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what happened in the last 2 episodes
it started out kind of predictable and I enjoyed the FL and ML first off but all of the off on off on between them got a bit tedious after a while. FL maintained a good acting style but the ML seemed to get faded out and by ep35 literally was gone. I enjoyed Zhan Yu Xi in South Wind Knows but the story line in this let her down. the other female lead and supporting actresses were all good as well....males were a bit wooden. The story line was quote disjointed, we never saw anything about the dance troop from when FL decided to save it from them winning the top awards???? also the annoying little brother, he added no value to any of the story lines at all. As I said the last 2 episodes seem to have just been a closeout as quickly as possible..with no story to it really other than at least 30 mins of dream sequences.Was this review helpful to you?
This movie has a concept of sibling love, and although things are not as they appear, this aspect alone may be uncomfortable. However, if you suspend reality for an hour and half this film is fluffy, cute, entirely ridiculous, and whole lot of fun! Yes, the acting, plot, and screenwriting is questionable, but it will have you laughing and having a great time. The soundtrack is upbeat and the antics are hysterical.
Sometimes you just need a movie that can lift up your spirits and make you giggle like a 13-year-old girl, and this is definitely one. This can help especially if you delved into several serious melodramas of late. (I am currently re-watching Empress Ki and sometimes you need some silly fluff to break up THAT much angst). If you enjoy the manga style live actions such as Heroine Disqualified this is a fun watch and absolutely worth your time!
Happy Drama Watching! :)
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Save the last dance is melodramatic so don’t expect yourself to smile all throughout the episodes because, I’m warning you in advance, you won’t. There would be action scenes in which I have noticed in most Korean melodrama series, they never cease to insert any fist-fighting-kick-ass-moves to make a statement that this is where all troubles began. Then after all these, the romantic moments come in along with conflicts.
The story revolves around two different people who have an entirely different family background: Kang Hyun Woo get’s the dose of amnesia, while Ji Eun Soo helps him recover his memories. In that period of time, romance blossoms and when things were going smoothly for both of them something tragic happens in Eun Soo’s end. Then the plotline gets pretty much out of this world after that.
I like how the story ran not letting you know what would happen next. The twist and turns at the ending and the portrayal of the characters were a bit refreshing after watching too much rom-com with predictable sub-plots. It’s quite amusing to see them running around, chasing something which may or may not be there because in truth, they’re just confusing themselves for the things they’ve done to each other.
Another highlight of this drama is the sound track. If it’s possible to be in love just because of a song… then I was probably already in love when I was watching this drama. The main theme song had a very nice composition and the lyrics (yes it was translated to English as well, that’s how good the song is) was simply love.
What made me recommend this drama are the story line and its romantic moments. That hooked me into the drama big time, then throw in the OST, ah… just perfect.
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Love love love!
What a wonderful drama! I think I’ll be raving about this one for a long time. It’s certainly risen to be one of my favourites. It’s got such a wonderful balance of all of the things I love in a drama and is a good example of how a simple storyline can be done right. Such a beautiful romance with smoking hot chemistry between the leads, beautiful scenery and visuals and don’t even get me started on the OST. A drama’s soundtrack plays a big part and this drama absolutely nailed it. I don’t think I’ve been so in love with a drama’s soundtrack since Goodbye My Princess! I’m just hoping the soundtrack is available on iTunes soon cos I’m obsessed!I absolutely adored He Ran. She was so charming, witty, playful and bright. I loved watching her persistence in obtaining Xiao Han’s love and how she never backed down. I think she’s quite relatable in how someone can behave when they are absolutely smitten with someone. I loved watching her pursue Xiao Han and watching her drool over him (like the rest of us haha), she wasn’t shy about it and I love her for that. I’m also not the biggest fan of dramas where one leaves because of illness to spare the other heartbreak but I think this one was done quite right. I can understand why He Ran was afraid of letting Xiao Han know after watching her mother break down following her fathers death. I think her constant chasing him even after she left was really believable in that she could not help how she was reacting even though she was the one who initially left because our emotions and feelings usually get the better of us.
Xiao Han was a wonderful male lead. I love how he was never arrogant and always so patient and accomodating. I loved watching him grow from being a bit more distant to absolutely loving He Ran in return. I love those little smiles he gave her and seeing how her charms were already starting to melt his cool exterior from the start. I am also definitely Jerry Yan biased haha he’s just such a seasoned actor and absolute eye candy. This man must have found a Time Machine cos he’s still looking like he did in Meteor Garden except now he’s just more masculine! Those scenes in the last couple of episodes were so heartbreaking, especially when Xiao Han asked He Ran’s mother to let him take care of her from now on and then when they were lying in the snow together at the end. How insanely heartbreaking and Jerry Yan nailed them.
Although I absolutely would have loved a more certain happy ending, I think given the basis of the storyline, the ending was pretty expected. And as much as I’d love to believe she didn’t pass away in the end, I think she did. I think if she had gone to receive treatment overseas then he would have gone with her, particularly because he said he would take care of her from now on, and if he did stay then his reactions to seeing her dads portrait and the flowers blossom wouldn’t have been so darn heartbreaking. He said she was his last woman so he kept everything of hers like she was still there, I mean why get rid of her things when he’s already committed himself to loving her only forever. I think if the two fishes had names then I may have believed she were alive because she was going to name them if she came back but it was still a lovely touch to see the fishes together because it kind of symbolised them still being together in a way. The ending scene was either a dream or him imagining her there like she always used to pop up when he was in that same spot gardening. I think for my own mental sanity I may just go on believing that she is alive though lol
Anyways for those contemplating on whether to watch this, definitely give it a go. Don’t be scared away by the sad premise because this drama is so much more than that! Now off to rewatch my fav scenes I go! :)
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Let me expand on that:
Park Hae Jin’s acting (or maybe he was just goofing off the whole time?) was hilarious. Though I really enjoyed a lot of elements in this show, his facial expressions throughout it made “Man To Man” my new favorite drama. [I spammed my MDL feed with examples, if you want to see what I mean.] Kim Min Jung was also great playing our female lead, Do Ha, a quirky, independent, non-cookie cutter heroine who, thankfully, did not cling to the male lead.
The Plot: For some, the drama itself might seem to be a half-baked combination of humor, espionage, romance, and bromance—but for me it was perfect. I get bored if I feel like a show is stuck in one genre. The only time I was disappointed in the plot was during the last episode, because I disliked how it concluded the various story arcs. Last episodes are very important; they are the final impressions of each character and should wholly complete the story. I was regretfully disappointed in the “Man to Man” finale.
Acting-wise, I thought all the cast did great within the limits of the characters they were given. What I mean is, that all the characters were enjoyable to watch because they were portrayed well, but the characters themselves were underdeveloped. I thought Seol Woo and Do-ha were developed enough, and since they were the two main characters I was content with that.
Long review short, I loved “Man to Man.” Park Hae Jin’s face is hilarious, the plot is a spy-romcom, and the OSTs are great. I say give it two episodes, but you can probably tell if it’s the type of show for you or not after just watching the pilot.
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A Warm Island Romance That Feels Like a Summer Breeze
Finally, after so many supporting roles, Winny and Satang shine in their first main roles and they absolutely deliver. Satang as Wave and Winny as Lava are such a joy to watch. Their chemistry feels natural and effortless, and the way their relationship shifts from teasing and bickering to genuine care is heartwarming to see.I love how That Summer breaks away from the usual university BL setting. The island atmosphere adds a refreshing, breezy charm that perfectly fits the story’s lighthearted tone. It’s fun, simple, and easy to enjoy, a perfect weekend comfort series.
Surprisingly, my favorite couple is the second one, Dr. Wut and Uncle Pheng. Their chemistry is undeniable, yet their love story carries a quiet sadness. Poor Dr. Wut, forced to hide his relationship, while Pheng clearly has his own reasons for keeping things secret. Their moments together add depth and emotional weight to the show.
Overall, That Summer is another solid GMMTV production. It doesn’t rely on heavy drama or complex twists but instead captures the beauty of connection, healing, and love that grows naturally under the summer sun.
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1Everyone is responsible for the Result of their own actions and decisions.
The main question presented in the series is, Should one support lesser evil to achieve greater good?This series is adapted from the Dutch author Robert van Gulik’s novel of the same name. However in my opinion it is loosely based rather than adapted as the original stories are changed quite a lot. Youku gives a disclaimer in the beginning of each episode, "It is a work of fiction. Any resemblance (to real historical figures) is purely coincidental". Judge Dee (also known as Ti Jen-chieh or Di Renjie), the hero of Robert van Gulik’s 'Judge Dee' mystery series, is purportedly based on the historical Di Renjie (630–700), chancellor of Empress Wu Zetian during the Tang Dynasty, who earlier in his career served as a district magistrate.
This series includes a total of 9 cases solved by Judge Di Renjie. Each case is resolved within the span of around 3 to 4 episodes. In the beginning of the series, Di Renjie( Zhou Yi Wei) is portrayed as a disillusioned person, uninterested in joining the court. Without a doubt, he is a brilliant person having forward thoughts, suitable to help shape a dynasty. On the other hand Empress Wu Zetian (Zhong Chu Xi) is Introducing many 'new' reforms in the country benefitting the common people. However she is facing massive opposition from the majority of courtiers who believe a woman should not be given too much authority.
Empress Wu Zetian is impressed by Di Renjie but she thinks he needs more experience before he can be of any help to her. So after passing the imperial examination, Di Renjie is appointed as a magistrate of Penglai county, a remote frontier. At the end of the 4th episode Di Renjie appoints Hong Liang (You Yong) as his inspector, Ma Rong (Zi Ling) and Qiao Tai(Ji Ta) as his attendants. This ragtag group goes to the Penglai county to start their journey. In Penglai county Di Renjie meets Cao An (Wang Li Kun) who becomes Do Renjie's confidant and lover, becoming a soundboard for Di Renjie's inner thoughts and conflicts. Throughout the series the Empress Wu transfers Di Renjie to different places where he encounters different problems, faces varied situations and resolves the plight of local people. Empress Wu wants Di Renjie to gain experience so that later he could serve as her advisor in the court.
Di Renjie is warned by Grand Secretariat Wei Wuji - "you think all the new is good and right. But the 'new' means changes, chaos, severed heads and bloodshed and saber rattling and fight. "
Di Renjie is of the opinion, "A reform means replacing the old with the new. We should examine it's purpose and means. Now, new policies have been enacted. The new laws benefited the people, allowing them to live in peace."
In ancient China, a judge's role was that of a father figure in the society. He was a link between the rulers and the common people. Di Renjie proves to be an exemplary judge because besides his great observational skill, deduction ability, attention to detail and lightning fast reflexes, he also has compassion for people and a strong drive to uncover the truth while serving justice. Even when presented with bizarre cases, he finds a rational explanation. He disbelieves in coincidence and fate and is convinced that everything is planned, dictated by logic.
There are three story arcs to the series, the major arc is the change in the system due to Empress Wu's reforms and its implications faced by officials as well as Di Renjie gaining experience in order to later aid Empress Wu in court politics. The second arc is to discover Di Renjie's father's past, to understand what circumstances led him to commit suicide. Somehow Cao An and Heiyan are connected to his father's past. The third arc consists of all the short cases that Di Renjie solves.
I feel that somehow the method of solving the cases in the beginning didn't allow room for the audiences' deductions because only after Judge Di reaches a conclusion, the audience become aware of the importance of the clue. Hence the audience becomes mere spectators to the brilliance of Di Renjie and not active participants in the case solving. The later cases were quite simple as they were mere means to drive the story of Emotions VERSUS Law forward (greed, anger, ignorance, dislike, love, desire, hatred). To be a good judge, it is a prerequisite to be sagacious and impartial in upholding law, irrespective of the people involved. This becomes the underlying theme in later part of the cases.
Special attention is paid to details in the Script in order to recreate the culture, customs and traditions of ancient China. The lavish sets gives a feeling of grandiose. Detailed ornate costumes provides authenticity to the characters. The colour grading gives more cinematic aesthetics, the series is suited to be watched on the big screen to truly appreciate the picturisation. Cinematography is fantastic, comparable to any high budget cinema work. Breathtaking visuals of locations accompanied by strategic upbeat background music during key moments transports the viewers to the era of splendour. I feel a resemblance of the opening score and background score to the sound track of the movie 'Dune'. The intensity and tempo are a little different but the same kind of instrumental score accompanied by similar vocal is included in this series. Especially when the background music is played during strategic points of the case, it gives a hair raising subliminal effect.
The icing on the cake is the stellar Main Cast at the helm of the project. The series has also managed to rope in some popular as well as veteran actors for the Support Cast. All the actors perform their roles zealously making it possible for the viewers to experience the splendor of the era.
Overall: It is a good series, it is like a gourmet meal to be savoured slowly because there are lots of subtle dialogues, the whodunit is not as important as experiencing the culture of the period. Those looking for quick gratification and thrill of case solving may find it a little slow paced.
I have compiled notes on Detective Dee, Dutch author Robert Van Gulik, Empress Wu Zetian. I have also written summary of each cases in the discussion section of the drama page. Don't forget to read it for more information and details of this series.
Leaving links below for the notes.
1. Basic information
https://kisskh.at/discussions/judge-dees-mystery/122837-basic-information-about-the-cases-and-judge-dee?pid=2949011&page=1#p2949011
2. All Nine case summaries, starting from case 1.
https://kisskh.at/discussions/judge-dees-mystery/122837-basic-information-about-the-cases-and-judge-dee?pid=2957009&page=1#p2957009
I will also leave Clickable links of the above mentioned discussion section as a comment to this review.
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Acting is the saving grace
I initially tuned into this show solely for Luo Yunxi, without much expectation due to past experiences with modern Chinese dramas. However, the trailer intrigued me, and I hoped it might surpass my expectations. While it wasn't bad, it also didn't stand out significantly.Pros:
The acting stands out as the strongest aspect of the show. Each actor delivered their role excellently without going overboard.
As a fan of "Till the end of the moon," I particularly enjoyed the chemistry between GYZ and FMF. The main leads also had good chemistry, with many scenes feeling natural.
Luo Yunxi's performance deserves special mention, as he consistently elevates his acting in each role. This is arguably his best modern drama performance to date.
ZRN shows potential as one of the standout actresses in the Chinese entertainment industry, especially in emotional scenes.
Even the side characters portrayed their roles convincingly.
I appreciated the music of the drama, especially a violin instrumental piece that became an instant favorite.
Cons:
The plot and execution fell short. While there were enjoyable scenes and episodes, the overall story lacked coherence and direction.
The portrayal of kissing scenes was a letdown. While I didn't expect passion, I hoped for better expressions from ZRN during these moments.
As a medical drama addressing diseases like Huntington's, I wished for more exploration of the struggles faced by HD patients and their families. The focus on family and love drama detracted from the potential emotional depth of the show.
Overall, I'd recommend watching it once if you're a fan of Luo Yunxi or enjoy modern medical dramas in general.
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1This review may contain spoilers
Oh! Thank F∧ck it's Over
Oooh Lord, I have SUFFERED. I have been tried, and I have properly gone through it with this damn show. It was 6 weeks of hell and flabberghast. And I have no one to blame but myself. Because, why didn't I drop this shit?? I don't think I've ever watched a show where, by the end, I hated everyone - both main characters included.Complaining aside, if I were to seriously sit with the question "why didn't I drop this shit?" I'd say that it's because the characters are intriguing, especially LXF. His situation with his birth family, his in-laws, and his imbalanced r/ship (fueled by classism and a lack of communication) with his brother-in-law make a compelling plot.
I wanted to follow his story and root for him to come out on top. To finally say enough is enough and get his lick back at all the atrocious people in his life. However, by the finale, I hated him too. I genuinely disliked every character we came across. I didn't even care for the twist we got at the end. It felt kinda 'meh' and wasn't nearly as cathartic as I'd have liked.
Now, as for things that this drama has taught me;
1. The damsel in distress trope does not work for me. I knew it didn't work for women, and now I definitely know it 100% doesn't work if the damsel in question is a dude.
2. If anyone dared propose to me with anything resembling the words 'will you cook for me forever', I will immediately smack them upside the head with a cast iron pan.
3. My 2026 brain is not made for such a plot and such characters. LXF constantly reminded me of a faceless 'wife' character from 'the good ol days' where women existed for others. She, the wife, doesn't quite have agency. She lives for her birth family, then her husband and his in-laws - and is deferent to them all. Speaks only when she's spoken to. Has opinions but never shares them because the husband said no. She lives to serve her husband in their home.
And is forever a blushing virgin, no matter how many times they've done it. Sexual desire comes from her husband - she never initiates. But she's down whenever he wants it - she'll blush and say a coy 'no' (that's supposed to be sexy), through it all, though. My God, this show made me angry.
4. No one but me suffers when I insist on watching a show where I'm rolling my eyes at every character on screen.
Note to self: Drop the show and stick to reading the damn comments next time if you're that curious about the characters.
IMO, this show is not fit for a 2026 audience (me). Maybe it'd have worked in the 90s and the early 2000s (maybe), but not now. While the story has good points- love in between classes, how upbringing affects one's self-worth, and the burden of familial obligation- it all goes down the drain because the characters feel so bland. Like cardboard. I saw no growth, just suffering. And the lickback I'd powered through 11 episodes for was not only rushed through and poorly explained in the finale, but the person seeking revenge went straight back to subservience as soon as the husband showed up🤦🏾♀️.
I'm generally a fan of 'the heart wants what it wants' kind of love stories, but this was just stupid.
Final Thoughts:
Girl, I'm tired. I never want to hear about this drama ever again. I'm actively wiping it off my mind as I type this line.
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Definitely a Gem.
This series was surprisingly good. It is a bit slow paced but it was consistently endearing. I’ve watched many Jdrama’s and this one is by far one of the best I’ve ever seen. Aside from the initial awkward moment, it’s genuinely a well written series. No supremely weak and and easily manipulated females. No forced dating. No weird triangles. Just good friendships, communication and humor. I loved how supportive the friends were towards each other and how they treated each other like family. It was a very warm series. There were some sad moments but so many heartfelt and funny moments too. I highly recommend this and will most certainly put it on my rewatch list.Was this review helpful to you?
short series with amazing story
I watched this drama for a quick break. It was short sweet and enjoyable.I had a fun time enjoying the drama. It was like a sweet candy until the end. The story was engaging and as it's a short drama you don't wanna give up before its completion. It's worth binging.
Both the actors performed very well. All the emotions absorbed are well portrayed in the drama. Sometimes I actually wanted the story to be more in length.
As its short, it is unable to stir up the emotion in me
Watch it for a quick time pass.
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Mature and heartbreaking romance + great chemistry & acting
Completed - 2/2/2022 - 8.25 rounding up to 8.5"Because of Love" has all the ingredients of a mature melodrama - first love, lost love, tragic pasts, revenge and illnesses. This drama is not for those who are looking for a fast-paced, fluffy, sweet romance. This is about life, hardships, tough decisions, and heartbreaks.
What I Enjoy:
1. Amazing acting - Everyone delivers great acting in this drama, ranging from the youngest and most adorable child actor, to all the veteran actors. We hear a lot about Wallace Chung (ML) and Li Xiao Ran (FL) and they are both awesome in portraying their respective characters and showing a range of emotions. LXR's eyes speak volumes and you can see her determination and stubbornness through her big, teary eyes. Wallace's heart-wrenching cries and emotional scenes are no joke. Both actors are not idol-pretty in this drama. They are tired, gaunt and depressed, esp. for Wallace, a completely different look that fit the character so well. Additionally, the second lead couple, give off a totally different vibe compared to our main couple. After watching Wang Yang in "The Rebel", I am again attracted to his charisma. There's just something about him, who is not super handsome in a traditional sense, but he just sucks you in. It's my first drama of Tian Lei Xi, and she is so pretty and refreshing to watch. But I have to mention two of my other favorites: Morni Chan who played grandfather Nie Dong Yuan, and child actor Mi Ke who played Sun Ping. It should not be a surprise to see veteran Morni Chan playing such a divisive character. I want to hate him for putting our leads through all that suffering, but I can't help understanding where he came from. Little child actor Mi Ke has got to be one of the most adorable kid. I've seen cute kids in dramas before and they are mostly very outgoing and act cute. But Mi Ke's character, Sun Ping, is not. He's just a quiet and intelligent regular kid. He is using his own voice and delivers the lines so well. He's such a precious angel!
2. Chemistry (1st half of the drama) - The chemistry between Wallace and LXR in the first half of the drama is amazing. When ever they came across each other, you feel the angst, torment, longing, passion.... a mixed bag of emotions! I can't help but want them to stop suffering and fall into each others' arms. They have two very passionate kiss scenes - so much emotions!! The teen version of the leads also delivers solid acting. In contrast to the darker adult romance, their younger selves are warm and adorable. They brought some lightheartedness to the drama (before things go south). On the other hand, our second leads have a cat-and-mouse type sizzling chemistry. They are flirting but not flirting and it's incredibly hot. These two romances have very different feels to them. Unfortunately, I only feel this way about them in the first half of the show.
3. Past and Present - This drama uses many flashbacks in its storyline telling. However it's seamless between the past and present. You won't get confused and oftentimes, I feel like I am watching a parallel time line. This is probably the first drama I watch that I don't mind flashbacks and would like to see more of.
4. Realistic sets/costumes - A large portion of the drama takes place inside a hospital. This is probably one of the most realistic, normal-looking hospital I've seen in Asian drama. Many hospitals in dramas look like they are for the high society and look too modern and high tech. But this hospital looks like it's for regular people, even the VIP rooms. Moreover, the area where FL lives also look appropriate to her socioeconomic status. All characters dress the part. ML's slouch-walking and casual wear fit his depressed mood, even though he's a successful cardiac surgeon.
What I don't quite enjoy:
1. Main romance (2nd half of the drama) - The angst and passion seem to have disappeared in the second half. At times, I can't tell whether FL is still in love with ML (though I know plot wise, she is). ML becomes a lovesick, smitten puppy and the torment and longing seem to have disappeared. The romance becomes... normal and calm. Once they sort of got together, there isn't enough romantic scenes to feel happy for them. Maybe this is a mature romance that feelings don't need to be shown as much. I just miss how I feel about the romance in the first half. This is why I did not give this drama a solid 8.5.
2. Loud BGM - The OST is fine and not extraordinary, though I do like the opening theme song. Music is not overplayed but at times the background music is too loud. It's so loud that I can't hear the dialogs and have to resort to reading subtitles.
3. Last few episodes in the business world seem to be out-of-place. The tone of the drama changes. Maybe a few more episodes should be dedicated to develop that part of the plot to build up the drama a little more.
Other Observations:
1. It took a little while to get used to Wallace's accent but I like it. I will take the actors real voice anytime over dubbing.
3. I thought the kid has a GPS bracelet, how come they can't find him?
4. There are no true villains. I might not agree with their actions but I understand why they act that way.
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The acting is in my opinion exceptional. Both Kimutaku and Matsu Takako did an amazing job, their chemistry was simply amazing. The other two actors were also very good.
The music is just like the story, simple and beautiful. The main theme by Ohtaki Eiichi and the song by Cagnet really gave me the goosebumps in every scene.
I've already watched it twice in a very short amount of time and still want to watch it once more.
I find myself smiling like an idiot everytime I recall this dorama.
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The only thing I dislike with this movie is the 3 minutes long song in the middle. It is dull, annoying and does not have anything to do with the story. Otherwise the soundtrack is as sweet as the story itself.
I highly recommend you watching this and I would, at the same time, like to mention that the director of "Boy meets boy" has made a 30 minutes long movie in the same spirit, "Just friends?". A movie just as delightful as this one.
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The only problem with it was that they could have given some more time to some characters and the relationships. Somethings at times felt lost and unexplained.
But apart from that, this drama was sweet. I wish I had a sister. I won't say it is one of those extraordinary dramas, but its a simple story that you can relate to at times and which will move you to tears and make you smile all at once. Oh and I loved the music.
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