All around pleasant to watch

While I have no background knowledge of the game Go (except from Reply 1988) nor of manga, the drama effectively showed the journey of one’s unfounded passion. Accidentally discovered, reluctantly learned followed by relentless pursuit which ended with success beyond the conventional definition. It was interspersed with endearing characters and events that shaped the lead’s character. This was the ride that engaged me throughout, it was emotional at times but quite satisfying.

I truly enjoyed how Yu Liang and Shi Guang’s odd relationship exposed the worst and yet brought out the best in both of them. While the close interaction didn’t happen till the last episode you can feel their connection from their very first meeting. Yu Liang acted tough and aloof on the outside but you can feel his loneliness and longing for someone who can understand him. I also love Hong He, who wouldn’t want a friend like him? Loyal, thoughtful, considerate, loving, altruistic. I just want to hug him tight. His acting in particular was phenomenal! In fact all the actors including the club teachers were so good.

What I did not like was how slow it was in the first 20 episodes but I understand why it has to be done that way, it was needed in the story. The drama picked up after that but really climaxed for me in the last 6 episodes. There is so much to be said but in the end I would recommend this drama if you are looking for a slow burn, feel good, no romance slice of life genre. Go enthusiasts would likely find action here as I heard they actually hired professional Go players to make realistic plays.

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Worth 59 hours (and some) of your time.

My first Xianxia and I slept happy with my choice. I watched without any background on this genre, just read the synopsis and thought it was interesting enough and 59 hours later here i am languishing in whatever post production clips I could find on the net.

While this is a love story in general, it isn’t just a love story of the main leads. It’s also a love story between families, friends and clans. It’s also about loyalty and the ever present fight between right and wrong/ good and evil. It highlights humanity’s obsession with the “me first” mentality so much so that reason and sense disappear in a snap, all done under the guise of righteousness. I have to admit that some tricks have been overused (I.e. blood spitting and multiple near death scenes) and got old towards the end but it didn’t affect the overarching theme of the story.

I love the main leads but the supporting characters brought soul to the story, yes even the master evil schemer who does not want to die and just won’t die Yuan Lang and the spiteful Wu Tong. LingLong and Minyan’s relationship is the most complex I think and the actors did such a beautiful job expressing their characters. I wasn’t a huge fan of the OST in the beginning but at the end they were perfect for every scene. The director’s hard work and love of his craft could be seen and felt in this masterpiece. I highly recommend this drama.

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This was one roller coaster of a ride, the exhausting kind where you have to really hold on tight or else you’ll fall off your seat or maybe, just maybe, you’ll let go yourself because you... just can’t take any more nonsense.

DISLIKES: The first 15 episodes is painfully slow and, for me, kind of directionless. While the carefree nature of the FL is important to portray, the director failed to develop her character even after 7 long episodes into the drama. This is the make or break point of keen viewers who may scratch their heads thinking there must be something wrong with them or all the highly praised reviews must be paid, lol. The other frustrating part are the ++ side stories that took up so much unnecessary screen time and quite frankly didn’t really add much to the main plot, if they did it was so drawn out that the intended impact sputtered into mere bubbles in the air. The never ending schemes of the scorned women undoubtedly challenged my will to finish this drama, it made the ride almost unbearable! These women are literally obsessed and, if truth be told, possessed, lol!

LIKES: Hands down the acting of the ML. Such a powerful portrayal of the master’s quiet kindness that you can feel it through the screen. The same goes for his raw and passionate love for the FL, it was so real you can feel the heat in your own body. I re-watched the above mentioned scenes after I finished the drama as an ode to the actor’s brilliant talent because I know I will not watch this drama ever again.

So much more could be said but in the effort to prevent a long winded read I am just going to conclude that while the plot is decent and most of the actors did their part well, the screenwriting failed to make this an enjoyable ride. This drama highlighted how essential and important screenwriters’ roles are in a successful production but I digress. I wish that I’ve read the book to solidify my conclusion but based on the reviews of those who did I think I am not far off. The lack of coherence and harmony between events and the imbalance of screen time between characters produced whirlwind of emotions on both ends of the spectrum- suffocation (cue Su Jin and Xuan Nu for starters) on one and emptiness on the other (lack of actual Ye Hua and Bai Qian scenes) hence the sickening roller coaster ride.

My advice is similar to the advice I got while watching, hang tight till the leads meet in the mortal world and then decide if you want to invest in at least 40 more hours or so but I won’t blame you either if you decide to pack up your bags and leave way before that happens. Have fun elsewhere, i totally get it :)

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Real

It is hard to keep this review short so know that you’ve been warned.

If I were to describe this series in relationship terms I would say we started out as casual friends then we sort of liked each other but not so sure about the other one yet and then ever so slowly, one episode at a time, fell head over heels in love with each other, for keeps! A one of a kind slice of life genre that started with a small spark which slowly burned and became a massive bonfire that kept me warm and fuzzy all over.

This is definitely not a love at first sight drama, in fact its similarity with DOTS, which I love, was quite a turnoff . I have to admit that the first episode was a bit over the top and unrealistic for me. It took a while to get over the dumb smiles and cutesy scenes in the beginning but the very same smiles melted my heart in the end. I can’t get over how natural and fresh the entire cast were in their performances! Such a talented group of artists!

I can’t pick a favourite among the main three couples to be honest. All of them brought something different to the table, different perspectives on relationships each unique in their own right. Some scenes are cliched and some scenes will never happen in real life but there’s something somewhere someone can relate here because there’s so many everyday real issues. Subtle things like the brother-sister banter, the teacher-student learning relationship and yes even the gossip chain were thoughtfully and realistically woven into the picture. The one thing that felt forced was the part of the two sisters who appeared out of nowhere but they didn’t stay for long so I forgave the screenwriter, lol! If you came here for the action then you will get some which I thought was impressive but it would not satisfy a hard core action fan. Same for the medical geeks out there, some but not a whole lot for you. What this drama has lots of is CUTENESS OVERLOAD, there no shame in saying it out loud, lol! One other thing I liked was how they highlighted the importance of other professions out there, not just the police and doctors. But what resonated to me the most was how the main couple honestly admitted how imperfect their love was because they may have to serve others first before each other. Both understood the nature of their careers and respected it and were at peace with that, isn’t that beautiful?

There’s plenty to take away from small talks from everyone which happens in almost every episode so if you’re not one for these talks then you will definitely find this drama boring. For me, I really like these casual talks between the FL and her friend, full of mature understanding which most folks look for in friendships so it’s obvious that I enjoyed this drama a lot :) The OSTs were quite catchy and lovable. If you want a feel-good series in a slow way then this one is for you.

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I was in the mood for something light and easy to watch. Flipping through Netflix this drama’s trailer seemed to fit the bill and 16 hours later here I am. It’s a first prosopagnosia drama for me so the plot was a novelty and quite interesting in the beginning. The storyline sort of dragged here and there and the pace was slow. The actors did not disappoint although I can’t take the ML’s character together seriously, I mean it is rom-com, yes, but he acts just way toooo childish for a CEO to be. I saw the same actor in a similar-ish role in the Good Doctor, I hope to see him in a more mature, even a villain, role in the future. The main FL is so-so, I wish I could feel her character more but sadly this didn’t happen, in fact she just confused me at times. The ray of light came from the second couple, they brought out the smiles and the laughs from me. The second ML played his character brilliantly and the real Veronica Park was fLawless! She is sooo “annoyingly” funny, I looked forward to her scenes. I mean one can only do her role in only two ways- either really bad or really good. She did it just right! I love her and her character.

I don’t mind the red cardigan but they should look for a different wardrobe manager next time....I mean running on the beach in heels?!? The FL leads’ dresses could be a lot better, like c’mon, I feel like she’s coming straight out of the 80’s in some scenes. Overall, it’s a 7/10 for me and that’s mostly for the real Veronica Park, she is AWESOME !

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Multi-layered

“People will forget what you said, will forget what you did but never how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou’s quote was on repeat in my head throughout this drama. If you ever meet Park Dong Hoon he will strike you as a gentleman, quiet and kind through and through. He thinks of others before himself whether you are his kin, friend or even enemy. So why his wife decided to cheat on him is beyond me but that’s how this sad drama began. Despite a stable job, a solid marriage (before he knew about the infidelity) and a very supportive network Dong Hoon feels the heavy weight of the world on his shoulders . He was slowly dying inside. Although he doesn’t show it, he is miserable, very lonely and has no one to tell him “it’s no big deal” like his dad used to. That is until Lee Ji An came along. She is his unlikely saviour in the most unusual way...and him hers.

This drama is unique in that it has so many layers. You see I’m a binge watcher (reader) for entertaining dramas (books) but this one is so jampacked that you can only take /watch so much at a time. The brothers’ storylines are a treat, reminded me that boys will always be boys no matter their age. My fave actor of all time Lee Sung Kyun delivered yet again, his last crying scene is the loneliest scene of the decade. IU was a pleasant surprise, I think she made a good career move in picking this project.

I liked how each character have their own raw and honest story to tell. There’s a lot of lines that resonated and will stay with me, “do machines work in this company?!”, “You are the first person who was kind to me over four times” “the feeling that I’m the only one not rolling forward.So, sometimes… I sit outside near the door, early in the morning. Because I want to feel as if I’m rolling forward with them, too” are some of the few. I will also not forget “I...like Lee Ji an” and “I can’t die today...I don’t have expensive underwear” and “other people’s food taste better” among the light ones.

I don’t like how Yoon-Hee’s reason for infidelity was shallow but love how how Dong Hoon’s kindness embodies the ripple effect theory. I would recommend this drama if you have time for substance and in the mood for a good cry.

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After hearing my sister rave over and over about this drama while we frantically took photos of Gyeongbokgung Palace, I finally watched it! This was a so-so drama for me. Plot was unique which I liked, however, the story could have been told in 16 or 18 episodes instead of 24. Too many crying and brooding scenes. Too many family scenes that did not contribute to the story at all, forward button please. I really disliked how the male lead’s lack of emotional and verbal communication was really the only source of conflict between him and the female lead, and it lingered forever! They could have (1) highlighted the reason why, (2) showed the process of how hard it is for him to show/say his deepest feelings and then (3) featured how he overcame his struggle in 6 episodes. They could have given the viewers more of the lovey dovey part instead. Oh well, I digress.

The second lead crying scenes were on the cringey side, ack, it pains me to see how awkward he looked. Otherwise the rest acting chops were on the good side. Unfortunately this Drama has no rewatch value for me and no I will not recommend this to my friends.

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I almost dropped this show because of such a disappointing first series, but I am glad I gave it a second chance.

I feel guilty using the word epic as I am not of the generation that use the word casually but that is just what these last 6 episodes are! I have to admit that it started slow but picked up speed especially the last 3 episodes. In fact it was so fast it left me breathless and pretty much at the edge of my seat all the time. The betrayal twist back and forth caused me legit whiplash.

The writer couldn’t have done a better cliffhanger ending, it was a beautiful culmination of the pieces from the first few episodes! I feel that the stage is set and the all the players are ready for the next move.... in September, lol! Not to worry though as they provided just enough sneak peek to calm those with withdrawal sickness, lol!

Acting was great, Kim Ok-Bin is a very convincing Taealha. Song Joong-Ki and Kim Ji Won delivered as expected, phenomenal! The supporting cast deserve a standing ovation as well. Can’t wait for next episode.

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I have mixed feelings about this drama. What I love is the blunt honesty of both the main leads in the beginning. They were hesitant but not afraid to ask, clarify or tell what each other feel about the strangest or the pettiest of things. They said it like it is, a matter of fact....and then episode 15 happened. Like c’mon, why tongue tied and so unsure all of a sudden? It was so anti climactic given that it is the episode before the finale, it suffocated me to be honest.

I like the fact that they did not let not traditions define them or their marriage. On the other hand, they kind of did when they decided to spend the holidays separately with their families... why? Because it meant doing the chores causing a strain in their relationship?! It felt like a push and then a pull, being so fierce in their resolve to stand their ground and yet choosing to “run away” to keep things conflict free. The argument is just so weak it makes ancient traditions appear so shallow and well kind of petty... sad really.

Acting wise it’s ok, Minki and So-min’s eyes did most of the talking which I think is pure talent. I did not really feel any sparks fly between CEO Ma, and Soo Ji and Rang and Won Seok’s? ...oh well, mmm , just more complicated than it should be really, no clear closure at all if they have decided to marry or not.... the best character portrayals were done by the actor who played Bok Nam and actress who played Ji Ho’s mother (she was daebak in Reply 1988), naturally effortless in their acting.

I would not say this is rom-com material. So very few laughs found here.... the music though is just wonderful. In summary this drama is just meeeeh. if you have 16 or more hours to spare then go watch but I wouldn’t be watching this one again.

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Informative and refreshing.

I logged in to just to write a review as I am now very picky with the KDs that I watch these days, I scored big time on this one,

While I’m sure this series falls short in the accuracy of Autism Spectrum Disorder it certainly shed so many useful information for me. The talent in scriptwriting and cinematography is astounding! The background stories flowed, for the most part, seamlessly. Yes, I’m very forgiving about the sloppy back story of FL’s crazy friend and the pub owner and how the ML seemingly appeared to be an all-round assistant/chauffeur instead of acting, and dressing, like an attorney himself. These are but two examples among the few but it has NO , I repeat, NO big impact to the story line at all. It will, however, bother some who likes the finer details, I would liken them to FL’s obsession of lining up every single gimbap in every single mealtime. The director’s command of the story showcased his skills in ushering the viewer into the thoughts and emotions of every character while managing to keep the FL’s in center stage. The cases presented in court fearlessly tackled relevant and current social issues that means a lot in 2022. For the law-loving court fighters out there this drama will fall short of your expectations so please be warned, The light comedic touch was such a delightful topping on the cake that I have looked forward to in each episode. But what I really really liked was how the director stayed true to the story, he did not over exposed the leads to gain viewer “feels” which is quite typical, almost expected I would add, of KD romcoms. All the romantic interactions of the main couple were subtle, not forced.. the kissing scenes felt genuine…and just right.

The acting department, needless to say, is phenomenal! Words escape me how to describe how exceptionally good both leads are and how endearing all the Hanbada staff are!! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, a good actor don’t need to use too many words as half the job is in their facial/body expression.s The subtle nod, the lifting of the eyebrows, the twitch of the eyes are among the few. I am in love with all them!

I think it will be very unwise not to watch this series inasmuch as it also unwise to watch it expecting to have all components of law or autism facts because it will not. Treat yourself instead by watching the series through the eyes a person who is trying to see what may be going inside a human being with autism and loving the human being in the process. Watch it will be my advice!

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I found myself analyzing what is it that made me want to stop watching this drama 1/3 into it? I mean Jun Ji Hyun was funny enough but there was something...it took a while to figure out but in the end I concluded that (don’t hate me please ) the main leads didn’t have chemistry. That and Kim Soo-hyun’s acting, I know his character is supposed be cold and aloof but he ain’t in this one, just a flat affect seemingly in pain majority of the time.

In fairness to KSH I don’t think the failure of this drama (for me ) was all on his skills. Even with the overwhelming cliches the plot was not bad per se (it is an older drama after all) but I think that the overall character development of this drama was poor. The one bright spot of this series was Jun Ji Hyun. I have never seen any of her works but I could confidently say, based on her performance, that she was the perfect actress for this role. She made the character real, while bitchy on the outside JJH was able to show Cheon Song Yi’s “normalness” and vulnerability. Her younger brother was supper funny with his E.T. obsession, haha!

If you are new to kdramaland, go ahead and watch and be entertained. However if you have been around for a while skip this one unless you are a KSH OR JJH fan.

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Refreshingly funny

Ahhhh, it’s been a while since I laughed so hard while watching kdrama! This one tickled me pink. The story is not really unique really but somehow with the actors and cinematography it just hit the sweet spot of refreshing, funny and just right. I admit I was very hesitant to watch because of the FL, she is sooo annoyingly loud and screechy in her other dramas (I could not go past episode 1 of she was pretty) but she nailed her character in this one. Sung Jae is just so cute I want to squeeze his cheeks, this kid is so pure, innocent-looking and such a joy to watch! I’m sure you will flaws in the story line but it didn’t matter to me. Go watch it and have fun!

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