Rivers of artificial tears

I know, I know, this show is the talk of the town and rating its socks off. However, I’m going to be an outlier. Please allow me to explain.

The star power of our leads combined with the portfolio of our writer-nim (who penned CLOY, MLFTS, etc) should guarantee an instant classic. It is certainly a hit but after finishing the show, I am not convinced that it scored the home run.

At the start of the series, the relationship of the OTP is at their lowest ebb. Of course, the goal is to watch them rise above it all and make us swoon. The series largely archived this with consummate skill. However, this is also its Achilles heel from my perspective.

Even a few episodes in, I can’t help but feel that I’m watching a parade of hand crafted scenes designed to either showcase the visuals of our leads or to hit us with the feels, hard. There is no doubt that this is a S class production on every level. Of course, there are buckets of tears and our handsome ML brought his A game.

However, I feel that the material connecting these scenes are hollow and contrived. This is surprisingly loose and lazy writing coming from a writer of this calibre.

For instance, the plot surrounding the granddad’s mistress is nonsensical. She suffered and schemed for over 20 years because of greed. Really, just greed? She could have built a secret nest egg in far less time than that. Even in the end, it all comes down to a bit of luck and good timing. Ditto the involvement of several accomplices. The script tries to explain it all away, but it is a hard sell when you look beyond skin deep.

Don’t even get me started on the SML. He is obsessed with the FL yet his idea of winning her over is to shaft her family and take her beloved business away. Yes, he offered it back to her but with nasty strings attached. It all feels rather inept and superficial. That seems to be his modus operandi. Just do something over the top and she will submit but there is no solid reasoning behind his various machinations. The idea of him taking over the role of her finance after her surgery and framing the ML for murder is laughable and beyond tropey.

Almost every member of both families is cliché and unlikeable yet so much time is devoted to their petty contrivances. The makjang heavy plot basically seesaws between the protagonist making small gains only to surrender it back to the antagonist in the next scene/episode. There are many outlandish subplots involving the large ensemble cast. The tone of the show yo-yo all over the place because of that.

This highlights how much emphasis is placed on those storyboard scenes. If they were pivotal then I’m all for them but most of the time, they are a quick dose of fan service, or button pushing tropes. They are effective but also manipulative by design.

This brings us to the real kicker. The main theme of the show is the romance of the OTP. This is made painfully clear from the start. However, for this viewer, my first question is why are they even together?! There is nothing to ship. They don’t show any affection. They don’t talk (failure to communicate is a recurring theme). They live parallel lives. The ML suffers daily both at home and at work. This could have been a murder mystery for all I know. Yes, the writer turned it around towards the end, but it is hardly CLOY2, not even close.

A HEA ending is never in doubt once they played the magic cure card. The escalating dramatic tension drops away. All the implausible schemes fell apart as expected. Every subplot is tied off with a pink bow. Was it satisfying? I’d prefer to call it Functional Predictability. I’m sure fans are swooning and elated though. It all ends with an artificial sweeteners overload. Did it go too far? It literally left nothing to our imagination.

Regardless, the gods of makjang will be pleased. Am I being critical? Absolutely. I want this show to be great, nay, perfect. This is god’s gift to the fans of the leads but it is hardly on par with some of the most memorable k-dramas.

If I take off the rose-tinted glasses, I can see all the hype and traffic generated by the highly bankable stars. It served its purpose and made history. Am I the only one not hailing Caesar?

We came. We saw. We forgot™️.

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Look at all the cute pets . . keep looking . .

You know the old saying about kicking a puppy? Yes, that’s you if you don't like this show because it really piles on the cute pets and eulogise on and on about keeping them responsibly.

Essentially, this show is a collection of many pet related vignettes which are loosely linked together within the pet hospital setting. The problem is that the A-plot regarding the ML’s identity is meh. By the half way mark, everything is known to us. It becomes rather tedious to watch the rest of the ensemble stumble onto the truth many hours later.

The show could have benefited from an intense love line, but we ended up with a slow burn. The OTP is preordained but their chemistry is only passable. The show ran through the usual gambit of dating tropes, but nothing works. We watch the OTP dancing the Two-Step with each other for 30eps before something finally happens. This is not helped by the endless shenanigans cooked up by the SM/FL to try to sabotage them. The second leads just won't take NO for an answer. This is particularly true for the SFL. She took puppy love to infinity and beyond! It tests credulity and my patience. Regardless, their meagre efforts are transparent and ineffective.

All that changes towards the end of the run when the melodrama dial is turned up to the MAX. We are hit with a wave of tropes which viewers of typical family sagas will recognise at 100 paces. Luckily, the writer took pity on us and spare us a prolonged torture session. By the time normal programming resumes, the show has run out of puff and we stumbled over the finish line while singing Kumbaya. I barely noticed the herd of unicorns waiting for their checkups by our resident vets.

Acting is workmanlike on the whole. The script is not particularly kind to the FL with her behaving like a hapless and naïve girl for way too long. On the other hand, the ML is the hive mind and he is always ready with a “I told you so”. While he is handsome and charismatic, he can look bored and feels flat at times. The large ensemble cast did their job to move the plot along, mostly in the right direction.

In the end, the show is harmless and watchable but there is not a lot there to lift it above pass grade. The script is a millpond with the odd splash. Your mind will drift and want to hit the FF button. Unless you are a pet lover then there are plenty of dopamine hits. One time watch for me.

P.S. What's with the ML's hair? Does it need a session with Tian Yu Xian?

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This is how you (almost) score your own goal

This show is not particularly pretentious, and the early indication is a contract marriage trope with bonus cute little kids. The FL is a struggling single parent, but she is trying her best. The ML is the typical cold but super competent CEO who is also a single parent. After a series of fateful meetings and the odd accidental skinship later, they are married but not a couple. Easy peasy.

In fact, for a good 3/4 of the run, the show is motoring along very nicely. Their romantic journey is swoon-y and developing well. The little kids are not bothersome like some other dramas, and they add some colour to the mostly by-the-book main storyline. There is a hint of a revenge plot, but the general outlook is rosy.

This is where some iffy writing starts to rear its ugly head and almost scored an own goal. I’m keeping this spoiler free, so I'll talk in general terms.

The first problem is the portrayal of the leads. The FL is sweet and empathic, but she has a lot of self-doubt and can be easily swayed. On the other hand, the ML is smart but have very poor communication skills. This is a bad combo because it means misunderstanding can be just one scene away and any misstep escalates quickly.

This is not helped by poor communication between the protagonists. The ML, the grandfather, the FL's parents all withholding vital information and keeping secrets from each others. This only serves to pour oil on the fire of misunderstanding once there is a spark. Honestly, this is such a lazy trope but without it, there is almost no plot. Ouch!

Furthermore, the antagonist's motivation is a bit opaque. We are told one thing but snippets of information point to another. His mental state also casts a lot of doubt about what are facts and what might be his imagination. This is obviously done by the writer to keep us guessing and to create tension. Unfortunately, this part of the main plot is weak and loaded with inconsistencies and shortcuts. We are fed bits of information to try to paper over gaps in the narratives. For instance, one of the key characters is found to be adopted and her behaviour is all blamed on her time in the welfare home. Ditto pieces of damning info happen to fall into the wrong hands. Where did they come from? There are other contrivances, but I would be giving the main plot away.

Obviously, the writer is trying to shape the plot in a certain way, but it feels unnatural and leaves the viewer baffled and a bit frustrated. The drama would be better off without the revenge plot. The show doesn't need one and it derailed the main plot for little gain.

Acting wise, the FL is fine but her role is not well written. The ML’s visual is idol grade but his acting skill is still developing. There are times when he just looks uncomfortable and a bit lost.

The support cast is actually quite good. The SFL who started off chasing the ML but becomes the FL’s bestie is quite endearing. The 2CP works too. A bit kooky at times but their journey is heartfelt, and I can ship them. The senior cast members pull their weight and provided some stability.

I didn't have high hopes for the show at the beginning. I was hooked by mid show, but they lost me towards the end. The HEA ending and fan service helps to restore some faith. It is watchable and largely inoffensive. I just wish they'd leave well enough alone. Peace out.

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Hard hitting drama that punches above its weight

The start of the show is impactful and really hits you in the feels. There are so much latent angst and comments on our value system. Does winner really take it all?

This show is not for the faint of heart. There are angst and pain on multiple levels, both physical and psychological. It impacts on an individual as well as societal level when it broadens to involves organised crime.

There is a hint of Itaewon Class in this show even though the core subjects are quite different. The David vs Goliath battle is all too real. I must give credit to k-dramas for their ability to make this type of impactful drama without padding it out with meaningless tripes.

This is not an idle boast as acting, writing and direction are all top-notch. Key actors put up wonderful performances. These are demanding roles. Most of them are flawed, damaged, and hurting. The direction is great. It is effective both for the pensive scenes as well as the action scenes. This is rounded out by a script full of textures and nuances. The show’s main theme of healing is universal though. It is not hard for this drama to resonate with its audiences.

To emphasize this point, the show is full of confrontations. Both in and out of the boxing ring. There are lots of metaphors and life lessons to work through as we peel back the layers. Of course, it would be a rare k-drama to do without any romance, and this is no exception. There are several, both past and present but the one between our leads is the most poignant.

While the pacing overall is good and lively, it does slow in the last quarter. The earlier build up to the big fight seem to deflate the closer it got to the actual event. This is to be expected as the show must shift focus to address the match fixing plot. However, the resolution offered feels superficial. Consider the ML is a hapless victim for the bulk of the show, his one-man crusade completely turns the tide and supplants police investigations. It is too fantastic to be believable. Of course, that is not the end of this sorry saga. This is when the show goes all in for the impactful and explosive finale. To say the show hits you in the feels would be like calling Ali just a bruiser.

I really don’t want to spoil the last episode, so I’ll just say go watch it. However, the actual last few minutes feels a bit disjointed. It is as if the ending was changed due to reactions after test screening. Watch it and see if you agree with me and my friend, Love movies. ;)

It is only 12 eps long and it is more than worth your time. Acting, production and OST are all a cut above. Rewatch is possible but I think a highlight reel will be more palatable for me as I need to watch my blood pressure.

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Is this Show a duck or a goose?

I thought the Show started well. A dose of mystery, a touch of humour and a hint of romance. There is a burst of manic energy as the Show introduces the key players and setup the main plot. After the meet-cute, the show slows down to a steady pace. There are some funny moments early on as the ML learn to live with ghosts and how to profit from them. However, the humour is fleeting. While it sort of sticks to the initial premise of a taxi for ghosts, we soon find out that it is far from being joyrides. Most of the ghostly tales are quite weighty and depressing. These subplots appears to be random at first but over time, we are given clues to find the missing link that ties them all together.

I actually felt a bit lost by the half way point because I was expecting the Show to go down a certain path based on the marketing and the early episodes but it turns out to be quite a different beast. I won’t go as far as calling it bait-and-switch, but I was not excited about where the story is heading.

Fortunately, the Show finally starts to pull the threads together in the last 1/3 of the run. The final destination is revealed, and we gather momentum as we sped towards the climax. I have to admit that it is neat how the loose threads are related to each other and slots in with each other. The only problem is that by this stage, I’m feeling a little jaded as I can see the Show is clearly manipulating the narrative and subplots until all the pieces are perfectly aligned. The puzzle can’t be solved because the pieces are hidden on purpose from us. We are drip fed very little concrete information while it grows painfully obvious who the real culprits are. This includes creating contrived situations while bending rules to suit the task at hand. Some of these involve questionable police procedurals while others will leave you baffled by the inconsistency if not out right contrivance. The Show will try to explain the ruse afterwards but it does test your credulity.

Acting is acceptable on the whole. I won’t call any of them breakout roles. The FL has a more challenging role than the ML. He can appear a bit wooden at times. They have decent chemistry and there is a bit of skinship in ep.12.

Production value is par for the course. It doesn't have lavish sets but they are functional and fit for purpose. Not a lot of CGI is used even though you would expect more from a supernatural themed show. What is there is acceptable but fairly rudimentary by today's standards. Once again, adequate rather than exceptional.

In the end, all the loose ends are tied up. Emotions run high and a few tears are shed. Antagonists are dealt with. Protagonists have the happy endings we all wish for. The Show turns the fan service dial to the max in ep.12. It is probably the best episode of the series and it is the real highlight for me.

Regrettably, the bulk of the show is fairly pedestrian. Similar ghost/wish fulfilling plots have been done before and often better. There is certainly something old something borrowed here. What we need is more of something new.

In hindsight, it is watchable and kept my interest but it can be testing at times. I won’t mind rewatch a highlight reel but not the whole show. Peace out.

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How did this drama get pass Chinese censors? ;)

If this Show was made in the West, it would be considered old school, maybe a low budget indie drama. The fact that it was made in China and quite recently is a surprise in itself.

The Show is a black comedy at its core. It is in your face, no holds barred, and then gives you the metaphysical middle finger because it can. I'm not saying that every c-drama is pure as driven snow but when you consider the show's FL is an alcoholic middle-aged rocker, the 2FL is a rebellious high school dropout, then add a whole cadre of deeply flawed characters to fill out the rest of the cast. It is definitely not your typical c-drama casting call. On top of that, the show is overflowing with themes like child abandonment, failed marriage, mental health, bad parenting, drunkenness and other questionable behaviours. It is a wonder how it got past the censors.

It is a shortish rollercoaster ride at 12, 40ish mins episodes, but it is “action” packed. There are many twists and turns. All the emotions are raw, and not much is sugar coated. The spitefulness of the characters is on full display. Most characters have been hurt before and are still smarting after all these years and nobody is getting off easy. All the dirty laundry will take a battery of industrial grade washing machines to get through.

In terms of acting, the veteran actors all turned in solid performances, but the show belongs to the FL. It is her tour de force. She acts, sings, and so much more. I am impressed by her comedic timing as well. It is definitely not a glamourous role, but she is all in. The younger actors pale by comparison but it is not their fault. They did well, but they need more time in the vat to be well seasoned.

In terms of writing, it was hardly original. There are all kinds of tropey plots and plot holes. The Show counterbalances this with its fast pace and boundary pushing edginess. There are surprise twists and some of the black humour is laugh out loud funny. It is rude and crude, but that is part of its (largely) unfiltered charm.

I do find the ending to be a bit of a cop out though. The Show ultimately becomes a healing drama with a long redemption arc that felt too safe. It was a little disappointing when you consider how much energy it expended in dismantling the status quo only to come in for a soft landing. Yes, it was nice to see some resolutions, but I would prefer an all guns blazing finale.
It was a challenge to watch more than one or two episodes at a time. However, once I stopped, I kept thinking about it. I ended up binging the last few episodes. I believe the OST was sung by the FL(!) and the rocking soundtrack is about as fitting as it can get.

Rock it, Mom is a polarising show. Some will hate it, and some will love it. There is not a lot of room on top of that fence. If you can push through the first few episodes, you will find a diamond in the rough. I thoroughly enjoyed the crazy, off-colour ride. I must confess that I did cringe a few times but that's Rock & Roll, baby!!

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Who ordered the potstickers? Here's your tortellini and a side order of fairy dust!

Food, glorious food! This could have been so much better if they just stuck to that theme but alas, the writer took us down the garden path, deep dive a dank rabbit hole, before magically transported us to the Fairy meadow where the unicorns are frolicking like they were on drugs.

Any reader who has watched the original Karate Kid (and similar movie/show) would recognise the central plot. In this case, instead of martial arts, we have culinary arts. A Michelin star chef needs to find and train a new apprentice, but that person must have a supernatural sense of taste. Of course, this was not done through the kindness of his heart but because he is losing his own ability to taste food, so he needed that someone to taste for him when he creates new dishes. All this is hushed up so people were confused when he decided to mentor a girl (FL) who accidentally entered a top tier cooking competition but can’t cook at all. To compound his woes, he is quite a prickly character and very temperamental. In essence, a stereotypical master craftsman/creative type. All the classic clichés were deployed included the equivalent of the old wax-on-wax-off training trick to bring the hapless FL to some semblance of proficiency. However, this is a rom-com so the tale as old as time was given its due and the master/apprentice relationship took on a much more personal spin.

Speaking of food and cooking, this show has so much food porn. From street food to eateries serving local delicacies and all the way up to Michelin star restaurant. The food was a highlight, and those dishes were shot with skill and a singular focus. I do wonder whether the production team hired a food stylist and specialist photographer. This ended up being the saving grace of the show and I gave it extra marks.

You may well say there is nothing wrong with that storyline, sounds quite interesting and delicious. That is indeed the case, if they stick to it. However, into that pot were added several antagonists as well as dramatic change in tones. I mean descent into madness type of change. Most of this came from left field so what started as a light and breezy rom-com got darker and darker until you thought you were watching a different genre.

The OTP is an odd couple but when all the romantic ducklings are lined up, they can be quite sweet and engaging. You can't deny there is chemistry between them. Towards the end, there are truly swoon worthy moments. It would be tempting fate if this was the only game in town. We are confronted with the typical Chinese rom-com problème du jour, what I'd like to term Too Many Cooks Syndrome. On top of the OTP, there are 5 other CP’s! (Is that a record?) Most of the pairings are contrived and does little for the show other than padding out the runtime and force a change of scenery. This is particularly jarring when the show got darker and more intense. We’d suddenly flip to a CP and watch them do the mating dance or deal with some trivial matter.

All these extraneous stuffs would just be fluff if the show didn’t do a 180 on itself at the 7/8 mark. Every antagonist was reformed. Every problem (except the one concerning the ML) is swept aside. It made a mockery of all the angst and misdeeds that was dished out over the last 30 odd episodes. Some were explained away as historical misunderstanding, but more was left unanswered and frankly, baffling. This was quite strange as the bulk of the show was rooted in reality (cooking is about as real as it can get). When the ML was challenged by reporters as to how he can still be a master chef when he can’t even taste his own food, the writer finessed a clever and logical solution. It only served to highlight the inconsistency later on.

Around that 7/8 mark, we also have an attack of the unicorns as well. We are talking a herd of them. The last few episodes were all about tying every loose end up with pink bows. Happy endings were served to everyone, whether they deserved it or not. This was topped by a Deus Ex Machina solution straight out of a wuxia/xianxia drama. It is as if the writer has abandoned reality, just went all in and damn the consequences. The piece de resistance was the ending. It needs a health warning for diabetics. It was sugar overload. I won’t spoil it, just one hint, Bollywood.

Acting is generally solid but some were exaggerated stereotypes, especially concerning foreigners. Younger actors have room to improve but they show a lot of commitment even when it was an unrewarding role.

OST and production values were good. It would have scored better if the writer stays focused and kept its message clear. Make it sweet and bubbly or dark and crazy but what we ended up is a rollercoaster ride that looped back on itself and make us feel cheated and confused. Individual scenes can be well executed and acted but the whole is, regrettably, less than the sum of the parts.

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At least this show is not a dog . . . technically

Ok, it pains me to say this but this review will sound like I'm damning it with faint praises.

On the positive column, I wrote handsome OTP, nice chemistry and a decent amount of skinship that doesn't look fake. Some swoon-y moments. Cute dogs.

On the other hand, the A-plot is tropey, same-y. There are awkward and cringey moments and its fair share of plot holes.

However, overshadowing all that is the stretching of the main plot to its limits. When you consider once the OTP comes together, the writer-nim gave us one ep of fan service then parachutes in the old amnesia trope for our edification. It totally killed any forward momentum.

If that is not enough, we also get a couple of eps of historical reenactment, Joseon Style. This is on top of a decent sprinkling of recaps throughout the Show. It is like a trail of breadcrumbs. There were minor twists in the final cut, but they are not shocking. To be honest, you probably have already foreseen it if you know your dramas.

So, we have Fate, sacrifices and an ancient curse, what I'd like to call the three horsemen of k-dramas. It is serviceable but it walks a well-worn path.

The show can still be lifted with a strong finish. Alas, the Show delivered something that is, once again, agreeable but hardly inspiring. Ergo, the curse was lifted with minimal fanfare. The antagonist just disappears without so much as a "Oops, my bad". Oh, the pain suffered by generations of the FL's family. The injustice of it all!

The last ep is total fan service but it doesn't quite stick the landing either. The HEA ending is never in doubt. Everyone gets something, Oprah style. It is cute how they retold the OTP romantic journey in a different context but once you see past the gloss, it is just a storyboard with a highlight reel. Changing the wrapping doesn’t make it a new gift.

Acting is serviceable (where is my thesaurus?) The comedy side is well handled by the cadre of experienced actors in support. The OTP managed the light and fluffy stuff just fine but when the going gets heavy, they can be found wanting. It is par for the course though. BTW, maybe it is just me, but the FL's Joseon character just doesn't feel natural.

This Show is a light and fluffy cloud with a dark lining. It is watchable, undemanding and will occupy your time. A pair of rose tinted glasses will help as well. A one-time watch for me. Peace out.

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Everyone gets their yummy desserts

Not all makjang are made equal and I’m glad that this is a good’un in my book.

Makjang storylines, by definition, are meant to be convoluted and outrageous. While for a shortish 12 eps run, it does traipsed through many tropey plots, it is hardly a witch’s brew. I am pleasantly surprised by how well paced, coherent and logical the script is, well, once you get past the whole cancel death shenanigan.

I’ll be honest, the do-over plot device is old hat by now. Every year, there is a new crop with minor variations. This one started fairly typically. Death by misadventure and (GASP) you wake up and get another chance to get things right or in the FL’s case, exact revenge for many years of pain and suffering in the hands of her family.

There are no shortage of shenanigans, foul deeds, mental as well as physical torments. It is full on and yet it feels manageable, relatable. The A-plot needs the darker tropes to make the story work, but it doesn't take them to the extreme just to earn the torture porn badge.

Once the show established the lowest point in their lives, death will do that to you, it is a steady and engaging climb back to the top. Of course, it is never going to be easy for our leads, but they are quite a power couple. They might not be all loved up from Day 1 but their relationship is refreshingly pure and solid. While the FL thought that she is just using the ML as a stepping stone to archive her goals, the ML has other ideas.

I know that sounds bad but in fact, it is quite the opposite. While the motivation of FL’s initial actions is pure revenge, once she takes greater control of her life and learn more of the truth, their relationship changes and evolves. The show changes focus to healing and getting a second chance at life. That is so much more rewarding to watch than a show that is hellbent on Mutually Assured Destruction.

Another gratifying aspect of the show is while the antagonists knows all the dirty tricks, they are not omnipotent. Their plans are effective, even devastating at times, but our leads are not hapless punching bags. They have their wits about them and they have the measure on the evildoers. The show doesn’t jump feet first into non-sensical plots just to meter out endless pain and sufferings to our OTP.

In terms of acting, it is a definite mixed bag. The highly emotional plots and extreme situations are fertile grounds for overacting. Still, I have seen worse. They are within the realm of “normal” behaviours rather than pantomime grade performances.

In the end, I enjoyed this show very much. More because of the leads' growth and their healing journey than the revenge angle. Also, for a change, I can cheer them on without having to facepalm later because the show threw the kitchen sink at them and make them suffer for no reason other than for our “entertainment”. The last ep is purely fan service and I give thanks. It ties up all the loose ends. All key characters are given their moment in the sun (or in purgatory) so we are not left hanging. It is not award winning stuff but it is a solid production.

For some, this might be a weak example of a makjang but I will take it. There are enough troubles in the world today. I don’t usually rewatch this style of drama but I can make an exception in this case. Peace out.

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It exists . . . awkwardly

If I want to be generous, I can call this show a fluffy rom-com. However, that will be doing a disservice to the readers of this review. The premise of this show is a rom-com but what is delivered is subpar at every level.

The main story line is awkward. Bits of cliche plots are cobbled together. It feels tired and predictable. You could call it a labour of love because a bunch of people certainly worked hard to deliver it even with all its problems. Unfortunately, the core concept is not particularly funny nor romantic. I get that they want to get some laughs out of the struggling dating show but you are more likely to gag than giggle. The pacing is also inconsistent. Some plots feel rushed while others just meander along.

This is not helped by the OTP having little chemistry. Their whole love line felts contrived. It was a bad case of puppy love when they were young teens but their feelings for each other is unchanged for 20 years. Ok, it is a bit of a stretch but this trope has worked in other shows so it can work here too, right?

Yes, it can work and they say that they have resolved their issues and they are all lovey-dovey. Yet the same issue caused them to breakup again before the love bite had time to fade. Have they learnt nothing? Are they 34 or 14? The fact that the issue can be resolved with some straight talking is totally ignored. Some of the later dialogue doesn't make much sense. It is the classic "Do as I say, not as I do". I know the happy ending is mandated but it is one audacious piece of writing.

In terms of acting, the FL is prone to overact because her character is quite exaggerated. I have to give her credit for acting like a fool at times just for laughs. The ML pulls his weight but he can't carry the whole show and his character is a bit nebulous. Support cast is patchy. Lots of one dimensional characters. It feels like they are trying to be a caricature of themselves.

To be honest, I am a bit numb after watching this show. It is not so bad that you want to throw things at the monitor nor is it good enough to be truly enjoyable. You keep watching while clinging onto the hope that it will get better. In your heart, you know the actors deserve better, the crew deserve better, WE deserve better!

It exists . . . awkwardly. Enough said. Peace out.

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A passable rom-com that got swamped by a tsunami of relationship disasters

Let me be frank, the ML was a horrible person for a good 1/3 of the Show. He is rude, arrogant and a bully. Thankfully, the growth in the FL offset this and gave the Show a positive momentum. For the first half of the drama, it was very rewarding to watch the FL overcome challenges and strike out on her own. The business aspect of this chapter was also engaging and interesting unlike many c-drama which is supposedly based on the business world. Not surprisingly, the ML changed for the better over time, but it was a slow journey and he continued to be taciturn and awkward for the bulk of the show. It was hard to ship the OTP initially. Nevertheless, everything was heading in the right direction and there are solid hints that the OTP is on the verge of going official when the ML suddenly has an attack of the vapours and told the FL not to have any silly idea about liking him. OMG! That is the smackdown of the century and of course the FL took it badly. This is where the wheels begin to fall off this cart.

I know push-pulls and misunderstanding are the cornerstones of a rom-com, but our dear writer double down on the relationship nightmares thus flipping the narrative on its head. It went from a positive, sunny outlook to a total disaster area within a couple of episodes. The doom and gloom went on for a good 8-9 episodes before the FL finally broke up with the SML. Suddenly, it is as if a curse has been lifted and the sun came out again. Upon reflection, there was little to gain from all this pain while making the Show feel stilted.

Speaking of the SML, there is no chemistry between him and the FL. Forget fish lip kisses, they were dead fish swimming. The body language of the FL made it clear that she wanted out, but it still dragged on for too long. Ditto parachuting the ML’s crush into the mix at the same time. All it served was to throw fuel onto the flaming wreak of our OTP “romance”. If that is not enough, the seemingly perfect relationship of her BFF and her partner became a complete train wreck.

This brings us to a related issue. While the first half of the Show was focused on the OTP with some side plots, the latter half became a free-for-all with all the side stories taking over the bulk of the screen time. The leads became the supporting act. So not only was there no progress in their relationship, but they were also caught up with everyone else’s problems.

In this sea of gloom, there was an odd spark. Oddly, it was a death, but the story was integral to the plot. It was poignant and well acted. It marked the turning point when the Show pivot back on course.

The last few episodes are used to dispel the gloom and put things right. More time and effort are spent on side characters while the leads are stuck in the dreaded friend zone. The pacing is languid to say the least. The ending is cute and predictable but more appropriate for a movie. The confession did not happen until the literal dying moments of the last episode! Why can’t we have more sweet CP moments? I believe the Show followed closely the book which it is based but after 30+ episodes a bit more fan service is not unreasonable. So much time is wasted, . . . so much.

Acting wise, the FL was very good while the ML struggles with his delivery. I have not watched any of his show which I can say his acting was outstanding. Most of the support cast earned their keeps. There were some one-dimensional characters and some overacting but not too bad.

OST is good. I can rewatch bits of it, but I would skip a lot as well. It started well and promised much but in the end, it failed to reach new heights and came down to a soft landing.

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A solid winsome rom-com that doesn't need to cheat

This is an angst light sport focused drama with a strong, swoon worthy noona romance running in parallel.

The college aged ML falls in love with the FL at first sight. He was smitten and pursuits the FL with boundless energy. He picked a particular university just so that he can be coached by the FL. The FL is several years older than the ML so there is the usual push-pulls and denials. However, once she accepted his love, they are rock solid. It was so gratifying to see a relationship build upon trust and pure love. In fact, the FL should be applauded for her bravery and strength in pushing back against societal stereotypes and naysayers. Bravo! 

I am thankful that there is no last minute breakups nor silly misunderstandings. The OTP are truly reading from the same page.
Of course there are tropes and cliché moments, this is a Chinese drama after all. Thankfully, they are under a tight rein and doesn't feel too contrived. Plots are mostly allowed to progress naturally.

Acting is fine all around. The ML has been in a number of school/college dramas so he is perfectly casted and is in his element. His training and competition scenes are well done and fairly believable. The FL played the noona role to perfection. She spent nearly the whole show in tracksuits or simple garb which is a refreshing change from the glam style of her other projects. She looks lean, fit and belongs on the sporting fields as a coach.

Most of the other actors are college age but they did fine. Lots of testosterone on display and their coming together to form their own band of brothers was gratifying to watch.

There is also a nice amount of skinship and no shortage of passionate kisses. An above average bedroom scene is a surprise bonus.

Not everything is wonderful though. There are some issues with the use of filters in post production whereby some scenes look like they are shot in fog and the actors looked washed out and glowed with a strange aura. This caused some online remarks and the director acknowledged the issue and dial back the effect in later scenes. The ending also feels rushed. The HEA ending is never in doubt but it feels underdone. Could have added more fan service.

It is not going to win any awards but it is a straightforward and satisfying watch. It is not artificially sweetened and the sports theme provided the necessary trials and tribulations without having to cheat by adding manufactured angst.

I enjoyed this show very much and would recommend it without reservations. OST is fun and breezy. Rewatch will not be a chore.

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A stark contrast of two cultures

I like this show very much and a lot has to do with the first half of this series which was set in Helsinki, Finland. The snowy cityscape is very appealing. The use of local actors in key roles helps with immersion and let us know that it is not a token effort.

Whether it is the setting or the fact that the ML has been living abroad for several years made him very forthcoming in his pursuit of the FL. Similarly, FL is also surprisingly receptive when you consider most romantic c-dramas will spend a good deal of time wandering around the garden path while the leads assess and reassess their feelings. Forget about skinship, a mere accidental touch is all you'd get.

Not so here. The ML knew what he wants, and he is going for it. He taking no prisoners either. While the FL was initially hesitant, she soon fell into his warm embrace, and we have an explosion of skinship mere days after their fateful meet-cute in a snowstorm. They were hugging and kissing at every opportunity while enjoying the delights of the city.

This is so refreshing that I commented to an online friend that it feels like I'm watching a western romance. The progress is steady and meaningful. None of this endless longing and confusing double speak. We are not in Beijing anymore!

I was praying that the show will keep going down this path and they can be HEA in Finland. I'd have given this show 11/10 on the spot! Alas, this is not to be. China happens.

Yep, both leads relocate back to China after a time skip. The change in tone is stark. Gone are the carefree days of love and be loved. Now it is all about rules, status, obligations and respect.

The OTP are still madly in love, but they must hide their relationship and tread carefully. PDA quota went over a cliff. The ML puts on a mask and behave like other ML's in a typical c-drama. All hail the status quo.

It is not all bad. The relationship between the ML and his teacher was mended and it was beautifully done. There was not a dry eye in the room when the elderly gentleman passed. However, this just triggers another round of scripted role playing and more conformities.

To be honest, this was disappointing for me. I harboured hopes that this drama will dare to be different. Yes, it was that and more for 2/3 of the show but as soon as the ML arrives back in China, it was like a different show. It became a tropey Chinese drama poured from the same mould. Family issues, youthful transgression, societal obligations weighting everything down. The core is still there but you can barely see it from the tropes. If anything, the writer seems to double down on them. They really labour the teacher/disciple relationship as well. It feels like you're watching a wuxia drama rather than billiards! I guess they are trying to promote the positive aspect of Chinese cultures but it was a bit heavy handed.

The flag waving event where China won many gold medals in billiards is over the top. Huzzah!

It makes any talk of spreading the game to the masses seems farcical. It all comes down to prize money, world ranking and a creche of elite players.

Eventually, we get the HEA ending we craved. It was telling that the passing remark from the ML after 3 years in China is that he wants to be "free and easy" again. Guess where he went? ;) Is that a hidden message from the writer? It certainly rings true for me.

Acting by the leads are on point. There are so many sweet and swoon-y scenes. The tender moments felt real. I ship them unconditionally. Forget RL dating rumours, I'm waiting for the wedding invite! This makes the scenes back in China feel all the more like excess baggage.

Support cast earned their pay, but they have little to do. There are no real second leads nor secondary couples. A few minor distractions but it was the OTP's show from start to finish. There is no real antagonist either but there are angsty moments when the leads are back in China. As I mentioned before, the change in tone is stark.

I'd have given it 10/10 if it was a 20 eps run focused on their wonderful romance in Finland. The rest pulled me out of my happy place which lead to a re-evaluation of my final score. That is a shame.

I could rewatch parts of this show but I'd skip tracts as well. The OST is very good.

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“like a softcore porno but without the porn.” – Love movies, drama reviewer

Love lost and found again is the foundation of this drama. A cute boy with mysterious origin ties the many threads together. It has a good-looking cast of young actors and the lead’s do have some chemistry, but it is not very convincing. It was shot in Xi’an but it has a Taiwanese feel to it. This review is pretty trippy to match the ambience of this short drama.

This show is like a game of pin the tail on the donkey. It lurches all over the place but never stays long enough so that you can pin a label on it. For instance, it is quite racy at time, but you won't see anything explicit. It tests the boundaries but never crosses them. Some of the dialogs are very awkward but you can’t say that they are nonsensical or offensive, just cringey, stilted and non-PC.

The dubbing swings between functional to embarrassing. The acting go from reasonable to super cheesy. Every scene can bring its own surprises, and most don’t even involve the script. Ditto the production value. It can be decent one scene and amateurish the next. So much of this show is vexing. Consider how simple and tropey the A-plot is, this is no mean feat.

Some of that can be attributed to its short run time. Officially, it is only 20 x 10 mins long but once you top and tail them, they clock in closer to 8 mins per ep. Thus, the show moves at a cracking pace. I can imagine the editing room floor being littered with scenes they had to cut out. Editing and flow do suffer because of that. It does settle down a bit towards mid run and we can catch our breath but the home run is back to breakneck speed.

The script is humming a tune that sounds familiar but there are many dissonant chords. Cliches are everywhere. Like single use plastic items after a picnic. You might as well get used to plot holes because they are part of this gurgling witches’ brew. I can foretell much toils and troubles.

With a score this low, my modus operandi would be to cut my losses and drop the show but I couldn't. It is like watching a train wreck. You are mesmerised by the impending doom. You are shocked but also awed. As expected, a HEA ending was airdropped into place in the dying minutes of the show. All’s well that ends well.

This show is dire, but not so awful that it becomes a cult classic. It can even be unintentionally funny. In the end, it is a curio that will soon be forgotten. It did pique my interest and it might do the same for you. Heed my warning, gentlefolks. It is hard to stop once it hooks you. I binged it in morbid fascination with barely a pause. But I can never watched it again.

Maybe this is art. Maybe I’m a bowl of petunias. Peace out.

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A sweet little rom-com that got me thinking. . .

As soon as you mention teacher/student romance, the topic is automatically labelled taboo or controversial by many. It is understandable as a teacher is in an unique position of power to groom a young student for nefarious purposes and possibly subject them to abuse. That would be both illegal and morally corrupt and should be condemned. However, what happens if there is another side to this coin?

This Show starts in just such an awkward scenario where the young and beautiful new homeroom teacher is confronted by a confession from a model student. She naturally rejected him and admonished him to not do it again.

For a good portion of its entire short run (8 x 20 mins episodes) we watch the ML does everything in his power to show the FL that he is serious and sincere about his feelings towards her. It is awkward at time but his energy is infectious. He is helped along the way by his friends (both male and female) and even the FL’s big brother when he realised that he is actually serious and trustworthy. Just about everyone involved is behind his quest. There is no obvious antagonist. The moral and societal barriers are his biggest hurdles.

It has its cliché moments and swoon-y ones as well, but the show is never manipulative or sexualised. The romance is surprisingly pure and sweet. A peck on the cheek is about as far as skinship goes. In that sense, the script never crosses the line unless you consider anything to do with teacher/student romance is automatically out of bound. In that case, this show is not for you.

It is not until towards the end that we find out why the ML is so hellbent on pursuing the FL. I’m not going to give the plot away but let’s just say that it is not your typical teenage crush. The reasoning actually makes sense and justifies his action.

There is certainly more depth to this show than the single-minded exploits of a young man in love. A lot has to do with abandonment, commitment and a need to belong. Tropey topics, indeed, but it is used effectively here.

I’m not going to make this out to be some kind of masterpiece theatre. It is short and made with a small budget. There are no big-name actors, and the mostly young cast did their best with limited experience and abilities. Nevertheless, it is entertaining and I enjoyed it. The ML’s and his friends’ antics are both over the top and heartfelt. You know he is being naughty, but you also want to cheer him on like everyone else. You do have some reservation whether the whole story will end well or turn sour given the controversial topic.

I’m glad to report that the ending is sweet and satisfying. There is no hint of serious romance but there is meaningful banters and teasing. You know that they are playing by the rules for now but are also marking time until he comes of age, finish school and then it will be on for young and old. I won’t mind a sequel that covers the next phase of their lives.

Lastly, I have to give credit to the scenes depicting the inter-thoughts of the FL. They are amusing and insightful. Uniquely Japanese and quite charming.

I have no problem rewatching it as a weekend binge. There is no point in comparing it to a big budget, serious drama. It is just a bit of lightweight fluffy fun and viewed from that angle, it is good enough for me and hence my score. Peace out.

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