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It was good till it was not.
Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get. Success and happiness doesn't necessarily go hand in hand but what matters is how you strive to maintain a balance between them as well as thrive with a content heart.Drama series UNCLE is a remake of the UK television series of the same title that aired on Channel 4 in 2012 and BBC One from 2014 to 2017, created by Oliver Refson and Lilah Vandenburgh. Its a mixture of comedy, melodrama, music and makjang. The Korean remake is produced by 2 companies "Hi Ground" and "Monster Union", broadcasted on TV Chosun.
UNCLE is a story about a failed musician who takes over his sister for taking care of his nephew and the family who move into an apartment complex as renters while trying to escape from their abusive family. The story includes the uncle trying to rise in his failed career as well as trying to protect his nephew from all the odds created by the ruthless Granny and the sly group of mothers, namely "Momblies".
Wang Joon Hyuk (Oh Jung Se) despite his failed music career due to fraud and betrayal by his friends and family is a sincere and selfless person always ready to lend a helping hand to the needy. Already distanced from his family, he initially hesitates to meet them but eventually embraces them with all his love. Min Ji Hoo (Lee Kyung Hoon) is a kind-hearted kid with OCD who gets panic attack even by thinking about his granny. He's inclined to music just like his uncle and loves his mother so much. He takes his time getting used to his uncle and later on becomes so fond of him that he can't imagine his life without his beloved uncle.
Wang Joon Hee (Jeon Hye Jin) is a divorced lady who separated from her husband after being abused for 12 years by his in-laws, to protect her son who also was beaten mercilessly. Her character is something that wins heart by realistically expressing her emotional curves, a character with an unusual narrative. Park Hye Ryung (Park Sun Young) is a sly and manipulative lady who controls the group of rich mothers, called "Momblies" as it's "Diamond". With her connections and influence she can pull any thing off but chooses to veil her toxic life with lies.
Other good actors in major roles are Ju Kyung Il (Lee Sang Woo), Kim Yoo Ra (Hwang Woo Seul Hye) and Chun Da Jung (Jung Soo Young) as the residents of the apartment complex. Song Hwa Eum (Lee Shi Won) as the middle school teacher, Jang Ik (Ahn Suk Hwan), as the 'Hot Bar' owner, Shin Hwa Ja (Song Ok Sook) as the Chairperson of Gangto Money and Ji Hoo's Granny, Min Kyung Soo (Yoon Hee Suk) as Ji Hoo's father.
Among other major child actors are Ju No Eul (Yun Hye Bin), Ye So Dam (Kim Ha Yun), Shin Min Ki (Go Kyung Min) and Park Se Chan (Park Shi Wan).
Plot development in overal is just fine. The introductory episodes were impressive though the screenplay didn't seem usual and it was difficult to decipher whether it'll be a sitcom or melodrama themed. Progression was also good despite very typical elements used; it might seem like a makjang but it's actually not. Personally, I liked it a lot for the first half and it continued to be entertaining even after interval, until the 10th episode where it started going downhill.
The major characters suddenly become dumb out of nowhere, unable to decipher the conspiracies by the antagonist side. It takes at least 2 episodes for them to figure things out and then their strategies to counterstrike them were even more typical, which even became very repetitive. The final outcomes by the end of 14th episode weren't very impressive and didn't keep up the interest for the finale week. And trust me, the finale week was even more underwhelming.
Despite the shoddy decline towards the ending, one thing that remained constant was the love uncle had for his nephew, which, in fact, saw an uprise in the graph. Many scenes involving the heart-touching interactions between many characters were emotional. The story involves many elements such as: failed marriage, abusive relationships, mental health of children, bad parenting issues, greed for power and money, teenage pregnancy, toxic relationships, devotion for music, ideal teaching techniques,
Ji Young Soo PD-nim and Park Ji Sook jakka-nim have fair share of experience in the industry; even though the drama isn't that good, their skills were well-utilized. The screen-editing, play management and execution is well taken care of. The writing was a bit off and I think the major issue was turning a sitcom into melodrama. The screenplay is surely full of comical elements for most of its parts but it wasn't portrayed as a sitcom to begin with. 3/4th of the story is okay but the last quarter becomes shoddy.
There 12 OSTs in total with 3-4 tracks used as a drama version (as Joon Hyuk is a singer) which are sung by Sangmin Chu to keep a consistent voice for J. KING. "Your Dream" by Sangmin Chu is my most favourite followed by "Living Together" by Sangmin Chu and Lee Kyung Hoon (Ji Hoo). Sangmin Chu has also sung "Even if we break up", "Time to say goodbye" (drama version), "On The Beach" and "By your side". "BLUE BIRD" by Lunch, "Stay with me" by Lee Kyung Hoon (Ji Hoo), "Love Sign" by Lizia and "Not Alone" by Bae Sung Yoon are some other tracks from the drama. "Butterfly" sung by the child actors of the drama is so cute.
Overally, "UNCLE (엉클)" is a good one time watch. Too many characters and incomplete arcs were the limitations of the drama and it went downhill in the later half but it's not really bad having so many heart touching moments. The first half (or let's say till 10th ep) was a fairly balanced watch. Can't say it's a must watch or something but it doesn't really offer something exciting or impressive to look forward to, either.
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This review may contain spoilers
Do not watch this drama thinking it will be like Prince of Lan Ling. That drama is focused on Lan Ling King himself while this drama is like part-fantasy of both kingdoms and who will conquer the world once they unlock the secret using the mirror and sword (forgot their names), and the female lead's love life.This drama started out quite interesting but after she met Lanling King, I think the plot became really repetitive. She became really indecisive between both men and went back and forth several times, which I thought was really unnecessary. They could have cut that down a bit so the drama wouldn't be so lengthy, too. Beware, this drama starts out *very* cliche and unrealistic. Just a warning, both love-lines are pretty cruel romances and the sweet moments don't last long.
As for the characters, you have the typical cold-hearted main male lead (Yu Wenyong) who slowly warms up and is very protective, and you have the typical kind second male lead (Lanling King) who's always there to save the day. The main female lead is also the typical girl who doesn't lose to anyone easily and plays around to annoy you. Yu Wenyong has quick character development, followed by the main female lead; however, I didn't see much development for Lanling King. Going on a tangent, I think Lanling King's role was poorly written in this drama because he's known for being smart and strategic, but here he seems to be weak in planning and always listens to whatever everyone else suggests. He doesn't have a stance and can't do anything on his own will.
The acting was alright overall. I think some crying scenes were a bit forced and cringe-worthy, but otherwise it was bearable. Nothing was super unnatural or out of frame. The music is very nice and suits the scenes. There's pretty much just the opening theme and ending theme; the former used more with Yu Wenyong and the latter used primarily with Lanling King--it's like their personal songs. Overall, I personally like Yu Wenyong more so if I were to rewatch, I would just skip to his scenes because it's really heartwarming to see a cold playboy turn into a loving and protective man.
TLDR; This drama is watchable but does get long and draggy in the middle. There were lots of unnecessary parts of the plot and cliches, but I think it is still a pretty good watch. This drama is definitely not for you if you want to see the female lead end up with one guy quick (because she's wishy-washy).
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This review may contain spoilers
Great drama, a must watch!
I really like this drama, mainly because of the 2 main characters! 13th prince is really good looking and is a great actor for his young age (I hope that he will have lots of new dramas because I like watching his acting!). The main characters have excellent chemistry in all their scenes and it really warms my heart every time those two are together. 4th prince's character is well written, as he is depicted as a serious, just and loving character. I wish there are more scenes of 14th prince with MW. I really enjoyed the acting overall, especially the king.The concept of the drama with the time travel is quite confusing but it doesn't bother me much as the romance story is very interesting and sweet. The villain (Ming Hui) really is EVIL! She appears in every single episode for a very long time, which is the MOST ANNOYING part of this drama. I really don't like her character, so I had to skip through a lot of scenes with her in it.
Highly recommend if you like good looking cast and sweet romance story! There is a bit of comedy too which is a huge bonus. The ending is satisfying.
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I also really loved how relatable it is, and throughout the series, the overall message is that every love story may or may not have a good ending which is a very relatable message. The overall thing I hate with this drama is the second lead syndrome you get, it just breaks my heart. This series was truly a masterpiece though. The soundtrack is very memorable, and I am obsessed with this.
And lastly, the acting was amazing and everybody had chemistry. I really loved this series and I recommend it to anybody. I would definitely rewatch it infinite times if I could.
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This review may contain spoilers
The Most Boring Watch Ever!!
You might think that this show is a simple love story where the female protagonist goes through blind dates & finds love, but it is not!!The predictable tone of the show turns against it. We are looking at a female protagonist, who is most possibly in her late 30s. In the end, she turns to the tried & tested formula of finding love through blind dates. Her first date happens to be a boring, nerdy guy who wants to date with marriage as the endgame. The female lead is thrown off her plans, and decides to go on a second date with another guy- shockingly, the other one is strikingly handsome but arrogant. The storyline settles down in a boring tryst of the female lead evaluating both choices before settling for one. The romance seems mature, but the storytelling drags on and loses its substance midway. You are left wondering if it is worth spending your time watching a show that seems to have lost its purpose.
Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2026/04/06/the-practical-guide-to-love-series-review/#more-2371
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The Sweetest Slice of Life Drama
First off, it takes a lot for a show to keep me invested for 16 episodes; I do not complete most of the shows that I watch because I often lose interest, and, after a week of working hard, I often don't feel pushed to pick up a show again on the weekend when I have time to watch TV. I am still surprised this show kept me captivated for all of the 16 episodes. I kept coming back every weekend (it's the only time I can watch). Many people don't seem to like the show or appreciate it, so let me clarify who this show is meant for.This show is meant for:
-People who like slice of life: Nothing much happens in this show; you just go about 4 teenagers living their lives at a vocational school. All four have dreams, and we witness them work hard to chase what they want in life.
-People who like to see relationships slowly unfold: This is especially true of the second couple. You see them become friends; and then you see them get closer to each other. You actually see them fall in love,and you understand why they fall in love with each other. This is the highlight of the show for me. There is no love at first sight or rushing of feelings here; both of the romances are sweet and portrayed with sensitivity.
-People who want to see relationships done well: There are no silly breakups; there is no toxic behavior or selfishness. You get to see 4 teenagers facing their feelings head on, acting on their feelings, and being respectful of each other's wants. I also loved that no one allowed their feelings to impact their dreams; both FLs stood by their guy; they were loyal and loving. That never impacted their attention to their futures, and I loved that. Your romantic relationships should never get in the way of your ability to make a future for yourself. The men were also very loving and respectful to the woman in their life. They never over-stepped or pushed, and they always respected what their girlfriend wanted.
-People who want to see characters develop: In the beginning, Youngjoo was a sullen kid, angry with everyone, and friendless. By the end, he admitted to his faults; he encouraged Seoyoung to chase her dreams; and he had a friend group who had his back. In the beginning, Seoyoung was single-minded about going to college. I loved her ambition, but she was the type to give up everything to achieve her dream. Now, she realizes that achieving one's dreams at the cost of someone else is not worth it. She can go to university without having to ruin an innocent family to do so. I love that they each brought out the best in each other. Individually, they are both better people now than when they started. I think this is what makes School 2021 special for me; they took everyday tropes, and they carried them out with sensitivity and nuance.
Do NOT watch this show if:
-You want action, drama, or anything complicated
-You want a plot that is new or creative in any way (this is a show where high schoolers act like high schoolers; you just see them go about their days.).
Not only was I charmed by the show; I would say it is one of my top 5 kdramas. You're really missing out if you don't watch it. Also, the first episode is a bit slow; give it 2 or 3 episodes before you judge.
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2-Storyline/Plot : Many would think that the story of an idol falling for a normal girl is so common and cheesy but this film story took a different level since it focused on finding a soulmate through music so the plot's setting was sort of unique. However, the romantic side wasn't satisfying since the story's development didn't focus on many important elements.
The music in here was amazing: a combination between classical Chinese music and the modern Chinese pop; I don't really focus on any film/drama's music while watching especially Chinese ones but the music felt like a deep core in this film. Great job!!
3-Acting/Cast : Wang Leehom has done everything here: playing the dorkey, the famous, the smart, the dumb; he did a great job indeed.
The lead actress succeeded in playing the innocent simple character; The cast was good enough and the acting was satisfying.
4-The ending : A typical rom-com ending; nothing special about it.
5-My Impression: Whan I started watching this film, I didn't have any expectations for it but later on I surprised myself by liking it plus I was literally blown by the music, I never thought that it could've been that great.
6-Overall : If you're rom-com lover then you would like this.
If you like idol shows then you need to watch this.
If you like classical or modern Chinese music then you would love this.
If you like Wang Leehom then you really need to watch this.
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This review may contain spoilers
A bit chaotic (Spoiler alert!)
I am a foreigner who lives in Thailand for some time and I went to the movie theater to watch this movie. Thai media have been talking about it for a while and I was curious to see what Naruebet Kuno (the same director of I Told Sunset About You - ITSAY) was going to do here.I can say I have mixed feelings about the overall result. Kuno is still very good in cinematography. The photography in this movie is so pretty and eye catching as in ITSAY, but we have here the same problem we had in ITSAY also: it is a bit overdramatic in some points. Don't get me wrong, I really like ITSAY, but I have the feeling that episode 4, for example, was a bit too much in terms of emotions. The same thing happens in Paradise of Thorns. The first 2/3 parts of the movie are more balanced, but the last 1/3 looks like somehow a stereotyped Latin American Soap Opera.
It is important to say that the story doesn't talk much about the inequality brought by the lack of recognition of gay rights by the State. This is not an LGBTQIA+ agenda movie (which is not necessarily bad). This topic is just a starting point for the main issue: The fight between the characters for possession of the lands where the Durians are planted. Basically, all the characters are pretty f*cked up and they see the Durians as their gold ticket. The cast is pretty convincing, specially the four main actors and actresses: Jeff Satur, Engfa Waraha, Harit Buayoi and Seeda Puapimon.
Thongkham (Jeff Satur) and Mo (Engfa Waraha) are the main rivals, as they dispute the preference of Saeng, the new owner of the land after her son's death. Saeng is a greedy and arrogant old woman who likes to see Thongkham and Mo humiliate themselves to please her, while Jingna (Harit) is the handsome Mo's brother who comes to work in the farm and falls in love with Thongkham. Jingna and Thongkham's relationship is sweet and charming, but not that well developed. This is probably one of the problems in the movie, although it didn't bother me that much. Some people also might think that the "greedy topic" is not so developed also. I would agree. What is this movie about? Love? Greedy? Selfishness? Rivalry? A love triangle? Maybe a bit of all of this? Well, when you try to put so many things together, maybe you might fail to develop so many topics at the same time. This might have happened here.
The rivalry between Mo and Thongkham grows to the point where they commit atrocities. Mo kills Saeng and makes the old woman sign a declaration before she dies, transferring the land to her name. Mo tries to expel Thongkham from her new possession, but he reacts and tries to r4pe her. The scene is full of screams and violence. Like a real Mexican soap opera! When the two are about to resolve their problems, Mo's new husband appears and tries to kill Thongkham, who is saved by his boyfriend, Jingna. In the middle of this confusing fight scene, Jingna ends up being killed too. With that, Thongkham loses the second love of his life. Tragic as a Greek tragedy!
My biggest disappointment with the film was not that it ended with the death of a beloved character (Jingna was perhaps the only character with any integrity in this whole story), but the fact that it was a very cliché ending. Before the husband showed up and tried to kill Thongkham, the first thing I thought was: "I hope they don't end the film with the husband showing up and killing someone." Well, that's exactly what happened. I thought it was an uncreative ending. More of the same.
Paradoxically, I still enjoyed watching the film. I should have hated it, but I didn't. The thing is: this movie makes you get the feeling that you're watching something with flaws here and there, but when you put it all together, the end result still pleases you in a strange way. At least that's what I'm feeling now, two days after seeing the film. My advice is that you watch it and draw your own conclusions.
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Painting A Painful yet Beautiful Gestures and Emotions into One Huge Canvas.
Visually this movie is really artistic, aside from the aesthetics and beautiful cinematography, the performances of the actors come out like a combined art in the movie, it's like they're painting a painful yet beautiful gestures and emotions into one huge canvas.Performance wise, the actors successfully conveying the messages of the story with their whole body, eyes, slight hands or shoulders movements, even the way they breathe can tell us the solid messages and emotions. Salute to all actors, no exceptions, even the child actors and the cameos, they show great acting quality, especially Song Kang Ho, Lee Ji Eun aka IU and Bae Doona.
We don't need to question any more about the acting quality Song Kang Ho has, there were one scene he walked while holding a doll after seeing his daughter, and he made me want to cry just by looking at his back. He is great and his all performances as Sanghyun, lead this movie so well.
I'm still shocked with IU, I actually didn't expect her to be this excellent for her movie debut. Her quality is multiple times better than her previous project, from facial expression, tones, gestures are all leveled up. Here she knows how to brings out enough portion of the emotions she has to show in every scene, and that looks visually poetic. There were not many scene where we can see Soyoung having a long physical contact with her own baby, Woosung, but once it happen -although it might look awkward, which is realistic, since Soyoung herself is an unprepared young mother- you can feel the hidden affections and the maternal instinct she has toward her baby, as a mother myself, i can clearly see it, maybe the other moms who watch this movie will feel the way i do.
The chemistry she has with Dong Soo is like a sweet bonus we get from the movie, proving that even without a physical contact you can still feel the butterflies by only seeing the image of Soyoung and Dongsoo in one frame. People keep mentioning the Ferris Wheel scene, yes it's so touching and heart breaking and i cried, but you'll actually see more of it throughout the movie.
Bae Doona as Soojin is not shown really often in the movie, but there were one scene where she has a conversation on the phone with someone, we don't really know who or what that other person says to her but her whole expression and tone in that scene is like telling a huge pain she has been dealing, whatever it is.
Story wise, it is kinda slowburn, up until half of the story. Surely it's not the type of movie that would make you cry a river, leave us in lots of angst nor laugh the hell out. It stays in the middle but if we see it in a positive way, actually with that we can slowly understand their wound and clearly see the emotion transitions in each character, also how they develop, personally it helps me to catch the feeling throughout the movie.
There were no long or difficult to understand narrations and dialogues, but almost every dialogues come with huge impact and weight.
Like everyone else's favorite, the "Thank you for being born" that said with IU's voice it's so precious, and i cried when the kiddo Hyejin say it to her in return.
In the end of the story, all of the characters here trying to find the best way to protect baby Woosung, it's heartbreaking and beautiful in the same time.
With this movie, Koreeda is trying to tell us not every woman who gave birth to a baby has an ability to be a mother, but every children that born deserves to receive protection and love from the adults around them. And that an action most people consider as irresponsible might be the best way to protect someone.
I watched this with my husband and our baby boy, my hubby cried a little at Soyoung and Soojin conversation inside the car. And on the way home he thanked me for giving birth and spending most of my time taking care of our son.
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The best part of the show for me was Chris Wu who was awesome and such a treat to watch. His character Huo Ting En was smart, mature, thoughtful,a great mentor and respected the heroine's opinions and decisions. Also the female lead was intelligent and spunky and not annoying like most of the female leads in Taiwanese dramas.The chemistry between the leads was crackling and the bromance between Huo Ting En and Peng Xiao Bin was really fun. The second leads are also not irritating and there are no out and out villans in the drama. Not a bad show in any way but would have become a favorite had it ended a couple of episodes early.
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And in one day its love
I started this show by accident, I had no plans to actually watch it. It was the BEST accident that has ever happened. Although, this review will be ongoing and is subject to change. I would say this is fast becoming one of my TOP 5 favorites of all time. I have not been disappointed by anything, the development of the story, or the lessons along the way. I always want more, I cannot wait for the next episode and sometimes it leaves me thinking of positive things I could consider within my own life. Can't ask for much more, except please hurry and show the next episode. :) So far I am in love!Was this review helpful to you?
1
2This review may contain spoilers
PeiRong- Loveable Bickering Married Couple
The Princess Royal is on my list of favorite dramas of 2024!You will find TPR enjoyable if you can get by the SML without him annoying you too much. To me, he was there for the plot and did not take away from my enjoyment of this drama. Focus on the main couple and you will enjoy it.
*Except for a few specific chapters, I did not read the novel.
*The review is based on the drama.
*I went in with no expectations other than great acting and chemistry, but I understand the novel readers' frustration with any adaptations.
What I love most about The Princess Royal is the main couple. Both Li Rong and Pei Wen Xuan died on the same day thinking one killed the other. They are taken back in time to when LR was 18 and PWX was 20. Both were married in their previous lifetime but lived apart due to a misunderstanding. The first 2 episodes are tough to watch due to the way LR bullies PWX because she thinks he killed her. Thank goodness that was cleared up quickly. The misunderstanding that caused their separation was cleared up by episode 11 and from there, the couple starts to grow closer as they try to discover who was behind LR's death. By the time you get to episode 12, you will have a better understanding about LR and PWX's viewpoint on their relationship. I wish I could say it was all settled by then but it will take time for LR to admit her love fully. Be patient. The ride is entertaining. There are comical moments, frustrations, and sweet moments.
The chemistry between LR and PWX is unique. They are like old married couples. They bicker, but they understand each other. In one sense, they are comfortable with each other, but LR is not ready to trust her heart to anyone yet. However, it was clear to me by the little things she did that she cared deeply for her husband. On the other hand, PWX has no qualms about showing his affection. But he is also capable of petty jealousy that you will be sure to find entertaining. Nobody does petty jealousy like Zhang Ling He! I loved watching this couple especially when it became clear they loved each other.
This is one of the best cp I have seen. Jin Mai and ZLH were outstanding with their depiction of a couple who was on the one hand familiar with each other and acted like old married couples sleeping next to each other and knowing what each other needs and wants, but on the other hand getting to know each other as they came to realize the misunderstanding that caused their separation.
The FL, Li Rong, is a complex character due to who she is. She is THE Princess Royal raised to view marriage and love in a way that makes her more restrained and unwilling to trust. And yet her character possesses kindness and empathy for others. There are some viewers who do not like LR. They believe she is a stupid FL. I DISAGREE! She is not perfect, but I like her. She doesn't always make the right decisions, but she is in no way an evil person. She is caring and strives to improve the lives of the common people. She is proud. She grew up in a royal family where everyone had an ulterior motive. And even though she seems to reject getting closer to PWX, she constantly seeks reassurance that he will always be by her side. Her actions are not because she is stupid. She is the way she is because her trust issues are from a deep and complex place. Lucky LR that she has her Prince Consort..her love, Pei Wen Xuan! She appreciates him and in a rare moment told him, "....let me tell you, you do not need to compare yourself to anyone, let alone Su Rong Qing."
The ML, Pei Wen Xuan, is the Prince Consort. Zhang Ling He played his role in such a way I was able to see him as an intelligent man who is a strategist with a high IQ and EQ as well as a patient and understanding man. He is the perfect match for Li Rong. She comes to lean on him when at times she needs support. PWX is my favorite character in this drama. As a husband if only a nominal one at first, he wants LR's happiness and will do anything he can to help her. But he will also point out her mistakes quite vehemently at times and patiently at other times. And he also has another side. While he appears soft when he is around LR, he is also commanding, confident, and fearless especially when he must defend his princess. He has the greatest lines. Many times I found myself going back to listen to his words:
"Either I die with you, or take you home."
" As a husband, no one can touch you unless someone steps over my dead body. As your ally, I'll stand in front of you even if you're cut in pieces. So whether we are husband and wife or allies, our fate has long been tied together."
The Princess Royal is filled with romance and palace intrigue. It is a story of a second chance in life, acceptance and forgiveness, trust and love. The question of who to trust is a recurring theme. It was surprising to me to see the emperor hesitate to eat pastries brought to him by his daughter, LR. It is no wonder LR has trust issues. By the end of the drama the only person she could trust was her husband, PWX. And even when trust is betrayed, it is possible to forgive when given the chance to change your life.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Some viewers feel that the SML is actually the ML. I disagree. Pei Wen Xuan is very much present and the ML! The SML became more visible in the second half of the drama when the plot picked up concerning the details of who killed LR and the truth about the SML and his part in her death. How else is the drama supposed to head into resolution without addressing the SML's part? Perhaps it is because I was fully invested in this couple and was totally convinced of their love for each other that I did not feel frustrated with the presence of the SML. He became annoying and frustrating to watch, but this did not take away from my enjoyment of the main leads. I enjoyed The Princess Royal because I watched it for LR and PWX.
SPOILER BELOW ON EPISODE 40!
However, I also understand the disappointment of viewers with the final episode. The screenwriter chose to use the final episode as Su Rong Qing's grand farewell. Understandably, SRQ must explain his actions. And perhaps the producer wanted to emphasize all that he has lost with flashbacks to his previous life with LR. And perhaps pity was the emotional reaction this producer sought. While I can see the focus and understand the motives, I felt it went too far and showed too much. Some of it was cringy. But while many dropped ratings due to this, I did not because there were so many more beautiful scenes and outstanding performances to make The Royal Princess a drama I will rewatch. Would I have liked to have seen less of the SML in the final episode and more of LR and PWX? Absolutely! But I was happy with the outcome and the happy ending. Even better, there is a bonus episode!
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DEATH'S GAME - A MUCH NEEDED PERSPECTIVE TO LIFE !
I still haven't processed this drama through and through and ig in the hope of being able to make the most out of it I am writing this review. To say that it's a MUST WATCH would be such an understatement because you'll sincerely be missing out so much.I am not a webtoon reader so I didn't know what was in stock for me but to say that I am overwhelmed by the amount of emotions I felt in such a short span would be the most just way of saying I LOVED IT TO EVERY BIT!
I don't know what other people are feeling about it but to me most of it was unpredictable even tho I guessed the last episode correct it didn't really drag me away from the drama I give that to the acting because I don't really fan girl predictable stuff.
THE CAST - IS MAGIC ! to all the cameos, all the episodic narratives, to all the emotions that they bring out to the screen it just pure treat to every drama lover there is.
The perspective to every character was so beautifully done that it felt like I went through all the 12 lives and that I was just given a piece of their memory and told to live out the rest. I became an assailant, a victim, a survivor, a savior and most of it all I became a human!
I realized that meaning of life is not in being able to live as the wealthiest person or as anyone else but you. There's no one else like you and to think that you are the only one suffering and every other being seems to be having a fate that you would wish for, is the most useless thought to ever exist.
The narrative is so tightly packed that every death has a significant contribution to the story even the ones that seemingly exist in almost parallel worlds are connected to ease and perfection.
This drama does make you rethink about all you are and all you have, it makes you grateful and aware of the true miracles that god has given all of us!
I might have more to say about it later but for now I just hope whoever is reading this review does watch the drama and spares a minute to think about all the tiny miracles that surround.
my fav lines from the drama would be-
"A persons character is determined not by the belief they hold, but by the actions over the course of their lifetime ."
"As i disappeared from this world, my death remained behind with those who loved me . "
"Your sins will end up finding their way back to you so don't ever commit them ."
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This show made me jump, scream, laugh and cry, my husband asked me if have turned nuts;). One second your thinking Is he a gangster? other your thinking OMG no he can't be, he must be undercover, then ooh no he is sooo bad and next OMG HE IS. It's not limited to the main leads but also to all of the supporting casts, they seemed all to be so very good planned out.
Chemistry between all of them was really nice, the bro-chemistry, the family-chemistry and the love-chemistry. No sloppy violence.
I'm sure i'm not alone thinking that its nice when a show ends in a realistic manner or unexpected. But some shows, you just wish they could end the way you want it, somehow Kdramas and especially this use the ending to make you keep thinking about the show over and over again after its done. I LOVE IT.. can't stop thinking about an alternative ending in my head.
Im out of praises, watch it and you will love, it.
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This review may contain spoilers
Solid start, colossally disappointing conclusion
This was my entry into the world of J-Dramas and it was promising to be an excellent first impression. The first 6 episodes were full of fluff and fun cliches and just the perfect touch of angst. You didn't have to use your brain too much, just sit back and enjoy a simple and entertaining story. There was genuinely funny humor, some solid acting moments, and the best part: fire chemistry between the leads. They absolutely carried the drama, as a couple and individuals. Ayaka, our FL, had an unexpected feisty side that helped balance the kawaii vibes, and Togo, our ML, had an endearing awkward side that softened his cold-hearted jerk exterior. I couldn't leave a review without praising what started out as a really cute drama that could have easily gone on my top favorites list. Now for the bad news.(BE WARNED, LOTS OF SPOILERS AHEAD)
Unfortunately, starting in episode 7, everything went downhill at a mind-blowing rate. Out of nowhere the drama took a step into some very dodgy (and surprisingly dark) territory. I don't mind dramas tackling unfaithfulness, misunderstandings, or sexual assault, as long as it's done sensitively and intelligently. But this drama did none of those things. We ended up with a situation in which, mysteriously, our FL doesn't know for sure if she's been sexually assaulted by an old flame, and instead of exploring the trauma of such an incident, the drama puts all the responsibility on her for possibly being unfaithful to ML. The situation concludes with ML essentially "forgiving" FL and choosing magnanimously to trust her when she says nothing happened between her and her old flame. The worst part to me? The subject of assault was not mentioned ONCE.
I'll also give a very brief mention to the intimacy issue. After our lead couple decides to become a real couple, we see ML coming on strong, clearly ready to go all the way with FL, and her shying away/flinching each time. It's often played for humor but I actually found it uncomfortable to watch, and it gave off very unfortunate vibes of experienced adult man chasing after innocent, doe-eyed little girl. It's not romantic and it doesn't portray a healthy, mutual transition into intimacy.
Even more unfortunately, that wasn't the end of this drama's troubles. The next episode put our lead couple back together without even once talking the whole issue through like adults. ML kicks her out for a bit and then eventually relents and accepts her back with no real conversation between them. Then comes episode 9. I get it, ML was afraid his mother would hurt FL, that's why he rejected her, broke her heart, and divorced her before planning a wedding with someone else. Here we get the classic time jump and separation cliches and more disturbingly, both ML and FL being besties with the guy who took her to a hotel (and presumably undressed her) in order to make ML believe they had slept together and therefore sabotage the relationship. But he apologized, so I guess it's all okay (this is sarcasm, by the way).
After all of this contrived, over-the-top angst, we conclude with a happy ending that's a result of the FL finally being told that ML had a really good reason for cutting her out of his life. She fights for him, he gives in, all's well that ends well, no harm done. They get remarried (but without the fussy piece of paper they had for their fake marriage, because who needs that?). I usually try to find a more intelligent way of expressing my feelings on dramas I disliked, but there's really no other way to put it: it felt like a child wrote the latter portion of this drama. I have read fan fictions on Wattpad that were written with more maturity and intelligence than this. It's hard to remember the last time I was this disappointed with a drama I started out liking so much.
In the end I'm rating it a generous 4 because of how thoroughly I enjoyed the first half. I will remember how I felt at the beginning fondly, and try desperately to forget how I felt at the end. It's safe to say I will not be rewatching this one. Try it at your own risk.
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