Reviews

Feel good

Premise of the story was good and the actors were well suited to their role.

I liked the idea of having a dinner mate without knowing their names, Maybe I should try it sometime hahaha!

It was a feel good drama that made me sigh every so often. There was a mental health challenge thrown in as well. I like the way it resolved along the way.

The kdrama all in all was about trusting strangers, falling in love, embracing the past, understanding it's implication on the future, and forgiveness. It made me feel good at the end of it.

Thank you and well done to the whole cast and crew!

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I've really been anticipating the Korean remake of the American TV series Suits ahhh. The US version has a special place in my heart because they film the series in Toronto, right in my work building. I've had many friends personally meet/see the Suits cast/take pics with them, and I've also seen them from afar (although not lucky enough to meet them -___-). I've been an avid watcher and just finished Season 7, hence when I watched the Korean version, I was able to make a lot of references and parallels to the US version.

Story: (9.5/10)
Suits starts off with Go Yeon Woo running away from the police after almost getting caught making a drug deal, and he accidentally slips into an interview for one of the city's top law firms and meets Choi Kang Suk, the best closer in the city. He takes a gamble and hires Yeon Woo after recognizing YW's photographic memory and his passion for justice and the law. The rest of the series showcases their relationship as the dynamic duo, solving many cases and serving justice together with the help of the managing partner, Kang Ha Yeon, the beautiful and intelligent paralegal, Kim Jina, KS's amazing and talented assistant/secretary, Hong Da Ham, and YW's and KS's arch nemesis, Chae Geun Shik.

Each episode features a different theme and motto, and the different and interesting cases within the episode will relate back to the motto (for example one episode's motto is "everyone gets what they deserve", and the case in that episode relates to that). The drama so far basically features the same ideas and cases as the US version, and there aren't huge differences in the story development and the content per episode. The setting is also VERY similar; the financial district and the amazing office views, and even the tiniest details such as the hotdog stand that Harvey goes to and the little toast/fish pastry parallel in the Korean version, the fact that both YW and Mike travels around in a bike, etc, etc. There are endless similarities that I could draw from the 2 versions, and the Korean remake was very refreshingly different, but also very similar at the same time (if that makes sense).

The only thing I'm unsure about in the drama is how everyone will react/find out about YW being a fraud, and how this will play out in the show, since in the US version, he gets caught and he eventually goes to jail for while and then getting out soon after. I'm not sure how the drama will show/solve this issue, so I can't comment on that topic yet.

**EDIT**: i felt like the show kind of ended abruptly in the last 2 episodes, and the ending was a little rushed. However, considering there was only 16 episodes total, I do understand how it all played out. I'm satisfied, as there were no loose ends, however I do wish that they showcased more of GWY and Jina's ending. Other than that, it ended off fairly well, and also very similar to the US version.

Cast/Characters: (9.5/10)
Choi Kang Suk vs Harvey Specter: ahhh, harvey is my ultimate bias, as I just think he is sooo extremely attractive, not just appearance wise, but also his personality. Jang Dong Gun did an amazing job at portraying Harvey's cockiness, his quirks, confidence, and his raw talent. He's Kang and Ham's (the law firm) ace, their best lawyer, and he definitely lives up to his reputation in every episode, as he somehow figures out a brilliant solution (along with GYW) to every problem that they encounter. His bromance with Yeon Woo doe..... you can really tell that he cares about YW even though he's known to be heartless and very cold.

Go Yeon Woo vs Mike Ross: i have to say that I am extremely impressed with Park Hyung Shik's acting. I've only watched a few episodes of Strong Girl Do Bong Soon, so I can't really comment on his acting there, but in Suits, he did a fantastic job portraying GYW! Especially at the fact that he was able to memorize all those difficult legal terms/definitions and pretty much recite the law. Although GYW and Mike Ross are the same character, Hyung Shik made this character into his own. There are so many similarities between the 2, but I do like Hyung Shik's portray better. The only thing I didn't like in relation to the character GWY was that in the Korean version, there are a few times he just makes (kinda dumb) decisions on his own that Mike didn't, and it was just a little unnecessary to me and it was a lot different than the US version, since Mike Ross pretty much never messes up/makes a mistake (apart from lying about his law degree LOL). But all in all, greatttt character.

The rest of the cast was also a joy to watch, particularly Chae Geun Shik, their arch nemesis. This character is sooo funny and hilarious, he's a workaholic partner at the firm, and he constantly tries to get the managing partner's approval/respect, but he somehow always falls short compared to Kang Suk. He tries extremely hard to make Yeon Woo's life as difficult as possible, always waiting for YW to make a mistake, and their relationship is just so funny to watch. Also the fact that the Korean version also talks to a dictaphone, has an admiration for Kang Suk's secretary, and can sometimes be downright cruel. Kim Jina and Yeon Woo's budding romance is so cute and bubbly too, and their interactions with each other are always a joy to watch, kind of like watching a first love blooming. The managing partner, Kang Ha Yeon, is a total badass bishhh, just like Jessica Pearson. They always put the firm's interests on top and always want what's best for the firm. KS's secretary, Hong Da Ham, is also very much like the infamous Donna, extremely witty and pretty much knows everything going on in the firm and also knows everyone.

Music: (8/9)
The OST is quite good, especially the 2 main instrumental songs that play in the backgrounds during certain scenes. Some other songs play in the more emotional and romantic scenes, but they weren't that memorable in my opinion.

Re-watch value: (8/10)
It's a very entertaining show to watch, however since I already watched the US version, the Korean one has many similarities in terms of content and the cases they solve, so to me personally, I probably won't watch it anytime soon, just because I'm already quite familiar with the plot and storyline.

Overall: (9/10)
If you haven't watched Suits, whether the US version or the Korean one, I highly recommend that you go watch it, especially those who like law shows. The story is quite unique and different, and the cast/characters are amazing and their interactions and their relationships with each other are so dynamic and interesting. Don't miss out on this amazing drama!

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Underwhelming

Honestly cutting the show into 2 parts was so stupid to begin with. It messed up the flow and the narrative of the story. I found part 2 to be bland compared to the first part. The writing became weak and there was also lack of flow with the scenes. The flashbacks became repetitive, like i get showing the backstory and all but most of those didnt explain what was happening.

I felt that the characters were underused, there was potential but there was more time spent on useless plot lines. The way the show was wrapped was underwhelming like just ended in a odd place and it didnt feel like a ending at all. There were so many unanswered questions like goodness me...like whyyy. Like what the purpose of the people in white were. The hint at another season was off-putting. The acting and the music was the main reason that kept me going.

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Best 2019 drama. It’s very warm and realistic. A story about mothers, society and relationship. Mothers sacrifice a lot of things for their children. Responsibility as adults too. Sometimes people’s tongue can hurt other people so we should be careful of what we say even though it’s not intentionally. Some mothers can be selfish because they want the best for their children. Relationship will cause friction and it’s only natural that way, but we learn to stand up for ourselves, learning to set up boundaries. This show has a lot of lessons for us to learn from.

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I’m seated.

sometimes you just forget what good quality is when it comes to Thai BL shows. I’m not trying to knock other shows, and of course there are some great quality Thai BLs out there. But sometimes everything just falls into place in a way you weren’t expecting.

so, I’m not one to write reviews before a series is over; however, Jack & Joker knocked my socks off. not just with storyline, but quality as well. in the first episode we are getting back stories of the MCs… or shall I say their villain origin stories and honestly I. AM. HERE. FOR. It. I might be the problem, but I love a good red flag, anti hero story and even though we are only just starting this journey I believe that’s what we are going to get.

I’m seated. this to me is KinnPorsche level quality, and I am foaming at the mouth wanting more.

oh Joker, the anti hero we didn’t know we wanted has becoming something we need.

I can already see this being my top Thai BL of the year which is wild since I didn’t think anything would dethrone my stand in, yet here we are.

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I like the concept of “playing devil’s advocate.” But when it comes to examining dramas, I don’t play around (usually. Get some sugar in my system and we’ll see otherwise). Thus, this review will consist of me gravely defending the “devil’s” opinion that Hotel Del Luna is an okay show...but also that it's not too much beyond that.

If ghost stories lie within your watching preferences, perhaps you would have a better time with Hotel Del Luna. As for myself, I was not a fan of the overall plot. It came off as a tad too shallow. For one, there’s a severe imbalance between plot filler (which is how I classify every individual ghost’s story, each of which occupies 80% of each episode) and the truly interesting main plot, which falls off to the wayside. Unless you enjoy brief appearances of random guest ghosts, you’ll probably end up like me: sitting through over an hour’s worth of time per episode, helplessly asking when the Hong Sisters will address Man Wol’s story—which is rarely, until you cross the halfway point of the entire show. What the writers do with Man Wol’s history when it is addressed feels lackluster, if only due to all the unnecessary time buildup prior to it.

The real problem is that we are hardly given reasons to care about each visiting ghost in any major emotional capacity. Although they have interesting stories, it’s a bit like walking down a city sidewalk: you see someone with a pretty wardrobe, “ooh” at it for a second, and then forget your appreciative impressions of it an hour later. Maybe it seems as if I’m being coldhearted, but as much as the Hong Sisters try to emphasize that these ghosts were human with human sufferings, the way the show frequently relies on shock value and horror elements over the ghosts’ pain and healing resulted in me not being able to build true sympathy for these souls. Imagine repeating this apathy for every episode: it’s exhausting trying to force an emotional connection.

The only saving grace of Hotel Del Luna is Man Wol. The way IU presents her character’s conflicting ego and heart is as poignant as it is mysterious, and she executes the identity of a CEO with a low economic IQ with hilarity. Had it not been for this quirkiness of Man Wol’s character, I would not have stuck around until the end. And that’s despite my love for Yeo Jin Goo: though his acting is excellent as always, Chan Sung is a perfect example of a supporting character who hides behind the guise of being a “main character.” There’s only one protagonist in this story, her name being Man Wol. There’s nothing wrong with this, but it is a bit of a letdown that everyone else has the potential to be equally interesting, yet doesn’t get nearly enough development. Chan Sung, for example, is a nobody—beyond pushing Man Wol to address her emotional wounds, he doesn’t possess the individualism that a lead character should have. This means that while the interactions between him and Man Wol may be compelling to watch, the moment that you isolate Chan Sung away from her, he devolves into a character who’s mediocre at best and painfully boring at worst. Seeing as I view Chan Sung like this, that should give you a pretty good idea of what I think of the other supporting characters: meh.

That all being said, I can see the reasons behind the hype. I just wouldn’t say that they’re justified: gorgeous cinematography, a cast list riddled with famous names, and an amazing soundtrack are all great assets to have within a drama. If future shows could continue Hotel Del Luna’s ability to create an effective atmosphere, I would have zero complaints. But what use is all of that if the show at its core doesn’t match up to the level of its decorations? Hotel Del Luna is almost sadly entertaining in that it may be fun in the moment, but doesn’t leave a deep enough impression to be phenomenal.

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I'm going to be honest, I didn't like part 1 and part 2. I felt like nothing really happened, and every episode was a repeat of the previous one. "How much repetitious suffering can a person do before they change their ways?" - I thought...

So I decided to cautiously watch I Need Romance 3 solely for Sung Joon, and wasn't at all disappointed.

GOOD - (Eye Candy) Yep, Sung Joon is absolutely charming in this one. I mean... I almost became diabetic just watching him throw one sweetness after the other. Plus he's so good looking and tall. The second lead was pretty handsome too, and even Yoochun's brother Yoohwan was cute (depending on his hair style)...

GOOD - (Acting) The acting was pretty good. No awkward moments, or not any I can think of. The girly relationships are all pretty good too, and very believable for the most part.

WEIRD - (Personality Traits) You know when a drama depicts a character who's one diminutional. And sometimes stupid. And you want to scream at him/her "wake the f up! HELLOOOOOOOO duhhhhhh"... yeah this was the case for the lead female. Sometimes you wonder... are there really people like that in the world? (I bet the answer is yes... the world is a weird place) Anyway, it can get a bit annoying.

MEHHH - (Story Climaxes) Not gonna lie... some things are predictable. Very. But most OK dramas are, right?

CURVEBALL - (The kissing) As with the previous parts, the making out in this one is intense. So, swoon away.

OVERALL - Its worth watching if you're a fan of any of the actors (esp. Sung Joon) or if you haven't yet seen this gorgeous boy in action. Also if you like modern physical affection and language. Don't watch if you don't like romance, boys, or chick flicks.

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It couldn’t of been any better.

I really love this drama from the cast to the plot, the soundtrack, the comedy, the fluffiness, and the leads. I can’t think of anything that I wish they would’ve done different or better. I truly loved it just as it was. I’m so sad it’s over, but pleased that we got this beautiful show.

Well, I liked it from episode one a few people have mentioned that it’s a show that really grows on you as you watch it and as you start to care about the characters and I could see that. Because in the first episode you’re like OK where is this going? But as you sit and watch you like oh I like where this is going this is actually very very cute..

The ending was exactly what I wanted it to be and I’m so happy that they ended it and flushed out all the stories and didn’t leave us hanging with open question marks. Nice job writers!

I have no doubt that more people will watch it and fall in love with it because it is really a hidden gym right now and I can see it being ranked videos of the year definitely and of the last few years likely.

Give it a watch, watch the first two episodes and I’m pretty sure that you will be hooked and wanting to know what happens.

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Absolutely Beautiful

I LOVED this series! I know unrequited love is very common in BL’s, but this one just hit different! And the actors!! Not only did they do a PHENOMENAL job, they are HOOTTT!!! Like, seriously. Super hot. My new BL bias is YU!!! (Sorry Mew and Saint!) Zhou Shu Yi (YU) and Gao Shi De’s (Sam Lin) chemistry is off the charts in this series! The pacing was absolutely perfect, not too slow, not too rushed. I don’t want to give any spoilers, so I won’t get into the specifics of the plot. This series is about a boy who has been secretly in love with another boy for years, and even instigates a love/hate relationship just to be close to him. Pretty bold move! The chemistry is FIRE, while also managing to be super sweet, soft, and cute. Sometimes in the same scene!! This series is REALLY well made, the storyline is awesome, the actors are phenomenal, and it has that perfect mix of sizzle and sweet! I DEFINITELY recommend watching this series! Seriously. It’s epic.

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Noona-love story that actual noonas may want to sit out.

As a European, single, career woman in my 30's I have come to expect certain things from my life and people around me.

1. Respect from colleagues for all the hard work I put in
2. Understanding that the hard work has left little room for dating
3. Evenings spent watching dramas because of the aforementioned hard work and singlehood

I started watching "The woman who still wants to marry" because I heard it was going to feature single career women in their 30's and noona-love...
Finally!, I thought. Women I can relate to.
And who doesn't like the added bonus of bit of escapism, in the form of gorgeous young men falling for older women? Yum!

Boy, was I in for a rude awakening.

I'm not oblivious to the fact that, in Korea and Japan, unmarried women over the age of 25 are considered "Christmas Cake". Something that goes bad after the 25th. (Horrible expression btw. Just horrible!)

The previous noona-love dramas I've seen have mostly focused on the woman's inner struggle. Angst and denial of her unsuitable feelings, and so on.
She may have gotten sideways glances while flaunting her young lover publically. But that's about it.
Never mind that this would never happen in real life. Drama magic and suspension of disbelief achieved. Squeee!

In "The woman who still wants to marry", however, our two noonas are bombarded by hair-raising amounts of malicious gossip, disapproving parents and disrespectful colleagues.

The amount of shit that these poor women have to put up with is really disheartening.
If this piece of drama fiction is any reflection on how smart and driven women are treated in Korea... then I have found a whole new level of understanding for all those older and successful über-bitches we tend to see as villains in dramas. No wonder they'd eventually become cold as ice - if this is how they've been treated since their 30's.

While the romance is a big part of this drama. (Two lovely noona-love stories, no less.) The adversities these women face, simply because of their age and ambition, leave such a bitter after taste that it many times overshadows the sweetness of the romance.

I would ask someone who is considering watching this these 3 questions:
1. Are you under 30?
2. Is seeing Kim Bum fall in love pretty much your sole motivation for watching?
3. Do you normally not have problems suspending disbelief when it comes to ill treatment of women?

If your answer to the above questions is a resounding "Yes", then you'll probably enjoy this drama.
If your answer is "No", then you may want to look elsewhere for your escapist drama fix... or at least watch with an awareness of these issues.

I don't regret watching this drama. If for nothing else; Kim Bum pulls off one of the best "grand gesture"-scenes in recent memory. I finally get why women swoon over him now. I do.

It does make me sad though - to think that there are places in the world where it doesn't matter how hard you work to prove yourself. If you are a woman and over 30; you are supposed... no, demanded!... to give up your job and become a stay at home mom. Whether that life appeals, fulfills or excites you in the slightest. That's your duty.

Even if you marry Kim Bum - it would be nice to know you have a choice. Right?

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Polyamory

What started as almost a typical cheater-husband-discovered-and-wife-struggles-to cope-plot quickly became a heartfelt drama about not only society's judgement of the not "normal" but also one's internal judgment, the struggle to fight for one's own happiness, and the willingness to open oneself up to new possibilities, all featuring genuine people trying to do the "right" thing. And beyond just that, the scale of "like."

If you're looking for an exploration of relationships that is complicated but worth it in the end, then this is the drama for you.

I only want a monogamous relationship. I may not understand--I say "understand" because I myself have felt some annoyance hearing Straight people say they "understand" my being Bi, because, to me, you can't truly understand something unless you live it--what it's like to be polyamorous. But I can accept the reality of it because it is someone's reality, I can learn about it, and I can widen my understanding of the world past my own nose. I feel that's what this was trying to say in the end: You don't have to "get it." Just try to grow and see more than yourself.

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***May contain spoilers***

I love this movie, cute, lovely, bittersweet, relatable, all rolled into one. I love movies that talks about the reality of loving someone and yet having a dreams and this two conflicts each other and that you have to choose one and regretting at the end. I love the two leads, the acting sre excellent. You can see the transitions as they grow and mature. What makes this a beautiful, is that how the storytelling is just honestly being told. I cried, it is sad, it's painful. God, I feel them, the love in the family is so real!

We really need to constantly remind ourselves that we need to express and demonstrate our love and care to the people we love. This movie just provided a realization that we need to express our love no matter how. The additional scenes of real people saying all kinds of emotions that they cannot tell to their loved ones or lost love, I am just having goosebumps.

Great movie to watch. Soundtracks is excellent especially at the end. Highly recommended.

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Not your usual RomCom, yet a love triangle on top of a socially critical labour dispute mission

The protagonist's name "Byeon Hyeok" means "revolution". The wordy title "Revolutionary Love" already hints that this is about a Romance. But this title also contains the second plot line: the love that leads him to revolution - to resistance and struggle for the rights of irregular workers in the company of a powerful Jaebeol. One way or another, Byeon Hyeok is at the center of events - as the eldest son of Jaebeol of the Gangsu Group, who is in love and choses the barricades (and new ways) within the corporate culture of his father's business group.

Basically, the topic of such a labor dispute is rather socially critical and highly explosive, because there is practically no legal representation for the irregular part-time workers in South Korea. The number of non-regular employees is four times higher than among the other OECD member states. Employment relationship is not well protected. There is no union representation. Irregular employees usually only receive about half the wages of a permanent employee. The time limit is barely a year. Since the Asian crisis, this form of employment has proven to be cost-saving and convenient for small and large companies, so that it has been retained on a large scale to this day. "Revolutionary Love" cleverly focuses on this aspect of the South Korean working world as this critical topic is sort of camouflaged with a lot of slapstick and speed on the humorous note ... and of course there is the romance...

The role of Byeon Hyeok is a showpiece for Choi Si-won, who, with his wide array of physical, wordless visual grimaces and gestures, softens the actually frustrating labour dimension by Korean standards to a level that makes it accessible to the masses on public cable TV (and 'permissible' for the powerful). At the same time, Choi Si-won has the necessary sincerity to also show his sensitive side and create space for the closeness of a romantic relationship. In contrast to the comedic character of Byeon Hyeok is his 'friend' Kwon Jae-hoon, whose leitmotif ´seriousness´ can hardly be surpassed. In between, the head of the "revolution" whirls: the street smart Baek Joon.

"Revolutionary Love" is a KDrama that is often underestimated by Western viewers in its ambitious socio-critical and labour policy claims. It knows how to touch with the protagonists' love triangle despite the labour dispute mission. Yet, be aware, it is not your usual RomCom.

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I hope that this feeling might catch up with you

The plot was a very standard best friends to lovers kind of story. We follow two high school boys that have been friends since they were little, and how their relationship changes as one starts to struggle with his feelings. There are certain things that felt unrealistic and unnecessary. I am aware that the series was not really released internationally, and the subtitles are fan made, so that is not something that will affect my ratings regarding the series. It is a shame that this was not an international release though.

I am not a fan of cinematography. Many scenes were too bright to the point of slightly blurring out the details and the faces. Some cuts between the scenes were also a bit confusing. There was also an overwhelming amount of slow-motion scenes. It just felt a bit excessive.

Ohara Yamato & Ashiya Kakeru: They have this black cat and golden retriever dynamics. Yamato is the calmer one, the more reserved and not so friendly one. Kakeru is the more outgoing one, the more approachable and more hyperactive one. They are quite different from one another, but they make it work. Yamato falls first, he has loved Kakeru for years, but has never dared to confess. He didn’t want to risk losing what the two had. But as Kakeru starts to show interest in dating, Yamato starts to struggle. I don’t think Kakeru is indifferent to Yamato either, I just think he wasn’t really considering that possibility until it hit him in the face. He was always convinced the two can be just friends, so even if there were any deeper feelings, he never admitted those to himself. The two actors had good enough chemistry, but I don’t think it was as sizzling in some other dramas I have seen.

As the title suggests, the main conflict of the story does resolve around miscommunication. The two boys are not able to express their real feelings due to fear and other factors. However, this does not mean that the characters don’t communicate well. I really enjoyed that Yamato, no matter how much he hated that, was always honest with people who confessed to him. He never led anyone on. And even when things started going south between Yamato and Kakeru and the two were forced to be honest, they were both able to express themselves.

I liked the side characters too. Especially Yamato’s sister and Hisaka Yui, their classmate. Both of them were very open-minded and accepting of the two. It also helped Yamato and Kakeru feel more comfortable and not like what they are feeling for each other is wrong and unacceptable. There will always be people who might not be very open minded, but there will also always be people who will accept you no matter who you love.

And bonus points for not making any potential female love interests into villains! That’s a plot twist I am happy we avoided.

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Something good, something for the summertime

This was a beautiful show, sadly i feel it was overshadowed by more popular shows airing at the same day such atoats and wbl.

The first 4 episodes were okay but nothing too exciting imo, i think towards the past 4 episodes the show started to set its foundation and it worked well in the end. Now that ending was skeptical cause that build up only for it to end because of a podcast was lazy writing but you gotta have something right. Actors were really good at their roles, i felt really emotional with both of them especially son oh and wow his dancing was great really wish he gets to shine more in bigger kdramas. Hong really did a good job too, his smile is so amazing omg i literally couldn't.

The one thing id say i didnt like about this show was the pacing was much more slower in the beginning than towards the end. But overall a really cute and good show i want to see more of them ik future k dramas.

7X KISSES PEOPLE LETS CELEBRATE THAT

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