Jojo

Tragic but make it romantic!

If you ask me, how will I describe this drama? I have only 2 words: Beautiful and brutal. Contradicting but apt! The premise looks simple, but it is as deceptive as its characters. Kataoka Kinji, a yakuza boss, is being sent into hiding and his only companion is Odajima Ren, a stoic subordinate. What he isn't aware of is Odajima's true mission, which is to end his life.
In this journey of 6 episodes, it managed to take that thin thread of deception and tackle loyalty, guilt, and the terrifying intimacy of being seen by the very person who is meant to destroy you. The story is written on the fragile spine of betrayal, breathing in those long sighs and silences, and standing ashore waiting for the sound of the gun that may or may not fire.

Kataoka is written like a man who is trying to remain gentle in a world that keeps punishing softness. He is aware of the danger, maybe even of the betrayal brewing beside him, but refuses to meet cruelty with suspicion. His insistence on kindness may look foolish but it becomes an act of power. Odajima, in contrast, is the kind of man you mistake for cold until you realise he is just tired. Tired of killing, of surviving, of existing. His loyalty is both his prison and his weapon. Watching him falter, hesitate before pulling the trigger, linger too long in a gaze he shouldn’t return was devasting and made him and that world look so much human.

What follows between them isn't fluffy romance or love turning yakuza into a saint redemption arc...but something murkier. There is no rush, no grand declarations, just very long stretches of silence that are enough to drown the miseries of both of them. Somehow, the story stops being about whether Odajima will kill Kataoka, but more about whether he can still live with himself if he doesn't.
Their relationship is equal parts longing and equal parts regret, and the writing doesn't try to sanitise the messiness of it and I think that is where the drama won me over! Both of them are morally grey characters with twisted and tragic pasts. There is a glimmer of hope and laughter here and there in their interactions but it is fleeting. I won't say it balances the grittiness but it definitely softens it to not choke and trip on the darkness. Also, their kisses and NC scenes were done very well!

Coming to the antagonists, it feels comical calling them antagonists because in the yakuza world, it’s never about good versus evil. It’s more like figuring out who is less bad, or maybe bad in a way that still follows some twisted kind of principle. Kirii Keito, all arrogance and envy, wants to eliminate Kataoka not just for power, but for being everything he can’t be -loved, respected, human. On paper, he is a terrible person but once I stand in the worn-out shoes of a child who never felt loved and was neglected, he just seemed less monstrous.

If I am being objective, we could have used 2 more episodes to flesh out the journey better because the last episode did feel a bit rushed, and the editing was a bit messy. It just felt a little short. But in any way that didn't hinder my enjoyment at all.

Acting-wise, everyone overall delivered. It was my first time seeing both the leads, and I think they both did pretty well. The opposite attract trope was played well. I can sit and nitpick but I don't want to.

Cinematography was another aspect that floored me. I have a soft spot for anything filmed near water. And I liked how significantly it was used. The past and present colour grading was fabulous too. They managed to ace the atmosphere.

Overall, this isn’t a BL that hands you easy comfort. It’s deliberate, restrained, occasionally cruel in its honesty. It was such a delight to see two "dangerous" men realise that love in this world is not a promise of salvation but a mirror showing who you really are when all the worldly masks fall away.
I would definitely recommend it but please read the TWs (dubcon, violence) and don't go in expecting fluff. It is anything but that!

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Almost a slam dunk!

At first glance, this drama may seem like another campus romance, but there is a surprising amount of depth and freshness in how characters were written and how they behaved compared to your typical University BLs.

The story follows Han Ji Won, a retired gymnast, as he steps away from the limelight and tries to adjust to a more ordinary life at university.
He may seem timid , socially a bit awkward and reversed. Zooming in, it may look like he hesitates a lot but he also reflects on his actions and reactions, and then acts on it. I agree that he is emotionally guarded but I feel he was very kind and thoughtful!

His decisions may be seen as cowardly and frustrating at times but considering his star background and how he would have endured both admiration and harsh judgment, it's understandable he sees through the world with caution. Deep down, he fears not only getting hurt but hurting others, especially those who grow close to him. Once I look at his decisions from that point of view, I do understand where he is coming from. I like how the drama handled this.

Coming to Kwon Jeong woo, initially he comes across as the classic campus heartthrob who is confident, well-liked and effortlessly charming. But rather than playing into expected tropes, his presence balanced the story. His openness, both in acknowledging his feelings and expressing them so clearly was really refreshing!

It's rare in BL drama to see a lead who is so self aware about his emotions and doesn't go into "panic" mode and mess with others 'emotions. I really liked how Jeong woo came out so casually in front of his friends. I like how less dramatized this was and how respectfully everyone handled that. This was definitely a stand out aspect for me.

The chemistry between them was strong and from the get-go! It was our "timeless opposites attract" setup. The little glances... The accidental touches here and there... Their personalities did clash but in the right way. It never felt forced. They had these small genuine moments that build up to something meaningful and intense with an actual emotional weight.
Also, the kisses were done so tastefully. I felt like I was intruding on them by just staring at the screen! Lol. Again a surprise!

The supporting cast also did a great job though there weren't many of them. I enjoyed the dynamics between Jeong woo's friends with him and with Jiwon. They definitely brought a dose of light heartedness but the support they showed made their presence more endearing.

Also, even though they never actually showed the two friends in a relationship, the subtle "I like them" moments totally got me. I just know they liked each other, it was really cute.

I do wish the drama would have been slightly longer so that the story and characters could have breathed more. The pacing was decent overall but in some moments things moved a bit too quickly. And I am also not a fan of leaving conflict resolution to the last episodes. But considering the standard 8 episode KBLs , I am very happy with what was presented.

Acting wise, I did the actors did a great job. I hope to see more of them in future. Production also seemed quite decent! But what bothered me a bit is the background music. Sometimes it was too distracting.

I didn't think I would vibe with it, this much but here we are. It's very binge-able and genuinely adorable. Yes it does lean into some of the overused tropes we have all seen before, but the way it’s done is well. Maybe I do see things through rose-colored glasses, but compared to a lot of other BLs in the same lane, this one actually felt like a fresh take.
I would definitely recommend it!

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Disappointing Sunset with No Vibes!

There was absolutely nothing in the show that worked for me except Sam and Yoh the side couple who appeared for only 2-3 minutes in each 1+ hour episode.

The trailer promised a fantasy element, but except for a few brief moments, I did not get that. What was presented was so anti-climatic that I would have preferred if they had stuck with Office Romance as the genre.

I had hoped Lin and Sun's chemistry would be the saving grace of this series, but unfortunately, I cringed at almost all their scenes together. Mos and Bank have more believable offscreen chemistry in their YouTube videos than in this whole series. That much-hyped and anticipated painting scene was meant to be iconic but it was a disaster. I am all here for artistic expression but this didn't feel like it was necessary at all.
Also, that necklace (you know what I am talking about) was UGLY.

Sam and Yoh were the only reason I kept watching this but they were also far from perfect. The screentime was very less to make their love story believable. I am still wondering how Yoh fell for Sam. But again , this was the only silver lining.
The other couples except Sam and Yoh looked forced and literally contributed nothing of value to the plot.

The dialogues were so poorly written that they felt like Chatgpt wrote them. A special mention to 'Khun Dad' !! Because NO.

Overall, I would NOT recommend this and hope the actors choose a better script next time.

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Guilty or Not Guilty !?

The main plot of this drama centres around Euthanasia. Euthanasia becomes the unsettling heart of a moral dilemma that challenges both of the characters Kan and Wasan's values. What begins as a search for answers soon turns into a personal battle as Wasan, a police officer is introduced to confront the reality of mercy killings and whether or not they can be justified. His growing closeness with Dr. Kan adds an intriguing layer of complexity, blurring the lines between love, duty and the harsh realities of death.

For me, this drama wasn't about uncovering the truth or catching the killer but about exploring the human cost of decisions that challenge life itself!

Tor and JJ delivered flawless performances. Tor's portrayal as Dr. Kantaphat was PERFECT! He brought a compassionate yet a chilling presence, the enigmatic doctor whose motives and choices remain shrouded in the mystery. At the same time, JJ as Wasan was subtle yet powerful. The turmoil and inner conflicts of a man torn between his duty and his feelings for Kan were delivered beautifully by him.
Both of them navigated the complexity of their roles really well making the ethical questions feel personal and real. The acting in the last episode was FLAWLESS especially Tor's.
The chemistry between them was so palpable! The tension, those gazes, the unspoken desire!! Their love story was not the main focus, I like how it was kept minimal but enough! The pace does bother me a bit, but considering the 8 episode run time, it can be managed.

While the emotional depth and acting were undeniably strong, it isn't without flaws. There were moments where characters just decided to overlook logic and reasons. And also I felt lapses in the police investigations distracting me from an otherwise gripping narrative. While as a viewer I understand it is to push the plot forward, but those unnecessary blind spots in the investigation sort of bothered me.

Overall, the balance between love, guilt and moral dilemmas makes this a good watch from start to finish despite its minor flaws. Recommended if you liked medical thrillers ( I would categorise it as thriller xD) and a bit of moral complexity, this is worth checking out.

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Sweet and hollow as a marshmallow!

I am almost as disappointed as Mark was by how this drama turned out to be.

Now, there are two kinds of “no plot fluff” dramas. One that wraps you up in cozy, feel-good vibes and makes you feel warm. And then there is the other kind where it is so sugary, overloaded with sweetness and cliches, it gives you a sugar crash (metaphorical). This lands in the 2nd category for me.

The drama is light and fluffy, but it leans so far into cliche and surface-level storytelling that it forgets to offer anything remotely substantial. It started out promisingly with fun banter and a playful tone but quickly spiraled into repetitive campy comedy that we have already seen so many times.

Instead of staying in its fluff lane, the drama tried to juggle too many arcs with little to no payoff.
Romance? Check.
Jealousy arc? Check.
Family drama? Check.
Emotional growth? Well… it tried. Kind of. But none of it landed properly.

By the time we reached the last four episodes, it felt like someone had cut the script into pieces and taped them back in the wrong order. The editing was choppy and a bit incoherent.

Chemistry-wise, I will give credit where it’s due. The leads did have sparks and with a better script, I believe they could have delivered something memorable. But this script gave them so little to work with.
Still, their playful interactions and NC scenes were done tastefully well. Those moments did bring a silly smile to my face despite everything bland going on.

Another bright spot was Jimmy as Captain. He swooped in with such charm and even though he brought the classic jealous second lead trope, it somehow worked for me. He gave the show the energy it desperately needed.

I also enjoyed the OSTs here. Make me smile is my favourite from the lot!

In the end, this was a classic case of "style over substance", like a perfectly rich cake but when you cut into it, it's just air and disappointment.
Recommended If you are looking for fluff and fluff alone, this might scratch that itch. But don’t expect anything more than a cute smile and a lot of filler.

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Legally Yours!

This was a delightful cocktail of drama and comedy wrapped in a refreshing narrative that defies the usual tropes (not a university BL). It is fun and uplifting, offering a refreshing escape with a balance of lighthearted moments and meaningful connections.

Ryoma was an interesting character. He is a passionate lawyer with a very peculiar relationship with his succulents. He has that classic tsundere energy but deep down is such a softie. On the other hand, Haruto is charming yet mysterious, hiding his secrets until the last few episodes. Even though it was pretty obvious that Haruto had ulterior motives when he first contacted Ryoma, I couldn’t help but side with him. The suspense added intrigue, but I do feel like they revealed his secrets a bit too late, and what followed after , felt rushed.

The chemistry between the leads Ryoma and Haruto was so palpable and cute!
Their relationship was beautiful. The way Ryoma risked everything for Haruto and trusted him despite all odds against them was touching. It shows how pure and strong their love is. And Haruto, who initially approached Ryoma for his own reasons, ends up staying and going to great lengths for him. They both needed the calm warmth and unconditional emotional support the other provided. There were moments that gave me second-hand embarrassment, but it was filled with that perfect mix of laughs and swoon-worthy moments.

While their romance had its ups and downs, I do think the pacing of their relationship was a bit fast. But considering the 19-minute episode length, it’s understandable.

Overall, this was a pleasant surprise. Though it has its flaws mainly with pacing and some ambiguous character intentions, it still managed to keep me hooked with its great chemistry and decent comedic moments.
If you're looking for something light and fun, I’d definitely recommend it! It’s the kind of show that’s better binged rather than watching one 20-minute episode a week.

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A short but soft flame that stayed lit!

It honestly feels like China has cracked the cheat code on how to deliver BLs and they have been quietly doing a good job at it.

Trapped in Osaka is a bite-sized series, just four episodes, each around 10 minutes. Super short but very digestible.

The plot is as straightforward as it gets: a debt collector ends up falling for the guy he is collecting from and somehow, they end up living together. It hints at a lot of backstories and possible subplots, but never dives deep considering the run time. Strangely enough though, it still works. You just get what is happening, both on screen and between the lines.

It sure does lean into cliches but I don’t mind a cliché when it’s done well. And this one is.

The two leads were a total visual treat.
Their acting felt really natural, nothing over-the-top, just smooth and very believable. The chemistry between them was from the get go. It did all the heavy lighting when plot ran thin.

There was this constant lingering tension in the air like something was always about to happen...Even when they were just standing, it felt like something is gonna snap but somehow it does and doesn't at the same time! No dramatic or big moments, just this lowkey connection that kept building.
It works without making a big deal out of itself and honestly, that is what makes this good.

The production is clearly low-budget, but it never really feels lacking. In fact, some of the beach shots were genuinely pretty.

I know giving it an 8.5 might seem kinda generous, but it earned it. It's not at all flawless and there are number of things that could have been fleshed out more. But for something so short and low-budget, it had a surprising amount of heart. You can tell they really tried and honestly, that effort landed. It didn’t need to be perfect to be good.

Definitely worth checking out. And it’s so short, even if you end up not liking it, it’s really not much of a loss.

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When it rains, it pours , washing away doubts but leaving behind a storm of desire!

At the heart of this drama is an exploration of longing, love and the complex emotions that arise when loyalty is questioned. The story is an emotional journey of Hagiwara and Nakarai who navigate their changing feelings towards each other while each being in a complicated relationship where neglect and denial have the front seat. In 7 episodes it somehow manages to explore the grey areas where desires conflict with rationality and norms and also focuses on the delicate balance between self-preservation and vulnerability in the right place, to the right people.

The drama in its portrayal of cheating doesn't simply just present it as a plot twist or spicy storytelling tool, but it digs into deeper emotional undercurrents that pushed the characters to take those drastic actions.
Here, it was an expression of emotional turbulence and crisis that stemmed from being disregarded for too long. It felt like a cry for recognition, for understanding.

There is something beautifully tragic in how one person seeks solace in the arms of another, not out of malice, but out of a desperate need to be seen, to feel valued in a world that seems to disregard their worth.

Character Description :

Nakarai Sei was a walking emotional paradox. His character was a mix of emotional detachment and the tragic yearning for something more, something he can't quite grasp but desperately craves. He feels all this stuff brewing inside but he’s also scared of it, building walls to protect himself from emotions he can’t fully understand or accept. He hides behind logic and rationalization, using it like armor to push away the chaos within but it is obvious that the storm inside was only getting bigger. His ability to express conflict without words makes his character all the more compelling.

Hagiwara Kazuaki had a certain duality to him, assertive yet gentle, a man caught between his deepening feelings for Nakarai and the hesitation driven by his own fears. His care goes beyond mere tenderness, it was a constant awareness of how delicate their bond is, as though even the slightest hint of force could break it.
There’s a quiet vulnerability in him, an openness that stands in stark contrast to Nakarai’s guarded demeanor, offering a softness that Nakarai sometimes didn't know how to embrace.

The chemistry between them was both subtle and had a palpable intensity crackling beneath the surface. They had this unspoken tension between them that grew with every glance that lingered a little too long. Hagiwara’s tenderness met Nakarai’s emotional walls, creating this push and pull that felt almost magnetic, yet painfully distant. Their connection is raw, real and messy in the best way, as they tiptoe around what they both want but can’t fully reach.

The side characters Kaori & Fujisawa just didn’t click for me. There wasn’t enough time spent on them to really understand who they were or why they did what they did. It felt like they were just there to move the plot along, not adding any real depth to the character. I didn’t feel any emotional connection to them, like I didn’t like or dislike them, they were just there. They came off more like a plot device than an actual character and honestly, this lack of emotional investment left me pretty indifferent overall. They did give reasons but it was a little too late for me.

The pace was a bit too fast for my liking but I have watched now too many J-dramas to know this is how it is considering the run time.
Also, the last episode felt bit underwhelming but the drama was too entertaining for me to rate it lower!

The performances of both leads brought an emotional battle to life. I can nitpick but overall they served! Cinematography was beautiful and felt very gentle and poetic! It has that perfect J-drama vibe to it , rain serving as main progatanist !

Overall, I would definitely recommend this drama for its emotional depth and its exploration of complex emotions. While this definitely has flaws, the overall story is very gripping, engaging and thought-provoking, with an intensity that lingers long after every episodes end. If nuanced character and emotional turmoil are what you are looking for, this drama is worth your time.

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Familiar Faces , Fading Plot But still seated for Haiba Jin's extra charm!

The consistency from season 1 to season 2 was there ! Haiba Jin was still unhinged and charming and Mikoto retained her endearing awkwardness!
The romance was again handled delicately but took bolder steps this season while still maintaining "that" boundary. I did enjoy their interactions and the ensuing frustration.
One of my favourite moments were when Mikoto put Haiba Jin in his place whenever he had saucy ideas. *grins*

But that's it! Lesson 2 felt stagnant. Nothing much was explored!
The characters were still the same as last season! While the story did progress it felt like it was treading familiar ground!!
I do see Haiba Jin being vulnerable in front of Mikoto but it was very briefly touched upon. Maybe I expected a deeper exploration.

Also the side characters storylines were completely undeveloped ! Mikoto's brother's story arc felt completely incomplete and rushed. Honestly I couldn't make myself care for any them.

For me , season 2 felt like a fan service , a follow up to high standards that was set by 1st season!

That said, I loved the acting of both the leads and was totally digging their undeniable chemistry!
The intro song was very catchy!! Also I felt the quality of shots was improved!

Overall , the season 2 is still enjoyable and binge-worthy but when you put it beside season 1 , it sort of loses its shine!
Would still recommend it 100%!

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All that glitters is not gold!

This drama had everything going for it. From stunning sets, dramatic costumes, popular cast and a trailer that promised intrigue, romance and political drama. Unfortunately, it turns out that lavish wardrobes and good-looking actors in them can't save the day.

The most glaring issue here was the writing. The drama just can't seem to decide what it wants to be till the very end.
Was it a royal romance? A musical drama? A political thriller? A princess diary fanfic BL version? There were too many storylines crammed in here. Instead of choosing one and committing, it tries to do all and ends up doing none well.
Let's start with tonal whiplash. One moment, you are dealing with serious political protests and in the very next scene, Khanin suddenly bursts into song with a piano playing softly in the background. I understand singing during protests is nothing new and it's a time-honoured form of resistance, but this was Broadway theatrical in a way that totally undermined the gravity of that scene and took all seriousness out of it.

Coming to the main couple, they definitely look good on paper, but felt like paper in execution. Khanin is both the crown prince and somehow the least interesting person in most of the scenes. He starts as an interesting character, a normal boy adapting to palace culture in a foreign land, but quickly develops into this lovesick puppy whose only job is to pine, pose and moon over Charan.
Charan, on the other hand, is a man of few words and fewer expressions.
He was stiff, stoic and emotionally blank for most of the drama. He definitely had an air of nobility, and we were shown a few glimpses of inner turmoil that could have been fleshed out more to give us something, but I never got a sense of what drives him. Was it a sense of justice or his duty? He was just the "dependable one" and that's about it. Also the amount of filters on Zee's face was a baffling choice. He is already handsome. There was no need to smooth out every trace of expression. We know his age and there is nothing wrong with showing it. Why try to hide what already works!!??

I felt their relationship developed too fast. They have chemistry and I don't deny that, but just not enough development for me to root for them. They were very bland. Even the infamous NC scene looked like a fever dream you would expect from a Wattpad fanfic. It felt overdramatic and oddly timed.

Meanwhile, the second couple, Ramil and Paytai, sitting on the bench at the side, actually had a compelling dynamics but barely got any screen time. They had something emotionally raw brewing, trauma bonding, guilt, co-dependence. We were served crumbs of them but that’s the only part I ended up caring about.

Then there’s Ava. I was genuinely curious to see how the writers would handle her arc and they disappointed me exactly as expected. They made her stand up just to knock her back down again whenever it suited the plot (or their mood apparently). So much potential, so little effort.
I will not even talk about Calvin and Jay because they got so little screen time. They were written in but weren't written for. All the side characters had a better story in my humble opinion.

The polished cinematography, sparkling costumes and wide shots of castles and palaces screamed high budget. But honestly, it felt like a hollow chocolate wrapped in gold foil. Pretty to look at but kind of pointless when you are left with nothing to chew on. And also, I wished they were a bit subtle about the product placement.
And I wasn't particularly impressed with any of the acting performances, especially of the leads. I don't know if it was the writing or what, but NO.

Overall, this was a disappointment for me, not the fun kind which you can laugh about. I am not sure if the team thought aesthetics could do all the heavy lifting. I will not recommend this.

P.S.- This review is not meant to discourage anyone from watching the drama. If you are interested, absolutely give it a try. :) And this isn’t also a jab at the actors either. My disappointment comes from a place of a viewer who was genuinely excited for the series. You might wonder why I didn’t drop it midway, well you can thank my NDD for that.

But if you enjoyed the show, please take this review with a grain of salt and as one person’s perspective among many.
Thank you for reading my review and I hope you have a lovely day. <3

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The curse was gone, but messily and realistically. Though the journey was far from perfect!

The storytelling is in a very classic Hwang Daseul style—delicate and nuanced.
The drama dives deep into the complexity of trauma, self-discovery, guilt and love through the journey of DoHoe and Ju Yeong.

DoHoe's journey is filled with pain and inner conflicts, much of it rooted in the toxic environment created by his abusive father who runs a Taekwondo gym. Several moments conveyed the inner struggles of characters with small but very significant details.
Because of his toxic upbringing,he is someone who struggles to confront his past and doesn't allow or think worthy of himself to heal. His inability to face his wounds is both heartbreaking and frustrating at the same time. As a result, his relationship with Ju Yeong is complicated by unexpressed emotions, the trauma that was never addressed and the weight of the past that neither of them can escape even after 12 years.

Ju Yeong was the emotional anchor that kept Dohoe from drowning by constantly reaching out and putting in more effort despite the hurt and confusion Dohoe threw at him. There were few brief moments of comfort amidst that frustrating yet realistic push-and-pull dynamics between them. JuYeong often compromised trying really hard to bridge the emotional gap that DoHoe can't seem to cross. The imbalance does seem unfair but at the same time, their love story is portrayed as both beautiful and painful showcasing how even when people are deeply flawed and overwhelming, sometimes the connection between them can be profound and will last.

The chemistry between the actors was undeniable and their emotional journey felt raw and authentic. It mirrors the complexity of moving past trauma and being in a relationship when both of them are carrying their own and shared emotional baggage.

While the narrative is filled with emotional highs and lows, the pacing felt rushed throughout. The rapid shifts in the character arc without addressing their actual issues in detail left me craving for more. I wanted to understand them better. It felt like there was so much more beneath the surface, a whole world which just didn’t have enough time to really explore.
While the supporting cast like Hyean Ho added a new layer to the story, I am still a bit unclear on the mysterious circumstances surrounding his and Dohoe's past. They introduced him for bigger purposes, but his character felt very undeveloped.

And my biggest gripe was the editing. It seemed choppy and confusing. There were many scenes that missed the mark and their meaning relevant to the story because of this.

Overall, while the drama isn't without flaws, it keeps you hooked with its nuanced portrayal of love and healing. It's a powerful attempt at exploration of how our pasts shape us and impact our future decisions.
Sometimes addressing those past ghosts is the first step towards healing. Definitely recommend.

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L'air du temps - The Flow of Time

The movie is Japan-Taiwan co-production that takes us on a journey of Jimmy who after experiencing failures in his adult life embarks on a soul-searching quest to rediscover and meet the love of his youth.
While the story itself may not be groundbreaking and unique, the narration is compelling and engaging. From the afterglow of that first love to the monotony of being a 36 year old guy, the movie effectively captures it all.

The movie explores the theme of self discovery and the importance of taking a break. Sometimes taking a break can provide clarity and a fresh perspective on life. Also sometimes detours can lead us to where we need to be!
The color contrast made it easier to differentiate between present and past scenes. The flashback scenes color tones have certain warmth to it reflecting happy memories while the present scenes were more sombre and grey to fit the melancholy vibe.

The cast delivers believable performances. Greg Hsu as Jimmy, a lost soul who evokes sympathy at times and then his energy in the flashbacks to his youth is convincing. Kiyohara Kaya as Ami does a decent job, though she could have been a bit more expressive. Michieda Shunsuke, as Koji, captures the chaotic spirit of an 18-year-old that is both charming and inspiring in his own way!

The cinematography is stunning. Some locations are so beautifully shot that they make me want to take a trip to Japan soon.

While the ending is somewhat predictable, it still has enough engaging elements to keep you sailing through.

Overall, this was a visual treat with few valuable life lessons on the way along .

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Boys are in love... and they actually "talk" talk!

This drama was peak serotonin for me. A sweet, high school coming-of-age romcom, full of puppy love and fluff with no melodrama or forced angst. Also, this is an example of what happens when actual teenagers play teenagers. It added a layer of authenticity that helped me root for the characters.

What really stood out to me is how all the couples handled communication. Misunderstandings happen, but here they were not milked for the drama and dragged on forever. They actually talked, listened and sorted it out with no unnecessary angst, no soap opera twists, but just a bunch of teenagers who accepted and acknowledged their flaws and moved on happily.

Our two main couples :

Shane & Kit were giving the textbook opposites Attract. Shane was more of a dependable, observant and academically driven type who always had a plan in his head for his future. While Kit was spontaneous, flirty and more emotionally transparent than Shane.
They both balanced each other. Kit taught Shane to loosen up a bit and Kit discovers the comfort of being seen. They did argue and stumble but that is what made their dynamics feel real. It was just two flawed people trying to figure each other out and meet in the messy middle. These two absolutely have my heart! <3

Kim & Mon, on the other hand, felt like they were cut from the same cloth and got along well from the start. The romance between them felt sweet, soft and very gentle. Kim was such a spark with his earnestness and openness and while Mon, though initially a little reserved, gradually let down his guard. They were more fluffy and fairytale-ish compared to Kit and Shane.

All four of them have their own insecurities as they should and I think the drama did a good job of expressing that. It might not be the most mature way to handle things when I view it through an adult lens, but as teenagers, their small disagreements and emotional responses made sense.

While the drama gets a lot right, it’s not without flaws. Some of the conflict especially toward the later episodes started to feel a bit repetitive and recycled.  They did quickly resolve the issues but it was always the same. If I had to give an example, it would be how Kim struggled to express his feelings or communicate his thoughts to Mon, which ended up causing tension and misunderstandings between them. If they wanted to me to root for them, I needed more.

Another issue I had was that we didn't need a fourth couple here. Tar and Per looked absolutely forced to me on the romantic front. I always saw them as best friends who teased and irritated each other but at no point did I look at them and think, “Ah yes, romance is brewing". It felt like the writers just threw them in like, “Why not? Everyone gets a love line!”

While I wasn't too sure about the teacher's romance, but they completely grew on me. They were surprisingly wholesome together. With Tan's awkwardness and Nat's understanding, their bond felt very sweet and you could see they respected each other a lot.

Acting-wise, I feel everyone did a good job across the board. The younger cast members in particular, were impressive and I really hope they’re given more substantial roles in the future to fully showcase their talents.

Overall, this was much better than I expected. It was like a sweet blueprint of teens navigating their life with love, dreams and changes around. While the script is nothing out of the ordinary and it does feel like it plays a little safe but the charm here is that it never loses its tone or tries to be something it's not.
I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for something angst-free and fluffy.

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Soap opera level chaos in designer packaging!

I can’t believe I’m rating a Daou & Offroad series this low, but it is what it is.
This is one of those dramas that seduces you in the beginning with attractive leads, dramatic tension and mystery around them simmering in the air and for a moment, it would fool you into believing that you have stumbled upon something gripping and intense. And then slowly...the realisation sank that all jazz and pretty people can't hide the fact that the story underneath is paper-thin and strangely uninterested in making ANY EMOTIONAL SENSE whatsoever. I won't say it didn't have the right idea or ambition but there was too much going on all the time and it kept tripping over and collapsing its own over-the-top drama.

The plot has a bit of everything except mystery or good action drama. It was like a daily melodrama stuffed with family revenge plots, emotional manipulation, corruption, and narcissistic parenting. And I am not talking about it in a fun or self-aware way, no. This is the kind of lakorn style exaggeration where logic has little or no place. The tone swings wildly. One minute passionate, the next unhinged and instead of intensity, it simply feels exhausting.

Let's start with the main couple, Pheem and Than, I don't know how to categorise or describe their relationship. It is disturbing in many aspects. There is morally grey, and then there is downright vicious. They fall into the latter. The manipulation isn’t cathartic either and neither does it teach either of the characters anything meaningful. It’s simply cruelty turned into a plot device. And because the drama never properly confronts the consequences of the behaviour, the entire relationship begins to feel hollow and unsettling.

Coming to other supporting characters, all of them I repeat, all of them, including Than and Pheem need to be in jail or in therapy. The so-called father figure is a walking nightmare. Even though he hasn't done the most vile things out of all the antagonist, he fuelled the feud between his 3 children. The siblings don’t fare much better either. The brother is a caricature of entitlement. The sister is written like the drama wanted her to be a cunning heir but forgot to give her depth. It’s difficult to root for anyone when half the cast is unbearable and the rest barely makes sense.

If there is any redeeming quality about this, that would be the chemistry between the leads. The weak script didn't help at all, but it would have been worse without them. Their interactions whether tense, tender or morally questionable still managed to bring a reaction out (happy or sad). Their chemistry felt like a flame trapped in this storm of weak writing. I feel like dialling down the melodrama and maybe bringing them on more screen would have worked better.

Production looked fine. The fight sequences were okay too but the CGI editing, like the bullets, was very lame. Acting-wise, I was not impressed with anyone. It wasn't bad at all, but nothing to run home about or anything that I will remember after today. I really hope their next projects have better script than this.

Overall, this was a good-looking drama with very little to say. It wanted to be edgy, dark, and with morally grey dynamics but it didn't translate on the screen. I will not recommend this but if you really want to watch it for the leads, please keep in mind the messy plot and lakorn-level drama.
Do not go in expecting to look for substance, tension, or character-driven storytelling.

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When the music burned brighter than the actual plot!

Sometimes, music is the way to express ourselves, and the drama leans heavily into that. Music didn't just set the mood here, it hijacked the plot, stole the spotlight and not in a subtle way. It's the heartbeat of the story. With every strum, beat and verse, the drama tries to convey things its characters can't say directly and even when the writing slips, the music saves it all.

The story revolves around Saijo Akane, a drummer who her previous mates abandoned, and gets a second chance when she is invited to join the band "TENBLANK".

TENBLANK band members or should I say the "plots" :
✨Fujitani Naoki: He was the genius but eccentric composer with a messy heart and even messier hair. The creative nucleus of the group. I would describe him as intense, obsessive, borderline reclusive, but a fascinating creature. Under all that facade, he is a man weighed down by unresolved emotions and secrets he would protect at all costs. Takeru Satoh did a great job. I know he is a fine actor and it showed. I recently saw him in Marry my husband and the character difference shows his versatile range.

✨Takaoka Sho: He was the guitarist who didn't demand attention but had mine from start to finish! He was soft spoken, observant and incredibly skilled. Machida Keita completely stole the show for me. From episode one to the finale, his styling was absolutely flawless. From the turtlenecks to that effortlessly perfect long hair, every detail was on point. I know this isn't exactly about his acting (which is already well-respected, no need for testimonials there) but the look he served in this drama was iconic. He had me catching second lead syndrome so bad. I mean, imagine ignoring Satoh... and yet, here I am.

✨Sakamoto Kazushi: He was sharp, confident and wasn't afraid to speak his mind, especially when it came to challenging Naoki's authority. But I feel the writing didn't give him enough to fully bloom. We get glimpses of pride and conflict but it feels underdeveloped. Shison Jun did a solid job in portraying this character. He played the perfect tsundere.

✨And the newly added member was Miss Sajio Akane, the underdog drummer, as they say. She had grit, she listened, she learned and she put in the work, not just for show. Nothing she did felt fake or wasted.
Miyazaki Yu gave a genuinely likeable and grounded performance. She played the perfect mix of insecurity and inner fire. I rooted and cheered for Akane.

🔥 Wild card Toya: I know he isn't the official member of TENBLANK but he isn't the one to ignore. You just can't! He is the kind of character who could walk into a scene mid-chaos and steal every ounce of attention. He is a loud, intense bona fide rockstar who seemed crazy but beneath all that is a man who is haunted by choices, loss and love that never really left. He is both tragic and unforgettable. Some scenes definitely tossed realism out the window, but it served the drama and I ate it up.
Maski Suda devoured this role. At first glance, I didn't recognise him. He was raw, a bit feral and had the reckless energy exuding. You just can't look away.

But not everything in the mix felt right. While the music and the stellar cast were a win, the pacing was all over the place, especially in the second half. This would be just me but we (I) DO NOT need a romantic subplot to show up like the last-minute guest. The story would have worked fine without a romantic storyline, it might have worked better if I were being honest. We could have focused more on the other band members and their stories. I feel there was barely any spotlight given to them. There were times it felt like a one-man show, but then a group performance glossed over that feeling, but it definitely lingered more than it should.

Another thing I noticed and maybe this is just me (again), was how the energy and adrenaline would spike during each performance, but then drop off right after. It didn’t really carry over once that fantastic music stopped playing. The in-between moments felt a bit dull and I kept waiting for them to practice or be back on stage to feel that energy again.
Maybe this is what happens when you have full-blown performances. This wasn't just "slap a ballad or two on it" drama but it gave us actual bangers. I feel the music is the main plot here and the rest of everything feels secondary.

The cinematography was stunning, especially the rain shots. And the camera work during the concert sequences was pure artistry. It screamed budget in the best way.

Overall, despite the scratches, this was an entertaining and binge worthy watch. It didn't exactly stick the landing or maybe I had high expectations from the actual plot "writing", but the journey is worth it for the vibes, stellar cast and amazing soundtracks. It's the kind of predictable plot where you will be rolling your eyes a bit but still replay the songs on loop. Not perfect, but comfortable in its own ways.

If you have made it this far, thank you for reading my review! <3
I thought I was going to keep this short… and yet here we are lmao. If you decide to check out the drama, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

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