⚔️ Unbreakable Bonds and Unforgettable Friendships: A 'Fox'-ceptional Sequel
It's rare for a second season to surpass the first, let alone do it in a way that doesn't compromise the canon set up by the original. Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 does this exceptionally well. It manages to retain all the elements that made season one great: flawed. complex and intriguing main characters (Lee Yeon and Lee Rang) and their wounded but unbreakable bond, the rich fantasy world-building, and the deeply interwoven native folklores. However, it surpasses the original with improved pacing, a tighter plot, and significantly better villains and backstory.The original's biggest flaw was a weak villain and the vague backstory of FL's parents, which left us with unanswered questions and plot holes. With 1938, the villains are more coherent, although we are still left with some unanswered questions regarding one of them (presumably to be addressed in the third season?). The backstory of the villains is better fleshed out, adding to the compelling threat they pose. Despite being a fantasy where the outcome is fairly assured, the series manages to raise the stakes against our heroes and presents them with a daunting task.
Much of the enjoyment comes from the excellent chemistry between the characters. Beyond the remarkable camaraderie between the Lee brothers, the fellowship among the Mountain god trio is equally engaging. The humour is on point, with comedic situations and witty dialogue. The tone seamlessly shifts between humor and intrigue, poignant and thrilling. No moment is wasted, and even side characters and their stories are well-integrated into the overarching narrative.
I must admit that some of the flaws from the writer are still present in this season, mainly a tendency to leave a trail of apparent plot holes. While it's slightly less overt in season 2, it remains noticeable. In season 1, it mainly revolved around the parents' storyline and the reincarnation concept. In season 2, the lack of clear discussion over Moo Young's brother's atrocities is a glaring plot hole, especially considering the flashback showing him attacking Moo Young himself. It could have been addressed with a scene that demonstrates why Moo Young is confident in his brother's innocence.
The one main flaw of S1 was Lee Yeon and Ji Ah's relationship. It was perhaps a combination of weak writing (it relied too heavily on her past self rather than developing the relationship with the present character) and a lack of chemistry between them. (That being said, I was still able to enjoy their relationship because LDW is just that adorable.) S2 is better precisely because it stays true to S1, our nine-tailed fox loves for life, so his chemistry with Hong Joo make for an uncomplicated, witty and enjoyable friendship. Kim So Yeon steals every scene she's in, exhibiting great chemistry with all her co-stars. The treat was seeing Lee Rang's love story, although his surprise power raises more questions that will hopefully be addressed in Season 3.
As someone who was initially wary of a sequel, I was amazed by the quality of this season and now find myself longing for Season 3.
9.5/10
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
"My sister, my friend, my bride, have all left. As always I'm left alone" I'd say, this was one of the most unique stories I've seen yet, with the most gorgeous cinematography.
One of the best thing about it were the actors, especially the male lead and the second male lead, they were totally mesmerizing (No Homo), one could actually feel their sorrow and grief.
Another thing about this show were it's OSTs, each track perfectly fits with whatever situation was given, and that track that played during the goblin and reaper walk <3.
Fav track from the show: Lasse Lindh - Hush/Stay With Me - Chanyeol & Punch
There's one thing I agree with those who bitch about it... that cringe, the age gap... Ig 19 and 39(By his looks) (938 if you consider his real age) isn't much of a difference in Pakistan xD. At sometimes he looked like her father, especially that moment when he pats her head. If compared with the second couple, I'd definitely choose the latter.
Was Goblin: The Lonely and Great god good?.. yes. Was is it great?... definitely yesss. Should I recommend it?.. yes if you can bear with its slow pace
Personal Ratings: 9/10
Sauce: Goblin: The Lonely and Great god
Was this review helpful to you?
Iconic...flawed but lovable characters grapple with what is means to live and die and be reborn
This is just the total package: well-developed storyline and character development, iconic cinematography and set/fashion design, flawed but lovable characters who find reconciliation and redemption, funny and touching dialogue, and deep themes of what it means to live and die and be reborn. Chemistry and cuteness of leads is off the chart. And the soundtrack is also A . Buckwheat :)Was this review helpful to you?
1This review may contain spoilers
Toxic, Not Naughty
I am still wondering why I bothered to watch this drama. I wasn't a fan of Cutie Pie, toxic relationships made to look cute are not my thing, but the trailer made me wonder if this drama would put some of that in the past. I should have known better. Naughty Babe, quite simply, is a disaster. I'm not sure what was worse: changing the original story, the lack of plot, the complete lack of character development despite years having gone by, or the acting. Honestly take your pick.So let's start with the story. There really wasn't one. Honestly it felt like a toddler throwing anything and everything at a piece of paper and calling it a masterpiece. With only 8 episodes, they needed to stick to a central story line and they just didn't. The mystery of who messed with Diao's car and caused Yi to crash is probably the most consistent story line, but even it falls flat. The choice to change the childhood attack Diao suffered from a dog to a tiger was absurd. The CGI tiger was awful and the change didn't serve any purpose other than creating inconsistencies and erasing some of the development in their relationship from Cutie Pie. Because it was so disjointed, the pacing felt off. It never got a good rhythm going and I struggled to stay invested. Things like their plan for the wedding was just so nonsensical and out of the box, and not in a good way. They were in on the plan together, so why Diao kept going on about being afraid he was going to hurt Yi and break his heart and blah blah blah just didn't make sense. And the ending, maybe it was just me, but it felt like there was a level of favoritism for their son over their daughter. They interacted far more with him than they did with her, especially considering it was her birthday. Again, could just be me reading into it too much.
One of the biggest issues though truly was the complete lack of character development. It's supposed to have been what, 6 years or something since Cutie Pie and three since Cutie Pie 2 You and literally nothing has changed in their relationship. In fact, they've taken steps backward. I didn't watch it, but my understanding is that a lack of development was present in Cutie Pie 2 You as well. Relationships change over time, that's just a fact. That Diao and Yi's relationship remained so stagnant shows that the writers and production had no clue what they were doing. Because of the foolish decision to change the attack to a tiger, some of the issues between them that had been dealt with or at least acknowledged were rendered pointless and they were right back where they started. And you would think, after all the time they'd been together, that they would have figured some things out. But no, they are still unable to communicate effectively, they make assumptions, there's a clear lack of trust and understanding between them, oh, but they're madly in love. Cue eye roll. The imbalance in their relationship is still very present. There are times that Yi comes across almost as more of a father with his controlling ways than as a fiancé. And Diao, for all that he does stand up for himself on occasion, it never seems to be when it matters or when it would do the most good. Frankly, they're just frustrating to watch. And a bit disturbing, because, all joking aside, at the heart, their relationship is not one built on love, but rather years of manipulation and Diao being conditioned to rely on Yi. And that is simply not addressed. It just points back to the fact that nothing has changed since Cutie Pie and their relationship is just as toxic and discordant as it was then.
Lian and Kuea reappear and while Lian does have his useful moments serving as a sounding board for Yi and actually giving solid advice at times, Kuea causes some issues by sticking his nose where it doesn't belong and making incorrect assumptions that he then feeds back to Diao. Together they're alternately vaguely amusing and mildly cute. While their relationship in Cutie Pie displayed the same imbalance as seen with Diao and Yi, they seem to be on more equal footing here. Nuea and Syn also pop up briefly and bring a few moments of levity. The only other character that I actually liked was Yi's father. He had a decent balance of comedy and seriousness that worked fairly well.
Nat and Max are not the strongest of actors and expecting them to carry their own show was asking a lot. Of the two, Nat was the more compelling to watch. His expressions are limited and there's really no nuance to his acting, but it feels more authentic. Max is just wooden and his emotions always felt very surface level. It looked like he was acting.
The production value was meh. There was nothing special about it. The product placement was incredibly annoying and distracting. It's been a minute since I saw a drama that was so in your face with it. And the music felt pretty generic. Nothing like Cutie Pie which had some decent and catchy songs.
Naughty Babe is simply a continuation of the toxic relationship first shown in Cutie Pie and a further romanticization of it. I don't generally totally regret watching a drama, but I fully regret taking the time to watch this one. There is frankly nothing positive about it and unless you are a die hard Cutie Pie or Diao/Yi fan, I would avoid it like the plague. You'll never get those hours back.
Was this review helpful to you?
Did not like it
All the scenes felt so jumbled up most of the time, I was very confused. It's like trying to put together a missing-piece puzzle lmao. I admit there was good chemistry between the actors in some moments! Their touching interactions brought sparks that made it just a little more bearable during all that chaos.But I think this is just really not my vibe; at one point, I started scrolling through my phone instead of watching. That being said, though, I did very much appreciate the cultural exchange and artistic collaboration behind it. Even though the execution of it all was not done well in my opinion but it's cool to see different styles and perspectives coming together.
Was this review helpful to you?
NJH is so cute and hot, SSK is so amazing here too.
At first, I hate this drama but then I slowly loved this drama. I can't miss any of the 16 episodes.
I'm a little bit unsatisfied with the ending but still, I loved it.........
I'LL ABSOLUTELY REWATCHED IT AGAIN......
I miss them so much.
I wished to have a season 2 or a movie after what happened to them in the end.
How was there life after that?
How about Habaek? let him use his powers once without limitation in the human world.
Well, thanks to our very talented writer for writing this drama
And also to the directors and actors to fill our imagination not by just reading it or seeing it in unmoving pictures (manga).
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
The story is absolutely brilliant. The fact that this happened in reality and that there are still thousands of people suffering from this disease is truly saddening and heartbreaking. I can the portrayal of a person's disability in it was 100% accurate. It was so realistic that I felt like it was actually happening in front of me. The main cast gave outstanding performances- especially Sawajiri Erika. She was so convincing that I felt her pain.
Apt to its title, this drama could make you cry a lot- depending on you. I am going to confess that there were a few times I absolutely teared up. In fact, I think not tearing up while watching this would be inhumane. Anybody who is capable of feeling sorry for the physically disabled or people suffering from painful diseases will be able to feel it here too. Aya (both the fictional and real one) is a very inspiring person. The things she recorded in her diary is deep and moving.
The way they showed the transformation of an ordinary girl's life after she encounters Spinocerebellar Atrophy was the main focus of the drama. More than her struggle, it was also focused on how it affects those around her- be it friends, parents, siblings, teachers or regular people you meet on the street. It makes me think of all the physically disabled people I have seen in public. I think I can understand their feelings more clearly now.
This drama is almost like a documentary made on Aya's life. Neither is it happy to begin with nor does it end happily. But the sadness and tears aren't the only things in it. Most of all- it will remind you to treasure life and be thankful for what you have. There's a deeper underlying meaning to it too. It also showcases the kindness and cruelty of humans and their attitude towards such people. In a lot of countries, people are still not aware of hardships such people have to go through and treat them badly. Just like Aya said, "Why did it choose me?" The matter of falling ill was not by choice but only cruel fate.
This drama is one of the rare gems that you should definitely not miss out on. Watching it once was enough for me, so no rewatch value where I am concerned.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yun-Fat Chow does an amazing job of inviting you in to his character while keeping a cool and aloof distance. Li Gong does well as the Empress, but the rest of the cast is unmemorable.
In a nutshell: Visually appealing if you like bright, ornate visuals, but may be too flashy for some. The story is melodramatic which can sometimes be boring.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Beautiful story
Great historical drama and beautiful story. Great cast and wonderful cinematography. Loved the ending too! Highly recommend this drama. Full of surprises and emotional scenes. The music fit perfectly and added to the scenes just right. Loved how their friendships lasted through the years and everyone found their paths in life.Was this review helpful to you?
It's a real pity, because I absolutely loved virtually everything else about this drama (though my hatred for Park Si Yeon's acting/the character in general probably contributed to my immense love for the rest of the drama, as I was too busy hating on her to really criticize anything else).
This is one of my favourite romcoms ever, in any language. It's got comedy and it's got romance, and it does both very well. I spent the first few episodes laughing my head off- this drama actually does a pretty good job of finding comical situations that haven't been reused five bajillion times in other dramas and movies.
What really made My Girl for me, though, were the two lead actors. Lee Da Hae and Lee Dong Wook both have a fantastic sense of comic timing (just wait until the hospital scene where Gong Chan/LDW freaks out), and they're both so expressive and have such diverse facial expressions that they can make an already funny scene even funnier. They're amazing at comedy, and really, just amazing actors, period. Even when the drama starts turning more serious and high-stakes, they're able to deliver comedic, serious, sweet, touching, and tearful moments as required, often going rapidly back and forth between the funny and the serious. Together, they're even better. They play off of each other incredibly well, and their chemistry, too, is one of the things that really made this drama what it is. I'd say that their chemistry rivals that of many often-praised kdrama couples: think the sizzling sexual tension from Secret Garden, mixed with the overwhelming cuteness of My Princess, and you have Seol Gong Chan and Joo Yoo Rin in My Girl.
On the subject of Joo Yoo Rin: Lee Da Hae truly shines in this drama. I seriously cannot believe that neither her nor Lee Dong Wook got awards for their acting in this drama, while the awful Park Si Yeon did. Lee Da Hae is brilliant as the quirky, over-the-top, scheming yet loveable Yoo Rin. She makes me laugh and cry here with ease, and she seems to have fleshed out this character completely- Joo Yoo Rin is so realistic she might as well be real, and I really couldn't imagine any other actress in this part.
In regards to the rest of the cast: Lee Jun Ki acts the part of Seo Jung Woo quite well; I just think that it was never a hugely well written character to begin with. Yoo Rin's friends and father didn't stick out that much to me, but I loved Gong Chan's family, and together, they really did present the image of a realistic, slightly weird but loving, oddly knit together family unit. And... then there's Park Si Yeon, who is consistently awful. Kim Seo Hyun is a badly written character, and Park Si Yeon is a bad actor. She has all of approximately three facial expressions, the most common of these being the disdainful/contemptuous/annoyed/sarcastic snort that she does every five seconds, and in the later episodes, that really made me start to want to slap her in the face and skip ahead every time she appeared on screen.
The writing... well, it IS a Hong Sisters drama, but in my opinion, actually one of their best. My Girl has all of their wit and humour, awesome story and romance, and quirky yet loveable characters, but doesn't exhibit some of the flaws that are often associted with HS dramas- for example, weak endings(the ending of My Girl is actually pretty up there, as far as kdramas go). It's faced-paced, well-plotted, and thoroughly addictive.
The music (both the score and the OST) fit the drama perfectly, and as usual for a Hong Sisters drama, the music is excellent, and played at more or less all the right moments. Though it might not make my personal playlist as some drama OSTs do, My Girl's score is outstanding and the OST is a great match for the drama.
Overall, this is a hilarious drama, well worth watching. Basically, my main complaint with this drama is the shallow, poorly written second female lead (a common feature of Hong Sisters dramas/kdramas in general, unfortunately- think You're Beautiful, just for starters), and the poor acting with which said poorly written character was executed. Aside from this, I loved My Girl, and Lee Dong Wook and Lee Da Hae alone make this worth watching again and again.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A hidden, under-appreciated gem!
I’ve already watched all 24 episodes on IQIYI. Some might say this drama is cheesy or has a lot of silly humor, but I personally loved it. There’s nothing wrong with cheesy humor if it makes you laugh, and this drama made me laugh. To me, this is what ROM-COM should be – romance AND comedy.I loved FL. She was a strong ruler without being a b****. She simply exuded strength and power by the expression on her face. She wielded power like a man – by her expression, by the way she carried herself, by her confidence. She didn’t have to be underhanded, scheming, vindictive or seductive. She was strong yet playful – I loved the winks she gave. She and ML were, indeed, a power couple, although ML tended to give way to FL, making her the dominant partner. My favorite scene: she regains her memory and seats herself on ML’s throne. When he finds her, she boldly declared who she is, but he takes it as an invitation and says provocatively, ‘Yes, my lord’, leading to a steamy kiss scene. I also loved the scene where FL is taking out the evil/crazy Qi Meng with arrows. I like a woman who can solve her own problems, and the men in her life recognized her ability to do so and stood back and let her do it.
I loved ML too. He was handsome and confident yet he fully supported FL and complimented her power with his own. He wasn’t intimidated by her – they were equals. I loved how she gave him strength and confidence when he needed it – like when marriage envoys from the third city (can’t remember it’s name right now) turned around and began to leave because SML felt insulted. ML starts getting antsy, but FL steadied him by placing her hand on his, and they ended up winning the game of chicken. He even looked cute dressed as a woman (loved that facial gesture he gave FL). I was little disappointed with how he reacted to learning FL’s true identity, but he quickly changed his mind once he thought she was in danger. After that, this couple remained solid – each loving and supporting each other – a wonderful power couple. One last thing I’ve got to say about ML – this man liked his rose-scented baths! I’ve never seen a ML bathe so much! And he has the Cadillac of bathtubs too! I hope it had a hot spring feeding it because I’d hate to be the servants that had to boil water and fill that thing!
The villainess was sufficiently hateful. Even though we had to watch her (and FL) marry ML, we knew it was a fake ceremony since ML/FL were on to her schemes. I usually don’t like these arranged marriage tropes, but it was clear that ML was in love with FL and would have dumped Qi Meng if FL had asked him to. Qi Meng wasn’t as annoying as some of these psycho chicks because FL always managed to get the best of her and foil her plots. As for the male villain, all I can say is he has a great bod which the director was happy to show us over and over again. I was disappointed that he escaped punishment at the end along with those old geezers who couldn’t accept a female ruler…even though she’d been leading them for years.
The supporting cast was loveable and added plenty of humor.
That being said, I’m not sure if I’m completely happy with the ending. Yes, ML/FL finally complete their marriage ceremony, but in the extra scenes, we see indications that there may be a sequel. If so, I’m not going to watch it because the Chinese have a way of ruining a good drama. I’m happy with finishing the story at episode 24.
Was this review helpful to you?
I love movies with symbolism, and this movie fed my hunger for it wholly and the most satisfying way...
It's been 20 minutes I have finished watching it, and my eyes still see and my ears still hear the main character playing the piano, be it during the duel, or with one hand, or two pianos at the same time...
There are scenes in the movie that just refuse to leave my head... The bicycle turning back after being asked to ride slower, childish games between the two leads, their piano duet, the apples, the nature... and music, music, music...
Half of the movie was a love triangle, and I was loving it, then BOOM! it turns out a whole another story...and I'm still marveling it.
I was praying during the last moments of the movie, I was honestly praying...
The effects of the movie and the sudden changes in music left me breathless, absolutely beautiful movie...
Was this review helpful to you?
amazing lovestory within a typical Lakron
Being a Thai drama watcher the most interesting thing about lakron is, that it begins with a crazy overdramatic plot, raising the tension so high that, I can't resist but binge it. But the only thing that I don’t like about lakrons is the toxicity in the relationship between ML and FL. And this drama is exactly my type, besides an enticing plot, it serves a beautiful love story.●SIMPLE ADVICE
-if anyone doesn't like the revenge trope lakron, please watch something else. there are lots of other dramas without this topic. stop watching what you don't like and rant about it.
●PLOT VIEW
The synopsis gives a clear hint of a typical lakron as Ingjan is forced to marry Sichon to clear off her debt. While he married her in order to take revenge. Well, Sichon's idea is to make her fall in love and hurt, and the relationship between IngJan and Sichon develops gingerly. the bickering of the duo is pleasant, whether in the bedroom or vineyard. At first, it might seem annoying (with one forced kiss in the beginning), but we get to see a warm love story where IngJan helps out and Sichon also takes her suggestion. They both were smart and perfect solving problems at the same time hot and sassy sharing explosive chemistry.
The past storyline of Tuscany is well developed and I loved how it was revealed in bits to maintain the curiosity of the viewers, that what actually happened.
Also, There are 5 evils wanting to split the duo creating a whole lot of confusion but making the plot very interesting, gripping, and full of action one woman Mekhla has a secret and is more dangerous than any other evils. Thip is Ex of sichon, these women fight but they aren’t bitchy. They show off their plans and mind games than using the ugly slap and back sequence. Also, there are a stepmom, stepbrother, and village chief are another set of pain and negativity in the whole drama.
●ACTING/CAST
Whoever did the casting deserves an appraisal to take in BigM and Hana as the leads
-BigM as Sichon, he is smart, clever, caring moreover loving. He loves IngJan to the core showing his loverboy and sexy sides. he was always full of charm and a good person caring about the workers and villagers. He never missed any opportunities to kiss her or hug her. They kiss passionately and it makes me want to repeat and rewatch. It made their relationship look realistic, as they were newly married but took time to understand each other.
-Hana Lewis as IngJan, is beautiful and charming like a rose petal, portrays a strong and decisive person, who never gives up but adjusts to time and situations. she took time to know Sichon better as a person, and also her feelings because it was a forced marriage. Her chemistry with the male lead was very great, Indeed the kissing sequence was so amazing to watch.
-Anisa as Mekhla, portrays a woman with a secret. She seems evil with her body language and I also got terrified watching her in dark scenes. She acted very well. Her secret reveal was well done
-Ploy as Thip seemed crazy at times but shows that she is a victim of her own bad choices. I have seen her before and she did well too
-Sasimorn, Sichons aunt is one beautiful character. I just loved her for her straightforward dialogues and good nature. She always tries to pull Sichon and Ingjan together.
-Fifa as Jomphop was a good friend and worker. I liked how he manages to maintain the peace in the vineyard and keep Tungpaeng aways
-Ching ching as Tungpaeng is one cute character who is oblivious of her father's evils. But she always stands on the side of goodness and does good deeds. People like her make this world a better place.
●MUSIC
I really liked the closing track. It's sung by the lead actor BigM himself. The tone and melody is soul touching.
The only thing I didn’t like about BGM is that it got sudden changes may be due to commercial breaks as we binge it, so it feels rather weird how it changes.
●REWATCH
Yes, I would rewatch this, It was entertaining and had epic romantic scenes for me to rewatch.
●FAV SCENE
Opening bedroom scene in Ep 8. I love how they bicker and fight. They are forced to stay together but the chemistry we see is full of charm and romance.
●APPRECIATION
I love the wardrobe of IngJan, especially the nightwear. They were elegant and cute, no wonder she looked tempting that Sichon can't resist.
●RECOMMENDATION
-Anyone who loves a typical lakron can watch JAO SAO JUM LOEY.
-If you are a first-time Thai drama watcher but want a mild dose of lakron, you can watch this.
●AFTERTHOUGHT
Although this lakron has a typical story but shows great chemistry of leads in a warm way. ML may seem vengeful but he is a loverboy IMO who was hurt. its a good drama that is entertaining with excellent leads characters and good secondary characters.
Was this review helpful to you?
Recent Discussions
-
What are your predictions for season 3??10 minutes ago -
Can you report people on kisskh?16 minutes ago -
BL Drama Lovers Club37 minutes ago -
Fellow K-drama fans, your opinion matters! ♡43 minutes ago -
Editorials Coming Back Anytime in the Future?47 minutes ago
