I mean that's hardly impossible. Usually, long dramas must contain few boring episodes. But this is an exception.
PPL WHILE WATCHING THIS DRAMA I WAS ALWAYS THINKING WHY DID NO ONE RECOMMEND THIS ONE TO ME?!
- The story is unique and addicting (will get you attracted from the very first episode to the very last). All the stories(including sub-stories) are interesting and never fails to entertain you. 133 episodes and you won't skip a minute.
- The acting is really good that whenever they cry, I do. Whenever they laugh,I laugh as well. The romance is so effin attracting that you can't get enough of it. Drama's love never touched my heart like this one did. I envied such a love.
- The music is catchy. Not the best but it really fits every scene.
- Even though a 133 episodes and I never rewatched a drama, I think that one day, I will re-watch this one.
- Overall I give it a 10 without a second thought. You hear me ppl, A FUCKING 10!
P.S anyone who misses it or ignore it because it's a 100+ drama, then you missed a MASTERPIECE.
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Ummm, it's okay if you don't watch this :3
Writing this review, I really have no idea what exactly I should talk about because the drama has almost negligible context. The low budget and the limited duration are not the problem and I get that, whatever they showed was the main plot only, but Idk what was that. But sure, this drama throws light upon few lessons in long-term relationship.The story is about Ha Song Yi, a botanical garden curator who is a happy-go-lucky, simple girl leading an average life and his boyfriend Park Do Kyum, the lead singer of an indie band and both equally love each other. With the beginning of the story they break up and the 4 episode drama is about the aftermath of the fall out of their 5 year long relationship. They had to go on a trip together even after breakup. Additionally Seo Ji Kang is another main character who is the tour guide of the team in Jeju-do who also gets involved with the two. The destination of the story is whom does the FL ends up with.
As I've already mentioned, there not much to the story, a small plot is decorated with an average screenplay with many lackings + drawbacks and though the storytelling method is kinda nice. It's visible that the writer debuted through this drama but they needed to study women a bit more because the FL is quite annoying and immature. However she being clingy is kinda realistic because in real it's not very easy to go back to your single life from a long-term relationship.
I think the drama even with such short duration and small plotline could have been better. One or two things felt illogical. The character arcs are not well-drawn. Sometimes it was frustrating also because few things are repetitive as well. Editing is fine though. Anyways, it didn't have much scope to begin with.
Regardless, the story successfully makes you think, rationalize and resonate about few things which are vital in a dating atmosphere. One of them is transparency, the most important thing of all in dating and especially when you've been in a long-term relationship. The story portrays how lies, even told for the better of your partner can ruin your relationship. Always be open & clear with your other-half and even if it's something difficult, ask them to endure that alongside you. It's better to go through the path together than letting them know once it's over because people often feel little of themselves when they get to know of how they were not even aware of the hardship their close and dear ones were going through. What the ML did here was very wrong and given that he shouldn't have been given further chances but anyways, there's no control over one's heart. Also the 2nd ML's storyline is like a filler that didn't quite fit into the story much for me.
Overally, it's good but can't say this is even worth the one time watch. So if you wanna kill time or got nothing to watch or wanna trash-watch, this is a sweet bitter snack for you.
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Long hair/makeup plot, unexciting mysteries, lack of romance and chemistry
When I first read the synopsis, I found the plot quite interesting. Although I have not read the novel, I know Priest is a very popular writer, especially her BL novels. So, I was interested to find out about this non-BL story by her. If you read the novel, I would love for you to write me a comment and let me know what you think of the adaptation. Unfortunately, I am not impressed with the script and find the plot uneven and lack excitement for a mystery drama. Is the adaptation bad? Or the source material bad?Plot/Pacing
The drama spent way too much time on the hair and make up plot. I understand the need to set up each character and their different circumstances. However, spending so much time in the hair salon with unimportant characters (all the hairstylists) is a waste of time and slows the pacing of the drama. Additionally, there’s also too much time spent on the backend of the drama on FL’s makeup career. I also do not think the drama has struck a balance between romance and mystery. The mystery part is forgotten when the hair salon takes so much screen time. By the time the drama remembers its mystery plot in the last third of the drama, I have already lost interest and don’t really care. I also have some plot holes to pick. I know ML is rich, but he seems to have unlimited resources and can dig up dirt on anyone in record time. I wanted more background on Xu Jing Yang’s reason for involvement and how he and Qi Lian connected in the first place. I’d rather have more flashbacks of their friendship, instead of more hair and make up. The villain’s story is also weak and I don’t care about her enough to sympathize with them.
Romance
Unfortunately, I am not feeling the chemistry between the two main leads. If you are a romance lover like me, you might not be satisfied. There aren’t enough romantic scenes and I am not talking about pure kisses, skinship or PDA. Just the feel of the drama and the scenes of the main leads are not romantic enough. On the other hand, if you are NOT a romance lover, you might be turned off by the seemingly focus on the romance in the beginning and the lack of fantasy/mystery element. There is also a period of time when the male lead changed 180 degrees and became such a meanie. There’s too much animosity, wrist/arm grabs and manhandling of the female lead that is uncalled for. Those scenes are hard to watch and totally not in line with male lead’s calm, smart and mature personality, no matter how surprised and disappointed he is. The drama seems to finally realize the lack of romance, especially after the leads officially became a couple, and then in the last 2 episodes, we finally get more scenes of them.
Acting
This is Liu Hao Cun’s first drama, though she has done movies in the past. She single-handedly carried the show on her back. I’m so glad to have discovered her. She and her character are a breath of fresh air. Li Hao Cun is able to portray Jiang Xiao Yuan’s spunkiness, independence, stubbornness and grit. She is the best part of the drama. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for Lin Yi. This more mature role doesn’t suit him. He frowns a lot and when he’s crying, it seems forced and exaggerated. I think he got better towards the latter half of the drama, but I am disappointed in his acting. He does not appear to be mature enough to be casted in this role. The rest of the supporting cast did fine. Luckily, there isn’t anyone too irritating, and no actor/actress sticks out like a sore thumb.
Unfortunately, I don’t think I will recommend this drama, unless you want to check out Liu Hao Cun. “Derailment” is unable to hook me in on the fantasy/mystery plot and the romance is so lukewarm that it’s not enough for me to tolerate the lack of excitement.
Completed: 3/13/2024 - Review #416
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Tons of Fun
Story: This is definitely one of the best written dramas of 2014. It's really hard to stand out in a sea of romantic comedy dramas but this one managed to be memorable because it actually managed to be funny and romantic until the end. The story didn't have any melodramatic moments. There are scenes that will really make you cry but it's because the characters are so endearing and likable. The story might sound cliche at first but the writer is very clever in twisting expectations. You might know what would happen but it turns another way. The opening sequences are also really creative. The second leads were a little sketchy and unlikable in some episodes but they weren't really the focus on the story so they didn't cause major problems. I really love the two leads and their families. The story really did a lot to make you care for them. The heroine really was an awesome character. One of the best characters of 2014.Acting/Cast: The acting was the strongest weapon of this drama. Han Groo and Yun Woo Jin were really committed to their roles. I really loved how Han Groo manages to look silly and funny in comedic scenes then be genuinely endearing in dramatic scenes. She manages to give more depth to her character. I want to see her in more dramas. Yun Woo Jin was also really good and he really had so much chemistry with Han Groo. The actress who played his mother was awesome. She was really hard to care for at first but as the story showed the layers of her character, she became a very memorable character. Her acting managed to elevate the material more. I rooted for her in the end. The other supporting characters did well enough to support the leads and most of them were memorable.
Music: The music was good enough to help elevate the drama. There were really excellent musical choices that helps makes the drama more clever. The ending song was definitely memorable for me. I always hum it from time to time.
Overall: This was definitely in my opinion, the best romantic comedy drama of 2014. From the writing to the directing and of course the acting, everything was just pitch perfect. Everything was in perfect harmony with each other. There were some flaws but they were too minor and not enough to derail the whole thing. I would definitely watch it again.
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… Captivating…
I was looking for a romance. Somehow, I ran across this, read the first two lines of the summary, and thought it sounded fun. The first five minutes I thought maybe it was some sort of gothic romance, but no, it is the most gruesome graphic violence I have seen in my life. However, the fact that I came in looking for romance, but ended up watching all 1 hour and 20 minutes of this horror says a lot. I screamed and writhed around every five minutes. The plot was awesome, and it somehow managed to have a satisfying ending. Anyways, very much not a romance, and I think I’ve sustained genuine trauma. Would watch again with a blindfold and earplugs.Was this review helpful to you?
The Chaser is a contrived, and manipulative story, which brings us to a clearer understanding of police bureaucracy and corruption. It is not the kind of film to enjoy with a sensible heart, but it will grip you and make you wish reality wouldn't be so grim.
No matter how I write this review, I know I will not make this film justice. There are so many things to address in this story, and I don't have the confidence to answer all questions without messing up my credibility as I go. I might be too mushy, or seemed too biased as I admire this film with all honesty. But I will do my best.
What to expect from The Chaser?: With a well written script, and a rookie director (Na Hong-jin), you will get drama at is best, mixed with suspense, and a dash of British humor.
The story is no doubt well writing. Its an act at manipulation, it will grab you and play with your conscience throughout the whole film. The writers have given the audience all the tools with which we can formulate our own idea of how the story should go, and what it seems reasonable that should happen given the situation the characters are thrown into. However, nothing happens like it should, and there seems to be good reasons why not.
You will find yourself immerse in Jung-ho's quest to find one of his missing girls, who he believes is being sold in the human market. With no lead on her whereabouts, and the cops putting importance on bureaucracy and the media, there is plenty of time for all sorts of ill-fated events to befall the call girl. Jung-ho at first seemed like an uncaring pimp, but gradually turns into the hero we all expect to see from him.
The attention put into character development is absolutely perfect. I believed every action taken, because it seemed genuine. Logic exist in this world, but we are not perfect.
The directing is simply stunning. Hong-jin takes you through the story with such conviction he will amaze you, that you are indeed stupefied.
There will be a chase, and there will be a climatic moment, also a conclusion. But none will have any of the superficiality we are exposed to so often we seemed to be ready for it. No embellished fight scenes, no overly acted deaths, and no open endings. No, there is no sequel to The Chaser. The story ends here! What there will be is a realism so hard to deal with, you might want to have a lighthearted comedy lined up.
All in all, The Chaser is not claimed to be one of Korea's number one film in recent years for no reason. If you are a true lover of suspense, this one is definitely a must watch for you.
All my ratings are 10 except for re-watch value, as it is a suspense, and it will not have the same effect again. For me, it does not matter; when a friend asks me for a recommendation, I know it's time to watch The Chaser.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Story of Mental Survival
At first glance, Mo Li (First Jasmine) feels like a standard revenge drama, giving you that satisfying taste of payback right from the start. But as the story unfolds, it transforms into something deeper and more reflective. This shift in pacing might frustrate those waiting for bigger revenge moments, but it allows the story to deliver justice with more depth and realism. That being said, the last few episodes might feel disappointing to some, but I see them as an important part of the characters’ growth, despite the noticeably slower pace can feel dragging at times.Its most refreshing element is its exploration of mental illness, a theme more commonly associated with modern dramas than historical ones. Both leads suffer in different ways, physically and emotionally, and their relationship is built on mutual healing and understanding. The romance is mature. They heal each other, support each other, and stand by each other. It’s not the kind of romance that makes your heart race, but the kind that makes you feel safe.
On the downside, some of the heavy Tang dynasty-inspired style makeup on side characters felt excessive and distracting, especially compared to the leads. As for the acting, if I’m being honest, while I enjoyed the leads, it didn’t feel particularly remarkable, especially Bailu.
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character driven story
this drama was made for me❤ when I 1st started watching kdramas I kept searching for 1 theme and it's "female spy", and if having that with 2020 quality was not good enough they added "female centered plot" as the cherry on top~good casting is a "comedy" spy genre so the show never took itself seriously and honestly that made it even better, I love spy stuff but I hate the crime involved so even here I couldn't 100% focus on their big mission, but I loved everything else involved and I LOVED the characters the most.
Baek Chan Mi was strong, smart and she seemed cold and a "lone wolf" but she really cared for her team and she blamed herself for the incident that killed one of her members.
Hwang Mi Soon was my favorite, she looks like the weak link, she was a normal boring ahjumma/mom but the fact that she was a secret spy made her the most "ironic" spy xD they also mixed her normal life issues well.
Im Ye Eun was the inexperienced "unfortunate" smart maknae that just kept messing her cover. plus her little love line with Gang Woo Won added a little romance that lightened up the mood. though tbh I didn't "like" him, but I could tolerate his picky loud personality because this was a romance (and I kinda wanted to punch him a few times xD)
Yoon Suk Ho is the nicest sweetest male lead, no one else deserves to be called a nice ml. and I really liked his dynamic with Baek Chan Mi. whenever he was trying to pull a "Gang Woo Won/bossy jerk" she was able to stand her ground and he'd let it go, though I wished he found out earlier I was really happy by the smooth discovery, and I really need a 2nd season just to get more of their sweet "normal" romance uwu
Dong Gwan Soo was the boss they could ever have. even as a guy he never doubted or hated working with a team full of women and he never degraded them, on the contrary he hyped them up so much. also I really loved that he was Baek Chan Mi ex boyfriend, it really added depth to both as people.
from one side their past relationship made them better friends and better colleagues and though they had a rocky breakup they both really appreciated their time together and they never held a grudge, so it's nice to see a normal breakup in dramaworld.
Byun Woo Suk was my favorite, he was an unexpected treat. he was funny and silly and a really good friend to both Yoon Suk Ho and Baek Chan Mi❤
so basically this was a character driven story and again I'd love to see a 2nd season (with the same cast, directors and writers!). they made me laugh, cry and it really saved me from boredom in a time when I didn't have any ongoing drama beside it~
the songs were really nice too and they set the mood really well, also I liked the lighting and the aesthetics~
I never rewatch stuff but I want a 2nd season!
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Sad but beautiful, and you will need tons of tissue, lol. :D
hi, I just finished 10 episodes of this drama. In every episode, I cry until I have a headache, lol. before reviewing, as a note that I have not watched the film version of this drama, this is the first time I know the story of K & Cream.I enjoyed everything in this drama. I like the storyline, I like all the couples in this drama, the story of each of them is interesting to follow. for me, the interesting thing about Taiwanese dramas is the warm color tone and more vintage vibes, and it's really pretty. the cinematography of this drama is good. The OST songs are also very good, I cried many times while listening to these songs. I want to praise the acting of the actors, especially the cast of K & Cream, they did a great job, how to manage the feelings so that the audience gets carried away and feels the sadness. this drama is sad but beautiful. if you love someone then tell them, every moment in your life is precious, love the people you love. Even though they are gone, maybe their body or form has disappeared, but they are still in your heart. Thank you for giving us this drama. I will keep the story of K & Cream in my heart.
Edit : After 1 week, then I'm watching the movie. honestly in my opinion for the series is more perfect because it has more screen time when they are together (main lead), so we can feel deeply about their chemistry and pain. TT
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Well, the story is pretty much very predictable once you read the synopsis and after a few minute in the movie, I personally had figured out what was going to happen. Also, be prepared, the beginning is quite slow but this kind of pace matches this kind of movie. The story isn't particularly new. You will probably get a feeling of deja-vue. The story alone I would rate 3-4/10.
But what bring the grade up are the characters. I loved them, completely. They were so real, so 3d, so youthful and refreshing. I could see bit of myself in them. That's is why I rated the story 7/10. Because even if this kind of story have been done millions of times, the characters were actually interesting. They weren't those 2d (even 1d at time), stereotyped characters that we see everywhere nowadays. The friendship was beautifully portrayed. At the beginning, I was afraid that the little bit of romance would ruin it all, as it's often the case, but don't worry the romance is well balanced in this one. About the ending, I have heard people say that it was disappointing and selfish. But, I think that the ending is the strongest part of this story. Any other ending would have been disappointing. It's a very realistic ending.
Acting/Cast 10/10, Awesome, perfect !
The music. So perfectly on point. Honestly I generally don't pay much attention to music as long as it is not bothersome. But, I remember every single song of this movie because every single song went perfectly with the flow.
Rewatch Value : This the kind of movie that is actually pretty boring to rewatch, so I don't see the need. But I guess, if in a distant future, I feel the need for a tear-jerking movie, this one would be an option
Overall, It's not the movie of the year that's for sure. The plot has been overused, that's definitely true. But, if you want to see real art, if you are ready to let yourself be immersed, if you are disposed to open your heart, I promise you that you can have a wonderful experience with this movie. If you have time, give it a try.
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I don't know much about Chinese actors. Janice Wu was excellent as quirky, naive and somewhat silly Tian Jing Zhi. I didn't feel like she was stupid as some people felt. She seemed to pick up on things quite quickly once she had all the facts. She felt real to me and even through all the silliness. Kim Tae Hwan doesn't seem like much of an actor, but I cut him some slack since this is his first drama and he is model cute. He wasn't horrible as Xue Ling Qiao, but sometimes a little expressionless. The other actors were good too.
I enjoyed the music.
I might rewatch this someday..
If you enjoy fun, fantasy romance, then I recommend this drama.
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But the story in Pinocchio was very intelligent and was not boring at all. I was worried about halfway through, wondering how they would pull 20 episodes of story out of this plot, but somehow they not only managed to do so, but did so very well. There were lots of thought provoking decisions and choices made by the characters and the show is set up around a topic that is very relevant today, especially in the era of accusations of "fake news" and misleading headlines- truth in media and how news stories are presented to the public.
I enjoyed all the characters and was consistently surprised at the decisions that Choi Dal Po/ Gi Ha Myeong made. The side characters were all utilized well, and were interesting. I most loved both Yoon Yoo Rae and Seo Beom Jo. Yoo Rae was adorable and funny. I look forward to seeing more of the actress, Lee Yoo Bi. Kim Young Kwang is always a favorite and did not disappoint! His character really surprised me several times as well. The YGN Cap, Hwang Gyo Dong, played by Lee Pil Mo, was another favorite. In fact, there was not one badly done character in the show. I'd feel a little silly listing all the characters and what I loved about each one, so I will stop there. :)
I don't really re-watch many shows, but I think this show has a decent rewatch value. The story would hold up well to repeated viewing.
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What I liked about the story was how it incorporated all K-drama cliches from years before and presented a nice, smooth story. The FEELS the drama gave me was immense. The main guy Ji Eun Ho has one of the purest loves ever in a kdrama. I loved how dedicated he was towards her and literally never thought of anyone apart from her, neither did he give up on their love.
This is one of those dramas where you won't be sure whether it will be a happy end or a sad end. The story is kind of sad throughout and when I imagined a sad ending, I really thought it would be hell depressing. But the fun part here is you won't be sure how the leads will EVER manage to have a romance or a proper relationship with each other. Plus, there are a few mysteries which keep the story interesting.
The drama is very much an old school kdrama with star-crossed lovers and a whole lot of scheming and manipulations. It was seriously so entertaining. The splendid chemistry between the leads only increased my awe for it and not lessen it in any way. The soundtrack is pretty good too.
Like all kdramas ever, the last four episodes are sort of a drag and you might find yourself skipping some scenes. I liked the ending a lot. It fit in nicely with the story. I think I made a good decision watching it but I am not sure if I'll rewatch since I hardly ever do. Highly recommended if you like melodramas and pure love stories.
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This show easily became my No.1 Drama
First of all: I am deeply in love with this showit's funny, cute, mysterious, interessting and heartwarming.
I feel comfort warching this. It cheers me up.
Plot: The plot may seem easy at first but is very interessting and surprising as time goes on. The characters spend a lot of time discussing and theorizing so it is easy to follow and I felt like i was investigating right along side them, theorizing. The cases are interesting and memorable. I was never bored or skiped any scenes.
Cast: All of the actors portray their character amazingly. The chemestry between them all feels very close and they do act like a group of close friends or family. I am having a great time watching them interact and care for each other. The looks they give each other are hilarious.
Musik: The musik is not outstanding but they underline the scenes perfectly and set the tone. Be it funny, mysterious or emotional.
Rewatch Value: As previously stated, I love this drama. It is my comfort show and I will regulary rewatch it. A big part is the focus on the friendship here.
Overall: This drama is perfect.
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The Story is so cute,funny and romantic. Ill recommend this drama to put it in your watchlist especially young MDL users.The story is so Good and very well organize,well it has flaws but only a little bit if you notice it.
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This is story is about love and friendship. The story is getting better on and on. It makes you to watch more episode because it does not leave you hangging
Gou Fiction did a job well done of building his character and its improving episode by episode.
Sun Yi Ning also did a great job for acting as a two characters base on hiding her identity.
The other Actors and Actresses did great too to support the plot really well.
The OST's are very nice especially the "STAR" by Gou JunChen because of it's lyrics that I can feel the feelings in it. The OST "To be Your Love" is really cute. The OST's are motivating you to watch another episode. I have download all the OST's in this drama, you better download it too ;)
I have put this as the 1st in Favorite Youth Drama list.
What are you waiting for watch it now!
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