Yes, I realize I called a time-travel, alternate-universe drama REAL. First of all, hear me out. This drama was not phenomenal by any standards, I wasn’t completely astonished by it and it certainly didn’t make my 2022 complete but it was a drama that I liked.

I went into this drama with 0 expectations because it was still airing. I’m not sure why I had no expectations but it did certainly surprise me. It was good, no overreaction. I mean sure there was a little, but for a j-drama, the overreaction level was strangely low. It was taken slowly and well, portraying the story and characters as best as it could. The scenes and quality were nice and showed a pretty scenery and the actors in their best light. The actors acted out their characters best they could.

I don’t remember being especially impressed with any of the plot points but I did appreciate the friendship between the main female lead, the second female lead, the first male lead and the second male lead. They were a funny little friendship square and I enjoyed every moment when they exhibited friendship rather than romance. I also appreciated Kaoru and her minimal appearance acting as the second FL’s friend who was jealous of the first FL. It was a real-ish portrayal of how old friends feel about their best friends’ new friends.

The music was nothing special, it did fit the drama though so no complaints in that department. I’m going to be completely honest though, I wouldn’t rewatch Seishun Cinderella. The ending was the only part that I actually thought was impeccable. Everything else was normal.

Overall, it wasn’t a bad drama but I don’t find it especially good either. It was just a normal drama and I appreciated the slow flow (not slow burn) but wished it was paced a little better and that it didn’t feel so…dry.