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FL's mother is the only main character, everyone else is a support character
This drama is just FL's mother messing everything up and every other spineless character compensating for it.1- 17 episodes the tension builds up where FL's mother keeps messing up
18 - 37 we expect either FL's mom to change or FL to grow up. Nothing happens
FL grows only a little bit and that's it. By episode 30 everything is same and everyone forgives FL's mother even though she hasn't changed. I don't know if the writer wants to convey that "we should forgive our parents even though they keep interfering in our personal/professional lives". FL's mother is still annoying. The only reason this deserves a 6 is just because the leads were awesome. There were a few good love/romance scenes but they were very less compared to the screen time given for FL's mother.
This drama would have been better if a) FL and ML got more screen time
b) FL grows up more
c) FL's mother becomes a good person at the end.
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This review may contain spoilers
The most Korean-like JDrama that I have ever watched
To be honest, after reading the description of this drama, I was not that interested, but I decided to watch it for two reasons. Firstly, because I really like Nakamura Tomoya, and secondly, because I have a lot of free time (I need to get a life!). In the end, I was happy that I watched it. Now, let me explain what I mean.
PLOT
The first thing, that I found fascinating, was the plot. I felt that this series did not follow the standard Japanese-plot norm. That is why I thought that they were mainly influenced by kdramas. Honestly, this is the only Asian drama in which I liked all of the characters. I found both the lead and the secondary roles to be interested and I wanted to know more about them.
To be more specific, we have a handsome and rich person (Asaba Takumi), who does not enjoy eating sweets, that gets to meet under a weird coincidence a loud and pretty female (Inoue Kiki), who loves to eat sweet things. Asaba is the CEO of the company that Inoue works in one of the company's convenience stores, and they meet by accident before knowing who the other person is. Due to some strange set of circumstances, Inoue leaves the convenience store and is being placed at the Production department of the company, in order to create new sweet recipes. We experience their everyday lives and the difficulties of creating low-cost and tasteful convenience store sweets.
CHARACTERS
Asaba is a cold-hearted person (at first glance), that seems indifferent of what other people think about him and is goal-oriented. However, in reality he is a sensitive person that always takes into account how the people around him feel, and he is a warm person with strong ethical personality. He works hard and faces every obstacle that comes in his way. On the other hand, Kiki is a young female that had experienced failure in her life before. She is afraid when other people have high expectations of her, as she believes that she will fail once again. Asaba was the first person that not only believed in Kiki but he also needed her honesty and creativity. As she was feeling needed and appreciated, feelings started to develop towards Asaba.
Two key supporting characters are Makoto and Riho. Makoto is a childhood friend of Asaba, and works as a vendor at the company. His personality is bright and joyful. He seems a bit childish, but the truth is that he is a mature person with kind feelings. While, Riho, a kind-hearted woman, is working at the Production department of the company, and is the ex-girlfriend of Asaba. In the series there are 3 more characters that is mainly used for comic relief, but I loved them. I personally call them “The Three Stooges”, as I found them funny and I liked it when they had screen time. The Three Stooges, are consisted of the Manager, a Chinese girl, and an early adult man. What I really liked about them was the chemistry that they had.
ACTING
Let me start with the main leads. As I have said before, Nakamura was the reason why I decided to watch this series. I am a fan of his acting and the roles that he usually portraits. I enjoy it when he gets to play a tsundere role, and that is why, I loved his acting in this drama. He was able to execute the role of the capable and innovative CEO, greatly. Moreover, he was able to present the mixed emotions he was feeling, and the consequences of his action, in an amazing way. What I am going to say next, has nothing to do with his acting, but when he wore glasses and the turtleneck, I found him really sexy. Also, I love it when he is laughing and smiling.
As for Mori Nana, it was the first that I watched with her as the main lead, and I was surprised by her acting. Taking into account her young age, I believe that in a few years she would be the talk of the town. She has a bright future! She was able to make me feel her sadness and sorrow when she was feeling down; but I was also feeling excited and motivated when she was excited and motivated. This might be just my personal opinion, but she reminded me of Inoue Mao, the female actor who had the main lead in Hana Yori Dango. If she invests more on her acting, she would become one of the best Japanese actors.
In addition to the strong main leads, the two supporting actors had nothing to be jealous of! Nakano Taiga, was able to execute the role of the person who is in love with someone that does not like them. Moreover, every time that he showed his caring side to his friends and the person that he loved, I wanted to meet him in person and be friends with him. I get the feeling that he is who would take care of the people close to him and would never betray them. As for Ishibashi Shizuka, I thought of her as an amazing actress. At first, thanks to my previous drama experiences, I thought that her character would be a pain in the ass and she would create problems; however, she was actually a strong-willed individual who knew how to behave when she won or lost. Ishibashi, was able to perform her role in an elegant way.
WHAT BOTHERED ME
I will rephrase something that CINEMASINS say: “no drama is without a sin”. There is no perfect drama for me. I would always find something that bothers me. For instance, in kdramas what usually bothers me is the difference in the social classes that the main couple have. One has to be poor while the other is rich.
In jdramas, what usually bothers me is the fact that the main couple does not have much familiarity with each other. They do not help me, sympathise with the couple and understand their feelings for each other. That is what happened in this drama. Even though, I enjoyed their acting, I have to admit that I did not think of Kiki and Asaba as two people in love. I thought of them more like friends and colleagues, rather than people who have feelings for each other.
The next thing that bothered me was the unexplained use of time skips. I do realise that I am watching a series and that I don’t have to think a lot about this; but please do make it believable. For example, processes that would usually take many days or even weeks to be approved, were implemented the following hours. THAT’S NOT HOW IT WORKS. As an individual who has studied management, I could tell you that the steps from forming an idea and actually implementing that idea, is a long path! But, in the series they made it seem like they could do whatever they wanted, when they wanted.
Another thing that bothered me (THIS IS A HUGE SPOILER), was how Asaba made a move on Kiki, while she was in a relationship with his best friend! OHANA MEANS FAMILY! You can’t do that to your best friend, to someone who was always there for you, someone who has your back all the time, someone who is ready to fight for you. That’s just wrong! I do not care how much you love the other person; friends are irreplaceable!
The last thing that bothered me was the elevator. There were a few scenes, that I assume where shot, in an outside glass lift. I was rather bothered, and a little worried, with how fast that elevator was. I do not know if this is a standard speed for the lift in Japan, but I was sincerely worried about the people in them.
P.S. I want a series that focuses on “The Three Stooges”. I BEG YOU!
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Totally enjoyed this one despite having reservations about the female lead. Both Oguri Shun & Ishihara Satomi did an amazing job in this Drama.
Rich Man Poor Woman was cute, funny, sweet & extremely endearing with a great score & OST. It's one of those Dramas that re-uses the same songs throughout & I know some may not like that but personally I feel it binds everything together thus helping maintain the mood. I think for me; that's what really made this Drama stick in my mind.
Plenty of problems. Typical Japanese style non-romantic kisses; random jumps in the story, not really anything earth-shatteringly new either as far as story goes & plot holes the size of mountains but somehow I just don't care one iota!
Definitely recommended if you're feeling a bit down, tired or sick.
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This review may contain spoilers
ngl, one of the worst BLs ever
(This is by no means an objective or organized review)I went into this series with a decent amount of expectation because I like the cast. And in most cases, I like the story of two childhood friends growing up being lovers. HOWEVER, I am seriously disappointed and pissed for the whole series.
1. SCRIPT: Definitely poorly written. I find almost all the interactions between characters, especially Tonhon and Chonlatee, very awkward. Their romantic scenes feel to me as too pushed. I understand this is a lighthearted series and the screenwriters are likely to want to make us laugh. However, some scenes are just down straight stupid.
2. STORIES: I have a lot of issues with the social responsibilities this series touched on. Of course, it does convey a clear message that all people are no less of a person because of their sexual orientation. And I firmly believe it has a good intention of de-stereotyping the LGBTQ+ community. However, here are some of my main issues with it:
- The moment Tonhon "realized" his love for Chon, the first thing he did was having sex with him. This makes this whole thing seems like THAT is what he wants (Not to mention no consent was explicitly shown).
- Tonhon’s dad’s character development process where: this is a character who can have a lot of space for development. Despite so many ways writers can make him realize his misconception, they chose to make him realize "gay people aren't all bad" under the situation of an accident, literally overnight. You may have different feelings about this scene but for me, it seems like Tonhon's dad just "forgave" them for being gay BECAUSE they helped him. There's no further open discussion about whether he actually isn't homophobic anymore.
- Women ≠ baby-making machine: the last episodes made me super angry. Tonhon's dad obviously never realized his mistake of viewing women as a utensil to make an heir. Miriam even became a surrogate mother because he wants an heir??? What in the world! I personally don't think surrogacy should be legal for many reasons (it facilitates human trafficking, surrogate mother's risks, etc.) but I understand people may have other views. However, here, while I appreciate Miriam's selflessness, the whole reasoning behind it is simply fucked up.
- Tonhon kissing Amp for his ego (to prove his masculinity???) and sure he apologized but did he realize his mistake? He literally tried to get Chon to trust him by expressing how long he has loved Chon. A person does not need to "prove" their gender expression or sexuality to other people ok? Not to mention that one's sexuality has nothing to do with one's gender expression. And Chon apologized to Tonhon even tho he did nothing wrong?? Smeh...
3. PACING: terrible pacing. Both about character development and the story going forward. There are a ton of useless scenes without pushing the plot.
I will not forgive this series for not addressing the issues above. There are many other problems that I haven't mentioned (like privacy and personal space, stereotypes about women, lack of well-portrayed characters, etc.) but these ones are what I'm most dissatisfied about.
Probably not an issue for most people, but I dislike the fact that Tonhon is just getting shirtless for absolutely no reason. I just don't need it lol.
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This review may contain spoilers
I was very skeptical about this drama after watching the first few episodes because i found it too cringey for my taste. However the more episodes i watch, the more i get lured into the story. Okay, this drama has its flaws. It is not perfect. It is cliche at times. You will get frustrated with some characters that you just end up screaming in front of your laptop because of how stupid they are. You will probably have a love-hate relationship with the main characters. But I guess that's what makes this drama really addicting. It gave me different kinds of emotions and will make you think if you should empathize with some characters or not. Midway on the drama and I was already rewatching some episodes. And now that I finally finished it, I am back with rewatching my favourite parts again lmao.
The chemistry between GJ and YZ is no joke omg. Their love story is one hell of a ride but the end made it all worth it T_T The acting is also sooo good, most especially Zhang Ming En. I fell in love with his portrayal of YZ - how he nailed being a sweet boyfriend to GJ and how he acted as a jerk in the latter part. I felt his pain when he thought GJ betrayed him. I also love the character development that is very much present in the drama and how it walked us through the characters' journey to forgiveness.
Overall, there's never a dull moment watching this drama and I believe they wrapped everything up in the end. Definitely recommended if you're a sucker for romance like me. But even if you're not, it is still a good watch as it offers you some life lessons along the way (which is for you to find out *winks*)
PS. Also the OSTs make the drama even better huhu
PS2: So I have read other reviews about this drama and to be very honest, I enjoyed this more than Because Of You. I guess it's really a hit or miss. Try watching a few episodes atleast and see if you'll like it.
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This review may contain spoilers
Funny, entertaining and cool characters but writing went downhill with the crime
Up to the latest episodes this would have been a 9 for me, I was loving it, it was funny and light and had an interesting plot and characters. There were a couple of things of why it wouldn't have made it a 10 for me but overall I was impressed and very pleased with how funny it was and how it was developing, that is until they started unravelling the crime storyline.The mystery and crime in this show was interesting at the beginning and they did an ok job playing with the audience making you doubt if who you thought was the killer was correct. Personally as the episodes went I had it more and more clear so I was not surprised by the reveal and, although it was expected, not going to lie I was a bit disappointed at the same time because how his character was tackled.
The problem for me in the last few episodes is that they created multiple plotholes in the story and basically the writing went downhill, as well as how they decided to tackle the obstacles at hand. For most part of the show the premise has been that if a person had eyes closed FL couldn't see anything, but only in the last episodes it's revealed that actually she can hear in those blackout points, then it makes you wonder how she didn't hear anything the previous time she touched the killer, it made no sense. Sunglasses were an ok touch, but depending on where he was wearing them in the night you could have still seen flashes of lights in the distance or anything that would have made anyone suspicious and would have given away what they were using a lot earlier on. And this brings me then to, when they're chasing him in the last episode and knowing he was going to take the boat the next day, apply the same formula? Look for him in the night, desguise yourself and wear sunglasses?
The last episode is also made worse by:
- If she could hear there was absolutely no point in taking the killer out of the police station.
- She didn't even try to find Ok Hee with the information she had, it was not that difficult and she had a starting point, sweep the area with the police force and I'm sure they would have found her.
- Ok Hee Squad and Yong Myeong arrive to the area and keeps saying there is nothing around, but you could even see in the background there were some buildings so maybe stop asking and look around?
- Completely unbelievable the killer was able to take Ok Hee all the way there with his eyes closed. They spent half a show saying how it was impossible and there must have been a way, then he does it with his eyes closed like no problem for the final?
- ML and FL somehow manage to beat that group of people (super unrealistic to be able to beat all guys coming at you at once, but luckly they were doing like in videogames and only coming in one to three at a time...) and then after somehow they wait for a very long scene doing nothing other than touching their painful bodies in the background. No one tries to scape, not even the boss and ML/FL don't call the police...
- Earlier in the series I did think that this group of thugs would appear again at some point earlier in the story but they only brought them back for that? It was weak.
- The scene at the end with the prison was unnecesary and really added nothing, it felt dragged.
- What happened to the killer? Apparently he can even open doors and get other information to do anything he wants, how is he going to be contained in prison? Doubt the prison would believe he has powers and they need to do special arrangements for him. It's never tackled or explained, as are not the consequences of the actions of FL and ML in the last episode when essentially they go against the policemen in charge of the case, same when all of Ok Hee squad appears with the motorbikes and stop the policemen from moving.
- At times they were interacting with the killer in a manner that it felt they didn't even hold grudges against him.
A lot of plotholes were also caused by characters just playing dumb for the sake of the script, especially FL and SML. And I'm still wondering what happened to the cow, she had the most powers so maybe she's floating in space at this point... haha
This brings me to the characters. Generally I liked everyone except for FL, she was annoying many times, the classic dumb damsel in distress that puts everyone in danger and then blames others. At some points I was frustrated not going to lie.
Contrary to what I think is the general opinion I was not a fan of SML, his personality was pretty much made to keep you guessing and to be honest it's no wonder everyone thought it could be him, he was not clear and didn't give explanations, he was kept mysterious in that sense just for the sake of it. Who runs behind someone with a knife in hand and without even shouting or saying something? Who in their right mind knows who is the killer and still lives with him and doesn't go straight to the police? Why trying to tell her instead? The killer said he was smart, I think maybe he was intelligent but not smart., except for the message in arabic, that was smart but what are also the chances that FL would have touched the killer's butt then and not two months later? The plot said it would happen I guess, it was such a gamble.
The killer is ok for the most part, but I didn't personally like that the justification for his actions is pretty much that he's a psychopath doing things for fun. It's not the first kdrama I've watch that uses the same justification and I find it lazy, it's like creating the ultimate villain that is that way because yes. There is no real explanation to any of the murders and it did make me feel a bit dumb because throughout the series I kept trying to make connections between them and I think there were options to make the connection among them in one way or another. Instead it's just because they were there and maybe a couple because they rubbed him the wrong way a bit. I was wondering why he was obsessed with using that specific knife too, but there is no explanation. It's ok-ish I guess but not satisfactory to me.
I loved the comedy here, so many moments of laugh and fun, the references to 25/21 had me rolling. I also liked ML despite his flaws and I thought Ok Hee was so much fun with her squad and Kim Yong Myeong calling her eonni in that hilarious way. I did miss him in later episodes, he just disappeared once they put the comedy a lot more to the side.
I'm debating really if they should have chosen a different path for this series, in the sense that they could have kept the mystery and even crime (maybe not a serial killing but smaller cases?) and kept the comedy and lightheartedness all throughout the series. Even at the end when they bring it back for closure it felt a bit weird after all the crime and drama, I was not feeling it so much as the earlier episodes.
Overall I would recommend the series, it's entertaining and funny for the majority of the episodes. If you're looking for a romcom or romance focused series this is not it. It's not that there isn't romance, it's just not the main or secondary plot points of this show. FL likes SML but it's kept light, ML likes FL but it's kept light (although I have to say I enjoyed very much the way he would look her at times and the hints here and there, it was cute). Secondary characters like other secondary characters and their relationships are mostly in a comedy way, what it's fun romance that I enjoyed.
Not sure I would rewatch it, I would rewatch maybe until around episode 12 for the comedy, but I wouldn't rewatch after that.
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1
1
1Absolutely worth the watch
As someone else has already mentioned, this isn’t a fluffy or cute show, that’s true. Maybe down the line it will be a little lighter, but right now it’s a bit intense. Even with only two episodes out, the tension between You Shu Lang and Fan Xiao is already so addictive. Their dynamic is messy, complicated, and honestly kind of thrilling to watch.The chemistry works without being forced. The characters already feel layered, with hidden sides that make every interaction unpredictable. The visuals are cinematic, the vibe is dramatic but grounded, and the story has a quiet tension that makes it hard to stop watching. I’d suggest waiting until more episodes have aired, because some people tend to enjoy shows or get the full experience of a show better that way.
I’m definitely sticking around to see how their relationship develops, this one’s already way more compelling than I expected.
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"A Predictable Fantasy Romance"
“No Tail to Tell" revisits a very familiar K-drama trope: the gumiho, a nine-tailed fox caught between the supernatural and human worlds. The problem isn’t the myth itself, but how it’s handled here—very conventionally, without originality or depth. This story has been told before, and often much better.The plot follows Eun-ho, a gumiho who refuses to become human, until an incident involving Kang Si-yeol, a world-famous football star, forces her to live as a mortal. This premise could have explored themes like identity loss, human fragility, and the choice between immortality and love, but the drama settles for predictable situations, artificial conflicts, and a romance that develops without genuine emotional tension.
The writing is shallow. Eun-ho’s transformation, which should be a major turning point, is quickly normalized. The dilemmas exist, but they’re never explored in depth. Emotional scenes lack impact, and several episodes feel more like filler than meaningful story progression.
The main cast does their best. Lomon brings charisma to his role, though Kang Si-yeol remains a stereotypical cold, controlling athlete who eventually softens. Kim Hye-yoon delivers subtlety and nuance as Eun-ho, especially in her more vulnerable moments. Their chemistry is decent but can’t make up for the weak writing.
The supporting cast is particularly underwhelming. Many secondary characters are underdeveloped or unnecessary. The shaman, who could have been pivotal in the supernatural and mythological elements, contributes almost nothing, seeming included merely for folklore flavor without any narrative purpose.
Lee Hoon’s character also had the potential to add real tension or depth but is poorly utilized. His role is minimal, with little impact on the story, leaving viewers feeling like an opportunity for meaningful conflict was wasted.
Even the production can’t elevate the series. The fantasy atmosphere is there, but it never reaches intensity. The drama never takes risks and stays firmly in its comfort zone.
In short, “No Tail to Tell" fails to stand out either in originality or writing quality. The gumiho premise feels overdone, the supporting cast is weak, and certain characters—like the shaman and Lee Hoon—are largely wasted. Despite the efforts of the lead duo, the drama remains bland and forgettable.
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I have mixed reactions about this drama. The first 8-10 episodes were too good. It was realistic with a decent plot & had so many heart fluttering moments. The chemistry between the two leads is GREAT & both the actors did a very good job.
The first half was great but
but then everything went downhill after that.I had to force myself to sit down & watch each episode. Disappointing coz I had lots of expectations & I really adored this drama.
I think the main issue was that there wasn't enough plot to fill 16 episodes so they created unnecessary drama towards the end.
If I could just rate just the first half , I would rate it 8.5/10
It had potentials to be a great drama but the writers ruined it.
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A FRESH, ENGAGING CDRAMA❤️
FINAL REVIEW❤️A Heartwarming Journey of Growth and Self-Discovery
Filter, starring Tan Jianci and Li Landi, is a refreshing and heartfelt drama that beautifully blends humor, warmth, and life lessons. From start to finish, it offers a comforting and engaging experience, making it a perfect show to watch with family.
What Makes Filter Special?
✅ A Feel-Good Story with Depth
While Filter is lighthearted and comedic, it never feels shallow. Instead, it weaves important messages about self-acceptance, personal growth, and understanding others. Each episode leaves you with something to reflect on, making it more than just an entertaining watch.
✅ Genuine Chemistry and Strong Performances
Tan Jianci and Li Landi bring their characters to life with natural and endearing performances. Their chemistry feels effortless, making every interaction engaging. The entire cast contributes to the drama’s lively and heartwarming atmosphere.
✅ Perfect Blend of Comedy and Emotion
The humor in Filter never feels forced or cringy. It strikes the right balance—lighthearted yet meaningful. The comedic moments flow naturally, while the emotional depth ensures the drama stays impactful.
✅ Valuable Lessons About Self-Acceptance
One of the most beautiful aspects of Filter is its message about embracing one’s true self. The drama highlights how societal expectations and personal insecurities can shape our perceptions, but ultimately, true beauty lies in self-acceptance. It encourages viewers to see their own worth beyond superficial filters, making it a truly empowering watch.
✅ A Drama That Stays With You
Beyond entertainment, Filter leaves a lasting impression by teaching valuable lessons about perspective, relationships, and the importance of being authentic. It reminds viewers to appreciate both the big and small moments in life, making it a drama that resonates deeply.
Final Thoughts
Filter is a gem of a drama that leaves you feeling happy, warm, and inspired. It’s not just about romance or comedy—it’s about life itself, and most importantly, about accepting and loving who you are. If you’re looking for a drama that will uplift your mood while offering meaningful insights, Filter is a must-watch.
EARLIER REVIEW❤️
After finishing four episodes of Filter today, I’m completely obsessed—I need more ASAP! This drama is an absolute gem, and I can’t stop laughing. It’s so refreshing and different from the usual C-dramas, making it even more addictive. Every scene is pure entertainment, and I’m living for it! Tan Jianci and Li Landi are comedic gold—their chemistry, expressions, and energy are just perfect. I’m loving every second of it🤣🤣🤣❤️❤️❤️❤️
From the very first episodes, Filter proves to be more than just an entertaining drama—it carries a deep and meaningful message about self-worth, confidence, and respect for women. Beneath its humor lies a refreshing take on societal norms, breaking free from the traditional portrayals of female leads that often reinforce unrealistic beauty standards. In a world where media often pressures women to strive for impossible beauty standards, Filter is a breath of fresh air. It provides a comforting and uplifting experience for viewers, reminding them that beauty is not about fitting into a mold but about embracing one’s true self. Every confident girl is the most beautiful, and Filter makes sure to highlight this message in a way that feels both natural and empowering.
For anyone looking for a drama that is not only fun to watch but also carries a meaningful and positive message, Filter is a must-see. It’s incredibly satisfying, proving that entertainment can be both enjoyable and socially impactful.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Filter is a breath of fresh air in the world of C-dramas, blending humor, mystery, and heartwarming moments seamlessly. The drama captivates viewers with its unique storyline, stellar cast, and perfect comedic timing, making it a must-watch for fans of engaging, well-crafted entertainment.
Tan Jianci and Li Landi – A Perfect Duo
Tan Jianci once again proves why he is one of the most talented actors in the industry. His performance is effortless, balancing comedy, wit, and emotional depth with ease. His expressive eyes and impeccable comedic timing make every scene enjoyable, showing once again that talent should be the true measure of an actor’s worth.
Li Landi is equally impressive, bringing charm, intelligence, and strong emotional depth to her role. She portrays her character with authenticity, making her instantly likable. Her chemistry with Tan Jianci is natural and delightful, making their interactions one of the highlights of the show. She holds her own in every scene, proving she is a force to be reckoned with.
A Well-Cast Ensemble with Perfect Chemistry
Beyond the leads, the entire cast brings the script to life with strong performances and undeniable chemistry. The interactions feel natural and never forced, making the humor land effectively. Unlike some comedies that rely on over-the-top acting, Filter strikes the perfect balance, ensuring that the humor feels organic and genuinely funny.
A Unique and Engaging Plot
What sets Filter apart from other dramas is its fresh and unpredictable storyline. It keeps viewers intrigued while maintaining a lighthearted tone, making it an enjoyable watch for all ages.
A Must-Watch for C-Drama Fans
If you’re looking for a drama that will make you laugh, keep you entertained, and appreciate truly talented actors, Filter is the perfect choice. Tan Jianci and Li Landi deliver outstanding performances, making the drama even more engaging. This is one of those rare shows that can be enjoyed with family, making it even more special.
Final Verdict: 1000/10
A refreshing, fun, and well-executed drama that showcases Tan Jianci and Li Landi’s brilliance. If you haven’t watched Filter yet, you’re missing out!
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This review may contain spoilers
Started well, but went downhill after that...
First few episodes had a good pace and lots happening. We see FL catching her fiancé having an affair, she calls off the wedding. But because they work in the same place, they still see each other. You get scenes where she’s telling him off for not only cheating on her, but scamming her for money as well!!The ML also gets dumped by his gf, who happens to be the person who is having the affair with the FL’s ex fiancé! And guess what? The two cheaters actually get married!! Also in the first few episodes, the FL and ML have a fling, which eventually becomes a relationship.. which is great! However, after they get together, things seem to change in their relationship dynamics. You don’t see much chemistry or PDA or much development in their relationship. It gets quite dull and boring.
The exes are annoying as hell, after getting married they realise they are having problems, arguing a lot... and the most annoying thing is, when they argue, they run back to their exes (yes the FL and ML) for comfort and advice!! It’s beyond ridiculous. What kind of foursome dynamics is this???!!!
Sigh... this one had so much potential. Pretty disappointed with the how it’s turning out.. but will finish it since it’s only two episodes left. :(
Update: The last two episodes were boring unfortunately... :( and the ending hug and kiss from Song Kang and Park Min Young lacked any sort of chemistry or passion :(:( (sorry! )
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Chemistry and storyline
The most amazing drama I have ever watched. It may be short but damn it's so good. The chemistry between Ji chang wook and Kim jiwon are different than any other couple. So natural it's unbelievable. The storyline is hard to miss, realistic and heartwarming. Also the supporting cast is also amazing, the friendship is just amazing. They're the cast we never knew we needed and Kim jiwon and Ji chang wook is the couple we never knew we needed. 10/10 full on hard cap recommend. Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee go watch it it's so goooodddododododWas this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I have a few unpopular opinions
For what I expected to be my favourite drama of the year, I've concluded it with lukewarm feelings. As much as I know a lot of people really loved this show, I have a lot of issues with it from morals to general plot progression and characterization. I don't think it was all bad and the premise really showed a lot of promise, but for me, it failed to reach the potential that I thought it deserved.Let's start from the beginning. My hype for Mouse was at its peak before I ever started watching it, back when the description was just a vague blurb about a world where psychopaths could be determined before birth and the societal response to that. That right there is interesting to me, extremely. Just that short, nondescript idea was enough to get me really invested in what this show would become. So I was already past the point of no return when I realized that the writer for this drama was the same writer as Black. For anyone who has actually watched Black, you may understand why this set off alarm bells for me. But whatever, I was already set on watching it. I was even more excited than I was for Beyond Evil, which has so far been my favourite mystery/thriller this year.
From the very first episode, something did not sit well with me, and that was the portrayal of psychopaths. You know, the entire focal point of the drama. I knew going in that it wasn't going to be realistic because of the introduction of the psychopath gene and the prenatal test for it. Okay, fine. But the drama heavily referenced psychopaths being serial killers. Actually, all of their arguments centred around the idea that every psychopath was a serial killer when, really, most aren't. And the fact that the show was demonizing unborn children? It bothered me. But well, that's what I signed up for! I knew going into it that it would do that, and my hopes were that the drama would challenge the biased opinions it set out at the beginning throughout the drama. And well... it didn't. Not even a little bit. It just reaffirmed them throughout. Hm. Well okay. Maybe I won't agree with the morals, but I can still enjoy the story, right? Well...
I found the start of the drama a little fun. The moments of suspense reminded me of a b-horror movie which could be both cringy and fun, so I was okay with that. But the further I watched, the more I realized that it wasn't very enjoyable. To be enjoyable, a drama doesn't necessarily need to be funny and charming. Dark, gritty shows that make you think can be entertaining, too. But as I watched, I realized I didn't like any of the characters. They were all characters who had been deeply scarred by past events and losses in their lives so I didn't expect them to be happy, good, fun people, but their flaws didn't seem to justify their actions and, honestly, they felt a bit like caricatures. Those singular events in their past defined who they were as people.
Take Moo Chi - he's an off-the-walls alcoholic detective with anger issues. Why is he that way? Well, his parents were murdered and beheaded by a serial killer and his brother was seriously injured in the same event and had to go through many operations just to keep his life. His brother never recovered. That night still lives with him and he can't escape it. Okay, makes sense. So, what does he like? Well... alcohol, I guess. His brother? His team, maybe? Half the time he's fighting with them, so I can't be sure. What are his interests? Hm. Drinking? Chasing criminals? Being depressed in his room? Depression makes a lot of sense for his character, especially after his brother's death, but he has no interests. There's nothing in his room that indicates that he's cared about anything but catching criminals his entire life and that just isn't a character. You can say that he's obsessed, but even people who are will have things they've picked up over the decades of their lives that they care about. And it isn't even like he's a good detective - he's very slow to piece things together. While watching Mouse, I never really cared for the moments he was on screen. And I don't think it's at all the actor's fault. He's doing his best with what he's been given. He's a good actor. But there wasn't much to work with there.
Okay. Bong Yi. Where to start? Well, she was a victim of sexual assault when she was younger and is scarred ever since. Same deal as with Moo Chi. She's traumatized and that's entirely valid. She loves her grandmother, but also somewhat blames her grandmother for what happened to her. That comes out when she's angry. She has a temper, like Moo Chi. She knows how to fight - I can assume maybe self-defence classes in her past. She... boxes? I guess? Great, a hobby! And she has a crush on Ba Reum. Okay, so she has interests! Right? Well... not really. The strange thing about this writer is that she's actually not great at writing women. You can see it in Black, too - the badly written female characters. She tries to follow the 'strong female character' trope that's become popular over the years but doesn't go far beyond the trope. The girl can fight, great, but whenever there comes a time where she actually needs to fight, she's useless. She'll almost catch a criminal here and there, but mostly her confrontations will end in her being a victim that needs to be saved. Throughout the series, she was just a magnet for every serial killer and rapist. They all gravitated to her house like there was a big red sign out front that read 'TARGET'. As for her crush on Ba Reum, that was her entire role. She was meant to be the love interest and victim of the serial killer in order to add more angst, drama and tragedy to the script.
Ba Reum. Well, personality-wise, he was a bit likeable. He was meant to be. In fact, his kind act was so caked on that most of the viewers realized in episode 2 that he was going to turn out to be the serial killer while the show was trying to act like it was some big twist to be revealed at the 3/4 mark. It was predictable. But what bothers me with that is that him being a genuinely nice guy who likes to take care of animals would have been the better twist. Everyone also figured out early on that he was the Head Hunter's biological son, too. It would have been a good chance for the show to challenge the earlier morals that it established but, well, it decided that no, psychopaths are determined at birth and they all need to be aborted because the only route they'll take in life is murder! I won't go into that rant. That aside, his character was... okay. He still didn't really have many interests, but they at least established more of his history through his friends. We got more info through the backstory of his family and their murders... but I really don't want to touch on what a mess the family history is in this show. 'Serial killer turned nice guy' was his entire personality and we can just leave him at that.
This goes for most of the other side characters, too. They're very one-dimensional and when you look back on it, it makes them hard to like. This isn't a Mouse exclusive problem and actually tends to be a big issue I have with a lot of thrillers, but the writing of the focal points matters a lot in whether these simple characters bother me or not. Unfortunately, the story wasn't enough to detract from that. What a mess. It bothers me that this drama isn't tagged as sci-fi because of the brain-transplant element later on in the show. And the psychopath test. Of course. The plot was really inconsistent from thereon. Looking back, it feels like the entire middle of the show could have been cut out and we would have still ended up in the same place. Ba Reum's amnesia only succeeded in dragging out the show. It could have been 16 hour-long episodes or less and I feel that the takeaway would have been the same. Actually, how interesting would it have been to have Ba Reum wake up remembering that he is a serial killer, but now also being able to feel the guilt that he never could have before? Following that character would have been very interesting. That's not the show we have, though.
There was too much going on at once I think. The story was vast, but it didn't amount to much. The OZ conspiracy was honestly unnecessary. The government being involved felt a bit silly. If this show had stayed solely about the serial killer and was shorter in accordance with that, I think it would have had more of an impact on me. That was the part that was interesting. That was what I hung onto. But by the time we reached the end, it felt like the spark just sort of... fizzled out. The last episode was focused on wrapping up loose ends but by the time Ba Reum was arrested, I realized I didn't care about what was happening to any of the characters. I didn't like Bong Yi, Hong Ju or Moo Chi. They, like I said, didn't feel like real characters. Then the law was passed to abort fetuses with the psychopath gene, and I was wondering whether that was supposed to be considered a victory or if it was supposed to be seen in a negative light. I wasn't sure how I felt. Especially after the show essentially showing Ba Reum's mother starting everything. She misinterpreted Ba Reum's intent to kill his brother and told his adoptive mother to kill him. Ba Reum's family was murdered before him, and his first murder was of the man who killed them. That was the trigger. It does make me wonder how he would have turned out had it not been for the actions of the people around him. I assume that was the writer's goal, so props for that.
There are some bright sides to this experience. In concept, it was interesting. I'm glad it went the route of Ba Reum being the original killer instead of Yo Han. And hey, the ending wasn't half as bad as Black's. But unfortunately, the whole journey felt a bit meaningless to me and that last episode especially left a lot to be desired. Episodes were focused on ending with big cliffhangers and shocking the audience rather than telling a well-written story and the characters were stereotypes that failed to break the mould. I can't say that I regret watching it though. It was nice to see Seunggi acting again and I had fun in some of the earlier episodes. There were moments I got excited, too. So I can't say it's not worth watching, but I also can't say that it is, either. I do get why so many people loved it, and I feel with some changes maybe I would have been one of them.
For me, Mouse will remain a terribly long journey and a cautionary tale not to get too excited by a drama's premise.
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Free The Imperfect Truth And You Will See The Potential Of This Show
First of all, I won´t go deep into the storyline in my review, since that would take me too long to explain why this show is in my opinion a good one, even though some episodes caused a lot of hate. I firstly state that I am NOT playing down the TWs such as those portrayed in this series, nor will I say that I don´t understand those offended. I can definitely see where antipathy comes from.Their acting performances were substantial and they were embodying their roles well. (I am talking about the main cast here)
Ye Xing Si/ Fu Yong Jie:
The beginning of this show is very light and most viewers may have not expected the quick turn in the XS and YJ couple, which was truly shocking for me as well. However, I did not judge the cast or production for it, since they were just doing their job in recreating the written. Many viewers started a hate wave against them and I can not understand what the History-Production has to do with the storyline.
The storyline was not too exaggerated nor was it something casual. I agree that Yong Jie made a complete reckless move on his brother while he was drunk and you should not take advantage of drunk people, on the other hand, wasn´t it to take the blame for his brothers coming out? (I want to point out the conversation in minute 11 of episode 19) Wasn´t he willing to lose his father to enable XS an opportunity to come out? He was hiding all his life and YJ just wanted to end the suffering by taking the blame. YJ is also mentally not okay and of course, that is NOT an excuse to stalk nor to use a drunk person and this is exactly what I am trying to say here:
1. Disorders are part of our everyday life. They lead to activities or behaviours that can damage yourself and others. They portrayed it well.
2. His brother forgave him. He wasn´t forced to do so, he had the choice to hate him and even take the video to the police. He didn´t. Not because he was afraid but because he understood the intentions and also fell in love with him, unforced.
Also, the episode when the father himself, who saw the video and everything, agreed to support them. Therefore there is a lot more behind that night than just pleasing a long-standing desire.
Xiao Li Cheng/ Teng Mu Ren:
To be honest, I was kinda annoyed with the beginning of their story because I thought Xiao Li Cheng was hiding too much behind his superficiality. It only took me another episode tho to fall in love with their storyline as well. It was very contrasting to the other couple. While these two have a bubbly and messy relationship, in which two friends discovered their feelings for each other, the other couple had a dark and complicated one. I loved the build-up and how realistic the misfortunes and downsides of their discovery were. Shock. Denial. Frustration. Dedication. All of the build-ups leading to a positive outcome of their relationship.
In general, this show had me jumping with joy and down on my knees the next second. No other story had made me question the reasons, connections and similarities to real-life as this one did. Not because it was dramatic and confusing, but because it was IMPERFECT. Just like us. We are not perfect either. That´s okay. We also know that this is not an excuse to hurt others but something that makes us human. If that show had no frailty, it wouldn´t have been this catchy.
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