WangMaLu
Story:
To say that the main plot was far-fetched is being kind. Suspension of disbelief is warranted for the main characteristic of Hwan Ki's character, since that's the hook of the show, but to have this entire scheme to uncover a mystery from left field that left me thinking: "uh... this is not the fun and wacky drama I thought I'd be seeing...", having this was unnerving. The way the protagonist was written had me frustrated. The way that the female lead was acting (from the script, not her actual acting) was irritating. The growth in all of the characters, including the silent monster staff, all came abruptly without minor changes in their behavior could not be noticed. It's as if on cue, they changed their behavior because it was already episode 6, and by episode 7, they should be acting in a certain way towards each other.
The pacing was excruciatingly slow in the beginning, became rapid fire fast in the middle and then slowed down when you were expecting the climax.
I can see how the writers might think that the way the story was written was clever in their minds, but since this is not a sci-fi drama, I can't bring myself to buy the contrived plot and the forced character changes in the middle. Granted a re-write was done to make the female lead more appealing, it wasn't sustained in the succeeding episodes. And speaking of the female lead...
Acting/Cast:
I feel bad for Park Hye Soo. She was given a material that she couldn't execute better. If a different actress was in the role, they could've brought out more from the character. I loved Hye Soo in age of youth, and I felt that her character there was closer to how she normally is, seeing as she was more likeable and believable in that role. For this drama, though, I couldn't believe how easily her motivations changed. She needs more seasoning in her acting chops, and her acting was a major reason why this drama was a disappointment in my eye.
Yeon Woo Jin acted fairly well, and gave the best performance he can, with the script that he's given. He's had better performances, with "Marriage, Not Dating" being his best one so far.
Several supporting actors actually came from the previous drama that the PD worked on, which was superior in every way, "Another Oh Hae Young." The Silent Monster crew was charming in their own way and damned entertaining. As usual, Ye Ji Won and Heo Jeong Min gave brilliant performances as supporting actors. Both were very funny and entertaining as usual, but the limitations of the script and story prevented us from seeing more and enjoying what they can potentially do, given a better script.
Music:
The music was very appropriate, and you can feel how each track was selected to coincide with the mood of the scene/s. But since they used and re-used around 4-5 tracks, it became formulaic. It's as if the drama is telling us: "It's time to laugh.... now, it's time to feel sad..." I understand that this is normal in any show that features sequential story-telling, but because of the really bad script, which in turn translated to less-than-stellar acting, the music just brought me out of the story. Rather than helping accentuate the scenes, and feel the mood based on the scene and the acting, my attention focused on the music. Normally, the scenes and acting are enough for me to feel, know and understand what's happening, with the soundtrack adding that icing on top. Instead, I hear the music, and I'm forced to pay attention to the scene to get the appropriate mood that was supposed to happen. That is an indication of bad story-telling.
ReWatch Value:
There are dramas I like that I rewatched the entire thing, and these are mostly the most exceptional ones that entertained me throughout the run, like "You From Another Star." Then there are some dramas that I just re-watch certain scenes with the lead actors in them, to re-create the feel of the show, without being bogged down by the entire story. This happened to me for "You're the Best, Lee Soon Shin." Lastly, there are dramas that I'd rather not see ever again. THIS DRAMA, created a fourth category for me. The only scenes that I re-watched, were the scenes wherein Han Chae Ah (Chae Ji Hye [Ro Woon's older sister]) were in them. That was how unbearable the female lead's acting was. I enjoyed the chemistry and interactions and the presence (she looked so much prettier) that a DEAD CHARACTER had, more than the female lead.
Over-all:
Over-all, it's like High School for me. I enjoyed half of it, I slept through the rest just to get through each day. I'm glad I saw the drama because I really liked the actors, but I was happier that it has ended because that way, my frustrations ended along with it. IMHO, the female lead was miscast, and the story structure, plot and re-writes made it a big jumbled mess. I've never written a review before because I tend to be satisfied with most dramas I watch, but this one prompted me to hit the keyboard because of how mind-numbingly frustrating this had been for me. You know it's bad when you'd rather watch the story of the dead plot device Unnie, rather than the actual female lead's story.
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Story:
Granted that there is an element of Fantasy in drama, you can't make me buy the fact that Mon Nan Hee should get our sympathy, simply because she is as superficial as Park Se Gun. The story description for this drama is so off. Nan Hee is an instantly likable character, except that both leads are extremely superficial (which reflects what Korean culture really values). All I hear is "Yeppeun." I can understand Nan Hee's obsession to become prettier, but Se Gun's character was not fleshed out to the point wherein he makes the audience understand why he's so superficial. There's that backstory about his family (not saying which member), but that doesn't tie-in to his behavior. Mi Ju is no better. How can characters flip flop on their motivations and behavior so easily? The only character that has shown consistent characterization was Tae Hyun, but that was also short-lived, because he accepted the ending so easily. Granted that this was a short drama and fleshing out of characters was limited, it didn't have to be this half-baked.
Acting:
Seul Gi and Tae Sun showed range, and it was glaringly obvious that Seul Gi carried the story and the drama. When there was emotion to be conveyed, these two conveyed the emotions properly. Alas, they were subject to a poorly done script. Hyo Seop and So Hee on the other hand were very wooden. Hyo Seop had three expressions, and So Hee had two. Okay, so they were both very pretty, and I am a big fan of So Hee, because she looks like Park Shi Hyeon and she's really gorgeous, but she really lacks acting skills. Even in melos like "My Love Eun Dong," she was a weak link in the cast.
Music:
If there was a memorable track in a drama that identifies itself with a drama, I can say that it was scored properly. On this one tho, there wasn't anything memorable or stirring. If I watched the drama without music, it would still convey the same story and emotional beats.
Re-watch Value:
The cute scenes weren't enough to warrant a re-watch. While watching the drama, I just wanted it to end so that I can get a conclusion to the story. Unlike other dramas wherein I had to check the progress on the run time because I didn't want the episode to end just yet, this just left me wanting to see the ending so that I can get on with my life.
I will watch anything with Kim Seul Gi, and I am her fan through and through. I just wish that she'd get better material for her drama projects. She is, in my opinion, a very attractive actress, and the fact that she is characterized as "ugly" in this drama, kinda makes me mad. It is indicative of general Korean society that they value aesthetics above everything. It's a real shame that Seul Gi is not getting 16-20 episode dramas where she can showcase her skills and charm.
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Story:
The story is paper-thin. It's a series of mixed vignettes from the anime and manga. When pieced together, it really doesn't make a lot of sense. The characters' motivations lack grounding. Their behaviors changed without much provocation, usually just taking one instance to dictate a change in behavior. The dialogue is really awkward. The scenes were badly thought out, and I can tell that the budget was low due to the poor production values and set quality. The explosion of colors will assault your senses. In the original anime and manga, they wore school uniforms. In the movie, we get ugly, ugly, unfashionable (because I'm reviewing it in 2017) clothes. If they used school uniforms, this movie wouldn't appear so dated if you watched it today.
Acting:
It was bad. I mean, really cheesy, over-acting, bad. I don't know if they wanted to reflect the wild, over-reactions that the anime executed perfectly, but you have to understand one thing: THOSE WERE DRAWINGS. Exaggeration in anime can be, and most often is, funny. If you try that with a real-life human being, the actor is gonna look stupid. The characters weren't fleshed-out and come across as either stupid, fickle and senseless. This includes the two leads. They flip-flop from one emotion to another without reason. In the anime, the characters were really fleshed-out because of the time that was given to them. It was understandable that they would feel those emotions and come to terms with their decisions. In this movie, it was a real mess. A lot of that is due to time constraints, but mostly, it's due to bad acting. I couldn't care less about these characters.
Music:
Forgettable
Re-watch Value:
If you want to suffer a stroke, go ahead and watch it again.
Over-all, this movie was bad. I can't help compare it to Ore Monogatari. Though not really a cinematic masterpiece in itself, the story was at least sevicable, and the actors were really invested in the performance. Again, this was a really bad movie. It was a bad adaptation of the anime and manga. It was just.... really... Horrible. Don't watch it.
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There are heavy themes in the story, but the lovable cast makes it seem very light, and their interaction will entertain you, regardless of the typical K-Drama tropes.
I first saw Nam Gung MIn in "Sensory Couple" and he played a psychopath in that drama. He was scary and really menacing to look at. I was pleasantly surprised that he can be such a lovable lead in a RomCom. MinAh on the other hand, this is the first time that I've seen her in any drama and I was quite impressed on how she can capture the attention of the audience. You will believe that the two leads are the characters. The way MinAh portrayed Gong Shim will make you believe that she is not an idol and is this really awkward girl. The second leads do their jobs well, with Gong Mi, being successfully portrayed as the hateful wench that she is. It's all good. Ahn Dan Te and Gong Shim will surely make you come back for more, week after week.
You will hate the characters that you should hate (Including Gong MI and the typical baddies), but you will love the other characters and how they move in this world. The president, Gong Shim's dad, her mom, the Grandmothers in the Chaebol household, all these characters have fun moments.
The music is upbeat and sets a great tone for the series. Not really a must to download, but it maintains the goofy and fun pace of the series. Once you hear the OST, you know that you're in for an hour of fun.
Would I watch it again? Sure. I re-watch all episodes after the first watching just to catch a glimpse of the fun scenes that took place.
The story is typical, but the take is fresh. If you want cute, off-beat leads who are extremely funny and lovable, give this a try. This is one if the most fun K-dramas out there today.
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