8/10 well written and gripping drama
Every now and then, a drama sneaks up on you and completely delivers-and Climax absolutely does. It's a gripping, edge-of-your-seat ride with a plot that hooks you early and never really lets go, all while keeping a sharp, satisfying pace.I'll admit, I'm a pretty picky K-drama watcher, so it takes a lot to impress me-but this one? It nailed it. It felt like a very tightly woven Korean version of House of Cards, and it, funnily, uses the phrase "house of cards" in the dialogue...but this is just my observation.
I actually stumbled across this series "Climax" by accident when I heard "Black Star" by Nana-the MV caught my attention just enough to make me curious. Safe to say, that curiosity paid off. What I found was an unexpected gem that quickly became a binge-worthy drama.
The plot kept me glued to the screen from minute one. I kept wanting to know how each character was going to deal with the situation. The pacing was well done, never felt like it was dragging on, no wasted scenes.
The acting by the two female leads are superb, very realistic and both are not afraid to look bad in front of the camera and both uses small facial expressions to carry the scenes.
I'll admit some of the characters are bit one-dimensional and doesn't change throughout, but at the same there, but the show balances that out with others who are layered, unpredictable, and hard to fully reads. That contrast ended up working in its favor-l found the overall character dynamics surprisingly well-balanced and engaging.
I did find Climax a tad confusing in terms of they use they edited their flashback scenes with the present scenes.
There are a few moments I couldn't quite tell if it was the present or the past I was watching. This doesn't steer me away from the overall enjoyment of the series, but it does require more concentration while watching.
The show gets surprisingly meta, using a film-within-the-series to reflect the characters' inner thoughts. While it does lean into some classic K-drama tropes, the way the director and editor handle them-both in the "movie" segments and the main storyline-feels polished, restrained, and refreshingly tasteful rather than over-the-top.
Overall, well entertaining binge-worthy drama. I feel the low rating people never really watched the drama nor really put much thought into the writing. Recommended to people who enjoy drama, politic drama, thrillers and fans of Nana and Ha Ji Won. 8.5/10!
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10/10 One Of THE Best series Ever!!!
Song Joong-ki's performance in this series is just incredible.Definitely matched or even outshined by Jeon Yeo-bin's performance. One of the most distinctive characters I have ever seen in my life. Shows how much work Jeon Yeo-bin put into the role. This series is so amazing thanks to the balanced give and take flow of the battle between the 2 fighting forces. Super funny and unexpected reveals about the characters makes this series unmatched. It's just surprisingly superb. Plus, you'll definitely love the vigilante side to it. It is so relevant to today's flood of corruption and crime around the world. This series will satisfy your hunger for everything you ever dream to see in a drama. A must watch!!!
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6/10 Show about "a good lawyer but a bad man"
I am a huge fan f K- and J-dramas. I watch much of what Netflix makes available unless they are really silly... OR really violent. I do not deal well with disturbing, gory violence.There has to be a counter-weight to help me from turning it off.
(see bottom of this review for an addendum)
I fear this series is falling into the really violent category.
Don't get me wrong. This series has all the earmarks of being right up my alley. An eccentric (or two?) lead, a good ensemble cast, and it's a legal drama with a moral message.
The two male leads are intriguing and of course attractive.
It is a series about (as he describes himself) "a good lawyer, but a bad man". The character ("Kujo") is played by the impressive Yûya Yagira. I am mindful it has to be challenging taking on a role from Manga and Yûya Yagira does well.
We will see, I'm sure, as the series progresses exactly what this comment he makes about himself means: if he is indeed a bad man and if so if he is redeemable.
So this show is at its heart a character study with a legal framing. Will he transform or just be recontextualized?
There is not a lot of warmth in this show. And the lead character seems to be emotionally distant as well as emotionally complex. He appears to be morally compromised. The character of Kujo is of course intriguing.
His counterpart (played by Hokuto Matsumura) is more straightforward. He is less ambiguous. More morally grounded. He's not a foil so much as a counter-balance to Kujo. I would NOT say this is a buddy show, per se. The two characters rotate around each other like satellites.
I am about half-way through the series and I'm not sure I will finish it. The level of intense violence does not seem to let up and the plots -- the cases -- are depressing. There are incredibly disturbing scenes. I don't see this changing.
I realize this is based on a popular Manga (at least according to the information available). So many in the Japanese audience may be clued in to what they are about to see, but I am in the international audience and was not clued in.
I do want to mention that the production itself is really impressive. From the opening credits on, the camera work and the direction, and the music and editing are very good.
This is a high class production.
I don't know as I write this that I will watch it to the end. I am intrigued by the characters, would like to see further examination of the Kujo character, but I am not comfortable with the cases. If this was a K-drama (like "Pro Bono") I would be confident that there would be healing and redemption at the end. But this is a J-drama and we might expect the answer to "I'm a bad man" to be "So what?".
I'll update this if I come to any further conclusions.
Addendum: I did watch all ten episodes. I won't change my initial rating and my comments still stand. And I won't spoil anything. But the ending (for me) is difficult. I realize some may think how it ends is bold, even realistic, and intellectually satisfying. But for me the show chooses psychological truth over comfort and a "soft landing". Kujo is not redeemed but rather exposed.
If you are into dark, unresolved and ambiguous storytelling, this series may be for you.
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10/10 perfect
Honestly I have no idea why people hate this series other than the age of the actors which even I thought at first it wa a bit strange to put a 16 year old but after watching the whole series, i have to say they are amazing actors. For a 16 year old he has a very mature attitude and both actors have great chemistry. There was no explicit/sensual acting involved so most of the intimate scenes didn't feel weird or awkward. Overall the plot and storyline was amazing and the last episode was by far my favourite. I'd love to see another season and a continuation of where they go or what happens. Honestly it's growing on me and since the intimate scenes are more teenage romance friendly, the age slipped my mind!Was this review helpful to you?
10/10 EU ACREDITO: Elenco perfeito, química incrível, atuações fortes
Obrigado a quem escolheu os protagonistas! Foi um sucesso absoluto! Pela primeira vez, um filme segue completamente a novela, e isso é um grande ponto positivo, já que a obra é muito poderosa e escrita de forma competente e eficiente, sem precisar inventar nada de novo. Foi uma decisão ousada dos criadores não suavizar a intensidade desse relacionamento complexo e não cortar nada do diálogo, que às vezes era muito explícito, beirando a vulgaridade. Fiquei encantado com o toque genuíno, os beijos, as cenas de sexo foram simplesmente incríveis! Esta é a minha obra favorita neste gênero até hoje! Demorei para superar a novela emocionalmente, e até agora, depois de assistir ao episódio 5, não tenho uma única reclamação! Os atores são simplesmente brilhantes, transmitindo emoções tão bem em uma idade tão jovem! Fan é simplesmente um presente dos céus; ele simplesmente fica parado na tela, e há uma aura e energia ao seu redor, e que voz sexy e profunda! O ator que interpreta Shulan é simplesmente encantador – uma mistura de firmeza e constância, e ao mesmo tempo de suavidade e flexibilidade, tudo envolto no aroma de uma rosa selvagem! A interação entre os dois na tela é mágica! Assisti especificamente sem dublagem; as vozes são magníficas! Resumindo: como disse o grande Stanislavski, EU ACREDITO!Was this review helpful to you?
9/10 Skyy Review - An ode to Pat & Pran
can never get over the Bad Buddy series. I have seen a lot of Gay drama and Bad Buddy series was a gem. I immediately fell in love with Pat and Pran and cried with them in emotional scenes, this became very close to me.I was looking at behind the scene video of Pat and Pran and saw that they are also in Our Skyy 2, my heart jumped with joy and I couldn't resist to watch this series of being a PatPran fan myself. I didn't want anything of any other pairs in the series, no offence, but I just wanted to soak into the Pat and Pran being in love again.
I skipped all the way to last 3 episodes and boy was it a sweet cup cake. I was hoping that Pran and Pat will make it to the bed and share a light selfless moment with each other. But all I saw was a PG-12 version of Pat and Pran, nothing more. I was kinda disappointed that they did not show the love scenes of Pat and Pran and it just kept me saddened, with asking each other scores.
I love the cast, I love their chemistry and not sure if they had an issue off screen, it was quite evident that it was a pain to just watch them kiss without emotions in this series. Pat was all ready and looks like Pran was the one who did not give in.
Pat looks way too skinner than the Bad Buddy series. It was a good story but nonetheless it was a clean show, a clean family show.
I am over it, but still a huge fan of the PatPran combo, will always be!! Love y'all!
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10!
10/10 A warm, sweet, and pure gay love storyThis is my first time to write a review. This drama depicts two unrealistically adorable boys accidentally discovered their sexual-orientation and fell in love with each other, reminding people that how beautiful and pure a relationship could be. I am most impressed by how the two characters reconciled with their own identity and dealt with the social environment together. The Japanese-style respect and communications also makes this drama light-hearted and sincere. The fast pace of story-telling is perfect, though i would not mind spending more time watching these two innocent boys' interactions. This drama rebuilt my love and moral standards, after having witnessed so many ugliness in reality. I am grateful that i watched this. Love to Michieda, his action was impeccable.
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10/10 A warm, sweet, and pure gay love story
10/10 A warm, sweet, and pure gay love storyThis is my first time to write a review. This drama depicts two unrealistically adorable boys accidentally discovered their sexual-orientation and fell in love with each other, reminding people that how beautiful and pure a relationship could be. I am most impressed by how the two characters reconciled with their own identity and dealt with the social environment together. The Japanese-style respect and communications also makes this drama light-hearted and sincere. The fast pace of story-telling is perfect, though i would not mind spending more time watching these two innocent boys' interactions. This drama rebuilt my love and moral standards, after having witnessed so many ugliness in reality. I am grateful that i watched this. Love to Michieda, his action was impeccable.
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10/10 One of the best GL series ever!
For me, this is one of the best GL series that I have watched.I was impressed by their acting since Episode 1. Acting was raw and natural, no cringe or awkwardness between the characters. The lead actresses played the role very convincingly, and they've given 100% in the drama and intimate scenes. So, I really applaud them. Actingwise, it is very impressive performances from the leads (Sonya and Lookmhee).
Storyline, this is based on the same novel written by Chao Planoy. If you havent read the novel, you'll be shocked with all the twists and turns of the story.
The story tells of a genuine, solid love which could probably be very close to obsession. Of denial of feelings and later on choosing acceptance. It tells of realities that some people can unfortunately face.
1100% recommend this, sapphics or nonsapphics which have an open mind that love is not bound to a specific gender.
10/10 Yes, I have become a fan of this series. Turned obsessed at Ep 3. You can watch it on Youtube - Affair The Series Uncensored.
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Unexpectedly nice doctor
Overall, I liked the lakorn. It's rare when all three couples are perfectly suited for each other and have incredible chemistry. At the same time, all three couples are completely different. I was delighted with Arm's new face; he's simply so pleasant to look at and has such a sweet, calm character, yet so relaxed in intimate moments. I hope to see him in other roles. The second couple was incredibly hot-the looks, the kisses, and everything else-it was absolutely delicious. I watched nonstop to the end, which is rare for me; I usually skip straight to the end after episode 5.There are some downsides, too (cliches and typical lakorn nonsense, like two wives, etc.). For example, in the episode where Per gets shot, everyone spent an hour trying to figure out why and who did it, while the poor guy sat there bleeding. It was a weird scene. Also, the intimate scenes were a bit implausible; for the first time, it was like clockwork for the guys. But it's beautifully filmed. Overall, BL lakorns occupy a worthy place in their genre! I think the rating is unjustifiably low. In response to the previous review, "Doctor is boring," it's not! Make sure you know the genres before writing about non-canonical relations - this is BL!
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Yakuza... BL!?
From the first scene, I knew this series was going to be more dark and gritty then romantic and soft, which makes perfect sense considering it's within a Yakuza plot. The character dynamic is definetly a unique one: Odajima, the one ordered to kill Kataoka, the young boss, an admired and compassionate man, finds himself struggling to complete his mission even with his 7 year long grudge against him.Odajima has been living a horrible, rough life which Kataoka manages brings light to.
For only six, 25 minute episodes, I was deeply invested in this series. The feel of it is sad, intense, and quiet. You could never really tell the outcome. I loved the kissing scenes (unimportant information) and I think they built a great bond during an insanely difficult situation. I'm happy with the end and I'd recommend this to anyone who likes the darker side of life and romance.
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• “Where Human Meets Tide… and Love Wins”
⭐ “Lover Merman” – Review“Lover Merman” ended today, and honestly? I didn’t expect a fantasy BL about a lonely human and a chaotic, stubborn merman to hit me right in the heart like this. What started as a light, slightly quirky romance suddenly grew into a story about belonging, sacrifice, and finding the one person who sees you beyond your broken edges. The chemistry between the leads was the core magic of this show — soft, playful, and surprisingly intimate, even when the plot was drifting into full mythical drama territory. And let’s be real: the underwater scenes were low-budget cute, but the acting carried everything. They sold every longing glance, every heartbreak, every moment of trust.
The final episodes tied things up with that mix of sweetness and ache that only fantasy romances can deliver. I loved how the show never forgot that being from “different worlds” wasn’t just a metaphor — it was the entire emotional weight of the story. The ending felt satisfying, warm, and honestly much more heartfelt than I expected. If you enjoy BLs with gentle romance, soft fantasy, and characters who grow because they finally find someone worth fighting for, “Lover Merman” is a small gem worth watching. It’s not perfect, but it’s charming, emotional, and leaves you with that quiet little glow in your chest.
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PERFECT VISUAL
This series is one of the best series that has been released this year so far. The actresses gave justice to each characters they portrayed. Storyline on point and perfect.The visuals is very awesome. I just love how they still stick to the novel as much as possible, but they still put they're own touch on this one. I'll give the actresses a whole 10/10 review, I just love the acting, each line they throw toward each other is freaking worth watching for.. GAYS i recommend this series a perfect novel adaptation.
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10/10 A Captivating Start to a Modern Monarchy
After watching the first episode of Perfect Crown (The Perfect Crown), I can confidently say it meets - and even exceeds - my expectations.IU and Byeon Woo Seok are perfectly cast in their respective roles. IU delivers a magnetic performance, portraying a bold, sharp-tongued, and elegant character. While there are slight echoes of her iconic role in Hotel del Luna, this portrayal feels more refined and layered. Meanwhile, Byeon Woo Seok convincingly embodies a prince burdened by responsibility - cold, proud, and emotionally restrained, yet deeply in love with her since their school days. His inner reaction to her unexpected marriage proposal - when she appears with a symbolic piece of red cloth - is both subtle and incredibly endearing.
The story unfolds amid an intense struggle for power. She carries the weight of being the illegitimate daughter of a powerful conglomerate, while he bears the responsibility of ruling as regent for his young nephew, an eight-year-old king who ascended the throne after his father's tragic death in a fire. Adding to the tension, his sister-in-law opposes his authority, creating an immediate layer of political intrigue.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the drama is its unique world-building. Unlike traditional historical dramas set strictly in the Joseon era, or fully modern series, Perfect Crown presents a hybrid "modern monarchy." It seamlessly blends traditional elements - hanboks, servants, archery, horses, and swords - with contemporary luxuries like designer bags, high heels, and luxury cars. This contrast feels fresh, visually striking, and adds a distinctive identity to the series.
The first episode is immersive, visually stunning, and narratively compelling. If it maintains this level of quality, Perfect Crown has the potential to become a standout drama in its genre.
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10/10 The PT Universe comes to life! So Ji-sub IS CQC personified!
As an absolute fanatic of the original Manager Kim webtoon and the entire PJ Universe, I was terrified of how they would adapt this into live-action. But after seeing the premiere, all my fears are completely gone.First off, the casting is perfection. So Ji-sub completely embodies the weary, slouching "salaryman" look, but when his Close Quarters Combat (CQC) instincts kick in, he turns into an absolute demon. The fight scenes are insanely faithful to the panel art-they actually captured the technical, brutal weight of his moves without masking it behind messy editing.
Seeing Seong Han-su (Choi Dae-hoon) and Park Jin-cheol (Yoon Kyung-ho) on screen together with Kim gave me literal chills. The legendary trio of badass dads is finally here, and their dynamic is just as chaotic and epic as it is in the manhwa. If you've been waiting for a faithful, high-budget webtoon adaptation that doesn't tone down the violence or the hype, this is the holy grail. Long live the PTJ Universe!
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