For now, I’m rating this as an entertaining background drama, where you don’t particularly want to see the leads get together, because their hatred chemistry is so interesting. It’s more antics than anything. It should warm up by the third episode.

First Laugh is 8 minutes in.

Rating:

Rebound  (J-drama)

I’m not a fan of the “fat suit as a novelty item for shows.” However, when it’s used well and not to preach how one should get plastic surgery (200 pounds of Beauty) or used in High school politics (thank you Lifetime movie for saying the opposite of what you wanted to say. I slam Lifetime Movies a lot.) However, this drama is kind of sweet (and not just because of the pictures of glistening fluffy cakes.). The girl is struggling–honestly against her weight despite enormous odds that she will not succeed–so it’s not one of those cheesy, “Accept who you are on the inside” dramas and at the same time the humor keeps it light and fresh. (popping corsets). However, there are streaks of reality such as women in swimsuit ads on billboards. So it’s not about Beauty comes from the inside). But deals with the real issue of society’s pressure on WOMEN rather than being fat in general, body image, self image, and also trying to find acceptance in the society when an individual doesn’t meet that standard. Less preaching, more showing. Something that Japanese dramas excel at when it comes to these kind of, “Understand the feelings of this person” mode.

Oba Nobuko (Aibu Saki) tries too hard to please everyone and kind of energetic to compensate for her weight and because she’s often just thinking too hard. She’s also just socially awkward all around.

Imai Taichi (Hayami Mokomichi),  our male lead, has a temper any time someone says his cake is no good. He’s not particularly sweet, a little cold and oblivious in his own way–and self-centered, rather than giving.

You can see that this is the opposite of their Absolute Boyfriend roles. I’m enjoying the range in their acting. Let’s see if they can respark the chemistry for these roles (Which is very polar from the roles you’re used to.). For now I’m enjoying the difference in their acting.

I’m so watching this. It’s been a long time since a decent older woman/OL drama has come out. I’m hungering for one–and not just because this has cake in it.

Rating:

Jade Palace Lock Heart (C Drama)

I would recommend this though it lags.

Rating:

Unruly Qiao (C drama)

Same set up as Bratty Princess with Jang Nara.

Reccomended.

Rating:

Manny (Kdrama)

Recommended

Rating:

The Duo (K-drama)

starts out breezy and fun, but kind of lags later. Depends on the person.

Rating: