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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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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This review may contain spoilers
does this even have a plot?
the only thing that saves this is the main characters' chemestry because everything else makes me mad..."plot" that could have been told in 10-12 eps (even better a movie but I guess 🤷🏻♀️),
first 15 eps that were basically an ad, side character with no purpose or personality at all if not adoring the main leads (their "best friends" changed to the writers liking in times of need for then disappear forever. her friends weren't even at the wedding? 🤨)
and most importantly the fact that the FL only purpose here was the romance and supporting the growth of the ML. i'm not even sure she talked about something else but him all season...
liked her a lot but she had neither character development nor real problems (too much times should have been removed from the propaganda/ad for that).
in the meantime countless (on the limit of boring) eps spent on making us understand the ML's doubts, his passion for his job, his colleagues life, his colleagues' partners doubts... and then again more specific stuff about his work...
while jingjing, even in the (rare) times where they showed her working, was busy longing for him. until the very end where she spent the whole. entire. LAST. episode. being the ✨perfect supportive wife✨
how the hell don't they have problems at all while seeing each other basically never for years? lmao
i also don't get the point of showing us weibo's opinions etc if never ever comes out of it
(oh right telling us how perfect he is🙃)
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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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Tropey but Enjoyable, Great Acting
The storyline of Romance of a Twin Flower sounds tropey – fall off cliff, switch identity, amnesia, an egregious antagonist, an admirer turns deadly, and more – but the execution of it is excellent with intact scriptwriting, directing and acting. The setting is authentic, the costumes are nicely done and beautiful, the dialogs are as expected, and the logic is sound. Most of all, the chemistry of the main couple is good and believable.The drama opens with Nie Sangyu (Peng Xiaoran) falling off a cliff. She is then rescued but has totally lost her memory. Nie Sangyu is a cruel and despicable person, but the rescued Nie Sangyu is a kind and very lovable person. Turns out the rescued Nie Sangyu is not the original Nie Sangyu, but no one suspects that she's not the real one because they look exactly the same except different in temperament and character.
Nie Sangyu is married to Marquis Ning Yuxuan (Ding Yuxi) who is forced to marry her, but he dislikes her because the original Nie Sangyu is not likable. After going through all the life and death experiences together, both the fake Nie Sangyu and Ning Yuxuan fall in love with each other. When he finds out Nie Sangyu’s real identity as Ji Man, Ning Yuxuan wants to marry her, but this must be done privately because her real identity cannot be revealed to others just yet. Their wedding is disrupted unexpectedly as the events unfold.
Both Peng Xiaoran and Ding Yuxi have given a wonderful performance here. Their characters are believable and lovable. I have loved Peng Xiaoran since Goodbye My Princess. Here, she is beautiful and natural. Ding Yuxi may not be everyone’s pretty boy and he’s not tall in stature, but he’s a wonderful actor. I have enjoyed all his dramas.
The antagonists are made known from the beginning. Ma Ke plays Ling Jianxing as Ning Yuxuan’s nemesis. Throughout Ning Yuxuan’s career, Ling Jianxing has always been there to create stumbling blocks for him, many times deadly, but each time, Ning Yuxuan is a step ahead of Ling Jianxing.
Ning Yuxuan also has a concubine whom he marries for a reason. Wen Wan (Jia Nai) is the most hated character in the story. Hypocritical, jealous, murderous, Wen Wan wants Nie Sangyu dead, and sabotages her repeatedly. Again and again Nie Sangyu dodges death through her quick wit and help from Ning Yuxuan.
Luckily, we have an intelligent and benevolent emperor here that makes the story very pleasant. The two maids that follow Nie Sangyu/Ji Man around are sweet, and her friends are trusty and dependable. Ning Yuxuan’s loyal bodyguard, Gui Bai (He Changxi), is also an interesting and lovable character. There are some very lovely side couples with their respective sweet romance. Too bad a secret admirer whom I have come to like, becomes a deadly antagonist.
My Verdict
Despite all the tropes and cliché, and some plot holes here and there (eg. how Ji man loses her memory), this is a very enjoyable drama. For romance buffs, this is not smooth sailing for the couple; they are separated for one year (for an acceptable reason) before getting back together again. Great acting, lovely story, and good directing.
Enjoyable watch! Don’t miss it!
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A Must-Watch Omegaverse Masterpiece
ABO Desire is my second favorite Chinese BL after Revenged Love, and it stands out as the first uncensored Omegaverse Chinese BL. It dares to go where most dramas would hesitate, delivering raw emotion, intensity, and a love that burns beyond boundaries.I absolutely love all four male leads. Each one is stunning and talented, bringing depth, charm, and intensity to their roles. Their chemistry is magnetic, making every scene feel alive and impossible to look away from.
Some people say this drama is too toxic, but honestly, if it were not this intense, it would be just another ordinary romance. The psychological manipulation, the possessive love, and the emotional chaos make it addictive. Every episode keeps you on edge, and not once did I feel bored.
The library earthquake scene is easily my favorite. It shook more than the walls; it shook the soul. Hua Yong throwing himself over Sheng Shao You, shielding him from falling debris, from the weight of the collapsing world, was love in its purest and most painful form. The iron rod piercing his body was nothing compared to the thought of losing the man he loved. Blood stained the ground, but love stained his heart even deeper. If this is not love, then what is.
Hua Yong’s past mistakes were terrible, yet they were born from love too deep to control. His love pushed him to protect but also to deceive, and now the truth tears them both apart. Sheng Shao You’s heart bleeds from betrayal even as Hua Yong’s body bleeds from pain. He pushes Hua Yong away, not because the love has faded, but because the hurt has become unbearable. They drown not in the ruins of an earthquake but in the ruins of their own hearts. The body may heal, but the heart, once broken by love and lies, carries scars that time cannot erase.
What makes this Omegaverse world so beautiful is the freedom it offers. Gender does not matter. Love is simply love. Couples can marry, have children, and live openly. Even Sheng Shao You’s father’s acceptance of Hua Yong felt like a miracle. In so many BLs, coming out brings rejection or heartbreak, but here it brought warmth and hope.
Hua Yong dreamed of that happiness since he was sixteen. He already had a name for their future child—Hua Sheng—with the sweet nickname Peanut. Every detail of their future was painted in his heart long before it could exist. One quiet afternoon, Sheng Shao You told his brother, “I’m bringing your future in-law.” Just three words, yet they shattered Hua Yong’s composure. After fifteen years of silent love, those words turned dreams into reality.
But love, no matter how deep, cannot always protect against tragedy. Sheng Shao You’s brother, Shao Qing, spiraled into debt and darkness, dragging everyone with him. Despite countless chances and forgiveness, he betrayed them again, poisoning his own brother and raising a knife to kill him. Hua Yong did not hesitate. He took the blade himself to save Sheng Shao You. If that is not love, then what could ever be called love.
Hua Yong now stands at a crossroads between mercy and justice, torn between the love he protects and the family he must destroy to keep that love safe. Every choice bleeds with sorrow. What was once a dream of breakfasts, a child named Peanut, and peaceful mornings has become a war fought in the name of love.
ABO Desire is bold, thrilling, and emotionally devastating in the best way. It delivers passion, heartbreak, and beauty all at once. A solid 10/10 in my eyes, and an absolute must-watch for anyone who loves Omegaverse or Chinese BLs that dare to push beyond the ordinary.
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