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This movie is not a comedy. Although there are some funny moments, it is a very deep, beautiful, and touching story. I don't think anyone but Yeo Jin-Goo could have so thoroughly brought Soo-Myung to life - his every expression is PERFECT and seriously this boy tells stories without ever opening his mouth. His character is the perfect foil for Lee Min-Ki's Seung-Min, and their bromantic chemistry is just amazing.
The way the two main characters interact and influence each other leads to perfectly executed character development. I'm trying to write a serious review here but all I want to do is gush endlessly. This is very much a character-driven movie, but the pacing is just right, and you certainly won't ever be bored!
I have a weakness for stories focusing on friendship and another weakness for anything psychology related. I think the way the film handles the topic of mental illness is appropriate - it shows you hardships but it also doesn't leave you feeling hopeless.
It doesn't get too into detail with the side characters and their problems, but instead focuses on Soo-Myung and Seung-Min's issues and growth, which I actually think is a good thing, because it allowed them to fully develop - which is not to say the supporting characters are flat, because they aren't, and they are able to shine in their own right without taking the spotlight away from the mains.
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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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Perfect writing; no holes or no loose ends. Everything is connected brilliantly. The amount of pain and laughter are balanced wonderfully. The characters are well-written and the actors have done a perfect job performing them. Chapeau to the writer, the director and the cast.
To actually fall in love with Choi Kang Hee was something I never imagined but after this drama there was no way I wouldn't. I hope she's OK after playing the role.
A realistic approach of traumas and pain. No forgiveness simply granted. People do commit crimes and make mistakes. Not everyone is redeemed just because the drama is ending. How one person's not confessed crime would haunt so many people. Family and its complications. All are tackled in the drama.
Now comes the most bewitching theme; love. Hey! Hey! I'm someone who vowed to stay single forever! This drama had made me want to date again! Insane! How true people are to their feelings. No noble idiocy, no unnecessary self-blame, no giving up, no escaping. I'm feeling this way I'll be true to my feelings and simply confess and take responsibility. If you can't recognise your own feelings I'll help you but I won't give up on you. The past grudges won't stand in the way of our love because you simply mean the world to me. '' I either see you or die. And since I can't die I'll just see you.'' No shame or pretense when it comes to physical love. I want you, I express it. '' Love for me is touching''. Honest and realistic but so moving. Memorable in every aspect!
Though at the beginning I was worried about the second female lead but she thankfully found the right track. Every character has its own tale and every one can relate to each tale.
The OSTs and the music are so distinctive and soooooooooo suitable.
I will definitely re-watch it if ever have the time.
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Mischievous Kiss: Love in Tokyo Season 2
89 people found this review helpful
For those who’ve said goodbye to Kotoko and Irie several times, we know it doesn’t get easy. Maybe because they truly are the perfect couple. Every flaw Kotoko has is a strength Irie has and every flaw Irie has is a strength Kotoko has, but they graciously accept it and consider each other the half they need to be complete.
Theirs is a relationship of encouragement. The INK story is about never giving up. Never give up on your dreams, whether it be what you want to do, who you want to do it with, or who you want to be. The seemingly impossible is possible. (Sometimes it just takes an earthquake, meteorite, or fire to get fate going.)
I actually think I might’ve liked season two of Mischievous Kiss more than season one. It’s a pleasant mixture of comedy and fluff. From Kotoko’s iconic yells and zone out moments to Irie watching over Kotoko fondly as if she’s the sun itself, what could anyone possible dislike about this show?
Now newly wedded, our favorite couple try their best to finish internships and become legitimate medical professionals. However, being married to the love your life doesn’t mean the rest of your life is magically uncomplicated. There are plenty of insecurities and doubts that sprout up between our leads, but it's not as dramatic as other dramas. If you're looking for realistic but quickly solved troubles this is it. It's interesting enough that it's not boring, but it's light enough that you don't get too stressed.
We see how much better these two are when they have each other. Our Kotoko becomes a (semi-)capable nurse when just a couple years ago she was in the lowest grade class. And our Irie shows emotions never seen before. Who could imagine the practically permanent “stone face” Irie Naoki laughing? You’d have to see it to believe it.
Furukawa Yuki and Miki Honoka play their roles as if they were made for them. Yuki flawlessly transitions between attitudes of indifference, annoyance, and warmth like no other actor I’ve watched and I couldn’t get over how amazing Honoka played Kotoko in this season. She grew a lot as an actress. I’d watch scenes and it’d feel like I was watching an actual anime because she gives so much life to Kotoko that it’s unreal.
The soundtrack is pretty decent. As of now, I still prefer season one's ost but maybe that's because it already makes me a little nostalgic. You can tell care went into the soundtrack unlike some dramas that just throw any instrumental mess into the background and recycle the main themes every ten minutes. INK’s music has always enhanced the characters' actions and the overall moods.
So the million dollar question. Is this show re-watchable? As a certified Itazura Na Kiss stan that's watched almost four of the five show adaptions completely, I'd say yeah. It's kinda totally re-watchable.
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4Favorite cdrama in years
I've been watching chinese dramas for YEARS (probably over a decade), and this is the only cdrama I've watched on repeat ever. The characters are well written, the romance is believable, and there's also an endgame/political setup that is emotional and worth cheering for. The female lead's setup is already intriguing, since it involves a female lead that has to (re)navigate her life decisions in a a thought-provoking way, and generally a male lead that is supportive of her throughout this navigating of the court intrigue/personal relationships. For me, the elements that make a truly wonderful and rewatchable drama are as follows:1) Strong female lead - the female lead has to be written in a way that I want to cheer for her. There are a lot of characters out there, but the female lead has a strong drive/ambition and has a reason for wanting to accomplish her mission that to me reads as noble and worthwhile, while also being spunky and fun (and I absolutely love Bai Lu's acting, she is perfectly cast for this role). It's just super fun to watch a female character acting in her own agency and trying to navigate life
2) Excellent chemistry between both (all?) leads - really good believable chemistry always gets me. enough said here, their scenes speak for themselves :) this also links to that I want both leads to be believable in their chemistry. Good acting to me is where I forget they're an actor, but truly believe they are the character they're portraying, which is definitely done by both here!
3) Good pacing & political intrigue - love me some plotting for the dramatic tension in the storyline, and I think dramas really shine when both leads have a brain and work together, and get to know each other over a shared interest/smarts rather than just a love at first sight. the dramatic tension of first life vs. fixing things in second life also drives the plot and kept me on the hook; when I watch a drama, having it be interesting and an easy watch is v important
4) good quality costuming & scenery - I hate when other historical dramas look cheap or over the top, but I've aesthetically loved the costuming here :) one of the things I appreciate is seeing Chinese-style costuming and scenery, love that aspect of cultural exchange.
The whole support cast is excellent too, hope all the cast members get lots of awards for this show!!
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Artistic, Beautiful, Classy, Elegant, Humorous, Sweet Romance, Mysterious
A Dream of Splendor is an adaptation of a very beloved classic story written by a playwright in the Yuan Dyansty (c. 1271–1368). The original story, titled 赵盼儿风月救风尘, in short “Saving the Courtesan” (救风尘), tells the story of Yinzhang marrying a man who forced her into prostitution. Zhao Pan'er came to help her by seducing the man into signing the divorce paper. Yinzhang later married the upstanding scholar who Zhao Pan’er was in love with. The story was so inspiring that over the years, it has been adapted into movie, TV series, dramas, plays, Chinese operas (越剧), and even into a comic book (manhua). In A Dream of Splendor, romance and politics are added to give it a complete flavor for today’s audience.Though fictional names are used, this drama is said to have set in the Song Dynasty, around c. 1019, during Emperor Zhenzong’s reign. The Emperor was sickly and his Empress, Liu E assisted him in the ruling, handling various state matters. Having a less than pristine family background, court officials had divided opinions of the Emperor taking Liu E as the Empress. In this fictional story, the Empress was an entertainer in the past, and her image was captured in a painting as she was entertaining her host and guests. As a Secret Service for the Imperial Palace, Gu Qianfan (Chen Xiao) is ordered to retrieve the painting before it’s fallen into the hands of those who want to use it to expose the Empress of her past.
While searching for that painting, Gu Qianfan crosses path with Zhao Pan’er (Liu Yifei). After saving Gu Qianfan when he is almost killed, Zhao Pan’er comes to the capital city in search of her fiancé, Ouyang Xu (Xu Haiqiao), together with her best friends, Song Yinzhang (Lin Yun aka Jelly Lin) and Sun San Niang (Liu Yan aka Ada Liu). Each of them has had gone through the worst of their lives: Sun San Niang is jilted by her husband and denied by her son and she attempts suicide, while Song Yinzhang is abused by her gigolo husband. Zhao Pan’er has rescued both women while going through a breakup with a relationship for three years. The trio decides they need to maintain their dignity, depend on themselves and will not be subjected to the manipulation of any men. They first start a small and elegant tea house, and later run the most talked-about restaurant in town, employing the skills each possesses – Zhao Pan’er’s art of tea, Song Yizhang’s talent of the pipa instrument and Sun San Niang’s outstanding gourmet cooking.
Zhao Pan’er has a modern-day business acumen. She turns her adversaries into her allies. She is good in putting two and two together to figure things out. She is artistic, intelligent, and fast witted. In this drama, she ends with the best love of her life whom she deserves. Liu Yifei’s acting is natural and amazing. Her charisma exudes elegance, beauty, grace and calmness.
Gu Qianfan is a ruthless, intelligent head of the Imperial Guard, and he can fight very well. Chen Xiao’s portrayal is convincing and natural, and most of all, he has an undeniable amazing chemistry with Liu Yifei. Their dynamics are over the top, and their romance is sweet and real.
Other cast members are just as good and convincing. Here we have a comedic character, Chi Yanei (Dai Xu), to light up the mood and add colors to the story. There’s a lot of growth with the main characters, in particular with Song Yinzhang who grows from a naïve gullible girl to an intelligent decisive business owner.
My Verdict
As lovely as the romance in this drama, this story is about courageous women helping and saving each other from their most egregious times and conditions. It is heart wrenching and anguish to watch the reality of life for ancient women and such trend is still persisting in today’s world that women are still being treated harshly and unfairly, in particular in light of the recent abortion ban in the USA.
The 2001 version of the drama starred Le Jiatong as Zhao Pan’er and Fan Bingbing as Yinzhang. In this earlier version, there were no Gu Qianfan nor Sun San Niang. The two female characters were flamboyant and very strong since the beginning, especially Yinzhang. Their costumes were colorful and tawdry as they were dancers. The music and dances were some of the most beautiful scenes to watch and are commendable.
In A Dream of Splendor, the Ouyang Xu character is being vilified (vis a vis the scholar that was loved by both women in the earlier version), and the women’s characters are subdued and more dignify, giving them more class and elegance; Zhao Pan’er’s expertise in the art of tea and Song Yinzhang’s brilliance in playing the pipa instrument. Any viewers will be mesmerized by the beauty and elegance of these ladies when they execute their exquisite art forms. I like the way the characters talk, softly, and directly without beating around the bush nor losing grace, and without fear nor hypocrisy. The drama explores the main five senses of our bodies with some more in-depth than others: visual, sound, taste, touch, smell. Though the story and plot are not perfect with a lot of unplugged holes, the romance is warm and desirable, the aesthetic value is one of the best (Zhao Pan'er's art of tea, her dancing, visual of Yinzhang's pipa playing etc), and the instrumental music and OSTs are excellent.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable drama for all romance buffs and for viewers who appreciate the beautiful things in life. Don’t miss it. BRAVO!
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Should We Kiss First?
47 people found this review helpful
1This review may contain spoilers
A three-dimensional, grown-up love story, sensitively told and spiritedly acted
When people have lived for more than four decades, they are usually disillusioned in many ways. Hope for romance and love has given way to various, quite specific experiences... and these are inevitably paved with disappointment and suffering, too. However, it´s not necessarily too late for a new love. It might be different, though. More grounded. Honest. Upright. Less games. Sincere closeness and warmth become more important than romantic squabble. The time ahead is finite. And you no longer expect a fairy tale full of magic, but rather wish for true moments, a safe place to catch your breath and recharge your batteries. Reliability. Trust and emotional intimacy.The protagonists in "Should we Kiss First" have all been through life for some time. The two main characters have had children and lost them again, have been married and divorced, lived more or less honest but empty lives. SHE has been a stewardess for 20 years and suffers from insomnia. HE is a co-founder of an advertising agency and has cancer. Neither of them want to be alone. Neither of them want a relationship. Hm. Difficult. Their best friends each want to pair them off ... and at last are successful. However - being in makjang KDrama Land - the past of the protagonists gets involved in the present and triggers a lot of turbulence.
"Should we Kiss First" focuses on two adults who (re)experience love in a way they never expected. Love is not primarily supple, sexy and redeeming, but presents itself as irrational, brittle, stubborn and complex. As such, it demands one thing unconditionally: complete surrender to this feeling, which remains in spite of adversities, yet does not solve any problems. However gives the necessary strength to face them.
Does this power come from the love you experience from someone? Or from the love that you give yourself? The beauty of this KDrama is placing the emphasis on the fact that it is your own radiance which makes a difference. The love we open up to and give in to makes the difference how we experience life, or what options we recognize and choose... It's about giving in to your feelings, letting them be (even if you rather not put up with it) and trusting them.
The story is told in different nuances - sometimes humorous, sometimes profound, sometimes tender, sometimes playful, sometimes harsh, even fists are flying at times. Enjoying the moment to the fullest and the pure love of life have just as much space as the desolate moments of emptiness, embarrassment, destructive anger and listless lethargy. The dialogues are carefully chosen down to the last detail. And then there are the subplots, that round the story off.
A three-dimensional, grown-up love story. Yes, once again a story about love, but not cheesy. Instead, the story is sensitively told, spiritedly acted and filled with a love for detail. On top of that, a story full of sometimes subtle, sometimes explicit wisdom. A KDrama that doesn't sugarcoat anything, yet feeds you with a satisfying sigh.
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The meek shall inherit the earth.
This is a very funny, romantic romp through the antics of an unlikely couple in a marriage of convenience that turns into the real thing. Xu Qingjia is a talented young scholar who jilts a highborn lady to fulfil an old promise to marry Hu Jiao, a butcher's daughter. At surface, they could not be more different - he is book smart, humble, meek and measured in his actions while she is street smart, commercial, direct impulsive and a total gangster when provoked. As Qingjia hilariously navigates the challenges of his new assignment as a backwater county magistrate, they discover their differences are complementary and where it counts, their core values are the same.The surrounding plot of this drama is yet another age old corruption case involving the previous generation with some decent twists. What's different about it is that it unravels slowly over the daily lives and trials of a group of humble merchants and working level government officials. The characters are colourful, often comical and avoid the most cringeworthy familial and love rival archetypes. The romances unfold at a realistic pace and have an honest, down to earth appeal about them. No one character is super smart, infallible or is the main driver of the plot. They all have strengths and weaknesses that make them at times succeed and other times fail. But together it is immensely satisfying to see their combined abilities enable them to prevail over the petty neighbourhood bullies, business rivals and corrupt politicians and win the day with their sincerity, persistence and hard work - the meek shall inherit the earth. Best of all, the ensemble cast is fun, witty and can be very, very funny without being slapstick.
I wouldn't say that the actors are among the best out there (its so great to see Tong Meng Shi/Uncle Wu Zhu from JOL as ML) but everyone delivers very solid performances and the cast somehow just "clicks". I really love how Tong Meng Shi manages to convey the henpecked husband with immense inner courage. Although not a huge Baby Zhang fan, I think she also managed to play the husband training shrew while retaining her femininity. I really enjoyed Gao Zheng and Yu Niang's story as well and I think the casting of Hu Jiao's bovine butcher brother is simply brilliant I laugh just looking at him!
This lively, riotously humorous watch that conveys some grains of wisdom about honour, friendship, love and marriage is a fantastic way to pass some time. I rate it a very enjoyable 7.5/10.
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have you tried lining up to ride in a roller coaster? what about being into a roller coaster? you haven't? are you curious to know the feeling? then go watch this drama for you to know, if you experienced riding it then you'll understand me why I compared it in a roller coaster after completely watching it. :)
This drama made me anxious, relieved, thrilled, frustrated, stress, it has its up and down, made me fall into tears then smile. I was supposed to score it 8.5 but then I changed my mind and I scored it 10^^ and yeah like the other said the ending was satisfying ;)
There is a touch of romance in it, something about 5%, I thought it was sad but towards the end it was beautiful :). Of course the story focus on the run, chase packed of action, hide and seek, and survival ;)
Acting:
all cast are great I love them all especially soo jin!! she soooooo cute and adorable!! asdfghjkl! Jang tae san, seung woo and in hye are my favorite character^^ ~omooooo!! I'm gonna miss them all of them especially soo jin!
Music:
damn! just from the very start of this drama you'l hear it! and boom! I like it!!~sooo cool!
for me I won't gonna re-watch it, 1 time viewing is enough. :)
recommended to everyone and highly recommend it to those who love a run and chase story.
Overall score 10! I don't give score technically I based it on my feels! :D
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A beautiful workplace romcom set in the thrilling realm of flight and aeroplanes.
What I like:Female pilot: Though the beginning may prompt an eye roll, that difficult start sets the story in motion. It pushes the female lead, Ruan Sixian, beyond her comfort zone, leading her to attend flight school and return three years later as an in-demand pilot. This tension makes her comeback especially satisfying. It is inspiring to watch her wear the uniform, train in the simulator, and handle the cockpit with confidence. She shows that women can excel in a demanding profession like piloting. I also appreciate actress Liu Xiening's preparation and training for the aviation scenes, which make them feel convincing.
Miles Wei: He portrays Fu Mingyu, a sharp, rational vice president turned CEO. Tasked with major reforms and airline modernization, he exemplifies calm under pressure, high standards, and dedication to civil aviation. He combines professional authority with romantic tension, and Wei captures this role with depth, making him both commanding and charming, dreamy, and relatable. His character balances seriousness and charisma, embodying effective leadership with engaging personal qualities.
This workplace romcom has genuine depth. By prioritizing the characters’ personal growth, company reforms, and flight challenges, the story ensures that when they finally unite, they form a true power couple rooted in mutual respect rather than fleeting infatuation. This focus creates a meaningful, believable romance built on shared development and resilience, making their connection stronger and more authentic.
A key strength lies in its cinematography. The drama effectively portrays its setting, utilizing the flight decks, uniform designs, and sweeping aerial views to create a polished, high-end visual style that amplifies the romantic atmosphere. I'm truly impressed by the airport's designs, everything from the runways and cockpits to the simulators and aircraft, all the way to the Hengshi airlines building and its office spaces, showcases exceptional quality throughout.
The interactions between Ruan Sixian and Captain Fan are truly captivating, and the dramatic emergency they face is expertly portrayed. I'm confident that more of these compelling moments will unfold in subsequent episodes.
The romance unfolds through a series of intense misunderstandings. Their connection is fueled by sharp professional clashes. Fu Mingyu is immediately drawn to her bravery and commitment, while Ruan Sixian, initially guarded, gradually comes to recognize his genuine efforts and her own feelings, ultimately surrendering to him.
Supporting the main couple, a compelling group of characters fills the aviation world of Hengshi Airlines with their loved ones and acquaintances, enriching the narrative with elements of drama, romance, workplace competition, and humorous moments.
Easy to Watch: The story moves at a good speed. It is not too sad or too stressful, making it a very happy and cozy show.
The second half of the series serves as the dramatic conclusion, progressing from the main characters' career development to their romance's final resolution and significant familial discoveries.
If you want a romantic show that makes you smile and inspires you to follow your dreams, you should definitely watch this! It is a lovely, feel-good drama about love, flying, dreams and ambition.
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Laughing through misery.
Saying it is a heavy watch would be an understatement. Not only will the show fuel you with anger, it will not help you calm down by the end.Showing the grim reality of the broken military system, sprinkled with comedy, made this quite an emotional ride. We are shown how a few good people are not enough to fix the environment where bad behavior is rewarded.
While it was amazing to watch the main characters trying to make even small changes, at some point they've hit the wall and needed to face the reality of how powerless they are - how they are also part of the problem. We follow a patient and introverted Joon Ho and confident and street smart Ho Yul, as they try to find and bring back defectors. During their job they face a lot of issues ranging from external issues like unsupportive and corrupted superiors to internal struggles revolving around morality and their own principles.
Warning needed - D.P. is filled with abuse, both physical and emotional, and justice is usually not served. The drama shows how it is, without trying to make the topic more approachable and easy to digest. You will be left with building up frustration, and yet glad, you decided to watch it till the end.
The cast did an amazing job. Everyone delivered both the emotional and the comedic parts well. I laughed, I cried, I shouted with anger. Biggest props to Koo Kyo Hwan for his portrayal of Ho Yul. Outstanding performance that made me fall in love with the character.
The production and the writing left nothing to desire. Mixing the tragic aspects of reality with well fitted comedic bits was done in a good taste, not taking away from the serious topic tackled.
Overall, one of the best shorter dramas of 2021. Not an easy watch, might be too much for some people - was almost too much for me. It won't leave you on a hopeful note, but it is a story worth witnessing.
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The Daesang for the 57th Baeksang goes to…
Shin Ha Kyun, of course! I can’t think of any other more worthy recipient of this prestigious accolade. He truly is the driving force behind Beyond Evil because without him, this drama would have ended up being Not Quite Evil. In fact this drama isn’t as much about evil as it is about filial piety (or lack thereof) and shady business ethics, with a dose of mental health issues included. In any case, I hope he gets a nomination at the very least because he is definitely deserving of the recognition for all the good work he has done here, and I have thoroughly enjoyed myself watching his performance in this extremely well made production.This drama is set in the small town of Manyang, which has a sinister history of mysterious killings and gruesome mutilation of young women that remain unsolved until the present day. Part of this local community is a close-knit group of childhood friends, most of whom grew up to become members of the police force, while the others comprise the local butcher and convenience store operator, respectively. One day, a young hotshot police detective gets transferred to the Manyang police substation and all hell breaks loose in this sleepy town.
The plot is exquisitely written, despite not being groundbreaking, and we’ve seen this premise in many psychological crime thrillers. A small town with a hideous past and its suspicious inhabitants harbouring many unknown secrets, the perfect recipe for a can of worms that would’ve been better off left unopened. Except, in this case, it gets much more convoluted than that - a decades’ long conspiracy that culminates in a scandal of the highest order. This is very much a character driven drama and represents an in-depth case study of the complicated dynamics among the central characters. This is a complex and slowburn psychological whodunnit with dark humour and suspense along with themes of friendship, familial bond, betrayal, forgiveness and redemption.
Helmed by the young director Shim Na Yeon, a relative newcomer to the industry whose recent works cover mostly youth-themed melodramas and romance, and written by the experienced Kim Soo Jin whose previous crime dramas include Mad Dog and Life Special Investigation Team. Being part of the spring drama lineup of JTBC Studios, this drama features commendable production values. The cinematography showcases excellent shots of the Manyang town landscape, including the beautifully tall grass fields where multiple crime scenes have purportedly occurred, and the scenic port city of Busan for a story arc that lasts a couple of episodes. Other than that, the majority of the drama is set in the bright interrogation rooms and gloomy holding cells of the Manyang police substation, Munju police station and the Seoul police HQ. There are countless scenes of barbequing meat and drinking at the Manyang diner-cum-butcher shop as well.
The drama’s true strength lies in its cast and their superb acting, as well as the overall quality of the dialogue. Ever the consummate pro, Shin Ha Kyun does what Shin Ha Kyun does best. For the uninitiated (and for the purpose of managing excessive shock or awe), expect visceral intensity and raw emotions conveyed via truly immersive wholehearted portrayals. For regular viewers and admirers, his execution here is even more elevated from his usual performances in Less Than Evil and Pied Piper. His characterization of Lee Dong Shik is a delicate balancing act between nuanced and downright insane, and will probably represent the standard of acting for this genre in years to come (a close comparison would be Lee Hee Joon’s characterization in Mouse, so there’s potential in this area). Depicting a flawed anti-hero complex and emotionally traumatized character shouldering the burden of a profoundly tragic past is certainly no mean feat and Shin Ha Kyun does it magnificently indeed.
Of the 2 MLs featured in this drama, the other lead is the character of Han Joo Won who is decently portrayed by Yeo Jin Goo. Those familiar with his works would no doubt witness the same signature aspects of his acting. Since Hotel Del Luna (and even earlier, The Royal Gambler) he has perfected the art of the “intense gaze”. Not many actors can pull off this trademark look. An added bonus in this show, he does a near-complete character change that lasts a few episodes at the midway point. Despite not being a fan of the character - he comes across as aloof, sanctimonious, petulant, selfish and entitled, who possesses an unhealthy and somewhat irrational obsession for solving crimes while incessantly defying his own father at every turn - I do appreciate the characterization. The chemistry between the two men, Lee Dong Shik and Han Joo Won, is on point and works very well.
They are ably supported by the rest of the cast comprising the experienced veterans Chun Ho Jin, Choi Jin Ho, Kil Hae Yeon, Heo Sung Tae, Kim Shin Rok and Lee Kyu Hoe. Their versatility truly shows in playing a mix of understated, layered, OTT and mentally unstable characters. I’m also quite impressed with Choi Sung Eun in particular, whose portrayal of Yoo Jae Yi is very powerful and convincing and she stands out as the strongest female character in the show.
Aside from the acting, one aspect that probably doesn't get enough appreciation and recognition is the music for the drama. Kudos to the music director, the hugely experienced and prolific Ha Geun Young, who has done a fantastic job of arranging the original score with an infusion of contemplative jazz performed by a big band ensemble. There's more than a hint of cabaret and the vibe of classic film noir that somehow perfectly captures the essence of the drama. In addition to the music score, the accompanying original songs are terrific as well:
1. Choi Baek Ho - The Night
2. BIBI - Timeless
3. Car The Garden - Empty
4. SunWoo JungA - The Road
All things considered, Beyond Evil has been a hugely satisfying watch and certainly went beyond my initial expectations. I sincerely hope this drama and Shin Ha Kyun will be part of the nominations to be announced next week for the 57th Baeksang Awards this year. They absolutely deserve it!
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1
1This review may contain spoilers
OMG their chemistry is driving me crazy!!!!! Dangg who made this muhhh ...
I can't stop smiling, y are they so adorable?One of the best enemies -to-lovers trope series after H2H series this is the second one I really really like / adore.
Two rivals started spending time together and eventually fell for each other, the way I am saying ik it seems kinda boring, but in reality it is so damn good, highly recommended from my side !!!!!
I am now a big fan of this incredible series, literally some parts were so hot and I totally like the quality and the storyline, after these two got together they became even more cuter.
I can't believe those were actually show - offs, they got to know each other's weakness.
They hooked up two times and the last ep kiss was very passionate.
Tum and Oh turned so sweet later on..
Even though it's a short series it's story is so damn good that it blew my mind it's flawless.
I would like to give it a 10 on 10.
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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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Only enjoyable if you feel a connect with any of the characters
Definitely not a romantic comedy as marketed, this show is more like a Romantic Office melodrama with interesting side storylines that capture different types of relationships. The first 3 episodes will not convince you to watch it, so give it time till episode 5. After that you’ll be more invested in what goes on.The main couple‘s romance takes time to develop, but once they do it is endearing to see them develop together. The ML’s 2 sisters however have much more interesting storylines- I would look forward to seeing their scenes more than the main couple’s after a point. I also thought the SML and SFL did not get enough screen time and I wished we saw more of them to understand and empathise with them better.
It had its flaws, but the show managed to capture maturity in most relationships (particularly the side ones) and also managed to give all the side plots satisfactory endings. As for the main couple, I would have preferred a different or an open ending rather than the one given, but I’m definitely not unhappy with how the show wrapped.
If you don’t feel connected to any character until 5 episodes you might not enjoy the show as a whole. However if you wish to continue, give it time as it’s a slow ride which might take you by surprise.
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