Rtconnect

Not Your Average Alien Flick!

I really enjoyed the series! Although I’m not usually into alien invasion stories, this one caught my attention because it gave me vibes similar to All of Us Are Dead, and I’m glad I decided to give it a shot. The way the story was structured kept me hooked from start to finish, and even though the main characters are students, their confusion and gradual development made it even more fun to watch.

Na Ra quickly became my favorite character. She reminded me of Namra from All of Us Are Dead: mysterious, cool, and incredibly capable—maybe even more than the guys! I also really enjoyed the subtle chemistry between her and Kimchi, even though it wasn’t the central focus of the story. I really hope their relationship doesn’t end in a tragic way, though, given the nature of the show.

That said, there were a few things that left me feeling a bit let down. For one, the entire class surviving throughout the chaos felt a bit unrealistic. In a situation like this, with the aliens attacking and the danger constantly escalating, it seemed like the group should have lost more members as time went on. The fact that they stayed relatively intact took away some of the tension that could have made the story feel more high-stakes.

Another issue was the lack of clarity about when the aliens actually arrived. We’re told they came a year ago, but there’s very little explanation about how they arrived or their initial invasion. It would have been nice if the show gave us more backstory on this, as it would have made the alien threat feel more grounded and impactful.

There was also an inconsistency with the size of the aliens. In episode 1, we’re introduced to a huge alien that devours the top student, but after that, we only see smaller ones. The show doesn’t really explain why the larger aliens disappear or how the characters know which ones are big and which are small, especially when they talk about the aliens in the sphere. This felt like an oversight, and I think it would have been helpful for the writers to clarify these details.

Overall, despite these few issues, it was a fantastic series, and I’m definitely looking forward to Part 2. The mix of alien invasion and student dynamics made for a unique, exciting experience. I hope the next part addresses some of the gaps and keeps up the momentum with equally engaging action and character development!

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Not Top-Tier, But Still Worth Watching!

I think this series really stands out with its emotional depth and strong character development. Tianyao’s repeated stabbings of Yanhui, while frustrating, are understandable given his tragic past, but I feel the story could’ve explored a different approach to convey his inner turmoil without making his actions feel unnecessarily harsh. Yanhui, on the other hand, is such a relatable character. At first, she’s selfish, but as the story progresses, her growth into a selfless person who sacrifices for others is really moving. Her development, especially in learning to understand Tianyao’s pain, makes her journey so compelling.

The acting, particularly from the female lead, is a major highlight for me. She brings such authenticity to her role, and her emotional scenes—especially the ones where she’s crying—really draw you in. The chemistry between the leads and the strong performances from the whole cast make the story even more engaging.

While the series doesn’t have the flashy effects or high-budget cinematography you might find in some top-tier dramas, it has its own charm. The character-driven storytelling really makes it shine. The OST is also fantastic. It perfectly complements the emotional tone of the series, and I was impressed by how it enhanced the overall experience. This series is definitely worth watching, and I think it’s also worth rewatching to appreciate all the little details even more.

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Not Perfect, But Worth the Watch!

This drama has been one of the most anticipated ones in recent years, and the hype was honestly huge. I’ve seen a lot of people disappointed, but let me share my take.

First off, I didn’t read the novel, so everything I say is purely based on the drama. For me, the plot itself is solid. The thing is, this show already went through so many issues before it even aired. One of the supporting actors got into a scandal, was removed, and even imprisoned—so his character ended up being replaced by AI. On top of that, because the original story had a “rebirth” element (which isn’t allowed in China), the drama was supposed to have 40 episodes but was cut down to 36. That actor’s role was actually important to the leads, so losing his scenes definitely affected the overall flow.

Another point a lot of fans keep bringing up is the female lead’s appearance. People complain she looks “too feminine” to convincingly pass as a man. But honestly, this is a drama—suspension of disbelief is part of the deal. Acting and story matter more to me than just physical appearance. And compared to other dramas I’ve seen, the casting here isn’t bad at all. They didn’t go out of their way to make her look overly girly—it’s just that her features are naturally delicate.

Now about the story. I’ll admit, it does get messy at times. The title “Legend of the Female General” doesn’t exactly fit, because while He Yan’s journey to reclaim her status is central, the plot also scatters into other directions. It sometimes feels more like “two generals facing off” than her personal legend. Honestly, with how much story there is, they should’ve extended it to 50+ episodes. There are so many questions left unanswered that probably only the novel explains.

But on the positive side, I actually enjoyed it. The leads are smart, and the villains never really outplay them, which was refreshing. Both the ML and FL are equally strong, whether in strategy or in fighting.

Acting-wise, Cheng Lei—I’ve only seen him in “Journey to You,” and he feels almost the same here. Personally, I find him a bit stiff, but maybe that’s just the character. Zhou Ye, though, really delivered. Despite criticisms that she’s too petite for the role, I think she carried it well.

The fight scenes are hands down one of the best parts—very well done. The music was also on point.

Overall, this drama isn’t as bad as some make it sound. I understand where the criticisms are coming from, but for me, it’s still worth checking out.

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Who Rules the World: A Journey of Love and Power"

Introduction:
"Who Rules the World" unfolds as a decent series, immersing viewers in a plot revolving around Bai Feng Xi and Hei Feng Xi, two formidable martial arts fighters concealing their true identities as royalty. Their journey from foes to lovers, characterized by mutual understanding and support, offers a refreshing take on relationships with equal strength and status for the main leads.

Plot and Pacing:
The plot delves into the complexities of Bai Feng Xi and Hei Feng Xi's identities, crafting a narrative that balances martial arts prowess with a romantic subplot. The pacing of the series is decent, maintaining engagement throughout.

Conclusion and Anticlimax:
However, the conclusion feels somewhat anticlimactic, particularly in how they defeat the main villain. Numerous unexplored aspects leave viewers wanting more, making it evident that some elements could have been further developed.

Gender Dynamics and Character Exploration:
The series leans towards a male-centric focus, predominantly unfolding in the male lead's kingdom. Unfortunately, the female lead's arc is relatively short, leaving her story insufficiently explored, a source of frustration for the audience. Bai Feng Xi emerges as a well-defined character with a cool temperament and exceptional skills, her other identity, Feng Xi Yun, revealing the poignant responsibility she must shoulder after her family's demise. Hei Feng Xi, a reserved man with a romantic side, brings depth to the narrative with his dual identity as the Prince of Yong Zhou.

Acting and Music:
Zhao Lu Si's remarkable performance, especially in emotional scenes, stands out, while Yang Yang's acting, though decent, may come across as slightly stiff. The series benefits from a well-curated music playlist, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Conclusion:
"Who Rules the World" provides an intriguing blend of fantasy, romance, and martial arts. While it excels in character dynamics and offers a unique take on power and love, it leaves room for improvement in terms of conclusion and gender balance.

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"Friend Zone": Dive into Love and Laughter

Overview:
Friend Zone, a romantic comedy featuring the real-life couple Baifern Pimchanok and Nine Naphat, explores the classic theme of best friends turning into lovers. Despite a seemingly cliché premise, the film manages to deliver an entertaining and charming narrative.

Plot:
For a decade, Palm (Nine Naphat) has harbored feelings for his best friend Gink (Baifern Pimchanok), who initially rejected his advances. The story cleverly navigates their evolving relationship, incorporating elements of friendship, unrequited love, and the challenges of transitioning from platonic to romantic connections. The plot, while predictable, unfolds with a delightful mix of humor and genuine emotion.

Characterization:
Baifern Pimchanok shines as Gink, portraying a lively girl with a complex background. Her emotional scenes are compelling, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Nine Naphat, as Palm, effectively captures the character's dedication, even if his role lacks some of the emotional depth seen in Baifern's performance. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, contributing to the film's overall appeal.

Acting:
Both Baifern and Nine deliver solid performances, striking a balance between humor and heartfelt moments. Baifern's emotional scenes are a standout, while Nine's portrayal of Palm remains convincing, even if the character doesn't delve into intense emotional territory. The on-screen chemistry between the real-life couple adds authenticity to their characters' evolving relationship.

Music:
The film's soundtrack enhances the romantic and comedic elements, adding a cute and enjoyable dimension to the viewing experience. The music complements the feel-good atmosphere of the movie, contributing to its overall charm.

Recommendation:

Friend Zone is recommended for those seeking a lighthearted romantic comedy with strong chemistry between the leads. The engaging performances, well-executed plot, and delightful soundtrack make it an enjoyable watch, offering a perfect blend of humor and romance.

Overall, Friend Zone proves that even within the confines of a familiar storyline, a talented cast and well-crafted execution can elevate a romantic comedy to an entertaining and heartwarming experience.

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30 Years Later, She’s Still Playing

The plot is really cool — it’s like a mix of Squid Game and Alice in Borderland, but with its own rules. The games aren’t just random death traps; they’re based on childhood games like Spy Game, Tetris, and Snake and Ladders. It’s that weird mix of something innocent turned dangerous.

What makes it interesting is how different the versions are. In Samut’s time, the games feel more like strategy and luck, not too deadly. But Aom’s version back in 1995? Way more brutal. Her best friend Pan even lost her leg, and they were fighting for their lives. Some games are harmless, but if you end up in a deadly one, it’s either you die or get stuck in that world forever.

Aom’s story hit me the most. She saved her friends but ended up trapped, only to wake up 30 years later. Imagine that — everything’s changed, and the people you saved are now living good lives while your own family is suffering. When Aom finds out that Pan, her best friend, is living comfortably while her mother’s in pain, she decides to take revenge. The twist? She uses Pan’s son, Mark, as her pawn to get back into the game. It’s messed up but also kind of brilliant.

My favorite part was the Snake and Ladder game. That’s where everything falls into place — why Aom suddenly approached Mark, how she planned it all. She’s clever and manipulative, and it shows. Even Samut didn’t expect Benz to defeat her because Aom’s always been the smartest one. But she lost on purpose, just so she could trap Mark in the game. That scene really proved how far she was willing to go for revenge.

The ending though. The person who came back wasn’t even Aom anymore, but another soul in her body. It left me staring at the screen like, what just happened? I’m pretty sure there’ll be a season 2, maybe about finding the real Aom and figuring out who took over her body.

Overall, The Dark Dice Game is such a good watch — it’s smart, dark, and emotional in weird ways.

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Cool!

I’ve known about this show for a long time, but I was kinda reluctant to watch it. Just recently, I finally got in the mood to check it out—and I’m glad I did. The plot is really unique, especially the way they did the monsters and the whole “monsterization” thing.

Usually in other supernatural shows or movies, like with zombies, infection spreads through bites or blood. But here, it’s totally different. At first it’s a bit hard to understand, but the more you watch, the more interesting it gets.

The cast is pretty good too, and I like that a lot of the characters actually use their brains to survive instead of just rushing into things.

If you’re into supernatural stuff with a unique twist and a little bit of sci-fi, this one’s for you. I honestly can’t wait to start Season 2.

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Season 2!

Season 2 of Running Man Philippines kept the hype alive from start to finish. Even though Ruru wasn’t able to join the whole season and only appeared in the finale, it didn’t feel lacking. Miguel’s addition also blended in nicely and added fresh energy to the team.

Kokoy’s win as the ultimate champion was well-deserved—he consistently showed fairness and strong gameplay. Angel remains my personal favorite runner, thanks to her smarts and her teamwork, while the rest of the cast also brought plenty of laughs and entertainment.

If there’s one downside, it would be Lexi’s competitiveness. At times it came off as a bit too much, especially when it crossed into questionable play—for example, hiding her egg in her sports bra. While undeniably clever, it felt a little excessive and distracted from the fun, comedic spirit that Running Man is all about.

Overall, though, Season 2 was exciting and entertaining, and it only builds up the anticipation for Season 3.

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GMA, Please Don’t Give Up on Running Man PH!

Okay, so as a big fan of the original Running Man Korea, I honestly had zero expectations for the Filipino version. I really thought it wouldn’t hit the same way. I mean, as a Filipino myself, I know our kind of humor is super different from Korean humor, so I wasn’t expecting much.

Then they announced the cast… and I knew I wasn’t the only one raising my eyebrows. A lot of the names were pretty new or unfamiliar, especially for a national TV show. Of course, there were familiar faces like Glaiza, Mikael, Buboy, and Ruru, but the rest—Angel, Kokoy, Lexi—were still pretty new to many viewers. So yeah, it kinda felt like we were all expecting this show to flop.

But when I found out it was co-produced by SBS, the original creators of the Korean version, that gave me a bit of hope. The editing, the games, the whole setup—it really felt like Running Man. What I was waiting to see was whether the cast could bring their own humor and chemistry.

And you know what? After watching the first 3 episodes, I was actually surprised—in a good way. They didn’t try to copy the Korean cast, which was something I appreciated. We didn’t get a “Filipino Yoo Jae-suk” or a “Kim Jong-kook wannabe.” Instead, they just tried to be themselves, and honestly, it worked better than expected.

Mikael and Glaiza, being the eldest, could’ve easily fallen into that “leader role” like in the Korean version, but they brought their own style. Angel and Kokoy—let’s be real—were obviously being set up like a Monday Couple version, but I didn’t mind. Their chemistry was cute and felt natural, not cringey or forced. I’ve also watched other Running Man versions like China’s Keep Running, and they do love that couple pairing too. It works if it’s genuine, and for me, Angel and Kokoy's dynamic worked.

Then we had Buboy and Lexi. Their bond gave more of a kuya-bunso or brother-sister vibe, which was actually refreshing.

Now, one thing I noticed is that everyone was super competitive. Like, really going all out in the games—which I get, it’s season 1, everyone wants to make an impression. But sometimes they took it a bit too seriously, and the comedy kinda got lost in those moments. Still, not a huge deal.

Guest choices? Honestly, pretty solid. They matched the energy of the cast, and it didn’t feel out of place.

Now, I won’t break down each cast member’s gameplay, but I have to talk about the finale. They did the superpower battle, which is iconic from the Korean version, and I’m so glad they went with that.

The standout for me was Angel Guardian. She started the season kind of quietly, but wow—she’s actually super competitive, low-key strategic, and brainy. She survived a lot of missions, even eliminated stronger players, and I think she totally deserved that “Ultimate Runner” title.

Other cast members who really brought good energy were Buboy and Mikael—they were super entertaining. Glaiza had her funny moments too. Lexi seemed a bit shy, but I can tell she’s competitive. Maybe she’ll open up more in the next season.

If there’s one thing I really want to say—it’s that I hope GMA doesn’t give up on this show.
Running Man Korea started in 2010 and it took YEARS before it became a legend. We can’t expect the Filipino version to be perfect right away. The cast is still adjusting, the audience is still adjusting—so GMA should let it grow. I hope they continue supporting it and not cancel it too soon. There's so much potential here.

If I could wish for one more thing, it’s for the cast to relax and enjoy more. I get that the games are physical and the prizes are tempting, but at the end of the day, Running Man shines when everyone’s having fun. The real magic comes from the laughter during the chaos.

Overall, this version of Running Man was so much better than I expected, and I honestly want to see more.
They’re off to a good start—just let it grow.

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Definitely worth your time!

I decided to watch First Frost because of Zhang Miaoyi, even though she’s only the second lead. I’ve always liked her, so I gave the drama a chance — and I’m really glad I did.

To be honest, I had no idea what the story was about. I just knew it had some connection to Hidden Love, which I haven’t seen. That made me hesitate at first, thinking I might not understand what was going on. But it turns out, you don’t need to watch Hidden Love to enjoy First Frost. This story stands on its own.

At first, it looks like a light and sweet romance. But as it goes on, you realize it has a serious and emotional side. It touches on pain, trauma, and healing — not just love. That’s what surprised me the most.

The one who really stood out for me was Zhang Ruonan. I had never seen her in any drama before, but after this, I became a fan. Her character, Wen Yifan, goes through a lot. She was abandoned by her mother, almost assaulted by people she should’ve been able to trust — her uncle, neighbor, and even her boss.

Yes, she’s pretty, and people around her notice it. But it’s more than that. She’s hurt, lonely, and doesn’t have anyone to protect her. That’s why she ends up being a target. Watching her struggle broke my heart.

On the other hand, Sang Yan comes from a good and loving family. He has everything Yifan doesn’t. But that’s what makes their connection so meaningful. He becomes the one who helps her feel safe, little by little.

I also don’t understand the hate towards Wen Yifan’s character. People with PTSD don’t always talk about their pain or cry in front of others. Many of them become quiet, distant, or try to act like nothing happened. That doesn’t mean they don’t feel anything — they’re just trying to survive. I’m glad the drama showed that side of her. It felt real.

Zhang Ruonan’s acting was amazing. She showed all the pain, sadness, and emptiness of her character in a quiet but powerful way. You could really feel everything she was going through.

Even though I started watching for Zhang Miaoyi, I stayed because of Zhang Ruonan. She truly carried the story.

The music was also lovely — soft and romantic, perfect for the mood of the drama.

First Frost is not your usual light drama. It has romance, yes, but it also talks about hard things in life. It’s not always happy, but it’s real. If you’re open to watching something emotional and meaningful, this is worth your time.

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Balanced, Beautiful, and Real.

This drama is such a refreshing, lighthearted watch. It actually reminded me of Forever Love, since both start with the couple’s wedding and follow their journey from high school to college, work, and eventually marriage. The difference is that this one focuses more on the high school phase, with only a few episodes dedicated to their college and working life. But unlike Forever Love, it avoids the usual frustrating tropes—no love triangles or constant misunderstandings. It’s simply a feel-good, well-paced story.

I now understand why this has a 9.0 rating—it truly deserves it.

Su Zai Zai is such a charming character—bubbly and bright, yet not naive. I love that she stands her ground and knows when to set boundaries, even with her cheerful personality. Zhang Lu Rang took a little while for me to warm up to, but once I understood his background—especially the pressure from being constantly compared to his younger brother—his character really hit home. His growth from being cold and distant to warm and emotionally open was so satisfying to watch.

What really stands out is how healthy their relationship is. They communicate well, support each other, and there’s a real sense of balance between them. Rang Rang may be in Class 1 and seen as the top student, but he struggles in English—meanwhile, Su Zai Zai from Class 9 excels at it. I loved how they helped each other out, tutoring one another and growing together.

The music also adds to the overall charm—fitting perfectly with the warm, easygoing vibe. I’d definitely recommend this as a first C-drama for anyone new to the genre. It’s wholesome, heartwarming, and well worth the watch.

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Low Budget, Big Impact!

I’ve seen a lot of monster movies over the years—including several versions of Godzilla—but this one really stood out to me. What amazes me the most is how Japan keeps making powerful and memorable Godzilla films, even with smaller budgets compared to Hollywood. And yet, they always manage to deliver more heart, better storytelling, and real creativity.

The visual effects were honestly so good—especially for a movie that didn’t have a huge budget. Right from the start, the tone was intense and gripping. Usually, in monster movies, the creature shows up halfway through, but here, Godzilla appears early on, which kept me excited and locked in the whole time.

What made this even more interesting was the setting. Instead of the usual modern-day timeline, they chose to set it in post-war Japan. That choice added something special to the film—it made it feel fresh and gave it a deeper emotional layer. You really feel the pain, loss, and trauma the characters are carrying, and it turned the movie into something more than just a typical monster story. It became a story about survival, healing, and facing your past.

I think one of the best parts of the film was the character development. Shikishima, a former kamikaze pilot, was such a strong character. Watching him go from dealing with guilt and fear to stepping up and doing the right thing was really moving. His connection with Noriko and Akiko—who basically became like his family—was so heartwarming. I loved seeing how they supported each other. It gave the movie a softer, more human side that really balanced the darker moments.

The acting was great, too. The leads especially did such a good job—you could really feel the emotions in their performances. Now I totally get why the movie got such good reviews. It deserves it.

And that ending? Total surprise. I didn’t expect Noriko to survive Godzilla’s atomic breath, but she did—and now I can’t stop thinking about that weird mark on her neck. It definitely feels like there’s more to her story, maybe even something supernatural. I really hope they explore that in a sequel. It’s a small detail, but it adds so much mystery and potential.

Overall, this movie was such an amazing experience for me. It had everything—action, emotion, great characters, and a story that stays with you. Whether you’re a longtime Godzilla fan or just getting into it, I totally recommend watching this one.

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Akari Carries the Story!

This movie features two female leads and two male leads, which gives the story a mix of different feelings and relationships. Akari is one of the main girls, and she has great chemistry with both boys. The other female lead, Yuna, is shy and quiet. While she’s sweet, it’s kind of hard to root for her sometimes because she seems stuck in her own fantasy world, not really seeing things as they are.

Akari and Rio’s connection is the most interesting part of the movie. Even though they’re step-siblings, you can tell there’s something more between them. Akari tries her best to fight her feelings out of respect, but Rio keeps holding on and wanting something more. Their scenes are full of emotion and really make you feel for them.

That’s why Rio suddenly falling for Yuna doesn’t feel very real. It happens quickly, and it feels more like he’s using Yuna to move on from Akari. It comes off as a rebound, not true love. Yuna is kind, but because she’s always lost in her own world, her relationship with Rio feels less believable.

On the other hand, Akari’s slow and quiet bond with Inui feels more natural. You can see her trying to move forward and make a fresh start, which makes her story easier to connect with.

The pacing of the movie felt a bit too fast, especially in the second half. Important moments moved by quickly, which made it hard to really feel the characters' emotions. A few more scenes could have helped the story grow better.

The music was soft and matched the mood well. The acting was also really good—Akari and Rio especially did a great job showing deep feelings without needing many words.

Overall, the movie is touching and well-acted, with beautiful music and a mix of relationships.

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