Reviews

Season 1 was far better

Why I liked the drama?

- THE FEMALE CHARACTERS! Usagi, Kuina, and Ann. Honestly, they carried the whole show. Their relationships were interesting and each was independent and badass. They didn't need men to survive the games, in fact the men needed them. It's not everyday that you can find a survival story where the female characters took major controls.
- Chishiya! He's so interesting, more than the MC himself. His laid back personality was the opposite of his brain capabilities. Honestly, I'm glad he had his own screen times to finish two games. And he did it perfectly alone. Chishiya be like: Me, myself, and I.

Why I disliked the drama?
- Arisu's characterization. Suddenly, his characters got weaker than previous season. All of the time, he needed Usagi to take care of his ass because his mentality dropped down drastically. It's like he lost his confidence and never got it back lmao -.-
- Aguni and Heiya's relationship. It's disturbing that Heiya, a girl in high school (definitely underage, no?!), was head over heels to Aguni. Their age difference made me fume with madness. On the other hand, Aguni didn't seem to take it seriously, but who knows what the writers had in minds.
- Plot armor too visible. During the King of Spades', the main characters should've died multiple times, but no. They're invincible to the bullets, except the extras. Others got killed by ONE shot, our main characters could survive from ten thousands shoots to their bodies. Hooray to the armor!
- The ending. Such a shitty ending -,- people can make theories about the 'borderland' but I personally think the ending was not satisfying. On the Queen of Hearts' game, Arisu and Usagi made a whole speech to each other, but in the end, I was left with disappointment. This season's storyline was definitely too rushed.

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As the title speaks for itself, I watched and was charmed by this drama three times before finally arriving at my final score, and that is a perfect 10. I first skim watched it because I was so surprised by the very strong mixed reaction to this drama (on MDL or the streaming website) and skipped to most of the lead actors' scenes to gauge whether their acting makes this drama redeemable. The answer is an absolute yes. The second time I watched this I still skipped a lot of scenes just to pay more attention to the main storyline itself, and to see whether I belong to the group of people who find the writing ridiculous OR realistic and charming. The third time I watched this is when I finally immersed myself fully into the side characters that I found really elevated this drama, and teach us many lessons about life. Believe me, if you come to this drama with a more matured mindset, you will really love this drama.

I feel many of the reviews that condemn the writing of this drama do not understand the complex nature of life and relationships itself or simply refuse to come to terms with the intention of this story. This drama started off as a rom-com but progressed more towards a melo, and though many people were irritated by this, this is exactly the charm of this drama and I believe only how the writers have intended it to be. Joon Young and Young Jae are two characters who are quite literally the polar opposite, but that's what makes it tick in a young couple: the excitement of dating with a different personality. But as their relationship deepens, problems start to arise because of their conflicting nature, and so it's becoming more important for them to understand what it means to find and love their own identities first before loving another person. The story unfolds this progression and slice-of-life very nicely in my opinion. I can guarantee your acceptance of the writing of this drama will highly depend on how tolerant you are of the decisions made by the lead actors at three stages of their relationships (20 y/o, 27 y/o and finally 32 y/o).

Spoiler: There's a scene after her 27th birthday where Young Jae's best friend cooked her spicy stir-fried octopus, and it made her remember Joon Young. There was only three of them there, her brother included. Yet she went to the bathroom to cry, instead of letting out her tears in front of the two people who obviously care for her. This scene speaks a lot about her real personality and mirrors how she deals with her own relationships. At this point, you have two choices as to how you view Young Jae for the rest of the drama (and which greatly affect your level of enjoyment as story unfolds): 1) see her heartbreak as self-imposed out of selfishness or 2) see her heartbreak as really a result of being timid and afraid of showing her vulnerabilities.

As for the acting, I am absolutely in love of how well Seo Kang Joon portrays the three different faces in this drama: an awkward nerd, a competent police officer and a meticulous chef so well (I love how he chose to become more of a chef than a restaurateur). His quirky expressions say a lot, and he's really amazing! Lee Som also provided enough nuances to her character as the strong and opinionated career lady, especially in the latter part when her role turned more mellow. Other supporting casts add interesting dynamics to their relationship as well, except the Doctor who I disliked for being such an opportunistic jerk.

I really love the slow BGMs that play in the sad scenes especially in episode 15 when Young Jae and Joon Young were crying on each other's faces. Your true feeling is something you have no control over and one you can't possibly run away from, so I was so touched when it's expressed so beautifully by the skilled actors. He's self-aware enough not to embrace her in a hug but still couldn't stop himself from showing how much his heart was aching for her. If he had hugged her, it'd be lust but since he didn't, it was obviously true love. Damn, talk about really poignant acting!

Rewatch value is very high especially depending on how much you love Seo Kang Joon. I believe this is one of his best dramas to-date that really showcases his wide range as an actor just in one single sitting. Those who say you're better off skipping this and just watch Are You Human Too instead, I disagree. There's a reason why he took up this role (I absolutely love his choices so far), and I feel this one on my bones. Young Jae is incredibly lucky because Joon Young's love for her is incredibly powerful and unwavering even after all those years. Trust me, it's a treat to watch and re-watch his astounding portrayal of true love that took questionable turns, but is far from being cheesy.

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The first teaser of Wanted reminded me a little bit of God's Gift - 14 Days. Reading the synopsis it made me think about an American themed movie. Having piqued my interest, I was ready to give it a go. It starts out slow but you just have to endure it for a little while. You will probably not regret this as it picks up the pace in the coming episodes. That's where the good part starts.

After having her son kidnapped, top actress Jung Hye In (Kim Ah Joong) starts filming a reality show on the kidnapper's demands to save him. Every episode starts with a mission which she has to complete. As the story unfolds you, like Jung Hye In, will learn how everything is connected to each other. It's fair to say that every episode keeps you on the edge of the seat. As the search for Hyun Woo continues, you want to know what the kidnapper's motives are.

The cast is made up of a lot of familiar faces. You might know some of the actors/actresses from their previous work as they have acted in well received drama's. Kim Ah Joong plays Jung Hye In, a retiring top actress whose son get kidnapped. As someone with a public image, she has to go through ordeals to secure the safety of her child. It's not easy to put up a front as she's a top actress & worrying mother as well. The amount of emotions are portrayed very well by her. She acted out her character pretty good. Uhm Tae Woong does a good job playing Shin Dong Wook, a PD who is fired before he gets the chance to make an influential show. He gives off a stern & cold vibe that goes well with the character Shin Dong Wook. Ji Hyun Woo takes on the role of detective Cha Seung In. He surprised me with his acting. In 'Angry Mom' he played a righteous but somewhat pushover teacher. Didn't expect him to play a determined, righteous & kick ass detective but he pulls it of very well. Every character (even the support roles) has his/her background story that fits in with the development of the plot.

It's not very uncommon for thrillers to use anything beside ambiance background music. That being said, Wanted has a total of 4 OST's and the songs aren't that bad. It's a shame they couldn't be implemented someway (e.g, ending credits) so be sure to give them a listen. You don't want to miss out on a song like Yezi & Jung Chaeyeon's - Shadow.

Wanted is a thriller with a great cast, a steady pace and intriguing story. There are things that could have been done better to live up to it's "promising" plot. It's a pity but not too disturbing. The drama is somewhat thought provoking and the suspense only leaves you wanting more.

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Amar é cuidar e cultivar

Eu consigo entender por que o primeiro diretor quis desistir dessa história. Uma história de amor em que o homem (nem tão) mais velho se apaixona pela irmã do melhor amigo, a qual ele conheceu quando ela ainda era muito nova, realmente é um enredo difícil de não cair no desagrado do público. Porém, estou feliz que não desistiram desse projeto, pois o resultado foi simplesmente lindo!

Sobre a protagonista feminina: apesar de gostar de alguém mais velho, em nenhum momento o seu tempo é desrespeitado. Ela não buscar fingir ser mais madura do que o que de fato é, ela não pula etapas pelo relacionamento que quer ter. E, embora a família a trate com o cuidado dado a crianças, ao reservar ela se mostra muito madura emocionalmente - sem deixar de ser meiga, delicada, atenciosa e muito fofa.

Sobre o protagonista masculino: que show de atuação! Senti muita sinceridade nas cenas dele, em especial quando o assunto era a sua família. Gostei que ele foi construído como alguém que aprendeu a ser uma boa pessoa, apesar de tudo. Gostei, também, de como ele se mostrou decidido uma vez que entendeu que seus sentimentos pela prota mudaram de cuidado para amor, que é um detalhe que faz toda a diferença nessa história.

Os protagonistas mostraram que o amor é cuidar do outro, mas é também cultivar no outro felicidade, conforto, confiança.

É um dorama simples, no fim das contas, mas que mostrou personagens como pessoas reais. Nem perfeitos, nem caricatos. Os pais tem suas questões quanto aos filhos, os irmãos brigam, quem se ama tenta dar o seu melhor pelo outro, e é isso.

Muito grata a atriz principal que deu o melhor de si para fazer esse projeto acontecer, valeu a pena cada segundo gasto.

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When I decided to watch this film I already knew who Choi MinHo was. In fact, I decided to watch it because he was in it. But the thing I need to clarify before writing the rest of the review is this: I knew Choi MinHo through "To The Beautiful You", my first drama ever. At the time I knew NOTHING about him, or SHINee or even k-pop (in fact, I started listening to SHINee out of curiosity after watching the show and became addicted). Why is this important? Because I want to tell you that the reason why I actually liked this drama had nothing to do with MinHo being in there.

I read in several different places that people only enjoyed this film because MinHo was in it and that in fact the film was mediocre. Well, it is not a work of art, that's for sure. Especially since the editing of the film is a bit odd - this was made in 2010 but I felt like I was watching something from 2003 or something. And that, for me, is pretty much the worst thing in this drama.

The story isn't, again, an art work. We have two characters who are somewhat lost in their own routines. When they meet eachother is actually like a breath of fresh air. Overall, it's a pretty story, romantic and somewhat inspiring. It's about overcoming your own fears but also working hard for your dreams and even having those dreams - because everyone should be allowed to do so.

The cast consists mainly of five or six people, being the main ones MinHo and Ji Hye. Ji Hye's acting is good enough and convicing, without being exagerated or the opposite. The same goes for MinHo. As someone who watched "To The Beautiful You" and is currently watching "Medical Top Team", it's obvious this was MinHo's first work in acting, but I wasn't disappointed. In fact, I actually felt this character fitted him better than Tae Joon. So, overall you won't find any award winning performances but none of the main actors have bad acting either.

As for the music, that was my favourite part. Since this is all about pianos, the music was mainly classical ou neoclassical, which, curiosly enough (since I basically spend most of my time listening to pop nowadays), is right up my alley - and what could fit better in a film called "Pianist" than some piano pieces?

To complete, "Pianist" is a medium film that you'll enjoy accordingly to what you expect. If you decide to hate in this simply because MinHo is in there (because, yes, there are people in this world that hate famous people just... because!), you'll probably think the film is crap. If you decide to watch the film as the best thing ever, you'll also be overreacting. However, if you go as neutral as possible trying to see what will come out of this, you'll be able to enjoy it - and you'll see it's a pretty okay film.

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gentle and sweet slice of life (need a third movie)

Overall: the sequel is very similar to its predecessor with the theme of friendship and infusion of cooking/food into the story. I was happy we saw progression but a third movie would really be the cherry on the top. First aired in Japan June 2024. Aired December 4th 2024 on GagaOOLala https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/videos/4988/lets-eat-together-aki-and-haru-more-please-2024 (not available in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong or Macau)

What I Liked
- sweet and caring moments
- the cooking/food
- realistic to practice interviewing
- non cliched female characters
- avoided a common plot element at the end (i.e. technology exists)

Room For Improvement
- the voice over recap of the first movie
- thought there had already been some realizations in the last movie, wish we had seen more progress earlier rather than the very end

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THE EMOTIONS ??

I don't know how to explain this but I cried a lot during this series and I loved it! The actors are fantastic and we have drama until the end!!! 💗💗💗 I know one day I'll watch it again! 💗💗💗
For me, the "icing on the cake" was the main protagonist. She knows exactly how to convey the emotions she's feeling and we feel the same with her. You laugh when she laughs and cry when she cries. I won't give any spoilers, but there is such a distressing moment and the actress conveys that emotion perfectly. I was constantly wiping my glasses with the cloth because of the tears. The title is a bit misleading and gives the impression that it won't be a very good series (at least that's what I felt) but it surprised me in a positive way!!!

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LOVED EVERYTHING BUT THE ENDING

Ok this was literally my favorite kdrama. Like ever. While watching it I really loved the action, romance, comedy, and drama all in one show. I’m writing this review one day after watching the last episode (JUST SO I COULD CALM DOWN) and i am so annoyed. Don’t get me wrong I loved every episode till the last. But for anyone who has watched game of thrones, the ending gave me similar vibes to what they did to Daenerys at the end. And I know that’s this isn’t the end technically because there’s a part two coming out in December so maybe I’ll update this after watching that, but I literally felt like they hyped up both Mudeok and Buyeon and Naksu (all played by the same actress) SO MUCH. Like a Buyeon and Naksu especially were so powerful. And there are so many times when they power shows even though Mudeok can’t necessarily use them on command. But I just can’t believe you’re telling me that I watched 20 episodes of every character and their mom hyping up Buyeon/Naksu’s powers all for literally the sound of bells to be her ending. I feel like the actress Jung Somin’s character (who played Mudeok in part one but is replaced by Go Yoon-Jung in part two) couldve done so much more if the writers let her character have a better downfall. Like I get that it was necessary for her to get her body back or whatever but we watched literally 20 whole episodes with her (and loved all those episodes) but you’re telling me that I now have to watch her get replaced because of some freak sorcery that literally seemed so insignificant???? Like some of these spells and fights are made so big but literally the main character who’s gone through so much at this point basically goes bat shit crazy because of a simple powder. Ugh that just seems like a cop out if anything. I’m praying they have a better ending in part 2 because besides the ending, I loved every other aspect of the show.

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A dark erotic Mess

Well, this isn’t the typical drama series and has to be seen more as an avantgardistic Art Project. And with art, people either love it or hate it, and both opinions have merit.

But what this series is not is definitely the typical BL. It's very EXPLICIT, dark and disturbing. So for all you fans of super cute guys who adore each other, this is not your series! Please stay away from it.
But if you're into blood, vomit, drugs, suicide and lots of NSFW-scenes, this might be your series.

That being said, the acting and cinematography are on a good level and I appreciate the physicality of the actors.
But if you're expecting a logical and engaging story, you'll probably be disappointed.

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狗血!! Revenge! scheming drama

I can't believe i finished watching is. The chinese website i watched it on said 38 episodes but other places said 40 episodes is the end?

Ya'll after watching this drama you need to breathe!!! OMG SO FREAKIN FRUSTRATING!!!WANT TO SCREAM and hit THE Beeps.... in the drama!It felt like i watched like 60 episodes. so much hatred. revenge, evil, scheming, bullying . take advantage of. This is one negative drama, its like torture on the female lead.

Like where do i begin?
Female lead is a super sweet, but takes everything in kinda girl, she is appreciative for the Li's corporation CEO for helping her get through school and into the fashion industry. She is also know as the shadow designer. Li's CEO has a daughter who basically grew up with the female lead. She is also known as a deisgner, but its just all her name. She cant design and has never designed, only using the female lead's design. Other people in the company dont know and think she is just a cleaning lady ( super sad right?)
Male lead is the son of the Chao fashion corp. Chao and Li are competitors.

The back story of why they are competitors... While Li was young, she knew Chao's wife. Chao's wife was in charge of a warehouse that caused fire and killed people and losing the clothes they made. Long story short, turns out it was Li who was behind it, causing Chao's wife to commit suicide because she couldnt pay back the workers. At that time the Chao's had a baby boy. Chao ended up losing contact with the family that took care of his son. Chao swore to take revenge for his dead wife and his lost son.

Fast Forward... So the male lead is the adoptive son of the Chao's and Chao made the male lead to thinking it was the Li's who was responsible for the death of this parents and also his missing sister too . Turns out it was Chao who locked his sister up and was trying to use the male lead to help him knock down the Li's.

I feel so bad for the female lead, she literally had to go through so much shit!!! Like first, thinking the Li's is a benefactor but it was just that so they could use the female lead's designer and let the Li daughter call it her own. I didnt understand why the daughter is not named after her. lol her daughter is named Tang Guo er.
2) the person she loved had to marriage her best friend.... and she just let it go like that.
3) Losing her child and her mother's also suicide. so much hurt is done to her..if i were her i would go crazy already... ( which later towards the end she was hospitalized for..
4) having her designed copied by another person ( who was someone she trusted that betrayed her)

Her daughter is such a despicable character, so rude, selfish, arrogant, spoiled full of her self !!! Literally wanna say all the swear words at her . She is a true bitch !!! Like she and the female lead were suppose to be best of friends.

In dramas I always love the male lead but this drama I hated him ! He went for his own interest in the sense that he just followed the orders of his adoptive dad. He loved the female lead but it was so limited. Like which side are you on? He even sided with the evil best friend, when he found out that the Li's was not the culprit behind his parents suicide. He was never really there for her and didnt support her enough...

Sorry this is more of a rant than a review haha!

watch at your own risk if you like revenge, scheme, bullying, torment ....

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Great story. Great acting. This was so intense. I have to admit that while the synopsis may be true it’s a little more complex than what’s stated. It’s not merely he was cheating and her world was over. This was hard truth that came but was hidden. This is a mistake that grew. This is passion vs real love, second chances and letting go, revenge of the sweetest kind and finding peace. Imagine having a feeling that somethings not right but the feeling being denied. Man I never wanted to smack someone so much. Great series with a fair ending however I wish it was a lot sweeter considering the build up and the internal struggles they experienced. Again would have loved a joyful ending for the female lead. All that grief needed some.

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Does not have any plot holes

Flower of evil is one of my favourite dramas.. A good cast and good acting. The story is awesome and it was well taken from the start. The climax was well shown. I watched this drama due to the cast and teh reviews. Naturally i Expected a lot and this drama fulfilled me.. I usually drop the drama if its boring in between but this drama made me want to watch it till the end. I recommend this drama a lot..
The thing i liked the most is that this drama does not have plot holes and it is really amazing..
(Lol, this review was for the drama but I have given it here by mistake XD)

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