THIS MADE ME WANNA GO TO PRISON!
I had delayed watching this show for a very long time, and I had high expectations. After completing the show, it is safe to say that all my expectations were exceeded. This show is really different compared to the regular shows, so I didn't binge it. I took my sweet time, and it is safe to say that this is one of the best shows I've ever watched. I felt a connection with each and every character, and the show really made me care and root for them. This is probably the best K-drama if you judge based on character depth. The emotional balance and the progression of the story is divine, and the ending is just perfect. Apart from the story and the immaculate casting and acting, one thing that stood out to me was the music. I usually don't like OSTs and Korean music in general, and I find myself cringing most of the times, but of all the K-dramas I've seen, this had the best music by far. I enjoyed almost every song, and the raps were also fire!! This show was really subtle with the romance which was not the main focus, and I really enjoyed that. This show is an absolute gem, and I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE!!Was this review helpful to you?
FOR A BETTER TOMORROW
Words won't be able to describe the impact this show has had on me. This show really showcases the versatility and uniqueness of Korean dramas, and I say this without any exaggeration, that is is one of the best shows I have ever watched. Every episode had a unique story which showcased and spoke about important and sensitive topics. Each and every episode struck a chord within me and I absolutely loved every second of it. There were times my blood boiled due to the injustice, there were times I was on the verge of tears due the pain, but there was always light at the end of the tunnel and hope and love prevailed. I also loved the momentary comedic innuendos and jokes which helped to freshen up and produce a laugh amidst the heavy show that this is. I didn't binge watch this show, and I really took my time with it. I let the episodes and the messages sink in. This is a piece of art and a masterpiece, and I heavily suggest you give it a go. This is not a rom-com, so if that's what you're looking for then this isn't it, but I sincerely believe that everyone need to watch this show at least once in their life.Was this review helpful to you?
A REFRESHING FEEL GOOD DRAMA WITH A GOOD STORY
I didn't have high expectations from this drama, but I enjoyed it a lot more and I thought I would. The story progresses at a steady pace, and it surprisingly has a good amount of substance and depth in the story. The acting was great and the chemistry between the leads was strong. The female lead certainly deserves more main roles in K-dramas. The whole experience was great, and the ending was good as well. Highly recommended if you wanna watch something lighthearted, but different and wanna feel satisfied with the end.Was this review helpful to you?
It's good, but wouldn't lose sleep over it
This is probably my last Sports K-drama for the foreseeable future. I have to say I did like the show. The show is balanced and easy to watch, with some flaws that you can overlook. The characters are likable and there is a sense of intrigue as the story progresses. The show does have its moments and provides necessary components to keep the show likeable and watchable. I would have preferred it to have a little bit more badminton, and a little less personal drama, but that's just me. Should you watch it? If you have the time, then go for it!Was this review helpful to you?
A CLASS ABOVE!!
I have recently gotten into watching sports dramas, and I have been enjoying them quite a bit, but this is by far the best one I've seen yet. This show dives deep into the politics and administration of sports and not only the sport itself, and it does so in a meticulous way. The character development and the plot in this show is insane!This show is different compared to most of the K-dramas I have watched and this makes me appreciate K-drama even more. This show didn't rely on any unnecessary romantic plots and the usual K-drama clichés which can get somewhat tiring at times. This show rides solely on the story, the characters, the cast and acting, and the overall experience. This is a 100% recommended to everyone, sport fans, and not sport fans alike. This is a story anyone can understand without really having a good understanding of baseball.
(IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ROMATIC AND CHEESY THIS ISN'T FOR YOU)
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UNIQUE AND DEFINITELY WORTH WATCHING!
I watched this drama solely to kill some time, and I was pleasantly surprised and it was definitely a breath of fresh air. The story isn't really a new concept, but the execution is what made this show a treat to watch. The story is realistic and isn't filled with unnecessary and unrealistic drama. The whole ordinary MALE LEAD with the older, rich, superior FEMALE LEAD , and the whole politics, gave off the vibe that it could have turned into another overly dramatic ordeal, but it was done just right! The whole journey and the character development was what made me watch the show. It is not a cheesy ROM-COM, which was definite refreshing. The cinematography and the overall energy was very poetic and rather classy. The casting, and the performances of the characters were great, and the ending was quite satisfying which is always a positive. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND YOU GIVE IT A GO IF YOU ARE FAN OF ROMANCE!(side note: the product placement is a little annoying at times)
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THIS IS CHEESY DONE RIGHT!!
I had absolutely zero expectations from this drama. I was bored, and I decided to give it a go, and I had nothing better to do. I was intrigued within the first two episodes, and soon I was hooked. I didn't think the writers would be able to pull this show for 32 episodes with this plot and, tbh I was waiting for them to mess it up, and include unnecessary storylines to drag the show, but I am glad it did not happen. I was constantly on the edge of my seat and waiting to know how the story unfolds. The pacing and the important plot-lines were inserted just right and the end product was one of my favorite dramas ever. The casting and the chemistry between the leads were amazing, and it made somewhat of an abstract and peculiar plot work very well. The drama ended on a very happy note which is always a plus point. All in all I will definitely recommend this drama, specially if you are a fan of Rom/ Rom-Com dramas. I rarely consider re-watching dramas I've already watched, but I might come back to certain heartwarming moments in this drama from time to time.Was this review helpful to you?
A MUST WATCH FOR ANYONE !!(k-drama & non-k-drama fans)
This show has a special place in my heart. I am sure a lot of critical analysis will find some flaws with this show, but as a general viewer, this is an amazing watch! To call this show only a rom-com is almost a criminal offense. The military life, politics, family drama are one of the many reasons to watch the show. The cinematography and story is on another level. The casting was amazing and the chemistry between the 2 main leads is probably one of the best I have ever seen. This show is full of emotional moments, as well as cheesy moments, but it is cheesy done right! I watched this show a few months ago, and I have revisited particular moments from time to time. Overall it is one of my favorite shows of all time, and if you haven't watched it, then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??!Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A SHOW WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN GREAT
The show started out in a very promising way, and had many aspects which made me root for the show. There were a few unique traits which makes the show stand out compared to other dramas of the similar genre, but sadly it doesn't come to fruition.The show attracted me with its realism, and the whole vibe that it created. The age gap, the workplace harassment, the societal bias and pressures, the hectic and unforgiving reality of adult life, and amongst all of this, an unconventional romance. These are the things which made the show extremely promising, but these points were not executed properly even though the show was slowly paced(which I didn't mind at all).
This show didn't have a 2nd pair of leads, which meant that, the whole show is dependent on the character development of the leads. The performance of the actors were phenomenal(probably the best thing about the show), but their character development was sub par. The obstacles towards the romance is extremely repetitive. The issues with the judgmental mother were dragged on for way too long. The female lead kept on making the same mistakes, to the point where I really started to get annoyed at the character who is supposed to be older and more mature. Then there was a pseudo breakup, which was then followed by an actual breakup which made absolutely zero sense. The whole moving to the US thing was extremely uncharacteristic of the male lead, and the circumstance just does not fit into the whole character development of the male lead. Even after the breakup, I still would have vouched for the show (even though it was unrealistic), but what ruined the show for me was the ending.
The ending really left a bitter taste, and made me feel like the time I spent wasn't worthwhile. The final episode started out quite promising, and it was very emotional, which again got my hopes up, but at the end the reconciliation and closure was so short(nearly non existent), that you don't even get time to get over the sadness and the emotions. The ending could have easily been more lengthy and the viewers could have at least finished the show on a happy and satisfied note.
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One MAY to rule them all
I will try to keep this short. This drama has left a strong impression on me, and I have been thinking about it for a while. This review is way that I can let my thoughts flow and hopefully feel a lot lighter in the end and move on to my next show. The show was amazing to say the least. It was serious, intense, the characters and the cast were spot on! The chemistry between the leads and the romance was on another level. With all that said and done, was this show super emotional? YES. Did it break my heart? YES. Was I on the verge of tears? YES. Did I love it? YES. Do I recommend it? YESWas this review helpful to you?
A SOLID DRAMA, BUT I WISH THERE WAS MORE MARTIAL ARTS
I thought this drama would be a sports centered drama, but there wasn't as much MMA as I hoped it would be. That being said, I really enjoyed the drama. I liked the story, cast and the acting. I think the show could have been a little better if there was more attention to the goals the characters were trying to achieve. MMA is an amazing sport, and it felt like the drama didn't do it enough justice. Keeping my inner athlete aside, this drama was a good experience, and it is easy to watch and follow, and has its feel good moments. There are a few minor flaws and issues in the story, but it can be overlooked, and it doesn't have a negative effect in the bigger picture. If you are confused about watching the drama, I suggest you definitely give it a go, but if you are looking for a completely MMA/sports/Action centered show than this is not it.Was this review helpful to you?
A GOOD DRAMA WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER
I had high hopes for this drama, because I am an athlete myself. The show started out really strong and there were many defining moments that I can think of where the show went against the norms and clichés and stood out and even portrayed and touched on social issues. The female lead was specially mesmerizing, and the other cast members and characters were also good. But with all of that being said, the show slightly misses its mark in the second half, and there were some parts which felt unnecessary. Some things at the last few episodes felt like some lazy writing which was neither here nor there. But despite some small blunders, the show doesn't fall apart, and it finished strong. Overall the show was a good experience. It is obviously flawed and it isn't a masterpiece, but it is GOOD, which is good enough. It could have been better, but then again it also could have been worse. Is it a must watch? NO. Would I recommend it? YESWas this review helpful to you?
ONE OF THE MOST HEARTWARMING AND IMPACTFUL DRAMAS
I recently started watching realistic and serious romantic dramas which is why I gave it a try, and it is safe to say it was worth my time. I loved almost everything about this drama. There were no unnecessary plot twists, and no unrealistic scenarios. The whole drama focused on character development, and had a really strong message. In short this drama did what 'Something In the Rain' could not do. There were many learning points and issues that this drama shed light on, and it really did those aspects justice and left nothing un-finished. The cinematography, casting, and acting was absolutely captivating, and I really loved the characters as well. All in all I really enjoyed it, and I definitely recommend you give it a try!Was this review helpful to you?
This drama is watchable, but nothing special
I expected a complex storyline, and a happy ending, but I only got the later. The writing was rather lazy, and it tried to create a façade that it is a complex and twisted storyline, but it really isn't. I felt very few heightened trilling moments, or suspenseful and climactic points in the drama. The story aside, the rest was quite enjoyable. Kim Go Eun is rapidly becoming my favorite actress and her screen presence is just phenomenal. There is something simplistic yet sophisticated about her, and and it just makes me appreciate her even more. The rest of the cast was good as well, specially the 'unbreakable sword' guy. The drama does end happily and I didn't regret watching it. It had its moments, but I will not watch it again. Give it a go if you like fantasy-sci-fi dramas and like happy endings.Was this review helpful to you?