This review may contain spoilers
such a disappointment
I swear I want to scream at the screenwriter! UGHHHH... Why is everything so damn downplayed?? The story sets up these HUGE emotional bombs and then delivers them like… a casual Tuesday lunch chat. Le finding out who his mother really is should’ve been a massive turning point — raw, messy, emotional. Instead it gets tossed out in the middle of a meal like someone mentioning they forgot to buy soy sauce. And that’s literally just one example.I kept watching thinking, “Okay, maybe it’s slow-burning, maybe the payoff is coming.” NOPE. It’s just anticlimax after anticlimax, like the script is actively allergic to drama. How do you ruin your own plot twists?? How do you make every reveal feel like a footnote??
And honestly, Qin Lan’s acting is not helping. At all. She just refuses to go anywhere near heightened emotion. It’s like she’s scared of showing anything stronger than gentle disappointment. It’s the same in every drama of hers I’ve seen — beautiful to look at, elegant, calm… but the moment the character is supposed to explode, break down, do something, she stays on that same soft, neutral wavelength. It kills the momentum.
I’m frustrated because the premise actually had potential, and the setup hinted at something deeper. But nope — everything is toned down, flattened, and delivered like the actors are reading text messages instead of living through trauma. I thought it was going to get better. It didn’t.
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Back to 17 changes your 27's love story
Back to Seventeen is a solid short love story.Considering it is just 3-4 minutes per episode, this drama is worth watching! I enjoy watching it every day since it started airing 1st eps. I also love the ending even though we only get them as a couple for the last 30 seconds haha
(+) Everything is so good: plot, editing, background music, lead chemistry, happy ending
(-) Not enough couple moments *uppsss
Thank you for giving us a good short drama, Back to Seventeen's producing team. Well done!!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
A Heartwarming and Wholesome Youth C-Drama That Feels Like Home
WOW! Just finished this and what a beautiful drama it was! I binge-watched all the episodes over the past few days and it was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions! I rarely binge-watch dramas since I usually prefer ongoing ones, but with some free time on my hands, I gave this a shot. Honestly, it is one of the best youth dramas I have seen.I am truly in awe of how wholesome and heartwarming youth C-Dramas can be.
I especially adored our main couple, Xichi and Huan’er. Their journey from strangers to neighbors, classmates, friends, best friends, lovers, and finally family was so naturally and beautifully written. Their relationship felt so genuine, and you could really see and feel how much they cherished each other’s company.
It has been a while since I have seen such a well-balanced relationship in a drama. Both of them gave so much to each other, offering unwavering support along the way. They were both walking green flags, wholesome, funny, and downright adorable. I am really going to miss them.
Another highlight for me was the parents of the trio. I do not think I have ever liked so many parents in a C-Drama before. They had distinct personalities that made them feel like real people rather than just being there as “the parents” of the main characters. It was so refreshing.
The humor in this drama was also totally my style, with no over-the-top slapstick or forced comedy-relief characters. I especially loved Xichi, as he was such a funny and witty character. But the humor did not stop with him, since his friends, classmates, and even the parents all had their own hilarious moments.
Overall, I absolutely loved this drama and highly recommend it if you enjoy youth and family-centered stories. Even though I am a romance lover and could not wait for them to grow up and get together, I have to admit that I enjoyed the middle and high school scenes the most. The university portion felt a bit superficial and lacked the depth of their earlier years. I found their home life far more engaging, which is why I think the title "Always Home" was the perfect choice. That sense of warmth and belonging was truly the heart of the story.
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Takashi Miike is one of my favorite directors. Being the lord of gore is one of the main reason why I like him and Ichi the Killer is absolutely the epitome symphony of violence Miike ever made. I am into bloody productions: mutilation, torturing, splatter-gore, cutting body parts to pieces, heads rolling and everything that belongs to the category; you can call me eccentric or a psycho but those are my personal references and a part of my real life job. However, the reason why I liked Ichi the Killer and many of Miike’s films is not the gore for the sake of gore, it’s true that I like that element but it’s not enough to make me like a film, there has to be a message and a meaning behind it all.
Ichi the Killer has a dark graphic storyline; it tells the story of Ichi, a psycho killer who split people to halves and sometimes to little pieces through razors in his shoes and Kagihara, the masochist who’s looking for the killer of his gang’s leader who happens to be Ichi. That’s the general plot but there’s much more behind the events and the characters’ development, the hidden meanings and the final reveal of the characters’ relationships was pretty amazing and let’s not forget the mind-boggling ending that keeps your imagination wild. None of this would have been done without the fantastic performances of the charismatic brilliant actor Asano Tadanobu and Omori Nao, who had to play a childish character at one second and a sadist killer at the next moment.
Now let’s talk about violence, the main lead in this film; it was creative and pretty well-made sadist type of violence. People call Miike a “cult” or a “sadist” director and he probably is, the way he shot the explicit gore scenes was truly brilliant with all of those cutting and blood’s splashing everywhere. It makes this film one of the kind if we consider how far he went with bloody scenes, I haven’t seen that anywhere before. What also makes the violence special is that it was entertaining, I found myself laughing at few scenes and no, it’s not because of my sick personality; there were some amazing dark humor moments inserted in this film because Miike can mix gore and comedy so well (think Dead or Alive trilogy).
Watch if:
-You like gory films with a meaningful storyline.
-You like Takashi Miike’s way of making films because this is probably his best work.
-You like bizarre Japanese productions.
Do not watch if:
-This is absolutely NOT for the faint of heart.
-You dislike anything that has to do with gore or you can only handle a little amount of it.
-You dislike over-the-top violence.
-You’re easily disturbed or grossed.
Ichi the Killer is the highest level of cinematically shot violence. It’s without doubt not for everyone, it can be a hit or a miss, some would find it a masterpiece and others would run away from the first few scenes. It’s bloody as hell and I completely loved it.
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LONG POST AHEAD.Ok, so, if you want to watch a light-hearted series of solving crimes, and enjoy the atmosphere of The Republic of China in the mid-1920s, then this series is suitable for you. The cases were well-written and the deduction was logical. Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng, two male characters in this series, also have a good chemistry. Qiao Chusheng provided Lu Yao a comfortable life by buying things and protecting Lu Yao, and Lu Yao solved the cases for him, improved his reputation. Their chemistry was a big plus. Beside that, the filming set and the clothes were beautiful and stylish.
Now, let's come to the minus side of this.
The female character, Bai Youning, a journalist, is very irritating. Yes, in the first few episodes, I could still empathize with her, and hope that she could have some developments. But she just didn't change. After 7-8 episodes, she still wrote tabloids about cases. She belittled Lu Yao, and even pretended that she was kidnapped, made Lu Yao and Qiao Chusheng worried to death and tried to save her. She was just too annoying, and her chemistry with Lu Yao was just unbearable. I could not understand how Lu Yao could love her, because all they did through nearly 32 episodes was bickering and fighting. But then, in episode 30, they kissed, episode 36, they got married and went to Paris, left Qiao Chusheng all alone in Shanghai after all. Poor Chusheng, he had done anything and everything to protect both Lu Yao and Bai Youning, but he was left alone in the end.
In conclusion, if you don't really mind about the ending, then this series is suitable for you. If you do, then please consider twice before watching it.
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The Best Korean Neo-noir, with action packed bromance ！ A New MASTERPIECE In K-Neo Noir !
Reminder :- “ This work will not be about who is evil or who is good, but about everyone becoming empty and lonely in the end” . It will penetrate the hearts of viewers with noir action with deep emotions set in the 1990s, Totally It's an intriguing story of betrayals, loyalty, and allegiance in which each character strives to achieve what is important to them.
➟ Critical Analysis :-
While “The Worst of Evil” is an exceptional series, it may not be suitable for those seeking a light-hearted watch. Its unrelenting darkness and morally ambiguous characters can be unsettling. Additionally, the series’ brevity leaves audiences craving more, but perhaps this is intentional, leaving room for speculation and discussion.
➟ Conclusion :-
In a landscape filled with crime dramas, “The Worst of Evil” Season 1 stands out as a gripping and thought-provoking masterpiece. Its exploration of moral decay, outstanding performances, and impeccable direction make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. Brace yourself for a visceral experience that will challenge your perceptions of good and evil
➟ Emotional Resonance : -
What truly resonates with “The Worst of Evil” is its unapologetic exploration of morality. It doesn’t shy away from depicting the darkness that resides within its characters. As the lines between good and evil blur, it prompts viewers to question their own moral compass. The series leaves a lingering sense of unease, forcing introspection long after the credits roll.
Themes and Tone: “The Worst of Evil” grapples with themes of power, loyalty, and the blurred lines between good and evil. It’s an unflinching look at the criminal underbelly and the corrupting influence of power. The tone is dark, gritty, and unforgiving, perfectly complementing the story’s exploration of moral ambiguity.
➟ Acting and Characters :-
The cast delivers stellar performances across the board. Ji Chang-wook’s portrayal of Park Joon-mo is nothing short of captivating. His transformation from a dedicated cop to a cunning infiltrator is a testament to his acting prowess. Wi Ha-joon as Jung Gi-cheol brings an eerie charisma to the leader of the criminal organization, making him both menacing and oddly charismatic. Im Se-mi’s Yoo Eui-jung adds depth and emotional complexity, BiBi's Hae Ryeon role contributed more buzz to the series, it's her first drama( small screen appearance) but she delivered magnificent performance ..
➟ Direction and Cinematography :-
Han Dong-wook’s direction shines in “The Worst of Evil.” His ability to build tension and maintain suspense is commendable. The series is visually striking, with a noir aesthetic that enhances the ominous atmosphere. The cinematography captures the neon-lit streets of Gangnam and the shadowy underpasses, creating an immersive experience, it's complete masterpiece in Neo-noir genre
➟ Score and Production Design :-
The haunting score elevates the series, enhancing the sense of foreboding. It’s a perfect companion to the dark and moody production design. From seedy nightclubs to dimly lit alleys, the attention to detail in the set design is exceptional, corridor action
➟ Special Effects and Editing :-
While “The Worst of Evil” doesn’t rely heavily on special effects, when they are used, they’re seamlessly integrated. The editing is crisp, allowing the story to flow smoothly across its 9 episodes. There are no wasted moments, every scene serves a purpose
➟ finally :-
"It is not a story that you can watch with the family for a good laugh, but you would be able to feel something new,"
------------------------------------------------------ENDING SPOILER -------------------------------------------------
ENDING SPOILER :-
After completing the drama everyone's question is
1) Why did Joon Mo kill Ki-chul ? ?
From What I understood is...
" Jung Ki-chul's suicide is a curse aimed especially at Yoo Eui-jung.He is a man who has liked her since childhood.He's a man who tried to get out of the dark for himself. The guilt of driving such a man to death can last a lifetime to Eui Jung. Park Jun-mo shot Ki-chul because he wanted to free his wife Yoo Eui-jung at least by taking responsibility for Jung Ki-chul's death alone.
2) Did Park Joon Mo Yu Eui-jung broken up ??
In the last scene Joon Mo visits Jung Ki Chul's grave, he left his wedding ring, hinting that he and his wife had broken up. At same time we can watch the chain of Eui Jung ( Ki-chul gave her to in their teenage) on Ki-chul's grave it means she ends Ki-chul's love there , this the chance for their new life. Hope they will meet again after sometime and start new life.
brought by:- Shinnosuke_Lee
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So yes, saying that I was excited for Moon Lovers was putting it very mildly. I was exhilarated. Ecstatic. A lot more words with an E. And they made us wait even longer by making it a pre-produced drama and waiting a whole year before it actually came out.
But the best part? It didn't disappoint one bit. I mean, after such high expectations, it is only natural to feel a little let-down just because of all the hype you've been experiencing. But Moon Lovers actually ended up surpassing all my expectations. The drama was perfect from the beginning till the end.
Coming to the plot, it was extremely well-paced. I mean, for dramas it is rare to find such consistently well-paced dramas. Sometimes the beginning is not that good and sometimes the plot dies down after ep 12-16. But here, you never feel like there is too much or too little. It is really hard to skip anything. You just don't want to. Another important fact is that because an older version is already out there, viewers are prepared for a possibly sad/tragic ending. Even if you come without knowing anything about the parent story, the vibe of the show itself whispers the possibility of an un-fairytale-like outcome. There is an intense and gloomy feeling in the show.
The characters are the strength of the drama. I mean, can we talk about the fourth Prince? He is going down in history as one of my favorite characters ever. Firstly, he is so sexy. I mean, you simply can't get enough of him. I have never really been into Lee Jun Ki before but after this, I plan to check out all his dramas. I have seen a couple of his shows but I never realized he was THIS good. The character of Wang So is so complex and so hard to deliver. And yet, Lee Jun Ki plays him so effortlessly, becoming one with the character. What is even more surprising is that he is such a cutie in real life (lol). I really don't know anyone more perfect for this role. I mean, Kang Ha Neul's character turned to the dark side too but it was nothing compared to Wang So. Wang So was simply..addictive!
Coming for Hae Soo. IU faced a lot of flack for her poor acting skills but I felt she was good in her role. I mean, she wasn't as good as Jun Ki or Ha Neul but she did really well. You could feel her transformation from a 21st century person to Goryeo lady to a woman with a lot of scarring experiences. In her previous works she has only done cutesy roles. I really enjoyed her work in this, she showed her versatility as a serious actor. The 13th Prince. He was gentle and kind and the most perfect friend. I loved his chemistry with Woo Hee. It was surprisingly great!
Wang Eun was a big baby but he was a sweetheart too. I wouldn't say Baek Hyun is a good actor but he was given an easy role and it was handled well. Ji Soo was a delight to watch! So far I have loved him in all his roles (I think I have watched everything he has starred in). The rest of the cast was really good too. My favorite among supporting characters was General Park. His acting was so on-point even though he only starred for a few episodes. I liked his daughter too. Ji Mong was a delight to watch. And court lady Oh Sang Goong, I loved her! I can really go on and on about the characters - the good ones and the bad ones, all did well. The acting was so good here, I just couldn't get enough of it. I cried with them and laughed with them.
The music. OH MAN, the music. I love each and every song. This hasn't happened to me since Dream High (I think). I really can't pick a song that I like more than the other.
I am definitely DEFINITELY rewatching this. I know for sure.
The biggest tragedy that comes out of this drama is that the Korean audience could not fully appreciate the perfection that this drama was. The ratings were so low there. Thankfully, it did well everywhere else and made up for it.
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Remember us and all we used to be.
After One and Only stabbed me in the heart, I needed justice, I needed closure and most of all I needed to hear Shi Yi say "Zhousheng Chen, remember us and all we used to be." Theirs was such a splendid, intense love with so much passion and yearning that could not run its natural course. Sadly, after being restrained for ~5000 years, all that is unleashed are faint echoes of the past. Thus, my final impression is that what was, is never again.What this is, is a very sweet, very ordinary, reasonably touching but hardly memorable love story that is markedly lacking in intensity. It falls down hard in its failure to connect the characters of the past with the present. Aside from appearance, both Zhousheng Chen and Shi Yi could be entirely different people and this an entirely different drama. Of course in the present, they will be different but there must be that je ne sais quoi, that certain aura that lingers. Even the essence of their relationship changes, in fact it regresses. Shiyi and Zhousheng Chen of the past were of one heart and mind - she gifts part of her dowry to pacify Nanxiao and accepts her marriage hoping to reassure Zixing of her Prince Nanchen's loyalty. Shi Yi of the present asks no questions, she just trusts Zhousheng Chen absolutely without understanding his family's background or his plans. And he tries to protect her without telling her anything - it is the one thing about him that bugged me in the novel and it is the one thing they should have but did not change! As such, the sense of them being soulmates that are connected on a level beyond words is not there.
Ren Jialun and Bai Lu are both very solid actors with good enough chemistry that I genuinely enjoyed the good (pink moped), bad (lame kiss) and ugly (I am ready) of their moments together. Overall I enjoyed Ren Jialun's endearing portrayal of the shy, awkward and introverted professor whose world goes from revolving around uninhabitable planets to revolving around Shi Yi. That said, there were some truly cringe moments and he often came across as having no fire in his belly, likely due to his heavy sighing and lethargic, monotonous line delivery. I must praise how even though it took awhile, they fell into a much more natural rhythm as a couple in the last quarter of the drama and I was moved by how they grieved together and consoled one another. So despite some initial hiccups, there is genuine relationship development and that aspect finishes strongly.
The main issue with this drama that it lacks both plot and engaging and complex supporting characters. Everything really revolves around the two main leads and their romance, which moves too slowly and uneventfully to really anchor the drama. Besides Uncle Lin and possibly Mei Xing, none of the supporting characters are that likeable or empathetic. Zhousheng Chen's stepmother is the only truly complex and interesting secondary character, everybody else including the villains are rather two dimensional and the two cloddish servants are downright annoying. The plot is for the most part suspended in favour of the romance before it rushes through to the end. It is also rife with somewhat melodramatic rich family tropes from greed and envy to infidelity.
If One and Only is slow burn, Forever and Ever is like watching paint dry by comparison because there is no burn. I had to entertain myself by speculating on who got reincarnated into who and looking for hidden clues and traces of the past while mourning the fact that I was not going to see Zhousheng Chen reborn as a present day sexy beast. Which begs the question: considering how tortuous One and Only was, should Forever and Ever be watched as a standalone romance? Well, without the backstory, this is just about how an absolutely gorgeous but likely slightly delusional voice dubber falls head over heels in love with a fictional ancient drama character Prince Nanchen. She throws herself at a complete stranger; a nutty, loner of a professor with the same name who is a bit slow on the uptake but eventually realises he just got very, very lucky and thus the story unfolds. If that works for you, then by all means, skip the heartache that is One and Only.
I only watched this because I was looking for Prince Nanchen and Eleven. Sadly the future is but a mere shadow of the past. But still this is a sweet, well acted love story so I am not throwing rocks at it or at the actors. Nonetheless, this sequel did not live up to its potential so I can only rate it a 7.5. I would give both dramas together a 8.0-8.5.
Postscript:
For those of you who still need closure, there is a very well fan made alternate ending ending for One and Only produced by industry professionals. I have fan subbed it and hidden it as a spoiler in the comment section of my One and Only review.
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It’s a total disaster
As a longtime fan of Omniscient Reader, I had hopes for this movie, but it really let me down. This movie was honestly painful to sit through. It completely disrespects the source material — major plot changes, wrong character portrayals, and decisions that make absolutely no sense if you know the original story. The creators clearly cared more about using big-name actors for hype than staying true to what made the novel great.The pacing is chaotic, with too many plot holes and zero emotional buildup. It feels more like a cash-grab than a real adaptation. If you haven’t read the novel, you’ll be confused. If you have, you’ll just be angry. Nothing about this feels faithful, and calling it “creative liberty” is a joke.
Visually, it might look okay, but that’s about the only thing going for it. Everything else? A disaster.
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And I couldn't deny that the best part of this drama was the acting of, and chemistry between, all the actors. Props to all cast members, including the director and staff with the beautiful sceneries and cinematography. But of course, I have to say this out loud: Jang Dongyoon and Kim Sohyun's chemistry was heckin exploding!!!! I just love them both!!!!! I was pretty much lukewarm with Kim Sohyun before, but I'm a fan now. And don't get me started with Jang Dongyoon—he's just too good to be true! Very much looking forward to their next projects, and I really really hope they do another project together. Maybe not in the near future, but hopefully someday, when they're a bit older. It's been a long time since I wanted to ship lead actors and wished for them to date in real life, but I just can't help it. These two look cute together and I am deluding myself into believing that they can't act like that if they didn't have real feelings..... or maybe they're just really good. Either way, I am fine with that! <3
OST and sound effects were great for me as well. I just wished they didn't use songs with repetitive English lines (but the "one of a kind girl" kinda grew on me eventually haha). I love the all-Korean songs, like Younha's Shine On You. I had it on repeat since it became available on Spotify. Became a feel good song for me since it reminded me of all the Nokdu-Dongjoo soft happy moments.
Rewatch value—definitely watching this again! Just until I get over my Jang Dongyoon-Kim Sohyun feels.
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RomCom, crime, historical drama, fantasy & Makjang make the dough for something standalone new
"Durian's Affair" is set among the wealthy - ´here´ (2023) and likewise ´there´ (long gone Joseon days). The time may have changed for Du Ri-an and her daughter-in-law, but the place has not. They are instantly catapulted from their Joseon days to recent today. Some of the wealthy family, who own the property today, have apparently reincarnated again in this family. They are especially well known to Du Ri-an. Now those involuntary time travelling ladies have to deal with the culture shock and the traumatic leap in time that actually seems as incredible as a dream, whereas in their own days they were actually in the midst of grieving over the loss of their beloved son/husband...This bizarre, four-dimensional dramaturgical setting is providing a load of finely knitted entanglements and arising questions, yet unanswered. What had really happened back then? What's going on today in this family? Why the time jump? So what's next for the two Joseon-day ladies? How is everyone going to deal with this weird practical (and for some even emotional confusing) situation?
This production is full of zeitgeist of the 2020s, in which Anglicisms and Banmal (informal speech) are a matter of course, while in mass consciousness the curtain between different times and spaces has become extremely permeable. Yet, the icing on the cake: relationship dynamics in the fourth dimension. The people of that long gone time are not those of today. And yet... There are notions of their life back then, even if they cannot consciously remember it, as well as the option of making new decisions in their life today. Broken hearts, cupid's arrow, greed and passion, as well as a sense of responsibility or noblesse oblige... it's all mixed up through the perspective of the time-travelling ladies of days gone by. Situation comedy breaks through encrusted structures. The strangely insane is tossing and turning the minds of reincarnates and time travellers alike. Likewise, the strangely familiar is, too.
"Durian's Affair" is one of those KDramas that wants to break with established genres. The South Korean, but also the international market is currently being flooded with excessive KDrama productions. Thus there is increasingly space opening up for experiments... and that's what “Durian´s Affair” is, too. This KDrama is no RomCom, no crime thriller, no historical drama, no fantasy and also no classical Makjang. However, elements of each are richly included. Together they create something independently new. Anyone who is open to such an experiment should sit back, relax, shake off the usual expectations and get involved with the KDrama. It's entertaining. With some open questions that keep the suspension throughout all 16 episodes. There are also love interests. (Yes, plural.) All multi-layeredly entangled across time and space. Additionally, “Durian´s Affair” is even exuding a pleasant scent of humanness.
Be prepared for deliberate Sostenuto! The pacing is characteristic, since the production sticks consistently with the two outdated ladies from Joseon days. And in my opinion, those ladies are the ones who make the show as remarkable as it is. Regarding Du Ri-an and her daughter-in-law, all characters in the show as well as the audience alike can work themselves off. Nice!
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SIDENOTE: --- A reckoning with the lost virtues of a conservative South Korean society ---
“Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.” -Confucius
In my opinion, "Durian's Affair" is kind of a reckoning with pseudo-virtues of a conservative South Korean society. Du Ri-an and her daughter-in-law are catapulted into Seoul 2023 and show the elite clan around the Dan family what true Confucian virtue actually means. At the same time, they are caricatures as those virtues come along as an almost unattainable ideal. The two ladies from back then embody i.e. propriety, righteousness, integrity, benevolence, wisdom and trustworthiness in such an uncompromisingly consistent way that one cannot help but be amazed. Confucian virtues are inextricably linked to patriarchy. But the lesson in this idealistic self-image of a dignified, respectful life is given to us by two women! Adaptably creative, intuitive, respectful and well grounded. Timelessly human, righteous, wise and trustworthy.
Du Ri-an and her daughter-in-law embody the Confucian virtues, but more than that, they have transcended them without realizing it and found an answer for what these (and every other virtue, too,) are actually intended for: A source of self-confidence as a human being and dignity, from which a person can draw strength and grounding - even in the most adverse situations! In general, this as a prerequisite for any human, compassionate, authentic encounters. Those virtues had to be (necessarily, involuntarily) adapted by those ladies into a completely foreign century. (And they prove themselves again and again in every one of the three different households of the Dan family.) So it is actually about the core essence of any virtue: providing a human being with dignity and inner values as a compass – reaching out with the power of respect and thus transcending boundaries of specified classes, too.
The two time travelers come across as idealized caricatures of the bygone Joseon period, that is generally considered virtuous. As foreign ladies in Seoul 2023, they embody rather unreal, almost exaggerated ideals of virtues that are still upheld and (as it turns out) actually largely lost. And yet, the two ladies prove it: true, authentic dignity can grow from the upright embodiment of these virtues. This dignity matches its dramaturgical equivalent in the overall deliberate Sostenuto pacing of the K-drama.
The timelessness of the old values stands in apparent contrast to the growing western internationalized coolness and the elitist arrogant version of the new nobility, which however seems to have lost any grounding unless it is for money. It is rather obvious: a bit more humanness, morality, integrity, wisdom and trustworthiness would be nice here and there. What is offered above all is a shiny facade cushioned by the bank account. More or less covered underneath you find any human topic irrespective of class or wealth: longing to be loved, self-doubt, jealousy, gender issues, fear of aging, love in old age, temptation...
In "Durian's Affair" the head of the family clan may be a (actually surprisingly liberal) woman. Homosexual love can become a topic here, too. And then there are a few more time-sensitive issues in play. Yet, authenticity and sincerity are primarily triggered by the two noble, upstanding Joseon ladies... They may remind one or the other just by their attitude towards life, that human dignity is deeply rooted inside - even though one may have lost or forgotten about it along the way.
Don’t get me wrong. I'm not standing here for Confucian virtues. And neither does the KDrama. But it holds a nicely presented mirror to South Korean society, which to this day may hide behind the 'old, time-honoured' values. For better or for worse. If so, then it might be crucial to fill these virtues with life. Message: The present is far from that. Fascination? Yes. Attraction? Perhaps. But embodied? No. Two ladies from the past must be landing in 2023. (And actually they had to carry their baggage at home back then - a baggage whose weight was characterized by a questionable virtue (also) of the people of that distant time.)
“Durian´s Affair” rejects any kind of idealization. How nice, indeed! Yet it upholds authenticity (as a new and needed virtue?), basic for any respectful human-to-human encounter. As a value! As the true virtue! And with that - against this background - "Durian's Affair" becomes quite a progressive KDrama production. What a delightful surprise!
PS:
And then, the ending. It is open for all you can imagine. Any direction. You choose, where to go next. Drama just like the human condition (la condition humaine.) Like the wheel of existence, fueled by Karma! It goes on and on... A never ending story of birth and rebirth...
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Not Good, Could Be Better
I expected a little more from this highly recommended lakorn but was disappointed. The biggest disappointment was the female lead. She felt like an unnecessary character. For the first half of the drama none of her actions contributed to the plot and I nearly forgot she was the female lead at one point. She kept hating on the ML for questionable reasons. I get that she was trying to “protect” her sister, but her ways of going about it are really odd, especially after all the beatings she got from her sister. She’s unreasonably judgmental. Right from the get-go she assumed the ML was a bad guy because he took a pregnant woman to the hospital. She also kept bringing up his profession as an insult. Not to mention she has no backbone at all. Her sister did all sorts of horrible things to her and she never stood up for herself. There’s minimal character development for her. I did enjoy the interactions between the FL and the ML though. They had good chemistry.The ML was also very disappointing. I was disgusted when he slept with the FL’s sister. Why did the writers think this was an acceptable plot line? Apparently, it was his way of "revenge," but there had to be a better way to go about it. Though the FL was unreasonable towards him at the start, he also did some unnecessary antagonizing things that WOULD make her hate him. This is a slap/kiss lakorn for that reason. His character really carried the show though. If the show solely focused on the revenge aspect of the ML, it would have been better. The villains were decent but generic. You have the evil, stuck-up rich madam and the conceited ladies you typically see in a lot of dramas.
The ending was good. It is a happy ending for anyone wanting to know. Ultimately I wouldn’t rate this higher than a 7. Maybe it’s because I came in with high expectations. I really did love the tension between the ML and FL, but wish the FL had a stronger character, more development, and more presence.
The acting was good. The actors and actresses fit into their role nicely and the cast is full of beautiful people. The actress of the FL did what she could with her character, while the ML was great and had convincing facial expressions. Aunt Mam was probably one of my favorite characters and the actress playing her was phenomenal. The villains were also good. All in all the acting was superb.
The music was alright.
I do recommend this show, as a lot of people like it and it really depends on the person watching on how they feel about things, especially since this is a slap/kiss lakorn. However, go in with less expectations. I wouldn't rewatch this show aside from indulging in the super romantic and appealing edits fans make on Youtube, which is what originally lured me to watch.
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TOO SHORT!
Its not short and sweet, it is too short! I need more!I love watching short series because netflix trained me to binge and its a torture to wait episodes weekly. However, the fact that i am wishing there were more episodes or at least longer ones is a testament that i fell in love with these characters and i would have love to see more, and to know more about their issue and characters.
Things i love:
1. Pacing
2. No mention of the word gay or homosexual or whatever their preference is.
3. No unnecessary dragging of the conflict. They were both adult enough to discuss and solve it.
4. Just the right amount of intimacy, and nooky nooky.
5. And lets not kid ourselves, Jang Eui Soo is so sexy even his hair deserves its own series.
Like i said, i want more. Maybe they can release an extended version. Will i recommend? Definitely!
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