Reviews

Mixed feelings but good outcome

I both liked it and hated it at the same time. Every episode I was watching nervously, expecting it to disapoint me. Sometimes it did, sometimes they did better than I could have wished for. I've watched the Thai version and have a strong opinion about it, so I was excited to see what the Japanese director had taken out of it and how she had decided to adapt it. I have a lot to criticize in both shows, so for my own satisfaction, I'm going to compare them point by point before I express my general feelings about Koi no Yokan.

STORY
Win: Thailand
The Japanese version follows pretty much the original story but of course, as it has less episodes, they had to cut and compromise some stuff. I liked the way they did it overall but there are two things that bothered me; First, merging Arashi's and Rei's two NC scenes into one. In the original, I didn't really care about their first time, but the scene after Payu won the race was amazing because it showed really how they had grown to care more about each other than anything else, and how well they worked together. It was so important for their chemistry developpement. Merging it and making that scene their first time in KNY takes away that developpement and makes the moment way less powerful. Also, they decided to have Rei tell Arashi about his assignment after the race, which made it look like he didn't care that much about Arashi's achievement. I was really fond of the way Rain was super supportive and proud of him in the original, and by merging these two moments they completly lost that aspect of their couple. Second thing, having both Kai and Rei's assault in the same episode made it more difficult to empathize with them individually.

RYTHM
Win: Japan
As much as the cuts mentionned above upsetted me, it was soooooo much easier to watch than the original. Like in many Thai dramas, LITA tends to include many elements/scenes that are just slow and do not bring much to the story. KNY was efficient, straight to the point but didn't feel rushed, at least to me.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Win: Thailand
Not that LITA was specifically well filmed, but still, once again, it's about the chemistry and proximity. KNY had way fewer, longer and more distant shots. Some scenes were almost filmed entirely in one shot. It's a style I usually enjoy very much, but in this case it kind of made it look like a theatre play. It kept me distant from what was happening on the sceen, like I was watching from afar all the time. So of course it was harder to feel that proximity between the characters, but it also reduced the impact of the action scenes. I liked the colorimetry though, it was very lively.

SOUND
Win: Japan
I didn't notice much about the music in both shows. But the sound in LITA was just horrible, and in KNY it was... well... done by professionnals who have been paid correctly, probably. One moment where the music did hit me was the scene in the car where Arashi is all over Rei. In LITA, in the bathroom stall, it's an angsty music which really adds to the assault Payu is doing and made me highly uncomfortable. In KNY, it's more of a sensual, slow music that eases it up and contribute to making it look less aggressive, so good point.

CHARACTERS
I'm not going to talk about the acting, because I believe everything the actors did was a choice made on purpose by the director, and therefore is a part of the characters and not the actors' capacities. For example, everyone criticized Rei's actor for not being able to do a proper kiss in their NC scene, but he showed us in the last episode that he was well capable of kissing, which means that it was the director who had decided he would act like that in the first scene. SO, here goes what I think of the characters:
REI: Thailand wins
I didn't really like Rain in the first place but Rei was.... insufferable. His infinite baby talk, the way he moved, his actions.... He was more stupid, more selfish and had pretty much nothing interesting to offer.
ARASHI: Thailand wins
In LITA, I hated Payu at first and grew to like him after they got together. I despised him for harassing Rain sexually, but then I liked how he became much more soft, cool but still sensitive to what happened to him and his boyfriend, and overall very expressive. One good thing about Arashi is that he wasn't as agressive with the whole sexual assault, just a bit pushy, but otherwise he was just plain boring. Just that cool guy who is too cool to show any emotion. Even when Rei got kidnapped he gave us nothing, just a semi angry swing and slightly anxious eyes when he got to Rei being tied up on the chair.
KAI: Tie
I really liked both. Maybe I was a bit disapointed when Kai wasn't as sassy as Sky, but still I think his character made sense and I was very fond of the more taciturn aspect.
FUMA: Japan wins
Yeah, Prapai was amazing after they got together. But christ how painful it was to watch him harrass the sh*t out of Sky in the beginning, so much that Sky actually had somewhat of a panic attack at some point. Fuma was just as sweet, just as much of a green flag, but without the aggressive harrassment. Like Arashi, he is a bit pushy and doesn't give up but it is very light. Even the first time they met at the race, unlike Prapai, Fuma doesn't actually pressures Kai into sleeping with him, as he says he's kidding after asking him for "something in return" (though it doesn't make much sense why Kai actually sleeps with him then but still, it makes Fuma way more likable).

CHEMISTRY
Win: Thailand, of course
BUT ! Like I already mentionned, people criticized the intimate scenes in KNY a lot because it was awkward and everything, condemning it as if the director had no clue what she was doing or whatever. I did at first too. But after watching Kai and Fuma's second NC scene and Arashi and Rei's bath scene, I realized it was probably more deeply thought by the Director. I don't know since I'm not in her head, but I feel like she purposely made it awkward for Arashi and Rei since it was their first time, and as much as I hated that scene, I think it contributed to the satisfaction of the bath scene. Same for Fuma and Kai, she probably made their first time awkward since Kai was forcing himself and Fuma didn't think much of him at that time, and it deepened the gap between that and their second time which was very sweet and much more smooth. So, I actually didn't hate their chemistry in KNY. Because of their individual characters, I'm kinda still wondering why are Rei and Arashi together, but Kai and Fuma had, in their own way, just as much chemistry as the Thai couple.

In Conclusion, as I didn't particularly love the original story, I didn't expect to be much fond of this one either. But overall Koi No Yokan was a nice, easy watch and is even more enjoyable if you're used to the Japanese style. Though Fuma and Kai's story only is 80% of the reason why I liked it, I'll keep a good memory of the whole show and wouldn't mind watching it again.

Despite everything above, I do not think an adaptation has look like the original or even do it justice. I just compared them because I watched them both, but Koi no Yokan stands well by itself and I'm sure the people who haven't seen LITA don't think as bad of this show as the people who did. Would recommend to the people who are used to Japanese shows and those who can look over Rei's despicable character lol.

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A solid JBL

I'm clearly, and sadly, in the minority but I really liked it. While everyone keeps saying "I'm trying not to compare it to the original", everyone is doing exactly that imo.

As a stand alone JBL, it did a lot in only 8 short episodes. A fair amount of story, a lot of character development, and some really serious issues sensitively and sympathetically covered.

Arashi is obviously insanely hot and as such, some may say his love for Rei seemed unrealistic. However, Rei's innocent smile and dumb, adorable ways melted Arashi's cold heart and I loved them together. I also thought Rei's attitude when he was in trouble in the last ep really solidified what Arashi loved about him - this cute guy who's a total dork but also has the heart of a warrior and who'll battle fiercely for those he cares about. The guy's got balls and Arashi freaking loves that.

Kai's character is so well acted. The depiction of a poor, damaged boy whose misery is visible in every facial expression broke my heart a number of times. While I can admit that Fuma is probably the weakest character, I felt that the relationship between Kai and Fuma developed really well with lots of pathos and some real tear jerking moments, particularly in the last episode, which was superbly acted by both guys. It's at that point you realise that Fuma, as a slightly older guy with a fair amount of experience, clearly acted in a light, cheerful way as he knew that Fuma had suffered in his past and wanted to make it clear that Kai wouldn't suffer again in his hands. I want them to be happy together forever.

Concisely told with sweet and savage moments, I think this was a great show. If you like Japanese BL's, I suggest you give it a watch.

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Too much drama, not enough harvesting!

6.8/10

I chose to watch this completely on a whim and it was cute at first but then it kinda lost me towards the end.

I wasn’t expecting deep character development or anything and also fine with some clichés but the SML and SFL were so frustrating. They had no respect for boundaries constantly interfering in the other's business which made it feel less like a rom-com and more like a drama for drama's sake. The whole "breakup and reunion" thing was way too predictable and dragged out which just got annoying.

But all was not lost.It does have its cheesy romantic moments. The bickering was fun too. They had this perfect mix of teasing and tension, like they couldn't stand each other but also clearly liked each other.
The pace felt fast but considering the run time and it's a mini drama, it's understandable.

Overall , It’s okay for a one-time watch. I went into it looking for something light and farm feels but wish they kept it breezy. Also it could’ve been way shorter too, so much filler with the same repetitive story lines.
Recommended If you’re into the arranged marriage trope and don’t mind some cheesy drama with cliche tropes. But definitely not the worst out there.

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Those Foolish Humans

This was an incredible series. It did a good job grabbing the view’s attention in the beginning, but started off a little rocky. However, this is one series that gets better after each episode. The script is interesting from the start, but it felt like something was missing. This changes by the 5th episode and everything starts to make sense. Some of the characters were unlikable at first, but the script did a great job explaining the reasoning behind their actions. There are also a lot of twists and turns that keep you guessing what is going to happen next. Although there is a slight romance element with some of the characters, it did not overpower the main storyline. The cast was excellent and did a great job with their characters. This also did a great job with the cinematography, special effects, and make-up.

Random Note:

There is a possible hint of a second season because the last two scenes can be interpreted as a cliffhanger. If this is the case, I can’t wait to watch it.

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Enjoyable but disconcerting.

There's a lot to enjoy about this drama - so far only half the episodes have been released on Netflix. Both leads play their roles well, especially ML is compelling. FL is less compelling, especially in beginning episodes she just didn't look that terrified at being kidnapped - but playing the quietly submissive person who pleases everyone to survive - that was convincing - having large doe eyes helps, and there is a warmth to her role that draws you in. The chemistry between the pair is great, of course, it helps they're both good to look at. The age gap between the leads is a little distracting, as they are supposed to be similar in age, but they're both too cute together for me to be bothered that much. It kind of suits the drama that he looks quite a bit older as he is quite dominating and paternalistic.

There are quite a few times where we have to suspend judgement - especially around the FL being a sign language interpreter. As a person who cannot speak, she can only interpret one way - and yet there are many situations when two way interpreting is required, so another interpreter is bought along to support her. It's also odd that she signs to the British ambassador's wife in Korean sign language as the two sign languages are not mutually intelligible. Kudos to the actress though, she did look comfortable signing and learning those sequences would not have been easy. I use sign as a second language, so it's comforting for me to see sign language taking a central role in a drama.

As in many Korean dramas, the inequality of the sexes in terms of influence and power stands out starkly to an outside observer. Often older women are portrayed as malicious and vain, and you wonder if that's because it's the only way they ever get to exert any influence. This particular dynamic is on clear display in this drama, and although it's there to add tension and not to make any kind of social commentary, it's such a force in this show that it's hard to ignore.

I am often struck too by how often the male lead tells the female lead to stand up for herself and in the next breath he orders her around under the guise that she doesn't know how to take care of herself. It seems like this is all the usual romantic trope of the powerful and commanding male lead and on screen it works a charm, but in real life it would be regarded as toxic masculinity.

So I find myself regularly suspending judgement and going a long for the ride. It's an enjoyable ride, as long as you don't think about it too much.

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Cute and funny romcom with a great cast and no major flaw

I enjoyed watching this drama very much. If you look for anything unique, don't watch this drama, it looks a lot like a lot of other romcoms from that era, but I didn't watch this drama for anything but a lighthearted romcom and I was overall satisfied. It has a very happy ending as well, which I honestly expected because most romcoms have happy endings.

The plot is pretty simple and straightforward. It's just about 4 childhood friends and their relationships (friendships, romance, family...), their goals and aspirations in life and how they accomplish them. Both the romance and comedy aspects of the drama were great, it was a sweet and fun drama. It was especially good in the first half of the drama but in the second half I felt that the pace was a bit slow and the story wasn't as interesting. Nothing serious but it's what I noticed. Also I wish we witnessed a bit more of the FL's career growth a bit more. I also can't get over the fact that she was always watching TV for her role model news anchor for so long but throwed away her dreams for another job just because the ML told her he thinks she's better fit for another job... Also wish there was bit more aegyo from the FL because it was the reason I got into this drama in the first place and it was adorable and funny. To be honest there wasn't that many flaws except a medium sized one is that the plot is a bit too simple.

As for the acting, it was very good, especially the main leads. They picked the right actors. I liked the main leads' chemistry but I feel like the second lead couple was even better. They also worked on the issues of their relationship quite well (even though it took a while) because I was kinda frustrated with the 2ML's behavior. The other supporting roles were good and I appreciated how the problematic ones like Park Hyeran and Jang Yejin got on good terms with the main leads even if it's not always realistic though I'm not watching a drama for realism.

The OSTs are good and exciting. It gets you on the romcom mood well. No bad OST.

I would watch it again if I had a lot of time and if I was a beginner Kdrama fan, because at that time I had lower standards for rewatching dramas and now I'm focused on finishing the other dramas I'm watching. But it was good, it's just that I don't see the point in rewatching the drama, when I could just rewatch a few scenes.

I don't have any very bad criticisms to say. There were a few minor flaws but overall it was a very enjoyable watch. I recommand this drama.

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Choices

This is essentially a story about choices and consciousness.

A slightly different less dramatic more realistic portrayal of the path towards fatherhood, where does the sea begin, when does fatherhood begin and what is the right thing to do?

A display of choices, some tougher than others, as life is indeed complicated. Self sacrifice vs. compromise and at the end of the day what is truly best for the child?

While the drama does have some moments that have me questioning the agenda of the drama, some moments pf cringe,, as well as some small issues here and there, the over all feel to this drama is that it is a good story and pretty much as far from mainstream storytelling as it gets. A story that considers several voices, angels and truly digs deep in to the concept of parenthood and the right to choose. Well portrayed, well casted the type of story that will have you feel stuff, click on that next episode button and wish them all the best.

Making me accept the parts that had me wondering as a portrayal of life..

There are few drmas with as many self aware, lovely characters in this are lovely, especially the fathers (even the so called bad fathers) and the kid.

A drama that is defiantly worth more attention, and worthy of any slice of life drama lovers time.

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Disappointing

This drama had the potential to be a thrilling romance story but it totally failed. I really enjoy the arranged marriage and secret identity tropes but I can't get past how boring and full of cliches this drama is. I don't like how the FL seems so incompetent too. I don't want to sound too mean and I did enjoy the casting of this drama but there's many things that could have been better.

What I'm truly disappointed about is the disability representation. I can see how they wanted to be all progressive by using sign language, deafness and mutism as part of the plot but it didn't work out how they intended.

Some spoilers ahead:

It's so boring how the ML is supposedly in love with a woman that uses sign language but doesn't even bother to learn it during the first years of their marriage. (I hope the upcoming episodes prove me wrong) And when he does show the smallest effort to learn it they try to make it seem like something great when in reality it's normal to learn your partner's language. The couple does not really even communicate until the FL starts talking which makes it seem like sign language is not a proper and functional language like any others. Their relationship sparks off after they can talk by using words..

Then the selective mutism. These characters do not understand what selective mutism is. While that is the reality for the people who really have it, this drama does not point it out at all or try to explain what selective mutism is to the viewers. The ML does not understand this condition and tries to coax the FL into speaking which pisses me off.

The bad guy's evilness is of course shown with his tic disorder and heterochromia. Really? In a drama that's supposed to be progressive about these things you use them to make someone seem off putting and weird.. How original. These different disabilies are constantly shown as something negative and I'm done with it.

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Big Disappointment*

*I finished the 6th episode and the huge disappointment is that it ended so soon. If ever I appreciated the Korean tendency for 16 full hour episodes it's this one. The closing scene left open a sequel, but I really wanted to binge another 10 hours now.

The show is 'quirky' meaning you're going to love it, or hate it depending on your susceptibility to this particular brand of quirk and you'll know before the end of first episode whether it's for you or not.

Only six episodes are promised, so the hope is there will be more.

Bae Doo Na effortlessly does meek and menacing and comedic.

Lee Su Hyun is great in her first outing.

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Very solid adaptation

I liked this version of LITA a lot, and thought the production made really smart choices in condensing the story down to half its runtime. It stayed true to the original story while moving through the important beats with no filler, and some of the choices actually improved upon the Thai version. In particular, I really like the way they resequenced the final conflicts to converge at the end. The cast was all great and I liked both couples a lot. I prefer this version of Fuma and Kai in particular, the tweaks they made to their characterizations and the details of Kai's story made it all land better for me. The whole cast is great and I hope to see them in more shows.

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