Reviews

Nothing Hidden…You See Everything

I have to say when this drama first started, yes, I was all in. Unfortunately, it just didn’t hold my interest, I just wanted to finish it. I know, so sad to say after I thought it was going to be so good.

The drama revolves around Ga Sung Ho, the owner of Gasung Group. He hires Kim Yeong Ran (Jeon Yeo Been) to be his bodyguard and eventually his "unconventional" wife to enter into a marriage agreement for two reasons:
1. He knew his stepdaughter Ga Seon Young (Jang Yoo Ju) killed his daughter Ye Rim and he wanted justice for her.
2. He didn't have long to live so he wanted someone that he felt would carry out his wishes for him.

The shocking part was after Ga Sung Ho had hired Kim Yeong Ran and only I would say several weeks into her job, he committed suicide but not before the marriage was confirmed. After Ga Seon Young and the others on the board heard of this she was labeled "the younger wife who was a gold digger” to get a dying man's money. Ga Seon Young was totally ticked about the change of events and decides Kim Yeong Ran needed to die. Knowing what would happen Ga Sung Ho, Kim Yeong Ran along with Lee Don (Seo Hyeon Woo) attorney for Ga Sung Ho had a contingency plan all in place. Kim Yeong Ran would go into hiding for three months until the shareholder meeting confirming her as the majority shareholder for the company fulfilling Ga Sung Ho’s wish to not only save his company but expose Ga Seon Young as his daughter’s killer.

You know what they say about the best laid plans. They end up sending her to the countryside to be a kindergarten teacher by the name of Bu Se Mi. Now, it is ironic that she was supposed to be so well hidden that Baek Hye Ji (Joo Hyn Young) finds her and stays with her. Baek Hye Ji to me was the most irritating and annoying character. She took the drama down to me when she came to the town. Her quirkiness was just too much.

Then the mother eventually finds her too, pretty soon everyone finds her even after putting up CCTV cameras throughout the town. How incognito was she?

The only good part about her time in the town, was with the kids. Especially when she taught them self-defense and she literally killed the blow-up dinosaur in the classroom. The kids were devastated. When she taped him up all wounded. You couldn’t help but laugh. The kindergarten director also added to some funny moments, those bobby socks and Mary Jane shoes, I was so done!

Eventually the whole incognito was a wrap and she was exposed.

I know you are probably wondering about the romance...right? How can I say this, nope, nada, zilch, zero! What a waste of Jin Young. That man is so fine. I would have found a reason just to kiss him. But there is only ONE kiss and that was six months after she left and then returned to the wedding of Baek Hye Ji.

I'll wrap this up.
- Ga Sung Ho, didn't commit suicide it was a fake. He wanted to stay around to expose Ga Seon Young which he does by videotaping her killing him, for real this time.
- Kim Yeong Ran’s mother is used by Ga Seon Young to bring down Kim Yeong Ran. She does get her money. Ends up in jail and gets her comeuppance on Ga Seon Young.
- Oh, and Ga Seon Young well, she went on a killing spree. She killed not only Ga Sung Ho but also his daughter, Ye Rim and her brother, Ga Seon U (Lee Chung)

Unfortunately, the biggest disappointment is that this drama in the first episode started out well. But the loss of NO romance was a downer. Even after seeing him after six months, not even a hug, his son didn't even run over to see her or her to him. We then switch to them on the beach and he says:
JDM: "Let's live together. From now on, I'll protect you for the rest of your life."
KYR: "Didn't you say you would wait ten years."
JDM: "Yeah, but now that I see you again, I can't possibly wait. I can't wait anymore."

Kiss...the end.

If you have nothing else to watch do so, it not that bad, but not up to the expectations after the first episode.

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Secret Passion

It’s a simple film but very classy and sensual. It’s only 13 minutes so it gets to the point quite quickly. Recommend for someone wants to unwind with some historical gays.

I’m not sure why this is rated 18+ though, they showed a nipple and nothing more. The language was also not explicit. If the perfume ads I see are more sensual than this shouldn’t they be “18+” too? Baloney. This was MILD compared to recent BL. I’d rate this 16+ in my gracious opinion.

For anyone confused on the ending, “A Crimson Mark” is the hickey that the chancellor leaves with the scholar during their affair. The chancellor, obviously embarrassed by it, becomes attracted to the idea seeing it a second time. The mark is the representation of how taboo their passionate relationship is.

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Visually speaking, this is a gorgeous movie. Vibrant colors in walls, clothes and scenery. The contrast between the black-and-white princess and the colorful real world. Miyuki's clothes, every one of them. Ayase Haruka as a princess, Kenji as a poor director's assistant. The shots of the camera. There is one scene at the beginning of the movie that was filmed from above, and it shows the little made-up town and all the actors in their clothes, and it was simply beautiful.

As for the story, it was a nice, clean romance, with a bit of mystery and heartbreaking moments. I watched it twice in a week and I cried in both occasions. However, it could also be because of Ayase Haruka's tears... she almost always manages to move me with her tears. And she looked amazing as a princess. She had a nice chemistry with Sakaguchi Kentaro (she almost always has a good chemistry with whatever actor she works with), BUT as always, she is terrible in love scenes. She is a like an unreachable princess, cold and stiff in regards to hugs and kisses. Thankfully, it wasn't properly show in this movie, so it didn't bothered me so much.

I though at first that the movie had some plotholes. Like, she has to put make-up on her entire self to disguise her black-and-white self. But she remains colorful even under the rain. However, I noticed that it only rained when she was upset or sad, so maybe the rain was magical like her and couldn't affect her. It isn't explained how she comes to this world, but since it is a fantasy, there is no need for that. And as for all her wardrobe, it could be because they are in a movie set, and there are a lot of clothes.

SPOILER...

The ending was very sad. I couldn't live like them at all, without touching the one you love. And when they finally do... :(( so sad. Why??? The final scene was just a way to calm our broken hearts :((

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This drama had such a good start and theme. I absolutely loved it up until around ep. 12 or something when Ha Na learned about Seo Jin's ilness.

The way she kept on holding onto Robin and feeding into that illusion is seriously damaging and abusive, there's no way someone in real life would do that to someone after finding out they're ill.
She kissed, asked to marry and, as was implied, had sex with Robin who is not a real person and is a result of DID. How fucked up is that?

Ha Na was so selfish that she convinced Seo Jin to live mentally ill for the rest of his life so she could be happy. When that wasn't possible she cried and basically begged Seo Jin to stay ill. She then guilt tripped Seo Jin and Robin for seeking treatment and only accepted Seo Jin when she found out he still had a part of Robin in him.
Everyone else around him also fed into this illusion and nearly made a funeral when Seo Jin was finally cured. What even.

At first I hated Seo Jin's father but after he said Ha Na's behavior was destroying her son and she was the reason he was still ill, I saw that he was the only smart and sane person in this drama. Simply a father(even thought not perfect) rooting for his son's mental health, which is the most important, when not even the psychiatrist seemed to care.

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Love is not supposed to be this toxic.

The show has too many red flags. The writing is really bad. People were hating on the bad guys when in truth as you watched this show, the only people that keeps the storyline flowing were the antagonists. Sure, there was an episode(s) of sweet moments between Namcha and Irin but that ends up overshadowed because of how Irin treats Namcha, and when it comes to those moments, nothing frigging happens afterward. I feel like they were just going around in circles. Irin, despite being older wasn't acting mature for her age. She's indecisive and could not make up her mind. I find it amusing that in the first episode, she fired an employee just because she didn't like the scent she smelled which showcased a real Karen-like behavior. I know some women were hard to please in real life and difficult to understand, but strong, educated and highly successful women like how they portray Irin to be shouldn't be like that. Namcha's ain't cute (the actor Win is though lols, I love him). He stalks her, follows her around, and gaslights everyone because of his love for her. I get it, unconditional love, sure. But that unconditional love will be your downfall if you don't keep it in check. Besides, I don't find any redeemable quality in Irin that will make me give her unconditional love like how Namcha does. The sister needs psychiatric help. She has suicidal thoughts and she's volatile at best. Irin should've seen that instead of trying to just protect her. You're supposed to be the smart one here and she looks up to you. The characters have flaws, I'm cool with that. But how did you end up bringing all four innately bad characters with so many negative personalities together and expect this to be resolved? I would've preferred if the story started with Namcha meeting Irin in the present and slowly discovering and knowing her as the story progressed than them having a past, age gap, and all, then trying to make the story interesting by injecting drama after drama that doesn't seem to get fixed. Anyway, I still encourage people to watch this and give it a go. Some people like it. Some people don't. Just a word of warning, it has lots of gaslighting, manipulation, and toxicity. I only love Win so I stayed. I hope he gets a better project than this next time.

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Thailand-indian vibes are surprisingly dazzling!!!!!!

This is the most lovable and funny movie I would have immagined it could happening in thailand!!!!!! the acting and cinematography so well done and performed full of vivid colors, I should say it is SO HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and I am in love with the mixture of thailand and indian acting, it will be unforgettable for me "against the first review mentioned being forgettable"!!!!

This movie is so different from all the traditional thailand lakorns as there is a rare and few carrying this funny and comedic side, thailand lakorns are all known about dramatically speaking with so much tragedy and violence but this movie will make another new conception of the funny thailand shows!!!!!!

It was a great idea to portray the break up and reunion of all exes in this light and funny way that most of thailand shows are missing in their actings, this show should be more appreciated and rated more highly, I wish it will be more renowned in future as it is just today released.

Risa carried all the show and she performed well in this movie with her amazing dance with all the people thailand and indian around her was so fascinating and her english talking was not bad and her feelings when thrown in her exs hands was greatly acted as it was the core of the subject of movie, she will not confess her weakness just hiring Tim her other second ex to have the pride as she is not in need of Arun "first ex of Risa" but deeply she needed Tim without knowing this fact.

Tim could have been better, he was little dull and boring but as paired with Risa was a great combination of acting and was her healing from her numerous break ups, he was so good in sword duel and saving Arun's father as said "jack of all trades" and "hero" so well said by Risa, he didn't have the audacity to confess to her but just making fun of her was too not bad to add more for this comedic show, he too carried all the show with risa in the dancing scene, I loved them being together to the end and how they pretended they came back together to save her being weak in front of Arun and how Risa threw Tim in water as pissed her of!!!!

Arun on the other side was so greatly choosen as the indian guy boyfriend of Risa and I liked when he backed up to not commit a mistake against Monica when approaching Risa in a wrong moment, Monica his bride to be as the other was too cute and well choosen as him, he is careless guy who left Risa and surprised to meet her again as his wedding organiser and treat her as an old friend but all the indian actors here was so suitable and well combined with the thailand one.

Risa's gang friends Jan and Offy was too funny and loving when portraying the story of Risa's break ups in their rap song amazingly done.

I would recommend SO STRONGLY this amazing movie, the way Risa moved from Arun after the mostly laughable truck scene, when Monica caught Arun will fall in mistake with Risa when reminiscing their old memories, they convert the dramatic moment to a funny one this is when I FALL IN LOVE THE MOST WITH THIS UNPRECENTED MOVIE, it was too when enjoying the dancing and happy colorfully moments of traditional indian wedding!!!! Everyone is lovable and really so worthy to watch it for a great time to choose this magnificent movie.

JUST GIVE IT A TRY and you will not regret it at all, I wish it will get more high marks and pleasure from all watchers, it was a great option to watch after being in a drama slump, you will be transferred to another happy world, forgetting your surrounding the moment you will click play!!!!!

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What a heart-warming and simple film with such a serious message for the viewers. At the same time as warning viewers not to make hurried decisions regarding losing one's virginity or sex in a relationship, the movie gives us such a wonderful love story. Reassuring to see the Shin Min Ah of 9 years ago who was a gifted actress even back then and Jo In Sung fits into his character of a shy, academically-inclined but considerate boy splendidly. Another remarkable feature of the movie is the music which strikes a chord with the viewers and is in harmony with the inherent theme. Definitely worth a watch and perhaps a re-watch.

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Now, before you start the drama, let me tell you some things:
If I had to describe the drama in a single word, it would be 'sincere'. Its sincerity is more apparent than any other Korean drama I have seen so far, and this is what makes it unique in my opinion. There is nothing forced, nothing fake, nothing that makes you want to punch the wall because there is no point or reason for it. You watch 'Good Doctor', and you don't feel like you're sitting behind a screen, but you are there with all the characters, in the hospital ward or the operating room, breathing the same air as them. It is hard to express the emotions that this drama brought out in me, but there was laughter and tears, a lot of pain and even more happiness.

I was aware that Joo Won is a fantastic actor by all the works I have seen, but this time he simply left me speechless. I had the pleasure to get to know some autistic people in my life, and the way he acts is simply phenomenal. His posture, his gestures, mimics, speech, even his GLANCE, Joo Won brought Park Shi On to life in a way that I hadn't thought possible. Even just for experiencing that, it would be worth a watch.

But if you don't, you'd me missing out on so much more: The medical aspect is really important in this drama, and they did a fantastic job. Now, I have never studied medicine, but all the surgeries looked SO real, that I was seriously wondering sometimes if they were just operating on props (I know they did, but... man!). However, what makes this different from other medical dramas, is the fact that Shi On has to deal with a lot of obstacles and prejudice, and he approaches things differently because of his (dis)ability. Secondly, it is a pediatrician ward, so we get to see a lot of heartwearming and heartbreaking scenes with kids. I was skeptical, thinking actors that young would surely ruin the drama. Boy, was I proven wrong. The kids had some of the most authentic and touching acting I have ever seen. Some of the veteran actors in this industry could learn a thing or two of them. However, the adult main and supporting actors in this drama equally brought out the worth of this drama. Cha Yoon Suh and Kim Do Han are clearly needed for Shi On to become the person and doctor he dreams of.

I see, this review is getting quite long, so I'll just get to the point: This drama is one of a kind and it should definitely not be missed. It is funny, touching, sincere and teaches valuable life lessons. There are no all-evil villains, but the reasoning of each of them becomes apparent. It teaches lessons about friendship, family and love. The only reason why I give this a 9 out of 10, is because near the end of the drama, I was lacking the little spark that was there during the beginning. I am not sure what it is, but there was a tiny little something missing, maybe about the romance, maybe about something else. But even so, it is one of the best I have seen and I hope it will get more recognition. 9/10

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I just finished To Be a Better Man. In my country it was released in increments of 6 episodes every weekend so I was able to binge this drama in small amounts at a time. This drama revolves around the meaning of love present and love past. It is a engaging and enigmatic drama that is both visually stimulating as well as emotionally stimulating. You will laugh, cry and have all the feels you can handle in 42 episodes. All of the actors are amazing. The OST is absolutely stunning. I am still in awe over this drama and this review is very lacking as compared to my other reviews but before you stop reading, just know that if you enjoy melo or if this is your first Chinese drama, do not be afraid of the length. Go for it. Just try it out. You will be in for a great surprise. Rewatch value is low for me because as usual, I dont rewatch dramas. Not even my very favorite ones. TBABM will tear your heart out and then sew it back up. Must watch. By the way, my kids even would hum the soundtrack ... its super catchy!

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A gem worth every minute

Overall:
The show turned out to be so good that I had to write a review. Every minute I spend it was worth it. It's the very common enemies to lovers category but the story kept the journey of trust and romance realistic. I may sound very common but it is not very common to find something this enjoyable.

Story:
The story was kept true and real. There was no unrealistic expectations for ml or fl. The history of hate was reasonable so was the search for peace. The story hooks you up from the very first episode. Once you understand the characters you can't stop watching.
The ml was not shown as the usual love only for fl type. He loves his people family and stays true to those while loving the fl. Same goes for the fl she is not the usual oh my husband only type, she cares for the people and her family while keeping the balance between her family and her love.
The story gave us explanation for every single event, feeling and object shown throughout the story. There was no confusion in the end.
The bond between every character is explained very well. And every villian gets their required ending.
Acting:
The actors did a very good job in giving life to the characters. The bond was visible in their eyes. The pain of lose and the love was shown perfectly. Fl is indeed clever and stayed clever even after falling in love. Same goes for ml. No misunderstanding was there. It's my first show of both ml and fl so I had no judgement. The ml being a young but powerful ruler was so well depicted. His expressions were real. The fl while being young was strong and thoughtful.
Hope to see more dramas of them.
Ending:
I am satisfied with the ending even though not every side character got same ending . I do think that some deserved more but that was real because it made sense. Peace for the world was the overall aim and the ending was satisfying.
Final comment:
Definitely give it a try if you want romantic political historical drama. Definitely worth your time.
I didn't give it full re-watch value because I personally don't re-watch dramas. Still I could watch this one .
Overall a well written masterpiece. Definitely going to my top 10 list

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I love the original KDrama, Tunnel. Plus my friends keep talking about how Thailand remakes of KDramas are excellent. So when this popped up on Netflix, I thought 'why not give it a try?'
I binge watched the first 10 episodes and finished the entire thing in 3 days. So yeah, amazing remake LOL
The two main leads just nailed it. Totally believed in their characters. I prefer the second lead and the lead girl here over the ones in the KDrama, in fact! Although Choi Jin Hyuk is irreplaceable LOL
The storyline remains enthralling and compelling, as do the emotional tugs on the heart. The villain might be even more chilling in this one, at least more actively menacing. The entire atmosphere of this remake just fit the story excellently.
I solidly support this drama and highly recommend it :D

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Solid Drama

This is a solid drama with good acting, good character development, and a believable plot. Finally.
The capable woman trope is finally done well. She's not capable for the sake of impressing the audience but because she earned it. We see what she had to go through for the skills she has. They don't magically appear for because the moment needs it.

The last few episodes do drag. The momentum gets lost toward the last 20 episodes. It was okay with me, but I will admit I did lose patience and started fast forwarding through the memories or repeated scenes.

Even with that, I would suggest watching this drama. The way characters were handled make it worth any later slow down in the plot.

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