A Great Watch

I finished this drama even without the subs in the last 4 eps and that says a lot as a watcher: I loved this drama!

Why do I like it? Primarily, I'm a sucker for love stories and this show has a beautiful one. Defying the stereotype of big age gap, maybe 15 years, they made it a non issue as he was just totally smitten and treasured her as she adored him. Their chemistry was off the hook; so many tender scenes, he standing up for her in awkward moments, etc. I enjoyed her cooking, and his pleasure of eating. I was also happy that there wasn't a crazy evil antagonist; pretty mild when compared to many other dramas.

What I wasn't too thrilled about: the side stories didn't latch on. They were more irritating to me than being cute. The plot of adding younger brother as an opponent i felt was added too late that when drama about to wrap.

Overall, I would watch again with skips to the main leads. The story was creative, acting especially by main leads was very good. The accompanying song was good. It had a great ending made to have a second season..Haha! I really loved this cdrama and extending my visits to this group besides kdramas.

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Satisfying and Rewarding

I started this review while ongoing and now it’s done, I’m editing my final analysis.

Cast: From main leads to supporting, I think this one is well chosen.
Li Xian (Mai Dong) -i give him credit for choosing works that makes his acting credible. Seen him in go go squid and meet yourself. With this third one, he’s secured a spot in my top seven list of male Chinese actors. He brings out the character he plays so well you just admire it. He’s the cold, serious, never smiles mortician…until Jie.
Zhou Tong (Z Jie)- is an incredible versatile actress with a colorful array of roles with big actors. She’s unfiltered, unabashedly comfortable in this role which makes her character so endearing. She has a handicap but it doesn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams, and a love in MaiDong.
Wan Peng (Xiaxia) has a minor role as bestie of Jie. Loved her in My girlfriend is an alien. Here’s she’s almost unrecognizable with her matured new (to me) look. Beautiful.
The rest of cast are so good each putting in their best to compliment and complete this storytelling.

Writing is very good. So many poignant points about life. It really makes you think. FL had lots of insecurities and there are some parts she may seem toxic even. What I like though is how ideal relationships should be. One part she said something totally out of place that really hurt ML. Immediately though she sought his forgiveness, explaining her why’s. I think for many who haven’t had love lives may be turned off automatically after this incident but those of us who have can relate that it’s relationship building in progress. This couple did make progress, big time.

I think it’s unique that the main guy is a make up artist of the deceased. The portrayal of the handling of others loved ones makes me appreciate those who do these acts. These artists are in the background, hardly thought of, recognized. This gives an enlightenment of sort. Definitely an appreciated work.

There’s so many thoughtful lines that goes along that gives us so much feels. “Life is full of different destinations. Eventually you’ll go the grave”. “People buy special urns or beautiful tombstone to make their loved one standout. Those are just illusions. Once you’re dead, you’re dead. Nothing more outstanding than that. Therefore, live the best life you can, while you can”.

This drama is for the matured thinkers. It’s written well, and acted well. As for romance? You got to see it to believe it. It’s exactly as how two people who have just fallen in love act. Finally we see that true warmth of love through eye connections, touches, real hugs, and kisses. Definitely modern display of love. Kissing in public? What? No fish kisses either. Chemistry is sizzling I’m piqued whether it’s acting or real. lol. They did well. Appreciate their work.

It takes an explosive incident to put the decision at rest. Together forever we will be. Done. Very well done.

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Suspensefully Good

This series is finally finished and though I am not an advanced writer I just like to express thoughts of how I view a show so hopefully it can help someone else trying to decide.

Cast:
Lee Yoo Ri (EunSoo) well known from her stellar acting in Father is Strange (great family drama if you haven't seen it) is the protagonist here. Her character here is really different from other one so its kind of hard to compare. My takeaway of common tropes in kdrama is the trance look/slow moving and it bugs me when it's overdone. Other than that she delivered well as a woman that is wronged. Yeon Jung Hoon (Kang Ji Min) as a loving father and persistent journalist is a polished actor and male lead. We can't stand most antagonists and you'll hate Lee Hwa (Kim Ho Ran) as the mother in law who is infuriatingly evil but man she is good. Go Na Hee (Woo Joo) is the little girl who is adorable and the heart of the storyline. The rest of the cast are excellent though if I could make adjustments, I would of given more family support scenes to Kwon Hwa Woon (Yeon Joon), the pro golfer, (EunSoo's childhood "brother") to add substance to her role of not having any family.

Storyline:
Maybe because I'm a fairly new "adoptee" of kdramas/asian dramas, I find this plot really compelling and interesting.....framed for murder, giving birth in jail, etc. I won't give more away. The thing is, the writer and production team did an excellent job weaving the story through from present to past and then gradually connecting the dots, keeping us in suspense but hungry for next and next. After all is done with the "who done it" and "why", in the heart of it is a beautiful love story of a man and a woman and a little girl. This is a well rounded great series (in my opinion) so if you are looking for your next drama binging, this is the one.

Overall: easily a 10 for me but I'm a novice..Let me know if you liked it afterwards. It might help me as an aspiring writer. Thanks.

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The story within the story.

I love this show for the way it’s written and shown. I believe in all the dramas I’ve seen, this is one where it really gives us thorough background of the characters so it’s a well woven story of the people in it. It’s so well acted, yes I’ll get to the leads but all the others are doing a marvelous job in their own parts. I’m specifically shouting out the elders and much appreciation to their work. The leads have a great future in their industry as I can only see their skills as getting better.

This story has everything from power struggles not just in crown but each involved families in its surroundings. I can see the well plan of details as well as story as it keeps us in all states of emotions. Yup, well balanced. I look forward to upcoming episodes but also with the foreboding notion it will come to an end. A very well written, directed, and casted production I’m thoroughly enjoying.

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Watch for main leads

The synopsis turned me off...plastic surgery? No thanks. The poster with the leads drew me in. Male lead isn’t the typical “pretty” “gorgeous” type everyone fawns over. He is also older. If anything like Dating in the Kitchen, I wanted to try.

Sure enough, I enjoyed it. The business side of it showed some brilliance in ideas. Like other stories, there’s the schemers and conspirators trying to oust the top guy. While there’s some crazy twists, there’s some nice surprises that are noteworthy.

Synopsis seeming to focus on plastic surgery is wrong. Except giving the idea that it’s dangerous if not done right, that plot was gone right after one of the sisters had one. I guess how a person changes not just physically but mentally fits in.

Janice Wu as the kind sister Xiaoting was excellent. She encounters lots of degradation but handles them with her head held up and a maturity beyond her age and experience in work field. Edward Zhang as Lian Sheng turned out to be exactly the character I wanted to see. He is very matured, quiet and thoughtful. Their meeting should of never happened and as it goes with Chinese dramas going around circles when if they simply ask, lots of dumb runaround would be avoided. His disguise at initial meeting is hilarious and he’s perfect. From there, the relationship development slowly made its way to one that was so beautiful. She’s young, he’s a lot older yet when he fell first, it was just adorable. Their chemistry was so good and I appreciate this a lot in artists acting ability. There’s a twist that springs out late that adds spice.

The supporting cast were good, when not annoying. The second leads were immature and their relationship was weird. Writer sort of dropped them towards end. The nice thing added is that there were no super evil characters, slappers, screamers (well, that’s more of kdramas to be fair). It was a pretty smooth storyline and I watched all the way through..even un subtitled few last episodes.

I could actually go back and rewatch this. It’s a 9/10 for me.

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Simply Enjoyable

How do I start describing this story to give it justice…

The story. Writers did a great job weaving this tale of greed. Sometimes you lose something to realize you had it good but it’s too late. Sometimes it takes one event to change your destiny that you didn’t look for. This is a well woven drama of a well orchestrated revenge by a strong female. It’s unlike other revenge dramas so it kept viewers very interested.

Twist. There’s a formidable sisterhood that develops that may shock you. Two women with different struggles met on the premise of betrayal. What’s endearing is that behind the layers of the initial conflict, is the discovery that even enemies can be the greatest of foes. You will see it when you watch. This friendship is undeniably cool.

Cast. ML (Huang Xiao/Gu Xu) doesn’t really come into play until later episodes. In fact, the female lead’s husband (Li Feng/Wei Ming)is just as well the main lead as he’s the focus pretty much. About that husband. The actor does a good job. His character is so shady though he’ll have you seething. FL ( Zhang Xiao/Lin Shuang) is new to me so I can’t say much about her acting. Her character is the kind that if you’re impatient, you wanna say, “let’s go, move it”. It’s about the best way I can describe her. It can frustrate you (as me) but I think she’s playing well to her character (meek, quiet, low key). The close friend to female lead (Jenny Zhang/Jiang Xi) could very well be 2nd female lead as her story becomes unexpectedly entangled with the other yet, her involvement without doubt adds to the strength of the story.
The romance is slow slow burn and in this drama, it fits in very nicely to the story. It’s very matured, and I like that a lot. There’s no obvious chasing, or silly tropes. These are very grown adults who are patient and allow their feelings to come naturally.

From beginning to end it kept me piqued to know the next and next. I am very happy with ending.

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I’m just gonna be very simple. I enjoyed this series a lot. Characters of main and secondary female leads are that of strong women, both with struggles in their personal lives, but dynamic, smart, and forthcoming in their careers (lawyers).

I think what makes this series strong is the way it paces. It starts with one significant plot but it builds on other subplots which is in turn, making the lead characters bolder to then have a great resolution to her primary letdown. It’s interesting because the two main ladies are so different in personalities, outlook, so their partnership slowly builds from mistrust but do form a bonding sisterhood at end.

I think this is the first law cdrama I’ve seen so I’ve been mesmerized with the cases and operations of the law, especially in a firm. If anything, it’s eye opening and thought provoking. Cases are interesting.

Everyone does a good job, antagonists and protagonists. Male lead here is hated and disliked so much by fl I wanna reach in tell her to chill a bit. haha He’s not that bad, for sure to her. He’s smart and knows how to be a lawyer, both sides i would say.

Don’t be a sleeper on an excellent show by veteran casts that are so good. I think editors did a good job where they ended the season. An identifying plot, a build up, climax, and a resolution happened so that it leaves watchers pretty satisfied. The last scenes though keeps watchers hungry to see detailed outcomes of resolution, unfinished business (Mr Han), as well as more interesting cases. Of course, the romance (to be or not) of leads. I’d say everything is pretty well done and I’m so looking forward to the continuation.

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What Is Not To Like?

I believe everything in the rave of this drama has been accurately expressed in most, if not all that’s said already. I mean it’s about nearly perfectly executed. A girls love in every step from when she felt it to its maturation, is so relatable to us, no matter what age. For older ones (me), it’s a reminder of that time when our stomachs felt butterflies in our crushes. Younger generation? Yeah, this is a great portrayal of union done right. The leads, Zhao Lusi and Chen Zhe Yuan, absolutely nailed their parts and carried this drama to a nestling masterpiece.

I particularly loved the way she cared for him. She’s much younger than him ((story) but her defense of him, from giving him money, to throwing water, to comforting him like she’s his mother was so touching. I don’t want to get mushy on everyone so really. Find out for yourself why this drama scored so high among viewers. It has a great storyline and wonderfully acted by its main and supporting cast. Of course, bravo to screen writer and producer and their team.

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Such a gem

I’m up to episode fourteen and what is not to like about this drama so I’m compelled to spread positivity for it’s a masterpiece. Why is it a masterpiece? According to me, myself, and I, if each episode of a drama leaves me in lingering feelings of connectivity and don’t want it to end, then it’s really good.

The drama is purely a love story. In its center is a hearing impaired man who definitely has a colorful backstory of pain and hurt stemming from his hearing loss. He’s now a grown man getting by until a sweet, somewhat naive young woman enters his life. That’s the story…relationship development. Leaving you to enjoy it, i just want to say that if ever there’s a couple you want to root for, it’s this one.

The deliverance is a standout for both main leads. After a few episodes, I feel like I got the hang of signing and became familiar with some. Much credit to the actors for learning and preparing. What lacks in oral speech or even in understanding signing you glimpse it in their expressions….worry, question, joy, concern, love, etc. They really learned and prepared well. This alone just makes me cry in every episode. It’s a beautifully woven love story.

With two episodes left, i hope they can continue the favorable writing. If they do, i can positively say this will easily be in the top list of many for go back rewatch.

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Seize on the goodness of what you have lest you lose it

Our feelings varies as to what we want to see in a drama. I’m going on a limb though to say we can all agree that we want strong leads that act the part to a well written story. I believe you will find it here.

Tan Yun, plays NingMeng, who was a secretary to the Director of an Investment Firm (played by LinXen). Her educational background and dreams is to be an Investor. She had to quit her job to make that happen. Tan plays the role perfectly. She acts upon her hunches, not easily discouraged, is kind, takes challenges based on her instincts of good investments, is willing to help the disadvantaged, etc.

LinXen, is Lu Ji Ming, the Director who is cold, as cold as can be. He doesn’t know proprietary. He speaks his mind which can be ruthless to anyones feelings, especially Ning Meng. He puts her down, especially her dreams as an Investor. He treats her as his maid more than secretary as he takes her with him, no matter what hours. He’s so dependent on her, is very comfortable with her efficiency that he fought to keep it this way, discouraging her investment dreams, til she left.

You know the saying, ‘you don’t know a good thing til it’s gone’. After she leaves, this is where the character development starts. Hers, in establishing herself as a confident, articulate, and very perceptive investor. His, in recognizing that! It is also where the heart comes to play. For him, it’s like an awakening. Wait, why did I really want to hang on to her. The dawning will have its effect that digs into the deepest part of his soul, and becomes another big part of this story.

There had been comments that LinXin is terrible at this role. I beg different. He’s perfect! He’s older, a grouch, very particular in his ways, has not had any relationship besides a crush on a childhood older friend, so he’s rugged, rough edged even. His development is the biggest, like a big brown bear turned koala. He becomes soft, admiring, and more for who he lost.

The side characters, from friends, exes adds to the allure of the story. The business part of the story is well researched in its products I feel. Of course there’s the manipulators and schemers in business that adds the twists.

I think you’d like this a lot if what’s described is to your type. It’s still ongoing but whatever the ending, I’ve been satisfied with my investment of time.

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Don’t be a sleeper on a very good story

I totally base my reviews on my likes. I also like to point out that I have no credibility for being a writer. Okay, now that’s out of the way, let me speak on this wonderful drama. Warning ⚠️ I really don’t mean to give spoilers so my intent isn’t to. If it comes out that way, I apologize. I really hope though that I put it in a way that will make you want to find out for yourself.

So the plot line is nothing new. Two lovebirds break up because of ambitions. Three years later they meet up. In the course of the story there is competition in office, business building, it’s ups and downs. At the same time, complications in human relationships play out, among lovers, peers. The crux of it all is the realness of how it portrays life. To me, the writing is really good, especially the way the relationships of the three main characters panned out. There was no cheesiness in the relations, but rather, a good look at how decisions shaped based on past hurts, fear of unknown, but most importantly, recognizing and honoring the value of each persons decision. Seriously, there are so many life lessons to learn from this story, from these characters.

The cast are good. These are more mature casts. I really enjoyed the cast who played the family members of the couples. Maybe because I’m so relieved none were hateful, screamers, or slappers. The dramas with these types of parents (too many for my likes) is so cringey I loathe it. Its ending was simple but poignantly happy.

On the last note, subtitles weren’t super good ( not dissing on subbers work as I appreciate the work and time) so hopefully you can find a site that may have a better one. I watched on DC, but maybe you’ll be lucky and find it adjusted. Give it a try. No matter your take, I really enjoyed it and feel you will too. Thanks

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It gets better so please be patient

This story is told in the past and present. The young cast are awesome and most likely well see more of them in future dramas and lead roles. They’re so good and natural. I’m particularly impressed with Hong Min Ki, (young Seok Ji Won) as he really nailed his role. Wow. The back story is good with a few annoyance's of repeats. Though the flashbacks are good, it continues to be a mystery of what actually happened. As the older and current characters meet again, there’s a lot of angst in the two leads. What exactly happened? That’s what makes the beginning episodes up to six or seven. Yes, there’s annoyances here and there because i feel it’s a little messy in some parts. However, it’s a great anticipation to see what separated these young people, especially since they were so in love. So, be patient as it gets better as the why’s clears up..

Episode seven is where it really picks up. It’s where the heart starts to flutter as the adults begin adulting in their decisions and truths. This is where you can say, okay then let’s get this romance going. Up to episode ten, relationship building intensifies, and their shared cuteness becomes your own smile. It’s like the shortcomings of the beginning is redeemed and insignificant because the present is satisfying. Lots of cute moments, lots of rewatch moments.

I’m greatly enjoying this. Maybe for those in mid ages it comes as refreshing as most rom-com features younger cast in twenties to early thirties. Leads here are in forties and in a way, they portray what dating can look like in that age. Regardless, it’s super cute and just my right cup of tea seeing this couple reignite what was lost many years ago.

Jun Ji Hoon ( Seok Ji Won) is a handsome man, so of course he holds my attention. More than that though, this role in a rom-com is so welcoming. I mean, for people in his age group and beyond, it’s cool to see that love may not be secured in your younger years but can come later when it’s right. I like his characters calmness in all things, even in challenging moments (getting slapped by dad in front of his love). That maturity is every woman’s want and he does it so well, in action and in his voice. Jung Yu Mi (Yun Ji Won) is alright. Though I might have a suggestion for another actress, she wins me over as story progresses. No sense in criticizing because she is the chosen one so the best I can do is root for her. They look good together in their role although, I wish they can be more natural in expressions and action. After all, they are older, in script and in life.

The rest of the cast has its role to push story forward and they all play their parts well. Ji Won’s assistant is super cute with his banters with his boss. Their relationship is adorable. Though I’ve seen it multiple, numerous times as obviously it’s normal there, I still can’t swallow the controlling and manipulation of parents, to the point of physical abuse. Episode 10 ended in such a high sweet note in their relationship I would love it if producers don’t bungle it up with unnecessary complications taking priority for the last two episodes. Sad there’s only two episodes left as it’s been a welcoming treat after weeks busyness.

Tell Me You Love Me, The Trunk, My Sweet Mobster, Love to Hate You, and this one are among my favorites in my own categorized list of sweet ajumma/ajussi series. I’m hoping for a sweet wrap for this and add it to my new list of rewatches. Love love the OST too. So soothing to the heart and ears. So enjoyable, so good. Hope you give it a try, with lots of beginning patience. (May be back for post conclusion after completion but anyways, thanks for reading).

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I feel like so many people unnecessarily hyperventilate about the actions rather than looking into the why. Writer brings a very complicated story of very scarred, broken people whom of course, we automatically hate. Rather than quickly condemn the characters flaws, trying viewing with the lens of compassion.

Looking at the characters, their past, their reason of actions brings to life the complexities of humanity. These people did not wake up and decide they were gonna act as is. Look at the path. Humanize the characters. Although it seems like viewers takes the story at its face value of the actions, and rated it as such, it’s too bad. There’s lots of depth that if people would be open minded to, then it’s a story that is sad and thoughtful.

The cast are exceptional. I think everyone delivered and their performance is worthy of applause. I’m saying it’s okay to feel about the actions of the characters per se, but don’t put down the entire production because of it. Give the show a try.

Scored low on rewatching because I know what I need to know so most likely not to.

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Stand or Fall

True to its title, you’ll either take a stand or a tumbling fall, you choose. I’ll just try to give my impressions and hopefully
it’ll give you some perspective if you’re on the fence.

Cons: subtitles where I watched was so bad that to really follow the gist of the business side of it, tends to keep you engaged. I mean you can definitely infer a lot (if you’ve seen one business drama you quickly pick up that two sides are working to advance, except there’s the other doing everything to sabotage that effort, right}. It was hard to follow along the business aspect of it, and it wasn’t anything so mind blowing to keep you teetering. In fact, it was a bit frustrating.

Pros: the cast! I always give grace to the hard working cast, no matter how the final product turns out. These are veteran casts and I automatically warm up to this type of series. They did a good job with what given. Whether by choice of what they agreed in contract, I always feel that there’s a hold back in level of chemistry. I’m so glad that one marriage portrayed did not add a cheat tag, but that the workaholic husband became mindful of his wife and supported her. I’m tired of cheating theme dramas so one married couple who worked through theirs was refreshing. The other married couple thought, at least, justice was served. As for main couple, they could have had more ‘them’ screen time but they were cute.

Overall, it’s not a bad production. I mean there’s lots they probably could have done better but still, it was fine. I liked it and if you have time, it’s worth seeing.

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Friendship and Brotherhood at its best

It’s too bad there hasn’t been reviews on this wonderful work. The lack of reviews then obviously drives down ratings and interest. Too bad!

The story itself is truly an overused narrative. A couple divorces, unexpectedly I might add, and there is your baseline. Corporate business is the setting, more or less, as the motivated drives to succeed and the opposition has its differing ambitions. Couple ended up working in same company so from there, it’s your guess where it leads as I don’t want to give spoilers.

Here’s the thing. Three men, in their forties, fifties as close friends as close can be. They are next to each other when facing a crisis, laugh hard when a celebration calls for, brainstorm to problem solve, etc. The friendship is so admirable. What a bond of men! In giving advice they are spot on, in lightening the mood they are witty with enough humor to change a serious atmosphere whether sad or good. I’ve smiled ever so often and moved too by the words of wisdom. Yes, each of these men have their own stories outside of their friendship, but guaranteed each were in support of each other when needed. Their stories, struggles, strengths and weaknesses are embodied in a strong brotherhood to make anyone envious of such a friendship. Forty episodes that i barely ever ffwd. Writing is good, deliverance of veteran actors are great. Subtitles aren’t always coherent but it’s good enough to understand the main points. I guess I’ve watched too many dramas to have a pattern I look or read between and this is one I was proud to fully enjoy regardless of.

I’m glad they produce dramas that goes beyond the seemingly favored audiences who like younger pretty boys and girls images. Don’t get me wrong, I do too. It’s just that the older viewers that I fall into also enjoy seeing cultured veteran characters. This is not to say this drama is only for matured audiences. Its message is same as other dramas but delivered by very handsome and beautiful veteran actors. Hope you can give it a try.

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