Wow!!1 hour 55 min of bliss

New story? Nah,same old, friends to Lovers trope. Seasoned actors? Not even close.
Did I enjoyed it? Hell yeah
What is so special that I took time to write a review and convince you to watch it?Execution, they made everything correctly. Charming cast, right amount of runtime, comedy and pain balancing each other. Coming to leads, Caramel played by Belle Mariano will sweep you off your feet into Cara's world which is full of butterflies and unicorns. She loves Ino passionately and has eyes only for him. What if Ino also has feelings for her? Is it enough for her happiness?
Domino played by Donny is convincing. He's a bit complicated with all happenings in his life but nothing cara can't figure out. Sky and Iris complimented well to the story, they are second leads but know their place, to what extent they can pursue their love, when to give up. They are genuine friends helping them get better in life. Infact their presence only push Cara and Ino towards each other.
1st half of film is fluffy light, a steady 8. Story of Cara, bright sunny girl and her crush who also likes her. What is stopping them from dating? 2nd half became bumpy making me anxious but taking risk for good things is worth it. They focussed on healing and self-love. Cara needs to love herself and learn to move on. Ino needs to let go of his past and heal his scars, only then will be our perfect happy ending.
The meanings they gave to colours and their significance is cherry on top. I hope you enjoy this film as much as I do, on that note state of mind also plays role on how much story effects us, so don't be too disappointed if it didn't meet your expectations.

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Inspirational and heart warming

It was great to know So Wa wai, his personal and professional life. This movie is a classic example of story writing done well. when real-life hits the screen (biopic) makers always sugarcoat reality, portray leads as nothing but good characters, and justify their wrongdoings. In this one, the audience is left to make their own judgments. The story starts on a strong note with mother's love for her child and her conviction to make him better. I cried and laughed at every So Wa wai's accomplishments like a proud mom. They shed light on the huge pay gap between Olympic and paralympic athletes when the effort they make is same. It is sad that potential sportsmen are unable to compete due to financial circumstances. Also validated Asian parents insecurities and their intervening nature accurately.
Everyone acted well and perfect fit for their roles. Actors who played So Wa wai in every phase of his life are brilliant to the point I had to search if they casted someone with disability.

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Simple yet deep message

We got amazing gift in small package. Starts off funny, interactions between suicidal protagonist and high spirited swindler, their mind voices, villains and side characters, basically everyone contributed to comedy. Everyone has purpose and nothing goes unnoticed. The way makers took care of each and every character is commendable. Comedy is never misplaced and it compensated for heavy 2nd half.
Never expected this story can have some deep and dark past coming along. Zhi Liu character deserves some admiration and respect on how she turned out to be amazing and cheerful hiding scars deep within.
Mi Chong 'You only belong to you' and
Zhi Liu 'The one who hurt you can't decide your future' message learnt.
Chemistry is good, especially love how they communicate. They don't have to say or do anything but still message gets across loud and clear. Isn't that what we experience with close friends and family, they are like that in short course of time, destined to be together.

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Intriguing enough to keep going...

Story is interesting but you can't ignore dumb decisions made by leads. First 10 ep were good, a solid 8/9 then one particular moment changes the perspective of how you see things and start questioning things. Then not so perfect story falls apart and you can't enjoy it quite well. Major spoilers ahead!!!
Now talking about the moment. Gu sanyeong was inside line of prohibition on a rainy day. Then evil spirit threatens her to kill her mom, then she freaks out and goes out to save her.
Another dumbest of them all moment goes to FL's mother when she listens to evil spirit and goes to kill yeom haesang. Then comes back and leaks info about thumb search and asks to spare her daughter. Lets assume that her brain got fried after all the shock. That way its better. Other minute things, maybe they used to give certain thrill to audience. Yeom haesang, the one who has most knowledge about ghosts among those alive uses subway, where he has no control over doors. When older detective got killed, he says dont open door until I get there.
Plotholes: 1) the very purpose of a horror story is how to contain/get rid of evil spirit. They should be clear and fault proof. In this there are 2 methods. One method, which includes 5 objects and name is stupid no matter how I see it. Evil spirit needs 5 objects to take over human body, and leads need them to seal evil spirit. This way spirit wins everytime, the moment they found objects it takes over their soul, and if they get objects/name wrong they die.
2) they found the skeltal remains/5th object, spirit didn't touch this object yet, but still took over Gu sanyeong. Existence and someone finding out the objects is enough?
Despite all the complaints I enjoyed most part of the drama. Acting is great and background score is refreshing. Na byeong hui (evil grandmother) is the only consistent thing lol. She's trash alive or dead. One thing for sure is evil spirit is genius and other characters are dumb.

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A treat to eyes and heart

First thing that pulled me in is cinematography. Every single shot is so pretty, I fell in love instantly.
Love story between deaf artist and struggling actress, the portrayal is realistic and convincing. I realised watching two grown-ups talking to each other and walking hand-in-hand is relaxing and peaceful for my mind. They did age gap well, not once it felt awkward. My favourite character is Jung Moeun, she is brave, kind and considerate. Followed by Hong Ki hyun, friend of ML, he is warm and kind person. One peculiar thing is I didn't find any characters that are simply evil or hateful. They all are kind, some are hurting so ended up hurting others.
Coming to the biggest factor this show is a must watch is acting. Every one did a great job. Hats off to Jung Woo Sung, his portrayal as deaf artist is too good. It's my first time seeing him, at first I thought he is charming. As the show progressed, his range increases and by the time it ends, he completely occupied my mind. His expressive eyes took me on a roller coaster ride. Shin Hyun Been, also my first time watching her on screen. She's beautiful and expressive, fell in love with Jung Moeun. She did phenomenal job, couldn't see them apart.
Dialogues were well written, we got atleast one such dialogue every episode that rings in mind and makes us think. They give special meaning and long lasting feelings for melo romance.
One of the best OST of the year...sound of your heart by Seori, try not to cry by 10CM, and just because it's yours by Mingginyu are my favourites.

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Too perfect that it hurts

The drop in 0.5 is my hate for this drama for it showed brute reality of patriarchy. I know it is a meaningless gesture, as meaningless as Sung Duk Im's perseverance of not confessing her true feelings till death. But that's what kept her going. That's how much I understand and empathize with this character.
The drama starts as romance and slowly shifts gear to political. It is like every other saeguk at this point. Star crossed love between crown prince of nation and bright court lady, after numerous trials and tribulations get to be together and live happily ever after. Well that's what I expected. Then melodrama has entered the conversation. The true brilliance of this drama lies ahead. Happily ever after has different meaning for everyone. As for Sung Duk Im, it is in transcribing books, reading stories to others, spending time with her friends and living a commoner life. She always feared change. All her fears came true when she was forced to be a concubine.
The perfect crown prince who everyone looks up to found solace in his loyal servant. Despite his continuous efforts and genuine feelings, he was rejected time and time again. I was growing impatient as to what's stopping her, do something, make her yours even by force. That's where it all went wrong. My patriarchal mindset got the better of me. The moment she was forced, I lost any hope for happy ending.
Marriage is shackles and palace, the safest place in the kingdom, is prison for women in patriarchal system.
Ending with my favourite dialogue by Sung Duk Im "His highness is dear, but myself is dearer. So I'll never drive myself into pain"

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Don't fall for star studded cast

It is a huge let down with amazing actors like Ji Chang wook, Kim Sang ho, Lee Hani and Oh Jung se. The makers didn't use them efficiently, especially Lee Hani's character. They gave space for 2nd part with escape of Lee Hani, if they ever make it, better come up with convincing story.
Story: it has one of the best opening scenes. Start is great with mother bonding, injustice and prison scenes make viewer's blood boil. So naturally expectations keep growing. Then you find problem in everything that happens because story went bleak and too convenient for protagonist. Then comes not so surprising reveal of mastermind who is wise but don't stand a chance against our team. My major complain is the very team, no one is memorable, didn't develop bond with team members or audience, who are they, what do they do, how do they live, why are they helping at the risk of their lives... can't convince myself that 2 hr long movie isn't enough to explain everything.
Oh Jung se's role could have been best in his career if they didn't make a joke out of it. That ending is plain dumb. Action sequences and car chases are well shot, cinematography is also good.

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