Reviews

Watch with no volume is better

The 2024 worst drama character award goes to the FL's Mom. I never seen that bad of a character having THAT much screen time. So much screen time that it KILLED the drama. Total bad characters

I wanted to watch Xu Kai with his real voice & lovely actress Yang Zi pairing. Instead, the drama focuses too much on the FL's mom's constant bickering, nagging, & F ups on pretty much everything in every episode. Clearly the director interpreted 80/20 as 80% crap / 20% good. The "best choice ever" is to drop this drama. I can enjoy the leads (maybe not together) but elsewhere.

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Review of "The secret life of my secretary". (Spanish, English, French)

(Spanish)
“The secret life of my secretary” es un drama coreano con elementos de romance y comedia. La pareja protagonista está compuesta por el CEO Do Min Ik y su secretaria Jung Gal Hee. Do Min Ik, tras un ataque contra su vida, tiene prosopagnosia y solo puede reconocer la cara de Jung Gal Hee, lo que los mantiene más unidos.
La trama de la serie es original ya que el protagonista masculino es incapaz de reconocer rostros, lo que hace que limite su vida cotidiana y le trae complejidades cuando se relaciona con los demás. Además, gracias a esta enfermedad, irónicamente acaba conociendo más profundamente a la gente que le rodea. La secretaria, por su parte, trata de ayudarlo, pero sin querer termina mintiendo a su jefe, así que su relación se enreda. No obstante tengo que decir que me gusta cómo se desenlaza todo, el guion está bien escrito. En cuanto al resto de personajes, en mayor o menor medida, todos tienen un desarrollo y un propósito, no son un adorno.
Las actuaciones y la producción están bien hechas y dirigidas. De lo único que no estoy contenta es que los 32 capítulos se me han hecho un poco largos y he sentido algo de aburrimiento. Pero, hay varios momentos de química entre los protagonistas, con más emoción de lo que podrías encontrar en otros dramas y hay ciertas escenas que se quedarán en mi memoria.

(English)
“The secret life of my secretary” is a Korean drama with elements of romance and comedy. The protagonist couple is made up of CEO Do Min Ik and his secretary Jung Gal Hee. Do Min Ik, after an attack on his life, has prosopagnosia and can only recognize Jung Gal Hee's face, which keeps them closer.
The plot of the series is original since the male protagonist is unable to recognize faces, which limits his daily life and brings complexities when he interacts with others. Furthermore, thanks to this illness, he ironically ends up getting to know the people around him more deeply. The secretary, for her part, tries to help him, but inadvertently ends up lying to her boss, so their relationship becomes entangled. However, I have to say that I like how everything unfolds, the script is well written. As for the rest of the characters, to a greater or lesser extent, they all have a development and a purpose, they are not an ornament.
The performances and production are well done and directed. The only thing I'm not happy about is that the 32 chapters have seemed a bit long and I've felt a bit bored. But, there are several moments of chemistry between the leads, with more emotion than you could find in other dramas and there are certain scenes that will stay in my memory.

(French)
« The secret life of my secretary » est un drame coréen avec des éléments de romance et de comédie. Le couple protagoniste est composé du PDG Do Min Ik et de son secrétaire Jung Gal Hee. Do Min Ik, après une attaque contre sa vie, souffre de prosopagnosie et ne peut reconnaître que le visage de Jung Gal Hee, ce qui les rapproche.
L'intrigue de la série est originale puisque le protagoniste masculin est incapable de reconnaître les visages, ce qui limite sa vie quotidienne et lui apporte des complexités dans ses relations avec les autres. De plus, grâce à cette maladie, il finit ironiquement par mieux connaître les gens qui l'entourent. La secrétaire, de son côté, essaie de l'aider, mais finit par accidentellement mentir à son patron, leur relation s'enchevêtre. Cependant, je dois dire que j'aime la façon dont tout se déroule, le scénario est bien écrit. Quant au reste des personnages, à des degrés divers, ils ont tous un développement et une finalité, ils ne sont pas un ornement.
Les performances et la production sont bien réalisées et dirigées. La seule chose qui ne me plaît pas, c'est que les 32 chapitres m'ont semblé un peu longs et que je me suis un peu ennuyé. Mais il y a plusieurs moments d'alchimie entre les protagonistes, avec plus d'émotion que l'on pourrait trouver dans d'autres dramas et il y a certaines scènes qui resteront dans ma mémoire.

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If you fantasize about how your husband would treat you if he realized you were dying, this drama is for you. . . .

What if the gender roles were reversed in a Cinderella romance? Could the relationship survive or would the man feel too emasculated? Could he find a way to be a man while being the less powerful, less wealthy half?

The initial premise becomes weighed down with large scale conspiracies, sickly sweet morals about the 'common people,' and lots of sickness/death wish fulfilment. Ultimately, the show is completely unrealistic, full on daytime soap level drama, but with extremely slow pacing.

The two actors have little chemistry, the music is just OK, and besides one scene early on where our male lead rescues the female lead, there's nothing here I would rewatch.

This is one of the most popular KDramas, with prestige actors, and so I've been trying to suffer through but I can't anymore . . . I'm dropping.

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Shiny rock and a skunk!

"There is no future for a nation who has forgotten their history. There is no past for a nation, who has lost their cultural assets."

Stealer is what you get when you mix Leverage with White Collar add a dash of Indiana Jones and Batman and a big dose of "not taking themselves seriously" kind of humour and sprinkle it with patriotism... a very fun watch, with likeable, funny characters and over the top villains!

The plot is not important; a bunch of rugtag solitary individuals are brought together to get the big bad villain down. The big bad is your ordinary baddie: a super rich, greedy guy surrounded by an army of bodyguards/killers dressed in matching suits and ties. He is looking for a treasure that will bring him eternal life of course. And he is completely mad: laughing loudly, raising hands in the air and laughing in triumph some more. An over the top bad guy!

The good guys are a trauma suffering lot: orphaned, humiliated, abandoned etc. So they are looking for a revenge beside trying to get hold on to treasure. Here's where patriotism comes in: the cultural assets belong to the nation not to rich men!

This is a fun, adventure drama: there is a lot of running around, thinking hard, getting dressed up, fist fighting, computer mambo jumbo and maniacal laughter. There is no romance to speak of, glances are exchanged, fluttering was felt but it remained there: the mission is all that counts.

I usually avoid watching previews of the next episode but they caught me unawares and I saw the one for the episode 9 and in that preview everyone was unconscious on the ground. In spite of me trying to convince myself that this was a comedy show so no major characters will die, I was really stressed while watching mostly because they kept dragging it on and on.... The drama itself is not draggy: there is always something going on and the quiet moments are few and far between and usually interrupted by an emergency!

Not the best drama out there but they managed to wrap it up nicely in 12 episodes so it is not draggy and definitely a good watch if you need to give your brain a rest!

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Rewatch Value: on loop

Let me start by saying that the main leads are the life of this drama. Solid performance and well acted characters.
How do you surpass the success of a recent Kim Soo Hyun drama? Easy. Make and even more successful one!
No kidding Soo Hyun, always delivers + the remarkable Kim Ji won = Perfect chemistry!
Chemistry is chemistry-ing that we are all anticipating them to be the next real life couple.

This drama also leaves very great lesson about the complex of marriage life. That love isn't always present and perfect. There would be always be hardship but communication is the key to a better relationship.

Side note: The plot could have been better if the storyline was as original as they want it to be but let's be real here. We've all seen this. Surely, this isn't the first time we see a character suffering from illness. Chaebol family who gets dragged out of their company and wealth and a mother-son tandem which is doing all this revenge. God knows for who? BUT the main characters is the one hard-carrying the whole drama to be very honest. Also, it's just me being to salty because why they tagged this drama rom-com when all we doo all week is cry? I mean all of the QOT nations we share the same tears. Lol

Anyways, aside from that I enjoy watching this so much that I will be rewatching until I get sick of it. Lol

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Respect the Dead

The atmosphere of the film is haunting. The only film I could compare this to is "The Wailing". Exuma has elements of belief in Feng shui, Shamanism and even Christianity. And if the viewer believes, they are guaranteed to be terrified watching this. Personally, I was completely engaged with the film, and although I was aware that it was about paranormal stuff, I was convinced that it was real, which made the viewing experience very intense for me.

I was confused by how our main characters, in the first part of the film, routinely and even disrespectfully carry out their work, but when they are faced with the special task of digging up a problematic mysterious dead body in a coffin, they become completely dedicated to their work. As a priest, I also perform funerals every day and sometimes I am not completely concentrated, so this film encourages me to try, as much as possible, to give sincere respect and a dignified tribute to each deceased person.

All in all, the actors did a great job. The sequence of the story changed its course throughout the film, but at the end we still see a meaningful unity that leads us to appreciate the cooperation and connection between the four main protagonists.

After the news of the film's success in Korean cinemas, I had high expectations for this and indeed, Exuma didn't disappoint.

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bom mas faltou algo

eu acho meio complicado falar de grey shelter no momento. eu não acho que classificar como um potencial desperdiçado seja certo mas é meio óbvio que algumas peças faltaram se encaixar. eu vejo que na história existe um drama muito grande que cerca os personagens principais, mas esse enredo parace ser diminuído na obra. eu entendo que ficar explicando background de história as vezes se torna algo maçante, mas quando não se tem nada deixa a história vazia. os personagens tinha uma boa química, uma boa história na mão e todo um cenário/produção muito bom a disposição, uma pena que não foi aproveitado como poderia.

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I've seen 250+ dramas, and this is the only drama I've ever given a 10.

I am a vampire freak, who loves romances when they are dark, slow-burn, supernatural, obsessive, angsty and passionate. I love stories with an ML who is red-flag, possessive, controlling, antihero, badass, or morally gray. I like stories about demons, devils, gumihos, legendary beings... you get the idea.

This drama isn't about vampires at all. But it's so close it might as well be. He looks, talks, acts, and thinks just like a vampire. All that's missing is the fangs and the superhuman abilities. And it's funny that a drama that is in no way about vampires, is the best vampire romance I've ever come across. It just satisfies my vamp-cravings so perfectly.

SoKP is deliciously slow burn. The best slow burn I know of besides Charlotte Bronte's 'Jane Eyre'. An unbelievable amount of patience is required to get to the payoff. But what a payoff. The fire that finally sets off is so hot that it permanently scarred my brain.

Aesthetics and color palate, styling and makeup and costumes... everyone in this drama was made to look incredible. Even the tertiary characters. I'm not saying everyone was stunningly model-hot. I'm saying they brought out each actor's best. This is true on an acting level as well. The directors and producers cared about each actor and actress, about their inner beauty and their natural talent shining through. The execution of this story was almost completely flawless. The casting was perfect in every way. Ling He is so excruciatingly gorgeous, and Bai Lu is beautiful beyond compare in her role here. Supporting cast was incredible and perfectly suited to their individual roles.

The political/intrigue part of the story was interesting, immersive, sufficiently complex to hold your attention, but not overly complex to make you feel muddled and mentally taxed as you watch.

I cannot recc this drama enough. HOWEVER. You will not like this drama if you fall into one of the following categories:

Looking for a green-flag ML---> this ML is morally gray, controlling, manipulative, forceful. There is some throat-grabbing and forced kisses as well.

Like to watch "boring stuff" on 2x and FFW'd during dramas regularly when your attention isn't engaged ---> this story requires your full attention, immersion, and patience in order to experience the full effect of the romance. It will not hold up to someone who is skipping or 2x-ing through parts, because you'll kill the pacing and atmosphere that needs to be established. You can skip some parts in episode 1 to get you going, but after that, I'd strongly advise against it.

This is a very special drama. You can never watch it for the first time twice. So, if you do decide to give this a chance, savor your first watch-through. Watch it on a dark, rainy weekend when you can binge it fully. with the lights out and some candles going or something, and let yourself get really into it. Happy viewing <3

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Story and OST are perfect for each other!

The story is really beautiful, it's dark but with a fine undertone of hope. The actors did really great and my heart ached for them. The way they interacted with each other was so careful, in a scared way, and the kiss showed their attraction to each other and their fears at the same time.
The colors were muted, it really felt gray, like a heavy blanket for your emotions. Beautiful!

The OST is perfect! I often skip the intro and outro, but not this time. It reminds me of my fav anime "NANA", it has the same underlying feeling of hurt and lonelyness, but with a powerful beat.

If you like more mature, dark and serious stories, you should watch it!

I read in the comments that a second part is possible, so maybe we get to learn more about their story. I would really like to see more of those two broken people, how they maybe get a "happily ever after" or even a "both starting to heal". That would be enough for me.

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Sindrome di Stoccolma? oh yes!

Uno dei drama più brutti che abbia mai visto.
La vera protagonista di questo drama è una madre psicopatica.
Si inneggia alla pietas filiale quando è molto più una sindrome di Stoccolma.
Un'intera famiglia alla mercee delle brame di potere e ricchezza di una madre despota che ha instillato in figli e marito il sacro terrore di dispiacerle o anche solo turbarla.
Lei comanda e tutti scattano sull'attenti.
Anche quando cercano di avere una minima autonomia lo fanno sussurrando e pregandola in ginocchio di consentirglelo.
Arriva a imporle con l'inganno il matrimonio col suo ex (un debole vile) solo perché è ricco.
La protagonista finalmente si ribella un minimo, in piena cerimonia le dice il fatto suo (con pacatezza e garbo) e la madre che, nonostante si sia accorta di essere stata ingannata dalla famiglia dell'aspirante genero, che fa? La schiaffeggia e le dice che non è più sua figlia, se non lo sposa, salvo poi prendersela perché lei fa le valigie.
Le neffandezze che questa donna ha commesso nella sua vita sono indicibili.
Le sue scelte egoistiche hanno reso un inferno l'infanzia del foglio, costretto il marito a farla vivere una vita che non si potevano permettere lamentandosi costantemente di quanto fosse vile e inadeguato, reso la figlia una burattina pronta a sacrificare la sua dignità pur di renderla orgogliosa e rischiando di mandarle in malora la vita e il lavoro costantemente.
Ma tutti che fanno? La venerano come angelo del focolaio.
Un drama che è più una propaganda a valori che sarebbero sani se fossero applicati con amore invece che con regole mirate al predominio classista.
Schifo.

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My Journey to another Journey...

I am missing some romance and believe this drama is incomplete but it was very dark and pretty to look at.

The female lead has more or less one expression which is kind pf refreshing while our male lead is bubbly and full of joy and charisma. The side characters are part interesting part annoying. But work pretty well there are a few to many recaps as well as some never ending monologs that felt like the writers took a short cut instead of letting us see the actual plot as it unfolded we got some kind of mess and recap instead.

Some part of the dialog/whispers where so predictable I found myself mumbling them in Mandarin (though I do not speak Mandarin). Other parts came seemingly out of nowhere. The side couple have some pretty decent dynamics but the villains are underdeveloped and even though they seem to try to explain them to us it ended up just confusing taking away most of the exitement leaving me with the feeling of meeh...

Not to mention the show of romance was so little I believe it should be removed from the genres and added to the tags with slight romance.

That said it is an okay watch with pretty scenery, pretty people and probably more poison's and elixirs than all the wuxias of 2024 will have combined.

Leaving me with the questions: Will there be a second season? will that season have as much poison and scheming or will they move on to fire and smoke?

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This is exactly the rom-com we needed

I have been anticipating this drama since they announced it. I honestly, watched the first episode after it's released without thinking about the consequence and pain having to wait for a new episode each week but we're here! Lol Never ever crossed my mind that they would give us THIS much chemistry and let alone be obsessed with SolJae couple. Seriously, this pairing is so GOOD and so cute.

Kim Hye Yoon deserves to be casted as she truly portrayed Im Sol. She shined so much here. Her versatility and her showing so many emotions all at once is remarkable.

Byeon Woo Seok, delivers Ryu Sun Jae's character as well. His dynamics and expressions are on point. I'm literally in awe of how talented he is?! Like, his vocals??? He could do KPOP/Band vocalist full time! So happy for him he's getting the popularity he deserves now. (Don't sleep on him! He might be the next rom-com king!)

This is exactly the rom-com I needed. I honestly love this so much as I have been looking for dramas that are light and not stressful. This is what I'm hoping for! All tropes that I like are visible here. I just hope they won't focus on the thriller/murder part because that's seriously a turn off. Lol

It's still early to say as we gradually go on with the episodes but 9.1 rating is so deserving!!!!

??‍♀️Dimple couple??‍♂️~~~!!! Fighting!!!!

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So sad its now finished, so am off to watch it again.

I have really really enjoyed watching this series. The story is a simple one of disaster and heartache for a family and how with strong leadership and caring for one another and a willingness to change and work hard together good things can happen.
I really love the strength shown by the ladies of the family to overcome the difficulties even a few bumps in the road did not deter them. The FL and ML developed a brilliant relationship and the actors portrayed there role in a very believable way. It all felt so natural. There were many notable performances enough to say i thought all the cast did an extremely fine job. Of course i have my favourites and i am sure you will to.
The cinematography, OST are first class and made the whole experience of watching the series all the more enjoyable.
many thanks to all the cast and crew for giving us a series that is such a pleasure to watch. Am off to watch the whole series again now.
I wonder if there could be a 2nd series with the same cast of course. That would be great.

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