Fantastic ensemble cast, relatable stories and rewatchable moments

Story: This series is very character-driven and I liked that almost every character had an arc and a development. The series ending left me satisfied and yet wanting more. (thankfully there was season 2) Watching this drama felt as though I know these characters in real life. (although in real life I don't have such friends, which is a good thing I guess?) I could relate to the trials and joys of these characters who are about the same age as me, even though my life experiences are no where as dramatic as theirs. (spoiler alert? but it isn't too dramatic vs other k-dramas)

Acting: Perfect. All of them were best characters, even the supporting cast.

Music: The opening theme makes you look forward to watching their lives unfold. The other songs were pretty solid as well, it supported the different moods/scenes. I especially love 'on your collarbone' by jordan klassen. (I generally like acoustic-ish songs haha)

Rewatch value: As the ending credits roll with the opening song, I really felt like I wanted to rewatch the series or thought that it wasn't the last episode. Did I forget to mention that this series has a lot of life lessons/teachable moments? (lol that sounded serious) Besides that, there are hilarious moments in this drama, making this a very rewatchable series :) There are clips in YouTube to rewatch if you are lazy like me haha

Conclusion: I really don't have much to critique... maybe it might seem a bit slow-paced/less melodramatic? But so is life...?

TLDR: I think the main message of this series is that navigating this messy thing called adulthood, which brings about maturing/romance/heartbreaks/accepting oneself, doesn't have to be a huge burden when you have a close group of friends, not necessarily sharing same interests/hobbies/personalities.

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Decent crime thriller

Story: Reminiscent of Stranger/Forests of Secrets, from a who-done-it to a bigger revelations with a supernatural twist. This series kept me on the edge of my seat as a result of good directing and editing. I do find the story a bit draggy with too many twist and turns, which I initially enjoyed in the first half but in the latter not so much. The antagonist felt a bit one-dimensional as it is revealed only in the last few episodes, with barely any hints to suggest the character was an antagonist. Characters were okay, I don't think there were much character development especially for the main leads. Is it just me or that YSH tends to play lovable punks (rude, arrogant, tsundere-ish, but with a heart-of-gold and a tragic past) a lot? (I only watched this and My strange hero - which I gave up)

Acting: Is really good, I can't fault anything. Best character is the old weezer that main lead (YSH) likes to annoy. He brought comic relief and a fatherly role to the main lead, which makes the main lead more likeable.

Music: Well, it has been a few months since I watched it and I did not actively search for the instrumental score nor the OST, so, it was not that memorable? But I do remember it elevated the tension, which is good.

Rewatch Value: Err... I don't plan to rewatch it anytime soon, like in 5 years or maybe longer. I don't really think thrillers are easy to rewatch/reminisce the experience compared to comedy/slice-of-life series

Conclusion: I followed this series as it was airing and following it for the first half was definitely fun and exciting. However, after the halfway mark, I got a little frustrated and the character development was a little lacking. But if you are just seeking for thrills, this series should suffice.

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TLDR: This is a grim drama that sheds light on the negatives in the Korean military service. Although there a couple funny moments brought mainly by the chemistry of the two main leads, the drama does not shy away from difficult topics especially bullying and toxic masculinity.

We are introduced to An Jun Ho, which reminds me of Jung Hae In's character in Prison Playbook, an outwardly tough but deeply empathetic young soldier, who just wants to survive the 2 years and maybe even escape his family situation. The first scene begun with hazing/bullying of younger soldiers done by the senior soldiers. This foretold things to come in the latter episodes. As a way of survival, Jun Ho ended up in the D.P unit, where he is accompanied by an eccentric corporal Han Ho Yol, who I feel mainly provides the comic relief, and has great chemistry with Jun Ho. We are also introduced to the unit's haggard but tries-to-do-things-right sergeant. As the title and plot suggests, this drama dives into why people choose to desert their post during their service, which happens more often than not due to bullying. The last 2 episodes perhaps shows the worst possible scenario of when one is pushed to the verge of insanity as a result from the constant harassments. The series shows how corruption comes into play to prevent positive changes to the military and more importantly, toxic masculinity or obey-thy-senior culture perpetuates the bullying/hazing culture in the military. And at the end of the drama, one is left to wonder if real positive change can ever be implemented or how many more 'accidents' will it take to show the gravity of the situation.

*other things*: i really like the cinematography of the drama, having a 'blurred' look which i thought it meant how these soldiers wish it were like a dream, never truly existed. also, the soundtrack being mostly indie soft rock, especially the opening credits, felt very much like lost or wasted youth, which suits the theme of the drama. as much as i'd like another season mostly to dive deeper into the main leads, i do think the ending was good enough for a closure. lastly as a singaporean female who never went through military service, i do hope that nobody, at least in present times, have to go through such things.

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As good as 1st season despite cast changes

Story: Similar to 1st season, this is a very character-arc driven story. Despite the cast change for Eunjae, I do think her story changes well with the change in actress. This series concentrate more on Jiwon's backstory and how it affects her present and how it changes her outlook and future. (*cue tears* *spoiler*) I think the romance might be better in this series, imo, probably because 1) Jiwon & Sungmin - we have seen them both previously as friends and their genuine friendship makes their relationship even more admirable 2) Eun & Janghoon - epic meet-cute scene along with taller girl and shorter guy, somehow the director/screenwriter really captured the awkward loveliness between both characters well enough I swooned for them. My only critique on the story may be similar to other reviewers, which is that Yeeun's romantic relationship could have written a bit better? In the sense of portraying mutually healthy relationships? (I don't think her romantic relationship will last in real life? maybe I'm just being pessimistic and I have never experienced romance in my real life lol what authority do I have)

Acting: Tbh, even though I said that the change in casting for Eunjae fits the changes in her storyline, I have to admit, there is a little stiffness/awkwardness in her acting. Besides that, I really have became a fan of Park Eunbin's acting through her portrayal of Jiwon especially in this season. Oh and Han Yeri's too since the 1st season! Best character has to be Jiwon, with her character arc being the most memorable. All round, stellar characters to journey with and yes, that includes the supporting cast.

Music: Same as previous season, good and fits the mood/scene well. I especially like 'day like to day' - drain.

Rewatch value: I generally do think slice-of-life/comedy series like these are rewatchable for hilarious moments when life seems dull or life lessons to remind oneself when life throws a curveball.

Conclusion/TLDR: This series is best watched if you have finished the prequel as it provides context for most of the main characters. Similar to the 1st season, it is all about navigating adulthood, like breakups and career woes (to a little extent), and confronting past trauma and recovering from them. (that should be the end of my review)

*I wish there was a 3rd season to portray final-year Eunjae (cuz I am in my final year of uni and I think Eunjae would be a good character to explore final year woes) or to see Jiwon's romance blossom in full bloom or her fights against injustice. I do think the series ended well and err...there was a semi-conclusive conclusion for all the characters' lives. (similar to six feet under's conclusion *spoiler* *questions writer-nim*)*

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Very law heavy, but story and characters made it memorable

This series portrayed how law can be used to serve justice and at the same time, be abused. It portrayed struggles of being a student well enough that I could relate even though I did not study law. I enjoyed the theme of dating violence being explored in the drama, as I think it was executed really deftly. I also liked how the characters had underlying issues that would be uncovered later in the series, although some characters not as well executed as others. (*release season 2 to develop those stories better thanks*) The downside of this drama is definitely the breadth of law stuff being thrown in the script, such that one might think it is boring. (*don't watch this if you are entering into a food coma, or sleepyland*) Also, I think the ending was definitely rushed, hence I felt some characters' stories did not end as well as I would like, and the main plotline of the murder was wrapped up too conveniently/neatly. (*or maybe I am just dumb and confused*) Also, despite it not being a romance drama of any sort, I do enjoy the chemistry of the main leads such that I am deluding myself into shipping them as a couple, as their scenes were really cute. (*there is a plethora of fan-made edited vids of these 2 characters being shipped as a romantic pair, I kid u not*) Besides the main 'couple', I thoroughly enjoyed the comradery/rapport among the students and the teachers/professors, such that I would not mind another season and cannot bear to part from these characters. (*they tried to give a happy ending for the main 'couple', BUT IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO SATISFY ME, im sorry*)
The rapport was portrayed well partly because the actors/actresses were well-casted/acted really well. Even the villains were pretty darn easy to hate, primarily because of the fantastic acting.
Another downside to this drama is probably the repetition of one line of one song in nearly every single episode that I cringe at times when it is played. Thankfully, in later episodes, they change up playing a different section of the song, but it is boderline annoying. I do think the style of music is reminiscent of sky castle. There is 1 or 2 instrumentals that is opera/classical-ish that I like as it fits the prestige theme of being the top law school in korea. (*pretends to be a snob, pretend to know what classical music sounds like*)
I will rewatch fan-made vids of the characters, particularly the main *couple*.
Conclusion/TLDR: Law School is intense and thrilling drama that shows how law can serve justice or how law can be used for the wrong reasons. It also shows conflicts beyond the legal court, more than what meets the eye.
Sidenote: I watched this series alongside Vincenzo, and cannot help notice its similarities. If you are looking for an adjacent to Vincenzo (about serving justice and corrupt politicans/committing atrocities), this is definitely a drama to watch and preferably binge.

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They could have gone for marriage counselling, beautiful drama nonetheless

Story: Pretty simple and beautiful, minus few minor subplots that goes nowhere/pointless (*docks points*). I really enjoyed the themes of parent/children relationships and marriages in this drama. Especially on re-evaluating in retrospect how the son (ML) became like his father (which was not what he wanted) and not regretting over the past decisions (of becoming young parents). Both ML and FL have good character development, realising what went wrong in their relationships and the process of reconciling. I also liked the second ML's story and kinda wished he got hitched with somebody (well, at least he has his 'daughter' :)). I think this drama was relatable in the sense that I am grateful, in retrospect, of my parents' relationships as a couple, which I thought was not perfect and not very romantic (*tmi tbh*), but in hindsight they were open and honest with each other (which what the main couple lacked). As mentioned, the themes of parent-child relationships kinda hit close to my heart, as such experience happens to me. (*very typical: my dad being nagging and both my parents and I not willing to be open with each other*)
Acting: Lee Do Hyun really carried this drama on his back, although some credits should go to Yoon Sang Hyun, for some of the more emotional scenes. He really sold the ahjussi trapped in a young person and the romance between his character and Kang Ha Neul's character (*SHE'S SO PRETTY*). (*imo their kissing scenes did feel a little uncomfortable to watch, as the main male character is a minor, although LDH himself is not*) I really think the LDH's casting was perfect, as they needed somebody old/mature enough who can pull off as a mentor-like figure to the students (e.g: his children) and of course young enough to make it believable that he is a high schooler.
Music: hello hello hello hello~... lol ok its pretty good for a romance drama and not that annoying despite that repeated 'hello'. It created melodramatic moments and raised the swooning romances.
Rewatch value: Honestly, my interest in this drama was piqued through a compilation of funny moments in the drama. I would probably rewatch those funny moments very soon. (*especially LDH being ahjussi and such a dad, IT IS ICONIC*)
Conclusion: *TLDR* 18 Again tells a story of a couple re-evaluating their relationship, the misunderstandings and miscommunications, such that this drama would not have started if the couple went for marriage counselling. It also *kinda* tells the story of how children and parents can misunderstand each other and the importance of parents being supportive of their children.

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Melo definitely suits them, and its ok to be melo, isn't life always a bit melo anyways?

This drama definitely felt like Age of Youth, but in their 30s. Instead of school life, it focus on women and them juggling their careers and personal life. Perhaps because I really enjoyed Age of Youth, I also really enjoyed Be Melodramatic.
It is more of a slice-of-life drama, journeying with the characters through their personal highs and lows and the in-between (there is a lot of in-between moments). There is no sweeping romances, but slightly heart-fluttering and fuzzy romances. No crazy plot twists or twisted villains, just life getting in the way (e.g: death of a loved one, being a single mother, getting stuck in an unfulfilling job). I do think that there are more funnier scenes than melodramatic scenes, such that I find the drama title ironic. I also like how the drama incorporates meta.
Some of the characters might not be the most likeable at the start, but they definitely become endearing at the end of the dramas. Especially the male characters, some of them seem too aloof or arrogant, but gradually and somehow, the story reveals more to their initial impression and ended up liking their characters at the end of the drama. I am realllly liking Jeon Yeo Bin's acting, especially now watching Vincenzo too. I think because the actors/actresses are not the most well-known, I got to really immersed myself with the characters of the drama (lol sounds weird but idk how else to phrase), not comparing with their other works. (excluding ahn jae hong in reply 1988 and lee yoo jin in age of youth)
Sadly, maybe the drama's production is smaller or for other reasons, the OST is lackluster-ish. Different covers of the same song is repeated in the drama. Initially, it was played for gags, but it kinda overtook as the main theme as the song is still about romance which fits the drama. It is nice that one of the cover is sang by the main leads (I am not too sure tbh but it sounded like their voices). And now this song is stuck in my head :') (Song: Your Shampoo Scent in the Flowers - jang beom june)
I have to end this review with my favourite quote/dialogue from this drama, maybe even the best quote ever (paraphrased): "You'll always be moneyless, you don't have money now because you're studying, then after getting a job, you'll get married and need a house, but it belongs to the bank, so you still don't have money. Then you'll pay back the mortgage but when you have children, then you'll send them to college to provide them good education, then when its retirement, you'll not have any money. And that is just the successful cases, there are worse ones yet."

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Something different from usual web dramas fare

This web drama series focuses on more taboo issues in Korean society. There are 3 seasons including this 2020 season. I have to defend this particular season as even though its criticism is valid, I think there is something unique that this season offer which is rare among web dramas (including its previous seasons).
I really enjoyed this series the most mainly due to the storyline of Do Eun and the different directing and editing style it took that most web dramas do not usually do. The topics dealt in this season other than sexism includes unexpected pregnancy, idols dating and mental health issues. As compared to other seasons, I do think the acting for this season is the best.
Do Eun's storyline is really well-executed and the focus of the series was undoubtedly about her. This includes her struggles with mental health and her journey in the entertainment industry. As compared to the other series, her story definitely hit the most for me emotionally, not because I can relate to her pain (I am nowhere near being involved in entertainment industry, nor experiencing mental health issues), but through effectively showing her past hurts and how the effect lingers in her current life. *spoilers?* One particular sequence that really conveyed her character's struggles was when she was re-living/hallucinating those traumatic experiences, which I thought the directing and editing was unconventional among web dramas.
Its flaws were mainly about its other characters story development and its lackluster ending for all of its characters through just words on the screen. As compared to other seasons, this had fewer episodes, and maybe if there were more, the ending/pacing/storyline could have been better.
This is where I felt Young Min could have been given more development, as the series only gave us few glimpses of his struggles of being the "adult"/sensible one in the group, expectations of men in society/sexism faced as a male in Korean society.
Even despite its flaws, I think if you are looking for a different kind of web drama, that provides a lot of feels and interesting perspectives on taboo issues/topics, this would be one to explore.
*A few of the instrumental tracks are kinda interesting too, reminds me of 'me and Earl and the dying girl' meets Wes Anderson*

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A little inconsistent, but what a ride!

TLDR: Vincenzo is a dark comedy about anti-hero mafia consligere who delivered justice, in outrageous crooked ways, with loveable characters (looking fly as hell), coupled with interesting villains. Being a comedy, every episode would have something funny. This at times back-fires, as it created a couple inconsistencies in characters, albeit endearing and entertaining. Also, there are a few unnecessary characters that make this drama a little too dragged out, perhaps to fulfil the 20-episodes arc. All-in-all, a fun and entertaining ride!

*spoilers ahead*
What the show did well: The show's premise was indeed outrageous from the get-go. It could have gone so terribly wrong if not for the spectacular VFX (Italy scenes) and acting (Song Joong Ki) in the series. Besides VFX, the action scenes were shot really well, probably one of the best action kdramas in my opinion. Secondly, the writers have definitely provided endearing main characters for viewers to root for, especially the Geumga Plaza residents and Hong Cha Young. The drama's initial surprise of innocent-looking Jang Joon Woo being the mastermind of Babel was really good, and his psychopathic character and his spiraling out-of-control was entertaining yet intimidating to watch. Lastly, my boy Jang Han Seo deserves better (more so of the actor playing characters that have happier endings). I really liked the character development for most of the characters, including Jang Han Seo and former Babel minions. Last but not least, the soundtrack was dope. Some of the tracks being classical-influenced amped up the pompous or outrageousness of the drama, which is pure entertainment.

What the show could have done better: I wish that ex-Prosecutor Choi was given a better storyline. Heck, she could have been the main villain or forge a different path (aka joining the good guys/not being the subordinate or sidekick). In earlier episodes, we see that she was a boss ass bitch (albeit terrorizing) in the law firm. Yet, in later episodes we were given a Harley Quinn-ish character that stayed by her Joker (aka Joon Woo). While I do understand her character development, it felt like she was shoved aside to make way for Joon Woo. Same for Hong Cha Young, I also wish she could have shown more of her lawyer skills/chops instead of Vincenzo always saving her ass/the day. The last few episodes had some random ass moments/subplots that felt like fillers instead of character or plot development. Also, I felt that there were a few too many episodes ending in a cliffhangers that results in unfulfilling plot devices.

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