Lenient Desires

Lenient Desires

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Dream High 2: A Review

Dream High 2: A Review

By: Rosanna Danica B. Maguad

[Initial Reaction] 

After a daebak drama ‘Dream High,’ comes its second season, called under same name ‘Dream High 2.’ Still, the setting is Kirin High School of Art. But a new story revolves from a different set of Kirin students.

Fans were disappointed with the new casts. They were expecting that Dream High 2 would be a sequel – with same characters – of the first season. But it came up to be a different one.  

I, personally, liked the idea of having fresh faces in the drama. If I am the writer, I’ll simply leave the rest of Hye Mi and Sam Dong’s story in the minds of its viewers. I’ll let the viewers’ imaginations flow creatively. Furthermore, I was glad when JYP retained Yang Jin Man’s character. It gives the viewers some sort of connection between the two seasons.

The general theme of this drama is dreams. But humor, music, and hope were added to give spice to the drama. The humor part is my favorite. The comedians were effective actors. It never failed me to laugh. And the scoring was perfect. Also, I enjoyed the covers of featured K-pop songs! They sure are genius when it comes in these areas. For that, hats off!

[Moral Lessons and Hidden Messages]

Dream High 2, on the other hand, did not achieve the success Dream High did. The ratings were low. However, ratings are just ratings. Dream High 2 is still worth watching. It gives positive messages about dreams - how to achieve and realize them.

Compared with its predecessor, Dream High 2 didn’t just dwell on achieving dreams. It also gives a glimpse on overcoming obstacles, failing, and taking new paths. DH2 is all about dreams confronted by a reality – reality that not of all of us can achieve what we originally dream for.

Failed dreams are painful, we all know that. However, I, personally, believe that if God took a good thing from you, a better opportunity is coming up. The things we believed that are best for us, may not be the best in the eyes of God. In the long run, one can realize that we are better off with that dream, in order to achieve a greater one. This principle is being stressed in Hae Sung’s character. She doesn’t have a skill to sing. But still, wants to be a singer. However, in the later part, she had realized that she is better in composing songs than singing.

Still, this season carried same message conveyed from first one – DREAM BIG. There’s no limit in dreaming. And anyone can dream. This is my favorite line in this drama, “Is dreaming only for those who are talented? Dreams are for those who dream.”

Dreams are free! No matter how huge or how crazy your dream is. Go on. It is free.

Next step, don’t give up a dream. Try to realize it. Don’t simply follow it. If possible, chase it until you catch your breath.

Dreams, which easily given up, are not dreams at all. Maybe, it is just an excitation feeling towards something. Dreams are coated with passion. Without a passion of fulfilling it, it is just mere idea in your head.

Lastly, prepare for an obstacle course. Living a dream comes with conquering trials and tests – discouragements, circumstances, intimidations and insecurities. They are always in your way. But if one is serious about his dreams, he must endure it. It takes courage to fulfill a dream. Be brave. Take risks.

Remember, you are living that dream. It is your dream. Don’t let anyone/anything mess it up for you. As what Hae Sung have said, “Just close your eyes. Ignore what other people said. Just be yourself. And live that dream.”

A bonus point: Be a Yoo Jin. Don’t let others shape dreams for you. Everyone has a unique definition of what a dream is. Your dreams may be not a dream for others. Be you. Don’t be a “G” if you are a “G-minor!” Rock Spirit! \m/

In contrast with Yoo Jin’s character, Rian’s character is also interesting. She grew up into an amazing artist because of other people’s opinion. She was tagged as a “face of a girl group” and “B-rated actress.” Her character let people’s opinion come in to her senses. Until she come to a point that she performs to please others. She forgot the real of essence of an artist.

Somehow, listening to what other people say could bring good. It is a good way of developing one’s self. Constructive criticism, as they say. However, don’t come to a point that your actions will be solely based on the perspective of others. Learn to love yourself. Give yourself a respect it deserves. Ji Yeon singing Day By Day was a wrap up of Rian’s character. She learned to love herself.

Although, ironically, DH2 also stresses a message: “Give up a dream, if your happiness is elsewhere.” I am not sure if I’ve got the message right. But I saw this in JB’s character. Though JB’s character obviously conveyed of “not giving a dream despite of a physical discrepancy,” it also showed defocus on realizing a dream. His obstacle was his feelings, his affection, his love for Hae Sung.

It is common problem which celebrities encounter: career vs. love. Choose one. If one chooses both, he may end losing both. JB’s character underlying message is sacrificing a dream to achieve a greater happiness.

***

Additional comments:

[Plot]

I find the plot a little disorganized. It involves too many characters. More characters mean more storyline. This is to in order to accommodate all the characters. Each character must have represented something. But characters, such as Song Dong, Ui Bong, Ailee, Si Woo, were nothing but wall flowers. I understand they are supporting actors. However, even supporting actors have roles. They are supposed to be like catalysts or something. But those characters were empty (or I failed to analyze their existence in the drama). There should be more episodes in order to accommodate each character or at least show characters’ purpose. I think Dream High 2 was simply short of episodes. 

Another thing, the connection of DH & DH2 was unstable. It was already clear when Kim Pil Sook appeared as a Sunbae and Yang-Sem as a teacher. However, I don’t get the point of Sam Dong doing a scene together with Rian (episode 1). It feels like that DH2 made DH just a TV drama, not a notable history in Kirin. For example, Rian casted as Hye Mi, but was later replaced by Eun Jung. In DH, Sam Dong was an award winning Singer. But in DH2, he is just another actor portraying a role of Sam Dong. Do you get my point?

Also, when Miss A had a cameo, I was disappointed when Suzy showed up as Suzy, not as Hye Mi. I was expecting also that Hye Sung, sister of Hye Mi, will be in DH2.

The connection between DH and DH2 must be cleared, such as how many years DH2 happened after DH, how the administration changed (Where are Kang-Sem and Shin-Sem? Baek Hee was supposed to be teaching in Kirin right? Where is she? K, I am overreacting). Perhaps those questions must be answered.  

DH2 is also similar with Heartstrings – girl going abroad and leaving an injured lover with shattered dreams. I don’t think it is bad. I just said it is similar. J

Dream High’s plot was exceptional. There are only few flicks that focus a brat as the protagonist. Instead of getting irritated of that brat, she had gained sympathy from the viewers. (Right? Who likes Hye Mi? Cheers!) JYP must have thought deep and analyzed it well. It was written for two years. No wonder it is a total daebak.

On the other hand, I think DH2 was a rush. But we shouldn’t blame the writers, directors, and the actors. They were simple in a fight with time or maybe pressure from us (because we keep on asking for a second season!).

I think if they have been given quite some time. They were able to produce an art or maybe a masterpiece.

[Characters]

I hate some of the characters. First, I don’t like Hae Sung. At first, yes, Hae Sung got my sympathy. But as the story goes on, I’ve changed my side to Rian. Though, Hae Sung is a nice girl and all, I simply don’t like her. Maybe because she use her weakness to gain sympathy from others. Or maybe, I am more like Rian, I don’t want my weaknesses to be recognized. Rather, I would like others to stress my strengths.

Also, I don’t like Hae Sung-JB team up. I am more of a JB-Rian one. They simply don’t have chemistry together. Forgive me, but I am irritated whenever there is a spoon-chopstick scene. Their team up simply don’t work for me.

And oh, before I forget. The casting was quite a blur. In all fairness, newcomers played their roles well. But they should have gotten more familiar faces, maybe half from both parties. In this way, they could garner more viewers. Just like in DH, they have a powerhouse cast: Suzy, Taec, Wooyoung, IU, and Eun Jung. They are all familiar in the K-pop arena. Kim Soo Hyun, though he was not in the same field, garnered adoration from the audience. Quite a charm.

 [Music]

I am addicted to OST and musical scores. I never fail to download an OST album. This drama clenched my thirst for it. If you are a certified K-pop fan, you will really enjoy this drama. Their covers of your favorite K-pop songs were exceptional. I enjoyed versions from Ailee’s and Hyorin’s voices. They sure are talented. And I even discovered some amazing K-pop music such as Kim Tae Woo’s Love Rain. It is my current LSS! And of course, the “B” song! I just love how Lee Seul (Jung Yeon Joo) sing her part (referring to the Sarang part). Soothing! 

And JB’s cover of When I can’t sing, five hearts for that, Honey!

[Over all]

Though there were discrepancies, I enjoyed this drama too. I even fell in love with JB. His glances and stares were just beautiful. Plus, I will able to get some tips in singing, dancing, acting, and answering interviews. Cheers for that!

I’ll rate this drama, 3.5 out of 5.

P.S.  And oh, I have some ideas for Dream High 3. Where can I send it?

[About the reviewer]

Rosanna Danica B. Maguad, 19, Philippines

Aspiring Film Maker, Screen Writer, Singer, and Actress

Dreams to be a JYP trainee

“I am not that good in analyzing films. This is just my opinion. No hard feelings.”

Comments are very much welcome.