Nyy010

Dusty Dark Sci Fi

I'm always a fan of You Seok, so that's what prompted me to give this short series a look. I must say, the acting of his was great, plus the rest of the cast as well, but this series took several episodes to really get into it. The story was a but confusing at the beginning, plus the tone of the lighting, atmosphere and scenery were tough to enjoy at times. You felt like you had to wash your hair after watching it for too long. I understand why it had to be viewed in such a way, making the story more believable ... which eventually it does become just that, indeed.
For me, the last two episodes saved the series. Things play out in a way to make for an enjoyable watch over the last 90 or so minutes. The antagonist, Ryu Seok, who you really despise, end up exactly as he should. Seung Heon plays a great role to hate.
A good Sci-fi overall.

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Season 2???

Starting out watching this BL, it seemed like a good story, but it definitely lacked a larger cast. It appeared to be just these three, sometimes four people walking around this entire campus. No one else anywhere. I think that might have helped make it a more interesting drama. Nothing against the main cast, Dong Ho & Byeong Hoon paired well together as a couple. In fact, the later you got into the short series, the more interesting and believable it became. Episode 6 was the best one of the series ... but then ??????
What happened???? We're left hanging, literally like hitting a brick wall and fade out!!
Looking forward to hopefully a season 2.

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extremely dark and gets darker as the series advances ...

This was overall a good drama. It had the potential of being a great series, but with an early departure of the main character, it kind of lost something. I'm probably a bit bias, because I'm a big fan of Jung Hyun. He gives such a strong performance in this, he can make you laugh and he can make you cry!! The entire supporting cast is great as well.
The early episodes really grab you into a great story line that continues through two dozen episodes. It really is pure enjoyment watching this play out, but the major events that take place in episode 25 really change the direction and feel of the series.
I read the medical reasons Jung Hyun had to leave the series, and I think the writers do a good job at writing a new ending to explain his departure, but it does kind of lose it a bit for me in the last five or six episodes. It gets extremely dark and somewhat depressing to watch. It's not the kind of series you would watch to cheer yourself up or brighten your day.
Ji Hyun says a line toward the end that kind of sums up everything this drama is about ... "Those precious to us, those whom we love, in the end we all leave someone behind"

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Every Beginning requires some sort of collison

We're basically following three relationships orbiting each other's universe ...(that sentence makes sense after watching the series).
I must say, I thought the first six episodes were very well written and performed ... secret feelings toward someone else, but never the courage to speak up about it. Hui Su in love with his best friend is a classic theme in these stories. Naturally, his friend Chan Yeong as no clue about it. Once Seung Won gets involved in the story, that sends another story in the mix. He now loves Hui Su, but keeps this a secret from him literally to the very end.
It was kind of entertaining watching all the misunderstanding going on, back & forth ... back & forth ... back & forth ...
BUT then ... it started becoming too many back & forth.!!
By episode 7 it's kind of exhausting watching the miscommunication between all the main characters. The very last episode resolves all the stories going on, but it seemed kind of rushed in episode 10 to correct everything. I think between episode 7-9 they could have shaved out so much slow time and given more to the happy endings that occur quickly at the very end.
There are some very good scenes later in this drama, especially when Hei Su finally tells his long time best friend, Chan Yeong how he has felt toward him. It's a strong scene between the two of them. Ji Ho definitely gives a strong performance, both comedic & dramatic.
I think the once lesson you can take away from this series is a line delivered during the narration from Hui Su ... "Don't hesitate, the time given to us is nothing more than a fleeting moment"

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Slow start, but great finish

This was a series that you needed to allow time for it to take off. The first few episodes had a slow start and it was kind of difficult to really get involved in it. Being a big fan of Dong Wook, I gave it the extra time to see what happened. I'm definitely glad I did. Around episode 5 it really became quite enjoyable and by episode 9 it was addicting to watch, wondering how things would play out with all the protagonists in this series.
Wookie was completely on his acting game in this comedy/drama and was a great match up with Joo Bin. They had great comedic & dramatic scenes throughout this series, both with perfect timing toward each other. I thought Kwang Soo & Da Hee were a bit awkward with a believable relationship for most of the series, but fixed that problem as you went into the final few episodes. It eventually does work for them on screen. The couple I thought was absolutely fantastic was A Yeong & Ung Sik. This was such an innocent and sweet duo. Hyeon Su, having never seen him act before, brought a lot to this supporting role he played, giving lots of funny moments whenever he was in a scene. He definitely has a bright future ahead.
The one actor that really shined brightly was Kim Won Hae. He's been in so many great series over the years and I think this was one of his best performances.
Over all, it was a good series and I thought the ending was a great finish along with a great cast.

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Better than expected ...

After the incredible season one, it was always difficult for the continuing seasons to get high marks. I do think that season three proves itself worthy for a high score. In my opinion it was definitely better than season 2. The kids games used as sadistic weapons with the players were a good choice this time around, from Hide & Seek to Jump Rope. I think the most bizarre twist was the addition of a baby added during the game. That proved to be a bit twisted and problematic, especially for the surviving players.
I think the VIP group left a lot to be desired. I didn't care too much for them this time around. I thought the VIP's from season one were a much better fit for the series. That was definitely a negative for season three.
Reading some of the reviews, I see people were really a bit harsh, particularly toward the ending. I'm not sure what a better ending would have been. I was a bit disappointed in the way the two protagonists, #333 & #456 met their ending, but I thought Si Wan and Jung Jae did a great job with their characters. You knew it couldn't end happy ever after, so it was not so shocking that everyone dies. I was just hoping for the best for the two of them, which unfortunately didn't happen. The usual antagonists met their fate with some wicked death scenes, which of course they deserved. You were counting the minutes for #100 & #203 to get "eliminated".
Jun Ho seemed to be the one character with the happy ending, and why not ... after all, Ha Joon has been dragging his character through hell and back for three season, trying to get back to the island. That was the one bright spot at the conclusion. He even brought out the best in his brother, with his decision for the baby and the baby's winnings. Good for him!!!
I guess the final scene with In Ho (Brung Hun) leaves the window open a crack for a season four in the United States???
I guess we'll wait and see.

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Good Story, but Really Could Have Been Great With A Few Changes

I really bonded with this story from the first few minutes of episode 1. Shuichiro & Toshiki had such an instant chemistry together that it became extremely enjoyable to watch the innocence and shyness overtake the relationship they were trying to build. Both actors did an incredible job at creating awkwardness in each scene. All of us knowing how they were both head over heels in love with the other person, but unable to express it.
I think the last two episodes reduced this series from great down to good. When Jun returns to Japan a year later it's a bit disappointing how this is handled with the writing. Watching Episode 7 & 8 felt like I was at the dentist getting teeth pulled.
To no fault of the protagonists in this, they did a great job, but the writing seemed to drag things out too long and then rushed them quickly at the very end.
Thankfully this drama is saved by the last couple of minutes. The final scenes, right down to the final seconds, it does save this series, making it a good one and overall is was very enjoyable in watching.

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It's a good series, just give it time

After the first couple of episodes I never thought I'd be writing a positive review for this series. I kept asking myself if this was a comedy rather than a drama. I thought about giving up on the remaining episodes several times, because it just didn't seem to be going anywhere worth watching.
Episode 9 changed my entire view of the series. From the revelations that happen in this episode and right through episode 16, this finally became a very good, at times excellent drama. The story loses its silly tone and takes a serious and very interesting direction. So, stick with it, you'll be glad you did.
Young Jae & Kim Song do pair well together ... not as husband & wife, but as two friends, eventually as close as brothers. It's a good match up. The supporting cast of mostly women from the village are a good back up at times with comedic roles in scenes, just when you need a good laugh.
The ending works rather well, just as you would have hoped for. Overall, an entertaining series.

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Epic Tale of Love, Murder & Revenge

After watching this epic tale, it felt like it was split into three parts, the first few episodes definitely had more light humor and a bit of drama as foundation of the story and characters were being built. As the series advanced into the middle part of the episodes, so many plot twists began to emerge from past to present. At times it became a bit overwhelming, but it made you really pay attention to see how they were all going to link up together. The last few episodes became much more intense and a bit dark at times. When the truth starts to emerge as to the true identity of each person, that's when our four protagonists begin to go against each other.
In Hyuk was just great as Eun Ho/Mu Yeong. He could show a sweet side, but had a commanding lead when he needed it. It was definitely a great match up with Deok Su. There were interesting scenes between the two of them, especially when Eun Ho thought Deok Su was a man, but still found himself feeling an attraction in the relationship.
Go Su Ra was a very important character, but maybe a bit underrated in the story. Jae Chan was perfect with this role, playing the extremely good guy throughout the series, but showing some muscle and integrity at several important parts later in the story. To me, definitely the biggest shift in a character was Jun Hwa, played by Gun Joo. He was masterful at showing a gentle caring side of his character and then quickly transformed himself into a depraved psycho. That was probably the darkest part of the series. I think the only thing the series lacked was the retribution for the evil characters. Usually we're used to seeing them face their punishment rather harshly in the final episodes, but most of them were either killed off too easily or some died off camera, not even seeing them perish.
I thought the final scenes of the four main players made for a really good ending, showing the happiness they all deserved and the close friendship they all shared. What Deok Su says holding the golden keys earlier in that episode kind of applies to the ending...... "Having only half is utterly futile, being united multiplies our joy"
GREAT SERIES!

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How Misunderstandings Can Change Someone's Life Forever

After the first episode I really had a strong dislike for Jin Hwan, but I have to say, watching the next few episodes, I was never so wrong about a protagonist like I was about this character. Without giving too much away, don't judge the early relationship of Jin Hwan & Min Jun without seeing all the facts play out in later episodes. It shows how misunderstandings can lead to so much unnecessary despair.
Having a complete change of heart toward Seung Ha's character, I honestly felt he was the best thing to ever happen to Min Jun. He truly had a deep love toward him. Jong Hyeok does a great job at being miserable, but it does get a bit tedious watching him in agony episode after episode. His reasoning for not allowing Jin Hwan back into his life becomes annoying. Thankfully, the persistence of Jin Hwan proves beneficial to make a happy ending. The special episode 7 wasn't too necessary, considering how episode 6 ended, but it does cement a satisfying relationship with these two characters.

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Surprisingly Great

When I was about 10 minutes into episode one I asked myself why I was watching such a stupid series ... but that quickly changed for the better. This really turned out to be a well written & acted drama. I actually wish is was more than six episodes, because by the last episode it was really so enjoyable watching things play out between these to characters.
I must admit, it becomes extremely dark with the story line about half way through the series, bringing out some good acting by Shuhei & Takuya. Although very unlikely in the beginning, these two actors blended well together on screen, making for an unusual but believable bromance.
In the final episode, it is a bit heartbreaking with what transpires, but the very last minute of the series gives a brilliant & satisfying ending. It definitely leaves a smile on your face!

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Good & caring BL

The story is a pretty decent one, as is the acting in this BL. I think there could have been more of a story to give a deeper depth to the characters before they met. Keito & Jyutaro do a great job blending together throughout this drama. In fact, of all the bl series I've seen, I don't know if you'll ever see a more adorable, gentle & caring sex scene then the one shown during the later part of episode 8. It really showed the tenderness they felt toward each other and it helped culminate the entire series between the two. It's a series with not too much drama, but just enough to make it work.
An enjoyable series that could have had a little more length to it.

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Adorable Coming Of Age BL

Although a relatively short series, this really innocent BL drama was extremely enjoyable. I think melodrama would be a better category, because it was an innocent coming of age that was sweet to see it transpire across the five episodes. The way this series begins, you kind of get a quick look at Amane being rather experienced physically & emotionally with men, but meeting Ryuji, that soon changes. Both lead roles, Hyuga Wataru & Okura Takato give us a sweet, sometimes bashful performance toward each other, making for a genuine first love encounter.
I think the writers do a great job in the final episode in showing us how Amane is dealing with waiting out the summer not seeing or hearing from Ryuji ... but then toward the end of that episode they reverse the story and show us what Ryuji was going through not seeing or speaking to Amane during the same time, showing us how much they do in fact care for each other.
It made for a great ending and a really nice feel good story.

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Things definitely happen for a reason ...

This turned out to be a really good story, one about how fate always plays a part in life. Two people that really needed each other to fill the void in their lives are brought together just because of a simple mistake on a text address.
I think the way the writers brought them to finally realize who was speaking on the other end of texting was brilliant. It happened at the end of episode 3 and it really was a priceless moment. By the time they finally meet, they both know more about each other than the people they actually live with. It really was great how this played out.
Muto Jun & Ato Ashai was a perfect fit for each character they were portraying. The all important episode 5 shows this when they give each other what they have both been missing in their lives.
It's a bit of a dark drama at times, especially when it's revealed what secret Sei's roommate has been concealing from him all this time, but there are very tender moments in this series as well.
Overall, a very enjoyable drama that takes it to the final seconds of the last episode in giving us the happy conclusion we were hoping for. Thumbs up!!!!

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