The queerbaiting issue aside, I'm conflicted
Was the show enjoyable? sure, until a certain point. However, the last episodes were way too rushed and too many things were going on, as if the writers tried to wrap up every single plot line they presented throughout the series, but the end result is bad and almost unwatchable. The ending itself is just completely ridiculous. I won't add spoilers, I'll just say I almost immediately snorted with contempt when I watched it.And then there is the queerbaiting issue. While realistically a gay couple would never live happily ever after in the Joseon era, the show is full of events and characters that just wouldn't happen at that age. So anachronism definitely wasn't the issue. Why did the writers halfway through the show decided to take a step back and turn the romance into a bromance? Who knows. I just hoped queerbaiting was a thing of the past. I guess I was wrong.
The acting itself was decent, again, considering the unbelievable plot line.
The music was annoying, but I guess that's a personal thing.
Wouldn't watch again, 6/10.
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I was thinking to give it 4.5, but for the actors and the ost, i added few points.Too many side plots and unrealistic things happening. Started out comedic but then become a makjang-like story; the amnesia, hidden identity.
Other than the crossdressing part and the funny squad i don't think there's anything else interesting.
Tbh most of the time i don't know what is was watching.
This would've been an okay drama if they just stick to one thing. But they kept adding side plots making the whole thing all over the place.
Also, I was expecting bl but they end it with bromance? Even the side characters had better love story.
It wasn't that bad, but if you had time just watch something else
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Disappointing historical BL
What you can expect from Spring of Crush is basically Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding, but with an expanded backstory + sideplots. I appreciate the effort into a wider backstory and plot involving other characters beyond the main couple, but it proved to be deeply uninteresting and hard to follow at some points.There is a certain charm in arranged marriages and how 2 people can gradually come to love each other – a point that Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding made – but Spring of Crush’s characters just didn’t feel likeable or compelling enough. Frankly, I only got through most of the episodes by fast forwarding scenes whenever I got bored.
Geumsong was largely a bland character who didn’t have much personality, let alone memorable qualities. Hyeseong, while playful and feisty, came off as rather flaky (understandably so, since she’s fully aware of the nature of this sham marriage) and arrogant.
Similar to Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding, there’s a love triangle going on, but that plot is miserably weak as well, and takes a weird turn towards the end.
I don’t know about you, but I would love to see a BL involving 2 men, preferably martial artists, falling in love with each other. Please. No more of that wife-disguise bullsh*t, or portrayals of domestic life between a husband and ‘wife’ (who is really just a man pretending to be a woman).
Would I recommend you watch this? No, not at all.
Full review: https://asianblreviews.wordpress.com/2022/07/08/spring-of-crush-2022-review-bl/
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an extremely uneven historical bromance, soap opera, fake identity, hidden secrets, cross dressing
from WATCHA (Light On Me) historical web drama starring idol Youngjae of B.A.P. Adaptation is based on the webtoon Spring of Crush by Noh Myung Hee. Plot: Hye Seong lives disguised as a woman because he seeks to flee the country, until one day a Geum Seong discovers his secret and falls in love with him.It started out very Korean historical comedy, much more so than the historical KBLs we’ve had so far (Tinted with You, Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding). It is, unfortunately, also largely over acted, there is a lot of scenery chewing going on. The cross dressing is definitely played for laughs and there is a Cindefella elemen. Bad wig warning. There’s a lot of voice over thoughts, people explaining what is going on to the viewer (we KNOW), and also talking to themselves as exposition. None of this is good. It’s a big cast and high production values for such a crappy script: quite the soap opera, everything but identical twins was trotted out: amnesia, secret identity, lost noble heritage.
This story reminds me a little of those girl disguised as a boy host club shows we got from Japan for a while – same kind of comedy that is a little beyond my ken. At ep 7 it finally got good as the boys developed a genuine friendship. The snake thing was odd though. To be fair there’s a lot of odd in the show.
“Knives and money are gender neutral.” is my ne fav quote.
It had a largely suitably tragic ending (including an Untamed call back) for all the bad characters and some of the good ones. Of course I liked the psychopath second lead best - apparently my second lead syndrome extends to COMPLETELY INSANE.
In the end, this drama was all over the place with uneven acting, narrative, and focus (sometimes it wanted to be a slapstick comedy, sometimes a depressing drama) which meant no one, actors or viewers, took anyone or anything seriously.... AND it’s a bromance. I was left wondering is SalHyung is now code for “they were roommates” in Kdrama historicals but otherwise largely apathetic and unimpressed. Korea, we now know you can do better. Watch Tinted With You or Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding instead: 3/10 not recommended, I don’t know what I’m watching, and neither does it.
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WHAT IS THE ENDING OST? I atleast love the songs
I am a bit disappointed about the ending. I am expecting atleast they will live together or anything like that. Could anyone please let me know the name of the song in the last episode?By the way, yjaybaby is so cute. I still love him.
And at some point I was rooting for the young master... hahahaha.
I cannot deny that the acting is quite good but the plot and ending is a mess. I hate the writers/ whoever made the ending!!!............................................
I hope they will made another BL which involves a love story and not just a mere bromance. The characters actually showed at least a bit of emotions but they were boxed on a bad plot. So sad. My BL heart is so sad right now.
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A waste of time
I'll get to the point. There is no BL not even bromance in this. They just added that to make it justifiable to watch. When in fact there was none. I feel sorry for the actors for having been involved in this kind of thing. They were great, the choice of music for me was also great. The production was also great, the costumes the settings and all. But the storyline was too bland and was all filled with so much queerbaiting. Watching this was a waste of time.It doesn't represent anything nor does this series are able to portray anything. Its like watching stick figures with no substance at all. I'd rather watch a silent movie than survive having this for an hour.
Given the rich culture of south korea. Producers as well as the directors could have made a great outcome from making BLs. However, it seemed like they are still not open to this kind of topic (understandable though its 2022) and would rather see profit more than the reality of the LGBTQIA++ community.
Of all the BL dramas that I've watched, this tops the worst. In contrast, the only korean produced bl movie that made impact to me was "Night flight" there may be no happy ending to it. But at least it was real.
Whatever.
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DON'T BELIEVE THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS BLINDLY, DO WATCH IT!
So this was my 71st BL series. Yes! I've watched 71 BL series so far. Initially, I was sceptical about watching this bcz of the immense negative reviews it got. But now, since I am almost done with my watchlist, m going with random BLs. I loveeee historical/ period and costume dramas. More so, if it's BL, bcz it's intriguing. But honestly, so far, other than "Tinted with your love" which was more like a fantasy drama, rest all the historical BL Dramas makes the BL story look like bromance or soul-mates. So anyways, I liked the storyline in spring of crush. Ppl say it was all over the place, but it wasn't. Honestly we cannot expect a very happy ending with the BL couple togather ever after kinda plot in historical genre. So, it ended with a soul-mate kinda vibe. It wasn't bromance. They clearly loved each other as more than friends/brothers. But, during those times, they cannot expect anything more from such feelings can they? It was light hearted and cute. I loved the actors. Initially I really sympathized with the second lead actor bcz he loved him since childhood and protected him. And he was also bold enough to express that he loved a man. But that led to tragedy. And later on I realised that he was dangerously obsessed with him rather than being in love. So, he lost my favour. Even so, I liked him...I liked all of them. Watch it for fun. Don't take it too seriously.Was this review helpful to you?
Starts slow then awesome
I’ll edit this review once I complete the entire series. I just want to share something to those ?reading? a review to decide if they’ll watch this or not.Granted it starts pretty slow and doesn’t grab your attention right away but by episode 5 you’ll be anticipating the next episode.
The story is far fetch but artistically entertaining. Most cast were pretty good with their acting and convincing.
I’m on episode 8 and the attachment between the leads is just starting so don’t expect any amazing fireworks right away. Story is being told in a slow manner and I didn’t mind it on this series.
The period costumes used is also interesting.
So far, by episode 8, it’s showed clearly that attachment even not bonded by label, is blind of gender distinction.
I can’t wait to watch all episodes. By episode 8 it’s still not clear how the relationship will progress. It’s one of those drama series that’s unpredictable
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Deserves a higher review rate
I don't leave reviews every often, and you can see why by this slapdash review.I'm not sure why this title is getting such low scores. Did I want it to be a BL? Sure I did. I don't think it was too rushed like other reviewers have said. I enjoyed the bromance between the main characters. It was cute. And if you couldn't tell the Young Master was crazy from the get go well,..that's on you. I enjoyed it. Will I watch it again? Most likely not. And it's not because of the quality of this series, but because My to be watched list is way too long, and it's very very rare that I rewatch a series or movie.
So overall I think this series is underrated, enjoyable, and not as bad as others have reviewed it.
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Middle Aged Puerto Rican Lady's Review: Such a sweet experiance
Before i start i just want to say when i watch a movie that is fiction i don't care about historical accuracy. If they aren't using the correct language of the time or even if the costumes don't match the era. Why not? Because when i choose to watch a series, movie, or even read a book i don't need it to be realistic to the 10th degree. It true some shows go off the rails but i classify those as fantasy and the same rules still apply. So here is my review. A review from the middle aged Puertorican lady :) I was warned in My Drama List it said Bromance and not a BL. I really enjoyed everything about the series, the acting scenery, costumes and story line. I am not sure what the hesitation was on making this a full blown BL. They could have at least given us 1 kiss. But alas we were denied. In my heart of hearts i hope they give us an opportunity for alternative ending or a season 2. However, i know that is not realistic. The 3 leads were absolutely gorgeous and their acting on point. Even the child actors that portrayed Choi and the young master were great. I really liked the mechanics of the series as well. It was done very well. The directing was spot on. The script was simple yet beautiful. I enjoyed every episode. Nothing was rushed. I give it a 2 thumbs up.Was this review helpful to you?
Obsession
I don't understand why the drama was made. What was the purpose of creating such a storyline? It revolves around three boys, with the beginning showing one fleeing from a place where he grew up due to rumors about his master's sexual preferences. The master, another boy, becomes obsessed with him and refuses to let him go. Seeking refuge, the boy disguises himself as a woman and begins living with the third boy as his wife. However, as time passes, secrets unravel. The ending was unsatisfactory; it should have been as impactful as "The Untamed" drama's conclusion.Only like acting of all three boys .
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To be honest this is not s bl.
Actually I have to admit somethings1.The serie was enjoyable to some extent.
2.Story was not bad.
3.Casting was great.
Now the things I do not liked.
1.Sulbyul's character was so complicated and it didn't grow.
2.Even though he spent a lot of time with geum but he didn't fell in love.
3.He was only guilty that he lied.
4.He didn't show his feelings.
5.Geum fell in love with Sulbyul.That was obvious but he didn't confess it.
6.Young master was a pathetic person.If he truly loved Sulbyul then he shouldn't do bad things to him.
He shouldn't have married even if he was forced because he had nothing to lose except for the nobleness and wealth.
7.While he was about to die he said sorry for everything like WTF dude.
8.For me a BL is a story in which boys fell in love with one another.But in this story only requisited love was shown.So it is not a BL.
9.WTF was last episode like they rushed so much.Ending was also not good Geum hugged Sulbyul but not kissed like they said that charm was for friendship.I literally hated the ending.
The only thing that I liked in this story was Sulbyul's sister.The character was a strong and impressive.She was a mastermind.I hated they killed her.
In my opinion people should not create a bullsh*t in the name of BL.
I rated this story as a normal drama but if I were to give it on the basis of BL then it deserves not more than 4.Only because they showed requisited love between boys.
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