dramareview writer
Should you skip? Watch Now? Watch Later?
Love Next Door is a heartwarming Korean drama that beautifully explores the transformative power of childhood friendship and the delicate dance between love and companionship. The series revolves around two lifelong friends, whose paths intertwine once again after years of separation. The female lead, having recently returned to her hometown after a long stint working abroad, finds herself drawn back due to unforeseen circumstances. Little does she know, a whirlwind of emotions awaits her. Meanwhile, the male lead, who has secretly harbored feelings for his childhood friend for as long as he can remember, is eager to reconnect with her. Their reunion ignites a complex interplay of emotions, as they navigate the delicate balance between friendship and love.Their on-screen interactions feel natural and effortless, capturing the nuances of a deep-rooted friendship. The storyline is grounded in reality, exploring the challenges and joys of reconnecting with someone from the past. The writers have skillfully crafted a narrative that is both heartwarming and relatable, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a personal level.
The series offers a refreshing departure from the typical romantic dramas, focusing on the gradual development of feelings and the complexities of human relationships. If you're looking for a heartwarming and emotionally resonant drama,
Love Next Door is a must-watch.
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Underdeveloped Story... should you watch now, skip or watch later?
I watched the drama in one sitting and often skipped due to unnecessary scenes.Plot: I feel that the story is underdeveloped. It is complex but lacks depth. The story lacks a central conflict driving the narrative. There were plot holes, and the investigation of the death story was not seamlessly done. I always think it was added to complicate the story, but it's unnecessary. Indeed, the characters must be built out of circumstances that happened to each character, but the female lead character was full of twists, trying to make her life appear miserable and broken, and to me, ended up with a question - what happened?
What's good about the story: They were able to stitch a good story about the cause of divorce between HJ and LS.
Romance: I think it was sufficient; it was nicely done, and it did not feel like the story was trying so hard to build the romance. It was ok.
The title: It seems they made the title as if the trunk is the driver of the mystery, but it was disappointing... Is it just me? The trunk could even be omitted.
The acting: I liked Seo Hyun-jin even from the other dramas she did. I knew she was a good actress. I know that Gong Yoo was one of the most popular actors in Korea, but I've not seen his works, apart from the old Coffee Prince. Maybe he is a good actor, but I did not feel him in this drama.
Recommendation: Watch later when you have no other drama to watch.
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This show defines true GRIT and TESTING YOUR LIMITS
I've seen some clips on YT a few times, and I was able to watch them over the weekend. I binge-watched the episodes. The cast was meticulously chosen. These ladies are admirable! They have their strengths, and the show also showcases how they overcame their weaknesses. It is truly inspirational. After watching 1 episode, you will find yourself asking the question... Should I also have a fitness goal? What can I test my limit for?These ladies showed strength not just physically, but their mental toughness and resilience are through the roof!
And of course their coaches, even perhaps it is scripted, but to be able to train these ladies to complete a triathlon is incredible.
If you are looking for inspiration to push yourself, Watch NOW!
I can't wait for the last two episodes, and I hope they will finish their goal of completing the triathlon!
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If you have not watched, Watch Now!
This medical drama with a touch of fantasy is a must-watch for fans of the genre. The story builds up gradually with well-thought-out character connections that are seamlessly revealed as the plot progresses. While there were no unexpected twists, the three ghosts and their stories are particularly touching and stand out among the cast.Kim Bum's acting skills are versatile, and Rain's charisma shines through despite not being in many acting roles anymore. The climax is a rollercoaster of emotions, with tearjerking and heartwarming scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the series. The way the young Dr. Koh looked at Dr. Oh is sure to tug at your heartstrings.
As for what viewers can expect, the story provides a reality check that doctors can't save everyone, and it's this that builds the characters. The shift in the characters, such as Dr. Cha and Dr. Koh, is triggered by events that will keep you guessing until the very end. The story is a beautiful reminder of qualities like redemption, perseverance, dedication, and calling.
If you're looking for a medical drama with a little something extra, then this is a must-watch. With its well-developed story and characters, it's sure to be a favorite among many viewers. So, if you haven't watched it yet, it's time to add it to your watchlist now!
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Interesting Crime Story
I watched this drama in one sitting. Yes, there were times when I just forwarded some scenes, I hope I didn't miss any crucial details.Plot: Very interesting. The twists and turns of events keep you guessing. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. It keeps you believing that the leads have something to do with the crimes/murders. Then you start doubting your guesses, and you will return to square one. I was hesitant the first time to watch it cause I've watched the same that are not so engaging and interesting. But this one will surely engage and pique your interest.
Theme: The story is about revenge. A detective tries to uncover the serial crime/murder of people connected with an orphanage. The orphanage has maltreated the children and treated them inhumanely. The children grew up and planned to revenge on the people who had seen them but took a blind eye. Hence the title - Blind.
Acting: The 2 main ML are good actors. I've watched the other dramas and expected the acting to be good. The FL is ok, it did not have much exposure or did not have any lines that warrant good acting.
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A drama that tackles Leadership and Business
I watched this the first time it aired just because I was joining the bandwagon. But I rewatched it again because I wanted a closer look from a more serious point of view. This review is not about the story plot because that is a given. I like the overall plot, the twists and the storyline. But what stood out for me was the character's portrayal of how a leader should be and how a businessman should act and treat the people working behind a successful business. The comparison between a businessman who only thinks of profit and someone who values trust and relationships and who takes the people's needs first over money. The true meaning of a leader (the ML), is someone who empathizes with his employees, someone that motivates, someone who mentors and provides a safe and secure working environment.The drama shows that challenges and difficulties should not be taken as hindrances to success but fuels the desire for growth and to thrive.
For those viewers that expect a love story, the romance is cringey, that part I didn't appreciate, but that part I can skip as it does not add any critical point to the story.
Overall, this is a drama that motivates you to strive harder in life and that even if you encounter challenges, it uplifts your spirit to overcome and to focus on your goal.
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Hell to Earth, Good and Evil - you choose! Should you skip? Watch Now? Watch Later?
Park Shin-hye's Devilish TransformationThe Judge From Hell offers a unique blend of fantasy, mystery, and thriller, setting itself apart from the usual Korean drama fare. The premise is intriguing: a demon, sentenced to a mortal punishment, takes on the role of a judge to mete out justice to ten sinners. This unconventional plot, coupled with Park Shin-hye's fierce portrayal of the devilish judge, makes for a compelling watch.
A Clash of Good and Evil
The drama effectively explores the eternal battle between good and evil, albeit in a somewhat clichéd manner. However, the seamless integration of heavenly and hellish elements, including the granting of wishes and the execution of punishments, adds a element to the narrative.
A Stellar Performance of FL, A Flawed ML character, Fun Supporting Cast
Park Shin-hye delivers a standout performance, breathing life into the character of the vengeful demon. Her transformation into a badass, vicious judge is both captivating and refreshing. Unfortunately, the male lead, while competent, lacks the depth and charisma to truly shine. The supporting cast, however, adds a much-needed dose of humor and intrigue, elevating the overall viewing experience.
A Missed Opportunity for a Powerful Showdown
One of the biggest disappointments lies in the underutilized character of Satan. Despite being a pivotal figure, the character's power and influence feel somewhat diminished. The anticipated climactic showdown between the demon judge and Satan falls flat, lacking the intensity and grandeur that such a confrontation deserves.
A Forced Romance
The inclusion of a romantic subplot, while not entirely detrimental, feels unnecessary and forced. The budding romance between the demon judge and the male lead distracts from the core narrative and hinders the development of more meaningful relationships, such as the camaraderie between the judge and her celestial assistant.
A Solid Soundtrack and a Convincing Villain
The drama's soundtrack, particularly "Crossroad," enhances the overall atmosphere. Additionally, the portrayal of the serial killer is both chilling and convincing, adding a layer of suspense to the plot.
In conclusion - A must-watch drama. The Judge From Hell is a bold experiment that, while not flawless, offers a unique and entertaining viewing experience. Park Shin-hye's exceptional performance and the intriguing premise make it a worthwhile watch, despite its shortcomings.
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Exploration of human resilience and the complexities of mental health.
"Daily Dose of Sunshine" is a compelling medical drama series that delves deep into the lives of individuals grappling with various psychological disorders. Each episode serves as a poignant exploration of human resilience and the complexities of mental health.The series is thoughtfully structured, with each episode focusing on a different psychological disorder, from bipolar disorder to panic disorder, paranoia, and pseudo dementia. The portrayal of these conditions is both insightful and respectful, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals dealing with mental health issues.
One of the standout aspects of the show is the character development, particularly the character of Mr. Yoon, who serves as a comforting presence for the other characters. The unexpected twists and turns in the story keep the audience engaged, while the emotional impact of the series evokes empathy and compassion.
"Daily Dose of Sunshine" effectively highlights the stigma surrounding mental health and the importance of empathy and understanding. The series prompts viewers to consider how they can be of service to those struggling with mental health issues and emphasizes the need for kindness and compassion in our interactions with others.
Overall, "Daily Dose of Sunshine" is a tearjerker that leaves a lasting impact, reminding viewers of the significance of prioritizing mental well-being and extending empathy to others. It serves as a poignant reminder that while we may all experience difficulties, showing kindness and understanding can make a world of difference.
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The story progression is too slow
The story was good, but the progress of the love story was too slow for my liking. The attempts to have the first kiss were too much.The lead actors are two of my favorite Cdrama leads, so I expect more. The acting was ordinary; I felt that something was missing. The chemistry is there, but perhaps the storyline lacked character and conflict. Hence, the acting became lackluster.
I would have preferred that the story progressed from friendship to being together as a boyfriend/girlfriend and then to married life. But obviously, I am not the scriptwriter.
Watch now, watch later when you have time, or skip? I would say to watch it later when you have time.
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A good drama to watch!
The story is a cliche, that the good always prevails, but how the story was executed was really good. It gives an out-of-the-box view of how to bring justice, unrealistic but entertaining. Do Kyung So's acting was excellent. It was my first time watching him in a series.If I could change the story, the father and son story might not be needed as it didn't really give any message or twist in the plot. It would have been better if the story always points to the son as the one who stirs all the situation, but in earlier episodes, you already know that his character will not be a big revelation.
The catch the culprit episodes were too long, but at least it was only 12 episodes, there were some episodes that were dragging, but at least they did not prolong the story too much. I think the 12 episodes were just enough.
I like that Oh Do Hwan redeemed himself in the end.
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