Jiyuu
An old story in updated packaging
If you've watched enough kdramas (and read shoujo manga), then this is already very familiar to you. Hardworking and cheerful girl gets into hard times and must live with a bunch of good-looking men. Main guy is cold but eventually warms up. Other guys end up liking our main heroine too. That's the set-up.If you miss these kinds of stories, are fine without getting any plot surprises, and like any of the leads here—then this may be for you. I really like the songs featured in the series. And it's nice that each idol has his own story arc and issues to resolve, separate from our heroine. The show's greatest strength may also be its short length (at 12 episodes only).
On the downside, I don't like some of this drama's use of old-style "comedy" (like accidentally spitting out drinks unto someone's face or shirt). I don't like some of the shortcuts they used too like the CEO basically acting as the manager for the band (this should be two separate roles).
This show uses all the main elements of 2009's You Are Beautiful but minus the charm, wit and originality of YAB. I watched YAB for the first time a few months ago and I was surprised at how fresh the script felt considering the show's actual age (12 years). If you haven't watched that yet, I strongly suggest you watch that first.
Let Me Be Your Knight is alright. It has nice colors and catchy music. But it won't go down as a fun, rewatchable classic like YAB.
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A special gem that remains funny, fresh, and sweet
I watched this just now, 12 years after the show has originally aired, and I was surprised by how much I like it. I rarely watch older dramas and the very few ones I do, I usually fast-forward through most of the side plots to get to the core story (like 2005's Biscuit Teacher).Having watched most of the Hong Sisters' dramas, I thought I've seen it all and wasn't paying attention in the first 2 or 3 episodes. But the show kept managing to surprise me and the characters are so endearing and well-written that I think this might end up among my all-time favorites.
As a side note, You're Beautiful was eclipsed in ratings by the blockbuster IRIS back in 2009 but interestingly enough, I don't see IRIS getting recommended anywhere anymore while You're Beautiful remains just as loved by k-drama watchers.
Jang Geun Suk and the rest of the cast were simply awesome. Glad they got this project to look fondly back at such a fun time in their lives.
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Quite chill and easy-going amidst the danger, sprinkled with bits of romance
This isn’t your usual zombie apocalypse. Not so much on the plot but on the overall vibe and tone.Our leads are capable, level-headed, and work great as a team. They complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Their partnership is rooted in trust and years of friendship.
The show’s length works very well in fleshing-out the story and various characters’ motivations (as opposed to 2-hour movies) but it’s also short enough that viewers don’t get exhausted with the twists (compared to the usual 16-episode kdrama length).
I’d say this is one of those few shows where the stars in the sky actually aligned and all the elements that make a show work, works.
There are no weak links in the actors and the characters they play. The plot is familiar yet compelling from the start and it shines because it's written tightly with a dose of freshness . The director's vision, pacing and overall production values match the story well.
All these together culminate into 12 hours of awesome. Highly recommended.
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