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Completed
Go Princess, Go!
96 people found this review helpful
by Aryael
Jan 16, 2016
35 of 35 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
Story: In a pool side accident, a playboy (Zhang Peng) fell into the pool, got knocked unconscious and ended up in ancient times in the body of a woman. Where time traveling and soul switching stories are concerned, this is a nice and fresh twist where a man's soul ended up in a woman's body. And not just any woman's body but the crown princess'! The crown princess, Zhang Peng Peng was married to the crown prince of the kingdom who hated her with vengeance as the old Zhang Peng Peng was supposedly a manipulative spoilt brat. The crown prince was in love with a concubine of his older brother while the handsome Ninth Prince was in love with Zhang Peng Peng - creating two triangle relationships....or should I say, pentagonal relationship since there were 5 people involved in it??? Through hilarious misadventures and palace politics (put in a light manner), the crown prince slowly fell in love with his wife after discovering that Zhang Peng Peng had changed into a funny, quirky, 'boyish', rude, bossy and somewhat innocent woman! This change in character attracted and intrigued the crown prince. But Zhang Peng Peng refused to admit that she's also falling in love with her husband - a man! - when she's actually Zhang Peng (the soul of a man)! Therefore, she set up various plots to avoid having to deal with an interested husband - some funny while others were downright dangerous and challenging the authority of her husband who eventually became king. In the middle of it all, the Ninth prince who was in love with Zhang Peng Peng and wanted nothing but her happiness was caught in the power struggle for the throne. Throw in racy and suggestive scenes where Zhang Peng Peng molested the concubines and female servants and sex scenes between her and her unwanted hubby (lots of alcohol was involved!), and you'll get a provocative, quirky, silly and entertaining drama! How will this unlikely romance between a woman/man and a man end? Watch it to find out! A word of warning before you start: be prepared to marathon this drama as once you start, you can't stop. It is very addictive!

Acting/Cast: Mostly new faces but boy did they acted well! Kudos to the female lead and male leads of this drama, including the supporting characters of female servants, eunuchs and princes. They can act serious at one point and turn to quirky and funny at another then to a touching and tear-inducing, heart-jerking scenes the next! Amazing! I hope they will all go on to bigger and better roles! And the costumes were scandalous to say the least! Scandalous and unthinkable for the period in question but they added to the fun of the drama! Big pat on the back to everyone- from cast to production and directing teams! A job well done!

Music: Love the haunting OSTs and how it's played throughout in 3 different variations depending on the mood of the drama. I am looking around to download it now.

Rewatch vaue: High rewatch value. I do not mind rewatching this drama again very soon. Each episode's only 30 minutes since it's made for web viewing. I enjoyed all of the weird antics and the more serious parts of this drama. Very entertaining!

Overall: Highly recommended! You'll laugh, fall in love and cry. This is chinese quirky humor mixed with romance in the ancient times at its best!

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Completed
Our Youth
96 people found this review helpful
by dollijws Finger Heart Award1
Nov 22, 2024
11 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
i like this kind of story specially it's a jbl, this bl doesn't give me boredom and all

storyline is a 10/10 for me
the storyline caught my attention, for me it's a uniquely well storyline, i like the casting as well and they act very well. i love the tension between the two characters all i can is that the actors who portray the characters is very good with the acting.
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Completed
Tree with Deep Roots
50 people found this review helpful
Dec 26, 2011
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
Without spoilers, this is going to be a hard review to write, but I figured since no other reviews were written for it, I would give it a try. I used to not be a fan of sageuks, but recently I have been proven wrong, and this is one of those that did it.

In terms if writing, the story was well written. I kind of kept you guessing, and the cliffhangers were killers. The way the characters were written was brilliant, as well as the way history and fiction were mixed. It kept you coming back for more. Granted there was your typical backstabbing and plot making, but it fit in with the story, so it didn't seem out of place or to be to much.

In terms of acting, brilliant. Each actor portrayed their characters to the point you actually believed they were the character, not an actor playing someone. I have to say I was very impressed by Jang Hyuk, yet again, and after seeing two sageuks of his, I have a hard time picturing him playing any other type of role.

The music, I would have liked to have heard more traditional instruments, but all in all it wasn't bad.

I will definitely be watching this again. I was thinking that with 24 episodes that it would get boring, but never once was I bored. Give it a try.

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Completed
Bad Buddy
50 people found this review helpful
Nov 9, 2021
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

I really enjoyed this much much more than I expected!!

I have not read the novel so all I know is the summary and the trailer, and I went in with pretty average expectations for the plot. But I am aware about how good Nanon's acting is after having loved him in The Gifted franchise, so I'm excited nonetheless.

Having watched this week by week, I did not expect to love it so much!! I thought the end was clever too and found it realistic and hopeful. One of the most interesting endings to a BL if I may say. Sharing my weekly episode reviews below:

Episode 1: Very promising start! We got an introduction to the characters and the main plot point of why their families hate each other so much. Pat and Pran are shown to not be on friendly terms (at least on Pat's side, because Pran seems very polite and generally chill). The music is a BANGER! I might be biased because this is totally my type of music, but for some reason it totally fits the aesthetics of the shots and the cinematography. I also love the domesticity in the ending credits!

Episode 2: Pat and Pran's dynamic seems to be much deeper than what we were first shown. From the first episode I thought Pat couldn't tolerate Pran at all, but here it seems like he let himself more, idk, loose? Like he's comfortably bantering and bickering with Pran and it feels very natural, so I guess this is actually his true nature that he has been suppressing for quite some time. The flashback also confirms this, but there has to be more than that because I'm not convinced that the "playing in a band together with the son of our family's worst enemy" is the reason Pran got transferred. Also hats-off to Nanon's acting. Ohm is also very good, actually, but more so Nanon. Anyway in terms of the leads' acting, this by far is on another league compared to other Thai BLs.

Episode 3: OKAY I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START. This episode basically confirms that Pat likes Pran somehow, and his antics are like a silly school boy having a crush. What was interesting to me was the episode opened with showing how Pran was Pat's "secret crush", but the scene was actually showing Pran doing something special for Pat, which is not something friends, or even bestfriends, would do! This episode was just full of heart-fluttering moments and there was no cheesiness or awkwardness at all, the acting and writing are so natural. I feel like the show is starting to bring out its big guns!

Episode 4: OH MY GOODNESS NANON. THIS GUY CAN ACT. LIKE /REALLY/ ACT. I have so many emotions during this episode and for me this episode went by the fastest compared to the previous ones; I just felt so empty after finishing it. I really like how they made the characterizations. Pran can't hate Pat no matter how much he wants to because he's already in so deep. Pat...wow idk where to start. Let's just say I feel so complicated about him and it says a lot at how Ohm and the crew put a lot of thoughts into his character. In any case, Nanon wins this episode hands-down. I literally felt Pran's pain. His character is so layered yet soft-spoken and I'm so glad we are able to fully experience this, all thanks to the role being in the hands of a very talented actor.

Episode 5: This is my favorite episode by far! So many things happened here without feeling too rushed -- from the "night after" and how Pran quickly bounced back after getting his heart broken, to Pat testing Ink's feelings, to Pat /finally/ realizing his true feelings, and so much more up until the climax at the end with the kiss. My favorite part is definitely towards the end with the Pat-Pran-Wai fistfight and how things are suddenly starting to explode. Pat is ready to risk it all while Pran, even without Pat saying anything explicitly, knows where things are going and he is not ready to deal with it. And finally during the rooftop scene. It was obvious how Pran has his walls built up but it has slowly crumbled down hearing Pat confess. When Pat kissed him, he just gave up and gave in and I love how this moment just feels so raw and intimate. I'm not lying if I said that I literally hear their feelings while kissing -- their emotions during that part was THAT good. Cue to after the kiss when Pran wakes up to his senses again and comes back to his demeanor of being "not ready" and walks away. The last time I cried for a BL was during ATOTS which says a lot; and all credits go to the director and especially OhmNanon, because it didn't feel like them at all, but PatPran coming to life.

Episode 6: I'll be honest and say that nothing major really happened this episode for me, but I still like the pace nonetheless because it's very realistic. Now that I think of it, while this is a romcom so far, I'm getting strong slice-of-life vibes from it which is different from other school BLs that have dramas every episode just for the sake of it. This episode we watch Pran avoiding Pat as he keeps his feelings in check, while Pat does all that he can to step into Pran's walls. The faculty rivalry (and Pran's friends planning to beat Pat up wtf?) is getting too tiring for me now tho, and my only hope is that there's a purpose for this conflict which can lead into a good character development that will help PatPran's relationship in the future. I also find the bet interesting because we know that they already know that they like each other, but their pride and competitiveness against each other that they had all their lives are getting in the way. Anyway I'm not too nervous about this because they'll eventually give up in one way or another, and seeing the preview for episode 7, looks like they're getting there soon! I really enjoyed this episode especially the new OST and ending credits! <3

Episode 7: PatPran boyfriends T-T Anyway before I go into that, this episode highlighted the chemistry between the actors from all the flirting up to their moment in the end. I'm not lying if I said that I was grinning from ear to ear the whole time because their domesticity and back-and-forth banter were so sweet, and if the acting wasn't this good it would have become cringy. Pran teasing Pat was definitely a delight to see after seeing him hurt in the previous episodes, and Pat as always is a very colorful character. What I did not expect to see though (or at least this early) was Wai. Him guilt-tripping Pran into helping him was so uncomfortable to watch and is definitely not a good thing to do even between the closest of friends. I'm interested to see how he would impact PatPran's already delicate relationship seeing how he seems to be a significant character. Finally my favorite part is the ending when Pat gave way for Pran and confessed his feelings. He set aside his pride for Pran and stepped up so they can stop wasting time on their little game, and now they're officially boyfriends T-T

Episode 8: This was the most emotionally-charged episode for me so far, and yes even more than Episode 5. The whole episode is filled with PatPran cute boyfriends scenes, but actually underneath all of that is a conflict that was brewing to happen with a secret that they literally have to hide from everyone, Pran's hesitations, and the differences betwen Pat and Pran's POVs. For me this episode is actually very smart because these sources of conflict were not presented in our face all the time -- it was sometimes masked with fluffy domestic moments, but actually if you watch deeper there is so much more under the surface. The big scene at the end was also a game-changer, and I think this is what will set the tone for the rest of the series.

Episode 9-12: These were a whole rollercoaster of emotions and I thought the ending was such a smart twist! I BAWLED during the end of episode 11 and what I loved is while you see this kind of thing coming, you also don't, so while waiting for the "will they separate will they not", it hit me a lot harder when it finally happened. Again, huge props to Nanon and Ohm's acting! And when the twist at the end was revealed, I LOVED it. It's always my main gripe with mid-show breakups, like how do these people not stay in contact with all these technology? But PatPran went beyond that and was brave enough to devise their plan, living up to their general theme of "fooling the world". I thought it was really smart and realistic too that the parents did not immediately approve, but still optimistic that they will surely get there :)

All in all, I highly recommend this show. A common plot made extraordinary with thoughtful acting and a writing that is full of heart.

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Completed
DNA Says Love You
50 people found this review helpful
by jpny01
May 23, 2022
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 5
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 5.0

A refreshing and original story.

This was a surprise - it went places I couldn't have predicted, and that's a pretty big plus in a genre where everyone can plot out the entire series with 95% accuracy after watching the opening credits. This also has a stronger LGBTQ+ sensibility than usual without leaving the BL genre.

The main character, Le, is a sincere and unselfconscious nerd (a very handsome one), who doesn't waste a lot of time agonizing over his sexuality, only his mother's feelings. In fact, there's a twist to the story that reveals he loves someone because of their gender, not despite it, which is a nice reversal of the norm.

The acting overall is good. There are a few times where it was a bit much, but not often, and it's made up for in some very moving scenes which all of the main cast pull off well.

There is a standout side character played by Lin Wei Jie, who is so cute I can't stand it. I really hope we see more him.

This is well worth your time. There are a couple of eps in the middle that lag and where the series appears to abandon its originality and uniqueness, but it gets it back in a major way, so don't give up.

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Completed
My Dear Destiny
50 people found this review helpful
Jun 25, 2020
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 8.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers
Dude , this started with a bang! in the first ep there is already a kissing scene.... But then it kindy went downhill from there... Honestly kinda on the fence as to liking or hating the drama. It's not a bad watch but the story felt kind of choppy.

Background/story; Female lead is Mi qi qi, she is from the witch tribe/clan. They are in danger so she gets sent away and her spirit gets into the main lead's empress body ( Chou Qing li ). She is know as the ugly empress. The main lead Lu Ao is the king or the Lord in the story. The male lead was poisoned when he was young as when he moon gets round her becomes a werewolf. He accidentally bits and slashed the chou qing li . After she falls in the water , that is when Mi Qi Qi comes in.

The female lead loses all her witch power so she basically is a normal person. She has a red jade with her. She somehow always ends up getting healed from major injuries. The first 10 episodes is a repeat of the evil people and the male lead trying to put her to the grave. It's kind of painful to watch over and over again , and so sad she gets tortured.
( she later finds. out that those incidents were caused by the male lead, he didnt want her to find out his wolf secret, but gradually he falls in love with her.

then comes ep 10- 20 - basic summary of she finds out that he was behind it all. She gets extremely mad at him and doesn't want to see him, no matter what he does being soft or being hard/harsh. She doesn't cave it. ( lol 10 episode of that is too much)

Chemistry- definitely some chemistry but at the same time I felt it was more of the male lead liking the female. Hence when they were kissing the female lead was kinda lacking emotions ... ( it might just be the portrayal of her character? )

ep 20- 36 revolved around trying to the second male trying to be the king. The evil second female lead trying her ways to get the power from the red jade and the sword. Other characters are introduced too. There is the female lead's brother( not blood related who she grew up with . A princess from some tribe , that the male lead knew when he was young. Female's lead brother and tribe princess also has a romantic development

Towards the end they reveal the female lead actually has another identity and through that identity she regains her with power back. And then you know what happens they get the throne back., and some other stuff . most important happy ending. If you are still ready kudos to you :)

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Completed
Marry Him in Her Place
50 people found this review helpful
Dec 12, 2025
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 10
Overall 7.0
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

What the hell am I watching and why do I keep clicking for the next episode

I pressed play purely for Ryan Ren, thinking I’d get some normal Republican-era angst. Instead, I got… whatever this sizzling carnival ride is. This mini drama isn’t a meal; it’s the chaotic street food you know will upset your stomach but somehow you need another bite.

Republican minis are already a wildcard species, but this one said “hold my tea” and sprinted into pure unhinged territory. We have:
• People catching headshots like they’re collecting Pokémon.
• A heroine who gets choked like she accidentally respawned in a drama where oxygen is a side quest.
• Logic? Not only missing—never hired. Not even on payroll.
• A revenge-driven FL with a swapped face and supposedly high IQ who still manages to speedrun stupidity until the ML drags her out of danger. My eyeballs got a full workout from the constant eyerolls.

But chaos aside… it’s actually fun in that “I should not enjoy this, but here I am” way.

• Ryan Ren being tragically, dramatically down bad for his girl? Inject it.
• The OST slaps, even though I swear I’ve heard it in twelve other dramas and maybe on a toaster.
• The love-hate dynamic is messy, toxic-adjacent, morally questionable, and yet I watched it like it was high art.

Shockingly, the spice was on low heat. A simmer. A polite sizzle. Definitely not RR’s usual “burn your eyebrows off” energy.

In the end, this drama is a paradox: simultaneously absurd, entertaining, and brain-cell-destroying. You’re not meant to think. You’re meant to vibe. To cackle. To surrender to the nonsense. Recommended for days when your IQ is on vacation and you just want fast-paced chaos with a side of Ryan Ren being hopeless for his girl, and yes, a happy ending for the leads ;)

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Completed
Matrimonial Chaos
50 people found this review helpful
Nov 28, 2018
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
Matrimonial Chaos is a Korean remake of Sakamoto Yuji's excellent Saikou no Rikon (The Best Divorce). Both stories center on two couples whose relationships are breaking down. The four principal characters are not particularly likable: Sook Moo is fastidious and fussy, his wife Hwi Ru is messy and inattentive, Yoo Young is detached and distant and Jang Hyun is an oblivious philanderer. Thus, the narrative relies on the charisma of the actors to keep the audience invested, and the four actors largely and, in some moments, spectacularly deliver on that difficult task.

The show is quite stagey: the major moments of this drama occur when two to four of the main characters are in a room together talking through their issues. I recommend watching through Ep. 8 (the fourth hour) if you wish to test this show out. If Bae Doo Nah's performance in the final scene of that episode does not move you, then this show is not for you.

The characters, performances and writing are uniformly superb throughout this drama. Even though all the characters are pretty difficult people, there are plenty of comedic moments to keep this drama from being a dire examination of failing marriages. There are plenty of surprises along the way, and many happy and light moments in addition to the more hurtful consequences of the failing relationships.

In the end, I preferred this version to the original. Sakamoto's script is more comedic, but Moon Jungmin's additions and changes to the story all tended to clarify and enhance the themes of the original. Furthermore, the supporting cast is definitely better in the Korean version. Moon Sook is radiantly beautiful and luminously wise in the role as the grandmother. And there are a couple of lovely romances going on with the side characters that help provide relief to the two main stories.

Matrimonial Chaos is a sharply observed investigation into the ways that people in relationship can get in the way of each other's happiness. It's a beautiful story of people learning to see each other for the first time all over again. It does not rest on the usual tropes of marriage as a happily-ever-after, but, instead, finds deep wisdom in the ways people still find to like each and learn to be for each other even when it's not easy to do so.

It is great. You should watch it.

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Completed
Soulmate
50 people found this review helpful
Nov 26, 2011
22 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
this drama has everything a kdrama should have...definitely my favorite out there. Its like they took every great thing about kdramas and put it all in a neat package for us.

non-boring story line? check

great OST? check (one of the best)

chemistry between actors? check (sizzling in some cases)

hilarious and embarrassing events? check

a beautiful love formation? check

actors acting their butts off? check (especially Shin Dong Wook's butt...um I mean acting butt...um I mean acting chops)

angst but not jump-off-the-cliff angst? check

a totally different way to tell a story (editing etc)? check (I haven't seen a drama do what it does to the story and not make it confusing but actually add to the awesome-ness)



man I love this drama!! definitely a must watch!!

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Completed
A Bloody Lucky Day
50 people found this review helpful
Dec 9, 2023
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 7.5
This review may contain spoilers

Absorbing & intense 500 minute road movie. A taxi ride to a soul´s nowhere. Brilliant from A-Z.

For me, “A Bloody Lucky Day” is one of the KDrama highlights of 2023.

It is a psychological thriller. Without makeup. Set in a fairly grounded, solid, authentic everyday world, which gets challenged by a maniac´s incredible psychological logic. Stirring. Brilliant from A-Z.

However, everything revolves around the abysmal work of a psychopath. Accordingly, things get mercilessly brutal at times. The cumbersome police don't come off so well. Common sense, on the other hand, does... when it is in fact emotionally cornered to the extreme, so that it can no longer help but function at full speed, without distraction whatsoever.
One-pointed concentration, already having lost too much, getting your teeth into it and being ready to go to extremes – could that be the recipe to counteract the psychopathic 'monster'? Could... Maybe... Or not... Or is it?

“A Bloody Lucky Day” could be considered an absorbing ca. 500 minutes long road movie - a taxi ride to a soul´s nowhere. For the poor taxi driver a rather involuntary participant observation study on a psychopathic killer...

Emotionally highly explosive. Intense. Acting is first league. As a I mentioned earlier, a brilliant production from A to Z.

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Completed
Baby & I
50 people found this review helpful
Feb 28, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
Talk about a coming of age love story. This is NOT a story about a boy growing up and facing difficulties because he has fallen in love with a girl. This is a story about a boy who has to face the responsibilities of being a young, single father.

When a young trouble maker -whose parents pretty much run away from home because they cannot stand his bad behavior- finds a baby in his basket, he has to face the realities and hardships of becoming a single parent, with no support, while going to school.

This story made me laugh and cry. It's very cute, light, but not TOO fluffy. This was a very enjoyable movie. The baby is absolutely cute. My newly found love for Jan Jeung Suk continues. He is REALLY pretty to look at. I'm not going to tell you that this is the greatest movie out there, but it was extremely enjoyable from beginning to end. I was not bored at any point of the story and was touched by it. Highly recommend.

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Completed
The First Jasmine
50 people found this review helpful
Jul 8, 2026
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 5
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 6.5

The Heart Will Go On

Ye Li is summoned from the elite Lishan Academy to prepare for her wedding to Mo Xiuyao, a crippled and unfavored prince. Her younger sister Ye Ying is now engaged to her former fiancé, Prince Mo Jingli. Ye Li is unfazed by the groom swap and blithely oblivious to her new husband's frosty glowers and suspicious side-eyes. True to Xiuyao's suspicions, there is more to Ye Li than meets the eye. She has secrets and has returned to the capital with a higher purpose than marriage—one focused on righting injustices against the former Prince Ding and Lishan Academy. As it turns out, both Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao were collateral damage in a power play at the highest level of imperial authority. Their common cause draws them together, but in order to truly work together, they must confront the past and put it behind them.

Though set in the fictional dynasty of Dachu, the setting for The First Jasmine is clearly inspired by Wu Zetian's controversial ascent, and the costumes, political dynamics, and social structures are distinctly Tang dynasty. While the political plot is not particularly special, the past intrigue is revealed in a way that draws you in, like pieces of a puzzle gradually falling into place. Everyone is an unreliable narrator, divulging their own role in the multiple betrayals eight years ago from their own point of view. The plot does not bother to fully explain itself, leaving the audience to speculate on and eventually piece together what happened with a growing sense of dread.

The problem is that the drama reaches its emotional peak a little too early, and after that, there is a sense of anticlimax heading into the finale. The final plot arc is rushed and fails to deliver a sense that justice was served or that the country is in better hands.

That said, this is a very solid character-driven story about healing. Both Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao are deeply damaged by past trauma, and the way their relationship evolves makes sense given what they endured. Ye Li is a deeply traumatized and complicated protagonist who appears functional only because of the coping mechanisms she relies upon to get through her difficulties. As a character, perhaps Ye Li is too capable, but she embodies the ethos of the elite Lishan Academy, and through her, the heart will go on. That said, the Lishan backstory unveil took too long and left me emotionally exhausted.

While Bai Lu pulls off a memorable and heartbreaking portrayal of Ye Li's trauma, her final showdown lacked sufficient impact. Her cold, resting-death-face missed the mark, and I felt that Xiuyao—no less a victim—deserved to be in on the final confrontation. I am fine with sidelining the male lead in the finale of female-centric storylines, but the actress has to be able to rise to the moment. That didn't happen here.

There were many interesting character arcs that didn't play out. I expected Han Mingxi to play a more consequential role and saw potential in his hilarious interactions with Ye Ying. But to me, Mo Jingli was the biggest missed opportunity. He is a cunning and layered character who pursued a just cause via questionable means. I did not like how the narrative diminished his cause, his motivations, and his intelligence heading into the finale.

Ultimately, this drama tries to combine too many themes. It is difficult to mix romance into a heavy revenge story, so I didn't mind so much that they didn't really try. Where it falls down most for me is how the main revenge plot failed to deliver closure or transformation. The story introduces so many interesting characters who seem to have agency and free will, only to have them go down the path of tired tropes. Screenwriter Zhao Na strikes again - her dramas always start well on the inspiration from borrowed works but she is really building a track record in not knowing how to end her plot arcs properly.

This starts out as an 8.5-level drama, but with the ending, it only earns an 8.0+. Still, it has enough unique aspects to make it an enjoyable and recommended watch.

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Completed
Now, We Are Breaking Up
50 people found this review helpful
Apr 21, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 1.5
This review may contain spoilers

Jang Kiyong unconvincing as creative, Paris-based, free-spirited, rebellious, footloose photographer

"Now, We are Breaking Up" tries to tell a love story in reverse (e.g. it has been there already). This would be an interesting project in itself, yet...

The plot is emotionally quite complex, the characters are in principle jucily interesting and ambivalent. If a KDrama can't take care of a multi-layered, complex mixture of feelings, then who can? Unfortunately, I have to say that (in my opinion) this project doesn't really work out so well with the casting.

Regarding her emotional intensity, Song Hye-kyeo is (as so often) a major factor for watching. As the heroine, here and there her reservedness, sobered by life, is perhaps a bit much. But in places this cracks open. It is this well dosed mixture and subtleness, that makes her role convincing - the experienced fashion designer in her late 30s has turned away from flirtation and rather concentrates on her work, into which she throws herself completely. Being the talented and experienced professional she is, hardly does she ever get upset by anything. ... until her encounter with the young photographer Yoon Jae-gook, that throws her (emotional) life (supposedly) upside down. Her reservedness so far operated as shelter and imprisonment at the same time. Circumstances don't really offer a chance to free herself from the corset of reason, which is protecting her deeply injured heart - never mind let herself fall and trust emotionally. This inner dynamic is not so nice to look at - or rather endure - for the viewers. But I don't think you can blame Song Hye-kyeo, as she handles this inner tension and the ambivalent moments of her complex role very well.

On the other hand (unfortunately) I don´t buy Jang Ki-yong in his role as a creative, Paris-based, free-spirited, a bit rebellious, footloose, and at the same time successful photographer. For me he behaves way too reserved, well adjusted, well-behaved - a sympathetic, dear, rich, successful boy. So unfortunately, HIS ambivalence doesn't convince me. Perhaps actor Jang Ki-yong lacks the life experience (on the rebellious side)? And since he can´t really fill this side with life, I am not convinced by the chemistry between the two leads. It doesn't get to me how the young man in his supposedly fiery manner, would be able to reignite on an EMOTIONAL level the fire of lust for life and joie de vivre (beyond work) that is still blazing somewhere deep down in Ha Yeong-eun... So the key to all further makjang doesn't really fit into the lock. Too bad. Thus the experiment of telling love in reverse didn't really work out that well.

The KDrama is not bad because of that (...though admittedly disappointing ...). On the pro side: There are freshening subplots, each with actors in good humour, who have actually won awards for their spirited performances. The setting in the creative industries is kind of charming, too. Finally, the Korean family values are (once again, but successfully as always) playing with fire on the drama front...

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Completed
Love Alarm
548 people found this review helpful
Aug 27, 2019
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed 47
Overall 3.0
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 4.0
Music 3.0
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers
I've never watched a drama where I didn't like any of the characters but Love Alarm managed to accomplish that.
The entire cast is full of characters that just isn't realist and there will be many times where you will ask, "Why?"
The main female protagonist, Kim Jojo, is one of the most idiotic characters I've ever met. She follows a guy down the alley just because he "has something to say." If this was the real world, she'd have been raped right then and there. She makes poor choices (when you watch it you'll understand which ones) and she never gives a clear explanation as to why she did it. The drama never explains why Jojo decides to go down this route and why she isn't fixing it. The drama plays it off and later on shows that she actually regrets it. Now, I understand why she regrets it and that she wants to undo it, but I don't understand why she isn't even trying to FIX it. She can easily explain her situation and I'm pretty sure everyone will believe her, but she doesn't even attempt it. There are so many plotholes and so many questions that the drama doesn't bother to explain or answer. Maybe because they left it all for season 2 but at the moment it's not released yet so the director cannot expect us to just accept it as it is.
One of the characters I hate more than Jojo is Sun Oh. The drama plays him off as romantic and cool, but he's actually really creepy. His character is childish and selfish and thinks the world revolves around him. Not once did he stop and think about how his best friend or anyone else around him except for the girl.
*SPOILER BELOW*
Hye Young makes it pretty clear that he like Kim Jojo. Although he never outright told Sun oh that he likes Jojo, Sun Oh already knows at this point. And you know what Sun Oh does when he finds out his best friend like this girl?
HE CHASES AFTER HER.
THIS BOI. What is going on in his head? "Hmmm. my best friend, who has always been there for me and supports me, likes this girl and she is his first crush. I should encourage him and let him have the chance to confess first because, after all, he liked her first. But, you know what, because I'm just the shelfish jerk I am, I'll go out there are whisk Jojo away and kiss her right after my best friend tells me he likes her. Brilliant!"
And you know what Hye Young does? NOTHING. FOOKING NOTHING. OMFG. And both of them made a pact and told each other to confess to Jojo at the same time. This way, it's fair to both of them.
BUT NO. N O.
FUCKING SUN OH, LIKE THE BITCH HE IS, DECIDES, "HEY, NOT ONLY DID I KISSMY BEST FRIEND'S CRUSH, I'LL ALSO CONFESS TO HER FIRST EVEN THOUGH I JUST PROMISED HIM WE'LL DO IT TOGETHER."
BITCH WHERE.
BITCH WHO.
I'M PISSED FOR HYE YOUNG.
And after Sun Oh and Jojo breaks up, Sun Oh doesn't let Hye Young go after Jojo. Like bro, it's his life. Just because you broke up with her doesn't mean he has to obey your every command.
And why does Hye Young still like Jojo? Dude, she rejected you like 10 times. Give up.
AND OMIGOD, DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON FUCKING GUL MI.
SHE'S EVEN MORE SELFISH THAN SUN OH.
How is it Jojo's fault that her parents tried to kill her? Why in the world did Gul Mi come to the conclusion that it's Jojo's fault that her parents are broke? And why doesn't Jojo just fight back? Maybe it's because she doesn't want to get kicked out, but still. She should've spoken up about it.
And she thinks that everyone else is beneath her when she herself hasn't gone anywhere in life. She didn't just screw up her life and her cousin's, she also bullies a guy into committing suicide.
You would think at this point she would feel bad, but no. She continues and takes out three million won from Jojo.
And another thing, why is everyone saying Jojo is such a pretty name? No, please stop. Jojo is an anime and forever will be an anime to me.

So, in conclusion, this drama is just plain stupid and frustrating. I could barely finish an episode without getting mad at a character. I wouldn't recommend this drama unless you really like getting frustrated.

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Completed
Mr. Queen
63 people found this review helpful
Feb 14, 2021
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

Brilliant

I was not expecting for this show to be as great as it is. It has the power struggle story line like most historical dramas do but with a wonderful comedic twist! The writer has a brilliant mind! I have enjoyed every moment of this drama 💗 Thank you 🙏🏼 감사합니다
One more episode left! I’m excited and sad at the same time. This is one of those dramas that I wish would just continue.
When I first started watching this show I wasn’t so sure about the cast, however they each played their characters perfectly. Great job everyone, you’ve made so many people happy with this one💞

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