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Reviews
Nunmuleui yeowang (2024)
Such potential, such lazy writing
I love the work of Park Ji-eun as well as the leads and cast chosen. Even the storyline was interesting. But, in the end, there were too many situations and plot aspects that were inconsistent with common sense and reality that it distracted from my viewing pleasure. I do understand you have to suspend logic and soften the viewing lens sometimes- I am OK with that. I won't give away any spoilers but I count at least 20 times where I found myself saying out loud, 'that doesn't make sense', 'his character wouldn't do that...', 'why didn't they do this/that?'. Crash Landing handled these situations well enough to help us move forward. This program didn't and it's a pity. This series could have been a classic.
Doona! (2023)
Great potential unrealized
Ever walked into a restaurant and it smells amazing, you look at the dishes on the tables and the food presentation is beautiful? Then you getthrough the meal and are disappointed in the flavor of the food. This is Doona! I won't get into spoilers but the finish of this movie could have been done better in so many ways. So many interesting possibilities unrelalized. I feel like the writers left the great cast without dessert on this one So sad.
I think they might be trying to hard to send veiled messages at the beginning and end of each episodes when they should have focused on the 45 minutes in between. Example our male lead is dating his best friend's idol crush and they never have a reveal moment. Which could have been done in sooooo many fun and interesting ways. Ugh!
Wolsugeum hwamokto (2022)
Great Idea, Marginally Executed
I got hooked early with this one based on the main characters personalities, backgrounds and stories. So much potential. However, sloppy story telling, inconsistent dialogue (some touching and some cringe-worthy) and situations that are not realistic (e.g. How does she constantly show up to the guys place without disguise and not be discovered by paparazzi?) lessened my enjoyment. Drags a bit in the last few episodes (it probably could have been 2 less episodes to create a tighter story with a faster pace). We finished it but felt the potential of the story wasn't realized. I can't fully recommend you take the time when there are so many other good Korea series out there.
Sanae matseon (2022)
Very much enjoyed this but... the ending?
First of all, I don't believe in grade inflation so a 7 for me on IMDB is a very good rating. Overall very much enjoyed the two main couples, the storyline, and the chemistry between the 4 of them. The Bromance of the guys and BFF of the girls was natural and heartfelt. This is the first time I've seen Se-Jeong Kim and I can understand the buzz around her. She was excellent. Aho Hyo Seop grew on me as he went along. Keeping it short, the ending felt rushed and incomplete. After the touching scene between Ha-ri and the grandfather in the hospital, we never so them together again and the 'coincidental' taxi reunion (seriously, what are the odds- a stretch even for Korean rom-coms) at the very end felt staged and rushed. And, nothing really happened during that 'one year later'. Why bother? Still worth the watch. A good ending would have boosted this to an 8 or 8.5. Enjoy it!
When My Love Blooms (2020)
Solid Melodrama with minor flaws
I liked: the back and forth between our lead couple from the young to the older. Well written and filmed. Music good (although they could have turned down the melodramatic strings in the background a bit- sounded a bit old), acting very good, especially the young couple. Their chemistry was contagious. As with most Kdramas, a lot is repeated or reframed and, in this case, it slows the story down a bit. If you've seen Itaewon Class, you will possibly have some flashbacks but it's not a bad thing. Overall, worth the time. FYI, I will rate a fim/series a 5 if it is average enjoyable. No rating inflation here. 6 means above average enjoyable.