The female lead is WHACK!!!!

This is my first review for a j-drama, and I need to get the angst that I have for the female lead character because I get it, making someone happy will make you happy but if making that someone happy put another person to be so heart broken that he will not go to work (and as a workaholic that means a lot) then you must rethink your means of making someone happy because what you are doing is stupid.
so for someone out there who wants to watch this series, be forewarned that the stupidity of the character of the female lead is absolutely unrealistic to say the least.
so good luck.

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Now I get the low rating...

Loopholes are everywhere. I do not understand the logic behind the "portal". and there are many scenes that you, as the viewer, may have to assume that 'maybe they brought it with them'. also, though I like Xing Fei, there are parts in the series where her expressions do not match the scene, and Xu Kai Cheng's acting is awkward (for me). Also, the chemistry between them is sometimes a little bit too forced to my liking.
What got me through the series is the fast-forward button; without that, I would have dropped this series after the episode where they got back to the 'modern' world.
What I hate the most about the story is the lack of communication between ML and FL. and I really hate the character of An Jingling, like what is wrong with your logic!!! you that is known to have a good mind is lacking logic. Like where is the logic in that!!!

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Something is missing...

This series was really easy to watch. It does not need any brain power to solve anything or analyze anything. But I felt that the cast was "newbie". This is my first series watching both leads. and when I check their profile here in MDL, they already have multiple successful series. Many fans of both leads may come at me if they read this, but do not get me wrong. I did not say they cannot act, it's just that I miss the "sweetness" that I felt with the same type of series. However, I commend them for not shying away from skinships or kiss scenes. Also, I like all scenes where the ML sings especially if the FL sings with him.

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Movie vs Series - Watch the movie first before series.

This review is a combination of both the series and the movie.
So let me talk first about the pros and cons between the two.
Pros:
Movie:
Is short and is not full of angst and the heartache part is relatively short which is understandable since it is only an hour and 42
Series:
We get to know all the characters and their backstories. We get to love, hate, and then be okay with some of them. The story was properly expressed and we can properly root for the main lead and their second leads about their life.
Cons:
Movie:
The story overall was not properly expressed and I felt that with this kind of story, it must not be just an almost 2-hour long movie. Some characters are just there because they are "needed" to be there but are not necessarily part of the movie's overall story. Also, there are so many skips in timelines (maybe because this is a movie and they need to keep it as precise as possible, and maybe because I watched the series first). So maybe for those who are going to watch this movie and series, I would suggest to watch the movie first and then the series for a more satisfactory watch. Also, I felt that the casting for the movie did not match the characters. Like for example Miki and Koreda. Also, the acting of ML and FL (for me) is a little off. I just can't seem to sympathize with them or their characters at all.
Series:
I know it only has 10 episodes (and before I watched this, I asked if it has a happy ending because I tend to not watch if it's not), and in terms of drama - cdrama- in particular, 10 episodes is relatively short but because it has at last 3 episodes of pure heartache and slight angst (these are the episodes where I start to hate the second leads, especially the 2nd FL) that I had the urge to just skip it. and watched the good part. But as they say, no pain no glory, so I pushed through it (barely) and hated the 2nd FL and felt sorry for the 2nd ML. But I have to say, the 2nd ML has it coming. He knew that the FL was still in love with the ML but still pushed and pushed the FL to marry him. And the 2nd FL, I just can't understand her logic at all.

Do not get me wrong, I still like the movie but because I started with the series that the movie felt so rushed and add to it that I did not feel the connection of the cast with their respective characters. Take for example the ML in the early part when he was hospitalized. In the series, you can see and feel his frustration that he can't work but I did not see that in the movie. Another example is when the ML is doing the "I will let you go because I only make you unhappy" scene/speech, in the series, it was so heartbreaking that I felt what the ML is feeling as well as the FL, and I cried with them but I did not do that in the movie.
However, let me say this, the ML in the movie has a beautiful smile but then again as well as the ML in the series. He even has a beautiful crying or trying so hard not to cry face because he was so happy in Episode 10 when FLs father said "Please make her happy".

So if you are going to watch the series first, I suggest not to watch the movie at all. It will leave you hanging and feeling to watch the series all over again! hehehe

Also, I love Chako!!!hahaha..

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Some of my frustrations are listed below...

It took me 2 whole months before I decided to watch this. I admit, I read reviews and summary reviews on series that I plan to watch. But do not get me wrong, I am never swayed by bad reviews of low rate, I will still watch the series as long as I like the main couple and the ending is a happy one. I cannot just watch sad endings even if the main couples are my favorites.

Now, the 7.0 overall rate is still high but I will give this score because I like the main leads, especially FL BUT I do not like them as a couple. I mean, I do not get excited when they are on screen and I do not long for them to be on screen together.

I felt that there were so many plot holes and I do not think there was much development on the FL character, the ML character development (if you can call it) was weird because it was so abrupt. Almost half or even more than half of the series, they do not know who they were talking about! I mean, is that even possible? When my friends or colleagues talk about their crush, we always want to know their names and I mean, sometimes they will not give their names but eventually, especially, if they are always together, we can create the conclusion that he/she was the one she/he was talking about! All characters are all professionals here, and we are led to presume that they are all smart! But no, they are not. and that is one of the most frustrating things about this series.

Another frustration, is the FL is perceived to be "good with words and expressing the feelings of the person she is interviewing to the public" but, OMG, why was it so hard to tell the ML about the "part" of the reason why she approached him? And why was it so hard to apologize especially when she knew that she needed to say it and that is what the ML was waiting for (and of course her explanation)? Speaking of explanation, why did she not properly explain her side? I mean, we all just assume, that since the ML is worried about her, then everything is ok!

Do not get me started with the FLs best friend and ML best friend as a couple. My frustration with them is their mouths and their beautiful brains are for display only. They do not use it to talk about the things they want to say to each other or to analyze the situation they saw or heard. They use their mouth to throw hurtful things at each other and their brain draws conclusions based on the small amount of time they see or hear.

Now the MLs niece and MLs other bestfriend. I do not have a frustration about them only how their characters are written and also the lines. I can say that they are almost the most normal couple in the drama.

Another frustration, there is no climax at all. I mean, the story was a steady line then go down then neutral again then down again.

So, you can watch this but do not expect to be excited throughout the drama or to feel any tension like what I felt in episodes 10 and 11 in the Destined series.

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Romance was subtle but so romantically delivered MORE DRAMA with BAI LU and REN JIA LUN as LEADS!!!!

Before anything else, I will say now that I am a big fan of the romance genre with lots of skinship and GOOD kissing scenes. And that is the first reason I hesitated to watch this drama because I know (from what I read about him) that Ren Jia Lun is not big on those scenes. Still, I love Bai Lu, so I watched this for her alone, and I expect that I have to be frustrated the whole time watching the drama, BUT was I disappointed because this drama became my most loved and treasured drama of all time!!!
So my reason why I hesitated became the reason why this became my most loved drama...hahaha...I first watched Ren Jia Lun in Miss Crow with Mr. Lizard, and even though his acting there was good, he did not leave a good impression, which made me hesitate to watch this drama. I always expect that when the genre is romance, there should be at least some "kissing" or skinship scenes, and those scenes must not look too trying hard to come across as romantic. And from what I read when I search about Ren Jian Lun, he is not big on "kissing" or even "skinship" scenes. I am ok with an actor not big on "showy" scenes as long as I can still feel the "romance" while watching the drama. My point is, when I watch Ren Jia Lun in MCwML I cannot feel any romance between him and Xing Fei, but here, OMG! I was blown away by how much I felt his emotion in every scene. When he feels awkward, I, too, feel it. Every time he looks at Shi Yi, I can feel his love for her, and every time during these scenes, I forget that he is already married. I always thought they were a couple in real life; that's how good he was. Also, Bai Lu did not disappoint. She portrayed Shi Yi as Shi Yi must be performed, a confident, successful, and beautiful woman. Bai Lu and Ren Jia Lun's eyes are so expressive in every scene that I, as onlooker, believe they love each other so much.
I also want to commend the writer for making the leads character mature enough not to steep low on a misunderstanding because of miscommunication to create more drama.
The only thing that put flaw in this drama is when Zhou Wen Xing (Zhou Sheng Chen's sister) is on her deathbed, I do not really understand her reasoning about the boat incident with Shi Yi that she confessed through a recording but that did not even deter me or discourage me from loving this drama.
This drama epitomizes innocent yet mature love that made me so jealous...

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Story:
The story was new to me, as this was the first movie about a guide dog that I’d ever watched. Before I even started, I knew I’d end up crying, and it did not disappoint, lol. There were parts of the movie that I liked and parts that I didn’t.

Let’s start with what I didn’t like. I almost stopped watching after the scene where the dog was left outside in the rain. At that moment, I really wanted to smack the character's head. I also wondered if there were no other people around after they assigned the dog to him. In reality, there should be at least a week of supervision for both the dog and the human. Maybe because it was a movie and they had to fit everything into two hours, but there was no discussion about how to feed Little Q or when to let him out for pee or poop time. It was like the blind man was blindly taking care of his unwanted guide dog! That part felt very unrealistic since these are basic things a trainer must explain to the person taking care of the dog. This was a significant flaw in the portrayal of guide dog training and care.

Now, onto what I did like. I absolutely loved Little Q. He was such a good boy and his acting was spot on, lol! Every scene with Little Q was my favorite, except for the one where he was under a car on a rainy night looking up at his new owner’s window. That was so sad; I’m tearing up just thinking about it.

Acting/cast:
As I mentioned, Little Q's acting was spot on. He was simply great. The main character’s performance was also excellent. There were many times in the first part of the movie when I really wanted to smack him because his acting was so convincing. As they say, you know you’ve done a good job as a villain if the audience hates you for what you did, and I certainly did at first. But when he started to care for Little Q, I also started to like him. He was so relatable when it comes to dogs. He spoils Little Q just like I spoil my dogs.

The rest of the cast also did a good job, especially the little girl. I liked her; she loved Little Q.

Music:
The music was also good. It didn't particularly stand out, but it complemented the scenes well. It enhanced the emotions without being distracting, which is exactly what a good soundtrack should do.

Rewatch Value:
I don’t need to rewatch this movie because its story and some of its scenes will always stay with me. Having just lost a dog, I know that if I rewatch it in the next two or three years, I'll be an emotional wreck.

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She was the only green left but why?

Story (8): While the storyline may not be entirely original, the execution was commendable. However, I found myself grappling with certain discrepancies, particularly regarding the inconsistency in the colors. Despite the expectation of red and yellow to play pivotal roles in supposed saving the green, that did not happen. Furthermore, the unresolved fate of the main antagonist left the narrative with an open ending, lacking closure or justice.

Acting/cast (8.5): Lee Dong Wook's magnetic presence is always a highlight, serving as a major draw for me. Yet, beyond his charm, the entire cast delivered stellar performances. This marks my second encounter with Kim Hye Joon after "The Kingdom," although I admittedly couldn't recall her from there until I consulted her profile on MDL. Nonetheless, her portrayal in this series was memorable, particularly in action sequences where her performance felt natural and unforced.

Music (5): Unfortunately, I can't comment on the music as it didn't leave a lasting impression on me

Rewatch value (5): Typically, I don't find myself revisiting action series unless prompted by the release of a new season or a lapse in memory regarding the plot. While this series wasn't lacking in entertainment, it didn't offer any standout moments that would compel me to revisit it.

overall rate: I'd rate it an 8.5 out of 10. Despite the familiar plot elements, I have an inclination for this genre, and the proficient execution held my interest. Lee Dong Wook's involvement also adds to the appeal, and I'd be inclined to tune in for a potential second season, largely driven by his presence.

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The cast was outstanding with impeccable acting

That's all I have to say about the series. The cast was outstanding, and their acting was impeccable. However, the chemistry between the male lead (ML) and the female lead (FL) left me wanting more. Once the series ended, I couldn't recall any standout moments between them. Don't get me wrong, the performances of the talented Shin Hye Sun and the charismatic Ji Chang Wook were flawless, but their chemistry felt more like that of siblings rather than lovers. This was particularly noticeable for viewers familiar with their previous works like "Healer," and "Mr. Queen".

That being said, it was still an enjoyable watch and served as a good pastime while waiting for new dramas to emerge. I'm optimistic that in their next project together, we'll witness a chemistry that's both realistic and captivating, transcending expectations and taking us on an unforgettable journey.

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The second chance aspect of the story intertwined with revenge was a refreshing and original concept for me. I found it captivating and entertaining, despite having seen some snippets on YouTube shorts and Instagram. I was hooked from episode 1 to 11, eagerly watching every moment without skipping a second. However, as the story progressed into episodes 12, 13, and 14 with the introduction of Oh Yu ra, I started to anticipate a twist.

When the second half of episode 11 began, I sensed that something significant was about to unfold, especially considering there were still several episodes left until the finale. It's uncommon for a Kdrama to have six episodes of pure bliss without any major plot developments. As a result, I found myself selectively watching scenes where the main leads were on screen.

Initially, I was unsure about Oh Yu ra's role in the story, but her reckless behavior on a busy street in episode 14 hinted at her significance. It became evident that she served as a sacrificial lamb for the male lead's journey, though I couldn't help but feel she was somewhat unnecessary, perhaps due to her annoying demeanor.

Furthermore, the characterization of the male lead's grandfather left me a bit puzzled. While it was clear he cared deeply for his grandson, his inconsistent stance on his love life confused me. There were moments where he seemed supportive, yet others where he appeared to contradict himself.

Nevertheless, I must commend Park Min Young's outstanding performance in this series, and Song Ha Yoon's transformation from sweet Seol Hee into the evil character Jung Soo Min. Additionally, it was refreshing to see Lee Yi Kyung and Na In Woo for the first time. Lee Yi Kyung's depiction of the dumb and lazy character was spot-on, while Na In Woo's portrayal of the cold, expressionless persona suited the role perfectly.

Overall, the series was enjoyable from episodes 1 to 11, as well as episodes 15 and 16. The unique blend of revenge with the concept of second chances kept me engaged throughout. It made me reflect on the idea of having second chances in life, leaving me wishing for such opportunities in real life.

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A very short review since I was not able to connect with the story

This story has a lot of potential, but I do not know; the story was so boring for me because it did not make me focus while I watched. I keep falling asleep. And maybe because I kept falling asleep I was not able to focus or make a connection to any of the characters, which was a letdown because I was looking forward to this story since this is the only series that offers this kind of time travel. Also, I was not convince with the reasoning of the villain (if you can call him that) especially the one in the Joseon time. However, I will not tell anyone to not watch this because maybe it will be your cup of tea and will enjoy.

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Watch the movie before the series

Movie vs Series - Watch the movie first before series.

This review is a combination of both the series and the movie.
So let me talk first about the pros and cons between the two.
Pros:
Movie:
Is short and is not full of angst and the heartache part is relatively short which is understandable since it is only an hour and 42
Series:
We get to know all the characters and their backstories. We get to love, hate, and then be okay with some of them. The story was properly expressed and we can properly root for the main lead and their second leads about their life.
Cons:
Movie:
The story overall was not properly expressed and I felt that with this kind of story, it must not be just an almost 2-hour long movie. Some characters are just there because they are "needed" to be there but are not necessarily part of the movie's overall story. Also, there are so many skips in timelines (maybe because this is a movie and they need to keep it as precise as possible, and maybe because I watched the series first). So maybe for those who are going to watch this movie and series, I would suggest to watch the movie first and then the series for a more satisfactory watch. Also, I felt that the casting for the movie did not match the characters. Like for example Miki and Koreda. Also, the acting of ML and FL (for me) is a little off. I just can't seem to sympathize with them or their characters at all.
Series:
I know it only has 10 episodes (and before I watched this, I asked if it has a happy ending because I tend to not watch if it's not), and in terms of drama - cdrama- in particular, 10 episodes is relatively short but because it has at last 3 episodes of pure heartache and slight angst (these are the episodes where I start to hate the second leads, especially the 2nd FL) that I had the urge to just skip it. and watched the good part. But as they say, no pain no glory, so I pushed through it (barely) and hated the 2nd FL and felt sorry for the 2nd ML. But I have to say, the 2nd ML has it coming. He knew that the FL was still in love with the ML but still pushed and pushed the FL to marry him. And the 2nd FL, I just can't understand her logic at all.

Do not get me wrong, I still like the movie but because I started with the series that the movie felt so rushed and add to it that I did not feel the connection of the cast with their respective characters. Take for example the ML in the early part when he was hospitalized. In the series, you can see and feel his frustration that he can't work but I did not see that in the movie. Another example is when the ML is doing the "I will let you go because I only make you unhappy" scene/speech, in the series, it was so heartbreaking that I felt what the ML is feeling as well as the FL, and I cried with them but I did not do that in the movie.
However, let me say this, the ML in the movie has a beautiful smile but then again as well as the ML in the series. He even has a beautiful crying or trying so hard not to cry face because he was so happy in Episode 10 when FLs father said "Please make her happy".

So if you are going to watch the series first, I suggest not to watch the movie at all. It will leave you hanging and feeling to watch the series all over again! hehehe

Also, I love Chako!!! Though Kenzo is cute...hahaha..

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What I like:
The reason I watched this: Bai Jing Ting
The reason I keep watching: Song Yi's character - is strong and intelligent
The seal that keeps me watching: Episodes 10 and 11 (the later part of episode 10 and the early part of episode 11)
The reason I watched it again for the 3rd time: episodes 10 and 11 (also the reason why I wrote this review. I do not know what was it on these episodes, but the first time I watched it, I felt so nervous as if I was one of the characters, and the relief I felt when Xifeng admitted defeat)

What I do not like:
Some "punishments" are not enough for me to give that high level of satisfaction example episode 9
The reason behind the main villain's reason for revenge and how they tidied it up at the end. Like really?

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Somewhat satisfying but something is missing???

overall the drama was easy to watch despite the plot of a super-abused FL but for me, Everything was predictable. Even the "mother is alive" is predictable part since it became too obvious when they showed her scar multiple times and that she was overly protective of the FL. Even the ML having feelings for her from the start is also predictable... But that bit was what I liked since in almost all dramas that I watched it was always the FL who fell first.
Also in the middle of the drama, nothing special happens, they are not fillers but they are also not special. You will get it when you watch it. Sometimes the FL contradicts herself almost all the time in the first part of the drama and maybe that is because of her trauma (I am justifying her actions :) hehehe)
Also, I need to mention, that the ML's outfits are a hit or miss. I mean he is the CEO so when you dress him in a Polo shirt then it does not give us the CEO vibe so that is a miss, however, when you take into consideration that he is the CEO of his own created company maybe he is cutting into his finances? (hehehehe) then that is a hit also, Sung Hoon still looks good in those outfits. I just wanted to mention it.
So aside from the above mentioned, it is still a watchable drama. Some may think that the chemistry between the leads is not there at all but for me, it was ok since their love story is not typical. One is for seeking revenge and the other one is for his unrequited love that he does not even fully realize. I have a big crush on Sung Hoon and (I may get hate on this from his fans but this is my own opinion) he may not be the greatest actor I have seen nor the most handsome one but there is just something about him that I need to watch his drama...

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the series that got hooked me for KDramas and CDramas (litle spoilers ahead - read with caution)

Story: The story, even though it is a relationship contract, was presented uniquely. I mean, the ML was arrogant and mean but from the very start of their contract, I think he already liked the FL, well he really likes to kiss her... hahaha..and he is also open to her being jealous or when he does not like the FL acting cute towards other guy. He doesn't shy from it. rather, he asks (kisses) for it and directly tells the FL about his displeasure, unlike other series with the same trope where the ML will deny every obvious thing that is already transparent on his face or actions, which for me, is sometimes cute but sometimes annoying -- like why? I also like to mention how the FL has a strong mentality, especially on her rival! I mean, I know that once the rival turns her back, the FL will feel down and (little) insecure, but during the "fight" or the confrontation, the FL does not back down! the scene that stands out the most where the FL was a WOW was when she and her rival encounter each other after the engagement announcement between the ML and the rival. the FL, instead of backing down, told the rival that if the ML chose the rival right there in front of them, then she would leave the ML and give him to her! She also told the rival that if she is frustrated with the ML, the rival should take it to the ML and not with her! The first time I watched that scene, I was like, go girl!!! it was not snarky but it shows her confidence in herself and her trust in the ML. Another scene with a superb line was when the rival told the FL that she loved the ML for so many years and the FL simply told the rival that confessions must be done with the person you are confessing it to, not to her, who does not care about that! so yeah, I like FL's attitude. She can be a tiger when she needs to be.

Acting: this is the first (and only) series where I watched Ha Seok Jin and Jeon So Min, and based on this drama, they deliver their character well, especially the sweet and kiss scenes. Especially the kiss scenes, which made me think, are they a real couple? because for me, what makes a great kiss scene is not just the lips touching or moving but also the body expression and movement. because there are kiss scenes that have little movement on their lips, but the body expressions of both actors will make you believe that they like kissing each other, and most real-life couples do like kissing each other. some of their kiss and sweet scenes felt like, how do I say this "impromptu"? like it felt that it was not part of the script. maybe because I can see in them most couples, I see around me. like holding hands, kissing on the cheek/forehead/head. Also, ML likes to tease the FL with his naughtiness which, again, most males in a real-life couple do.

Music: Although I will not be downloading their OST anytime soon, I can also say it is not forgettable and fits the scenes perfectly. Especially the sweet scenes, because again, the sweet and kiss scenes will have less impact if the background music does not fit the scene. so kudos to that (whoever is in charge)

Rewatch value: I have to admit, after the first time I watched this drama (the year 2020 - I am not sure of the month but around 3rd quarter), I have already watched this drama more than ten times. And yes, since I already discovered that I can do reviews here, I decided to watch it again just to do this review..hehe.

Overall: maybe if you are reading this may ask, if you like the drama that you have watched more than 10 times (but I watched forever and ever more than 15 times now), why is the rate only 9, not 10? the reason for that is even though I love this drama and I am extremely jealous of their love (kiss scenes --hehe) there are also things that I do not like and annoy me every time I watch this. One that stands out is why the ML suits are weird and do not fit him? when I say do not fit him, I mean: do not fit his body and also do not fit him being CEO or Director of a big company. Sometimes the FL, too, has the same problem, but at least for her, a few outfits look good on her and fit her "work". the ML clothes throw me a not-so-good vibe, especially on episodes 4 and 15. aside from the clothes not fitting him, the color coordination is a little off too, again for a Director of a big company like a light blue polo with a dark blue/black striped tie and vest, a checkered maroon dark blue suit jacket, an dark blue/black pants. another thing, can they not lend the ML, the CEO, a phone? I know the purpose of the diamond stickers at the top of the phone, but can they lend him a phone that fits his status as an arrogant CEO? if it was the original design, it did not fit the MLs character at all, so they should have lend him a phone.

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