Jojo

When love speaks louder!

While the premise might seem like your typical "silly wealthy man and his caretaker falling in love", the drama delves much deeper into their emotional journey.

Shao Peng is a positive and resilient character who is deaf and mute. He is aware of his disability but doesn’t let it define him, though he’s sometimes insecure about how others see him. His journey shows his strength and vulnerability and the actor played him perfectly. Also, although I have very little knowledge of sign language, the portrayal felt very real and authentic to me .
Zi Xiang is multi-layered. Initially, he came across as someone who enjoyed a privileged life while evading his responsibilities. But as we move forward , his carefree demeanour was just a show to hide his dissatisfaction with the life he is forced into. He slowly grows from self-centred to someone capable of empathy and love.

The chemistry between them was the highlight of the series for me. What started as a reluctant partnership slowly transformed into a tender, evolving love story. Zi Xiang's feelings for Shoa Peng grow not only because he takes care of him but also because of the perseverance and strength he shows despite his own doubts. Their journey of getting to know each other, understanding one another, and being together was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. They acted as catalysts for each other's growth, helping each other look beyond their struggles.

The second couple's story was interesting but they didn't have enough screen time for their story to be properly developed or for me to really connect with them. Their chemistry was evident and they were sweet and cute together, but more time was needed to make their relationship feel believable.

The pacing felt uneven at times. The tone of the first few episodes was borderline silly and goofy compared to the second half of the series. Plot devices like assassins ,kidnapping and the portrayal of trashy, unsupportive parents felt more like a gimmick where they didn't contribute anything to the plot or was introduced in the final episodes and wasn't executed well.

The drama also tries to address prejudice against disabled people, particularly in a professional environment. It manages to show that not everyone is openly rude or dismissive but there is a subtle bias even when they are not overtly hostile. But it felt like this issue was only touched on superficially serving as a plot device for the love story. I'm not complaining but I would have liked to see more focus on Shao Peng's character and how he personally deals with it.

Overall, while the pacing can be uneven and some plot points feel forced and underdeveloped, the chemistry between the leads and their character development make it a solid, enjoyable one-time watch. Probably more enjoyable if binged.

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Watching this drama was like chasing a mirage, the closer I got, the more it faded into nothing!

If I had to retitle this story, it would be "ChanYoung and his love story in Class 2...featuring Heesu" because that's honestly what it felt like most of the time. The supposed main characters were treated like glorified side characters, popping in and out of the plot as if the writers themselves forgot they existed.

Speaking of the writers, they seemed just as confused as Heesu about what direction the story should take!
It was as if they started with a vague idea of the story but halfway through completely forgot what they were trying to say. Every episode felt like a shot in the dark with no clear progression, no deep character development, just a lot of floating from scene to scene without any real progress.

The biggest flaw for me without a doubt, was the pacing. It was almost painful to watch at times. The story kept stumbling between focusing on the main couple ( Heesu and Seung Won) and pushing them into the background. Although I haven't read the original source material, which is a BL, it was still clear that Heesu and Seung Won were meant to be the heart of the story. Yet their relationship felt so underdeveloped and sidelined that it almost seemed like a subplot.

Every time there was a heart-fluttering moment or a genuinely sweet interaction between them, the drama in the next episode would abruptly cut away to the other couple. It often felt like the show was too hesitant to fully commit to its main romance, offering just a few crumbs of real connection before quickly retreating into safer territory.

That said, when Heesu and Seung won did finally grace the screen together, they were adorable. Their chemistry was natural, their little interactions genuinely sweet and both actors gave performances that deserved a much stronger script. You could tell they poured sincerity into their roles even when the writing gave them little to work with. It’s almost tragic how much potential was wasted.

Coming to the second couple Ju Chan Yeong and Choi Ji Yu, they were your average couple with their own meet cute moments here and there. I wish they were just friends with the main characters and not   a couple because I wasn't sold on their chemistry till the very end!

While the love stories here didn't work for me, the small little details did. Like I really liked how they incorporated astronomy into the story. The references to the Big Bang, asteroids and the star gazing scenes were all elements I truly enjoyed. It added almost a poetic layer to the narrative, especially in the way they tied cosmic events to the Heesu' s emotions.
Also, I also found Heesu’s bond with his sister fun to watch, even though it wasn’t explored as much as it could have been.

The OSTs were beautiful and complimented the drama well. Props to the team for intro too. I loved the animation!

Overall this was like a beautifully wrapped gift, the one that promised so much but left me standing there with nothing but disappointment. The pacing dragged, the main relationship was sidelined and the emotional payoff I waited for never truly arrived.

Was it disappointing? Without question.
Was it occasionally endearing enough to make you hope for more? Frustratingly, yes.

In the end, it was a hot mess desperately trying to sparkle, but only managing to flicker and fade away.
I would not recommend this!

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A Visual Feast of Stunning CGI and Unforgettable Friendship

This was a visual feast! The drama balanced political elements with a touch of light-heartedness that managed to maintain my interest. As someone who isn't usually into costume dramas, it was a perfect pick.

Baili Dong Jun's character was well-written; a responsible spoiled brat with an unhealthy amount of love for liquor and a soft heart for the people he cares about. I particularly enjoyed his interactions with his father. His friendship with Ye Dhing Zhi and their story were the highlight of the drama for me.

Ye Dhing Zhi's character evoked mixed feelings - it made me both sad and mad. Sad because he didn't deserve such harshness, and frustrated and mad due to the choices he made that led him to his predicament. The journey from Ye Yun to Ye Dhing Zhi was tough!
But promises were kept, and we saw our liquor and sword deity and I devoured every scene of them!

I knew how it was supposed to end, but it was still devastating for me. But actions have consequences and some of those consequences are sad! Can't shake off that bitter-sweet feeling! *sigh*

The character who I couldn't sympathize with until the end was WenJun. Her choices and motivation behind them are still unclear to me, and seemed pretty selfish and stupid at some point. (A bit harsh but I am still frustrated!) She didn't deserve Dhing Zhi.

Also, I enjoyed the master-disciple interactions. The dynamics were fun to watch !

All the fight scenes were visually stunning, some of the best CGI I have seen in Asian dramas! It was such a stand-out aspect. Also, all the cast adds up to the rich visual experience. All of them are very attractive. The title does suit the drama perfectly because everyone is truly dashing! *grins*

Though I haven't watched TBOY and thus I can't compare the two, I still enjoyed this.

Overall, this was a visual treat with an amazing cast, impressive CGI and a plot that remained engaging throughout the 40 episodes.

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Two men navigating a delicate waltz of feelings and a fierce tango of longing!

When the trailer was out, I was expecting good things like great chemistry, impressive dance moves, clean aesthetics and a lot of tension. What I didn't expect was to come out this emotionally jumped and honestly, it delivered on almost all the fronts.
The movie thrived, flourished and floored me with tasteful slow burn, discomfort that ate, and proximity that had me holding my breath for no reason. They didn't need dialogue and honestly, no dialogue could convey what their eye contact did.

Who was the hero in the movie? The audacity. The audacity to let silence do the flirting. Audacity to assume that the audience will notice the small change in breathing, posture shifts and corrections that feel too personal and the way no man absolutely refused to blink. They assumed and we proved them right. These two grown men who know exactly what they were doing, risking and the awareness of that just every interaction so much heavier and meaningful.

We have our classic opposite attract set up where both the leads have contrasting personalities. And while I would have been happy with the cliche set-up too, they decided to test every ounce of sanity you have when you are watching it by showing the predictability of the characters in the most unpredictable way.

The best thing about this drama for me was THE HOLY CHEMISTRY! It deserves its own warning label. Everything was felt by the leads, and it translated 100% on the screen. It's not loud or trying to be instantly likeable. It builds through resistance, control, lack of it and two people constantly tests each other's boundaries. If you haven't realised, I am blown away by their chemistry.

Performance-wise, both the leads understood the assignment and stayed in the right ballpark. They didn't do too much or too little. Just perfect to make it swoon worthy. Machida Keita as Sugiki Shinya, all suited up with the tie and that domineering gaze was not on 2025 bingo but I am nothing but thankful. I know he is a great actor with a good range but this is not how I imagined him in any multiverse and I am glad we got it.
This was my first introduction to Takeuchi Ryoma and honestly, colour me impressed. He, as Suzuki Shinya, was wild, passionate and beautiful with that subtle vulnerability as he should have been.

Coming to the dance section, I am no professional, so I won't be judging by techniques but visually, I enjoyed everything. I am sure the actors worked very hard and it definitely deserves a special mention. This was about the dance and we see plenty of it.
Visually, it was rich and sleek. The camera work was amazing. Even a little change in hand gesture or posture was captured perfectly. Kudos to that! Money was not a problem for the production, and it reflected from the cast to the costume to the set design.

The supporting cast also did a great job. The women of 10Dance though, weren't in the limelight, but they did shine through whenever the focus was on them. I liked the friendship between Tajima Aki and Suzuki. In fact, the two ladies had such good chemistry with each other.

Now, after all that praise and positive points, if you ask me why it's not a 10, it comes down to a few things that lowkey bothered me. Not major enough to ruin my watching experience, but enough to not ignore.
- Starting with the background music. When you have such a stellar cast looking like Greek gods in such magnificent sets, why play the most generic music? It wasn't bad but compared to everything, it could have been better. Way better.
- Second was the lighting issue in a few scenes. A few scenes were a little too dark for my liking. Maybe it was more of a me problem.
- Third and the major issue, I was left wanting for more. When you build such delicious tension for 2 hours and somehow skip that in the most important final moments, it kind of stings. Narrative-wise, it did make sense and it was very thematic but it did annoy me. It diluted the character impact and skipped few important inner monologues that could have made this a masterpiece. And you know when the overall vibe is, of a lot what felt is unsaid , sometimes it paves way for miscommunication. And If you are familiar with J dramas, it is the most common trope and in few scene it does make an appearance.

Overall, desipte everything, this was an EXPERIENCE. From start to finish, I was entertained with good quality drama, acting and visuals. Will I recommend it? Hell yes! You will definitely not regret it.
Also, this is a Netflix-backed production, and one should ask the question, will it milk its golden goose yet again? Everyone knows the answer. And this time I really want them to.

Thank you for reading my review! <3

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Secrets we keep, hearts we break!!

Some stories thrive on a well-crafted plot and others are driven by the complexity of their imperfect characters. This is one of those stories that fit the second category. The characters aren’t flawless heroes or simple villains - they are messy, flawed and deeply humane. Their struggles aren’t always clear-cut and their growth isn’t easy or linear. In fact, it’s their imperfections, their emotional baggage and their internal conflicts that make the story stand out. These kinds of characters don’t always give you the answers you want, but they challenge you to think deeper and understand that growth isn’t always pretty.

Characters & Analysis :

Jung Daon, our tragic hero: Daon’s journey is far from perfect. He has been battling this constant feeling of being worthless for as long as he can remember. He is emotionally distant, always believing he’s “good for no one” and his past experiences have only reinforced this idea. His choices along the way aren’t always the best and sometimes they left me questioning his decisions. His growth isn’t linear or clean, it’s messy, real, and sometimes even frustrating. Yet, there’s something so human about it. As Daon begins to open up, he starts realizing his worth and how much of an impact he actually has on the people around him. Watching him go through it, even when he’s stumbling is what makes his journey so heartwarming.

Kim Su Hyeon, the toxic oppa: He is a complete emotional wreck defined by chaos, obsession and serious anger issues. The guy just can’t tell the difference between love and possession, constantly crossing boundaries and trying to control everyone around him. Instead of being caring or respectful, he’s driven by this constant need to manipulate and control.
At the start, I honestly couldn’t help but feel some sympathy for him. It was pretty obvious that his anger and possessiveness came from a place of deep hurt. But here’s the thing - his past doesn’t give him the right to act however he wants and hurt the people around him. His anger issues are a huge red flag and no matter how messy his past might be, it doesn’t justify how toxic he is.
By the end, it’s clear that Su Hyeon needs help. He was/is drowning in his emotions and has no clue how to deal with them in a healthy way. He is definitely a character who’s deeply flawed, but that doesn’t make it okay for him to manipulate or hurt others.

Ju Seong Hyeon, The sunflower oppa: He is just so sweet and caring. He is always putting others first and trying to make everyone happy, even if it means sacrificing himself in the process sometimes. It’s honestly hard not to like him because he genuinely wants to help. He’s selfless, empathetic, and really tries to be there for people when they need him. But the thing is, he gets so caught up in pleasing everyone that he loses himself along the way.
But what I really appreciate about his journey is that he does eventually learn. Over time, he starts realizing that it’s okay to put himself first once in a while. He figures out that his worth isn’t based on how much he can do for others and learns to set healthier boundaries.

Jaemin, the master manipulator: His character arc is one of the hardest and most complicated to pin down. He is the ultimate manipulator, playing the game like a pro, at least tries to and somehow succeeds. He knows exactly how to control people's emotions to get what he wants and he doesn't actually care about the fallout. His arrogance and total lack of empathy make him one of the most unsettling characters in the show. He doesn’t just use manipulation for love or affection, it's all about power for him. When he's caught in a lie, his complete lack of remorse shows just how emotionally detached he really is. His character shows just how dangerous emotional detachment and manipulation can be and it makes you question if someone like him could ever break free from those toxic patterns.

The casting? Honestly, it was a chef's kiss. Every actor nailed their role, like they were those characters. You could feel their emotions so real and raw. Yes, It’s not perfect but sometimes it’s the impact that matters more than perfection.

I am not going to talk about romance and chemistry because that is the heart of the drama and the fun lies in figuring it out as you go but rest assured, you won't be disappointed.

Even though this story might not be a perfect 10/10, the way it had me fully invested for 4 weeks and got me thinking so much about the characters totally makes it an almost 10/10 in my book. Though I have rated this 9.5 , but it's 10 in my heart.
In just 25 minutes, they managed to show everything so well. Nothing felt rushed and the pacing was spot on.

At the end of the day, I would definitely recommend it and let you decide if it’s your vibe because it definitely serves up some tea in the most messed-up but oddly satisfying way.

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Through thick and thin! They loved and suffered and loved some more!

The drama starts off strong with that classic “grumpy veteran actor x sunshine newbie” setup, and honestly it worked. Pei Jia, a scandal-worn ex-idol trying to clean up his image, gets paired with total rookie Su Yi, who has zero acting experience but a whole lot of heart and is a big fan of Pei Jia. They were forced to live together to build chemistry and the tension builds fast from there.

Their chemistry wasn't built on big declarations but on lingering gazes, brushing past each other in tight spaces, turning that shy awkwardness into comfort. They were soft, silly and sometimes airheaded but adorable.

But then... plot twist hits. One moment we are vibing with the soft fluff and the next we’re dealing with a deadly trope and a company executive who is out for blood (not even kidding). The angst comes in hot and heavy and while it keeps things dramatic, it does kind of hijack the romance for a while. Though the chemistry doesn’t disappear. It's just buried under a lot of emotional wreckage. They do try to show the dark side of showbiz but very briefly but enough to stir things.

That said, the drama does loop back around. The bond between Pei Jia and Su Yi holds steady even when things go off the rails. Though I would have liked more of their story ,after the dust was settled.
The editing also seemed a bit incoherent but for the drama on budget, it seemed okay.

Coming to the second couple, sadly I couldn't get on board with them till the end. The back and forth which was supposed to pull me in, made me more frustrated. Not the kind of tension that keeps you hooked but more along the lines of "why will do that??!" or "Why will you say that". I found the director too indecisive not just for his own sake, but for the people around him as well.

Acting wise, I feel the actors did good enough. This is my first time seeing them and while I do think delivery could have been better, I feel it's nitpicking. I would definitely give them another chance if I come across any of their dramas.

Overall, it's not perfect but it's an emotional ride with some really touching moments and soft chemistry. We see a romance bloom through mess and stick it out through thick and thin even though the pacing does get messy in the middle.
I will definitely recommend it even though it might give you heartbreak at times. (The good kind xD)
Plus it's the first singaporean drama on MDL. :)

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Talk !!?? In the this economy ? We don't do that here. We let miscommunication cook and feed on it !

Another K-Bl where the miscommunication trope takes center stage. Unfortunately , I really don't have much to say because honestly not much was meaningfully said , felt and understood in the drama itself. Somehow the conversations and conflict resolution were half baked and even though this was a short drama it still felt unnecessarily stretched.

While I understand humans are complex and everyone's brain works differently, here it felt like they made it a point that no logic will back the decisions of both the leads. It felt like everything was going in circles. The characters would start , make progress and in the next week's episode, they would be back at the square one.

Back and forth is not something that usually irks me. I enjoy fun banters and angst but here it did. It was fun till some point but then just became redundant as no real character development happened.

Do Ba Woo was someone who lived in his own shell. Even if you tell him it's night, he will still argue and will refuse to believe because he is too afraid to face his demons and insecurities in the dark. He is relatable but likeable only if this drama were 40 episodes long and we have a clear arc of him going somewhere. Here it felt frustrating. Half the time I was just screaming "Just ask him sir, please!"

Ji Hun was as thick as it gets ( Quoting Henry here) ! He was adorable and kind hearted but seemed to share 1 brain cell with his friends. Still, I don't blame him much because I don't think he ever got clear answers or clarity from Da Ba Woo. His confused stance was kind of justified.

Jung Ha Min was the stirrer. I had a soft spot for him but till the end I didn't get his purpose in the drama.

The chemistry between the leads was lukewarm at its best. It wasn't outright bad but it wasn't convincing either. The drama did try to sell this as deep, emotional connection but vibes were giving more like mild acquaintances.

Honestly,
Did I want Ba woo to end with Ji Hun ? No!
Did I want Ba woo to end with Ha Min? Also, No!

He clearly needed to take a step back and work on his issues before he could question anyone else's feelings.

Acting was good, the production quality also seemed decent but I think everything got weighed down by weak writing.

Overall, this wasn't a masterpiece, more like a pretty poster covering the cracks on the wall. But self discovery and working on yourself aren't trending in KBLs, so we will roll with this recycled trope, swoon over Jihun's smile as if it can solve all their problems and move on.
I will only recommend it if you want to watch a BL that's short and don't mind frustrating characters!

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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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Sea of Wasted Potential with Weak Story and Fragmented Chemistry!

I had expectations from this drama but was ultimately disappointed! We had 10 episodes and such a weak narrative throughout!
When they were on the beach , it at least provided the visual appeal and was at least enough to keep me engaged in the story but as soon the story shifted to the city , it went downhill !
It felt one dimensional and boring!
Nothing substantial happened and the things that did happen didn't contribute to a positive development nor seemed necessary.

Coming to acting, Fort as Mut carried the whole show single handedly. His acting has improved and felt natural but in the case of Peat , the whole cold ML role was very unconvincing often coming off as overreaction.
Yes , the chemistry between them was there and was good but was very fragmented and inconsistent.
The tantrum that Rak threw in the last episode shows he literally had no to zero character development. And his sudden epiphany in the last 10 minutes felt rushed and unnatural. It might be impressive if the realisation came a few episodes earlier to make it more sincere.

And the other GL couple, they felt too forced. Vivi's treatment of Khaimuk didn't look like playful teasing to me. Treating the one you like as a slave and troubling them is not funny in my books! We are not in kindergarten where we tease the one we love to get their attention!

Even the friendship between all the characters felt utterly superficial, and I felt no emotional connection whatsoever!

Overall , I see only a sea of wasted potential with a weak story , underdeveloped characters with  fragmented chemistry!

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The new and promising premise that couldn't keep up!

This drama had a lot of potential. The premise and the whole concept seemed fresh and the idea of a dark mystery mixed with suspense had a lot of promise. But, honestly, the show ended up being way slower than expected and the pacing really hurt it. What could have been an exciting ride just felt like it dragged on for way too long.

There were way too many flashbacks and instead of adding something meaningful or exciting to the story, they just made it repetitive. The plot could’ve been so much tighter if it was wrapped up in lesser episodes. Instead, it felt like the show was just going in circles. The big reveals didn’t hit the way it should have because the show stretched everything out. It just ended up feeling like a slow crawl with no real payoff.

As for the leads, they really should have dropped the romance angle. This story would have worked way better for me as a just mystery or supernatural plot. There was zero chemistry between the leads and honestly, the romance felt out of place considering the whole "curse".
The ML's behavior at times even came across as stalker-ish. Sure, I might overlook it because it’s JinYoung playing the role, but that doesn’t change the fact that it was uncomfortable. The romantic dynamic just didn’t fit and it pulled focus from what could’ve been a much stronger plot.

The second lead’s romance felt like it was just thrown in for the sake of it. The whole subplot seemed forced and felt more like filler than anything that genuinely connects to the main plot to add value. It just wasn’t needed at all. Also the twist with the detective was interesting but again lazy writing that confuses more than it summarises.

Acting wise, I do feel the actors across the board did a decent job but I wouldn’t say it was anything super memorable. With what they had, it was okay but not something that sticks out.

On the plus side, the cinematography is solid and there are moments where the direction really stands out. Some of the visuals do a good job of setting the whole mood. It’s honestly one of the few things that kept me engaged when the story felt like it wasn't ending.
The direction is decent, but it doesn’t do enough to fix how slow everything feels. There are a few tense moments which absolutely intrigued me but they were rare. The visuals catch the eye, but they can't make up for the lack of momentum in the plot.

Overall, while the concept had promise, the execution didn’t live up to expectations. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you are willing to overlook the pacing issues or are a fan of the actors.

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The ship didn't just sink, it imploded under the weight of its own melodrama and bad writing!

The central plot of the drama revolves around trauma and its handling, set against the backdrop of a war zone in Eastern countries. However, it failed to evoke any emotions in me and just felt bland and boring.
The only saving grace, which is why it even gets a 6, is thanks to Benjamin and Saxin, who helped me sail through all 38 episodes of this aesthetically pleasing mess!

For a drama where trauma is the main plot, there was no real sense of warmth, depth or emotional resonance.
At first, it gave off the impression of aiming for something deep and thoughtful, but it quickly lost its way. The plot meandered aimlessly, leaving what should have been powerful moments feeling strangely flat and forgettable.

FL Song Ran was supposed to be a reporter, but she spent more time doing everything except her actual job. It was hard to believe how she was just wandering around and taking pictures in a war zone army base, it just felt completely out of place. Most of the time, all I saw was her trailing behind the male lead.

ML Li Zan's character left me with mixed feelings. I appreciated how the show portrayed his trauma and the denial he was stuck in, it felt raw, real and authentic. However, as time went on, it seemed like his reluctance to open up was more about convenience than anything else. The constant addition of trauma without any real growth or resolution made it feel like there was no light at the end of his tunnel.

I am a fan of both the actors, but I just couldn’t feel any chemistry between them. Maybe it was because their romance developed in so many illogical situations like having a heart to heart conversations on the bomb site before even getting medical aid , that it felt hard to buy into.

Most of the drama was set in a war zone, but the seriousness , urgency and consequences of it were largely missing throughout especially in the first half. The logic was often flawed and there were many instances that could have been fixed if they paid a little attention to detail. For example, why were people moving so freely in the war zone? Why were people just lying down and hugging when there had been a bomb blast only minutes before and why couldn't they do that in hospital to make more sense ?

When it comes to handling PTSD, don’t get me wrong - they did attempt to show the real vulnerabilities, denial and the struggles people face after being in such a traumatic environment. However, the portrayal became a repetitive cycle, with no significant character growth. It doesn’t make sense to me that after 8 episodes of dealing with the issue, there was still no real development.
You would expect them to be open and communicate with each other, especially after everything they’ve been through together. But no, we are still stuck in that non-communicative phase, where life-threatening and life-changing decisions are made without even informing the other person.
In real life, while PTSD can have long-lasting effects, people do tend to make progress over time, whether in small steps or through moments of realization. The drama's absolute refusal to allow characters to experience this type of growth feels unrealistic, as it disregards the possibility of healing and moving forward.

At one point, the hero complex from both of them actually diminished the impact of those serious scenes!

Acting wise both the leads did a good job with what was given to them. Chen Zhe Yuan can act and time and again, he shows that! Liang Jie did a great job too but CZY stole the stage when vulnerable scenes were on the screen!
The emotional scenes were executed well ( the man cries so pretty) but the problem wasn't the acting but the writing!

Now coming to the good part, Benjamin and Saxin ! This was a perfect enemies to lovers trope! The constant bickering , the eye contacts , the jealousy, the unwavering trust and support for each other was just the chef's kiss.If the drama had focused more on them or given them even half the screen time, I would have rated it much higher.
Censorship wants you to think it is brotherhood, but they ain't fooling us. Initially I thought it was me who was on team delusion, but they kept hinting us that we weren't wrong. They know what they are doing ! They know we know what they are doing ! Everything is out there yet still between the lines. We need a masterclass so that we can have those shelved dramas out !

I want to keep this review spoiler free but let's just say the ending was just bizzare and lazy writing. It was as if they ran out of ideas to how to make this mess right which they made, grabbed the nearest piece of paper, scribbled something random, and called it a day.

Overall, this drama was incredibly disappointing and fell flat despite its ambitious premise. It seemed to aim for something grand, but ultimately, it failed to deliver. The plot lacked depth and the pacing dragged, making it hard to stay engaged. It was a slow burn with little payoff, leaving much to be desired and leaving me feeling bored.

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Season 2 said I will do better and it did (for the most part)!

In times when season 2 usually ends up being a disappointment, this one was actually better than its predecessor. The story was stronger, the acting by both leads improved, and their communication and chemistry were far better. The only thing that disappointed me was Shirasaki 2.0. His problem wth an inferiority complex with Hayama was almost the same or a little better if I am being nice. And I might have been okay with it, but he sort of projected on Hayama and it entirely didn't sit right with me.

Season 2 starts with Hayama and Shirasaki in their dating era when they are not working on the same set together. The narrative explores the difficulty of being in a relationship under the constant pressure and scrutiny in the entertainment industry, issues of professional ambition, jealousy and personal insecurities that arise when private relationships intersect with public careers. And for the most part, it did manage to do it.

Starting with the characters, Asami Hayama is the kind of character who feels too much but only lets very little slip through. At first glance, he is a perfect example of calm and composed and someone who has life in control. But once you dare to look past that exterior, he is fighting his own demons. His internal conflicts shape him in meaningful ways, both good and bad. While I acknowledge that he withheld emotions to a fault, however, this also gives him a certain steadiness. He isn't impulsive with emotions.

Shirasaki had its moments, but overall it was a hit-and-miss for me. Starting with the positives, his acting journey was impressive. He is new to acting world and the way he adapted and was more open to feelings than career-hardened characters was nice. What I have complaints about from him is being Hayama's boyfriend and that inferiority complex from season 1. This whole 'I need to prove myself or qualify to stand beside someone who already treasured him without conditions' didn't work for me. This race in his mind made him look fragile and insecure and in all the wrong ways.
I supported his outburst but the way it was delivered nullified the impact and effect of it. The way he projected his insecurities and made it about him rather than considering or understanding Hayama's feelings rubbed me the wrong way. I guess they say it right, words matter but so does the tone.

Coming to the chemistry, it was way better than Season 1 and it shines brightly in some moments. There were fewer communication gaps and internal monologues. They had their sweet soft moments where all the colours shine, whether it is attraction, fear or longing. It might be more enjoyable for me due to them being an established couple this season. I would have liked more moments of them together, digging deeper into their relationship and themselves a bit more.

Acting-wise, both the leads were really good. Nihara Taisuke, as Shirasaki benefited the most with BL under the BL concept. Komagine Kiita was good too. I enjoyed the role of Kuroki Keita, played by Natsuki Omi. Shoma was better than the previous season but we have a long way to go for him.

Production and cinematography were beautiful and clean. I liked the set design and overall, it elevated the tone of the story. I loved the close-ups and directing sequences. Another plus point from a visual perspective was the shift from their in-drama characters to their “real-life” versions (still on screen, of course xD) was surprisingly smooth.

Overall, while it is not perfect with pacing a bit slow in the middle, it was definitely an enjoyable watch. Even though the leads fumble their way sometimes, their relationship feels grounded in real human flaws. I would recommend it if you liked season 1 because it was better than that in my books!

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Tender beginnings, hasty goodbyes!

This Chinese BL drama had a bit of a rocky start to the screen, getting cancelled before it was eventually picked up and aired. Felt like a win! Despite its troubled start, it still managed to pull me in with its raw performances.

The chemistry between the main leads Qi Lu and Qin Xiao, was evident from the very first episode. Their struggles and sacrifices for each other were portrayed with great sensitivity considering how the drama handled the difficult themes with grace. There’s a subtle yet profound tenderness in their shared moments.

They did a good job of giving both Qi Lu and Qin Xiao well-developed backstories especially Qi Lu’s traumatic experiences with his abusive father and Qin Xiao’s longing for a family. These aspects were explored thoughtfully, allowing us to really grasp the emotional weight and baggage each character carried around.
In the initial episodes, the moments were nuanced and carefully built giving the story that depth and authenticity but as the drama progressed, the pacing seemed to speed up. This abrupt shift made the character arcs feel incomplete. The slower, more thoughtful exploration of their struggles in the beginning was what made their stories so compelling, but in the end, to me it felt like they didn’t get the conclusion they deserved.

The secondary couple Tan Yin and Liu Ming Yang, add a sort of a unique dynamic to the story. Their relationship develops in a subtle but meaningful way with Tan Yin’s persistence to pursue Liu Ming Yang.
Their interactions felt natural, and them navigating the struggles together was sweet. However, I do feel like their storyline could have been given more depth. The resolution of their arc felt a bit rushed, and it would have been nice to see it explored a little more. At times, their conflicts felt a bit forced, complicating things unnecessarily.

However, it wasn’t without its flaws. The editing felt pretty choppy at times, overall making things feel a bit disconnected. You could also tell the show had a low budget with some of the production values being a bit obvious. But the biggest issue though was how rushed the last few episodes felt. Conflicts popped up out of nowhere and were resolved off-screen which left the ending feeling a little weak. Don’t get me wrong I don’t hate the ending, but given how strong the drama started it definitely felt like it was wrapped up too quickly. It was as if the show tried to tie things up too neatly without fully exploring the emotional implications of everything they'd been through. The way the conflicts were resolved could have been handled much better.

Overall, I will still recommend giving this a watch especially since there aren’t that many Chinese BLs out there. Yes, it has its flaws but the fact that they took a brave shot at something with the censorship around deserves props. If you're into love stories and don’t mind a bit of indie, low-budget vibe then definitely check it out!

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What if I am the change I have been waiting for!

When I read the synopsis, I was expecting a love story across parallel timelines with that 'what if' gimmick, but after finishing it, it has left me with a question or realisation that "What if life doesn't change because the world shifts but because you finally stopped standing in your own way?" Well, rude question but valid! This is a story about choice, stagnation, the cost of staying the same and understanding growth frustratingly requires effort.

The story starts with Kano Akihito emotionally boxed in. He isn't unlikeable but a very passive person. A person who lets life happen around him instead of actively stepping in. I liked how the drama did a good job at showing how that mindset slowly transitions into quiet dissatisfaction, even though nothing is " wrong" yet nothing feels right.

With the frustration, he has shifted to a new world... his ideal world. The ideal world where Kano is expressive, takes accountability, and doesn't wallow in self-pity and avoidance. I liked how this upgrade was handled. It showed that it doesn't matter whether you are in a different world or were given another chance, unless you reset your habits, every world is the same. I might have taken this whole shift too philosophically than intended lol, but it was refreshing to see a plot where you are not rewarded for enduring but rather noticing yourself and prioritising.

Coming to our other lead Ogami, I enjoyed his character too. We didn't get a detailed POV of him, but he is very observant. At first glance, he is like any other office character we have, who is cold, aloof and calm in a dreading way but as we get to see more of him, he is more like quiet, kind and mature. What I liked about him was how he didn't try to change anyone. He tried helping in Kano in the best way he could. Kano and us realised it late.

Moving to romance, I would say this is not a drama you solely watch for romance. It is definitely present but it is not loud. They really had good chemistry and I liked how Ogami didn't act as a saviour or fixer, just nudged Kano when needed. The tension between them comes less from any dramatic misunderstanding but more from emotional hesitation which felt surprisingly real.

That said, it could have benefited from 2 more episodes because the pacing was a bit uneven for all aspects, whether it is romance or the realisation. Some reflection scenes work well, but a few felt very fast-paced. The last episode felt a little too convenient.
Also, the fantasy aspect of drama is more introspective and unexplored. I would advise holding all the theories after episode 1 because that isn't the focus.

Acting-wise, it was a good performance by both the leads. The expressions were on point and in sync with scenes. Production and cinematography were good and it somehow elevated the watching experience. Lighting choices matched the mood of the scenes. Even though there are not too many outdoor shots, the sets felt lived in, like the office. Special mention to the opening OST. Loved it!

Overall, this was a thoughtful watch, or maybe I went too deep into the rabbit hole because of how relatable the struggles were. This will not drown you in over-the-top melodrama or spoon-feed you fluffy romance, but let you sit with some uncomfortable but well known facts that sometimes the only way out of your miseries is change, not external but internal.
Again, not promising a perfect, not life-altering drama considering the run time, but surprisingly reflective. If you are into this, I would definitely recommend this.

Thank you for reading my review and Merry Christmas! <3

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Romance blew the mission and the logic !

The premise of this drama involved secret agents, shady odd jobs and conflicting loyalties when tested. Initially, I thought this would be one of those spy series where the hunter falls for the prey. But this was an unapologetically sappy love story wrapped in a slightly unhinged espionage plot. I was expecting "mission impossible" vibes but make it a BL, but what I got was "mission emotionally compromised".
The above is not technically a complaint because the drama made it clear in episode 1 what it wanted to be.

Our leads Da Hei and Xiao Bai come from two very different worlds and are forced to live together. Da Hei is our neighbourhood hire with a tragic backstory where he is collecting funds for his little sister's treatment.
Xiao Bai comes from a long line of secret agents (family business if you may xD) where expressing emotions is a crime, and he is sent here to spy and report on Da Hei.

But what happens when you put two handsome boys together? We all know the answer!
The romance between them was the highlight for me. They had this awkward adorable chemistry that builds with every episode. There is something very genuine between them that made me actually enjoy this even though the plot seemed to be a bit logically weak.

Coming to the whole spy plot, it was barely convincing. There was no structure or realism. Surveillance tactics were very questionable and it looked more like a dramatic group chat project rather than an investigation by an "intelligence company". It was more of follow your heart and wing it!
I stopped expecting logic from the drama and it made me actually enjoy this but the number of plot holes was amusing at times.

The side characters felt mostly like props to the central romance. I found their presence more situational than essential. Some are tossed in for comedy, some for a little backstory but none of them felt fully emotionally cohesive to the plot.

The acting was decent from both leads and their chemistry was believable. The rest of the cast also did well considering how little they had to offer. The production doesn't look cheap but again could have done more on the spy side to make it more believable.

Overall, this was fun but a mess. Recommended if you don't mind a romcom flimsily disguised as a spy drama and are willing to suspend disbelief and logic while watching.

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