55 reviews
That pretty much sums it up. I almost turned it off several times during the first couple of episodes. They were pretty depressing and I didn't care for the way things were going. It seemed very dark and, honestly, a little disturbing for a K-drama.
But with all K-dramas, you need at least a couple of episodes to decide if you like it.
By the third episode, everything starts coming together and you find yourself sucked right into the story. This has all the plot devices that make Korean shows so addictive. It's an emotional roller coaster.
You have the underdog battling a corrupt presidential candidate and a crooked business owner. You get several stories of people that overcome tragedy. You get major character developments, including the love stories and family relationships. Secrets are slowly revealed in a way that keeps you hooked. The show progresses at a decent pace, and it answers many questions earlier than a lot of other K-dramas.
You're going to see a lot of familiar faces from some of your favourite shows. The acting is incredible and the production work is top notch. You're also going to fall in love with the twins and maybe even want to adopt a pet pig. And yes, those kids steal the show.
Sure it has some flaws here and there, but don't they all? There were no major plot holes that stood out. I'm sure someone out there will tear this apart, but I was highly satisfied with it. Perhaps the whole injury/amnesia part of the story may become too unrealistic as the show progresses, but this is a K-drama, and they're good at allowing you to suspend disbelief.
Only problem is I hit episode 10 and realized that the whole series isn't out yet. Last time I got to enjoy/suffer waiting a week for new episodes was with Alchemy of Souls - you'll see a familiar face from AoS in here as well.
How the story plays out, I'm not sure. The last episode might be a masterpiece, or it may be the biggest flop of all time. Either way, I'm excited to finish the series. This is by far right up there with some of my favourites.
I highly recommend giving the first few episodes a shot. Good chance you'll become hooked before you realize it.
But with all K-dramas, you need at least a couple of episodes to decide if you like it.
By the third episode, everything starts coming together and you find yourself sucked right into the story. This has all the plot devices that make Korean shows so addictive. It's an emotional roller coaster.
You have the underdog battling a corrupt presidential candidate and a crooked business owner. You get several stories of people that overcome tragedy. You get major character developments, including the love stories and family relationships. Secrets are slowly revealed in a way that keeps you hooked. The show progresses at a decent pace, and it answers many questions earlier than a lot of other K-dramas.
You're going to see a lot of familiar faces from some of your favourite shows. The acting is incredible and the production work is top notch. You're also going to fall in love with the twins and maybe even want to adopt a pet pig. And yes, those kids steal the show.
Sure it has some flaws here and there, but don't they all? There were no major plot holes that stood out. I'm sure someone out there will tear this apart, but I was highly satisfied with it. Perhaps the whole injury/amnesia part of the story may become too unrealistic as the show progresses, but this is a K-drama, and they're good at allowing you to suspend disbelief.
Only problem is I hit episode 10 and realized that the whole series isn't out yet. Last time I got to enjoy/suffer waiting a week for new episodes was with Alchemy of Souls - you'll see a familiar face from AoS in here as well.
How the story plays out, I'm not sure. The last episode might be a masterpiece, or it may be the biggest flop of all time. Either way, I'm excited to finish the series. This is by far right up there with some of my favourites.
I highly recommend giving the first few episodes a shot. Good chance you'll become hooked before you realize it.
- Dougie_style
- May 25, 2023
- Permalink
All the elements here are really good, as always, Korea has vert talented actors, writers ,directors.. etc.
Everyweek i was waiting for the episodes, today was the last one. Lots and lots of tears, but also there are laughs and smiling.. this magical way is led by kdrama.
Unfortunately, it is very hard for me to memorize all the names, but many thanks to every one in this drama, and i have to mention the cameo in episode 13, by this well known actor.
Now, i have that sad feeling after finishing a good work, they become part of your life.
I consider the kdrama a healing therapy , an amusement journey. Thank you for giving us these kind moments in my life.
Everyweek i was waiting for the episodes, today was the last one. Lots and lots of tears, but also there are laughs and smiling.. this magical way is led by kdrama.
Unfortunately, it is very hard for me to memorize all the names, but many thanks to every one in this drama, and i have to mention the cameo in episode 13, by this well known actor.
Now, i have that sad feeling after finishing a good work, they become part of your life.
I consider the kdrama a healing therapy , an amusement journey. Thank you for giving us these kind moments in my life.
- pjkblue-35926
- Jun 7, 2023
- Permalink
Simply put this drama has some of the most touching and funniest scenes in K drama history. This highly original series delights from beginning to end. So well directed the 14 episodes just fly by. Not a single irritating or unnecessary scene. Wish it could have been longer.
The actors are magnificent. Ra Mi Ran as Good Bad Mother is the best actress in a drama this year by far. Such a complex role played to perfection. Lee Do Hyun finally got a role that suits him perfectly and he acted just right as the mentally 7 year old man. Never overdone with the facial expressions. In his other roles he had a goofy look at times and it is well used here. Ahn Eun Jin had the right expression of looking like she wantes to cry but could not. But the scene stealers are the two adorable kids Seo Jin and Ye Jin. The little girl was great in Our Blues last year. Good bad guy Sam Sik is hilarious. Even the pigs are cute.
This show is the best mix of comedy, revenge thriller and heartfelt relationship drama especially mother & child. Top 10 series of all time.
The actors are magnificent. Ra Mi Ran as Good Bad Mother is the best actress in a drama this year by far. Such a complex role played to perfection. Lee Do Hyun finally got a role that suits him perfectly and he acted just right as the mentally 7 year old man. Never overdone with the facial expressions. In his other roles he had a goofy look at times and it is well used here. Ahn Eun Jin had the right expression of looking like she wantes to cry but could not. But the scene stealers are the two adorable kids Seo Jin and Ye Jin. The little girl was great in Our Blues last year. Good bad guy Sam Sik is hilarious. Even the pigs are cute.
This show is the best mix of comedy, revenge thriller and heartfelt relationship drama especially mother & child. Top 10 series of all time.
- phd_travel
- Jun 8, 2023
- Permalink
Negative reviews? What show are you watching? This show is a hidden GEM and done really well. Acting is superb and you feel every feeling they're portraying. Such a great story of a mom and her son and the journey they go thru. Deep and it'll make you think about your loved ones and friends. Rest assured you're gonna laugh, cry, get angry, and feel warm inside. The main actress and actor along with all the supporting cast, all do such an amazing job and work well together. I'm on episode 8 and can't wait a week for the next episode. If you want to binge the next best show, watch this now. You won't regret it.
The Good Bad Mother happens to be the first Korean Drama that I've watched. It may be low budget but it doesn't mean it's low on quality. The main actors do an awesome job and keep the story going at a good pace. You feel much sorrow for Young Soon and the cards that she is dealt with throughout the show. Most people in her position would have given up on life but not her, she's got pluck boy and she's got a lot of it! The story can get depressing at times but I think therein lies it's beauty. It has the guts to show you that life more often than not knocks you down but you can choose to get up and keep going just as Kang Ho and Young soon show us. The comedy here is subjective and brought to the audience by the supporting cast, I like it though. It's a simplistic show that will win your heart if you give it a chance.
- mikeadriano
- May 24, 2023
- Permalink
I recently started watching 'The Good Bad Mother' and I have to say, I'm completely hooked! This show is truly breathtaking. From the very first episode, I was captivated by the storyline and the characters. The acting is superb and the writing is top-notch.
What I love most about this show is how it tackles these difficult topics with honesty and authenticity. It doesn't shy away from the hard stuff, but rather dives right in, delivering a powerful and emotionally resonant viewing experience.
Overall, I highly recommend 'The Good Bad Mother' to anyone looking for a well-crafted drama that will leave you on the edge of your seat. It's one of the best shows I've seen in a long time, and I can't wait to see where the story goes next!
What I love most about this show is how it tackles these difficult topics with honesty and authenticity. It doesn't shy away from the hard stuff, but rather dives right in, delivering a powerful and emotionally resonant viewing experience.
Overall, I highly recommend 'The Good Bad Mother' to anyone looking for a well-crafted drama that will leave you on the edge of your seat. It's one of the best shows I've seen in a long time, and I can't wait to see where the story goes next!
- mannansyed
- May 4, 2023
- Permalink
- napaozymbree
- May 16, 2023
- Permalink
A series that contains countless life lessons from family, neighbors and more broadly, society,...
The series is a mix of 3 genres: drama, crime, comedy; it has acquired a good level in 2 genres of drama & crime and an okay level in comedy. This drama's biggest turning-point is impressive (although its circumstance is predictable) due to the emotion that key scenes associated with family affection brings.
But perhaps, what I and most viewers are most interested in is the acting of the cast. The way the two main actors portrayed the characters, expressed emotions & motherly love through each phase that are almost completely opposite of each other always made me admire after each episode. Not only that, the supporting cast such as neighbors, villains,... also did very well with a performance close to reality.
The series is a mix of 3 genres: drama, crime, comedy; it has acquired a good level in 2 genres of drama & crime and an okay level in comedy. This drama's biggest turning-point is impressive (although its circumstance is predictable) due to the emotion that key scenes associated with family affection brings.
But perhaps, what I and most viewers are most interested in is the acting of the cast. The way the two main actors portrayed the characters, expressed emotions & motherly love through each phase that are almost completely opposite of each other always made me admire after each episode. Not only that, the supporting cast such as neighbors, villains,... also did very well with a performance close to reality.
- duongtrangmb
- Jun 7, 2023
- Permalink
A heartbreaking story that can happen to anyone in their lifetime. It is full of irony and comedy. The combination of starting over and wanting to live has created a truly inspiring story. The story is very well structured. It gradually gives a glimpse into the past, which is much more nuanced than we think. The development of the main characters also plays an important role here, which determines the outcome of the story. Although some characters are a bit weak, the cinematic performance of the main characters covers up these weaknesses and creates a balance. All in all, this is a very interesting tv drama where, in addition to the nuanced story, the protagonist's perseverance and determination are truly inspiring. Also, the maternal love and self-sacrifice are very well depicted here. So, this is a must watch korean drama.
- kristianmolnar
- May 24, 2023
- Permalink
Have a complicated relationship with your mom? Watch this. Absolute tear-jerker. It will help you understand the love that exists within a mother-child relationship on a deeper level. (Note: This is a dramedy, so you can also expect lighthearted emotions to help you get through the journey.)
Production, directing, writing, and acting are all done very well. As someone who's been watching Korean dramas/soap operas for more than a decade, it is nice to see the genre developing to address more complex topics/issues and grow stronger in its storytelling powers. This drama is a peak reflection of how South Korea's traditional yet democratized society can give ground to universal truth & emotions. No matter where you are in the world, you'll find something to relate to in this ubiquitous story of the good, bad mother.
Production, directing, writing, and acting are all done very well. As someone who's been watching Korean dramas/soap operas for more than a decade, it is nice to see the genre developing to address more complex topics/issues and grow stronger in its storytelling powers. This drama is a peak reflection of how South Korea's traditional yet democratized society can give ground to universal truth & emotions. No matter where you are in the world, you'll find something to relate to in this ubiquitous story of the good, bad mother.
- zanalicious
- Jun 21, 2023
- Permalink
First of all, there are some scenes that could be disturbing to some people and should have been given a trigger warning. Those scenes are really unnecessary because I believe the writer could have chosen a better approach.
Despite the fact that the middle part of the series is light-hearted and the kids are suuuuper cute, the story itself is dragging, resulting in a rushed ending. A few characters serve no purpose in this drama; they suddenly appear and then disappear without any explanation. Instead of contributing to the story, their existence is rather distracting and pointless.
I know this drama is trying to convey a "good" message and supposed to be heart-warming, but one thing keeps me from giving it a higher rating. And it is the mother. I had high expectations since it's Ra Mi Ran. She is a great actress and I love her other works. But in this drama, I dislike her character with passion. It's extremely hard for me to feel for her. It's not because of her acting (she's amazing as always), but it's because of the character traits of the mother.
Despite the fact that the middle part of the series is light-hearted and the kids are suuuuper cute, the story itself is dragging, resulting in a rushed ending. A few characters serve no purpose in this drama; they suddenly appear and then disappear without any explanation. Instead of contributing to the story, their existence is rather distracting and pointless.
I know this drama is trying to convey a "good" message and supposed to be heart-warming, but one thing keeps me from giving it a higher rating. And it is the mother. I had high expectations since it's Ra Mi Ran. She is a great actress and I love her other works. But in this drama, I dislike her character with passion. It's extremely hard for me to feel for her. It's not because of her acting (she's amazing as always), but it's because of the character traits of the mother.
- sickbigeyes
- Jul 5, 2023
- Permalink
- fatimamary
- Jun 7, 2023
- Permalink
- yoyo-41389
- Jun 9, 2023
- Permalink
I don't think I am able to find the right words to describe this drama! Whoever is reading this review, you have to believe me and watch this incredible Korean Drama. I have been watching K-dramas for a while now, but this one is something else. The actors, all of them, are incredibly impressive... Their acting skills are amazing, even the kids who are very cute and smart. When this drama is on, you only don't watch it... you also feel it, you become part of it. That's why I truly love this drama and I take this chance to thank Na-Yoen Shim for this masterpiece. I highly recommend everyone to watch The Good Bad Mother.
- tiagocabralpe
- Jun 10, 2023
- Permalink
Ra Mi-Ran and Lee Do-Hyun with their incredible acting elevates this kdrama and sweeps you into their bittersweet story of a mother and son relationship. These two leads bring out the raw emotions of a relationship that evolved between them because of a horrific tragedy. The supporting cast is good with Eun-Jin Ahn (Mi-Joo) giving a very strong performance and the two kids are just wonderful. Ra Mi-Ran and Lee Do-Hyun deserve awards for their performances. They were that exceptional. The one issue I have is the over the top slapstick side comedy. The storyline did not warrant this kind of buffoonery and was distasteful . The Good Bad Mother deserved better than that.
- bluepengal
- Jun 8, 2023
- Permalink
An emotional, moral and meaningful healing movie. It will make you laugh and then suddenly touch the bottom of your heart. Every lines the characters said were all so precious, toghether they made a perfectly beautiful story. The acting was excellent and touching that we can really feel the character. The movie is the story between Kang Ho and his "bad mother" on a journey solving their sorrow heart due to past wounds. Beside the gripping interlectual battle to get the bad pay for what they did the movie also has lots of deep aspects and lessons about family, friends, neibourghs, love and life that made us think back and realize the true value of living. All in all the love of a mother will always the sweetest beside to protect the child in any manners. If you feeling stress, your heart are struggling or you just want to sob then why don't u watch "the good bad mother" I bet u can also find precious meanings, feelings, be more optimistic and more cheris your mother.
- thanhha-12887
- Jun 8, 2023
- Permalink
It's a shame! This series has much to recommend it. In particular the key cast are all excellent: mother, son, girlfriend and both baddies. Also the plot is worthwhile, with a story you can invest some emotion in as you root for the goodies.
Unfortunately it also has some key weaknesses. Most distracting was that outside the key characters are a myriad of hangers-on who do little to advance the story and seem primarily intended for comic effect. Their contributions detract from the whole, puncturing moments of potential tension or emotion. In the best k dramas the comedy is deftly interwoven into the story, so that you get the tension, the emotion and the laughs. Not here.
But still, the good parts justify a watch.
Unfortunately it also has some key weaknesses. Most distracting was that outside the key characters are a myriad of hangers-on who do little to advance the story and seem primarily intended for comic effect. Their contributions detract from the whole, puncturing moments of potential tension or emotion. In the best k dramas the comedy is deftly interwoven into the story, so that you get the tension, the emotion and the laughs. Not here.
But still, the good parts justify a watch.
- wheatley-20230
- Jul 19, 2023
- Permalink
The cast in this drama performed well especially Kang-Ho and his mother. I was taken by it. If you are deciding to watch this drama, go for it. You will feel the Good Bad Mother is a great drama that will warm your heart.
The slice-of-life series follows Young-soon and her son Kang-ho who share a tumultuous relationship with each other thanks to her strict parenting when he was a child. Now an adult, Kang-ho is a cold-hearted prosecutor who chooses to keep his distance from her mother and lives in the city. However, when a tragedy strikes, Kang-ho is forced to return home to the village, wherein he finds a new lease on life and rebuilds his relationship with his mother as well as with his childhood friend Mi-joo.
The slice-of-life series follows Young-soon and her son Kang-ho who share a tumultuous relationship with each other thanks to her strict parenting when he was a child. Now an adult, Kang-ho is a cold-hearted prosecutor who chooses to keep his distance from her mother and lives in the city. However, when a tragedy strikes, Kang-ho is forced to return home to the village, wherein he finds a new lease on life and rebuilds his relationship with his mother as well as with his childhood friend Mi-joo.
- jaldred-66120
- Jun 7, 2023
- Permalink
- ooojamiezhang
- Jun 27, 2023
- Permalink
Resentment can run deep. Human emotions are complex and in this game of survival of the 'richest' and 'powerful', it is these abstract and intangible emotions that often suffer. You can choose to go with the flow or swim against the tides. Either way, there will be consequences. The new Korean show, The Good Bad Mother, is about these emotional sufferings and a chance to pause, reset and reconnect.
The initial episodes of The Good Bad Mother establish the backstory of our protagonist. Although focused primarily on the relationship between Young-soon and Kang-ho, The Good Bad Mother's biggest strength is its writing supported by extraordinary performances by Lee Do Hyun and Ra Mi Ran. The duo share a great understanding onscreen. Lee Do Hyun is a chameleon. Just a month back, he left viewers bewitched in The Glory and now, as a cold-hearted prosecutor, he is flawless. Ra Mi Ran is a delight to watch. Her switch from turning a 'bad' mother to being vulnerable is heart achingly beautiful.
The secondary but an integral part of the drama, Kang-Ho as a lawyer seeking justice for his father's death is an exceptionally written piece as well. Although he justice was served in the ultimate episode of the drama, it could have been more enticing. But nonetheless, The Good Bad Mother perfectly balanced a parent-child relation and a son's attempt to bring justice for what he and his mother were deprived of.
My Rating : 8.5/10.
The initial episodes of The Good Bad Mother establish the backstory of our protagonist. Although focused primarily on the relationship between Young-soon and Kang-ho, The Good Bad Mother's biggest strength is its writing supported by extraordinary performances by Lee Do Hyun and Ra Mi Ran. The duo share a great understanding onscreen. Lee Do Hyun is a chameleon. Just a month back, he left viewers bewitched in The Glory and now, as a cold-hearted prosecutor, he is flawless. Ra Mi Ran is a delight to watch. Her switch from turning a 'bad' mother to being vulnerable is heart achingly beautiful.
The secondary but an integral part of the drama, Kang-Ho as a lawyer seeking justice for his father's death is an exceptionally written piece as well. Although he justice was served in the ultimate episode of the drama, it could have been more enticing. But nonetheless, The Good Bad Mother perfectly balanced a parent-child relation and a son's attempt to bring justice for what he and his mother were deprived of.
My Rating : 8.5/10.
- pranayjalvi
- Jun 15, 2023
- Permalink