Orange Marmalade Review (KBS, 12 episodes)
This drama is based off a popular Korean webtoon. Apparently, a lot of the webtoon fans complained how the webtoon was so much better in terms of development, friendship etc but since I didn't watch the webtoon, there wasn't a better version I could compare the drama to. A lot of viewers watched with an idea in mind of how the show should flow and how the leads should look like. When the actors and plot didn't really go the adaptation way, many were disappointed. Despite the many complains and poor ratings of the show, I actually did enjoy it! I think the reasons are:
1. I watched it with low expectation.
2. My 1st korean vampire drama.
3. I was actually looking forward to how they will progress the show with a vampire theme.
4. Most important of all, I did not watch the webtoon.
This show might be good if youâre into fantasy theme like vampires. There is also a 5 episodes flashback into the Joseon Era so be prepared for that as well. It was a wtf moment for me when the show suddenly previewed historical scenes at the end of episode 4. I googled and found out that 5 whole episodes in the middle of the drama will go back to the Joseon era. I still went ahead to watch it to see what they wanted to highlight from the Joseon era.
Some people gave up when they saw the historical part but it was actually quite good. I liked how they tried to tell a story from that and relate it back to the modern era. Although it could have been shortened to maybe 3 episodes, or a 20 minute flashback instead?
Yeo Jin Goo's acting (I found out that he is only 18 in the midst of the show. Idek how he is only 18 and can actually act??) He actually looks good in Joseon outfit as well!
Jong Hyun's suitability for his character
(Way before this show, he always has the vampire vibe to me. I mean, just look at him! That white skin and cold hard stare. And he was actually cast as the second lead and guess what.. as a vampire. Great choice. His acting improved from 'A gentleman's dignity' as well so another plus point)
Bromance/Brotherhood between the 2 male leads in the Joseon Era
The fantasy. Vampire + historical story + past and present combined. It was enough to make it a pleasant and satisfying one for me.
The story plot is not fantastic, neither is the female lead's acting. Despite that, both were good enough to make me continue watching.
Some flashbacks and crying scenes of the leads were unnecessary at the historical part. (Some fast-forwarding will help!)
They could build on the show's plot in some ways to make the bond between characters feel stronger. The main leads looked cute together, but could do better with more chemistry. Shi Hoo and Ah ra( the second leads) had a lot of room for development. How and why they got close etc. Can't really expect much since there is only 12 episodes..
I would recommend people interested in the above good points and able to neglect the bad points to try watching it. If you do not enjoy the first 4 episodes, it's not too late to turn back :)
***SPOILERS, please do not read beyond if you haven't watch and am intending to***
- When Jae Min saved Ma Ri and end up being bitten by the evil vampire.
- When Jae Min's father held his weak son in his arms. He has always disliked his son's weakness but this is him, trying to fight the vampire for his other half.
- How his father confessed that despite being harsh on his weakness, he was actually glad that his son didn't risk his life in the battlefield.
- When Ma Ri quit blood to allow Jae Min to continue living T.T
This whole part seriously made me bawled.
1 part I liked was when the show came back to modern era, he actually heard and see hallucinations in his mind about his past. I mean it's not realistic but this whole show ISN'T realistic to begin with.
"After so much time has passed, even when eternities go by, that fate...until you meet again."
These words that he heard after his treatment with the old doctor and I literally went "Oh!!". I think and believe that the show is trying to say that the old, blind and wise man in Joseon era has reincarnated to be the doctor and that's why Jae Min heard it after his treatment. This whole scene was followed by the sad flute sound played by Ma Ri. *Goosebumps*
Surprisingly, I didn't like the last episode. It had too much band music and I felt like it was dragging the series just to fulfill the 100 minute.
The leading characters looked cute together, but sadly, the chemistry wasn't there. Or rather the scenes and plot wasn't enough for them to show their chemistry. Seolhyun's acting is good for an idol. I mean, just look at Jinwoon. He can't act for nuts, at least not in Marriage, Not Dating. However, she can do better imo. She cries, she smiles, she speaks but the emotions is only at the reasonable level, without making me go into the character. Potential is there. Yeo Jin Goo on the other hand is better. I can feel his raw emotions.
Some parts got a little draggy, but overall with a bit of fast-forwarding, this drama is ok.
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