Intriguing concept but execution underwhelming

I really wanted to like this drama. It is a story that should have appealed to me, because I am in that age group as FL was, but it was so actually more frustrating. The relationship between ML and FL was at times very mature, they talked over important matters, but at the other times it wasn't, probably for sake of adding more episodes to the story. The drama behind their break up was ridiculous, as was evident when they got together again. It would have been better if they actually showed them struggling toward their mutual goal, rather than doing that sudden hope losing and separation thing that didn't serve any purpose, because it defeated the point of all the talking they did at the beginning of their relationship.
The SML disturbed me a bit because he verged toward psychopathic tendencies, and by all means he could have been a perfect SML who had it all - brains, looks, humor, and even a baby to share (well, if there wasn't a mom already around even though not present). By the way, the Do-a's Mom character was important in highlighting the issue not very much talked about, the postpartum depression. Kudos to writers for talking about women issues rarely shown on TV, but sadly that alone does not make a good storytelling.
What actually annoyed me the most, was that here we had a story about 40-somethings and they all behaved as cringy teenagers - barely touching, holding hands, and keeping decent distance. There was no romantic tension between FL and any of her possible love interests - they all could have been her siblings for all I saw here. Only one kiss and even that one was timid. The only actually quite sexy scene was when I-Sang was caught taking his shirt off by her mother, and the director was probably planning it purely for laughs! Do not misunderstand me - I did not need steamy scenes like those in Love to Hate You (I wouldn't have complained though), but more chemistry between leads would have made a lot of difference in my seeing their relationship as realistic. There was so much possibility to make that happen. For example, when ML and FL were finally alone together at B&B, SML saw them through the window holding hands and smiling at each other. Seriously? The scene would have been so much more powerful (not to mention more realistic) and painful for SML if he saw them hugging and kissing as real couples do.
Except for those annoyances, I liked actors, both Go Jun and Jang Na Ra, and side characters were interesting too. There were no villains and no evil plotting (except by screenwriter himself). The first half of the series was imho better, as the second half went into overdrive with all the unnecessary melodrama, but I am not sorry for watching this through. It was quite pleasing to see women and men supporting each other, and actually talking over important issues. If only there was more chemistry as would have been normal for relationships between adults, and if only there wasn't that superfluous drama in the second half, it would have been a great show, especially because of some valuable life lessons shared both for women and men.

Lire davantage

Sweet and fun!

I paused watching the drama after three episodes, because the ML's haughtiness had driven me crazy. However, when I started watching it again, my resolve has melted, and enjoyed the story till the end. ML still remained all serious even when joking (I liked more SML's cheeky smile), but to be honest, it did fit his role as the Crown Prince. FL was absolutely gorgeous, I couldn't find any fault in her acting. Even though SML was oozing with charm, I didn't feel any SLS, because it was obvious from the start his priorities were elsewhere. Supporting cast was amazing, from the villain and the king (the all-present Jo Han Chul, he was in everything I watched so far!) to hilarious FL fellow villagers. The story wasn't complicated and inundated with heavy historical plot, the villains weren't overtly devious, and episodes were all equally strong, not dragging at all.
I recommend watching this if you are looking for something sweet and fun to entertain yourself with.

Lire davantage

Really good historical romance

Story-wise, this was surprisingly good historical romance, with so many twists that I was never once bored. Actors were superb, and I am looking forward to watching more dramas and movies with Park Eun Bin in. But, there's always a but - it was hard to believe that petite slender frame and frail voice could ever be mistaken for a man. Also, so many people in her vicinity knew her identity that it was absurd that no one else knew and the secret was kept secret for so long.

The last episode was very satisfying, although I think the director had to choose that one particularly emotional scene over the explanatory one in order to keep the episode under the required running time. I loved that scene very much, so no complaints there, but some questions were left unanswered on the screen. After being spoon-fed with explanations over 20 episodes, that was kind of weird to have to conclude on our own what has happened in the between major scenes.

Lire davantage

Valuable lessons for both men and women

Refreshing take on the romance between stars and regular people, in the way there is nothing ordinary about the leading lady. She is beautiful and fearless, needing no rescue from any knight. Both however are brutal toward the opposite sex, which is the only thing - beside the violence that was so exaggerated and unnecessary, not in the slightest way funny! - that bothered me here. I have learnt that the way people behave with other people shows their character and how they might behave towards you once the spark leaves the relationship - and that's why I didn't really find that amusing. However the characters in the story did change their ways and became better people, and their relationship really was sweet and mature. I liked also that they weren't shying away from the steamy kiss scenes too, that made their relationship more believable.

The bromance between Won-Joon and Kang-Ho was great and quite hot, so if you are into LGBT, you might like it.

I wasn't impressed by supporting roles though. Na-Eun seemed to me too girly and weak, and I couldn't figure out Won-Joon's character. It might be the script's fault, because he was just the same toward everyone. For what I've seen he could have been in love with Ms Choi, Grace, Kang-Ho and Na-Eun equally, his emotions were everywhere.

Overall, if you can get past the gratuitous violence, you may like this story. It is not only because of sweet love-hate romance. The message here is strong that people are not objects to be played with, both women and men, and reputation is just an euphemism for slavery to fickle and generally vicious public opinion. That's what makes these kinds of stories hard to believe to, because we know in today's world it's impossible to maintain healthy relationships under the constant scrutiny of the public eye. This series tried to show us how cruel and inconsiderate public can be, and maybe somebody watching this can learn something from it.

Lire davantage

Sad yet realistic

I am a newbie to KDramas, having seen only a few of them, and I haven't reviewed none yet, but I felt compelled to review this one right after watching it.

I do not like this kind of movies, because they sadden me and real life is tough enough. However I agree with the message the movie sent and the importance of listening and caring for your loved ones. Work should not ever come first. The movie portrayed realistically the ups and lows of a relationship strained by long commute, long working hours and temptations of having attractive colleagues at work. Not a single moment I thought any person was bad - there are no villains here, just flawed young people making flawed decisions. I just felt sad for them and wanted to hug dearly my loved ones afterwards. If you like to watch genuine dramas about life, you might like this movie. Be warned, the ending is not cheerful and perfect. It is just like life tends to be sometimes, sourly realistic.

Do not read further if you wish to avoid spoilers.

*
*
*

The main lead Hyeok deserved what he got at the end. Even then he didn't realise what he did wrong, given how self-absorbed he was. For me, the breaking point was when he wanted her to terminate the pregnancy. A big nope, and the biggest sign their relationship was doomed. Luckily for her, she decided against it as we saw in the reel in the end. While I do not agree with her decision to seek refuge in the arms of the man she just feels sorry for, I can understand that she just wants the best for the baby that otherwise won't have a father. Still, who knows? Maybe they will reconnect in Jeju, after all, he's coming there too, although maybe not at the same time. The movie left that card open. I am not sure would I, if I were Da-Eun, accept him back. He still seemed immature at the end, only sorry for himself.

Lire davantage

Beautiful and heartwarming story!

I expected light romance with ghosts doing some mischief, and I ended up crying my heart out. I can't get out of my room yet, or I'll have to explain my puffy face.

Other than the fact it's not recommended to watch it on the 38 degrees hot Sunday afternoon, the movie was sweet and touching. The twist was very unexpected, in a good way.

I used to have very dark thoughts. I have learnt these were probably caused by my Hashimoto's that's currently under control. Still, I am none brighter person than I was. Still, I have learnt to live with my mood swings and try to think - Unhappiness today may bring something good tomorrow. Just keep fighting, praying and hoping for better.

Lire davantage

Amazing early roles of Gong Yoo and Gong Hyo Jin

The topic was very controversial and the writers were fully aware of it. They walked the line very carefully and were very open in discussing the matter over and over. I was 18 in my last year of the high school so basically I was an adult in the school. They were it seems also 18-19 here? Legal age in my country, still, the relationship would have been wrong and teachers committing to them would definitely have been fired.

Here it is important to note not once Na Bori was trying to seduce her student, but he was the one who swept her away. He did some wrong things though in the name of love, but that was an immature kid who grew up in the meantime. On the other hand, the teacher who loved her since she was his student? That was quite creepy. And this is not double standard, as Na Bori really wasn't thinking of her student in any but platonic way while her teacher was consciously taking photos and dreaming of her while she was his student. Well, what eventually prevailed was that he wasn't as strong character as even younger Tae-In was. I wouldn't ever want to be with a man without the spine.

Gong Yoo was amazing. Even in that early role he was great. Yes, it was obvious he was much older than a general student, but then, that would really look creepy on the screen and the romance wouldn't work. He had to look older and taller than her to be a charmer. Hyo Jin was equally mesmerising. I loved her since watching The Producers.

What amused me the most, I thought there wouldn't be any good kissing scenes, just like in The Producers, because from the way the romantic scenes were filmed I could tell Hyo Jin didn't want to be kissed, which is fair for the actors to ask, but not great for the viewers. (Do not misinterpret me - I dislike sex on screen or anything explicit and potentially embarrassing for actors. A single passionate kiss or two will do, just to show real intimacy between people in love. A light speck of the kiss or hug is just too underwhelming after so much time invested in looking at them agonizing for love together). However naughty Gong Yoo stole kisses anyway in the scenes that didn't call for them, because she looked so genuinely surprised every single time, and I don't think that was just good acting ? Those kisses were the best, because they seemed so sweet, and I wished them shipped together in the real life. Pity that ship sailed long ago, and considering how it was played in this series, probably there wasn't anything between them before and after.

Lire davantage

Good visuals but lame story

If acting and visuals weren't so good I would have given a lower rating. The whole story depressed and annoyed me, because there were some unanswered puzzles and the main character was meh. I know I should have pitied her, but she got good looks and brains on her side, and to allow that whole shenanigans with bosses and drunkard mother to cripple her when she should have embraced the world awaiting her, it's beyond annoying. The last scene was especially infuriating. Now when she could get something wholesome, she made such a dumb and ultimately selfish move. And don't even mention the kiss on the ledge. As if the writer was a teen girl, not a regular human who would otherwise put them both to the safety first, although they weren't supposed to be there at all, but there was no logic in the whole movie anyway.

Lire davantage

A bit long-ish pilot episode

I liked the oddity of the story, and it seemed it would be a nice weird horror detective show. However the story ended abruptly and nothing was really explained as if there should have been another season, but there apparently isn't.

As for characters, Ms Ahn was interesting, but annoyed me terribly. Being oddball is ok, but being so self-centred to not see how hurtful you behave towards the only person who cares truly about you, no, it's not ok. Teasing romance is fine for a show like this, but those shenanigans are hard to swallow if there are no sparks between them. ML tried hard, but FL was too absorbed in her despair that there was no room for anybody else but herself. I lost interest eventually. If there was another season, maybe I would have watched, who knows? As it is, I am glad it was a short show, so I didn't waste too much time on it. I am not sorry I have watched it, but I do not feel any better for it.

Lire davantage

Endearing and positive story about relationships

I loved this drama. Plotwise, in my opinion it wrapped things well and satisfactory. As for romances, I wish there was one or two more episodes just to see how well these relationships have evolved. Maybe the creators hoped for another season, but for some reason it hasn't ever materialised.

All four main leads were lovable and cute even when their sincere feelings were misfiring, and I cheered for them all. What I liked the most, each character grew as a person. Mad respect, true friendship, mature communication and genuine love. I understood what attracted Seung-Chan to Ye-Jin and not to Cindy. Cindy was more age appropriate for him, but not challenging enough for his brain that was always working overtime, and his innocent heart went for kindness of Ye-Jin's. However, that doesn't mean he won't eventually fall in love with Cindy - she sure changed her demeanor and doesn't intend to give up on him yet. Jun-mo and Ye-Jin were definitely destined to be together, and I liked their bickering and understood the fear behind losing what you have for uncertainties of romance.

If you are looking for hot kiss scenes, there weren't any, just sweet, meaningful conversations and swoonworthy gestures. Oh I feel so much warmth in my heart now. I wish people would really be so kind to each other in real life.

Lire davantage