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Overall I liked the movie, it's super cliché really .... but super funny. I loved the characters, especially Kairi, the energy was fantastic, I think it was my favorite.
Sae was really strange, in my view, the way she reacted to things and her schemes, in the most creepy sense.I like Mizuki too, her character was diferente I guess and dramatic and super fun.
About the end I was surpirse but I like it.
Overall it's a funny and fun story.
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Is Love of Sandstorm like that? Hell yes.
But to my pleasant surprise, this drama found somehow the perfect mixture.
It's funny as hell, but the more you think about certain scenes, the darker it gets. For some reason, even as a Westerner I could relate to the characters. The plot isn't even THAT far from reality.
I mean, be ready to get straight to the point. This drama is BLUNT. STRAIGHT FORWARD. You are used to KDrama-World, where the climax is (at max) a sloppy kiss on the couch where the camera slowly focuses to the IKEA flower pot? Oh honey, you're in for a ride. Some scenes made me want to clean my browser history with bleach and damn, I've seen some sh*t.
What you definitely need to know is that the first episode drags a bit. In defense of the writer, he had quite a lot of characters to introduce. But thanks to that, I know who's who. Unlike other dramas where I still don't get who's the protagonist after 5 episodes.
During the drama you'll follow different couples and their plot lines. If you asked me, the parents could have been toned down a bit. No offense, I just don't like "older" couples. And don't get me started on Jiao Jiao - this girl is completely nuts.
I was binge watching Love of Sandstorm and currently trying to function on 2 hours of sleep. Probably shouldn't have binge watched another drama before that. And maybe the only way to enjoy this drama is in the void between madness and a mental breakdown, where you just find anything funny. Idk.
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might be not the best but its entertaining
-give me anything entertaining and id watch instead of something that might make me feel bored lol and it give the vibes that its too bad that its good? XD-another good point is good looking mls with great chemistry
-with those type of very short bl series id wait then watch them like a movie it makes it more enjoyable this way
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I enjoyed the serial-style crime show that composed the first half of this drama, but it the writing wasn't particularly clever or fluid as other crime dramas I've seen.
The story felt dragged out and not as cohesive as it could have been, and it overall lacked substance. Crime shows deal with heavy themes of humanity, but this show was just dark without social commentary and had too much cheesy romance. On that note, the chemistry was spicy, but the romance itself was rushed, unbelievable, and not well paced. Even without substance, shows can be saved by fun and action, but again, there wasn't enough feel-good vibes or humor for it to pull that off, so it was just straight-up dark and cheesy from there.
The acting here was pretty good, but acting can't save mediocre writing, and the acting did become sloppy at times. The best performance here was probably Wang Kai's; his character was the only likeable one in the end.
On another note, I understand Chinese patriarchal culture as someone who is indeed ethnically Chinese, but a viewer can't deny the awkwardly sexist writing here.
Overall, I can say that viewers can pass on this drama. It's very highly rated and well-reviewed, but I think reviewers may just have found a show to their tastes rather than a show that actually measures up to the other brilliant crime shows in the drama industry.
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One of the masterpiece
One of the best series ever and also if anyone have not watched it yet please do watch it recommend it wholeheartedly. Love and support from India P'Keng and P'Namping. Honestly the series has keep me hooked from start till end and it is really a very good storyline and casting and acting of the actors are just wow.Was this review helpful to you?
Story-
Nakamura Aoi's name isn't mentioned (either I didn't hear it or I forgot) instead he is constantly referred to as "friend" by Goyoune, his little kitten. There was quite a nice relationship that the two shared. Aoi played the role of a lonely guy who had dreams of becoming a famous manga artist however had a few issues with it.
Acting/Cast-
The main actor really suited the role, he had such a sweet smile and character when acting with the cat. The cat's voice actor had a cute voice too which matched the cat. ^^
Music-
Songs that played fit with the scene, it was chosen well although I think it could've been improved.
Rewatch Value-
This would be nice to watch with a friend if you're looking for something short and cute to watch. I may rewatch it in the future sometime.
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Overall, this is probably the best drama I have seen since Healer. It is beautifully written, evocative, touching, and hilarious. It's really everything you would want from kdrama. It's got a fantastic ensemble that are all fun and lovable. Every episode brings something special. A very, very addictive and binge-able watch.
Jang Na Ra is as perfect as ever. Seriously. There's honestly no better drama actress in the entire country. She believably plays both a 20-year-old and a 38-year-old. She can and will make you laugh and cry like crazy.
This is the first time I have seen Son Ho Jun in anything and he was impressive. His melo scenes felt a bit off, but I think that was more to do with the nature of his character than his acting ability. One of his melo scenes is probably my favorite scene in the whole drama.
The two "second leads" (in quotes because they get less screen time than a couple of the other Supporting cast) succeeding excellently in doing what they were supposed to do: be ridiculously attractive. Jang Ki Yong just looks like Korean Benedict Cumberbatch, which, of course, is awesome. And although she really just looked like little kid most of the time, I couldn't deny that Go Bo Gyeol was hyper-cute. Their characters didn't get as much development as you might expect, but they were still a lot of fun to watch and were utilized well by the writers as tools for the development of our hero and heroine.
Two Supporting Cast shout-outs I simply MUST give are for Kim Mi Kyung, who I think should be tagged with a Main Role here, simply because she was the 3rd-most important character in the show. I have said it before and I'll say it again: Kim Mi Kyung is her own gravitational force. What an incredibly watchable, dynamic, compelling actress. Every time she and Jang Na Ra shared the screen, it was amazing and wonderful.
The second shout out goes to Han Bo Reum, who is just plain gorgeous and a lot of fun to look at. Very funny, great smile, excellent hair. I never got tired of her or her character (and the hilarious yet oddly fetching late-90s outfits they always made her wear). She was excellent and, at age 30, will hopefully get some good lead roles under her belt soon.
If you're looking for a quick rollercoaster of emotion with some ridiculously amazing acting, just stop what you're doing and start this drama right away. A low-risk/high-reward prospect at just 12 episodes, there will be nothing to regret once you're done.
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Finding out that your next-door neighbors are your biological parents is the kind of coincidence we hear about on the news, the kind of thing that we wonder if it truly exists. I started watching this show because I wanted to see this unusual situation unfold.
The first couple of episodes, I’ve been holding my breath for the moment everyone finds out the truth, but the drama keeps teasing us (although it does make up for it with the comedy and the suspense).
Maybe it’s because I haven’t watched that many +20 episode dramas, but I felt too impatient and annoyed at the beginning. I could totally imagine many people dropping this drama somewhere around the first ten episodes. Even I –crazy about it as I am now that I’ve finished it- have thought about dropping it before Gwi-Nam found his real parents.
This is why I wanted to tell you guys to stick it through and you won’t regret it. At least, I haven’t.
I truly loved the social commentary that was subtly going on in this drama—South Korea is still a country deep-rooted in traditions although it has become so advanced. ‘Unexpected You’ makes its viewers question some of Korea’s firmly standing traditions, and comments on the nature of the relationship between in-laws in Korea. I thought the writer handled these sensitive matters very well, in that she gave us the two sides of the issue fairly.
The characters are flawed and feel real, even Gwi-Nam who I thought was too perfect at first (turns out, he has his own share of faults). One thing I found funny was how Gwi-Nam was like the closest thing to perfect a man could get, to the annoyance of men in the show.
It was like the drama was telling us that this is how a man should be, but in a completely comical way. I couldn’t stop laughing when the men in the drama grumbled about Gwi-Nam setting the standards so high and ruining things for them (a little meta that I enjoyed).
I hope more people would discover this gem for what it is.
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This review may contain spoilers
Underrated
First of all, is a joy to watch another short drama with Hu Yi Yao, after Secrets of the Shadow Sect...For the drama, it is a agreable short drama with an intersting story and premise.
Set between a virtual world and the real world, alneit a futuristic one
As for the ending, it leaves the ending open but inplied that both mains return to the real world, meet again and resumed their relation, with the possibility and opening for a sequel...
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This review may contain spoilers
At first, I watch this film because I love the main female lead. But then, the story touches my heart. it's telling about a man who comes from another planet. He never even went to the other planet, because his dad was bounded to human (his mother). They will be bound to human if they help three times on the same person. And yes, he is bounded to the girl. In other people's eyes, she is only a girl who will do anything to be famous through internet. But no one knows that she had a childhood trauma. Because of her past, she always fake her smile and pretended to be happy... no one knows and no one care about her, except her best friend. But when the male lead is bounded to the girl, he tried every way to make her feel happy, but none of those makes her happy. She is blaming herself for not being strong enough to fight her depression. I like this movie, not only because the love story. But because the building character and what we can get from this film. as an individual, we should not look down on other people, especially happiness. We can't tell whether she's happy or she's suffering. The only one who can feel our happiness is ourself. many people say "don't care about what other say about you, just be yourself". It is true, but not everyone can do it. Who can really not think about what people say? even if there is, not everyone is like them. Our actions, our words, our judgements will effect people surround us. we are also human, we can be weak. But what makes you strong, is when you don't give up. When you fight little by little. When you prepare yourself to let go of the things you hold.
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This review may contain spoilers
WORST ADAPTION
I’m honestly disappointed with what’s supposed to be an “adaptation.” This version completely strips away the soul of the original work. Watching Kim Dokja lose all his presence and depth was exhausting, and it’s hard to believe the production team even glanced at the source material. If this is what you call an adaptation, then honestly, even Wattpad fanfictions have done a better job respecting the core of Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint.Let’s talk about the inconsistencies. The Kim Dokja portrayed here feels like a stranger. He would never say “this novel is the worst”—that line alone already betrays his entire worldview. And what’s with the firearms? Both Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk have extensive knowledge of their world; they would absolutely know better than to use weapons that don’t work.
And one very important trait: Kim Dokja doesn't save people out of kindness. He saves them if, and only if, they serve a purpose in his plan. That’s who he is—calculated, practical, and always thinking several steps ahead.
All these overlooked details make the story feel like a shallow shell of what it could’ve been. It’s not just about “changing things for the screen” it’s about losing the essence that made the original story powerful.
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However, on the other hand, I like the acting especially Woobin's. The part when he reunites with his mother just simply touched me - the only scene I cried throughout the whole show.
In conclusion, I won't find this drama that worth to watch unless you are a fan of any of the main casts.
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1
2Came for the plot, stayed for directing - indie heart in a mainstream body.
Writing wise it’s a cliches overload. Successful male lead with initially egocentric attitude, haunted by his mandatory past trauma. Poor female lead struggling in her daily life, with mandatory past trauma. The plot was painfully predictable, but smooth sailing. I predicted the majority of plot points around episode 3 - ending included. I did not really mind, I watched it for vibes, not for the thrills.The leads were fine. As a local pinning enthusiast I was both well fed, but also robbed. The first few episodes delivered such a good low-key angst with Su Bin pinning over Ju I Jae as she pushed him away, I just wanted more and more of it. But then they moved on from it so fast. That one time you wished the misunderstanding was not actually resolved in a mature manner…
There was depth on paper, but not in the delivery. I think they dealt with issues too fast. Less conflicts, but better explored please. Out of both leads, I for sure liked Ju I Jae arc more - from surviving to living and chasing her lost dream. Ready to face her fears to improve.
On the other hand, while I liked what they tried to present with Su Bin, it never truly hit the mark for me. Personally I loved how flawed he was. How desperate and misguided he acted at times. This makes for a compelling character. Yet again, similarly to external conflicts, his internal struggles were also not explored enough. He thought he was brave enough to stop running away, but the truth is, he just decided to hide behind Ju I Jae instead of learning how to be emotionally independent and healthy. This would be such an interesting internal journey if they cared to dive deeper into it.
I think the chemistry between Hwang In Youp and Lee Hye Ri was good, but not outstanding. A lot of heavy lifting was done by the editing. That silhouette kissing scene? Cinema!
Luckily, in terms of romance, everyone can find something for themselves since we get 3 separate couples with different flavors. Leads deliver the youthful romance, second couple sprints from bickering to friends to lovers tropes and the third just jumps straight into bed with initially no strings attached.
Of course no kdrama can happen without abuse plotlines, so be prepared for that - it goes both emotional and physical. Some of the abusers did not face enough karma if you ask me - forgive and forget should not be that easy to achieve.
For the acting, I was content, but not impressed. You know what's funny. Usually actors do decent in every day mundane scenes, but struggle with more emotionally heavy. But I actually liked Hwang In Youp's acting in these more heavy scenes more than the daily stuff. Not that he did a bad job per se, but it was just fine. Sidenote - Lee Sang Yeob was as hot as always.
Truth to be told, what I loved the most about this title was the directing. The indie vibe with mainstream quality just worked so well. There were many little filming techniques and editing choices I loved. Slow close ups from medium-full/full shots that hold the camera on the reaction of the character longer than usually. I also liked how “slow paced” the editing was - rather than creating dynamic shots by cutting to different angles, they used one shots with zooms in/out and camera movement.
It's not like the whole drama is some masterpiece of unique editing and directing, but it always had moments that I especially enjoyed. Fun transitions between scenes, POV you would not expect to see, mixing romance with comedy by showing different people’s reactions in the same wider shot. Changing the person in focus in one shot, instead of cutting the scenes between the two characters. So many little things that just worked for me.
Overall, it was a fine watch. Around half way through I caught myself being more excited to see what kind of fun filming/directing/editing choices they make, and not the plot progression itself. It feels like there was a lot of heart and thought put into all aspects of the production, but the writing itself.
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Team no one LOL
The formula for a successful clichéd rom-com usually includes:1. A strong, heroic male lead. (Not really.)
2. An appealing second male lead who gives viewers serious Second Lead Syndrome. (Also not really)
3. A cute side couple. (Still not quite there.)
4. Fun besties and scene-stealing sidekicks. (This was the closest thing to a success, but they barely got any screen time.)
I started this drama for Kim Hye-jun, since I've loved many of her previous works. Unfortunately, I didn't feel much chemistry between her and either ML, and the bromance didn't land for me either.
What I did enjoy:
The positive workplace vibes and supportive coworkers.
The Korean traditional knot-making scenes.
The touch on the darker side of sasaeng fan culture.
The OST.
Overall: Watchable and pleasant, especially if you're a Kim Hye-jun fan, but not a rom-com I'll be thinking about months later like Spooky in love (1st 1/2) or Business Proposal
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