Great acting to match a great story
Watching the very beginning, I wasn't sure I was going to stick with it. There are several scenes that are a bit difficult to watch with the school bullying early on, however, once you get into the heart of the story, the major transformation of the characters is unbelievable to watch. You can easily feel yourself go from anger to laughter to sadness in a short period of time.Yoon Chan Young is so fantastic from start to finish in this role or actually duel roles that he plays. It's a very impressive acting performance. Bong Jae Hyun gives a great performance as well.
Without giving a spoiler, the ending can be taking either a positive or negative way, depending how you're feeling at the moment you watch it, but overall I think the ending worked really well.
This series definitely shows the meaning of true friendship and how important a role real friends play in life.
An absolute must watch feel good series!!
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Kingdom 4: Return of the Great General
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The Greatest Japanese Series Continues ...
Just by saying this is one of the greatest series I ever watched ... it doesn't explain how great it is. It's really difficult to put into words unless you watch it!!! This being the forth installment, you'd think it would start to lose its appeal. That couldn't be further from the truth. I think this may be the best one so far, and that's saying a lot, because the previous three were absolutely fantastic. If you didn't see the prequels, you may not totally appreciate this fourth part, but you'd still enjoy it as an extremely entertaining movie. It gives you great protagonists, wicked evil antagonists and lots of wonderful side stories in between.I've always been an enormous fan of Kento Yamazaki, not just from this series, but from so many other great projects he's been involved with ... but this one by far, being his best work. He gives such a commanding performance as Shin, it's really incredible to watch. He makes it look easy, but you know it wasn't. Kento truly steals every scene he's in with his brilliant acting. Behind him is also an unbelievable supporting cast. Takao Osawa playing the mighty General Ohki and Ryo Yoshizawa as King Eisei lead the rest of the brilliant characters in this series.
It's an exhausting two and a half hours, because the excitement never slows from the very first minute right through to the end as the credits roll.
I think if I have to find one negative ..... it would be that we have to wait to see the continuation in Kingdom 5. Just the way part 4 ends, it leaves you with such anticipation for part 5 to begin.
Way to go Yamaken !!! Can't wait to see you bring back Shin again.
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It gets better as it went along ...
This series took awhile for me to get hooked on it. after the initial episode, everything seemed to get so complicated and crowded with sub plots & new antagonists. I found myself really having to work in following the story. Though episode 4 the direction of this horror series seemed to be a bit confusing ... and then, it was like a new series.The last three episodes were fantastic, the story became intense, and the acting matched it as well.
Joo Hyuk became the protagonist to root for. His character became much more likable toward the end rather than he was in the beginning. Even Yoon Seo's character of Saeng Gang had a turn around by the end. I really found her character annoying early on, but the two main protagonists blended well together, giving us a great finish.
I almost gave up on it a few times through the early episodes, but I'm glad I stuck with it. It turned out to be a pretty good series.
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underrated, but too short a series!
This was definitely a dark toned and depressing series. It does have a very good story plot to it, but I think it might have been a bit better with a larger cast.I'm a very avid fan of Hyun Joong, whether it be his acting or music ... and he definitely does not disappoint with his performance. It kind of reminds me of a past movie he did called Indian Pink. Just like that movie, he pretty much does a "one man show", carrying most of the dialogue throughout the four part episodes. He's dealing with the loss of a loved one and he truly makes you feel you're right there with him, walking through a lost state of mind, trying to find himself.
Overall, it's entertaining to watch, but I just think the potential was there for an even greater series, had a larger supporting cast been introduced along the way. There's only so much one person can do, being on the screen every minute of the drama.
You kind of realize the direction the series is heading by the third installment, so it's not too surprising how it ends up.
Nevertheless ... Hyun Joong gives a great performance, but be warned ... it's not a series to watch if you need cheering up!
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Not a good start but a great finish
I must admit, I almost stopped watching this series during the third episode. It was really difficult to get through, because both protagonists were very unlikable, each for different reasons. One was a spineless coward and the other was an obnoxious bully. ...BUT, thankfully I stuck with it. By episode 4 things started to change for the better. Yes, it does bring the BL theme front and center, but the character became so much more enjoyable to watch and the chemistry between these two really became a strong point of the drama.
Si Woo & Yoon Sik give it their all and give some very provocative scenes together, delivering not the usual hugs & kisses many BL's throw at us, but rather some rough sex they make look very believable.
The story matches the acting, very in depth with a good supporting cast and a few sub plots that add to the main story.
Definitely one of the better BL's of 2026!!
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Great story, but lacks chemistry!
Overall this is series is a bit underrated. I admit, the first two episodes were somewhat annoying. This was due to the fact that the characters introduced were really not likable in any way. I found that two of the three protagonists just had no personality ... but Na In Woo saved this series for me. Kaya Kiyohara and Ryo Narita really didn't add too much for the entertainment, at least early on. Their characters just seemed so boring and no chemistry toward each other at all.In Woo's characters brought life to the series. And although So Ha doesn't appear to be a nice guy early on, give it time. He proves to be the most down to earth, positive guy in the story.
By the time episode 4 happens, we're introduced to some new antagonists and several sub plots to the main story. It gets so much better from that point on. As you get deep into the drama, everything really gels together, making for a pretty entertaining series. I think the only complaint late in the story would be, the fact the true antagonists really don't get the retribution they deserve. They're treated to kindly. I guess if it was a darker series, they might have seen a more harsh punishment.
All in all. it was good entertainment, and gave us an ending that was very satisfying.
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Really slow moving ...
I did watch the entire series, but at times it was very difficult to stay with it. It's basically watching the female protagonist's diary play out on screen. As she makes each entry on a new relationship, that's another episode! She shows herself to have a real problem with what a relationship is all about. Finding the right person seems an impossible task, and when she does find the right man ... she cheats on him like crazy.Hana Sugisaki must have gained weight during this production ... her character never stops eating. I mean, if you like watching someone eat, this series is for you. Practically every scene involved her eating a meal with someone or by herself. Breakfast at home, lunch at cafes, dinner at restaurants, a late meal at a bar with drinks. It's just non stop eating, and not the kind of stuff where the food is in front of her, but mouthful after mouthful in between dialogue. It either makes you hungry or makes you nauseous.
Nevertheless ... there were some interesting points during the series, so I found myself wanting to continue to watch, just to see how it all played out. In the end it kind of finishes up the way you expected it to, no real surprises. I wouldn't give it high marks, but the acting is very real and genuine, so definitely thumbs up to the actors.
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New Meaning to the phrase "Two-Faced"
This really turned out to be a much better series than I anticipated. While I've been a fan of Ren Nagase, I wasn't sure how he'd be at a darker bad guy this time around. He was great at this role. The leading cast clicked exceptionally well, too. Ryohei Suzuki matches perfectly with Erika Toda. I can't call a specific actor the protagonist or antagonist, cause there's so many character changes with the same faces, it makes it difficult, but it definitely pulls you into it from the very first episode. By the end of episode 3, we're left with so many questions, it truly becomes one of the best mystery dramas this year. From that point on, everything just kicks into a higher gear, it's a true rollercoaster ride right till the end.I must admit, it does become a bit confusing at times. Later in the series, there are so many "face changes", you really need to follow it, trying to remember who the real person is we are looking at. You really can't believe anything you see ... but definitely stay with it. The final two episodes answer every question, and the finale gives you great satisfaction in the way everything works out into a nice conclusion.
It's absolutely high marks for great acting and great entertainment.
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These Kids Definitely Get Schooled!!!
School bullying has definitely become a very popular theme with so many dramas ... but this one has a bit of an original take.It's always difficult to watch kids abusing other kids, but there's a lot more to the story. It's not just physical abuse, but psychological as well. It's also parents going too far, either with their kids or with their kids' teachers. Punishment and retribution play a big role with several sub stories through the series.
Mu Yeol does a great job playing Hwa Jin. He's a great enforcer injustice for the abused kids. I normally don't like the whole scenario of one person walking into a room of a dozen people and being able to beat the hell out of all of them without getting hurt ... but this is really entertaining to watch. Teamed up with Ki Joo, the two really become a one two punch!!!
Besides several teenagers being antagonists, there are several horrible parents to contend with. A few of the stories really pull you in, making you cheer and laugh as the tables get turned toward the abusers.
You kind of see a season two coming, the way things conclude. I'm sure it will be entertaining, because nothing ever got boring throughout these eight episodes.
Really enjoyable series!
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Proof that time changes no one deep down ...
It's a classic set up story early on, showing us how much of our present day life is shaped by our past. Two friends early on, one a bully and one being bullied for various reasons. Thirty years of a duration in this series and nothing really changes between the two of them. Once a bully, always a bully.Hae Soo & Hee Joon are the perfect pair that continually go head to head with each other, unfortunately the antagonist, Si Yeong, always seems to get the best of the situation , over and over and over again. It makes for a decent story, but it started to lose points with me as you get deep into the series. After episode 4, which is truly the pinnacle episode of the drama, you start to think things might go the protagonists' way for a change ... but no such luck. Tae Ju continues to fall on the sword. I realize you need the "bad guys" to win early on, or the story would end pretty quick ... but so many people are genuinely horrible throughout this series, with very few facing retribution by the end. The last two episodes prove this. In fact, it really shows the rewards people received for being wicked & evil people.
The first half of the drama is so strong and entertaining, that even with the last couple of episodes lacking a good story or outcome, the series still maintains high marks. It's just a bit disappointing, cause had I rated it through the first six or so episodes, I would have given it 10's across.
The acting is brilliant throughout. That never changes. A truly great cast. I just wish the writing toward the end would have matched the acting, and given a better conclusion.
Overall, an entertaining series, but it could have been so much better.
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A Remake, But Lots Of Originality
This is suck a dark and disturbing series. I know this is a remake of LeMante from several years earlier, but this actually reminded me more of the 1991 classic Silence Of The Lambs ... the police using one psychopathic killer to catch another. However, this had so many more twists and turns in the story. You think you know who the protagonists and the real antagonists are, but so many things change along the way.The cast is fantastic, Hyun Jung is the perfect cold blooded killer. She has the look, the nature and the sinister smile to match. Dong Yoon fit perfectly in his part, although a bit unusual for him to play this kind of a role, he did it well. I'm always a fan of Seong Ha, he match greatly with the two leads. The rest of the supporting cast each add their own special something to make for a great drama/thriller.
To me, episode 4 is definitely the pinnacle episode. It kind of throws any conclusion you had at that point right out the window on what was going to happen. It creates more questions then answers from that point on ... We're given so many possibilities on who the real antagonists are in this series, the true mystery thriller really takes shape from there.
You're kept guessing on so many things right till the end ........ and even "the end" is in question. With the way the last sixty seconds of the final episode takes shape, could a season two be in the making???
An all around great thriller from start to finish!!!
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So Dark, So Disturbing ...
From the moment this series begins, and I mean literally the first minute, it's so disturbing that you can't help but be captivated by it!! It's gotta be one of the most off the wall psychological stories I've seen.We appear to see such a sick twisted protagonist in this drama, so deranged, with absolutely no remorse what so ever. I wasn't really familiar with most of the cast other than Leo Matsumoto & Jyutaro Yamanaka, who I've enjoyed in the past. Unfortunately, they only played supporting roles in this. Hidetoshi Nishijima gives such a cold and callous performance, it gives you a chill seeing him.
As you're watching this story about using live human beings being used for an art exhibition of butterflies, you'll keep asking yourself "am I really seeing this happen?" ... The only thing I can say without giving away the ending ... Don't completely judge any of the characters as you're watching this play out. There are so many shocking twists as you head into the final two episodes. You'll truly be surprised as to who and how many people are evil and unhinged with reality.
It's definitely a story you'll remember, but want to forget!
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A bit disappointing
Before I go negative on this, I gotta say Jin Young was great as always. This role of Tae Seo was made for him and he did an outstanding job playing it.It seemed like this drama started out strong, giving us a good story that was going to take off ... but it really had trouble getting off the ground. I really couldn't tolerate the two characters of Eun A & Seong Chan for so many reasons. She had a good thing waiting for her in Tae Seo, but for some reason she really had no idea what she wanted in a relationship. I never saw a character keep showing up and then leaving ... and showing up again and leaving. It became so frustrating and exhausting to follow. Why Tae Seo kept trying to make this work without any success, it was just a complete mystery to me.
The character I had so much empathy for was A Sol. She when out of her way so many times for the chance of a relationship with Tae Seo, but he just couldn't give it a try. Instead he kept ending up in front of Eun A saying "goodbye" ... and goodbye, and goodbye. They said goodbye to each other so many times you lose count.
Again, thumbs up to Jin Young. He made a bad script work well enough to keep me watching till the end ... but there was only so much he could do.
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A Calm Sea and Beautiful Days with You
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Sweet & Dripping with Innocence ...
This is a series you can watch from start to finish and truly enjoy without any major issue. It involves a recently married couple without any basics of married life, whether it be in the bedroom or any other part of the house. It really is an adorable story with the perfect two actors portraying these protagonists. If you're familiar with the work of Kyoya Honda, he once again gives a great performance showing love, shyness and hesitation toward his new wife, perfectly paired with Kyoko Yoshine.Even though it is quite slow to evolve, their relationship builds a strong chemistry by showing such a lack of it early on. It is written brilliantly to give a step by step of their marriage, each walking on egg shells, trying to figure out what to do.
I guess the only part of the story that looms large, is this draama takes place in Japan during pre World War II. You don't need to be a history buff to know what was going on in the mid and late 1930's in that part of the world. However, even with that dark background tone, especially with the main character being a lieutenant in the Imperial Japanese Navy, somehow the story still shines with innocence. You can't allow yourself to get pulled to deep in that part of the story or it will take away from the brilliance of the rest of the drama.
Overall, a great "good feel" series that shows the sweetness and lovable actions of a young married couple.
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One of the better BL's in a long while
After the very first episode, you understand that this will not be your normal BL series. The story is very intriguing and really takes hold of you just a few minutes into it.These two protagonists create a very powerful chemistry between the two of them. A lot of actors in past BL series you can see right through the acting, but these two make this relationship so believable and truly genuine, you can't help but feel how real it is. Having seen Ji Han & Jeong You in past performances, I definitely felt they were both at their best in this drama.
The one negative I walked away with, was at the very end of the final episode. Without giving anything away, It was a bit rushed in the final few minutes. It seemed like it took too long to get to the conclusion, with some wasted reminiscing, using up some valuable minutes. When the peak of the story finally happened, it just seemed a bit empty as the end credits rolled. I think there could have been a little more time given to such a great ending ... I don't want to take away from the series as a whole, because it was high marks all the way, overall making for one of the better BL series to come along in a while.
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