Arghh... and don't get me started on the FL!

What a waste of drama. What a waste of the actor talents like Lee Jae Wook and Lee Jun Young.

I was so excited for this drama because of the both male leads. I have loved most of their previous works, especially LJY. But here I am, frustrated and disappointed in this show. The unnecessary love triangle is the first drawback of this drama. Even by just putting it in the back of my mind hoping to focus on the revenge and all the scheming the main lead would be doing, all we get is some discussion here and there and no action. Very boring... Whereas, we are shoved in with the infuriating love triangle which honestly doesn't make sense, like as if the FL is the only woman in this world for these two male leads. I don't even get what these two sees in her. It's more like, they just want to win her over the other than actually want her for herself.

And don't get me started on the FL. How did this lady even get a main role? HOW? Did no one make her audition or ask her if she can act? Ya, I know it sounds harsh, but gosh she is so bad in acting that I just skip her scenes rather than watch her trying to emote nothingness. And before any of you come at me saying, hey it's her first role and cut her some slack... I would understand if it was a supporting role, I would agree she is learning but to land a main lead and to do a horrendous job out of it. Yikes. Give it to some other talented person rather than ruin it for everyone else. I am sorry but she really is so bad I would not recommend this drama to anyone. And also will be staying away from any of her projects in the future. Argh!

Rating: 1/10

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One of the Must-Watch dramas of 2023.

*chefs kiss *

What a drama. What a cast. Easily one of the best dramas of 2023.

This drama didn't waste anytime in establishing who or why a Vigilante became a Vigilante in the first place. It started off with a bang and never allowed room for distraction or time to relax. It was fast paced with well written storyline and direction.

Nam Joo Hyuk was amazing as the dark hero. I always thought he was a romantic hero, but in this drama he shined as an anti hero. And I can't stop raving about Lee Joon Hyuk. I absolutely loved loved every single scene he was in. I have loved his character in Stranger, so in this drama I knew I would I totally dig him and I did. He really excels with characters like these.

What I adored about this drama was that there was no unnecessary fillers or screen time. Every single character is there for a reason and a purpose. Also, it's amazing how the drama didn't waste one single frame. With a tight script, brilliant actors and a perfect storyline, this drama got it all.

9.5/10

Now all this drama needs is a Season 2!!!!!! And easily I would be rating it as a perfect 10.

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Started out strong, ended up being BAD!

I have loved the first 6 episodes and every week I used to rave about this drama and how nearly perfect it was and then, what happens in drama land happened. The curse of the second half, where a perfectly good drama just takes a nose dive and end up ruining all the set up it had worked so hard initially to charm and engage the drama viewer flying out of the window.

To begin with the sweet grandpa turning to be a mid villain or how his character took a 180 turn for me was one instance but then as it continued the drama couldn't explain the loophole of how the same Kang Tae Ha in the past and present is one with all the characteristics but couldn't be a reincarnation but different people at the same time! Huh? Like, if Yeon Woo could time travel and be in the modern world, why couldn't Tae Ha be an reincarnation of himself but two different identity and why did the Joseon Tae Ha have to suffer and see his wife fall for someone else, (more like his future self) but not him. How was that fair? How did it make sense? I mean do I make sense? Why couldn't it had been the same person with the same memories and just have lived in both worlds?

I hated the ending. I hated how past Tae Ha just died not knowing why his wife suddenly was with in love with someone who looked like him but not him but him and on and on...grr

This drama was just confusing with confusing characters with loophole like land mines every corner with no escape. The chemistry between the leads was amazing and I swooned in the initial episodes at how great they were together and also the secondary characters were worth the screen time they got. This drama had all the ingredients but then the second half just had to go and blow it all up.

I wish the writer took some time to flourish out the ideas and explained more about the connection of the past and present world and its inhabitants.

I would recommend the first 6 episodes since it was just too sweet and cute. The rest? Naaa...

Rating 2/10

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Trotted as the most awaited drama of 2023 to be a mediocore story line with Zero chemistry

Even though this is not my preferable genre, the only reason I went ahead with this drama was because of Park Seo Joon. I had low expectations, so honestly this drama didn't disappoint me. The story was subpar and all over the place. The drama didn't give a good backstory nor make us feel connected to the characters and care for their aspirations and dreams or root for them. We are directly introduced to the problem which didn't make me care at all for their troubles or what they are trying to solve here.

As for the chemistry.... there was none! There are tons of drama with worst plot lines out there but have insanely good chemistry between leads that somehow makes it bearable to watch. Here, Park Seo Joon and Han So Hee looked liked they were forced to share the screen. Or more like their character were. Was it love at first sight for PSJ's character? And what did HSH's character see in JTS? There was no spark, no moment, we were just shown PSJ looking at her with concern allllll the time. I don't know, halfway through I just gave up guessing on how or when did the supposed romance even begin with?

PSJ look lost with his character. I have loved him as an actor, but in this drama he looked lost not knowing what to do with his character. I guess that is what happens when the writer doesn't do their job properly. Jang Tae Sang was not a fully fleshed character and it showed on PSJ's acting. Whereas HSH.... gosh she is gorgeous, no doubt about that but I wish she would improve her acting a bit. It was painful to watch her wooden performance with the same tone and expression. Or maybe she should stick to second leads, rather than main so better talents would do justice.

And the creature unleashed and the mistress to be saved plot line was just a repeat till episode 7. I couldn't care less by ep 5 and had to skip the rest...

This drama could've been great with a tightly written script, especially set as a period drama. Period dramas always have a charm no matter what, but even that wasn't captured in this drama. Overall, most mediocore drama of 2023.

Rating: 2/10

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Started great, ended flat!

I really loved how this drama started off with a bang. I was hooked initially and the casting of the main leads were perfect considering their mature age and the office romance. The chemistry was sizzling and I loved the storyline. But as the episodes progressed, it felt like the same story in the beginning was being addressed over and over again.

The ex boyfriend arc was good in the beginning but overtime he became the annoying second lead used for filler time and the FL was all over the place. I couldn't understand if she really liked the ML or was just in it for the sake of the future she saw. The ML was the only saving grace of this drama and totally swoon worthy marshmallow over time.

I would have given this drama higher rating if not for the final episode which was just so annoying, that I kept wondering if I was watching the same couple who I saw in the last 11 episodes.

All in all, this drama is a good one time watch if you are looking for something light fluffy office romance. Have great chemistry between the leads and a decent storyline if you disregard the last 2 episodes.

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An Ode to my Hometown

I loved loved loved the character Cho Yong Pil. The man with the most Greenest flag!

The last time I loved a male lead was Hwang Yong Sik, the heart stealer from 'When Camellia blooms'. And here I was loving CYP, the same way for being a guy with the greenest flag. Who was the most kind hearted, sweet and patient human being I have seen in Kdramaland. I don't think I found any flaw with his character. He was flawless, like he couldn't be in a real world. Maybe that's why we only find men like him and Yong Sik only in dramalands.

Moving on, this drama was what it promised. A slow paced relaxing vibe with great cast and a fantastic view of Jeju with heart tugging characters who we can't help but root for. And this drama made me miss my hometown. For a hometown which is far in memory and wanting to move back and have a community which could protect you and where you can be you. This drama made me want a sense of protection in people like how Samdal had. The power rangers and the local ajummas. I wanted it. I wanted that sense of relief knowing people got my back.

For anyone wanting to dive into this drama, please do. It's a slow angst friendly neighborhood drama with loving and sweet characters. The FL did irritate me at times for being just a pushover but I guess I kinda get what she is going through and her point of view later on. The only negative drawback for me was, even though the drama had tied up all lose ends, I wish it showed more about our MC's life and all the other characters. It did show, but I still wished they showed a bit more...

I think whenever I will miss for a hometown, I would come back to this drama to feel that sense of relief and safety.

Rating - 9/10

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Suprisingly I enjoyed this drama. And Han Seo Jun became my second Chilbongie, just the nicest soul through and through. And Hwang In Yeob was such a scene stealer. His comedic timing was superb and such a treat to watch him on screen. And I think out of all the cast he was the an absolute perfection in being cast as Seo Jun. Moon Ga Young was always a cutie and no difference in this drama either.

Cha Eun Woo's acting wasn't much of my cup of tea. But I can see him improving in future. He was so handsome on screen I got distracted half of the time. Especially in Ep 16, his visual was just on fire. I felt he was very stiff in most scenes. Wish he could improve more because he looked like he was working hard.

Story wise I am more happy with the drama than the webtoon. They def did more justice to the characters and the plot than the manga.

Anyone who would like a nice easy rom com, def give it a try.

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I Hate-Love it

This drama had it all but then blew it at the same time. Everyone had an issue with the ending but for me it was everything else but the ending. There are so many loopholes that made my brain hurt. Whereas the ending I thought was apt for this drama and did justice to the one who needed it the most. Jin Do Jun.


I thought of dropping this drama at episode 10 and checked all the comments here and saw how most of them was angry about the ending. I saw the spoilers and reading from them I had the anger was justifiable. I still went ahead thinking I don't want to quit at episode 10 and see it to the end and but once I was done with this drama I realized this ending was what would have made sense for every other loopholes and unexplained incidents this drama had throughout.

It makes perfect sense that Hyeon Woo ended up in Do Jun's body. HW had the front row seat of having to relive Do Jun's entire life, full fill his dream of being a CEO and fall in love, for all of it to be destroyed by his real self. So it was fated for and karma for Hyeon Woo to feel that angst and loss... and then to wake up to realizes what he had been a part of. This drama was never about Hyeon Woo embarking on revenge for the betrayal but rather for Jin Do Jun getting his justice after 20 years.

And it also made perfect sense that Hyeon Woo never ending up with Min Young or disclosing his secret because as he said to her when he was Do Jun, he never deserved her and he knows that he never will. So I am glad that they never gave them the happily ever after.

This drama would have been amazing if it was a tight script but that is wishful thinking in dramaland. I really enjoyed the Lee Seung Min's performance as Chairman Jin... Song Joong Ki and him was a treat to watch onscreen and that was what made me get through this drama. His characters death did make me give it up but just had to see the infamous ending.

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The Strongest Female Lead in dramaland!

This drama has been so far the best I watched in 2023...

The Queen... where to begin. She was the epitome of her title. What a strong character who was far cunning yet kind, brave yet strong . And whatever endless title she held, be it a wife, mother, stepmother, daughter in law, grandmother, etc etc. she was mesmerizing to watch in her role.

Truly an inspiring female lead. I couldn't be in awe of this character and KHS as the queen was just utter perfection.

Would strongly recommend this drama to anyone and everyone who would love a quirky strong and brave heroine. Doesn't matter if you are looking for it in a modern or historic time period., because this queen truly transcended time.

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You've Got to Watch This Drama!!

Wow! Wow!

I cried a bucket of tears after finishing the last episode and I still feel the reminiscence of this drama lingering even after. I loved season 1 and how it was about death and the games it played with Yi Jae. It felt like a game then and then you come into this season and you realize it was never a game for death, it was never meant to be one as I thought, but rather it was about making Yi Jae realize the worst sin he had committed. Not taking his own life, but the pain he put his loved ones, the ones left behind even after he is gone.

I wasn't expecting the last life to be his Mom. I wondered if death would give his Mom's life as the last one but then thought it would be too cruel. And then when it happened I was just flabbergasted, because yes, it was definitely the most cruel and scariest punishment he could've gotten. To feel the pain his loved one's felt by his actions. And it brought him down to his feet as he should've been. He took his own life thinking it would put all the pain to an end without a thought about what will happen to his partner or his mother. He was selfish and even after dying countless times he still didn't understand what did he do so wrong or why what he did was a selfish act. It was a humbling moment to be put in his loved ones pain and live their life feeling those pain till their end. And while in other soul's he found death easily, death never sought him while he lived as his mother. It took its sweet time, making him live it over and over again.

This drama handles a very sensitive and triggering topic. One that can't be made fun of or taken lightly and I was scared that this would make it look too insignificant. So, I loved it when this drama showed the graveness of suicide and what happens when you choose an easy way out. What happens to the ones left behind. That it is the most sinful act you could do to them, not to yourself but to the loved ones.

Lastly, the rest of the supporting cast in this drama is A++++. It's insane how the casting director casted these characters so aptly and I was just impressed with the whole cast and how I loved each character. Though I knew death was around the corner for each and every single one of them, the story telling made me want to just let them live. Let them not have this unfair ending.

I would definitely recommend this drama to every drama lover out there. I don't think I would rewatch this since it's a painful topic and it was triggering here and there, I am glad I did watch it once.

Truly an amazing story with an amazing stellar cast!

Rating: 9.5/10

P.S. I wish the director would make a variety show with all the casts in this drama so the ache would go away a bit!

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LISTEN CAREFULLY...

I LOVED THIS DRAMA! What a tight plot with brilliant direction and script.

I stan every single character who was out there protecting Jeong Jian. Epsiode 2 was very triggering and heartbreaking to watch but the same episode made me want to stick around and see this drama to the end and seek justice. Jung Jian was frustrating at so many episodes that I wanted to yell into the screen to just get a grip and take action. She was brilliant in the initial episodes but towards the second half, I felt like she was second guessing and making it hard for other to protect her. But it's understandable that she would be doing the guessing work and not trusting anyone since she doesn't know what the hell is going on. Like us viewers she is also learning at the same time what all the fuss is about. And mind you, its all happening in a day. The entire 8 episode is a day's log. Though there is many flashback to support the story it never felt like we were diverted from the urgency of the present. All the flashbacks gave me answers which had me questioning in a previous scene or episode. So it was amazing to follow along where the show was taking us. I do have a question in the end, wondering why JJ faked his death!? Also, its understandable that he recovers in a day, but that one day is enough to make the whole world upside down.

Lee Dong Wook was insanely good. His cold mercenary uncle character was just captivating to watch on screen. I also have a girl crush on Minhye. Her fight and action scenes were briiliant and it was shot so well making it look so badass.

I dearly hope there is a season 2. I mean considering how Bale is still walking around freely there had to be. I hope it doesn't take long for season 2. I can't wait for the rest!

Rating: 9.9/10

P.S. Would've been a perfect 10 if Uncle had remained dead or someone gave an explanation as to why he faked his death. Not that I am complaining for him being alive but where the hell were you when you were most needed?!!!! A call would've been nice...sheesh!

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One of the best movies I watched recently

It's 3am and I just finished watching this movie and bawling my eyes out.

I am not a fan of sad endings. Dramas and movies are an escape from reality, so I stay away from sad endings because why need them more when you see them in reality.

But this movie surprised me. I didn't mind how they ended up... the years and years of being together but still not together. I just found it all so profoundly sad, that to be with someone but still not be. I didn't mind the sad ending. I went in blind for this movie, seeing the synopsis never knowing it didn't have a HEA. But I think I wouldn't have liked this movie if it had ended up with a HEA. Because this was the perfect ending for a perfect story.

I loved the plot. Out of the box, out of the movie, into a movie, in a movie. It was perfection. The story, the cast, the music. It's been a long long while since I have loved a movie this much. I don't think I would rewatch it again because I can't go through the pain again.

I would recommend this to all, even someone who stay away from sad endings. This movie is the one where you should at least watch once.

Rating: 9.5/10

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If you haven't watched this drama but thinking to, then let me help you. Don't think just go watch this drama.

I went completely blind into this drama not knowing the plot or what to expect. Fellow drama lovers recommended and I had time to spare. And once I was done with this, (binged watched in 2 days) I loved loved loved this one.
I don't know how to explain. The plot is pretty normal and mundane which you have heard countless times, but there is something refreshing about this drama. Maybe because its based on the real life love story of the author. May be thats why is so realistic and makes me also feel the love and experience it through the screen.
I normally don't write reviews. But I really had to do one for this one. Also I would recommend to read the novel. And English adaptation is available on Wattpad if you search 'I Don't Like the World, I Only Like You'.

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A drama that was saved by Kim Soo Hyun - Kim Jin Won 's amazing chemistry (& their tears)

Having two of my favorite actors in a drama was enough for me to tune into this drama. This drama has a love hate relationship for me...

What I LOVED:

The drama had me just from the initial episodes of how we got a couple that had already dated, married, coworkers and in a love-hate relationship. It's was rare to see a couple in a brink of divorce but still in love and denial, making you just wanting to root for them and solve their martial issues for them. When Hae In announces she is sick and Hyun Woo decides to get a divorce at the same time, there I was on the brink of my sofa watching them onscreen and worried about their marriage and life, than my own. LOL!

I wanted to smack Hyun Woo when he was initially happy about his wife's impending death. I disliked his nonchalant response. I remember writing here on MDL saying how I am team Hae In till the end and wanted Hyun Woo to cry buckets of tears non stop for this treachery. And boy did he cry or what and make me cry along with him? Hahahaha... I learned my lesson for wishing ill for him later on the episodes... But then its amazing looking back that how much his character developed and had come along to win me back over and root for him to fight for their lives together and that's what he did. He cried, fought, sulked, schemed, loved and got back into my good graces and I found myself to being Team Baek-Hong.

I loved them onscreen. The characters they were, their personalities... and And the CHEMISTRY!!!!! omg... I could write sonnets about just the chemistry. It was tuned into max since episode 1 and there was never a moment onscreen where it was toned down... not even a single screen till the end.

This drama till Episode 12 is perfection. I don't have a single complain nor irk towards a single scene that was in there. I loved it and ate all the crumbs the drama delivered... And then the unthinkable happened... The last 4 episodes... which so often in dramaland, where the writer just loses their mind and make us lose our mind along with them!!!!!

WHAT I HATED:

The last 4 episodes.... Episode 13 had me like stop halfway through towards the end and seriously question if it was the same drama I was watching... It was so frustrating mainly because I found myself guessing how this was going to turn out and I hate it when I not surprise or when it becomes so predictable. Especially with all the cliches... which is so tiring and frustrating after some time.

I took a leave of absence and waited for all the last 3 episodes to air and watch it together so my frustration and anxiety could handle it. And I am glad that I did this.

The writer had to bring in all the cliches and drama tropes and she did and delivered. It was irritating but then I think the theme of those last 4 episode was that it was going to be super melodramatic and makjang. Clearly the main aim wasn't the writing anymore. It was the rating and being dramatic. But I have to grudgingly acknowledge that, no matter what it was done in style.

I wanted more scenes between Hae In and Hyun Woo... were once everything was resolved towards the end, I hoped the last few minutes would be scenes of them together and rebuilding again... I didn't like how it was closed scenes where we assume and guess about their progress in love and doesn't get to see Hae In fall in love with Hyun Woo all over again... AND WHERE IS A KISS SCENE? I mean for a drama that delivered more kisses in one single episode than a whole kdrama combined, I was expecting to see a kiss scene towards the end.... AND WHAT DO WE GET? Nothing... Ahh.... the disappointment I felt is astonishing...

Also... that ending broke me. I never saw it coming... I mean its a happy ending but still... seeing death of your loved one is inevitable even in a fictional world just hit me in my feeling and broke me. I didn't expect that. I cried a lot over that scene. A long life of 84 years is amazing... but still it was so bittersweet. I want to live ignorance that once a characters that I love and cherish get their HEA in the end, they go on to live on forever. I don't want a reality check that they are mere mortals like us. It's like breaking the 4th wall and bringing them into the real world, where us mortals live.

IN CONCLUSION:

This drama is all about the chemistry between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won. My god, what terrific actors. The emotional scenes where they were crying... I found myself mesmerized thinking, how can they act so damn well and look so beautiful at the same time.

I have always loved Kim Soo Hyun's acting. Especially when he cried. He is the prettiest actor in kdrama land who cries so beautifully... considering the female actors too... He is always my top pick. But then Kim Ji Won came along and she delivered those scenes along with KSH and I was like, how are these two so talented and beautiful....

The writing may have gone off in the end but this drama is only saved because of KSH and KJW. They single handedly carried this drama... and kudos to the duo for such a great job.... I can't wait to see their future projects... Until then! x

Would've rated it a perfect 10 if not for the last quarter.

Rating : 9/10

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