Luchando por mi Vida (2017)

A SOLID DRAMA, BUT I WISH THERE WAS MORE MARTIAL ARTS

I thought this drama would be a sports centered drama, but there wasn't as much MMA as I hoped it would be. That being said, I really enjoyed the drama. I liked the story, cast and the acting. I think the show could have been a little better if there was more attention to the goals the characters were trying to achieve. MMA is an amazing sport, and it felt like the drama didn't do it enough justice. Keeping my inner athlete aside, this drama was a good experience, and it is easy to watch and follow, and has its feel good moments. There are a few minor flaws and issues in the story, but it can be overlooked, and it doesn't have a negative effect in the bigger picture. If you are confused about watching the drama, I suggest you definitely give it a go, but if you are looking for a completely MMA/sports/Action centered show than this is not it.

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When childhood friends trope WORKS

Let`s not delude ourselves. The plot of this drama is not original nor new in any way. We`ve all seen these tropes before. Childhood friends grow into adulthood without figuring out their feelings for each other and when they do, new problems arise. Yes, the synopsis is nothing new or never seen before. Does that then, mean that this story is not worth a watch?Absolutely NOT.

I`ve been thinking about this for days now, in preparation for this review. What makes this drama so appealing to me, when I cannot relate to it in the slightest, nor am I floored by its originality. It`s not overly deep, profound nor that insightful in the long run. Oh, but is it enjoyable. This drama is like that cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day, which you didn`t even know you were craving. So just what makes this once a hit?

First of all, the cast works wonders with each other, especially Park Seo-joon. These kind of roles really suit him and dare I say, he`s better here than in "What`s Wrong With Secretary Kim?". He`s a likeable goof and a definite comic relief throughout, though Choi Ae Ra, doesn`t fall far behind. I got to admit that I do love the childhood friends to lovers trope a lot. No matter how many times I see it, if it`s done right. And here it is done exactly right and feels organic. You get that feeling of romantic excitement, but it`s comfortably sweet and interesting and not at all on the nose or jumping out for attention. Now, this drama is far, far from realistic. But does that make it bad?Heck no!We all need that feel good drama from time to time and this just about scratches that itch. When it comes to these kind of stories, you NEED good chemistry and likeable characters to keep the viewers engaged. And they knew exactly what they were doing with this one. I do have some drawbacks to this one, like the whole Ae Ra`s mother plot and Seol-hee and Joo-man`s story. They shouldn`t have stayed together in the end I think. Or at least, they should`ve had an open ending prepared for them, giving them an actual opportunity to get used to their new life roles. For Ae Ra and Dong Man it felt right and spontaneous to give them a clear happy ending, but for the secondary couple I`m a bit iffy. Also Dong Man`s mixed martial arts storyline is the best out of all of them and I found myself rooting for him the most, he`s just a riot. Another little complaint that I have to add is that, even though I like the characters from the start, I do feel like at the end, they don`t grow a whole lot, despite having them go through hard stuff. Which isn`t bad in it of itself but I would`ve liked some development in that department.

Soundtrack is okay, nothing spectacular really and the villains are subpar at best, but despite that, there are no clichéd love triangles nor amnesia so I am glad for that.

Is this a drama masterpiece? No, but it excels and succeeds in what it`s trying to be, so it`s good in my book.

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Before my review, just a warning. SPOILER ALERT!
I just finished watching this drama and all I can say is that, I'm satisfied.

They tell different stories and overcome hardships on their own way using their own abilities.
They stood up strong and unswayed. I'm super addicted to the love story of Sul Hee and Joo Man, it hurts to see them broke up and crying, but they made it like the ones we have in real. That long relationships do suffer at times, the warmth fade, the memories forgotten and the sparks were gone. But, they managed to overcome the hardships on their own and talk through it because they know that even if they had problems, they still want to be with each other. As for Dong Man and Ae Ra, friendship is really a barrier when it comes to starting a relationship with your so called friend/best friend. Why? Because if you broke up, you can't go back to how you where before you started the relationship. Glad they fight through it and achieved everything they want in life and settle with what they truly want.

I love the story line best, it shows reality right there. You had to give up a fight because of a problem you can solve involving money and you know it will help your family, but that happens, that right there is real. I was just glad that he get to avenge himself on all the ridicules he got. And it's just so sad that he had to face it for the past 10 years alone.

I'd love to watch both couples again on their own drama's someday. I hope that Sul Hee and Joo Man get to have their sweet leading roles as well. :)

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My brother watched the first 2 episodes and he was like "How are they not together?". This question says a lot about the whole drama from the chemistry between the two leads to the whole plot. It was so realistic, cute and fun. Park Seo Joon and Kim Ji Won were just perfect together that I wish they'd be the next real life couple but of course with his enlistment, that'd be w bit out of the picture for now. Ko Dong Man's character as much as many people would think he's naïve I really thought he had so much depth to him and a determination that's really hard to find nowadays. Choi Ae Ra as well has that determination and I really liked that. The second leads' story was one of the most interesting side stories I've watched so far. I really loved them together and they broke my heart which is something that never happened to me with a side story and that proves how amazing it was. The OST too suited it really well and that made it even better. This will be one of the best dramas I've watched and I hope that Seo Joon would come back with an even stronger role.

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I love this series as it didn't need to be any longer than it already is. The story line moved along nicely and didn't need the fillers that normally come with some of the ones I've already watched. Not quite sure why the rating will cause some of the previews to be cut out but some of the scenes are very tame.
It's a unique story that explored the relationships and personal struggles that accompany the 4 main characters and how they conquered and overcome those struggles.
I've laughed at some of the scenes but I wished that sometimes the translations would come out faster so I can read and watch at the same time.
The 2 main characters were beautifully played by Park Seo Joon and Kim Ji Won. Love blooms in the most unexpected way when you've known each other from a young age and have never really looked at the friend at their side.
It's a lovely friendship that most kids nowadays don't get to have.

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Fight For My Way has probably been the most enjoyable drama I've seen so far this year.
The story is refreshing, relatable, and fun all the way. The characters are fantastic, the leads have great chemistry, and the stories told are real to those in their 20s out there. Each character captivated and moved me in their own ways with a good balance of well-paced storytelling and depiction of reality. Dong Man and Ae Ra are lovable and goofy, Sul Hee is a strong fan favorite, Joo Man is a character that can be both liked and disliked for the same reason: he's incredibly flawed like ourselves, and Hye Ran is a character with surprisingly good development.
When I was watching the stories unfold, I didn't get the typical drama tropes I was expecting. Instead, I got all too familiar stories I've heard and experienced before. None of the drama in this show is outrageous or melodramatic because it happens in real life so often. No story spoilers here, but I will say that this show sticks true to being a slice of life in its own unique way.
The music is really good- both in composition and lyrics. The tunes capture the moods quite well, and the lyrics of the first OST really encapsulate the feel of this drama.
It's great to rewatch as a light romcom, and overall, it's incredibly enjoyable. Highly recommend.

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This drama centers around four friends with different careers but different aspirations and their journey to fighting for what they want to do. This drama was filled with humor it really amused me and I really enjoyed it. I loved the chemistry of the two main and supporting characters. it brought a whole new feel of a goofy but loving set of couples. I really like the story line and the hidden mysteries in every episode it brought color and more life to the drama. Every role was thought out and executed well. Park Seo Joon was amazing yet again. Overall I really had a great time watching this drama. Watch it !

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Awkwardness + comedy + romance

Very refreshing and awkwardly comedy with lots of awkward romance😂. I thought nothing can beat "Something About 1 Percent" (first kdrama I watched, the one I watched before this one), but this one proved me wrong. You will definitely fall in love with some of the characters, especially main characters. They both have their own uniqueness and unique relationship which gave this drama special place in my heart. I think first episode was bit boring, but that's because you are not used to characters personality yet, later on when you realize that and as the story progress it suddenly grabs you into it. I finished watching it in 2 days, and it doesn't usually happens when I watch dramas, so this one holds special place at my heart.

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This was such a feel good show i rnjoyes every bit of it. The leading and second actors were all fantastic i enjoyed how different their roles meshed together. Kim ji won has always been the scary ex girlfriend in most shows including heirs. I dont think ive ever seen her smile. This is the first shes been the lead in a romance comedy. It was refreshing seeing her being poor and relaxed lol!!. Dong man on the other hand is upcoming and hes got some body. Seol hee fit this role so perfectly with her innocence just like in sweden laundry. Lastly joo man was also perfect in keeping his composure thru highs and lows poverty and riches. Anyways a great fun show

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Friends-to-Lovers Perfection

Fight For My Way snuck into my heart from the moment I started watching. I loved almost every element of this contemporary romance.

❤ Be still my heart - Ko Dong Man and Choi Ae Ra had the best friends-to-lovers story I've seen in a long time. Their connection on screen was immediate, and their adorable confusion as their feelings deepened for each other was utterly unforgettable. Whenever they were on the screen, I could not take my eyes off them.

❤ I have a new girl crush, and her name is Ae Ra (and actress Kim Ji Won). I loved how all of the people in her life, including the hard core martial artists, cowered before her. She had some memorable moments of escalating situations or pushing characters who she felt were threatening herself or her loved ones. I want to be her new best friend!

❤ If anything, this showed just how versatile Park Seo Joon is as an actor. It was like watching a different person act compared to his performance in What's Wrong with Secretary Kim. I think my preference caters to his himbo version rather than the sophisticated businessman, but only by a margin. He played Ko Dong Man so earnestly with the perfect touches of confusion, vulnerability, and determination.

❤ The story did an excellent job of showing two different types of relationship dynamics. You have the two main leads moving from friends to lovers. On the other spectrum, you have the second leads going through a rough patch during their six year relationship. As a string unraveled for one couple, another string would bring together the other couple.

❤ The discussion about dreams versus reality, especially in their twenties, felt so relatable. I understood completely their drive and passion for their dreams, yet their weariness and somewhat acceptance of their circumstances.

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