Reviews

A journey I choose not to take

The Writers made it the personality types of FL (Han Ji Won) and FM (Ji Sung) exceedingly clear in the first 3 episodes. This marriage was and will likely remain, an ill-fated relationship. Happy, pleasing personalities lose their spark and live in ways that make them miserable. One is too trusting and kind but has no idea how to make himself or his situation happy. The other is manipulative and aggressive to the point of extreme bursts of rage and physical abuse. As both of these actors are so good at portraying their roles - and its exactly as the writers wish - what is broken about them can only be fixed with the choice made by the ML to change his destiny. Everything from that point will make no sense no matter the context. SPOILER: when he wakes us with a new wife, he has no idea who she really is as a person. He only knows his problems are fixed. His problem is he has never learned how to be anything more than a "doormat" and therefore has no self-preservation skills...ONLY immature selfishness. HOW DOES this make for a worthwhile drama?? It's a long journey I choose NOT TO TAKE. Ultimately, they will find happiness, but it will be an absolute quagmire and too many episodes to get there.

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Mizomizo and the Art of Becoming

What do you do when life has handed you a raw deal and the world keeps telling you that you do not measure up? That is the core question posed in Quartet, an eclectic art-house series with Japanese sensibilities and a universal message. Using music, mystery, and humor to explore social norms, relationships, and communication, it throws four people together in a shared living space under the pretext of creating music. But surface intentions are not all that meets the eye, and droll commentary emerges along the way. Cleverly presented and acted, Quartet is an artfully unconventional look at life that takes restraint and disappointment on a thoroughly satisfying journey toward becoming—with heart and soul.

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MY BIAS MY BOSS❌/MY BOSS BECAME MY BIAS✔️

I loved it as someone who don't like rom coms I liked it so much it wasn't anything new or unique but the way they excueted every cliche made me fall in love the main leads without any doubt had superb chemistry the besties of fl was such breath of fresh air in all these toxic besties dramas recently and I liked how they actually show Kang hagi as a CEO he actually does overtime pay attention to people near and is actually worried about them and he is not the cold CEO who does a meeting once in a while and throw everything on the secretary to do it the workplace employees were also really sweet and supporting I like each one of them I liked how instead of villianizing the 2nd ml and the ex of hagi the story actually redeemed them and all the things ended with them on a positive note I liked how hagi was so supportive of dareum when she was going to Paris or when she was fangirling and living her dream same with dareum she actually understood him when he was at his lowest point and gave him strength to actually depend on her overall this drama is definitely my comfort watch will watch it again someday

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Quasi meglio dell'originale.

Devo dire che questo mi è piaciuto di più dell'originale. Soprattutto nella parte LGBTQ+. Ma non solo. Anche se bisogna andare con calma. Allora, intanto devo dire che ho trovato Billkin e PP più validi come coppia (e voi mi direte, grazie al cavolo Lucrezia) rispetto agli attori della versione originale, anche se devo dire che come capacità attoriali sono pari in entrambi i casi. La sub plot LGBTQ+ l'ho sentita più reale e viva in questo caso rispetto alla versione originale, forse dato dal fatto che gli attori protagonisti non abbiano paura di interpretare questo tipo di personaggi, di conseguenza devo dire che questa sub plot l'ho sentita più reale e più viva. Anche la roba con la tipa devo dire che mi è piaciuta di più rispetto alla versione OG. Non che la versione Taiwanese non sia stata bella e piacevole da vedere, ma vi devo confessare che dopo un po' mi calava come un film di polizia "standard", mentre qua ho sentito la differenza. Detto questo non so perché ma sento che ci fosse qualcosa che non andava con la ship già qua, però devo anche confessare che io non sono mai stata una loro fan sfegatata (nemmeno ai tempi di ITSAY) quindi ho potuto godermi il tutto senza essere troppo colpita da questa cosa.
Mi è piaciuto il cameo finale di James, che apprezzo da una serie che ha fatto nel lontano 2013. Overall bel film che si fa vedere (forse anche di più dell'OG).

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Not perfect but special in many ways

Doctor on the Edge is not perfect but special in many ways. It's one of those dramas that won't necessarily be 'number one' in any category, but still scores highly in all. The moral of the story is heart-warming, and whilst I did find that there were many cliches I had seen in many dramas beforehand, the way this drama handles itself is just that slightly uniquely different that I didn't mind it. I also really enjoyed the rural island setting of the drama: it was fresh to see, and I also really enjoyed listening to the local dialect; something I would love to learn although would be almost impossible for me to ever master.

I thought the story was entertaining but not perfect. There were some imperfections and the pacing I believe was a slight tad off during the middle episodes but the beginning and end episodes were produced amazingly well. The characters were well balanced; there were a nice mix of different personalities and no character ever felt 2D or 'paper produced'. Each character had a specific part to play in the story which I really enjoyed to see. I also liked the editing styles except from the romantic scenes which I felt were captured in a cringe way. The OST was very catchy and lovely. I also enjoyed the acting for the most part, although there were some performances that I wasn't a fan of (I won't be naming any names, after all, other human beings are involved).

Again, I don't think there were any majorly blaring negatives, it's just that for everything was great but not perfect. The drama actually had more romance than what I usually care for, and so it must be a good drama if I had completed it, right? Because I can easily drop a drama if I think it's too romantic. There were many romance scenes but for me it never felt like a romance drama, it felt more like a life/healing/medical drama with some romance (if that makes sense).

Do I recommend this drama? Yes, I definitely do!

(On another personal note - this is my 150th drama I have completed!).

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Blue Lips, Gold Performances!

Admittedly, this will be a narrative not to everyone’s taste. It is a tale of quiet love. Between two men who are deeply flawed and so self-absorbed that they have forgotten have to love. Not self-absorbed in a narcissistic fashion but have shutdown because they have been subjugated by forces outside of their control. Yet, still composed or shaped in large part by who they are. Sounding perhaps a bit oxymoronic, but not. Both, to some degree, have been guided by guilt and a compulsive sense of obligation. Perhaps because of that, fate might have already determined that they would meet. This is not a series for your standard BL flock; it offered a more sophisticated approach to the development of a relationship. Here we see the physicality of the connection turn into a deep romantic, quiet love that perhaps only a slightly older couple could achieve. It was refreshing to watch this. Perhaps there will be a Season 2 to clarify some of the abruptness of the way it ended. I sure would like to see that. For those of you who want to see the beginnings of what a deep love relationship is and, dare I say, a soulmate connection, I would highly recommend this series. Just know that the ending is not very clear one.

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Japanese people sure come up with fascinating titles

One sure things, Japanese people sure come up with fascinating titles to capture the audience attention. The storyline says it all, the characters are adorable and lovable. A small glimpse of a relationship with a huge age gap and how each character navigate with their pov. The series focuses on how people view the relationship without in your face negative judgment. Communication is the key factor in all relationships no matter the age difference, without honest communication all relationships are sure to fail. The series was fun to watch, I wish the running time for each episode was longer.

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Fun, but...

Let's get what I didn't care for out of the way first.
-FL and no self-esteem. It was so bad, I wanted to smack her upside the head. You could see why, though, with always being compared to her brilliant brother, and having this totally attractive guy liking you. She felt she couldn't possibly measure up.
-ML sometimes acted like a child. When he was upset, he'd get in his bright pink sleeping bag and wallow and whine. Plus, he did a lot of physical bouncing around, which read as immaturity to me.
-Second couple. I love her. He was very wooden. I can understand the fear of moving from friendship into a relationship, but the back and forth was irritating.
-The ending was too rushed.
-FL's little brother's expressions were actually scary.

However:
-I loved the building where they met for their club. Mysterious rooms, ever-changing themes (where did they get all their clothes though?), bright colors, etc.
-ML was never swayed from liking the FL. It didn't hurt that he looks an awful lot like Woo Do Hwan! When he was worried about her and slept on the porch outside her apartment - cute!
-The others in the group. I liked how they were different ages and were able to see and speak to things that the teens couldn't see. When they confronted the bully, that was well done.
-The friendships that the ML and the FL had.

Overall, it was a fun watch.

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The drama is not good

The 10 Reasons Why The Early Spring is an ordinary, unrealistic, baseless, and one-dimensional drama! This is based on various Chinese entertainment videos that I watched in the U. S. that discussed about the current C-ent dramas, etc. This is not saying anything about the actor or actress real real life, their real issues, etc. Although I do not find Jing Bo Ran as good looking, charming and/or better acting than Xu Kai Cheng in Well-Intended Love I and II. This article is about the drama itself and my perspectives about Jing Bo Ran and Sun Qian's role as Luke and Flora and what I think of their acting performance. I think Sun Qian is better looking, better acting, etc. As a 45 years old Asian female who is currently living in the U. S. since 1990s, I have watched Chinese-speaking dramas from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and China since 1990s and have seen this evolvement into baseless, unrealistic, mediocre web drama about work place and mixing romantic issues for certain niche market.

I don't get paid or anything to write this article. This is from my authentic personal opinions after watching various C-ent videos in English discussing about the drama, clips on weibo mobile app to see what the romance and acting are about, the sypnosis, etc.

I believe that there are many people who are looking for dramas to watch all over the world so they're checking it out so people are attracted to light dramas, etc.

1) This is written from a web novel so the same repackaging and by screenwriters who are interested in commercializing the drama without any sense of the real world. Same old thing about CEO lacking EQ toward the female so it's one dimensional. Why do 45 years old women are interested in this about boss when his social issue is about toward love, which is personal subjective opinions. I believe 45 years old women who are working would be more interesting in office issues. Lacking social issues toward an individual that Luke likes does not mean that he lacks social skill. How can someone lack social skill can run an advertising firm?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmnVG6e_fJY - Marcus here

2) This drama is about the advertising industry, which is an industry in decline. Luke, the character played by Jing Bo Ran wears clothing as if the company rakes in a lot of money like an investment banker or high-end law firm. It would be more realistic if this office setting take place in a marketing firm of a larger company. Even in the U. S., the advertising industry is in decline. Companies have internal marketing department nowadays more.

3) As for Luke's EQ of helping Flora getting better paid, overtime, etc. The adverting industry is not a blue-collar industry. It's a professional services industry so overtime is not something that the ad industry would offer, which is in major cities, etc. This is why all kinds of web writer and screenwriters are working within their exclusive groups who know no real world, thinking they can replicate the same formula, etc. without any reality, human relationship issues, etc. Also, the ad industry is not a sales and commission job unless the job is a sales job so a person would have to wait until the end of the year to get a bonus if there are revenues. Also, the manager would have to see visibility for next year's revenue to give some bonus at the end of the year. If Flora or any employee is on a trial for work, then after 6 months, it can be reevaluated for compensation, etc. Or otherwise, entry-level jobs generally starts out the same fixed salary with potential bonus at the end of the year for the industry. Flora is his girlfriend and he is her boss so there is potential conflicts of interests. Also, if you're paying someone more, then what other people who also put in the work and want better pay.

4. I believe this kind of drama is bad for young women because why would someone hire you and then say you're not qualified to work there. If you watch The Devil Wears Prada, the editor is also tough so it's best not to over exaggerate these kinds of words. How many of you in these regular admin jobs are actually the best and brightest?

5) From Chasing Dramas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpwF52DWdJ8 - at 10:53
Also, Youku marketed the sypnosis of this drama on MDL and on Youku's platform is not the same. On Youku's sypnosis started with "The forbidden love..." There's nothing forbidden love about this.

6) If people are saying they're working hard, how come people have time to watch these dramas on a daily basis when the episodes are released. I also noticed that many women who are watching this are in comfortable admin job with their laptops with the couple on their screenshot. If you're complaining about your fat and/or low EQ bosses, then how come you still have time to watch this drama, which should not be your priority? In Japan, employees would wait for their managers to go home and then go home, which is a horrible culture that I do not believe China has. Also, there are woman in China making more than 2M Yuan!

7) This is not a good drama for young men to watch because it's not realistic, one-dimensional, etc. when it comes to how to help women with their pay, etc. It's popular in less developed and/or traditional countries like China, all parts of Asia and some parts of Europe but not the U. S. or western democratic Europe. If you want to watch for some light romantic parts when they're in private, then it's fine. I already watched some of them on weibo mobile apps, then watch for that only. There are scenes like Flora helping with his shaving, etc., which is something you already know. The kisses are not any better than Ten Years Late, Got a Crush on You or other dramas from other actors or actresses, etc.

8) I believe Youku belonged to Alibaba and is much a bigger company than 10 years ago, etc. so the people who work on these dramas are the same web writers, screenwriters, producers, etc. so they can also subscribe on Netflix, then Netflix would pay them a nice licensing fee, but Netflix is only 2.4M views because they cannot make other people who is not getting paid in any form or shape to watch a drama. Other people are looking for a drama to watch so they look at dramas all over the world, and the number of views is an easy metric to go by. The same with Tencent too. The same issue with bs writer unions that cannot produce a decent screenplay!

9) As for fashion, trying to do a v-shape, the actor is not as attractive, and he's not that big so having wearing overfit clothing is kind of out of shape, etc. I am sure men would not wear tight clothing, but wearing overfit clothing can look cumbersome when you have to work around to do business, etc. Also, the industry is not doing well even the in the U. S. so how come he's wearing clothing as a high-end investment banker so then, how come he would have money to pay his employees if he's wearing really expensive clothing!

10) This article has nothing about the actors' lives, etc. and about their roles in The Early Spring and their acting abilities based on my authentic subjective perspectives.

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It was indeed sexy and unexpectedly good

I had absolutely no expectations when I decided to watch this show, but it turned out to be surprisingly entertaining and kept me hooked with its unusual story. A young man who is curious about intimacy crosses paths with an older man who is very attractive physically. The casting was perfect for the characters.

The drama was playful, funny, and enjoyable to watch. Okumi really knows how to please Ainosuke, and that “itadakimasu” scenes always made me laugh. Their dynamic has such an interesting combination of sassiness and confidence, which adds even more flavor and charm to the drama.

The plots are pretty average, but the chemistry and interactions between the characters really elevated the entertainment factor. There was no unnecessary heavy drama, and both of them experienced satisfying development throughout the story. They truly had each other’s backs, both literally and metaphorically.

Overall, it’s quirky, lighthearted, funny, and works especially well because of the chemistry between the two leads. Definitely not a drama I expected to enjoy this much and I’m glad I gave it a chance.

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Strong at first

The story opens with an intriguing and mysterious atmosphere, easily raising expectations for a thrilling ride ahead. However, as the plot unfolds, it quickly gets bogged down in tired tropes and forced situations. Instead of resolving conflicts through intelligence or logic, the narrative relies on characters making mind-numbing decisions that defy basic human sense. These irrational choices happen so frequently that it becomes obvious the writer is just desperately trying to stretch the running time.

Because of some high reviews here I gave it a try but it turned out to be a complete disaster. I only wish I could turn back time and never ever started watching this slapstick, it would have been more thrilling watching paint dry. So many logic errors and impIausible plots, worst mini series I ever watched.

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Masterpiece satire of adult and teen life, really fun

This kdrama is super sophisticated. First, the filming, the music, the acting, the scenes, everything is done with amazing creativity, precision and quality. It is a masterpiece. And it is NOT available on Netflix.

Essentially, this kdrama is an exaggerated and metaphorical view of adult and teen life, and requires ability to laugh at oneself, as it shows us what we are really like. The dialogues and scenes are profound.

It is only 8 episodes bc it moves at a fast snowballing pattern and intense suspense, so upholding that for more than 8 episodes would be difficult if not impossible.

Mad Concrete Dreams is not exactly like this. It is also a fast moving snowballing disaster but ... it is based on greed, and not so loving as this drama :)

This drama shows "decent families" that protect each other and care for each other, and just have a few problems :) You get to see the snowballing chaos caused by a spoiled brat teenager, who is lying to their caring - and faulty - parents :)

The theme of this kdrama is realistic family life, with all its crises and patches... No matter what happened, each family ends up as a strong unit.

So this kdrama requires audience that has life experience and ability to think and laugh at itself and life. Ppl who do not have that, will likely give this drama a low rating

Imo this is 9 or 9.5/10 drama - and not a 10 only because it is without meaningful SOLUTIONS. It is only "fun," only a satire, it lacks the deep lasting profound life-lesson messages/solutions required for a 10 star drama.

For solutions, we need another drama from this crew :)

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I would require all video majors to study this drama :)
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The filming, the acting, the music and the plot / dialogue all together make an AMAZING whole. It would take a lot to properly analyze every scene, bc they are full of information.

The filming of it is genius - maybe they are copying someone else but I have not seen anything like this one before, and actors are the key to this

Somehow the camera person was able to capture actors from REALLY funky angles, like ActorDad Lim Jae-hong "dancing around" ie frantically moving to and fro in a public restroom. in dire anxiety and sheer PANIC; trying to check every stall, making sure there is nobody in the bathroom so that he can make a private call, and all shown as his silhouette from a low angle, looking up and seeing his legs moving around with bent knees and head frantically turning. eyes popping out - it was HILARIOUS. You get to see scenes like that only in a cartoon...

Or his cheating partner, reading some nasty divorce papers, at a table under a crystal chandelier - obviously wealthy woman in a wealthy house but dealing with dirty stuff and a nasty ex husband, father of their daughter - and all of it filmed THROUGH the shiny sparkly crystal chandelier - the contrast between the luxurious shiny lights and the darkness on that paper and on the woman's face and in the rest of the house was extremely satirical and tragicomic dark humor. Really carried the point across.

The scenes of Actor's Wife the Influencer being hit on by .... someone lmao I am not going to spoil it - that was slimy educational WOW! moments... and then them going to his apartment..... was HILARIOUS beyond hilarious lmao - I cannot spoil it for you, sorry, it is too good to be spoiled. You will be grateful later that I did not spoil it :)

The story/music/camera/acting all together is totally WICKED, wickedly funny, totally diabolical satire, really showing it as is.

Ah for those of you who are afraid of the word AFFAIR - well most adults experienced themselves cheating on their partner, being cheated on by their partner, and/or seriously impacted by cheating of someone close them like a parent or boss, ...... And many ppl on this earth live in cultures that endorse cheating...
Cheating is like a required rites of passage for adults :( unfortunately .................... every adult has to learn to deal with it. This kdrama shows us what it is really like.

For anyone who is afraid of seeing affairs, dont worry, the message is DON'T DO IT :)
There is 1 kinda steamy scene and 0,5 hinting at steamy scene ... and that's it - and it kinda makes fun of the affair - and is used to show how and why married ppl get to that point of hunger.

Those of you who watch romcoms with pretty oppas taking a shower, you have seen a lot more. So .. dont snivel about this drama.

And for those of you who are afraid of word LGBT+ there is a pair of teenage girls with matching rings, one quick peck on the cheek for 1 millisecond; and 1 quick holding of hands for 1 millisecond. If THAT offends you, then there is no hope for ya.

The drama is just done SO WELL. I hope you enjoy it!!!!!

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