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This review may contain spoilers
Don't watch it! You'll regret it! (This movie doesn't deserve the overall user rating it has)
One word: Rape. Rape that is excused and diminished. It's treated like he just accidentally stepped on him. That's how much they don't care about it and act like it's nothing. Everyone, including the victim, acts like it's something to just move on from and forgive and forget. Not okay! And "cultural differences" is not a valid explanation/excuse. He also almost rapes him a second time!There have been some shows and movies I've watched with some questionable consent scenes. I can dismiss these scenes (majority being kisses obviously) for a lot of shows/movies, because it's questionable AT WORST, they have only completely consensual scenes from then on, and I recognize that it's not real. There have also been some (like Love by Chance) where there is a side couple that has a rape scene and uses it as a romantic trope, which is absolutely gross. I can skip it and watch the other couple/couples and be fine, because they aren't the focus.
This is not the case with this film. This film has one "couple." And it's not questionable consent at all; it's undeniably rape. I couldn't look past it or skip it. This was a waste of my precious time on this earth.
The only thing I'm getting out of watching this is that it was another movie added to my watchlist. That's it. I saw a thing. Unfortunately, it was horrible.
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Blooming like Blueming
The Eighth Sense was a masterful lesson in care and vulnerability that pulled no punches and went all out, not just in terms of outstanding cinematography and immersive storytelling but also diving into the mindset created by depression, trauma, and anxiety as well as the behaviors that result from tackling them alone and with support.The character of Jae Won embodied depression and trauma recovery so well:
Looking out at the world and your own choices from a fishbowl view. What you want to say and do and what you don't become blurred like water. And even being able to see it clearly doesn't mean you can reach out; grasp it. You're sitting outside yourself, numb to the world and unable to express what you truly want to because everything is just so heavy, and how could you drag someone else into that and weigh them down with you?
And then there's someone like Ji Hyun, not a savior or an angel but a person unexpectedly possessing gorgeous boldness and frankness, who understands and even when he doesn't is there to push when the net is wound too tight and listen when it's suffocating but Jae Won needs to undo it alone.
The Eighth Sense is more than a romance. More than a Queer drama. It's cinema at its finest.
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Looks over substance
It looked nice?I can't think of anything else positive to say. Oh! Well, there was a brief side Lesbian couple! Yeah . . . That's all I got *shrugs*
There were itty bitty teensy tiny pieces of a somewhat good drama that could have been. I feel like the writers and directors were really indecisive. They couldn't decide whether to have their characters be toxic and mysterious or sweet and silly. Like, you can have some of both but you have to do it well! Seems like they just couldn't make up their minds let alone execute their vision properly.
And the writing . . . It was just bad.
Another thing, I have to be honest, for the majority of the runtime the acting of the leads . . . Sucked. I generally put the onus on the director[s] for not directing them correctly. But even if they had I still think these actors just didn't know what to do with their faces or hands most of the time.
This is a definite skip from me.
Side Note: Really? The "wife" line again? Can't we let that die already?!
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They tried?
I feel bad that I'm giving it such a low rating. But this just didn't measure up and I have to be honest.I'll try my best to explain why.
The first Color Rush was a combination of light horror and romance. It didn't solve the mystery it introduced, which felt disappointing, but it was great nonetheless.
It knew not to give up absolutely everything about this world with Monos and Probes. And its effects, music, narration, tone, and slow build made it believably "otherworldly." Plus, there was good chemistry between the MLs and a fascinating and twisted balance of power between them. There was mutual feelings and mutual obsession and tension at the mere possibility of them being around each other.
When people saw it they not only wanted the mystery solved/explored they wanted to see more of the unique world they created, right?
This second season fulfilled that wish. Incorrectly. It dumped too much of the world on the viewers and despite being about the same length as the original (about five minutes shorter each episode) constantly rushed through everything. There was no time to process, it was, "Let's get to the next scene." And, the action was weak, there wasn't any believable tension or weight to the story or characters' actions, sets and effects looked too cheap, and the writing wasn't up to par. Not to mention the ML didn't act like his character would have in his situation. I would expect him to have done something rash and/or be wallowing in misery. Rather than that, he seemed just a bit upset and to be going about life fine. Where was the despair? The agony?
And of course, writing out the other ML was the biggest reason this failed. But, we all knew that.
All in all, I'm disappointed but not surprised.
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This review may contain spoilers
Tumbling down a rabbit hole of problems
Was it warm and healing as advertised?Not really, no.
This drama was at its best when it had this just-go-with-the wind vibe. But, for some reason, they decided to throw in a bunch of out-of-nowhere tragedies and drama that eventually took over and left warmth and healing on the backburner.
And while the ML was being sweet and thoughtful the FL was letting herself be walked over by others to an annoying degree. I can take slow growth in a drama, that's fine. But she actually didn't change in that respect. Also, the prominent excusing/dismissal of abuse left a bad taste in my mouth, tainting a lot of my attempts to enjoy Summer Strike.
I don't know, I guess I just expected more; which is funny because I started this drama on a whim.
Do I recommend watching it? If you're looking for more kind MLs, sure. Otherwise, this might be one to skip.
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Deserves Horny Jail
I have to admit, I got my hopes up a bit in the beginning with this one. At the very least, it seemed much more promising than other Thai/Korean crossovers. No magic translating earbuds or conveniences in sight! Sangmin understood a fair amount of Thai and Dinneaw undertood a tiny bit of Korean. It worked!But, God, did this oh-so-quickly give me major tonal whiplash. One moment it was super sweet and the next it was uncharacteristically crass and, to put it plainly, SO horny.
To paint a picture for you: one moment two side characters are finally addressing their feelings, the next they're in nothing but their underwear and the camera is too comfy.
Also, tell me why so much time is spent on side characters we barely know at all uncomfortably smashing over and over again. Why? What happened to the plot or the leads? Does anyone care?!
*sigh*
Why did I put myself through this?
Just skip it and save yourself. Even if you're looking for a "spicy watch," trust me, this is not what you're looking for, darling.
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You won't be able to respond normally to hearing the word "sunny" ever again
Well, this was a weird but fun watch that could only come from Japan!I really liked how, when it came down to it, this was about two kind-of-kinky people who just hadn't had a proper conversation with each other about where they're at in their relationship, with one lead being terribly dense and unwilling/anxious to fully voice his desires and concerns and the other being forward physically all the while desperately craving simple but meaningful things from his lover: quality time together outside of sex, being relied on, being greeted at the door, and verbal expressions of affection.
All in all, I would recommend this sometimes frustrating drama.
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A drama sure to check off many people's boxes for their "ideal type" of drama
This was such a refreshing firework of a drama! The two leads, in particular, made it crazy fun to watch with their so-far-out-there-they-might-as-well-be-floating-in-space personalities that were only heightened when they shared the same air. And they were consistently predictable yet unpredictable, leaving me either correct in my predictions while also being pleasantly befuddled at the path taken or both puzzled beyond belief and amused. Meanwhile, the side couple offered something unique with the often overlooked issue of financial inequality in a relationship and the myriad of ways it can affect it, including self-inflicted shame, pressure, and guilt.It was a true delight tuning into Boys Be Brave. I highly recommend giving it a go! Especially if you're into "quirky" characters and dramas.
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Kabe-Koji-Nekoyashiki-kun Desires to Be Recognized
23 people found this review helpful
Comedy over Romance
It's kooky in a good way. I agree with other MDLers in that this reminded me of A Man Who Defies the World of BL. It's got a similar style.I had some laughs and it's fun and all . . . But the build to a romance wasn't done very well, in my opinion.
I would say you will enjoy this more if going into it you view it as a slice-of-life-ish-comedy rather than a romance.
Side Thoughts: I thought it was neat and unique of this drama to reverse the trope of BL writers being women who just have some obsession with writing about Gay guys in a stereotypical/unrealistic fashion and make it be an actual Gay man doing it.
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Left Wanting . . .
A longing that in its infancy couldn't be realized. Brimming over with desire and shame, The Time of Fever captured the curiosity, confusion, and fear that often come with the experience of young love for Queer people. Chosen isolation, violent battles waged alone in your mind, denial, hesitant steps forward before sprinting away, jealousy, and parental abuse/distance.The cinematography and sound design lent themselves to becoming the two MLs' senses, directing our attention to where their attention was. When Dong Hee picks up on Ho Tae's breathing and everything else goes quiet, when in a tension-filled moment, after allowing his gaze to linger, Ho Tae notices Dong Hee's eyes nervously flitting away from his own. The overwhelming grip of Ho Tae's hand on Dong Hee's shoulder, the taste of citrus on Dong Hee's tongue, and the scent of rain surrounding them and soaking both their clothes.
I was beckoned in and captured. Every moment was raw and real enough to make my own breath stop or send a shiver down my spine.
The only reason I considered giving this less than a 10/10 is because it sparked a longing in ME for more.
What are you doing? Go watch it!
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They got their "Happy Merry Ending," but what about the viewer?
This was just a mess, plain and simple.First off, this should have been a movie. The pacing would still be absolutely ridiculous, but at least not as noticeable as in drama format. Not to mention, the characters' conflicts and feelings come and go whenever necessary but not in any flowing or sensical way.
Really, only these positives come to mind: The leads' pretty faces, nice singing voices, and good kissing scenes. Nothing else.
Near the end, I felt so detached I would liken it to the experience of an AI robot trying to understand human emotions.
I honestly wonder if they made this just for the OST; otherwise, I can't see a point in its existence.
This is definitely a skip, my friends. I finished it only because I felt obligated to.
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Falling crazily in love with Hidden Love
Where do I even begin? I mean, MDLers far and wide got to witness my complete meltdown from heart palpitations while watching this drama. I could not keep it together to save my life! Don't look at me! Pay no attention to the Noir under the blanket, giggling and screeching at 11:30 p.m.!The way their relationship and feelings slowly shifted and developed over time was so lovely, sweet, and respectful. My heart felt full. I truly watched them grow as people and as a couple, supporting and protecting each other. I can see them teasing each other and leaning close, wrapping their arms around each other, looking for comfort after a long day many years later.
I would be remiss not to mention how much I appreciated and liked how the drama started with Sang Zhi having a harmless crush as a child with no sign of Duan Jia Xu noticing, let alone influencing her to like him romantically. Can we say easily non-problematic? Yes! We like that.
Not to mention, their relationship dynamic was simply overflowing with caring and joy from caring for the other person. Let me also just say that Duan Jia Xi was so attentive and proactive in how he pursued Sang Zhi once he finally did. He put himself forward, yes, but respected any boundaries she set. Likewise, Sang Zhi wanted him to open up to her but never truly pushed for him to explain everything he went through to her. This is what we call mutual respect and understanding.
Also, just a side note: THE CONSENT?! I perish! Not only did Duan Jia Xi ask for consent just to hold her hand—excuse me while I shove my pillow in my face and scream—Sang Zhi also asked for consent and regularly checked in and expressed her desires and comfortableness despite her nerves.
In conclusion, I fell absolutely madly in love with this couple's love. If you are wary of C-Dramas like I have been in the past, are a slow-burn romance lover, and/or simply want to watch something light and fairly low-angst, give this a chance.
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She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat Season 2
16 people found this review helpful
Smiling over a meal
Our lovely ladies returned in this second season to grace our screens with the sweet development of their relationship, their own personal challenges and moments of growth, the meeting of new supportive and heart-warming friends, and even more delicious meals.I know last season I begged for a second season but, now, I'm begging for a third. Pleeeeeeeeease!
If you're not watching this, what are you doing?! Do you not like JOY?!
. . .
Did I mention there's rare Ace rep?
Just go watch it, you fool! I will be over here, crying over my coffee, blessing Furritsubs for allowing me to watch this with subs.
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Emerging from Darkness
From this drama's intro, the tone was set. This wasn't going to be some simple romance with a love square.It was an intricately tangled, suffocating spider's web with Da On at the center of it all, fighting to free himself, all the while twisting into it more and more.
His all-consuming fear, confusion, indecision, heartbreak, anger, strength, and hope were portrayed as such visceral and vivid emotions I felt I was right there frozen, shaking, crying, screaming, and smiling with him.
With nothing more than the look in their eyes, I understood every character's motivation.
The attention to detail in this was striking.
And it dared to be more.
It unapologetically dove into physical and emotional abuse, manipulation, trauma, codependency, and self-blame. It framed the toxicity and harm our main ML experienced/was experiencing as horrifying as it is in reality. While others in the drama pointed accusing fingers at Da On, Secret Relationships didn't.
We heard his story from his perspective and got to see him slowly find it within himself to save and value himself and go after his own happiness.
It is a thoroughly engaging but not generally pleasant watch. If you are in a good place, I more than recommend it.
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Well-meaning but not always well-executed
As someone who adored the film adaptation and has gone back to it again and again and again, this was pretty darn faithful, showing how one meaningful connection can expand someone's world and how all you really need is one person to see and understand you, just one.I liked how this Taichi showed more of an interest in Kohei right off the bat, which led to some lovely, thoughtful moments. And Kohei was more forward with his feelings in his own way. However, over time, I did begin to feel like the drama was dragging its feet. By making Taichi more attached to Koehi but also more dense, there was this constant circling around his feelings. And while I, of course, was happy to see them explore hearing loss and the different perspectives and struggles of people who are deaf/hard of hearing, I think it took away valuable time that could have been spent with Taichi and Kohei. While they focused on Taichi's passion for making a better world/helping others, Kohei ended up taking a backseat. Some later episodes had barely any scenes of Taichi and Kohei together, let alone from Kohei's point of view.
The ending also didn't quite sit right. While it did its job and was sweet, it felt rushed and lacking.
I think this drama wanted to be bigger than it was and lost itself a bit.
I wasn't disappointed, per se; I just think they could have done more.
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