6
10
JulesL
Only if you are a fan of fight scenes, Mik or Louis
Would I recommend this lakorn?Yes - if you like action, more specifically hand combat because even though everyone went around carrying guns, they would rather fight. The hand combat is probably the better part of the show with Mik as Dave and Louis as Drago coordinating well and duel fighting against the bad guys.
No - if you are looking for romance. Very little chemistry between the main couple. Visually, they looked good together, but their interactions were rather stiff. Other than some hugs and a forehead kiss, and lots of "Are you OK?" from the ML, there was nothing else to satisfy the viewers. There was much more chemistry between the two male leads with their constant nodding and exchanging of looks with each other. There was definite romance for the secondary couple. Even then, it was a little unbelievable since the girl did so much bad stuff to the guy, so he's a total doormat to me.
No - if you are looking for a good story execution. Everything is kind of weakly linked together and some loose ends were never explained. This drama could have wrapped up without the extra 10 episodes, but the director must really like fight scenes since that was at least a showdown between the good and bad guys in every episode. Also, the bad guys were always around because the good guys must really wanted to make merit and they would never kill the bad guys. In fact, they constantly welcomed them back into the group. With this group of leads, you get infinite chances to do all sorts of evil stuff because the leads just never learn their lessons. It's like rinse and repeat - "Oh we got attacked doing this...that's ok, let's do it again because it cannot possibly happen again...ooops." Or someone is told not to leave the safety of the place because she's targetted and the next minute, she does exactly that...
Maybe - if you are a fan of Mik or Louis. They carried the show, more Louis in my opinion. They looked good and they did well in the fight scenes. Preaw did not impress me at all. She constantly had a shell-shocked look and her character was just ok, a little weak and useless. She's pretty much there to be a damsel in distress. Even though she can shoot a gun, no one gave her one to protect herself even though everyone else had one. She was constantly hiding in the best spots to be caught. Her strength is that the Naga won't eat her.
Speaking of Nagas, they showed up during some crucial moments but they were not featured much. The story was connected to them but as I mentioned before, kind of loosely. The story was also about past lives, but the plot development there was bad, and I think they cut out scenes since those scenes were shown in the ending credits but not in the show itself.
The best part for me is the romantic OST. The intro rock song was interesting but way too long. It was about 3 and half minutes long and really dragged into the start of the show.
Overall, I started off enjoying the show but it got too draggy. I would ask people to give it a watch and feel free to skip some episodes since you won't miss much.
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Good story, well-paced episodes, great chemistry and satisfying ending...
I was anticipating this lakorn because of Esther and Jes pairing as the main couple, Arisara and Panin. Since I watched them in "Leh Ratree", I have been hoping to see them star together, but this time with Jes as the male lead. And they did not disappoint! I liked the chemistry between them, and they looked so gorgeous together. In fact, I wrote this review after watching it twice because there were scenes of them that I wanted to revisit and appreciate the gestures, the effects, and the words.Visually, musically, emotionally - The story unfolded pretty nicely for me, and the episodes flowed quickly, keeping up the pace and never losing the momentum. The show was by no means perfect, and there were loopholes in the plot. At times, Arisara's questionably stupid actions made me mad, but I chalked those up to the show trying to create melodrama to move the story along. In general though, this show was a good watch, and I never felt tempted to fast-forward or skip.
I wish that there were more episodes earlier focused on Arisara and Panin falling in love. The development of their relationship felt too short and somewhat rushed. That said, they were so lovely together, and Jes' portrayal of Panin falling hard and fast for Arisara was done nicely, and it was believable. There were only a few kisses and almost kisses, but the scenes hit the right emotions for me with the touching background music.
Panin was one of the best MLs I have seen in a Thai lakorn! He was charismatic, suave, and charming. Always the gentleman but assertive too, Panin never hesitated to express his feelings, and I loved watching Arisara's reactions whenever Panin flirted with her. He was really quite smooth - haha! Panin was also intelligent, and he can fight! Best of all, he was mature and reasonable, allowing the progression of his and Arisara's relationship to happen realistically despite years of major misunderstandings and separation. Panin was also savvy, knowing when to manipulate the situation to his advantage, and I like that he never misled the second female lead and remained true to his heart. He was also able to respect his father without bending to the unreasonable demands.
Jes can emote well with his eyes, and I enjoyed watching how Panin pined for Arisara, the stolen glances, and pensive stares. Jes did a great job overall, but he is not quite there as a male lead yet. For me, something is missing, and he does not have the male lead aura yet. I am sure that he will get there after a few more dramas under his belt.
Esther fitted the role of Arisara, our long-suffering female lead, perfectly, but then again, this is not surprising. I think she plays this kind of role best, and she looked really pretty in the show. Arisara can be considered as a plucky optimistic female lead with an admirable spirit that cannot be broken down. She can react too quickly and emotionally, which led to some frustrating outcomes. Still, Esther, who seems to be able to bring life to any character, was able to lead the audience to sympathize with Arisara was truly the victim and cheer for her as she bounced back, determined to right the wrong she suffered.
There was also a secondary couple, Lin Jong and Nont, whose endearing interactions increased my enjoyment of the show. Also, the young actor playing Pinyet/Pete was also pretty good and added the cuteness factor.
The villains also deserved kudos for adding the layers of manipulation and scheming that kept things fresh. It was also enjoyable to see the villains unravel as they got closer to being caught, and it was so gratifying to see them punished. Nicha Chokprajakchat was awesome as Lookmee, and she pulled off looking beautifully cold-blooded and ruthless. In my opinion, Lookmee got too much screen time, but since she always looked amazing in her outfits and hairstyles, I guess it was ok :D. Pokhai, the other antagonist, was played quite well by Chopin Noochintra. He appears to be new to lakorns, but I would say that he is off to a great start, acting in two of Esther's dramas.
However, the true villain has got to be Panin's father, Puchong, portrayed superbly by Kob Songsit Rungnopakunsi. Oh, he made my blood boil throughout the show with his prejudice, narrow mind, and ignorance. He was not a stupid man, but he was blinded by misplaced hate and self-righteousness. He was really the cause of all the heartache, but it was only during the last episode when he got his redemption.
The OSTs were well-done, with appropriate instrumental pieces underscoring the more poignant scenes. The theme song, Song Krai Kid Teung by Bird Thongchai is very fitting and sets a romantic, emotional tone for the show. The more I listen, the more I like it! Unfortunately, I could not find the links for two other songs played in the show. My one complaint is that, like most other lakorns, the music producers have not mastered the effective use and timing of melodramatic/suspenseful background music. It got too loud, and sometimes, the scenes fell flat because they did not match the music.
For posterity, I have listed the tracks that I could find in this review.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kh-re0Wass
ใครคิดถึง Krai Kid Teung - BIRD THONGCHAI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AM3uFeJNlRk
ใครคิดถึง Krai Kid Teung - cover by Jespipat Tilapornputt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm2N4gntigI&list=RD2kh-re0Wass&index=3
Undo - POP PONGKOOL X WONDERFRAME
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emv3FYWFcLY
Chairai - BOWKYLION
On the whole, I do recommend this lakorn. The story moved quickly with a great ending, good-looking actors who can act, and great music. So give it a try, and who knows, you may get hooked on it just like I was.
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The best revenge is to move on and let karma do the rest
This review is for Season 1 and 2.Krachao Seeda delivered the emotional rollercoaster that I expect from a Thai lakorn! The plotline is nothing new, but I enjoyed the story, and the pacing was good. There's definitely tons of slapping where almost no one was spared, and there was melodrama and angst when I found my heart wrenching or my blood pressure rising numerous times. However, throw in the happy and satisfying scenes, and you get an addictive drama that kept me binge-watching it. The main messages were karma, knowing one's self-worth, and valuing one's dignity.
After having experienced the spectrum of emotions, from the villains making my blood boil watching them plot and play dirty to the feelings of enjoyable romance watching the interactions between the ML and FL, the best part by far was seeing the good guys triumphed over the evil schemes repeatedly. This is so gratifying since there are so many lakorns where the bad guys keep winning until the last episode when they finally get their due punishment or redemption because forgiveness is a key virtue. The rating should be higher, but I guess a rating above 7.5 is considered high for a Thai drama on MDL.
I started this show because of Nune Woranuch, who played Nampink, the FL, but ultimately I binge-watched because of Got Jirayu, who portrayed the ML, Aumpon. I first noticed him in Love Destiny, looking so fine as Luang Surasak, but he stole my heart in this drama. A perfect ML, so charming, charismatic, and attractive...Aumpon may be younger than Nampink, but he was mature, thoughtful, protective, and committed to his love for Nampink. One of my favorite genres is when the ML falls for the FL first, and it was cute how Aumpon smoothly expressed his feelings to Nampink. I love how Got's eyes crinkled as he smiled widely, but his playful expressions can transform so effortlessly into serious and menacing ones when he stared down the villains. I have nothing but praises for Got's acting in this show, and I look forward to him playing more lead roles.
Nampink was a strong female lead, like an iron fist in a velvet glove. Beautiful, decisive, and resourceful, she handled herself with elegance and grace even through heartbreak and betrayal. I like that Nampink was intelligent, and even when she felt devastated, she executed her revenge so nicely and cleanly against the people who did her wrong. Nune has the aura of a commanding female lead, and it is not surprising that she was proclaimed as one of the royalty of Thai dramas. She is gorgeous and I spent the whole show admiring her hair and fashion. In fact, I loved all the female characters' outfits! The production designer deserved a shout-out for such excellent choices but seriously, does the Thai high society really dress like the way they do in the dramas?
As individual characters, our leads were likable, and as a couple, they were admirable and endearing. So supportive and understanding of each other, they were able to take down the villains by anticipating their next moves and laying traps for the bad guys. The chemistry was good, and I wish they had more kissing scenes. That said, both actors were so on point with their expressions and body language that I did not need obvious gestures like kissing to see how well they played off each other. They have a unique dynamic that made it so interesting to watch them. Plus, Got just oozed sexiness, and the show enhanced that impression by playing the sexy background song almost every time he appeared on screen to charm Nampink.
The supporting cast was good, but I was not interested in the second couple's relationship. I don't think it was executed very well, and I didn't exactly buy the idea that Ramnam and Lue loved each other in the end. Green Ausadaporn is lovely and was good as Ramnam, the scheming nangrai who stopped at nothing to get what she wanted, but something was lacking in her overall delivery. I think that the SFL was supposed to be a more complex character, fighting against societal prejudice and oppression, but Green's acting did not come through for me. She was good with her smirks and sneers, and she totally brought out the dislike in me. However, she did not do as well in the more emotional scenes. The same thing with Peter Corp Dyrendal, who played Lue, the SML who was supposed to be in love with Nampink even after he betrayed her but then all of a sudden, he was in love with Ramnam towards the end. I pitied Ramnam's mother the most, but in a way, she was the one who enabled Ramnan's wickedness.
The music list was not long, but the soundtrack was memorable, including the sexy song I now will always associate with Got…Haha! For posterity, I have listed the main songs below. Unfortunately, the show did not balance the dramatic background music well, and it can be quite jarring.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tCPuOIeSHo
เพลง : พิง (Song: Lean)
นักร้อง : NONT TANONT (Singer)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SHtrQNYE90
เพลง : ความรัก (Song: Love)
ศิลปิน : โรส ศิรินทิพย์ (Singer: Rose Sirinthip)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUhlXxelZZA
เพลง : ปม (Song:Crux)
ศิลปิน : ZANI ( ซานิ นิภาภรณ์ ) (Singer: ZANI (Sani Nipaporn))
I gave a decent rating for the re-watch value since I expect I will replay scenes of Aumpon and Nampink. On the whole, I do recommend this Lakorn. The story moved quickly with a great ending, good-looking actors who can act, and great music. So give it a try, and who knows, you may get hooked onto it just like I was.
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Sweet glimpses of romance, great chemistry and interesting storyline
I am often drawn to Thai Lakorns featuring time travel because most of them do not run on the same plot. This Lakorn follows Pete, our modern-day spoilt and irresponsible pra'ek who accidentally traveled back 100 years earlier during his great-grandfather Pian's era and ended up trading places with Pian. During that time, he also met Wan, played by Vill Wannarot. The twist to this story is that Pete thought Wan was his great-grandmother and tried his best unsuccessfully not to fall in love with her.One reason that made this drama enjoyable for me is the dual roles that Film Thanapat played as a present-day influencer and his great grandfather, who looked identical to him. Film did an excellent job switching between playful and adorable Pete and a more matured and dignified Pian. His microexpressions were great, and Film in all his roles so far has impressed me through his superb acting. That said, I think he could have handled the crying scenes better, especially compared to Vill. She as Wan did well, too, although she did not show as much range as Film. However, she was on-point during the emotional scenes. She cried so prettily that even when the scenes tugged at my heartstrings, I could not help but admire her loveliness. Together they made a great-looking couple, and that heightened my enjoyment of the show.
While I was thrilled at the plot about two separate worlds bringing together two soul mates, I find the romantic tension a little lacking. There was not enough build-up of attraction and awareness of each other that convinced me that these two were falling in love, except perhaps towards the end. The romance was relatively chaste with innocent skinship, which I don't mind if there were implied near kisses and increasing intimacy (just like the scintillating chemistry between Pope and Bella in "Love Destiny"). Still, there was definite chemistry between them, and I started off rooting for Pian and Wan first and then was won over by the sweet interactions between Pete and Wan.
Other than the romance between Pete and Wan, the main couple, there was also the secondary relationship between Pian and Pink, Pete's best friend in the present. This is where I thought Film shined as well. His ability to act restrained as old-fashioned Pian while showing interest and care for Pink using his eyes and expressions. Through the love story between Pian and Pink, the drama took on heavier topics and presented everything beautifully in the story; topics like family responsibilities versus personal desires, the way families were made up, the principles and values that one believed in and held tightly, and how one's actions can seriously change the outcome of the future.
Speaking of Pink, Bifern Anchasa deserved praise acting as the self-sacrificing love interest of Pian. The show was smart in writing her character as someone who believed in time travel and understood the consequences of one changing history. The side plot concerning Pian and Pink made sense to me, even though many commented that the ending could have and should have been different for them. It would be great if the show made a spin-off focusing on Pian and Pink. Without revealing spoilers, it is a workable plot so hopefully, the scriptwriters will note the viewer comments and the amount of interest generated in these two's relationship.
While watching the show, I could not help but think that the romantic storyline was a sweet excuse to highlight the achievements of the King during one of the prosperous periods of Ayutthaya kingdom - an era that brought many changes to today’s Thai society - and the tremendous respect that the Thai people have for their royal family.
The OST was great, and was effective in stirring up my emotions. There was only one main song and I included the link below for posterity. There were also a couple of instrumental pieces that set the tone well and appropriately for the scenes. If there was anything to complain about, it was how loud the background music got when it came to the suspenseful moments, and sometimes the music did not transition well. It is a common problem in many Lakorns, so I am not going to take off too many points for it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-4HspJRgxM
กลางหัวใจ (เพลงประกอบละคร รักแลกภพ) - แอ๊ค The Golden Song【OFFICIAL MV】
The other thing that I did not enjoy was how the show dragged a little in the middle, with unnecessary drama involving characters that were not really the villains but could be considered the antagonists. Some of their actions and reactions did not quite make sense, and it seemed that the show would have benefited by cutting a couple of episodes out. I did not skip through the episodes, but it would not have made much of a difference if I did, especially towards the middle-end.
Finishing off on a positive note, I must say that visually, there was so much to enjoy - from the good-looking cast to the gorgeous outfits (past and present), to the settings and locations.
Overall, it is a light romantic drama that I think most will enjoy. If you like a little fantasy in your romance drama, then do give it a watch. Just let the story unravel and surprise you.
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Ah, what a feel-good series!
After reading the comments and reviews, I was expecting a lot of fluff, and that is exactly what this show delivered. This is truly a show with lots of heart, romance, and on-point comedy, one that is guaranteed to make you smile and cheer at least once.It is a simple love story, almost entirely focused on the OTP. Where the show excels is with its romance and phenomenal chemistry between its two leads. Both Matsui Airi and Itagaki Mizuki are great in their roles, and I can really feel the warmth they have on-screen together. They are so cute together that I would watch this show just for the couple's interactions. Yes, I did cringe a lot but in a good way.
I like that the ML and FL are both mutually attracted at the same time even though Manatsu-san acts all cool and detached initially, and I enjoyed watching the flirty teasing, cute jealousy, and growing love between them. The almost immediate racy skinship is a plus for me since it is rare in most Asian dramas. What I truly appreciate is the emphasis on open communication in a relationship and how the couple values honesty and respect between each other.
Despite the fluff and the short length, the show is well-executed, and everything is tied up nicely in the end. The starting song is fun to listen to and lends the same tone of optimism and positivity that is infused throughout the show. I have to admit that I kept waiting for something melodramatic to happen since the show would tease the audience with hints of potential rifts or serious issues. Fortunately, matters and misunderstandings are cleared up quickly, and the serious moments would transition into sexy ones.
The cast is a bunch of good-looking actors, and if nothing else, no matter who you look at - either Ami-chan, Manatsu-san, or the other characters, the visuals are pleasing.
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A good mix of melodrama and sweetness after a so-so start
I finally finished this drama after having it on my Hold list for ages. I just could not get past how spineless the FL in the beginning but I really like Wallace Chung and his acting. I'm glad that I gave it another chance because the FL got better towards the later part of the show (after ep 22).The plot was not unique but really quite lovely, about a couple who fell in love in college, separated due to misunderstandings and past grievances, and in the end found their way back to each other. The drama featured flashbacks of their college days
and those episodes were good. Kudos to Luo Yun Xi and Janice Wu for their portrayals of the leads in their younger days. I cannot believe how much these two actors have progressed in their careers.
I am not too impressed by Tiffany Tang's acting and I think she could portrayed the FL better especially in the beginning. Her wimpiness was too pathetic but it could be because of the script and directing. She looked really pretty though even in the ridiculous outfits that the show dressed her in. I really questioned the stylist and the choices for her.
Wallace was great as the ML, displaying a myriad of emotions. He can ham it up during the comedic moments and adopt a cold stone face when the moment called for it. He Yichen, the character himself was not the perfect ML but his commitment once he decided the FL was the one, was swoon-worthy. His hairstyle though - LOL, again I am not sure what the stylist was thinkinig. Other than his hairstyle though, he looked pretty suave in his suits.
Love the shenanigans of the law office and the fashion magazine folks, and I enjoying watching the second couple's path to love - truly a hate to love relationship!
Most may view the SML, Ying Hui as being annoying for his refusal to give up but I was actually quite intrigued by him. Honestly, if the FL chose to be with him, I would have been fine too. He was good-looking, successful, smart and also committed to the FL. I have seen Tan Kai, the actor in more recent shows and I must say that he's aging very well.
I really enjoyed the soundtrack especially the opening song, "My Sunshine" by Zhang Jie, the angsty "Why Love" by Wallace Chung and the equally emotional "A Ray of Light" by Hua Chen Yu. Tiffany also sang a lovely one for the show called Long Time No See. I am not sure why they selected the English song - most of the time, it did not fit the scenes. For posterity, I have list the songs below.
Overall, the later episodes and the really great ending left me satisfied, and the college scenes made this show a good one for me. I would recommend it but with the advice that if you feel your interest faltering, you should try to get past episode 22 because it does get better later. At least for me, it did.
OST
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU-7klSJJms
00:00 Jason Zhang Jie - My Sunshine (Opening Theme Song) | 张杰 - My Sunshine
https://open.spotify.com/track/4ZHbDjROaPH8KWXn20ZRmT
04:24 Wallace Chung - Why Love? (Ending Theme Song) | 钟汉良 - 何以愛情
https://open.spotify.com/track/3jnhJ37cVGK92lbyQhYhgx
09:16 - Tiffany Tang Yan - Long Time No See | 唐嫣 - 好久不見
https://open.spotify.com/track/6iWESa3J8akk6C1lovuuHI
14:00 Hua Chenyu - A Ray of Light / Glimmer | 华晨宇 - 微光
https://open.spotify.com/track/2pxbYnrJ3tUDMZaBPCtvdZ
18:23 Gao Shan - The Road Not Taken / To April | 高姗 - The Road Not Taken
https://open.spotify.com/track/4XTtNQcDJ1hyl8Dy5arn7B
22:03 Gao Shan - When I Met You, All The Stars Fell On My Head | 高姗 - 遇見你的時候所有星星都落到我頭上
https://open.spotify.com/track/56xLSzX5lcYHCaxc1W5fLR (not the Gao Shan version)
25:58 Fang Wu Wen Fang - Accumulated Loneliness / The Sum of Loneliness | 吳汶芳 - 孤獨的總和
https://open.spotify.com/track/1rhPNTxshTaIrCkPrGn4KK
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The value of knowing one's self-worth and loving yourself first
I have seen the Korean original and Chinese adaptation of this drama, and I liked them both. Each one brought its cultural style, and even though none were perfect, the great mix of comedy, romance, and drama resulted in entertaining watches for me. It is the same for this Thai version.I read some criticism that the acting was too exaggerated, but I have enjoyed enough Thai lakorns to expect and accept that. For me, Thai lakorns have their brand of slapstick antics that mesh well with the plot and character development. This lakorn, Me You Always, had its unique flair and provided a good amount of situational comedy, witty, and lowbrow humor for some good laughs. Also, with great timing, rhythm, and sound effects, the show swings from romantic to dramatic to funny quickly and smoothly, and it keeps the entertainment level high throughout the show. There were some deviations from the Korean and Chinese versions, a few for the better, and a couple took away poignant moments for me. The ending in the Thai version though is my favourite.
For those who have not seen the original or any of its adaptations, the plot is based on the classic and over-used "Childhood Love" trope. Still, the story develops nicely and interestingly in this particular drama. It's truly a sweet rom-com, but you will feel angst during the prolonged misunderstanding on the ML's part and some noble idiocy on the FL's side. You will also get the second male lead syndrome, or at least I did, for all the versions. Most of the plot is about the FL deceiving the ML about her identity and how despite it all (including a sexy, eager SFL), he still falls in love with the FL.
In all versions, the ML is a jerk at first. However, some of it is due to him being bullied during his younger days, and he grows up developing a prickly shell. His mean attitude towards the FL is mostly because he is so confused and trying to fight against the attraction that he feels towards her, especially when he thinks he has already found his first love (the FL's best friend).
I like that in this version, the show did not have Ploy, the FL go through any significant makeover. She looked normal, albeit a little unkempt and dowdy with her oversized clothing and lack of attention to her appearance, but she was still pretty and cute, especially when she smiled. I love how Ploy improved her outer beauty naturally and realistically as she started to pay more attention, such as using proper skincare, contacts, and tidying up her hair. Most of all, I like how Kawin (or Win), the ML came to love her for her character and the connection he felt with her, the same closeness he had with his first love.
Fang Neerasingh as Ploy and Pae Arak Amornsupasiri as Kawin were adorable together. They had awesome chemistry and looked good onscreen - I love the height difference. They played off each other well and nailed every scene.
Ploy was a strong, happy-go-lucky FL whose physical appearance belied how tough and plucky her character was after having gone through hardship in life. For sure, there were moments where I wanted to yell at Ploy for not having the courage to tell Kawin the truth, and she was the one who started her best friend, Randa's deception. Still, Randa could have made better choices. In the end, though, it all worked out neatly, and I like the character development of Ploy, Kawin, and Randa. It's great that Ploy prioritized her self-development, and Kawin was equally amazing in allowing Ploy time and room for her to pursue her ambition. After waiting years for her, he was confident in himself and their relationship.
This is the first drama of Fang's that I watched, and I thought she did a great job. She was able to convey different emotions with her facial expressions, and her crying scenes were pretty much on-point. Her cute "girl next door" look reminds me of other Chinese and Korean actresses, but I still cannot place which ones exactly. She also sang one of the main songs.
I am not a fan of Pae's hairstyle here, but he is still as charming and attractive as ever. I like his portrayal of Kawin and his mood swings as we see Kawin struggle against his curiosity about Ploy that eventually evolved into attraction and ultimately love.
There's lots of accidental skinship (yes, "mostly the trip and fall into his arms" and the "oops, I turned my face and my lips almost found his" kind), but since these two were so cute together, these scenes only increased the sweetness factor for me. I wish there were more kissing because they looked comfortable and natural together when they did. However, I did feel that the other versions did a better job showing how the ML slowly fell for the FL.
As for the second male lead, it is the way the character is written that would result in the second male lead syndrome. He's sensitive, cool, super sweet, and supportive of the FL. Nat Kitcharit played Tula well, and there were so many times when I would smile at the chemistry between Tula and Ploy.
The acting was great across the board, and there was just so much rapport between the cast!
There were not many songs played in the drama, and most pieces were instrumental. However, the theme song was fun and reflected the cute tone throughout the drama. The other one is the more romantic song and the instrumental version was used a lot during the meaningful scenes. It definitely heightened the romantic experience for me. For posterity, I have listed those two here:
1) "จับมือเธอไว้" ("Hold Your Hand")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ1ujiR2i6g
2) "ฉันจะกล้าพอ" ("I Will Be Brave Enough")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7K5hqv5LpQ
Overall, do give this drama a try! The sweetness, the silliness, the laughter, the terrific cast, the lovely ending - there's enough to keep you entertained!
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Deze recentie kan spoilers bevatten
Warning! The cringe factor is fairly high in the first few episodes. Scenes meant to create moments of sparks between the ML and FL were so contrived that they made me laugh out of embarrassment. I can only handle so many scenes of the FL accidentally falling into the ML’s arms.Still, I found the show entertaining and, in general, well-paced. It's an interesting plotline with a ML who hates lies and a FL who lies mainly to avoid conflict and hurting others as well as herself. Adding depth to the story was the subplot behind the love-hate relationship between the ML and the second ML. Throw in a scheming, bitchy third party vying for the ML's love, plus other villains so gratingly annoying, and you have a rom-com that is delightful but with enough drama to cause your blood pressure to rise at times.
I did wish that the romance between the lead couple started earlier, but mainly because the chemistry was great! Fang Zhi You was just so charming and adorable once he acknowledged his feelings for Xu Yi Ren. He was always trying to be romantic with her, and the skinship progressed so naturally. Their kissing moments were cute, and I like that they both can be honest about their lack of experience in love. The fact that Zhi You always told the truth made whatever he said to Yi Ren so much more meaningful, and he did say the sweetest things.
I was also touched by their commitment to each other and how they were both consistent in their acknowledgment privately and publicly that they were each other's one and only love. Even when others have assumed that their relationship has failed because Yi Ren did something unforgivable in Zhi You's eyes, it was heartwarming to see Zhi You not actually giving up on her, and for Yi Ren choosing to stay as close to him as possible even if it meant being humiliated repeatedly. It was endearing to watch Zhi You struggle with his principles, while his love for Xiren remained unwavering.
I was less interested in the second couple's relationship. The chemistry was not there for me, and I have to admit that I skipped through their scenes a few times.
The character development of the two leads in the show was the biggest plus point for me. I liked how Zhi You matured into someone who is more mindful of other people's feelings particularly Yi Ren's. I appreciate how he still valued honesty and did not lower his own standards throughout the show but instead he became more aware of social graces and the "give and take" aspect that was necessary in relationships. My favourite moment was when Zhi You realized that loving someone 100% mean accepting both their strengths and weaknesses.
It was also gratifying to see Yi Ren drawing strength from Zhi You's love and became braver. The development of her self-awareness and self-confidence was satisfying to watch, especially when she finally stood up against her nasty aunt and cousin, and their emotional blackmail. Yi Ren never did stop lying completely, but she did become more honest and true to herself and Zhi You. She realized that she did not need to lie to avoid conflicts and that it was better that she faced her problems upfront.
Fang Shi Yu, the little sister, and Li Zhe, the second male lead, were absolutely awesome, and they were the perfect catalyst for the lead couple's relationship. Shi Yu was an absolute breath of fresh air, and she was the voice of strength and reason. It was cute to see her advise her brother in the matters of the heart, and so refreshing to see her stand up to adults and put them in their places. Li Zhe was so charming and disarming, and even towards the end, his longing for Yi Ren was still palpable despite him accepting that Zhi You and Yi Ren were meant for each other, and that he wanted the best for them. I suffered a little of the second lead syndrome, especially since I became invested in Li Zhe's back story with Yi Ren. Ultimately, I am glad that he still got his happy ending with his father.
It would have been nice to see the other characters develop further like the villains actually learning from their mistakes. It was a bit anticlimactic for me when there were no retribution or lessons learned for the aunt and cousin. At least the uncle showed some backbone finally towards the end. I did find the way the show wrapped up He Yu Wen, the third party's story in a rushed manner, but at least there was closure between her and Zhi Yu.
Acting-wise, I thought Xin Yun Lai's portrayal of Fang Zhi You and Liu Hai Kuan's as Li Zhe were really good. Their micro-expressions were on point, and you can see the array of emotions play across their faces nicely. Of course, it does not hurt that they are both good-looking in their own ways. I look forward to seeing these two actors play the lead roles in more dramas going forward.
While I like Yi Ren, the character, I was less impressed by Liang Jie, who played her. I really tried throughout the 31 episodes to like her, but it just did not happen. I would not say that her acting was bad. In fact, I think she did fine overall, but there was just something lacking. It could be her' resting bitch face'. She often looked like she's pouty or bratty even during scenes that did not call for it.
Like in most of my reviews, I am going to comment on the wardrobe styling. I find that in most C-Dramas, they must have a low budget for the female lead wardrobe and again it is a miss for this show. Both male leads’ clothes were fine overall even though less enviable compared to other shows. The female lead’s styling however was terrible. All the over-sized Peter Pan and shawl collars!!! It’s 2020 for heaven’s sake! Why in the world did they have to make her look granny-like and dowdy? I realized that they want to contrast Yi Ren against He Yu Wen in terms of sophistication but they really went overboard!
The OST was all right. Other than the two tracks that I thought suited the moods of the scenes well, I didn’t remember any other ones.
Overall, I would recommend this show for its fluffy romance, interesting plot lines, and good looking actors. I would probably re-watch the cute romantic scenes. Typically 31 episodes would be borderline too long for me. The fact that I continued watching and completed the show means that others may enjoy it as well.
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I started watching Devilish Joy because of Choi Jin Hyuk. I watched him for the first time in 'Fated to Love You' and suffered the second lead syndrome so badly that I wanted to watch him in a show where he gets the girl. This drama captured my interest from the get-go, with an endearing story that started with the two leads falling in love at first meet. The show has all the key elements - great acting, a good mix of romance, comedy and melodrama, gorgeous cinematography, and good-looking actors. However, I have to warn you; it is also a bag of cliches! If you can get past the kdrama tropes, the show may pleasantly surprise you and exceed your expectations.
Choi Jin Hyuk as Gong Ma Sung looked really fine in his suits as the chaebol heir who was also a genius neurosurgeon. However, his character was not the typical cold and arrogant jerk. Instead, Gong Ma Seung was a warm-hearted, generous, and romantic man, who not surprisingly captured the female lead's heart immediately in the first episode. Choi Jin Hyuk did not disappoint, and he was able to convey so much through his expressions and body language. I was really into his character, and if I allow myself some fangirling - I love how his smile reaches his eyes and his voice...oh his voice!
It took me a little longer to warm up to the female lead, Joo Gi Bbeum. She seemed too silly for a 30-year-old top star, but she developed more depth soon after the first couple of episodes. Soon Ha Yoon was very believable as the unfortunate singer, who struggled against all sorts of challenges but managed to maintain her dignity. Her petite loveliness was a great match for Gong Ma Sung, and the chemistry between the two leads was palpable. This is a couple I can imagine as truly dating - their kisses (and there were many compared to other dramas) were so natural.
I also came to like Hoya's character, Sung Ki Joon - uncle/nephew bromance was fun to watch and their reunion scene was perfect!
Besides the leads, I did enjoy watching the other characters like Woo Jin and Nan Joo (the leads' sidekicks), and Gi Bbeum's family. They all had flaws that made them more relatable. However, I found the villains rather one dimensional and there was no character development. They are just shown as evil people with no other motives aside from greed. I found their backstories rather lacking, and not certainly not enough to explain why they hated Ma Sung or Gi Bbeum so much to inflict such terrible pain on them.
The music was good - the songs fit the moods accordingly but nothing memorable. I did not hear any that tugged at my heart strings and made me want to save it to a playlist.
As for the ending, I was very satisfied. Not going to lie, I almost didn't want to watch the final episode. The show went into full throttle drama towards the end and I was an emotional mess thinking that only a miracle can give me the happy ending that the characters deserve. Luckily, it is kdrama land after all, and one can toss all reasoning and logic aside. That said, I like that the show did not wrap up everything too neatly and the happy ending was not overly done with Gong Ma Sung recovering completely from his illness. With that, I ended the show with a feeling of hope, and thinking that there's potential for a season 2.
Overall, this drama is pretty entertaining. Yes, there were plenty of cliches but the story was well developed. The romance, focused on unconditional and timeless love was heartwarming and there were enough subplots to beef up the drama.
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Do yourself a great favour and watch this drama!
There are already so many reviews, but I felt compelled to add mine since this is now one of my top favourite Chinese dramas. Now, I have not seen Eternal Love, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms After Story, nor have I read the novel, so my review is entirely based on the show alone.I didn't expect this show to be so addictive! I was so reluctant to watch the last few episodes, and I even waited for a couple of weeks before I finally finished it. I just did not want it to end. It is also my first show that is longer than 50 episodes. I have a habit of needing to complete any show (and not dropping it), so I tend to avoid long period dramas. However, I made an exception this time because of the great chemistry between the main leads. The trailers drew me in, and my only regret is that I did not watch it sooner. I really love the story! Even though some reviews stated that certain parts got draggy, I truly enjoyed the different arcs - from when Feng Jiu became Dong Hua's pet fox to the final battle at the end. Of course, fortunately for me, the ending was a satisfying one; otherwise, I would be so heartbroken that I would probably swear off Chinese period dramas for good.
Dilraba and Vengo really nailed their characters! I cannot imagine anyone else playing Feng Jiu with so much sass. Dilraba is mesmerizing, and it is completely believable when the character was described as a legendary beauty. She portrayed the future Queen of Qing Qiu with such grace and I love that Feng Jiu was also intelligent (albeit naive at times), good in martial arts and weapon making, and her culinary skills so exceptional that it won Dong Hua's attention. The same thing with Vengo - he played Dong Hua Di Jun with perfection. His acting range shone as he switched from icy handsome god to adorable pouty lover with endearing, smoldering looks reserved just for Feng Jiu. Also, while I have not seen that many period dramas, I cannot think of anyone else who looked so attractive in white hair (other than his own offspring)!
I also look for micro-expressions when it comes to acting skills, and both of them pulled it off so well. After all, they each had to portray three different character personalities, and they went through so many emotional periods of different levels across the various realms. The chemistry between these two was off the chart, and I truly enjoyed watching them fall in love even when they did not realize that their relationship was forming. I usually keep my interest strictly within Dramaland, but this is one of the very very few couples so far where I hope would become one from reel to real. I totally ship them together.
As for the rest of the cast - major applause! All of them did amazingly and so many good looking ones all in a one show :-) I was genuinely interested in the different characters - Lian Song, Cheng Yu, Chi Wu, Si Ming, super cute Ah Li, Zhe Yan (Baron!!!), Su Mo Ye, Qing Ti, Meng Shao and the list goes on! These characters completed the show. And yes, I have to mention Ji Heng, who was the one character I hated, not the actress who did a good job but the character - boy was I upset with her actions towards the end!
Other than that, the CGI effects were fantastic. It was obvious that they put a lot of thought and effort into creating the various realms and worlds. The fox was so well done, and I could not find any bad effects. Music-wise, also well-done! I have already added the OST soundtrack to my playlist.
The rewatch value is high for me since I am already rewatching it. Haha! As I said, this show is addictive!
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A Total Green Flag Male Lead
Not having watched the other related lakorn series like the Suparburoot Juthathep ones or the first Devaphrom one, I decided to jump straight into this one, hoping that I would be able to make sense of the show without knowing the characters' backgrounds. Fortunately, it was easy to understand the connections and relationships based on the references dropped in the show.Dhevaprom: Kwanruetai, the second part of the Devaphrom series, featured a young FL, Kwanruetai, who was plucky and street smart but sometimes quite rash. Kwan was also a natural beauty but was forced by her mother to hide all her loveliness under boyish clothes and caps. Her mother was the link to the Juthathep family, as she was M.L. Maratee Dhevaprom, the Nang'ek who was crazy about the ML's father and was totally in her own world, with her misconceptions about the Juthathep family betraying her, more specifically the ML's father jilting her.
Despite her rough and tough appearance, Kwanruetai managed to steal Khun Chat, our ML's heart. Khun Chat was an idealistic doctor known to his family as being disinterested in relationships and love. I enjoyed watching Khun Chat slowly fall for Kwanruetai's charms without her even trying. She was different from the other ladies that he had met, and one could tell that he was attracted to her after they butted heads a few times.
I like watching their relationship progress and Khun Chat was really such a green flag. He never wavered once he had his heart set on the FL and was determined to overcome all obstacles to be with her. His consistency and steadfast love for Kwanruetai from the start to the end showed his stability and commitment to her despite the trouble her mother gave him. Even though Kwanruetai wasn’t sure about her feelings at times and found it difficult to deal with the challenges, Khun Chat was still there for her.
It is also great that both leads were capable in their own ways. Despite his sweet baby face, the ML had a fine muscular physique and, being in the military, could fight. So can the FL, and she protected her loved ones quite well.
This lead couple was cute! Yada was cast well - she pulled off the tomboy tough act but is really quite lovely. Mikey is gorgeous and a good fit for Yada. There was chemistry between them, and they were adorable together. Being fairly new, both actors can certainly improve in their facial expressions, and sometimes, when Yada cried, I cringed. As for Mikey, he often had the same frozen look on his face, but when he smiled, he melted hearts, including mine. In general, both did a decent job and did not drag the drama down for me.
The second couple was sweet as well. Additionally, it was nice to see the strong family bonds among the Juthathep family, especially the siblings and their cousins. Many interesting characters showed up in the show, which piqued my interest. Now, I am intrigued by the stories of the older generation, so hopefully, I can find the shows from the 2013 series.
One drawback was that the villains felt one-dimensional. Of course, there was a female character who was always scantily clad and convinced that the ML was hers. Luckily, she did not appear in every episode, so she did not become too annoying. There was no second male lead; instead, there were heartwarming and supportive half-brothers.
What I disliked the most was how the FL always chose to give up everything and sacrifice her happiness for her mother, who clearly was mentally abusive towards her. I know in many Thai dramas, there is a strong emphasis on filial piety toward parents, but in this show, the mother was just too much. At first, I didn't even want to see her get any redemption. I only wanted the gratification of seeing her being punished for her ignorance and vileness.
However, the ending wrapped things up well and I don’t even mind the mother having found her way. There were even a 3rd, 4th, and 5th couple with their own sweet moments.
Overall, this was an enjoyable show, fun to watch, and worth the time. Now, I look forward to catching up with the first drama in the series and following the third one, which is airing right after. I would love to see Kwanruetai and Khun Chat again.
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Cute, fluffy, and fast-paced version
I have seen the Korean original and all (Chinese, Thai, and now Japanese) adaptions of this story, and I liked all of them. None of them were perfect, but I appreciate each one’s cultural style and artistic differences. If I were to pick a favorite, I would not be able to do so since there were elements in each that I liked a lot. Overall, the great mix of comedy, romance, and drama in the different versions resulted in good entertainment for me. This Japanese adaptation was different because it was more lightweight and less draggy due to the condensed storyline. However, a shorter version meant less time spent on character development. Also, some poignant or meaningful scenes were left out that hit the sweet spots in the other versions. That said, the drama still managed to follow the original storyline pretty closely, and whatever deviations made more sense.For those who have not seen the original or any of its adaptations, the plot is based on the classic and over-used "Childhood Love" trope. It is a story of how two people, despite lies and mistaken identities, still manage to find their first loves in the end. This story is truly a sweet rom-com, and in this Japanese version that is faster-paced, you will feel less angst during the prolonged misunderstanding on the ML's part and less frustration at the noble idiocy on the FL's side. However, with a lot more episodes, the other versions did a better job showing how the ML slowly fell for the FL.
In all versions, the ML was a jerk at first, but my favorite one was Nakajima Kento's portrayal of Hasebe Sosuke. Visually, I find him most appealing, with his sharp gazes transitioning nicely into boyish heart-melting looks. His smiles were truly disarming! Also, Sosuke was much less mean compared to the other versions. His angry or stern attitude towards the FL was tempered by his confusion and struggle to fight against the attraction he felt towards her, even when he thought he had already found his childhood sweetheart.
Also, I thought I would not get the second male lead syndrome in such a short series, but Akaso Eiji as Higuchi Takuya still won my heart. His good looks, his cool and supportive character, and the chemistry between the FL and him still caused me to root for him. I wish there was an alternate version where Higuchi had his happy ending with Sato.
In this version, the FL seemed the most natural without exaggerated freckles, bad teeth or ugly glasses. She looked normal, albeit a little unkempt and dowdy with her masculine clothing and lack of attention to her appearance. However, she was still pretty and cute, especially when she smiled. I love how Koshiba Fuka acted as Sato Ai, and her portrayal of the FL was the least cringey among all the drama versions.
As for Risa, the best friend, I find the character in this version, the most selfish and could have benefitted more with some further development. Still, Yui Sakuma did a good job and she is lovely. Reminds me of Anne Hathaway, visually.
The acting was great across the board, but it was difficult to note stellar performances when the story moved so quickly.
There's not much skinship, but the actual kisses were good, especially the last episode! The main leads were so cute together, and once they became a couple, the sweetness factor increased. I wish there was more kissing because they looked comfortable and natural when they did kiss.
There were not many songs played in the drama and mostly were instrumental. The theme song was fun and reflected the cute tone throughout the drama. The other was the more romantic song used a lot during the meaningful scenes. It definitely heightened the mood for me. For posterity, I have listed those two here:
1) 夏の午後はコバルト / Awesome City Club
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHDIX-RNgSY
2) Summer Hydrangea / Sexy Zone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_a6SXtlEQB0
Overall, do give this drama a try! The sweetness, the silliness, the laughter, the terrific cast, the lovely ending - there's enough to keep you entertained on a weekend binge!
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Endearing Slice of Life Lakorn that Deserves a 2nd Season!
"To me, It's Simply You" is one of the Thai Lakorns that I wish they would make a Season 2, as it was a truly well-done "slice of life" drama. What makes this series appealing for me is how well the show depicted the everyday experience, the recurring themes of friendship and family, the struggles of daily life, and the stark portrayal of the good and bad sides of human nature. Though primarily character-driven, the plot is still crucial, and in this show, the main characters' little and large struggles and triumphs were well written, executed, and acted.To pull off a great drama without relying on a dramatic or extraordinary storyline, casting is the most essential ingredient. After all, the characters drive the story, and the cast must be good. Not only do the actors have to portray their characters accurately, they also need to work very well in tandem with everyone else. This excellent rapport is necessary for the cast to produce a seamless, touching, and most importantly, relatable story that keeps the viewers engaged and wanting more. Without a doubt, this show totally delivered! The entire ensemble was so fun to watch as they interacted with each other and dealt with life in general, living in the same village. The script was funny, often low-brow, and the sexual innuendos just kept coming, but I found it hilarious because the dialogue reminded me of how my friends and family would converse in real life.
Nadech and Bow have a wonderful and easygoing chemistry. It is a treat to watch them as the main leads, Kiew and Chompoo, as they find love, navigate through relationships and deal with heartbreak. It is my first time watching Nadech, and I am impressed to see him in such a role. He appeared comfortable playing a comedic role, and I never knew that he could sing. Nadech did a great job as Kiew, who moved to Bangkok from one of the villages in Northeast Thailand (or Isan) and lost touch with his roots. I enjoyed watching Kiew's character development as he assimilated back into the Isan village way of life, like lapsing into the local dialect and appreciating the food as well as the traditions and beliefs. It was endearing to see his family and friends tease him as they welcomed him back. Bow was so lovely as Chompoo, our intelligent, determined, and incredibly stubborn FL, who, unlike most Lakorn FLs, was also very calm and self-sufficient. It is so nice to have a nang'ek who can take care of herself and value her self-worth and pride. It was so CUTE when Kiew and Chompoo started flirting with each other - Chompoo, usually almost tomboyish, getting all girly and demure, while Kiew acting all awkwardly shy. Bow is so naturally beautiful, and when paired with Nadech, it was good looks galore.
In addition, the show stylist deserves kudos - the clothing and traditional outfits were practical but attractive at the same time.
It was also refreshing not having annoying nang rais who constantly scream throughout the show. Even though there were unrequited love and love triangles, the people involved were realistically more rational. They experienced the usual doubts and hesitation that tempered the crazy behavior that one typically expects from a Lakorn. Best of all, the show emphasized respect and the value and importance of friendship.
Finally, to top it off, the soundtrack was so heartwarming. The music was mostly traditional but very fitting and set the scenes and moods perfectly. I was not expecting the show to be a partial musical, but the way the show wove the songs into the story and have the actors sing them captured my attention and evoked my emotions appropriately. Enclosed below is the link to the OST list, but I also included another link to the adorable love song that Bow and Nadech sang together.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu-BmsoVBj-tog7735T_Hn7FzJOZ3c9p9
ขอใช้คำว่าแฟน lyrics rom | Nadech Kugimiya & Bow Maylada | ost Mon Ruk Nong Pak Ka Yan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzFvTZof_qE
Overall, I could not recommend this drama more. It really is a charming story with actors who can deliver while looking good doing it. I am surprised that the viewership is so low given the star power of Nadech. Not knowing how well this show did in Thailand, I hope that Ch. 3 would do more to promote it. It deserves more exposure for sure!
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Under-rated fusion sageuk - great balance of comedy, drama and intrigue
Indeed a worthwhile watch, and I enjoyed the cheeky contemporary details that the writers slipped into this sageuk drama. Elements like a manicure bar, cafe, taxi stand, and the male lead's knowledge of mixed drinks were not what I expected, but they certainly established the show as a fun and interesting one. I have not seen the other versions so my review is solely based on this drama.For a lighthearted rom-com, the story was well-written and even better executed, switching between serious and hilarity, between dark themes and fluffy romance. Yes, cringe-inducing K-drama tropes were deployed, and the villains were somewhat predictable and not fully developed. Still, I never found myself wanting to fast forward.
The story flowed nicely, and the introduction of the characters and sub-plot lines felt organic. Comedic moments were on point, and there were often curveballs. Scenes that felt like the romance was about to kick off were often disrupted by unexpected unromantic developments. These twists kept me watching non-stop, and I was elated when the OTP finally got together! Even though 16 episodes felt just right, I did wish for only one more just to see a grand finale wedding.
Being a fusion sageuk, I liked how progressive the women were portrayed. Good or bad, these women were not afraid to go after what they wanted. I mean, Princess Hye Myung was the boss! Always questioning traditions and rules, and choosing to study medicine over getting married to her beloved Gyun Woo first. We also have Da Yeon going against her father's wishes and instead openly asking him to help her get Gyun Woo, and even her servant, Mal-Geum unabashedly chased after Gyun Woo's friend.
That said, I did like how it was Gyun Woo who made the first move with Hye Myung. Sounds contradictory, I know, but I still relish the romance of traditional courtship, and Gyun Woo scored major points when he asked the Qing prince to back off. Also, his confession to Hye Myung was so heart-felt and endearing.
My favorite thing about this show was the chemistry between Joo Won and Oh Yeon Seo. They played off each other so well, and they looked good together. Both actors were excellent and have proven their acting range. They emoted so effectively, especially Joo Won, who displayed grief and anguish so well just with his eyes.
The supporting cast deserved a shout-out as well, not only the actors but also the characters they played. Lee Jung Shin as Lieutenant Kang won me over - I was kind of hoping that he was the SML, and others who worked for me included: Prince Wonja (Choi Ro Woon) and Choon Poong (Shim Hyung Tak).
The music was another plus point. The OST was well selected, and I loved the usage of Pachebel's piece, Canon in D, and the adaptations of it.
Last but not least I have to mention the dimples! Not only did our OTP have the most adorable dimples, so did the little prince, the scheming queen, the villain, Gyun Woo's friend, and other characters. Everywhere I looked, it was dimples galore!
Overall, I recommend this show for its amazing OTP, cute romance, and satisfying ending.
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Simple, endearing and pure
This drama was a pleasure to watch after some heavy Thai Lakorn and historical C-drama. Such a simple but well-executed plot about first romance, highlighting the struggles of youth and the awkward journey of inexperienced young adults as they try to develop their crushes into relationships. This show made me smile a lot, not only from watching the main couple's relationship evolve but also from watching the heartwarming interactions between family and friends. Additionally, the show delved into some social topics like bullying and self-esteem. To me, it was quite successful in delivering good messages.Riley Wang as Yan Ke and Wan Peng as Xiong Yi Fan had a unique dynamic that made them so entertaining to watch. Both leads have engaging visuals - attractive but not your typical classic good looks. I first saw Wan Peng in "My Girlfriend is an Alien", and I thought her look was so fitting for a character who was not from this planet. In this show, she portrayed Xiong Yi Fan perfectly, a bumbling female lead who traded her tomboyish ways for a more feminine demeanor. Xiao Xiong was resilient, optimistic, always protective of her friends, and looking out for the underdog. She was also adorably clueless, hence the slow burn romance.
Riley Wang has come a long way since I first watched him in "I Hear You". His acting range has improved, and he's gotten better at emoting effectively. That dimple when he smiles! He was an excellent choice to play Yan Ke, a talented pianist who was smart and handsome. Despite being popular, Yan Ke was not arrogant and instead came across as sensitive and somewhat innocent. I enjoyed watching his attempts to get closer to Xiao Xiong, trying to confess his feelings and deepen their relationship. I shared the poor guy's frustration, and when he and Xiao Xiong finally got together, I practically jumped off my sofa cheering!
It is a mostly young cast, and while they did well, there is room for improvement. Another noteworthy actor is Ken Wu, who played Bai Yu Ze; I would not have guessed that this was his first drama. Unfortunately, as much as I liked his character, his potential romance with Ding Ming failed to capture my interest. I appreciate that there was a happy ending implied for Bai Yu Ze, but I did not see any chemistry between him and Ding Ming. On the other hand, I was rooting for Qi Xiaosong and his love interest. Also, the supporting cast was superb, and they had a great rapport. I loved Xiao Xiong's dad and Yan Ke's mom; both so supportive and loved their children so much!
The main couple's relationship demonstrated how love prevailed even in the most challenging times. Their liking for each other never wavered. When they first crushed on each other in high school to when they met again in college, they remained focused on each other despite other people trying to come into the picture. I liked that the second male and female leads were clearly told from the get-go that they never stood a chance. I also liked that the main couple never lost sight of their own goals and development. There was also a nice story twist when Xiao Xiong and her supposed love rival ended up motivating each other on to better things.
Another high point for me was the OST. The song choices were great, very fitting, and evoked my emotions.
Overall, I recommend this light, sweet rom-com, especially if you are looking for one with little angst where misunderstandings are quickly resolved and the OTP only has eyes for each other.
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