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Bullies like this need to be put in jail for life honestly !!
One of the best drama in 2022, and I'm not even talking about K-drama, but one of the best drama I've watched overall in 2022. The story is just perfect, music is good, and most importantly, the cinematography and the acting are just outstanding.The casting is perfect for this drama. Jung Hae in, Koo Kyo Hwan, Shin Seung Ho, and Jo Hyun Chul, I mean what more can I say, they're just too good! It's been a while since I'm this immersed in a drama, if I can rate the acting/cast to 12, I would, especially in the half to end of episode 6. I got goosebumps and cried in the end because I feel bad for Cho Seok Bong, he needs help and no one literally can help him. You know what, I just don't feel bad for Hwang Jang Soo, he deserves it, and hope he remembers that he's the one who make Chu Seok Bong like that, he's the one that pulled the trigger, and all of his minion bullies too.
What I like about this drama is that they tell a story about bullying and that bullying can affect other people's life. Cho Seok Bong is what most people call "Buddha" because he never gets mad and always laugh. However, because he was constantly being bullied and nobody cared, he became mentally unstable. Just want to let the bullies know, if you bullied a person and that person ended up like Cho Seok Bong in the movie, that's your fault.
Can't wait for D.P. Season 2. They really have put that scene in the end lol.
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Wish I knew this drama sooner
The story is perfect for me to watch. There are no melodrama or whatsoever, and very light to watch. The leads personality are great too! The music is addicting and very good. They use different music to different scenes very well, for example, when Ah Reum fall in love with Woo Sung, they played Taeyang Eyes Nose Lips that are supposed to be a sad romantic song, but in the context, it became very funny.What's sad is the reporters should've been in jail :(. Especially the one who trespassed Jin Jin's apartment, and the one who wants to leak a relationship. I know reporters need to survive in the industry, but breaking someone's career and celebrating over it seems personal, and I think the reporter in the story enjoyed when Anthony beg and payed him. If the celebrity reporters irl act like this, then I feel bad for Korean celebrities who can't even enjoy their own romantic life. Ah also they could've included the sasaeng going to jail for attempted murder, that would've been nice too.
Well, in conclusion, this drama hits every spot, enviably friendship, childhood friends, first love reunited, supporting parents, and funny sibling relationship. That's what I need in dramas combined into one. It's worth the watch.
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One word - UNIQUE
This drama is set in the dystopian setting, where everything is just messy and frightening and does not make any sense but could be real in the real world. This drama is very unique and never seen before - to my knowledge, in any Korean dramas. However, I feel like the concept of dystopian in this drama is not enough? But I'll let it pass since the story is good. The story is interesting and exciting, the only thing that I find it undesirable is the slow burn this drama is. Kim Ga On always have distrust issues with Kang Yo Han, and while I understand his feeling but when I watched episode 15, I give up at Kim Ga On at some point because he has no trust when they're at war.The casting for this drama is perfect. Jeon Chae-Eun can improve her acting skills, there are some scenes she acted that comes flat, but considering it's her first drama, she did a good job. Kim Min-Jung is the star of this drama I'd say. She did INCREDIBLE, if you remember/know Lee Yoo Ri got a daesang for playing a villain in Jang Bo-Ri, then I think Kim Min-Jung deserves a daesang this year. Not only she can play a psychopathic, manipulative behavior, she too can play an anti-social personality disorder without being flat af. Park Jin Young did a great job too, so does Ji Sung, I mean c'mon Ji Sung SERVES in every drama so..
I can't get over the judges outfit though lol, they look like altar boys lowkey.
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Decent, not necessarily something new, but worth watching
The story is somewhat well written, there are some parts that are too draggy to my taste, however, maybe if you crave something draggy or some people call it slow burn, you might enjoy it. I find it annoying sometimes when the FL and ML bickering instead of taking an immediate action. Again, it depends on an individual's taste, but overall story is okay and easy to watch, not too heavy. If you are looking for a Korean drama because you've watched all the Korean dramas, or waiting for an upcoming drama, then I think this drama is a good drama to fill your time.The only thing that I think this drama lack so much is the music. The music in this drama is not making any sense in the slightest. For example, the scene where FL found out an acquaintance she knows died, and the music they chose to play is comedic. Or the FL and ML moments where they played somewhat romantic music when there are no romance and the ending music have romance elements in it where the genre doesn't even have romance in it. For God sake, FL is an ahjuma/married woman... maybe there is a slight spark between the two, but it's just inappropriate for a non-romance comedy drama?
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Frustrating, but worth the watch
Watching this drama feels like cutting a never-ending onion layers. I get that the writers are trying to tie all of the stories together but there are too many coincidences, for instance, the boy saves a life of a man who gave him a mysterious book, which contains the codes of some sort or serial killing proofs that happened to the lead's friend, who happens to be the boy's best friend/neighbor. In my opinion, this storyline is too riled up, maybe if you love riled up drama that are full of surprises, this is a drama for you. I'm kind of impatient and doesn't really enjoy draggy kind of drama, so this drama gave me a headache. Plus this mystery drama explains everything including how everything connected near the end of the series.However, I still keep going because the actors did such a great job portraying their characters, to be honest. they are so good that because the plot is riled up, my head hurts watching this because I get too immersed in each characters.
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Firstly, the cinematography is just top notch, they set the right lighting, mood, and music to certain scenes that needs extra focus, and scenes that needs more emotions. The actors and actresses did a great job portraying their characters, especially the leads. Then again, they are the respected actors in Korean entertainment industry, no wonder they did an excellent job portraying the characters. The teenage actors who played juvenile also did an excellent job, especially the child killer. I was surprised to find the cast of the boy is actually a mid twenties actress.
The plot of this drama is also well written, not draggy and not too straight forward either, which makes a perfect thriller drama. Totally would recommend people to watch this!
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A good drama for binge watching
At first I hesitated watching this drama because I never played video games and do not understand how they work, however, I became interested because of Cheng Xiao, as I've seen her in variety shows and she seems like a fun person. The storyline is very good, but nothing new, but that's what makes this drama easy to watch and understand. I've watched 3 gaming drama and this is the first time I understand what the gaming is about.The story is about a life of professional e-sport gamer and a public figure. I thought the netizens responses in the drama were exaggerated, I didn't realize how accurate it is and realistic to the point that it is scary. I think this drama really shows how scary toxic fans can be, and how hard it is to be a public figure.
There are still rooms for improvements though, I find some of the scenes pretty cringy, but it really depends on viewer's taste. I gave 8/10 for acting because I think Cheng Xiao's acting skill still needs improvement. Tong Yao's character is innocent and calm, but innocent and calm people have different facial expressions. On the first few episodes, Cheng Xiao's facial expressions are flat, but thankfully she improved and got better in later episodes.
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A Good Law Drama
The actors and actresses all did a good job at portraying each characters, especially Yoon Shi Yoon. He is capable of acting two completely opposite characters and personalities. The actors who played the villains and the victims did such a good job too.The storyline is good and interesting, I love seeing the misfortunate twin brother got switched placed from the fortunate judge twin brother. I also love seeing how FL and her sister supported each other, although I didn't quite understand why FL's sister has to leave.
However, there are some areas writers needs to improve. The ending seems to be cut short and rushed, and the villains of the drama (the three "conglomerate" criminals, the corrupt lawyer, and pervert prosecutor) supposed to be punished accordingly, but it doesn't show in the end or anywhere in the drama (idk about y'all, but until those evils get fair sentencing, I feel like as an audience of this drama, I feel somewhat unsatisfied). The ending only shows FL got off the "falsely accused/character defamation" suit, but I think the writers should've included the downfall of the perverted prosecutor. I think by showing the downfall of evil characters brings a good message to society on how karma works.
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One of the best Makjang Drama I've seen
I have watched this multiple times, and never gets bored. The writer did a good job writing this drama. I know a lot of people were annoyed at FL because she's too forgiving, but I think it is realistic. When you're in a toxic environment, it is hard to get out of it and you're finding yourself stuck in it. I've been in a toxic relationship and it was hard to get out because I was chained in it, but imagine if your own family is the one that is toxic. Even though the mother is not FL "real" family, still, she's the only family she remembers for years. So I think the writers did a good job writing the FL character.The acting is so good in this drama, especially Lee Yoo Ri. She DESERVED a Daesang Prize back then. She's a very talented actress. Before I watched this drama, I watched her in "My Father is Strange" and love her character so much, so I search through her dramas, and found this gem. Although the character she played here and "My Father is Strange" are the complete opposite, she managed to portray each characters the best way possible.
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I'm glad this drama existed
The storyline is very good, and relatable. It deals with the problems most of the students experienced in school or people in modern society. This is a light drama with no extreme melodrama, or annoying parents involved. Firstly, I love that each character gets a character development, well, except Nam Goong Shi Woon because his character is constant and stable. Although this drama is short, it gives a lot of great message to people: to be brave, to respect friendship, and change to be a better version of ourselves.I just think maybe the actor who played Woo Tae Kyung, and Shin Da On could've done a better job. I know Woo Tae Kyung's character is supposed to be flat and boring, but flat and boring people also have variety of facial expressions (great example is Seo Yea ji playing Ko Moon Young in It's okay not to be okay). I feel like he can improve better in the next drama. Would love to see him doing other dramas in the future!
Choe Chan Yi also could've done a better job at portraying Shin Da On. I feel like some of his acting (not all of them) is awkward, especially the scene where he helps Woo Tae Kyung, and also when Woo Tae Kyung confronts him. I would like to see him acting more distressed and "don't know what to do" kind of expressions, but I didn't see much of it.
However, I love Kang Yoo Seok's acting portraying Noh Shin Woo, although "cold male lead" usually comes with a cold and flat expressions, he did a good job playing with different expressions. I also love Yang Seo Hyun playing Lee So Hee, she did a good job at playing a character who's shameless, and also vulnerable. Writers did a good job giving her a character development. The ending is kind of expected, but I think it's a great way to close the drama with them being friends supporting both ML being in love.
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Truly a masterpiece
I originally wanted to watch this within a week, but I couldn't, I finished this drama in only 3 days. It's totally worth it, and it is the best, if not, one of the best Chinese drama I have ever watched. The acting were spectacular, the casting is great, the chemistry between family members are truly inspiring. This drama is not only great to watch, but also very educational on how people should treat each other, and be kind to each other. I usually don't want to recommend any foreign language drama to my family because they prefer movies they can understand, and also the genre isn't exactly my family's cup of tea, but this drama I can 100% recommend my family to watch. If you cry easily, this drama might be hard for you because you might cry and laugh in every episode, don't worry, it's not a sad drama, more like a touching story. I can even watch this over and over again, I finished this drama 2 days ago, and I still can rewatched it again without feeling bored.Was this review helpful to you?
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Story could've been better, casting is perfect
The casting did a great job, although some of the supporting actors still need improvements though. The story is quite draggy, and I lost interest halfway through the drama, but I finished it because I love the actors and was interested to see the ending. Happy ending for villains is what I don't like about this drama, and the leads are too forgiving. There are no karma for bad character. Even FL's ex-fiancee who cheated on her, and pulling a fraud on her gets an okay ending, and FL ends up giving him money for him to settle. Furthermore, what I don't get about this drama is FL is too forgiving and trust other people easily, but treats her boyfriend badly even though ML gives all of him, which she doesn't deserve.What I like about this show is only how mature the lines are. There are no acting cutesy or whatsoever, which I dislike. There is still room for improvements, FL dubbing is showing too clearly, I don't want to compare it to Korean Drama, but I have never seen any Korean Drama do any dubbing, or if so, they did a great job hiding it. But in this drama, the dubbing is too obvious, there are some scenes in which the dialogue doesn't match their mouths when they're speaking. The telephone ringtone is bugging me too for some reason, why can't they just use normal telephone ringing instead of a song, every character's phone uses the same song for the ringtone, and since this is a business drama, it's kind of expected that there are a lot of "calling" scenes, maybe 8-10+ per episode, so imagine listening to the same song for 40 x 10 = 400 times of the same song on this drama.
PS. I don't get why so many people are triggered by product placement (pp) in this drama. I didn't notice the pp at all, I think it's a normal amount of pp.
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This is totally my opinion and preference as a drama watcher
I gave this drama two chances and I still have a hard time finishing the drama for some reason. For the first time that I jumped to this drama, I couldn't bear FL's acting, thus I dropped it as I reached episode 3. Maybe some people enjoyed her acting, but not for me - it's just a personal preference I guess. However, the second time that I tried watching the drama, the story too is just unbearable to watch. I tried, I really tried to hold in and watch the drama. I usually gave up early once I found out that the drama is not to my liking, but since Moonlight has relatively high ratings, I thought maybe I should give it a try and hopefully the drama will progress. But after watching half of the drama, I couldn't bear it anymore.Firstly, the ML is somewhat "okay". His beginnings are pretty annoying in many ways. I don't like how he take the FL's job for granted. Although I am not a writer, I work as a graphic designer specializes in publishing, so I can empathize how writers carefully selected their editors to publish their work, especially if the writer is well-known in the industry - the pressure might double than the less-known/beginners. However, it doesn't excuse his behaviour of slaving the FL doing housework and stuff just so the FL can edit his work. FL had no choice but to comply - as her job depends on it. After progressing from his "unacceptable" behaviours, he kind of had a slight character development, but that's just as far as he went. Before reaching episode 20, he obviously fell for the FL, and the writers chose to went with the "one-sided love by bullying the female target" - which obviously get very old and overused in every drama.
Now, let's jump to the FL, which I think is one of the biggest reasons why I dropped the drama. This is just totally my preference and my taste as a viewer, but I prefer Female Leads that are eloquent and mature in terms of how they speak. They don't have to be a girl crush or savage, but I would appreciate Female Leads that acts their age. Moreover, I find it kind of creepy for a mid-20s grown-women or older who do baby talks, or acts like a 5 year old girl having an episode in front of grown men. I don't see any good purpose of women doing that nor do I see any bright side from those actions.
Now, you might be wondering, it's just Yu Shu Xin's natural voice, what can she do about it? and the answer is, no, she intentionally made it like that in this drama. I've seen her other work, "A Romance of the Little Forest", where she got serious and confront the bullies, and I live for her doing that.
Now the baby-like actions that annoyed and cringed the heck out of me so much that I can't get it out of my head - is the scene where FL and ML doing what seem like editing ML's new book in ML's office, and ML somehow got annoyed at FL, so FL got scared and immediately faced towards a wall and acts like a 5 year old girl who wants to buy a barbie doll but rejected by her mom. --> if you're still confused to what scene this is, it's the scene where FL walked barefoot accidentally in the house, and ML reached her sandals and gave it to her.
I've seen the ending, since I wanted to see the ending before completely dropping the drama. The ending honestly seems rather great. I think FL got a huge character development, and so does the ML. I love that both FL and ML got the happy ending, I think the viewers who watched all episodes deserve that. In conclusion, I think the drama's original plot seems interesting, but it's just how the actress/director/writer portray the FL, which honestly irks me. Too bad that I dropped this drama, I really want to like it.
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a rom-com drama that follows every asian drama rom-com traditions
(I haven't finished the drama yet, and will watch the rest to complete this review, but this is what I have so far)Why I titled my review that way, I'll explain all that in this review:
- The most important thing is how ML and FL have that "accident", I'm sure you all know how all rom-coms have an accident where ML saves FL from falling, or they both have accidental fall which results in an act of affection; which in this case, a kiss.
- They have a helicopter mom who is very close minded and have an obsessive disorder (Yu Yan's mom)
- Multiple love triangle. In this case, the drama has too many love triangles, rectangles, or even more, that I lost count. If you put it on a pin-board, it's going to look like a spider's web ngl.
- Childhood friend and coincidentally reunited cliche (as if they're meant for each other or may even call it destiny)
- Enemies to lovers
As for the characters, as much as I wanted to like them, almost none of them are likeable. I think I only like Tang Xue (FL) and Yu Yan (2nd ML) so far. But to explain the rest of the main characters:
- Li Yu Bing (ML): I don't hate him, but I don't love his character either. From the beginning, he bullied FL because he had a traumatic past which led him to bully FL. I understand the reasoning behind his actions, but still, his bullying got too far. I'd say if he bully FL in acts of revenge like this, doesn't it make him the same person he hate? After he's done with the bullying, he suddenly have attraction to the FL? I find the character a little inconsistent, but totally not impossible, just a tad confusing.
- Biang Cheng: I have no words. He's just too impossible for me to like his character, or even understand him. I get it if he's feeling guilty over FL's sports accident, but if he were to pursue FL again, he might bring the incident all over again. Plus, I hate the way he treats FL as if he's pursuing a business deal. Pursuing love should not be forced nor be political. Making evil schemes and plans should only get her further away from him. He's either so dumb, or totally have narcissistic god-complex, where he thinks all girls are drooling over him.
- Zhou Ran (FL's cousin): I don't like her attitude, I don't like her style choices, I don't like her voice, just everything. Nothing to do with the actress, which I actually find her pretty, but I can't stand her voice. Her voice sounds like there's a rock that's stuck in her throat for real. I'm from a Chinese descendant, and I still have problems where I find it uncomfortable with people speaking like that intentionally. Do people really dig that kind of stuff? I don't cringe towards people who has natural voice like that, but in this case, you can obviously tell the voice was intentional. Moreover, I can't stand people who are pretentious like that.
- BONUS: Yu Yan's mom: I feel like it's necessary to talk about her as a rant. She might be given as the worst mother in Chinese drama history, maybe more than Dao Ming Si's mom from Meteor Garden lol. I can't even explain her character, just pure evil. I don't usually laugh at serious matters, but when she called out FL to talk, I actually laughed at the whole conversation because it's soo absurd. She told FL that FL has a sharp tongue, when she herself has trash in her mouth (when she brought up FL parents in the conversation saying that they didn't educate her well).
As for the drama entirely, I don't think it is something memorable nor something new, at least not yet (because I haven't finished the drama), but it was somewhat enjoyable. I don't know why, but this drama didn't hook me completely, since I ended up skipping a lot of parts and lost-focus sometimes. Moreover, the lip-syncing is seriously giving me too much cringe, especially where they had the school festival thing where students get to perform, in which, I totally blame the director. Is it hard to film a video where the lips match the song? If they were to do a lip-syncing scene, just play the damn song while shooting the scene and make the actors sing accordingly like when they do in music videos - and when they edit, just match the song to the person's mouth. What is so hard about that? Even me as a 13 years old back then - had to make a music video as part of a computer course assignment - can edit wayy better than this lip syncing. Do better! seriously
However, if you love romcom drama who follows cliches by the book, this drama might be for you.
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I dislike the FL character, idk maybe I don't like characters who acts all cutesy and innocent on the outside, but she stalks the ML and basically spamming ML messages. I get that she likes him, but if ML is the one who acts like that, I bet this drama would've been considered a "toxic relationship" drama.
I think overall this drama is overhyped.. In my opinion, maybe just maybe, if you like games, and gaming drama, you might find this drama interesting, but I don't understand a thing. It's different when I watch You Are My Glory, it's about gaming too, but I understand most of it.
Moreover, I'm just saying, in my opinion, C-Drama now days has too many gaming drama, idk it's just boring..
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