Wonderful People in a Wonderful World
"In the middle of life's journey, I got lost and wandered. No matter how much time passes,losing someone precious to you will always be lonesome. I will try to keep going. If i keep going, one day the pain will lessen. I hope all those grieving find comfort. I hope the world will be more friendly to those in pain. I hope a beautiful world will come while you overcome your pain."I never thought a story of revenge and salvation can be this satisfying.
Full on heavy drama shows are never my priority to watch. With so much content nowadays, you have to have a list of priority and this initially wasnt in my top, but i ended up eagerly waiting for each episodes. This series is anxiety-inducing but is also satisfying and inspirational.
The first episode hooks you in. The perfect perfect casting of Kin Nam Joo and Kim Kang Woo as perfect husband and wife Eun Soo Hyun and Hang Soo Ho, and parents who tragically lost their kid due to a an accident. The accident and the justice system's inability to punish the criminals made Soo Hyun take matters in to her hands - destryoing her once perfect life by killing the man responsible for the death of her son. This is the story of her (and her husband's) disappointments, healing, salvation and triumph.
The series also introduced us to Gwon Seon Yul. A man-child seeking revenge to those who have destryoed his family - with a surprise casting of Cha Eun Woo. The character needed the depth of someone who has lost everything in life - someone you are supposed to despise but is too good looking to hate. He fits the bill perfectly and I am pleasantly surprised with how well he acted in this series - i never thought Id say this but with the right direction he has finally proven something and has indeed become an Actor here.
Fanatics beware this is the part were i say some things you might hate. The story, to be quite honest, is not really unique - in fact a lot of times it verges on the typical melodrama soap opera. The overall plot is predictable and we can see from a mile away who the real culprit is. The attempt to make Seon Yul's character the fadeaway villain is also not convincing - like I said in the last pharagraph Cha Eun Woo is just too good looking to hate and you know all their efforts for a fakeout is not believable. Also, I am sorry to say but for me, the pacing too can sometimes be a little slow (I watched most of it in 1.25 speed) with a lot of emphasis on quiet, thinking scenes.
With all that said, this is still a very satisfying and inspirational series and the series finale was executed beautifully - tieing up Soo Hyun and Seon Yul's storeis perfectly and leaving viewers with a feeling of hope that no matter how dire their cumstances are, good things are still bound to happen and that no matter how hard life is, thare are still wonderful people and this is still a wonderful world to live in.
Maybe a hard sell for a rewatch, but seeing it one time is enough to send its message. Overall its a 9.5, especially for the acting and direction. A show most reccommendable to watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
Will it be the best drama of the year?
This series has a sophisticated atmospheric magic blended with real life traumas and believable characters. Every person in the drama is flawed, but relatable and likeable (except the ML’s sister, about who I'll rant below). As opposed to recent “Queen of Tears” where every character was also flawed, but none of them were likeable (perhaps the exception being the aunt).In “The Atypical Family” story as well as character development expands with an atmosphere – the colour tones, the music scores as well as sound design, and the easily flowing caesural pauses allowing the viewers to take in the vastness of the scene settings, the seriousness of the situations. One could almost compare this drama with the poetry. Actors and their characters are allowed pauses to think, not to say that they’re slow, on the contrary, it makes them and their choices more believable. The script and most chosen actors are spectacular in their roles….. except one minor detail.
The rant (at ep. 4):
To me it seems that in Korea there are no plus size actors. I’d bet anything it’s not the truth, but the industry is hellbent on trying to prove to the world that there’s either no obese people in Korea or no “fat” actors. Whenever the creators need to have a heavier character in the show, they just find the skinnies actress and put her in a costume. (To be fair it is impressive, what a film crew can do nowadays, and it does look somewhat realistic, however, it also gives “uncanny valley” vibes, because the actor trying to act is not actually fat.) Not to mention, the creators make that particular character as unpleasant visually and in personality as possible. Around the world there are plenty of big and heavy people, who are wonderful, who do not care for their weight, and even have a sense of fashion. But noooo, let’s vilify the fatness. I would not wish it but, I’d guess the plan for Bok Dong-Hee is to lose all the weight, so she could fly again. I would prefer, if she could accept herself as she is and still could regain flying, because that power should not depend on her actual weight, it is after all a Super.Power.
End of the rant.
All in all, I find the story refreshing and interesting, the clashing of one dysfunctional family with a fake united one, the deadpan comedy, the pain of trauma and not managing to let go of the past.
This drama for me might even be the best of the year.
Second rant (at ep. 10):
At ep. 10 Bok Dong-Hee becomes slim, just like that. Boom. We see each episode that she is becoming slimmer, but that amount... just took me out. I generally skip a lot of her scenes because her personality is too childish for me and grinds on my nerves about the whole "get back the cheating man" by losing weight. Ughhh. Bish, if he doesn't want you fat, he will not want you slim.
The only, ONLY redeeming point about the whole lost weight thing is that she still can not fly! Thank you! Because it's not the weight that was holding her down!!! It. Is. A. Super. Power!
End of the rant.
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Why isn't Jun Ji Hyun in more dramas? I absolutely adore her. She made Song Yi so real to me. I will watch anything she plans to do in the future. Honestly, I'm not much of a fan of Kim Soo Hyun. However, he played Min Joon very well. To me his character was a good blend of controlled emotion with feeling. Park Hae Jin and Yoo In Na as well as the other characters were also good.
The music is pretty.
I will probably rewatch this at some point.
I think everyone would enjoy this drama.
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1The tale of two straight chefs who try to be lovers and enemies but fail at both.
I am keeping this short and sweet, because well, the series is very short and so sweet it is the equivalent of a diabetic coma. Now, the opening scene is a feast for the eyes, just like that other food BL Bite Me (which has a multitude of its own problems). That is, we fade into the "Hot" Chef of the duo showering, shirtless, and showing the goods as much as Asian television will allow.Now, I suppose this should have been a warning (Hindsight is 20/20 ya know). The production team on both shows were basically letting you know what you are here for, and its not story, characters, plot, or drama. You are here for hot guys and maybe two of those hot guys will kiss before it's all over and done with if you're lucky. Nothing more and nothing less.
If that is all you're looking for. If that is all that is required to be a success in your book. If that makes the time spent here decent enough. Then by all means, this will not disappoint. But if you expect anything, and I do mean anything, above this very low, low, (Did I say low?) bar, then you likely aren't gunna be too keen on this in the end.
Now, My Sweet Dear begins winningly enough. While the production shows its seams, the budget clearly at the shallow end of the Korean pool, the series does a decent job of choosing where to spend that budget. Yes, the show reminds me of 1990's US independent Gay cinema (Trick anyone? Anyone?) production, but it does have a banging soundtrack that is ready for all the girlies to hit shuffle to on Spotify. And well, that's the core audience here. As long as the music is good, the boys are hot, and they have lovingly long stares, it wins.
Well, kinda. You do get a trickling of "Well like on a snowy or rainy day where I just need something bubbly and cute," that seems to say its not REALLY worth your time, but will do if you need it to.
Jang Eui Soo as our new, attitude filled, hot shirtless chef Jung Woo, comes out swinging. In the beginning he gives it his all and makes a character you instantly do not like, but still want to drool over. He's cocky, arrogant, conniving, and all kinds of sexy that led every commenter from here to Mars to brainstorm backstory in hopes of clearing his asshole set-up. But, that backstory never materializes and, well, you are left with who and what his character is, and that aint very pretty.
Somewhere Eui Soo gives up. I'm not sure where, but his acting becomes more cardboard-like and his swagger dissolves as the story progresses. Did he realize what type of series he actually signed up for and just decided, ehh, who cares?
Lee Chan Hyung never manages to turn our other half Yoon Do Gun into anything more than a grumpy one dimensional statue. He seems bored from the beginning. Wooden in every interaction. And uncomfortable when the script tries to force him to do anything resembling intimacy. But, the character of Do Gun does come off as the victim and kind. So you can at least still root for him. If you want.
There is another player in Laura, the owner of Laura's, the restaurant that houses most of the story. She is a villain. That is all you will learn about her. So I guess, let's move on just as the series did.
Now, the premise is outrageous; a Michelin star chef being forced to compete with a no name to keep his job. It is preposterous in every way and, well, you just have to swallow it if you really want to sit through the 8 episodes. (They are only like 12 minutes so its an easy gulp.)
Somewhere in the middle you will become invested and will be treated to yet another long winded frolicking BL beach scene. Wasn't Why R U enough? This is basically the "middle" of our story development in the series, simply they go to the beach.
Then in episode 6 the underlying plot gets turned on high, but it never simmers. It just comes to a raging boil in episode 7 and then is immediately taken off the flame. When this very simple easy plot actually manages to create tension, conflict, and drama, it is snuffed out unceremoniously for the sake of creating a happy ending.
Characters serve the sketched outline of a plot and do not act or behave like human beings. Instead they are Ken Dolls ready to be posed in an empty forever smiling embrace for viewers to set as their wallpaper. You will get that kiss guys, but it will make you squirm in discomfort and make you wish that maybe they just held hands (I'm a gay guy and I'd rather see that from these two....that is bad). And well, for no apparent reason one lead forgives the other lead for everything, just because, and you are served an audience tested and approved ending.
OMG THEY ARE LIKE SO CUTE AND ARE MY LIFE. ITS SO FLUFFY AND AMAZING AND MAKES ME SO HAPPY. JES IS SOOO HOT!!!! DO YOU ALL KNOW WHERE I CAN FIND THE OST?
And Korea says YES!!!! We won again!!!!
But, did you? Really, is this what you wanna call a win?
Anyway, 4.0/ D-, 2-Stars. Hardly worth watching.
If you wanna add some zest, make a BINGO card before you start and mark down BL plot points and endings...It will be fun!
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The soundtrack was the best I could hope for, with the main bulk of it being K-Indie, which was absolutely fitting for the atmosphere created by the drama.
A pity that the drama experienced some controversial issues over the directing as well as bad publicity from the original webtoon - this could be attributed to the mishandling of the issue by the PD, plaguing the last few episodes of the production and generating a slew of negative and angry feedback by the viewers. Despite these setbacks, this drama was truly a great reflection of reality - the troubles and setbacks one would face, the workings of the inner mind, the suspicion of other individuals, and a whole lot more. Definitely worth a watch!
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This review may contain spoilers
I won't call it an unhappy ending--it's actually nicely done
The first two episodes are very good. The third episode suffers from missing subtitles at crucial points (for international fans) and a negative portrayal of a female character. But I hope viewers would give the series a chance instead of rejecting it thinking that it has a sad ending. The ending is cleverly done and one one the most deftly crafted endings I have seen in a BL of late, as I will explain in the last part of my review.THE FLAWS
Let me get the flaws out of the way first. I have to admit that the plot is rather clichéd: a teen guy has a crush on a schoolmate and enters a "Does he like me? Or does he like her?" sort of crisis, especially when he sees his crush being close to a female schoolmate. In Episode 3, the female character who likes one of the main characters gets him into trouble after she is rejected, by telling his mother the possibility that her son likes guys. The homophobic mother decides to send him elsewhere to study.
The redundant female villain in BL is becoming a thing of the past these days, and to be fair, the female character here isn't that villainous. She seems sorry for what she has done out of jealousy, but the problem isn't really that the story uses its sole prominent female character as a jealous villain. The actress is pretty good in her role, but the way she outs her crush to his mother seems out of character and written in purely to serve the development of the plot.
THE STRENGTHS
The series has rather good production values, however. The song that the main character, Best, sings is nice and suits the mood of the story. The cinematography and editing is generally excellent. There are plenty of flashbacks in Episode 3, but the flashbacks reveal a bit more than what the scenes in the earlier episodes show. Used to bring across the characters' thoughts and emotions, the flashbacks are rather moving, particularly the part with Best's voiceover reading the notebook/diary. I find War's acting as Best convincing, and he gives a fine performance in the scene in which he walks away after almost writing a message of Dew's shirt to tell him that he likes him.
THE ENDING
Many are slamming the series for it's supposedly sad ending, and I was actually quite ready to slam the ending too. But it is actually executed with finesse, It is not really an unhappy ending, and it's really touching for several reasons:
1. Some are upset that Best does not even get to confess his love to Dew--he starts writing a message on Dew's shirt, but stops halfway through. BUT: the reality is that he has managed to confess to Dew through the notebook that has accidentally ended up with Dew. The messages inside the notebook are actually more than what he can possibly write on the shirt, so Dew knows about Best's feelings.
2. The flashbacks in Episode 3 also reveal that Dew has been having a liking for Best quite early on and has known about Best's feelings for some time though they haven't really had a chance to be a couple.
3. The series ends with Best crying, but it's not really an unhappy ending if we observe carefully. Best cries after he gets a message from Dew. The message is a photo of a page in First's lost notebook, but with something added by Dew. Dew has written down in the page the same (incomplete) message that Best has written on his shirt (but with an ellipsis behind).
By sending Best a picture from the notebook, Dew is effectively saying that he knows how Best feels. (Consider Best's confession done then.) By writing the same incomplete message, he can mean a few things. Firstly, it can mean that he knows what the whole message is and is saying the same thing to Best (that he, he likes Best too). Secondly, the repetition of the incomplete message with an ellipsis may indicate that that he hopes that that's not the end for them--he hopes for a continuation of their story. This is perhaps also the message for the audience, whether there is a sequel or not.
Best's crying is actually more complex than indicating a sad ending. Yes, he may be sad that Dew is leaving to study elsewhere. (But that can happen even if they are a couple, right?) He is crying also because he knows that he has managed to let Dew know about his feelings, so he won't regret being so hesitant to confess all this while. And lastly, he is also crying because he knows that Dew has feelings for him too.
Unfortunately, for many international viewers, the subtitles for what Best writes on the shirt and what Dew writes on Best's notebook are missing. This contributes to the misunderstanding of the ending, I believe.
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These three ahjummas and a country schoolboy who are originally strangers, randomly meet and start a revenge a club. This is quite an unusual plot in dramas history. The second episode got me hooked already, until the very last revenge! I love our Bokja club members: Madam Jung Hye with her cheap food addiction, Dong Hee unnie with her braveness, Mi Sook unnie with her elegance & patience, and Soo Gyum with his smart brain (lol i bet the helpless ahjumma will get the revenge nowhere without him). I would really love to join their club if i could! Even the bad guys are actually hard to despise. Every revenge plan is really fun to watch (with ahjumma's way, of course), some might fail but some other succeed. But in the end our heros always win!
My only dissapointment is that they don't include Soo Gyum in that poster (oh God, why?) eventhough he's the main member of Bokja club.
Well-spent 12 episodes and every minute is worthed. One of the best dramas in 2017. So if you're hesitating, go watch this now! Enjoy the fun ride. You'll laugh with their silliness and you might also cry while you're on it. For me it's 10/10. Bokja Club, hwaiting!!
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A BL with Passion and Care
I am so happy MBS is starting to make more BL series. Their past BLs have been so relieving knowing that there are still producers and writers who care about the genre and the content they're pushing out. A lot of BLs releasing right now feel like they weren't given as much thought or care, but Jack O' Frost is one which I really respect and love for putting out something meaningful and worth to watch. For the actual review, I love the atmosphere that the film style brings. Without spoiling much, the way they filmed everything felt very nostalgic, cozy while also having a deep sense of longing for the past. The acting is better than I expected, seeing as one of the main characters was a support for another BL I watched (which wasn't on my list of things to recommend). But his acting, both of their acting actually was amazing. Their chemistry felt realistic that during some scenes I felt like I was interrupting their privacy and had to look away. Overall I would really recommend this to BL lovers. I hardly say that nowadays since I've stated before, a lot of the BLs currently coming out felt like a waste of my time, very fan service and unoriginal but that's a critique on the genre as a whole. However, Jack O' Frost gives something new and focuses on a story that doesn't talk about the same old "dealing with coming out" situations. I guess lately I got so tired of that plot-line cause its everywhere that I look for more mature BL shows, and this one really hits the nail. 9.5/10Time Written: March 18 2023 5/6 Episodes
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I see this drama as Hotaru no Hikari with a sprinkle of Nodame Cantabile. There's the same sort of chemistry between the leads as in both but, unlike Hotaru no Hikari, I didn't find the lead unbelieving silly but, more like Nodame, just too kind, which some people look down on or take advantage of. When you see her for the first time, you think it's probably going to be a drama going around in circles but it's actually very direct. Kyoko Fukada is so versatile you don't know what you're going to find with her; her character, though too kind for her own good, is also very honest. Let me tell you, for a drama like this, that's actually refreshing.
But what I liked the most about this drama and the main reason I'm actually writing a review is the following: this is a romantic drama with love triangles and unrequited feelings in which none of the involved ladies take it on each other. They're not resentful, not vindictive and actually talk to each other about things other than the men in question. Heck, I even liked the relationship between the lead and her co-workers, which got developed from cliches that may have been unnecessary to something more realistic and interesting. There's a lot of ladies standing up for each other in this, I don't know if that's a merit of the manga which this is based of or not but hey, I'm so grateful.
All in all, I was faced with situations in which I thought the drama was intending to go towards a cliche and there it was, doing something else (especially with Shohei Miura's character). It's not devoid of cliches, mind you, there's a stern cold-seeming male lead saving a heartwarming cutesy female lead, but there's a lot in between I found absolutely worthy of my time.
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This review may contain spoilers
The best slice of life youth drama i ever watched!
First of all i would like to apologize as my english is not that good, but i simply want to share how i love this so everyone won't miss this beautiful drama! This is first time i write a review.Story:
Like other youth dramas, the story is about the friendship, school life, puppy love, problem with their parents. There are 5 main leads, they're childhood friends who grown up in the same neighborhood. The story is so simple, but the screenwriter combine with great acting of the actors make this drama is so beautifully done! The drama can make u laugh so hard and sad at the same episode with no evil characters, like "how can a highschool student plotting something so evil?" ( *cough At Eighteen). I love the relations between parents and childs even the relations between neighbors and build up romance of male lead and female lead. Even though romance is not the main plot, but romance in this drama is so satisfying especially in the last episode, make your heart melt with ML and FL sweet moment together. 16 episode is definitely not enough!
Acting/cast:
All the casts acting are so great, even the neighbors. But for me female lead is the star of this drama, she is so adorable and lovely. I love how Tian Xi Wei act as Cheng Zi who is cheerful, caring, positive and fragile at the same time, make me want to hug her everytime I see her cried. The way she act cute is so natural. I watched Marcus Li's other drama, go go squid and fairyland lovers, his character is not far from those two dramas so I guess he doesn't have problem acting as Tan Song. Finnaly he get a chance to be a male lead and I'm glad he did pretty good job. His chemistry with female lead is top notch, how they quarrel, get jealous and how they console each other when one of them have problem is so satisfying to watch.
Music:
Music in this drama are good, especially the ending song make u drown in emotion when it plays in romantic scenes. You can search it at youtube.
Rewatch value:
With great acting and no evil characters definitely worth to rewatch without skipping any episode
Overall:
If u like youth story, slice of life, satisfying romance and most importantly no evil characters this drama is yours, and I promise u won't regret it!!
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This review may contain spoilers
First of all, I will be honest that almost dropped this show watching the first two episodes, because I thought it would be one of the trending "relationship-between-human-and-robot" stories. However, I returned to this show after I was unexpectedly spoiled by YouTube and realized my guesses were wrong.This show focused on human relationships rather than real-life problems that happen in airports. Typical plots in airport dramas such as airplane accidents and troublesome passengers were covered, but briefly. Other than the relationship between the top two, the security couple, the manager couple, the lonely friend, some stressful bosses were covered.
The con reasons I gave 7/10 overall for this drama are the following:
- There was nothing deep or surprising. Basically, some ruined relationships in the past were fixed with some gangsters involved. They could have been fixed easily by simply communicating.
- Too many unique characters, and some were irrelevant to the story. Scenes like witnessing a husband cheating, workplace rumors, and relationship with some dark forces... these incoherent incidents messed up the main plot.
- Ending sucked. All those emotional struggles surrounding his disability became unnecessary in the end, because no one cared about it including him in the end right?
Like it said during the show, everyone is unique and have different views and opinions, despite working at a place where they serve customers who only care about themselves, because it's an airport. You can think of each other as "someone passing by in your life", and you will eventually forget about the encounter. I really liked this message.
It was really heartwarming to watch, with the help of some great OSTs. They really matched the theme of this show. However, it all ends up to this feeling, as if I rid on a ferris wheel instead of a roller coaster. Everyone carried stresses in the middle, but they all got along in the end.
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A Heartwarming Friendship Fluttering Across Backgrounds And Age...
Based upon the eponymous webtoon by Ji Min, Navillera was adapted onto the small screen by screenwriter Lee Eun Mi ( Tunnel-2017) and director Han Dong Hwa ( 38 Task Force, Miss Lee) with the hope of bringing to life this story’s heartwarmingly atypical friendship between 70 year old Shim Deok Chul ( Park In Hwan) , and a young man his early 20s Lee Chae Rok ( Song Kang) who are both united through their shared adoration of ballet . A heartwarming friendship tale, Navillera tackled some profoundly upfront issues about ageism, mortality, mental and physical illnesses as well as social prejudice also.
Park In Hwan was undeniably brilliant with his role as our main protagonist Shim Deok Chul. Although older characters are not uncommon in K-dramas , it was a breath of fresh air to come across a character in his twilight years who took central stage as a less glamorised or “ fresher” protagonist in a Korean drama with an equally heartbreaking character growth over the course of the series .
Naturally, it is important to respect South-Korean culture and expectations, however, ‘ Navillera’ pivotal focus is highlighted by the peculiar friendship between two individuals of different ages, with different backgrounds and personalities, who learn to surpass these boundaries through their friendship. Deok Chul respects Chae Rok both as his teacher and being his “ manager”, both inside and outside of the practice room. This allows Deok Chul to take on both the “encouraging figure” and the “friend role” for Chae Rok by his kind actions and standing up for him especially against his young mentor’s rival Yang Ho Beom ( Kim Kwon). ( As well as developing a friendship with this individual also.)
This of course moves us onto the deuteragonist of ‘ Navillera’ Chae Rok. Whilst actor Song Kang’s previous performances have been a little stiff , he seemed to truly capture something vividly brilliant behind his character Chae Rok; a young ballet dancer caught between the pain of the past, and struggling to move forwards to a brighter future. Yet whilst ironically Chae Rok’s archetype does undeniably fall into the cliche of the “ young and good looking main character”, his role in the series is nonetheless just as multifaceted as Deok Chul. This did not push Chae Rok down the stereotypical root of being a ‘ heinous and bitter person’. He’s seemingly aloof and judgemental as well as quick to complain about Deok Chul, however, he is shown to constantly battle with loneliness due to the circumstances of his father Lee Moo Young ( Jo Sung Ah) . He possesses also a similar streak of altruism and kindness as Deok Chul, which manifests throughout his actions over the course of the series.
Over the course of 12 episodes, the duo’s friendship begins to truly bloom. Even Deok Chul’s normally hypercritical wife Choi Hae Nam ( Na Moon Hee) taking a later shine to the younger dancer .
However, against all odds of cliches,the side characters of the series were often given intriguing backgrounds also. Chae Rok’s mentor Ki Seung Joo ( Kim Tae Hoon) has had a complicated divorce and past due to his career as a former- ballet dancer and is determined to not let his young prodigy walk down the same route. Similarly, Deok Chul’s youngest son Shim Seong Gwan ( Jo Bok Rae) ‘s changed career decision often leads to tension during family meetings, whilst the eldest Shim Seong San ( Jung Hae Kyun)’s harsh attitude towards his daughter and wife is certainly more complicated than it seems whereas Deok Chul’s daughter Shim Seong Suk ( Kim Soo Jin) supporting her husband Byun Young Il ( Joong Hee Tae)’s decisions were equally endearing storylines .
Yet the notable story arc which should probably be mentioned along the way can be seen within the staged romance between Chae Rok and Deok Chul’s granddaughter and Chae Rok’s colleague Shim Eun Ho( Hong Seung Hee).There was nothing inherently “ terrible” about this romantic pairing.Eun Ho and Chae Rok were mutually respectful of one another , and shared common ground within their close relationship with Deok Chul. On the other hand, it is fair to say that whilst partially necessary for allowing both characters to overcome their own lack of self-esteem in different ways, the romance respectfully wasn’t the most intriguing or exciting part of the show.
Similarly, another major focal point of the series occurs within Yang Ho Beom’s long-held “ enmity” towards Chae Rok. Without revealing too much about the reasons behind Ho Beom’s contempt of Chae Rok ( due to feeding into the main storyline), it is pivotal to point out that this “ rivalry” begins to filter into the storyline many cliche events, though, this does gradually begin to fizzle out due to their circumstances. However, this is what was refreshing about Ho Beom as a character and minor antagonist . He was far from being a “flawless person ”, but, he wasn’t entirely shown onscreen as having “ no humanity” either. Without any spoilers , there is one particular scene in which Ho Beom later approaches and sits down for a meal with Deok Chul, in a heartwarming moment of the drama.
Besides some minor flaws of the series, the ending of “ Navillera” was bittersweet. An amazing ending point to see just how far the characters had come and the difficulties which Deok Chul is taking one step at a time.
It is easy for shows like “ Navillera” to become overwhelmed with cliches by detracting from the more important points of character growth and storyline. Admittedly, the drama didn’t entirely stray away from these angst-ridden tropes, however, they were used to screenwriter Lee Eun Mi’s advantage allowing " Navillera" to become a heartwarming, tearjerking from beginning to end about family, friendship and self-determination. An enjoying and heartfelt watch with prominent character-growth and pivotal and universal messages throughout.
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This review may contain spoilers
Why do they normalize so much toxicity?
I'm still shocked how they normalize threatening someone with suicide and jealousy. The lead girl revealed herself but because her boyfriend was jealous she became "ugly" again. How on Earth is this acceptable? He was willing to marry a girl he didn't love because she threatened him to kill herself and no one told her to see a therapist? I don't understand.It was cliché and painful to watch. The acting was not bad, but the characters are annoying. The only good point was the music.
I guess you can watch this drama if you decide to unplug your brain, but if you begin to think about how problematic it is, you never stop.
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Watch Lighter and Princess first!
Listen to me. Have you seen Lighter and Princess? No? Watch that first. You’ve seen L&P already? Then be prepared for a downgrade when watching this. These two shows are quite comparable. The setups are the same (a college romance in the beginning) and the basic structures are similar. Both include a breakup at the midpoint with a timeskip (not a spoiler), with a significant business focus sprinkled in between while ML desperately attempts to salvage whatever love they have for each other. It’s difficult not to compare them.The first 14 episodes or so are fairly standard. Nothing to write home about. A college romance. He’s a sneaker designer starting his own business, while she’s a struggling college student entering the world of business finance to support her mother. Slowly but surely, a romance develops, only for the show to break them up in the latter half of the story. Sound familiar? I told you it’s similar to Lighter and Princess. This is where the writing truly begins to test your patience.
I wouldn’t call it toxic per se but the “will they, won’t they” shtick was really annoying. The pushing each other away in order to protect the other person had my eyes rolling numerous times. ML is particularly guilty of this, and his decisions led to significant consequences.
There is a second couple, but many would find a professor-student relationship pairing weird, but I didn't think much of it. Their storyline was not particularly interesting by the end anyway.
For me the best thing about this show was the opening duet performed by Arthur Chen and Sabrina Zhuang. Really good.
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But once the players entered the playing field…That is when I sat up straighter, started to smile, munch happily on my overly buttered popcorn and get that excited feeling as if I am sitting in a theatre waiting for something good. Let the Games Begin! The game played in Reborn is intricate and will keep you entertained.
The cast of characters in the series are as quirky as ever. Mushroom Head and Gold Tooth both make appearances but most of the characters are new so it kept things fresh. The location is crazy. It looks like a really cool upscale techno nightclub that has been bombed and forgotten. The set design was awesome.
The execution of the game and plot was fun and entertaining. I love how smart Akiyama is when breaking down the game, forming alliances and figuring out his incredibly clever strategies. He is so cool in his plotting, so patient for the outcomes and totally badass when he needs to be.
The one thing that brought this film down a notch for me was indeed the absence of Kanzaki Nao. There was a chemistry between the lead actors and a relationship that developed between their characters that was lacking with this new pairing. There was a special dynamic from the series between Nao and Akiyama; his cynicism was attracted to her goodness. She softened his edges and that little touch made Liar Game a little more than just a drama about puzzles and ultimately enhanced the tension of the outcome. I felt the loss keenly. Matsuda Shota is a very solid actor and the rest of the cast does a great job...I simply missed Nao. I wish that wasn't the case.
The music was actually great. I liked the techno beats and some of the strange compositions that fit the mood and the tension of some scenes. As always, the theme playing when Akiyama enters the game was just as cool as his character. Loved it.
Overall, I totally recommend this film. It wasn’t perfect but it was a lot of fun.
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