Well, this is the first Thai drama (lakorn) I've ever watched and I'm glad to say that I made a good choice at picking it. I've never watched the original (korean) version of this before, but I'm sure that this was a GREAT remake... Probably even better than the original one (but of course I can't totally assure that, tho).
Ok, let's start the review!
WRITING
I'm always so picky about the writing of a drama because to me it's not enough just having a good story to tell... The important thing is how they tell that story, what the characters are saying and how the situations are made it's really important to me, and the writers of this drama made an AMAZING job with this story, the dialogues were full of so many emotions and feelings, and I could totally enjoy them and feel them, they explored the characters relationships and thoughts very well. They made ; real characters. the entire writing of this drama was amazing. I loved it.
DIRECTING
The director work was also great, the camera shoots, the angles, the colors, the development of the situations and how the director translated those situations that the writers created into amazing scenes. The directing work was really clever and very well done. The drama didn't leave blank spaces or missed any details or did something carelessly. The director gave us really good moments to remember and enjoy. Believe me guys, I can assure you that you'll never see an ice cream the same way again! lol :3
ACTING
I really liked the acting of both of them, I could totally read what they were trying to tell to the viewers. I could feel what they felt, cry when they cried and laugh when they laughed until my cheeks were in pain... These two had great chemistry, I mean GREAT! haha. They looked like a real couple to me and never felt fake. Actually, they were so natural and comfortable with each other, they were very attuned to each other and I could feel that. Mike and Aom officially became my favorite Asian drama couple of all times...
MUSIC
The music was ok, I'm not a big fan of the songs they played in this drama, but I still enjoyed them. The instrumental songs fit very well with the scenes, although I didn't like all of them either, so the music was just nice... Not bad, not amazing, just nice.
SHOULD YOU GUYS WATCH THIS DRAMA?
Hell yes! I actually wasn't planning to watch it but it totally worth it! This became my favorite Asian Rom-Com ever! not kidding! I loved this drama so much that it took his own place in my heart :3 I would rewatch it anytime, actually I was planning to rewatch it soon and I just finished it hahaha *_* I loved Mike and Aom so much that I think I can't live without watching their story at least 100 times more :D
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This drama really isn't for everyone
For the most part, I enjoyed it. I went in without any expectations. I didn't really know anything about the plot besides a whole bunch of international students living together. There is hints of romance and some of the plot lines had potential, but there wasn't really a whole lot to it. There was so many ways to make the plot more developed and talk about being an international student, but they didn't do that. I guess the plot to most people is the con, but to me it was bearable. I will add there were very questionable things that didn't sit right at times and if you watch it you get what I mean. I also will add, if you hate laugh tracks, you will not like this sitcom/drama at all.I loved the casting. I think that was the best part of the drama. It was nice to see a lot of familiar faces. It is pretty rare to see foreigners that actually know how to act. For the most part, most of them are new actors so I wasn't expecting a lot, but I was pretty impressed. Especially with Youngjae and Minnie, it was nice to see them act together in this sitcom, so I'm looking forward to seeing them act again.
I personally enjoyed it with a few exceptions and take my rating lightly because I liked it better then most. I give this drama/sitcom a 7.5/10.
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A Good Series With a Good Plot
i really like this one (as you can probably already tell from my profile pic lol). idk why i love it so much but maybe because of the plot? i just love unrequited love stories and ep 6 really show how hurtful it is to love someone you have no chance with but is constantly giving you hints, making you questioning everything (idk if this makes sense english is not my first language). the amount of times you tried to get over someone and also fall for them over and over is the line that stole my heart in this show. but i do have to be honest the acting could’ve been better but it got better as the episodes progress. overall, i really enjoyed this and i hope gmmtv or any other companies would make more BLs with plots like this ☺️.oh and also, the ost which is sung by joong IS SOO GOOODDD! 😩
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Warm and Fluffy
I usually lose my patience with C-Dramas as they tend to lose focus mid series. I usually find a story can be wrapped up in under 20 episodes. However, with series I found myself enjoying it and not fast forwarding through scenes. The leading couple are likeable and you root for them throughout. It has a well balanced support crew as well.I would have liked to see a bit more of the ML relationship with his parents. It was almost skirted over.
I look forward to seeing the ML in more dramas. The FL is adorable and not too naive as is the standard in C-Dramas .
I will definitely be rewatching this one again.
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I picked this show up worried by some of the comments and articles I've read about it. Fortunately, the drama was fun and was almost always consistent (more about this in the "overall" portion).
The story invites us to watch Android Nam Shin III's interaction with humans, asking us to consider what makes us human. Is it our biology or is our humanity measured by a set of values and /or a righteous moral compass? To add to the complexity, we're then reminded that our nature is not set in stone as each character is presented with their own demon to either slay or be conquered by. From those driven by ambition to those trying to find a place in the world, their mix of strengths and weaknesses results in three-dimensional characters learning to navigate an interesting plot.
ANDROID NAM SHIN III: Consistent & well-developed
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Android Nam Shin III (ANM3 for short and played by Seo Kang Joon) is the heart of the show and the star of the story. His role is integral to the narrative and it's his interactions with the rest of the cast that push the narrative forward.
Given that this is a sci-fi show, I'd braced myself for a truckload of inconsistencies. Thankfully my fears were unwarranted since the writers set proper rules for ANM3 and, even better, consistently followed them.
A key to understanding ANS3 is to remember that, as his name implies, he's not just a robot but an "Artificially Intelligent Android". So while Robots are programmable and usually capable of autonomous or semi-autonomous action, an AI Android is a robot with a human appearance controlled by a program that mimics human intelligence. In AI, an algorithm is "trained" to respond to a particular input in a certain way by using known inputs and outputs.
So it's important to regard ANM3's rules as "moral guidelines" and not "rigid commands". Meaning that it's still ANM3's decision whether to follow them or not. This allows room for judgments, alterations, and self-improvement (the last of which is an integral part of his character design).
OTHER MAIN CHARACTERS: Interesting & complex
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Kang So Bong (female lead played by Gong Seung Yeon): She's a strong, well-rounded and consistent character. She wasn't introduced as a goody-two-shoes or a naïve protagonist, which is always a bonus. Disenchanted with life after being betrayed at the peak of her career, Kang So Bong's cynical views on life take a turn for the better after meeting and befriending ANS3, who ironically ends up restoring her hope in humanity.
Ji Yeong Hoon: (Nam Shin's personal assistant, played by Lee Joon Hyuk): Ji Yeong Hoon was a great addition to the show and created a perfect balance of traits and weaknesses. Like Kang So Bong, he struggles with his internal demons on a daily basis. It's clear that Ji Yeong Hoon suffers from an identity crisis, not knowing where Nam Shin starts and he ends, which makes him a complex and sympathetic figure. By meeting and talking with ANS3, he's able to grow into his own skin and accept that, rather than being someone's shadow, there's still time for him to become his own man.
[Human] Nam Shin (also played by Seo Kang Joon): He's another complex character with an identity crisis who struggles to keep his emotions from running rampant. Though he's somewhat of an antagonist, he doesn't act without reason and, once his side of the story is presented, it's hard not to look at the story from his perspective. He's a man who's living a nightmare, constantly cornered by both enemies and allies. It stands to reason he's not ANM3's biggest fan.
ANTAGONIST: Power-hungry
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There are two main antagonists in the show. One is Seo Jong Gil (Ye Na's father played by Yoo Oh Sung) and the other is Nam Gun Ho (Nam Shin's grandfather played by Park Young Kyoo). Both characters are motivated by greed and, though their actions can be monstrous, they have moments where the human in them comes out and you can't help but pity them. After all, bad people aren't born like that, they are made.
PORTRAYAL OF ROMANCE: Interesting and sweet
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The romance was interesting if you look at it with an open mind. Going by the comment section a lot of people were turned off by the idea of a human falling in love with an AI Android, but if you think about it, it isn't so farfetched.
The show asks if a human is able to fall in love with an Android and, more importantly, if said Android --who isn't capable of feeling emotions-- could learn to love her back? The answer to this question results in a slow-burn romance that's quite sweet and fun to watch. The interaction between A. Nam Shin and Kang So Bong progresses so naturally, that it never feels out of place or forced.
I've got to give the writer(s) credit for how well they weaved the romance into the narrative, because not only was it not distracting, but it added value to the overall story and pushes both characters to grow.
OVERALL: Memorable and highly recommended
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Whether you love, hate or love to hate the characters, the writers did an excellent job in portraying the road each of them took to get to where they are and, more importantly, the reasons why.
Although the story is well crafted, it isn't without some inconsistencies and plot-hiccups, which is why I didn't rate it higher.
Regarding the inconsistencies, most are minimal (personal peeves) and therefore easily ignored. The more glaring ones have to do with scenes involving physics; specifically the wrongful portrayal of the collision between objects. However, those are few and far between and they're used as a way to heighten the action, so they don't really impact the narrative.
The harder to ignore plot-problems become apparent near the end. It felt like the writers ran out of time and ended up solving plot-lines that they'd been slowly building-up in an unsatisfying way. I also deducted points from the rating for not utilizing Kang So Bongs' fighting abilities more, since it was such a big part of her character.
Nonetheless, the show is still an enjoyable ride. Just think about those flaws like badly designed icing on an otherwise excellent cake.
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This review may contain spoilers
This drama has way too many repeated flashbacks that could be easily reduced to just 20 episodes instead. Was initially attracted to this drama due to the main actress as she have acted in "Put your head on my shoulder". She have acted well in this drama too. However, the disappointing part of this romance drama is that there are no kissing scenes at all?!
The make up for the second female lead is very exaggerating(especially her eyeliner). The ending was too rushed. The female lead's mother and best friend really gets on my nerve.
There are way too many consecutive conflicts and the plot feels very predictable messy.....
Therefore gave a low review.
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Happy Ending
The drama is light and easy to watch.. there are moments that will make u cringe over the FL for being naive and sort of stupid in choosing men but hey! That’s what makes the audience moved by emotions..It also has moral for women who seeks love.. Love yourself.. respect yourself.. be wise.. be honorable.. be fair.. always showing goodness even if ur treated badly.. rise up.. finding good in everyone..
I loved that the ending is sweet and shows unconditional love for both the leads..
kudos to Li Hongyi for choosing good projects..
To all the casts that’s in this drama they really showed us different sides of their characters.. keep it up!
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A well-told story, wholesome, and beautifully acted by all cast.
A North Korean defector, Loh Kiwan, was struggling to get a refugee status in Belgium and so, at risk of being deported. He also got into a lot of troubles being a foreigner in a new neighborhood. Through trials and tribulations, is there a happy ending for Kiwan?It was quite an emotional watch. The struggle to survive, with the fear of being deported. What happened was sadly realistic in some cases; the unfair & frustrating bureaucracy some migrants have to go through to live normally. No personal experience, but I know a bit about this from a few people in real life, those who migrated due to various reasons and struggled for their residence permit.
The dialogues were good and to the point. I like the impactful moments when the scenes shift between past and present to explain the context. Kiwan is such a nice guy, I like his character for how he responds to kindness despite his desperate situation, which got me rooting for him. Few unfortunate events he faced in society maybe slightly too dramatic, but not that it gets annoying. Kudos for everyone’s performance, especially Song Joong Ki, WHO? A few minutes going in, I see Song Joong Ki no more, he really disappeared into Loh Kiwan.
- Mar 2024, Yovita
Find me on Instagram: @kdramajudge
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Hana yori Dango 2 (Returns) Bangai hen: Makinoke Hajimete no Kazoku Ryoko in N.Y.
18 people found this review helpful
U need to watch this before the final movie, if u already watched the movie then there's no need to watch it bcz like a said it's between the drama and the final movie.
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I had this drama on my PTW list for a long time, I've delaying it for ages then one day, I decided to go fo it.
2) Storyline/Plot:
As a person who haven't read the manga and have no idea about this drama's story, I believe that the storyline was somehow strong.
Positive points:
*The plot was set up in a good way plus the story's development was meaningful since it gathered rigid events.
*This is the type of drama that won't let you lose interest in its events simply because mysterious twists were always present.
*This drama's storyline was a great mixture between romance, mystery, psychology and even some little horror moments; that's why I would say that the storyline is rich and enjoyable.
*There were some brilliant suspens moments that would fill you with anticipation and expectations.
Negative points:
*There were some unnecessary events or let's say they were "badly expressed".
*Some moments were really annoying to watch.
Story: 8.5/10
3) Acting/Cast:
*Zhou Vic : he has always been my weakness point but seriously he managed to portray the character in a perfect way.
He completely owned the role whether in sadness, happiness, his gloomy or his cheerful character; he knew how to deliever feelings.
*Hsu Barbie : As an actress she had a good show but I can't say the same about her character which took the wrong turn sometimes.
*The chemistry was one of the greatest chemistries that I've seen so far. I enjoyed every scene they had together.
*The rest of the cast was cool too plus their acting skills were good too.
Cast: 8/10
Acting: 8.5/10
4) The ending:
It one of those endings which anyone would love to see on screen. Overall it was good enough.
The ending: 8/10
5) My impression (How did it afect me):
*It's true that I had to skip some parts in order to make the drama's episodes equilibrated but I never lost interest in its events.
*Zhou Vic was simply amazing here not only as *insert shallow feelings* but also as a good actor who knew how to portray his role.
*Although I liked this drama, I can't say that I was obsessed about it.
My impression: 7.5/10
6) Overall:
*If you want a good change from typical romantic comedies then you like this.
*If you like romance mixed with psychology then this is for you
*If you like Zhou Vic then you need to watch this because this was his best role ever.
Overall: 8.5/10.
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A Drama Loaded with Sweetness
This is a Light-Fluffy romance with the perks of having a Contract Marriage and an Overbearing CEO. However, what I liked the most about this drama is that the characters didn't do a 180-degree turn after falling in love. Usually, in most of the Overbearing CEO based dramas, the ML becomes a completely different man leaving everyone to wonder if that is the man the FL fell in love with...However in this drama, the ML modifies some of the habits, he gains further insight into relationships between couples but his overall attitude and quirkiness didn't disappear. He is still the same guy who gets jealous, who supports from the behind, who apologies... who still have trouble following all the wishes of his wife and tricks her.
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My Only Complaint
The ending probably wasn't what any of us wanted. Our OTP should have been given more time in the last episode. We, the viewers, felt kind of cheated. I would have preferred at least one episode showing us Crown Prince/King Seong and Solnan as King and Queen; the birth of their first son would have been a nice touch too; however, we can blame that on the fact that the drama was unfairly cut in the last weeks.
I think we can all agree that 5 more episodes would have made this drama perfect in its execution. But overlooking that, I found this drama addicting and oh so satisfying. I never thought I’d watch a drama so soon after Ugly Alert that once again, exceeded my expectations ten-fold! The acting was stellar and some of the scenes are ones you may never see again in a saguek drama. Well worth the 54 hours of my drama life; wait, I think it is more because I've re-watched episodes again! Highly recommend it for the story, for the romance and especially the STELLAR acting.
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hot garbage
this isn't orv. it doesn't follow the novel, it doesn't follow the manhwa. it feels like I've read 50 shades of grey and some random girl made a vampire fanfiction of it and brougt it to the cinema with the same name and characters. but historically speaking this has not happened: 50 shades of grey got its own film and twilight despite being its insipration never used the same names of those characters, so why must this have to happen with orv? i say webtoon loves the sound of money but they are not read to lose exactly twice the revenue with the shit in going to unload with this live action the fans never in heaven asked. we novel readers know the importnce of the story being read through the phone, the value and singulairty of the characters and stories told, the themes and moral of the story, the director and actors are simply demonstrating the exact opposite. I'm really disappointed that this will be part of the legacy of this fandom but in the end I hope this film gets trashed for good.Was this review helpful to you?
What's the point of all of this?
I think it was cute and all, but also so boring! I had to push myself to finish it because it was just so boringggg... and at some point there was just nothing happening.The main characters relationship was so forced! They had no chemistry at all (which surprised me because in bts they seemed really close), and their kissing scenes where so cringy and weird.
The other two characters also didn't had any chemestry.
I was a little disappointed overall, Hwang In Yeop is one of my fav actors and i felt that in this one he forgot how to act, im sorry...
6/10 because i've seen worse, i just had high hopes for this one :/
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The Prisoner of Beauty is Pretty, But Not Profound
Let’s be honest, The Prisoner of Beauty is not a bad drama. It’s cute, watchable, and occasionally moving. But it’s also frustratingly underwhelming. The drama leans hard on familiar tropes, surface-level chemistry, and emotional shortcuts that feel more manufactured than earned. If you’re looking for a drama that deepens character through structure, this isn’t it. It follows the romance template to a fault, soothing in its predictability, but rarely impresses.💫 The Heroine
Man Man begins as a promising lead, smart, kind, and emotionally grounded. She’s introduced with the quiet confidence of someone who sees the world clearly and engages it with grace. But once she marries Wei Shao, that clarity dims. She’s rewritten into a familiar archetype, the self-sacrificing woman who suffers in silence, mistaking endurance for love.
Also, her strength doesn’t evolve, it dissolves. What once read as emotional maturity becomes passive devotion. She stops challenging the world around her and instead absorbs its disappointments, shrinking herself in the hope that Wei Shao will one day rise to meet her emotional needs. But he’s not written to be that kind of partner. Her longing is disguised as patience, and her silence is framed as virtue. The result is a character who appears strong on the surface but is ultimately defined by her willingness to wait, ache, and compromise for a man who falls short of the emotional reciprocity she craves.
🎭 Acting That Undermines Emotional Clarity
Song Zu Er
Song Zu Er’s portrayal of Man Man is undermined by a stylistic choice that feels more mannered than authentic. Her persistent whispering, carried through nearly every scene quickly becomes distracting. Scenes that should pulse with urgency or vulnerability instead feel muted by a delivery that’s overly breathy and jarringly unnatural. It becomes so stifling, it pushes past distraction into frustration. I found myself begging for her to just speak normally by episode 2.
Her crying, often childlike in tone, may elicit sympathy in isolated moments, those wide, pleading eyes and trembling lips is like a child seeking comfort. But across the arc of a romantic drama, this becomes her only mode of sadness, and it wears thin. She doesn’t evolve emotionally; she repeats. When the story calls for anguish, grief, or quiet devastation, her tears feel staged, not lived. You can see the performance mechanics at work, the cue hits, the tears fall, and she cries beautifully. But it’s beauty without depth, affect without authenticity.
The emotional register she leans on is fragile, high-pitched, and juvenile. This creates a tonal mismatch that undermines the romantic narrative. In scenes meant to convey intimacy or mutual vulnerability, the imbalance is glaring. It doesn’t feel like two adults navigating the complexities of love; it feels like a grown man paired with a child. The result is a romance that feels unsettling, rendering the physical closeness between Man Man and Wei Shao performative and emotionally incoherent.
Liu Yu Ning
Liu Yu Ning’s performance is solid but subdued. He plays Wei Shao with a kind of emotional detachment that fits the character’s romantic limitations, but it doesn’t always translate into compelling drama. There’s a lack of internal tension, he’s stoic, but not layered. Vulnerability flickers in brief moments, but never fully lands. It’s a competent portrayal, but not a standout, and even Liu Yu Ning has acknowledged in livestreams that this wasn’t his strongest work.
💞 A Love Story That Feels... Uneven
The romance in The Prisoner of Beauty is built on physical closeness and contrived misunderstandings. There’s chemistry, sure, but it’s the kind that flickers in stolen glances and dramatic rescues, not the kind that grows through emotional resonance. The back-and-forth mistrust between the leads becomes exhausting, not because it’s intense, but because it’s repetitive. It’s hard to root for a couple when their connection feels more like a plot device than a lived-in relationship.
Wei Shao’s inability to express love is a central conflict. Man Man keeps hoping for grand gestures, and Wei Shao keeps failing to deliver. The result? A romance that feels like a loop of disappointment. There are cute moments, yes, but they’re the kind you’ve seen in dozens of other dramas. Nothing here feels earned.
🧠 Writing That Plays It Safe
The writing in TPOB is serviceable, but it rarely reaches for anything deeper. Emotional beats are too predictable. Misunderstandings are manufactured. And the pacing suffers under the weight of too many recycled plot points. The story isn’t disjointed, but it is draggy. When your central conflict is mistrust, and that mistrust hardly evolves until the last bit of the show, you’re left with a narrative that spins its wheels.
Additionally, none of the side characters stand out. They exist to move the plot forward, not to enrich it. This left the ending feeling rushed. It ties things up, but without the emotional payoff that makes a finale satisfying.
🎶 Sound That Fades
Liu Yu Ning’s OST is the only track that lingers after the credits roll. The rest of the audio landscape is forgettable. Music cues feel generic, and sound design lacks the precision needed to elevate emotional scenes. In a series that leans heavily on mood, the flatness of its sound design undermines its emotional texture. This was definitely a missed opportunity.
🔁 Rewatch Value That’s Limited
This isn’t a drama that rewards multiple viewings. Once you’ve seen the misunderstandings play out, there’s little incentive to revisit. The emotional arc doesn’t deepen. The characters don’t reveal new layers. It’s a one-and-done experience, pleasant enough in the moment, but not built to last.
📚 Final Note
TPOB is mediocre at best. If you prefer comfort over complexity, TPOB might satisfy. But if you’re looking for storytelling that respects your intelligence and emotional investment, this is not the show.
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