"Do you want to have a drink with me?"
"Counseling with a twist." That is how I initially perceived the theme Mystic Pop-up Bar. Dramas that touch on mental health issues are often either of melodrama or suspense genre. But here is a gem of a show that gives you a release and relief from a shot of soju, without the usual hangover.In the first few episodes of this drama, you'll find stories of persons whose grudges could well be the same as many of us have. The counseling part comes naturally in the dialogue between the characters, often in a comical way. (It could be a good idea to have a paper and pen ready to take down some quotable lines.) As the drama progresses, it begins to focus more on the main characters' own concerns which has been taking 500 years to settle.
What's so awesome about Mystic Pop-up Bar is, while it's generally comedy, you'll also find some bits of romance, drama and action in it. Worthy of mentioning also is how clean the CGI effects they used in the show. I'm not sure with the others, but for me, each episode was like a movie.
Even though I chose to watch this because of SKY Castle actor Choi Won Young, I must say all the actors in this drama are worth applauding. Yook Sung Jae made a great choice of doing this drama before his military enlistment; he did really well as Han Kang Bae. Also, I could say that we have a different Hwang Jung Eum here, so if you're not a fan of the way she acted in her previous dramas, don't let that get in the way of you experiencing a one-of-a-kind journey in Mystic Pop-up Bar.
The OST is worth adding to your playlist as well, especially the song for Part 1 of the soundtrack.
I recommend this drama after watching heavy drama, suspense or action, or to those who simply want to have a good laugh after a tiring day.
Enjoy Mystic Pop-up Bar!
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This review may contain spoilers
" BELIEVING IS MAGIC "
This is my first time writing a review so i guess it won't be that great .It's impossible to rewatch as you will remember this drama forever . This is the best kdrama of 2022 so farr . I cried in the last episode . This dramatells us about what we need is to believe in ourselves . This drama is taking us 2022 children and adults into consideration . We all must have dreamt of something in our childhood . But do we really complete that dream when we grow up ? Just getting a degree or becoming like your parents is not a qualification or a must . We need to think and see what makes us comfortable and happy and makes us worth living a lifetime . This drama has excellently potrayed everything about our current situations but using magic and how we should move forward by remembering our happiest memories .
" He had no choice " " At some point , the world became a place where people like you ( ) can't live in . because if you don't meet the set standarads , you are treated like a failure . ......................... I think I understand you now . Since when did this world became a place where dreams have to meet a standarad ? What kind of qualifications are needed to become a necessary adult ? I just need to be me . " - Ah yi (ep 6)
I don't have much to write . So i hope you'll watch it . My review won't be that good . This drama amazed me a lott and I have been thinking about this drama since 24 hrs . I loveee thisss
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Sometimes I skip parts in dramas because they predictable, but this drama was the complete opposite. If you skip an episode you will be lost or will greatly regret it.
This is the first drama that has ever made me cry, laugh, and ship 4 couples with four cast mates (think about it hahaha)
I usually don't watch melo dramas because I like happy endings and melo dramas don't really follow that story line, but this drama is different it's not a romance comedy-but is, and not a melo drama- but defiantly is. Some points in the drama you cry or tear up for a very sad reason which in my case seem like a melo drama. other times you laugh with the characters which seem like comic relief.
I started to watch 49 days because I saw Jung Il Woo dressed in all black with black hair- hello one of my top actors of all time looking sexy... of course I will watch it. i can say he is hot the whole way through the drama, but he will make you cry- a lot...
All the cast mates let you connect with their character. Each character has a story to be told watch 49 days and find out their stories. I promise you won't regret watching it. i sure didn't
i true hope you enjoy watch the drama as much as i did!
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This review may contain spoilers
This is my first time writing a review for a Chinese drama and Scarlet Heart has an honor for it.I don't even know from where to begin with. You know when drama leaves you spechless, with many emotions that even after finishing it you can't gather yourself and keep replaying that song that reminds you of every single moment of a drama. Yes, that's how I am right now. Here I am sitting on a chair with tears in my eyes and writing a review for this wonderful drama.
I liked everything about this drama. Literally. The story-time travel, historical, romantic one, princes and Ruoxi who had so many beautiful relationships with them. One phenomenal story that will move you to bones. Beautiful China, deep, passionate love, season changing, scenery, every single detail is done in the most professional way that you totally forgot about the time and enjoy in this magnificent piece. Cecilia is a beautiful woman, so beautiful that I couldn't take my eyes of her. They way she acts, cries, loves is the wonderful enjoyment for my eyes. Everyone did a fantastic job in their own roles just like as it is written for them.
The part that made me bound for a drama is Ruoxi's relationships that she had with all princes. With one she was a drinking buddy, the one who understands her the most, with the other she was goofy and happy, with third she felt protected and with last she was in love with. Their interactions with each other, words, gestrures, glance they shared with each other simply crawls into your skin and you become a part of it.
Another thing that fascinated me is that every character in this drama has it's faults, nobody is perfect. As the story progress you see them change eather good or bad, precisely they changed in a way which their ambition led. Nobody's perfect, we all know that, we all make mistakes and regret later, we all have that moment of glory that makes us forget how we really were before, that moment when we all want to go to the past and correct things is something we all have and this was exactly the case in this drama. Their decions, mistakes, pain, sadness, happiness are made in such a stong way that you can feel it, understand why they done that and simply connect with every character in there.
***** SPOILER ALERT!*** ( About her relationship she had with princes, so if you want to know nothing, don't read it).
13th prince was the one for me. Right from the start. Their relationship was real, they understood each other completely, for him she didn't need to say anything, he'll understood her with one single gesture she makes. She liked him as her drinking buddy, but I, I felt that that is the real relationship between man and woman. He was there in her the most hardest times, happiest times, he was always there as a loyal friend. Soulmate friend. The scene when he deeply hugged her, directing her this words: "When the grass is green next year, old friends will no longer look the same. The sea holds our closest friends and the ends of the earth are our neighbours" moved me to bones and that's why it'll be carved in my heart forever.
14th prince has a special place in my heart. Principle man, weighed down by deep sense of honor and loyalty, kind, strong, He liked Ruoxi as a friend, even married her just so he can help her and that was what I appreciated the most.
Ah, here are her two loves 8th and 4th prince. 8th prince is her first love, the man whom she experienced the meaning of a love. He is romantic, protective, she felt safe when she was with him. They both know that it is a forbidden love, love that hurts, but what do you really can go against the feelings? Rouxi and 8th loved each other, but not enough to give up on everything. Later, their love was replaced by respect towards each other.
As for 4th Prince, well he was her true love, love 'till her death. Their chemistry was breathtaking, passionate, intense. It was so stong and powerful that when they were apart, their longing makes your heart break and you can't help but cry. He is calculative, with secrets, but towards Rouxi, he's different. He can be honest with her, tells her openly that he wants the throne, he was like himself with her. And that was love. Love that can last 'till eternity even when they're not together. But, when 4th Prince became Empreror their minds and opinions changed. Like they are strangers they didn't understand each other. The more they didn't understand each other, the more their love hurt. They were so close, yet so far, under one Heaven, but like miles away. They hurt each other, wanted to hate but they couldn't, longed for each other. He didn't care for anyone, only for her. Ruoxi was her everything, his soul, heart, mind, love. I vividly remember when he told 13th prince: "She cares for other, I care only for her."That was the proof how much he loved her. I wasn't that fond of him, cause he became selfish and tyranic, but their love was truly the strong one and it will always stay with me.
*** SPOILER END***
Oh and to say that Rouxi is the one of the strongest female characters in dramaland. She is intellegent, brave, unselfish, when she loves she loves till her core. The burden she carry is big, but wasn't able to share her story. She was a true survivor after all. She smiled, cried and loved to the fullest and that makes a woman strong, that even know it hurts, you're trying to get the best out of it. And that job was done by Cecilia whom I just have a words of praise and admiration.
I'll for sure rewatch this drama cause it's totally worth it. Even though it is sad, I took a positive side of it and placed some hope at the end. It is truly a beautiful story about love, friendship and passion. I laughed, cried, felt happy. I simply lived with this drama.
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A mature, no-nonsense love story, where the leads are real adults.
I had avoided this show for a while, because from the posters and synopsis I felt it would be a cheesy rom-com involving three guys and a woman wanting a baby. I was not interested to see a love square with 3 guys and a girl, even if it boasted the casting of Jang Nara, no thank you.Yet, I was curious nevertheless and decided to just give two episodes a try (you'all know how this usually ends)
You will love Oh My Baby, if you can relate to any of the following elements in a show:-
1. Adults (leads, second leads) actually having proper conversations. They talk things out, having meaningful conversations.
2. If you love FL with a no-nonsense approach but not crass and rude, bravely taking a lead in love but pulling back too, feeling hurt but recovering, a FL that does not resort to whining, screaming or shouting, not being pitiful even in a worst scenario.
3. If you had bad trauma from the mother in Something in the Rain, then Oh My Baby will restore faith in good mothers. She is similar to, but much better than the cool mom in Witch's Romance. This mom gets angry yes, but tells her daughter immediately that she should not lose her sense of self or feel guilty just because her mom is being angry with her. She stands by her daughter through all decisions, even those involving public ridicule. She doesn't care two hoots about societal response and family comments. This is a mom that does mountaineering and dancing, while also constantly looking for a match for her daughter. This is a mom that made friends with ML even even before she knew of her daughters interest in him and vice versa. Not just acquaintances in friendly terms, I mean real buddies.
I usually skip mom scenes in kdramas, and if you are like me, don't skip this mom's dialogues. She is sassy and open minded, and her scenes are worth listening to. This is a mom to end all kdrama moms.
4. There are no jealous female second leads, (but jealous male lead yes ) not everyone around the male lead is pining for his love, and they are all actually shipping them together, yes even the gals. No one bitchy and manipulative. Second male lead gets angsty a bit but that doesn't last more than a couple of episodes. He never stood a chance, it was clear from the beginning.
5. A romance that is gentle, but cracking with chemistry all the same.
6. Its not fluffy, silly rom-com but at the same time retains elements of fun throughout. The topics they deal with are emotional but handled with directness and spirit.
7. This is even better than Search WWW in terms of female portrayal because this is more realistic and honest. The women are not out-of-the-world sassy and bold, but rather as much real as anyone in that society would be. The only unreal element is that the FL is too pretty to be actually someone who never had proper romance for her age, but they also show why this is so,. its convincing.
If you liked Because this is my First Life, then you will definitely love this. I guarantee. Come back and trash me here if I am wrong.
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I really like both Jasper Liu and Eugenie Liu and the premise of this series sounded like fun - gangster's daughter meets and falls in love with the actor she's always fangirled over! The action scenes in the show are purely comedic, cheesy and just for fun. Sometimes it's over the top, but I can accept that. Eugenie does a great job portraying Angie, a fierce, bubbly young woman who tries to forge an independent path for herself. On the other hand, Jasper's character Yi Hang felt underdeveloped. He's a cute, charming, popular actor who loves elephants. That's all I got really. Their relationship developed UNBELIEVABLY quickly. Emphasis on unbelievable as in "I absolutely did not believe it." In comparison, I found myself liking Eddie Kim much more and thought the actor who plays him, Tsao Yu Ning, was excellent.
A lot of interesting side stories are introduced - Ding Ding, Ling Yun, Sophia, etc - but none of them are developed nearly enough. If Netflix releases more episodes (I mean, they'd BETTER!), then I will definitely continue watching. There's so much potential.
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Cute, happy fluff
Highly recommended if you're looking for some light romance that will make you feel happy and fluffy after watching. What I love about this drama is we start seeing the happy fluff from pretty much the very beginning, and there's no draggy plotline or crazy second male/female lead who's here to ruin it for everyone.Not to say there aren't misunderstandings or bad bad villains somewhere, but those problems tend to get resolved quickly and in a satisfactory way, and only serve to improve the characters' relationships.
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I had my reservations before beginning this show, since I'm no fan of religiously oriented stories. Should you hesistate for the same reason, rest assured that, aside from the beautiful temple that plays as a setting and a few sutras read in the background, the monk hero is less religious than me - if possible.
In fact, here's one of those rare examples in rom-coms where the leads have physical desires. That a monk has to take more icy showers than your average CEO to suppress his wordly lust is an entertaining concept. Not to mention that, if you're a fan of Yamapi you may find this habit of his very pleasing.
As I said, there's a lot to laugh about while watching. Indeed, I'd say this is a rom-COM, where the comedic aspect wins over the romance. The romantic aspect, on the other hand, is seesawing, and I found myself laughing at the couple, hating the couple, loving the couple, re-hating it and re-loving it. There are in all respect more couples to enjoy here, even though I personally loved the side characters as a whole, not paired, if that makes any sense.
Don't expect some deep characterization because, in perfect from-manga-to-live-action style, the stress is on the characters' present actions, rather than how they came to this point. Hints, however, are given now and again, and I personally found those touching and well played out.
Out of the lot, I found the best acting performance to be that of Satomi Ishihara, solid, elegant and believable. A pity her character undergoes a few unwatchable tests that made me cringe on my womanly seat, but that's the plot and the actress won the challenge whether she had to be spunky or sad.
Yamashita's character requires him to be hilariously robotic, something he does very well, since he manages to convey quite a lot through his eyes. I appreciate this trait of him and loved it here. This monk can stretch your patience to its limits, but it turns out he's truly endearing and I'm very happy at his decision by the end - and I'm not referring to the very end.
Music? Nothing to talk about.
I think I'll rewatch this one day, either because I'm a rewatcher by nature or simply because it managed to draw me out of a slump with some welcomed laugh and a deserved (?) Yamapi fix.
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MUST WATCH
The best drama during October that I watched.The storyline keeps the audience from getting bored, and makes them curious to watch the next episode. Emotions that fluctuate, do not make this drama seem excessive, instead it makes the story more interesting. The actors are very good at playing the characters in this drama. Makes us feel the emotions of each character as if we really are in their position as characters in this drama. Even the music supports all the scenes at every moment in this drama.
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A Charming, Low-Stress Watch
A classic "long-term, secret, mutual crush" story that provides comfort and nostalgiaPlot and Premise:
The story follows Ruan Yu (Zheng He Hui Zi), who leaves her stable job to become a full-time author. When her novel is accused of plagiarism she crosses paths with her high school crush, Xu Huaisong (Miles Wei Zheming), who is now a brilliant intellectual property lawyer. The drama follows them as they defend her work, reconnect, and navigate their long-buried feelings.
What's Great:
• The Chemistry: Miles Wei and Zheng He Hui Zi's chemistry is naturally attractive with sweet interactions.
• The Vibe: It has an "old CDrama" feel; easy to watch. Comfortable, and not overly angsty.
• Light-Hearted Comedy: It is genuinely funny, particularly in the banter between the leads and the supporting cast.
• Main Couple Dynamic: Both leads are appealing, and the "slow burn" approach allows their relationship to feel earned.
• Cinematography: High quality production with a visual style that highlights a sweet, romantic, and "fairy-tale-like" ambience. The camera frequently employs close-ups to capture their emotional expressions during moments of vulnerability and romantic tension. Care and attention have been paid to framing and lighting.
• Music: A variety of romantic and emotional tracks performed by popular artists to emphasize the developing bond between the leads.The background music in the drama often utilizes instrumental versions of the main themes to highlight specific moods. The sound effects for humorous scenes have been fantastic.
What Could Be Better
• Pacing: Is slow, particularly around the middle, often relying on fillers rather than advancing the plot.
• Plot Familiarity: The story is somewhat predictable, relying on familiar tropes rather than introducing high-stakes originality.
Overall Experience:
"You Are My Fateful Love" is a solid 8.5-9/10 for lovers of romance. While it may not break new ground, it succeeds in providing a heartwarming "slow-burn" love story. It's perfect for a weekend binge if you don't mind a slower, character-driven story over high-octane plot developments.
Recommended for those seeking a cozy, low-melodrama watch, but perhaps not for those seeking tight plot progression or intense conflict.
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This review may contain spoilers
Loved this ...and hated this
I had no expectations going into this drama except "Oh great another 8 episode K-BL.". Usually these 8 episode stories feel rushed and incomplete. I did not get that feeling about this one. Would more episodes have been better? Maybe but just to get a fuller picture or it may have felt drawn out needlessly. There was enough in this series to give you the information you needed to fully understand the story without feeling rushed or confused.The story was so bittersweet but I loved every minute of it even when I was balling my eyes out (which is also why I "hated" it). The chemistry of the two leads is charming and sweet. It couldn't end any other way than it does. If it did I think it would almost have been dissappointing.
I gave it an 8 for rewatch value only because it is one I'll have to set aside for a good while or be in the mood for tears to watch again.
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Wuxia’s most pleasant leading maiden
Maiden Holmes is about romance (60%), solving cases (30%) and political intrigue (10%).It has elements of light humour (50%), moderate seriousness (40%), thriller (9%) and angst (1%).
The one key quality that it has in abundance, in my humble opinion, is Wuxia’s most pleasant FL (100%).
What’s great:
The FL - She’s calm, level-headed, intelligent and smart. She demonstrates a certain quiet resolve and mental resilience, yet also displays tender affection and emotional vulnerability. The character is sensibly written to be relatable to the viewers, rather than an unrealistic Mary Sue or the usual insufferable whiny, clingy and ridiculously idiotic damsels in distress.
Chen Yao – Her portrayal of the character Su Ci, an individual who possesses much inner strength and insecurities, struggling with a heavy burden of her past, is nothing short of amazing. Her down-to-earth demeanour coupled with such low-key and soothing voice, adds emotional nuance to her depiction. This is in stark contrast to the helium-inhaled high pitched hysteria of the spoilt princess stereotypes. Being her second gender bender role of the year (the other being My Unicorn Girl), her version of the crossdresser is one of the best for the historical genre this year – realistic without being unnaturally pretty (In A Class of Her Own) or unusually weird (The Heiress).
Romance and OTP – This is not intense sacrificial love the likes of which most have observed in Love and Redemption. The romance is endearingly adorable and charming that warmly culminates in a near-perfect chemistry that is further enhanced by countless steamy kisses between the OTP.
The OST – I truly enjoyed the entire soundtrack of this drama, from the opening to the closing credits, and especially throughout the numerous MV scenes in between where the songs and the BGM added such beautiful layers ever so subtly into the emotional scenes. The playlist comprises the following songs:
斯琴高丽 (Si Qin Gao Li) – 倾城小时光 – Qing Cheng Xiao Shi Guang
崔子格 (Cui Zi Ge) – 镜花水月 – Jing Hua Shui Yue
叶炫清 (Ye Xuan Qing), 李行亮 (Li Xing Liang) – 望归人 – Wang Gui Ren
崔子格 (Cui Zi Ge) – 是我非我 – Shi Wo Fei Wo
陈瑶 (Chen Yao) – 生根落地 – Sheng Gen Luo Di
The ML – Played by the up-and-coming young star in his very first drama role, Zhang Ling He. He is extremely raw and lacks obvious experience yet he manages to imbue the character of Prince Qi with a charming enthusiasm and youthful exuberance that enlivened the exciting chemistry he shared with Chen Yao’s Su Ci throughout the show. It certainly helps that he exudes charismatic appeal to his boyish good looks and witty personality that serves to endear him to the viewers.
The support cast – Comprising the second couple and a sidekick, these lovable characters join the OTP to complete the band of loyal friends in their pursuit of justice and happiness through their adventures together.
What’s not so great:
The action choreography – There are many action sequences and much martial arts proficiency depicted throughout. However, the choreography is sub-par, in comparison with many of its peers in the genre. It’s certainly not the worst but it is painfully obvious especially to avid followers of the martial arts choreography.
Cases and investigations – Romance takes central stage at the expense of more compelling cases and mysteries, which in turn, diminished the attention on investigative prowess and case solving. Viewers who initially tuned in for this sub-genre would no doubt be left dissatisfied with the lack of captivating and thrilling investigative plot.
Comparisons:
This show is not as heavy and intense as Under the Power in terms of case solving and the villainy of the antagonist but the romance here holds its own against Tan Song Yun and Ren Jia Lun. It fares much better against Miss Truth in terms of storytelling, pacing, acting and overall plot which is straightforward and uncomplicated without the angsty love triangle. It doesn’t quite reach the lofty standards set by full-fledged detective dramas such as Ancient Detective, Detective Dee and The Four, but then again the romance there doesn’t match up to this drama.
Overall:
Maiden Holmes is a light hearted romance with the titular protagonist who is more Nancy Drew than Sherlock. This show is not meant to be taken too seriously. Just sit back, relax and have fun with this heartwarming series. I certainly did.
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Cute fluff with a twist
Destined to meet you is adapted from the web novel "Ba Hun, Xu Mo Yi Jiu" (霸婚,蓄谋已久) (literal translation – Domineering marriage, long-planned), written by Yu Ge (鱼歌).The story starts quite like the usual way of "contract marriage" dramas. She had to marry someone urgently and he is one of the good candidates out there, so she marries him. But the twist is that it may look like she forced him into this marriage but he actually came on his own.
Soon as they live and know each other, they like each other and you know a lot of fluffy moments coming up. But since this is the "Older woman/younger man" trope, she had to be the one taking steps and this is when the comedy comes into play. It gets so funny with all kinds of embarrassing and awkward, silly comedy. Her trials, his denial and etc etc…
The fact that this is so short like 20 episodes of 10 minutes which is equal to 3 hour 20 minutes, almost like a movie that can be watched in one go. Since I picked it while airing, I had to wait though.
What I loved is the female lead… a famous successful lady need not always be cold and bossy… she's rather cute yet strong. And the portrayal of the role by Lu Yan Qi is an advantage. I saw her last time in Under the Skin where she is in a supportive role but after watching this I really wonder why she isn't she a main lead actress. She deserves some good main roles.
The male lead is Yang Ze who is famous for his recent short drama "The killer is also romantic" and a bunch of supporting roles, yet another actor I think can do better. He should be moving to more main roles too. In addition we also have Ni Han Jin ( as Jin Xi Chen ) and Guo Jia Yu (as Liang Jingjing) in important roles.
What took away 1.5 stars —
— The story is good but the editing is bad… as i was confused in between because of the way next scenes come into frame…
To sum up, this is a cute drama that is short and binge-watchable, worth your time if you're looking for something fluffy with little twists, a total romance focused drama with silly comedy.
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