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kathrynraerobinson
Reviews
Cang Lan jue (2022)
Now I get it!
Just finished the series....now I get it! The huge fan base online is absolutely warranted.
First, the world created - stunning imagery, whimsical and set the tone for the magic to occur. Each world was unique for contrast but connected together so well to make the settings cohesive. It never felt over done.
Second, the writing - well done to the writing team on this series! I think they did well with the character development and storyline for every 'lead' character. Not only did the 2 main leads have an excellent story to follow, but every other main character has their story develop to show character growth through the series. You will enjoy the twists and turns as things unfold, as well as having all the feels.
Now the acting, love the casting so much. Esther and Dylan made this series strong but romantic, full of emotion that was perfect instead of feeling forced or fake. Each of the other leads did a fantastic job in their own right, no one being weaker than the others in my opinion. This series deserves the hype it has from fans, and now I'll join in the hype any time I mention it!
Dui wo er yan wei xian de ta (2023)
Thoroughly enjoyable
Really enjoyed this drama. It had plenty of plot twists that caught me off guard and interested in coming back for more. I had zero expectations coming into this one so I have no complaints over the script or any inconsistencies. I just took it as an enjoyable show.
Male lead definitely did a brilliant job in this show!! His contrast between hard/cold and warm/kind was believable for his back story, made it easier to buy into that. The tension between the leads also made it good to watch.
Extra shout out to the brotherly love in here. The male friendship trio brought some laughter and lightness when needed.
He Xian Sheng De Lian Lian Bu Wang (2021)
Lovely drama
This was a relaxed, happy and enjoyable viewing experience. I enjoyed the the story lines woven together, the ups and downs were not stretched beyond belief but naturally fit the story. The actors were good, this is the second drama I've watched for the male lead and he pulls off the cold-hearted data focused characters really well. Now I need to see him in a period drama to see what that is like. I found myself invested in the story and their relationships, even a little teary at some points (no spoiler here) because their acting was believable.
Definitely won't regret watching this drama at all!
Yi Jia Ren Zhi Ming (2020)
Oh so special!
This Chinese drama will forever have a special place in my heart. The characters, their experiences, their bond and lessons shared are absolutely beautiful. Well done to the team that created such a wonderful series!
If you are looking for a drama totally focused on romance/dating relationships you are barking up the wrong tree. Yes they feature in it, but they are not the star. The real heart of this show is family - the family we create along the way. The familial ties that are made through hardships, the friendships built over time and the ties that are mended and reconnected. So many heartfelt moments, with plenty of light and laughter in the mix, makes this a unique viewing experience. You will find yourself taking wisdom from it and finding some of your own reflective experiences too.
Keopi peurinseu 1-hojeom (2007)
Good rom-com and great actors
This wasn't a binge watch for me exactly, but it was an enjoyable rom-com that I watched in bursts.
First, actors are fantastic! Nothing felt staged or forced and the comedy aspect was always natural and fun. They all played off each other well and a really liked how lighthearted and fun the main lead's relationship interactions were in the series. It made the somber moments more touching and meaningful.
The second lead's relationship arc was frustrating at times. The on/off again and distrust wore thin occasionally but they grew and matured which was nice.
Have to add, really loved the dynamics within the coffee for the employees and their bonds growing throughout the series. It quickly became the core of the show, equal to the main lead's romantic story.
Wan mei xian sheng he cha bu duo xiao jie (2020)
Simple and sweet
Watched through mango shorts on YouTube.
If you want a series that is a simple, clean, light-hearted romantic comedy style than you cannot go wrong with this one. The concept is of course is a popular one lately with the contractual marriage trope, but I don't mind that (hey they keep making them because we all keep coming back for it right?).
I enjoyed that it was simple and light, it wasn't trying to be edgy or crazy. Sometimes we need a series like this as a palette cleanser - it makes you feel warm and smiley without having to do crazy drama. Plenty of butterfly moments, even a few teary moments because I liked the characters and wanted things to work on. Guess I'm a big ol' softy.
It was nice seeing the growth of all the characters through their story lines. Love story was a slow burn but didn't jump from into the realm of unrealistic with relational development which was nice.
Ibeon Saengeun Cheoeumira (2017)
Makes you think and feel
I was completely surprised by this one! I didn't really know what to expect but I ended up loving this series more than I ever thought.
You might start thinking the premise is a familiar trope for k-dramas. As the story lines develop there is unexpected depth to what this drama brings to your screen. It made me reflect on what on what marriage and love really look like to me while lifting the mood with the comedy. The main characters remind us that love looks different to everyone, and it might look boring or average to some but beautiful to the right one.
FYI - totally loved having a giggle at the software engineer stereotype going on here. Data driven and a little geeky, had me laughing at quirky things my engineer does too.
Tou tou cang bu zhu (2023)
Melts the heart
Finally got to this one on my watch list, it does not disappoint!! This had me feeling all the feels, reminding me of how it felt during that time of our lives when we all experience our first love or the love that sticks. It brought back wonderful memories for me as I watched their story unfold which had me more invested in the show and their ending.
The acting was perfect, this was not one of those over-the-top style of shows. They made it real, genuine and heart-warming, so much that you feel it right along with them and it will captivate you. Added bonus - the story was about the emotions and connection, not lust, which was refreshing and made it that much more enjoyable (especially when dealing with an age gap story).