Madam Angteuwan

Madame Antione was unexpectedly well done, with a feisty FL who had appropriate reactions to the often cold and calculating ML. I thought the backstories of the leads was well done and engaging, and the acting was great across the board. I thought the show demonstrated realistic relationships between the characters, and while I found some of them annoying I was happy at how they were written.

Most pleasant of all was the accuracy given to the psychology! The psychological disorders were portrayed very well, and I enjoyed how much detail was put into each "side" story. I also liked how the side stories didn't influence the main story - I think it's annoying how convenient it is when a side story directly correlates and influences what is happening to the main story (i.e. Lucifer, House, etc.). I also liked how even though the ML was a psychologist, he had his own struggles that were handled thoughtfully as a psychologist might have trouble with their own mental health despite knowing a lot of the answers.

Overall I really enjoyed this show, I would consider it a rare gem, and would definitely recommend it!

The leading couple Sung Joon and Han Ye Seul are watchable and attractive. They have a spark between them. It's a romance between a Stanford trained psychiatrist and a fortune teller. But their hot and cold romance and experiment or not issue is repetitive. Too many scenes of sweet behaviour and then flying into a rage. In between the psychological patients are diverting. But issues with the Chairman and the biological mom are too slow to resolve. The older woman doctor and younger man relationship is daring. 36 year age gap! The series could have been tightened and shortened by a third in length and it would have been quite good. Also the comedy is spread a bit thin. Her nonsense French is quite funny. Read the subs carefully when she does her fortune telling.

If you prefer realistic stories, or feel that no self-respecting woman should ever waste her time with sketchy relationships, or give a guy multiple chances to redeem himself (despite however attracted she may be), then this probably isn't going to be your cup of tea. On the other hand, if you are a fan of the human experience, and enjoy watching flawed characters grow and discover themselves (and each other), or if you just love a good old "enemies to lovers" plot, then you're in luck!

Despite the rather heavy nature of the subject matter (psychological issues & treatment), the actual story execution is by contrast quite light, sprinkled with plenty of comic relief. Han YeSeul's sassy and determined character was especially endearing, and I found the whole 'revenge and counter-revenge', and the "I know, but I can't let him know that I know...." and "she doesn't know anything...does she?" dynamic between her and Sung Joon to be just hilarious!

Of course, there are also plenty of flaws. The psychology/treatment aspects are oversimplified, and the "experiment" was handled in a ridiculously unprofessional manner. But since they are basically just foils for the larger romantic plot, I personally found these shortcomings forgivable. Additionally, this film relies heavily on secrets and ambiguity between the couple for much of it's humor. If you don't like frenemies who would rather pussy foot around with verbal sparring, rather than just clearly state their feelings up front, then you will likely find this story quite tedious.

ROMANCE RATING: * * * 7.5/10 With 8+ longer kissing scenes, there's plenty of romantic contact for thirsty viewers. However, I personally could have wished for a bit more "buy in" between SJ and HSY. The kisses were there, but they didn't really make my heart race or draw me in (though it could have also been an issue of how they were shot). And sadly, I just couldn't buy the chemistry between HSE and LJH. But all in all, it was still a fun watch.