This review may contain spoilers
This was super cute and super sweet.The boss was a bit cold at the beginning, but never cruel, and was ultra sweet once he started to like the employee.
The relationship was mutual - no reluctance and avoidance that made the whole relationship feel uncomfortable / dubiously consensual (even despite one character being a virgin). Both characters were equals within their relationship, despite the power dynamic at work, and both took the lead, took initiative, and took care of the other at different times.
There was lots of casual physical affection, and it didn’t feel overly chaste or sanitized like KBLs often do. All proper kisses, and one implied sex scene (with a cut to the morning after). The movie version includes a shirtless make out in bed scene before it cuts to the morning after. I felt it could have done with an ending kiss in the finale though.
There were three things that kept me from giving this 10 stars: the ex-drama, the employee’s default behavior of running away when things get hard, and the consent issues.
For the ex-drama, the employee had an all-consuming crush on this guy back in college, but the guy never reciprocated and it turned out that he had dated the boss for a while. He’s now a friend and business client of the boss. This really bothers the employee, to the point that they almost break up when the boss doesn’t understand why it’s a big deal. To be honest, I don’t understand why it’s a big deal either. If he was truly over him, why would the hurt over the ex wanting the boss instead of him in the past still have any bearing? I wanted a more definitive statement to show that the employee was truly over that guy because I didn’t get the impression that he was. After the conflict is resolved though, the ex never shows up or is mentioned again, so that was good.
The employee has never been in a relationship before, so it makes sense that he doesn’t really understand healthy conflict resolution. But after the first fight around the ex, the boss tells him that they’ll work through things together, just don’t run away. But in the end, when the employee doesn’t get a full time position, he does the same thing and shuts down. They’re not explicitly fighting, but he avoids the boss for several days while still having time to work on a project with the other intern and to look for jobs. And he didn’t even seem unhappy about the lack of contact. That annoyed me, especially since it was in the finale, because it felt like a lack of character development. That would been the perfect moment to showcase the employee confiding in and leaning on the boss. When the employee apologized for shutting down again, it felt like a hollow promise since that seems to be his default response the minute things get emotionally difficult.
For consent, there were definitely a few times at the beginning that read like sexual harassment, as well as a few dubiously consensual moments. Because their relationship was developed in the workplace instead of outside it, because the boss made physical moves without clarifying anything verbally (even ignoring the drunk scenes and power dynamics), and because the employee kept calling the boss “Department Head Kim” for a while into their relationship, the beginning did feel a bit like sexual harassment. Also, the boss kisses the employee’s cheek when the employee is drunk, he carcasses his hair while both are sober in the office, and he kisses the employee for the first time while the employee is even more drunk on another occasion. There’s also a scene where the boss is annoyed the employee is avoiding him, so he grabs him by the wrist and yanks him a bit aggressively to get him to talk.
That being said, when the boss makes a move to initiate sex and the employee tells him to wait, he does stop and they discuss before proceeding. The employee is the one that decides to continue and the boss doesn’t pressure or coerce him in any way.
Also, it’s really minor but the idea that the video thanking the company that the employee and his co-intern made after not getting full time positions would 1) go viral, and 2) make the company regret not hiring them was a bit ridiculous. The video was super cringy and not dissimilar to a student project. It would have been more believable if they hadn’t actually shown the video they had made and left it to the viewer’s imagination.
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"Whats the matter with you, b*tch?"
Its a question Jane's best friend asks her at one point in the series and I happen to strongly agree with this question. Her character sure is.. interesting. Incredibly naive, like she was just born yesterday kind of naive. But that's ok, you expect some personal growth from characters as the series progresses, which she does, slightly..A "slice of life" kind of series with GL, that unfortunately lacked a lot of story in my opinion, I didn't mind that it was chill with only a hint of drama, I still felt it needed something more going on. There are plot elements that should have explored more to give the story substance.
I felt there was aspects of the story that should have been introduced earlier on instead of the "filler" elements that somewhat plagued a decent % of the series earlier on, which was an odd choice in my opinion for a series so short. Thankfully the last half does improve somewhat. Not to say it doesn't have its moments, the phone-call scene is hilarious. But good individual scenes sadly doesn't make up for the show as a whole.
The two leads are good together on screen, its cute and sweet, whilst majority of the other stories and scenes with the other characters were severely lacking in my opinion, overall it has some highs, a lot of "skip" moments and in the end that makes it just a somewhat enjoyable, but slightly tedious series to watch. I'd recommend it if you enjoy a mostly-no drama "slice of life" series, with an air-headed lead, some humerus moments here and there, that has GL sprinkled throughout.
I think a lot of the problems I had with the show, could have been solved with more episodes to evolve the story as it goes on (the ending feels a bit rushed as well) and if they had injected some better story elements into the first half.
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What did I just watch?
I'm usually not into theese stories, I prefer light relaxing stuff. But Zhang Chi's acting was so incredible I was just glued to the sceen. Not to mention his looks, hee hee.The plot is very well written, with character development. Probably won't rewatch it but it will definitely remain in my mind for a while.
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Strong ideas and messages, weak execution.
"Like a Palette" is one of the books by Zezeho that I really enjoy, so I was looking forward to the series. But as much as the series is faithful to the book, the way it was brought to life is rather weak. At first glance, it seems like your typical student romance series with the senior-junior romance trope. But it delves into some ideas that set it apart - the self-discovery, self-acceptance, and the impact of societal prejudices, particularly transphobia. The series handles these sensitive topics with care, depicting the struggles in a respectful and impactful manner. Unlike many other GL series that shy away from explicitly naming the characters' sexual orientations, this series boldly embraces and celebrates lesbian identity. By doing so, the show normalizes and validates same-sex relationships, challenging the stigma and misconceptions surrounding LGBTQ+ individuals.One of the refreshing aspects of this series is the portrayal of a supportive and loving family environment. The main character, Jane is surrounded by a circle of family members who offer unwavering support and encouragement. And the mom is definitely a positive character which is different from the typical moms we see in most GL series. And I like the jazzy OST.
While the series is commendable for tackling these important issues and the underlying positive messages, the execution falls short in some areas. The acting needed a lot more polish. Jane, portrayed by Thongfah Alicha, is the star of the show, but Thongfah’s somewhat unnatural performance diminishes the impact of the character, hindering the emotional connection. Her dialogue delivery sounds weird too. Even Prigkhing’s good acting can't help much. But the rest of the cast deserve praise for making this series more bearable. And Prigkhing-Fah's on-screen chemistry is somewhat lacking, making Dai-Jane's dynamic less convincing.
On top of that, the pacing feels a bit choppy, with certain scenes and plot developments lacking coherence and smooth transitions. And while the cinematography is okay, the visual storytelling fails to give the key plot points the impact they deserve. There were quite a few times I wasn't only cringed at Jane's acting, but also the awkward camera angles.
Overall, Like A Palette has the potential to be an engaging series, but the execution and acting just don't meet the mark. While it may not be a flawless series, its bold approach to storytelling and commitment to addressing vital societal issues make it a noteworthy addition to the genre.
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Did i just said car service - 5283 goodbye?
Did i just said car service - 5283 goodbye? Honestly, this series has been a ride from the very beginning. I loved Season 1 for how raw and fearless it was, and Season 2 for how it deepened the characters and their bond as a team. Watching them grow, struggle, joke, and stand together through every case made Rainbow Taxi feel less like a concept and more like a family. By the time I reached Taxi Driver Season 3, I already cared deeply about this crew, and somehow the show still managed to deliver something fresh, heavier, and just as gripping.Season 3 was amazing in its own way. It raised the stakes, hit closer to reality, and reminded me why I fell in love with this story in the first place. I loved this team, their journey, and everything they stood for. For future watchers, I genuinely hope you give it a chance. Taste is subjective, and not everyone looks for the same thing in a drama, but if you want action with meaning, a strong team dynamic, and a story that doesn’t shy away from darkness, this one is for you.
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Not for me
I love all Song Weilong's dramas so far and was very excited for this one. Maybe this is the reason why I'm so disappointed. Especially after Everlasting longing.This drama should have been 16 episodes at maximum. 3 out of 5 episodes there's absolutely NOTHING happening.
First half is quite good, I was glad it is not as much oriented to work but after the mountain trip it goes stright to office/work hell. Lol.
I mean, I spend my whole life working, don't wanna watch it in drama. Gimme a break.
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Nice FL improvement
I watched this when i was obsessed with Teng Zewen and if you want to see romance, i suggest you to skip because the drama is solely focused on FL character development.Plot is about FL who was transmigrated into 1980 and found herself as fat woman who had been fooled by young scumbag. She had been dumped in front of neighbor and didn't know about her husband appearance since they are never met.
I like how FL want to gain her own money by selling noodles and naturally make her body more skinnier due hard work for making noodle and selling noodle in front of her husband factory.
Wang Daotie in here is just like icing sugar on cupcake. He is basically FL support system and there is almost non of their romantic scene so it feels the relationship is platonic.
Recommended to watch if you want to see character development on Female Lead.
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Exasperating
Spare your mental health from this crappy drama of unnecessarily tortured souls. Even Romeo and Juliet had more courage and spine in their little finger than this idiotic FL!This K-drama is utterly exasperating and
sociopathically immature.
The music (3 songs used over and over and over and over and over again) is hideous, the plot is non-existent and the FL has arrested development! What on earth can a generous and resilient ML find so sexy in an eternally sniffly, teary-eyed, manipulativly submissive 35 year-old?? What a waste and space of 18 hours that I'll never get back!!
The writer should be whipped, the director suspended and the cast should've quit and flown out on that darn plane to the US!
This drama will solidly rest on the very bottom rung of my personal K-drama preferences. I actually hope it will fall off it and disappear into that "something in the rain" of night...
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Sweet romance between food vlogger and orthopaedic surgeon
I got to know about this drama through subreddit CShortDramas. I like Shi Yue Yue and Duan Mei Yang's acting but wow, I didn't expect to thoroughly enjoy the drama. I was giddy with excitement while watching it - well most of the time.What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was cheerful, charming & confident. She was also a good cook & a foodie!
2. Romance - She courted him first. I liked her forwardness and that her moves never crossed the line - she wasn't a stalker. Their romance was sweet with slight spice. I loved that she cooked for him.
3. Medical - It's great that the ML was an orthopaedic surgeon. I enjoyed the medical scenes.
4. Acting - Splendid performances by both Shi Yue Yue and Duan Mei Yang. They had great chemistry. The cast also did well in their roles.
5. ML characterisation - He never paid attention to ladies who developed crush on him but he finally fell for her charms. I liked his professionalism and his protectiveness of FL.
6. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's male colleague and the nursing staff. Boy, I wish I could join the nurses and cheer for FL & ML pairing.
7. Food - I also loved all the food scenes from cooking and having meals together to remembering each other's food aversion / preference.
What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's female colleague was possessive of ML and envious of FL. It was unprofessional of her to sabotage FL's recovery. I disliked her for manipulating ML's mother.
2. Stalker - Wow that was scary.
Favourite scene
FL & ML's kiss outside of the hospital
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This review may contain spoilers
I have a mixed feelings about this show. The individual cases are really good. It highlights common issues either in Korea or in the world such as animal abuse, child abuse (Elijah case), immigrants and workplace harrasment. The backstory of each cases are also written quite well. The tense of each case and the tense when they're handling each case is really enjoyable. Those things are enough to keep you invested. However, several things are still disturbing me.The trial processes are mostly unconvincing because each side sometimes pull something unusual, but it's still bearable. Also the case resolutions often involve something excessive, such as changing the law or sudden adoption, yet I still consider this tolerable. However, everything outside the cases is just really uncompelling. The one that annoys me a lot is the poor chemistry on the "original" Pro Bono Team. I'm talking about the original team, so let's exclude Kang Da Wit. This team is just a bunch of sycophants who blindly follow whatever Gi Ppeum says. Take example on Kaya's divorce case: It doesn't need a legal degree to understand that a divorce case normally isn't a public interest. Da Wit acknowledges this issue, while Gi Ppeum still wants to take this case. Most attorneys should be taking Da Wit's side, or at least consider this opinion. However all of the Pro Bono Team takes Gi Ppeum side without any doubt, 4 to 1. During Da Wit's abuse of power case, nobody takes his side after hearing the story from him. So all the chemistry buildings that took place previously are useless and in the end, they're all still Gi Ppeum's lapdogs. Also the writer forgot about the private investigator hired by Da Wit, and Yu I Na— the one Da Wit suspects at the beginning.
With this level of chemistry, the cast has became a waste. Don't get me wrong, Jung Kyung Ho and So Ju Yeon do well here. However putting Yoon Na Moo and Seo Hye Won as main leads? Their characters aren't really impactful, especially Nan Hui who mostly shouts and cries. Some of the witnesses and perperators are not convincing though.
Is it a good show? Yes probably, for a one time watch though. I don't think I want to rewatch it.
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Hooray for Vigilante Justice
I don’t get the super harsh reviews. Was the story perfect? Nah, but it was close. And who doesn’t like the bada** good guys beating up the baddies?First off, the ensemble cast was great. Bogum was perfect as the lead and displayed and wide range of emotions with ease. You really felt what his character felt, laughing, crying, or pissed as hell when he did. The rest of the main cast were also very like-able and they had excellent chemistry. And Oh Jung Se nailed his role as the villain.
Actions scenes were consistently exciting, heart-pumping, and cool to watch. The choreography was so fun, and it never felt repetitive. The time and effort that went into them was evident. The OST also added a lot to the action.
Story wise, it wasn’t super original (not the first time we’ve seen action hero/police officers vs bad guys). However, it didn’t deter from my enjoyment or wanting to know how things would shake down. The only weak/unfinished parts were 1) Dong-ju’s physical health. I was expecting them to come back to it at the end, but it was suddenly okay. I was surprised they didn't cover how it psychologically affected him, and it would have added more depth and emotion to that plot point. 2) Ha-na’s mother. I didn’t think her character was absolutely necessary. There was some sort of arc, but not till the end, and her character was just irritating. Their relationship repairing didn’t need to happen. 3) Ha-na and Dong-ju’s relationship. As cute as it was, we didn’t get to see enough of it. Ha-na acted as a great support for Dong-ju and they had sweet/spicy moments, but after the relationship was first established it took a back burner to the main plot. Things were always just good between them, and it would have been nice to see the ups and downs or further development.
That being said, I really enjoyed this one! I was rooting for the right people the whole time, and it was never boring. Sometimes you just need a satisfying watch and it’s okay if it’s not perfect. It was exactly as advertised and a good time. Would watch again!
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A mediocre remake of "Revenge"
Wanvela (the main protagonist) projects herself as this charming, well-spoken, and unassuming lady but little do people know that she's on a mission to tear down a wealthy, powerful family that mistreated her and her parents in the past. Kanisorn (the main antagonist), the matriarch of the wealthy family, is highly suspicious of her and (correctly) deduces that she has ulterior motives—the matriarch's son and grandson get charmed by Wanvela and to name a few.But that's only the beginning of the show's troubles—the acting is dry and cringe at times, the rather predictable plot is drawn out and introduces many unnecessary additions, and the ending is, to put it bluntly, poorly executed.
In a nutshell, Lying is a remake of the critically-acclaimed American TV show "Revenge". A good idea and concept, but the execution and presentation are, at best, mediocre.
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My Boyfriend 'Could' Be An Idol!
When I first heard about 'My Bias Is Showing', I screamed my lungs out, as I have seen or read the synopsis of the series here before it's premiere. I was hoping to see some concerts and high class performances similar to K-pop Idols, as I'm a huge fan too.I raised my hopes too high, but this focused on the relationships part between the main leads and the side couple. It was mainly about the plot, not the music and performances people. Again, the mains' love (Choi Siyeol and Ae Najoon) bloomed later in the series, as they encountered so many problems...when tried talking it out, it wouldn't turn out perfect.
For a matter of fact, we had 10 episodes here, which is somehow rare for a Korean BL series.
They should have sticked to a high budget for quality production, and this could have been the BEST show. For now, I'd say its watchable because Kevin and his partner can portrayed these characters exceptionally good. Their facial expressions and emotions are well delivered and on point, engaging to the viewers at large.
Is it worth watching? I would say YES!
Should you recommend it to others? Probably, because OUR tastes and preferences vary.
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The racer and the doctor both failed at their jobs but won in love
A doctor who will cure your disease ❌A doctor who will make you gay ✅
I don't watch verticals as their lack of depth doesn't pull me in, but when this was released, the YT recommendation pinned it on my forehead that I SHOULD watch it.
I wasn't sure why I should watch this, but the first episode was... well, that convinced me to watch the whole series. And guess what? I DON'T REGRET A THING!
Storyline wise, it's dubious, nonsensical, wacky, trashy but SOO GOOD!!! ✋🤣
The acting is decent, don't expect too much, the background music was well-chosen as they fitted every situation. And OH MY...the chemistry was *chef's kiss*. There was some awkwardness between the two, especially in the kissing scenes, but negligible.
So don't believe my words, just watch it. It's so damn entertaining that you'll actually forget to use the brain 👏🤡❤️🔥
P. S: I hope you never meet this doctor in your life, but what about your fever dreams? Sure! 😹
My rating is based on the entertainment value only, as it was wayyyy superior to the logic (was there any? Idc lol) or the storyline👌🌝
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Consequences for stupid action
I was watching this since i like Chai Hui Xin. If you want to see romantic scene, you just turn away and search another drama. Qian Zhe acting skill is not well-show on this drama. The plot is *sigh* illogical even we always curse Female Lead because she is too stupid, Male Lead is the same everything is make my blood tension high. Miscommunication destroy everything and the ending explain the consequences for being too stupid, you paid the prize.Even as fans of both actor, i wont recommended this.
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