BlackPanther
1.) Very unusual plot (Except the plot here is a lot better and unique as compared to Strong Woman)
2.) Solid cast chemistry
3.) Laugh-generating show
4.) No real plot twist (So the rewatch value does not suffer)
5.) Feel-Good-Turned-Tear-Jerking-RomCom
Strong Woman gained so much attention and love from both Korea and internationally, so I was wondering why this show wasn't well received in Korea (cause it is adored by many internationally). I honestly thought that Yo Seung ho - Chae Soo Bin would look bad, and never had I been more wrong. Their chemistry was so good that I actually want them to date in real life now.
A lot could have been still improved in this drama, mainly the OST and the plot. But overall, it's a show that has been greatly underappreciated by many
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As someone who has read the original novel and even watched an american movie adaptation, I can say this drama did bad in terms of capturing the whole essence of the story. I believed it focused on the wrong stuff, and downplayed a loooooot of elements. Would've wanted for at least 5 characters dying in the drama (a lot more in the original) just so those alive would feel the burden of their choices. But this story looked like a half-baked effort of modern day, young adult adaptation
Story
This is the first kdrama ever that I liked the latter parts of the story more than the start. Even some of my favorite dramas, W and Pinnochio, have fallen victim to having a blazing start but kind of fizzled as the story is about to end. After the first 4 episodes, I contemplated about stopping this drama just because the plot driver looked really bleak, and stupid for me. It's nowhere near the original plot of the original story annnnnd even if I didnt compare it to the original, it sounded stupid. You'd start a bet to take revenge on your friend's ex by seducing his first love? Wtf no one goes to that extent irl.
Anyway, I decided to stick through with the story just because I'm familiar with the original french novel and while it's a bad adaptation, I still wanted to have a sense of closure. We can all foresee the story from the start; we already knew the secrets will eventually blow on their faces as the story progressed but Surprisingly enough, I actually felt emotions. I felt surprised about finding out who Soo Ji's mom's secret lover is, felt anger upon knowing that Soo Ji's mom was responsible for the car accident, felt bittersweet for Tae Hee's Dad for doing all for the one he loves, yet getting so little in return, and sadness, frustration, and despair when Tae Hee finally talked to ShinHwan about what the fuck he did with her. My favorite emotion of the story nevertheless is feeling stupidly happy for Seo Joo, who did everything his crush wants but ultimately decided to fuck things up with his friends in the end because he felt like he wanted to be selfish for a change. That's a unique kdrama character is too be honest.
I kind of expected the ending to be happy just because it's part of the kdrama formula:
- Rich lead guy
- Poor lead girl
- Absurdly good looking second lead
- Optional hot-as-well pairing for the 2nd lead
- One-dimensional, close-minded annoying parent(s)
- Lead guy and lead girl don't like each other at the start >>>> decided to talk a bit >>>>> likes each other immediately
- Unecessary/overused slowmo when the lead guy gazes the lead girl
- Rain starts to fall unexpectedly, lead guy and lead girl dont have a fuckin umbrella or share a single one
- Happy ending, regardless if anyone dies.
I dont mind the happy ending though. For a rather weak to decently strong build up, i dont mind the happy ending at all
Acting
I didnt like Joy in her first Kdrama but I loved her on this one. She played the role of naive, innocent looking cutie who didn't want no fucking around in the first place. Contrary to how others think, I believe she played the role really well cause I actually thought she was innocent in the entire series. I loved her chemistry with Woo Do Hwan as well; their scenes together didnt look forced or awkward; it felt innocent, sincere, and stupid just like how teens/young-adults deal with love anyway. Do Hwan has the same aura as Kim Woo Bin for me; bad boy perfect lead. I loved Seo Joo and Soo ji as well; both were jealous of their own desires. Soo Ji wanted all the attention and appreciation for herself and went to drastic measures to make sure she gets what she wants, even if it is at the expense of others. Seo Joo is selfish for wanting to please his crush and please her alone, disregarding his own emotions and intentions just for his feelings to be reciprocated. Everyone else, especially all the adults (parents) in the drama were all annoying. Ultimately, all the characters felt stupid, frustrating and unique that I actually had a refreshing experience watching this. Something new personality wise
Music
Music was mehhhhhhh normal though I did like some songs. It wasnt bad, but it wasnt a standout as well (coming from a part time musician myself)
Rewatch Value
Should I ever decide to rewatch this in the future, My reason would probably be due to my fondess of the 4 leads. Not with the story, but just their accurate portrayal of flawed characters.
Overall
To conclude, if you're gonna ask me if I can and will recommend this for anyone to watch? The answer is no. Watch it at your own curiosity for the show everyone speaks bad about. If you'll ask me if I liked the show, I'd rather describe it as a refreshing take of flawed characters interacting within a stupid plot driver, but actually produced a rather decent story. But if I really have to answer if I liked it or not, I would say yes (for reference, some of the kdramas I hate are Black, Cheese in the trap, and Bride of fucking Habaek, which is the stupidest kdrama ever produced for me)
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The plot of this drama is definitely something new; each episode leaves you with a lot to think about. That isn't to say however that the plot is free of cliches and stereotypes. The story was also predictable. I already guessed (correctly) how it will end when i got to episode 6. It's a refreshing take of a fantasy drama, but it's not really something to rave on about.
Acting/Cast
Good! The leads were awesome, especially IU. The supporting cast was great as well. A lot of people are criticizing the chemistry between IU and jin goo... I do not think they were bad, their chemistry just wasn't suited for something romantic in my opinion. Overall, it's not a deal breaker and it shouldn't be
Music
My only barometer for a good drama ost is if it (a) matches the mood of the scenes in the story and (b) if it makes me listen to it outside the drama. Generally, the music was bad. They were all mellow if not sad. It was mehhhh
Rewatch value
It's actually a relatively simple plot so rewatching this for me is fine. Not something I look forward to, but something I can stand
Overall
A good fantasy drama to give a try. It's not quite at the level of god-tier fantasy dramas like goblin or while you were sleeping, but it definitely has its own charm. By charm, i mean the visuals and the effects
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