This review may contain spoilers
Many will like this metaphysical romance. Others may think: "Save yourself".
Just a note on the expected happy ending:Despite sentimental music, the ending seems rather cold to me. Do they love each other at all? FL seems distant, downright cold. She rejects his closeness, doesn't want to marry anymore, doesn't want to live with him, or spend the night together.
Is this how one behaves when the beloved man, who has unexpectedly escaped eternity, returns to one? These are questions that should not be asked about a romance of desperate writers. What is worth.
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A mediocre drama
Doom at your service is one of the most hyped drama in recent times, and i am also one of them who created the hype. Honestly speaking this drama was appealing to me in first few episodes because of the star studded cast and the dramatic suspense created around the main leads, but started to disappoint me after 4th episode. This is nowhere near my expectations and the story is too predictable.First of all, the acting is up to the mark!! I can't say it was mind blowing but they were able to indulge me into the story to some extent. I didn't feel anyone's acting exaggerating and good that most of the actors were chosen based on their potential. The only two characters i couldn't connect to were Deity and Kevin.. I felt it was unnecessary to add those extra converastions between kevin and main leads. It was meant to be an emotional thing but turned out to be a joke for me as i kept finding loopholes in those scenes.
The deity girl failed to impress me from the start. Since it is an imporatant role it would have been better if someone mature had played that role. This character was too childish and annoying to watch. There is room for improvement in her acting as i only noticed two expressions: plain (mostly) and the smiling one on her face. Also it felt like she was experimenting with the main leads story just to see how it turns and then in the end taking credits by saying that she knew everything.. she says whatever according to the situation which contrasts her previous words. To say bluntly she is the only character because of whom the story messed up like crazy, and I still couldn't understand the reason behind some of her dialogues and actions ughh!!
The visuals of the main leads and second leads are mesmerizing. I was swayed away by Myul mang's smirk and Cha joo ik's voice. I have to say that i've completed this drama without dropping for the second leads. They have a better storyline and chemistry than the main leads. I'm satisfied about how their story moved forward and the love/dating scenes were not rushed unlike the main leads. Unexpectedly Cha joo ik became the show stealer for me <3
These type of fantasy genre dramas always has something nonsensical and those logics may not be the best fit for the story. But to me there has to be atleast a strong plot to ignore such unsound reasons and this drama lacks such plot. Second half was totally screwed up and the drama barely survived because of the second leads. The ending was to me was a mix of two other fantasy dramas i've watched. I was expecting a happy ending from the first episode and it exactly ended how i thought it would after watching 2nd episode..how disappointing!!
Overall to conclude in a sentence it is an average and predictable drama which has everything but story!!
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I'm not talking about each character separately because I don't think this is necessary. And this is the first thing that I have to complain about. I wasn't interested in the second plot between the love triangle at all. I really was hoping that Na Ji Na ends up by herself because either Lee Hyun Gyu or Cha Joo Ik was just tasteless and even pathetic for me. I'm sorry for the ones that love this plot, but I really skipped most part of the dialogues because I just couldn't stand it. Joo Ik wasn't a childlike Hyun Gyu, but he also wasn't so amazing. The lines were confusing and sometimes just boring. Sadly I don't was captivated by these guys, and I said sadly because they occupied a big part of the episodes, mostly the last ones.
So what captivated me? Dong Kyung and Sa Ram. The chemistry between Park Bo Young and Seo In Guk was amazing and was the main reason for me to finish this drama. So why am I frustrated? Because I know that this story could be a lot better. When you start a drama with a sad premise you only have two options: or you follow the sadness and do it worse, or you surprise the audience with a big twist. My problem is that "Doom at your service" stuck in the middle of this. I see many people comparing this drama with "Goblin", but this is the perfect example of what I said. "Goblin" went to the edge of sadness and delivered an incredibly bittersweet ending, but here we had a bunch of things that weren't explained or were justified in a poorly way.
I know the hype is pretty high with this drama, and I was also pretty excited when I started, but if you watch a lot of dramas, mainly fantasy dramas, you will agree that something was lacking here. I wanted more "logic" in some explanations and more clarity. The dialogs were pretty deep (between the main couple and the main couple plus God), but the events didn't follow this deepness.
Sadly, I'll put this as a "good one" (★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★/2). It worthed watch the cuteness of the main couple and some parts of the plot, especially in the first episodes, but I'm with the feeling that this could be much more.
See you soon!
Mari.
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This review may contain spoilers
For the record, I'm American and most Americans I know take their shoes off at the door.
Only in a Kdrama would you ever hear a line like, "I'm sorry, for being handsome in the midst of everything." That's some first class comedy right there. How Kdrama male leads always make you want to slap them while you're right in the middle of liking them. Every time. You be like..."omg this little guy is such a misunderstood sweetheart I hope everything works out for him and...WTF YOU JUST SAID YO, IMA SLAP YOU UPSIDE THE HEAD HOLD MY BEER." You tears might be streaming down your face and suddenly now you're chuckling while crying and rolling your eyes with a cringed out groan. How they do that to a person?This drama, I'll be honest, it's not the best. It's a good light summer watch in the way that most light Kdramas are also full of immense tragedy and dark moral/social commentary. The story itself is pretty straightforward, there's not a lot to keep you guessing or really anything you have to think too hard about and it's packed full of Kdrama tropes. It's a decent prop for the romance, but it's pretty trite. The romance itself was a little awkward between the lead characters, sometimes you could feel the chemistry and sometimes not...but I think that's sort of the feeling they were going for.
The lead actress is always fun to watch in shows because she's so good with her emotional range and facial expressions and her massive eyes might as well come straight out of an anime. She's pretty much the cutest Kdrama actress out there. I also really like anything with Jeong Ji So (God program) in it, she's so good at dark roles. I can't wait to see her in The Cursed 2. In this role she did a great job with her alternative morality character, she dominated every scene she was in with her quiet intensity.
Definitely the most chemistry came from the side character love story with the writer chick and the pale vampire looking rich dude. Those two felt like instant chemistry to me and it was fun watching their story progress...although there were a few points when I wondered if vampire dude was actually into his male flatmate and wouldn't have been surprised if it had turned out that way. I should have known better though, homophobia still pretty big in Korea I think. The vampire dude (not actually a vampire in the story just sort of a gaunt pale dude) seems like he's got a really good handle on chemistry in general, I hope he ends up in more dramas because he's been great in the ones I've watched so far.
Overall, I don't regret watching it. I think the story was mishandled a little and could have been really epic, but the actors really saved this drama from total mediocrity with their passionate portrayals of their characters. I did feel bad for poor Kevin though, he sure did a good job intently staring at people when they were talking, like he was interested and listening, when they made it very clear his character could barely understand a word of Korean.
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The second half is boring
I really liked the fantasy beginning of this drama, but at certain point the main story almost stopped to develop and it got really boring for me. The secondary story was much more captivating and the chemistry between the three SL is much higher. I also loved the little brother, even if his character is useless, if you take it away it doesn't change anything.It was hard for me to get to the end, I thought about leaving it halfway through. I didn't because of the cast. The actors play their roles really well. Except for Seo In Guk. He was the reason I couldn't wait for this drama to start. Maybe because I had high expectations, he is the one who disappointed me the most. I found his Doom to be mono-expressive and unattractive.
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wayyyy too long
I was very interested in the synopsis and expected a lot about this so unique story. but I was disappointed because everything took too much time. the show could have ended at episode 12. the story makes so much unnecessary loops, they take ages to talk and figure things out, and for everyone in the story to take decisions last like forever. the 2 last episodes are soo annoying! it's like the writer doesn't like closures and keep pulling strings to avoid it.I can understand if you feel hooked by the synopsis and are curious to watch this story. but don't expect too much and be ready to wait a looong time before things are sorted out.
when to watch: if you can't help but begin this, watch it with talkative friends who will help time go faster.
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The most heartwarming Life Lessons during the Pandemic!
"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. "This quote by e. e. cummings, is the essence of this show. I loved of all of it from the very beginning! What an amazing story with beautiful and hopeful messages!
Life is hard. Sometimes, things don’t go as we have planned. It takes resilient to overcome Life’s problems.
“Doom At Your Service” is not your typical K-Drama. You need to pay attention to what is being said, why is being said and when.
I was enthralled by its well written script, by the usage of Literary Virtues. Im Meari knows her craft pretty well. She used figures of speech, allegories. As an International Fan I missed the Korean idioms, but I tried to find what was being said.
The overall outcome it was a reward. The PD-nim did an amazing job! Also the music production team gave us the best songs and musical themes, we could have asked for.
Thank you to Park Bo Young and Seo In Guk! They were great as Tak Dong Kyung and Myul Mang / Doom / Kim Sa Ram.
Also, thank you to all the other actors and actresses for giving flesh to those interesting characters!
Don’t be shun away from the negative reviews. Watch #DAYS and you won’t regret it!
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soulful and wholesome, an unconventional slice of life
while i understand the people that found the drama a bit boring as soon as the main couple got together, i think the drama shouldnt have been watched with the lense of it being another Goblin, or My Love From the Star. If anything, the fantasy-esque plot is at best a setting and a backdrop for its slice of life themes and writing. The plot was not about their great love that transcended time and space, noooooooo. It was about loss, and longing and taking one day at a time, looking at the smaller things in life, and loving every moment of being alive. That was, at least for me, the true essence and message of the drama. And for that i gave it a 10/10. They beautifully conveyed the message by the end of the last episode, left me emotional and in a mess of emotions i couldnt place. The cast, the acting is beautiful. The production is excellent, the music i am in love with (esp TXT's love sight, have that on repeat 24/7, oooof).Other than that, to anyone going in to the drama i suggest you go into it not with the mindset of a grand love story, but that of an ordinary one, one that heals, is wholesome and so healthy. Genuinely made me feel so nice, and I'd watch it a thousand times over (i may be a bit biased cuz of Seo InGuk's beautiful presence, but oh well).
I'd say its definitely a must watch, but not for everyone. To me it was beautiful though, and I loved every second of it.
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All show, no substance
PROS:> the cast and their acting (within the limited scope they had)
> the chemistry b/w the main characters
> the soundtrack
> the visuals, scenery, the mood
> Seo In Guk's hair
> the ending of each episode
> first four and last two episodes
> the beauty of the series, overall ( due to cinematography, OST and the good-looking cast, NOT the plot)
CONS:
> non-progressive, stagnated storyline
> anachronistic views: FL>poor, pitiful, damsel in distress; ML> handsome, mysterious, (white) knight; relationship > overly 'tragic'
> romance(s) stuck in a never-ending back-and-forth-loop
> lack of depth in plot
> lack of depth in characters
> one-dimensional side characters
> lack of explanation of 'main issue'
> confusing, hollow dialogues
> poorly-executed storyline for second leads
> too many outdated clichés
It is really sad, that this series turned out to be so flawed and – I'm sorry– so BORING, as the main idea of an ordinary girl falling in love with doom - not a goblin or some fox - was something fresh, unheard of, something like Romeo and Juliet, a relationship that should not be – promising and intriguing, except for..... the sloppy execution of that idea, the dialogues and pace.
Even though the chemistry is great between the leads, their relationship isn't. It seemed forced and sudden. It's further really hard to follow their conversation. It's basically Russian roulette with "falling in love" and "dying" as bullets. "Contract" being the trigger and indecisiveness being the force. Note, that my wording here is way more straightforward than the actual event. Also, they talk in a quite literary way, which doesn't help at all in getting the drift of their verbal exchange and emerging conflicts; you end up focusing rather on the visuals and the mood than the dialogues, what, however, is not even tragic, as soon another discussion breaks out, which makes the story come full circle - right back to the starting point. Every episode feels like a repetition of the previous one. Peak of the iceberg is the divine hospital girl, who confuses everyone including herself with her philosophical touch on everything and the plant she wants to grow...or not? She too, seems to suffer from indecisiveness. Surprisingly, same goes for the second leads. Doomed be determination.
And also in later parts of the story when you kind of manage to get the drift of what they are saying, the characters, be it the mains or sides, say the wrong and most stupidest things?! Like the opposite of what they want to say, putting blame on others or the circumstances or most commonly, talk past each other. Even the romantic lines kdramas are infamous for, were sort of misplaced and irritating here, like there is some dramatic scene and they are like "you shocked cause I'm so pretty?" Like what?! No! Really frustrating, makes you want to actually get on a plane, fly to Korea, seek the writer and make her take a class on how actual conversations look like.
Also, I admire Park Bo Young a lot, but I'm confused with her character, sometimes she seems reserved, quite and serious and then suddenly Do Bong-Soon appears and she is quirky, funny and flirty/sarcastic - it's a clash of Na Bong Soon and Do Bong Soon (oh my ghost - strong girl bong soon) — or Na bong soon who is possessed — I wished her character would be more consistent, I don't know, maybe I've seen to many shows with her to tell her characters apart.
The other characters aren't even worth to be talked about. Even though some of them get to shine in the last episode, they overall seem more like the first unfinished draft of an idea of a character than a real character, especially Myeol Mang, our 'doom', more like 'handsome-guy-who-is-just there-to-look-cool-and-hold-hands'.
This is a very slow-paced drama, which I did not mind in the beginning but as the story progressed the plot became too dragged with too many unnecessary back-and-forth-scenes; and although everything seemed drawn-out and repetitive and a lot of the screen time was invested in the relationship between the characters, their lengthy dialogues and that damn contract, it still feels like we've only scratched the surface of it all. There are still unanswered questions and plot holes left and even if some passionate viewers –if you've scrolled through the comment section –really try their best to come up with theories and explanations, it cannot hide the fact that this show lacks substance and is not as deep as it pretends to be.
The first three or four episodes and the final ones are nice, but cannot atone for the lacking depth and tedious narrative, this should have been a mini series of 10 to 12 episodes. It was only for PBY and SIG I could carry on with this show, would have honestly dropped it if they had cast other actors.
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This review may contain spoilers
BELOW EXPECTATION
With 8.6 overall score, I expect this drama is beyond good but surprisingly it went flat, boring, nonsensical, irrational, unbelievable, beat around the bushes. He's a doom, every action he takes cost doom in someone's life and she's a a working editor that just diagnosed with throat cancer who has only 3 months life expectancy. They strike a deal 100 days to let her live the way she wants it, they live together and fallen in love., she's dying but she don't feel ill or hurt besides the wonder of fallen in love, family and friendship. This isn't a passionate love affair, they said love to each other, watch out and care for each other but there isn't physical or emotional connection between them. Too much fake 'ahh'...'wow'...'hey'.. too much faking gasps, panting, the FL not great. Two older ladies keep discussing a 'ghost' doctor...that never appear twice in patient, question is why these 2 ladies always in the waiting room of that hospital? Korean aunt who married Canadian man Kevin but they both speak their own language respectively, as normal husband/wife - don't they usually speak one or the other language to reach communication effectiveness? 100 days being alive will take 16 episodes of unworthy drama...Was this review helpful to you?
This drama teaches about life!
At first I thought it is just like the common Korean dramas before, but as I continue watching it, I realized that the story is great, so many realizations about life. I think its all about love, sacrifices, life and death that's why the drama is more related in real life situations. "I can relate." I was deep and heartwarming. I LOVE IT!.Seo In Guk and Park Bo Young had a great and amazing chemistry. Its like they have a crush with each other in real life. Plus, their acting skills are really commendable. All casts were suited with their characters. Everything is perfect! I felt their passion in this drama specially the two main actors, Seo In Guk and Park Bo Young, They really work hard with this as I watched the behind the scenes on YouTube.
They More power with all the cast and everything!
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This review may contain spoilers
True meaning of life
Just gotta say this drama is by far one of the greatest storyline around. I just binged watched 11 episodes and wow wow wow. This is definitely a must watch drama on top of a great cast with amazing chemistry. It gave me a new look on life in the eyes of doom and god. It touches so many levels of emotions when your told you have cancer and 3months to live. Do you do nothing? Do you try surgery? Do you live the life you wanted with no regrets? Do you share your feelings and worries with family and friends or pretend to be strong? I wonder how Dong Kyung would have handled everything if she didn't yell for Doom? It really makes you think of life and how you are progressing good or bad. I loved the way he Myeol mang aka sa win handled all the bad seeds of humanity and makes them suffer the way they killed/hurt there victims. Especially the knife guy who tries to kill himself but doom won't let him die instead lets him hear the voices & screaming of his victims and there families. EP11-14 He was put in this world as the middle man taking care of the bad things to balance God's good things. He has been there thru God's reincarnation as she takes on the pain and suffering of those that ask, unfortunately she gets reborn in body that dies from a bad heart in her twentys. Sa win develops a carring side to him once he meets dong Kyung and slowly gets emotions he never had and the feeling of love for her. As there relationship grows and she finds out that w/wo surgery she dies she decides to live her life, but due to the contract she has to cause doom to the world or sacrifice someone she loves. Getting more stressed out about leaving Sa ram and her family behind she meets up with god and makes a deal to forget doom and so the contract is voided. All is good as she going thru with treatment, but she and doom keep running into each other as strangers. A mutual feeling pulls them back in again as they find the missing memories. So now in order to save Dong Kyung and everyone Doom will disappear as the one she loves. Going thru a ruff time missing Sa ram and hoping he'll appear again or return as someone else and find her. Now 3 months later and the tumor is almost completely gone and she is happy and smiling and has a get together dinner with the family. That night she has a dream that Sa ram returned and then disappeared again. Then the next day it started to rain as she was getting off the bus and God was there to thank her and tell her she got a new heart. So excited that she was alive and got to experenice life and take of her people. We next see Sa ram in the garden with God as she explains(metafore) how he evolved from a butterfly that dies, but feeds the plant's and it grows into the next life. She tells him that he made her happy as she was watching him grow into a happy/loving person he was to go back as a humanand find her. A few nites later God enters her dream and wishes them both happiness and stated this is where it begin with all her creations. The next day she's on the bus and it starts to rain when the bus hits the brakes and as she was falling a hand grabbed her. Upon lookin up to her surprise..Sa ram was smiling at her and she wasn't dreaming. There is so much more in this story as she was an editor for her best friend who was caught up in a love triangle with Joo ik, Hyun gyu (brothers)A must see never a boring minute.
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