Reviews

Marvel Meets Parasite & Kdrama fantasy

Take Marvel, Moving & Parasite together, add a dash of Kdrama fantasy & you'll get A Typical Family

A very Atypical drama. Gave away few plot spoilers already if you are watching with interest.

It's been tagged as romantic show on Netflix while the first 2 episodes are quite intriguingly mysterious vibes. It's a family of super heroes in their slump era with lots of back stories to unfold and to their further misfortune they're being surrounded by con artists who I believe also has some kind of super powers or something they're hiding.

Overall, a fantasy show like vibes with quite a promising start Maybe Moving kind or maybe Marvel kind. The ML has a unique time slip superpower as well as the other members of family.

Intrigued me enough to continue so let's see how it unfolds.

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Incredible Drama Dealing with Issues in Marriage

I personally loved the drama! It highlighted several major issues married couples often face - while it was set in chaebol circumstances which does not recapitulate normal married lifestyle, those issues still exist in the real world. The actors' performances exceeded my expectations and always left me wanting more. Their acting was so good that I was able to empathize with many of the characters which made me really hooked onto the series. The OST really matched the plot and the production/directing of the overall show was chef's kiss. I really enjoyed the drama and this drama would be the first one that I would re-watch later! I am so grateful for this drama and I cherished every minute I spent with it <3

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Award-worthy acting

Unknown showcases the craft of acting with a cast that embodies their characters completely, and attention to detail behind the scenes.

I understand people's problems with the plotline but dramas are dramatic so I can ignore the faults in favour of the execution. I happily paid for the express package, something I wouldn't have considered previously.

Chris Chiu and Kurt Huang are amazing in front of and behind the scenes, and their commitment to the roles is evident in how seriously they embodied Qian and Yuan.

The whole cast felt "real" and the little moments were so good. Attention to detail in the lived in look of their house and bookcases full of internet programming books etc added verisimilitude.

I sincerely hope that Unknown gives the cast and crew awards and recognition. Both Chris and Kurt (especially Chris) deserve high profile roles off the back of this.

I hope that Qian and Yuan will cameo in a future BL series, it would be nice to see them further into their relationship. I think a second series would probably devalue this series though.

Despite its flaws, Unknown is an easy 10/10 for me.

Pros:
The acting
Beautifully shot
Set dressing
Songs
Behind the scenes content

Cons:
Stepbrothers
Editing that has children in flashback during an NC scene. Just no. (Watch the SP11 version instead of original).

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A memory for the dead, a price for others

It's an interesting concept, a studio in which the owner has to take photos of the dead.

The first episode was really good and captivating, the others were also good and very emotional. But then, I felt somehow, it was a decent watch although the plot was still on-going and interesting. maybe I thought it could be enough to have only 12 episodes and not 16 in total but nevermind. I also think, although I liked the romance between the main leads, I would prefer they stayed friends because somehow, I felt more a friendship dynamic, I don't know but it's just a detail.
It's not really a spoiler but after finishing, I thought it was a bit illogical however, I still overall, appreciate the serie. However, I won't have the urge to binge watching it.

The production did a really good job in my opinion but wish the ghost were a bit more scarier (lol) and the acting was also good and for some others, impressived, they made me feel emotional.

And I really appreciate all the OST, it's emotional and beautiful to listen!

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Face swap success!

Face swapping, changed identity, murder mystery, and a take on child abuse. This drama was interesting from the trailer. The actors were on point and intriguing. I thought the casing was very good and each one fit their part. Although I must admit the initial Yang Cai Wei (woman with the scar) was so good that I did not think the FL Shangguan Zhi would fit the role. I was wrong, she took over immediately and owned the FL role.

This drama had a lot of depth to it in that some of the focus seemed to be on abandonment and child abuse. It becomes sad at times. The detective cases were handled quickly so it was not boring.

I like the production the costumes were great, especially ML who wore something different every time you see him, and it looked good. FL's wardrobe was so, so. In all of the movies I have seen the FL she seems a little anorexic (IMO) so her clothes do not look great.

The soundtrack was good, nothing I remember.

The ending was a little underwhelming but still satisfying as it was a happy one. They left room for a 2nd season but not a watch for me.

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Your love is killing me kr healing me….! cannot tell apart….!

oh my goddd, tears are still falling off my face as I write this…!
This movie is precisely something you would watch on a dark glommy rainy night or you are having a bad day and need to cry…!
not even a single scene of this movie went without me shedding tears…!
coming back to the plot….the story was amazing but the plot was a bit rushed, the caste was too good and this movie could have done wonders if only it was made a bit more skilfully making it into a masterpiece.
it’s a shame that a good plot was ruined…although the movie did not fail
to touch my heart…!
Overall, you
might give it a watch…
this is a one time watch, I ain’t watching it again…!

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A fun ride but very shallow

Like any other work by this director more focused on an adult and hot narrative, Deep Night is a series that succeeds in bringing beautiful and charismatic actors, an interesting plot and excellent kiss scenes. But it also has the same defects: a poor script, a development full of plot holes and simplistic resolutions. Oh, and let's not forget the excess of kissing scenes inserted to resolve any conflict in the plot.

I like the story and the potential it has, but it's all thrown in here. The character who suffers most from this is Khem. He is introduced as a rich, arrogant man who hates his mother's club (for reasons that the series does not explore in depth), but all of this is put aside after seeing a performance by Wella. There is no development of his arrogant personality for him acting in a kind way, there is no development of his relationship with his mother and the club. Things happen from one scene to another without the slightest narrative logic.

But what bothers me is how nothing has any impact on the plot. Khem discovering that Wella is a host. Pan finding out about Khem and Wella working at the club. Wella finding out about Khem's mother. His mother finding out they broke the no-dating rule. The hosts discovering Khem and Wella's secret relationship. NONE, absolutely none of this has any impact on the story.

And this becomes very evident at the end when the whole problem with the police is magically resolved with an event where they do the same thing they always do in the club performances. The series tries to open up a conversation about hosts and prostitution, but none of the characters or the plot really manage to address this in the slightest.

It's as if the series is ashamed or afraid to associate itself with the term prostitution.

Another point that I find unbearable is this problem with the police. It's repetitive, there's no sense of danger, the person behind it doesn't matter in the plot and it's a bit stupid to think that the police will keep going to the club every time they receive the same complaint and find nothing.

The same happens when Khem records videos for the internet with the hosts, but later the plot has Wella having problems with his mother and college because of his work. It doesn't make sense for him to hide this and show his face doing tiktok videos for the club (not to mention the countless scenes of costumers recording his face)

Finally, the infamous trisal between Japan, Seiji and Ken. In theory I think it's incredible, but the execution was terrible. It's not like the 3 of them have feelings for one another, they just stay together because Seiji is unable to choose one.

And it's a huge waste, it's a plot that could have been used to build something so interesting. But again, like every other narrative here, everything is resolved in the easiest and most convenient way possible.

It's an easy series to watch, the characters are great, but the development is very precarious. There was a lack of courage in creating a more dynamic plot, better constructed and with a bolder script.

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AN ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL DRAMA

What a terrific drama. you feel like you are watching a period of time in the life of a village, not actors in a drama. It is so so well done. The ML and FL were brilliant, there relationship is natural and caring. Granny was outstanding, she has a smile in her eyes, a little mischievous, fabulous, as were all the Aunties, the children all were wonderful. The cinematography , the music, perfect. the whole drama was soothing, calming, caring, the conversations were really worth listening too. A lot of wisdom. and fun also. i was indeed sad when i watched the last episode, so i have just rewatched it. and enjoyed it all again, and of course you see something you missed the first time around. Many thanks to the cast and crew for producing such a wonderful drama

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A beautiful and touching, romantic story about love even beyond death...

I will not write in detail, I will write briefly... you must watch it for yourself....
a beautiful story, I watch it for the second time and each time I get moved at the same moments when the leads have to go through another trial of separation... but I am very happy with the happy ending for them... I love their little son, "the little rice ball".. ...But I don't understand the plot of Dong Hua and Bai Feng Jui... in this part they knew each other and were undergoing a test of love on earth... but in the next part dedicated to Dong Hua and Bai Feng Jui - Eternal LOve of Dream, they seemed to not know each other and showed up. Bai Feng Jui's plot from her leaving home to the heavenly wages in disguise, because she saw Dong Hua earlier who saved her and she fell in love with him... and they also went through further trials in the world of mortals, and it seemed that Dong Hua did not know her previously as Princess Quin Qian, then what happened in the meantime? I can't really connect these threads together...
To sum up, this part is great, great actors, great set design, costumes, music, everything at a high level!!! this is my favorite drama as well as the rest of this series! Well done to the whole team!!!

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I rarely rewatch series and this was worth it!

rewatched after years? because clips on YT still made me laugh. And I enjoyed it more than my first watching it. It's like, I understand why it ends like that. Like, my present self loves it more than my previous. I was well wrapped for me like 100/10 than the prejudgment that I remember. Maybe because my previous self wanted the queen to stay to be Jang So Yong. Because like my question before, did the King notice the changes in the Queen's behavior after he left? What is his feeling about it? But now, I want to know it not because I'm intrigued by their real feelings but, because I'm curious about how well-rounded their connection and bond. But having my current perception, I'm really not mad about it. It was actually concluded nicely and thumbs up!

I especially enjoyed side character moments more than my first experience nyahaha. Especially Court Lay Choi and the royal chef and how they have a connection because they are both stressed out by Queen Nyahaha. And the friendship between Byul Gam and Kim Hwan was awesome and golden. I was much more solid than if they led a path of love triangle cause of the court maid of the Queen.

Ow and one thing that I just realized now, no really a love triangle happened to Byung in, King and Queen. I mean, Byung In loves Kim So Yung. But the King loves Jang So Yong. So... can it pass that Byung In is not a second character that I always rooting for? Because men, his fate was quite tragic yet it's quite well-ended for me, and yeah, I'm mad to think like that.

I rarely rewatch series and this was worth it. I understand the story more deeply and it's still a masterpiece for me.

Overall, if I forget about this plot again, I'll definitely rewatch it again and again!

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Too preachy for my taste

I've read reviews of people who absolutely loved this drama. I can see their perspective but I hesitate to rate this drama any higher than 8 stars overall for the following reason: there were many good points about this drama, I love its realistic depictions on familial love, love between siblings, love between a grandparent and her grand child. And realistic portrayals of female friendships - young and old. I love the realistic portrayal of disabilities and the steps the protagonist took to have a balanced life despite of her disability.

I love the everyday romantic vibe between the male and female lead, although the female lead was not perfect, she clearly came across as very inconsistent in her choices. And sometimes gave a long complicated answer, when a simple answer would make more sense. This is when I feel that the script is trying to be too deep for its own good.

I do NOT like the writer's soliloquy about death, tragedy or relationships. It was too preachy for my taste. I would think that the viewer should be allowed to have their own thoughts about these subjects and come to their own conclusions without feeling like the writer is forcing them to accept their own views through the characters. Half of the time, most of the soliloquys in the drama hardly made sense! Perhaps a lot was lost during translation (I don't know as I relied heavily on English subs from Viki). But the script often struck me as trying to be too clever for its own good.

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Ugh

I am 8 episodes in and to be honest, I could’ve finished the shows time ago if the characters weren’t so frustrating.

I started watching the show because it had a promising premise: a forced cohabitation, fake dating and enemies to lovers. However, any potential that the show has is ruined by the fact that the hatred between these two is way too much. Almost every single episode is the same. They argue and yell over the smallest of things and then pretend they don’t care about each other but stay up until the night wondering where the other went which I hate in all shows tbh. I prefer when characters are straightforward with their feelings from the beginning which is obviously way too much to ask for but still.
Characters
One of my biggest issues resides within the ML. He is so unnecessarily rude for absolutely no reason. I try to like him but he doesn’t seem to have any redeeming qualities other than his face. He berates and belittles the FL at every opportunity he gets and when you think it is small teasing , he just continues. I honestly don’t understand the feelings the Fl s getting of him when he is always mean to her.
Another character I hate is the ML’s best friend (crush). She is the most entitled person I have seen. I believe she is aware of the ML’s feelings for her and uses it to her benefit. She is always calling and expecting him to be at her beck and call all the time. There is a specific scene in episode 8 where the ML says he can’t see her because he is busy and instead of accepting that she just tells him to meet her because she is waiting. And the most infuriating part is that the Ml listens every time and accepts it every time (does he not have self respect).
FL- to be honest I don’t hate or like her, I am almost indifferent towards her. I like her optimism and how she stands her ground to the ML. However, I don’t understand how she forgave her friends so easily after what they did.
The only character I like is the ML’s friend/ the guy working with FL. I like his transparency with the FL and in general. Also he seems to me to be a better fit in terms of romantic interest for the FL.

I might still continue the show due to hype around it and maybe it gets better from here because I do still have the other Hal to go.

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