I just finished "Hit the Spot" on Viki and I can not say enough about it...I was hesitant to watch it at first, afraid that it would be too much like Fishbowl Wives, leaving me feeling uncomfortable and my inability to shake the feeling of seediness I had after watching it.This drama is a shocker to say the least as it has a very explicit 18+ scene within the first 5 seconds of the series... so be aware that this is not a safe for work or mixed company. I jokingly said to turn your volume down and close you curtains... but seriously, maybe use headphones .So you will either be left clutching your pearls and turn it off within 5 seconds, or if you give it a chance, you will find that this drama is a beautifully written story with honest dialogue that allows possibly taboo (health, emotional and sexual) subjects to be discussed in a healthy and often humorous way. Don't even get me started about how creative and artistic the filming is!Both lead couples are perfectly written to be human and flawed and you cheer for them throughout. The chemistry of both couples are on fire and has some of the best and most realistic kiss scenes I've seen in any kdrama ... Im thinking JCW must have given them some lessons đAnyway there is ONLY 8 episodes at 30 minutes each... they are perfectly paced. I'm really wishing for a season 2! FINGERS CROSSED!
Since you know from the first moment that the story (and the synopsis) Seasons of Blossom is a look back at the loss of someone (death) from six years prior, this drama gave me more of a poignant feel than a crushing sense of unexpected loss.The writers do an amazing job addressing regret and atonement. These two topics made for so much heartbreak and grief that as a viewer it is painful to watch... yet the way they film they scenes keeps the viewer from being too overwhelmed.By continually flipping from present to past, allows the viewer to focus on multiple "blooming" love stories and breaks up the sense of impending doom...The series reminded me a bit of The Sound Of Magic (and for that matter a lot of kdramas) in the sense that it deals with parental expectations and the burden they can become.So my take away is yes ... this is a tragic story and it is heart wrenching! BUT... since there has not been any "gotcha" moments of unexpectedness, I have not been crying my eyes out... even though my heart has been aching from the very first episode. So if you go into it with that in mind ... this is one the the most beautifully written dramas I have seen this year. The acting has also been some of the best (and most of them are young/ newer actors/ actresses).Coming from me who's first question is always ... does it have a happy ending?!?!? I have no regrets starting this drama. I can not wait to see more projects from all of these actors/ actresses!
Unexpected heart for a drama about disillusionment.
Shi**ing Stars... shows that a Kdrama CAN have it all...A love triangle that isnt toxicComedy that makes you laugh but never once veers into zanyMultiple BromancesSupportive females without a catty one in the bunchPlot twist that surprises you but doesnt change the tone of the drama"Real" relationships that dont use false plot points such as white trucks of doom or crazy schemes to keep them together or force them apart.A surprising amount of heart for a drama about being jaded with the kdrama industryIf you havent given it a chance... (get past episode one) and you should love it.
Amazing Actors, Great Potential, Lackluster Execution.
*Reborn Rich* If you enjoyed series like Dallas or Dynasty from the '80s overflowing with lots of back stabbing but a lot less hair pulling, then you will probably love this drama. The toxic family had siblings and parents switching sides so often that the only thing you were ever certain of was that they were all terrible people.Instead of a straight forward revenge story, it seemed like the writers attempted to cram as many plot twists as humanly possible in each episode. I was reminded frequently of watching the American Tv series Lost (by the end of every episode you were equally in awe at the cleverness of the script and in fatigue at suspending belief for the insane amount of ridiculousness).And don't even console yourself with a Song Joong Ki romance... I'm not sure what I would call their relationship but soggy bread comes to mind. This series had an amazing start and I was so intrigued with the supernatural element, hoping to see lots of timeslip references from the 80's -90's and 2000's... but alas too few of those and too much financial jargon... Almost every single actor/actress especially the grandfather (Lee Sung Min) should be up for some award as their portrayal of morally bankrupt and ruthlessly evil people was so spot on it was at times hard to watch. But sadly, I felt that SJK's all knowing persona was too bland for my taste ... I really desired to see some of his fiery spirit (Vincenzo).My final thoughts... this would have been a great series if it was 10 episodes instead of 16.
Would you like a cup of coffee is really beautiful. The story and characters are written with a delicate hand and a sense of subtle-ness that is often missing in favor of the zaniness of a lot of current kdramas. The story is slow but doesnât feel dragging. The characters and their interactions have a genuine feel and their relationships are nuanced as they explore what it means to have a kinship/friendship/love/mentor. I admire that action based kdramas have to rush these bonds for time considerations⊠in this series âthe journey is the destinationâ.
Producer: How many feels should we include? Drama: YES!
"Enjoy the Romcom."... they said... "It'll be fun." they said... The trailer has an adorably cute little kid to pull you in... and then the trap SLAMS shut... The steel teeth of sorrow sink into your heart and with burning eyes and tear streaked face... you binge 16+ hours of heartbreak. Why do you do this to yourself you ask as you replenish your tissues? Are the beautiful budding relationships and the heart flutter moments worth ALL this pain? I do not hesitate to say YES! Of Course. There are some dramas that I feel angry and cheated by the ending... This is one that despite the heartbreak... I feel like I am a better person for taking the journey than to not.
Loved Sunshine of My Life. This more mature drama is wonderful. Their relationship and their reactions to each other seem more natural and down to earth. It is full of tropes and I love it yet it is missing that OVER the top zaniness that bogs down so many dramas. It was beautiful and heartfelt but fun and satisfying. And like most modern Chinese Dramas it was a happy ending. Loved it.