Reviews

Flat. Couldve been so much better.

Went in with decent-good expectations as JFT had fairly high traction when it aired and I watched months after but that was my first mistake.

I’m all for a good simple plot but this drama was just very flat. For a good portion of the drama, it was just angst with minimal plot development.

2 of the ML are just mad for majority of the show and then 180 which I found funny.

One thing I really enjoyed and that is the music selection - the instrumental pieces fit the atmosphere really well and overall made me enjoy the drama a lot more.

Casting and cinematography is also done really well ; gorgeous actors with the visually appealing scenes almost makes up for the lack of plot depth.

Was surprised to discover Song Hangyeom (Seo Doyoon) was an idol as I found his acting really good (and I found him so goddamn handsome).

For what its worth, team did their best with what they had to work with. Solid drama for sure

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The Redemption Season

I like season 2 better than season 1, sue me. For anyone who may be going into season two completely blind, be prepared to continuously say, "Wait, what?" This season had so many wow moments that had me floored. I was constantly pausing trying to figure out the details before I moved on. Will I say the ending feels incredibly rushed and could've been better executed? Yes. Did the "redemption arks" actually redeem the characters? It's a trick question. There were no arks, just a few minutes dedicated to show that they suddenly care about what happened to Da Mi and deciding to be good people. I went into this Kdrama with Penthouse expectations, and in the area of making you go, "What the hell?!" it does a spectacular job. I will say, they escaped death far too many times, to the point where I was shouting at my screen quite literally begging for someone to die (then proceeding to cry when they do 'die' but that's a whole other issue).

When I started this Kdrama, I hated everyone involved, I wanted to see them suffer. But even with the lack of the character's redemption 'arks', they still managed to tug at my heart strings and made me cry every single time. K's end was also disappointing, I was hoping for something more sinister, which further adds to my point that the ending was rushed.

Would I rewatch this? Hell to the no. It's a good show, but to watch it all over again would be a whole other journey. By the end of it, I forgot half of what had happened, so if I were to rewatch, it would be like walking in blind except for remembering the major plot twist. Its far too much to digest again.

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this drama is so good!!

Oh my gosh, I've loved mystery genre dramas for a long time. and I found it!! yeaaay!! This is very nice! the story is good and unique, tense, full of puzzles, and made my heart flutter! Actually, I don't really like the action genre mixed with romantic stories, so this drama is perfect for me!! there is no romantic story in it. Even though there is a bromance relationship between the two main characters, they look cute together!! the actors and actresses are also very pleasing to the eye. Their visuals are like coming out of a novel, so handsome and beautiful! their acting is so good, oh my gosh, I'm surprised by the abilities of these actors. they are so great!! I really love this drama

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Emotional Damage

Overview: "Itaewon Class" follows Park Sae-ro-yi's quest for revenge against a powerful conglomerate, intertwining themes of justice, friendship, and resilience.

Characterization: The characters are multifaceted and relatable, though some may lack depth compared to others.

Aesthetic Elements: The soundtrack and cinematography contribute to the series' emotional impact, although they may not stand out significantly.

Plot and Pacing: While the plot is engaging overall, pacing issues and predictable plot twists may hinder the viewing experience for some.

Critical Analysis: Critiques may focus on reliance on tropes, uneven character development, and pacing concerns.

Conclusion: "Itaewon Class" offers a compelling narrative with memorable characters and thought-provoking themes, despite its flaws.

Rating: 7.5/10

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The Road Not Taken

I am surprised to see the low ratings on myDramalist as I thought the premise of the drama was interesting and not your usual run-of-the-mill romance. The 'what if' of the road-not -taken is something that many people would have thought about sometime or other. This drama portrays the 2 different routes taken by Xiao Guo, the FL. Both routes are valid in their own light although I would say that Xiao Guo came to life in her Shanghai life. The story tells of how life seemed to result from missed opportunities and the opening up of new possibilities. A poignant moment is in Episode 19 when Xiao Guo and Yu Jian reconnects and each remembers the events that caused them to part.
Interestingly the actress Elaine Zhong seemed to have taken on roles of a strong and independent woman in her other dramas such as Born To Run and Rising With The Wind. I enjoyed watching her in these dramas as she characterises the modern woman carving a path for herself. In What If, she is able to portray the difference between the Xiao Guo of Leshan and Xiao Guo of Shanghai. This drama shows the issues that face women as they try to balance their career, motherhood, being in a relationship.
Altogether it was a good drama although I felt that 20 episodes could have been extended a bit more.

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One of the best drama's out there.

This drama is everything one can dream about. Let me tell you all something: it's been a while since I've been in a slump. Watching K-dramas was never the same for me after 2022. Even though I start watching dramas, I often leave them unfinished. Recently, when I saw a video about upcoming dramas, this one caught my attention. I started watching it once the second episode was out, and let me tell you all something: this drama has a special place in my heart. It just gives me the feeling of the time when I used to enjoy watching dramas and was obsessed with them. The storyline is so good that, whether it has a happy ending or a sad one, I will appreciate it because this one made me feel things I've never felt before. The main leads' acting is actually top-notch; they are portraying their characters so well. And we have a villain who doesn't have more than two words of dialogue but still manages to make us all worried. I mean, this drama is the definition of perfect. I would recommend this drama to anyone who needs to get out of their slump and watch something great.

And to talk about the OST, man, it’s one of the best ones out there. I love how the characters have to endure the parallels. At first, it was Sunjae who loved Im Sol for 15 years and she didn't know. Now it's quite the opposite: she remembers everything, and he forgets about her. Overall, this drama is a must-watch.

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Not Bad

Good:
Compelling Premise: The premise of a high school student leading a double life adds layers of complexity to the storyline, providing ample opportunities for suspense and moral exploration.

Strong Performances: The cast delivers solid performances, with actors like Kim Dong-hee and Jung Da-bin bringing depth and authenticity to their roles, effectively capturing the emotional turmoil of their characters.

Intense Plot: The series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its unpredictable twists and turns, weaving together multiple storylines to create a suspenseful and gripping narrative that hooks audiences from the start.

Bad:
Uneven Pacing: While the plot is intense, there are instances where the pacing feels uneven, with certain scenes dragging or feeling rushed. This inconsistency in pacing can disrupt the flow of the story and impact the overall viewing experience.

Underdeveloped Characters: While the main characters receive ample attention and development, some supporting characters feel underutilized and lack depth, leaving their motivations and actions feeling unclear or unexplained.

Limited Exploration: While the series touches on themes of morality and consequence, there are missed opportunities for deeper exploration and analysis, leaving certain aspects of the storyline feeling underdeveloped or unresolved.

Overall, "Extracurricular" offers a compelling premise and strong performances, but it is hindered by uneven pacing and underdeveloped characters. Despite its flaws, it remains an engaging drama that will captivate audiences with its intense plot and suspenseful twists.

Rating: 7/10

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Quite Unique

This is a thought provoking mystery/crime/political/medical and personal ethics ride.

Yes, Disney has inserted their weird abrupt cut/jump into next scene thing they often do with their Kdrama productions, but once you get used to that, it doesn’t take away from the quality of the work.

I have enjoyed seeing so many favorites show a lot of range, as well as just getting to think about exactly how I feel about the subject matter. The dialogue is extremely good and well delivered, the action scenes are great, and the subtle depth of the characters (they all have some baggage that isn’t immediately apparent) was top notch. I’ve already rewatched a few scenes just because I was impressed. I highly recommend, and will be waiting with lots of excitement and anticipation for season 2.

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A Climactic Finale of Power, Revenge, and Redemption

Story: "The Penthouse Season 3" serves as the grand finale to the intense saga of Hera Palace. This season focuses on the ultimate downfall and redemption of the main characters. The stakes are higher than ever as long-buried secrets come to light and justice is sought. The story is a thrilling rollercoaster, wrapping up the complex narratives built over the previous seasons.

Characters: In this final season, characters such as Shim Su-ryeon, Cheon Seo-jin, and Joo Dan-tae face their greatest challenges yet. The actors deliver some of their best performances, portraying a wide range of emotions from despair to triumph. New characters are introduced, adding fresh conflicts and perspectives, while familiar faces get the closure their arcs deserve.

Music/Cinematography: The music and cinematography remain strong points, with the soundtrack intensifying key moments and the visual aesthetics capturing the opulence and darkness of the world. The high production values continue to enhance the dramatic atmosphere, making each scene visually and emotionally impactful.

Plot: The plot of Season 3 is packed with unexpected twists and high-stakes drama. Every episode brings shocking revelations and climactic confrontations, ensuring viewers are constantly on the edge of their seats. The intricate web of lies, betrayals, and alliances reaches its peak, culminating in a satisfying and dramatic conclusion.

Critique: While the final season delivers on many fronts, some viewers might find certain plot developments to be overly dramatic or improbable. The fast-paced and high-intensity storyline can feel overwhelming at times, and the sheer volume of twists might leave some plot points feeling rushed or underdeveloped. However, for fans of the series, these elements contribute to the thrilling ride that "The Penthouse" is known for.

Conclusion: "The Penthouse Season 3" provides a gripping and fitting conclusion to the series. Its compelling characters, intricate plot, and high production values make it a standout drama. Despite some melodramatic excesses, the season ties up loose ends and delivers a powerful finale that will satisfy long-time fans.

Rating: 7.5/10

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A Must-Watch Sequel Packed with Intense Drama and Shocking Twists!

Story: "The Penthouse Season 2" continues the saga of Hera Palace's elite residents, delving deeper into their intertwined lives filled with secrets, ambition, and vengeance. The season picks up where the first left off, escalating the drama and intensity as characters grapple with the consequences of their actions and new rivalries emerge.

Characters: The characters in this season become even more complex, with new dimensions of their personalities revealed. Shim Su-ryeon, Logan Lee, and the rest of the cast deliver powerful performances, keeping viewers emotionally invested. The addition of new characters adds fresh dynamics and heightens the tension among the residents.

Music/Cinematography: The music and cinematography in "The Penthouse Season 2" maintain the high standards set by the first season. The soundtrack perfectly complements the drama's intense moments, while the visual presentation continues to capture the opulence and darkness of Hera Palace, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Plot: The plot in Season 2 is a rollercoaster of shocking twists and turns, with each episode unveiling new secrets and cliffhangers. The pacing is relentless, ensuring that viewers remain hooked from start to finish. The storylines are intricately woven, blending themes of power, betrayal, and redemption.

Critique: While "The Penthouse Season 2" excels in many areas, it does lean heavily into melodrama, which might not appeal to all viewers. Some plot twists can feel a bit far-fetched, and the high-stakes drama can occasionally border on the excessive. However, for fans of intense storytelling and dramatic flair, these elements add to the show's charm.

Conclusion: Overall, "The Penthouse Season 2" is a thrilling continuation of the saga that fans of the first season will find deeply satisfying. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and high production values, it solidifies its place as a standout in the world of drama series. Despite some melodramatic excesses, it remains an addictive watch.

Rating: 8/10

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Not a romantic comedy but has its cute and comedic moments

Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75

Even though “Boys Be Brave!” has a comedy tag, I would not classify this drama as a romantic comedy. There are supposedly comedic moments, but they are not my favorite moments. Instead, there are other deeper meanings regarding each character and their past. This drama is more than a crush moving into your house, and you can’t hide your feelings anymore.

Although I enjoy the general plot and a more mature tone, I think the acting and writing could be better. None of the characters are perfect and are actually flawed, and I like that. However, I also do not see why anyone would like Jin Woo. I personally do not like his personality and the actor’s portrayal of him. Kim Sung Hyun’s acting is the weakest of the four guys and he also has the worst styling (aside from Ki Sub’s hair extensions). I admit, I don’t find the actor attractive. Jung Ki Sub is supposedly the handsome one. He’s not bad looking, but his character is introduced as such a scatterbrain that he’s not attractive either. However, I can see how opposites attract.

On the other hand, I am far more interested in secondary romance. I wish the drama has spent a little more time on their story and a little less time on how ditzy Ki Sub is. We barely hit the surface of their romance with a couple dates yet they have much better chemistry than the main leads. I am not sure if it’s the translation, but I sure wish being a ‘better’ person is much more than being rich. I also think this pair is better looking. LOL

“Boys Be Brave!” is an easy and short watch with a predictable story, if you are looking for something not too fluffy but have cute moments. I like the songs and for a lower budget production, I don’t see any much product placement. I watch this on Viki and I am not sure why it’s rated R. Aside from a few kisses and maybe a more mature plot, this is not one to watch for sexy scenes.

Completed: 5/21/2024 - Review #442

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this is the kind of bls that needs to be support

tbh, this bl could have been a 10

LIKES:

-The story. the bl's drama, comedy, romance, etc it's really well mange into the story until some point. I never wanted to stop watching it and I felt like every character was interesting.

-Cast. THE ACTING IS GOOD!!! I'm really sorry but sometimes even if the story is good but the acting isn't, I just can't watch it and I'll not enjoy it. thank god this is NOT the case for this bl. actors and actresses were great. the acting felt so natural and smooth

-Picture. Hello??? the scenes were so beautiful, the colos, the scenarios, etc.

-Chemistry. the main couple, the second and them as friends was perfect! ngl, the main couple got me giggling and kicking my feet ☝️ they're so cute. please give jimmysea an opportunity If you haven't watched this bl.

DISLIKES.

-only one thing I didn't like and that's the time skips. I understand the plot of the drama but idk, there were lot of time skips, some things could be better without losing the rhythm of the bl. still it wasn't that bad cause I still enjoyed it and it didn't make me change my perspective of the previous episodes!


Conclusion.
definitely one of my favorites Thai bls, good story, good cast, chemistry, production, soundtrack, acting, just everything. I wish more ppl could support this bl for all the elements I just mentioned instead of just focusing on whether a bl has nc scenes or not. give it a try, you'll love it

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