5
15
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1
1
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It's simply okay.
I watched the 2016 drama series before watching this drama. I think this drama is meant to be an introduction to the 7th Section aka Higanbana. The concept of an all-female police unit that's designed to protect female criminals and female victims is good, but somehow the plot falls short in some ways. The idea of having the main character with sixth sense is fascinating, but it doesn't deliver well, which makes the whole storyline less impactful. Overall, it's not bad, but it's not very good either.If I may suggest, watch the 2016 series first and then give this drama a shot if you like.
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Medical Team Lady da Vinci's Diagnosis
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It’s a worth watch
I remember watching this drama years ago, and I loved it. Now I’m rewatching it again and still love it. It’s nice to watch a drama that centers on medical analysis, especially with mostly female casts. It’s like House MD, but with a team of all-female specialized doctors.Instead of a full-fledged medical drama, this drama has some suspense and mystery and some comedies, which I’m drawn to. It’s witty, surprising, and shows a human side of disconnection through attention to detail. This show seriously has so much to teach. It provides a lot of diagnosis and symptoms from which we can learn something.
The Analysis Diagnosis Department doctors are divided into two cliques, which are Tachibana’s team and Iwakura’s team, but despite their different approaches in diagnosis, the women would usually put their differences aside when it comes to saving lives. Their clashes and arguments are mostly professional. It’s good to watch a drama where women are not at each other’s throats, fighting over men.
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A masterpiece; a work of art. It's simply DEABAK!!
Out of all the historical dramas that I’ve watched in which the main character is the queen, I personally think this one has the best queen.Kim Hye-soo did a fantastic job portraying the Queen. She’s the perfect actress for the role. She is simply outstanding throughout the entire series. Her gesture, her facial expression, her emotion, the way she conveys her lines – everything is on point. I really like how the Queen is presented as a strong-willed, fierce and hot-tempered woman who is also a compassionate, doting, and thoughtful mother - traits that is uncommon in most historical series.
Unlike other historical dramas, this one shows a diversity of parent-child relationships. The King, Queen, and Grand Princes demonstrate how strong family ties may persist in the face of difficulties.
Even though the resolution for some villains isn’t very satisfying, I love how the ending concludes the meaning behind ‘under the queen’s umbrella’.
The supporting characters are also good, especially the Grand Princes and the concubines. Each of their roles complements the plot perfectly. Other than the Queen Hwa-ryeong, I personally like Consort Hwang (Ok Jayeon). I’ve watched other of Ok Jayeon’s projects, but it seems like she’s being typecast with similar villain character. But she nailed it anyway.
The series is sooooo good that I even watch the behind-the-scene clips and enjoy every bit of it, just like I did with the series.
Brilliant acting ✅
Emotion rollercoaster ✅
Intense conflict ✅
Pure evil villains ✅
Potential young actors ✅
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Not worth your time.
‘Malee’ is probably the first Thai horror film I’ve watched that features a sapphic storyline. While combining sapphic love, Manora dance, and horror seems like a refreshing departure from the usual tropes seen in the genre, unfortunately, everything is just all over the place.The most important thing about a horror film is the suspense buildup. Without a solid story progression, the fear and horror the film tries to deliver surely won’t work. And this is exactly what this film failed to deliver. The poor script and the lackluster acting from its cast are this film's major downfall. The first 40 minutes of the film are slow and dull, failing to build any real tension or suspense. Additionally, the jumpscares in the film fall flat, lacking the necessary build-up and payoff to truly frighten viewers.
As a big horror enthusiast who also follows GL, I’d say this film is ultimately a bland horror movie with nothing memorable to offer. Definitely not worth your time. 'Malee' may have had the potential to be a standout Thai horror film with its intriguing concept and sapphic backstory, but the film simply fails to fully explore and develop any plot point properly, leaving everything seeming underdeveloped. And if you’re a GL fan who would watch everything with sapphic/WLW elements regardless of the quality, I advise you to at least set some standards and just skip this film.
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A good attempt to tackle darker themes, but don't quite hit the mark.
There aren't many Singaporean dramas that dare to explore darker and adult themes before, so this series is considered a fresh take in Singaporean entertainment.The drama kicked off pretty well, promising viewers an intense and thrilling ride. It has all the elements that make for a great thriller-mystery murder drama. The premise was intriguing, the characters were well-developed, and good setting. However, as the drama moved along, it began to lose its momentum. I like the premise and the storylines and while the execution is good, it suffers from loose plot development. The twists and turns that are essential to a good thriller-mystery drama lack its punch. The tension that had been building up in the beginning slowly dissipated. The pacing was a bit off too, with some episodes dragged on unnecessarily. It would be great for a miniseries instead of standard 12-episode drama.
Despite the shortcomings in the plot and the pace, the actors delivered strong performances. Jessica Hsuan, in particular, shone in her role and truly embodied the character she portrayed. The rest of the cast also performed well. One aspect of the drama that I liked was the inclusion of religious and spiritual themes. These added an interesting layer to the storyline, providing a unique perspective on the characters' motivations and actions.
Overall, while this drama didn't quite pack a punch as a compelling murder drama should, it’s not entirely bad. It serves as a good attempt in Singaporean drama to tackle darker themes. While it may not have hit the mark entirely, it does show a promising direction for future endeavors in the genre.
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Doesn't live up to the expectations
When it comes to horror movies, audiences are always on the lookout for something that will send chills down their spine and keep them on the edge of their seats. 4 Graveyards is a film that promises to deliver a mix of horror, drama and comedy, but it doesn't live up to the expectations.This movie is divided into four different stories with different concepts and directorial teams revolving around the idea of a grave—Djinn, Miracle, Never Rest in Peace, and Children’s Graveyard. In anthologies, there’s often one story that stands out more than the rest, and I have to say, the 4th part, ‘Children’s Graveyard,’ is the one that really grabs my attention. Unfortunately, it feels like it’s a tad too late to recover from a slow start. While each story has its own unique hauntings, the script and the overall plot progression are underwhelming. Thus, I found it challenging to fully engage with the film as a whole.
The reason this movie caught my attention in the first place is its inclusion of religious elements from both Islamic and Christian beliefs, which is a refreshing angle we rarely see in Thai horror. Unfortunately, while this could have added a unique twist to the plot, the execution is rather disappointing. Another issue with this film is its lack of impact. While it does have its fair share of horror elements, they fall short of leaving a lasting impression. The frightening experience doesn't quite reach the level of creepiness it deserves, and the film fails to create that sense of dread and suspense that is crucial for a successful horror movie. I sat through the entire film without a single flinching. Plus, the CGI is pretty subpar.
Despite its shortcomings, one redeeming quality of this film is the solid acting performances from the cast. Each actor really brings their character to life in a believable way. However, even the stellar acting cannot fully compensate for the film's other shortcomings.
To sum it up, 4 Graveyards is a decent horror film, but it lacks suspense and overall impact. Some people may find some enjoyment in this film, but if you're a die-hard horror fan like me, it may be best to look elsewhere for a truly terrifying experience.
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A fairly satisfying remake of a classic Thai horror.
This is the 6th remake of the classic Thai drama, but the first being produced for the big screen.One of the standout features of this film is its production quality. It's undeniable that it's pretty uncommon to find a horror movie that pays such close attention to detail. The film has pretty good editing too. The transitions from scene to scene are quite seamless and manage to captivate the audience's emotions. So far, Kantana's projects have rarely let me down in terms of production and technical aspects. The costume design and hair and makeup are impressive too. You can see the detail to reflect the era as accurately as possible. And for me, the great production aspect always deserves an extra point. I would rate it lower than 7.5 if it wasn't for the production.
One more great thing about this film is the amazing performances by the three main actors. Their acting prowess truly shines. Nune Woranuch fully showcases her potential as Khun Lantom, creating a unique version of the character. Nune's beauty is ageless—how does she manage to look so stunning even as a ghost? At the same time, Gap Thanawet and Goy Arachaporn really show off their acting abilities, proving they can take on any roles with ease.
However, despite its great production and performances, this remake really struggles with its story and pacing. Turning a full-length series into a 90-minute film could be a challenging task for the scriptwriters, but they did manage to pull it off pretty well. Still, the limited time frame and the rush to build emotions might leave the story feeling a bit lacking. The first half is a slow burn, and the dialogues come off as a bit too careful before they finally gain momentum towards the end. And with only three characters steering the story and the main focus on Chev and Rossukon, it can feel a bit draggy.
In conclusion, the 2025 version is a fairly satisfying remake of a classic Thai horror drama into a big screen. While it may not be perfect, it's still quite well done.
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A lighthearted approach to a sport flick.
Unlike other sports films that lean heavily into dramatic, tear-jerking moments, this film takes a more fun and humorous approach as it follows Kim Woo Jin, a volleyball coach who has never won a single match in his career, guiding a team of underdog and substitute players who are dealing with their own struggles both on and off the court in pursuit of that one victory.While the film may not offer groundbreaking storytelling, and the overall plot pretty much follows a predictable sports movie formula, it still manages to entertain with solid acting from Song Kang-ho and Park Jeong-min, plus its great camerawork, and high production values.
As the first Korean film that centers on women’s volleyball, this film, like many Korean sports flick, is visually impressive, particularly during the game scenes. The fast-paced action and athleticism of the players are captured in stunning detail, making the volleyball matches exciting to watch. Featuring Korea’s volleyball stars, the matches in the film bring an extra layer of realism. Although the title itself gives away the ending, the tension and emotional highs of the sports scenes manage to keep audiences on edge until the end.
One main issue of this film is its weak character development. And while the film does a decent job of setting up the motivations of the characters, the supporting cast is not given much backstory and conflict punch, resulting in less emotional depth. If they had explored the theme of teamwork a bit more, it could've turned this film into a great one.
In conclusion, "One Win" may not win any awards for originality, but it's a fun story with great production values that make it a worthwhile addition to the sports drama genre. While it may not leave a lasting impact, this film still manages to deliver a satisfying conclusion that will leave audiences feeling uplifted.
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A Fresh Take on Food-Centric Drama
In the world of entertainment where mukbang shows have been popular, "Mom's Recipe" took the idea and mixed it with some travelogue and acting, making it a lighthearted, refreshing concept drama that explores more than just food.The series takes viewers on a journey of Cheng and Sri, a college sweetheart couple who just recently got married, through their daily lives, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of balancing their married life, work, and family. As they explore the world of cooking together, they also discover more about each other and themselves.
"Mom's Recipe" follows a unique format where each episode highlights a specific menu or dish that plays a significant role in the characters' lives. It goes beyond the kitchen to explore the emotional and personal connections we have with food. Each dish featured in the series is not just a meal but a story, a memory, a tradition. By intertwining food with heartfelt narratives, the drama invites viewers to reflect on their own relationship with food and the role it plays in their lives.
Aelm and Esther are the heart of the show. They bring Cheng and Sri's story to life with their great performances. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, capturing the essence of a couple who are not only partners in love but also in life. Cheng and Sri's dynamic feels like that of a real couple, complete with inside jokes, shared memories, and mutual support. The way they interact feels genuine and relatable, giving the show a sense of authenticity that is often missing in similar dramas.
Overall, Mom’s Recipe is a delightful blend of food, love, and life, offering viewers a refreshing take on the food-centric drama genre. Through its charming characters, engaging stories, and mouth-watering dishes, the series captures the essence of love, family, friendship, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.
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It’s either love or luck; you can’t have both.
The concept is relatively new – it’s literally about love and gambling – something you rarely see focused on every now and then in Asian movies. The premise of this movie is straightforward: two strangers use their 'luck' to gamble their way out of debt and fall in love. The main conflict has already been established right from the beginning, making it easier for the audience to just enjoy the whole story without having to think much about it. The only thing that will leave the audience anticipating is how they will deal with the cardinal rule of being ‘life charms’ – that neither of them can fall in love with each other. Even though the plots flow smooth and nicely, they leave little to the imagination. The clichés are expected too. But since it’s a rom-com, I’m well aware that I shouldn't expect much.In my opinion, Jericho Rosales and Bela Padilla’s acting is what elevates this rom-com. It’s refreshing to see Jericho play an imperfect, pitiful, uncharismatic character, which deviates from the serious-sappy persona he usually portrays. Bela naturally and effortlessly nailed the typical hopeless romantic character - I love her! I’m amazed by the great chemistry Jericho and Bela have, considering that this is the first time they are paired together. The 'falling in love’ scenes are so natural, making it impossible to not smile like an idiot. Despite not being a love team, the tandem of the two actors makes the movie a very entertaining romantic watch. I hope they can act together again in the future. Overall, this is well-made and well-acted escapism fluff, and I enjoyed it.
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The battle of the comebacks
The idea of the "battle of the comebacks" appeals to me because it gives exposure to some groups and soloists who are not very popular and gives them a good comeback platform. Queendom has some of the greatest stage performances - AOA's rendition of Mamamoo's Egotistic is incredible, G-IDLE final stage 'Lion' is wow!If I based my review on the performances alone, I would rate this show a 9. But, knowing how biased Mnet's survival show voting system is, I can't rate it higher. It's frustrating to see some good performances being robbed of their deserved victory. It's obvious that fanbase size determines the winner. And the misleading editing will always be a bummer. Favoritism in Mnet shows is insufferable.
On a broader note, I recommend watching this if you enjoy music, dance, and performances. Seeing the contestants' level of production in each stage performance is very exciting.
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Not a bad adaptation
As someone who follows the anime, I think this movie accomplishes what Jigoku Shoujo ought to have. Although this version has better and darker plots than the 2006 series, there are a few key points that are missing, such as the tattoo and the boat scene, that make the movie slightly unsatisfactory. Overall, it's not a bad adaptation. Tamashiro Tina did a good job of delivering the similarity of the Enma Ai eerie vibe from the anime version. The supporting characters - Hone Onna, Ichimoku Ren, and Wanyoudo, could have more engaging plots than simply being the assistants with little dialogue.Was this review helpful to you?
The title truly captures the essence of the drama.
I finished the drama in two days, and there wasn’t one bad episode. Each episode has such a smooth flow and satisfying arc that it makes it hard for me to stop watching.I was skeptical at first, especially when most political dramas are usually heavy, slow-paced and draggy. But I was wrong. Although this drama revolves around dirty politics, corrupted people, and revenge, which is not far from other political dramas, it’s centered on how public relations plays its role in crisis management, narrative control, and image shaping.
Kim Hee-ae, as Hwang Do-hee, is unquestionably the best character. She, being the mastermind, had carried the story brilliantly, with great emotional effect in each episode.
This drama has well-crafted main plots and subplots that weave all characters into a nicely woven storyline, including the revenge plot. I’ve watched many revenge dramas, but sometimes the revenge plotting gets dull towards the end. This drama, however, keeps evoking exciting and unexpected retaliation from both sides.
The villains – there’s none of them that you don’t hate, which means the actors did a good job portraying them. Even the least hated or evil one (in my opinion, it’s Seo-jin) is also good. You hate every single one of them to bits, but at the same time, you can’t help but anticipate the wicked things they'll do next and how they’re going to get burned. Watching the revenge games between the protagonists and the antagonists is like watching a Grand Slam match. One side hit a big serve, another side returned it with a strong smash, and the game continues with suspense about who and how they are going to win.
This drama’s only shortcoming was that some plots involving certain characters were left unresolved. The ending was ambiguous, as if hinting at a second season. But overall, it’s one of the most satisfying revenge dramas I’ve ever watched. Even with no romance whatsoever in this drama (well, there’s an affair, but it didn’t count as romance), it managed to make you hooked.
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