Peridot83
Colorful fun opening, and excellent themes but second half takes a dark, repetitive turn.
The strength of this drama lies in the relaxed, easy chemistry between the two leads and unique and touching themes about art, community and belonging. The first half has a lot of cute, comedic opposite attracts moments - but quickly falls into a ridiculous, dark conspiracy filled second half. Tons of rescuing/vowing protection scenes if you like those.
Again, the romantic chemistry was playful and great. The acting is competent, and you grow attached to the characters. But, there was a lot of over the top crassness/loudness to emphasize the class differences, plus cartoonish over acting from the villains.
Music was highly obvious in its cues and not particularly well done, and I'm not sure I'd rewatch. A few of those magical moments will linger on.
----
I grade on other criteria as well
Themes: 9.5
For those who grew up 'on the outside looking in,' a person or two providing meaning in their lives can make all the difference. Families we chose can provide a feeling of belonging where blood family may fail. Art provides an ability to learn about ourselves and others, to connect to something greater than the personal minutiae of day to day lives. Money makes the world go round, but a life worth living is about connectedness beyond ourselves. Women face unique vulnerabilities as orphans/foster children.
Character Growth/Complex Growth: 6.5
You learn a lot of interesting, complex back stories about the characters as the show goes on, but there isn't much 'character growth' per se, so much as their moods ebbs and flows.
Complex Women/Interactions Between Women: 7.0
There was one really great connection and story between Dali and a museum employee regarding a woman's value and worth in the world. Otherwise, the women were fairly silo'd from each other and somewhat caricatures or one note. It was mainly Dali and 3 main male leads.
Cinematography/Production Values: 8.0
By now, most K dramas have very competent and high production values, staging and cinematography, and this one is no different. One or two ways they filmed some of the museum/art scenes were highly creative but otherwise it was all well-done but standard.
The strength of this drama lies in the relaxed, easy chemistry between the two leads and unique and touching themes about art, community and belonging. The first half has a lot of cute, comedic opposite attracts moments - but quickly falls into a ridiculous, dark conspiracy filled second half. Tons of rescuing/vowing protection scenes if you like those.
Again, the romantic chemistry was playful and great. The acting is competent, and you grow attached to the characters. But, there was a lot of over the top crassness/loudness to emphasize the class differences, plus cartoonish over acting from the villains.
Music was highly obvious in its cues and not particularly well done, and I'm not sure I'd rewatch. A few of those magical moments will linger on.
----
I grade on other criteria as well
Themes: 9.5
For those who grew up 'on the outside looking in,' a person or two providing meaning in their lives can make all the difference. Families we chose can provide a feeling of belonging where blood family may fail. Art provides an ability to learn about ourselves and others, to connect to something greater than the personal minutiae of day to day lives. Money makes the world go round, but a life worth living is about connectedness beyond ourselves. Women face unique vulnerabilities as orphans/foster children.
Character Growth/Complex Growth: 6.5
You learn a lot of interesting, complex back stories about the characters as the show goes on, but there isn't much 'character growth' per se, so much as their moods ebbs and flows.
Complex Women/Interactions Between Women: 7.0
There was one really great connection and story between Dali and a museum employee regarding a woman's value and worth in the world. Otherwise, the women were fairly silo'd from each other and somewhat caricatures or one note. It was mainly Dali and 3 main male leads.
Cinematography/Production Values: 8.0
By now, most K dramas have very competent and high production values, staging and cinematography, and this one is no different. One or two ways they filmed some of the museum/art scenes were highly creative but otherwise it was all well-done but standard.
Was this review helpful to you?
