Ggrosz

Surprisingly Nice

I don't normally watch short episode series loke this but seeing a short clip of it, I gave it a try and it is surprisingly nice and well done for a low budget series.
The plot is good although it is confusing in the beginning however, patience is a virtue because it'll make sense as the story evolves.
I think if this series was thoroughly invested on and improved, it could have been a great series. It is already good now, so it can only be better if the narrative is explored more. Theres just one quirky part which was the handmaiden seemingly having powers but it was glossed over. It didn't even play any part during the time there were issues and problems that could have been solved by her power. That seems to be a hole left uncovered there.
The artists all did well. Good chemistry all around. Each one portrayed their role well. I think we will see more of the leading male actor more in the future. He has a potential.
The wardrobe is excellent as well as the production itself. I didn't notice any out of scene wardrobe. It seems attention to details were given to this series
I recommend this series for those who like light hearted, short series. To those like me who don't fancy short episodes, to me this is worth the patience.
Good work to the entire production.

Read More

Typical Teenage Japanese BL

Review:
Don't include story summaries as users have already read the plot summary.

{{$t('Write why you liked or disliked.')}}
Actors - fine looking young lads

Acting - can be improved

A bit quirky acting

Do not post major spoilers as you'll just ruin the show for the readers who are thinking about watching the show.

'Do not add spoilers to the headline!

**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Read More

Don't get your hopes up

Honest Feedback (Subjective Perspective):
Translation: The low ratings are largely tied to poor translation quality. If budget is an issue, many fans would be willing to assist; just ensure they sign an NDA before starting the work.
Direction: The director’s influence is undeniable, and this project felt poorly paced. It dragged significantly, with the first real spark of excitement appearing only in Episode 9 of a 10-episode run.
Chemistry: Casting relies on budget and chemistry, with the final word coming from the director and producer. In my view, the leads had zero chemistry, making the casting choices quite baffling.
Production: This was the strongest area. The costumes, props, locations, and lighting were all excellent and met expectations.
The Plot: The premise is genuinely engaging—a "straight" man jumping between girlfriends before unexpectedly falling for a man is a compelling trope. However, an interesting plot requires a strong storyteller to turn it into a cohesive story.
Final Verdict: Despite the solid production values, I cannot recommend this series.

Read More

fixer upper

This is worth a try. It js lacking in few areas but it's like an unpolished diamond. It doesn't just tell a story about romance but about family too, or lack of one. Budget plays a role in this short dramas but this isn't so bad and I have seen a descent budgeted production that is bad. The BGM is really nice. Lin Pei Yu always picks the best BGM for her projects.
The artists do need to work on their craft, but I also think the director could have helped in this area.
The story was told in a very concise manner that you'll feel there's something missing. Overall, I was satisfied and finished the series. I can recommend you give it a try.

Read More

sophisticated and artistic rendition

Adaptation of Inouesatoh’s popular BL manga, 10 Dance, is a visually spectacular achievement that captures the high-stakes world of competitive dance. Directed by Keishi Otomo, the film shines through its technical dedication and the undeniable chemistry of its leads.

The highlight of the film is the choreography, which clearly reflects the year-long intensive training undertaken by the cast. Ryoma Takeuchi (as Shinya Suzuki) and Keita Machida (as Shinya Sugiki) deliver phenomenal physical performances, moving with an authenticity that makes them indistinguishable from professional dancers.

While the film succeeds as a sports drama, it falters somewhat in its adaptation of the central romance:
Plot Focus: The narrative leans heavily into the mechanics of the "10-dance" competition, often treating the characters' personal stories as a side dish.
Relationship Depth: For viewers not already familiar with the manga, the developing relationship between Suzuki and Sugiki may feel under-explored. The source material's deep emotional underpinnings are present but sometimes lack the necessary screen time to breathe for a newcomer.

Costume Consistency: Despite the high production value, a notable missed opportunity was the lack of costume variety for Takeuchi Ryoma on the dance floor; a change in attire could have better reflected his character's growth or the different disciplines.

The film concludes on an ambiguous note that may leave some viewers feeling as though something is missing.

Overall, 10 Dance is a sophisticated and artistic addition to Netflix’s BL library. While it might require a "head start" from the manga to fully grasp the characters' sentiments, the breathtaking visuals and the production team's hard work make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Read More

rough diamond

Bastard Wargod is a testament to what a dedicated team can achieve under the constraints of a micro-budget. While it struggles with the typical hurdles of indie production, the series offers enough flashes of potential to make it a notable entry in the low-budget fantasy genre.

Strengths and Production Value
The production crew deserves significant credit for their visible hard work. Working within tight financial restraints, they managed to deliver impressive props and costumes that feel grounded and authentic to the world-building. These technical elements often punch above their weight class, providing a visual texture that helps distract from the limited scale of the sets.

Areas for Improvement
However, the visual consistency falters in certain areas; most notably, several characters wear the exact same costume for the entirety of the series. While this is likely a budget-saving measure, it occasionally breaks immersion.

The screenplay itself is solid and provides a functional foundation, but the execution often falls short of the script's ambition. Better direction could have elevated the pacing and helped the plot unfold with more clarity and impact. Additionally, while the cast shows flashes of talent, the acting remains uneven and could benefit from more refined performances as the series progresses.

Final Verdict
Bastard Wargod is a rough diamond that clearly suffered from its "low-budget" status. Despite the stiff acting and missed directorial opportunities, the sheer effort of the crew makes it a respectable effort. With a more experienced hand in the director's chair and a slightly larger wardrobe budget, this story could truly shine.

Read More

Both FL didn't fit the character

The production is good enough but casting seemed lacking. Costume, set design, lighting and props is not bad. Both ML I have seen and watched in other projects that left impression on me and I think they did alright here. Not the best but it's good enough. There are just some awkward moments in their acting if you are paying close attention, you won't missed them. The FL leads are in an entirely another world. I stuck through the end but at midpoint I wanted to drop the show. They just did not fit the character they are playing at all in my opinion. There is not even a hint of chemistry in any of the main couples. The casting for this series was not done well IMO

Read More

Emotion stirring gem.

This got my emotions all worked up.
Started comedic and fun but as the story unfolds, it tugged on my heart. There is already a lot of spoilers for the ending but I wouldn't dare because so many missed watching this gem due to the spoiled ending. However, the ending completed the story being told. It is of friendship, trust, and love. The struggle for the love that wasn't accepted during the period of time in this story and another love that is unrequited. This movie will make you dig up a lot of emotion you have tucked away. You will chuckle, giggle, be amazed, feel pity, feel dejected, feel sad, and realize that words that should be said shouldn't wait to be regretted. Love this movie. it is a hidden gem.

Read More

Balanced & a good watch

I stayed watching after 3 episodes because I got mystified by the story that is being introduced. The females artist chosen for the lead role felt like she didn't fit the role. She seem to act well but the character didn't fit her. The male lead seems to be alright, and did well playing the character.
The production was done well, props matching the scene, wardrobes very nicely chosen, and ambiance for most scenes reached the ambiance being portrayed in the story.
Thou the story is a typical revenge and avenge with romance riding along with it, I enjoyed how it was relayed in this series. it didn't feel typical and regular. I got fascinated with how they weaved in a little bit of fantasy in the story. Not too much, just enough to add flavor to it.
❗️This review is based on my personal taste, choices and thoughts for this series only❗️

Read More

Medium for societal awareness

I was initially lost watching this series, but rewatching it again incorporating the idea that it is from a society that still learning to openly understand and accept mental health issue gave me a better understanding.
Death provided a medium to see life in another aspect that is worth living. For a society who is still not culturally accepting of mental health, this show subtly brought up the struggles leading to high rate of depression and suicide.
These young artists played their character well enough to manipulate me, as a viewer to think this is a light, fun series but in reality, it addressed the dark side of life.
If only everyone who suffers from depression can have an awakening then a second chance like the protagonists in this story, there will be less suicide.

Read More

Time restriction playing dirty

The concept is great for this movie, plus the excellent artists in it could have made this an interesting watch but I think with this kind of concept, it should have been a mini series to be able to tell the story clearly. It started right in the core and went on halfway without me understanding how the system works for these family. Then there is a character that until the end, I wasn't sure who he was until after reading some articles online about this movie. Even then, am still not sure because it didn't make sense to me still. (talking about the guy appearing beside Bai Li supposedly her dead husband but how come during the emergency computer problem, woosik and that girl called out to him for help?) Maybe someone can enlighten me.
I plan to watch again hoping I will catch parts I missed that might explain this movie better.

Read More

Well choreographed fight scenes

In some scenes, I felt like I was watching through the eyes of the charcoal 😁 you have to watch to understand what I mean.

If not for the story, stay to watch the fight scenes that were excellently choreographed. The very end scene with the sword pointed at Prince Qi's neck was awesome.

The story is good too. It has a nice ending and it didn't disappoint. Production's hard work is evident in this movie from scene sets, props, lighting, and wardrobes. Everything were done well to help tell a vivid story.

One beautiful scene was the dancer performing beautifully during a siege and not stopping complete with a smile kn her face.

The synopsis made it sound simple and boring but it is far from it.

I recommend for costume and period viewers.

Read More

Gory, bloody, no character evolution

I am not a fan of gory films but I gave this a watch hoping it has a good story that can balance out the gory scenes.
What's common in this movie is "no explanation" leaving viewers questioning why:
●C. Ping is the way he is
●100 coins no more no less to kill
●the science project on the women
●What's with the flag marker
●Relevance of the cockfight
●And so many, many more

Production such as scene set, costume and props were aptly mastered here.

Acting was convincing.
Characters written are chaotic.

I can't recommend this movie unless you love gore movies that makes no sense.

Read More