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Completed
I Told Sunset about You
0 people found this review helpful
by Anais
Apr 15, 2022
5 of 5 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

If I had to sum up this series in one word : beautiful.

It's the story of Teh and Oh-aew who were best friends as kids but after a childish argument, they did what a lot of kids do, they didn't talk to each other anymore.
And yet, they never forgot each other.
Years later as they're preparing for university admissions, both pursuing interests in the field of Communication Arts, the two meet again in a Chinese language class, and their reunion as a young adult awakens complicated feelings.

It's really a youthful story of coming of age and the discovery of first love.
I would like to say that the production is stunning, in Asia we could compare this kind of production with that of Korea, but coming from Europe, I must say that this production reminds me of the French independent films which are shown at the Cannes festivals.
This series is short but it feels raw, real and vulnerable.
The tones give off the vibes of 90s films, the sets are far from being so polished as you see in the usual BL Thai series, where you have the impression of being in a model house, but here you really feel that it's filmed in Thailand. We see the streets, the restaurants, the temples, the beaches, the schools, it really feels real and it contributes to the vibes of the series which tells a touching and beautiful story.

As for the story itself, I have to say that I'm amazed, the story is simple, the plot is simple but the acting really changes everything, it makes this banal script become a masterpiece.
And I am weighing my words, this series is in my top 3 of the best BL Thai series.
The characters are just so realistic. They are young, sometimes a little stupid, but vulnerable, they have a good heart and their own challenges.
By discovering their mutual feelings for each other, they also realize that they have feelings for a person of the same sex, they have to come to term with this fact, with their family and the gaze of others.
And it's hard, at any age, in addition to discovering themselves and another person, they have to expect judgments, disappointments.
If you want toxic relationships, ridiculous dramas, just move on, this story is to tell a beautiful story, and it's more about introspection and growing up.

I won't say more, everyone can have their own personal tastes, but to me it's a masterpiece and game changer in the BL genre.
It's really to see.

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Completed
Flower of Evil
2 people found this review helpful
by Anais
Feb 7, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 5.5

Mixed review.

The plot is quite innovative in a way, we don't have many series that tell the story of a couple, one of whom has a dark and bloody past, and the other is a detective who investigates a story that seems be related to her husband and his past.
So, yes, the plot is really well thought out.

And I'm not going to lie, the acting of the characters is really good, especially the heartbreaking scenes of FL which pleasantly surprised me by being determined, and at times manipulative to find out the truth.
I've seen others ML acting better than in this series, I think his emotionless face was realistic but it was more when he was emotional that I struggled.

In reality, the fault was the script, and the tone of the series, which for me was too light. The ML's actions were sometimes slow, hesitant, and for a person not supposed to feel emotions, he displayed way too many. He wasn't cold enough, not convincing enough, and that's not because of the acting of the ML overall, but because of the way he was written.

And although the producers surely wanted to make the drama as realistic as possible in the sense of a psychological detective series, the colors and tones were not scary enough, the impression of the series was not punchy and dark as in "Mouse".
The intensity quickly left as well as my attention, I finished the series just to finish it but well, as soon as the revelations of the past of ML were made - which were disappointing, in my humble opinion - there was no more addictivity to this drama.

So honestly, with this series they could have made a mind-blowing psychological thriller, with the intensity rising, the couple suspecting each other, the deaths continuing and increasing the pressure for the audience.
But on the contrary, the FL discovered her husband's identity very early - too - soon, then the romance came together to make the ML soft, and the intensity disappeared.
Frankly, I think the potential of what this series could have been left me with a bitter taste, the problem was the producers who desperately wanted characters that were bad but not too bad, to tell a narrative so that we gives sympathy for all the characters.
In short, disappointed with the direction that the plot has taken.

Special mention nevertheless to Kim Ji Hoon, who will soon play in "Money Heist : Korea", he was the only character really disturbing by his intensity, his darkness, frankly the acting of this character was perfect for the vibes of a series of psychological thriller, pity that the script and the tones of the series does not match. He would have been perfect in "Mouse" or "Beyond Evil".

I'm going to end it here, so I think it's a pretty enjoyable drama, the love story is believable but takes it a bit too much of the overall vibes, and makes the characters too soft, so the script is good, no inconsistencies, just not mature and dark enough for my taste.
I recommend it for those who like enjoyable thrillers with a strong romance, however those who really want something dark, very intense with suspense, this may not be for you.

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Completed
Trigger
10 people found this review helpful
by Anais
Aug 2, 2025
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 7.5
This review may contain spoilers

Thrilling Start But Weak Payoff

This is essentially the story of Lee Do, a man with a tragic past who became an exceptional soldier (and killer), but later chose to continue his career away from high-risk zones and firearms. The plot revolves around guns becoming increasingly accessible to Korean citizens secretly, showing different motivations: someone struggling with mental illness and pushed around, a grieving parent who never got justice for their child, a bullied student, a sexual offender seeking revenge on the police, and more.

Case by case, Lee Do unravels the threads, tracing them back to uncover where it all began, or from who. Overall, it’s a solid thriller with good pacing. However, the ending felt anticlimactic, we never learn what happened to the antagonist, and it’s clear that the forces behind him still intend to spread guns nationwide in Korea. In the end, very little is resolved, and the final episode lacked tension to the point that I watched it at 2x speed.

It seems to be hinting at a second season, though honestly, they could have wrapped it up in this one, or at least within 12 episodes. So, I do recommend, it has good scenes but do not expect a pay-off.

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Completed
The Childe
2 people found this review helpful
by Anais
Dec 10, 2023
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

Childe of Darkness.

A fast-paced movie with a hitman named "Childe", the character who gives color to this film. The story centers around an in-demand young man, Marco, who is taken to South Korea to meet his father, but everything is not as simple as it seems.

It's an action movie that would be quite literally boring without Childe, he took care of the entire entertainment portion of the movie and it was quite fascinating to follow him, he's just a hilarious nutcase to follow. I liked discovering the actor behind it, Kim Seon Ho, and I will keep an eye on him in the future.
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Completed
Insider
2 people found this review helpful
by Anais
Jul 28, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 8.0

Another thriller that continues to put South Korea as the best producer of thrillers currently.

South Korea excels in producing original thrillers. Now, the first episode is always critical - for me - in order to know the tone, the rhythm and the show as a whole. Insider from its first episode was so good.

It tells the story of a judicial trainee named Kim Yo Han. After going undercover for an investigation, Kim Yo Han experiences a crisis, and end up in prison.

Insider really did it for me. And although the premise is deja vu, with a man - smart and good/naive - finds himself in a bad situation where he will suffer because of the richest essentially - in general a secret organization - and that he will become more than what he was in order to survive, a powerful adversary, Insider had this vulnerability which brings a difference to this show.

Yo Han will suffer, a lot, and I'm not talking about two episodes at most but many episodes where he endures low blows, attacks, ruthless manipulations and the loss of loved ones. And I think the series really did show how a person who starts off smart and resourceful, given a harsh environment to survive, can become powerful. I mean, the man endures a lot, jail and without giving too much away, the people who hold the power, are cruel to him.

I think the show brings an interesting angle on the legal and political state of the country, as a character says "A prosecutor could kill a person in broad daylight with the population around, and walk away without problem", here we see that institutions are intertwined with politics, shenanigans are endless, no one trusts each other, everyone threatens each other. The show also highlights how much money can buy you a lot in the world, so much so that you can control a country or government. And above all, that no one is irreplaceable, everyone no matter how high and sure of their usefulness can be thrown away and someone will take their place, which also shows a terrible ambition and this hunger for power that it gives people - in these professions - who are very quick to be vile and without humanity.

To talk about the show, we follow Yo Han's growth for a while, his evolution especially as he goes through all his difficulties and his strategies, we also see that no one can be trusted no matter how friendly they appear, the investigation for the truth advances slowly but surely with each episode, and they end in cliffhanger especially towards the end of the series. Now, I've binge-watched the show from the first episodes to the 14th, and then I had to wait for the last two episodes as they aired. And it was hard, because the suspense is there. Especially since the first episode, from the first scene which showcases a chase with Yo Han then we have to go back a year, so this scene made me question a lot, how will it happen ?
The side characters are brilliant and really versatile with good backstories, I found some familiar faces I've seen in thrillers, it was nice to see them playing other characters. The plot as a hole is really done well, because in the end, we don't know what the main character wants except his revenge, but how far he will go and how far can he ?
The end is ... hopeful for those who enjoyed the series as I have, if there is to be a second season, honestly I wouldn't mind because this series is very addictive.

As for Yo Han, so the actor, Kang Ha Neul, is really brilliant, he manages to show a character who toughens up but remains very human, and who has his vulnerabilities, I love his duality. Frankly, it's very good acting. This series reminded me in certain aspects of "The Veil" on the other hand, Yo Han as the main character with a vengeance, really pulled off the emotional side for me, whereas although Namkoong Min is a very good actor, he was quite robotic and less natural to show the range of his character.
Kang Ha Neul really did a good job, his character shows a lot of realism, I hope to see him again soon in an ambitious thriller series.

So I recommend this series for those who are stingy with thrillers who have investigations, about revenge with interesting and charismatic characters, political plots without being boring, on the other hand, I say it right away, there is no romance, and very few comedic moments - or none - it depends on people's humor.

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Dropped 20/36
Perfect Match
11 people found this review helpful
by Anais
Feb 3, 2025
20 of 36 episodes seen
Dropped 1
Overall 7.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.5
This review may contain spoilers

Perfect Match: A Series That Lost Its Spark

This is essentially the story of a mother trying to marry off each of her many daughters to the right partner.

In my opinion, a lot of the backlash stems from the male leads not being as engaging and compelling as the audience had hoped for.

The issue is that Chai An and Kangning, the two main characters we are introduced to first, are the focus in the beginning. We get to know them, see their love develop, etc. However, after episode 10, they disappear to make room for a new couple, which the audience feels little connection to. Instead, viewers want to continue following Chai An and Kangning’s married life.

Splitting the series into arcs, rather than focusing on just one couple with supporting characters, was a risky choice. A series like New Life Begins also introduced multiple couples but maintained a central couple whose growth we followed, and that proved to be the best approach.

Now, I find myself feeling detached and uninterested in the new couples and their arcs in Perfect Match. It just doesn’t have the same appeal, and the disappointment of not being able to follow the original couple actively has taken away from my enjoyment of the rest. I truly believe this format was a mistake, and that's ultimately why I dropped the series – out of boredom.

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Completed
Generation to Generation
1 people found this review helpful
by Anais
Apr 19, 2026
37 of 37 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

Bound by Duty, Driven by Heart

This story follows Cai Zhao, who grows up in a world divided between six “righteous” sects and the Li demon sect they are constantly at odds with. Her aunt is introduced as a legendary fighter who sacrificed her power to stop the demon sect leader rampaging due to a dangerous martial technique. Though she succeeded, she endured years of suffering afterward, slowly dying from the consequences of losing her power. Witnessing this deeply shaped Cai Zhao, who admired her aunt above all else and internalized the belief of fulfilling your duty, that the elders and the “righteous path” must always be followed.

Cai Zhao is later sent to the prestigious Qingque Sect. Its master once loved her aunt and, out of affection, promises to help Cai Zhao grow stronger and fulfill her aunt’s wish that she learn martial arts. Another expectation is placed on her as well, she is meant to marry Zhou Yuqi. Her life is basically entirely planned out for her.

But on her journey to Qingque Sect, Cai Zhao and her family rescue Chang Ning, a young man whose father and clan were just wiped out. He barely survives and is taken in as well. The sect master, who also holds affection for the Chang family, offers him a home. However, Chang Ning quickly proves to be far from trusting. He manipulates people, lies, is revengeful in general and subtly draws Cai Zhao closer to him.

As their relationship develops, another man appears claiming to be the real Chang Ning. It is then revealed that the man we’ve been following is actually Mu Qingyan, the missing heir of the demon sect, presumed dead after Nie Zhe seized power. The Mu clan is known for following their hearts, but that same nature led Mu Qingyan’s kind-hearted father to be betrayed and killed. Mu Qingyan himself grew up neglected and mistreated, then losing the one parent who truly cared for him.

Mu Qingyan is layered and complex, driven by revenge, a desire to reclaim what is rightfully his, and pursue his growing love for Cai Zhao. He manipulates those around him, including her, yet his feelings while intense remain genuine. Despite the rigid divide between “good” and “evil”, and the expectations imposed by their sects, he is determined to fight for what he wants, including Cai Zhao.

Meanwhile, Cai Zhao, more naive and idealistic, seeks the truth about her aunt and the past. She is swept into events, struggling between her feelings for Mu Qingyan (the only man who truly moves her) and the expectations of her elders and society.

At its core, this is a story about two young people challenging the burdens of the previous generation (entrenched beliefs, hidden truths, and unresolved pain). Even though it felt like it dragged at times, I have to admit that once the story came near its end everything began to click and come together as more reveals about the previous generation were made. Mu Qingyan wasn’t the only deep thinker in his family. While his father seemed largely untouched by this mindset, Mu Qingyan arc closely mirrors that of his uncle. That’s what makes the “generation to generation” theme so fitting for this series, both were mistreated as children, lost a parent/guardian they deeply cared about, faced constant rejection, and grew to be self-reliant, cunning and paranoid. They both tried to reclaim what was theirs from birthright, manipulating those around them without regard for the consequences, exerting revenge, even though they both had genuine feelings for their fated ones. It’s a really strong and tragic parallel.

The question is, can this new generation break the cycle and choose differently?

The acting, especially from Zhou Yiran, is excellent, subtle and nuanced. While many supporting characters fall into typical superficial stereotypes, the leads basically carry the series as the pacing feels dragged out.

I also want to give a shout-out to whoever handled Zhou Yiran’s styling, because he was basically in a new outfit every episode after the first few. His wigs and hairstyles were very well done, especially when you compare it to some of the questionable looks male leads get in other dramas. That’s one thing you can’t take away from this series. Also, even though the female lead had a more limited wardrobe as a disciple, she was always put together nicely. On top of that, the sets were stunning and the cinematography was consistently on point.

To conclude, I really appreciated the themes, the blurred line between good and evil, societal expectations, obedience to elders, and the struggle to follow one’s heart. The ideas are compelling, even if the execution could have been much better.

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Completed
Fated Hearts
1 people found this review helpful
by Anais
Nov 3, 2025
38 of 38 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.5
This review may contain spoilers

The Ruthless Prince

This story centers on Feng Sui Ge, the eldest prince of Susha, a ruthless and battle-hardened military commander who has won countless victories. During his campaign to capture a border city belonging to the Jinxiu Kingdom, he is gravely wounded by an extraordinary archer, who turns out to be Fu Yi Xiao, a female commander. Feng Sui Ge ultimately loses that battle, and though he narrowly escapes several assassination attempts, he manages to retreat to safety to recover from his injuries.

Meanwhile, Fu Yi Xiao, the same commander who defeated him, finds herself betrayed by her own people. After a mysterious fall from a cliff, she barely survives and is later rescued and brought to the same safe haven where Feng Sui Ge is recuperating.

When their paths cross again, Feng Sui Ge captures Fu Yi Xiao, who, by this time, has lost her memory. Taking advantage of the situation, he brings her back to the Susha capital. There, while investigating the mysterious failure of his last campaign, he begins to suspect that someone within his own ranks leaked critical battle plans to the enemy.

As the story unfolds, we see that Feng Sui Ge wields immense power, perhaps even more than the emperor himself. The emperor, a cold and calculating man, seems to be grooming his son to be equally ruthless, deliberately letting him handle the complex intrigues of the imperial court. The Empress, a manipulative woman, conspires with her father, the Prime Minister, to maintain her family’s influence and take down Feng Sui Ge. It is later revealed that they orchestrated the downfall of the former Empress, falsely accusing her of espionage with the Jinxiu Kingdom in order to secure the throne for the Empress and her own son. That former Empress was Feng Sui Ge’s mother.

Haunted by the injustice, Feng Sui Ge seeks to clear his mother’s name and secretly despises his father for failing to avenge her. Though he cares for his younger half-brother, who idolizes him, he keeps his distance, aware of the political divide between them. His younger sister, meanwhile, is naïve and eventually chooses her own independent path.

From here, the story dives deep into palace intrigue, power struggles, espionage, and revenge, Feng Sui Ge remains a calculating and efficient figure, unrestrained by rules or morality, able to kill ministers and subordinates at will without consequence.

While the first 10/15 episodes shine for the evolving romance between Fu Yi Xiao and Feng Sui Ge, from enemies to allies to lovers, their relationship eventually loses momentum after they get together. What truly sustains the series is not the romance, but the revenge plot, the betrayals, and the political drama.

Special mention goes to Xu Xiao Sa, who delivers an exceptional performance as the Empress. Her emotional depth, makes her one of the most convincing and memorable female characters in the series.

Overall, the show did amazing in portraying morally complex villains, each with believable motives. The emperor’s manipulative schemes, Feng Sui Ge’s unbridled authority, and the tangled web of deceit within the palace make this a compelling tale of ambition and power far more than one of love.

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Completed
Study Group
1 people found this review helpful
by Anais
Aug 5, 2025
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

A Simple but Entertaining Schoolyard Action Series

It’s an entertaining action series centered around Yun Ga-Min, who’s kind of a lovable dummy with a good heart. He works hard in school but always ends up at the bottom of his class, so he decides to start a study group. Along the way, we learn he’s been practicing martial arts to stay healthy for studying, and he’s actually insanely good at it.

From there, the story is pretty straightforward, he forms his study group, they become friends, and together they take on school bullies. It follows a typical hierarchy trope, top fighter in each class, then each grade, then the whole school, just like in many manhwa. Eventually, Ga-Min faces them all with his friends by his side.

Unlike Weak Hero, it leans into surrealism (punches send people flying, waves of strength visible, blow doors off with bare hands) it’s over the top, cheesy, predictable but keeps a lighthearted, comedic tone surrounding the theme of friendship. The characters are one-dimensional, but it works because the series focuses on fun, well-choreographed fights rather than deep storytelling.

Honestly, it’s a feel-good, low-stakes action series that’s just easy and fun to watch. There is not much to it beside that.

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Completed
Buried Hearts
1 people found this review helpful
by Anais
May 17, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

Underrated, Unrelenting, Unmissable

The story revolves around a young man named Seo Dong Ju. He's a director and the right-hand man, essentially the jack-of-all-trades, for Cha Gang Cheon, the chairman of the powerful Daesan Group. In fact, he’s likely the chairman’s favorite person.

However, without realizing it, Seo Dong Ju gets involved with Cha Gang Cheon’s daughter, who later abandons him to marry the nephew of Yeom Jang Seon, another influential figure who is closely aligned with Cha Gang Cheon. This makes Seo Dong Ju a threat in their eyes. In response, he reveals that he had secretly embezzled money from a fund without their knowledge.

He tricks Yeom Jang Seon into sparing his life by promising to recover the stolen money and disappear. The plan works, so well, in fact, that Yeom Jang Seon later attempts to have him killed through Heo Il Do, Daesan Group’s director and Cha Gang Cheon’s son-in-law.

The twist? When Seo Dong Ju is “killed”, he takes with him the access codes to the secret bank funds, codes that only he knows. When his enemies realize this, they are in disarray. Eventually though, they discover that Seo Dong Ju is actually alive. What follows is a thrilling manhunt as they race to find him, while Seo Dong Ju begins uncovering pieces of his past. Along the way, he struggles to distinguish between friend and foe, caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

I have to say, the script, the writing, everything, was exceptionally well done. Even the soundtrack, which usually doesn’t stand out to me, was genuinely enjoyable.

What really made the show was the characters. Take Cha Gang Cheon, for example, a sympathetic grandfather figure who’s genuinely endearing, yet also a money-hungry old geezer that can be ruthless. Then there’s Heo Il Do, who initially seems like the clear-cut villain. He constantly makes terrible choices, but you can see the toll it takes on him. Coming from a humble background, he clawed his way up through sheer ambition. He desperately wants to see his plans succeed, but he just… can’t. He’s hated Seo Dong Ju from the beginning, envy and jealousy, but somewhere along the way, as his hunger for power consumed him, he began to feel something more complicated for Seo Dong Ju, and began to express guilt.

The characters truly are the heart of this series. One moment you hate them, the next you sympathize. The only real exception is Yeom Jang Seon, who remains a one-dimensional villain, irredeemable and hateful through and through. I find it interesting because it highlights how Yeom Jang Seon, who exhibits psychopathic tendencies and lacks empathy to the extent that he's comfortable harming his own family, cannot grasp the emotional weight of someone hurting their children or parents. This inability to understand empathy makes him incapable of predicting the actions of those who do feel it, turning his emotional detachment into a weakness rather than a strength.

I honestly don't understand the low ratings, maybe it's because of the cliffhanger at the end? While it may not be the most outstanding series, it's a solid thriller. The story keeps you engaged with twists and revelations right up until the very end, maintaining a good pace throughout. Personally, I hope Park Hyung Sik takes on more thriller roles, I think he was excellent in this one.

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Flourished Peony
1 people found this review helpful
by Anais
Jan 31, 2025
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Women of Strength: A Journey Through Love, and Sacrifice

The story centers around He Wei Fang, a young woman who marries into the Liu family in an arranged union, hoping to save her mother from a terminal illness. Unfortunately, despite her sacrifice, her mother passes away, leaving He Wei Fang stuck in a loveless marriage with Liu Chang, who remains cold and indifferent toward her due to his love for another woman. On top of this, her in-laws are cruel, draining her of both money and inheritance, including sentimental belongings.

The plot takes a turn when the royal princess, Liu Chang's lost love, appears at the Liu residence, accompanied by Jiang Chang Yang, a high-ranking officer close to the Emperor. He Wei Fang, disillusioned with her marriage, seizes the opportunity to seek a divorce. With Jiang Chang Yang's constant support, she begins to escape the grip of her in-laws and her husband's newfound affection for her. Slowly but surely, He Wei Fang starts to regain control of her life, reclaiming her inheritance and her freedom, all while enduring numerous hardships.

The series powerfully portrays the struggles women face in a society where status and men hold all the power. Through He Wei Fang's journey, we see her resilience and the importance of female solidarity. Her ex-husband, Liu Chang, also suffers under the royal princess's obsessive love, becoming a complex character who transforms into someone vengeful and dark. Jiang Chang Yang, on the other hand, stands as a green flag, providing He Wei Fang the space and support to find herself, never pressuring her but always there when needed.

With many unresolved threads, the first season leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next one. He Wei Fang's adopted brother, the royal family's internal struggles, and the intricate relationships between the emperor, concubines, and Liu Chang all promise to make the second season even more captivating. The romance, though slow-paced, is grounded in realism, and the characters—both protagonists and antagonists—are well-developed, making the show feel more like a serious drama rather than a typical idol drama.

In summary, this is a series that impressed me with its depth and emotional nuance. It combines elements of survival, sacrifice, and slow-burn romance, offering a story that's both enjoyable and thought-provoking. The first season sets a strong foundation, and I'm eager to see where it goes next.

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Completed
Kill It
1 people found this review helpful
by Anais
Dec 6, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

The Ultimate Sacrifice.

I didn't know what to name this review to bring together all of my feelings after finishing this series but I think the ultimate sacrifice says it all.

I picked up this series at random, it had been on my watchlist for a long time but for some reason I never got to it. After a series drought, seeing Jang Ki Yong in the cast, knowing that he is also in that of an upcoming thriller, I became curious.

I have to say that in a sense the story and execution is a bit clumsy, and surreal but so tragic.

The story revolves around Kim Soo Hyun, a young man who has been trained since childhood to kill by a hitman, prior to that, he has no memory of his past life and knows nothing beyond the fact that his biological father wanted him dead and that he was in an orphanage. We then follow Kim Soo Hyun on the road to discovering his past while he is guided by a mysterious client to kill powerful men who all seem linked by the management of the said orphanage years ago. After each murder, he receives a photo from his client which supposedly will help him discover who he is.

Do Hyun Jin is the other person we are acquainted with. She is a young woman who was adopted at a young age into a very rich and powerful family, and decided to become a police officer. She finds herself on the trail of Kim Soo Hyun when his serial killings become apparent.

The two of them also come to know each other randomly, and quickly discover that they are linked to the same orphanage, and even that they were childhood friends. Kim Soo Hyun is the infamous "number 88", a number that brings dread to the most powerful while sweet memories to Do Hyun Jin.

The story devolves into a web of connection between the past and present, the persecutors and victims. Kim Soo Hyun is not only trying to discover his past but to make right by his friends and those who continue to suffer under the yoke of the antagonists.

Kim Soo Hyun is a cold and quiet character, he never smiles, and he only speaks in a few words. It’s a great performance offered by Jang Ki Yong, because Kim Soo Hyun says very little but his looks and locked emotions say a lot. He can be the most caring guy in the world one moment and a cold killer the next. What I liked throughout this series was that I was virtually not afraid for him. He was very capable and intelligent, as he said, others may make mistakes, but not him, and in the end ; I can say that on his road to revenge he didn't make a mistake. I really like this character for what he brings.

The ending is more than tragic, but honestly I couldn't see him spending his life in prison, or even running. So I think the ultimate sacrifice he made for the children fits the character.

As for the other characters, I found myself having affection for them, especially Kang Seul Gi and Philip Ahn, who infiltrated my heart without me seeing it, they were annoying but endearing, a bit like siblings that we unwillingly to keep close but that we love regardless. I even warmed up to Do Hyun Jin who was quite obnoxious at first but turned out to be a nice addition.

I must say that one thing that the series succeeds in is the cruelty and realism of the unfolding of certain events and the fate of certain characters. Generally, in other series, when a character is in danger, they are somehow saved by the protagonist who miraculously arrives at the scene in time. Here, this is not the case. The protagonist is not omnipotent, he is not a superhero, and people including children are killed mercilessly because no one knew in time.

Despite the sweet moments and slow pace, this remains a fairly dark thriller overall that deals with tough subjects. I recommend the series without hesitation, entertaining and terrible at the same time, with a satisfactory in a sense.

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Completed
A Shoulder to Cry On
1 people found this review helpful
by Anais
Apr 15, 2023
7 of 7 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers

We need more developed BL Korean.

This kind of series makes me impatient for the BL industry in South Korea. The characters have so much chemistry, and there could be a real in-depth story and relationship with more long lasting episodes.

I'll make it short, it's a cute series that would have been perfect with more time, the themes could have been more developed but I think for the time and budget it had, it's nice.

The only downside is that obviously it's a bit cliché with the characters who dare to be together only years later when they meet again, and we didn't even had a kiss — which is terrible because the characters had really chemistry.

Anyway, good mini BL series.

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Completed
Hope or Dope
1 people found this review helpful
by Anais
Dec 18, 2022
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 5.0

Intriguing first season.

I will make it short. This series lacked appeal, the script was lackluster. The dialogues aren't insane and even the scenes aren't used to their potential but I think what saved all of that is the characters. Not that they have incredible lines or acting, but they have humanity, and you can't help but empathize with them.

They suffer, they are treated poorly, they lie and were lied to, they were betrayed, but they get out of it by helping each other.

I wonder how season 2 is going to be as the reviews generally say it's better.
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Completed
Rookie Cops
1 people found this review helpful
by Anais
Dec 14, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.5

Enjoyable series.

I really liked this series. I'm not going to lie, there were times I skipped some scenes because they were too boring - for me - and the acting wasn't phenomenal, but it's a good show.

There is humor, love, several storylines - simple, action, lots of friendships. And if the acting of the actors were not incredible, their characters were endearing.

I sincerely think that this series would benefit from having a second season. We followed our characters during their entry, their training, over their college years, now I would like to see what they give as cops. I would also like more depth to their characters, and more complex storylines.

I really think the show scould be elevated further to its full potential.

Anyway, I would say that this series has everything you can look for in a typical K-drama, with a good production, good dialogues, good scenes whether fighting or character interactions.

The series was not that intense, mostly light-hearted. I sincerely hope for another season to raise the level of this good start that this season has given us.

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