Reviews

*SLOW CLAP*

I heard so many things about I REMEMBER YOU but I was quite hesitant to watch it because it's a crime-based story. No, I don't hate crime series. On the contrary, I love it so much that my expectations are quite high when it comes to this genre. I watched this drama without expecting anything. What I did not know was I was in for a big surprise...

STORY - This reminds me a lot of the American crime drama "The Mentalist". The plot is quite similar but the details are very different.
Being a sucker for stories with genius characters, the first episode had me hooked. I had this strange hunger that was only satiated by watching the next episode, then the next and the next until I reached the end... I tried to look for major holes but the writers had really done a great job in connecting every piece of the puzzle and covering up the tiny mistakes.
This drama really stands out because despite of having Crime as it's main core, the showcasing of violence was a lot less compared to other TV series. In fact, the drama is so rich in morals, brotherly love (oh, you cannot miss this), and friendship. I never thought that a crime drama like this is possible.

If there's anything that I feel somewhat lacking is the ending. I am not saying that it's not good, but rather, I was expecting a closure. After all what the characters have been through, I think they deserved a better ending.

ACTING/ CAST - Korean actors are really good, especially in conveying their emotions through their eyes. The actors in this drama are so 'in character' that you would feel their pain, agony, fear and even happiness. Needless to say Jang Na Ra (Cha Ji An) and Seo In Guk (Lee Hyun) did a wonderful job. A special shout out is not enough for Choi Won Young (Lee Jun Ho) who's acting is so superb that I find him really scary now and Park Bo Gum (Jung Seon Ho) who was hands-down amazing. They both deserved an award.

MUSIC - I enjoyed the music very much especially the intro/title music. It gives you the mysterious detective vibe. I actually find it quite similar with the manga series "Detective Conan's" intro.

REWATCH VALUE - I think this one deserves a rewatch. It's one of the dramas that you think you want to watch from the beginning again because you want to know if you missed any details.

OVERALL: This one deserves a standing ovation.

*SLOW CLAP FADING*

I ended this drama with a heavy heart. Not because it was bad, but because it's so good that I am sure I am going to miss it.

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9 years ago, which is the first time I watched this drama, I was simply mesmerized by it. And now I just finish rewatched it, this drama is still one of my favorite drama, I will never get tired of it.

If you are searching for a light but simply addicting drama, you should pick Long Vacation. The story may began just like the other 'living under the same roof' dramas, but the setting is on 1996 so it was different from other recent dramas. No handphones or emails, so it was more about the characters dealing with themselves regarding their feelings. The simple twist at the end of every episode will keep you want to know more about what will happened next. And the ending is simply beautiful.

The chemistry between the main couple really worked out, it was fun to see them together. Kimura Takuya is as excellent as ever and Yamaguchi Tomoko did a very nice job playing a miserable 31 years old woman. The other casts are also awesome, I didn't find any of them annoying.

The soundtrack is also one of the winning factor for this drama. The opening theme is still one of my favorite song up until this moment (and I always sing it whenever I went for a karaoke) plus all the music pieces they chose for this drama is awesome.

Even though this drama is quite old, it will remain evergreen in my heart. Try watching this drama, you are not going to be disappointed.

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A story that causes controversial overreaction by viewers without doing anything controversial

This is my first time writing a drama review because I was usually a silent viewer but this drama was so interesting that I ended up feeling the need to write one despite this is not a language I speak.

Story:

When I first read the synopsis, I thought that It must be one of those lazy shoujo/BL story that used to be popular with trope like bully x victim cheesy high school romance which usually end with bully kept enjoying the bullying while the victim just submit to them after awhile because they can’t fight back. It started with two kids with troubles of their own who seemed like it will end up in a bad relationship but the story turned out different the more I watched. It was about calling out their deep rooted issues until they are ready to face it together and touched on topics like communication, idolatry, consent and first love. Because of first episode alone I feel like these characters have more behind what they are showing on facade so I chose to look for the source material and found the audio drama adaptation which is close to the original Novel. I LOVE IT. I was anxious and anticipated to see how the drama which only have 2 and half hours run time overall would be able to adapt such complicated story accurately.

Characters:

They started like one of those boring flat characters, an obsessive introvert boy and his crush who’s the opposite. However, what you will realize is that, the story is being told in first person point of view, which mean for the over half of the drama you will hear from this boy Hira about his life and his obsession over his crush. From his point of view, me and the other viewers are sympathized with him and feel the anger toward the crush who seems like bland untouchable character but we are so wrong when the narration switched to Kiyoi, the popular boy, to be the one telling the story from his eyes which to be honest, more realistic view than Hira’s. It told you the complexity of both characters and WHY there was misunderstanding between them because even we, as the third person who watch them, also misunderstood them. Worth noting that this story might not have much of them as romantic partners but more like HOW they became a couple because this is only adapted from 1st book of the novel trilogy.

A lot of people’s reaction to this drama was a shallow view and criticism on the story and characters without looking closer and reflecting. The word “Toxic” and “Abusive” wouldn’t be what I would call their romance, I would say they are two teenagers with their own issue who found comfort in each other but miscommunication happened, loneliness and bad timing didn’t help either.

Rewatch value: HELL YEAH this is the only romance drama that I suggest rewatching because trust me, every rewatch will give you new details you didn’t notice before and that should thank to awesome and attentive production team as well as the young actors who surprisingly are good at portraying complex story and characters with such a short limit of time.

I believe drama-only fans won’t find it anything special but this drama put a lot of effort in including favorite lines and hidden detail from its source material so the rewatch value is MUCH higher for fans who love the novel and audio drama version.

However, I would suggest everyone to give it a try and watch for yourself. This is a good story but probably not for everyone, especially those who refuse to open their mind.

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A Love Letter to a Mature, Sexy, Communicative Romance with sizzling Chemistry

“Fake It Till You Make It” is not a drama for everyone. But if you are looking for something specific like I did, you might enjoy it very much. I found what I want - a mature romance about two smart individuals who give me realistic, honest and sincere conversations + sexy chemistry. A drama that is not full of romantic cliches and tropes, not a silly rom-com nor a sad and angsty drama. Because of this, I am giving this a very subjective and high rating of 9.0.

A few quick notes about this drama:

1. There’s a lot of business talk - about 50% business, 50% romance. If this is not your thing, you might want to reconsider watching.
2. This is not really a plot-driven drama. The business plot serves as a way for our main leads to grow personally and professionally.
3. Very dialog heavy - The beauty of this drama is the witty and thoughtful conversations.
4. Try not to fast-forward - you will miss the dialogs and get you out of the mood. Try not to do that with the business plot either, as you will be even more confused.


I LOVE the romance of the leads. Simple as that. Elvis (ML) is a likable and hard-to-resist playboy who's afraid of commitment or opening up. Tang Ying (FL) is a career-focused, hard-working lawyer who is afraid to get hurt after a failed love confession many years ago. They are on equal footing and power dynamics in this relationship. The two of them met as strangers on the plane, slowly becoming best friends and then lovers.

When as strangers, Elvis and Tan Yang seem to be total opposites but chemistry between them is evident. When they become best friends, they seem to be the perfect match in heaven. Their honest conversations of love and the constant flirting are the best part of the show. Even if it’s a few quick text messages, you can feel the chemistry. You root for them and want them to be together ASAP, yet I also worry about the loss in chemistry and excitement when they are together. We all know how dramas go when the couple becomes boring afterwards. Who knew our cool playboy will become a doting boyfriend who can act silly and cute? There are a few cute and fluffy scenes, though not much. The kisses are good but not as great as I want them to be (Elvira maybe is a little more shy than Elvis). We continue to have conversations to deal with potential misunderstandings once they are a couple. We learn that they might not be as perfect together as they seem when they were flirting. Their upbringing and ideals of being a couple brought them unease and discomfort, but they talk things through! They continue to have these honest conversations, some more emotional and heartfelt than the others. They continue to get to know each other, and learn to love each other for who they are and to live as a couple and not as individuals anymore.

On the other side of the romance spectrum, we also follow the journey of Lin Xin Zi (Tang Ying’s half sister). She has a completely different view on romance and marriage. She has her own internal rating system for her suitors and picking the best one to consider for dating and marriage. We all know how that will work out. I personally don’t think Lin Xin Zi is that attractive as a character, so I don’t know why all the guys fall in love with her. Her story, though predictable, is also relatable and realistic. Her way of thinking is probably very similar to many women in mainland China.

Enough of the romance, but what does it mean to “Fake It Till You Make It”? In this drama, all characters at some point have to mask their true intentions and feelings, and express themselves differently. You could be, 1) Having afternoon tea with a bunch of rich ladies and act like you have the richest and loveliest husband in the world who will buy you expensive purses, 2) Pretend you are a tea expert to impress your customer by studying info the night before, 3) Swallow your complaints and hate for your abusive boss and smile/nod to the insults thrown at your face, 4) Act like you are totally fine with your controlling boyfriend because you know he does everything out of love. They just need to tell themselves they are fine and believe that they will be fine.

The acting is on point. This is my first dramas of both Elvis Han and Elvira Cai and they do not disappoint. If you end up not liking this drama, at least you can enjoy the sexy and handsome Elvis Han. LOL. I do want to commend Dai Yun Fai, who played Lin Xin Zi’s boyfriend. I have seen Dai Yun Fan in many dramas, usually as a supporting character. I am so impressed with his emotional acting. He has a very small part in this drama but the last scene when he was on the bridge/overpass expressing his regrets was SO well-acted. I am also very satisfied with the end of his story. The overall acting is really good. There isn't a character that irritates or annoys me.

If you are like me and are looking for what I am looking for, then I strongly recommend this drama. I do think the drama started a little slow and you might be confused with the business side of things. It could also appear to be a little preachy, but stick with it and you will be rewarded with an amazing romantic journey between two flawed but realistic characters and excellent chemistry



Other Random Observations:
1. Elvis Han is just so charismatic and sexy, without the boyish look. I love the scenes when he was waiting by his car at the end of the night, and when he was reading a story by the bathtub. He has such a deep voice and his reading to FL is just so darn sexy.
2. I love FL’s phone conversation with ML about those heart-fluttering moments. It killed me in a good way!
3. Love the dynamic between the sisters. So natural.
4. Really smart to name all the women you are dating with the same nickname in your cell phone contact list. You don’t have to worry about calling out someone’s name wrong when you are drunk. LOL
5. Naming these women as fruits is hilarious as well.
6. Another good female mentor! They are hard to come by.
7. Natural looks for all! No white makeup, white filter or smoothing of skin!
8. Almost forgot, I love the comic book opening theme!



Completed: 9/4/2023 - Review #349

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it was not a love story

How shall I put it?
Everyone who has ever experienced grief in their life will relate to Mitchan narration. Main characters will take you through all the grief phases again. From the desire to spend a little bit more time together with your loved one who is not here anymore, when even one extra minute would be a the most desirable gift during your grieving journey; to being angry with the person who left, why they did it to you, how could they leave and let you be here all by yourself. But Mitchan got extremely lucky. He had a chance to experience parts of his grief, denial, huge love, hate together with the one who had to leave - Koichi. Does it make you jealous too?

Why we got so involved in such unrealistic story?
We all know - death is a final stop. But all of us secretly hope to be mistaken. And Eternal Yesterday gives us such opportunity to have a hope. Maybe one day it’s all gonna be a lie, and our loved ones will be here with us even though their hearts don’t work anymore. Eventually, it’s a beautiful metaphor - people you love aren’t truly dead until they are alive in your memory.

Name:
Eternal Yesterday - that’s how it feels to be disconnected from the real world after loosing the one you loved the most. Now you live only in the past when they were here with you. The smell of their perfume on the passing by stranger now feels like a knife directly in your heart. Their old t-shirt that you accidentally found in your wardrobe can bring all the memories back, and here you are sitting and reminiscing about old days on the floor in your bedroom again. You are re-living your yesterday, because tomorrow isn’t promising anymore without them.

Actors:
Fantastic fantastic fantastic cast. Both main actors did incredible job! Mitchan character grew and developed so well. And separate kudos for Koichi’s perspective in the end. All his actions and all his “sorry-s” made sense. Actors truly lived Mitchan’s and Koichi’s lifes.

Summary:
It was not a love story, it was one very special story about grief and precious time. Even though grief is inseparable from love.
I will definitely re-watch those series again and again. They are so heartbreaking, but yet so heartwarming. Our life is this special because it has an end, and Eternal Yesterday is our friendly reminder. Kiss, love, hug, express your feelings right now, because your perfect time may never come and unfortunately you won’t be given the same gift as Mitchan got.

And for all in grief - your pain will never go away, nor time will heal it. You will learn to co-exist with it and will learn to smile and love again. It was a beautiful message in the end.

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There's something about japanese dramas that korean ones can't seem to have... sweetness. Watching Itazura na Kiss was a really sweet experience. No melodrama, no tears just for the sake of crying... Now it's not a masterpiece either, but INK Love in Tokyo has a good plot, lovable characters and an overall aura of lightness and it was exactly what I expected from it.

I'm a huge fan of the anime version and I have seen both taiwanese and korean drama versions and I gotta say INK Love in Tokyo beats them both. The taiwanese one was way too long and therefore was boring at times and the korean one... well, not so good actors and even though I love the story, I couldn't help but being hella bored while watching Playful Kiss.

INK Love in Tokyo managed to still be interesting to me even though I knew the plot (and its twists) by heart. Now yes, the over the top acting (especially the main actress) was kinda off-putting at first but once I got past it, I really got fond of the characters and the main couple. I loved their chemistry, even if (no) thanks to the author, Irie Naoki's character is difficult to understand (to the point you just want to shake the hell outta him) and Aihara Kotoko's one is way too dumb to not be frustrated with her at some point. Still, loved them both together and individually.

The drama has its fun moments, not to the point where I'd like, laugh out loud or anything but enough to make me smile and feel good when watching them. And again, that was exactly what I expected from it. No more, no less.

I'm really glad it got a second season even if I already know how it's going to end but the drama's amazing characters and its sweet aura will definitely manage to keep me interested throughout its second run.

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Sweet cute and I appreciate the continued efforts!!!

Hello! I rarely review but need to remind the viewers to think like a business. We are getting a lot more lgbt content in recent years. The veteran actors, writers, directors and producers spent decades to get us to this point. This point? YES we get films, big production series, dating shows, gay couples on major Korean magazine covers AND we get multiple small studios crowd sourced for cute stories to film in a week and bring it to us. Please do not forget! I am grateful and appreciative.

Please appreciate the small stuff too.

We would read this manga and be super happy. Someone spent the money to give us some visual with cute story.

I appreciate them. I appreciate how hard it was to get to this point. I look forward to the future.

The boys did a good job. They were pleasant to watch.
For me the actor playing the chef is damn gorgeous! Phew

Sure if you peel back his actions it may seem stalkerish lol but because it goes so fast he is honest immediately and it's all good. Real life gay is hard anywhere and this showed four different types of men (in one episode) and how they handle things. Was cool.

What I loved is this series is set in a gay friendly world. There was no mention or hesitation of being gay. No fear. Thai BL started doing that too and I am happy with this turn.

Anyway it is very fast, it's cute and worth our stream on legal iQIYI site.

Enjoy and if you can leave a comment for each actor. The actors (mainly Koreans) come to mdl and read our stuff!

Thanks!

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I think this is my first review so i don't know if it will come out well.. but i'll try.
Where to start? Hum at the beginning i thought it was just a random family Drama that i started to watch because of Im Joo Hwan and Kang So Ra.
After just the first episode i was really interested in the story and then became to love it after some more episodes.

The Cast:I love it all. The child actors were totally amazing in my opinion and i will follow them in the future.
I think every actor has portayed his/her character really well and so i could enjoy the Drama till the end.
There will be characters who will annoy you to the bones but they will make you proud in the end changing themself for the better.You will be there to see how someone can change for the people he/she loves.
I'm not Korean but i could understand what they were saying and doing without subs. The acting is really good and it will make you enjoy this Drama.

Story:
The story tells how different people become a family and have to accept each other.
They will go through dispair,pain to finally find happiness as a family.
They will come to undertsand each other and love each other like a real family should.
They will fight for love and to protect the most loved people in their lives.

Music: I really liked the music finding myself singing without realizing it.
I cried a lot and the sad music was a stab in the back making me cry more XD
One of my favourite was No Matter What They Say by Yang Mi Jin.


Why watch this Drama? It will make you feel all the emotions the characters feel,it will make you understand people more,it will teach you a lot of things you'll need in life..

If you start watching it you won't stop.
It's TOTALLY WORTH IT.

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Another highly acclaimed and loved drama that I was putting off (It's become my habit to that) and regretting watching it so late. But better late than never. You should also take that into account and watch this show if you haven't yet, you're missing out on some really good writing and acting.

The story had me hooked right from the beginning. The moment I read the synopsis I knew I wanted to watch the show, but again the generally high ratings were turning me off a little, as I didn't want to start the show with unrealistic expectations. I began it nonetheless and to be honest I should have lowered my expectations a little and I might have enjoyed it more, much more than what I felt this time. The execution and direction was praiseworthy. The horror element could have easily become pitiable and downright miserable, but the writers kept a good balance between spooky and funny. The pace of the show is.. good. I wouldn't say it is perfect since it gets a little draggy in the middle, but that usually happens in almost all the dramas, even the really good ones, so it's not really something you should base your decision on, just giving you a heads up.

The actors. Wow. Impeccable work. Su Ji Sub was a pure delight to watch on the screen. His persona and charm as Joong Won was impressive. I could easily connect with the character because of him. Same goes for Hyo Jin. I'm currently watching another work of her's (It's Okay It's Love) and she's simply marvelous. I loved the work of each actor in this show. Each and everyone. I'm definitely going to try other works by these actors.

The OST of this drama was really likable. The songs were beautiful and catchy, and put forth the emotions well. The melody of the tracks especially, was quite soothing.

Despite the fact that there is so much I like in this show, there are things that stopped me from giving it a perfect overall 10 rating. It's definitely one of the shows I could rewatch again without much hesitation. But there was still the slight glitch that I faced towards the later part of the show. Too much push-pull tactic going on between the lead pair for my taste. Granted it's not unreasonable and foolish, there's a good solid reasoning behind it, but for me, it went on a little too long. But the writers need to be commended for giving a good and proper ending to the show. I was really happy with the finale. Almost so much that I forgot about the way it was dragged :P

Either way, don't let anything stop you from trying out this show. It's absolutely worth the watch. All the genres that the drama incorporates (Horror, Romance, Mystery, Comedy), everything is in a perfect blend and nothing overpowers the other. A really well crafted show. Don't miss it!

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Thin line between love and hate.

In an uncannily similar vein with Maid's Revenge, this mini drama is just a chock full of the worst red flags. So if you are going to be triggered by a toxic alpha male and an intense but abusive love-hate relationship best steer clear of this drama. If however you can suspend moral outrage and present social norms for ~240 minutes then you are in for one helluva hot and wild ride.

Plot-wise, Circle of Love must be part of Youku's addictive toxic trilogy which rehashes the dark Republican era Romeo and Juliet revenge trope we saw in both Maid's Revenge and Bride's Revenge. Determined to avenge her family, Gu Meng ambushes her former fiancé, the formidable warlord Xiao Hongye. Her pathetic attack is foiled and she finds herself captured and conscripted as a maid in his household. She conveniently experiences memory loss, allowing herself to fall in love with her nemesis over and over again as he domineeringly uses and abuses her in the most thrilling... ahem..., I mean unacceptable, completely unacceptable ways. What I like about this version is that Gu Meng is smart and she has a plan. She can go toe to toe with Hongye and it is literally tit for tat in terms of these star-crossed lovers' ability to do terrible things to each other. The actors light up the screen with their intense, sensuous chemistry and do an amazing job showing us their gut wrenching internal struggle as they explore the thin line beween love and hate.

I could tell you that I watched this for the tight plot, which is actually well designed and has a nice twist. But that would be a lie. This is all about Li Jiulin's dark, complex and masculine good looks, his amorous smouldering gaze and his taut tanned chest. His steamy portrayal of the controlling, possessive, passionate, cruel and yet oddly vulnerable Hongye had me giggling and cringing at the same time. And the way he manhandles the inflamed and writhing Gu Meng who obviously loves to hate him had me chanting unconvincingly to myself "This is so not ok!!!". If there is any takeaway from this short, dark and titilating tale of love and hate it is that if your enemy is a smoking hot man beast, satiate yourself thoroughly before giving him a few bullets to remember you by. I found the ending a bit mean spirited but ultimately satisfying and appropriate.

This is a classic dark and thrilling bodice ripper romance that comes with all kinds of health warnings over outdated gender norms and inappropriate behavior. This is not the kind of thing to try at home but it can still be enjoyed vicariously with the air con switched on high and a nice glass of wine. Don't judge me for enjoying this enough to rate this 8.0/10.0; the best of the three in my opinion.

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The Legend of Hei Feng-Bai Xi

Truth be told, Who Rules The World (WRTW) wasn’t on the top of my list for highly anticipated dramas for 2022. But you know what? It turned out to be one of the most entertaining dramas I’ve seen for the year. Certain characters in the show even made their way into my list of all-time favourite C-historical characters as well. I’m pleased to say that WRTW has not disappointed and in fact went beyond any initial expectation I may have had going into it.

WRTW is equal parts traditional wuxia, grandiose palace politics, epic warfare and romantic love that are interwoven seamlessly to create an immersive tapestry of a vivid jianghu that transcends the boundaries of the 7 kingdoms. It revolves around the relationship between two renowned martial artists, Hei Feng Xi and Bai Feng Xi, as they navigate the treacherous world of ancient politics and pugilistic rivalries teeming with characters who are hell bent on ruling the world.

The story is based on the bestselling 2007 novel Qie Shi Tian Xia (且试天下) aka Let’s Try the World which was written by prolific period-romance novelist, Qing Ling Yue (倾泠月). The production team comprises directors Yin Tao (Love and Redemption, Ancient Love Poetry, Under the Power), Yu Yonggang (Novoland: Pearl Eclipse) as well as action director/ choreographer Shi Zhanli (The Promise of Chang’an, Under the Power, Listening Snow Tower, Love and Redemption, The Legend of White Snake). Principal photography took place at Hengdian World Studios from February to June 2021. Interestingly this drama was released concurrently on WeTV international and Netflix for global audiences.

A total of 5 songs are listed in the soundtrack of the production. Liu Yuning sings the inspiring opening theme while Lai Meiyun and Tan Wei Wei contribute moving love ballads.

无双 Unparalleled – 刘宇宁 Liu YuNing
风息 Breath Of Wind – 胡彦斌 / 叶炫清 Hu YanBin / Ye XuanQing
一梦浮生 Dreams Come True – 汪苏泷 Silence Wang
孤注 Gu Zhu – 谭维维 Tan Wei Wei
如梦 Like A Dream – 赖美云 Lai MeiYun

This production has been plagued by some controversies in that the main director was purported to have left the project about halfway through filming for reasons that were not made known publicly. Additionally certain elements of the plot, whether the screenplay or the source material itself, had been accused of plagiarism. Likewise some scenes were cited to be reminiscent of other dramas. Having not read the source material for this drama, or most other dramas for that matter, and without seeing particular shows from which their scenes had been reputedly copied, fortunately my personal viewing enjoyment was not affected by the allegations in any way.

What I Liked

The elements of wuxia, politics and warfare are beautifully crafted into a memorable tale of chivalry, heroism and love amidst an extensively conceived worldbuilding of a fictional universe. Perhaps WRTW does not reach the quality levels of Nirvana in Fire, the gold standard in this multigenre, but it certainly comes close. How often do we come across productions that attempt to cover such an extensive scope without faltering miserably or, at the very least, evoke some form of endearing connection and entertainment value?

In terms of wuxia, this is one of the best for me. The variety of martial arts prowess on display as well as depiction of the jianghu with its associated clans, sects, dark arts and, of course, the chivalric values of brotherhood, heroism, and valour are all expertly embedded into this pugilistic premise. Absolutely no complaints from me in this department.

While initially lacking and slow-moving due to the uneven pacing and multitude of character introductions, the politics of the palace and the world began to exert more control over the narrative up until the finale. This is especially so once the main players have been established and viewers are able to focus exclusively on their schemes and machinations that eventually culminate in all-out confrontations and large scale warfare among them. In some ways, the overall concept and worldbuilding remind me somewhat of Game of Thrones with the premise based on various factions fighting for supremacy and dominion over the world.

Ultimately the one aspect of the story that impresses me the most is the romance. One of the most wholesome and charming love stories that I’ve ever come across in a C-historical. It helps immensely that both leads are extremely likeable both in real life and in the depiction of their respective characters here. No silly misunderstandings, childish petulance, toxic vibes whatsoever. Just as it should be between two heroic jianghu protagonists amidst countless adorable and lovely moments indeed.

As far as the technical execution is concerned, for me the positive takeaways would be the production design which maximises the gorgeous features of Hengdian World Studios in both the opulent indoor sets and lush greenery of the outdoor shooting scenes. Cinematography, choreography and special effects are quite decent, for the most part. I’m thankful that the fight scenes in particular are presented on point without the jittery camerawork and overreliance on slow-motion, repeat cuts or fast cut editing.

The martial arts choreography is simply stunning and showcases some of the most spectacular wire-works (wire-fu) in recent memory. It might appear a bit much to some but personally I love it. Also worth mentioning is the battle scenes between large armies towards the tail end of the show. Despite being mostly CGI, the end result is reasonably rendered and, most importantly, not substituted with animation or even skipped over but is shown in its entirety.

With regards to the cast and their respective characterizations, WRTW wouldn’t be the same without the leads, Yang Yang and Zhao Lu Si. The stellar supporting cast particularly Xuan Lu, Lai Yi, Zhang Feng Yi, Lee Wai Han, Zong Feng Yan and Wang De Shun provide a memorable account of themselves in making this production work as well.

I know that Yang Yang has drawn some flak for his performances in the past but having seen him in the recently concluded Glory of the Special Forces where he delivered possibly his best work to-date, I think he deserves more credit than he’s given. The role of Hei Feng Xi / Feng Lan Xi suits him very much indeed. He has this ability to blend intensity and seriousness with warmth and tenderness as well as a dash of charm and sophistication, which adds depth to his version of the brooding, intelligent and lonely hero of this story.

The same goes for Zhao Lu Si who, despite her expertise in rom-coms, is actually quite versatile and here she showcases some range as well as a more serious side. She still has that comedic timing but as the carefree Bai Feng Xi and the more regal Feng Xi Yun, we get to experience different facets to her characters. The biggest draw in the show is obviously their romance. Whether as royalty or jianghu pugilists, the chemistry between the two absolutely sizzles to set the screen aflame. I cannot imagine anyone else embodying the roles of “Hei Feng- Bai Xi of the rivers and lakes” as well as they have done.

Amongst the supporting characters, my personal favourite include Xuan Lu’s Feng Qi Wu who shares a strong bond with Bai Feng Xi where at one point I was actually shipping them as a lovable GL pairing. It’s refreshing to observe a healthy friendship between two female characters for a change instead of the usual destructive rivalry for affections. Lai Yi’s Huang Chao is another strong character that’s worthy of mention. His connection to the leads prove intriguing where despite no love lost between them, they continue to regard one another with mutual admiration and respect.

What Fell Short

I think the transition of directors midway through production possibly caused a discernible change in the quality of direction and editing during the second half of the show. This in turn affected the flow of the storytelling because certain scenes feel somewhat disconnected while the last 8 or so episodes are a little rushed. That said, most C-historicals tend to sprint towards the finishing line with a flurry of events and activities within the final few episodes, although this could be attributed to censorship-induced post-production editing.

For obvious reasons, most of the focus is on Yong-zhou and Qing-zhou, two of the 7 kingdoms in the story. There are some highlights of Ji-zhou and You-zhou, and the initial spotlight on Dong Empire, the ruling kingdom and the seat of power itself. I would have liked to see more backstory or development in the lesser mentioned kingdoms as well as the other mysterious sects of the jianghu. At 40 episodes, it’s near impossible to fit everything and everyone, which is unfortunate as some of the minor side stories and subplots actually appear interesting and thus worth exploring.

Because of the rushed nature of the final arc, the potential for the main villain’s origins and motivations are largely glossed over in favour of the ultimate showdown. I think this dimension of the antagonist’s profile deserves at least a couple of episodes to allow the gravity of his villainy to sink in with viewers.

The FL’s identity reveal is a bit of a letdown personally for me. It should have been more sensational and shocking to everyone involved but it turned out to be a lowkey affair after all.

I feel the need to rant on one of the martial arts clans, the Tianshuang Sect. I’m not sure how they are written in the original novel or if it is meant to be a running joke but the members of that sect, along with their leader/elder/founder, are quite laughable indeed. Without spoiling, let’s just say that these folks are better off managing a zen spa or soup kitchen rather than actively attempting to partake in conspiratorial activities.

Final Thoughts

WRTW ranks amongst the better recent releases of C-historicals and wuxia productions. It hasn’t reached the gold standard that is NiF but is somewhere slightly lower, perhaps at a similar level to The Long Ballad. Objectively it’s an 8.5 but for the sheer enjoyment factor and memorable performances of the leads, I’m bumping this up to 9. This is recommended viewing for fans of the genre.

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Give it a try!

**Disclaimer: This is just my opinion, please don't take anything I say personally. We don't have to agree and I'm not here to argue with anyone.***

"Destined With You" is one of those dramas that you have to stick with until it gets better. I’m not going to lie it was so hard finding motivation to keep watching but after episode 7 it started to pick up and I have to say I started enjoying the plot twists, mystery and thriller aspect of it. It is seriously so interesting. I especially loved the backstory of Mu Jin and Aeng Cho. Though their love was ill-fated from the start you can see he killed her to ensure they would not dismember her and that she would live on through the curse. The fact that Mu Jin said in another life let them be happy… and this life they want to be happy but were unable to because of the curse and that crazy psychopath of a man (Na Jung-Beom) was so frustrating and unfair.

Rowoon looks so gorgeous in this drama… that was enough to keep me watching haha ? Idk but something about him with the slick back hair as the serious / brooding lawyer is. He also was giving a buzz and then when its all combed down he looks like a cute puppy / golden retriever. AHHH I love how he’s giving us rangeeee and I can’t wait to see him in his next projects.

Bo Ah is such a good actress the way she conveys what she’s feeling through her eyes alone is literally a talent.

For once I actually prefer the latter half of a drama rather than the usual trend of the drama falling off / being disappointing the end.

Let’s talk about Rowoon and Bo Ah's chemistry in episodes 13-15, 15 especially – it was off the charts! I'm talking about that kiss, whew! — I can see why shaman lady (Eun Wol) called the next morning and was like Shin Yu and Hong Jo would be conceiving a girl. I mean, I got pregnant just watching that scene haha. Jokes aside, I'm not sure why people were doubting their incredible chemistry, but you know, there will always be haters or people who don't receive media in the same way and have no appreciation for the effort / artistry that goes into it. I think the writers did a good job of neatly wrapping up the ending. Obviously they would have needed more episodes to really delve into the magic and the lore of Hong Jo’s shaman powers / lineage etc… but so far they did well with the little they were able to keep / use.

I also liked the various side characters stories especially between Mr. Gong and Ms. Ma. They were kind of on / and off all the time but I'm happy they worked out their differences and got married in the end. At first I did not like Hong Jo's workers but I warmed to them because they are very funny / silly. I also liked the side story about Shin Yu's mother and father... it seemed like they were always playing cat and mouse with each other, and you thought they were going to divorce - but in the end, they're going to have a baby. To say I was surprised is an understatement. To be honest, I thought the mom was starting to like Shin Yu's lawyer friend and that they'd end up together, but the drama didn't go in that direction at all.

I didn't particularly like Mr. Kwon / Jae Gyeong, but I'm glad he remained a good guy until the end. Life is all about timing, and he completely missed his with Hong Jo, so he can only blame himself. I thought it was a little cheeky of him to tell her that if she doesn't marry Shin Yu within the next six months, she should call him, but whatever - at least it ended amicably.

One aspect of the show that I dislike is their inability to finish the shamanism/curse storyline. They expect me to believe that the curse has been magically broken and Shin Yu is completely healed? Honestly, I was wondering if there was something missing or if there was more to it because the final scene shows Mu Jin, of the past ,walking away with a spell book of the heavens or something? I'm also curious if Hong Jo's near-death experience, which included almost being poisoned and then being resuscitated... is what broke the curse in the end? Little details like this being forgotten / not being explained is what kind of irritated me about the drama and made me take off points.

In my opinion, the ending was very touching and adorable... I was smiling the entire time and was relieved that it didn't end on a sad / bittersweet note with the main characters suffering. Spoiler alert: Hong Jo is not pregnant, but they will get married and live happily ever after. It took them 300 years to get here, but they did it!

The OST they chose is just so beautiful and heartfelt. The songs perfectly complement the story and will stay with you long after you finish watching the drama.

I for one am impressed and proud of myself for not dropping this drama and I guess I would rewatch it for the vibes and cute moments.

If you enjoy light fantasy, mystery, and reincarnation dramas, you should give this one a shot. Hopefully, you will not be disappointed.

With that, I give this drama a resounding 8/10.

Thanks for reading & happy watching!

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

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what... a MASTERPIECE... just BRAVO!

“There’s a saying, ‘A mother can replace anything in this world. But nothing can replace a mother.'” – Mr. Son

In general, you know that a drama will be one of your all-time favorites as soon as you watch the first episode. I had this feeling with this drama. The pace is exactly what I love. In two episodes only, we already had a grasp of the situation. There wasn't one episode that was boring, and it's really hard to make an episode as thrilling as possible especially when it exceeds 1 hour.

First and foremost, let's talk about the story itself. It's mainly revolving around the utterly complicated relationship between a mother and her son. What I liked about this drama is that as the episodes go by, we felt like we grew up with them. We see Kangho's birth, his first steps, his traumas, his love-life, his true passion (drawing), his coldness, his cuteness, his kindness. It's really rare to have such a complete character. We basically know everything about him and it helps us understand him more and be more invested in the story. We also have a grasp of Youngsoon's story and her reasons behind her abusive behavior towards her son (I do not condone this type of behavior whatsoever and whatever the reasons may be) . Besides her bad acts, I still like her as a human being. She suffered way too much in her life. From losing her parents and brother, her husband, her pig farm, and almost losing her son, I'm really wondering how she was able to maintain a kind soul. She is a bad mother indeed, but she isn't the type to do it willingly and without any emotions. Kangho's accident was a way for her to redeem herself. "Please let me be a bad mother once again, Kangho", she said while teaching him how to eat after his accident. She is fully aware of her doings and isn't proud of it. When she hit Kangho's calves, she healed it while he was sleeping, when she ripped his drawing, she sticked it back. Kangho is fully aware of this and this is why he doesn't hate her this much.

“What I really wanted to avenge was your life they utterly destroyed, and the pain you felt living as a bad mother to your most beloved son.” – KangHo

However, what gives life to this drama are the supporting characters, especially the Jouri village. I really got a "Reply 1988" vibe from this, and funny thing is that the trio "Kangho-Mijoo-Samshik" is born in 1988! We had different families reunited in a tiny village growing together, bickering, laughing, crying, they truly rely on each other and love each other. Each character had its time to shine, even Tiger the dog and Lion the pig had their time to shine! I really like the fact that they put up the tiny-village-family-looking trope in this drama, it lower our heart rate and makes us laugh for a tiny while. I'm personally a big fan of dramas with a variety of genres, I don't remember liking many dramas sticking to a single genre. Hence, if you're like me, you will absolutely love this show. Thriller, mystery, family, life, romance, comedy, law, and i'm sure that I forgot other genres.

Let's get into the acting. Wow... just wow. Ra Miran, Lee Dohyun, Ahn Eunjin, Choi Moosung, Jung Woongin, Yoo Insoo... and the list goes on and on. The cast was perfectly chosen. Every single actor nailed their role, every single actor was able to depict the role and give life to it. A little thing I want to add, THE TWINS ARE SO CUTE. I wish them the best in their upcoming endeavours and hope they will become amazing actors in the far future! I hope this drama will get a lot of Baeksang nominations!

A good bad mother may not be perfect, but she does her best and sacrifices everything that she has just to see her child succeed in life. Taking a step back, Youngsoon loved Kangho to death and could do everything for him, her approach to show her love was wrong. I'm just glad that during that dark time for both Youngsoon and Kangho, Mijoo was able to be his ray of sunshine that made him believe that life wasn't that bad. Love can do wonders.

“One day, when everything ends and I can return to your side, I wish to lie in your arms and eat mung bean pancakes just as I did when I was a little boy.” – KangHo

"I wanted to become the best mom for you, but you only get one life and it was my first time being a mom, so I'm sorry that I wasnt good enough. I prayed that I'd become your mom once again, and if that ever happens I promised I'll do better" - Youngsoon

I hope that Kangho and Youngsoon will reunite one day and do as Kangho and Youngsoon wished, to eat his mom's pancakes and be pampered by her. After all, we will all always be little children to our parents.

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Definitely not a movie for the casual viewer. This has to be one of the most heart-wrenching movies I have ever seen. It was horrifying and saddening to know that this took place in reality. It tells the story of the infamous Nayoung case of South Korea and captured the pain as much as possible. Every bone and fiber in my body felt the little girl's pain. I cried when she cried and laughed when she laughed.

This movie is a true masterpiece by all aspects. It was so warming and I felt like it hit me in all the right places. Nothing felt overdone or underdone and the cast did a wonderful job of portraying people suffering from grief and tragedy. Although the movie is sad, it also has immense hope in it, much like its namesake. It is all about picking yourself up from the downsides of life and moving on with a smile. It forces you to think about all the harsh realities of the world and question the thin line between justice and fairness.

I have to really, really commend the stellar performances but on by the little girl and the actors who played her parents. It was too good to be true and felt too real. For a while, I lost myself in the movie and forgot that what I was seeing on my screen was not real. The irony is that it is real and at the same time not real. My heart goes out to the family of Nayoung and hope she is doing well in real life.

However, the reason to watch this movie is mostly to take a cue from it and smile in your life. This movie is indeed very inspirational and the direction is flawless. There are no bits of it I would want to change. Everything from the casting to the script were smooth and neat. A thorough masterpiece of a film that manages to capture a lot of reality and present it to you without any sugarcoat. It tells you how if you end up with a bitter candy, swallowing it won't make the bitterness go away. You rather have to live with chewing the candy and ingest the bitterness that comes along with it.

Do watch this movie if you are looking for something different. But be warned and prepare yourself with a box of tissues.

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Defying the Odds: Navigating Friendhsip, Life, Love, Grief & Growth in 'Love Next Door'⌂ᰔᩚ

***Disclaimer: This is just my opinion. We don't have to agree and I'm not here to argue with anyone.***

TLDR: My review is long so if you don’t have time, just skip to the final thoughts section.


OVERVIEW:

The FL, Seok Ryu (Jung So Min), unexpectedly returns to Seoul, hinting at a complicated past. She is portrayed as a disorganized and emotional character, contrasting with the ML, Seung Hyo (Jung Jae In) who seems apathetic and aloof yet driven. Seok-ryu's life takes a downward turn when she quits her job leading to her return home, seeking refuge and facing her family's reaction. We follow her on this journey as she faces life's challenges and reunites with her family and childhood friends. Love Next Door combines various tropes and drama elements, drawing on past shows for inspiration. The key to its success lies in offering something unique and charming, with a focus on contrasting family dynamics, captivating chemistry and bonds between the characters.


COMMENTARY (SPOILERS AHEAD!):

I adore this drama as it leans more toward slice of life and melodrama rather than a traditional rom-com. The writers skillfully blend happy and sad moments, allowing a deeper understanding of the characters, family dynamics, and traits as the story unfolds. It offers a perfect balance of emotions and insight into how they navigate relationships and the world around them.

Seok Ryu's life has not been easy. It's been long and difficult because she comes from a low-income family and is the eldest child (typical eldest daughter syndrome) Seok Ryu faced immense pressure to fulfill her parents' high standards, leading to success but also fostering hyper independence and perfectionism. Eventually, she quits her job and returns home, displaying how these pressures negatively affected her mental health, causing her to face burnout. It becomes clear that she struggles with the guilt of wanting to pursue her own dreams instead of conforming to her parents wishes. We are led to believe this coupled with her broken engagement is the main cause of her depression, however it is revealed that she hid her cancer from her loved ones. Her silence exemplifies the gravity of the situation.

On the outside, Seung Hyo seems to have a perfect family, but his parents are often absent due to work. He was raised by Mi Suk (Seok Ryu's mom) and they spent a lot of time together. Seung Hyo is reserved and tends to suppress his emotions, but his abandonment issues and jealousy surface occasionally due to lack of parental support. Seung Hyo's hidden feelings for Seok Ryu become apparent early on, but his efforts to conceal them make him seem arrogant and uncaring. It's not until later in the drama that he faces these emotions, leading to intense angst / tension that captured my interest. At some point on their individual and joint paths, they both recognize their sheer fondness for one another, blurring the lines a bit.

Love Next Door marked Jung Hae In's stellar debut in the rom-com genre, setting him apart from his other more somber romance dramas like Snowdrop and SITR. While some may find his character arrogant and overbearing towards Seok Ryu, it's clear that his actions stem from a place of deep care for her. Seung Hyo may not be vocal about his feelings, but his actions speak volumes, as he helps Seok Ryu with everyday tasks and supports her dreams. Despite Seung Hyo not fitting the typical mold of romantic leads nowadays who tend to be either a loser/simp or a green forest, his unique way of expressing affection sheds light on a different perspective on love.

Similarly, Jung So Min did an excellent job portraying Seok Ryu, making her struggles and triumphs feel relatable. The chemistry between the two characters is palpable, making their interactions seem genuine. Seok Ryu's unwavering support for Seung Hyo adds depth to their relationship, showing a genuine understanding of each other. Through small gestures and meaningful actions, Seung Hyo and Seok Ryu's relationship blossoms into something special, proving that love comes in many forms.


MIXED EMOTIONS:

The banter that forms the basis of Seok Ryu and Seung Hyo’s relationship felt childish at times rather than a mature adult relationship, considering their ages. Nonetheless this unique dynamic between them is still cherished.

I appreciate the unique portrayal of exes in this drama, avoiding the typical villain stereotypes. Seo Ji Hye nailed her role and her character, Tae Hui stood out because of her strong performance and charisma. She recognized the boundaries in her relationship with Seung Hyo, acknowledging the differences in his behavior towards her and Seok Ryu. Many viewers, like myself, were drawn to her relatable journey from seeking passion in her youth to desiring comfort as she grew older.

On the other hand, I disliked Seok Ryu’s ex, particularly his persistence and stalker-like behavior when he was introduced. His eating of her mother's food and his lack of awareness were irritating. Seok Ryu's attempts to end the relationship were futile as he refused to accept it. I believe he came to Korea due to guilt, as shown by a harsh argument where he brought up her illness and mental health. Seok Ryu’s cancer drained her physically and emotionally, but her ex seemed emotionally unintelligent when it came to her depression. For someone who claimed to love her, he failed to understand or empathize with her struggles. He disregarded her needs and made her feel like a burden.

It was the fact that he went along with the lies about her illness that raised a red flag for me; I believe if he truly cared, he would have told her family the truth and found a gentle way to break it to them so that Seok Ryu would have people to lean on and support her. While he appeared to care during her treatment, afterward Hyeon Jun failed to provide the support she desperately needed, leading to their breakup. I found his behavior selfish and felt he would have cheated on her if given the chance. His insensitivity was evident in his inability to empathize with Seok Ryu’s needs, resulting in their failed relationship. Despite this, Hyeon Jun is not irredeemable, as their breakup was handled maturely, with an appreciation for the good times shared. Even though he was not the right person for her, their relationship ended amicably. Seung Hyo, while protective, allowed Seok Ryu closure, showing maturity. Some relationships end, but her growth from it shows its value despite the breakup.

I think the cancer storyline was kind of unnecessary as conflict could have been created between the main characters in other ways, such as showcasing gender roles and expectations in society or exploring her ex’s toxic behavior (cheating) due her depression etc.

Controversial take, but I also think Seung Hyo was justified in confronting Seok Ryu for hiding her cancer. He expressed the thoughts many of us had - calling her selfish and saying she was only thinking of herself. Although his words were harsh, her silence for 3 years was even more painful. I believe his anger also stemmed from his guilt for not recognizing her struggles and pushing her away while dealing with his unreciprocated feelings (ignoring her texts and calls) Seok Ryu's reluctance to burden others is understandable, but her friends and family would have supported her. Her ex initially agreed to help with her illness, but later switched up, focusing only on her therapy and medication so they could “move on”. Because he lacked empathy for her emotional struggles she felt isolated and alone despite his supposed assistance.

I had mixed feelings about the emotional journeys these characters took us on. It was overwhelming and frustrating, yet added to the authenticity somehow. This mix of reactions brought relief and humor, reminding us of their humanity. Her family's dramatic responses, though exaggerated, show their care and reveal unhealthy coping mechanisms. Everyone handles tough situations differently so I think that breaking down those walls & being vulnerable is what led to them healing and mending their relationship.


DISLIKES:

The first 4 eps. moved slowly due to establishing the scene and characters with a focus on the uninteresting architecture company. The workplace scenes seemed like filler and didn't appeal to me.

Seung Hyo's mood swings and unpredictable behavior were challenging to handle, especially when he would quickly switch from being affectionate to distant toward Seok Ryu.

Seok Ryu has low self-esteem and always apologizes even when she’s not at fault. It was concerning because she did not choose to get cancer. During her reconciliation with Hyeon Jun, his failure to stop her and assure her she did nothing wrong was disappointing. He seemed oblivious to the fact that she wasn’t in control of her cancer or depression.

Seok Ryu's behavior with Seung Hyo's ex revealed her tendency to people please and seek approval from others. It is interesting to note the contrast between her reactions to seeing her ex in a compromising position with a woman in America compared to Seung Hyo with his ex and other women. I suppose this inconsistency suggests a stronger emotional connection with Seung Hyo, leading to increased jealousy.

I didn’t like how persistent they made Mo Eum's character in befriending Yeon Du, and felt that Dan Oh setting boundaries was crucial. Her jumping straight to wanting to be a mom seemed unrealistic to me. She skipped so many steps, it gave me a headache. Also, the delay in revealing that Dan Oh was Yeon Du’s uncle, not her father could have been clarified earlier on. The writers misled me to believe he was still grieving his wife, or assuming blame for his family’s accident.

Dong Jin's storyline was lacking, but I enjoyed episode 13 where he expressed feeling overshadowed by his sister and inferior as a son. I wanted to see more of his development and romance with Na Yun.


LOVES:

The emotional toll of this drama took me by surprise, evoking tears in both intense and tender scenes. The confession moments were especially romantic, thanks to the talented directors and actors involved. While the portrayal of an Asian mother may be exaggerated, it resonated with me on a personal level. The argument scenes in ep. 2 and then the big reveal in ep. 8 made me cry buckets. Episodes 11-15 stood out as particularly impactful. Episode 14 brought tears of joy, while episode 15 left me devastated. It was incredibly well-executed, breaking and healing my heart simultaneously.

The chemistry and banter between the leads was exceptional, despite their frequent arguments. I came to appreciate their dynamic and accepted it as part of their relationship. As a couple, they are becoming more comfortable, especially now that everyone knows and approves of them.

The side characters: Mi Seok, Hye Seok, Geun Sik, Gyeong Jong, Mo Eum, Dan Oh and Yeon Du added depth and emotion to the story so much so that I became invested in how their arcs would play out. When the main characters frustrated me (which was often) I found solace in rooting for Seung Hyo and Seuk Ryu’s parents, their friendship with eachother and the side couples. Dan Oh and Mo Eum’s relationship had ups and downs, but when they embraced their feelings, they won over my heart completely.

One of my favorite dynamics were the relationships between the parents. Mi Suk and Hye Suk's rocky relationship highlighted the challenges of misunderstandings and feelings of inadequacy in friendships. I also enjoyed Seung Hyo's parents' storyline, anticipating the cheating plot to be a misjudgment. Their relationship reflected the reality of marital ups and downs, ultimately bringing Hye Suk and Gyeon Jeong closer.

The dads stole the show with their amazing rapport. Jo Han Chul and Lee Seung Goon, the actors that you are! Their brotherly bond was heartwarming and I could not get enough. I also liked the contrast between the two parental couples and how they showed coexistence is possible from two very different families. I appreciate that Love Next Door showcases a messy yet intimate family dynamic that is impossible not to love, flaws and all.

I love the parallels and inverted moments that we saw as the drama progressed. This is shown by Seung Hyo finding Seok Ryu at the same beach she ran away to in the past, mirroring the past when Seok Ryu brought him out of his cave when he was depressed. The Jungle Gym represents shifting emotional dynamics, with Seung Hyo now expressing his feelings openly. Mo Eum's wingwoman tactics added humor, with a role reversal in her kiss with Dan-Ho. Seok Ryu reading Seung Hyo's letter brings their secrets into the open in the same way that she read the letter he placed in the time capsule years ago. The neighborhood community's gossip highlights the pros and cons of living in a small town, showing both the lack of privacy and the strong sense of support in times of need. These full circle moments and evolving relationships add depth to the story as characters navigate personal growth and romantic entanglements.

I also admired the characters' efforts to compromise with each other, even if they didn't fully understand. Their reconciliations moved me to tears. LND delves into themes like love, family relationships, grief, friendship, identity, isolation, determination, change versus tradition, and more. The drama exceeded my expectations with well-developed characters and a complex plot. 

While the pacing could improve in some areas, conflicts were resolved swiftly, maintaining an engaging storyline throughout. The natural conversations added realism, and the progression from friendship to romance felt beautifully executed, with a perfect balance of slow burn and tension leading up to a poignant kiss in episode 11.

The cinematography was also stunning, particularly during the pool scene, bike ride, and the romantic kiss in the flower field. The evolution of Seok Ryu and Seung Hyo's relationship, from initial awkwardness to genuine connection, was portrayed beautifully. Small details like Seok Ryu calling Seung Hyo "babe" added a cute touch to the storyline, making this drama truly memorable.

The OST is amazing, with standout tracks like "Wall" by Kwon Jin Ah, "The Truth" by Jung Hae In (which imo is so impressive!) and “What are We” by Ha Sung Woon. Honorable Mentions are “Fantasy” by An Da Eun, “Reach For You” by ZEROBASEONE and “Any Day With You" by Muzie which built anticipation for the next episode.


FINAL THOUGHTS:

Overall, this drama deeply touched my soul. Love Next Door is more than just a feeling, it's a genuine experience that shouldn't be missed. This drama healed something in me and I’m grateful that I committed until the end, as the characters made me cry, smile, and laugh all at once. The show strikes a perfect balance between seriousness and lightheartedness, handling tough situations with care while also bringing humor into the mix. I appreciate how it doesn't downplay hardships but still conveys meaningful messages.

One thing that struck me was the idea that being understood is more important than being loved. It is possible for someone to love you without truly understanding you, as shown with their ex’s Hyeon Jun & Tae Hui. 

It reminded me of the quote “To love is to understand but to be loved is to be understood." Love may develop naturally over time, but making the effort to truly understand someone is a conscious and deliberate choice. It involves putting your own needs aside to focus on the other person, which is far more valuable. Real and unwavering love means knowing someone inside and out, accepting their flaws, and STILL choosing to stand by their side. Seok Ryu and Seung Hyo’s 30-year friendship laid the foundation for their romantic relationship, which ultimately led them to be woven into each other's lives and hearts forever.

The drama may have begun with some clichés, but I found it endearing for its heartfelt moments, emotional depth, and intricate relationships. This drama may not be suited for everyone, as it requires a certain kind of endurance and perceptiveness that may not be immediate. The complexity of the characters and their realistic portrayal can be frustrating yet captivating. Around ep. 7 or 8, you'll likely know if it's the right fit for you.

Would I rewatch this? Yes, in a heartbeat! I can see LND becoming a comfort drama for me. I’m so attached and I don’t want to let them go. Not gonna lie, I’m kind of salty we didn’t get the wedding however, I like the non-traditional ending that gives us a glimpse into post-credit scenes that we don’t usually see between the main couple, adding realism to the drama. The open-ended conclusion feels more like a new beginning, leaving the possibility of a season 2 or a spinoff which is different from typical dramas. A drama with Mo Eum & Dan Oh as the leads or Lavender / the parents travelling during retirement would be something I would eagerly watch.

I don’t think words can say enough… so just buckle up and hold on for the ride! If you’re someone who loves stories with a lot of heart at then you’ll enjoy this.

Despite some flaws, I gave this drama an 8.5/10 mainly for its emotional impact. Objectively, it is an 8/10. However, it made me feel so deeply, unlike anything in a while. I appreciate every character’s complexity in addition to the sincerity and warmth the actors brought to their roles. Love Next Door is a drama I won’t be forgetting for years to come!


Thanks for reading & happy watching!

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

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