kyra

zombies, comedy, and character growth: a surprisingly solid journey

updated review

after finishing the series, i can confidently say it got a lot better as it went on. the second half was hands down the best, with perfect comedic timing and excellent character dynamics. youngjoo and aaron park ♡ became the standout characters! their swag and unique way of thinking brought so much life to the show. it felt like the characters finally found their rhythm, and the humor really clicked.

jisoo's performance was the highlight. while i initially felt she was somewhat restrained by the fast paced humor, she truly shone in the later episodes. her acting was phenomenal, and her character became the emotional core of the show. it was clear that she had a lot to offer when given the right material. <3

the supporting characters also stepped up their game. jae yoon and young joo brought depth to their roles, making the story more engaging... i was especially impressed by how well the two female characters were written. they were absolutely the backbone of the series, and i believe they were the smartest of all.

i'm indeed sad by the deaths of some major characters. it’s always tough to see favorite characters go, but in a zombie drama, it’s part of the territory. their deaths added emotional weight to the narrative, making the stakes feel much higher.

☆ while the beginning of the series was a bit slow, especially episodes 1 and 3 (they were AWFUL) the later episodes made up for it. the pacing issues were real, but once the series hit its stride, it was hard to deny its charm. i still think it would’ve been better if all the episodes had been released at once (or at least in batches). the one episode per-week model didn’t help build momentum, especially when the show had its slow moments early on. i believe binge-watching it would have made for a more satisfying experience. the ending was beautiful tho.

that said, it met my expectations and then some. the blend of zombie-action and comedy was unique, and the characters were what really kept me hooked. i’m giving it an 8/10. better writing, much-improved pacing, and a fantastic cast. hope there's a second season!

also, stream amortage while you are at it. no matter how much jisoo thrives in her acting career, her music is always gonna top it.

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review for the first half of the drama:

i know this review might get some people ruffled up, but i’m going to say it anyway. this drama definitely has its moments, but it’s also lacking in uhh some areas. first off, i don’t think jisoo is the weak link when it comes to the acting, despite what some viewers are saying. the other actors are pretty good too. the issue isn’t her performance…in fact, in this comedy, it feels like she’s being pushed into something that doesn’t let her show her full potential. the fast paced humor and exaggerated situations just don’t match her natural style, which is a bit of a shame because i think she could’ve really thrived like in snowdrop (for the record, no i have not watched that drama but have seen of the clips).

now, my biggest problem with this drama is the “writing”. comedy isn’t for everyone, and this drama is a clear example of that. i really dislike when characters are dumbed down just to make the audience laugh. it feels like the male characters, in particular, are written to be ridiculously clueless, and instead of being funny, it just makes everything feel forced. it’s frustrating because the potential for more depth and everything is there, but it’s being sacrificed for cheap laughs 🫠. honestly…it’s hard to enjoy a show when the characters’ intelligence is treated like a punchline.

as much as i’m a blink and sooya, and still having fun with the show, i can’t ignore the pacing issue. the drama would have worked SO MUCH better if all the episodes were released at once. watching one episode per week feels like a drag. it’s hard to build momentum when you’re just getting small pieces of the story at a time. if it were all available to binge, i think it’d be a much more satisfying experience. the slow pacing really hurts the overall flow of the show, and it’s starting to feel like it’s dragging on longer than it needs to. 😓

for now, i’ve dropped my rating to a 7. the writing needs work, and the pacing is a real problem. i’m still hopeful the drama will improve as the last 3 eps come out, but at this point, i’m tempted to just wait until the entire season is available and binge-watch it in one go!!

Leia Mais

when life gives you tangerines...in eyes

this drama is more than just a drama. it’s an EXPERIENCE. it's set against the breathtaking backdrop of jeju island (your classic sea side drama): a poignant tale of love, resilience, and generational struggles, capturing the quiet battles that shape a life.

at its heart is oh aesun (iu), a fierce, determined woman fighting to break free from the limitations of her time. iu delivers a raw, deeply affecting performance, making ae sun’s struggles feel personal. opposite her, gwangsik (park bogum) is a steady, unwavering presence. his quiet devotion speaks louder than words, making their love story deeply moving and heartbreakingly tender. (he's adorable)

what sets this drama apart is its passage of time. we don’t just see young dreamers, we follow them across decades, witnessing their evolving love and the struggles of their children, yang eunmyeong and yang geummyeong. their lives mirror and contrast their parents’ journeys, emphasizing the cyclical nature of love and fate.

beyond romance, the drama beautifully weaves in korea’s socio-political history, particularly the struggles of women like ae sun’s mother (a haenyeo), whose quiet strength leaves a lasting impact.

☆ visually, it’s STUNNING. the cinematography turns jeju into a living, breathing character, and every scene feels like a painting. the soundtrack is phenomenal, folk-inspired melodies elevating the story’s emotional depth. and the dialogues? spectacularly written! heartbreaking, raw, and deeply poetic.

some dramas entertain while others stay with you. when life gives you tangerines does both. sweet yet tinged with bitterness, just like a perfectly ripe tangerine.

Leia Mais

a tale of secrets, tension, and unforgettable characters

started for the gl tease, stayed for the compelling drama.

this drama had an absolutely fantastic start that got me hooked right away. the first couple of episodes were filled with the perfect mix of angst, possessiveness, mystery, and an eerie atmosphere that set the stage for an intense ride. it was one of those shows that made you immediately invest in the characters and the plot. as the series progressed, tho, it did lose a bit of its pace, but thankfully it picked up again and finished strong, with the same intriguing atmosphere. i was left in awe with the ending as well.

the heart of the show is undoubtedly seulgi, played by subin. seulgi is a cold, emotionless, drug-addicted topper from the countryside who somehow catches the attention of je i, the elite, seemingly perfect princess, who is the real soul of this show. je i is the daughter of a powerful hospital dean/prez, and her relationship with seulgi is the core of the drama. as the plot unfolds, we’re drawn into a deep mystery... the murder of seulgi's teacher father, which ties directly to je i, her sister, and her father’s involvement in the past. the intricacies of the plot are masterfully crafted, and as more secrets are revealed, you can't help but crave more. it just... never feels like enough.

the mystery and tension between seulgi and je i’s characters are central, but it’s the performances of the cast that elevated the entire experience. let’s start with hyeri, who plays yoo je i. she is the perfect casting choice- like omg lee hyeri you're phenomenal. the aura she brings to je i is magnetic, and her expressions, charm, and that mysterious vibe she exudes make you both uneasy and fascinated. it’s hard to imagine anyone else in that role.

subin (seulgi) delivers an incredibly great performance. she defo showcased a completely different side compared to her role in "revenge of others", and it's clear that she’s capable of much more. the blank, emotionless expression she maintains throughout the series is not just a character choice... it perfectly captures her internal struggle and the way she’s learned to deal with life’s challenges. it’s really powerful and adds a layer of depth to her character that’s hard to ignore.

as for the supporting leads, hyewon as yeri (i love her) and woori as choi gyeong, i honestly could never decide if i loved or despised them, and that's a sign of great writing. both characters are complex, and they play pivotal roles in the development of the story. there’s a no in between with them. you’re either rooting for them or being annoyed at them with all your heart. the emotional conflict they bring is real, and the writers did a fantastic job of creating these multi-faced personas.

and of course, the plot. the writer’s ability to create that air of mystery throughout the series is what keeps us all hooked. it’s kinda impossible to predict where things will go, and the drama between the characters, especially the core girl gang, is just delightful to watch. there’s something about their chemistry that keeps you invested, despite the plot’s twists and turns.

other characters like tae joon and byeong kin also add their own charm to the show. the relationships between all the characters were well done and made you care about the outcomes of their individual story arcs.

on a lighter note, i just have to mention youngjae, the guy is ridiculously good looking. seriously, it’s impossible not to go "woahh" whenever him or hyeri are on the screen.

now, about the plot itself... what a ride! the dynamics between the female characters were truly the highlight of this show. sure, it’s not strictly a gl (though it does have strong elements), and it might not fit perfectly into that genre since it’s still somewhat of a restricted thing in korea. but the writers did a fantastic job giving us something special in terms of the relationship dynamics. the bond between seulgi and je i was complicated, layered, and full of tension, yet the ending was so satisfying. it felt like a beautiful culmination of their struggles, and i couldn’t have asked for a better resolution.

tldr, this drama is a show that starts off strong, slows down for a bit, but ultimately leaves you more than satisfied with its dark, mysterious atmosphere and incredible character development. the cast was stellar, the mystery was enticing, and the ending truly delivered. (i personally don't want a season 2). this is definitely a series worth watching.

Leia Mais