IT's OK, but this should have been better
I think part of the problem with this series is it's based on a manwha that isn't very interesting, and the qualities of it that are were not brought to the series.The beginning of the series is largely taken up with a bullying plotline that isn't very pleasant to watch, made worse by the implication that the main character's foster brother has not done anything about this for 3 years. The manwha makes it clear that he didn't know about it, but that's not at all apparent in the series.
The othr problem is a general lack of chemistry between the leads, which I think is largely due to the directing and editing.. The seme is quite cold, which is fine, but he's never really allowed to warm up - he goes from avoiding the main character to obsessing over him. Also, the casting is a bit off. The guy playing Haebom is totally beautiful and has an obviously athletic build, and he also has a much more formidable presence than the guy playing Taesung, so the dynamic is never really beliveable.
The story builds up some dramatic tensions that are more or less handwaved away, so once the boys are togther there's really nothing left to say, yet the series continues, leading to an underwhelming finale.
As is typical in a Korean BL, there's an almost total lack of physical affection between the leads - even when they're in bed together they aren't really cuddling and they're wearing heavy layers, like a hoodie sweatshirt. Honestly, they just feel like brothers or friends.
Ok Jin Uk us engaging as Haebom and nice to look at, and there are some sweet moments in this. It's isn't bad by any means, but it's eminently forgettable.
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Could have been better
I haven't gotten around to reading the Manhwa but I've heard many good comments about it and how the story is very well written. So I thought the drama might be a good, quick watch to do with my busy schedule.The drama had a tough time keeping my attention. There just wasn't anything really grabbing or very interesting that would grant me to keep my attention on the show. The audio editing to me seems a bit too loud, kinda distracting, and jumpy. This is mostly just me since I'm in an Animation & Digital production program but there's a slight editing mistake. In episode 3 about 3 minutes in one of the bullies go to erase something off of the board and it a section gets erased without him actually getting to that part and almost seems too clean.
The story feels like there's missing information and just some plot in general. That there are things that should be known about the characters but the information isn't entirely there or even can be there with the episodes available for the story. The story would have been better if there was just more time for a better plot.
Also, the story gives me the vibe of what kinda seems to be like speedrunning happening with it all. As if you would do if you were playing a dating sim on a second run for different dialogue options to see if there is a different ending you can get.
As I've seen in other comments, it seems like this drama has the trouble like many other BL dramas suffers with. That being low budget. It also kind of feels like they have made the drama just for the sake of making it and getting the fans who absolutely adored the manhwa hyped over it. Made the drama quickly and then They could have made the show way better than it is, even with the low budget. There are plenty of other shows that I've seen that are low budget that are still really good.
There also seems to be a lack of chemistry between the leads, and stiff with awkward exchanges between them. It feels like their relationship is kinda rushed, which just adds to my speedrun vibes mentioned earlier. The dialogue sometimes doesn't seem genuine to me as well. It can be seen though that they are trying with what they were given, but it also kinda seems like they are lacking in a way? It could mostly be because of how the drama and they were directed. They also seem like they are inexperienced with having BL roles based on what's available on MDL. Making this series probably their first time in such roles. which could be tough or possibly uncomfortable since it's out of what they are used to being cast as.
So, All wrapped up,
It was a nice little try at the drama. It seems like something someone in school would make or would make for one of those "make in an X amount of time" events. Please no speedrunning, it needs more story/plot and not to be so rushed. The soundtrack probably needs to be less distracting and choppy. Also absolutely nothing against the actors, Maybe pick actors who are more comfortable with being cast or more experienced with BL? It could make things seem a little less awkward. Im only saying that because they seemed awkward and stiff during the drama at times.
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We’ve been reading this kind of synopsis in another (maybe 10-ish) of BL series, but still they’re trying to made this series. And stupidly I did watch this show lol
One reason that I didn’t drop this series is because I like Hae Bom’s character. I even love his development. Like a lot! If we compared with Tae Sung, he attracted me more with his charm and performance.
I knew they would put some silly girl in the middle, but I didn’t expect that kind of annoying person. I skipped a lot on that episode. ?
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Cute and fluffy
I was waiting for the series to end so I can binge watch it. I saw many clips of the series and just really loved how they were so cute and fluffy.I would have just loved it if they had more story,/script, as many times the pace seems too fast with no proper story. It seemed as if they had enough story but they didn't cover it properly.
The High School to college life was too quick.
Their background seemed a bit dicey, It was as if even though they were living in the same house, they haven't met each other in ages.
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This review may contain spoilers
Short and Sweet
I placed any potential spoilers at the end of this review.I’m usually not a fan of the step-brother storyline, but this one was a feel good and sweet one. The cinematography was also very beautiful. I also thought the acting was very good. My only criticism is the beginning is a little weird for me. See the spoiler alert at the bottom if you want more info.
******Potential Spoiler Alert******
For some reason they had the two main characters act like they were strangers when they supposedly were raised together. However, this is only a miner detail. The series does get better after the first two episodes.
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This review may contain spoilers
It's Okay, but Not Great
I really like Korean BLs, and BLs in general. However, I just wasn't into this one. It could have been a lot more interesting if the story wasn'tso rushed. Some dramas work with only a couple 30 minute episodes, but this one doesn't. It needed more, but they didn't give it what it needed. The cast and the acting was good. That's my favorite part about this drama. OH, and the intro song is so good. Anyways, I'm not good at writing reviews, but I hope this makes sense. I didn't love this drama, but i didn’t hate it. I'm right in between. I would say rewatching this isn't a bad idea if you like cute scenes, with a rushed storyline. Besides that, i wouldn't rewatch it.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Cherry Blossoms After Winter my two favorite boys ??
Cherry Blossom After Winter is my Favorite, and when they announced they were making it into a live version I was so happy. They First 2 episode are amazing and they are going exactly like the story. To be honest I don’t really remember a lot from the beginning, because it was so long ago but watching this + when the story ended last week. All this makes me want to go back and read it all over again ❤️. They casted Haebom so perfectly it’s the most adorable thing ever. They also casted Taesung perfectly too, the way you can see that he cares for Haebom already even tho he doesn’t look like it.Final review:
This whole drama really went along with the manhaw and I’m really happy about that ❤️ I would definitely watch this again when I need my boys back but for now I’m going to reread the manhaw all over again for the 100th time ? if you haven’t read the manhaw GO READ IT NOW!
Spoilers for episode episode:
Ep1:
The first I episode it the one that suppose to attract people. For me who has been a fan of Cherry Blossom After Winter since the very beginning, was pleased with the first episode. Haebom is literally the cutest thing ever ❤️❤️
Ep2:
This episode was just how the manga is, Haebom is of course getting bullied and taesung comes to the rescue. It’s Haebom birthday and taesung get a cake for him ? the cutest thing ever. Even tho taesung doesn’t like sweets he still eats the cake with him because Taesung was to become closer to him? this episode really portrayed the manga really well especially when Taesung fought because Haebom was crying. Then the best scene happened the cream bread scene ?? THE BEST PART OF THE EPISODE!!! Oh and let’s not forget when they tell other that we are friends one step closer ❤️
Ep3:
The first half of the episode was in the manga but when it got to the camping part, that’s not in the manga. Those camping scene were good and I liked how they added it in especially taesung talking about his feeling for Haebom to his best friend. That added a nice little twist. All I all it was a nice little episode. Can’t wait for next week. WAITING ONE WEEK IS DEFINITELY A CRIME ?????
Ep4:
THE DRUNK KISS!!!!! That’s all I have to say about that episode. ???????????
Ep5:
This episode right here, Jo Taesung finally confessed to Haebom. Of course Haebom rejected him not because he doesn’t like him but because he is scared Taesungs mom will reject him ?. The episode went according to the manhaw and it was so emotional and beautiful. Haebom finally thousands for himself and accepted taesungs confession ? episode 5 just ended the same way season 1 ended in the manhwa. So episode 6 will be the start of season 2 college life here we go!
Ep6:
They now have entered college and are living together on their own. Cute fluffy scene . Ep 6 overall was good my favorite scene was when taesung was blow drying heabom hair such a cute scene.
Ep7:
Taesungs mom found out and it just like in the manhaw she confronts taesung about it. This episode show everything like the manhaw. This episode you can see that Haebom is Taesungs safe place ?❤️
Ep8 Final:
The final episode is here ? I’m really sod to see it end but we all know why it can’t be any longer ?. Haebom founds out why Taesung has been acting weird. Heabom finally steps up to protect Taesung so cute ?? this episode had its emotions and it was amazing. Their happy ever after and Haebom proposing to Taesung was the best ending.
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CUTE!!!!!!
I love taehung and hae bom (i think that their name?) they are sooooo cute, the way they both pout their lips especially Taehung(i think that his name) when he's asking for affection ?he's too cute and i LOVE the theme song so much... OMG! And their cute sweet momentsI actually don't really watch Korea bl that much, because it not actually easy for me to find which one is very interesting since after To my star which i loved but Korea bl drama has actually evolve from semantic error to this????i can gladly recommend CHERRY ? BLOSSOM AFTER WINTER to anyone.. I can definitely rewatch their sweet moments again??
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Non spoiler review
The acting and chemistry of the leads is good. The story line is new and refreshing. Cinematography of the series is very attractive and appealing. This is a really thought out series and it's showing. Korean BLs have a tendency to have very little duration per episodes and a rush of story without making much sense. But this one in particular don't have the same problem as each episode is 25+ minutes long and I like how it's progressing. This is a must watch korean BL in 2022.The acting and chemistry of the leads is good. The story line is new and refreshing. Cinematography of the series is very attractive and appealing. This is a really thought out series and it's showing. Korean BLs have a tendency to have very little duration per episodes and a rush of story without making much sense. But this one in particular don't have the same problem as each episode is 25+ minutes long and I like how it's progressing. This is a must watch korean BL in 2022.
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Gentle, Tender True Love
The sweet, gentle, tender, and endearing story of a love between two beautiful souls is brilliant. The pureness and touching love story between Hae Bom (Ok Jin Uk) and Tae Sung (Kang Hui) is beautifully portrayed by two of my all-time favorite South Korean stars. They navigate honorably thru the usual gay relationship problems, like parental (relative) unacceptance and close-mindedness. This doesn't deter what anyone watching the series can plainly see is a sweet, pure, "true love" which truly touched my heart. Their professionalism in their acting and the aesthetic visuals are so well done. They succeed in bringing such heart-felt characters, story, and troupe excellence to the series. The character and story growth and development seem appropriate, well-paced and amazingly done. It makes one wish to be so lucky as to find such a powerful endearing, loving relationship. The leads are very handsome, cute, and loving. This series is one of my favorite South Korean BLs of all time.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
From Exciting to Boring
I was excited since I'd heard about this Korean bl series, especially at the visual of the bl couple. As expected Korea is really good at the bullying thing, I really commend the actors in that scene, especially the bully guy.The Chemistry is not that strong but they still manage to create cute scenes. Taesung is a typical Korean male character, his tall, and handsome and he has this vibe of being a good male lead. So far they've done a great job and they both excel in acting.
As you can see I have a low rating, actually, the story and plotline for me are not realistic and that makes the series from exciting to boring. The storyline is something like other people's dreams, I don't see the reality of it. and also the flow of scenes makes it more boring, haven't read the novel of it but I feel like the scriptwriter of this series did not choose the correct pattern or flow of each scene to make it more interesting. Just like how fast the love line was created, where taesung admitted that he liked haebom. Things happen so fast.
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Beautiful non toxic story to warm your heart
The casting is on point and the height difference between the two leads is really cute. This drama goes through a range of moments, the bullying scenes are done very well and really make you feel for Seo Hae Bom as he goes through alot at the beginning. Its lovely to see the progression and how the romance develops. It is natural and the kissing scenes, although there are not many, are wonderful.South Korean dramas have really come a long way in terms of BL. They have matured and taken the next step into becoming one of the best places to find BL dramas that are quality and deliver realism and a beautiful romance that BL lovers crave.
The dynamic between the two leads was lovely and even made me cry when Jo Tae Seong protected Hae bom from the bully. Seeing Hae bom cry was heartbreaking as the actor did an amazing job at showing his emotions for the character. The story could have been deeper and more developed but what we have is still lovely and heartwarming. They do not have too many struggles as a couple that are shown which could have been improved on. The music was also nice but could have been better and more memorable. Overall, you should defiantly give this BL a watch.
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