Reviews

My first K-drama and what a show!

It's my very first K-drama recommended by a friend and honestly? I get it why people like K-dramas so much

The premise of a South Korean heiress accidentally paraglides into North Korea and falls in love with a North Korean military officer was very intriguing to me and I'm glad I gave it a try

Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin have the kind of chemistry that makes you forget you're watching a show. Every glance, every interaction and every moment where Ri Jeong-hyeok tries so hard to be stoic it's way too cute. I caught myself grinning at my screen like an idiot more times than I'd like to admit.

What surprised me most was the humor. The ducklings/Ri Jeong-hyeok's squad who end up looking after Yoon Se-ri are genuinely hilarious. They brought so much lightheartedness, warmth and comedy to what could have been a really heavy story. And the secondary love stories? Equally compelling — I was just as invested in Seo Dan's arc as I was in the main couple's.

That said, it's not perfect. There are stretches in the middle where the pacing drags a bit, and some of the villain subplots feel a little over-the-top, but I liked the ending very much of them pursuing a relationship while apart

If you haven't watched it yet and you're on the fence, just start it. Give it two episodes. You'll be hooked. Bring tissues for the last few episodes though.

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A Comforting Slice of Life in 1970s Communist China

Set in dreary 1970s communist China, two single parents find love again in their middle age. Their sweet and heartwarming courtship takes place in the court of public opinion involving meddlesome community leaders, spurned suitors, supportive comrades and those hellbent against it. The couple marries despite objections from their children to become an antagonistic blended family.

As the story develops, incidents happen along the way to reveal how each character deals with them on an individual and collective level while China's economy advances and its societal mindset evolves. Special mention must be made of how the latter is subtly but accurately reflected in the production set and script.

Other than the recurring scenes of public confrontation and shaming, I find the portrayal of everyday situations and the characters’ responses to them realistic, relatable and humorous. The world is constantly changing, but human nature and human relationships rarely do.

For some reason, I find this drama comforting -- its pace, its music, the tone of voice used by the actors and the way the characters resolve conflicts. I especially appreciate how wholesome values are illuminated in this nuanced drama.

In this day and age in which revenge and violence is glorified and romantic relationships are often sexualised in entertainment, 'Wonderful Times' is a breath of fresh air. Here's hoping it will continue to impress me till the end.

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Team Hanmin female dormitory assemble!!

To hate this show would be like kicking a puppy, but to give it a glowing review would be misleading as well. I'm torn.

I had planned an in-depth review, but having just finished it, I can't do it. Oh the pain!

This show is watchable and has a big heart. Lots of social justice messages. Doing the right thing is noble after all.

I'm going to be blunt, the A-plot really can't sustain 16 X 70 mins eps. Cut the number of episodes or trim it down to 45 mins would be more workable. It did get draggy at times.

The big drawcard is the FL going undercover as a 20-year-old. To be fair, the FL is not one who shies away from challenges. Her titular role as the The Judge from Hell was delicious. This script, however, is probably more pain than gain.

To be fair, the FL gave it her all. There are a lot of sight gags and in-jokes while she is forced to act like a girlie girl. They tried to milk it for all it is worth. Unfortunately, it is a one gag pony.

Similarly, the revenge/business shenanigans could have been sharp and biting. I thought we are finally getting somewhere around ep.9. Even when all the ducklings are lined up and quacking loudly, the show just mills around the water cooler. We have seen it all before. Overbearing chairman, inept/criminal senior staff, slush funds, rigged shareholder meeting, etc.

The ending is "satisfying" as in everything that needs to happen, happened. Everyone got their just dessert. Surprisingly, there is no real romance. Nada, no OTP nor second CP's. At least there is no Big White Truck of Doom™. We give thanks for that.

In the end, this show is not for me, mea culpa. Your mileage will differ. It is not a bad show per se. You will enjoy this more if you are a big fan of the leads. The social justice angle is appealing. Setting the show around the IMF Crisis is interesting. (BTW, Typhoon Family did it better, just saying.) Caveat emptor, chingu. Peace.

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Rewatched after nine years !

I first watched Detective Chinatown nine years ago, and recently decided to rewatch it. Even after all this time, it’s still the most memorable film in the Detective Chinatown series for me.

Personally, I still feel like the sequels never quite lived up to the first movie. In fact, I can barely remember the storylines or even the antagonists from the later films anymore. But the first movie? I still remember it clearly.

One of the reasons is the main antagonist. The performance by Zhang Zifeng really left an impression on me. Her role added a chilling layer to the story that made the ending especially memorable.

Of course, the film isn’t perfect. There are quite a few cringe moments throughout the movie, especially in some of the comedy scenes. But despite that, it remains a very entertaining film within the crime genre.

Overall, Detective Chinatown is still a fun and engaging crime movie that sticks in your memory, even years after watching it.

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Very fun season

i really liked this season more than the last one.

The witty dialogue the funny characters,the set and costume designs were all incredible.

I love that even tho it has a serious goal they keep the childish spirit abd humor from the anime.

Howere i felt like it could have been better, as someone who hasn't read the manga or watched the anime it felt so slow paced i thought they were gonna takd down the organization this season but it was just a set uo for the next season which is fine.
But personally i don't enjoy slow paced things hence the 8.
But i can see a number of people liking this show regardless of the pacing.

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The Series That Finally Made Me Notice Zhou Yiran

🍅 Great Actors

First of all, applause to the casting team. The chemistry between the ML and FL is practically overflowing.

🍅 << ML >>

This is the most prominent work of the male lead so far. I first saw him in Falling Into Your Smile, and I had zero impression of him. I didn't even realize he was in that series.

Later I tried watching When I Fly Towards You, which people seem to love, but I couldn't get past ep 3. And I didn’t try just once. I tried twice - two years apart. It was such an annoying series to me. WIFTY was boring and cliché, the story was childish, and the ML’s acting there was honestly terrible.

Then I watched Twelve Letters, which is a very intense story. Both FL and ML did a great job there, but the drama clearly has FL as the main character, so she outshined him.

Anyway in this one, both ML and FL stand on equal ground. The characters are designed in a very interesting way and both actors deliver their roles really well.

I would say this is the first work that made me actually take note of Zhou Yiran as someone to watch in the future.

Really loved him in this role. And he looks a lot better with long hair than short hair.

🍅 << FL >>

The actress playing the FL also did a very good job. She’s still quite young, but her performance left nothing to complain about.

While the ML surprised me and greatly changed my perspective on him, I hadn't known the FL before. So even though both of them did a great job, the ML left a stronger impression on me.

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🍅 Plot & Storytelling

The plot is great. There’s real substance in it.

From ep 1, the director straightly opens the story in an aggressive way. It throws me into a series of intense scenes. It's like it got hit in the face without much clue, and naturally I want to know why.

The series maintains a very cool, slightly eerie atmosphere throughout. I really like the mysterious blue tone of the whole production. It keeps the tension simmering without turning it into cheap suspense. And it keeps my curiosity at the right level without becoming irritating.

The push and pull between the ML and FL is also handled well. Both characters are intelligent. Their interactions feel like games that they know exactly what they’re doing. Both characters are sharp to keep up with each other. Neither of them is easily deceived. Their dynamic is a real match of minds. No pointless sulking. No childish misunderstandings. No nonsense drama where main characters become stupid just to create conflict.

I saw that some people say the first 5 episodes are hard to understand, but I didn’t feel that at all. I had no trouble following the story and personally I found it very engaging.

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🍅 Some Nonsense

Even though the leads are written as smart, no-nonsense characters, the rest of the universe around them is still a bit stupid.

So when ridiculous ways of thinking appear, it usually comes from the environment or side characters, which still gives the series some unnecessary nonsense vibes nonetheless.

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🍅 A Bit Cringe

Throughout most of the story, both ML and FL are portrayed as very cool characters.

I especially enjoy how mischievous the ML is when he tries every shameless means possible to win the FL over.

But then the series decided we needed a singing scene.

And that scene… wow ummm. That was so cringe I got second-hand embarrassment watching it. I almost couldn't sit through it, lol.

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🍅 A Small Distraction

Around episode 30, Pursuit of Jade started airing and I began watching that as well.

For the first 5 episodes, Pursuit of Jade couldn't grab my attention the way Generation to Generation did in its first 5 episodes. For that early stage, I definitely preferred Generation to Generation.

Still, switching between the two slowed down my watching a bit. And even though Generation to Generation was approaching its peak by that point, I realized something... overall, the drama matches my taste well, but somehow it still didn’t quite capture my heart completely.

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Easy happy watch

It's surprisingly funny & lighthearted for a CBL 😂 The island is gorgeous, making it so healing just looking at the view- sth that we often see in JBL and I'm glad I get to see this here too. I love the chemistry of both couples. It's an easy watch- binge it in one night after siting on it for a while as I thought it'd be heavy

I didn't watch Addicted, so I don't know if there's any reference at all but I heard that this couple is the 2nd couple in the original Addicted. If that's the case, I'm SO happy for them because boy- there are so many 2nd couple that I wish had their own series! SO, I'm glad they have their time now, even if it comes 10 years later apparently.

The only thing is the sudden separation before getting back together that I don't like. Not because they get separated but just somehow don't make that much sense but the ending saves it all.

I really enjoy it so much I put this in my rewatch list.

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the second half is NOT it

like i said in the headline, second half is not it. while it served eye-pleasing visual as a result of a good cinematography, the plot fell flat on the second half. it felt like grasping at straws at best.

though i have to admit, they had their way of vying for the audience's attention instead of urging me / the audience to abandon it right away. gotta give credit where it's due 🤷‍♀️

at least, the chemistry helped. though, frankly, with no offense to Ju Jing Yi, i felt quite saddened that i only got to see Zheng He Hui Zi for only a split second.

is it good? meh. depends. but i do enjoy it. even if i learned very early on that i shouldn't hope for much. is it recommended? well yeah, of course. is it rewatchable? unfortunately, not really. though again, don't just take my words, watch it yourself and only you can judge whether it's worth rewatching or not.

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A play on stereotypes; a hypocrisy - FL is a two timer pretending to be a good girl

This drama's concept is a play on stereotypes. The older slow and nerdy CEO vs a young frilly charmer guy on a motorcycle.
But the execution of this concept totally flopped.
FL is written totally dumb and slimey and the guys are written naive and unrealistic. FL two-times both guys and both guys know it and keep chasing her. **** ML kisses and holds hands of FL bc she invited him to do so. Then FL goes to hang out with SML... ***** Any real guy would have QUIT after ep 3 the latest.

This is a delulu drama for some loser women fantasizing about being wanted although they are slimey flawed
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The nerdy guy is stereotyped BORING and UGLY with glasses (stooped, stiff, moves slowly, speaks slowly, works a lot, responsible business owner, responsible for employees and his good friends, too shy to speak his mind - he behaves based on what FL shows, so he lets her do what she wants and she ... pretends they didnt kiss, held hands, etc.

The younger guy is stereotpyped EXCITING bc his face is more handsome and he wears more fashionable clothes and keeps sexually teasing FL. He is a frilly charmer guy on a motorcycle, vibrant, energetic, speaks his mind freely, keeps on physically barging into personal space of FL and she too barges into his emotional space and patronizes him - so they UNOFFICIALLY KEEP GOING ON DATES WHERE HE CHASES HER AND SHE PRETENDS SHE HAS NO CLUE - but she keeps barging into his private and emptional spaces and leading him on.

The audience automatically stereotypes these two guys, regardless of what they ACTUALLY show on the screen. SML walks out of his jobs or doesnt show up,

FL TWO-TIMES both guys and acts very confused, flippant and silly - too prude towards ML and too open and without boundaries to SML. FL is unaware of her own feelings and what she wants, and she is irresponsible, flakey.....
The main issue is that FL is unaware of how she is driven by her hormones and unwilling to accept it - she denies that part of herself... So... the end result is that she strings two guys. SML for just attention and ML as a genuine like.

FL uses SML as a frill pill and hangs out with him without any intention to officially date, and likes ML, kisses him, and promises to go on dates with ML but stays out of getting too close - and keeps the company of SML without any obligation.

And, if a man did that to two women, we would be protesting. This drama (as well as Climax, etc) is on one hand showing gender equality under evil, that both men and women are equally nasty; and on the other hand, a sly invitation to have female epsteiners, therefore, there is no need to release epstein files bc everyone is free to do what they want.

The drama is inviting women to be as bad as men have been for thousands of years, to make it official that ANYTHING GOES, instead of moving all of us into a new better age. Very Hollywood foundation, keeping us all stuck in muck.

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ML has never done anything unless FL was open to it - which often caused a stallmate when she pulls back - and he does not dare to call her to the carpet - and she pretends that her hormones and thoughts of marriage do not exist -
and SML barges into her space and pokes her, totally oblivious to her liking the ML and totally confident based on his long standing success as a charmer for women.

It is already ep 7 and the character flaws of all 3 are still glaring and playing out. FL is playing the SML because she still has not figured out what she wants.

There is nothing wrong with using SML for a hot and steamy SHORT relationship *** if *** the FL wanted that. But the problem is, she is supposedly not really interested in that, and already deeply likes ML So, instead of going on hot steamy dates within a LONG relationship within a stable marriage, she choses to stay confused and use the SML for attention.

The FL two times and plays both guys. The guys are emotionally incapacitated, cannot talk things through, and do not call her to the carpet. So she keeps stringing both of them.
THE PLOT IS UNREALISTIC. In real life, both men would be gone by ep 4.
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The problem is not about weighing options. The problem is the LIE. *** FL is DELUSIONALLY PRETENDING she is a good girl. ****

We had 7 episodes of a 36yr old woman-child who does not even know what he feels and what she wants and has not put ANY effort to find out - except ONCE asking her mommy to tell her.

THAT is not interesting to watch

I think I documented well why I am dropping this drama
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InspectorMegre 20 minutes ago

And I dont want ML to end up with FL. She is not good enough for him, she is too sleazy . He is too zipped up and closed up, and he has to change, but he is an honest guy and at least he deserves an HONEST woman. So I want ML to find some good woman asap.

FL IS A HYPOCRITE LIAR. SML is very immature. So - THEY ARE A PERFECT PAIR.

At this point, I vote for FL and SML to have a hot romance bc both want that, and we all know how that will end, they will both get majorly hurt and quit in about 3-6 months. If they last more than that, I will give you $1.
FL-SML relationship is based on SML constantly chasing her and kissing her as#. I wonder how long that COULD last. Sure, go ahead and BURN. Learn your lesson the hard way then.

I am ready to drop this drama this evening if ep 8 is like the rest. As a dedicated kdrama fan, I did my best to try to watch this charade of lies, but nuff is nuff, I ain't watching trash.
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InspectorMegre 28 minutes ago

FL behaves like a dog in heat and keeps TWO-TIMING, seeking SML for fun dates and going on official dates with ML, both with physical contact. Yet the drama and FL uphold this hypocrisy that FL is supposedly NOT trying all the options bc she is a prude good little girl. The fact is: FL is a two-timing player. Let that be clear. Like in Our Universe.

The drama is not honest about its intent. If it is about a woman whose hormones are active and seeking action, then make it clear - it is ok to have a character like that! such women exist!!!!! - instead of WASTING 7+ EPISODES ON FL PRETENDING TO BE WHO SHE IS NOT.
FL should have decided already so that we can move on. THE DRAMA IS STUCK.
And that is what bothers me about this drama. It is hypocritical and wastes time.

ML has a personality/hobbies/interests and GOOD FRIENDS too He is also responsible and handsome and hot. BUT HE IS TOO SHY TO SPEAK UP and he is too gentle
and too clumzy - he should have called a cab for his mom, he should have scheduled the next date

INDEED this drama is about a woman player who is two-timing. AND I HATE IT. I think the drama is super sleazy. And yes, if a man did that, we would all be very upset. I am upset at FL too. I am just about to drop this drama. I will see tomorrow but if it goes like today, I am OUT asap. I am sorry to miss Ji Su actor acting, but I saw him enough in 7 episodes.

I vote for ML, **after** he learns he should send his mom away on a cab, and to schedule the next date at the end of the current one
ML script is not written properly, he still too zipped up uncommunicative and I would not receommend him
ALSO, I DO NOT WANT ML STUCK WITH FL, SHE IS UNWORTHY OF HIM, SHE IS TOO SLEAZY

I have written a much longer review but it exceeds 10000 characters so I put it into my Feeds.

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An Enemies to Lovers story, a political slice of life drama.

This Cdrama is part of the influx of well-made dramas within recent years. And truly, when I say that this script and these actors coming together feel like fate, so much so that when I finished it the first time, I had to take some time to think about what about it affected me so much.

As someone in this day and age, I managed to sit through each episode at a time WITHOUT skipping.

The main characters feel real to me in a way, although it is a concept that has been done many times in the past and will continue to do so in the future: a general and a lady. But the way their stories are told, their history, motivations, aspirations and their promises feel real. Experiencing the events unfold with them, the raw emotions, reading facial expressions and body language, and even the way they spoke left me intrigued; almost like every single word and its meaning mattered, and somehow I understood who these individuals are on a fundamental level within the first few episodes.

Of course, that didn't mean I could predict what would happen. Just that it pulled me in slowly; it made me feel like I was experiencing the life they were living with them. They are emotionally complicated, but incredibly smart and capable, like real people. They can feel many emotions and still be wholly logical or irrational, depending on who they are. Both of the main leads are strong/weak in their own ways, but they also balance each other out.

Of course, I am not saying that this show is perfection; some clichés and tropes exist purely because it is a historical drama, but the script's way of handling these clichés is admirable, and in turn, so is the way the two main characters handle them, and the rest of the characters are lovable. Some... Well, I'll just say that this story, for me, isn't about the "villains" and "stupid side characters". It's about the relationships and the development of them; the characters and their stories are truly something to witness.

This story is definitely something I have come back to over and over again because it is a comfort show, a slice of life, growing together in love.

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