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Good Bye, My Princess
29 people found this review helpful
Nov 10, 2019
52 of 52 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 4.5
Story 4.0
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
I started watching this series because the reviews were amazing. The trailer was very intriguing and overall it just drew me. The first 12 episodes were really good. The relationship between Xiaofeng and Gu Xiao Wu was also nice. Chemistry was interesting and overall acting, cinematography and especially the side characters were great. I loved the Danchi tribe and how Xiaofeng's personality was. She had self respect and a sense of power. She was like a bright star filled with innocence and kindness Everyone respected her and loved her. Her grandfather was truly the best. I seriously would emphasize that the first 12 episodes were the best.

Somehow after the first arc ends, it gets very lame. After the 25th episode it get's a bit boring. I hate Gu Xiao Wu or Li Cheng Yin. He was such a terrible person. It was always quest for power for him. Even when he was trying to protect Xiaofeng from other people, he was so mean to her. I don't even understand how she could love him again or when he actually fell in love with her again. Li Cheng Yin was really a terrible character. His acting was good but I somehow feel that this drama lost it's budget halfway. The story just kept on being prolonged for no reason. The development of chemistry in the eastern palace was so boring. Literally did Xiaofeng have nothing better to do in the palace?

Even though I saw this drama, I really won't recommend it to someone. I also have seen a few other tragedy dramas but this one was not a good one. Acting wise, the cast did a good job but plot wise I think it failed.

The costumes were beautiful. The acting was also great. No character had just one side to him or her. The OST's were really good. I will appreciate the good elements of the dramas but the middle portion of the drama was a bit weak.

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Completed
Reset
29 people found this review helpful
Feb 6, 2022
15 of 15 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

best of cdramas

this was a great cdrama, and before the buts I'll talk about the good points:
1- the fl was the main hero, she woke up 1st and she "solved" most of the problems, though at points they did seem to always praise the ml (once the cop even praised him for remembering "something" but at that timeline the fl did all the work)
2- each passenger had their own lives, as the leads suspected them all, each one of them revealed their own struggles and hardships (I do think they glossed over them too fast, but in the end they were all "heroes" eventhough most time lines they didn't want to intervene)
3- the cat guy UWU
4- the different interpretations of how each action resulted in a different reaction (though they were a little too repetitive at times)
5- I'm glad the final showdown was done by the fl

now for the buts~
1- I think one pervert one time was not enough for her meltdown. if someone touches you, SCREAM right away. there were many people there, her story felt like a simple "backstory" on why 2 people wanted to blow up a bus..
2- going to prison for terrorism and mass murder attempt probably has a higher jail time than sexual harassment, which is sad cuz that dude deserved worse...
3- I thought this was like that ep of "Mystery to Iunakare" where the kidnappers took the bus with all the suspects of that event, though indeed it'd have been harder to track down the pervert which results in my "solution"
4- this should've been revenge. like they did find the pervert but he got out easy and they wanted more..
5- at one point the ml was too controlling, the fl was the hero that did most of the job while the ml always nagged her
6- this needed half the ep counts, they had too many repetitions
7- I'm not into cdrama osts

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Completed
Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy
29 people found this review helpful
Jul 24, 2025
Completed 0
Overall 1.0
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 1.0
Music 1.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

THIS ADAPTATION SHOULDN'T EXIST

You didn’t adapt ORV. You just used its name.

From the moment they announced the cast, it was already giving POPULARITY over accuracy. Jisoo as Lee Jihye? Lee Minho as Junghyook? Be serious. Did they even read the novel? Jihye is one of the most uniquely written characters in ORV—“We added the gun because Lee Jihye js not interesting enough” my ass. She didn’t need the gun, Jisoo does. She had her sword because she’s literally the incarnation of the Martial General. They didn’t give her a gun because of plot, they did it because Jisoo couldn’t handle the stunts. Don’t reduce a whole character just because your idol can’t swing two swords.

And Bihyung. My fluffy brown-clothed dokkaebi 🥺. They turned him into a Labubu-looking creature. You really took the most beloved chaos creature in ORV and made him unrecognizable. I actually cried when I saw him. That was NOT my lovable bihyung.

But the worst part? This. The plot. The core of ORV is how much Dokja LOVED the novel. He lived, suffered, and D!ED because of that story. And the author? They wrote it for HIM! “This novel is just for that one reader.” That line DEFINES the whole thing. TLS123/Han Sooyoung shaped the plot to fit what Dokja needed—she literally created entire characters for him (Hayoung??). So to have her say “write it yourself”?? That’s not just OOC. That’s erasure. That's disrespect.

This isn’t a reinterpretation. It’s not a creative twist. It’s straight-up bowdlerization. A shallow, fame-chasing rewrite of something deeply personal to us, fragments. YOU CANNOT BE CALLED A FRAGMENT IF YOU WATCH THE LA. Don’t watch it.

[This is a review from a member of our ORV GROUP PAGE; I sent this here for more people to know.]

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Completed
Northward
29 people found this review helpful
Mar 7, 2025
40 of 38 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

The best inspiring and educative drama of the year 2025

This Drama is very intresting, inspiring, educative and is good for parenting, youth and teens. It kind of reality of our daily life struggles, challenge, friendship, neighborhood and difficulty in making life decisions.

I highly recommend this drama to every family and friends. It always awake my goals and tears me up when am watching daily episodes. I truly love this particular drama. Also appreciate the director, script writer and male /Female lead. The chidren God portraits their role very well. Its an inspiration drama. ✨️
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Completed
Single’s Inferno Season 4
29 people found this review helpful
by Kate
Feb 11, 2025
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 9
Overall 5.5
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 3.0

Lackluster planning made it go downhill pretty fast.

Starting with some facts - Sian should have been the wild card catfish and join the cast later instead of Hae Rin. She has more of the presence to stir some "trouble" and her indecisiveness would work better if other contestants had time to get to know each other before she showed up. But with how the casting and editing went - it was Si An as the main characters, and some cast members were not even supporting roles, but rather guests.

The whole two inferos and how some people met first the first time after 2 days on 10 days trip was also weird choice. First impression is important and it was hard to follow who clicked well with whom, when most of them did not even interact at all.

Now that I think about it, the episodes should be split a bit differently. Nothing really that interesting happens in first 1-4 days, put that all in 2 episodes, and with each passing day, make the number of episodes longer. It takes a few days to everyone to create connection,s and that's when the fun starts. That's what most viewers what to see.

At the end of the day, this season was just boring. People were either 100% into one person, or not really interested in anyone. Little to no excitement. Dong Ho and Arin or the win tho. They were two most normal, but also fun to watch people from the whole show.

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Completed
Escape
29 people found this review helpful
Jul 6, 2024
Completed 10
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

that sub plot is most definitely gay

I know that there is a lot of controversy when it comes to North Korean stories being told by South Koreans, but as someone who isn't Korean at all I can't comment on it. With every twist and turn I was able to stay surprised (as long as I was able to hold up my suspension of belief). Like any movie that involves guns there are scenes where people don't shoot when they could've brought someone down, but once you get to the end you sort of understand why. I didn't look at the casting beyond the two leads so I was very surprised with how many well know actors there were. With such a great cast of course the acting was good and I have no complaints. I really enjoyed the soundtrack especially the inclusion of zionT's song. I had not heard it before watching but it was a very impactful addition. I can see myself watching this again once it goes to streaming, but I highly recommend seeing it in theaters if you have the chance. I would recommend seeing this.

When it comes to the *potentially* queer subplot, I don't care what the director says. "The Bastard I Loved" says it all. My thoughts were summed up really well by an article on the IndieWire by David Opie and I recommend giving that a read if you are interested.

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Completed
Devil beside You
29 people found this review helpful
Mar 11, 2012
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10
I LOVE this drama. It makes you feel so many emotions all at once. It pulls at your heart strings and makes you cry all at the same time. Although there are some parts that you just wanna break the computer screen and scream out WHY!!! but then this issue resolves itself and your back to being a blubbering fool on the floor. The characters are so amazing. The actors played them outstandingly. I recommend this drama to anyone.
I love Rainie Yang and Mike He's chemistry, they are seriously one of my favorite onscreen couples!
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Completed
Love in the Desert
29 people found this review helpful
Oct 17, 2024
26 of 26 episodes seen
Completed 17
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

Life, all about choices.

Three cities, Yunpei, Tiandu, and Masui reign over the vast desert. Among the listed cities, Yunpei and Tiandu are the ones with strong armies and massive landscapes. Masui is weaker when compared to the other two cities (Tiandu and Yunpei). Princess Huang Bei Shuang of a fallen clan, beautiful, elegant, yet tactical, and skillful gets entangled with three influential men and in the struggle for power. Huang Bei Shuang decides to go against it all, and set a new record if possible.
In this journey, Huang Bei Shuang meets Huo Qing Yu, they hit it off, and eventually fall in love.

I've got a lot to say about this drama, both the positive sides and the negative sides, but I'll analyze the positive ones first.


POSITIVE
The first episode of Love in the Desert captivated me. Why? There I saw a strong, brave, determined, intelligent, and one of a kind FL. A woman who seeks survival in a cruel world. A woman who wants to make a name for herself in the merciless desert ruled by men. The FL impressed me right from the first episode. After that Huo Qing Yu came into the picture. I saw a kind ML. A man who's willing to feed his horse the water he has left. A man who care for his horse more than he does himself. I said to myself, "a smart and strong FL and a strong and kind ML. Yes, this is the type of the leads I always want to see when watching a drama." These two captivated right from the first two episodes.

A woman can't, shouldn't, and mustn't have aspirations, says who? If a man can do it, why can't a woman? This drama showcase the strong will of Huang Bei Shuang. A woman who wants revenge for the murder of her parents.

"In the desert and under the sky, people live. What if life is a pain? What if life is vigorous? I pick my own path. Since I choose to be this lady. I have to fulfill my responsibility." (Huang Bei Shuang's words). There and then, I knew this drama is about humans choices, sticking with them and staying true to your choice.

If there's one lesson I learnt from this drama, that'll be, "life is all about choices." Some choose power over love. Some choose love over power. Some decides to stick by their principles even if it means they have to die to stick by them, they do it anyway. While some betray their principles for survival. Some decide to die to save their loved ones, while some would rather sacrificed their loved ones to survive. Different stands, different decisions, and different choices.

In Bei Shuang's case, she chose a new identity, a perilous journey to fulfill her dreams, her aspiration, and to get revenge on the killers of her parents. She could have chosen to be on the run, or a much easier life, but she decided to choose a roughy path, a path where survival is uncertain. A path where most women fails. Yes, that's who our FL is, a woman of aspirations and determinations. I love her strong and resilient character.

Bei Shuang and Qing Yu with the wind, moon, and the universe as their witnesses got married. That's another choice yet again.

Hankiz Omar really did her character justice. I've only watched few of her dramas, but I've never really been so captivated by her acting, until now. Her facial expressions, the way she carries herself, I just love her acting. She's elegant, graceful, talented, and beautiful. She portrayed her role as the decisive, tactical, strong, intelligent, brave, yet kind Huang Bei Shuang excellently. And I'm not exaggerating about how good her acting is, she's really good. She deserves each and every praises I'm giving her. She's indeed a rare talent. A diamond among stones.

Allen Fang. What can I say? I've always been impressed by him since I saw him onscreen. He impressed me in so many dramas. I loved his role in The Long Ballad, and A Journey To Love, but that's just to mention a few. I loved him so many more dramas. I was impressed yet again with his role as Huo Qing Yu in Love in the Desert. One of the main reasons I watched this one in the first place is because of Allen Fang cuz he's one of my favorites. Indeed, I made the right choice of picking this drama up. He slayed his role yet again in this one. He added to the list of his dramas that left an impression on me.

Needless I say, I love the chemistry of our first couple💞. Their chemistry is natural, unique, and amazing. Their interaction and lovely moments are the true description of love. Yes,their path is not all rosy, neither was it smooth either, but they overcomed it together, hand in hand, in harmony. They overcomed many adversities together. They went through life and death together. Such devoted and strong love mustn't go unmentioned. A pure love.

Not to mention, Love in the Desert's beautiful OSTs. I love the OSTs. Here's the lists
1) Desert wind Chant/ Give me God's wings to conquer the distance by Jess Lee
2) Kiss by Zhang Wei
3) Ask by Jess Lee
4) Recall by Zhang Yu
5) Shadow by Allen Fang
Among all the listed OSTs, the one which I loved the most is "Give me God's Wings to Conquer the Distance." Why? Because I also need God's wings to conquer that distance.
I also loved Shadow by Allen Fang. All the OSTs are emotional and beautiful. I loved them!

NEGATIVE

Allen Fang has multiple identities, but his story wasn't explored enough. Where's the backstory? Where's our ML's screentime? His screentime is too little for a ML with multiple identities. How he became Huo Qing Yu from Na Yan Xing, how he became a powerful northern lord, all these weren't explored well enough.

Also, I hate to say this, but the SML got too much screentime than he's supposed to get. EP 21, 23, and 25 were like the SML episodes. In some of the listed episodes I hardly saw the ML appear. That really got on my nerves.

There's also the messy plot. The plot was all over the place in this one. Little backstory, little clarifications. It became frustrating at some points.

Ending explained
Towards the end, Huang Bei Shuang finally got her revenge on her father's killer "Ge'er Jiqin." Two stabs, then finally, a slit to the throat. Wow, how ruthless. Ruo Wen died 💔 Huang Bei and Ge Xin Wei stabbed Na Zhan decisively and brilliantly. Really, I love that scene, he thought he's facing two weak ladies, little did he know he's facing intelligent women. They cut him off guard. Huang Bei Shuang broke her flute into two and stabbed Na Zhan with it, while Ge Xin Wei used Ruo Wen's sword. I really love that scene, Huang Bei Shuang always doing the unthinkable. A woman who accomplished the task of a man. I just can't help but be impressed by her. And for once, I admired Ge Xin Wei. Finally, the desert is at peace with Huo Qing Yu as its ruler. A benevolent and righteous ruler is what a nation needs to prosper, don't you agree? Our main couple lived happily ever after, realizing their dreams, and helping out the weak tribes of the desert. That's a fulfilling life, isn't it? I loved how they accomplished all these hand in hand, it's really great to see.

In conclusion, I enjoyed Love in the Desert thoroughly despite the negatives, I loved it still. I didn't fast forward any part, even though I found the second couple annoying most times, I watch every minute of it and enjoyed it. This drama has its flaws, but it's definitely worthwhile. It's a drama I'd recommend. This is a solid 9/10 for me.
Also, don't let the negative comments sway you from watching this, it's actually a great drama. Love in the Desert delivered in so many aspects. So don't be deceived, this is a worthwhile drama. Hankiz Omar and Allen Fang slayed their roles. Same goes for the second leads, too.

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Completed
Gold Land
29 people found this review helpful
May 27, 2026
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 5
Overall 4.5
Story 5.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 1.0
Rewatch Value 3.5
This review may contain spoilers

.

Heeju is such an unlikable character. The fact that we don't know much about her dilutes whatever story they are telling.
At first I was so mad at her for making all this dumb decisions and following her bf so blindly. The next episodes do give us some backstory and context on why she did all of that but still it was frustrating to watch.

Heeju only survived all this due luck. Somehow she had Woogi's deep loyalty and her father finds her at the correct time and sacrifices his life for her. Woogi's initial loyalty can be chalked up to him having some brains and realizing the only way he could get some money is by being on her side but him trying to save her multiple times even after she made it clear that she didn't trust him...foolish af.
Her parents story was emotional though.

They tried to do a theme of how people get greedy and everything and it worked for a while with Heeju's mentality being no gold no life but then they kinda throw it away with Heeju going around saving everyone she doesn't trust and then crying that she just wants to live a normal life.
Maybe they were trying to do a nuanced take on greed and stuff but it just didn't work

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Completed
Only Friends
29 people found this review helpful
Oct 29, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 4.5
Story 3.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

It is bad, not the worst, but it is bad

If you're looking for a show that will change your life, this isn't it. If you're looking for a good story that will give you a message, this isn't it. But if you have free time, want to watch something with your meal, and are looking for something that won't strain your mind too much, this is it. In the story, all characters are in the gray zone except 3 of them.(two of them are black, one of them white, white is the only girl btw:) Some of them are very light gray, some are close to black. This may be the most admirable aspect of the story. You can empathize with almost all the characters or get angry and hate them at the end of the story. This choice is completely It is left to you.

The first episodes of the series are very fluent and different. But the cliché of bringing an ex-lover to open a new path has turned everything upside down. With such a clumsy move and the continuation of the lazy writing technique, the story jumped out of the window. Even though you understand the motivations of many characters until that hour, everything becomes a confusion after that hour. Characters exhibit self-contradictory behavior. Which is the failure of the scenario. The scenario also has inconsistencies within itself. While the kissing scene of one of the characters who has a boyfriend with someone else may cause major events, another character's not taken into consideration at all and is even applauded. In the series, everyone cheats on each other or everyone kisses everyone else, but these do not serve anything. The characters act as if nothing happened. They made everyone kiss to eache other for just get more interaction on social media and these scenes serve nothing. In short, it is another series where the weak and bad scenario is tried to be saved with popular actors and Nc scenes. It is bad but not the worst, but it is still bad.

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Completed
Young Adult Matters
29 people found this review helpful
Jun 23, 2021
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.5

What a Masterpiece!

This movie is a hidden gem, but if you were waiting your typical happy, cute, melodramatic drama well... this is clearly not for you.

This movie tells the story of Se-Jin, a 17 years old teen, that gets pregnant and with the help of her new companion (Joo Young, a runaway 17 years old) they do everything possible (and also the impossible compared to other K-Movies) to get her an abortion. But, in the process, this movies shows the society's underworld, rarely shown in this kind of movies. Taboo symbols are common, although the two main leads are minors, this includes: alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, hallucinogens or sedatives, sex, abortion, theft, minors working, bullying, and the list goes on! All this is used to make a critic to society about the hardships faced by teens without somebody to guide them but, clearly, in a very particular way.

The plot is really good and the storyline is easy to follow, though there may be some plot holes. It's is not a particularly fast movie, but it's pace would clearly not get you bored. Nevertheless, in the last 25 minutes the plot line changes a bit, it gets a bit slower and maybe, if we were too excited because of previous events it may get a bit boring, but nothing too serious.

The acting of the two main leads is spectacular. It's amazing how they could portray such personalities in such a natural way. The rest of the cast's acting is good but nothing too remarkable.

Overall, this is a really particular movie, clearly +18. One should start watching the movie knowing this things so to not get disappointed. My personal recommendation is to give it a chance because, almost certainly, you will end enjoying it.

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Completed
She and Her Perfect Husband
29 people found this review helpful
Nov 16, 2022
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 8.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

So Far Epic - Updated 12/12/22

Have been awaiting for this drama to finally be released and boy has it not disappointed so far.

Story: so far very intriguing, love the throw backs into how the main characters came to be and I believe they have picked a very unique FL/ML for this drama. The story in itself is modern refreshing and fits the mood I believe for most working class people with Asian parents. So as far as I am concerned thumbs up and I hope they can keep having each episode as exciting as the last. I’ve re-watched latest eps like 2-3 times already. (Completed - as of 12/12), not going to fluff here, the mid section of this series I feel after finishing this does drag a bit. I think this series could of been concluded a little earlier and the extra little romance twists in this mid to end parts of the series felt a little dragged but I understand why this was done to get the audience to feel / cherish what a good relationship can become and after missed opportunities you may not get back what you once had.

Acting: great acting so far from FL/ML, the ML parents are also amazing very fun dialogues and great chemistry so far. ML best friend is crackers fun, hope to see more of him too. (Updated - 12/12), acting throughout series has been constant. The dialogue between all characters has been good, the mid part of series approx from ep 28 - 40 does seem to drag a bit and the acting near the end does become repetitive however it plays well with the characters.

Music: nothing fancy, just dandy....however the main theme is starting to grow on me now after watching the past 10 episodes and some episodes again hehe

Overall: completed this series finally, the main theme of this story is really good, working class people who try to balance career advancement in a competitive world whilst also try to have a sustainable and morally justified relationship. What started to be a simple relationship transaction became something much more. Is it realistic in a sense yes but in a sense no, however as being someone that loves the drama series with also what if possibility in romance this one is really good. Is it worth rewatching for someone who’s has followed this series from the start, yes there is aspects and certain areas that can be like every series. Is this the best romance drama in 2022 in modern setting, no it is not. If you like the ML/FL specifically awesome as they do have great chemistry but for people who are new to the series or cdramas you may find this series starts off with good pace and story and will ? Think about a little drag near the end. The ending is at least a positive one, like many other people that love watching this type of genre it’s very important to know if it’s a Sad/Happy ending. (Hope that’s not a spoiler) lol

Update: 12/12/22 - I am aware some people have explained or have mentioned their thoughts about the series and how negative this series is. This is very subject to opinion however this is my take on it on a subjective level. Like many other series that’s similar to this one or similar in genre, you either like it or you don’t. It’s not for everyone, however I believe if you are a fan of watching (Romance/Comedy/Drama) series's this is one not to be missed. Yes the main actor/actress may have been the ones you originally wanted to see hence you watched this series but I would dare say or can challenge anyone that this has always been a reason to watch any TV series. We are fans of who we like of course we watch what they produce or involved in……..I’m not stating other peoples opinions are wrong I’m just saying for the new/veterans that are watching any cdramas, please watch for yourself and have your own subjective opinion. Don’t just rely on any reviews whether it’s positive or negative.

Thanks to everyone that has liked my review so far, I appreciate the support. Hope to watch more series in the future and update more reviews.

Cheers, ^_^

Shing

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The Heirs
29 people found this review helpful
Apr 8, 2014
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 3.0
Story 2.0
Acting/Cast 4.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 2.0
The story was just terrible. Most of the drama was just Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye running from each other then running right back together. It made the character development and story line just implode upon itself. When I first started the drama, I was excited to see Lee Min Ho after watching Boys Over Flowers but I started to hate his character and his acting in The Heirs.

First off, the writer makes Kim Tan seem like a selfish guy who is obsessed with Cha Eun Sang. He keeps swearing to protect her but everyone knows all it does is just make matters worse. His vow to protect her seems to be just a sort of obsessive control he wants to have over her. His acting of being cute at some parts made me cringe even though I wanted to enjoy it because it was just so disgusting for his character. I think his character and acting in Boys Over Flowers was much more pleasant. His character there was written cutely and maturely: Gu Jun Pyo knew when to let go and didn't try to get back with Jan Di within 20 minutes of the same episode.

Secondly, my attention was definitely caught by Kim Woo Bin. I ended up watching the drama for him. He portrays his character pretty well even though his character is very cruel. Many people say his actions can't be justified but if you think about it, he really doesn't know how to express his feelings properly. He's just like a little kid that wants someone's (Cha Eun Sang's) attention so he'll do even mean things to get it. I feel that his means actions toward Eun Sang arise from Eun Sang misunderstanding him. People don't consider the bully being a victim him/herself.

I feel like most of the characters were just thrown in as accessories and suddenly had huge developments within one or two episodes whereas the rest of the screen time is given to Park Shin Hye and Lee Min Ho to stare at each other. Krystal Jung overacted but I got used to it and later found her and some of the other character parts to be good comedic reliefs from the overly dramatic and boring main couple.

Also, I liked Kim Ji Won's portrayal of the character Rachael. I think she did a really good job and it showed because I thought the character Rachael was very cold and mean.

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Completed
No Gain, No Love
29 people found this review helpful
Oct 14, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 11
Overall 4.5
Story 4.5
Acting/Cast 5.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 1.0

Hard to Express my Disappointment with This Cringe Fest.

Since discovering Kdramas I had loved Shin Min ah, her beauty is so natural and gorgeous and her comedic touch in kdramas has been well established from my Girlfriend is Gumiho to Hometwon Cha Cha. Here paired up with a younger and extremely handsome ML the anticipation was high.

Unfortunately what we got was a mish mash of a drama with totally uneven characters, development, character arcs and a script writer who seemed to think that focusing on sexual themes, lifestyles, and engaging in the odd time subtle but mainly the most stupid and crass sexual innuendo was the height of literary achievement.

The flashback scenes of the FL buying a gazillion condoms while shouting around the supermarket that her sex partner better do it more than twice tonight or admonishing some guy for his weak performance in bed were so cringe inducing and pathetic I was actually flabbergasted. I couldn't decide if this was aimed at 14yr olds or idiots or 14yr old idiots or people who hadn't had sex in 14yrs or people who never had sex.

And then the dildos ooh look our sexually liberated FL (okay we get it jesus we get it she has sex) has sex toys and masturbates, a univeral and generally private human activity but here glorified and held up as if ownership of them elevated her to a place of enlightenment and Liberation that sets her apart from the rest of us mere mortals. It reminded me of the innuendo filled British comedy of the 70s and 80s where anything sex related drew gasps and guffaws from the scandalised but knowing audience. The amount of cringey "oh my God I laughed so hard when I saw those dildos" comments I've read is oh whatever 🙄.

Then the more "serious" themes of views on marraige, family infidelity, polyamorous relationships and pregnancy. Again it was like the makers, in their desperate attempt to be edgy modern and join the dreaded race to the bottom of shittiness epitomised by shallow, amoral, sexualised characters in western TV, they just threw in a whole lot of ideas and developed none of them in any meaningful way. The supportive relationship between the three foster siblings was heartwarming but it was overshadowed by the unresolved and unfinished exploration of the nature of the FLs relationship with her mother vs everyone else's. The inherent unfairness of this seemed to be left to the FL right to the end.

The older foster sister having unprotected sex with multiple partners and not knowing or bothering to find out definitively who the real father of her child was, inadvertently highlighted some of the potential pitfalls of polygamy though the writer just seemed to be inserting it for "look at how edgy my script is". It really did not portray a meaningful rmessage apart from her BF being a selfish so and so. Like at least practise safe sex FFS. Again it seemed having the concept in the drama was more important than how it was actually dealt with.

The cheating ex faciltted by the FL the whole way through and the cheating dad of the CEO were just shittiness personified. The fact we are repeatedly shown and reminded that the FL is a morally fair and kind at heart person makes this worse as she loses all credibility here by blatantly betraying her exes wife who was generally kind to and supportive of her. And of course asshole ex gets a pass, ah well we might have that female character, along with the cheated on 2ML wife, portrayed as regressively as an early noughties Kdrama melo but we did have condoms and dildos and a polyamorous couple so it's okay we're edgy.

The infamous second couple were more typical of your Kdrama rom com cute couple but totally distracted from the main couple especialky toward the end, and his initial online attacks were pretty awful along with his weird mamas boy life but at least that plot line didn't seem to take itself too seriously.

Finally the .most irritating take I've repeatedly seen is how the FL is so cool unapologetic and iconic. I just can't get over how crass immature and painfully obviously trying to be cool this script is. It's like the member of your social group who because they're never actually getting any they never stop going on about sex in OTT ways to over compensate. it was pretty cringe tbh.

I don't want to get into the whole westernisation of Kdramas by the Streaming services but if this is anything to go by get ready for a serious decline.

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Dropped 20/20
Black Knight: The Man Who Guards Me
126 people found this review helpful
by Shae
Jan 30, 2018
20 of 20 episodes seen
Dropped 12
Overall 3.5
Story 3.5
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 1.0
How do I put this?

You know the feeling when you buy a new toothbrush?

It's the perfect color, has the right amount of bristle strength, fits comfortably in your hand.

You use this tooth brush all week with the small joy that it brings and makes you chuckle over being happy with such a small thing.

And then, your roommate asks if you've been using that perfect toothbrush.

Because another person has been using it all week too.

That's the feeling.

Don't be seduced by the first episodes. Don't fall for it's charm. Don't do it.

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