JPK
Did we watch a different drama? Special premise and that is all
I am wondering what am I missing. Can someone enlighten me please. What was 'the best drama I ever watched' about this?Myeong-ha was definitely a great character and props to the actor behind him. Caring. Responsible. His writing was interesting. I liked Sangwon too, I thought his position was very unusual and appealing for a BL, but also underdeveloped. He had a lot of potential.
As for Yeo-woon, I did not believe the character one sec. The chemistry between the leads was lacking left and right. I cannot with that really. He was very one dimensional for me.
Perhaps it is about somewhat misplaced casting, too few episodes for the meaning to prevail or not great writing.
Sometimes cute, sometimes engaging most times left me quite unmoved - meh. It is 8 x 40min, so not too long. The story is unique and Tae Myung-ha is crush worthy so up for you to decide.
Thanks for reading.
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Takara is a snack, and makes this whole viewing experience not a complete waste of time
I have been bedazzled by the appearance of Takara. He gives off strong Cha Eunwoo vibe to me. I just waited for his scenes all the time. Nothing spectacular in the way the young actor delivered his role, but he seemed in tune with Takara, and his acting was natural for the most part; better said, it was fitting of his role. He was even funny in certain instances.I can say that the whole drama was more focused on Takara than on supposed protagonist, Taishin.
As for Taishin, I am frustrated beyond understanding. I don't know what it is about my Japanese drama choices that whichever one I pick up there is a whimpy, extra dependant stuttering second lead. Why write script like that? Is there truly an audience that loves this? The darkness falls onto my eyes thinking that this "exploitation of the other as love" is a real fetish but this is a second drama I watched perpetuating the trope.
And why does Takara start liking Taishin? Ok, the eyes and the glass connection, ok I get it, and the sense of full control, I get it. But everyone likes Takara, so why choose Taishin in particular for that purpose? Really poor character development for Taishin. And their chemistry was, well not terrible and disruptive, but certainy lacking.
Takara's tiny reveal of his character being like his mother's was gold and I wished it was explored more because that would make this drama more meaningful.. if that is possible at all.
I mean, only for Takara I am recommending this one because he is easy on the eyes. Otherwise, skip and you will miss nothing.
Thanks for reading,
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Well... nothing happened really... except some fluff
What was great about this one is that it told three different stories.And Kim An's back story seemed interesting and complex. But writers quickly abandoned his development.
However, despite moving on quickly the show dragged its short 10 episodes.
It was hard to invest oneself into any of three relationship because these were superficially covered. I though the actor who was Hyun did a great job. Him and Kim An sort of had some development and backstory. However Minwoo and Maru, who put them together? Also Minwoo's behavior strongly suggested something was not exactly right with him and since it did not get revealed I just get a strange vibe altogether.
Acting really was not strong in this one.
It is 10x20min episodes but it is a pass from me.
There are much better fluffy options with great plot, acting, chemistry. if interested check out my fluff playlist as I cannot remember exact names of dramas.
If you decide to watch it, enjoy...
And Thanks for reading!
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Seems heavy but thin as a paper
This mini drama left me quite unmoved.Soo Hyuk and Yoon Dae -- I thought the two leads had zero chemistry. The whole plot exposes the themes of abandonment and love for people that exploit us and how that generally disables you from growing in life. Okay, and? It only left those themes on the table and you soon question what are you even watching and is it gonna go anywhere.
That being said Yoon Dae was a leech and I have no other thoughts about him. Soo Hyuk is a sad boy with repressed emotions. Both leads are unlikeable and show zero development throughout drama. The ending is not significant at all.
Not a single theme in this drama was treated with care and respect. They seemed there just to justify (albeit ineffectively) actions of the characters.
Unfortunately not a recommend from me.
Thanks for reading
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Efficient and throws a meaningful punch at quite a few topics
There was not a single thing unnecessary in this drama.No dragging. No ridiculous subplots. Zero useless characters. Each one was developed.
Superb chemistry. Real emotion. Believable progression.
You can see where I am going with this. One word is efficient in all of its goals which were hefty for this drama.
The topics treated in this drama went beyond relationship and sexuality. They touched upon power structures (they even inserted Orwell in there), revenge, love across ages, depression... what touched me the most: the unconditional friendship. The prefect trio were really perfect friends to each other, admirable in the consistency of their support.
Soundtrack gives me Troye Sivan vibes and it is memorable. Not many hot scenes. More on the character development typa bl. I was not emotionally moved by cinematography or story but I cannot see any minuses really.
If it was not obvious..An absolute recommend.
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180 Degrees Longitude Between Us
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deceitful with incomplete execution...or...perhaps because of it
What is this? Tension replacing chemistry?I was underwhelmed by this drama. Let me get it straight, the reviewers, you guys, I trust you and you really sold this one to me. 😂 I was ready to give money that's how well this drama was hyped. 💸
It was a slow drama that hardly kept my attention. Son and a father and a friend of a father and mother. It is very messy and in my understanding, ultimately none of it feels real. Or healthy.
Love? Hell, they are traumatized, all trying to heal themselves in another.
How do I feel about that? Not well. I cannot but feel some ick when heavy topics are badly executed to seem real and genuine for the sake of entertainment. It did not even feel real. I mean how did Wang fell in love so quickly with Inthawut? Trauma, I tell you, he said himself that In fills the gap in him.
And do not think I did not notice all the attempts to simulate Call Me By Your Name. From the music to characterization to scenery to way their bond is portrayed. Really? Wang has my props as an actor, despite bad writing of his character. Wait, let me go give him some flowers...
Ok, I am back. Wang did quite well, mother was not bad either. Inthawut was lacking for me, he was like a shell.
The chemistry between the leads is only in intense staring. Their convos held zero chemistry despite heavy topics I was bored out of hell. And what is In falling in love with, again? Immature and impulsive emotionally neglected son of his friend. Why would he though? Unresolved trauma.
You may say, JXP, this one is not about love but healing. But honestly I do not know these characters. And I never got to know them. This was irrational punch that was supposed to be intense but ended up boring. Again props to Pond, he did a wonderful job as a young actor.
Ah.. perhaps it was well intentioned project but for me...deceitful with incomplete execution...or...perhaps deceitful because of incomplete execution.
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Unbelievably real and hardworking drama... Love was put in this project and I wholeheartedly felt it
A true ode to psychiatric professions with imo perfect execution... that gives brightness and dignity to heavy topics.How needed was it...I did not even realize. not just for Korea but the rest of the international audience. It is just strange execution. Very careful, I would say.
Viewers are constantly made to be switching perspectives. First you are a sufferer, then caregiver, and then parent or a loved one, and then friend of a sufferer. Too many! And regardless, each perspective was never superficial, exaggerated or careless take on the topic.
About lessons...
In one memorable episode, in bouts of frustration, a depressed patient expressed their rejection of diagnosis to their bipolar neighbour. And in response, the bipolar patient said how "when our ear hurts we trust ENT doctor to know what to do. When we get stabbed we trust surgeon to know what to do. Why don't we trust psychiatrist to know what to do when our mind is sick. We are not objective about ourselves. That is why we trust them." -- Something along these lines -- I absolutely loved these peaks of non pretentious wisdom.
I am proud of the director.
Also the male lead was absolutely refreshing and charming in his quirky ways. (i might have changed my husband preferences)
Want S2 for relationship development.
Do not miss. Despite heavy topic, you leave with important lessons and light spirit.
--How privileged is to be a neurotypical and how much more empathy we can offer!
Thanks for reading!
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This show motivates to-- Get off your bed--and kick some a**!
I love this drama.It is kind of oldish and the story has some cringy moments but the core, that the bad girl goes to become neurosurgeon is there.
This backbone is so inspiring.
How the Hye-jung was not stubborn and convinced in her teenage delusion but when she saw better opportunity for her life she took it and embraced it.
What a character. Persistent and loyal. Knows how to fight, is the most promising female neurosurgeon and gets the cocky doctor/teacher as a partner. Decade long friendship with a quirky friend who is her total opposite. Wow. My cozy drama for sure. Rewatched 3x. It is easy to digest.
Now to think about him. They had solid chemistry and his character had a playful writing. But meh I feel some other actor would have been fine in this role. Also teacher-student relationship was not a thing despite audience having a feeling that they are into each other in high school. Tad bit strange cos he really looks older than her. The main actress was the heart and soul of this drama. The antagonist, actress Biblee, phenomenal as usual.
Story is nice, sometimes cringe but always ultimately uplifting. I loved how honestly the main lead fell in love with medicine and how she repurposed her strength and anger with her upbringing.
If you like medical tv shows, after Hospital Playlist go for this one.
Funny, badass and sometimes even meaningful. But uplifting. Always uplifting.
Thanks for reading.
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Innocent and even carrying some lessons
One of the regular sport drama premises: there is a psychological wall that keeps the lead from progressing in their performance. Then another lead shows up and instigates the change.Thank God this drama fulfilled the premise. The shorter lead, the instigator really gave this drama memorable quality despite the plot being short and having holes. He was cast well.
Also, I liked how naturally their relationship developed. I trusted their relationship which speaks to the skill of actors.
I do miss something, not sure what. Nothing explicit in here, but it was not as missed. As some other reviewers mentioned it was obvious that something was brewing. Spice could have been added but it is fine like this too. I wished they developed more the backstory but then I am not sure how it would have added anything.
Simply said, they chose a specific sized and shaped glass and filled it to its brim. Whether it is the best glass for the beverage 🤷♀️
Continuing my inability to remember their names the taller lead showcased maturity in his behavior and decisions. The shorter lead was very charming, expressive and charismatic. Even though the taller one is more my type physically the shorter one really mesmerized me with his performance. Showcase how masculine and feminine qualities are not reserved for particular physical characteristics.
All in all -- Wonderful acting. Both leads had different personalities that helped each other to change and grow. And the thing uniting them was shooting.
I am happily ending my day, satisfied that I cleansed my eyes from the disaster that another show caused.
Oh well, life.
A quick watch, nothing complex or tiring but will leave you with a feeling of lightness. I watched it while studying. Not a regret because it is one of the feel good typa drama. Also picked up a wonderful lesson:
You can endure your hardship by focusing on the end-goal, simply imagine something that makes you happy in your head.
Very true (and needed reminder).
Thanks for reading.
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Suspenseful, never boring and...great cinematography
Overall: I loved this one. It's visual quality and production is superb, with the gory and the scary, on par with Strangers From Hell. OST contributed so well to the overall atmosphere and is def worth your playlist. Which reminds me of myriads of emotions this drama made me go through. I was freaking scared (and I watch horrors w no problems), but also I connected to the characters so much that I found myself getting emotional at certain points. This drama does not get boring or monotonous from 1st to last episode, which says a lot on a drama that is based on a single, repeatable purpose, of catching a spirit. This makes it definitely is a worth watch. However, I do not find it rewatchable; while entertaining I did not take the message of the drama, which arguably could be familial love and loyalty as motivation for difficult steps (or revenge?), I did not find drama's message as something clear or meaningful enough for a rewatch. Just meh in that portion.Detailed Breakdown:
Actors: 8/10
Actors were great, especially main lead, the taxi driver. I forgot their names already but that does not take away from overall exceptional performance. This drama really stretched the characters across spectra of morality, preoccupation, emotions and relationships and I have to say that I trusted the characters 100%, they comfortably switched between one extreme to another.
Storyline: 7/10
The storyline was very refreshing. I thought that three main leads coming together against the spirit, that has ruined their families (and lives), was executed superbly. I did believe each character in their actions which means, for me, that characters were developed well, and they make the storyline.
Entertainment:9/10
I don't know why for so many people mention this drama was not scary. I was freaked out throughout. I find myself recently not finishing most of the dramas I start, I wane off around ep. 12. However, the writers of the Guest knew how to build up tension and make it every time feel different. It definitely kept me in my seat.
Graphic and Aesthetic Quality: 9/10
This show did not hold back on presenting murders in the most graphic way possible. Also the whole demonic-exorcist procedures going on were in intense, and they really used the names of real figures in Catholicism while performing exorcism. This is 2018, but it's gory quality reminded me a bit of Strangers From Hell.
OST: 10/10
The main OST really contributed to the experience of the drama. I absolutely loved how they used their music.
Rewatch: 5/10I am certain that I will go back to the OST, but while it is entertaining and a great experience, I don't feel the need to rewatch it.
----
Thanks for reading!
Have a good one,
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Believable up to a point... with side characters carrying this drama
I enjoyed this drama but cannot say that I was captivated by it like everyone else. The story lost me as we approached the end, and the love story between the leads did not have most natural transition or justification."Only them understand each other fully" - ok, and?
The initial premise of getting a second chance was emphasized in the beginning, and almost completely abandoned as the show approached the end. Both Jiang Ning and Xie Wei were not strong enough as leads in my opinion.
Also while we are talking about inconsistencies -- I just did not realize why would Ning liked the partners she did. Like for instance Zhang Zhe... itis beyond my understanding, she liked him because he was a righteous man? Is that it?
As for positives, Yan Lin is definitely my favorite. He was gracious and consistent and brave and courageous, and handsome. Then Xie Wei's retinue: Dao Qin and Jian Shu, Lu Xian and Dingfei.. they were so loyal and faithful that I loved seeing their genuine encounters and friendship. Also princess Le Yang, she did a wonderful job to be impactful in few scenes she had.
Gotta say, a lot of charm of this drama comes from the supporting characters. Watch it if you like historical dramas but it will likely not be your favorite one, like Rise of the Phoenix was for me.
Thank you for reading.
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A loved premise but feeding nothing than toxic fetish... for those with an inkling for it
A well loved premise on how the least popular boy (1st lead) becomes the love interest of the most beautiful and popular student in school (2nd lead). But this premise gone wrong wrong.The depiction of the popular guy as the god and the king in the eyes of the muttering mess of a first lead... like why god?
First of all, how could anyone fall in love with the 1sr lead? I mean the guy has zero interest in anything except the 2nd lead. What is the appeal? And he goes into servitude (I am not exaggerating) mode after being called disgusting so many times, willingly. Socially inept, stuttering, depressed, quasi autistic. Is he supposed to be disabled without knowing? if this is how a person with disabilities depicted, bish I am offended. What in the weird fetish is all of this? And not really entertained cos everything boiled down to the damn 2nd lead, so if the 2nd lead is causing all of those characteristics above, I find my watching time even more pointless. Cos that is really not it.
Which brings me to the 2nd lead, Kiyoi. I mean dude you may be beautiful or whatever but his behavior is absolute shit. Excuse my muse. Like I can see a glimpse of an attempt at portraying him as abandoned child and therefore having his inner child calmed by an obsessive 1st lead.
I love a bit of push and pull between characters in a drama and the fact there is a person behind every "untouchable" character but I have seen none here. I know it is entertainment and does not have to serve meaning but I do feel it serves
propaganda for toxic relationship based in each of them feeding their traumas by using that relationship as a coping mechanism.
And that is me interpreting. Not like the drama said anything of depth.
Ah.
I've said what I said.
Not gonna entertain S2.
Unfortunately I did not see the brilliance other reviewers have. Myb it is something in the air over here.
Thanks for reading.
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Quick watch with interesting premise
I came into this one from Secret Love Affair, hoping to find something similar. I have watched quite a few dramas but none with this premise that Kenja no Ai had. Really interesting ideas and use of literature in the plot, also interesting psychological profile of different characters with ambiguous lives and motives. I was not disappointed with the way this was executed.I was shocked at times and there were loopholes in the story, despite so many flashbacks. Also, Ryu was flat as heck as a character, and I still do not understand where Mayu's loyalty lies. It's all just, one big sad story.
After watching it, the departing is the feeling of being unsettled by it. Mostly because I am still uncertain of Naomi. I do not think that that young man, no matter how functional he seems, is mentally well.
The drama is four episodes long, and I think it is a worthy watch because of beautiful cinematography, decent acting and interesting storyline.
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So much potential. Unfortunately not actualized in this season. There is second season. Right?
The output is not particularly high, but I did think this was an enjoyable watch with a lot of potential. I really enjoyed it so I bumped it up to 7.Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian had good chemistry, and albeit occasionally cringe, they held out perfectly fine.
Sheng Wang is adorable and funny and showed physical and mental strength in multiple occasions. Jiang Tian, well he was a bit more flat, until the father story came in.
The plot itself got from basic got super interesting around the last two episodes, that it was just begging (or indicating) for second season. There must be because all things started to hook up in the last few episodes, and then ....pam pam puff.. the end credits...come... with zero meaning.
What?
Is it ending like this?
Did their budget disapear under the snap of the fingers, in the middle of the day, they got the call and went "let's wrap it all up in 5, okay?"
Good prep season but only as a playing field for season 2 that must come. Okay? It must! I NEED TO KNOW HOW HE FEELS ABOUT THE SCAR.
Ok, thank you for reading. Bye.
(side note: a recommend if there is a second season. if not I am throwing hands and rerating this to 6)
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Funny and fully embracing you
These 10 episodes made me forget my life responsibilities and bury myself into the paranoia driven world of Aoki. And I was happy about it.Aoki as a character was so funny and his extreme expressions fit the character so well. Chemistry between Ida and Aoki did leave things to be desired, but that did not interrupt my enjoyment of Aoki's antics about his first time love. Or in general the atmosphere that the drama created: of friendship, of acceptance and reliability amongst each other. I noticed that the time was passing while watching this drama, and realized how wonderful it is to be young, that is, younger. There is certain innocence that marks that age of exploration.
The premise about the eraser causing misunderstanding was great. The way the main initiating event also tied in the story of Aida and Hashimoto (side characters) was lovely. I liked both Aida and Hashimoto as characters and rooted for both of their happiness throughout the show.
It is very heartwarming drama. It reminds me of coming of age gems like 'When I fly towards you' and "Weightlifting Fairy". Also I have noticed for 2021, it did not age badly. It is just right.
I have to say Japanese bl dramas do not have a high record in my watch history. I seem to either have poor choices or the way they explore tropes does not fit my preference. However, this one was wonderful. And it left me with warm and fuzzy feelings. Absolute recommend.
Thanks for reading,
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