Reviews

I thought it would be boring, but I was completely wrong.

I saw an incredible scene from Enjoy, and I almost started crying without even knowing the context. After that, I decided to watch it (the scene takes place in episode 6). After episode 1, I couldn't stop. I stayed up watching until dawn and only stopped because I had to work really early the next day, hahaha. The plot is very engaging, with deep, captivating characters, with desires and dreams. Envious, greedy, and bitter characters with a villainous vibe even without being the villain, because after all, "we all have a bad side." There's no messing around, things happen, and you're surprised by the events and the attitudes of several characters. Right now, I'm rooting for the villains in the plot (I'm not sure if they are evil, because in this series, almost every character has a "bad" side, so what would a bad character and a good character driven to do bad things be?).

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Real and Addictive

Finally writing a review after re-watching it for the nth time.

I stumbled on this masterpiece a few years back, and alas, I was hooked. So much so that I finished watching it in a single night. And since then, I think I've kept on re-visiting the show once a year (if not more). I can't exactly pinpoint what it is about the show that keeps me coming back to it.

Maybe it's how the story is really well written and acted out with everyone doing justice to their part (yes, even the annoying characters did a great job). Maybe it's the chemistry between the leads where you are watching them look at each other and yet a whole conversation happens between them. And surprisingly, you get it.

The whole show is really well done. And very entertaining with great chemistry and comedic relief as well. But it's a show which makes me think, makes me wonder, but also lets me marinate in silence as I watch this realistic portrayal of life, love and long-term relationships. It makes you question your own morals and values because at one point, you do find yourself rooting for morally grey stuff. It's messy, it's quirky, it's grey and yet, so real. Though a part of me dislikes the ending (like many people), I also understand the need for that arch, cuz it's exactly that which makes it much more rooted in reality than just wrapping a disaster in a bow.

hope many more stumble on this show and find enjoyment like I did. Because it's for sure that I'll keep coming back to this one.

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It's gonna be hard to pull myself out of their world ? I adored every second with them.

This drama will now be on my list of favorites. the representation of autism in this one comforted me, so many beautiful lines of dialog Sang tae gets that just feels so true to life I could relate to being autistic myself. I do think if they also made ko moon young autistic as well with the way they connect being on different levels of the spectrum would've been so spot on I also just loved their best friendship 🖤
and gang tae was so relatable as well with the masking in general cause you dont just mask as an autistic person its valid and happens with truama in general and going on that journey to talk about how everyone's valid and important with what theyre going through is a beautiful lesson. him swallowing up everything to stay strong for his family was very relatable for me as well and they all just hit so hard in their little way and now I feel apart of their family hahahha you really go on that journey with them. all of their fights that make you cringe and uncomfortable are needed thats how you build a relationship especially with someone who is traumatized so its just such a special drama for that.
p.s my favorite scene is when Moon young and Sang Tae fight so hard they both drew blood 🖤 I will forever love them.
I also just loved moon youngs interesting obsession with beauty and learning she doesn't always have to be beautiful. her meltdowns felt so good to see with her beautiful face showing its okay to not be okay!
and with that I think im done spewing for now. anyway 10/10 the only thing id say i didn't like was how the mom was still alive at the end lol but its true kdrama fashion for her to be so I can't complain much lol

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Cute & Fluffy!

I really liked the actors who played Kosuke and Shinichiro
I thought they had a nice easy chemistry between them, which never seemed passionate but thats fine. Not all relationships are all fire and thunderstorms.
The setup of 2 highschool friends reconnecting as adults and finding that they always liked each other was nice and I liked that they showed the various stages of their relationships— from the happy honeymoon period to the arguments to the personal growth. It was all kinda superficial and fluffy without ever getting serious, but thats okay. This was a fun and cute watch for me.

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Must watch if you’re a huge fan of Liu Tao!!

If you enjoy watching slice-of-life dramas based around friendship like Hello, My Twenties! and Hospital Playlist, you would love this drama, too. It’s refreshing to see a show where none of the main characters are morally upright or perfect, but you can’t help but root for them. I didn’t particularly care for any of the love stories, but that didn’t detract from the watching experience, except for the Wei Wei guy who I hate with a passion.

Unlike Hello, My Twenties! 2 and Hospital Playlist 2, Ode to Joy 2 didn’t retain the momentum that it carried in season one. There were inconsistencies in storytelling and character struggles, especially with Andy’s character, but still, it was an enjoyable experience.

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boring...

This series had an unusual premise, but the execution didn’t really work for me. The whole "waiting 300 years and suddenly confessing" part felt rushed and a bit random, and I never fully connected with the characters. The pacing was slow, and the story leaned too much on the forced-love idea, which made it hard to enjoy the romance.

There were a few nice moments and the cast tried their best, but overall it just wasn’t engaging. For me, it ended up being more boring than exciting, and I wished the script had developed the plot and relationship in a more natural way.

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Face swaps, secret identities, and an arranged marriage with a twist.

In the desperate search to find her missing sister, Shi Qi is thrust into a political conspiracy that is far more dangerous and complex than a humble artist like herself can fathom. After a commissioned painting session goes horribly wrong, she wakes up with the face of Shen Qin, the powerful prime minister's daughter. She is then coerced into the wedding meant for Shen Qin, and blackmailed into an uneasy alliance with the cruel and cunning Prince Ning. With the promise that her sister and true identity will be returned to her, Shi Qi must retrieve a missing item from the general she is about to marry, General Xiao Hansheng. But fate throws her into a loop of turmoil and delight when she realizes that her betrothed is none other than the man who has been occupying her mind for the past few years. Face swaps, secret identities, and an arranged marriage with a twist — can a romance rooted in deception ever truly flourish?

For a short series, the production value is quite impressive. The cinematography is thoughtfully executed, demonstrating that a beautiful drama doesn't always require a high budget. The art direction and lighting work in perfect harmony to set a tangible mood for every scene. For instance, the flowy curtains softly dancing in the breeze give one of the smaller sets an expansive feel, the serene image of rain cascading down rooftops is wonderfully captured and enhanced by the color grading, while the gentle glow of lanterns at night evokes warmth and intimacy. These intentional creative choices are what make the drama feel so aesthetically pleasing, showing how strategic visual storytelling can compensate for a smaller scale.

The true magic of A Familiar Stranger is the captivating chemistry between Shi Qi and Xiao Hansheng. In a refreshing take on the arranged marriage trope, their relationship grows without the typical hostility found between opposing forces. Rather than treating the supposed daughter of his enemy, Shen Qin, with coldness or suspicion, Xiao Hansheng approaches her with open understanding. Their marriage might have began with deception, but their romance is built upon genuine affection. With limited screen time, the actors are able to effortlessly convey a deep and gentle connection between these two characters through every quiet interaction, from a lingering gaze to a knowing smile. Shi Qi and Xiao Hansheng are so incredibly patient and tender with each other, I can't help but fall in love with the way they care for one another.

Ultimately, A Familiar Stranger was a pleasant surprise. My only complaint is that while its premise of face swaps and secret identities was compelling, the political intrigue and antagonists were underdeveloped due to the limitations of the short series format. Thankfully, the drama's strength resided in its beautiful portrayal of the central romance, which effortlessly overshadowed its narrative flaws. The captivating and tender chemistry between Shi Qi and Xiao Hansheng was consistently enjoyable and was undeniably the heart and soul of the story. I was left thoroughly giddy and content by their journey from a deceptive arrangement to a flourishing relationship of genuine love and mutual respect. This drama is a rare gem that delivers big emotions for a small investment of time, and I’m truly glad I gave it a chance.

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Everyone who says they like this show is a toxic, misogynistic pick-me.

I just finished the show, and I can confidently say it's one of the most infuriating series I've ever seen in my life. Romantic? Please—spare me. Every so-called "romantic" scene between the main couple made me feel sick. The male lead was flirting with the female lead while his girlfriend of eight years was pregnant. And the female lead, knowing all of this, still started developing feelings for a man who was about to become a father. Absolutely disgusting, both of them.

When the pregnant woman lost the baby, the male lead didn’t even care. If you can become that cold toward a woman you've been with for eight years just because someone else caught your eye, you're a heartless piece of trash.

I hate these kinds of storylines that degrade women and portray them as desperate for the love of a disloyal, weak man. It’s revolting.

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Two Cutie Patooties who fall in love ??

A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days with You

2025

📺: Viki 10 eps

◇1930s

◇Arrange Marriage

◇Sweet Romance

◇HEA

I feel like the writers of Jdramas are finally listening to us 🥹

For me personally, it has been impossible to find a Japanese drama where the leads respect each other.

Most of them are written that our male lead is a walking red flag and excuse all his behavior and he NEVER apologizes.

Not this one, they make mistakes and apologize almost iimmediately. I can't tell you have refreshing that was.

For that alone, this drama has my respect. Now that being said it's not perfect. The kissing scenes especially in the 2nd half could have been better. I understand censorship with Japanese dramas but it didn't make sense to the plot. This drama is told to use like it were a play of sorts and it took me out of the story from time to time. It wasn't bad just not used to that type of storytelling.

This drama takes place in the 1930s so you will see some traditional elements and beliefs in the plot. I personally liked it and I thought it was sweet at times.

Another thing that I found endearing was how awkward they both were. It was sweet how hard they tried to understand each other.

Overall I enjoyed my watch of this one and would recommend it. A good one-time watch for me ⭐️⭐️⭐️



#jdrama #asiandrama #Japanesedrama

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