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This review may contain spoilers
Powerful, Poetic, Sublime, Heart Wrenching and at times, Heartbreaking
Light Beyond The Reed is not for the faint hearted, but what a show. Visually powerful, the reflections poetic, and the writing, sublime. The show is intense, brave in its telling regarding the subject matter: surviving workplace predators and the impact of social media.The writing allows the actors to bring their A game. The leads are compelling, perfect examples of how a couple struggling in misery, come together when faced with the most challenging of circumstances. The brother and sister in law provide an insight into collateral damage. The mum, a great actress, plays once again the role of the tortured, unforgiving and hateful siren but with a redemptive arc.
The detectives are wonderful. So layered but committed to seeing justice delivered. They are the human side of policing.
The cinematography was of the highest level. In short, this show was beautifully filmed.
The insight Light brings regarding social media in China is just how unforgiving it is - in fact next level. It shows the level of judgemental comments, prejudices regarding victim blaming and the flipside of those who want the best for those vilified.
As for the main antagonist, he is vile, abusive, all wrapped up in a bow - a predator at their worst. His ability to ensnare others, all part of his charade.
I marked the show down because of the way the justice system was shown. The Chinese system is shown from two angles: the criminal court and the appellate court. In the former, the process was seen in part and a little all over the place. However, the austerity was there. The appellate court did deal with the new evidence and gave a ruling that follows the required process.
The final episodes are dramatic and a triumph.
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Life On The Run With Plenty To Keep You Engaged
Shotai deals with what happens to someone who is wrongfully convicted of a heinous crime, and finds themselves on death row and then manages to escape. It also has a parallel story regarding what has happened to the FL’s father who has faced injustice, the show’s main theme. It would seem the Japanese detectives are biased, although troubled by past events from earlier investigations into the ML.The film is a slick production and the two hours passes by quickly. Our protagonist, although on the run, is seeking the truth of what happened that lead to his arrest and subsequent trial. During his life on the run, he adopts different disguises, works in different jobs, but his personality remains consistent throughout - he is kind and thoughtful.
Although we don’t get to see much regarding the legal side, apart from court scenes, show undersells how the Japanese justice system works -which is different to what little we see on screen. In this respect, I marked the movie down half a star for this very point. However, it doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of this movie.
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A Good Expose on Environmental Governance
Show was a good expose on environmental governance. It showed the challenges that present themselves when trying to implement environmental protection including incompetence, one-upmanship, corruption, facing unfamiliar situations and what it takes to be effective, make good decisions and in fact, being competent.I’m familiar with the environmental issues portrayed in the show because of what I do in life. The issues are spot on. How they are investigated, treated and treated seemed a bit up and down to me. Almost idealistic.
At the same time it was showing the difficulties that a family can face when there are two professionals married to each other, juggling their responsibilities - but guess what - no mention of divorce etc. here we have a mature couple who have a great relationship and just work things out. What a breath of fresh air!
I did feel the show let some characters fade away. That could be the result of show only being 24 episodes long.
Show also highlighted how, even if you did something well or right, you would become the scapegoat. So, there is that insight into not rocking the boat, how the party retrains those who are judged to have let the system down, are interrogated and the importance of joint decision making. However, I suspect we saw a very “smoothed” out version of what really happens.
The other big message: there is more to life! Work life balance is continually undermined.
Overall, I thought this was a good show. The acting was good and I liked the characters.
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A Show That Is Not All It Seems - And It’s Very Good
The Light Shop is a magical tale that the Koreans do well. In some ways it is reminiscent of that very good kdrama remake Life on Mars. The use of a bus in this show also draws out some parallels with the fabulous CDrama: Reset. Not is all that it seems, little hints are dropped along the way of what show might be about and we are exposed to characters that the actors truly relish.As such, The Light Shop is very much a story in two halves. The first is mysterious with elements of horror. We are introduced to all the characters, and in a way that we want to know more about them. The second half provides an in depth breakdown regarding the role of each character. Questions raised in the first half, culminate in an explanation during episode 7 regarding the light shop that makes perfect sense.
Many of the social issues and tragedies raised in kdramas are in this drama too. This show deals with them in a way that is very different and at the same time, engaging. and perhaps a little bit less sad due to how the issues are resolved. Show concludes in a way that provides little surprises here and there - they are delightful. If possible, binge this show - I think it’s worth it.
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Harmless, with a title that doesn’t match
My Youth is one of those shows that starts off with so much promise. It has a strong sense of being based on an actor (Hae) now a florist, who was one of a pair with Mo Tae Rin, is considered the nation’s sweethearts when they were young.The way the protagonists were brought together through Hae’s rediscovery was so well done. The acting at this point a delight.
The back story was overdone ie with too much focus, however, it soon balances itself out. We get to see the full palette of characters, with some, I think, not fully explored.
The father is self centred. Shown as inept but somehow loved by three separate women with two different children. However, somehow I liked the relationship between this delinquent book publishing CEO and Hae. I have never seen Jo Han Chul in a bad role. Jin Kyung, as his first love and now partner, CEO of a drama production company and therefore step mother to Hae, a good role.
Chun Woo Hee as Je Yeon, once again made things look easy. Hae and his relationship with his sister was also a highlight. As were the secondary couple.
So, where did it go wrong for me?
I didn’t have a problem regarding Hae’s illness. However, how it was portrayed and the way it unfolded seemed all over the place. The last four episodes were reflective of this. I felt disengaged. Suddenly, show lost its momentum, becoming unsure of how to treat the lead’s relationship. It was unsure of how the ending should be.
In short, there were many components that somehow no longer seem to fit together.
With such a cast, show should have been great. It started off so strong. Key elements were interesting and inviting. Then they were sidelined. The writers didn’t know how to stick the landing. The filming was superb, as was the acting. In the end, show was harmless.
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Mindbending - A Brave New World
I enjoyed The Great Flood very much. The concept is such a bold idea, and although reminiscent of many other stories, translated well with its own spin, advancing the genre. In otherwords, you will have to watch it to find out exactly what I mean.There are many touch points along the way in this movie. They range from the love of single mothers, through to the challenges of being a parent, the exploration of human nature in a crisis and the future of humankind.
The acting is very good. Our super mum is very human, very believable. Her counterpart, at first appears heartless. However, as events unfold, he helps our super mum become more resilient.
I thought the CGI was of a good standard. However, from my experience, some of the flood sequences portrayed were not quite right. However, we know through studies into sea levels, they can rise very quickly, regardless of the cause.
The movie is mind bending because not all is as it seems. The Great Flood sits well within the sci-fi pantheon, proof yet again that the Koreans are evolving science fiction at a good level.
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A show that has a bit of something for everyone
Loving Strangers will always be compared to the original. For me, it was a show that started so well, dipped in the second half but finished with some of the most beautiful moments in any drama.In short, the acting was superb. Mark Chao and Zhang Zi Feng were at their finest. In fact, Fi Zheng deserves an award for the portrayal of the most down trodden of all characters in drama history. Zhang Chao as Gu Chen was also very good - a despicable human being. Jiang Yi Yan as Yi Jun really carried her role well but perhaps the writing softened her too much.
Where it lost some of its shine was Jia Qi’s brother and uncle. They were fine enough but overbearing at times and did not have the depth of the Korean originals. The brother was over the top in his views. The uncle took too long to stop being a procrastinator. Yu Yu, the aspiring actress, and girlfriend of the brother, was terrific. She played the best drunk I have ever seen. It was a heartbreaking performance. Her redemption a pure delight.
It’s true the original had longer episodes of 16 episodes @ 1 hr 15 min or 20 hours as opposed to 28 episodes @ 45 minutes or 21 hours in terms of viewing output. The issue, with Loving Strangers, is that it seemed not as taught in the second half and the story over inflated. Also, some of the key character elements from My Mister regarding a couple of characters are missing.
This show was beautifully filmed. The writing lacked clarity at times but not when it came to the best performances. It was choppy at times and the soccer moments didn’t quite blend in.
If you haven’t seen My Mister, I think you will find this show is, despite its heartbreaking moments, a triumph. It’s just that for me, I was comparing it to the original, and I make no apology for that. It could have been great 😊
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Cute as…
My review is going to be short and sweet. I have said this often - not enough nice movies or dramas are made these days. Love Untangled is just that - a nice old style movie, which we need more of.Even though it is a sweet movie, there are a couple of underlying themes that do bubble through but don’t overwhelm the flavour of the movie - and that is a good thing.
It was nice watching such supportive friendships, loving families and a setting in Busan. The coffee shop upstairs we have seen in recent dramas.
Ignore the nay sayers here. Embrace this movie for what it is - a gentle reminder of what’s nice in the world.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Feast For The Eyes But The Magic Wasn’t Quite There
In the Name of Blossom didn’t quite live up to my expectations, even though I gave it a high rating. It’s true to say, as many have commented, the sequel to Flourished Peony was up and down and seemed to lack that magical spark found in the first series.In some ways, the lack of consistency with the first series may very well have to do with the gap required by Chinese government policy that no drama is to be over 40 episodes and if it is, it must be split in to two parts, with the second part aired 12 months after the first.
There were moments that were excellent, then others that were repetitive and others that even had some noble idiocy creep into them. Our OTP went from being great communicators to full on misunderstandings thanks to others interfering in the relationship.
Despite these frustrations, the acting continued to be superb, the sound track was very good and the set design just as good as the first time round.
I did grow tired of the villains. They went from competent and guarded to overt and, in my view, outright frustrating - trying to be more clever than what they actually were.
As for the peonies - magnificent. The other couples - delightful, except for the villainous tragic pair. The shop employees - were under utilised and almost non existent.
The key battle in the latter part of the story was underdone and those who were supposed to be competent, weren’t. The way the calvary was used, in my view not quite right. I only raise this because this part of the story used up some considerable time.
In the end, our OTP triumphed and the final episode was a kdrama ending - everything wrapped up in a neat bow.
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Show had the potential to be much better than it was
Private Banker had layers within layers. I was never sure where the protagonist was coming from. Even at the end, his motivations may have been very questionable.There are a number of old hands in this drama and their acting was flawless. They were able to play caricatures of themselves extremely well. In fact the tone of this show was one of its tongue firmly planted in its cheek.
Like many jdoramas, some episodes were much better than others. They way the Private Banker assembled his team was interesting- very much the case of him seeing more value in his offsiders than they saw in themselves.
Private Banker did highlight the intricacies of the banking world and the business world, tricky deals and the problem of family in business. Who was the true power behind the throne rotated from episode to episode.
Show is certainly set up for a second season and season one is certainly worth a look.
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Not as engaging as I hoped but worth a look
Uprising is a film that promises much: action, swordsmanship, disaffected friendship and an overview of how persons of the lesser classes were treated. It did not paint King Seonjo in a good light (and rightly so)..What I found during watching this movie is how little it engaged me. I found myself going through the viewing motions. The story in its telling was nothing new. However, if you look at it from the point of view of a historical action film, it has some merit. For me though, I found I was suffering from action sameness.
Now to who I liked. Kim Shin Rok as Beom Dong was superb. I wish I could have moved with such animation at the same age. Her character was strong, loyal and displayed superb martial arts. The Blue Robed God should have treated her with a touch more respect.
The two friends: one is a noble, the other is a very talented slave but his closest friend. The story of how they started out together was solid. However, what led to their difference of opinion and final reconciliation was underdone. Their relationship was complex, A film sometimes doesn’t have enough time or space to show this as was the case here. The acting by both was solid.
The message of how Seonjo viewed his people and what happens as a result of the Japanese invasion is valid. Unlike other uprisings in other nations where there was chaos and war, the King managed to survive and carry on. Why this happened is something that needs more exploration elsewhere.
Overall, it’s worth a look and better than many other Netflix films.
For such a lavish production, I expected more.
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A Very Good Story re Business, Community and Heart
No Side Game (Manager) is one of those stories the Japanese do very well. The blend of the corporate world, interlaced with impacts at home and underpinned by how important sport can be as a way of life resonates very strongly.What starts out as a corporate war that sees our hero relegated as the GM of the company’s rugby team is a fertile ground for what unfolds over the remaining episodes.
We have a part time rugby team that works at the auto factory at the end of its tether. Along comes the new GM, a strategic thinker who also recruits a coach, a former University adversary, who believes in innovation - revolution, not evolution.
These two together weld a team that discovers its heart, gives chances to those to grow, to improve, to shine. They do so to such an extent that a junior club is also formed.
Over two years, we get to share in their triumphs and failures. We get to see all our characters grow. In the end we are left with a warm glow inside and an appreciation of how a society bound by rules and etiquette knows how to make a shift in its mind set when it needs to.
If you have the time, take a peek. You might be surprised 😊😊😊😊😊
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The joy of chocolate…
Romantics Anonymous is a highly polished drama, just like the chocolates presented in this show. The acting is superb, the direction flawless and the writing using each episode based on a chocolate, rich in meaning.Mental illness is a central theme. Knowing how the Japanese are regarding such a subject, a very bold representation.
Even if you aren’t a big fan of the key message of loneliness, the impact of psycho social health, watching the family of chocolatiers make their beautiful creations is a real treat.
There is no denying the joy chocolate brings. Getting to see the key ingredient for each bon bon featured and the traditions they embody were a real highlight for me. It symbolises taking time out, something we all need to do more of.
Han Hyo Joo is unrecognisable, a testament to her acting. Oguri Shun didn’t miss a beat.
The only reason it’s not a 10/10 from me is that the early episodes didn’t quite hit their stride. However, once the groove was engaged there was no looking back.
Be sure to enjoy the Kdrama surprise in the final moments.
As our beautiful couple say in the end “We’re nuts and it’s amazing!”
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A sci-fi thriller that is bingeworthy and a great ride!
Möbius is a very good sci-fi thriller. It has it all: superb acting, very good direction and high quality sets, locations and atmosphere. Even the OST was appropriate. Perhaps this is the result of only 16 episodes - quality can be maintained throughout and the budget spent on things that matter.The elements I liked very much included the loyalty of BJT’s team, the relationship between the OTP - understated and very good, the concept of a five day time loop and the RAN technology used. I also liked that the two male leads were evenly matched.
My only real criticism was the manic acting at times by the main antagonist and his mentor. Both are very good characters in their own right but perhaps too over the top at key moments - especially the ones that repeat over and over. Also, I didn’t enjoy some of the over the top emotional scenes by some of BJT’s team went on for too long - however, this is the hallmark of many CDramas.
At the end of the day, why would BJT do another time loop drama? Well, because Mobius was well written and had a superb cast. It would seem Season 2 is on the cards.
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A stylish thriller where every character—and every painting—holds a secret meaning
Siren’s Kiss stands out for the way it pulls viewers into the Korean art world, not through museums or ateliers, but through the high‑stakes, high‑gloss environment of auction houses. It’s a world where beauty is currency, reputation is armour, and every transaction hints at a deeper story. The drama uses this setting to build a layered thriller that constantly asks: who is performing, and who is revealing their true self.One of the most satisfying elements is how the title Siren’s Kiss unfolds into multiple meanings as the story progresses—referring not just to a painting, but to temptation, betrayal, and the dangerous allure of truth. The show rewards viewers who pay attention.
Han Seol A is a standout. Stylish, impeccably dressed, and fully confident in her authority as the senior auctioneer, she commands every room she walks into. Her poise becomes part of the show’s visual language—sharp lines, bold silhouettes, and a sense of control that makes you wonder what she’s hiding, and what she’s protecting.
Cha U Seok, meanwhile, brings a grounded tension as the insurance investigator whose motivations are never as straightforward as they seem. And Chairman Kim hovers between art aficionado and master thief, keeping the audience guessing until the end.
The production is sleek, the pacing assured, and the acting uniformly strong. Park Min Young delivers her best role in years. Her transition from rom‑com leads to more complex, dramatic characters has been gradual, but here she fully arrives—layered, enigmatic, and emotionally precise.
Siren’s Kiss is a well‑made, engaging thriller that blends glamour with moral ambiguity. It’s stylish without being shallow, clever without being convoluted, and anchored by performances that make every twist feel earned.
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