Story:
I liked the story, because it was different from other school dramas. Cheerleading isn't something I am a big fan of, but I thought a drama with this theme could be funny. And it was^^.
Acting/Cast:
Like I said above I was very happy when I heard that Eunji would play the female lead role. I am ot a big fan of Girlgroups, but I like Eunji because she can act. So I wasn't mad or something, when she was confirmed. She played the role as 'Kang Yeondo' very well. The role suits her very much. I liked her in 'Cheer up' more than in 'Reply 1997', but I don't know exactly why.
Lee Wongeun is one of my favourite Actors. I liked him in 'HJ&M' because of his bright character. When I found out, that he is the same age like me, I was shocked. I mean, he doesn't look like 24. His character was special for me. A young high school boy who is a top student but has problems with his family and his past. Every time he smiled, I was like 'He is so cute' (too cute for a man in his twenties v.v).
Next is Ji Soo. I didn't watched 'Angry Mom', but I heard very good reactions in relation to his acting. He played the best friend of Kim Yeol (LWG) and I could see that the two actors are very close. The chemistry was perfect. They remembered me of Lee Jongsuk and Kim Woobin in School 2013. Their bromance was not too much, but they showed us how much they liked each other as best friends. Ji Soo played the role of Hajoon, a boy who is dark, quiet and cold on the outside (Kim Yeol is an exception.). But on the inside he is a very warm person who has a secret which knows Kim Yeol but nobody else.
Chao Soobin played the Top Student Kwon Sooah, who seems to be the best friend of Kang Yeondoo. Honestly, Sooah got on my nerves after a few Episodes. I hated her, but at the same time I thought that sie is an victim of her family. But Soobin played the role very well, so I think it was good for her to play a role like this after her role in "House of Bluebird".
Like I said before I was very sceptical when I heard that N of Vixx would play a role in this drama. Normally, I am very unsure if Idols can do well. I am not a fan of them when they are beginning acting, but some of them surprised me. N is not an perfect actor. He was awkward, but maybe it was his role. He played the best friend of Yeondoo and was...very akwward. However, I think he did a good job.
The teachers (played bei Kim Jisuk and Lee Mido) acted very well, too and the chemistry with the younger Actors and Actresses was very good, too.
Music:
My favourite Song is 'Shooting Star' by Hanbyul. I think this song suits the drama the best. Everytime I heard it, I thought of Yeondo and Yeol.
All in all I can say that the drama is one of my favourites this year. I can't understand why the rating are so low, but I think it is because of the other two dramas which have a very big cast. Later on, I will watch this drama again.
But I have one critical point. I think this drama is too short. In the end they rushed it a little bit, so I think they should have made 16 episodes. So this drama gets 9.5 out of 10.
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I think Cheer Up gave us a strong sense of friendship, and teach us how even if people is different, in tastes or personality, they can form a close relation, and protect what is really important in school or life.
The acting of the drama is great, all actors give their best and were choose carefully, all of them have a great chemistry in the story. In music maybe lacks a little if you compare to other dramas, but is OK.
I think they can make it a little longer, I was waiting for 16 episodes, but for the result we have in the 12 episodes I think is an awesome drama to watch.
If people haven't watch this yet, I think they have to consider to give it a chance.
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This drama teaches love, and I mean all forms of showing and feeling love, including self love.
I loved the fact that the plot wasn't revolving around the main love story. Instead it went so deep in terms of psychological states. And there was something, I rarely see in other series. The character development. And not only the main charachers but ALL of them. Everyone had problems. Some with family, other with friends, or with the principal xD. But everyone of them gave second and even third and forth chance. They proved that people can change and they really taught us that you MUSTN'T hate a person, who was wrong once. You should understand him, and try to help him. I really loved this side of the plot. BRAVO! to the writers and to the cast. This drama was just perfect!
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This line is for the perfectionist, workaholic kids out there, like me.
I was actually really impressed by the way this drama addressed not kicking people when they were down. And that that was the whole point about cheerleading. It’s not for those who are in their happy place or people who are necessarily good. It’s people who need cheering up. There is a lot of generosity in this show. It really hit home for me the importance of showing support for people even though it might not seem like much, even when it seems like words won't help the situation.
The plot is fast-moving. As soon as someone says they’re going to do something, they do it, and it gets resolved pretty quick. So I like that we don’t have to wait or dread future happenings. I was warned that this was some serious content, but at least none of the kids are dealing with poverty, teenage pregnancy, jail, sexual assault, or homelessness. I’ve only ever watched two school dramas and that’s what was entailed so, in comparison this was pretty smooth sailing. For the record, this is my favourite school drama ever.
Kim Yeol
“Kim Yeol isn’t someone who you can mess with.”
Our rival leader has such a happy and empathetic face, it’s hard to dislike him. He also does this weird head dip that you might see on older actors. It’s a bit strange. He of course pulls off his menacing side very well too.
Kim Yeol is rather resigned to the system. He’ll protect himself but he’s rather bored with life.
“Geez...even when I lie, I’m practically bursting with sincerity.”
I couldn’t help but like him. There’s something about his expression and delivery of his lines that entertained me. Even in negative circumstances, there’s a non-sardonic smile that finds its way to his face. It’s a bit contrary to the usual image of a high school king.
He’s quite direct, I like that about him too. That he doesn’t beat around the bush.
“You wouldn’t talk to me, so I had no other way. So I prepared a time and place for us to talk.”
It’s also a really interesting concept to have characters acting so mean to people but then so freakin’ loyal to others. It’s such a clear theme in this story.
“Pride? That seems to be the most important thing to you. But for me, that friend is a lot more important.”
Right from the first episode, there is no room for judgment as we see the “bad guys” established. Everyone has their reasons or knows how to make up for their mistakes. I’m glad, because I didn’t want to watch a drama that made me really angry at a particular person. It was nice that I could root for everyone.
Another theme is trust. Kim Yeol always goes on about not trusting adults and people in general. But he started to change when people started putting their trust in him.
Yeon Doo
Eun Ji has the biggest brightest smile that wants to make me laugh every time I see it. She plays her character in such a fun and realistic way. I feel like her creativity for doing her own thing is really off the charts. I mean showing up to the preppy classroom in a sleeping bag? Gosh, I love this girl.
I can also understand why everyone looks to her for leadership. She has so much charisma and charm and ferocity.
If someone tries to physically intimidate her she just gives it right back to them.
It’s also so great how loyal her posse is and how they all care about her so much.
Her loyalty is what makes everyone love her.
Dong Jae
I usually see N so full of himself so it’s nice to see him as the innocent and quiet Dong Jae.
I love the friendship between Dong Jae and Yeon Doo. I love that even when she’s mad she remembers not to have physical contact and instead bashes him with a tissue box.
Dong Jae keeps such a calm expression on his face all the time. Even in tense situations his face never carries any malice. I really liked that about him. He’s very accepting of whatever happens.
Kim Yeol - “Dong Jae always gives you strawberry milk. I’ll make myself different by giving you vanilla milk.”
Ha Joon
“He learned how to love even if it hurts.”
Everything that comes out of Ji Soo’s mouth is gold.
Ji Soo is once again a hot-headed, angry and suicidal kid.
“I cut myself. Do you know why I did that? Every time you beat me up I also hated myself to death. I felt like I was useless. But I don’t feel that way anymore. I still get depressed at times, but...I will try to hold on to myself from now on.”
I liked how he totally didn’t mind that his best bud was falling for their arch enemy. I really liked how he became friends with Yeon Doo. That gummy bear scene is so cute.
At first Ha Joon is only loyal to Kim Yeol. But then he started expanding his friendship circle. And he really is so brave with the way he backs up the crazy Yeon Doo. Ha Joon is the one character that really has everything on the line.
Yeon Do to Ha Joon - “That’s why you get mad because you don’t know your own feelings.”
Kim Yeol - “Seo Ha Joon! You traitor! Choose between me and Kang Yeon Do.”
Ha Joon - “Of course I’d choose you.”
Yeon Do - “Yeah!”
Ha Joon - “But she’s so strong...”
Ha Joon jokingly says, “If he cheats come to me. I’m very faithful, you know.”
Ha Joon’s relationship with Yeon Doo is really interesting. He wouldn’t have liked her so much if it wasn’t for him opening up to her because of his best bud’s interest in her. And he also loves her because she is so concerned about Kim Yeol, just like he is. His like for her almost seems like an extension of his friendship with Kim Yeol. He even (only) gets jealous when Kim Yeol gets jealous of someone else. Ha Joon likes to see Yeon Doo happy with Kim Yeol. Kim Yeol, is a bit more territorial haha.
“Wait...why am I jealous of them getting punished?”
I kind of like how the perspective on punishment changed throughout the drama.
For the posh kids, it was like it was the end of the world. But they came to see that it’s just part of life and sometimes it’s worth it, or sometimes being punished with your mates isn’t so bad as long as you’re together.
Romance
“Now you kids are flirting by using pickled radish?”
Bahahhaha.
In the end Kim Yeol and Yeon Doo were like a married couple looking after the kids, and supporting each other like a well-oiled machine. They’re such mature teens.
“If I’m alone with you under an umbrella...I may get myself in trouble.”
I like the premise of the two opposing gang leaders. A bit of a Romeo and Juliet. Even right from the start, almost every time Kim Yeol looked at Yeon Doo when she wasn’t watching he smiled or looked completely fixed on what she would do next.
It’s also interesting to see that it’s a relationship that could only develop if one of them was defeated. One of the things that Korean dramas like to do is let a hero see the heroine’s raw pain, and that is what moves him. I guess it’s a passion thing, that he saw her heart, and realised what he’d done to wound her.
I kind of liked how easy going Yeon Doo is. She’s not too prideful or spiteful against Kim Yeol.
They let a lot of words fly, but I feel like there’s a grudging respect on both sides.
“Hey, you idiot!”
“I’m No. 1 in this school!”
“I know, you No. 1 idiot!”
I love how Kim Yeol knows he’s being unreasonably jealous towards the naive Dong Jae and how he tries to drop hints to make Dong Jae go.
“You should eat at home! Your mum will be disappointed!”
Dong Jae – “Yeon Doo. Let’s eat dinner at your place.”
Kim Yeol - “Hey! E-e-eat….at your own place.”
I also liked how the couple showed the parents that it wasn’t puppy love.
Yeon Doo - “I was a person who didn’t think much, but just did things. I’ve calmed down a bit now. I’ve also learned to protect myself thanks to Yeol. ”
Kim Yeol - “I am grateful and happy that she believes in me no matter what. Now that I’m with Yeon Doo who believes in me...I’m beginning to have the courage to believe in other people.”
I also noticed that when Koreans want to change the conversation to something more intimate, they thank the person.
Bromance
Hell. Yes.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen this.”
“Huh? What.”
“That kind of expression on your face and you laughing like that.”
I love how observant the friends are. And the way Ha Joon notices how happy Kim Yeol is.
Kim Yeol - “We should do nothing. We don’t smile or cry. Let’s stay quiet as if we were dead. The adults want us to do that.”
Ha Joon - “That’s why I’m trying my hardest to survive. It’s all for you.”
Ha Joon -“I’m on my knees now for what Ha Joon did yesterday. Please forgive him.”
Kim Yeol - “I don’t care.”
Ha Joon - “It doesn’t sound like that’s coming from someone who turned the classroom upside down for her.”
I thought it was interesting the way the boys each showed their true colours in protecting Yeon Doo. For example, Kim Yeol always approached in a very predictable, political way while Ha Joon stood up for her in rather dramatic and risky ways.
Yeon Doo’s mother is the best. “It’s ok if you’re not good at studying. It’s not like your grades could get any lower, anyway. And dancing...I’ll allow it since you love it so much. But I won’t be able to stand it if you’re ostracised or in pain alone, ok?”
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This review may contain spoilers
At first, I didn't want to watch Sassy Go Go because when I read about its description, it was purely about cheering and competing in a cheering competition so I was very hesitant to watch it.However, after I decided to give it a try since I want to watch something light, I found out that it was more than that. It started with the main characters fighting with each other and how they were forced to team up and eventually became best friends. I was so hooked up with the story because it wasn't just about cheerleading or about love, it tackles lots of different issues that are present in today's society which makes it much more interesting to watch.
The actors were so good, and I'm totally totally in love with Lee Won Geun and his smile. Every time he smiles, I just fell in love with him more. More than that, I find this drama interesting too because of the two of them. They were like cat and dog who always fights whenever they see each other, but eventually, they grew up, began to understand and emphatize with each other, and finally liking each other. ❤ Ji soo and the others were great actors too, especially Soobin. I like how she was portrayed as someone who is rude but deep inside she was really really scared.
The story was interesting as it did not only focus on Kim Yeol (LWG) and Yeondu (Eunji)'s romance. It focused on the school's corruption, parents who are too obsessed with grades, students who are depressed and have suicidal thoughts etc.
I'm sorry if I'm repeating myself here djnsjs anyways I'm totally going to rewatch this after some time. ?
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Story | Two clubs, one consisting of the lowest ranking students and the other with the highest ranking students, somehow find themselves having to work together as a cheerleading club. Even though the plot is circled around their cheerleading club, there is a lot of real life and school type scenarios that occur throughout the entire drama, so it's a nice mixture of fiction and reality. The story actually goes into some deep real life issues that I don't see addressed in Korean dramas (at least any of the ones I have so far watched). So to me, it was nice that this wasn't just some upbeat cheerleading romantic comedy type drama. Now, the whole story in general, to me, was pretty unrealistic so I was interested after the first episode. Plus, I always love me a good school drama.
Cast | I simply adore Eunji. I don't know what it is exactly but she has this charm that pulls you in the drama in the very first seconds. I love how she usually has a character that does have her soft side but she is usually a feisty one and can stand up for herself. Her and Lee Won Gun were a joy to watch together. He had an undeniable charm as well. His character was playful but extremely cunning and when mad, he showed emotion that seemed all too real. Ji Soo. My god. His character and acting was probably my favorite, which literally came out of left field. Was not expecting much from him in the beginning of this drama. I haven't watched him in anything else but best believe I will be on the lookout for his future projects. The rest of the cast was perfect. The other students, teachers, faculty, and parents fit each of their role nicely. Everyone just clicked in a way and it was sad knowing after the last episode that that was it.
Music | I finished this drama earlier this week and I honestly can't remember what music was really used in this drama. Nothing really memorable for me I guess, but nothing to complain about either. I just remember enjoying insert instrumental music.
Rewatch | High possibility. I really enjoyed watching Eunji, Woo Gun and Ji Soo, so I'll of course have to come back and rewatch.
Overall | As much as I praised this drama, I did have some issues and can't give it a full score. For 12 episodes, the drama moved nicely, connections were formed in a nice timely matter that I was content with, and the flow for everything was actually pretty good for a short Korean drama. I just have issues with how the writers cleaned up big situations. I was hoping for the progress of one character to go a certain way by a certain time or episode, and when it didn't I was somewhat annoyed at it taking so long. And I was pretty disappointed in the resolve of it all, well, most of it anyways. That was my only issue though. All in all, it was a nice drama to finish. It's short, the cast it great, and the story moves along very nicely. A drama I'd recommend to anyone who asks! ~
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inspiring youth drama that brings joy to your life
This drama has been my all time favourite kdrama ever since it aired and i'm only writing this review now after rewatching because its been a few years since i watched it again.This short 12 episode drama that should've been 16 episodes in the first place contains every emotions and hardships that students will face. Despite the hardships these characters faced, the drama was skillful in bringing out its message of how one's words and actions can literally change the life of others and the importance of friendship. It brings a light of hope in this cruel world. Most youth dramas only focusses on the bullying or the love line but this drama is different in the way that it not only has these two themes (and is well-executed), it strongly emphasised on passion and friendships which makes me extremely happy whenever I watch this drama. Sure there were scenes when I cried when I sympathised with the "villian", but the comfort the other characters gave to the one in pain touched me more.
This drama is easy too watch in the way that it is super light hearted and a short 12 episode drama to binge-watch. 100% highly recommended to watch. The reason I only rewatched this drama after 5 years despite it being my fav kdrama all-time was because the post-drama depression was so strong that I didn't dare to part with it again because no other drama makes me feel this happy and I know it would be some time before I find a gem like this again.
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The story line was quite simple - a girl who loved dancing and is trying to live her life in a school with high standards but meets a lot of trials along the way. The plot is not really my cup of tea, but knowing that Jung Eun Ji is the main actress, I decided to watch it despite the bland summary. When I watched the pilot episode, it still wasn't enough to make me excited about the following episodes so I've put the drama on my least of priority to watch however after the 3rd and 4th episodes, the drama started to pick up its phase and finally became interesting for me. Then when the love triangle was finally revealed through the later part of the drama, I was wrenched into a second lead syndrome again. Arrrgh! *slaps face to go back to reality* I knew what I was setting myself up to a complete heart break again... or so I thought. The drama's ending was really constructed well and it left no room for any loop holes to think about. Even the love triangle was resolved in a simple yet satisfying way. It was heartfelt with a breath of fresh air compared to those high school themed melodramas I've been watching lately.
What makes this drama endearing for me is how the story did not focus on the dancing and cheering side going to the ultimate goal of participating in the Cheering Squad for specs purposes but instead, they focused on the characters themselves. The story revolved on the conflicts with family, school, friends and even romantic aspect in life. A plus factor that made this drama appealing was how they dealt into the issue of teenage suicide. It may be rampant in Asian countries these days as most of the culture is about persevering and keeping problems to themselves until they actually break and decide to end their lives. This drama shows the importance of having support systems like family, friends or even teachers being around to help suicidal kids deal with their inner turmoil.
My favorite character would be Kang Yeon Doo, despite being aggravated by Kwon Soo Ah, I can't really fathom how much she could still be nice and forgiving. Although it's not realistic anymore in this day and age, it made me trace myself back to my own goodness. It made me wonder how far I would go to tolerate such b*tchiness from anyone. If it was me, I might have walked out that door or would have probably cared less whatever happens to my nemesis. But that's part of the spark of this whole drama... Yeon Doo keeps everyone together including the boys she's very much close with. Another character I love is Seo Ha Joon, acted by Ji Soo. I love watching him interact with the main lead and how they had that great chemistry together. This is my first time seeing him in a drama and he totally gives me that whole Woo Bin aura while he was with Park Shin Hye in "Heirs". Ji Soo had that same feels around him and I think this guy may have a great potential as an actor. I really wish he can chose his roles wisely in the near future. I would like to insert Kim Yeol portrayed by Lee Won Gun, he may be cute and kissable but man, his chemistry with Eun Ji is sub par to Ji Soo's.
Oh let's not forget the other side characters that I am much in favor of:
Teacher Yang Tae Beom played by Kim Ji Suk, it amazes me how much a teacher roles suits him well. It's nice to watch him again in the same role after seeing him in School 2015. Then there's the coach acted by Lee Mi Do, notably she looked like Sandra Oh. I loved Sandra Oh in Grey's Anatomy, so seeing her look alike here in this drama brings nostalgia, but Mi Do is great in her acting. I loved her strong character and the way she prances around to cover for the students and fights her way so as not to be bullied by other teachers. Then lastly, there's Yeon Doo's mom played by Kim Yeo Jin, I personally think this woman is lovely. I've seen her in several dramas and enjoy looking at her. I think her beauty is one that will not easily fade as she ages.
Music wise, it wasn't something that was able to stick with me but I enjoyed listening to it while the characters were in their own moments.
Overall I would recommend this series to people who are in the mood to watch a high school drama about friendship, first love and a feel good after taste full of drama goodness.
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Well, it's a very sweet and tender drama about different types of people becoming friends,
and who doesn't love that?
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CAST- Both the main leads were too cute. They really complimented each other well. Their sweet romance is something to watch if your favourite genre is romance. Not only them but also the chemistry between the girl and the second lead is something to watch in this drama. This is a drama where you'll have the second lead syndrome but at the same time you also want the main leads to be together. All other characters were good.
This drama will make you laugh but at the same time make you cry. I won't say it's the best kdramas I have watched but maybe one of the best school dramas. If you are debating on whether to watch or not then plz don't and do watch it. It's really worth the time.
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This review may contain spoilers
I love this drama. Even though there are only 12 episodes, a lot does happen throughout the whole drama. In the beginning, it becomes a shocker from one of the characters for those who are watching this drama. As time develops, love, betrayal, forgiveness, and true friendships do happen. One of the main actresses, Jung Eun Ji, takes action whenever something is wrong and unfair. She becomes an example to other students surrounding her; many start to want to take action instead of keeping quiet. Many start to think grades and ranking are no longer the most important anymore. This drama really depicts the hardships that the main characters are going through, whether it's the pressure from parents, friends, expectations, or society.Overall, this drama led me with different emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger, and so much more. I am touched by some of the scenes in the drama as well. Either way, this drama really helps me with forgiveness,. No matter what one person does to someone else, revenge is not always the best solution (I am not saying that I take revenge every time somebody else does something bad to me). Being able to forgive someone who has done so much wrong to others is a huge act.
Kudos to the writer who wrote this drama. :)
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