Noctis

No Way Out: The Letdown..

The drama had a slow start.. With the production quality being average right from the beginning.. The first four episodes were particularly disappointing and didn't hold my interest.. It wasn't the pacing that was the issue.. But rather the lack of any real engaging content.. Honestly the only reason I continued watching was for Greg Hsu and his character.. Who should have made his appearance sooner..

One of the most frustrating parts of the storyline was how unrealistic it was for the wife to wait 13 years to file for divorce.. He was a convicted serial rapist and murderer.. No court would have denied her divorce petition in such a case.. And she would have obviously got the child's custody as well.. This plot point was not only illogical but also stupid..

Despite his limited screentime.. Greg Hsu a.k.a Mr. Smile was the highlight of the entire show for me.. His undeniable charm and compelling presence stood out.. I was glad to finally see him at the end again.. Hinting that he will have a significant role if there’s another season.. He absolutely deserves his own drama.. And with rumors that he might be getting one.. I am hopeful we will see more of him.. Especially since his character's still alive..

One another major disappointment was the music.. None of the scenes had good bgm.. Which was disappointing..

Overall.. There really weren’t many good things to talk about.. Just an average drama with a half baked story and poor execution..

Read More

From Promising Beginnings to Disappointing Endings..

I rated this drama 8.5 based on the first 7-8 episodes.. It started of really well with spot on comedy.. Great acting and steady story development.. However after those initial 7 episodes the characters became bland.. And the forced humor felt out of place.. Even thats understandable conisdering this is a romcom.. But Some of the choices the characters made were really nonsense..

Constantly being let down by the Korean writers who struggle to deliver satisfying endings.. They Often resort to forced breakups.. Unnecessary time skips.. And last minute reconciliations.. As if thats the only way they know to end a story..

I honestly didnt understand the need for Cha Hui Seong's story.. She is in an open relationship and the couple sleeps around with other people.. Then she gets pregnant but she doesnt know whose baby it is?? What sort of dilemma is that?? What lesson is the writer trying to convey?? Modern relationships have no morals??

The second couple was interesting.. With Lee Sang Yi delivering a solid performance like in his other dramas.. Han Ji Hyun had her moments but her cuteness felt forced at times.. And her acting was all over the place.. She is a good actress but i hope she doesnt follow the ' i need to do smut to get the recognition i deserve ' mantra.. Spice up Our Love was an unnecessary spinoff filled with cringe and cliche romance.. I am looking forward to her next drama with Lee Min Ki..

The main couple's story started off really good.. The first seven episodes were genuinely hilarious.. But unfortunately took a fall afterward.. The ML supported the FL through her struggles and was always there for her.. Yet she broke up with him right after her mother’s funeral.. She clearly lacked empathy there and it was just a dumb thing to do.. He loved her mother as if she were his own and she didn’t allow him the time to grieve.. Son Hae Yeong was a mature character.. But her decisions felt childish and selfish.. Instead of facing the hard times together.. She cruelly cut him off.. Leaving him alone when he needed her most.. How is that love?? Kdrama FLs often take love for granted.. I wished they wouldnt get back together..

The conclusion felt rushed.. With a last minute reconciliation that didnt do any justice to the way the story developed.. The FL didn’t even try to stop the ML AGAIN.. He had to chase after her to make amends..

" I never regretted letting you go " Thats what she said..

In conclusion.. While the drama faltered after the first seven episodes.. It still delivered memorable moments and strong performances..

Read More

Dark Elegance: Gannibal

Gannibal has a riveting story that takes us on an unexpected journey into the dark corners of human nature.. From start to finish, this series is a masterclass in storytelling, story development.. The plot of Gannibal is hauntingly intriguing with a gripping narrative.. The cinematography has a sinister edge with muted tones that perfectly complements the drama’s dark undertones.. Creating a striking contrast between the serene beauty of the village and the unsettling darkness hiding behind it... Yagira Yuya was hauntingly brilliant.. I absolutely loved his performance here..

Gannibal is a drama that doesnt rely on cheap thrills.. Its less about jump scares and more about an atmosphere of dread, misdirection and the slow unraveling of truth.. The horror of what's happening creeps up on you, something that leaves a psychological mark..

The only disappointing fact is that the second season hasn't been released yet.. The delay is something unacceptable considering how they ended the first season..

Read More

Lost in a long long story..

A good script excellent screenplay and a talented cast that's capable of giving you memorable performances on any given day.. But honestly the cast deserved so much better.. The biggest flaw was the overstretched length.. 40 episodes were simply an overkill.. The story felt dragged..

You had Luo Yun Xi and Song Yi as the main leads.. Two phenomenal actors with undeniable talent and yet couldnt deliver a truly memorable drama?? That's failure on the biggest level..

If I were to write down everything I feel about this drama it would probably turn into a 10 page letter.. So I am going to focus on the last phase of the story instead which I really didnt like.. The last 10 episodes were probably the biggest reason why I think the drama underperformed.. There were a lot of unnecessary story directions towards the end with the rival store being one of them.. Was that even necessary?? Couldn't they have tied up the loose ends without introducing that subplot??

Then this drama too like many other dramas introduces that character who is after a married woman.. Trying to make her his.. But what's truly baffling is how in one episode he tries to sexually assault the FL and the next moment they are somehow friends?? Then he joins them in the fight?? And after that he gifts her something and she accepts it in front of her husband?? In just a few episodes this bad guy is reformed and asking for another chance.. So she gives him a job at her shop and keeps him close?? What was going on here?? Meanwhile LYX gets another FL who is perfectly fine cozying up to another guy...

Overall.. Watch it for the cast and some comic moments but dont expect anything too grand.. Its just an alright one time watch..

Read More

Behind the Scenes of As Beautiful as You

" In my position, I have my own hardships.. Love is not everything in my life.. I cant sacrifice the whole of Dongyang for my personal love.. I cant guarantee that you are the only one in my life.. But in love, there is only you.. " Han Ting had a more realistic approach and was the more matured one in this drama..

The storyline was good but doesnt break any new grounds.. We have seen similar plots aplenty.. However.. It’s well executed without the unnecessary distractions often found in C dramas.. The chemistry between the main leads were really good.. But the FL’s choice to attend her ex’s wedding especially since he’s marrying her close friend felt like a bad decision.. They tried to make it look like its normal.. But its not.. And her breaking into the ML's safe.. That was such a pathetic move.. She should have asked him openly instead of doing that.. Most of the problems in dramas can be solved by having an open heart discussion with your lover.. But for some reasons they choose to complicate it.. Like many C dramas this one is stretched with too many episodes and fillers.. Overall it's a good watch.. Xu Kai is charming as always.

Dont forget to watch the special episode.. It gives the perfect closure..

Read More

Tragically Beautiful..

Mr. Plankton was a total gem from start to finish.. It truly set a high standard.. Delivered quality in every departments.. From start to finish there were no bad scenes.. No bad characters.. And not a single bad performance from any of the actors.. Each actor brought depth and authenticity to their role.. Made them essential to the story no matter how small their screentime is.. Cinematography was impressive.. The romance was just chaotic.. Messy and yet strangely perfect.. They were a chaotic couple.. And funny even when they shouldnt be.. And come on what more can you expect from a drama that had two marriages in the first episode and The ML kidnapped both the brides.. It was a rollercoaster of chaos and fun..

The first scene itself screamed ' No happy ending here '.. And that was actually the way to go.. The entire story leading to that last moment.. ' His Death '.. That was the perfect ending.. No miracle cure.. Nothing magical.. Just a journey filled with Love..
Comedy and Pure Messy Romance..

At one point.. I genuinely feared that WDH wasnt just acting.. Maybe he was actually going through something himself.. He was that good.. He was really living the character..

The scene where Jae Mi kissed Hae Jo at that the bus stop after kidnapping him from the hospital honestly didnt feel like it was scripted.. It felt real.. As real as it can be.. Such a perfect moment..

And the last scene..

" In the end.. You are the final scene of my life.. I guess that means i had a pretty good life.. "

What a powerful way to end the story.. The ending was expected but heartbreaking nonetheless..

Overall.. Another strong contender for drama of the year.. Loved the characters journey and their warm connection and relationship with each other.. WDH certainly deserves an award for his performance here.. And kudos to the writer for that ending.. This drama is going to stay with me for a long time..

They entered our lives so effortlessly.. And in just ten episodes.. They left us shattered and aching..

Read More

Romance?? Action?? Logic?? This Drama Said No Thanks..

Disclaimer: This might sound like a rant.. Because it is one.. If you somehow enjoyed this drama.. Good for you..

Script?? Bad.. Acting?? Bad.. Action?? Bad.. Romance?? Bad.. Character Development?? None.. VFX?? Worst.. Not one scene had good CGI.. I sat through this drama for SWL and what a disappointment.. It felt like the entire production team lazily put this together.. Apart from the costumes everything else felt completely half assed.. Like the team just threw things together and hoped for the best..

Angela Baby.. I hope you take some acting classes because seriously, what happened?? This was painful to watch..

The ML was supposed to be the next Wolf Lord or something but instead he spent the first half of the drama getting hurt, stabbed, hurt again, stabbed again by the FL and her minion.. And he still wagged his tail like a lovesick puppy while she kept taking advantage of him.. Where was his brain?? His dignity?? His revenge for his parents?? At one point he even got stabbed on purpose just to stop her from leaving.. That’s not devotion, that’s a suicide attempt you fool.. And then, after all that, he goes and gets shot with an arrow to protect her..

The script was all over the place.. Like the writer forgot what they wrote five minutes earlier.. The ML gets stabbed with a sword and yet wakes up the next morning like he is ready to go and win the La Liga.. And man he was so happy becase he saw the FL sitting by his bed.. Dude, she was literally applying medicine and touching another Guy's leg in the previous episode while she didnt even bother to prepare medicine for you.. That didn’t tell you anything?? And to top it off she was shamelessly ready to give away the locket or whatever that was that you gave her.. And you still didn’t realize you meant nothing to her?? At least not at that moment??

And the princess?? Dumb as a rock.. Another infuriating character..

Ep 13 was actually decent and I thought maybe things were turning around.. Then Ep14 happened.. The FL, in her infinite wisdom decided to protect her minion who literally tried to kill the ML by threatening to kill herself if anyone harmed him.. And the ML?? He had to tell his soldiers who had just watched their comrades die, to lower their weapons because his love interest was having a meltdown over the guy who tried to murder him.. What kind of joke is this??
Then somehow in the next scene the ML and FL end up in bed together.. She just threatened to kill herself over another man who tried to kill him and now they are suddenly sleeping together?? So all those soldiers died Just so he could end up in bed with her?? Unbelievable..

Even if she did love him which is questionable, she manipulated him the entire way.. She never once did anything for him.. Yet he kept crawling back like a fool.. She faked her death, ran back to her hometown, and started living her life while he was left depressed thinking she was gone.. She never once made an effort for him.. Not.. One.. Thing.. Meanwhile he spent the entire drama begging for her love..

What a complete waste of time.. Even the conclusion was unsatisfactory.. After everything it didn’t feel meaningful.. Just another half baked ending that failed to justify the mess before it.. I don’t know, maybe I had high expectations.. But for me this was just another drama with a mediocre storyline and wasted potential..

Read More

How Much Comedy Is Too Much??

The brief clash in the rain and the final fight were the only decent moments in this drama.. Everything else felt cringe riddled with forced comedy and unnecessary scenes.. Its frustrating to see such a talented cast wasted on this kind of material..

The villain is probably the dumbest.. How can he be fooled so easily by everyone?? Hong Sik is not like the usual villains.. He is dangerous but dumb.. He was even tricked by the arms dealer.. Bit disappointed how it ended.. He was too easy to defeat.. Honestly we were robbed of a satisyfing climax.. And seriously.. Who checks their phone in the middle of a fight??
What was with that random plane door falling??? It felt like a scene straight out of a B-Grade drama..

Kim Nam Gil’s screen presence is truly unmatched.. He is in a league of his own..I think he solely elevated even the weaker moments of the drama..

The camera work throughout was brilliant.. With some truly stunning visuals.. The fight in the rain and the post credits scene fight in the snow were just visually stunning..

Overall this season wasn't as impressive as the first season but i still enjoyed most of it.. I would love to watch another season of them being silly and their absurd adventures but with a better script..

Read More

Talented Actors.. Ample Budget.. All the Time in the World.. Yet a Below Par Unfinished Sequel..

When you create a banger of a first season the audience expects the next one to be equally good if not better.. Unfortunately Squid Game Season 2 completely fails to meet those expectations.. I spent seven hours watching it.. Only for it to end on a cliffhanger.. Now I have to wait several more months just to get a conclusion?? What a waste of time..

Honestly all the emotions, the quality of the games and the sheer thrill that made the first part unforgettable were completely missing in season 2.. Why couldn’t they just release everything in this one season?? This money grabbing trend is getting worse.. While I agree that some dramas need to be split into multiple parts to make sense.. Squid Game Season 2 doesnt fall into that category..

Psychopath Gong Yoo was an absolute sight to watch.. If I am not wrong this is his first time playing a psycho and he absolutely nailed it.. His character was fascinating.. I mean this guy when he wasnt recruiting people for a kill or die game in the most bizarre way.. He was casually roaming around, taunting and messing with the homeless.. How much of a psycho is he really?? He deserves a spin off like a prequel or something..

The first 2-3 episodes were pretty boring.. The build up was poor and failed to capture the momentum.. Honestly.. In my opinion Lee Jung Jae’s story should have ended with first Season.. If not he definitely shouldn’t have been in the anchor role again.. He literally fell into the same trap again... How stupid is he?? He also took away the opportunity to explore new characters or stories and there were plenty to explore..

I don’t know what to say about Park Sung Hoon.. He absolutely nailed his role.. And TOP?? His character was so pathetic.. I was expecting nothing less than a horrible death for him and he got what he deserved..
Im Si Wan.. You can always expect a top tier performance from him.. And he definitely delivered.. I really hope he and Jun Hui get a happy ending..

The introduction of Player Number 1 was a huge twist.. Totally unexpected.. I was thinking "Gi Hun and his plans are screwed "..

Why so many talented actors if you dont plan on utilising them??

Squid Game Season 2 really missed the chance to recreate the intensity and impact that made the first season so iconic.. It ended up being a below par season.. Felt more one dimensional.. They should have just made it a 12 ep season and finished the drama.. For me Im Siwan and Park Sung Hoon were the standout performers..

Read More

Could Have Been Better.. Should Have Been Better..

Face Me is another attempt at medical crime thriller drama that had the potential to stand out but it falls short due to the lazy screenplay and narrative.. The whole concept felt off at the beginning.. Even the initial cases failed to create any real pull towards the story.. The dialogues were not that great.. I guess thats why the initial episodes felt boring..

Lee Min ki and Han Ji Hyun both delivered good performances but I felt they are far better actors and they were underutilised in Face Me.. Especially Lee Min Ki.. Han Ji Hyun is a lively character.. I hope she does a historical drama soon..

Lee Yi Kyung was also good in his role.. 2024 has been a great year for him.. Marry My Husband and Face Me.. And even Marry YOU.. He is showing his range and gaining more attention as well..

They could have made the scene where the real culprit is revealed much more dramatic.. It should have been a goosebumps moment.. I mean imagine realizing the person who killed your father and tried to kill you.. The culprit you have been looking for / hiding from is right in front of your eyes about to operate on you.. And you only realise this as you are slipping into unconsciousness.. If only they had made it more edgy or exhilarating..

I actually think Face Me is a better drama than what the ratings and comments indicate.. I guess the rating is below 8 because most of them were expecting some romance even if it's not the main focus.. And also they were expecting something more dramatic i guess?? What were they expecting?? A killer who changes his/her face after every murder??

Overall the drama was good.. The ending didn’t feel rushed.. And the conclusion hinted at a romance between the leads.. Which was nice.. However I would have loved it if they had explored that a bit more.. What harm would an extra 15 minutes in the final episode have done??

P.S.. The subtitles were poor again.. What will it take for them to hire someone skilled to handle the subtitles properly??

Read More

Conventional Drama with Minimal Impact..

In a world awash with romantic dramas and emotional rollercoasters, a 16ep series must offer something truly different to actually stand out.. Unfortunately, this drama falls short of this and leaves us with much to be desired.. The script lacks significant depth.. And the chemistry between characters is rather mediocre.. The romantic elements are decent but still lacks any actual development.. TMRIH lacked the depth needed to truly keep us engaged or atleast with me.. Overall it’s a “so-so” affair.. Neither compelling nor terrible.. But undeniably underwhelming..

Read More

The Tyrant.. A Missed Opportunity in The Witch Universe..

I honestly cant believe this is part of The Witch Universe.. What was this even about?? There was no real story.. The action scenes were bad.. VFX were poor.. The color grading was even worse.. With such a strong cast this is the best they could do??

First of all this should have just been a movie.. The four episodes felt like fillers with a slow dragging storyline. .. They could have atleast fitted in a well choreographed action scene just to compensate for the weak plot.. Jo Yoon Soo's acting didnt do her character any justice.. Her coldness just felt forced.. And Kim Seon Ho was completely underutilized.. He is a great actor.. And though his acting was solid here.. It wasn’t enough to save the series..

Considering the potential of the cast and the The Witch movies released before this.. It’s hard to believe they couldn’t deliver a more engaging series.. Instead it was a drawn out.. Underwhelming experience.. Overall The Tyrant was a major letdown for me..

Read More

A Mad World Unfolds..

Season 2 picks up right where Season 1 left off.. Season 1 was intense, but this season has way more action, blood and honestly some disgusting scenes.. And yeah we finally got the answers to the questions that we were left with.. We get to see the full dose of the Goto’s brutal madness this time and also the family’s twisted past.. Which explains why they are so messed up.. The action scenes were truly next level and Yuya Yagira shines once again.. There is a scene in ep 2 where he has a moment of realisation and goes completely berserk, that was incredible to watch..

" If they are crazy.. Then I will just have to go crazy too.. "

This season is definitely not for the faint hearted.. I expected gore, but some of it was straight up sickening.. But I loved the fact they didn't try to hold back.. They were fully committed to the madness and it worked..

Special shoutout to Tsunematsu Yuri.. Her potrayal of the younger version of Goto Gin was purely cynical.. She was gaslighting, manipulating and using herself as a trophy to get her revenge.. And she was magnificient in every episode she appeared in.. Limited screentime or not, she made the drama twice as compelling with her performance..

" I am madness itself.. Born from this village.. "

When it comes to the visuals, they were violently beautiful.. Some of the frames looked insane.. And the Music matched the vibe too..

It’s a shame that a drama like this doesn’t get the attention it truly deserves.. I really hope it reaches a wider audience because it’s one that deserves to be seen by more people..

Overall, this season takes everything to the next level.. With wild action, powerful performances and a raw intensity.. It has very dark and disturbing elements with bold scenes that only make it more intriguing to watch..

Read More

Don’t Overthink It.. Marry You Is Here Just to Make You Laugh..

Marry You is a breezy, feel good Kdrama that doesnt aim to be top tier but sticks to its purpose and delivers.. Its a short and light comedy drama that knows how to make you laugh.. Sure it had its flaws but the main leads and the humor made it worth watching.. The main couple's interactions were cute..

I think MDL is the only place where its getting so many negative reviews.. But its worth noting that Marry You has been performing consistently well on several streaming platforms and has received positive feedback on X..

The finale?? Simple, cute and a fitting end to the story.. Overall its a good drama thats worth your time.. Dont let the negativity on MDL sway you.. No offense but some people seem to criticize every drama unless it stars their bias..

Read More