After ep 14, it stopped making sense... and started making me uncomfortable.
After ep 14, it stopped making sense. The beginning half was funny and had a refreshing, lovable-without-being-cringe-y, clumsy, and amazingly BLUNT female lead, who was brave enough to do things that would only happen in a drama. It also had a no-nonsense, rational, and caring male lead, who reacted realistically! The female lead knew when she should cut her losses and own up to her schemes quickly. It was lovely to see certain conflicts resolved with such speed without repeat, but still have the male lead give her more opportunity to be around him the more he fell for her. They were a lovely combo that caused me to binge straight through to ep 14 (amazing tension) and made me anxiously wait for the next episodes. The ML wasn't your typical overbearing, unreasonable, cold ML...I loved his interactions with Ji Qiu. Around ep 14, I could even justify some of the ML's antics to provoke the FL, hoping that he would have a frank discussion with the FL in ep 15, but.... that never happened.I binged all the way from ep 15 to ep 24 with growing disappointment. After ep 15, a lot of the vehicles that drove the main romance were ignored, while a monster pile of other conflicts with new characters that were thrown in and resolved within minutes. There were a lot of unrealistic scenarios! While I'm glad for some quick conflict resolution, these new conflicts were unnecessary! The first half had plenty of other conflict that could be flushed out and resolved! While the two other pairings were cute and acceptable, how the drama went about creating one relationship (Si Qi's) and creating conflict in another (Ji Qiu's) was out of nowhere and hard to buy in. I would have loved to see more of a sisterhood between all of the ladies - sooo much potential there that the drama barely cracked the surface. FL's love rival had so much potential to be a supportive rival/sister and that was annoyingly destroyed. She barely had any screen time. I would loved to see the girls gang up on the ML for being a dork and putting the FL through (albeit brief) anguish. Qing Wu and Qi Nian's conflict should've been resolved earlier! That would have made Qing Wu's relationship more palatable, but also her commentary about her partner being legal to marry was so worrisome (smh!).
I love a fluffy cheesy romance and have seen my fair share, but in the latter half, moments got so trope-y (ML went into full overbearing CEO mode with some scenes) that my eyes rolled to the back of my head too many times to count (still squealed my fair share though for some scenes). First half, he was a solid balance of a hidden romantic, then went into full blown romantic, before going back into a repressed, controlling romantic for the last few episodes haha. He didn't ask her opinion for any major decisions involving the two of them, didn't express his feelings toward her properly, and admitted that he was a control freak. He wasn't before! He was a bit harsh to others, no-nonsense, warm to people close to him, and a workaholic before. He had this great storyline with his brother (Si Qi) that was resolved soooo beautifully, but then did a 180 with the female lead and said, "I'm going to be as controlling with you as I was with my brother even though that blew up in my face and I painfully and actively spent the last few years trying to make reparations (like wtf!). Female lead was basically a cheerful, straight-talking bunny, who somehow slinked into a submissive shadow in the latter half. When some of the "romantic" clips in the latter half were released, I actually couldn't watch them because they were that cringey/not romantic.
I was uncomfortable with some scenes with some side characters that skirted consent and harassment... but it's dramaland where these things are unfortunately normalized and utilized to brew conflict. I thought the drama had so much potential, so I'm left very disappointed. It started out being fresh and new and fell back to old C-drama antics and dramatics. The ending is pretty satisfying and cute though.
I loved the quality of the ML's acting until ep 14 (idk, his script was hard to deliver, so props to him) and loved the FL overall (she had plenty of cringe-y moments but was not annoying!) Xin xin (from Le Coup de Foudre <33) and Ji Qiu were played to perfection. I was impressed/moved by FL and Ji Qiu's crying scenes. Love the brothers' conflict and how it was resolved. Loved the grandpa. The FL's friends barely had screentime, but I liked their dynamic with her.
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Highly entertaining but also frustrating
Bossam: Steal the Fate managed to be one of those intensely polarizing dramas where many viewers laud the series as the greatest, most engaging thing ever to grace the small screen, while others condemn it as a terrible waste of time. This drama was able to achieve the highest viewership ratings (9.8%) of any drama in MBN history, and yet, if you read the reviews and comments on MDL, you will sense the opposite sentiment.As for me, I liked this well-written, intelligent and enlightening show that showed me another aspect of Korea's historical culture. Bossam was a custom in the Joseon period, in which a single man himself or through a hired hand kidnaps a widow by wrapping her up in a blanket at night and then makes her his wife. During those days, it was a way of getting remarried and an opportunity to get a new life for the widow who was obliged to live alone after her husband's death. Based on this custom, the drama unfolds the uncliched love story between the leading couple as they experience conflicts between social classes and families and survive being in the center of political struggles and turmoil.
Why highly entertaining?
From the get-go with the opening scene illustrations, I found this drama to be quite unique. It is a historical drama accompanied by non-traditional touches like the selection of eclectic songs and background music. The music producers deserved credit for being prolific and delivering quality tracks. The OST or BGM that underscored each scene was truly fitting and had elevated it to the next level for me.
Furthermore, the cinematography and directing were also a big part of the show's appeal, as one can tell that a lot of thought was put into each scene to evoke the necessary emotion and feeling. Every episode was nicely shot and expressed. Even details like how the hanbok skirt formed in a perfect circle surrounding a sinking woman was impactful. The settings and landscapes were lovely, like works of art. Visually, it was a treat to watch this show. The costumes and makeup also stood out for me because the show did not go for an idol drama feel with overdone makeup or glaringly obvious colors. The actors looked normal, good-looking nonetheless but refreshingly ordinary.
Acting-wise, I am impressed. I have heard of Jung Il Woo's ability but this is my first drama of his and I am blown away. He clearly has the experience and acting chops to pull off a complex character like Ba Woo, born from nobility but grew up a street rat. Shown initially as a rogue who was obviously a little damaged, it was also quickly apparent that our male lead, the heroic outlaw, was a good and generous person at heart. Jung Il Woo's micro-expressions were on point, and there was an underwater scene where he executed the scene perfectly by just his expression alone. His visuals are not my usual preference, but in this show, in that persona, Il Woo just exuded manly sexiness.
Shin Hyun Soo's character, Lee Dae Yeop, got a lot of hate for being the clingy second male lead who could not move on. However, I had a soft spot for Dae Yeop, especially after finding out his back story and romance with the Princess as well as his background. His actions may have seemed rash and selfish at first, but he never wavered from his desire to protect and ensure the happiness of the only one he loved. I had high hopes for his character development, and he did not fail me up to the finale. My heart ached for him a lot, and Shin Hyun Soo was brilliant in portraying this lost soul. With his eyes alone, Hyun Soo showed the hopelessness and defeat that Dae Yeop must have felt, trapped with no way out between his family, duty, love, and his own desires.
Kwon Yu Ri, however, is the show's biggest hidden gem. Her acting as Soo Kyung/Princess Hwa In, a demure, well-bred but humble Princess who was also passionate, brave, and intelligent, left a firm impression. Knowing that she is a Girls' Generation member, I was not prepared for her wonderful performance. In a way, this drama was also about how the Princess chose her own happiness by freeing herself from the societal rules and obligations, and Kwon Yu Ri portrayed this character's growth well. I appreciate the female empowerment theme featured in this show, like when Ba Woo constantly praised and respected Soo Kyung's intelligence and strength.
With the addition of seasoned actors like Shin Dong Mi, Song Sun Mi, Seo Beom Shik, Yoon Joo Man, Kim Tae Woo, Lee Jae Yong, and Lee Joon Hyuk, you have a cast that was able to deliver the story effectively. The child actor, Ko Dong Ha, who played Cha Dol, has potential as well.
I love that the characters were shades of gray. We had the antagonists who felt justified in their actions, people on both sides helping each other for justice and principles, and there were the protagonists who made bad decisions, said and did things they did not mean in the heat of the moment. The show scored points with dynamic characters who struggled with their actions, who were not always clear if they were doing the right thing or what the right thing even was.
To me, the show's strongest point is the way it executed the plot. I liked how the drama encouraged and engaged the viewers' imagination. It was my imagination that filled in and enriched what the show's visuals or soundtrack both concealed and alluded to at the same time. At least, I prefer to think that what was left out was not a mere lack but instead a conscious artistic act of intentional omission and suggestion. Coupled with somewhat predictable plot twists but, when revealed, were simply shocking in terms of magnitude and nature, the result was a story that kept me engaged from start to finish, with each episode leaving me eager for the next one.
Why frustrating?
Even though I appreciated the moments of omission and suggestion, the conspicuous use of them for the romance between Ba Woo and Soo Kyung left me wanting for more. The chemistry between those two was palpable, and I wanted to see more than hugs. Ideally, I would have preferred more tantalizing or passionate scenes, but if not those, then at least some other obvious display of affections that provide the anticipation and build-up that one usually seeks in a show with a romance tag. That said, I did find the scenes between the leads incredibly romantic, especially with the setting, music, and dialogue. There was a dignified and pure way about how their love for each other was shown, and I did believe that they truly loved each other. I also like the phrase they used for each other "saranghae yeon-mohada (연모하다)" which means to love and long for someone. Seeing them together left a good feeling and I was satisfied with how they ended.
With the romance underplayed during the second half, the show somewhat got derailed by the heavier focus on the palace and court politics. The villain, Lee Yi Cheom, constantly got on my nerves with his audacity and arrogance, but really, this was a good thing because it showed how terrific the writing was. I was glued to the screen, on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen to the OTP and the other good guys. Had I not wanted more romance and pleasant "slice of life" episodes featuring the main couple, I would have appreciated the political shenanigans even more.
Overall
I would rewatch this drama since there were many nuances and subtlety that I may have missed the first time. I also enjoyed the story and characters enough to watch them another time, although I am unsure if I want to feel Dae Yeop's pain again.
I do recommend that you try this drama out and see for yourself. Thematically for me, Bossam: Steal the Fate is a show that encapsulates life in many aspects and topics. It touches upon self-identity and personal growth, love (romantic and familial), respect and loyalty (to self, family, country, and principles), politics, societal obligations and problems, the balance of power and inequality, friendship, and more.
Side note:
For posterity, I have enclosed the link to the soundtrack list: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bossam:_Steal_the_Fate#Original_soundtrack
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This review may contain spoilers
refreshing and incredible.. until the later half
overall, this show was really really good. it was mostly light hearted with lots of mature dialogue, deep characters, beautiful cinematography, and more. for the first half, i was convinced this drama would be in my top three along with vincenzo and healer. up until episode 10, I think id give this show a 10/10. somewhere along the second half it seemed to have lost its spark, but none of the issues im going to discuss are reason enough to not watch this show. overall i recommend it.
as an overview, i love thinking about how much progression we saw over the course of 16 episodes. especially within the FL whom I feel was the main vessel of change, i can see a huge difference in her from the first to the last episode. same goes for the other characters, all of them had some kind of realization or moment at least once in the show, and i really appreciated how different people at different stages of life were all given a moment to have feelings and talk about their trauma, because thats real. There also arent any typical vicious drama villains: the second male lead is accepting, the teacher is actually just quietly in love with hwajeong, everyone feels real and not at all like a typical drama caricature. usually dramas forget everyone that isnt the main character, but not this one. i also really liked the vibe of the show itself, it promises and delivers a mature healing drama full of family and friendships and community and all that good stuff. The themes of second chances, the importance of emotional support, this was also so nice to see on screen. the writing was stellar, until the later episodes ( especially ep 15). The characters are all interesting, the cinematography is great, and even the ost is good, its an almost perfect drama if i ignore the later episodes.
im going to discuss stuff i didnt like because when a show is this good, the issues tend to stick out more than usual. Some of these things are very nitpicky, so dont take them as a reflection on the show as a whole.
full review below. SPOILERS
even though this drama covered many important topics such as the hardships women face (with the crazy pervert and the childbirth) and even included a lesbian (!!!), i felt that the way they addressed many of these topics was a little skewed and delivered the wrong message. as for childbirth, i was pleasantly surprised that they were depicting it on screen as well as reinforcing how hard it really is to be a woman. but it was ruined by FL saying how romantic it was when the husband promised to be by the wifes side even though the entire episode talked about how he was a horrible husband that didnt even change his kids diapers and didnt realize that childbirth was difficult. like what ?? and as for the teacher, she just comes and goes throughout the show and i wish she was on screen and talked about herself more (instead of showing up to give yeongguk a motivating speech about apologizing to hwajeong), since lgbtq are not often seen in kdramas. and then i enjoyed how they depicted change with the FL and trauma with ML, but the way his was only delved into in the last episode really sucked since i think that shouldve been a main focus along with FLs personality shift.
It feels like all of the issues I have with this show come down to an unbalance, or a right message gets skewed the wrong way, you’ll see what I mean.
as for the FL, i generally enjoyed her growth. i loved how obvious it was, how realistic it seemed. it was gradual, but there were also specific moments where you can SEE her changes. like in episode 10 where she walks in the rain even though its something she hates, just because she recalls ML saying that she should let herself just exist. i love how open she becomes, with the way she confesses her feelings so openly in ep 10 with no hesitation. when she first came to gongjin she was so artificial, pretending to listen to everyone, smiling and nodding absentmindedly. it was a complete 180 to see her be as genuine and open as she became.
For the ML, his personality was always captivating, and he was an interesting character. here is where my first issue with the show comes in: they shouldve given chief hong more flaws. he doesnt seem to have any besides his trauma, which isnt really a “character flaw”, unlike FL that is judgmental, stubborn, unwilling to change sometimes, etc etc. especially in comparison to the FL, hong is TOO perfect. Plus you’d think someone with that much trauma would seemingly have more issues: maybe trust wise or be cold and angry, but he wasnt any of those things. Up until episode 10 (which I thought were 10 perfect episodes) FL grows as a person thanks to hong which is fantastic character growth and fantastic set up for their relationship, but hong doesn’t change at all. And why would he? He’s kind, helpful, can do everything. They should’ve given him a basic flaw like being stubborn or something so he could change thanks to hyejin as well. But he was the one always calling out her flaws and mistakes while he remained the same, and although he was often justified I was sometimes annoyed at how he wouldn’t mind his own business and tried to change her when it wasnt his place.
The reason I keep saying "up until episode 10" is because after that I feel like the show lost its spark. character wise, the shift between pre-relationship FL and relationship FL was so jarring. She felt like an entirely different person. And yes people are cuter with the person they like of whatever, but they should’ve incorporated some of this into her pre-personality so it wouldn’t come off as so strange when she suddenly started acting this way. I also felt like some of her character development was wiped off after episode 10. in fact, i occasionally felt that the FL was even more unreasonable and unlikeable than in the beginning. In episode 11, she hurt ML physically and emotionally, such as when she asked him to take care of the Second Male Lead, when she has unreasonable requests, when she takes him to see the sunrise at 4 am, when she makes him wear school uniforms to take pictures. especially when she drags him around the mall and he’s clearly saying no to doing things and she pressures him when he constantly says no. And to keep their relationship a secret hyejin hurts dusik throughout the entirety of ep 11. physical violence is never okay, especially not for comedic purposes. the fact that it was done multiple times made me less and less excited to finish that episode. and the fact that her go to reaction when she was surprised was to hurt him really made me dislike her, despite all of the progress that they made on her personality. this also really pushes the narrative that shes full of flaws and he isnt because hes forgiving and understanding.
Back to the ML, he was the one that carried this Big Secret Trauma for a majority of the show which like I said earlier was made out to be his only flaw. we didnt even know what it was until nearly the last two episodes, which I have a few issues with.
i dont appreciate how they approached his trauma as a flaw, because it isnt. everyone has trauma and issues, and not everyone reacts to it the same way. hyejin was hurt by her ex bfs words that caused her to be more materialistic, but she never shares that with ML. yet she expects him to share everything with her? she had a line where she said "im okay with showing you all of me, so why cant you do that for me?" which, just because hes seen you drunk and met your stepmom does not mean he needs to reveal more than hes comfortable with. she pushes him constantly to open up about his trauma (that was much more severe than her ex saying she dresses ugly) and i thought this whole situation and episode were so unreasonable. i understand that she expected more from him and their relationship, she was thinking of their future and he wasnt yet. i empathize, im sure its hard when your S/O isnt where you are and youre feeling anxious about where your relationship is going. but they had only been dating for what, a few weeks at that point? that combined with how much pressure she was putting on someone that was clearly hurting made it hard for me to feel for her.
plus, when SHE decided they need a break, she kept rubbing it in his face saying “we are on break- BUt why arent you saying anything to me? im giving you time- BUT why wont you tell me your secrets?!? we’re on break-BUT-here i am at your house even though i suggested the break!” and then she ends the break when she feels like it- even though initially it was supposed to be FOR him to heal. this was why, despite me being understanding of how hurt she was about ML not being open about his past, i just couldnt be on her side. This was one of the moments where again, I felt that her character development was setback.
the way this led to people blaming hong when he was trying to deal with TRAUMA was just so ?? disgusting to me. no one knows what hes dealing with, but they keep pushing him. It is never anyones place to push someone to speak about their trauma or disclose aspects of their personal life if they are not ready to do so.
And hwajeong tells FL that she should give it time, which had a nice sentiment, but then she told FL to be MLs rock. Again, taking a lovely scene with a good script and turning it into something that isnt necessarily a great message. If someone isn’t in the same place emotionally where you are then you dont need to wait for them. this is another reason i couldnt entirely be on FLs side, if hong isnt where she is and he doesnt want the future she wants, she cant just force him into it. even though i loved them as a couple, they shouldve just had them break up then instead of depicting their relationship how they did. you should never push someone when they arent ready, and you dont need to wait by that person either. if you want a future, and your partner just isnt sure, then you dont need to be with them. The result of this situation was as I mentioned, FL constantly pushing ML and reminding him that she is giving him the HONOR of her patience, while he struggles to deal with his internal conflicts. The way this whole episode was handled was a big no from me.
as for ML’s actual trauma, they dragged it on for SO long. and im not saying it wasnt worth the wait, but I was underwhelmed. Maybe the trauma they gave him would’ve panned out better had they disclosed it earlier and had him work on himself for the remaining episodes, but they chose to build suspense and shove it on us at the very end. Which, okay fine, but this didnt work for me. Despite the big suspense, he wasnt a murderer or anything, he blamed himself for a situation that was unfortunate but not at all his fault. Some people hypothesized that he was in a car accident with his wife and child which i think wouldve been better to fulfill the suspense than what actually happened, which was that he was there for the death of his best friend and dohas father became paralyzed (which had NOTHING to do with hong and was entirely the fault of the father who made a reckless decision). but the show treated him like a murderer which is pointless for several reasons. for one, when doha calls him a murderer, no one in gongjin actually thinks he is one so theres no outer conflict. we are never under the impression that he is either because he has proven over and over again that he is kind and good natured, so its more annoying than anything else that the show treats him this way. that leads into two, we are watching this pan out as an audience. we KNOW none of it is his fault, so watching this poor guy blame himself since childhood for his parents and grandfathers death, and then those related to the adult deaths blame him for those, it just sucked. its just not great to watch someone get beaten down over and over again, especially since this is a made up "healing" story and the writers can do whatever they want with it, and they chose to leave the actual healing for the very last minute. in real life, yeah there are probably people like hong. but this is a drama and watching his internal conflict pan out just doesnt make sense when its entirely in his mind and he didnt actually DO anything wrong. so its just annoying and unsatisfactory when for 15 episodes youve been like WHAT is this trauma and that answer is: another accidental death that has nothing to do with hong and everything to do with everyone else. i guess in a sense its realistic that he might get blamed by those that are hurting, but i just felt like i was watching this perfect guy who has lived a shitty life get blamed over and over again, and even now when he is supposed to be forgiving himself, the wife of his friend refused to apologize and doha tells him he shouldve taken better care of his father. what poor writing, there should be a balance between the tragedy and how much shit this poor guy gets and the healing (not to mention gamri dying in the same episode??). how many times do we need to see him apologize for things out of his control and get hurt? i think his healing shouldve been a main focus, maybe cutting into the time of all of the unnecessary misunderstandings and filler moments or even into FLs personality change. because although her arc was important, we watched her change throughout the entire show and he only got the last episode.
All of this happens in the second half of the show, which like I said lost its spark. The scenes felt a little more childish, with more misunderstandings to brace us for the couples upcoming conflict, and more happy go lucky filler to brace us for the reveal of the Big Trauma. the trauma itself wasnt handled well either. honestly, i kind of lost interest and had a hard time sitting through the episodes, while before id open netflix the second the episode was up and watch it immediately. i still really appreciated the show, but it didnt give me the same feelings as before.
Also in the second half, we see less of the other characters and focus more on the main relationship. I thought this was a big mistake because initially the magic of the show was the family feel and the environment, but that dwindles away to give focus to how the main relationship develops and has misunderstandings. the other characters only seem to come in to give motivational speeches or to make minor commentary (like in ep 15 when hongs trauma is revealed and they sit there for two seconds and take turns saying they are worried about him) or to help add to the drama (like in ep 14 when doha punches hong, everyone in gongjin is there to add to the dramatic feel). I wish we focused more on everyones individual lives ad relationship at that point, instead of making way for silly misunderstandings or filler or the Big Trauma. like the scene with yijoon and his parents getting back together was so heartfelt, and i think we shouldve gotten more of that with each character.Like I said, a solution to this wouldve been disclosing the trauma earlier and gradually working on it, which wouldve given more time for hong to actually get over it (because I can’t believe that in the span of an episode his years long trauma disappears) and the other characters could’ve had more screen time.
i think the shows flaws come down to one thing: an unbalance. an unbalance within flaws, an unbalance with the pacing, an unbalance with the characters personality. There was even an unbalance of storytelling and mood: the whole drama was mature but then we have the childhood connection, really? That didnt even add anything to the story so why was it even in there? plus the way everyone was connected?? PD is related to the wife of hongs best friend and PDs editor is the son of he guy who worked at hongs company and PD went to school with hyejin and they all meet up in this one small town i mean ?? really ?? It felt unfitting for a show that was otherwise serious and realistic. And where was miseon, FLs best friend, for half of the show? In some episodes she just wasnt home, or she just isnt mentioned. She only starts showing up for relationship issues in the later half of the show. I loved their friendship, so I wouldve loved to see more of them. I also wouldve loved to see more interactions between the gongjin citizens and hyejin after her personality shift. these are just little things that could’ve been changed to greatly improve the show.
Of course I dont expect perfection, but some of these flaws were so avoidable. Just taking away the line about hyejin romanticizing the poor relationship between the market owner and the hardware owner or just leaving the line from hwajeong at “ wait for him to open up” instead of saying be his rock, all of this wouldve fixed what I think of as a flaw. Overall, I do think this show was really really good. But because I had such high expectations for it, how some of the scenes were handled really set it back.
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1
1Shin Hye Sun Running Circles Around Oppas that Can’t Act and a Crappy Plot that Can’t Plot
You know a writer has overestimated themselves when a show with an interesting premise, distorted timelines, flawed characters and major potential turns into pure, convoluted, nonsensical garbage.❌ The writing and execution in this is seriously bad. Like one of the worst I have seen in a long time. While the drama starts out very promising with unreliable protagonists who slowly reveal their intentions, it loses the plot somewhere in the middle and just ends up being vomit on screen that calls itself a script.
❌ Some things are added just for the sake of it - no logic or reasoning required. Random dead bodies in random freezers, random trucks of doom, random cabins in the freaking forest. There is so much randomness is this show, I was half convinced the writer was on shrooms.
❌ The drama tries desperately to be complicated but ends up coming off as confused as a floppy fish out of water. This was what I was afraid of when I saw who the director was. I have watched almost all of his dramas and things with him go either way. Either he nails his execution and gives you masterpieces like 25-21 and Search WWW or he completely fucks things up like in King Eternal Monarch. Unfortunately, this drama has the same floundering headless chicken execution that King Eternal Monarch had and it’s just sad.
❌ Then, there are the crappy love interests. There are literally three of those in this drama. The third ML is there for no reason. He is also basically a brother figure of the FL’s long term ex boyfriend (the ML) and his pursuit and feelings for her are just awkward, messy and add zero substance to the plot. Just one of those random things the show throws in just for the sake of it.
❌ However, ofcourse, the major downfall of this show are the two main oppas. First of all, neither of them are good actors. They are bland, plastic and have zero nuance to them. Also, their screen presence is in the negatives. I swear Kim Nam Gil’s sock has more screen presence than all of these 3 oppas combined.
❌ Second of all, both of the two male leads are severely unlikeable and selfish for the majority of the show.
❌ The first ML, Hyun Oh, who breaks up with the FL after eight years of dating is trash human being number one. He is selfish and thinks that the world revolves around his mommy issues and the fact that he has two dozen grannies to take care of.
❌ Oh, poor him, his sad oppa problems give him a get out of jail free card to be the most toxic, wishy washy faded red flag that you want to 10000% avoid in real life. And, when I say red flag, I don’t mean the sexy bad guy red flag, I just mean dirty mud blood red flag that is just disappointing and annoying.
❌ Their entire relationship is just about him. He constantly makes her feel like he is better than her and she constantly doubts herself. After dragging her along for eight years and breaking her heart, he still doesn’t cut it off clean. He keeps giving her mixed signals and doing things for her she never asked for so she can never fully move on. And the moment he hears that she COULD move on, he is all scandalised about it.
❌ This man’s head is so far up his own ass that he never realises how someone who he has claimed to love for YEARS is in unbearable pain. And while, I did like their past relationship scenes together and was initially rooting for him, with every episode it seemed he just got worse and worse. By the last episode, I wanted to throw him off a cliff and call it a day.
❌ Then, comes the second main oppa, Ju Yeon. I didn’t like his and Hyeri’s (Fl’s second personality) dynamic from the get go because it came off childish, awkward and silly. Which is fine because that was who Hyeri was supposed to be as a character. What is not fine is that when he learns about her disorder, his reaction is the WORST thing imaginable.
❌ Instead of consoling her or feeling for her, he makes her apologise for hurting him, REPEATEDLY. And then, keeps insisting that she bring the other damaged personality around because he is in love with it.
❌ The whole delusion around the fact that he is in love with a fictional personality and wants her to remain sick just so he can fulfil his own kinks is SICKENING.
❌ After that, I really didn’t see the romance in him waiting around for the personality to show up. It was just stupid and even though the drama later tried to convince us that he’d take her as both Hyeri and her original personality, his actions clearly reflected that he is still very much hung up over Hyeri.
❌ Ofcourse, it’s inevitable that the oppas do get some redeeming moments in the last couple of episodes where they finally focus on people other than themselves but I don’t really give a fuck. I make judgements on characters as the way they are throughout the entire drama not their last minute actions and from the way these two were, the only happy ending for the FL would have been was to stay alone and away. Hell, the 3rd ML who was basically irrelevant cannon fodder was the most likeable option.
❌Also, speaking of shitty things in this drama, let’s talk about the whole DID thing. I usually don’t care about the science and logic of these tropes and I don’t care here either but I feel like it’s almost romanticised. This constant question of were you more happy as the other personality? Then this whole grown ass man being in love with and constantly reinforcing the other personality after knowing the woman for one single MONTH.
❌It gave me a bad taste in my mouth because the FL’s second personality is just a defence mechanism and it’s unnatural, born out of trauma and shouldn’t even exist in the first place, much less be reinforced and constantly validated.
❌ But, I shouldn’t have cared about the technicalities because this drama seriously does not give a shit about authenticity. It pulls out the worst “Oppa’s love heals everything even if it’s freaking DID” card I have ever seen in a drama.
Especially when that love is toxic, unwanted, weirdly codependent and downright stupid. They didn’t even try to pretend like they were using the illness as anything other than a plot device.
❌ To top off the nonsense, every single problem in these people’s lives MAGICALLY gets solved in the eleventh episode. DID? Cured by good old Oppa humping. ML’s reason for breaking up with Fl in the first place which led to this 14 episode worth of junk being made? Solved in 2 seconds. Love triangle? Solved with a good old smiley, breakup date.
It is just outlandish how bad the writing is. There is no real healing or character development anywhere. You won’t find it even with a NASA grade microscope.
✅ So, is there anything good about this show? Yeah, it’s Shin Hye Sun. She is one of my favourite actresses and like always she does an excellent job here as well. Her acting range is insane. She is nuanced, charismatic, expressive and delivers both her roles with perfection.
✅ I loved her as the damaged, sassy, broken, insecure, overly dependent and deeply flawed Ju Eun Ho. She made me feel for her struggles and I absolutely rooted for her. (Atleast, I did root for her before she became a manic panic obsessed oppa groupie who was legit like “I missed your toenails” to her shitty ex boyfriend.)
✅ While I wasn’t as much of a fan of her Hyeri personality with how over the top she was with the whole childish get up, and the exaggeratedly slow speech, I still appreciated SHS for it because it did the job of what the show wanted to deliver with her.
✅ Shin Hye Sun grossly overpowered all other actors with her talent in this drama and it showed. She single-handedly carried it on her back and I hope she asked for a freaking full body deep tissue massage along with a hefty paycheque for this.
✅ To be honest, there are some other good aspects of the show as well. For one, the skin ship and the kisses in it are good. Some episodes pack a surprisingly emotional punch. There are some great cinematography and OST moments. Moreover, the ups and lows of a relationship in flashbacks are also nicely shown but overall, it’s not enough.
❌ Because when you don’t have all the plot holes, the unlikeable male leads, the bad acting, the terrible writing and the confused timelines, you have uninteresting side filler characters taking up the screen.
❌ The grannies are boring, the office people are annoying and all other supporting characters are lacklustre. The only one interesting side character is Hye Yeon but she doesn’t have enough agency to make you invested.
❌ Which is why, on the whole, this drama does feel like a lot of wasted potential and has the tendency to turn your brain cells to rot.
Take my free advice; save your time and your IQ and go watch something else.
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Where lays the line between good and evil?
As someone who's a fan of the novel and hugely loved the audio drama and anime adaptation, you can say that I have HIGH expectations for this drama. Cause with such great adaptations already exists, the bar will be extra high. Especially since live actions do not have a great reputation, so I am gonna be straight to the point. There were parts that are terrible, there were parts that deserve to be praised, but overall, it's a worth it drama to watch.Before I start with my review, I will answer a few questions that I've seen people struggling with before deciding to watch it or not. If you do not have this struggle, you can just skip these and immediately go to my review
*The plot is confusing, is this a romance story or not?*
I can't say this enough, but this drama ain't a romance story! This drama/novel is much more than that. This story is about the life of Wei Wuxian and the world he lives in. Romance might be a part of his life, but it ain't everything. The original novel maybe had about 20% (which is also extremely loved by fans), but that's it. There is romance, but it is not the main point of the story! This story is about the boundary between good and evil. Where exactly is the line between these two categories and is Wei Wuxian who is considered to be the most dangerous and evil person in history really as evil as people claim him to be? We'll follow his story in his previous life, his life after his reincarnation and follow his adventure what has happened between the 16 years he was "Dead".
*Will we see gay romance or not?*
I've seen so many people (especially guys) who avoided to watch the anime or this drama because they are afraid to see gay romance. I also believe there are a lot of people who are hesitating to watch it cause they want to see gay romance and are afraid that Chinese censorship will ruin it. I can tell you that both sides have nothing, literally NOTHING to be worried about. Wei Wuxian was bisexual in the novel and is STILL bisexual in the drama, but will not have a romantic relationship with any guys. However there is fan service here and there (Basically everywhere) for those who loved the novel and you can see them clearly if you pay attention to the details, you'll easily recognize them if you have read that the novel. So yeah, those who do not want to see romance, you'll be fine. I mean there are some twilight longing stares once in a while, but you can just go forward a few seconds or just easily ignore them. And for those who want to see romance, you'll find plenty enough hints, cute moments and fan service in the drama to survive. And with plenty I really mean PLENTY. So no matter if you want to watch it for the gay romance or avoided for the same reason. JUST WATCH IT!
*REVIEW*
*Plot* 8.5
I'm gonna be honest, the first 6 episodes were just terrible. It was bad, like REALLY bad. But that was exactly why I enjoyed it with popcorn and all. I was enjoying dissing it so much. I would have rated it a 6 MAX. However, after episode 6, it actually becomes okay. After episode 10, it actually becomes fun and after episode 13, you won't be able to stop anymore, cause suddenly it becomes SOOOO good and it doesn't stop there. It just went up so fast and it doesn't seem to stop till the end. I hesitated for a long time if I should rate it so high, but the plot just gets better and better. I might have even given a 10 if the first 6 episodes weren't so bad. So if you think you can survive a good laugher about a crappy plot for some episode before you get in the rollercoaster of emotions and addiction. Give it a try. But if you really can't stand the horrible acting, just read a summary somewhere and just start from episode 10 LOL. I was surprised how loyal they manage to be to the novel and the novel is definitely 10 worthy! It really shows how much effort they put in and even if they are lacking here and there, the moment you get used to it, you just can't pull yourself out of the story anymore.
*Acting* 8.5
I'll put aside about how much they were alike to the original novel and judge them purely on their acting. Some actors did a REALLY good job, some actors become better over time and some just stay awkward and terrible till the end.
Amazing actors like Wei Wuxian, Shijie and Wen Chao were just wonderful! They are such great actors and my cry moments were all given to them. They made me completely forget about the outside world and just pulled me into theirs.
Some actors were really awkward at first but gradually becomes better and better over time. Actors like Lan Wangji, Lan Xichen and Jiang Cheng. Lan Wangji REALLY showed a lot of difference between episode 1 and episode 6. It was as if he suddenly understood his character and just immediately went to perfect, despite being so awkward at the beginning. Actors like Lan Xichen, I couldn't stand them at all at first, but when I got used to them, it was actually not that bad (Perhaps due to my impression of them in the novel). And there's also Jiang Cheng. Oh my boy, he is actually a pretty good actor... except when he cries? Yeah, I immediately went back to reality and actually had to hold back my laughter at really emotional scenes due to him. It DID become better and I actually feel kind of proud of the actor as well (Despite knowing nothing about the actor), but like I said it all becomes better the further you are in the plot
AND there are actors who were terrible till the end. Actors like Jin Zixuan, Wen Qing and Xue Yang. I'm so sorry, but I can't focus when you guys act. I'm glad that they aren't big roles, cause it was really distracting to see them act.
So yeah, there were terrible actors and really good ones. If it wasn't due to most of the actors becoming significantly better over time, I think I would have only given a 7 MAX for the great actors out there, but over time it will become better and some terrible actors will also die at some point so LOL.
*Music* 9
Up till now, I've not seen anyone complain about the OST's, cause they are all REALLY REALLY REALLY GOOD. Everyone even has their own character theme song and the lyrics are all related to the plot. Even if you end up not able to finish the drama, I'm sure you will keep at least the ending track with you, cause the songs are THAT good! One little thing that could be a bit distracting is the fact that their movement on the instrument are not in sync with the music LOL.
*Rewatch Value* 9.5
I have barely dramas that I rewatch, but this drama, this story, it makes you think about a lot of things in real life as well. Even if you do not completely rewatch it, there are just certain scenes, certain episodes that you WILL rewatch again. For emotional reasons or to experience things, you have not realized before.
*Overall* 9
I was actually planning to only give it an 8.5, but the plot just becomes better and better and I couldn't help but increase my rating every single week. However, I will not give it a 10. Some of the acting and first 6 episodes are still terrible. You cannot ignore them
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THE RATINGS ARE WAY TOO LOW
Motel California is a beautifully crafted drama that delves into the complexities of first love and the emotional distance that can come between two people who are meant to be together. The story revolves around two characters who reunite after a long time apart, only to find that unresolved feelings and misunderstandings create a barrier between them. While the initial episodes are filled with angst and longing, it's essential to take the time to appreciate the gradual development of their relationship.The frustration that arises from their inability to communicate is relatable, and the dual perspectives provided by both leads allow viewers to empathize with their struggles. Unlike typical dramas where one character pines away while the other moves on, both leads in Motel California are deeply invested in each other, which adds a layer of depth to their story. The slow burn of their relationship is both heart-wrenching and rewarding, making it a captivating watch for those who appreciate emotional storytelling.
The female lead in Motel California has sparked a lot of discussions, with many labeling her as a red flag. However, it's essential to recognize that her complicated feelings and reluctance to fully engage in her relationship stem from a deeply rooted backstory. Her experiences of feeling hated and abandoned, coupled with a strained relationship with her father, shape her character in a way that makes her relatable and real. It’s not uncommon for someone to protect themselves emotionally, especially when they’ve faced such turmoil.
What I appreciate about her character is the depth and complexity she brings to the story. She's not just a simple love interest; she embodies the struggles many face when trying to reconcile their past with their present. Her journey reflects the reality of being human—feeling vulnerable while also striving to be strong. The internal conflict she experiences, especially as she sacrifices her first love for her own emotional safety, showcases her strength and vulnerability.
While it’s easy to get frustrated with her actions, it's crucial to understand her motivations. She’s a character who evolves throughout the series, and her development is a testament to the writers' ability to create a nuanced portrayal of a young woman grappling with her identity and choices. This complexity makes her journey all the more compelling, and it’s refreshing to see a character that feels so authentically human...she is a character who embodies the complexity of being human—making mistakes, feeling regret, and attempting to mend those errors while sometimes needing to take a step back. This frustration is a reflection of real life, especially when she stands in contrast to the flawless male lead, who is calm, collected, and unwaveringly loyal. While she may appear villainous to some, her struggles add depth to their relationship, which is both thrilling and heartwarming, infused with a palpable angst.
The chemistry between Na Inwoo and Lee Se Young is palpable, and their performances convey a range of emotions from longing to love. Their eyes tell a story that is both heart-fluttering and deeply emotional, capturing the essence of their characters' journey from fear to a warm embrace. This drama is beautifully crafted, with a cinematic quality that feels like a movie experience. The soothing OSTs enhance the magical chemistry shared by the leads.
While the pacing may be slow at times, it is undeniably addictive as the story unfolds. It may not resonate with everyone, but it’s worth giving it a chance—don’t just rely on ratings. The acting is exceptional, and the overall experience is one that leaves a lasting impression....
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Strong start, lackluster finish
* Editing this because I focused SO much on the negative so I would just like to add that I love Lu Shiyi. He is a very passionate and loyal person. He was dedicated to sports but that didn't stop him from improving his studies and he never lost sight of his dream of becoming a doctor. He went out of his way to comfort, love, and protect his friends and family. He wasn't afraid to apologize when he hurt someone and he never stopped giving his all. I just wish the writers didn't throw the Lu Shiyi we loved out the window in the last few episodes and replace him with an overly jealous and obsessive jerk*The show started off pretty strong. With interesting characters and funny moments that led to beautiful friendships forming it was building up to be one of the best school love/friendship stories I have watched. The only qualms I had in the beginning were that they rushed the high-school portion and sending BaoBao off was way too random + I almost thought they were going to make it the cliche "cold, rude boy bullies the girl and she falls for it" but they didn’t. Shiyi teased Xiaoju and they bickered a lot after getting off in the wrong foot BUT Shiyi quickly changed his ways and they became great friends. They both stuck their necks out for each other and grew close. Once they became friends and before Shiyi even realized his feelings he still went above and beyond for Xiaoju.
Everything seemed great and despite the looming love triangle and every day struggles the group's friendship was the one strong standing thing. However for some reason the writers decided to scrap that and ruin practically every character.
The thing I liked the most about Shiyi was that even after he found out how he felt about Xiaoju, he didn’t want to force his feelings on her or lose her and decided that he would be happy if she was happy and wished she wouldn't get hurt in her own one-sided love. He was always there for her and did whatever he could to make her happy. Even after he found out that Xiaoju liked Cheng Lang, he was upset but he didn’t take it out on her and instead helped keep her secret and do his best to comfort her and protect her heart. He tried to muster up the courage to confess quite a few times but Xiaoju was always wrapped up in her feelings for Cheng Lang so he pushed it off to comfort her instead. Unfortunately the writers through all of this out the window by introducing Chang Le or whatever the class monitor's name was. They made Shiyi turn super jealous and obsessive. Then after he confessed his feelings he kept practically harassing her, tricking her, and using tricks to make her pretend to date him (the entire fake dating thing was ridiculous, if they were gonna use that extremely overused trope they at least could have done it right). Suddenly all he cared about was chasing her around. On top of that out of nowhere he returned to his high school self and started insulting Xiaoju nealry everu time he interacted with her because of his jealousy.
As for Xiaoju, she was a good headstrong character. She worked hard in her studies and was a loyal friend. However the writers ruined her character after Shiyi's confession. Suddenly the Xiaoju we knew who was kind and got upset at Shiyi for always being mean turned downright nasty to Shiyi. She called him crazy for confessing and just kept hurting his feelings despite explicitly saying that she was turning him down so he wouldn't get hurt. I get being confused about her feelings but she would fully disregard his feelings in general. At first she said it was because she didn't like him like that but then she switched up and just insisted that it isnt right and that they should ONLY be friends. She kept switching up one moment she would be rude to Shiyi but then realize she was too mean and would apologize and give in and basically confess her feelings but then when he would say she likes him and they are together she would shove him away and run off. She did this a MILLION times until one day she decides she is confused and MIGHT like him. Literally everyone in the world could tell she actually liked him now EXCEPT HER. It takes her bag being stolen and Cheng Lang pointing out to her (for the 100th time) that she likes Shiyi and then she FINALLY admits it and confesses her love for Shiyi...TO CHENG LANG
Cheng Lang who was kind and very down to earth just grew boring and I felt almost zero chemistry between him and Lin You. He became a side character and I couldn't care less about his love story with Lin You until they had such a ridiculous ending. Personally Lin You had the personality of a piece of paper and they ruined her character even more by her breaking Cheng Lang's heart not once but THREE TIMES. Cheng Lang was clearly very interested in her and they stayed up late together and he did lots of chivalrous things for her but not once did she mention she had a boyfriend until he confessed. Then her bf dumps her and Cheng Lang helps her heal and before he can confess SHE makes the first step towards him. She then becomes the jokingly clingy gf telling him not to flirt with other girls. They date and are in love for almost 3 yrs then the writers decide to bring her bf back and have him beg to get back together. Then they reveal that oops! It was a misunderstanding and he got in an accident and lost everything and thats why he dumped her. But still she cries and says she loves Cheng Lang. But then its revealed that her mom forced him to lie and break up with her for no reason and then that leads to a whole mess of her defending her ex in front of Cheng Lang and then eventually choosing him and going to study abroad. The writers then decide its a great choice to make Cheng Lang become successful but still make him heartbroken and long for Lin You and then end it with him seeing her back in China and excited to talk to her only to see her with her boyfriend that ISN'T the man she left him for. Thus rubbing it in his face that not only did she leave you and run back into her ex's arms, she dumped that guy too and STILL didn't come back to you.
As for TaoTao and Huang Jun the writers ruined their cute relationship. They randomly through in Menglu who purposely tried to break them up. Huang Jun faltered and lied to Tao Tao even after she gave him another chance. Then when she fully breaks it off he goes on to date Menglu only to still fawn over TaoTao and complain about Menglu not understanding (which serves her right because how is she gonna break them up and then complain because he still cares about her and act like he wouldn't cheat on her). 2 years pass since their breakup and only then after seeing TaoTao happy Huang Jun decides to become possessive & pathetic and never leaves Tao Tao alone despite now being with Menglu. He even begins ignoring her calls without breaking up her. He harasses TaoTao until the end until finally he sings a last song for her and she agrees that one day they can be friends and that she doesnt want to be enemies even though she still hates what he did. He cries, and holds onto her hand and she takes it away and he wishes her happiness. I'm glad Tao Tao got a happy ending and I'm glad Huang Jun suffered and BaoBao came back but everything was too random and thrown together. Why did Tao Tao keep their relationship a secret from Xiaoju for YEARS. We were led to believe she was just chatting with a stranger and thats why she was so secretive. Then years later she announces her marriage. I started suspecting it was BaoBao but it seemed so far fetched and laughable. BaoBao appears and apparently Shiyi knew this entire time. Nothing is explained on what he has been doing or how he and TaoTao got together. A random party is thrown and they get married.
The entire last 2 episodes were ridiculously rushed and made no sense. It was clear that Shiyi's "girlfriend" was going to be Xiaoju and that he was just playing a dumb trick on her. When she finally does realized she goes to the beach to wait for him and we are led to believe he is going to do the confession he planned for his "girlfriend" but nope he gets a work emergency and Xiaoju doesn't believe him. She then ignores him at the party and they both act childish to each other all the way up until the ceremony (but not before a drunk kiss initiated by wasted Xiaoju followed by a hinted possible hookup). Then once the ceremony ends and Xiaoju catches the bouquet, Shiyi confesses (IN THE MIDDLE OF TAOTAO AND BAO BAO'S WEDDING) and Xiaoju ask about his gf and he says she is the only one 🙄 then he PROPOSES and they kiss and boom The End.
Yep thats it. We get a random time skip and zero explanation of why Shiyi never contacted her but suddenly everything is okay and they are ready to marry each other. We also get zero explanation on TaoTao and BaoBao's relationship and Cheng Lang and Lin You's relationship is resolved with Cheng Lang never stopping loving her and having to see her on the street with ANOTHER guy.
36 episodes ended randomly and rushed as if the writers just threw darts at a wheel and went with it. 36 episodes and we never get to see Shiyi and Xiaoju as an actual couple and the only kisses we get are all within the span of the last 10 mins of the show. So many things built only to be thrown away completely. I wished the show would have stayed focus on the groups friendship but by the end the bond didnt feel as strong.
I would say give it a watch if you are bored but 36 episodes is A LOT and no amount of skipping would make it more bearable. Super bummed it turned out this way.
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This review may contain spoilers
10’s across the board!
This show kept my interest the whole time starting with episode 1. The cast is outstanding and I was a little nervous as to how the ending would be because that usually makes or break my reviews but the ending was a great one that fit the plot. Finished the whole series today and immediately rewatching it. First show that I thoroughly enjoyed since SOKP and if you liked that I definitely recommend this drama. I think maybe it’s because they have the same trope but this series is amazinggggg. This is the first role of Bambi’s that I really love and the chemistry she has with Han Zhang was through the roof!Was this review helpful to you?
The comedy here is also golden. I tried to find a gif or a screenshot to show you all, but it’s so hard because the comedy is so *situational*. What that means is the jokes build on the knowledge you have from watching a previous scene, episode, etc. That’s smart comedy. There’s also cheap comedy – tongue in cheek poking fun at romcom tropes (that they also fully uitlize), quips, puns, slapstick, etc. I’m pretty sure I had laughed every single episode for 12 eps so far – and as a big loyal fan of comedy TV (of all kinds, from Western to Asian styles), I know how hard it is to sustain laugh even as plots develop and get more complex, with some dose of drama thrown in.
Speaking of plot, there is one, and it’s good! Often with “silly idol romcom”, the plot is on life support, which is usually the rom part. Here, there is an actual plot, and there are a few key high stakes that we are invested in, because we already care about our lovely characters. All of them are working towards their goals (most of them life and death!), in multiple steps, and the steps are met as we move through episodes. Nothing is stretched out for too long, no misunderstanding dragged on for dramatic purposes. Things that make sense to get resolved, do. Will I watch a drama with no plot just to see the romance? Yes (e.g. Her Private Life…) But when there is a plot, it makes it that much more exciting! How will our smart characters get out of their predicaments? How will get attain their goals, while still being together (some of their goals conflict, and also with their romance), since they gotta be together!
In any case, as you can see, I love romcoms, and I love them even more when they are smart, well executed, and have that magical “it” factor created by a synergy of actors, directing, and script. Though, let’s be clear, this is on the lower budget side, and it is an idol drama. It doesn’t try to be any grand historical drama, nor does it slack off and forget that a story, no matter how cheap, needs sense (we all been there, haven’t we?) I just love it when a drama makes clear promises, and delivers on them, with fireworks. I have a lot of chip on my shoulders on how romcoms, and just comedies in general, tend to be looked down upon because it’s “simple” or “silly”. “Simple” is not “simplistic”, and “silly” is not stupid. A well-done story is a well-done story, and that’s that.
And that is what Romance of Tiger and Rose is – a well-done story
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He’s Her, but Not Really
The early episodes have a nice touch of magical realism that keeps viewers curious. It makes you want to keep watching just to understand why Kim Ji Eun turns into Kim Ji Hoon. Is there a specific pattern, a cycle, or maybe something related to their ancestors' background? And what about the matching tattoos between Kim Ji Eun and Kim Hye Ra? Are they supposed to mean something or affect the story in a bigger way?Personally, I really dislike Park Yoon Jae’s inability to stand by Kim Ji Eun when she’s at her lowest point. It’s like, “Hey, she’s your girl, so why are you still looking at Kang Min Joo?” We can’t blame Kang Min Joo too much since she’s a key part of the conflict alongside Yoon Jae’s parents, but Yoon Jae gets so caught up in being a guy who sees another woman that he almost completely ignores Kim Ji Eun’s struggles and her attempts to escape her misery.
I don’t really mind the awkward bromance scenes. They mostly show up when the show tries to be funny. But they feel very different from the romantic moments between Park Yoon Jae and Kim Ji Eun, which are sweet and more emotionally grounded. I get that the drama tries to limit physical contact to avoid making Yoon Jae’s relationships with Ji Eun and Ji Hoon feel too far apart.
Still, what frustrated me the most was how Kim Ji Eun and Kim Ji Hoon never actually felt like the same person. The show kept pushing that idea and sure, I tried to buy it, but come on, nothing about Kim Ji Hoon screams Kim Ji Eun. Not their emotions, not their vibe, not even the tiniest habit, It's like he just pose and act in feminine gesture, that's all. And seriously, if Kim Ji Eun magically turns into a guy, am I really supposed to believe she’d suddenly be into women? Yeah, right. They could have at least thrown in some shared quirks like how they laugh or how they cry just something to remind us that, hey, it’s still the same person underneath all that confusion.
In the end, the show just pats us on the back with a happy ending, pretending all the confusing questions never existed. Brilliant storytelling, right?
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The Cutest Meow!!
This is probably one of the best cat/ animal and human dramas!! I ran here after finished watching the drama. Most dramas with this type of genre tend to screw it up with its nonsensical script and cringe-y acting, however, I feel like this drama has got it right in almost all aspects!! Watching this drama definitely makes me smile from ear to ear.The drama script is very well written and detailed, the drama focuses on small things such as how a cat acts and behaves, such as forehead stroke, nose and hair rubs, how a cat bosses its owner and so on. These types of details are often forgotten in other similar genre dramas. This drama is also REALLY ADORABLE AND FUNNY AS WELL!!
When it comes to acting, both leads are really good and natural in their role. Both of them have very natural and comfortable chemistry. Almost all of the casts in this drama acted really well, the female lead portrayal of a cat is just so realistic, I can literally imagine her as a cat. The female lead is also naive and innocent but not the point where she is annoying. The male lead acts so so so naturally. And of course, we have the mom who acts so well that makes all of us wanna slap her hahaha. Even though the relationship progress is kind of a slow burn, but it is still so cute and fluffy!!
The cinematography aspect is average, just like any other sweet idol romance drama with average shots and a bright colour palette. However, the OSTs of this drama is really cute!! it's really fitting with the overall ambience.
Overall, definitely give this one a try!! You might enjoy it more than you thought~
P.s. This drama has a clear ending so no worries ^^
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This review may contain spoilers
Story- 10/10I hate that this was just 6 episodes and I have to wait for the next season. The ending as always is a cliffhanger which I love because it just really makes me intrigued. From the 1st season I think my number 1 question was "What is the resurrection plant?" Thanfully we discovered more about it in this season. Though they didn;t fully give details which will hopefully be revealed during the next season. This season had a lot of bad deaths and good deaths. Overall it was really good but I didn't like how the royal family's bloodline was damaged. Though I understand why Prince Chang did what he had to do. It was really good and I recommend it!!
My favorite moment was when they showed Prince Chang and Moo Young's (The Royal Guard) experiences together. Like how their bond started which was really nice. (I'm trying not to spoil all the good details)
Acting/Cast- 10/10
THE ACTING WAS SPOT ON. IT WAS SO GOOD. I would like to say how well Kim Hye Joon (The Queen) acted. She made me hate her so much yet also really like her. The way she portrayed her character was just spot on. Jun Suk Ho made me laugh at how clumsy he was but his portrayal was really good. You can see how his character developed from a clumsy coward to a clumsy hero. Everyone else did really good but these were the ones that stood out to me.
Music- 8/10
The music was pretty good. It really paired well with the drama. It just increased my anticipation every single moment where something big was gonna happen. Which is really good. I guess there isn't much to be say about the Music other than it's good. I just wish there was more variety to it that would pair well with the drama.
Rewatch Value- 8/10
I would definitely rewatch this because just so damn good. While I'm waiting for the next season which always a long time I think I'll definitely watch this again.
Overall- 9/10
I would really recommend this Drama for those who are just starting K-dramas or those who don't want to watch drama's that are romance based. This is really good so watch it!
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BOY ISSUES JUST GOT BIG
TO ALL THE BOYSBoys don't cry, boys aren't emotional, boys are supposed to be strong, But what's the most beautiful moment of my life?
This show is a lot for an average person to take in, when dealing with abusive parents, poverty, family pressures, PTSD, suicide, promises, and everything that is part of a teenager's life. Seven beautiful boys from Seven different families living in Seven different worlds come together and are obviously trying to navigate the complexities of teenage hood, growing up, I'll be honest until now I'd never thought that Boy issues could get as big as Girls make theirs seem or even worse.
This is one hell of a bumpy and perfectly toxic friendship if you could sum it up and there'll most probably never be another show that beats this drama at that. A detailed account of the pain most people go through but you do not notice, the lies most people tell themselves to feel better and people who feel they get more than they deserve and those who get less instead, I had never imagined there could be a show that sheds more light on the meaning of youth and the pain of survival, the true meaning of perseverance.
The bromance is swoon worthy, every bit of it tastes no different from hot chocolate on a cold night. We've seen kids dealing with serious issues in EXTRACURRICULAR, WEAK HERO CLASS, THAT MOMENT AT EIGHTEEN, SCHOOL 2013 and AT A DISTANCE SPRING IS GREEN but perhaps none of those shows could hit deeper and more real than BEGINS YOUTH has
This is a show for the heavy hearted especially because it deals with primarily broken characters that are trying to heal. All relationships come pretty intense and vibrant and yet the characters seem very fragile but persistent when enduring everything. Besides, It is commendable enough that most of this series speaks to people who have gone through some of the worst extremes in life than one could imagine.
No show made me smile and cry just as much eventually especially when dealing with overbearing parents, rigid societies and corrupted institutions because you would be surprised that high school life could become a physical and psychological living hell where we are all trying to survive. No show made me understand the meaning of living life and the need of not wanting to give up on it.
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Story:
I found the story concise, I don't remember fillers that motivate me to give headbutts to the screen. I don't know how but it has everything that a long drama has, in a very basic format: a good but clumsy girl, a brilliant guy with problems, funny supporting characters (whose ends are not to be alone, happily), and a mother with high expectations . Besides the child actors who are adorable and look great on screen.
Acting:
The plot doesn't demand great histrionic abilities except in Chapter 5 where you can really see the acting potential of kai, he lived up to expectations.
What I don't like:
Perhaps slightly feminist, but here Choco apparently can't succeed without the presence of any of the two male leads, and that frustrates me a little.
Finally, if you are able to spend 90 minutes of your time on something, you could watch this short drama without regrets. The story is adorable and relatively inspiring; plus you'll have the chance to see the handsome Kai on screen for more than an hour. However, if you gain a few pounds because of an endless desire to eat chocolate, don't blame me.
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