Reviews

Crush in the open 2

I don't know what it says about this drama but I accidentally watched the second episode of this first and only realized it when the episode finished that I must have missed something but also that what I missed was not that important!

So Bam and Mike are dating now. One day, Bam's junior from schools shows up in the cafe and we find out he has a crush on him. He keeps coming back and confesses both to Bam and to Mike who is shaken by this. Mike sees that Bam and Pee get swimmingly along and feels not deserving. But Bam notices it and puts Pee back in his place.

Oh the usual trope of a love triangle! Quickly resolved but still... The acting is still just as lacklustre, but I must say the actor playing Pee takes the flower with his overacting and mannerisms! He does manage to make his character unlikeable so I guess that is a success!

The production seems to have had a bit more money in the budget so they managed to go and film a few scenes on the beach, which is always nice to see!

I often feel bad when I do not appreciate these small productions much: it is usually a labour of love! But unfortunately I have seen better labours of love .... Still, I would like to encourage them to continue: there are originalities in their work (breaking the 4th wall!) that make it worth watching !

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Crush in the open!

Not bad but not good either. It is obviously made on a shoestring budget so the production is lacking. Acting as well, unfortunately! The only originality this short drama has is breaking the fourth wall by the actors instead of voiceover explaining situations and revealing emotions.

The short drama takes place in an always completely empty coffee shop where Bam gets to work with his crush, Mike who is a writer. In order to break the writing block, Mike asks Bam to help him enact love scenes for his next novel. These make Bam very confused so he confesses. Now it is Mike's turn to be confused. But Bam does everything in his power to help Mike see things (his own feelings!) clearly.

There is absolutely no chemistry between the actors who definitely need a few more acting lessons to make us believe they are at ease while acting: they were rather rigid and the line delivery was monotonous!

Still, point for the effort, the writing was solid and original. The music was too loud and cheerful and just underlined the (bad) acting.

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Very good chemistry between Zhao Lusi and Yang Yang

I watched this because of Zhao Lusi, and I ended up liking the chemistry between Lusi and Yang Yang. Lusi is very good at building chemistry with whoever her partner is.

Characte-wise, both of them (Hei Fengxi/Feng Lanxi & Bai Fengxi/Feng Xiyun) are great characters. They are smart, ambitious, good at playing tricks, and their martial arts are also at a high level. The supporting cast also has their own good characters and suits their respective roles. Their acting is also amazing, especially the senior actor who plays the role of King Yongzhou.

Yang Yang's role as Feng Lanxi made a deep impression on me. I really liked him as the Prince. He truly is an example of the ideal Prince apart from his handsome face.

Production-wise, I actually don't have many problems with their production. The only thing that bothered me was during the action scenes, Yang Yang and Lusi's faces are rarely seen clearly on camera, but I can understand, maybe because in some scenes they use stuntmen.

Then if you ask my opinion about the last episode, I can only answer honestly that I wasn't satisfied. You can watch it yourself, and judge for yourself whether the ending of their story can be called a happy ending or not.

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Promising story but writer tries too hard to give satisfying ending

The plot is that of a murder in a yakuza-related activity, and pressure from both the police and yakuza boss on two young men to clear their names. One is a low-level yakuza while the other a poor, aspiring author with the ability delve into the thinking and feelings of a writer when he imitates the writing. The two men from very different backgrounds have forged a deep-rooted relationship of brotherhood and trust since their high-school days.

Their characters and backgrounds were nicely fleshed out in a series of flashbacks sprinkled throughout the episodes. However, similar flashbacks on the antagonists in the last 2 episodes detracted the drama from a better ending as these flashbacks only serve to dilute the build-up to the climax, in my opinion.

I would hv given a higher rating if the writer does not try so hard to give satisfying endings to the antagonists as well. Instead, the unrelistic decisions in the end made me go “What the hell... that's totally unrealistic!”

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A heroine in her own right

Once you’ve watched many dramas like this, it is hard to be surprised by the storyline as most of them follow the same pattern (unexpected meeting, grow to fall in love, have to part, death which leads the other one to forget their principles, back to life, overcome evil) but this drama added it’s own spin on this pattern with an interesting though hard-to- believe* opening where the FL injures herself while fleeing an arranged marriage.

Thankfully, this drama is on the new trend to give us happy endings which are not short and even used the last episode to play out a little side story which was enjoyable and let me have my feel good vibes for a whole episode as I loved seeing them live their happy life for a full episode!

The ML carried himself well as the last ancient god but I was struggling to see him he as a sickly mortal. Interesting to see how the drama chose to have a role reversal where the ML is the one who pines after the FL. It was fun to watch the FL being more matter-of-fact and let’s move on after having sex but it was a bit of out character for the ML to suddenly be so clingy & willing to throw caution to the wind when he was shown to be such a strong selfless character who put the 3 realms above his own interests during the first have of the drama.

As long as I turned off all these questions that kept popping up in my head, I was entertained with the above average CGI and sweet love story between the FL’s parents (I saw that coming a mile away so was just waiting to see how that part of the story would unfold and this drama delivered nicely)

* hard to believe on so many levels as the FL is shown to be the best fighter so how can she be so badly injured that she loses her human form. Also, she has a good relationship with her master so why were they not able to discuss the marriage alliance the same way they talked about other important issues? Didn’t really make much sense to send all the generals & soldiers to hunt her down and bring her back for the marriage as she can easily just not go through with the wedding by saying no in person during the wedding. Unfortunately, most dramas have this problem where logic is usually the first to go as long as it moves the story along in a nice way.

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Cute but that's all there is

The key to watching this drama is to not have an expectation. This is a cute (seemingly) one sided love of college students and everytime they do something stupid, I think of myself at 18 which makes it tolerable really.

Most people have issues with Kluen (Joong) being the literal worse at communication but honestly I have found so many men older than him who's the same or even worse. Like his case is way more tolerable because he's inexperienced really, and this is his first time experiencing romantic love.

I also found Dao extremely endearing - he's still in his people pleaser era and is still learning how to be kind and not just "nice", which he admitted! Gotta appreciate him for self reflecting.

So I like this drama better than some of the MDL reviews here, but I just don't think the storyline is memorable in any way at all. Like the whole plot is just about a long winded high schooler/college love story which I have experienced firsthand within my friend group previously which is a bad indication cause I'm a wholly boring person.

Anyways it's still worth a watch if you don't have anything else to do. Not for the plot but more for the cast.

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It's just too long

There are a few scenes that take place between the end of their high school days and the start of their college days that are complete gold, and that's the only reason I'm giving this a 6.5
The first half was fine, the 3 episodes referenced above were FANTASTIC, and then it was pretty bad starting episode 12 forward. That's a lot of bad episodes.
The ML and FL did a great job, and I honestly would've dropped it if it hadn't been for the actors. But the rest of the cast was not great. Another super irritating thing about this drama was how the friends were so stupid. I mean, everyone but the mains were morons and didn't know how to listen, especially the lazy guy friend from high school and the FL's best friend. Ugh. They were SO ANNOYING! I skipped so much of episodes 20-28 because of these two characters.

Chemistry between the leads was great, romance was good, support cast and story were extremely *meh* 6.5 is generous.

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The Weight of Seasons

I delayed watching 'Our Beloved Summer' for nearly two years, initially dismissing it based on its trailer. At the time, I wasn't in the mood for a story about seemingly immature high schoolers entangled in trivial romances and breakups. However, watching it now, two years after its release, I realise that my earlier mindset might have prevented me from appreciating the drama’s true essence. Recently, I decided to give the trailer another look before diving into the series, and a particular detail caught my attention. Choi Ung, portrayed by Choi Woo Shik, was holding a copy of my favourite book, 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being.' This unusual choice for a romcom immediately signalled that 'Our Beloved Summer' was not your typical K-drama filled with clichéd conflicts between the main characters. The screenplay ingeniously incorporates the theme of eternal return, a pivotal concept in both the book and the drama. This philosophical thread, reminiscent of themes explored in 'Past Lives'—another stellar example of Korean storytelling—suggestively weaves together notions of destiny and interconnected fates, or what some might refer to as 'yoon-myeong' or the 'red string of fate.' This creative narrative choice not only sets the drama apart but also enriches its depth, making it a profoundly unique viewing experience.

Choi Woo Shik's portrayal of Choi Ung in 'Our Beloved Summer' masterfully subverts the conventional 'low-achiever' archetype often seen in dramas. Contrary to expectations, his character isn't compensated for academic shortcomings with a boisterous or charismatic persona—attributes typically assigned to such roles to bolster their likeability. Instead, Choi Ung is depicted as quiet, pensive, and introspective. Despite his youthful immaturity, there’s a depth to his demeanour that defies the usual clichés. Although deeply loved by his adoptive parents, Ung carries the weight of knowing he was adopted after the tragic loss of his parents' biological child. This knowledge, discovered early in his childhood without his parents' awareness, instills in him a profound sense of living a 'borrowed life.' This internal conflict is eloquently captured in his reflection: 'At times, nothing is the best you can do when you’re living a borrowed life.'

This sense of indebtedness and the fear of being inherently 'worthless' manifest in his aimlessness and aloof demeanour, despite the introspective qualities suggested by his eclectic book choices. Ung admits, 'Deep down, I was afraid that I might be a worthless person. That’s why I pretended not to know anything and that I wasn’t interested at all.' This confession reveals the layers of his internal struggle—how his academic disengagement and reserved nature are not merely personality traits but a protective facade against deeper fears of inadequacy.This thoughtful characterization not only challenges stereotypes but also adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, making Choi Ung a relatable and compelling figure. His unique traits enrich the story, offering viewers a fresh perspective on what it means to be a protagonist in a youth-driven narrative.

One of the most poignant aspects of 'Our Beloved Summer' is its unflinching portrayal of poverty and its impact on personal relationships. A line from Kook Yeon Soo (Kim Da Mi) particularly resonates: 'I wish I was only poor to the point I could bear it. Please just for once.' This statement not only underscores the crushing weight of her financial struggles but also profoundly illustrates the emotional and psychological toll it takes on her. It’s a pivotal moment that clearly delineates the heartbreak and realism of her character’s journey, providing insight into the reasons behind her eventual breakup with Choi Ung. While Choi Ung is not exceptionally wealthy during college, his relative financial stability allows him the luxury of dreaming—a luxury Yeon Soo cannot afford as she is compelled to enter the workforce immediately after college, foregoing further education. This stark contrast in their circumstances breeds an inferiority complex in Yeon Soo, and understandably so. Her decision to end their relationship, driven by a fear of eventual resentment despite her love for Ung, is portrayed not as a failure on her part but as a painful act of self-preservation and practicality. Reflecting on their breakup years later, Yeon Soo labels her younger self as immature. However, from the perspective of her dire financial pressures, her choices appear both rational and sadly necessary.

The dynamic between Choi Ung and Kook Yeon Soo exemplifies a more nuanced approach to the 'enemies-to-lovers' trope. Unlike typical portrayals where stark opposites attract, their relationship is grounded in subtle yet profound similarities that make their bond both realistic and enduring. Both characters navigate their own forms of loneliness, insecurity, and a sort of premature maturity forced upon them by challenging childhoods. These shared experiences and traits—thoughtfulness, introversion, and a blend of immaturity coupled with wisdom beyond their years—forge a deep mutual understanding. This foundational connection is what makes their reunion, five years post-breakup, feel so natural and inevitable rather than forced. The concept of 'eternal return' woven throughout the drama doesn’t just recur in their fate but resonates deeply in their aligned personalities and past experiences. This thematic and emotional congruence ensures that their relationship stands the test of time, making their narrative not only compelling but also heartwarmingly authentic.

Additionally, the series delves into Kim Ji Ung's (Kim Sung Cheol's) poignant struggle with loneliness, accentuated by his unrequited love for both Yeon Soo and his emotionally distant mother. His role as a documentary producer, which compels him to observe life from behind his camera, initially appears as a safe detachment but increasingly becomes a suffocating cage. This metaphor of entrapment is profoundly illustrated when he chooses to film his dying mother—a decision intended to pave a path to reconciliation. However, this resolution doesn't evoke the sense of closure one might expect; instead, it leaves a lingering sense of sadness, as if the reconciliation is just another scene in his array of observed lives rather than a heartfelt connection. The character NJ (Roh Jeong Eui) also presents a compelling narrative, grappling with the dissonance between her public idol persona and her private identity. She finds an unexpected refuge in Choi Ung's art, which helps bridge her internal divides. Meanwhile, Yeon Soo’s evolution is equally significant. Her realisation towards the series' end, 'the only person who made my life seem pathetic was me,' marks a pivotal moment of self-acceptance. While her struggles with poverty initially isolated her, she eventually recognised the support system she always had in her friends and in Ung. This newfound acceptance and confidence enrich her character's journey, illustrating the transformative power of self-awareness and support.

'The documentary metaphor' that the series employs is especially striking, suggesting that it's the ordinary moments of our lives that compile our unique stories. This notion is beautifully encapsulated in the exchange, 'How pitiful,' 'Who?' 'Just us...us...and everyone...' It reminds us that while we may often feel trapped in the minutiae, it is these very moments that define and distinguish our lives. 'Our Beloved Summer' excels in portraying these subtle yet significant life experiences, making it a memorable and reflective drama.

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I started watching without knowing anything but the title and the picture that goes with it-- and I dd not regret a single minute!

What I liked best:

* The initial premise is different and interesting, the story arcs well paced and in the end, all story threads are neatly tied up. Even if they ended the series with a glimpse of a new plot, it felt more like a "this is not the end" than a cliffhanger.
* The main character was extremely well acted, I loved the facial expressions (or, sometimes, the lack of them) and how the actor moved his body, we never forget that this is actually a dead body, not a living being.
* The comedy was there duiring all the episodes, and varied between spoofing Zombie movies and the detective genre, slapstick-y routines and just plain hilarious situations.
* The mysteries were not too simple, but simple enough for a comedy.
* Some K-Dramas I've watched have a weird slump in pacing or story in the 9th to 11th episdes. This one doesn't, every episode was interesting or funny enough to keep me watching.
* There was no romance between the two main characters, only a hint of interest on the woman's side, which is not even recognized by the zombie detective.

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Sweet and Beautiful. This series is a 10 not a 7.4

My recommendation: Give this series a chance but this is my opinion regarding whether it will be a 10 or not for you.

If you are looking for a cute series, where MLs respect each other, there is communication, with just enough drama to hook you and not overwhelm you, this is your series. But if a stellar acting and a full-size production are important to you, then it won't be a 10. In my opinion, I would say that as the series went on, the chemistry increased and everything felt more fluid/natural between the MLs so there are things that can be ignored at the beginning of the series because the rest of the elements in the series make it beautiful from start to finish.

Now my review: I simply loved this series... it's one of those types of series that leaves you with such a beautiful feeling and makes you believe in love.

The chemistry of the MLs is very beautiful, Fueng and Krom are both a giant green flag... they always supported each other and got out of problems together, simply a very sincere love.

The secondary couple (Kor and Namson) also had a very cute and pure story with him being an actor and she being a transgender woman, such a pure love.

The supporting actors are funny and great friends. Showing not only what a good romantic relationship should be but also how a healthy friendship should be.

I think this series touched on many important topics like: 1. ships and how they play with the audience 2. How for actor/idols having a partner outside that world or even your past can ruin your career and 3. How harmful can social media be with stars and the suffering it brings to the actors and the people around them... but precisely how having the right people by your side is decisive in getting out of that dark place.

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Positive messaging...

I won't tell you much about the series but some things that stand out. First the focus of a positive messaging, to have respect for all people regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation or social background. That's the outstanding feature of this show. Second production quality was top notch.

The negative aspects are as usual for thai shows silly comedic sound effects nobody needs, the story is not really focused on the second couple and had a lot room to improve. Rhere was not much character growth overall. It's a bit cheesy at times but gives you a good feeling.

Overall the show was better than expected, gives you fluffy moments, funny moments and mature themes and scenes with a bit of fan service. If you want to have a nice time and there aren't any better shows to watch, it will entertain you.

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