I liked the Taiwanese version. So when the announcement was made that Japan will be remaking the movie, I was really excited. I didn't know the main actress but I have seen Yamada Yuki act before so I knew this will deliver. Was I right? Yes, but not entirely.

The movie was a total copycat of the original version, from the set-up to the styling. Yamada Yuki was good in his portrayal as the guy who has a childish crush to his classmate. Though Ko Ching Teng still wins in a battle of who is better, still one can tell that Yamada was a good fit for the role. The problem lies with the female lead. She's just blank and bland. She doesn't know how to carry conversations naturally. Her voice and facial expressions are really awkward. You could tell that her visibly awkward acting makes her partner awkward too, it's contagious. Well, she's a rookie, still young, and I believe she will improve with more acting gigs. Also, the chemistry between the two leads isn't there and even the friendship among men wasn't as strong compared to the Taiwanese version. The movie lacked spice, emotions, they were short to every element the original had.

Anyways, despite everything, the movie still made me feel bitter about the ending. They still made me feel the same way as I did when I watch the original version years ago. The regret and heartache, the whys... it's still there. And I guess, that alone will make you check out this version.

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To be totally honest I am quite embarrassed to say that I liked Go Go Squid in its earlier episodes. I squeezed each time the two leads were on screen. And just like everyone else, I like Li Xian aka Han Shangyan's masculine persona. I was willing to forgive the non-sensical immaturity tone of the show but you know, there will always be a limit when you compromise.

I liked it from episode 1-16. I still continue to adore it episode 17-25 but I began to question myself if I should continue watching it. From episode 26 onwards, I really really feel like dropping the show. It's no fun anymore. I began to get annoyed with the constant flashback of Han Shangyan's backstory, the uninteresting side-characters stories wherein there's just so many of them. And Hu Yi Tian being one of the main leads wasn't given enough screentime (not that I am complaining since I am not his fan, but as a team captain of the group, I think he deserves some spotlight).

The drama was off to a good start but it progresses way too fast. The relationship of the main leads was given to us at a speed of light. They were already gf-bf in just about a few episodes and it felt like they haven't gone into the process, lol. Then Tong Nian's attitude became like a 'stalker' so obsess like a girl madly yet blindly in love with a handsome guy. And Han Shangyan who's still a virgin at the age of 30 is spoiling the girl too much that at times it feels like she is more of her daughter than a girlfriend.

I don't have anything to say in the acting department. Both leads delivered their roles perfectly well especially Yang Zi, she indeed suited for cutesy roles like these however, I find her character here a bit too immature at times.

Also, call me conservative but I don't like the idea of them getting married when the girl is just barely 20y/o. Oh well, it's their choice but still...

Overall, the drama was enjoyable for the first few episodes but dragged down towards the end. I believe it was purposely stretched to accommodate more episodes because as usual "business comes first". Unless you have so much free time, you may end up finishing the entire drama. It's not too bad, I can say mediocre at best. I was able to finish it though I abused the fast-forward and skip button of my laptop.

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I loved it. I have only watched a few Jdramas this year and so far this one is my favorite. I liked the plot, the over-all story and set-up was refreshing to me. The show tackles reality and societal problems particularly in workplace settings. The drama, though was more of an work environment focus, yet not a single episode bore me. It was also exhilarating to watch a show wherein two leads have great chemistry. I'm a fan of Mukai but I admit I haven't been watching most of his recent works - its not my cup of tea. This drama renewed my interest in him as an actor. And Yoshitaka is being a great actress here. I liked her since Tokyo Tarareba Musume but her acting really stands out in this show - she is very detailed in her expressions and body language here. No wonder she was awarded the best actress trophy for this. She proved to me that one doesn't need to cry heavily and star in a mega dramatic drama to showcase their acting chops. She's pretty and cute everytime she smiles. And each time she drinks a beer, I also feel like drinking some, lol.

But to be honest, I signed up for the drama because of the possible romance between Mukai and Yoshitaka. And since romance isn't the main theme of the show, its understandable that they are only showing little interactions/moments but hey, for me it was enough. I've got the ending I wanted and I'm happy. So if you're planning to watch this how, always remember this is not a Korean drama. They don't do a detour here - they lived up to the title of the drama from start to finish. They go straight to the point and what you see is what you get. No scheming and overly crying, so for those who are spoiled by the usual korean drama shenanigans, then this ain't for you.

Though I'm screaming for "I want more romance", I still thoroughly enjoyed the show. And since I love the whole casts particularly the main leads, I am being generous with my ratings.

BTW, The show also has a great soundtrack. I love love the song "Ambitious" by Superfly. The lyrics of the song is also fitting with the drama. These are my favorite lines of the song:

"I don't like now, But I'm living right now.
The future that one can easily reach won't be that easy.
Stop worrying about it, Tomorrow you'll still get up again.
Never let go of what you're longing for
You attractive adults"

"I don't like dreams, please don't hurry me.
Never give up what you are longing for,
Its so hard for you adults".

Overall, I'm positively recommending this drama.

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It was beautiful. It was good though I may say Our Times and You Are The Apple Of My Eye are better, nonetheless, the movie keeps me wanting more towards the end.
The acting was great, nothing cringy and both actors played their part so well. Just that thinking about it, I cant really see their in love, yes you know they love each other but maybe, I believe its on Eddie Peng's side. The movie was shot pretty well, It was one of the reasons why I came to like the movie though I feel like it was quite lengthy but it kept me wanting for more and the ending left me hanging.
Of all the movies I mentioned in my comment, this movie has made some tears fall. I don't know but it felt real, those moments of them in the classroom, their friendship and the things that happened throughout the movie. It made me miss high school days, my friends, old friends, and wanting some reunion with them, them memories. That one thing is the strength of this movie, it captured what it meant to fall in love for the first time :)

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A drama with a shallow love story plot, thats it. Noting exciting and encouraging. Its just flat like a food filled with so much sugar and nothing more. Lee Dong Wook is so stoic and doesnt fit the role like he is acting like he doesnt seem to be liking what he is doing from his expression to his clothing/styling to the way he says it sounds so monologue. Yoo In Na hard carries the drama, you will watch it for her. She's improved soo much and her portrayal of an actress/celebrity suits her. But that aside, this drama is just a waste of time. Both this and the drama Romance is a Bonus Book. Though I must say that at least, Romance is a Bonus Book has a background story, something going on with their lives, unlike this just flat out sugary shallow love story thrown with a case that we all know what will happen or how it will turn out just to add flavor to the drama, lol

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It was an overall feel-good movie, I enjoyed it.

This is what I love with Japanese youth films. They don't stay away from the theme, and just like most of their dramas, their movies are fast-paced, focused yet they don't feel forced.

I simply love the movie because they were able to capture and emphasized the beautiful reasons why "friendship" is all that without losing focus on the cute love story/love triangle. Everyone has great chemistry especially the four boys.

The movie shows me again how nice it is to have this kind of friendship. Watching it made me remind of the friends I had and the moments we share. It was also nice how they were able to add the girl to their clique and they were able to show some real bond among them.

When it comes to the love story, well I didn't technically have a second lead syndrome but I must admit that I was cheering for him (the second male lead Yuta Koseki) and if I were the main girl, I would fall for him for he excels in almost every aspect for me. Plus, I'm not really a fan of the main lead, he slouches at times here and didn't have much chemistry with the main girl and his acting is just so-so.

Also, shout out to Sugino Yosuke here, he stands out even though he is just a supporting actor.

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It was good but the story and the pacing are quite too simple to be 'epic'. Though I must commend the director of the movie. Its really an ambitious project and they did deliver quite well with the resources they have. The cinematography is great, the CG effects were good and the cast were perfect (minus Kento's somehow forced and cringy acting).

Okay now for the acting part. Kento tried his best, one can really felt the sincerity in his acting, must be the burden of being the main man of this high budgeted movie weights him. However, it usually happens that when an actor tries too hard, it becomes unnatural. And that's what happens with Kento's acting. It is not really that hard to pull off his character though, but since he's been acting those 'prince-ly' type of character for years, the transition becomes quite difficult. Though I know, I know, he will improve. If there's a season 2 for the movie, I hope he can showcase his improvement there.

For Yoshizawa Ryo, gosh that actor is so good. I am not a fan of him so I'm never biased when I say that he has a high commanding screen presence even when he is sharing scenes with Kento. His acting is great and since he has ample screentime in this film, one who is not familiar with the movie and the leads might go into thinking that Ryo is the main lead here. His character is pretty more interesting than Shin.

Also, I hope next time, they will give Masami more lines. The girl is so pretty and badass but her character lacks the opportunity to shine.

Over-all, the film was good. Obviously a second season will be on the works considering the explosive popularity the movie has achieved. Hopefully, they will add more heart to the story and depth to the journey of our leads and battles to make it more epic and outstanding.

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This is one of the few dramas out there that went all out with the story (from school-to college-parting-work-meeting again-conflict-then settled with an ending). They have it phased by phased and unlike most dramas wherein conflict ended way too early - most theres like 10 episodes left and conflict ended and they have to fill it up with so many sweet lovey dovey moments, not that it ain't great, but too much sweet can cause diabetes, eeks! This drama has conflict going on that will make you still watch it until the end even though it gets tiring and cliche. I have two main problems with this drama though, the main actress' acting, and the execution of scenes and the way director cue's and cut scenes like you are still absorbing the scene and then baam, cut! If I disliked long pauses of most dramas I watched, then its the polar opposite here and to think most of those sudden cuts are the main leads. And the ending was a bit abrupt. In Love de Foudre, there were too many episodes for me, but in Wait My Youth, they lack the right length.
But I still stick out despite the bad acting and poor execution. The male lead's suits the bad boy yet a soft boyfriend type. He has a screen presence (though him and the female lead dont have that ump chemistry) and definitely one of the reason why I finished the drama aside from the story, yes the story. I love the premise of girl likes another guy and the guy likes the girl a little too late hence, the bestfriend has taken over - I have always been waiting for this kind of story.
8-8.5/10 for me

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The trailer was impressive you would think that the movie has so much adrenaline rush but nah, it was boring, a heavy let down from the drama version. It felt like I wasted my time with this. The actions weren't great, just a typical punch and jump, nothing more. Kim Ah Joong was fine, Ma Dong Seok was good, but Jang Ki Young really needs to improve his acting skills. He is one of the main stars in the movie yet his presence was mostly supporting at best. The whole gang didn't have chemistry and the plot isn't interesting. It's rare for me to rate a movie low but I never really enjoyed this, it was a big disappointment.

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It was fun and enjoyable but nothing special. I didn't find any chemistry between the male leads and the heroine. I have nothing against the actress, she's cute and can act cute but she's too short for the main lead. Sparks aren't there for them. They're more of a sibling than lovers. The actress is cute but doesn't really have that natural "aegyo" in her. Also, at point, I thought Yokohama Ryusei's character is more solid than Yosuke's. Ryusei being a second-lead almost stolen the spotlight away from male lead Sugion Yosuke. I think it has more to do with the acting. I may like Yosuke more but I have to admit that Ryusei has more presence and is better in acting here in the movie compared to Yosuke.

Despite those issues I have with the movie execution, the show has its moments. Cinematography is good and having two ikemen guys fighting over a girl is always a pleasure to watch.

#teamSuginoYosuke

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I'm not really a fan of boss-assistant lovers but I gave this a try since I liked both leads.

I was quite surprised that the romance for this drama was slow but that's what I liked about it. You can really see the development of their relationship, there was pacing, progress from being strangers-assistant-manager-friends-mutual understanding-lovers. Through this, their love story resonates more with the audience unlike those dramas with abrupt romances. The slow romance makes the story more realistic.

The drama was good over-all but after episode 30, it becomes draggy. 44 episode is too long though for this kind of story and I fast-forwarded a lot of scenes and went to just focus on the leads story and Tao's progress as a singer, that's how I survived to watch the drama.

And I may add that the songs they used here are all good. I especially liked the song 'Expose' by Tao. You will end up liking the cute moments more because of the background ost. The whole series felt like a biography of Tao's life story as an idol and an advertisement to his musical capabilities.

Anyways, If you liked Tao and a "boss and me" type of drama, you may like this also. The story was written pretty well, the acting was all good (though I sometimes hate the gangsta outfit of Tao and Wu Xian's too simple dresses), the couple was cute and the chemistry was on point.

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It is a solid movie for its script, combined with top notch acting from Kim Hye Soo, Yoo Ah In and the supporting cast. Nothing spectacular but I find it really interesting how they made the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis into a gripping, compelling movie. Honestly, I only watched this because I of Yoo Ah In, I simply wanna watch him act and showcase his prominent acting (which he did not disappoint), though I did not regret watching this movie, I may not even bat an eye to this if not for him. The movie reminded me why Kim Hye Soo is a top actress, she sure commands the screen when she's on.
The drama despite feeling a bit documentary is surprisingly not monotonous. I may not be able to grasp some things, needed to pause here and there to chew what they were talking (not really good at with the subject matter - "FINANCE") but you will find yourself entertained a bit.
On the side note, I now only realized after watching this movie that we were also affected with the Asian Financial Crisis back in the same year. Layoffs and shut down of big companies. Well, it shows that this movie has fed me something to remember and ideas I only get to know because I watched this.

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The whole story was something new, it's very political and an eye-opener. Before this drama, I didn't know about this whole manipulation of the so-called "stay execution". This drama opened me to a whole new idea of corruption, deceit and justice manipulation that is happening behind bars. I understand why people don't like to be in jails but to the point of harming yourself by making up a non-existent disease before? Wow, just wow.

About the drama, it was great at the start, fast-faced that has left me wondering how the heck are they going to fill in a 16 episode drama with the way things are unfolding? That's where I bet that its gonna get draggy and redundant in the somewhere in the middle and sadly, that's what happened. This has a potential in the making of a great drama, but due to lacking events, the writer keeps on circling that the last 2 episodes left rushed. Like, that's it? From episode 1-10 has full of climax but it went a bit downhill until the last episode.

But over-all, I still enjoyed it. It was the better drama among the ones being currently aired (ahem Her Private Life and My Fellow Citizens). The acting of Nam Gong Min, Dr. Seon and Lee Jun Jae and his brother was really good though the main actress, Nara needs some acting school to improve his expressions. 8/10 for me

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