6
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virgievirgie
Lost in Dramaland
Amazing Friendship, Exciting Badminton scenes but dragged down by Outsiders' side plot
“Racket Boys” is one of those dramas that is universally praised as amazing. To have an 8.8 MDL rating is no small feat. It has been on my PTW for a long time but I just couldn’t find the right mood to start watching it. Even now, it took me two tries to get into it. I blame this on a slow first episode and not a very fun start. But nonetheless, this is a great drama but with some areas I am not a fan of. Let’s start with what I don’t like first.
What I Have Mixed Feelings and Don’t Like:
1. Slow Start - As mentioned, it took me 2 tries to get into it. The introduction of Papa/Coach Yoon is not really that exciting. He does not seem like someone I want to root for but of course, I expect some type of character development later on. Nonetheless, the first 15-20 mins did not suck me in, but I persisted and binge-watched the rest with no problem.
2. Villagers/Adult Storylines - This ‘negative” is the main reason I am not rating “Racket Boys” 9.0+. I like the story of all the villagers interacting, caring and loving our young badminton players. But I fast forwarded all the scenes regarding the City hikers and the redevelopment. I don’t care for them, and they have nothing to do with my beloved players. In fact, those scenes happen during exciting badminton matches and cutting back-and-forth between villagers and matches annoy me big time. The drama could have given me more screen time for the players and for me to get to know their backgrounds/families more. I do like some of the villagers' storylines, especially with Grandma and her playroom and the mural.
3. The White Wolf - I don’t dislike the White Wolf storyline but am not sure how I feel about him being away from the boys in the latter episodes to wrap up the story of the other player. I knew we would eventually see this player on the screen since his name was mentioned so frequently throughout the drama. I just feel if we take away that side plot, it would not have made a difference.
What I Like:
1. Racket Boys - I love all the boys! They are the stars of the show and the reason why everyone loves the drama. They each have distinct personalities and complement each other so well. I love that the drama focuses on their friendships and how they support each other through disappointments, rivalries and successes. There’s no jealousy or childish arguments. They are a joy to watch! I enjoy the rivalries between teams and that nothing really malicious happens.
2. Yoon Hae Kang - Hae Kang is an interesting male lead and I enjoy watching his development. He appears cocky and arrogant, but deep down he is the sweetest kid with a kind and gentle soul. That becomes evident right from the start of his introduction to viewers. He works hard for the scholarship and never brings up how poor his family is. He is always so sweet to his younger sister and immediately shows his kindness when he first moves to the village and meets Grandma Ki. It’s lovely following his journey of being a lone wolf to be the best of friends with other players is heartwarming. Personally, I would like to see him pitch a few innings to show me what an amazing ace he was, but we never got the chance.
3. Badminton Play - If you are a fan of badminton, this is an excellent drama. There are so many badminton scenes and matches, and all look so good and realistic. In the first episode, I thought the badminton play was a little subpar compared to “Love all Play'' and “Nothing But You”. But these are middle schoolers and college or pro players. But after the initial episodes, the badminton play improves a lot. It shows the hard work all actors put into their training. I love all the badminton scenes. However, I can also see some viewers might find these scenes a little excessive.
4. Other Characters - Aside from the Racket Boys, I also enjoy watching the coaches' stories. I knew Coach Yoon had to improve after the first episode, and I am glad to be right. He has changed as a coach and it’s nice to see the hard work he put into coaching the kids. It's nice to see the opposite of Papa Yoon, his wife, Coach Ra. Their styles are so different, and their journey of growth as a coach is different. The two female players might have a smaller role, but they are in no way inferior to the boys. In fact, the drama shows us the top female player of the country in Han Se Yoon. Even the villagers are sweet and caring. Oftentimes we see villagers or country folks as boisterous and irritating and I am glad that none of them are annoying to me.
5. Guest Stars - Since the writer of “Racket Boys” is the same writer for “Prison Playbook”, it’s probably not that hard to invite PP actors to guest star in this drama. It’s lovely to see so many of them just showing up for a scene/episode here and there. Hey, if Lee Kyu Hyung is reprising his role in PP, I am very happy that he’s moving to the countryside ?
Overall, this is an excellent drama about these young badminton players. It’s a story about friendship and growth first and foremost. I strongly recommend this if you are a sports or badminton fan, or a lover of such teen dramas.
Completed: 6/3/2023 - Review #314
What I Have Mixed Feelings and Don’t Like:
1. Slow Start - As mentioned, it took me 2 tries to get into it. The introduction of Papa/Coach Yoon is not really that exciting. He does not seem like someone I want to root for but of course, I expect some type of character development later on. Nonetheless, the first 15-20 mins did not suck me in, but I persisted and binge-watched the rest with no problem.
2. Villagers/Adult Storylines - This ‘negative” is the main reason I am not rating “Racket Boys” 9.0+. I like the story of all the villagers interacting, caring and loving our young badminton players. But I fast forwarded all the scenes regarding the City hikers and the redevelopment. I don’t care for them, and they have nothing to do with my beloved players. In fact, those scenes happen during exciting badminton matches and cutting back-and-forth between villagers and matches annoy me big time. The drama could have given me more screen time for the players and for me to get to know their backgrounds/families more. I do like some of the villagers' storylines, especially with Grandma and her playroom and the mural.
3. The White Wolf - I don’t dislike the White Wolf storyline but am not sure how I feel about him being away from the boys in the latter episodes to wrap up the story of the other player. I knew we would eventually see this player on the screen since his name was mentioned so frequently throughout the drama. I just feel if we take away that side plot, it would not have made a difference.
What I Like:
1. Racket Boys - I love all the boys! They are the stars of the show and the reason why everyone loves the drama. They each have distinct personalities and complement each other so well. I love that the drama focuses on their friendships and how they support each other through disappointments, rivalries and successes. There’s no jealousy or childish arguments. They are a joy to watch! I enjoy the rivalries between teams and that nothing really malicious happens.
2. Yoon Hae Kang - Hae Kang is an interesting male lead and I enjoy watching his development. He appears cocky and arrogant, but deep down he is the sweetest kid with a kind and gentle soul. That becomes evident right from the start of his introduction to viewers. He works hard for the scholarship and never brings up how poor his family is. He is always so sweet to his younger sister and immediately shows his kindness when he first moves to the village and meets Grandma Ki. It’s lovely following his journey of being a lone wolf to be the best of friends with other players is heartwarming. Personally, I would like to see him pitch a few innings to show me what an amazing ace he was, but we never got the chance.
3. Badminton Play - If you are a fan of badminton, this is an excellent drama. There are so many badminton scenes and matches, and all look so good and realistic. In the first episode, I thought the badminton play was a little subpar compared to “Love all Play'' and “Nothing But You”. But these are middle schoolers and college or pro players. But after the initial episodes, the badminton play improves a lot. It shows the hard work all actors put into their training. I love all the badminton scenes. However, I can also see some viewers might find these scenes a little excessive.
4. Other Characters - Aside from the Racket Boys, I also enjoy watching the coaches' stories. I knew Coach Yoon had to improve after the first episode, and I am glad to be right. He has changed as a coach and it’s nice to see the hard work he put into coaching the kids. It's nice to see the opposite of Papa Yoon, his wife, Coach Ra. Their styles are so different, and their journey of growth as a coach is different. The two female players might have a smaller role, but they are in no way inferior to the boys. In fact, the drama shows us the top female player of the country in Han Se Yoon. Even the villagers are sweet and caring. Oftentimes we see villagers or country folks as boisterous and irritating and I am glad that none of them are annoying to me.
5. Guest Stars - Since the writer of “Racket Boys” is the same writer for “Prison Playbook”, it’s probably not that hard to invite PP actors to guest star in this drama. It’s lovely to see so many of them just showing up for a scene/episode here and there. Hey, if Lee Kyu Hyung is reprising his role in PP, I am very happy that he’s moving to the countryside ?
Overall, this is an excellent drama about these young badminton players. It’s a story about friendship and growth first and foremost. I strongly recommend this if you are a sports or badminton fan, or a lover of such teen dramas.
Completed: 6/3/2023 - Review #314
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