, ever made her feel warmth, unconditional trust, reliability, and care in a cold, rejecting world.
"Motel California" is a complex story with many more deep-seated conflicts and emotional drama than it initially reveals. The recurring flashbacks gradually provide more valuable insights. This helps us better understand what is presented to us "today." Accordingly, only over time do we get emotionally closer to the protagonists, i.e., in the course of the second half.
"Motel California" tells of complicated life, of great pain, and above all of the FLs pain, who barrels through life with a disturbingly repellent shell. But many others also carry injuries and scars. Wonderful actors help us feel the drama within the drama through their strong performances.
The story, based on a novel, tackles demanding material. Quite courageous, because what torments and drives the two protagonists internally is not always pleasing on the outside. Especially the FL, with her incorrigible defiance and exorbitance, is sometimes hard to bear. Moreover, her deep pain, which sometimes almost spills out of her eyes, can be quite intense. Respect!!! For daring to uncompromisingly and soulfully tackling in a KDrama the distressing, uneasy dark side of emotional realities in an otherwise highly polished South Korea. And for Lee Se-young to take on the difficult, deeply wounded, ambivalent, and insecure character of Ji Kang Hee, who fights against the rest of the world from a seemingly lost position.
This is not a light-hearted KDrama. "Motel California" is not easy fare. Nevertheless, the latent severity is repeatedly dissolved by soul-warming scenes or channeled through pointedly inserted, humorous scenes. Additionally, there are soothing details between the lines, e.g. in dialogues, mise en scene, and atmospheric lighting.
What ultimately turns out to be a love story, at first starts of somewhat clumsily. At times, it might feel like a study of an almost toxic emotional dynamic between a man and a woman. In their rather awkward addictive habit and sometimes inappropriate ambivalence the love between them still seeks its way in difficult terrain. Over time we get to know the characters a bit more – their motives and backgrounds, as well as their unresolved, unredeemed feelings of guilt. Compassion may spread. And quite a lot so. This is KDrama par excellence. It's worth sticking with “Motel California” and not abandoning the two main leads (nor everyone else) along the way.
Layer by layer, the cloak of forgetting and suppression is gently removed over the 12 episodes. This cloak protectively covered the unresolved feelings. Yet, ultimately it turns out as emotional prison that has long prevented authentic, sincere encounters and healing communication.
The 'Motel California' ultimately represents a nurturing vessel for such encounters and healing. It is a symbol for origin, stigma and opportunity alike. The 'Motel California' forms an island in the sea of cruel rumor mills, social control, social ostracism, and discrimination. The name of the motel – "California" – represents the dream of another world. The motel as an establishment, in turn, stands for what the protagonist was always ashamed of in her childhood. For what caused her to experience painful 'othering' as a child. She was different and grew up under shattered, disreputable, and ultimately tragic family circumstances. I.e. that she is different – not as she should be – was (and is) mercilessly mirrored by her environment. She was not recognized as a full member of society in a small world where everyone seems to know everything about everyone else . And the 'disreputable' that clung to her was inevitably linked to the 'motel' in her eyes – the motel as a mirror of her inconsolable, almost unbearable, and still unresolved injuries of her childhood and youth. Nevertheless, the motel is also her home and witness to her forgotten (including good) childhood memories. "Home, Bitter Home", so the title of the original novel. At last the Motel also becomes a social hub for those who are ready to find redemption. This is thanks not least to Kang Hee's father, who, with his liberal, unmistakably patient, and trusting manner, opens the field for it.
Nevertheless, I also have criticism:
Quite inappropriate in view of the difficult, emotionally complex theme of this KDrama are, in my eyes, the really intrusive product placements – almost as if a commercial break is being inserted every now and then... Cringey!
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