Hype that will not stand up with time

Hype that will not stand up with time. This series does not measure up to the standards of good, much less great, Korean Drama. The cast is excellent, of course (except for the VIPs, though the inside joke on American actors is rich), but the plot is predictable from the beginning through to the end. From the moment 001 (a heavy-handed clue) showed up, the repetition mixed in with violence and gore was evident, and the outcome was predictable.

However. Blessings on Netflix for bringing international film to the world, especially during the pandemic. But don't try to own it, guys: just stream it.

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This show started strong but quickly became repetitive with the same events happening over again in every episode. The female lead treated the male lead the same way through the majority of the drama except for maybe the last 3 episodes. The last few minutes of ep 13 were handled in a mature way, but the drama lost steam in the middle. It's like the writers ran out of ideas and so decided that having the leads go through the same conflicts throughout the entirety of the drama would suffice in filling up time. That to me is lazy writing and I was not here for it. I wish I would have dropped this earlier when it became obvious, but no I'm hard headed.

- Final episode thoughts

Almost all of the finale was so unnecessary and uninteresting...
The continued ex conflict was lame enough, but the separation took away from the intense love and friendship they had for each other, which was the best part of the entire drama.
Wei Wei was supposed to be an intelligent adult woman, yet she couldn't possibly stay in contact with her male friend/ lover Kehuan and focus on growing as a person ?

I could understand a bit of time and space before having a serious relationship, but 13 months completely out of her life, with no interaction as friends? Ke Huan proved that he would respect her boundaries as friends, so she is not under any pressure.
The actors were amazing, the story was not.

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I really cannot understand how the korean writers can write amazing stories but cannot write a god damn proper final. I did not like the ending. At all. The 'solutions' to the problems were found in the most basic way or ignoring their existence overall.

I could not get the reasoning behind Moon Cha Youngs' final decision. Overall, the last episode felt like two episodes were merged into one by cutting parts out, and so it didn't feel cohesive. I liked this drama. The only thing I didn't agree with was her leaving. If it had been because she learned the truth about his mom then I could understand her wanting some time because she might be guilty (which she shouldn't), but her leaving because of what happened with her mom? Nope, I feel like that's when you would want to be closer to the person you love.

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This season was actually the worst.

This season was actually the worst. Season 1 was boring, but this season was just poorly executed. The casting was a total miss. Aside from a few people, the rest of the cast is uninteresting or unlikeable. They need to get the old PD back. The format and the flow of the show are just weird also. Why didn’t they let them choose their ex on some dates? That would help them clear up their misunderstandings/ lingering feelings. And half the season just focused on them eating/drinking/ arguing and doing the same stuff every episode. The topics they talked about also kept going in circles. It’s exhausting and frustrating to watch as a viewer. In season 2, there was drama, but there were also wholesome moments. This season pure drama and frustration. I am officially dropping this season. It’s excruciating to continue watching.

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It felt like more care was put into earlier episodes versus the latter

Xianxia tends to be hit or miss with me, but I was drawn in by the appeal of seeing Bai Lu and Luo Yunxi together again after the Love is Sweet. Their chemistry doesn't disappoint. I really loved the first 3/4 of this drama. Though both leads are good, Luo Yunxi really owned the show as the tortured Tantai Jin, and I found two of the lifetimes (Ming Ye/Sang Jiu and Tantai Jin/Ye Xiwu) equally absorbing and the CGI above the usual. But once we returned to the "present," the storytelling fell apart quite a bit for me. The pacing became uneven, the cut from scene to scene disjointed. The logic of the characters became inconsistent and subordinate to the plot. Sometimes it lagged, sometimes it was too hurried. The ending was not, for me, satisfying. It just felt sloppy. I don't know what happened in the production, but it certainly felt like more care was put into earlier episodes versus the latter and I only ended up finishing because of my investment from the earlier episodes . I went from wishing the drama would never end to wondering if it ever would by ep 33, a big disappointment. That's not to take away from the actors. I hope to see Bai Lu and Luo Yunxi collaborate again

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Directionless and incredulous show with a psycho mom

First of all, the writer can't seem to determine whether they want the story to go into comedy or have serious plot lines. Because the story taking place outside the village is all suspence and serious, but once you enter the village, the characters suddenly become comedic. Take Woobyeok's two secretaries, for example. The show started out pretty good. Initially, I figured the show would be about a prosecutor on a path of revenge or a path of corruption that took away his father's life. Either way, both interesting. Then the accident happen which was an unexpected twist that could've made things more interesting.

But once Kang-Ho came back home, the story devolved into a bunch of country bumpkins acting like fools. There's no clear direction and the writers just randomly tossed in every known K-drama cliche such as family car death, major illness and unnecessary misunderstandings. All happening at once! Once country bumpkins take over, we see less and less of two villains who are much more interesting. They're wasting so much time adding incredulously improbable plot lines during Kang-ho's "recovery" process, it's gotten hard to watch. The show constantly switches from comedy to cringy drama trying to make you cry.

What really gets me about this show is how Kang-ho's mom comes across. I get that she's had a hard life but she's an absolute nut job! The way she treats Kang-Ho is way past child abuse and she should be jailed for it.

Speaking of child abuse, how Min-Joo lies to her two kids about their father is a next level psychological abuse. How will they recover from this?

We also cannot forget newly discovered ways to treat quadriplegic people. Starve them so they can use their own hands and then throw them in water so they can start walking. Someone actually wrote this crap.

Who else is so sick and tired of the main character losing her crap every other scene?Directionless and incredulous show with a psycho mom

Shortest TL;DR - story failed to maintain the momentum towards the end.

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Let me review this title after 4 years

This was my first ever drama back in 2019, I rewatched it recently for the second time. Of all dramas I’ve watched, this is the most realistic. Actors play their roles perfectly, the plot is creative, the storyline is simple, yet with a lot of conflicts that are realistic and really tugs at your heart. Everything is flowing at a perfect pace. This drama deserves an endless amount of awards. This drama really holds a unique charm like no other. In terms of cinematography I can confidently say I have never, in my years of watching k- dramas, seen anything quite like it. Every shot has an amazing authenticity to it and the palette for each frame is stunning, it feels just like a movie. It’s good at focusing on the details that create a view of life seen through the eyes of those living it. It strays from the widespread use of commercial lighting and taking one shot from 20+ angles and instead focuses on the brilliant visual storytelling and the raw emotion between characters.

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Overrated & cringe

If you are over the age of 13, this is probably not the show for you. I selected "I am not a Robot" because of its popularity on this site. While I did get through the entire series (because I'm a masochist), I rage watched it, expecting it to improve. That's time I can never get back!

There are many of the standard K-drama tropes. The rich guy who is super smart but spoiled, self absorbed and socially awkward, and the poor girl who is contantly bullied and denigrated by the men in her life. We are also told over and over again that the female lead only has an IQ of 94 (never mind the flaws in using IQ tests, or that this would be within the range of normal people)...we get it...she's ordinary and a little bit simple. From the very first episode, he mistreated her in a way that made me not like him. If he wasn't really good looking, even the teeny bopper fan girls wouldn't be rooting for this guy.

Secondly, there's the plot itself. I like weird stuff, but this was too weird. First, you have to suspend disbelief that this supposed genius couldn't figure out that this "robot" was a real woman (I promise you, a caveman would have figured this sh** out by episode 2). It was so awkward watching him be attracted to what he essentially believed to be a really pretty appliance.

Finally, the pacing. If it had been written so that only for the first few episodes he thought she was a robot, then the reveal, leading to the development of a genuine romance between two real people, there would have been a chance that this could have been salvaged. Instead, we had to suffer through cringeworthy moments for 2/3 of the show, making it difficult (for me at least) to invest in the characters and their love story.

Now I've seen comments and reviews of other people who didn't like the secondary characters. I don't have an issue with the older guy/younger girl romance. I think the secondary characters were actually better to watch. They injected the realism, humour and drama and showed the most character growth.

To cut a long story short, watch something else!

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My all time favorite after Knowing Bros

I love the show for several reasons: (1) I learn about the foods that South Koreans like to eat; (2) about the founding and history of the cities they visit; (3) the funny quips of the hosts and their guests; (4) the challenge of whether or not to be invited to dinner; (5) the stories that the families tell. Thanks to the entire production for the excellent work and dedication! Its a vastly different show I feel. Its one of those shows thats consistently entertaining but not chaotic like KB, inviting a more chill viewing experience.
I would recommend the part where they go around and introduce places while bickering with other (with the narrator from Jjak doing an excellent job so you can immerse into what's going on), which is very informative and very fun to watch if you are into history and background of landmarks at Seoul.

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D.P. (Season One), directed by Han Jun-hee and based on the webtoon D.P: Dog Days by Kim Bo-tong, is a standout K-drama that explores the tough world of South Korea's mandatory military service. The series follows Private An Joon-Ho (Jung Hae-In), a quiet and observant soldier recruited into the D.P. team tasked with capturing military deserters. With a keen eye for detail and an empathetic heart, Joon-Ho navigates the grim realities of military life, mixed with moments of normalcy and camaraderie. The show presents a raw and unflinching look at the toxic masculinity and systemic abuse in the military, making it a powerful and impactful drama.

Mandatory military service is a big part of South Korean society, with all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 required to serve for about 18 to 21 months. D.P. stands out for its fearless exploration of toxic masculinity and systemic abuse within the military, issues that have long troubled the South Korean armed forces. The series does not shy away from showing the brutal hazing, bullying, and dehumanizing practices that are too common in military life.

"Just because we don’t see it with our own eyes (or have it happen to us) does not mean these incidents are not real."

The show's creator, Kim Bo-tang, uses the military to reflect broader societal issues. The fear and violence in the barracks mirror the toxic hierarchies and power dynamics that exist in many areas of life. Joon-Ho's empathy and moral conflict serve as a counterpoint to the pervasive brutality, highlighting the human cost of such a system. The harsh conditions and abusive environment in the military have led to significant mental health issues among conscripts, with anxiety, depression, and PTSD being common among those who have faced severe bullying and hazing.

Han Jun-hee's direction is compelling, capturing the stark contrast between the rigid, oppressive environment of the military and the fleeting moments of freedom outside the base. The cinematography effectively shows the claustrophobic and tense atmosphere of the barracks, while the scenes outside offer a brief respite, highlighting the characters' longing for normalcy.

"I should at least do something."

While D.P. excels in its thematic exploration and character dynamics, it does suffer from some issues. The main characters, particularly Joon-Ho, Park Beom-Goo, and Han Ho-Yeol, could be developed more. Their backstories and motivations are hinted at but not fully explored, leaving some aspects of their characters unclear. Additionally, the series' climax veers into melodramatic territory, which can feel out of place compared to the grounded nature of the earlier episodes. The series features many comedic elements to add some levity to the serious subject matter, but this often comes at the cost of spending time on more meaningful points that could add more weight to the series.

Another significant issue is the procedural format of the series, which is its biggest downfall. Many elements of the first season don't go anywhere, are underdeveloped, or are completely forgotten about and unresolved. The procedural structure makes many scenes within the first four episodes feel meaningless. This format detracts from the overall impact and coherence of the series, making it feel disjointed at times.

Despite these shortcomings, D.P. is a compelling and emotionally resonant series that sheds light on the harsh realities of mandatory military service. The depiction of bullying and abuse resonated with many veterans, making it a domestic phenomenon.

D.P. is a powerful and thought-provoking series that deserves recognition for its bold storytelling and unflinching portrayal of systemic abuse. It humanizes its characters while critiquing the toxic structures they navigate, offering a poignant commentary on fear, masculinity, and power. D.P. stands as a significant work in the K-drama landscape, deserving of a wider audience and deeper appreciation. The series' commitment to highlighting important issues within the military, such as the real-world phenomena of desertion and the struggles soldiers face, makes it not only a compelling drama but also a crucial conversation starter about the urgent need for reform.

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Good Enough

" I'll go to you when the weather is nice " was like reading a slice of life book.

The setting was perfect, with the winter scenery, the rural area, the forest and the small town with the cozy bookstore. The drama worked with the light really well and kept that rustic, authentic appeal till the very ending. The pace was relaxing, as well, slow and perfect, even though the family drama was intense. The latter was introduced slowly too, with a few scenes here and there to keep things interesting till the ultimate climax. The portray of the emotions of the characters then was just spot on, as they didn't overdo it with the understanding and their reactions. Rather, they were ordinary humans who react selfishly, awkwardly and disappointingly. The drama also followed not only the two main leads, but their families and friends' stories as well. Especially the story of the aunt was pretty great. Finally, the romance was good, not too intense and just right for the mood of the drama.

However, the drama had some boring moments, especially towards the ending, when it felt like they were trying to fill in the gaps between the actual action. Still, the performances were great from everyone, as it is expected from a stellar cast (at a point it felt like a Extraordinary you reunion ha ha), and the drama did feel like it is a book adaption.

So, overall, seven out of ten.

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Made me go through sadness, happiness and finally left me with a smile!

In my opinion, art(be it movies, music, etc.) is intended to make the viewer feel emotions. Think of your favorite movies/songs, and ask yourself why is this my favorite? The reason is mostly because of the way the movie made you feel. Your favorite movie(s) would have evoked emotions in you that you strongly relate with. So whenever you want to feel those emotions you will want to watch the movie again :)

This movie made me feel super-emotional: sad when I saw the background stories of the main characters, and happy when they were able to find happiness and love in each other.

At the surface level, the movie seemed "light". It's less than 2 hours long, and the narration doesn't spend a lot of time to set up their background. However, it looks like they didn't need to, as the acting and screenplay is brilliant that they are able to emote really well and make us go through what the characters are going.

Especially in the end when Jeong-hwa is running to find Cheol-min after she finds out he's visited her after 2 years. Can't find him and eventually breaks down in tears: It's hard not to feel emotional there.

Han Hyo-joo(the lead actress) has such a beautiful smile, it's so hard to not get sucked into the character and fall for her when she emotes with that smile and innocence.

So Ji-seob(leading actor) doesn't show a lot of emotions on his face, because his character doesn't reveal them to the outside world, instead internalizing his pain and his past. But you can still feel what he is going through.

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Bille August is definitely a better director of a more intimate genre, and he confirms it in this case as well. All "action" scenes stink of cheap production, tricks are more than transparent. Especially at the beginning it looks terrible, during the bombing of Tokyo, I wanted to give up right away. After about 20 minutes, the "CGI mess" disappears and it moves towards a sad story about the Japanese occupation of China. Where the local people suffer. The plot revolves around two strangers who found their way to each other despite the adversity of fate. The depiction of the Chinese village and its customs are among the better, but that's not enough.

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This drama had a compelling start, and one strong aspect it had was its well-executed action scenes. However, I feel that as the story continued to develop, it became convoluted with the introduction of additional characters and the amount of information that needed to be processed. I also noticed that nearly every episode had a misleading ending. For example, Episode 5 (spoilers ahead) ended with footage of Ji-hyuk shooting Soo-yeon, and Episode 6 (spoilers ahead) ended with Je-yi seemingly betraying Ji-hyuk. This pattern felt repetitive, and I think it stripped away the anticipation and suspense for me since I could assume that it was merely a false lead.

Nevertheless, although I feel a little disappointed by the writing's direction and the last episodes, I still think that this drama was a fairly enjoyable watch, especially for Namgoong Min and his acting. Without a doubt, he gave an impressive performance as Han Ji-hyuk.

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