Choi Ji Woo is great as Cha Geum Joo, and I admit I have never seen her in a drama before. She was likable early on, and I liked that she was a savvy lead, not a doormat. Her acting isn't perfect however, and there are more dramatic moments where she seems to try to play cute to the camera, which didn't really work for me. Luckily for her she was cast with two attractive and talented leads. Joo Jin Mo
as Ham Bok Geo "Hamburger" is grown and sexy, and a great match for her. I loved their flirty moments, and chemistry, especially in the beginning, although I kept wishing they would take things up a notch. He is an absolute charmer, and he charmed me in this role, though he's another actor I've never seen before.
Then there is Lee Joon as Ma Suk Woo, who was cute perfection. He was honestly my favorite character of them all, and I think the best actor. He managed to seem innocent, yet not naive. I loved watching his chemistry with Geum Joo when they worked together, though I admit she seemed waaaaaaaaaaaay too old for him. The love triangle between these three is pretty hilarious, even if it's a little unrealistic, they pull it off well. This was the highlight of the show for me.
The rest of the show is a messy melodrama revolving around a scandal I had a hard time following, and a mystery that didn't really grab my interest, but there is a villain that is really creepy, who I wish had a better storyline and more screen time. I still managed to enjoy the court scenes, which featured a great supporting cast, even if it was pretty obvious how things would go.
Then there's Jeon Hye Bin as Park Hye Joo (who I will forever think of as Oh Hae Young) who plays the main character's complicated sister. She is really good at playing a low key b!tch, but she honestly didn't have the acting chops to pull off such a complicated role. Her acting was so bad at times she seemed to be making fun of the role. There was just not enough depth, and I think that's this show's biggest problem. The character also had a few transformations that made no sense, especially at the end, but that could have maybe been fixed with better acting too, i think.
The show is pretty light hearted even though it deals with some very heavy themes, which I think worked against it. People treated things like going to jail, sex trafficking, being a fugitive, and even murder so lightly that I could barely take it seriously. The later episodes also focus so much on the melodrama that the show lost much of it's appeal. Still I liked watching the story unfold for some reason, and never thought about dropping it. The ending could have also been a lot better, but since the story wasn't a strong point, I'm not sure if it would have made much difference to my overall thoughts on the drama.
Overall, a pretty good cast made this show decent, and enjoyable. Like most shows it loses much of it's charm in the final episodes, but the cast made me want to stick with it. I doubt I'd watch it again, but I will miss some of the characters. I doubt this show will be high on anyone's favorite list, but I'm glad i checked it out. The fact that there are no other reviews seems so weird since I've seen much worse dramas with tons of reviews! I'd say it's the perfect "In the meantime" drama for those with nothing on their queue, and wiling to give it a chance.
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Dylan Wang’s Performance??✨
I loved how the characters evolved throughout the series. It felt like I was on a journey with them, especially with Dylan Wang’s character. His growth was so relatable!The storyline started a bit slow, but it really picked up! Each episode brought new twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't stop watching!
Dylan Wang absolutely nailed his role! His charisma and ability to convey emotions made the character so compelling. I was rooting for him from start to finish!
The cinematography was stunning! The fight scenes were choreographed beautifully, and the scenery added so much to the overall experience.
The interactions between the characters felt so genuine. The humor and camaraderie added a delightful touch to the intense moments.
I didn’t expect to get so attached to the characters! There were moments that truly tugged at my heartstrings.
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I thought it'll be better but it's still good :>
As the heaadline says. I thought it'll be better based on the high ranking it had at the beggining. To be honest it's like almost every other thai BL. There's this story about a boy who fell in love but then for whatever reason had to leave and "forget" but then he met the guy who he was in love with again and the guy fell in love too. I think I've already seen that somewhere lolBut it was actually not so bad and my ranking is pretty high.
The acting was really good! All the actors did great job. I don't pay much attention to music in BLs but it wasn't bothering so I guess it's good. I'd rewatch it if I was bored but it definitelly wouldn't be my first or second choice.
Overall the series is pretty cute and good to watch because it wasn't toxic or whatever. No one annoying or something like that. Tbh I don't really like these cute BLs and I am always cringing way to much and it wasn't much different with this series but that's simply my problem and not the series' so yeah...and i wasn't cringing all the time, just at the end with all the moments, you know what I am talking about it if u already watched it lmao
Also I am really excited to get to know Fah more and to see his story :)))
Definitelly watch this BL, in my opinion it is worth it even though i expected a little bit more. Enjoy and have a good day <3
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This review may contain spoilers
The Soap Opera Game
It wasn't cute when Jack and Rose did it in the Titanic, and it sure as hell wasn't cute when they did it here. First off, yes, there was plenty of room on that damn door, and here, I spent the whole finale going, 'there wasn't room in that car for him to get inside too?' Cuz, why the eff did Pheem stay behind? And no, no explanation would justify that nonsense. The Wicked Game took itself way too serious, and ended up falling into the predicable hole.Listen, that brother Chet. What the hell was his problem? I felt like he personally hated me, cuz Mfker spent the entire series overreacting and throwing childish tantrums, instead of giving me what I wanted. The whole time, every time he was on screen saying whatever, and doing whatever the hell he was doing, I was busy staring from him to his bodyguard, you know that one dude who looked like the best regret. Like, whenever Chet opened his mouth, I kept going, 'Yeah, yeah, good for you, now kiss' Only for the mfker to up and die, and saying nonsense like, 'live your life and be happy, bodyguard.' Eff that happiness, what about me ,huh? Sure, bodyguard crooked two seconds later, still... they spent 10 episodes wasting all of that chemistry, and for what? This felt like a personal attack. Boooo!
Pheem and Than.
The drama wasn't called 'The Nice Game', so imma need all the people who keep being on Pheem's case to sit back down. Personally, I get him, he needed to be wicked to heal that child in him who was totally destroyed from how cruel the world treated him. Was he right in what he did to Than, hell no, but that ex-police officer knew Pheem was there for revenge and he still went all in with both eyes closed and heart wide open...only to immediately got shot, twice. LMAO, the eff he thought was gonna happening falling in love with a guy who hit him with a car on their first meeting?
Than is such a nice person it made him dumb. Like, come on officer, wake up a little. Dude got shot twice and spent 5mins looking real sad at the camera, and immediately went back and married the guy who literally dug a grave and shoved him in. Ain't no one that in love. May this level of in loveness-ness never locate me. Sure everyone think he's a dirty cop, but at least he got super rich, and has a not so dead husband, who loves running away, so, yaaay him.
Plot
The cartoonish shooting scenes. Literally, did they all aim at the air beside their targets or what? In the finale, I kept shaking my head, cuz what even are we doing at this point? Like all that shots and mfkers kept running around for like 10 more minutes, only for one to end up dead in a flashback... meh. The plot was also very predictable, cuz who among us believed for a second Than was dead, or that Pheem died? Both times I was like, stop wasting screen time and just show him already, I know his arse still alive, y'all won't even dare.
Characters.
The plot was okay, over the top in how it was directed and acted by some, but it did entertained me. Offroad's character was very interesting, and I liked him. I was actually rooting for Risa cuz the men were annoying. Please, I won't even start on the father, cuz that mfker doesn't even deserves me to waste pixels talking about his arsholeness-ness. I did like DaouOffroad, I always enjoy their work, so although this one wasn't the best they've done, I still enjoyed myself.
All-in-all, a watchable show, very soap opera-rly, so expect nonsense, over the top crap, cartoonish scenes. Apart from that, very decent, and I'll recommend it, especially for DaouOffroad fans. I look forward to their next work.
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Most Perfect F4 Cast
OMG so sad it's over but it was so good. There was a lull in the middle but that's honestly par for the course with the source material and other versions.The fact that the series had this fresh, unique feeling was everything I wanted. I was prepared to bitch and moan about everything I thought I was going to hate. This show literally made me smile watching it. I cannot express enough how well done this version is and how they have been able to give us what we need and take out many things we don't without sacrificing the story or the elements that make it the phenomenon that it is. Class struggles, self-doubt, self-worth, friendship, love, family, happiness and how it's defined...I could go on...
I fell in love with each F4 member! That's never happened in any other version!! I really like Gorya's family in this version. Her family is usually some of the worse characters for me. They do a better job of Thymes atonement in this version than in any other version, so I really like that as well.
I also want to take this time to thank the director and the writers, O Patha Thongpan,
Mai Aticha Tanthanawigrai, Manow Waneepan Ounphok, PingPong Suwanun Pohgudsai and Jarinee Thanomyat. What they have been able to do with source material that is 30 years old and the multiple versions that we as fans have loved and hated, they have made a show so fresh, fun, current and just so good!!
Also, shoutout to the wardrobe department... Loved the lewks!! Especially on Kavin, Mj and Ren. I was not fond of Thyme Zoo shirt but otherwise...I am a girl whose loves a sweater and the sweater game in this series is REAL!!!
Really loved all the shout outs to the other versions of this series in subtle and not so subtle ways. That's how it's done people!!!
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It's a funny, charming, and occasionally cute adventure. There's lots of swashbuckling!
It has an interesting plot, but the background behind that plot and the nationalistic pride shoved at the end of the movie is a bit of a buzzkill. Not TOO much of a buzzkill however.
I can hear Pirates of the Caribbean in the music in this movie, along with some other more well known soundtracks. It works well. The special effects aren't flawless but they're impressive and fantastic- they don't detract from your enjoyment of it, but add to the fun atmosphere of the film.
The characters are definitely the high point in this movie. The two 'captains' of the pirates and the bandits are both people you can root for, even through the mistakes they make. Watching them interact was one of the funnest parts of this movie.
It won't stay with you for a lifetime, but it's definitely a decent way to spend two hours.
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GMM-TV for kids
Simply one of the worst BLs that GMM has ever released. It's simply disappointing how a series with 4 couples can't deliver anything.The direction and script are terrible and can't develop or deal with the amount of characters - I also don't understand why they insist on putting scenes with 8 to 11 characters, when most of them have no reason to be there.
The acting is very caricatured and that's what bothers me the most here. It's a series about young adults in college, but they all act like children. It's extremely childish to the point that it seems like a kids show..
No character works, no character has financial problems, family problems or any problems that aren't about romantic relationships. And when these problems appear, they are so weak and do not change the plot at all. Everything is extremely shallow, the dialogues are rotten and there is no character development whatsoever.
Simply nothing happens. They are always hanging out, eating at college or drinking after classes, but nothing significant is happening. The last few episodes get more interesting, but the episodes are too long and full of montage scenes of the characters having fun that are not at all entertaining.
I really like the friendship between them and that's the only part of the plot that's really cool to follow, but that's it. There's no mature conversation and there's no reason for this series to have 16 episodes when only two couples are developed.
Tan and Fang should be the protagonists of this series. The chemistry between them, the acting, the kissing scenes - all impeccable. But unfortunately, they don't even have 1 hour of scenes together in 16 episodes and their characters act the same way the whole time, there's no variation. And they deserved so much to be the protagonists and receive good characters and a good plot.
Phum and Peem have good moments, but the chemistry between them is strange here and the kisses are even worse. Q and Toey have an interesting beginning, but then it becomes repetitive and boring, especially with Toey literally acting like a child (it was supposed to be cute, but it wasn't). And Chain and Pun have such a poor development that it's absurd to think that they only get together at the last second.
It's a light series to watch and the actors have good chemistry, but after watching teen series like Heartbreak High, Young Royals and Genera+ion with well-defined and interesting characters and plots, this is a big festival of nothing and anything.
Extremely disappointed to realize that GMM has no commitment whatsoever to elevating its series and delivering more robust and interesting productions. Let's be honest, GMM-TV is more concerned with promoting its ships to sell fan meeting tickets than actually creating good series.
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A beautiful Xianxia that is worth watching! [Haven't seen one this captivating in a long time now]!
The last time I rated a drama 10/10 was Ten Miles Peach Blossom, this is the second drama that I fell in love with that wants to give full rating to, but sadly after watching the ending, I have mark it down and give the story 9/10 instead, but I will mark the overall 9.5/10 because I am still in love with this series in the overall, just can't give it 10/10 - Story becomes 9/10 because the ending is what sums up the entire story to me, my feeling of the ending? Well, I will tell you at the end of this review... Omg.Ok, I admit that I am one of those people who thinks Zhou Dong Yu is average looking, and I wasn't quite used to her when I first started, because I wanted a prettier actress, BUT don't let that put you off from watching this drama, because beauty is not determined through the physical look right? her acting really convinced me that she was made for this role, and I am glad that I gave this drama a chance and stuck to it, because it became one of my favourites! I love seeing the process of Shang Gu's character development from the beginning to the end, I love how she comes to take her responsibilities as a Chief God seriously, because you see that growth in her, although the destiny of a Chief God, is just too cruel IMO T_T. But these types of angst is needed for these types of dramas. IMO, Zhou Dong Yu played her character well, where in the emotional department she was excellent, and this brings me to....
Xu Kai, this was the first drama I watched him in, and then while this drama was airing, I found out that he also acted in 'The Legends', so I also jumped to watching 'The Legends' on my end at the same time, to save myself the agony from waiting for the episodes to be uploaded. While I love Xu Kai's character in The Legends, I personally love his character more as Bai Jue, because with each role he was given, he really played his part well. I can see the love he has for Shang Gu/Hou Chi, and I can FEEL the love he has for her, that he will go through great (sacrificial) lengths to be willing to do all this for her. His love for her really touched me, he is referred to 'Ice Cube', despite his original being/element is fire hahaha, but this whole 'Ice Cube' is referencing to his personality being cold, where he keeps everyone at a distance, and is more of a loner type, so his personality really connects with Shang Gu's personality, which shows they have great chemistry, because they complements each other, and you can see that Shang Gu, really thawed the ice/barrier Bai Jue have set up on his end, which is very nice to see. And I understood why Bai Jue did all that, so for me, I can never hate Bai Jue, I love him, and he really have suffered so much, but to me, these are great sacrificial love, I just felt like giving him a hug at the end because he deserves it.
To me, what is sad about this is, this fandom (as like many other fandoms) tends to see things on the Female perspectives, and doesn't understand the pain/great love the Male (in this case, Bai Jue) have for Shang Gu, so for me, I decided to do up a thread in here, to shed some light to his perspective: https://kisskh.at/discussions/the-legend-of-gu-and-jue/63779-to-shed-some-light-in-bai-jue-s-drama-perspective
^If you're interested, you can check it out
Qing Mu is a very loveable character to me, and I will always have a soft spot for him, but to me, I don't separate him from Bai Jue, since he is still Bai Jue to me. Qing Mu condition is the same as Hou Chi if you look at it, because Qing Mu is Bai Jue, and Hou Chi is Shang Gu, just without their memories of their past. Their love is an extension to Bai Jue and Shang Gu, just like what Gu Jun said in episode 33 "Your love with Hou Chi kind of makes up for their regret", because the short time they had as Qing Mu and Hou Chi is an extension to the love Bai Jue and Shang Gu want to have with each other, but they never got the chance to due to the tragedy that happen. If it didn't happen, and if they weren't tied to their responsibilities back then, they would have been able to get that kind of love. Remember how Shang Gu said, when she spent that one day with Bai Jue (before she sacrificed herself), Shang Gu asked Bai Jue why he is so sweet to her(the last day they both shared with each other), and Bai Jue said that it's not impossible, showing that if they have time, without the tragedy happening, Bai Jue can show that kind of love to Shang Gu back then. So, this is why when Bai Jue returns with complete memories, despite he is breaking off these emotional connection to those he cared about, he still cherish the time he (as Qing Mu) have with Hou Chi and why when Hou Chi asked him to divorce her, it hurted him so much and he was reluctant at first, but in the end, it just have to be, because he's determined to go through with his plan. In addition to this, Bai Jue have already shown me he can be sweet when it comes to his love for Shang Gu, so for me, I don't separate Qing Mu and Hou Chi from Bai Jue and Shang Gu. To, me they are the same, just under different identity when they love each other as Qing Mu and Hou Chi. As Bai Jue and Shang Gu, their love is not inferior to their love as Qing Mu and Hou Chi in my opinion, because, they've been through a lot to be together, and to see the sacrifice and pain Bai Jue did all that, it made me love them even more, because their love provided me the angst, and a sense of touching love story, which I love.
The side characters are also loveable, and I noticed that there's two side actors in this one that also starred in Falling into your Smile lol (I think I am getting good at recognizing familiar faces XD), and the second side couple is nice between Feng Ran and Jing Jian.
And Zhi Yang >>>>>>>> Mu Guang for me, I don't like Mu Guang on my end. So this is why between the God Realm and Heaven Realm, I much prefer the God Realm back then when Zhi Yang was in charge. I don't like what the heaven realm has become 60,000 years later.
What makes this story interesting and captivating is it starts of with the back story for the 'building you into the story' department, you get to see what the characters was like 60,000 years ago, and as you are watching it, it's like a journey you are also experiencing with these characters, so it's captivating in that sense. You see how the characters grow, change, take up their responsibilities, and I do love the female lead (Shang Gu) in this one, sure she may have started off slacking off, and does nothing but just lazed off, and play and don't take her role as the Chief God seriously, but that all changed for her when she became a disciple to Bai Jue, and I personally find it endearing how she calls him 'Shizun', it's much better than 'Shifu' lol. I have to admit that I am starting to have a thing for Shizun x Disciple relationship XDDD. I mean, well, that's not the main part, the main part is, the story itself have depth and is engaging me in every part of it, not just the romance department, but I also love the bromance too, I love the trio, Bai Jue, Tian Qi and Zhi Yang, they are like close friends, Xiong-Di, so I love seeing them, and LOL, Zhi Yang sure paid the price for lying to Bai Jue saying that Shang Gu is hardworking, submissive, smart and never makes trouble, but turned out it was biggest lie, because he wants Bai Jue to teach her so she can take up her responsibility as a Chief God seriously XDD.
Music: I actually love the OST's in this one, some are very memorable, and my very favourite is "Gǎnyìng" (感应) by Liu Yuning, that song always reminds me of Bai Jue/Qing Mu and Shang Gu/Hou Chi moments, so touching (T^T), and don't even get me started with the lyrics *sniffs* (T^T). And I have Tencent to blame for uploading this beautiful MV lol: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok9DTHDLYw8
Another one I really like is: "Perseverance" (执生念) by Ye Xuanqing also made me cry each time I listened to it, when I listened to that song, it reminded me to all the sacrificed Bai Jue have done for Shang Gu/Hou Chi. And it shows the strong/deep love they have for each other. They both will wait for each other forever.
And another one: "Years" (年岁) by Máo Bùyì (毛不易), for these three music, they are on my replay list on my phone where I will listen to this on repeat.
Ending: I will wait until I watch that scene in full to judge that ending. I already knew it's a happy ending before I saw that clip on twitter/Weibo, but how that happy ending played out is determined if they will give us something more than that scene, because I want a more fulfilling/happy ending to show their family life, and interactions before the credit rolls, so I am keeping an open mind for now before I watch the ending. So I will come back and edit this review when I have seen the ending. To be honest, I really hope it is a fulfilling ending, since they really have been through so much to be together in the end, I wanted to see some extended scenes to it to make up for all the heart-ache and pain they've been through. Honestly, Sometimes I wish that I don’t have such high expectations for an ending because it really does hurt when it doesn’t deliver(┬┬﹏┬┬). But it remains a fact that I will always love this drama on my end, why I wanted an extended ending because Bai Jue and Shang Gu deserves an extended happy ending after all they’ve been through, instead of ending at that scene. But I will always love ALP on my end, and yes, I am also not ready to depart from this/their story (┬┬﹏┬┬).
EDIT - As I said, I will come back to rate the ending after I watched it, note, I even woke up at 4am due to the time difference, because I couldn't sleep to watch the remaining 3 episodes 47-49. You can bet I was left with so many feelings in the end (┬┬﹏┬┬).
What I like:
- The battle against Wu Huan, how Bai Jue and Tian Qi to help Shang Gu fight against her, and I am so glad to see that Bai Jue actually faked his "death" to have Wu Huan put her guard down, that's my loveable Bai Jue for you!!! And the part when Bai Jue went to Tian Qi to revived him, was really nice, I really love their bromance moments <3 And that sad look Tian Qi gave Bai Jue when Bai Jue told him that, after Wu Huan is gone, he can finally go in peace/without worries. I love this subtle moment, to see how Tian Qi also cared for Bai Jue on his end <3
- Thank you! For giving me the Father-Son moment between Bai Jue and Yuan Qi, because I really did cried. How it started off that Yuan Qi didn't want to even see Bai Jue, really hurted him (┬┬﹏┬┬), and then later they had that talk, and then when Bai Jue took Yuan Qi to the human realm, this time, as his real self, and not disguised as Feng Ran, those were all sweet moments that I wanted to see before the finale, and you can also see that Yuan Qi probably guessed that it was actually his father (Bai Jue) who took him to play a day in the human realm as "Feng Ran" back then. The part when Bai Jue lets Yuan Qi win the game, was sweet <3 And at the end, before they said good bye, how Bai Jue hoped to hear Yuan Qi to call him "Father" at least once, before he goes, was so sad omg (┬┬﹏┬┬) At first when Yuan Qi showed that he can't say it, and while Bai Jue was sad about it, but he didn't force him to call him father, and when he leaving, and then Yuan Qi called him "Father", I literally shed tears in that scene (┬┬﹏┬┬)(┬┬﹏┬┬), he didn't call him "Father" once but several times!!!
- Hong Ri came back!!! And I'm glad to have him back!!!
- It is implied Gu Jun will come back later as well, because Bai Jue saved a piece of his spiritual/soul, so he will come back later, although this is left off-screen.
- Jing Jian is reborn so he's also back, however without his memories, so that's a bit of a shame.
- Glad to see Zhi Yang is back, although I somehow have mix feelings about it, since the part when he's drunk at first, and Tian Qi is like looking through the documents, I am like, did they switch roles? LOL
- I don't like Jin Yang, but in the end, he somewhat redeemed himself for me, for what he said to his mother (Wu Huan). Like it needed to be said. I like how he said that he doesn't want the throne, he only wants to be his father(Mu Guang) son, and Jing Jian's brother. And he even told Wu Huan, that he doesn't want to be her son(because of all the things she did that killed the family) Wu Huan didn't even regret, not even in the end, so I felt like what Jin Yang said is a slap to her face!
What I don't like about the ending:
- I can't believe that bitch Wu Huan didn't die... I wanted her dead so much, but her suffering eternally like that is better than nothing, death would be too easy for her. I wish Jing Zhao's punishment was heavier, in the end, she was just mute, but seeing her suffering to see her mother like that, I guess is her punishment, and she can't even say any words to her anymore. I hated Jing Zhao so much because she even have the audacity to curse Shang Gu like that, what the f*ck!
- Mu Guang, I don't care if you sacrifice yourself for the peace in the end, but what you did, even at the end, how you begged Shang Gu to not kill Wu Huan, I was literally face palm at that scene.... Seriously, after all this you can forgive her?! Shang Gu even in her way scolded him, about how and what he's doing now have disappointed Yuemi and how well she treated him back then.
- Now, what I don't like is after all the hardships, heart-breaks that Bai Jue and Shang Gu went through, they have it end in THAT SCENE?! (┬┬﹏┬┬). I just can't really accept it... I mean, it is a happy ending, and I am thankful that that is a bit better than the novel, where they got a hug and Bai Jue smiled at her, not to mention Bai Jue deserves a hug at the end of all this but honestly, all I wanted was an EXTENDED scene after that part where they have their talk, and not just hugging each other. Ok, that is at least better than nothing, but still.... I wanted to see Tian Qi and Zhi Yang also say something to Bai Jue like welcoming him back. But at least the part where Bai Jue said "Shang Gu, I am Bai Jue" is heaps better than in the novel, because in the novel, Bai Jue didn't smiled at her in that scene in the novel (not that I recall), then Shang Gu, in the novel, expresses her happiness, no hug, nothing, but just words to describe that in that moment, it is just perfect and, I am like "?????" in the novel, a feeling of unsatisfied, and lead me to question, that the novel ending, so does Bai Jue have his memories after he came back??? This is why in the Drama ending, it creates no confusion, Bai Jue is back, and with complete memories, because he smiled and said to her "Shang Gu, I am Bai Jue", and they got that hug, so it's a bit better than the novel, but this is not what I wanted to see, because I wanted something more. They separated for so long and we only got like 2 minutes (at most) for their reunion.... (┬┬﹏┬┬) You can't be serious right? I mean, thanks for giving me a happy ending, but I already knew it is a happy ending, still I cannot accept that THIS is how it ended!!! I was hoping to see more of a closure, of them talking, them having their sweet times, their bliss before it ended, but this kind of ending... While it is a happy ending but I am still somewhat disappointed... (┬┬﹏┬┬)
I guess hoping for a TMOPB ending is a bit too much to ask for...... (┬┬﹏┬┬)
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school/academies dramas were forced
im gonna say that i wanted to watch it because of wihajoon, of course he delivered and seo hyejin also played really good. i think that the cast and acting is the best thing about this show.however, i do understand why the rating is higher than mine rating.
the chemistry, the tension, the couples - sooo good. main female lead was acting her age, shes grown woman and her behavior was appropriate for her age (some kdramas cant relate;()
anyway, what i didnt like was all the school/academy drama.
like when the teacher from public school was on screen, what was that? his bad character was so forced, maybe the writing was just bad
also, all the drama between academies, like chill, it was just boring and like what would grown people act that way about their students and academies?
why it was such a big deal that two teachers are dating? why there is this big drama about it?
so everything was nice if we are not looking about all the problems in school/academy/teacher.
i get it that we need 'bad' characters, like the teacher at first, or we need bad things and some drama, but ngl it was so forced and unreal.
i hope wi hajoon and seo heyjin will be cast in other romance kdrama;)
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Not Perfect but Desperately Needed
I had to think about the finale a bit, before offering my review.A 7.7 rating (as of 1/27/25) seems a bit low to me, but higher than what MDL scored the weekend predecessors (It's Beautiful Now, The Real Has Come, 3 Bold Siblings, Beauty & Mr Romantic, etc). I would score this series as an 8....here's why:
First off, as a prototype for the new 36 episode weekend format, this was a huge win. Can you imagine this story stretched out for 50 episodes? Haven't we suffered enough with draggy, filler-laden series? I hope KBS sticks with the 36 episode rule, unless it can find writers from the era when "Once Again", 'My father is strange', etc ruled. But I fear those days are long gone.
Secondly, lets think about what this series DIDN'T have....a ton of cliches. There was:
-No WTOD (although many of us would have cheered it on for a few characters)
-No Amnesia Arc
-No huge cancer scare (instead cancer that stalked the elders was dealt with as a part of life and kept in the background)
-Only ONE DNA test (take THAT, writers of 3 Bold Siblings)
-No Evil Mother-in-Law
So what DID this series have?
- A-list cast (elders, FL/ML, FL mom)
- A very different premise from prior weekend 'family dramas'
- quick pacing
- the ability to be sad, infuriating and funny all in one episode
- seamless time-jumps
- a satisfying ending that could have been better, but I get it...
And the big question is "What was this series about?" To me, it was all about the money. It was the real star of the show, and got in the last word (or wink). This show was about the corrosive effects upon a family that the money caused. Either because it originated as Ill-gotten-gains (a loan shark's endowment to his daughter) or just because it was such a huge amount of cash, everyone the money touched, changed for the worse: we saw this all happen in real-time: first the elders, then their DIL, their own daughter, their oldest granddaughter (who resisted temptation), their grandson who betrayed his police training and lost his career, and finally the 'rightful' owner of the money, the ML's mom. Although "Iron Family" was a cute play on words, the series should have been called 'The Root of all Evil" or something like that, to show how ordinary, law-abiding and moral people became something they were not, all because of 10-million Won.
So I appreciated how different this series was, with the only villains a bunch of incompetent loan sharks who were utilized sparingly. Yes, GangJu was the only likeable character and I'm happy that KJH got such a great role for prime-time. And the only real regret I have is that the main leads chemistry was under-utilized. They made a really great couple, and I would have liked to have seen more romance on their part, but this wasn't a rom-com, so it's OK. But casting directors note: they play off each other REALLY WELL.
Thanks everyone here for your comments, and the lively discussion. I did enjoy this series and will miss it. And that's a good thing for a fan to say about a series. Well-done KBS and production team.
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I honestly watched this movie for the clothes; I'm a history geek and I wanted to see the history behind Joseon fashion. So I didn't watch with very high expectation...thus I wasn't disappointed. As for the actors...I'm not a huge fan of Park Shin Hye's acting but wow, she did a great job in this movie. As for Go Soo, this was my first time seeing something by him. His character was extremely likable!
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I knew that Come Rain, Come Shine was an essay movie and I watched it knowing it. I was reminded of some French nouvelle vague film, full of silences and broken dialogues.
It's a slow, sedate film, where emotions are expressed via immobility, instead of events. I read the film didn't get a good reception at the Berlin Film Festival, but then again, I've learnt never to base my judgment on European film festivals, unless I want to end up watching a movie by some unknown Uzbek director with 20 minutes shoot of a solitary ant walking on a roof.
I'm not joking, the movie really exists.
The acting is awesome. I could say that Hyun Bin is his usual gorgeous self, but in this case it would be a very shallow statement, mostly because for a good portion of the movie the only thing one gets to see of him is his silhouette in half darkness. But he's got the chance to use one of his best traits in terms of acting: showing feelings with the mere twitching of the lips, the raising of an eyebrow or a tilt of his head.
Im Su Jung is just as expressive, her mood highlighted by an excessive thinness and pallor which make her look like a fragile doll. Her character is the "guilty" party, and yet one can't help feeling for her frustration in front of her husband's wall of infuriating politeness.
I would have given the music a 0 if the option were available, for the simple reason that... there is NO music. One may object that the absence of sound is more deafening than anything else, which is certainly true about this movie, but doesn't make rating the music any more possible.
Given the premises, I think you will understand why the re-watch value is pretty low. Personally, I was oddly captivated by this movie, possibly because it came after an interesting debate on this same site about marriage and its expiry-date. But I'm not sure I'm ready to recommend this film to anyone, unless you're a Hyun Bin's fan like me and while watching fantazise about having him frolicking in YOUR kitchen, instead of the stage one.
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Was it that unreasonable though?
Completed watching this raw as i couldn't wait any longer for subs and here i am nonchalantly writing a review since none was submitted so far.This drama is about Hinako, an earnest 30 year old who works as a secretary for "Relation Gate" company president (Asami), an overachieving boss whom she's been at the beck and call for 8 years, neglecting her private life in the process.
Suddenly Asami gives the clumsy yet hardworking secretary Hinako an "Unreasonable Request", i.e., to become the president of "Relation Foods", the company's subsidiary. Thus, the drama title "Muchaburi!"
This has a pretty straightforward plot revolving around the work life of an awkward, clumsy but earnest Office Lady turned company president and her staff's daily work life; ambitions, hang-ups, struggles and self-fulfillment included.
This is your run-of-the-mill typical Jdorama office narrative. Jovial, inspiring, slice-of-life, business-focused romcom. YET, i personally found it quite entertaining to watch. Since it's about growth, self-confidence and finding one's vocation, with a little bit of romance and comic relief on the side.
We can see how this drama follows common structural elements of an "initiation journey to self-realization". Through a 3 key points traditional narrative: "Call to initiation, ordeal, and self-transformation." As many other dramas that follow this kind of formula, you could safely bet that it's no mind-altering content.
HOWEVER, what makes this drama a teeny weeny special in my eyes, is that it has good enough acting, likeable characters and it doesn't take itself too seriously (despite the business theme). It's just a nice, breezy, comfy and a tad inspiring watch.
Besides the soothing tone and motivating atmosphere, i couldn't help but love the main cast and enjoyed how the leads -despite their quarrels and differing approaches- supported each-other throughout the whole thing. Both worked hard (along with their colleagues) in order to maintain a productive business and a meaningful work life.
By the way, don't let the love triangle discourage you from watching this. As it's probably the least annoying triangle you'll come across (i say this based on my love triangle-hater experience).
It's one of those rare dramas where both men are actually good matches for the FL.
Be it Asami (the charismatic eccentric and mysterious boss) or Taiga (the tsundere outspoken but very reliable colleague). Both are good men, hardworking, responsible and supportive. Both guys bring out the best qualities in Hinako, as they equally had good chemistry with her.
Not to mention, their different temperaments complement and contrast well with the her cheerful personality type. So i honestly wouldn't have minded if she ended up with either one.
Having said that, i was on team Taiga since he's the type to build the female lead up, he always got her back, he supports her in her endeavors and challenges her wrong opinions, he gives her confidence and encourages her to be more assertive and pushes her self-limitating beliefs when she's being wishy-washy and provides her with a good balance as he serves as her centering rock.
It also doesn't hurt to admit that the "gap" between his usual frowny fussy expression and the heart-warming puppy eyes is too "moe".
The romance department as a whole, was decent and quite basic. Be that as it may, it did contain a couple "doki doki" moments.
Being an avid romance lover, i liked how "ordinay" the whole thing felt, nothing overdramatic, no spell-binding plot-twists, makjang-like betrayals and back-stabbing, nor any obsessive, needy and pushy third-wheels in sight. (That's something for a Jdrama!) Everything flowed more-or-less realistically between the leads, their little disagreements showcased how comfortable they are with voicing their own opinions to each-other and their synchronicity at work was at full display and showed how much of a good match they'd make. Which made their romantic entanglement all the more meaningful. Though i wished to see more of their lovey-dovey moments...
Finally, Mitsuki-chan and Jun have great chemistry together. Loved how organically they bounced off each-other's characters. Would love to watch another project with the same leads. Hopefully, I will get see them starring together in another romance project.
SCORE: A cheerful, satisfied 7/10. Couldn't rate this higher as it's a simple drama plot-wise. But i do recommend it for all Jdrama and romcom lovers alike.
On a side -unrelated- note:
I really liked the styling choice in this drama. Mitsuki-chan's look here; wardrobe choice, makeup, hairstyle, accessories and all. Everything looked so good on her and suited her skin tone. Some people would disagree but i frankly think this was her best look.
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This movie can be really harsh at times. Meaning it's not for the weakhearted. I loved this movie. It was exciting from beginning to end and left me sitting on the edge of my chair. The acting was great. Kang Dong Won is a really good actor, and I loved how they used foreigners (who spoke fluent Korean, yay!).
I would definitely recommend this movie. Unless you are weak of heart of course ;)
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Beautiful
"Sing My Crush" is an absolute gem of a Korea drama that captures your heart from the very first episode. The engaging storyline, delightful characters, and stellar performances by the cast make it an unforgettable experience. The plot intertwines music, romance, and personal growth, leaving you eager for each new episode. The show's OST is a masterpiece in itself, perfectly complementing the emotions conveyed on screen. Whether you're a K-drama fan or not, "Sing My Crush" is a must-watch, as it beautifully showcases the magic of Korean storytelling and keeps you hooked until the very end. Don't miss out on this heartwarming and soulful journey!Was this review helpful to you?
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