Anais

Not that amazing.

I am torn, the story begins as the synopsis indicates and that a young man - Yoon Jong‑woo - will live in a residence where his neighbors are more than suspicious.

The problem is that there are only 10 episodes, and they could have made more use of them.
We practically have to wait for episode 3 to have a first interaction between our two protagonists, and it is neither memorable nor long. The build-up is slow, not much happens except the fact that we know from episode 1 what kind of people are his neighbors, it's a shame that it's not a surprise or a revelation for later, it would have been nice for the audience to wonder who is who.
So basically, until episode 7, the plot is slow - which is not a problem in other series - but here the interactions between our two characters are rare, there are no surprises and major revelations. Seems more like it's the build-up to why Yoon Jong‑woo freaks out and gets violent.
I agree with a review that says the show is all about insanity. The story isn't that amazing and it's really focused on our main protagonist going from normal young man to giving a free ride to his violence, the series has build-up only that.
I would have liked more, more between our characters who have a certain chemistry, that we understand more the motives of these characters since they are not mysterious.
All we have are two twins who giggle and are murderous, an equally murderous perv, the manager who seems just as crazy, and Seo Moon‑jo the creepy dentist. It feels more like these characters are here for the grand finale and when people will inevitably have to die.

I would say otherwise that the atmosphere and the tones of the series are well created, it's more or less scary, dark and horrifying. The overall production is good - but there are plot holes - and the actors, all without exception, fit into their roles perfectly, but none of the characters marked me personally.
Like I said already, the two protagonists interact very little, and suddenly Seo Moon‑jo decides that Yoon Jong‑woo is very special to him, without there being a tangible relationship between the two, except Seo Moon‑jo being creepy since the beginning and stalking Yoon Jong‑woo.
It's really the relationship that pops up, out of the blue, which is why I wish I had more episodes or else had them interact earlier so it doesn't seem so sudden.

The very end - the last ten minutes - is really the exciting part of the show, that ending is open ended, our character is inevitably changed, and there's a last minute twist, which leaves us with a possibility for a season 2 - even if I doubt it - and the return of a character.

But it's a nice crime series overall, it's not the scariest of the lot, nor the best scripted, but it's nice for those who like the genre, not a lot of mysteries though, it's more into the impact of scenes that are made to be scary and made us feel for Yoon Jong‑woo, but hey without suspense, it's hard to keep an interest.
The characters play their roles well even if I would have hoped for more, even coming from our two protagonists whose performance is good but nothing more.

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A slow-burning, healing romance about reconnection and second chances.

This is the story of Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan, two first loves whose relationship ended tragically, by Wen Yi Fan’s own decision. Years later, they unexpectedly reunite and become roommates, and the story follows their journey of reconnecting.

I came into this series completely blind, knowing only that it’s loosely related to Hidden Love (which I haven’t watched yet). So, I went in without any real expectations.

That said, this series touches on themes of abuse that could be triggering, so proceed with caution. But beyond that, it carries a sense of healing.

The pacing is slow, with a lot of silence and subtle gestures in their relationship, which I found to be quite meaningful. Both characters have been scarred by life, with Wen Yi Fan hurting Sang Yan being a key element. Over time, we slowly uncover the reasons behind Wen Yi Fan’s decision to distance herself from Sang Yan.

It’s clear that they need to rediscover each other, to share their stories, and to forgive one another.

Their growth feels organic and, dare I say, realistic.

Despite the underlying melancholy, there’s really a healing energy, enhanced by beautiful cinematography and soundtracks that makes this series a rewarding experience for those who have the patience to appreciate it.

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A Haunting Masterpiece: The Tragedy and Beauty of Hongrang

I rarely give such a high score in my reviews, but I had to for this one. Not a single bad note. It felt like listening to a musical masterpiece, tragic, seamless, beautiful, and deep.

We’re introduced to the Sim Guild clan, a prestigious family of art merchants. One fateful night, the young heir disappears without a trace, leaving the whole family in turmoil.

We follow Sim Jae-i, the half-sister, bullied at home by her stepmother. She was once the closest person to Hongrang, the missing heir, and has spent 12 years searching for him. The stepmother is consumed by grief, while the father keeps it together surprisingly, but he took it upon himself to replace the missing heir by adopting another boy, Sim Mujin.

One day, a mysterious young man is brought to the house. He has no memory of his past, but everything about him matches the lost heir. That’s when the drama starts. The mother wants to reclaim her power and reinstate the returned heir as the leader of the guild. The father, surprisingly, resists and starts plotting with his adopted son against his own blood.

There’s a whole web of complex relationships here, full of secrets, ambition, grief, and twisted loyalties. And underneath it all, the mystery of what really happened to Hongrang. The man we know as Hongrang adds to the confusion himself. He’s a skilled fighter, known as the “Soul Reaper” and he’s secretly hunting the monster who took him all those years ago.

The story keeps unraveling in unexpected ways. We’re constantly misled about who’s really pulling the strings, who Hongrang truly is, and what each character actually wants, or even is.

Despite everything, Hongrang and Sim Jae-i slowly grow close. But they have to deal with Sim Mujin’s obsessive and toxic love for her, as well as betrayal, power games, revenge, and the painful search for truth.

It all plays out like a symphony building to a crescendo to explode in the final act.

The acting was phenomenal. I hated the characters I was supposed to hate and cried for the ones who were hurting. This isn’t an easy watch, it’s heavy, raw, and deeply tragic.

I won’t spoil the ending, but I will say this: Hongrang deserved better. Still, I don’t regret how it ended.

The pacing was excellent, only 11 episodes, not the standard 12, and it showed that every moment mattered. No filler, no dragging. The visuals were stunning, the tone dark and chilling, and the fight scenes? Some of the best I’ve ever seen.

Lee Jae-wook absolutely delivered. His performance had so much depth, it was beautiful. Honestly, the whole cast was perfectly chosen.

I 100% recommend this to anyone who loves a good mystery, a tragic love story, and top-tier acting.

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The Untamed: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Unbreakable Bonds

This review of "The Untamed" comes a bit late, but even after multiple rewatches, no series has managed to surpass it. From the very first scene, it captivates with striking visuals and raw emotion. The story opens on a battlefield, where soldiers fight over a sinister object that seems to bring destruction to whoever possesses it. Amidst the chaos, Wei Wuxian, dressed in black, stands at the edge of a cliff, his face marked by sorrow and resignation. Across from him, Lan Wangji, clothed in white, watches in despair, unable to stop what’s about to happen. Wei Wuxian leaps, but Lan Wangji catches him at the last second, unwilling to let go. Yet before he can pull him back, Jiang Cheng delivers what seems to be a fatal blow, and Wei Wuxian falls into the void. A tragic end—or so it seems.

This intense opening leaves the audience with questions—who are these characters, what led them here, and why did it end like this? Before any answers come, the story abruptly jumps 16 years forward. That’s why I always recommend watching at least the first two or three episodes. The narrative truly begins when Wei Wuxian wakes up in a world that has moved on without him, just as confused as the audience. As he rediscovers the people and places from his past, the story takes us back in time to where it all began—when he was still carefree, surrounded by friends, and unaware of the fate that awaited him. Relationships shift, political tensions rise, and the power struggles between clans begin to take shape, setting the stage for his eventual downfall and the reputation that will haunt him: the Yiling Patriarch.

Despite its limited budget, the production quality is impressive. The costumes, particularly for Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, evolve as their characters grow, reflecting their internal changes. The sets are immersive, from the breathtaking beauty of Lotus Pier, home of the Jiang clan, to the lively streets of bustling cities. Some locations, like the Wen clan’s fortress, feel less convincing, where budget constraints become apparent, but the world-building still succeeds in making this universe feel vast and alive. CGI is a mixed bag—Wei Wuxian’s demonic cultivation and Lan Wangji’s pure energy techniques are beautifully executed, but the monsters, unfortunately, don’t receive the same treatment. Still, the story more than makes up for it. Faithful to the novel (as much as censorship allows), it builds layered characters, not just among the leads but also within the supporting cast, who often steal the spotlight. What sets *The Untamed* apart from other BL-inspired dramas is that it isn’t just about relationships; the story itself is gripping, filled with mystery, political intrigue, and shifting alliances. Unlike many series that shine only because of their romance, this one excels in every aspect.

The heart of the show, however, lies in its characters. Every role is brought to life with depth, even the villains, some of whom elicit unexpected sympathy. Xiao Zhan delivers an outstanding performance as Wei Wuxian, balancing charm, mischief, and emotional complexity. He starts as carefree and playful, but as the story progresses, he undergoes a profound transformation, shaped by tragedy into someone much darker. Wang Yibo’s portrayal of Lan Wangji is equally compelling—initially distant and restrained, his carefully controlled emotions hint at something deeper beneath the surface. His journey is just as powerful, especially after Wei Wuxian’s apparent death, which leaves him burdened with guilt and regret, emotions that become more evident upon their reunion.

Their relationship is the soul of the series. Though censorship prevents explicit romance, their bond is undeniable. It’s a slow, natural evolution, from distant acquaintances to unwavering devotion, embodying the balance of Yin and Yang in both personality and presence. Their understanding of each other transcends words, and the chemistry is so palpable that no overt gestures are needed to convey the depth of their connection.

Beyond the romance, "The Untamed" is an exceptional wuxia drama that weaves action, politics, mystery, and deeply emotional storytelling into a mesmerizing experience. It proves that love doesn’t need grand declarations or explicit scenes to be powerful. Years later, it remains unmatched, setting a standard that no other series has yet managed to surpass.

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What a ride.

Well, a journey this series.
As the synopsis suggests, the starting story is basic to dozens of action movies and series, a loved one of the main protagonist - the nephew - dies at the hands of an organization that wields powers over several institutions in the country.
The main character, here Cha Dal Gun, is obviously a capable character, he's a stunman who knows how to fight and isn't afraid to run into a wall - literally.
After his nephew's death appears to be an accident, he quickly discovers that it is not what it seems. He meets Go Hae Ri, a young woman who works for the Korean secret services and who will help him in his investigation.

I must say that my opinion is divided on the series.
I'm not going to lie, the series is very addictive, we quickly want to know the adventures of our characters, and the plot is well done.
The action scenes are to my surprise very well done although there is a bit of fiction when the character heals quickly, but that's the problem with action series and movies. I can't say that we are bored and the rhythm is very fast until the end, no break and therefore the audience is captivated.

The plot as a whole, although very fictional and basic, where corruption reigns and our characters cannot trust anyone because everyone is lying, remains in a fairly realistic and mature tone. Sometimes, we can also see the criticism of this series towards politicians, the media, and we say to ourselves at the same time as our characters "You are destroying the country you claim to want to save".
So overall, a good story that goes from twists to twists.

What bothers me are the characters.
I must say that Lee Seung Gi who plays Cha Dal Gun did a very good job, although we don't explore so many layers to his character who remains stubborn and sometimes impulsive until the end, he shows the desperate side correctly, a side that is often missing in the characters of the series who interpret the same kind of roles.
But it's still mainly an action series, so I didn't expect a lot of character development. However, I would have liked him to be less hot-headed and to be a more strategic and thoughtful character.
But I liked discovering him in this role.

However, this is where the problem arises, the bad LF syndrome. That's what I'm going to call this habit that actresses have of being FL and annoying.
Here, we supposedly have a young spy and secret service agent, okay it's quite realistic that she can't fight because in reality, all over the world, secret agents are sent for their intellectual abilities and not physical.
But her character remains annoying, when in the middle of a shooting, every time she finds that it's time to discuss and impose her opinion, namely - to stay still until she dies - and to prevent the main character to change the situation, it's annoying. Also her insane craving for recognition, looks like a kid who needs to be complimented all the time, while most of the time she makes the problem worse, she is naive and trusting, which is ridiculous for a supposed spy.
I know it's hard to find the middle ground between the clichés of the badass and the cute, weak FL one, but her performance just makes her annoying.
She's more the type to be the cause of someone's death than the one who saves the day.

The secondary characters are passable, no characters that shine in particular, the cast gives a performance that is believable but not breathtaking.

So, to sum it up, it's a series where you shouldn't expect incredible acting from the cast - except the action scenes and Lee Seung Gi. It's a series in realistic tones and is primarily made to make you feel the action, I mean, the action scenes are not overplayed but on the contrary well done.
The ML so, Lee Seung Gi is perfect in this role, the little romance with the FL is really realistic on this point, they take their time even if the acting of the FL overall is not the best.
It is therefore a series that I would say to see absolutely for entertainment, the comic moments are rather rare because the series has a serious tone but the action remains the center focus.

I hope a season 2 will see the light of day, I know that the two years that we had of Covid-19 did not help the projects in the industry and a lot of them were canceled, but knowing that the main actor said he himself wants a second season because season 1 ended on a cliffanger. And also that since the series is available on Netflix it has gained a fair amount of popularity, I hope they give us a thrilling sequel.

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Promising Premise, No Substance: A Letdown in Every Way

This is probably the second series I’ve ever rated so low. The first thing that caught my eye was the poster—it’s absolutely gorgeous and very engaging for new viewers. Based on the premise, I expected a great balance between romance and court diplomacy, but the high rating (above 8) feels misleading. I’ve seen far better Chinese dramas rated much lower, so I’m not sure if the romance alone is why people scored it so highly.

The production quality is disappointing. The costumes are barely decent, the sets look cheap, and even the makeup is poorly done. However, the biggest issue is the acting—whether it’s the capricious princess, her enamored master, or the prince, none of the performances feel convincing. One moment that really sealed my decision to drop the drama was when the prince suddenly learned how his mother died—it was so random and poorly executed that I knew things would only go downhill from there. The dialogues are weak, and the characters feel superficial and caricatured.

For a 2019 drama, it looks like something shot in the early 2000s, and not in a good way. The only thing I genuinely liked was the natural landscapes, particularly the desert scenes. I wish I had more positive things to say, but I couldn’t even get past episode five—it was that bad for me. That said, those who are deeply invested in romance and can overlook everything else might still enjoy it.

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Shallow, Predictable, and Ultimately Disappointing

The premise of this series is nothing new – a student is murdered, and their sibling or friend returns to school to investigate who’s responsible. It’s a plot we’ve seen many times before. What really matters are the details—characters, twists, suspense. However, this series struggles after the success of similar K-dramas like The Glory and Weak Class Hero, which tackle bullying. The issue here is the protagonists' actions—violence they initiate against others—isn’t adequately addressed. It’s a missed opportunity that leaves the viewer unsatisfied.

The themes of societal injustice and the powerlessness of the lower class are certainly relevant, but they're tackled in a way that feels inconsistent and lacks the depth we’ve seen in other series. It’s like Elite, but watered down with no real consequences or meaningful exploration of its characters.

The production is solid, but the characters and plot fall short. Kang Ha starts strong but falters at the end, and his arc feels incomplete. His blind obsession with Jae Yi leads him to let things slide, only for Jae Yi to be the voice of reason. And then there's Ri An, who orchestrates bullying and violence yet is romanticized—his toxic, possessive relationship with Jae Yi isn’t cute, it’s unhealthy. He deserves more than a slap on the wrist. Meanwhile, He Ra is the most relatable character, with her flaws making her more grounded. Woo Jin, on the other hand, is underdeveloped despite being a potentially dangerous character, and is completely overlooked.

The series is full of attention-grabbing scenes, but they lack substance. The characters’ motivations—jealousy, power, and petty rivalry—don’t leave much room for emotional depth. The series fails to deliver the satisfaction of watching characters get what they deserve, leaving behind frustration instead.

With the second season looming, I can’t help but wonder: what’s the point? The characters have seemingly faced the consequences for their actions. A murder? Really? It feels like a cliché. It’s their last year, and I’m not expecting much.

On a positive note, I hope this series opens more doors for Lee Chae Min in the future.

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