3
Zogitt
Australia
Awesome drama but for one narrative misstep
There has already been dozens of review written on this popular k-drama so I'm not going to go into great details about the bulk of the show other than to say that it was amazing, funny, sad, heartfelt, thought provoking, exciting, etc. Definitely worth the watch.Superb acting by the FL and the ML was great as well. Oodles of OTP chemistry. Support cast was top notch. We'll just say no more about the palace intrigue plot, it was integral to the story but nothing new.
Now, some of the reviews focused on THE ending. I understood their sentiments but I don't agree with the more extreme views that the show was ruined by the ending. Yes, it was a bit of fancy foot work on the writer-nims' part in last 30 minutes but to do it otherwise would be to create and ignore longer term problems. You can't really have a 21st century person living the rest of their natural life in the Joseon era without turning history into swiss cheese. Even the few month he was there was already throwing up narrative issues that will make you cross eyed if you think about it. The problem is that most of the negative review all centred around the point that the 21st century person should be allowed to stay on and live happily ever after in the past because he earned it. Is it possible? Viable? Butterfly effect? What happens if he dies in the present?
The writer-nims did their best to push the two threads back together and it was done in a fairly light hearted and conclusive way. Let us not forget that the main relationship between the OTP was getting messy and confusing and it was sustained by the "true love conquers all" motif.
Other reviews also assumed the FL's soul was completely banished and it was obviously not true. By the half way mark, you can see glimpse of her old self popping to the fore. My reading of this is that the FL's soul was always there and can see, hear and feel everything but it was in a passive voice. So the original FL was a "silent" partner and fell in love with the ML along the way, possibly more so. She might even had taken the lead (subconsciously) at some key moments (you will know what I mean if you have watched the show). So it was not that much of a stretch for her to carry on once the 21C person departed. Her later comments and actions all pointed to her being aware of everything that had happened. Her eventual persona also changed a bit so it was a two way street. On the other hand, if they let the 21C person stay on then another segment of the audience will rail against that ending because of all the timey wimey and interpersonal issues.
It was brave of the writer-nims to go down the time travel/body swap theme and it was a deep rabbit hole they went down. At least with this ending, we can have the unicorns and a workable conclusion that I can live with and still smile at the happy thoughts.
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Put Your Head on My Shoulder
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Sweet little rom-com with a fair share of clichés
This is a very easy to watch show with low angst and simple plot. However, this puts a lot of weight on the actors and interaction/chemistry to lift this beyond average. Unfortunately, I don't think they quite pulled it off. It is not bad and there were definitely cute moments and skinship (a bit wooden until the end stretch) but a lot of it feels very scripted. Honestly, the dorky ML genius has been used a few times and The Love Equations did it better. The acting from the ML here seems to be stuck in aloof or quietly happy mode but not much in between. All the tropes are present and quite obvious. The trope of the genius being bad at something then put all his efforts into research and then practice it (in private) until he get good at it is over used. The worse part of this approach is that it telegraphs the sub-plots all the time, including a VERY important plot development towards the end of the show which I won't spoil but it was definitely a facepalm moment (just how naïve and inexperienced can they be?!). In fact there are a number of facepalm moments which serious took points off in my view. The whole confession business was dragged out for too long and it became frustrating. I really wanted to slap him a few times and tell him to just say "I LIKE YOU!". Secondary characters were introduced and integrated over several episodes. Just when you think that they were there to spice up the story line, they disappeared or did nothing consequential, whatever. So there you have it, a nice, sweet, simple college romance drama with angst lite and minimal plot twists.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Everyone loves Fan Xian
I’m late to the party and I apologise for this. JoY slipped past me when it was released in 2019. With season 2 coming, I though, it is time to take the plunge.Seeing that there are dozens of reviews, I don’t see much point in breaking down the series in the usual way. I’ll just shares some thoughts and my expectations for the new season.
I know this will be heresy to some, but the show didn’t hook me at first. I did binge watched it and really enjoyed the series in the end. However, it was more due to perseverance than the classic “unmissable from the first scene!” vibe. In hindsight, I think there are several reasons but chiefly, the show was always meant to have more than 1 season so the first 46 eps are just a long way to set up the overarching main plot. I can see a parallel with The Fellowship of the Ring. That movie was a little unfocused and stilted compared to the rest of the LoTR series too and for a good reason.
Another aspect is that the ML is a bit annoying at first. Those were the days when you are literally asking for a beating just by looking at an official the wrong way and yet the ML is so cocksure that he is thumbing his nose at all and sundry and he gets away with it. It all make sense later on but it didn’t leave a great first impression.
This leads us to the next point; the ML really leads a charmed life. He can pull off crazy stints and “lucky” escapes. It might be fun to watch but when you consider the seriousness of the various plots, it does feel a bit flippant. This also runs contrary to the notion that the ML is smart, resourceful and strong but then he’d get “rescued” repeatedly.
I am happy to see the love line between Xian and Wan’er being so sweet and straightforward. It could have been so messy like in many other costume dramas. Small blessing, I suppose. However, in a nod to the classic martial arts novels of the last century, almost every eligible bachelorette is falling in love with Fan Xian. I can certainly see the attraction and he will need a big stick to fend them off in S2.
The OST is nice, especially the main themes. However, the show does have this habit of using some zany, jazzy music to signal a funny scene. It is a valid technique but it is more suited to a modern sitcom than an historical drama. It can be quite jarring at times.
In the end, there are plots within plots and secrets hiding more secrets so I’m not surprised that it will take over 100 eps to see it to conclusion. It is looking promising for the next season and if the production value and acting is maintained (more likely to be surpassed) then it should be an even bigger hit. The heightened expectations will ensure that.
All in all, it was worth the hype. Not quite the best costume drama I have ever watched but it certainly sets up the next season nicely. The unveiling story left me with more questions than answers. Bring on season 2!
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A serious drama turns light and fluffy in a blink
To be honest, this show does tick a lot of boxes if you are looking for a sweet rom com/healing drama. It also have a nice looking OTP that can work magic when the condition is right. However, this is also where things can get a little awkward.Let's backtrack a bit. Both leads have suffer major setbacks in their career and their lives are spiralling ever downwards. It is into this maelstrom that they rediscovered each other and supported each other through thick and thin. Once a bit of historical misunderstanding is cleared up, they realised that they are each other's first love in high school. Yes, very tropey.
Nevertheless, these are solid foundations so let's roll with it. I do appreciate that the show put some mental conditions front and centre. Bullying, overwork and PTSD are just some of the challenges our leads have to face. They are serious conditions but the show doesn't do a deep dive into them. It is a little light on diagnosis and treatment. Cough, the self assessment questionnaire is ... interesting. I suppose we should be thankful that at least those conditions are acknowledged rather than just sweep under the carpet.
This light touch extends to the main plot as well. While the initial set up and execution was very impactful, once the major hurdle has been cleared, the plot took the easy way out. The main plot literally died. What is left is your standard rom com trope.
There is nothing wrong with a good rom com. The problem here is the interaction between the leads. On paper, they are well matched and look lovely together. While the FL has a mature/straight-laced demeanor, the ML is prone to exaggeration once he is in love. He goes full aegyo to get her attention. It is cute and sweet but it can feel like a noona romance at times. This is awkward because they are the same age and both are doctors.
How much you'll enjoy this show will depend on how well you can handle sugar hits. It gets sweeter and sweeter as the show progress until it is pretty much sugar overload by the end of the show.
Acting is fine from the ensemble. There is a fair amount of overacting from the support cast. There are heartfelt and emotional scenes which showcase our leads' talent.
The series ran through a number of serious societal issues but none of them are given in-depth treatments. It is better than nothing but you can sense that nothing is going to get in the way of a HEA ending. Once you get past the confronting plot, it is angst lite and sweet but it can also give you a toothache.
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Flowers that Bloom at Night
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All hail Honey Lee!
There is no doubt that this show is a Honey Lee starrer. She carried the show from start to finish. It is described as a historical comedy, and it would have worked better if they leave out the political intrigue. Please allow me to explain.Lee Hanee is all singing and all dancing in this series. Her comedic timing is spot on. She is very animated and dominate most scenes. She is a refreshing take to the typical Joseon female roles. Mr Queen is another show which has a similarly lively FL. I’m totally onboard with her adventures.
The introduction of the ML added some spice to the preceding. At first it was a love-hate relationship, but it soon swings towards love-love. It was lovely to watch them dance around each other initially and then dance in sync in the later episodes. However, there is next to no skinship. Very proper, indeed.
Unfortunately, revelation of a political plot started many years ago did the show no favours. I understand the event was pivotal, but its revelation is very convoluted. While the viewers soon work out the basic plot, our leads are led down the garden path multiple times. We must sit back and wait for the show to catch up. The original fun adventures of the FL grind to a halt and the romance plot also suffers. I won’t mind if the political intrigue was novel and impactful, but it boils down to the cover-up of a heinous crime.
As I watched the story unfold, I can't help but ask why it took so long for the final act to begin? 15 years is a long time. Seriously, the FL suffers daily under the thumb of a domineering mother-in-law but she never falters. I get that she lives in hope that her brother is still alive but it feels laboured.
Another thing that boggled my mind is the boldness of Left State Minister. I get that he is the classic courtly antagonist but they usually have strong backing from other officials and possibly aligned with some dynastic family. Yet, other than some faceless lackeys, he seemed to be just a self-righteous lone wolf. He confronted the King again and again and thumbs his nose with impunity. Where is his power base? There are several expositions in the final chapter, but it feels like the cart is pushing the horse. Yes, it closed out the narrative, but it feels ham-fisted and self-serving. I'm also surprised that none of the evil-doers are sentenced to death. This is very lenient for Joseon justice.
As if to reinforce my view, the introduction of the FL’s husband is a breath of fresh air. It really added some much-needed levity to the increasingly depressing proceedings. I have strong second lead syndrome.
As I mentioned before, the FL is the star of the show and her acting abilities are on full display. The ML is handsome and a good match. All the performances are solid. Some of the support characters are a bit cartoon-y which feels a bit jarring when the going gets tough for all concerned.
I really wish they focus more on the romance and comedy side and give the political subplot a lighter touch. The writer-nim seems to have a two way bet but still lost by a nose.
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Promises, promises
J-dramas are often built on a foundation of quirky characters and outlandish premises. They don't all work but when it does, it can turn up some memorable and unique dramas.Unfortunately, this show seems to have missed the memo and what we got is a nice romance drama but there is nothing fresh or unique about it.
The biggest selling point of this show is the life goal of the FL. She has set her mind on when she will be married and when she will have kids. Everything should be done and dusted by the time she turn 30. However, life has other ideas and she turned 29 and has little prospect of marriage let alone 1.3 kids.
In stepped a "stranger" who promised to marry her on the day of her 30th birthday. That is a chivalrous move but it would have worked better if it was a written short story. In this case, it is stretched to 8x20ish mins episodes. It is still watchable as a run of the mill office romance but little else.
There are swoon-y moments and a reasonable amount of skinship. It is nice to watch the ML trying to woo the FL and deliver a promise made on a whim. It helps that he has a crush on the FL but there is a lot of pushbacks from the FL initially. She is confused about the ML's motivation and whether it was all a joke.
As a relatively short dramas, it is sweet/nice/decent enough and an easy binge. It is perfectly suitable for that but it would not be my first choice and it has minimal rewatch value. Peace out.
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Umm, a nice youth romance drama . .
I usually try to be clever with my title but honestly, I can’t think of anything witty to say about this drama.This show is firmly placed in the middle of the BFF to Lover genre. Nothing wrong with that and it is a staple of youth dramas. However, for that reason, it is hard to stand out from the crowd. Yes, the romance is sweet and the chemistry goes up a notch once they amp up the skinship. However, it is also very tropey. All the standard issue cliches are there. Most of the side characters are from central casting and I’m thankful that there is no truly evil antagonist.
Their time in high school is filled with the usual teenager issues and they are just background noise most of the time. Thing does get more interesting as they approach the college entrance exam and enter college. However, I’m in two minds about the FL’s role. Yes, she is cute and fun loving, but she also feels ditsy. She does calm down towards the end, but it took a long time. On the other hand, the ML is just so serious from go to whoa. He is fun to watch when he gets jealous but otherwise, he is a bit beige. He does get more animated once the romance starts in earnest though. This is an issue with the ensemble cast. The performances are solid but they are fairly predictable and onenote. You don't sense any deeper emotions.
I would say the last few episodes are the best. Having said that, I do find the breakup of the BFF’s relationship to be over the top and unnecessary. Especially when you consider it lasted for 20 months and the whole misunderstanding was resolved so quickly. It just feels like they needed a time skip and a source of angst so they drew the short straw. Better them than the OTP, I suppose.
I could have scored this show slightly higher but after just finishing Hidden Love, this show does pale in comparison. It does everything competently and all the boxes are ticked. It is an easy watch and harmless, fluffy fun but that’s about it. There are better examples of this genre out there.
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Wo Bei ZongCai Hei ShangLe
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The Show squandered a promising start and then flat-lined
The Show has a promising start. The pairing of a chubby fallen top star with a CEO with prosopagnosia is mixing the tropes but the FL made up as a chubby girl is quite convincing and promise an interesting twist. The ML is handsome and seems to have good chemistry with the FL. The first few episodes was engaging. She plays the hapless character with a deft hand, and it is quite entertaining to watch. The ML’s face blindness seems a bit tagged on, and not very convincing. I’m not happy about it but I'll let that through for now.Unfortunately, around the halfway mark, the show gave up on the original premise and becomes a tropey rom-com and not a good one at that.
The FL is thin and beautiful again which sends all the wrong messages. The ML is still a brute who hit first, think later. He has minimal growth throughout the show and if his fist doesn’t solve the problem then money will. It was the timeless rich man’s solution. If he can’t decide what jewellery to buy for the FL then he would just buy the whole shop. Time and again, the FL told him she wants to make her own way in the entertainment industry and yet he kept manipulating her career. He was called out by the FL several times, but he went on doing it, much to her (and mine) frustration.
The plot is not helped by one dimensional antagonists whose scheming are rudimentary to say the least but quite annoying. Once again, the antagonist are called out or caught red-handed but they just keep coming back for more. The chemistry between the leads also seems to wax and wane as the Show progresses. It is odd but by now the script is so full of lazy writing that I'm just drumming my fingers waiting for the next cliche to land. Am I surprised that ML’s prosopagnosia disappeared mid show as if it never happened, not really. Consistency be damned!
The Show has/had its moments and it is not the worse show ever. I just can’t help but feel that the Show squandered a good opportunity to do something different. I would have preferred it to take on a challenge and give a good hard go and come out second best than win the race to be second last. It is sad to see the Show taking the easy way out and turn to banality to fill the void.
Rewatch? You jest. Peace out.
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This show is tasty but high GI
In a recent review I mentioned how sometimes you miss the simple yet organic romance storyline. Maybe I jinxed myself.The premise of this show is quite straightforward. Supposed chance meeting leads a pair of initial enemies to become lovers. This is spiced up by a parallel storyline about a romance that is sparked inside a wuxia computer game. Being a fairly tropey show, I won't waste much time recounting its various plots but I'll table a few observations.
First of all, this show has a laser focus on our OTP. This is a double-edged sword. Obviously, the love line between our leads takes precedence and there is a decent amount of swoon worthy moments. Skinship is adequate but lacks real passion. On the flipside, this hyper focus on main CP means that some secondary CP's storylines feel adrift and underdone. This is especially noticable towards the end when those subplots seem to fade away and then leap forward.
Secondly, the use of the computer game is well integrated. The crossover between the two worlds actually works quite well. The wuxia setting allowed the show to entertain us with some fantastical sets and cosplays. The fight scenes add some flashy effects and ubiqious stints. The Show explores the current trend of adding romantic functions in-game so that players can form “romantic” relationships and even hold virtual weddings. While the concept is not new, some games have created a whole sub-genre around this. The obvious problem here is that if the viewer is not into gaming, then this is all unwelcome distractions and probably quite confusing and tedious.
Thirdly, the Show leans into the urban fairy-tale genre and is low angst. There are occasional troubles and the SFL/ML does stir things up a bit, but nothing is more than a storm in a teacup. It makes it easy to ship the OTP, but it also makes the show too fluffy for my taste. Even though it is set in the ofttimes stilted world of show business, our leads always pushes through and goes from strength to strength. Every box is ticked, and we get the happiest of HEA ending but their growth doesn't feel organic and thus not really memorable. The writer also double down on the fate card. It is unnecessary and amped up the contrivance.
Finally, I love some of the platonic relationships between the characters. The bromances and the sibling relationship are so nice. There is the ubiquitous gender mix-ups with player's in-game characters which generated some mirth. On the negative side are the player griefings and the cattiness of some showbiz characters. These are par for the course but they are somewhat diluted and are not as impactful as they should be. More like rumblings than real thunders.
If you consider this show to be an idol drama then the acting on the whole is not bad. The FL did better than the ML, but they are a good looking and cute couple, job done. Most of the support cast earned their keeps. The production value is quite high with elaborate sets (a little over the top at times), and a wardrobe budget to match which resulted in some beautiful visuals.
This is where I find myself with a conundrum. Normally, I’d highly recommend such a show when compared to the usual roster of angst filled c-dramas. However, with the recent releases like Meet Yourself and Hi Venus, I have no choice but to set the bar higher. So if you are after a light weight, fluffy urban fairy-tale then this will suit you to a T.
As for me, I quite enjoyed the Show while I watched it but in hindsight, it feels like a meal of tasty but high GI food. It is easy to digest, gives you a quick sugar high, but you will feel hungry an hours later. Peace out.
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A light meal that is not very satisfying
6 short episodes makes this a nice and easy watch. It does sacrifices a nuanced narrative for a fast pace.The show is set in a suburban udon chain restaurant which is famous for their fast, no-frills but tasty noodle dishes. As you'd expect from this setting, there is a food porn angle. However, it can only be considered to be B-grade as the menu is limited. To be fair, there are mouth-watering moments and you have to appreciate the training and commitment from the staff. Thank you for your good work today!
Speaking of the staff, they are hardworking and more than a little stressed. They seem to exist in a world just one hiccup away from a total meltdown. Into that volatile mix is airdropped a new manager who has no prior restaurant experience. He is handsome and charming to a fault. Let the mayhem begin!
With such a short run, we are basically given a set of cliché characters, the inexperienced but idealistic new boss, the impulsive young punk, the hardworking powerhouse who is taken for granted, etc. The result is a mix of workplace dramedy, found family and the fish out of water trope. There is no romance involved so don't bother looking for it.
Each episode usually focuses on one of the team members and explore their backstory a little bit more and pushes the plot along. Don’t get too excited though, those exposés are skin deep. We just see a little bit more of their life after work. More like an extra line in their bio's. They have their share of relationship and familial issues, but they are presented in very broad strokes. Sometimes those challenges will spill into their workplace and the team will come together to tackle them. As expected, each resolution brings them a little closer as a team. Sometimes the end result is heart-warming and rewarding, while other times it is irrelevant and farmed for laughs. Unfortunately, most of those subplots are simple and fairly tropey. Serviceable but hardly original. This is a common observation of the script, it doesn’t stray too far from the tropes. It can feel predictable and a bit flat at times.
The acting is fine and engaging most of the time. Characterisation is larger than life and lacks subtlety. The support cast is actually quite good. Even though most of them only have bit parts, they do splash more colours onto the canvas.
The ending is as happy as you'd expect and it is a bit trite and oddly kitsch.
I want to score it higher, but the show doesn't push any boundaries nor reach any real heights. Relying too much on a parade of tropey or cringey moments is a cheap trick in my book.
It is charming at times, certainly entertaining and easy to watch but lacks any real substance. A large bowl of Kitsune udon is more satisfying.
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Plot hijinks, body snatcher style
I like short form c-dramas but not all such dramas are created equal. Some writers and directors have cracked the code to produce a rollicking fun ride while others just come across as cheap and nasty. This show is somewhere in the middle. There is a workable central story, but the delivery is problematic.We start with the FL being magically transported into a costume drama and she has to play a role until she return to the present. We are not told how or why this happens. Each time she dies, the loop resets and she start all over again. This device can work a treat and the show certainly milk it for some laughs early on. However, it doesn't last. Once the story enters the rom-com phase, we start to see cracks in the narrative, and it becomes a lot less inventive.
Part of the appeal of a short drama is that the script is tighter, and the narrative is more focused. The flip side to that is a show can also wander down the garden path for too long, thinking it has plenty of time only to have to wrap everything up in a rush and leave zombie threads behind. Unfortunately, this show is heading in that direction. It feels like the original displacement idea kick started the project, but the bulk of the show ends up being the typical palace intrigue/enemy-to-lover trope. There is barely a hint of the FL being from the 21st century. There are the odd throwaway lines but that's about it. The FL certainly doesn't use her modern knowledge to gain an advantage. The FL is also surprisingly accepting of her fate and settles right into court life without efforts. There is little outward signs of initial shock nor confusion which is baffling.
I waited for the plot to twist to give some raison d’etre for the FL’s role but I must have missed it when I blinked. Yes, she is supposed to be the daughter of an influential general but why is she marked for death, repeatedly? There are mumblings about inner court power struggles, but it feels like the usual catch-all explanation. How does that fit into the original displacement plot or is it the other way around? It is like watching one plot being subsumed by another, body snatcher style.
Motivation is key to explain actions and we are given plenty but they don't gel together, it is more like motivation du scène.
To further complicate things, the usual inner court shenanigans are on full display and often push the main plot aside. All that manoeuvring make the proceedings very busy but yielded little. The show finally cuts to the chase and the OTP falls in love as mandated by the drama gods. The process is contrived and quite predictable. This is not helped by the weak chemistry of the leads. The show tried to tick all the boxes to convince us that they are fated but the show also put in subplots that will definitely push them apart. The script is a bit bipolar in that regard. That is a pitfall of a short drama, you still have to get the job done but you have to do it more creatively or it will be just like flipping through a playbook of tropes.
The leads did a passable job on the acting front. The support cast is a mix bag as you would expect with limited time and budget. Speaking of limited budget, this is reflected in the production value as well. It ranges from decent to questionable. Which bring us to the final point. It is a dubious decision to make this a court drama. The palace intrigue angle is old school and the tropey subplots are easy pickings but of questionable merits. The palace setting also necessitate more elaborate sets and fancier costumes. Monies which could have been spend more wisely.
The ending feels rushed and doesn’t gel with me. It is no surprised that she went back to the real world but is this a zero-sum game? What does it achieves? Who is the man at the final scene? Is he the King or the actor and why would he remember her? It is the tropey HEA ending we had to have but doesn’t deserve.
In the end, the show is short and watchable. There are fun and swoon-y moments. The bigger issues of inconsistent behaviours, muddled motivations and a somewhat wasted fish out of water setup kept it from reaching any real heights. The sleight-of-hand escape in the end is a cop out in my book. I needed some strong rose tinted glasses to enjoy this show. Peace out.
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Golden Spirit: Joseon Marriage Prohibition
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Cinderella raises again, Mod Joseon© style.
This show started well. Feels like a bit of fast paced romp and the FL is a dynamo. A couple of tropey meet-cutes later and we are well on our way to a love triangle. The fact that the competing ML's are handsome is a definite bonus.The first few episodes certainly lives up to the premise and it was loud and whacky with a good dose of irrelevancy. There is a mysterious dark plot involving the usual palace intrigue (is there any other type?).
I realised we have a bit of a problem around the half way mark though. We seemed to have run out of story. There has been confessions, kisses, murders and rejections. The antagonists are already known, and their motivation made obvious. Umm, that is supposed to happen later, right?
What we ended up with is a draggy middle. The love line got complicated but not in a good way. The antagonists play merry hell with our leads, but it is the same plot going around and around. It is watchable because the writer-nim planted swoon worthy moments here and there so that we are given little sugar hits. Even so, it doesn't totally distract us from some awkward narrative. The inconsistent tone and pacing makes the Show feel out of sort. It is now leaning much more towards a melodrama than before. Rose tinted glasses are firmly in place.
The energy level does pick up somewhat towards the end. The queen selection process is interesting if a bit stilted. Finally, the main plot reach its conclusion. There was not a lot of surprises, but the resolution is satisfying.
Soon enough, the HEA ending slots into place, and we give thanks. Speaking of the ending, the final episode is total fan service. It was high-jinks all the way. No holds barred. It was so kooky that at one point, the show include scenes shot tiktok style and employed various modern motifs. That is most unexpected and immersion breaking. Some might think that the show has "lost the plot". It is entertaining if you roll with it but it is also a little jarring and breaks stride from much that went before. The ending is certainly filled with feel good moments. It is hard not to spark joy after watching that. :)
In terms of acting, the FL carried the Show. She is the focal point and she gave us her all. The ML's are mostly in her support. They do have the occasional dramatic or heartfelt scenes which are appreciated.
Consider the show is only 12 episodes long, I was hoping for a more intricate and novel plot. There are odd flashes of originality but the bulk of it is based on yet another retelling of the Cinderella trope. It is entertaining and watchable but it fails to reached its full potential.
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A decent healing drama that feels arbitrary at times until the big reveal
The premise of this Show is centred on the FL who just started work as a funeral director. She suddenly began to see the spirit of the dead under her care and can interact with them. There are some caveats but that is not important right now. The first apparition who appears before the FL happens to be the younger brother of the ML and he asked her for help. In most cases, this is the general structure of subplots. Various ghosts will ask the FL to help them to fulfil a final task on their behalf. Sometimes, the task is quite elaborate and comes with a touching backstory while others seem to be an afterthought that the Show squeezes in just before the credit rolls. There doesn't appear to be any obvious link between the various tasks.As the story progresses, a central plot begins to take shape which linked some of the threads together, but it was not until the last episode that the writer-nim gave us the grand reveal that ties everything together. The Show is quite melodramatic, and I would seriously doubt anyone can sit through all 16 episodes without being affected at least once. The writer-nim really toy with our emotions in the last episode but a more astute viewer might see this as a cynical exercise to heighten the melodrama. (I’m trying to keep this spoiler free so please bear with me.)
In hindsight the hiding of the connections between the various threads did the show a disservice because while the impact of the final reveal is significant, we get the “Now I get it!” moment once and it is over. Ergo, the middle section of the show can feel a little adrift. The love line of the leads is certainly front and centre during this section. You might also start to wonder why all these apparitions appear before the FL and only her.
Speaking of the love line of the OTP, it is nice and serviceable. There is a bit of skinship, and they have a decent amount of chemistry, but it is not amazing. Their relationship is pretty much on rails. After saying that, the 2OTP’s romance is even weaker. They are an odd pairing and is mostly used as light comedic relief.
I think that is the key weakness of the show. While the idea of helping ghosts to fulfil their last wishes is reasonably novel and rewarding, the execution is a bit uneven. The Show really comes together once we find out the raison d’etre but that is almost too late. The romances, healing and growth of the leads are mostly predetermined. It is nice and rewarding to watch as it unfolds, but the Show can feels like a scrapbook of highlights but also a fair bit of standard fillers.
In terms of acting, it is generally good. The leads earned their keeps. The poor FL has certainly been put through the emotional spin cycle a few times. There are lots of cameos and the veteran actors can really deliver the goods. In fact, most of the senior support cast are superior to other shows.
In the end, it was a decent, watchable show. It tried to be clever with the causality plot, but it only partially succeeded. It is most likely an one-time watch for me.
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Watchable rom-com that is short and sweet
There is not a great deal to be said about this drama. I enjoyed it and you know what they say about hindsight . . .Pros are a short run, decent cast, decent pace. Nothing offensive about the plot. Some swoon worthy moments and some sexy time scenes that are more than the token hands entwining. No stupid last minute break-up or evil ex's.
Cons are questionable OTP chemistry, plot holes, too much push-pull with the 2OTP. The 2FL/ML seems to exist purely to provide a source of angst and their motivation is inconsistent.
HEA ending was never in doubt. It was just the right length for the simple plot. Given its short run time, I can overlook some of its issues. A decent watch between major releases.
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Koidesu! Yanki-kun to Shiro Tsue Garu
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A sweet, uplifting rom-com that overreach a little
Pairing a visually impaired girl with a delinquent is certainly pushing the envelope of odd couples. It is probably a good thing that the FL can’t see the ML clearly as his dress sense is diabolical! LOLSeriously, this show is so sweet. There is almost no angst. Yes, there are some catty characters and the odd troublemakers, but they are all set straight by the FL’s friends soon enough. The FL and her cohorts have to overcome some challenges which they did with grit and determination plus a little help from their circle of friends.
The show doesn’t disguise the fact that it is trying to educate the public about different types of blindness and how the general public can support the visually impaired. It makes special effort to demonstrate how people with poor eyesight try to integrate into the “normal” work environment and society as a whole. Kudos to the show for doing that but it can be a little heavy handed at times.
Needless to say, the protagonists are well adjusted and able to live well but I was surprised when the FL decided to become a chef and of course my first question is whether that is safe or feasible. Then I did some research and found out that the winner of Master Chef USA S3 was a female chef/restaurateur who is legally blind and suffered from similar conditions to the FL! I do wonder if the producer of the show drew inspiration from that.
In terms of acting, they did just fine. Most are young and their inexperience do show at times, but the show was not particularly demanding. The FL tries hard to be convincing as a visually impaired person.
The OTP is cute together and has an easy going chemistry. Their romance is sweet and wholesome with a little bit of skinship.
My only gripe is the tropey and unnecessary 11th hour breakup. The reasoning behind it was weak and it was rushed through in about a minute. The show then spend the last episode undoing the damage and reset their relationship. Other than giving us an excuse to do a time skip, it archived very little.
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